Dana White insists that events will go ahead at 'Fight Island' as the UFC chief claimed that the venue will be ready to host fight nights in a month.

White was dealt a major blow on Thursday after his pursuit of UFC 249 came to an end after executives from ESPN and Disney told the UFC chief to back down from his controversial plans to host the event amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The event, which was initially scheduled to see Khabib Nurmagomedov fight Tony Ferguson, was due to be held at Barclays Center, Brooklyn, before the venue backed out. UFC 249 also lost Nurmagomedov after the Russian was unable to re-enter the United States.

Dana White has claimed that 'Fight Island' will be ready to host UFC events within a month

White's plans to host UFC 249 next week were scuppered when he was told to back down by ESPN and Disney executives due to the escalating nature of the coronavirus pandemic

White roped in Justin Gaethje to fight Ferguson for the interim title and made significant headway in finding a location, with 'Fight Island' - a private island based at Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino on tribal land in California's Central Valley - willing to host the event.

Its location on tribal land meant that the UFC would not have to adhere to the lockdown rules imposed by the US government.

Despite the disappointment of not being able to host UFC 249 next weekend, White has defiantly insisted that steps are being taken to ensure that 'Fight Island' hosts UFC events.

White insists that steps are being taken to ensure that the island is ready to host the UFC

'That's why I'm telling all my guys not to worry because 'Fight Island' is gonna happen,' he told ESPN.

'All the infrastructure is being built right now and getting put in place. As we get closer to that, then I'll start figuring out booking fights, getting guys ready.

'Plus, I can ship guys over there earlier, and they can start training over there, on the island.

'So, once that's all in place  we're looking at like a month  I'll have that all put together, and guys can start training and can go there.

'I'm sure people are gonna be ready to get out of their houses in another month and go to an island somewhere and train.'

White is hoping that the UFC will be the first sport back on television following coronavirus

All UFC events have been postponed indefinitely while the world continues to battle to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus. The United States has 503,177 confirmed cases at the time of writing as well as 18,761 deaths from the disease.

White is setting himself the target of ensuring the UFC is the first sport back on television.

'When this thing is ready, it's going to be bad ass,' he added. 'It's going to be incredible. And we're just gonna start running fights as soon as that thing is finished. We will be the first sport back on television.'
Workers bury bodies in a trench on Hart Island in the Bronx, N.Y. (John Minchillo / Associated Press)

In a grim global milestone, the worldwide death toll from the COVID-19 pandemic passed the 100,000 mark on Friday, with the United States on the brink of surpassing Italy as the nation with the highest number of fatalities.

Worldwide, the number of confirmed deaths hit nearly 103,000 by Friday afternoon, according to a count maintained by Johns Hopkins University. The true death toll, however, is probably much higher, considering the handicaps of limited testing, different rules for counting the dead and incomplete reporting by some governments.

The coronavirus has laid siege to healthcare systems, battered economies, emboldened nationalist leaders, exposed the intricacies and potential perils of an interconnected world and served as a reminder, like the plagues and natural disasters of past ages, of how vulnerable the planet is to mercurial unseen dangers.

Since December, when health officials first identified the virus in Wuhan, the sprawling capital of China's Hubei province, the deadly virus has quickly skipped to other Asian countries, where governments sought to limit its impact by imposing strict testing requirements, frequent temperature checks and social distancing measures. The efforts were successful in slowing the spread locally, but the virus had also begun stealthily hopscotching around the globe, with particularly devastating consequences in Italy, Spain and Iran.

In Iran, so many victims died suddenly that Islamic end-of-life rituals were sometimes abandoned in place of mass burial pits, and in northern Italy doctors said they were making life-and-death rationing decisions unheard of outside of times of war.

In the U.S., leaders in some states, including Washington and California, took early, strong steps to implement social distancing even as President Trump continued to downplay concerns about the deadliness of the virus. Limited supplies and coordination on the federal level have since left hospitals to scramble for ventilators, test kits, masks and other vital supplies, and in New York, the epicenter of the nation's outbreak, emergency rooms have quickly filled toward surge capacity.

Story continues

Meanwhile, the hardest days, experts warn, appear to remain ahead.

"This virus is moving with speed and velocity across the globe and it's not going to let up for some time," said Michael Mina, a professor of epidemiology at Harvard University, who emphasized that, given the nearly certain undercount, the 100,000-death threshold was actually met several days ago.

"There will be darker days," he predicted, "especially in underdeveloped parts of the world."

On Friday, the U.S. death toll stood at about 18,600, just behind Italys roughly 18,900, according to Johns Hopkins University. It was new deaths in the United States that pushed the worldwide death toll above the 100,000 mark.

In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo reported 777 more deaths over the previous 24 hours, bringing the total there to 7,844, far exceeding any other states death toll. California's number of fatalities hovered near 580. Black communities, nursing homes and prisons across the country have been especially devastated by the outbreak.

Trump said Friday he would not move to reopen the country until it's safe, but announced he's forming an Opening our Country task force focused on the economy.

"I want to get it open as soon as possible," Trump said during Friday's daily news briefing at the White House.The facts are going to determine what I do.

As the startling scope of the economic devastation comes into sharper focus, the chief of the International Monetary Fund warned that the disease was steering the global economy toward what is sure to be the deepest recession since the Great Depression.

The projection by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva came amid mounting concerns that the virus would soon explode across the world's poorest nations  where frequent hand-washing and social distancing are often all but impossible  and inevitably return to countries recovering from outbreaks.

A few European and Asian countries have started easing up on stay-at-home orders, which experts say risks a second wave of coronavirus infections that could prolong the global economic meltdown.

The threat of contagion at Good Friday and Easter observances left public health authorities on edge.

Franciscan monks retrace the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem's Old City after the traditional Good Friday procession was called off amid coronavirus fears. (Associated Press)

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, petitioned the state Supreme Court to stop Republican lawmakers from rescinding her ban on religious gatherings. In Los Angeles, parks that have been partially open for walking and jogging will shut down entirely on Sunday to discourage Easter outings where the virus could spread.

In Italy, helicopters, drones and police patrols have been deployed to keep people in their homes over the holiday weekend. Police issued summonses Thursday to 10,000 people traveling for nonessential reasons. And in Paris, the fire-scarred Notre Dame Cathedral, normally packed on Good Friday, was nearly empty as a French archbishop led a televised Good Friday service.

In Jerusalem, the chanting of a small group of clerics inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher echoed faintly through the heavy wooden doors as a few people stopped and knelt outside to pray. The centuries-old church, built on the site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and rose from the dead, is usually packed.

Later, four monks in brown robes and blue surgical masks prayed at the Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa, the ancient route through the Old City where Jesus is believed to have carried the cross before his execution at the hands of the Romans. It runs past dozens of souvenir shops, cafes and hostels, nearly all of which were closed.

During ordinary times, tens of thousands of pilgrims from around the world retrace Jesus' steps in the Holy Week leading up to Easter. But this year, flights are grounded and religious sites in the Holy Land are closed as authorities try to prevent the spread of the virus, which has already infected about 1.7 million people worldwide.

The shortage of testing for the virus means that, as with the death toll attributed to COVID-19, there is no doubt about a severe undercount of the total number of cases.

While Latin America has thus far been spared the brunt of the pandemic, there is a widespread expectation throughout the region that the worse is yet to come. Governments from Mexico to Brazil are anticipating virus cases to peak later in April or May.

Slightly fewer than 50,000 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus had been recorded in Mexico, Central America and South America, with about 1,900 fatalities  all much lower than in the United States.

China , meanwhile, has reported about 3,300 deaths and South Korea just over 200, according the Johns Hopkins University tracker.

An increase in new confirmed cases in the last few weeks, however, has shown that the fight against COVID-19 will take much longer than anticipated. Singapore, Vietnam and Japan are among many Asian countries that have had to step up distancing measures, close schools and impose more quarantines.

Theres also growing concern that poorer countries with threadbare health systems such as Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar could be hiding the extent of their outbreaks. Lack of testing in the Philippines and Indonesia are also fueling fears that the death toll is set to rise exponentially.

In Spain, more that 16,000 people have died, and in nearby France the number of dead reached about 13,200. In the United Kingdom, where British Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently left the intensive care unit of a London hospital after being treated for COVID-19, about 9,000 people have died.

Meanwhile, Americans prepared for another weekend of isolation. States including Michigan, with about 1,300 dead, and Louisiana, with more than 750 dead, are bracing to see increased deaths in the weeks ahead.

Back in New York, Gov. Cuomo on Friday called on Trump to invoke the Defense Production Act to take control of production by private laboratories of tests for virus antibodies, saying widespread testing is the key to reopening the economy.

Without federal money and supervision, he said, the private laboratories developing tests in New York dont have the capacity to produce enough for the millions of people who need them.

We need a tremendous, mind-boggling increase in volume quickly, he said. And I dont believe just waiting for the private sector companies to come up to scale youre going to see it in the time frame that you need to get it done.

Times staff writers Patrick J. McDonnell in Mexico City and David Pierson in Singapore contributed to this report.
Two days before the nationwide lockdown began on March 24, Anupama Byatnal, 60, received a text message from her 65-year-old brother who lives in Hubli, Karnataka  My phone is not working, cant make calls.

A few days into the lockdown aimed at curtailing the spread of Covid-19, even the text messages stopped. Then for the next 10 days, there was no word from Satyapriya Vaidya, who lives by himself in rented accommodation in Hubli.

Anupama, who too lives alone at Ahmednagar in Maharashtra, couldnt help but worry about whether he was okay and he had enough rations to get by.

Having exhausted all options to contact him, Anupama turned to what is often considered a relic of the past  the local postman.

Anupama, a former postal department official, was aware postal services were functional as they fall under the Essential Service Maintenance Act.

For three days, I called the BVB Engineering College post offices landline but no one answered, she said. It was on Thursday that I got through and they gave me the local postmans number.

Within half an hour, the postman reached the address given by Anupama. At first, Vaidya was confused why a postman had come looking for him. Im okay, he told his sister as the postman explained she was worried sick about him. Ive been trying to reach you too but hadnt written down your number so I could not call.

The postman was 43-year-old Bharamappa Kaddi, who has been working in the area for the past decade. Kaddi, who usually works eight hours a day, has been putting in longer shifts ever since the lockdown began.

We work on a rotational basis, he said. I come to work three to four days a week and dont leave till all tasks are finished. When maam called me, I was about to leave for distribution.

Using a bicycle, Kaddi traverses four areas, covering 18km a day. According to him, since Prime Minister Narendar Modi announced the lockdown, distribution of letters and parcels has reduced. But whenever a mail carrier was allowed across the border, work increased.

Earlier this week, I got a call at around 11pm to come to work the next day to distribute the mail, he said.

For him, however, the call from Anupama was out of the ordinary. It was the only such request I have received. Madam called the office and they gave her my number. She was so happy to speak to him, that it made me feel overjoyed. I even told him to make sure he stays in touch with madam in future, he said.

Kaddi lives in a village 43km from the post office. He uses a scooter, borrowed from one of his neighbours, to reach work. Many of the people in the area I work for are poor, some are handicapped. Its tough to get to work during the lockdown, but how can I not come to serve my country, he said.

For Anupama, the incident holds a lesson. We depend so much on technology, but that can fail us too, she said. I have now written down all important numbers in a diary and sent my daughter, Amruta, who lives in Delhi, my neighbours number.

She feels content knowing her brother is doing fine and adds, As a former employee, Im so proud of the work being done by the postal department in these trying times.
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Tour guides, chauffeurs in a fix View(s):

Tourist guides and chauffeur guides are facing a crisis as the only means of income is gone since tourists have stopped coming.

Sri Lanka Institute of national Tourist Guide Lecturers President Dr. T.G.M. Priyadharshana said that they were severely impacted under the current crisis as 1,526 of their members are without work and no income at all.

In addition they were subject to criticism and hindrance from society for the job that they were engaged in as a result of which some of their members had contracted the coronavirus, he explained.

Only three members have been affected and one of them died  a German-speaking tour guide, he noted.

Our members are finding it difficult to even stay at home due to the coronavirus as people have started to reject us and even our families and children have been ridiculed by society, Dr. Priyadharshana stated.

This sector has requested a soft loan with a grace period of at least three years of at least Rs.1 million each due to the current crisis they are facing with no form of income.

Chauffeur Tourist Guides Association President Chandima Jayaweera said that their members have been asked to send a request letter before April 30 to the respective banks following the circular issued by the Central Bank.

Currently there are 1,200 directly working as chauffeur tourist guides but are without work and have invested heavily in vehicles for which they find it difficult to pay back monthly installments, he explained.

The Government will have to sustain these people since they are needed as a key resource to continue the tourism industry in this country, he said.

(SD)
DPP cannot contain COVID-19 in Taiwan by slandering mainland: spokesperson

Global Times

By Zhang Hui Source:Global Times Published: 2020/4/10 13:28:28

The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council on Friday denounced Taiwan's separatist Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for attacking and slandering the Chinese mainland and Taiwan firms and compatriots in the mainland instead of focusing on its burning issues: containing the spread of COVID-19 in the island and tackling local people's practical needs.

The DPP continues to smear the mainland; they do not let go of any topic, and constantly fabricate lies to antagonize compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits, said Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.

"Have the DPP said or done anything good for Taiwan firms and compatriots, or mainland students in the island?" asked Zhu. "All they have done for cross-Straits relations is making vicious remarks and provocations."

The DPP should focus on resolving urgent issues concerning the interests and well-being of the people in Taiwan, including how to meet the local demand for masks, how to bring Taiwan people stranded in Hubei with their families home as soon as possible, and how to effectively control the spread of the virus.

Creating lies and inciting hatred will not solve these problems or divert the public's attention away from them, Zhu said, calling on the DPP to cease its political lies and rumors.

The mainland has been promptly sharing information on the virus situation and its prevention and control experience with relevant authorities in Taiwan since the outbreak began. It has taken care of Taiwan compatriots in the mainland and assisted those who wished to return to Taiwan. Meanwhile, Taiwan people and firms have actively donated funds and supplies needed for the prevention and control of the virus, showing the two sides of the Taiwan Straits are one family, Zhu said.

On Thursday, The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council for making racist comments online about the World Health Organization's (WHO) director-general. The DPP was also accused of utilizing COVID-19 as a political tool to undermine the one-China principle and join the WHO.

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Chandigarh, April 11 : The All-India Ex-ITBPF Personnel Welfare Association (AIEPWA), here on Saturday, contributed Rs 1 lakh to the PM-Care Fund in the fight against Covid-19.

AIEPWA president and former ITBP Inspector General M.S. Bhurji said being a mountain police force, they had experienced high degree of medicare risk with little difference between life and death and acceptance of sacrifice.

"And now to fight this deadly coronavirus, ITBP veterans have stood up to contribute to the PM-Care Fund," he said.

The voluntary work was also being carried out to provide food to the needy, said Mohinder Singh, former ITBP Commandant and general secretary of AIEPWA, Punjab unit.

Earlier, Everest climber Mohinder Singh, 76, contributed Rs 5 lakh from his pension to the Punjab Chief Minister's Coronavirus Relief Fund.

Singh, who led the expedition to the Mount Everest through the toughest North-Col route in 1996, thanked all the frontline soldiers, doctors, police personnel, administration and workers, working tirelessly to control the situation by risking their lives.
With a population of 94 lakh Pune district has tested 2,914 samples since the outbreak of Covid-19, till April 9.

Of these, 209 cases have been positive, 25 of whom have died.

This puts the mortality rate for Pune district at close to 12 per cent, while Mumbai, with a population of 1.84 crore, has 876 positive cases and 54 deaths, and a mortality rate of 6.16 per cent.

Experts say that now is the time for Pune to test every symptomatic patient as the infection is no more restricted to close contacts of positive patients, or those with a travel history.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and other district authorities are still continuing with the protocol to only test those who show symptoms from high-risk areas, which include the recently earmarked containment areas.

Pune is the second hotspot in the state after Mumbai.

A senior doctor from a well-known chain of hospitals, requesting anonymity, said, Of course the number of cases in the city will be low. The city administration tests only if a person shows symptoms and is from a high-risk area. At this stage anyone is likely to be infected.

Dr Abhijit More, public health expert, said, At this stage the infection is not just restricted to travel history, or close contact with a positive patient. Many positive cases are coming forward wherein the patient does not know how s/he caught the infection. Every symptomatic patient, with a cold, cough, fever or difficulty in breathing, must be tested. Those going for door-to-door surveys must be given the immunoglobulin-M kits, which is easy to test, cheap and the sample collection needs minimum training. This can be followed by the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) which requires a lot of training for swab collection, packaging and transporting to the labs. It is time Pune does mass testing

Currently, the PMC has sent out teams for door-to- door surveys of people with flu-like symptoms and those in the high-risk groups, with diabetes and high blood pressure. Those found with symptoms are then sent to the nearest PMC clinic or referred to Naidu hospital or Sassoon hospital, depending on the seriousness of the symptoms.

Pune district collector Naval Kishor Ram agreed that mass testing needs to be started. He said, Currently we are testing about 30-40 samples everyday which is why we are seeing such a rise in the number of cases in recent days, but I am strongly in favour of mass testing. About 300-400 samples should be tested everyday if we want to contain the spread.
Lucknow: A team of police and district officials was attacked in Meerut's Jali Kothi on Saturday (April 11) when it reached there to seal a part of the area following a confirmation about presence of coronavirus patients there, officials said.

Four people, including an imam, have been arrested in connection with the incident, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Awanish Awasthi said in Lucknow.

"A team which had gone to take a COVID-19 patient to hospital in Meerut's Jali Kothi area was attacked by some people. Four persons, including an imam, have been arrested in this regard. Action will be initiated against the accused persons under the National Security Act (NSA)," Awasthi said in a statement.

The NSA allows preventive detention up to 12 months without a charge if the authorities are satisfied that the person is a threat to the national security or law and order.

Circle Officer Dinesh Shukla said the accused pelted stones at the team, injuring a police official and the city magistrate.

"On February 24, three people attended a programme of a local Jamaat and came from Maharashtra (Malegaon) to Meerut. They were staying at Dariwaali Masjid. On Friday, their samples came back positive for coronavirus," he said.

"On Saturday morning, when in-charge of Delhi Gate police station Ravindra Singh along with police force and City Magistrate Satendra Kumar Singh went to seal a lane in the Jali Kothi area, some people started resisting them, and raised slogans against the police. They also pelted stones at the police," he added.

In the incident, city magistrate and police station in-charge sustained injuries, Shukla said.

Additional police force from other police stations was rushed to the spot as soon as information about the incident was transmitted on wireless.

Superintendent of Police (City) Akhilesh Narayan Singh said, "The area is being sealed. As of now, there is peace in the area."

So far, Uttar Pradesh has reported 433 coronavirus cases. The tally in Meerut stands at 44, of which six were reported on Saturday, according to official data.
&Music

Watch it here.

This documentary series looks at the support system behind musicians: The mixing engineer MixedByAli and the rapper YG explain their relationship, as do the light director Gabe Fraboni and DJ Martin Garrix among others. This wont be news to anybody following the music scene, but the show is good at describing in quick strokes how music stars careers are made of distinct building blocks.

Dishmantled

Watch it here.

To win $5,000, two cooks must recreate from scratch a dish that has been blown out of a cannon and into their faces. Dishmantled is as close as American TV gets to a Japanese game show: preposterous, messy and loud-loud-loud. Its host, Tituss Burgess, and a rotating cast of judges (including Jane Krakowski and Daniel Levy) look into who came closest to the original dish and crack semi-wise. Numbing at first, the show does have a certain nutty charm once you get used to it.

I Promise

Watch it here.

This documentary follows the first year of I Promise, the public school for at-risk youth that LeBron James created in his hometown, Akron, Ohio, in 2018. The show could easily have devolved into celebrity back-patting, but it is insightful and touching. In confronting systemic problems, it also provides a necessary counterbalance to Quibis patronizing and at times infuriating Thanks a Million, in which celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Kevin Hart and Aaron Rodgers each donate $100,000 to initiate a series of benevolent acts.

Most Dangerous Game

Watch it here.

Liam Hemsworths character in this series, Dodge, is in debt and terminally ill, and his wife is pregnant. Volunteering to raise money by becoming the target in a human hunt suddenly becomes a valid life choice. Yes, this is yet another variation on the enduring human-hunting concept. Yes, the serialized movie squanders four installments to finally get Dodge on the run. And yes, Hemsworths acting barely squeaks above bare minimum (though its fun to watch Christoph Waltz run circles around him in their scenes together). But I kept coming back for more, so mission accomplished.

NightGowns

Watch it here.

The RuPauls Drag Race winner Sasha Velour provides the soul behind NightGowns  both the live revue of that name and this series tracking the backstage action. Velour ventures onto the fantastical side of drag, making imaginative use of projections and costumes, and she encourages the other participants, who include Sasha Colby, Vander Von Odd and the drag king K. James as they develop their performances. The series documents the often obscure inspiration behind the acts, like the 1920s drag aerialist Barbette, and the work required to pull them off. But beyond the art, the series also documents community building. This is among the most life-affirming shows you could find on any platform.
A ROMANIAN national who is accused of murdering pensioner Rose Hanrahan at her home in Limerick city more than two years ago has been remanded in continuing custody as the book of evidence in his case is not yet complete.

Alexandru Lordache, 45, who has an address of Dreptatii Street, Bucharest, Romania appeared before Limerick District Court, this week, for a procedural hearing having initially been charged, at a special court sitting in January, following his extradition from the United Kingdom.

The defendant was arrested by police in England last summer after the authorities here were granted a European Arrest Warrant.

His extradition was formally approved by a court in England in late December  clearing the way for him to be brought to Ireland to be charged.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has formally directed trial on indictment before the Central Criminal Court and the case has been adjourned on a number of occasions since January to facilitate the preparation of a book of evidence.

Updating the court, Sergeant Michelle Leahy said she had been informed by the State Solicitor Padraig Mawe that the book of evidence has been drafted but that more time is needed to review it.

Once that process in complete, a copy of the book will be served on the defendant and the case sent forward for trial.

Judge Carol Anne Coolican noted the update and she granted an application for an adjournment.

Solicitor John Herbert, who was previously assigned to represent the defendant, said his client was consenting to the application for a month-long adjournment.

Mr Lordache, who has poor English, was assisted throughout the brief court hearing by an interpreter.

The matter was put back to the end of next month when its expected the book of evidence will be completed and served on Mr Lordache.

Rose Hanrahan was murdered at her home at New Road, Thomondgate sometime between December 14 and December 15, 2017 - sparking outrage and anger in the local community and further afield.

Mr Lordache is the first person to be arrested and charged in connection with the arrest of the 78-year-old widowed pensioner.

Given the current trial lists at the Central Criminal Court and the Covid-19 restrictions, it is unlikely that any trial will take place before Easter 2021.
Actor Aamir Khan has thanked all those in the forefront of the battle against coronavirus in a tweet. He particularly mentioned doctors, nurses and all those people providing essential services.

Taking to Twitter, Aamir wrote: Really appreciate the work that the doctors, nurses, hospital staff members, the Maharashtra Police, and the Maharashtra administration, the BMC and all the staff in the essential services, all across Mumbai ad Maharashtra are doing in this time of crisis. For that matter, all across the country. Thank you.

The actor expressed his gratitude to people providing help and doing their duty not only in Maharashtra but all over the country.

Bollywood stars have been in the forefront of motivating people to follow World Health Organisation (WHO) and various central and state government directives to stay safe during the pandemic. They have also come forward to provide for the essential requirement of daily wage earners of film industry who have been hardest hit by the lockdown. Many have contributed generously to the various relief funds created to fight the pandemic.

Recently, many stars took part in a campaign to express gratitude to the various government departments and professionals who are risking their lives in line of duty. Using the hashtag #DilSeThankYou, Bollywood celebrities, came together to thank one of Indias corona warriors -- police and in Bollywoods case, the Mumbai Police -- who have been working tirelessly to ensure a safe city, even as Mumbai continues to be one of the worst-affected zones in the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic in India.

As Akshay Kumar rightly noted, the need of the hour was to thank the police for their service. Theres an army of people working day and night to keep us safe, our families safe. Lets together say #DilSeThankYou to them because thats the least we can do, the superstar said on social media. An emotional Akshay, in a separate tweet, posed with a piece of paper on which he had written #Dil Se Thank You.

Name : Akshay Kumar

City : Mumbai



Mere aur mere parivaar ki taraf se...

Police, Nagar Nigam ke workers, doctors, nurses, NGOs, volunteers, government officials, vendors, building ke guards ko #DilSeThankYou  pic.twitter.com/N8dnb4Na63  Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 9, 2020

The caption of the picture thanked all corona warriors. It read: Name : Akshay Kumar City : Mumbai Mere aur mere parivaar ki taraf se... Police, Nagar Nigam ke workers, doctors, nurses, NGOs, volunteers, government officials, vendors, building ke guards ko #DilSeThankYou To Akshays tweet, Jackie Shroff replied: Asli stars respects.

Also read: Neha Kakkar says she doesnt get paid for her Bollywood songs, says they feel well earn through shows

A video posted by Mumbai Police has become popular among the stars. Ayushmann Khurrana, Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Tiger Shroff and Kriti Sanon are among many stars who retweeted the video, which subtly conveys the message how tirelessly the police force have been working in these taxing times.

Name : Akshay Kumar

City : Mumbai



Mere aur mere parivaar ki taraf se...

Police, Nagar Nigam ke workers, doctors, nurses, NGOs, volunteers, government officials, vendors, building ke guards ko #DilSeThankYou  pic.twitter.com/N8dnb4Na63  Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 9, 2020

In the video, which runs for two minutes and two seconds, we see a heartwarming collage of policemen across ranks, who are asked the same question: What would they do if they had a chance to stay at home during the 21-day lockdown? The answers remind us that beneath their superhero conviction to serve the nation, police personnel are human beings, too. Some of them talk of spending much-yearned time with family, some want to play with their pets, some want to relax in from of a TV set, while a few would simply go back to sleep.

(With IANS inputs)

Follow @htshowbiz for more
Farmers in Ladian Kalan village of Ludhiana have urged the government for help as labourers are not coming to work due to COVID-19 lockdown.

The farmers say that some of their harvests are yet to be reaped as there are not many labourers left here to work.

"There is shortage of labour due to coronavirus and lockdown. We request the government to allow labours to come and work in the farms," a farmer, Inderjit, told ANI on Friday.

Another farmer, Gurminder Singh, said, "Labours have gone to their villages. So, there will be more problems in the future."

Echoing similar sentiments, another farmer said, "There is a problem of labour. We demand the government that we want labours to come to work so that the crops are not destroyed."

However, Punjab Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, said, "No labourer have left from Punjab. They were stopped. A list of workers enrolled under MNREGA is being prepared they will also render services."

"There is no need to worry. I also assure labourers that there are enough shelter homes in the state. They need not worry about food," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Probably few hospital systems need the emergency federal grants announced this week to handle the coronavirus crisis as badly as Florida's Jackson Health does.

Miami, its base of operations, is the worst COVID-19 hot spot in one of the most severely hit states. Even in normal years, the system sometimes barely makes money. At least two of its staff members have died of the virus.

But in a scathing letter to policymakers, system CEO Carlos Migoya said the way Washington has handled the bailout "could jeopardize the very existence" of Jackson, one of the nation's largest public health systems, and similar hospital groups.

"We are here for you right now," Migoya, who has tested positive for COVID-19 himself, said in a Thursday letter to Alex Azar, secretary of Health and Human Services. "Please, be here for us right now."

Migoya and executives at other beleaguered systems are blasting the government's decision to take a one-size-fits-all approach to distributing the first $30 billion in emergency grants. HHS confirmed Friday it would give hospitals and doctors money according to their historical share of revenue from the Medicare program for seniors  not according to their coronavirus burden.

That method is "woefully insufficient to address the financial challenges facing hospitals at this time, especially those located in 'hot spot' areas such as the New York City region," Kenneth Raske, CEO of the Greater New York Hospital Association, said in a memo to association members.

States such as Minnesota, Nebraska and Montana, which the pandemic has touched relatively lightly, are getting more than $300,000 per reported COVID-19 case in the $30 billion, according to a Kaiser Health News analysis.

On the other hand, New York, the worst-hit state, would receive only $12,000 per case. Florida is getting $132,000 per case. KHN relied on an analysis by staff on the House Ways and Means Committee along with COVID-19 cases tabulated by The New York Times.

The CARES Act, the emergency law passed last month to address the pandemic, gives HHS wide latitude to administer $100 billion in grants to hospitals and doctors.

But the decision to allocate the first $30 billion according to past Medicare business surprised many observers.

The law says the $100 billion is intended "to prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus," including paying for protective equipment, testing supplies, extra employees and temporary shelters and other measures ahead of an expected surge of cases. It says hospitals must apply for the money.

"It seems weird that they wouldn't just target areas geographically based on where the surge has been," said Chas Roades, CEO of Gist Healthcare, a consulting firm.

Issuing the funds based on Medicare revenue "allowed us to make initial payments to providers as quickly as possible," an HHS spokesperson said Friday. Some of the money was expected to go out as soon as Friday in electronic deposits.

HHS "has failed to consider congressional intent" in distributing the $30 billion by not accounting for "the number of COVID-19 cases hospitals are treating," New Jersey Sens. Bob Menendez and Cory Booker and Rep. Bill Pascrell said in a Friday letter to Azar.

All three are Democrats. Behind New York, New Jersey has the second-highest number of recorded coronavirus cases, as of Friday afternoon.

The administration is struggling to balance the need to help systems slammed by the coronavirus with the need to provide immediate relief, said Bill Horton, a health care lawyer with Jones Walker in Birmingham, Alabama.

"Providers have to appreciate that there is a focus on trying to respond to their cries of pain and coming up with ways to get some money out there," he said. On the other hand, he said, HHS sets itself up for criticism by paying "a chunk of money without particular regard for who has been hardest hit."

Medicare revenue can vary sharply by hospital, depending on who their patients are and what part of the country they are in.

HHS' method "could tilt the playing field" against hospitals whose patients are largely uninsured or covered by the Medicaid program for low-income patients, said Bruce Siegel, CEO of America's Essential Hospitals, a group of systems serving the poor and vulnerable.

HHS said the next slice of the $100 billion to go out "will focus on providers in areas particularly impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak" as well as rural hospitals and those with lower shares of Medicare revenue.

Jackson Health's budget depends heavily on reimbursement for the kind of elective procedures that it has canceled to ensure it has the capacity to handle COVID-19 patients, Migoya said. Lost revenue is $25 million per month, it estimates.

"We cut off our own funding sources in order to sustain our mission," he wrote in the letter to Azar.

Hospitals in relatively COVID-19-free areas, on the other hand, could continue elective procedures but still receive a big chunk of the $30 billion, said Gerard Anderson, a health economist at Johns Hopkins University.

"If I'm in rural Kansas and I don't have any COVID patients in my area, I'm not going to - I should not  stop doing elective surgeries," he said.

Even the type of Medicare payments hospitals typically receive will give some systems a much bigger share of the $30 billion than others of the same size.

HHS is basing the payments on traditional "fee for service" Medicare revenue. But hospitals with a big chunk of managed care Medicare business, called Medicare Advantage, won't be credited for that.

In Florida, more than four Medicare members out of every 10 are in Medicare Advantage plans, one of the highest portions in the country, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. (KHN is an editorially independent program of the foundation.)

In New York, 39% of beneficiaries are in Medicare Advantage. In Montana, by contrast, the figure is 17%. In Wyoming, it's 3%.

Jackson's South Florida location and patient mix "both skew heavily away from the fee-for-service model," Migoya wrote. "No one wants to talk about money in the middle of a health crisis, but hope alone will not cash checks to employees or suppliers."

KHN correspondent Rachana Pradhan contributed to this report.
"Serving in the military changes you. The shades and degrees of change vary for everyone, but no one is ever the same as...
Hospitals across Britain are running out of body bags and instead wrapping dead coronavirus victims in sheets, it was claimed last night.

Funeral directors are concerned for the safety of staff collecting corpses from overflowing mortuaries, and hospital porters also fear infection with their union saying they have been left distressed and anxious after moving deceased patients.

One undertaker filmed himself beside a man wrapped in a sheet who died at a hospital in North London after contracting Covid-19. A yellow sticker on the white plastic warned: Health Hazard. Gesturing towards the body, he said: All he came in was thisno bagthis is not a joke. I go to several hospitals, I have the facts and figures that the NHS has run out of body bags.

Hospitals across the UK are being forced to wrap dead bodies in sheets as they run out of body bags, it has been claimed

The Deceased Management Advisory Group (DMAG), which represents the funeral industry, criticised what it claimed was conflicting advice from Public Health England (PHE). Guidance from PHE last month said body bags are not required to move deceased victims because the virus rapidly degrades after death.

But in a letter to PHE chief executive Duncan Selbie, DMAG wrote that previous PHE statements had warned the virus could be present for up to 48-72 hours and even longer in refrigerated conditions.

On April 11, the UK's death toll resulting from the coronavirus rose by 979, bringing the country's total to 9,937

While shortages appear more severe in London, they have spread across the UK. Jonathan Robinson, of Joseph C Roberts independent funeral directors in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, said: The shortage of body bags is widespread. We are aware that a major supplier in the UK has run out of stock.

Diary entries kept by a London-based funeral director this month paint a bleak picture of what he calls a system on the edge. Writing on April 4, he said: North Middlesex Hospital told me it had run out of body bags after they were ordered to hand them over to the new ExCel Nightingale Hospital ... they have been told to wrap the bodies in two sheets.

A doctor stands at the entrance to London's ExCeL centre, which has been transformed into NHS Nightingale hospital. The hospital has 4,000 beds for coronavirus patients, and reportedly had body bags sent from other hospitals which are now running low

Two days later, the entry reads: Ive just picked up from Barnet General, they have no body bags whatsoever. Bodies are in a single-sheet, no plastic, nothing.

On Friday, the entry reads: I was at The Royal Free Hospital this afternoon, no body bags. Mortuary full ... Its never ending.

Last night, PHE said: The guidance regarding residual infection risk are standard and apply to the handling of the deceased where an infectious illness has been present and are the basis for everyday standard mortuary practice.
Update: see also Moxie Marlinspikes thread which captures most of this.

Overview of the tracing system

I read through Apples docs for their contact tracing partnership with Google. This article summarizes how it works and possible data leakage paths. This isnt totally my area, send me corrections if Im wrong.

The tracing system works using Bluetooth advertise packets which are short radio broadcasts that tell a short piece of information to nearby devices, usually about service availability.

The A/G tracing system populates these packets with a unique identifier called a Rolling Proximity Identifier (henceforth RPI).

To make it hard to track someone over time, the RPIs are opaque and dont contain any kind of user ID. Theyre created using a one-way hash (click the link if you dont know what that is) from a Daily Tracing Key, or DTK.

The DTK is in turn created via a key derivation function from a root Tracing Key thats unique to your device (but never leaves it). Possible reason theyre deriving the TKs, rather than randomly generating them daily, is to regenerate the DTK history when you test positive and need to upload them (but you could also just store the history).

To summarize:

TK -> DTK (daily) -> RPI (every 10 minutes)

If someone tests positive, they upload their recent DTKs to a database. Other devices download the last N days of positive keys on some periodic basis, run it against their list of RPIs with timestamps (because DTK + time + 1-way hash = RPI), and get a list of RPIs that are sick.

Update: I should emphasize that the apps which use these APIs dont have access to the raw observations; they can only query for matches between the daily ID download and the observations and get back a yes / no. A point that I missed until I read this tweet from a University College London digital regulation professor is that this is A/Gs subtle way of making sure that government-sponsored apps on top of this API cant be used for spying on people en masse. A/G dont say this out loud, probably wisely.

As far as I know, nobody is talking about making this mandatory: either to participate in tracing or to report when youre sick. I think thats a good thing. As with all non-mandatory systems, the most effective legislative path to making them mandatory is to normalize them first, convince a majority, and then make them mandatory later.

Also, there are leakage paths. Read on:

Find out if someone specific is sick

If Im targeting an individual, I can capture their RPIs pretty easily and get notified that theyre sick.

If I operate an office building, I can pretty easily narrow down an RPI to N people entering a building at once. I dont know if there are bluetooth scrapers for employers; Id be shocked if there arent. I think this is what the estimote guy Steve Cheney is building this month.

If this continues for a while, and if sickness status is worth any money (the latter is a big if), well see darkweb marketplaces where you can buy an individuals RPIs.

My point is that even if this is fine for emergencies (another big if), dont make the mistake of letting it be normalized for non-epidmic times or seasonal flu.

Use stationary beacons to track someones travel path

Lets say I had one iPhone per subway entrance in NYC, just sitting there collecting everyones RPIs. When someone tests positive and publishes their keys, I can then track their . I wont know who they are, but I can at least grab aggregate information about where coronavirus getters travel.

Does this sound like a bridge too far? It isnt: passive bluetooth observation stations are already ubiquitous, so this isnt insane.

Increased hit rate of stationary / marketing beacons

If everyone has bluetooth on all the time for health reasons, this is like duck season for companies that already operate consumer surveillance platforms targeting bluetooth / wifi. Its a bait ball.

These companies arent signatory to any special privacy rules that affect this emergency, and in fact have relatively few privacy obligations generally because they dont have a contract with the owners of the phones theyre targeting.

Not only will their data be much richer, not only can they now merge in peoples epidemiological data, not only do they have an expertise in de-anonymizing bluetooth traces, but the data that they collect now will enrich their database for a long time; understanding what their normal sparse DB looks like at, say, 80% population adherence will allow them to beef up their inference models. And this is a capability that will only slowly decay as consumer behavior and devices switch out.

Update: a reader claims ~half of users already have bluetooth on.

Also bluetooth by itself has been relatively non-private. Historically, there have been lots of ways around bluetooth MAC randomization  its sensitive to configuration, issues with refresh token timing. In 2017, researchers claimed to get around it every time when it was even enabled.

Leakage of information when someone isnt sick

It seems like this isnt possible given their spec, except:

You still have to phone home once a day to get a list of sick peoples tokens

The system can encourage somebody to go to a hospital and get tested, at which point an institution can collect a DNA sample.

Am I paranoid? Maybe, but if the question is can you use this system to make someone think they need to go to the hospital based on approximate location, the answer is yes.

Fraud resistance

This isnt a leakage path, but Im wondering what stops someone from sending fake positive results that cause overloads of our testing capacity as a low-grade form of terrorism.

Will we offer a signed testing payload from labs? Will I share my DTKs with labs? The spec doesnt say.

Every product that supports anonymous use needs to plan for fraud.

The docs I read dont say whether the API will be locked down in any way, but Im guessing that even if it is on ios it wont be on droid.

Some readers point out that public health agencies will build the reporting piece themselves, reporting is beyond the scope of the spec, and this is just about making enabling changes to platform bluetooth. I think those claims are right but the US government doesnt have a great track record of rolling out usable health products to large audiences of consumers on a crash basis.

Will it be nationwide? Multiple agencies with separate apps? State by state? These unknowns arent flaws in the bluetooth spec, but they reduce the odds of having a system thats (1) simple to analyze from a privacy perspective and (2) any good. Did a government agency ask for this or is this a spec that A/G have been working on for a while and swept the dust off of.

Conclusions

I think there is information that could help us answer the do we need this question:

Are you less likely to transmit the disease outdoors than in close quarters?

Do masks work effectively to prevent transmission by a sick person? If yes, where do they need to be worn?

How important are asymptomatic spreaders as a vector?

How effective is fever as a screening tool?

Im not a doctor and dont know the answers to these questions. I think the knowledge-base here is evolving and doctors may not know the answers to these questions yet.

I dont understand the supply chain / lab capacity questions affecting test availability.

As best I understand the public policy question, its when do we open, how do we prevent a huge wave, and how do we prepare for it.

Given all those unknowns, I shouldnt express an opinion on do we need this and so I wont.

Separately from questions of necessity, Ill say that I hate:

All forms of centralized location tracking, mandatory or otherwise, because there is never transparency about what is collected or how its used (google has had multiple mea culpas over confusing or totally ignored location settings)

Apple and Google collaborating on data collection. I think Apple lovers are saying Apple keeps Google honest here. I think thats true in the web standards space, where theyre not collaborating but competing. I think it wasnt true in the giant silicon valley hiring scandal, where collaboration was actually collusion.

Having bluetooth or wifi turned on outdoors  they leak

Separately from the necessity of contact tracing, there are questions about its efficacy. This contact tracing in the real world article is from a cryptography person, not someone who works on the public health / epidemiology systems, but at least raises an important question.

If a public health authority rolls this out and encourages people to use it, we should consider also making it illegal to collect trace data for purposes other than personal testing decisions for the duration of this crisis.

All that said, we should do what we have to to stay healthy.

Appendix: Singapores BlueTrace

Singapore acted early to roll out bluetooth-based contact tracing (TraceTogether), which they opened up as bluetrace, whitepaper here. According to a Straits Times article from a sharp reader of this blog, only 1/6 of Singaporeans have installed the app (based on download count, which is an upper bound on usage), and they need 2/3 to bring R0 below 1.

Some takeaways from SGs whitepaper:

The old ios bluetooth API turned out to be too private i.e. shittier for this:

the iOS version of OpenTrace is bound by restrictions that iOS has on background Bluetooth functionality.  the iOS app advertises in a proprietary advertisement format that is not part of the Bluetooth standard and thus not readable by non-iOS devices.  The current workaround is to encourage iOS users to keep their app in the foreground

They had to do some pretty neat radio calibration (which is open-sourced on their github):

through tests of devices in anechoic chambers, we have established that the variance in transmission power  can be as large as 30 dB (1000x).  transmission power varies little between different devices of the same model  we have taken reference signal strength readings for popular mobile devices in Singapore. We use this to calibrate RSSI readings when classifying encounters by proximity.

BlueTrace has a clearer process role for health authorities, as well as fraud design.

We see various challenges with a purely decentralised contact tracing system. Individuals falsely declaring themselves infected would cause unnecessary anxiety and panic in other users, and erode trust in the system. Some form of authorisation for users to either flag themselves as positive COVID-19 cases, or to upload encounter history, is therefore necessary to protect against abuse.

To protect users and the system from fraudulent uploads, an authorisation code is provided by the health authority and entered through the app in order to obtain a valid token to transmit the logs.

In the US version, this piece will presumably be taken care of by the health agencies that develop the apps. I wonder if the ACA marketplace was the last time a government agency tried to roll out a high-profile web service to everyone at once? Since then, weve gotten 18F and USDS  this will be their first real test.

Their encryption is also centralized:

The health authority decrypts the TempID for each encounter in the uploaded encounter history, in order to obtain the UserID and validity period.  The health authority then contacts individuals assessed to have a high likelihood of exposure to the disease, to provide medical guidance and care.  Note that this workflow can be automated and decentralised without affecting interoperability with other BlueTrace implementations. However, we do not recommend this.

the experience of Singapores contact tracers suggest that contact tracing should remain a human-fronted process

Appendix: Alternatives

Up front: Im not promoting any of these and Im not an expert here.

Thinking purely in terms of technology, if apple enables a background bluetooth permission (similar to background location) app developers can do the rest. Lack of background bluetooth was the main reason SGs TraceTogether was bananas on ios.

Another alternative is check-ins. Check-ins the way foursquare does it arent very private (theyre designed for sharing), but you could do it with most of the information kept private on the phone until you test positive, and send down a list of venues rather than individual IDs.

Its possible to build a check-in system on top of a tracing system by having individual users check into venues and post to a system when they get a disease hit for a contact from that venue. This is less private for users who are checking in but more private for users who consume the illness at venue reports.

If concentrated places like offices and subways are the biggest risk (Im not an epidemiologist and I dont know if this if is a fact), check-ins should help a lot, especially if you provide a way to check in to individual subway cars. (Bluetooth beacons could do that, but now were back in always-on-bluetooth land).

Beyond check-ins, I think reducing density on mass transit will matter if this goes on for a while. Im working on a staggering system to schedule peoples subway usage to cap simultaneous riders per car. (Which wouldnt be super private). The city did something similar when the WTC opened in the 70s to prevent new office workers from overwhelming the station at Chambers St.
A month since the first infection of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) was reported in Mumbai, the citys case count crossed the 1,000-mark on Friday. Mumbai reported 132 new cases and 10 deaths on Friday, taking its tally to 1,008 and toll to 64.

Mumbai breached the 100-patient mark on March 31, almost three weeks after an Andheri couple were identified as the first to be infected by the disease in the city. On April 2, the citys tally crossed 200 and since then cases have tripled in the past week.

Follow live updates on coronvirus

The number of fatalities, too, have spiked in the past four days, with the city reporting 24 deaths. The first Covid-19 death in Mumbai was recorded on March 17, when a 64-year-old man succumbed to the infection at Kasturba Hospital.

The G South ward, which comprises areas of Worli and Prabhadevi, has been the worst-hit in Mumbai with 199 cases. E ward (Byculla, Mazagaon) has 69 cases, followed by D ward (Malabar Hill, Grant Road) that has 61 cases.

For complete coverage of coronavirus crisis, click here

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) chief Praveen Pardeshi said rise in the number of cases was directly proportional to the number of tests being conducted in the city. High level of testing is our weapon. Its through testing that we have identified many positive cases at an early stage, thereby, reducing the chances of community transmission. We are tracing more and more cases before the 14-day cycle of the virus, so that the numbers dont grow and emerge as community spread, said Pardeshi.

Also Read: Covid-19 cases near 2,000 in Maharashtra, cross 900 in Delhi and Tamil Nadu: A statewise tally

To increase testing, the BMC has given temporary permission to Suburban Diagnostics, a private laboratory, to set up Covid-19 testing booths at public parking lots.

The civic body has also decided to procure 50,000 rapid testing kits, which will help it deal with the outbreak in densely populated areas.

This antibody test will be made available in the next three-four days, said a senior officer from the civic health department.

However, medical experts said instead of high level of testing, the government should opt for random community testing. It is necessary to do testing on a large scale, but it is not enough. In addition to that the government should go for random testing in an area such as Dharavi and Worli to get information about community spread of virus, said Dr Shashikant Ahankari, a community health specialist, and president of Halo Medical Foundation.

Meanwhile, on Friday, six more people tested positive for Covid-19 in Dharavi, taking the total cases in Indias largest slum to 28, a BMC official said. The state health department, however, was yet to confirm these cases.

Two of the six, who tested positive, had returned from the Tablighi Jamaat event held in Delhi. One of them is from Dr Baliga Nagar and the other one from PMGP Colony. We have already started tracing their high risk contacts, said Kiran Dighavkar, assistant commissioner of the G/North Ward.

Two nurses, aged 27 years and 42 years, of Dadars Shushrusha Hospital, too, tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday, after which authorities asked the hospital to stop taking in new patients. The BMC asked the hospital to quarantine around 28 nurses.

With inputs from Sagar Pillai

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A US government agency cut off funding for an Australian research lab just as it was about to test a vaccine that, with minor tweaks, might have had the potential to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Had those trials gone ahead in 2010, a vaccine for the deadly pandemic might be available right now.

Even if the vaccine trial had failed, lessons from the trial would have shaved a year off the time taken to develop an effective vaccine, scientists said.

Professor Nikolai Petrovsky. "With a tiny modification we could use it for COVID-19. Wed already be in the clinic now. Credit:Flinders University

It wasnt a lot of money. We were so close, said Professor Nikolai Petrovsky, the Flinders University researcher who led the Australian vaccine project.
Crisis Management Company, LCB Worldwide Ghana Limited has in partnership with the Ghana Health Service (GHS), began the disinfection of the various hotels in Accra, that were used as holding centers or quarantine centers for travelers who arrived in the country.



The exercise forms part of Government and the Ghana Health Services efforts to ensure the hotels are disease and virus-free so they can be handed over to their owners.



Government as part of measures to stem the spread of the COVID-19 virus, ordered the detention of all passengers entering the country for a mandatory 14 days, during which over One Thousand Five Hundred (1,500) people were quarantined and tested.



The disinfection of the hotels comes after those who were quarantined and tested negative to the virus were released.



In all, Fifteen (15) hotels are being disinfected in the exercise which began on Wednesday, April 8, 2020.

So far, the hotels which have been disinfected include Ibis Styles Hotel, Mensvic Hotel, Airport West Hotel, MJ Grand Hotel, AH Hotel and Tomreik Hotel.



La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Alisa Hotel, African Regent Hotel, Earl Height Hotel, Charleston Hotel, Accra City Hotel, Airport View Hotel, Central Hotel and M-Plaza Hotel will be disinfected between Friday April 10 and Sunday April 12, 2020.



The hotels are currently closed following the partial lockdown announced by government, and will only reopen after the restriction on movement is lifted.



Chief Executive Officer of LCB Worldwide Ghana Limited, Mr. Kareem Abu in an interaction with the media opined that the company understands the exigencies if the times that the country is in, and has positioned itself to support each step of the way until the fight against the pandemic is won.



We know what time it is in our beloved country. These are difficult moments and we have no choice but to come all out to support government and the Ghana Health Service win this battle. We will go the long haul to lend our support in whatever way we can, because we know were in this together.



Mr. Kareem continued that We all want see our country return to normalcy. We want to see our people go back to their jobs. We want to see our economy take shape and we want to see our people strong and healthy. As a company, were more than optimistic that the country shall win this fight.



The disinfection has not been limited to the 1,324 rooms of the 15 hotels, but both inside and outside the facilities.



Over the last two weeks, LCB Worldwide Ghana Limited has been at the forefront of disinfecting government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), not only as its contribution towards the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, but also as its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).



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.

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By Trend

The Operational Headquarters under the Cabinet of Ministers has appealed to the Azerbaijani citizens who wish to return to the country from Russia, the Operational Headquarters told Trend on April 10.

Having closed their borders, a number of countries temporarily restricted entry and exit to their territory as part of the measures which are taken at the international level to prevent the widespread spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

As a result of the suspension of regular flights by most countries since March 2020, an appeal was made for Azerbaijani citizens who are abroad and wishing to return to the country. The Azerbaijani government ensured their return to the country by charter flights from Iran, Turkey, Russia, Italy, Hungary and other countries.

The situation in connection with COVID-19 pandemic in Azerbaijan was analyzed at a subsequent stage. The entry and exit from the territory of Azerbaijan by vehicles and planes have been closed since April 5 till April 20, 2020 to curb the wide spread of the virus with the exception of cargo transportation. The domestic flights were also suspended.

Despite a warning about the closure of borders was given in advance, Azerbaijani citizens living in Russia and willing to return to the country have some difficulties at the checkpoints.

In connection with the current situation, we urge Azerbaijani citizens living in Russia and willing to return to the country, comply with the requirements of the quarantine regime, and pass registration in the Azerbaijani embassy and consulates in Russia until April 20, 2020, the Operational Headquarters said.

Due to the special quarantine regime in Azerbaijan, the decision of opening the borders will be made after April 20, 2020, proceeding from the situation in connection with COVID-19.

Taking into account the opportunities for receiving citizens at the special quarantine points within the country and the dynamics of spreading coronavirus (COVID-19), the issue of returning the citizens registered at the embassies and consulates to Azerbaijan on a certain schedule will be considered.

During the border closure period, as an exception, in case of the death of Azerbaijani citizens in other countries, one relative will be allowed to enter Azerbaijans territory while transporting the body (the accompanying person will be on quarantine after entering Azerbaijan).

To protect the health and safety of people during a global pandemic, citizens are required to comply with applicable requirements and rules, not to gather at border checkpoints, thereby violating the quarantine regime of the country of residence.
Residents wait at a rest area after receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at a mobile station in Hong Kong on Sunday. (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Few of the citys older residents have been fully inoculated, leaving them highly vulnerable as the city battles an outbreak of the new variant.
"It seems the only way to get a loan is to be able to prove that you dont need one"

BANKS are refusing to release emergency cash to local brewing firms, despite a Government-backed scheme.

Bosses at both The West Berkshire Brewery and Tutts Clump Cider said they have been knocked back by banks when they applied for Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans (CBILs)  a situation business secretary Alok Sharma has described as totally unacceptable.

The Government-backed loan scheme was intended to ensure companies can access cash as the UK lockdown slows the economy.

But West Berkshire Brewery chairman David Bruce said: It seems the only way to get a loan is to be able to prove that you dont need one.

The banks are simply not lending to any of the many companies I know who have applied, including West Berkshire Brewery.

They seem to have completely forgotten that it was the UK taxpayers who bailed most of them out in 2008 when they really deserved to have gone spectacularly bust, due entirely to their greed and crass incompetence.

He said the company was refused a 300,000 loan, despite offering 6m worth of security and added: They said no because weve yet to make a profit.

We decided to invest instead and weve quadrupled our sales, creating 76 new jobs in a rural area  they dont understand entrepreneurial businesses.

Tutts Clump Cider owner Tim Wale said: Our income has virtually ceased, but we cant get help from the banks, and I dont know any business that has.

Our overheads are 11,500 a month before wages.

Mr Bruce said Newbury MP Laura Farris had tried to intervene on his behalf, but that the situation had not changed.

She replied in an email: I am sorry to say that you are one of a number of constituents who have contacted me about the problems you have encountered in obtaining a CBIL.

Mrs Farris told the Newbury Weekly News: My advice to businesses who have been refused CBILs is, in the first instance, to go back to the bank and try again.

She said the Government had piled pressure on them in the past few days to pay out.

Mrs Farris added: There have been teething problems rolling out the scheme.

She also advised any other businesses who are having difficulty in accessing CBIL cash to contact her at laura.farris.mp@parliament.uk
In this article:

Star Trek, Interstellar, Hook.

Unknown histories, far future battle of strategy, high brow artistic insights and emotive comedy gems unfurl as TopFilmTip brings you the best films on TV for Saturday, 11 April.

One-eyed story telling musical origami magician seeks parents legacy in breathtaking myth & mystery fantasy Kubo And The Two Strings 11:35am Film4

Arctic boffins defrost frozen vegetable, feed it's children blood & roast them alive in cold war sci fi John Carpenter inspiring classic The Thing From Another World 2pm Horror Channel

Workaholic dad rediscovers childhood adventure and zeal in Steven Spielbergs swashbuckling insult-battling pirate fighting fun Hook 2:05pm Dave

Read more: The best 4K TV deals

Marmalade munching ear-brushing self-taping furry catastrophe seeks London home in guffaw inducing immigration analogy Paddington 4pm Film4

Kate Capshaw says goodbye to Harrison Ford in a scene from the film 'Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom', 1984. (Photo by Paramount/Getty Images)

Anything goes as relic robber condescends to child slaving death cult in bug-feasting, mine cart mayhem Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom 5:25pm BBC1

Vapid high school socialite's shidduching reveals her naivete as Jane Austen's Emma gets a 1990s makeover in erudite comedy Clueless 5:30pm Comedy Central

With ambition exceeding ability, indomitable outsider soars til his ability meets his ambition in endearing true story Eddie The Eagle 5:50pm Film4

Teen zombie film makers witness spectacular derailment and alien escape in exceptional, emotive 1980s feel, cubic mystery gem Super 8 5:50pm E4

Rogues gallery of bitter badasses slaughter bloodless bad-guys for helpless homesteaders in bullet bathed fun The Magnificent Seven (2016) 8pm ITV4

Emotionally inept alien and compulsive fight-o-holic lead team of sexy experts against tattooed genocider in lens-flaring fun Star Trek 8pm Channel 4

Awkward foppish hunk falls for well-seasoned beauty in standard setting, endearing British comedy of intimate errors Four Weddings And A Funeral 8pm Film4

A lowly Indian clerk forms unlikely friendship with jaded and lonely monarch prompting meaningful cultural exchange and envious resentment of her inner circle Victoria And Abdul 8:15pm BBC2

Story continues

Kevin Bacon and Meryl Streep in a scene from the film 'The River Wild', 1994. (Photo by Universal/Getty Images)

Criminal duo Kevin Bacon and John C Reilly take a family hostage in riveting, survivalist white water thriller The River Wild 9:35pm ITV 1

Double dadded drifter uncovers his alien origins and scraps with serious supremacist in metropolis demolishing mega melee Man Of Steel 10pm Sky 1

Amid famine, family's fractious and transcendent love faces relativity for survival of humanity in mesmerising wonder Interstellar 10pm Sony Movie Channel

Accomplished actress contemplates return to the iconic play that made her career in understated powerhouse of unspoken emotional tensions and artistic insights Clouds Of Sils Maria 10pm BBC2

Catching the rays - Winstone in Jonathan Glazer's Sexy Beast (Film4)

Heists, gangsters and violence as Ray Winstone, Ian McShane and Sir Ben Kingsley plot sauna themed robbery in Brit-crime fun Sexy Beast 10:20pm Film4

Whilst minding talentless celebrity, former overweight dweeb Ryan Reynolds meets school crush in anarchic character comedy Just Friends 10:25pm 5 Star

Child-prodigy/tactical-genius trains to battle Xenocidal aliens onslaught in morally complex, cerebral and sublime imagining of strategic sci fi classic Enders Game 10:25pm Channel 4

Family gathering in remote manor is attacked by anonymous assailants in brain blending, skull busting synth scored grindhouse Youre Next 11:40pm Horror Channel

Young man struggles with his place in the world as two tribes go to war in cult British muso-youth culture classic Quadrophenia 00:05am Film4

Callow housewife and jaded BFF assert their womanhood in crime spree road-trip in iconic journey of self-discovery Thelma And Louise 00:25am 5Star

Everything new on streaming in April:

Netflix UK: Aprils new releases

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Amazon Prime Video UK: The biggest April releases

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An inmate was found dead Saturday after a riot and a blaze swept through a Russian prison under a coronavirus lockdown in eastern Siberia, authorities said.

Trouble erupted at penal colony No. 15 in Angarsk on Thursday with authorities blaming prisoners, while human rights activists said inmates self-harmed en masse to protest systematic mistreatment.

On Friday, the work yard of the colony was engulfed in flames as riot police cordoned off roads leading to the prison, turning away independent observers. The fire was extinguished by Saturday morning.

"When they cleared the debris, they found the body of an inmate," said Irkutsk region rights ombudsman Viktor Ignatenko, quoted by Interfax agency.

"It was a violent death." The regional penal service issued a statement late Friday saying the situation is "under control" and investigators are on site after "inmates set several buildings in the work yard on fire".

It confirmed several inmates self-harmed using glass from broken surveillance cameras.

Independent rights monitors called the clashes a "riot" which broke out after a guard beat an inmate.

On Saturday the local group Siberia Without Torture said it is launching an independent investigation with inmates' relatives to understand exactly what happened.

"Prisoners say there are corpses there," activist Pavel Glushenko said in a video appeal posted on Facebook.

"We need to prevent similar things from happening in other colonies." He said relatives and monitors are unable to contact the prison due to quarantine restrictions imposed during the coronavirus epidemic. The prison was under quarantine and visits halted.

Activists on Friday evening published footage and messages sent to them by inmates and family suggesting that law enforcement used firearms and gas against priosners, who pleaded the outside world for help.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
L ondon's stabbings and violent crime have "dropped considerably during the coronavirus lockdown, the Metropolitan Police commissioner has said.

Speaking on LBC radio on Saturday, Dame Cressida Dick said that knife attacks had been falling even before the Covid-19 outbreak.

They have now fallen "very much in the last couple of weeks," she said, adding that: "Knife crime has dropped considerably".

Many, many crime types have reduced as you would expect," she said.

Cressida Dick said: "Knife crime has dropped considerably" / PA

"We are of course concerned about some that could go up, she added.

There have been several knife attacks in London since the lockdown was imposed on 23 March.

While concerns grow over victims of domestic violence trapped at home, Dame Cressida said not yet seen an increase in such crimes.

London during Coronavirus lockdown - In pictures 1 /66 London during Coronavirus lockdown - In pictures A woman jogging near City Hall, London, the day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the UK in lockdown PA An image of Queen Elizabeth II and quotes from her broadcast on Sunday to the UK and the Commonwealth in relation to the coronavirus epidemic are displayed on lights in London's Piccadilly Circus PA A pedestrian walks past a billboard reading "Please believe these days will pass" on Broadway Market in east London AFP via Getty Images Military vehicles cross Westminster Bridge Getty Images Boris Johnson Jeremy Selwyn Sun-seekers cool off in the water and sunbathe on the riverbank at Hackney Marshes in east London AFP via Getty Images Ed Davey is shown on screens as he speaks via videolink during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, London PA A herd of fallow deer graze on the lawns in front of a housing estate in Harold Hill in east London AFP via Getty Images A woman wearing a mask crosses a bridge over Camden Lock, London PA An empty Millenium Bridge PA A sign advertising a book titled "How Will We Survive On Earth?" is seen on an underground station platform Getty Images People push to enter the Niketown shop in Londo AP Jo Proudlove and daughter Eve, 9, follow the daily online "PE with Joe" Joe Wickes' exercise class on "Fancy dress Friday Reuters Waterloo station looking empty PA Police in Westminster Jeremy Selwyn Getty Images A quiet Parliament Square Getty Images PABest A man walks along a passageway at London's Oxford Street Underground station the day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the UK in lockdown to help curb the spread of the Coronavirus PA Social distancing markers around the camel enclosure at ZSL London Zoo PA A police car patrols Greenwich Park in London PA The Premier League in action in front of empty stands AP Novikov restaurant in London with its shutters pulled down while the restaurant is closed. A deserted Piccadilly Circus PA A general view is seen of a deserted Trafalgar Square AFP via Getty Images Getty Images The iconic Abbey Road crossing is seen after a re-paint by a Highways Maintenance team as they take advantage of the COVID-19 coronavirus lockdown and quiet streets to refresh the markings Getty Images A view of 20 Fenchurch Street (the 'Walkie Talkie' building) in the City of London, the day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the UK in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus PA A deserted Chinatown PA A person looks at graffiti on a JD Wetherspoon pub in Crystal Palace, south London. Wetherspoons workers have described founder Tim Martin's lack of support for his chain's 40,000 employees as "absolutely outrageous" PA The London ExCel centre that has been turned into a makeshift NHS Hospital and critical care unit to cope with the Coronavirus pandemic PA The Palace Theatre, which usually shows the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play, sits in a deserted Shaftesbury Avenue PA The Sondheim Theatre, which usually shows the Les Miserables musical, sits in a deserted Shaftesbury Avenue PA Two members of a British Army mounted regiment exercise their horses in Parliament Square AP Westminster Bridge is deserted PA A quiet Canary Wharf Underground Station PA An empty street and bus stop at St James's Park AFP via Getty Images Whitehall Jeremy Selwyn A quiet Canary Wharf Underground Station PA A single pedestrian walks past The national Gallery AFP via Getty Images London Bridge Station Jeremy Selwyn Kings Cross and St Pancras Jeremy Selwyn Buckingham Palace looking empty in London, PA London Bridge Station Jeremy Selwyn Kings Cross and St Pancras Jeremy Selwyn London Bridge Station Jeremy Selwyn London's Carnaby Street empty as shops closed after a lockdown was announced in the latest bid to stop the spread of coronavirus through the UK AP A single pedestrian walks past The national Gallery AFP via Getty Images A quiet Jubilee line westbound train carriage PA A quiet Canary Wharf Underground Station PA Empty Embankment Jeremy Selwyn

She also called for the public to be "very alert" to potential fraud, amid warnings about online scams exploiting on coronavirus fears.

Her comments also come amid continued debate over the extent of police enforcement during the UKs lockdown.

Home Secretary Priti Patel had to shut down suggestions that police could enforce road blocks and measures like checking shopping trollies after a police chief made "clumsy" remarks over potential new approaches.

British Transport Police wrongly charged a woman under the new Coronavirus Act last week, causing her to be fined 660 for a crime she did not commit.

Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures 1 /81 Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures A deserted Westminster Bridge PA A man wearing a face mask or covering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, walks past customers sat outside a restaurant AFP via Getty Images Boris Johnson addresses the nation on the Coronavirus lockdown Andrew Parsons Runners pass cardboard cutouts of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William during the London Marathon in London AP An empty escalator at Charing Coss London Underground tube station Jeremy Selwyn Electronic bilboards displays a message warning people to stay home in Sheffield PA A sign is displayed in the window of a student accommodation building following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Mancheste Reuters People take part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions, in Londo AP People sing and dance in Leicester Square on the eve on the 10PM curfew Reuters Hearts painted by a team of artists from Upfest are seen in the grass at Queen Square, following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Bristol Reuters Graffiti reads 'good luck and stay safe', as the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases grow around the world, under a bridge in London Reuters A sign is pictured in Soho, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London Reuters Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures, during a coronavirus briefing in Downing Street, London AP A person runs past posters with a message of hope, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Manchester REUTERS Riot police face protesters who took part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions in London AP An image of The Queen eith quotes from her broadcast to the UK and the Commonwealth in relation to the Coronavirus epidemic are displayed on lights in London's Piccadilly Circus PA Military vehicles cross Westminster Bridge after members of the 101 Logistic Brigade delivered a consignment of medical masks to St Thomas' hospital Getty Images Durdle Door in Dorset Reuters Captain Tom Moore via 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 Coronavirus outbreak PA An NHS worker reacts at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital during the Clap for our Carers campaign in support of the NHS Reuters Goats which have taken over the deserted streets of Llandudno @AndrewStuart via PA Tobias Weller PA Novikov restaurant in London with its shutters pulled down while the restaurant is closed London Landscapes: Hyde Park and the Serpentine, central London. Matt Writtle A newspaper vendor in Manchester city centre giving away free toilet rolls with every paper bought as shops run low on supplies due to fears over the spread of the coronavirus PA Theo Clay looks out of his window next to his hand-drawn picture of a rainbow in Liverpool, as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continue Reuters A young man cuts another man's hair on top of a closed hairdresser in Oxford Reuters General view of the new NHS Nightingale Hospital, built to fight against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London via Reuters Jason Baird is seen dressed as Spiderman during his daily exercise to cheer up local children in Stockport, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues Reuters A woman wearing a face mask walks past Buckingham Palace Getty Images A man holds mobile phone displaying a text message alert sent by the government warning that new rules are in force across the UK and people must stay at home PA Medical staff on the Covid-19 ward at the Neath Port Talbot Hospital, in Wales, as the health services continue their response to the coronavirus outbreak. PA Prime Minister Boris Johnson taking part in a virtual Cabinet meeting with his top team of ministers PA A shopper walks past empty shelves in a Lidl store on in Wallington. After spates of "panic buying" cleared supermarket shelves of items like toilet paper and cleaning products, stores across the UK have introduced limits on purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have also created special time slots for the elderly and other shoppers vulnerable to the new coronavirus. Getty Images People on a busy tube train in London at rush hour PA Mia, aged 8 and her brother Jack, aged 5 from Essex, continue their school work at home, after being sent home due to the coronavirus PA Children are painting 'Chase the rainbows' artwork and springing up in windows across the country Reuters Social distancing in Primrose Hill Jeremy Selwyn A general view of a locked gate at Anfield, Liverpool as The Premier League has been suspended PA Homeless people in London AFP via Getty Images A piece of art by the artist, known as the Rebel Bear has appeared on a wall on Bank Street in Glasgow. The new addition to Glasgow's street art is capturing the global Coronavirus crisis. The piece features a woman and a man pulling back to give each other a kiss PA The Queen leaves Buckingham Palace, London, for Windsor Castle to socially distance herself amid the coronavirus pandemic PA A general view on Grey street, Newcastle as coronavirus cases grow around the world Reuters 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 Britain's Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty (L) and Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance look on as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures as he speaks during a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) news conference inside 10 Downing Street Reuters The ticket-validation terminals at the tram stop on Edinburgh's Princes Street are cleaned following the coronavirus outbreak. PA Locked school gates at Rockcliffe First School in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear PA A sign at a Sainsbury's supermarket informs customers that limits have been set on a small number of products as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grow around the world Reuters Jawad Javed delivers coronavirus protection kits that he and his wife have put together to the vulnerable people of their community of Stenhousemuir, between Glasgow and Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images A sign advertising a book titled "How Will We Survive On Earth?" Getty Images A man who appears to be homeless sleeping wearing a mask today in Victoria Jeremy Selwyn A pedestrian walks past graffiti that reads "Diseases are in the City" in Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images Staff from The Lyric Theatre, London inform patrons, as it shuts its doors PA A quiet looking George IV Bridge in Edinburgh PA A quieter than usual British Museum Getty Images A racegoer attends Cheltenham in a fashionable face mask SplashNews.com A commuter wears a face mask at London Bridge Station Jeremy Selwyn A empty restaurant in the Bull Ring Shopping Centre Getty Images A deserted Trafalgar Square in London PA Passengers determined to avoid the coronavirus before leaving the UK arrive at Gatwick Airport Getty Images

Asked about the incidents, Dame Cressida called for police officers to use common sense.

Everybody is trying to do the right thing, trying to help ensure people keep safe and protect the NHS, she added.

I think, on occasion, one or two of the things weve seen online have appeared over-zealous. I dont want to be over-critical.

"Im not out there every day as those girls and guys are, in a whole variety of different situations, but I think common sense needs to apply.

Dame Cressida said she had instructed her officers to use arrests and fines as a last resort.

I know there has been some talk from some police colleagues about the need to have greater powers, she added.
NOTE TO SELF: exercise more; eat less.

I took the advisory seriously  threw out the remaining two-bite brownies and committed to at least a half hour of active exercise each day. Midweek I took a walk around Media. It was cooler than I expected, the walk was a little shorter, and the pace slower. These days being in a hurry seems pointless.

Its unusual for me to walk around my town without seeing someone I know, or who knows me. I had such an encounter at Fifth and Monroe streets. Monika and Z Rehoric were doing outside work at their new Bed & Breakfast, the beautifully restored and renovated 1877 Gifford-Risley House. The enterprise began successfully, and I trust will continue once out of this quagmire.

After a brief wave to them I meandered in a rectangle of several blocks and noted only a few other folks  a couple, hand-in-hand; an older man, taking a short rest before continuing; a few dogs taking their persons for a walk; and someone with a grocery bag. The sheltering environment is all the more reason to be thankful for our State Street Trader Joes.

Heading home, I crossed Providence Road without having to wait for a gap in traffic. Not even one car. For anyone who regularly drives in, out, or around the borough, this is pretty astounding. Later a friend said to me that the lack of traffic and most activity made every day feel like Sunday.

Id thought that. But I also thought the Sunday was Dec. 7, 1941. This led to a further reflection on the present and the past.

My father, Albert, and my uncle Herbert Clofine were both in the military during World War II (post- Pearl Harbor.) My father was in the Quartermaster Corps and never left the states. My uncle saw action around the world as part of Merrills Marauders, a legendary unit about which a movie was made. It seems odd to me now that I never asked my father  or mother for that matter  about wartime experiences. And although I knew my uncles story in vague terms, he never spoke about it to me. (He ultimately shared it with the Library of Congress Veterans Legacy Project.)

From the start of the pandemic I made a comparison to war. This was hardly an original observation. My generation has had wars on, drugs, terrorism, and more than a few actual combat wars including the controversial Vietnam War. They were all destructive. COVID-19 seems different, and yet there are similarities to any war. The enemy is known; it can be fought with science, technology and strategy; and it will exact a great number of casualties before it is over.

Whats different is the global nature; the no-escape clause; and complete uncertainty of what is next.

America seems to have a continuing fascination with World War II. Dozens and dozens of films, dramas and documentaries have been and continue to be made, focusing on the machinery of war, social and psychological aspects. One can glean the food shortages; industries retooled for badly needed support materials; and people pulled together to help each other manage loss of lifestyle and loved ones.

I think what propels the retelling of the era is that victory over the Axis powers enables portrayal of our real or imaged characteristics: determination, steadfastness, optimism and courage. Did Americans feel that way during the war as much as after it? I wonder. Or were they as frightened in the midst of it as we are now?

Determination, steadfastness, optimism and courage; and while we are at it Keep Calm and Carry On.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Apr. 11

By Ilkin Seyfaddini  Trend:

The total number of coronavirus infected people in Uzbekistan rose to 694, Trend reports citing the Ministry of Health.

Since April 1, Uzbekistan announced a self-isolation regime in Tashkent, Nukus and other regional centers. Citizens over 65 are categorically prohibited from leaving their homes. They can go out only to visit pharmacies and shops near their respective places of residence.

The first case of coronavirus infection in Uzbekistan was detected on March 15 in the laboratory of the Research Institute of Virology; it was an Uzbek woman who returned from France. The Ministry of Health later announced that her son, daughter, husband and grandson also tested coronavirus-positive.

The outbreak of the coronavirus began in the Chinese city of Wuhan (an international transport hub), at a fish market in late December 2019. The number of people killed by the disease has surpassed 102,000. Over 1.6 million people have been confirmed as infected. Meanwhile, over 376,000 people have reportedly recovered.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11. Some sources claim the coronavirus outbreak started as early as November 2019.

---

Follow author on Twitter: @seyfaddini
London, April 11 : Funeral directors and disaster relief charities have stepped in to help National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in the UK as they reported shortages in body bags and personal protective equipment (PPE) amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a media report said on Saturday.

As medics continue to grapple with the ongoing pandemic, the London-based GMB Union claimed hospitals in Surrey, England had asked staff to wrap deceased patients in plastic sheets, the Metro newspaper said in the report.

According to the report, undertakers were now being asked to share their supplies to plug the gap and international aid workers are donating body bags that they never imagined would be used in Britain.

Michael Tiney, head of Southall Funeral Service in West London said that two hospitals in the capital have asked him PPE including disposable aprons but there's only so much gear they can spare themselves.

"There's a real shortage of body bags. We try to help out as much as we can but we also need a source of equipment as well," he told the Metro newspaper.

"Every case we get called to, whether it's in at home or a nursing home we're having to treat it as COVID-19, so every body is going out in a body bag. I would rather not risk my staff." Tiney said they could only give 20 body bags to one of the hospital who contacted them, which was "as many as I can let them have" in current circumstances.

Meanwhile, Indian-origin Ravi Singh, director of humanitarian charity Khalsa Aid, has approached Hillingdon and St Mary's Hospitals in London and has donated 130 body bags over the past few weeks.

His organisation, which provides disaster relief and humanitarian support all over the world, stockpiled about 800 of them many years ago.

"Never in a million years did we think we would need them in our own country," he told the Metro newspaper.

Suggesting the country was "under-prepared" for such a health crisis, he added: "I think more and more people are waking up to the reality now. It's really really shocking." Khalsa Aid are also distributing hand santiser, food and other vital equipment for people in need across Britain.

They were in talks with a supplier in Canada and are aiming to get 7,000 bags made to supply to UK health services and morticians.

The news report comes as the UK has 74,605 confirmed cases of coronavirus since the outbreak began and 8,974 deaths attributed to the disease.
Kolkata, April 11 : The West Bengal government on Saturday extended the lockdown in the state till April 30 to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

Making the announcement during a media meet at the state secretariat Nabanna, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the decision was taken after a video conference between CMs of different states and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"The Prime Minister said the ongoing lockdown will be extended in the country till April 30. We all agreed. So I have decided to extend the lockdown till April 30," she said.

The country has been under lockdown since March 24 midnight. The lockdown is scheduled to end on April 14, but by all likelihood, it would get extended.

Banerjee also said that schools and colleges in the state would remain closed till June 10.

"It's no use opening schools and colleges for one or two days before the summer vacation. Let things normalize first. The schools and colleges will reopen after June 10," she said.

Meanwhile, six more people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the state, taking the total number of active cases to 95, the Chief Minister said. The death count remains five.

However, she refused to give the total number of coronavirus positive cases in the state since the onset of the infection in West Bengal. The Central government has put the cumulative number of cases in the state at 116.

Banerjee said the Prime Minister said during the video conference that the next two weeks will be very crucial. "So everybody please stay at home. Maintain social distancing in the markets. The groceries will remain open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.," she said.

Banerjee said the bakeries have been asked to begin production so as to ensure steady supply of bread and biscuits.

"But the lockdown protocol has to be adhered to. Social distancing should be maintained. If the protocol is violated, we will take action," she said.

The state government has also decided to relax the lockdown norms for online food delivery aggregators.

"The lockdown has to be enforced in a human way," she said.
Mumbai, April 11 : Superstar Salman Khan, who earlier financially supported 25,000 daily wage workers of the film indusry amid the COVID-19 lockdown, has now provided ration facility to them.

Politician Baba Siddique on Friday took to Twitter to thank the actor for his contribution.

"Thank you @beingsalmankhan @tweetbeinghuman for your generous contribution towards the daily wage workers. You are always one step ahead of everybody when it comes to helping people and you have proved that yet again," Siddique tweeted.

Siddique also shared a few pictures of a godown and trucks filled with food supplies.

Seeing Salman's contribution, fans showered him with praises and love.

A user commented: "True hero. Salute bhaijaan." Another one wrote: "Salman is a real human." Salman is currently staying at his Panvel farmhouse. He is constantly in touch with his father Salim Khan via video calls.

On the film front, Salman will be next seen in "Radhe" and "Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali".

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
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MILFORD  You can add the names of Nathan and Paige Stauffer to the city rolls when the next U.S. Census is released.

Transplants from Seattle, the Stauffers, along with soon-to-be-16-month-old daughter Callie, chose to live in Milford when they crossed the nation in February.

I always wanted to be an CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist), Nathan said. CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), who administer anesthesia and other medications. There are 100-plus schools that I was eligible for, but there were no local schools.

We opened our search and I started looking at schools from all over the country. We whittled it down to 10. I applied at Fairfield University and four others. I got an interview, was accepted, and Fairfield U met all the requirements we were looking for.

After checking off the school of his choice, the Stauffers, who will celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary in September, had to find a home.

We went to Google maps, with an overview of Connecticut, then hit Craigs List, Zulu and Realtors.com, Nathan said. We worked our way out from Fairfield to find the right price and right area. We got lucky when we expanded our search.

They chose a home in the Gulf Beach area of Milford.

Being by water is amazing, Paige said. We grew up in a port town, Marysville (Wash.). The similarities are comforting. I love Milford. It is quaint and pretty, just like our old town.

Meeting all our neighbors has been weirdly awesome, Nathan said. People in Washington like to stay indoors. Coming here, and the fact that we went to a barbecue and met all the neighbors in the first week, was amazing.

The running joke with our family is that we moved into a Stepford neighborhood, Paige said. Everyone is so nice, so kind, it is so great.

The trip to Milford was challenging.

The process of getting here was rough, Paige said. It was months and months in the planning, plus me being pregnant on top of that (due date April 18). Should we take a U-Haul? Or should we take two cars?

Nathan ended up driving, while Paige and her sister, Deborah, flew out with Callie.

We started moving in mid-February, Nathan said. First it took three weeks to get the Pod with all our stuff shipped here. Then I drove out with my friend Jared and my brother, Steven.

Oh man, it was exhausting (not like a college road trip). We switched off driving two cars for four days. It was no fun. We woke up 5 a.m., took a quick shower, and then traveled to 11 at night. Plus, we were going against time (west to east) so we were losing an hour a day.

We got in on Saturday, Feb. 29, at 6. We unloaded the Pod and I drove Steven to the airport the next morning at 5. Jared stayed through the following Wednesday. Deborah was here 10 days to help. I flew home with Jared so, I could go to work another week at the hospital. Im now on paternity leave.

Nathans path to Fairfield University took a steady hand.

I received my associate of nursing from Everett Community College and then earned a bachelor of science and nursing degree at the University of Washington, Nate said. I worked for two years as a nurse in a critical care unit (Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, Wash.). I was there for three and a half years before applying to Fairfield.

Paige said: I was working at Providence Hospital as a surgery tech and then switching over to the Everett Clinic, which is like your walk-in clinics, and was an administrator. With Callie, childcare costs are almost as much as you are going to be paid. The extra money wasnt worth it.

We decided to give Callie a little pal now, while Nate is going through school. Im open to going back to work, maybe sometime next year. But, it would have to be a perfect storm.

Lack of family brings an element of distress.

Nates folks were going to come out and stay with us for three weeks with the baby, Paige said. My mom works as a personal trainer at a retirement home. She would like to fly here. But this whole thing ... . Right now we are doing FaceTime, sending pictures back and forth, showing what is happening.

The Stauffers are anxious to share more about their new location with relatives.

Its frustrating that we cant see more of Milford, Paige said. The city is cute. We are bummed because we want to walk the streets downtown and visit the shops. Wed like to explore our new town before the newborn arrives. But we are so happy to be here. It has been so lovely. The only negative has been not being able to get out.

I will say that your guys pizza is phenomenal, way better then Washington State.

william.bloxsom@hearstmediact.com Twitter: @blox354
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 11)  Thousands of Filipinos abroad have been brought home to the Philippines since the coronavirus disease spread two months ago, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

The agency reported Saturday that a total of 11,394 overseas, land-based and sea-based Filipinos have returned to the country since February.

The agency concluded its 12th consecutive day of evacuating Filipinos after bringing home 246 seafarers from the United Kingdom.

The Department of Transportation also announced that two temporary quarantine ships are ready to accommodate returning Filipinos abroad beginning Sunday. The agency said it commissioned two private vessels, of which one is big enough to carry 800 individuals while the other can accommodate 300 people while following the Department of Health's social distancing guidelines.

However, only those who do not show COVID-19 symptoms and who are required to undergo 14-day quarantine are allowed on the ships, the DOTr clarified.

Coast guard personnel will also be deployed to man the vessels, it added.

The first batch of repatriated Filipinos were from Wuhan, the Chinese city that was the original epicenter of the pandemic. The DFA brought home 32 Filipinos from the city on February 9 and since then, the department has been sending teams to fetch others staying in different countries.

On the other hand, COVID-19 cases involving overseas Filipinos continue to rise. The DFA reported that 651 Filipinos in 40 countries and regions have contracted the deadly disease while 84 have died. The Department of Health already confirmed 294 of the COVID-19 positive patients abroad. Some 188 have also recovered and have been released from the hospital.

The Labor Department released guidelines on financial assistance to overseas Filipinos but the aid is limited to regular or documented and qualified undocumented overseas Filipino workers, and balik-manggagawa or Filipinos unable to leave countries due to lockdowns. The guidelines also named only a number of priority countries.

OFWs who are not from the listed countries and who are not eligible for the cash aid have sought help from the national government. But Labor chief Silvestre Bello said they can only receive the cash if there is enough balance left for them from the initial rollout.
"One of our tasks in the next week is to assemble that list, in priority order," Professor Blakely tells the Sun-Herald and Sunday Age. Home-schooling is part of the new normal to which many families are learning to adapt. Credit:Tanya Macheda Allowing people to have a small number of visitors in their homes would be a "sensible loosening to try initially", he says. Associate Professor Adam Kamradt-Scott, an expert in health security with the University of Sydney who is advising the government, says public spaces like beaches and gardens "are not problematic themselves" and could be reopened if social distancing rules are observed, while gyms and nightclubs are more likely to remain closed. Professor Jodie McVernon, director of epidemiology at the Doherty Institute - on the panel of modellers advising the national cabinet - says researchers are still "uncertain about the actual contributions of different measures that have been implemented" to reducing the virus's spread.

Loading "Things like school closures, people are trying to unpick these from observations in Europe, but it's still very unclear," she says. "We're now closely observing what's happening in Australia to see what our measures are doing." Prime Minister Scott Morrison has repeatedly primed Australians for their lives to be disrupted for "at least six months", but has recently spoken of trialling an easing of restrictions in some jurisdictions around the country and warned the government's capacity to prop up the economy is "finite". Corporate titan Richard Goyder, the chairman of Qantas, Woodside Petroleum and the AFL Commission, has called for a swifter easing of restrictions, warning that balancing health and economic concerns would become difficult as the virus stretched Australias balance sheet.

Professor Blakely warns the health impacts of relaxing social restrictions must be weighed against "all the costs of lockdown", both social and economic - saying "there is a real risk the societal cure we choose may do more harm". Loading Not only do lockdowns damage employment and GDP, he says, but these effects can feed back into health impacts such as increased suicide and heart disease. "We need to quantify that, and weigh it up," he says. Mr Hunt says the strategy being worked on "needs to be very, very nuanced and carefully thought out" and "sustainable in the medium term" while research into COVID-19 treatments and a vaccine continue, while deputy chief medical officer Nick Coatsworth says the exit strategy is "weeks or months", not days, away.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has promised to review the state's restrictions on a monthly basis, and has said some rules could be loosened as early as next month, while Victorian premier Daniel Andrews says strict social distancing measures "are with us for the medium term". Professor Blakely says the timing of lifting restrictions depends on "what our endgame strategy is". If it's to eliminate the virus - assuming that is even possible - restrictions could be lifted in four to eight weeks, he says. If the aim is squashing the curve to keep rates of infection "really low until a vaccine is found", he says "a very gentle easing" is possible after some weeks of "meticulous planning".

That would mean easing off the social distancing rules until the reproduction rate of the virus is about 1.0 but no more (meaning each infected person passes it on to one or fewer people), and holding the restrictions at that level for 18 months or until the vaccine is rolled out. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has warned we might be locked down for six months. Credit:Alex Elllinghausen "We just do not yet know what that looks like  but many people are working on this, right now," Professor Blakely says. Professor Raina MacIntyre, head of the Biosecurity Research Program at UNSW Sydneys Kirby Institute, says a short, sharp lockdown of between four and six weeks would be enough to bring Australias number cases to a very, very low baseline". I don't think we need to be locked down for six months, she says.

ANU Professor Peter Collignon says the current rules are too harsh and that authorities have overstepped by fining people for sitting on park benches or teaching their teenagers how to drive, warning that this approach will eventually drive people to civil disobedience. "If you're in a car, how are you going to give to anybody else or get it? We've got to have laws that make biological sense," he says. Queensland University of Technology behavioural economist Ozan Isler says the "unprecedented nature and scale of restrictions" make it difficult to predict how long Australians can be expected to tolerate them, but that some relaxation of the rules is needed soon. Professor Collignon says a ban on visitors at home is "not sustainable", but that closing pubs, clubs and bars and restaurants "was a good idea" and that they should remain closed "until at least September or October" as winter would be a danger period. "What we put in place mid to late March - closing our international borders, quarantining high risk people like returned travellers and close contacts - we're going to have to continue that for at least six months," he says.

Joggers and walkers practise various degrees of social distancing. Credit:Chris Hopkins "We're going to have to keep the 2m rule going for quite awhile and limit the number of people you meet - but that doesn't mean we have to become hermits." The NSW education union is pushing for a stated return of students to schools, saying Year 12 and kindy should be prioritised. The prospect of allowing the virus to circulate with the aim of achieving "herd immunity" has been raised repeatedly, despite scientific uncertainty over whether people who recover from COVID-19 are actually immune (something that won't be settled until a reliable blood test is found). Some commentators say the economic damage of ongoing restrictions could be more harmful to Australians than the virus itself.

Professor Blakely says if governments decided to pursue herd immunity by allowing the virus to circulate, they would ease off restrictions with the aim of achieving a rate of spread that generates a "manageable" three-week ICU caseload. Borders would need to remain closed for six months even under a herd immunity plan, Professor Blakely says, and at least 18 months for either elimination or suppression. Grattan Institute health economist Stephen Duckett says while the number of new cases is falling, the decrease has been driven mainly by "regaining control of the borders" and that the level of recorded local transmissions remains flat. Dozens of new cases each day are still "way too many", he says. "You've got to get it really, really right down low before you can risk lifting the restrictions. Singapore were getting it down then it rebounded. Because this is a highly infectious virus, it is easy to get out of control again."

But, Dr Duckett says, some loosening of restrictions is needed as the current rules could not be sustained for another five months. The strategy of flattening the curve is aimed at buying time while authorities learn more about how the coronavirus is behaving in Australia, and build the capacity of the healthcare system, buying new ventilators and masks, training up health workers and finding more effective treatments. University of Melbourne epidemiologist James McCaw, also on the panel of modellers advising the government, says while the curve is flattening, if we reduced our if we sort of relaxed and went back to normal we would see a rapid and explosive resurgence in epidemic activity. Countries that have opted for fewer restrictions, like Sweden and Singapore, have had to introduce tougher restrictions after seeing cases rise dramatically. Perhaps this is why the prime minister has been careful to warn Australians not to expect life to return to normal any time soon.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Brendan Murphy addresses the media during one of his regular press briefings. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Chief medical officer Brendan Murphy says Australia is "on a life raft", with infection rates falling in the wake of restrictions. "We now have to chart the course of where we take that life raft," he says. Which direction the nation is steering in will be closely scrutinised, with a Senate committee to examine the government's response to the pandemic. Liberal senator James Paterson, the committee's deputy chair, says it will "carefully consider that economic cost on the lives of ordinary Australians" and question both government decision makers and the experts who advise them "about the alternative pathways available to us from here". With Michael Fowler
Hyderabad: The Telangana State government has on Friday made it mandatory for people to wear masks when they are out of their house.

The health department issued a memo, updating its earlier advisory of masks only for the sick, which now states that mask must be put on while stepping outdoors, in closed spaces and while interacting with others.

The government said that its Mask On policy should be followed by all citizens whenever they step outside their home or are in closed spaces and while talking to others.

The advisory recommends home-made cotton, double-layer reusable masks for use as a first line of protection. The latest advisory is based on latest learnings from medical and scientific community and studies in Japan that have shown that Mask On policy has considerably slowed the spread of coronavirus.

All offices and workplaces have been asked to encourage use of masks by all employees at all the time. Even residents of rural areas should be encouraged to use masks while at work or in public places.

The advisory, however, said that homemade masks are not recommended for health workers or those working with or in contact with Covid- 19 patients, or patients themselves as these categories of people are required to wear specified protective gear.
Google has been taking several steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and help to gather information regarding that. Health consultations over the phone or by video conference have started increasing during lockdowns in several countries so people could continue getting medical care from the comfort and safety of their own homes to protect patients and staff against COVID-19.

To help individuals and health care providers connect, over the coming week Google will show get online care option on Search and Maps so that patients can easily check out hospitals, doctors, or mental health professionals virtual care website where they can find more information, and in many cases, schedule a virtual healthcare visit with these healthcare providers. These providers can update their websites and provide COVID-19 information on Google My Business.

Beginning as a pilot in the U.S., Google will start showing widely-available virtual care platforms directly on Search so people can more easily access virtual visits, including out-of-pocket price charged for a visit (for those without insurance) and an easy way for people to directly connect with the virtual care platform.

For the healthcare providers it will offer information about how to keep their online business information up-to-date such as helping doctors support patients remotely with HIPAA-compliant G Suite products (including using Google Meet for telehealth or virtual visits), deploying virtual agents to field questions related to COVID-19, and helping with capacity-planning and demand forecasting of key medical supplies to better manage their supply chains.

Source
Two police officials have been



booked for murder in connection with the alleged custodial death of a theft accused in Bengaluru rural district, police said on Saturday.

A case of murder has been registered against inspector Raghu and sub-inspector Rakesh C for the alleged custodial death of Munikulla on Friday afternoon, Superintendent of Police, Bengaluru rural district, Ravi D Channannavar told PTI.

"Yes. A case has been registered and transferred to CID," he said.

Munikullam, a resident of Nadavatti village, was picked up by the police on April 7, his wife Dhanalakshmi told the media on Saturday.

"Policemen took my husband with them. They beat him up and killed him," she said.

Alleging that Munikulla was a victim of police high- handedness, Hoskote MLA Sharath Bachegowda said he had lodged a complaint with the state DGP, Praveen Sood demanding a CID inquiry into the case.

An FIR was registered against Munikulla on Friday evening based on a complaint by the cashier of the liquor store, who had claimed that the CCTV footage showed victim's involvement.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Health Ministry issues emergency notice on Ha Loi Village





A medical worker sprays disinfectant in an ambulance before allowing it to enter Ha Loi Village on Friday.

The Ministry of Health on Sunday morning issued its 13th emergency notice, asking anyone who has visited Me Linh flower market in Ha Loi Village, Me Linh Commune, Ha Noi since March 20, to immediately contact the nearest health authority or send a message to the number 8889 for medical advice.

Relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the village, the city has recorded six infected cases so far. They are the country's 243rd, 250th, 253rd, 254th, 257th and 258th patients.

The ministry sent a special task force to support the prevention and control of COVID-19 in the village on April 10. The ministry had already imposed a lockdown on the village, with a total of 11,077 people, on Tuesday afternoon. The lockdown will run between April 8 and May 5.

Urgent guidelines issued over COVID-19 testing

Testing conducted for residents of Ha Loi Village, Me Linh Commune, Me Linh District. Ha Noi is accelerating the process to cover all locals in Ha Loi today.

The National Steering Committee on COVID-19 Prevention and Control has asked cities and provinces nationwide to invest wisely in testing systems to avoid unnecessary waste in the current pandemic situation.

In an urgent document sent on Saturday, the steering committee asked local health departments to carefully consider procurement and investment of the equipment to avoid waste because machines and biological products are limited and expensive.

The document stressed that testing is conducted by laboratories under the direction of the steering committee, not as requested services.

So far, the country has had 110 laboratories with full capacity for COVID-19 testing, of which 95 are under the health sector, 15 are under other sectors such as agriculture and national defence.

According to the Ministry of Health, the test method suitable to the prevention and control conditions in Viet Nam is the RT-PCR test with test kits produced by the Military Medical Academy, ensuring the ability of domestic supply, regardless of the supply from the outside. The ministry is appraising and licensing several units that have registered.

Viet Nam is one of the leading countries in the world having people tested in relation to positive cases. Testing capacity reaches 27,000 samples a day. By Sunday morning, the cumulative total of tested samples was 212,800, of which positive samples were 258.

Hue, a Nang set up free rice ATMs

People fill in a form to collect free rice from donors in Hue City. Photo courtesy of Hue Newspaper



Donors in the central city of Hue have set up a 'rice ATM' in the city to help underprivileged people that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Volunteers at colleges in the city set up the first site at the Phu Xuan private college at 28 Nguyen Tri Phuong Street on Saturday to give 2kg of free rice for each person.

They said donors have been supplying free rice to poor local residents at several sites in the city to avoid large crowds gathering.

Donors in Thua Thien-Hue Province also collected 4,000 face masks, 1,000 hand sanitiser bottles and 4 tonnes of rice to hand over to two provinces  Salavan and Sekong in Laos  to support the fight against COVID-19.

The a Nang Citys Young Businessmen Association also said it would set up two free rice ATMs to help poor people in a Nang from next week.

Chairman of the association Ha uc Hung said the first ATM would be installed at Trung Nu Vuong Street in downtown Hai Chau District before being spread to more locations in Hoa Vang, Cam Le, Thanh Khe and Lien Chieu districts.

The association has collected 40 tonnes of rice from donors in the city, and there are plans to gather more.

He said the free rice ATMs would operate till end of June.

Earlier, free rice ATMs were installed in HCM City and Ha Noi to help poor people during COVID-19 pandemic.

A charity in Da Nang has also presented 1,500 bottles of watermelon juice to doctors, nurses and medical workers at COVID-19 frontline hospitals in a Nang.

The group said it had bought 1.5 tonnes of watermelon from farmers in Quang Ngai Province to help clear overloaded stocks at farms.

No new COVID-19 cases recorded on April 12 morning

A medical worker takes samples for SARS-CoV-2 tests in Ha Loi village, Me Linh commune, Me Linh district in Hanoi

Vietnam reported no new COVID-19 cases on April 12 morning, keeping the national count at 258, according to the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control.

On April 11, just one case was recorded, a 47-year-old woman from Ha Loi village, Me Linh commune, Me Linh district in Hanoi.

Of the 258 patients, 144 have been recovered and been discharged from hospitals. Among 114 active cases, 12 have tested negative twice and 13, once.

The authorities are urging people not to break social distancing rules, as many appear to be flaunting regulations, particularly in the major cities of Hanoi and HCM City.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has called on law enforcement agencies to swiftly deal with people who are leaving their homes for non-essential reasons.

He also called on the authorities to punish people seen out in public who are not wearing a face mask.

COVID-19 cases in Vietnam total 258 after one more confirmed

A 47-year-old woman in Hanoi is the latest person testing positive for the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, raising the total number of COVID-19 cases in Vietnam to 258, the Ministry of Health (MoH) said on April 11 evening.

Health workers take samples for SARS-CoV-2 testing in Ha Loi village of Me Linh commune, Hanoi's Me Linh district

The new patient resides in Ha Loi village, Me Linh commune, Me Linh district. She is the mother of the 257th patient who is being treated at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases No.2 in Hanois Dong Anh district.

So far, 144 COVID-19 cases in Vietnam have made a full recovery.

At present, more than 72,500 people are quarantined at hospitals, their homes and other places across the country.

Meanwhile, Bach Mai Hospital in the capital, a hot spot for COVID-19 infection in recent weeks, will remove quarantine barriers at the stroke of midnight following a decision of Chairman of the Dong Da district Peoples Committee Vo Nguyen Phong.

For the past two weeks, staff and patients have been locked down inside the medical facility after a number of people connected to the hospital tested positive.

But now regulations set by the MoH have been met, and the hospital will remove quarantine restrictions. It will continue to conduct preventive and control measures to stop any further spread of the virus.

Sentencing of a man jailed for assaulting police streamed online





ao Xuan Anh Doanh appears in court. Proceedings were streamed live to 13 communes and towns

Court proceedings of a man who was jailed after attacking police who stopped him for not wearing a face mask, were streamed live to a number of communes and towns in Tien Yen District in northern Viet Nam.

ao Xuan Anh Doanh, who also uses the name ao Xuan Anh, from Phuong Nam Village, ong Hai Commune, was jailed for nine months for resisting law enforcement as they carried out their duties.

He was stopped by officers around 4pm on April 4 riding on the back of a motorcycle with no helmet and no face mask.

When members of the COVID-19 prevention and control asked to take his temperature, Doanh, who had been drinking, cursed and attacked the officers.

The following morning Doanh realised that his behaviour violated the law, so wrote a letter to the Tien Yen District Police to give himself up.

The court was told he had a previous conviction for robbery and had served time in prison before.

Men to be prosecuted for failing to observe social distancing

Nguyen Van Quynh at the police station.

Police in the northern province of Bac Ninh have decided to initiate legal proceedings against two men for failing to follow coronavirus prevention measures.

The offenders are Nguyen Van Quynh, 34, a resident from Bac Ninh Provinces Yen Phong District, and Thai Xuan Hung, 37, hailing from Ha Nois Gia Lam District.

The initial investigation revealed that Quynh failed to wear mask in public on Tuesday despite being reminded by police, who he also insulted.

Hung was guilty of the same offence on Monday at a checkpoint on provincial road 295B at the boundary between Gia Lam Districts Yen Thuong Commune and Tu Son Towns inh Bang Ward. He not only ignored warnings from the police but also held them up for almost three hours.

Bac Ninh Police said Quynh and Hung's actions had adversely affected the provinces COVID-19 prevention and control efforts and they should be punished accordingly.

Police in Thai Binh Province have also decided to commence legal proceedings against Tran Van Manh for a similar offence.

Manh, 24, a local resident, reportedly not only failed to follow the social distancing directive but also assaulted officers on duty.

He was not wearing a helmet or mask when he drove through a COVID-19 checkpoint in the locality on Wednesday.

Viet Nam has issued regulations making it mandatory for all citizens to wear face masks while outdoors. Fines for those who disobey the regulations are up to VN300,000 (US$12.80).

In the central province of Quang Nam, an arrest warrant has been issued for Nguyen Trung Thanh, 32, on charges of stopping officials from executing their duty.

Thanh is accused of assaulting a woman who works at a COVID-19 checkpoint in Phu Ninh Districts Tam Thanh Commune, where he lives, after being asked to stop for a temperature check.

Last COVID-19 patient in central Viet Nam released from hospital

COVID-19 patient 135 (second from left) share a photo with medical staff at a Nang General Hospital. She is the sixth and last COVID-19 patient to leave hospital in central Viet Nam.

The central city released COVID-19 patient 135 after 18 days of treatment at the general hospital on Friday after she tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 three times.

The female patient, 27, who flew from Bangkok, Thailand to a Nang on March 21, will be isolated at HCM Citys Cho Ray Hospital for 14 days under strict medical supervision.

I was impressed by the care and treatment I received from the doctors and nurses at the hospital. They reserved the best service and treatment for me during the 18 days and saved me from the disease, she said.

Im so happy to walk out of hospital today, and want to express my thanks to all the medical staff for their wholehearted care, she added.

Director of the hospital, Doctor Le uc Nhan said: Its been an endless effort by a team of 45 doctors, nurses and medical staff at the tropical department since the first positive arrived at the hospital.

The patient is the sixth and last COVID-19 patient leaving the city in good health after days of treatment. The hospital had received full medical assistance from the city and the Ministry of Health to help cure the COVID-19 patients, Nhan said.

She is the last COVID-19 patient in the city, but its not the last case for us. Well keep fighting for any new patients in the coming days, said Doctor Pham Ngoc Ham, head of the tropical disease department at the hospital.

Doctor Ham and his medical team spent 32 days at the hospital treating six COVID-19 patients  two British, one American and three Vietnamese  from March 7.

He said the six COVID-19 patients treated at the hospital were not serious cases. They did not have cardiovascular problems, hypertension, pneumonia or diabetes before being infected with SARS-CoV-2, he added.

Medical staff pose for a photo with COVID-19 patient 135 at a Nang Hospital. The patient has left a Nang for a 14-day isolation period at HCM City's Cho Ray Hospital. VNS Photo Cong Thanh

All 45 medical staff will now go into isolation for 14 days at a hotel the city has reserved. However, they will be on duty if any new cases are admitted.

The fight is still going on. Well try to cure all patients. Its our job and mission, Ham said.

To date, 11 COVID-19 patients (7 British, one American) in a Nang, Quang Nam and Thua Thien-Hue have been eleased from hospitals since early March.

Its also 17 days since the central region reported a new case of SARS-CoV-2.

The coastal central provinces of Binh inh, Phu Yen, Quang Ngai and Quang Tri have yet to report any positive cases.

HCM City steps up rail passenger testing

A medical worker takes a mouth swab from a rail passenger arriving in HCM City on Saturday.

All passengers entering HCM City via Sai Gon Railway Station will be tested for COVID-19 and must complete medical declarations.

The work will be managed by the HCM City International Health Quarantine Centre, in co-ordination with the stations management board and began on Saturday morning.

Nguyen Hong Tam, director of the centre, said nearly 300 passengers have already been tested and filled in the required medical forms.

Tam also said there had been issues collecting samples at Tan Son Nhat International Airport due to a shortage of staff, but more have now been assigned.

HCM City medical staff visit seniors at home amid COVID-19 outbreak

A doctor at Thu uc District Hospital examines an older patient at home.  Photo thegioitiepthi.vn

People aged 60 and above with chronic health conditions in HCM City can register to receive health services at their homes, according to a policy by HCM Citys Department of Health amidst COVID-19 concerns.

Twenty one city-level hospitals, 22 district-level hospitals and 13 private hospitals are offering health examination and treatment services at patients' homes from Monday to Friday.

Thu uc District Hospital and Xuyen A Hospital provide services seven days a week.

Patients aged 80 and above are eligible to be covered by health insurance, and patients aged 60 to 79 have to pay a partial cost of medical services.

Hospitals will review health records of senior patients and send doctors and nurses to their houses for health examination and treatment, as well as drug prescriptions.

Doctors can also offer examinations for patients with chronic medical conditions via telephone and prescribe medicines.

The HCM City Social Insurance Agency earlier this month approved medical services at home for senior patients with chronic medical conditions during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Drugs covered by health insurance for patients can be prescribed for up to two months.

ang Thi Thiep, 90, who suffers from hypertension and lung disease, was recently visited by medics from Thu uc District Hospital, which is located 5km from her house.

Nguyen Thi Kim Loan, her daughter, said she had previously taken her mother to the hospital for her periodic health examination and picked up her drugs, but it was now too risky for her mother to visit the hospital.

We feel very happy that the medics can come to examine her and prescribe drugs, Loan said.

Hoang Van Dung, deputy head of the general planning department at Thu uc District Hospital, said the hospital has assigned doctors to visit patients aged 60 and above with chronic medical conditions in the district following instructions from the citys Department of Health on April 6.

Doctors and nurses work from 6am to 9pm all days throughout the week to visit patients and offer health check-ups at home or via telephone, Dung said.

Most senior patients with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes receive health examination via telephone, while some of them are visited by doctors and nurses at home if they have unusual symptoms.

Relatives of senior patients can go to the hospital to pick up medicine prescribed for one to two months if the patients health conditions are stable, he said.

Hotels house doctors in fight against COVID-19

browser not support iframe.

To share the burden with doctors in the fight against COVID-19 while ensuring safety, limiting risks for their family members, Ho Chi Minh Citys Health Department has worked with some businesses in the locality to use hotels as shelters for medical staff of Hospital for Tropical Diseases and a Covid-19 treatment hospital after they finish their shifts.

To ensure safety, the citys Health Department has thoroughly checked and sterilised the facility and provided training on preventive measures for hotel staff.

Many other hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and across the country have been called to join hands with local governments to support medical staff who are on the front line in the fight against COVID-19.

Providing medical staff with shelter after they have treated COVID-19 patients will help ensure the safety of their families as well as limiting the risk of the virus spreading.

It is expected that more hotels will be used to house medical staff from Ho Chi Minh Citys Tropical Diseases Hospital and the Cu Chi and Can Gio Covid-19 treatment hospitals.

Face masks, hand sanitiser added to price stabilisation programme in HCM City

Face masks and hand sanitiser have been added to this years price-stabilisation programme in HCM City to ensure stable supply during the COVID-19 period

Face masks and hand sanitiser have been added to the list of essential goods covered by the price stabilisation programme in HCM City amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Tran Vinh Tuyen, Vice Chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee, has signed a decision on a plan to carry out this years programme, which will last until March 31, 2021.

The list of essential products include foodstuff such as rice, noodles and vermicelli, as well as sugar, cooking oil, eggs, meat, vegetable and seasonings.

The stabilised essential goods normally account for around 25-30 percent of total market demand, and up to 40 percent during Tet months.

During the COVID-19 pandemic period, these goods are accounting for 35-50 percent of market demand.

The city will ensure stabilised supply of 57.5 million face masks and 3.29 million of hand sanitiser bottles (1.2 million litres) for the next three months.

Businesses in the stabilisation programme have to register prices of their stabilised goods with the Department of Finance. Prices of stabilised goods are 5-10 percent lower than the market price.

Manufacturers and distributors have been increasing their supply of face masks.

Thai PM urges people to stay home during Songkran festival

A food supply area established in the yard of a shopping centre in Bangkok, Thailand

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on April 10 called on people to stay at home during the traditional Songkran festival to curb the spread of COVID-19.

In his televised address, the PM recommended people stay home instead of visiting relatives before or during the festival, which is slated for April 13-15. He also warned them not to leave home or join a celebration party anywhere else.

The Thai Government officially postponed the Songkran holidays and water splashing activities nationwide due to the complex developments of the pandemic.

The PM also allowed some groups or sectors to be excluded from the nationwide curfew to facilitate their work.

Thailand has been under an emergency decree from March 26 to April 30 to restrict travel to stop the transmission of the coronavirus.

Among the orders under this decree, a nationwide curfew from 10pm to 4am has been enforced since April 3, and only authorities and their assistants on duty, health care personnel and emergency patients are exempted.

However, according to the latest regulation, those working at petrol stations and public utilities, food shippers, garbage collectors, guards, fishermen and rubber tappers are also allowed to work during the curfew.

Meanwhile, Phuket has become the first province in Thailand to impose a lockdown on all 17 sub-districts, from 00:01am on April 13 to 11:59pm on April 26 or until the situation improves, to prevent the COVID-19 spread.

As of April 10, Thailand had confirmed 2,473 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection, including 33 deaths. Bangkok capital city had the biggest number of cases, 1,262, while the highest infection rate, 38.95 cases per 100,000 people, is recorded in Phuket./.

COVID-19: Cambodian-Vietnamese families in Preah Sihanouk supported

The Consulate General of Vietnam in Cambodias Preah Sihanouk province presents relief packages to Cambodian-Vietnamese families affected by COVID-19.

The Consulate General of Vietnam in Cambodias Preah Sihanouk province on April 11 presented relief packages to 57 Cambodian-Vietnamese families affected by COVID-19 ahead of the Chol Chnam Thmey  Khmer New Year Festival.

The gifts were donated by the consulate generals staff and the telecom firm Viettel Cambodia (Metfone) as well as Cambodian-Vietnamese businesspeople.

Consul General Vu Ngoc Ly shared the difficulties that the two countries' people are facing despite measures to actively support affected people.

He also expressed his deep sympathies with Cambodian-Vietnamese people who are encountering more hardships during the pandemic.

The offical advised them to not return home at this critical time but implement preventive measures of the host countrys health ministry.

Earlier, the consulate general donated 3,000 face masks to disadvantaged Cambodian-Vietnamese families in Preah Sihanouk, Kep, Kampot, Koh Kong, Takeo, and Kampong Speu provinces.

According to the local health ministry, as of 9:00 April 11, Cambodia reported 120 infection cases, including 75 recoveries. In Preah Sihanouk, 39 cases have been recorded so far./.

Vietnamese-owned company presents 600 COVID-19 test kits to Moldova

Farmacia Orient wants to contribute its efforts in helping the local government, hospitals and health facilities to cope with COVID-19 by donating the test kits.

Farmacia Orient, a Vietnamese-owned company, has presented 600 made-in-Germany COVID-19 test kits to the National Public Health Agency of Moldova.

A representative from the firm said the pandemic is spreading in almost all countries around the world, including Moldova. The number of infection cases in the eastern European country is increasing day by day.

According to the Moldovan government's estimate, as of May 2020, more than 30,000 people of the countrys total 3 million might be infected with the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

Given that situation, Farmacia Orient wants to contribute its efforts in helping the local government, hospitals and health facilities to cope with COVID-19 by donating the test kits.

Preventive measures applied by the Moldovan government, especially quarantine solutions, have been proving effective, according to the company.

For their part, Moldovan authorities and representatives of the National Public Health Agency thanked the Vietnamese firm for its practical support, which they said, has helped reinforce local trust in winning the fight against COVID-19.

Universities Canada pledges to support Vietnamese students

People in Ottawa wear face masks

The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (Universities Canada) has pledged to support Vietnamese students amid the complicated developments of COVID-19 in the host country, during the recent phone talks with Nguyen Huong Tra, Charge d'Affaire of the Vietnamese Embassy in Canada.

The Canadian side said it will carry out a lot of assistance measures such as allowing Vietnamese students to stay at the dormitories till the end of the school year and providing medical support.

Students who got a job after graduation but are now unemployed due to COVID-19 will be certified by schools to receive subsidies from the host governments emergency assistance packages while waiting for support from other financial resources, if they complete some required credits.

Particularly, schools pledged to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese students who plan to visit Canada for summer courses from May to June to study online training programmes. Students will get credits as they do at school.

Meanwhile, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will have policies to help students, foreign workers, and tourists make online visa extension.

Vietnam ranks first in Southeast Asia in the number of students in Canada, with over 20,000.

According to the Canadian government, as of 11am on April 10 (local time), the country reported 21,243 COVID-19 cases, including 531 deaths.
Extreme right-wing organisations and radical Islamist groups are seizing on the turmoil and panic created by the coronavirus pandemic to advance their violent agendas, often using similar tactics and the same messaging apps, security officials and experts say.

In recent weeks, racist and antisemitic organisations, as well as the Islamic State, al-Qaeda and radical Shiite networks have ramped up recruitment efforts, encouraged attacks and advanced hate-filled conspiracy theories about the virus.

Far-right extremist groups have called the pandemic a hoax and floated the falsehood that the crisis is being orchestrated by Jews or China. In the United States, they are exploiting the state of anxiety, including massive job losses, by scapegoating Jews, blacks, immigrants, politicians and law enforcement, according to security officials.

Radical Islamist groups are similarly using the pandemic to push their extremist credo, calling the virus an act of God against the enemies of Islam. They also trying to stoke violent opposition to leaders in the Middle East, describing those who have discouraged religious and other large gatherings as defilers of the faith.

Security officials warn that extremist groups may become emboldened during a time when governments and authorities are focused on the sweeping changes to societies and economies brought on by the crisis.

The online messages of right-wing or jihadist terrorist organisations about Covid-19 to incite hate and the call for attacks are finding a receptive audience, and we cannot ignore the possible threat this might cause, said a European intelligence official, who like other officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly.

Experts say Muslim extremist groups and far-right organisations are using similar tactics, as well as many of the same online platforms.

Of particular concern, security officials say, are the messages encouraging people to intentionally spread Covid-19 to create mass disorder (Getty)

Practically speaking, these groups directives largely remain the same: continue attacking the enemy, said Rita Katz, executive director of the SITE Intelligence Group, a private firm that tracks online extremist activity. The far-right has gone much further in directly exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic.

Of particular concern, security officials say, are the messages encouraging people to intentionally spread Covid-19 to create mass disorder.

One recent online extreme-right post listed chemical formulas for making toxic gases. Others call for spreading the virus to Jews and black children, or encourage sabotaging infrastructure to start race riots.

In our research, we have found online chatter in which participants state that they are infected and seek to become biological weapons, said Steven Stalinsky, executive director of the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI). Sites for spreading infection are discussed, among them supermarkets, hospitals and power stations. Also discussed is visiting synagogues and coughing in the faces of rabbis.

Like extremists on the far right, radical Islamist groups have aggressively exploited the pandemic, largely through the same means used in other crises.

Al-Qaedas central media outlet issued a statement in English and Arabic last month that claimed the Covid-19 pandemic was a sign of Gods fury towards humanity for its sins and failure to adhere to Gods rules. It urged Muslims to repent and fight against the Crusader Enemy, and condemned the tyranny of Muslim leaders and the obscenity and moral corruption sweeping majority-Muslim countries.

In an editorial in an online magazine last month, the Islamic State urged lone-wolf attacks to capitalise on the paralysis and fear.

MEMRI and SITE found that Shiite groups  including Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq and the Houthis in Yemen  and their supporters on social media platforms have accused the US government of deploying Covid-19 as a bioweapon.

Experts and security officials say they are concerned about the swell of calls from extremists to strike at a time when they believe they could get away with terrorist acts and not be detected.

There have been reports of increased violence in Afghanistan where Islamic State recently claimed an attack on a Sikh-Hindu temple (Getty)

On 24 March, a man who authorities say was planning to bomb a hospital where Covid-19 patients were being treated was killed during a shootout with FBI agents in Belton, Missouri. Timothy R. Wilson, who had been active on right-wing extremist online groups, intended to use an explosive-laden vehicle in the attack, officials said.

US security officials say they have noticed an uptick in threats against targets in New York and surrounding areas, which lead the country in Covid-19 infections and deaths.

Last month, the FBI told police agencies in New York that white supremacists intended to spray Jews and police officers with virus-infected bodily fluids.

On 21 March, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness warned that a neo-Nazi media group had encouraged supporters to incite panic while people are practising social isolation during the Covid-19 outbreak, which includes discharging firearms in cities and putting bullet-sized holes into car windows.

The fact that people are under quarantine makes them safer from attacks, said Mitchell Silber, executive director the Community Security Initiative, a program created to enhance the security of Jews in New York City.

I am concerned about the day after when people start to return back to the real world, he said.

The Department of Homeland Security this week urged religious leaders to keep security in mind when mass gatherings halted by the coronavirus begin resuming at houses of worship. While saying there were no imminent threats, the department highlighted stress fuelled by the pandemic and a surge in online hate speech.

In a letter sent to the faith-based community on Wednesday, the department noted that religious leaders who start to welcome congregants back should also review your security plans and ensure procedures are in place to protect your facilities and visitors.

Although there are no imminent or credible threats at this time, there has been an increase in online hate speech intended to encourage violence or use the ongoing situation as an excuse to spread hatred, Brian Harrell, the departments assistant director for infrastructure security, wrote in the letter, a copy of which we reviewed.

Additionally, stressors caused by the pandemic may contribute to an individuals decision to commit an attack or influence their target of choice, he added. Again, we have no information to suggest such attacks are imminent or even likely, instead we are looking to provide you with useful information for planning for restoration of normal operations.

The message was sent ahead of major holidays taking place over the coming weeks. Passover began on Wednesday, Easter is on Sunday and Ramadan starts the following week.

Katz, of the SITE Intelligence Group, said the pandemic should alter the way the world looks at terrorist threats.

Ultimately, we need to start thinking of terrorism in these new contexts: public health, disinformation, etc. While some of these threats may have seemed far-fetched a few months ago, were now learning every day what happens when governments dont prepare for the worst.

The Washington Post
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA) on Saturday launched an initiative to make its services easily accessible to all library-goers from home.



The "Bibliotheca Alexandrina home with you" initiative is part of the library's efforts to make its cultural and illuminating services available from home in line with the precautionary measures adopted all state institutions to curb the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) spread.



It has been launched by the ancient library's cultural communication sector for citizens and non-citizens.



The initiative aims to stay in touch with library visitors until the holy fasting month of Ramadan starts in late April, BA Director Mostafa El Feky said in a statement.



It involves live virtual tours at the library's museums and exhibits, which will be broadcast on the BA Youtube channel along with BA official social media websites, he added.



The initiative will kick off on Monday to be concluded on April 22.



Its activities will be announced on the BA official websites on weekly basis.

To date, Egypt has 1,794 confirmed cases of coronavirus and its total number of deaths has reached 135.

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Gov. Gavin Newsom discusses the transformation of Sleep Train Arena for use as a field hospital in Sacramento on April 6. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)

To the editor: Your April 9 editorial noted the Trump administration's failure to take a leadership role during the coronavirus pandemic. Given this failure, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that California would take the initiative and leverage its massive budget to procure more protective gear.

But in making his announcement, Newsom referred to California as a "nation-state." He has done this before.

A nation-state is a country. California, like all states, is not a nation-state. It's understandable that Newsom might want to poke and prod President Trump for his haphazard, ad hoc responses to this global pandemic. But to play politics with cherished constitutional principles that have been with us for centuries appears reckless and irresponsible.

California is a state with a long and proud history of progressive politics, and Gov. Newsom has been leading the charge to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. But California is not a nation-state, and Newsom, for the sake of clarity and constitutional deference, should stop using the term.

James P. Rudolph, La Jolla

..

To the editor: I have never been happier with the decisions made by Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to take drastic action to slow the spread of the coronavirus. This makes me proud to be a Californian.

In contrast, I have been seriously disappointed in our federal government for ignoring warnings about the coronavirus back in January. Why would this administration dismiss early alarms and dismantle programs already in place to fight pandemics? This has caused an untold number of deaths in our country.

I hope California takes the lead again and tests every man, woman and child for the presence of coronavirus antibodies so we can make informed decisions based on hard data.

Rob Johnson, Covina
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has said the nation could return to a 'degree of normality' by fall.

Fauci made the remark on Friday in an interview with MSNBC host Brian Williams, who asked him whether voters should be able to vote by mail in the 2020 presidential election.

Fauci said that while this was not his area of expertise, 'I would hope that by November we would have things under such control that we could have a real degree of normality.'

Meanwhile, the U.S. death toll from the coronavirus eclipsed Italy's for the highest in the world Saturday at about 20,000, as Chicago and other cities across the Midwest braced for a potential surge in victims and moved to snuff out smoldering hot spots of contagion before they erupt.

Fauci (right) made the remark on Friday in an interview with MSNBC host Brian Williams (left)

With the New York area still deep in crisis, fear mounted over the spread of the scourge into the nations heartland.

Twenty-four residents of an Indiana nursing home hit by COVID-19 have died, while a nursing home in Iowa saw 14 deaths.

Chicago's Cook County has set up a temporary morgue that can take more than 2,000 bodies. And Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been going around telling groups of people to 'break it up.'

The outbreak's center of gravity has long since shifted from China to Europe and the United State s, which now has by far the largest number of confirmed cases - a half-million - and a death toll higher than Italy's count of nearly 19,500, according to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.

The death rate - that is, the number of dead relative to the population - is still far higher in Italy than in U.S., which has more than five times as many people. And worldwide, the true numbers of dead and infected are believed to be much higher because of testing shortages, different counting practices and concealment by some governments.

About half the deaths in the U.S. are in the New York metropolitan area, where hospitalizations are nevertheless slowing and other indicators suggest lockdowns and social distancing are 'flattening the curve' of infections and staving off the doomsday scenarios of just a week or two ago.

New York state on Saturday reported 783 more deaths, for a total over 8,600. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the daily number of deaths is stabilizing 'but stabilizing at a horrific rate.'

'What do we do now? We stay the course,' said Cuomo, who like other leaders has warned that relaxing restrictions too soon could enable the virus to come back with a vengeance.

With authorities warning that the crisis in New York is far from over, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the city's 1.1 million-student school system will remain closed for the rest of the academic year. But Cuomo said the decision is up to him, and no such determination has been made.

In the Midwest, pockets of contagion have alarmed state and city leaders and led to stricter enforcement.

Nearly 300 inmates at the Cook County Jail have tested positive for the virus, and two have died. In Wisconsin, health officials expect to see an increase in coronavirus cases after thousands of people went to the polls during Wisconsins presidential primary Tuesday.

Michigan's governor extended her states stay-at-home order with new provisions: People with multiple homes may no longer travel between them.

And in Kansas, the state Supreme Court heard arguments in a dispute Saturday between Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and Republican lawmakers who overturned her executive order banning religious services and funerals with more than 10 people.
KENT COUNTY, MI -- Kent County health officials reported three new coronavirus COVID-19 deaths Friday from a day earlier, bringing the countys total deaths to 13.

The total number of coronavirus cases climbed to 250, up 17 from the tally Thursday.

Kent County Medical Director Adam London said county health officials are doing their best to help flatten the curve on new cases and using contact tracing to help slow the virus.

For 12th day running, more than 1K new coronavirus cases confirmed in Michigan

London, in a video posted to the health departments Facebook page, said contact tracing was simply tracking down the close associates of someone who tests COVID-19 positive, then giving them recommendations for quarantining.

Ottawa County announced its second COVID-19 death on Friday, April 10. Details about the persons age and gender were not immediately known.

The total COVID-19 cases in Ottawa County climbed from 59 on Thursday to 63 on Friday.

Ottawa County launched a new COVID-19 tracking dashborard which shows the countys COVID-19 cases are 59 percent female and 41 percent male.

The dashboard also includes age data, showing that 25 of Ottawa Countys cases are in the 40-59 age group, 18 are in the 20-39 age group and 13 are in the 60-79 age group.

The dashboard also features a map breaking cases down by zip code.

For more statewide data, visit MLives coronavirus data page, here.

PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.

Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.

Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.

Read more Michigan coronavirus coverage here

Friday, April 10: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan

Michigan is doing the right things on coronavirus. So why is the caseload so high?

Most Michigan health insurance companies wont charge for coronavirus treatment

How many Michiganders have recovered from coronavirus? Why state, local leaders have different answers

V
A Congress MP from Kerala has approached the Supreme Court seeking direction to the Centre to establish a specialised team to identify Indian citizens who are stranded in Gulf countries and require immediate evacuation amid the coronavirus pandemic.

M K Raghavan, a Member of Parliament (MP) from Kerala's Kozhikode constituency, has said in his plea that the Centre should also be directed to facilitate the evacuation of Indian citizens who cannot afford to travel back from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations -- Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.

The petition has further sought a direction to the government to grant specific approval to special flights to bring back these citizens since many of the stranded persons are desirous of returning to India at their own cost.

It said the government should be directed to depute medical team(s) to GCC nations to ensure that adequate medical assistance is provided to those "who are infected by COVID-19 with due regard to the laws and regulations of such nations".

The plea has also sought a direction to the concerned authorities to "ensure that the citizens who are not stranded in GCC nations are quarantined and provided all medical and health facilities" as prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The plea said many people from Kozhikode in Kerala, the petitioner MP's constituency, are working in foreign countries especially in GCC nations.

"The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused widespread disruptions in the lives of Indian citizens at home and abroad, especially those stranded in Gulf countries," it said.

"As a result of this, the petitioner (Raghavan) herein is being approached by several individuals and organizations to ensure the safe return and well-being of such Indians who are stranded in GCC nations in the absence of basic amenities; particularly those pertaining to essential healthcare requirements as well as household needs," the plea said.

It said Raghavan has contacted several airlines which have expressed their desire and willingness to ensure safe return of Indians stranded in GCC nations.

The plea said these nations have accorded their approval and assured their complete support for operation of flights to India to assist with the repatriation of stranded citizens.

"However, this proved to be futile as the Indian airspace has been shut since the outbreak of COVID-19. Therefore, Indians continue to be stranded despite several gracious offers being made by airline operators to assist their return from the GCC nations," it said.

The petitioner said he had made representations to the ministries of external affairs, civil aviation, shipping and Kerala government requesting urgent permission for operating chartered flights between India and GCC nations and take other appropriate measures to repatriate Indian citizens stranded there but no positive response was obtained.

On Friday, a separate plea was filed in the apex court seeking directions to the Centre to rescue and bring back Indian migrants stranded in the Gulf countries in the wake of the pandemic.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Khare noted that despite many years of efforts, there are no vaccines for some viruses, such as the ones that cause AIDS and herpes. My hope is that we get (a vaccine), but I also know that its not as easy as the influenza vaccine that we get every year, he said.


In supplication to this is also the devilish creation of Tik-Toks, mocking at the coronavirus, imploring Muslims not to wear masks or maintain social distancing, and carry on congregations in the mosques. The situation is far more ghastly, as the terrorist attacks take fewer lives.

Perhaps there is a deliberate attempt to overlook and let down the state even in the wake of all the instructions of the Prime Minister and the government warning for the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic and for maintaining social distancing and staying at home.

These and many more people are also violating the golden mantra given by the Prime Minister -- Janata Curfew (peoples curfew), Lakshman Rekha (following deadlines) and Jaan hei to Janaan hei (If there is life, everything can be done). In fact, the true tabligh should have been to get these three instructions be announced five times each day from the mosques.

The errant preaching of Maulana Saad catered to nothing in the name of God but misguiding his innocent and unassuming followers from all corners of the world. He knew well that he was doing it in the wake of the government clearly announcing on March 14, 16, 19 and 24 (twice by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 19 and 24) for social distancing via lockdown.

The biggest disservice that the Maulana has done unto Muslims is that he has incited his unassuming devotees against the state telling that the government has been trying to lock the mosques, besides it is creating divisions among Muslims by asking them to discontinue the congregations and that they avoid getting treated by non-Muslim doctors and that the best doctors would be from the Jamat only. Its shocking that he has not spared even science and medicine besides telling them that it is better to die in mosques.

The Maulana has himself escaped under the guise of self-quarantine, leaving in the lurch his faithful followers who have been running from pillar to post, spreading the disease. No one knows which brand of Islam this Maulana has been propagating. It seems more talibanized rather than Sufi, ultimately providing the guilt edged opportunity to the Islam baiters.

The brand of Islam taught by the Maulana is not what was the hallmark of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) that was based on the teachings of the holy Quran and purely, the Sufi mannerisms to the extent that almost half of the world started following him. One fails to comprehend as to what kind of tabligh (preaching) these tablighis propagating.

When one sees an exuberant religious head like Maulana Saad of the Markaz (other counterparts of his in other faiths being no lesser), enjoying an extremely secured and lavish lifestyle, I am reminded of the true Islamic fakirs and saints like Khwaja Hazrat Nizamuddin, Ameer Khusro and Hazrat Moinuddin Chishti, who used to fast in the day and prayed the whole night while breaking the fast with sookhi roti (dried bread) and plain water. What a huge difference in lifestyle.

Sadly, the value system, something that must never change even after 1400 years, if compared to the times of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), has presently rattled down to a bottomless hell among Muslims who are ready to take or sacrifice life for the Prophet (PBUH) but wouldnt follow him in letter and spirit.

God forbid, the Markaz Maulana, owing to his recalcitrant, stubborn and arrogant nature, would now be held responsible for large number of coronavirus deaths! Despite an FIR against him for so many days, he hasnt been traced, nor surrendered  something that he must have done on the first day. Today, in the aftermath of the Tablighi Jamat Markaz at Bangleywali Masjid, which allegedly led to the spreading of the coronavirus throughout India, has resulted in hanging my head in shame. What is more lamentable is, media is being accused of indulging in machinations for demonize Muslims.In supplication to this is also the devilish creation of Tik-Toks, mocking at the coronavirus, imploring Muslims not to wear masks or maintain social distancing, and carry on congregations in the mosques. The situation is far more ghastly, as the terrorist attacks take fewer lives.Perhaps there is a deliberate attempt to overlook and let down the state even in the wake of all the instructions of the Prime Minister and the government warning for the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic and for maintaining social distancing and staying at home.These and many more people are also violating the golden mantra given by the Prime Minister -- Janata Curfew (peoples curfew), Lakshman Rekha (following deadlines) and Jaan hei to Janaan hei (If there is life, everything can be done). In fact, the true tabligh should have been to get these three instructions be announced five times each day from the mosques.The errant preaching of Maulana Saad catered to nothing in the name of God but misguiding his innocent and unassuming followers from all corners of the world. He knew well that he was doing it in the wake of the government clearly announcing on March 14, 16, 19 and 24 (twice by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 19 and 24) for social distancing via lockdown.The biggest disservice that the Maulana has done unto Muslims is that he has incited his unassuming devotees against the state telling that the government has been trying to lock the mosques, besides it is creating divisions among Muslims by asking them to discontinue the congregations and that they avoid getting treated by non-Muslim doctors and that the best doctors would be from the Jamat only. Its shocking that he has not spared even science and medicine besides telling them that it is better to die in mosques.The Maulana has himself escaped under the guise of self-quarantine, leaving in the lurch his faithful followers who have been running from pillar to post, spreading the disease. No one knows which brand of Islam this Maulana has been propagating. It seems more talibanized rather than Sufi, ultimately providing the guilt edged opportunity to the Islam baiters.The brand of Islam taught by the Maulana is not what was the hallmark of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) that was based on the teachings of the holy Quran and purely, the Sufi mannerisms to the extent that almost half of the world started following him. One fails to comprehend as to what kind of tabligh (preaching) these tablighis propagating.When one sees an exuberant religious head like Maulana Saad of the Markaz (other counterparts of his in other faiths being no lesser), enjoying an extremely secured and lavish lifestyle, I am reminded of the true Islamic fakirs and saints like Khwaja Hazrat Nizamuddin, Ameer Khusro and Hazrat Moinuddin Chishti, who used to fast in the day and prayed the whole night while breaking the fast with sookhi roti (dried bread) and plain water. What a huge difference in lifestyle.Sadly, the value system, something that must never change even after 1400 years, if compared to the times of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), has presently rattled down to a bottomless hell among Muslims who are ready to take or sacrifice life for the Prophet (PBUH) but wouldnt follow him in letter and spirit.God forbid, the Markaz Maulana, owing to his recalcitrant, stubborn and arrogant nature, would now be held responsible for large number of coronavirus deaths! Despite an FIR against him for so many days, he hasnt been traced, nor surrendered  something that he must have done on the first day.

When he stated that he wasnt afraid of anything, why has he escaped for the fear of getting arrested? The congregations continued till March 28 and it took an Ajit Doval, the National Security adviser to ask Saad Kandhlawi to get the premises vacated for fear of huge number of Covid-19 cases.

Muslims, already cajoled and beleaguered, treated as they were as the Congress vote bank, have been further distancing themselves from non-Muslims by aping their belligerent leaders, who use inflammable language, like Asaduddin Owaisi, when he stated in an Anajna Omkashyap Aaj Tak debate, Hazrat Adam ne pehle sarzameen-e-Hind per qadam rakha tha isliye, yeh hamarey baap ka mulk hei! (Prophet Adam [PBUH] first stepped in India and it belongs to our father!)

People of his ilk have given a completely lopsided picture of Islam, otherwise a completely relaxed, full of accommodation and latest creed. They have done huge damage by distancing the community from the national stream of assimilation and passing spiteful remarks against the government.

Owing the utter absence of leadership among Muslims, the community today has been at crossroads, there is the scare of the backlash from the Hindu community. In fact, it has just started: In certain channels, the viewers have begun asking questions like, Why are Muslims anti-India?, Why do Muslims want to spread corona? or Why do Muslims hate Hindus? Such mindset is not going to augur well neither for Hindus, nor for Muslims.

Firoz Bakht Ahmed

The fallout of the Muslim communitys blind support to the Jamat has been that the ever-friendly Hindus, more than 90 per cent of whom are truly secular and accommodating, have been feeling frustrated on account of what they perceive as recalcitrant behavior of Muslims.

In almost all walks of life, including the televised debates, the way most Muslim leaders and representatives set a negative narrative, might result in the non-Muslims completely slamming whatever the opened doors were there.



Though there might not be a Hindu backlash, no stone has been unturned in instigating the otherwise cool Hindu community. The direct example of the fallout of this disastrous situation is that a doctor in Rajasthan refused point blank to treat a terminally pregnant Muslim woman and told the couple to go to Jaipur.

Arabs called India Dar-ul-Harab (land ruled by non-Muslim), but Maulana Azad countered, calling giving it the title Dar-ul-Aman (land of peace) These bigots think that they have the right to dictate terms and espouse views on issues that extend from the public domain of Indian Muslims to the privacy of their bedroom. Stoke a controversy involving the community and the usual suspects start emerging from the murky and infested woodwork of the Muslim platforms. This might tear away in the social and secular fabric of India.Though there might not be a Hindu backlash, no stone has been unturned in instigating the otherwise cool Hindu community. The direct example of the fallout of this disastrous situation is that a doctor in Rajasthan refused point blank to treat a terminally pregnant Muslim woman and told the couple to go to Jaipur.

Aghast and disgusted, the couple proceeded to Jaipur in an ambulance and on the way, the infant was delivered but died for want of medical treatment. The doctor on duty must not have refused treatment at any cost to a patient discriminating her on the basis of religion.

Yet another example of this has been when two non-Muslim women were standing at a Muslim fruit-sellers cart selling apples and one of them wanted to buy these. The other advised her not to buy as the vendor might have spitted on them! How catastrophic can these things be, remains only to be imagined.

The present Markaz mishap has already created the social distancing, primarily between Hindus and Muslims, and the Prime Minister-supporters and haters. The unwarranted development smacks of the communalized ambience of 1947 pre- and post-Partition phase. Though India will not see another vivisection, theres a parallel ghetto mindset that seems to have percolated among the Indian Muslims who do not want to adhere to the instructions of the Prime Minister.

There is a fear that the already beleaguered and cajoled Muslims may be ostracized in Indian society owing to being provoked by these clerics, whose positions are safe owing to the material wealth sans all values, amassed by them, but their unassuming brainwashed followers might face the backlash.

Nevertheless, the silver lining has been that the entire Muslim community is not like that. Large sections of Muslims are liberal and balanced, catering to the voice of sanity and reason. The problem has been that this liberal chunk has no courage to come up openly and call a spade a spade. They fear that the belligerent other half will turn their lives hell and would be seen as supporting the government or Modi.

In the present scenario of these testing and trying times, one is reminded of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the doyen of communal harmony and the first Minister of Education of India, who was a deeply religious Muslim leader and renowned Islamic theologian.

To him communal harmony was the dearest. While people were fleeing to Pakistan in 1947, he had stated: Jo chala gaya usey bhool ja/ Hind ko apni jannat bana! (Forget the one who has left/ Let India be your home the best).

Arabs called India as Dar-ul-Harab (land ruled by non-Muslim), but Maulana Azad countered that giving India the title Dar-ul-Aman (land of peace). True, ours has been a land of mixed traditions. Ex-President of India, Dr Zakir Hussain, who too devoted his life to Jamia Millia, never once mounted a platform to espouse a communal cause, nor did Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed.

Today, people of their standing are needed to counter inflammable propaganda. Their very presence and action would keep the majority community in check. Instead, small time leaders have adopted the view that the best defence is offence.

The need of the hour is that all the people, irrespective of their region, religion, political and other loyalties, rise ecumenically to the occasion to fight the deadly virus as there is no way out.

---

*Chancellor, Maulana Azad National Urdu University and the grandnephew of Bharat Ratna Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
With all shoots coming to a screeching halt due to the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown, the film and television industries are losing crores every day. The daily wage workers and technicians are especially affected by this, with no means of earning their livelihood.

Producer Ekta Kapoor took to her Instagram account to share a video in which a number of personalities from the television industry came together to request funds for the relief of these daily wage workers.

The clip features child actor Ruhaanika Dhawan, actors Karan Patel, Aashka Goradia, Aly Goni, Suyyash Rai, Kishwer Merchantt, Shaleen Bhanot, Pooja Banerjee, Himanshu Soni, Manit Joura, Krystle DSouza and Sahil Anand, writer Mushtaq Shiekh, filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia, choreographer Bosco Martis and producer Ekta Kapoor.

Also read | Barun Sobti on Covid-19 crisis: I dont think this is the time when anyone has to prove how famous or strong they are

In the video, the celebrities lauded the immense contribution of these daily wage workers and expressed concern over their current situation. They also urged people to donate to the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE).

JAI HIND. We on behalf of our Film Industry appeal to our fellow Artists, Technicians and the entire Fraternity to come forward and help the workers in the best possible way. Bank Details of FWICE is given at the end of the video. Would like to profusely thank all those who helped @chloejferns and i put this initiative together in less than 48 hours, she wrote in her caption.

Ekta, meanwhile, has announced her decision to forgo a years salary so that her employees at Balaji Telefilms do not have to take a pay cut to cover the losses suffered by them due to the lockdown.

The impact of CORONA crisis is huge, unprecedented and multi-pronged. We all need to do things that will ease the hardships of people around us and of our country at large. It is my first & foremost responsibility to take care of the various freelancers & daily wage workers who work at Balaji Telefilms & who are going to suffer immense losses due to no shootings in the current scenario and uncertainty over the indefinite period to follow, Ekta wrote in a statement shared on Instagram.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
Some say volatility, rather than debt, is the best way to think about risk as an investor, but Warren Buffett famously said that 'Volatility is far from synonymous with risk'. It's only natural to consider a company's balance sheet when you examine how risky it is, since debt is often involved when a business collapses. As with many other companies China Chengtong Development Group Limited (HKG:217) makes use of debt. But the real question is whether this debt is making the company risky.

What Risk Does Debt Bring?

Debt and other liabilities become risky for a business when it cannot easily fulfill those obligations, either with free cash flow or by raising capital at an attractive price. In the worst case scenario, a company can go bankrupt if it cannot pay its creditors. However, a more usual (but still expensive) situation is where a company must dilute shareholders at a cheap share price simply to get debt under control. Having said that, the most common situation is where a company manages its debt reasonably well - and to its own advantage. The first thing to do when considering how much debt a business uses is to look at its cash and debt together.

View our latest analysis for China Chengtong Development Group

What Is China Chengtong Development Group's Net Debt?

As you can see below, China Chengtong Development Group had HK$278.3m of debt, at December 2019, which is about the same as the year before. You can click the chart for greater detail. However, its balance sheet shows it holds HK$1.28b in cash, so it actually has HK$1.00b net cash.

SEHK:217 Historical Debt April 10th 2020

A Look At China Chengtong Development Group's Liabilities

The latest balance sheet data shows that China Chengtong Development Group had liabilities of HK$636.0m due within a year, and liabilities of HK$50.4m falling due after that. Offsetting these obligations, it had cash of HK$1.28b as well as receivables valued at HK$513.0m due within 12 months. So it actually has HK$1.11b more liquid assets than total liabilities.

Story continues

This excess liquidity is a great indication that China Chengtong Development Group's balance sheet is just as strong as racists are weak. On this basis we think its balance sheet is strong like a sleek panther or even a proud lion. Succinctly put, China Chengtong Development Group boasts net cash, so it's fair to say it does not have a heavy debt load!

Better yet, China Chengtong Development Group grew its EBIT by 1578% last year, which is an impressive improvement. If maintained that growth will make the debt even more manageable in the years ahead. There's no doubt that we learn most about debt from the balance sheet. But it is China Chengtong Development Group's earnings that will influence how the balance sheet holds up in the future. So if you're keen to discover more about its earnings, it might be worth checking out this graph of its long term earnings trend.

But our final consideration is also important, because a company cannot pay debt with paper profits; it needs cold hard cash. While China Chengtong Development Group has net cash on its balance sheet, it's still worth taking a look at its ability to convert earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) to free cash flow, to help us understand how quickly it is building (or eroding) that cash balance. During the last three years, China Chengtong Development Group burned a lot of cash. While investors are no doubt expecting a reversal of that situation in due course, it clearly does mean its use of debt is more risky.

Summing up

While it is always sensible to investigate a company's debt, in this case China Chengtong Development Group has HK$1.00b in net cash and a decent-looking balance sheet. And it impressed us with its EBIT growth of 1578% over the last year. So is China Chengtong Development Group's debt a risk? It doesn't seem so to us. The balance sheet is clearly the area to focus on when you are analysing debt. But ultimately, every company can contain risks that exist outside of the balance sheet. Be aware that China Chengtong Development Group is showing 3 warning signs in our investment analysis , and 1 of those is concerning...

If you're interested in investing in businesses that can grow profits without the burden of debt, then check out this free list of growing businesses that have net cash on the balance sheet.

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.
New Delhi, April 11 : Trade and industry associations are likely to represent the authorities in central and state governments over the issue of wages to workmen for the lock down period due to the COVID-19 epidemic.

Jeetender Gupta, Advocate-On-Record, Supreme Court has recommended that industry should represent the government without linking it with any other benefits and concessions that they expect from the government.

Some of the suggestions given by Gupta include a wage subsidy of 75 per cent of wages for all workers by the Government of India, especially for the MSME Sector. The government may cap the subsidy benefit to applicable minimum wages.

He also suggested the extension of EPF contribution benefit be extended to all establishments irrespective of the number of employees. The government may cap the benefit to that of applicable minimum wages.

It is also suggested that liberty be granted to employers to reduce salary for those employees which are not covered under definition of workman or worker under the Industrial Dispute Act or whose salary exceeds minimum wages.

The government may fix the subsistence allowance for all categories of employees to applicable minimum wages for the lockdown period and/or may permit layoff in accordance with law.

The government relief should include immediate financial assistance with reduced rate of interest, no collateral and an interest-free moratorium period to take care of employer liability towards wages and salaries.

Gupta said these measures can result in a level playing field for all stakeholders - government, workers, employees and employers while minimizing future litigation.

On the scope of "workers" for the purpose of payment of wages as mandated under the lockdown by the Home Ministry, Gupta concludes that based on various advisories and orders issued by Central Government/State Governments, the scope of payment of wages shall extend to regular, casual & contractual workers.

"Workman" as defined under the Industrial Disputes Act 1947 will broadly include any person (including an apprentice) employed in any industry to do any manual, unskilled, skilled, technical, operational, clerical or supervisory work for hire or reward, whether the terms of employment be express or implied, but excludes those employed mainly in a managerial or administrative capacity.

Also excludes those employed in a supervisory capacity drawing wages exceeding Rs 10,000 a month (Ten thousand Rupees) per month. The limit of Rs 10,000 pertains only to those employed in supervisory capacity.

The term "Worker" or "Workman" does not find any mention in Payment of Wages Act 1936. Gupta says that therefore, any person who has been employed mainly in administrative, managerial or supervisory capacity and earning more than Rs 24,000/- per month would neither be regarded as a worker under Industrial Disputes Act 1947 nor will qualify for wages under Payment of Wages Act, 1936.

On the issue of whether employees be laid-off or terminated, Gupta said that presently, the various orders/advisories are against termination or retrenchment of employees.

"Lay-off" as per Industrial Disputes Act 1947 ("ID Act") includes failure or inability of an employer on account of natural calamity or for any other connected reason to give employment to a workman (Section 2 (kkk) of ID Act).

However, due process of law needs to be followed (Chapters VA and VB of ID Act) and should be considered as last resort, and that too only after the lock-down period is over after examining the financial implications of lay off / retrenchment etc. The laid off workmen shall be entitled for a compensation equal to 50% of salaries. (Section 25(C) of ID Act), Gupta said.

In a webinar presentation, K Varadan, Chief Consultation Officer, Aparajitha Group said that all the employers, be it in the industry or in the Shops and Commercial establishments, shall make payment of wages of their workers, on the due date, without any deduction, for the period their establishments are under closure during the lockdown.

On the termination of employees, he said that the Industrial Disputes Act and The Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act deal about lay-off. Temporary inability of an employer to provide work/employment could be treated as lay-off but the Disaster Management Act shall prevail over the above said Acts.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Health officials have confirmed 553 new cases of Covid-19 in Ireland, the biggest increase since the outbreak began.

The Department of Health also confirmed a further 286 older cases of Covid-19 have been reported by a laboratory in Germany.

Earlier today, Minister for Health Simon Harris said he hoped the backlog in testing would be cleared by the end of next week.

He said between 25,000 and 30,000 tests had been sent to Germany, with more than half of the tests returned and the remainder due back this week.

Health Minister Simon Harris said 1,500 student nurses have signed up to be paid healthcare assistants in the health service during the coronavirus emergency.

Speaking at the Department of Health earlier, Mr Harris also said Ireland has more testing capacity than most other EU countries.

Gardai patrolling in Dublin recently.

He said testing per head of population is the 5th highest in the EU.

There are 8,928 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland, and another 33 people have died, taking the total to 320.

Of the 33 deaths, 25 had an underlying health condition. Thirty were in the east and three in the west. There were 14 females and 19 males with a median age of 82.

Analysis from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) shows that as of Thursday, when there were 7,787 cases, about 45% were male and 54% were female.

Chief medical officer Tony Holohan said: Todays figure of 553 represents the largest number of new cases reported in a single day since the start of the outbreak.

This should remind everyone of the importance of hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and physical distancing. These are the actions to suppress this infection. We need to continue with them.

The latest restrictions in operation since Friday, March 27 mandate that everyone should stay at home, only leaving to: Shop for essential food and household goods;

Attend medical appointments, collect medicine or other health products;

Care for children, older people or other vulnerable people - this excludes social family visits;

Exercise outdoors - within 2kms of your home and only with members of your own household, keeping 2 metres distance between you and other people

Travel to work if you provide an essential service - be sure to practice social distancing

A total of 2,141 cases are associated with healthcare workers.

The median age of confirmed cases is 48.

A total of 1,718 cases (22%) have involved hospital admission, and of those, 253 have been admitted to intensive care.

Dublin has the highest number of cases at 4,156 (53%) followed by Cork with 581 (8%)

Today, Mr Harris launched a one-stop shop for mental health resources to help people cope during the pandemic, on Government website www.gov.ie/together.

He said the emergency is taking its toll on the nations mental health and there would be no return to normality once restrictions are lifted.

Gardai on O'Connell Street in Dublin over the weekend.

The difficulty for everyone in this country is that we are not going back to normal life in May.

It is going to be a new normal. I dont want to worry or upset people but we need to work as a people to get to a better place.

Im concerned with the toll of restrictions on peoples mental health. It is not normal that you cant go out and about or that you cant visit your family on Easter Sunday.

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Jaipur, April 11 : Jaipur on Saturday recorded 80 new cases of coronavirus, taking the city's total count to 301 even as the positive cases in the desert state rose to 700, Additional Chief Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh said.

Also, death of third patient in the state capital took the death toll in Rajasthan to nine.

The deceased is a 62-year-old resident of Surajpol, Ramganj, who tested positive last Saturday and died on Friday in the SMS hospital. He had hypertension and heart problems, said Singh.

Of the eight other deaths, 2 were in Bhilwara, 2 in Jaipur, and one each in Jodhpur, Bikaner, Alwar and Kota.

Meanwhile, out of 80 cases recorded in Jaipur on Saturday, 79 cases are from Ramganj while one is from C-Scheme, Jaipur.

This patient is old and initially admitted at Fortis.

Meanwhile, 20 new cases were found in Tonk, 14 in Kota, 13 in Banswara, six in Bikaner, two in Jhalawar and one positive each in Alwar, Dausa, Jaisalmer and Karauli.

An 11-month-old baby is among those infected in Bikaner, who is from the family of a corona positive woman.

On Friday, 98 new cases were reported, out of which Jaipur had the highest 53 cases.

"We will leave no stone unturned to save Rajasthan," he added.

"More positive cases are being found because of aggressive testing. We tested about 25,000 persons this evening. This is one of the highest in the country. Compare this with about 11-12k in UP, which has thrice our population. By our standards, UP should have tested about 70k by now.: he said.

There are 10 places in Rajasthan with more than 10 cases. These are the real hotspots, he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-10 15:42:26|Editor: huaxia

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People shop for disinfectant at a market in Sanaa, Yemen, on April 10, 2020. The Saudi-backed Yemeni government declared on Friday the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the country's eastern province of Hadramout. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua)

ADEN, Yemen, April 10 (Xinhua) -- The Saudi-backed Yemeni government declared on Friday the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the country's eastern province of Hadramout.

"The first confirmed case of coronavirus was recorded in the government-controlled province of Hadramout. The health situation of the infected patient is stable who receives medical care," said a statement released by the Supreme National Emergency Committee.

The statement said that all the medical teams and concerned agencies have started taking necessary measures to deal with the situation in Hadramout.

It added that more details about the first case will be introduced during a press conference by the country's official health spokesperson in Hadramout later in the day.

Earlier in the day, the local government in Hadramout directed the security forces to impose a curfew in four districts of Hadramout for 20 hours and continue closing the public markets and mosques there.

On Wednesday, the Saudi Arabia-led coalition announced a unilateral two-week cease-fire in an attempt to curb any potential outbreak of COVID-19 in the war-ravaged country.

Plagued by cholera, malnutrition, and diphtheria, Yemen lacks the ability to cope with deadly epidemics as its five years of civil war has almost destroyed its healthcare system.
KOLKATA: Md Saidul Laskar, a cab driver, who had sold off four taxis and wife's ornaments to build a hospital on the southern part of the Kolkata city, has now offered the facility to the state government for setting up a quarantine centre for suspected coronavirus COVID-19 patients, said reports on Saturday.

According to reports, Laskar has now offered the 50-bed hospital, which he built at Punri village in Baruipur a few years ago, following the death of his younger sister, to the state government to deal with the COVID-19 crisis. He said, "fighting the pandemic takes precedence over everything else".

"I built the hospital on a plot of land I had purchased years ago and named it after my sister, Marufa. There were days when I and my wife ate puffed rice to save up for the hospital. I had to sell my four yellow taxis and my wife Shamima's jewellery, too. We would supervise the construction work, brick by brick," Laskar was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

His sister Marufa died of pneumonia in 2004. Maintaining that the hospital had been treating over 300 patients every day at its outdoor and emergency wards, the 45-year-old cab driver said he had been trying to gather funds to procure advanced medical equipment for the facility.

Laskar, however, put his plans on hold following the coronavirus outbreak and decided to offer the hospital for setting up quarantine units.

"After discussing the idea with my wife and close friends, I approached the district officials with the proposal to turn my hospital into a quarantine centre. "The officials assured me that the proposal had been forwarded to the health department and the chief minister's office and a decision would be taken soon," he said.

Laskar, who has also contributed Rs 5,000 to the state government's relief fund, said 10 paramedic employees at the hospital can be trained to handle coronavirus cases.
America now has half a million confirmed coronavirus cases but the outbreak may soon begin to level off.

Refrigerated tractor trailers serve as temporary morgues in New York City

The US has become the first country in the world to record more than 2,000 coronavirus deaths in a single day.

Figures from Johns Hopkins University show 2,108 people died in the past 24 hours while there are now more than half a million confirmed infections.

The US could soon surpass Italy as the country with the most coronavirus deaths worldwide.

But experts on the White House Covid-19 task force say the outbreak is starting to level off across the US.

Dr Deborah Birx said there were good signs the outbreak was stabilising, but cautioned: "As encouraging as they are, we have not reached the peak."

President Donald Trump also said he expects the US to see a lower death toll than the initial predictions of 100,000 fatalities, adding: "We're seeing clear signs that our aggressive strategy is saving countless lives".

In other developments:

The World Health Organization chief warned that lifting lockdown measures too early could spark a "deadly resurgence" in infection

Brazil became the first country in the southern hemisphere to surpass 1,000 deaths with coronavirus

Turkey ordered a 48-hour curfew in 31 cities - including Istanbul and Ankara - to start at midnight. The announcement, made just two hours before the curfew was due to start, sparked panic buying and crowds of shoppers

Aid agencies expressed alarm after the first virus case was confirmed in Yemen, where years of civil war have devastated health systems

What are the latest US figures?

The US now has at least 18,693 deaths and 500,399 confirmed cases, according to Johns Hopkins, which is tracking the disease globally. About half of the deaths were recorded in the New York area.

Italy has reported 18,849 deaths while globally more than 102,000 people have died with the virus.

Researchers had predicted the US death toll would hit its peak on Friday and then gradually start to decline, falling to around 970 people a day by 1 May - the day members of the Trump administration have floated as a possible date to start reopening the economy.

"I want to get it open as soon as possible," Mr Trump said at a Good Friday briefing at the White House. "I would say without question it's the biggest decision I've ever had to make."

However, no action would be taken until the government knew the "country [was] going to be healthy", he said. "We don't want to go back and start doing it over again."

A city upended

By Nada Tawfik, BBC News, New York

The coronavirus has changed everything about life, and now it's upending the rituals of death.

New Yorkers have been shocked by the grim scenes: ambulances constantly blaring down eerily deserted streets, body bags being forklifted into refrigerated trucks outside hospitals and now new trenches being dug on Hart's Island for possible mass burials.

The remote cemetery, accessible only by boat, is a place regarded historically with sorrow because of its mass graves with no tombstones, just unclaimed bodies. The city's morgues can only handle so much before temporary burials for Covid-19 victims, once an absolute worst-case scenario, become necessary.

Funeral directors talk openly about how scared and depressed the spiking death toll has left them. Even before this week's record number of deaths, some families have had to wait a week or more to bury and cremate their loved ones.

Why might the outbreak start levelling off soon?

Dr Anthony Fauci, US infectious diseases chief, concurred that the country was "starting to see the levelling off and coming down" of cases and deaths. But despite the "important advance", he added, mitigation efforts such as social distancing should not be pulled back yet.

A new projection by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington forecast 60,000 deaths by 4 August assuming that those restrictions remain in place. Last month, Dr Fauci estimated at least 100,000 deaths.

Also at the briefing, Dr Birx noted that the rate of increase appeared to be stabilising in hard-hit regions like New York, New Jersey and the city of Chicago.

She added that the US mortality rate was "significantly less than many of the other countries, when you correct them for our population". But she emphasised the nation had yet to see the peak of the outbreak.

"We need to continue to do what we did yesterday, and the week before, and the week before that because that's what, in the end, is going to take us up across the peak and down the other side."

Drone footage shows mass burials in New York.

On Friday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said the latest data showed the state was successfully "flattening the curve", but also cautioned that it was too early to relax social distancing measures. "Even though it's a grind, even though it's difficult, we have to stay with it."

The danger appears to be highest for America's minority communities, which have been disproportionately affected by Covid-19.

Dr Jerome Adams, the US surgeon general, said the trend was "alarming, but not surprising" given that minorities in the US generally had more chronic health conditions such as asthma, hypertension and diabetes.

"As a matter of fact, I have been carrying an inhaler in my pocket for 40 years out of fear of having a fatal asthma attack," continued Dr Adams, who is African-American.

But he caused controversy by urging minorities to stop drinking, smoking and taking drugs to reduce their risk. He was particularly criticised for his use of colloquial language, when he told them to respect social distancing guidelines.

"Do it for your abuela. Do it for your granddaddy. Do it for your Big Mama. Do it for your Pop Pop," Dr Adams said. He later advised all Americans to avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs.

US surgeon general shows his inhaler while discussing the impact of coronavirus on people of colour

In Friday's briefing, Mr Trump also said he had seen the drone images of coffins being stacked in a mass grave on New York's Hart Island. Officials there say the island, which has been used to bury people with no next of kin for over 150 years, is now burying bodies at five times the normal rate.

Earlier in the day, Dr Fauci told CNN that officials are currently discussing whether to adopt immunity certificates for Americans who have safely survived the coronavirus and have antibodies in their blood to prove it.

The certificates might "have some merit under certain circumstances", he said, adding that antibody tests would be available next week.

Stay at home for Easter, Vice-President Pence tells people

Meanwhile, in Washington lawmakers are considering a "Covid-19 heroes fund" to provide direct payments to workers on the front line of the pandemic.

The Democratic-led proposal calls for a $13 (10) hourly rate, on top of the pay that workers already receive from their employers. Payment would be capped at $25,000. The money would go towards nurses, doctors, grocery store clerks, transit workers and other workers deemed essential. BBC
With all of us trying to cut down on food waste as much as we possibly can, using up all the old ingredients in our cupboard has never been more important.

Good Housekeeping has revealed the 13 store cupboard essentials, that everyone needs to add flavour to any lockdown meal.

The tips include using ketchup as a base for dishes like stir fry or instant coffee for BBQ sauce. The food writer also suggests putting Marmite in mac and cheese to give the dish some extra 'pizzazz'.

So, if you're looking to jazz up your latest dish with something you already have in the cupboard, FEMAIL reveals the Good Housekeeping's 13 essentials.

Marmite can be used to enhance the flavour of a savoury dish, but can even be added to sweet dishes to replicate a salty taste in a caramel or treacle dessert. Pictured, stock image

Tomato ketchup

One product everyone probably already has in the cupboard is ketchup, but it's not only good for dipping chips into, and the publication advises using it as a base for dishes like stir fry or for barbecue sauce.

Probably Britain's favourite condiment, the condiment can be used as an all-rounder to add flavour to dishes instead of tomato puree, which needs to be cooked.

Baked beans

Rather than just having beans on toast, Good Housekeeping suggested using them in recipes like baked eggs or a veggie fajita (pictured: file photo)

Another favourite of Brits is baked beans, are cheap and high in protein and fibre and already come with a ready made sauce.

Rather than just having them on toast, Good Housekeeping suggested using them in recipes like baked eggs or a veggie fajita.

Balsamic vinegar

Balsamic vinegar is a store cupboard must-have, the multipurpose vinegar works well alone as a dressing for a salad, but can also be used to add flavour to tomato, chicken or pasta dishes.

Instant coffee

With several people working from home, instant coffee is a must in more ways than one, and can be used to add intensity to stews and braises.

The coffee can also be ground up and mixed with paprika and brown sugar to create a delicious barbecue-style rub for cuts of meat.

Ketchup can be sued as a base for dishes like stir fry or for barbecue sauce. Pictured, stock image

Long life or UHT cream

One of the benefits of long life UHT cream is it can remain in the cupboard unopened for weeks or even months, mich longer than fresh cream.

The product also offers dairy free alternatives which can be a great addition to a stroganoff, soup or creamy pasta dish.

Condensed milk

Condensed milk can also be used as a substitute for fresh cream, and poured over fruit or used in a thick milkshake (pictured: file photo)

Perfect for adding to a pudding, condensed milk adds creaminess and sweetness so an array of dishes, like ice cream or rice pudding.

It can also be used as a substitute for fresh cream, and poured over fruit or used in a thick milkshake.

Marmite

This divisive condiment will make sure to enhance the flavour of a savoury dish, but can even be added to sweet dishes to replicate a salty taste in a caramel or treacle dessert.

Instant coffee can be ground up and mixed with paprika and brown sugar to create a delicious barbecue-style rub for cuts of meat.Pictured, stock image

Digital Cookery Writer Grace Evans told the publication she adds Marmite to dishes like mac n cheese, stews, or marinades - but also loves to add it to sweet dishes for 'pizzaz'.

Curry paste

While a great addition to a curry, this can be used to give a kick to all manner of dishes, such from meat dishes to tofu.

It can be used to make a marinade for vegetarian alternatives like tofu or paneer rubbed over chicken before roasting. Thai pastes can also be used as the base for a soup, by adding hot water, noodles and vegetables.

Peanut butter

As well as traditional dishes like satay, peanut butter can be added to chicken casseroles or beef stew, and used as a nutty base for salad dressings.

It can also be melted and used as a dessert, drizzled onto ice cream or cakes - or even used to dip fruit into.

English mustard powder

Sure to add a kick to any dish, English mustard powder can be added to a dry spice rub for things like ham or used in a casseroles or stew.

Oats can be used to make porridge, added to a fruit smoothie or used as a topping for a crumble. Pictured, stock image

It can also be added to mashed potatoes or simply used in the traditional way, by mixing it with water to add some flavour to a sandwich.

Sweet chilli sauce

This cupboard essential can be used for glazing meat and fish before cooking and also makes a great marinade for meat dishes or traditional Korean-style meals.

The publication also suggested whisking it with oil and vinegar or lemon juice for a dressing for freshly cooked vegetables.

Basmati rice

Rather than regular rice, basmati rice is aromatic, meaning i can be used as a standalone side dish with no other ingredients.

Balsamic vinegar is a must-have, the multipurpose vinegar works well alone as a dressing for a salad, but can also be used to add flavour to tomato, chicken or pasta dishes (file photo)

It can be spruced up with a dash of soy sauce, and can be added to a pudding or risotto.

Oats

High in protein and fibre, oats are a multi-purpose ingredient that can be used to make porridge, added to a fruit smoothie or used as a topping for a crumble.

They can also be used to make a savoury porridge, by swapping sugar for salt, or for crumbing meat or fish in place of breadcrumbs.
Midland Memorial Hospital has received $3.7 million in assistance from the federal governments coronavirus relief stimulus package, CEO Russell Meyers said during a press briefing on Friday.

Hospitals nationwide received a portion of $30 billion, based on their Medicare revenue, to help offset the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The funds are essentially a grant that doesnt need to be repaid and with few strings attached, Meyers said.

The hospital is also waiting on a substantial advance from Medicare for about six months-worth of payments, Meyers said. That money will have to be repaid but without interest.

Those two things together will be pretty helpful for us in navigating the financial challenge of this time, he said. With our activities down, our elective cases and things are not available to us, so revenue is severely restricted.

Meyers previously said the hospitals revenue decreased by 15 percent in March after all elective surgeries were canceled, equating to about $1 million in losses. He said hospital officials are predicting an even sharper revenue drop for the month of April.

Were in a position to ride this out through April, he said Friday. Were talking about what happens beyond April and how we should adjust.

Additionally, Meyers reminded community members to continue practicing social distancing over the Easter weekend.

This is a holiday weekend coming up, there will be lots of temptations to forget about our social distancing expectations and go out and live normally, and thats just not a good decision at this point, he said.

He urged residents to maintain precautions such as wearing cloth masks in public settings, washing their hands, monitoring themselves for symptoms and self-isolating if they have a fever or any symptoms of a respiratory infection.

Chief Nursing Officer Kit Bredimus also asked the community to participate in the white ribbon campaign thats taking place nationally to show support for health care workers.

Those who want to show their support for health care workers on the frontlines can tie a white ribbon to a tree, lamppost or mailbox outside their homes, he said. Community members can also place a picture of a white ribbon in a window if they dont have the supplies on hand.

By the numbers:

--There are 31 confirmed cases in Midland County and one coronavirus related death

--MMH has tested more than 700 people and is waiting on results for about 100 people

--The hospital census is at 107 patients, less than half of its capacity

--17 patients are persons under investigation; seven are in the critical care unit and 10 are in the designated COVID-19 ward

--Three patients in the hospital have tested positive for COVID-19

--Six ventilators are in use by persons under investigation

--11 employees are self-quarantining
The clarion call by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the Akufo-Addo government to include free electricity in the social intervention program in the advent of the novel coronavirus in the country has been debunked by former Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Koku Anyidoho.



Touching on the measures announced by President Akufo-Addo in the wake of the partial lockdown to fight the spread of COVID-19, especially absorbing three months water bills of Ghanaians, which received plaudits from several quarters, and the NDC MP for Juaboso Constituency, Hon. Akandoh described it as the cheapest social intervention.



According to him, even though the free water supply forms part of many suggestions made by former President John Mahama and the Minority in Parliament, the current administration deliberately ignored other social interventions such as the free electricity supply, and the talk tax.



But commenting on the free water, the CEO of Atta Mills Institute argued that Ghanaians can survive for many years without electricity in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak and so providing free water for three months will go a long way to sustain the citizens as water is life.



...that is why the government is saying that at least when it comes to water it should be free, because water is life. As for that one, at least we can make water available as much as we can; so we are making water available because our forefathers, as at the time that there was no electricity, didnt they survive? They survived because water was available; there was water before electricity, he defended the government.



He stressed that even though electricity provides convenience, water is for life and it is about survival as people can live for a century without electricity but a week without will be disastrous and can lead to death.



Electricity is just for convenience and water is for life and for survival. I can live without electricity for 100 years but if there is no water for one week, I am a goner. So, it is in terms of prioritising. In this crisis moment, the government is prioritising the availability of water because water is life. I am speaking as a nationalist, as a Ghanaian on this matter of COVID-19 and I am not speaking as a politician, he argued.



He, however, cleared the air that he is still in active politics except that as a politician he knows where to cut the line of politics and address issues of national interest as no political party will be in existence if the country dies of COVID-19.



It is not that I have stopped being a politician; I have not stopped and I wont stop but it comes to a point where you cut the line of politics, deal with the nation because if Ghana dies, there will be no political parties in existence, he opined.

Source: Daniel Adu Darko/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
The release from intensive care of a well-known solicitor who had been in critical condition with coronavirus has been hailed as inspirational.

Niall Murphy, 43, gave the thumbs-up in video footage of him being wheeled from ICU on Friday night.

The married father-of-three from Belfast is a partner in KRW Law in Belfast.

He has been involved in many high-profile criminal trials and civil court cases, often representing victims of the Troubles.

Mr Murphys release from ICU on Good Friday has been described as life-affirming and poignant by his friend and fellow partner at KRW Law Kevin Winters.

Mr Winters told the PA news agency: Hearing news of his transfer out of ICU has been seismic for Nialls family.

The timing of the move coming as it did on Good Friday is both life-affirming and poignant.

Watching the video of Niall being clapped and cheered by all the medical staff as he leaves ICU is truly inspirational and a defiantly iconic moment during this hellish crisis.

Mr Murphy is also a keen gaelic games enthusiast.

Right Go, You can go now Niall!



Arent the NHS staff absolutely amazing!



Lets help them out by staying at home #Fightback Well done Niall! pic.twitter.com/hLVcO51TNF  Antrim GAA (@AontroimGAA) April 10, 2020

Antrim GAA tweeted on Friday night: Great to see Niall Murphy is out of ICU. All the prayers are working.

Sinn Fein Assembly member Gerry Kelly tweeted the video.

Go Niall go! he posted.
The mass die-off of coral reefs is a catastrophe of global proportions, but the sheer scale of their success as organisms has lessons for science. Case in point: these 3D-printed "bionic corals" from Cambridge researchers that are more than scaffolds for fragile microorganisms  they're built out of them.

If 3D-printed corals sound familiar, that's because a couple of years ago some other researchers suggested using structures printed to resemble the complex shapes of reefs as solid bases on which new corals and other animals could grow. It's a good idea, but there's more to a reef than a solid base.

Corals are in fact a highly evolved symbiosis between the coral organisms themselves and algae that live inside them. The algae use photosynthesis to power the creation of sugar for their host, and the coral provide a safe living environment  and, interestingly, are also highly efficient at collecting and redirecting light. This partnership has been fruitful for millions of years, though rising ocean temperatures and acidity have upset the delicate balance necessary for success.

The team at Cambridge realized that to successfully imitate the coral micro-ecosystem, they'd need to replicate that special quality of capturing sunlight and diffusing it within for use by resident algae. To do so, they studied the structure of corals closely and worked to remake it at a microscopic level. But instead of using an ordinary durable substrate, they created a sort of living gel.

"We developed an artificial coral tissue and skeleton with a combination of polymer gels and hydrogels doped with cellulose nanomaterials to mimic the optical properties of living corals," explained Cambridge chemist Daniel Wangpraseurt, lead author of the paper in which the technique is described. Algae were infused into the mixture as well, so the researchers were essentially printing living matter.

That kind of technique is already being tested and used for medical purposes  printing part of an organ or tissue for implantation, for instance. In this case it has to be printed not with a specific large-scale shape, but with an extremely complex internal geometry that maximizes the reach of light hitting the surface. This has to be done very quickly or the algae will die from exposure.

The resulting bioprinted structure is an ideal home for the algae, producing growth rates many times the speed of an ordinary medium. That doesn't mean the next step is growing corals super-fast  in fact, there's no reason to think this will actually lead to coral restoration. On the other hand, this type of simulation could lead to a better understanding of the ecosystem in which the coral-algae partnership thrives, and how it can be nurtured.

In the meantime, the promise of multiplying algae growth speeds has commercial appeal today, and a startup called Mantaz has been founded to pursue more near-term uses of the technology.
Musicians from West Bengal have



taken the online route to provide mental succour to people during the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of novel coronavirus.

Renowned musician Ustad Rashid Ali Khan and his son Armaan recently hosted an online 'bhajan' programme from their south Kolkata residence while 'bauls' of Birbhum district sang songs on the fight against coronavirus, all trying to uplift the spirits of the people of the state where 116 coronavirus have been reported so far.

Ustad Rashid Khan and his son presented a medley of three bhajans 'Dheere dheere re mana', 'Yeh andhiyara mit jayega' and 'Subah ho shaam ho tera naam japu'.

"We can overcome any crisis if we seek solace in music," Khan told PTI on Friday.

Narayan Baul of Khairasol and Ananda Khyapa of Santiniketan, both in Birbhum district, have created awareness about coronavirus through their songs and urged people to fight the disease together and defeat it.

Their songs have been widely shared on social media.

"Baul songs can send messages to the people and can be used as a tool for generating awareness. I have done my job," Khyapa said.

On Ustad Rashid Khan's bhajans, Imam of Kolkata's Nakhoda Masjid, Shafique Qasmi said, "Doesn't the strains of shehnai played by Ustad Bismillah Khan appeal to everyone at Durga Puja marquees and on weddings? The creation of a person, irrespective of his or her religious beliefs, is for everyone."



A spokesperson of the Sri Chaitanya Math in Sodepur said, "When a musician sings a devotional song, be it a kirtan, bhajan, qawwali or choir, it ultimately connects with the soul.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Mark Ruffalos time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe might be near an end. After starring in all of Marvels major crossover projects (with the exception of Captain America: Civil War), Hulks future in the MCU is more uncertain than ever. Although the character survived the battle with Thanos (Josh Brolin) in Avengers: Endgame, inside sources claim that Marvel is planning on killing him off in She-Hulk.

Marvel stars Mark Ruffalo and Cate Blanchett | Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Marvel says goodbye to some of the original Avengers

Marvel will be introducing a host of new characters in Phase 4 of the MCU. The studio bid farewell to some of its main heroes in Endgame, including the likes of Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), and Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson).

The future of other characters, like Ruffalos Hulk, remains uncertain, while some fan favorites have been given their own shows on Disney+. Most of Marvels upcoming television shows will have an impact on the MCU, but it is unclear how much crossover will actually happen.

Right now, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Hulk are the only high-profile characters left standing. Thor will appear in at least one more stand-alone film when Thor: Love and Thunder hits theaters in 2022.

But Hulks future in the MCU is very unclear. Marvel has not said anything about giving Ruffalo his own movie, and sources now claim that the studio will kill off Hulk in the upcoming She-Hulk series.

Will Marvel kill off Ruffalos Hulk in She-Hulk?

The main problem with Hulk is that Universal owns the rights to the character, which is one reason why Marvel has not developed a solo movie for the character. And with the studio exploring a soft reboot in Phase 4, it is entirely possible that Hulks days are numbered.

Taking things further, an inside source recently told We Got This Covered that Marvel will be killing off Hulk when it debuts its new She-Hulk series on Disney+. The insider claims that Hulk will meet his end in a future season of the show after sacrificing himself for his cousin, Jennifer Walters.

The source did not reveal any more specifics about Hulks death. Considering how Hulk is pretty much indestructible in the comics, it will be interesting to see how Marvel deals with his death.

Marvel, of course, has not confirmed any of the reports surrounding Hulks future in the MCU. We do know that Ruffalo is set to reprise his role in the series, but we still do not know how much he will be involved in the project.

Which DC villains could kill Hulk?

The idea that Hulk will die in She-Hulk has sparked various theories about which villains might facilitate his destruction. Although there are few bad guys capable of killing Hulk in the MCU, there are several DC villains who are up to the challenge.

A list of DC characters who could defeat Hulk in a one-on-one battle includes the likes of Trigon, Imperiex, Anti-Monitor, Atrocitus, and Darkseid. These villains possess important powers that give them an edge over Hulk, despite his invincibility.

Marvel, of course, does not have any of these characters at its disposal. And with Thanos now out of the picture, there is no telling who the studio will have take down Hulk.

Whoever it is, there is a good chance they will go on to play an important part in the MCU.

MCU Phase 4 delay

Marvel recently confirmed that all of its films in the MCU will be delayed by several months due to the coronavirus pandemic. We do not know how these delays will affect the shows on Disney+, but the studio may have just revealed its upcoming television schedule.

The streaming service recently debuted in Western Europe, and Disney+ France released a schedule for upcoming Marvel shows, which may or may not be accurate.

If the information is correct, then Marvel plans on releasing Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki, and What If? in 2021. For 2022, fans will get to stream Hawkeye, Ms. Marvel, She-Hulk, and Moon Knight.

Marvel has not confirmed any of these release dates.
Anna Daniels, a 27-year-old living in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, was scheduled to start a new job as a nanny on March 30. But that has been put on hold indefinitely because of the coronavirus pandemic. She has been unemployed since the end of February. Ms. Danielss fiance works for the local government and is considered an essential employee, so her days have been spent alone. It has taken a severe emotional toll.

I cant go to the gym or socialize with my family. I cant provide for myself. Its like my world is crashing, she said.

On March 26, Ms. Daniels was in bed watching the news, when suddenly her vision started to get blurry. Her chest tightened, and she couldnt breathe. I thought I had the coronavirus and could die from this, she said. It was one of the worst experiences I have ever had in my life. After 20 minutes, her symptoms subsided and she realized she had suffered her first panic attack.

Image Anna Daniels thought tightness in her chest was a sign of the coronavirus. It turned out to be a panic attack. Credit... Gabe Franklin

The coronavirus pandemic is affecting the entire globe, and its no wonder that, as a result, many people may be experiencing panic attacks for the first time. A panic attack comes on suddenly, bringing with it short-lived disabling anxiety, fear or discomfort.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 11)  Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro "Teddy Boy" Locsin, Jr. said Saturday that he will fight the temporary ban on the deployment of Filipino health workers abroad amid the coronavirus pandemic in the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and the Cabinet, hitting on the government's move as a violation of the Constitution.

"The fight is not over. We will fight the ban in the IATF. We will fight the ban in [the] Cabinet... We will never surrender our constitutional right to travel, and our contractual right to work where there is need for our work," Locsin said in a tweet.

"This violates the Constitution in 3 ways: right to travel, inviolability of contracts, [and] punitive ex-post facto resolution," he pointed out in a separate tweet.

Locsin said he wants the matter to be tackled in the Task Force meeting on Monday.

"I want this agenda on the IATF meeting on Monday. No discussion. [....] Just a raising of hands  for our people or against our people. Also, no one talks who is not a Cabinet member," he said to DFA Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns Brigido "Dodo" Dulay.

The Foreign Affairs secretary said the ban cannot apply to health workers with existing jobs overseas, based on the Constitution. He said it should have been announced weeks before it took effect, "unless they wanted to round up the nurses before they can escape to their constitutionally projected jobs abroad."

"How many nurses are affected by the nurses ban, especially those with existing jobs or completed job offers abroad? [....] Do any of our officials know that? Did they even bother to find out?" Locsin said in another tweet.

He said Labor Secretary Silvestre "Bebot" Bello III reportedly stated that the Foreign Affairs representative at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Governing Board did not make objections to the resolution, making it "unanimous."

"Well, I, as SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, object to it, and fill up the silence of the DFA representative. I REJECT THIS ABOMINATION," he said.

Locsin also voiced out how he opposes the policy in an earlier tweet.

"Well, they are wrong, dead wrong, and violating the Constitution," he said, referring to the copy of the resolution posted by DFA Undersecretary Dodo Dulay.

A resolution, which temporarily suspends the deployment of all healthcare workers abroad, or "until the national state of emergency is lifted, and until [the] COVID-19 related travel restrictions are lifted at the destination countries," was signed by the POEA Governing Board on April 2.

Petition to lift the deployment ban

A petition on the lifting of the overseas deployment ban for Filipino health workers is making the rounds online.

"Given the increasing number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines, we understand that the government is in need of nurses who are capable of volunteering. We are writing this letter in order to voice out our sentiments regarding the suspension of the deployment of all healthcare workers until the national state of emergency is lifted," a Filipino nurse stated in the petition.

He said most of them already had visas and scheduled flights even before the enhanced community quarantine had taken effect, pointing out that the validity of their visas can have an impact on their deployment status.

The Filipino health worker also reasoned out that nurses who applied abroad had "spent most of their time, effort, and money" just to comply with the requirements needed to work overseas.

He added that most nurses have already "waited long enough" for them to be deployed, and be able to provide financial support to their families.

"We are hoping that this resolution will be reassessed, and that there will be a flexibility on the restrictions previously imposed. Furthermore, we hope that the government will be just to acknowledge the sentiments of the nurses who opted to work abroad," the Filipino nurse said.

The petition was addressed to the Office of the President, DFA Secretary Teodoro "Teddy Boy" Locsin, Jr., DOLE Secretary Silvestre "Bebot" Bello III, and Senator Bong Go.
Bill Gates. Gus Ruelas/Reuters

For years, Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates has warned the world of a severe, impending pandemic.

In a 2015 TED Talk, Gates said that "we're not ready for the next epidemic." In 2017, Gates wrote in an op-ed article for Business Insider that the next epidemic could be "a super contagious and deadly strain of the flu."

Gates has called the coronavirus a "once-in-a-century pathogen," and his charitable organization, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has committed $100 million to fight the outbreak.

In April, Gates called President Trump's decision to cut US funding for the WHO during the coronavirus pandemic "dangerous."

In a Financial Times interview, also in April, Gates warned that an outbreak on the scale of the coronavirus pandemic might occur "every 20 years or so."

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

In March, Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates announced in a LinkedIn post that he would step down from the boards of Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway to spend more time overseeing philanthropic ventures, with a continued focus on global health and development.

Gates hasn't worked full time at Microsoft since 2008. Elaine Thompson/AP Photo

Source: Business Insider, LinkedIn

For years, Gates has talked extensively about the potentially catastrophic nature of a pandemic.

Bill Gates. Scott Olson / Getty Images

Source: Business Insider

In a 2015 TED Talk, Gates said the world was unprepared for the next epidemic. He highlighted the stellar efforts of health workers in 2014 to contain the Ebola outbreak. "There's no need to panic ... but we need to get going," he said.

A health worker injecting a man with an Ebola vaccine in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. Reuters

Source: TED

Gates repeated the sentiment in a 2017 op-ed article for Business Insider, reiterating that "we are not prepared." He said that he viewed the threat of a pandemic as being on the same level as climate change and nuclear war and that the next epidemic could be "a super contagious and deadly strain of the flu."

A flu vaccine. Karoly Arvai/Reuters

Source: Business Insider

In 2018, Gates said that the next pandemic was imminent and that he believed it would arise and spread within the next decade. "In the case of biological threats, that sense of urgency is lacking," he said. "The world needs to prepare for pandemics in the same serious way it prepares for war."

Story continues

Bill Gates in 2018. AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana

Source: Business Insider

Gates called the coronavirus a "once-in-a-century pathogen" in an op-ed article for the New England Journal of Medicine. He also outlined steps the world could take to contain its spread, including the speedy development and delivery of vaccines.

A person reaching for hand sanitizer. Avery Hartmans/Business Insider

Source: Business Insider, New England Journal of Medicine

Gates also suggested an international database that countries could use to share information.

A law enforcement officer at a drive-through testing station in Denver on Saturday. Jim Urquhart/Reuters

Source: Business Insider, New England Journal of Medicine

In early February, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation pledged to donate $100 million to fight the outbreak, including funding for frontline responders, prevention efforts, and treatment. A big chunk is reserved for vaccine development.

Bill and Melinda Gates head up the Gates Foundation. LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images

Source: Business Insider, Gates Foundation

In March, the Gates Foundation joined Wellcome and Mastercard in, together, pledging up to $125 million toward a COVID-19 Therapeutic Accelerator to speed up the response by enhancing treatment. The foundation put in up to $50 million, earmarked from its initial coronavirus pledge, toward this venture.

A patient in a biocontainment unit at a hospital in Rome on Monday. Alessandra Tarantino/AP

Source: Gates Foundation

The Gates Foundation also funded a project to develop at-home coronavirus detection for people in the Seattle area.

Nurses at a testing station in Seattle on Friday. AP Photo/Ted S. Warren

Source: Seattle Times, Business Insider, Business Insider

Chinese President Xi Jinping has thanked Gates for his "generous support."

Chinese President Xi Jinping. Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty

Source: Bloomberg

In February, Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett called Gates his "scientific adviser" and said Gates was focused on finding a long-term solution to the threats posed by the coronavirus.

Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett. Reuters/Rick Wilking

Source: CNBC

Fortune's Eamon Barrett wrote in February that the money committed by billionaires like Bill Gates and Alibaba CEO Jack Ma for fighting the coronavirus outbreak might not necessarily go to the people who need it the most.

Alibaba CEO Jack Ma. Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Source: Business Insider, Fortune

Barrett said the money might go to organizations sanctioned by the Chinese government to deal with the crisis, not necessarily aid workers on the ground in Wuhan  where the outbreak originated  who have complained about a lack of resources.

Hospital staff members in Wuhan, China, in January. AP Photo/Dake Kang

Source: Business Insider, Fortune

Gates criticized President Donald Trump's decision to cut US funding for the WHO in a tweet on April 15. Gates called the decision "dangerous" and said that "the world needs WHO now more than ever."

Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates Spencer Platt/Getty

Source: Business Insider

In an interview with Financial Times, also in April, Gates called the coronavirus pandemic "the biggest event" most people will experience in their lifetimes. Gates also warned that a viral outbreak on this scale could occur "every 20 years or so."

In the years leading up to the coronavirus outbreak, Gates had warned of an impending pandemic for years. Yana Paskova/Getty Images

Source: Financial Times

In September, Gates told CNBC that, realistically, a COVID-19 vaccine wouldn't be ready before the end of the year, but if any vaccine-maker had a shot, it's pharma giant Pfizer.

A logo for Pfizer is displayed on a monitor on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, U.S., July 29, 2019. Brendan McDermid/Reuters

Source: CNBC

Gates has been critical of the Food and Drug Administration and expressed skepticism over its future handling and execution of the vaccine.

A photo illustration show a syringe. Argentina was selected to test a vaccine against COVID-19, it is estimated that the clinical phases will begin in August. Carol Smiljan/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Source: CBS

"You hope [the pandemic] doesn't stretch past 2022," Gates told NY Magazine's David Wallace-Wells.

Getty

Source: NY Mag

As for how Gates and his wife, Melinda, are personally weathering this pandemic, Melinda shared in an Instagram post that they're working remotely and enjoying the "natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest," while following social distancing guidelines.

Bill and Melinda Gates. Lindsey Wasson / Reuters

Source: Business Insider

In a BBC Radio interview, Melinda shared that the couple had a stockpile of food in their basement. She said, "A number of years ago, we had talked about, you know, what if there wasn't clean water? What if there wasn't enough food? Where might we go? What might we do as a family?" She didn't say whether they had tapped into their stash yet.

"Xanadu 2.0," Gates' mansion in Medina. Bing Maps

Source: Business Insider

The Gates Foundation did not immediately respond to Business Insider's requests for comment.



Read the original article on Business Insider
Britain's Got Talent will return to our TV screens on Saturday night for its highly anticipated 14th series.

And judge Alesha Dixon has shared why it is the right time for the talent show to come back to TV screen as the public look for 'escapism' amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The 41-year-old, who will join Simon Cowell, 60, David Walliams, 48, and Amanda Holden, 49, for the new series, also discussed why there is no place for female rivalry on the show.

It's back: Alesha Dixon has shared why it is the right time for the 'escapism' of Britain's Got Talent amid the coronavirus pandemic as it returns to TV screens on Saturday

Speaking to the Mirror the star said the show was 'needed' and added: 'We all need a bit of silliness, we need escapism, we need to laugh and we need to just forget about the troubles from the day and just enjoy ourselves.'

This week will be the first of the prerecorded audition shows, meaning it is still uncertain when the live shows will go ahead.

The audience at home will of course be on lockdown and therefore it is hoped by Alesha that some laughter will be welcomed by the viewers.

Alesha also spoke about why she and Amanda have worked so well together when sitting on the judging panel.

She divulged: 'From day one, when I joined the show, Amanda and I sat down together and we made a pact that we would have each other's backs and stick together.

Judges: The 41-year-old, who will join Simon Cowell, 60, David Walliams, 48, and Amanda Holden, 49, for the new series, also discussed why there is no place for female rivalry on the show

Girl code: Alesha shared 'From day one, when I joined the show, Amanda and I sat down together and we made a pact that we would have each other's backs and stick together' (pictured June 2019)

'We have daughters and we want to set a good example. And we're grown women. In the past, there have been shows where the women are pitted against each other and fortunately, that's not in our nature.'

Amanda is mother to Alexa, 14, and Hollie, eight, with husband Chris Hughes.

Meanwhile on Friday, Alesha shared an adorable video of her and her youngest daughter, Anaya, six months, sat outside having a sing in the sunshine.

She said: 'We have daughters and we want to set a good example. And we're grown women. In the past, there have been shows where the women are pitted against each other and fortunately, that's not in our nature' (above Alesha's kids Azura, six, and Anaya, seven months)

She also shares Azura Sienna, six, with her husband Azuka Ononye.

In the sweet Instagram video Alesha is filming herself listening to music while sunbathing before flipping the camera onto her daughter.

The next clip showed Alesha sat with her baby on her lap whilst she sang Just Sing from the Trolls movie for her amused daughter.
Police were alerted about 1:30 p.m. Friday to the 4300 block of West Lexington Street, where they found a victim who had been shot multiple times, and was unresponsive inside of a vehicle, police said.
HAMMOND  A new virtual contest is spotlighting a variety of artistic categories.

Southeastern Louisiana Universitys Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts has launched #columbiafamous, a talent contest through Facebook.

Contestants can submit a short video clip  about a minute or less  in a variety of categories, including singing, dancing, acting, instrumental music, comedy and visual art (digital photographs rather than videos for this category).

Each week will focus on preliminary contests in two of the talent categories. Contestants will have four days to submit videos. The Columbia staff will narrow the submissions down to three finalists in each category. The finalists videos will be posted for 24 hours, during which time the public can vote for their favorites.

The winners in each category will receive two tickets to one of next seasons shows at the Columbia Theatre; automatic entry into the grand prize contest for a pair of season tickets to Columbia Theatres 2020-2021 season; and an invitation to perform their winning act at the Columbia Theatre on Hot August Night. Prizes for those 12 and younger will be a pair of tickets to next seasons Alices Christmas in Wonderland and an invitation to perform at Hot August Night.

To compete, check Columbia Theatres Facebook page at facebook.com/columbiatheatre for more details. Full submission and prize details will be posted on Facebook.

For more information or to submit an entry, email columbiafamouscontest@gmail.com.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) authorities have taken steps to prevent inordinate delays in cremating the bodies of patients who have died of the Coid-19 (coronavirus) in the city. While 26 patients have so far died of Covid-19 in Pune, the civic body has designated six gas-fired furnaces in different parts of the city for the cremation.

Delays of about four hours occurred at the Yerawada and Vaikunth Road crematoria due to manpower shortage and unavailability of personal protective equipment (PPEs) for the staff.

Even I received the complaint about shortage of safety equipment, said Shrinivas Kandul, head of PMCs electrical department and incharge of the citys 31 crematoria.

Vaikunth crematoriums health inspector Kishor Thorat said, on Friday, a body had arrived from Sassoon Hospital and the cremation was delayed by about four hours due to manpower shortage.

It is true that we are facing manpower shortage at our gas-fired furnace. At the Vaikunth crematorium, we have three electric furnaces for non-coronavirus dead bodies and one gas-fired furnace exclusively for coronavirus patients. On Friday, the staff working on the electric furnaces was busy and there was no one to attend to the dead body at the gas furnace, he said.

Thorat pointed out that previously the relatives of the dead would help with lifting the body and taking it to the furnace. That however, is not allowed in the case of patients who have died of the coronavirus disease. There was thus a delay in cremating the body that had arrived at Sassoon Hospital, he said.

A similar delay in cremating the body of another Covid-19 patient occurred at the crematorium in Yerawada.

Electric department head Shrinivas Kandul who is head for all the 31 crematoriums in the city acknowledged that there was some mismanagement in ensuring stocks of personal protective equipment (PPEs) for the crematorium staff, which was another reason for the delay in cremating the bodies.

He said a special supply of PPEs and additional staff has been organised at the six, designated crematoriums for coronavirus patients. The PPEs for crematorium staff will be delivered by Saturday or Sunday evening, he said.

Thorat said the Vaikunth crematorium had adequate stock of PPEs which included 15 full-length aprons, 100 pairs of gloves and 100 disposable masks.

The civic body has designated six gas-fired crematoriums for the cremation of the bodies of coronavirus patients as there is comparatively less handling of the body at the gas fired crematoriums. However, with just one or two operators at the gas furnaces, the crematoriums started encountering shortage of personnel to handle the bodies.

We are recruiting more manpower for this and additional staff will be available by Saturday evening or Sunday, Kandul said.

Designated crematoriums

6 gas-fired crematoriums designated for Covid-19 patients in Pune .These are located at Aundh, Bopodi, Katraj, Mundhwa and Vaikunth

PPEs for staff at crematorium:

* Full-length aprons, hand gloves, mask, shoes, cap

* Disinfectant Sodium Chlorite solution

* Hand pump for sanitising the area
The people of Sikh community in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday said they will follow the Akal Takht's appeal to celebrate the Baisakhi festival at their homes in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

We will follow the appeal made by Jathedar Shri Akal Takht Sahib Amritsar and avoid any type of gathering on Baisakhi. We will perform the prayers at our homes while maintaining the lockdown, a joint statement by the Sikh organisations in J-K said.

Sikh United Front, Shiromani Akali Dal, Sikh Welfare Society, Sewa Society, Sikh Naujawan Sabha, Sikh student federation and various members of district Gurdwara Prabandhak committees made the decision after holding discussions over phone, it said.

The Akal Takht on April 3 had asked the Sikh community to offer prayers at home on Baisakhi which will be celebrated on Monday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The global death toll from the coronavirus is more than 107,000 with over 1.7 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the new respiratory illness.

Here's a roundup of COVID-19 developments in RFE/RL's broadcast regions.

Russia

Russian officials have warned of a "huge influx"of new coronavirus infections, saying that hospitals in the Moscow area are quickly nearing capacity.



Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said during a television interview on April 11 that "we are seeing hospitals in Moscow working extremely intensely, in heroic, emergency mode."



Peskov described the situation in both Moscow and St. Petersburg as "quite tense because the number of sick people is growing."

As of April 11, Russia had registered 13,585 coronavirus cases and 106 fatalities nationally. Some critics believe the official figures understate the true situation in the country of some 145 million people.



Peskov added that it was not yet clear if Russia is nearing the peak of the outbreak. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on April 10 that the capital was far from the peak and merely in the foothills.



Sobyanin on April 11 signed an order to introduce digital permits for movement around the city as of next week.



Muscovites will have to request a digital permit with a QR code to travel using personal transportation, taxis, or public transportation. Walking without a pass will be allowed.



Unfortunately this is a necessity, Sobyanin wrote in a statement on his website. It is needed to protect the lives and health of many Muscovites, to overcome this calamity, and to return to normal life.



The system will become active on April 13 and digital passes will be mandatory as of April 15.

Belarus

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged Belarus to do more to contain the spread of the coronavirus or face a "rapid increase" in infections.



Patrick OConnor, head of the WHO mission in Belarus, said on April 11 that there was "evidence of a rapid increase in [infection] cases" in the country.



Belarus, with a population of about 9.5 million, is one of the only countries in Europe not currently under a mandatory lockdown.

As of April 11, Belarus had 2,226 officially registered infection cases and 23 fatalities.



"Case counts have doubled about every two to three days, indicating the beginning of community transmission," OConnor told journalists in Minsk. Such a situation, he said, "warrants new measures."



Health Minister Uladzislau Karanik said on April 11 that 301 health-care workers had tested positive for the virus.



OConnor said the WHO recommends increased "isolation measures," including postponing mass gatherings and sports events.



Belarus is the only country in Europe still holding professional soccer matches, and President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has said the country will go ahead with a military parade on May 9 to mark the 75th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany.

Iran

Iran has reopened some low-risk businesses in most parts of the country with the exception of the capital, Tehran, where they will restart from April 18, state news agency IRNA reported.



In addition, government offices outside Tehran have also resumed operations, with about one-third of all staff working from home.



IRNA said President Hassan Rohani urged Iranians to respect health protocols as the country struggles to curb the spread of the coronavirus.



"Easing restrictions does not mean ignoring health protocols ... social distancing and other health protocols should be respected seriously by people," Rohani was quoted as saying.

Iran is the Middle Easts hardest-hit country by the global pandemic, with more than 70,000 registered cases and more than 4,300 fatalities.

RFE/RL's Coronavirus Coverage Features and analysis, videos, and infographics explore how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the countries in our region.

The Tasnim news agency reported that the countrys Chamber of Trade Unions has submitted to the government a list of low-risk businesses that include patisseries, confectioneries, and other shops whose activities dont require many people.

The government is also concerned that measures to shut down businesses and halt economic activities to contain the virus could wreck an already sanctions-battered economy.



IRNA quoted government spokesman Ali Rabeie as saying on April 11 that "in the case of a long-term shutdown, some 4 million people could be out of work.



"Four million nonstate employees face a stoppage or reduction in activities, a reduction of salaries, and expulsion, Rabeie said.



Irans economy is suffering under intense U.S. sanctions after President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

The United States has offered humanitarian aid to Iran, but the countrys leaders have refused it and demanded that sanctions be lifted.



Iran announced its first coronavirus cases on February 19. Many experts have repeatedly said that the real number of deaths and infections in the country could be higher than reported by Iranian officials.

With reporting by AFP, Reuters, Interfax, DozhdTV, and Tasnimnews.com
Coronation Street made huge changes to their usual filming schedule and filmed several scenes at once ahead of the coronavirus lockdown.

A show boss revealed that the ITV soap hurried filming and writers rewrote scenes 'at a moment's notice' to ensure there was enough scenes for the soap to stay on air as long as possible.

With no clues as to when production would recommence amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the soap crammed in as much filming as possible to ensure that episodes wouldn't run out.

Hard work: Coronation Street made huge changes to their usual filming schedule and filmed several scenes at once ahead of the coronavirus lockdown

Story Producer Lindsay Williams revealed on fan site Coronation Street Blog that the cast and crew worked hard and fast to film scenes hours before production shut down, stating it was 'all hands to the pump.'

She said: 'Writers rewriting scenes at a moment's notice, producers making split second decisions, crew running around trying to get everything set up to shoot as fast as possible and our amazing cast and directors filming quicker than they have ever before and all in a way that kept everyone as safe as possible.

'On the last Friday before we halted production we actually shot 7 scenes in just a few hours with some amazing work by the cast who had learned the scenes a few hours earlier.'

Changes: A show boss revealed that the ITV soap hurried filming and writers rewrote scenes 'at a moment's notice' to ensure there was enough scenes for the soap to stay on air as long as possible'

Lindsay added that the changes were a real team effort, adding they cut it close to ensure they had everything they needed for several more episodes.

She continued: 'It really went to the wire but we managed to get everything we could possibly shoot finished and edited in record time.

'I think everyone left the building feeling really proud and privileged to be a part of Team Corrie.'

Coronation Street now airs just three times per week, as opposed to the usual six episodes.

Quick turnaround: Story Producer Lindsay Williams revealed on a Coronation Street blog that the cast and crew worked hard and fast to film scenes hours before production shut down, stating it was 'all hands to the pump'

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, ITV will now air just one episode of the Manchester-based some rather than the usual double-bills.

Lindsay added that soap fans can look forward to some 'brilliant stories' later in the year once filming recommences.

MailOnline have contacted a representative of Coronation Street for comment.

Speedy: 'It really went to the wire but we managed to get everything we could possibly shoot finished and edited in record time'

Meanwhile, it was recently revealed Coronation Street and Emmerdale actors will be paid for three months despite production being halted on soaps amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Stars of the ITV soaps have come to an agreement with bosses, 16 days after filming was shut down on the shows.

Cast members receive an annual salary, with bonuses for the episodes they appear in. Familiar faces on the soaps are said to earn around 200,000 a year while younger stars can pick up around 100,000 annually.

A Coronation Street spokesman told MailOnline: 'Coronation Street and Emmerdale have reached an agreement with Equity to provide financial security for regular cast members for the next three months.

Pay: Coronation Street (above) and Emmerdale actors will receive full pay for three months despite production stopping on the soaps due to the coronavirus pandemic

'The specific details of this agreement will remain private as this is a contractual matter.'

A source added: 'This is a very fair and consistent deal which treats everyone equally, and is in recognition of the fact we'll need to hit the ground running once filming safely recommences.'

Equity is the trade union for creative workers and has also secured financial support for actors in dramas such as Holby City, EastEnders, Doctors and Hollyoaks.

Salaries: Stars of the ITV soaps have come to an agreement with bosses, 16 days after filming was shut down on the shows (above Paddy Kirk and Chas Dingle in Emmerdale)

Among Corrie's top earners is veteran Jack P Shepherd, who is thought to earn around 200,000 a year with his role as David Platt, which he has played for 20 years.

Simon Gregson, who has played Steve McDonald since 1989, is thought to take home around 160,000 a year.

Filming was suspended on the shows on March 23.

Last month Coronation Street and Emmerdale bosses confirmed that the soap's planned storylines will be affected by their scheduling changes during the coronavirus pandemic.

Unaffected for now: Among Corrie's top earners is veteran Jack P Shepherd, who is thought to earn around 200,000 a year with his role as David Platt, which he has played for 20 years

Role: Simon Gregson, (left) who has played Steve McDonald since 1989, is thought to take home around 160,000 a year

An ITV spokesperson revealed that episodes that were planned to air around Easter or VE Day in May will inevitably be shown on a different dates, after cutting back on their weekly broadcasts to ration their filmed episodes.

In their statement a spokesperson told MailOnline: 'In the coming weeks some episodes of Coronation Street and Emmerdale will understandably be out of kilter due to the temporary transmission pattern for both programmes which takes effect from Monday 30 March.

'Episodes due to broadcast at Easter and those commissioned and filmed to commemorate VE Day, for instance, won't now air on the dates we'd anticipated.

'We'd hope the audience will understand the reasons for this and continue to enjoy the shows.'
Cancun police detain two with diabolus rifle

Cancun, Q.R.  A 29-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman were detained by Quintana Roo Police after being accused of having fired a rifle at someone.

Neighbors called police to SM 200 in Cancun after they accused the couple of being armed with a rifle and threatening to shoot him with it. Police responded to the call and upon arrival, did find the pair armed. They were asked to lower their weapon, which they did. After their arrest, police found it was a diabolus rifle, a gas-operated firearm.

The person who made the report approached officers saying that the couple had threatened to shoot him and even made shots at him, but missed.

In custody, police have 29-year-old Victor N and 41-year-old Xochitl N for attempted homicide.
Six people were missing after a fly ash dyke gave way at a coal-fired power plant in the Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh state on Friday, a local official told Reuters.

Six people were missing after a fly ash dyke gave way at a coal-fired power plant in the Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh state on Friday, a local official told Reuters. It was the third such incident in the district in a year, the official said.

Five villagers and a worker at the site owned by Reliance Power were swept up in a flow of fly ash which travelled at least six kilometres, swallowing up whole agricultural fields along the way.

Fly ash is a powdery byproduct of burning pulverised coal.

The sludge flowed from the dyke and then mixed with a stream, which carried it further, said KVS Chaudhary, the top local official in the Singrauli district.

Another local official, who was not authorised to speak to the media, said strict action would be taken against Reliance Power in line with environmental laws, but did not elaborate.

The 4,000 megawatt (MW) plant was running at full capacity and was not expected to shut, he said.

It was not clear how the dyke broke and Reliance Power said it was investigating the causes of the incident, adding the plant would continue to operate normally independent of relief operations.

Local media reported a fly ash dyke break at a plant operated by Essar in August and another run by NTPC Ltd in October.Ne
India's total cases of coronavirus on Saturday climbed to 7,529 including 242 deaths and 652 people, who have either been cured or discharged, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday.

"The lockdown and containment measures are important to fight COVID-19. If we had not taken any measures, then we might have had 8.2 lakh cases by April 15," said Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry, during the daily media briefing here.

He also said that the estimation is a result of the statistical analysis and is not an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study.

"It is a statistical rate of growth based analysis. It is not an ICMR study. Before the nationwide lockdown, the rate of growth in cases was 28.9 per cent," said Aggarwal.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A local councillor has called for the former St Francis Welfare Home in Fermoy, which is now being used as a COVID-19 set down facility, to re-open for residents when the current crisis is resolved

The HSE has confirmed that the former St Francis Welfare Home on the Rathealy Road in Fermoy is to be used as a 'step-down' facility for COVID-19 patients released from hospital.

Speculation has been mounting that the home would be brought back into residential use, albeit temporarily, for the duration of the pandemic.

A HSE spokesperson confirmed the facility, which is recent years has been used as a day-care facility following the closure of its residential beds in 2012, has been remodelled in order to ease the pressure on acute hospitals during the Coronavirus crisis.

The spokesperson was keen to point out that the 33-bed facility will not be used as a COVID-19 treatment centre.

Instead, it will be used to house predominantly elderly patients that have been discharged from hospital having received treatment for the virus ahead of being relocated to more permanent accommodation, freeing up badly needed hospital beds.

"The former welfare home has been refurbished in order to create extra capacity for the healthcare system during this crisis. The entire system needs additional capacity at this time and we need to be flexible both in providing and using those additional beds," said the spokesperson.

They said that from this week on the building would be used as transitional care unit for people that have finished their treatment in an acute hospital, such as the CU, but still need care on a temporary basis.

"Some patients will be awaiting a placement in a community hospital or nursing home, while others may be awaiting the provision of additional supports at home," said the spokesperson.

"We would like to thank all staff involved in carrying out this refurbishment and relocation of other services in a very tight time-frame," they added.

It is as yet not known if similar transitional step-down facilities are planned for other locations around the North Cork area.

Welcoming the move local Cork county councillor Noel McCarthy said he hoped it would pave the way for the re-purposing of the building as a welfare home for the elderly once the COVID-19 crisis is over.

"There was a lot of dismay locally when the decision was taken to close the welfare home in 2012 and since then there has been numerous calls fro it to re-open for residential used over the intervening years," said Cllr McCarthy.

"The HSE has invested a lot of time and money into refurbishing the building so it would make sense to revert back to its original use and I will be pursuing this avenue with the authority once this crisis over," he added.
Vaibhav Joshi, 31, a resident of Kharghar, had planned to reach Hubli, Karnataka to be with his pregnant wife, Krithika, on March 25. However, since the national lockdown was imposed, Joshi has been stuck in the city, trying to reach out to different authorities for permission to travel and be with his wife at this crucial juncture.

She is expected to deliver anytime now, said a worried Joshi. Her parents are above 60 and both are diabetic. She is anxious that they may be at risk of contracting the virus if they accompany her to the hospital. All our relatives also stay in Bengaluru and cant make it to Hubli during the lockdown, he said.

Living under the pandemic lockdown could pose great stress for pregnant women, with concerns for health safety and the availability of medical aid. The World Health Organization has released guidelines to address issues related to pregnancy and childbirth during the pandemic.

In Virar, 31-year-old Archana Periera has been checking travel websites to see if her husband, 36-year-old Robin can take a flight from Barcelona after April 14. Pereira is eight months pregnant and lives alone in their flat.

I have not been able to step out for my tetanus injection or get groceries and medicines, said Periera. Her family members have not been able to help and since they shifted to a new apartment, she does not know people living nearby. I have had a miscarriage before. I just want to be careful, she said.

Expectant mothers are very anxious about the availability of doctors and more importantly, reaching the hospital during the lockdown, as everyone does not have a personal vehicle, said Sapna Krishnan, a lactation counsellor who has been running a pan-India mother-child helpline to counsel expectant mothers during the lockdown.

We get a lot of calls from anxious mothers. Those who have gone to stay with their mothers are stressed because older parents will not be allowed in hospitals as they are at a higher risk of contracting the virus. And in cases where the mother has an older child, the grandparents need to take care of that child too, Krishnan said.

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Desperately needed aid for millions of people across sub-Saharan Africa is under threat as the deadly coronavirus pandemic sweeps a continent already facing a volley of crises.

In some cases social distancing measures and border closures are preventing workers from distributing aid.

In others, funding is under threat as agencies scramble to pool resources to fight the fast-ballooning COVID-19 outbreak on the continent.

Cameroon's polio vaccination campaign has been suspended, while in Chad a measles vaccination programme has been postponed.

In Niger and Burkina Faso, where hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced by jihadist violence, flights bringing in humanitarian aid have been put on hold.

In the Central African Republic, where most of the territory is under the sway of armed groups, supplies of chlorine, needed to provide safe drinking water, are running low.

"Some programmes have slowed down or been temporarily suspended, but most humanitarian operations are continuing," said Julie Belanger, head of the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for West and Central Africa.

"We are focusing on activities that are vital for survival, but we are also adapting our way of working," Belanger told AFP.

The United Nations says about 76 million people in sub-Saharan Africa need aid to survive and protect their health.

The coronavirus pandemic could further threaten populations on the continent, which so far has at least 12,700 recorded cases and more than 650 deaths, according to an AFP tally Friday.

Organisations are quickly learning to change how they work to prevent the virus from spreading further.

In Niger, for instance, food handouts are being distributed in small groups in order to keep social distancing, said Jean-Noel Gentile with the UN's World Food Programme.

"To reduce the frequency of food distribution, we are handing out two or three months of rations each time," he said.

One fear that NGOs and governments have is that aid workers travelling to isolated areas could bring the coronavirus with them.

In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the first case of the virus registered in Goma was that of a Nigerian aid worker.

Masks, gloves and protective clothing are required by some organisations -- but the crucial gear is hard to find in many countries.

"This is already difficult enough in France -- you can imagine how it is in the furthest reaches of the Central African Republic," said Isabelle Robin of the French charity Action Against Hunger (ACF).

The closure of borders and restrictions on movement inside countries are additional obstacles to delivering aid.

As a result, NGOs everywhere are attempting to negotiate with authorities in Africa to allow "humanitarian corridors" or exemptions for their personnel.

But of all the problems for humanitarian work right now, "the biggest is financial", said a UNICEF official in the DRC, pointing to the fact that donor attention lies elsewhere at the moment.

The United Nations has launched a $2 billion (1.83 billion euro) "global humanitarian response plan" on coronavirus, much of it earmarked for Africa.

Though Africa has not been hit as badly as most of the rest of the world, the pandemic is a growing threat, given the continent's weak healthcare systems, entrenched poverty, poor sanitation and crowded slums.

There are concerns that funds received to deal with problems existing before the outset of the pandemic may now have to be rerouted.

That could be a harmful approach.

"It's important that we don't forget other needs," said Maaike Hersevoort, head of the Doctors Without Borders mission in the Central African Republic, pointing to an outbreak of measles there.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

From Town & Country

Right now, in an alternate universe, high school students are traveling the country looking at prospective colleges. In any ordinary year, juniors would be touring schools over spring break and seniors would be preparing for admitted students weekends. Even admissions officers would be flying around the nation, attending college fairs and speaking to high schoolers unable to travel. But in the era of COVID-19, these journeys are some of the millions that have been cancelled.

Colleges and students alike are now trying to adapt to a new normal: virtual tours have replaced in-person ones, information sessions are held over Zoom, and students will likely have to make difficult choices about the next four years of their educations without ever setting foot on a campus or meeting a representative in person.

In a recent Scoir survey, 80% of high school juniors and 84% of parents surveyed reported that campus visits are extremely or very important to their college selection processso, what now? T&C spoke with college admissions experts to get advice for students and parents alike on how to virtually visit and choose a school.

Photo credit: Boston Globe - Getty Images

Evaluate Yourself Before Evaluating A School

Before scheduling a virtual tour, it's important to figure out what kinds of colleges you may be interested in. Jennie Taylor Tucker is the CEO and founder of Pointer, an app designed to inform students about the admissions process and help them customize their search to fit their needs. Her biggest piece of advice for prospective students is to use this time at home to self-evaluate.

"This moment actually provides an opportunity to take pause and reflect on who you are as a person," Tucker suggested. "This is such a challenging process under normal circumstances, and in this moment, so much of what I think students should be doing is thinking about who they are and what makes them tick. The more self-aware they are, the better their college exploration will be."

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Many college counselors ask students to make lists of qualities they'd value in a school. Aaron Fulk, director of college counseling at Marin Academy, a prestigious independent school in Northern California, asks students to take this questioning a step further.

"I think this is an opportunity for our students to actually do the search process in a more thoughtful way," Fulk said. "An important thing for our students is to articulate why they want to go to college. Many of our students and parents often scoff when we ask, but a lot of students can't answer that."

From there, Fulk asks students to figure out what they want out of college, and then explore online resources through that lens. This is also how students should be approaching the task of putting together their wishlist of schools.

Photo credit: David Butow - Getty Images

Adam Lips, Director of College Counseling at Stanford's Online High School, does not see virtual counseling as an impediment to the process, having worked with students via video conference even before the pandemic.

"Initially, its finding places that are a good fit for the student, and then when they're applying, its helping them put together a strong application," Lips said. "I think that all of that can be done extremely effectively in an online environment. I dont think you have to give much up at all. "

Where To Look

Once you've listed a few schools of interest, the next step is to go to a college's website. While these websites are large and overwhelming, there are specific areas targeted to prospective students.

Whitney Soule, Dean of Admissions and Student Aid at Maine's Bowdoin College, suggests beginning with the school's admission requirements. She also noted that many schools that usually mandate standardized testing are relaxing those requirements this year (Bowdoin, for one, is test-optional).

"It's very important to be looking to see how colleges are responding to what would normally be their admission requirements, both curriculum-wise and through standardized testing, so students can feel secure about what theyre going to have available at the time they apply," Soule said.

Photo credit: Portland Press Herald - Getty Images

Financial aid is another incredibly important factor to consider as you're researching your potential schools. Most institutions have a calculator online where students can input their information and get an estimate about the cost of attendance. Soule noted, "[Students] really should be exploring financial aid as much as they should be exploring what the college is like."

Next on the website, take a look at the school's curriculum. Especially for seniors trying to decide between schools, Fulk asks his students to dive deeply into requirements and course offerings: "[What] always shocks me, the longer I do this job, is the number of students that are going to leave for college in five or six months and have not looked up the curriculum."

Finally, investigate what's important to you. Look at the website pages and social media accounts for potential majors. Research extracurricular options that interest you. Explore housing options. Make sure you're thoroughly examining whatever aspects of college you, personally, value.

Feel (Almost) Like You're On Campus

There are a number of ways to explore campus or speak to students and admissions officers online. From online campus tours to Zoom information sessions, colleges are more virtually accessible than ever.



Though this year may be disappointing for some students, Soule noted that tens of thousands of students nationwide each year are unable to visit colleges before attending, so schools have already been trying to provide more virtual options. "Its important to keep in mind that the lack of opportunity to visit is a new issue for some families and a familiar issue for a lot of families," she pointed out.

When looking at schools virtually, first join the mailing lists of colleges of interest. That way, prospective students will learn about upcoming virtual programming and options via email, which is particularly crucial in this admissions cycle.

"Recognize that college admissions are creating a lot of content very quickly to try to accommodate the lack of in-person exposure," Soule said. "The best way for students to have access to that content is to get onto the mailing lists of colleges they might be interested in."

Once you're informed, there will likely be plenty of virtual options available. YouVisit offers free virtual campus tours of over six hundred colleges and universities. All of our experts advised that students attend online information sessions through the schools' admissions offices. And many schools are offering live chat services on their websites, where prospective students can be connected with an admissions officer or student, similar to a customer service experience you might find while online shopping.

Our experts also recommended a number of other online resources and websites, including Niche, College Confidential, Campus Reel, and individual schools' social media accounts. All of theses sources will provide more information about each school, and many also feature photos and video which enable students to get a sense of the campus. Students can also use Google Maps to look at a school's surrounding area, Tucker says: "Are there things in your day-to-day now that you want to carry over to your college experience? Does that environment have similar things?"

Information sessions with admissions officers should also be a part of your virtual college visit. Knowing the constraints of social distancing, colleges are giving students greater access to their faculty and staff than ever before.

"Schools are trying to be mindful of this moment and be as flexible, adaptive, and empathetic as possible to students," Tucker said. "So, there are resources on a school-by-school basis that are available in a way that they wouldnt be normally."

All of our experts agreed that the best way to get a real sense of a school is to talk to as many people as possible. whether you connect with alumni from your high school or ask a school's admissions office to connect you with current students and faculty. "Its not just browsing a website. Its interactive; its a human being who has a personality and a smile and gestures and is answering questions in real time," Soule said.

Students can tell a lot about a college based on how they're treated, Lips noted. He asks his students to "make direct contact with people who will give you a good sense of whats going to be available to you [at this school], and then also how helpful and welcoming the people from those offices are, too."

A major part of the college search has always been finding a school you connect to personally, as well as academically. That does not change, even though today's search process is different.

Photo credit: Boston Globe - Getty Images

Keep Some Perspective.

Make no mistakethis is an incredibly difficult time to be applying to college. With mounting uncertainties surrounding the coronavirus, colleges are unsure how and in what form the fall semester will take place, and some current seniors are considering taking a gap year to avoid the possibility of beginning college online.

"Ive definitely had many more students thinking about delaying," Lips said. "In any year, I think its a great idea. Particularly this year, if the college gives that option."

While 89% of Scoir survey respondents said they had no intention of delaying enrollment, those figures may change as we learn more about the impact of COVID-19. Lips also noted that possible deferrals could have rippling consequences, including lower college admittance rates for the class of 2021, since fewer spots will be available if many current seniors defer admission.

With standardized test dates being cancelled and high schools moving to pass/fail grading systems, there are numerous other complications to consider. But despite all of these hiccups, it's important for students to keep everything in perspective.

To that end, Fulk recommended students put more of an emphasis on wellness in their college plansfor instance, an incoming freshman might plan out five things they will do to build community once the semester begins.

"Wellness is actually a far better indicator of success and persistence and graduation than even standardized testing or high school GPA," Fulk said. "Were trying to talk to our students... more about how you are going to find your community as quickly as possible, and how are you going to find people that you can connect with and trust."

Photo credit: AAron Ontiveroz - Getty Images

"Your primary concern needs to be your personal health and well-being. You need to do whats best for you," Lips said. "Even though people are skeptical of the colleges and cynical about the admissions process, I think [the colleges] try to be reasonable and are going to be accepting and understanding."

Finally, remember that you are not alone. The whole world has been turned upside down by the coronavirus and everyone is handling it in their own way. Students will react differently, but remember that everyone applying to college right now is going through the same problems.

"I try to remind our juniors that every junior in the country is going through this," Falk said. "They shouldnt feel like they're behindcertainly they can have all sorts of emotional responses to this. They can be frustrated or angry or disappointed, but it should be unifying. Everyone is experiencing this together."

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Cuban health authorities on Friday criticised the US trade embargo amid the coronavirus pandemic.Authorities described the policy as a cruel punishment for Cubans grappling to contain the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

The Cuban government said an aid shipment from Asia was blocked recently after Avianca, the Colombian Airline, declined to ship medical supplies donated by 'Jack Ma Foundation' to the island.

The aid shipment included face masks, gloves, other protective gear and medicines, which officials on the island say are desperately needed due to shortages, as the virus spreads.

The US trade embargo is supposed to exempt medical goods and foodstuffs, but in practice, it limits such supplies from reaching the island due to the restrictions and sanctions over companies that do business with Cuba.

Currently, Cuba has 567 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 15 deaths attributed to the disease, and more than 1,000 under observation and suspected of having the virus.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks.For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and could lead to death.

(Image Credit: AP)
Vice-chancellors of major Australian universities say the sudden lurch to online delivery forced by COVID-19 will give remote learning a bigger role in education once the crisis is over, but has also proven the value of face-to-face teaching.

With campuses shut down, universities and other education providers have rapidly rolled out online learning models as people work and study from home. Sydney University has been holding up to 1000 Zoom video conferencing sessions a day, some with more than 100 participants.

Vice-chancellors say students want the on-campus experience. Credit:Louise Kennerley

University leaders now predict the scale of the online revolution will be tempered by a renewed appreciation for the full academic experience. Australian National University vice-chancellor Brian Schmidt said students were missing the "value add" of hands-on education.

"Our students are really missing the on-campus, in-person sides to a lot of their education. So part of it has solidified that," he said.
Did multiple senators engage in insider trading when they sold stocks after being briefed on the threat of the coronavirus, but before the full extent of the threat was publicly known? The answer is not the same for every senator. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue appear to have been unfairly targeted by national and Atlanta media. Dianne Feinstein and Jim Inhofe likewise have reasonable explanations for their reported stock sales, as does Vermont representative Peter Welch. Senator Richard Burr, however, has some serious questions to answer, and has yet to offer a particularly persuasive defense.

Congress and Insider Trading

Congressional insider trading is both a legal and political question. Congress in 2012 passed the STOCK Act, clarifying that when members of Congress receive confidential nonpublic information that could affect the price of a stock, they are treated as if they were company insiders. Thats important, because insider-trading laws generally only ban people from trading on company secrets if they work for the company or have a relationship that causes them to owe a legal duty to it. While the SEC is typically hesitant to admit it, a random bystander on the street who accidentally overhears a CEO spilling inside information and buys or sells stock as a result is probably not breaking the law. Those in Congress, however, frequently learn market-moving information because they work in government, rather than the companies that information pertains to. The STOCK Act aimed to close that perceived loophole by declaring that members of Congress have their own duty not to trade on what they learn. It requires regular disclosure of stock transactions to let outside watchdogs police potential violations.

Some critics inside and outside of Congress argue that this doesnt go far enough, and senators and representatives shouldnt hold individual stocks at all. They are probably right. Loeffler, the wealthiest member of the Senate, has announced in the aftermath of this controversy that she will be liquidating her entire stock portfolio and switching to mutual funds. Inhofe insists that his sale was part of an ongoing plan to do just that.

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Divesting of stocks can, however, be complicated and sometimes painful: selling them is a taxable event, and top executives at large businesses may have compensation packages full of future grants of stocks and options. Loefflers husband is the chairman and CEO of the Intercontinental Stock Exchange, the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange, and some of her controversial sales involved ICE stocks and options from his compensation package. The debate over whether to require more extensive divestment of stocks is thus tied up in the broader debate over having business leaders such as Donald Trump and Michael Bloomberg in high political office, as well as the debate over how to handle conflicts tied to a politicians spouse.

Three sets of questions matter to the insider-trading charge here. First, did the senators learn something confidential about American exposure to the coronavirus? Second, did they use that information to trade stocks? And third, were their stock sales inconsistent with what they were telling the public?

What Did They Know, When Did They Know It?

The present controversy has its origins in a Senate Health Committee briefing led by the head of the CDC and Dr. Anthony Fauci on January 24. Two senators (Perdue and Inhofe) say that they didnt even attend the briefing. Loeffler, in a carefully worded op-ed in todays Wall Street Journal, contends that the information in the briefing was consistent with what the CDC and other public-health experts were saying publicly at the time:

Based on contemporaneous reporting and public statements by the officials who provided the briefing, there was no material or nonpublic information discussed. All we did was meet public-health leaders and ask them questions about the emerging virus.

Loeffler cites a January 24 article on the briefing in The Hill, which quoted the committees top Democrat, Patty Murray, as saying of the federal response to the virus, I think they have responded very well at this point. In the same article, Murrays fellow Democrat, Richard Blumenthal, expressed deeper alarm but remarked, What I heard in response to many questions [in the briefing] is a tentative answer: Heres what we know, but we need to know more. Notably, the briefers told senators they do not need more funding at the moment to fight the virus. Speaking to reporters the same day, Dr. Fauci was  in retrospect  unduly optimistic:

I think the risk is very low right now for the United States. The thing that you need to be watching out for is sustained person-to-person transmission, Fauci said. . . . Senators and Fauci also offered praise for Chinas cooperation with U.S. officials. Im impressed, Fauci said. I was involved very deeply with the SARS response. And with SARS, the Chinese were not particularly transparent. . . . It was an embarrassment for them. I think they regretted that. Right now, from what I can see, theyre being quite transparent.

There is no indication that Dr. Fauci gave a different message in the closed-door briefing from the one he delivered at the press briefing. Likewise, one of the major pieces of evidence against Burr is that he gave a talk on February 27 to the North Carolina State Society in which he painted a much more dire picture. But by that point, a month had passed; it is unsurprising that his assessment of the situation would have changed in the interim.

In legal terms, what is material, nonpublic information under the federal securities laws is not necessarily the same as what is widely known to the general public. Under the theory of efficient stock markets, the law typically assumes that if news is reported, the markets know it. Clearly, however, most of the American public and most of the stock market were not alarmed enough to dump most of their investment portfolios, as Burr did. That alone could create problems for Burr, since the law also looks at how people behaved when they learned news in order to determine whether it was new, material information.

Burr has asked the Senate Ethics Committee to review his trades. The FBI is reportedly investigating him, while thus far, the other senators say they have not heard from the FBI or the Justice Department. Burr has also been sued civilly in the federal district court in D.C. by an investor in Wyndham Resorts, one of the stocks he sold. The Ethics Committee and the FBI will presumably have access to what was actually said in the classified briefing. The rest of us, possibly including the plaintiff in the civil lawsuit, will not. The civil suit is a publicity stunt in any event.

Who Decided to Sell?

A key question in insider-trading cases is proving that the person who bought or sold stock actually knew about the inside information, and traded on that basis. Where the insider-trading charge breaks down here is that all of the senators other than Burr say that their stock trades were made by their financial advisers without their input. Feinstein, for example, has her investments in a blind trust. Loeffler says that her familys investments are managed by third-party advisers at Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Sepio Capital, and Wells Fargo, all blue-chip Wall Street firms or major investment advisers. Inhofe and Perdue also have outside advisers handle their investments. Congressman Welch says his investment in a German company that makes coronavirus tests was made by an adviser, and that he will donate the proceeds. Only Burr handles his own investments. He may regret that.

It is possible, of course, that one or more of these senators actually tipped off their advisers. There is as yet no evidence of that, only pure speculation, but the Senate Ethics Committee can and should review each senators investment-advisory agreements and any other evidence of communications with advisers to confirm that no such heads-ups were given. Some of the sales may have resulted from pre-arranged investment directions, which in some cases can be a defense to an insider-trading charge. Loeffler seems to have been generally selling to raise cash to self-finance her 2020 campaign, and taking advantage of her husbands executive stock options:

Loefflers campaign said the ICE stock sales were prearranged and part of her and her husbands compensation package. Records provided by the campaign show Loeffler and her husband exercised their employee options to buy ICE stock at a discounted rate, then sold much of it within a few weeks. The campaign said the sales were to pay taxes, cover transaction costs and produce liquidity.

Inhofe says his adviser has been instructed to sell off all his individual stocks since a controversy erupted over his investment in defense contractor Raytheon. Senator Ron Johnson, also questioned about a private-equity investment in his brothers business in this period, noted that the deal had been in the works since 2018.

Circumstantial evidence of insider trading is most of what the media reports have focused on. Of course, savvy professionals were thinking about coronavirus risks to particular industries before many others were, so the fact that a well-heeled, professionally advised investor such as Loeffler was selling off some risk-exposed stocks in a fairly small portion of her portfolio is not surprising. A review by the Washington Post concluded that Loeffler sold about $1.8 million in stocks (a big number to most of us, but not to a couple worth half a billion dollars), while her husband was making bullish moves at the same time, betting that the market would go up a few months later, including buying $1.679 million in puts that would benefit him if the stocks rose and risked big losses if the market crashed. That hardly seems like a pattern of profiteering that would be worth risking for someone as wealthy as Loeffler, who intends to spend many multiples of $1.8 million campaigning for re-election. Perdues pattern of purchases and sales is, as Erick Erickson has explained, not consistent with being tipped off to the coming coronavirus crisis: He was buying stock in Starbucks, Delta, Disney, and concert promoter LiveNation while selling Kroger, Clorox, and Proctor & Gamble.

This, again, is where Burr has issues. He sold off 33 stocks worth between $628,000 and $1.7 million (the required disclosures are reported in frustratingly wide ranges), amounts that appear to be a significant share of his holdings. The defense he offers is that he was following CNBCs reporting on the growing coronavirus hazards. That may be true, but it is not especially convincing. If he received non-public information in this period that would significantly add to or change the picture painted on CNBC, he could be in serious legal jeopardy.

On the other hand, the critics have gone awry in their efforts to smear Burr as assuring the public that the coronavirus threat was minimal. Attacks on Burr have cited a February 7 Fox News op-ed he co-wrote with Senator Lamar Alexander as evidence that he was downplaying the virus, but that op-ed opened with a stern warning:

Americans are rightfully concerned about the coronavirus  there are 12 confirmed cases of this new infectious disease in the United States, and the ability of the virus to rapidly spread in China, where it has infected more than 24,300 people and left 491 dead, is alarming.

True, Burr and Alexander were unduly optimistic at the time about the nations readiness to handle the coming plague, but so were Dr. Fauci and other government experts at the time of the January 24 briefing. Burr started selling stocks a week after the Fox op-ed.

Attention has focused most heavily on Loeffler and Burr in good part due to how they are politically situated. Both are targets that Democrats would love to take down, and both have enemies on the populist right. Loeffler, as an appointed senator, must run in Georgias jungle primary in November, with the top-two vote-getters facing off in a later runoff if nobody clears 50 percent of the vote. She faces both Democratic and Republican opponents, including Representative Doug Collins. Collins and Georgia House speaker David Ralston, a Collins ally, have been pounding her on this issue, and Collins has put out an internal poll showing him at 36 percent, Loeffler at 13 percent, and another Republican between them at 16 percent. Perdue will also be on the Georgia ballot the same day.

Burr is disliked by many on the right over what some see as disloyalty to Donald Trump in his chairmanship of the Senate Intelligence Committee. His term runs through 2022 and he does not plan to seek reelection. If he was forced to resign before November, his replacement would be appointed by Democratic governor Roy Cooper, but North Carolina law requires Cooper to choose from a three-name list provided by the same party that Burr belongs to.

We have likely not heard the last of this story. Unless there is significant new evidence, however, none of the participants other than Burr should have much to worry about legally.

More from National Review
The Odisha government on Friday said it was planning to conduct two lakh rapid COVID-19 tests to give relief to the people who have been placed under home quarantine.

It has become a difficult task to place so many people under home quarantine after they returned to Odisha from highly-affected states and countries, the Director of Medical Education and Training (DMET), Prof C B K Mohanty, said.

In the state government's briefing on COVID-19, Mohanty stressed on the social distress being created due to the quarantine period along with the month-long lockdown period.

"Even reports have been received about people attempting suicide after being placed under home quarantine," he said, adding that rapid COVID-19 tests will relax a large number of people as well as the administration, which has been keeping a tab on all the people placed under quarantine.

Justifying the need for conducting rapid tests, Mohanty said though about one lakh people have already come to their native places from different parts of the country after the COVID-19 outbreak and more people are expected to return when the lockdown ends.

The approval of antibody-based rapid testing of coronavirus by the Centre will be a blessing for Odisha since the current confirmatory real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is time-consuming," Prof Mohanty said.

Allaying the fear of community transmission of the disease in the state, particularly Bhubaneswar, where 38 people have so far tested positive for COVID-19, Mohanty said the existing data does not support community transmission.

In India, a total of 1,44,910 samples have been tested until now, of which 6,412 (4.42 per cent) have tested positive. On the other hand, Odisha by April 9 had tested 3,249 samples, of which 48 (1.47 per cent) tested positive for COVID-19," the state government's COVID-19 spokesperson Subroto Bagchi said.

Bagchi said the test ratio will certainly increase after functioning of state-of-the-art COBAS 6800 system at Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC) here.

This apart, requisition of nearly one lakh rapid test kits soon will also enhance the state's COVID-19 testing capacity, he said. What has, in fact, worried the administration is that 80 per cent of coronavirus positive cases in Odisha are asymptomatic, he said.

We are the second such institute in the country and first in eastern India to put in place the advanced COBAS 6800 system, an automated state-of-the-art COVID-19 testing system manufactured by Roche Diagnostics, RMRC Bhubaneswar Director Sanghamitra Pati said.

While the state's existing testing capacity is 475 per day, it will soon be about 1,400 after RMRC starts its new testing machine, she said. Besides, the state government's spokesperson on COVID-19, informed that till 9 am on Friday, a total of 3,249 samples have been tested, of which 48 are positive.

Out of the total positive cases, two persons have already been cured and discharged, while one died, he said. "At present, two of the 45 active cases are on ventilators, Bagchi said, adding that 113 people are under hospital isolation.

Speaking about enforcement of the lockdown, Bagchi said from April 9 morning to April 10 morning, a total of 213 cases have been registered by the police for violations of regulations and guidelines related to COVID-19. So far, a total of 63 cases have been registered in the state for rumour-mongering, he said.

Also read: India coronavirus lockdown live updates: Death toll increases to 239; Indore a hotspot with 30 deaths

Also read: Coronavirus impact: Masks mandatory for refilling at fuel pumps in Odisha
Denmark will reopen schools and day care centres on Wednesday as it relaxes lockdown rules after a number of coronavirus cases in the country have stabilised.

Remaining lockdown measures, such as the closure of bars, restaurants, shopping complexes and bans of public gatherings of more than 10 people, will stay in place for at least another month.

The Scandinavian country, which has over 5,000 cases of coronavirus and a total of 237 fatalities, has seen deaths and hospital admissions stabilise in recent days.

Denmark's Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, pictured at a media briefing on coronavirus in Copenhagan, Denmark, on March 23, when she extended the lockdown to April 13

But Denmark's Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, warned the plan will only work if lockdown rules were gradually eased.

Speaking at a press conference earlier this week, she said: 'This will probably be a bit like walking the tightrope.

'If we stand still along the way we could fall and if we go too fast it can go wrong. Therefore, we must take one cautious step at a time.

In an interview with DK last week, Ms Frederiksen said the government was hoping for a 'gradual, controlled and quiet reopening of Denmark'.

However, she warned that 'we will not return to Denmark as it was' when the first restrictions are lifted.

She said: 'We are not going to be able to squeeze up close together in trains, buses and subways in the way we have become accustomed to.

'Or stand very close together with a whole lot of other people and have a good party together.'

The Danish government ordered the closure of schools, day cares, restaurants, cafes and gyms when the lockdown began, and shut all borders to most foreigners.

Denmark will reopen schools and day care centres on Wednesday as it relaxes lockdown rules after coronavirus deaths have stabilised (pictured: file photo of a school classroom)

Copenhagan International School building. The Scandinavian country has seen deaths and hospital admissions stabilise in recent days (file photo)

There are fears that a deep recession could cause more damage to Denmark than a second virus outbreak. Ms Frederiksen said last week: 'The situation we are in is far more complicated than appreciating human life.'

Austria was the first country to set out detailed plans for ending the standstill, with smaller shops re-opening on Tuesday and larger ones on May 1.

Meanwhile Germany is willing to re-open schools on a regional basis and allow a limited number of people into restaurants if the infection rate stays sufficiently low.

In Italy, which has been under lockdown longer than any other European country, officials are talking about a 'phase two' where society learns to 'live with the virus' by wearing masks and carrying out more tests.

Italy and Germany are among the countries looking at smartphone tracking, which could allow them to jump on new outbreaks without sending everyone back inside.

All of those countries, along with Spain, have seen signs of improvement in their recent figures which offer hope that the crisis is past its peak. That moment is still to come for Britain and America, which are bracing for one of their bleakest weeks.

However, health officials across Europe have warned that life cannot go back 'from 0 to 100' immediately and many lockdown measures will remain in place for several more weeks at least.
F our out of the five NHS trusts in England that have announced more than 200 deaths linked to coronavirus are in London.

Figures from NHS England show that as of 5pm on April 10, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust has the most Covid-19 related deaths in the capital at 263, while Royal Free London trust has 251.

Kings College Hospital trust has seen 234 virus-related deaths and Barts Health NHS Trust in east London has had 220.

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust has the most in England at 394.

The British Medical Association has warned over the 'dangerously' low PPE supplies (North Middlesex hospital)

It comes as the UKs coronavirus death toll rose to nearly 10,000 on Saturday after a further 917 fatalities were recorded in one day.

Across the country 78,991 people have tested positive and 20,101 people are being treated in hospital.

Home Secretary Priti Patel dodged a direct apology to NHS workers on Saturday amid a deepening row between the Government and NHS staff over personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages on the front line.

Asked twice at the Downing Street news conference if she would apologise to NHS staff and their families, Ms Patel said: Im sorry if people feel that there have been failings. I will be very, very clear about that.

But at the same time, we are in an unprecedented global health pandemic right now.

Priti Patel at the Downing Street press conference / PA

It is inevitable that the demand and the pressures on PPE and demand for PPE are going to be exponential. They are going to be incredibly high. And of course we are trying to address that as a government.

The British Medical Association said doctors would be forced to face heartbreaking decisions over whether to carry on amid dangerously low levels in London and Yorkshire hospitals.
"A Piece of Your Mind" premiered on March 23, 2020. Unfortunately, ever since its first episode, it has been gaining low reviews. The drama revolves around a music engineer who fell in love with a genius programmer.

TVN network released a statement regarding the show's standing.

"We have decided to cut down the episode-length for TVN's "A Piece of Your Mind" to fasten the pace of the storytelling. To meet the standards of viewers who have shown their love for "A Piece of Your Mind," we will cut down the length of the drama to 12 episodes. In the current story, Han Seo Woo (Chae Soo Bin) changing feelings toward Ha Won (Jung Hae In) will quickly add place to the couple's romance. We want to once again thank viewers for their love and support "A Piece of Your Mind," and we will continue to do our best to create a good product for the viewers until the end."

After the premiere episodes, viewers already commented on the slow pace of the drama series. But the chief producer Kim Jin Yi assures the netizens that the plot will be different after the episodes 1 - 3. He explained that the story will further change and change.

"After the first episode, some viewers said the drama was difficult to understand and unfamiliar. There were certain scenes where there were no explanations to aid understanding, but in planning the drama, we wanted to relay a feeling of unfamiliarity rather than familiarity and comfort. We hope viewers watch for what kind of feelings Han Seo Woo feels towards Ha Won. Who has only eyes for Ji Soo thus far and how her feelings toward him deepen. It slowly revealed how the drama's subject of one-sided-love can be a source of comfort."

However, few episodes have already broadcast but the series's ratings remain low. The latest scores got a 1.2 percent 1.2 % for the management to decide. They will schedule to have the show until episode 12 and take out 2 episodes instead.

Below is the drama's nationwide rating (Nielsen Korea) per episode.

Episode 1 - March 23 - 2.44% (Highest)

Episode 2 - March 24 - 2.122%

Episode 3 - March 30 - 1.5%

Episode 4 - March 31 - 1.5%

Episode 5 - April 6 - 1.450%

Episode 6 - April 7 - 1.25 (lowest)

The lead character took time with their emotions towards Ji Soo. A plot that takes five episodes to tackle, which doesn't give a heavy connection. It is a childhood memory and a love that never takes place until they grow and have their own lives.
According to the PM, measures will be introduced in 3-4 weeks to support small and medium-sized businesses

Prime Minister Denys Shmygal predicts that the incidence of coronavirus in Ukraine will decline after Easter. The Prime Minister said this during the program 'Freedom of Speech of Savik Schuster' on the Ukraine TV channel, RBC reports.

"That turning point, I hope, will come after Easter, when we begin to move down in the number of cases detected, in the number of deaths," Shmygal said.

According to him, after the Easter holidays, the Cabinet of Ministers will present a plan for overcoming the crisis associated with quarantine restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus epidemic.

In three-four weeks, measures to support small and medium-sized businesses and cities in the country will also be introduced.

As we reported before, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has begun to develop a strategy for quitting the country, which should be completed in May.

"The Cabinet of Ministers created the Council on Economic Development of Ukraine, which includes the best scientists and economists with world renown. Now we are working together to develop a quarantine exit strategy that we are introducing next week," Shmygal said.
In rough seas 200 miles off Cape May on Friday, the Coast Guard rescued a man whose sailboat was taking on water after his distress signal was picked up by a passing tanker.

The Coast Guard said the rescued sailor owed his life to the crew of the tanker, the Hellas Poseidon, which picked up his distress signal at 5:15 p.m., reported it, found the mans disabled 25-foot sailboat and then remained on the scene until the Coast Guard arrived with a plane and a helicopter.

We would like to applaud the crew of the Hellas Poseidon, Chief Warrant Officer Dan Capestany, duty officer at the Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bays command center, said in a statement Saturday. They not only quickly reported the distress call, but were able to locate the sailboat and make sure the man was safe until we arrived.

The guard said the sailor, who was not identified, was on a solo voyage on the sailboat, named Serena, from North Carolina to New York, when it was swamped by high waves in a storm, causing an electrical fire that damaged its communications equipment and caused a leak.

The Coast Guard captured the rescues final moments in a video.

Alone on the open ocean 200 miles southeast of the Cape May peninsula, tossed by waves and pelted with wind-driven rain, the sailor put out a distress call on the VHF-FM radio channel 16. The signal was picked up by the tanker crew, which spotted dark smoke coming from the hobbled sailboat about two miles away.

The Hellas Poseidon is a 738-foot liquitified chemical gas tanker registered out of Malta that was bound for the Port of Marcus Hook on the Delaware River in Pennsylvania, according MarineTraffic.com. The Coast Guard said the tanker picked up the distress call, reported it, and headed toward the cloud of smoke coming from the sailboat. Meanwhile, the Coast Guard dispatched an HC-130 Hercules airplane and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

Once on scene, the aircrew decided that the weather conditions made it too dangerous to lower a rescue swimmer and equipment directly onto the sailboat, the Coast Guard said in a statement. The aircrew instructed the man to enter the water with a lifejacket and meet the rescue swimmer. The rescue swimmer quickly recovered him and they were safely hoisted onto the helicopter.

The actions of the Hellas Poseidon undoubtedly saved the mans life, Capestany stated. This sailor was lucky that someone heard his distress call since he was so far out in the open ocean. It demonstrates the need for proper safety equipment, amongst which are a registered EPIRB and life raft.

A Coast Guard Sikorsky MH60 Jayhawk helicopter, like the one used to rescue a solo sailor in rough seas 200 miles southeast of Cape May on Friday.U.S. Coast Guard

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.
The US has became the world's first country to have registered more than 2,000 COVID-19 deaths in a single day with 2,108 fatalities reported in the past 24 hours, while the number of infections in America has crossed 500,000, the highest in the world, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

China, where the deadly coronavirus disease started in December last year before spreading across Europe and America killing more than 100,000, has so far recorded 81,000 cases of positive infections and 3,339 deaths.

In terms of fatalities, the US might soon overtake Italy where 18,848 COVID-19 deaths have happened so far. By Friday night, the US had 1,8679 recorded deaths, closely behind Italy. More than 16,000 people have died in Spain and over 13,000 in Germany, the university data said.

By Friday night more than 2,108 Americans had died due to the novel coronavirus and 500,399 people had tested positive with the dreaded disease, it said.

The COVID-19 positive cases in the United States are now more than the other top countries taken together: Spain (158,000), Italy (147,000), Germany (122,000) and France (112,000).

New York, which has emerged as the epicenter of COVID-19 deaths, has registered over 1.7 lakh positive cases, which is more than any other country.

More than 7,800 people in New York have died due to coronavirus. New Jersey has has nearly 2,000 deaths and more than 54,000 confirmed cases.

Before the start of the week, members of the White House Task Force on Coronavirus had projected between 100,000 and 200,000 deaths in the US.

While President Donald Trump had said that this was going to be a "terrible, terrible" week in terms of death, US Surgeon General Jerome Adams said the week was going to be 9/11 and Pearl Harbour moment for the country.

On Friday, Trump told reporters that as per the new projections the death toll was expected to be below 60,000.

"Hard to believe that if you had 60,000 (deaths), you could never be happy, but that's a lot fewer than we were originally told and thinking. So they said between 100 and 220,000 lives on the minimum side, and then up to 2.2 million lives if we didn't do anything. But it showed a just tremendous resolve by the people," he said.

Trump has declared a national emergency, has notified major disaster declaration for almost all of the 50 States and more than 95 per cent of the 330 million population are under stay-at-home order.

The American economy is headed for a recession, experts say.

New York, the epicenter, he said is showing signs of a "downward curve," Trump said.

"A lot of that has to do with the aggressive strategy in saving so many lives. We're saving so many lives compared to what it could have been," he said.

"In New York, we're seeing hospital admissions declining very substantially. And nationwide, the number of new cases per day is flattening substantially, suggesting that we are near the peak and our comprehensive strategy is working, Trump said.

Over time, the guidelines to slow the spread are decreasing the rate of new cases very substantially and will result in fewer hospital admissions, he added.

According to Dr Deborah Brix, a member of the White House Task Force on Coronavirus, the mortality rate in the United States is significantly less than many other countries.

"That is really solely the work of our frontline healthcare providers," she said, but cautioned that the country has still not reached the peak.

"But as encouraging as they are, we have not reached the peak. And so, every day, we need to continue to do what we did yesterday and the week before and the week before that, because that's what, in the end, is going to take us up across the peak and down the other side," Brix said.

Globally, 102,669 people have died due to coronavirus and over 1.6 million people have been infected, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Marie Moran describes her mom as a tough cookie.

At 79 and with asthma and COPD, she managed to pull through twice from dire circumstances brought on by COVID-19.

Catherine Yeaw was discharged Friday, April 10, from Metro Health in Wyoming amid fanfare from nurses and medical staff who lined a hallway as she was wheeled to an elevator.

COVID-19 Patient is Discharged Moments like these are why our caregivers work so hard: Our first COVID-19 patient was discharged today! #HailToTheCaregivers #stronGR #StaySafe #COVID19 Posted by Metro Health on Friday, April 10, 2020

Yeaw now heads to a rehabilitation center/nursing home to finish her recovery. Shes expected to be there a couple of weeks.

Moran said her mothers recovery seems nothing short of miraculous given her underlying health conditions and that she had a bout with pneumonia in February.

Moran gives much credit to the doctors and nurses at Metro Health.

Related: Michigan reports 6th straight day of 100-plus coronavirus deaths

I believe they went above and beyond to help her. Im just so thankful for what they did, said said from her Florida home where they are under a stay-at-home order.

Her mother went into the hospital March 22 and she tested positive for COVID-19 two days later. She was intubated and family members were concerned then that she wouldnt pull through.

But Yeaw quickly showed signs of recovery. Within a few days, doctors were nearly ready to discharge her.

We thought she was doing pretty good, then she had a setback, Moran said.

Her medical condition again was dire.

They said her lungs were full of fluid, Moran said.

In a Facebook post about her mothers medical journey, Moran explained it like this:

When she was first admitted it didnt look like she would survive. She was intubated and after 2 days was removed and was doing well......... She was about to be released to rehab and within 24hrs, we almost lost her again she wrote.

Yeaw then was intubated for a second time. Doctors gave her drugs used to combat COVID-19.

Slowly, she began to shows signs of improvement. She was under sedation for a period. Her voice, which turned raspy when she got COVID-19, began improving.

Moran and other family members have not been able to visit Yeaw in person, but nursing staff have helped her connect daily via video with relatives.

Its not clear where Yeaw contracted the virus.

She lived with another daughter in the southern part of Grand Rapids and basically didnt go anywhere, Moran said.

We dont know how she got it, she said.

Yeaws chilren and grandchildren have been pulling for her.

Shes a spunky person. Shes that kind of woman, Moran said.

Catherine Yeaw tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). (Courtesy: Marie Moran)

CORONAVIRUS PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home ( door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.

More from MLive

Despite criticism, Gov. Whitmer defends revised stay-at-home order

Sen. Shirkey says Whitmer is killing our livelihoods with stay-at-home extension

Critical personal protection equipment for coronavirus delivered to Grand Rapids
- Nico Bolzico recently posted an online video together with his wife, Solenn Heussaff

- In the video, which was part of their "SosBolzProducciones", Nico asked Solenn to imitate him

- However, Solenn got the shock of her life after Nico pranked her in the video

- The said post also elicited various reactions and comments from netizens on social media

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Celebrity couple Solenn Heussaff and Nico Bolzico have stunned the online community after the latter posted a video from their 'successful show' on his social media account.

KAMI learned that in the video, which was part of the couple's 'SosBolzProducciones', Nico asked Solenn to imitate him.

Watch the video below:

In the video, Nico could be seen playing with his water bottle which Solenn imitated. However, Nico decided to suddenly spit on Solenn's face much to the latter's surprise.

According to Nico, "We already went through this topic in the #BulliedHusbandClub Handbook, but it is always good to have a refreshment.

"Just remember, if you are going to prank your #Wifezilla make sure you can run faster than her or you are not reachable."

The said video elicited various reactions and comments from netizens who tried to imagine what Solenn's reaction was afterwards.

"Are you still alive Nico?"

"Waiting for Solenn's revenge."

"Solenn is shookt! Can imagine her screaming afterwards, "NICOOOOO!!!"

"Loved how you automatically curled your back in submission waiting for the punishment."

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As reported earlier by KAMI, Solenn Heussaff just posted an update on her social media account with a funny video of Nico Bolzico. The video immediately went viral since baby Thylane's face was seen on the video. Earlier, the couple has decided not to post a photo or video of their daughter's face in the public yet.

Solenn Heusaff is a Filipina-French actress, model, TV host, painter, fashion designer, and a professional make-up artist. She first gained her popularity when she joined the GMA survival reality show Survivor Philippines: Celebrity Showdown.

POPULAR: Read more news about Solenn Heussaff

Please like and share our Facebook posts to support KAMI team! Dont hesitate to comment and share your opinion about our stories either. We love reading about your thoughts!

In this video, a Filipino Pio found his own way to help frontliners amid the pandemic. Check out all of the exciting videos and celebrity interviews on our KAMI HumanMeter YouTube channel !

Source: KAMI.com.gh
Former President Barack Obama blasted Republicans in Wisconsin for the 'debacle' election earlier this week in which voters stood on line for hours to cast a ballot in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

'No one should be forced to choose between their right to vote and their right to stay healthy like the debacle in Wisconsin this week,' the former president tweeted on Saturday.

'Everyone should have the right to vote safely, and we have the power to make that happen.

'This shouldn't be a partisan issue.

Former President Barack Obama slammed Republicans for forcing Wisconsinites to risk their health and wait on line for hours to vote in this past Tuesday's election despite a stay-at-home order

'No one should be forced to choose between their right to vote and their right to stay healthy like the debacle in Wisconsin this week,' the former president tweeted on Saturday

'Everyone should have the right to vote safely, and we have the power to make that happen,' according to Obama. 'This shouldn't be a partisan issue'

'Let's not use the tragedy of a pandemic to compromise our democracy,' the former president tweeted. 'Check the facts of vote by mail.'

'Let's not use the tragedy of a pandemic to compromise our democracy.

'Check the facts of vote by mail.'

The election that was held on Tuesday was for the presidential primary, a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and dozens of other local elections.

The state's Democratic governor, Tony Evers, issued an executive order delaying the election and extending absentee voting, but his decision was overruled by the state's Supreme Court, which has a conservative majority.

The state Supreme Court ruled by a 4-2 majority in favor of overturning Evers' executive order.

The court's ruling was along ideological lines, with conservative justices voting in favor while liberal justices opposing.

Evers claimed he wanted to push back the elections in order to minimize people's exposure to the virus.

But Republicans claimed that the governor did not have the authority to unilaterally delay an election.

Democrats accused Republicans of seeking to push ahead with the vote because lower voter turnout is generally thought to favor conservatives who are up for election.

Wisconsin was the only state in the country to proceed with elections scheduled for April as other states have opted to delay elections to prevent the spread of the virus.

Voters wait in line to cast their ballots in the Wisconsin presidential primary election at Marshall High School in Milwaukee on Tuesday

Voters in Milwaukee County (above) waited hours and appeared to be standing close to each other in violation of social distancing guidelines

One brave Milwaukee resident wore a gas mask to a polling place at Riverside University High School on Tuesday

Aaron Lipski, the assistant chief for the City of Milwaukee Fire Department, stands in a tyvec suit as he monitors health and safety at a polling station inside Hamilton High School in Milwaukee on Tuesday

'Welcome to the S*** Show!' wrote the state's lieutenant governor, Mandela Barnes, hours after the U.S. Supreme Court blocked a lower court ruling to allow more time for voters to send in absentee ballots.

As a result, thousands of Wisconsin voters waited in long, congested lines outside polling stations to participate in the presidential primary election and many were seen ignoring social distancing orders.

On social media, the Republican speaker of Wisconsin's state assembly was ridiculed after footage emerged showing him urging voters to head to the polls on Election Day while he was dressed head to toe in protective gear.

'You are incredibly safe to go out,' Robin Vos is seen in the video saying.

Vos defended the election, saying heading out to vote was risking 'less exposure' than the grocery store and postponing the election made 'no sense.'

Wisconsin's Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, a Republican, came under fire on Tuesday for urging voters to head to the polls on Election Day dressed head to toe in protective gear

Vos, volunteering at a polling station in Burlington, assured apprehensive Wisconsinites that 'everybody is here safe' with 'very minimal exposure'.

Nearly 1.3 million Wisconsin voters applied for absentee ballots for Tuesday's elections in the midst of the pandemic, more than the total number of votes cast in the 2016 Democratic primary, according to the Wisconsin Election Commission.

More than 1 million of those ballots have already been returned, the commission said.

Others will keep trickling in. Votes from Tuesday's election will not be tallied until after April 13, the deadline for mail-in ballots to arrive at local election offices.

The fierce debate over Wisconsin is a prelude to the political clash that is likely to ensue over the question of voting by mail for this November's general election.

Democratic leaders have called for expanding mail balloting amid their fears that coronavirus will continue keeping voters at home this year.

That push is meeting strong resistance from Republicans nationwide, from the White House to elected officials in Republican-governed states such as Texas, Georgia and Ohio.

President Trump on Tuesday said he was opposed to expanding mail-in voting because of rampant fraud, though these claims are not true.

'Mail ballots  they cheat. OK? People cheat,' he said.

'There's a lot of dishonesty going along with mail-in voting.'

The president himself neglected to mention that he mailed in his ballot last month when his home state of Florida held its primaries.

Texas, for example, is one of 15 states requiring voters to provide an excuse, such as disability or advanced age, when requesting an absentee ballot.

An April 2 advisory to election officials from the Secretary of State noted that Texas' election code defines 'disability' to include conditions that would jeopardize voters' health if they voted in person.

But the advisory did not specify that voters practicing social distancing could be eligible under this definition.

The Democratic Party sued Texas's Republican leadership in federal court on Tuesday to force the state to allow no-excuse absentee voting.

The state has not yet responded to the complaint.

On Wednesday, the American Civil Liberties Union sued Georgia's Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in federal court over that state's absentee ballot rules.

The complaint alleged that requiring voters to pay their own postage when submitting mail-in absentee ballots and absentee ballot applications was tantamount to a poll tax.
Angry inmates set fire to an overcrowded prison on Indonesia's Sulawesi island during a riot erupted late Saturday over measures imposed to contain the coronavirus, officials said.

Hundreds of police and soldiers were deployed to take control of Tuminting prison in Manado city, the capital of North Sulawesi province, which is designed to house 490 inmates but now has more than 550, said Lukmasono, the head of Justice and Human Rights provincial office.

Lukmasono, who goes by a single name, a preliminary investigation revealed that many inmates, mostly drug offenders, were angered by restrictions on family visits and envious following the early release of 115 inmates to curb the spread of the coronavirus in prisons.

They went on the rampage and started fires, and other inmates joined the protest and it turned violent, but there were no reports of deaths, Lukmasono said.

Television video showed prisoners in an open field under heavy guard by soldiers while orange flames and black smoke billow from a building, and burned office equipment, documents and broken glass are scattered around the prison.

Indonesia has released more than 36,550 inmates in a desperate bid to stop coronavirus from rampaging through its notoriously overcrowded prison system, said Rika Aprianti, the directorate general of Corrections at Justice and Human Rights spokesperson.

Inmates due to have served two-thirds of their sentences by December will be freed under assimilation and reintegration programs, the ministry said in a decree. It said juvenile inmates set to have served half their jail terms by December will also be released.

Indonesia recorded 3,842 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Saturday, with 327 deaths.

Jailbreaks and riots are common in Indonesia, where overcrowding has become a problem in prisons that are struggling with poor funding and large numbers of people arrested in a war on illegal drugs.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)






Volkswagen AG said Thursday it will furlough 1,500 workers at its U.S. assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, starting Saturday as the industry grapples with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The German automaker said the temporary emergency furloughs for its production and maintenance workforce are expected to last no more than four weeks.

The automaker said its "primary objective is to protect the financial health of Volkswagen for the benefit of our team as we address the emerging and ongoing impacts of the COVID-19."

VW said employees and production contractors at the plant have to date received full pay and benefits during the shutdown that began March 21.

Automakers are facing a dramatic drop in sales in the United States, the worlds second-largest car market, after some states barred dealers from selling new cars while "stay-at-home" orders are in place. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV on Monday extended its shutdown of U.S. and Canadian plants until May 4.

On Tuesday, Honda Motor Co and Nissan Motor Co said they had furloughed thousands of workers at their U.S. operations.

A spokesman for Honda, which employs about 18,400 workers at plants in Alabama, Indiana and Ohio, said the Japanese automaker would guarantee salaries through Sunday, having suspended operations on March 23. The plants will be closed through May 1.

Nissan said it was temporarily laying off about 10,000 U.S. hourly workers effective April 6. It has suspended operations at its U.S. manufacturing facilities through late April due to the impact of the outbreak.

Toyota Motor Corp said this week it plans to reopen its North American auto plants on May 4, extending its current shutdown by two additional weeks. Toyota said it will stop paying salaries for 5,000 workers provided by outside agencies.
It seems like Twitter almost has two parts to itself - youre either some kind of political commentator or a meme page dedicated to making fun of literally anything.

This Friday, however, both sides joined forces following the latest development in a series of continual f*ck-ups from Fawad Hussain Chaudhry, Pakistans Science & Technology Minister.

People of #Endia lesson from #CoronaLockddow is never support political oppression how #ModiGovtFailsIndia by indefinite lockdown of #Kashmir people suffered this agony for too long not becauuse of Pendamic but because #Endia political leadership failed humanity  Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) April 10, 2020

After getting a crack team of translators on board, weve deduced the message to be an attack on the Modi administration regarding the long period of combined lockdown and curfew experienced in Kashmir.

A debatable political point by all means, but when your countrys Science & Tech Minister cant spell lockdown, pandemic and because in the middle of a global viral outbreak, theres certainly cause for concern for Pakistanis, and plenty of jokes to be made by Indian Twitter, as usual.

One user attempted to understand where the Minister's disastrous spelling and grammar came from.

Bhai tu Punjabi mein tweet likh ke Google translate karta hai kya?  The-Lying-Lama 2.0 (@KyaUkhaadLega) April 10, 2020

While another had a much simpler answer.



His bakri ran over his keyboard.  Shubham Gupta (@Anawink02) April 10, 2020

Retired Indian Major General Harsha Kakar chimed in with his own dealer theory.

Am so happy he tweeted in English. Am certain he and @ImranKhanPTI share the same dealer. @fawadchaudhry note your spelling of Lockdown, pandemic & humanity. Frankly no one understands when you write in English. Even the Queen would be having nightmares after reading your teeets  Maj Gen Harsha Kakar (@kakar_harsha) April 11, 2020

Soon enough, Pakistani Twitter began to mobilise its own mud-flinging contest.

le sun le.. kya bat hui pic.twitter.com/EBn0t5EtfO  Rishu Dubey (@Dubey_Jiiiii) April 10, 2020

Unfortunately for them, the comebacks were just way too good - and Indian Twitter has had several practice sessions against the bumbling Minister.

Just a fortnight ago, Chaudhry had released this tweet that had troll accounts somewhere between laughs and serious concern for the welfare of Pakistans common population.

Humen are not programmed for Quarantine and our dependence on eachother is a precondition of Society and life,Isolation is only a very short term measure, salvation of human race depends on Science and Scientists how quickly they can respond to challenge #CoronavirusOutbreak  Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) March 17, 2020

The message is clear - if youre looking for a good account to troll on, Chaudhrys is a consistent source of confusion, typos and a hilarious meme-worthy comedy of errors.
New Delhi, April 11 : Sectors like construction where sufficient labour is already at site, export-oriented units, government offices, e-commerce and agriculture are the sectors which should be opened in the first phase when the country starts reopening economic activities, industry body Assocham said on Saturday.

In the report, titled "India opening for Business-Suggested calibrated approach and potential SoP," the industry body outlined detailed Standard Operating Procedures for resuming the most vital sectors of the economy.

"As the Rabi harvest is picking up, necessitating the workforce to be in the fields along with agri machinery, it is imperative to facilitate the most important activity which has provided the food security to the country," Assocham Secretary General Deepak Sood said in a statement.

"This sector certainly needs the maximum of the national resources and commitment. It is good to see several states responding very well to the sector," Sood added.

IT, IT enabled Services (ITeS), professional services, food retailing and hotels can follow while the retail, transport -including bus services and airlines should be the next to open up, said the report.

Wider international operations can take place towards the end of the graded lockdown exit, it added.

Giving the top most priority to the safety of the work force and all other stakeholders, the SOP suggested mandatory medical check-up to be arranged for all employees and contract workers with repeat tests every month, till the pandemic is completely rooted out.

Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy on Saturday said that most CMs across the country emphasized on the extension of the 21-day nationwide lockdown for two more weeks, during their videoconference meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Odisha, Punjab, Maharashtra and West Bengal have extended the lockdown till end of April.
Anita Qualls, a 2019 University of Georgia graduate, was supposed to be in Cambridge, England doing her masters research until the COVID-19 p
Saudi Arabia is pushing back a key decision on pricing for its crude exports as the kingdom seeks to commit global producers to a massive coordinated supply cut.

State producer Saudi Aramco is set to decide on and announce pricing for May crude exports on Sunday, according to people with knowledge of the situation. The official selling prices, or OSPs, were meant to be released April 5 before twice being delayed to allow producers time to discuss output cuts amid demand destruction due to the coronavirus.

Aramco didnt immediately comment on the delay. The companys pricing is a key indicator for traders since it affects about 14 million barrels a day of Persian Gulf crude exports. Other producers in the region follow Aramcos lead in setting prices for their own shipments. Abu Dhabi and Kuwait have also said theyre waiting for the outcome of the meetings before releasing pricing.

Talks among global producers aimed at securing curbs of 10 million barrels a day entered their third day Saturday. Saudi Arabia convened OPEC+ members Thursday, hosted a conference call of G-20 energy ministers Friday and is set to speak with U.S. and Mexican officials Saturday. The meetings that stretched overnight failed to overcome Mexican resistance to the proposed reductions.

By bringing together the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and partners such as Russia, Saudi Arabia took steps to end an oil price war it had unleashed just a month before. The worlds top exporter slashed the OSPs for April exports by the most in at least three decades.

Benchmark Brent has plunged by more than half since the start of the year as the Saudis made good on their threat to begin pumping a record 12 million barrels a day at the start of April. The supply glut exacerbated a collapse in oil demand as the coronavirus pandemic forced lockdowns worldwide and economies ground to a halt.

OPEC+ talks in March collapsed, allowing production curbs to expire at the end of that month. Under the latest proposed agreement, both Saudi Arabia and Russia would pare output back to about 8.5 million barrels a day.
HK anti-mask ruled as 'constitutional' reveals practical judicial thinking: experts

Global Times

By Yang Sheng and Wang Wenwen Source:Global Times Published: 2020/4/10 1:16:05

A Hong Kong appeals court on Thursday overturned part of an earlier ruling that found the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government's ban on wearing masks at unauthorized protests "unconstitutional," declaring the measure imposed during the turmoil last year valid, with observers noting that this is a "demonstration of justice" and will help the HKSAR government quell the turmoil eventually.

In October, during the height of the anti-government turmoil, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam invoked Emergency Regulations Ordinance (ERO) for the first time in more than 50 years that allowed the government to enact a new regulation banning face masks during unauthorized protests to stop violence and chaos. At the time, many violent and radical protesters were wearing masks to hide their identities from the police and CCTVs to avoid legal charges against their illegal activities.

However, the ban on masks was later ruled "unconstitutional" by the High Court of the HKSAR in November 2019, a decision which led to an appeal by the government in January 2020. The Court of Appeal ruled on Thursday that while "the government had the right to ban the wearing of masks at unlawful assemblies, a ban on masks at legal public gatherings was unconstitutional," Reuters reported.

Witman Hung Wai-man, a Hong Kong Deputy to the 13th National People's Congress and Principal Liaison Officer for Hong Kong, Shenzhen Qianhai Authority, told the Global Times Thursday that the decision by the appeal court is a demonstration of justice and will help the government quell the social unrest.

He noted that under the common law, any court in Hong Kong has the right to explain and judge whether the executive act of the Hong Kong government violates the Basic Law, while the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee owns the ultimate explanatory right of Basic Law related issues.

The ruling of the appeal court maintains the "constitutionality" of the Emergency Regulations Ordinance and the legislation by the chief executive and based on the ruling, the chief executive can refer to the Emergency Regulations Ordinance to adopt flexible measures to cope with violent behavior in the future, said Tian Feilong, an associate professor at Beihang University in Beijing and a member of the Beijing-based Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, adding that this is the most sensible and progressive part of the ruling.

The appeal by the Hong Kong government and the overturning of the High Court ruling shows the rational efforts by Hong Kong's judicial procedure to maintain Basic Law order, which should be lauded, Tian said.

When the High Court ruled against the mask ban, there were calls for the NPC Standing Committee to explain the Basic Law.

"When the NPC Standing Committee explains Basic Law clauses, it exercises utmost restraint and plays an ultimate explanatory role. This time, it has also kept restraint by leaving enough judicial room for Hong Kong's courts to explain the overall constitutionality of the Emergency Regulations Ordinance and the Anti-Mask Law and the legality of specific clauses," noted Tian, adding that the appeal court ruled in accordance with this direction, therefore there is no need for explanation from the NPC Standing Committee.

In addition, the court also found that providing the police with powers to remove facial coverings was also unconstitutional. The Court of Appeal said the overall right of the government to invoke the Emergency Regulations Ordinance (ERO) was constitutional in times of "public danger."

Tian noted that the violent acts of protesters have already had the feature of terror and a "softened" Anti-Mask Law is not enough, and the chief executive and the Executive Council should prepare for more strict legislation under the Emergency Regulations Ordinance on occasions of "emergency" rather than "public danger."

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THE wife and family of a man who was knocked down and killed almost eight years ago have been awarded more than 25,000 in damages.

Lisa OShea sued the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) for mental distress relating to the death of her husband  Tom OShea  in the early hours of September 6, 2009.

Mr OShea, who had been socialising with his wife and a number of friends in Castleconnell, was knocked down as they were being collected by their daughter to go home at around 2am.

His wife, Lisa, received minor injuries in the impact.

The driver of the car who was prosecuted in relation to the collision was stoned on the night and did not have insurance.

The 21-year-old was sentenced to three years imprisonment in February 2012 and was banned from driving for 25 years.

Mrs OShea and other family members sued the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) for damages and on Monday at a sitting of the High Court in Limerick, Mr Justice Henry Abbott, approved a settlement offer of 25,394.76.

Andrew Sexton SC said Mrs OShea has moved forward as best she can since the death of her husband.

He said she has suffered awful mental distress in recent years but has a very supportive family.

Mr Justice Abbott noted that Mr OSheas mother had died in the intervening period and he praised Lisa OShea for the manner in which she has dealt with the tragedy.

Wishing her every happiness and success for the future, he said he hoped the conclusion of the case would help bring some finality to her grief.

He also thanks all of the parties who had helped ensure the matter was brought to a speedy conclusion.

The money is to be divided equally between Mrs OShea and a number of other family members.

Mr Justice Abbott also awarded Mrs OShea her costs.
Prophetess Dr Vida Osei Mensah, founder and leader of Vida Bethel Prayer Ministry, has called on other prayer ministries, churches and philanthropists to aid the efforts of government as it seeks to halt the spread of Covid-19.



Prophetess Dr Osei Mensah made the called at Amasaman in the Greater Accra Region after she donated several Veronica buckets, hand sanitizers, liquid soaps and gloves amongst others to the Amasaman Health Center.



In an interview with the Ghana News Agency after the presentation Prophetess Dr Osei Mensah, whose church is headquarters at Aparedi Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, said the items which are worth several thousand of cedis were her personal contribution to aid efforts in halting the spread of the Covid-19 disease.



Prophetess Dr Osei Mensah called on all branches of the prayer ministry which comprise Koforidua branch, Accra branch, Abuakwa branch and Kotwie branch to obey the instructions of government.



Dr Doris Arhin, in charge of Amasaman Health Directorate, who received the items on behalf of the Amasaman Health Center, commended Prophetess Dr Osei Mensah for the donation and appealed to other churches philanthropists and other non-governmental organizations to emulate the example made by her.



In another development Superintendent Fredrick Mensah, the Amasaman Police Commander also thanked Prophetess Dr Vida Osei Mensah for donating similar items to the Amasaman Police and Adjan Kotoku Police.

Source: GNA









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Mumbai, April 11 : Bollywood actress Maanvi Gagroo has revealed a sordid casting couch experience that she once had to suffer, involving a web series maker.

The actress said the incident took place about a year ago, according to a report in koimoi.com.

The website said that Maanvi got a call from the producer in question, with an offer for a role in an upcoming web series.

"A year ago, I got a call from a random unknown number. They were like, 'we're doing a web series and we wanted to cast you'. They told me the budget and I said, 'no, this is too less and why are we talking about the budget? Tell me the script. Only if I'm interested and you are interested in roping me, we can discuss about money, dates and all'. So he's like 'we're asking people if they are okay with the budget'. When I said 'no, it's less', he tripled the budget just in his next sentence. He said, 'I can give you this much also, but aapko 'compro' (compromise) karna padega'," Maanvi said, according to the website report.

The actress said she was hearing the word 'compro' (compromise) after seven or eight years.

"Suddenly, I don't know what triggered me, I started abusing him. Told him 'aap phone rakho, how dare you? Mai police ko complaint kar rahi hu'. I was really mad because in this pro imposed #MeToo era, I was baffled at how things like this still happen," koimoi.com quoted Maanvi as saying.

Maanvi appears in the popular Amazon Prime web series "Four More Shots Please".

Earlier this year she was seen in the film "Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan", and last year she had a starring role in "Ujda Chaman".
Easter Sunday is one of the most important days on the Christian calendar, a normally joyous occasion celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion. For most Australians, it is usually marked by some form of ritual: special church services, family gatherings, holiday plans, the passing out of chocolate. Like so much that brings people together, COVID-19 will have its way in curtailing plans.

The message has been echoed by many: it is time to stay at home, to place consequence before want. For the faithful, it will be particularly difficult. The church offers a place of sanctitude when the burdens of life are heavy. While belief may be a personal relationship with a god, the act of worshipping is most often a collective experience. A congregation brings together the like-minded, side by side in prayer. For those of faith, Sunday is for rejoicing in the marvel of a higher being using life itself as a means to reveal himself as the son of God.

Pope Francis delivers an Urbi et orbi prayer from the empty St. Peter's Square. Credit:Reuters

The recent image of Pope Francis delivering a blessing - Urbi et Orbi (To the city and the world) - in an empty Saint Peter's Square offered a stark reminder of religious life in a pandemic. More than 11 million tuned in, but his solitude was its poignancy. Like sport without fans, a service without followers is a shallow reflection of the full experience. This week the Pope offered words of solace during this time: "Easter tells us that God can turn everything to good, and that with Him we can truly trust that all will be well."

It has been weeks since Italy - enduring the world's highest COVID-19 death toll - has opened its church doors for mass. The only exception enabled a few pilgrims to visit the shrine of Saint Rosalia, whose apparition is believed to have saved the southern Italian city of Palermo from a plague in 1625. Locals are hoping she will once again offer some reprieve. All faiths have had to curtail their activities, with religious gatherings having been a trigger in countries such as Malaysia and South Korea for widespread outbreaks of COVID-19.
A Delhi court has decided to send suspended Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Davinder Singh to judicial custody for a month in connection with the case related to planning terror attacks in the capital.

Special Judge Ajay Kumar Jain sent Singh to judicial custody on Friday after police informed the court that the DSP was not required for further interrogation.

The court also sent to judicial custody three other co-accused -- Javed Iqbal, Syed Naveed Mushtaq and Imran Shafi Mir -- who were arrested in the matter.

The police requested the court that the accused be sent to judicial custody as they may flee from justice or hamper the probe if let free, defence advocate Prashant Prakash said.DSP Davinder Singh was suspended from the Jammu and Kashmir Police in January this year. The Special Cell had brought Davinder Singh to Delhi from Hira Nagar Jail in Jammu and Kashmir.

Singh was arrested in a case related to planning to execute terror attacks in Delhi and other parts of the country.

According to Police, the accused used to chat with other co-accused and militants of Hizbul Mujahideen through various internet platforms.

Delhi Police has filed an FIR under charges dealing with criminal conspiracy saying that the Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab youths are being trained for carrying out terrorist activities. The FIR also mentioned the involvement of D Company in funding pro-Khalistan terrorist organisations in Punjab.

According to police, some inputs were received through a reliable source that a group of individual likely to be linked to a terror outfit operating in Jammu and Kashmir is planning a terrorist attack on protected persons in Delhi and other parts of the country.

In this regard, the involvement of a Srinagar-based travel agent name Javed Iqbal and another person by name Singh associated with security agency was surfaced. Davinder Singh was arrested earlier by NIA in a separate case related to trying to assist terrorists to travel outside Jammu and Kashmir.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize has stated that the total number of COVID-19 cases in South Africa has reached 2,028.

This is up from yesterdays total of 2,003 cases.

75,053 tests for COVID-19 have been conducted in the country to date, added the minister. This is up from 73,028 tests which had been conducted by 10 April.

The total number of deaths in South Africa due to COVID-19 now stands at 25 people.

The latest death was that of a 61-year-old male from the Western Cape.

The minister said he had several underlying health conditions, including obesity and diabetes.

Lockdown extended

President Cyril Ramaphosa recently announced that the national lockdown will be extended by 14 days, and will now stay in effect until the end of April.

The president said there would be a big increase in testing for the virus over the next few weeks in order to identify and isolate the infected. Communities across the country will be screened, he stated.

He said this was necessary to contain the spread of the virus and avoid a massive loss of life in South Africa.

Confirmed cases of the virus in South Africa have followed an unexpected trend in recent days, however, with a sharp decline in new cases per day since the start of the lockdown.

This is unlike in countries such as the United States, Spain, and Italy, where there was a consistent increase in new cases until they reach a plateau.
By PTI

PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday contended that "tracing, tracking and testing" have to be actively carried out in areas where people might have come in contact with COVID-19 patients.

Kumar, during a review meeting with senior officials, also said that availability of necessary medicines and protective gears should never be a cause of concern for hospitals treating the infected.

Notably, the state has set up COVID care units for patients with mild symptoms of COVID-19 and health care centres for those with moderate symptoms.

The government has also earmarked hospitals across the state for the treatment of "serious and critical" patients.

The chief minister, while addressing the officials at his 1, Aney Marg, bungalow here, asked them to ensure smooth supply of essential items.

He directed district magistrates to make adequate arrangements so that farmers and labourers are not inconvenienced during harvesting of crops.

ALSO READ: COVID-19 LIVE

The chief minister also warned against hoarding and black marketing of commodities, saying action would be taken against people found flouting the rules.

Maintaining that doctors, medical staff, police personnel, administrative officials and sanitation workers are playing a very important role in the fight against the dreaded disease, Kumar appealed to people not to misbehave with them as they are putting their lives at risk to keep others safe.

"We should rather encourage them. We must all ensure safety and adequate facilities for these frontline workers," Kumar said, while asserting that people should not pay heed to rumours and fake news.

Urging people to abide by the lockdown norms, he reiterated that everyone should stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, and follow the guidelines issued by the government.
The wreckage of the Polish presidential plane which crashed in western Russia in 2010, killing President Lech Kaczynski and 95 others. Photo: AP

Poland's ruling nationalists held scaled-down events yesterday to commemorate the 10th anniversary of a plane crash in Russia which killed top politicians and military officers, and renewed criticism of Moscow's handling of the disaster.

Senior officials laid wreaths in Warsaw to honour late president Lech Kaczynski, who died in the crash.

The crash in thick fog near Smolensk in western Russia was Poland's worst air disaster since World War II and stunned the country. It also deepened political divisions and revived suspicions about Russia, Warsaw's former Cold War master.

President Andrzej Duda, an ally of the ruling Law and Justice Party - founded by Kaczynski and twin brother Jaroslaw - expressed regret the coronavirus outbreak made it impossible to mark the tragedy properly.

Many Poles, including Mr Duda, suspect the crash was not caused by pilot error but by foul play."We don't have basic evidence, the wreckage is still in Russia, the black boxes are still in Russia," he said.
B rits were today begged to stay at home this Bank Holiday weekend to slow the spread of coronavirus, despite soaring temperatures.

Health secretary Matt Hancock said that Easter will be a "test of resolve" for the UK to keep to social distancing measures, with temperatures set to reach up to 26C.

The warning came as the death toll among Covid-19 hospital patients in the UK reached nearly 9,000.

Mr Hancock said: This is a national effort, and every single person in this country can play their part in this plan."

He added that he understood it was a time of year when people like to gather with friends and family.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock during a media briefing in Downing Street / PA

Mr Hancock went on: But, however warm the weather, however tempting your local beach or park, we need everyone to stay at home.

Because in hospitals across the country, NHS staff are battling day and night to keep desperately sick people breathing, and they need you to stay at home.

Speaking on Saturday on BBC Radio 4, Mr Hancock reiterated his plea. He thanked the UK public for sticking to the rules, but said there was still a "minority" of people who were "flouting" the lockdown.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered Brits last month to stay at home, except for essential work, daily exercise, medical trips or caring for the vulnerable and shopping for essentials.

A policeman walks past a people exercising with a dog in Roundhay Park, Leeds / PA

Police will be patrolling across the UK to stop any Easter getaways or big gatherings, while celebrities such as former boxer David Haye and TV presenter Emma Willis are taking part in a government social media campaign to encourage people to stay at home.

Downing Street offered the Governments full backing to police forces seeking to enforce social distancing rules over the holiday period.

The Government does not know when the UK peak of the virus will be, Mr Hancock said, although the rate of hospital admissions appear to be beginning to flatten, he added.

But he told Today: "We havent seen that enough to have the confidence to make changes [to the lockdown]."

Some NHS staff have raised fears about a lack of PPE equipment / Getty Images

Mr Hancock's comments come after Friday saw 980 coronavirus-related deaths in the UK, the highest daily rise in recorded deaths since the outbreak began. The total number of deaths linked to Covid-19 stood at 8,958 on Friday.

Meanwhile, the health secretary was criticised by leading doctors for his comments on personal protective equipment (PPE) for NHS staff treating coronavirus patients, after he said it was "a precious resource". A total of 19 NHS workers have died after contracting coronavirus, Mr Hancock said on Saturday.

Dr Chaand Nagpaul, of the British Medical Association, said:For NHS staff facing shortages of protection they need today, they dont want to hear of a plan, but that this vital equipment is made available to the frontline now."

Dame Donna Kinnair, chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing, said it was the Government's duty to give medics the right protective equipment.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab / PA

She told the BBC's Today programme: "Often they havent got gowns. This cannot be right. We have 74,000 confirmed cases and therefore we will need equipment to care for these individuals.

But Mr Hancock told the BBC: "Its really important that people dont overuse PPE either... I dont want to impugn blame on people who have used more PPE than the guidelines suggest."

The UK is nearing the end of its third week of strict quarantine, when the Government is set to review the measures.

But Foreign secretary Dominic Raab, who is standing in for Prime Minister Boris Johnson, said earlier this week that the Government could not say more on when or how measures could be lifted until the end of the week.

Police outside St Thomas' Hospital in London, where Boris Johnson is being treated for coronavirus / PA

Professor Jonathan Van Tam, the deputy chief medical officer, also said it was still too soon to start lifting the restrictions on movement.

He added that it was premature to think the outbreak had reached its peak, although the curve is bending in terms of hospital admissions.

Mr Van Tam said: We are in a dangerous phase still... the push we are making with social distancing just has to continue.

Elsewhere, the head of the World Health Organisation warned against lifting restrictions too early, saying it could lead to "a deadly resurgence" of coronavirus.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "The way down can be as dangerous as the way up if not managed properly."
About 170 National Guard troops and 49 active-duty soldiers have taken on the grim task of assisting New York City with the removal of the growing number of bodies of those who die alone during the novel coronavirus pandemic, according to Guard officials.

"They've been involved in, and continue to be involved, unfortunately, in mortuary affairs," Air Force Gen. Joseph Lengyel, chief of the National Guard Bureau, said at a Pentagon briefing Wednesday. He was referring to the troops assisting the city's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) in the removal of "unattended" deceased.

"There is a capacity in the National Guard to deal with it," he said, as troops back up the overwhelmed ME's office by going into apartments and homes where someone has died without family or a doctor in attendance.

Lengyel said Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, adjutant general of the New York National Guard, told him that "on a normal, non-COVID sort of a day" about 25 bodies need to be removed from homes.

Related: More Than 25,000 Former Soldiers Have Now Volunteered to Return to Duty

"Those numbers are up significantly, and 150 people a day are needing to be taken" to the ME's office for examination of the cause of death, Lengyel said.

The brunt of the task has been assigned to 32 members of the Fast Search and Recovery Team (FSRT) of the Air National Guard's 107th Attack Wing, based at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, said Eric Durr, director of public affairs for the New York National Guard.

The FSRT, trained to assist in natural disasters and the recovery of personnel in chemical or biological attacks, has been assigned to assist the ME's office; they are backed up by another 140 regular Guard personnel now on duty in the city, Durr said.

In addition, 49 active-duty soldiers from the Army's 54th Quartermaster Company have been assigned to assist with mortuary affairs in the city, he added.

There is little sign that demand for National Guard assistance at the ME's office, which normally has a capacity of about 900 bodies in its morgue facilities, will taper off soon.

To deal with the overflow, the office has sent refrigerator trucks to local hospitals for temporary storage of the deceased.

At a news conference Friday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he is "cautiously optimistic" that the upward curve of new coronavirus cases in the state and city is flattening.

"The bad news is that we continue to lose a tremendous number of lives," he said.

Wednesday was the worst day in the state for coronavirus deaths, with 799 reported. That was up from 777 Thursday, the vast majority of them in New York City, Cuomo said.

New York's OCME prepared a plan in 2008 for dealing with an influenza pandemic, but the spread of COVID-19 appears to have gone beyond anything that could have been foreseen.

"The concept for managing deaths due to a [pandemic influenza] event is simple: The OCME will recover, process, and hold decedents from residential and healthcare facility locations until private sector entities are able to manage final disposition," according to the 2008 plan. But local funeral homes have been unable to handle the volume.

"The goal of this OCME response strategy is to honor life by respectfully managing one's death," the plan states.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.

Read more: Army's Seattle Field Hospital Closes After 3 Days, Without Treating a Single Patient
A Russian mother of two told of how desperate hospital medics wore swimming goggles for protection in her final social media posts about her decline to death after contracting COVID-19.

Business magazine editor Anastasia Petrova, 36, first got a fever last Monday, March 23, and died eight days later, her countrys youngest victim.

The single mum, from the city of Perm in Russia, kept posting as long as she could while she rapidly succumbed to the deadly coronavirus, highlighting the terrifying speed of fatal decline.

Like millions around the world, the single mother was working from home caring for her two beloved sons Ilya, 12, and 10-year-old Yaroslav.

Anastasia Petrova, 36, is believed to Russia's youngest coronavirus victim. East2West News/Australscope

Last Monday she was optimistic, posting: "Today I had the first day of my holiday.

Well, almost a vacation  I cheerfully trained for an online lecture.

Petrova attacked covidiots who gathered in a crowd of more than 150.

By evening her fever rose and next day she had a sore throat and serious cough.

I called a doctor, and reported on my contacts with people who had arrived back from abroad, Petrova said.

I have three of them, but everyone came more than 14 days ago.

But on the phone I heard the words, Oh hellNow I am waiting for a doctor.

Petrova was told to take her temperature every 20 minutes and swallow paracetamol.

You can see how it drops from 38.4C to 37.3C, she wrote hopefully.

I believe its just ARVI (Acute Respiratory Viral Infection), by the way (not coronavirus).

By evening Petrova added: "My favourite local doctor came (really favourite, the first one in my practice with whom I can communicate very calmly and who does not faint when I say I'm allergic to penicillin)

She didnt come right in, asking about the symptoms while standing about one metre from me.

She promised they would come and take a test on corona and asked not to leave home for 14 days, or at least until I had a negative test.

The doctor doubted it was coronavirus.

An intensive care ward in Perm, where Petrova died last month. Source: East2West/Australscope

We giggled about issuing me a sick note for ARVI she had visited 32 sick people, Petrova said.

Story continues

Although ill, Petrova was still paying attention to world events and had kept her sense of humour.

Referring to aid sent by Vladimir Putin, she asked: Listen, why is everyone criticising Russia's assistance to Italy in the fight against coronavirus?

She wrote thousands were dying there while Russia had everything under control.

Well, plus the experience of the outbreak is priceless, Petrova said.

These doctors we sent to Italy will later be able to save Russian patients.

This is perhaps one of the helping actions of our government with which I completely agree.

Rapid coronavirus deterioration

Last Tuesday night (March 24), Petrovas condition deteriorated. She was in hospital as her fever soared.

The resuscitators came with a ventilator, very cool and professional, she wrote from her intensive care bed.

They wear masks for snorkelling, by the way. In addition to masks for their mouth and nose.

The medical staff measured the oxygen in her blood and was told so far I do not need their help, but, in general, I am at risk.

They ordered me to continue breathing oxygen, Petrova said.

And if anything  they are nearby and will be here in five minutes if I feel worse.

They told me how they have treated swine flu  and that mainly pregnant women were brought to them.

They cursed that the ambulance crews do not use full protection when on emergency calls.

Petrova posted with a note of alarm: When a resuscitator looks thoughtfully at the printout of your analysis, its actually very scary.

My temperature was brought down to 38C.

Later Petrova posted to her friends: "Neither I nor the doctors think that it is coronavirus  the totality of symptoms suggests both this and ordinary flu.

The doctors made the decision about hospitalisation based on the state of my lungs, a very high temperature and my anamnesis."

She added: No strength, I sleep 90 per cent of the time.

READ MORE:

Distressing last message to friend before COVID-19 death

Last Friday (March 27, she posted her test was negative for coronavirus.

But later her friend revealed Petrovas messaged her the following day, with alarm in her voice: Yulia, my second test was positive. I feel very bad.

This was her last communication and she died on Tuesday (March 31).

Not for the first time in Russia, there is a suspicion her death was being listed as something other than coronavirus.

This prompted a furious reaction from the acting governor of Perm region, Dmitry Makhonin, who said: The death of journalist Anastasia Petrova has caused a great public outcry.

If it was known that she had coronavirus, why are they silent about this?

It is unacceptable to hide information from the public.

We must not lie to the people.

Petrovas two sons are reported to be negative for coronavirus and will be raised by Petrovas mother Marina, also an editor.

A friend called Tatyana Cherepanova posted a public message to the distraught Marina, 58, saying Petrova was "unusually gifted, talented, with such a fine mental abilities.

She told the grieving Marina: You must now raise your grandchildren, cherish your memories of your daughter, and edit your newspaper...

You are very strong.

You can do it. May God give you strength.

 Australscope
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is considered to be one of the most hated people alive right now after stepping down as a senior member of the British royal family, but according to the Daily Star, it's going to change soon since she's determined to win back the people that turned her back against her.

Meghan Markle to Win the Public Back

The news portal claims that the duchess may have agreed to appear in an American TV network to do a tell-all interview. Meghan will reportedly talk what made them leave it all behind, the process behind their departure as senior royals and their lives as royals.

Their source revealed that Meghan Markle was offered $1.2 million for the recorded interview, and would later air after the coronavirus pandemic comes to an end.

As reported by The Daily Star, US host and one of Forbes' billionaires, Oprah Winfrey has been pegged as the favorite to do the interview, which would require the former "The Oprah Show" host to come out of her retirement from the TV industry.

It would also be broadcasted not only in the US and the UK but also across the world, given that Meghan and Prince Harry's relevance is on a global scale.

She is also going to allow cameras to film their home and family life, as Prince Harry is also reportedly giving the project serious consideration.

Though the former "Suits" star has no royal duties or affairs to talk about, the public would undoubtedly want to know from her and Prince Harry the unprecedented decision to leave behind the British royal family.

"When she was part of the Royal Family, it would have been unthinkable for her to do a solo interview with anyone about her life and how being a princess has changed her world," the source said.

"But now she's very much her own boss, and it has put her under pressure feeling that the public has lost their love for her and Harry after they took the big step of going on their own."

The Star also suggests that the money she would make from the interview will be donated to a charity or the NHS, who are currently on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic in Britain.

The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly extremely serious in trying to win back the public after all the backlash she had received in the past couple of years.

Meghan Markle Pulling a Princess Diana Move

The Daily Star's insider also revealed that the Duchess of Sussex's US TV appearance would be the most anticipated global TV interview event since Princess Diana's famous tell-all chat with Martin Bashir.

Those who watched it on their television screens were gobsmacked that a member of the royal family would divulge private information to the world in 1995, but that was only because the Princess of Wales was in a desperate situation.

But once Princess Diana saw the interview, she was reportedly horrified by it.

When she died in 1997 in a car crash in Paris, one of the princess' close aides later revealed that Princess Diana deeply regretted what she said in the Bashir interview.

In another report, since it was known that she and her sister-in-law Fergie had a close relationship, in a 2003 appearance on "The View," Fergie revealed that Bashir tricked Lady Di into revealing the information.

As reported by The Guardian, "He lulled her into a comfort zone by being this wonderful magnanimous man and by saying, 'I'm a family man as well' and got her to talk that way," Fergie said.

"Of course, 'off the record' doesn't exist."

While Meghan Markle's team did not confirm or deny the rumors of her tell-all interview, we just hope she will not make the same mistake Princess Diana made in that dreadful 1995 chat.

READ MORE: Poor Meghan Markle! Duchess Is One Of The Most Hated People Alive - Here's The Proof
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Friday released updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the Class 10 and 12 board exams 2020. Students appearing in the CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 board exams 2020 can check the updated FAQs related to promotion of students to the next class, not holding of remaining board exams in Centres located outside India and many such other queries of students on the CBSE website at cbse.nic.in.

One of the updated FAQ tries to answer the query of a Class 11 student who has been detained in his class due to poor academic record. He is worried that some of his friends have been promoted based on their earlier results. Another FAQ talks about boards decision not to conduct any more exams for class 10 and class 12 students in schools abroad and what will happen to the results of the class 12 students.

Earlier, CBSE had announced that it will be conducting the class 10 and 12 examinations for only 29 main subjects which are crucial for promotion and admission to higher educational institutions. The decision was taken after the Union HRD Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal had a detailed meeting with the Education secretary Amit Khare and other top officials.

Students can check the updated FAQ regarding CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 board exams here:
GREENWICH  The suspect accused of robbing a Byram jewelry store on March 18 already had an extensive criminal record before he allegedly pulled a gun on a store worker there and made off with a large cache of jewels. police said.

Thomas Liberatore, 62, who has lived in Stamford, White Plains and Yonkers, N.Y., when not in prison, is now facing a robbery charge in connection with the Byram Jewelers hold-up. But federal prosecutors say he was also part of a team of three gunmen who robbed a jewelry store in Stamford on March 28 and killed the store owner, Mark Vuono.

According to documents filed by federal prosecutors, when Greenwich police arrived at Byram Jewelers, they found shattered glass from a display case, a broken mirror and an employee bleeding from his forehead and hands as a result of the shattered glass.

The worker told police that a man wearing a surgical mask and gloves had walked in at about 4:45 p.m. and asked to look at engagement rings, the affidavit states. The man then pulled out a gun and pointed it at the worker.

The gunman grabbed the rings and ordered the worker to open a nearby case, according to court papers. But when the worker fumbled with the lock, the robber smashed it open with his weapon. The worker then dove to the floor and activated an alarm, the affidavit states, and the robber took off with the merchandise.

Police got an image of the getaway car, a Honda Civic, and discovered that Liberatore had stolen it in Yonkers after taking it for a test drive from a dealership. The car was later spotted in New Rochelle, N.Y., and video emerged from that discovery.

Police said they determined Liberatore was behind the Byram Jewelers robbery through visual identification, the affidavit stated.

Liberatore has been charged repeatedly with major felonies, according to the affidavit filed by federal prosecutors. They said that he is a Connecticut resident with ties to Stamford and that he had been staying in Yonkers around the time of the robberies.

According to the federal court papers, Liberatore has prior felony convictions for third-degree burglary in 1976; bribery of a witness in 1978; second- and third-degree burglary in 1981; first-degree attempted assault in 1987; and assault on a police officer in 1988.

He was sentenced to 25 years to life for first-degree assault in 1987, and was most recently released on parole on April 1, 2019, prosecutors said.

Liberatore is facing pending charges in New York state of first-degree aggravated assault, relating to another assault on a police officer, prosecutors said.

A deadly jewelry store robbery

Authorities said Liberatore also took part in a robbery-homicide on March 28 in Stamford, with Robert Rallo, 56, and Paul Tony Pro Prosano, 59, both of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Three men matching their descriptions can be seen on surveillance video at the Dairy Queen on Summer Street, eight blocks south of Vuonos store, Marco Jewelers, at about 1:15 p.m. March 28, law enforcement officials say.

The high-definition video shows the trio putting on surgical masks and changing their clothing next to a black 2000 Jaguar, according to a 13-page arrest affidavit. The driver stayed in the car except to walk into Midtown News next to the Dairy Queen.

At 2:08 p.m., men matching the description of Rallo and Liberatore enter Marco Jewelers, captured on video from a surveillance camera inside the store, according to court documents.

Vuono, who had been alone in the store, is seen fighting with the man believed to be Rallo, who was armed with a black semiautomatic handgun, according to the documents. While they fight, the other man, believed to be Liberatore, begins grabbing items from the display cases, according to the affidavit.

At that point, Vuono produces his own silver revolver and he and his assailant fight over the two handguns next to a large open safe, according to the affidavit.

During the struggle Vuonos attacker reaches into the safe and pulls out a third handgun, a .357 Magnum revolver in a holster, belonging to Vuono, according to authorities. Vuono and the man struggle over that gun, leading Vuono to pull the holster off as the men wrestle for control.

The man then shoots Vuono with the revolver, according to the affidavit. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that Vuono died of a gunshot wound to the head.

Video taken by a camera outside the store shows a man believed to be Liberatore getting back into the Jaguar, parked on Summer Street near Marco Jewelers with the man believed to be Prosano behind the wheel, according to the affidavit. The vehicle drives off, returning five minutes later to pick up the person believed to be Rallo.

A black Jaguar with license plates matching those on the car in the Stamford surveillance videos was later found on Staten Island.

Staking out the suspects

Beginning on March 30, two days after the Stamford homicide, FBI agents began staking out the Jaguar. At 5:30 p.m. that day, a black BMW X3 with Prosano behind the wheel rolled up, and Rallo got out out and climbed into the drivers seat of the Jaguar, according to authorities.

FBI agents followed the cars, which rapidly accelerated, authorities said. A few blocks away, Prosano crashed into a tree and ran before he was apprehended by the agents, authorities said.

Rallo got a bit farther, but also crashed, authorities said. He jumped out of the car, leaving it to roll into a hydrant, and fled on foot, only to be captured five backyards away, authorities said.

Tracing the registration of the Jaguar, investigators said they discovered Rallo had purchased the car a month earlier but had left the vehicle registered in the previous owners name.

After obtaining a search warrant for the BMW, investigators found 63 rings, eight bracelets, one earring, one cuff link and two tie pins that, according to Vuonos family, had been stolen from the store, according to the arrest affidavit. A search of Prosanos Brooklyn home turned up 23 pairs of earrings and three rings with Marco Jeweler labels, according to the affidavit. Vuono family members also identified the jewelry as coming from the Sixth Street store, the document said.

On the evening of March 30, authorities arrested Liberatore, who asked agents whether they had just (him) or ... everyone, the affidavit said.

Federal criminal complaints charge Rallo, Liberatore and Prosano with Hobbs Act Robbery, an offense that carries a maximum prison term of 20 years. Authorities have said they expect to add more charges.

Each defendant has an extensive criminal history. They met while serving sentences within the New York State Department of Corrections, authorities have said.

The defendants have been detained in New York on state parole violation charges. No attorneys have been assigned to them yet, authorities said. The arrest warrants issued on the robbery charges have been lodged as detainers.

rmarchant@greenwichtime.com
By Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - When U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper rang his South Korean counterpart this week, he pressed for a deal quickly on defense cost-sharing that President Donald Trump expects will translate into much higher contributions from Seoul.

But current and former U.S. officials say privately there appears to be little hope of clinching a new agreement in the coming days, and some wonder about the coming weeks and months.

Trump, they say, already rejected what was probably Seoul's best offer ahead of its mid-April parliamentary elections - an increase of at least 13% from the previous accord, two of the officials said.

That offer and decision to reject it by the U.S. president, the details of which have not been previously reported, leaves the United States and South Korea at an impasse, even as outbreaks of the coronavirus threaten to undermine U.S.-South Korean military readiness for any potential conflict with North Korea.

But experts on the U.S.-South Korean relationship say the greater risk is damaging the alliance, born out of the Korean War, which still remains popular in South Korea.

Some 28,500 American troops are deployed to South Korea, in what is seen as a deterrent to Pyongyang that also sends a message to China about U.S. influence and capability in Asia.

Trump's view that wealthy South Korea, which has an economy larger than Australia's, is taking advantage of the United States is increasingly being met in Seoul by a perception that Washington has become a transactional partner with unreasonable demands.

"The current gridlock is there because they made excessive demands in the first place," said one South Korean official with knowledge of the talks.

Trump's decision to reject the South Korean offer came last week after consultations with Esper and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, officials say. It followed months of intense negotiations that saw South Korea eventually propose to pay more money than ever before as part of a new Special Measures Agreement (SMA).

Story continues

But Seoul's proposed increase was far below even the substantially lowered expectations of the Trump administration, who had initially sought an exponential increase to as much $5 billion from the roughly $900 million South Korea agreed to in the last one-year, cost-sharing agreement.

"That's not a small amount of money even if we did offer a 13 percent hike," the South Korean official said, adding that while it fell short of the $5 billion floated by the United States, "to us, that was a non-starter in the first place."

Esper and Pompeo argued that South Korea was paying for no more than a third of the costs most directly associated with the stationing of U.S. forces on the Korean Peninsula, not to mention other American military and intelligence assets associated with its defense.

"We were very disappointed that we couldn't get to something that was mutually acceptable," one of the U.S. officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

In one sign of just how fraught the negotiations had been at their start, Reuters has learned that South Korea last year actually presented an offer to cut its contribution.

The proposal on Nov. 19, which has not been previously reported, offended the U.S. delegation in Seoul, which cut short the talks, according to a source familiar with the discussions. The South Korean official denied a proposed cut but could not recall the exact reason for the abrupt U.S. move.

The standoff raises a long unanswered question about what the United States might do, if anything, should South Korea fail to make an offer acceptable to Trump, who has made no secret of his displeasure at the cost of deploying troops overseas.

The Pentagon declined comment on the talks, referring queries to the State Department, which is leading the negotiations. The State Department and White House also declined comment on the closed-door discussions.

Trump administration officials stressed that talks were ongoing.

"The President has been clear in the expectation that our allies around the world, including South Korea, can and should contribute more," one of the officials said, also speaking on condition of anonymity.

PRESSURE OF CORONAVIRUS

What was meant to be the final phase of negotiations in mid-March came even as the United States imposed dramatic travel restrictions over the coronavirus that made all but the most essential engagements off-limits.

That raised questions about whether in-person talks between the U.S. and South Korean delegations to be held in Los Angeles would go ahead. But they did.

South Korean negotiators obtained travel waivers and made their way to the city, the first U.S. official said.

When Seoul finally delivered its offer, it was underwhelming, according to multiple accounts of the conversations. Still, there was some hope that - given the urgent U.S. and South Korean focus on COVID-19 - the deal might be good enough.

"The one thing that gave everybody some wiggle room was COVID, right? ... So there's a public opening. And we don't do the deal," said a former U.S. official familiar with the discussions.

"This was the time," the former official said.

South Korea, held up as a model for containing the pandemic, has said it would make available test kits to the United States and help testing of U.S. troops in South Korea.

Democratic Congressman Eliot Engel, who leads the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, said on Twitter that Trump should be working with allies on COVID-19 and should not "extort friends."

The first U.S. official said it was highly unlikely an agreement would be reached before South Korea's April 15 parliamentary elections.

The official said there was concern that this could go well into summer and come closer to November's U.S. presidential election, perhaps making Trump less amenable to lowering his demands.

FURLOUGHS

One of the most tangible results of the breakdown in the talks has been the roughly 4,000 South Korean workers on U.S. bases furloughed as a result of the failure to reach a deal by an April 1 deadline. The United States says it needs the South Korean cost-sharing contributions to help pay their wages.

Abraham Denmark, a former U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense for East Asia, said this was the first time furloughs had been carried out since the alliance was created in 1953.

But the impact has not been as visible as it might have been in South Korea, in part due to the coronavirus - which has hampered the furloughed workers' ability to gather in public to protest.

Son Gio, secretary-general of the (U.S. Forces Korea) Korean Employees Union, said his group was staging daily one-person protests near bases and in front of the U.S. embassy "because of a (government) ban on demonstrations."

The top U.S. commander in South Korea, U.S. Army General Robert Abrams, released a statement https://www.usfk.mil/Media/News/Article/2132718/usfk-cdr-addresses-furloughed-korean-national-employees, calling the furloughs "an unfortunate day for us." He added that they were "unthinkable" and "heartbreaking."

Still, the furloughs have not had as much impact on bases as they might have, in part because Esper authorized Abrams to retain essential South Korean workers tied to life, health, safety, and minimum readiness. The bases are also less active, given coronavirus-related closures.

That raises questions about whether the United States and South Korea, which are more focused on the coronavirus than cost-sharing talks, will feel pressure to resolve the matter quickly.

"Unfortunately it seems like this just could drag on," said Bruce Klingner, a South Korea expert at the conservative Heritage Foundation think-tank.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; Additional reporting by Hyonhee Shin and Sangmi Cha in Seoul; Editing by Mary Milliken and Rosalba O'Brien)
Part of the current batch of supplies, labeled "One World, One Fight," arrived at University of Cambridge on April 9, with the rest scheduled for shipping next week. The most recent contributions to purchase supplies were made by 180 faculty and staff members, as well as 11 PHBS UK Campus board. Last month, PHBS UK Campus board members also sent 10,000 test kits from China to Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in London, which arrived in the UK on March 30. Shipping labels carried the same message, "One World, One Fight."

Located in Shenzhen, PHBS is one of the most internationalized universities in China, opening its UK Campus in Boars Hill, England in 2018 while also strengthening its relationship with the University of Cambridge. PHBS recently signed the memorandum of intent with Cambridge Judge Business School (CJBS) for a joint initiative in business and management in Shenzhen.

Peking University (PKU) has close ties with the University of Cambridge. During Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Stephen Toope's visit to PKU in March 2019, the two universities signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly expand collaboration in such fields as archeology, business education, entrepreneurship, linguistics, philosophy, and artificial intelligence. In face of the COVID-19 outbreak, Toope wrote to express his support and sent his regards to PKU counterparts.

Noting that China has received support from around the world in its struggle with COVID-19, PHBS Dean Hai Wen said, "Our friends and partners in Cambridge are facing serious challenges and really need help. A friend in need is a friend indeed."

The donation from PHBS received support from Peking University Alumni Association in the UK, and ZhongShang International Consulting Services Co., Ltd; it is also part of efforts made by Shenzhen, China's innovation hub, in the global fight against COVID-19. The city has donated over 300,000 medical masks, thousands of test kits and protective suits as of last month.

SOURCE Peking University HSBC Business School
Chicago police say Balde fell between two cars of a train that was pulling away from the station and was dragged to his death. An autopsy the next day determined Balde died of multiple injuries he received when he was pushed into a moving train, according to the Cook County medical examiners office. His death was ruled a homicide.
The nation's thugs rejoiced when the coronavirus plague hit the U.S., giving anti-incarceration social justice warriors just the push they needed to find a reason to let them out of their prisons.

Lefty city and state leaders ensured that it happened, and predictable as sunrise, the released thugs went back to doing what got them incarcerated in the first place.

According to the New York Post:

A Bronx man released from prison by Gov. Andrew Cuomo last month amid the spread of the coronavirus has been charged with beating and robbing a 62-year-old man[.] ... Daniel Vargas, 29, was being held on $50,000 bail on robbery, grand larceny and assault charges after allegedly approaching the elderly victim on Valentine Avenue in the Bronx shortly after 8 a.m. Tuesday, according to a criminal complaint. Vargas allegedly demanded $80 that the man, who was leaving a local bodega with a cane and began punching and kicking him when he refused. "Give me your money," he allegedly told the man. Vargas allegedly then slugged the victim in his body, pushed him against a wall and shoved him to the ground, the complaint said.

Sounds like just the violent brute you'd want to let out of jail to keep him safe and protected from the coronavirus. As if a guy like that would socially distance and wash his hands as health officials direct, and use a mask  for anything other than a crime tool to protect against identification. Only to a leftist would any of this make sense. This one got let out on March 28 and took less than two weeks to get back to business, and those are only the violent crimes we know about. He's been out for several days, and we can guess. What he did may not have even been reported as crimes, given that cops are no longer making a lot of arrests.

It's a textbook example of social justice warrior leftists taking the coronavirus crisis and using it to advance their long-held agendas.

The far left, including the Soros front groups, Angela Davis, Chesa Boudin, and other extremists, have long advocated for getting rid of prisons and letting their denizens all out to prey upon us, under the tangled rubric of "social justice," a social justice that always finds itself devoid of laws. The real game of this bunch is more likely to inflict criminals upon law-abiding citizens, the better to restrain their freedoms, which is always their real agenda. If law-abiding citizens can no longer walk about on the streets in any safety (nor use weapons in self-defense, another hobbyhorse of this bunch), we all should be more controllable by the state. The late, unlamented Hugo Chavez of Venezuela first introduced this "concept" of socialist control to the world, as Venezuela descended into the world's foremost socialist crime hellhole.

This Vargas criminal is hardly the only one New Yorkers need to worry about. He is joined in the Great Uncaging by charmers like this:

At the request of the Legal Aid Society, Justice Mark Dwyer freed 18 Rikers Island inmates, including accused murderer Pedro Vinent-Barcia, who allegedly stabbed his girlfriend to death.

...and according to the New York Post, some 329 other violent ones, as well 207 "non-violent" felony detainees, probably drug-traffickers, porno perverts, and other social plagues.

New York in fact has released 1,500 of these thugs from its Rikers Island prison, the hellhole where they take the really thuggy convicts and detainees, a place so bad that it's used as a threat to force cooperation with prosecutors. New York's prosecutors tried to do that to former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort until they got called out for sleaze tactics and were forced to backtrack.

But instead of using common sense, such as testing everyone, giving prisoners personal protective gear, or getting rid of visitors and isolating the sick ones, maybe even moving them to some other lockdown, they've indiscriminately let Rikers's finest out, so now the plague of crime is beginning in New York City to accompany the pandemic.

According to the Post's second report on prison let-outs:

"Largely through efforts from judges, district attorneys, defenders, DOC and New York State DOCCS, over 1,500 people have been released from jail since March 16," the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice touted in a fact sheet posted online. "Today the jail population is at a number last seen in 1949." The 20 percent decline from 5,447 city inmates to 4,363 reflect data through April 6, the sheet says.

Mayor Bill de Blasio's office sounds pleased as punch at that one. Fewer jailings of criminals, happier social justice warriors.

Tell that to the guy who got beaten and robbed for $80, or the family of the woman who had to have stared in disbelief as her accused killer got let out scot-free.

And don't think it isn't selective and political, either. How is it Michael Cohen, President Trump's former lawyer now in the pokey, got denied a pass from prison, even though it would be unlikely he'd be out knocking over old people for their billfolds, while this maggot got let out? His appeal to get let out, was roundly denounced as publicity seeking by the judge last March 24, while the thugs who got let out got no such scoldings. How is it that thugs can get let out of prison to plague the citizenry while non-violent criminals with the wrong political associations are told to stay in the hoosegow? Public safety didn't figure in either of these cases.

Yet public safety is what jailings are all about. They're also about citizen participation - as it's juries who decide on the guilt of these denizens and render the verdicts with consequences for the perpetrators. Nullifying that and letting the hoods out is another reason people don't want to serve on juries. It's a violation of the public trust by public officials -- and like China's leaders, they need to be held accountable by the public for the acts of those they let out. If not, justice becomes a complete shadow puppet show, not an ultimately democratic act with the power of the people behind it.

There shouldn't be any such let outs at all, and especially not of the violent ones. Just as society needs to be protected from the airborne plague of the coronavirus, so does society need to be protected from the human plague of violent criminals. The one does not outweigh the other.

New York is going to learn this the hard way as the era of Mick Jagger's 'Shattered' becomes the model for life in New York once again. They can console themselves by knowing that the thugs didn't catch the coronavirus in prison.

Photo illustration by Monica Showalter with use of Pixabay public domain images.
The coronavirus shutdown has not been kind to the tourism industry.

Mystic Seaport Museum, for example, laid off nearly 200 employees. The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk has cut personnel expenses through salary reductions and furloughs. The furloughs are temporary, allowing staff to stay employed and keep their medical benefits.

RELATED: Connecticuts only zoo still here for you, but could use some help

RELATED: Economic impact of coronavirus hits Connecticut museums, tourism industry

But while their doors are closed, many museums, aquariums and cultural centers are offering online programs and virtual tours.

>> Click through the slideshow to see some of the ways you can enjoy local museums from your home. Visit the Connecticut Office of Tourism for a full list.

And while connecting with the audience is good for engagement, it's not a solution to financial problems. Beardsley Zoo Director Gregg Dancho told Hearst its virtual programs are going well, but the thing thats most scary is being closed at this time of year, because as a nonprofit, the zoo needs financial support.

Caring for the animals involves everything from feedings and cleaning habitats to healthcare, such as keeping up with vaccine schedules and testing for illness. Since a Bronx Zoo tiger recently tested positive for coronavirus the first animal in the country  precautions are being taken to prevent the spread to Beardsley Zoos animals. (Click here to donate to the zoo).

Still, there's optimism.

The industry is very resourceful, Randy Fiveash, director of the Connecticut Office of Tourism told Hearst. Im confident we will get through this by sticking together and reach greater heights when this crisis is behind us.
(Bloomberg) --

The coronavirus pandemic has brought the global aviation industry to its knees, and African carriers are particularly vulnerable as they seek assistance from governments already facing constrained finances.

Ethiopian Airlines Group, South African Airways and Kenya Airways are among national airlines staring at mounting losses and the destruction of growth plans put in place before the Covid-19 outbreak. African carriers may lose $4 billion in 2020 revenue as demand for travel around the continent grinds to a halt, the International Air Transport Association said last week.

All three of Africas biggest carriers will, in some shape or form, have to enter into conversations with their respective governments about bailouts, Mike Mabasa, chairman of the Air Services Licensing Council in South Africa, said by phone. While Ethiopian Chief Executive Officer Tewolde Gebremariam said Tuesday that his airline wont be able to access state help, that may change if demand for travel doesnt return quickly, Mabasa said.

Industry body IATAs projected loss already looks optimistic after Ethiopian -- the continents only profitable airline -- said losses from January through April reached $550 million. IATAs estimate for the carrier was $300 million for the year as a whole. This could delay or kill a plan to start building a new $5 billion airport slated to have a bigger capacity than London Heathrow.

South African Airways was put into bankruptcy protection by the government even before the virus was detected in China late last year. The national carrier only had enough cash to last until this month, based on the administrators most recent public comments, and its only ongoing passenger flights are chartered by governments such as Germanys to bring home national citizens.

The Kenyan government, which owns just under 50% of Kenya Airways, has weighed a full nationalization of the carrier to boost its balance sheet and remains committed to that plan, Transport Secretary James Macharia said on Tuesday. The airline has lost money since 2013 and asked the government for a cash bailout to get it through the next six months.

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Cash Strapped

Yet none of the three governments are in an ideal position to bail out the carriers.

South Africas economy is in recession and the National Treasury has long made clear that the countrys debt-laden state-owned power utility is a bigger priority. Ethiopia received $5 billion from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank last year to carry out a strict set of economic reforms as it tries to attract more foreign capital and create jobs.

The IMF urged Kenya in November to be wary of piling on more debt at a time the country is struggling to fund manufacturing, housing, farming and health-care projects. The treasury is cash-strapped, said Churchill Ogutu, head of research at Nairobi-based Genghis Capital. They need money to come in sooner, but the government has many demands currently.

At risk is air connectivity to cities all over the continent that arent served by the likes of Emirates and Etihad, which have expanded to major African hubs such as Johannesburg, Nairobi and Lagos. Kenya Airways halted most flights in response to government restrictions put in place to fight Covid-19, while Ethiopian is flying at about 10% of capacity.

Rwanda hasnt given updates on a plan to sell a 49% stake in the national carrier to Qatar Airways. Uganda, whose carrier resumed flights in August after almost two decades, hasnt released post-virus information on expansion plans that include the planned delivery of two wide-body jets from Airbus SE this year.

The path to recovery for African carriers is complicated by how long lockdowns and border closures could last, according to Joachim Vermooten, an independent aviation analyst in South Africa. Demand for travel may also take years to recover as it did after less severe industry crises such as the 2001 terrorist attacks on New York, he said.

Without state help, the continents aviation industry as a whole has about three months worth of liquidity, according to Abderahmane Berthe, Secretary-General of the African Airlines Association.

Border closures have cut off revenue flow, Berthe said via Skype.

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Toronto police are investigating after a man was seen shooting at cars in the area of Jane Street and Sheppard Avenue West, near Jane Sheppard Mall, on Friday night.

Toronto police tweeted that a man in a black T-shirt was shooting at cars in the area before fleeing in a silver car.

Officers on scene found evidence of gunfire and shell casings were found in the area, police say.

Police also found a vehicle with the windshield shot out.

No victims or injuries were reported.

Police are still investigating the matter.
WILMINGTON, Del.  The coronavirus presented DuPont, the chemical giant based here, with a golden business opportunity.

In January, the company convened a crisis team to figure out how to ramp up global production of personal protective equipment, including different suits made out of its patented Tyvek material, which a distributor can sell between $5 to $15 apiece to hospitals. By early March, as the disease began to spread in the United States, DuPont's factory in Richmond, Virginia, was cranking out Tyvek.

It usually takes up to three months to ship the material to Vietnam, where it is sewn into body suits, and get it back. When the federal government offered to pay for chartered flights to reduce the round trip for 750,000 items to 10 days, DuPont agreed.

Then DuPont sold the suits to a third-party distributor for approximately $4 each, according to company documents it provided to NBC News, and that distributor sold them to the government. The company initially declined to say how much the Department of Health and Human Services paid for 750,000 suits, and it refused to identify the third-party distributor or say how much that firm charged the federal government.

"We actually helped get raw materials supplied from Richmond, Virginia, and we flew that s--- to Vietnam, all so that DuPont could sell us" their products, said a senior federal official involved in the coronavirus effort.

President Donald Trump and HHS, which announced the deal last week, described the arrangement as one in a string of massive successes in delivering badly needed medical equipment into the U.S. in an expedited fashion.

But for some government officials familiar with the supply-chain end of the coronavirus fight, it was yet another example of Trump's task force serving industry as the White House tried to corner the market on medical supplies.

For weeks, Trump has resisted pressure to use the full power of his office to temporarily turn the private sector into an arm of the federal government in a national emergency. He and his lieutenants instead have used the crisis to make federal assets and personnel a support group for industry, rather than the other way around, according to NBC News' interviews with dozens of public- and private-sector sources involved in various aspects of the coronavirus response.

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In doing so, the vice president's coronavirus task force  mostly through a supply-chain unit led by Rear Adm. John Polowczyk, vice director of logistics for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and heavily influenced by White House adviser Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law  has favored some of the nation's largest corporations and ignored smaller producers of goods and services with long track records of meeting emergency needs, according to officials at multiple federal agencies and people familiar with contracting.

They have operated almost entirely in the dark, releasing few details of their arrangements with the big companies; created a new and convoluted emergency response system; and sown confusion and distrust in the states and among the people who need medical supplies.

There is virtually no accountability for their decisions about how and where to allocate emergency equipment, a vacuum that has produced strong criticism from Democratic congressional officials, who are demanding answers.

The story of the supply-chain group, a power center within the larger task force run by Vice President Mike Pence, is one of chaos, secrecy and ineptitude, these officials said. Governors, local officials and veterans of federal emergency response say it has deeply complicated the national fight against the pandemic.

But the view is much different from the inside. Pence tapped Kushner and his innovation team to help federal agencies increase the scale and expedite the acquisition and distribution of equipment, according to a senior administration official who spoke to NBC News on the condition of anonymity to provide insight into the group's mandate and operations.

Rather than creating new layers of bureaucracy, members assigned to issues and data analysis for the supply-chain task force see their work as a vital tool to strip away obstacles. Right now, Kushner's group is focused on getting a robust COVID-19 testing plan in place so American society can be reopened, as well as rolling out a production schedule for 110,000 ventilators by the end of June, according to the senior administration official familiar with its operations.

They may be doing a better job of getting results than telling their story, the source said.

To piece that story together, NBC News spoke to state, local and health system officials who detailed specific instances of federal interference in the delivery of lifesaving goods  from California to Michigan to New Jersey  as well as senior and mid-level administration officials and representatives of companies that have benefited from the task force's actions.

With so many ad hoc groups purchasing goods and services  the White House coronavirus task force, one of its seven subsidiary task forces or other government agencies  it's impossible to tell whether taxpayers are getting the best deals possible or are being gouged.

Just as DuPont wouldn't say how much the Tyvek suits cost U.S. taxpayers, a spokesperson for FedEx laughed when asked what the government is paying for each of the 40 flights the carrier has chartered for the HHS and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. But a senior government official involved in the response effort said such charter flights can cost as much as $1 million apiece, while federal agencies can borrow comparable Defense Department planes for about $10,000 an hour. A round trip from the East Coast to Vietnam on a commercial flight takes about 41 hours of flying time.

It's also hard to know which factors are given the most weight in allocation decisions; they can be made based on hard data or through an opaque "adjudication" process in which senior political officials are involved in making the calls.

FEMA and its parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security, didn't respond to NBC News' request for comment on the criticism of the lack of transparency, and FEMA didn't respond to questions about the process for deciding where to allocate medical equipment, the costs of charter flights or the reason for locating the supply chain task force in a corridor between two buildings leased by the agency.

'The children' and the '40-40-20' formula

The two priorities that officials say haven't been sacrificed by Trump or his supply chain task force, dubbed "the children" inside FEMA's headquarters, are private profit and the ability of the White House to choose where supplies go.

Members of the team include friends and close allies of Kushner's. Brad Smith, described as a "volunteer" because he is on loan from his job as deputy administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is a friend of Kushner's who has been involved in its work.

The supply chain task force leaders pushed aside federal emergency management response teams that had long-established methods for engaging assistance from the public and private sectors. Instead, they first reached out to personal contacts, according to people familiar with their operations. To the extent that they have absorbed some of the old practices over the course of time, with the help of career officials intent on bringing their actions in line with protocol, it has taken time to figure out their own system.

"Jared and his friends decided they were going to do their thing," said the senior government official involved in the response effort. "It cost weeks."

The senior administration official familiar with the task force's work described a race to procure supplies of ventilators, test kits and protective equipment in the midst of a chaotic moment when governors, mayors and hospital systems were demanding more than they needed. The supply-chain team had the ability to win bids and then distribute the goods directly, allocate them through the federal share of purchases or simply turn contracts over to states, this person said.

But when it comes to determining need, the source said, Kushner and his team have taken their time to require that governors and mayors have a handle on how much equipment they already have at their disposal and what they can get their hands on  some governors are smarter and more resourceful than others, the source added.

In a wrinkle that has had repercussions for small businesses and communities around the country, the task force ended FEMA's long-running practice of using its regional offices to find, pay for and acquire goods from smaller local vendors in an emergency, preferring instead to contract with heavyweights.

Download the NBC News app for full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak

One potential supplier, whose officials spoke to NBC News on the condition of anonymity to avoid hurting future contract opportunities, was originally contacted by a FEMA regional official in mid-March about producing face shields, which protect medical personnel from being sprayed with virus particles by patients.

The supplier initially bought $20,000 of material and told the regional office that production could be ramped up to 10,000 face shields per day, using a supply chain based fully in the U.S., almost immediately. But word came back that under the new system, the regional office couldn't approve the buy. The application would have to go through the main federal acquisition system, where it still sits.

"That was a hell of an investment on our part that was met with layer upon layer upon layer of resistance and difficulty," an official from the small supplier said Friday.

Working from a war room on the first-floor concourse between two towers of FEMA's leased headquarters in southwest Washington, the task force was handed the keys to the deepest treasury in the world, and it empowered the Trump administration to quietly corner the scarce market of medical goods in the U.S. and overseas. Its members were dispersed Tuesday after a "partner" of the group tested positive for the coronavirus.

Now, their work is being done with fewer sets of eyes looking over their shoulders, just as two House committee chairs have requested records related to the supply chain task force's work.

Using what it calls a "40-40-20" formula, the task force buys whatever it can get its hands on and then allocates the goods, according to the people familiar with the response effort. The first 20 percent is reserved for the federal government's Strategic National Stockpile. The task force directs where the next 40 percent goes, and the company selling the product gets to deliver the remaining 40 percent as it sees fit.

Project Airbridge

Under a relatively new operation run by the supply chain task force, called Project Airbridge, the federal government underwrites the shipping costs for protective equipment produced by major corporations in exchange for the right to direct where half of the goods go, according to a FEMA spokesperson.

FedEx began working with the White House moving coronavirus tests last month when a member of one of the task forces reached out to FedEx's government affairs team and asked, "Is this something you all know how to do?" according to the FedEx spokesperson. It then was pulled into Project Airbridge to move protective gear by plane. FedEx has been delivering large hauls of freight by air  as well as routinely transporting biological materials that could be infectious  since a late-1970s law deregulated the industry, and it now claims the largest all-cargo air fleet in the world.

In practice, the 40-40-20 arrangement means the federal task force can reroute a shipment that is already on its way to a state, a city or a hospital that had agreed to buy it from the supplier.

"I mentioned it maybe two weeks ago, that we're engaged in trying to get contracts with companies from around the world to get these PPE. And that when shipments were supposed to come in, we'd get noticed that they were delayed or they were canceled and our goods were going to the federal government," Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in an interview with NBC News on April 6.

"And I raised that, and people kind of looked at me as though was I serious? Was this accurate?" said Whitmer, a Democrat. "And since then, of course, other governors have said this, essentially the same exact thing, that we're entering into these contracts and then we find out that it's going to FEMA or whomever."

The bidding wars for equipment have been a major source of friction between the federal government and states, which couldn't hope to compete with the supply-chain task force. The senior administration official familiar with the supply-chain task force's work said the team kept buying even though its members believed actual demand for goods would be less than the volume of requests it was getting from around the country.

Image: Brooklyn Hospital in New York (Stephanie Keith / Getty Images)

Rerouting supplies

An internal document provided to NBC News by a nurse with the Kaiser Permanente hospital system in the San Francisco Bay Area describes the local version of the logistical nightmare created when the federal government swoops in at the last minute to take away medical equipment.

"We have been notified by Cardinal Health, our source of isolation gowns, that FEMA is intervening and taking U.S. supply from the Cardinal China manufacturer," the Kaiser document states. "We are still receiving a small resupply under a protected allocation. However, there are very few sources of isolation gown supply. As a result, we need to move into mandatory urgent measures."

For companies working with the administration, the reductions are a necessary byproduct of having to give control of the allocation of 60 percent of their goods to the federal government. Their normal customers, even those in need, are being denied the supplies they expected.

When asked about the memo, Kaiser Permanente spokesman Marc Brown emailed that yes, some materials had been "reduced" when compared to pre-COVID-19 levels.

"Meanwhile, we continue to hear from our various suppliers and distributors that future shipments may be reduced due to FEMA or other federal reprioritization," he wrote, referring questions to Cardinal Health, a multibillion-dollar Ohio-based company that manufactures many medical and surgical products.

NBC News sent a copy of Kaiser's memo to Cardinal Health. Spokeswoman Lucy Bradlow said the language in the document wasn't accurate, but she declined to explain further.

"It sounds like, from the note you sent over and what you are describing, that this is a part of Project Airbridge, a collaboration between FEMA and industry that is expediting available inventory of much needed supplies from overseas to U.S. hospitals via military transports," she later emailed, suggesting that NBC News contact FEMA.

At the same time Trump and other White House officials are saying it is up to states, cities and hospitals to find and acquire their own medical supplies, the task force is undermining those efforts by cutting deals with companies to reroute equipment away from lower-level buyers. The priority list for the administration can be determined based on data about infection numbers, hospitalizations and other information, which is how federal emergency response is typically done.

'Adjudication'

But Pence's task force also has the power of "adjudication," the term used in national emergency response protocol for resolving disputes about where items go when there's a shortage, according to the federal officials familiar with the response effort. It's not clear whether Trump himself engages in allocating goods through the adjudication process, but Kushner's group isn't involved, according to the senior administration official.

At a White House briefing March 20, the president appeared to refer to the opaque system for picking winners and losers.

"Stockpile has been distributed to many states  first order, second orders and on a daily basis adjudicating that," he said.

Shanel Robinson, director of the board that governs Somerset County, New Jersey, said in an interview last week that a shipment of protective equipment was snatched away from the county by the federal government as a COVID-19 testing location was being prepared, which would be the first in the county.

The administration last week announced a decision to stop providing aid to community testing locations.

"We are at the 10-yard line for setting up a site next week," Robinson, an Air Force veteran, said then.

Image: UNLV Medicine (Ethan Miller / Getty Images)

Congress wants to know

The Defense Production Act, a law empowering the president to force companies to contribute to emergency response efforts, take control of assets and dictate prices, has been invoked by the administration and waved like a club to influence the actions of private companies. In one case, it was used to block 3M and other companies from exporting medical equipment overseas. That order cited the Trump administration's authority to determine which firms can transport what goods and when.

Controlling the flow of goods at a time of scarcity and need gives Trump tremendous leverage to reward allies and punish enemies, including governors, mayors and executives at companies. So far, most of the public pushback has come from governors, particularly Democrats, but there are signs that business leaders are concerned, too.

On Tuesday, the coronavirus supply chain task force got an urgent message from top officials at the Department of Homeland Security seeking a list of "industry contacts" to be supplied within an hour, according to officials familiar with the request.

In what Trump calls the "war against the coronavirus," wasted time can mean the loss of lives, money and opportunity to secure medical equipment, and DHS attached the one-hour deadline for the request that it pushed through FEMA lawyers.

But in the case of this 60-minute scramble, DHS officials weren't looking to move ventilators, masks or test kits to the front lines of the coronavirus effort. Instead, Acting General Counsel Chad Mizelle, one of the top officials in the nation's national security apparatus, wanted to put together a call sheet so he could calm the fears of major corporations, officials said.

Mizelle's proposed presentation to address frequently asked questions regarding "some of the DPA-related concerns" of industry comes as Congress, governors, state and local officials, hospital systems and the media are putting pressure on the administration and some of the nation's largest companies to detail why badly needed medical supplies are being rerouted at the last minute by the federal government, why the price of goods is skyrocketing and why Trump has chosen not to use all of his authority for the public benefit.

"We write with deep concerns about the lack of clear coordination to procure and prioritize necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, testing kits, and other critical medical resources to meet the United States' need amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic," three Democratic House committee chairmen said in a letter to Trump on Wednesday. "More can be done to leverage industry and researchers' ability to help curb this pandemic."

The senior administration officials said that most companies working with the federal government aren't partnering up because they're looking to make a profit and that the government isn't going to ask them to take a loss, adding that it would be a mistake to abuse the powers of the defense production law.

This on-the-fly redesign of American emergency management has produced marquee announcements by Trump about the speed and size of deliveries of goods.

"Our sweeping airlift operation to get doctors and nurses supplied with protective equipment, it continues to expand with more than 24 flights already completed and 49 additional flights now scheduled in the near future," Trump said at a White House coronavirus task force briefing Thursday. "So that's been very successful in that gear and those outfits are being handed out."

But the model, which critics inside the federal government say values self-assurance and patronage over experience and expertise, can be measured only against itself, both because it is unprecedented and because it has drawn resources away from the response apparatus put into place by law.

Who's getting the raw end of the deal?

Trump considers himself the consummate deal-maker, but it's clear that he's reluctant to use his full authority to lean on industry for better terms. Business owners and local officials, in many cases, simply don't know how the system is supposed to work and are clamoring for more information so they can fully participate.

On Thursday, Pence announced that his task force was reversing its decision to stop providing federal support for community testing sites. He said it would be an option for states to take over, which he described as an attempt to give them greater "flexibility" to choose locations and "style" them.

"We will continue to resource them with personnel, supplies and any other support they need going forward," he said.

For Robinson, the Somerset County, New Jersey official, it seemed as though the response strategy was lacking in strategic response.

"To have a long-term game plan, and not just immediate, would serve us better," she said.

Right now, what the public is getting from its money is a process that state and local officials, along with the front-line hospitals and medical personnel, have been forced to spend valuable time trying to figure out. In some cases, they have wasted that time bidding against the federal government for supplies.

The only people who claim to understand what's going on are political officials who work closely with Trump, Pence and Kushner  and representatives of some of the companies in the supply chain.

The White House and its task force have been managing an incalculably difficult crisis to the best of their ability, the senior administration official said, adding that the efforts to push lifesaving equipment to hot spots have proved successful by what they consider the most important metric.

No one has died yet at a hospital because he or she couldn't get a ventilator, the source said.

But testing still isn't widely available, Americans are still dying in hospitals and at home, and medical personnel are still struggling to find enough protective equipment.

"Good crisis management requires a single unified chain of command and accountability. When you have multiple competing factions with unclear division of labor between them, then it's a recipe for chaos," said Jeremy Konyndyk, a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development who led the Obama administration's response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. "That's just 101-level management."

Jonathan Allen reported from Wilmington, Phil McCausland and Allan Smith reported from New York, and Cyrus Farivar reported from Oakland, California.

UPDATE: After the initial publication of this article, DuPont shared documents with NBC News showing that it sold all 750,000 of the Tyvek suits to a third-party distributor, which in turn sold them to the government. DuPont refused to identify the distributor. The article has been updated to include the sale to the distributor.
Humans arent the only ones fighting over the last morsels of food these days. For us, were duking it out at the grocery store in the bread aisle. But for New Jerseys rodent population, its happening in the streets.

And if youre not careful, those furry little balls of disease and bacteria could be bringing the battle inside your own home.

Across New Jersey, the coronavirus pandemic has forced restaurants to shutter, businesses to close and entire office buildings to shut down. The garbage and food scraps that used to pile up in dumpsters behind properties are now empty, leaving vermin who used to feast like kings and queens on the trash to search out other food sources.

That search for their next nibble could be coming to your front or backdoor if youre not careful, rodent experts say.

Think the Pied Piper with his horde of rats flooding the streets  minus the music and magic pipe.

If food does not show up for two or three nights in a row, they will try to find another source of food, said Bobby Corrigan, an urban rodentologist (yes, thats a real gig) and the nations preeminent rat expert. People are going to start seeing these rats and theyll say, Where did these rats come from?! The answer is they probably didnt come from too far. Maybe a block or two or three away.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Businesses that are open | Homepage

Increased rat sightings already are being reported in cities across the United States, as the decline in food waste in alleyways has forced local rodent populations into the streets. The phenomenon was captured on video last month in New Orleans, where most of the city is shut down and coronavirus cases are soaring. In the clip, droves of rats scurried down the empty streets of the citys famed French Quarter  not to wiggle to jazz music, but in desperate search of beignets scraps and discarded po boy bread.

With this Coronavirus, the city of New Orleans is on lockdown. And Bourbon Street is empty and full of rats & mice. Rats even know how hot Bourbon Street is. pic.twitter.com/XatT6osk4y  Joshua Guss (@joshua504man) March 20, 2020

Corrigan said New Jersey towns and cities could see a similar pattern. Two places in particular should be on high alert, he added: Areas that already had rat populations before the coronavirus took hold, and neighborhoods near businesses or restaurants that used to discard high volumes of food trash but are now closed during the pandemic.

While theres no evidence at this point indicating rats carry the novel coronavirus, Corrigan said they can be associated with as many as 55 diseases.

We dont want those animals in our apartments, houses, restaurants or grocery stores because you end up playing disease lottery if that happens, Corrigan said. You dont want any one of those 55 diseases.

If a food source suddenly dries up behind a restaurant, office building or strip mall, Corrigan said rats first will begin killing and eating each other. In some cases, theyll also eat babies alive from their nests. Once that food is exhausted, the rats will move on.

And nobody wants Hannibal Lecter rats showing up at their doors.

Rats have a very low tolerance for being hungry, Corrigan said. The strongest rats will start killing the weaker rats to get that protein instead of what the restaurant was providing, or they start moving down blocks or to areas where people have never seen rats before.

Changlu Wang, an entomology specialist at Rutgers, said restaurants or businesses that recently closed due to the pandemic also need to be on high alert for rodent infestation. If food left inside the building is not properly stored or sealed, rats can infiltrate, devour it and start reproducing at a rapid rate.

Wang also said some temporarily or permanently shuttered restaurants or businesses that had hired regular pest control services may have canceled the treatments, leaving them even more vulnerable to vermin.

It can turn into a more serious problem during the shutdown, Wang said.

Corrigan said rats only need a half-inch gap to squeeze their way into a restaurant.

Those rats will move into that empty restaurant and it wont be empty of rats for long, Corrigan said. It will be a rat haven.

So, what can you do to guard against a drove of hungry rats scurrying into your home or business? The key is making sure any gaps under doorways or holes into your home or garage are plugged tightly, Corrigan said. Equally important is making sure your trash is stored properly and securely in a trashcan, even when you drag it out to the street.

The fact of the matter is many of us in our towns and cities, your neighbors and my neighbors and maybe ourselves, we do not take out our trash correctly, Corrigan said. We just take it out, throw it quickly in a can and walk back into the house. Raccoons and rats and pigeons and vermin and cockroaches, they all high-five each other because theyre like, See, all we need is this one neighbor not to pay attention to the basic common sense of how to take the trash out correctly.

The nations preeminent rat expert also had one other tip: If you see a rodent in your home, dont try to eradicate it yourself.

Hire a professional pest person, he said. This is not a do-it-yourself kind of animal. You have to hire someone who knows what theyre doing.

Matthew Stanmyre may be reached at mstanmyre@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattStanmyre. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
New Delhi, April 11 : An Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft with a coronavirus rapid response team comprising medical personnel and equipment flew to Kuwait for assistance in the fight against Covid-19, a senior IAF officer said on Saturday.

"IAF aircraft C-130 airlifted a Corona warrior team for assistance to State of Kuwait today. Team India extending full support to friendly foreign nations," the senior IAF officer said.

The officer further added that the rapid response team comprising 15 doctors and technicians was sent to Kuwait on Saturday morning for capacity building.

Another rapid response team is ready to be dispatched to Nepal for assisting them with the present Covid-19 situation there, Lieutenant General Anup Banerji, DG Armed Forces Medical Services, said.

Banerji had stated last week, "Assistance as sought from MEA/MoD for other countries will be provided as and when required for building up the infrastructural capacity and expert manpower to friendly foreign countries." On April 2, IAF had airlifted 6.2 tonnes of essential medicines and hospital consumables on an IAF C-130 aircraft from India to Maldives through Operation Sanjeevani.

Earlier, India had sent 5.5 tonnes of essential medicines to the Maldives on March 14. India had also sent a 14-member Covid-19 rapid response team of doctors and specialists to enhance preparedness. The team worked closely with the health authorities in Male and outlying islands.

The Maldives was the first country in India's neighborhood to have received essential medicines since the lockdown commenced in India.

Airlifting of essential medicines signals India's commitment to keep supplies of essential medicines open even in the most challenging times as the South Asian region combats the Covid-19 pandemic.
My daughter is six months pregnant with her second child in Brooklyn, New York, and freeeeaaakkiiiinnnnnggg out.

She and her husband were seriously looking for a new place when the novel coronavirus struck, sending her into paroxysms of fear and stress, holed up in a one-bedroom apartment in the COVID-19 cauldron.

What am I gonna do, dad? How am I going to get out? The border is closed. People are dropping like flies in New York, dad; dropping like flies.

Dont stress it, Tan Tan, I tell her. Youll be fine.

How can I not stress, daddy? Im pregnant in New York, the border is closed and I cant get out. If I get a heart attack, and the EMT cant restart my heart at the scene, theyve been told to leave the patient where they are. Dont take them to the hospital. They are starting to pick and choose who lives and who dies. So scary to be a New Yorker right now.

Fortunately, your heart is strong, I tell her. Bad humour. Didnt work.

They wont take me to the hospital, daddy. I could die in my apartment and you cant even come and get my body.

A world away, just outside Montego Bay, my mom who turns 90 in December is a picture of calm. Jamaica is considered one of the better prepared countries in the world. Social distancing, shut down of schools and churches and businesses and the economic lifeblood of tourist resorts has kept COVID-19 cases low. So seriously are people attuned to the danger than even in the rural village family members are spitting mad that moms live-in helper took an unnecessary trip into town last week.

Meanwhile, my friend Breezy, who lives across from the Riu Montego Bay, fights boredom daily by working his farm, 10 miles away.

In New Jersey and Georgia, my cousin Dawn and niece Michelle, both teachers, are getting paid to not teach the way they know how. Online instruction doesnt work for Dawns students. Not everyone has a device and internet.

Michelle is miffed that her governor didnt act early enough and the number of cases and death are rising quickly. She finds online teaching much more work than in-class teaching, but says there is an upside to parents having to supervise their children during learning sessions: Now they know what we teachers have to go through with their children.

In Philly, my brothers thriving business jerked to a halt. No one is about to be caught on a fitness machine in a conference centre and hotel. So, the fitness machine fixer isnt needed. Hes filing for government help and looking for that promised Trump cheque.

Westward to California, my wifes sister and family are ahead of our wave and are watching the curve flatten. The adults are all essential workers so exposure to the virus is a real risk. Another reality has finally sunk in. Laila wont be having her Grade 8 graduation  the first of many significant landmark events in her rapidly changing life. Even though these younger generations are glued to their screens they are now feeling the pain of zero physical and in-person social interaction.

Yet, says Karen, We have a new appreciation of family time and our time (existential) in general. Anxiety might be high but hope is higher. Worry may be great, but faith is greater.

Faith is harder to practise when you walk by the hospital where you plan to birth your baby and the entrance has tents arrayed along its path, and cooler trucks lined up to store bodies.

My daughter is seized with and consumed by news about corona. Every crazy video and rumour and conspiracy theory find their way into her phone. And shared with us, her family.

Man-made virus, 5G radiation, government experiment  So many theories. Dont know what to believe, she wrote with one post about animals dropping dead all over the place.

Tan, Tan. Please stop reading and watching anything to do with COVID-19. Trust me. Watch CNN if you must, but only in doses. Please take up reading books. Or puzzles. Or the Bible. Anything but these videos. Turn off your damn phone. Please. Seriously.

She did for a day. Then, another wave of videos.

I tried telling her SARS was a more deadly disease  less infectious and fewer people got it, but more of those who got it died.

I dont know anyone who died from SARS. I know people who died from COVID, she shot back.

I texted her, Passover language primed: Never fear. This will pass. Put the blood over the doorpost of your apartment unit. When the destroying angel COVID passes by it will pass over you. The blood is prayer and trust in God.

In case that did not work, I went practical: God has also provided you with brothers and a sister. We will come get you and drag you out of the pit of hell, if we have to. So peace, my daughter. Relax. Relate to loved ones. Release the stress. You good. And so is the little one in your tummy.

That seemed to work. Those words mean so much, she wrote. I needed to hear them. I love you all. Wish we could be there with you.

But the number of deaths continue to rise in New York. The care package we sent via expedited mail weeks ago with masks and sanitizers  even two rolls of toilet paper to make her smile  has not arrived yet.

Last Thursday, she sent a link to a story, with the headline: Being Black and Pregnant was Already Scary  Coronavirus Makes it Even Scarier.

Pray for this child. Seriously.
Its 6:04 a.m. Thursday and  pandemic be damned  Robert Lidstone is out searching for people in need.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 11/4/2020 (640 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Its 6:04 a.m. Thursday and  pandemic be damned  Robert Lidstone is out searching for people in need.

The moon, glowing and nearly full, hangs in the sky as the van manoeuvres through old St. Boniface, its tires rolling over dirty, slush-filled streets as disconcerting radio reports on the novel coronavirus play over the stereo.

Light is peeking through the early morning darkness as the van pulls up to a bus shelter across the street from St. Boniface Hospital, where four people spent the night sleeping inside the small, confined space.

"This triggers memories for me of sleeping in these bus shacks myself," says Lidstone, 38, a member of the St. Boniface Street Links outreach team.

Up to three times a day, every day, Lidstone  alongside Derek Henderson, 33, and Mario Chaput, 57  pile into the van and go out in search of people sleeping outside.

They try to connect the homeless with social services, help them get indoors and off drugs, and  these days  inform them about the COVID-19 global pandemic and what they can do to try to keep safe.

"I have vivid memories of it being mid-winter and staying in bus shelters. I remember sleeping in a stairwell at the U of W. I was sleeping around here and using for days at a time," Lidstone says.

"All three of us have our own experiences with homelessness and addiction."

But the risk associated with living on the streets of Winnipeg isnt the same as when Lidstone, Henderson and Chaput were homeless. The danger has ratcheted up as community spread of the virus has begun.

Its scenes such as this one in the bus shelter across Tache Avenue from the hospital  multiple people crammed into a small space  that have Lidstone and other front-line social service workers worried.

If one of them has the virus, after a night in tight quarters, its possible all of them do.

"Theres a range in this community. It ranges from denial  we had one person tell us it was all a conspiracy and the media and government are trying to control us  and weve had other people say theyre terrified of infection," Lidstone says.

This triggers memories for me of sleeping in these bus shacks myself.  Robert Lidstone

"I think well see the isolation units fill up. I think, because of the level of unmet need in this population, we will see it spread pretty widely over the course of the next few months."

A handful of years ago, Lidstone was enrolled in a PhD program at York University in Toronto, writing a dissertation on refugee claims by LGBT people in Canada. But he had a secret: he was addicted to methamphetamine.

Eventually, his addiction deepened, he dropped out school and moved back to Winnipeg, his hometown. Soon, he was living on the streets.

Chaput was a microbiologist and high school teacher who, at the age of 51, got addicted to meth and lost everything. His story is unusual, having come to the drug late in life at the tail end of a successful career.

RYAN THORPE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A man sleeps in a bus shelter in St. Boniface amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I know," Chaput says, with a shrug of the shoulders. "It makes no sense to me, either."

Henderson spent five years on Winnipegs streets addicted to drugs. He says hed often cook a mixture of meth and opiates and inject it into his veins.

When tragedy struck in his life, he decided it was time to get clean.

"I had given up on myself. I didnt care if I lived or died. Not too long ago, my ex, my kids mom  I was with her for eight years  she killed herself because of her addiction. She hung herself," Henderson says as the van creeps down a back alley.

"My kids dont have their mom no more, they needed me, so Im here doing my best."

The three occupants in the van got help through Morberg House, a 12-bed residential treatment program for men overcoming homelessness, drug addiction and mental illness. The program is run by St. Boniface Street Links, a scrappy, unfunded charity led by executive director Marion Willis.

And now that theyve sobered up, theyre trying to give back as part of the agencys outreach team, helping others going through the same situation they did.

With Chaput behind the wheel, the men follow their normal circuit, driving past bus shelters, down back alleys and along the river in search of the most marginalized and at-risk in their community. Whenever they find someone, they stop, put on masks and gloves and help however they can.

On a side street near the Provencher Bridge, Chaput puts the van in park, and Lidstone and Henderson get out to check on an encampment hidden underneath the span. As they walk, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights looms large across the river.

I had given up on myself. I didnt care if I lived or died. Not too long ago, my ex, my kids mom  I was with her for eight years  she killed herself because of her addiction. She hung herself.  Derek Henderson

"Were constantly looking at the human rights museum and its a contrast to how some people are living over here," Lidstone says.

Standing at the foot of the bridge, Henderson yells out the name of one of the men known to live under it.

There is no response.

He shouts the name once more.

Again, no one answers.

"Im going to go check if hes alive," Henderson says. "I want to make sure hes not frozen."

Willis says many people dont realize the depth of the need in St. Boniface, or the extent to which homelessness is a problem in the community.

She also says government funding for social-service agencies is concentrated around Main Street  the epicentre of homelessness in the city  and none of that money flows across the river.

RYAN THORPE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Robert Lidstone of St. Boniface Street Links provides a care package to a homeless man.

"The homeless population is very diverse, and its spread out along a very large area, around riverbanks, parks, open spaces, stairwells, bank ATM vestibules. Its a very expansive and difficult area to cover," Willis says.

"Were one organization, and were unfunded, and so we do the best we can with what we have."

After checking on the camp under the bridge, the men continue their route, handing out care packages of bottled water and sandwiches, granola bars and pasta salad.

They also give out clean syringes upon request. Lidstone says theyve heard that an increasing number of addicts in St. Boniface are shooting up with dirty needles.

Whenever they can, they talk to people about the pandemic and discuss common symptoms and the necessity of social distancing.

I think well see the isolation units fill up. I think, because of the level of unmet need in this population, we will see it spread pretty widely over the course of the next few months.  Robert Lidstone

Towards the end of their shift, they find a man sleeping on a bench. He is sitting upright, his uncovered head hanging slack, his chin resting on his chest.

Henderson wakes him and asks if hes alright. He returns to the van and gets a cup of hot coffee to give him. The mans hands shake as he raises the cup to his lips.

"Weve also got sandwiches," Lidstone says.

"Marry me," the man mumbles.

Snow is falling and the wind blows stiff.

"Ive been walking for days," the man says. "My feet are frozen Its tearing at the skin. Its absolutely burning."

Lidstone asks if he can manage to walk to the nearby hospital and the man says no. Then he calls 911, identifying himself as a member of Street Links, and says they need an ambulance dispatched to the scene.

As they wait, Lidstone, Henderson and the man talk in the cold.

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.

"Ive been in your shoes," Lidstone says. "I know how terrible it is."

A few minutes later, an ambulance arrives, and two paramedics, both wearing face masks, help the man into the vehicle before driving off.

Wrapping up their shift, the trio get back in the van and head home for a video conference call with the rest of the Street Links team. After that, theyll take a short break, before loading up once more and heading back into the streets.

And when theyre finished, theyll do it again.

ryan.thorpe@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @rk_thorpe
New Delhi, April 11 : Tainted Jammu and Kashmir police officer Davinder Singh was remanded to judicial custody till May 6 by Special Judge Ajay Kumar Jain of Delhi's Patiala House Court on Friday after expiry of his 30-day police interrogation.

He was nabbed from the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on January 11 while ferrying two militants -- Naveed Babu alias Babar Azam and his associate Asif Ahmad -- and a civilian.

The Delhi Police's special cell had brought him to Delhi from J&K's Hira Nagar Jail, earlier this month, for interrogation in another case.

Three other accused -- Javed Iqbal, Syed Naveed Mushtaq and Imran Shafi Mir -- have also been remanded to judicial custody.

The court had earlier remanded Mushtaq, a commander of Hizbul Mujahiddeen in the Shopian district, and others to the police custody after the city police claimed that they were planning terror attacks in the national capital and other parts of the country.

According to the police, Mushtaq used to chat with co-accused and militants through various internet platforms. The Delhi Police had registered an FIR under Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian penal Code (IPC).

It also mentioned D Company and Chhota Shakeel. Davinder Singh was taken into custody under this FIR, although his name is not mentioned in it.
The Bihar government Friday imposed a hard lockdown in a village after it emerged as a Covid-19 hot spot in Siwan district that accounts for 29 of the states total 60 cases. As many as 19 cases in the district have been reported since Thursday.

A hard lockdown in containment zones mandates people to stay indoors and leads to closure of all businesses, including grocery stores and banks otherwise exempted from curbs as essential services. Critical services such as food and medicine are home-delivered to people in containment zones

Within the 3-km containment zone of Panjwar village, barricades have been set up at a distance of 200 m, 500 m, 1 km, 2 km and 3 km to ensure that people stay indoors, said health secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh. We are doing active surveillance and also undertaking an intensive disinfection drive by spraying sodium hypochlorite in the affected village, Singh added.

Bihar chief secretary Deepak Kumar on Friday directed top officials to camp in Siwan to enforce the complete lockdown in Panjwar. District authorities have also deployed drones for surveillance in Panjwar and pressed National Disaster Response Forc personnel into service .

Two people tested positive on Friday belonged to the same family of the village, where a 33-year-old had returned from Oman on March 21, said Bihars principal secretary (health) Sanjay Kumar. The super-spreader tested positive on April 3 and is believed to have infected six immediate family members, besides 21 of his extended family and two co-travellers, said heath officials.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ruchir Kumar Ruchir writes on health, aviation, power and myriad other issues. An ex-TOI, he has worked both on Desk and in reporting. He over 25 years of broadcast and print journalism experience in Assam, Jharkhand & Bihar. ...view detail
Chinese PLA holds 'regular' drills near Taiwan in preparation for military struggle: experts

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun Source:Global Times Published: 2020/4/10 15:30:16

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) reportedly held military drills featuring warplanes near the island of Taiwan on Friday, and such drills, having taken place at least four times since the traditional Spring Festival holiday in January, have become regular and are now a part of military struggle preparations against the island, mainland experts said on Friday.

Multiple PLA warplanes, including the H-6 bombers, KJ-500 early warning aircraft and J-11 fighter jets, conducted a far-sea long-range drill above southwestern waters near the island of Taiwan on Friday, Taiwan media reported on Friday, citing the island's defense authority.

The PLA warplanes entered the Western Pacific Ocean through the Bashi Channel, then returned to base along the same route they came from, reports from the island said.

Song Zhongping, a mainland military expert and TV commentator, told the Global Times on Friday that the drills were a part of preparations for the potential military struggle against the island of Taiwan, and such drills have become regular and routine.

After the traditional Spring Festival holiday in late January, the PLA conducted a combat-readiness patrol mission featuring warships and warplanes on February 9, joint exercises on February 10, and "rare" warplane nighttime exercises on March 16, all near the island of Taiwan, despite the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Song said he expects the PLA to gradually hold larger and more frequent drills, and for the drills to become more targeted and have more deterrence, such as decapitation strikes against secessionist forces and area denial operations against foreign intervention.

The exercises need to let Taiwan secessionists know that the support of foreign forces is useless and also let foreign forces understand that the PLA possesses the ability and determination to solve the Taiwan question, Song said.

The drills on Friday also came after the US recently signed the Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative (TAIPEI) Act into law, which allows the US to reduce, expand or terminate economic and diplomatic engagements with nations that take actions to undermine Taiwan, and help Taiwan island gain participation in international organizations, either as a member or an observer, and provide weapons to the island.

Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said following the signing of the US act on March 26 that China's national reunification and rejuvenation will not be stopped by any force.

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A nurse who spoke out and demanded action by Detroit Medical Center (DMC) Sinai-Grace Hospital to address the dangerous and severe shortage of staff treating coronavirus patients was fired on March 27.

Kenisa Barkai was terminated by management under the pretext that she violated company social media policy by posting a 10-second video on Facebook showing her personal protective equipment before entering a patient room.

According to a report in the Detroit Metro Times, Barkai said she implored her supervisors to take action to address conditions that she described as a war zone. The report said, When they ignored her, Barkai said she threatened to alert state authorities. She even tried to form a union.

Detroit Medical Center Sinai-Grace hospital where the conflict between nurses treating COVID-19 patients and the corporate health care system has reached the breaking point [Credit: World Socialist Web Site]

Barkai especially raised the alarm about the lack of protective gear and nurses being forced to treat patients with and without COVID-19, risking contamination.

She told the Metro Times, It breaks my heart that it has come to this. I have been a nurse for 11 years. We are in a critical need of nurses right now, and to fire me when I have experience and professionalism is wrong. She added, My coworkers are in there battling not just for their patients lives, but for their own lives. Just knowing Im not there during this is heartbreaking.

As the number of COVID-19 cases in Detroit surged to 6,218 and the number of deaths to 327 on Friday, hospital workers were facing both increasingly dangerous working conditions combined with threats and retaliation from hospital management in response to their efforts to fight back.

The situation at Sinai-Grace has become a flashpoint in this struggle. In addition to the shortage of critical ventilators, oxygen tanks and personal protection equipment, nurses at that hospital are reporting that they are out of stretchers and body bags. With patients dying in the hallways, freezer trucks are parked outside the hospital to store bodies under conditions where the morgue is overflowing.

Every day Sinai-Grace workers are being pushed to the limit physically and emotionally. Patient-to-medic ratios have ballooned to unsustainable levels. On April 6, seven night shift nurses staged a sit-in when confronted with a 25-to-1 patient-to-nurse ratio, five times the normal ratio. Nurse Sal Hadwan posted a video on Facebook after they were asked to leave, which has been viewed 277,000 times with 6,900 likes.

All we want to do is care for our patients, Hadwan said. People are dying who honestly shouldnt be in those situations, if only we had enough nurses to help. With impossible workloads, nurses are afraid to take a break, fearing they will miss something and lose a patient.

The non-breathers sitting in the hallway are a lot of our DNRs dying by themselves, and there are times where its so busy we dont have time to even call families to inform them theyve passed, Jeff Eichenlaub, an ER nurse, told the Detroit News.

Health care workers cannot get tested unless they are showing symptoms, increasing the risk of infecting patients as the virus can be spread while the carrier is asymptomatic. As a result, workers are getting sick and dying. Fifteen hundred workers from Beaumont Hospital and 700 from the Henry Ford Hospital systems are out sick with COVID-19 symptoms.

Nurses are being pulled from other departments to assist with procedures for which they have received minimal training. Workers at Beaumont Healthcare, Michigans largest health care system, were threatened with termination and ineligibility for future employment if they refused to treat COVID-19 patients.

At least three health care workers have died from the coronavirus in Detroit. One worker from Sinai-Grace was found dead in his home after taking vacation time due to feeling ill. Others have resorted to GoFundMe appeals to pay for treatment. Detroit nurse Torry Robinson, who is recovering from COVID-19, has raised $6,595, nearly three times his goal of $2,500, an indication of the outpouring of support and appreciation for these workers from the broader population.

This support is not forthcoming from the health care conglomerates that own and run one-third of the hospitals in the US. Weve been told by the administration that we are replaceable, said Eichenlaub.

A nurse at the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit commented, I think my hospital should have already authorized hazard pay or some type of pay increase because we are putting ourselves and our families health at risk every time we come to work.

Workers are forced to rely on GoFundMe for medical expenses under conditions where they are not provided extra time off when they fall ill. Ascension Health, a health care organization that owns 150 hospitals, asked workers in the Detroit area to donate their extra PTO (paid time off) days to associates who have run out.

While health care workers are fighting for supplies, testing, hazard pay and PTO, the top executives of the hospitals are earning gigantic salaries. Anthony Tersigni, president of St. Louis-based Ascension through 2019, was the highest paid CEO of a nonprofit, making $13.8 million in 2018.

Ronald Rittenmeyer, the CEO of Tenet Healthcare, which currently owns the Detroit Medical Center (DMC) and 550 other medical facilities, is worth over $23 million and pulls in a $14,984,000 salary, 230 times the average nurses wage. He is also chairman of the Federation of American Hospitals, a lobbying group for investor-owned hospitals that has paid almost $800,000 a year to lobby Congress from 2008 to 2018 for business-friendly legislation.

In 2010, the Vanguard Group purchased the DMC for $365 million. The DMC is a system of eight hospitals in the Detroit area that includes Childrens Hospital of Michigan, Detroit Receiving Hospital, Harper University Hospital, Huron Valley Sinai Hospital, Hutzel Womens Hospital, Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, Sinai-Grace Hospital, and DMC Heart Hospital. The deal, brokered by then DMC executive Michael Duggan prior to his election as mayor of Detroit, was called the largest single private investment in the citys history.

Shortly after the sale, the DMC initiated several rounds of layoffs to increase profitability. Joshua Nemzoff, a hospital consultant, commented, For-profits start to cut overtime, agency usage, benefits; they convert people from full-time to part-time; and they do a better job at flexing people off.

In 2013, Vanguard was sold to Tenet for $1.8 billion. Tenet Healthcare is owned by an international group of banks and hedge funds. The largest stakeholder, Glenview Capital, is run by Larry Robbins, worth $1.9 billion. Glenview oversees a portfolio worth $12 billion, owning shares in Tenet and HCA Healthcare, which owns 2,000 medical facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and other firms.

Three years after the purchase of Vanguard by Tenet, charity care, or spending on uninsured patients, dropped 98 percent, over 30 percent more than nearby Beaumont and Henry Ford hospitals, with reports of uninsured patients being pushed out. In recent years, two of the DMC hospitals came close to losing federal funding after inspections found significant deficiencies in care and building safety. These inspections were initiated by two cardiologists, who reported incidents of fraud and quality of care issues leading to patient deaths. Both whistleblowers were subsequently fired.

Jim Walsh, president of the DMC Legacy Board, revealed that Tenet is not legally required to share this information with the board. I certainly would have appreciated (being informed), Walsh said. Unfortunately, we have no authority other than matters that are in the commitments. They are not required, and they do not provide any information on patient safety and quality in their formal report. The very board that was appointed to ensure quality of care has no legal authority to information about patient care and safety!

The coronavirus pandemic has drawn the class lines of society in sharp relief. On one side is a web of health care conglomerates, investors and hedge funds, whose primary objective is to squeeze profits out of the system. On the other side are the medical workers, underpaid and overworked, heroically struggling against impossible odds to save lives, even if it results in their own wholly preventable sickness and death.
At a time when people are contributing to government relief funds for the fight against Sars-Cov-2, cyber fraudsters are busy duping using fake IDs. The cybercrime wing of Uttar Pradesh police has cautioned people to not transfer money on random addresses.

Several identical IDs have been doing the rounds on social media and sometimes people are getting messages to donate or fund one-time food. The moment they clicked on the link, they lost all the money to the fraudsters, said the cyber cops.

One popular UPI address is pmcares@sbi and cybercriminals have made several identical IDs with little spelling changes to cheat the people. SP Cybercrime Rohan P Kanay said people were falling into the trap sans accurate information.

Cyber police are coming across such cases across the country, including Uttar Pradesh. We are sensitising people to not fell prey to such tactics, he said. The government has blocked some such IDs but there are several other portals.

The cybercrime wing of the UP police has issued a communique, explaining about the modus operandi of cyber fraudsters. Most of the cases are about identical fake IDs. People do not check IDs properly and donate amount on wrong IDs created by fraudsters, Kanay added. Such cases were reported mainly in urban areas, said cops.

Sometimes people get a message about funding one-time meal of a poor person. The message has a link and when someone clicks that link, his or her phone goes on remote control mode. A remote access software is automatically installed on your phone. It is like someone else can see your screen and activities. And when you pay a small amount with the intention to fund one time meal, they may copy your UPI password and steal all your money, said Kanay.

People are advised to use only the government websites to donate money instead of opting for other options, he said.
The Minister of Health, Ehanire Osagie has cautioned health workers against privately attending to patients suspected to be infected with Coronavirus.

Speaking at the Presidential Task Force daily media briefing on Friday, the health minister instructed all health workers to refer all cases to certified healthcare facilities for isolation and management.

The minister said;

All medical practitioners, health care workers and also the public are reminded that COVID-19 is such a highly infectious disease and they should abstain from trying to privately treat or manage these cases in their homes.

Only designated treatment centre can provide safe isolation and management of COVID-19 patients.

Read Also: NCDC Confirms 17 New Cases Of Coronavirus, Total Now 305

All designated isolation and treatment centres have adequate supplies to manage cases and there is no shortage of Personal Protective Equipment and no fear of shortage in the short term for health workers.
In route news this week, New York City area airports are losing all but minimal levels of airline service this month. JetBlue drops service to several U.S. airports, including San Jose, Southwest expects to resume some Hawaii routes from the Bay Area in late May and early June, a regional airline in Alaska shuts down and files bankruptcy, Delta revises in-flight procedures, United, Delta and American expand more liberal change/cancellation rules, Lufthansa gets rid of some older wide-bodies for good, and spring schedule updates from British Airways, Korean Air, EVA, Philippine Airlines and Avianca/TACA.

JetBlue is the latest airline to provide details on reduced domestic service, including the temporary suspension of all flights at Mineta San Jose and two other California airports. From April 15 through June 10, JetBlue is consolidating service in metro areas where it served more than one airport as part of a massive cutback in flight activity. The carriers Bay Area operations will now be limited to San Francisco International, and its previous schedule of 19 daily flights at SFO and SJC is being reduced to just two flights a day, JetBlue said (its update for the week of April 12 shows JetBlue with just four weekly SFO-New York JFK flights).

As the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S., the greater New York City area is seeing a massive elimination of airline service this month. Uniteds multiple daily flights between its Newark hub and San Francisco have been reduced to just 14 a week effective April 12, while EWR-LAX service is down to 20 flights a week. Overall, the airlines EWR operation is down nearly 95 percent. At LaGuardia, Uniteds latest update for April 12 shows service on just four routes (Chicago, Denver, Houston and Washington Dulles).

Over at New York JFK, Deltas April 12 schedule shows just seven weekly flights to San Francisco (down from 46 a week last month), seven to LAX (down from 60) and seven to Seattle (formerly 27). The carriers total domestic schedule out of JFK was cut from 1,183 flights a week last month to 172 effective next week. Deltas comparable service reduction at LaGuardia went from 1,598 flights a week to just 100.

American Airlines has slashed New York JFK-San Francisco service from 24 flights a week last month to four a week effective April 12; Americans JFK-LAX frequencies are reduced from 62 a week to five. Overall, AA has cut its JFK schedule from 405 flights a week last month to 82 as of next week. At LaGuardia, its weekly flight total drops from 992 to 230. Its a similar story at Alaska Airlines, with its San Francisco-JFK schedule down from 28 flights a week to seven and SFO-Newark reduced from 18 flights a week to seven. Alaskas JFK-LAX, JFK-Seattle, EWR-LAX and EWR-Seattle schedules are also down to seven flights a week.

In Southern California, JetBlue continues to fly out of Los Angeles International and Long Beach, but has suspended service at Hollywood Burbank and Ontario airports, slashing its daily schedule from 44 flights a day to just five. In the hard-hit New York area, the carrier is maintaining service at New York JFK and Newark, but not at LaGuardia, Westchester County Airport or Stewart International in Newburgh, N.Y. Schedules there were cut from 215 daily flights to 30. JetBlue has also stopped service at Providence in favor of Boston and at Baltimore/Washington International while keeping a presence at Washington Reagan National.

Jenna Schoenefeld/NYT

Overall, JetBlue said it has cut its April schedule around the country by 80 percent this month. The company is also asking the Transportation Department for an exemption that would allow it to suspend service at other airports where the airline typically operates only a handful of daily flights and where current demand does not support JetBlue service, although it didnt identify any specific markets.

Although its not completely disappearing from New York-area airports, Frontier Airlines schedule for April 13-May 3 shows that its operations there will be down to just a single route: Newark-Miami, which it will fly three times a week. Last month, the airline had 84 flights a week at Newark and LaGuardia. Meanwhile, Frontier has also applied to the Transportation Department for permission to halt all service to 35 small to medium-sized airports through June 10, including Palm Springs. You can see the full list here.

As we reported earlier this week, Southwest Airlines expects to revive some of its suspended service between the Bay Area and Hawaii once that states mandatory 14-day quarantine for all arriving travelers ends on May 20. Currently, Southwest is only offering two flights a day from Oakland to Honolulu, but it plans to revive daily Oakland-Maui service on May 21 followed by San Jose-Honolulu and Sacramento-Honolulu starting June 7. Southwests total June schedule will be down about 50 percent from pre-crisis levels, to 2,000 flights a month.

The coronavirus scare has resulted in another U.S. regional carrier shutting down and filing for Chapter 11 this week: RavnAir Alaska, a code-share partner of Alaska Airlines that served more than 100 destinations in Alaska with an eclectic fleet of aircraft that carry seven to 45 passengers. RavnAir, based on Anchorage, reportedly hopes it can revive operations after the pandemic panic passes. Minneapolis-based and Delta-affiliated Compass Air shut down in March.

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From now through the end of May, Delta said this week, it will try to keep space between passengers on all its flights by taking middle seats out of its bookable inventory and reducing the number of passengers on each flight (with overall U.S. traffic down more than 90 percent, that should not be a problem). The airline is also pausing automatic advance Medallion Complimentary Upgrades, which will now be processed at the gate. Passengers will only be allowed to board 10 at a time to maintain proper distancing, and in-flight food and beverage service will be streamlined to reduce contact between passengers and flight attendants, Delta said.

Bored frequent flyer? You'll enjoy this tweet below!

In the latest round of changes to major airlines ticketing rules, United said this week that customers with travel booked through the end of 2020 can change or cancel those reservations for no fee, as long as they do so by the end of April. Those who cancel can get an electronic certificate good for the full value of the ticket, and it wont expire until 24 months after the date of issue. Delta said that all customers currently holding electronic credits for flights canceled from March through May will now be able to apply them to new trips through May 31, 2022. And American has extended its waiver of change fees through September 30 for passengers who bought tickets before April 7 or who buy new tickets by May 31; rebooked travel must take place by December 31, 2021.

Some airlines are using the downsizing of their schedules as a reason to eliminate some older aircraft types from their fleets for good. Lufthansa did that this week, announcing that it will retire a number of wide-bodies including six A380s, five 747-400s and seven A340-600s. Lufthansa said it now expects that it will take months before new global travel restrictions are eased, and years until worldwide airline traffic gets back to pre-crisis levels.

In other international news, British Airways latest schedule update indicates that its London-San Francisco service, which had previously been slated to resume last week, is now put off until May 1. Korean Airs new schedule for May includes three weekly 787-9 flights between Seoul Incheon and San Francisco and a daily 777-300ER flight from Seoul to LAX. For the rest of April, Taiwans EVA Air will operate three weekly Taipei-SFO flights, three to Seattle and three or four a week to LAX, all with 777-300ERs. Philippine Airlines latest May schedule includes five flights a week between Manila and San Francisco and daily service to LAX, with 777-300ERs. Avianca plans to resume some international service in May, including four A320 flights a week by its TACA affiliate between San Francisco and San Salvador, El Salvador.

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"Narcos: Mexico" star Diego Luna says he is not looking to go back to the hit crime series anytime soon.

The actor played the role of Mexican drug kingpin Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo across two seasons on the Netflix series.

The sophomore season, which debuted in February, ended with the capture of Luna's Gallardo.

When asked whether he will return for the third season, Luna told IndieWire that he is taking a break from the show as shooting for it was quite "intense" for him.

Not for now, not for now, no, no, no. At the beginning it was fun, but then it became really heavy for me. I need rest, those two years were really intense for me," the 40-year-old actor said.

Luna, however, is looking forward to his Disney Plus series on his "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" character of Cassian Andor.

"It's a nice challenge and it's a great way to approach a show, but what happens when you already know the ending? Then it becomes about the story. Everything is in how you tell the story and how many different layers you can find. This can't be a show now where at the end we surprise you with like, Oh no it wasn't him!' We've already seen the ending,"



"If you think about it, Rogue One' started with the same task. The last scene of Rogue One' is a scene we all know. It makes another part of your brain work (as a storyteller). You can't use the same formulas for storytelling you've known all your life with this because it's very different. The big thing is now we start with a character that people already know what he's capable of," Luna said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The number of infected people in this country almost reached 25,000

coronavirus depositphotos

The death toll from coronavirus infection in Switzerland has reached 831 cases. On Friday, April 10, this figure equaled 805 cases, wrote Reuters.



It is also noted that the number of infected has increased: 24,900 infected people are now recorded in this country. On Friday, that number was 24,308.

Related: Italy extends lockdown until May 3, easing trade restrictions possible

At the same time, the smallest number of deaths from coronavirus in the last 19 days was recorded in Spain: 510 people died over 24 hours, Spanish Healthcare Ministry said.

In addition, it is noted that mortality rates in Spain have been declining for the third day in a row. The total number of deaths in this country is now 16,353.

The ministry also said that the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 increased to 161,852. In the past day, this figure was 150,722.

As we reported before, since the beginning of the epidemic in Ukraine, 334 medical workers have become ill with coronavirus.

According to Minister of Health, at the moment, the Cabinet of Ministers is daily working on the issue of providing health workers with personal protective equipment. Every day, planes with tens, hundreds of thousands of respirators, bioprotective suits, and goggles fly to Ukraine  all of this is immediately delivered to hospitals.
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Unsettled, panicked and grief-stricken are a few words to describe the current state of mind of the country. In a matter of weeks, people have had to say goodbye to loved ones, classmates, friends, colleagues and many more. In the midst of it all is me, a field organizer for NextGen America, a non-profit dedicated to empowering young voters and improving voter turnout. Each day consists of voter outreach to encourage voting by mail in the June 2 Pennsylvania primary.

Reaching out to people in the midst of this pandemic may seem poorly timed, but what many dont realize is there has never been a more urgent time to vote. COVID-19 has exposed various holes in our governments responsibility to provide equitable resources to every American. Limited access to healthcare, clean water and food have become prevalent in the news.

These issues are coming to light because of the virus, but we must remember they are, and have been, ongoing and will not stop after the pandemic is over. We must use this time to reflect on how different kinds of people are treated during times of crisis, and elect officials who will fight for them. Their hardship does not end with COVID-19.

I urge people to practice social distancing, hand washing and self-care  and add requesting a mail-in ballot to ones to-do list. The time is now.

Apply to vote by mail and pledge to vote with NextGen Pennsylvania.

Malini Ray

NextGen PA Organizer for the Lehigh Valley

Allentown
Both sides of the abortion debate rally outside the Supreme Court in a file photo. (Saul Loeb / AFP-Getty Images)

Abortion providers in Texas asked the Supreme Court on Saturday to lift a state order that banned nearly all abortions in the state during the coronavirus pandemic.

The courts decision could prove a pivotal test case for the openness of the bench, newly reshaped with two of President Trumps appointees, to eroding abortion rights. If they decide to weigh in, the justices will determine whether the access to abortion outlined as a constitutional right in the Roe v. Wade decision can be suspended during a public health emergency.

It is vital that the Supreme Court step in and protect the health, lives and futures of Texas women, said Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, which filed the request for an emergency order alongside Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers in the state. Texas is blatantly abusing its emergency power to obliterate Roe v. Wade.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an order last month that banned nonessential healthcare procedures during the coronavirus pandemic. Like a handful of other Republican-led states, Texas included in that order all abortions except those necessary to preserve the life or health of the woman.

Judges have blocked similar provisions in several other states, including Indiana, Mississippi, Ohio and Oklahoma. But the Texas order has ping-ponged in the courts, resulting in the cancellation of hundreds of abortion provider appointments in the state.

A federal judge initially blocked the Texas order, a decision that was reversed by the 5th Circuit. On Friday, another federal judge blocked portions of the order, which was again reversed. As of now, the only patients who can legally access abortion in Texas are those who would otherwise surpass the state's legal gestational limit, which is 20 weeks.

The petition filed Saturday is the second major test for the Supreme Court during the coronavirus pandemic. Last week, the justices granted a request from Republican lawyers to block a judges order that would have given Wisconsin voters an extra week to submit their ballots by mail in the states primary.

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Texas is relying on a 1905 ruling in which the Supreme Court said states can require people to get vaccinated during a smallpox epidemic or face fines or jail time. In this case, Texas argued that it has a similar interest in protecting the public health by preserving limited hospital space and medical equipment as the coronavirus spreads. The order prohibiting health procedures merely delays access to abortion, the state argued, and does not prohibit it.

Judge Kyle Duncan, who was appointed by Trump, wrote for the 5th Circuit that individual rights are not eliminated during a public health crisis, but the state is allowed to enact restrictions.

When faced with a society-threatening epidemic, a state may implement emergency measures that curtail constitutional rights so long as the measures have at least some real or substantial relation to the public health crisis and are not beyond all question, a plain, palpable invasion of rights secured by the fundamental law, Duncan wrote in his opinion, which was joined by Jennifer Walker Elrod, who was appointed by President George W. Bush.

But the abortion providers say abortion is not only a constitutionally protected right but also essential healthcare that cannot be delayed. They argue that Abbotts order could be in place for as long as the pandemic lasts and potentially much longer than the 40 weeks of a pregnancy.

The providers say a long history of legislation to restrict access to abortion in Texas reveals the true intent of the states most recent order.

This tactic of using bogus health and safety justifications to close clinics is nothing new, Northup said.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists warns against abortion bans during the pandemic. Abortion is a time-sensitive service for which a delay of several weeks, or in some cases days, may increase the risks or potentially make it completely inaccessible, the group said. The consequences of being unable to obtain an abortion profoundly impact a persons life, health, and well-being.

Most abortions have been prohibited in Texas since March 23, when Atty. Gen. Ken Paxton explicitly said Abbott's order includes most abortions. The order carries with it substantial penalties for healthcare providers: 180 days in jail or a $1,000 fine.




LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's Queen Elizabeth said on Saturday that coronavirus "would not overcome us" as she delivered her second rallying message to the nation in a week.

The 93-year-old monarch, who is the symbolic head of the Church of England, also stated that "Easter isn't cancelled" in her first ever address to mark the Christian holy day.

"This year, Easter will be different for many of us, but by keeping apart we keep others safe. But Easter isn't cancelled; indeed, we need Easter as much as ever," she said.

Last Sunday, Elizabeth gave only the fifth televised address of her 68-year reign to say that if Britons stayed resolute in the face of a lockdown and self-isolation, they would beat the COVID-19 pandemic.

On that occasion, she made reference to her experience of World War Two, but this time the monarch, who takes her religious faith seriously, used the Easter message to reinforce that message.

"The discovery of the risen Christ on the first Easter Day gave his followers new hope and fresh purpose, and we can all take heart from this," she said in the audio recording on Twitter.

"We know that coronavirus will not overcome us. As dark as death can be - particularly for those suffering with grief - light and life are greater. May the living flame of the Easter hope be a steady guide as we face the future."

Her message comes as Britain's death toll nears 10,000, with 917 more deaths reported by health officials on Saturday.

The queen is usually joined by other senior members of the royal family at a traditional Easter service at Windsor Castle, where she is staying with her husband Prince Philip, 98.

However, the service will not take place this year because of restrictions on social gatherings including a ban on church services.

"I wish everyone of all faiths and denominations a blessed Easter," the queen said.

(Reporting by Michael Holden; Editing by James Drummond)
The Union government is considering a change in a 1948 law to allow longer shifts in factories as it works out ways to help factories cope with fewer workers and high demand -- and all against a context where the ongoing nationwide lockdown is likely to continue beyond April 15.

The change will allow companies to extend the daily shift, from the current accepted norm of 8 hours, six days a week (or 48 hours) to up to 12 hours, six days a week (72 hours).

According to two senior officials in the know of the matter, a proposal is under active consideration to amend the Factories Act of 1948. Section 51 of the Act says No adult worker shall be required or allowed to work in a factory for more than forty-eight hours in any week.

Although there are provisions of overtime in the same act, which has been providing the key legislative framework in Indian industries for the past 72 years, the feeling in the government is that exceptional circumstances call for exceptional provisions.

One of the eleven empowered groups of senior bureaucrats, the one on facilitating supply chain and logistics management for availability of necessary items such as food and medicine is pushing for the amendments to allow up to 12-hours of daily shifts from the 8-hour schedule in factories making essential goods.

An executive at a large consumer products company that also makes essential products said on condition of anonymity that the shortage of workers is a real problem -- not because his company employs contract workers (it doesnt) but because local administrators have to take a call on how many workers they will allow so-called curfew passes to. In some cases, this person adds, it is 50%. In some, lower.

Longer shifts will help in this context -- as long as the workers are paid proportionately more, something that is part of the plan.

The proposal is being backed by a bunch of senior officials including consumer affairs secretary Pawan Agarwal and Guruprasad Mohapatra, secretary of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, according to the two officials.

Both Mohapatra and Agarwal are part of the empowered group mentioned in the first instance, that is headed by drinking water and sanitation secretary Parameswaran Iyer.

The first official official, who is directly involved in the discussions said: It can ensure lesser physical movement of a large number of workers amid restrictions. But longer working hours would also mean restarting production lines to higher capacity. Since workers will get paid extra money it will also solve their liquidity issues.

While a factory worker is already entitled to overtime, the factories act restricts such overtime to a maximum 120 hours over three months.

The law also stipulates that for each hour of overtime, a worker is entitled to double the normal rate of wages.

The amendments will ensure higher earnings for a worker and also reduce the requirement of workers by 33%. The entire scheme perfectly fits the current situation when a large number of workers are at home or in the shelters provided by the states, said the second official.

According to the two officials, the government is also aware that only 270 out of 700 districts in India have reported Covid-19 patients. It has already received suggestions, they added, that in the remaining districts, industries should be allowed to reopen . On Friday, union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal interacted with industry bodies over their concerns which included shortage of labour, liquidity issues, cancellation of orders and massive losses.

Trade union leaders, however, remain unimpressed with the proposal of extending the shift hours. In some enterprises, workers are already working overtime. This is the governments long term project to extend working hours and eventually, workers will work more with less payment. Instead of these cheap tactics, the government should look into the large-scale retrenchments that is talking place in industries across India now, said CITU general secretary Tapan Sen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Saubhadra Chatterji Saubhadra Chatterji is Deputy Political Editor at the Hindustan Times. He writes on both politics and policies. ...view detail
Seaside Reef at Cardiff State Beach sits empty on April 5. All beaches in San Diego County have been closed because of the novel coronavirus. (K.C. Alfred / San Diego Union-Tribune)

For weeks, a debate has been raging over whether going to the beach or swimming in the ocean increases your risk of catching or transmitting the coronavirus. The issue has rankled surfers, overwhelmed runners and bikers and confused anyone seeking the fresh air and freedom of California's coast.

So when a scientist last week suggested sea spray could possibly expose people to the virus, the controversy just exploded.

Now, after virulent criticism as well as new and rapidly developing information about the pathogen, the researcher is reassessing this hypothesis.

Kim Prather, an atmospheric chemist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, said she still believes there is potential for viral particles to travel farther than six feet in breezy air along beaches, but that new research suggests ocean water may be no more dangerous than it was before the pandemic.

At this point, there is not enough known about this virus to draw any different conclusions from the long-standing recommendation to avoid swimming and surfing in regions where the ocean is polluted and check local beach water quality before heading to the beach, Prather said this week.

"However, communal spread of SARS-CoV-2 at crowded beaches remains an issue," she said, "especially given recent assessment on the potential aerosolization of this virus in smaller particles which may travel more than the six feet that social distancing guidelines suggest."

In a Los Angeles Times interview early last week, Prather was quoted as saying, I wouldnt go in the water if you paid me $1 million right now." She posited that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, could enter the ocean  through raw or poorly treated sewage  and then get kicked back into the air along the surf zone.

But new research published after the interview has changed her thinking. The research includes an accelerated publication of a study in the journal Nature, which found that the virus did not appear to remain infectious in fecal matter.

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The main exposure risk to the water recreation community remains sewage pollution and urban runoff into the ocean, which can increase after major storms such as what we had this week, Prather said in a follow-up interview this week. The health effects of exposure to polluted waters have been the focus of numerous studies and the risks are well documented; less clear are the effects of exposure to aerosols produced in sea spray from the polluted ocean. Clearly, more research is needed on this particular virus to determine whether it loses infectiousness through sewage treatment and exposure to air, sunlight, and water.

Prather's comments last week, which were intended to serve as a precaution to beachgoers, ignited a firestorm of controversy  particularly among surfers, who were already locked in a heated debate over whether they should continue surfing amid stay-at-home orders. In emails and online comments, writers accused her of stoking fear and hysteria. They bashed Prather as a scientist and as a woman and hurled obscenities, crude insults and, in some cases, threatening language.

In a world that has grown used to finding immediate answers to questions on the internet, the inability of scientists to offer conclusive answers to such seemingly simple questions as "is it safe to go in the water" has added more frustration and anxiety to lives turned upside down by the pandemic. Although research into SARS-CoV-2 is moving at breakneck speed, insecurity over the future can generate anger and distrust, experts say.

You get this situation that is totally unprecedented, and people really don't know what's going on, it's changing day to day  what we thought was true two months ago is clearly not how we're seeing things now  and it just creates this perfect storm of distrust, and it's coming from a place of fear, said Vaile Wright, the American Psychological Assn.s director of clinical research and quality, who explained that the range of reactions also depends on a persons ability to tolerate or not tolerate uncertainty.

A way of dispelling that frustration or that fear is to attack, she said. Those who are really intolerant of uncertainty are feeling incredibly threatened, incredibly vulnerable right now  they often view this whole situation as unfair.

Even for herself, Wright said it has been difficult to know what are appropriate actions to take, and whats going too far.

We, as humans, prefer answers to questions, she said, opposed to the ambiguity that we're seeing right now.

Indeed, scientists are still investigating the basic characteristics of the virus and the news has been evolving at overwhelming speed. In just one week, the nation went from being told that face masks were unnecessary for those not in healthcare, to a national advisory to wear basic cloth masks, to the mayor of Los Angeles urging all residents to cover their face when out in public.

And this week, people in Los Angeles are being asked not to leave their homes at all if possible, even for groceries, as the virus continues to spread.

Jennifer Savage, Surfrider Foundations policy manager in California, said the pace of new information has been remarkable. The group itself recently shifted its messaging based on the latest guidance and science  going from urging social distancing measures when at the beach to just staying home for the greater protection of the community. Last week, they launched their #StayHomeShredLater campaign.

Remember, this is a team effort. We are all in this together.



The quickest way we will all be able to get back in the  is by staying at home. #StayHomeShredLater pic.twitter.com/tF85ITsiYR  Surfrider Foundation (@Surfrider) April 7, 2020

Savage said many folks have supported this new message, but acknowledged that the crisis has upended people's relationship with the outdoors. The ocean, in particular, is considered calming and restorative, she said, and to now be told that no, in fact, it could be a place where you could be potentially at risk or potentially putting other people at risk  it's just contrary to everything that we instinctively feel.

It seems like every day is bringing new restrictions, and everyone is just so vulnerable right now  not just with health but with the economic future, Savage said, and so to be told that here is the one place that you find peace and freedom from all of that. ... It's a very human thing to blame the messenger.

Prather, who directs the Center for Aerosol Impacts on Chemistry of the Environment, said that people should still be mindful at the beach  especially if, as the latest information indicates, the virus could be airborne and travel much farther than six feet.

Just last week, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine sent a rapid expert consultation letter to the White House advising that SARS-CoV-2 could be spread via bioaerosols generated directly by normal breathing and speaking, in addition to sneeze- and cough-induced droplets.

"At this point, the virus has not been detected in the ocean or outdoor air, and studies on the waterborne and airborne transmission of this virus are just beginning," Prather said. "... However, given that there are so many things we do not yet know about the behavior of this virus, it is important that everyone takes extra precautions.

Hoping to fill some of these data gaps, Prather plans to measure pathogens in seawater and in the air along the San Diego coast and determine which, if any, become airborne in the atmosphere above areas of the coast where sewage and runoff occur. Past research has shown that certain types of bacteria and viruses get transferred from the ocean into the atmosphere when waves break.

I believe the most useful messages right now are: stay home, save lives. Keep your distance," Prather said. "Six feet might not be enough if you are near someone who is infected."
The University of Lagos (UNILAG)has begun research to provide solutions to the paucity of ventilators needed for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, made the disclosure in a statement in Lagos on Saturday.

He noted that the shortage of ventilators contributed much to the death of COVID-19 patients in many parts of the world.

Mr Ogundipe said the multi-disciplinary research team would be providing intervention at two levels.

The first is the development of low-cost rapidly deployable Ambubag ventilators, while the second is the adaptation of already existing mechanical ventilators to accommodate up to 10 patients with provision for tubing splinter device.

The development of the low-cost Ambubag ventilator has reached an advanced stage, and this will address the shortage of mechanical ventilators in the nation.

It is a first-level stop-gap approach to quickly provide access to the much needed life-saving device, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the vice-chancellor, who inaugurated the team, said the university was positioned to provide critical support for the nation at critical times through research and innovative ideas.

Mr Ogundipe charged the group to rise up to the challenge and deliver on the task.

He noted that the group led by Hakeem Amuda, an Associate Professor of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering and Deputy Director (Innovation) in the Research and Innovation Office of the institution, had reached an advanced stage in the development of a prototype of the Ambubag ventilator for the management of COVID-19 patients.

A standard mechanical ventilator usually cost between $20,000 and $35,000 and is currently scarce all over the world, but the Ambubag ventilator being developed will cost around N300,000 to N350,000 each and can be made available in thousands when completed.

Currently, the team has reached the level of integration and testing of the system, and once this is completed, the prototype will be made available to the public.

The product is largely driven by local contents, and this will create value chain that will extend to some artisans in the country. The product will also be energy-efficient and back-up power will be provided.

One of the salient aspects of this product is the safety assurance that it provides to patients. The product mimics the natural lungs; thus, guarantees that the lungs are protected when patients recover and are discharged.

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This means that the lungs are not damaged or collapsed as a result of the pressure from the product in the long run. The necessary clinical parameters have been put into cognisance for efficacy.

He said that members on the team were drawn from the universitys Research and Innovation Office, Departments of Anaesthesia, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Sciences, and Physics and Metallurgical and Materials Engineering.

According to him, the Director of the Research and Innovation Office, Bola Oboh, had observed that beyond COVID-19, many low and middle-income countries hitherto unable to provide required mechanical ventilator support for patients with respiratory failure would be able to use the product.

When completed, the university will be taking necessary steps to meet stakeholders to commence production of Ambubag ventilators.

This is what the university is established for  to look for creative ways to solve societal problems.

(NAN)
Peak date: April 9

Patients in hospital: 61

Patients in ICU: 26

Patients on life support: 23

EAMC has submitted 2,191 tests for COVID-19 testing, of those 1,697 were negative and 140 are pending results. About 16.3 percent of tests submitted by the hospital have tested positive.

Easter

EAMC is asking the community to continue to social distance during the Easter weekend in order to help prevent further spread of COVID-19.

It is critically important that residents continue to shelter at home and not physically attend church or family gatherings, EAMC said in a statement. Easter is a sacred time for faith and family for many, however, this year we all must find creative ways to worship and celebrate with family virtually.

The hospital reminds the community to not be physically with family members if they do not live together. Families should stay at home and only leave their homes for essential activities such as food, medical care or work.
A 70-year-old man is among four patients released from a coronavirus isolation centre located at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, on Saturday.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) tweeted about the release of the patients Saturday afternoon.

The tweet reads, The FCTA has confirmed the discharge of four #COVID-19 patients, bringing the total number of discharged to 11 in the FCT as at 12.30 am, April 11th, 2020.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the old man, identified as Sani Kalgo, was admitted onto the centre following diagnosis with the virus.

A survivor of the virus, Salihu Umar, first hinted about the senior citizens recovery Friday evening.

Alhamdulillah.

A 70 year old man who was my neighbour at the Abuja isolation Centre has just recovered from COVID19 following two consecutive negative test results. Daddy is on his way home as we speak.

Thank you GOD.

Mr Umar was himself discharged on April 7, following his recovery.

Later on Friday, a son of Mr Kalgo, circulated a letter addressed to Mr Umar, for taking care of his father while at the facility.

When the positive results came, my family was extremely traumatised, Abba Kalgo, who is a commissioner in Kebbi State, wrote in the open letter to Mr Umar.

From the time I called you and told you he was on his way to Gwagwalada, you took time to reassure my mum while you treated him as you would have done your own father were he in his shoes.

Mr Kalgo, who is a friend with Mr Umar prior to the incident, said the care the latter showed to his father was the truest measure of their friendship.
LOS ANGELES, April 10, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz reminds investors of the upcoming April 20, 2020 deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in the class action filed on behalf of JELD-WEN Holding Inc. (Jeld-Wen or the Company) (NYSE: JELD) securities between January 26, 2017 and October 15, 2018, inclusive (the Class Period).inclusive (the Class Period).



If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.

On October 15, 2018, after the market closed, Jeld-Wen reported a $76.5 million charge for third quarter 2018 related to ongoing litigation concerning Jeld-Wens anticompetitive behavior. The Company also announced the resignation of its Chief Financial Officer, Brooks Mallard.

On this news, the Companys stock price fell $4.03, or 19%, to close at $17.28 per share on October 16, 2018, thereby injuring investors.

The complaint alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose: (1) that Jeld-Wen was engaged in anticompetitive conduct through a price-fixing conspiracy with another door manufacturer to artificially increase or maintain prices of interior molded doors; and (2) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants statements about the Companys business, operations, and prospects lacked a reasonable basis.

Follow us for updates on Twitter: twitter.com/FRC_LAW .

If you purchased or otherwise acquired Jeld-Wen securities during the Class Period, you may move the Court no later than April 20, 2020 to request appointment as lead plaintiff in this putative class action lawsuit. To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action. If you wish to learn more about this class action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to the pending class action lawsuit, please contact Frank R. Cruz, of The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, 1999 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-914-5007, by email to info@frankcruzlaw.com , or visit our website at www.frankcruzlaw.com . If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

Contacts
'On that day, I decided no matter what harm comes my way, I am going out to help the poor.'

Sagar Shah, a criminal lawyer, is one of several thousands of unknown, unseen, Indians helping the poor and needy in this COVID-19 lockdown across India.

Sagar and his friend Dipesh Limbachiya spoke with Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com on Swami Vivekanand road, Malad West, north west Mumbai.

An advocate who practices criminal law in Mumbai's session courts, Sagar was always sceptical about his father Atul's efforts to help the needy in Malad.

When his father decided to provide food packets to street dwellers and the poor during the COVID-19 lockdown, Sagar opposed the gesture of helping the poor that could expose his father to total strangers and probable coronavirus-infected people.

"I was against what my father was doing. Every day we were seeing in the news how coronavirus was spreading fast in the city," he says.

Just like how we get our food every day despite the lockdown, Sagar was under the impression that the poor and needy too must have been managing their meals. "Two-three days won't make any difference," he would tell himself.

"But I was completely wrong," he says admitting how wrong he was about the situation outside the comforts of his house.

Not only did his father ignore Sagar's pleas to not go out, he also convinced his son to join him in his effort.

And on the very first day of his volunteering effort, Sagar's outlook towards the good work his father did and how bad the situation was out in the streets changed for good.

See: How a Muslim woman inspired Sagar to help the needy

"When we went out I saw how bad the situation was," he says.

"I saw a Muslim aunty in the street looking out for food. We gave her a food packet. She was so hungry (and overwhelmed by our gesture) that she read the kalma (a prayer to Allah to bless a person for a good deed) for us without knowing our religion," he says.

This gesture of appreciation from a stranger changed Sagar's perspective completely towards fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

"On that day, I decided no matter what harm comes my way, I am going out to help the poor," Sagar says about his life-changing experience.

Sagar says his father, his friend Dipesh Limbachiya (a BSc, Computer Science graduate seen in the video with Sagar) and he were not the only ones doing their bit for the poor.

A team of ten people, including his father, coordinates with BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation officers to send food packets wherever it is needed in Malad.

Every day this team coordinates with Mahendra Gabane, a BMC staffer who gives them directions about the areas where food packets need to be distributed.

Ever since the Janata Curfew ON March 22, Atul Shah and his team have been active. "Since that day we have been distributing about 250 to 300 packets in cars or on two-wheelers," Sagar says.

And just so that police personnel are also on the same page and they are not obstructed while on their mission, the BMC has provided these people with identity cards.

How do they get money to distribute these food packets every day? "Our neighbours, people from the neighbouring buildings all pitch in with money," says Sagar.
The emergency payments are meant to help seasonal workers and those whose incomes were severed because of restrictions on businesses and movement

Starting Monday, and for four consecutive days, Egypt will grant EGP 500 ($32) to around 1.4 million irregular and seasonal workers who became jobless due to the coronavirus outbreak, manpower minister Mohamed Saafan said.

The disbursement is the first of three grants totalling EGP 1,500 in financial assistance to be distributed in the upcoming three months.

The emergency payments are meant to help seasonal workers and those whose incomes were severed because of restrictions on businesses and movement.

Saafan said each beneficiary will be sent a text message with the date of disbursement from either one of 4,000 post offices, 600 schools or an Agricultural Bank of Egypt branch.

The manpower ministry announced last month that the government has approved the allowance for irregular workers, opening for registration on its website www.manpower.gov.eg.

Around 1.9 million have registered to receive the grant; but some 500,000 requests didn't meet the application's requirements.

The disbursement comes a few days after President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said the government hadnt disbursed the emergency payments yet because it was still determining the best method to distribute the grant without having the beneficiaries converging on one place.

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Hollywood couple Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Hilarie Burton Morgan are set to host a from-home talk show on AMC network.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the weekly half-hour video-chat-based series is titled Friday Night In with The Morgans.

The couple filmed for the show from their farm in upstate New York. It will launch on April 17.

We have been a part of the AMC family for a long time and are honored to create this comforting space with them.

From our home here at Mischief Farm, we look forward to shining a light on those who are doing good in the world, catching up with old friends and connecting with the awesome fan base we've gotten to know over the years, Morgan and Burton said in a statement.

Morgan's The Walking Dead co-stars Christian Serratos and Sarah Wayne Callies, The League stars Mark Duplass and Katie Aselton and Supernatural actors Jensen Ackles and his wife Danneel Ackles, will appear on the show.

The conversations will revolve around how people are getting through the pandemic and life in quarantine.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New York Citys public schools will remain closed through the end of the academic year because of the coronavirus, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Saturday, confirming a disastrous scenario that he had previously warned of: more than three months of regular schooling for 1.1 million children would be lost.

Roughly 1,800 schools across the citys five boroughs have scrambled to adjust to remote learning since they were initially shuttered on March 16, a sudden shift that has presented educators with perhaps the largest challenge of their careers and turned well over one million parents into part-time teachers.

The first few weeks of online learning have already transformed the relationships among the citys students, parents and educators, who have come to rely on one another in ways unfathomable even a month ago.

Lord knows, having to tell you that we cannot bring our schools back for the remainder of this school year is painful, Mr. de Blasio said during a news conference. But I can also tell you, its the right thing to do.
The Delhi High Court has refused to grant bail to a man, accused of taking part in the communal violence that took place in northeast Delhi in February, saying the investigation in the matter is at a crucial stage and the identity of others involved in it is yet to be ascertained.

Justice Mukta Gupta, who conducted the hearing through video-conferencing, dismissed the bail plea of Shadab Alam, saying the probe is going on and the court does not find any ground to grant the relief to him.

Regarding section 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) invoked in the FIR, the court noted that "the investigation is at a crucial stage as the SHO of Dayal Pur Police Station in northeast Delhi has stated that the video footage has been preserved and is yet to be examined".

"Since the investigation is going on and the identity of the persons present at the spot is required to be ascertained by scientific evidence and even if it is found that the petitioner (Alam) was part of the unlawful assembly even though he may not have individually torched any vehicle or shop, he would be liable for the offences. At this stage, this court finds no ground to grant bail to the petitioner," the judge said.

The accused sought bail in the case for offences punishable under various sections of the IPC relating to rioting and unlawful assembly and provisions of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act.

According to the prosecution, Alam, along with eight others, was arrested when information was received that people who took part in rioting on the intervening night of February 23-24 were present at Sherpur Chowk, Karawal Nagar Road and planning to trigger another riot.

The nine accused were arrested on February 28.

Police claimed that Alam was part of an unlawful assembly that had torched vehicles and shops.

The accused's counsel contended that the police wrongly booked him for offences under the PDPP Act as according to the FIR, the vehicles allegedly burnt were not government property.

To this, the court said, "No doubt, as stated by the counsel for the petitioner, no offence under section 3 of the PDPP Act is made out for the reason that all the properties which have been alleged to be torched were not government property...."



The bail plea was opposed by the police, saying by burning shops in the area, the petitioner and the co-accused were involved in an offence under section 436 of the IPC, which is punishable with up to 10 years of imprisonment, and since the investigation is still going on, no bail should be granted to him at this stage.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hyderabad, April 11 : Two more persons died of coronavirus in Telangana on Saturday, taking the total death toll in the state to 14.

The total corona positive cases rose to 503 in the state as 16 new cases were reported on Saturday, Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao told a news conference.

He said that 51 persons were discharged from hospitals on Saturday, taking the total count to 96. The number of active cases now stands at 393.

Rao said 243 containment areas were set up in the state, including 123 in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation area. He said since positive cases were reported from these areas, all efforts were being made to contain the virus.

He said that in the first phase 34 foreign returnees and their contacts found positive were discharged. Similarly, 25,937 people quarantined in the first phase were also discharged.

The second phase of cases began with the returnees from Tablighi Jamaat meeting in Delhi. As many as 1,200 people who attended the Markaz meeting and their family members were traced and tested. A total of 1,654 persons are under quarantine.

Stating that the number of new cases has come down in Telangana, he exuded confidence that by April 24 all people in the second batch would also be discharged from hospitals and those in quarantine would also return home.
(Bloomberg) -- Sao Paulo, the state at the epicenter of Brazils coronavirus cases, is using geo-referenced data provided by the nations main telecom firms to monitor the adherence to quarantine measures.

The government is now able to monitor areas where theres greater movement and concentration of people so it can step in and reinforce the need for social distancing, state secretary for economic development Patricia Ellen said in a press conference Thursday. Firms providing data include Telefonica SA and Telecom Italia SpAs Brazilian units, as well as Claro SA and Oi SA. The government doesnt have access to individualized data to protect peoples privacy, she added.

Earlier this week, Governor Joao Doria extended the ongoing quarantine orders until April 22 -- recommending everyone stay at home and shutting most businesses across the state, Brazils richest. Doria has been in a public spat with President Jair Bolsonaro, who says that orders to keep stores closed will aggravate the economic fallout from the crisis.

Data show that the social isolation rate in Sao Paulo is currently at 50%, below the optimal level of 70%, the state government said. The rate puts the states health system at risk of collapsing just when cases are accelerating in Latin Americas largest economy. As of Wednesday, Sao Paulo accounted for more than half of the 800 coronavirus deaths in Brazil.

Oi, Claro, Telefonica Brasil SA and Tim Participacoes SA didnt immediately reply to e-mails seeking comment.

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

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By West Kentucky Star Staff Apr. 10, 2020 | 06:07 PM | MAYFIELD

A Graves County traffic stop Friday led to the arrest of a Mississippi man on theft, drug and other charges.

The Mayfield Police Department arrested 26-year-old Johnathon Sedgwick, of Byhalia, MS after a traffic stop on Babb Drive. Officers determined that Sedgwick was driving a stolen vehicle, and was wanted out of the state of Mississippi.

Sedgwick was charged with fugitive from another state, receiving stolen property under $10,000, possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, no operators license, failure of non-owner to maintain required insurance, and no registration receipt.

Sedgwick was lodged in the Graves County Jail.
In a teleconference held the other day with New-Mexico-based media practitioners, US Senator Martin Heinrich answered questions and discussed updates on initiatives to assists the New Mexicans who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The senator opened the discussion saying, it's been almost a month since the first batch of New Mexicans who are tested positive for COVID-19. He also added, "The data we're seeing" indicates that communities throughout the state are "headed into the thick of this public health crisis" at present.

Senator Heinrich also said he could not emphasize enough how vital the role of each plays in literally saving the lives of the New Mexicans. Also, the government leader called for everyone to continue to stay in their apartments or homes except only for visits outside that are utterly essential for the safety, welfare, and health.

More so, the physical distancing done as a state, the senator stated, is making a difference already, not to mention, bending the curve. This is how critical it is, he continued, to continue the initiatives to minimize (if not totally control) COVID-19 from spreading across the state.

Updates on the Initiatives

One of the initiatives this government official mentioned is the tireless work of the health care providers who are taking care of the New Mexicans who have contracted COVID-19. And, with this, Senator Heinrich said, when people stay at home, they guarantee that the health care workers are provided with everything they need to treat every citizen of this state confined at the hospital with the virus, with the care they undeniably deserve.

To simply put, the public servant elaborated, everyone's behavior today will determine the number of people who will die tomorrow.

Continuing his update, Senator Heinrich said the government would continue working "around the clock" for the security of the resources for public health, those who are in desperate need of economic relief for both the families and small businesses across New Mexico, and emergency medical supplies.

Additionally, the senator explained how well the local government could deliver the economic and medical resources that are included in the $2 trillion CARES Act passed by the Congress in March, depends nearly entirely on the Trump administration.

However, he said he is doing everything he can "to hold them responsible every step of the way" for the delivery of this assistance as effectively and efficiently as realistically possible.

The senator expressed deep awareness of the manner this public health crisis has inflicted havoc on different employers and their employees across each area, and in each of the state's corner.

Meanwhile, the economy's whole sector, which includes the hospitality and tourism industry, has ultimately been upended.

Fighting Hard to Secure Provisions in the CARES Act

The significant impact of the pandemic has become the main reason why Senator Heinrich has been actively fighting to secure substantial provisions in the CARES Act to offer relief to non-profits and small businesses inflicted by COVID-19 and the public health responses it requires.

This new law, as discussed in the teleconference, covers $377 billion in assistance for small businesses, including loans amount of up to $10 million from the Payment Protection Program (PPP), for non-profits and small companies that have a maximum of 500 employees.

The said loans are convertible to grants if the companies can maintain their previous payroll until December 31, 2020.

Nevertheless, the senator continued, he would be the first to say that this assistance has not reached the New Mexicans fast enough.

He added, while many small companies have applied for support in New Mexico, he's unaware of a single dollar that the state has received yet.

Moreover, the public servant explained that the CARES Act authorized the Treasury Department as well, for the designation of many other financial organizations as the "new SBA eligible lenders."

Relatively, the success of the PPP loan program relies on SBA's lending network's expansion. Senator Heinrich committed he'd push the National Government to immediately and effective expansion of its lending network.

These were only a few of the many initiatives the senator discussed with the reporters during the teleconference.

Other efforts include the livelihoods of people, increased testing capacity to become fundamentally universal, which consists of the distribution of much-needed supplies such as ventilators along with the necessary PPE for health workers to stay healthy while combating the COVID-19 pandemic, among others.

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The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Friday afternoon, joined other Muslims at the Bauchi central mosque for Jumat prayers, alongside other top government officials.

Mr Mohammed arrived the mosque located at the emirs palace about 24 hours after he tested negative for COVID-19, an ailment that kept him in isolation for more than 14 days.

Mr Mohammed, about two weeks ago, tested positive to the virus that has killed over 80,000 across the globe. After his case was confirmed, Nigerias infectious disease agency, the NCDC confirmed at least five more from among those that had contact with the governor.

Mr Mohammed made his first public appearance at the mosque where he was welcomed by the Emir of Bauchi and other top government officials.

He appeared at the mosque wearing a facemask and hand gloves as he joined the emir at the reserved front row of the congregation.

Only the governor and a few others had facemasks and gloves on amidst the scores of worshippers at the mosque where social distancing was not observed.

The fact that Bauchi has six confirmed cases of the virus, and the federal government, as well as the Bauchi State government, has been preaching social distancing did not deter the worshippers at the Bauchi mosque from congregating without precautions.

Mr Mohammed thus joined other worshippers at the mosque to flout government directives.

While he was on isolation and undergoing treatment for the disease, Mr Mohammeds deputy, Baba Tela, who heads the State Action Committee on COVID-19, had lamented that residents of Bauchi have not been obeying the social distancing order.

Bauchi governor joins other worshippers for Jumat

Mr Tela told journalists during one of the periodic news briefing on COVID-19 that he was disappointed with the rate of compliance in the state.

We are disappointed that residents have not been complying with the social distancing directive advised by government, he said.

Bauchi State has six confirmed cases of COVID-19 and has so far remained the only state in the Northeast to have recorded the outbreak of the coronavirus. But the state government has so far demonstrated little or poor commitment to combatting the spread of the disease.

While neighbouring states like Plateau have declared a total lockdown and stay at home in order to enable the effective fumigation of streets, Bauchi experiences normal daily activities without anyone sanctioning residents who violate governments directives.

Markets where non-food items are sold are still operating even though the states committee on COVID-19 had earlier ordered that only markets where foods are sold would be allowed to operate.

Bauchi governor joins other worshippers for Jumat

The government last week explained that it was compelled to reverse its decision on the earlier two weeks total lockdown because the state does not have enough resources to provide the needed palliative for the residents that would remain at home.

After Fridays Jumat prayer, Mr Mohammed exchanged pleasantries with the emir and other religious leaders before he was ushered by security operatives into his vehicle.

Mr Mohammed also addressed the congregation outside the mosque where he thanked them for their prayers while promising to dispense leadership with humility and justice.

While departing the palace, the governor mounted his official vehicle to publicly wave at the cheering crowd.
NEW ORLEANS, April 10, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors of pending deadlines in the following securities class action lawsuits:



XP Inc. (XP)

Class Period: shares issued in connection with its December 2019 Initial Public Offering.

Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: May 21, 2020

MISLEADING PROSPECTUS

To learn more, visit https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-xp-inc-securities-litigation

AnaptysBio, Inc. (ANAB)

Class Period: 10/10/2017 - 11/7/2019

Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: May 26, 2020

SECURITIES FRAUD

To learn more, visit https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-anaptysbio-inc-securities-litigation

Mesa Air Group, Inc. (MESA)

Class Period: securities issued in connection with its August 2018 initial public stock offering.

Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: June 1, 2020

MISLEADING PROSPECTUS

To learn more, visit https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-mesa-air-group-incorporated-securities-litigation

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.
Yes, we are suffering right now. The entire human race is facing one of its most challenging periods. But you know who else is going through a tough time as well with us? Our pets.



Whats making things worse is that in some cases, people are simply choosing to abandon their pets amid the Coronavirus outbreak. Its nothing but monstrous.

 Reuters

However, British Airways has done something so wonderful that it will put an instant smile on your face.



 British Airways

The airline has flown 50 abandoned dogs and cats from Cyprus to the UK, where they will be given a new home and a new life.



 British Airways

These animals, 36 dogs and 14 cats, were abandoned on the streets or were found locked up in pounds amid the pandemic, from where they were rescued.



The precious creatures were given special care and treatment during the flight, including food and medical attention, and after landing, the cute passengers were taken to the airport's Animal Reception Centre where they were met by their new owners.

 British Airways

In these difficult times, our teams are working around the clock to help bring customers home and fly essential supplies into the UK and to communities around the world most in need, British Airways Captain, Paul Walker-Northwood, a member of the crew onboard the flight was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.



 British Airways

As well as bringing in those supplies on this flight, we were pleased to support this mission to bring these new four-legged family members to the UK to give them the chance of better, more comfortable lives here with their new owners.



We are sure their arrival will bring real much-needed pleasure to their new families during a challenging period, Northwood added.

Well, I am more than the sure that these rescued animals are beyond grateful for have been given a new lease of life.

However, it is unsettling to even imagine that someone could abandon their beloved pet at such a time.


Emerson Barata makes a map of Sao Paulos largest favela neighborhood, Paraisopolis. He then makes a mark for each known coronavirus case in the area. At the center of the favela of around 120,000 people, he makes four marks.

Its going to get a lot worse, the 34-year-old tells a medical team that has gathered. Barata adds another two marks to the favelas outer areas.

He is leading the coronavirus response team in Paraisopolis. Along with the six confirmed cases, his team suspects another 60.

He is not connected to the Brazilian government. Neither is the medical team. Instead, Barata is part of a group of Paraisopolis residents whose deep distrust of the government has led them to deal with the crisis themselves.

The residents group has hired a 24-hour private medical service, including three emergency vehicles, two doctors and two nurses. They have also hired drivers and support workers.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has dismissed the virus as a little influenza and told Brazilians to get back to work. But Barata has stayed awake many nights trying to get his favela ready for what he describes as a war.

Barata did not say how much this would cost or how it was being financed. He only said donations have paid for some of it. Much of the money still needs to be raised, he said. The medical team is on a 30-day written agreement, which is likely to be extended.

Luiz Carlos is a doctor who is part of the hired medical team. I think its going to get ugly, he said. This is a little flu that kills.

As Barata stood outside the repair business that now serves as the medical teams base, he said, Favelas are going to be hit the worst.

Public health experts agree. The crowded living conditions, poor waste removal, lack of healthcare and other things make Brazils favelas especially at risk for an outbreak of the virus.

In addition, many Paraisopolis residents work in the nearby wealthy neighborhood of Morumbi, which has the highest number of infections in Brazil.

Across Latin America, many of the cases were confirmed in people wealthy enough to travel internationally. But the virus is expected to hit the poorest communities the hardest.

Brazil has the most confirmed cases of the coronavirus of any Latin American country. It has nearly 7,000 confirmed cases and 240 deaths so far.

Celia Parnes is the Secretary of Social Development for the state of Sao Paulo. She said the government was concerned about the speed of infections in favelas and was working to help neighborhoods like Paraisopolis with free meals and financial resources.

Parnes said public healthcare in Paraisopolis was no different from the rest of the city, claiming emergency vehicles do reach the favela.

But she praised the work of the residents group.

In an emailed statement, Sao Paulos city government said it has offered free food and other needs to residents of Paraisopolis. It said it also has sent around cars with loud speakers broadcasting the importance of washing hands and staying indoors.

Sao Paulos water and waste removal firm said it was sending 2,400 water tanks to poor neighborhoods, including Paraisopolis, to help during the health crisis.

The population density in Paraisopolis is about the same as the Manhattan area of New York City, although most buildings are just two or three levels high. Residents complain that the water stops running after 8:00 at night. They also say garbage gets high along the wet, narrow walk areas that go through the community.

Unofficial power here belongs to the First Capital Command, Brazils largest and most powerful gang, known by the letters PCC.

A member of the medical team said their work had the gangs approval. Reuters was not immediately able to contact any of the gangs local leaders.

Im Alice Bryant.

Reuters News Agency reported this story. Alice Bryant adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

favela  n. a low- and middle-income and unregulated informal settlement neighborhood in Brazil

response  n. something that is done as a reaction to something else

resident  n. someone who lives in a particular place

hire  v. to give work or a job to (someone) in exchange for wages or a salary

outbreak  n. a sudden start or increase of fighting or disease

garbage  n. things that are no longer useful or wanted and that have been thrown out

gang  n. a group of young people who do illegal things together and who often fight against other gangs
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As a child living in New York back in the 1960s and 70s, Frederick Middlestorb and his father would head out to Shea Stadium in Queens to watch the famous rags-to-riches New York Mets. Now in his 60s, hes still able to effortlessly list all his favorite moments as if it were a movie that he plays over and over in his head, including Mobiles Cleon Jones dropping to his knee to catch the last out in the 1969 World Series.

Fifty years later, those happy memories of sitting in the bright orange bleachers with his father are what keep him going as he contends with life on the streets.

He said hes been homeless for about four and half years.

Most days youll find him walking the streets of Mobile carrying what few belongings he has in two thick plastic grocery bags. Under one arm youll see a bible, which also serves as a folder for other important documents, including letters from social security and, more recently, a church newsletter explaining to those disconnected from media and traditional society that a deadly virus had begun spreading throughout the population.

It told us to be careful around other people, Middlestrob said in his native Long Island accent while sat on an old warped bench outside the First Christian Church. Ive noticed more homeless people walking around without anywhere to go. Some shelters are closed and food is harder to find.

Like many homeless people living in Mobile, Middlestorbs regular routine has been upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. Homeless shelters have reduced capacity or closed their doors altogether, while access to food has quickly diminished as demand at foodbanks has skyrocketed in recent weeks - pushing those without a home further toward the fringes of society and the economy. While most people in the country will be able to take advantage of stimulus checks in the next week, few of those will be homeless.

"A lot of people are experiencing the COVID-19 outbreak as a series of inconveniences, said Chris Sanders, Communications Director at Alabama Arise. They're having to work from home. They're standing in longer lines at the grocery store. They're not getting to visit friends or attend church services or sporting events. But for many Alabamians, this pandemic is an enormous threat to their health and well-being. They're wondering when they'll get paid again, or where they'll get their next meal, or where they'll sleep tonight. And they have no idea how in the world they'd pay for health care if they get sick.

In recent weeks, the Salvation Army in Mobile has been reluctantly forced to reduce the capacity at its homeless shelter because of distancing rules, while the Waterfront Mission, Wings of Life, and the womens shelter McKemie Place are not welcoming new clients. Across the state, food pantries are running low on supplies and resources as new unemployment filings surpass even those seen during the Great Depression.

After hearing about the cuts to frontline services around Mobile, Salvation Army Major Tom Richmond said that while his unit was forced to cut homeless capacity to 14 people a night, he has increased other services to the homeless community, including food related programs.

On one Monday we fed 170 to 175 people, he said in a call with AL.com We increased services to go back every other day and will go more often if we need to. Weve also seen 23 new families at our Pleasant Valley feeding program, and we expect to see more in the coming weeks and months.

A Salvation Army disaster van at Cathedral Square in Mobile.

His Director of Program Services, Angela Steadman, issued a stark warning about the current crisis. Our donations and funding sources are extremely low, and yet the need is the great. We will continue to serve, as best we can, while trying to adhere to CDC guidelines to help stem the spread of this virus.

Major Richmond added that residential drug programs were continuing at the organizations downtown location because they were seen as essential.

Exacerbating the struggles of the homeless population in Mobile is the closure of the Ben May library, a valuable resource for those trying to stay in touch with family. The library allows homeless people to use the computers and has valuable outreach programs that can help people get off the streets.

I miss the library, said Middlestorb. I have friends I made online from all over the world. Japanese, Russian. And its better than being on the streets all the time.

At Cathedral Square in Mobile, just across from the Catholic Church, the Salvation Army feeds scores of homeless people on any given day. Not long after social distancing rules were implemented by the Governor, probably upwards of 60 people were sat in the park eating bagged lunches. Some were clearly homeless and struggling while others were immaculately dressed, as if they were headed to work  a sign that shortages of money and desperation can hit people in all classes.

I have a job, said Frank Craven, who has been homeless for about three years. I work at the farmers market and can make good money but thats been taken away from me. This crisis is sort of like being homeless, probably harder to get out of it than it is to get in.

Christina Braithwaite, a homeless women recently returned to Mobiles streets from her fathers home in Vicksburg, said that shes seen more homeless people in recent weeks and has struggled to get money from people in the street. Theres no one on the streets and some of the stores wont take our coins or notes, she said. If it wasnt for [the Salvation Army] wed have nothing. Im glad we havent been forgotten about but how long will this go on for?

Christina eating a bagged lunch in Mobile.

For a homeless person, Middlestorb has been somewhat luckier, in a sense. He said he has developed good relationships with various churches where he can collect groceries and sometimes pick up a meal. I always ask for non-perishable food so I can take it with me, he said. That last about three days then Ill go to other churches and spend the little money I have.

He said hes also been able to use the church as a mailing address and regularly sleeps in an outside area at the back of the building. This past winter he slept in abandoned lot in his sleeping bag It was kinda rough.

Because of his disability he has stayed in touch with social security over the years and does keep a bank account. He knows that receiving the stimulus check would make him one of the lucky ones and could potentially be life changing, allowing him to furnish the apartment he hopes to get soon. But as with most things at the moment, hes not sure if hell get it or if his fellow homeless people will as well.

Homeless people are disconnected and some probably dont know there was a coronavirus or money we could get to help us, he said. And who has a bank account or an address?

Its not easy, he added.

Since arriving in Alabama from his mothers trailer in Georgia almost five years ago, Middlestorb said, he has been on a waiting list for a home with Housing First, a small charity that helps homeless disabled people get permanent accommodation.

More than anything, Middlestorb wants to be reunited with his family but knows that he first needs to turn it around, a bit like those Miracle Mets did back when he sat in Shea Stadium as a boy.

I want to hug my family and tell them I love them, he said before walking off to find his next meal.
Jakarta, April 11 : The Indonesian Anak Krakatau volcano erupted expelling ash and plumes of smoke that travelled more than 500 metres high, local authorities report on Saturday.

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) said the volcano, one of the country's most active, erupted twice on Friday night for a total of 40 minutes, reports Efe news.

"PVMBG monitoring shows that the eruption continued until Saturday morning at 5:44 WIB [Western Indonesian Time]," Agus Wibowo, head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said in a statement on Saturday.

Authorities said they were closely monitoring the volcano which is located on an uninhabited island in the Sunda Strait.

On December 22 2018, a strong eruption caused a landslide that triggered a tsunami killing hundreds of people who were spending the Christmas holidays on the coasts of Java and Sumatra.

At least 439 people died and more than 7,200 were injured, according to official figures.

As a result of that eruption, the Anak Krakatau, which now rises just over 110 metres above sea level, lost around 200 meters in height.

Discovered in 1927, the Anak Krakatau emerged from the waters more than half a century after the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa. It has continued to grow ever since.

Krakatau's caldera, a cauldron-like hollow that forms shortly after an eruption, was destroyed in 1883 after a series of massive blasts that killed over 36,000 people and which caused several tsunamis.

The effects of the monumental explosions were felt around the world for weeks.

Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of great seismic and volcanic activity that is shaken yearly by some 7,000 tremors, most of them moderate.
Virus-stricken British Prime Minister Boris Johnson thanked medics for saving his life after leaving hospital on Easter Sunday, as hundreds of millions of Christians observed the holiday under lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. More than half of humanity is confined at home as governments scramble to stop the COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed more than 112,500 lives around the world. More than 1.8 million people have been infected but glimmers of hope were emerging that the worst may be behind -- especially in Europe, where hard-hit Italy recorded its lowest death toll in three weeks and fatalities fell in France. Johnson, the highest-profile leader to contract the virus characterised by high fevers and coughing, voiced confidence that Britain would beat the pandemic in a candid video message after he was discharged from a state-run National Health Service (NHS) hospital. "I hope they won't mind if I mention in particular two nurses who stood by my bedside for 48 hours when things could have gone either way," said 55-year-old Johnson, who was admitted on April 5 to a London hospital where he spent three days in intensive care. In a suit and tie but visibly worn, Johnson said he was discharged after "a week in which the NHS has saved my life, no question." Even as Johnson headed to a country estate to rest before returning to work, Britain passed the grim milestone of 10,000 deaths. Johnson, like US President Donald Trump, had initially resisted stringent measures such as shutting down public places. The United States has since recorded the world's highest death toll at more than 22,020. - 'Easter of solitude' - From the Vatican to Panama and the Philippines, there were unprecedented scenes of empty churches as the world's two-billion plus Christians celebrated Easter from the confines of their homes. Speaking from a near-empty Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Pope Francis offered prayers for the ill and urged "solidarity" to fight the outbreak. "For many, this is an Easter of solitude lived amid the sorrow and hardship that the pandemic is causing, from physical suffering to economic difficulties," he said in a live-streamed message beamed around the world. On the outskirts of Rome, one devout follower held a video session with friends to mark the holy day in lieu of being able to gather in church. "Before lunch, six of us connected online for the Angelus prayer," said Rosa Mastrocinque, adding that her "spirituality has increased" during her weeks-long confinement. The pope had earlier urged creativity to mark the holy weekend -- a call that was met by many. In Panama, an archbishop blessed his nation from a helicopter, while one priest in Portugal addressed the faithful from the open top of a moving convertible car. In one church north of the Philippine capital Manila, hundreds of pictures of parishioners were taped to pews as a priest led a Sunday service in a near-empty sanctuary. "We also feel their presence virtually," said Father Mark Christopher De Leon. "This is our way of being with them, praying for them spiritually, praying for them, praying for their safety." - 'Far from victory' - Unlike France and Italy, Spain reported a slight spike in deaths with 619 fresh fatalities after declines over three straight days. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned there could still be tough times ahead, even as the number of new infections continued to slow. "We are still far from victory, from the moment when we will recover normality in our lives," Sanchez said in locked-down Spain. "We are all keen to go back out on the streets... but our desire is even greater to win the war and prevent a relapse," he added. New York, the epicentre of the virus in the United States, has gradually seen the public health crisis stabilise after a devastating week. "You're not seeing a great decline in the numbers, but you're seeing a flattening," Governor Andrew Cuomo told reporters. "And you're also seeing a recurrence of the terrible news, which is the number of lives lost, which is 758," he said of the past 24 hours across the state of New York. - Questions on reopening - The World Health Organization has warned countries against lifting lockdown restrictions too early. Governments are under pressure to keep populations safe while preventing the collapse of their economies, amid warnings from the International Monetary Fund of a downturn not seen since the Great Depression. Trump had earlier voiced hope at returning to normal by Easter but backtracked after dire warnings from public health experts. Anthony Fauci, the White House's top advisor on infectious diseases, said Sunday that parts of the world's largest economy may be ready to reopen by May 1 -- but warned it would not be like a "light switch" with the entire country ending restrictions together. In Turkey, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu offered to resign over a 48-hour nationwide shutdown that was announced Friday night with just two hours' notice. The abrupt declaration sparked panic buying at markets -- defeating the aim of social distancing. But President Recep Tayyip Erdogan refused to accept Soylu's resignation. There were also worrying signs the virus could be taking hold in new -- and vulnerable -- parts of the world. Conflict-wracked Yemen reported its first case last week, while in Mumbai's crowded Dharavi slum -- one of Asia's biggest and the inspiration for the 2008 Oscar-winning film "Slumdog Millionaire" -- more than 43 cases have been confirmed. "We have been running extensive medical camps in Dharavi and other areas of Mumbai to test more people for coronavirus and make sure carriers are not ignored," said Mumbai official Khabale-Patil. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari urged all residents to stay at home and wash their hands -- but has not said whether stay-at-home orders due to end Monday in three major cities will be extended. Bucking the global sports shutdown, Taiwan opened a new baseball season on Sunday in front of empty stands. burs-jv-sct/bgs/to
People wearing handmade protective gears wait to enter a supermarket in Buenos Aires, Argentina, April 8, 2020. (Photo by Martin Zabala/Xinhua)

The Chinese side firmly supports the South American country's measures against the outbreak, and has sent to Argentina supplies related to epidemic prevention and control, said Xi, adding that experts of the two countries have also exchanged experience on how to battle the epidemic.

BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said the Chinese side is ready to continue sharing COVID-19 prevention and control experience with Argentina and offering assistance within its capacity.

Xi made the remarks in a recent exchange of messages with Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez.

Xi, on behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, extended sincere sympathies to the Argentine government and people as they are fighting against the novel coronavirus epidemic.

The Chinese side firmly supports the South American country's measures against the outbreak, and has sent to Argentina supplies related to epidemic prevention and control, said Xi, adding that experts of the two countries have also exchanged experience on how to battle the epidemic.

A staff member checks the body temperature of a passenger at a train station in Buenos Aires, Argentina, March 20, 2020. (Xinhua/Martin Zabala)

He also said that the Chinese side is ready to continue sharing COVID-19 prevention and control experience, as well as therapies with, and offering assistance within its capacity to Argentina so as to step up bilateral anti-epidemic exchanges and cooperation, and make positive contributions to preserving global and regional public health security.

In his message to Xi, Fernandez appreciated China's strong support, and said that China has demonstrated strong leadership and the ability to innovate during its COVID-19 fight, setting an example for his country.

He also said that China has the world's most professional epidemic prevention and control experience, from which Argentina hopes to learn, adding that he firmly believes that the bilateral cooperation to fight against the outbreak will further deepen the friendly and mutually beneficial relationship between the two peoples.
He would then be confined to the home of an acquaintance in Venice, Calif., where he would not have access to internet and would be prevented from leaving, except for medical emergencies, and from making transactions of more than $500.

We are gratified that the Court recognized the unique emergency that Covid-19 has presented, Mr. Avenattis lawyer, Dean Steward, said in an email. He added that the conditions were taking time to satisfy and anticipated a release within the next week.

N.Y.C. will move hundreds of homeless people into hotels as deaths in shelters surge.

New York City will begin placing hundreds of single adults, regardless of age and health conditions, into hotel rooms instead of dormitory-style shelters where coronavirus has continued to spread.

About 2,500 people, including those 70 and older, those who are symptomatic or have tested positive for the virus, and those in crowded shelters, will be moved out of shelters and into hotel rooms by April 20.

Its tough enough to not have a place to live, Mr. de Blasio said while making the announcement on Saturday. We want to make sure people are safe and healthy.

The mayors statements followed a surge in deaths among people living in shelters, especially men who live in dormitory-style shelters for single adults. On Friday, the citys Department of Social Services reported that five more men, including three who lived in shelters for single adults, had died.

A coalition of advocacy groups, including the Urban Justice Center and VOCAL-NY, has called on Mr. de Blasio to use 30,000 empty hotel rooms to house not only people living in shelters, but people living on the street and in other congregate settings. The Urban Justice Center began a GoFundMe campaign to begin moving people into hotels independently.
Top oil producers struggled to finalise production cuts during a virtual summit held by G20 energy ministers on Friday, despite US President Donald Trump's mediation efforts to end a standoff with Mexico. The final G20 communique appeared to gloss over simmering divisions over energy policy, making no mention of output cuts and pledging simply to ensure oil "market stability" amid the coronavirus pandemic. Mexico was the lone holdout in a record OPEC-led agreement reached a day earlier that would see output slashed by 10 million barrels per day in May and June followed by a gradual reduction in cuts until April 2022. The standoff had cast doubt on efforts to bolster oil prices, pushed to near two-decade lows by the demand-sapping pandemic and a Saudi-Russia price war that rattled global markets. The subsequent G20 meeting -- hosted by Riyadh -- was expected to seal the deal more widely with non-OPEC countries in the group including Mexico, the United States and Canada. But there was no sign of an agreement in the group's final statement. "We commit to ensure that the energy sector continues to make a full, effective contribution to overcoming COVID-19 and powering the subsequent global recovery," said the statement released early Saturday. "We commit to take all the necessary and immediate measures to ensure energy market stability." There was no sign that countries such as Canada -- the world's fourth largest producer -- had committed to specific cuts, with Natural Resources Minister Seamus O'Regan saying the G20 summit "didn't discuss numbers". Under the OPEC deal, Mexico was expected to cut production by 400,000 barrels per day but it resisted the suggestion. Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he had reached an agreement with Trump to cut production by only 100,000 bpd. He added that Trump had agreed to cut US production by 250,000 bpd "as compensation" for Mexico. Trump later confirmed the deal, saying the United States will "make up the difference" by cutting "some US production". The G20 statement was silent on the Mexico-US deal. - 'Ghostly spectre' - The tentative production cut deal, which hinges on Mexico's consent for it to take effect, marked a possible end of the price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia. Both oil producers took on the lion's share of the cuts as they agreed to slash output to around 8.5 million bpd, according to Bloomberg News. "Our global energy systems, from producers to consumers, is in uncharted territory and it is our responsibility to find the path forward," Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman told the G20 gathering. "Saudi Arabia urges all G20 members, including Mexico, as well as invited countries to take appropriate and extraordinary measures to stabilise market conditions." Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak also urged the G20 ministers to act in a spirit of "partnership and solidarity", according to a local television station. OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo warned the global crude storage capacity would be exhausted before the end of May because of a supply glut and a "jaw-dropping" drop in demand. "There is a ghostly spectre encircling the oil industry," Barkindo told the ministers. "We need to act now, so we can come out of (the) other side of this pandemic with the strength of our industry intact." The impact of the tentative deal on prices was not immediately clear as the global oil markets were shut on Friday for the Easter weekend. But Stephen Innes, an analyst at AxiCorp, said the supply cuts were "less than the market hoped for" given the hit to demand from coronavirus lockdowns throughout the world. "The deal currently tabled will only partially offset oil price distress," he said. "The storm clouds for oil prices will only completely dissipate when lockdowns are lifted." - 'Deep abyss' - Rystad Energy also said the cuts were not enough to restore market equilibrium. "The proposed 10 million bpd cut for May and June will keep the world from physically testing the limits of storage capacity and save prices from falling into a deep abyss," the energy research firm said. "But it will still not restore the desired market balance." Oil prices have slumped since the beginning of the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Compounding the problem, Riyadh and Moscow had both ramped up output in a bid to hold on to market share and undercut US shale producers. Trump has expressed optimism about the prospects for an agreement after a conference call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday. Putin discussed energy developments separately with Trump and Prince Mohammed again on Friday, the Kremlin said. While the US is not in the OPEC or the wider OPEC+ groups, it is supportive of a reduction in supply in order to stabilise prices and breathe new life into its shale industry. Shale has transformed the US into the world's top producer, but the industry cannot sustain its high cost base as prices collapse. burs-ac/amj
The Victory Parade and the celebration of the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War will be held for sure, the spokesperson for the President of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Peskov said in the Bolshaya Igra program on Channel One.

As of today, no decisions have been made to postpone the festive events - the Victory Parade or the Immortal Regiment, "he stressed.

Peskov added that these decisions can be made later, depending on the development of the situation. He acknowledged that, for obvious reasons, various options are being discussed.
WASHINGTON  The White House lobbed a bizarre broadside against Voice of America this week, using one of its popular communications channels to accuse the United States-funded foreign news broadcaster of amplifying Chinese propaganda.

The post appeared Thursday on 1600 Daily, an events summary produced by the White House digital team. The charges hurled at the 75-year-old broadcaster seemed so overheated that some readers worried that hackers had infiltrated the White Houses networks.

But Dan Scavino Jr., President Trumps social media director, echoed the claims on Twitter.

American taxpayers  paying for Chinas very own propaganda, via the U.S. Government funded Voice of America! DISGRACE!! Mr. Scavino wrote in sharing a V.O.A. post about a light show in China on Wednesday. The light show marked the reopening of Wuhan, the Chinese city where the coronavirus was first detected, which had been locked down for months.

Among other charges, the White House post claimed that V.O.A., which uses widely watched numbers from Johns Hopkins University to track coronavirus cases and deaths around the world, created graphics with Communist government statistics to compare Chinas coronavirus death toll to Americas.
The Rev. Leah Klug isnt a stickler on religious rituals. As a hospital chaplain for Swedish Medical Group in the Seattle area, she makes do with the supplies she can find. Recently, she performed an anointing of the sick with mouthwash, because she didnt have any oil on hand. She is accustomed to seeking the sacred in sterile rooms, reading psalms above the steady beep of a heart monitor.

She described a visit last month to the room of a Covid-19 patient where she performed commendation of the dying. A nurse stood just outside, holding a phone on speaker so the womans family could say goodbye. Ms. Klug touched her mask for protection, then lowered a container of oil toward the patients head. She read out a verse from the Gospel of John. She suddenly felt a grief so profound that it seemed to swallow up her words. Its not supposed to be like this, Ms. Klug said she thought to herself. Her family is supposed to be here.

She was frozen, then, in another wave of sorrow as she remembered: There would be many more solitary deaths in the months to come.

As emergency rooms are flooded by coronavirus patients and I.C.U.s exceed their capacities, hospital chaplains are finding their jobs changing. Certified in clinical pastoral work and tending to people of all faiths, chaplains are no strangers to daily tragedies. They serve as vessels for the grief and fear of patients and their families. They grasp the hands of the dying. They recite poetry to parents in mourning. When called upon, they deliver blessings to hospital staff.
China's Shanghai Municipality and Guangdong Province will gradually reopen schools as the novel coronavirus epidemic continues to ebb away across the country.

In Shanghai, classes for senior students in middle and high schools will resume on April 27, Lu Jing, director of the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, told a press briefing.

Universities, colleges and secondary vocational schools can also resume classes for graduating students from April 27, and the specific reopening dates must get prior approval of local education authorities.

All schools in Shanghai should prepare to reopen before May 6, but the time for students to return to school will be released in accordance with the epidemic situation.

Meanwhile, in Guangdong, students in their final year of middle and high schools will return to school on April 27, while students in primary and middle school can resume school life from May 11, said the provincial department of education.

Graduating students in universities and colleges can go back to school from May 11, while others in universities, colleges, technical institutes and secondary vocational schools can resume classes from May 18.

The reopening dates for kindergartens and special education schools will be released later.

Nationwide, Beijing and Hubei Province have not yet announced reopening dates for schools.
Westerly, RI (02891)

Today

Sunny. Very cold. High 18F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low near 10F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
Some members of the New Patriotic Party in the Binduri Constituency of the Upper East Region have chided the member of parliament of the area for not helping in the combat against the Coronavirus pandemic.

According to the Constituency Grassroot Chairman Yakubu Abdallah, Hon. Dr. Kuganaab Lem Robert has not visited the constituency since the first case of the global pandemic was recorded in the country.

"Other MPs have visited their constituencies to help them in the fight against the virus but our Mp did not come."

Mr. Yakubu Abdallah alleged that one Martin Ariku presented only 40 boxes of Madar soap to the District Health Directorate on behalf of the Member of Parliament to aid in the fight against Covid-19.

"What the MP only gave was madar washing soap, the solid one which is not enough," he said.

Reacting to whether the MP's failure is not an opportunity for the NPP to win the December election in the constituency, he said: " that is not our interest now (but) we are just looking at how we can help the people."

He appealed to Hon. Dr. Kuganaab Lem who is also the deputy ranking member on health to take some time off his busy schedule to visit the constituency.

"We are doing so(complaining) because he is the member of parliament for the constituency not about politics. But he should be able to help the people"

But in a press statement, they cited the MP for assisting members of the constituency only to go home to vote for him during elections.

"If it had been about paying for the transportation and bussing electorates of Binduri Constituency in Accra to come home to register and vote for him, he would do everything possible", the statement said.
Melissa Gruber has been entering homes at a time when people have been shielding themselves indoors.

"In home care, our primary goal is to keep people in the home as safe as we can for as long as we can to prevent them from having to go to an assisted living facility or a skilled facility," said the registered nurse with Recover Healths Winona office.

The goal can still spur concerns.

Gruber provides the first face-to-face assessment for Recover Healths new patients, and she said thats when she frequently hears questions about COVID-19 precautions.

"Once we get through those discussions, they seem more receptive to nursing services and other services coming into their home," she said.

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Home-health providers throughout the region are adapting to care for patients in homes while working to reduce the chance of spreading the virus.

"Nursing staff, I believe, are the safest people to be entering a home, because they take all the precautions," said Matt Ebeling, an account executive at Interim HealthCare in Rochester.

In addition to regular hand-washing, sanitizing and wearing gowns and masks, the care providers said limiting the number of nurses and other staff who visit each patient helps reduce the chance of exposure.

"We have the same staff going to the same people," said Stephanie Eide, an account executive for Recover Health.

Paul Blanchard, clinical site manager for Regency Home Healthcare in Austin, said the precautions are what make him comfortable about going to homes amid the pandemic.

"My only concern is about bringing it home to my family," the registered nurse said. " I have a new baby, so Im taking extra precautions."

Gruber, the mother of three, said shes doing the same, even though her agency has yet to see a patient with COVID-19.

Eide said the staff is expecting to see that change.

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"We anticipate a large volume of caring for those who are positive or can be assumed positive, and caring for them in their homes," she said, adding that caring for people in their homes can help alleviate pressure on hospitals needing space for the sickest patients.

As a result, the home-health agencies are preparing for increased activity.

Its at a time when they are already reporting an uptick in calls for in-home nursing.

"Weve had an increase of people wanting to step out of the nursing homes, step out of the hospitals, and do more care inside their personal homes," Ebeling said.

While some clients have opted to cancel or reduce visits due to concerns related to COVID-19, recent changes have made it easier for medical centers to refer patients to home care.

In the past, Medicare patients were required to be deemed homebound for health reasons, but that mandate was lifted with congressional action.

Now, anyone older than 65 needing skilled health care could qualify under Medicare guidelines.

It means clinic and hospital providers can send people home more often.

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"Weve been getting referrals from the hospital for folks they are trying to get out of the hospital who dont need to be there," Blanchard said.

So far, the agencies report they are able to keep up with the added workload, even though the region has experienced a shortage of nursing staff in recent years.

Blanchard said he has seen some of his staff forced to choose between hours on home visits and keeping jobs at long-term care facilities that dont want employees going in and out of homes.

"Thats been an issue with some of our staff," he said, acknowledging the concern.

At the same time, he said the Austin staff are able to continue meeting the needs of their patients.

Ebeling said the Rochester service has also been able to meet needs, as it also takes care to make sure staff has the time needed to care for patients and take precautions.

"We have to make sure we dont overload ourselves," he said.

In Winona, Eide said Recover Health was growing prior to the pandemic, putting itself in a position to respond. She said the company is also reaching out to health care staff members who are not working due to reductions in voluntary procedures and other appointments.

"We can pick up those people to at least get them trained and ready before our surge hits," she said.
1. Yes. The downtown area needs a good draw. Some quality taverns would be a plus.

2. Yes. Too many storefronts are vacant. Bars could help to bring in needed revenue.

3. No. Putting a number of bars downtown is just asking for trouble. Dont change things.

4.No. Several churches have located downtown. Putting bars close by would be a bad fit.

5. Unsure. It would depend on how the law is written and what standards are enacted.

Vote

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KP Vishnuprasad By

Express News Service

MALAPPURAM: As the Covid-19 pandemic remains a global threat, several groups of NRIs from different parts of the world have expressed their wish to come back to India. Among them is a group of 600 Indian medical students at the Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, Moldova. Of the total students, 400 are Keralites.

Parents of the students in Kerala have requested the state and central governments to take immediate steps to evacuate the students from Moldova. The parents said that their children are living in fear of Covid-19 in the Eastern European country. Moldova, which has population less than that of Malappuram district, has so far recorded 1,289 Covid-19 cases.

My son Dahanish Roshan, 22, is a fourth-year medical student of the Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Of the total 600 students, some are staying in separate apartments and some are living in the university hostel. The university has asked the students not to go out of their apartments and hostels, but the students have to go out sometimes for food and other purposes. All our children are under fear of the infection and we ask the state and Central governments to airlift the students from Moldova, said Muneer Bugari, father of Roshan. Bugari said the university will be closed till September and there is no reason for the students to stay in that country.

The parents have already brought the issue to the notice of the state and Central ministers. The parents have also decided to move the Supreme Court seeking a favourable order to airlift the students from Moldova. The Supreme Court will consider the plea of the parents for bringing back the students trapped in the United Kingdom on April 13.

On the day, we will get to know the stand of the court and the Central government on bringing the students in other countries back to India. With our plea, we will bring the attention of the court to the risk being faced by the 600 students who are stuck in Moldova. We will also point out the health facilities in Kerala, said Deepak Prakash, the Supreme Court advocate, who will appear for the parents in the case.
Avengers: Endgame featured plenty of tear-jerking scenes for fans, but one moment in the film brought Chris Evans mom to tears. Evans has spent the past decade playing Steve Rogers, a.k.a. Captain America, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which made his retirement in Endgame a pretty emotional affair. While fans are sad that Evans is no longer Captain America, his mom apparently lost it during one of the more heartfelt scenes in Endgame.

Avengers: Endgame star Chris Evans | Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Evans says goodbye to the MCU

Before the premiere of Endgame, it was well known that Evans was no longer going to play Cap in the MCU. But fans had no idea how Marvel was planning on ending his characters journey.

Although some fans thought that Cap was going to die in Avengers: Endgame after fighting Thanos (Josh Brolin), he survived the battle and enjoyed a happy ending.

After being tasked with returning the Infinity Stones to their rightful places in time, Cap decided to stay in the past and live out his days with the love of his life, Peggy Carter.

He then reappeared in the current timeline to hand off his shield to Anthony Mackies Sam Wilson, a.k.a. The Falcon. Fans are excited to see what Mackie does with the character, but Evans recently revealed that the scene left his mom in tears.

This Avengers: Endgame scene made Evans mom cry

Marvel aged Evans for this characters retirement scene and seeing him as an old man proved to be very emotional for the actors mom. According to We Got This Covered, Evans mother burst into tears after watching the scene, though not for the reason most fans might expect.

Turns out, Evans looked exactly like his late grandfather in the aging makeup. For curious fans, Evans grandfather was Andrew Capuano, who made a living working for the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.

The scene has raised questions about the continuity in Caps story, but it is good to know that Evans mom had an emotional reaction to Caps ending just like most fans (though her reasons were entirely different).

It is also readily apparent that Evans did not spoil the ending of Endgame, even for his mother.

Chris Hemsworth opens up about Avengers: Endgame spoilers

Speaking of spoilers, Chris Hemsworth might have the best story about avoiding top-secret leaks, and it involves his good friend and fellow Extraction star, Rudraksh Jaiswal.

In a recent interview, Digital Spy reports that Jaiswal opened up about the time he asked Hemsworth for some information related to Avengers: Endgame. Jaiswal revealed that he asked Hemsworth about the fate of several characters in the film, including Captain America and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.).

When we were shooting in Bangkok, during Christmas 2018, we were shooting the last scene before going for holidays, Jaiswal recalled. I tried to take out some spoilers for Avengers: Endgame. I asked him how is Thor in it? What will happen with Captain America and Iron Man?

In response, Hemsworth hilariously told Jaiswal that Spider-Man (Tom Holland) turns into Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) in the film. Jaiswal had a difficult time understanding how that might work, but Hemsworth assured him that he would find out after the movie was released.

I told him to give me one spoiler and he gave me fake spoilers to confuse me so that I dont ask him again, he added.

Fans react to Cap wielding Thors hammer

Spoilers aside, Marvel fans have been getting a little nostalgic with everything that is going on in the world. Theaters have officially closed amid the coronavirus pandemic, and Marvel just confirmed that all of its future projects have been delayed.

Taking to Twitter, a fan sparked a wave of comments after sharing a nostalgic video that showed how a theater audience reacted to the Avengers: Endgame scene where Cap picks up Thors iconic hammer.

The clip features the moment where Cap uses Thors hammer to beat down Thanos, and the crowds roar upon seeing Cap wield the instrument is about as good as it gets.

Just stop what youre doing and enjoy listening to the #AvengersEndgame opening night crowd react to Captain America wielding Thors hammer, the fan wrote. CHILLS.

The next movie in Marvels lineup, Black Widow, is now scheduled to open in theaters in November. The Eternals, which was originally scheduled for the November slot, will now premiere in 2021.

Marvel fans can get nostalgic while practicing social distancing by streaming Avengers: Endgame on Disney+.
The Management of the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) has called on water vendors to continue their regular operations to provide free water to their clients.



A statement signed by Mr Worlanyo Kwadj Siabi, the Chief Executive of CWSA, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, said the instruction was part of measures taken by the management to implement the Presidential directive on the provision of free water to the public.



The statement said as an agency that manages a greater number of the Small Towns Piped Water Systems it has taken steps to guide the Agencys Regional Directors and Water System Management Staff on the implementation of the directive in the CWSA managed pipe water systems in small towns.



It urged vendors to ensure that customers were served in a queue taking into consideration the observance of the social distancing protocols in force to avoid crowding at all times. The statement advised that if consumers fail to observe the social distancing protocols and mass up at the standpipe, the vendor must temporarily close the tap until the order was restored to save lives.



To ensure that customers were served fast, the statement, counseled venders to ban water storage containers that exceeded the size of the usual buckets, basins and the Yellow gallon. This is because the filling of such big receptacles by one person during the normal fetching hours has the potential of stirring controversy, creating agitation over the time used by that one person in filling his or her receptacles, as others wait in the queue, it said.



The statement directed all the Water and Sanitation Management Teams (WSMTs) to liaise with their District Chief Executives and CWSA Regional Directors to discuss operational issues pertaining to the presidential directive.



It requested all NGOs providing water in the sector to contact the CWSA Regional Directors to discuss any operational issues that may arise in connection with the implementation of the presidential directive.

Source: GNA









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Mumbai, April 11 : At a time when New York is reeling under the onslaught of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, actor Abhay Deol fondly looked back at his happy days of the past in that city, away from all the attention.

"My friend sent me these pics from when I lived in NYC 11 years ago! I have no pictures of my own from that time. Brought back memories. What a time that was, running as far away as I could from the attention I was getting. Age has definitely helped me accept many a thing stardom brings with it," he wrote on Instagram on Saturday.

In 2009, the "Dev.D" actor moved to New York where he reportedly took up welding and metal work course.

"I chose New York as my second home because it's a city that has always fascinated me. It's such a hub of activity. The creative possibilities here are unlimited. I want to grow not just as an actor but also as a human being," he had said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Iraq's national sovereignty is my red line: PM-designate

Iran Press TV

Friday, 10 April 2020 9:03 AM

The newly-designated prime minister has said that the success of Iraq's international relations will be based on "respect and cooperation."

"The country's national sovereignty is the top priority," Mustafa al-Kadhimi said, according to a report by Al Sumaria News.

Al-Kadhimi stressed that his government will never allow anyone to insult any Iraqi citizen by accusing him/her of being linked to foreigners.

He also vowed that the cabinet that he is to form will be at the frontline of defending Iraqis and fighting against the novel coronavirus.

His comments come against the backdrop of the United States' recent suspicious moves in the Arab country.

Earlier this month, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) deployed new Patriot missile systems to Iraq without informing the Iraqi government, amid calls for the withdrawal of American troops from the Arab country.

In late March, Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) blew the lid off a plot by the US military to carry out massive aerial operations  backed by ground troops  against bases of the elite anti-terror force, which is currently busy helping the government in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

The US plans to conduct heliborne operations backed up by ground troops and fighter jets against positions belonging to security agencies and positions of Iraq's resistance groups, the PMU anti-terror group Kata'ib Hezbollah said in a statement.

Stating that the US plot endangers internal peace in Iraq, the PMU has vowed a firm response to any such operation.

On April 3, the Iraqi resistance groups reiterated their readiness to counter any possible attack by US occupation forces, saying that they are also on high alert for any false-flag US operation aimed at creating further unrest in the Arab country.

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The Uttar Pradesh Shia Central Waqf Board has directed all its caretakers to immediately inform police if they hear about any person who had attended the Tablighi Jamaat in Delhi's Nizamuddin area.

In a statement issued here, chairman of Uttar Pradesh Shia Central Waqf Board Waseem Rizvi said, "All the muttawlis (caretakers) are hereby informed that if any person who had attended Tablighi Jamaat are noticed at your mosques or madrassas, or want to hide on the pretext of being a Muslim, then the police should be immediately informed."



Information can also be given in this regard to the helpline of the Uttar Pradesh Shia Central Waqf Board.

"Special attention should be paid by mosques and madrassas located in the vicinity of India-Nepal border. If any muttawali tries to give shelter to any traitor or help him, then the Board will recommend that action be initiated against the said muttawali under National Security Act," he said.

The chief executive officer and all the inspectors of the board have been instructed in this regard to inform the muttawalis, he said in the statement.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Dothan and Houston County residents are being asked to wear non-medical face coverings in public settings in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, similar to safety measures in other Alabama communities and the nation.

The Joint Information Center said Friday that Dothan and Houston County officials have been advised by the Alabama Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning this recommendation, and local officials are adding the guideline to their list of safety measures.

This should not replace the practices we already have in place of social distancing, to stay at home, and to frequently wash your hands. This is just another step to end this pandemic, Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba said.

Houston County Commission Chairman Mark Culver also encouraged residents to follow Alabamas stay-at-home order.

Many people are still questioning whether they can go out and mingle, Culver said. The answer is emphatically, no. Stay-at-home means stay at home unless you are getting groceries, working or one of the other few essential activities. This recommendation to wear a mask just adds to it.
Indian policemen check identity of motorists before allowing them to proceed at a checkpoint during lockdown in Bangalore. (AP)

Mangaluru: Police booked a family from Kerala for allegedly entering Mangaluru illegally via sea route as the roads are blocked in the backdrop of nation-wide lockdown. All have been sent for medical checkup.

"On April 9, a person by name Yakoob (48) crossed over to Talapady along with his family from Kerala. It is made out that he had used the sea/water route to cross over to Talapady. A friend of his, Shakir, had allegedly helped the transit and provided all logistical support for them to land at Talapady and cross over to Addur," Mangaluru city police commissioner Dr P S Harsha said in a press statement.

"Yakoob has violated all norms issued by the central and the state governments to curtail the spread of the pandemic. He has blatantly put himself, his family members and the general public at a risk, which attracts penal provisions under various sections of the law," he said.

A case has been registered at Bajpe Police Station against Yakoob and six others and the investigation is under progress.

"All the accused in this case have been sent for medical checkup to Wenlock Hospital in coordination with the district health officials.

The quarantine status of the individuals would be monitored in liaison with the District Health Officers.
Jammu and Kashmir police chief Dilbag Singh Friday termed attacks by terrorists on civilians a "shameful act" and said security forces are taking enough measures to counter the "evil designs of Pakistan and terrorism sponsored by it". During a visit to Jammu city to review coronavirus lockdown arrangements, he referred to ceasefire violations by Pakistan saying it is extremely shameful and condemnable that when the entire world is coming together to fight the pandemic, Islamabad and its "sponsored terrorists" are making attempts to infiltrate and disrupt peace.

"The recent civilian killings exposed the inhumane and senseless conduct of the terrorists," the DGP said.



"A group of terrorists has been gunned down in Keran sector. Our forces are taking enough measures to counter evil designs of Pakistan and its sponsored terrorism," the DGP said.

During the visit, Singh took stock of preventive measures being taken for the police personnel deployed at sensitive places.
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Parliament passed the federal government's wage subsidy legislation Saturday night after an emergency sitting that saw MPs applauding collaboration between parliamentarians of all political stripes.

The legislation cleared both chambers of Parliament after days of protracted negotiations between the government and opposition parties produced an agreement to pass a bill that will flow billions of dollars to companies during the COVID-19 crisis.

The bill received royal assent from Governor General Julie Payette shortly after 9:30 p.m. ET.

House Speaker Anthony Rota characterized the occasion as an "exceptional day in the midst of exceptional times."

While the Conservatives said they still have some issues with the implementation of the $73-billion wage subsidy, they agreed to waive normal parliamentary procedure to get the legislation through the Commons in a single day to allow bureaucrats to start sending money to businesses in need.

Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said his party's support for the legislation was conditional on the government agreeing to more accountability measures  namely allowing more parliamentary committees to meet throughout this pandemic. One of those committees will be tasked with studying whether Parliament can meet virtually in the weeks ahead.

"The prime minister said we need to prepare for a second and perhaps a third wave. Canadians want to know how this government is preparing to get ahead of those waves," Scheer said in a speech to the Commons.

"Parliament has a vital role to play now. Through debate and discussion and regular questions from the opposition, we will get better results for Canadians."

Conservative Senate Leader Don Plett said further parliamentary review of Ottawa's COVID-19 response is necessary after documents revealed the government was slow to respond to COVID-19 in the early days of the outbreak.

Government briefing notes, tabled with the health committee Wednesday, detail a bureaucracy reluctant to put inbound China passengers in mandatory quarantine or close borders to arrivals from other hotspots.

Story continues

Federal public health officials advised Health Minister Patty Hajdu as late as March 10 that the risk of COVID-19 to Canada was "low." A week later, the prime minister ordered a shutdown of social and economic life.

"It was like the government was oblivious to the fact that this virus posed a real danger to Canadians, even though other countries were already in advanced stages of infection, lockdown and quarantine," Plett said in a speech to the Red Chamber late Saturday.

"While the virus walked, flew and drove across our borders, this government was asleep at the wheel," he said.

Challenge facing Canadians

Addressing a small contingent of MPs, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that Canadians' determination to fight the virus and look out for one another could be put to the test  though he thinks they are up to the challenge.

The prime minister likened the current situation to a war, but instead of a front line marked with barbed wire, he said the front line in this pandemic is everywhere  in homes, hospitals and grocery stores.

"Without reservation, without pause, we must fight for every inch of ground against this disease. We must be there for one another as we spare no effort to safeguard our collective future," Trudeau said.

Justin Tang/The Canadian Press

He called essential workers modern-day heroes who are making sure Canadians can heal, receive care and stay home to ensure the virus does not spread.

While Canadians are standing physically apart, they are united in a collective resolve to do what must be done until COVID-19 is defeated, Trudeau said.

Bill designed to prevent layoffs

The bill at the heart of Saturday's debate will put in place the multi-billion-dollar Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), which is designed to help companies avoid laying off employees during a pandemic that has led to many businesses shutting their doors.

The CEWS is intended to encourage companies to rehire workers by offering a 75 per cent wage subsidy over the next three months to businesses that have lost 30 per cent of their revenue due to the crisis. Companies will need to reapply for the program each month.

Justin Tang/The Canadian Press

Morneau said in a news conference Saturday that the money will be sent to businesses soon through an online portal operated through the Canada Revenue Agency.

"A week ago, we said this would take three to six weeks, obviously now that's two to five weeks," Morneau said. "We're aspiring to do that as rapidly as possible. I'm assured we will be closer to the short end of that time."

Scheer: Conservatives to 'facilitate' bill's passage

A draft version of the legislation was shared with opposition parties on Monday in an attempt to get all parties on board for fast passage of the legislation.

Before the debate, Scheer, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet delivered remarks on their parties' plans to support the bill.

Scheer said he would "facilitate" the bill's passage now that the federal government has accepted some of his party's proposed changes.

The outgoing Conservative leader said he looked forward to the government implementing the party's suggestions, which include reducing eligibility hurdles for some businesses.

Scheer continued to push for in-person meetings in the House while taking public health advice into consideration, given that Parliament is not sitting regularly at this time.

The Conservatives say they want to see MPs in the Commons itself as opposed to the virtual sittings the government has proposed because it will lead to stronger parliamentary oversight.

As part of an all-party agreement, the government's operations and estimates, human resources and industry committees are now permitted to proceed via video or teleconference, provided meetings are focused on evidence related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trudeau has previously raised health and safety concerns over holding regular meetings to respect physical distancing, as has the Bloc's Blanchet.

House heeds NDP amendment

Meanwhile, Singh said Saturday that his party would support the legislation necessary for the subsidy to become a reality.

The NDP leader's calls to improve access to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) were ultimately adopted in the motion, including addressing the needs of seasonal workers and those who have exhausted their employment insurance benefits.

WATCH | Singh calls for expanded eligibility in government aid bill:

Green Party parliamentary leader Elizabeth May said that while she was nervous to travel to Ottawa for the proceedings, she was heartened by the teamwork displayed by all MPs to pass the subsidy and improve the CERB.

Bloc Leader Blanchet said that the draft bill includes "some very good things" for workers.

In a letter to the prime minister Tuesday, Blanchet wrote that he welcomed several aspects of the legislation, but noted that it initially did not include support for businesses struggling with operational costs.

Blanchet said that Finance Minister Bill Morneau has since acknowledged those concerns.

The leader also expressed concern that temporary foreign workers were not being tested for COVID-19 after arriving in Canada.

The Canada Border Services Agency responded on Saturday, saying that temporary foreign workers must self-isolate for 14 days before being able to come in contact with anyone in Canada and before they can start working.

WATCH | Blanchet warns about workers not tested for COVID-19 upon arriving in Canada:
It was a Saturday afternoon, just after 3pm, August 26, 1922.

Bernard Daly (26) from the Old Hill in Drogheda was at his job as Grocer's Assistant in Miss Hogan's of Suffolk Street in Dublin. A hard worker, a trusted staff member.

The door opened and in walked three men. They wore trench coats, one of them asking another assistant where Bernard was.

'What do you want him for?' asked the assistant. One of the men put a gun to his head and said menacingly: 'We have a warrant for his arrest, and if you continue impudent we will arrest you also.' 'I am Daly,' Bernard said to the men. The three men covered him with revolvers, and one of them said: 'You are under arrest.'

They took him down to the cellars and searched him. He was then removed to a waiting car and whisked away.

The car sped off to Swords, and stopped at St Dolough's, Balgriffin. He was taken out of the car and dragged into a ditch.

In that 'gripe', as they called it, the Drogheda man was shot twice in the head and twice in the body.

As the plaque at Old Hill states to this day, 'Captain Bernard Daly, 1st Batt, Dublin Brigade, IRA, gave his life for the Republic'.

It has been a strange day in the city.

Two other men, Sean Cole (19) from Buckingham Street and Alfred Colley (21) of Parnell Street, Dublin, were taken into a motor car at Ballybough Bridge and later shot dead nearby by six men in trench coats.

Bernard had been employed since April 1922 in the licensed establishment of of Mr Paul Hogan of Suffolk Street and was last seen alive by his friends on that Saturday afternoon at his place of work.

A press representative visited a scene close to St Doulagh's, between Malahide and Swords some time later. He wrote: 'In a lonely hollow at St Doulagh's, a young man was removed from a strange motor and taken into a deep ditch full of nettles and briars.

'It appears his clothes were opened off his chest and into which three bullets were fired, while two were dispatched to his head. About 20 minutes later a passer-by made the gruesome discovery.

'The unfortunate victim was on his back and there was no documents to say who he was. The National troops at Swords were contacted and they came and removed the body to the morgue.

'Deceased was a native of Drogheda and was engaged to be married to a young lady from that town, who had arranged to meet him on Sunday. Mr Daly served his apprenticeship in Morrissey's, Cork Street, and also worked in Kidd's.'

'He was an active member of the irregulars and is stated to have fought at the Four Courts. He was a leading member of the Grocers' and Vintners' Assistants' Association.'

The following Tuesday an inquest took place into the death of the grocer's assistant.

Mr J Comyn appeared for the next-of kin and Mr Howe appeared for Miss Hogan, by whom deceased was employed.

James Daly from Old Hill identified the remains of his brother. He said he was the son of an evicted tenant. He served his time in Dublin and then London but returned in 1916.

He became a member of the Volunteer movement and up to the time of his death was a member of the IRA.

He was arrested by the British government and interned until December 1921 when he was released.

He was an acting captain in the IRA at the time.

He said that each of his comrades said they would lay down their lives for him. He said the deceased was the sole support of his mother and he sent all his wages to her.

Captain Ryan of the National Army said it appeared that Daly had been 'done in' quickly on the spot.

In reply to Mr Comyn, shop assistant Peter Higgins said Daly was a civil, decent man. The first he knew of Daly's death when he read in the paper about a body being found with a ring with the initials 'B.D.'

The coroner said it was terrible that this man was not given a chance for his life. The circumstances were murder, pure and unadulterated.

He said the verdict must be murdered by some person or persons unknown.

The funeral took place from St Mary's Church to St Mary's cemetery and the coffin was draped in a tri-colour. Very Rev Fr Nulty PP VF officiated at the graveside.

Mrs Daly (mother), James Daly and Michael Daly (brothers), Mrs Igoe (sister), were the chief mourners.
New Delhi, April 11 : The global pandemic of COVID-19 has exposed us to unprecedented times. With copious amounts of news about fresh cases, deaths, impending social and economic effects flowing through every channel of media, it has been weighing heavily on common citizens worldwide.

It is natural for healthcare workers like doctors, nurses, paramedic and other medical staff who are at the frontline to feel insecure and anxious at such times. This is because coronavirus can be contracted by anyone easily which makes their work quite a dangerous place.

This is why when they are out there, they may be constantly thinking of their health and safety; seeing other people with the illness can affect their mental health, say experts.

At this hour of crisis, for professionals in the frontline, the horrors will continue to mount, and the effects of their exposure to the dire circumstances cannot be ignored.

"As a doctor, nurse or medical administrator there is a certain inkling to treat or to "fix" things. This is the hardest part of these altruistic individuals is that they simply cannot 'fix it'. There are no appropriate testing guidelines or methods and for them medications and immunizations seem to be too far off in the distance," says Dr Ranjan Ghosh, Psychiatrist, Good Karma.

Prime stressors affecting the healthcare workers The rapid spread of COVID-19 and the severity of symptoms it can cause will acutely tax the limits of healthcare systems and it already has in certain areas of the world. While the physicians, nurses, paramedics are providing their expertise on the field, at these circumstances the community's response, validation and support play critical roles in mitigating traumatic responses.

Shortage of ventilators and intensive care unit (ICU) beds necessary to care for the surge of critically ill patients and the high communicability without PPE (Protective Personal Equipment) are some of the aggregators to the issue, including the recent spates of violence against doctors in Indore, Madhya Pradesh and more recently at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi.

"Other factors contributing are unknowingly bringing the virus home as carriers so they can stalk your family. Recently on top of these, numerous stressors that have emerged are like neighbours being aggressive and doctors being suspended for not working without PPE. These are all making the care providers more susceptible for mental health issues," opines Dr Ghosh.

Secondary Traumatic Stress Secondary Traumatic Stress or Acute Stress Disorder, which includes anxiety and panic disorder are distinct possibilities at this time, say experts. Some of the symptoms are: a. Bodily sensations and physical effects such as rapid heart rate, headaches, nausea, inability to relax when off duty, trouble falling asleep or staying asleep b. Strong negative feelings c. Difficulty thinking clearly this could worsen to Numbing, detachment, reduction emotional responsiveness, memory loss and dissociation.

d. Problematic or risky behaviors e. Social conflicts A fight or flight mode

Being around patients that are dying and that are sick can have a traumatic effect on one's psychology, because one can easily get into fight or flight mode. One may think that he/she is resilient and immune to such fear but mostly it sticks inside our head somewhere and brings you down. This is why it is very important to keep oneself resilient and also talk to therapists as they can help you unload the trauma that you are going through, says Prakriti Poddar, expert in Mental Health, Director, Poddar Wellness.

Resilience at the cost of camaraderie A lot of frontline workers are witnessing their colleagues lose their lives while being on the field on duty. It's almost like what the armed forces go through when they are at war. It's a very difficult situation to see their family or colleagues go through this kind of illness. Moreover, when you see life and death closely it makes you aware of your own mortality and can make you think about it a lot more than usual, Poddar adds.

The way forward Healthcare workers should focus on their nutrition and their sleep as well so that they are more resilient in the day and are able to deal with this pandemic and treat people who need them because adequate rest is required to do it day in and day out. Both mental and physical energies together can only create a sense of wellbeing which helps in treating infected people which is why healthcare workers at the frontline must focus on their nutrition, rest and positive mindset, says Poddar.

Acknowledge that secondary traumatic stress can impact anyone helping families after a traumatic event, rounds up Dr Ghosh. After identifying the stress, some of the steps one can follow to reduce it are: a. Practice stress management techniques- diaphragmatic breathing, meditation etc.

b. Learn the symptoms including physical (fatigue, illness) and mental (fear, withdrawal, guilt) as well as those listed above.

c. Allow time for you and your family to recover from responding to the pandemic and involve them in preparation and planning activities.

d. Develop a self-care plan to be done following shifts including Create a menu of personal self-care activities that you enjoy, such as spending time with friends and family, exercising, or reading a book.

e. Take a break from media coverage of COVID-19.

f. Ask for help if you feel overwhelmed or concerned (Aditi Roy can be contacted at aditi.r@ians.in)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Ungender, an organisation that has been working on the implementation of the anti-sexual harassment act and other gender-centric laws at the workplace, is offering counselling on its Twitter account. Managing partner Pallavi Pareek outlines the ways in which women are discriminated against at the workplace, and why top leadership should be more empathetic to those who raise complaints

The second wave of the #MeToo movement in India was revelatory in many ways. It showed how muddled Indian societys understanding of consent currently is, as well as how deep-rooted and widespread harassment and abuse are. Through individual articulations of pain, an avenue was created where conversations about violence and trauma as systemic issues could be had. Alongside stories of a more personal nature  relating to friends, acquaintances and partners  there was also an outpouring of accounts related to sexual harassment at the workplace. In some cases, there were multiple accounts involving the same company.

Many employers neither condoned such behaviour, nor did they create an environment that made it easy for women to report it. It underlined how companies arent adhering to the pre-existing Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) (PoSH) Act, as well as how many of them dont have internal policies on tackling the problem. And in cases where such policies did exist, it wasnt uncommon for employees to be unaware of them.

Two years on, and in the midst of a country-wide lockdown to tackle the coronavirus outbreak in India, Ungender Legal Advisory has begun an online Legal Cell on Twitter, through which it is answering queries about womens rights at the workplace.

An organisation which has six years of experience working on this area, Ungender decided to offer counselling when it began receiving standalone pleas of help, seeking assistance in understanding nuances of the law, during the lockdown. We noticed that with everyone stuck indoors, the feeling of helplessness was looming, and this prompted us to utilise our resources to extend our help in understanding the legal recourse people can take while being at home, or even generally. This had to be pro bono, because even if we are a for-profit organisation, our aim is to help each individual to understand gender-centric laws at the workplace," says managing partner Pallavi Pareek. The Cell is currently headed by Supreme Court advocate and Ungender member Suruchi Kumar, who answers the questions, which can be submitted anonymously through a form.

Its Legal Cell has received queries about a number of aspects: emotional and mental abuse at the workplace, understanding the procedure of filing a complaint about harassment and what follows it, gender-based discrimination that manifests in decisions about hiring, transfers and dismissals. Mothers, especially, write in with doubts about creche facilities and leave. Most individuals are either mid-dispute or want to initiate disputes, or are seeking recourse for friends and relatives.

Are the complaints raised related to lapses in companies policies, or rather the way these policies and the law are being implemented by employers? Pallavi says they span both categories. For instance when we received a question pertaining to transportation facilities at the workplace for women working in night shifts, the employee was receiving a reimbursement for taking a cab rather than the facility being provided by employer itself. When the employee confronted her company, she was told the law is vague and that she should be grateful reimbursement is being provided. The company's approach was wrong," Suruchi explains.

In Karnataka and Maharashtra, which are home to IT and service sector companies whose employees work round the clock, the states have made it mandatory for employers to provide transportation, not just reimbursement. This is also true of Delhi and Gurugram, Pallavi says, where the district authorities (under the mandate of the Labour Law compliance) have issued notifications allowing companies to engage female employees at night only if their safety is accounted for. This includes a vetted transportation facility [The inability to provide this] is not just a lapse in the company policy, but also a lapse in implementing and compliance of the law, she explains.

Alongside those who are queer and differently abled, women are among the most vulnerable to unequal treatment and discrimination at the workplace. Pallavi says that this is especially true of mothers, expectant mothers and women who are about to get married. Somehow, companies have different responses to men and women going through normal phases of life, such as marriage and family planning, while having a job. While men are given wedding leave easily and their hiring, promotions and transfers are not affected by their marital status, women's prospects can be. In the eyes of those in management, a married woman or a mother is a weaker resource, she explains.

Though success has been made at the legislative level to protect some vulnerable groups, the implementation of legislation and welfare schemes is often either compromised or wholly absent. Pallavi draws upon the example of Ungenders endeavour to compile the details of district officers, local committees and nodal officers at the village and taluka level  authorities who are needed to tackle sexual harassment at the workplace. An astonishingly low level of authority appointment  a meagre 10 percent  was found across India. Pallavi filed a PIL in the Supreme Court, towards the appointment of these authorities and committees.

Since then, various recommendations have been made to the Ministry of Women and Child Development on how this law should be implemented at the ground level. In August 2018, when this compliance was made part of the Director's Report under the Companies Act, it was a landmark moment, as it turned a fine amounting to a mere Rs 50,000 to an astounding Rs 50 lakh under the director's obligations, she says.

I ask Pallavi about the impact the #MeToo movement has had on Indias workplace culture. In the 2019 financial year, BSE 100 companies saw a 14 percent rise in sexual harassment complaints. A year before that, according to the Ministry of Women and Child Development data released in Parliament, there was a 54 percent rise in sexual harassment at workplaces between the years 2014 and 2017. The 2019 India Inc figures are indicative of the fact that the #MeToo movement gave cause to companies to implement their PoSH policies, often perceived as something to be brought out of the freezer when theres a complaint, but otherwise forgotten, she remarks.

Additionally, she notes a boost in companies looking to review their policies, but the reason to do so isnt always empathetic or altruistic. It could be driven by the fear of being found inadequate and being socially shamed.

#MeToo has created a space for women to articulate their trauma, Pallavi says, but they can often be let down by their companies approach to tackling harassment, as well as the manner in which complaints are redressed. While the movement has empowered a section of women to talk about the prevalence of the problem, a large number of women still do not benefit from the laws that are supposed to protect them, mainly due to the enormous gaps in power and privilege, she opines.

Many are also not made aware of their rights. Considering this, how can individuals better educate themselves about employment-related laws? Pallavis advice is, read extensively. Vast data is available online and offline, which explains Indian employment laws in simple terms. Many legal organisations also have websites which host ongoing debates and commentary on the subject.

The area where much progress is yet to be achieved is offering empathy to those who raise complaints. Empathy, with regards to an individual experience of a workplace, works best when it flows from top to down. Till the top leadership does not change its mindset, workplaces will continue to remain hostile to their women and the disadvantage will continue, Pallavi concludes.
More than 3,000 residents of Jammu and Kashmir, including 800 students, who are stranded in different parts of the country due to the ongoing lockdown, were given temporary accommodation, cooked food and medicines, etc. over the past fortnight, an official spokesman said on Saturday.

With an aim to address the issues faced by the residents of the Union Territory living in different parts of the country, a 24X7 helpline centre was established at J&K Resident Commissioner Office, New Delhi following the lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"As far as the queries of students are concerned, during the last 14 days, the liaison officers (Los) have handled more than 250 queries from 50 locations across India rendering help to 800 students, the spokesman said.

Similarly, he said the helpline team handled more than 1,000 queries from 30 locations from labourers, workers, business persons and patients during the same period and provided help to 2500 persons.

He said the helpline is engaged with local administrations of more than 18 states in rendering all possible help in the form of cooked food, dry ration, medicines, vegetables as well temporary accommodation wherever required.

Almost all the district administrations have been very prompt and responsive in their actions and are making sure that all the issues are resolved on war front, the spokesman said.

He said the centre is being run by a team of Resident Commission Office New Delhi under the guidance of Principal Resident Commissioner Dheeraj Gupta and is being ably supported by a strong team of seven LOs.

"All the queries have been adequately closed post ensuring complete follow up and after confirmation from the caller that his/her issue has been resolved, he said adding the top few location with high number of queries have been Chandigarh, Mohali, Ropar, Bhopal, Kota, Jaipur, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi and Dehradun.

In case of labourers in Himachal Pradesh, the LO- Chandigarh helped them to get accommodated in schools and panchayat ghars.

Many of them are being served cooked food on a daily basis from local NGOs and government facilities, the spokesman said.

In some cases of patients stuck in Mumbai and Delhi, he said the LOs helped them to accommodate in guest houses on a temporary basis.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Seventy-one people connected to a church in California fell ill. Twenty-one inmates and guards were sickened at a Georgia prison that holds 730 people. More than 260 residents of New Jersey nursing homes died. As Americans contend with the COVID-19 pandemic, homes for the elderly and disabled, prisons and places of worship are proving particularly stubborn hot spots. Dozens of nursing homes across 42 states have suffered outbreaks, and 23 states have reported cases in correctional facilities. At least 11 clusters of infection have been tied to houses of worship, including churches in Alabama, Arkansas, California and Illinois. Lack of testing and equipment shortages are the most visible challenges. But the failure to protect the helpless old and the shunned prisoners  or to brave the taboo of shutting down a Sunday sermon  may prolong the virus grip.

The immediate problem is youre going to overwhelm medical services, said Josiah Rich, a doctor who is director and co-founder of the Center for Prisoner Health and Human Rights in Providence, Rhode Island. Longer term, the infection will continue to smoulder and smoulder and hamper our efforts to contain a resurgence.

More than 486,000 Americans have been infected with the new coronavirus and more than 16,000 have died. They have picked up the disease in manifold ways. But the three categories recur throughout the nation.

Coronavirus preys on the old. The Life Care Center outside Seattle erupted early in the outbreak when dozens of residents and staff were stricken in February. Eventually, 37 died.

Now that tragedy is being replicated. In New Jersey, more than 13 per cent of the 1,932 people who died through Friday lived in nursing homes, and nearly 70 per cent of 375 homes reported positive cases. About 60,000 people live in New Jersey nursing homes, and the state is crafting a plan to evacuate the hardest hit facilities.

Homes are owned by individuals, investors and charities, and vary widely in size and management. The mayor of Elizabeth, New Jersey, called on the state attorney general to investigate a privately owned institution that he said failed to disclose an outbreak that killed at least 12. Owners did not follow the proper protocol in informing the city or the state that this disease was running rampant, Mayor Christian Bollwage said Wednesday.

If opacity is one hurdle, testing shortages are another. Massachusetts health officials have started bringing the National Guard into homes to help test residents in places where the virus can burn through the halls.

One of the first locations was Charwell House in Norwood, where four deaths have been linked to COVID-19, said Chris Roberts, vice president of operations. Massachusetts and the town government have been supportive, and staff members are on the phone with the state Department of Health twice a day. Still, Roberts said, more is needed. As an industry we need help, he said. The focus has been on hospitals, with good reason, but we have been forgotten, especially on the federal level.

Prisons and jails are ill-suited for social distancing. Overcrowding is rampant and inmates mingle during mealtimes and exercise. Everyone from Attorney General William Barr to the American Civil Liberties Union sees a crisis brewing among the 2.3 million prisoners in the U.S.

In New York, more than 700 prisoners and staff had tested positive for COVID-19 as of Wednesday. At the Rikers Island jail complex, where thousands are housed, the infection rate is 5.4 per cent, meaning an inmate is eight times more likely to get sick than the average New Yorker, according to the Legal Aid Society.

It is possible that our efforts will stem this growth, but as a physician I must tell you it is unlikely, Ross MacDonald, the chief doctor at Rikers tweeted. I cannot reassure you of something you only wish to be true.

Some cities are simply avoiding jailing people. Chicago and Philadelphia police are minimizing arrests of nonviolent lawbreakers, and lock-ups have released nonviolent prisoners who are elderly or medically fragile. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on Friday said he would order the early release of inmates older than 60 or seriously ill, or who would have been free in three months or less. Those convicted of murder, sexual assault and other serious crimes are ineligible. Cook County Jail in Chicago has sent roughly 1,200 people home. Still, more than 350 inmates and guards have tested positive, one of the nations worst outbreaks, prompting attorneys for detainees to sue the sheriff to release more.

But even officials trying to release inmates can confront a legal labyrinth. In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott prohibited the release of anyone accused of or convicted for a violent crime. Next, Lina Hidalgo, elected head of Houstons Harris County, ordered nonviolent detainees released. That in turn prompted Harris Countys top felony judge to order the sheriff to disregard her.

In a matter of a few days, then, the Sheriff faced three conflicting orders from three different officials, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said in a March 30 filing with a federal judge. The already slow machinery of jail release ground to a halt. But the health crisis respects no orders. The virus cares not for the turf wars of government.

A congregant at Young Israel synagogue was the first of scores of people in New Rochelle, New York, to test positive in early March, a harbinger of how places of worship could become loci of infection. Public officials have shut schools and businesses, but often encouraged religious institutions to close rather than ordering them. At least a dozen states have carved out a religious exemption in stay-home orders.

Texas politicians suggested celebrating Easter in parking lots  with congregants in cars  and offering drive-through communion. The governor of Kentucky announced he would postpone the baptism of his child till after the pandemic.

In Mississippi, which has seen clusters of COVID-19 associated with funerals and large church gatherings, Gov. Tate Reeves called a pastor asking him to suspend services at New Hope the Vision Center Missionary Baptist Church. Until then, the preacher had resisted. Lives are being lost. Financial abilities are being lost. I just didnt want to lose my constitutional right, the Reverend Stanley Searcy Sr. said at a news conference last week. Other political leaders have had less success. Solid Rock Church in Lebanon, Ohio, with about 3,500 members, held services in defiance of a health department letter, according to a news report. Pastors in Louisiana and Florida insisted on holding in-person services, with the leader of a Tampa church arrested for violating a ban on large gatherings.

Governments can close places of worship, as long as sects arent singled out, said Michael Moreland, a professor of law and religion at Villanova University in Pennsylvania. But many provide useful social services  and arresting worshippers is no political winner. Do we want the police going around breaking up gatherings in peoples houses or church services? he said. From the standpoint of state enforcement, better to have churches voluntarily not have gatherings.
A team of officials and medical professionals came under attack in Meerut's Jali Kothi area on Saturday when it reached there to take a coronavirus-infected patient to a hospital for treatment, a senior UP government official said.

Four people were arrested in this connection, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Awanish Awasthi said here.

"A team which had gone to take a COVID-19 patient to hospital in Meerut's Jali Kothi area was attacked by some people. Four persons have been arrested in this regard. Action will be initiated against the accused persons under the National Security Act," Awasthi said in a statement.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Uttar Pradesh has reached 433 so far. The count in Meerut stands at 44, of which six were reported on Saturday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Heres everything Showbiz Cheat Sheet knows about NCIS: Los Angeles Season 11, Episode 20.

Whats happening during NCIS: Los Angeles Season 11, Episode 20

NCIS Los Angeles cast | Richard Cartwright/CBS via Getty Images

During NCIS: Los Angeles, Season 11, Episode 20 (titled Knock Down), the team must join forces with the Department of Justice. Theyre helping the department investigate an arsonist who is planning an attack on an FBI safe house. The safe house is hiding a political activist seeking asylum.

Hopefully, Hetty (Linda Hunt) will be more helpful this time around. In NCIS: Los Angeles Season 11, Episode 19 (titled Fortune Favors the Brave), she wasnt very responsive to the team. Hetty seemed distracted and a bit out of touch with Deeks, Eric, and Nell. For example, when Deeks asked her to give a new agent some words of advice or wisdom, the only thing she told him was not to get himself or anyone else killed.

Eric is dealing with Nells departure

Renee Felice Smith and Barrett Foa | Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty Images

The week before, Nell struggles with her desire to leave the team. This week, well see how Eric (Barrett Foa) is coping with her absence. At the beginning of episode 19, Nell told Kensi she didnt want to be an NCIS agent anymore. However, Kensi recommends that she just take a step back instead of deciding then and there what she is going to do.

Nell later has a discussion with Hetty about her plans to leave. I am resigning, says Nell. You probably already know this, too, but Ive been through so much lately. And I feel like I just cant give this job the proper focus that it requires, and frankly, deserves. Nell goes on to say Hetty taught her a lot over the years. Hetty told Nell to use her vacation days first and then decide if she really wants to resign. If I dont hear from you once [your vacation days] have elapsed, you can consider yourself resigned, Hetty says to Nell.

A new agent shadows the team

LL Cool J in a scene from NCIS Los Angeles Season 11, Episode 20 | Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty Images

The week before, viewers also got a peek inside FBI Special Agent Devin Rountrees first day on the job. It was a rough day filled with near-death experiences. When Deeks and Devin investigate an abandoned car, theyre surprised to learn its wired with a bomb. Unfortunately, Devin sits in the car before he realizes there is a bomb inside. The team and the bomb squad had to spend time slowing down the bomb so Sam could attach himself to a harness and pull Devin out of the car seconds before it exploded.

Later on, Devin is able to joke about his experience. When asked how he enjoyed his first day, Devin describes it as bombastic, and says his first day had some ups and downs. Deeks joins in on the wordplay and said he thought Devins first day was lit.

Read more: NCIS: Los Angeles Star Daniela Ruah Shares How She Is and Isnt Like Her Character Kensi

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Mumbai, April 11 : What happens to hugs and kisses on screen once the COVID-19 storm passes? Will actors be confident about intimate scenes, or cautious? Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar cannot help mulling over the matter, in the course of a weekend spent at home doing precious little, amid the ongoing lockdown that looks all set to be extended by two more weeks.

"How the cinema world conducts shooting intimate scenarios in the film to be seen and planned, after all this is over. Especially the intimate kissing/hugging scenes. How close or how far.. or cheat story telling in those intimate scenes for sometime," the "Piku" director wrote on Instagram.

Actress Dia Mirza commented: "Guru, the entire process of making a film is intimate! So many people all coming together to create moment after moment in unity and synchronised effort. Aap intimate scene ki baath kar rahe ho, how will all that change? Will we be masked and gloved as a crew? Only time will tell." A user had this witty quip: "Go back to the 60s/70s, show two flowers swaying." Another pondered over the very future of film shoots, and not just intimate scenes. "How will the industry shoot at all, if they ban gatherings of 50 or more people?" the user wondered.

Another user suggested performing a health check-up for actors before shooting intimate scenes: "Probably all the actors involved would be asked to go through a medical test first." "I think time has come for virtual intimacy till we find corona vaccine," opined another user.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Its been a challenge for Jordan Frease not to put the proverbial covers over his head.

The 48-year-old director of business operations has been living alone in Presidio Heights as he copes with two major life changes  the coronavirus outbreak, which has reduced his social net, and quadruple bypass surgery, which he underwent eight months ago. Not having a partner or children at this time has left him feeling rootless, unneeded.

I have a job for now and a roof over my head and food, but still, I could technically sleep all day and wouldnt be accountable to anybody, he said. I woke up the other morning and I was like, you know, I dont really have to get up for any reason. And while that can be liberating, something about that is really bleak when thats almost every day.

Frease is one of the many Bay Area residents who are dealing with the compounding effects of social isolation while living alone. So much of the domestic dialogue about the pandemic has been about its effect on families  how to handle children who are at home from school, or couples suddenly spending more time together than theyre accustomed to. But the growing conversation about isolation hasnt always highlighted the people experiencing it more potently: those who live alone.

Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

Its kind of an overlooked group, the people who live alone, said Michelle Nguyen, a 30-year-old accountant living alone in San Francisco.

The coronavirus outbreak comes at a time when more people are dwelling alone than ever before in history. According to the city and countys Human Services Agency, San Francisco has one of the largest proportions of older people living alone in the state, at nearly 30% of people age 60 or older. And even though the shelter-in-place orders are vital for slowing the spread of coronavirus, psychologists and medical professionals are worried about the long-term effects of prolonged isolation for those who live by themselves.

This is not something to be taken lightly, said Carla Perissinotto, a UCSF geriatrician who studies loneliness in older adults and who lives in San Francisco. For a long time, I think our medical community hadnt really thought about the effects of loneliness or isolation, but the recent research is highlighting that this is not insignificant. Now were seeing widespread, purposeful isolation thats without a choice, and we have no idea what the long-term consequences are of this.

Nearly a quarter of older Americans are socially isolated and 35% of adults 45 and older also report feeling lonely, according to a recent National Academy of Sciences report  in which Perissinotto was a committee member  that studied the impacts of social isolation and loneliness over 50. The report found strong evidence for its association with premature mortality, dementia, heart disease and more.

While not all who live alone report being lonely, social isolation is a risk factor that can contribute to depression and poor health. Just being around people and being touched by other people actually changes biological systems and increases bonding hormones, said Aoife ODonovan, a UCSF health psychologist who studies stress and lives in the Outer Sunset. ODonovan and her teams forthcoming study suggests that being socially isolated  or having fewer people in your social network  is associated with higher levels of inflammation, a contributing factor in both declining mental and physical health.

Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

Since the shelter-in-place order, Lenore Behravan has been walking more than ever before. Sometimes the 71-year-old, who lives in the Inner Richmond, walks 5 miles a day just to avoid being trapped alone in her house. Loneliness has always been a part of her life. She has lived by herself for most of her life, and her only close relationship is with her daughter, who lives in Los Angeles. But before the coronavirus outbreak, she had a routine to deal with the loneliness. She went out every day for three to five hours, to public places like malls and stores. Restaurant owners who became acquaintances gave her some sense of human contact.

When I suddenly couldnt do any of that, then it was like, wow, I really am alone, she said. Its shocking.

Behravan knows she is supposed to be as isolated as possible under the shelter-in-place order, but she cant help herself from going on walks  she dresses in all black with a handmade sign on her back that reads: 6 feet, thank you, with arrows pointing left and right. Nature has been her biggest salve. She talks to the birds, gets lost in the open sky. I kind of like the emptiness, she said. I can really enjoy the beauty of the world, the planet.

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.

Sometimes just the cacophony of human life can be restorative.

Nancy Liao, a 24-year-old who works for scooter and bike rental company Lime, says the noise from her neighbors on Nob Hill  who blast music and do noisy home workouts  has been strangely comforting. It feels like Im surrounded by some sense of community even if I cant see them, she said.

Not having a constant physical presence to process the situation with has been difficult, she said. Ever since her roommate left to quarantine with her parents, Liao has been sheltering in place alone. She tried to fill her calendar with Zoom calls but felt even more disconnected. In the back of my head, I know that Im probably just an hour block on somebodys calendar.

Andrea Kraus, meanwhile, feels like she overdosed on Zoom calls during the second week of isolation, so she took a step back. While sheltering in her 500-square-foot apartment in the Central Richmond, the 34-year-old has had a constant dialectic between feeling grateful for her health and her family, but also  just alone. It has been almost a month since she has hugged anyone, shaken anyones hand or even touched the shoulder of another human being.

Ive been thinking about  whos the next person Im going to get to hug? Kraus said. Am I just going to pounce on them and break their shoulders?

Annie Vainshtein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: avainshtein@sfchronicle.com Twitter @annievain
By PTI

NEW DELHI: The chief ministers of Delhi and Punjab on Saturday suggested extension of the nationwide lockdown till April 30 during a meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with all state chief ministers to discuss the situation arising due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to take their feedback on whether the 21-day shutdown should be extended.

During the interaction held via video conferencing, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh suggested extension of the national lockdown by at least a fortnight after April 14. Sources said that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also suggested extension of the lockdown till April 30.

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW CORONAVIRUS LIVE UPDATES

Modi, accompanied by some senior officials, including from the Union health ministry, was wearing a white mask during the meeting which was also attended by chief ministers -- Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal), Uddhav Thackeray (Maharashtra), Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), Manohar Lal (Haryana), K Chandrashekhar Rao (Telangana) and Nitish Kumar (Bihar).

The Central government is understood to have also obtained views on the issue from all the relevant agencies and stakeholders involved in the efforts to contain the spread of the pandemic.

The video conference, which began at 11 am, came amidst indications that the Central government may extend the nationwide lockdown with some possible relaxations even as Punjab and Odisha have already announced extending the lockdown beyond April 14 when the current spell of 21-day shutdown ends on Tuesday.

The Union Home Ministry has sought views of state governments on various aspects, including whether more categories of people and services need to be exempted. In the current lockdown only essential services are exempted.

This is for the second time the prime minister is interacting with the chief ministers via video link after the lockdown was imposed. During his April 2 interaction with chief ministers, Modi had pitched for a "staggered" exit from the ongoing lockdown.

A PTI tally of numbers reported by various states as on Thursday at 9.30pm showed a total of 7,510 having been affected by the virus nationwide so far with at least 251 deaths. More than 700 have been cured and discharged.

However, the last update from the Union Health Ministry put the number of confirmed infections at 7,447 and the death toll at 239.

ALSO READ | PM Modi's meeting with CMs: Demand transfer of cash to poor families, says P Chidambaram

Addressing floor leaders of various parties who have representation in Parliament, Modi had on Wednesday made it clear that the lockdown cannot be lifted in one go, asserting that the priority of his government is to "save each and every life".

According to an official statement after the Wednesday interaction, the prime minister told these leaders that states, district administrations and experts have suggested extension of the lockdown to contain the spread of the virus.

Before the lockdown was announced on March 24, the prime minister had interacted with the chief ministers on March 20 to discuss ways and means to check the spread of the novel coronavirus.
India Air Force's C-130 aircraft on Saturday airlifted a rapid response team comprising 15 doctors and medical equipment for assistance to Kuwait amid coronavirus crisis, Defence Ministry said.

"One C130 airlifted #IndianCovidWarriors team comprising of Medical personnel along with medical equipment towards assistance to the State of Kuwait. Team India is making all efforts to extend full support to friendly Foreign Nations," tweeted Indian Air Force.

The medical team is expected to stay in the Gulf country for a period of two weeks during which it will render medical assistance in testing and treatment of the afflicted persons and training their personnel.

The rapid response team has been deputed at the request of the Kuwait government, Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

This comes as a follow up to the recent phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Kuwait counterpart Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, in which both the leaders agreed for a concerted and coordinated effort against the global pandemic.

After the discussion between the two leaders, Jaishankar and his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah held a telephone conversation to discuss the prevailing situation in Kuwait and explore ways to further strengthen cooperation during these challenging times.

Kuwait has so far reported 1,154 coronavirus cases with one person succumbing to the deadly infection in the Gulf country.

Indians constitute the largest group of expatriates with an estimated population of about ten lakhs in Kuwait. India is reaching out to Kuwait in the extended neighbourhood to further complement its efforts to fight the menace effectively.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A team of volunteers are supporting members of the Avoca community who are cocooning

The community of Avoca has come together to support one another during Covid-19.

A team of 40 volunteers has been out on a daily basis delivering essential food, medicine and other supplies to members of the community who may be cocooning or in self-isolation.

A call for volunteers was made using the Avoca Tidy Towns Facebook page and it received a huge response from the community.

'After the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar made the first announcement, we decided to start to look for volunteers instead of waiting for the lockdown,' Bernie Ivers, member of Avoca Tidy Towns said.

Along with post mistress Mary Bolger, Bernie has been co-ordinating the community effort which has drawn support from other local community groups including Avoca GAA and Camogie clubs, Avoca Active Retirement, Men's Shed and the local scouts troop.

Arklow Meals on Wheels have also expanded their service to the Avoca area and hot meals are delivered to 30 people seven days a week with the cost covered by Avoca Active Retirement and Avoca Tidy Towns.

'The system is contactless. People leave out a note if they need anything and a volunteer will pick it up. All the volunteers are Garda-vetted through their involvement with local groups. We have a great bunch of volunteers,' Bernie said.

'For example, there is one volunteer who will go to the village and collect newspapers for people every morning so they don't need to leave their house.'

The volunteers are also able to check in on members of the community cocooning or in self isolation by telephone to make sure they are alright.

'We're delighted with the response and hope to build on it when this is over,' Bernie added.

If you know of anyone in the Avoca area who may be in need of help to collect shopping or essential medicines, please contact Mary on 087 9387871 or Bernie on 087 1457973.
Ammon Bundy, the rancher who led an armed occupation of a federal wildlife refuge in Oregon, said he plans on holding an Easter gathering despite stay-at-home orders implemented during the coronavirus pandemic.

Bundy told CNN he wants to gather several hundred people in Idaho at a yet-to-be-announced location. He said he believes it's his constitutional right to assemble, even as state and local officials urge people to socially distance to avoid spreading the virus further.

"Our goal is to get enough people together and secure our rights... we are not trying to provoke, we want people to be able to worship," Bundy said in a phone interview.

Idaho is one of the 42 states that have implemented a stay-at-home order aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus. Gov. Brad Little put the order into effect on March 25 and it is due to expire on April 15, although he said Thursday he's unlikely to lift it before the end of the month.

As of Thursday evening, Idaho had at least 1,354 confirmed coronavirus cases and 24 coronavirus-related deaths, according to data from John Hopkins University.

Bundy, 44, didn't seem concerned about the possibility of catching or spreading the novel coronavirus.

"I actually want the virus," he said. "I'm healthy, my family is healthy. I'd rather have it now so my body is immune to it."

This is not the first time the rancher has clashed with the government.

In 2016, Bundy led an armed occupation of federal land in Oregon. The takeover of a wildlife refuge lasted 41 days and captured the nations attention. It ended in an intense standoff with police that left one dead. Bundy and 15 others were indicted by a federal grand jury. He was later acquitted.

Ammon Bundy is the son of Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, who in 2014 engaged in a protracted battled with the federal Bureau of Land Management over grazing rights for his cattle.

"We are prepared to politically, legally, and physically protect the people's rights," Bundy said, noting that could mean protesting in front of the governor's house if necessary.

Researchers say the virus' peak has yet to come, CNN reported Wednesday. The US will reach its highest daily number of deaths on or around Sunday, according to modeling by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert, has repeatedly warned that anyone could get infected with potentially grave consequences. He said the level of immunity of a person who has recovered from the virus is still unclear.

--The Associated Press
The national lockdown should be extended by at least a fortnight, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh suggested during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interaction with chief ministers on Saturday.

As India battles the COVID-19 crisis, the prime minister held a video conference with chief ministers primarily to take their feedback on whether the 21-day nationwide lockdown should be extended beyond April 14 to stem the tide of infections.

Though the restrictions are causing a lot of hardship to the people, India cannot afford to take any chances, the chief minister said, a day after extending curfew in his state to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The disease has claimed 11 lives and infected 151 people so far in Punjab.

Singh also suggested a slew of health and relief measures for the people in the state's COVID-19 battle, and asked for special concessions for the industrial and agricultural sectors.

The chief minister said there is huge uncertainty over the incidence rate of the disease and that the nation is in for a long fight. Given the trend in China and several European countries, it is necessary to continue the lockdown, he said.

The chief minister informed the meeting that the Punjab government had already decided to go for curfew or complete lockdown till May 1, with all educational institutions to be closed till June 30.

State board examinations have also been deferred till further orders, he said.

The Code of Criminal Procedure's Section 144 ( that prevents assembly of five or more people at one spot) remains in place, along with prohibition of public service vehicles till May 1, a state government statement said.

He also sought a special risk insurance for all government employees, including police personnel, sanitation workers and all other employees, who are working day and night to help mitigate the miseries and stress of people in these trying times, it said.

He also stressed on the need to substantially increase the number of tests being done for COVID-19 and go for rapid testing.

The chief minister requested Rs 500 crore for quick upgrade of infrastructure of government hospitals in Punjab, which is currently at Stage-2 of the pandemic, the statement said.

He also called for speedy approval by the Centre to the state's proposal for a Rs 550 crore Advanced Centre for Virology.

On urgent relief measures for Punjab, Singh urged the government of India to defer recovery or waive interest and penalties on industrial loans for six months.

Emphasising that industrial establishments cannot continue to look after their workers for a long time, he asked the Centre to think of some innovative solutions for relief to daily wage workers and industrial labour either through ESIC funds or under MGNREGA.

The government of India can allow village panchayats and municipalities to utilise the 14th Finance Commission grants for emergency relief, including food and medicines for the poor and needy, Singh suggested.

The statement, quoting Singh, said he asked for a one-time increase in borrowing limit from three per cent to four per cent of the state's GDP by amending the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Amendment Act (FRBM) Act, 2003.

The Punjab government is sending a complete proposal in this regard to the Union Ministry of Finance, he said.

Referring to the massive harvesting and procurement operations set to begin in Punjab next week, the chief minister reiterated his demand for a bonus to farmers to incentivise staggered and delayed procurement of wheat.

Singh also called for quicker movement of food grains lying in FCI godowns in Punjab, along with waiver of three months' interest on crop loans and deferment of recovery of crops loans by commercial banks.

Thanking the Centre for releasing substantial funds since the last meeting with chief ministers, Singh stressed the need for early release of pending arrears of GST on priority to help the state.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In Retrospect: News from the Jan. 13, 1922 and Jan. 12, 1972 Souderton Independent
Hundreds of people have been arrested across Asia for posting purported false coronavirus information, according to an AFP investigation, deepening concerns that growing government efforts to combat "fake news" will target the wrong people and silence dissent. From teenagers to a TV star, people have been wrongly detained under vaguely worded cybercrime laws or broad state-of-emergency powers ushered in since the outbreak began, rights groups say. "Governments are using the 'fake news' label to dress up their rights-abusing efforts to censor views and statements that are at odds with whatever strategy they have taken to deal with the COVID-19 crisis," said Phil Robertson, Asia deputy director for Human Rights Watch (HRW). "It's insane frankly. In many cases it's people being dragged out of their homes to the lock-up, put in pre-trial detention, in crowded spaces where they're more likely to get COVID." At least 266 people have been arrested for posting coronavirus-related information in 10 Asian countries, from Thailand to India and Mongolia, according to an AFP tally based on police reports. They include a local politician in India who claimed on Facebook that the government was downplaying virus fatalities, and a Malaysian TV personality made to pay a fine of several thousand US dollars after he posted a YouTube video criticising a hospital's handling of the pandemic. Authorities say criminalisation is needed to curb the online flood of dangerous fake cures and conspiracy theories that the World Health Organization has called an "infodemic". But HRW and other campaigners point to cases where opposition figures or journalists have been targeted -- as well as questioning the fairness of arresting ordinary people who may not even realise they are spreading misinformation. A middle-aged woman in Sri Lanka spent three days in custody this week after posting a prank message on Facebook saying the president had tested positive for COVID-19, police said. In Cambodia, a Facebook pundit who posted a quote from Prime Minister Hun Sen was charged with incitement to commit felony and is facing up to two years in jail, according to a court warrant seen by AFP. Officials say Hun Sen was joking when he told motorbike taxi drivers to sell their vehicles if they cannot make money in the pandemic. - 'Rumour mongering' - Cambodian authorities have also detained four opposition politicians, according to HRW, while a local rights group and police sources said a 14-year-old girl was among more than a dozen people arrested. She was released soon after questioning with no charges. The surge in arrests in Asia focused on coronoavirus misinformation has come after various countries toughened laws or introduced new ones on so-called fake news. "Regulating misinformation by either introducing new legislation or by expanding the scope of existing laws has been the trend in Asia for the last few years," said Masato Kajimoto, a journalism researcher at the University of Hong Kong. The pandemic has accelerated this because a crackdown can be perceived as protecting public health, rather than infringing on freedom of speech, he said. In Thailand, a state-of-emergency decree passed in late March criminalised sharing misinformation online about COVID-19 that could "instigate fear". This is on top of the Computer Crimes Act, which has a five-year maximum jail penalty and is often used to stifle dissent online. The Philippines also recently adopted an emergency law giving it more powers to combat the pandemic, including arresting people who share false information about the disease. Nearly 100 people in India have been arrested for spreading virus misinformation under existing penal laws and the disaster management act -- with punishments including up to one year in prison. "While India lacks any specific fake news law, there do exist provisions of laws that can be used for 'rumour mongering'," said Apar Gupta, director of the Delhi-based Internet Freedom Foundation. "It is fair to state that these laws are broadly phrased and can result in arbitrary action, given India's slow judicial system that also generally displays a prosecutorial bias," he said. Karuna Nandy, an Indian Supreme Court lawyer, told AFP that such arrests were particularly alarming in a lockdown, when courts are mostly shut. - Hoax confusion - In Singapore, an anti-government website was blocked earlier this year under the city-state's controversial and sweeping new anti-misinformation law, passed in October. Authorities accused the States Times Review of circulating falsehoods including about the coronavirus outbreak. Police in neighbouring Indonesia have made more than 80 arrests under the country's strict electronic information law since the outbreak began. The maximum penalty is five years in jail. They include individuals accused of attacking the government and its response to the outbreak, and multiple people who shared claims that a Muslim woman had died suddenly from COVID-19 at Jakarta's international airport. Damar Juniarto, from digital rights group SAFEnet, said Indonesian law gives "no clear definition" of a hoax, which can be spread by accident. "The source of the problem is that there is no information leadership from the government," said Juniarto. Indonesia's doctors association has warned that the crisis there is worse than officially reported. HRW's Robertson echoed this sentiment. "People should not be criminalised for saying what they think online. It's up to the governments to provide effective information". burs-kaf/kma
T he US death toll from coronavirus has eclipsed Italy's for the highest in the world at more than 19,700.

It comes as Chicago and other cities across the Mid West of the country braced for a potential surge in victims.

As the total number of fatalities in the US hit 19,700, Italy reported the number of dead there had climbed to nearly 19,500.

Over the past week, the number of new deaths each day has been about three times higher on average in the US than in Italy.

New York's Coronavirus outbreak - In pictures 1 /34 New York's Coronavirus outbreak - In pictures The Supermoon rises behind the Empire State Building while it glows red in solidarity with those infected with coronavirus as the outbreak of the disease (COVID-19) continues in the Manhattan borough of New York City Reuters A nearly empty Times Square AFP via Getty Images Riders, some wearing masks and gloves as a protective measure over coronavirus concerns, enter a New York City subway train AP People try to keep a social distance while they enjoy a sunny day at Central Park Reuters Nadia, a 4-year-old female Malayan tiger at the Bronx Zoo, that the zoo said on April 5, 2020 has tested positive for coronavirus disease WCS/Handout via Reuters People wear face masks AFP via Getty Images A man crosses a nearly empty 5th Avenue in midtown Manhattan Reuters US President Donald Trump looks on during the daily briefing on the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, in the Brady Briefing Room at the White House on March 31, 2020, in Washington, DC AFP via Getty Images Felix Hassebroek waves to his classmates, who he has not seen in 2 weeks through a livestream video meet up during the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Brooklyn, New York Reuters Friends and neighbors, Sarah and Elizabeth, talk about their weekends from opposite sides of the road as they maintain social distance in a neighborhood in Syracuse, New York Reuters Light morning traffic seen on the FDR drive on March 24, 2020 in New York City AFP via Getty Images A subway customer uses a tissue to protect her hand while holding onto a pole AP Workers construct what is believed to be a makeshift morgue behind a hospital during the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in the Manhattan borough of New York City Reuters Beds separated by black fabric are set up as a temporary field hospital for Covid-19 patients in Queens, New York AFP via Getty Images New York's Hart Island where the department of corrections is dealing with more burials Reuters Medical workers wait for patients at a special coronavirus intake area in New York Getty Images Patients wear personal protective equipment while maintaining social distancing as they wait in line for a COVID-19 test at Elmhurst Hospital Center AP The One World Trade Center tower in Manhattan is seen illuminated in blue light Reuters Pictures drawn by children as part of the Quarantine Rainbow Project in Brooklyn, New York Reuters U.S. Army National Guard personnel load boxes of free food provided by multiple New York City agencies into a taxi for distribution to local residents in the Harlem neighbourhood of Manhattan during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID19) in New York Reuters Traders work during the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on March 17, 2020 at Wall Street in New York City AFP via Getty Images A man in a wheelchair crosses a nearly empty 7th Avenue in Times Square in Manhattan Reuters Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images REUTERS

Deaths have risen more than 9,000 for the week in the US compared with fewer than 3,000 in Italy.

About half the deaths in the US were in the New York metropolitan area, where hospital admissions were nevertheless slowing down and other indicators suggested social distancing was "flattening the curve" of infections.

But with authorities warning that the crisis in New York is far from over, the city announced its 1.1 million-pupil school system will remain closed for the rest of the academic year.

The world continues to battle coronavirus / AP

Meanwhile, European countries used roadblocks, drones, helicopters, mounted patrols and the threat of fines to keep people from travelling over the Easter weekend, as glorious weather posed an extra test of public discipline.

"Don't do silly things," said Domenico Arcuri, Italy's special commissioner for the virus emergency. "Don't go out, continue to behave responsibly as you have done until today, use your head and your sense of responsibility."

The US has one of the worst outbreaks across the world / AP

Italian authorities set up roadblocks on main thoroughfares and along highway exits to discourage people from going on trips, and France deployed 160,000 police, including officers on horseback who patrolled beaches and parks.

The pandemic's centre of gravity has long since shifted from China to Europe and the US, which now has by far the largest number of confirmed cases, with more than half a million.

The World on Coronavirus lockdown 1 /60 The World on Coronavirus lockdown Getty Images A UK government public health campaign is displayed in Piccadilly Circus Reuters Chinese paramilitary police and security officers wear face masks to protect against the spread of the new coronavirus as they stand guard outside an entrance to the Forbidden City in Beijing AP A usually busy 42nd Street is seen nearly empty in New York AFP via Getty Images Bondi Beach, Australia Getty Images Military vehicles cross Westminster Bridge after members of the 101 Logistic Brigade delivered a consignment of medical masks to St Thomas' hospital Getty Images View of the illuminated statue of Christ the Redeemer that reads "Thank you" as Archbishop of the city of Rio de Janeiro Dom Orani Tempesta performs a mass in honor of Act of Consecration of Brazil and tribute to medical workers amidst the Coronavirus (COVID - 19) pandemic Getty Images Rome AFP via Getty Images An Indian man paddles his bicycle in front of a mural depicting the globe covered in a mask, as India remains under an unprecedented lockdown over the highly contagious coronavirus Getty Images Aerial view of the empty 9 de Julio avenue in Buenos Aires in Argentina AFP via Getty Images A view of an empty Grand Canal Reuters Las Ramblas, Barcelona, Spain Getty Images Aerial view of the empty Central cemetery in Bogota, Columbia AFP via Getty Images The facade of the Palacio de Lopez (seat of the government palace) AFP via Getty Images Miami, Florida AFP via Getty Images Aerial view of the empty Simon Bolivar park in Bogota AFP via Getty Images An LAPD patrol car drives through Venice Beach Boardwalk AP Venice Beach, California Getty Images Los Angeles, California Getty Images Surfers Paradise is seen empty in Australia Getty Images Many shops stand shuttered on the Venice Beach boardwalk Getty Images Empty escalators are seen at a deserted train station during morning rush hour after New South Wales began shutting down non-essential businesses Reuters A nearly empty Times Square in New York AFP via Getty Images Caracas AFP via Getty Images Metropolitan Cathedral of San Salvador AFP via Getty Images A general view of an unusually quiet Midland Park in Wellington, New Zealand Getty Images A general view of an unusually quiet Civic Square at lunchtimein Wellington, New Zealand Getty Images A policeman rides his motorcycle wearing a face mask in front of a closed shopping mall in Buenos Aires, Argentina AFP via Getty Images Florida Keys AP The historic Channel 2 Bridge closed to fishermen, bikers and pedestrians in Florida Keys AP The Beach on Scenic Gulf Drive near Seascape Resort in south Walton County, Florida sits empty of tourists AP Surfers Paradise is seen empty in Australia Getty Images A deserted Rajpath leading to India Gate in New Delhi AFP via Getty Images A general view is seen of a closed Luna Park in Sydney, Australia Getty Images A general view is seen of a closed Luna Park in Sydney, Australia Getty Images Empty roads are pictured following the lockdown by the government amid concerns about the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Kathmandu, Nepal Reuters An empty New York Subway car i AFP via Getty Images The empty pedestrian zone is seen in the city of Cologne, western Germany, AFP via Getty Images Place de la Comedie in the city of Montpellier , southern France AFP via Getty Images An empty street in Kuwait city AFP via Getty Images A building is covered by the Portuguese message: "Coronavirus: take precaution" over empty streets in downtown Sao Paulo, Brazil, AP A general view shows an empty street after a curfew was imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters Parliament of Canada is pictured with empty street during morning rush hour AFP via Getty Images A near empty beach on Southend seafront in England PA Near empty Keswick town centre in Cumbria, England PA

But with infections levelling off in Italy, Spain and other places on the continent, governments took tentative steps towards loosening the weeks-long shutdowns of much of public life.

Some countries are planning small first steps out of the lockdown, even as public health authorities warned the virus could come back with a vengeance if people are not careful enough.

Austria aims to reopen small shops on Tuesday, and Spain, with more than 16,000 dead, plans to start rolling back the strictest of its measures on Monday, when it will allow workers in some non-essential industries to return to factories and construction sites after a two-week stoppage.

Spanish authorities said they will distribute 10 million face masks at major train and subway stations in a bid to prevent a jump in infections.

Italy continued to include all non-essential manufacturing in an extension of its national lockdown until May 3, but premier Giuseppe Conte held out hope that some industry could reopen earlier if conditions permit.

Mr Arcuri said the exit from the lockdown will include increased virus testing, the deployment of a voluntary contact-tracing app and mandatory blood tests as Italy seeks to set up a system of "immunity passports".

India extended its lockdown of the nation of 1.3 billion people by two more weeks, but Iran reopened government offices and businesses outside the capital after a brief nationwide lockdown to help contain the worst outbreak in the Middle East. Businesses in Tehran will be allowed to reopen next weekend.
: A four-drug mix for COVID-19



patients, who are at the initial stage of developing pneumonia, is proving quite effective in saving lives in a Kerala hospital and could even become an international model for treating the pandemic, doctors have said.

COVID-19 patients require intensive observation and prompt tests, but this pioneering treatment, based on a four-drug mix, is earning global recognition following success stories at the Government Medical College (GMC), according to doctors at GMC, Ernakulam.

Citing an example, top physicians at the hospital recalled the case of British national Brian Lockwood who was admitted to the hospital last month.

The 57-year-old tourist was brought to the hospital at Kalamassery on March 15 just ahead of boarding a flight to Dubai.

A 17-day isolation at the hospital helped Lockwood recover from COVID-19.

In a statement issued by National Health Mission (Arogya Keralam), Dr A Fathahudeen and Dr Jacob K Jacob of GMC pointed out that Lockwood had no signs of serious ailment when he was admitted to the hospital, having been brought from the international airport at Nedumbassery.

He (Lockwood) had only low fever and mild cough. He came walking in, recalled Dr Fathahudeen about the Britisher, who had arrived in Kerala on March 10 and visited the scenic Munnar hills.

The patient underwent an X-ray test. Seeing the report, we sensed all wasnt well. We referred him for a CT scan. That step proved decisive in Lockwood's recovery. In the process, he became the first COVID-19 patient in India to undergo a CT scan," the doctor said.

Dr Jacob, who is with GMCs Internal Medicine Department, referred to another milestone in Lockwood's path to recovery at the hospitals ICU.

That was on March 17 when he was given a unique mix of four medicines following breathing trouble for which the patient was first provided respiratory support



Within hours, Lockwood was administered a mix of four drugs: two varieties of HIV anti-virus, and hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin.

This treatment is less likely to have the desired result on a patient with advanced stage of coronavirus. In the Britisher's case, fever came down by the eighth day. That was the first sign of the patient recovering, said Dr Fathahudeen.

He cited the instance of the 69-year-old Malayalee who died in GMC of COVID-19 on March 28.

The Kochi resident was already diabetic and had a heart problem.

The man recently returned from the Gulf where he contracted coronavirus, and had let his new disease aggravate by remaining homebound for a few days before getting admitted to the hospital, observed Dr Fathahudeen.

The driver of the cab that had earlier picked the man from the Kochi airport, too, went on to contract the virus. He was young, and so we could ensure his recovery. The patient can be discharged only if both two tests held 24 hours apart show coronavirus-negative, he said.

Dr Thomas Mathew, principal of the 1999-founded GMC, is the coordinator for the treatment of coronavirus patients at the hospital.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Friday, April 10 was the first day independent contractors and self-employed individuals could apply for loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), but they've had to do it without guidance that had been expected from the Treasury Department.

"We were up late last night, hitting 'refresh' and hoping it would show up," said Neil Bradley, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's executive vice president and chief policy officer. "It didn't."

Bradley was speaking with Inc. editor-at-large Kimberly Weisul during Friday's National Small Business Town Hall. Inc. and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are hosting the weekly live webinars to help small-business owners navigate the quickly changing details of the PPP and the government's other small-business relief efforts.

Register for the fourth in this series of National Small Business Town Halls, at 12 p.m. Eastern, Friday April 17, here: https://events.inc.com/nationaltownhallevents.

Bradley said it appears that independent contractors--who file their taxes using 1099 forms--should apply for the PPP using the same form that small businesses use, and substitute their own income for the average monthly payroll.

One issue still lacking clarity is whether PPP loans received by 1099 workers can be forgiven. "For 1099s and independent contractors, your payroll is your net earnings from self-employment," said Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed. "It is my expectation, from a practical standpoint, that these PPP loans for 1099 people will be forgiven."

The issue affects a lot of people: Bradley pointed out that 23 million Americans earned income as independent contractors last year.

Earlier this week, the SBA opened up the PPP application process to online lenders, with fintech companies expected to follow in the coming days. Bradley pointed out that those institutions can be good options, especially for securing smaller loans like the ones that independent contractors will be applying for, since they're capped at $100,000 in annual wages.

Bradley added that while it's unclear whether there are restrictions on applying for loans at multiple institutions, it's important not to accept loans from multiple institutions.

A sore subject among business owners recently has been the $10,000 economic injury disaster loan (EIDL) emergency advances, which the Treasury instructed the U.S. Small Business Administration to disburse within three days of being requested. Earlier this week, the SBA placed a restriction that allows businesses to receive only a $1,000 advance per employee.

Bradley also pointed out that for many business owners, EIDL advances are taking 10 days or more to arrive. He said that while the EIDL program currently is oversubscribed, the Chamber is pushing Congress to add more funds to the EIDL pool. Congress allocated $17 billion for EIDLs, but nearly four million businesses have applied, totaling $383 billion. "If it's added, there's no reason the SBA can't increase the loan amounts," he said.
If you're a Midland Public Schools parent, like this writer, you might have felt a little overwhelmed when you received the 21-page "MPS Continuity of Learning and COVID-19 Response Plan" early Thursday afternoon.

But after spending some time reading the document, and watching a video of Thursday morning's MPS virtual school board meeting that discussed it in detail, this writer hopes to clarify the main points of the plan and hopefully answer some questions that readers may have.

The state-mandated plan details the district's blueprint for student learning from Monday, April 13, through the end of the school year on Thursday, June 11. MPS school buildings, and all schools throughout the state, have been closed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Penny Miller-Nelson, MPS associate superintendent of curriculum, instruction and assessment, explained the plan marks a departure from the first four weeks of the state-mandated school closure (one week of which was the MPS spring break). She indicated MPS gathered feedback from parents, teachers and others during that time to help formulate the plan.

"We are moving from what we had been doing, which was enrichment and connection activities. We are now guiding students and families into continuity of learning," Miller-Nelson explained. "New content can be delivered, (with) higher expectations for students, and that is how the plan shall read."

Miller-Nelson referred to the week of April 13-17 as a "soft start," meaning adjustments to the plan will be made as needed.

The plan is broken into 13 parts, and the following are summaries of each part:

Roles and responsibilities

The roles of each employee group in the district are listed in detail over four and a half pages.

Each employee group's list of roles and responsibilities begins with the duty to "consider and monitor the social emotional wellbeing of students ... "

Miller-Nelson noted MPS has been intent on caring for students' well-being since the school closure began on March 16.

"That focus is still very intentional. It is just now coming alongside the greater academic expectations," she said.

Methods for remote student learning and time recommendations

This section details the online platforms that will be used for instruction, including Google Classroom, Moodle, and the Chromebooks that the district has issued to students.

It also stipulates that MPS will provide offline resources for students who do not have online access.

This section also includes a useful table on page 8 of "recommended approximate time frames for student learning," broken down into five grade groupings: developmental kindergarten through grade 1, grades 2-3, grades 4-5, grades 6-8, and grades 9-12.

"I want to assure you all that we are not asking students to spend a standard school day engaged in learning," Miller-Nelson said at the board meeting. "We're really looking to find the right balance with enough academic press that will provide learning and growth, but not to the extent that we are causing undue stress and strain on students and families."

Elementary school schedule and information

Elementary school instruction will be "mainly focused around literacy and math," the plan says.

Levels up through grade 1 can expect to have about 30 to 45 minutes of student learning per day.

Grades 2-3 can expect about 45 to 60 minutes per day.

Grades 4-5 can expect about 60 to 120 minutes per day.

All elementary grade levels can expect about 120 minutes total per week of art, music, physical education and world language combined (30 minutes of each subject).

Middle school schedule and information

In middle school (grades 6-8), approximate time frames for learning are 90-180 minutes per day (three classes of 30-60 minutes each per day), which includes elective course expectations.

All middle school teachers will have office hours Mondays through Fridays. New material will be introduced on Mondays and Wednesdays in English/language, arts, social studies and Spanish; on Tuesdays and Thursdays in science, math and German or French; and on Fridays in all electives other than world language.

High school schedule and information

In high school (grades 9-12), approximate time frames for learning are 90 minutes per day minimum (15 minutes per class), and 180-210 minutes per day maximum (30 minutes per class), which includes elective course expectations.

For high school, teachers' office hours will be in the mornings and virtual class time will be in the afternoons.

Office hours will be on Mondays for first-hour and second-hour classes; on Tuesdays for third-hour and fourth-hour classes; on Wednesdays for fifth-hour and sixth-hour classes; and on Thursdays for seventh-hour classes.

Virtual class time will be on Mondays for fifth and sixth hours; on Tuesdays for seventh hour; on Wednesdays for first and second hours; and on Thursdays for third and fourth hours.

Department and content area collaborative time is scheduled for Fridays.

Week at a Glance

All teachers throughout the district will send their students a "Week at a Glance" by 4 p.m. each Friday, communicating the teacher's times of availability, expectations for the students, and other important information for the upcoming week.

"If you have multiple students at home and are already trying to navigate that as well as maybe do your own job, (it can be difficult). So this Week at a Glance is meant to be a helpful tool," Miller-Nelson said.

Assessing student learning, grading, and required assessments

There will be less focus on grades and more focus on providing high quality feedback that moves learning forward.

All state-required assessments for this school year have been canceled.

MPS Superintendent Michael Sharrow emphasized at the school board meeting that, based on the governor's executive order, no student's grades will worsen over the rest of the school year, retroactive to the beginning of the school closure on March 16.

And seniors will be have the opportunity to improve their grades over that time period.

"It was pretty clear in the governor's executive order ... that not moving kids forward, not giving credit, punishment, or decrease of a grade were not things that (the state) wanted to see," Sharrow said.

Navigating the remote learning classroom: Guidelines for students and families; and expectations, guidelines, and tips for teachers

These two sections give detailed guidelines for how teachers and students can each best set up and maintain a teaching or learning area in their homes.

Also included are expectations for students in the remote learning environment and expectations for parents in monitoring their children's learning.

Additional services

This section has information about special education and IEPs, 504 plans, PATHS students, English Language Learners, mental health supports, meals and personal care items, and disaster relief.

Communication plan

The communication plan emphasizes the importance of "timely, accurate, clear, and concise" communication on the part of the superintendent, MPS stakeholders, principals, staff, students, and families.

It stresses the fact that all communication is a two-way street.

Professional Learning Plan

MPS staff and families are informed of learning opportunities that will be provided to them during three phases: Phase 1 in April, Phase 2 from May-June, and Phase 3 from July-August.

Development of the Plan and Continuous Improvement

Here it is noted that the plan is a collaborative effort with input from many MPS groups, and that it will be subject to change based on results and feedback.

The plan will be supplemented with possible summer learning experiences and details about eventually returning students and staff to school buildings.

Budget and Human Resource Considerations

The total budget estimate for the Continuity of Learning Plan is $126,473.10.

In regard to human resources, MPS will continue to pay school employees while redeploying staff to provide meaningful work in the context of the plan, subject to any applicable requirements of a collective bargaining agreement.

MPS asks parents to contact their child's teacher or principal if they have any questions about the plan.

Watch the April 9 Midland Public Schools school board meeting, which explains the districts Continuity of Learning Plan in detail: https://bit.ly/2VkGukl.
Pakistani troops violated ceasefire for the fifth consecutive day on Friday by shelling mortars along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, drawing retaliation from the Indian Army, officials said.

"At about 2230 hours tonight, Pak army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with small arms & shelling with mortars along LoC in Balakote and Shahpur & sectors in district Poonch", a defence spokesperson said.

The Indian Army retaliated befittingly, he added. All through the week, Pakistani troops fired small arms and mortar shells along the LoC in Poonch district. Last week, it injured six security personnel in Sunderbani-Nowshera sector. In March, Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik told Parliament that Pakistan violated the ceasefire at least 646 times between January 1 and February 23 this year. Over 3,200 ceasefire violations were recorded in 2019.
Parents at home have to juggle work, running the household and making sure their kids are getting educated and are entertained in quarantine. These are monumental tasks, and parents and kids both need an escape from the reality of being at home all the time.

You cant go out, but weve rounded up the best movies for kids on Disney+ that parents might even enjoy.

Disney+ offers a 7-day free trial and then costs $6.99/month or $69.99/year.

Theres also a Disney+ bundle option available, which includes access to Hulu (with ads) and ESPN+ for just $12.99/month.

Onward

Disney+ made this movie available on streaming just a few days ago. Onward follows two teenage elf brothers, Ian and Barley Lightfoot, as they search for the last bit of magic in the world, so they can spend a day with their deceased father.

Frozen 2

As the coronavirus pandemic was unfolding, Disney decided to do parents a favor by dropping Frozen 2 on streaming ahead of when they had planned. Elsa leaves Arendelle after hearing a voice and goes on a journey of self-discovery in this sequel.

Toy Story 4

Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the gang go on a new adventure with their new friend Forky. Along the way, Woody runs into his old friend Bo Peep unexpectedly.

Tangled

Rapunzel knows better than anyone what self-isolation and quarantine are like. Shes been trapped in the top of a tower for 18 years. This animated movie is heartwarming and might give you and your kids a few ideas of what else you can do while quarantining.

The Emperors New Groove

An underrated Disney movie, The Emperors New Groove follows Emperor Kuzco as he is accidentally turned into a llama, instead of poisoned. This selfish ruler learns a lot about humanity on his journey back to his palace.

Aladdin

You cant go wrong with this classic animated version  though Disney also has the 2019 live-action version if you want to watch that, too. Aladdin goes from street rat to prince, thanks to some help from the Genie, voiced by the late Robin Williams.

Mulan

Disney delayed its highly anticipated live-action Mulan adaptation due to COVID-19, but the animated version is hilarious and heartwarming. Mulan disguises herself as a man to take her fathers place in the Imperial Army and fights to save China.

Togo

This Disney Plus-exclusive is based on a true story. In Alaska, Leonhard Seppala (Willem Dafoe) leads his sled dog team on an arduous journey of more than 700 miles to fetch life-saving serum.

Zootopia

Judy Hopps achieves her dream of becoming the first rabbit on the police force, but she finds that other animals dont take her seriously because shes a rabbit. She teams up with a fox named Nick Wilde to solve a mysterious case, so she can finally prove herself.

Beauty and the Beast

The 2017 live-action version of this film stars Harry Potters Emma Watson as Belle and Downton Abbeys Dan Stevens as the Beast. Watching this film will prepare you and your kids for the prequel Disney+ is currently working on about Gaston and LeFous friendship.
Its week five of the Bay Areas stay-at-home order, and our local health system is feeling the pressure  not from a patient crush that thankfully has yet to overrun hospitals, but from the same financial hardships affecting so many businesses.

I spoke with two leaders in the health care field who said having to cancel most nonessential treatment and transfer doctors, nurses and other workers to prepare for a possible wave of coronavirus patients was hurting the bottom line big time. Layoffs arent out of the question.

And its not just hospitals. Dentists are mostly shut down. Pediatric services are being cut back. Theyre just like businesses everywhere  with regular life on indefinite hold, they dont have the regular flow of patients and clients to pay the bills.

Weve done a remarkable job following the stay-at-home rules that were laid down by Bay Area health officials, Mayor London Breed and then Gov. Gavin Newsom. We did it without question to slow the spread of the virus.

Now were going to have to embark on a similarly Herculean effort to get everyone tested for exposure to the coronavirus. Because without that, were going to have a hard time getting to where we can start an orderly return to normal.

Its not over: Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has suspended his quest for the Democratic presidential nomination, but he hasnt given up the fight.

Sanders and his delegates next battle will be at the Democratic National Convention  if there is one  where they will once again raise the progressive calls for government-administered health care, free public college and the rest of their agenda.

After all, as Sanders said, this isnt about winning an election  its about a revolution.

His endorsement of Joe Biden was one of the most tepid statements Ive ever seen. Nary a word in praise of the man who bested him in the primaries.

Hope Joe isnt pegging his hopes on the Berniecrats enthusiastic backing of his candidacy, because that may never happen.

Room service: The San Francisco controller reports the city will spend $35 million to rent 1,977 hotel rooms for the next three months to provide shelter for homeless people as well as first responders and health care workers battling the coronavirus.

That comes to $197 a night per hotel room.

The city reached the deal after a lot of supposedly hard bargaining, but Im not sure it was smart bargaining.

With 9 out 10 rooms in the city being empty, you can go online and find rooms for $90 a night.

Fillmore feeling: I took a walk up Fillmore Street from California Street the other morning.

Like many commercial neighborhoods, the street had a lot of boarded-up storefronts and a lot of workers putting up plywood on even more.

It got me to thinking about the citys rules about what is essential work that can be allowed during the stay-at-home order.

I guess boarding up storefronts is essential to prevent crime. And the veterinarian services being offered by the SPCA at Fillmore and Washington are certainly essential, especially for the woman who was waiting outside to have her cats teeth checked.

And I suppose we really do need all the to go coffee shops that are still open, if for no other reason than to keep us sane by giving us a place to walk to and kill some time outside, waiting 6 feet apart in a line.

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.

But what about the rules when it comes to construction?

Under San Francisco health guidelines, building housing is considered essential, but only if 10% or more of the units on the project are affordable.

So you can have a crew working on a market-rate job, and its considered a health risk. But if the same crew moves over to an affordable housing job, its OK.

Makes no sense.

Quake cancel: A reminder not to show up at 5:05 a.m. next Saturday at Lottas Fountain. Thats where the commemoration of the 1906 earthquake is held every April 18, but not this year. Mayor London Breed properly called it off.

So sleep in if you can.

Youre joking: Some of the better ones Ive heard:

I still havent decided where to go for Easter  the living room or the bedroom.

Classified ad: Single man with toilet paper seeks woman with hand sanitizer for good clean fun.

And my own contribution: Better 6 feet apart than 6 feet under.

Want to sound off? Email: wbrown@sfchronicle.com
The nasty and infectious coronavirus may have brought cities to a halt and sent people scurrying indoors but has failed to dampen the fervour of hundreds of youngsters in west Uttar Pradesh villages who aspire for recruitment in the armed forces and police.

To them, it is of no consequence that the recruitment rallies have been postponed due to corona outbreak. Fascinated with the uniformed job, they are using the time to prepare for the fitness test so that their dream may come true.

Groups of youths can be seen working on their exercise regimen and running on village roads every morning, some taking adequate precautions while others are nonchalant.

Fitness and completing a run of 1600 metres ahead of other competitors is the first key to success. And to succeed in their efforts, they are out to even beat the looming danger of corona.

Every morning and evening, the youth come out of their houses to do their exercises and running practice to keep their chance of getting selected in the next recruitment rally alive. These high spirited youngsters can be seen stretching, jogging and running on all roads passing through villages. Their concentration is solely on recruitment, with no thought to spare about corona times.

Titu Pehalwan of Syal village heads a group of 20 to 25 youngsters of his village which is dominated by the Gujar community. On being asked about the danger of corona, he carelessly says, Corona will do nothing to us. We are Gujars and will beat it off. His disciples burst into laughter in unison.

Almost 20 kms away from here on the outskirts of Amhera village, Shoaib Ali, Paritosh Sharma, Akash Siwach and Sumit are stretching to prepare for the 1600- metre run.

But unlike Syal youths, they are taking all precautions during their exercise. We are educated and pursuing bachelors course. So we are aware of the importance of social distancing and sanitization. We wear masks, keep bottles of sanitizer and maintain a safe distance from each other, explains Shoaib who had participated in two recruitment rallies of the army in the past but couldnt qualify.

Explaining the recruitment procedure, Paritosh Sharma clarifies that all aspirants gather on a ground and are asked to run 1600 metres. The authorities get a few frontrunners separated from others. These lucky separated aspirants then undergo a written test followed by a medical test and other formalities.

Prince, Abhishek and Saurabh of Gawdi village say, That is why a run of 1600 metres is key to open the lock of our luck and we are aiming at the next recruitment rally without fearing corona.

Luvkush Gujar and Anuj Kumar of Syal say, We cant ruin our preparation for corona. The recruitment rally was to be organized in May which would be delayed because of lock-down but we need to keep ourselves prepared for a tough competition .

In fact, youngsters in villages of the entire region which includes Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Meerut, Baghpat, Hapur, Bulandshahr and Ghaziabad districts, are fascinated with recruitment in the army, paramilitary forces and police. Recruitment rallies draw a heavy influx of youngsters who prepare throughout the year to get their dream job.

Shoaib Ali says, Getting a uniformed job elevates the status of the youths and their families in villages.

An 18-year-old of Gawri village has another explanation. These jobs suit us after getting substandard education in colleges and schools of villages and nearby towns. His friend Abhishek explains further, Most parents cant afford costly education and so they encourage their wards to try for these jobs which require more physical fitness than good educational profile. And it also fulfills the wish of getting a government job.

The fascination for the uniform has existed here since decades. Sandeep Pradhan of Sial village claims that over 300 to 400 people of his village are either in the army, paramilitary forces or UP and Delhi police. It has become an undeclared tradition in the village for youngsters to get themselves recruited and those who are in such jobs have turned their role models.

Saidpur in Bulandshahr district is a village which not only has a reputation of being a patriotic village but its military legacy is also a matter of pride for its residents. It has a history of serving the armed force since the First World War (1914-1919). A group of 155 soldiers of this village participated in the First World War and 29 of them laid down their lives for the motherland during British rule. The village has an inter college which has been named Military Heroes Memorial Inter College.

The villagers claim that at least 2,500 people of the village are still serving in the armed forces and police and almost every house has an ex- serviceman.

Lt General (retd) Kapil Agarwal, who belongs to Meerut, digs into history to explain the reason behind the fascination for the armed forces in the region. He reminds that Meerut has a big Cantonment since British period and was a centre of Punjab, Sikh and Dogra regiments till 1980. Recruitments in these regiments were carried out in large numbers through recruitment rallies. These regiments have been shifted but the Cantonment still has two major fighting formations, which have officials and jawans in big numbers.

He says,Youths watch them doing physical training and running and find their lifestyle fascinating. Besides, many of their elders had served in the armed forces since decades and they also encourage young members of their families to join the forces, which offer one of the finest jobs in the country.
COLUSA COUNTY, Calif. - Colusa County's Public Health Officer issued a shelter-in-place order on April 10, directing all individuals living within the county to remain at home, leaving only for essential business, until 11:59 p.m. on May 8.

In a press release, the county said the order prohibits non-essential gatherings and non-essential travel. This also orders all businesses and governmental operations to cease non-essential operations at physical locations.

The intent of this Order is to ensure that the maximum number of people self-isolate in their places of residence to the greatest extent feasible, while enabling essential services to continue, to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Colusa County to the utmost extent possible, said Public Health Officer Dr. Gregory Burt.

Burt said this order continues to classify farming, food processing and distribution operations, and their support businesses, as essential.

Colusa County currently has three cases of the coronavirus but said it expects more in the coming weeks.

RELATED: North State Coronavirus Numbers

What this means for the community:

All individuals currently living within Colusa County are ordered to remain at their place of residence, leaving only to conduct essential activities, essential governmental functions, essential travel, or to operate essential businesses.

All public and private gatherings of any number of people occurring outside a single household or living unit are prohibited.

All non-essential travel, including, but not limited to, non-essential travel on foot, bicycle, scooter, motorcycle, automobile, or public transit is prohibited. This does not preclude walking or biking for exercise purposes, provided social distancing is followed.

When performing essential business, social distancing is required.

What this means for businesses:

All businesses with a facility in Colusa County, except essential businesses as defined in the Order, are directed to cease all activities at facilities located within the County, except for Minimum Basic Operations as defined in the Order.

Businesses consisting exclusively of employees or contractors performing activities at their own residences may continue operations.

All essential businesses are strongly encouraged to remain open, but directed to maximize the number of employees who work from home.

Businesses that provide essential and non-essential services/products must, to the extent feasible, scale down operations to the essential services only.

For continuing Colusa County coronavirus information, CLICK HERE.
After WHO chief accused Taiwan of racial slurs against him, trolls from China pretending to be Taiwanese are apparently issuing a 'fake apology' to the United Nations health agency. According to Taiwanese media, the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau of Taiwan retaliated on WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus claims of personal attacks by citing their findings of the inquiry. At a media briefing on April 10, a Taiwanese official said that their investigation has indicated that accounts from China are orchestrating the row between WHO and Taiwan.

While Taiwan had earlier accused the United Nations health agency of neglecting its suggestions in the preliminary stage of COVID-19 outbreak, the WHO head had recently responded. Not only did Ghebreyesus mentioned an online campaign against him over the course of the last three months, but also said that he received death threats that had originated from Taiwan. However, within few hours of WHO chiefs remarks, Twitter accounts had begun posting apologies for Ghebreyesus. However, now Taiwan claims that they were from accounts originating from China and people attempted to impersonate Taiwanese.

Read - COVID-19: China Slams Trump's Attack On WHO; Reminds 'One-China' Policy On Taiwan Feud

Read - WHO Denies Ignoring Taiwan Early Virus Warning

Chinese social media amplified the reach of posts

According to media reports, the Cyber Security Office head in Taiwan, Chang Yu-jen said that since the posts with apologies shared by Twitter users from the mainland were later shared on the Chinese social media, they amplified their reach. Taiwanese authorities even traced back to first such messages of apologies for WHO chief to two usernames, @TMGNews_CN and @RFXY_China. According to the bureau, both these accounts have the description in Chinese language and even suspect them to be a media outlet along with a radio station in Xuzhou. The bureau official also said that apologies were posted in Chinese except one also had an English-language translation.



be a Taiwanese, I feel extremely ashamed that we attacked Tandse in such a malicious way. I apologize to Tedros on behalf of the Taiwanese and beg for his forgiveness #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/q3CIFn1lmn   (@WarmakerUSA) April 9, 2020

After these findings, the Chinese social media users even issued multiple posts of rallying including, remember to use the format and it is fun to play this game in a bid to encourage others to personify themselves as Taiwanese and join the fake apology campaign. Chang has supposedly mentioned other evidence that has indicated towards China and claimed that the bureau combed through at least three months of such posts on Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms. However, Chang denied having found any racist or personal attacks against the WHO chief.

Read - China Targets Taiwan Officials For 'venomously' Attacking WHO Chief

Read - US Criticizes WHO For Ignoring Taiwan Virus Warnings
By Lisa Shumaker REUTERS - U.S. deaths due to the coronavirus topped 17,000 on Friday, according to a Reuters tally, although there are signs that Americans staying home was curbing new infections

By Lisa Shumaker

REUTERS - U.S. deaths due to the coronavirus topped 17,000 on Friday, according to a Reuters tally, although there are signs that Americans staying home was curbing new infections.

U.S. officials warned Americans to expect alarming numbers of coronavirus deaths this week, even as there was evidence that the number of new infections was flattening in New York state, the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak.

With many Americans celebrating the Easter holiday on Sunday, the top U.S. infectious disease expert warned on Friday that it is too early to relax restrictions on Americans.

"Now is no time to back off," Dr. Anthony Fauci said.

The number of U.S. deaths is now the second highest in the world. Over 1,900 new deaths have been reported three days in a row, according a Reuters tally. (Graphic: https://tmsnrt.rs/2w7hX9T)

U.S. cases topped 472,000 on Friday and have been rising by 30,000 to 35,000 cases a day as testing becomes more available. Globally, there have been over 1.5 million confirmed cases, with the death rate fast approaching 100,000.

Only Italy has more deaths, with 18,279 fatalities reported on Thursday, although it has a much smaller population that the United States. After a marked reduction from previous peaks, new infections have picked up in the past two days, frustrating hopes that the illness was in clear retreat.

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Chennai, April 11 : The Tamil Nadu government will follow whatever is announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the extension in the 21-day nationwide lockdown beyond April 14, Chief Secretary K. Shanmugam said on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters here, he said the state Cabinet met here and decided to follow Modi's announcement as regards the lockdown.

Following Modi's announcement, Chief Minster K. Palaniswami would announce the course that the state will follow, he said.

Palaniswami, during a videoconference meeting with Modi on Saturday morning, suggested extension of the lockdown by two more weeks.

Palaniswami also urged Modi not to resume train and flight services but allow inter-state movement of goods.

According to Shanmugam, the Chief Ministers of many others states were in favour of extending the lockdown by two more weeks, failing which the gains secured till date in the fight against coronavirus will be lost.

Modi had advised the Chief Ministers on popularising Aarogya Setu app; use of telemedicine; classifying containment zone into three categories; and follow the relevant procedures, Shanmugam said.

Shanmugam said that the state Cabinet also reviewed in detail the steps taken to contain the spread of coronavirus and other actions.

He said Palaniswami is considering the state government foot the cost of coronavirus test done by private hospitals in Tamil Nadu.

According to him, the state currently has about 29,000 corona patient isolation beds and a group of officials are looking at the infrastructure available across the state to augment the bed capacity to treat three lakh patients.

Shanmugam said another official group is dealing with the numbers projection daily based on the new positive cases reported.

The Chief Secretary said the Tamil Nadu government is admitting all corona patients in hospitals even though the central government has recommended serious patients to be admitted to intensive care units (ICUs), moderately ill patients in isolation wards in hospitals and mildly suffering patients be treated at their homes.

As for the sufferings of Tamil Nadu farmers unable to harvest and market their produce, Shanmugam said agriculture field officers have been asked to get in touch with the farmers in their respective areas and take stock of the farm produce and arrange for bulk procurement.

The farmers can also avail loans based on their produce stored in godowns, Shanmugam added.
Hi Future Tensers,

Even though we cant meet up together in person these days, connecting with each other about how technology and science can disrupt and enhance our lives is more vital than ever. Join us on Zoom for our Social Distancing Socials every Tuesday and Thursday at 4 p.m. Eastern:

Tuesday, April 14: Thinking About Climate Change in the Wake of the Coronavirus

Featuring: Henry Grabar (staff writer, Slate); Bina Venkataraman (Boston Globe editorial page editor, Future Tense fellow, and former White House senior adviser for climate change innovation)

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Thursday, April 16: Will the Coronavirus Claim Privacy Among Its Victims?

Featuring: Jennifer Daskal (professor and faculty director, Tech, Law, & Security Program at American University Washington College of Law); Kathryn Waldron (resident fellow, national security & cybersecurity, R Street Institute); Al Gidari (consulting director of privacy at the Stanford Center for Internet and Society)

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Tuesday, April 21: How Will COVID-19 Alter Our Relationship With China?

Featuring: Samm Sacks (cybersecurity policy and China digital economy fellow, New America); Susan A. Thornton (visiting lecturer in law at Yale Law School and senior fellow at the Paul Tsai China Center; former deputy assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs)

Thursday, April 23: Does a Monthly Check to All Americans Make Sense Even Without a Pandemic?

Featuring: Annie Lowrey (staff writer, the Atlantic, author of Give People Money); Sebastian Johnson (writer and philanthropic strategist)

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Now for our editorial update. Zoom out for a moment from the dreary news updates, the homebound boredom, and the creeping suspicion that its time to start making your own bread. We are living through a major historic event, and its worth considering how future generations will look upon the history of coronavirus. But before you do that, while you wait for your sourdough to proof, we recommend that you read Nationalism Cant Beat a Global Problem, Charles Kennys look at the history of the global effort to create the first vaccinefor smallpox. In 1803 physician Francisco Javier de Balmis led the Royal Philanthropic Expedition of the Vaccine to South America, starting a new era for global health: Balmis provided vaccines to Spanish and Portuguese colonies and China alike, Kenny writes. During the wars for independence in South America in the decades that followed, the two sides even declared ceasefires to allow for vaccination. Kenny argues this history provides a more compelling model than an America first response to a pandemic.

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Josephine Wolff A Partial Defense of Zoom

Tiffany C. Li Give All My Data to Google and the CDC

Jordan Frith The Long History Behind the 5G Coronavirus Conspiracy Theory

Amir Nasr How Congress and the FCC Can Help Students Without Broadband Access

Wish Wed Published This

The Coronavirus Lockdown Is a Threat for Many Animals, Not a Blessing by Matt Simon, Wired.

Three Questions for a Smart Person

Kathryn Bowers is co-author of Zoobiquity: The Astonishing Connection Between Human and Animal Health and a Future Tense fellow at New America. I spoke with her about how animal behavior can help us respond to the coronavirus.

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Margaret: There have been several striking images of animals coming into emptied-out cities, like coyotes prowling in San Francisco, that have been accompanied by claims that humans are the virus. What should we make of these unexpected animal appearances?

Kathryn: There are a couple things going on here. More people are at home observing animals that they might not normally notice. Theres been reports of more birdsong, and thats probably because freeways arent as loud, but also because people are at home listening to the birds. Theres also evidence that with people out of the way, urbanized animals are getting bolder. Of course, the bigger trend is that humans have been moving more into animal habitats and natural areas.

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The line goes that humans are social creatures. How can social creatures make it through a period of prolonged isolation?

Were not the only creatures that are sociallots of mammals are, and theres social birds, fish, and even social reptiles and insects. The neural circuits that shape how creatures act around others have been evolving for hundreds of millions of years. There are rules of groups that hardwires social hierarchies into groups, which can take a toll because some get sorted to the top and some get sorted to the bottom. A break from the normal sorting we do in our daily lives might allow these hierarchies to rearrange themselves.

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A lot of people are using this time to get back to nature while social distancing. What advice do you have for people entering into the wild and possibly encountering wild animals?

Whether or not theres a pandemic, you never want to approach an animal in the wild.

You might want to rethink hiking at dusk and dawn, when a lot of predators are hunting. Also, this virus can spread from animal to animal, not just into humans but to other animals. Its important to remember that viruses are not unique to wild populations. Also, dont feed squirrels.

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Future Tense Recommends

This may not prove to be our finest hour, but I highly recommend reading Erik Larsons new book The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz. Winston Churchills first year in officewhen he mobilized the power and beauty of the English language to keep his nation in the fight against Hitler despite the collapse of France, the terror of incessant German bombings, and stubborn American neutralityis an oft-told tale of Western civilizations harrowing survival. But its one that is rarely told as intimately and engagingly as Larson does, and it feels timelier than ever as we find ourselves besieged by a very different threat that also calls for a mobilization of society and inspiring leadership (sigh). Future Tensers will appreciate how Larson highlights Churchills fascination and admiration of tinkerers and technologists, whom he empowered in ways that caused a fair amount of eye-rolling among contemporaries, but paid our cause tremendous dividends.Andres Martinez, Future Tense editorial director

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What Next: TBD

On Friday on Slates technology podcast, Lizzie OLeary spoke with Jordan Ellenberg, mathematics professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, about whether mathematical models can chart the course of this pandemic. And last week, Lizzie interviewed Heidi Carrico, founding member of the Gig Workers Collective, and Johana Bhuiyan, tech accountability reporter at the Los Angeles Times, about the Instacart workers risking their lives and demanding better treatment.

One Last Plug: Introducing Us in Flux

Us in Flux is a new series of flash fiction stories and virtual events about community, collaboration, and collective imagination in the face of transformative change, presented by our partners at the Center for Science and the Imagination at Arizona State University. Every Thursday theyll publish a story followed by a conversation with the author and an expert in a related field on the following Monday at 4 p.m. Eastern. The first story is The Parable of the Tares by Christopher Rowea tale of food, monoculture, and communities. On April 13, Christopher will be in conversation with Michael Bell, professor in the Department of Community and Environmental Sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Register today.

Margaret from Future Tense

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
Collingwood are hoping to avoid having to renegotiate player contracts, including star ruckman Brodie Grundy's seven-year deal, but concede uncertainty reigns amid the coronavirus crisis.

With the 2020 AFL season still up in the air, all clubs including heavyweights like the Magpies, are under huge financial pressure.

Coming to terms: Pies stars including captain Scott Pendlebury (left) and ruckman Brodie Grundy face uncertainty on the contract front. Credit:AAP

The current total player payment figures for each club under the salary cap is just over $13 million but there are discussions about whether this will be cut to $10 million for 2021 and beyond, forcing a reduction in individual salaries and/or player lists.

Magpies chief executive Mark Anderson said there was no certainty that this would be the case.

"That's a good example where we need the answers and we don't have them yet nor are expecting them yet," Anderson told ABC Grandstand on Sunday.

"But we will need those answers in regard to what our list numbers look like and how we fit the salary cap within that. We'll need to work through all of those ramifications and contracts.

"In the crisis moment we're living through, there's just so much complexity.

"There are more questions than answers in some areas - player contracts and list size is a key one of those."

All-Australian ruckman Grundy signed a long-term deal late last year reportedly paying $1 million a season.

But the Magpies' financial squeeze will only intensify with the contracts of fellow stars Jordan De Goey and Darcy Moore as well as skipper Scott Pendlebury set to expire.

Anderson said the club hoped to honour current contracts but didn't guarantee that would be the case.

"The reality is that we've got contracts in place with all of our players, and we've made commitments," he said.

"The whole dynamic with all players across the league might change so it's a hypothetical question but in putting pen to paper we committed and Brodie committed and that doesn't change.

"The principle that a contract is a contract is absolutely fair. We all want to respect that.

"The great unknown of this whole scenario though is that we're now in a totally different world."

AAP

Click here to read the full story.
US President Donald Trump on Friday said when to open up the country is going to be the biggest decision he ever had to make.

In barely a few weeks, a booming American economy has literally come to a standstill due the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 95 percent of the 330 million population are under stay-at-home order amid a national emergency in place and a record number of more than 16 million people have lost their jobs.

By Friday evening, more than 18,000 Americans have lost their lives to the deadly coronavirus infection, while nearly five lakh people have tested positive. New York City, the global financial capital, has emerged as its epicentre COVID-19 outbreak in the US with over 7,800 fatalities and 1.7 lakh infected cases.

Trump told reporters that a decision on reopening the country so that economy can be back on track would be taken at an appropriate time in consultations with his close advisors including the members of the White House Task Force on Coronavirus.

He, however, did not give a definitive date for this.

I'm going to have to make a decision and I only hope to God that it is the right decision, but I would say without question it is the biggest decision I have ever had to make, Trump told reporters, responding to a question during his daily White House conference on COVID-19.

I've got to make the biggest decision of my life. I've only started thinking about that. I mean I've made a lot of big decisions over my life. You understand that. This is by far the biggest decision of my life because I have to say okay, let's go. This is what we're going to do, Trump said.

Responding to a question, Trump said he has the powers to take a decision on reopening the country.

Mr President, there is obviously a lot of interest in how you are going to make that decision, he was asked.

It is a very big decision. I don't know that I have had a bigger decision than that when you think, right? I mean think of that decision somebody said it is totally up to the president and I saw this morning it is totally up and it is, he said.

I don't know that I have had a bigger decision, but I'm going to surround myself with the greatest minds, not only the greatest minds but the greatest minds in numerous different businesses, including the business of politics and reason, and we are going to make a decision and hopefully it is going to be the right decision, he said.

Trump said he wants to get the country open as soon as he can.

We have to get our country open, he said.

When asked what metrics he will use to make that decision, he said it is in his brain.

That is my metrics, that is all I can do. I can listen to 35 people. At the end I've got to make a decision and I didn't think of it until yesterday. I said you know this is a big decision. But I want to be guided, I'm going to be guided by them, I am going to be guided by our Vice President, he said.

I am going to make a decision based on a lot of different opinions. Some will, maybe, disagree and some, I would love to see it, where they don't disagree. Will there be risk? There is always going to be a risk that something can flare up, he added.

There's always look, look at what is happening, where countries are trying to get open and there's a flareup and they will go but I would like the flareup to be very localized so that we can control it from a local standpoint without having to close. There's always a risk, said the US president.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
As the month drew to a close there were 15,810 people on the live register across Cork - a jump of 1,067 on the February total of 14,473

The latest set of live register figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) have given a clear and worrying indication of how the COVID-19 crisis has impacted the labour market both locally and a national level.

The figures for the month of March have revealed the total amount of people signing the register in County Cork as the month drew to a close had shown an increase for the first time since 2012 - following an eight year period of consecutive reductions.

As the month drew to a close there were 15,810 people on the live register across Cork - a jump of 1,067 on the February total of 14,473.

While that total is significantly lower than at its highest point in 2011, when the figure stood at 44,973, it is still a cause for concern given the current restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to remain in place for a number of weeks.

The trend has been mirrored across North and Mid-Cork, with the combined March figure for the social welfare offices in Mallow Fermoy, Macroom and Newmarket stood at 3,497. The is represented an increase of 359 or 10.26 per cent on the combined February figure.

Notable among these was the total for Fermoy, which has risen above the 1,000 mark in March for the first time since 2018 and at the end of the month stood at 1,109. This represented a month-on-month increase of 149 or 13.4 per cent.

The figures for Mallow stood at 1,066 (a monthly increase of 984 or 13.3 per cent); for Macroom 659 (an increase of 90 or 15.81 per cent) and Newmarket 663 (an increase of 37 or 5.9 per cent).

These figures are a reflection of the overall national trend, which saw the total number of people signing the live register across the country at the end of March standing at 205,209. This was an increase of 22,593 (or 11 per cent) on the February total.

It should be pointed out that the live register is not designed to measure unemployment. It includes part-time workers, those who work up to three days a week and seasonal and casual workers who are entitled to claim jobseeker's benefit or jobseeker's allowance.

The CSO said the overall national figures show how the COVID-19 crises has had a "significant impact" on the labour market during the month of March, with more than half-a-million people receiving some form of social welfare income support as March drew to a close.

They revealed that during the last week of March some 283,037 people were in receipt of the weekly 350 COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment. A further 25,104 were benefiting from the Temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme, which allows employers to request that the State pay 70% of workers wages.

This brings the total number of people claiming jobless benefit or some form of wage subsidy to an all time high of 513,350 - a figure that represents approximately one-fifth of the total Irish workforce.

This well above the roughly 460,000 claimants on the live register at the lowest point of the previous crash in July 2012.
Corvallis police say five people are facing charges after a man reported being struck in the head and beaten in the street.

On March 14 around 10:30 p.m., a 28-year-old reported he'd been assaulted in the 900 block of Southeast Richland Avenue. According to a police report, he was getting in his car when someone struck him on the head with a blunt object, possibly a tire iron. He was then allegedly beaten by several people and had his cellphone stolen.

The man told police that he recognized some of the people attacking him, including 22-year-old Monmouth resident Hector Rogelio Sanchez-Bustillos. The others taken into custody were 20-year-old Ralph Owen Champ of Albany, 18-year-old Caden Alexander Smith of Lebanon, 22-year-old Dakota Marie Tagen of Monmouth and a 17-year-old boy from Albany.

Police said the man who reported the beating sustained multiple injuries requiring stitches, as well as a broken rib.

Sanchez-Bustillos and Smith both face assault, robbery and theft charges. Additional charges against Sanchez-Bustillos include unlawful use of a weapon and unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle.

Champ and the juvenile face charges of assault and conspiracy, while Tagen was cited on conspiracy charges.

Corvallis police said they found the alleged victim's cellphone in Sanchez-Bustillos possession.

The Monmouth and Independence police departments assisted with the investigation.

Police ask anyone with additional information to contact Detective Ty Volin at 541-766-6924.

Reporter Nia Tariq can be reached at nia.tariq@lee.net or 541-812-6091.

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ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP)  Hundreds of dogs living in largely Alaska Native villages in southwest Alaska wont go hungry this spring after more than 8,000 pounds (3,629 kg) of dog food were delivered, a humanitarian effort coordinated by two of the nations largest animal welfare groups in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The 242, 30-pound (13.6-kg) bags arrived in Bethel, a southwest Alaska hub community, late Thursday on a cargo plane from Seattle.

The single employee of the Bethel Friends of Canines worked Friday to break the pallets apart and ferry the bags back to their building. There, the food will be stored for eventual distribution to those in need, including dog owners from about 35 communities dotting southwest Alaskas Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.

Well, its definitely needed, and I think we are just very aware that the supply chain might be damaged in the near future, said Theresa Quiner, the Bethel shelters vice president. So its really comforting to know that we have this stash of dog food now in case people arent able to get dog food.

The dog food drop from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Humane Society of the United States was necessary in roadless western Alaska because travel restrictions and dwindling supplies is making delivery of dog food to the region difficult during the coronavirus pandemic.

And it's not just dog food. Quiner said she tried to order flour off Amazon and was told it would take a month to arrive. Many people order their dog food through Amazon.

Its really heartwarming that these organizations thought of us and just immediately knew that the supply chain gets difficult for everybody all over the country, that the communities out here in the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta are more vulnerable than elsewhere, Quiner said.

The Bethel group has been a partner of the Humane Societys Pets for Life program, which focuses on providing access to pet resources for people living in poverty or underserved communities. The group has been providing services and supplies to Yukon Kuskokwim Delta villages, said Amanda Arrington, senior director of Pets for Life.

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When the COVID-19 crisis happened, it just made it even tougher for us to get supplies up to Alaska, Arrington said. Even during a good time, its not easy logistically. Its definitely not cheap, and so food supplementation is something that is an ongoing need, and its even greater right now.

The humane society ordered and purchased the food at cost from FristFruits Feed of Redmond, Washington. Owner Tim Matts agreed to order and sell the 8,000 pounds (3,629 kg) of dog food at cost. The dog food was delivered Wednesday, repacked on 800-pound (363-kg) pallets and delivered to the Seattle airport for transport to Alaska.

FirstFruits refers to the companys philosophy.

We always believe that you should give the first 10 percent of your profit to the community to help animals and to help people, because we recognize that animals are a very important role in peoples lives, Matts said. Were just grateful we could help."

Lou Guyton, an ASPCA vice president, noted 8,000 pounds (3,629 kg) of food is an enormous amount.

Right now, were moving that amount of food daily in our other locations. But to get to Alaska is certainly a challenge, and its great to know there are people there who can use it, she said.
It was announced Friday that $792 million in funding from the Department of Health and Human Services will go to Georgia hospitals and health care providers enrolled in Medicare. These funds, authorized through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stability Act, will be used to treat coronavirus patients and aid in the fight against COVID-19.

Georgias medical providers are currently on the frontlines of one of the most serious public health emergencies in our nations history, said Senator David Perdue. This crisis has put severe financial strain on local hospitals, and many in rural areas are quickly running out of cash for supplies and payroll. This funding will help stabilize hospitals across our state so providers can stay focused on what matters most: the health and safety of their patients.

Our first and main line of defense against the coronavirus is our hospitals, health care facilities and medical professionals, said Senator Kelly Loeffler. This funding is critical to supporting those on the front lines and keeping Georgians safe and healthy. This is a direct result of our work to pass the CARES Act in Congress, and I remain committed to doing everything in my power to get our state the resources it needs throughout this crisis.

Senators Perdue and Loeffler supported the CARES Act that Congress passed last month. The CARES Act included $100 billion in funding to reimburse hospitals for the care of COVID-19 patients and to make up for lost revenue due to canceling elective surgeries and other procedures. The $792 million for Georgia is a portion of $30 billion in CARES Act funding being released Friday by HHS. Senators Perdue and Loeffler sent a letter last week urging HHS to consider rural hospitals when delivering funding.




The email, which said that the person has been working remotely for the past 10 days, was not sent to the U.S. diplomats who live in her apartment building. Those diplomats would like to see self-quarantine practices put in place that would prohibit the use of common spaces for individuals who test positive for the virus.
US Air Force to Upgrade U-2 Spy Plane for Future Battles - Lockheed Martin

Sputnik News

16:39 GMT 10.04.2020

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The US Air Force has awarded a $50 million contract to upgrade the U-2 spy plane, which first flew 65 years ago, Lockheed Martins said in a press release on Friday.

"US Air Force awards Lockheed Martin avionics tech refresh contract to advance U-2's capabilities for the future battlespace," the release said. "[The] contract underpins U-2's role in bridging capabilities needed for next-generation battlespace."

The upgrades will be carried out by the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in Palmdale in the US state of California, the release said. The Skunk Works which built the aircraft originally and has been produced the most advanced aerospace systems for the US armed forces for almost 70 years.

The upgrades include an updated avionics suite that modernizes the U-2's onboard systems to use new technology and a new mission computer that enables the U-2 to integrate with systems across air, space, sea, land and cyber domains, Lockheed Martin said.

In 1960, Gary Powers was shot down in a CIA U-2A over the Soviet Union by a surface-to-air missile (SAM) and in 1962 US Air Force Major Rudolf Anderson was shot down and killed in a U-2 during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

A Sputnik

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Investing in the stock market and risk go hand-in-hand. But some entities involve more risk than others.

Penny or illiquid stocks are one such category that is highly risky. Such stocks tend to get butchered in times of crisis like the current one.

To safeguard interests of investors, leading stock exchanges BSE and NSE have advised their members to take extra caution while trading in nearly 480 illiquid stocks.

Even experts advise avoiding them, especially for retail investors.

"Illiquid stocks are stocks in which investors cannot find ready buyers because of their limited trading. In my opinion, amid volatility and concerns over global markets it would be wise to stay away from these stocks," Gaurav Garg, Head of Research at CapitalVia Global Research Limited  Investment Advisor told Moneycontrol.

Illiquid stocks are known for having lower beta, lower volatility or lower trading volumes with limited speculators & investors. Generally, they include small stocks or penny stocks which cannot be realised easily.

"As these securities are risky and are difficult to realise capital, we recommend to stay away from such securities, and exit at the earliest in case investors are stuck in these low volume, penny & illiquid stocks," Manali Bhatia, Senior Research Analyst at Rudra Shares and Stock Brokers said.

Based on the trading activity from January to March, these illiquid scrips will be traded in periodic call auction mechanism from April 13, the exchanges noted in their recent circular.

Before any surveillance is issued or the trading gets barred, individuals should move out of the stock & save the left-over capital, Manali Bhatia advised.

But one should note that low volume does not mean that the stock is a penny stock or illiquid as there are some MNCs or big companies where the promoter stake is high with low equity and close-ended by some of the stakeholders, where companies offer strong brands and fundamentals.

"Investors should try to get out of the illiquid stocks if they can and should focus on quality bluechips as they are down by 30 percent to 50 percent and are currently available at reasonable valuations," Amit Jain, Co-founder & CEO at Ashika Wealth Advisors told Moneycontrol.

He feels quality bluechips in this market can beat the small or illiquid category because when the market starts picking up, the large cap tends to outperform the midcap & small cap category from a short to medium term perspective.

How to identify illiquid stocks?

1. One parameter to identify them is that most of these stocks are penny stocks, trading way below their face values.

2. Generally, less interest from institutional investors is a sign of questionable performance in terms of return.

3. Also, one should look at volume data. If the stock does not have enough volume on a daily basis, chances are that the stock is going to be illiquid stock.

4. Illiquid stocks are known for having lower beta, lower volatility or lower trading volumes with limited speculators & investors.

5. One can also look at a few other things like if the stock is hitting circuits (generally lower) on a daily basis, it is an indication of illiquid stock.

6. Also, if there is a huge difference between the bid price and the ask price, chances are that the stock is illiquid.

One should look at one or more such factors to identify liquidity in a particular stock.

: The views and investment tips expressed by investment expert on Moneycontrol.com are his own and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
LANSING  The Food Bank Council of Michigan today called on every Michigander to help feed an ever-increasing number of children, families and seniors who find themselves without food during the COVID-19 crisis.

Coordinated by the Food Bank Council of Michigan, the initiative encourages donors to virtually shop for food items or make a direct donation at www.MichiganFoodDrive.org. In addition, contributors can select which of the states seven regional food banks receives the donation. The Council will distribute undesignated funds and food to areas of greatest need.
Health officials have admitted publishing the wrong figures about the number of people testing positive for coronavirus in part of Northern Ireland.

Inaccurate and incomplete data on the number of confirmed cases in the Western Trust area was released by the Public Health Agency (PHA) this week.

It has now been corrected.

Since April 4, tests on people within the Western Trust have been carried out at laboratories in Altnagelvin hospital.

According to the PHA, the results of these tests were not in its daily updates "due to reporting issues".

The Belfast Telegraph understands these were because the Western Trust supplied data in a different format to other Trusts, but this has now been resolved.

Gary Middleton, a DUP MLA in the area, said providing the wrong information could be "disastrous".

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SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan said: "People must continue to treat the coronavirus with the severity it requires. Misleading figures, due to omission, is unhelpful and causes unnecessary confusion."

The Belfast Telegraph has reported in recent days that the number of cases - and deaths - from Covid-19 are likely to be significantly higher than reported.

The PHA publishes the numbers of people who have tested positive for the virus from each council area.

Figures for the two main council areas served by the Western Trust - Derry and Strabane and Fermanagh and Omagh - had remained mostly static this week.

In Derry and Strabane, with a population of well over 150,500, the number of positive tests on Monday, April 6 as reported by the PHA was 51 and on Thursday, the figure was 52.

On Friday this spiked to 77 after all the tests results supplied by the Western Trust were used by the PHA.

Similarly, the number of positive tests in the Fermanagh and Omagh Council area, where the total population is almost 117,000, showed just one additional case from Monday, when the figure was 42 until Thursday.

Once the PHA included all data from the Western Trust, the figure rose to 52 on Friday.

As there is no community testing anywhere in Northern Ireland, the figure for the actual number of people who have contracted coronavirus is still a mystery.

The Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, has previously said he believes there are "many thousands" of cases in Northern Ireland.

Dr Connor Bamford, a virologist at Queen's University, last week estimated the true number of cases could be over 50,000.

Mr Durkan, an MLA for Foyle, said getting accurate and information to the public from the PHA was crucial if complacency was to be avoided.

He said: "As elected representatives, we are constantly asking people to follow the Public Health advice and rightly so.

"However, it is absolutely crucial that this information is accurate and fully up to date.

"We need to ensure the information we put in the public domain is completely accurate. The omission of data from a large Trust could also skew the figures across the North."

DUP MLA Gary Middleton said relating accurate information to the public is one of the most effective ways of making sure people stay at home.

He said: "Failing to provide the public with an accurate picture on the number of people in any part of Northern Ireland with coronavirus could prove disastrous and could lead to the spread of the virus.

"It is when people see the true extent of the spread of the virus that they will take seriously the very necessary control measures that have been put in place."

A spokeswoman for the Western Trust said: "Between Friday April 3 and Wednesday April 8, 344 Covid-19 test results were reported by the Western Trust."

A spokeswoman for the PHA said: "The PHA has worked closely with the Western Health and Social Care Trust around some of the reporting issues they experienced with regards the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests being reported to the PHA surveillance team.

"The reporting issues related to the data platforms that were being used by the respective parties to report into the PHA Surveillance function.

"This has now been resolved and the PHA is assimilating the backlog of data to provide a fuller report.

"From Friday April 10, the test data for the Western Trust area will now represent a more complete record."

Earlier this week, the chair of the British Medical Authority in Northern Ireland, Dr Tom Black, said the number of deaths in Northern Ireland could be 20 or 30% above the official figures being released.
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- Hong Kong led the world in adopting helicopter money. Now the citys long-term wage subsidies have again put it at the forefront of global efforts to blunt the impact of the coronavirus. Other economies should pay attention.

The government said this week that it will fund 50% of affected workers salaries for six months, capped at the equivalent of $1,160 a month. With the exception of Australia, most countries have offered shorter-term relief. Hong Kongs spending package reflects recognition that the economy will need support for longer than initially thought.

In February, Hong Kong announced a one-time payment equal to $1,290 to every adult permanent resident. That now looks hopelessly insufficient. The cash drop (not technically helicopter money since it isn't financed by central-bank money printing) was always problematic, as my colleague Andy Mukherjee noted. Besides being too small, it will also arrive too late  perhaps not until the third quarter or later. And theres nothing to stop people from saving it, which would defeat the object of trying to stimulate the economy.

Hence the new bazooka wheeled out by the government Wednesday. This one is targeted at employers, with the wage subsidies aimed at dissuading them from mass layoffs that would cause the economy to tank even further. The government seems to be more efficient at doling out cash to companies than to individuals: The subsidies will be distributed in two batches, with the first starting in June.

Hong Kongs relief package isnt the biggest around by any means. Its total fiscal stimulus amounts to around 10% of GDP, compared with 12% for Singapores plan and 20% for Japan. On its own, the $10.3 billion job security package amounts to 2.8% of the citys GDP, according to Bloomberg China economist Ashley Qian.

The duration is what makes it stand out. Singapore is doling out 75% of salaries capped at the equivalent of $3,231 for the month of April. The U.K. is covering 80% of wages for three months with a ceiling of $3,107, starting at the end of April. The U.S., meanwhile, is giving out enhanced unemployment benefits and a one-time check of $1,200 as part of its $2 trillion stimulus bill. It isnt aiming directly to keep people in work. Australia is one exception: The government there will pay wage subsidies of about $948 every two weeks per employee for six months.

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The contrast is instructive. As a low-tax financial center and trade entrepot, Hong Kong has a history of minimal state intervention in the economy. The city has prided itself on topping the Heritage Foundations list of the worlds freest economies (though it has now been displaced by Singapore). Wealth disparities are extreme.

Granted, there may be political factors at play. The Hong Kong government and its leader, Chief Executive Carrie Lam, are deeply unpopular, and there are legislative elections slated for September.

Even so, the type of wholesale, sustained government action that Hong Kong is now undertaking runs counter to its laissez-faire DNA. If the citys venture into direct cash distributions to individuals in February was a canary in the coal mine for the global economy, this may be another. Expect the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic to be slow and painful  and to require government support for much longer than many countries are currently anticipating.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Nisha Gopalan is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering deals and banking. She previously worked for the Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones as an editor and a reporter.

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinion

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Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy on Saturday said the chief ministers of some states urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stop governors and lieutenant governors from interfering in the functioning of state governments.

During a meeting held by the prime minister with the chief ministers of various states through video-conferencing, most chief ministers urged the Centre for financial aid as the states are facing a fund crunch in the absence of any economic activity due to the ongoing 21-day nationwide lockdown, Narayanasamy said.

"The states are facing a fund crunch and the chief ministers urged the prime minister for a package for all states and moratorium on debts, but the latter did not say anything on this," the Congress leader told a press conference through a video link.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In Worcester, dozens of new cases of COVID-19 have been detected at a city shelter and at a nursing home, City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. said at Friday afternoon press conference.

At the Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Barber Avenue, 91 residents have been tested for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. Of those residents, 46 tested positive, Augustus said.

Six of those residents are hospitalized. The symptoms of those who remain in the nursing home are mild, said Augustus, adding that there have been no deaths connected to that outbreak.

Additionally, 10 nursing home staff members were tested, and five are positive for the respiratory illness, the city manager said.

Worcester as a whole has 111 new coronavirus cases as of Friday, a significant increase, Augustus said. The citys total cases stands at 593.

There are 78 cases in Shrewsbury, 29 in Grafton, 28 in Holden and 8 in Leicester, the four towns to which Worcester provides public nursing services, Augustus said.

The city on Thursday started testing the homeless community at the SMOC shelter after Billy Riley, who runs the soup kitchen at St. Johns Food for the Poor, tested positive for coronavirus. Many people who stay at the shelter frequent the soup kitchen.

A total of 90 people were tested and 20 were positive, the city manager said. The city is working to move those who tested positive to a shelter at Worcester Technical High School, set up for members of the homeless population who test positive or need to quarantine.

There are no new cases of coronavirus among first responders, Augustus said, adding that all six firefighters who have tested positive have completed quarantine.

At both Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester and the UMass Memorial Health Care system combined, there are currently 143 inpatients with coronavirus, up nine from Thursday. Of those patients, 51 are in the intensive care unit, an increase of seven from Thursday.

The two systems have seen 24 patients die from illness related to the virus, two more deaths since Thursday. And a total of 94 employees from both systems have tested positive, seven more cases since Thursday, Augustus said.

At the field medical station at the DCU Center is currently treating three patients. One was transferred from Boston Medical Center as of Thursday and two more patients were on their way Friday, Augustus said.

The number of coronavirus cases in Massachusetts rose above 20,000 on Friday as the state Department of Public Health announced 96 more deaths because of the virus. A total of 599 residents have died.

In Worcester County, at least 1,678 people have tested positive for the respiratory illness, DPH said.

Gov. Charlie Baker said Friday that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health will issue an advisory recommending that people wear face masks or other face coverings in public.

Whether it has science behind it or not, we do know that it will help with keeping droplets from getting out from you as you talk or sneeze or cough, said Dr. Michael Hirsh, the medical director of the citys public health department. Please do that and maybe well have some sort of spring festival once this is all over.

At the press conference, Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Maureen Binienda said students should expect calls from their teachers soon. The schools have switched to remote learning and can find materials online at Worcesterschools.org or on the new Worcester Public Schools app.

Related Content:
Exclusive: Chinas Gestapo Exposed in Leaked Document; China Tech Companies Threaten National Security

A leaked document obtained by The Epoch Times from the 610 Office in Harbin shows the annual pay, internal budget, and names of individuals. The 610 Office has been compared to the Gestapo of the Nazi regime, and is an extrajudicial police force of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) assigned to carry about human rights abuses against Falun Gong practitioners.

Africans in China, meanwhile, are facing a potential humanitarian crisis. Many African students and business owners are now living on the streets in China after being evicted from their homes due to rumors that the virus was spreading through Africans.

And the United States is allegedly not slowing on programs through the Department of Justice directed at prosecuting cases tied to the CCPs programs of economic theft.

These stories and more in this episode of Crossroads.

Crossroads is an Epoch Times show available on Facebook and YouTube.
New Delhi, April 11 : Underlining the motto of 'jaan hai to jahaan hai' to 'jaan bhi, jahaan bhi', Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday for the third time interacted with the chief ministers to chalk out the exit plan for the lockdown and said there seems to be a consensus among the states to extend the lockdown by another two weeks.

The 21-day nationwide lockdown is coming to end on April 14 and the number of coronavirus cases is rising further across the country.

Talking about the exit plan from lockdown, the Prime Minister said, "There seems to be a consensus among the states on extension of lockdown by another two weeks." He underlined that the motto of the government earlier was 'jaan hai to jahaan hai' but now it is: 'jaan bhi, jahaan bhi'.

This was Modi's third interaction with the Chief Ministers. He interacted with the chief ministers earlier on March 20 and April 2.

The meeting went on for four hours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

During the video conference, the Prime Minister talked about strengthening healthcare infrastructure and reaching out to patients through tele-medicine and also suggested that direct marketing for farm produce can be incentivised to prevent crowding in mandis, for which model APMC laws should be reformed swiftly.

"Such steps will help farmers sell products at their doorstep," he said in the meeting.

The Prime Minister observed that the combined effort of the Centre and the states has definitely helped reduce the impact of Covid-19, but since the situation is rapidly evolving, constant vigilance is paramount.

He emphasized the criticality of coming 3-4 weeks for determining the impact of the steps taken till now to contain the virus, adding that teamwork is the key to facing the challenge.

Modi assured that India has adequate supplies of essential medicines and said that measures are being taken to ensure availability of protective gear and critical equipment for all front-line workers.

He also gave a "stern" message against black-marketing and hoarding.

Condemning and expressing distress at the instances of attacks on the doctors and medical staff, and at incidents of misbehavior with students from North-East and Kashmir, Prime Minister underlined that such cases need to be dealt with firmly.

He also spoke about the need to curb lockdown violations and ensure that social distancing is followed.

The Prime Minister also spoke about popularizing the Aarogya Setu app to ensure downloads in greater numbers.

He referred to how South Korea and Singapore got success in contact tracing. "Based on those experiences, India has made its own effort through the app which will be an essential tool in India's fight against the pandemic," he said.

He also referred to the possibility of the app being an e-pass which could subsequently facilitate travel from one place to another.

Talking about the economic challenges, Modi said that the crisis is an "opportunity" to become "self-reliant" and turn the nation into an economic powerhouse.

During the video conferencing, the Chief Ministers provided feedback about the Covid-19 positive cases in their respective states, steps taken by them to maintain social distancing, ramp up healthcare infrastructure, mitigate difficulties of migrants and maintain supply of essentials.

The Chief Ministers also suggested that lockdown should be extended by two weeks. They also sought financial and fiscal assistance from the Centre to boost their resources in this fight against the pandemic.

On Saturday, the total number of Covid-19 cases in India rose to 7,447 with 239 deaths across the country.

The Prime Minister had announced 21-day nationwide lockdown on March 23 during his second special address to the nation.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG), has provided food items to over a thousand people in different communities affected by the partial lockdown. The gesture was in fulfillment of the Banks pledge to support the fight against the spread of the coronavirus in Ghana.



The food items which included bags of rice, boxes of tin tomatoes, cooking oil, bags of gari, bags of sugar, tuna flakes and boxes of biscuits were donated to people with disability, the vulnerable, aged and HIV patients living in Adenta, Madina, Ashaiman, Bukom, and Sege all in the Greater Accra region and Alabar in Kumasi.

The Managing Director of CBG, Daniel Wilson Addo, said the donation was to supplement efforts being made to provide food for the vulnerable. Daily wage labourers, slum dwellers, and poor communities are being affected the most by the current partial lockdown. Our remit as a company in a difficult and unusual time such as this is to support them whichever way we can.



Mr. Addo added that the bank deemed it important to use part of its COVID-19 GH1 million commitment to support individuals and families who do not have adequate income and resources to stay home for days without going out to find food.



We believe that if every Ghanaian in the lockdown areas stays home, the country will control the spread of the virus. This is why CBG is giving these food items to enable these citizens to stay home. And it is our belief that this donation will inspire well-endowed Ghanaians and other organisations to also help these individuals across the country. Lets stay home to avoid more possible cases, he concluded.



Consolidated Bank has committed GH1 million cedis to support the Covid-19 fight in Ghana.



The amount is dedicated to public education and awareness, donations to selected institutions and communities, purchase of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), and other critical equipment. So far the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research and the Covid-19 National Trust Fund have received support from the Bank

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.

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CAIRO, April 11 (Reuters) - Egyptian police fired tear gas on Saturday to disperse a crowd of people who gathered in a village near the Nile Delta to prevent the burial of a doctor who died of coronavirus, according to local newspapers and footage on social media.

The interior ministry said 23 people were arrested, and the public prosecutor said his office will investigate the incident.

Footage posted online showed dozens of people gathered in front of an ambulance to stop it from entering the village's burial grounds over fears that the body could spread the virus. They scattered as police fired canisters of tear gas.

Egypt's Dar al-Ifta, the central authority in charge of issuing religious edicts or fatwas, said on Saturday that all those who die due to the coronavirus must be afforded their full religious burial rites and "honoured in death."

The bodies of those killed by COVID-19 are washed carefully and placed in a sealed body bag so as not to spread infection, a health ministry spokesman, Khaled Megahed, told the Saudi-owned Egyptian broadcaster MBC Masr.

Egypt on Saturday registered 145 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing the total to 1939 cases including 146 deaths.

Its doctor's syndicate said earlier that to date 43 doctors had contracted the disease and three had died.

The Arab world's most populous country has enforced a nightly curfew, banned large public gatherings, and closed schools and universities in a bid to curb the spread of the virus.

While the government has placed several villages on lockdown after cases of the coronavirus were detected, it has said it would not be possible to do so for large metropolitan areas. (Reporting by Omar Fahmy and Haitham Ahmed; Writing by Nadine Awadalla; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
New Delhi, April 11 : With 24 persons testing coronavirus positive on its premises, the Delhi State Cancer Institute has been closed to new patients and is being sanitised, an official said on Saturday.

Those found infected included three doctors, 18 nurses, and three patients.

"After the death of one patient, the remaining two have been admitted in the Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital. The Cancer Institute has stopped admitting new patients, as of now," the hospital management official said.

The 70 persons deployed at the institute have since been quarantined.

Meanwhile, the institute staff attributed corona positive cases to different sources. Some said it was due to the central air-conditioning, though nothing official has been said on the issue so far.

In the past two days, three patients were found corona positive, including a Ferozabad resident who was getting treated for stomach cancer. He has since died.

Earlier, after a Cancer Institute doctor was found corona positive, it was closed and sanitised.

The doctor had come in contact with 19 staff members, who too were tested. Two nursing staff were then found corona positive.
I had penned articles under the same agonising title in 2006, followed in 2007, in the spate of terrorist attacks by some wayward Muslim youth, who, totally misinterpreting Islam, took innocent lives either as murderers or as suicide bombers. Today, I think in the aftermath of the Tablighi Jamaat Markaz at Bangleywali Masjid, spreading coronavirus throughout India with its participants, going for the jugular of the same health workers who come to give them life, attacking the selfless police personnel and spitting on their faces, misbehaving with nurses by walking nude, urinating and defecating outside their rooms, lofting urine-filled bottles outside the windows in the isolation centers, as alleged, have all resulted in hanging my head in shame.

Firoz Bakht Ahmed I had penned articles under the same agonising title in 2006, followed in 2007, in the spate of terrorist attacks by some wayward Muslim youth, who, totally misinterpreting Islam, took innocent lives either as murderers or as suicide bombers. Today, I think in the aftermath of the Tablighi Jamaat Markaz at Bangleywali Masjid, spreading coronavirus throughout India with its participants, going for the jugular of the same health workers who come to give them life, attacking the selfless police personnel and spitting on their faces, misbehaving with nurses by walking nude, urinating and defecating outside their rooms, lofting urine-filled bottles outside the windows in the isolation centers, as alleged, have all resulted in hanging my head in shame.

In addition to that what more to be lamented is the fact that the community has been accusing the media for indulging in machinations to demonise Muslims.

In supplication to this is also the devilish creation of TikToks, mocking at the coronavirus, imploring Muslims not to wear masks and maintain social distancing and carry on congregations in the mosques. The situation is far more ghastly as the terrorist attacks take lesser lives while the spread of the disease by the followers of Tablighi Jamaat might be huge.

Perhaps, it seems to be a deliberate attempt to overlook and let down the state even in the wake of all the instructions of the Prime Minister and the government warning for the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic and for maintaining social distancing and staying at home.

These and many more people are also violating the golden mantra given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi - "Janata Curfew" (people's curfew), "Lakshman Rekha" (following deadlines) and "Jaan hei to Janaan hei" (If there is life, everything can be done). In fact, the true "Tabligh" should have been to get these three instructions be announced five times each day from the mosques.

The errant preaching of Maulana Saad catered to nothing in the name of God but misguided his innocent and unassuming followers from all corners of the world. He knew well that he was doing it in the wake of the government clearly announcing on March 14, 16, 19 and 24 (twice by Prime Minister Modi on March 19 and March 24) for social distancing via lockdown.

The biggest disservice that Maulana Saad has done to Muslims is that he has incited his unassuming devotees against the state, telling that the government has been trying to lock the mosques, besides it is creating divisions among Muslims by asking them to discontinue the congregations and that they avoid getting treated by non-Muslim doctors and that the best doctors would be from the Jamaat only. It's shocking that he has not spared even science and medicine besides telling them that it is better to die in mosques.

The Maulana has himself escaped under the guise of self-quarantine, leaving in the lurch his faithful followers who have been running from pillar to post spreading the disease. Besides, carrying the albatross of the coronavirus, they have been stigmatised by one and all.

Wherever they have lodged, they are refusing to get treated as Maulana Saad instructed them not to be treated by non-Muslims.

No one knows the brand of Islam that Maulana Saab has been propagating which exactly seems Talibanised rather than being of Sufi nature, ultimately providing the guilt edged opportunity to the Islam baiters.

Certainly the brand of Islam taught by Maulana Saad is not what was the hallmark of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) that was based on the teachings of the holy Quran and purely, the Sufi mannerisms to the extent that almost half of the world started following him. One fails to comprehend as to what kind of "Tabligh" (preaching) these Tablighis are propagating.

Frankly speaking, when one sees an exuberant religious head like Maulana Saad of the Markaz (other counterparts of his in other faiths being no lesser) enjoying an extremely secured and lavish lifestyle, I am reminded of the true Islamic fakirs and saints like Khwaja Hazrat Nizamuddin, Ameer Khusro and Hazrat Moinuddin Chishti, who used to fast in the day and prayed the whole night while breaking the fast with 'sookhi roti' (dried bread) and plain water. What a huge difference in lifestyle.

Sadly enough, the value system, something that must never change even after 1400 years, if compared to the times of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), has presently rattled down to a bottomless hell among Muslims who are ready to take or sacrifice life for the Prophet (PBUH) but wouldn't follow him in letter and spirit. God forbid, the Markaz Maulana, owing to his recalcitrant, stubborn and arrogant nature, could now be held responsible for 10,000 or more coronavirus deaths, the way he kept on carrying on with his religious gatherings.

Rather than coming in the open and asking all his Jamaatis be treated by the doctors, who have gone into the hiding unnecessarily weighing on government and police's resources in these times of crisis, like Nero, playing on his flute, he has disappeared into his ivory tower somewhere.

Despite an FIR against him for so many days, he hasn't been traced, nor surrendered - something that he must have done on the first day. When he stated that he wasn't afraid of anything, why has he escaped for the fear of getting arrested? The congregations continued till March 28 and it took an Ajit Doval, the National Security Adviser, to ask Saad Kandhlawi to get the premises vacated for fear of huge number of Covid-19 cases.

Muslims, already cajoled and beleaguered owing to being treated as the Congress vote bank for seven decades, have further been distancing themselves from the non-Muslims by aping their so-called belligerent leaders using inflammable language, like Asaduddin Owaisi, when he stated in an Aajtak debate, "Hazrat Adam ne pehle sarzameen-e-Hind per qadam rakha tha isliye, yeh hamarey baap ka mulk hei!" (Prophet Adam {Peace Be Upon Him} first stepped in India and it belongs to our father!) Such people have given a completely lopsided picture of Islam, otherwise a completely relaxed, full of accommodation and latest creed. People like Owaisi & Owaisi, Azam Khan, Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Shehla Rasheed besides the similar from the ilk, have done huge damage by distancing the community from the national stream of assimilation and passing spiteful remarks against the government.

Owing to such misleaders and the utter absence of leadership among Muslims, the community today has been at crossroads and now there is the scare of the backlash of the Hindu community, the way the Muslims, especially their leaders, maliciously snide at Modi and the present government.

In fact, it has just started as in certain channels, the viewers have started asking questions of the sort, "Why are Muslims anti-India?", "Why do Muslims want to spread Corona?" or "Why do Muslims hate Hindus?" Such mindset is not going to augur well, neither for Hindus nor for Muslims.

The fallout of the Muslim community's blind support to the Jamaat and the anti-government stand on the issues regarding the surgical strikes, triple talaq, Article 370, Mandir-Masjid and CAA has been that the ever friendly Hindus, more than 90 per cent of whom are truly secular and accommodating, have been feeling frustrated on account of this recalcitrant behaviour of Muslims.

Even after the Supreme Court decision on the Mandir-Masjid issue, when an air of amicability was seen between Hindus and Muslims, the AIMPLB (All India Muslim Personal Law Board), the so-called representative body of Muslims, annihilated that air of affability, and spited all that by filing the review petition on the unreasonable plea at that time that it is their constitutional right.

In almost all walks of life, including the televised debates, the way most Muslim leaders and representatives set a negative narrative, might result in the non-Muslims completely slamming whatever the opened doors were there. These bigots think that they have the right to dictate terms and espouse views on issues that extend from the public domain of Indian Muslims to the privacy of their bedroom. Stoke a controversy involving the community and the usual suspects start emerging from the murky and infested woodwork of the Muslim platforms. This might tear away in the social and secular fabric of India.

Though there might not be a Hindu backlash, yet the Indian Muslims have left no stone unturned in instigating the otherwise cool Hindu community. The direct example of the fallout of this disastrous situation is that a doctor in Rajasthan refused point blank to treat a terminally pregnant Muslim woman and told the couple to go to Jaipur. Aghast and disgusted, the couple proceeded to Jaipur in an ambulance and on the way, the infant was delivered but died for want of medical treatment. The doctor on duty must not have refused treatment at any cost to a patient by discriminating her on the basis of religion.

Yet another example of this has been when two non-Muslim women were standing at a Muslim fruit-seller's cart selling apples and one of them wanted to buy these. The other advised her not to buy as the vendor might have spitted on them! I view this venomous patterning to be the outcome of the spewing of venom by the so-called Muslim leaders who keep feathering their nests but leave their cajoled and beleaguered blind followers, at the mercy of God. How catastrophic can these things be remains only to be imagined! The present Markaz mishap has already created the social distancing, primarily between Hindus and Muslims and Prime Minister Modi supporters and haters. The unwarranted development smacks of the communalised ambience of 1947 pre and post Partition phase.

Though India will not see another vivisection; nevertheless, there's a parallel ghetto mindset that seems to have percolated among the Indian Muslims who do not want to adhere to the instructions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

There is a fear that the already beleaguered and cajoled Muslims may be ostracised in Indian society owing to being provoked by these clerics whose positions are safe owing to the material wealth sans all values, amassed by them but their unassuming brainwashed followers might face the backlash.

Nevertheless, the silver lining has been that not the entire Muslim community is like that. Still a 50 per cent has been liberal and balanced, catering to the voice of sanity and reason. The problem has been that this liberal chunk has no courage to come up openly and call a spade a spade. They fear that the belligerent other half will turn their lives hell if they support the government or Modi.

In the present scenario of these testing and trying times, one is reminded of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the doyen of communal harmony and the first Minister of Education of India, who was a deeply religious Muslim leader and renowned Islamic theologian but communal harmony was dearest to him.

While people were fleeing to Pakistan in 1947, he had stated: "Jo chala gaya usey bhool ja/ Hind ko apni jannat bana! (Forget the one who has left/ Let India be your home the best).

As the Arabs called India as Dar-ul-Harab (land ruled by non-Muslim), Maulana countered that by giving India the title - Dar-ul-Aman (land of peace). True, ours has been a land of mixed traditions.

Ex-President of India, Dr Zakir Hussain, who too devoted his life to Jamia Millia, never once mounted a platform to espouse a communal cause, nor did Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed. Today, people of their standing are needed to counter inflammable propaganda. Their very presence and action would keep the majority community in check. Instead, small time leaders have adopted the view that the best defence is offence.

Need of the hour is that all the people, irrespective of their region, religion, political and other loyalties, rise ecumenically to the occasion to fight the deadly virus as there is no way out.

( is the Chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University and the grandnephew of Bharat Ratna Maulana Abul Kalam Azad) arm/
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Mostly sunny and bitterly cold. It will feel like it's in the single digits and low teens..

Tonight

Partly cloudy and extremely cold. Wind chills around or below 0 degrees.
The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt.

REUTERS/U.S. Navy/Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Anna Van Nuys/Handout

There are now 550 sailors from the USS Theodore Roosevelt that have tested positive for coronavirus, according to the US Navy.

On Saturday, 100 new cases from the carrier were reported, accounting for 75% of the Navy's total coronavirus cases worldwide.

Over 90% of sailors from the aircraft carrier have been tested so far and 3,696 have been moved ashore.

The ship's captain was removed from service earlier this month after his letter begging the Navy to take swifter action leaked to the press.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The number of sailors from the USS Theodore Roosevelt who have tested positive for coronavirus rose by 100 Saturday afternoon, CNN first reported. A total of 550 cases have now been linked to the ship.

The aircraft carrier, which is crewed by roughly 4,800 sailors, has been dealing with a coronavirus outbreak since three sailors tested positive on March 24. Over 3,000 of the sailors were taken ashore in Guam Friday and over 90% have been tested, according to the US Navy.

Cases linked to the USS Theodore Roosevelt now account for 75% of cases in the entire Navy.

Capt. Brett Crozier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt's commanding officer, was removed from his post on April 2 after a letter in which he urged the Navy to take decisive action to evacuate the carrier's crew had been leaked.

"The spread of the disease is ongoing and accelerating," Crozier wrote in his letter. "Sailors do not need to die. If we do not act now, we are failing to properly take care of our most trusted asset  our Sailors."

Crozier's removal sparked outrage both within the Navy and throughout the US. Former Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly, the officer who removed Crozier, apologized and stepped down from his position Tuesday amid widespread backlash.

Morale has dipped in the wake of the episode, US Navy Vice Adm. Bill Merz told CNN Friday.

"There was lots of anxiety about the virus," Merz said. "I think we could have told them earlier what we knew ... I think we could have at least brought them in earlier and started having this dialogue up front."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Hong Kong: Tech enhances legal sector

Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng

The onset of COVID-19 has severely affected our economy and the legal sector was not spared. I have discussed with some of the representatives from the industry and we have carefully considered their suggestions with relevant government departments.

On Wednesday, the Government announced another package of measures to support individuals and businesses affected by COVID-19. Two of the measures are relevant to the legal sector: the establishment of LawTech Fund and the COVID-19 Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Scheme. Today, I would like to share with you the arrangement of the LawTech Fund.

The Government always attaches great importance to LawTech. In her 2018 Policy Address, the Chief Executive supported the development of an online platform by non-government organisations to facilitate the provision of efficient and cost-effective online dispute resolution services in Hong Kong. The Government would allocate funding for the development of this project.

At the Ceremonial Opening of the Legal Year 2019, I emphasised the importance of making use of technology in providing legal services, citing the United Nations General Assembly in 2016 in observing that online dispute resolution "can assist the parties in resolving the dispute in a simple, fast, flexible, and secure manner, without the need for physical presence at a meeting or hearing". The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation had responded to the call and embarked on a project to establish an ODR framework with micro, small and medium-sized enterprises as major beneficiaries.

Almost 18% of the annual caseload of the courts at all levels have been affected in the first two months of the General Adjourned Period since January 29. The Judiciary has earlier started using video-conferencing facilities for remote hearings on suitable civil cases at the High Court. The media reported the first hearing conducted through video-conferencing, quoting the legal representatives of both parties being supportive of the Judiciary's new measures in view of the low cost and smooth operation.

Given the severe impact brought by COVID-19, the Judiciary has been exploring the use of various technological means in conducting different types of hearings to address the growing backlog of cases caused by the postponement of hearings. The legal sector should also take this opportunity to review the wider use of LawTech and enhance their technological capability. The Government introduced the LawTech Fund, which aims to assist some small and medium size law firms/barristers' chambers in procuring and upgrading information technology systems (such as video-conferencing facilities) and attending LawTech training courses. This will be conducive to the promotion of use of technologies in the provision of legal services.

Under the scheme, law firms and chambers with not more than five practicing lawyers are eligible for application. Each firm/chamber will be eligible for a reimbursable amount of up to $50,000. Application for the fund will be jointly administered by the Law Society of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Bar Association. The details will be announced soon and the fund will be opened for application next month.

Other measures announced by the Government include: Enhancement of SME Financing Guarantee Scheme, Employment Support Scheme under which the Government will provide wage subsidy to eligible employers to retain employees (details will be available soon), as well as the creation of some time-limited jobs by the Department of Justice.

Government measures alone, however, would not be adequate. We must all stand united in solidarity to fight the virus and support Hong Kong.

Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng wrote this article and posted it on her blog on April 11.

This story has been published on: 2020-04-11. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Ministers and Government of Canada officials to hold a news conference on coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Media advisory

Ministers and Government of Canada officials to hold a news conference on coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

April 10, 2020, OTTAWA, ON  Ministers and Government of Canada officials will hold a news conference to provide an update on coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Date

April 11, 2020

Time

11:15 AM (EDT)

Location

West Block, Room 225

Parliament Hill

Wellington Street, Ottawa, Ontario

The media availability will also be held by teleconference.

Toll-free (Canada/US) dial-in number: 1-866-206-0153

Local dial-in number: 613-954-9003

Passcode: 1622050#

Twitter: @GovCanHealth

Facebook: Healthy Canadians

Media Inquiries:

Cole Davidson

Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu

Minister of Health

613-957-0200

Media Relations

Public Health Agency of Canada

613-957-2983

hc.media.sc@canada.ca
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 21:34:48|Editor: huaxia

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DHAKA, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese engineers have installed the 28th span of Bangladesh's largest Padma Bridge as China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Group Co., Ltd continued relentless efforts to ensure timely completion of the project despite the countrywide COVID-19 lockdown.

Days after completing the construction work of the last pillar of the bridge, the 3,140-ton span was placed on the pillars 20 and 21 of the bridge on Saturday morning.

With the installation of the 150-meter long span, the 28th span among the 41 spans has been installed on the 6.15 km bridge and 4,200 meters of the bridge is now visible.

In June 2014, the Bangladeshi government awarded China Railway Major Bridge Engineering Group a contract to build the core structure of the Padma Bridge project.

In December 2015, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the main works of Padma Bridge project, the biggest of its kind in the country.

Apart from connecting nearly 30 million people in Bangladesh's southwest region to the rest of the country, the bridge will enhance regional trade and collaboration along the Asian highway No. 1 and the Trans-Asian railway network.

Bangladesh on Friday extended the ongoing lockdown to April 25 to rein in the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Bangladesh health officials on Saturday confirmed another three deaths from the COVID-19, bringing the total number of fatalities in the country to 30.

According to the officials of the country's health ministry, Bangladesh has so far 482 confirmed COVID-19 cases.
A Lebanon, Pa., man known for playing a clown kept his smile through his coronavirus battle at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

So much so, the hospital photographer was clearly captivated by the professional clowns grin while battling the virus. So he snapped a heart-warming picture in the medical centers COVID-19 Unit and tweeted it out to keep spirits high during the pandemic.

The subject of the photo is identified as Wayne Huffy Hoffman from Lebanon. He is being cared for by nurse Katlyn Ecklund in the medical centers coronavirus unit.

The photographer who snapped the photo, Jason Plotkin, discovered Huffy came by his great grin from many years of moonlighting as a clown, writing:

I found out that he has been a clown for the past 35 years in Lebanon. Among all of this fear and sadness, it's a gentle reminder that we still have those who make us smile. Thanks, Huffy.

READ MORE:

Heres the tweet from Penn State Health, a multi-hospital health system serving patients and communities across central Pennsylvania:

Thank you to the #HealthcareHeroes working each day to care for patients like Wayne Huffy Hoffman from Lebanon. Katlyn Ecklund, a resident nurse in our #COVID19 Unit, joins him in giving a thumbs up. We wish you the best in this fight! pic.twitter.com/EBKBAt2Qts  Penn State Hershey (@PennStHershey) April 10, 2020

And heres the original tweet from the Penn State Health photographer, Jason Plotkin:

I met Huffy, a COVID-19 positive patient in the unit at @PennStHershey on Thursday. I found out that he has been a clown for the past 35 years in Lebanon. Among all of this fear and sadness, it's a gentle reminder that we still have those who make us smile. Thanks, Huffy. pic.twitter.com/7LJ8AQ09RO  Jason Plotkin (@Jasonplotkin) April 11, 2020

One things for sure, despite being hospitalized with coronavirus, theres no tears from this clown.

Yes indeed, thanks Huffy!

READ MORE:

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Finance ministry seeing no conditions for Ukraine's public debt restructuring

17:40, 11.04.20 3468

The Cabinet of Ministers is counting on support from the IMF, the World Bank, and the European Union.
Abhimanyu Dassani, after his debut film, Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota, is all set to return to the screen with Shilpa Shetty and Shirley Setia. The film, Nikamma, will be Shilpa's big return to the screen after 13 years of gap, and it will also mark Shirley's Bollywood debut. Abhimanyu, during an interview with ET, spilled the beans about the film and his co-stars

Talking about his shooting experience with the ace actress, Shilpa Shetty, Dassani said, "I had a lovely experience shooting for Nikamma with Shilpa ma'am. She is absolutely wonderful. Not just as a co-actor, but off the sets also she has helped me a lot. And I feel this is why she is a legend. That is one of the reasons she has survived all these years in the industry."

"She was one of the firsts to get those YouTube videos and the health app out. She is an absolute hustler. I am happy to work with her and learn as much as I can." he added.

Talking about the film, Nikamma which is a romantic action comedy, and Abhimanyu's debut film, Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota, also belonged to a similar genre.

When asked about receiving awards for his debut film, Dassani said it felt like all of their work was validated, "I received an award for the film even before the film was released- International Best Young Actor award at Macau. So it was validated back then by international directors and producers so that felt really good. It felt like I am taking something back for the team because so many people put in a lot into the film and they all deserved it."

Abhimanyu also revealed that he is excited about his second project, which is an out-and-out commercial film. He has already bagged his third project titled, Aankh Micholi, which is a comedy film. Talking about it he added, "I think the genres of my films show my range as an actor. I challenge myself every time."

Nikamma has been delayed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The film, directed by Sabbir Khan and produced under the banner of Sony Pictures Networks India and Shabbir Khan Films, was scheduled to release in Summer 2020.

Neha Kakkar Reveals Singers Don't Get Paid For Bollywood Songs: 'They Feel We'll Earn Through Shows'

Karisma Kapoor Reveals Daughter Samaira Is Interested In All Aspects Of Filmmaking Not Just Acting
Unions representing health workers and civil servants have said they understand why their members are outraged at MPs being offered a 10,000 boost in expenses to help them deal with coronavirus.

Both Unison and Nipsa have fought hard for better pay and conditions for the people they represent.

They are dismayed by reports this week that MPs' allowances are to rise. The extra allowance can be used to buy additional equipment such as laptops and printers for staff having to work from home.

Union members took to social media to express anger, with many pointing out that MPs can already claim 26,000 for office expenses on top of their 82,000 salaries.

Meanwhile, sick leave for health workers and civil servants is a mere 95 a week.

The offer of additional allowances was defended by some local MPs, including the DUP's Westminster leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, who said it was indicative of exceptional circumstances and would allow for the purchase of additional IT equipment.

One post on the Belfast Telegraph website, from Andrea Preston, said: "I work for NHS and had to borrow a laptop to be able to work from home. I had to install all IT myself onto it."

In another comment, Brian Mullan added: "What MP does not have a home office already? They already have a more than generous expense account. This is an insult to every business owner and employed person forced to work from home. Where is their 10,000 assistance?"

And Audrey Stevenson said: "Disgraceful."

Unison regional secretary Patricia McKeown said she can comprehend why some people are angry. "I understand the disgust of front line workers out there, taking the risks they're taking and having to do things like find extra money for childcare in order to be on the front line putting themselves at risk," she said.

At a time when food bank access has gone through the roof, Universal Credit applications have spiked like never before and front line services are running to stand still, it certainly seems unjustifiable John Stewart

Alison Millar from Nipsa said a 10,000 increase in MP expenses is hard to justify.

"Civil servants and other low paid workers who are having to work from home are not being given any additional remuneration - this has prompted me to formally write and ask for it," she said.

"It's unjustifiable when all other public and private sector workers are not receiving any additional remuneration when they're told to work from home. There should be equality of treatment for all workers."

Meanwhile, UUP economy spokesman John Stewart said he could not see how 10,000 "could possibly be spent".

"To me, that money seems unfair and I don't honestly see how it's required," he said. "At a time when food bank access has gone through the roof, Universal Credit applications have spiked like never before and front line services are running to stand still, it certainly seems unjustifiable."

Sir Jeffrey said the parliamentary authorities have made provision for MPs to avail of additional office costs so that staff may safely continue their work.

"It allows for the purchase of any additional IT equipment for staff to work from home or for telephone systems to be amended so that important queries from constituents can still be dealt with," he added.

"The increase is obviously an exceptional measure and it was a decision taken quickly by Ipsa (Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority) to assist during this exceptional time of crisis."

A spokeswoman for the SDLP, which has two MPs including party leader Colum Eastwood, said the allowance "is designed to allow MPs and staff to work effectively from home".

Stephen Farry, the Alliance Party's only representative at Westminster, said he did not think he would need to access the additional coronavirus fund.

"This is a decision taken independently from MPs and its purpose is to facilitate remote working," he said.

A spokesman for Sinn Fein said the guidelines on social distancing had created the need for additional IT equipment.

"This proposal is not an increase in MP or staff salary," he stated. "It is an uplift in office cost allowance for ensuring a constituency service can continue to operate remotely in these times of crisis and to meet the needs of constituents.

"Given the increased demand on constituency services at a time of public health emergency, constituency workers should be able to work safely from home or adhere to strict social distancing guidelines, this inevitably creates a need for additional IT equipment."

The extra funds will be available until March 2021 and come with a relaxation of the rules on evidence of purchases.

The monthly credit limit on MPs' payment cards has also been increased to 10,000, while the single transaction limit has been increased to 5,000.
In the era of the Internet, where content is created for e-commerce, where families can freely face each other on phones while one is in a foreign land, the global village is certainly still segregated according to specific groups. So, as good as it is to gain knowledge with just a click of a button, one must always be able to know what questions to ask first.

And so, one will find it extremely unlikely to be knowledgeable about the traditions and practices of one culture if the only exposure they have to it is portrayals on TV by characters or personalities tied to that culture.

Perhaps the biggest, most influential juggernaut of a singular non-English culture today is the phenomenally successful Netflix series, La Casa de Papel. Another follow up is the smaller-budgeted but just as beloved Elite, both taking place in Spain.

There is a country's worth of information to know about Spain's culture, but these are some little traditional tidbits that you may have remembered from TV, memes on the Internet, or even from people you know!

Customs

Queuing in Spain entails one to ask politely who the last person on the line was. "Quien es el ultimo?" It is essential to ask everybody, "who's last?" Otherwise, you are not counted as part of the queue.

Children in Spain are given two first names and two surnames: Their father's first surname and their mother's first surname. The father's name is used on a day to day basis, while the mother's name comes last.

Also, the next time you visit Spain, do bear in mind their siesta time. Most stores close between 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM since the employees are sent home to take a rest from the city grind. Loosely translated as "nap," it is customary for everyone to take a break during the hottest part of the day.

Check these out!

Traditions

As though a twist to Western custom, in Spain, on your birthday, you get to buy your cake-as well as food for the guests. The idea is to celebrate the day of your birth by treating your family and friends.

On New Year's Eve, one might find that collecting grapes might not at all be an ideal way of spending the end of a year. However, it has been a century-long tradition in Spain to eat 12 grapes for the last twelve seconds while counting down for the New Year.

In other countries, preparing presents for a baby shower is usually a cinch: After all, these can be clothes, bottles, and toys! In Spain, it is more common to look for gifts that are given based on the weight of the baby.

For example, were a child to weigh 4kg, then the present, usually ham, must weigh the same amount! However, this doesn't compare to a tradition in Spain, which involves jumping over newborn babies.

Festivals

In commemoration of St. Fermin, Pamplona holds the world-renowned Running of the Bulls, where the horned mammals run through the city's streets. Almost 800 years old, this festival inspired Ernest Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises."

Sometimes, that doesn't make the cut for a lot of people. If the idea of large bulls running across the streets of a Spanish town doesn't excite you, then a city-wide food fight might be able to! La Fiesta de Tomatin takes place on the outskirts of Valencia, land of the bountiful tomatoes.
Erin McDowell, an Insider reporter, set the table before a virtual dinner party. This Passover and Easter, many millennials will be setting tables away from their parents and loved ones too.

Erin McDowell/Insider

Some millennials are refusing to visit their parents for Passover and Easter in order to continue to protect them from the novel coronavirus.

But some parents see the decision as extreme and even selfish, causing rifts in families when they're supposed to come together.

The conflict is especially tough because families can't plan on a time when they're sure they'll be able to see each other again. Plus, everyone's heightened awareness of mortality makes time together seem even more precious.

Experts recommend reminding yourself feelings, unlike serious illness, can heal, and promising to make up for lost time when it's safe.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Pre-coronavirus, Ruby De Santiago saw her parents, who live six minutes away, on a daily basis.

Her big, Latin family gathered for family dinners four to five times a week, and went all-out to celebrate birthdays, quinceaneras, and weddings, often with their extended family of more than 120  all of whom live in Northwest Arkansas.

Related: How Long Will Social Distancing Last? Its Complicated.

Outside of Christmas, Easter has been the biggest deal of all. "In my 32 years of life, I have never missed Easter dinner with my family," De Santiago, a technical product manager and single mom, told Insider.

So when her dad called to invite her over for the holiday this year, it was with a heavy heart that De Santiago declined. She's immunocompromised, her son has health issues, and she knows her siblings come and go from their parents' house as they please. Plus, her dad has health problems of his own.

Attending Easter is just too much of a risk for the whole family's health while so much of the coronavirus pandemic remains unknown, she reasoned. Her father took offense.

"He said, 'En serio no nos podemos ver?'  'Seriously, we can't see each other? Doesn't this feel a bit extreme? I miss you and my grandson. We won't hug and will keep a distance. Don't you love us?'" she recalls. "It broke my heart."

Story continues

Similar scenes are playing out across the country: Millennials are declining their parents' Passover and Easter invitations out of love, but doing so is causing a rift at the very time families are supposed to be coming together.

The conflict is especially tough because, with no clear end of the pandemic in sight, families can't comfort each other with a future birthday or holiday they know they'll all be able to attend.

And, as the virus heightens millennials' awareness of their parents mortality, they have to fight the natural instinct to want to maximize time with older generations.

Insider talked to millennials embroiled in similar struggles, and mental health professionals on how to deal.

'To think all I did for you as a child'

Declining Passover with his mom and sister was only the latest blow Daniel, a 28-year-old in California, delivered to his family.

Weeks ago, he refused to help his mom move, reasoning that she, as someone in a high-risk category for severe illness, should stay in place, which was a possibility, until the coronavirus threat passed. Plus, Daniel is on immunosuppressing drugs for an autoimmune disorder and wanted to keep himself safe by locking in place, too.

"When my mom caught wind of me not being willing to drive across state lines and help her move, she said, 'I heard you're not going to help your mother. To think of all the times I helped you as a child,'" Daniel, whose last name is omitted as to not hurt his family further, told Insider. "I was shocked."

The dialogue in Hebra Rush's family isn't so sharp, but rooted in a similarly mismatched perspective.

The public school teacher in Takoma Park, Maryland, continues to turn down her parents' offers to take care of her two young children. They're staying in a vacation mountain home just over an hour away and, unlike Rush  who's teaching her own kids as well as her students while her husband, an essential worker, continues to go to the office a few times a week  have time and energy on their side.

"I could not live with myself if one of the kids was an asymptomatic carrier or became symptomatic during the time that either of them were in my parent's care," Rush told Insider. "My dad says, 'If something happens it's not your fault,' which is ridiculous because it would be exactly my fault."

Her parents are particularly upset about her decision's effect on their Passover plans. "It took them a long time to accept that we would not be doing a family Seder this year," Rush said.

In this April 8, 2020, photo, Tali Arbel and her family and friends from other places are pictured on a New York computer screen during a virtual Seder for Passover. (AP Photo/Tali Arbel)

Tali Arbel/AP Photo

Mental health experts say reminding yourself why you're making the decision can help

Since the coronavirus began invading the US, it's caused a generational divide between millennials and boomers in many domains, Business Insider previously reported.

The older generation, in general, isn't as anxious about their health, despite being statistically more vulnerable to severe illness from the disease. Millennials are worrying for them. Boomers are also not physical distancing as diligently as millennials, perhaps because they're not as comfortable using technology to stay connected.

The current holiday season is only highlighting how these divides affect families.

Mental health professionals recommend younger generations remind themselves why they're making the hard decision to stay physically away from their parents.

"You're doing it because you really do love those people and care about them and wanting to protect them," Timothy Strauman, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University, said in a webcast for journalists March 8.

"You probably won't agree on the best strategies. You probably won't agree on everything, but it's possible to get through this by focusing on 'everything I'm doing, I'm doing too care for myself, to care for the people that I love."

Terrie Moffitt, also a psychology professor at Duke and panelist during the webcast, said she uses two strategies when turning down invites from family and friends. First, she explains why she can't afford to get sick, like her responsibilities to students and patients. Then, if appropriate, she asks them about how diligent they've been in their social distancing, which usually doesn't match up to her standards.

"I haven't had anyone become upset," she said.

Julie L. Pike, a clinical psychologist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, said can be helpful to remember that, unlike some serious illnesses, hurt feelings can heal. "Everyone gets to have their feelings, and we don't need to fix it for them," she told Insider. "Usually people just need a little bit of time to process their disappointment or sadness."

And, while it's too soon to guarantee a date when you can physically visit relatives again, you can remind them this is an "extraordinary situation of crisis" and make plans to make up for lost time whenever it becomes safe, Strauman said. "I promise you that as soon as this passes," he recommended saying, "we will rebuild and rejuvenate the relationship that we have."

Insider
Priyank Reveals He Has Been Dating Benafsha Since 2.5 Years; Says They Fit Together Like Missing Pieces Of A Puzzle
The coronavirus death toll in the United States has surpassed Italy's on Saturday, with more than 20,087 Americans dying from the virus.

Italy has recorded 18,849 deaths as of this afternoon.

The US also yesterday recorded the deadliest day from the coronavirus pandemic any country has so far seen as it becomes the first to mark 2,000 deaths in 24 hours.

In the country's epicenter, New York , Governor Andrew Cuomo confirmed 783 more people died from the virus yesterday, bringing the death toll in the state to 8,627.

Althought the number of deaths was 'stabilizing', it was 'stabilizing at an horrific rate', Cuomo said.

According to the latest figures, 508,791 Americans have now tested positive for COVID-19.

As of Saturday midday, there were more than 2,700 new cases compared to the day before.

Italy has continued to show signs its coronavirus lockdown is working as the number of new deaths and infections both fell today.

The number of fatalities recorded on Friday was 570, down from 610 the previous day, while the number of new cases slowed to 3,951 from 4,204 the day before.

The latest tallies broadly confirm what experts describe as a plateau of new cases and deaths, which are no longer accelerating but are still not falling steeply.

The total death toll since the outbreak came to light on February 21 rose to 18,849, the Civil Protection Agency said, which before Saturday was the highest in the world.

The number of officially confirmed cases climbed to 147,577, the third highest global tally behind those of the United States and Spain.

With the New York metropolitan swamped with cases, fear mounted over the spread of the virus into the nation's heartland.

Twenty-four residents of an Indiana nursing home hit by COVID-19 have died.

Chicago's Cook County has set up a temporary morgue that can take more than 2,000 bodies.

And Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been going around telling groups of people to 'break it up.'

As the coronavirus tightens its grip across the country, it is cutting a particularly devastating swath through an already vulnerable population  black Americans.

Democratic lawmakers and community leaders in cities hard-hit by the pandemic have been sounding the alarm over what they see as a disturbing trend of the virus killing African Americans at a higher rate, along with a lack of overall information about the race of victims as the nations death toll mounts.

Among the cities where black residents have been hard-hit: New York, Detroit, New Orleans, Chicago and Milwaukee.

A history of systemic racism and inequity in access to health care and economic opportunity has made many African Americans far more vulnerable to the virus.

Black adults suffer from higher rates of obesity, diabetes and asthma, which make them more susceptible, and also are more likely to be uninsured.

They also often report that medical professionals take their ailments less seriously when they seek treatment.

'The rate at which black people are dying, compared to whites, is really just astounding,' said Courtney Cogburn, an associate professor at the Columbia University School of Social Work.

'There are patterns at this intersection of race and socioeconomic status that make it very clear this is just not a story about poverty.'

The pandemic's center of gravity has long since shifted from China to Europe and the United States, which now has by far the largest number of confirmed cases, with more than half a million.

About half the deaths in the United States were in the New York metropolitan area, where hospitalizations were nevertheless slowing down and other indicators suggested social distancing is 'flattening the curve' of infections.

But with authorities warning that the crisis in New York is far from the over, the city announced that its 1.1 million-student school system will remain closed for the rest of the academic year.

At the end of a week officials had warned would be this generations Pearl Harbor, White House officials pointed to hopeful signs Friday that the spread of the coronavirus could be slowing, even as President Donald Trump insisted he would not move to reopen the country until it is safe.

At the same time, Trump said he would be announcing the launch of what he dubbed the 'Opening our Country' task force next Tuesday to work toward that goal.

'I want to get it open as soon as possible,' he said at a Good Friday briefing, while adding:

'The facts are going to determine what I do.'

With the economy reeling and job losses soaring, Trump has been itching to reopen the country, drawing alarm from health experts who warn that doing so too quickly could spark a deadly resurgence that could undermine current distancing efforts.

But Trump, who had once set Easter Sunday as the date he hoped people in certain parts of the country might begin to return to work and pack church pews, said he would continue to listen to health experts like Drs. Anthony Fauci and Deborah Birx as he considers what he described as the 'biggest decision Ive ever had to make.'

While 'there are both sides to every argument,' he said, 'were not doing anything until we know that this country is going be healthy. We dont want to go back and start doing it over again.'

More than 40 per cent of the deaths in the US so far have happened in New York state, which reported 777 new deaths on Friday.

But there were also signs of hope.

State officials reported that the number of people in intensive care dropped for the first time there since mid-March.

Hospitalizations are also slowing, with 290 new patients admitted in a single day versus daily increases of more than 1,000 last week.

While bemoaning the death numbers as 'so horrible,' Trump said 'tremendous progress' is being made.'

'In the midst of grief and pain, were seeing clear signs that our aggressive strategy is saving countless lives,' he said, pointing to models that are now forecasting far fewer US deaths than had originally been predicted.

Health experts have warned, however, that if the country rolls back restrictions too quickly, case levels could once again begin to soar, especially without widespread testing to determine who might be a carrier of the virus.

While the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people, for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.

And research has shown that people can be highly infectious even if they are not displaying symptoms.

Fauci, the nations top infectious-diseases expert, told CNN that the timeline for reopening the country would be informed by a team that has been reviewing data day-by-day and presenting that information to the president.

'The virus kind of decides whether or not its appropriate to open it,' he said.

'The one thing you dont want to do is you dont want to get out there prematurely and then wind up backtracking.'

Still, he cautioned that there will most certainly be cases when that day comes.

'When we decide, at a proper time, when were going to be relaxing some of the restrictions, theres no doubt youre going to see cases,' he said.

'The question is how you respond to them.'
The Indian Army on Friday responded to the ceasefire violation of the Pakistan Army by destroying the terror launch pads in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). According to reports, the terror launch pads were used by terrorists who were killed in the Keran sector. Reportedly, the five terrorists were killed by the Army Special Forces in fierce combat on April 5.

Along with destroying the terror launch pads, an ammunition dump of the Pakistan Army has also been destroyed.

Five terrorists killed

Foiling Pakistan's attempt to push infiltrators in Kashmir, the Indian Army on April 5, gunned down five terrorists in an encounter in the Keran area of Kashmirs Kupwara district. The encounter occurred in the Shalbatoo Jumgund area after the terrorists from Pakistan crossed over to this side of the line of control. As per reports, five soldiers of the elite 4 Parachute unit engaged the infiltrators at point-blank range amidst heavy snow, neutralizing the entire batch before succumbing to injuries in the fierce combat.

Read: Amit Shah asks BSF to enhance vigil along Pakistan, Bangladesh borders: MHA official

Further, the elite soldiers were airdropped near the LoC as a part of the Keran operation, which began on April 1 upon receiving information that Pakistan is pushing terrorists infected with COVID-19 in India to weaken its battle against the pandemic.

Read: Amid COVID-19 spread, Indian Army to take over screening duties at Narela quarantine camp

Indian Army prevents Pak's infiltration bid

As per sources, a group of terrorists crossed LoC during the night of April 1 along the Gulab Post in Keran Sector. However, they were blocked by a patrolling party of 8 JAT regiment deployed in Shalbutoo Jumgund. During the initial exchange of fire in order to prevent the infiltration bid, five Indian Army soldiers laid their lives.

Read: Want India's Covid help? Send terrorists like Hafiz Saeed, vacate PoK: Kapil Mishra to Pak

Read: Read this valorous tale as Indian Army Jawans foil Pak terrorists in Keran even amid Covid

(With ANI Inputs)
The White House launched an extraordinary attack on Voice of America on Friday, saying the federally funded but independent news service had promoted Chinese government propaganda in its reporting about the coronavirus outbreak.

The critique was found on the official White House website, flagging its brief statement with a provocative headline: "Amid a Pandemic, Voice of America Spends Your Money to Promote Foreign Propaganda."

The unsigned statement said, in part: "Journalists should report the facts, but VOA has instead amplified Beijing's propaganda. This week, VOA called China's Wuhan lockdown a successful 'model' copied by much of the world-and then tweeted out video of the Communist government's celebratory light show marking the quarantine's alleged end."

It added, "Even worse, while much of the U.S. media takes its lead from China, VOA went one step further: It created graphics with Communist government statistics to compare China's Coronavirus death toll to America's. As intelligence experts point out, there is simply no way to verify the accuracy of China's numbers."

The statement was preceded by a barbed tweet on Thursday from Dan Scavino, President Donald Trump's social media director. Over VOA's own tweet showing a Chinese celebration marking the end of a lockdown, Scavino tweeted, "American taxpayers-paying for China's very own propaganda, via the U.S. Government funded Voice of America! DISGRACE!!"

Scavino is one of President Trump's longest-serving aides; he often produces videos that accompany Trump's tweets.

The stinging public criticism, which may be unprecedented by an administration since VOA was founded in 1942, took VOA officials by surprise.

"I'm afraid I can't tell you what prompted it," said Amanda Bennett, the VOA's director. "I don't actually know. It just came out of the blue."

VOA has for decades provided audio, video and print news reports in multiple languages around the world, often serving as the only source of independent information in countries where the domestic news media is censored or state-controlled.

Like several western news organizations, including The Washington Post, VOA has been imploring the Chinese government to allow its journalists to report from within China. The government hasn't renewed the visas of VOA reporters, forcing its journalists to report from neighboring Taiwan and from Hong Kong.

Although funded by Congress, VOA is screened from political influence by an independent board, called the U.S. Agency for Global Media.

However, Trump has occasionally given indications that he wanted to wrest more control of the board and VOA itself. VOA staffers reacted with some alarm early in his administration when Trump dispatched two staffers to review its newsroom in Washington. The visit followed a tweet from the VOA's social media account questioning former press secretary Sean Spicer's erroneous claims about the size of the crowd at Trump's inauguration.

Trump has nominated a conservative filmmaker, Michael Pack, to chair the board that oversees VOA. But Pack's nomination has been held up in the Senate for nearly two years by Democrats and some Republicans.

VOA is one of the largest newsgathering operations in the world, with some 1,500 employees. Bennett, effectively its top editor, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and former editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

It has reported widely and critically about the official Chinese response to the coronavirus outbreak for months. Among other things, it debunked Chinese and Russian claims that the U.S. military was involved in spreading the virus in Wuhan.

However, in its statement, the White House claimed that VOA had amplified propaganda from other authoritarian regimes.

"Last year, VOA helped highlight the Twitter feed of Iran Foreign Minister Javad Zarif while he was issuing threats against the U.S. and sharing Russian anti-U.S. propaganda videos," it said.

But Bennett defended VOA's independence, and categorically denied any favoritism.

"We have never promoted propaganda for anyone," she said. "We cover stories from all different sides. That's part of the reason we are so trusted by people around the world."

A White House representative didn't return a request for comment on Friday.
The orchestra from Milan's famous La Scala opera house has launched a video appeal for musicians to join them across Italy on Sunday to wish doctors and nurses a Happy Easter.

The 64 musicians from the 'Filarmonica della Scala' took up their instruments to record the message, which urges people of any musical ability to download the score and join them in playing 'Pachelbel's Canon' from their homes on Easter Sunday.

Those who cannot play an instrument are urged to download the orchestra's pre-recorded version and play it on their stereos to take part in the "call to action", which is dedicated not only to medical staff but everyone helping the needy.

Italy was the first Western democracy to be hit by the virus, and it has suffered the most deaths of any nation: nearly 19,000 as of Saturday.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

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.

(Image Credit Pixabay) (Representative Image)
NEW HAVEN  Two New Haven nursing homes have a total of 59 patients who are positive for COVID-19, which has prompted the New Haven Department of Health to tour the facilities and give them advice on how best to stop the spread.

The Grimes Center, part of Yale New Haven Health, has 49 patients with the serious respiratory illness, while the Mary Wade Home has 10 such residents, according to the mayor.

The situation at the local nursing homes was one of the major topics addressed by Mayor Justin Elicker in his dailly press update Friday on the coronavirus pandemic. He also talked about the stand-up testing facility planned for the city by CVS and the delivery of some 10,095 N95 masks by the state that will go mainly to public safety personnel.

The number of New Haven residents testing positive for COVID-19 was at 488 Friday, with 14 fatalities.

Elicker said in his conversations with the nursing homes, it was clear both are working very, very hard and doing their best to follow the guidelines ... to make sure that they are protecting their residents. It is a very, very challenging situation.

The mayor added that he was happy about the collaboration with them.

Elicker said ultimately the state is the lead on regulating nursing homes, but both the city, which has a relationship with them, and the state, advised them to take health-care workers temperature when they arrive and ask detailed questions about their own health; mandate that workers and residents wear masks at all times; ensure adequate cleaning of congregate rooms and bathrooms; and thoroughly clean equipment used in multiple rooms, such as blood-pressure cuffs.

Vincent Petrini, a vice president at Yale New Haven Health, said at Grimes, which is a skilled nursing facility, 47 patients tested positive for the virus with 13 of them hospitalized. He could not immediately reconcile the citys report that Grimes had 49 positive cases of the respiratory disease.

The facility has 114 beds with a total of 70 patients, all of whom now have been tested for the coronavirus. He said those who are virus-free have been sequestered in another part of the facility. Petrini said the total number of patients is lower than normal after Grimes discharged many to create capacity.

He said they anticipated that they would have patients with COVD-19 and have the right number of staff and personal protective equipment to handle the situation at Grimes. He said 43 percent of nursing homes in the state have patients with COVID-19.

Petrini said the total number of patients at Yale New Haven Hospital with the coronavirus was 370 Friday, while across their five hospitals it was 653. YNHH hospital has tested 1,756 people for the coronavirus.

David Hunter, CEO at the Mary Wade Home, said in a statement that cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed at the Boardman Residential Care Home at Mary Wade.

The residents were admitted to Yale-New Haven Hospital and their families notified according to our policy; as required, we have notified city and state public health officials, and are following procedures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Hunter said. There is no greater priority at Mary Wade than the health and well-being of our residents and the staff members who care for them; we are taking every step as recommended by public health authorities to contain the spread. We want to reassure residents, their families, our dedicated staff and our community that we are on top of the situation.

At this time, our focus is on ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents and staff, and we are following proper infection control and emergency preparedness to ensure their safety and well-being, Wade said. We are communicating all updates on a daily basis to our residents, their family members and employees through a multitude of internal communication channels, and will provide ongoing updates through our webpage and social media channels for families, media, and the greater community.

We continue to offer every assurance to our residents, their families and our employees that Mary Wade will follow all recommendations and will act in the best interests of our entire community.

In answer to a question, the mayor said he did not think this was the time to penalize nursing homes for the spread of the virus unless it represented something egregious. He said it is better for everyone to work collaboratively to address any issues and not create a situation in which the homes would be reluctant to report cases.

Meanwhile, in neighboring East Haven, another resident at Whispering Pines Rehabilitation and Nursing Center died, according to East Shore District Health Department Director Michael Pascucilla, bringing the number of fatalities at that facility to 13 since April 1. The patient had not been tested but was presumed to have contracted the coronavirus.

In his daily reporting on protective service personnel who have tested positive for COVID-19, Elicker said there were 10 firefighters and 3 police officers. Also, 2 homeless individuals who are recovering from COVID-19 continued to be at the isolation shelter at Career High School.

Elicker was excited to get the shipment of N95 masks from the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.

This will provide us with a significant buffer as the cases continue to rise to protect our public safety officers, he said, as the burn rate  how many N95 masks police and firefighters go through in a week  already is high.

Elicker said they are analyzing whether they will give the masks to other front-line workers who are exposed to the public, such as New Haven Public Schools staff distributing food.

The mayor was asked what he thought about the state releasing some inmates to protect them against COVID-19. Elicker said the decision to release nonviolent offenders charged with low-level crimes is a good one.

His concern is being able to handle ex-offenders coming back here and ending up homeless. New Haven and the state are leasing rooms at three hotels, and looking at a fourth, so they can move all the homeless into safer places than shelters to avoid COVID-19

He said the potential for more homeless would require more work to make sure we are protecting those individuals, as well.

Elicker said he did not feel New Haven has a significant problem in its own lockup at Police Headquarters as the average number of people there is about 3, down from 13. He said they remain there for one to two days.

On CVS putting up a stand-alone drive-through coronavirus testing center in New Haven, the mayor hoped there will be several of them and a solution is found to get people there who dont have cars.

Editors note: This story has been updated since it was first posted. mary.oleary

@hearstmediact.com; 203-641-2577
As the Covid-19 outbreak continues to pick up pace in Europe and the United States, it is slowing down in parts of Asia. Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, has managed to keep the outbreak under control, despite a 19 mile long border with mainland China, and a population of nearly seven and a half million.

People in the city have continued to be careful, and there has not been a need for similar draconian restrictions that were put in place in mainland China to try to slow down the spread.

At the time of writing, there were 800 cases in Hong Kong, with four deaths reported.

The relatively low numbers of cases can most likely be attributed to the closure of borders, and the fact that locals have learned from previous outbreaks such as SARS.

The virus arrived in Hong Kong late in January, believed to be brought there by people who had travelled from mainland China. Despite being present in the city for well over two months, the number of people confirmed to have the virus has increased at a very gradual pace.

Oliver Farry, a journalist and writer based in Hong Kong, is originally from Sligo. While the number of cases is relatively low, he says that people are on high alert.

Speaking to The Sligo Champion, he said: "Things aren't so bad here compared to many other places. We just hit 800 cases today (Thursday) and there have been still only four deaths.

"People are still on alert though, as cases have risen from 100 a month ago, the vast majority of them originating from outside the city, be they expats returning home from holidays or Hongkongers studying abroad who returned.

"People have started to get extra careful again in the last few weeks though thankfully we haven't yet reached the stage where we're not allowed to leave our homes."

Hong Kong's experience of SARS meant that as soon as Covid-19 began to spread, people knew what they had to do to help stop the spread. People feel that communities got ahead of the government when it came to imposing measures. The government was slow to close the borders with the mainland, but the measure was eventually taken.

Oliver explained: "Because Hong Kong had 38% of the global deaths from SARS in 2003, people here were already preparing when news from Wuhan broke on December 31.

"Everyone went into hand-washing mode and most people wore masks early on, which helped slow the spread of the virus and also meant extreme social-distancing measures were never needed.

"In many ways, the people were ahead of the government on this, as it dallied over closing the border with the mainland before it finally imposed restrictions in early February. The schools have been closed since before Chinese New Year and there's no sign of them opening again anytime soon.

"The measures worked very well at first but then the second wave of imported cases proved to be a far bigger challenge."

The people of Hong Kong have made their feelings towards their Government very clear in the last year. Hundreds of thousands took to the streets to protest against the Government's introduction of a bill that would have allowed criminals to be extradited to mainland China. The bill was then withdrawn in September but the protests continued.

Even though the government moved quickly to try to contain Covid-19, people still feel as though they could have done more.

Oliver added: "Given the Hong Kong government's popularity is at an all-time low, few people want to give them any credit. In a poll this week, 70% of people said the community response was the reason for the low number of cases, not the government. To be fair, the government has responded far better than any Western government has, though you'd really expect them to have.

"Even so, they failed to assure a sufficient supply of face masks ahead of time, and doctors went on strike in January to call for the border with the mainland to be closed.

"People are now worried that the government might, under duress from Beijing, lift restrictions on travel to and from the mainland prematurely, before the pandemic has been fully stamped out in China."

Measures have been taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in Hong Kong, but because people are so careful themselves, the restrictions are not quite as strict as here in the Republic of Ireland and indeed other European countries.

"The schools are still closed and a lot of companies and government offices have started work-from-home again after a break of a few weeks.

"Travel has more or less been stopped. Tourists can't enter or even make transit stops until further notice and anyone arriving into the city has to be quarantined for 14 days.

"Even close contacts of confirmed cases are quarantined too. It's fairly draconian but it has kept cases low. Cinemas, concert venues and places of worship are all closed but life continues as normal otherwise.

"You can still go to the shops and walk in the street, and, because practically everyone wears a mask, you don't have to worry too much about keeping two metres away from others."

Nightclubs, karaoke lounges and man jong parlours only closed as of last week, while the government announced on Thursday all bars and restaurants will close for two weeks.

"It's not terribly severe, given that there isn't much of the virus left to pass around," Oliver said.

"I expect them to be open in two weeks. Restaurants can still open but only at 50 per cent capacity.

"There are no restrictions on people's movements though you're not supposed to have gatherings of more than four people, except for special circumstances."

Hospitals are coping with cases so far, but a sudden and dramatic increase in severe cases could put pressure on healthcare staff and facilities, similar to here in Ireland.

"The hospitals are doing OK but medical staff are very conscious of how quickly that could change. Though Hong Kong knows how to handle epidemics and has universal healthcare, it is still short on ICU beds - having roughly the same amount per capita as Ireland.

"The hospitals also get overrun during the winter flu season, though that was less severe this year because people were being extra careful. At the moment, there are only five critical COVID-19 cases and the biggest worry for doctors is they might have to only hospitalise severe cases (at the moment, everyone gets a bed). That's a luxury most other countries would love to have."

Despite the outbreak of the virus, the protests have continued, albeit they have become smaller and less regular.

"Oliver says protests are expected to return with 'as much ferocity' as last year as soon as the virus dies down. The protests have got a lot smaller and less regular since the start of the outbreak but there have been a few every other week, including as recently as Tuesday night.

"The police are still coming down on them with a heavy hand and the government is even less popular now than it was before the pandemic. Whenever the outbreak dies down, and because Hong Kong is sealed off now, that will happen here before it does in most other places, the protests will kick off again with as much ferocity as last year."

It's more than likely too late for European countries and the United States, but perhaps lessons can be learned from Hong Kong's response to the outbreak.
In Brooks County, authorities are used to picking up bodies of migrants who died trying to illegally cross the border in search of better opportunities and asylum. The county-a vast ranchland thick with thorny shrubs, cactus, and oak trees-is considered one of the deadliest places on America's southwest border.

Texas has seen more than 200 remains whose identities remain unknown to this day. In 2017, authorities recorded more than 500 fatalities in the county alone-merely a fraction of the death toll along the border in Texas.

Bodies or skeletal remains found along the border showed the suffering the people went through before their horrible deaths. Many froze during the winter, while others died under the summer's sweltering heat and dehydration. Some die alone; some die together.

However, there were a few who met the worst possible deaths trying to chase the elusive 'American dream.'

[WARNING: Photos and videos might trigger certain emotions. Proceed with caution.]

Miriam Luna

Luna was a 19-year-old migrant from Guatemala when she died trying to climb over the border in Texas.

Authorities said the young mother slipped and fell on her back after climbing to the top of the 18-foot-high steel mesh fencing. She was trying to cross with her unborn child's father.

According to a news report, the victim was a social worker in her country. Her 26-year-old partner, Dilver Garcia, reportedly carried her away from the scene and sought help from the border patrol agents.

Giron Luna died on March 12, 2020, due to severe injuries. Doctors were also unable to save her unborn baby, who was already at 30 weeks. Her partner remained in the US Border Patrol custody, awaiting deportation.

Pharr-Reynosa Suicide

On January 8, 2020, an unidentified, 30-year-old Mexican man killed himself after being denied entry to the United States.

The man reportedly attempted to cross the Pharr-Reynosa border seeking asylum. He was standing yards away from the international dividing line when he raised a hand to his neck and slit his own throat.

It is unclear why the man killed himself.

Miller Family

In November 2019, a family of 9 were ambushed by an armed group less than 100 miles from the Arizona border.

The victims were said to be traveling from the town of Bavispe were attacked by men thought to be part of one of the several cartels due to territorial disputes.

Authorities found one of the family's vehicles burned. Inside the Chevrolet Tahoe, five charred bodies were discovered---including five children with the youngest ones being a pair of 8-month-old twins.

Mexican military also recovered a white Chevrolet Suburban 18 kilometers away. Inside the car was 43-year-old Dawna Ray Lanford and her two children aged 11 and 2. All three were shot.

A third vehicle about 2 kilometers away from the border contained a 29-year-old woman Christina Marie Langford Johnson, who was also shot.

Oscar Alberto Martinez Ramirez

The portrait was captured by a journalist in June 2019 and made rounds among many media outlets and social media platforms. The picture is, by far, one of the most powerful and disturbing photos of refugees and migrants.



Oscar Alberto Martinez Ramirez , 25, and his 23-month-old daughter Valeria died after they tried to swim through the Rio Grande river. Tania Vanessa Avalos, wife and mother of the victims, said the water seemed manageable when they set-off together with Valeria tucked under her father's shirt.

The family reportedly left their neighborhood in El Salvador after it was overrun by drugs, extortion, and violence controlled by a local gang. With hopes of receiving a better life in the United States, the trio decided to leave despite high risks.

They arrived in the border city of Matamoros but found the international bridge closed. They walked along the banks of the river and decided to cross through the river where the Oscar and his daughter were swept away by the strong currents.

Their bodies were uncovered a few hundred yards away, fixed in one last embrace.
The next few years could be difficult ones for Brandon University, according to president David Docherty in one of a pair of emails sent out to the schools community on Wednesday.

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This article was published 11/4/2020 (640 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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The next few years could be difficult ones for Brandon University, according to president David Docherty in one of a pair of emails sent out to the schools community on Wednesday.

"Our fight against coronavirus is going to last for a long time, and we must act quickly and decisively to tamp down the spread of this virus," Docherty wrote in his email.

Dochertys email and another from the universitys critical incident team outlined how the university will be handling a dwindling workload for some staff after the closure of its facilities. Judging by Dochertys subsequent emailed apology, those initial emails did not go over well with the schools community.

In those original emails sent out to the school community on Wednesday and forwarded to The Brandon Sun by an anonymous source, Docherty said that the schools budget was already tight before it faced declining enrolment numbers and investment dollars due to the pandemic.

All staff will continue to be paid for the work they do, but those seeing a reduction in workload will have to start using up banked overtime, vacation time and other similar things to keep receiving a paycheque.

Staff with some work will need to draw on banked time and vacation time to make up the balance of their scheduled work hours. People without work because of the current circumstances will need to draw on those sources to cover all their hours. In either circumstance, staff can opt to take an unpaid leave. In the latter situation, staff can opt for a voluntary layoff to qualify for emergency benefits.

Those taking time away from work to care for someone like a child will be able to draw on their care for balance before drawing on other sources of leave.

Sick or self-isolating staff able to work from home will be paid for the hours they work and will draw from sick time if they are unable to work.

"As much as possible, we want to keep our community working together," Docherty wrote. "If there is no longer work for you to do, we will continue to support you as long as possible, through the use of your vacation, banked time, or the like. We are also pursuing new options to help stretch this out as much as we can. Unfortunately, as these balances decline, at some point we may have to offer additional voluntary layoffs, early retirement packages, leaves without pay, or make further layoffs."

The university will be unable to qualify for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy because it is publicly funded.

The emails sent out by Docherty and the critical incident team ended up being poorly received by some, forcing Docherty to send out an apology email at approximately 7 p.m. Wednesday. A copy of that apology email was sent to the Sun by the universitys director of communications Grant Hamilton.

Talking to the Sun on Thursday afternoon, Docherty said the earlier emails were sent out before discussions regarding the policies with unions representing staff at the university had been completed.

"Under ideal circumstances, the emails would have come out later and more people impacted would have been aware of what was coming out," Docherty said. "It was not as though they were never going to go out  they shouldnt have gone out but they came out prematurely."

He said that the information in those emails is still correct, although the policies may change as the circumstances of the pandemic continue to evolve and as talks with unions continue. The apology, he said, has been well received.

With regard to the challenges the pandemic is creating for the university, Docherty said that its difficult to predict what will happen because no one knows how long the situation will go on for.

"I know other universities are already thinking of what September looks like," he said. "We dont know, so we have to prepare for a September that we dont know what it looks like right now."

Speaking to the Sun on Wednesday afternoon, Hamilton said that fewer than five employees have been affected by the measures described in the emails forwarded to the newspaper. Some layoffs have occurred, but they were done by ending certain seasonal positions slightly earlier than normal.

A decline in enrolment numbers will be partially due to travel bans in place because of the pandemic restricting the arrival of international students. Hamilton said that the number of international students is expected to decline but not decrease to zero.

There were 418 international students enrolled at Brandon University during the 2019-20 academic year, including 127 first-time international students.

While tuition fees vary between different departments at the university, first-time international undergraduate students pay approximately three times more on average for a three-credit-hour course.

Potentially helping matters is the federal governments decision to exempt international students with study permits or who had been approved for a study permit on or before March 18 from current travel restrictions.

Going forward, Docherty has pledged to send out regular updates on the university to the community on Tuesdays and Thursdays going forward "in the spirit of continuing openness and recognizing the importance of two-way communication."

 cslark@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @ColinSlark
Courtesy San Antonio Police Department

San Antonio police are searching for a woman they say may have information on a fatal shooting that occurred Saturday morning at a West Side hotel.

Officers discovered Jeffrey Alvarado, 34, suffering from a gunshot wound when they responded about 6 a.m. to the La Quinta Inn on the 7100 block of N.W. Loop 410.
The tourists departed. The hotels emptied. The bustling bars along King Street fell quiet. And with that activity went nearly all of John Holland's income.

Holland, a full-time Lyft driver, watched in March as Charleston residents and out-of-state visitors stopped using the popular ridesharing app amid the global pandemic.

As a result, Holland stopped working. The amount of time he spent searching for riders was no longer worth the money he might make. And at 46 years old, he didnt want to risk contracting the coronavirus and paying for an uninsured trip to the emergency room.

The only people we are picking up now are people going to and from hospitals and grocery stores, he said.

Earlier this year, Holland was netting more than $1,000 a week ferrying vacationers, bar patrons and bachelorette parties around the Holy City. It allowed him to cover the $191 per week he pays to lease his car from Lyft, and the $1,400 per month in rent he splits with a roommate.

Now, hes just one of the thousands of South Carolinians waiting on the state's unemployment system.

In the past three weeks, the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce has been overrun with more than 180,000 displaced workers seeking jobless benefits amid the pandemic. It's taken weeks for restaurant workers, hotel staffers and manufacturing employees who would normally qualify for unemployment to start receiving assistance.

But it's even worse for independent contractors, people who are self-employed and so-called gig workers like Holland. They've yet to receive a dime through unemployment insurance. They are at the mercy of the state government and the pace at which South Carolina can overhaul its unemployment program.

As part of a $2.2 trillion aid package passed by Congress in March, federal lawmakers decided to open up the nations unemployment rolls to workers who would not usually qualify. They agreed to supplement unemployment benefits across the country by adding $600 per week to each claim. And they extended the amount of time someone can collect benefits by 13 weeks.

The expansion of that safety net was meant to ensure people could pay their rent, car insurance and student loans during the public health crisis. Federal lawmakers were effectively using the existing unemployment system to inject more money into the economy so it can quickly restart once the virus is under control.

But that plan has its drawbacks: It relies on each state to update the way it processes and approves unemployment claims. That could be a problem when speed is essential and people are waiting on a claim to pay for groceries, a mortgage or health insurance.

South Carolina's unemployment agency announced Friday that it will start handing out the extra $600 to people who already qualified by next week. But the agency won't start processing applications for contract workers and self-employed people until the week after that, state officials said.

The lag time is already causing headaches for Holland. He missed his rent payment for April, which set off an argument between him and his roommate.

But hes not the only person waiting on the state to sort out the new system. Many other contractors, independent business owners and gig workers are growing anxious as they watch their bank accounts being drained little by little.

Cynthia Hernandez has tried unsuccessfully for weeks to get an application submitted through the states unemployment website.

The online system can be confusing for the normal applicant. But shes not like most workers that apply. She doesnt have a single employer. Shes paid by the job.

As a certified Spanish interpreter and translator, she works for state, federal and immigration courts. She is hired by insurance companies to interpret conversations during doctors visits related to workers compensation claims. And she is often paid to translate documents for individuals.

Hernandez, a 72-year-old James Island resident, said the work normally provides decent money. Its allowed her to put off retirement and build up some savings over the years.

But her job opportunities have grown scarce of late. Many courts are only doing emergency hearings, which she hasnt been called for. And at her age, she is very wary about going to a law firm to interpret a deposition or into a hospital to interpret during a medical appointment.

Im willing and happy to work, but its like all the sources have dried up or they are asking me to go into medical settings, she said.

The state is encouraging independent contractors like Hernandez to apply for jobless benefits. Self employed, independent contractors, nonprofit employees, gig workers can apply for benefits now, the website says.

But the system, Hernandez said, still isnt set up to handle her unique circumstances. And without being able to get someone on the phone, shes unsure how to proceed.

"I don't fit into the structure that exists," she said. "I don't see a way to get in line and that's what's worrying me."

Heather Biance, a spokeswoman for DEW, said peoples claims will be backdated so they receive benefits for the weeks they were unable to qualify. And the agency, she said, is working around the clock to try to update the states unemployment website.

That should make it easier for self-employed people like Melissa Maschek, a Mount Pleasant resident who runs Melissa Miley Photography.

Maschek said she spent days trying to get her application submitted. She kept running into problems like the website claiming that her address couldnt be verified. She did eventually get her claim through to DEW, but only through trial and error.

Even so, shes yet to hear back from DEW. The agency is still swimming in the unprecedented number of people seeking to replace lost wages and salaries, and its processing traditional unemployment applicants first, according to what some applicants were told.

In the short-term, Maschek will be OK. Her husband is still working from home, and she has some money set aside. But she does need to replace her income at some point, unless she wants to dip into her life savings.

She is usually busy this time of year shooting photos for weddings and family vacations. But as of now, she has no work scheduled through May.

To add to that financial pressure, Maschek is also paying for a new property she purchased in Ridgeville to host wedding events in the future. She closed on that property March 16, the same week Gov. Henry McMaster started to tighten public health restrictions throughout South Carolina.

I guess my biggest concern is not knowing how long this will last. Am I going to be able to function in the summertime or the fall or the winter? When is it going to go back to normal? Maschek said. Once the pandemic is over, I still feel like there are going to be people who are leery to go out. I could see it being a year before Im back to normal business.

Shes not the only person asking those questions. Erin Raduazo, owner of Erin Rose Photography, is also worried about the long-term implications of the pandemic.

Raduazo, who often photographs newborns and captures family portraits at the beach, said her clients started deserting her in early March. Since then, shes had no income and shes been hemorrhaging cash as a result of the refunds shes had to issue.

Ive been treating it kind of like I would a hurricane, she said.

Raduazo, 33, has some money set aside in her business account, which she normally pulls her personal income from. But shes saving that cash in order to pay for the quarterly business taxes that will eventually come due.

Like other self-employed South Carolinians, Raduazo is waiting in limbo to see if she does ultimately qualify for the expanded unemployment benefits.

For now, shes been setting an alarm every Monday to remind her to recertify her unemployment claim. Its unclear how long that routine will need to last.
Can Americans still have a sensible and friendly political discussion across the partisan divide? The answer is yes, and we intend to prove it. Julie Roginsky, a Democrat, and Mike DuHaime, a Republican, are consultants who have worked on opposite teams for their entire careers yet have remained friends throughout. Here, they discuss the weeks events with Tom Moran, editorial page editor of The Star-Ledger.

Q. I was shocked to see Wisconsin Republicans force a vote Tuesday while stay-home orders were in force. Would Jimmy Carter call that a free and fair election?

Mike: It takes both parties to make such a disaster, so lets not point the finger only in one direction. Democrat Governor Tony Evers waited until the day before to try to postpone the election. It wasnt just the legislature that rebuffed his action, but the State Supreme Court. Our governor in New Jersey postponed the election two months out. Their governor tried to postpone it a few hours out. The governor in Wisconsin should have moved weeks before, and public opinion would have been on his side.

Julie: I dont know about Jimmy Carter but what happened in Wisconsin was an absolute travesty. First, the Democratic governor equivocated on moving the election, insisting that it go on as planned until backtracking at the last minute and asking for absentee balloting to be extended. Then, the Republican Legislature refused to go along with him, insisting that the election go on as planned. Then the US Supreme Court, in what is an absolutely callous, partisan decision, insisted that voters literally risk their lives to exercise the franchise by violating a state lockdown to vote in person at a time of pandemic.

Julie: In Milwaukee, home to the largest African American community in the state, voters were forced to line up at limited polling locations, in close proximity, to vote. Lets recall that the African American community is being disproportionately killed by COVID-19. Why did Republicans in Wisconsin refuse to extend absentee balloting and force these people to risk their lives to vote? So that a Trump-supported state Supreme Court justice had a better shot of winning the election and therefore maintaining a hard-right majority. Disgraceful.

Welcome to Wisconsin, where democracy goes to die | Editorial https://t.co/WgZof5rHBp pic.twitter.com/DxbMEnUZS7  NJ.com Politics (@NJ_Politics) April 9, 2020

Q. Never thought Id ask this, but do you think the November election will be conducted in a way that both sides regard as legitimate?

Mike: I do. One constant is that we have elections in this country  during wars, after September 11th, after assassinations, in good times and bad. If we have the collective will to do this, we will be okay. Mail-in voting is going to explode in popularity, so I hope our counties are ready. I also believe that by November, most people will feel safe voting in person as well.

Julie: As you recall, the 2016 was considered illegitimate by many people, including the President of the United States, who baselessly claimed that 3 million voted illegally. And that was an election which he won. My fear is that he literally will not leave the White House if he loses the election this November and will have to be physically removed, which will lead to mass violence across the nation, the likes of which we have not seen in generations.

Q. Bernie Sanders quit the race on Wednesday, yielding to Joe Biden much earlier than he yielded to Hillary Clinton in 2016. What should Biden do to ensure that Bernie Bros show up in November?

Mike: If the Bernie supporters dont show in November, they deserve to have four more years of Donald Trump. I would think Trump being on the ballot would be enough to motivate liberal Democrats, but I could be wrong. Uncle Joe isnt all the exciting (which may be what a lot of voters want right now). I hope the liberals who voted Green Party to send Hillary a message last time have enjoyed Donald Trump as president.

NEW  I talked with more than two dozen self-described Bernie or Busters. About half eventually conceded theyd probably vote for Biden. A good chunk of the rest said theyd do so if they were in swing states. https://t.co/6nBhx5tzZR  Sam Stein (@samstein) April 10, 2020

Julie: In many ways, Bernie Sanders framed the national discussion for Democrats in this cycle. The Party is much more reflective of his views today than it was before. Senator Sanders and his supporters pushed the Party to the left quite effectively. But now its time for Democrats to coalesce around our presumptive nominee. Dont stay home, dont vote third party and dont ever, ever assume that there is no difference between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, just because Biden may not be 100 percent aligned with Sanders views. In 2016, 6 percent of the Democrats voting supported Trump. How did that petulance work out for them and their progressive values? That is the message to Sanders supporters that both Sanders and Biden should be delivering, in unison, all day and every day.

Biden should be blunt: Relying on Trump allowed thousands of Americans to die. Trusting him again would result in thousands more deaths. https://t.co/Q337NiUVyJ  Jennifer Rubin (@JRubinBlogger) April 10, 2020

Q. New Jersey closed state and county parks, while New York parks remain open, as do federal parks. Did Gov. Phil Murphy go too far this time?

Mike: While I am supportive of most of what the governor has done, I do believe closing the parks goes too far. I know his intent is good, but my concern is that people collectively have a breaking point. Parks provide a respite or a safe outdoor destination for many right now. For many families, it has been a month without school. A staggering 576,000 New Jerseyans have lost their jobs in the last three weeks. Lots of people without jobs, worried about their kids, worried about food, worried about their health, and having literally no place to safely go is an unsettling combination. It is tough enough right now. Let people take a walk through the park with their kids and dog. Most people have been using local parks safely and appropriately. Playgrounds could remain closed, but parks with open spaces, where people can move about safely and distantly, should stay open.

Julie: I agree with Mike on this. I appreciate the governors intent and the desire to keep social distancing as ironclad as possible, but I fear that the cure is counterproductive in this case. There are vast state parks in the western part of the state, for instance, where you might have virtually no chance of encountering other people. If someone wants to get into their car in Hoboken to hike there, it beats the alternative, which is getting fresh air on a crowded sidewalk.

Q. The Turnpike Authority has drawn criticism for moving to raise tolls during the pandemic. But aside from the timing, environmentalists say its bad on the merits since it devotes $16 billion to expanding highways, which they say will lead to increased carbon emissions. Why is Murphy letting this go forward?

Mike: He is letting it go forward because NJ is a commuter state and a corridor state. Environmentalists cannot wish that away. I dont like increased tolls, but the theory that creating more traffic by letting the roads decay is illogical, especially at a time when many are not looking forward to getting back on mass transit. Cars sitting in traffic spew as much or more emissions as cars moving swiftly, and the NJ drivers will spew a few choice words as well. The governor doesnt need that.

Julie: Gov. Murphy is doing this now because he needs the revenue. The public should have had a more robust opportunity to weigh in and the governor should have more transparently and explicitly explained the need for the revenue raiser. Otherwise, I fear, people will get in their cars when this is all over and be surprised to experience a sticker shock for which they were not fully prepared and on which they were not really briefed. With the COVID crisis, the governor has been forthright and honest, giving tough news to his constituents and treating them like adults. As soon as the COVID crisis passes and he can focus on other messaging, he should treat commuters like adults, too, by forthrightly explaining why he needs a toll hike during tough economic times.

Democracy in the COVID Era, Jersey style | Editorial https://t.co/DVyWq6ITF4  Doug O'Malley (@DougOMalleyENJ) April 2, 2020

Q. Finally, Govs. Phil Murphy and Andrew Cuomo reported early signs that social distancing may be starting to bend the curve. What are the chances that political pressure will cause them to lift restrictions before the science says they should?

Mike: It wont be political pressure but economic pressure. Most people who are safe and secure in their jobs will be okay keeping the distancing rules in place. Those who have had their livelihoods taken away by the crisis and the government restrictions will need to move sooner. Even when they lift the restrictions, peoples behavior will stay altered. We didnt hit a pause button so that we can resume where we were. I believe parts of society and the economy are forever changed. Treat adults like adults. Most will behave appropriately given the new reality.

Julie: I seriously doubt that they will lift restrictions anytime soon. I am more concerned about our scientist-in-chief, Donald Trump, and his enablers/whisperers in right-wing media, who are pushing to lift restrictions early. That will start a whole new cascade of cases that will, unfortunately, effect states where governors are acting responsibly.

TIME: Coronavirus Killed My Husband. Stay Home to Save Others https://t.co/CNNJ65I9fn  Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) April 11, 2020

A note to readers: DuHaime and Roginsky are both deeply engaged in politics and commercial advocacy in New Jersey, so both have connections to many players we discuss in this column. Given that, we will not normally disclose each specific connection, trusting that readers understand they are not impartial observers. DuHaime, a principal at Mercury Public Affairs, was chief political advisor to former Gov. Chris Christie, and has worked for Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, and President George W. Bush. Roginsky, a principal of Optimus Communications, has served as senior advisor to campaigns of Cory Booker, Frank Lautenberg and Phil Murphy. Henceforth, we will disclose specific connections in the text only when readers might otherwise be misled, at the discretion of the editors.

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.
The President of the Apostolic Church-GHANA, Apostle Dr. Aaron N. Ami-Narh, has asked Christians to draw closer to Christ in these end times as the coronavirus sweeps through the world.



According to him, these clearly show that we are in the end times and that the church as a body of Christ needs to draw closer to their Maker and have a personal connection and contact with God.



Speaking in an exclusive interview with Peacefmonline.com, he reiterated why these are not normal times.



"COVID 19 is a dress rehearsal for the second coming of Christ. These are times Christians that should get closer to God.



People have depended on their wealth, positions and personal strength, but these things have failed them as everyone has been asked to stay indoors, You cannot even travel or do anything so everything you possess is meaningless, " he pointed out.



He added that Jesus is the answer and Christians should steadfastly hold on to him in these end times.



"Easter marks the death and resurrection of Christ and so this should be a true reflection for Christians as the world battles the coronavirus pandemic.



"We should learn to forgive each other, have a positive spirit and resurrect with Christ in these end times," he stated.



While commending the president, HE Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo, for the stringent yet needful measures taken to fight the coronavirus, the renowned man of God entreated Ghanaians to observe the COVID-19 safety protocols to preserve life.



"Countries like the US have now taken steps to reciprocate what the government is doing to rigorously fight this pandemic in this country.



Ghanaians should religiously adhere to the directives to stay at home and do social distancing. Other countries like New Zealand who yielded to these same directives are gradually winning the war against COVID 19, and I believe that we can do the same as a country," he added.







Tema Children's Church

The Apostolic Church Ghana has so far the biggest children service building in the country. The Ultra-modern edifice which was commissioned by president HE Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo is said to be the brainchild of Apostle Dr. Narh.



Commenting on the vision for that edifice, he revealed that as the then leader of the Tema community 5 Branch of the Apostolic church, he saw the need to contribute to the development of the society and the community, hence the construction of Tema Childrens Church of the Apostolic Church-Ghana.



He reiterated the church's commitment to the growth and spiritual wellbeing of children in the country, and urged other churches to emulate their cause and invest in the welfare of children.



"The Tema Childrens Church building is the first of its kind to be built solely for the purpose of reaching out to children and the youth in Tema and its environs....as a church we are committed to the promotion of the welfare of children in our community in particular, and the world at large...



"They are the next generation to take over the world," he added.

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.

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Azerbaijani Army officers participating in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan returned to Baku earlier this week after completing fifteen months of service. As Caspian News writes, two Azerbaijani peacekeepers who have been stationed in the Central African country since January 2019 have been cleared by the international military command to return home, the Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

"The international military command highly appreciated the activities of Azerbaijani servicemen who have participated in the UN Peacekeeping Mission since January 2019," reads the statement.

The ministry also revealed that a new group of servicemen had already arrived in the South Sudanese capital Juba as Azerbaijan continues to commit troops to the country on a rotating basis, reaffirming its commitment to the peacekeeping mission.

Azerbaijan's parliament adopted a decision to deploy national servicemen as part of the UNMISS in South Sudan, where a lethal civil war has turned the country into a bloody battleground since the beginning of the conflict in 2013.

The UN is currently safeguarding the peace in South Sudan with a total of 17,000 troops including the 4,000-strong Regional Protection Force (RFP), and more than 2,000 UN police offers, according to official data from the international body. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) was established on July 9, 2011, when South Sudan declared its independence from Sudan, forming what was then the newest country on the world map. UNMISS was primarily tasked to consolidate peace and security, and help create conditions for development in South Sudan.

A political standoff between South Sudan's President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar occurred in 2013 leading to Machars removal from his post by Kiir due to his alleged participation in a coup. His dismissal sparked a six-year civil war between two influential tribes of Dinka and Nuer, which claimed more than 400,000 lives and displaces 2.24 million, according to stats released by the Council on Foreign Relations.

The intertribal conflict has since seen the armed groups targeting civilians along ethnic lines, committing rape and sexual violence, destroying property and looting villages, and recruiting children into their ranks. Soldiers from the Dinka ethnic group aligned with President Kiir and those from the Nuer ethnic group marched behind Machar.

In June 2018, Kiir and Machar signed the Khartoum Declaration of Agreement to initiate a ceasefire and negotiations. In August 2018, a power-sharing peace agreement signed by the government and Machars opposition party officially ended the civil war. Yet, only months later, continued clashes and attacks on civilians put the peace deal at serious risk of collapsing.

Azerbaijan is the first country in the Caspian region to commit troops to UNMISS. A helicopter group from Russia served in Juba from July 2011 to February 2012 as part of the UNs efforts to launch a mission in Sudan for monitoring the fulfillment of the agreement between Khartoum and the South.

More than 3,000 Azerbaijani servicemen have supported various peace-building missions worldwide over the last two decades, including efforts in Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan, which has been the focus of Azerbaijan's longest-running international security mission. In January 2018, the overall number of Azerbaijani peacekeepers deployed in Afghanistan reached 120 as forces positioned in the vicinity of Kabul International Airport continue efforts to ensure the security of the airfield.
Since late December the major Western intelligence agencies have been hard at work trying to get an accurate idea of the covid19 virus epidemic impact. Some nations are difficult to collect data about and Russia is still one of them. Russia still tries to prevent foreigners from easily obtaining accurate data on sensitive matters like covid19. In early 2020 Russia claimed little or no virus impact. Russians censors were not as effective as the Chinese but virus impact data was already difficult to get out of Russia. There are Internet based reports of more virus activity than the Russian government will admit. North Korea is even more difficult than China to get accurate virus impact data. North Korea claims they have no virus infections but are also asking China, Russia and South Korea for medical assistance. Little can be had from China or Russia because both these neighbors are overwhelmed with covid19 infections that officially dont exist.

Despite the secrecy, the most immediate crises in Russia is mainly about the coronavirus (covid19). So far there have been 8,672 confirmed cases in Russia and 63 deaths. There are believed to be far more undetected cases and deaths. Russia has shut down most businesses to deal with the epidemic and that has reduced economic activity. That loss, plus much reduced oil income have created some problems. Given the current poor economic condition of Russia, that added expense hurts. Russia has $234 billion in reserves but by law, this reserve cannot be drawn on freely when the price of oil falls below $42 a barrel. Changing the law would be difficult and the government has to consider painful cuts to government spending. This will hurt because it will take more government spending to get the economy going again once the current one month (begun March 28) quarantine (shutdown of most businesses) is over. The population has responded by reducing their spending by about a third.

Ever since last year Russia and Saudi Arabia have been arguing about how to best deal with the inability of OPEC (the oil cartel Russia and Saudi Arabia dominates) to control the world oil price. Over the last decade, new oil production technologies (fracking) in the U.S. and Canada have greatly increased U.S. production. The U.S. is again an oil exporter and no longer the largest importer. America does not belong to OPEC and refuses to join because of U.S. laws against such cartels. By late 2019 Russia and Saudi Arabia stopped cooperating because they could not find a compromise solution on how to deal with low oil prices. Both nations began shipping all they could produce to determine which nation was the true leader of OPEC and whose strategies would dominate. The result of this feud is low (headed for $20 a barrel) oil prices not seen in decades. Currently, oil sells for $26 a barrel and that is half the price used to draw up this years government budget. It is unclear how long the Saudis and Russians will maintain the high production that creates low prices. The goal is to eliminate the North American fracking industry but the Saudis and Russians dont seem to understand that bankrupting current fracking firms wont eliminate them. If all else fails, so will economic myths.

Troublesome Turkey

The Russian alliance with Turkey is coming apart over differences in how to deal with the war in Syria. For Russia, it is a foreign affairs sort of problem. For Turkey, it is very much a domestic issue. The major issue is refugees from Syria. These refugees are not a problem for Russia, but for the Turks, it is very different. Turkish public opinion is hostile to the Syrian refugees they host, as well as the smaller number of Afghan, Iraqi and other Moslem refugees. Many of these are not refugees but economic migrants willing to do whatever it takes to get into a wealthier Western nation. Europe no longer tolerates these refugees and Turks are not happy about getting stuck with them. This problem gets worse, especially for the Islamic government Turkey has had for the last two decades. This government became allies with Russia and Iran, two traditional enemies. To no ones surprise, these alliances did not work out. In order to please these new friends, Turkey risked being expelled from NATO. Worst of all, expulsion from NATO means the West would regard Turkey as just another poorly managed, Islamic terrorist-tolerating and unreliable Middle Eastern nation. One thing most Turks can agree on is NOT wanting to turn away from the West. The policy of being closer to Arab nations and tolerant of some Islamic terrorist or radical groups has also lost any popularity it once held. Turks have long (since World War I) been hostile to getting involved in foreign wars, especially when it involved Turkish troops getting killed. So far in 2020, Turkey has sent a lot more Turkish troops to Syria and more of them are getting killed, often by Russian airstrikes. The Turkish voters have made it clear that the current government is likely to lose the next elections if the Syrian involvement continues. With Syria, Turkey cannot just walk away. Syria is a neighbor and over three million Syrian refugees are in Turkey and Syria itself is still a mess. Turkish and Russian forces have been shooting at each other and the Iranians are not much better. Russia does not have much they can afford to offer Turkey as a solution. That makes this a more difficult situation for Russian diplomats, who are under orders to maintain good relations with Syria and Israel first and everyone else after that.

Ukraine

The low-level war in eastern Ukraine (Donbas) continues despite the threat of a covid19 epidemic. So far Ukraine has had 1,892 confirmed cases and 57 deaths. There are more undetected infections and deaths out there and the country is imposing a quarantine period to deal with it. Meanwhile, eastern Ukraine still has a war going on. Ukraine fears that chronic disorder in Russian occupied Donbas will prevent elimination of the covid19 virus in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the primary health problem in eastern Ukraine is military, not medical. Pro-Russian forces suffered about 80 casualties in February and somewhat fewer in March. The rebels continue to be more aggressive and frequently violate the ceasefire using machine-guns and mortars against Ukrainian troops, who managed to suffer somewhat lower casualties. The new Ukrainian president made several attempts to negotiate a peace deal with his Russian counterpart but to no avail. As a result, there will be no more attempts unless Russia makes a convincing offer. The Ukrainians are paying more attention to their economy and the continuing corruption problems. Meanwhile, Donbas continues to fester, costing Russia billions a year to support. Ukraine spends less cash to maintain its defenses in Donbas and the Russian presence continues to be a major political issue in Ukraine.

April 3, 2020: While Russia claims it has had fewer than 5,000 covid19 cases and only 39 deaths, it announced that in a few days there would be a ban on all incoming commercial passenger flights, even those carrying Russian citizens. About 25,000 Russian citizens are outside Russia and trying to get back. The government has already imposed a stringent nationwide lockdown which shuts down many businesses and discourages gatherings of any sort. This lockdown will last at least until the end of April.

In the south (Caucasus) the provincial governor of Chechnya became the first region to order a nightly curfew to curb the spread of covid19. Other parts of the country soon followed.

April 2, 2020: Despite protests from medical experts, the Defense Ministry decided to delay the Spring Draft of conscripts one month (from April to May), rather than canceling it and taking these 130,000 conscripts in the Autumn Draft. Russia has long taken in new recruits twice a year rather than all year. Medical experts warned that the military was not equipped to screen all these conscripts for covid19 and estimated that over a hundred of these conscripts would enter training already infected and spread the virus again throughout the army. The army is currently quarantining all troops until late April so that infected soldiers could be identified and isolated for treatment. By going through with the April Draft in May there would be another covid19 outbreak. The senior generals considered it more important not to disrupt the infusion of fresh manpower. Since the 1990s the military has been chronically short of manpower and canceling the April Draft is seen as more destructive than the risk of another outbreak of covid19 in the military.

March 31, 2020: Russia revealed that it had moved several batteries of RS30 MRL (multiple rocket launchers) into Kaliningrad, a Russian enclave bordering Poland, and Lithuania. RS30 is a truck-mounted 300mm unguided rocket with a 90 kilometers range. Each truck carried 12 rockets that are fired from their storage containers. These MRLs were brought in because the 300mm rockets could not be intercepted by new Polish anti-missiles systems. The Polish missile defense systems are meant to block Russian ballistic missiles, including the several Iskander ballistic missile launchers moved to Kaliningrad in 2018. Russia has also moved more air defense batteries into Kaliningrad. Poland has purchased eight Patriot air defense batteries from the United States.

Russia opposes such missile defense systems in East Europe. In the past, Russia has threatened to start a nuclear war over the issue. In 2009 the U.S. dropped plans to install anti-missile systems in Poland and the Czech Republic in part because of the Russian opposition. The Russians feared that the anti-missile system would interfere with Russian ballistic missiles aimed at Europe. This decision demoralized East European nations, who had been looking to the U.S. for help in keeping the Russians away. In response to the 2009 American decision, Russia said it would not station five brigades (60 launchers, each with two missiles) of Iskander ballistic missiles in Kaliningrad. Iskander (also known as SS-26 and 9M723K1) has a 500 kilometer range and was designed to destroy anti-missile missiles. It is not a traditional ballistic missile. That is, it does not fire straight up, leave the atmosphere, then come back down, following a ballistic trajectory. Instead, Iskander stays in the atmosphere and follows a rather flat trajectory. It is capable of evasive maneuvers and deploying decoys. This makes it more difficult for anti-missile systems to take it down. After 2016 the U.S. agreed to sell the anti-missile systems to East European NATO members. Russia continued making threats and moving additional weapons into Kaliningrad.

The RS30 was introduced in 1989, at the end of the Cold War and is an update of a World War II era system. Iskander began development near the end of the Cold War. The first successful launch took place in 1996. The 4.6 ton Iskander M has a solid-fuel rocket motor and a range of up to 700 kilometers normally carries a 710 kg (1,500 pound) warhead. The missile can be stored for up to ten years. Russia offered several different types of warheads, mainly for, including cluster munitions, thermobaric (fuel-air explosive) and electromagnetic pulse (anti-radar, and destructive to electronics in general.) There is also a nuclear warhead, which is not exported. Guidance is very accurate, using GPS, plus infrared homing for terminal guidance. The warhead will land within 10 meters (31 feet) of the aim point. Iskanders are carried in a 40 ton 8x8 truck, which also provides a launch platform. There is an optional reload truck that carries two missiles. Russia ended up only producing the Iskander-M for its own military because no one wanted the export mode. The M version has a longer range (at least 500 kilometers) and more countermeasures (to interception). Russia has admitted that it could use Iskander to destroy the U.S. anti-missile systems in a pre-emptive attack. Just in case Russia wanted to start World War 3 for some reason or another. Entering service in 2005, Russia found there were no export customers for the innovative and expensive Iskander. A few were used against Georgia in 2008 but that did not impress anyone. The 2009 threats to send Iskander to Kaliningrad turned out to be a publicity stunt but the 2018 deployment was real as Iskander missiles and launch vehicles have arrived at bases near the Polish border in 2018.

The Russian city of Kaliningrad itself is not a publicity stunt, especially for its neighbors. Kaliningrad and the area around it used to be part of the ancient German province of East Prussia, which disappeared after World War II. Most of East Prussia went to Poland, but Russia retained the city of Konigsberg and its environs (15,100 square kilometers, about the size of Northern Ireland.) Konigsberg became Kaliningrad and was turned into a major naval base. After 1991 Kaliningrad continued as the headquarters of the Russian Baltic Fleet and was guarded by a large force of troops and warplanes. In 2012 Russia activated a new early warning radar in Kaliningrad. Most Russians see bolstering the defenses of Kaliningrad as quite reasonable. You never know when those Western Europeans will invade again. The population of Kaliningrad is 400,000, nearly all of them Russians as the Germans were expelled at the end of World War II. When the Soviet Union fell apart Russia kept Kaliningrad, in part because Kaliningrad is a special place, a reminder of the great (and costly) World War II victory over ancient foe Germany and decades of Russian domination of East Europe that followed. After the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991 Kaliningrad found itself nestled between newly independent (and very anti-Russian) Poland and Lithuania and an ideal place to station a new missile like Iskander.

March 30, 2020: In eastern Syria (Hasaka province), a Russian convoy was stopped by an American checkpoint consisting of armored vehicles blocking the way. Instead of turning around, the Russians tried to move off the road and around the American roadblock. This did not work because the Russian vehicles got stuck in the mud and had to be towed free. The road led to a Kurdish controlled oilfield. This is the seventh time this year, and the second time this month, that American troops have blocked Russian efforts to drive past Kurdish oil facilities in Hasaka and Deir Ezzor provinces.

March 28, 2020: The government announced that Rosneft the Russian state-owned oil company was selling its $4 billion Venezuelan oil assets to a smaller Russian company. This was done in an effort to eliminate American sanctions imposed on Rosneft five weeks ago. These sanctions threatened to cripple major Rosneft oil operations worldwide. The February sanctions were because Rosneft was assisting Venezuela to export its oil despite sanctions on such exports. Rosneft used its distribution network to sell Venezuelan oil and the new sanctions on Rosneft and any companies doing business with them, made it more difficult, and expensive to move Venezuelan oil. These American sanctions are usually pretty effective because the U.S. has learned to specify sanctions that do maximum damage to those they are aimed at while causing minimal or no problems for anyone else. Russia depends on its sale of Venezuelan oil to get some repayments on loans to Venezuela as well as paying for current Venezuelan purchases of Russian goods.

March 23, 2020: The Russian Defense Minister visited Damascus to meet with the Syrian president Hafez Assad and work out the details of Russian-Syrian cooperation in Idlib province and future Russian economic projects in Syria. Assad wants to resume his offensive to clear the M4 highway between Aleppo and the Mediterranean coast. Assad also wants on understanding with Russia and what kind of peace terms Syrian will offer the Kurds.

March 20, 2020: In China, Sohu the largest web search and online news company published an article discussing how Russia was falling apart and that China would have to reclaim its lost (to Russia centuries ago) territories north of Manchuria and Korea. Since the Cold War ended a growing number of Russians became openly concerned about this because of Chinese claims on much of eastern Russia. China never renounced these claims, even after Russia helped the Chinese communists win the post-World War II civil war that put the current Chinese government in power. At the time Chinese leaders mentioned those claims and did not abandon them. Since the Soviet Union fell apart in 1991 Chinese entrepreneurs have quietly taken control of the local economy in those parts of Russia that border China and North Korea. That explains why China has ignored North Korea using Russia and Chinese cargo ships to illegally export coal. North Korea moves the coal (illegally) into Russia via truck where it is exported on ships owned by Chinese companies. China is tolerating this because Chinese firms have been exploiting corruption in Russia, where it is worse than in China, to dominate the economy in the Russian Far East. This is the area between Mongolia and the Pacific coast. China has a historical claim on this area, claims which China revived after World War II and again in the late 1960s. Those revived claims led to border skirmishes during the 1970s that were halted when Russia made it clear it was prepared to risk nuclear war over the issue. That Russian policy still stands, although it is not publicized. At the moment Russian leaders are more concerned with the imaginary threat from the West rather than the very real one from the east.

March 14, 2020: President Putin signed a law that approved of a constitutional change that would allow a president who has served two consecutive terms to keep running for office. Putins current term ends in 2024. If this constitutional change is approved in a national referendum Putin could be elected president as often as he could get away with it. Putin has already bent some of these rules when he had his crony (current president Dmitry Medvedev) elected president in 2008 because the constitution limited presidents to two consecutive terms at a time. But now Putin says he will run for president again next year. Medvedev is currently the heir apparent. Putin and his cronies are taking advantage of the fact that Russians have never had a functioning democracy, except for a short period in the 1990s and are more interested in order and prosperity. Putin has provided more of that, and as long as he continues to do so, there won't be any massive opposition. To ensure this, Putin has rebuilt many aspects of the Soviet police state. Yet, there are still a lot of democrats among senior government officials. If Putin cannot work out deals with these democrats, he freezes them out of government service.

March 11, 2020: In eastern Ukraine, three soldiers died in on the Donbas ceasefire line. This was the largest number of Ukrainian military deaths on one day so far this year. The Russians forces used an ATGM (anti-tank guided missile) against a Ukrainian army vehicle moving near the front line.

March 9, 2020: In eastern Syria (Hasaka province) a Russian convoy was stopped by an American checkpoint and turned away. The road led to a Kurdish controlled oilfield. This is the sixth time this year that American troops have blocked Russian efforts to drive past Kurdish oil facilities in Hasaka and Deir Ezzor provinces. The last incident was a month ago.

March 6, 2020: Russia imposed border restrictions on people seeking to enter from Iran. This was done to keep people with covid19 out of the country.

March 5, 2020: In northwest Syria, the last concentration of Islamic terrorists is making a last stand in Idlib province. The Syrian Army, with Russian support, has been slowly clearing the province of Islamic terrorists, despite resistance by the Islamic terrorists and Turkish forces. Suddenly there are a lot more dead terrorists and efforts are made to identify them, or see if families or countries want the bodies back. So far about fifty of the dead Islamic terrorists have been identified as Pakistani. But Pakistan refuses to comment or take any action to deal with the situation.
Russia-led occupants in Donbas wound two Ukrainian servicemen near Novotoshkivske  JFO HQ

The Russia-led armed groups have shelled positions of the Ukrainian units near Novotoshkivske in Donbas in violation of the Minsk agreements.

"The enemy mounted fire using 120mm mortars, easel anti-tank grenade launchers, heavy machine guns and small arms. As a result of the shelling, two Ukrainian defenders received shrapnel wounds," the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) HQ reported on Facebook.

Both servicemen were evacuated to a medical institution, where they were provided with appropriate assistance. Their state is satisfactory.

The JFO repelled the attack, casualties among the enemy's forces are specified.
Medical and other professional associations who have been consistent in opposing the invitation of an 18-man Chinese medical team to Nigeria have continued to show resentment since their arrival.

The Nigerian doctors association, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has been in the vanguard of the opposition and had threatened to review their participation in the fight against COVID-19 if the governments decision to invite a Chinese medical team is not rescinded.

They said inviting China is unnecessary at this time and is demoralising to the countrys frontline healthcare professionals who have, in their view, done well in containing the coronavirus.

As of Saturday, 305 cases have been confirmed, 51 patients have been discharged and seven deaths have been recorded in Nigeria to coronavirus, a record considered commendable by the doctors association who felt it was demeaning for foreign experts to be brought in to assist.

The government, in an attempt to assuage concerns, said the team of doctors was only coming to share their expertise but not to take over the care of covid19 patients.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, explained that the doctors came on the bill of China Civil Engineering Construction Cooperation(CCECC).

The Executive Director of CCECC, Jacques Liao also said the primary purpose of the team is to provide CCECC employees with critical and necessary healthcare.

These, however, had little effect on the blistering resentment that has trailed Wednesdays arrival of the foreigners who flew in via Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja with a planeload of drugs and medical equipment.

Nigerias main opposition party, PDP, said it was alarmed that authorities ignored protests by Nigerians and professional bodies, including the NMA, and allowed the foreigners into the country despite warnings that bringing in doctors from the hotbed of the plague would expose citizens to further risks.

The United Labour Congress (ULC) said their arrival is capable of scuttling the nations overall COVID-19 national response strategy.

NMAs Grouse

While the goods they came with was roundly received, the arrival of the Chinese drew the ire of Nigerian doctors.

We are not against the receipt of donor support and equipment, the NMA said in a statement on Friday.

We, rather, are against pulling the wool over our eyes going by the recent statement issued by the Managing Director of the Chinese donor firm operating in Nigeria that the medical personnel will be treating Chinese workers in their facilities.

We wish also to ask when medical expatriates started coming to sovereign states to treat her nationals? What happens to the Nigerians working in those facilities?

And it does not seem likely that the team will NOT have contact with Nigerian patients as the Presidential Task Force (PTF) would want to have us believe. CCECC has Nigerian workers among her employees too.

The NMA charged their members to be wary of uncertified Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from China.

It demanded a thorough screening of the medical team, calling on the government to publish their names, designations/status, and qualifications.

Obviously, help from China is strongly viewed suspiciously and remains unwelcomed by especially Nigerian doctors even with the deep economic and trade ties both countries had built prior to the coronavirus outbreak.

But why are Nigerian doctors so upset about the Chinese doctors and are desperately eager to get rid of them?

Experts Opinion

A public analyst, Jide Ojo, said the presidency mishandled the whole communication by not giving consistent details about the invitation of the experts.

He said the doctors are angry because they were not carried along despite their efforts in containing the virus.

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Why is there no representation from the Nigeria Medical Association on the Presidential task force? The professional bodies should be involved. They will be the one to educate their members.

The Nigerian doctors had rejected the invitation on the grounds that the government, in arriving at the decision, did not take into consideration the extant laws regulating the practice of medicine in Nigeria as enshrined in the Medical and Dental Council Act.

They complained of being subjected to the ignominy of not being carried along in arriving at such a decision.

A legal practitioner, Imabe Lekwot, said the legal implication is that no foreign doctor can practice within Nigerian without the approval of the council.

Government is not being fair to our medical professionals and health workers who are operating in a very unfavorable condition with little or no safety kits. This is not a way to encourage our health workers.

Our medical professionals have handled the pandemic well and were even commended by the WHO. China is not completely out of the woods and so, inviting them over is wrong. Government is saying its only for them to share their expertise, that can be done without necessarily coming over.

The national publicity Secretary, Association of Medical Laboratories Scientists of Nigeria, Casmir Ifeanyi, described the invitation of the Chinese experts as rather a socio-political and economic move.

He said about 90 per cent of the healthcare workforce have their reservation about the visitors.

Anti-Chinese Sentiments

But beyond insecurities about being displaced by foreigners and not being carried along, there has been a growing anti-Chinese sentiment in the country.

Even though China has seen its worst days of the coronavirus and has been ramping up its international assistance to other countries battling the virus, the fact that the deadly disease originated from the Asian country is a stigma that has remained.

It birthed a plethora of conspiracy theories and speculations no thanks to videos on social media showing Asians eating live bats, and other exotic animals strongly linked to the origin of the virus.

Rumors have spread on social media in Nigeria and other countries that medical equipment received from China has been contaminated with the coronavirus. False information about Chinese-made medication that can cause deaths has also been widely shared on WhatsApp.

Many, including prominent Nigerians like Dino Maleye, a former senator  did not just buy the theory that 5G network developed by Chinese tech firms was aiding the spread of the disease  they became its propagators.

Professionals, along with the NMA, had also suggested a link between the arrival of Chinese doctors in Italy and an increase in cases thereeven though the most probable reason by scientists was the virus reaching its natural peak in Italy.

A legal practitioner, Yinka Ogunmodimu, said let us cast our minds back to the situation in Italy and what happened after the Chinese medical team arrived there. It was after their visit in the guise of helping out that the death toll increased.

Recent videos on social media purportedly showing how the Chinese government are harassing Africans (many Nigerians) in their country, throwing them out of their homes and making them sleep on the streets have also been fueling the resentments.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday said that India would stand together "in the battle" against the novel coronavirus, which has claimed over 200 lives in the country and has infected over 7,400 people.

"Attended a video conferencing session with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Chief Ministers of other Indian States. We had a comprehensive discussion on the COVID-19 situation. India will stand together in this battle against the pandemic," Pinarayi Vijayan wrote on Twitter.

This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a video conferencing meeting, earlier today, with the chief minister of different states, over the COVID-19 situation and lockdown imposed to prevent the spread.

The 21-days lockdown, which was announced by the Prime Minister was slated to end on April 14.

Soon after the meeting, the government's principal spokesperson KS Dhatwalia said the Centre is considering the request made by several Chief Ministers to extend the three-week countrywide lockdown.

With 40 deaths and 1,035 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, India on Saturday witnessed the sharpest ever increase in coronavirus cases, taking the tally of the infected people in the country to 7,447, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's bulletin on Saturday morning.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said there seems to be a consensus among states on the extension of lockdown by another two weeks while emphasising that the next three-four weeks will be critical to determine impact of steps taken till now to curb spread of the novel coronavirus

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said there seems to be a consensus among states on the extension of lockdown by another two weeks while emphasising that the next three-four weeks will be critical to determine impact of steps taken till now to curb spread of the novel coronavirus.

Modi made the remarks while speaking with chief ministers of states via video conference on Saturday.

Though an official confirmation on extension of a nationwide lockdown is still awaited, and two states -- Odisha and Punjab -- have already extended restrictions, on Saturday Maharashtra announced that the restrictions on movement of people will remain in place till 30 April.

Maharashtra has been worst-hit by the novel coronavirus outbreak with its tally nearing 2,000 and 110 people reported to have died so far.

During his meeting with chief ministers of states, the prime minister also suggested specific measures for agriculture and allied sector including modification of APMC laws to facilitate sale of farm produce while assuring states that the country has adequate supplies of essential medicines, according to a statement by the Press Information Bureau.

The prime minister also gave a stern message against black marketing and hoarding, the statement added.

Talking about the exit plan, Modi also stressed on a new motto 'jaan bhi jahaan bhi (life also, the world also)' in what appears to be an indication of some relaxation in restrictions and a possibility of a wider economic stimulus package.

The motto also appears to be indicate the government's desire that economic activity also gathers some pace in a manner that the fight to contain the coronavirus is not affected.

"'When I had addressed the nation (on 24 march) I had said that to save life of every citizen, lockdown and social distancing are very important. Most of the people understood this and stayed at home," the Prime Minister said, adding that now the focus should shift to "Jaan bhi and Jahan bhi" - a future where people care about both the aspects, follow their duties and abide by the directions of the government - this will be important for India's prosperous and healthy future."

Click here for live updates on coronavirus outbreak

The prime minister also condemned attacks on health professionals and incidents of misbehavior with students from North-East and Kashmir during the meeting.

Meanwhile, the chief ministers indicated that the Central Government will announce new guidelines for the next 15 days soon.

"The prime minister told us that we must not compromise on lockdown and we are receiving suggestions for extending it for next 15 days. He said in next 1-2 days the Government of India will announce guidelines for next 15 days," Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa said after the meeting.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel suggested that permission should be given to carry out economic activities within the states and ban on the inter-state road, air and rail facilities should continue in view of COVID-19.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that a decision has been taken to extend the lockdown.

"PM has taken the correct decision to extend lockdown. Today, India's position is better than many developed countries because we started lockdown early. If it is stopped now, all gains would be lost. To consolidate, it is important to extend it," Kejriwal said in a tweet.

With inputs from ANI
Every morning, Diallo Shalto sees how flagrantly he violates Marylands social-distancing rules. And theres nothing he can do about it.

Within several feet, he said, four other men sleep in bunks. Beyond them are another two dozen men on beds lined up inside an open room at Dorsey Run Correctional Facility  a minimum-security prison in Jessup where inmates serve the last 12 months of their sentences.

The men share a bathroom area  toilets, sinks, showers  with another open room of about 30 inmates, Shalto said. Over any given 24-hour period, he added, at least a half dozen different correctional officers walk through the two dorms, wearing masks over their face and coming and going every day in a state where more than 6,900 people have tested positive for coronavirus.

Its dangerous to have us housed like this, Shalto said by phone recently from the 900-inmate, dorm-style facility. Lots of us are coming up on our release dates. I think we should be released.

Shaltos concerns echo cries from advocates and defence attorneys across the country calling for the release of inmates amid the fast-moving coronavirus pandemic  focusing mostly on inmates who are elderly, immunocompromised, close to release, or associated with minor, nonviolent crimes.

This week, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Maryland filed an emergency petition asking the states highest court to help speed the release of hundreds or thousands of inmates. The ACLUs request came days before the state announced it was collaborating with the Army Corps of Engineers to construct medical tents at two prison facilities in Jessup and Hagerstown to treat inmates as needed.

The surge is coming. Its just an inevitability, said Paul DeWolfe, Marylands chief public defender, who is seeking the release of inmates who are old, medically vulnerable or nearing their release terms. Our jails and prisons are virtual petri dishes.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Marylands Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services had 57 confirmed cases of Covid-19 within its system, including 10 inmates, 22 correctional officers and 19 contract workers.

Maryland Republican governor Larry Hogan has so far rebuffed calls for early release of inmates, with his office saying they have taken precautions to protect inmates.

Theyre safer where they are, Mr Hogan said last month.

Maryland inmates also have sewn 12,000 sneeze guard, protective masks, available to all correctional officers and soon to be received by all inmates (Getty)

Maryland state prison officials said they are pushing for as much social distancing as they can. For weeks, inmates have gone without in-person visits. Inmates are being asked to stay in their cells longer while being released in smaller groups for exercise, recreation and meals.

In the environment that we have, were doing everything in our power to keep people safe, said Robert Green, secretary of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Were working to save Marylanders lives.

Maryland inmates also have sewn 12,000 sneeze guard, protective masks, available to all correctional officers and soon to be received by all inmates. Inmates with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 are quarantined or isolated with surgical masks.

The crisis is playing out inside institutions where tensions can turn deadly.

Give everyone the benefit of the doubt, and a wide berth, Maryland prison officials recommended to their correctional officers in a recent operational update. A lot of cooped up time can bring out the worst in everyone.

Julie Magers, who is a petitioner on the Maryland ACLU action, said her husband, an inmate at Roxbury Correctional Institution, suffers from multiple sclerosis and heart disease and is blind.

Trump has hinted he will not speed up the process of releasing inmates to reduce the risk of them contracting the virus (Getty)

He is very scared, Ms Magers said. Theres no way for him to be proactive to stay safe. Weve been hearing from a multitude of them: What can I do? Im a sitting duck.

Ms Magers said her husband has been given a single bar of soap to clean up in the last month. He has no way to sanitise his cell and no protective equipment like a mask, despite his compromised condition.

Prosecutors at the federal, state and local levels have considered releases in many cases but warn the coronavirus is not an invitation to release violent offenders who threaten public safety.

Baltimore County states attorney Scott Shellenberger said he has supported getting certain inmates released from the local jail  such as those older than 60 or coming in for weekends. But he has not supported release of anyone charged or convicted of violent crimes.

Regarding local jails, Mr Shellenberger said, All states attorneys are willing to look at cases, but the place it has to stop is at violent offender.

 Donald Trump says he's looking into stopping prisons from releasing prisoners over coronavirus concerns.mp4

In places such as New York and California, authorities have released thousands of parole violators or nonviolent offenders nearing release. New Mexico is commuting some sentences.

The ACLU of DC and the Public Defender Service of DC sued the citys Department of Corrections last month, claiming it did not take basic health measures to stop the spread of coronavirus. The DC jail on Wednesday reported its highest one-day increase in positive virus cases, adding nine more inmates to its tally of 37.

In Maryland federal court, more than 100 inmates have filed motions seeking release because of coronavirus. Fewer than 10 per cent have been granted

Like cruise ships or naval vessels, its impossible to distance oneself in jails, James Wyda, Marylands top federal public defender, said in an email. Once in, the virus will spread rapidly.

Robert Hur, the Maryland US Attorney, said the low percentage of releases reflects the serious criminal charges against many of the inmates: While the coronavirus represents a public health threat, violent offenders charged with serious crimes also pose a deadly threat to the health and wellbeing of our community.

A federal prison cell block at El Reno, Oklahoma, shows the proximity in which inmates live together in US prisons (AFP) (AFP via Getty Images)

Within the Virginia Department of Corrections system 41 inmates, staff and contractors have tested positive for coronavirus. The ACLU in Virginia filed a lawsuit against state officials on behalf of 27 inmates alleging potential coronavirus exposure amounts to cruel and unusual punishment.

In addition to 18,000 inmates in state prisons, Maryland has thousands more in local jails.

Theres no social distancing, said Ahkilah Carter, an inmate at the Prince Georges County jail, speaking by phone. Mr Carter had violated his probation on a carjacking conviction, according to court records.

We cant do nothing. Were locked up. Yeah were scared, said Antonio Dean Ussery, who is also an inmate in Prince Georges, charged with attempted armed carjacking and weapons counts. They are playing with peoples lives.

Mr Ussery said inmates have watched with increasing alarm as inmates have shown symptoms of the virus. He said he played spades with an inmate who was removed from his housing unit and apparently put in isolation.

Mr Ussery said the cells of people removed from the unit have been sprayed with disinfectant and their personal items have been bagged up.

I feel its going to explode, Mr Ussery said.

Inside Syria's cramped and dark prisons for Isis fighters Show all 20 1 /20 Inside Syria's cramped and dark prisons for Isis fighters Inside Syria's cramped and dark prisons for Isis fighters Foreign prisoners, suspected of being part of the Islamic State, lie in a prison cell in Hasaka Reuters Inside Syria's cramped and dark prisons for Isis fighters A guard opens a door inside a prison Reuters Inside Syria's cramped and dark prisons for Isis fighters A boy looks out from inside a tent in al-Roj camp Reuters Inside Syria's cramped and dark prisons for Isis fighters Foreign prisoners lie inside a prison hospital Reuters Inside Syria's cramped and dark prisons for Isis fighters A child born to a Yazidi former slave mother and an Islamic State fighter cries at a children's protection house in Rimelan Reuters Inside Syria's cramped and dark prisons for Isis fighters A foreign prisoner with a bandage wrapped around his head Reuters Inside Syria's cramped and dark prisons for Isis fighters Children hold onto water containers in al-Hol camp, Syria Reuters Inside Syria's cramped and dark prisons for Isis fighters A Kurdish official shows the passports of captured foreign Islamic State fighters for a photo in Rimelan, Syria Reuters Inside Syria's cramped and dark prisons for Isis fighters Light shines onto the face of a prisoner Reuters Inside Syria's cramped and dark prisons for Isis fighters Prisoners from Iraq and Syria, suspected of being part of the Islamic State, sit inside a prison cell in Hasaka, Syria Reuters Inside Syria's cramped and dark prisons for Isis fighters A foreign prisoner lies on top of an examining table next to a doctor inside a prison in Hasaka Reuters Inside Syria's cramped and dark prisons for Isis fighters A boy stands inside al-Roj camp Reuters Inside Syria's cramped and dark prisons for Isis fighters Women walk past a tent in al-Hol camp Reuters Inside Syria's cramped and dark prisons for Isis fighters Alija Keserovic, a prisoner from Bosnia and Herzegovina Reuters Inside Syria's cramped and dark prisons for Isis fighters A child is held by a woman inside a shop in al-Hol camp Reuters Inside Syria's cramped and dark prisons for Isis fighters Foreign prisoners pray inside a prison hospital Reuters Inside Syria's cramped and dark prisons for Isis fighters Prisoners from Iraq and Syria spend time in a prison's outside grounds Reuters Inside Syria's cramped and dark prisons for Isis fighters Abed El-Hamed Atiya, an Iraqi prisoner sits next to a picture he drew inside a prison in Hasaka. Atiya is kept apart from other prisoners, some of whom strongly object to his art Reuters Inside Syria's cramped and dark prisons for Isis fighters A woman holds hands with a child while walking through al-Hol camp Reuters Inside Syria's cramped and dark prisons for Isis fighters Prisoners suspected of being part of the Islamic State Reuters

Andrew Cephas, a spokesman for the Prince Georges Department of Corrections, disputed the inmates accounts. He said correctional officers were engaging in social distancing, giving inmates cleaning supplies and dispensing as much information as they could about Covid-19 cases.

The Prince Georges County Department of Corrections is only allowing ten inmates out of their cells at a time to shower, watch television, read the newspaper, walk around the recreation yard and make phone calls, Mr Cephas wrote in an email.

Maryland delegate Jazz Lewis said state data showing black people disproportionately impacted by coronavirus should hasten the governor to release those in state prisons, where the inmate population is 70 per cent black.

We cannot afford to overlook how densely populated our prisons are and how overwhelmingly black they are, to put it bluntly, Mr Lewis said.

Correctional officers confirm facilities have taken steps to distance inmates but say the measures are imperfect given the tight layouts of prisons and jails. At the Eastern Correctional Institution in Westover, dorms house as many as 70 men sleeping just feet apart, the ACLU asserted in its Maryland lawsuit.

Joe Cox, a field director for the union that represents Marylands correctional officers, AFSCME, said inmates are being asked to stay in their cells for much of the day. And rather than allowing entire housing units  say 200 inmates at a time  to go to recreation yards, inmates are being released in staggered, much smaller groups.

Thats just the best that can be done, Mr Cox said. Its incredibly difficult to socially isolate inmates.

At Dorsey Run, a dorm-styled facility, at least one inmate has tested positive for coronavirus and been placed in isolation. Five correctional officers have also tested positive.

Mr Shalto is scheduled for release in October. In 2005, as a 17-year-old, he pleaded in adult court to second-degree murder and was sent to the Maryland Division of Corrections.

He earned an associate degree behind bars, and after his release several years ago, continued at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he made the deans list, according to court records and to Linda Moghadam, the former director of the universitys undergraduate sociology program who has known Mr Shalto for years.

In 2019, Mr Shalto pleaded guilty to two counts of drug possession, which violated the terms of his probation and was sent back into the state prison system. His continued confinement there  after coming so far and amid a pandemic  is heartbreaking to people like Ms Moghadam.

I would trust him not to harm anyone, she said.

Mr Shalto said the room where he lives is approximately 70 feet long and 25 feet wide, with single and double bunks each several feet apart. This week, he said, it housed about 30 inmates.

He credits prison officials with taking steps to increase cleaning by providing more supplies. Mr Shalto said the pandemic has spurred state officials to try to move more short-time inmates to home detention programmes.

But, Mr Shalto said, only one guy has left out of dorm.

The Washington Post
Stranded migrant workers turned violent in Surat on Friday night, allegedly torching vegetable carts and damaging vehicles while demanding the payment of wages and permission to return home, according to government officials and the city police on Saturday.

At least 81 people, mostly migrant workers from Orissa, were arrested by the Surat city police on charges of rioting and violating the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. This is second such incident in Surat since the nationwide lockdown was announced on March 25 to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

On March 30, over 90 migrant labourers were arrested in Surat for allegedly attacking police personnel while protesting against being barred from returning to their villages.

According to police officers, at least 100 people, all migrant workers, came out on Friday night on the streets of Surats Laskana area, where they torched at least five vegetable carts and damaged three vehicles.

At least five hand carts were torched and stones were pelted on locals by the workers who came out on streets fearing that the lockdown would be extended. As soon as police came to know about the incident, additional police force was sent to spot and situation was brought under control by 8.15pm. Also, 35 labourers were detained, said RB Brahmabhatt, Surats commissioner of police (CP).

He said no one sustained injuries and, after the incident, more than 400 policemen were deployed in Laskana and adjacent localities, Diamond Nagar and Vipul Nagar, where a large number of migrant labourers live.

After the situation was brought under control, around 45 more people were detained, and a total of 81 people were arrested. They were booked under section 148 (rioting), and 270 (whoever is likely to spread infection) of Indian Penal Code and for violation of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, Brahmabhatt added.

Bansidhar Lenaka, general secretary of Jagganathpuri Charitable Trust, which looks into the issues of migrant workers in the industrial city, said that the incident was unfortunate and showed the growing anxiety among stranded labourers due to the lockdown.

There are around 25,000 people, just form Orissa, who are working in embroidery units and textile factories. Each person earns around between Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000 and since the lockdown, half of the workers have not got their salaries and others have got only 50% or lesser amount, Lenaka said.

He said that after 15 days of the lockdown, there is almost no money left with workers, who are struggling to meet their basic expenses. Many workers are on the verge of being thrown out of the homes as they have not paid rent for the past one month and also need money to send to their families back home, he added.

The Surat factories association held a meeting with district authorities apprising them about the ground situation. We got nothing other than assurances, Lenaka said, adding that the administration should understand the plight of the workers, who are desperate for money.

Surat district collector Dhaval Patel said food was being provided to workers free of cost in six to seven shelters and five NGOs were distributing food to more than 5,000 people, twice a day.

The issue is more psychological one.Ninety percent of the migrant workers who took to the streets are from Ganjam district of Orissa. They had booked buses in the last few days to go back home. They are afraid that if the lockdown is extended they wont be able to reach home, said Patel.

(With inputs from HTCs and agencies)

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Eggs on the table and a toy rabbit on the dresser -- with a few decorations, Palestinian Christian Sawsan Bitar attempts to salvage some normality from an Easter overshadowed by coronavirus. In the Christian quarter of Jerusalem's Old City that Bitar calls home, roads are deserted and most shops have been closed for two weeks. All cultural sites in the Holy Land are shuttered, regardless of their religious affiliation, as authorities seek to forestall the spread of the deadly respiratory disease. Christians will be prevented from congregating for the Easter service, whether this coming Sunday -- as in the case of Bitar and fellow Catholics -- or a week later on April 19 in the case of the Orthodox. Despite wars and uprisings, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on the site where most Christians believe Jesus was crucified and resurrected, has not been closed over Easter for at least a century, according to Palestinian historian Johnny Mansour. The Sepulchre is considered the holiest site in Christianity, but Friday's morning mass was celebrated behind closed doors. Usually thousands mark Jesus's crucifixion on Good Friday with a procession marking the 14 Stations of the Cross, the route Christians believe Jesus walked while carrying his cross before being put to death. But this year, only four faithful retraced his footsteps under the watchful eye of Israeli police, with the narrow cobbled streets of the old City largely deserted. Police were out in large numbers monitoring and enforcing the country's strict social distancing rules. Officers handed out a fine to one journalist who was not respecting the two-metre distancing rule, AFP journalists at the scene said. Bitar, who is in her sixties, finds it "depressing" she will not be able to celebrate Easter in church. Israel -- which occupied east Jerusalem in the Six-Day War of 1967 and later annexed it in a move never recognised by the internatonal community -- has confirmed more than 10,000 coronavirus infections, with 92 dead. On the Palestinian side, more than 250 cases have been confirmed, with one death. Jerusalem is usually the vibrant heart of world Easter celebrations. Last year, more than 25,000 people gathered near the Holy Sepulchre to attend Palm Sunday mass, which marks the start of Easter week. - Online mass - "But despite the difficult circumstances, there can be positives," said Ibrahim Shomali, spokesman for the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem. This Sunday, Easter mass will be broadcast on television and on social networks. Only six monks will be present in the church, Shomali said. Watching the mass online will be the only way Francis Gharfah will celebrate Easter this year. A Palestinian from east Jerusalem, he left his usual decorations in their boxes and chose not to prepare traditional pastries. "The situation is dramatic," he told AFP, saying he fears for his job at an NGO due to the virus. He was "very touched" by the images of Pope Francis celebrating Palm Sunday in an empty Saint Peter's Basilica, accompanied only by a few religious men and women -- each of them perched on separate benches. "People are thirsty for spirituality," said Shomali, who finds great solace in a "return of faith" in this dark time. Bitar attempts to remain upbeat. "Everything happens for a reason. I hope that we will be different people, that we will appreciate things differently" once the coronavirus crisis ends. To mark this Easter, Bitar laid out a cloth printed with small yellow chicks and multi-coloured eggs at the entrance to her home. Her family has created an improvised photo studio, her daughter and grandchildren squeezing into pictures surrounded by a rabbit and flowers. But all the photos in the world will not be the same as attending church for Easter. "We live five minutes from the Holy Sepulchre and we cannot go there," she said sadly. "It breaks my heart."
The U.S. reported the highest coronavirus death toll in the world as of Saturday, per Johns Hopkins data. 18,860 Americans have died.

The big picture: More than 1,000 people in the U.S. have died every day from COVID-19 since April 1. China has reported fewer infections and deaths, but its reporting is encountering considerable skepticism.

Where it stands: Hard-struck states like New York, Louisiana and Illinois have passed their expected peak dates, when demands for medical resources like hospital beds and ventilators would be at their highest points, per models by the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.

The death toll in New York  the epicenter of the virus in the U.S.  surged to its highest one-day total on Thursday, a record-high for the third straight day, then lowered on Friday.

in New York  the epicenter of the virus in the U.S.  surged to its highest one-day total on Thursday, a record-high for the third straight day, then lowered on Friday. Social distancing measures could bring the total projected death toll in the U.S. down to 60,000, a significant drop from earlier models that projected between 100,000 and 240,000 deaths, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said.

could bring the total projected death toll in the U.S. down to 60,000, a significant drop from earlier models that projected between 100,000 and 240,000 deaths, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said. African Americans, Native Americans and Hispanics are more likely than others in the U.S. to be endangered by the coronavirus due to chronic health conditions and the effects of economic inequality, Surgeon General Jerome Adams said on Friday.

The other side: China's reported infections and deaths have been questioned by allies including Iran in recent days, the New York Times reports.

The CIA has reportedly been warning the White House since February that China has understated its infection rates, per the Times.

The bottom line: The U.S. missed the boat on the kind of swift, early response that would have been most effective against COVID-19, and has been scrambling to catch up ever since, Axios' Marisa Fernandez reports.

Go deeper: Global coronavirus deaths surpass 100,000
(Photo : Pixabay) Heart Disease Is More Deadly Than Coronavirus

The Coronavirus is still infecting a large number of people in the US. However, there is a more significant threat that the US is facing today. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is still deadlier than the coronavirus.

On the latest report of CNN, CDC clarified that although the pandemic caused by COVID-19 has now taken thousands of lives across the United States, it is still not the leading cause of death in the nation.

"There are no data to support that theory," said Jeff Lancashire, spokesperson for the National Center for Health Statistics, in an email he sent to CNN on Friday, April 10.

It was clarified that these claims were formulated by experts through a comparison of the number of deaths caused by the coronavirus with the estimated number of deaths on a daily average caused by other diseases.

According to CNN, false reports stating that the Coronavirus has become the leading cause of death in the United States have been circulating since the country now has the most number of coronavirus cases in the world, surpassing China and Italy.





Heart disease is still deadlier than the Coronavirus

According to a previous report by CNN, more than 431,000 people in the US have been infected with COVID-19, and more than 14,700 have now died.

The recent data provided by CNN stated that 1,858 deaths were recorded on Tuesday, April 7, and more than 1,922 died on Wednesday. New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, told the public on Wednesday, April 8, that there were 779 coronavirus-related deaths reported across the United States, which is the highest number of deaths in just one day.

The researchers stated that these numbers will rise as the US reaches its highest peak. According to the modeling of the data provided by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington Seattle, the US will reach its highest number of infected cases and deaths on Sunday, April 12.

While this is the case, the CDC reiterated that heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the report of Healthline, 1 in every 4 deaths in the US is caused by heart disease resulting in about 610,000 deaths each year.

Heart disease is also the leading cause of death in several populations including Hispanics, African-Americans, and Caucasians. It was stated in the report that almost half of Americans have a high risk of acquiring heart disease.

Heart disease covers a wide range of cardiovascular complications. An individual who has heart disease may experience a slow pulse, lightheadedness, a fluttering or racing heartbeat, chest pains, and dizziness.

"We have limited data on 2020 deaths by cause, and no final official numbers yet for 2019, but we do know by looking at the final death totals in 2018 for the two leading causes of death in the U.S., Heart Disease and Cancer, there is no way that at this point COVID-19 comes anywhere close to those totals," said Lancashire on CNN.

He also pointed out that 234,000 people in the United States have died because of heart disease between January and April in 2018, while nearly 199,000 death cases were caused by cancer.

Also Read: Coronavirus: Nearly 15% Europeans Now Immune in COVID-19

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Honeywell International Inc. (NYSE:HON) shareholders might be concerned after seeing the share price drop 20% in the last quarter. On the bright side the share price is up over the last half decade. However we are not very impressed because the share price is only up 41%, less than the market return of 44%.

Check out our latest analysis for Honeywell International

To paraphrase Benjamin Graham: Over the short term the market is a voting machine, but over the long term it's a weighing machine. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement.

Over half a decade, Honeywell International managed to grow its earnings per share at 9.5% a year. This EPS growth is higher than the 7.1% average annual increase in the share price. So one could conclude that the broader market has become more cautious towards the stock.

You can see below how EPS has changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image).

NYSE:HON Past and Future Earnings April 11th 2020

This free interactive report on Honeywell International's earnings, revenue and cash flow is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further.

What About Dividends?

As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. It's fair to say that the TSR gives a more complete picture for stocks that pay a dividend. As it happens, Honeywell International's TSR for the last 5 years was 64%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence!

A Different Perspective

We regret to report that Honeywell International shareholders are down 9.9% for the year (even including dividends) . Unfortunately, that's worse than the broader market decline of 4.0%. 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 10% 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. 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. Take risks, for example - Honeywell International has 2 warning signs we think you should be aware of.

Story continues

We will like Honeywell International better if we see some big insider buys. While we wait, check out this free list of growing companies with considerable, recent, insider buying.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on US 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.
The Cabinet daily deals with the issue of providing health workers with personal protective equipment

Maksym Stepanov Open source

Since the beginning of the epidemic in Ukraine, 334 medical workers have become ill with coronavirus. Minister of Health Maksym Stepanov said so on the Inter TV channel, RBC reports.

Indeed, today we have 334 medical workers out of [the total of] 2,203 disease cases, the head of the Ministry said.

According to him, at the moment, the Cabinet of Ministers is daily working on the issue of providing health workers with personal protective equipment. Every day, planes with tens and hundreds of thousands of respirators, bioprotective suits, and goggles fly to Ukraine  all this is immediately delivered to hospitals.

As we reported before, a plane carrying humanitarian aid for Ukrainian doctors arrived at Boryspil Airport.

"This aircraft delivered, among other things, protective equipment for 10,000 doctors," the Minister said.

Also, in Ukraine, the number of people infected with coronavirus in Ukraine has increased to 2,511.

During the day, the number of cases in Ukraine increased by 308 cases. As of 9:00 on April 11, 73 deaths were recorded in Ukraine, and 79 patients recovered.
The left now has a love affair with death. (All in the name of love, of course.)

So it should come as no surprise that there are Trump-haters out there so deranged that they would prefer millions to die from the coronavirus  even a limitless number  in exchange for Trump losing the election in November.

Ami Horowitz interviewed people in the East Village of New York and posed the following question: "Would you go for this deal, that the coronavirus lasts longer and is more severe, but the president guarantees to lose the election?"

Most people in this leftist stronghold preferred a longer and more severe pandemic if it meant Trump would not be re-elected. Some were fine with a million people dying from the virus. Others said there was no limit to the number of deaths they would accept if it meant Trump was out of office.

Meanwhile, a teacher in Rhode Island sent a tweet offering to pay people infected with the coronavirus to cough on the president. The matter is under investigation by the school district. I've yet to find any report that the Secret Service is involved. What is up with that?!

And Jim Acosta is apparently so confused about the difference between death and happiness that he accused the president of engaging in "happy talk" at press conferences.

Happy talk?

The president has been talking about illness, the health care system in some regions of the country stretched beyond capacity, and tens of thousands of Americans dying while he organizes the government and private sector to work at breakneck speed to ease the suffering. And Acosta thinks thats "happy talk"?

All in a day's work for the left. What a sick bunch of folks.

Graphic credit: Free SVG.
>>> Government issues resolution to support those hurt by Covid-19



>>> Deadlines for tax and land use fee payments extended

The meeting looked at ways to address the difficulties facing production and business activities, accelerate the disbursement of public investment capital, support employees, and ensure social security along with guaranteeing social order and safety.

In his opening remarks, PM Phuc said the COVID-19 pandemic has caused considerable suffering around the world, and leaders of the Party, the State, the Government, and the whole political system have been taking drastic action to fight the disease with encouraging results.

He noted that Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong had called for the peoples solidarity in both thought and deed so as to overcome the pandemic. Under the Governments Directives No. 15 and 16, ministries, sectors, and localities have been working hard on disease prevention and control.

There remain community transmission risks, he said, stressing the need for all to remain vigilant.

The government leader also touched on the socioeconomic impacts seen around the globe.

As Vietnam has an open economy that is substantially integrated into the world, the pandemic has greatly affected multiple sectors and society in general. Though the countrys economic growth of 3.82% in the first quarter was the highest in the region, it was nonetheless a ten-year low and just half of the set target, he explained.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at the meeting. (Photo: NDO/Tran Hai)



Without measures to maintain socioeconomic activity and promote business recovery and development, there might be negative consequences and even social uncertainties, PM Phuc noted.

He stressed the need to turn risk into opportunity and identify ways for the economy to not only grow at a faster pace in the post-pandemic period but also to become more resilient and prosperous.

The Party and the State have issued several aid packages, such as a monetary aid package (VND300 trillion), a fiscal package (VND180 trillion), others supporting social security (VND62 trillion), reducing power prices (VND12 trillion), and cutting telecom service prices (VND15 trillion).

The more difficulties the country encounters, the stronger its determination, PM Phuc emphasised, requesting ministries, sectors, and localities to help amend administrative procedures and regulations to create more favourable conditions and stimulate momentum for the economy.

He highlighted the role of major businesses, banks, cities, and key economic regions in joining the Governments efforts to ensure macroeconomic stability.

The PM also directed greater focus on external affairs given that Vietnam is the ASEAN Chair in 2020 and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 term.

PM Phuc expressed a belief that, with its resolve, the country will manage to defeat the pandemic, boost socioeconomic development, ensure social security, and guarantee security and order.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a message for the people on Saturday as he was seen wearing a mask during his video-conference with chief ministers over the coronavirus pandemic.

The Prime Minister was seen in a white homemade cloth mask during the video conference with chief ministers to discuss the way forward as India reported more than 7400 cases of the coronavirus disease, which has also killed 239 people, on Saturday.

Follow latest updates on coronavirus here

The chief ministers, including West Bengals Mamata Banerjee, Delhis Arvind Kejriwal, Rajasthans Ashok Gehlot, Karnatakas BS Yediyurappa, were also seen in masks during the virtual meeting after which the Prime Minister is expected to take a decision on whether to lift or extend the lockdown.

I am always available. Any chief minister can speak to me and give suggestions (on Covid-19) anytime. We should stand together shoulder-to-shoulder, Modi is understood to have said during the meeting.

Prime Minister Modi had asked his Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJPs) leaders and workers to distribute masks to at least five to seven people and even wear them at home, if possible.

Also read: On Covid-19 lockdown, PM Modi to strike a balance between saving lives and livelihood

Addressing the BJPs cadre through a video link on the 40th foundation day of the party on Monday, Modi had underlined the importance of wearing masks to avoid getting infected.

Last week, the Centre had also said last week that people can use homemade, reusable cloth mask as an alternative to retail ones.

Also read: Coronavirus cases in India rise to 7447, death toll at 239

Click here for complete coronavirus coverage
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday suggested that the nationwide lockdown should be extended till April 30 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interaction with chief ministers, sources said.

They said Kejriwal was of the view that the ongoing 21-day lockdown, which is scheduled to end on April 14, should be extended to the whole of India and not only in Delhi.

"Extending the lockdown in Delhi only will not serve any purpose," sources quoted Kejriwal as saying in the video conference interaction with the prime minister.

As the country battles the coronavirus, Modi on Saturday held video conference with chief ministers primarily to take their feedback on whether the 21-nationwide lockdown be extended beyond April 14 to stem the tide of the infections.

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW CORONAVIRUS LIVE UPDATES

The central government is understood to have also obtained views on the issue from all the relevant agencies and stakeholders involved in the efforts to contain the spread of the pandemic.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 00:04:31|Editor: xuxin

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Chinese medical team members discuss anti-virus measures with Kazakh fellows at the National Public Health Center of Kazakhstan in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, April 10, 2020. The Chinese government has sent a team of medical experts to Kazakhstan at the invitation of its government to help the country battle the COVID-19 outbreak. (National Public Health Center of Kazakhstan/Handout via Xinhua)

NUR-SULTAN, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Ten Chinese experts began their first working day here on Friday, sharing expertise on how to tame the novel coronavirus spread with their Kazakh colleagues.

The group's 15-day schedule started with a visit to the National Public Health Center of Kazakhstan, which collects information on and updates statistics of COVID-19 in the country.

After getting acquainted with the epidemiological situation in Kazakhstan and the measures being taken to combat the disease, the experts held a large-scale online conference with Kazakh doctors across the country.

Dr. Lu Chen, the vice president of the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, presented the seventh version of China's diagnosis and treatment protocol of COVID-19. He also shared his first-hand experience in the diagnosis and treatment of patients and measures to curb infection of health workers.

"Around 3,400 Chinese health workers were infected at the beginning of the epidemic, mostly in the city of Wuhan. But after hospitals adopted tough preventive measures and secured enough protective gear supplies, the number of health worker infections dropped sharply," said Lu.

Lu also talked about COVID-19 prevention and control measures at the national and municipal levels, and discussed procedures for tracing and isolating those who have been in close contact with confirmed patients.

While introducing the situation in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, where the experts come from, Lu said a total of 76 people were infected, with the last patient recovering over one month ago. Some doctors and nurses from Xinjiang also went to assist in Hubei Province, the country's region hardest hit by COVID-19.

Chinese doctors hailed Kazakh efforts in the fight against COVID-19. "During our short stay, we noticed that the work to contain the coronavirus is well conducted in Nur-Sultan where the quarantine is observed. All wear face masks," said Lu Xiaobo, an infectious diseases doctor.

The eventful day ended with an online meeting with Kazakh Health Minister Yelzhan Birtanov.

The minister said restrictions imposed since mid-March have resulted in a slower increase of cases in Nur-Sultan and Almaty. However, infection cases in other regions have jumped quickly, leading the government to extend a state of emergency until the end of April.

The visit from Chinese experts is a timely and accurate decision made by the leaders of the two countries, said Birtanov.

Kazakhstan was among the first batch of countries to offer support to the Chinese people amid the initial outbreak, which showed the neighborly relations between the two countries, said Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan Zhang Xiao, who also attended the meeting.

The Chinese medical team arrived in Nur-Sultan on Thursday night, with the 10-member team also due to visit Almaty and Karaganda.

Kazakhstan has registered 859 cases and 10 deaths as of Saturday. A total of 64 patients have been discharged from hospital.
Dr. Vida Obese || Specialist Physician,Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Founder-Anidaso Parkinsons Disease Foundation

11.04.2020 LISTEN

Each year, the international community comes together on 11th April, to mark World Parkinson's Day to raise awareness of the illness.

World Parkinsons Day is about getting to know people with Parkinsons and the people in their lives. Many people with Parkinson's are familiar with feeling isolated, lonely, left out. The coronavirus crisis and staying at home has intensified these feelings for some people.

Dr. Vida Obese (Specialist Physician, KOMFO ANOKYE TEACHING HOSPITAL, FOUNDER-ANIDASO PARKINSONS DISEASE FOUNDATION) has penned a wonderful piece to create more awareness about the disease. Read On:

April is Parkinsons Disease Awareness Month and an ideal time to learn more about Parkinsons disease. So what is Parkinsons Disease? It is a progressive disorder of the nervous system. Parkinsons disease occurs when the brain stops producing dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates movement and emotions.

The main signs are tremor, stiffness of the body, slowness of movement, and difficulty with balance. Have you noticed a slight shaking or tremor in your finger, thumb, hand or chin? Has your handwriting gotten much smaller than it was in the past? Have you noticed you no longer smell certain foods very well? Do you thrash around in bed or act out dreams when you are deeply asleep? Do you feel stiff in your body, arms or legs? Have others noticed that your arms dont swing like they used to when you walk?

Do you have trouble moving your bowels without straining every day? Have other people told you that your voice is very soft or that you sound hoarse? Have you been told that you have a serious, depressed or mad look on your face, even when you are not in a bad mood? Do you notice that you often feel dizzy when you stand up out of a chair? Are you not standing up as straight as you used to?

If you suffer from any of these symptoms, it may indicate Parkinsons, so be sure to inform your doctor immediately. Whiles other conditions can explain some of these symptoms, its best to talk to your doctor to be sure. Remember, it is much better to give your doctor too much information than too little.

In addition to movement-related (motor) symptoms, Parkinsons symptoms may be unrelated to movement (non-motor). People with PD are often more impacted by their non-motor symptoms than motor symptoms. Examples of non-motor symptoms include apathy, depression, constipation, sleep behavior disorders, loss of sense of smell and cognitive impairment.

Although there is no cure for Parkinson's disease at the present time, medications, surgical treatments, and other adjuvant exercises, speech therapy and nutritional therapies can dramatically improve many of the symptoms. So if you are living with the disease, work with your doctor to get adequate multidisciplinary care from nutritionist, physiotherapist, neurologist, speech therapist and nurses and join a support group.

Parkinsons disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide and it progressively impacts and reduces patients quality of life.

Parkinsons disease (PD) is an extremely diverse disorder. While no two people experience Parkinsons the same way, there are some commonalities. Parkinsons affects ten million worldwide. In Africa, there is limited data on the prevalence on the disease; from publications, a prevalence of PD ranging from 7/100,000 is found in Ethiopia to 67/100,000 in Nigeria has been reported.

In Ghana, Parkinsons disease patients form 12% of our patient population found in our neurology clinic following Stroke and Epilepsy. The recognition of PD as a common neurological disorder has been bolstered by its prevalence among celebrities, including Muhammad Ali, Michael J. Fox, Linda Ronstadt, Pope John Paul II, and more recently Jesse Jackson and Alan Alda. The average age at diagnosis is 62.5 years, and an estimated 10 percent of patients are diagnosed at age 50 or younger with men more likely to get it than women.

PD prevalence has often been reported to be lower in sub-Saharan Africa compared with Europe and North America, but whether this is due either to actual biological/ environmental factors or rather to measurement bias is still a matter of debate. Often, patients with neurological disease such as epilepsy and leprosy are seen as cursed and as a result are often cast out of society.

The cultural norm tends to be to visit traditional healers before seeking medical help and as a result patients tend to present later than those in developed countries, if at all. It may also mean that patients with these symptoms would try to conceal them. Often times, most symptoms of Parkinsons disease are believed to be part of normal aging process and this may well have an impact on whether the patients present for medical care. These factors will have an impact on how frequently PD is seen in hospitals and by medical practitioners, meaning they are important considerations in any report on the prevalence of PD in Africa.

In Africa and by extrapolation Ghana, there is a grossly inadequate number of medical doctors let alone neurologists, while medications patients need are largely unavailable and/or expensive. Therefore, most individuals with PD are underdiagnosed and undertreated. Most people with PD in rural sub-Saharan regions cannot afford long-term medical treatment. Patients' inability to work is an indirect cost because it further reduces familial income.

Until recently, there was no approved indication for Parkinson's Disease in Ghana. Although medications like Levodopa are old molecules, none was registered by the Food and Drugs Authority, the first being registered by Roche, in 2019.

According to the Country Manager of Roche Products Ghana Ltd Mr. Philip Anderson, they are driven by our commitment to the North Star of "Delivering better outcomes for more patients faster", and believe patients should not be limited by geographical and economic situations in having access to life-saving medicines. Roche continues to investigate and develop therapies including digital diagnostic and monitoring tools for patients and physicians and are committed to making these available to patients across the world including Africa and Ghana.

The Anidaso Parkinsons Disease Foundation is an organization in Ghana dedicated to bridging the gap to healthcare for PD patients. We hope to make life better for people living with Parkinsons disease by improving care whilst inspiring a network both within and outside communities patients find themselves.

We are committed to adequate sensitization and training of local physicians, medical assistants as well as nurses and other health officers about Parkinsons disease which will improve patients' identification and long-term management. Help Us Make a Difference.

We will continue to partner our Healthcare professionals and patient groups and shape the standard of care that offers the best outcomes for our patients in Ghana. We need your help - more than ever - in helping raise awareness to beat Parkinson's disease and ensuring a better future, today.

Contact the Foundation at [email protected], www.anidasopd.org

or 0545919887 and 0541111724 for more information.
Voters wait for their turn to cast their ballots at a polling station near Seoul Station in central Seoul, Saturday. Yonhap



Voter turnout in early voting of next week's parliamentary elections reached a record high Saturday, the election watchdog said, as people cast ballots in advance to avoid crowds amid fears over the new coronavirus.



South Korea is scheduled to hold the quadrennial parliamentary polls Wednesday to elect the 300-seat unicameral National Assembly at a time when the country is fighting COVID-19.



The turnout tentatively came in at 26.69 percent as 11.7 million voters participated in two days of early voting that ran until Saturday at 3,508 polling stations nationwide, according to the National Election Commission (NEC).



It marked a record high since the country adopted the advance voting system for nationwide elections in 2014. The previous highest turnout was 26.06 percent for the May 2017 presidential election.



The turnout for the 2016 parliamentary elections reached 12.19 percent.



The highest turnout came as voters apparently opted to cast ballots early to avert contact with others at polling stations over concerns about infection.



South Korea's new virus cases hovered around 30 for the second straight day Saturday, with its total caseload hitting 10,480. The country reported the fewest new cases of 27 a day ago since late February.



The NEC has prioritized voter safety in preparing for the polls to prevent people from being exposed to the risk of infection.



Voters were advised to wear face masks when visiting polling stations. After having their temperature checked, voters disinfect their hands with sanitizer and put on plastic gloves. They stood at least 1 meter apart from others while waiting to vote.



South Korea set up eight special polling stations, including five in North Gyeongsang Province, at facilities where coronavirus patients with mild symptoms are being treated.



The watchdog on Sunday plans to unveil details about the measures to permit those in self-quarantine due to the virus access to the polls for the Wednesday elections. They are expected to cast ballots after the regular voting hour ends at 6 p.m.



The upcoming elections are widely seen as a vote of confidence for liberal President Moon Jae-in who is in his third year in office.



The ruling Democratic Party appealed to voters to support the government's quarantine drive against the coronavirus and focused on promoting its strategy to minimize the economic fallout of the pandemic.



The main opposition United Future Party, meanwhile, called for the need to "judge" the government, citing what's called policy failures to prop up the economy.



Higher turnout in advance voting usually leads to a higher voting rate on election day here.



But it is premature to expect the overall turnout will be higher as the coronavirus scare has probably prompted more voters to cast ballots in advance. (Yonhap)


Here is a compiled list of 5 Nigerian celebrities who found love outside the shores of the country.

Although, some of them have gone their separate ways, some have chosen to spend the rest of their lives together.

Taking the number spot is Ufuoma McDermott and her European husband, Steve McDermott.

The couple celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary on Saturday and they are blessed with two kids; a boy and a girl.

Susan Peters

The actress recently welcomed a son, Oche almost 4 years after she walked down the aisle in 2015 with her Dutch lover, Koen Croon.

Peters welcomed her son via adoption in 2019 and she broke the news with adorable photos of the little one.

Uche Jombo

Uche Jombo, one of the most sought after actresses in movie industry, walked down the aisle with her American-Puerto Rican born husband, Kenny Rodriguez, in a low-key wedding that took place on May 16, 2012.

The couple also welcomed a son but things began to fall apart after rumors began to spread that they had parted ways because her husband cheated on her with a 22-year-old American.

In 2017, Kenney tendered an apology to his wife after she was dragged by web users.

The scandal prompted the actress to announce that she was taking her family off social media henceforth as a result of what she described as wicked rumors.

Kate Henshaw

The veteran actress was married to Roderick James Nuttal for 12 years until the marriage ended in 2011. The couple has a daughter between them. Kate has since moved on with life and has remained single ever since.

IK Ogbonna

After many months of break-up rumors, Nollywood actor, IK Ogbonna and his Colombian wife, Sonia Morales announced their separation in 2019.
By Abdul Qadir Sediqi

KABUL, April 11 (Reuters) - The commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan met Taliban leadership in Doha to discuss the need to reduce violence in the war-torn country, spokesmen for both sides said on Saturday, as continued clashes threaten to derail a fragile peace process.

The meeting between Taliban leaders and General Scott Miller, commander of U.S. forces and the NATO-led non-combat Resolution Support mission in Afghanistan, took place on Friday night. It came as the insurgent group accuses U.S. forces of breaching an agreement signed between the two sides in February.

"General Miller met with Taliban leadership last night as part of the military channel established in the agreement," a spokesman for U.S. Forces in Afghanistan told Reuters. "The meeting was about the need to reduce the violence," he said.

The February pact between the United States and the Taliban, under which international forces will withdraw in phases in exchange for Taliban security guarantees, is the best chance yet of ending the 18-year U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan.

The spokesman for the Taliban's political office in Doha also said on Twitter that the meeting discussed implementation of the agreement.

The Taliban last week accused U.S. forces of supporting Afghan security operations in some parts of the country, and warned that such support could jeopardise the agreement.

The spokesman for the U.S. forces described the latter's actions as defence of Afghan forces.

The Taliban are to sit for negotiations with an inclusive Afghan delegation as part of the agreement, but a prisoner exchange preceding the talks has hit snags.

The Afghan government released a total of 200 Taliban prisoners on Wednesday and Thursday, but the insurgent group had walked away from the exchange process saying its demand on who was to be released first was not met. (Writing by Gibran Peshimam; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell)
Several operators in the Moroccan industrial fabric are swiftly adapting to manufacture anti-coronavirus equipment including ventilators, an artificial breathing device in high demand.

A group of aeronautics enterprises as well as researchers and doctors and electronic engineers cooperated to produce a first prototype last month that will serve as a basis to improve a more sophisticated version of the Moroccan ventilator, designed to save lives by pumping oxygenated air to the lungs of coronavirus patients.

The Industry Ministry told Reuters that a delivery of 500 ventilators will be ready in a week to fill the gap in such vital devices for serious Covid-19 cases.

Research is also ongoing to produce more sophisticated ventilators that use intubation.

Speaking to Reuters, Badre Jaafar, leading one of the aeronautics manufacturing companies in Casablanca, said that the Moroccan breathing machines are produced according to rigorous aeronautics standards.

Morocco has also increased its mask production capacity to hit 5 million in few days, enough to supply the domestic market with export prospects, the industry minister Moulay Hafid El Alamy told the media.

Other Moroccan companies are producing sanitizers, gloves and protective gear for medical staff to help Morocco secure self-sufficiency in such highly demanded equipment worldwide.

Total coronavirus cases rose in Morocco to 1527, including 110 deaths and 141 recoveries.
The overall costs of generic drugs for the US consumers is likely to increase in short-to-medium term because of China being the primary supplier of their ingredients to their global manufacturers, particularly India, a Congressional report has said.

China's role as the primary supplier of Active Pharmaceuticals Ingredients to global manufacturers of the generic pharmaceuticals, particularly in India, is likely to increase overall costs of the generic pharmaceuticals for consumers in the United States in the short-to-medium term, Congressional Research Service or CRS said in one of its latest report.

The outbreak of COVID-19 in India could also affect the availability of generic pharmaceuticals in the United States. India, which supplies approximately 40 percent of generic pharmaceuticals used in the United States, imports nearly 70 percent of its APIs from China, CRS said.

CRS is the independent and bipartisan research wing of the US Congress which prepares periodic reports for lawmakers to take informed decisions. Its report are not an official view point on the Congress,



In March, the CRS said India imposed export restrictions on several drugs whose supply chains rely on China, leading to fears of potential global shortage of generic drugs that have since escalated after India announced a nationwide 21-day lockdown.

India, however, has started allowing export of some of the key drugs like hydroxychloroquine to countries like the US and Brazil on a case by case basis. US President Donald Trump has thanked people of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his decision to allow HCQ's export.

According to the CRS, in 2019, India with total export worth USD 8.3 billion was the eighth largest exporter of pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, products and supplies. Ireland with 35 billion tops the list followed by Germany (USD 25 billion) and China (USD20 billion).

In its report dated April 6, the CRS said the COVID-19 outbreak, first in China and then globally, including in the United States, is drawing attention to the ways in which the US economy depends on manufacturing and supply chains based in China.

An area of particular concern to the Congress is shortages of medical supplies in the US, including those of personal protective equipments and pharmaceuticals, as the United States steps up efforts to contain COVID-19 with limited domestic stockpiles and insufficient US industrial capacity.

Because of China's role as a global supplier of PPE, medical devices, antibiotics, and active pharmaceutical ingredients, reduced export from China have led to shortages of critical medical supplies in the United States.

Exacerbating the situation, in early February 2020, the Chinese government nationalized control of the production and distribution of medical supplies in China, directing all production for domestic use, and asked the bureaucracy and Chinese industry to secure supplies from the global market.

Now, apparently past its COVID-19 outbreak peak, the Chinese government may selectively release some medical supplies for overseas delivery, with designated countries selected, according to political calculations, it said.

As China's manufacturing sector recovers, while the United States and other major global markets are grappling with COVID-19, some fear China could overwhelm overseas markets, as it ramps up export-led growth to compensate for the sharp downturn of exports in the first quarter of 2020, secure hard currency, and boost economic growth, CRS noted.

China may also seek to make gains in strategic sectors, such as telecommunications, microelectronics and semiconductors, in which the government undertook extraordinary measures to sustain research and development and manufacturing during the COVID-19 outbreak in China, it said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
As Bihar reels under a spike in



COVID-19 cases, personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have fanned out to more than half a dozen badly affected districts of the state, armed with protective gear and skills to share with local medical teams.

Known for their yeomans service during calamities like floods that ravage parts of the state every year, the NDRF personnel were seen in action on Friday at Panjwar village of Raghunathpur block in Siwan district where more than 20 people, all members of the same family have tested positive.

Siwan district has emerged as a COVID-19 hotspot with close to 30 cases, tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Friday, taking the statewide total to 60, officials said.

Local channels have beamed images, captured by drones deployed by the state administration, of NDRF personnel spraying disinfectants on the deserted streets of the village



where bamboo barricades have been placed at regular intervals to ensure that the lockdown is strictly enforced while the inhabitants complete the quarantine period.

"We have deployed 15 sub-teams each of comprising six rescuers in seven districts of Bihar upon the request of the state disaster management department. Our men are at work in Siwan, Begusarai, Nawada, Gaya, Munger, Patna and Nalanda districts", Vijay Sinha, Commandant of the 9th Battalion of NDRF at Bihta on the outskirts of the state capital, said.

Notably, among the aforementioned districts Munger and Patna at present have no active cases though these were the two worst-affected by the pandemic till a fortnight ago with six and five COVID-19 cases respectively.

Munger was also the place to which the states sole deceased COVID-19 patient, who breathed his last at AIIMS, Patna on March 21, belonged.

"Our personnel are fully equipped with PPE and other necessary equipment and in addition to active participation in preventing the spread of the infection through sanitization with approved chemical solutions, they are training the local medical personnel. In fact, as per the directions of NDRF DG S N Pradhan, the 9th Battalion had launched a training cum awareness programme at the airports in Patna, Gaya and Ranchi on March 1 this year", Sinha said.

Movement of flights in the country came to halt with the nationwide lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, invoking the National Disaster Management Act, which came into force with effect from March 25.

"Our men are also reaching out to villagers in other parts of the state with food packets since the peoples movement is obviously constrained in view of the lockdown. We are also distributing face masks and hand sanitizers among those involved in keeping the streets clean, whose services are obviously salutary in such times but who face health hazards because of the nature of their work", he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A heroic ER doctor who risks her life every day on the frontline of the coronavirus outbreak has lost custody of her daughter until the pandemic is over.

Dr. Theresa Greene, an emergency room physician in Florida, has temporarily lost shared custody of her four-year-old daughter because of her work saving lives during the coronavirus crisis.

Her ex-husband filed for temporary sole custody of the little girl 'due to mother's significantly heightened exposure to COVID-19' and a judge granted it - even though Greene has tested negative for the deadly virus.

Greene is now facing an impossible and 'cruel' choice between being a mother and her duty as a medic while the US healthcare system buckles under the weight of the pandemic and grapples to find enough healthcare workers to keep COVID-19 patients alive.

Dr. Theresa Greene, an emergency room physician in Florida, has temporarily lost shared custody of her four-year-old daughter because of her work saving lives during the pandemic

The heroic ER doctor is risking her life every day on the frontline of the coronavirus outbreak and has now her daughter cruelly taken away from her by a judge until the pandemic is over

'I can't come home and hug my daughter,' the desperate mother told 6 South Florida.

'We're there on the frontline, we're risking our lives and to take our children away from us I just think is so cruel.'

Greene said the move is discriminatory against healthcare workers who are divorced or sole carers.

'How can you tell me because I'm divorced that I can't come home - obviously I have to shower - but that I can't come home and hug my daughter,' she said.

'It's really discriminatory against divorced parents and particularly I feel for the children.'

Healthcare professionals across the US are facing unprecedented times, overloaded with sick COVID-19 patients.

Greene said her ex-husband Eric Green (pictured) filed for temporary sole custody and a judge granted it

The judge awarded temporary sole custody of the little girl to the father 'due to mother's significantly heightened exposure to COVID-19', the order said

Hospitals have been likened to war zones with protective gear for heroic workers in short supply and body bags lining the corridors as the death toll from the killer virus soars.

At least 5,400 nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers in the US have been infected by the disease, according to BuzzFeed News.

More than 30 have died from the virus, after being infected trying to save others' lives.

Parents like Greene now have other traumatic issues to contend with.

'I feel like the family court system now is stressing me almost more than the virus, I mean this is a very stressful time for healthcare professionals,' Greene said.

The essential worker's daughter split her time equally between her parents until her father Eric Greene filed an emergency order this week asking for sole custody during the pandemic.

Circuit Judge Bernard Shapiro granted the request saying it was in the 'best interests' of the child because of the state of the pandemic in Florida.

Greene is now facing an impossible and 'cruel' choice between being a mother and her duty as a medic doing her part as the US healthcare system buckles under the weight of the pandemic

'I can't come home and hug my daughter,' the desperate mother said, adding that 'the family court system now is stressing me almost more than the virus'

'In order to protect the best interests of the minor child, including but not limited to the minor child's safety and welfare, this Court temporarily suspends the Former Wife's timesharing until further Order of Court. The suspension is solely related to the outbreak of COVID-19,' he said in the court order.

Greene, who is lodging an appeal, said she was shocked by the decision.

'I was just shocked that the judge would take this stance without talking to medical experts and knowing the facts and take it so lightly, take my child from me and not think of the effect on her, her mental and psychological well-being,' she said.

A patient is taken from an ambulance at the Broward Health Medical Center on April 2 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. At least 5,400 nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers in the US have been infected by the disease, according to BuzzFeed News

Medical workers cheer as first responders drive by in a procession to honor hospital staff at Mercy Hospital in Miami. More than 30 US healthcare workers have died from the virus, after being infected trying to save others' lives

According to Greene, she is not alone in this situation with other healthcare workers she knows facing equally distressing situations as they fulfill their duties on the frontline.

'I know I'm not alone, first responders, nurses, so many people in this position who, because they're divorced, their children are suffering and they're being told they can't see them, and it's just not fair,' Greene said.

'You know I took an oath and I really believe in that, that's why I went into medicine, to help people.'

The American Medical Association's stance is that frontline physicians working to save coronavirus patients should be able to go home to their families and to their children, as long as they take proper precautions.

The US recorded its deadliest day from the coronavirus pandemic on Friday, as it became the first country to mark more than 2,000 deaths in 24 hours and its number of infections topped half a million.

Stark figures show that 2,028 Americans died from coronavirus in a single day on Friday, taking the death toll to 18,798.

As the nation mourns its darkest day on record during the pandemic, the total number of Americans infected skyrocketed past half a million, as another 35,579 Americans tested positive.

The US is on track to become the deadliest nation in the world amid the outbreak, as it rapidly edges closer to Italy's death toll of 18,849.

Worldwide, more than 100,000 people have now been killed in the pandemic.

Heart surgeon returns to treat sick coronavirus patients at New York City hospital after recovering from the disease as more doctors who beat the virus go back to the frontlines

A New York City surgeon who was diagnosed with the coronavirus was met with applause from his colleagues when he returned to work fully recovered.

Dr. Paul Saunders tested positive for COVID-19 in March after feeling symptoms of the virus.

After Saunders recovered from a mild case, ABC News reports, he returned to the frontline of the coronavirus disease in the world's epicenter on Thursday.

Dr. Paul Saunders (pictured) returned to work at a Brooklyn hospital after recovering from COVID-19

Footage shows Dr. Saunders walking through the Maimonides Medical Center entrance in Brooklyn to rousing applause from fellow medical staff and employees.

'This is totally unexpected and undeserved but thank you all for coming to work and for working so hard ... Happy to be back,' Saunders told staffers who welcomed him back.

'Everyone's working so hard and the whole time I was home, I was just anxious to get back, just get back and get back to work,' he said.

The excitement around Dr. Saunders' return to Maimonides Medical Center was also because he is trained in ECMO, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Worldwide, health care workers recovered from COVID-19 have returned to the same hospitals where they most likely contracted the disease in the first place.

'It was quite frustrating being at home and seeing how badly the hospitals needed help,' said Dr. Aurelie Gouel, who fell ill while treating coronavirus patients in Paris, France.

'We were trained for this,' she added. 'The world needs us.'

In the brutal months since France reported Europe's first coronavirus cases in January and then, in February, the first death on the continent, the scourge has infected so many thousands of doctors, nurses and other health workers in Europe that some have now recovered and are going from their sick beds back to the front lines.

'It's a bit like what happened in the First World War. People were wounded and came back to the battlefield,' said Dr. Philippe Montravers, head of anesthesiology and critical care at Bichat Hospital in Paris.

The hospital treated the 80-year-old Chinese tourist who in mid-February became the first person outside Asia to die from COVID-19.

'They feel ... very guilty staying at home,' Montravers said. 'As soon as they are feeling better, they come back to help.'
The home secretary has launched a campaign to draw attention to domestic abuse victims locked up with their abusers during the coronavirus crisis.

Priti Patels announcement follows mounting pressure on the government to introduce emergency measures to tackle the surge in domestic abuse in the wake of the governments lockdown.

Calls to the UKs national domestic abuse helpline have soared and police report there has been a rise in domestic violence incidents directly linked to the Covid-19 emergency.

The governments new campaign, which uses the hashtag #YouAreNotAlone, draws attention to the fact support services are still up and running to help those subjected to domestic abuse.

I am now asking this nation to use that amazing compassion and community spirit to embrace those trapped in the horrific cycle of abuse, Priti Patel said during Downing Streets daily coronavirus briefing.

And to help us all look out for those who need help, we have created a symbol of hope  a handprint embossed with a heart  so that people can easily show that we will not tolerate abuse as a society.

I would urge everyone to share it on social media or in the windows of your home, alongside a link to the support available, to demonstrate just how much this country cares. And to show victims of domestic abuse: you are not alone.

High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Show all 18 1 /18 High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Najaf, Iraq A man holds a pocket watch at noon, at an almost empty market near the Imam Ali shrine Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Bangkok, Thailand Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, part of The Grand Palace) Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Prague, Czech Republic An empty street leading to the historic Old Town Square Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Washington DC, US Lawn stretching towards the Capitol, home of Congress Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Jerusalem's Old City A watch showing the time in front of Damascus Gate Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world London, UK The Houses of Parliament seen from Westminster Bridge Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Wuhan, China Empty lanes in the city that saw the first outbreak of disease Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Havana, Cuba The Malecon road and esplanade winds along the city's seafront Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Cairo, Egypt A little busier than elsewhere: midday traffic in Tahrir Square Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Berlin, Germany The Brandenburg Gate, the only surviving city gate in the capital Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Caracas, Venezuela Bolivar Avenue, opened in 1949 and the site of many demonstrations and rallies Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Moscow, Russia Spasskaya Tower (left) on the eastern wall of the Kremlin, and St Basil's Cathedral Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Istanbul,Turkey The harbourside Eminonu district is usually buzzing with activity Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world New Delhi, India Rajpath, a ceremonial boulevard that runs through the capital Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Amman, Jordan The Roman amphitheatre that dates back to the 2nd century AD Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world New York City, US The main concourse of Grand Central station in Manhattan Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Kiev, Ukraine Maidan Nezalezhnosti, the site of many political protests since the end of the Soviet era Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Accra, Ghana The odd walker out in the midday sun on Ring Road Central Reuters

The governments idea for a handprint embossed with a heart has been mocked by critics on Twitter.

Ms Patel argued it should be abusive partners who are forced to leave their homes by the authorities to ensure the domestic abuse victim and their children can remain. However, the Conservative Party politician noted that sadly this is not always possible.

She said the government is looking at alternative forms of accommodation to support those fleeing abuse but failed to set out any concrete plans around how this would be implemented.

Ms Patel pledged 2m to boost online support services and helplines for victims of domestic abuse  a tiny fraction of the 48.2m emergency cash injection a leading domestic abuse charity has called for to help services during the coronavirus crisis.

Womens Aids call for the emergency funding came after a survey of 45 local domestic abuse services found 84 per cent of services said they had been forced to either reduce or totally cancel one or more services in the wake of the pandemic. Around 70 per cent of services voiced fears around future loss of income from fundraising.

Domestic abuse services have been badly hit by government austerity measures in recent years  with shelters for abuse survivors suffering from a chronic shortage of bed spaces. Local authority spending on refuges was cut from 31.2m in 2010 to 23.9m in 2017, forcing several to close their doors.

Mandu Reid, leader of the Womens Equality Party, argued the governments campaign did not go far enough to address the scourge of domestic violence.

She said: Despite stark advance warnings from other countries, the governments lack of action on domestic abuse until three weeks into lockdown has already cost lives, and is symptomatic of its inability to recognise and respond to the gendered impacts of this pandemic. This failure is not surprising when its war cabinet is entirely male.

While the additional 2m for online services and helplines is much needed, it is a drop in the ocean. Despite the reassuring words from Priti Patel on addressing perpetrators of abuse, todays announcements still focused on enabling victims and their children to flee their homes  effectively rendering them homeless. We also need to make it easier for police to evict dangerous perpetrators.

Which is why I am calling for domestic abuse protection orders to be extended for the full period of lockdown, for forces to be supported and directed to make wider use of them, for court fees to be waived and cases to be prioritised. If it is not addressed, the escalation of abuse during this period will take a terrible toll that will reverberate in families, communities and our society for years to come.

The governments new campaign highlights the support currently being provided by Refuge, the UKs largest provider of shelters for domestic violence victims, via the freephone 24-hour national domestic abuse helpline.

 Chief nursing officer refuses to say how many NHS workers have died of coronavirus

Sandra Horley, chief executive of Refuge, said: We have worked around the clock to ensure our national helpline and frontline specialist services remain open and accessible to women experiencing domestic abuse.

What is needed now, more than ever, is to ensure every woman experiencing domestic abuse is aware of the confidential support available. We hope the governments campaign will reach the tens of thousands of people experiencing domestic abuse, helping send the message  you are not alone.

The Independent recently spoke to frontline service providers and experts about a range of measures that need to be implemented to help women cooped up with their abusers during the lockdown.

Charities have argued the chancellors recent 750m pledge in emergency funding for charities across the UK is not adequate. Charity sector bodies previously estimated charities will lose out on a minimum of 4.3bn of income over the 12 weeks  with some arguing the figure could be radically higher.

Anyone who requires help or support can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, which is open 24/7 365 days per year on 0808 2000 247 or via their website https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
Amaravati, April 11 : Even as he favoured continuation of the lockdown in the state's red and orange zones, and relaxation in areas unaffected by COVID-19, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, on Saturday, assured his support to implement Prime Minister's decision on the matter.

During the course of the PM's interaction with chief ministers across the country, Jagan Reddy appraised him of the measures taken in the state and the impact of coronavirus on farming activities in the state.

Pointing out that the state is largely agrarian contributing to 35 per cent of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and employing nearly 65 per cent of the workforce, Jagan Reddy apprehended that lakhs of farm-families stare at destitution, if the present circumstances continued.

Speaking about the state's COVID-19 strategy, the Chief Minister said 141 clusters have been identified for focused containment measures. He pointed out that of the 676 mandals in the state, 37 are red zones or severely affected areas, and 44 are orange zones which are partially affected.

In all, 81 mandals are categorised as red and orange zones. The remaining mandals are unaffected and denoted as green zones, he explained to the Prime Minister.

"Lockdown should be limited to red zones. Restrictions can be continued in places with mass gathering. Social distancing can be continued in other places. While I have given my opinion, the country should move ahead with one single strategy. Whatever strategy you suggest, we will go ahead with it," he assured the Prime Minister.

Drawing parallel to the influenza epidemic of 1918, which affected India's economy for nearly two years, the Chief Minister said that India should prepare for a long-haul strategy now. He called attention to the state's lack of storage for agriculture and aqua produce.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 11

Trend:

The Turkic Council as an organization is ready to cooperate with other international organizations, said President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, chairman of the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States Ilham Aliyev during the extraordinary Summit of the Turkic Council through videoconferencing, Trend reports.

Dear friends, I believe that the main goal of today's extraordinary summit is to exchange experience in the actions we are taking at national level, support each other at the right time and strengthen solidarity among our peoples. In the current conditions of the global pandemic, member states of the Turkic Council did not withdraw into themselves. The Turkic Council as an organization is ready to cooperate with other international organizations. Azerbaijan also provides support to individual countries, said the head of state.

President Ilham Aliyev said that of great importance to our economies, trade relations and import-export operations is transportation.

Azerbaijan, responsibly treating its role as a transit and logistical center between Turkey and Central Asia, has taken additional measures to transport transit goods. In the conditions of mutual understanding and coordination among our countries, international cargo transportation is carried out continuously. Despite the negative impact of the pandemic, in the first three months of 2020, more than 180,000 tons of goods were transported from Turkic-speaking countries through Azerbaijan, which is 40,000 tons more than in the same period of last year, said the head of state.

He noted that there are good opportunities for our cooperation in the field of health services, including the exchange of experience by medical specialists, and the creation of joint medical commissions.

In addition, it is important to provide support and assistance to each other's citizens finding themselves in our countries due to the temporary cessation of passenger transport. The measures we have taken are aimed at protecting the health of our countries and alleviating the socioeconomic consequences of the pandemic and ensuring the sustainable development of our economies. I do hope that our countries and peoples overcome this difficult situation with dignity and make a significant contribution to the global fight against the pandemic. Thank you for your attention, said President Ilham Aliyev.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has maintained his position through six administrations by emphasizing facts and candor in his conversations with politicians, the New Yorker's Michael Specter reports.

Why it matters: "Americans have come to rely on Faucis authoritative presence," Specter writes. "Perhaps not since the Vietnam era, when Walter Cronkite, the avuncular anchor of the 'CBS Evening News,' was routinely described as the most trusted man in America, has the country depended so completely on one person to deliver a daily dose of plain talk."

Details: Specter, who has known Fauci since the HIV/AIDS epidemic exploded in the mid-'80s, writes that Fauci told him the following in 2016:

You stay completely apolitical and non-ideological, and you stick to what it is that you do. Im a scientist and Im a physician. And thats it.

Some wise person who used to be in the White House, in the Nixon Administration, told me a very interesting dictum to live by. He said, When you go into the White House, you should be prepared that that is the last time you will ever go in. Because if you go in saying, Im going to tell somebody something they want to hear, then youve shot yourself in the foot. Now everybody knows Im going to tell them exactly whats the truth.

The bottom line: When dealing with politicians, Fauci told Specter that he relies on the familiar pseudo-Latin expression Illegitimi non carborundum, or: "Dont let the bastards grind you down."

Go deeper: The right and left internet loves Anthony Fauci
Chennai, April 11 : The Consortium of Indian Petroleum Dealers (CIPD) on Saturday demanded a financial stimulus package from the oil marketing companies (OMCs) as their members are incurring losses due to the Covid-19 induced lockdown.

In a letter to the three OMCs -- Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation and Bharat Petroleum Corporation -- the CIPD said that the lockdown has resulted in an economic slump and liquidity crunch for its members.

According to the letter, the margins have gone down drastically during lockdown as fuel sales have come down to about 10 per cent of the normal day sales, while costs remain the same, like employees' salaries, bank interests, evaporation losses and others that need to be reimbursed.

The OMCs should provide a financial stimulus package out of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to oil dealers, it demanded.

According to CIPD, the stimulus financial package needs be worked out on an average sales basis of December 2019, January and February 2020, since the lockdown on March 25.

The stimulus package should commence from March 2020 and to continue for 120 days after the lifting of the lockdown.
Suzanne Latta Shaw, 74, of Charlotte Hall, Md. departed this life on Friday, April 3, 2020, at the Hospice House in Callaway, Md. surrounded by her loving family.



Suzanne was born on November 20, 1945 in Martinsville, Indiana. She was the loving daughter of the late Jack P. Latta and Anamae (Woods) Latta.



She married the love her life and best friend, Jerry W. Shaw and they celebrated over fifty (50) years of wedded bliss before his passing in 2016. Their love grew each year and their family knows they are now reunited again in the heavenly skies.



A woman who worked as a nurse to support her family, Suzanne was a caring and compassionate caregiver. She loved dedicating her life to protecting and caring for her community. When she wasn't working, she enjoyed travel. She had a dream to visit every state and almost succeeded. With only a few places left on her bucket list, you can bet she has Jerry by the hand and they are visiting them all with the greatest view.



Whether you knew her as Suzanne, Mom, or Mimi you know she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all. She was a wonderful woman who loved her family. One of her favorite things to do was to head south to the Outer Banks, NC and sit back watching her children and grandchildren run across the sand and splash in the ocean. The next time you find yourself sitting on the shore and the waves lapping at your feet, know Suzanne is sitting with you enjoying the view too.



She is survived by her loving children, Brian Shaw of Fair Hill, Md., Jeffrey Shaw (Denise) of Leonardtown, Md. and daughter-in-law, Donna Shaw of Georgia; five (5) grandchildren, Rachel, Jacob, Sarah, Erin and Josh. She is also survived by her sister, Jean Ellen Maase (Phil) of Columbia, Md. and many extended family and friends. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry W. Shaw, and her son, Timothy W. Shaw.



At this time, all services are private. The family will plan a Life Celebration at a later date.



In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations be made in Suzanne's name to Hospice of St. Mary's, Post Office Box 625, Leonardtown, Md. 20650 or Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 27108 Mt. Zion Church Road, Mechanicsville, Md. 20659.



Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com



Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A., Charlotte Hall, Md.
The Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG) chapter of the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) has called on management of the school to review its e-learning policy in the wake of the COVID-19 induced shut down of schools.

President Nana Akufo-Addo directed schools in the country to shut down effective Monday, March 16, 2020, to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country.

The Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service were instructed to roll out and supervise various e-learning platforms for the academic society. However, there seems to be a disjointed effort by universities and designated ministries to build a more streamlined e-learning system for students.

Citi News understands that the management of the University immediately introduced an e-learning platform for students so academic activities are delayed unduly.

After the directive, UPSA migrated all academic activities including Internal Assessments, tests and lecturing onto its e-learning platform but only students who had paid their fees in full were to be given access to the platform.

GRASAG has called to management to take a second look at some of the policies around the e-learning platform.

They are, among other issues, calling on the management of the school to grant all students free access to the e-platforms.

We are calling on management to grant access to all students to use the eLearning platform for their Interim Assessment (IA) and assignments and exempting unregistered students only during the examination period. We do not expect anything different as this has been the norm especially at this crucial time of our lives.

They are also calling for the review of autopilot penalty increment on late School fee payment.

Many people are not working because their job descriptions demand an on-field presence. Feeding the family and keeping the body and soul together in these times have become very difficult. The mass distribution of food items by student leaders, the clergy, organizations, and the government is a clear justification of this point. Management should reconsider the overelaborate increase in penalties for students who for obvious reasons have not met the fee payment deadline.

At most, the increment should be reasonable and fixed over some time, as we strive to pay within set deadlines, the GRASAG leadership has proposed a GHC50.00 fixed penalty during the school closure and we support this position.

In a related development, some undergraduates students of UPSA made a similar demand on the management to review of some the e-learning policies which they claim is harsh

Find Below the full press release

A group of concerned students led by Mr. Mark Elorm Numado calls on UPSA management to review its eLearning Platform policy and provide data to students to ease pressure

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ghana has not been spared. This led to the presidents directive on the 15th of March, 2020 for the closure of all schools until further notice. As part of directives, the Ministry of Information and the Ghana Education Service was instructed to roll out and supervise various e-learning platforms for the academic society. However, there seems to be a disjointed effort by universities and designated ministries to build a more streamlined e-learning system for students.

UPSA management in its efforts to ensure uninterrupted teaching and learning, quickly migrated students to an e-learning platform  join.upsavirtual.site, and also activated students' e-mails which I must say is a proactive leadership style exhibited by management to ensure smooth learning activities.

I have taken the time to interact with my postgraduate colleagues and seniors on the challenges these eLearning platforms pose to both lecturers and students. The most pertinent amongst them is the inaccessibility of the e-learning platform by students who have not yet registered for the semester. This has deprived them of their basic learning right and possibly missing out on assignments and interim assessments being conducted on the platform. This contradicts the school's modus operandi which allows all students to attend lectures and participate in all assignments and interim assessments which accounts for 40% of their end of semester assessment. If penalties are still being imposed for late registration, why then are they not given access to the e-learning platform?

Complaints of students have also indicated that different meeting apps are being deployed by the lecturers. Some also have to result in the use of WhatsApp platforms due to the difficulty of navigating the meeting apps. There has equally been no guide for students to follow. All these make teaching and learning difficult.

Learning on the e-learning platform is costly as students spend a lot of money on data. This challenge has also been identified by the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) in the Food and Goods Initiative.

Colleagues, the situation looks endless until we decide to stand together in these trying times. The university will continue using these platforms as a result of the extension of school closure due to the over 300 reported cases currently in the country. This has necessitated a clarion call on management by myself and a team of dedicated students to offer some suggested solutions that we believe will curb the current challenges as silence means betrayal! I must say that these are not normal times for anyone and any organization. Therefore we must all collaborate our efforts in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some suggestions to manage the situation include;

Grant all students free access to the e-platforms:

We are calling on management to grant access to all students to use the eLearning platform for their Interim Assessment (IA) and assignments and exempting unregistered students only during the examination period. We do not expect anything different as this has been the norm especially at this crucial time of our lives.

Review of autopilot penalty increment on late School fee payment:

Many people are not working because their job descriptions demand an on-field presence. Feeding the family and keeping the body and soul together in these times have become very difficult. The mass distribution of food items by student leaders, the clergy, organizations, and the government is a clear justification of this point.

Management should reconsider the overelaborate increase in penalties for students who for obvious reasons have not met the fee payment deadline. At most, the increment should be reasonable and fixed over some time, as we strive to pay within set deadlines. The GRASAG leadership has proposed a GHC50.00 fixed penalty during the school closure and we support this position.

A digital repository for lectures and lecture slides:

For comprehension during lecturing, the school should create media platforms like YouTube channels, e-drives, etc. and make available pre-recorded lecture sessions, notes and workshops, by uploading them on these platforms. By so doing, students will have instant and later access to these materials even for those who are yet to have access to online presence.

CSR towards students due to user-facility fees:

On the subject of high consumption rate of bundles during online lectures, I suggest management creates an Adhoc committee to discuss ways of allocating some bundle to postgraduate students as being done in other universities and jurisdictions like UG, KNUST, and NUGS. In these cases cited, a system of verification is established to avoid waste: students are required to submit their student ID numbers before they're attended to.

Management must show concern about the bundle challenges students are facing in these times. More so, students are not on campus to enjoy the user-facility fees paid for. Online lectures organized by lecturers for 3 credit hour courses do not last for 3 hours. These apps such as Zoom and others consume a lot of data of which the partnership with Vodafone to access join.upsavirtual.site for free does not extend to. It does not cover the most critical aspects of online learning which are the video conferencing apps being used.

As students, we should show management we are capable of taking our destiny into our own hands and their failure to act may rather be a time bomb. Hence, I also want to call on the Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG) UPSA chapter leadership to allocate some amount of data to students from their paid SRC dues.

We are equally calling on Management to take student leaders seriously and the best way of ensuring this is for them to see GRASAG leadership as not an antagonist to the wellbeing of the school and students in general but rather trusted partners to school development.

An intervention from the Ministry of Education, Student Unions (NUGS and GRASAG) we believe, would salvage the situation. I must also urge all postgraduate students not to relent in their efforts until we see results.

Thank you.

Written and Issue by

Mark Elorm Numado

Level 600

MBA Total Quality Management

[email protected]

---citinewsroom
Its Pennsylvania Local Government Week, and we can think of no better time to recognize our townships, which are on the front lines of making sure life goes on as smoothly and safely as possible in their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the COVID-19 emergency continues throughout the nation and state, township officials are the boots on the ground in helping residents stay safe.

Townships have a public safety responsibility to govern their communities, ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their residents and continue providing essential services such as police, fire, emergency medical services, passable roads, water, sewer, and trash collection. Local governments remain on the job to ensure that critical services continue to be provided. Our member townships have stepped up to the plate during this challenging time to maintain the level of services their residents have come to expect.

Townships are the level of government closest to the people and are best positioned to adapt solutions customized for each community during the pandemic. While the federal and state governments have their roles to play, the local level is their foundation of support.

Township officials know their community best. Their neighbors trust them to have their best interests at heart because they are part of the same community. All of this works because of township supervisors commitment to serving their community and their commonsense approach to solving problems.

To help our members with their COVID-19 response and operations, the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors has been sharing information every day with them, including guidance from the commonwealth to assist in the enforcement of the orders that Gov. Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Rachel Levine have issued requiring non-life-sustaining businesses to close and for residents to stay at home to prevent the spread of this virus.

Under the governors declaration, municipalities retain the authority to make decisions as to which operations are essential or nonessential. As directed, municipal decisions need to appropriately balance public safety while ensuring the continued delivery of critical infrastructure services and functions.

To help its member townships with the many decisions they are facing in terms of public service, PSATS has been holding weekly web-based town halls on the pandemic. Close to 1,000 township officials from across the state have participated to seek guidance and answers to a whole host of coronavirus-related township issues.

Townships have been looking to PSATS, their member service association, to keep them informed and offer advice on how to conduct public meetings, keep employees and residents safe, protect their first responders, plan for an outbreak in their community and find reliable information on COVID-19. They want to do things right, and they care about how to best serve their constituents.

Pennsylvania townships have provided critical services to their residents for four centuries and will continue to do so in the face of this pandemic without fail. Residents can count on their local governments as a source of information, calm and continuity. Township supervisors can reassure their residents that basic public services will continue.

As we conclude Local Government Week, keep this in mind: Township government isnt just another layer of government; its the critical layer, the foundation. Its the one that represents you and your family, lives within its budget, and provides the services you have paid your taxes for, even in the face of a pandemic.

So as we thank our health care workers, first responders, truck drivers, and grocery store clerks, dont forget to share your thanks with your township officials, who keep roads open and water flowing and help maintain quality of life and community safety. They will appreciate a kind word, especially in times like these.
For weeks, Canadian political leaders and public health officials responding to the COVID-19 pandemic have repeated the same mantra: Were all in this together.

But that hasnt stopped observers in the academic community and the media in recent days from highlighting differences in outcomes between provinces  differences laid bare in colour-coded charts, maps and graphs.

While scientists caution that the way provinces collect and report coronavirus data is not uniform, they say there is no denying the broad patterns and trends: the West is generally faring better than central Canada at flattening the curve.

It does appear that B.C. and Alberta seem to be doing better than Quebec and Ontario, said Jeff Kwong, an epidemiologist and public health professor at the University of Toronto.

Why this is happening cannot be answered in simple sound bites. Some of it relates to important policy decisions and public messaging in the early stages, experts say. Some of it can be chalked up to circumstance and pure luck.

At the core of the discussion, though, is the data.

In recent weeks, Isha Berry and Jean-Paul Soucy, two PhD students at the University of Torontos Dalla Lana School of Public Health, have been collecting coronavirus case numbers from across the country and then presenting the results online using different visual tools. The site is updated daily.

Being able to compare outcomes is useful to tell what strategies are most effective, Soucy said.

What do their charts show? As of the start of the Easter long weekend, the cumulative number of reported COVID-19 cases continued to climb in Quebec (12,292) and Ontario (6,648), while there was more of a levelling off in B.C. (1,370) and Alberta (1,451). The rise in the cumulative number of reported deaths was also much less steep in the West compared to central Canada.

Kwong said one factor that could be contributing to the trend is greater availability of testing in some provinces compared to others. As of Thursday evening, the rate of testing per 100,000 people was 605 in Ontario compared with 1,598 in Alberta, 1,368 in Quebec and 1,048 in B.C.

Until recently, Ontario had a backlog of tests, so the turnaround time  the time from obtaining a swab to providing results  was longer than ideal, Kwong said.

Delayed identification of cases in turn leads to delays in contact tracing  finding all the individuals that a person who tests positive for COVID-19 had come into contact with  leading to the spread of more cases, he said.

Hopefully, that will be less of a factor moving forward for Ontario with resolution of the testing backlog.

Soucy agreed. Testing in Quebec has only ramped up in the last couple of weeks, whereas Alberta has been a consistent leader in tests per capita. B.C. has also been fairly good at testing, he said.

The provinces that have done a lot of testing consistently seem to be doing better.

Experts also pointed to differences in the way authority figures reacted in the earlier stages of the outbreak. In Ontario, public health officials doubled down on the notion that there was no community spread at a time that was clearly untrue, said David Fisman, an epidemiology professor at the University of Toronto.

By contrast, the public messaging in B.C. was more clear and cohesive, said Mohsen Sadatsafavi, an epidemiologist and health outcomes scientist at UBC.

B.C. got it right on several fronts, he said, citing better co-ordination between the provincial Ministry of Health, health authorities, and the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.

The role of Dr. Bonnie Henry, the provincial health officer, as an effective leader is undeniable, he added, citing her honest pleas for self-isolation.

Sadatsafavi said while scientists still do not fully understand the nuances of COVID-19 transmission, it appears that B.C. did not have a super-spreader that seeded COVID-19 in multiple locations.

By contrast, there was a pretty clear super-spreader event in Ontario, Fisman said, citing a large international mining convention sponsored by the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada held in the early days of March in Toronto.

That said, South Korea also had an early super-spreader event  a woman infected dozens of worshippers at her church, according to media reports  but the country was able to bring its A-game to control the spread, Fisman said.

There was also a large dental conference in Vancouver during the first week of March linked to dozens of cases, Kwong noted, so its hard to say if super-spreader events are, in fact, a major factor in different provincial outcomes.

Adequate availability of testing and rigorous contact tracing can probably overcome super-spreading events, he said.

In an interview with the CBC, Fisman credited B.C. for implementing rules last month ordering long-term-care workers to work at only one facility. Ontario has not mandated such a move.

Experts have also identified the timing of spring break as another possible factor. Quebecs spring break fell at the beginning of March  before all the travel warnings and the declaration of a pandemic. In Ontario and B.C., spring break happened in mid-March.

By the time Quebec officials like Premier Francois Legault started asking people to self-isolate and stay at home, many families had already returned from their vacations abroad.

All those people had been back circulating for a week, said Erin Strumpf, a professor of health economics at McGill University.

Just by dumb luck, Ontarios break was later.

But the public messaging for how families should spend their break was different. On March 12, B.C. officials advised against all non-essential travel outside of Canada. By comparison, Ontario Premier Doug Ford that same day did not discourage people from travelling, telling reporters families should have a good time.

Strumpf said she wonders if B.C.s proximity to Washington state, the site of the first coronavirus hot spot in the U.S., may have been an influence. The first case was detected in that state on Jan. 21.

It seems obvious to me B.C. would have been worried a month or two before Ontario and Quebec, she said.

Experts stress that when doing province-by-province comparisons, its important to keep certain caveats in mind, including differences in population and density. Not only are there differences in how often provinces are testing, but there may be variations in who theyre testing as well. Testing criteria within provinces can also evolve over time, as well as the way in which provinces report numbers.

A few weeks ago, Quebec required that a positive test result in a hospital lab needed to be augmented with a positive test result in a provincial lab. When the province eliminated that second step, there was a huge spike in reported cases.

It is always worth taking a deep breath, thinking about what are other possible explanations for variations in provincial outcomes, Strumpf said.

And while the growth rate appears to have slowed in western provinces in comparison to Ontario and Quebec, there are a lot of things that can respark infections.

We need to see sustained amounts of flattening or lower growth rates to feel more confident or draw stronger conclusions, Berry said.

Heading into the long weekend, B.C. officials reiterated this week that now is not the time to grow complacent when it comes to social distancing. Premier John Horgan announced that international travellers arriving in B.C. would be required to produce a 14-day self-isolation plan; otherwise they risked being placed in quarantine. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney also vowed to bring in stronger measures to screen international travellers at the border, even suggesting the use of smartphone apps to track them.

One thing researchers will be closely monitoring in coming weeks is the number of deaths in each province, Soucy said. Up until now, many of the deaths across Canada have involved vulnerable populations living in concentrated areas, such as nursing homes. In coming weeks, there will likely be a higher proportion of deaths from community cases, he said.

Those deaths may offer better insight as to which provincial health systems are doing a better job of keeping cases spread out versus those health systems that are being overwhelmed.

Update  April 12, 2020  This story has been updated to specify the caveats experts say should be included in comparisons.

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Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to permit states to carry out economic activities within their borders.

Interacting with the prime minister at a video conference of CMs, he said the ban on inter-state road, air and rail traffic be continued because of the increasing number of coronavirus cases. But it would be appropriate to leave it to the state governments to decide whether economic activities within their borders should be relaxed or not , Baghel said in a statement.

"Given the current situation, we will definitely face an economic crisis," he cautioned.

The chief minister also urged the prime minister to increase the number of personal protective equipment available and called for ramping up testing facilities to curb the spread of the disease.

He suggested that Central University examinations be postponed or held online.

He sought an economic package for the MSME sector hit hard by the nationwide lockdown for 21 days. Due to the long lockdown, the existence of this important sector, which provides the maximum employment to people, has been endangered, the chief minister said at the meeting.

Baghel underscored that Chhattisgarh was the first state in the country to have implemented a complete lockdown and the situation in the state was better due to that initiative.

He said only 5 out of the 28 districts have reported coronavirus cases.

But he pointed out that on an average of 135 samples are being taken per day in Chhattisgarh, which is very less. Due to this, it cannot be said with certainty whether the situation is actually under control or not, he said, adding that there is a need to take 3 to 5 thousand samples daily. A request has also been made earlier in this regard, he said.

The state has reported 18 COVID-19 cases. Of these, 10 have recovered, the rest are stable.

Baghel said all seven members of the Tablighi Jamaat found infected with the virus have been admitted to AIIMS Raipur. Another 107 Jamaat members have been kept in quarantine.

The chief minister said out of 56 lakh families in the state, 47 lakh poor families have been given ration for two months. A total of 77,000 people have been placed in quarantine in the state and another 10,000 at state borders.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Lets start with the no part. Universal health insurance coverage as such does not seem to have been decisive in how various countries fared when the pandemic hit. Spain, Italy, France and Belgium all have universal coverage, yet all have recorded higher death rates, adjusted for population, than the United States, while Germany, which also has universal coverage, has recorded a lower rate than this country, according to the Johns Hopkins University and Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center. Timing and compliance with social distancing are likely more important. A respiratory ailment, the covid-19 disease attacks older people, smokers and those with preexisting diabetes, heart conditions and compromised immune systems most lethally. Spain and Italy are both much older and more densely populated than the United States, with more elderly people sharing living spaces with younger family members. Yet Germany and Japan have some of the highest median ages in the world, with  so far  much less harm from covid-19 than peer nations. Clearly, theres still a lot we dont know.
On April 8, Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK tweeted through its official channel minister Kadambur Raju praising actor Ajith Kumar for donating towards the COVID-19 relief funds, and urging other actors to follow suit.

Plenty from the film fraternity ranging from Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan to Nayanthara have contributed to the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI), but only three top actors have so far donated to the state relief fund: Sivakarthikeyan, Ajith Kumar and Raghava Lawrence.

In comparison, many from the neighbouring Telugu industry including Prabhas, Mahesh Babu, Allu Arjun, Junior NTR, Ram Charan and Pawan Kalyan have contributed to the central or state governments relief funds.

While donating, or not, is a personal choice and a factor of each person's situation, there are also possible political connotations to the hesitation of some of the stars.

"All actors have the intention to help workers, that's for sure," senior cinema journalist J Bismi tells News 18. "But they might not have liquid cash in hand. All of them will have money as assets. However, it must be said that if they decide, they can also change it to cash easily."

Among the notable big stars yet to donate to the state or central government's relief funds are Vijay, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. While Kamal heads Makkal Needhi Maiam and Rajinikanth is on the verge of entering politics actively, Vijay has hinted at a political future through many forums including cinema in the last few years.

Each has similar, yet different, reasons to not donate through the governments portals.

"The central and state governments have, in some way or the other, continuously given trouble to Vijay. So he is clear that he doesn't want to help people through them," says Bismi.

Vijay has run into issues with the AIADMK and BJP on multiple occasions, beginning with the BJPs objections to potshots at their schemes in Mersal (2017) to AIADMK being upset with Sarkar (2018) criticising the states freebie culture.

More recently, in a move perceived as a way to silence the actor, Vijay's house was also raided by the income tax department while BJP workers protested at the Neyveli Lignite Corporation where the actor was shooting for the movie Master, saying they should not shoot at a protected mining area, although the crew had the requisite permissions.

All this has made Vijay wary of helping people through the two governments, and also reportedly upset with the FEFSI. Vijay is among the notable names yet to donate to the body.

"When he has been in trouble many times in the past, not many from the industry helped him out, including FEFSI. So he might think why he should help them," says Bismi.

"Like he did during the Kerala floods, he wants to help the people directly through his fans' association once the lockdown ends. It's the same formula as Rajini. His entire journey is similar to Rajini's. He wants to ensure that he gets the credit.

Similarly, Rajinikanth and Kamal too prefer helping people directly through their parties, while ensuring their industry is taken care of.

FEFSI has 25,000 workers under it, of which 15,000 have been handed rations according to the federations head RK Selvamani. In a press conference on April 8, Selvamani said the fraternity has garnered Rs 2.45 crore while the total requirement amounts to Rs. 3.75 crore.

Bismi suggests that some from the fraternity, especially producers, are hesitant to donate to FEFSI as they do not want Selvamani to take credit.

G Dhananjayan, producer and founder-dean of BOFTA Film Institute, disagrees with the notion and says there is nothing wrong even if Selvamani takes credit.

Every organisation needs a leader to collect the money and donate. What is wrong in RK Selvamani collecting everything and giving? He has to get the credit and debit. Individuals do not matter in this situation, he says.

While Dhananjayan feels one shouldn't 'force' donations and only applaud those who come forward to help, Bismi says those who do not help even in this situation are 'betraying' the people.

"Rajini earns Rs 100 crore, Vijay earns Rs 80 crore. You can't force someone to donate, but an actor's salary is given by the people," he says.

"It's not a factor of their acting skills or their market. Even if you take it as a reflection of their market, the market is based on their film's victory. The victory is decided by the people, so the actors are obliged to give back when the people are in need. They are indebted to the people and now is a good opportunity to give back. Those who don't help even now are betraying the people who make them stars. More importantly, the crazy fans should know about their heroes. Some fans morph fake news reports saying their heroes donated Rs 25 crore, Rs 50 crore, etc. The hero worship then increases. Thus, it's important to speak the truth."
Ross Kemp has come under fire for visiting an intensive care unit for coronavirus patients at Milton Keynes Hospital with a camera crew.

The investigative journalist, 55, took to Twitter on Friday to share a video of himself wearing a PPE mask inside the hospital after announcing his new show Ross Kemp: On the NHS Frontline.

The clip led to thousands of people slamming the star for being 'completely irresponsible' and 'tasteless' to film a documentary about Covid-19.

Outrage: Ross Kemp has come under fire for visiting an intensive care unit for coronavirus patients at Milton Keynes Hospital with a camera crew

Ross told his followers: 'Ive just been fitted for PPE and were about to go into an intensive care unit at Milton Keynes Hospital to witness the incredible efforts of medics treating Covid 19 patients. Please note we wont be depleting the hospitals PPE stock#COVID19 #coronavirus #nhs'.

He added: 'I want to make it clear to everybody out there, even though we're using NHS masks, we're actually replacing those with the ones we have brought.

'They are exactly the same standard and the Health Trusts are happy we are doing that. The reason we are wearing the same masks as the ones the doctors and nurses are wearing is so we don't cause any alarm to the patients, so it's about reassurance.

'But I can assure you we are not taking anything from the NHS'.

Controversial: The investigative journalist, 55, took to Twitter on Friday to share a video of himself wearing a PPE mask inside the hospital after announcing his new show

Documentary: Ross said: 'Ive just been fitted for PPE and were about to go into an intensive care unit at Milton Keynes Hospital to witness the efforts of medics treating COVID-19'

Response: After the backlash Milton Keynes Hospital posted: 'We are spending minimal time in high risk areas & are ensuring the crew are wearing full PPE, as per national guidelines'

Anger: The clip led to thousands of people slamming for the star for being 'completely irresponsible' and 'tasteless' to film a documentary about COVID-19 on Twitter

Milton Keynes Hospital tweeted: 'We are spending minimal time in high risk areas & are ensuring the crew are wearing full PPE, as per national guidelines. As @RossKemp says, they are replacing any PPE used. We hope this show will provide the general public with vital info & reassurance.'

MailOnline has contacted Ross' representatives and Milton Keynes Hospital for further comment.

Ross' video prompted mass outrage and sparked his name to trend on Twitter, with people mentioning the star more than 6,000 times at the point on publication.

One wrote: 'Is that my family coming to see me before I die, no no thats just Ross Kemp and a camera crew, gonna film this if you dont mind.'

Fury: However, Ross' video prompted mass outrage and sparked his name to trend on Twitter, with people mentioning the star more than 6,000 times at the point on publication

Another person added: 'Ross, this really doesn't need to be done. Just go home.'

A third chimed: 'No. Just no. If you've got PPE you are depleting the available supply. You have no medical training and cannot help, only hinder. You are not adhering to government advice, because this job is most definitely not essential. Go home.'

A fourth typed: 'This is about as bad taste as you'll get. "Look at me, I'm Ross"....', while a fifth said: 'Sheer madness to allow Ross Kemp in'

'Is it just me or is this absolutely ridiculous??? People are fighting for their lives, Unable to have visits from family or friends, and big Ross Kemp comes rocking up with a film crew??', added another Twitter user.

On Friday, Ross announced he was filming the show, which will air next Thursday, to document how medics are working tirelessly on the frontline during the coronavirus pandemic.

On Friday, Ross announced he was filming the show, which will air next Thursday, to document how medics are working tirelessly on the frontline during the coronavirus pandemic.

The former soap star, who rose to fame as Grant Mitchell in EastEnders, said: 'My team and I have been embedded in Milton Keynes ... to tell the story of Covid-19. To show you, the sacrifices that NHS staff are making on our behalf.

'Weve been filming on the frontline with @NHSuk staff as they deal with the coronavirus pandemic and weve been following the patients who are fighting Covid-19.

'First episode of Ross Kemp: On the NHS Frontline airs next Thursday 8.30 @itv. Please watch #COVID19#coronavirus.'

Kemp has ventured into documentary making after his stint on the BBC soap.

In 2004 Kemp filmed Ross Kemp on Gangs, a documentary series exploring the impact of modern gang culture in the UK and around the world.

He followed this up with the documentaries Ross Kemp in Afghanistan, Ross Kemp in Search of Pirates, Ross Kemp: Battle for the Amazon and Ross Kemp: Extreme World.

It comes as an 11-year-old is among a further 917 patients died in the UK on Saturday after testing positive for coronavirus, bringing the total fatalities to 9,875.

It is a drop from Thursday's 980 deaths, which remains the highest recorded in a single day so far and even surpassed Italy and Spain's worst days.

But it does put Britain on course to hit the grim 10,000-death milestone on Easter Sunday, which the country will spend in lockdown.

The total cases also today jumped by 5,233 to 78,991 after an additional 18,091 tests were performed, down 1,025 from Friday.
Experts share how pregnant women should safeguard themselves during the Covid-19 pandemic

So far around 150 pregnant women with corona infection have been reported worldwide, and 60 cases of pregnant-infected mothers have been studied mainly from China and the UK. (AFP)

Tiruchy: Though women are less susceptible to new coronavirus infection, they should not plan for pregnancy now, as the impact of Covid-19 on foetus is not yet known, says Dr T Ramani Devi, National Vice President of the Federation of Obstetric Gynecological Society of India (FOGSI).

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle on how pregnant women should safeguard themselves during the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr Ramani Devi, however, said there were certain issues among women who are pregnant now.

So far around 150 pregnant women with corona infection have been reported worldwide, and 60 cases of pregnant-infected mothers have been studied mainly from China and the UK.

Dr Ramani Devi, who is also the managing director of the Hyderabad-based Ramakrishna medical centre, further advised that antenatal mothers in this situation should take extra precautions. They should not panic, but need to visit their consultants periodically, with less frequency.

"Only advice I have for antenatal mothers is to stay safe at home, wash hands repeatedly, maintain social distancing and avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose," the expert said.

They should also avoid baby showers where there can be social gathering and travel, she urged.

Dr Ramani Devi further said that women who are in their last months of pregnancy can have respiratory difficulty which should not be mistaken as corona infection.

But if a patient has traveled from overseas, has had contact with people from abroad and positive cases, they should at once report to local health authorities.

Proper testing by RT-PCR, naso pharyngeal swab and blood investigations should be done. If found positive, such women should be isolated and contact tracing done.

The disease spontaneously resolves in two to three weeks. Only severe cases with pregnancy need to be hospitalised, she said.

To a question, she said if mothers are confirmed positive, they should not panic.The infection is severe only in 5-10 per cent of the pregnant women.

Pregnant women have the same risk as non-pregnant women. However, infection in first three months can cause abortion, the expert underlined.

While the chances of transmission of the corona infection from mother to foetus is not clearly understood, the specialist advised that breastfeeding mothers in such cases should take proper care including use of face masks.

Formula feeding can be given to babies of the mothers who are sick, till they recover. Medical follow-up of the newborn is essential, she added.




ARTISTES submitted their names to the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) on Tuesday stating how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected their incomes to pave way for them to get a Government bailout.





Since Government has put in place stringent measures such as a 21-day lockdown, banning of shows and public gatherings in the country in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19, artistes are now out of business.





As part of moves to cushion small and informal businesses, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development issued a statement last week saying they were gathering information regarding the impact of Covid-19 on medium and small enterprises, with a view to coming up with recommendations for support for SMEs affected by the shutdown.





Following this, NACZ is compiling a database through their provincial offices, of artistes whose operations have been affected by the lockdown, for consideration for Government grants.

Charity Nyathi, NACZ Bulawayo director said the response they got from artistes in Bulawayo was overwhelming.





The artistes responded overwhelmingly and were compiling the list to send it to head office. Thereafter, well wait to hear from them on what to do, said Nyathi.





In Matabeleland South, Bolamba Arts Ensemble director Mthabisi Dube said this help could not have come at a better time as they are in desperate need of cushioning.





We hope the Government will intervene and assist the needy in this trying time. We as artists are also part of the most affected people as we survive on hand to mouth because with no shows or any form of events, theres no work for us. So automatically this means no money for us to feed our families, said Dube.





Last month, artistes met at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo to deliberate on their Covid-19 concerns. As part of the concerns and solutions, the collective said due to the manner in which Covid-19 has disrupted their livelihoods, they requested that Government intervenes with safety nets.





This is an urgent call to Government to mobilise financial, health or other critical resources that can provide a support package for artistes and cultural professionals in consideration of their right to health and the subsequent realisation of their social protection which is an absolute imperative, highlighted the collective.





Some governments worldwide are also coming up with rescue packages for artistes.




As thousands of dabbawalas working in the city are out of work owing to the lockdown, their association has now come forward to provide essentials to them.

The Mumbai Dabbawala Association, an umbrella body of dabbawalas, has started providing food-kits to members of the community over the last few days. So far, nearly 200 dabbawalas have got basic food supplies like food grains, pulses and cooking oil. The community is in dire need of help at the minute. We feed lakhs of people every day but delivering tiffins, but owing to the current situation, our own families are struggling to make ends meet. Many of our members were not able to collect their payments for the month of March. The association has thus decided to help them in all possible ways, said the president of the association, Subhash Talekar.

Each kit costs the association nearly 1,500. It has pooled some money from social workers, local activists and organisations.

The association has asked members to form groups of five and buy food supplies from their nearest grocery shop. We then transfer the amount to the shop owner directly. This way, there is no handling of cash involved, Talekar added.
In view of COVID-19 scare, the Kashmir Divisional Commissioner, Pandurang K Pole, on Saturday convened a meeting to review uninterrupted supply of oxygen cylinders to the district hospitals.

Private suppliers informed the officials that 1500 cylinders are already in the stores and additional supply will reach the Valley soon, informed Department of Information and Public Relation, Jammu and Kashmir.

The Divisional Commissioner directed Health Services to compile a district-wise requisition chart immediately and submit it to his office for further course of action.

The serious COVID-19 patients need ventilator support.

Director Health Services, Dr Sameer Mattoo, Deputy Drug Controller, Private Suppliers and other officers concerned were present in the meeting.

Meanwhile, 17 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in Jammu and Kashmir, taking the total positive cases to 224, said Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary (Planning), Jammu and Kashmir.

Out of 17 new cases, five have been reported from Jammu Division and 12 from Kashmir, informed Kansal in a tweet.

The first case of COVID-19 in the Union Territory was reported on March 9 and the the death toll in Jammu and Kashmir is at four with one patient in Udhampur in Jammu division and three in Kashmir.

The total number of COVID-19 positive cases stands at 7,529 including 6634 active cases, said Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday.

So far 652 people have been discharged from hospitals after they recovered while 242 deaths have been reported across the country and one person has migrated.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
U.S. Army combat units have started receiving the first of thousands of new 7.62mm rifles designed to give infantry squads a potent new weapon.

Heckler & Koch Defense Inc. has delivered the first of up to 6,000 M110A1 Squad Designated Marksman Rifles, or SDMR, to the Army, according to a recent H&K news release.

Deliveries of the M110A1 are expected to continue through the middle of 2021, it adds.

The SDMR is a variant of the 7.62mm H&K G28/HK417. Army officials are fielding it as part of an interim effort to make squads more lethal ahead of the service's introduction of the Next-Generation Squad Weapon system, planned for 2023.

Related: Army to Receive 7.62mm Squad Marksman Rifles as Early as Next Year

In 2017, Army leaders told Congress that the service's M855A1 5.56mm enhanced performance round will not penetrate modern enemy body armor, which served as springboard for development of the Next-Generation Squad Weapon, designed to fire a potent new 6.8mm projectile.

As a short-term fix, the Army selected the new M110A1 -- a weapon it originally chose in 2016 as its new Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System -- to serve as the SDMR. It will be used with the service's new 7.62mm enhanced performance round to give squads more penetrating power to defeat enemy body armor, Army officials say.

The M110A1 will replace the Enhanced Battle Rifle 14 -- a modernized M14 equipped with an adjustable aluminum stock with pistol grip, scope and bipod legs -- used by infantry squads operating in Afghanistan and Iraq.

As part of the agreement with H&K, the rifles are manufactured in the company's facility in Oberndorf, Germany, and then shipped to the H&K-USA facility in Columbus, Georgia, according to the release.

H&K-USA workers then install scopes and mounts, as well as additional accessories from 12 other U.S.-based manufacturers, a process that has been increasingly challenging in the current restrictive environment of the COVID-19 outbreak, the release states.

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"Obviously, the COVID-19 pandemic creates a very challenging business environment, but as an essential partner in the defense infrastructure of this country, we are 100 percent committed to delivering this essential product to our troops, while keeping our employees safe and healthy," H&K-USA President and COO Michael Holley said in the release.

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.

Read More: Bullpup or Belt-Fed? Prototypes for Army's Next-Gen Squad Weapons Finally Revealed
MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI  Cases of coronavirus in Muskegon County have increased by one, according to the public health department.

Total confirmed cases of coronavirus COVID-19 stood at 57 on Friday, April 10, according to information posted on the Muskegon County health departments website.

Total deaths have remained at four for nearly a week.

Statewide, an additional 206 deaths were reported on Friday, bringing the total to 1,281, according to information posted on the State of Michigans website. Total cases jumped by 1,279 to 22,783.

In Ottawa County, the state reported 63 cases on Friday. Thats four more than the Ottawa County health department reported a day earlier. The number of deaths there remains at one.

In Newaygo County, cases have jumped to seven, with two new cases on Friday, according to District Health Department No. 10. There have been no deaths there, according to the health department.

Oceana County has had three cases and one death and there has been one case and no deaths in Mason County, the District 10 health department reported.

Mercy Health has declined to provide information regarding the number of COVID hospitalizations at its two hospitals in Muskegon. The Muskegon County health department told MLive it is not privy to that information.

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:

Michigan reports 206 new coronavirus deaths, nearly double previous daily peak

Michigan begins sending $600 payments, sets date for expanded unemployment eligibility

35 Spectrum Health employees infected by coronavirus since start of pandemic
Imagine that upon entering the COVID-19 crisis we had a universal basic income (UBI) program in place. If UBI were to be implemented, every adult would receive a fixed monthly payment from the government independent of his or her employment status. No questions asked, no forms to fill out. Direct deposit into your bank account.

Consider a payment of just $1,000 a month, as U.S. Democratic party ex-candidate Andrew Yang proposed in his campaign. This could have gone a long way toward relieving the stress so many people are experiencing right now.

With massive layoffs already taking place, the closure of anything non-essential and a severe recession around the corner, UBI could ensure that utility bills are paid and food is in the fridge. This is priceless in such extraordinary times.

The idea of UBI has been around for many decades. In fact, two pilot programs were already introduced in Canada. The first took place in Dauphin, Man., from 1974 to 1979, when the so-called Mincome program provided cash payments to low-income households. The second pilot took place in 2018 in different communities in Ontario (Thunder Bay, Brantford and Lindsay among them). Four thousand people participated in the pilot, but it was terminated prematurely once Doug Fords government came into power.

While a final report summarizing the Mincome experiment in Manitoba was never published, in recent years Evelyn Forget, a professor at the University of Manitoba, analyzed the old data and concluded that UBI is still relevant, and recommended its implementation as a complementary measure.

Surprisingly, UBI is one of those ideas that people from both the economic right and left get excited about. They like it for very different reasons, but it still may increase the likelihood of being adopted by policy-makers.

So why is UBI a good idea? The socially minded see two major arguments in its favour.

The first: to reduce the breadth and depth of poverty. A UBI would effectively lift everyone above the poverty line, defined in Canada as the cost of a basket of goods and services that individuals and families require to meet their basic needs. UBI would let everyone live with dignity.

The second is that UBI is essential in an era of technological unemployment not unlike the one we are about to experience. In coming years, robots and other machines will take over many jobs traditionally done by people  assembly-line workers and drivers being two examples.

Additional arguments in favour are that UBI will correct the widening gap between rich and poor, and establish the notion that everyone  including, for example, stay-at-home parents (many of them women)  has a quantifiable economic contribution.

As Annie Lowrey highlights in her book Give People Money, UBI would ensure that every person had some minimal level of capital and, thus, some minimal level of choice. This is extremely important for the well-being of society.

Should we worry that people wouldnt want to work with UBI in place? Lowrey doesnt think so. Work is part of ones identity, she argues, and UBI payments arent enough to eliminate the incentive to work.

The economic right, on the other hand, sees UBI as an opportunity to get rid of governmental bureaucracy and inefficiencies. It views UBI as a way to replace existing allowance programs, tailored over many years, with an efficient, one-cheque solution. And in the process, one could fire public-sector employees who would no longer be necessary. According to this school, funding UBI isnt a problem, since poor people arent going to end up with more.

But to achieve some social goals, UBI is going to cost money. How much?

A recent report by the Basic Income Canada Network examined a few scenarios to estimate the cost. One approach would be to include in the program all Canadians aged 18 to 64; a single person would receive $22,000 and a couple, $31,113. Payments would be reduced gradually as other income rose, and residents older than 65 would continue to receive Old Age Security. The price tag of the program: $134 billion annually. Funding resources would include existing refundable tax credits, progressive tax measures such as higher tax brackets and higher tax rates on high incomes, and increases in corporate taxation.

The idea of UBI is gaining attention and supporters. Currently, there is a pilot taking place in Stockton, Calif. Additional pilots are planned in Newark, N.J. and Milwaukee, Wisc.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus government should be congratulated for creating a UBI-like program during the COVID-19 crisis. This only emphasizes its necessity. Once the COVID-19 crisis is over, Canada must launch a large-scale UBI pilot. A safety net should be provided to all Canadians every day, not only in times of crisis.
Tri-State COVID cases surge, but number falls in Washington County

While the number of new COVID-19 cases in the Tri-State area skyrocketed in the past week, the number cooled slightly for Washington County.
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In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, experts and officials largely cautioned Americans against wearing face masks in public. Surgeon General Jerome Adams had tweeted, Seriously people- STOP BUYING MASKS! to encourage basic hygiene measures and social distancing instead. The CDC dissuaded healthy people from wearing masks as well, recommending they don facial coverings only when exhibiting symptoms. Even President Obama tweeted, Save the masks for health care workers. Together, the message was clear: the novel coronavirus, spread by respiratory droplets, could only travel so far. The public didnt need masks. Social distancing and handwashing would be sufficient.

On April 3, however, the CDC rolled out new recommendations urging the exact opposite: Americans now should wear cloth face coverings in public settings, especially in areas with increased community transmission. This came on the heels of new studies showing the critical role of asymptomatic carriers in fueling global outbreaks. One study estimated that up to 30 percent of COVID-19 positive individuals show no symptoms, while other studies documented asymptomatic transmission, creating numerous hotspots worldwide.

Another, more insidious consideration is the unmasked individual with ambiguous symptoms such as fatigue or nasal congestion, that they misattribute to stress or seasonal allergies instead of the early stages of COVID-19.

Almost overnight, the CDCs new stance made public mask wearing a compelling measure in fighting COVID-19. Unfortunately, widespread adoption of the practice has yet to be seen, as cultural attitudes threaten to delay the publics cooperation given current government guidance. Today, a mask wearer today can be perceived as uncool, selfishly hoarding, ignorantly panic spreading, and  given the CDCs prior stance  ineffective and possibly harmful. Moreover, the wearer could look sick, risking a stigma that burdens them with knowing they are making others feel unsafe. Propagating these attitudes alas is President Trump, who stated he himself would not wear face masks at the risk of being judged by dignitaries, despite announcing new CDC guidelines suggesting all Americans wear one.

Racialization of face masks produces a more concerning stigma, labeling wearers as Asian.

Not only does this dissuade non-East Asians from wearing masks, as the practice is seen stemming from a foreign niche instead of a national effort to protect Americans, but it dissuades East Asians from wearing masks out of fears of harassment.

A universal mask policy stands to greatly benefit the nation. For a nation whose peak in cases is still a week away, where 29,211 new cases were confirmed on April 6 alone, America only stands to lose by waiting for masks to organically embed itself into our social fabric.

A universal mask policy that mandates face masks for anyone going out in public would speed the process by diminishing social stigmas, complacency, and hesitations regarding efficacy. It would create a unified message to solidify mask-wearing as an American norm.

In East Asia, where memories of the 2002 SARS outbreak remain strong, wearing face masks in public has become an ingrained cultural ethic. In addition to providing personal benefits by blocking air pollution, donning face masks is now a civic duty to reduce pathogen transmission. This sense of fate-shared consequently created a stigma opposite to Americas: A person not wearing a face mask is left to be judged for putting others at risk.

Mask wearing as an existing social ritual sharply reduced the lag time in public mask use during the East Asian COVID-19 response. An estimated 90 percent of Hong Kong and South Korean residents were wearing face masks in public during the critical early stages of the coronavirus outbreak. Contrast this to the United States, where only 7 percent of people wore masks in early March.

Despite these successes, China still placed public masking mandates in the populated centers of Beijing and Shanghai, where community transmission was especially high. The Czech Republic soon followed as the first nation to introduce compulsory mask measures in Europe. This leaves America to follow suit, creating a national universal mask policy that, at the very least, covers urban centers.

Of course, a universal mask policy alone is not a panacea. Face masks do not come with the freedom to ignore social distancing rules. However, it nevertheless houses enormous potential in Americas response to COVID-19.

Varsha Venkatakrishna is a medical student and is affiliated with #GetUsPPE.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
Archbishop of Bombay, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, has said that following the government's direction with regard to the lockdown in wake of the coronavirus outbreak is a "moral obligation".

"Whatever the government decides, we must observe what the government tells us. If we have got to stay indoors, we have to stay indoors not only for our own protection, but as a moral obligation to protect others," he said in his sermon on the occasion of Good Friday.

"We have got to work together," he added.

Cardinal Gracias is also the president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India.

He paid tribute to all the healthcare workers who were risking their lives in order to fight the virus.

He said, "We pay tribute to the great volunteers who are sacrificing themselves on the frontline -- our doctors, nurses, attendants and scientists who are doing research."

He also paid tribute to the civic authorities saying, "I also want to pay tribute to the civic authorities -- the police who are trying to keep people at home for our own good. So, we realise that we need one another, we need God."

With 92 more COVID-19 positive cases reported in Maharashtra, the total number of positive coronavirus cases in the state rose to 1,666, the Maharashtra Health Department informed on Saturday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Special permission has been granted for work to continue on the primary care centre on Killarney Road.

The centre was due to open early this year and work is at an advanced stage.

Construction sites were ordered to close last week, along with other businesses deemed non-essential.

'Primary Health Properties' also received permission to work at their site in Rialto, Dublin.

Most construction work across the country has been shut down following Government guidelines issued on Friday, March 27, in order to limit the spread of Covid-19.

PHP said the HSE was 'keen for the sites at Bray and Rialto to be completed as soon as possible'.

The two facilities are due to be finished later this month.

Primary Health Properties currently has 16 healthcare facilities in the Republic of Ireland worth 180 million.

Harry Hyman, managing director of PHP, said some of the company's facilities in Ireland will be used as part of the battle against the virus.

'The HSE is interested in developing community hubs in a number of primary care centres to take the pressure off hospitals,' he said.

'Our portfolio of properties stands on the front line of delivering vital services for the NHS and HSE in the UK and Ireland, and we are working closely with our occupiers to help them better-utilise our assets.'

Bray Primary Health Care Centre will include a GP practice, a pharmacy, cafe, a new home for Bray Old Folks and Meals on Wheels and a car park.

It will also be able to house an X-ray facility thereby reducing the need for patients to travel to A&E.
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Friday renewed his call for a global ceasefire, urging all parties to conflict to lay down arms and allow war-torn nations to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

"The worst is yet to come," Guterres said, referring to countries beset with fighting like Syria, Libya and Yemen.

"The COVID-19 storm is now coming to all these theatres of conflict."

Guterres said there had been some progress following his March 23 call for peace, but that fighting still rages in a number of countries, hampering the ability to put into place plans to combat the virus.

"The need is urgent," Guterres said at a UN press conference.

"The virus has shown how swiftly it can move across borders, devastate countries and upend lives."

He said that parties to conflict in a number of countries, including Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Colombia, Libya, Myanmar, the Philippines, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine and Yemen, have expressed support for his call.

"But there is a huge distance between declarations and deeds -- between translating words into peace on the ground and in the lives of people," Guterres said.

"In many of the most critical situations, we have seen no let-up in fighting -- and some conflicts have even intensified."

While expressing gratitude for support of his earlier call from some 70 countries, NGO groups and religious leaders worldwide including Pope Francis, Guterres said more concrete work was necessary.

"We need robust diplomatic efforts to meet these challenges. To silence the guns, we must raise the voices for peace," he said.

Guterres did not mention the UN Security Council, where divisions between the United States and China have blocked action.

The EU "strongly supports" the call, its foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said after a video conference of the bloc's foreign ministers.

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"We urge all those involved in armed conflicts anywhere in the world to engage in efforts to find a political solution to the conflict," Borrell told a media conference in Brussels.

- Call for more aid -

Since the beginning of the global pandemic, the Security Council has not met once on COVID-19, making no statement or joint resolution.

On Thursday the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for international cooperation and "multilateralism" in addressing the virus, which has infected more than one million worldwide and killed more than 50,000.

Guterres appealed for developed countries and multilateral institutions to do more to aid poorer countries face the pandemic.

"To act early rather than later is essential... This is particularly true with the developing world," he said.

Guterres noted that the ceasefire in Idlib, Syria is holding but said it needs to be expanded to the entire country to allow full efforts to slow the coronavirus spread.

But he also said expressions of support for a ceasefire by different factions fighting in Libya had not ended the violence.

"This war is now not allowing the response to COVID-19 to take place," he said.

"This is the moment to stop. It's not morally acceptable to continue with this conflict."
A 35-year-old man from Pipradih village under Bokaros Chandrapura block was found infected with novel coronavirus on Thursday late night, bringing the tally of Covid-19 cases in the district to six and in Jharkhand to 14.

The affected man had travelled to Bangladesh and also attended Tablighi Jamaat in New Delhis Nizamuddin last month.

He was in the same group of other five people of Tello village who had attended Tablighi Jamaat and were detected positive for Covid-19.

The six positive cases in the district are spread over three different villages in two blocks. While four cases are reported from Tello village and one from Pipradih village under Chandrapura block, one case is registered in Saram village under Gomia block.

The states first Covid-19 death was also reported from Bokaro district after a 75-year-old man from Gomias Saram village died on Thursday morning.

The spread of Covid-19 has now reached another village Pipradih. The affected man from this village is linked with the group of Tello village. All these people went to Bangladesh and returned here after attending Tablighi Jamaat in Delhi, said Dr Ashok Pathak, Bokaro civil surgeon.

The corona-infected man has been admitted to Bokaro General Hospital (BGH). Contact-tracing exercise has been started in this village and health screening of the residents is in progress. Samples of throat swabs of the family members of the affected man have been taken for test, he added.

The state has now a total of 14 positive Covid-19 cases, including one death. The maximum number of seven cases are recorded in Ranchi district, followed by Bokaro (six cases) and Hazaribag (one case).

Over 1.29 lakh people are currently observing home quarantine and over 15,000 people observing hospital quarantine in the state.

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Xi says China ready to continue helping Argentina with COVID-19 prevention, aid

Global Times

Source:Xinhua Published: 2020/4/10 17:51:23

Chinese President Xi Jinping said the Chinese side is ready to continue sharing COVID-19 prevention and control experience with Argentina and offering assistance within its capacity.

Xi made the remarks in a recent exchange of messages with Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez.

Xi, on behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, extended sincere sympathies to the Argentine government and people as they are fighting against the novel coronavirus epidemic.

The Chinese side firmly supports the South American country's measures against the outbreak, and has sent to Argentina supplies related to epidemic prevention and control, said Xi, adding that experts of the two countries have also exchanged experience on how to battle the epidemic.

He also said that the Chinese side is ready to continue sharing COVID-19 prevention and control experience, as well as therapies with, and offering assistance within its capacity to Argentina so as to step up bilateral anti-epidemic exchanges and cooperation, and make positive contributions to preserving global and regional public health security.

In his message to Xi, Fernandez appreciated China's strong support, and said that China has demonstrated strong leadership and the ability to innovate during its COVID-19 fight, setting an example for his country.

He also said that China has the world's most professional epidemic prevention and control experience, from which Argentina hopes to learn, adding that he firmly believes that the bilateral cooperation to fight against the outbreak will further deepen the friendly and mutually beneficial relationship between the two peoples.

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From policy and management perspectives, proper planning is requisite for a successful implementation of a project or a program. When the planning phase is faulty it presupposes that the project or program is bound to fail. Essentially during crisis and epidemics, planners must leave no room for high risks in their planning.

Indeed, many countries both great and small are all in dilemma trying to figure out the best approaches in tackling the spread of the Coronavirus as it ravages like a wildfire. So far, many countries have run out of stockpiles of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and ventilators while funeral homes and hospital morgues can no longer contain corpses. Clearly, it seems as if no government globally have clues as to how to deal with the situation and a sign of unpreparedness is written on every wall. When the virus first struck in China, many political leaders felt it was a Chinese problem. Little did they know it could rattle the planet earth and send healthcare systems and the global economy haywire.

As it panned out, the president of the United States, Donald Trump for instance, even claimed the virus was a hoax and that the liberal media was bent on utilizing it to ruin his re-election fortunes after they failed to get rid of him through impeachment. Unlike in the case of the Ebola virus outbreak that only ravaged some parts of West African countries few years ago, the Coronavirus was bent on wrecking a global havoc. The effects of the virus have brought about social distancing and lockdowns in many countries and cities. Obviously, the global economy has grinded to a temporary halt. There is a glimpse of global recession with many economies bleeding profusely.

The situation in Ghana is no exception. The government of Ghana deserves applauds how it has handled the Coronavirus thus far. The actions taken later to close the international airport, borders with neighboring countries and compulsorily quarantining new arrivals in the country is commendable. Also, the initiatives to put the country under lockdown for two weeks was a great idea. These measures were unfurled to slow down the rapid spread of the virus. Nonetheless, it is imperative noting that if prudent measures were implemented from the start and properly screened travelers at the entry points, it could have mitigated the situation at hand.

While it is significant to commend the government for a great job done so far, it is equally imperative to point out some lapses inherent in the planning leading to the lockdown. I find it problematic the way the lockdown was executed. Apparently, no one should expect the government to be 100% right in the way it is managing the spread of the virus. However, there are some basic aspects of the planning that should have been considered. For instance, the inability to have an alternative plan for the homeless; especially the kayaye (head porters) was a huge minus. This group of people are also Ghanaians who have ran from their various towns and villages to seek greener pastures in the cities. In a situation like this one, the only refuge for them is where they came from and will be tempted to relocate in order to avoid the lockdown. This is partly because they have no access to shelter, water, food, Medicare, toilet facilities and could be trapped during the lockdown.

Apart from the head porters, many other Ghanaians are homeless, and others live below the quality of life standards. Three weeks lockdown means a lot to many Ghanaians who will be without food, clean water, and other necessities of life. Many Ghanaians often live on daily visits to the markets to get food stuffs and other essentials. A prolonged lockdown can have dire ramifications as the lack of food and other necessities could kill more Ghanaians than the virus. It is against this backdrop that it behooves the government to have at least provided in its planning, measures that will sustain citizens who fall vulnerable during this crisis. There seem to have been no alternative plan for the vulnerable groups culminating mass exodus of city folks into the villages and towns.

The mainstay of the argument is that since the government failed to incorporate in its planning, the movement of Ghanaians into the towns and villages will come with attendant rippling effects. Although the lockdown was to minimize the spread of the virus, many Ghanaians after hearing the announcement fled to the villages across the country. There are media reports highlighting some of the frustrations some of these vulnerable Ghanaians are going through. It was sad to watch a video from Joy TV, a cargo vehicle transporting nursing mothers and their children, and young women fleeing the lockdown towards the Northern region in a concealed manner and getting stopped on their way by the law enforcement agencies. Notably, it was so pathetic that their vehicle in which they were traveling was impounded and being asked to return to Accra. This unfortunate situation should never have happened in the first place if the government had alternative plan for them.

Arguably, all those running away from the lockdown areas to their villages and towns could be potential carriers of the virus. This implies that the village folks can be infected with the virus. According to reports, what exacerbated the spread of the virus in Italy was attributed to the potential carriers who run to the remote areas to avoid the lockdown. Our government could have leveraged on this information to put immediate structures that will minimize the massive influx of people from the cities to the villages and towns. The eventual consequences, if care not taken is that village folks will be at the mercy of the virus. Unfortunately, the healthcare systems at the towns and villages are in porous state to deal with the situation. Hopefully, this does not happen, else it defeats the purpose of the lockdown to begin with.

While the president, Nana Akuffo Addo found wisdom in inviting church leaders to offer prayers for the nation, he could have also used the occasion to solicit for help from them to open their church doors for the vulnerable. There are thousands of churches and mosques all over the cities that can accommodate the homeless and vulnerable. When this was done, at least those running away would have stayed if they had alternatives. Besides, one will expect the church leaders to lend a helping hand in this dire moment. The churches cannot claim winning souls for Christ when apparently these souls could be lost through the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, the government could have used some of the money earmarked to fight the virus to rent temporary spaces to house those who wanted to stay but have no place. We cannot leave anything to chance fighting this virus that spreads like wild invincible fire.

While it is commendable for the various churches praying and supporting the government and healthcare workers fighting the virus, giving out food, providing shelter and other key rudiments is what is expected of Christ followers. That will mark the essence of our calling as Christians.

Until the Coronavirus exposed the true state of Ghanas purse, little did we know the government had no reserve or buffer to shoulder the country in times of crisis. One will argue that even the almighty US has been seeking for held during this crisis. Certainly, this is true, however, for Ghana to solely rely on foreign donor funds for which nothing can be done is pathetic. Many times, President Nana Akuffo Addo advocated for self-sustaining measures which is a great idea. Supposing the International Monetary Fund (IMF) did not grant Ghana a loan, does it mean the country had nothing to fight the virus? Our sordid state is unimaginable with all the endowed luxuries of our natural resources. So, what can we be proud of as a country? I do not intend to lay blame at the doorsteps of only the current government because this has been a generational problem and should be dealt with appropriately.

What is obvious is that, since Ghana attained independence over sixty plus years, there havent been much serious pragmatic and sustainable policies to ground the economy and put money into citizens pockets. Most of our development agendas have been cut and paste and patching. Elected leaders often resort to temporary solutions in order to gain leverage for re-election instead of building sustainable structures. There overreliance of foreign aid without which nothing is done is troubling. We as Ghanaians really need to join our axes devoid of any political inclination and agree on a lasting national agenda for development. The Coronavirus is a time to reflect on our pitfalls as a nation.

It must also be emphasized that the law enforcement agencies should not take advantage of the situation to abuse those who may break the lockdown rules. There are some videos circulating on social media, although it has been difficult to ascertain their veracity showing some citizens being brutalized by the law enforcement agencies. We have moved away from the era of military rule several decades now. The Constitution of Ghana guarantees that a person shall be deemed innocent until proven guilty. I implore the law enforcement to listen and respect the directive by the Minister of Interior not to molest citizens found breaking the law.

God Bless Our Homeland Ghana.

Writer: Dr. Peter Jackson Wadja

A Ghanaian Resident in the United Stat
WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 11th April, 2020) President Donald Trump has nominated Assistant Secretary of Treasury for Terrorist Financing Marshall Billingslea to be the next US Special Representative for Arms Control, the White House said in a press release on Friday.

"Today, President Donald J. Trump announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to key positions in his Administration: Marshall Billingslea, of Virginia, to be the Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control, Department of State," the release said.
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Linkedin Apriza Pinandita (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, April 11, 2020 10:21 640 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd125b8f 1 National COVID-19,COVID-19-in-Indonesia,ramadan,iftar,Religious-Affairs-Ministry,coronavirus,virus-corona,virus-korona-indonesia,Idul-Fitri Free

The Religious Affairs Ministry has urged Indonesian Muslims not to hold bukber, short for buka puasa bersama (breaking-of-the-fast gathering) activities during the upcoming Ramadan, as COVID-19 has spread to every province across the country.

The ministry also urged Muslims to do tarawih (Ramadan night prayers) and tadarus (Quran recital) at home.

Kamaruddin Amin, the ministrys director general of Muslim community guidance, said he hoped people would obey the call.

Tarawih should be performed at home, while Nuzulul Quran [the revelation day of the Quran] commemoration will be scrapped during this years Ramadan, as well as tadarus activities at mosques, he said during a press briefing on Friday.

He added that practicing Ramadan traditions from home would not reduce the value of worship, as the country was in a state of emergency. God will understand, Kamaruddin went on to say.

Read also: Idul Fitri collective leave moved to December due to COVID-19

The ministry issued on Monday a circular containing prayer and worship guidelines for Muslims during this years Ramadan.

Aside from advising people not to participate in bukber, the ministry also called on people not to hold sahur (predawn meals) gatherings in the street. It also urged people not to perform itikaf (seclusion in a mosque).

Idul Fitri prayers, which are usually performed in a congregation, have also be prohibited, with a corresponding fatwa to be issued by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI).

The ministry also advised Muslims to hold halal bi halal (post-Ramadan gatherings) through video conference or social media platforms.

Indonesian health authorities had recorded at least 3,512 confirmed cases in all 34 provinces across the country as of Friday, with 306 deaths.
Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves have joined forces with Bethenny Frankel to provide 80,000 crucial protective masks to the healthcare workers, police and fire personnel who continue to trudge on in hazardous conditions amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Frankel, 49, took to social media on Friday to thank the celeb couple for their contributions in coordination with her charity organization BStrong, which the reality star set up to aid with emergency assistance amid times of crisis.

'#BStrong is so grateful to @camilamcconaughey and @officiallymcconaughey for getting involved in this fight and donating funds for 80,000 protective masks to [be] distributed to the warriors on the front lines of this pandemic who are risking their lives to save ours,' said the Real Housewives of New York star. 'Louisiana and Texas are in their hearts and prayers as they show support for those police officers, fire fighters and healthcare workers who so desperately need this aid.'

The latest: Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves have joined forces with Bethenny Frankel to provide 80,000 crucial protective masks to the healthcare workers, police and fire personnel who continue to trudge on in hazardous conditions amid the coronavirus pandemic

The philanthropic star, who has also assisted with crises in Puerto Rico, ended in writing, 'Our eyes are clear and our hearts are full,' with the hashtag, #cleareyesfullheartscantlose.

Images and videos from the posts from Frankel and Alves, 38, showed the couple delivering boxes of protective materials to authorities in Austin, Texas.

Alves said she and the Oscar-winner, 50, are also set to work with Frankel, Ellen Degeneres, Billy Joel, Bill and Tracey Marshall and the nonprofit Global Empowerment Mission in their efforts to aid those at risk of contracting the virus in the course of serving the community.

'Matthew and I ... have teamed up with the organization #BStrong,' she said. ;We are passionate about helping first responders from our hometown Austin - Texas, Louisiana and nationwide as we combat this national pandemic.'

Helping out: The duo posed at a distance with firefighters in Austin, Texas

Persistent: Alves vowed, 'We will not go quietly' and said she came to channel her efforts toward the organization Frankel set up after researching charities for more than two weeks

She said their 'mission is to protect those who protect us, by providing healthcare workers, firefighters, police officers, and others with approximately 80,000 masks needed to battle the #COVID19 virus.

Alves vowed, 'We will not go quietly' and said she came to channel her efforts toward the organization Frankel set up after researching charities for more than two weeks.

'I wanted to share with you in case if it can inspire you as well to help, or inspire you to pick a lane to help others whatever that lane is even if your lane is helping your neighbor, calling people, emotional support, donations, volunteer ...pick a lane and do it well!' said Alves, who's been wed to the A-lister since 2012. 'Stay strong this too shall pass...'

In the clutch: The famed couple had cardboard boxes of 3M masks for first responders

Focused: The couple placed the boxes for law enforcement suiting up amid the pandemic

McConaughey, who won an Oscar for Best Actor in 2014 for Dallas Buyers Club, has helped spread resources and awareness about social distancing and safety amid the challenging times.

'There is a green light on the other side of this red light that were in right now, and I believe that that green light is going to be built upon the values that we can enact right now, the values of fairness, kindness, accountability, resilience, respect, courage,' he said in a clip released last month. 'If we practice those things right now, when we get out of this, this virus this time might be the one time that brings us all together and unifies us like we have not been in a long time.'

He continued: 'So yes, lets see if we can make some lemonade out of this lemon that were in the middle of, turn a red light into a green light ... just keep livin.'

Setting an example: The Lincoln Lawyer star and his spouse practiced proper social distancing

Brave: The Dazed and Confused star shared a shot of the outing on his social media

The international pandemic has impacted a number of celebrities, as Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, Idris Elba and Andy Cohen are among the notable names who have tested positive, as well as Prince Charles and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Other notable Hollywood names to test positive for coronavirus include actresses Ali Wentworth, Olga Kurylenko, Debi Mazar and Rachel Matthews; and actors Kristofer Hivju and Daniel Dae Kim. Performers to succumb to coronavirus-related symptoms include Jaws actress Lee Fierro, 91, Aliens actor Jay Benedict, 68, and Nashville actor Allen Garfield, 80.

As of Friday, the death total for COVID-19 - declared a public health emergency by World Health Organization - had soared to 18,461 people in the U.S., The COVID Tracking Project reported, with 492,678 total positive diagnoses.

On a global level, 102,525 people have died amid 1,691,719 positive diagnoses worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University.
For more coverage, visit our complete coronavirus section here.

The iconic Episcopal cathedral atop Nob Hill, known for its stunning murals, labyrinths and stained glass windows, locked its famed Ghiberti doors on March 17th due to the city's shutdown order in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The last time Grace Cathedral locked its doors was during the Spanish Flu in 1918.

A message on the cathedral's website reads, "We are both a warm congregation and a house of prayer for all people. We welcome visitors from all over the world. To support the health of our community the cathedral is closed. Join us online and stay connected." Live streams and recordings of the cathedral's services, including the Easter Sunday service, are linked on the site.

The church is a symbol of hope for many, and as Easter is upon us, Grace has found a way to still help its community when many need it the most.

I spoke to The Very Rev. Dr. Malcolm Clemens Young, the Dean of the cathedral, about moving services online, how elderly and vulnerable churchgoers are coping with the crisis, and what he thinks about some Floridian pastors keeping their churches open and holding mass gatherings of worshippers during the pandemic.

SFGATE: How did Grace react to the shutdown order, was there any attempt to keep the doors open?

Malcolm Clemens Young: No, none of our staff wanted to put anyone at risk. Back in February as larger gatherings were forbidden across San Francisco we started to reduce services but left the doors open for those that wanted to come in and pray. But as soon as Mayor London Breed ordered the shelter-in-place order on March 17th we closed our doors. It was hard as so many worshippers wanted to still come. Were very worried about the older, vulnerable members and didnt want to put any at risk.

That week our clergy called every single member of the church, we must have reached over 700 households to reassure them. For a lot of the older church members, coming to the church was the only time they actually physically touched someone else, whether that be a hug or handshake. These people are very isolated right now. I received a handwritten letter from an older church member who apologized that she hasn't been in contact but the libraries are closed so she wasn't able to access the her email.

SFGATE: How is Grace Cathedral managing this Easter?

Malcolm Clemens Young: Its normally the busiest weeks of our year, Holy Week. Luckily for us we had cameras and equipment installed in the church last year, so we've been streaming and recording services from inside the cathedral.

No more than ten people are ever inside during the recordings. Several thousand watched our Palm Sunday service last week. That sermon is very emotional, it starts with Jesus entering Jerusalem and ends with description of the crucifixion. Many of our members are not that tech savvy and weren't sure if it was appropriate to comment and like or heart the streamed services as they are happening, as clapping in church isnt always good form. But weve become better at responding to peoples comments and encourage any interaction.

SFGATE: Do you have any thoughts on some Florida churches staying open during the crisis or churches being considered an essential business?

Malcolm Clemens Young: Well unfortunately I had some very ungenerous thoughts when I heard about that happening in Florida. It must be some kind of demonic egotism to think your church service is so important that people should risk their lives.

It's hard for me to fathom that people are doing that, that your ego may lead to people dying.

SFGATE: With no services in person, how drastically have offerings fallen?

Malcolm Clemens Young: We received a very generous gift to help the preschool we have on site for underprivileged kids. We havent laid off any of our 100 staff. We are really holding on to them, so they can pay their rent. They have so much passion for the church and we don't want to let anyone go.

SFGATE: When will you open again?

Malcolm Clemens Young: Were just waiting. Were unlikely to open up before the school district reopens in the fall.

SFGATE: How is Grace's homeless outreach program managing during the crisis?

Malcolm Clemens Young: A quarter of of all homeless shelters in San Francisco are in Episcopal shelters, and were very worried about them right now.

SFGATE: Have any of the Priests or staff at Grace been personally affected by the virus, and are any self-isolating?

Malcolm Clemens Young: Thankfully, none have been infected and none are quarantined, but many are older and at risk.

Do you have a wider message you can share with San Franciscans suffering through these hard times?

Malcolm Clemens Young: Everything has changed: The stories that guide our lives, the myths in our subconscious. Things like the idea that so long as the economy is strong, everyone is OK, these myths are coming apart. I hope we come out of this crisis thinking more about our homeless population. We need to think about family connections, looking after the weak, we should come out of this caring for the vulnerable more. After our services, I want members reach out to someone who is alone and vulnerable, and make sure theyre OK.

Andrew Chamings is a digital editor at SFGATE. Email: Andrew.Chamings@sfgate.com | Twitter: @AndrewChamings
A bumper yield of paddy, wheat, jowar, cotton, vegetables, maize and millets in Hanumanahalli of Dharwad district is at the mercy of COVID-19 lockdown. Over 30% of the crop lie unharvested, due to the acute shortage of labour and lack of access to the fields. The harvested crops remain stacked in the fields and houses of farmers, as they cannot transport the grains without logistics support.

Anxiety prevails over the village at the sudden turn of their fortune. The possibility of rain has only compounded their problem. Immediate sale of the produce is crucial to them for two reasons: to subsist and to grow the next crop.

Yallappa Ramji, a village elder, states succinctly, If we starve today, consumers will suffer tomorrow.

For latest updates and live news on coronavirus, click here

Around 100 km away, in Ranebennur taluk of Haveri district, over 3,000 agricultural labourers are pleading with the district administration to give them work under the MGNREGA scheme as promised by the Union government. With no income, they are barely meeting their food needs as they cant afford to buy the essentials (other than rice and wheat which these jowar-consuming people get from PDS) from the market, which costs around Rs 500 per week for a family of three. These daily wage workers earn their livelihood while preparing the land for the next cropping season, said social worker S D Baligar.

Growers of summer fruits and vegetablesfrom melons and grapes to pineapple, papaya, cabbage and tomatoesacross Karnataka are witnessing months of hard work and investment falling apart. For floriculturists, all hopes have withered away.

Though there is no official assessment on the loss to farmers, the Horticulture Department estimates that the drop in demand is more than 40% during the lockdown period.

Farmers organisations say that around 70% farmers have been hit by the current crisis.

The disruption in the supply chain of agriculture and horticulture produce, uncertainty over the next cultivation season, fall in demand and reduced consumption of food pose a threat to food security and nutrition owing to COVID-19 pandemic. Food and Agricultural Organisation had cautioned about this possibility if the governments did not take care of the food and nutritional needs of the marginalised.

Track sate-wise confirmed coronavirus cases here

Farmers acknowledge the governments' efforts to support them by easing restrictions and taking a slew of measures. Their worry, however, is the limited reach of these programmes.

Over 500 farmers call the two helplines at the state governments agri war room every day. A majority of them are desperate to find a market for their produce.

We wouldve missed at least 10 calls while responding to one situation, says an officer at the helpline, indicating the magnitude of the crisis.

Reaching out to the helpline hasnt helped 37-year-old Siddappa Hulkund in Tukkanatti village of Gokak taluk sell his vegetables (brinjal, tomato, ridge gourd and coriander leaves) worth seven lakh rupees. I was directed to a district horticulture officer who in turn gave me the number of a middleman. The middleman refused to buy, citing reduced demand for the produce.

Also Read: Coronavirus Lockdown spared no thought for the rural sector

Over 100 farmers in his village face the same problem. Those who grew cabbage, cauliflower and melons had to till the field with the crop standing, as the price dropped from Rs 10 per kg to Re 1 per kg. They feel the government must start collection centres in every taluk or hobli and save them from losses.

But Karnataka, despite being a top producer state, doesnt have cold storage and processing infrastructure to match its production. Of the total 136 cold storage facilities in the state, six are owned by Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) and eight by Karnataka State Agricultural Produce Processing and Export Corporation.

Around 40% of our fruits and vegetables have markets outside the state. For instance, 80% of pineapple goes to northern states. In this time of crisis, all cold storage facilities will be utilised. However, only 25% of the total capacity of 4,40,883 tonnes is available now as the remaining 75% is already in use. We try our best to facilitate whoever approaches us and create market linkages so that farmers can sell their produce directly, said B Venkatesh, director, Department of Horticulture.

Activist and grape grower Anjaneya Reddy R calls for a proactive response from the government. In the grape farms of Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Bengaluru Rural and neighbouring areas, farmers are staring at a huge loss as over 3,000 tonnes of grapes, mainly Dilkush variety, is ready for harvest and should be used up in the next 10 days.

The state government should buy our produce and distribute it among the needy. Or it can connect farmers and consumers and notify traders to provide logistics support. Even those who are distributing food packets can include fruits and vegetables in the kit.

Agricultue policy analysts draw attention to the irony of thousands of people struggling to get two meals a day, while millions of farmers are facing uncertainty despite getting a good crop. An ideal way would be to collect fruits and vegetables from each village and distribute it among the deprived, says analyst Suresh Kanjarpane. Though not to that extent, the government has been taking measures to tackle the situation.

However, these steps dont seem to have reached small and marginal farmers. Agriculture input providers and traders can avail a green pass but wholesale buyers are reluctant to trade due to the lack of staff and the market slowdown. Retail markets and the APMCs have resumed only limited operations.

Agricultural economist T N Prakash Kammardi says, Not even one-third of the normal arrivals is reaching the markets in the state despite good yield. For instance, as against 12 lakh tonnes of onion that would have arrived in different markets by this time, hardly 2.3 lakh tonnes have arrived. Similarly, the current transaction for tomato and banana in different regulated markets is 15% and 36% of the normal arrival, as recorded in the previous two years.

Mrutyunjaya, who assessed the situation of farmers in six villages of Dharwad and Haveri districts, observes that from the lack of information about government measures to lack of access to credit, the lockdown has affected farmers in myriad ways.

"Many farming families rely on members working in cities for monetary support. With them returning home empty-handed, the flow of money has been cut-off," said G Krishnaprasad, who works with farmers.

As a result, loans and distress will mount. Considering the enormity of the situation, the government should immediately open procurement centres for crops and announce a minimum support price to all crops before the next cropping season starts. As promised, the Union government should immediately deposit Rs 6000 to farmers' accounts under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, says activist V Gayathri. "The government should also take steps to link the produce to food and nutrition schemes such as PDS," she adds.

Officials in the agriculture department say if kharif fails this year, food shortages will be imminent next year. The department has pulled all the strings to ensure the timely flow of inputs like seeds and fertilisers, said Commissioner of Agriculture Brijesh Kumar Dixit.

Similarly, there have been efforts to help mango farmers tide over the crisis. The Horticulture Department has approached food processing plants across the country to explore the possibility of pulping and tinning fruits.

The state supply chain management cell set up by the government is utilising the available infrastructure in the state and in Tamil Nadus Krishnagiri district, from tomato ketch-up plants to pickling units. We are resolving issues to ensure smooth functioning of the supply chain for essential commodities. Even though the interstate movement is happening, constraints still exist and the demand is yet to pick up for certain commodities in view of the closure of consuming units like hotels and restaurants as well as labour movement issues, said P C Ray, the coordinator of the cell.

The pandemic has brought the crucial role of food to the fore. Agricultural economist Devinder Sharma says that extraordinary crisis requires extraordinary measures. "With a good strategy, the damage to farmers could be minimised," he says.

As concerns about the adverse impact of a prolonged lockdown on food security loom large, social anthropologist A R Vasavi says that the current crisis highlights the fragile structural positioning of the agricultural and rural sectors and the extreme vulnerability of the landless and small and marginal farmers.

A strong marketing network and more importantly, a decentralised, integrated and community-driven approach in cultivation and consumption seems to be the way forward.

Need to strengthen Hopcoms

Amid the despair, tales of hope have emerged from the current crisis. Individual efforts to sell produce at a remunerative price using social media platforms, techies connecting farmers and consumers through technology and organisations and associations facilitating the sale of perishable goods are some areas that have caught people's attention.

The highlight, however, is the Hopcoms' network of outlets and vans that are functioning in Bengaluru and other major cities. The Sujala fruits and vegetables vending vans run by ICAR-IIHR have also been utilised. However, the worry is their reach. Hopcoms' share in the fruit and vegetable market of Bengaluru, the only city where it is well-organised, is estimated to be less than 10%.

Agriculture experts believe time has come to strengthen Hopcoms and extend its service to taluk and hobli places helping both farmers and consumers. Horticulture Department concurs.

After all, the success of farming lies in developing decentralised farm ecosystems with a sustainable and community-centered approach.
Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin in a file photograph in Washington on Feb. 27, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Mnuchin Acted Properly When Withholding Trump Tax Returns From Congress: IG

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and other department officials were cleared in the decision to withhold President Donald Trumps tax returns from Congress by acting Treasury Department Inspector General (TIG) Richard Delmars office.

The probe into the matter was triggered by House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal (D-Mass.), who requested it after Mnuchin declined to provide six years of the presidents personal tax returns, along with some business returns.

Based on the interviews conducted and review of relevant emails, TIG found Treasurys receipt, processing, and responses to Chairman Neals requests for records and subpoenas to be consistent with Treasurys general process for handling Congressional correspondence and requests to include Secretary Mnuchin supervising the matter, the report (pdf) of the probe stated.

Mnuchin in May rejected Neals subpoena for Trumps tax returns, asserting that the demand lacked a legitimate legislative purpose.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) backed Mnuchin, saying that because the confidentiality of tax returns is protected under the law, Mnuchin didnt violate the law in refusing the subpoena.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin (L) speaks with Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, prior to testifying on the presidents FY2020 budget proposal before the House Ways and Means Committee, on Capitol Hill, on March 14, 2019. (jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images)

Neals committee didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

The inspector generals report proves that earlier politically motivated accusations are debunkedSecretary Mnuchin followed the law, complied with all requests, and there is proper oversight taking place at Treasury, Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas), the ranking Republican on the Ways and Means Committee, said in a statement.

Delmars office didnt weigh in on legal matters related to the clash over the tax returns because it was outside the scope of the inquiry, Sally Luttrell, assistant inspector general for investigations, wrote in the report.

The Treasury Department processed the request properly, sought legal guidance from the Department of Justices Office of Legal Counsel (OLC), and determined that it was bound by that office, Delmar wrote in a letter (pdf) to Neal and Brady.

We do not presume to opine on the analysis and conclusions of the OLC opinion and advice, he wrote.
New Delhi, April 12 : In order to ease out the buying for the public during nationwide lockdown while maintaining social distancing amid coronavirus outbreak, orders have been passed to sell vegetables will be sold in Azadpur mandi here in the morning while fruits will be sold in the evening. The orders will be implemented from Monday.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Saturday visited Azadpur mandi after which a series of meetings were held.

District Magistrate (North Delhi) and District Disaster Management Authority chairman Deepak Shinde on Saturday passed an order which said token system will be implemented for the entry of the buyers in Azadpur mandi and sale of vegetables and fruits will be in different shifts. At least three policemen will be deployed in each shift. The joint team of mandi officials and policemen will have at least five officers.

The auction process will be completed in the circular area marked on the ground. All the sheds will have public address system to pass on the right information. Adequate police forces will be deployed at the entrance to check each and every person coming to the mandi. Wearing masks will be compulsory for all the traders, policemen, mandi officials, security personnel and labourers. Strict action will be taken against those who do not follow social distancing and other instructions.

Azadpur Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) chairman Adil Ahmed Khan told IANS that precautionary measures had already been taken in the mandi and he had also written to the police to implement it strictly.

He said the order issued by the District Magistrate will now be followed from Monday.

Vegetables will now be sold from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. while fruits will be sold from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Congratulations are in order. Another 90 Day Fiance baby is going to be welcomed into the fold. Season 7 stars Robert and Anny just announced that they are expecting a baby. This announcement comes after a tumultuous season where fans werent sure if the couple was going to even remain together.

Bryson, Robert, and Anny | Instagram @robert90days7

The baby announcement

Anny, who is originally from the Dominican Republic, gave a statement about the baby in Spanish to E! News.

Me siento muy feliz y afortunada de compartir la llegada de mi bebe  mi regalo de Dios. Todavia no ha nacido y es la sensacion mas bonita que he sentido. Me ha llenado de alegria saber que tendre a alguien por quien luchar y dar lo mejor de mi. Te espero con mucha emocion.

For everyone who doesnt know Spanish, that translates to, I feel so happy and fortunate to share the arrival of my baby  my gift from God. The baby has not been born yet, and its the most beautiful feeling that I have ever felt. It fills me with joy to know that Ill have someone to fight for and give the best of myself to. I wait for him or her with lots of emotion.

Robert and Anny filmed the moment they found out about the baby for 90 Day Fiance: What Now? You can watch the exciting news be revealed on Apr. 12th.

Anny and Roberts relationship

Robert and Anny met online as most 90 Day Fiance couples do. After talking for months, Robert decided to go on a cruise that had a stop in the Dominican Republic so he could meet Anny. They spent eight hours together before Robert proposed. Anny then came to the US on a K-1 visa. She had a hard time adjusting to the differences in America and the feelings of being away from her friends and family. She also struggled to be a stepmother for Roberts son, Bryson.

They are currently on 90 Day Fiance: Pillow Talk and will be on 90 Day Fiance: Self-Quarantined.

Other 90 Day Fiance babies

Loren and Alexei Brovarnik of 90 Day Fiance and 90 Day Fiance: Pillow Talk recently announced that they were having a baby.

I see a lot of people I know (personally) announcing their own exciting news, and now its my turn! Loren told People. Im excited, terrified, over the moon, nervous and so much more!

The new bundle of joy is expected in May of this year.

Alex is hands down the best partner I could have ever asked for during this time, she continued. The first trimester wasnt easy for me, and he was and is an amazing support system. We are just overjoyed and cannot wait to meet our baby this spring! The fact that it happened in Israel just makes it that much more special for us. We have been through a lot, and were just so excited for this next journey together! #babybrov.

She also announced her news on Instagram.

Were so excited to finally say, BabyBrov is on its way! Loren wrote. For those of you saying Im pregnant, well, ding ding ding, we cannot wait to welcome our baby boy or girl this Spring!


P aul Merson believes Chelsea midfielder Willian will have clubs queueing up for him and could play for Manchester City when he leaves Stamford Bridge.

Willian has been at Chelsea since 2013 with his current deal set to expire in June. The Brazil international has indicated he had been keen to remain in west London but now expects to leave after being told it is impossible to offer him the three-year extension he seeks.

Chelseas transfer policy dictates that players over 30 are only offered one-year extensions.

Merson doubts any club will be willing to offer a player who turns 32 in August a three-year deal but says the Blues have made a mistake in failing to tie down a player who could easily start for one of their Premier League rivals.

Merson told Sky Sports: Willian is world class, and Chelsea haven't got a lot of world-class players. Willian has been outstanding, he could play for Manchester City tomorrow.

"There will be teams queueing around the block to sign him. He's a special player and for me, Chelsea have dropped one by letting it get to this situation.
Continued faith in social distancing this Easter and Passover will protect the vulnerable, stop the spread and save lives, Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine urged Saturday.

Holding a COVID-19 update on Easter and Passover weekend, Levine offered a hopeful image of a Pennsylvania separated on these major religious holidays -- yet united like never before.

While we are unable to come together with our families, we have come together as a state and nation to reinforce that the only way through this is with each other, even though we are physically apart, Levine said at her press briefing. We will get through this because of each other and we will be stronger for it.

READ MORE:

With both Christians and Jews celebrating the highest of holy days this week, Levine acknowledged the pull to attend church or synagogue will be strong.

But the strongest thing to do for everyone is to remain with immediate family only, so as to protect all during the coronavirus, she said.

In short, by praying apart this Easter, Pennsylvanians will actually be coming together, according to Levine.

I understand that people, especially in these troubled times, will turn to their faith, Levine said. But it is dangerous to be out  congregating with other people. My recommendation is to celebrate the holiday with your close family who are in our household.

In fact, Levine indicated that by praying apart, Pennsylvanians were actually demonstrating their faiths love of neighbor, providing the proven protection of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Do the right thing to protect each other, she said. The only way through this is with each other. We will get through this because of each other, and we will be stronger for it.

So, too, will the faith of the faithful, even though COVID-19 is preventing them from joining as a physical congregation on this Easter and Passover, like no other.

Stay calm, stay home, stay safe, Levine said, noting that this simple advice is powerful enough to bend Pennsylvanias coronavirus curve  protecting the vulnerable, stopping the spread and saving lives.

As of Saturday morning, Pennsylvania has more than 21,000 diagnosed cases, including more than 1,000 medical personnel, of the coronavirus, covering all 67 counties, and nearly 500 deaths, all adults.

READ MORE:

Re-opening Pa. for business after coronavirus will be piecemeal, data-driven and progressive, health secretary says

With Pa. meat-packing workers getting COVID-19, is the food supply safe?

Homebound Pa. woman, 93, sends beer SOS for more Coors Light amid coronavirus

COVID-19 stricken clown keeps smiling at Penn State Hershey med center

Pa. cops drag man off bus for not wearing mask amid coronavirus: Were in strange times

Pa. girl, 14, killed in violent ATV vs. tree crash

2 men wanted for robbing Pa. gas station with AR-style weapon: cops

Dead pit bull with horrendous wounds dumped on Pa. road triggers dogfighting probe: It sends chills down my spine

Coronavirus plays havoc with child custody arrangements in Pa. county: Taking away hugs and kisses

Coronavirus hits Pa. zoo with flock of furloughs

Lowes employee blasts Pa. shoppers: You dont need to plant your tulips amid coronavirus

Pa. woman, victim of revenge porn, goes public to shatter stigma: Do not suffer in silence

Woman accused of using coronavirus crisis to move 100 pounds of pot into Pa.: cops

Man who spit in the face of Pa. supermarket manager caught on camera
Asia

India: Hospital medical staff demand protective equipment in Punjab

Paramedical and health workers at the Guru Nanak Dev Hospital in Amritsar, Punjab state, demonstrated outside the medical superintendents office on April 3 to demand personal protection equipment (PPE) kits and other equipment needed for those treating COVID-19 patients.

Co-ordination Committee Para-medical and Health Employees-Punjab members said they were working under extreme mental stress and have not been supplied with N95 masks. PPE gear for nurses and Class IV staff are also in short supply, hand sanitisers are in a diluted form and drinking water is scarce.

The workers also demanded separate entry and exits doors for suspected patients and doctors, more ventilators and testing facilities and for private medical colleges and hospitals to be used to provide treatment for COVID-19 patients. Dental Students Association members supported the protesters demands.

Punjab farm workers demand relief rations

Farm workers from seven Muktsar district villagesKhunde Halal, Bhagsar, Bhuttiwala, Khnuna Khurd, Saonke and Dabraheld a roof-top demonstration on April 5 to demand relief rations during the COVID-19 lockdown. Farm and labour union members in the Moga district also staged protests.

The low paid workers also called for medicines, PPEs and sanitisers. Landless farmers said that they had been the hardest hit by the lockdown and had no access to relief material. They said that the state governments recently announced rations for the poor remained only on paper and had not been provided.

Mumbai Hospital medical staff protest over poor quality PPE

Nurses, paramedics and other medical staff at K B Bhabha municipal general hospital in Bandra, a Mumbai suburb, protested on April 8 against the poor quality of PPE supplies. Workers demonstrated outside the hospital after a patient died from COVID-19 and demanded that they be quarantined because the facility had a high risk of spreading the virus.

Burmese workers demand factory shutdowns

About 1,500 factory workers from four plants at the Dagon Seikkan Township Industrial Zone in Yangon, Burmas largest city, stopped work on April 3 over the coronavirus pandemic. The mainly women workers were demanding employers shut down the plants for the whole of April and pay them their full wages for the month.

The strike began in the morning at the Blue Diamond handbag plant and quickly spread to Bluebird Enterprise backpack, Rainhouse Myanmar raincoat and Mayshar Myanmar glove factories.

The low-paid workers said they feared contracting COVID-19 and how they would financially survive in the months ahead. Already 20,000 factory workers in the region have lost their jobs. Employers claim there is a shortage of raw materials.

Australia

Queensland public health workers demand pay increase

Frontline public health workers, excluding doctors and nurses, are demanding the state government reverse its decision to freeze a promised pay rise agreed last year. These workers, including cleaners, ward-persons, kitchen hands, laundry staff, and other frontline workers who are putting their life at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic, have not had a pay increase for two years.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk declared during a television interview last week that public sector pay rises had been put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Together union and the Australian Workers Union, which cover these workers, have not called any industrial action over the governments attack on hospital workers wages but issued a petition appealing to the state government to pay the increase.
The top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan, Austin Miller, has met with representatives of the Talibans political office in Doha to discuss the reduction of violence, officials said.



A spokesman for the U.S. military, Sonny Leggett, said Miller had a meeting with "select Taliban leaders" in which they discussed the "need to reduce the violence."



Leggett said the meeting late on April 10 was "part of the military channel" established in a February deal between the United States and the Taliban. He did not provide further details.



Suhail Shaheen, a spokesman for the Taliban office in Doha, said on April 11 that the group had asked the U.S. military not to attack noncombat areas.



The Taliban published video footage claiming to show a house bombarded by U.S. forces in Badakhshan Province on April 10. Its authenticity could not be independently verified.



The claim comes as the militant group has been blamed for several deadly attacks across Afghanistan in the past two days.



Three civilians were killed and two others were wounded in the Spin Boldak district of the southern province of Kandahar late on April 10. The provincial governors spokesman, Bashir Ahmadi, blamed the attack on the Taliban, which has a strong presence in the area.



Taliban militants also attacked the Khawja Omari district of southeastern Ghazni Province on April 10, according to provincial council members.



Officials in the western province of Herat said Taliban militants kidnapped and shot dead five employees of a local state-owned bank late on April 9.



The continuing violence casts doubt on the future of internal peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban aimed at ending the conflict in Afghanistan.

Based on reporting by dpa and Tolonews.com
Matilda Bogner, Head of UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, states that she is concerned with the increase in civilian casualties in the conflict zone in eastern Ukraine.

I am extremely concerned with the increase in civilian casualties in the conflict zone, especially those caused by the shelling and fire from small arms and light weapons. In March of this year, our Mission [the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine] recorded two civilian deaths and 14 civilian injuries resulting from shelling and SALW fire on both sides of the contact line: two killed and 11 injured in territory controlled by the self-proclaimed republics, and three injured in Government-controlled territory. This is equal to the total number of such casualties over the preceding five months, from 1 October 2019 to 29 February 2020 (one killed and 15 injured), reads Bogners statement posted on website of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine.

The UN representative added that civilians also continued to be killed and injured in mine-related incidents and as a result of handling of explosive remnants of war.

It is important to remember that all parties to the conflict are bound by international humanitarian law, including the obligations relating to the conduct of hostilities, governed by the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution, at all times, Bogner noted.

She underscored that responsibility to comply with these principles was both with immediate participants of hostilities and with their commanders.

Next week, the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine that has already taken more than 3,500 civilian lives, will enter its seventh year. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission calls on all parties involved in the hostilities in Donetsk and Luhansk regions to undertake maximal efforts to abide by the laws and customs of war and to achieve a sustainable ceasefire. Civilian deaths and injuries must stop, the statement reads.

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The worry over the missing Tablighi members has left the society divided and hate mongers in the social media went on overdrive to take the tension to a whole new level.

A number of mosques in Assam have banned Tablighi Jamaat activities in their premises after a meeting organised at the congregation's headquarters in Delhis Nizamuddin became an epicentre of coronavirus pandemic.

Ismail Hossain, an Assam-based writer and activist told Firstpost that at least 50 mosques in Assam have banned Tabligh activities in the last two days should not be less than 50 in number. Though the Tablighi Jamat incident row in Delhi is perceived to have caused communal distrust among the Hindus and Muslims in the north eastern state, he said that this has no bearing on the decisions to ban tabligh activities.

"It is merely the embarrassment the Tablighis have brought to the Muslims that has prompted these decisions. They did not like the callous attitude of the Tablighi Jamaat in dealing with the corona virus threat," said Hossain.

Out of more than 300 persons who returned to Assam from the event held at the Banglewali Mosque in Delhis Nizamuddin 29 have tested positive of Corona Virus and one person has died to complication arising out of the infection. There are still 15 persons in the state untraceable who attended the Tablighi Jamaat but did not report to the authorities and hence their health status is not known.

"This has caused much distrust among the communities as no one knows whether the untraceable persons are themselves infected. If they are tean they could infect more people. So this has become a reason to worry not for the commoners as well," said Hafizul Ahmed, a leader of the indigenous Muslim group Goriya Moriya Desi Jatiya Parishad.

The worry over the missing Tablighi Jamaat attendees has left the society divided. And taking advantage of the mistrust, hate mongers have gone on an overdrive on social media to drive a wedge between the communities.

"Fake news were spread in the social media labelling persons as Markaz Nizamuddin returned, whereas these persons have no recent travel hitory to Markaz," Rubul Rahman a person based out of Barpeta district said.

The Assam Police recently arrested, 33 persons for circulating fake news and hate mongering including one Member of Legislative Assembly, from the All India United Democratic Front.

But Rafik Ahmed Neog, the President of Kokilamukh Masjid Committee in Jorhat district, which is one of the first two mosques in Assam to ban Tablighi Jamat said to Firstpost that the decision was not made under any pressure.

"It would be wrong to assume that the decision was taken under pressure. We never faced any discrimination from other communities. We took this decision because the Tablighi Jamaat flouted the rules laid down by the government as precautionary measure for COVID-19," he said.

He also acknowledged that the Tablighi Jamaat is an organisation which has reformed many young men who had earlier gone astray. But the way the Jamaat promoted superstition and remained aloof to the government orders in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak was not acceptable.

Mridul Rahman, Advisor to the Rojahauli Masjid Committee, another committee to ban Tabligh Jamaat told Firstpost, "The kind of practices the Jamaat follow cannot be accepted in the 21st century."

"They abstain from watching television and using sanitisers and also persuade others to do the same. They also insist on wearing only a certain kind of attire. This cannot be followed in today's era by everyone," he said.

Both the mosque leaders re-iterated that though religious education which, the Tabligh provides is important, but only modern education can provide the direction for progress. In Jorhat district alone, at least four mosques have banned Tablighi Jamat.
Living amid a pandemic is enough to make all of us afraid. No one today, at least no one with any sense, can enjoy freedom from fear.

Some of us have more reason to fear than others. Think of our doctors and nurses, or our sick and elderly. Think of our fellow citizens who have lost their livelihoods. Then think about those who have become visible scapegoats for our predicament.

On Wednesday, a group of prominent Chinese Australians issued an open letter warning that national unity was at risk. According to the group, which includes former Australian of the Year John Yu, writer Benjamin Law and chef Adam Liaw, the recent rise in anti-Chinese sentiment is driving a marked escalation in racial abuse against Asian Australians.

There is growing evidence of a deterioration. The Australian Human Rights Commission has recorded a spike in racial discrimination complaints. There have been reports across the country of Asian Australians experiencing verbal abuse, evictions from properties, even physical attacks. Here in Sydney this week, a man was charged with intimidation after cracking a whip and threatening people outside the Chinese consulate.

Minorities rarely fare well during pandemics. In the current case, Chinese and Asian Australians were almost certain to be targeted for backlash. For the virus did originate in Wuhan, China. The Chinese government did fail to respond quickly enough to the outbreak.
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.




Thiruvananthapuram, April 11 : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here on Saturday took to Facebook to express condolences after hearing the death of a young male nurse in a road accident. He was returning home after his work from an isolation ward at a state-run medical centre in Thrissur.

"The passing away of Ashif has come at a time when he was returning after rendering his valuable service during the trying times. His services will always be remembered and I join with the grieving family at this time," wrote Vijayan.

Ashif was working at the isolation ward at the Kunnamkulam taluk hospital.
Rose Parade rejuvenates Stary's love of music, teaching

Ronald Stary of Watertown Middle School has returned from the Rose Parade. This year, the parade honored 300 music directors.
It was like winning the Lottery was how 82 year old Paddy Joe Lynch described being told he was allowed go home from Sligo University Hospital having recovered from Covid-19 after a ten day stay,

Joe, from Ballinameen, Boyle says he hopes his remarkable recovery will give hope to others in a similar position.

He says he has some underlying conditions such as kidney diseaseband feared the worst but says he thanks God he recovered.

"I was convinced that it was it for me," he said.

"I was very afraid. I can't tell you how afraid I was. When I was told I had tested positive I couldn't believe it. I didn't think I would make it.

From his hospital bed, he spoke by phone to his daughters, telling them he feared he would die. During his days and hours alone in isolation, he contemplated his funeral, one with nobody there to mourn. However, on Wednesday evening last, he was back home, reunited with the people he thought he would never again see.
OTTAWALt.-Col. James Stocker and more than 500 military personnel are assembled at the Canadian Forces base in Borden. Ready. Waiting.

The troops are among some 24,000 mustered across Canada to respond to provinces calls for help to deal with COVID-19.

Just what their mission might be, theyre not quite sure. The Canadian Armed Forces have rushed to help communities with floods and wildfires. But its never been mobilized to handle a threat like the one confronting Canada right now, an invisible, deadly virus that has upended society.

We have a very robust force package that is capable of a wide range of actions. Because were not sure what the (request for assistance) will look like, our motto is readiness. We are ready to respond, Stocker, commanding officer of the 32 territorial battle group, told the Star.

We could be seeing tasks to provide support to vulnerable communities, assisting provinces or municipalities with logistics or indeed providing humanitarian support or delivering supplies, he said.

The troops rolled into the base on Monday  spaced apart on buses and army trucks to respect physical distance protocols and were medically screened as they arrived.

As they await for a possible deployment, Stocker said theyll be training for potential scenarios they could be called on to help with, focused mostly on the virus but also assisting with flood control, another threat facing some communities this spring.

That ask would come up from the civilian authorities and we would do our best to meet it. We are planning for assistance in logistics, construction and if needed humanitarian assistance, he said.

We tailor our response specifically to the request for assistance that has been approvedwe would move out in support of a civil agency and usually as part of a larger package that is put together by the government to respond to this crisis, he said.

With a fleet of nearly 100 vehicles at their disposal, they are able to deploy across the province and be entirely self-sufficient once they get there.

Our intent is never to be a drain on local resources which may already be stressed by the crisis. When we roll into a community, our intent is typically to house ourselves, feed ourselves, fuel ourselves and be there to assist that community, he said.

The Canadian Forces had a role in the countrys early response to the virus. Its medical personnel escorted passengers being evacuated from China and returning travellers were quarantined in accommodations at the airbase in Trenton.

But the military was also preparing to be called upon here at home. It started weeks ago, when commanders cancelled vacations, limited troop rotations and put in place measures to protect personnel from catching the virus.

Gen. Jonathan Vance, the chief of defence staff, stepped up those measures in mid-March when transmission of the virus was becoming widespread, putting at risk the forces own personnel.

More recently, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that reservists are being offered full-time status to help boost the ranks of regular force (and provide an economic boost at a time when unemployment has skyrocketed).

So how can the military help fight a virus?

Well, dont expect troops in the streets to enforce law and order. Military officials pour cold water on any suggestions that is being considered. Beyond the scofflaws flaunting orders for physical distancing, civil society is not breaking down.

But heres something more surprising. In a crisis that threatens to overwhelm health resources, dont count on the military to ride to the rescue with its own medical personnel and equipment. They just dont have enough of either, experts advise.

The U.S. military has deployed hospital ships to New York and California and set up field hospitals in cities. Dont expect to see similar scenes here.

We dont have an equivalent of the U.S. hospital ships and our military capacity is a lot smaller, said Dave Perry, vice-president and senior analyst at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute.

In Canada, the military medical branch is largely geared to supporting troops deployed overseas, such as ongoing operations in Ukraine and Middle East, Perry said.

At home, theres a lot less medical support in uniform than people probably think because its basically oriented around drawing on civilian providers, he said. If theyre riding to the rescue, its not likely to be in the big urban areas, he said.

That was echoed by Ken Hansen, a retired commander in the Royal Canadian Navy, who said that budget cuts over the years have eroded the militarys medical capabilities.

They wanted to preserve the hard-end, sharp military capabilities, said Hansen, now a defence and security analyst with his own firm, Hansen Maritime Horizons.

The militarys tactical mindset leaves it vulnerable they have a focused mindset and nothing else matters but ships, tanks and the airplanes, he said. Everything got cut back to save money for operations.

The defence department does have the facilities that could be used to provide overflow capacity to house patients, including buildings that once served as full hospitals. Theres no reason they cant use the space, said Hansen.

He said this crisis should prompt the military to improve ways to provide medical services. One way to do it, he said, is through modules containing health facilities up to a full hospital that could be loaded on navy ships.

If the military was going to be useful in the future, more useful than it is today, then the modularity provides a way to do it. You just load up and go, Hansen said.

The military declined to make anyone available to discuss its health services, saying only in a statement that the military personnel and equipment are ready to provide assistance as required.

For this crisis, expect the military assistance  if called on  to come largely in the form of logistics, planning and engineering.

The type of assistance that is provided depends on the request fielded by the province or municipality. It can run the full gamut, said Richard Moreau, an expert in emergency management.

Moreau had a 25-year career in the forces and retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was among the troops deployed to Toronto in 1999 after the city got hit by a series of snow storms. He was serving in the national defence command centre during the 9/11 terror attacks and the 2003 Kelowna wildfires and has seen firsthand how the military responds to domestic emergencies.

Today he is the director, emergency management Solutions with Calian Group Ltd., a Canadian company that among its diverse roles, provides training to the Canadian Forces.

Before the military can assist civilian agencies, a province or territory has to make a formal request to Ottawa, he said.

They like to see the requesting agency articulate what capability they are looking for. Identify what services you need or what results you would like to see and (the defence department) will work it out what they have available. Thats typically how the back and forth goes, he said.

The military is usually called in when the crisis has overwhelmed civilian resources.

The (Canadian Forces) typically prefers to be looked at as the force of last resort. Lets try to use everything we have in the hopper first before we turn to the Canadian Armed Forces for assistance, he said.

Once the military gets involved, liaison officers will be deployed to emergency management organizations, federal departments and command centres. Where they would be providing their expertise for planning, logistics, engineering, transportation, Moreau said.

They bring a planning discipline and methodology, logistics expertise to manage larger-than-normal logistics, transportation, engineering issues, Moreau said.

One ideal role for the military in the virus crisis is to provide assistance to remote communities where sending in civilian personnel only adds to the logistics nightmare, Moreau says.

Not so the military, which is like the ideal guest  in addition to the desired skill set, they bring everything else they need to sustain their operation.

The CF deploy a package that is self-sustainable. They show up with those logistics, their own tents, feeding, so they are autonomous. They have their own transportation, their own equipment, Moreau said.

Perry echoes that sentiment, noting that isolated communities are a good way to utilize the militarys limited medical resources.

They are used to being able to provide not only the medical care but providing it in places where the transportation, the logistics, the support, all the communication and resupply, all of that other stuff is tricky, Perry told the Star.

Places that are remote and inaccessible is probably where you potentially look to deploy them. But the ability to do that is fairly finite, he said.
New Delhi, April 11 : India by and large remains an optimistic nation when it comes to facing the Covid-19 threat. Nearly two thirds of Indians said they are optimistic in facing this challenge, according to the IANS C-Voter Covid Tracker's Index of Panic.

What should be a matter of reprieve for the government, the optimism is rising by the week. When asked, "When thinking about the Coronavirus here in India, which of the following do you think is most likely to happen over the next month?", an overwhelming 62.3 per cent respondents said, "We are over the worst of it -- things will begin to improve". This is according to the latest tracker. A week before, that segment had 57.5 per cent, thus marking a jump of 4.8 per cent.

Those who had said 'Cant Say' last week were 18.3 per cent. This week has seen a major drop to just 8.2 per cent.

Another interesting find the study throws is that women are more optimistic than men. 64 per cent women said they are high on optimism while that number is 60.7 per cent for men. The nett optimism rates are - 44 per cent women are optimistic overall as compared 35.3 per cent men.

Across age groups, senior citizens are more optimistic in weathering this unusual challenge of facing the coronavirus. A massive 76.3 per cent senior citizens said they are very high in their optimism that the worst is over and this too shall pass.

It's the middle aged people above the age of 45 which seem to be least optimistic. The nett optimism of senior citizens is 69.2 per cent, while that number among middle aged people and young guns is 32.8 per cent and 36.2 per cent, respectively.

However, it's the least educated who are the most positive about the current situation. 76.3 per cent of them said they are high on optimism and 69.2 per cent is their nett optimism. That far surpasses those with medium or higher education, according to the survey.

It's the middle class that seems to be most positive when it comes to the economic strata. 65.4 per cent of the middle income group respondents said they are very optimistic about the emerging situation.

Again, it's the semi-urban region that leads the pack with their optimism followed by the rural hinterlands. It's the urban clusters that appear to be least optimistic, if one goes by the tracker.
When Judith Bokmans sanctuary saved Real Bullets, a horse with an eye injury, from the slaughterhouse, she grew close to the animal.

He is a character and thinks he has both eyes! said Bokman, the director of the Standardbred Retirement Foundation in Cream Ridge.

Real Bullets, pictured above, had an eye injury when he first came to the Standardbred Retirement Foundation.courtesy of Judith Bokman

Bokmans nonprofit for 31 years has provided care and a sanctuary for horses like Real Bullets, which otherwise would have gone to the slaughterhouse after retiring from competitive trotting or working on farms.

But now, the horses could soon become an unlikely victim of the coronavirus pandemic.

The fate of the 383 horses Bokmans nonprofit provides for is uncertain ever since traditional social fundraisers were canceled to stop the spread of COVID-19. Soon, food for the horses will run out.

For Bokman, selling the horses isnt an option. It would mean they would go to dealers who would take them to Mexico or Canada, where its legal to slaughter them for their meat.

We would not sell the horse because that really goes against our motto, Bokman said. Once a horse comes to us were their guardian for life.

It puts Bokman in a rock and hard place.

She might soon have to make some very difficult and heart-wrenching decisions. Bokman faltered a bit when she said she would rather see the horses go peacefully than die for their meat.

I keep referring to it as were trying to avoid taking drastic methods, she said. I would prefer to put a horse at peace than to not feed it.

Bokman asked any potential critics to help rather than chastise the struggling foundation.

Shes asking for donations to help care for the horses until at least the end of June. It costs about $130,000 a month to feed, shelter and provide veterinary care for the animals, Bokman said.

Ive been doing lots of little things to try to raise funds, Bokman told NJ Advance Media. Ive been calling people that are supportive of our work. Ive reached out to different parts of the horse community. Ive been turned down every time.

The Standardbred Retirement Foundation, based in Cream Ridge, rescues horses that have retired from competitive racing and would have otherwise gone to the slaughterhouse.Courtesy of Judith Bokman

The Standardbred Retirement Foundation pays to house the horses in four different locations throughout New Jersey until they can find people to adopt one. Adoptions also significantly decreased last month due to the economic instability, Bokman said.

Nearly 4,000 trotters and pacers have been diverted from slaughter due to the groups efforts, the organization said. Some of the horses the group rehabilitated are with police units in Newark, others work in animal therapy programs and some are adopted by people who want to ride them for pleasure.

The organization is in need of not just monetary donations, but also physical ones. Open pastures could provide a source of sustenance for the horses and reduce the amount needed to care for them, Bokman said.

About 96% of the Standardbred Retirement Foundations funds come from donations, Bokman said. There have been no new grants issued to care for animals during the pandemic, she said.

If we could just get through the next few months, we would probably be okay, said Bokman. Im hoping we would be okay. Although, its always been a struggle.

Donations can be made on the organizations website or sent through the mail to SRF PO Box 312, Millstone Twp., NJ 08535.

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.
Ludhiana With safety from the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) on their mind, the panchayat of Gill village, around 7 km from here, has cordoned off the village and imposed restrictions on the entry of outsiders in the area that has a population of around 18,000.

The panchayat has permanently blocked five of the total seven entry points to the village and has stationed residents at the remaining two to keep a check on entry and exit of people. The villagers guard the entry points in 24x7 shifts, besides maintaining a register to record the identification and contact details of any outsider who is allowed entry in emergency cases.

Safety kits have also been provided to the residents who guard the entry points while maintaining social distancing.

Village sarpanch Harpreet Singh Mika Gill said, The system has been in place for around a week now. Outsiders are allowed entry only for visiting the banks, or purchasing medicines from a medical store that caters to around 30 villages close-by. If any resident of the village needs to move outside in emergency case or for visiting the farms, I issue them the passes.

TAKING NO CHANCES

The sarpanch said for essentials like milk, the villagers call up the supplier and collect the supply from them at the entry point. There are five dairy units in the village that have been facilitated to sell the milk. The dairy owners supply the milk to outsiders at the entry point by maintaining social distancing, he said.

He said the police also patrol the area daily to stop the residents from venturing out with focus on maintaining social distancing. The panchayat and gurdwara in the village are distributing ration and flour to the needy, he said.

Notably a few other villages including Shahpur village in Payal sub-division have also blocked the entry of outsiders.

SANITISATION FOR THE SECOND TIME

The sarpanch said they have handed over the list of around 25 NRIs who had come to the village before the lockdown. The NRIs have been screened as per the directions of the administration. So far there is no suspected or confirmed case in the village, he said, adding that they have received 70 litres of disinfectant from the administration, following which the village is being sanitised for the second time.
Palestinian and Syrian refugees need adequate testing and healthcare, not more restrictions on their movement.

As the coronavirus outbreak spread around the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) was quick to recommend that countries take measures to contain the deadly virus. It urged physical distancing to limit the spread of the virus and encouraged increased personal and public hygiene. In Lebanon, this has provided another opportunity for political figures to target marginalised communities, especially Palestinian and Syrian refugees.

At a March 13 news conference, Samir Geagea, the leader of the Lebanese Forces party, who is known for making racist statements, implied that Palestinian and Syrian refugees would be spreaders of COVID-19 in Lebanon and argued that the refugee communities posed a threat to public health.

Despite Geageas attempts to blame the outbreak on refugee populations, Lebanons first COVID-19 cases were not Palestinian or Syrian refugees. Rather, it is suspected they were Lebanese nationals who were returning from Iran and Jesuit priests who had travelled to Italy.

The priests are based in a church less than 30 minutes away from Geageas home in Maarab, north of Beirut, yet he made no mention of them in his news conference.

Instead, he called for the Lebanese Army to tighten security around the Palestinian and Syrian refugee camps and limit entry and exit to and from them.

It soon became clear that the local authorities shared Geageas attitude towards refugees.

On March 15, the government announced general mobilisation across the country and local authorities started coordinating with security forces to stop unnecessary movement from camps. Refugee communities have already complained that the curfews they face are longer than those imposed on Lebanese citizens. In some areas, they are allowed to be outside of their houses for just five hours.

Palestinians have faced restrictions for decades by the Lebanese authorities, and so have Syrians more recently. That the Lebanese authorities are resorting to such actions amid the COVID-19 outbreak is rather unsurprising.

Putting more restrictions on refugees than on the rest of the population will not stop the spread of the virus, but it will add to the suffering of these marginalised groups. What both the Lebanese and refugee communities need is improved access to testing, health care, clean water, personal protective gear, and hygienic products.

UNRWA, the agency responsible for Palestinian refugees in the Middle East, recently announced that it would coordinate with the Lebanese health ministry to provide COVID-19 testing and treatment for Palestinian refugees at Beiruts Rafik Hariri Hospital. Similarly, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has said it will assist with the cost of these services for Syrian refugees.

On March 28, Lebanese Health Minister Hamad Hassan declared that Lebanon will share responsibility with the appropriate UN agencies for refugee healthcare. However, it is unclear whether access to services will be on an equal basis or if there will be discrimination in care as well.

Given the persistent problems with access to services among refugees and the fragmented nature of health care provision in Lebanon, it is doubtful that they would have adequate health care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lebanon is home to more than 475,000 Palestinian refugees, many of whom have lived in the country since they were expelled or forced to flee from Palestine in the 1948 Nakba. More than half live in 12 officially recognised refugee camps.

Palestinian refugees are denied access to healthcare services in Lebanese government hospitals. Instead, 28 UNRWA-run health facilities provide modest primary healthcare services. Chronic or severe health conditions are transferred to hospitals run by the Palestinian Red Crescent. UNRWA also assists Palestinian refugees with some of the costs for care by specialists in private Lebanese hospitals. These efforts, however, have not provided adequate care for Palestinian refugees and have diminished even more after the US decided to cut funding for the agency.

The situation of the more than 1.5 million Syrian refugees in Lebanon is no better. The UNHCR, not UNRWA, is responsible for ensuring that Syrian refugees have access to health care services in Lebanon. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been persistent issues of access and availability beyond primary healthcare services.

In the past, the Lebanese government has systematically left out Palestinian and Syrian refugees from public health initiatives. In 2018, for example, the health ministry launched a national campaign for the early detection of breast cancer which was aimed at Lebanese women only, and excluded foreign women residing in Lebanon, including Palestinians and Syrians.

The health ministry justified the exclusions by claiming that the campaign was directed at citizens who pay taxes. However, Palestinian and Syrian refugees are not tax-exempt and pay any fees required for services to the Lebanese treasury.

With persistent racist rhetoric coming from politicians like Geagea, there are now fears that refugees in Lebanon will not only be scapegoats for the governments inability to cope with an outbreak, but they will also not have access to proper healthcare when the virus reaches their communities. This combination of political rhetoric, new security restrictions, and uncertain access to treatment could serve to discourage refugees from seeking care and contribute to the spread of COVID-19.

The coronavirus outbreak affects all of us and the virus does not discriminate in who it strikes. Racism and scapegoating of vulnerable communities will certainly not defeat it.

If COVID-19 spreads in the refugee camps and gatherings in Lebanon it will be a humanitarian catastrophe  one that will not remain limited to the Palestinian or Syrian refugees.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.
Chennai, April 11 : In an another example of 'selfless love' in Tamil Nadu, a 65-year old man took his cancer-stricken wife on a bicycle and pedalled 130 km to reach hospital, so that she did not miss her chemotherapy session.

Arivazhagan pedaled with his 60-year old wife Manjula on his bicycle from his village near Kumbakonam to JIPMER hospital in Puducherry fro her chemotherapy session.

Owing to the lockdown, buses were shut between Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Arivazhagan after wondering how to take his wife to JIPMER for the treatment on March 30 decided to pedal it down.

Wearing just a dhoti he asked his wife to sit on the carrier. With a towel he tied her to his body so that she does not fall down enroute and started pedalling.

"We started at 4.45 a.m. and reached JIPMER at 10.15 p.m. On the way we had some tea and also slept near a pond for two hours," Arivazhagan a construction worker told IANS.

Though the concerned section was closed at JIPMER owing to coronavirus, the hospital officials on hearing his pedalling tale decided to give Manjula the needed treatment.

"The next day we sent the couple back to their home near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu in our Ambulance," a JIPMER official told IANS.

Arivazhagan was full of praise for the doctors and others at JIPMER.

"They gave my wife the needed treatment and pooled money together and gave me that. They also gave medicines for one month and paid about Rs. 6,300 for Ambulance to drop us back," Arivazhagan said.

According to him, a doctor at JIPMER had called him on Saturday morning and enquired about Manjula's health.

"He also told me that an ambulance could be organised to bring Manjula to JIPMER for treatment," Arivazhagan said.

When queried as to why he did not take his wife to the government hospital in Kumbakonam or in Thanjavur Arivazhagan said the way he was treated was not good and hence went to JIPMER.

"We are not covered under the Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme or under the Central government's healthcare scheme. I save from my daily wages and take her to JIPMER in Puducherry,a he said.

His son A. Ravi also a construction worker said mother had to go to JIPMER every 20 days for checkup.

Looking back Arivazhagan said: "It is still unbelievable as to how I pedalled the distance."
As many as 52 people out of the 102, who were found living in 13 mosques in Delhi's Chandni Mahal area, have tested positive for the novel coronavirus and many of them had last month attended a congregation in Nizamuddin, a COVID-19 hotspot, officials said on Saturday.

There are 30 COVID-19 hotspots in the national capital and Chandni Mahal was declared one on Friday.

In the last four days, at least three people from the central Delhi area have succumbed to the coronavirus disease, a senior government official told PTI.

During intensive verification drives conducted in the last five days, government agencies found that 102 people, including foreigners, were living in 13 mosques in the Chandni Mahal area. After preliminary medical examinations, 52 of them tested COVID-19 positive, the official said.

All of them were sent to different quarantine centres.

Many of these 102 people had attended the congregation of the Tablighi Jamaat at the Nizamuddin Markaz last month.

The authorities have launched a sanitisation drive in Chandni Mahal and introduced a containment plan after the detection of such a large number of people living in religious places.

Those who came into contact with the three people who died and those who tested positive have been put under home quarantine.

No resident of the locality is allowed to go out of their homes and essential items are being delivered at home, another official said.

So far, over 500 COVID-19 positive cases and about 20 deaths in the country have been found to have links to the Nizamuddin congregation.

Over 2,300 activists, including 250 foreigners of the Islamic organisation Tablighi Jamaat, were found to be living at its headquarters at the Markaz building in Delhi's Nizamuddin in the later part of March, despite the 21-day lockdown imposed from March 25 to check the spread of the coronavirus.

At least 9,000 people had participated at the congregation at the Nizamuddin Markaz last month after which many have travelled to various parts of the country for missionary works.

Among the participants include citizens of 41 nationalities.

They are 379 Indonesians, 110 Bangladeshi, 77 Kyrgyzstan, 75 Malaysian, 65 Thai, 63 Myanmarese and 33 Sri Lankan citizens besides others.

The home ministry had also asked Delhi Police and police chiefs of other states, where these foreigners are currently living, to take legal action under the Foreigners Act and the Disaster Management Act.

The ministry had said that about 2,100 foreigners have come to India since January 1 and indulged in Tablighi activities in different parts of the country.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Actor-comedian Amy Schumer and her husband, chef Chris Fischer, are set to host a quarantine cooking show for Discovery-owned Food Network.

The eight-episode series, with working title Amy Schumer Learns to Cook, will see the pair cooking dishes while isolated due to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the thirty-minute self-shot episodes will see the couple do most of the cooking using farm fresh ingredients, while Schumer will mix cocktails.

Amy and Chris will give an unprecedented look at their lives as they are quarantined in their house. Shot entirely themselves, Amy's boundless humor and Chris' culinary skills show viewers how they navigate life while at home making the best of these turbulent times with some good laughs and good food, said Courtney White, president of Food Network, in a statement.

Schumer said she is excited about the project as it gives her an opportunity to share an entertaining and informative experience with viewers.

Chris and I are excited to make this project with Food Network combining our two passions for Chris it's cooking and for me, eating. With everything going on in the world right now, we are so grateful to be able to share an entertaining and informative experience with viewers.

And it is more important than ever to look out for one another, so Chris and I will be making donations to causes dear to us The Coalition of Immokalee Workers' Fair Food Program and select domestic violence organizations, she said.

No premiere date for the show has been announced yet, but the network is planning to air the series as soon as possible.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Daily Beast

Fox News White House correspondent and perpetual nemesis of Jen Psaki thought he had Joe Bidens press secretary cornered on Monday when he asked her why the president is still referring to COVID-19 as a pandemic of the unvaccinated when so many people are getting breakthrough infections. He was wrong.I understand that the science says that vaccines prevent death, Doocy began, before undercutting that basic truth. But Im triple-vaxxed, still got COVID. Youre triple-vaxxed, still got COVI
A YOUNG Limerick man is giving up a year of his life to work in a childrens home in the Ukraine but he doesnt see it that way.

Noel Maher, from Gurtavalla, Doon, said he is privileged to be there.

I am indeed lucky to be here, firstly because I arrived when they needed an extra pair of hands, and secondly because I recently walked out of a pretty dramatic car crash. It taught me the value of all my plans and worries and preoccupations because for a time nothing else mattered except being.

It was good preparation for my stay here, and that is my hope, that by simply being with these boys in their home that some great things will grow from it, said Noel, who has a background in engineering and social science.

Before Christmas he set off from Ireland with a years visa and a selection of Cadburys chocolate for the boys. But he still has Christmas to look forward to as it is on January 7 in the Ukraine.

We'll have a big supper together and then the boys will go around singing carols for the people who have helped us during the year, he said. Noel is volunteering as a teacher and working on various projects in the home in Bortniky, two hours outside western Ukraines main city, Lviv.

A lot of the funding for the home has come from Limerick and Ireland through the fundraising efforts of a group in Doon called the Mustard Seed. Noel said the boys live in the home for many complicated and tragic reasons, that are personal to them.

Their parents havent been present or able to care for them in a healthy manner. The boys journeys have found them here, in a new place that is home. Most of the boys would have been in State care until they were six, at which point they leave those homes and go to other homes. The boys are aged six to 18 but once the boys reach 18 they continue to come back at weekends and for the holidays, so there are probably 26 boys under 18 and then six to eight students who come back regularly, explained Noel, who is 35.

He is glad to be in Bortniky despite the winter climate being very different to home!

I remember listening to the radio in Ireland as a child hoping to hear that the few centimetres of snow that had fallen overnight would close the school for the day. Theres no such luck here as life seems to carry on in spite of the snow and ice. The school is on the grounds of the boys home and altogether is part of a territory with orchards, farmyard and sheds.

Despite the cold, Noels welcome was warm

It can only be accepted with humility. My experience of social work was a tricky balancing act between being a soft edge to the power of the State and being the exacting eyes and hands of the law. You can have all the systems imaginable in place, but if a person doesnt belong then they risk never belonging, and any help is only a poor addition to their previous ordeal.

It can be noisy, and a bit chaotic at times, but the sense of togetherness is always apparent. This is something I think Ruslan, the director, is rightly proud of. He has mentioned several times how much emphasis he has put on creating and keeping a sense of family. Its reassuring to hear how important that specific goal is, because, after all, many of the boys havent had that chance in their families prior to coming here.

Some older boys are attending college in the city and they return here at weekends and during the summer. It is their home, and that is perhaps the truest reflection of what this house offers, a place that is home.

I think its something that the care industry risks forgetting as it doesnt need care to be personal if it relies on indicators and measurements to know how care is delivered.

Its something unscientific that is extremely simple, and yet difficult to arrive at, and is something highly personal between a caregiver and the person being cared for. This sense of family is treasured by those in charge and they are aware of how valuable it is for the thirty two boys who live here, said Noel.

The Mustard Seed group, based in Doon, are made up of people from different parts of Ireland trying to help the children of Russia/Ukraine.

In 1992, while visiting Ukraine they witnessed the poverty. From 1994 to 2004 containers of aid were sent.

Since 2004 they have been mainly involved with fundraising events for the children's home like coffee mornings, cake sales, carol singing, said Noel, who is giving the greatest gift of all  his time.








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When I completed writing the book Justin Trudeau, Judicial Corruption and the Supreme Court of Canada: Aliens and Archons in Our Midst in November 2019, I knew something big was about to happen.

My book documents a twofold agenda which had been unfolding.

The first agenda is the apparent systematic infiltration of human institutions by manipulative aliens and their controlled humans who betray Canadians along with the rest of humanity.

This process has been unfolding for thousands of years and has very much influenced Canada.

The Honourable Paul Hellyer , who is a former Canadian Minister of National Defence, has spoken about these alien contacts.

The second agenda is the so-called "Mandela Effect" which has been the subject of an extensive disinformation campaign by these manipulative aliens and their human mouthpieces.

According to these apparent "disinformation agents," the Mandela Effect is a phenomenon of masses of people forgetting facts and simply "mis-remembering."



But that is a complete lie. As my book documents, the Mandela Effect is very much real and has resulted in changes to historical events, paranormal activity, the apparent "conversions" of certain people into artificial intelligence-controlled biological entities and the duplication of Earth into some sort of artificial simulation in which only actual complete humans are able to notice bizarre changes in the "face of reality."

The current coronavirus appears to be the third agenda that Jesse Ventura revealed in 2010. At that time he warned viewers of a planned pandemic which would create massdeath and be used to trigger martial law and the eventual corralling of innocent citizens into concentration camps, which he showed in plain sight in various locations in the United States (revealed in the video above).

David Icke warned that such a pandemic would be used to support a mass vaccination programme in order to inject people with harmful agents and nanotechnology microchips designed by a Deep State that Dr. Michael Salla describes as the "Military-Industrial-Extraterrestrial Complex . " Mr. Icke referred to this as "Problem-Reaction-Solution . " This is set to occur when the Deep State , having created the "problem" via the delivery of intense 5G microwaves, then uses that "problem" to spur a mass panic which will be "solved" by "their solution."

He has been accused by the "mainstream" media and other people for being some kind of crazy "conspiracy theorist" who talks rubbish, but as we see, once again, Mr. Icke has proven himself not to be a "nut job."

Today, we see our Minister Trudeau warning us that "things will not go back to normal" until he and his "group" can get us to take some "vaccine."

Canadians wont be able to return to life as they knew it before the novel coronavirus pandemic until a vaccine is available, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday.

Normality as it was before will not come back full-on until we get a vaccine for this That will be a very long way off, the prime minister said during his daily news conference on Canadas response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

You can listen to the plot thickening with Trudeau's vaccine agenda on the CBC video below.

But it seems the cabal does not want to give you the vaccines any quicker than they need to.

The longer a cabal can stretch things out, the more there will be droves of people wilfully liningup for a vaccine as humanity's "saviour" when it's in fact the front of regressive artificial intelligence entities, as warned by the ancient pagan Gnostic who first began to reveal the beginnings of the regressive alien infiltration of hierarchical-driven power structures on Earth, which included organized religions. Such a regressive alien agenda has also been documented in Nigel Kerner's Song of the Greys.

David Icke gets his insights from having interviewed indigenous tribal elders like African Zulu Credo Mutwa, who says he was also abducted by these regressive aliens.

Vaccines are the apparent fourth agenda to reportedly enable control of all of humanity by an alien artificial intelligence operating through 5G, Google, and other such robotic mechanisms. David Icke and other investigative researchers allege that this is the vision of a "New World Order."

The goal of these aliens and a clique of Deep State military and big tech owners is the complete control of all human life via "remote control."

In this planned Brave New World, you will not even be allowed to have your own thoughts and emotions, which will all be regulated in the aftermath of mass injections of "vaccines" issued by demonic entities.

In the book Extraterrestrial Friends and Foes , George C. Andrews offersa very specific message from another human species that has apparently been tryingto warn humanity of the manipulative aliens and their human clone vessels which seek to pursue an ongoing interdimensional war against intergalactic communities of humanoid species which include humans on Earth. The alleged message originates from a human species called the Procyons.

Dr. Michael Salla writes that Procyon is a binary star system about 11.4 light years from Earth.

According to Andrews, the Procyon was flourishing until it became embroiled in a sinister effort by the same manipulative extraterrestrials that Alex Collier links to an extraterrestrial war that that was apparently wiped from human consciousness due to their time travel that affected human consciousness of events.

Khyla is the name of a Procyon human described by George C. Andrews that transmitted the following message to warn Earthbound humans of the challenges that face us, as humans, as a result of the interdimensional war described by Alex Collier. Khyla apparently described the process adopted by the Grays in their subversion of Procyon:

The Grays began to visit us, first a few as ambassadors, then as specialists in various domains where their expertise could be useful to us, as participants in different programs that involved mutual collaboration, and finally as tourists. What had begun as a trickle became a flood, as they came in ever-increasing numbers, slowly but surely infiltrating our society at all levels, penetrating even the most secret of our elite power groups.

Khyla continues:

Just as on your planet they began by unobtrusively gaining control over key members of the CIA and KGB through techniques unknown to them, such as telepathic hypnosis that manipulates the reptilian levels of the brain, so on Procyon through the same techniques  they established a kind of telepathic hypnotic control over our leaders. Over our leaders and over almost all of us, because it was as if we were under a spell that was leading us to our doom, as if we were being programmed by a type of ritual black magic that we did not realize existed.

Dr. Michael Salla further documents on exopolitics.org that Khyla went on to describe the eventual takeover of Procyon by the Grays and the enslavement of most Procyons that did not escape.

Dr. Salla elaborates on Khylas message that using advanced time travel technology which involved multidimensional consciousness, something which the Grays apparently could not duplicate due to their degraded genetic bodies, a significant number of Procyons were able to escape and began a liberation war from the remote corridors of time. Significantly, the Procyons describe how some of their resistance techniques would be relevant to the situation on Earth:

 it would be suicidal to attempt to fight the Grays directly with the weapons now at your disposal. One must be rational in attempting to fight back, and understand the proper way to proceed. Your own consciousness is the most potent weapon that is available to you at the present time. The most effective way to fight the Grays is to change the level of your consciousness from linear thinking to multi-dimensional awareness. They have the technology to throw your planet out of orbit, but there is one key ability that you have and they do not have: the ability to hold in mind imagery that inspires an individual to realize his or her direct personal connection to the source of all that is That is your key to victory.

According to Alex Collier, the Procyons have recently liberated their world from Gray influence and he describes the Procyons as currently gung ho when it comes to dealing with the Grays.

In conclusion, Dr. Michael Salla stipulates: The Procyons main activity is in effectively resisting the extraterrestrial subversion by developing a multidimensional consciousness, using mind imagery to protect oneself from extraterrestrial mind control, and monitoring unfriendly extraterrestrial activity.

Furthermore, Dr. Salla elaborates: The global solutions that the Procyons can assist in include exposing extraterrestrial subversion, helping end global secrecy of the extraterrestrial presence, promoting multidimensional consciousness, deprogramming mind control, promoting universal human rights, and developing the internet and global communication.

You might wonder, "Where are all these aliens at, anyway? I don't see them!"

I would reply,Do you think that all aliens look like little green men?

We as humans are characterized by our mind, body and soul.

So-called 'people' who have human bodies but lack our soul of empathy and mind are not humans at all.

David Icke has met such people, and said they may be able to smile but "their eyes don't smile back."

I have also met such "people," whom I have documented in my book.

My book provides critical background on apparent experimentation taking place by manipulative aliens and human collaborators which has now led up to an apparent massive attack against other humans.

Find my book at Amazon.ca HERE.

In Canada, you can also order from Indigo.ca HERE.

In the United States you can also getit at Barnes and Noble HERE.



Justin Trudeau, Judicial Corruption and the Supreme Court of Canada: Aliens and Archons in Our Midst if you want to explore the world of corruption and manipulative aliens as background to the so-called "coronavirus".

I invite you to read my bookif you want to explore the world of corruption and manipulative aliens as background to the so-called "coronavirus".





The manipulate aliens I cite my book appear to be connected with the current "coronavirus" pandemic simulation.




Students work on changing policy to allow alcohol sales at home games

Students say selling alcohol at the home games could decrease binge drinking, improve attendance and create a more vibrant atmosphere.
Police are using a talking drone to tell people suspected of breaching coronavirus restrictions to go home amid an Easter crackdown.

Forces across the UK have increased patrols of parks, beauty spots and beaches amid fears that warm and sunny weather will tempt people to violate the lockdown.

But police in Surrey and Sussex are now using tactics previously seen in China, Spain and Italy to deliver messages telling people they are in breach of government guidelines.

The sky talk drone was deployed by Surrey Police to target a group of 30 people who were not abiding by social distancing measures in Walton-on-Thames on Good Friday.

It plays a pre-recorded message saying: Attention, this is a police message. You are gathering in breach of government guidelines to stay at home in response to the coronavirus. You are putting lives at risk. Please disperse immediately and return home.

Surrey Police said the group left without officers having to take further action.

The message may draw controversy after a parliamentary committee warned that police should only be enforcing the law, rather than stricter government guidance which is not legally binding.

Surrey Police said the drone would be used to direct groups of people congregating in outdoor spaces to leave without physically putting officers at additional risk by approaching them.

The use of a drone has been used by Surrey Police and Sussex Police since the introduction of the new legislation, a spokesperson added.

The use of the drone makes it quicker to access groups of people while encouraging them to do the right thing.

 'Please stay at home' Spanish police using drones to keep people inside during lockdown

The force said people had been ignoring the ban on gatherings and social distancing over the Easter break, including a group of cyclists at beauty spot Box Hill.

The use of the drone to play messages comes after Derbyshire Police was criticised for taking drone footage of ramblers, dog walkers and people taking pictures in the Peak District last month.

While government guidance states that people must only exercise outside once a day, the separate Health Protection Regulations, which give police powers to arrest and fine people, do not set a limit except in Wales.

The law does not define essential travel, but several police forces said they would be stopping vehicles and checking the reasons for peoples journeys over Easter.

Cambridgeshire Police was forced to backtrack on a tweet from one of its officers on Friday after they patrolled the non-essential aisles at a supermarket.

While the legislation forced the closure of many types of shops, there is no restriction on what can be purchased in those remaining open.

A report by the Joint Committee on Human Rights said police may be punishing members of the public without any legal basis, and that some forces were taking a more proactive approach than is necessary and perhaps even lawful.

It said widespread confusion as to what people are and are not permitted to do was leading to violations of fundamental freedoms, with people being questioned, fined and even arrested when they have not broken the law.

There has already been at least one miscarriage of justice, which saw a woman wrongly fined 660 under the Coronavirus Act 2020 for a crime she did not commit.

North Yorkshire Police has stood its vehicle engagement points down (AF (AFP/Getty)

Harriet Harman, chair of the Joint Committee on Human Rights, called the lockdown the most significant and blanket interference with individual liberty in modern times.

She said the extreme measures can only be lawful if justified by potential loss of life, and if the measures are enforced in a clear, reasonable and balanced manner, enforcement is authorised, and does not go beyond what is prohibited by law.

The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and College of Policing have issued guidance to officers and stressed that arrests and fines should only be used as a last resort.

Priti Patel said the government did not want heavy-handed law enforcement.

Speaking to Talk Radio on Thursday, the home secretary added: Not everybodys going to get this right and it has taken a couple of weeks for these measures to bed in because this has been unprecedented.

The lockdown is expected to be extended in a review next week, after the UK recorded its highest number of deaths in a single day on Friday.
Yet, for all the significance of what he said, his evidence remains shielded from public view. In Victorian sex-offence cases, accusers give evidence to a closed court room where only judicial officers and their staff, lawyers and the jury are present. This is done to ensure a complainant is not identified and to preserve their right to privacy. Associate Professor Jason Bosland, of the University of Melbourne's law school, said protecting a complainant outweighs the rights of media and the public to be in court to hear the crucial evidence. Cardinal George Pell arriving at the Melbourne County Court for sentencing in 2018. Credit:Jason South But he believes it is time courts released transcripts of complainants' evidence, provided any material that would tend to identify an accuser was redacted. In Cardinal Pell's trial, knowing what the complainant said and how he withstood cross-examination would provide greater public understanding, and rebut incorrect suggestions the cardinal received "special treatment" in having the court closed. "I can't see any reason why the court should be able to withhold that. And I think it should be the same for all cases, I don't think some cases are more important than others," Professor Boland said.

"I don't see why that transcript can't be made available to the public." Loading Courts can be a restricted area for media to report wholly, which in turn can lead to a perception of a lack of transparency for the wider public. Professor Boland said in keeping with Victoria's Open Courts Act, there should be an onus on releasing key transcripts. "Once the evidence is given in open court there should be a prima facie right to access, whether it's a document or a transcript, and then justifying why access shouldn't be granted," he said. Media covering Cardinal Pell's trials in 2018 were reliant on prosecutor Mark Gibson, SC, reiterating to the juries key passages of the complainant's evidence to get a flavour for what the man said.

In his closing addresses, Mr Gibson quoted passages of the accuser's evidence to emphasise to the jury why the complainant was to be believed. Loading But Mr Gibson and Cardinal Pell's trial barrister, Robert Richter, QC, referred to the passages of the accuser's evidence that supported their respective arguments. The second jury and the Court of Appeal, in its majority 2-1 decision, ultimately found the complainant to be credible and believable and upheld the guilty verdict. The High Court, however, said both decision-making bodies erred in putting too much weight on the accuser's evidence and discounting the so-called "opportunity evidence" given by other witnesses, who variously said they never saw the then archbishop alone and unrobed in the cathedral and that his practice of meeting parishioners after mass gave him an alibi.

Law Institute of Victoria president Sam Pandya is against the proposal of releasing transcripts of complainant evidence, for concerns it might reveal their identities and deter people in sex-abuse cases from coming forward. Loading "Their evidence could identify them so we want to make sure the system is designed to protect them so people aren't put off," Mr Pandya said. "Anything that gives people an opportunity to identify a victim I wouldn't support. "If you turn it around and look at it from a (complainant's perspective), how would they feel about that if that was able to happen?

"We don't want to make (alleged) victims feel like they can't come forward. If that would allow them to feel uncomfortable coming forward, I wouldn't be supportive of that." Cardinal Pell's legal saga, which began in 2015 when the former choirboy went to police and ended with the 78-year-old serving more than 400 days in jail before his successful appeal, illustrated the complexities of what happens when a high-profile person appears before the criminal courts. County Court chief judge Peter Kidd emphasised to juries the need to judge the cardinal on the facts, not for the failings of the Catholic church. It was the need to ensure the accused man received a fair hearing that Judge Kidd imposed a suppression order on the first trial, which stayed in place until prosecutors withdrew a planned second trial, involving allegations the cardinal sexually abused boys in Ballarat in the 1970s when he was a priest. The wider public only learned of the guilty finding from 2018 in February last year, when Judge Kidd lifted the suppression order. When the trials ran, court 4.3 was the domain of media, the cardinal's supporters, advocates for sex-offence complainants and curious off-duty lawyers and judges. During his trials, the cardinal (often wearing a jumper with an MCG logo) strolled the corridor outside the courtroom during lunch breaks, although he prompted head-turns when passers-by saw him outside the building each day.

But news of his guilty verdict prompted an explosion in worldwide attention. Such was the interest in the case that the County Court livestreamed Judge Kidd's hour-long sentence in March last year, and the appeals courts followed suit for their hearings. Loading While the High Court's ultimate finding outraged advocates for sex-abuse victims and complainants in unrelated cases, Mr Pandya believes the justice system handled the scrutiny well. "It allowed the (accuser) to be comfortable in coming forward, it allowed a jury of peers of Cardinal Pell to make a decision, and there was an appeal process for George Pell to say, 'I don't agree with the verdict'," he said. Calls from the Victorian opposition, who claimed the justice system had questions to answer about the case, were "regrettable and destabilising", Mr Pandya said.
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 04/11/2020



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

star Peter Weber has revealed part of the reason he broke up with Hannah Ann Sluss and ended their engagement was because he realized they weren't as compatible as he thought and she didn't challenge him.Peter admitted he felt confusion and had questions and doubts before proposing marriage to Hannah Ann at the Final Rose Ceremony in Australia, which filmed in November 2019.However, Peter told ette alums Rachel Lindsay and Becca Kufrin during a recent appearance on Bachelor Happy Hour podcast he didn't want to lose Hannah Ann since she has "a beautiful soul" and he hoped his residual feelings for Madison Prewett would eventually go away."I know looking back on it now, that should have been a clear sign to me. I did know that I loved Hannah Ann... [But] I did kind of convince myself that I was ready to propose to Hannah Ann," Peter said."I just kept holding onto the love that I had for her and just the potential."After getting engaged , Peter and Hannah saw each other several times -- but their relationship apparently didn't get any better or stronger."I guess after the show was over, we would do Happy Couple [secret visits] and I got to see her three or four times and during those visits, like, I love Hannah Ann. I am truly such a big fan of Hannah Ann and I always will be. We've always had a great time together," Peter shared."I just think slowly but surely, I just noticed that maybe we weren't as compatible as I thought we were. And I say that in regards to possibly just, like, the two of us challenging each other in a relationship."Peter added, "I didn't necessarily feel it as much as I thought I was going to in those next couple meetings. And a little of it too was those unresolved feelings for Madison and that was stuff I struggled with like no other."Peter ended up blindsiding and dumping Hannah Ann in January because he couldn't give the Tennessee model his whole heart.During a different appearance on Nick Viall 's The Viall Files podcast, Peter elaborated on why his relationship with Hannah Ann fell apart in the two months after they got engaged."It's tough to go from that whole show, and then not see the person you're engaged to, except for maybe three times in a matter of a couple of months. The foundation for that relationship, obviously, isn't insanely strong yet... I didn't expect it to be so difficult," Peter explained."And I think that I didn't want to -- it sucked me to admit to myself, but as we spent time together during the happy couple weekends, I didn't feel -- a lot of it was my feelings for Madison weren't completely resolved, and it just didn't feel 100 percent right for me. I kept thinking it was going to get better but it didn't necessarily get better.""Honestly, I feel like maybe the two of us just didn't challenge each other enough, and I think I started to truly see that when you are now just in pure isolation with each other," he said.Peter considered waiting things out and giving Hannah Ann a chance for them to be a normal couple in the real world, but he apparently decided his heart was too torn to be fair to his fiancee."I remember struggling with it a lot. There were thoughts, 'Am I giving up too early? Should I continue this?'" Peter revealed."And just my thought process was -- is it going to suck no matter what? Yes. But it wasn't fair to her to keep dragging her through this if I knew I wasn't 100 percent there. And it wasn't fair to myself, so it led me to do it a little bit early."With the help of host Chris Harrison playing matchmaker, Peter and Madison filmed a brief reunion in California after Peter became single again.But the fate of Peter and Madison's relationship was undecided until they met again on the March 10 finale of , which featured the pair openly discussing their situation and choosing to officially get back together.During that same broadcast, however, Peter had to come face to face with Hannah Ann again after their emotional breakup. He called the live finale "quite the ordeal" and "really tough.""I remember leading up to that day having a lot of anxiety. I was stressing out about it... I was about to pass out, to be honest, knowing that I was about to see Hannah Ann again for the first time, and not really knowing what was gonna happen with Madison on a live stage. That's tough," Peter told Nick on his podcast."Watching that breakup with Hannah Ann was brutal for me and there's just no other way to say it. I just felt so bad about the situation. I felt I let down so many people, Hannah Ann being number one, and myself.""It's a weird thing to breakup with someone and have it be so public and then confront them and have that conversation," Peter said. "I was 100 percent in the wrong with Hannah Ann and with that relationship."Peter and Madison, however, announced their split just two days after finale aired on March 12 via Instagram. ( Click here to read what led up to Peter and Madison's breakup, and click here to read when Peter realized their relationship wouldn't work out).For the last two weeks, Peter has been self-quarantining with contestant Kelley Flanagan in her hometown of Chicago, IL, amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.Peter insisted to Nick they're not currently dating ; however, he admitted there is hope in the future for them to work out as a couple.Given Hannah Ann apparently didn't challenge Peter, Ashley Iaconetti asked Peter if he had found his "challenger" in Kelley earlier this month on her Almost Famous In Depth podcast with Ben Higgins "I swear I'm nice too!" Kelley interjected with a laugh during Peter's interview."The short answer, yeah," the commercial pilot replied. "I'm just very grateful for her throughout all of this and all the patience she has given me."Meanwhile, Hannah Ann and Madison both appear to be single , but Hannah Ann recently revealed there is a new man in her life she is excited to date and get to know better.Interested in more news? Join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
One of the great gifts of Bob Elsperman was the fundamental appreciation and respect he had and always carried for the tradespeople in the field, the people who actually do the work, Moore said. Because he always said, the moneys made in the field.

Mr. Elsperman oversaw the transition to the next generation of his family. His daughter, Tracy Hart, took over as president in 1999 and his son, Dirk Elsperman, became chief operating officer that year.

He held the thing together, Toenjes said. Everyone at Tarlton called him the big guy  lets see what the big guy wants.

He was a past president of the AGC of Missouri and served as treasurer of the national umbrella group, the Associated General Contractors of America. He served as past chairman of the board of St. Andrews Resources for Seniors System and the advisory council for the School of Civil Engineering at Purdue, the board of the Bach Society of St. Louis, the advisory board for The Salvation Army and the advisory council for the Hope Center. He was also on the advisory boards for several banks.

Mr. Elsperman is survived by his wife, DArcy, of Town and Country; children Tracy Hart, Dirk Elsperman and Wendy Guhr; and six grandchildren.
A fifth person has died from complications from coronavirus, officials with the Montgomery County Public Health District confirmed on Saturday.

The man who died was in his 80s and had lived at the Conservatory at Alden Bridge in The Woodlands. Four of the five deaths in Montgomery County have ties to the senior living complex. Health department officials say the man died at home with his family.

Six new COVID-19 cases also were reported Saturday, bringing the total to 251.

Of those cases, 170 cases are active, 36 remain hospitalized and 134 in self-isolation. The countys death toll increased by one to five. The number of recoveries remained at 76.

The newly reported cases were in Willis, Conroe, Kingwood, Porter, and Spring. All of the cases remain at home. Two out of the six cases were travel-related and four were community spread. The cases include three male and three females between the ages of 13-59.

We expect a lower number of cases this weekend due to a number of labs being closed for the holiday, said Jason Millsaps, executive director of homeland security and emergency management. We do not anticipate additional case reports for (Sunday), but we will see an increased number of cases much like we did last week on Monday and Tuesday after a slow Sunday.

Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough posted a video on social media on Thursday to address the continuing COVID-19 crisis in the county. He advised social distance as the only way to beat the spread adding it is working within Montgomery County, a previous article stated. He urged residents to stay home and stop the active community spread, wanting to avoid a surge of new cases in the coming two weeks.

The hospitals are not seeing the surge expected, however that does not mean surrounding counties will not have a surge and need to use our beds available in the county, he stated in the article. So far we have ample beds.

HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe officials reported on Friday that they have asked doctors to review scheduled procedures and make decisions to reschedule them based on a number of factors, including the urgency of the procedure, the clinical judgment of physicians, and the current community and facility circumstances

HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe remains prepared to accept patients in need of hospital and emergency care, the statement said in the previous article.

The Montgomery County disaster declaration has been extended through May 11, the countys stay-at-home order expires April 30.

MCPHD officials have updated the ZIP codes and counts, here are the cases: Conroe 64, The Woodlands 57, Spring 50, Montgomery 30, Porter 20, Magnolia 8, New Caney 7, Willis 6, Splendora 2, Kingwood 4, Hockley 1 and Pinehurst 1.

Details on Montgomery County cases can be found at mcphd-tx.org/coronavirus-covid-19/confirmed-cases/.
The death toll due to COVID-19 in Dharavi has gone up to 4 after an 80-year-old man infected with the virus died at Kasturba Hospital, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said on Saturday.

According to the ministry of health and family welfare, a total of 1,574 cases have been reported in Maharashtra including 188 cured/discharged/migrated and 110 deaths.
The city of Lorain is using special garbage collection instructions for the week of April 13.

Waste hauler Republic Services is not doing bulk pick-up while Ohioans are under the stay-at-home order due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

For now, Lorainites should not put out bulk waste items or yard waste in containers or bags.

Republic Services will make a container available for Lorain residents to drop off items.

It will be available 8 a.m. to noon, April 13, 14, 15 and 16, at the citys Public Property Department garage, 114 E. 35th St.

Drivers should enter off East 35th Street at the entrance nearest the salt dome.

Residents should drive to the back of the building and an employee will guide them to the site.

Social distancing measures and staying at home are important to slow the spread of COVID-19, said Mayor Jack Bradley.

But Bradley also cited October 2016 contract language with the city and Republic, that said the waste hauler shall provide for pickup of yard waste materials that are properly disposed of.

With refuse items set out to the curb for pickup, there should be no danger of COVID-19 contamination on the materials, especially once things have sat outside 24 to 48 hours, Bradley said.

He cited advisory information from Lorain County Health Commissioner David Covell.

The city has notified Republic the company will be in breach of contract if workers do not haul away the residents trash, Bradley said.

My position is, were not going to have the tail wag the dog, and Im certainly not going to have my city workers do a job of Republic, whos getting paid for it, the mayor said.
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Sanitation workers have emerged as one of the frontline soldiers in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, a video has cropped up on social media where locals in Haryanas Ambala district showered flowers and applauded the sanitation workers for their efforts.

In the one-minute long clip, people from their terraces showered flowers, while those present in the narrow lane clapped and put garlands on several sanitation workers and welcomed them.

Sharing the video on Twitter, news agency ANI wrote, Locals in Ambala offered garlands to the sanitation workers and applauded them by clapping and showering flower petals on them.

#WATCH Haryana: Locals in Ambala offered garlands to the sanitation workers and applauded them by clapping and showering flower petals on them. #COVID19 (09.04.2020) pic.twitter.com/7Ie5xTQc7P ANI (@ANI) April 10, 2020

Overwhelmed with the gestures, Balraj, one of the sanitation workers told the news agency, I am very happy to see all this. I want to give a suggestion to the people in the country that they should remain inside their homes during the lockdown period so that we can win this battle against coronavirus.

Davinder Sharma, a local resident, told ANI that to boost their morale we collectively decided to honour the sanitation staff. He further added that they have become an extended family to all of us.

In India, over 7,000 people have been tested positive for the COVID-19 disease. The death toll has crossed over 200.

In Haryana, a total of 177 people have been infected with the contagious virus, and two people have succumbed to the pandemic.
Struggling fashion retailer Matalan, run by the billionaire Hargreaves family, is considering options to secure 'short term funding' of as much as 60million to help it through the coronavirus pandemic.

The company circulated a statement to its bondholders yesterday, following enquiries from The Mail on Sunday, in which it said it had not faced 'such difficult and unpredictable times' in its 35 years of trading.

It said it had been forced to close 232 stores and had subsequently 'bolstered our liquidity by drawing down fully against our existing revolving credit facility having never before done so'.

'Difficult and unpredictable times': Matalan has been forced to close 232 stores

The company, which has furloughed staff but continues to sell clothing online, said: 'Matalan operates with strong financial discipline and had a healthy level of liquidity prior to Covid-19, enabling a considered review of the need for further measures following the closure of our stores.'

It has drafted a number of forecasts to assess the impact of 'different societal lockdown periods' on its financial position.

'In addition to further management action, some of these scenarios include the potential introduction of short term funding in excess of the existing revolving credit facility and as such we are exploring multiple options.'

Sources told the MoS it is seeking between 50million and 60million after a flurry of conversations over the past week.

Founder John Hargreaves, the son of a Liverpool docker, acquired his clothing giant back from shareholders in 2006 for 817million. In 2010 he paid himself a 250million dividend after refinancing the firm with around 525million of debt from bondholders.

Last year he won a battle with HMRC after convincing courts an 84million bill should not be paid because it was too historic.

Matalan founder John Hargreaves

The dispute related to the sale of around 230million of shares in Matalan in May 2000 shortly after he had declared himself a resident in tax haven Monaco.

One source told the MoS that earlier this year Hargreaves discussed with his children a plan to sell the business at some point, although this remains unconfirmed and now looks unlikely in the foreseeable future.

The length of the lockdown for large chains remains uncertain but senior retailers said even their most optimistic forecasts would see shops remain closed until 'well into' May.

A raft of restaurant firms have gone bust and several larger retail chains are said to be on the brink. It comes amid a rapidly escalating dispute between retailers, restaurants and their landlords over whether mounting rental bills accrued during lockdown must be paid.

Solvent and insolvent companies are understood to be waiting for clarity from the courts over the issue and staving off decisions over how to prepare for the next stage of the crisis until they get legal assurances.

Rent demands could tip some firms over or mean those in administration may need to be completely wound up.

Peter Saville, an insolvency specialist at AlixPartners, said: 'The Government has said these outlets have to close. So the question for the courts is: I'm not in occupation and I'm not in a position to pay the rent, but I don't want the landlord to take the lease back.

'Can you confirm that I don't have to pay rent during the lockdown and at the same time keep hold of the lease?'
It is often said a tragedy brings out the best and the worst in people. The southern state of Kerala has two classic examples to offer in this regard-- sworn enemies are rubbing shoulders in community kitchens in north Kerala.

The pandemic outbreak has brought friends and foes together in north Keralas Thalassery in Kannur district, the hotspot of CPI(M)-RSS clashes, which have claimed more than 200 lives in last three decades. Leaving behind their bitter rivalry, workers of both parties have joined hands to run community kitchens in the coastal town, also home to CM Pinarayi Vijayan, CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan and many other leaders.

The new-found bonhomie has evinced much interest in political circles. While cutting vegetables for sambhar or cooking rice, workers of Sewa Bharati, the social wing of the RSS, and Democratic Youth Federation of India, CPI(M), the youth wing of the CPI(M) as well as workers of the Youth League and the Youth Congress rub shoulders. Before this, in certain pockets of Thalassery, both RSS and CPI(M) have fiercely guarded their party villages and their political opponents have been unwelcome here.

It is no time for politics. Our CM has given an open call to engage everyone in the community kitchens. Our only concern is to feed empty stomachs. We dont go by the colour of flags here, said Thalassery MLA AN Shamseer. And the young sub-collector Asif K Yousef is co-ordinating everything by roping in all hues and colours of politics. Feeding the poor is a national movement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said helping others is the best thing to do in trying times, said BJP leader MP Sumesh.

Meanwhile, the Kerala police on Saturday arrested three more workers of the ruling CPI(M) party for allegedly vandalising the house of a girl student who was in quarantine in Thannithod in Pathanamthitta district. Earlier police had arrested three persons and three others were on the run.

They attacked the house, alleging that her father violated quarantine norms and came out frequently. The incident that took place on Tuesday had embarrassed the government and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had promised strict action against offenders.

The police said the girl who studies in Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu had returned home recently and quarantined herself as instructed by health officials. Her father, a cable TV operator, had isolated her in a room and would go out to collect food items, which angered many people of the area. Initially, they sent a message on Whatsapp threatening them, but when the family filed a complaint their house was attacked, the police said.

After the attack, the girl had filed a complaint with the Chief Minister and sought police protection for her family. It should not have happened in a state like Kerala. Offenders never deserve any sympathy, the CM had said. Later the CPI(M) Pathanamthitta district committee had suspended the accused men from the party.

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BERLIN, April 9 (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday rejected demands by Italy for common euro zone bonds to mitigate the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, adding that Germany would back other instruments to help countries hard-hit by the crisis.

"I spoke today with Italian Prime MInister Giuseppe Conte for a long time and we agree that there is an urgent need for solidarity in Europe, which is going through one of its most difficult hours, if not the most difficult," Merkel said.

"And Germany is ready for this solidarity and committed to it. Germany's wellbeing depends on Europe being well. Now, which instruments are fit for this purpose, here there are different views. You know that I don't believe we should have common debt because of the situation of our political union and that's why we reject this," she added during a news conference.

"But there are so many ways to show solidarity and I believe we will find a good solution." (Reporting by Joseph Nasr; Editing by Alison Williams)
Twenty-five states have enacted restrictions which make it harder to vote since the 2010 elections, according to THE WEEK (Jan. 31).

"The measures include shorter voting hours; the shuttering of polling places in minority neighborhoods; new limitations on early voting, especially on college campuses; new voter identification laws requiring a state-issued photo ID to cast a ballot; and new restrictions on Election Day registration." according to the publication.

The obvious goal is to suppress voting among blacks and Hispanics, the poor, the young, and shift workers. Some states, including Wisconsin (pending), have purged voters who have not voted in consecutive elections, moved, or failed to respond to mailings (which they may not have gotten).

From 2014 to 2018, 33 million voter registrations were purged nationwide.

The driving force behind these measures is voter fraud, which has been repeatedly shown in numerous studies to be largely myth and "extraordinarily rare."

Following the 2016 presidential election, "law enforcement officials in 34 states found "a total of eight instances of fraud out of 136 million votes," THE WEEK reported.

The floodgates were opened when the U.S. Supreme Court (in 2013) struck down parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. That law had provided that certain states and local governments had to clear any changes in their voting practices with the Justice Department.

"Within 24 hours of the ruling, Texas instituted a strict photo ID law and Mississippi and Alabama began enforcing photo ID laws that had been previously blocked as discriminatory," THE WEEK reported. 1,688 polling places have been shuttered since the ruling in states formerly covered by the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

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Trump urges Americans to 'focus on prayer, grow in personal relationship with God' in Easter message

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Ahead of the coronavirus task force briefing Friday, President Trump gave an Easter message, urging Americans to focus on prayer, reflection, and growing in our personal relationship with God during this sacred time as most churches hold services online, and asked pastor Bishop Harry Jackson to pray.

On this Good Friday, Christians from all around the world remember the suffering and death upon the cross of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Trump said at the briefing at the White House. At Easter Sunday, we will celebrate His glorious resurrection.

Trump said as people wont be able to gather together with one another as we normally would on Easter, they can use this sacred time to focus on prayer, reflection, and growing in our personal relationship with God. So important.

He continued, I ask all Americans to pray that God will heal our nation; to bring comfort to those who are grieving; to give strength to the doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers; to restore health to the sick; and to renew the hope in every person who is suffering. Our nation will come through like never before.

Trump assured that the U.S. death toll from the new coronavirus pandemic will be substantially less than the last weeks projection of 100,000.

As of early Saturday, there were more than 1.7 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 around the world with 103,257 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, the case count was 501,615 with 18,777 deaths.

The president acknowledged that many families have prayed for me and for my family. He said, your prayers are felt, and I am forever grateful.

Trump thanked our great Vice President (Mike Pence) and his wonderful wife, who we all know very well, Karen, for the incredible job they do and for their service not only to the country but for their service to God.

Trump quoted Prophet Isaiah, Darkness covers the Earthbut the Lord rises upon you, and His glory appears over youFor the Lord will be your everlasting light.

As America battles the invisible enemy, he continued, we reaffirm that Americans believe in the power of prayer. We give thanks for the majesty of creation and for the gift of eternal life. And we place our trust in the hands of Almighty God.

Also on Friday, the evangelical group Christians United for Israel thanked Trump for his leadership.

We are grateful to President @realDonaldTrump for his leadership during this crisis and join him in rejoicing during this Easter weekend and praying for our country and leaders as well as doctors, nurses, first responses, and the many people affected by this virus, the group wrote on Instagram. We are believing God for healing and restoration for our country.

In his prayer that followed Trumps Easter message at the White House, Bishop Jackson, senior pastor at Hope Christian Church in Beltsville, Maryland, thanked the President for including the churches in the relief efforts. Many churches wouldve had to close down  had it not been for your insightful leadership, he said.

Lord, let the death angel pass over. Let there be a mitigation of this plague, this disease. Let medical science come forth, Jackson continued. Lord, let us come out with a thriving economy. That silver and gold spoken of in that passage, let it be our portion.

He also prayed that the spirit of division in the nation will be broken. Lord, let e pluribus unum be a reality in us. Let there be a uniting of America. Heal the divide between race, class, and gender.

At the White House Coronavirus Task Force briefing, Trump said he plans to attend the online Easter Sunday service hosted by pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Dallas, Texas.

We have Easter Sunday, and Im going to be watching pastor Robert Jeffress, whos been a great guy," Trump said. "And Im going to be watching on a laptop. Now a laptop is not the same as being in his church or being in another church. Its not."

Both Jackson and Jeffress are members of the president's Evangelical Advisory Board.
An encounter broke out between security forces and militants in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, police said.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the Damhal Hanjipora area of the south Kashmir district during the night after receiving specific information about the presence of militants there, a police official said.

He said as the forces were conducting the searches in the area, militants fired upon them. The security forces retaliated, ensuing an encounter.

The gunfight is going on and further details are awaited, the official said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
On Tuesday, voters across Wisconsin turned out for the primary election, despite governor Tony Evers's attempt to get the election moved (he and two lower courts were overruled by the five conservative judges on the Supreme Court). From a public health point of view, it was a disasterthe coronavirus outbreak resulted in a shortage of poll workers, and voting locations across the state shut down, funneling more voters into longer lines and fewer voting booths. Milwaukee alone, a city of more than 590,000 people and 70 percent of Wisconsin's black population, went from 180 polling places to just five. This made mail-in ballots all the more necessary, not to mention potentially life-saving.

The United States Postal Service employs more than 600,000 people, and saw its first letter carrier death from COVID-19 in late March. For years, conservatives have tried to privatize the USPS, most recently the Trump administration detailed it in a document called "Delivering Government Solutions in the 21st Century." If that were to happen, the post office would shift from delivering mail to a for-profit institution, which would effectively be the end of cheap mail as a public service, and might spell ending services to more rural communities. That's likely why the USPS, which is facing a $22 billion hole in its budget as a result of businesses dropping advertising mailers, got short shrift in Congress's $2 trillion stimulus bill. While private corporations got a minimally-overseen $500 billion fund, the postal service got $10 billion that it will have to pay backa sum that will be hard to repay thanks to complex rules Congress forced onto the USPS in 2006 that have kept it needlessly cash-strapped for the last 15 years.

But the people can't afford to have the postal service shut down, especially during a pandemic. Public health information, prescriptions, nearly all of the medicine sent out by the Department of Veterans Affairs, all of it goes through the mail. And so do absentee ballots, something that's even more necessary now that gathering at polling places is a huge risk to public health.

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On Thursday, as he was making his rounds, GQ spoke to Zach (who asked we not use his last name out of concerns for job safety), a Wisconsin letter carrier who has worked for the USPS for 10 years. He described how he protects himself and the people he delivers to while handling a huge influx of Amazon packages and absentee ballots.

GQ: What's it been like delivering mail with so many ballots going through?

Zach: It's been frustrating for sure. It was difficult to not feel a little ridiculous delivering ballots to people that in all likelihood will not be counted, because people won't be able to mail them in on time for whatever reason. The office that's processing all the requests was still swamped, they couldn't get them out in time, and I definitely delivered a few the day of the election and a couple the day after. I think it's ridiculous to put people's health second to what I guess was considered law. It's written into the law, apparently, in the state of Wisconsin that their elections are to be held the first Tuesday of April, and they for whatever reason couldn't move it even though plenty of other states have jumped over that same hurdle and decided to postpone the election. But we have to deliver what we have, no matter how ridiculous you feel delivering it, and I'm sure I'll be picking up a few within the next few days for people who have yet to fill them out. I've had several discussions with people on the route and I encourage them to just send the ballots in with hopes that maybe something will happen, that they will get counted.

How has your job changed since the coronavirus outbreak?

Amazon has just exploded. My route in particular, on an average day I probably get about a hundred scannable packages. And now an average day for me is anywhere from 130 to 150. To put that in perspective, around Christmas time, I'm usually around 200 or so, and that's for the real two-week crunch towards the end. Most of us are under a specific contract where I'm guaranteed eight hours every day, so regardless of whether I'm delivering 500 letters or 1,500 letters, I still have to walk the same distance. And we only have access to public restrooms, whether it's coffee shops or any restaurants, or anything like that, but all of those are closed now, so you have to go out of your way to find the closest one. I think management has done a relatively good job at understanding our days longer. And we haven't had anyone get sick yet, but there are several carriers in my station who have been gone for a couple of weeks now because they felt unsafe working in the system. But if you're not sick, you cannot take sick leave, so you need to have annual leave time left.

What sort of protective measures have you seen implemented?

Being part of the government system, there's a lot of trickle down. Letter carriers in particular are often the last people to get word on how things are going to change. It wasn't until recently that the post office has been keeping us informed as far as what their goals are, keeping people safe, and trying their best to get protective equipments to people. Gloves are readily available, I think we're starting to see more hand sanitizer through the chain, because companies that were supplying restaurants that are now closed have been pivoting towards industries that are still open. Masks, I really haven't seen a whole lot.

How is being a postal service employee different from other kinds of essential services?

First responders and people who worked in health care and stuff like that, their interaction is obviously much more immediate. And they typically know, or at least aware of the fact that they're working with somebody who's particularly been affected with a virus or something. If I pick up a letter from somebody, it's pretty likely that the next person to touch that letter will be the delivering employee. In an average day, I probably deliver between 1,000 to 1,500 pieces of mail. Somebody who is working the DPS machine, which is the machine that sorts all of the letters, they may work with hundreds of thousands a day. So most of the post offices have been concentrating on the interior clerks who work with a much higher volume of mail. I think they've done a decent enough job making protective equipment available to people. I think a lot of it just comes down to the individual worker.

So a sick letter carrier or mail sorter could become a vector. What kind of protective measures do you personally take?

You really need to take multiple pairs with you because you're putting your hands in people's mailboxes and stuff and you really should be changing your gloves relatively frequently because just wearing them doesn't really change anything. It's just basically an extension of your hand, so I think keeping them clean is somewhat difficult. I focus on using hand sanitizer. I've had several customers leave small bottles out for me that I've been able to use. I don't really use any mask at all because my route is all walking outdoors and if you wear them for a while your breath makes condensation that freezes over.

It sounds like you talk to a lot of people on your route.

I take this job really seriously. I think it's incredibly important. The census was going through right now, it's tax season, and so you've got a lot of vital stuff going through the mail. This is an irreplaceable service. So you pretty much have to just put your head down and keep trudging through it.

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Originally Appeared on GQ
LAPD Officers Kat Piamonte and Marty Pacheco deliver food to seniors in Hollywood on Thursday as part of a local pandemic relief effort. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

At 10:45 Thursday morning in Hollywood, an LAPD van rolled to a stop in front of an apartment building on Camerford Avenue. Two officers wearing masks got out and knocked on the door of Unit #1.

Im Officer Piamonte and this is Officer Pacheco, Kat Piamonte said. We have groceries for you.

Thank you, thank you, said the resident, Donata Ek, who was joined on the porch by Bartolome Basto.

LAPD Officer Kirk Barnes carries bags of food on Thursday while making deliveries to Hollywood seniors. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Much appreciated, a smiling Basto said.

The coronavirus outbreak has pummeled us, exposing our vulnerability and weakness. But its brought out the good in us too.

Need an example? Consider what happened when two members of the Central Hollywood Neighborhood Council  Louis Abramson and Ferris Wehbe began cooking up ways to help their neighbors.

As soon as the crisis hit, Ferris came to me like, 'What can we do?' said Abramson, an astrophysicist by trade.

It didnt take long for them to agree that homebound seniors might need help with groceries. So they began scrolling through their constituent records to find the names and phone numbers of seniors living in the ZIP Codes of 90028 and 90038.

That wasnt so hard to do, but the list was as long as the Capitol Records building is high. How would they check up on roughly 4,000 seniors?

LAPD Officer Kat Piamonte delivers food to Donata Ek in Hollywood, on Thursday. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

One thing that neighborhood councils have in abundance is connections. They have relationships with local elected officials, with police and fire, with local nonprofits and community groups. Abramson and Wehbe, who owns residential and commercial property in Hollywood, called all their contacts, and soon dozens of volunteers were making phone calls to seniors while others were lining up food sources.

Hello brothers and sisters, Wehbe wrote in an update to all parties involved Monday, which was Day 17 of the group's COVID-19 mobilization effort.

By then, the L.A. Cedars Rotary Club had set up a donation site. Money and muscle were coming in from state Assemblyman Richard Bloom, L.A. County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl and L.A. City Councilmen Mitch OFarrell and David Ryu, whose office had lined up food shipments from the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

Story continues

Volunteers Dylan Kim, left, and her mother Soo Kim load a car while helping deliver food to home-bound seniors in Hollywood on Thursday. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

The Los Angeles Conservation Corps was making food pickups, and the L.A. Police Department signed on to deliver food. Hollywood Schoolhouse opened its shuttered gates to become the food distribution center.

Abramson set up video chat links for everyone and turned his computer into a command center, with spreadsheets and contact lists. As I was speaking to him by video conference, he was also manning a hotline and answering a call from a Spanish-speaking senior requesting help.

Well deliver to your home between 12 and 5 tomorrow, he told her in Spanish after getting her address. Other languages spoken by the hotline volunteers are Russian, Armenian and Korean. The callers try to get a general sense of how seniors are faring, and whether they have friends or family to lean on, as well as whether theyre short on food.

It helped that Wehbes son-in-law, Spencer Hillman, had recently developed an app called KinderUS. He and his brother came up with it after caring for their disabled father from a distance and wishing there was a better way to connect those in need with those who want to help. The app was put to work, connecting Hollywood residents who needed groceries with those who volunteered to deliver them.

LAPD Officer Kat Piamonte carries a box of supplies during food distribution effort in Hollywood on Thursday. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Gloves, masks and cash were donated by area residents. Mayor Eric Garcettis office provided reusable bags. Wehbes daughter, Laila, and other volunteers went to supermarkets and filled the bags with toilet paper, fresh produce and other items to supplement the Food Bank rations. Wehbe said other food sources are now being sought so volunteers dont face an elevated risk from repeated visits to crowded stores.

In the first week, between 60 and 70 food deliveries were made. This past week, 240 more went out Thursday and an additional 40 or so on Friday, and the list of those signing up to receive or to deliver continued to grow.

I had an amazing phone call when I needed it the most, said a recipient named Joy. She told me she had just suffered a financial setback when, out of the blue, the phone rings and it's someone asking if she could use a food delivery, no charge. Its just a horrible thing thats going on in the world and its a beautiful thing to see people helping in so many ways.

LAPD Officer Anthony Lopez transfers supplies to be delivered to home-bound seniors in Hollywood on Thursday. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Thirteen-year LAPD Officer Anthony Lopez was one of four cops  along with Piamonte, Kirk Barnes and Marty Pacheco  who retrieved and delivered food Thursday. Lopez said crime was down during the stay-at-home order, so officers have more time on their hands than usual.

People are very grateful because they love the fact that the police are coming out, Lopez said. And we love it because were helping our communities.

At Hollywood Schoolhouse, a stream of masked-and-gloved volunteers braved the rain as they dropped by to grab and deliver groceries. Min Kim and her cousin, Soo Kim, who was with her daughter, Dylan, packed dozens of boxes and bags into their cars. Soo said her cousin knew about the deliveries and recruited her, and she didnt hesitate.

You have people who are in need, Soo Kim said, telling me she had considered the risk involved but decided it was no riskier than going to the supermarket.

Ferris Wehbe, a member of the Central Hollywood Neighborhood Council, talks to LAPD Officer Kat Piamonte while delivering food in Hollywood on Thursday. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

The county began offering food deliveries to homebound seniors a few days ago, but recipients have to pay in advance. Abramson said his groups focus will remain on needy recipients, but so far income information isnt being requested of them.

My impression is that a very sizable number of them are truly needy, and almost everyone is scared to go out, he said.

Among the people reached by phone, Abramson said, several turned out to be homeless, including two men who live in a car, both of them with AIDS.

The only reason weve been able to do this so quickly is that we were able to throw a lot of the rules out the window, Wehbe said. Were not acting as a neighborhood council; were acting as a COVID-19 response team.

Theres still collaboration, but not the usual rules of governance.

If you had to wait to have a meeting approved, wed be whistling Dixie right now. Sometimes in an emergency, you have to say, 'You know what, lets get out there together and make a difference,' Wehbe said. Im very proud, and it brings tears to my eyes.

Its not clear how long the crusaders will be able to sustain such a massive undertaking, but Abramson said other neighborhood groups in the city have reached out for advice on setting up the same infrastructure. And he thinks theres a lesson in how government, neighborhood groups and individuals can work together more efficiently in the future to identify and address community needs.

And the Hollywood model isn't the only way people are trying to make a difference in tough times.

Comptons Shirley Raines, featured in a Times story by Julissa James, has led volunteers on missions to skid row, delivering care packages.

Friends of West L.A., which bought hundreds of towels for homeless people who were relocated to rec centers, is now gathering and delivering meals to UCLAs emergency room staff and to police and firefighters, a mission to help both struggling restaurants and first responders. On Thursday the cargo was short rib tacos, restaurants were on board and donations were rolling in.

And there are hundreds more examples of people stepping up.

As for Abramson and the Hollywood effort he helped launch, he feels grateful to be doing what he's doing. Im absurdly privileged to get paid to stare into space, said Abramson, a fellow with the Carnegie Observatories. Now I get to take off from my staring-at-space duties and think about more terrestrial matters. This is my job right now.

steve.lopez@latimes.com
Brendan McGeever, Antisemitism and the Russian Revolution, Cambridge University Press, 2019, 260 pp. Unless otherwise indicated, all page numbers refer to this book.

Brendan McGeevers Antisemitism and the Russian Revolution

British sociologist Brendan McGeevers book Antisemitism and the Russian Revolution pretends to offer a history of antisemitism in the Russian Revolution. In reality, the book distorts this very history to make a case for identity politics and against a Marxist-led socialist revolution as the necessary prerequisite for putting an end to racism and anti-Semitism.

McGeever states that he wants to provide a broader offering to the political left (p. 219) in the struggle against racism and anti-Semitism. At the very beginning, he points to the profound impact that the Bolshevik struggle against anti-Semitism had had on the consciousness of oppressed masses throughout the world, and, in particular, African American intellectuals in the US. He quotes the leading Black artist and intellectual of the Harlem Renaissance, Claude McKay, who stated in 1919:

Claude McKay

Every Negro should make a study of Bolshevism and explain its meaning to the coloured masses. It is the greatest and most scientific idea afloat in the world today Bolshevism has made Russia safe for the Jew. It has liberated the Slav peasant from priest and bureaucrat who can no longer egg him on to murder Jews to bolster up their rotten institutions. It might make these United States safe for the Negro If the Russian idea should take hold of the white masses of the western world then the black toilers would automatically be free. (p. 1)

McGeevers political offering consists of a conscious undermining of this conception of a Marxist-led social revolution as the way forward in the fight against racism and anti-Semitism.

To achieve this goal, he advances two main arguments: first, he tries to depict anti-Semitism as inherent in the social base of Bolshevismthe working class and poor peasantrysuggesting it was the anti-Semitism within the Red Army itself that formed the central challenge to the Soviet project.

Second, he claims that, to the extent that there was a fight against anti-Semitism by the early Soviet state, it originated politically not in the internationalist and assimilationist currents of Marxism, but rather in the national orientation of a group of non-Bolshevik Jewish socialists.

The notions of class struggle, McGeever argues, were not only not the basis for the struggle against anti-Semitism, but, in fact, harmful to that very struggle.

The origins and role of anti-Semitism in the Russian Revolution

Far from trying to provide an objective account of the origins and role of anti-Semitism in the revolution, McGeever picks and chooses certain facts and events, while leaving out others, to substantiate his claim that antisemitism could find traction within revolutionary politics.

Before addressing the origins of anti-Semitism, it must be clearly stated that McGeevers decision to focus exclusively on pogroms by the Red Army, which he admits were marginal, is historically untenable and frankly, politically dishonest. His book includes multiple harrowing depictions of pogroms by the Red Army but not a single one by the counterrevolutionary forces.

Yet the vast majority of the 50,000200,000 people who were murdered and the 200,000 who were seriously wounded due to anti-Jewish violence in the Russian Civil War fell victim to White and Ukrainian nationalist forces. Red Army pogroms accounted for well below 10 percent of the total number of pogroms and an estimated 2.3 percent of those who died in anti-Semitic violence in the Civil War. Between 1918 and 1920, over 1,500 pogroms took place in 1,300 cities, villages and towns in Ukraine, which was the central site of anti-Jewish violence during the Civil War.

Table compiled based on figures from Matthias Vetter, Antisemiten und Bolschewiki. Zum Verhaltnis von Sowjetsystem und Judenfeindschaft 19171939, Metropol 1995, p. 55.

It was the Red Army and the establishment of the Soviet Union in 1922 that put an end to what was the biggest massacre of Jews in history until the Nazi-led genocide of 6 million people during World War II. McGeevers account is primarily directed at diminishing this historic achievement and falsifying an understanding of its political basis. This endeavor rests on a fundamental distortion of the origins and character of modern political anti-Semitism.

Explaining his understanding of anti-Semitism, McGeever cites Moishe Postone, who stated that in moments of crisis, anti-Semitism can appear to be anti-hegemonic (quoted on p. 7). Postone, an adherent of the Frankfurt School, advanced this argument in 2006 based on his assessment of anti-Semitism as an anti-capitalist movement.

He had developed in the wake of the French general strike of 1968, as layers of the academic intelligentsia shifted dramatically to the right, engaging in ever more open attacks on Marxism and the conception of the revolutionary role of the working class. In an article from 1980, Postone explicitly rejected a focus on the working class in any discussion of the rise of Nazism and anti-Semitism, and, more generally, argued against the Marxist assessment of fascism as an outgrowth of capitalism.

He advanced the idea that anti-Semitism was, in fact, a form of anti-capitalism. This profoundly disoriented position culminated in the reactionary claim that Auschwitz was the real German revolution, and the criminal outgrowth, not of the Nazis defense of the capitalist system, but of revolutionary changes in social relations spearheaded by the Nazi movement. [1]

This assessment of anti-Semitism turns reality on its head. While appealing to confused and backward anti-capitalist sentiments in the middle classes, modern political anti-Semitism emerged as an ideological weapon in the struggle against the socialist workers movement and in defense of the capitalist order. In the Russian Empire, this dynamic emerged more clearly and earlier than perhaps anywhere else, and McGeevers arguments critically rely upon the omission of any serious discussion of this history.

Political anti-Semitism in the Russian Empire was considerably influenced by the reaction of the nobility and the Orthodox Church to the French Revolution of 1789, which overthrew feudal rule and granted civil rights to the Jews. The Tsarist court, the Orthodox Church and sections of the nobility began to associate the Jews with foreign elements and social revolution.

Map of the Pale of Settlement

Discrimination against the Jewish population became state policy for both political and economic reasons. A Tsarist decree of 1791 forced the Jews of the Russian Empire to settle and remain in the so-called Pale of Settlement, a region that came to encompass until 1917 what is now Ukraine, the Baltic states, Belarus and much of Poland. This was primarily designed to curb competition from Jewish merchants, who were seen as a threat to Moscow traders. Henceforth, Jews were forced to live in specifically designated pale (district) settlements. From 1794, they were also taxed twice as heavily as the rest of the population.

The emergence of a multi-ethnic and multi-religious proletariat in the Russian Empire, and of a Marxist workers movement in the last two decades of the nineteenth century, imbued official anti-Semitism with an ever more openly counterrevolutionary and anti-socialist orientation.

The Jewish population was by far the most urbanized in the Russian Empire and quickly made up a substantial portion of the emerging proletariat. By the end of the century, 52 percent of the entire urban population of Belorussia and Lithuania was Jewish, and Jewish craftsmen made up two-thirds to three-fourths of the entire artisan class, which still comprised a substantial portion of the overall proletariat within the Pale (excluding Poland). [2]

Describing the conditions facing Jewish workers at the time, the leading German Marxist of the Second International, Karl Kautsky, noted: If the Russian people suffer more than other peoples, if the Russian proletariat is more exploited than any other proletariat, there exists yet another class of workers who are still more oppressed, exploited, and ill-treated than all the others; this pariah among pariahs is the Jewish proletariat in Russia.

A central aim of the state discrimination of Jews and the fostering of anti-Semitism was to divide the nascent working class movement and divert the growing anti-capitalist and anti-Tsarist sentiment within both the working class and the peasantry into reactionary channels. The central bogeyman of Russian anti-Semitism was the Jewish revolutionary or, after 1917, the Jewish Bolshevik and Jewish communist.

According to the German historian Ulrich Herbeck:

As a new revolutionary and democratic movement developed starting in the late 90s, the reaction against it was charged with anti-Semitism. By contrast, the revolutionary movement included among its demands the equality of nationalities and an end to religious discrimination. By the early 20th century, at the latest, the right-left scheme in Russian politics was established, with anti-Semitism clearly being part of the right wing The course of the revolution of 1905 conclusively established the anti-revolutionary orientation of Russian anti-Semitism. For one thing, anti-Semitic agitation grew by leaps and bounds during the year. Moreover, antirevolutionary organizations emerged which were extremely anti-Semitic in orientation. This development culminated in the wave of anti-Jewish pogroms which functioned as a counterrevolutionary backlash to the Tsars Manifesto of October 17, 1905

The renewed growth and radicalization of anti-Semitism in 19112 was closely related to the growing insecurity of anti-Semites about the survival of the Tsarist system Thus, Markov II stated the following at the Seventh Congress of the United Nobility in February 1911: We are fighting and all states of the world are fighting against socialism We are anticipating a social revolution which is again being prepared by the Jews. [3]

The Russian state systematically funded and promoted anti-Semitic, far-right publications and organizations. Between 1905 and 1916, 14.327 million (!) editions of 2,873 anti-Semitic books and leaflets were published. All of them passed state censorship, and many of them were funded by the Interior Ministry. [4] During the First World War, anti-Semitism was systematically promoted by the Russian Army leadership.

McGeever discusses none of this. In his account, there is virtually no mention of the political and social forces actively promoting anti-Semitism before the revolution. After a very brief and flawed overview of the position of the socialist movement on anti-Semitism, he almost immediately jumps into 1917 and the period of the Civil War, in which the largest pogroms took place in Ukraine. He argues that his material provides the basis for revealing the hitherto unknown depth of anti-Semitic sentiments in the Red Army, which, in his words, was pervaded with anti-Semitism (p. 105).

The existence of anti-Semitic sentiments in the Red Army, which was largely made up of peasants, and pogroms by some of its units have, in reality, been described and studied in some detail. Contemporariesmost famously in Isaac Babels Red Cavalrycommented on these pogroms, the Bolshevik and the Red Army leadership were very well aware of them and discussed them extensively, and historians like Matthias Vetter, Ulrich Herbeck and Oleg Budnitskii have described them in considerable detail.

Victims of a pogrom in Fastov, Ukraine, perpetrated by troops of Denikin

The fact that anti-Semitic traditions in the peasantry were particularly strong in what is now Ukraine, where they were fueled by a strong overlap of class and ethnic divisions, is also well-known. For centuries, most of the peasantry was Ukrainian and most of the nobility were Polish and Russian, with Jews often functioning as money lenders for the nobility.

Thus, since the 17th century, many peasant uprisings against the nobility often resulted in murderous anti-Jewish pogroms. The most notorious examples are the 164849 pogroms under the leadership of Bohdan Khmelnitsky, which entered as the khurbn (catastrophe) into Jewish history.

As capitalism penetrated these regions, it was mostly Russians and Jews who came to make up the new working class. The Russian state and the Ukrainian nationalist movement therefore consciously sought to reinforce these anti-Semitic sentiments to sow divisions both within the working class and between the peasants and workers.

However, McGeevers account tears the pogroms by peasants and Red Army units out of the larger context of the history of anti-Semitism. This not only renders their real roots incomprehensible, it also serves to distort the character of anti-Semitism in the revolution as a whole and obscure its role as a political weapon directed against the Bolsheviks and Soviet power by the counterrevolution.

For the Whites (supporters of the restoration of autocracy and capitalism) and Ukrainian nationalists, anti-Semitism was the only basis for an appeal to an oppressed peasant population to which they had nothing to offer except a restoration of the hated autocracy or the establishment of a bourgeois puppet state of imperialism. Evoking the bogeyman of the Jewish Bolshevik whenever the counterrevolutionary forces suffered defeat at the hands of the Bolsheviks, they turned the Jewish population into a scapegoat. A historian described one such pogrom in Proskurov, Podolia (now Ukraine), in February 1919, as follows:

[T]he Jews, which formed half of the 50,000 inhabitants of the town, were blamed for the Bolshevik insurrection. Ataman Semesenko declared that the Jews were the greatest enemy of the Ukrainian people and had to be slaughtered and destroyed until the very end. The Cossacks had to swear an oath that they would kill the Jews, but not rob them, and indeed they did. The ensuing massacre of three and a half hours claimed 1,500 lives. [5]

As the Red Army recruited mostly from the peasantry, large sections of which shifted their political allegiance several times during the Civil War, it was inevitable that anti-Semitic prejudices, fostered by the autocracy and bourgeois forces for decades, compounded by illiteracy and ignorance, would find some reflection in the Soviet army.

However, as the Russian historian Oleg Budnitskii has noted, Unlike the Whites, the Reds refused to keep silent about the problem; moreover, they actively attempted to stop anti-Jewish violence, and were willing to use all means at their disposal to do so. [6]

The fight against anti-Semitism was a matter of policy for the Soviet state and the Red Army. The Russian Soviet government and the Ukrainian Soviet Republic under Christian Rakovsky issued several decrees against anti-Semitism in 1918 and 1919. In 1919, under conditions of civil war, economic destruction and chaos, the Soviet government funded three propaganda films against anti-Semitism and a recording of a speech by Lenin.

In the Red Army, leaflets were distributed against anti-Semitism. Perpetrators of pogroms were severely punished. For instance, units involved in the pogroms of Budyonnys First Cavalry in Poland in 1920 were dissolved and up to 400 cavalrymen were executed. (See also: Anti-Semitism and the Russian Revolution).

By contrast, the White and Ukrainian nationalist armies, priests of the Orthodox Church, and the German and Austrian occupation authorities systematically promoted anti-Semitismabove all in the form of denunciations of the Jewish Bolsheviks.

Since McGeever cannot dispute these facts, he tries to downplay them and inundates his readers with harrowing depictions of pogroms that are meant to shock, rather than explain.

An anti-Semitic propaganda poster by the White Army depicting Leon Trotsky as a Jewish devil

While no doubt horrific, most of the gruesome pogroms by Red military forces that McGeever describes at the beginning of his book were perpetrated at a time when there was little to no military discipline over these units. The fledgling workers state, whose power at this point went hardly beyond Petersburg and Moscow, and which was even there fighting for survival, was still struggling to gather its forces to fight against 19 invading armies of powerful imperialist and capitalist countries. The Red Armys highest military authority, the Revolutionary Military Council (Revvoensovet), headed by Leon Trotsky, was created only on June 13, 1918.

McGeever alludes to this fact at one point, admitting that the lack of discipline in the early stages of the war among the Red Guards and the Army perhaps goes some way towards explaining the nature and degree of anti-Semitism in the Red Army (p. 45).

Moreover, numerically, the vast majority of anti-Semitic violence in the Red Army was perpetrated by units that had earlier fought for the Whites or Ukrainian nationalists. As one German historian noted, of all 106 recorded acts of anti-Jewish violence by red troops, 72 were clearly perpetrated by former Ukrainian or White units. [7]

McGeever further confuses his readers by citing the anti-Semitic pogroms under the leadership of the Ukrainian ataman Grigoriev in the spring of 1919 as an example of how Bolshevik revolutionary discourse could overlap with antisemitic conceptions of Jewishness. This statement is simply misleading.

Grigoriev had fought briefly for the Bolsheviks in 1918as had many other atamans who would later change sides. However, as McGeever himself admits, the anti-Jewish pogroms were part of an anti-Bolshevik uprising in which Grigoriev called upon his followers to attack the Yid Soviet government.

The Bolsheviks mobilized the Red Army to suppress the uprising and were forced to delay coming to the aid of the besieged Soviet Republic in Hungary because of it. All official documents forcefully denounced the anti-Jewish violence. Thus, the Odessa Committee of the Communist (Bolshevist) Party of Ukraine issued an Appeal Against Pogroms in the summer of 1919:

THE BLACK HUNDREDS AND THE GRIGORIEVISTS, IN UNION WITH THE WORLD BOURGEOISIE, ARE TRYING TO DROWN THE COMMUNIST REVOLUTION IN THE BLOOD OF INNOCENT VICTIMS, IN THE BLOOD OF POVERTY-STRICKEN JEWS. JEWISH POGROMS ARE THE STRAW AT WHICH THE OUTWORN WORLD IS CLUTCHING IN ORDER TO SAVE ITS CAPITAL. [8]

Whatever the objective problems in the Red Army, its slanderous depiction by McGeever as little more than a breeding ground for backwardness and anti-Semitism is a grotesque distortion and outright falsification. The Red Army was a powerful instrument for the defense and extension of the socialist revolution, and the political and cultural education of millions of workers and peasants.

As Trotsky emphasized in September 1918, the Red Army had not only a military but also a great cultural and moral mission. It inherited, in the words of historian Mark von Hagen, the vision of the army as a genuine force for the dissemination of enlightened values... [9]

The most urgent task in the cultural realm was literacy: the vast majority of the population, and hence also the Army, was illiterate. In January 1919, the Soviet commissar for enlightenment launched a major campaign for literacy, obliging everyone aged 8 to 50 to learn how to read and write in Russian, or in their native language, according to their choosing. [10]

Mandatory enrollment in literacy classes for soldiers was introduced in the Red Army. The Red Armys first emblem symbolically included a hammer, sickle, rifle and book. Despite severe paper shortages, no less than 6 million items in the second half of 1919 alone were distributed among soldiers, including booklets, posters, books and journals. This political and cultural raising of the consciousness of the masses was an indispensable component of the fight against anti-Semitism.

McGeevers indifference to these historic efforts at political and cultural educationwhich he does not even mentionis rooted in his assumption that racial, ethnic and national divisions are insurmountable and determine the comportment and thought of individuals. Thus, he denies not only the class origins of anti-Semitism, but also the possibility of fighting it through a revolutionary change in social relations and systematic education of the masses. This also drives his vehement attacks on the Bolsheviks, and especially Lenin.

To be continued.

**

[1] Moishe Postone, Anti-Semitism and National Socialism. Notes on the German Reaction to Holocaust, in New German Critique, No. 19 (Winter 1980), p. 114. It is worth mentioning that in the 2006 essay that McGeever cites, Postone used the claim that anti-Semitism was anti-capitalist and anti-hegemonic to denounce those who opposed the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 for their fetishized anti-imperialist position and alleged adaptation to the anti-Semitism of the Arab bourgeoisie. Moishe Postone, History and Hopelessness. Mass Mobilization and Contemporary Forms of Anticapitalism, in Public Culture, Vol. 18, No. 1 (2006), pp. 93110.

[2] Ezra Mendelsohn, Class Struggle in the Pale. The Formative Years of the Jewish Workers Movement in Tsarist Russia, Cambridge University Press 1970, p. 5.

[3] Ulrich Herbeck, Das Feindbild vom judischen Bolschewiken: Zur Geschichte des russischen Antisemitismus vor und wahrend der Russischen Revolution [The bogeyman of the Jewish Bolshevik. On the history of Russian anti-Semitism before and during the Russian Revolution], Berlin 2009, p. 55. Translation from the German by this author. Herbecks book is the most extensive study of Russian anti-Semitism to this day. McGeever acknowledges its existence, but never quotes it.

[4] Ibid., pp. 5962.

[5] Matthias Vetter, Antisemiten und Bolschewiki. Zum Verhaltnis von Sowjetsystem und Judenfeindschaft 19171939 [Anti-S emites and Bolsheviks. On the relationship between the Soviet system and hatred of the Jews], Metropol 1995, p. 34. Translation from the German by this author.

[6] Oleg Budnitskii, Russian Jews Between the Reds and the Whites, 19171920, University of Pennsylvania Press 2012, p. 368.

[7] Vetter, pp. 4344.

[8] An Appeal against Pogroms, Summer 1919, in Rex Wade (ed.), Documents of Soviet History, Vol. 1, The Triumph of Bolshevism, 19171919, Academic International Press 1991, p. 384. Capitalized letters in the original.

[9] Mark von Hagen, Soldiers in the Proletarian Dictatorship. The Red Army and the Soviet Socialist State, 19171930, Cornell University Press 1990, p. 93.

[10] Decree The Liquidation of Illiteracy, in Wade, Documents, p. 304.
The number of people with severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms in emergency department of Delhi hospitals has doubled during the lockdown, according to doctors -- and, they are coming in with severe symptoms.

There has been at least a 50% increase in the number of patients coming in with severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms to the hospital emergency. Earlier we would see only about one or maybe two patients a day; now we are getting at least three or four patients every day in the emergency, said Dr Nimesh Desai, director, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, the only stand-alone mental health hospital in Delhi.

The hospital would usually see patients with substance-use disorders in its out-patient clinics, however, to maintain social distance the OPDs were closed. Around 1,000 to 1,500 patients visited these clinics every day. The hospital has started teleconsultation on the number  9868396824  where patients can get their prescriptions.

A similar increase was also noted at the main emergency department of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

We are getting double the cases in the emergency department of our main AIIMS campus and these are patients with severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms like delirium tremens or shaking, hallucinations, and confusion caused due to such withdrawal. Severe withdrawal can be fatal too as it can cause seizures, said Dr Ravindra Rao, additional professor of psychiatry at the National Drug Dependence and Treatment Centre (NDDTC) of AIIMS.

The main centre of NDDTC in Ghaziabad was also shut down.

No new cases are being taken in. And that is a problem. People are landing up in the hospital emergency with acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms because of two reasons: One, the lockdown has impacted the availability of alcohol and two, it has also restricted the movement of people and health care services. So, people wait longer and then end up in the emergency department with severe symptoms, said Dr Rao. The psychiatrists on duty respond to such cases, who are then admitted for follow-ups.

Safdarjung hospital has a limited psychiatry OPD running and has also seen an increase in the number of cases of alcohol withdrawal. Yes, there has been a surge in cases of people with alcohol and drug withdrawal coming to the emergency department. However, I will not be able to quantify it without going through the admission data, said Dr Rajesh Rastogi, senior consultant at the hospitals psychiatry department.

To tide over the problem during the lockdown, AIIMS has designed a nearly three-hour-long training session for all doctors, available free of cost on the website of NDDTC.

Unfortunately, the thing is that most of the doctors are not trained in management of withdrawal symptoms. Not just for the lockdown, but otherwise too. Many patients might have gone to their neighbourhood doctors before landing up at the hospital emergency. As a stop-gap measure once we started receiving these reports, we developed an online training module which is freely accessible to all, said Dr Rao.

The doctors say not all who drink daily are likely to experience withdrawal.

Not everyone who drinks daily will experience withdrawal, only those who are dependent on the substance will. We decide whether a person is dependent based on whether they have developed a tolerance, they experience cravings, they take a lot of time out to satisfy these cravings, and they continue to consume the substance even after they have developed physical problems such as liver disease, said Dr Rastogi.

These people have to keep a watch on their symptoms. Sleeping difficulties, anxiety, palpitations, and shaking of the hands are all symptoms that you need to go to a doctor.

If the patients come in within 24 to 48 hours of stopping alcohol, then the symptoms are mild to moderate. The severe symptoms start after two to three days of stopping the alcohol. If the patient has severe withdrawal, they require medication -- diazepam  taken every day. But in severe cases we have to inject the medicine in high doses, said Dr Rao.

Mild cravings can be managed at home, the doctor says.

If people have mild symptoms it comes in waves  and people can control it by focussing on other activities such as listening to music, watching movies. It is extremely important to remain engaged; people might be irritable because of the lockdown and the cravings will add to it, said Dr Rao.

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Actor Rupert Grint attends Apple TV+'s "Servant" World Premiere at BAM Howard Gilman Opera House on November 19, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/WireImage)

Harry Potter star Rupert Grint is expecting his first child with actress girlfriend Georgia Groome.

The pair proclaimed their excitement as they shared news via a representative on Friday (10 April) and have asked for privacy.

The statement reads: Rupert Grint and Georgia Groome are excited to announce they are expecting a baby and would please ask for privacy at this time.

Read more: Daniel Radcliffe reveals starring as Harry Potter made him an alcoholic

The 31-year-old became a household name after being cast as the role of Ron Weasley, wizarding sidekick to Harry Potter in the hugely successful movie franchise which spanned eight films, Grint enjoying a starring role in each.

Georgia Groome attends the UK premiere of 'Double Date' at The Soho Hotel on October 10, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)

He played the character between 2001 and 2011, starting as an 11-year-old with next to no acting experience.

Groome, herself a child actress, had starring roles in 2006 crime drama London To Brighton and 2008 teenage dating comedy Angus, Thongs And Perfect Snogging.

The pair have been an item since 2011, though their relationship has largely been kept under wraps.

Grint has discussed fatherhood in the past. He told The Guardian: "Turning 30 felt strange. It just doesnt feel like Im there yet and I dont know what the future holds.

"Im just going to go with the flow, keep playing interesting characters and see what happens.

"Id like to settle down and have kids soon. If I had a son, would I call him Ron?

"Its quite a good name, but probably not. And Grints a tough name to pair a one-syllable first name with."

Read more: Daniel Radcliffe thinks Harry Potter will get another reboot

While former co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson have enjoyed Hollywood success since final movie Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows - Part 2, Grint has mainly focussed on television.

His roles include Sky One comedy Sick Note, crime drama Snatch and Agatha Christie adaption The ABC Murders.

His last movie role was 2015 French film Moonwalkers. He also voiced Josh in Postman Pat: The Movie in 2014.
Six times in three weeks, Marci Rosenberg and her ailing husband and teenage children tried to get tested for the new coronavirus  only to be turned away each time, either for not meeting narrow testing criteria or because there simply were not enough tests available.

All the while, the Bellaire family of four grew sicker as their fevers spiked and their coughs worsened. They said they fell one by one into an exhaustion unlike any they had felt before.

By March 18, Rosenberg was desperate and pleaded with her doctor for a test. Dr. Lisa Ehrlich, an internal medicine physician, told Rosenberg to pull into her office driveway. But Ehrlich warned Rosenberg, I can only test one of you. She swabbed her throat through an open car window. The result came back the next day: positive.

PANDEMIC EXPERT: Coronavirus will have 5 stages. We're in stage 2 in Houston.

The rest of her family was presumed to be positive but untested - and thus excluded from any official tally of the disease.

As the number of confirmed cases of the potentially deadly virus continues to explode across the Houston region - tripling from 1,000 to more than 3,000 in just the past week - there is mounting evidence that the true scope of the disease here could be far worse than the numbers indicate.

A Houston Chronicle analysis of testing data collected through Wednesday shows that Texas has the second-worst rate of testing per capita in the nation, with only 332 tests conducted for every 100,000 people. Only Kansas ranks lower, at 327 per 100,000 people.

In cities across Texas  from Houston to Dallas, San Antonio to Nacogdoches  testing continues to be fraught with missteps, delays and shortages, resulting in what many predict will ultimately be a significant undercount. Not fully knowing who has or had the disease both skews public health data and also hampers treatment and prevention strategies, potentially leading to a higher death count, health care experts say.

In Houston, the nations fourth-largest city, officials worry that because the number of confirmed cases is lower than other major U.S. cities, the situation here may seem less serious. The federal government announced plans to cut 25 percent of its funding to help administer the citys two testing sites and relocate six federal public health workers who help manage the sites.

Dr. David Persse, Health Authority for the Houston Health Department, protested the decision as a monumental step backwards, in a letter this week to Erica Schwartz, deputy U.S. surgeon general. On Thursday, the federal government agreed to extend funding for both the city and county testing sites through May 30.

The total testing volume for all four Houston-area sites, two run by city and two run by the county, has been capped at 1,000 people per day until Saturday, when federal officials pledged to double that capacity.

Without robust testing we have no idea of our true numbers, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has said. You can look at the numbers we have (of confirmed cases) and multiply them by 10.

Slow to start

As the pandemics march quickened, Texas was slow to ramp up testing.

The first confirmed case in Texas, outside those under federal quarantine from a cruise ship, was March 4, striking a Houston area man in his 70s who lived in Fort Bend county and had recently traveled abroad. By months end, the Houston area had more than 1,000 confirmed cases. A week later, the number had pushed past 3,000.

Yet it was not until March 30 that the rate of testing per 100,000 people in Texas topped 100. As of Wednesday, the state was testing 327 per 100,000, according to a Chronicle analysis of data from The COVID Tracking Project, which collects information nationwide on testing primarily from state health departments, and supplements with reliable news reports and live press conferences.

Twenty-six states in the U.S. are testing at least double the number of patients per capita as Texas, in some cases six times more. New York, for instance, is testing 1,877 per 100,000 people while neighboring Louisiana is testing 1,622 per 100,000. Even smaller states, such as New Mexico, are testing triple the rate of Texas.

Texas officials defended the states response.

Weve consistently seen about 10 percent of tests coming back positive, which indicates there is enough testing for public health surveillance, said Chris Van Deusen, a spokesman for the Department of State Health Services, in an email, If we saw 40 or 50 percent or more of test coming back positive, wed be concerned that there could be a large number of cases out there going unreported, but that has not been the case.

It is unclear if that is a reliable measure. Nearly 41 percent of New York tests were positive, the second-highest rate in the country. In Texas, about 9.4 percent of tests were positive  roughly the same as Washington state, where one of the largest outbreaks of coronavirus has occurred.

At a news conference this week, Gov. Greg Abbott downplayed any problems with testing. The bottom line is whatever the source may be, we are seeing more testing achieved in the state of Texas, he said.

The stakes for better testing could not be higher. Without widespread testing, experts said, it is impossible to fully quantify how many people have the disease and to identify hotspots. Public health officials have said they need to establish a large enough baseline to see patterns, deploy resources and ultimately calculate mortality rates.

As of Saturday, the number of confirmed cases nationwide had grown to more than 526,00 with more than 20,000 deaths. The number of deaths in Texas was 271.

Rural trouble to come?

In early March, when the national number of confirmed cases was just reaching triple digits, University of Texas researchers in Austin began examining the virus potential spread using models originally developed when the Zika virus swept the world in 2016.

In both instances, testing capacity was low and many who were infected never showed symptoms, which led to underestimates of the diseases true toll, said Spencer Fox, a research associate and data scientist at the university.

We found that even if a county has only one or two cases, said Fox, whose research is currently under peer review, those cases likely signal that there is a growing epidemic in the county even if they dont detect it.

That could spell trouble for the states small towns and rural areas, where even a single reported case means that the virus could already be spreading.

On March 13, President Donald Trump declared the outbreak a national emergency and announced a government partnership with the medical lab industry to greatly expand testing. It was to be a rescue mission of sorts, tapping the infrastructure and expertise of the private sector to streamline the process and stave off critics who complained not nearly enough people were being tested.

A week later, Houston followed other cities around the country and opened its first drive-thru testing site at Butler Stadium, reserved initially for first responders and health care workers with a promise to expand to others who were showing symptoms or considered high risk.

A second city site was opened recently, bringing the total in the area to four, including two Harris County sites. The total testing volume for all four was originally capped at 1,000 people per day. Meanwhile, hospitals, clinics and doctors offices forged their own agreements with private labs or created their own tests.

Almost immediately, demand outstripped resources at every step of the process. Lines at testing sites snaked for miles, testing supplies and the tests themselves grew scarce as did the protective gear needed to safely administer them. The wait for results went from a few days to up to two weeks. Meanwhile, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance has continued to shift, leading to even more confusion and delays.

Quest Diagnostics, one of the two major commercial labs that won a government testing contract, said in late March it had a backlog of 160,000 tests as its labs were overwhelmed. Since then the company has said its backlog has been cut in half.

LabCorp, the other major lab, said in an emailed statement Saturday it continues to do everything it can to ensure that healthcare providers and patients receive their test results as quickly as possible. The company acknowledged that in the early days some results took longer than anticipated but more recently the turnaround after picking up a specimen is usually two to four days.

Other players are now entering the marketplace, with a spate of new rapid-return testing options soon to be available that come with promises to boost the number of tests given and processed. But roll out remains spotty and a timeline unclear.

At Legacy Community Health, a network of clinics that serve Houstons poor and uninsured, the number of people being tested has shrunk dramatically. When testing began there March 16, as many as 160 people per day across 15 clinics could be tested. Today, at best, only 30 a day are tested, said Dr. Vian Nguyen, chief medical officer at Legacy.

When testing launched, anyone with symptoms plus exposure to someone with the virus or who traveled could get a test at Legacy, she said. But as the system bogged down and supplies became tight, testing criteria became limited to health care workers and first responders, followed by high-risk patients who were exhibiting symptoms - leaving countless people, many who were also sick, shut out.

It is clear that supply chain issues are driving our testing criteria and access to testing sites, rather than the need for clinical assessment and data collection, said Nguyen, adding that the criteria could broaden as more supplies become available.

She and others say a more realistic option, especially amid talk of reopening businesses, is a pivot toward antibody testing to detect if a person has developed a resistance to the virus. While unknown if once infected a person can get covid-19 again, the presumption is they would be at least partly protected.

As a doctor I have no idea where to tell my patients to go to get tested, said Dr. Marrie Richards, a Houston family practitioner.

One of her patients, a restaurant worker in his 40s who was clearly sick, went to a testing site in Katy on March 31 and waited in his car six hours. The location closed before he reached the front of the line. Richards said he returned the next day, arriving an hour before it opened, and waited two more hours before finally being tested. His results came back positive.

Richards scoffs at the idea that most people who are ill will wait nine hours for testing. They will just never know, she says. Nor will they be counted.

Two negatives, one positive

Back before things got really bad, before the city shut down, Courtney Scobie got her hair cut.

The 42-year-old wrestled mightily with whether to keep her appointment on March 18. The rodeo had been cancelled and schools had just been closed, but like many in Houston at the time, she was not sure of her risk. She decided to proceed with caution: the salon would be mostly empty, her hairdresser had sanitized his station thoroughly, and they skipped their usual hug.

Four days later, on Sunday, March 22, she got a text from him asking to call immediately. She knew. And started to cry.

Her hairdresser, who during their appointment had no idea he was infected, had just tested positive. He thinks he picked up the virus from a client before Scobie, who was also asymptomatic at the time but was later hospitalized.

Mostly she was mad at herself. Why did I have to go do that? she thought, I felt really dumb. I felt really guilty that I could expose my family. Later that night her fever kicked in.

She called several doctors who told her she was ineligible for testing because she did not have an underlying health issue. She was to quarantine and assume she had the virus. On March 25, her husband found a physician who tested her for $60 for the office visit plus $125 for the test. The next day she learned she tested positive.

Forty-eight hours later, her husband, Bruce Scobie, who has a history of asthma, began coughing. On March 28, he was tested at an urgent care clinic. The next day he was in the emergency room with shortness of breath but released. A few days later his test came back negative.

Scobies husband has since been tested twice more by the same physician who tested Scobie. The doctors idea was to try to compare results because so many did not make sense. Out of his three tests, two were negative, one positive.

Public health experts now warn that the typical swab tests can have up to a 30 percent false negative rate, depending on how they are administered.

Tuesday morning, just after 4:30 a.m., Bruce Scobie could not breathe. He was taken by ambulance to Memorial Hermann Southwest and admitted. Doctors suspect pneumonia linked to COVID-19.

Nowhere in the numbers

Marci Rosenberg has no idea how her family became exposed to the virus. The best guess is it happened sometime in February when she and her 15-year-old daughter, Mimi, went to New York City. The teenager was the first to get sick, diagnosed with a bronchial infection and given antibiotics which did not fully work. She seemed to get better briefly but then fell ill again.

The first time Rosenberg asked for a test for Mimi was in late February, back when the virus had landed hard in other parts of the world but had yet to find a foothold in the U.S. They looked at me like I was crazy, she said. The first confirmed case in New York was March 1. The incubation period for the virus can be up to 14 days.

In the coming weeks there would be five more attempts for either Mimi, herself, or for her husband, Ben Samuels. The couples son, Ethan, also soon became ill. There is little doubt, Rosenbergs doctor said, that they all have covid-19 although only one was tested.

Its certain that me, my daughter and my son are nowhere in the numbers, said Samuels, And were not certain Marci is either.

After her positive result the couple scoured reports of confirmed cases, which only listed basic demographic information. Rosenberg is 52. In the immediate time surrounding her test, there was only one woman in the 50 to 59 age range but unlike Rosenberg that woman was listed as hospitalized.

Further, the couple was told a public health official would call to begin the process known as contact tracing to track down those who they might have infected. To this day no one has called them, they said. So, instead they began their own backtracking, warning roughly 30 people they may have exposed.

In a seven-block radius at least eight people the family had contact with are now or have been sick recently. Only one was tested, which came back negative. So none will show up in the citys count.

Of course there is an undercount, said Samuels, who added his family is now slowly on the mend. The numbers you hear are totally useless.

Staff writer John Tedesco contributed.

jenny.deam@chron.com

twitter.com/jenny_deam
Kulgam: An encounter is currently underway between security forces and terrorists at Damhal Hanji Pora of Kulgam district, the Kashmir Zone Police said.

#Encounter has started between Police/SFs and terrorists at DH Pora #Kulgam. Further details shall follow. @JmuKmrPolice  Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) April 10, 2020

Earlier, Pakistan had violated the ceasefire in Mendhar and Balakote sectors in Jammu and Kashmir`s Poonch district on Friday (April 10, 2020) night at 10.30 pm.

Pakistan initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with small arms and intense mortar shelling along the LoC at Balakote and Mendhar sectors.

The Indian Army is retaliating befittingly, officials said.

Police officials said Pakistan violated the ceasefire in Uri area of Baramulla district as well.

Earlier on Friday, the Indian Army had carried out precision attacks on terrorist launch pads in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) responding to ceasefire violations by Pakistan Army.

A defence spokesperson said the Indian Army retaliated "effectively and strongly" to the ceasefire violation in Keran sector in Kupwara district this afternoon, with precision targeting of gun areas, terrorist launchpads and ammunition dump across the LoC.

More details are awaited.
Over nearly three decades, Tilmon and Jamie Brown have become accustomed to strangers knocking on, and even trying to open, their front door in downtown Mobile. And you cant really blame visitors for trying to get into the place that looks like it could be a restaurant, or possibly a museum that might be open for tours, with a historical marker out front and the word Creole etched in the brick above the upstairs windows.

While it was originally built as a fire station, its been the Browns family home since the mid-1990s. Now that the couple are empty-nesters, theyve decided to try to sell their beloved, unusual home.

Downtown Mobile was a wasteland, Tilmon says, when he started looking at properties there. He found an abandoned, two-story brick building with a collapsed roof that intrigued him. Theres no way to describe the condition, he says. Still, he bought it, sight-unseen, at a courthouse sale.

At the time, he had no idea of the buildings history. Things began to reveal themselves, he says, during the renovation. Over time, he realized the importance of the long-neglected structure.

Designed by Mobile architect James H. Hutchisson and built in 1869, the building on North Dearborn Street originally served as the Creole Fire Station No. 1. The fire station became a cultural center for the Creole community, as the historical marker explains. Some 200 weddings were held there, and its where the Excelsior Band  a staple of Mobile Mardi Gras parades  originated.

The arched central bay is where the firefighters would board a horse-drawn fire truck. The horses were kept in a stable to one side. Upstairs, four firefighters were on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They slept in their barracks, ready to slide down the fire pole and harness the horses when the bell rang signaling a fire.

I wanted to maintain its integrity as a fire station but didnt want to go over the top, Tilmon says. I tried to tastefully keep it a fire station without changing much. It came out really, really nice.

The result was a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath, 3,465-square-foot house. The downstairs living room is 45 feet long, with a 16-foot ceiling. The former horse stable is now the kitchen and two bedrooms. Upstairs, the former barracks is the master bedroom, and the front parlor where the firepole originates was once the room where weddings, Mardi Gras balls and parties were held.

The original brass firepole was missing, but Tilmon found another one of the same era in Canada. Theres rarely a male who visits who doesnt want to slide down that pole, he says. More often, he and Jamie use it as a laundry chute.

A semi-retired general contractor and developer, Tilmon has incorporated several other architectural salvage finds into the back patio, such as cast-iron columns that once stood in Bienville Square, bricks from the OGwynn Building at Conti and Conception streets, and marble from the old post office on St. Joseph Street.

Inside the house, the arches on the front of the building continue in the main room. Three French doors create a stunning arched window in the dining area at one end. The arches are also repeated on the fencing outside. The heart pine floors upstairs are original to the building, but downstairs concrete had been poured over the original brick. Tilmon bought heart pine timbers from an old cotton warehouse in Mississippi to match the floors upstairs.

The Creole Fire Company, the first volunteer fire company in the state of Alabama, operated until the turn of the century, when the city took over the privately operated fire departments. The fire station was in operation until the mid-1920s.

The building was vacant for a while, until it was purchased by the 7-Up Bottling Company. Later, it was an upholstery shop servicing Automobile Alley on nearby St. Louis Street. Then it was abandoned for the next 30 years or so, until it caught Tilmons eye.

Because of its importance to the Creole community, the home is on the Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail. I cant tell you how many descendants of firemen have thanked us for saving the fire station, Tilmon says.

The Browns have enjoyed watching downtown Mobile grow and change dramatically in the years theyve lived in the former fire station. Cathedral Square didnt exist when they moved there. They never had to go to Mardi Gras parades, Tilmon jokes; Mardi Gras came to them. We could sit here and hear the drums beating, then walk to the parade three minutes before it came by, he says.

He and Jamie have purchased land in Silverhill, where they are building a new home. Tilmon says he intends to become a gentleman farmer.

They know theyll miss their one-of-a-kind home in the heart of downtown Mobile, though. It has been a joy to live in such a unique place, Tilmon says. Its time to move on and let another family enjoy what weve enjoyed.
The worldwide death toll from the coronavirus has surged past 100,000 as the epidemic in the US cut a widening swathe through not just New York City but the entire three-state metropolitan area of 20 million people connected by a tangle of subways, trains and buses.

In the bedroom communities across the Hudson River in New Jersey, to the east on Long Island and north to Connecticut, officials were recording some of the worst outbreaks in the country, even as public health authorities expressed optimism that the pace of infections appeared to be slowing.

As of Friday, the New York metropolitan area accounted for more than half the nation's over 18,000 deaths, with other hot spots in places such as Detroit, Louisiana and Washington, DC.

Nurses and healthcare workers from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York form the word 'hope' with candles for colleagues who have died from coronavirus. Source: Getty Images

"Once it gets into the city, there are so many commuters and travel, it gets everywhere," said Matt Mazewski, a Columbia University economics student who tried to get away from the epicentre by leaving his apartment near the New York City campus for his parents' house.

Worldwide, the number of deaths hit another sad milestone as it surpassed 100,000, as tallied by Johns Hopkins University, while confirmed infections reached about 1.7 million.

The US is on track to overtake Italy as the country with the highest number of dead, though the true figures on infections and lives lost around the world are believed be much higher because of limited testing, government cover-ups and different counting practices.

In places such as New York, Italy and Spain, for example, many victims who died outside a hospital - say, in a house or a nursing home - have not been included in the count.

Workers use a concrete mixer loaded with disinfectants to clean streets in Ecuador. Residents had complained of smells coming from the cemetery. Source: Getty Images

With Christians around the world heading into Easter weekend, public health officials and religious leaders alike urged people to stay home, warning that violating lockdowns and social distancing rules could cause the virus to come storming back.

Authorities in Europe put up roadblocks, used helicopters and drones, and cited drivers who had no good reason to be out.

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Even in places where the crisis seemed to be easing, the daily death totals were hard to bear.

"I understand intellectually why it's happening," said Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York, where deaths rose by 777, to more than 7,800. "It doesn't make it any easier to accept."

But New York officials also said the number of people in intensive care dropped for the first time since mid-March and hospitalisations were slowing: 290 new patients in a single day, compared with daily increases of more than 1,000 last week.

Mr Cuomo said that if the trend holds, New York might not need the overflow field hospitals that officials have been scrambling to build.

Warning of deadly resurgence amid calls to reopen economies

For several days, two of the globe's other worst-hit places, Italy and Spain, reported that new infections, hospitalisations and deaths have been levelling off even as the daily death tolls remain shocking.

Spain recorded 605 more deaths, its lowest figure in more than two weeks, bringing its overall toll to more than 15,800. Italy reported 570 additional deaths for a total of more than 18,800.

With some signs of hope emerging, questions intensified about when restrictions might be loosened.

Spain said factories and construction sites could resume work Monday, while schools, most shops and offices will remain closed. In Italy, there were pleas to restart manufacturing.

Medical workers move a dead patient into a refrigerated truck serving as a makeshift morgue in Brooklyn, New York. Source: Getty Images

Though US President Donald Trump insisted he would not lift restrictions until it's safe, he announced an "Opening our Country" task force and said, "I want to get it open as soon as possible."

The head of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warned that easing restrictions prematurely could "lead to a deadly resurgence" of infections.

Italy, Ireland and Greece were among the countries extending lockdown orders into May.

As the threat receded in some places, it increased elsewhere. In the US, Michigan announced 205 new deaths Friday, its highest daily total, up from 117 a day earlier. In Europe, Britain recorded 980 new deaths, likewise a one-day high, for close to 9,000 dead in all.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson remained hospitalised with the virus but was out of intensive care. His father, Stanley Johnson, said the prime minister needs to "rest up" before returning to work.

On Good Friday, some churches worldwide held services online, while others arranged prayers at drive-in theatres.

In Paris, services were broadcast from a nearly empty, closed-to-the-public Notre Dame Cathedral, still heavily scarred from a fire a year ago.

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.
Lerato Chondoma hasn't stopped crying for more than a week. Her C-section delivery at B.C. Women's Hospital in Vancouver is booked for the last week in April and her list of worries grows by the day.

As a single parent of a five-year-old, and soon a newborn, she worries about managing postpartum recovery in isolation with two children. Her mum, who had planned to fly in to help, is stuck at home in Lesotho because of travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Will I fall asleep and not hear my child? Or will I miss something because I'm too tired? I really worry about those first couple of days and hours being alone," said Chondoma, a UBC researcher who lives in Vancouver.

The hospital itself is also a worry these days. Chondoma worries her baby could be exposed to COVID-19. She worries that she could bring the virus home to her asthmatic son.

She is not the only expectant mother with worries.

Birth doulas in B.C. are reporting increased anxiety among their third trimester clients as they grapple with the prospect of bringing new life into hospitals the public is being told to avoid for safety reasons.

The rise of home birthing

Some pregnant women, like Nathalia Gama, who are planning a low-risk, vaginal birth, are choosing to skip the hospital altogether.

After discussing the possibility with her midwife and her doula, Gama, who lives in Vancouver, took the last-minute decision to switch from hospital to home birth when COVID-19 concerns ramped up in late March.

There is some evidence Gama will not be alone in her choice this year, and B.C. midwives are preparing.

Submitted by Rebekah Nathan

Marella Falat of Westside Midwives said in an email her practice in Vancouver has seen a 25-50 per cent increase in inquiries about home birthing in recent weeks. Falat has heard from midwives in other practices that they are seeing a similar jump in queries.

Another surge is likely during this pandemic, said Louise Aerts of the B.C. College of Midwives, who said the 2003 SARS outbreak saw a rise in home births in Canada.

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New hospital precautions

However, most deliveries will still occur in hospitals this year.

Giving birth is the No. 1 reason for hospitalization in Canada and health authorities are taking extra measures to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 during labour and delivery.

Here's what to expect if you're expecting in B.C. this spring:

Screening: People in labour and their support people will be screened at the entrance of all B.C. hospitals for symptoms of the virus and support people may not be admitted if they are symptomatic.

Reduced visitation: For maternity in-patients, one support person plus one registered doula will be admitted. No other visitors are allowed into hospitals after delivery.

No nitrous oxide: Most hospitals are no longer offering this pain management option during labour.

No baths or showers: Some hospitals, including all Interior Health labour wards, are not allowing showers or baths during labour. In other health authority areas, bathtubs will be available at the discretion of hospital management. St Paul's Hospital in Vancouver is allowing bathtub use.

Possible early discharge: The B.C. Centre for Disease Control recommends discharging parents and babies as soon as medically appropriate to reduce the risk of exposure. Interior Health and Island Health authorities have confirmed they are releasing maternity patients as soon as it is safe to do so.

Submitted by Rebekah Nathan

Mental health toll

Alongside these practical changes, birth doula Rebekah Nathan is reminding her clients at Eventide Birth to consider their mental health.

Nathan has spent more than two decades advising birthing families to plan for increased, in-person support from loved ones. Now she's helping families grapple with the possibility of labouring alone and returning home alone.

"Generally, birth is happening in a community," she said. "Now it's potentially going to be with people wearing masks and people you don't know ... there's a sadness for people."

If you have a COVID-19-related story we should pursue that affects British Columbians, please email us at impact@cbc.ca.
India on Saturday despatched a medical rapid response team to Kuwait to boost the West Asian countrys fight against the Covid-19 pandemic by helping in the testing and treatment of infected people.

The Indian government has created several rapid response teams following the Covid-19 outbreak and it recently offered to send them to friendly countries to help in efforts to prevent and control the spread of the Coronavirus. The 15-member Indian team was sent at the request of the Kuwait government.

The team of Indian doctors and healthcare professionals will supplement the efforts of the government ofKuwait in the collective fight against global Covid-19 pandemic, the external affairs ministry said in a statement.

The team, which was flown to Kuwait in an Indian Air Force aircraft, is expected to stay there for two weeks, during which it will render medical assistance in testing and treatment of the afflicted persons and training [Kuwaiti] personnel, the statement said.

Indias RAPID RESPONSE TEAM arrives in Kuwait. Follow up to the discussion between our two Prime Ministers on #COVID19. Underlines the special friendship between India and Kuwait, external affairs minister S Jaishankar tweeted.

India is reaching out to Kuwait in the extended neighbourhood to further complement its efforts to fight the menace effectively, the statement said.

India earlier sent a similar team to the Maldives and has plans to send another to Nepal.

The deputation of the Indian experts followed the phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Sabah al-Khaled al-Hamad al-Sabah on April 1, when the leaders agreed on concerted and coordinated efforts against the pandemic.

Jaishankar and his Kuwaiti counterpart also had a telephone conversation to discuss the situation in Kuwait and to explore ways to strengthen cooperation during these challenging times, the ministry said.

India and Kuwait have a strong partnership based on historical, cultural, economic and people-to-people-contacts. Indians constitute the largest group of expatriates in Kuwait, with an estimated population of about 1 million and their annual remittances are estimated at $4.8 billion.

India has also been among Kuwaits top 10 trading partners, with bilateral trade worth $6.2 billion during 2015-16 despite a drop in the value of Indias imports due to the fall in oil prices and a cut in the volume of oil imports from Kuwait.

During his conversation with Modi, the Kuwaiti prime minister said his country greatly values the contributions of the Indian community and will continue to ensure their safety and welfare in the current situation.
PM Modi to visit Manipur, Tripura on Jan 4 to inaugurate several Developmental projects

Night curfew in Tripura from Monday; Theatres, parks, bars to operate at 50% capacity

SC restrains Tripura cops from acting on notice to Twitter against journalist's tweets on violence

Tripura reports 2nd coronavirus case

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Agartala, Apr 11: A 32-year-old man tested positive for COVID-19 in Tripura taking the total number of such cases in the state to two, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said on Friday.

The man, who is from Madhya Pradesh, is presently staying at Damcherra in North Tripura district, he said.

He has travelled in a train along with the state's first COVID-19 patient, Chief Minister said.

What does your child think about the coronavirus lockdown: Send us their thoughts

"Alert! One more #COVID19 positive case in Tripura has been confirmed, taking the total number to 02."

"The patient is 32 years old male from Madhya Pradesh and currently staying at Damcherra and has travelled along with the last COVID19 positive patient in train," Deb said in a Facebook post.

Tripura reported its first case on Monday when a 44-year-old woman from Udaipur town in Gomati district had tested positive for coronavirus.

The Chief Minister appealed to people not to panic as the government is taking all measures to contain the spread of the disease.

"Don't panic, we are taking all possible measures to keep everyone secure. Stay home stay safe and cooperate with government," the CM's social media post reads.

Fake News Buster

Meanwhile, the state government earmarked buildings in two of its state-run hospitals to set up dedicated facilities for treatment of coronavirus patients.

Health secretary Debashish Basu said the state government has decided to notify NTI building of Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) Hospital Complex as "dedicated COVID health centre".

Similarly, the NTH-2 block of Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) was also notified as an exclusive facility for the treatment of patients infected with the dreaded virus.

According to latest reports, 844 people are currently under quarantine in the state while 685 of them are in home isolation.
Amid the lockdown in wake of coronavirus outbreak, Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday flew dedicated sorties for Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and airlifted around 9000 Kg of raw material from various nodal points for producing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at the production facilities of DRDO.

IAF also airlifted N95/99 Masks manufactured by DRDO. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is making all efforts to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to the states.

On Friday, the IAF's C-17, C-130, IL-76, An-32 and Dornier aircraft dropped essential commodities at Mumbai, Bengaluru, Guwahati and Leh in the night.

Apart from this, the IAF flew over 140 sorties to ferry loads over 200 tonnes to locations across the country.

The government on March 24 announced a complete lockdown of the entire country for 21 days to fight COVID-19. All road, rail and air services will remain suspended during the lockdown. However, freight movement has been carrying essential commodities across the country.

Essential services like medical shops, petrol pumps, grocery stores milk booths and online shopping have been exempted from the lockdown.

India's total cases of coronavirus on Saturday climbed to 7,529 including 242 deaths and 652 people, who have either been cured or discharged, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Kolkata, April 11 : Taking her battle with the state BJP to the Prime Minister's door, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday requested Narendra Modi to ensure that Union ministers and other leaders maintained courtesy and desisted from making loose comments about her govenrments fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Banerjee's complain to the Prime Minister came on a day when a high-level state BJP delegation met Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar and sought his intervention accusing the administration of suppressing facts about the epidemic and carrying out very low number of tests.

"We are fully cooperating with the centre. Union ministers should also maintain courtesy and desist from making loose comments. Nobody should play dirty games. I said let us work together. This is not the time for politics," Banerjee told mediapersons at the state secretariat Nabanna.

On Friday, Union minister Babul Supriyo had accused the Banerjee-led administration of suppressing facts. Earlier in the day, a five-member state BJP delegation led by its chief Dilip Gosh raised issues regarding the Covid-19 scenario with Dhankhar.

"The delegation indicated that the testing in the state was very low, and about 5000 testing kits have not even being distributed. Wherever testing kits have been sent they are hardly been used.

"The delegation indicated that at Malda, 1,000 testing kits were supplied but there has not been a single test. The situation elsewhere is similarly worrisome," a Raj Bhavan media release said.

The delegation alleged that the Banerjee government was suppressing real time information.

"The confidence of the people in government data is not there at all. It (the delegation) urged the Governor to take steps to ensure that the data is accurate and available to people and media without delay," the Raj Bhavan said.

"The delegation expressed serious concern over doctors and nurses in the hospitals being quarantined one after another. This is on account of poor personal protection equipment (PPE)," it added.

The delegation also submitted to the Governor a representation of the All India Fair Price Shop Dealer's Federation wherein "it was indicated that in various areas, councillors, panchayat members and supporters were creating mental pressure on FPS dealers for subscribing rice and wheat from their shops on the pretext of relief".

They further urged the Governor to save the FPS dealers from undue and illegal demands and also ensure their safety and security," it said.

The BJP leaders also alleged complete opacity of the government with regard to Tablighi Jamaat activists, which has resulted in "not all of them being identified and quarantined".
Transit agencies across the country have taken different approaches in trying to balance both goals. In New York and the San Francisco Bay area, transit officials continued to run full service for weeks to make sure medical workers and others in essential roles could rely on regular service, but they have recently cut back because of worker shortages and safety. TransIT, the bus system in Frederick County, Md., recently started requiring passengers to wear masks to board. Petersburg Area Transit in Virginia shut down bus service briefly because of the public safety risk only to restart it after an outcry.
A customs officer gives water to pangolins before a news conference at the customs department in Bangkok September 26, 2011 after stopping the truck carrying it on its way to China (Reuters). The acting executive secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity Elizabeth Maruma Mrema called on countries to ban wildlife markets that sell live and dead animals for human consumption to prevent pandemics. (Photo : Reuters Connect )

The acting executive secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity Elizabeth Maruma Mrema called on countries to ban "wildlife markets" that sell live and dead animals for human consumption to prevent pandemics.

China has issued a temporary ban on wildlife markets, where animals from the wild are crammed in small cages and kept in unsanitary conditions.

Scientists and conservationists have called on China to make the ban on wildlife permanent to prevent another COVID-19 pandemic from happening again. According to Jinfeng Zhou, secretary-general of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation, a global ban on wet markets will facilitate wildlife conservation and allow protection from improper contacts with wildlife. "More than 70% of human diseases are from wildlife, and many species are endangered by eating them," she added.

The role of biodiversity in disease prevention

Mrema cited Ebola in west-central Africa and the Nipah virus in East Asia as an example of the destruction of nature and inflicting new human illnesses. The United Nations, in its "state of knowledge review" of biodiversity and human health in 2015, emphasized the role of biodiversity in disease prevention rather than the 'one germ, one disease' approach.

Recent research showed that biodiversity protection could prevent novel diseases from emerging. In diverse ecosystems separated from human habitation, not all species are susceptible to or transmitters of disease. Viruses may appear, but it does not make a huge impact. As people moved in, the system of protection gets disrupted. Big predators are hunted or targeted first, leaving behind small organisms that have a shorter life span, reproduce in large numbers, and have a more stable immune system. Deadly pathogens emerge when only a few of the species that are carrying the disease are left and are thriving near people.

A study done by One Health Institute from the University of California, Davis revealed that "virus spillover risk" from wildlife to people increases as contact between them is increased. The study further cited that almost half of the diseases such as SARS, Ebola, West Nile, Lyme, MERS, that were transmitted from animals to humans since the 1940s can be traced to conversion in land use, agriculture, and wildlife hunting. The study estimated that there might be 10,000 mammalian viruses potentially dangerous to people.

In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, Mrema is optimistic that the world would take the consequences of the destruction of natural habitats when the countries return to negotiate the post2020 framework for biodiversity billed or the Paris Agreement for nature.

She said that conserving ecosystems and biodiversity will reduce the prevalence of this disease. The way we farm, use the soils, protect coastal ecosystems, and treat our forests will either destroy us or help us live longer, she explained.

Mrema also warned against the reactionary approach to wildlife in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Communities that are dependent on wildlife trade should be given alternative livelihoods to prevent the opening of illegal trade in animals, which has led some species to the brink of extinction. "We need to look at how we balance that and close the hole of illegal trade in the future," she added.
British academics including a former disgraced lecturer accused of whitewashing the Syrian regime have shared conspiracy theories about the coronavirus online.

The Organisation for Propaganda Studies, co-founded by Piers Robinson, tweeted a YouTube interview last week entitled 'Is Coronavirus The New 9/11?'

In that video, Dr Robinson called Covid-19 a 'low fatality virus' with 'no indication that it's significantly different from what we see with major flu outbreaks every year'.

He alleges that 'propagandistic information' has created 'so much hype around it, there is so much fear', according to The Times.

Dr Robinson said: 'The question is who was involved in influencing, arranging, and which states, including from within the US political system.

'And if that's the case with 9/11 it's perfectly possible that there are actors at play in relation to this. Some people have talked about bioweapons.'

It comes as communications masts around the UK have been destroyed after unfounded claims 5G technology was causing the coronavirus to spread went viral.

Piers Robinson (pictured) called the coronavirus a 'low fatality virus' with 'no indication that it's significantly different from what we see with major flu outbreaks every year'

On Friday, the UK recorded 980 coronavirus-linked deaths, taking the total toll to 8,958

The Times named that academics who are accused of sharing bogus coronavirus theories, including environmental political theory professor Tim Hayward of the University of Edinburgh, and New York University professor Mark Crispin Miller.

Prof Crispin Miller, another director of the OPS, has written that the coronavirus 'may be an artificially created bioweapon'. He was approached for comment.

This week, Prof Hayward retweeted a Canadian environmentalist's claim that the WEF, UN, and Imperial College London might be part of a plot to exploit the pandemic by promoting vaccines and creating gene-modified flu-resistant chickens.

He also tweeted Oliver Stone, who made a SHOWTIME series on Vladimir Putin, speculating on whether the virus could have been a biological attack on China.

It comes as communications masts around the UK have been destroyed after unfounded claims 5G technology was causing the coronavirus to spread went viral

Prof Hayward told The Times: 'If I retweet interesting tweets by an influential public figure, I think it is up to other people what they make of it.

'If controversial ideas are not discussed, mistakes cannot be revealed.'

The OPS defended its associated thinkers, claiming: 'Its function is to scrutinise propaganda and intelligence campaigns, specifically examining the role of British media organisations in amplifying those state propaganda campaigns.'

Prof Hayward, along with Prof David Miller and Dr Robinson, are members of the OPS, a vehicle accused of whitewashing the Syrian regime.

Dr Robinson is also a founder of the Working Group on Syria, Propaganda and Media, whose declared aim is to examine various accounts of the conflict in Syria.

Shocking footage shows a 5G tower burning to the ground in Sparkhill, Birmingham

He lectured at Liverpool University from from 1999 to 2005 and became a Senior Lecturer in International Politics at Manchester University until 2015.

Dr Robinson was the Chair in Politics, Society and Political Journalism at Sheffield University but left this post and the university in 2019.

At the time, he was accused by academics of promoting baseless conspiracy theories and of 'having no interest in truth or justice'.

Dr Robinson has appeared on Russian state channels RT and Sputnik, where he has defended a Russian regime 'demonised' by Western countries.
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Linkedin Patrick Galey (Agence France-Presse) Paris  Sat, April 11, 2020 10:00 640 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd124396 2 Environment global-warming,environment,species Free

Global warming will cause "catastrophic" biodiversity loss across the world if greenhouse gas emissions aren't curbed, with some ecosystems liable to collapse as soon as 2030, according to new research into where and when die-offs may occur.

Earth has never in human history warmed so quickly or uniformly as currently, but a variety of factors affect temperatures in individual regions, with significant seasonal and geographic variation.

Scientists predict that at the current level of manmade carbon emissions, Earth is on course to heat up to four degrees Celsius by 2100.

Instead of looking at global trends, researchers in Britain, the United States and South Africa looked at more than 150 years of climate data and cross-referenced that with the spread of more than 30,000 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and fish.

They then divided the globe into 100 square kilometer segments, and modeled the temperature trends and effects this would have on wildlife in a given area.

Writing in the journal Nature, they concluded that under emissions as usual -- known as the RCP8.5 scenario -- up to 73 percent of species will experience unprecedented warming with potentially disastrous effects for populations.

Read also: Why coronavirus could help save China's endangered species

Alex Pigot, from University College London's Center for Biodiversity and Environment, said that the models showed that animal populations were liable to collapse once they cross a temperature "horizon" -- being exposed to heat they're not evolved to handle.

"As we pass this threshold we expect the risk of local extinction to increase substantially," Pigot told AFP.

"It's not a slippery slope, but a series of cliff edges, hitting different areas at different times," he said.

The models change dramatically according to each emissions pathway.

For example, at 4C of warming 15 percent of all animals could see extreme heat that could cause "irreversible damage" to regional ecosystems.

But at 2C of warming -- the cap aimed for in the Paris climate agreement -- that figure dropped to two percent, according to the models.

The researchers predicted that such unprecedented temperature events will begin before 2030 in tropical oceans.

Recent phenomena such as the mass bleaching of the Great Barrier reef suggest this is already occurring in places, the team said, adding that higher latitudes would see similar events by 2050.

Coral reefs occupy a tiny percentage of the oceans but support as much as a quarter of all marine life.

Earth has already heated more than 1C since the Industrial Revolution and planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels are climbing annually.

The United Nations says humanity needs to slash emissions 7.6 percent annually by 2030 in order to limit warming to 1.5C -- the more ambitious aim of the Paris accord.

"As we approach 2C of global warming, there is an alarming escalation in the risks of these abrupt biodiversity losses, providing strong evidence for the need to hold warming below 2C," said Pigot.
The Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Muhammad Nami, recently fielded questions from some journalists in Abuja.

In the interview, the graduate of Bayero and Ahmadu Bello Universities gave insights into the challenges he has faced so far in office and the measures taken to overcome them. He also outlines plans to harness the stamp duty to bolster the nations economy in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. ABDULAZIZ ABDULAZIZ curates parts of the interaction for PREMIUM TIMES.

Q: Briefly, how would you describe your experience thus far as the helmsman at the FIRS?

Nami: I can say so far it has been both exciting and challenging. Exciting because I am practising what I have been doing for almost three decades, and here I am also interacting with some of the best brains there are in the sector.

So it couldnt be more exciting. Its challenging because it appears I am having to build the entire structure of the Service again from the scratch in addition to meeting the huge target set for us by the Federal Government.

So, you can see that it is not an easy ride. But, so far I thank God that we are gradually patching things up. The members of staff have been very cooperative and supportive. They are quite excited now and willing to work harder than before because I have taken steps to return the functions previously given to the consultants back to them so that they can perform optimally.

Q: The public expects that things would change for the better at the FIRS under your watch. What can you list as your achievements in the first 100 days in office leading the service?

Nami: Well, I can say with all sense of modesty that we have achieved a lot since we came on board. Although I would have liked to leave this to posterity but a few points will suffice.

When I came on board, I found that the entire structure of the Service had keeled over. So I had the daunting task of piecing together the pieces. Now, you will agree with me that this is not an easy task considering the fact that FIRS is a large organisation with about 10,000 staff and I am new to both the environment and the staff.

In addition to this, some of the e-platforms on which the operations of the service depend have one issue or the other which required fixing. So far weve been able to couple together the structure and fixed some e-platforms and introduced automation solutions to drive the revenue collection process.

As you can see, I have spent my 100 days basically trying to rebuild the system and the confidence of the staff in the operations of the service. In addition to all these, I want to put on record that we have fast-tracked the issuance of TCCs through the window we provided in January.

We also lifted the lien placed on taxpayers bank accounts by the erstwhile management. These are all geared towards easing payment of taxes as well as creating conducive environment for ease of doing business.

We have also put measures in motion to introduce other e-platforms as a way of ensuring efficient service delivery. In line with this too we have opened new audit offices, segmented tax returns filing, organised stakeholder sensitisation programmes. So were doing a lot of groundwork to improve our collections in the coming months.

Q: The Finance Act 2019 was signed into law recently and came into operation on February 1, 2020. What is in the Act for the individual taxpayer and businesses in terms of tariffs or tax palliatives?

Nami: First of all let me say that the Finance Act is an instrument that is meant to strengthen taxation system in Nigeria and that it is not yet a perfect document. Having said that, the Act contains a number of important palliatives especially for the small businesses.

One of these is the exemption of companies whose turnover is less than N25 million from payment of Company Income Tax but they must file tax returns. Also, the Act stipulates a reduced Company Income tax of 20 per cent for companies whose turnover is from N25 million to N100 million. Again, the Act provides that early payment of tax attracts a bonus of 2 per cent of tax payable for medium size companies and 1 per cent for bigger companies.

Minimum tax computation has also been amended to 0.5 per cent of gross turnover. Bank transfer of N10,000 and above is now to attract stamp duty.

Q: COVID-19 is clubbing the global economy into a coma and a global recession is very likely on the horizon for all countries, including Nigeria. How can the FIRS help the nation out, if indeed, there is something the service can do to help Nigeria in these trying times?

Nami: Yes, youre right. Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is currently ravaging the world economy. This is no doubt a frightening scenario for all nations and the global economy, more so for a developing economy like our own.

No doubt this is a very trying time for business owners and taxpayers generally. We feel for them, we sympathise with their situations right now, and we pray that the world overcomes this dreadful condition as soon as possible so that businesses can thrive again.

Against this seamy economic background, the Federal Inland Revenue Service is saddled with the task of raising N8.5 trillion in revenue this year. We are, however, determined to meet this target to help the three tiers of government fund their 2020 budgets.

We are determined to scale the huddles by doubling up our efforts to collect all taxes due to the federal government even though we are aware that the purchasing parity of Nigerians is dwindling right now and that people are generally reluctant to pay taxes.

The tax culture in Nigeria at the moment is really not encouraging, if you ask me. We are also going to work on that too as we move along. We will apply some level of diligence in collecting taxes particularly indirect taxes like VAT and the stamp duty which the Finance Act 2019 gives us the right to collect.

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The FIRS is determined to do everything possible to insulate the Nigerian economy from a probable downward slide or recession which many are predicting would hit the global economy as a result of the pandemic.

Through the indirect taxes available to government like VAT and stamp duty, etc, we are confident that FIRS would be able to generate enough revenue for the government to fund its 2020 budgetary provisions (particularly the budget deficit) and make good its promise of providing key infrastructures, social amenities, fight insecurity, and stop further borrowing.

Q: You have brought up stamp duty and it is pertinent we bring up the controversy surrounding it in terms of which agency of government has more right to collect it

Nami: Thank you very much for this question. It is not much of a controversy, really. To my mind, I think theres a misunderstanding of the issues involved. Let me use this opportunity to set the matter straight.

We are all educated people and so we should not confuse postage stamp which traditionally belongs to NIPOST with the stamp duty. For the avoidance of doubt, postage stamp is a signage that is affixed on a letter, visa, and in some cases agreements, and it is sold by NIPOST.

The money that accrues from the sales of postage stamp is also remitted to the Federal Governments Single Treasury Account (TSA). The sale of postage stamp by NIPOST is the practice across the world.

On the other hand, stamp duty relates to matters executed between a company and an individual, group or body of individuals. It is a tax on legal documents, deeds of agreements and contracts, electronic transfers, and electronic receipts on transactions in the region of N10,000 and above or transfers in like sum from one current account to another current account.

The position of the law on stamp duty as at today is that it is the responsibility of the FIRS to collect stamp duty on behalf of the Federal Government. This is the tenable position in the light of available evidence.

In the first instance, since 1939 the Federal Board of Inland Revenue (FBIR), which transformed to FIRS in 1958, had been collecting stamp duty. Similarly, the recently gazetted Finance Act 2019 has amended s.4(1) of the Stamp Duty Act contained in S.(8) of the Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 to give the FIRS the sole right of collecting stamp duty on behalf of the Federal Government.

The newly appointed Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Muhammad Nami. [PHOTO CREDIT: BBC]

Also, sometime in 2016, the then Accountant-General of the Federation, issued a circular mandating relevant bodies to remit all stamp duty revenues collected to the FIRS account with the Central Bank. More important, the stamp duties so collected as tax are remitted into the Federation Account for onward disbursement to the three tiers of government, from which NIPOST benefits.

These are the indubitable differences between the claim by both agencies of government. And so, the stamp duty is one key tax we intend tofocus on going forward. We are going to be diligent in collecting Stamp Duty as applicable under extant laws. We are very determined to make sure that all collecting agents of stamp duty, that is, the Money Deposit Banks and MDAs, remit it promptly to the FIRS account with the Central Bank.

Given that the FIRS has the sole right to collect the stamp duty, it has commenced solid arrangements to make stamp duty the goose that lays the golden egg for the federal government to shore up its revenue base in order to beat a likely economic meltdown as a result of the outbreak of the COVID-19.

To achieve this, I recently met with the chief executive officers (CEOs) of banks in Lagos to enlist their support to achieve 100 per cent compliance in stamp duty collection through the use of automation solutions now being rolled out by FIRS.

Q: What was the response like at that meeting?

Nami: Quite enthusiastic, very encouraging. At the meeting, I stressed the need for total compliance and aggressive revenue drive as a means to overcome a looming economic meltdown as a result of the recent crash of oil price from $50 to $29 which is likely to affect our projections in Petroleum Profit Tax.

Of course, this market situation is connected to the economic ravages of COVID-19, which have triggered a global economic lockdown. We cannot pretend that these have no unintended negative consequences on Nigerias economy.

Q: What informs this confidence that the stamp duty is the trump card for the nation in this perilous time for the economy?

Nami: It is from the measures we are putting in place and the volume of revenue that would come from the sector. We are upbeat that revenue from stamp duty collection can rescue the economy from a possible downward slide. We intend to make the stamp duty the goose that lays the golden egg for the federal government.

The good news is that stamp duty has the potential to yield tax revenue in trillions of naira. Presently, there are claims from many quarters that if the records of stamp duty on chargeable transactions as far back as the year 2000 are revisited, as much as N20 trillion unremitted stamp duty revenue are due from agencies charged with collecting it on behalf of the federal government.

This is more than double the year 2020 budget of the Federal Government. Again, from the initial analysis carried out by us regarding chargeable transactions in the banking sector, we discovered that in 2019 alone, the total volume of transactions was over N52 billion.

And that the total value of these transactions was over N613 trillion. You can imagine how much would be realised from this value if a stamp duty of N50 was charged on it. We are currently carrying out analysis of these transactions to determine the actual chargeable transaction. So you can see that my confidence is not misplaced. I assure Nigerians that this is the beginning of good things to happen to Nigeria.

Q: You are assuring the nation that the FIRS is competent enough to collect Stamp Duty, sir?

Nami: Yes, of course, the FIRS is the only agency of government with the right capacity in terms of manpower and technological know-how to track stamp duty collection. Right now we are working with relevant stakeholders to develop a workable remittance solution that will effectively block leakages and bring in more stamp duty revenue to the government.

In due course, we would be bedeploying cutting-edge technology to drive the process of stamp duty collection. Relevant bodies and stakeholders have already been put on notice to support and comply with the process that we have put in place to actualise this objective.

Every stakeholder is urged to be fully prepared to adopt the new compliance programme we are rolling out. So failure to comply is really not an option going forward because the cost of noncompliance is far more punitive than the benefit of compliance.

So I can say without mincing words that the federal government did not make any mistake in entrusting stamp duty collection to the FIRS. In the months and years to come this capacity would be demonstrated in the use of the stamp duty as a flagship tax to rescue the economy from the looming downward slide.

Q: As a parting shot, what would you say to the taxpayers out there, especially the individual or corporate tax-shy or tax-evading Nigerian?

Nami: Well, I want to urge them to continue to pay their taxes as a civic responsibility. You know tax payment has a ripple effect. What you pay as tax goes round and comes back to you in many forms such as salaries, capital fund for businesses, infrastructural development and the provision of social amenities.

If you dont pay your tax, you draw back our country many years. But if you pay your tax, you have the basis to demand for better living condition from your government. So, its the obligation of every citizen to pay his tax.

Q: And a word to government?

Nami: I can only plead with the authorities that as taxes are paid, they should please use it judiciously to fund budgetary projections including timely payment of salaries to workers, provision of social amenities to citizens, fight insecurity to secure lives, property, and businesses, and support ordinary Nigerians in this difficult time.

I will also like to advise the government not to embark on granting tax holidays or tax exemptions at this critical period apart from the palliatives it is already giving through the Bank of Industry, Special Banks, and the Central Bank.

This is the time for every Nigerian to rise up in support of the government by promptly paying taxes. The government should educate Nigerians that in a time of crisis like now, the only way to avoid recession is by paying taxes so that government will not be constrained to go borrowing.
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Linkedin Budi Sutrisno (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, April 11, 2020 07:13 640 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd11a8e7 1 National COVID-19,coronavirus,virus-corona,virus-korona-indonesia,outbreak,social-assistance-funds,social-aid,mudik,Idul-Fitri,exodus Free

In the past several weeks, the government has expanded several social assistance programs for low-income citizens across the country affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

President Joko Jokowi Widodo said on Thursday that the government had made it a top priority to ensure citizens basic needs were met. He also expressed confidence the government could maintain the purchasing power of low-income people during the crisis.

From cash transfers for Jakarta residents to financial aid for bus drivers, these are the programs the government has launched to help low-income citizens during the outbreak:

The President said he hoped the social aid would help dissuade people from participating in the annual Idul Fitri mudik (exodus), which is feared will increase the spread of the disease.

Other than being an annual tradition, Jokowi said people were seeking to return to their hometowns because their businesses had been struggling or because they had lost their jobs due to the crisis.

Read also: COVID-19: Jakarta begins distributing door-to-door social aid

Indonesias poor and underprivileged are at risk of slipping into destitution as the government struggles to balance the economy and adressing the public health crisis.

We are providing social assistance, especially within Greater Jakarta, so residents will refrain from going home, said Jokowi.

The government issued regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) No. 1/2020 on state financial policy and financial system stability, which stipulates a reallocation of Rp 405.1 trillion in state funds to the health sector, social safety net programs and tax incentives.

The President also asked businesspeople and employers to instruct their workers not to return to their respective hometowns and called on members of the community to support underprivileged citizens.

Health experts have urged the government to prevent people from returning to their hometowns for the upcoming Idul Fitri holidays to help flatten the COVID-19 curve. However, the government has only advised people not to participate in mudik, stopping short of imposing a restriction.

Many regions have reported that thousands of people have been arriving from Jakarta for the past few months.

Around 20 million people from around the country travel to their hometowns annually to celebrate Idul Fitri.

As of Friday, the Health Ministry had recorded 1,753 confirmed cases in the capital with 154 fatalities. Nationwide, 3,512 cases and 306 deaths have been recorded.
Professor Jacob Plange-Rhule, the Rector of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, in the early hours of Friday succumbed to complications from Coronavirus, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre, where he had been on a short admission.



Dr Justice Yankson, the General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association, (GMA) confirming the news of his demise to the Ghana News Agency, however, explained that Prof Plange-Rhule had an underlying medical condition.



Dr Yankson said though Prof Plange-Rhule was diagnosed of Covid-19 in Ghana, it was difficult to tell whether he got infected in the line of duty or not.



The World Health Organization said at a briefing on Friday that 10 per cent of health workers globally had been infected with the novel Coronavirus; and urged them to endeavour to protect themselves because of the general weaknesses in public health care.



Meanwhile, the news of Prof Plange-Rhules demise has been received with shock and sorrow by many Ghanaians, especially, the medical community with the outpouring of tributes honouring his huge contribution to professional development and his dedication to saving the sick.



Dr Ernest Yorke, the Greater Accra Chairman of the GMA sums it up: He was a teacher, who mentored many doctors, a passionate advocate of postgraduate education. Prof treated everyone fairly and was very liked by many. You left when we were in the middle of planning the 10th Anniversary of Fiesta. You will be sorely missed, RIP Prof. Jacob Plange-Rhule.



Prof. Plange-Rhule was a former President of the GMA as well as the Ghana Kidney Association.



He was recently the Head of the Department of Physiology of the School of Medical Sciences, Kumasi and a Consultant Physician in the Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) where he started the Hypertension and Renal Clinic and oversaw its operations for the past twenty years.



He had also been the Head of Nephrology Services at the KATH prior to taking up the rector appointment. He had over two decades of experience in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education.



According to the online portal of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, he had his undergraduate medical training at the School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.



Subsequently, he obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Renal Physiology from the Victorian University of Manchester, UK. Following that, he undertook his residency training in Internal Medicine.



He was a Fellow West Africa College of Physicians; Fellow Ghana College of Physicians and a Fellow Royal College of Physicians, London.



Prof Plange-Rhule had extensive experience in research, particularly, among populations of African origin, in the fields of hypertension, cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular disease epidemiology.



He engaged in several internationally funded research projects and published extensively in these areas.



He also contributed chapters to two books.

Source: GNA









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A member of staff gives directions at the coronavirus testing centre which has been set up for the testing of NHS staff at IKEA in Gateshead. (Photo by Owen Humphreys/PA Images via Getty Images)

The national coronavirus testing centre is still only conducting 1,500 tests a day, more than two weeks after it was declared open, Sky News has learned.

The figures come as leaked emails show how the government pursued a "command and control" testing strategy, rejecting offers of help from smaller laboratories as it scrambled to find equipment for its centralised "megalabs".

The National Biosample Centre, in Milton Keynes, has been repurposed for swab testing for coronavirus on a mass scale - up to 25,000 tests a day as some estimates suggested - using machines requisitioned from laboratories across the country.

The centre, which will be joined by similar facilities in Glasgow and Cheshire, was designed as a testing "factory" to tell frontline NHS staff - and eventually the wider population - whether or not they have the disease.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the daily press briefing on 24 March that "our new testing facility in Milton Keynes opens today and we are therefore on the ramp up of the testing numbers".

Yet although the centre is praised by industry insiders who believe it will eventually be able to test tens of thousands of swab samples a day, it is currently only performing 1500 a day, officials admitted on Friday, with crucial elements of the tests still being conducted manually, even though the centre's equipment is expressly designed to automate parts of the complex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process used to analyse swabs.

A department of health spokesperson told Sky News that "the Milton Keynes laboratory was set up from a standing start" with "a massive national effort" and that the government was "focused on reaching 100,000 tests per day across the entire system by the end of April."

Yet experts questioned why the government left the effort so late, after leaked emails showed the last-minute scramble to equip the centre began in the middle of March, when the UK death toll had already reached 104.

Story continues

Late on 18 March, after a press briefing in which Boris Johnson announced that schools in England were closing for the foreseeable future, Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Institute, emailed the heads of six of the UK's biggest testing labs with what he described as "an extraordinary request".

After explaining that "we estimate that we will potentially need to get to 200,000-300,000 tests a day at the peak of this pandemic", Mr Farrar told the group that it was impossible to buy any PCR machines.

He asked the testing lab heads - including David Lomas of University College London (UCL) and Professor Sir Robert Lechler of King's College London - "to work with us all at this time of great national need" by supplying a particular kind of PCR machine to the "dedicated diagnostic factories".

Mr Farrar concluded: "In an ideal world, the army would pick these machines up in the next 24 hours - that is the sense we believe of the urgency."

As other institutions were added to the list over the next days, such was the rush that one industry source told Sky News that when the initial letter arrived to tell universities their testing machines were being requisitioned, some suspected it was an attempt at fraud - although a department of health spokesperson said that "universities were given advance notice that this request was coming and we do not recognise this feedback."

Anthony Costello, former director of mother, child and adolescent health at the World Health Organisation, said the urgency was necessary because 18 March was too late to begin building mass testing capacity.

"I thought this would have happened in early February," he said.

"It is clear that from late January that testing was necessary to manage this. But on 12 March, Public Health England announced it was stopping all testing and tracing contacts across the country. This was a strategic decision."

Mr Costello also criticised the decision to centralise testing, echoing the words of Paul Nurse, chief executive of London's Francis Crick Institute, who told a committee of MPs this week that relying on three large facilities without support from smaller labs "wasn't the wisest course of action".

Leaked emails seen by Sky News show how the government and Public Health England rejected offers of additional testing from other laboratories in favour of a strategy it described as "command and control", or "C2".

In one internal communication from late March, an advisor to the testing programme criticised the idea that other laboratories might contribute because it diverges "the national command and control approach to testing", citing the risk of competition for scarce resources and the possibility of confusion over a strict "national testing policy".

Asked about this, Mr Costello said: "Public Health England like to control things because they're used to small outbreaks. Clearly something of this scale you need people to have thought about mass testing.

"I was rather shocked that they'd only allowed, even in late March, laboratories that do this exact testing to go ahead."

A department of health spokesperson told Sky News: "The response to COVID-19 is a national effort and we are hugely grateful for the help we have received from across a number of sectors.

"Central coordination of testing is vital if we are to reach the scale needed to defeat this virus."

Speaking anonymously, one official rejected criticism about the centre, saying PCR tests were not easy to deliver at scale.

Asked why it had taken so long to become fully operational, the official replied: "I would say: How have we managed to build so quickly?"

After struggling for some weeks to get a response from the government, many small labs are now conducting tests in numbers that come close to those achieved by the national centre.

A three-person lab in Oxford is running 100 tests a day for local NHS workers. The Crick Institute is running 500 a day, despite having sent a number of its most advanced PCR machines to Milton Keynes at the request of Mr Farrar.

The centre in Milton Keynes was "launched" by Mr Hancock on 9 April under the name "Lighthouse Lab". The government described it as the first step in building "the biggest diagnostic lab network in British history."

Asked why the Lighthouse Lab was still conducting tests manually, a department of health spokesperson told Sky News: "We are building a digital platform for our end to end testing process.

"As with scaling up the number of tests undertaken, we need to be sure that our digital platform is clinically safe before rolling it out.

"Whilst this happens we will also continue to use some manual processes."

People familiar with the centre's operations say manual testing has also been necessary because the machines, which come from American scientific equipment manufacturer Thermo Fisher, do not have the specialised brand-specific parts needed to run automatically.

The government asked labs to hand over their state-of-the-art Thermo Fisher 7500 ABI Fast machines, which can extract RNA automatically and test 96 samples per run, a move which left them reliant on a single manufacturer at a moment when global competition for equipment was at its most intense.

On Thursday, Thermo Fisher announced that it would supply all the equipment necessary to conduct 100,000 tests a day, the number Mr Hancock has promised the government will reach by the end of April.

This guarantee reassured industry figures, especially when Thermo Fisher's chief operating officer told the BBC's Today programme that the company would be able to manufacture the equipment in the UK, easing concerns about the pressure being placed on global supply chains.

"It's a very important deal because it guarantees supply," said Steve Bates, CEO of the Bioindustry Association.

"Building a high throughput factory has been a monumental effort and I believe it will be run very fast when it's at capacity."
Before the royal wedding, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have already sparked break up rumors. But after almost two years of marriage, the Duchess of Sussex's alleged "real scheming" starts as they move 5,318 miles away from Prince Harry's home.

Meghan Markle Begins Her 'Plot'

In a headline published by Woman's Day, "Divorce Papers Leaked" was splattered on the front page. The article inside was titled, "Meghan's Dirty Divorce Plot Revealed!"

The article claims that the couple is planning to call it quits, suggesting that Meghan planned their split because she has a dirty agenda.

A source told the publication, "You can't tell me this wasn't her plan all along. But the scary thing is she now has Harry right where she wants him - isolated from his family in a country where she holds all the cards in terms of legal rights."

The report also added that since Meghan Markle and Prince Harry is a high-profile couple, and would be a high-profile divorce case, it will undoubtedly be a multi-million dollar lawsuit.

The news portal claims that Meghan is going to run after what she can have from her separation from one of Britain's wealthiest people. However, aside from the reportedly monetary gains, she wants more than that.

"It all makes sense now why she was so uninterested in getting a British visa and was dead against giving Archie a royal title." The unnamed source added, "She brought her boys to America so she could live the celebrity life she'd always dreamed of."

Poor Prince Harry!

Though Prince Harry is a royal member, he's inexperienced in the real world, says the source, that his head must be spinning around from how fast he went to places from a castle to Canada and then somewhere in the middle of Los Angeles.

Having moved to California just last week to embark on their new journey as non-royals officially and to become financially independent, it was revealed that Prince Harry is feeling isolated and may have even regretted his decision to uproot his life and move across the Atlantic.

According to Zoe Burrel, who spoke on Royal's Podcast, "Prince Harry is someone who is very connected to his family, as it is all he has ever known."

Burrel added that he now has no connection to the royal family, after being stripped of his military titles that Prince Harry has no real "sense of purpose" at the moment.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry - What's the Royal Truth?

If the divorce article is real, Meghan could have blindside her husband with a divorce, and then the 35-year-old prince would lose everything, including the money he inherited from his parents and maybe even his son Archie.

When news broke that the couple was stepping down from their royal lives in January surfaced, it was believed that the reason for their decision was due to the harsh critics and disparagement from their critics.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry reportedly want to live a simpler and more peaceful life together with their almost 1-year-old son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten Windsor.

Whether or not the rumor of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle their royal marriage coming to an end, being two different people coming from two different worlds will later become too much to handle, and there will be a separation and maybe even a divorce.

After all, Prince Harry wanted to get away from the spotlight, but now he's living in Los Angeles with Meghan, who reportedly wants to be on the same level as the Kardashians and any other A-list Hollywood star.

READ MORE: Meghan Markle Prepared To Do Something DRASTIC To Win Back Love From Public
From across critical categories such as Ventilators and Air and Surface Sanitizers

C-CAMP COVID-19 Innovations Deployment Accelerator or C-CIDA has nominated 13 Stars for Impact in its Week 2 round-up. The 13 near deployment-ready COVID-19 products from across critical categories such as Ventilators and Air and Surface Sanitizers have tremendous potential for impact in Indias COVID-19 pandemic combat. They are among C-CIDAs prime candidates for Industry and Government support towards quick on-ground deployment and integration into existing healthcare systems.

The group of 13 are Biodesign Innovation Labs and Aerobiosys Innovations Pvt. Ltd. in assisted respiratory devices, MedIoTek Heath Systems Pvt. Ltd, Cardiac Design Labs, Nemocare and Dozee in remote vital parameter monitoring systems, LeafBox Technologies, Biomoneta and Clensta in air and surface sanitising technologies, Blackfrog Technologies Pvt. Ltd. and Tessol-Thermal Energy Service Solutions in cold chain viral swab sample transport for better diagnostics in remote locations, and Omicsgen Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. and OMG Innovations LLP under preventative interventions that are also Ministry of AYUSH certified.

Given the magnitude of the global health challenge that has been the COVID-19 pandemic, scope for importing solutions to address these outstanding needs becomes more and more unlikely. These indigenous innovations above, that may have been gestating over the last 8 or 9 years are now emerging as solutions that are 1) timely 2) affordable and 3) effective. C-CIDA will now facilitate immediate uptake of these innovations by Government and private sectors after the customary certifications and scale up support wherever necessary.

C-CIDA, a COVID-19 focused innovations accelerator aimed specifically at COVID innovations that are the need of the hour, was launched by C-CAMP on 26th March. It has earlier selected five technologies as its Week 1 stars. This latest batch of Week 2 Stars come from an aggregate of over 740+ submissions received over first two weeks. Many more are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Of the 13 startups in Week 2s line-up, Respiraid by Biodesign Innovation Labs, Bengaluru and Jeevan Lite by Aerobiosys Innovations, Hyderabad are assisted respirators, both invasive and non-invasive. Respiraid is a portable, emergency and transport ventilation system which is based on automated respiratory assist. It is an easy-to-use alternative to prolonged manual ventilation. Jeevan Lite on the other hand is a full-fledged low-cost portable ventilator that can be operated in multiple modes of ventilation, capable of CPAP as well as standard invasive ventilation. Being IoT enabled, Jeevan Lite will also have the capacity for real-time data transfer and remote operation, opening up possibilities of telemedicine and tele-support.

MedIoTeks Vincense (Chennai), Cardiac Design Labs (Bengaluru) Nemocare (Hyderabad) and Dozee (Bengaluru) are variations of wearable devices capable of real-time remote monitoring of vital stats. With India set to enter community transmission in multiple hot spots, the likelihood of hospitals and ICUs becoming severely congested is very high. Exposure rates among healthcare professionals are high and resources are quickly running short. Remote monitoring with a unified central platform could be a potential game changer in such scenarios, especially in isolation wards and quarantine facilities.

An emerging innovation area in light of the COVID concern has been air and surface sanitising technologies that can integrate with existing air purifiers or even air conditioners. Leafbox Technologies (Bengaluru) among C-CIDAs Week 2 Stars has developed a UVC based air purifier that is also HEPA and activated carbon filter functionalized with a coverage area of 900 Sq Ft. Their other product is a UVC steriliser box to be used for dry sanitisation of gadgets and medical instruments like phones, masks etc. Biomoneta (Bengaluru) is another startup in this category with Zebox, a standalone plug and play decontamination technology best suited for hospitals. Zebox utilises the best in electronics and airflow design to trap and kill microbes within 10 minutes. Each unit sterilises up to 150 Sq Ft at any given time. The third startup in this category, Clensta Technologies (Delhi) is a hygiene-centric healthcare startup that has repurposed its zero-water personal hygiene solutions for a waterless, antiseptic and antimicrobial rub that can kill viruses within minutes. With summer dawning upon us, some parts of India will stare at water shortage. Hygiene maintenance solutions that require no water will soon be of critical importance.

As the pandemic makes inroads into Indias rural hinterland, it will become imperative in the days to come to have viable transport options for samples especially because the ICMR approved diagnostic centres are still mostly concentrated in urban / semi-urban regions. Blackfrog (Manipal) and Tessol (Navi Mumbai) with their temperature controlled medical grade cold chain systems are addressing this critical need. Their innovations will ensure that swab samples remain viable by the time they reach the lab thereby preventing false negatives, a very crucial factor in checking the outbreak.

Indias ministry in alternative medicine, AYUSH has been at the centre of the fightback against COVID-19 especially in the preventatives sector. In keeping with that are two of the most interesting innovations in this mix, both Ministry of AYUSH certified preventatives by Kerala based Omicsgen and Delhi-based OMG Innovations LLP. Gadget sanitisation methods that are 100% anti-infective while at the same time safe for gadgets are an unmet need in India. Omicsgens Smartlyse, a gadget smart wipe for microbes with a lysis buffer at its heart can lyse protein and lipid bilayers in viruses or bacteria within 5 minutes. Smartlyse is further boosted by a staying power of months. Whiff Biospray by OMG Innovations meanwhile is a completely herbal, antimicrobial and antiviral spray that can be sprayed in the air, both indoors and outdoors for sanitisation purposes. Only a tiny amount of 1.5/2ml is required to sterilise 150 sq ft or more making a 200 ml bottle perfect for home use. The product being 100% natural has the potential to be a long-term solution for high-traffic closed spaces including offices, schools and others.
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, theatrical groups and other entertainment entities have had to cancel, postpone and reschedule productions.

Entertainment fans can still enjoy a variety of offerings from their favorite theatrical groups via virtual or live streamed performances and productions.
India on Friday responded to Pakistans conditional decision to pledge $3 million to the Saarc Covid-19 Emergency Fund by saying each member of the grouping is free to decide the manner and implementation of its commitment.

Pakistan had on Thursday made a contribution to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperations (Saarc) Covid-19 Emergency Fund on the condition that the facility be administered by the Saarc secretariat.

It was the last of Saarcs eight members to contribute to the fund, which was created with an initial corpus of $10 million from India following a video conference of leaders of the grouping on March 15.

Pakistan also proposed that the contribution be used in accordance with the Saarc Charter.

Responding to Pakistans position, external affairs ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said: It is for each Saarc member state to decide on the timing, manner and implementation of their Saarc Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund commitments.

He added, Where India is concerned, the commitment made by the prime minister is today in an advanced stage of implementation. Assistance in material and services has been extended to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

The other members of Saarc have also made early commitments to the Fund and the degree of seriousness of each nation can be gauged by their behaviour, Srivastava said.

According to New Delhi, Indias engagements with Saarc members on Covid-19 related matters are stand-alone events, whereas Pakistan has sought to bring all issues under the Saarc secretariat in a bid to block Indian initiatives.

On Wednesday, Pakistan skipped a video conference of senior trade officials of Saarc, saying it chose not to participate since the Saarc secretariat wasnt involved in organising it.

Saarc groups Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepall, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rezaul H Laskar Rezaul H Laskar is the Foreign Affairs Editor at Hindustan Times. His interests include movies and music. ...view detail
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 03:35:34|Editor: huaxia

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ROME, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Friday extended the country's national coronavirus lockdown to "at least" May 3.

"The national quarantine will be extended to at least May 3," Conte said at his address. "The decision was not an easy one, but it was what the situation required."

The prime minister's announcement came about one month after the first decree went into force. Since then, Conte has periodically strengthened the terms of the lockdown and extended its length.

Before this extension, the measures were scheduled to be lifted Monday, though reports began circulating on Thursday that it would be extended into May after Conte held a conference call with trade union leaders.

Italy was the first country in Europe to issue a national lockdown as a way to curb the spread of the virus.

The extension means that for an additional 20 days, residents in Italy will not be able to leave their homes except for "vital" reasons, such as food shopping or medical visits.

Conte said that he wanted to loosen the terms of the lockdown "as soon as possible", and that if changes were warranted they cold be loosened before May 3.

He said some activities -- notably stores that sell goods for small children -- would be allowed to re-open starting April 14.

Italy remains one of the countries hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic, with nearly 19,000 deaths and nearly 150,000 infections.

More than 350,000 people tuned into Conte's address, which was aired on the social media platform Facebook.
London Heathrow, the UKs busiest airport, is forcing its workers to take a 15 percent pay cut or face dismissal over the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a letter seen by Sky News, Heathrows Chief People Officer, Paula Stannett, told thousands of workers that they must accept a supposedly voluntary reduction in pay in order to bolster the airports flagging profits. If they refuse, they will lose their jobs.

Stannetts memo threateningly states: We are looking for everyone to play their part and are not expecting anyone to opt out, other than those who are leaving us very shortly through redundancy.

There will be consequences if colleagues do not accept the revised terms as it will mean that we have to make further job cuts.

It will also have consequences for those colleagues who do not wish to participate.

According to a March press release from Heathrow Airport, unions representing Heathrow workers, which include Unite and GMB, already forced through a 10 percent pay cut for their members.

Last month, the statement reads, [O]ur union partners confirmed that their members have agreed on a temporary 10% pay cut in salary and allowances. It is only right that similar pay reductions are taken on by everyone in the business as we fight to ringfence as many jobs in the future and play our part in protecting as many colleagues as possible.

The time limits for this supposedly temporary pay cut are not stated and could be extended indefinitely with the say-so of Heathrows loyal union partners, under the guise of protecting jobs in crisis conditions.

Setting the stage for this latest attack on workers pay by pushing through the 10 percent cut, the unions emboldened Heathrow to go even further with its latest draconian proposal. Stannetts recent memo states: [M]y proposal is that we should offer furlough followed by voluntary severance for colleagues who do not want to take a pay reduction.

In the unlikely case that colleagues continue to refuse to take part, dismissal and reinstatement might be the final step.

It adds, insincerely: Obviously that is something I am keen to avoid, while threatening, although I can confirm that is an option that is legally available to the company to take.

Workers who are dismissed and then reinstated would get their jobs back under conditions that are even less favourable than the shoddy contracts that many currently labour under, a source told Sky News.

The UK aviation industry has seen a massive slump in passenger numbers as international travel is drastically curtailed or banned outright amid the coronavirus outbreak. In February and March, before the pandemic had even hit with full force, Heathrow saw a nearly 5 percent (4.8) reduction in overall passenger numbers, and a huge 28.4 percent drop in Asia-Pacific traffic in February.

Heathrow management announced that they would be shutting one of their two runways from April 6, as well as two of their four terminals, due to reduced air traffic.

The amount of cargo passing through Heathrow also fell in February by 9.5 percent, as the effect of the coronavirus pandemic hit global trade. Heathrow handles a large proportion of the UKs air freight, including 41 percent of pharmaceutical imports, such as medicines.

At the end of March, transport minister, Chris Heaton-Harris, told Members of Parliament that air traffic volumes were down 92 percent compared to this time last year.

Heathrow Airport has been waging war on its workforce for many years, seeking to cut pay and conditions, with the full collaboration of the unions. While workers languish on rock-bottom pay, the airport and its chief executive have been raking in the millions and billions.

Last year, Heathrow Airport, which is owned by a consortium of wealthy sovereign, infrastructure and pension funds, including the Spanish transportation industry group Ferrovial and the UKs Universities Superannuation Scheme, reported revenue of 2.3 billion in the nine months up to September 30.

In 2018, Heathrows CEO, John Holland-Kayewho has now agreed to forgo his seven-figure salary for three months in an attempt to dampen criticism of the airports coronavirus policyreceived a 103.2 percent pay increase, with his basic remuneration package rising from 2.097 million in 2017 to 4.2 million.

By contrast, according to estimates from the Unite union, in November 2019, over 2,000 workers at Heathrow airport were earning below the then so-called London Living Wage (LLW) of 10.55 (now increased to a still derisory 10.75 per hour).

At the start of April, Heathrow Airport reneged on its previous worthless pledge to fund implementation of the LLW to all its outsourced workers from this month, citing the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Outsourced workers include cleaning workers from ISS and security workers from Mitie.

In response to this announcement, the GMB union, which represents many of these contract workers, issued a toothless statement, with Perry Phillips, GMB regional organiser for aviation at Heathrow, saying that it is both unfair and downright outrageous. The union made no mention of calling any action to defend the wages and conditions of its workers.

I am calling on Heathrow to reconsider its decision to stop the implementation of the London Living Wage rise, Phillips pleaded, and to do the right thing by honouring its agreement and pay it to those workers who are expecting it in their wage packets from April 2020.

Similarly, the Unite union has done nothing to improve the pay and conditions of its members, repeatedly selling out industrial action at Heathrow Airport. Last year, more than 4,000 security guards, firefighters, engineers and passenger service staff at London Heathrow were involved in a pay dispute after rejecting an 18-month pay rise offer averaging just 2.7 percent.

The union called off six days of planned industrial action set for July 2627, August 56 and 2324 last year and asked its members to vote on a new pay offer agreed between the union and Heathrow airport.

After members again rejected the new offer by a huge majority, Unite did all it could to give the airport the most favourable terms, stating that they will be making arrangements to refresh our strike mandate with a fresh industrial action ballot of workers across all of Heathrows terminals. As a result, we will not be announcing any strike dates and would urge Heathrow bosses to seize this window of opportunity to get back around the negotiating table.

In the true spirit of the adage never let a good crisis go to waste, the ruling elite is determined to use the coronavirus pandemic to push through long-planned attacks on the pay and conditions of workers.

Heathrow managements ultimatum follows the pattern set by companies across the UK and internationally in foisting the economic consequences of the coronavirus crisis onto the shoulders of the working class. New benchmarks are being set, with mass layoffs, wage reductions and attacks on working conditions the order of the day for profit-driven corporations.
The Founder and President of the Family Health University College, Prof. Yao Kwawukume and Dr. Susu B. Kwawukume, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Director of Family Health Hospital (FHH) have designed and produced the first-ever made in Ghana PPE, and have donated to the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge) to be used by their front line health workers.



The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in his recent address to the Nation on Coronavirus implored the citizenry to be innovative and come up with creative inventions that will help fight COVID 19s spread in Ghana. He assured local manufacturing companies of his governments readiness to assist in the domestic production of PPE.



It is gratifying to know that after Family Health Hospital and Family Health University College produced the first set of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), the President has complemented their efforts by encouraging local production of PPE in the country.





In a short address at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital during the presentation to the facility, Dr. Susu Kwawukume disclosed that the move by Family Health Hospital is also in line with the Presidents directive for local industries to be innovative in producing locally made PPEs to curtail COVID 19s spread. She pleaded with government to heed its call to support local manufacturing companies in the large production of PPE which she believes will save the nation from spending so much foreign money in the importation of PPE abroad and also provide jobs for the youth.



The Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge), Dr. Emmanuel Srofenyoh in his acceptance speech, thanked the management of Family Health Hospital for their thoughtful gesture and commended them for coming up with such critical intervention during these trying times to also complement the governments effort in fighting the spread of COVID 19.



The locally-made PPE by Family Health Hospital has been proven to be of high-quality standard and it is currently in use by health professionals at the Family Health Hospital maternity ward. The made in Ghana PPE is reusable, washable and easy to decontaminate. The rays of the sun also help in decontamination.



Family Health Hospital is a 24-hour private facility that provides comprehensive healthcare services to clients within its catchment area and beyond.



The hospital aims to be one of the leading providers of healthcare delivery and education in the country with its Medical School (the Premier Private Medical School), the Nursing and Midwifery Training Schools.

Source: Contributor









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.

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ISLAMABAD

Pakistan on Thursday asked Afghanistan to hand over the chief of the Islamic States Khorasan unit, Aslam Farooqi, the mastermind behind a deadly terror attack on a prominent gurdwara in Kabul last month.

The foreign office said that the demand was conveyed to the Afghan ambassador in Islamabad who was called at the foreign ministry.

A heavily armed Islamic State-Khorasan suicide bomber stormed the gurdwara in the heart of Afghanistans capital on March 25, killing 25 Sikhs and injuring eight others.

Afghanistans national directorate of security earlier this month said Farooqi, also known as Abdullah Orakzai, was arrested along with 19 other commanders in a complex operation.

The ambassador of Afghanistan to Pakistan was called to the ministry of foreign affairs and conveyed Pakistans views with regard to the arrest of ISIS-K leader, Aslam Farooqi, by the Afghan authorities on April 5, 2020, a statement issued by the foreign office said here.

It was underscored to the ambassador that since Farooqi was involved in anti-Pakistan activities in Afghanistan, he should be handed over to Pakistan for further investigations, the statement added.

It said that Pakistan had been expressing its concerns over the activities of the group, which were clearly detrimental to the country.

Pakistans position was being regularly shared with the government of Afghanistan and others concerned, it added.
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Voters wait to cast ballots during the presidential primary election in Wisconsin, April 7, 2020

REUTERS/Daniel Acker

Images of masked Wisconsin citizens  queued up in unceasing lines as they attempted to practice both social distancing and their civic duty  provided a dire warning of what's to come.

There is a good chance the coronavirus pandemic will still be disrupting major events come this November, when the US will hold a presidential election.

Should the coronavirus cripple  or even threaten  Americans' freedom of movement on Election Day, it will be all but impossible to consider the result legitimate.

That's why the president, Congress, and the states need to get plans together for no-excuse-needed absentee voting right now.

This is an opinion column. The thoughts expressed are those of the author.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

We need to talk about November. Right now.

This week's images of masked Wisconsin citizens  queued up in unceasing lines as they attempted to practice both social distancing and their civic duty  provided a dire warning of what's to come.

Democratic primary voters being forced to violate their own state's stay-at-home voters to cast their ballots is outrageous, but at least the stakes were low. Joe Biden already had the nomination all but locked up, and now that his main rival Bernie Sanders has suspended his campaign, the rest of the primaries are just delegate-accruing formalities.

The same can't be said for the general presidential election that's less than seven months away.

The election is almost certain to happen. But there is a good chance the public health crisis we are facing now will not have dissipated.

The coronavirus doesn't care about the 20th Amendment, which stipulates that the president and vice president's four-year terms must end on January 20. The pandemic also has no regard for the congressional statute mandating general elections to take place on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

Story continues

Given those realities, the powers that be at both the federal and state level would be wise to come up with a backup plan, lest our already fragile sense of national unity wither and fray completely.

Most of the country is barely a month into a lockdown that may or not be lifted within the coming months. In the still-not-assured event of a cautious return to something resembling "normalcy," a second or third wave of COVID-19 could very well lead to second and third lockdowns later this year.

Should the coronavirus cripple  or even threaten  Americans' freedom of movement on Election Day, it will be all but impossible to consider the result legitimate.

But there are ways to prepare.

The government often overreacts to crises, but failing to plan for a COVID-19 outbreak in November would be a disastrous underreaction

I am not an advocate of the "Do Something, Anything!" mantra of government crisis management. Such reactive policy-making typically takes the form of a well-publicized tragedy leading the public to demand some form of legislation  fast, severe, and symbolic  to demonstrate how much the politicians care.

In turn, we're often left with overbroad laws that directly create terrible unforeseen consequences which fail to address the original crisis.

But a massive effort to ensure the most people as possible can safely vote in November, initiated by the federal government but implemented by the states, would not be a case of the government overreacting to a tragedy by curbing people's rights. It would be the rare example of the government anticipating a highly probable calamity and finding a way to manage it which preserves and protects people's rights.

The first and most obvious step would be for Congress to approve a plan to help fund states with the production of millions of absentee ballots, and to cover the costs of mailing them so the cost of a stamp doesn't become a backdoor poll tax.

Five states, including deep-red Utah, already use an "all-mail" voting system. The rest of the republic's legislatures need to institute, at a minimum, a one-time waiver allowing for no-excuse-needed absentee voting.

States will need to expand their voting hours and find more polling places than they would use in a typical year, to avoid overcrowding and the mortifyingly long lines seen in Wisconsin last week. To the extent possible, drive-through voting with frequently disinfected machines should also be made available.

Trump's afraid of absentee voting. That's too bad for him.

In late March, Trump told the hosts of "Fox and Friends" that one of the stimulus bills pushed by House Democrats was "totally crazy" because it included provisions for 15 days of early voting and would have automatically sent absentee ballots to areas of the country where elections could be threatened by a coronavirus flare-up.

"If you ever agreed to it you'd never have a Republican elected in this country again," said Trump  who notably cast an absentee ballot to vote in Florida's most recent election. (He defended that choice by saying he was "allowed to.")

Trump not only presented a completely illegitimate argument against taking the easiest available measure to ensure voters can safely cast their ballots, available data proves his fears about certain Republican losses if vote-by-mail is widely expanded are not even true.

And true to his character, Trump continues to stoke completely baseless fears of widespread  or even statistically significant  voter fraud. (Trump's own voting integrity commission quietly disbanded in 2018 without finding the supposed scourge of voter fraud he's so often claimed.)

We know very little about how the coronavirus pandemic will reshape the country in the coming months. What we can be sure of, however, is continued disruption of public events.

That's why there can be no excuses from the president, Congress, or the states to assume Election Day 2020 will be just like any other. A coordinated effort to ensure political franchise needs to be prioritized and undertaken immediately.

If you think the electoral college sending two popular vote-losing Republicans to the White House in the past two decades is a source of bitter division, know it can get so much worse.

Imagine a scenario where millions of voters sit out an election because the same government that told them to shelter in place also told them to stand in line for hours amid the resurgence of a highly transmissible virus.

That would cause a crisis of confidence in the democratic process which the country from which the country might never recover.

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Archbishop Stephen Sulyk, 95, a longtime leader in the Ukrainian Catholic Church who had been appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Philadelphia by Pope John Paul II, died Monday, April 6, from the coronavirus at Virtua Hospital in Voorhees.

During a religious career that spanned Europe and the U.S. over more than a half century, Archbishop Sulyk, of Cherry Hill, served as an assistant pastor and pastor at churches that ranged from Omaha, Neb., to Perth Amboy, N.J., according to the Metropolitan Archeparchy of Philadelphia. At the request of the Vatican, Archbishop Sulyk, a Ukrainian native, contributed to diplomatic talks with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church as the Soviet Union neared its end. At the time of his death, he was Metropolitan Archbishop Emeritus.

As a priest and bishop, he was a dedicated minister of the Lord in the Archeparchy for 65 years since his priestly ordination in 1955, Metropolitan Archbishop Borys Gudziak said in a statement. We thank God for his life and raise prayers of gratitude for his service.

His career in the church included posts in towns big and small, the archeparchy said. He was ordained as a priest in 1955 and served as pastor of St. Michaels Church in Frackville, Pa., from 1957 to 1961. There, Father Sulyk built a new church and parish hall and managed to increase the churchs annual income from $10,000 to $60,000 in a year  an achievement in a financially struggling coal town.

A year later, appointed pastor at Assumption Church in Perth Amboy, Archbishop Sulyk undertook a number of projects that included transforming the rectory into a convent, renovating the parish church, and compiling bilingual worship texts.

His reputation rose over the next several years as Pope Paul VI honored him in 1968 with the title of monsignor, the archeparchy said. In 1980, Pope John Paul II named him Metropolitan Archbishop of Philadelphia, then consecrated him as a bishop in Rome the following year. He also served on committees for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Catholic Church.

In Philadelphia, Archbishop Sulyk created the Seminary Endowment Fund, which paid for seminarians educations, renovated the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, and constructed a new chancery center and cathedral.

Born on Oct. 2, 1924, to Michael and Mary Denys Sulyk in the Western Ukrainian village of Balnycia, Archbishop Sulyk fled the country in the throes of World War II and became a refugee. He landed in Germany, where he entered the Ukrainian Catholic Seminary of the Holy Spirit in Hirschberg, then immigrated to the U.S. There, the archeparchy said, he continued his religious education at St. Josaphats Seminary and the Catholic University of America.

The Metropolitan Archeparchy of Philadelphia said Archbishop Sulyk would be buried in the cathedral crypt at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia. Private funeral services are scheduled for Monday. Only a few people will be allowed to gather for the funeral amid the need for social distancing during the pandemic, although the ceremony was to be streamed live on the Archeparchy of Philadelphias Facebook page at 10 a.m. His Divine Liturgy had yet to be scheduled.
GOP lawmakers in Kansas overturn gov.s restrictions on church gatherings

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Days before Easter, Republican lawmakers in Kansas overturned on Wednesday Gov. Laura Kellys executive order restricting religious gatherings and funerals to no more than 10 people.

The decision was made by Republican House and Senate leaders on the Legislative Coordinating Council who voted 5-2 along party lines to remove the cap on the gatherings, citing First Amendment concerns from members of the Christian community as the nation prepares to mark the holiest day for Christians around the world on Sunday.

Ive received an absolute outpouring of concerns from people of faith. And it's not because they were planning on attending a worship service for Easter, Senate President Susan Wagle said during the panels conference call, invoking religious liberties, KCUR reported. They think its totally inappropriate for the governor to tell them that they cannot worship in a way and in the manner that they choose to on Sunday.

The move came as an outspoken minority of pastors across the country have continued to defend their right to gather and resist calls from federal and local government authorities to close their churches amid the new coronavirus pandemic.

Kansas currently has more than 1,000 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, and 38 people have died from the disease so far.

Responding to the decision to overturn her executive order in a series of tweets Wednesday, Gov. Kelly said she was deeply disappointed.

This virus has been hard for all of us. As your governor, all I can do is take decisive steps to mitigate the damage, flatten the curve as quickly as possible, and prevent this virus from reaching its full, lethal potential, she wrote.

Thats why all the difficult decisions Ive made up to this point have been unavoidable, and absolutely crucial. Thats why Im deeply disappointed that Republican leadership isnt putting the health and safety of Kansas families first  including our faith communities, she continued. At the end of the day, we are all in this together. So we have got to work together. Period. If were going to beat COVID-19, we must attack it with the same resolve - united as Kansans.

Lee Norman, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said he was angry and ashamed about the move by state legislators.

Nothing fun, nothing fancy. Whatever Kansas legislators do doesnt reverse what The Public needs to do. Stay home so we can beat this scourge. Despite what the leaders of the Legislature say. We are so close, and they are doing politics. Dont fall for it! I am SO angry! Shame! he tweeted.

Wagle told The Wichita Eagle that most people are aware the coronavirus is highly contagious and want to limit its spread, but dont tell us we cant practice our religious freedoms.

During the daily White House briefing about the controversy over Kellys order, Vice President Mike Pence said President Donald Trumps coronavirus guidelines call for Americans to avoid gatherings of more than 10.

And thats on the advice of all of our best scientific experts, as a way that we can, we can slow the spread, Pence said. But as weve made clear to every governor, we defer to our governors and what they believe is the best and appropriate practice in their states, and well support those local decisions.

Richard Levy, a constitutional law professor at the University of Kansas, told the Wichita Eagle that while First Amendment concerns were raised about Gov. Kellys order, a 1990 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that laws that dont specifically target or single out religions for adverse treatment are generally treated as valid even if they incidentally burden religious freedoms or practices.

If its possible to document that small religious gatherings had led to the spread of the coronavirus in a way that other gatherings have not, then there is a chance that the court would say singling out religious gatherings satisfies even strict scrutiny, he said.

In cases like that, its not about suppressing religion. Its about the realities of the coronavirus.
The Indian Air Force on Saturday flew down a 15-member medical team to Kuwait to help tackle the increasing spread of coronavirus infection. The army team was sent after Kuwait Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah called Prime Minister Narendra Modi for assistance.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had followed up on this phone conversation and later asked Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat to organise a military team of doctors and healthcare professionals.

Jaishankar made the announcement on Twitter soon after the air forces C 130 Hercules transporter landed in Kuwait. Indias rapid response team arrives in Kuwait, he said.

A South Block official said Prime Minister Modi had instructed Jaishankar to send the team to assess the level of infection after the call from Kuwait PM on April 1.

This is because of the special relationship between India and the Gulf countries. At a time when each country is for its own, India cannot let its Gulf allies down, said a senior official.

According to officials, more teams would be sent if required.

Indians constitute the largest group of expatriates with an estimated population of about 10 lakh in the State of Kuwait.

A foreign ministry statement said the medical team is expected to stay in Kuwait for two weeks during which it will render medical assistance in testing and treatment of the afflicted persons and training their personnel.

India has already supplied Hydroxy-Choloroquine to Bahrain after the King spoke to PM Modi on April 6. PM Modi also asked the Sultan of Oman during an April 7 telephonic conversation about any medical requirements.

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Thrissur Pooram festival in Kerala. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

In a normal year, at the peak of summer, the city of Thrissur in central Kerala comes alive. The otherwise unobtrusive temple town turns into a lodestar for an ardent festival fan who loves the sight of a bevy of elephants and dive into the sounds of percussion. The city gears up for a centuries-old spectacular carnival called Thrissur Pooram (Malayalam for festival).

Thrissur town, built by Shaktan Thampuran (the Maharaja of Cochin between 1751 and 1805) over a hundred acres of lush teak yard and an ancient Shiva temple, gets ready to welcome its two-months long popular annual temple festival. The town is splashed in myriad colours and decorated with a scrum of wooden pandals.

There are three big temples in the town that are inseparably linked to the design of Thrissur Pooram  Thiruvambadi, Paramekkavu and Vadakkunnathan, the Lord Shiva temple that hosts the Pooram.

Temple Town

A walk through the Swaraj round (as the main ring road is called) at this time of the year lifts spirits. Festive preparations are everywhere as pachyderms. Footpath vendors arrive in hordes, selling everything from colour balloons to precious stones.

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About 120 elephants are brought from various parts of Kerala to participate in the Pooram every year. The Kudamattom (exchange of colourful umbrellas atop elephants) is one of the most prominent spectacles of Pooram.

Workers dig five-feet holes on the ground at designated areas of the vast Thekkinkad maidan (the centre of Thrissur town) and fill concrete pipes in these holes, preparing for the grand fireworks. There are huge exhibition centres in one part of the maidan, which is the biggest sales season for the local businessmen and even those vendors who come from distant places sell almost everything from needles to costly apartments.

One can hear the sound of the percussions from some corner of the town. That is a part of the rituals in one of the three major temples.

But none of this is will happen in the town this year.

Covid-19 Shadow

Thrissur, like several other cities in India, following a nationwide lockdown, wears a deserted look. The popular Swaraj ring road is occupied by police vehicles and ambulances of health workers. The air is filled with a sense of dread. Kerala has registered 364 positive cases of the virus and two deaths. Around six active cases have been reported in Thrissur so far.

Instead of percussion music, there are frequent announcements by local cops cautioning the city dwellers against venturing out of their homes. The three major temples in the town have been shuttered.

Thrissur Pooram, which was slated for May 3 this year, has been called off, a first in 58 years. It was last called off because of the Indo-China war.

M Madhavankuti, Secretary of Thiruvambadi Dewaswam, a temple committee that organises the Pooram, is a disappointed man. Pooram is part of our lives and we wait for this every year. But we are also conscious about the severity of the COVID-19 problem. We have decided to act accordingly. Most likely, the Pooram will be limited to most basic ceremonies. Im not sure, even that is possible, he said.

The temples spend around Rs 5 crore every year on preparations for the festival. This amount largely comes through donations.

The cancellation of the festival is hardly a surprise. At a time when the world is under the death grip of a pandemic, it is only logical that everything, except saving lives, turns less important. Even global events can wait. The fast-spreading virus, which has already claimed 100,000 lives, has made even the Tokyo 2020 Olympics - the biggest event on earth - an expendable.

Does a temple festival in one of the tiny southern state of India stand a chance?

Every year around April-May, lakhs of locals and foreigners throng the temple town to feel the ambience of the three-day festival. The festival is also on the calendar of hundreds of small businessmen.

There is a deep emotional connect of Keralites with Thrissur Pooram. Locals have grown up seeing Asias largest Chenda (drum) percussion performance over three days. Every year, days before the event, people flood the cultural capital of the state (as Thrissur is known) and leave only after the spectacle is over.

But when the state is fighting hard to contain the spread of coronavirus, it is risky to allow crowds to gather. Authorities did not have a choice but cancel the festival this year.

The story

According to popular belief, Shaktan Thampuran designed Thrissur Pooram in 1798 in the current format. The story goes like this: until then, the biggest temple festival of Kerala was Arattupuzha Pooram. Those in Thrissur used to go to as a procession to Arattupuzha (a place about 15 kilometers away from the Thrissur town), taking along their percussion artistes and elephants to participate in the grand festival.

But the year 1798 was different. It was raining incessantly. The roads were flooded. The procession, comprising elephants and scores of men, got stuck half away and couldnt reach the destination on the day.

The Thrissur side was hence denied permission to participate in that years Arattupuzha Pooram. Dejected and insulted, the Thrissur side returned to their village. They apprised Shakthan Thampuran about the events. The desams (region) appeal made Thampuran decide something that was unthinkable until thenhave an independent festival for Thrissur Desam.

Thrissur Pooram was born. Thampuran designed the festival in the form of a healthy competition between two prominent Desams of ThrissurThiruvambadi and Paramekkavu.

Since then, every year around April-May, these two Desams make preparations to compete at Thrissur Pooram. Both sides will have separate sets of percussions (Chenda), caparisoned elephants, fireworks and unique rituals to follow.

The Third temple, Vadkkunnathan, doesnt participate in the Pooram but presides over the competition between two sides. All the opening and concluding ceremonies of the Pooram happen at Vadakkunnathans premises.

Though there are hundreds of big and small festivals across the 14 districts of Kerala from the Attukal Pongala in Thiruvananthapuram to Chettikulangara Bharani festival in Alappuzha district and Theyyams of Kannur, Thrissur Pooram is considered as the most important temple festival of all, drawing the biggest crowds every year. Thrissur Pooram is also known for its secular nature. People from all walks of life and all religious backgrounds attend the grandeur.

How it happens

About two months prior to Thrissur Pooram, the Pooram exhibition (display and sale of textile and other household items) begins at Thekkinkadu Maidan, which kicks off the festival season. Pooram Kodiyettam (flag hoisting) happens a week before.

Along with this, three Pandals are erected in the town decorated with LED-lights. Three days before the Pooram, there will be sample vedikkettu (fireworks). Traffic restrictions slowly begin. Two days before, Aanachamayam display (display of caparisons) opens for public.

Early morning, Cherupoorams (mini poorams from neighbouring temples) begin to flow in from various parts of the city and neighbouring panchayaths to Thekkinkadu Maidan. These mini poorams start early in the morning and continue until noon.

Madathilvaravu, the procession from Thiruvambadi temple starts around 11 AM and is one of the biggest events of the day. Around the same time in the day, Paramekkavu temples begin their procession accompanied with percussions and caparisoned elephants. Elanjithara melam, a grand orchestra performed by over 200 artistes then follows in Vadakkunnathan temple premises.

In the afternoon, both sides proceed to the south side of the temple to perform Kudamattomexchange of umbrellas atop caparisoned elephants. Over a lakh pooram fans crowd the maidan at that time.

Kudamattom is considered to be the biggest attraction of the day, except for those who await the grand fireworks show of both Thiruvambadi and Parmekkavu sides the next day early morning.

Around 3 AM, the fireworks begin. Over the years, the local administrators have exerted pressure on temple authorities to reduce the intensity of fireworks. In the end though, sentiment trumps rules.

The Pooram ends later in the day around noon with the famous Upacharam Chollal, where both sides meet at Vadakkunnathan to say goodbye with the hope to meet next year again.

For us in Thrissur, a life without this annual event is unimaginable, said Jayanivasan Vijayan, a percussion artist based in Thrissur. This year, it is unfortunate that Pooram will not happen. But, we understand the situation fully and are willing to compromise, Vijayan said.

Thrissur Pooram is beyond a typical festival for Keralites. It is an emotion and a symbol of their secular culture and hope  something to wait for every year. A place where both the rich and poor would stand shoulder-to-shoulder and enjoy the energy of festivities. This year, however, the extravaganza will be absent.
By Saturday morning, about 10% of Oaklands streets had closed to traffic  an attempt by the city to encourage joggers and cyclists to socially distance themselves while exercising. But for the first few hours at least, most people seemed to be distancing themselves right out of the experiment.

By lunchtime, the 74 miles of streets remained mostly quiet.

Few people were out to take advantage of closures, which include bike routes and proposed routes. The streets crisscross swaths of East and West Oakland and downtown, as well as corridors leading to the hills. But with overcast and chilly weather, most residents preferred the comfort of their homes.

Early morning runners will be able to jog without breathing on dog-walkers, said Ryan Russo, director of the Oakland Department of Transportation. Its not a block party, not for gathering, but to maintain 6 feet of distance. Were watching and making adjustments where needed.

Near the intersection of West and West Grand, a black minivan rolled past an unmanned road closure sign and orange construction cones, which blocked only one lane. Residents and delivery vehicles are still allowed to cut past barricades. The program is voluntary.

Mayor Libby Schaaf has said police will not issue citations to bad actors.

Further down West Street, a man listening to mariachi music washed his car in front of his house. A minivan drove past, then a beatup sedan and a Postal Service delivery truck. Seagulls cried, and jasmine and lavender bloomed, perfuming the air.

Brett Hart, 38, puffed down the street in a gray hoodie and tall white socks. He was the only jogger in sight, taking advantage of the closure.

I have always fantasized about having a horse and carriage section in Oakland, he said, pausing his run. I like the quiet. Theres not much traffic in West Oakland anyways. I dont know if the signage is quite right, though.

He pointed to the barricade, then continued jogging.

On East 16th Street, a taco truck sat parked near the road closure sign. Antonio Ortega, 32, who lives a block away, walked down the street listening to music and breathing hot air into a bandanna.

Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

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.

I think it was the right thing to do in an effort to improve things in some way, he said. People dont want to be stacked up on top of each other.

Farther south in Santa Cruz, things were a bit busier  with a grim overtone. Police fined seven people $1,000 each for an apparent out-of-town group visit, according to the Police Departments Twitter account, and issued a stern warning to the public that officers are serious about cracking down.

Santa Cruz Police Chief Andrew Mills posted a photo of the seven people sitting on a curb outside of a 7-Eleven with the caption: 7 visitors came from Fremont to get some essential drinks. Essentially, they were all given $1,000 tickets for SIP violations. If you are not from Santa Cruz and you put our community at risk, you will get a ticket.

The Police Departments main Twitter account added: Everyone should know by now that this is not the time to meetup and party. Officers cited seven $1000 tickets for #ShelterInPlace Violations to help these guys remember their time in Santa Cruz.

Around the Bay Area as a whole on Saturday, the number of coronavirus cases grew to 4,723, including 129 deaths. California as a whole had 21,505 cases, including 597 deaths.

Lizzie Johnson and Kevin Fagan are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: ljohnson@sfchronicle.com, kfagan@sfchronicle.com
Liberal insiders say fallen state government minister Don Harwin was betrayed by his own party colleagues in a "factional hit" designed to destabilised Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

It comes as other government sources suggested Gosford Labor MP Liesl Tesch was behind the leak that Mr Harwin had relocated to his Pearl Beach home during the coronavirus crisis.

Don Harwin was caught relocating to his Central Coast holiday home. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Ms Tesch denied alerting The Daily Telegraph to his whereabouts and said she did not know he was in Pearl Beach, which is in her electorate, until the story broke on Thursday.

Mr Harwin resigned as Arts and Indigenous Affairs Minister on Friday after he was fined $1000 by NSW Police for breaching the coronavirus public health orders, which ban non-essential travel without a "reasonable excuse".
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has exempted the operations of fishing (marine) and aquaculture industry from the lockdown imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Punya Salila Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs said on Saturday.

Srivastav said that MHA, on Friday, issued the fifth addendum to the consolidated guidelines dated March 24.

"Under this new addendum, operation of the fishing (marine)/aquaculture industry, including feeding and maintenance, harvesting, processing, packaging, cold chain, sale and marketing; hatcheries, feed plants, commercial aquaria, movement of fish/shrimp and fish product, fish seed/feed, and workers for all these activities will be exempted from lockdown provisions," Srivastav said.

"However, it will be the responsibility of the head of the organization or establishment to ensure compliance of social distancing and proper hygiene practices. The district authorities will ensure strict enforcement," she added.

She also said that MHA has requested states/UTs to provide police security to doctors and other medical staff.

"MHA in a letter today requested states/UTs to provide police security to doctors and other medical staff, as needed, in the hospitals and the quarantine facilities where they are working," Srivastav said.

She further added that supplies of essential services across the country remain satisfactory.

The total number of positive coronavirus cases across the country are 7,529 including 6,634 active cases. So far, 652 patients have either been cured or discharged while 242 deaths have been recorded in the country, as per data provided by the Ministry of Health on Saturday evening.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
From tackling the backlog of COVID-19 testing to what life is like for truckers now, weve selected some of the best long reads of the week from thestar.com.

Want to dive into more long features? Sign up for the Weekend Long Reads newsletter to get them delivered straight to your inbox every Saturday morning.

1. Ottawa is handing out $2,000 cheques to out-of-work Canadians. Could a basic income be next?

Basic income could gain more acceptance after the pandemic if todays economic measures to support business and ordinary Canadians are successful  and remain popular with the public, predicts one economist.

2. Missing home, with few places for rest, Canadas truckers embrace their essential work amid the pandemic

Theyre staying away from their families, and theyre running out of places to stop for a shower, toilet and hot meal. But truckers are not slowing down. With food, cleaning supplies and medical equipment needing transport, officials in both the U.S. and Canada have named truckers an essential service that must keep running. Joe Klassen hasnt been home to his wife in Elbow, Sask. for five and a half weeks.

3. How Ontario turned the tide on a huge backlog of COVID-19 tests

On Feb. 29, one of Ontarios leading infectious disease doctors sent out an alert which boiled down to this: We are going to need help. Provincial labs needed help from private and hospital labs to process an expected daily onslaught of thousands of COVID-19 tests.

Is there anybody else who has capacity to do testing or is willing to do testing?

4. Millions of Canadians are deferring mortgage and other debt payments  what happens when those bills come due?

Are we setting the stage for a debt reckoning on the other side of this? This was already a big issue before the crisis, said Lana Gilbertson, a licensed insolvency trustee and senior vice-president at accounting firm MNP. I suspect its only going to get worse. Gilbertson said shes expecting a significant spike in bankruptcies due to COVID-19.

5. Patches on X-rays, breathing troubles, and odd presentations. What COVID-19 looks like to Ontario hospitals

As an emergency room doctor in Ottawa, Dr. Rohit Gandhi is used to seeing people in serious distress. They usually fit the profile of someone at risk of becoming extremely ill  maybe theyre elderly or live rough on the streets, or suffer from a serious medical condition.

But last week, he saw a case that just looked wrong. The patient was young and fit, a man in his 40s with no prior medical history. He was gasping for air but there were no other red flags  until Gandhi saw his X-ray.

6. Paramedics on the front lines of the pandemic: None of us ever imagined when we started this job that wed be facing the reality of dying

Across Ontario, paramedics are making the first contact with many of the provinces coronavirus patients, a tally that had reached 3,800 at the time the piece was published. Some are working 16-hour shifts, backfilling for staff who are sick or in isolation. For many the surge has begun, each day busier than the last.

7. It has hit us very hard: Women worry more about coronavirus and for good reason

Naden Abenes is one of tens of thousands of workers  many of them women  who were laid off in recent weeks due to the coronavirus outbreak. Many were precarious workers, working low-paid jobs, often part time, living paycheque to paycheque. And whether you lost your job or not, if youre a woman, youre more likely to be carrying the burden of worrying about the pandemic, according to a recent survey.

8. Can justice be open in a virtual courtroom? How the pandemic is shaping access to Ontario courts

Its an old saying: Not only must justice be done, it must also be seen to be done. In the two virtual courtrooms reporter Alyshah Hasham sat in on Thursday, she saw a preview of what covering courts will look like as remote access becomes more widely available over the next several weeks. The accused, judge or justice of the peace, lawyers, police officers, and court staff phoned in from different locations. Paperwork was exchanged between the lawyers, judge and court staff by email.

9. Loblaws up the street had better sanitary precautions than we did at Toronto Public Health

Picture this: Its Friday, March 13. The Toronto Public Health war room in downtown Toronto. Forty public health nurses jammed shoulder to shoulder in one room for the day being trained on how to track the outbreak of COVID-19. No masks, no hand-washing protocol, no social distancing. Toronto Public Health did not even have an active screening protocol for people entering its main building until March 27.

10. He was one of thousands quarantined in the GTA during SARS. How public co-operation won that fight and what it means for COVID-19 now

Bruce England doesnt live in Ajax anymore, but he can still remember the bedroom where he was quarantined after his SARS hospitalization in 2003. The brown tweed bedspread, the light blue walls, the television on the dresser, the window that looked to the backyard, the kill bucket outside the door filled with bleach and water.

11. How nursing home staff springs to action when a resident tests positive for COVID-19

After the swabbing, the gloves come off first. The mask is last. With a pandemic raging, there is comfort in familiar infection control rules. Melanie Smith, registered nurse and assistant director of care at the Henley Place long-term-care home in London, Ont., pumps disinfectant onto her hands and quickly finds a sink for washing, singing the Happy Birthday song in her head.

12. Whos still crowding into TTC buses amid the pandemic? Evidence suggests many are Torontos working poor

Writer and transit advocate Sean Marshall mapped out the busy routes and noticed many ran through industrial employment lands, particularly in the citys northwest and southwest where theres a high concentration of warehouses, food processing plants, light industrial facilities, and industrial bakeries. These are industries where wages are low, Marshall said in an interview. Employees are less likely to be able to afford a car, and the industrial areas theyre travelling to are also not easily walkable.
The chief ministers of Delhi and Punjab on Saturday suggested extension of the nationwide lockdown till April 30 during a meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with all state chief ministers to discuss the situation arising due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to take their feedback on whether the 21-day shutdown should be extended.

During the interaction held via video conferencing, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh suggested extension of the national lockdown by at least a fortnight after April 14.

Sources said, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also suggested extension of the lockdown till April 30.

Modi, accompanied by some senior officials, including from the Union health ministry, was wearing a white mask during the meeting which was also attended by chief ministers -- Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal), Uddhav Thackeray (Maharashtra), Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), Manohar Lal (Haryana), K Chandrashekhar Rao (Telangana) and Nitish kumar (Bihar).

The Central government is understood to have also obtained views on the issue from all the relevant agencies and stakeholders involved in the efforts to contain the spread of the pandemic.

The video conference, which began at 11am, came amidst indications that the Central government may extend the nationwide lockdown with some possible relaxations even as Punjab and Odisha have already announced extending the lockdown beyond April 14 when the current spell of 21-day shutdown ends on Tuesday.

The Union Home Ministry has sought views of state governments on various aspects, including whether more categories of people and services need to be exempted. In the current lockdown only essential services are exempted.

This is for the second time the prime minister is interacting with the chief ministers via video link after the lockdown was imposed.

During his April 2 interaction with chief ministers, Modi had pitched for a "staggered" exit from the ongoing lockdown.

A PTI tally of numbers reported by various states as on Thursday at 9.30pm showed a total of 7,510 having been affected by the virus nationwide so far with at least 251 deaths. More than 700 have been cured and discharged. However, the last update from the Union Health Ministry put the number of confirmed infections at 7,447 and the death toll at 239.

Addressing floor leaders of various parties who have representation in Parliament, Modi had on Wednesday made it clear that the lockdown cannot be lifted in one go, asserting that the priority of his government is to "save each and every life".

According to an official statement after the Wednesday interaction, the prime minister told these leaders that states, district administrations and experts have suggested extension of the lockdown to contain the spread of the virus.

Before the lockdown was announced on March 24, the prime minister had interacted with the chief ministers on March 20 to discuss ways and means to check the spread of the novel coronavirus.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
They disinfect hospital corridors with ultraviolet light to eliminate traces of the novel coronavirus. They help nurses manage routine tasks so they can spend more time with sick patients. They deliver meals to people heeding public health orders to stay at home and help police deliver warnings to those who aren't.

As medical researchers rush to develop treatments and vaccines to deploy against the coronavirus, scientists and engineers are working on another type of weapon that could play an instrumental role in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic: robots.

As epidemics escalate, the potential roles of robotics are becoming increasingly clear, an international group of researchers wrote last month in the journal Science Robotics.

And there's much more robots could do if engineers concentrated their efforts on the greatest needs, researchers said.

"At this time, we really need to ensure that we have a global orchestrated sustainable approach to [robotics] research," said Guang-Zhong Yang, dean of the Institute of Medical Robotics at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Here's a closer look at how robots could play a larger role in the pandemic.

Robots on the front lines

A big concerns in any infectious disease outbreak is minimizing risk to the doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers who are in direct contact with sick patients. If those caregivers also become ill, it means less treatment for patients.

When health workers are at risk, we are all at risk, said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization.

Robots could take healthcare workers' place in certain circumstances, such as administering tests to see whether people have been infected with the coronavirus, Yang said. Thats crucial because people who seem to be perfectly healthy may in fact be infected and could spread the disease to others.

Silent infection is the biggest problem, Yang said.

A robot tends to a COVID-19 patient in the intensive care unit of an Italian hospital. (Luca Bruno / Associated Press)

It helps that robots dont get sick, and  unless they run out of power  they dont need to sleep.

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Russell Taylor, a roboticist at Johns Hopkins University whose work led to the development of one of the first surgical robots, said medical robots could be useful in intensive care units where risk of contamination is a major worry.

For example, a health worker needing to tend to an Ebola patient might need to put on heavy personal protective equipment before entering a high-risk area, then remove and discard that equipment during the decontamination process at the end of her shift. That's time-consuming, tiring and potentially dangerous.

Sending a remotely operated robot to interact with the patient instead could dramatically reduce that risk, Taylor said. After all, robots are immune to biological pathogens and can be efficiently disinfected with harsh chemicals. Not so for human beings.

Robots behind the scenes

But doctors and health workers dont necessarily want to stop having contact with their patients, even with the risks involved, said Bill Smart, a roboticist at Oregon State University.

The human contact part [of the job] is really important, he said.

Robotics is still a developing field, and patient care is complex. If robots remain in supporting rather than starring roles, Smart explained, youre not directly interacting with the patients where it could go really wrong if the robot breaks, and youre also not denying the patient human contact.

That said, robots could still help minimize the risk for these front-line medical staffers by taking on more menial tasks in order to reduce the time a nurse or doctor has to spend in a dangerous environment.

That could mean using drones to transport medicine to and within hospitals, or using robots to deliver meals. Round-the-clock disinfection by wandering robots  something akin to a Roomba on steroids  could also minimize contamination risk.

Robots in the past

During the Ebola outbreak that began in 2014, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Science Foundation organized workshops to identify ways in which robots could make a difference.

But once the epidemic came under control, interest in (and funding for) the project dried up.

As a species we tend to be a bit ADD, said Robin Murphy, a roboticist at Texas A&M University.

This feast-or-famine approach to funding means scientists, engineers and medical emergency personnel aren't likely to have robotic tools ready for when the next pandemic hits, scientists said.

Its akin to the problem faced by scientists who work on vaccines and treatments for emerging infectious diseases. If research into the coronaviruses responsible for the outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) hadnt dried up, options for fighting COVID-19 would have been more readily available, scientists say.

Robots in the future

Robotics has come a long way since that Ebola outbreak. Computer vision has gotten better, sensing capabilities have improved, and artificial intelligence has gotten smarter. All this translates into more potential for putting robots to good use.

Today, investing in robotics development is a lot like investing in a large snowplow, Murphy said. Its expensive and not put to use for much of the year. But when a big snowstorm hits, it proves its worth.

Perhaps one solution is to put more robots in day-to-day hospital settings and make sure they can be reconfigured for a range of possible disasters scenarios. That way they can earn their keep and get experience under the belts, until the next emergency hits.

In this scenario, engineers wouldn't design a robot specifically for the COVID-19 pandemic, Taylor said. The trick is to find solutions that can be broadly commercialized for the next system in ways that theyre economical to have around.

Robots on the team

Smart partnered with Doctors Without Borders after the Ebola outbreak began to present opportunities for robots to help medical staff treat patients more effectively and save more lives.

Part of the problem with designing effective emergency medical robots, he said, is that the best time to test them is during an actual outbreak. But thats also the worst time  particularly for doctors who are relying on familiar procedures to deal with high-risk, high-stress situations.

"Its really hard to insert new things into those work flows because if you get it wrong, more people are going to die, Smart said.

Thats why its important to make sure medical personnel are included in the development process early on. You cant just design a robot and take it to a hospital and say, Here, use my robot, he said.

Making robots a more widespread part of medical care would not only help them become more economically viable, it would make them more familiar to the health workers who'll need them in a pandemic.

You want to integrate it into a persons life before it becomes a stressful situation, Smart said.




Oak Park designer Kelly Perry, who has 20 T-shirt designs for sale on redbubble.com, said that while shes been home wondering how to help, she decided to create a Dr. Fauci Is My Homeboy design. Perry said she was inspired to create the design because Dr. Fauci is one of the least polarizing figures in all of this. Hes the voice of reason. She said 100% of her proceeds are being given to the CDC Foundation.
The Rev. Beth Brown, who took the mayors video call to the surprise of viewers, urged Lightfoot to remember the story of Easter and the pandemic are unfinished and that we are the ones who finish the story. And as we do that, the hope of Easter that you just talked about is that you now are the flesh of Jesus in our world, you, Mayor Lightfoot, as is your family, as is our community. Jesus now lives in us so that we will be Jesus in the world  We see Jesus in you. Ray Long
Today we'll take a closer look at BOC Hong Kong (Holdings) Limited (HKG:2388) from a dividend investor's perspective. Owning a strong business and reinvesting the dividends is widely seen as an attractive way of growing your wealth. 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 BOC Hong Kong (Holdings) yielding 6.4% 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 offer a lot of insights when buying a company for its dividend, and we'll go through this below.

Explore this interactive chart for our latest analysis on BOC Hong Kong (Holdings)!

SEHK:2388 Historical Dividend Yield April 11th 2020

Payout ratios

Dividends are usually paid out of company earnings. If a company is paying more than it earns, then the dividend might become unsustainable - hardly an ideal situation. So we need to form a view on if a company's dividend is sustainable, relative to its net profit after tax. Looking at the data, we can see that 50% of BOC Hong Kong (Holdings)'s profits were paid out as dividends in the last 12 months. 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.

Remember, you can always get a snapshot of BOC Hong Kong (Holdings)'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. BOC Hong Kong (Holdings) has been paying dividends for a long time, but for the purpose of this analysis, we only examine the past 10 years of payments. This dividend has been unstable, which we define as having been cut one or more times over this time. During the past ten-year period, the first annual payment was HK$0.57 in 2010, compared to HK$1.54 last year. Dividends per share have grown at approximately 10% per year over this time. The dividends haven't grown at precisely 10% every year, but this is a useful way to average out the historical rate of growth.

Story continues

BOC Hong Kong (Holdings) has grown distributions at a rapid rate despite cutting the dividend at least once in the past. Companies that cut once often cut again, but it might be worth considering if the business has turned a corner.

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. Earnings have grown at around 8.0% a year for the past five years, which is better than seeing them shrink! Earnings per share are growing at an acceptable rate, although the company is paying out more than half of its profits, which we think could constrain its ability to reinvest in its business.

We'd also point out that BOC Hong Kong (Holdings) issued a meaningful number of new shares in the past year. Regularly issuing new shares can be detrimental - it's hard to grow dividends per share when new shares are regularly being created.

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. BOC Hong Kong (Holdings)'s payout ratio is within an average range for most market participants. Second, earnings growth has been ordinary, and its history of dividend payments is chequered - having cut its dividend at least once in the past. BOC Hong Kong (Holdings) might not be a bad business, but it doesn't show all of the characteristics we look for in a dividend stock.

Market movements attest to how highly valued a consistent dividend policy is compared to one which is more unpredictable. Still, investors need to consider a host of other factors, apart from dividend payments, when analysing a company. To that end, BOC Hong Kong (Holdings) has 2 warning signs (and 1 which is a bit unpleasant) we think 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.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 00:09:25|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken on Jan. 22, 2020 shows an exterior view of the headquarters of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland. (Xinhua/Liu Qu)

Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian urged the U.S. side to respect facts and international public opinions and focus on its own epidemic prevention and control.



BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese spokesman on Friday said a U.S. official's "fact-distorting" comments concerning the World Health Organization (WHO) and Taiwan were politically motivated to shift the blame and will only damage the credibility, image and interests of the United States.

He urged the U.S. side to respect facts and international public opinions and focus on its own epidemic prevention and control.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian made the remarks in response to the comments made by a U.S. State Department spokesperson who on Thursday said the U.S. is "deeply disturbed that Taiwan's information was withheld from the global health community, as reflected in the WHO's January 14 statement that there was no indication of human-to-human transmission." The U.S. official also accused the WHO of choosing politics over public health, an action that has cost time and life.

Novel coronavirus is a new virus to human beings, which means a science-based process is needed for gradual understanding and research work, Zhao said.

He said the WHO released authoritative information, at the earliest time possible, based on China's confirmation of "human-to-human transmission" on Jan. 20 and a WHO team's field visit to Wuhan on Jan. 20-21.

Bruce Aylward, an epidemiologist who led an advance team from the World Health Organization (WHO), speaks during a press conference of the China-WHO joint expert team in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 24, 2020. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

"In fact, no responsible countries or organizations will jump to conclusions without sufficient and valid evidence," he said.

On the U.S. claims that the international community failed to get information from Taiwan, the spokesman said it was not true, because after the epidemic broke out, the National Health Commission of China promptly informed the Taiwan region of the situation. In mid-January, experts from Taiwan paid a field visit to Wuhan and had discussions with mainland experts.

Zhao said Taiwan medical experts had expressed sincere thanks to the mainland for the reception. "As people in the Taiwan region share a bond of kinship with us, no one cares more about their health and well-being than the Chinese central government."

He stressed that as the WHO is a specialized UN agency composed of sovereign states, Taiwan's participation in the activities of WHO and other international organizations needs to be arranged in a reasonable and appropriate manner after cross-strait consultations under the one-China principle.

Photo taken on July 21, 2019 from Xiangshan Mountain shows the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taipei, southeast China's Taiwan. (Xinhua/Zhu Xiang)

"According to the agreement reached between China and the WHO, there have been proper arrangements for the application of the International Health Regulations in the Taiwan region." Taiwan can obtain timely information on global public health emergencies released by the WHO, and can report their public health emergency information to the WHO in a timely manner as well.

Health experts from Taiwan can attend WHO technical meetings, and WHO experts can visit Taiwan if necessary for field trips or to provide assistance. These arrangements ensure that Taiwan can respond to public health emergencies in a timely and effective manner wherever these emergencies occur, Zhao said.

He said since the outbreak of COVID-19, the WHO has been holding an objective, scientific and impartial position, performing its duties, and making enormous efforts to assist countries in response to the pandemic and to promote international cooperation, which has been widely recognized and highly praised by the international community.

"China will, as always, firmly support the WHO in fulfilling its duties and leading global anti-epidemic cooperation," he said. 
Police were searching Friday for a man who called more than a dozen pizzerias and restaurants across New Jersey during the coronavirus outbreak, placed large orders  some of which he said were intended for local police departments  never picked them up, and then berated the employees when they called him back, authorities said.

Sudeep Khetani, 34, who police believed was living in the Orlando, Fla., area, was charged with theft, but investigators were also looking to see if his alleged crimes were bias in nature or could be considered cyber harassment, according to a release from the South Brunswick, NJ, police.

NJ detectives were working with Florida police, where Khetani was on probation for selling fake Disney World tickets, police said.

Sudeep Khetani allegedly called multiple restaurants in three counties over the past month, placing large orders of food each time, police said. https://t.co/4PpZpi535l  MyCentralJersey (@MyCentralJersey) April 10, 2020

Pizzerias and restaurants have been donating food to police and local hospitals since the coronavirus pandemic hit the state in March, and others have received calls from residents willing to pay for them to do so. Many of the businesses that Khetani targeted were ones that had done just that, police said.

It is incomprehensible that a suspect would play on the goodwill of so many during these difficult times," South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka said in the release. The suspect once placed an order saying it was coming to South Brunswick Police. We have had several residents send us food, which I appreciate tremendously, but this suspect has gone to a new low.

Each time Khetani called and placed a large food order over the last month, he said he intended to pick it up or that it was intended for the local police, according to the release.

When the pizzeria employees called back the phone number for the person who placed the order, Khetani would make statements about Italians and wished they would be afflicted with the coronavirus, police said.

Khetani used a voice override service to mask his real phone number, but South Brunswick Detective Tim Hoover and Middlesex County Prosecutors Office Detective Ryan Tighe were able to track his identity, authorities said.

The scammed restaurants, which were located in Middlesex, Mercer and Somerset counties, have lost several thousand dollars from the Khetanis fraudulent phone calls, according to the release.

Our businesses are all struggling and every dollar matters, Hayducka said. "I will not tolerate someone trying to take advantage of our community in these difficult days. I will pursue the strongest of charges and make sure our businesses get their money back.

Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrisrsheldon Find NJ.com on Facebook.
A retired college professor from India, who was visiting his daughter in the UAE but could not travel back following flight suspensions due to the coronavirus outbreak, died of heart attack, his family said on Saturday.

M Sreekumar, 70, and his wife Sreekumari from Kerala, were visiting their daughter Sreeja, a teacher in Sharjah. They were to return to Kerala on Saturday but that was not possible as the flights were suspended, the Gulf reported.

Sreekumar, a statistics professor, had retired from Maharajas College in Ernakulam in Kerala.

He suffered a chest pain on Thursday and was rushed to a private hospital in Sharjah. It was an acute heart attack and he passed away this morning, the relative said.

Unfortunately, we cannot fly his body to Kerala at this point of time. So, the family has decided to cremate him in Sharjah, a relative was quoted as saying.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse)  Sat, April 11, 2020 07:02 640 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd11a0d7 2 News Etihad-Airways,travel,Airlines,coronavirus,COVID-19,contactless Free

Etihad Airways is testing self-serve, contactless kiosks that can monitor passengers' temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate and identify at-risk travelers.

The national carrier of the United Arab Emirates has announced details of a pilot project that will introduce the new technology at its hub airport in Abu Dhabi. The kiosks will be installed at the end of the month and be trialed throughout May.

The technology is meant to help airports identify and flag passengers with medical symptoms that would make them potential health hazards to fellow flyers, including potential carriers of COVID-19.

The devices will be installed at touchpoints across the airport including check-in, information, bag drop-off facilities, security points and immigration gates.

The system is programmed to automatically suspend the check-in or bag drop-off process if it detects potentially harmful symptoms like a fever. It then diverts to a teleconference or alerts staff who will take over.

Read also: Airline employees worried about job security as COVID-19 takes its toll

"This technology is not designed or intended to diagnose medical conditions," said Jorg Oppermann, Vice President Hub and Midfield Operations in a statement.

"It is an early warning indicator which will help to identify people with general symptoms, so that they can be further assessed by medical experts, potentially preventing the spread of some conditions to others preparing to board flights to multiple destinations.

The hands-free device is enabled through voice recognition to minimize the risk of viral or bacterial transmission and was developed by Australian company Elenium Automation.

Airports across Asia have long been screening passengers' temperatures via thermal cameras and thermometer guns.
Congratulations are in order for Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness.

The Australian actor, 51, penned a gushing tribute to his wife, 64, on Saturday as they celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary together.

He also marked the milestone by sharing an old picture of the pair from the 1990s.

Congratulations! Hugh Jackman, 51, and wife Deborra-Lee Furness, 64, celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary on Saturday. Pictured: The couple on September 28, 2019

'These 24 years have been the best of my life! And, as far as I can see, we keep getting better,' began Hugh, as he shared the tribute to Instagram.

'I love you Debs with every fiber of my soul. Happy anniversary.'

In the throwback family photograph, the A-list couple are seen dressed up for a night on the town, and look to have barely aged a day since then.

Throwback! Hugh marked the milestone by sharing an old picture of the pair in the 1990s

Hugh and Deborra-Lee got married on 11 April 1996, just one year after meeting.

The pair met on set of Australian drama Corelli, with Hugh saying he knew he was going to spend the rest of his life with Deborra-Lee after just two weeks.

They have two children: Oscar Maximilian Jackman, 19, and Ava Eliot Jackman, 14.

'These 24 years have been the best of my life! And, as far as I can see, we keep getting better. 'I love you Debs with every fiber of my soul,' gushed Hugh to Instagram on Saturday

Earlier this year, Hugh told People that the secret to their happy marriage was 'making time for each other and 'always learning' from one another.

He said they consciously 'reset' their marriage from time to time, which means they don't grow apart like many longtime couples do.

'We're always learning and humans change so you have to, even though we've been together 25 years, you gotta reset all the time,' he said.

'I'm always reeling in how funny she is and how amazing she is and how smart she is. The longer it goes on the better it gets.'

Happy couple! Earlier this year, Hugh told People that the secret to their happy marriage was 'making time for each other and 'always learning' from one another

In August 2019, the Broadway star revealed the 'simple but powerful choice' he made as a young man that safeguarded his marriage.

He was quoted in the book Father Hood: Inspiration for the New Dad Generation as saying: 'Before we had kids, Deb and I made a pretty simple but powerful choice to look each other in the eye at every crossroads in life.

'Those crossroads are sometimes big, sometimes they're small, sometimes you don't even realise they're crossroads until you look back.
- The Chamber of Commerce wants the government to reopen the fast-food industry

- President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the lockdown would be extended by 2 weeks

- The fast-food industry can still operate and maintain social distancing

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The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) has strongly recommended that the government reopen fast-food services. The SACCI argues that this would contribute to the struggling economy.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the lockdown would be extended by 2 weeks and that the government would look at phasing sectors of the economy back into operation.

Briefly.co.za learned that SACCI CEO Alan Mukoki believes that the fast-food industry can operate in a safe and responsible way. They could limit customers to the drive-throughs and deliveries to eliminate long queues.

READ ALSO: 50 Cent denies 1st born child, says he'd rather have 6ix9ine as his son

Our recommendation and suggestion are to start to identify those sectors where you will not compromise the public health safety risk and you can mitigate the risk so that you dont have the curve going up in a way that is steep in terms of infections or people dying.

So this sector of the fast food you can be on board them in a way that is quick. These franchisees are themselves SSMEs. Government has put in relief measures in terms of how to support them financially with money that the government itself does not have. So if you then start to find a way in which you can remove some of that dependency on the state SSME relief support fund we will be helping the government, adds Mukoki.

President Ramaphosa had announced that a fund would be established to assist citizens and soften the blow to the economy from the virus according to SABC.

The Fund will focus efforts to combat the spread of the virus, help us to track the spread, care for those who are ill and support those whose lives are disrupted, adds the President.

Parliament has slashed its pay by 33% and a solidarity fund has been created.

Ms Gloria Serobe and the deputy Chairperson Mr Adrian Enthoven will head the fund and it will be administered by competent people with backgrounds in financial and accounting firms as well as the government.

Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news!

Source: Briefly News
A watchdog has found that the Treasury Department appropriately handled Congress' request for President Donald Trump's tax returns, which Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has refused to provide.

But the acting inspector general for Treasury, Rich Delmar, also said he had no opinion on whether the advice Mnuchin followed  which came from Justice Department attorneys  was itself well-founded. In refusing to hand over the returns, Mnuchin decided he was legally bound to comply with that advice, Delmar noted in a letter Wednesday to senior House lawmakers.

Rep. Richard Neal, the Massachusetts Democrat who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee, asked Delmar last fall to probe how Treasury received, assessed and responded to Neal's earlier request for six years of Trump's tax returns.

Delmar found that Treasury processed the request properly, sought legal guidance from the Justice Department, determined that it was bound by that guidance and, based on that advice, decided not to provide the tax information.

Hie letter went to Neal and Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas, the senior Republican on the tax-writing Ways and Means panel.

In the long-running legal battle over Trump's records, Neal cited a 1924 law that says the Treasury secretary shall furnish" tax returns to any of the three congressional officers empowered to obtain them, one of whom is the Ways and Means Committee chairman.

Neal has said the records are needed because the committee is looking into the effectiveness of IRS mandatory audits of all sitting presidents.
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The Coronavirus lockdown has been in place for a couple of weeks now and some of us may be planning what we will do when the lockdown lifts and the Coronavirus crisis abates. Sunny Leone too has her plans, and she shared that the first thing she will do after the lockdown is drop her kids off at school and have a breather.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, Sunny opened up on how she and her family have been coping up with the lockdown. "The lockdown definitely has not been easy. I have three very small toddlers who need a lot of attention and school time. This place needs to be cleaned and all the household duties need to be taken care of. It's not that it's so difficult to do each of the things, it's just that there are not enough hours in the day to do it all," she said.

Sunny and her husband Daniel Weber are proud parents of three kids; Nisha, Noah and Asher. She also spoke about what her day looks like and said that she is usually exhausted by the end of the day. Sunny tries to keep her kids occupied with a number of activities like arts and crafts.

Talking about her plans after the lockdown, she said, "The first thing I would like to do once lockdown is done is drop my kids off to school and have a breather. Not only for myself, but for them too. I think that they really miss school, their friends and structure. We have promised them that we will go to Dubai once this lockdown is over."

Amidst the lockdown, Sunny has started a series, Locked Up With Sunny, on her YouTube in order to connect with her fans and followers as she hasn't done that in a while.

ALSO READ: Sunny Leone Says Her Husband Daniel Weber Thought She Was Gay When They First Met

ALSO READ: Coronavirus: Sunny Leone & Family Wear Masks; Actress Says 'Sad That My Kids Have To Live Like This'


by Vladimir Rozanskij

Moscow's mayor: "We're not even close to the peak" of infections. All celebrations take place in empty churches, streamed live. Msgr. Pezzi. "It is the time of narrow paths and personal encounter." Msgr. Clemens Pickel of Saratov is well and has tested negative to the virus. The Pilgrimage Year of the icon of Our Lady of Fatima of St. Petersburg as Mother of the Word.

Moscow (AsiaNews) - Russia must increasingly deal with the spread of the coronavirus. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobjanin warned: "We are not even close to the peak; in fact, we are at the foot of the climbing curve: let there be no illusions".

Even President Vladimir Putin is forced to speak on television every day to partially deny what was said the day before. And after delegating the quarantine decisions to the governors, he reiterated that in any case it is the Kremlin that must dictate the line, and "we must be ready for any development of the situation".

Thus Russian Catholics celebrate sacred Easter functions in quarantine. In Moscow, the archbishop of the diocese of the Mother of God, Paolo Pezzi broadcasts the Easter triduum celebrations from the half-empty cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, along with various videos with reflections on the meaning of Easter in the "narrow paths" of the current unease.

In his Holy Thursday homily, recalling the words of Pope Francis to the Jesuits in Thailand, he reiterated that "our time is an era in which there are no easy ways and ready-made recipes, and we must open new paths; it is the time of narrow paths, and of personal encounters.

In the diocese of St. Clement in Saratov, Bishop Clemens Pickel confirmed that he is well. Previously, news of his having been touched by the coronavirus had appeared on his Facebook site. In fact, the swab was negative. Masses are also streamed in his diocese in southern European Russia. In a message to the faithful, Msgr. Pickel "relieved faithful of the obligation to participate in liturgical functions", also citing the relative canons of the Code of Canon Law, but asking "priests and other leaders of the pastoral service to be available for their parishioners".

The diocese of the Transfiguration in Novosibirsk, in the heart of Siberia, publishes the indications for daily readings and meditations to the faithful, as well as the solitary masses of Bishop Josif Werth from the cathedral, which bears the same title as the diocese.

The celebrations are broadcast via the Russian social channel Vkontakte ("In contact"), which notifies registered users of the start of each function. For Holy Saturday, the ancient homily is quoted, also mentioned in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (n. 635): "Today on earth there is great silence, great silence and solitude ... God and His Son go to free from suffering Adam and Eve, who are in prison. "

In Irkutsk, near Lake Baikal in eastern Siberia, the ordinary session of the Russian Bishops' Conference (photo 1) was held March 11-12, at which Archbishop Pezzi was elected as president. Bishop Kirill Klimovicz, a native of Kazakhstan, invited the faithful to "celebrate Easter with the family". He also streams the celebrations online from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a place of worship built after the end of communism to commemorate the heavenly protection of Mary for her people.

The Russian Bishops' Conference decided to ask the Mother of God to watch over the suffering of the faithful in these difficult days: the Pilgrimage Year of the Icon of Our Lady of Fatima of St. Petersburg as Mother of the Word was opened on March 25. The title is taken from the homilies of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, master of Latin Marian spirituality, which harmonizes well with the Byzantine forms of the icon (photo 2).

As the document from the bishops warns, Closeness to Sacred Scripture must be renewed in our communities and parishes, as Pope Francis says: the relationship between the Risen Lord, the community of believers and Sacred Scripture is an indispensable part of our identity of Christians (Aperuit illis, 1) ".
Fire at Rampura grid substation causes power disruption in many city areas

Smoke billows during the blaze at 230/132 KV Sub-Station at Rampura in the capital on Saturday.

Staff Reporter :

A fire that broke out at a grid substation at Ulon in Rampura area caused power disruption in many areas in the capital.

According to official sources at Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB), the fire broke out at the 132/33 kV grid substation around 3:30pm.

The reason behind the fire is still not clear.

Soon after the incident, several units of Fire Service and Civil Defence rushed



to the spot. The fire came under control at about 4:50pm, sources said.

A PGCB official informed that electricity supply at the city's Motijheel, Rampura, Jatrabari, Khilgaon, Lalbagh and Dhanmondi was severely disrupted following the fire.

"We're trying to restore electricity supply to the areas through alternative means," a PGCB official said wishing anonymity.

He, however, said recently the substation was handed over to Dhaka Power Distribution Company (DPDC).

"But still both the PGCB and DPDC officials were jointly in the operation of substation," he said.
On April 11, 1970, NASA launched three Apollo 13 astronauts to land on the moon. But disaster struck on the way to the moon, and the lunar landing was scrapped. See Apollo 13's epic mission of survival from start to finish in this photo gallery.

Related: How Apollo 13's dangerous survival mission worked (infographic)

Apollo 13 crew

(Image credit: NASA)

The crew of NASA's Apollo 13 lunar landing mission, poses for a group photo shortly before the mission launched in April 1970. From left to right: Apollo 13 Cmdr. Jim Lovell, command module pilot Jack Swigert, and lunar module pilot Fred Haise.

Lunar training

(Image credit: NASA)

As part of training exercises at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, astronaut Jim Lovell, commander of the Apollo 13 lunar landing mission, simulates an extravehicular activity on the lunar surface  also known as a "moonwalk"  while inside the Flight Crew Training Building. Lovell is holding an Apollo Lunar Hand Tool in his left hand and is wearing an Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit. In front of Lovell is a gnomon (a sundial-like tool on a tripod), and behind him to the right is a tool carrier.

Getting ready for the moon

(Image credit: NASA)

Apollo 13 lunar module pilot Fred Haise completes lunar surface training exercises inside the Kennedy Space Center while preparing for extravehicular activities on the moon. Haise is wearing an Extravehicular Mobility Unit as he carries the Solar Wind Composition Experiment, which consists of an aluminum foil sheet deployed on a pole facing the sun.

Heavy lifting

(Image credit: NASA)

On Jan. 19, 1970, Apollo 13 lunar module pilot Fred Haise practices his moonwalking skills inside the Manned Spacecraft Center (now known as the Johnson Space Center) in Houston. Haise is shown here with a version of the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package as he walks attached to the "Six Degrees of Freedom" simulator.

Lying down on the job?

(Image credit: NASA)

While seemingly resting, astronaut Jack Swigert, command module pilot for the Apollo 13 mission, prepares for the ensuing launch in the suiting room at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Swigert replaced astronaut Ken Mattingly on the Apollo 13 crew when it was discovered that Mattingly had been exposed to the measles. (Mattingly later flew on the Apollo 16 mission instead.)

Landing practice with a "flying bedstead"

(Image credit: NASA)

A test flight of the Lunar Landing Training Vehicle (LLTV) ends as astronaut Jim Lovell lands on a runaway at Ellington Air Force Base near Houston. Nicknamed the "flying bedstead," the LLTV allowed astronauts to master the intricacies of landing on the moon by simulating the lunar module's performance. Lovell would later command the Apollo 13 mission in April 1970, which aimed to land in the lunar highlands just north of Fra Mauro on the moon. That mission never made it to the moon.

Water egress training

(Image credit: NASA)

The Apollo 13 lunar landing mission prime crew members Jim Lovell (left), Fred Haise (right) and Ken Mattingly (behind Haise) prepare for water egress training inside Building 260 at the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston. Mattingly, who was originally slated to fly on the Apollo 13 mission, was replaced by his backup crewmember, astronaut Jack Swigert, because he had been exposed to measles before the launch.

Underwater

(Image credit: NASA)

In a water tank inside the Manned Spacecraft Center in Building 260, astronaut Ken Mattingly, the original command module pilot of Apollo 13, completes a water egress training exercise.

Training in Hawaii

NASA (Image credit: NASA)

During a December 1969 simulation, astronaut Jim Lovell, commander of the upcoming Apollo 13 lunar landing mission, practices with a scoop from the Apollo Lunar Hand Tools. The lunar surface traverse exercise took place at the Kapoho, Hawaii training site.

Practice for the day

(Image credit: NASA)

Two crewmembers of NASA's Apollo 13 lunar landing mission practice using tools from the Apollo Lunar Hand Tools and a gnomon. Astronauts Jim Lovell (left) and Fred Haise are pictured carrying cameras and communications equipment during the simulation.

EVA walkthrough

(Image credit: NASA)

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Apollo 13 astronaut Jim Lovell participates in a simulation of the extravehicular activity, or "moonwalk" timeline. Lovell moves carrying two sub-package mockups of the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package. In the background to the left is Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise.
TDT | Manama

Top Bahraini experts yesterday took part in a remote meeting held by the Arab Leagues SecretariatGeneral with Chinese experts on the COVID-19 outbreak.

The meeting was devoted to discussing the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) at the global and regional levels, and measures to prevent its spread. Participating from Bahraini side was a consultant in infectious diseases, Geriatrics and internal medicine at Salmaniya Medical Complex, Dr Jameela Al-Salman, and Chief of the Disease Control Section at the Health Ministrys Public Health Directorate, Dr Adel Al-Sayyad.

During the meeting, Chinese experts shed light on several health aspects related to COVID-19, such as precautionary and preventive measures, clinical symptoms, tests, and treatments proven effective in dealing with this virus.

The experts also answered questions on ways to confront Coronavirus. Dr Jameela Al-Salman highlighted the success of the treatment protocol in place in Bahrain, which, she said, has proven effective in the recovery of many existing cases.
Former finance minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram on Saturday took to Twitter and urged various chief ministers to tell Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the livelihood of the poor is equally important amid this coronavirus crisis.

Chief Ministers - @capt_amarinder @ashokgehlot51 @bhupeshbaghel @VNarayanasami @uddhavthackeray @EPSTamilNadu should tell the Prime Minister today that just as LIVES are important LIVELIHOOD of the poor is important, Chidambaram tweeted out.

He said that the government must work for the cause of the poor as well while the country fights the coronavirus menace. Chidambaram said that poor are hit due to the Covid-19 crisis and have lost their jobs amid the lockdown.

The poor have lost their jobs or self-employment in the last 18 days. They have exhausted their meagre savings. Many are standing in line for food. Can the State stand by and watch them go hungry? Chidambaram posted.

He asked the chief ministers to demand for the immediate transfer of cash to the families of the poor.

Chief Ministers - @capt_amarinder @ashokgehlot51 @bhupeshbaghel @VNarayanasami @uddhavthackeray @EPSTamilNadu should tell the Prime Minister today that just as LIVES are important LIVELIHOOD of the poor is important.  P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) April 11, 2020

CMs should demand that cash be transferred to every poor family immediately. Remonetise the poor should be their unanimous demand, Chidambaram said.

This comes on a day when PM Modi is set to hold another round of video conference with all chief ministers today to discuss the coronavirus crisis in the country. A decision on lockdown extension is likely to come after the meeting.

So far, Punjab and Odisha have already extended the lockdown till April 30. India entered the 18th day of the 21-day coronavirus lockdown on Saturday which will come to an end on April 14 if not extended.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has updated the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 7,447. The figure includes 6,565 active cases, 239 deaths and around 642 people who have recovered from the virus.
Time to become self-reliant, turn India into economic powerhouse: PM Modi at CMs meet

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Apr 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today interacted with Chief Ministers of all states via video conferencing to strategise ahead for tackling COVID-19. This was the third such interaction of the Prime Minister with the Chief Ministers, the earlier ones had been held on April 2 and March 20, 2020.

The PM observed that the combined effort of the Centre and the States has definitely helped reduce the impact of COVID-19 but since the situation is rapidly evolving, constant vigilance is paramount. He emphasised the criticality of coming 3-4 weeks for determining the impact of the steps taken till now to contain the virus, adding that teamwork is the key to facing the challenge.

He categorically assured that India has adequate supplies of essential medicines and said that measures are being taken to ensure availability of protective gear and critical equipment for all front-line workers. He also gave a stern message against black marketing and hoarding.

Condemning and expressing distress at the instances of attacks on the doctors and medical staff, and at incidents of misbehaviour with students from North-East and Kashmir, Modi underlined that such cases need to be dealt with firmly. He also spoke about the need to curb Lockdown violations and ensure that social distancing is followed.

Talking about the exit plan from Lockdown, Prime Minister said that there seems to be a consensus amongst the states on extension of Lockdown by another two weeks. He underlined that the motto of the government earlier was 'jaan hai to jahaan hai' but now is 'jaan bhi jahaan bhi'.

He talked about strengthening healthcare infrastructure and reaching out to patients through tele-medicine. He also suggested that direct marketing for farm produce can be incentivised to prevent crowding in mandis, for which model APMC laws should be reformed swiftly. Such steps will help farmers sell products at their doorstep.

He also spoke about popularising the AarogyaSetu app to ensure downloads in greater numbers. He referred to how South Korea and Singapore got success in contact tracing.

Based on those experiences, India has made its own effort through the app which will be an essential tool in India's fight against the pandemic, he said. He also referred to the possibility of the app being an e-pass which could subsequently facilitate travel from one place to another.

Talking about the economic challenges, Prime Minister said that the crisis is an opportunity to become self-reliant and turn the nation into an economic powerhouse.
Afghanistan's government says it will not hand over a captured Islamic State (IS) militant leader to Pakistan because there is no formal extradition treaty between Kabul and Islamabad.



The Afghan government announced its position on April 10, a day after Pakistan called for Afghanistan to hand over Aslam Farooqi -- the captured leader of an IS affiliate in Afghanistan.



Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the request had been made during a meeting with Afghanistan's ambassador to Pakistan on April 9.



During the meeting, the Afghan envoy was told that Farooqi "should be handed-over to Pakistan for further investigations" because he was involved in "anti-Pakistan activities in Afghanistan," the ministry said.



The statement said that the two countries "should coordinate actions against the menace of terrorism."



Afghan officials say Farooqi, whose real name is Abdullah Orakzai, was arrested in the Kandahar Province on April 4.

He has been a leader of the IS affiliate in Afghanistan since July 2019.

With additional reporting by AP
Our federal government is fighting COVID-19 battles on many fronts. Given the scope of what its trying to achieve, there would be endless patience for results if the urgency werent so dire.

But dire it is. We cant afford to let Canadian businesses fall off a cliff, then hope to pick up the pieces later.

Canadas startup community is on the precipice. Despite the steps Ottawa has taken to help many sectors of our economy, it hasnt acted strongly or quickly enough to help our innovators, many of whom dont qualify for the lifelines being made available to other Canadian enterprises.

In a sample survey of high-growth ventures at MaRS, 26 per cent of their workforces have already been laid off due to the COVID-19 shutdown.

In a letter to the federal government, the Council of Canadian Innovators estimates that 40 per cent of Canadian tech CEOs have already laid off employees since the beginning of the pandemic, and 82 per cent of Canadian tech CEOs are planning layoffs for the coming weeks. Unless more is done and quickly, were going to lose these companies and hand the keys to their U.S. and multinational competitors.

There are two critical things to understand here.

First, technology is a critical part of our future economy. In coming decades, new Canadian jobs, tax revenues and economic output wont be driven by fossil fuels and traditional manufacturing alone. These are augmented or transformed by clean-energy technology, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and advances in health-care research and delivery.

More than 60,000 workers a year have been joining Canadas tech sector in recent years, enticed by jobs that pay 50 per cent more than the average private-sector wage. Toronto alone created 10,000 new tech jobs last year, stoked by $3.1 billion in venture capital.

These companies plug into a network of advanced industries  energy, services, manufacturing  that drive 11.6 per cent of our countrys national output and 10.1 per cent of its employment, based on recent research conducted by MaRS. Startups are a critical part of this countrys economic future.

And second, startups  particularly tech startups  are not like mature companies and shouldnt be assessed as such.

Mature companies have relatively steady revenues. They sell their products for more than they spend, or they go broke. COVID-19 has disrupted that equation so dramatically that the government has stepped in to help avoid mass failure, and rightly so.

But startups arent there yet. They have innovative ideas and technologies and are attempting to build the mature companies of the future  some of which will eventually graduate to provide those high-paying jobs, tax revenues and economic benefits mentioned.

Startups cant be judged by those steady revenue goalposts. They are judged by the milestones they hit: developing an idea into a commercialized product; acquiring customers, then growing toward a profitable scale as quickly as possible. None of these milestones work with a wage subsidy measured in year-over-year revenue benchmarks. None of them work well with traditional bank loans or credit.

And dont confuse growth with profitability. A startup is like a tree that grows and grows until it finally bears fruit. Fruit trees dont produce a steady crop as they grow, and nor do early-stage startups produce steady revenue. Theyre too busy fundraising and spending on research and development.

When they do start to produce a bit of revenue, its not sufficient to just maintain it  these companies need constant infusions of investment capital to spend on marketing and the hiring of specialized staff with the knowledge and skills to help the company reach a profitable size.

This is whats missing from the federal measures so far. With economic confidence low, investment capital is drying up. Many of Canadas highest-potential companies will run out of it in coming months. Without quick, strong government action, they will fail.

We can see that the federal government is trying. But the federal wage subsidies its rolled out so far are available only to companies that can prove theyve suffered a 30-per-cent year-over-year revenue decline  and prove it again, every month. That makes these programs effectively unavailable to startups.

The government has recognized that the wage subsidies are imperfect and are offering to start looking at revenue month over month. That would be helpful, because many startups could have revenues that are up since last year but down dramatically since February.

The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program should be broadened to include high-growth firms, software-as-a-service firms, firms whose revenues are seasonal or project-based and pre-revenue firms that are heavily invested in research and development.

What else would help keep these companies afloat? Federal funding. Grant programs, such as FedDev and the Industrial Research Assistance Program, should be expediting all applications and approvals in their systems. This money needs to start flowing to eligible companies within days, not weeks or months.

To ensure proper diligence, the government could leverage the knowledge of trusted intermediaries, such as the Ontario Regional Innovation Centres. It could grant blanket acceptance into the wage subsidy program for founders and employees that are part of a recognized accelerator or incubator.

For policy-makers, the temptation in coming months will be to simply bail out our hardest-hit sectors and return to the economy we had directly before COVID-19 hit. But that would be a mistake.

Because although startups dont look like mature companies, they still need the same level of support. Theyre critical for our economic future.
Maharashtra on Saturday reported 92 new cases, mostly from Mumbai, of the coronavirus disease, taking the state tally to more than 1660, officials said.

The numbers on Saturday were less than those recorded on Friday and Thursday when more than 200 people tested positive for Covid-19 on both the days.

Out of the 92 coronavirus infections, Mumbai had 72, Malegaon five, Thane four, Panvel and Aurangabad each had two and one each was reported from Kalyan Dombivali, Palghar, Nashik rural, Nashik city, Ahmednagar, Pimpri Chinchwad and Vasai Virar.

On Friday, 210 new infections were reported and the states tally stood at 1574. The death toll had risen by 13 to 110 across the state on Friday.

Mumbais Covid-19 count crossed the 1,000-mark on Friday, a month since the first coronavirus disease (Covid-19) patient was reported in the city.

The city had reported 132 new cases and 10 deaths on Friday, taking its tally to 1,008 and toll to 64.

Also read: Coronavirus cases in India rise to 7447, death toll at 239

Mumbai breached the 100-patient mark on March 31, almost three weeks after a couple from Andheri were identified as the first to be infected by the disease in the city. On April 2, the citys tally crossed 200 and since then cases have tripled in the past week.

The number of deaths has also jumped in the past four days, with the city reporting 24 deaths. The first Covid-19 death in Mumbai was recorded on March 17, when a 64-year-old man succumbed to the infection at Kasturba Hospital.

Health officials in the state, which has been the worst hit in the country, have said the number of Covid-19 cases has recorded a 147.8% jump since April 4  a week  when there were 635 infections.

The capital city of Mumbai has also seen a spike of 167%from 377 to 1008in the number of cases during the same period.

The officials attributed the rise in Covid-19 cases to more testing across the state, especially in Mumbai. According to the health departments data, Maharashtra has conducted 33,093 tests so farthe highest in India.

Also read: On Covid-19 lockdown, PM Modi to strike a balance between saving lives and livelihood

The state government, however, is looking to extend the lockdown in urban areas but it may ease a few restrictions in rural areas, especially where there are not many cases.

A decision on the lockdown extension is expected to be taken on Saturday, after Prime Minister Narendra Modis video conference with chief ministers of all states.

State health minister Rajesh Tope had earlier indicated that the situation would not come back to normal after the 21-day lockdown ends on April 14.

Senior state government officials have said the government is looking at various options, including keeping Mumbai, Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad  the areas with most of the cases  under lockdown.

They said the restrictions could be relaxed in other parts of the state. However, movement of people between districts and curb on transportation is likely to continue, said the officials on condition of anonymity.

Rajesh Tope, the states health minister, had held a meeting with Union health minister Harsh Vardhan via video conferencing on Friday.

Tope had sought quicker standardisation for personal protective equipment (PPE) kits, so that its manufacturing can begin. The state sought additional testing facilities in five cities  Nanded, Aurangabad, Jalna, Latur and Amravati.

Maharashtra, Tope said, has 325,000 PPE kits, 825,000 N95 masks, 2125 ventilators, but needs more such equipment.

Maharashtra has five to six manufacturers, but the standardisation has to come from the Centre. The chief minister has already written to the government of India seeking a timeframe to provide additional PPE, masks and ventilators, he said.

Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, state health department officials said, would take up the issue with the Prime Minister during the meeting on Saturday.

More than 500 cases of coronavirus disease were reported in India in the last 12 hours, bringing the number of Covid-19 patients to 7447 on Saturday, the Union home ministry data showed.

The country has registered 239 fatalities as of 8am on Saturday, on a day Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold a meeting with chief ministers of all the states to decide whether to extend the 21-day lockdown. The country-wide restrictions are to end on April 14.
(Natural News) In their rush to do something to help Americans harmed economically by the coronavirus pandemic, which led most state governors and mayors to issue stay-at-home orders and to shutter businesses deemed non-essential, Congress has once again passed a gigantic spending bill that is long on spending money we dont have but short on oversight.

As reported by POLITICO, one little-noticed provision in the recently passed $2.2 trillion CARES Act provides the Federal Reserve with a nice pile of money  $450 billion to be specific  that it can do with what it pleases, basically, as long as it is called relief.

Not only that, but the Fed will be able to manage these funds with far less oversight, meaning that it is essentially a secret slush fund that Fed board governors can do with as they please.

The news site noted:

Tucked into the recent recovery bill was a provision granting the Federal Reserve the right to set up a $450 billion bailout plan without following key provisions of the federal open meetings law, including announcing its meetings or keeping most records about them, according to a POLITICO review of the legislation.

The provision further calls into question the transparency and oversight for the biggest bailout law ever passed by Congress. President Donald Trump has indicated he does not plan to comply with another part of the new law intended to boost Congress oversight powers of the bailout funds. And earlier this week, Trump dismissed the government official chosen as the chief watchdog for the stimulus package.

This is what happens when you quickly authorize a spending package the size of the CARES Act, which is also 880 pages long, by the way.

Whomever inserted the language knew what they were doing. POLITICO notes that the section addresses a complaint the central bank dealt with during the financial crisis of 2008-2009. Then, apparently, Fed board members could not easily hold group conversations to address the rapidly-proceeding meltdown.

This is written too broadly

But were not facing that same problem today. Were facing a health issue, not a financial issue  or at least one that will collapse our economy as quickly as coronavirus-mandated shutdowns do. We know that economic cave-in is coming, but itll roll out much more slowly, 4-6 million job losses at a time.

POLITICO said that the provision will get rid of a longstanding rule governing accountability, in that the Fed board wont have to give at least one days notice before holding a meeting. That means, according to analysts, key information about which firms will most benefit from the bailout funds will not be known until long after. And, of course, by then itll be far too late to object or do anything about the disbursement. (Related: Is the Federal Reserve Engaged in Acts of Economic Warfare Against America?)

We may never know what terms are being given to banks, what collateral is being offered, what repayment methods and duties banks and other financial institutions may have, Charles Glasser, an attorney specializing in media who represented Bloomberg News in a public records lawsuit against the Federal Reserve following 2008 Great Recession, told POLITICO. And these are important questions.

This is written too broadly and allows the Federal Reserve to avoid its responsibilities of public disclosure as the courts have described them, Glasser said, even granting the remote possibility the board may have to move quickly.

Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin was given control of doling out roughly $50 million in bailout funds to help sectors of the economy he deems worthy, such as the airline industry, POLITICO noted.

And meanwhile, insiders in D.C. and in the Deep State swamp are loving this change because it gives them more opportunity to operate in the shadows, out of the scrutinizing eye of the American people. Classic.

Sources include:

Politico.com

NaturalNews.com
Mayor of Lviv Sadovy assured that he will be at home on Easter and urged others to do the same

The authorities of Lviv city decided to close all the churches for worshippers during the Easter holidays to prevent the threat of further spread of the coronavirus. Lviv mayor Andriy Sadovyi stated this in an interview with Hromadske.

"All the churches of Lviv will be closed. Inside, there will be only the priests and those who provide the process. There will be an online broadcast from main churches of the city. This is a clear position for Roman Catholics, Greek Catholics, and the Orthodox [Christians]," Sadovyi emphasized.

On this Sunday, April 12, Catholics around the world celebrate Easter. Priests of the Roman Catholic Church in Lviv will conduct an online broadcast of the service on this day. Believers are recommended to devote Easter cakes at home.

At the same time, Sadovyi noted that during the Easter holidays in Lviv they will not impose any additional restrictions on movement, or the work of shops.

If after two weeks the number of people infected with coronavirus does not increase, restrictive measures may be weakened by May 1011.

Sadovy assured that he would be home at Easter and encouraged others to do the same.

As we reported before, up to 70% of the Ukrainians support the measures of quarantine and only 3% are going to visit the church on Easter.
By William Schwartz | Published on 2020/04/10

On April 10th early voting for the April 15th parliamentary elections in South Korea began. They will continue until April 11th at 3508 polling stations across the country. Voters were allowed to petition to vote early instead if they foresaw difficulties in attempting to get to the polls on April 15th. Evidently, Jung Woo-sung was one of them, as he proudly posted the voting proof stamp he earned on his hand on Instagram.

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Many other celebrities made similar posts to the same effect. Kim Gyu-ri, Jo Kwon, Kim Jung-nan, Lee Da-hee, Lee Changmin and Lee Ki-woo were among the celebrities making posts on social media discussing why they voted and their commitment to democracy. Notably, many of them were wearing masks. While COVID-19 is on a downswing in South Korea, celebrities have made a point of emphasizing the safety of polling places in encouraging others to go out and vote.

None of the celebrities in question expressed any political statements that would give a hint as to who they voted for. Get out the vote efforts in South Korea have been largely abstract this year, focused on civic engagement and responsibility rather than partisan affiliations.

Written by William Schwartz
Workers with Texas Roadhouse and Adams Elementary worked together as students and their families drive through to pick up meals donated by Texas Roadhouse Friday. In all, they prepared close to 150 pounds of bareque, with a roll and snacks, providing 1,500 meals for the school. It is part of a community support initiative the restaurant is doing at schools throughout the greater Houston area.

Teachers and staff lined the drive holding signs telling students they love and miss them.
By Tim Hepher and Johanna Decorse PARIS/TOULOUSE (Reuters) - Airbus has shelved plans to add a French assembly line for its A321neo just 10 weeks after the expansion was launched, as the coronavirus fallout spreads to its best-selling jetliner. The move heralds the start of a politically sensitive drive to cut investment and overheads as the pandemic reverses the last 8 years of production growth for such single-aisle jets.

By Tim Hepher and Johanna Decorse

PARIS/TOULOUSE (Reuters) - Airbus has shelved plans to add a French assembly line for its A321neo just 10 weeks after the expansion was launched, as the coronavirus fallout spreads to its best-selling jetliner.

The move heralds the start of a politically sensitive drive to cut investment and overheads as the pandemic reverses the last 8 years of production growth for such single-aisle jets.

Airbus announced plans for an extra assembly line in January when its problem was meeting record demand for the A321neo from its site in Hamburg, Germany, which has suffered production bottlenecks.

That would redeploy jobs threatened by the imminent demise of the A380, the world's largest jetliner whose popularity with airlines has slumped in favour of smaller models.

Although the plan remains on the table, its urgency has evaporated after Airbus this week announced a one-third cut in output of jets like the A321, sources said.

"Our plans for an A321 line in Toulouse are paused, on hold," an Airbus spokesman confirmed. "When we see rates going up again, we will reconnect to the plans."

That leaves a question mark hanging over its massive Lagardere A380 production plant in Toulouse, where the last superjumbo is due to roll off the line in coming months.

French unions said they would fight for the plant.

"Unlike (Airbus CEO) Guillaume Faury who wants to halt non-essential investment, we think the arrival of a new A321 line in the Lagardere factory must be maintained," CGT union official Xavier Petrachi said.

BALANCE OF JOBS

The move could rekindle a debate over the balance of jobs between French and German plants at the company, founded as a European consortium 51 years ago.

Airlines are shifting more towards single-aisle jets like the Hamburg-assembled A321 at the expense of wide-body jets put together in Toulouse, leaving French workers on edge.

When the recovery does come, small jets are expected to lead the way because they are easier to fill and trip costs are low.

Airbus is also taking a wider look at fixed costs that weigh more heavily on the profitability of each jet when output falls.

After investing several hundred million dollars in ramping up production, it has a cost structure to support output of 900 planes a year whereas it is expected to ship far fewer.

"We are reducing all nature of costs which are no longer absolutely necessary for the short term and preserving the ability to go through the crisis," Faury said this week.

Airbus has signalled it wants to cut some costs in line with the one-third output cut, unions said. That includes in engineering and support. Development studies will also be hit.

Staff have been told to take 10 days' paid leave by mid-May. Airbus has said it may look at government-backed partial unemployment schemes, but has not done so yet.

Industry sources said a worst-case scenario could include restructuring comparable to its 2007 Power8 shake-up this summer when it has more financial clarity. That is also when Airbus starts its rolling three-year planning process.

Rival Boeing is pondering 10% staff cuts, sources said. Cutting fixed costs at Airbus has traditionally been hard because of a delicate industrial jigsaw designed to balance work among core nations France, Germany, Spain and Britain.

"It is hard to do, especially in these circumstances as there is so little time," said aerospace consultant Jerrold Lundquist, managing director of the Lundquist Group.

Airbus is also expected to lean on suppliers, though it has lost some leverage after cutting production.

"The way you survive a downturn is to hold product at the suppliers. You want to keep the supplier alive but at the same time not take all their product," Lundquist said.

(Reporting by Tim Hepher, Johanna Decorse; editing by Jason Neely)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
H at-maker for the royals Philip Treacy has joined the so-called "visor army" to help make protective equipment for frontline NHS workers.

The Irish milliner said he and his studio staff will be making the special headgear for healthcare professionals across London.

Treacy is famous for designing hats for A-list celebrities including Lady Gaga and Madonna as well as members of the royal family.

He said the coronavirus outbreak has led to a "re-evaluation of what is important".

In an Instagram post he said: "With the help of my studio staff I will be helping the Visor Army produce protective visors for healthcare professionals across London.

"The current scenario meant an extraordinary shift in the way we live our lives and re-evaluation of what is important.

Philip Treacy 1 /12 Philip Treacy Looking super with a Naomi Campbell hat Looking super with a Naomi Campbell hat Hello boys: Eva Herzigova with Marilyn Monroe Hello boys: Eva Herzigova with Marilyn Monroe Hot lips: Treacy kisses goodbye to convention <br></br>All pictures by Cavan Pawson Hot lips: Treacy kisses goodbye to convention



All pictures by Cavan Pawson A header: Beckham scores on the catwalk A header: Beckham scores on the catwalk treacycp5_183x350.jpg Winging it: looking pretty in butterflies Winging it: looking pretty in butterflies Spot on: a pooch on parade Spot on: a pooch on parade Poles apart: Treacy's minature hats Poles apart: Treacy's minature hats Gone bananas: a fruity addition to the show Gone bananas: a fruity addition to the show

"No-one is unaffected and all support, little or big, is a step closer to better days."

He said the visors are "simple to make and no special skill is required", as he encouraged others to pitch in if they could, directing people to a GoFundMe page entitled Make A Visor, Save A Hero.

He wrote: "These Visors are vital protective equipment for ICU staff, and help save their life, every time they are worn.

"This silent army marching behind our front line NHS staff, have brought hope to many and key protection to those who need it most."
The U.S. recently established a sixth military service, the Space Force. The Air Force and other American defense organizations are transferring existing weapons systems that are suitable for the new service. One of these is an upgraded (in 2014) version of CCS (Counter Communications System) the air force has been using since 2004 as a ground-based satellite communications jamming system. With CCS version B10.2 the United States has a satellite jammer comparable to systems used by other countries, especially Russia.

Russian systems were something of a mystery. But since 2014 many EW (electronic warfare) devices have been used in eastern Ukraine and Syria for testing under combat conditions. This is a unique opportunity to discover weaknesses, fix them and then promote export sales with a combat proven item. Equipment still in development is also tested. One example of that was the truck-mounted Tirada-2 orbital jamming system that showed up during early 2019 in eastern Ukraine. Tirada-2 was there help to hack the control signals and video feeds from American RQ-4B Global Hawk UAVs that regularly operate over eastern Ukraine. A successful hack would provide a look at what these UAVs see when they monitor Russian activity. Some RQ-4Bs are equipped with space satellite quality electronic sensors and the Russians were hoping to get an opportunity to monitor and perhaps hack those systems. Ukrainian and Western intelligence was aware of the existence of Tirada-2 if only because a less capable export model was being offered for sale. But now the more capable non-export Tirada-2 showed up in Eastern Ukraine (Donbas), As one would expect, no one provided any details of who has been able to do what to whom.

Hacking and jamming satellites are nothing new. Even Islamic terrorists are active in this area. For example in early 2015 a major French TV network (TV5) was hijacked by hackers working for ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant). Calling themselves the CyberCaliphate, this group had apparently spent weeks getting past the formidable network security and did some major damage. TV5 satellite feeds sends programming to over 250 million customers (households and businesses) worldwide. All eleven TV5 channels were dark for three hours before a temporary data feed was established to put something on customer TV screens. It took over a week to clean the network of all the hacker malware and begin work on improving security. Other French media companies were informed of the threat and joint efforts were underway to improve security. Whatever enthusiasm there was for better security will probably not last because this was not the first time something like this happened.

Its not that the threat was ignored or underestimated. Officially the hacker threat is taken very seriously by media companies, especially those who broadcast via satellite. Starting in the late 1990s, growing reliance on data networks and satellite distribution of programming resulted in more and more attacks on these networks by groups seeking to get some attention by briefly seizing control of or shutting down these systems.

These attacks reached something of a crescendo in 2007 when a Chinese satellite television channel was taken over by hackers. For about 90 minutes, the government had no control over the feed, which was replaced by anti-government material. The Chinese government tried to keep details of how this happened out of the news but, because over 130 million Chinese then had access to the Internet and even more had cell phones, it was impossible to completely blackout details of what happened. Senior officials were quite upset, especially because since 2002 there had been over a dozen incidents worldwide of hijacking satellite television signals. Several of these took place in China, but until 2007 the government assured everyone that the "problem" was fixed.

After 2000 the increasing number of incidents of space satellites being "hacked" was believed to be largely the result of an increase in the number of satellites up there, and the number of ground stations broadcasting information up into the sky. Many of these early "hacks" turned out to be satellite signals interfering with one another. Same with cases where people believe their GPS or satellite communications signals were being jammed. On further investigation, the real reasons tend to be less interesting and a lot more technical. All this usually had a large element of human error mixed in. But some of the disruptions were deliberate.

The 2007 China incident clearly indicated a security problem. If you have the proper passwords and security information, you can send commands to the satellite and do whatever you want. The Chinese had a security problem and to Chinese rulers that was more frightening than, well, just about anything. China has since greatly improved its satellite security but as TV5 discovered that is not always enough. Russian EW developers watched all this with great interest and considered the possibility of improving and weaponizing these hacking capabilities.

All of the accidental jammings demonstrated to hackers how easy it was to do it on purpose. There were a growing number of examples of that. In response, the U.S. Air Force has long (decades) been developing electronic tools for attacking and defending satellite communications, and the satellite operators themselves were already training people to attack and defend space satellites. This effort involved figuring out new or improved ways to jam satellites. Then you keep that stuff secret, in case potential enemies have not figured this out themselves. Next, you work on ways to defeat the weapons developed. Most of this is playing around with the signals. You can unjam a jamming signal with another signal. However, a lot of trial and error is required, and you want to get that done way in advance of any actual war. When you do have to use this stuff for real, you have to expect that the enemy may well have come up with some angle you missed. Thus there will be some rapid improvisation, and you will have more time and resources for this if you have worked out, ahead of time, the details of disasters you have already anticipated. No one releases much information about this, for obvious reasons. There isn't much discussion from any government unless there is a terrorist attack using these techniques. Now that has happened in a very public fashion, and it was done using clever and determined hacking of the ground-based networks that control the programming and the satellites.

Some satellite hacking problems have been solved. For example, it has been shown that if there is government jamming that could be identified as such. This was demonstrated back in 2003 when satellite broadcasters transmitting television shows to Iran found their signals being jammed. The source of the jamming was quickly traced to Cuba. A satellite signal is very difficult to jam as it comes down from the satellite. But if you are close to the ground station that beams the signal up to the satellite, you can more easily interfere with that. At first, it was thought that the Cuban government, using an old Soviet era electronic eavesdropping facility outside Havana, was doing the jamming as a favor to Iran (which buys Cuban support with supplies of cut-rate oil.) Back then the Chinese had already paid Cuba a lot of money to take over and revive the old Soviet facility electronic monitoring. The Cuban government denied it had anything to do with the jamming and said it would find out where the jamming was coming from, and they did. Soon the Cuban government reported that they had traced the jamming signal to a suburban compound owned by the Iranian embassy. The Cubans ordered the jamming to stop, and it did.

There have been few additional efforts like this, mainly because it was obvious that you could not easily hide a jammer. Satellite broadcasters also took measures to make such jamming much more difficult to do. There were also efforts to improve defense against hackers, but for TV5 the defenses were not robust enough.

Russia quietly worked on ways to not only hack satellite control and data signals but to easily eavesdrop and monitor them. Encrypted signals can be decrypted and if you can do that you do not talk about it. But now the Russian satellite signal monitoring and hacking equipment are coming out of the development shadows and practicing on American equipment.
The nationwide tally of confirmed Covid-19 cases climbed to 7,529 on Saturday with the death toll rising to 242 across the country. A total of 586 hospitals in India have been identified as dedicated Covid-19 hospitals with a capacity of over one lakh isolation beds and 11,500 ICU beds reserved for coronavirus patients, according to Union Health Ministry data.

At least 1,035 fresh Covid-19 cases and 40 deaths due to the deadly disease have been reported in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 7,529 and the number of deaths to 242 nationwide.

The government has taken early pre-emptive action to identify Covid-19 hotspots in the country. In the absence of a lockdown and other containment measures, there would have been over 8.2 lakh coronavirus cases in India till April 15, Health Ministrys Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal said at the daily news briefing.

Earlier on Saturday, the chief ministers of 13 states participated in a nearly four-hour long video conference that Prime Minister Narendra Modi held to discuss an extension of the lockdown. Prime Minister Modi, who held the meet via a video conference today, has indicated that the lockdown amid the Covid-19 pandemic would be extended by two weeks after considering the requests of the chief ministers, who preferred a longer containment period. The lockdown was scheduled to be lifted on Tuesday. PM Modi also marked a shift in tackling the pandemic, from saving lives to saving both lives and livelihoods.

Soon after the meeting with the PM, the Maharashtra government on Saturday decided to extend the Covid-19 lockdown till April 30 with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray underlining that it may be further extended if people did not cooperate.

The chief minister said it looks like the situation is under control, but one will have to be cautious. Maharashtra is the third state to extend the lockdown after Odisha and Punjab.

In Karanataka, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa announced that the statewide lockdown will be extended for another fortnight after April 14, but with certain relaxations for agricultural and industrial sectors to ensure minimal impact on the economy.

Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Saturday suggested to the Centre to lift the lockdown and confine it only to the red zones which have reported a larger number of Covid-19 positive cases.

Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, however, pitched for extension of the nationwide lockdown for two more weeks to ensure that the Covid-19 crisis remains under control.

The chief ministers of both the Telugu states-- Jagan Mohan Reddy and KCR expressed their views to the Prime Minister during the video conference.
As we get used to a long haul of isolation to curb the spread of COVID-19, the police's new avatar in many places is a far cry from that of the high-handed enforcer of law and order.

Ritwik Sharma reports.

IMAGE: Policemen help a blind couple in Mumbai to wear masks. Photograph: PTI Photo

Since India turned into a veritable prison on March 24, images of lathi-wielding policemen have gradually given way to those of a friendly and even entertaining force.

Instances of the police beating up people out to buy groceries, making a bunch of migrant workers hop like frogs on a highway and also not sparing some essential service providers initially induced fear and sparked outrage among many.

Yet, as all of us get used to a long haul of self-quarantine and isolation to curb the spread of the COVID-19 contagion, the police's new avatar in many places is a far cry from that of the high-handed enforcer of law and order.

The coronavirus crisis has presented police across Indian states an opportunity to enhance their presence and impact on social media.

On March 22, as citizens responded to the prime minister's call of Janata Curfew, the Punjab government decided on a state-wide lockdown till the month-end.

A couple of days earlier, digital marketing firm DesignBoxed volunteered to work with the Punjab police.

It wanted the police to be seen in a humane light.

Particularly since they had to go beyond implementing curfew to deliver essential goods to people, being the only department with visible presence on the street.

Then followed creative videos that have animation of policemen performing bhangra, memes and posts as well as live sessions with officers explaining dos and don'ts.

Photograph: PTI Photo IMAGE: A policemen wears a coronavirus-shaped helmet to send out a message to Chennai residents during the national lockdown.

In Punjab, which has one of the best police-to-people ratios among Indian states, the men in khaki are not expected to be cordial and are seen as a power centre, admits Naresh Arora, director, DesignBoxed.

To spread awareness on coronavirus, the Punjab police also opened an account on video-sharing app TikTok (the most downloaded app in India during the lockdown).

In 10 days, the Punjab police's videos clocked more than 50 million views.

"We didn't want to be preachy, and produced district-wise messaging in a creative manner. Because we are virtually in a jail, the police are also telling people how they can spend time at home and learn new things," says Arora, who also handles digital campaigns for political leaders.

Surendra Lamba, executive assistant-cum-staff officer to Punjab's director general of police, says the campaigns have helped build a better public perception.

"Based on the engagement on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Sharechat, we can say that many people are responding positively to the campaigns."

TikTok has become an effective medium for police in other states, too, including Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and Kerala.

From the police in Kolkata delivering 'corona' renditions of popular numbers in public and traffic cops in Bengaluru wearing virus-shaped helmets to dissuade violators to a garba performance by policewomen in Gujarat, innovative ways to stress the importance of physical distancing and staying at home have caught on.

IMAGE: Policemen punish an individual for flouting the lockdown in Guwahati. Photograph: PTI Photo

In Assam, Additional Director General of Police Harmeet Singh says the state police is firm in enforcing the lockdown without exceptions.

That said, he adds, it realises there are sections that are underprivileged and also animals that are vulnerable.

"So we are providing relief material and helping NGOs that are distributing aid all over the state."

The Assam police is also running helplines and coordinating with local authorities to deliver essential goods.

Besides sensitising people through social media, the police have counselled more than 150 people and arrested 31 so far in order to curb fake news -- and, it alerts Facebook and Twitter when it spots misinformation.

A majority of the COVID-19 positive cases reported in Assam were linked to the Tablighi Jamaat incident in Delhi, so the police have run a campaign to ensure peace.

These efforts indicate that a people-friendly image is a work in progress for the police.

However, even during an unprecedented crisis that has compelled everyone to set aside the usual blame game and work towards solution, questions over the police's role remain.

IMAGE: Policemen stand guard on a road leading to an area sealed off as a containment zone in Worli, south central Mumbai. Photograph: PTI Photo

The Delhi police has been battling accusations of bias and violent crackdowns during the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act movement and subsequent riots.

The Delhi Minorities Commission issued notices to the police seeking action over 'random arrests' of youth in connection with the riots in north east Delhi.

A criminal lawyer, who did not want to be named, says the urgency of arrests during the lockdown is baffling as everyone is stationed at home.

More so, she adds, when a couple of high courts have either granted bail to undertrials or considered offering parole to prisoners to decongest jails in the wake of the outbreak.

"The thrust of the investigations in Delhi has been that those who participated in the anti-CAA protests are the ones behind the riots," she alleges.

The Delhi police did not respond to interview requests for this article.

IMAGE: Railway Protection Force officers distribute food to the needy at Dadar, north central Mumbai. Photograph: Kunal Patil/PTI Photo

The matter of reforms is often raked up when the police department is suspected of partisan behaviour or exercising brutal authority.

Court directions, commissions and experts have repeatedly pointed to gnawing problems such as political interference and lack of functional autonomy or accountability.

The Police Act, 1861 -- on which the police functions are based -- is also cited as a colonial-era law that has long lost its relevance, legislated as it was in the wake of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny.

The police tend to reflect the ethos and values of the ruling party, says Prakash Singh, former chief of the Border Security Force and chairman of the advocacy group Indian Police Foundation.

IMAGE: Policemen stop commuters in Vijayawada. Photograph: PTI Photo

At the same time, Singh feels there is a need for an element of coercion to make people fall in line, especially for a challenge like COVID-19 for which there is no standard operating procedure.

The Indian Police Foundation has called upon police chiefs to formulate pandemic preparedness plans.

While there is no justification for excessive use of force, Singh says that on the whole the police have done a good job of disciplining people and implementing the lockdown.

The police are also working on the frontlines, distributing relief material and medicines, and exposing themselves to health risks with many lacking even protective gear.

"The government has given insurance cover to health workers, but not to the police. Why?" asks Singh.

Ajay Raj Sharma, former commissioner of police in Delhi, says the constant challenge is to be strict and humane at the same time.

After eight-10 hours of duty, there should be a switch, and police personnel should be able to rest and meet their families, he says.

"It is necessary to keep them sane when they are on duty."
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 00:36:41|Editor: xuxin

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Photo taken on April 11, 2020 shows German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier delivering a televised speech on COVID-19, in Berlin, capital of Germany. The coronavirus pandemic has placed Germany at a crossroads that will determine whether it recedes into fearfulness or becomes a more "considerate and hopeful" society, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said. According to the Robert Koch Institute, almost 120,000 people in Germany have tested positive for the coronavirus, and more than 2,500 have died as of Friday midnight. (Xinhua/Shan Yuqi)

BERLIN, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The coronavirus pandemic has placed Germany at a crossroads that will determine whether it recedes into fearfulness or becomes a more "considerate and hopeful" society, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said.

"We do not want to be a fearful and distrustful society," Steinmeier said in a rare televised speech, which will be broadcast on major German television networks later Saturday evening but the full text has been made available for the press.

The struggle to quell the coronavirus pandemic is "a test of our humanity." The crisis caused by COVID-19 "brings out the best and the worst in people," he said.

"This pandemic is not a war. Nations are not opposed to other nations, soldiers against other soldiers. It is a test of our humanity," said the president, who normally addresses the country at Christmas.

Steinmeier also addressed the restrictive measures imposed by the government in recent weeks, saying that their success depends "not on politicians and experts, but on all of us -- our patience and our discipline, especially now when it seems the most difficult."

The German president also called for solidarity within Europe, saying that "Germany cannot emerge from the crisis strong and healthy if our neighbors are not strong and healthy."

"We Germans are not only called upon to show solidarity in Europe, but we are also obliged to do so!" Steinmeier said.

Steinmeier said the international solidarity should bring about a global alliance to search for a COVID-19 vaccine. And that "the poorest countries in the world, who are the most vulnerable, should have equal access" to any such treatment.

According to the Robert Koch Institute, almost 120,000 people in Germany have tested positive for the coronavirus, and more than 2,500 have died as of Friday midnight.
A 42-year-old man complaining of respiratory problems and high fever passed away at a local civil hospital on Saturday. Doctors suspect that he may be have been suffering from the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

The health department took the patients samples and started the process of cremating the body under Covid-19 guidelines.

Chief medical officer (CMO) Dr Yogesh Sharma said, The 42-year-old man had been suffering from a cough and fever for the last four to five days. The patient was a resident of Hisar.

If the man is found to be positive of Covid-19, the entire area will be sealed and his contacts will be traced and quarentined.

Two sent to isolation ward in Kurukshetra

Karnal: Two persons suspected of having the coronavirus disease were sent to the isolation ward in Kurukshetra on Saturday.

The patients are a 20-year-old woman from Taraori of Karnal district and a 32-year-old Kurukshetra resident.

Kurukshetra chief medical officer Sukhbir Singh said, They are suspected of having Covid-19 and have been admitted to the isolation ward of the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Government Hospital in Kurukshetra. Their samples have been sent to the Government Medical College and Hospital for confirmation.

The 20-year-old womans samples were taken on April 9 after she developed Covid-19 symptoms and the 32-year-old patient had reportedly reached Kurukshetra by train on March 17 and later he developed flu-like symptoms.

However, the CMO said that he is not currently exhibiting any symptoms but his samples will be taken again.

So far, no Covid-19 cases have been reported from Kurukshetra.
T he Duke of Cambridge has praised how the Church of Scotland has "reinvented itself" in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prince William was due to be at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland next month having been appointed Lord High Commissioner by The Queen in January.

But the week-long event, which was due to open in Edinburgh on May 16, has been cancelled as part of the social restrictions to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Churches across the country have also closed their doors and tried finding new ways to reach parishioners including holding services online.

A letter written by the Duke of Cambridge, praising how the Church of Scotland has "reinvented itself" in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. / PA

Ahead of Easter Sunday the Duke wrote to the Right Reverend Colin Sinclair, the outgoing moderator of the Assembly, praising the work of the Kirk in "this extremely challenging time".

In his letter he says: "As we approach Easter, I wanted to acknowledge how difficult a time this must be for the Church of Scotland and your Ministries.

"You have had to close your churches at the very moment when you normally come together, and when your communities need you the most.

Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures 1 /81 Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures A deserted Westminster Bridge PA A man wearing a face mask or covering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, walks past customers sat outside a restaurant AFP via Getty Images Boris Johnson addresses the nation on the Coronavirus lockdown Andrew Parsons Runners pass cardboard cutouts of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William during the London Marathon in London AP An empty escalator at Charing Coss London Underground tube station Jeremy Selwyn Electronic bilboards displays a message warning people to stay home in Sheffield PA A sign is displayed in the window of a student accommodation building following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Mancheste Reuters People take part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions, in Londo AP People sing and dance in Leicester Square on the eve on the 10PM curfew Reuters Hearts painted by a team of artists from Upfest are seen in the grass at Queen Square, following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Bristol Reuters Graffiti reads 'good luck and stay safe', as the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases grow around the world, under a bridge in London Reuters A sign is pictured in Soho, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London Reuters Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures, during a coronavirus briefing in Downing Street, London AP A person runs past posters with a message of hope, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Manchester REUTERS Riot police face protesters who took part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions in London AP An image of The Queen eith quotes from her broadcast to the UK and the Commonwealth in relation to the Coronavirus epidemic are displayed on lights in London's Piccadilly Circus PA Military vehicles cross Westminster Bridge after members of the 101 Logistic Brigade delivered a consignment of medical masks to St Thomas' hospital Getty Images Durdle Door in Dorset Reuters Captain Tom Moore via 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 Coronavirus outbreak PA An NHS worker reacts at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital during the Clap for our Carers campaign in support of the NHS Reuters Goats which have taken over the deserted streets of Llandudno @AndrewStuart via PA Tobias Weller PA Novikov restaurant in London with its shutters pulled down while the restaurant is closed London Landscapes: Hyde Park and the Serpentine, central London. Matt Writtle A newspaper vendor in Manchester city centre giving away free toilet rolls with every paper bought as shops run low on supplies due to fears over the spread of the coronavirus PA Theo Clay looks out of his window next to his hand-drawn picture of a rainbow in Liverpool, as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continue Reuters A young man cuts another man's hair on top of a closed hairdresser in Oxford Reuters General view of the new NHS Nightingale Hospital, built to fight against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London via Reuters Jason Baird is seen dressed as Spiderman during his daily exercise to cheer up local children in Stockport, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues Reuters A woman wearing a face mask walks past Buckingham Palace Getty Images A man holds mobile phone displaying a text message alert sent by the government warning that new rules are in force across the UK and people must stay at home PA Medical staff on the Covid-19 ward at the Neath Port Talbot Hospital, in Wales, as the health services continue their response to the coronavirus outbreak. PA Prime Minister Boris Johnson taking part in a virtual Cabinet meeting with his top team of ministers PA A shopper walks past empty shelves in a Lidl store on in Wallington. After spates of "panic buying" cleared supermarket shelves of items like toilet paper and cleaning products, stores across the UK have introduced limits on purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have also created special time slots for the elderly and other shoppers vulnerable to the new coronavirus. Getty Images People on a busy tube train in London at rush hour PA Mia, aged 8 and her brother Jack, aged 5 from Essex, continue their school work at home, after being sent home due to the coronavirus PA Children are painting 'Chase the rainbows' artwork and springing up in windows across the country Reuters Social distancing in Primrose Hill Jeremy Selwyn A general view of a locked gate at Anfield, Liverpool as The Premier League has been suspended PA Homeless people in London AFP via Getty Images A piece of art by the artist, known as the Rebel Bear has appeared on a wall on Bank Street in Glasgow. The new addition to Glasgow's street art is capturing the global Coronavirus crisis. The piece features a woman and a man pulling back to give each other a kiss PA The Queen leaves Buckingham Palace, London, for Windsor Castle to socially distance herself amid the coronavirus pandemic PA A general view on Grey street, Newcastle as coronavirus cases grow around the world Reuters 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 Britain's Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty (L) and Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance look on as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures as he speaks during a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) news conference inside 10 Downing Street Reuters The ticket-validation terminals at the tram stop on Edinburgh's Princes Street are cleaned following the coronavirus outbreak. PA Locked school gates at Rockcliffe First School in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear PA A sign at a Sainsbury's supermarket informs customers that limits have been set on a small number of products as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grow around the world Reuters Jawad Javed delivers coronavirus protection kits that he and his wife have put together to the vulnerable people of their community of Stenhousemuir, between Glasgow and Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images A sign advertising a book titled "How Will We Survive On Earth?" Getty Images A man who appears to be homeless sleeping wearing a mask today in Victoria Jeremy Selwyn A pedestrian walks past graffiti that reads "Diseases are in the City" in Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images Staff from The Lyric Theatre, London inform patrons, as it shuts its doors PA A quiet looking George IV Bridge in Edinburgh PA A quieter than usual British Museum Getty Images A racegoer attends Cheltenham in a fashionable face mask SplashNews.com A commuter wears a face mask at London Bridge Station Jeremy Selwyn A empty restaurant in the Bull Ring Shopping Centre Getty Images A deserted Trafalgar Square in London PA Passengers determined to avoid the coronavirus before leaving the UK arrive at Gatwick Airport Getty Images

"It is heartening to see how the Church of Scotland, like so many other faith communities across the country, is re-inventing itself digitally to continue providing worship, support and guidance for your congregations.

"I have no doubt that this support, as well as other means of offering help, is hugely appreciated at this extremely challenging time, particularly by the elderly, vulnerable, those economically affected and of course those who have so tragically lost family and friends.

"I am sure that this continuing connection and support will be particularly welcomed this Easter weekend."

Had the Assembly gone ahead the Duke - known as the Earl of Strathearn when in Scotland - would have made opening and closing addresses before hundreds of attendees as well as meeting Rev Sinclair and his successor, moderator-designate Rev Dr Martin Fair.

The Lord High Commissioner role was established in the 1707 Act of Union between England and Scotland, and the Queen pledged to continue it during the first Privy Council meeting of her reign in 1952.

William also writes: "It is sad but understandable that the pandemic has resulted in the cancellation of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

"As you know, I was very much looking forward to spending a week in Scotland this May as Lord High Commissioner.

"I know how much work goes into preparing for the General Assembly week, and I wanted to pass on my thanks to all involved.

"Please pass on my warmest wishes to all Ministers, Elders and Members of the Church of Scotland, who I know are working tirelessly to serve their communities in the most difficult of circumstances."

Rev Sinclair said: "As we approach Easter I was delighted to receive as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland a letter from Prince William, the Earl of Strathearn.

"His Royal Highness was due to be Lord High Commissioner at this year's General Assembly, before it had to be cancelled because of Covid 19.
Chicago drug arrests are down 42% in the weeks since the city shut down  a trend playing out globally as cities report stunning crime drops, AP reports.

The big picture: Even among regions that have the highest levels of violence outside a war zone, fewer people are being killed and fewer robberies are taking place.

Zoom out: Around the world, tougher security policies and gang truces are playing a major role in the decline.

El Salvador reported an average of two killings per day last month, down from a peak of 600 daily a few years back, per AP.

Crime levels dropped 84% in Peru last month.

In South Africa, reported rapes are down from 700 to 101 compared to this time last year.

Yes, but: Law enforcement officials worry about a surge of unreported domestic violence, and what happens when restrictions lift  or go on too long.

Chicago did see a spike in gun violence this week, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, which reported 60 shootings  19 fatal  between Sunday and Thursday.

Go deeper: Increase in domestic violence feared during virus lockdown
The opening date of St Patrick's Special School in Enniscorthy has been cast in doubt after work halted on the site in recent days.

Speaking to this newspaper on Thursday, school Principal Lee Rogers said work stopped on the site the previous Friday.

'They were working up until last Friday but then when the greater restrictions were imposed they stopped and they're not there now,' he said.

'We were hoping we would have the key and be opened by August and obviously for the start of the school year in September,' he added.

However, the actual date on which the school will be opened is now anyone's guess, although Mr Rogers is still confident it will happen before Christmas.

'At least we are well on the way and it's a matter of it being delayed rather than not going ahead at all,' he said.

'If we were only starting the project now, with everything going on, I doubt the school would have been built,' he added. 'I don't think there will be many schools of this size built anywhere for quite a while now.'

There were other initiatives in place based around the construction project too, including the per cent for art scheme which involves artists creating pieces in tandem with a capital project for a percentage cost of the build.

'We would have been going to work on appointing the winning artist but that is also up in the air at the moment too, because we can't get together to see what we would be putting there,' said Mr Rogers.

He said he is thankful that the project was well under way when the current crisis unfolded.

'I am delighted that we got the place started when we did because what chance would you have of getting a school of that magnitude over the line now?' he said.

While the school is closed the teaching staff and Mr Rogers are in constant contact with parents and pupils through an online portal called Aladdin.

'We send them work and activities and our teachers contact the parents during the week,' he said.

'However, as our pupils are more hands-on, there are some limits as to what can be sent to them to do,' he added.

'It's a tough old time for everyone at the moment but the important thing is that everyone remains safe.'

The new school will be located in Drumgoold and the sod was first turned on the site in October 2018.

In the interim work has progressed steadily at the site with the majority of the main building now completed.

The overall cost of the project will be in the region of 14.5m and the building will encompass an area of around 5,940m2 and will be able to accommodate around 400 students.

There is a high level of excitement and anticipation among parents and pupils surrounding the new building as it will provide state-of-the-art facilities to the children.

The high regard in which the school is held within the community was underlined this time last year when a fundraising walk held in atrocious weather raised 3,700 for a hydro-therapy pool, which will be included in the new building.
NHS 111 staff working around the clock battling the coronavirus pandemic are coming into work with Covid-19 symptoms due to a lack of adequate sick pay, a whistleblower has claimed.

Staff members working across three call centres in the UK raised concerns regarding health and safety which has come to light in a complaint to MPs.

Thousands of employees are recruited through agencies to work at the centres and one employees complaint has now been published but the commons select committee.

It has been claimed that the workers, who bring in around 9.09 an hour, are unable to live on sick pay and are therefore still going into the office when suffering symptoms.

So far in the UK there have been 8,931 deaths due to the coronavirus and there have been over 65,000 confirmed cases.

NHS 111 call handlers are pictured above. Kate Middleton and Prince William visited the workers last month

WHAT ARE THE CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS? The virus, called COVID-19, is transmitted from person to person via droplets when an infected person breathes out, coughs or sneezes. It can also spread via contaminated surfaces such as door handles or railings. Coronavirus infections have a wide range of symptoms, including fever, coughing, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Mild cases can cause cold-like symptoms including a sore throat, headache, fever, cough or trouble breathing. Severe cases can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory illness, kidney failure and death. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Advertisement

Public Health England is currently reporting the deaths on a daily basis, today there were 980 new confirmed deaths.

However the figure could actually be many more, as this is just the number of patients that have died in hospitals from the virus over the last 24 hours.

One call handler from the outsourcing firm Teleperformance last night told The Guardian that communal equipment being used at one facility, such as coffee machines, door handles and exit buttons, were actually only being cleaned twice a day.

They also revealed that staff had only been given 'very very basic' training on how to handle calls coming in about the coronavirus.

The employee said one site was 'ill-prepared' for the mass volume of calls that were being put through to them and added that they were 'terrified' due to the 'unsafe' conditions being employed at the site.

Statutory sick pay (SSP) in the UK is just 96-a-week and the whistleblower said that staff were coming in with symptoms as they could not afford to live off of it.

Across the UK people are being advised to keep their hands clean because of the virus, yet NHS 111 workers have claimed their offices are not being cleaned regularly

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge talking with staff, including Chief Executive of the London Ambulance Service, Garrett Emmerson (left) as they visit the London Ambulance Service 111 control room to meet staff who have been taking NHS 111 calls from the public

'There are lots of people coughing around the call centre who haven't been self-isolating because there is no guarantee of our jobs being there when we come back Most of us can't survive on SSP.'

The company's chief executive told The Guardian that they were 'fully compliant' with the government, but added that there 'is always room for improvement'.

He said anyone with symptoms was being sent home to self isolate.

Concerns had previously been raised surrounding another outsourcing firm called Sitel.

Labour MP Luke Pollard said he had received complaints from workers claiming that they were still being force to work 'desk to desk'.

They also said their surroundings were not being 'deep cleaned' and people claimed they were scared to go to work as they did not want to catch the virus.

A spokesperson for Teleperformance said that all employees have been regularly informed they should not come to the workplace if they have COVID-19 like symptoms. If they arrive at work with them, they are then sent home to self-isolate.

They added: 'Teleperformance is fully compliant with the Governments guidelines on statutory sick pay (SSP) and furlough, as appropriate, and any other staff compensation guidelines.

'Training is adequate for the triage role that agents perform.'

Sitel said it had created an online resource page for staff and that it was following safety measures outlined there.

The page states: 'All site facilities are following guidance from the World Health Organization and their local health and government officials to implement supplemental preventative measures with site and personnel hygiene actions to stop the spread of any illness, as well as rigorous cleaning activities.

'We are continuing to implement social distancing measures on site, including restructuring our workspaces so that workstations follow distancing recommendations from the World Health Organization.'

MailOnline has contacted the NHS and the Department for Health and Social Care.
A pastor in Arizona films a live stream sermon during the coronavirus outbreak.

Associated Press

Outspoken church officials are advocating for the right to worship in person on Easter Sunday, despite orders prohibiting mass religious gatherings to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

In a recent case study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommends that Americans "avoid gatherings" like religious services, a church in Chicago played a significant role in community spread.

"God will shield us from all harm and sickness," Reverend Tony Spell, pastor of the evangelical Life Tabernacle Church in Louisiana, told Reuters. "We are not afraid. We are called by God to stand against the Antichrist creeping into America's borders. We will spread the Gospel."

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Churches around the country are fighting stay-at-home mandates to open their doors for Easter Sunday services, much to the dismay of public health officials.

While several religious entities including the Roman Catholic Church are transitioning to virtual services in the form of live streaming, television broadcasts, and radio sermons, some congregations plan to meet in person this weekend. In states like Louisiana and Texas, outspoken church leaders are advocating for the right to worship in person, despite orders prohibiting mass religious gatherings to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Their defiance comes even as churches have been demonstrated to serve as significant hotbeds for the spread of the virus. A recent case study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracked a church's role in community spread in Chicago, after individuals showing symptoms of COVID-19 attended a service in February.

"US residents should adhere to CDC recommendations for social distancing, avoid gatherings, and follow stay-at-home orders when required by state or local authorities," the CDC wrote in its report.

Story continues

Reverend Tony Spell  pastor of the evangelical Life Tabernacle Church in Baton Rogue, Louisiana  told Reuters "Satan and a virus will not stop us," when questioned about his plans to hold in person services at his church, where he expects 2,000 attendees.

"God will shield us from all harm and sickness," Spell told Reuters. "We are not afraid. We are called by God to stand against the Antichrist creeping into America's borders. We will spread the Gospel."

Others, like Reverend John Greiner of Glorious Way Church in Houston, Texas, had initially shifted Easter services to a digital format, before backtracking and deciding to open for in-person services. According to ABC News, Greiner has positioned hand-washing stations around the premises and rearranged pews to allow for social distancing.

"We can't do what God called us to do on livestream," Greiner told ABC News.

Still, experts say social distancing efforts like Grenier's are not enough and continue to discourage group outings. Krys Johnson, an epidemiologist and assistant professor at Temple University, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that churches are particularly high-risk venues due to wide age variations of congregants, which tend to include elderly community members.

"While a lot of churches have been cognizant about steps like removing holy water to prevent transmitting the disease, the environment is not conducive to social distancing  we're talking to one another, touching the pews, worshipping together," Johnson said. "Church is often also where we see our elders, and those are the people we need to be protecting the most."

Read the original article on Insider
The UNFPA and Norway support Vietnam in addressing Gender Biased Sex Selection and related harmful practices

A new programme Addressing gender biased sex selection and related harmful practices in Vietnam has been launched by the UNFPA and the Norwegian government for three years from 2020 to 2022. This programme will be co-implemented by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA), the General Office for Population and Family Planning (GOPFP) under the Ministry of Health (MoH), the Vietnam Farmers Union, and the Center for Studies and Applied Sciences in Gender, Family, Women and Adolescents (CSAGA).

It aims at supporting the ongoing government efforts to fully implement approved legal and policy frameworks to end gender biased sex selection (GBSS) and includes campaigns through innovative approaches to change social norms and practices which reinforce son preference and the low value of girls, strengthening of the capacities of the media, implementation of the fatherhood programme, and streamlining of the countrys co-ordination mechanisms for GBSS.

Data from the National Population and Housing Census, which Vietnam successfully conducted last year, will also be analysed further to produce a Census Monograph on GBSS. Vietnams experience and good practice will be shared in the spirit of South-South collaboration with other countries in the region, especially with Bangladesh and Nepal that have also experienced an imbalanced sex ratio as a result of GBSS.

I am very pleased that in Vietnam, the UNFPA with the financial support of Norway, is taking the lead in addressing gender biased sex selection in close co-operation with the Vietnamese government. Close partnerships and a holistic approach are key measures for success in addressing harmful practices, said Grethe Lchen, Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam.

Gender equality in Vietnam has improved over the past decades, but GBSS as a harmful practice remains persistent in society. GBSS has been identified as the major cause of an imbalance in the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) in Vietnam. The skewed SRB in Vietnam was first identified in 2004, and since 2005, the imbalance towards more boys has rapidly increased and reached 111.5 boys per 100 girls in 2019 as indicated in the 2019 Census.

The skewed sex ratio at birth in Vietnam is at an alarming level and tends to continue to spread, both in rural and urban areas and in many regions of the country. Therefore, one of the goals of the Vietnam Population Strategy to 2030 is to bring the sex ratio at birth to the natural balance, said Nguyen Doan Tu, director general of the General Office for Population and Family Planning. Strengthening gender equality, empowering women and girls, promoting advocacy and communications, raising all people's awareness, and promoting greater participation from men and boys are key solutions to address GBSS.

Evidence shows that this demographic imbalance is a result of pre-natal sex selection based on son preference, which is deeply rooted in the traditional culture in many countries in the world, including Vietnam. Son preference is a powerful manifestation of gender inequality.

Meanwhile, Naomi Kitahara, UNFPA representative in Vietnam, said that the country is making progress with promoting gender equality, but the progress must be accelerated within the context of the Decade of Action for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With this new programme, we will support the Government of Vietnam and civil society to speed up the process of change, towards a modern and progressive Vietnam where women and girls have the same opportunities to succeed in society as men and boys do, and where we value our girls as much as we value our boys, she said.

According to Kitahara, GBSS should be addressed not only to ensure gender equality, but also because the unbalanced sex ratio has significant implications for the populations marital status and can also contribute to further fertility decline. As such, more intensified nation-wide efforts are needed to fully implement existing legal and policy frameworks to prevent GBSS and promote gender equality more broadly.
India besieged  1.3 billion people in quarantine By Shashi Tharoor, exclusively for the Sunday Times in Sri Lanka View(s): View(s):

NEW DELHI  India is walking home, declared the headline in The Indian Express as newspapers and television screens filled with images of millions of migrant workers, clutching their meager belongings, trekking along Indias deserted highways to return to their homes, hundreds of kilometers away.

Such images were last seen in India seven decades ago, when the countrys partition and the emergence of Pakistan forced millions of displaced people to stagger across the borders to their new homelands. This time, it was a different kind of man-made tragedy.

On the evening of March 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared, with just four hours notice, a 21-day lockdown from midnight onward, to prevent the spread of coronavirus. But he had failed to plan for the impact of his announcement on Indias vast informal economy.

For the countrys affluent professionals, the lockdown meant working online from home, or at best an enforced holiday. For the poor, it was another story. Factories, offices, and shops shut down; construction sites became idle; and restaurants, barber shops, and beauty salons closed. All of them stopped paying wages. Many employers and contractors shrugged off the problem: they were incurring losses, too, they said, so they couldnt afford to pay workers who werent working.

Unable to earn money to feed themselves or pay rent in congested urban ghettos, Indias vast legion of workers packed up and set off for home, often to villages in faraway states. With trains and buses out of service, they walked.

It wasnt easy. There was no food or water, and no rest stations, available along the way. Fatigue and blistered feet were the price that had to be paid for the allure of home, family, and basic sustenance.

When some states considered pressing their idle buses into service to transport the trekkers, the crowds at the bus stations made a mockery of the lockdown. The central government promptly closed state borders and instructed local authorities to provide shelters with food and water to the migrants wherever they were.

Ironically, the attempt to prevent a pandemic has created a humanitarian crisis. Modi took to the radio to apologise for the lockdown, which has caused difficulties in your lives, especially the poor people, but asked them to bear with him. But, because his government failed to anticipate the exodus, it had jeopardised the lives of those it was anxious to save.

Paradoxically, Modis government had responded positively and rapidly to the desire of Indian expatriates and migrant workers abroad to come home; thousands flew back on evacuation flights before the lockdown. The contrast with the neglect of the domestic migrant workers, on whom the vast informal economy rests, could not have been more striking. Wanting to go home in a crisis is natural. If Indian students, tourists, pilgrims stranded overseas want to return, so do laborers in big cities  We cant be sending planes to bring home one lot, but leave the other to walk back home, tweeted the editor of the online news portal ThePrint.

The migrant workers plight was merely the most blatant reminder of the daunting challenges that India is facing in coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. Theres no doubt that quarantining 1.3 billion people is an extreme step and not easy to enforce evenly. Social distancing is impossible for the vast majority of Indians, many of whom live a dozen to a room.

Perhaps not surprisingly, enforcing the lockdown has proved exceedingly problematic. Compounding the difficulties, there was also confusion about who was permitted on the streets and for what, with shoppers seeking essential supplies and even medical personnel stopped and in some cases brutally beaten by overzealous policemen wielding lathis (long batons).

Still, despite uneven enforcement, farmers cannot bring in the spring harvest, and reports abound of fresh produce and milk being wasted because the lockdown prevents deliveries. Many basic goods are unavailable, newspaper delivery has ceased, and a recession is inevitable.

The only consolation is that the air above Indias most polluted cities has magically cleared. Delhi, where the air quality index typically exceeds 500 (the World Health Organisations safety threshold is 25), is now basking in blue skies and sunshine, with the AQI below 30 most days and, after a rain shower last week, even coming down to seven.

The responses of Indias state governments have also varied enormously. The southern state of Kerala, where the first coronavirus cases in India appeared (medical students returning from China), has been hailed as a model for its handling of the crisis.

With a strong health-care infrastructure developed over decades, Kerala coped well with COVID-19. It started testing and tracing early, imposed effective quarantine measures, backed them up with welfare support, and prevented an exodus of migrant workers by feeding them in the state. Despite hosting large numbers of travelers (Kerala is the source of Indias largest overseas migrant population, mainly in the Gulf), the state has avoided an uncontrolled outbreak.

Keralas caseload numbers are high, but thats because it has tested far more people than other states. In Kerala, 220 persons per million have been tested, compared to just one per million in the northern state of Bihar. Low case numbers often reflect testing limitations.

Though Indians have rallied in solidarity, reasonable questions are being posed. How could India have bungled its COVID-19 response so badly, despite having a powerful central government, led by a ruling party with an absolute parliamentary majority and the countrys most popular politician? Why were no preparations made for an approaching pandemic, despite public warnings by opposition leaders of the need to do so? Why is India today contemplating not just the catastrophe of contagion, but also the prospect of economic collapse, starvation, increased poverty, and the risk of social unrest?

The answers will have to wait. The overriding challenge is to ensure that this country of 1.3 billion people avoids the terrifying scenario  millions of victims  that doomsayers have foretold.

Shashi Tharoor, a former UN under-secretary-general and former Indian Minister of State for External Affairs and Minister of State for Human Resource Development, is an MP for the Indian National Congress.

Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2020.

www.project-syndicate.org
U.S. President Donald Trump declared in a White House briefing on Friday that he offered to help Mexico after it previously balked at a ten million-barrel-a-day agreement the Saudis and Russians were pushing and refused to agree to its share of cuts.

In a recent article, Trump revealed he had a late-night conversation with Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, which led to the said deal.

On Friday, oil markets were closed as G20 energy ministers discussed to finalize the agreement.

READ: Trump to Expedite Aid to U.S. Farmers Affected by the Pandemic

But the prospect of cuts had failed to boost prices a day earlier, and many analysts noted they would do little to counterbalance the massive drop in demand due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis as travels were halted while industries were put on hold across the world.

Make Up The Difference

"We'd make up the difference," he said at a White House briefing, then immediately added, "Now, the U.S. production has already been cut."

"We are trying to get Mexico, as the expression goes, over the barrel," he added. "The United States will help Mexico along, and they'll reimburse us at a later date when they're prepared to do so."

In the U.S., government-directed supply cuts are highly unusual.

Energy analysts have aired some doubts as to how the deal with Mexico would turn out.

"Everything would suggest that Trump's 'promise' to cut oil production for Mexico is a lot of hot air," tweeted Gregory Brew, a historian of the oil business. "He has done nothing to indicate he supports taking direct action to rein in U.S. production."

Also, on Friday, Lopez Obrador told journalists that in their phone call the night before, Trump identified all the countries that had accepted the deal in a meeting of the OPEC plus nations Thursday. He then asked why Mexico balked.

ALSO READ: Types of Businesses That Perform Well During Economic Recessions

"I made a proposal that fortunately he accepted, which is that they [the United States] would compensate," Lopez Obrador said. "When I said that we couldn't do more than 100,000 [barrels a day], he very generously said they could help with the extra 250,000, they could handle that, and I thank him for that."

Lopez Obrador has maintained a cordial relationship with Trump despite substantial policy differences.

Since taking office in December 2018, the Mexican president has actively moved to strengthen PEMEX, Mexico's state oil giant, and ramp up its production, despite showing a poor performance for years.

Time For Renewable

Amidst the oil price war, environmental campaign group Greenpeace said that the world needs to move away from using oil altogether.

John Sauven, Greenpeace executive director, said: "In the context of climate change, production cuts don't matter one way or the other - the overwhelming impact of oil comes from its use."

"The economics of oil have always been beholden to geopolitics, rivalries between producing countries, as well as industry interests with no regard for people or planet."

"The urgent question facing us now is how to make sure that any future recovery builds a safe, resilient, and healthier economy that can withstand future shocks and avoid climate breakdown. We need to build that recovery on clean, affordable renewable energy."

READ MORE: Government Offers $490M Ventilator Contract as Federal Stockpiles Hit Critical Level

Trump acknowledged that members of OPEC plus nations, particularly Saudis and Russians, might not agree with the Mexican ploy.

"I don't know that it's going to be accepted," he said. "We'll find out."
As the nation is battling against COVID-19, the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) has found a cost effective solution for isolation wards with the manufacture of two-bed tents with medical equipment for screening, isolation and quarantine, the Defence Ministry said on Saturday.

These special tents can be used for medical emergency, medical screening, hospital triage and quarantine purposes. With floor area of 9.55 square metres, these tents are made up of waterproof fabric, mild steel and aluminium alloy.

These tents, which are manufactured by the Ordnance Equipment Factory in Kanpur, can be set up in any place and terrain and help in creating additional facilities other than those in conventional hospitals within a short period of time. Fifty such tents have been sent to Arunachal Pradesh, said the ministry.

Meanwhile, Opto Electronics Factory Dehradun, a unit of OFB, has donated 2,500 bottles (100 ml each) of hand sanitisers and 1,000 face masks to the Uttarakhand Governor on April 6.

While Cordite Factory Aruvankadu has handed over 100 litres of sanitisers to the Nilgiris District Police authorities in Tamil Nadu, the High Explosives Factory (HEF) in Pune despatched the first batch of 2,500 litres of sanitisers to HLL, Belgavi in Karnataka, the ministry said.

The Ordnance Factory Ambajhari (OFAJ) Nagpur has developed fumigation chamber for the purpose of sanitisation. Installed at the main entrance of OFAJ Hospital, the chamber is fully portable and can be shifted with ease.

The Ordnance Factory Dehradun gave an indigenously made pedal-operated handwashing system fitted with soap dispenser to the police authorities and another Ordnance Factory on Dehu Road, Pune distributed food kits amongst labourers at Dehugaon village.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A 99-year-old war veteran has been applauded on his way out of hospital after recovering from coronavirus.

Albert Chambers, who served in World War Two and spent three years in a German prisoner-of-war camp, tested positive for Covid-19 in Tickhill Road Hospital in Doncaster, south Yorkshire, while recovering from a broken arm from a fall.

Mr Chambers said: "When I get home Im going to tell all of my neighbours how marvellous the nurses are here. I want to say thank you very much to them.

"I appreciate every bit of what they have done for me. They couldnt have been any better. Ive been well kept and well looked after.

Mr Chambers, who turns 100 in July, served in the Coldstream Guards and received a leg wound during the war. He also guarded Buckingham Palace.

His grandson Stephen Gater said Marks & Spencer trifles helped keep Mr Chambers going.

Mr Gater said: My grandad is amazing. Hes pretty incredible. Hes not only survived the war and being in prison camp, now hes won the battle with Coronavirus.

Nurse Paige Lax, who helped look after Mr Chambers at Tickhill Road Hospital, said he was "pretty amazing".
New Delhi, April 11 : With three municipal corporations in Delhi facing cash crunch and a large number of sanitation workers missing from work, city residents staying indoors amid the nationwide lockdown fear dark days ahead on the cleanliness and sanitation front.

The MCs of North, South and East Delhi have witnessed shortage of sanitation workers ever since the lockdown was imposed on March 24 midnight, leaving sanitation and cleanliness in the hands of very few men and women staff.

"The state government owes us about Rs 8,000 crore, once they pay up, we can function with full power. But even if they pay us Rs 500 crore only, we can get better equipment for safety and sanitation purposes," EDMC Mayor Anju Kamal Kant told IANS.

Anju claimed that they have utilised budget allocated to health and earning plan heads to acquire PPE kits, gloves and masks for health staff but at least Rs 500 crore more was needed.

Similar views were expressed by North Delhi MC Mayor Avtar Singh who claimed that the civic body is yet to pay two-month salaries to its sanitation workers as the state government was yet to given it Rs 1,000 crore.

"I want to do more for MC workers -- we have thanked them, but unfortunately have not paid them for two months. But somehow, we are trying to maintain sanitation in the capital city," Avtar Singh said.

The South Delhi MC Mayor claimed that they too were yet to receive funds from the state government.

Sanitation workers have also raised concerns over their safety amid the coronavirus scare. "We don't have any PPE kits for workers at dump yards or even gloves and masks when we clean the city," Sanjay Gahlot, president of sanitation workers' union said.

He maintained that the shortage of sanitation workers in Delhi was due to sealed inter-state borders, with police not allowing sanitation workers to enter the national capital.

"We are ready to work, but most workers come from across the Delhi borders and they are not being allowed in during the lockdown," Gahlot added.

Meanwhile, residents of various Delhi areas complained of garbage piles. If the MCDs and the state government do not come on the same page, sanitation in the city might collapse, they warned.

"This is not the time for politics. The state government must release funds for the MCDs. In the time of crisis, coordination is the least the two sides can do," Atul Goyal, President of URJA (umbrella body of 2500 RWAs in Delhi) said.

"In various areas you can see garbage has started to pile up. If the situation is not controlled soon, we may lose grip over it," Goyal added.
The Kyoto Prefectural Government will ask the central government to add it to regions placed under a state of emergency amid the coronavirus epidemic, Gov. Takatoshi Nishiwaki said Friday.

Nishiwaki announced the plan as the number of people infected with the virus has topped 160 in the prefecture, one of the top tourist destinations in Japan. Kyoto is also adjacent to Osaka and Hyogo prefectures, which are already covered by the emergency declaration.

a(We are) in a severe situation,a Nishiwaki told a news conference, noting that infection routes of Kyoto has confirmed 165 coronavirus cases. On Thursday, the first death from the virus was reported.

Nishiwaki said his prefecture has the fifth-highest number of coronavirus cases per 10,000 people.

In addition, the number of cases whose infection routes are unknown is increasing, accounting for nearly 50 percent of the total, he said.

The governor reiterated his request that residents refrain from leaving home for nonessential purposes. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday declared a state of emergency for Tokyo, Osaka and five prefectures with big urban populations that have been grappling with a recent sharp uptrend in the number of new cases.

Speaking at the same news conference, Kyoto Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa called for restraint on sightseeing trips to the city until the virus is under control.

In a related development, Aichi Prefecture, home to Toyota Motor Corp.as headquarters and manufacturing facilities, declared its own monthlong state of emergency Friday afternoon and requested that people refrain from making nonessential outings and visits to the seven regions placed under the central governmentas state of emergency declaration. Aichias governor has asked the central government to add it to the list.

The closure request for elementary, junior high and prefectural high schools in the prefecture will be extended until May 6.
Hospital in Bhilwara. (Image: Moneycontrol)

For the longest time, Bhilwara was known as the textile city of India. But the city had no idea that it was to go through one of the toughest tests of its fabric of resolve in the face of COVID-19 crisis.

On March 18, the city reported its first case of Coronavirus and within days there were reports that this city could become Indias next hotspot for the outbreak of the deadly disease.

But there was one man who, along with his team, showed the world how its done.

Thanks to Bhilwaras District Magistrate Rajendra Bhatt and a group of determined individuals, Bhilwara has risen as a successful example for the world to emulate in tackling the COVID-19 crisis.

"We got to know on March 18 about the first case of Coronavirus in Brijesh Bangur Memorial Hospital, and thereon we understood that this cant be the only case in the town, 56-year-old Bhatt tells Moneycontrol, adding, We were facing a delicate situation because the very first patients was found at the hospital itself, which was a clear indication of the beginning of disaster and the long haul fight to stop the community spread.

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 man behind Bhilwara's fight against COVID-19 District Magistrate IAS Rajendra Bhatt.

Bhatt, an Indian Administrative Service officer, hails from a family of bureaucrats. His brother, also his role model, had retired from Indian Police Service as Director General of Police.

Fake News

Bhilwara saw one of the first cases of community spread of the virus when a doctor of the Brijesh Bangur Memorial hospital got infected.

Early reports said that he had contracted it from one of the guests at his home who had come from Saudi Arabia, but the doctor came out and clarified that there was no truth in such reports.

As they say, the first casualty, when war comes, is truth.

Necessary Evil

Bhilwara is about 250 KM away from the capital city Jaipur and depending on their resources was not an option.

It was a team of district administrators, including the Collector himself and Superintendent of Police, who cobbled together a plan and executed it with military precision. This not only helped the district to contain the spread of pandemic but also helped flatten the so-called curve.

An empty road during the lockdown in Bhilwara

Bhatt acknowledges that the district administration was a bit harsh on people when they first started implementing the operation to safeguard the district from COVID-19 on March 19, but that was a necessary evil at that point in time.

Fast-forward to the present day and the Bhilwara model of containment is being considered as a Standard Operating Procedure to contain the virus in the whole country.

As It Happened

The administration first collected the Out Patient Department, ICU and CCU patients data. The ones who visited the hospital around that time.

Bhatt informs, We got to know around 6,000 to 7,000 patients had visited the hospital so we started searching for those people and sent them to home-quarantine.

Contact-tracing is a rigorous but crucial exercise that authorities are doing to place, quarantine or treat possible patients.

Bhatt adds, We got to know that the doctor from the hospital had also got the same infection and hence later we had to run through the lists of those patients who visited him at his home for a consultation and mostly there wasnt any record available for such patients.

The administration conducted around 25,000 screenings in the entire district  this is the highest even when compared to the whole state of Rajasthan.

As far as testing is concerned, over 3200 tests have already been done so far in the Bhilwara district, where the population is about 24 lakh.

In contrast, the state capital Jaipur has conducted only 4,200 tests, where the population is around 40 lakh.

Conditions in the capital of the state were reflective of the other districts in the state.

This was a perfect recipe for disaster and hence to contain the spread, we immediately informed the Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and sought his permission to seal all the borders of the district, says Bhatt.

Initially, we thought to seal just the city, but then we realised it would be necessary to seal the entire district if we have to contain the spread. Hence on March 19, the district was totally locked down. Entire state machinery was at our disposal, thanks to the CM who was actively monitoring the situation, which helped us to get quick orders to even halt buses and trains for the town, said Bhatt, who is set to retire in four years.

This was the first time when the district was under such a lockdown where no one could either enter or exit the district on any condition.

The Next Step

In the second phase, the authorities started knocking on peoples doors.

Over 1,950 teams of around 2-3 people for rural areas [of the district] and 332 teams for the city reached out to every household across the district to screen each and every person from the area where the first case was reported.

In these teams who were reporting directly to Additional District Magistrate, some individuals are designated as Corona Fighters and some as Corona Captains.

This was a mammoth task in every sense since we are talking about a population of 2.35 million. We used election data where we got to know about the age limits in a particular area and the ones who are 18-year-olds. There is a possibility that such people will be available to us at their homes only.

Police officer on a patrol during the lockdown in Bhilwara.

We took the help of officials who used to be in Swine flu teams and asked simple questions about whether they have visited any hospital or symptom of flu or cold. In this process, we found more than 16,000 suspected individuals and then we put them into home quarantine. All movements of the quarantined people are under our watch, Bhatt explained.

Bhatt says that when the curfew was announced from March 19 and when some essential services were open people were not adhering to social distancing. Hence on April 2, the authorities decided on complete lockdown. All the essentials were being delivered at peoples doorsteps.

The Helping Hands

Bhatt says the credit for this goes to the state government that made everything possible without asking a single question.

He also thanks his three lieutenants - including Superintendent of Police, Chief Medical Health Officer of Bhilwara and Additional District Magistrate of the district government hospital who took the responsibility to contain the virus on their shoulders.

Mentally, I am always in the state of preparedness since I hail from Jodhpur, which shares a border with Pakistan. As a child and even as a youngster I have seen the days of the war, said Bhatt.

He says names like 'Corona Fighters' and 'Corona Captains' gave a feeling of war as we were fighting COVID-19 on a war footing.

When asked how he devised the whole plan, he says, We have to do this. We dont have any other choice. Even if this didnt succeed there wasnt any harm. When you start with a positive note and without any hidden agenda then god also is with you and shows you the way. I think that is what happened with us.

We were determined that we have to create such an environment that patients dont think to go to Jaipur for any treatment, said Dr Arun Gaur, head of the district hospital.

Head of District Hospital of Bhilwara, Dr Arun Gaur

We have sufficient infrastructure in the hospital in ICU and CCU. Anyways we treat many patients in CCU in usual days. So, we are confident that we will take care of these patients also. We segregated wards as per the health condition of patients. When we are positive things also turned positive, adds Gaur.

Wuhan, Italy, and Bhilwara

Early on, people were comparing Bhilwara with Wuhan and Italy such as this report.



Bhatt was aware of that and he realised that without any strict steps, whether people like it or not, they will not get results.

Bhilwara is a business hub and most of the people have links with metro cities especially Mumbai and Delhi. If we do not take a strict decision, as you know, one person can infect 406 people in 30 days then you can realise this number will be huge. Especially in the different parts of the state and the country, worries Bhatt.

Paritosh Dudani, a resident of Bhilwara city who is a shop-owner told Moneycontrol, Central Government should give Padma Bhushan stature award to the administration of Bhilwara who saved our lives.

The Real Heroes

Bhatt is not very fond of movies, but Dr Arun Gaur is an ardent fan of Anil Kapoor and Rajesh Khanna.

Gaur says that he is very fond of the movie Nayak and Mr. India where an ordinary person shows resilience of a hero and this situation forced them to be like one.

Gaur explains, No doubt we were not much confident initially but as patients started recovering and when the first patient was free from Corona, it boosted our confidence not only in myself but it gave immense confidence to my team also. That team which has been working tirelessly for the last 20 days.

One of the doctors wife is pregnant but he just uses a video call to check her health. Even lab technician who might go home but he stayed and continued working with us, he adds.

Gaur thanks his family and the government, This cant be possible without teamwork and support of family. My wife is handling the kitchen of the isolation ward. Moreover, we are thankful to our Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot who has given all infrastructure support to our collector and in the last two years they have invested in health infrastructure which was dried up in previous government in the Bhamashah scheme. Now, most of the patients are taking service of the government hospital.

After March 28, the so-called curve started flattening in the district and there are zero new cases in the district for 11 consecutive days. Not only that the cured patients are also returning to their homes.

In a country like India that needs such examples that inspire people, Bhilwaras grit and fighting spirit stand tall.With inputs from Pramod Tiwari, News18 Correspondent in Bhilwara.
Church of England vicars have threatened to defy the Archbishop of Canterbury's orders to shut over Easter - claiming 'now is the time to revolt'.

Guidance issued by Justin Welby warned the clergy not to enter churches to film services or for solo prayer.

Mr Welby prerecorded his Easter services from his kitchen, while other vicars claimed they would be at their churches to celebrate on Sunday.

Many across the Church of England have become enraged by the rules as they go further than the government advice.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby recording his Easter Sunday sermon in the kitchen of his flat at Lambeth Palace in London

The government had made provisions for such activities, so people belonging to churches up and down the country were still able to attend virtual services.

Those defying the rules set out by Mr Welby last night claimed they were being threatened with disciplinary measures.

One vicar said 'it was time to revolt' and another claimed they had 'been going to church since lockdown'.

They said they would continue to do so, adding they would be attending at 10.30am on Easter Sunday.

He is set to call for 'a resurrection of our common life' during the sermon as well as hailing the courage of people working on the front line in response to the outbreak

Rector at London's St Luke's Wimbledon Park Rev James Paice told the Telegraph: 'If people can go to supermarkets and get food and stand less than two metres apart from others, then why can't clergy go into an empty building on their own?

'The advice that clergy should get shopping but not enter their buildings alone to minister online elevates the humanistic and practical above the spiritual.'

He added: 'I've been going every Sunday to a room in my church. Ever since the lockdown I have been doing it, and I will do it at 10.30am on Easter Sunday. Other clergy are doing it from the main body of church.'

But most priests appear to be obeying the Archbishop as he calls for the first Easter without church services since 1213.

Some have used their initiative, including Mr Selby who recorded his service on his iPad from his kitchen.

The Archbishop normally presides over a congregation of 1,500 people at Canterbury Cathedral on Easter morning (pictured in 2019)

He is set to call for 'a resurrection of our common life' during the sermon as well as hailing the courage of people working on the front line in response to the outbreak.

It is thought he will say: 'After so much suffering, so much heroism from key workers and the NHS, we cannot be content to go back to what was before as if all is normal.

'There needs to be a resurrection of our common life.' He will also acknowledge the uncertainty society is currently facing.

'So many people right across the country are anxious about employment, food, are isolated from loved ones and feel that the future looks dark,' he will tell a virtual congregation.

'People right across the globe feel the same uncertainty, fear, despair and isolation. But you are not alone.'

He will add: 'In the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have a hope that is surer than stone; than any architecture.

'Even in the dark days of this Easter we can feed on hope. We can dream of what our country and our world will look like after the pandemic.'

The service will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 4 on Sunday and available to watch on the Church of England's website and Facebook page from 9am.

The Archbishop will be joined in the virtual service by his wife Caroline, who will read from the Book of Acts.

Other pre-recorded elements of the service, which will feature hymns, include The Rt Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin reading the Gospel and 10-year-old Theodore Levings, a member of All Saints Church in Canterbury, leading prayers.

The BBC service will finish with a national virtual congregation singing Thine Be The Glory, submitted by Radio 4 listeners in advance.

Churches across the country have been continuing to broadcast services digitally in the lead-up to Easter with more than 1,000 livestreams taking place on a regular basis.

The Palm Sunday service was the third to be broadcast on national Church of England channels since the suspension of public worship in church buildings due to the coronavirus outbreak.

A national service broadcast by the Archbishop of Canterbury last week which also featured on BBC Radio 4 and local radio stations, attracted around five million listeners and viewers.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 19:47:17|Editor: huaxia

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RAMALLAH, April 11 (Xinhua) -- A senior Palestinian official called on Saturday on the international community to form a coalition to prevent Israel from executing its plans of annexing occupied territories in the West Bank.

Saeb Erekat, secretary general of Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee said in a press statement that "the Israeli plans will have destructive consequences on stability, peace and security in the region."

Erekat's remarks were made during a telephone conversation with the Deputy Foreign Minister of Luxemburg Jean Asselborn on Saturday, according to Erekat's press statement.

"The fate of the peace process in the region is threatened due to the unilateral Israeli measures," said Erekat, referring to the peace talks with Israel that had stopped in 2014.

The senior PLO official accused Israel of escalating settlement expansion "without anyone in the world that halts it," adding "Israel neglects all international resolutions that called for ending Israel settlement."

Meanwhile, the PLO-run National Office of Defending Land and Resisting Settlement unveiled in a press statement that the United States and Israel are very close to agreeing on the maps of annexing Palestinian territories in the West Bank.

"Israel and the American administration are exploiting the busyness of the world in combating COVID-19 pandemic by expanding settlements and preparing for annexing occupied territories in the West Bank," said the statement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and head of Blue and White party Benny Gantz have agreed to impose Israeli sovereignty on parts of the West Bank next month, according to Israel Radio.
New York has more coronavirus cases than any country and accounts for around half of all deaths in the United States. Why was is so badly hit and could its leaders have done anything differently?

As of Friday, New York state has almost 160,000 confirmed COVID-19 infections, more than Europe's worst-hit countries of Spain and Italy, and over 7,800 deaths. Governor Andrew Cuomo has said repeatedly that density and number of foreign visitors made New York City, which has almost 93,000 confirmed cases, an ideal breeding ground for infectious disease.

America's financial capital has 8.6 million inhabitants. There are 10,000 people per square kilometer, making it the densest city in the US.Millions of commuters brush up against each other on its packed subway system every day, while keeping distance on its sometimes narrow sidewalks can be difficult.

NYC gets more than 60 million tourists a year and is the entry point to America for many travelers, meaning anyone carrying the virus is likely to start infecting others there first.American geneticists estimate that it started spreading there from Europe in February, before New York's first confirmed case on March 1.The Big Apple is also characterized by massive socioeconomic inequality.

Overcrowded, deprived areas -- particularly in the Bronx and Queens, where many people already suffer health problems and lack medical care, have experienced the highest rate of infections."New York City had all the preconditions that would support the idea that it was going to be hit very hard," said Irwin Redlener, public health professor and expert in disaster preparedness at Columbia University.

On March 2, as the state's second case was confirmed in New Rochelle, just north of New York City, Cuomo said the health care system was the best "on the planet."

"We don't even think it's going to be as bad as it was in other countries," he added.After much hesitation, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the closure of public schools, bars and restaurants from March 16.

The governor ordered all non-essential businesses to close and residents to stay at home a week later on March 22.Experts hesitate to say that they waited too long."The mayor and the governor were being pushed and pulled by two opposing forces.

"One was saying we have to close schools and restaurants as quickly as possible, the other saying there were lots of economic and social consequences of shutting down everything early," said Redlener."Everyone was getting mixed messages, including from the federal government, from (President Donald) Trump," he added.

California, America's most populous state, is often cited as a good example for the speed of its response to the outbreak. Its confirmed cases as of Friday were just 20,200, with 550 deaths.On March 16, six counties in the San Francisco Bay area issued a stay-at-home order followed by the whole state three days later.

"One thing that I think is significant is that six neighboring counties got together and issued the same (confinement) order for all six counties, and they did it early," said Meghan McGinty, associate at school of public health of Johns Hopkins University.

"There was consistency, as opposed to NYC taking one measure, and Westchester (county) taking another, and Long Island taking another," she told AFP.

Six days passed between New York's school closure order and its order confining residents to their homes.

"In epidemic terms, six days is light years and can really make a difference in the control and spread of the epidemic, so I think it is possible to say that perhaps, in retrospect, New York waited too long," said McGinty.When the crisis passes, the blame game may begin.

Democrats Cuomo and de Blasio deplored for weeks the Trump administration's delay in getting tests to states, which to this day are still not arriving in sufficient numbers.

The New York officials also targeted the federal government for dragging its heels in implementing emergency powers to manufacture lifesaving ventilators.

With the toll far exceeding the numbers killed on 9/11, Phil Murphy, the governor of neighboring New Jersey, which has also been badly affected, has called for a commission similar to the one set up to investigate the September 11, 2001 attacks.

"The warning signs were there what happened? If you don't know the answer, how are you going to make sure it's not going to happen again?" Cuomo asked Friday.Given the number of dead and millions of unemployed, "we have a moral obligation to study this pandemic," concluded McGinty.

(Image Credit: AP)
Like many efforts underway, Battelles project was barely an idea three weeks ago. The company had used vaporized hydrogen peroxide to sterilize sensitive equipment for years. But to develop a large-scale decontamination process, the logistics were hurriedly sketched out on a conference room table by a handful of experts and executives.

Battelles West Jefferson site has since received scores of face coverings, double-bagged and stored in boxes marked with biohazard symbols. Health care networks like OhioHealth and Mercy Health are delivering their used masks by trained couriers. Recently, the chief of a local fire department dropped off masks in person.

Up to 50 boxes, containing thousands of masks, show up every day. The number of boxes is expected to grow exponentially as hospitals work out safe collection procedures, said Kevin Sayers, who is helping to oversee the West Jefferson operation. In early April, Gov. DeWine said that Battelle would decontaminate masks for free for two weeks.

Preparing newly arrived masks for decontamination requires small teams of workers in the tents, each wearing black rubber boots, two layers of gloves, surgical scrubs, a lab coat and a portable, powered air purifying respirator attached to a belt that blows filtered air into a closed hood over the workers head.
By Stephanie Nebehay and John Revill GENEVA/ZURICH (Reuters) - The World Health Organization (WHO) warned countries on Friday to be cautious about lifting restrictions introduced to curb the spread of the new coronavirus and voiced alarm it was taking hold in Africa.

By Stephanie Nebehay and John Revill

GENEVA/ZURICH (Reuters) - The World Health Organization (WHO) warned countries on Friday to be cautious about lifting restrictions introduced to curb the spread of the new coronavirus and voiced alarm it was taking hold in Africa.

The United Nations agency would like to see an easing, but at the same time "lifting restrictions could lead to a deadly resurgence," WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a press conference.

He said there had been a "welcome slowing" of epidemics in some European countries - Italy, Germany, Spain and France - but there had been an "alarming acceleration" elsewhere including community transmission in 16 countries of Africa.

Nearly 1.5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 92,000 deaths have been reported to the Geneva-based agency, Tedros said.

Yemen reported its first case of the novel coronavirus on Friday as aid groups braced for an outbreak in a country where war has shattered health systems and spread hunger and disease.

Tedros said he was particularly concerned by the large number of infections reported among health workers.

"In some countries reports of up to 10 percent of health workers being infected, this is an alarming trend," he said.

A new U.N. supply task force will coordinate and scale up the procurement and distribution of protective gear, lab diagnostics and oxygen to the countries that need it most.

"Every month we will need to ship at least 100 million medical masks and gloves, up to 25 million N-95 respirators, gowns and face shields, up to 2.5 million diagnostic tests and large quantities of oxygen concentrators and other equipment

for clinical care," he said.

The World Food Programme - the U.N. agency that handles logistics - will deploy eight 747 aircraft, 8 medium-sized cargo aircraft and several smaller passenger planes to transport the goods and aid workers needed in the operation which will have 8 hubs, he added.

Tedros urged donors to contribute to WFP's operation which will cost an estimated $280 million, while the cost of procuring supplies will be "much greater".

Michael Ryan, executive director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme said the world owed a tremendous debt to front-line health workers, and it was vital they got the right protective gear.

Tedros said no country was immune from the pandemic, which was spreading panic around the world. Cases have recently been found in some parts of Japan with no known links to other outbreaks.

"From this pandemic we have to try to learnwhat the gaps are, this is a message even for the developed countries. Across the board you see a lack of preparedness of the public health system," Tedros said.

"No country is immune. No country can claim it has a strong health system. We have to be really honest and assess and address this problem."

(Reporting by John Revill and Stephanie Nebehey)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

BEIJING (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th April, 2020) China is calling on the United States to stop politicizing economic issues one day after several US agencies recommended revoking permits for China Telecom to provide international telecommunications services, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Friday.

On Thursday, the US Department of Justice said that the relevant US agencies had unanimously recommended revoking authorizations for China Telecom, citing national security risks.

"We urge the US to respect the principles of a market economy, stop wrong decisions to politicize economic issues, and stop unreasonable pressure on Chinese companies," Zhao said at a briefing.

According to the spokesman, the Chinese government always makes sure that its companies respect the laws of the countries in which they operate.

China Telecom is the US subsidiary of the state-owned China Telecommunications Corporation.
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Countless confined people would like to experience the world beyond their smartphones or the views outside their windows, and now they can through two benefit photography sales.

While corporate powerhouses like 3M, Brooks Brothers and Apple are ramping up production to help offset the dearth of medical-grade masks for health-care workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic, Magnum Photos and other photographer-led groups are offering fund-raising sales to help provide much-needed funds to Medecins Sans Frontieres, also known as Doctors Without Borders.

Magnum Photos chief executive officer Caitlin Hughes said Friday, This is an agency that has a very strong humanist sense running right through its core. Our photographers have documented conflict and difficulty around the world wherever it is. And they feel a very strong connection to those people, who really have it a lot harder than we do.

Magnum has a rich heritage in photojournalism and a reputation for diving straight into the eye of a storm. In 1947  two years after the end of World War II  Magnum Photos was created by Robert Capa, Henri Cartier Bresson, George Rodger and David Seymour. In more recent decades, Magnum photographers have chronicled the Chadian-Libyan conflict, the war and famine in South Sudan as well as the cholera epidemic in Angola, and has worked alongside Medecins Sans Frontieres.

Hughes said, We are very conscious in the organization that there are parts of the world with very poor health systems, they dont have access to running water, they cant wash their hands, they dont have enough space to self-isolate and are extremely vulnerable to this crisis. We wanted to share some solidarity with them, noting the decision to donate 50 percent of proceeds was a first for Magnum.

That generosity paid off. A private individual stepped forward to offer a donor match of up to $500,000. Visitors to Magnums online sale will find the work of Martin Parr, Alex Webb, Elliott Erwitt, Herbert List, Rene Burri, Moises Saman and Mustafa Saeed, among others. Magnum joined forces with The Everyday Projects for the Turning Points sale, which features signed or estate-stamped 66 prints for $100 each. Images from Burri, Steve McCurry, Thomas Hoepker, Jim Goldberg and Capa have been popular, Hughes said.

Story continues

With an Instagram following of 3.5 million, Magnum Photos has a varied base that includes creatives, casual browsers and professional collectors. Hughes said, For many of our audiences, these photographers became almost like heroes going into places where other people werent going and documenting events in the world.

Meanwhile, running through April 20, Pictures for Elmhurst features $150 prints from 96 photographers. All of the proceeds will benefit Elmhurst Hospital to help fight COVID-19. Ninety-five percent of that facility is now dedicated to the care of coronavirus patients. We are very proud of this sale. Its just a really lovely way to allow people who dont see themselves as very serious collectors or dont have the funds to be collecting fine prints to bring something into their homes that is museum quality or fine-print quality, Hughes said.

Bibi Cornejo Borthwick, Brianna Capozzi, Cheryl Dunn, Columbine Goldsmith, Ethan James Green, Hans Neumann, Hart Leshkina, Drew Jarrett and Daniel Shea are among the many photographers involved with the Pictures for Elmhurst project.

After participating in another fundraiser, 100 Photographers for Bergamo, that generated about $809,000 for relief efforts in Italy, Samantha Casolari, a Brooklyn-based photographer, aimed to start a similar effort in New York. Pictures for Elmhursts initial plan to feature the works of 20 to 25 photographers quickly morphed to nearly 100, and additional ones may be added.

The fact that scores of photographers are confined to their homes  like millions of others  will challenge them to look at the world in a different way and to be even more creative in finding another means of portraying reality, Casolari said. Being stuck inside within four walls breeds self reflection from her point of view. Its definitely becoming more about the intimacy of our lives. You need to look at the small picture of the world, she said.

Having shot for La Perla, Miu Miu, Nike and other companies, Casolari understands firsthand how photographers are looking at the world differently. This moment will bring a lot of introspection. It will definitely change our perspective. We are so used to looking outside and at other people, and working in big teams. Its probably going to take a while before we go back to that, she said. That will definitely make photographers evaluate how they look at the world. I dont think any photographer is choosing that path to do so.

Casolari continued, Despite this nightmarish surreal situation were in, it can also show beautiful aspects. As human beings, were being forced to be creative and to also find a solution. We can also look forward to what the new way of seeing will be.

Some of the photographers involved with the Elmhurst project hail from different countries but most are based in New York, or they used to be. For us, this is a beautiful way for New Yorkers to give back to our city. This is a way to pass that plate. New York City gives you so much. We wanted to show we are a community and you are not alone. When there is need, New Yorkers can come together and help especially at a moment when there is such a sense of isolation. Its important to know that you are not abandoned on top of the amount of money that Elmhurst Hospital will be able to receive, Casolari said.

Another online sale, Prints For Good, is being spearheaded by fashion photographer Giampaolo Sgura. Having already exceeded his initial goal of $109,000, he plans to continue to raise funds for COVID-19 relief efforts for hospitals in Puglia, Italy. Interest has been so strong that he plans to maintain the site for future charitable sales, after the coronavirus crisis is under control.

Sgura, who works for Moschino, Ralph Lauren, Dolce & Gabbana and other fashion companies, is selling prints primarily from his editorial work. Eighty five percent of each print that is sold will benefit hospitals in southern Italy. Adding two or three prints to the sale every five or six days has helped to attract repeat buyers, he said Saturday. Most of the images that have been selling are sexy ones such as one of a naked woman and another of a naked man walking into a room, Sgura said.

Prints For Good supporters have also been buying images from his Like A Doll series, where models are meant to look like dolls in boxes with different wardrobe options from one specific luxury label. Sgura had shot 10 for a French Vogue assignment, but is only offering four for this sale. In many cases, shoppers are buying the four doll-inspired images as a set, he said.

Other supporters are curating and buying a different selection of four prints from his body of work. Sgura said, Everybody has different tastes. Maybe they have different houses. They may have a house in the country, where they are doing one thing and a house in the city, where they are doing something else.

Launch Gallery: Photographers Pitching in with Benefit Sales to Help with Coronavirus Relief Efforts

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Staff members dismantle the death row lethal injection facility at San Quentin State Prison on March 13, 2019.

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation via Getty Images

States that execute prisoners by lethal injection have a stockpile of drugs that, amid the pandemic, are now in short supply.

"Your stockpile could save the lives of hundreds of people," a group of doctors and public health experts wrote in an April 9 letter to state prison officials.

States like Texas have been unable to carry out executions due to the disruption in the court system.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

US doctors and public health experts are asking states to hand over their death-penalty drugs  to save lives.

In an April 9 letter to directors of state prisons, obtained by The Marshall Project's Keri Blakinger, the medical experts said: "the medicines your states are currently holding for use in lethal injection executions are in short supply and desperately needed to treat patients suffering from COVID-19."

States that carry out lethal injections use a cocktail of drugs, including sedatives and paralytics, that can also be used to alleviate respiratory problems and enable the use of a ventilator. Earlier this month, The New York Times reported that supplies of such medications were critically short.

"We're running out of all the drugs," one doctor told the paper.

Over 2,600 people are currently awaiting execution, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Thirty states, plus the federal government, "use lethal injection as their primary method," while others use it as a backup.

Since the pandemic, states have not even been using these drugs for that. On April 1, a Texas court issued a stay of execution, its third since the outbreak, citing the disruption to the court system.

In their letter, the experts, such as Harvard Medical School's Prashant Yadav and David Waisel, argued that the drugs death-penalty states typically use to take lives could, instead, be used to help front-line doctors extend them.

Story continues

"Your stockpile could save the lives of hundreds of people," they wrote. "At this crucial moment for our country, we must prioritize the needs and lives of patients above ending the lives of prisoners."

Have a news tip? Email this reporter: cdavis@insider.com

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CLEVELAND, Ohio  A federal judge extended an order allowing some surgical abortions to proceed in Ohio as the state Health Department imposes restrictions on some medical procedures with the stated goal of conserving personal protective equipment.

Senior U.S. District Judge Michael Barrett wrote Friday that his temporary restraining order that said doctors must decide on a case-by-case basis whether a woman should obtain a surgical abortion will remain in effect for at least two more weeks. This is so both abortion providers and attorneys for the state can argue whether the order should be extended even further through a preliminary injunction.

The judge, whose courtroom is in Cincinnati, allowed them to perform a surgical abortion if one is medically necessary to protect the mothers health or to preserve her right to obtain one before the baby is viable, which can be as early as 21 weeks.

The order was originally set to expire Monday.

Republican Gov. Mike DeWine has said providers shouldnt perform abortions when the womans life is not at risk while an order from Ohio Health Department Director Dr. Amy Acton barring non-essential surgeries is in effect.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, also Republican, on March 21 sent letters to two abortion clinics that said the clinics must immediately stop performing non-essential and elective surgical abortions. The letter cited Actons order.

Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood and Preterm-Cleveland, asked Barrett to step in, in part because they said the state refused to provide clarity on when a surgical abortion procedure is considered essential. A federal appeals court this week declined to overturn Barretts order.

Read more:

Judges dismiss states appeal of ruling allowing abortions to continue in Ohio during coronavirus emergency

Federal judge denies Ohios request to halt ruling permitting some surgical abortions during coronavirus pandemic

Federal judge blocks Ohio from using coronavirus health order to restrict abortions

Preterm, Planned Parenthood ask judge to deem abortion an essential surgery allowed under Ohio coronavirus health order

Ohio Attorney General sends letters to 2 abortion clinics, telling them to stop all non-essential procedures
Paddy sector declared essential service; troops given powers to ensure fair price View(s):

The government yesterday declared the paddy sector as an essential service and will deploy the armed forces to ensure the equitable distribution of rice at fair prices.

The move follows reports reaching the special Presidential Task Force that traders have begun hoarding rice stocks. Many instances of rice being sold at exorbitant prices have also come to light.

The matter figured at a meeting of the 40-member Task Force headed by Presidential Special envoy Basil Rajapaksa.

Task Force sources said the armed forces would be empowered to check on hoarded stocks and take charge for distribution at official prices.

The same sources said that major rice dealers had already been warned of the tough measures the government would take against them for hoarding or selling at exorbitant prices.

Another measure that the Task Force will adopt is to ask Grama Niladharis to monitor prices at which rice in particular is being sold by vendors who bring stocks in lorries. This is a prelude to direct the Police to arrest such vendors, the sources said.

Sick senior citizens made to suffer in pharmacy queues

It was a scene that would have melted any kind heart.

Outside a pharmacy, the queue ran for almost a hundred metres with each customer standing a cool three to four feet away from the other.

Like the railways in Sri Lanka, the queue moved slowly. Caught up in the middle was an octogenarian. He had waited till his pension arrived. It has been delivered to him at home this time.

He carried with him a plastic chair. As he stepped forward, he sat down and waited. It took at least eight to ten minutes before he could move since that was the average time taken for a customer.

It would have been wiser for the authorities to have given priority to those in poor health and aged.

In a pharmacy outside, an elderly man who worked his way to the entrance was beaten up by four youth. He was accused of breaking the queue. A female staffer refused to serve the four. They went to the owner of the pharmacy, threatened him and got what they wanted.

Remarks on autocratic rule trigger top-level war of words

A top government leader was locked in a heated telephone conversation with the leader of a new political grouping this week.

It came after the latter had told his supporters that the leader was a dictator and the country would soon be under autocratic rule.

I know there are serious allegations against you. I have so far not asked the Police to pursue investigations or asked for advice from the Attorney General in this regard, the leader exhorted.

It did not end there. The leader recalled a conversation he had with the political grouping leader soon after the end of presidential election last year. Then, you cried on the telephone and told me you will quit politics. Now, dont come crying to me again after making wild allegations, he exhorted.

Covid surveillance on former MP at party leaders meeting

It transpired at a party leaders meeting chaired by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

A former MP from a minority party took part in the discussion but was unaware that the authorities were keeping a close eye on him. They kept a good distance even during conversations.

It turned out that the politician has been closely associating with an Eastern Province person who was identified as Covid-19 positive.

A check on the politicians movements is now being carried out.

WhatsApp slaps fresh curbs on message forwarding

Security requirements necessitated by the spread of Covid-19 have prompted WhatsApp to prevent the spread of what it calls misinformation.

New limits have been placed by the app on forwarding messages that have been classified as highly forwarded or sent to more than five or more people. Such messages can now be forwarded only to one person.

WhatsApp said, The move is designed to reduce the speed with which information moves putting truth and fiction on a more even footing.

Last year, WhatsApp limited the number of people one can forward a single message to five. However, nothing prevents one from forwarding the same message over and over again to different people.

Back to work under strict guidelines

Notwithstanding the ongoing countrywide curfew, the Government is now working on a proposal to allow people to engage in work.

This includes the agricultural and industrial sector but would be subjected to strict guidelines.

SLPP ex-MPs also wanted meeting with PM

Former MPs, now in the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, sought a meeting with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. This was on the grounds that he had met those in opposition political parties.

The request was granted and most of them met last Wednesday and received a briefing on the working of essential services and food distribution.

Police action hampers tea-export bid

A leading tea export firm sent a container to bring back to Colombo a load of quality tea from Hatton for it to package and ship the stock. But the unexpected happened.

Police in the area arrested the driver and crew and sent them immediately for quarantine. It took four days for the management to get them released and two more days to get their stocks to Colombo.

VIP security officials armed with corona questions

Security details of top government leaders have been given a briefing on procedures they would have to follow when there are visitors to meet those whom they are protecting.

They have been asked to question them politely whether the visitor came on his own or in a car. If it was in a car, they have been advised to ask whether it was driven by the visitor or a driver. The details are being recorded by the personal security detail.

The idea behind the exercise is for easy tracking in the event the visitor turns out is suspected of carrying the coronavirus.

SJB claims 80-12 victory over UNP

Samagi Jana Balavegaya General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara waxed eloquent with Sri Lanka Podujana Party (SLPP) leaders after a meeting with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

He boasted that the SJP had 80 former parliamentarians as against 12 held by the United National Party (UNP).
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Apr. 11

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

Turkeys export of citrus fruits to Azerbaijan decreased in March 2020 by 11 percent compared to March 2019, Trend reports referring to Turkey's Union of Exporters of Fresh Fruit and Vegetables.

According to the union, Turkey's export of citrus to Azerbaijan in the reporting month amounted to 3,466 tons, which makes up 3 percent of Turkeys total citrus export.

In March 2020, Turkey exported citrus worth $1.3 million to Azerbaijan, which is 4 percent less compared to the export figures of March 2019, the union said.

During the reporting month, Turkey exported fruit and vegetables worth $178.8 million to world markets, which is 25 percent more compared to the same month of 2019.

Turkeys foreign trade turnover in February 2020 exceeded $32.2 billion.

In February 2020, export from Turkey increased by 2.3 percent compared to February 2019, exceeding $14.6 billion.

Turkey's import increased by 9.8 percent in February 2020 compared to the same month of 2019 and exceeded $17.6 billion.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Taiwan Finds Fake Twitter Accounts Tweeting Apologies From 'Taiwanese' to WHO Chief

2020-04-10 -- Investigators in Taiwan say they have found a number of fake Twitter accounts linked to China posting fake apologies to World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who has accused the democratic island of involvement in a series of personal and racist attacks against him.

Investigators from the ministry of justice in Taiwan said they had uncovered an effort by Chinese netizens to exploit the controversy by falsely identifying themselves as Taiwanese and issuing apologies to Tedros online, the island's Central News Agency reported.

The posts appeared on fake accounts made to imitate the account of Radio Free Asia, and included apology templates posted by an account calling itself "Radio Free Xuzhou."

The messages represented "a grave threat to Taiwan's international reputation," the investigators told a news conference in Taipei on Friday.

Tedros told a news conference on Wednesday that he had been personally attacked, had suffered racist abuse, and had even received death threats, a statement which nobody seems to be disputing.

But the island's government from the president down to the foreign ministry spokesmen and women have said the attacks had nothing to do with them.

"This attack came from Taiwan," Tedros said. "Taiwan, the foreign ministry also, they know the campaign. They did not dissociate themselves."

Taiwan's foreign ministry on Thursday called on Tedros to retract and apologize for the remarks.

President Tsai Ing-wen meanwhile invited Tedros to visit Taiwan and "experience for himself" the country's commitment to international engagement and public health.

Diplomatic pressure from Beijing

Taiwan, which has never formed part of the People's Republic of China nor been ruled by the Chinese Communist Party, has nevertheless been denied membership in international organizations under huge diplomatic pressure from Beijing, which claims the island as part of its territory.

The island, which is a formal sovereign state under the 1911 Republic of China which fled to the island after losing a civil war to Mao Zedong's communists, has repeatedly called on the WHO to allow it to participate as an observer.

But WHO advisers and officials have ignored the requests and refused to discuss the possibility in public, responding that Taiwan is already participating in an unofficial capacity.

The WHO has also come under fire during the coronavirus pandemic for pro-China bias, and for failing to hold the statements of health officials up to closer scrutiny in the early stages of the epidemic in the central city of Wuhan.

Information warfare

China is no stranger to information warfare, having honed its techniques last year on the anti-extradition and pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, as well as the election campaign on the democratic island of Taiwan.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said China "strongly condemns the personal attacks and racist words and actions directed against Dr. Tedros."

Zhao, who has been lauded by state media as a key figure in China's online infowars, continued: "The DPP in Taiwan have continually speculated about Taiwan's so-called participation in the WHO and the World Health Assembly since the epidemic began. Their purpose is to seek independence on the back of the epidemic."

Zhao has recently promoted the idea that the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 didn't originate in China at all, tweeting in March: "When did patient zero begin in US? How many people are infected? What are the names of the hospitals?."

"It might be US army who brought the epidemic to Wuhan. Be transparent! Make public your data! US owe us an explanation!" he wrote, triggering a diplomatic spat between Beijing and Washington, which summoned Chinese ambassador Cui Tiankai for a formal protest.

China's overseas propaganda offensive can be traced back to August 2013, when President Xi addressed the National Conference on Propaganda and Ideology, calling on officials and state-run media to "tell the China story well, and make sure China's voice is heard."

China's diplomatic service then swung into action in 2014, setting up social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter for its diplomatic missions around the world.

Social media, while blocked for ordinary people back home, is now seen as a key plank in Xi's drive to reshape China's international image, and experts say Beijing's propaganda specialists have now become adept at targeting different audiences around the world.

Reported by Hwang Chun-mei for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.

Copyright  1998-2020, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Just a month ago, Tahir Anthony was looking forward to the chance of a lifetime: singing for a packed audience at Carnegie Hall.

Coronavirus canceled that concert, of course. Now, when the sixth-grader performs, it is alone in his familys Rahway home, playing by ear on an electronic keyboard he got for Christmas.

Tahir, 12, is one of 50 students at Newark Boys Chorus School, a prestigious private academy in downtown Newark. Like schools across the state, it is scrambling to adapt to life ravaged by the outbreak of a deadly pandemic.

But this school, which charges no tuition and serves a student body of disadvantaged children drawn from the Newark area, especially feels it. Its mission is making music, a communal activity that cant be replicated through online learning in a time of social distancing.

We were preparing so hard for Carnegie Hall, and it was saddening, very, very saddening to just let it go, Tahir said. I miss the singing that we do. I miss my friends, and I miss my teachers. This is definitely a lot to take in."

Technology has allowed Newark Boys Chorus and countless other schools to offer coursework remotely since classrooms closed last month. But technology cant reproduce the concert hall, and the choir has been unable to continue to practice or perform, though it is central to its existence.

What is missing is the most valuable piece of what we do: Creating together," said Paul Chapin, who heads the school.

Creating beautiful music, creating beautiful art is at the core of what we do as a school, Chapin said. Not only does the world need what we do, but these students as individuals need what we do.

Music makes up 40% of the schools instruction, and it opens doors that its third- to eighth-graders might otherwise never pass through. The chorus tours nationally and internationally, and those trips are sometimes the first opportunity for the students to fly on a plane, much less travel to another country.

Their March 15 performance at Carnegie Hall was called off, as was a trek through New England. The chorus has about 40 concerts a year, and is bracing for roughly half  its entire spring fare  to be silenced as efforts to stanch the contagion continue with no clear end in sight.

That makes the school emblematic of the countless dreams deferred by the coronavirus, which has delayed weddings, canceled professional and amateur sports, and thrown into question such rites of passage as the prom and graduation.

Thank God we have a piano in the home, because I believe it keeps his sanity, said Tahirs mother, Tihira Anthony. She said her son constantly asks her when hell be able to return to school.

Hes crushed. Hes crushed, said Anthony, a security guard at Newark Public Schools.

Members of the Newark Boys Chorus School in 2019 in Santiago, Chile. Adan Santos of Newark, first row left, and Tahir Anthony of Rahway, smiling in center.

The loss comes as some parents grapple with financial insecurity. Many businesses have screeched to a halt to combat the virus spread, throwing thousands out of work.

Eighth-grader Adan Santos parents are living off their savings, after his father, a chef, was sent home when restaurants closed last month. His mother, Yajaira Santos, said the family is hoping unemployment benefits come through, after applying several weeks ago without an answer.

Santos said she can tell her son misses the chorus and the chance to interact with boys his age. He has started singing in the bathroom of their Newark home, though his little sister complains he is distracting her from her school work, Santos said.

"Singing teaches them a lot of values, you know, Santos said. Basically, it makes them more sensitive, more dedicated, because these kids work very hard. They work before school. They work after school. They do a lot of traveling.

Priscilla Foster, whose 14-year-old son, Vincent Price, is a soprano at the school, said her entire family purchased tickets for the Carnegie Hall concert, seeing it as the culmination of the eighth-graders time at the school. Her sister was going to attend. So was her mom and dad, her niece, and of course, Vincents 7-month-old baby brother. Not to mention his fathers side of his family.

Im pretty upset because we were about halfway done with our schedule for the year, said Vincent, who lives in Union and plans to go on to boarding school. At that point, you dont really expect it to end suddenly.

The Newark Boys Chorus School has been unable to perform or practice as a group because of the coronavirus pandemic. Vincent Price of Union, far left, and Tahir Anthony of Rahway, closest to camera, in 2019 at a service in Newark.

Coronavirus has closed concert halls throughout the United States and the world. As symphonies, orchestras and choirs have been muted, some have taken to social media, releasing virtual concerts that splice together their musicians performing from home.

One senior at the Berklee College of Music in Boston used 74 of her peers to produce Burt Bacharachs What the World Needs Now. In another widely circulated video, the Serbian National Orchestra played Bella Ciao remotely. And thats just two of many that have gone viral (no pun intended).

But theres a difference between syncing the sounds of individual musicians performing by themselves and practicing as a group online, said Chapin, the chorus schools head. Because some computers are faster than others, delays in transmitting each performers music makes live practice impossible, he said.

Right now, we havent found, or seen anyone else find, software that allows for a remote rehearsal," Chapin said.

To partly make up for it, his students are doing other musical homework. They are being asked to sing along with videos of their choir or other choirs performing. They are critiquing those performances, to look for ways to do better. They continue to work on musical theory. And they are practicing at home, though alone.

Donald Morris, the chorus longtime musical director, said the whole experience drives home a reality that even he  after 33 years at the school  hadnt sufficiently appreciated: Songs are, in their very essence, a shared experience.

Morris hopes that knowledge will make students appreciate their music all the more, having felt the loss of that connection.

My goodness, we never thought about this before  how essential is this being together, Morris said.

Members of the Newark Boys Chorus sing on stage. (Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media)NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Riley Yates may be reached at ryates@njadvancemedia.com. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has announced that restrictions on movement implemented to contain the outbreak of Covid-19 will remain in place until May 5.

Speaking in the last few minutes, Mr Varadar added the initial Easter Sunday deadline by three weeks as he acknowledged the frustration that people have at this time but said the sacrifice is "saving lives".

In a speech broadcast live on television, radio and across social media platforms, pointed out the importance of Good Friday in Irish history.

"Your sacrifices are making a difference," he said, while acknowledging "too many have died".

"We cannot be complacent, we cannot lose focus," he added

The decision comes after a meeting between senior government officials and the National Public Health Emergency Team.

"It is not our desire to turn Ireland into a police not for one day, not for one month," Mr Varadkar said on the restrictions, adding that the vast majority of people are co-operating with the restrictions.

"Let's not use them," he said of the new garda powers, which is called "extensive".

Health Minister Simon Harris praised the public's response to the outbreak, saying that the people are all doing their part

"Doctors can save hundreds of lives... but you can save thousands," Mr Harris said.

Education Minister Joe McHugh announced that the Junior Cert has been cancelled while the

Read More:

Over 350 people with Covid-19 have died on the island of Ireland with 263 in the Republic as of last night and 92 in the North.

The current restrictions started on Friday, March 27. They mandate that everyone should stay at home, only leaving to:

Shop for essential food and household goods;

Attend medical appointments, collect medicine or other health products;

Care for children, older people or other vulnerable people - this excludes social family visits;

Exercise outdoors - within 2kms of your home and only with members of your own household, keeping 2 metres distance between you and other people

Travel to work if you provide an essential service - be sure to practice physical distancing

Taoiseach's speech in full

"Throughout our history, Good Friday has had a special meaning. Its a day associated with suffering, and sacrifice, and sorrow. And also with new beginnings. The promise of rebirth and renewal and better days to come.

"Its also the day an agreement was signed in Belfast to bring peace to our island ending the troubles in the North.

"During the worst year of those Troubles the poet Seamus Heaney spoke about what was happening and predicted that if we winter this one out, we can summer anywhere.

"I know these words have provided inspiration to many Irish people as we deal with this Emergency. They remind us that we are in this together, we can get through it, and better days will come.

"Thank you for your forbearance and for the sacrifices you have made so far.

"I know many people are feeling frustrated, and I know the fine weather makes it even harder. We want to be outside, we want to be with friends and family, and we want to feel like we can go anywhere. We want to be free.

"I know it is difficult, but every sacrifice we make is helping to save someones life. Its making sure that our health service isnt overwhelmed. Its making things a little easier for those working on the frontline and all those backing them up whether its support staff, administrators, or partners at home.

'Your sacrifices are making a difference'

"Because most people have heeded the advice of the experts we have been able to interrupt the spread of the virus. We have been able to shelter our most vulnerable and protect them.

"Your sacrifices are making a difference. We have slowed the spread of the virus but unfortunately we have not stopped it. We all know people who are suffering or grieving at this time. Too many have died and more sadly will die and get sick before we are through this.

"Todays message is that we cannot be complacent and we cannot lose focus. What we are doing is difficult, but it is making a difference, so we have to keep going.

"We need to persevere and we need to maintain our discipline and resolve.

"The restrictions we introduced two weeks ago were set to expire on Sunday. Today the expert recommendation is to extend them for a further three weeks, until Tuesday, May 5.

"The Government has accepted this recommendation.

"I know many of you would like to know when things will go back to normal and life will be as it was. We are working towards that time and we are planning carefully so that we get there safely.

"The truth is, nobody knows for certain when that will be or how our lives will be different when that comes.

"All we can do is take one day at a time. To think of others. And to choose hope and solidarity over self-interest and fear.

"Your sacrifice will save lives. What is an inconvenience for some will be a lifesaver for others. So I am calling on everyone to do what is being asked of them.

"To be tolerant and compassionate, and to think about each other before we think about ourselves.

"Nothing greater will be asked of any of us.

"In one of his best collections of poems, Heaney celebrated the human chain of help that can bring about an almost miraculous recovery.

"As Heaney wrote, we were all the more together for having had to turn and walk away. In the days ahead we must continue to turn and walk away from each other and from doing the things we would like to do. But we will be all the more together for having done so.

"Stay strong, stay safe and stay at home.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister



Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he was not in favour of the withdrawal of the ongoing coronavirus lockdown, which ends on April 14, in his state.

Chouhan shared his views on continuation of the restrictions during the PM's meeting with chief ministers which was conducted through a video conference.

"Today we are not in favour of removal of lockdown. It should not be removed now. Life of the people is more important and to save it the lockdown is necessary," Chouhan's spokesperson quoted the CM as telling Modi.

Madhya Pradesh reported 470 COVID-19 cases till Friday night and 40 deaths.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A TEAM of IBM experts has arrived in Limerick to address the challenges around the citys ageing population.

Limerick is hosting a visit of the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge team after the city was named winner of the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge programme 2015 alongside 15 other municipalities including Athens, Melbourne, Denver and Amsterdam.

The Smarter Cities Challenge is IBMs largest philanthropic initiative, with contributions to date valued at more than 59m worldwide. Five IBM staff will spend three weeks working closely with local stakeholders, analysing ways in which Limerick can improve the quality of life and independence of older adults through increased connectivity and improved access to key services.

The focus of the consulting engagement is to develop a strategy that will enable Limerick to predict and respond to the needs of older people through the better management of shared information.

The outcome will also include a road map document with short and long term recommendations.

The 17 winners in the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge programme have been selected from a highly competitive pool of more than 100 cities around the world that applied for a grant of consulting services from IBM.

The consulting engagement in Limerick has an estimated commercial value of 447,000.

This is a wonderful achievement for Limerick as past Smarter Cities Challenge engagements have delivered quantifiable results for participating cities and regions, said Mayor of Limerick, Liam Galvin.

IBM has helped past winners from around the world to significantly improve the quality of life for their residents. Projects informed by IBM advice have helped to upgrade skills of city staff, enabled cities to win prestigious awards, and made them more competitive.

Deirdre Kennedy, corporate affairs manager, IBM Ireland, said Limerick was selected because of its commitment to use data management and analytics to make better decisions, and for its desire to explore and act on elderly care solutions.

The stakes have never been greater but our IBM Smarter Cities Challenge team are excited at the prospect of helping Limerick tackle the one of the most pressing challenges of our time, she said.

The cities named as winners of this years Smarter Cities Challenge programme are Limerick, Denver, Detroit, Rochester and Memphis, Melbourne, Amsterdam, Huizhou and Xuzhou (China), San Isidro (Peru), Allahabad, Surat and Vizag (India), Athens, Sekondi-Takoradi (Ghana) and Taichung (Taiwan).
CANAAN - On World Health Day, held annually on April 7, Mountainside treatment center joined the World Health Organization in issuing a special thanks to doctors, nurses, and healthcare specialists around the world who provide comfort and safety to those suffering from coronavirus and other devastating illnesses.

In the midst of a global pandemic, the lifesaving care issued by healthcare workers is on full display. Emergency rooms across the nation are overwhelmed, and medical providers are working around the clock to save as many lives as possible while facing the acute possibility that they may contract the virus themselves, Mountainside officials said in a statement. With massive amounts of resources being allocated to fight coronavirus, hospitals across the nation are straining to meet the needs of patients struggling with other ailments, including addiction. Reports indicate that many recovery centers and detox programs are closing or limiting services during this time in an effort to flatten the curve, leaving many without critical supports. All New York City hospitals, for example, have closed their detox units. This is a discouraging development for addicted individuals, as detox is the first stage of recovery for many.

There are multiple reasons this is a vulnerable time for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, according to the statement. First, this population is more at risk for suffering from COVID-19, a virus known to cause - or in the case of those who consume nicotine or opioids, aggravate - respiratory issues. Aside from the medical risk factors, those battling addiction face an increased likelihood of relapse during this time of social distancing. Because connecting with others is a cornerstone of addiction recovery, stress and isolation may prompt many to start drinking or using drugs again. Additionally, others previously interested in pursuing treatment may now attempt to detox at home, on their own - a potentially fatal move for those addicted to alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines such as Xanax, which are all associated with dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

In light of these conditions, Mountainside recognizes the critical importance of continuing to provide care for this high-risk population. Its dedicated team of medical and clinical treatment professionals continue to welcome clients into the treatment centers Detox and Residential programs, with added precautions. Sanitation measures have been strengthened throughout the facilities, essential employees wear protective gear, there are daily temperature checks for staff and clients, and new clients are assessed for COVID-19 prior to being admitted to the facility.

The impact of coronavirus in exacerbating the opioid crisis and addiction cannot be overstated, and we remain committed to supporting the recovery community during this time, said Ashley McGee, Director of Nursing at Mountainside. Our detox unit is still an optimal space for healing, removing clients from the stress of the outside world and allowing them to receive the professional help that they need to effectively start to heal. We are especially grateful to the dedicated professionals on the front lines who make this possible, providing much-needed hope and care.

Chamber holding photo contest

The Kent Chamber of Commerce is hosting a photo contest. Residents and visitors, professional and amateur photographers alike are all invited to submit beautiful photographs of Kent that capture the essence of our town and highlight the best of what Kent has to offer. Submissions will be accepted between now and Saturday, July 25.

Entries will then be judged and the winners announced and displayed during the Kent Sidewalk Festival, the first weekend in August.

Prizes will be gift certificates to Kent restaurants; first prize in each category will be a $100 gift certificate and second prize in each category will be a $50 gift certificate. The five categories are scenery, downtown, fun in Kent, hidden gems and childs eye view.

High resolution photo entries may be sent to photocontest@kentct.com. Put the selected category in the subject line. If you are submitting entries for multiple categories, send one email per category. All photographers who submit entries must agree to allow the Kent Chamber of Commerce to use the submitted photos in print and digital promotional materials. Photographers will be credited with every photo use. There is no limit to the number of entries per person.

LCCH offers two scholarships

BETHLEHEM  Litchfield County Creating Hope is a nonprofit focusing on mental health issues and helping those affected by suicide. They are happy offering a scholarship for $500 to two students pursuing their education in the mental health field.

The deadline for applications is May 15. The recipients will be announced at the Run for Hope 5k Race on June 6 at the Bethlehem Fairgrounds. Visit www.lcchcorp.org for more information or email: admin@lcchcorp.org

Library has many online resources

TORRINGTON  During the COVID-19 closure, the Torrington Library reminds residents that they have access to many free online resources, with a library card. The library is now accepting phone and online library card applications. Once the card is processed and mailed, cardholders can begin to explore those resources.

Library Director, Jessica Gueniat said, Closing the library to the public is always a difficult decision; but during this closure, can provide a myriad of free and exciting electronic resources to our patrons. All you need is a library card. This is why we are waving our normal policy and allowing all Torrington residents to apply for a card online or via phone. We hope that people will take advantage of this opportunity and truly explore the resources we have to offer.

To apply for a card, call 860-489-6684 or apply online at www.torringtonlibrary.org. The library is closed to the public indefinitely, but staff members are still available to answer phone and email inquiries Monday-Friday between 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
If I were prioritizing, I mightve chosen a site that is in one of our highest priority ZIP codes with a large volume that doesnt have COVID testing already in place, Arwady said. Not that the others shouldnt have more capacity, and they should, but its just, at the end of the day, were all working to just build capacity, and thats the most important thing.
Far from universally accepted, this hypothesis is the subject of fierce debate after the publication of a research paper purporting to find a link between incidence of adults living with their parents and deaths from the virus. Some economists have challenged the rigor and validity of that analysis. Italians and Spaniards are pushing back on the notion that an element of cultural pride  multiple generations of families living under the same roof instead of offloading older people to senior homes  is now being construed as a deadly vulnerability.
Fire breaks out at Siberian prison after violence A view shows smoke rising from a fire that broke out at the penal colony after a riot by inmates, in Angarsk

MOSCOW (Reuters) - A fire broke out at a prison in the Siberian region of Irkutsk after a riot by inmates late on Thursday, the Interfax news agency reported.

A prison guard was attacked during the incident and has since been hospitalised, the regional office of the Federal Penitentiary Service said in a statement on Friday.

"Currently the situation in the facility is under control," it said.

A video shared by Russia's Investigative Committee on YouTube on Friday showed flames towering over several smaller buildings at the prison, Penal Colony 15. In another clip it showed hundreds of prisoners, surrounded by guards, gathered outside a main building of the prison.

It was unclear what set off the fire.

The violence broke out on Thursday evening after a prisoner, who was being held in an isolation cell after violating prison rules, refused to allow guards to conduct a search, the Irkutsk region penitentiary service said in its statement.

"Convicts in neighbouring isolation cells began breaking security cameras lenses and using the shards of glass to cut their forearms," the service said.

The Interfax news agency, quoting an unnamed source, said these prisoners then broke out of their cells, attacked the guards and staged a riot.

The main instigators of the riot, around 16 or 17 people, have been blocked off in one building, Interfax cited the source as saying.

"Work is undergoing to render them not dangerous," the source was quoted as saying. "Three buildings are currently on fire. Staff are trying to put them out."

It was unclear if the fire was still raging on Friday evening.

Activist Olga Romanova, head of prisoners' rights NGO 'Jailed Russia', said on Friday that she had spoken to one of the Angarsk penal colony prisoners by phone.

"Prisoner Andrei has barricaded himself in the manufacturing area, everything around him is on fire... The riot erupted due to prison guards' regular beatings of convicts," Romanova wrote on social media.

Investigators have opened a criminal case and are questioning prisoners and staff, a statement on the Irkutsk Investigative Committee website said.

(Reporting by Maria Vasilyeva; Writing by Polina Ivanova; Editing by Susan Fenton)
PBS's Yamiche Alcindor has distinguished herself as one of the media figures most engaged in the "gotcha" game at COVID-19 press conferences, especially when she can work race into the issue. On Friday, after the surgeon general made a direct plea to minorities about behaviors that can protect them, she went on the attack.

U.S. surgeon general Dr. Jerome Adams spent five minutes during Friday's press conference talking about the fact that COVID-19 is hitting minority communities especially hard. His densely packed presentation began with his addressing minorities' predisposition to diseases that increase the risk from COVID-19, such as asthma, heart disease, and diabetes.

From there, Adams moved to lifestyle factors that increase the risk. These included the fact that minorities tend to live in more densely packed, urban communities; have multi-generational houses; and are employed in jobs that cannot be done via telecommuting.

Adams then talked about dangerous COVID-19 myths that circulate in minority communities. He said he and Vice President Pence have spoken to thousands of minorities, including hundreds of community leaders, to discuss minorities' unique vulnerability to COVID-19.

Lastly, Dr. Adams spoke past the media and directly to those minority communities hardest hit (beginning at 3:40):

Here is the full press briefing for context:https://t.co/6GWb59uTRm  Vitamin J (@vitamin_j) April 10, 2020

And I want to close by saying that while your state and local health departments, and those of us in public service, are working day and night to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and to protect you, regardless of your color, your creed, or your geography, I need you to know: You are not helpless, and it's even more important that in communities of color we adhere to the taskforce guidelines to slow the spread. Stay at home, if possible. If you must go out, maintain six feet of distance between you and everyone else, and wear a mask if you're going to be within six feet of others. Wash your hands more often than you ever dreamed possible. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. And call your friends on your family. Check in on your mother. She wants to hear from you right now. And speaking of mothers, we need you to do this, if not for yourself, then for your Abuela. Do it for your granddaddy. Do it for your Big Momma. Do it for your PopPop. We need you to understand, especially in communities of color, we need you to step up and help stop the spread so we can protect those who are most vulnerable.

PBS's Yamiche Alcindor was among the assembled reporters. Having heard the entire presentation, she didn't ask a question that would help anyone understand substantive issues. Instead, she went for the "gotcha" questions: was Adams being racist for telling minority communities to stay away from alcohol and drugs, and by using informal terms to refer to parents and grandparents?

.@Yamiche is at it again.



What a RIDICULOUS question for U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams.



Good thing he is quick on his feet to respond to her bonkers gotcha question.



WATCH: pic.twitter.com/R9ulQ5wIO7  Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) April 10, 2020

In response to the question about using phrases such as "abuela" and "Big Momma," Adams patiently explained that he and the minority community leaders agreed that "we needed targeted outreach." He believed that it helped outreach to use terms that came from his own mixed-race family.

Alcindor wasn't done. Was Adams telling only minorities to avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drugs? Showing enormous restraint (many would have rolled their eyeballs at that question), Adams said his statement had been directed not to everyone, but to those communities hardest hit. He agreed, though, that everyone should make healthy lifestyle choices to help fight the virus.

Alcindor was so thrilled with her racial take on things that she tweeted out her "gotcha" moment.

US Surgeon General Jerome Adams says black, Latino & other people of color should "avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs." "We need you to step up," he says.



Some will find this language offensive after Adams stressed that behavior was not the issue for why more black ppl are dying.  Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) April 10, 2020

I asked U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams about asking black people, Latinos & other ppl of color to avoid drinking & drugs & saying do it for "Big Mama" & "abuela."



Adams said he meant no offense, used his family's language & that all Americans should be avoiding substances.  Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) April 10, 2020

These stupid "gotcha" questions, intended to embarrass Trump officials without any regard for educating people, are a disgrace. No wonder Trump's poll numbers are soaring. The press conferences that the media try to hide allow people to see that Trump is fighting a disease, while the media are fighting Trump.

We'll give Ted Cruz the final word:

Imagine: youre a professional NPR reporter, you have an opportunity to ask the US Surgeon General a Qin the midst of a global pandemic w/ over 100k fatalitiesand you ask many people are offended by what you call your grandmother. Seriously, what the hell is wrong w/ MSM?!? https://t.co/bbOA3VtiWW  Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) April 11, 2020
UTICA, N.Y.  There are multiple cases of coronavirus among the patients at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing Home in Rome, according to director of business development Jay Lawrence.

He could not confirm if any employees have the virus, but says all staff are screened before entering the facility, and will be sent home if they have any symptoms.

Lawrence says the staff is still working diligently to sanitize the facility every day.
Dr. Gulshan Sharma, the vice-president and chief medical and clinical innovation officer of the University of Texas Medical Branch, was in a sanguine mood as he went for a walk near his home in League City on Saturday morning.

I'm generally an optimistic person, Sharma told me. I think we will beat this curve. I think already the estimates have shown much better rates in terms of mortality and hospitalization than what was predicted four weeks ago.

And although Sharma and his colleagues in Galveston have been at the frontlines of the coronavirus crisis, theyve been insulated from some of the stressors that are taking a heavy toll on many health care workers across the country. They have adequate supplies of personal protective equipment, he explained, and sufficient capacity for testing patients who show symptoms of COVID-19.

Since March 13th, Sharma said, UTMB professionals have conducted 7,800 tests for the novel coronavirus that causes the disease  and by Friday, April 10, they were able to test 840 samples, as new testing platforms improve capacity.

Thats good news, but unfortunately it seems limited to Galveston County. A new analysis from the Houston Chronicle shows that when it comes to testing, Texas is severely lagging. In fact, we rank 49th out of 50 states in testing per capita, with just 332 tests per 100,000 people to date. Only Kansas is lower.

READ MORE: How many missed? Texas is second-worst in the nation for COVID-19 testing

Its not clear why Texas is behind the curve, or whether state leaders are taking the testing shortage seriously. Some state leaders have already started talking about reopening businesses, a worrisome sign to many.

Galveston County has been testing people at roughly three times the statewide per capita rate, and UTMB has begun offering testing to nursing homes in the county in a bid to protect high-risk populations.

Harris County, by contrast, is struggling with shortages of testing equipment, in part because the federal government has sent scanty supplies to the nations fourth largest city. Harris County leaders announced Saturday that the federal government has agreed to double city and county site testing capacity, but that still wont be enough, they said.

What we need now is more testing because thats the only way youre going to measure the community spread, Mayor Sylvester Turner said at a press conference Saturday. Theres still vulnerable populations who dont know whether they have it or dont have it.

Meanwhile, Republicans are getting antsy as the states macroeconomic indicators nosedive. Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday announced that some Walgreens stores will soon begin offering drive-thru COVID-19 testing. But he also said that he plans to ease his executive order locking down state businesses soon, via a new executive order.

One thing about Texans, they enjoy working and they want to get back into the workforce, he said at a news conference in Austin. We have to come up with strategies on how we can do this safely.

Thats true, but Texans dont enjoy unnecessary loss of life. And, according to public health experts, any strategy for safely reopening the economy should include large-scale testing  including of people who are asymptomatic, which would give us a better idea of the virus attack rate.

Abbott seems to be putting the cart before the horse, which is troubling. Texans need more testing before we can safely reopen the economy, and although our capacity for testing is increasing, were not yet where we need to be.

We also need more transparency from state leaders about the challenges theyre confronting in dealing with this crisis, even if the news that they have isnt auspicious  or reflects poorly on the Trump administration.

According to Sharma, front-line workers need transparency right now, along with the testing capacity which allows them to plan for hospital needs and adequate supplies of PPE which allows them to treat patients safely.

Everybody know wants to know absolute truth, and we don't have all the answers right now, he said Saturday morning. But we have been transparent and honest.

Thats the approach that will give people the confidence they need to navigate the difficult coming weeks of this pandemic.

erica.grieder@chron.com
Two Playa del Carmen convenience stores robbed at gunpoint within hours

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  Within a span of approximately two hours, two central Playa del Carmen convenience stores were attended to by police for armed robberies.

One of the assaults occurred at a convenience store located along 40th Avenue when staff reported two people got out of a taxi and entered the store. Yielding guns, the pair demanded cash, which amounted to about 2,000 peso. Then then fled back into the waiting taxi.

The second robbery happened around 8:00 p.m. along 30th Avenue at the same chain of convenience stores. Employees there told police that at least two people entered that store with guns and demanded cash, however, they were unable to describe the getaway vehicle to police.
Celina Jaitley is all set to make a comeback with her film Seasons Greetings. The film will also mark her digital debut as it releases on Zee5 on April 15. The actor has now penned a heartfelt note about how her life has changed over the years as she feels emotional to witness her film release in times of coronavirus crisis.

She shared the note on Instagram along with a poster of the film. She wrote, When I was shooting my last film poster in 2011, I never imagined the the next film poster/ release will be at a time when ... A mutant film virus would have shut down the whole world, - The fact the my parents wont be alive to be the first to give their feedback as always. The fact that I would be married, living in Europe, and the next poster would be shot when I would be the mother of 3 beautiful boys, - A day in future when section 377 would have been revoked and all LGBTQI in India would have attained right to life. -The fact that I would have the privilege to work with a trans actor.

Relating the title of her film with her journey, she went on to add, Through all these Seasons of my journey i have learnt that life is unpredictable and we must not wait for tomorrow and give today our best. Having decided to continue seeing the promise of spring in depth of winters We are sure our film will be exactly what you need to keep your spirits entertained in this global lockdown. So keep your glasses topped as we gear to bring the solution to keep you safely entertained in your homes.

Also read: The Raikar Case review: Atul Kulkarni, Neil Bhoopalams whodunnit has more family drama than suspense

Made by Ram Kamal Mukerjee, the film is a tribute to late filmmaker Rituporno Ghosh. It also stars Lillette Dubey, Shree Ghatak and Azhar Khan.

Celinas last Bollywood film was Thank You in 2011. It also starred Akshay Kumar, Irrfan Khan, Suniel Shetty, Sonam Kapoor, Bobby Deol and Rimi Sen.

Celina is married to hotelier Peter Haag. The two are parents to five year-old twins Winston and Viraaj and two-year-old Arthur. Arthur was born with a twin brother Samsher but the latter died soon after birth.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
Islamabad: Afghanistan on Saturday (April 11) turned down Pakistan's demand to handover the chief of the Islamic State's Khorasan unit, Aslam Farooqi, the mastermind behind a deadly terror attack on a prominent gurudwara in Kabul last month, according to a media report.

Pakistan's Foreign Office said on Thursday that the demand was conveyed to the Afghan ambassador in Islamabad.

A heavily armed Islamic State-Khorasan suicide bomber stormed the gurdwara in the heart of Afghanistan's capital on March 25, killing 25 Sikhs and injuring eight others.

Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security earlier this month said Farooqi, also known as Abdullah Orakzai, was arrested along with 19 other commanders in a "complex operation".

The Afghan Foreign Ministry turned down Pakistan's demand, saying Farooqi was involved in the killing of hundreds of Afghans, therefore, he should be tried under the law of the country, The Express Tribune reported.

The ministry said that Afghanistan and Pakistan have no extradition treaty and Kabul was under no obligation to hand over the IS-Khorasan chief.

It also said that the two countries could work together to curb terrorism in the region.

On Thursday, the ambassador of Afghanistan to Pakistan was called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad and conveyed Pakistan's demand.

"It was underscored to the ambassador that since Farooqi was involved in anti-Pakistan activities in Afghanistan, he should be handed over to Pakistan for further investigations," said a statement issued by the Foreign Office here on Thursday.

It said that Pakistan had been expressing its concerns over the activities of the group, "which were clearly detrimental to the country".
Majed, who had publicly announced his involvement in the 1975 assassination, was arrested earlier in the week.

Authorities in Bangladesh have executed a killer of the countrys founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, nearly 45 years after the assassination.

Abdul Majed, a former military captain, was hanged at the central jail at Keraniganj near the capital, Dhaka, a minute after midnight of Saturday, said Inspector General of Prisons Brigade General AKM Mustafa Kamal Pasha.

Majed was arrested in Dhaka on Tuesday, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said, adding that the arrest was the biggest gift for Bangladesh this year.

Majed publicly announced his involvement in the assassination and was reportedly hiding in India for many years.

The execution took place after President M Abdul Hamid rejected a clemency plea filed by Majed, seeking mercy. His wife and other family members visited him for the last time on Saturday.

Majed is one of a dozen defendants whose death sentences were upheld by the countrys Supreme Court in 2009.

In 1998, a trial court sentenced them to death for their involvement in the August 15, 1975, killing of Rahman and most of his family members by a group of army officials.

Assassination

Rahman was the father of current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who, along with her younger sister Sheikh Rehana, were the only survivors in the family.

200408052905717

After the assassination, subsequent governments and later President Ziaur Rahman awarded the killers by posting them mostly in Bangladeshs diplomatic missions abroad. Majed was posted as Bangladeshs ambassador to Senegal in 1980.

Rahman, former army chief and husband of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, was killed in a military coup in 1981.

In 2010, five others who admitted to taking part in the assassination were hanged. One man died of natural causes in Zimbabwe. The other six convicts, including Majed, were at large. Officials say at least one of them is in Canada and another in the United States.

Bangladesh became independent in 1971 after a nine-month war against what was then West Pakistan, now Pakistan, under the leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

He was kept in jail in Pakistan during the war and was freed in 1972 amid a global outcry when he returned to newly born Bangladesh via London and India.
New Year hopes expectations and hard realities View(s):

When people greet each other today with the traditional greeting Subhaaluthavuruddak it is more in hope that the New Year will be a happy one, more than the expectation of a bright and prosperous year ahead.

This New Year dawns at an inauspicious and difficult time for people, especially the poor and those losing their employment and income. A large number of people have to live in the midst of the fear of the coronavirus, shortages of food and other essentials, low or no income, unemployment and economic hardships. It is a worse blow to the economy than last years Easter Sunday bombing, as the entire economy has been disrupted and the livelihoods of many threatened.

Celebration

In contrast to the customary celebration of the New Year with kiribath, sweet meats and delicacies, this years celebration will be frugal as a large population of the country has been severely affected with inadequate or no income.

Informal daily paid workers constitute an estimated 59 percent of the non-agricultural workers, and they have no employment and income. Most of them do not have savings to tide over a period of unemployment. They are in a serious plight from which they could be saved only by the efforts of the Government to deliver free food and charitable community actions. Unfortunately on most occasions, the truly deserving do not get these benefits of food and money, unintended beneficiaries do, when such Government interventions take place.

Good harvest

Hopefully a good Maha crop had been harvested ahead of the New Year without much harvesting losses. This would undoubtedly give some reason to celebrate the New Year. A good Maha harvest could enhance the hard times the rural population has endured and it will provide a measure of protection from other adverse developments that can affect rural incomes. Urban workers in shut down enterprises and in the informal sector are worse off.

Economy

The state of the Sri Lankan economy is indeed depressing. Nearly all sectors of the economy have been adversely affected. Most serious has been the external sector. The trade balance is likely to be large owing to the fall in exports and the balance of payments would be in deficit by a large amount owing to the trade deficit, reduced earnings from tourism, lower workers remittances and low inflows of capital.

Exports

Reduced exports of manufacture goods and tea exports would tend to widen the trade deficit. However, reduced imports of non-essentials and fuel are likely to offset the trade deficit.

Even if the trade deficit is about last years US$ 8 billion, this would result in a larger balance of payments deficit owing to adverse developments in workers remittances, a precipitous fall in earnings from tourism, drying up of foreign investments and capital inflows. These would result in a large balance of payments deficit that can worsen the external financial position of the country.

Recovery

The alleviation from this dire state can only come with the recovery of the countrys economy, which is in turn dependent on the global economic recovery. Hopefully there would be a growth momentum at years end that would accelerate in 2021 and the next national New Year would be a Subhaaluthavurdak.

Hard times

The hard reality is that the months ahead will be a difficult time, especially for the poor and those who have lost their employment and incomes. The countrys exports and tourism have been severely affected. The setback to manufacturing and services is a huge loss to the economy. It affects the balance of payments, employment and incomes.

Hopes

At the dawn of the New Year, hopes and expectations are; the pandemic will be contained in the near future, the global economy will recover sooner rather than later and growth momentum will accelerate at the years end.

Yet there are no signs of either the end of the coronavirus pandemic or an economic revival. The only silver lining or glimmer of hope is China beginning to get its economy moving, and this will have ripple effects on other economies.

Global economic recovery

The alleviation of this dire state can only come with the recovery of the countrys economy, which is in turn dependent on the global containment of the virus and international economic recovery. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan economy is in dismal state needing international assistance to overcome the current economic impasse.

It is only when the global economy starts moving that Sri Lankas import-export dependent economy can prosper. As the Sri Lankan economy has been battered by the global developments, its revival too would be dependent on the containment of COVID-19 and the pace of global economic recovery. At present there is no adequate evidence of either.

Summing up

At the dawn of this New Year, the hope is that the COVID-19 pandemic will be contained in the near future, and the global economy will recover and assist the revival of the Sri Lankan economy and improve the livelihood of a large number of people without employment and income.

However there are few signs of a flattening of the COVID-19 pandemic which is a prerequisite to a global economic recovery. The chances are, international travel will take a longer time and Sri Lankas tourism is likely to be at a low level this year. It is expected that there will be a big thrust in economic growth in 2021, which we will have to await.

In conclusion

Hopefully the more affluent in the community will lend a hand to ensure that everyone has their bare necessities of food to survive this period of hardship. At this time of dire need, social cohesion and a sense of community could alleviate the dire conditions of people. It is akin to the time when the tsunami devastated the country. It is a time for community actions to alleviate the misery of people. It is a time to live in hope and not despair.
Welsh Government drops plans for council election votes for prisoners

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Apr 14th, 2020

The Welsh Government has dropped plans which would have allowed some prisoners to vote in council elections.

A planned future amendment to the the Local Government and Elections Bill, which is currently working its way through the assembly, would have seen around 2,000 prisoners being given the right to vote in the next local elections in 2022.

The changes would have affected around 1,900 adults and 20 young people and allowed them a proxy or postal vote, if serving custodial sentences of less than four years.

But blaming the Coronavirus outbreak, ministers have confirmed they have now dropped this planned amendment to the bill.

Speaking during a virtual video conference session of the Senedd last week, which unlike Westminster is still operating as normal as is possible in the circumstances , Housing and Local Government minister, Julie James, said: Unfortunately, I have had to take the decision as part of the Welsh Governments wider consideration of its legislative programme at the start of our planning for coping with the grave circumstances we are in not to commit any future official resource to this proposed stage two amendment.

Despite this, other aspects of the bill remain intact, including allowing 16 and 17 year olds the vote, and extending the right to stand and vote in local government elections to qualifying foreign citizens resident in Wales.

These aspects, however, require further debate and ratification before becoming law.

Among other proposals, authorities would also be able to decide for themselves whether to use the single transferable vote or stick to the mainly used system of first-past-the-post.

For the first time, council staff would also be allowed to stand in elections to their employer local authority, but would be required to resign their posts if elected.

But while agreeing with many aspects of the bill, some AMs were unhappy that such measures were being debated during what was described as a wartime footing.

The Welsh Government, however, say that such legislation has to proceed now in order to be ready in time for the next local elections in 2022.

Delyth Jewell AM said that while Plaid Cymru would be supporting the bill under normal circumstances, now is not the time.

She added: All of us should be resolutely focused on helping the nation deal with the biggest health emergency in decades, in which it would not be an exaggeration to say that we are pretty much on a wartime footing.

I look forward to revisiting the Bill in the future when this crisis is over, but, for the reasons Ive explained, its obvious that we should not be discussing this today, when we should be discussing PPE, testing and saving lives.

Brexit Party AM Caroline Jones, added: We cannot legislate properly and we cannot just rush something through, because people are dying from a deadly and virulent disease.

We have shut down vast swathes of our country and our economy, and some of our constituents have lost their jobs and their lives, yet here we are debating legislation.

The vote to approve the general principles of the bill, passed by 30 votes to 25.

Following the debate, North Wales Conservative AM, Mark Isherwood, said: Votes for prisoners serving sentences of four years or less would have enfranchised people convicted of some serious crimes, including sexual assault, breach of a sex offender order, racially-aggravated crimes, and necrophilia.

To have attempted to push through this legislation through when all business must be focused solely on battling Covid-19, is not the best use of the Welsh Parliaments time.

However, we must pay careful attention to what has been said and mindful that the Welsh Labour administration does not try to push this through later, when the country has come through this emergency.

After all, the Minister has only committed to not introduce this at the next stage of this Bill, but this does not stop her reintroducing it at the Bills final stages.

By Gareth Williams  Local Democracy Reporter
The Taiwan authorities have launched attacks on World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus together with Washington. In addition, addressing an online forum held by a Washington-based conservative think tank, Joseph Wu, "foreign minister" of the Taiwan island, boasted that Taiwan's effective prevention work shows that its "democratic model" can successfully stem the spread of the epidemic in a different way from the mainland's "authoritarian system." Wu's remarks were laughed at by netizens: Taiwan has more confirmed coronavirus cases than any of the provinces on the mainland. How dare Wu call it a success?

As the pandemic rages on, almost all "democratic countries" have been hit hard and unable to effectively handle the situation. Wu shouldn't have taken the pandemic as an opportunity to brag about the superiority of the "democratic model."

Blowing hot air is a taboo to epidemic prevention and control. The mainland has made remarkable achievements, but it hasn't trumpeted a "Chinese anti-epidemic model" so far. Instead, China repeatedly emphasized that grave challenges remain, and it's of great importance to prevent local and imported cases. The island of Taiwan has been a little less impacted by the pandemic than countries like Japan and South Korea, which has made it complacent. Like a frog in a well, Wu even claimed Taiwan would share its anti-epidemic model with the rest of the world.

Because of its narrow-mindedness, the Democratic Progressive Party cannot recognize the key trends of the changing world. Therefore, it has closely followed Washington, doing whatever Washington asks it to do in exchange for security with loyalty and mitigate risks brought about by its secessionist tendency.

Washington recently shifted the blame to the WHO as it continued to pass the buck. The world knows the US is playing dirty tricks. No other government followed Washington and the UN has firmly stood with WHO and Ghebreyesus. Taiwan is the only one behind Washington to attack Ghebreyesus. The Tsai Ing-wen authorities don't have any dignity as the island is not a country.

We advise the Taiwan authorities not to be so reckless. They shouldn't naively believe the more closely they follow the US, the higher political scores they will gain and the safer they are even if the island takes a radical path. With the deepening of China-US differences and with Washington going too far in suppressing the mainland, misjudgments and rash moves made by Taiwan will likely turn the Taiwan Straits into a flashpoint that will severely impact the world order in the post-pandemic era. The island will face real danger at that time.

Many people worry that the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to bring the world into the most serious disorder and chaos since World War II. The US wrongly responded to the pandemic from a geopolitical perspective, which will pose the biggest threat to the world. This is a severe test to major power relations. The Taiwan authorities shouldn't turn the island into a powder keg in the China-US confrontation for their personal political interests. If the Taiwan question leads to a China-US showdown, no matter what the results, Taiwan will pay an unbearable price. Even if there wasn't a war, an all-around confrontation between the world's two biggest powers will have a catastrophic effect on Taiwan society.

The world has entered an eventful period, during which Taiwan is ineligible to play an active role. Taiwan authorities should have the basic rationality to act cautiously. Otherwise, they have to pay the price for their self-righteousness and recklessness.
A total of nineteen NHS workers have died from suspected coronavirus since the outbreak began, Matt Hancock has confirmed.

The Health Secretary said officials would work to find out whether the victims contracted the virus "in the line or duty" or outside of work.

He said that none of the deaths are believed to be linked to a lack of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).

Mr Hancock told BBC Breakfast: My heart goes out to their families, these are people who have put themselves on the front line.

The work is going on to establish whether they caught coronavirus in the line of duty while at work or whether, like so many other people, caught it in the rest of their lives. It is obviously quite difficult to work that out.

What matters is we pay tribute to their service.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock during a media briefing in Downing Street / PA

Referencing a report from the Guardian that the first 10 doctors killed were all BAME, he added: Im particularly struck at the high proportion of people from minority ethnic backgrounds and people who have come to this country to work in the NHS who have died of coranavirus

I find it really upsetting actually and it is a testament to the fact that people who have come from all over the world have come and given their lives in service to the NHS and paid for that with their lives.

I think we should recognise their enormous contribution.

It comes amid backlash after Mr Hancock described protective equipment for healthcare workers as a "precious resource".

Deputy CMO: It's impossible to say if UK has reached coronavirus peak but social distancing measures are paying off

Mr Hancock had said there is enough personal protective equipment (PPE) to go round if it is used in line with official guidance, and his goal is that everyone working in a critical role gets what they need.

But the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) dismissed any suggestions that healthcare staff were abusing or overusing PPE.

RCN general secretary Dame Donna Kinnair told BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Saturday that no PPE was more precious a resource than a healthcare workers life, a nurses life, a doctors life.

Speaking later on BBC Breakfast, Dame Donna said that every day she was hearing from nurses saying they did not have enough protective equipment.

UK landmarks light up blue for NHS staff fighting coronavirus 1 /25 UK landmarks light up blue for NHS staff fighting coronavirus The Shard in London is lit up in blue in a gesture of thanks to the hardworking NHS staff fighting against coronavirus Tower Bridge in London is lit up in blue in a gesture of thanks to hardworking NHS staff PA Tower Bridge in London is lit up in blue in a gesture of thanks to hardworking NHS staff The London Eye is pictured lit blue in support of the NHS Reuters London's Piccadilly Circus saluting local heroes during Thursday's nationwide Clap for Carers NHS initiative to applaud NHS workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic PA Selfridges lit up in blue in a gesture of thanks to the hardworking NHS staff fighting coronavirus on the frontline PA Fulwell Windmill in Sunderland is lit up in blue in a gesture of thanks to the hardworking NHS staff fighting coronavirus PA MediaCityUK in Manchester lit up in blue in a gesture of thanks to hardworking NHS staff PA Northern Spire Bridge in Sunderland is lit up in blue in a gesture of thanks to hardworking NHS staff PA Belfast City Hall is lit up in support of the NHS Reuters The SSE Arena, Wembley, is seen with a lit up sign for the Clap For Our Carers campaign REUTERS Tawstock Court in Barnstaple lit up in blue PA Ashton Gate, the home of Bristol City FC is lit up in blue in a gesture of thanks PA Wembley stadium is seen lit up blue REUTERS Wembley Arch in London is lit up in blue PA The Lowry lit up in blue in a gesture of thanks to the hardworking NHS staff who are trying to battle coronavirus. PA The Tyne Bridge in Newcastle is lit up in blue in a gesture of thanks to the hardworking NHS staff PA People applaud infront of big screen in Piccadilly Circus during the Clap For Our Carers campaign Reuters The Shard in London is lit up blue

She added: I take offence actually that we are saying that healthcare workers are abusing or overusing PPE.

I think what we know is, we dont have enough supply and not enough regular supply of PPE.

This is the number one priority nurses are bringing to my attention, that they do not have adequate supply of protective equipment.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said it was insulting to suggest health care workers were wasting PPE.

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Sir Keir tweeted: It is quite frankly insulting to imply front line staff are wasting PPE.

There are horrific stories of NHS staff and care workers not having the equipment they need to keep them safe.

The Government must act to ensure supplies are delivered.

The BMA medical union warned on Friday that PPE supplies in London and Yorkshire are at dangerously low levels.

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Mr Hancock acknowledged distributing masks, gloves, aprons and hand sanitiser to frontline workers is requiring a Herculean logistical effort.

He told BBC Breakfast on Saturday it was important that healthcare workers use the right amount of protective equipment.

He added: I am not impugning anyone who works for the NHS and I think they do an amazing job.

But what I am reiterating, stressing, is the importance to use the right amount of PPE both to have enough and also to use it as the precious resource that it is.

The latest figures from the Department of Health and Social Care showed that as of Thursday there were 8,958 hospital deaths from the disease  an increase of 980 on the previous day.

Meanwhile, a British scientist has said that a vaccine to coronavirus could be ready as soon as September .

Sarah Gilbert, professor of vaccinology at Oxford University, told The Times on Saturday that she was 80 per cent confident that the vaccine being developed by her team would work, with human trials due to begin in the next fortnight.

She said: I think theres a high chance that it will work based on other things that we have done with this type of vaccine.
Choose your hero, go alone or join up to 3 other friends locally or online and venture into dark dungeons full of threats and fierce bosses
Syrian army repels Daesh offensive to overrun town in Homs

Iran Press TV

Friday, 10 April 2020 10:30 AM

Syrian forces have thwarted a major attack by Daesh terrorists against the central province of Homs, killing some 22 of the terrorists in fierce clashes.

The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said government forces backed by Russian airstrikes were battling the Takfiri terrorists to prevent them from entering the desert town of al-Sukhna in Homs.

The UK-based monitoring group also claimed that at least 27 Syrian forces had been killed during the clashes.

The offensive came as the European Union said it is considering more sanctions on Syria as the war-wracked Arab country is combating the spread of the coronavirus.

In a statement on Thursday, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell welcomed a report by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) which blamed Syria for alleged toxic attacks in western Hama region in late March 2017, saying that the 27-member bloc is ready to consider further sanctions on Damascus.

"The European Union has previously imposed restrictive measures on high-level Syrian officials and scientists for their role in the development and use of chemical weapons and is ready to consider introducing further measures as appropriate," the statement said.

Borrel's comments came a day after the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) claimed Syrian government forces had been responsible for the alleged chemical attacks on terrorist-held town of Lataminah in Hama during the last week of March 2017 that affected scores of people.

"We fully support the report's findings and note with great concern its conclusions," Borrell said on Thursday.

"Those identified responsible for the use of chemical weapons must be held accountable for these reprehensible acts,"he said.

Syria slams OPCW report as 'misleading'

On Thursday, Syria dismissed the OPCW reports as "misleading" and based on fabricated information provided by Takfiri terrorists and the so-called civil defense group, White Helmets.

"Syria condemns in the strongest terms what was stated in the report," an unnamed official with the Foreign Ministry said, according to a statement on state media.

"At the same time, it categorically denies that it used toxic gases in the town of Latamneh or in any other Syrian city or village," said the source.

Russia has also censured the OPCW report as "untrustworthy", saying the watchdog violated the basic principle of its work by conducting a remote investigation without visiting the sites.

On Wednesday, Russia's permanent mission at the OPCW described the report as unreliable, saying it depends on investigations that were conducted remotely without visiting the places of incidents based on statements of terrorist groups and the so-called civil defense group White Helmets

Syria compared the OPCW's latest report with the one on the alleged use of chemical weapons in the city of Douma, located about 10 kilometers northeast of the capital Damascus,

On April 14, 2018, the United States, Britain and France carried out a string of airstrikes against Syria over the suspected chemical weapons attack on Douma.

Washington and its allies blamed Damascus for the Douma attack, an allegation rejected by the Syrian government.

The Syrian government surrendered its stockpiles of chemical weapons in 2014 to a joint mission led by the UN and the OPCW, which oversaw the destruction of the weaponry. However, Western governments and their allies have never stopped pointing the finger at Damascus whenever an apparent chemical attack has taken place.

Syria is grappling with containing the spread of the deadly coronavirus pandemic as the war on foreign-backed terrorist groups is winding down.

It has asked for Russia's assistance to combat the spread of the COVID-19 disease in the war-ravaged country, which is under rounds of crippling economic sanctions imposed by the United States.

Syria's official figures show that as of Thursday, 19 people have tested positive for the disease in the country and two others have died.

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Riyadh, April 11 : G20 Energy Ministers have failed to finalize a pact on oil production cut after the OPEC+ countries decided to reduce fuel production by 23 per cent.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the price war that began in March between Russia and Saudi Arabia after failing to reach a consensus on maintaining the oil output cuts on the lines of the OPEC+ deal resulted in the lowest per barrel cost in two decades, reports Efe news.

However, the differences between the oil-producing nations persist despite agreeing to limit the production for the next two years - with an initial reduction of 10 million barrels a day in May and June.

These differences led to a delay in the release of the concluding statement of the G20 meeting through videoconference on Friday by 11 hours.

The text in the final statement merely mentions the commitment of the countries with no significant advances.

The statement said the member countries were committed to preserving financial stability to ensure the stronger recovery of all the affected countries from the current crisis.

"The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic is a powerful reminder of our interconnectedness and vulnerabilities. The virus respects no borders. We are strongly committed to presenting a united front against this common threat," said the statement.

It said combating the pandemic called for "a transparent, robust, coordinated, large-scale and science-based global response in the spirit of solidarity".

"We express our readiness to convene again as the situation requires. Global action, solidarity, and international cooperation are more than ever necessary to address this pandemic," the statement said.

"We are currently undertaking immediate and vigorous measures to support our economies; protect workers, businesses-especially micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises - and the sectors most affected; and shield the vulnerable through adequate social protection." The statement said the G20 countries pledged to inject over $5 trillion into the global economy, as part of targeted fiscal policy, economic measures, and guarantee schemes to counteract the social, economic and financial impacts of the pandemic

Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Abdel Abdulaziz bin Salman warned in his opening statement global economy needed an affordable energy supply for the recovery.

The OPEC+ agreement reached on Thursday sought a commitment to limiting its oil production for the next two years with gradually changing figures.

The reduction of 10 million barrels a day would come into effect in May and June, it would reduce to eight million barrels a day from July to December and further go down to six million barrels a day between January 2021 and April 2022.

The pact could not come into effect previously pending Mexico's reluctance to agree on the cuts proposed.

However, it partially agreed to the reduction in the G20 meeting on Friday.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said his country had agreed to the pact with a reduction of 100,000 barrels a day. He said that the US also needed to cut a little more of its production.

The OPEC countries did not agree to this reduction and expressed their disapproval.

Saudi Arabia's energy minister has urged the G20 countries and Mexico to take exceptional measures for the stability of the oil market.

Russia's energy minister, Alexander Novak, in a statement to a state-run Russian television channel, said that he expected an additional cut of five million barrels per day by the oil-producing countries that are not a part of the OPEC+ group.

Saudi Arabia and Russia were embroiled in a price war after Moscow refused to increase its oil production reduction plan - ending in March - to 1.5 million barrels per day.
WFH for Private offices in Delhi, restaurants & bars to be shut as Omicron-led to sudden rise in Covid cases

Coronavirus: Officials trying to take COVID-19 patient to hospital attacked in UP's Meerut

India

oi-PTI

Lucknow, Apr 11: A team of officials and medical professionals came under attack in Meerut's Jali Kothi area today when it reached there to take a coronavirus-infected patient to a hospital for treatment, a senior UP government official said.

Four people were arrested in this connection, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Awanish Awasthi said.

"A team which had gone to take a COVID-19 patient to hospital in Meerut's Jali Kothi area was attacked by some people. Four persons have been arrested in this regard. Action will be initiated against the accused persons under the National Security Act," Mr Awasthi said in a statement.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Uttar Pradesh has reached 433 so far. The count in Meerut stands at 44, of which six were reported today.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, April 11, 2020, 23:47 [IST]
What did Mr. Barr say?

He endorsed Mr. Trumps move while putting forth a dubious account of what happened. This is Mr. Barrs statement:

The president did the right thing in removing Atkinson. From the vantage point of the Department of Justice, he had interpreted his statute  which is a fairly narrow statute, gave him jurisdiction over wrongdoing by intelligence people  and tried to turn it in to a commission to explore anything in the government and immediately report it to Congress without letting the executive branch look at it and determine whether there was any problem. He was told this in a letter from the Department of Justice, and he is obliged to follow the interpretation of the Department of Justice and he ignored it, so I think the president was correct in firing him.

Did Mr. Atkinson do what Mr. Barr said?

No, not when it came to an executive branch review. Mr. Atkinson tried to follow the procedures laid out in the Intelligence Community Whistleblower Protection Act, which requires that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence review the complaint, then report it to Congress.

After determining that the complaint was credible and raised an urgent concern, Mr. Atkinson provided it on Aug. 26 to the acting director of national intelligence at the time, Joseph Maguire. Mr. Atkinson believed that under the whistle-blower protection law, Mr. Maguire would have seven days to review the materials and append any comments before passing on the complaint to Congress.

A senior Justice Department official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, defended Mr. Barrs claim that Mr. Atkinson instead thought he could immediately report it to Congress without letting the executive branch look at it, arguing that a week was insufficient for the department to conduct its own review of the complaint.

But it was Congress, not Mr. Atkinson, that set the review period at one week for complaints covered by the whistle-blower law. In addition, officials at the White House and the Justice Department already knew that an intelligence official had raised concerns about Mr. Trumps Ukraine dealings even before he filed the complaint on Aug. 12. The department ultimately decided not to open any criminal investigation.
An Atlanta man was arrested for attempting to defraud a federal agency into paying $750 millions for phantom orders of over 125 million face masks and personal protective equipment (PPE), federal authorities announced on Friday.

Christopher Parris allegedly misrepresented to the Department of Veterans Affairs that he could obtain millions of 3M masks from domestic factories when he knew that fulfilling the orders would not be possible. The agency provides services to veterans, including health care.

Face maska, gowns, gloves and other PPE have been extremely limited as health care workers are on the front lines aiding COVID-19 patients. To date, over 1.7 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with COVID-19, including over 500,000 positive cases in the U.S.

PHOTO: Medical workers take in patients at a special coronavirus intake area at Maimonides Medical Center, April 7, 2020 , in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

"COVID-19 scams divert government time and resources and risk preventing front-line responders and consumers from obtaining the equipment they need to combat this pandemic," said U.S. Attorney General William Barr in a statement. "We will vigorously pursue fraudsters who exploit the COVID-19 pandemic to make money."

Parris, 39, is facing up to 20 years in federal prison for a wire fraud charge.

MORE: Medical providers, fearing equipment shortages, tap into secret national supply network

"During this time of crisis, fraud or attempted fraud impacting services for veterans, who have selflessly served this country, is unconscionable," said U.S. Attorney Timothy Shea for the District of Columbia, where Parris is expected be extradited and face a judge.

Parris also allegedly made similar false representations to other entities to enter into other fraudulent agreements to sell PPE to state governments, authorities said.

PHOTO: U.S. military personnel wearing face masks arrive at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center which is being used as a field hospital during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in New York City, April 7, 2020. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)

"We are committed to protecting the integrity of taxpayer funds and ensuring the delivery of medical supplies necessary to provide quality healthcare to our nations veterans, and any attempt to exploit the current global COVID-19 pandemic for personal gain will be dealt with swiftly," said Inspector General Michael J. Missal for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Story continues

If convicted, Parris faces up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines. Attorney information was not available as of Saturday.

MORE: Making 'PPE' at home: Families use 3D printers to address coronavirus shortages

Federal authorities are urging the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 to the National Center for Disaster Fraud hotline 1-866-720-5721 or by e-mailing the NCDF at disaster@leo.gov.

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

Man faces 20 years for attempted $750 million COVID-19 PPE scam originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Stay-at-home orders, school closures and social distancing greatly reduce infections of the coronavirus, but lifting those restrictions after just 30 days will lead to a dramatic infection spike this summer and death tolls that would rival doing nothing, government projections indicate.

The projections obtained by The New York Times come from the departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services. The models use three scenarios. The first has policymakers doing nothing to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. The second, labeled steady state, assumes schools remain closed until summer, 25% of Americans telework from home, and some social distancing continues. The third scenario includes a 30-day shelter in place on top of those steady state restrictions.

The documents, dated April 9, contain no dates for when shelter-in-place orders were delivered nor do they contain specific dates for when spikes would hit. The risk they show of easing shelter-in-place orders currently in effect in most of the country undercut recent statements by President Donald Trump that the United States could be ready to reopen very, very soon.

The model foresees a bump in the demand for ventilators  considered a stand-in for serious COVID-19 infection rates  30 days after stay-at-home orders are issued, a major spike in infections about 100 days after and peaking 150 days after the initial order. (Assuming further shelter-in-place policies are not implemented to reduce future peaks.)

For most states that implemented stay-at-home orders in late March, including New York City, Massachusetts and Illinois, that spike would come in mid- to late summer.

The governments conclusions are sobering. Without any mitigation, such as school closings, shelter-in-place orders, telework and socially distancing, the death toll from coronavirus could have reached 300,000. But if the administration lifts the 30-day stay-at-home orders, the death total is estimated to reach 200,000, even if schools remain closed until summer, 25% of the country continues to work from home, and some social distancing continues.

If nothing was done, infection rates would top out at 195 million Americans, and 965,000 people would require hospitalization in an intensive care unit, according to the projections best guess. But with a 30-day shelter in place and other measures, infections would still reach 160 million and 740,000 would need intensive care.

The models show a higher demand for ventilators in the short term if states had never issued the stay-at-home orders. But the spike in demand 150 days after lifting such an order is expected to be more severe than if the United States had never issued such orders and instead relied on school closures, sending people home to telework and directing the public to socially distance.

The federal agencies advised in the model that the projected demand for ventilators are a worst-case scenario and did not factor in states sharing the lifesaving devices across state lines.

Trump has teased the idea of reopening the United States to boost the economy, even as state governors, hospitals around the country and the federal governments inspector general for Health and Human Services have warned of widespread shortages of test kits, protective gear and medical equipment.

You see whats happening and where we are and where we stand, Trump said. And hopefully were going to be opening up  you can call it opening very, very  very, very soon, I hope.

But economists say that lifting restrictions  particularly on nonessential businesses  will restore some activity to an economy that is currently in free fall, shedding jobs and contracting rapidly.

Many experts caution that growth will be slow when it returns because people will be wary of resuming normal activities before the country has far more extensive testing for the virus to help people assess the risk of contracting it if they leave their homes. Such a system appears nowhere close to deployment.

At a news briefing at the White House on Friday, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said that while he had not seen those projections, he assumed that whenever the restrictions are lifted there would be an increase in cases, which would heighten the need to be able to identity them, isolate them and trace them.

When we decide at a proper time when were going to be relaxing some of the restrictions, theres no doubt that youre going to see cases, he said. I would be so surprised if we did not see cases. The question is how you respond to them.

Asked if he thought that Americans would have to choose between going back to work and staying healthy, Trump said that he thought they could do both. Were looking at a date, he said. We hope were going to be able to fulfill a certain date. But were not doing anything until we know that this country is going to be healthy. We dont want to go back and start doing it over again.

When Trump was later asked if he wanted to ease the social distancing guidelines as soon as May 1, as some have reported, Trump said that he wanted to reopen the country as soon as possible but that the facts are going to determine what we do.

He said that he would listen to his health experts if they warn him that that would be too soon. I listen to them about everything, he said. I think they are actually surprised.

There are two sides, added Trump, who at one point had wanted to reopen the country by Easter. I understand the other side of the argument very well. Because I look at both sides of an argument. Im listening to them carefully, though. But he also said that he would be convening another task force, including business leaders and doctors, to consider the question of when to reopen the country.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
Trading under new measures announced by the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed on Tuesday.

Marts closed in late March due to fears about the spread of coronavirus, but marts will now be able to provide a limited range of services under the measures, including facilitating calf sales and weighing livestock.

The Department of Agriculture said a farmer can deliver calves to the mart by appointment and the mart can facilitate the sale.

For older livestock, the mart can also allow a deal between a buyer and seller, in specific circumstances.

Minister Creed said the measures will allow the food chain to be maintained and protect animals' welfare and that normal mart activity 'cannot resume until further notice'.

Mr Creed said the economic impacts of the coronavirus crisis on agricultural and other commodity prices 'are only beginning to be felt and are likely to be severe'.

'For many families, this impact will be compounded by the loss of off-farm employment. I am asking the food industry to do whatever it can to support its thousands of farmer suppliers at this time,' he said.

Enniscorthy mart manager Tommy Harrington said an assembly of calves was organised on Thursday which saw every animal sold.

He said: 'We can assemble calves here. If we have sellers that need to unload stock we can facilitate that. We have to find out what kind of quality stock they have. The calf situation is different as the shippers and dealers are buying them.'

Mr Harrington said the sale of older animals is taking time, but is working so far.

'The process is they are brought in and left in the yard. I am the in-between guy.'

He said one positive is that the crisis didn't happen in the late autumn/early winter period as that would have sparked panic. He said with warmer weather comes grass growth which means animals will be able to go out on the fields more without damaging them.

Young farmers have adapted quickly to the new system, he said.

'The young farmers are smart and they know exactly how much kilos they want. It's taking the older generation of farmers more time to familiarise themselves with the new set up. We had a collection here Thursday and there was no calf went home and the cheques have gone out. This week I'll be letting all calves in. When they are in I'll look at them as I have to get a fair value for them. It's not easy but there is no other way. There are a lot of farmers putting cattle on Done Deal and you don't know who you are dealing with.'

New Ross Mart assistant manager Dick Meaney said an assembly was also held at the mart in Rosbercon on Thursday.

Buyers remained in their jeeps and the mart sales team had to get the highest bid for the animals.

'For the older cattle a seller rings us up with details of the kind of cattle he is selling and a buyer puts a bid in. The issue is people need to see cattle before they buy them. The department are saying if you can get an agreement in place then you can take them into the mart to be weighed. We are showing the owner the weight and the buyer the weight, but it's so hit and miss. You have fellas who agree a price on cattle and when the farmers come they might decide not to. We are trying to line up people over the phone to sell and buy and had work done in the background last week based on the presumption we'd be allowed to go ahead.'

Describing last Thursday's assembly as a test run, Mr Meaney said: 'We had close on a clean out of all calves. Time will tell when we'll be up and running fully here. It could be a week or a couple of months.'
Companies are being urged to allow ordinary investors, and not only institutional ones, to participate in the huge wave of fundraisings sparked by the coronavirus crisis.

Many firms listed on the London stock exchange, including the likes of Hays, Auto Trader, WH Smith, The Restaurant Group and Asos, have launched emergency cash calls in recent weeks to help them weather the financial disruption caused by the virus pandemic.

Under so-called rights issues, existing investors with shares in a given company have the right to buy additional shares at a heavily discounted price.

PrimaryBid, which has been working in partnership with the London Stock Exchange since last November, allows retail investors to take part in new share placings by listed companies

But individual investors are being by-passed as companies, which currently need to raise money as quickly as possible, have gone straight to a bunch of big institutional investors like pension funds and hedge funds, effectively leaving retail investors out.

Rights issues take a long time to organise, so firms have been giving preference to their biggest shareholders.

But in doing so, they are effectively ignoring investors' pre-emption rights, under which shareholders get first refusal when new shares are issued.

As more companies are expected to tap shareholders for cash amid the coronavirus crisis, an app called PrimaryBid is calling for companies to allow ordinary investors to participate in these funding calls.

PrimaryBid allows retail investors to take part in share placings by listed companies on the same terms and at the same time as institutional backers.

Many firms listed on the London stock exchange, including the likes of Hays and Asos, have launched emergency rights issues in recent weeks to weather the coronavirus crisis

Chief executive Anand Sambasivan says individual investors are being dealt a double blow as they are denied their chance to buy shares on the cheap, on top of possibly having already lost dividend payouts, which many companies are slashing to preserve cash.

'What should be a once-in-a-generation opportunity for retail investors to help recapitalise UK PLC is turning into a once-in-a-generation wealth transfer from the small investors to the large ones,' Sambasivan added.

Sambasivan, who co-founded the firm, says institutional investors are currently the only ones given an opportunity to pile in and buy heavily discounted shares, even though it's individual investors who have been propping up UK companies.

He said: 'In recent weeks, [retail investors] represented over 20 per cent of the volume on the FTSE All Share with 60-74 per cent of this volume being BUY orders.

'UK stockbroking platforms are reporting a 90-269 per cent increase in new account openings. They can and should represent a powerful source of funds for listed companies.'
If you want a new 5G smartphone but don't want to spend an ungodly amount on it, here's a deal for you. Samsung's Galaxy A90 5G is currently selling for just $449.99, unlocked, over at B&H.

The phone usually retails for around $250 more, while its recommended price is a whopping $749.99. Note that, as usual with this type of thing, there's a limited supply available at the discounted price - so make sure you act soon if you're interested.

If you order now the handset will ship on April 20. Keep in mind that this is an international model, so it looks like you'll need to do some digging to figure out if it supports your particular carrier's bands, especially when it comes to 5G.

The Galaxy A90 5G launched last September, with a 6.7" 1080x2400 20:9 Super AMOLED touchscreen, the Snapdragon 855 chipset, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and a 4,500 mAh battery. You get a triple rear camera system on the back (48 MP f/2.0 main, 8 MP f/2.2 ultrawide, 5 MP f/2.2 depth sensor), and a 32 MP selfie snapper. The phone runs Android 9 Pie with One UI on top.

Via
The coronavirus outbreak has changed many things in Iran, including the way people live and die.

The outbreak has also changed the roles people play in society. Two groups in particular are experiencing the most dramatic changes in their roles: The clergy and the military.

In the meantime, some of the members of the two groups have been working hard to regain lost popular support amid the coronavirus outbreak in Iran. Before the outbreak, many people were angry at the main support groups of the Islamic Republic. At the beginning of the outbreak, not quarantining the religious city of Qom, added to the anger.

According to the official news agency IRNA, groups of clerics have been working at the cemetery in Mashhad to perform religious ceremonies for the COVID-19 victims.

The report says that due to concerns about hygiene, preparing bodies for burial is no longer possible in the usual way that involves washing the body and make up with powdered leaves of jujube tree and using camphor as fragrance and disinfectant before covering the body in a shroud.

Instead, based on religious rules endorsed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a decree, the clerics administer "dry ablution" before covering the body in shroud over whatever the dead person was wearing before his death and finishing the job with layers of thick plastic that is twisted and fixed on both ends. Then the whole thing is put in a body bag that goes into a sealed coffin.

All this is done with great respect for the dead as it is customary in the Iranian version of Shiite Islam. Onlookers alien to the local culture might think that the man or woman is leaving this world as a saint, clean and innocent.

Family members are allowed to watch the burial only from a safe distance although people have gone out of their way to get closer to the body to say the final goodbye to their loved ones. Nevertheless, in certain cases, for instance when the victim is a well-connected person, the whole ceremony is done in the usual old way regardless of the risks involved.

The routine prayer for the dead has been observed to be performed from a safe distance. Although some family members claim that the people in charge of the burial have skipped this key part particularly when too many dead bodies had to be buried in a hurry in the dark to avoid gatherings that might endanger other people's lives.

It has been said that after cleansing and dry ablution, the clerics' role ends and the role of the Basij militia starts. Some people avoid any contact with those who died of COVID-19. So, in most cases, cemetery staff members or the Basij volunteers are the ones who carry the coffins to the grave.

There is also a change in the way the dead are carried. In usual circumstances, like everywhere else in the world four or more people carry the coffin on their shoulders and people take turns to go under the coffin out of respect for the deceased or simply to allow others to rest.

COVID-19 dead bodies are still carried by four mem holding the four handles balancing the coffin, usually only a body bag with no box, at lower than waist level.

The body is then carried to a four-meter deep grave and sent into the grave with two sets of ropes. When the body rests on the ground, the four men pull the ropes out of the grave and burn it later with the deceased's latest belongings to make sure that no contaminated item remains after burial.

Before pouring the grave with soil and gravels, they pour a layer of quicklime and slaked lime over the body bag to prevent contamination of the soil. All this time loved ones are kept away from the grave although in some cases they try hard to reach the grave. But in most cases people are told about the death and the grave later, at least on the following day. Death is a sad event but dying and being buried in loneliness may look and sound even more so.

However, this is not all that clerics and military men do at the time of the outbreak. The IRGC-linked Tasnim news agency has listed dozens of reports about what the IRGC and its Basij volunteers have been doing to help the people during the outbreak. The forces possibly, and perhaps rightly, hope that this temporary change of roles might help restore their image after their participation in crackdown on protests in November 2019 and on several other occasions in recent past.

In the same way, some clerics have tried to do their best to help by going to hospitals to preach or even entertain COVID-19 patients. At times this did not quite work, for instance when a cleric administered his homegrown medicine to groups of patients at a hospital in Gilan province, unknowingly spreading the virus from on bed to another, or in another case, with medical staff in Tehran complaining that clerics make too much noise or try to talk to patients who are not in a good position to take part in any conversation.

Although it is difficult to gauge people's sentiment from afar, but there are showing some people have welcomed the military more than clerics, possibly because they are more disciplined and more efficient than clerics who might do harm even when they wish well.
US Warships Struggle over COVID-19 as China Holds Naval Drills in the Pacific, According to US Media

Sputnik News

06:01 GMT 10.04.2020

As the US has currently logged more COVID-19 cases than any other country, China has ceased reporting new instances of the disease, lifting the 76-day lockdown of its city of Wuhan, which was once the epicenter of the pandemic.

Amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, China recently conducted naval drills in the South China Sea, as the People's Liberation Army seeks to boost its coastal capabilities in the Pacific, writes Newsweek, citing the ruling Chinese Communist Party's Global Times newspaper.

In May, Type 22 missile boats were deployed to the area for four days of live-fire exercises.

The drills were said to involve warfighting scenarios seeking to enhance the coast combat skills of the vessels along the coast, as well as counter-mining, damage control and rescue operations.

People's Liberation Army Navy officers attend the launch ceremony for China's first amphibious assault ship in Shanghai on Sept 25, 2019

Referred to as "HOUBEI-class wave-piercing catamaran missile patrol boats" by the Pentagon, the stealth and speed of the Type 22 fleet are what allows it to overcome larger targets such as aircraft carriers, such as those deployed to the Pacific by Washington.

The drills were carried out in a region which is a sticking point in relations between Washington and Beijing.

The waters of the South China Sea, which are disputed by five countries and Taiwan but mostly controlled by Beijing, are frequently visited by US Navy ships that Washington claims are conducting freedom of navigation operations.

The passage of US destroyers and aircraft carriers near the disputed islands has angered the Chinese government, which protests over what it slams as "provocations" and violations of Chinese sovereignty.

The current drills come against the backdrop of reports of US aircraft carriers are in the grips of the novel coronavirus disease, with hundreds of sailors infected, reported the outlet.

At least four advanced US warships have been linked to cases of COVID-19, with a vessel that most recently visited the South China Sea, the Guam-anchored USS Theodore Roosevelt, registering some 416 cases as of Thursday.

A sailor assigned to the aircraft carrier was reportedly rushed to hospital and placed in intensive care Thursday after being discovered unconscious, according to an emailed statement from the Navy cited by Business Insider. The sailor had been in a 14-day quarantine at Naval Base Guam.

The USS Theodore Roosevelt had reported 416 COVID-19 cases as of Thursday morning, after 286 cases had been reported by the Navy on Wednesday.

The Navy is said to be waiting for results of over one thousand tests.

Meanwhile, the vessel's former commanding officer, Captain Brett Crozier, is said to have also tested positive for COVID-19.

This comes after Crozier was demoted last week by ex-acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly over a leaked memo where he was found to have sent urgent letters to his command requesting assistance to combat the coronavirus outbreak.

Modly himself resigned on 31 March after a speech addressed to the ship's crew criticising the former CO leaked to the press, where the former Acting Navy Chief accused Crozier of being "too naive or too stupid" to lead the ship.

COVID-19 cases have been also reported among sailors stationed on the USS Ronald Reagan, currently in Yokosuka, Japan and at least one service member of the Washington-based USS Carl Vinson has also reportedly tested positive.

The USS Nimitz was revealed on Thursday to have "a very small number of breakouts," according to Air Force General John Hyten, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Addressing a press briefing on 9 April, Hyten said:

"It's not a good idea to think that the Teddy Roosevelt is a one-of-a-kind issue. We have too many ships at sea, we have too many deployed capabilities. There's 5,000 sailors on a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. To think that it will never happen again is not a good way to plan. Our military remains ready and continues to operate around the globe," he added.

The COVID-19 novel coronavirus was first detected in China's Wuhan and has since infected 81,518 people in the country since December 2019.

However, after an unprecedented effort to contain the outbreak by means of mobilizing military resources and resorting to rigid isolation scenarios, currently the country has ceased reporting new instances of the disease, lifting the 76-day lockdown of Wuhan, the original epicenter of the coronavirus crisis.

On Wednesday, healthy residents and visitors were allowed to leave the capital of Hubei province, with trains and flights resumed and highway entrances reopened, as the country is now moving towards easing the restrictions imposed to contain COVID-19.

 Sputnik

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New Delhi, April 11 : India has requested the administration of US President Donald Trump to extend the H-1B and other visas of Indian citizens till the global coronavirus pandemic was not over.

Official sources told IANS that New Delhi requested Washington after some news reports claimed that the US government has been asking employers to terminate services of H1B visa holders.

"Though there is no such order or instruction from the US government, we have asked them to retain the employees under the H1B visa. Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla in his telephone conversation with the US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Beigun took up this issue," an official in New Delhi said.

There are over 300,000 Indians working in the US on H1B visa.

If the employer terminates the contract of an H1B holder employee in the US, the latter needs to find new employment within 60 days to retain their H1B status.

Given the lockdown and restrictions on movement in view of the coronavirus pandemic which has killed 18,777 people and infected 501,609 others so far in the US, most employees were unable to go to work.

Because of the lockdown in both the countries, it was also logistically impossible for anyone to return to India at this point.

Sources said the government has been in touch with the US authorities requesting them to extend the validity of H1B and other types of visas for Indian nationals who are stranded in the US due to the pandemic.

"We are closely monitoring related developments," an official said.
Its not pretty but its true. The first victim of the coronavirus has been personal grooming.

With hairdressers, nail bars and beauty therapists shuttered by lockdowns, many people around the world are in danger of letting themselves go.

That is the fear of stylists and colourists worried about having to salvage something from the havoc wreaked on eyebrows and hair by DIY plucking, waxing, dyeing and cutting.

Dont touch your eyebrows above all, pleaded Olivier Echaudemaison, creative director of the French cosmetics brand Guerlain.

Let them grow -- leave a virgin forest, said the man who once looked after makeup for screen legends Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren.

Feel free to experiment with makeup, Echaudemaison told AFP, because if it doesnt work you just take a tissue and you start again.

But anything with hair is a lot more risky, he warned.

British makeup guru Sali Hughes, whose Beauty Banks charity has been giving donated cosmetics and toiletries to hard-pressed health staff since the pandemic started, also cautioned about some of the wackier homemade beauty tips circulating on social media.

- Lady beards -

Professionals are also genuinely worried... and tell me theyre bracing themselves for a plethora of complex colour correction appointments when they finally reopen, she said.

So be careful tackling those greying roots with a beetroot recipe picked up on Facebook.

Demand for some brands of hair colour shot up six times in Britain after the first week of the lockdown there.

Television presenter Stacey Solomon is unlikely to have been one of those battling for the last box of hair dye.

She told her three million Instagram followers that she was letting nature run free during the confinement and putting her razor away.

Let it grow, moustaches and all declared the woman who had previously joked how her children love to stroke her beard and facial fur.

Social media, however, is full of horror stories of people posting their failed attempts at cutting and colouring their own hair.

French stylist Thomas Girard has been giving up to six free online courses a day to deal with this aesthetic emergency.

His advice is stop immediately if you make a mistake. The biggest error is thinking that you can fix your mistake by keeping cutting, he said.

As for roots, he advises just letting them go grey.

Its no longer a marker of age, or stigmatising -- in fact, it could be seen as body positive, he argued.

Indeed fashionistas Sophie Fontanel and Vogues Susan Harris have famously let their hair go grey and white -- and they have yet to be driven from the front row of the catwalks.

And the lockdowns may have another lasting effect on the beauty industry, particularly in Asia where wearing masks during flu and cold outbreaks is common.

Cosmetic sales have plummeted by up to 70 percent in South Korea with some women rejoicing in not having to bother about wearing lipstick.

- Islamic inspirations -

But as mask wearing becomes a global phenomenon as more and more experts recommend it as a way of slowing the spread of the virus, some are taking them as a beauty challenge.

One ingenious Egyptian meme has gone viral showing a woman blending her face mask in with the rest of her makeup and crowning it all with drawn-on red lips.

In fact many are looking to the Middle East for inspiration, where women have centuries of experience making the best of themselves behind Islamic face coverings.

That did not stop Iraqi makeup artist Fatima Aldewan coming in from some online flack with her Instagram tutorial on coronavirus looks.

Nor did the criticism deter Jordanian designer Samia Alzakleh who has created masks encrusted with rhinestones.

But if you really want to look good in a mask, it is all about the eyes, said Echaudemaison.

There is no longer a mouth so we concentrate on the eyes and women suddenly take on a Middle Eastern allure, said the veteran makeup expert.

His top tip is to go for the doe-eyed look, which he described as chic and sensual.

Women are afraid of eyeliner, he told AFP. Yet it is a fantastic thing. And his word to the wise is to start on the outside and work your way in

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. )

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  With all that is going on, the community could use a bit of good news.

In the past few weeks, Staten Islanders have adjusted to the new normal of staying home and distant from people.

However, that has not stopped neighbors from reaching out and sending help where it is needed. From mask and food donations to kind gestures, the good deeds on Staten Island these days continue to prove that not all coronavirus news is bad news.

Mask and supply donations

The boroughs hospitals are experiencing an overwhelming amount of patients and two Staten Islanders wanted to give back to the front lines. Daniel Kalugin and Krenar Suka, of Dongan Hills, organized a fundraiser that helped donate 1,600 masks Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) and both Staten Island University Hospital 's(SIUH) North and South sites.

Daniel Kalugin and Krenar Suka, of Dongan Hills, organized a fundraiser that helped donate 1,600 masks Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) and both Staten Island University's (SIUH) North and South sites.

A local charity known for supporting and assisting those in need was back in action doing what they do best -- lending a helping hand.

Volunteers for the Staten Island-based Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund were out for more than 10 hours on Tuesday hand-delivering gloves, surgical masks and disinfectant spray.

Volunteers for the Bini Fund stand along side firefighters at Rescue Co. 5 in Concord while they delivered protective supplies (Photo courtesy Vincent Esposito)

The charity delivered to all of the boroughs 20 firehouses, as well as all four police precincts on the Island. Over 18,000 pairs of gloves, 13,000 masks and 28 cases of disinfectant spray were dished out by the end of the day.

The mission of the Bini Fund is to help the local community during a time of need,'' said Massimo DiDonna, chairman and president of the Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund. "We received reports that our first responders were low on PPE (personal protective equipment) supplies. We immediately did what we had to do to secure the supplies they needed so that they could remain safe while providing their essential services to Staten Island.

Volunteers pose for a quick picture with police officers while delivering protective supplies. (Photo courtesy Vincent Esposito)

Feeding the front lines

A personal Trainer, Taylor Salmieri began to teach her workout classes virtually when gyms closed their doors. On Monday she hosted her 'Beast Mode class that raised over $700 in donations.

Personal Trainer Taylor Salmieri began to teach her workout classes virtually when gyms closed their doors. On Monday she hosted her Beast Mode class that raised over $700 in donations.

With the money raised, Salmieri was able to donate meals to SIUH nurses, SIUH EMTs, FDNY EMS Station 22 and two other facilities in Manhattan and New Jersey.

Im glad Beast Mode was able to help the people who are helping us,'' she said. "They are the most important right now.

Putting smiles on faces

8 Spring Bunny visits Big Birds Play House

In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, school owner Linda Indelicato wanted to put a smile on her students faces.

Thats when she announced that the school would be hosting a drive-by viewing of the Spring Bunny. Students and friends drove by the school to get a glimpse of the bunny that was dancing and waving on Richmond Avenue, all while staying socially distant from others.

With all that is going on, I wanted to do something special to put a smile on their faces,'' said Indelicato. We know the students miss their teachers and the teachers miss the students, so I am glad they were able to enjoy it.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 11)  A labor department order banning medical staff from working in other countries will stay despite a public clamor for its review and a warning from the countrys top diplomat that he will challenge it before the Cabinet, the head of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) said on Saturday.

POEA Administrator Bernard Olalia said the reversal of the ban hinges on two conditions: When President Rodrigo Duterte lifts his declaration of a state of public health emergency, and when host countries reopen their borders to foreign workers.

The ban is temporary and therefore when circumstances warrant, the Governing Board resolution may be amended anytime Almost all major destinations of our OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) have imposed also a temporary travel ban and this coincides with our own temporary suspension of deployment, Mr. Olalia said in a phone interview with CNN Philippines on Saturday.

The risk of getting infection abroad is also very high as these destination countries are now peaking in number and our temporary suspension will shield our OFWs from greater risk of contracting the virus. Perhaps when the curve in these countries has leveled down or in the downturn trend, then thats additional trigger to lift the suspension.

The overseas deployment ban, signed by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III on April 2, covers physicians, nurses, medical technicians, and other medical staff.

It was quickly met with opposition with an online petition seeking at least 15,000 signatures for a government review close to hitting that mark on Saturday.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Teddy Boy Locsin, Jr. meanwhile took to Twitter in announcing that he will challenge the directive in an Interagency Task Force (IATF) and Cabinet meeting scheduled for Monday.

In his tweet, the countrys top diplomat argued that the ban violates the Constitution in 3 ways: right to travel, inviolability of contracts, [and] punitive ex-post facto resolution.

But Olalia, who sits as vice chairman of the POEAs Governing Board that issued the ban, said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) was consulted prior to the decision. The board has five members  the Labor chief, the POEA administrator, and three representatives from the OFW sector  and a resource person each from the DFA and the Department of Health.

The Resolution rests on firm legal and factual basis, said Olalia who, like the labor secretary, is also a lawyer.

He was referring to Republic Act 11469, or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, that mandates government agencies like the POEA to address the shortage of health care workers needed to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

State survival is more important than individual rights in times of national emergency, the POEA head said.

The curtailment of the constitutional right to travel and the impairment of private contracts are justifiable because of the present state of health emergency. These types of private rights take a backseat when the issue is one of national survival. Private interests have to give way to State's right to control the pandemic and to save the lives of its citizens, he added.

The POEA also countered Locsins claim that the ban was announced on short notice. Olalia said a separate POEA memorandum circular was issued as early as March to give affected Filipino health care workers ample time to notify their foreign employers.

POEA Memorandum Circular No. 7-A Series of 2020, and dated March 20, states that the deployment of Filipino health care workers shall be strictly regulated to prioritize and provide support to the health care needs of the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. Such regulation shall be lifted as soon as the pandemic is declared to be under control.

About two dozen medical staff have been stranded at the countrys airports since Friday, according to the POEA citing data from the Bureau of Immigration. They will be given government aid of P10,000 and assistance by airlines to rebook flights.

The order states the Philippines sends some 13,000 medical workers abroad every year -- yet faces a shortage of 290,000 health workers at home.

An online survey released on Friday by political consultancy firm Publicus Asia showed that 97.6% of the 1,000 polled approved of providing frontline medical service people with additional pay.

The online petition that circulated argued that the government's compensation of $10 a day for volunteers is not enough to replace wages earned abroad.
Local schools are helping to quell the spread of the coronavirus by donating PPE (personal protective equipment) to frontline staff in Gorey.

Creagh College and Gorey Community School have donated goggles, visors and vinyl gloves to both St Aidan's Daycare Centre and Gorey Community Hospital (GCH), resources which would otherwise have been left unused in the school's science labs and woodwork halls.

Almha Masterson is a teacher at Creagh College and she explained where the idea came from.

'I had seen it on a woodwork forum from another school, and I thought if other schools are doing it why can't we? So I got in touch with the Principal for his thoughts on it.'

Meanwhile, Almha's colleague, Deputy Principal Declan O'Toole, had already been contacted by GCH in the hope of acquiring some equipment. And so the two teachers set about finding all the PPE they could find in the school building.

This search led to the discovery of approximately 150 pairs of goggles, 20 visors, 20 face masks and eight boxes of vinyl gloves. What's more, a lot of the items had never been used and were brand new.

'The health service need these items more than us at the moment so we are doing what we can to help,' said Declan. 'All PPE equipment from our Science laboratories and Technology practical rooms was donated and we will order replacement PPE equipment which hopefully will arrive before our students return.

'We are all so proud and appreciative of the great work that our frontline services are doing to help Ireland get through this COVID-19 emergency.'

Also doing their bit are staff at Gorey Community School. Principal Michael Finn was moved to act when he realised that carers at St Aidan's Daycare Centre had a deficit of protective equipment.

'We really wanted to help out in the community in some way and so we were delighted to be able to support St Aidan's in whatever way we could. And of course there's great links between ourselves and the daycare centre.'

'We donated goggles from our science labs, a number of boxes of them. St Aidan's were delighted to receive them. I think it's very important we did something as a school, everyone has to help in whatever way they can at the moment.'
An officer in-charge of Pirabad police station in Orangi Town locality here was attacked by a mob after authorities tried to restrict Friday congregational prayers.

Although, April 10 was the third Friday after the Sindh government imposed a lockdown in view of the coronavirus outbreak, many people still insisted on offering the Friday congregational prayers and violated the government's directives that have restricted the maximum number of worshippers at the mosques to five, The Express Tribune reported.

Sharafat Khan, female SHO of the Pirabad police, reached the Haqqani Mosque in Frontier Colony after being informed that people were gathering there to offer Friday prayers, in violation of the restrictions.

When she asked the people present at the mosque to pray at home, a group of individuals, enraged by the police action, began pelting her with stones. The police officer received minor injuries during the scuffle.

A video, now viral on social media, shows a large crowd exiting the mosque as some individuals engaged in a heated argument with the SHO, who bears a bleeding nose.

"You people have attacked me and also damaged my glasses. A case will be lodged against you," Khan can be heard saying in the video.

After more police officials reached the spot, the SHO instructed them to make videos of all those present in order to initiate action against them.

Khan, appointed as the SHO of the Pirabad Police Station 10 days ago, has a reputation of bravery and outstanding performance.

Taking notice of the incident, a judicial magistrate directed the West DIG to take action against the culprits.

The police have registered a case against the mosque administration and unidentified men, under sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act as well as charges, including attempted murder and vandalism.

In most areas of the province, the Sindh government's orders of a complete lockdown from noon to 3 pm on Fridays were strictly enforced.

Utility stores, pharmacies and other shops selling essential goods - normally exempted from the lockdown - also remained closed during this time.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Pakistan rose to 4,793 on Saturday after new infections were confirmed in the country.

The tally in Punjab was the highest with 2,336 cases and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan reported 656 and 220 cases, respectively.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The story of Rita Gaviola, a 13-year-old street beggar in the Filipino town of Lucban is not very different from Olajumokes.

Ritas story began in 2016 when she was spotted by Filipino photographer Topher Quinto Burgos, who happened to be attending the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, in May 2016.

At the time, she was on the streets begging for alms on the streets of Lucban to help her family make ends meet.

Her father worked as a garbage collector and her mother stayed home to look after her and her five siblings. None of the children attended school at the time and the family barely managed to put food on the table, so Rita often went out to beg for change or food donations.



Attracted by her natural beauty, Burgos posted some of the teenagers photos on the internet and her life was completely changed.

A member of the Badjao ethnic minority, she was nicknamed Badjao Girl and attracted the attention of several Filipino beauty queens, all of whom did their best to help the girl crawl out of poverty.

Celebrities like Miss World Philippines 2015 Hillarie Danielle Parungao, Miss International Philippines 2014 Bianca Guidotti, and Miss Earth 2015 Angelia Ong all took to social media to praise Ritas model-like physique and striking facial features and that drew even more attention to the Lucban street beggar.

Her rags to riches story saw her granting interviews, amassing over a hundred thousand followers on social media modelling for various brands, landing small roles in TV series, and becoming one of the youngest people to be on the international reality show Big Brother.

All thanks to a random photo, her familys story was changed for the better.

In 2018, Rita uploaded a YouTube video showcasing her familys new house and thanking a certain Grace Kreutzer, a loyal US fan who had reportedly sponsored the construction of the new home.

Like Olajumoke, the hype around Rita has since died down. However, Rita still models from time to time and remains very popular on Filipino social media, particularly Instagram,

She is currently prioritizing her education.

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Longford student and Irish Second-Level Students Union (ISSU) secretary Luke Casserly has put out a plea for people to "please be considerate" towards students who are not happy with yesterday's decision on the State Examinations.

It was announced yesterday afternoon that Leaving Certificate Examinations would be postponed to later in the summer, rather than taking place in June as planned, while Junior Certificate Examinations have been cancelled altogether.

A report released by the ISSU earlier this month revealed that, of 46,000 second level students that were surveyed, only 19% of Leaving Certificate students and 9% of Junior Certificate students were in favour of postponing exams.

"Among the reasons supplied for this low favourability were the unparalleled additions of stress and anxiety on students, discrepancies in the quality assurance of educational supports, and the infeasibility of matching this calendar to students wishing to progress with their education abroad," read a statement by the ISSU yesterday.

But there are many people who don't understand why students are unhappy with the decision, according to Longford's Luke Casserly who as has people to "be sound" about it.

"Please be considerate and think about the countless students who are still extremely worried, stressed and anxious. This year is incredibly difficult for many in normal circumstances - this is made worse during a pandemic," Luke explained.

"Think about students with learning disabilities who have no supports right now. Students who for many reasons have no access to the internet or digital learning. Disadvantaged students who are already at a huge disadvantage in our system. Students who want to study abroad but have no certainty. Students who depend on the money they make in their Summer jobs to get by."

Read also: Longford homes asked to #ShineYourLight for frontline staff during Covid-19 lockdown

The ISSU is concerned about the effects the government's decision will have on the mental health and wellbeing of students who are already under so much pressure.

There are no additional supports as of yet to help exam students navigate through the extension of examinations, but the ISSU is hopeful that the Department will prioritise student support during this stressful time.

"There is still a large lack of clarity and certainty. There is no absolute guarantee that it will be possible to hold exams in July or August, and no concrete plan to make sure this process will be fair for students," said Luke.

"We are living through a pandemic; this decision was incredibly hard to make, and it's far from the most important issue out there - and rightly so."

The ISSU has expressed disappointment that the student voice "was not sufficiently consulted" before the decision was finalised, "despite students being the stakeholder most affected and being highly engaged over the last number of weeks".

This is a big deal to those who have been working hard throughout the year to get to the next stage of their lives, whether that be college, travel or work.

"These things must seem so small, and maybe even over-dramatic, for people who have their Leaving Cert behind them," Luke added.

"However, we live in a society that constantly tells students the Leaving Cert exams are the most important exams of their lives - it is not unreasonable for us to expect answers and fair solutions.

"Please be sound and consider how students feel. Stay safe and wash your hands!"

Read also: Five new cases of coronavirus confirmed in county Longford
WASHINGTON - Julie Wineinger knows the ins and outs of managing bulk ice cream orders.

Now in the age of the coronavirus pandemic, she's calculating: How many potatoes equal a pound?

Wineinger closed Lulabelle's Sweet Shop last month when D.C.'s city government imposed sharp restrictions on dine-in food service. She worried that her small store would get too cramped with customers perusing for their favorite pints. And she wanted her staff members to be able to file for unemployment benefits before the system got inundated.

To sell ice cream that was already in stock, Wineinger offered contactless curbside pickup. Then she noticed posts online from people scouring for milk, flour, eggs and other staples increasingly hard to find.

"All of the suppliers I've reached out to have been super willing to do whatever they can," Wineinger said. "They don't have any business and they're all trying to stay afloat. It's just about trying to get people what they need."

The coronavirus shutdown dealt a piercing blow to the restaurant industry, which has shed 3 million jobs and suffered a decline of $25 billion in sales, according to the National Restaurant Association. But as restaurants scramble to serve takeout and hold onto as many employees as possible, they're embracing - and scratching their heads at - a new enterprise: groceries.

That also means the country's food industry is quickly recalibrating to get people the goods they need, blurring the networks and supply chains that have stocked supermarkets and restaurant kitchens for decades.

This week, Panera Bread - where sales are down as much as 50 percent - started selling fruits, vegetables, breads and dairy products at more than 1,800 locations. More than 30 Denny's locations in California and Oregon are selling sausage links, hoagie rolls, diced onions and more. Customers at over 100 Subway branches in Southern California can add sliced pastrami, shredded mozzarella and dill pickles to their lists. California Pizza Kitchen is offering its own "pantry" with frozen shrimp, jambalaya sauce and key lime pie.

At Lulabelle's, Wineinger has added produce and fresh bread to her menu. Orders are available for pickup during a three-hour window on Saturdays.

"I'm not a grocer, I didn't have grocery store contacts," Wineinger said. "I'm just trying to figure this all out as I go."

For scores of restaurateurs, "figuring it out" involves a substantial rejiggering of the country's food supply systems. Measured by volume, about 25 percent of the country's food typically goes to restaurants and food service, with the remaining three-quarters going to retail and grocery stores, said David Henkes of the food-service consulting firm Technomic. (It's closer to a 50-50 split if you measure dollars spent by customers.)

There are other shakeups at play, too. Henkes pointed to the spike in unemployment that could pull restaurant workers into jobs with delivery services, warehouses or e-commerce giants.

"The grocery supply chain is being pushed and stretched in ways it hadn't been before," Henkes said. "We're going to see some kind of fundamental realignment of how food distribution works.

Still, Henkes said the revamp may not work in the long-term. A restaurant's value add - and chance to make a profit - doesn't come from selling sliced bread and avocados, but from plated avocado toast.

"It would be very hard, with the way restaurants are structured right now, to really be successful in converting to a bodega, a pantry or a grocery store," Henkes said. "It's just not how they're built."

But that hasn't stopped restaurants from mobilizing to fill an urgent need. Roboghene Reed is a Denny's district manager in San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego counties. Reed is in her 30s and said she doesn't worry too much about getting herself to a grocery store. Instead, she's concerned about the elderly and immune-suppressed, or people trying to protect their loved ones.

"We've had one customer whose mother is battling cancer, and they don't want to expose her," she said. "So they can just drive up and we put the box in the trunk."

At The Alibi, a British American pub on Capitol Hill, sales relied on surrounding businesses and tourism, said Rachel Traverso, one of the owners. Once the pandemic hit, Traverso and her colleagues mapped out prepared meals customers could take home, produce from farms in Maryland and North Carolina, sliced deli meat and bread from a local bakery. Orders of $25 or more come with a free roll of toilet paper. For the four-legged among us, The Alibi will soon be selling dog food.

Gordon Banks had to laid off 100 people who worked at his restaurants in mid-March. He has rehired about 25 employees, in part through grocery sales at three of his District locations: Bar Charley, El Chucho and Little Coco's.

Banks is pairing takeout cartons of Bolognese and al pastor tacos with strawberries, romaine lettuce, dish soap and laundry detergent. Banks said he's sold 300 rolls of toilet paper; one recent order requested 18 rolls, plus 12 containers of hand sanitizer. Also on the offering: handmade face masks and Easter dinner.

Banks is hoping to rehire as many as 10 new employees, using his restaurant's roofs or back patios to keep staffers six feet apart.

"The number one goal right now is to get as many people back to work without losing money," Banks said. "I'm trying to charge grocery store pricing. I search every item on Pea Pod and I'm like, 'Can I make a buck? Literally a buck.' "
We dont know what its going to look like when the pandemic is over. We really should be seriously having a look at what were using our water for and what were growing with the water we've got. I would advocate that our food security is paramount and that we should be doing everything we can to ensure our food security.

Rice is definitely a big risk because we havent been using the water weve got to grow rice, and weve been importing around 95 per cent of our rice over the last two years, Ms Slattery told Nine Networks 60 Minutes program, which airs tonight. Ms Slattery is director of water consultancy firm Slattery and Johnson.

Water expert Maryanne Slattery said Australias food security is threatened by mismanagement of the water in the Murray Darling Basin and the continuation of the status quo in the water market  where water is sold to the highest bidder  despite the economic chaos caused by the pandemic.

A water expert has warned that Australia risks a shortage of rice and other staples during the coronavirus pandemic unless Southern Murray farmers are urgently given water allocations to plant and irrigate crops this year.

Until two years ago, the Southern Murray region  known as Australias food bowl  produced 60 per cent of the nations grain and dairy. But two years of zero-water allocations from the Murray Darling Basin Authority have decimated the areas wheat, rice and dairy farms. Instead the water has been sold to mainly foreign-owned almond and other nut plantations further down the river, as they are the producers who can afford the spiralling water prices.

A lot of the water in the southern Murray Darling Basin is being used to irrigate nuts rather than rice and dairy, Ms Slattery said. So it is quite possible that water is just redirected away from nuts, that are exported mostly anyway, to rice and dairy and other commodities that we see as important. It would take an incredible amount of political will to do that. Its certainly throwing out the existing order and really challenging property rights to water. But its certainly conceivable if governments had the will to do it.

On March 25, Vietnam announced it was suspending all rice exports to ensure its food security. Similar decisions are being taken by other countries, with the UNs Food and Agriculture Organisation warning such measures could lead to global food shortages. In light of that, critics of the authority including Ms Slattery and Southern Murray wheat farmer Chris Brooks say now is the time for an urgent rethink of water-management in the national interest.

Were actually relying on other countries to supply us staples, said Mr Brooks, who has endured two years of zero-water allocations. Now not only is it difficult to source from those countries, but its getting more and more difficult to physically get it here. Thats a big risk that this governments taking. If they turn the tap on, we can produce food. Its that simple.

With a reasonable water supply, it is a $20 billion increase in productivity when theyre spending hundreds of billions of dollars trying to stimulate the economy. We dont want money. Just give us our water back. Were talking about employing thousands of people. I mean thousands, tens of thousands of people in the region.
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This is the sight that greeted a group of billionaires after they attempted to land in the south of France and travel to their 50,000 a night luxury villa during the coronavirus lockdown.

The party of ten, three businessmen, three young women and various staff, were planning to fly by helicopter to a stunning 60m villa called Alang Alang where they would stay during the Covid-19 pandemic.

But customs and police officers barred them from stepping off the jet and ordered them to return to the UK following a three-hour standoff on the tarmac.

Video obtained by Mail Online - and filmed from inside the private jet - shows a dozen police waiting on the tarmac.

Scroll down for video.

Video obtained by Mail Online - and filmed from inside the private jet - shows a dozen police waiting on the tarmac as it landed at Marseille-Provence airport, south of France

An official in a red high-vis jacket can be seen talking with a police officer moments after the private jet landed at Marseille-Provence airport.

A member of the travelling party told Mail Online they were not holidaymakers but three billionaires on their way to the cliffside villa to complete a business deal that would have created over 900 jobs.

He claimed the others in the party were bodyguards, a secretary and translators.

Pictured: A 2014 file photo of the Embraer Legacy 600 jet, similar to the one flown from Farnborough Airport to Marseille last saturday

The businessman would not give any further details but said the trip had been booked days in advance with airport authorities and blamed the French authorities for being 'stupid'.

He said:' The problem was the stupid ignorance in the time of Covid 19.

'This was not a holiday in France but a big a project and investment in France. But now and for the future it has stopped.'

The businessman claimed the failure of the project would mean 994 jobs would not be created.

The businessmen and three young women were planning to fly by helicopter to a stunning 60m villa called Alang Alang where they would stay during the Covid-19 pandemic

Police said the seven men who had flown from Farnborough airfield in Hampshire were in their 40s and 50s.

They described the women, aged in their 20s, as escorts and have not released their names.

The party had flown to France on a Embraer Legacy jet that cost 5,300 an hour to hire from the Lonodn PrivateFly charter company

Three helicopters that had been booked to fly the group to the property were not allowed to take off.

The pilots were fined on the spot by police for breaking the lockdown rules imposed by the French Government to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The interior of the Alang Alang villa, an eight bedroom luxury holiday property in Cannes - where the billionaires claimed a business deal was set to be made

As the group from the UK had not technically step foot on French soil they were not fined.

Police said one of super rich men hired a private jet at the airport and flew to Germany.

The others, led by a wealthy Croatian who lives in London and had paid for the entire trip flew, flew back to the UK.

Others on the flight were German, French, Romanian and Ukranian, according to police.

The party were headed to the most luxurious villa in the South of France called 'Alang, Alang.'

It was valued at over 50m a year ago when it was put up for sale and during peak season is rented out for 360,000 a month.

Pictured: Flight tracker shows the route taken by the wealthy businessmen and the 'escorts' from Farnborough Airport near London to Marseille last Saturday

As well as eight bedrooms it features its own cinema room and multiple terraces with sweeping views of the Mediterranean.

There is also a private beach, spa, steam room and an indoor and outdoor pool.

A private nightclub is on the ground floor and the home includes a gym and fitness room.

The villa is often booked by the super-rich during the summer and a popular retreat for movie moguls during the Cannes film festival.

Sting once performed at the villa during an impromptu concert for music executives attending a wrap party at the Cannes Lion festival.

The house is owned by a British property developer who bought the original plot from disgraced arms dealer Adam Khashoggi.

He knocked down the original house and built the new villa which is available to rent.

Luxury property websites describe it as the 'ultimate setting' on the French Riviera.

The description says: Impeccably designed and decorated, the villa is the ultimate setting for an unforgettable holiday in the French Riviera's most glamorous resort. As you walk into the main house you'll be welcomed to your home away from home by a spectacular living wall with a tropical water feature, which sets the tone for the rest of your stay. Relax by the magnificent outdoor infinity pool and jacuzzi, enjoy an after-dinner cigar in the custom-built wine cellar, or simply sit back and enjoy the panoramic sea views from one of the villa's multiple terraces, a stay at the Villa Alang Alang is a truly unique holiday experience.

The party of ten had chartered a jet from London based PrivateFly company.

PrivateFly confirmed that three helicopters had been booked to transport the passengers to the villa but were not used after police ordered their departure

Correspondence seen by Mail Online shows that the flight had been booked on March 30th with the relevant documents sent to the French authorities.

The company had also arranged for the helicopter transfer to the Cannes villa.

Even though travellers are still allowed to enter France the Government last week tightened the lockdown and said only essential trips needed to be made.

A source in French police said the organiser of the trip  a Croatian national working in finance and estate agency in the UK  had 'paid for everything'.

He reportedly said to French police that 'I have money, let's talk' when they confronted him on the plane.

'He was looking forward to the break, with his friends and young female escorts,' said the source.

He said they would all go to the villa, and lockdown there, and that there would be no problem.

'But it was obviously a recreational trip, and under the containment measures these are strictly prohibited.'

A spokesman for PrivateFly was unavailable for comment.

France's coronavirus death toll rose to 12,210 on Thursday, and there are now 7,062 people in intensive care units at hospitals across the country.

France has been in lockdown since March 17 in a bid to slow the spread of the pandemic, with only essential trips allowed that must be justified with a signed piece of paper.

Health director Jerome Salomon said the lockdown was working: 'Thanks to these measures, we are in the process of putting the brakes on the epidemic.'

The lockdown, which was supposed to run until April 15, will be extended beyond that date, it was announced on Wednesday.

President Emmanuel Macron will discuss the coronavirus situation in a live TV address to the nation on Monday.
New Delhi/Srinagar, April 11 : As many as 65 people, including the Tablighi Jamaat members from Jammu & Kashmir, who attended the religious congregation at the Islamic missionary's headquarters in New Delhi during the coronavirus outbreak, are untraceable.

A country-wide hunt was launched in March soon after it emerged that the Tablighi Jamaat gathering at Nizamuddin West of New Delhi had become the largest viral vector of the Covid-19 in India. Though many have been traced, several remain missing, according to sources.

Top official sources said the police had been given a list of 2,054 after a tower analysis of the 1,501 participants from J&K and the people they got in touch with. "We have traced all except 65," a senior official said.

On March 21, after the first case of an infected Tablighi Jamaat member surfaced in Telangana, the Union Home Ministry shared details of participants of the Delhi congregation with all the states.

The police of each state since then, have been trying to trace the potential coronavirus carriers and the people who may have come in touch with them physically.

In Kashmir, Ashraf Anim, 65-year-old Tablighi Jamaat chief of the Sopore region, became the first person from the congregation to die of Covid-19. As many as 41 Tablighi Jamaat members from J&K have tested positive.

Over 8,000 Tablighi Jamaat members, with over a 1,000 foreign nationals, attended the congregation by second week of March. Thousands of them were travelling in the country when the government announced the lockdown on March 24.

Over 7,600 have tested Covid-19 positive in India so far. Of this, one third are related to the Tablighi congregation.

Tablighi Jamaat chief Maulana Muhammad Saad Kandhlawi not only refused to abide by the restrictions imposed in view of the pandemic, he asked, as seen in a viral audio clip, his followers to run to mosques.

He called the deadly virus infection 'God's punishment' and dismissed social distancing as a preventive measure. Saad, on the run, was traced by the Delhi Police a few days.
Layoffs in the sector are mounting at the stunning rate of 1 million jobs a day, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council, an industry group based in London, with as many as 75 million jobs at immediate risk. The industry could lose as much as $2.1 trillion in business by the end of the year, the council said.
Ghanas sardinella fishery is under severe threat from illegal targeting by industrial trawlers in an illegal transshipment trade known locally as saiko.



According to a new report by the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), an international Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) working to protect the environment, 99 per cent of saiko sardinella were found to be juveniles.



This, it said, was extremely worrying as young fishes were crucial to population recovery, meanwhile sardinella were already on the brink of collapse, having crashed by 80 percent over the past two decades.



Saiko is a destructive form of illegal fishing, where foreign trawlers target the main catch of Ghanaian canoe fishers, transfer it at sea to specially adapted boats, and sell this stolen fish back to local communities at a profit.



Last year, EJFs research revealed that in 2017 alone, the saiko trade took around 100,000 tonnes of fish, costing Ghana millions of dollars in revenue and threatening food security and coastal livelihoods.



According to a recent assessment by the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the sardinella fishery shared between Ghana, Cote dIvoire, Togo and Benin was near total collapse.



In the new study, EJF examined 18 blocks of saiko fish, landed at Elmina and found that sardinella were present in two thirds of the blocks and 99 per cent of them were juveniles below minimum legal landing size.



The NGO also examined the by-catch landed by trawlers and found a very similar picture.



The report said trawling with illegal nets, a mesh size smaller than the legal minimum was a major problem in Ghana, adding that, crew and fisheries observers working on industrial vessels affirmed that such nets were routinely used.



It said although saiko transhipments, under-size mesh nets, and landing juveniles were illegal practices as clearly laid out in Ghanaian laws, they were often allowed to continue unchecked.



The trawlers are owned almost exclusively by Chinese operators, who use Ghanaian front companies to bypass laws forbidding any foreign ownership or control of industrial trawl vessels flying Ghanas flag.



EJF revealed that over 90 per cent of industrial trawlers licensed in Ghana were linked to Chinese ownership, the report stated.



The NGO is therefore demanding that a thorough inspections of the landings of industrial trawlers were carried out to ensure they were only targeting species of the type and size dictated by their license, and that the landed fish were above the minimum legal size.

Source: GNA









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NEW YORK, April 10 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from COVID-19 exceeded 100,000 worldwide on Friday afternoon, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.

The fresh figure reached 100,376 as of 1:30 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time (1730 GMT), an interactive map maintained by the CSSE showed.

An Italian Red Cross staff member checks the temperature of passengers arriving at Termini railway station in Rome, Italy, on April 9, 2020. (Ferrovie Italiane Press Office/Handout via Xinhua)

According to the data, a total of 1,650,210 cases have been recorded around the globe. Italy has seen the most deaths, which stood at 18,849 among 147,577 cases. The United States has reported 475,749 cases with 17,925 fatalities.

Other countries with more than 10,000 deaths include Spain and France.

Over 368,000 COVID-19 patients have recovered worldwide.
Los Angeles, April 11 : After recovering from a bout of coronavirus, disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has now been charged with an additional sexual assault count.

Los Angeles prosecutors on Friday filed a new charge against Weinstein, stemming from an alleged assault at a Beverly Hills hotel room in 2010, reports variety.com.

Weinstein is already awaiting extradition to Los Angeles to face four other charges, stemming from two incidents in hotels in February 2013. The former producer is serving a 23-year sentence in a prison in New York for rape and sexual assault.

In the new case, Weinstein is accused of "sexual battery by restraint" against a woman at a hotel room on May 11, 2010. The woman was first interviewed by detectives in October 2019.

The new charge carries a potential sentence of four years in prison, meaning that Weinstein is now facing a theoretical maximum of 29 years on the Los Angeles charges. The DA's office was investigating two other allegations against Weinstein, but declined to file those charges because the alleged victims did not want to testify.

The DA's office did not identify any of the women in the three cases. However, a description of one of the women who declined to testify matches Jessica Mann, the hairdresser and one-time aspiring actress who testified against Weinstein in his New York trial.

Weinstein was convicted in February of raping Mann at a DoubleTree Hotel in Manhattan in 2013. In her testimony, Mann said Weinstein had also raped her at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills about a year later. Mann broke down in tears repeatedly over the course of three days of testimony and cross-examination in New York.

In the other case that the prosecutors declined to file, an actress had alleged that Weinstein sexually assaulted her during a business meeting sometime between 2004 and 2006. The woman repeatedly told detectives that she would not testify, according to a prosecution memo.

In total, Los Angeles prosecutors reviewed eight allegations against Weinstein, and brought charges in three of them.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 04:21:02|Editor: huaxia

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by Xinhua writer Tan Jingjing

WASHINGTON, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. government has shifted focus to a new antibody test as the country's confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to roar. This test will help illuminate the extent to which COVID-19 has spread undetected in the country, and provide insights into which communities and populations are most affected as well as when should social distancing restrictions be lifted, experts told Xinhua on Saturday.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said Friday that the United States is expected to have antibody test "very soon" that will determine whether somebody has been exposed to the coronavirus.

"Very soon, we will have an antibody test," Pence told a White House daily briefing. "Americans will be able to take to determine whether they ever had the coronavirus."

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said antibody testing can show who has developed immunity to the coronavirus and can safely go back to work without getting reinfected.

"It's very important to appreciate and understand how much this virus is penetrating this society," he said.

A large number of antibody tests should be available in a matter of days or weeks, according to Fauci.

Antibodies are the body's way of remembering how it responded to an infection, so it can attack again if exposed to the same pathogen.

The antibody test can determine if someone was previously infected and recovered, which is different from the molecular test showing whether that person was infected with the virus at the time the test was taken.

"The antibody test will be useful for those who had symptoms that seemed like COVID-19 but were, for one reason or another, not tested when they were sick. By the time they recover, the virus will no longer be detectable in the nose but antibodies will be present," Robert Schooley, a professor of medicine at the Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health at the University of California, San Diego, told Xinhua.

Those with antibodies will likely not be vulnerable to reinfection with currently circulating strains of the virus, Schooley said. "This could also be very useful information for health care workers."

Antibody tests can also identify people who had COVID-19 but did not have any symptom, a group that may be much larger than expected.

"Antibody tests will help officials and researchers learn how often people are infected without symptoms. This will help us understand the epidemiology and the risk from 'under the radar' spread of the virus in the community," Schooley told Xinhua.

Widespread testing can determine how many people in the country carry the antibodies, which has an impact on whether and when to lift social distancing restrictions and impose other related measures.

Stanley Perlman, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Iowa, told Xinhua that an antibody test, if reliable, will also inform us about who would be protected from infection in a second or third wave.

Immunity to viruses can last from months to a lifetime. Some experts expect that contracting the coronavirus once would likely give someone solid protection for a year. However, they warned a newly emerged virus is difficult to make predictions.

On Friday, a new study has begun recruiting at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) to determine how many adults in the United States without a confirmed history of COVID-19 infection have antibodies to the virus.

Researchers will collect and analyze blood samples from as many as 10,000 volunteers to provide critical data for epidemiological models, said the NIH.

"These crucial data will help us measure the impact of our public health efforts now and guide our COVID-19 response moving forward," Fauci said.
This story is by Kari Jensen.

As coronavirus lockdown is in full swing in New York, some pharmacies and a few stores on the Lower East Side and in Chinatown are requiring that customers wear masks or face coverings. Its just one of many steps retailers are taking to protect staff and customers from COVID-19 spread. Others include installing protective barriers at cashiers stands and marking floors with blue tape, spaced six feet apart, to ensure that people social distance in checkout lines.

I think honestly that everyone should be wearing a mask, said pharmacist and manager John Karnaby, who wore a mask while at work at Levitt Pharmacy on Grand Street. Soon it might be mandatory.

Wearing masks is not mandated in New York, but a Los Angeles order requires that customers wear face coverings or masks when shopping at essential businesses, as of April 10. Workers at many Los Angeles businesses now must wear masks or face coverings, too.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends that people wear cloth face coverings in public to help slow the spread of the virus. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio also has urged people to do the same.

Levitt Pharmacy placed signs on its door and picture window, which state the store policy to: wear a mask before entering. Karnaby also has donated some masks and hand sanitizer to the New York City Police Departments 7th Precinct, which serves the Lower East Side. There continues to be global shortage of protective masks. Levitt Pharmacy had masks ($20/20 masks package) and hand sanitizer for sale as of April 11.

When bike messenger Pedro Busted made a quick stop at Levitt Pharmacy, he parked his bike inside, at the stores entrance, and then he pulled his neck gaiter up over his mouth and nose. Its definitely a hassle, Busted said, noting that in normal circumstances he would not wear his gaiter this way. But its a must. Its a course that we got to take.

As of April 11, Target did not require customers to wear masks or face coverings, but the national retailer has started monitoring the number of people allowed inside its stores. It also began providing disposable masks and gloves to its team members.

New Kam Man supermarket had some masks for sale ($50/50 masks package) the weekend of April 3-5. But the store also posted a sign on its door stating that masks were required to enter. Some customers, who were not wearing face coverings, saw the door sign and then just walked away April 5. The supermarket on Canal Street temporarily closed April 6, with no specific reopening date set. Customers were told to call New Kam Man to check for updates, said a manager in charge, who declined to give his name.

On the street, New Yorkers can be seen wearing medical masks, homemade masks, and various face coverings created from items such as bandanas, scarves, T-shirts, fabric scraps, dish towels, neck gaiters, and hoods of coats worn backwards. But there also are people not wearing masks or face coverings.

Over on East Broadway, the Forever Health Pharmacy had masks for sale, as of April 11 ($23/20 masks package). That pharmacy has a sign in its door, which states: Please wear masks and gloves before entering the pharmacy for your safety and our safety.

Sue Jing wore a mask while out walking near Forever Health Pharmacy April 7. She said it is more common to see stores that require customers to wear masks in Flushing Chinatown than it is in Manhattan Chinatown. In Flushing, yes, Jing said. Those stores, the big supermarkets, there are people outside the store. They give you gloves and they give you masks before you go in.
Vietnam has funded over US$50,000 to Myanmar to support the latters fight against novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), according to the official Vietnam Government Portal (VGP).

Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung symbolically handed over the fund to Myanmar Ambassador to Vietnam Kyaw Soe Win at a ceremony in Hanoi on Friday morning.

Speaking at the event, Dung affirmed Vietnam and Myanmar are not only members of ASEAN, a socio-political bloc of ten countries in Southeast Asia, but also long-lasting friends.

Vietnams decision to provide the fund to Myanmar although it is also being hit hard by the pandemic demonstrates the close relationship and mutual support between the two countries as well as the solidarity of ASEAN members.

Dung said that with its role as Chair of ASEAN in 2020 and as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2020-21, Vietnam will maintain close coordination with Myanmar and other countries inside and outside of the region to together overcome the global pandemic.

For his part, Ambassador Kyaw Soe Win expressed thanks to the government and people of Vietnam for the fund, which he said is a great source of encouragement for his country to overcome the current difficult time.

He also spoke highly of Vietnam's outcomes in preventing and containing the epidemic as well as its active support for other countries.

On Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister To Anh Dung symbolically handed over 550,000 Vietnam-made face masks as gifts from the Vietnamese government and people to France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK.

Earlier, Vietnam also presented medical equipment, including specialized protective clothing, medical masks, testing systems and COVID-19 test kits, worth over VND7 billion ($300,000) as gifts to Laos and Cambodia on Friday last week.

In February, Vietnam sent breathing equipment, cleanroom suits, gloves and face masks worth $500,000 in total to China to help battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many agencies and organizations in Vietnam have also donated medical supplies to foreign countries in support of global anti-epidemic efforts.

Vietnam has so far confirmed 257 COVID-19 infection cases, of whom 144 have walked out of the hospital free of the virus. No death related to the disease has been reported in the country to date.

Meanwhile, Myanmar has confirmed 28 patients, with three deaths, as of Saturday afternoon, according to data pooled by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

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Amanda Holden attends the Britain's Got Talent 2020 photocall at the London Palladium on January 19, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)

Amanda Holden has revealed what it would take to get her to take part in Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here.

The 49-year-old is no stranger to reality shows, though she is more familiar with the judging side of things rather than taking part as a contestant.

But she has revealed if she is planning on taking the plunge anytime soon, it spells bad news for fans of usual show presenters Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly.

Read more: Britain's Got Talent silliness what we need right now - Alesha Dixon

Holden told The Sun: If Ant and Dec announced it would be their last ever series, then I think theyd get to choose who is in it, and wed all have to do it.

Television star Amanda Holden appears at a photo call with fellow celebrities Ant and Dec (Anthony McPartlin and Decland Donnelly) at the start of the Edinburgh International Television Festival. The annual festival was staged at the city's conference center and attracted media personalities from across the industry. (Photo by Colin McPherson/Corbis via Getty Images)

But I cant see their show ever ending, so Im safe. But its my favourite reality show to watch.

The show is known for its outrageous and often dangerous (and disgusting) bushtucker trials which famously include participants eating a host of bugs, creepy-crawlies and animal genitals - but this is something Holden does not envisage being a problem.

She added: I would rise to the challenges. Id be a screamer - but theres nothing I wouldnt put in my mouth, babe.

She sounds like the perfect candidate.

David Walliams Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden attend the Britain's Got Talent Auditions Photocall at the London Palladium.- PHOTOGRAPH BY Keith Mayhew / Echoes Wire / Barcroft Media via Getty Images)

It is not the first time Britains Got Talent star has been linked to the series after it was rumoured she considered joining the 2019 series.

It is thought show producers would love to entice Holden to take part. She would almost certainly be a big draw for viewers due to her status as a prime time telly favourite.

Read more: Amanda Holden reveals what BGT judges ACTUALLY use their notebooks for

BGT returns to screens this weekend and Holdens fellow judge Alesha Dixon said the show will offer escapism for viewers in lockdown as the current coronavirus crisis continues.

Speaking on This Morning, she told hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield: Silliness is what we need.

The fourteenth series of the talent show returns on ITV tonight (11 April) at 8pm.
Doctors, nurses and other medical staff who treat coronavirus patients will be paid for the risk they are exposed to, a health ministry source told Moroccan media.

The ministry has confirmed to different health system unions that they will pay the family of the doctor who lost her life due to a coronavirus infection as she fell sick while performing her job, the source told Hespress.

The move would reassure health workers exposing themselves to the risk of contagion, a source from the public sector doctors union said.

The doctor has spent 30 years as treating people in Casablanca before succumbing to the coronavirus last week.

Total coronavirus cases rose in Morocco to 1527, including 110 deaths and 141 recoveries as of this Saturday at 10 a.m.
Panaji, April 11 : Virutally enemies back home, a 'helpline' run by Russians, Ukrainians and foreigners from other Russian-speaking nations, is coming to the aid of international travellers stranded in Goa due to the lockdown, sorting out their food, medicine queries as well as advising frantic callers about visa-related issues.

The lockdown which has inevitably imposed tremendous hardships on stranded foreign populations, especially tourists, is forcing them to adapt to the realities of the COVID-19 global pandemic, including getting used to 'dal-chawal'.

The helpline anchored by Roman Naumov, who hails from Moscow, but is in Goa on a business visa, consists of Russians, Ukranians all working together through phone and social media communication apps like Whatsapp and Telegram.

"There about half a dozen of us. Russian, Ukrainians, all working together on Telegram channel, etc. People who are in need, they post seeking assistance and members of groups arrange for help," Naumov told IANS.

While food supply has somewhat regularised now, during the initial spell of chronic food shortage, several Russians had to make do with dal and rice, a sea change from their staple of bread and borscht back home.

"Russians have to adjust to eating dal and rice. What else could one doAat such a time, when there was not much available. At least there was his. This is a rare situation where people have no food, no money, no relatives, no friends," Naumov said, adding that food in India was still cheaper compared to Russia.

The helpline also informs tourists with little or less money about places where cooked food is being distributed by philantropists for free. Or people fund the helpline volunteers, so that food and medicine can be arranged in case of emergencies," Naumov further said, adding that the helpline over the period of the lockdown has attended to hundreds of pleas for help from Russian, Russian-speaking tourists from Commonwealth of Independent States countries and other foreign as well as Indian tourists, who were stranded in Goa.

Added to the worry now, says Anastasia Gritsay, who runs a dual language -- Russian and English -- publication 'Colours of Goa' is the price of the fare back home.

"A ticket by special flights to Russia is 400 Euros. There are many who are worried about this," she said. Especially those on a tight budget and some who have lost jobs back home due to the economic crisis triggered by the pandemic are getting anxious. The inability of most Russians to converse in English, the most commonly used foreign language in India, is also an obvious hurdle she says.

As far as the Goa government is concerned, according to Amit Satija, an Indian Administrative Service officer who has been appointed by the state government as the nodal officer for affairs related to foreign nationals in the state, while availability of flights remains an issue, more than 3000 foreigners have been repatriated to their respective countries.

"We have evacuated nearly 3,300 foreign nationals of different nationalities through 19 flights which have left via Goa. One of the main issues though has been availability of flights," Satija told IANS.

Goa is one of the most popular destination for foreign tourists, especially those from Russia and the United Kingdom.
WWII Hero Celebrates 107th Birthday at Care Home Without Family Due to CCP Virus Lockdown

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African-Americans have been advised to stop travelling to Guangzhou, according to an alert issued on Saturday by the United States consulate in the city, citing a local government-led crackdown targeting people of African origin due to Covid-19 fears.

The warning followed reports that local authorities had imposed tough measures in recent weeks screening people entering and leaving the citys Little Africa district in Yuexiu district after five Nigerians tested positive for the coronavirus.

As part of the campaign to tighten scrutiny of foreigners, those who appear to be of African origin and others suspected of having African contacts were subjected to mandatory tests, followed by mandatory quarantine, regardless of their recent travel history, the consulate notice said.

It also said members of the citys sizeable African community had been denied service in hotels, bars and restaurants.

There have also been media reports this week that a large number of African students and businesspeople had been evicted from flats and hotels and were having difficulty finding food and shelter.

The US Consulate General advises African-Americans or those who believe Chinese officials may suspect them of having contact with nationals of African countries to avoid the Guangzhou metropolitan area until further notice, said the alert.

It also warned that local authorities may require foreigners to take a test and 14 days of supervised quarantine at their own expense, without advance warning.

Amid rumours about an outbreak in the citys African neighbourhoods, tensions have been exacerbated between local residents and the expat community in Guangzhou and across the country.

In a bid to stem imported infections, which account for the bulk of new cases reported in the country, China has tightened border controls, slashed international flights and imposed a ban late last month on all foreigners entering the country.

Story continues

It coincided with growing anti-Chinese sentiments in Western countries targeting overseas Chinese and people of Asian descent when the coronavirus pandemic swept through more than 200 countries and territories in six continents.

Local officials have dismissed the rumours of an outbreak among the citys African community and said the five Nigerians had broken quarantine rules and visited a local restaurant.

Nearly 200 people they came into contact with had to be tested and quarantined, with another 1,700 people also being tested, China Business News reported.

Yan Qiang, a Yuexiu district official, urged local residents to remain calm on Tuesday and denied that there was an ongoing crackdown targeting Africans.

Challenging online claims that hundreds of thousands of Africans live in Yuexiu, he said only 3,500 foreigners are living in his district, mostly from the US, Mali, Nigeria, Canada and Australia.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian defended Beijings efforts to contain imported infections and insisted this week that China would not tolerate any form of racism or discrimination.

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This article US warns African-Americans to avoid Guangzhou after reports black people are being targeted in coronavirus clampdown first appeared on South China Morning Post

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Wish for a healthy New Year View(s):

The bright spring flowers are blooming, and the koha (the Asian koel) has arrived to herald the traditional New Year, but the singing bird has to be told that this years Avurudu is on a different note.

It is not the first time in contemporary history that the country has been under a curfew during this festive season. Back in 1971, the putsch by southern youth beginning April 5 forced a clampdown on all activity.

Not once during the three-decade long northern insurgency, however, was the traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year disrupted with the country under an all-island curfew.

Today is also Easter Sunday when Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, His triumph over death. The enduring Easter message of hope and new life is never more relevant than in these times of fear and uncertainty. While churches around the world would usually be overflowing to celebrate this most important event in the ecclesiastical calendar, this year, COVID-19 will see most following Easter masses on TV and online.

Easter Sunday for Sri Lankans will also be a day of remembrance to mourn those killed in the brutal bombings of last Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019 that targeted churches and hotels. The trauma, the suffering of the families affected, the devastating effects on the economy and the country are still deeply felt.

One year on, families who lost their loved ones and breadwinners, who are struggling to survive and care for the injured need continued support, material and emotional, as they strive to rebuild their lives. In battling the global crises that invade the country, let them not fall through the cracks. Society as a whole also needs to address the issues that led the suicide bombers to embrace the path of violence and extremism.

That this week also marked World Health Day is significant. The worlds health is the foremost issue of our time. The COVID-19 virus is causing devastation to the lives of thousands, and anxiety to the lives of millions upon millions. It is recalibrating the way the people live.

The World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations agency in charge of piloting the worlds health agenda, has come in for some severe flak for delaying in warning the world that the coronavirus was a global pandemic. Accusations are now being pointedly directed at the WHO Director General, a former health and foreign affairs minister of Ethiopia, whose election to that exalted post was reportedly backed by China among others. Ethiopias economic partnership with China, the country being an ally in Chinas entre into the African continent during his tenure as foreign minister has cast a shadow over the DGs handling of the crisis.

With the US President now accusing him of being a Chinese lackey, perhaps to deflect criticism of his own crisis management, the DG is urging his detractors not to politicise the battle against COVID-19.

If there is substantive proof to show that the WHO DG tried to cover up for China, even after China had locked down its Wuhan province where it all started back on January 23, 2020 only to announce the pandemic on March 11, 2020, the United Nations has a lot to answer to its member states.

The entire process of elections to these exalted international chairs is fraught with cheque-book diplomacy and big power gamesmanship. Without the backing and the blessings of the big powers, chances of sitting at the helm of a UN agency are well nigh impossible. Two Sri Lankan exceptions were Shirley Amerasinghe who chaired the Law of the Sea Conference being an insider of the UN system and Dr Gamani Corea, who headed UNCTAD.

Be that as it may, in this country, it is the medical specialists and anaesthetists, nurses and minor staff especially from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Welikanda, Mulleriyawa, and Homagama hospitals, at ground level, the medical officers and Public Health Inspectors, Military Intelligence and local police and last but not least the 1990 ambulance service personnel who have shouldered the responsibility and been in the forefront in the war against an unseen enemy. Good wishes for the health and prosperity of the people in the New Year will be needed now more than ever before.

The hidden crisis waiting to explode

The United Nations Secretary General has called world leaders for a ceasefire of all wars to combat the unseen enemy that has taken on, and brought to their knees, the mightiest and the humblest of nations on Planet Earth.

Iran that received an early hit by COVID-19 says that it will defeat not only the coronavirus, but also the virus of inhuman and unjust sanctions imposed by the United States and reluctantly supported by the West. The guns and drones of the US-led military apparatus in West Asia, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan etc., have fallen silent. The trillion dollar military budgets are being questioned; why these powerful nations ignored their under-funded health systems and now are running in search of ventilators from China and medicines from India.

All odds are, however, that these nations will go back to their old ways of wanting to be the policemen of the world when this crisis is endured and goes away. But they must know that there is another crisis waiting in the wings  climate change.

South Asia has been hit in the underbelly by the pandemic. Even if the number of fatalities ex-facie remains a fraction of those in China, North America and Europe, the Vice President of the World Bank overseeing South Asia says in a blog posting that he fears the worst is yet to come to the region even though current statistics are comparably conservative. The Bank believes millions will be driven to poverty and has rolled out USD 1.4 billion to help Governments across South Asia. That is the hidden crisis waiting to explode once the health crisis is overcome.

The hitherto dormant South Asian regional grouping (SAARC) which was gasping for breath in a diplomatic ICU due to rivalry between member states, especially India and Pakistan, has been given some oxygen as a result of this common enemy. On an initiative of the Indian Prime Minister, a COVID Emergency Fund was established, but Pakistan was the last on board only this week still arguing that the Fund ought to be managed by the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu and not as it is currently formulated where member states must make a request to draw from that Fund on a Government-to-Government basis with three signatories involved.

This week, the Indian Government announced that it had sent 10 tonnes of essential lifesaving medicines requested by the Government of Sri Lanka, despite its own internal demands.

If there is a silver lining in every dark cloud, one would hope that the dormant South Asian regional cooperation would get a new lease of life through this common adversity.
Chandrakala Mishra, 40, is now a single parent who is responsible for her three children after the death of her husband Arvind Kumar, who was a contractual teacher at Girls Upgraded Middle School in Vaishali. The eldest among them, a son, took the matriculation exam this year. Kumar passed away on March 20.

My husband died unpaid and now, we have to fend for ourselves. We have been facing several difficulties since last month after the government suspended him, as he had joined the indefinite strike for justice. He suffered brain haemorrhage a couple of days after the suspension and could not recover, said Chandrakala.

Mala Devi, mother of a teenage daughter, is also suffering from the same agony after her husband, Ram Sanyog Sada, died untimely on April 1 in Sitamarhi. My husband was the lone bread earner in the family. As he was on strike with his colleagues, he didnt receive the salary of previous months. I am clueless as how to sustain the family, she said.

The cases of Chandrakala Mishra and Mala Devi are among the 42 other teacher families, who have met untimely deaths and died without being paid.

The state government has turned apathetic towards the families. It is not only about the payment of salary, the bereaved families are not being paid even the ex-gratia compensation of 4 lakh as per their service condition, alleged the Bihar Secondary School Teachers Association (BSSTA).

The BSSTA released the list of all 42 teachers along with their addresses and personal details, who lost their lives during the strike period. Majority of them suffered brain haemorrhage, heart attack due to the action taken against them, while several others died due to lack of proper treatment owing to poor financial condition and non-availability of general medical facility that had turned scarce due to outbreak of Coronavirus pandemic.

General secretary of BSSTA Shatrughan Prasad Singh said, The strike stretched for too long as the government did not want to interfere. How many more lives it wants to take.

The BSSTA also condemned the government decision to withhold salary of striking teachers for the period they worked and claimed that the education department was disobeying its own order passed in 2015, in which it was stipulated that the salary of teachers would not be stopped without any solid reason.

When the entire world is in distress due to Coronavirus pandemic, the rigidness of government towards the teachers is insensitive. The teachers have always come forward to extend support to the chief minister (CM). They have accepted duty at schools which are converted into quarantine centres along with contribution of a days salary which sums around 3 crore to the CM relief fund. Its high time that the government steps forward and take steps to help the contractual teachers, said Singh.

Ashwini Pandey, spokesperson of TET-STET Qualified Teachers Association, said, The state government is concerned for Coronavirus death but they show no empathy towards the teachers who died untimely. I appeal to the government to take positive steps for negotiation and restore peace among teachers who are struggling from past two months.
The remedies will be enough for 10,000 doctors

A plane carrying humanitarian aid for Ukrainian doctors arrived at Boryspil Airport. This became known from the message of the Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Vladyslav Krykliy in the Telegram channel.

"This aircraft delivered, among other things, protective equipment for 10 thousand doctors," Minister said.

He noted that the Boryspil Airport is now accepting humanitarian aid aircraft and commercial cargo ships.

According to the minister, regular passenger flights will be restored as soon as possible.

As we reported before, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the planes with the medical means and tests of coronavirus continue to arrive in Ukraine

During a week, our planes supply from China and South Korea everything necessary. Four planes have already arrived; we except another four today and on the weekend. The result of the one-week delivery is almost half a million respirators, 150,000 of single-use advanced suits, 100,000 of polymerase chain reaction tests and 200,000 reagents for polymerase chain reaction tests, the president reported.
The last several years have been tumultuous for many colleges in the United States, as undergraduate enrollments have declined, endowments have shrunk and many private institutions have become increasingly dependent on tuition for survival. Now, many in higher education fear that the unprecedented combination of difficulties presented by the coronavirus pandemic could sound a death knell.

"The pandemic has upended almost every aspect of our operations, from teaching and student life to research to athletics to admissions and recruitment to the financial model that sustains all of it," Michael Schoenfeld, Vice President for Public Affairs and Government Relations, and Chief Communications Officer for Duke University, tells CBS News. "This is all happening in real-time, so it will be a while before we can fully assess the impact across the institution, and indeed across higher education. In the short term, we are evaluating a range of options with regard to the coming academic year, which will depend on both health and public policy considerations. We are also looking at the long-term effects and opportunities, which will be considerable as well."

A staggering 6.6 million Americans sought jobless benefits last week, meaning that roughly 10% of the country is now unemployed. Oxford Economics expects the crisis to intensify as the weeks of coronavirus closures drag on, predicting as many as 30 million U.S. job losses  three times the number of jobs that vanished as result of the housing crash of 2008.

"Families will have less money. Many of them won't have jobs for a while. You know, if they're relying on investments, they'll have less investments," said Dr. Thomas Bailey, President of Teachers College, Columbia University.

And he said that could pose a very real problem for colleges and universities across the country that are "very tuition dependent and aren't particularly selective."

Story continues

"If you look at the industry press over the last several years, you quite periodically read about institutions that have closed," he said. "I think the elite, well-financed, high reputation institutions will be able to weather this. But many colleges and universities  small, private, less selective institutions  were already under a lot of stress. So, I think this will just make it that much more difficult."

To make matters worse, the current social distancing and quarantine guidelines make it impossible for students to tour campuses or attend admitted students events, which often help sell a university to its prospective classes.

"That will definitely have an effect," Dr. Linda LeMura, president of New York's private Jesuit institution, Le Moyne College, tells CBS News. "In our situation, when students come to campus and they feel the strength of the community, the friendliness of the community, the accessibility of the professors, they get a feel, a vibe, and they say to themselves, 'I can see myself here.' It's very different when you're selling your college in an online or a virtual environment. It doesn't affect the senses in the same way."

Seattle Area Continues To Implement Precautions To Curb Outbreak Of Coronavirus

Students at the University of Washington are on campus for the last day of in-person classes on March 6, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. The University will close starting Monday, March 9, as a precautionary reaction to the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, outbreak for the remainder of the winter quarter. The student in the gas mask said he was wearing it because all the regular masks were sold out. Karen Ducey / Getty Images

When asked whether she thought next year's freshman class would be as full as usual, LeMura replied gravely, "I don't. I don't."

"I want to be wrong in the worst way, but I really think that the modeling that we all use, the assumptions are now completely faulty," she continued. "Because when we launched the recruitment season, we weren't counting on a pandemic. We don't know how that's going to affect family behavior, family finances. It's possible that recruiting outside of your area will be restricted because families want to keep their children closer to home. All of those things now are unknowns. Whereas we could have predicted a class with a variable of roughly 25 students, we could be looking at a difference of 200 students. We just don't know."

Across the board, regardless of the size of the institution or whether it is public or private, endowments have plummeted as a result of the recent turmoil in the stock market, putting further stress on schools' operating budgets. Most development offices have temporarily suspended asking alumni for donations. And to make matters worse, events like reunions, which ordinarily play a key role in inspiring donations, have been cancelled as well.

"We rely heavily on the nature of relationships on residential campuses," LeMura told CBS News. "Bringing people back to campus and having the alums meet with the next generations of students, that is the impetus for generating gifts and philanthropy. So, without a doubt, the more distance we have, the harder that it is. It can be done, but it's just an enormous challenge. The entire enterprise, really on a campus like ours, is based on the ability to connect human-to-human. And the online environment and canceling those kinds of events cuts into the bottom line."

It's a bottom line that has already been hammered by the refunds of meal plans and room and board that most schools had to make when COVID-19 necessitated the early closures of campuses across the nation this spring semester.

"There's no question," LeMura said. "Most institutions have refunded room and board on a prorated rate and so that will affect the bottom line for this academic year, in terms of whether or not we end the year with a margin or in deficit. And then, moving forward, if we have to open up the campus at a later time in the fall, that's another revenue hit, not to mention it changes the nature of developing a cohort model, which is so effective in residential campuses. All those things combined really equate to a major disruption."

College Students Told To Leave Campuses To Counter Spread Of Coronavirus

Students move out of dorm rooms on Harvard Yard on the campus of Harvard University on March 12, 2020 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Students have been asked to move out of their dorms by March 15 due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) risk. All classes will be moved online for the rest of the spring semester. Getty Images

Public institutions are not immune either. Penn State, which has committed to paying all of its employees through April and set up an emergency fund for its students hardest hit by the crisis, told CBS News in an email that it had frozen hiring and terminated a number of service contracts in effort to stem financial losses.

"Penn State has incurred significant financial losses in auxiliary and other units that are dependent on self-generated revenue to fund their operations," the statement read. "These operations include Penn State's two hotel and conference centers, the University airport, and housing and food services in the University's extensive residence hall operations, which typically serve approximately 20,000 students daily. Total revenue losses across the university through the spring semester are estimated to be well above $100 million."

Ordinarily, higher education is countercyclical, so its outlook doesn't necessarily move in the same direction as the rest of the economy during a downtown. The question is whether the current global predicament is so unique that it defies past models of behavior.

"It's possible that students might say, 'You know, I really want to have that in-class experience, so let me wait a year,'" says Bailey. "On the other hand, higher education is countercyclical. After the recession 12 years ago, we had huge enrollment increases. So, it's possible that somebody who's out of a job temporarily may say, 'Okay, this is a time for me to go back to school to pick up some courses, maybe to pick up an extra degree that I can use.' But of course the problem with that is that people may not have the money to pay for it. If you have a recession that goes to 7 or 8% unemployment, that might work. If we have much higher unemployment, then I'm not sure that that countercyclical argument will work."

LeMura anticipates this recession will hit higher education harder than the last one.

"I think there'll be more pressure to charge significantly less for online education," she said. "And let's face it. Institutions over the past, I don't know, 200 years have been investing mightily in physical infrastructure, so now you're going to have that overhead of all those buildings that are under capacity on the balance sheet. And that's a heavy lift for any institution."

It's also unclear how the coronavirus pandemic will affect universities' ability to enroll international students, who often pay higher tuition than their domestic counterparts. However, despite travel restrictions, Annelise Riles, executive director of the Buffett Institute for Global Affairs at Northwestern University, told CBS News that Northwestern's Office of International Student and Scholar Services is still "continuing to process immigration document (I-20 and DS 2019) requests, so that international students slated to begin programs at Northwestern can be as prepared as possible for any scenario in these uncertain times."

Last month, Moody's Investors Service downgraded the credit outlook for higher education from stable to negative, citing the "unprecedented enrollment uncertainty" colleges and universities will face heading into the upcoming fiscal year.

With the futures of many U.S. academic institutions now uncertain, Bailey cautioned that a blow to higher education would reverberate through society as a whole.

"Higher education is absolutely crucial. It provides a foundation for so much that we rely on in society; not only advancing society technologically, culturally and scientifically, but also providing opportunities for low income students to develop a better life and more opportunities," he said. "Science, culture, equity, those are fundamental things that we're trying to develop in higher education. And if we're just scrambling to stay afloat, we're not going to be as effective in pursuing those goals."

There are simply some intangible losses that can't be marked down on a balance sheet.

"I think the future of the nation's soul is at stake," LeMura told CBS News. "The kind of educational experiences that we have available in the United States is such a diverse ecosystem that, to let many of these schools die, we'll never be the same."

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When this is all over, where will be? Its a question occupying the minds of senior executives as they sit in their homes. For the first time in many a year theyve got time to think.

Of course, theyre managing their businesses, as much as they can, via conference calls on Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Theyre making sure they take up their daily exercise allowance. And theyre reading, watching box sets, pursuing that pastime theyve always said they would do but never got around to doing, such as painting or learning a musical instrument.

Theyve still got space left over in which to brood. Theyre hearing and viewing and reading online about daily PR foul-ups, tales of perceived callousness by their fellow bosses, and are grateful not to be hitting the headlines themselves.
Manufacturers should be allowed to resume operations in areas that arent classified as coronavirus disease (Covid-19) hotspots and where the virus hasnt spread widely, subject to the condition that they strictly follow sanitation and social distancing norms to curb the spread of the outbreak, says the ministry micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) .

The suggestion was put forward by the ministry to the Prime Ministers Office for consideration. Nitin Gadkari, who is in charge of the MSME portfolio, said on Saturday that the ministry was also working out guidelines in collaboration with state governments on how to bring back migrant workers to restart production in the MSME sector. Tens of thousands of migrant workers have returned home to the countryside because of the coronavirus lockdown.

The minister, who also oversees road transport, highways and shipping, said in a video chat that his departments had responded positively to the suggestion that production as well as construction of roads and highways be resumed in areas that are not affected by the pandemic so that the impact of the lockdown is blunted.

Gadkari, however, stressed that the onus will be on the owners of MSME and construction units and contractors to ensure that their facilities are safe for workers and that there are provisions for food, shelter and healthcare.

There are nearly 20 lakh migrant workers in government-run camps, many are stuck midway. We have to bring them back and district collectors will have to give permission for that. We are working to removed bottlenecks with the help of state governments; but the factory owners will have to ensure that workers are looked after, the minister said.

He said over 600,000 MSMES had been restructured before March and he is hopeful that another 800,000-1 million more will be restructured in the coming months.

Since the nationwide lockdown was imposed on March 25 to check the spread of the coronavirus; only industries that are involved in the production of essential goods services are allowed to function.

The sector with 6.33 crore MSMEs that together employ an estimated 11 crore people is staring at an acute financial crisis after production came to a grinding halt and has urged the union government to announce a financial package similar to the PM-Kisan scheme, reopening industries where work from home is impossible and complete waiver of bank charges to help them recover.

The ministry of MSME is working on steps to get industries Covid-ready; which means making changes that will allow workers to resume work even as they stick to the norms of social distancing and do not violate the conditions laid down for maintaining hygiene.

On the financial front, the ministry has drawn up a proposal to expand the reach of its Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) scheme that offers guarantee cover for the portion of credit facility not covered by collateral.

In the partial collateral security model, micro and small industries are allowed to obtain collateral security for a part of the credit facility. The remaining part of the credit facility, up to a maximum of Rs2 crore, can be covered by the credit guarantee scheme.

So far Rs90,000 crore has been insured under the scheme by the trust that has a base capital of Rs10,000 crore, said a government functionary.

The revival plan will also look at how MSMEs can reinvent to improve productivity. The ministry is working out the details of how to help the productions units adapt to change and the challenges imposed by the pandemic. There could be consultations using IT-enabled platforms to help the MSMEs evaluate their productivity and make changes that can lead to growth and enhanced capacity. We can share best practices with them to help them meet global standards, produce cheap and world class products, the person said.

Gadkari expressed the hope that manufacturing will pick up pace and India will be in a position to not just export more but also cut its dependence on China.

Also on the agenda is pacing the sanctions under the Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries or SFURTI, that supports traditional village industries by offering financial assistance of up to Rs2 crore.

The ministry wants to alter the slow pace of getting projects off the ground under SFURTI; apart from relaxing norms such as doing away with the need for permission from the states to kick-start projects; it will put the onus on implementing agencies to cut delays.

We will have more technological intervention and webcams on the site to see where delays are taking place. We are also making use of technological centres or tool rooms across the country where high-end machinery is installed that can be used by smaller producers or for skilling purposes. For instance the leather tool room in Chennai is being used to stitch PPEs {personal protective equipment} for healthcare workers, the functionary cited above said.

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Defying all the odds, a woman aged 102 recovered from COVID-19 and was discharged Friday from the Aintree Hospital in Liverpool, local media reported.

Nurses lined the corridor, cheering and applauding, as the unnamed patient -- one of the oldest patients on the ward -- left to return to her care home in the city.

Hailing her recovery as "a breath of fresh air" in a message to staff, hospital managers said "Everyone on the ward will miss (her), who has been discharged back to her care home, as she had been keeping them all entertained during her stay," the Liverpool Echo reported.

The "brilliant news" came after recent reports that two members of the staff, including a 68 year old nurse, had died recently from COVID-19, according to the Liverpool Echo.
A Qantas aircraft takes off from the international terminal of Sydney Airport on March 19, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Qantas Operates Rescue Flights to Australia, Crew to Be Paid During Self-Isolation

Crew infections did not happen onboard an aircraft

Over the next month, Qantas will be operating Australian government flights to rescue citizens stranded overseas. Cabin crew recruited for the mission crew will be paid a full months wagesincluding time during mandatory self-isolation, which could take place in a hotel, also paid for by the airline.

This arrangement also includes paying for meals, a Qantas Group spokesperson told The Epoch Times.

The decision comes after the government implemented stricter controls for aircrew working on international flights on April 9.

It also comes amid criticism from unions that accused the airline of not looking after their employees infected with the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus.

In addition, Qantas said it will pay the cabin crew for the 14 days of self-isolation should any of them contract COVID-19 or need to self-isolate after the month of repatriation flights.

This effectively covers any sick leave, said Qantas Group.

Stricter Controls

On April 9, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) provided recommendations to the National Cabinet for strict new controls for airline crew on international flights.

The new measures will further restrict the movement of passengers and crew, how crew and passengers are seated, the contact between crew and passengers, hygiene, and how social distancing is managed while the crew is accommodated at overseas destinations. The measures also require aircraft with particular ventilation systems to be used.

As per the recommendations, the flight crew of airlines is exempt from the mandatory self-isolation period of 14 days. The AHPPC says this allows them some semblance of normal life and keeps them happy to continue crewing such flights.

The AHPPC determined that aircrew are essential for ferrying Australians home from overseas as well as for crewing the air transport of essential items from overseas.

Union Criticism

Prior to this decision, the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) criticised Qantas for not providing hotels for employees to self-isolate. This came after reports that about 50 Qantas crew had contracted COVID-19 and transmitted it to their families and flatmates.

On April 10, ACTU secretary Sally McManus posted on Twitter saying, Qantas is not a part of Team Australia. Over 50 staff plus their families have #COVID19, Qantas will not provide sick leave or provide hotel rooms to self isolate to protect their families.

Qantas is not a part of Team Australia. Over 50 staff plus their families have #COVID19, Qantas will not provide sick leave or provide hotel rooms to self isolate to protect their families. https://t.co/X0rTioKoz8  Sally McManus (@sallymcmanus) April 10, 2020

Crew Infections Did Not Occur Onboard

Qantas crew likely contracted COVID-19 while on the ground overseas in cities where social distancing rules were not in place, and not while onboard an aircraft, said Qantas Group Medical Officer Dr. Ian Hosegood in a statement released by the airline.

After about 50 Qantas Group employees tested positive for COVID-19 the airline was hit with criticism over health and safety issues. Qantas has defended its measures saying that their own tracing reveals that infections occurred while the crew was on the ground between flights.

The case of the cluster at Adelaide Airport, for example, was the result of a crew member who had been on holiday overseas and reported to work despite having symptoms.

Theres been no confirmed cases of transmission of the Coronavirus to employees or customers on board our aircraft, or any aircraft globally for that matter, wrote Hosegood.

Despite describing inflight service as a low risk, Qantas has implemented stronger measures to protect employees while they are at work, including enhanced cleaning at airports and on aircraft, and providing personal protective equipment.
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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse)  Sat, April 11, 2020 16:08 640 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd1390e0 2 News Jerusalem,travel,destination,coronavirus,COVID-19 Free

Those of you who are yearning to get away from it all might well consider a virtual excursion to Jerusalem, which is now just a few clicks away thanks to the launch of a digital tours platform that enables you to visit many of the attractions in the ancient city.

In partnership with the East Jerusalem Development Company and Bridgify, the city of Jerusalem has launched a platform offering virtual visits to its ramparts, holy sites, temples and museums. A catalogue of virtual tours, many of which are free, is made available to internet users once they have registered with the service.

Read also: In Jerusalem, Christians mark a sombre Easter

Accessible via the website www.explore.itraveljerusalem.com, the new platform will be especially well-received by travelers who are currently deprived of their usual regimen of excursions, hikes and historical tours. The catalogue of what is available includes both virtual tours and visits to museums. There is also a culinary section, which, however, has not yet been provided with content.

In the run-up to Easter, the new service will also enable people to "attend" religious ceremonies. Internet users can already virtually light a candle in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (for a fee of US$19.90) or leave a message on the Western Wall. There is also a webcam with a live feed showing what is going on at this particular monument. On Sunday, believers living under lockdown have the option of attending the Birkat Kohanim, the traditional Jewish priestly blessing.
Beaches will likely stay open across the Perth coastline after police praised the behaviour of swimmers who packed the coast on Good Friday.

Health Minister Roger Cook on Friday said beachgoers were among the majority of West Australians who continued to heed the call of social distancing.

Beaches in Sorrento and Hillarys were packed by 10am on Friday. Credit:David Prestipino

Police officers patrolled some of Perth's most popular beaches on Friday morning as temperatures hit 36C to start the Easter break.

Mr Cook said police were satisfied with the behaviour of those along the coast, on the shore and in the water.
Fighting a new enemy View(s):

These are unprecedented times. For most nations around the world they are testing times in more senses than one.

Frontline workers such as doctors, nurses and care workers fighting to contain the spread of this dreaded disease and save lives, too have fallen victim. Last week a doctor from Sri Lanka Dr Anton Sebastianpillai died after several days in intensive care at Kingston Hospital where he worked.

As these workers including bus drivers still dutifully at work fall victim there is growing pressure on governments not only to test more of them for symptoms of Covid-19 before they are deployed but to also hasten and widen the testing process and provide them with personal protective equipment.

Testing might not be the complete answer. But it does help minimize the chances of spreading the virus as those affected are identified and isolated.

Last week British authorities fighting their own war with Prime Minister Boris Johnson now thankfully out of intensive care, had calls asking them to emulate Germany which was undertaking far more tests per day than the UK. That made it safer for frontline staff who would then know their own condition before attending to others.

There is one thing that should be clear. It might be platitudinous to repeat it but Sri Lanka like other nations are fighting a war against an unseen enemy. It needs to be reiterated because this truth appears to escape some as propaganda tends to overtake truth and fact.

Some people tend to compare battling the Coronavirus with the countrys military victory ultimately annihilating the LTTE in our own 30-year war. But that was an enemy that walked and talked and killed.

This, however, is not an enemy that could be killed with bomb and bullet. This is not to devalue the military triumph at Nandikadal. But that seems like old-style warfare compared to what Sri Lanka and the world face today and has been increasingly confronted with in the last five to six months.

Moreover this is not just Sri Lankas war against a long time foe. It is a battle that has engulfed the entire globe so to say, with even the worlds most powerful nations thrashing around trying to contain an advancing enemy as some desperately search for a solution and others continue to battle each other in a game of geopolitical oneupmanship.

Worst of all, some great nations that have the resources to fight back are led by arrogant and over-confident individuals such as US President Donald Trump whose dismissal of advice and assessments by his own officials and experts has proved a disaster for the United States.

Instead of course correction even at this late hour, Trump the Blameless-some say Brainless but let that pass- is blaming everybody but himself for not acting quickly enough to meet the threat when his officials had already posted danger signals well ahead.

It is scant wonder then that commentators in the US and abroad are already describing the disaster that has overtaken the country as Trumps Vietnam and his daily 5 pm news briefings as the Five Oclock Follies as Vietnam-based journalists derisively labelled the US official news conference in Saigon at the time for its falsehoods, misinformation and deception.

When this virus attack could be overcome must remain speculative. The crisis is a long way from over. The effect of Covid-19 on countries affected has varied considerably for multiple reasons. Some, like Taiwan, who reacted to the outbreak expeditiously-some say because of foreknowledge- and dealt with connected issues fast, had also readied themselves for the long haul.

They, therefore, were better prepared to meet the emerging situation. But if one ignored early expert advice, displayed a disturbing nonchalance to intelligence alerts as our leaders did over the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, playing politics at a time like Trump did, it is not just foolhardiness but a streak of idiocy.

While one commiserates with Prime Minister Johnson, his over-optimistic video message last December 31 on UKs glowing future, it serves as a lesson for all politicians big and small not to play Trump and drive the people over the edge and into the abyss.

While Sri Lanka reacted to Covid-19 at the initial stages with some lack of clarity and logistical organization to implement whatever policy decisions taken, current information coming from various sources indicate that food deliveries are better organized and generally reaching the people, pharmacies have largely been able to meet peoples needs and contact tracing mainly carried out by the armed forces have been able to corral Sri Lankan workers returning from abroad and trying to avoid testing.

These measures have helped what has come to be called social distancing, meeting the citizens needs and at the same time picking up those who seem to have kept out of the self-quarantine regime.

No doubt there were shortcomings and possibly still are. Still the fundamental principles of the strategy of combatting the virus now seems to be firmly established though it might take months before it is eventually controlled.

But there is a long term issue that could be equally, if not more, devastating than the epidemiological catastrophe caused by Covid-19. That is the economic/ financial consequences on the world of the coronavirus from which nations powerful and weak would take years before they could pull through if at all.

Economists will probably point out that Sri Lanka has been an open ended economy that it has depended on imports and exports to survive. Globalisation has made Sri Lanka even more vulnerable as it has many other societies.

Each one of them with which we are interconnected has suffered untold damage and would have to rebuild their economies, their supply and demand chains ruptured and therefore seriously damaging our economy.

The tourism sector was just recovering from the Easter bombings when Covid-19 delivered the crushing blow. The apparel industry is in virtual shambles. Our foreign workers whose remittances were a key foreign currency earner are losing their jobs or having their salaries slashed. Sri Lanka is facing severe fiscal problems.

The other day Sri Lankas new High Commissioner in London Saroja Sirisena sent out a message to Sri Lankan associations and well- wishers welcoming monetary contributions to President Rajapaksas special COVID-19 fund.

This apparently is a Foreign Relations Ministry initiative to help meet the costs of fighting the virus. What it does signal is that Sri Lanka is facing a fiscal reserves problem which is not new.

The real test for Colombo comes in the next phase when it has to restart its economy and perhaps rethink its policies. Should it move away from what has been called predator capitalism and focus on the small businesses and corner and wayside shops that provide employment and sustain the countrys economy.

Should Sri Lanka lessen its dependence on neo-liberal policies such as globalization and look inward as a new approach to economic revival. Would not smaller countries in our region also be considering new approaches as they try to struggle to their feet to mitigate the impact of Covid-19?

These are questions that need to be examined as we ponder how and where to begin.
EUGENE, Ore.-- An employee at a senior living facility in Eugene tested positive for coronavirus, Lane County Public Health said Saturday.

The employee works at River Grove Memory Care on Green Lane. Officials said they will not release any other information about the employee in order to protect patient privacy.

This is the 36th positive case in Lane County.

River Grove requires its employees to wear masks and practice social distancing as much as possible. The facility also cleans and sanitizes regularly.

Officials say the home has been in contact with families of the residents and other staff. Those who have been in contact with the community will be contacted by public health officials.

Willow Millage-Kelley lives next to the facility and works as an in-home caregiver.

"It's definitely nerve-wracking, because I've been taking every precaution I can to keep our clients safe," Millage-Kelley said. "I haven't even been going to the store. My parents have been doing all of that stuff for me. I've really been homebound for over a month."

KEZI 9 News reached out to River Grove for comment and was referred to the corporate office.
- Tacha has joined others to show support for Nollywood star Funke Akindele-Bello

- The reality star in a recent post, pleaded with Nigerians to stop trolling the actress

- This is coming after Akindele-Bello got arrested and penalized for going against the social gathering ban on Lagos

2019 BBNaija star Tacha has taken to social media to call on Nigerians to forgive and stop trolling Nollywood actress and film maker, Funke Akindele-Bello.

In a recent post shared to her Instagram page, Tacha send words of encouragement to the star and her husband, saying it is a phase that will pass.

According to Tacha, nobody is above mistakes as she stated how the actress wasnt known for controversies and breaking rules.

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"I believe that with the judgement that has been meted out at the court of law, we have all learned some valuable lessons and we are reminded that as citizens, we are accountable for our deeds.

Please lets continue to spread love and stop trolling @funkejenifaakindele and everyone else involved, while we observe total isolation as we join the Government to fight against COVID-19," she wrote.

See post below:

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Meanwhile, as the controversy surrounding actress Funke Akindele and her husband JJC's arrest and conviction continues to brew, many people have taken to social media to either condemn or support the Lagos state's decision to penalize the celebrity couple.

A Nigerian lawyer identified as Inibehe Effiong, recently took to the Facebook platform to give a detailed analysis as to why the conviction of the actress and her husband is heavily flawed and unconstitutional.

In his words: "Since the Quarantine Act and the Public Health Law of Lagos State specifically limit offences to contravention of regulations made by the governor, it is outright illegality to charge Funke Akindele and her husband for contravening a directive of the Governor (which is outside the regulations itself)."

4 ways Nigerians are dealing with the COVID 19 lockdown | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng
People who think that women are not suited for politics and political decisions might have to rethink their position after knowing that six nations in the world, all led by woman are crushing it when it comes to COVID-19.

New Zealand

New Zealands Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern became the worlds favourite with her response to the terrorist attack in her country. Now she is leading by example again as New Zealand till date has only one death related to coronavirus. The country has reported a decline in coronavirus cases, and as of Friday the total number of cases in the country stand at 1,239, of which 317 have recovered.

These are leaders leading there country and have the best coronavirus response.



Oh! Theyre also all women. pic.twitter.com/jHwGWCZaO0  Johnathan Ford (@FordJohnathan5) April 10, 2020

A Washington Post headline reads, New Zealand isnt just flattening the curve. Its squashing it.

Ardern told her citizens, "Act like you have coronavirus. Every move you then make is a risk to someone else. That is how we must all collectively think. Thats why the joy of physically visiting other family, children, grandchildren, friends, neighbours is on hold."

Germany

Germany, led by Angela Merkel is also flattening the curve. There are over 118,000 cases in the country of which 52,407 have recovered. Out of the closed cases (recoveries plus deaths) Germany's ratio stands at 95% recoveries.

Raimond Spekking

Belgium

Belgium, headed by Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes, number of cases hasn't slowed down yet, but the death rate has dropped to 50% and in closed cases the recovery rate is 67%.

Finland

The youngest Prime Minister in the world, Sanna Marins country Finland has also seen a decline in death rate. Of the 300 cases closed, the recovery rate is 88%. The lockdown there has been extended by a month till mid-May.

Columbia university

Iceland

Katrin Jakobsdottir who leads Iceland, has had the tremendous recovery rate of 99% recovery rate(688/694 closed cases recovered). The country has also seen a drop in COVID-19 positive cases since the beginning of April.

Denmark

Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen has received worldwide praise for response towards coronavirus. Denmark has seen a drop in new cases since April 6 and the country might start lifting lockdown in phases soon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On top of all these countries, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan too have responded efficiently to COVID-19. But one simply cannot ignore the fact that women-led governments are proving to be very effective.
Photo credit: Chris Jackson - Getty Images

From Harper's BAZAAR

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently left the United Kingdom and moved to Los Angeles.

As an American married to a British aristocrat, Lady Julie Montagu has opened up about the major differences between the two cultures.

In an interview with Town & Country, Lady Julie Montagu has discussed what it was like to marry a British aristocrat, and how American culture is very different to what Prince Harry might be used to.

Montagu used to appear on the reality show Ladies of London, and is married to Lord Luke Montagu, the heir to the Earl of Sandwich. She also has a new show forthcoming on the Smithsonian Channel. As an American raised in Illinois, Montagu detailed the major differences between America and England, and what Prince Harry might have to adjust to now that he's moved.

Lady Montagu revealed to Town & Country, "I feel like he has found somebody that he can be emotionally open with and I think that's a really good thing... Family becomes the most important thing." She also discussed the way in which Americans are generally considered to be more open then Brits. Per Montagu, "I always say whenever you meet an American, you know their life story within 24 hours... We're very emotionally open, which I think for Harry is actually a really good thing."

Photo credit: Danny Martindale - Getty Images

She also thinks that the general public might see some changes in Prince Harry's demeanor moving forward, and said, "He'll be able to talk about his feelings, probably more than he was able to talk about over here. I wouldn't be surprised if we start to hear a little bit more about how he feels about losing his mother at age 12, and maybe how he and Megan were treated in the press over here."

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When a 17-year-old L-plater caught driving with her mum copped a $1600 fine for breaching lockdown regulations, the symbolism was poignant: our young peoples journey towards independence, thwarted. At a time in their lives when every curve in the road, every pothole, is an intense milestone, COVID-19 is forcing us to slam on the brakes.

Some public health experts argue schools should still be closed at critical stages in the pandemic. Credit:Shutterstock

The fine was withdrawn this week after the deputy police commissioner cited a lack of clarity about the law in the eyes of the public. Weve become almost childlike in our quest for clarity on lockdown rules. Can we visit holiday homes over Easter? Have sleepovers with significant others? Give driving lessons?

When clarity proves elusive, we struggle. Im thinking about schools. Mostly, Im trying to suppress fears about the impact of remote learning  remote living, really  on children, notwithstanding the steady trickle of were excited to announce our innovative digital program emails Im getting from educators. My fears are a subject for later, once we have more clarity about how our childrens future is taking shape, or not taking shape.

In the meantime, I worry weve been immature about the diabolically tricky question of whether schools should be closed at all. Large sections of the public are reluctant to even acknowledge the question is diabolically tricky.
Two new COVID-19 deaths were reported in El Paso County on Sunday, bringing the total here to 37, the 4th highest in Colorado. The county logged 35 new novel coronavirus infections, for a total of 613, as the illness continued to spread in the Pikes Peak region, albeit at a slower pace.
This article, Google Doodle thanks farmers, farmworkers during coronavirus outbreak, originally appeared on CNET.com.

As the coronavirus continues to ravage populations around the world, with more than 1.3 million cases confirmed, millions of people are self-quarantining at home in a global effort to check the virus' spread. And still, a rare breed of people selflessly go about their daily lives, offering aid to those infected and helping maintain a sense of order while the rest of us shelter in place.

Google is honoring those heroes this week with a series of appreciation Doodles.

The tech giant frequently livens up its bare-bones search page with artwork that draws attention to notable people, events, holidays and anniversaries. Google often turns its spotlight on heroes of the medical community, including Dr. Virginia Apgar, who developed a quick method for evaluating the health of newborns, as well as Dr. Rene Favalor, a heart surgeon who pioneered coronary artery bypass surgery. With much recent attention on efforts to disrupt the novel coronavirus, which causes the respiratory disease COVID-19, the company last month honored hand-washing pioneer Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis.

Google has also used its Doodles to remind us of lesser-known real-world heroes, ones who've long since left this world and can't hear our thanks anymore. Then there's the people who are out there doing good things right now who we can thank right now.

The series has thanked medical personnel, emergency workers, scientists and custodians. On Friday, Google turned its spotlight to largely unsung heroes who play a vital role in keeping us fed: farmers and farmworkers.

Agricultural workers keep the food flowing to the marketplace, but their work makes them especially vulnerable to the virus. Often immigrants who have spent years evading police, field workers have been deemed by the federal government to be an "essential" part of the country's food supply who have a "special responsibility to maintain [their] normal work schedule."

They continue to work despite conditions that don't allow them to shelter in place or self-quarantine. Their working and living conditions don't allow for much social distancing, and these brave souls often work without the promise of paid sick leave. But still they work, helping put food on our tables.

Google

On Thursday, Google honored America's 4.4 million janitors and domestic workers who scrub down surfaces in hospitals and other medical institutions where pathogens might live because, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes, "current evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials."

The CDC says the best way to combat this is "cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection." Accustomed to handling corrosive chemicals and lifting heavy objects, these workers are now potentially coming into contact with the deadly coronavirus. Yet, they continue to do their jobs, despite often lacking training and equipment to adequately protect themselves from the virus.

Google

Wednesday's Doodle honored the firefighters and police officers who go out every day, responding to emergency situations and rendering aid. To do their jobs, officers and firefighters frequently come in very close contact with other people, some of whom might be infected with coronavirus. Yet they still show up for work, day after day.

Even with use of proper equipment and precautions, the risk is great. In New York City, the US epicenter of the outbreak, more than 1,000 police officers and 280 members of the fire department have tested positive.

Google

Tuesday's Doodle in the series honored the doctors, nurses and other medical personnel who are working long hours, under emotionally and physically stressful conditions, and often with inadequate protection. These selfless people have to balance their work with the risk posed to their personal health and to the safety of their loved ones. While many of us shelter in place, they're making a conscious decision to expose themselves to patients suffering from COVID-19.

They have lives just like everyone else, including family that many now have to avoid for safety's sake, to prevent the possibility of spreading the virus. Doctors who sleep in the garage when their shift is over to avoid contact with spouse and children. Nurses who worry about the care their elderly parents are receiving because they haven't seen them for weeks.

They have lives they're putting at risk to care for the rest of us.

Google

The first Doodle, which arrived with the series' debut on Monday, was dedicated to public health workers and scientific researchers. They're working hard to mitigate extensive transmission in the community.

Developing new vaccines takes time, and the preparations must be rigorously tested and confirmed safe via clinical trials before they can be routinely used in humans. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in the US, has frequently stated that a coronavirus vaccine is at least a year to 18 months away.

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.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 11) - A 'Game of Thrones' actor extended his gratitude and support to healthcare workers and support staff at The Medical City in Pasig City.

In a video uploaded by The Medical City on Friday, actor Miltos Yerolemou, best known for his role as Syrio Forel, master sword-fighter and Arya Stark's mentor in the hit HBO series, thanked frontline healthcare workers and support staff of the hospital.

Yerolemou shared on the video that his friend's father succumbed to the COVID-19 disease last week.

"His family told me of the care your team gave him, and the brave work that you do for all your patients each and every day," Yerolemou said on the video message.

"You face fatigue, shortages in supplies and the very real risk of infection," he added.

Yerolemou assured the healthcare workers of their continued prayers, and asked them to keep safe, rest well, and take care.

"They want you to know that you, all of you are their heroes," he said.

The British actor gave a special mention to several doctors and support staff of The Medical City and expressed his gratitude to them in Filipino.

"Huwag po kayong susuko. Bayani po kayong lahat. Maraming, maraming salamat po," Yerolemou said.

[Translation: Do not give up. You are all heroes. Thank you very, very much.]

He closed his message to the frontline healthcare workers with a very famous line from Game of Thrones, one he told Arya Stark during their time training in the first season.

"Remember, there is only one thing we say to the god of death, not today," he said.
In times of high anxiety and stress, as during a war or a pandemic, adult behavior becomes more ritualized, said Dimitris Xygalatas, a professor of anthropology and psychology at the University of Connecticut. The meaning of birthday parties becomes more poignant, and the more effort they take and more witnesses they have, the greater the sense of importance, he said.
Drew Angerer/Getty

In mid-March, former Vice President Joe Biden released a massive plan to combat the coronavirus pandemic and prepare the nation for future threats to public health and safety. The document outlined a wartime-style mobilization of the entire federal government to increase access to testing, deploy medical supplies to affected areas, and bolster American workers and businesses hit by the pandemics ongoing economic nightmare.

But much of the planreopening the Affordable Care Act insurance exchanges, increasing funding for medical supplies and health infrastructure, creating a U.S. Public Health Service Reserve Corpsis predicated on Bidens election in November, an outcome that is far from guaranteed if American voters are forced to choose between civic duty and physical health.

Missing in the 7,100-word plan is any proposal to protect the operation and integrity of elections and voting in an era when much of the nation remains on official lockdown. Of nearly a dozen statements made regarding the coronavirus pandemic, none have directly addressed growing calls from many of Bidens fellow Democrats to universalize access to mail-in voting across the country.

Public health experts told The Daily Beast that a massive expansion of mail-in voting access, as well as increasing the number of days that in-person voters could cast ballots, may be the most pressingand most actionablecoronavirus-related issue facing Biden as the nominee and as the de facto leader of the Democratic Party.

Its just utterly irresponsible to have normal in-person voting, said Professor Larry Gostin, director of the ONeill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown Law Center.

Winning Was the Easy Part. Now Biden Has to Charm Bernies Base.

Anything that reduces the amount of time that people have to spend together particularly indoors and in close contact would be valuable in preventing COVID-19 transmission, said Dr. Timothy Brewer, a professor of epidemiology at UCLAs Fielding School of Public Health and of Medicine.

Story continues

As the broader understanding of the outbreak in the United States has grown, as well as appreciation of how contagious the novel coronavirus is, the consensus of most elected officials, government agencies and public health authorities in regards to the safety of various activitiesfrom physical distance to wearing maskshas changed relatively rapidly.

Bidens stance on the question of how to safely and securely conduct elections during the coronavirus pandemic is no exception. Ahead of Tuesdays still-undecided Wisconsin primary, where a shortage in poll workers and the delayed delivery of thousands of mail-in ballots led to hours-long lines and dangerous levels of crowding outside polling places, Biden expressed continued support for in-person voting during the crisis.

A convention, having tens of thousands of people in one arena, is very different than having people walk into a polling booth with accurate spacing with 6-10 feet apart, one at a time going in, and having the machines scrubbed down, Biden said last Thursday. I think you could hold the election as well, dealing with mail-in ballots and same day registration. I mean, theres a lot of things that can be donethats for the Wisconsin courts and folks to decide.

The day before the election, Biden appeared to soften that stance in an interview on the Today Show, saying that while hed much prefer to have on, you know, in-person voting, that would depend on the state of play going forward.

Local officials in Wisconsin, meanwhile, told The Daily Beast ahead of the election that they feared in-person voting could get people killed.

My major fear is that people are going to get sick and possibly even die from voting tomorrow, said Kim Butler, the head of the Polk County Democratic Party. Those fears were not unfounded. Multiple poll workers in Florida tested positive for the coronavirus after that states March primary, and in-person voting during municipal elections in France is believed to have caused hundreds of new infections.

Only on Tuesday evening35 minutes after polls had closed in the statedid Biden tell CNNs Chris Cuomo that he actually opposed in-person voting in the states primary.

We shouldnt have had the election in the first place, the in-person election. It should have been all mailed ballots in, it should have been moved, Biden said.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, Bidens former opponent in the race who dropped out in part due to concerns that his continued candidacy could interfere with the fight against the virus, had called for the election to be postponed weeks ago.

The conservative majority on the Supreme Court in Wisconsin are willing to risk the health and safety of many thousands of Wisconsin voters tomorrow for their own political gain, Sanders said, after Wisconsins highest court ruled that the states Democratic governor had exceeded his authority in attempting to push back in-person voting to June. Holding this election amid the coronavirus outbreak is dangerous, disregards the guidance of public health experts and may very well prove deadly.

I Could Get the Virus If I Vote: Wisconsins Terrifying Election Day

Public health authorities have said that crowded in-person voting conditions, which almost definitionally involves breaking social-isolation guidelines about close congregation of strangers in enclosed spaces, is a needless risk, particularly when mail-in voting has become commonplace in states across the country.

This is a once-in-a-century event, so we dont have a lot of good models for it, said Gostin. But it seems to me its feasible: its not high technology, its relatively secure, and it doesnt disenfranchise everybodyeverybody has the same equal opportunity to vote.

Some advocates for expanded access to voting have expressed concern that changing to an entirely mail-in election could disenfranchise voters who have irregular or limited access to the postal service. In Arizona, for example, only a quarter of Native Americans have a traditional street address. For many older African-American voters, showing up in-person at a polling place on Election Day is a tradition going back to the civil rights era, and they are wary of placing their trust in a novel system.

In places where vote-by-mail might not be feasible or preferable, Brewer suggested conducting elections on what might be called the grocery store model, creating special hours at polling places for older voters or voters at higher risk of complications from COVID-19 infection, and extending the number of days where in-person ballots could be cast to reduce crowding.

We have in-person grocery shopping, right? Brewer said. So, designing in a way where people can go to one of multiple locationsas was already done in the California primaryso they dont necessarily have to go to their particular polling place, they could go anywhere, over a wide range of time and multiple days, and even allowing people to book appointments I think would also be valuable.

For the Biden campaign, Tuesdays turmoil in Wisconsin brought the issue into sharp focus.

What happened in Wisconsin cannot happen againduring this primary season or in November, said campaign spokesperson Bill Russo. What Wisconsin voters were forced to endure because of the chaos around their election cannot happen again.

Russo said that the campaignand the countrycan protect both the right to vote and public health in the general election, if the issue is addressed urgently.

We have to make sure that we secure for all Americans the right to vote, including options for safe, accessible in-person voting and expanded vote-by-mail and early voting, Russo said. It is imperative that we protect our democracy and every Americans right to vote and we know that is going to be complicated while we are also simultaneously taking the critical steps we need to take to protect our health and get this virus under control.

Republicans, meanwhile, are largely opposed to expanding mail-in ballot access or accounting for the coronavirus pandemic in expanding voting locations. In a White House press briefing on Tuesday, President Donald Trump expressed open hostility to mail-in votingdespite having voted by mail last month in Floridas Republican primary, presumably for himselfalleging potential for mass voter fraud.

Mail ballots, they cheat, Trump said, beginning an extended tangent about thoroughly disproven allegations of voter fraud in California in the 2016 election. Mail ballots are very dangerous for this country because of cheaters. They go collect them. They are fraudulent in many cases. They have to vote. They should have voter ID, by the way.

In late March, Trump made clear in an appearance on Fox & Friends that his opposition was for political reasons, telling the hosts that national vote-by-mail would mean youd never have a Republican elected in this country again.

Fellow Republicans have largely followed Trumps lead in opposing expanding mail-in ballots in the name of public health. In a call with reporters on Thursday morning, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy repeatedly called House Speaker Nancy Pelosis desire to fold such expansion into future pandemic relief legislation disgusting.

Thats disgusting to me right now, McCarthy said. Stop worrying about politics. Start worrying about whats in front of us right now, and thats the health of the nation, combating this virus, and our economy.

Gostin said that opposition to mail-in voting during the coronavirus pandemic can be sorted into two views: charitable and uncharitable.

I think the charitable view is that theres concern about the integrity and the security of the election, Gostin said, although he added that careful planning of a postal ballot could sort out the vast majority of those concerns. The less charitable view is that theres a knowledge that it would dampen the voter turnout, and when you dampen voter turnout, you can politically favor one party over another.

Voters, however, are already expressing growing hesitation about voting at a polling place in November. A Pew Research Center survey released on April 3 that 63 percent of registered voters said that they would feel uncomfortable voting in person. In the seven days since that poll was published, the nationwide death toll has more than doubled.

I dont think theres any question that voters will be discouraged from getting an absentee ballot, much less showing up in person and voting, U.S. District Judge William Conley said at a hearing about potentially delaying the Wisconsin primary last week. But for a statewide election to be suspended by a federal judge would require some real evidence that the election itself has been wholly undermined.

And I dont think you're going to have that until Election Day.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Over the past 24 hours, three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in enemy shelling.

On April 10, Russian occupation forces violated the ceasefire in Donbas 15 times and another two times on Saturday, according to the Joint Forces Operation Headquarters.

On Friday, the enemy fired on Ukrainian positions, employing 120 mm and 82 mm mortars proscribed by the Minsk agreements, as well as grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms.

Ukrainian defenders took the necessary measures to force the enemy into halting aggressive action, as stated in an update by

On Friday, one Ukrainian soldier was wounded in enemy shelling.

Read alsoDetails revealed of upcoming prisoner swap in Donbas

Such actions on the part of the Russian invaders did not go unpunished  Joint Forces decisively suppressed enemy fire. Any aggressive and criminal actions by the enemy will be receiving an adequate and inevitable response from the Ukrainian defenders, the report says.

Intelligence data say one invader was killed and another two were wounded in action over the past day.

From day-start on April 11, Russian occupation forces shelled Ukrainian positions two times, employing mortars and artillery near Novotoshkivske.

"As a result of enemy shelling, two Ukrainian heroes suffered shrapnel wounds. Soldiers were evacuated to a military medical facility, where they were provided proper medical treatment. Their health status is satisfactory," the Ministry of Defense said.

No coronavirus cases have been reported among JF troops over the past day.
Most educators in the United States are still adjusting to the reality that theyll be spending at least the next couple months teaching their students remotely . Schools in east Asia, where the COVID-19 outbreak began late last year, have gotten a head start because most schools have already been closed since early February.

Much of the discussion in America about remote teaching has focused on whether schools are prepared, and how they can get up to speed to serve students with a variety of needs. But longer-term considerations will soon come into play: How can I keep my students engaged for weeks at a time? Should I maintain the pace at which I normally teach? How are my students feeling about this unprecedented situation?

For some answers to questions like those, Education Week talked to Connie Kim, the middle school principal of Hong Kong International School (HKIS), which serves nearly 3,000 K-12 students. Shes been an educator for 23 years and an administrator for eight. But this school year is her first as principal at HKIS, shes never taught online before, and while the school has 1-to-1 program, it had never before needed to offer full-time virtual instruction to all students.

She was thankful at the start of the shutdown to have some relevant credentials, though. Shes finishing up a doctoral dissertation on online education, and her school developed some remote teaching protocols last fall during closures related to nationwide protests.

Schools in Hong Kong are currently scheduled to reopen April 20, but Kims school is operating as if theyll remain closed even longer. Heres what Kim recommends for educators thinking about teaching remotely for the long haul.

Dont force yourself to replicate a typical school day. In the early weeks of the shutdown, Kims school set up a block schedule reminiscent of the one students experience in person.

But that schedule wasnt entirely effective in a remote context. Students in elective courses were struggling to complete projects in time for scheduled class sessions. Administrators also hadnt figured out the ideal use of time teachers were spending on videoconference sessions with their students.

Now each day includes four hour-long block periods, with the first 15 to 20 minutes reserved for live videoconferencing between teachers and students. The structure of the day is much different than a typical school day, but more conducive to balancing students structured and self-directed time, she said.

Build in screen-less time for students. Many schools in the U.S. have students who dont have access to Wi-Fi or digital devices at home . But for those that do, Kim recommends being mindful that theyre not being overexposed to those devices, particularly given recent research linking screen time with delayed language development .

On March 18, the school implemented a wellness day"a one-day reprieve from the exhausting pace of teaching and learning every day in this new format, especially given the extenuating circumstances of the pandemic.



Wed been going full force, she said.

The school has also built in time each day for students to read, play outside, or complete other tasks that dont involve screens, Kim said.

Dont sacrifice professional development. Teachers are overwhelmed by the new technology tools they have to start using and the new approaches they have to take to keep students engaged. Kims school has maintained regular collaborative sessions, via Zoom, for educators to calibrate their teaching and share tips and insights. (Download Education Weeks guide to using videoconference platforms safely and effectively .)

Kim wishes those sessions had been more robust when the shutdown started. But now theyre a valuable time to examine how virtual lessons are going, and how they might be fine-tuned.

They had to build the plane as they were flying it, Kim said. Theyre just as resilient as the kids.

Its important to make sure students feel supported by the entire institution during a time of crisis, so Kim has asked each department to share resources

Your video lesson that you see as a sixth grade math student may not be your teacher on the video, but you know thats one of the teachers in the math department, she said.

Be consistent. Early on, letting individual teachers devise their own teaching plans made for a chaotic and confusing landscape for students and parents to navigate. The school has since emphasized common protocols, like sharing information primarily on the learning management system Schoology.

For a student who has seven classes, he or she can find the information the same way no matter what class they have, Kim said.

That approach also helps parents with multiple students in different grades.

Dont assume something isnt possible until youve tried it. Kim and her colleagues initially thought offering personalized instruction and support to any extent would be impossible. But theyve since found some creative strategies, like using breakout rooms in video chats and connecting students who need extra help to learning specialists.

Some of those efforts, including setting up protocols for teachers office hours, are still in progress and in flux. The silver lining is that teachers are collaborating more than ever, Kim said.

Take it slow, for everyones sake. Its not going to be possible to teach at the same pace as usual, Kim said. Thats especially true as the pandemic wears on. Our kids have been doing this for over eight weeks, and were sensing a lull of enthusiasm. The novelty of being on Zoom and working from home is wearing out now, she said. Some students who are typically outgoing in class have also been more reticent to speak up while dealing with the awkwardness of a virtual chat.

Kim recommends teachers develop methods for gauging students comprehension and progress, and accept that they might need to repeat certain lessons more than they normally would before students are ready to move on.

Its a constant cycle of us having to regroup, recharge, having to be the cheerleaders for our students and our parents, she said.

Photo: Maddie Judge, a 2nd grader in Baltimore, Md., has built her own schedule and is now working on a remote learning platform. (Courtesy of Katie Judge)
With the surge in demand for hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug deemed to be useful in dealing with COVID-19, the pharmaceutical industry has produced 20 crore HCQ tablets this month, said Pankaj Patel, CEO of Zydus Cadila in Ahmedabad, on Saturday.

"The pharmaceutical industry has significantly increased the production of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). 20 crore tablets of HCQ have been produced by the industry this month," Patel told ANI.

To meet the domestic and foreign demand for hydroxychloroquine, Cadila will produce 30 tonnes of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) equivalent to 15 crore tablets next month.

"We have sufficient stock available, not only for the domestic market, but we would be able to supply to the world if the need arises. My company will produce 30 tonnes of API equivalent to 15 crore tablets next month," he said.

Several countries have requested India for the supply of the said drug even as the globally confirmed cases of the virus, which originated in China's Wuhan last year, has surpassed 1.5 million.India has cleared the first list of 13 countries for hydroxychloroquine which includes the USA, Spain, Germany, Bahrain, Brazil, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Maldives, and Bangladesh.

They said USA had asked for 48 lakh tablets of HCQ and India has sanctioned 35.82 lakh tablets, sources said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Kolkata, April 11 : A large number of people gathered at a mosque in West Bengal's Murshidabad district for Friday prayers defying the ongoing COVID-19 induced lockdown, prompting the police to disperse the crowd.

The incident occurred at Kandi's Gopi Nagar mosque, where a viral video showed a large number of people coming out of the religious place.

According to the police, the people including senior citizens and children left peacefully when they were instructed to vacate the mosque and go back home.

"They cooperated with us," a police officer said.

The police later instructed the imam to ensure there was no more gathering in the mosque till the lockdown was withdrawn.

BJP leader and union minister Babul Supriyo attacked chief minister Mamata Banerjee for the incident.

"West Bengal for you! This is bound to happen when the chief minister throws in a sense of carelessness in the air by throwing open the flower and paan markets, sweet shops etc. When 1000s of test kits sent by centre lie unused. People go carefree believing that #COVID19 has been defeated," Supriyo said in his post.
Trump wants to reopen America by May despite expert concerns

Iran Press TV

Friday, 10 April 2020 4:43 PM

US President Donald Trump has shrugged off the need to significantly expand countrywide coronavirus testing capabilities, saying he wants to reopen the country next month despite concerns from both economists and health experts that the worsening pandemic.

Trump, who reportedly wants to restart business by May 1, told reporters during a White House briefing on Thursday that his administration will ramp up testing to levels which are recommend by health experts but people have to go back to work.

"We want to have it and we're going to see if we have it. Do you need it? No. Is it a nice thing to do? Yes," Trump said. "We're talking about 325 million people. And that's not going to happen, as you can imagine, and it would never happen with anyone else either."

US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin in an interview on Thursday was asked if he thought the country could reopen in about a month. He said, "I do."

But US health experts are worried that reopening the country prematurely could severely reverse some of the progress the country has made in battling the coronavirus.

Trump's former Food and Drug Administration commissioner, Scott Gottlieb, said that several million tests per week are needed to contain the disease.

"In a setting where there will still be spread and we'll still be slowly exiting the epidemic; we need capacity to test several million people a week (and probably more) to get broad enough coverage in community to detect outbreaks early and make case containment strategies work," Gottlieb tweeted.

Last week, the United States tested some 960,000 people, according to the COVID Tracking Project.

"Without a lot greater testing capacity, there is no way we can safely open up again," said Ashish Jha, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute.

US deaths due to coronavirus topped 17,820 on Friday, with more than 475,000 confirmed cases.

US officials warned Americans to expect alarming numbers of coronavirus deaths this week.

US deaths, the second highest in the world, set new daily records on Tuesday and Wednesday with over 1,900 new deaths reported each day, according to a Reuters tally.

The country had over 1,600 deaths on Thursday, with several states yet to report their latest figures.

'Most of US won't be ready to open by May 1'

US Surgeon General Jerome Adams (pictured below) has said that most of the United States would not be able to open up by May 1, as President Trump has suggested.

"There are places around the country that have seen consistently low levels and as we ramp up testing and can feel more confident that these places actually can do surveillance and can do public health follow-up, some places will be able to think about opening on May 1," Adams said on Friday.

"Most of the country will not, to be honest with you, but some will. That's how we'll reopen the country: place by place, bit by bit, based on the data," added Adams, a member of the White House coronavirus task force.

Addressing the testing issue, he said it would be a "high bar" to test every American and that the Trump administration was aiming to have the capacity to test 1 out of 100 or 1 out of 50 people.

"We want to know what's going on in the community and we want to be able to test people who are at high risk who have symptoms so that we can quickly follow up and contain diseases," he said.



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Mahindra Group was one of the firsts to announce an all out effort towards helping India beat the Coronavirus pandemic. Now, another of its subsidiaries is joining the endeavour by using its production plant to produce face shields for frontline healthcare workers. This plant, in regular conditions, produces the renowned Jawa motorcycles.

In a recent tweet, Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra has praised the firm's Pitampur, Madhya Pradesh plant for putting the facility up against the COVID-19 fight. The plant did this by starting the production of face shields for healthcare workers battling the coronavirus outbreak on the frontlines.

In his tweet, Anand Mahindra wrote, "All hands on deck! Thank you, M&M, Pitampur! I'm glad the home of the Jawa bike is displaying such character & commitment." Essentially a retweet of a Mahindra Executive working at the plant, it also had images of workers at Mahindra carrying out the tasks in the production facility.



All hands on deck! Thank you, M&M, Pitampur! Im glad the home of the Jawa bike is displaying such character & commitment. https://t.co/jQlvIt2rtT  anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) April 9, 2020

It comes across as a great utilisation of the plant since its operations halted on March 24 in response to the Coronavirus outbreak. In addition to the face shields, Mahindra workers at the plant are also preparing 1,000 plus meals for the poor in the plants kitchen everyday.

Earlier efforts by the Mahindra Group that gained limelight in the fight against Coronavirus include the development of cheap ventilators, salary donations as well as the use of Mahindra resorts as medical care centres.
Bangladesh has executed a former military captain for his involvement in the 1975 coup in which the country's founder Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated, nearly four-and-a-half decades after the massacre.

Abdul Majed was hanged at 12.01 AM (local time), Law Minister Anisul Huq told PTI.

An official of the Dhaka Central Jail at Keraniganj on the outskirts of the capital said that a doctor declared Majed dead at 12.15 AM.

Inspector General of Prisons Brigadier General AKM Mostafa Kamal Pasha at a media briefing in front of the jail said that the body would now be handed over to the family members for burial.

"Concerned officials who were required to witness the execution under law were present," he said, adding this was the first case of execution since the Dhaka Central Jail was relocated at the newly-built facility at Keraniganj two years ago.

Jailor Mahbubul Islam later said that the officials present included Dhaka's deputy commissioner who is the district magistrate as well, police superintendent and the civil surgeon and the deputy inspector general of prisons.

A number of people gathered in front of the jail at the midnight, defying COVID-19 restrictions.

He said that Mazed was executed by hanging.

Majed was arrested in Dhaka on Tuesday after hiding in India for nearly two-and-a-half decades.

On Friday, Majed's wife and four other relatives met him for nearly two hours in the prison.

President Abdul Hamid on Thursday rejected his mercy plea, removing the last hurdle for his hanging.

A specialised police unit arrested Majed, one of the fugitive convicted Bangabandhu assassins, as he returned home after hiding for nearly two and half decades in India.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said the "self confessed killer" was not only involved in Bangabandhu's assassination but also took part in the subsequent killing of four national leaders in high security Dhaka Central Jail on November 3, 1975.

He said previous reports indicated Majed was hiding in India but eventually he was arrested from Dhaka as he secretly returned last month.

Police's Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit arrested him in a predawn raid at Mirpur area while he was roaming around a shrine.

Majed is one of the six absconding ex-army officers who were handed down capital punishment after trial in absentia.

A prosecution lawyer said Majed told the court that he returned to Bangladesh on March 15 or 16.

The convict, he said, claimed he managed to live secretly in Kolkata for the past 23 years.

Twelve ex-military officers were sentenced to death for the August 15, 1975 killing of Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with most of his family members. Five of them have been executed while one died of natural causes as he was on the run abroad.

Bangabandhu's elder daughter and incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and younger daughter Sheikh Rehana survived as they were on a visit to the then West Germany at the time of the putsch, which also toppled Bangladesh's post independence government.

The five convicts were hanged at Dhaka Central Jail on January 28, 2010, after a protracted legal procedure while the delayed trial process began in 1996 when an infamous indemnity law was scrapped as it was protecting the assassins from justice until then.

Majed was one of the remaining fugitives believed to be hiding abroad with no confirmed whereabouts.

The rest of the fugitives included the key mastermind of the coup ex-lieutenant colonel Abdur Rashid. Interpol issued red alert against the absconders believed to be hiding in several countries including Pakistan.

Bangladesh confirmed two cases where two convicts took refuge in the United States and Canada, one of them is said to have shot dead Bangladesh's founder.

Dhaka said it was trying to extradite them but Canada declined to entertain the request citing provisions of the country's laws.

After the 1975 carnage, Majed was rehabilitated in civil service during the subsequent regime of former military-dictator-turned-politician Ziaur Rahman as an ex-cadre official and posted as the director of National Savings Department.

He later fled the country while serving in the finance ministry along with other 1975 coup plotters as the 1996 general elections brought Awami League back to power which vowed to expose to justice Bangabandhu killers in line with its election manifesto.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By continuing to work together while remaining apart, we will save even more lives  and turn more quickly to restarting our resilient economy to help lift every Texas family.

With Texans helping Texans, with Americans helping Americans, we can overcome the challenge we face in conquering the coronavirus outbreak.

I want to thank each and every Texan who is heeding the call to stay home if they can.

Though the cost has been high for families and businesses, and each life lost cuts deeply, we have learned in past disasters that from suffering comes perseverance, from perseverance comes character, and from character, hope.

I have heard from so many individuals, organizations and community groups that are stepping up, innovating and serving their fellow Texans. I thank you all. I am proud to serve as your governor, and I look forward to shaking your hand once we are victorious in this battle.

Id also like to thank the great business leaders in Texas who have demonstrated an unmatched commitment to serving their community. From the biggest global brands and Fortune 500s headquartered here in the Lone Star State to so many small businesses and innovative entrepreneurs, we are seeing the incredible can-do spirit of Texas.

Among San Antonio businesses responding to meet critical needs: Toyota-supplier Reyes Hayashi Automotive is now producing face shields, and Dixie Flag & Banner Co. has shifted from sewing flags to face masks.

Other leading employers who are making a difference across the state include Amazon, Randalls and H-E-B, which are hiring more Texans and increasing hourly wages to ensure you have access to the groceries and supplies you need.

H-E-B is also joining Dell, ExxonMobil, Frost Bank, USAA, Walmart and so many other corporate citizens in donating food and millions in funds to food banks, nonprofits and organizations helping to meet community needs. Home Depot and NRG are ensuring health care workers and first responders have the safety and emergency equipment needed. AT&T, Comcast, Spectrum, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon are all working to keep Texans and Americans connected. American Airlines is waiving change fees for purchased travel, and Southwest Airlines is offering to transport medical workers to Texas. Valero Energy has retooled ethanol operations to produce hand sanitizer in bulk; Apple is designing and producing face masks; and Walgreens is opening its store lots for drive-thru coronavirus testing.

Then there are the unnamed but heroic small-business owners who have made hard decisions to do the right thing  to alter their businesses entirely to produce essential foods and protective equipment; to modify their business practices to protect their employees and their customers; and to continue paying employees because they cannot work for reasons beyond their control.

This list of giving businesses and generous Texans is by no means complete. The entire list would be bigger than Texas, but know that I thank you all.

I also want to thank every business that is waiving fees, has allowed employees to work from home or has donated supplies or services through texas.gov.

I also want to thank every Texan who is sewing face masks, checking on their neighbors, teaching their children  and staying home.

We are all in this together. And I remain ever hopeful because of you. We are stronger together, even when apart.

Greg Abbott is governor of Texas.
The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum appears to have entered a hopeful new era after the property and assets surrounding the McMinnville facility were purchased by wealthy entrepreneur Bill Stoller.

A company controlled by Stoller purchased part of the museum, home to the famous Spruce Goose, an adjacent water park and acreage in a deal that was announced Friday. Stollers company paid $9.5 million.

Stoller, 68, a hometown Yamhill County product, made a sizable fortune in the temporary employment business. He also owns a large winery in Dayton, his hometown.

In a statement, Stoller said he was motivated to buy the property out of loyalty to Yamhill County.

Growing up in a small rural community, I have a deep desire to further the economic vitality of my hometown so that future generations have opportunities to thrive, he said. The Wings & Waves Waterpark and the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum are unique assets to Oregon, and Im pleased that we can continue their mission and advance the destination as a prime economic driver in Yamhill County.

Fans of the museum said they hope Stoller can bring some stability to the long-struggling operation.

This is a great day, said Paul Peterson, who formerly ran an educational program out of the museum. Bill Stoller is a good guy, a legit guy. A hopeless situation now has a future.

Things did indeed look hopeless for the museum when it was in the hands of the former owner, a Utah-based company called The Falls Event Center. The Falls Event Center was, in turn, controlled by Steve Down, a colorful Utah promoter, later accused by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission of defrauding investors.

Many Yamhill County locals stood by Down, even as he sold airplanes out of the museum to ease his own cash flow problems.

But in the end, The Falls Event Center filed bankruptcy, which was the first step to Stollers purchase Friday. The bankruptcy and the long train of mom and pop investors who claimed theyd lost their retirement savings to Down, complicated the process of closing the deal.

Gary Mortensen, president of Stoller Wine Group, said they worked to close the purchase for 18 months.

The museum remains in a strange ownership situation. While Stoller bought the water park, adjacent acreage and the space museum wing of the facility, the aviation museum itself, where the Spruce Goose is located, remains in the hands of George Schott, a wealthy aviation buff.

Mortensen said unifying museum ownership into one entity might happen someday. It would be optimal to have it under one owner, he said. But it has to make sense.

--Jeff Manning | 971-263-5164 | jmanning@oregonian.com

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There are various studies and researches being carried out on novel coronavirus. In one such attempt to understand the virus, researchers examined air samples from hospital wards with COVID-19 patients and reportedly found that the virus can travel up to 13 feet (four meters).

This is twice the WHO-recommended distance people have been told to maintain while practising social distancing.'

The preliminary results of the research carried out by Chinese researchers were published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, a journal of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Getty Images

These results are an addition to discussion on how COVID-19 is transmitted. However, scientists have cautioned that the small quantities of virus they found at this distance are not necessarily infectious.

The research was led by a team at the Academy of Military Medical Sciences in Beijing. The researchers tested surface and air samples from an intensive care unit and a general COVID-19 ward at Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan. A total of 24 patients were housed there between February 19 and March 2.

Flash 90

The virus was found to be most heavily concentrated on the floors of the wards, perhaps because of gravity and airflow causing most virus droplets to float to the ground.

Other places where the virus was found to be concentrated was on frequently touched surfaces like computer mouse, trashcans, bed rails, and doorknobs.

EPA

The research says, Furthermore, half of the samples from the soles of the ICU medical staff shoes tested positive. Therefore, the soles of medical staff shoes might function as carriers.

The research has been published with preliminary results, who knows what further experiments will bring forth. It is important to follow the most basic guideline right now and stay home.
China's universities and colleges will offer a number of high-quality courses in English to global students via an international online teaching platform to promote the massive online open course (MOOC).

The international platform is still under construction, and two online teaching websites, www.icourse.cn and https://next.xuetangx.com/, were first included in the program, Wu Yan, a higher education official from the Ministry of Education (MOE), said at a video conference held in Beijing on Friday on the construction of the program.





The MOE will set up a committee to promote the construction of the platform and curricula while establishing an expert team to guide the operation and management of the platform, Wu said.





"For more than 40 years of reform and opening up, China has been learning a lot from the world in developing its higher education," Wu said. "Now, we want to actively contribute to the world's higher education through massive online teaching and learning practice this time."





The construction of the platform came at a time when the novel coronavirus epidemic forced the suspension of classes globally.





After Chinese universities turned to online teaching for the new semesters amid the coronavirus epidemic, the UNESCO released distance learning solutions for schools around the world and recommended 27 free learning applications and platforms worldwide, including those recommended by China's MOE during the coronavirus outbreak.





More than 950,000 teachers from 1,454 universities or colleges in China have been teaching 942,000 online courses as of April 3, attracting 1.18 billion registrations by students, according to the MOE.





China's universities and education departments, such as Tsinghua University and the education department in northeastern Heilongjiang province, have shared their experience with their overseas peers on online teaching and learning amid the outbreak.





Dozens of online courses offered by Chinese universities have joined global online education platforms like edX.org and coursera.org, according to the MOE.





In addition, the MOE also plans to host a world MOOC conference in Beijing this year and proposes the establishment of the World MOOC Alliance to promote the global development of higher online education.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette visits the Terminal XXI at the port of Sines

By Laila Kearney

(Reuters) - The White House is not negotiating with Saudi Arabia or Russia over a deal to cut oil production and wants the two parties to come to an agreement among themselves, U.S. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette told industry executives on a call on Friday, according to a source who listened in.

Brouillette spoke with independent producers and other members of the broader oil industry shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump met with executives from major oil companies at the White House to discuss the sharp oil-price downturn threatening to upend their businesses.

The energy secretary said the White House is encouraging Russia and Saudi Arabia to come to an agreement, adding that Trump was optimistic that a deal could be reached in a few days.

Oil demand has fallen dramatically in recent weeks due to the coronavirus outbreak and a Saudi-Russia price war. Plummeting demand, coupled with the flood of supply resulting from the price war, led U.S. oil futures prices to crash 54% in March.

White House officials also said on the call that Trump has directed his energy and treasury secretaries to find ways to immediately improve liquidity for the energy sector, and could include relaxing banking standards to provide more credit to oil companies, the source said.

OPEC sources have said they wanted to see U.S. production cut in order to curb their own output. Russia and other countries have reduced production for three years while U.S. supply surged to an all-time record, helping them gain market share of oil sales.

(Reporting By Laila Kearney in New York; Editing by Chris Reese and Daniel Wallis)
- Details have emerged of what triggered the shooting of a policewoman by a soldier on Thursday, April 9, 2020

- The two security officers were detailed at the Tema New Town Metropolis of the Greater Accra Region to ensure compliance of the partial lockdown

- The name and other details of the soldier have also surfaced

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YEN.com.gh has gathered details of what triggered the shooting of a police woman by a soldier while on duty with her at the Tema New Town Metropolis of the Greater Accra Region.

An earlier report indicated that the incident happened on Thursday, April 9, 2020.

The policewoman was identified as Lance Corporal Francisca Tenge who is with the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit of the Police at the Tema Regional Police Command.

Following the incident, details have surfaced of what caused the shooting of Lance Corporal Francisca Tengey by the soldier during lockdown duties.

The identity of the soldier has been revealed as Able Seaman 1 (AB1) Oppong Bekoe of the Naval Headquarters, Burma Camp in Accra who is currently on detention after shooting the policewoman in the thigh at Tema New Town.

READ ALSO: COVID-19 lockdown: Eyewitnesses give account of how bullet pierced through Ashaiman mans

The victim, who received treatment at the Tema General Hospital is attached to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Tema Regional Police Command and was deployed for COVID-19 assignment.

Adomonline.com reports that information available to DGN Online indicates that the military high command was locked up in a meeting with the hierarchy of the Tema Regional Police Command over the incident.

According to a statement signed by the Tema Regional Police Commander, DCOP Edward Johnson Akrofi-Oyirifi, they received information on Thursday, April 9, 2020, at about 6:am that the policewoman had been shot.

Police detectives were dispatched to the scene and saw blood around a snap check point mounted for the operation COVID Safety at Tema Newtown, where the police officer was assigned for duty.

Parts of the statement said that while on duty, the police officer was accidentally shot in her right lower thigh from behind by Able Seaman 1 (AB1) Oppong Bekoe of the Naval Headquarters, Burma Camp who was also detailed for the same operation at the said checkpoint.

The statement also indicated that Lance Corporal Francisca Tengey was rushed to the Tema General Hospital, where she was been treated and discharged.

A cautioned statement has been taken from the offending soldier and released to his unit commander for further investigation.

''Lance Corporal Tengey has been treated and discharged by medics at the Tema General Hospital after sustaining two fearful gunshots,'' the statement also said.

Meanwhile, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in his sixth address to the nation on the deadly coronavirus, announced that Ghana's case count jumps from 313 to 378 as of April 9, 2020.

According to the president, the additional cases recorded were gotten from the samples collected and tested from the contacts traced.

In other news, residents of Ashaiman have debunked claims that a truck pusher, Eric Ofotsu, who was killed on Sunday, April 5, 2020, attempted to disarm a military officer who was charged to enforce compliance of the lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eric Ofotsu was allegedly killed by a military man who was part of a combined military and police personnel stationed at Ashaiman to ensure strict compliance of the partial lockdown imposed by President Akufo-Addo.

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China slams Taiwan 'venomous' attack on WHO as US takes side with Taipei in coronavirus row

Iran Press TV

Friday, 10 April 2020 9:25 AM

China and the United State have clashed again over Taiwan as Beijing joined the World Health Organization (WHO) in a row over the coronavirus outbreak, but Washington took sides with the self-ruled island.

China accused Taiwan of "venomously" attacking the World Health Organization (WHO) after WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Taiwanese leaders spread racist comments against him.

Ghebreyesus said he had been subjected to racist comments and death threats for the past two or three months.

"Three months ago, this attack came from Taiwan," Tedros told reporters in Geneva, referring to online criticism and insults.

"Taiwan, the foreign ministry also, they know the campaign. They didn't disassociate themselves. They even started criticizing me in the middle of all that insult and slur, but I didn't care," he added.

Taiwan, which is claimed by China, has been excluded from the United Nations health agency, due to Beijing's objections.

Taiwan has accused the WHO of denying timely access to vital information as the coronavirus spread across the world. The WHO, however, denies the accusation.

In a statement late Thursday, China's Taiwan Affairs Office said the authorities in Taiwan are "unscrupulously using the virus to seek independence."

"We strongly condemn" Taipei for "venomously attacking the WHO," said the office.

Taiwan's China policy-making Mainland Affairs Council reacted to the statement, accusing Beijing of using "the WHO to put pressure on us and politically smear us".

China considers Taiwan part of its territory under the globally-recognized "One China" policy. Almost all world countries, including the US, recognize Chinese sovereignty over Taiwan.

China has pursued reunification with Taiwan ever since the island broke away from the mainland during a civil war in 1949.

US takes sides with Taiwan in row over pandemic

Meanwhile, the UN agency has been under constant accusations from US President Donald Trump, who said Wednesday that the agency is "very China-centric" and threatened to end funding the WHO.

Washington has now leveled new allegations against the agency, saying the WHO has put politics first by ignoring early coronavirus warnings by Taiwan.

The Trump administration said Thursday that the WHO was too late in sounding the alarm over the virus outbreak and overly deferential to China.

The United States is "deeply disturbed that Taiwan's information was withheld from the global health community, as reflected in the WHO's January 14, 2020 statement that there was no indication of human-to-human transmission," a State Department spokeswoman said.

"The WHO once again chose politics over public health," she said. The WHO's actions have "cost time and lives."

Taiwan claimed it had informed the WHO about human-to-human transmission of the virus, but the WHO did not work to confirm the finding.

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A couple of weeks ago, Lis Smith, the spokesperson for former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, dropped some pandemic-period wisdom on the merits of national political conventions.

With no clear end in sight for social-distancing policies meant to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Democratic National Committee was contemplating its options for the partys convention this summer.

If one good thing comes out of 2020, Smith tweeted, its hopefully the death of conventions.

Smith called national conventions outdated and expensive exercises that wasted time and accomplished nothing.

Lets campaign like its 2020, not 1960, she said.

Since Smith posted that tweet, the DNC has rescheduled the partys convention in Milwaukee from July 13 to Aug. 17. Even with that extra five weeks of time for the public health crisis to pass, presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden has hinted that the convention may, for the first time, take the form of a virtual, rather than an in-person, event.

The Texas Democratic Party already has made a similar move, announcing that the state convention planned in early June for San Antonios Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center will now be a digital gathering.

A deadly global pandemic has a way of separating the essential from the irrelevant, distinguishing the things that have real purpose from the things we do simply because weve become conditioned to do them.

At one time, national political conventions were essential to the political life of this country. Parties used them to pick their presidential nominees, craft their platforms and establish their rules.

Back in 1924, delegates to the Democratic National Convention went through 103 ballots over the course of a 16-day convention before settling on former U.S. Solicitor General John W. Davis.

In 1952, Illinois Gov. Adlai Stevenson made a welcoming speech at the Democrats Chicago convention and stirred delegates so much that they decided to draft him for the presidency. By the end of that week, he was the partys nominee.

Those kinds of things dont happen anymore. Beginning with party rules changes enacted after the 1968 election, the presidential nomination process shifted from party bosses to primary voters.

Its been 44 years since we last entered a major-party national convention with any suspense over who would win the nomination. Every convention since then has been an extended, orchestrated, frequently boring television infomercial for the party and its nominee. Displays of spontaneity tend to be well-rehearsed.

Ironically, the fixation on making a good TV impression has succeeded in turning off the major networks and their viewers.

In 1984, for the first time, CBS and NBC declined to present gavel-to-gavel coverage of the Democratic and Republican conventions. That same year, ABC broke away in prime time from the Democratic convention to air a rerun of Hart to Hart just before Jesse Jackson delivered a roof-raising speech.

By the early 1990s, you had Democratic National Chairman Ron Brown toying with the idea of compressing his partys convention into a weekend. In 1996, Philadelphia Daily News columnist Sandy Grady expressed the common view that the televised convention is dead, predicting that never again would the major networks play patsy for political parties image-makers.

In fact, the networks do keep coming, but with dwindling enthusiasm, and a shared understanding that were watching an organization throw a $70 million party for itself, and not much more.

Even so, there remains some residue of relevance to the convention ritual, the faint sense that a paradigm-shifting moment might sneak through in the middle of all the self-aggrandizement and forced celebration.

After all, it took a national political convention to create a star-making showcase for an obscure Senate candidate from Chicago named Barack Obama, who electrified the 2004 Democratic National Convention with his keynote address.

It also took a national political convention to hammer home how completely Donald Trump had remade the Republican Party in his own image, when Texas Sen. Ted Cruz got booed in 2016 on the convention floor  even by some of his staunchest home-state loyalists  for refusing to endorse Trump.

Jim Lehrer, the late, legendary PBS anchor (and Jefferson High School grad), insisted that even modern-day conventions contain stories for reporters willing to find them. His fellow Texan, former CBS News anchor Dan Rather, has described conventions as part of the dance of democracy.

This year, everything about the dance of democracy is off-kilter. Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, were having to rethink when we vote, how we vote and how candidates campaign for our votes.

Nothing is off-limits. And that includes the consummation of our long, slow divorce from the tradition of televised conventions.

Gilbert Garcia is a columnist covering the San Antonio and Bexar County area. To read more from Gilbert, become a subscriber. ggarcia@express-news.net | Twitter: @gilgamesh470
On Wednesday, ABC published video footage taken by its South Florida affiliate of hundreds of Florida residents lining up to receive paper applications for unemployment benefits, due to problems with the states web site. Meanwhile, Governor Ron DeSantis, the Trump-style Republican who was elected in 2019, is spreading misinformation about COVID-19, claiming that the virus is not a danger to children, and is using this as an impetus to talk about reopening schools next month.

As elsewhere in the United States, Florida has seen a huge surge in unemployment assistance applications since the pandemic began. More than 520,000 people in Florida applied for unemployment benefits in March, far higher than the 326,000 who applied during the entire year of 2019.

The overload of applications to the states web site has caused technical errors to occur, which are preventing people from even applying for benefits. Angry Floridians took to Twitter to share images of the error message they were getting when trying to file their claims. The error message describes an unexpected technical error and asks the user to reopen their web browser and start again. One Twitter user complained that he had filled out the first page with his social security and drivers license number over 40 times.

Some sources are claiming that the problems with the states web site is a result of a scheme by Senator Rick Scott to overhaul the online systems, which was really designed to make it more difficult for people to claim assistance online, driving down the number of applicants. When asked to comment on this, Scotts office responded that the change was designed to ensure that the state helped only those who truly needed the assistance.

The breakdown in the computer system has pushed hundreds of people to break social-distancing rules in Hialeah, a city just north of Miami, to physically join long queues in order to claim unemployment assistance. The ABC News video published earlier this week, which has since gone viral, shows that some people were attempting to observe social distancing rules--wearing face masks and maintaining a six-foot distance from othersbut others were standing close to each other and were not wearing masks. One resident in line told reporters that everybody out here is risking their lives to get these applications. Its very hard to do it online because everybody is applying online and the website is crashing.

This was the work of Hialeahs Republican mayor, Carlos Hernandez, who decided to hand out paper unemployment forms to residents in person, even though they can be retrieved online or printed from home. Four sites were set up Monday, intended for drive-thrus, but residents began lining up on foot early that morning. Mayor Hernandez apparently did not consider that some people who live in his city do not own motor vehicles. By Tuesday afternoon, the city stated that people must be in a vehicle to receive the unemployment application.

Governor DeSantis announced on Monday that the state will be boosting its capacity to handle the surge in online unemployment applications and hiring extra staff to process them. He claimed that the state has increased the online unemployment systems capacity, equipping it to handle up to 120,000 connections at once, which is double its typical peak prior to the pandemic. On Tuesday, Floridas Department of Economic Opportunity stated that they are trying to fix the web site but have not addressed questions on why it continues to malfunction.

Perhaps more disconcerting than these events are statements that DeSantis made about Florida schools on Thursdayparticularly that there is a possibility they could reopen in May. If its safe, we want kids to be in school  Even if its for a couple of weeks, we think there would be value in that.

DeSantis continued, stating that he did not think that anyone under the age of 25 has died from COVID-19: This particular pandemic is one where, I dont think nationwide theres been a single fatality under 25. For whatever reason it just doesnt seem to threaten, you know, kids. And we lose in Florida between five and 10 kids a year for the flu. This one, for whatever reason, much more dangerous if youre over 65  If youre younger, it just hasnt had an impact, so that should factor into how were viewing this.

According to the CDC, four people between the ages of 15 and 24 and one person younger than 5 has died from the virus. There also appears to be no consideration of the tens of thousands of teachers and support staff who make school operations possible, many of whom do fall into the senior-age range. DeSantis stated that a possible reopening would be approached in two-week increments.

Florida has been relatively slow to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, with DeSantis only announcing a statewide lockdown last week. This is despite the fact that Florida is projected to be among states that will be hit the hardest by the virus, with its large proportion of senior residents and substantial retail and hospitality sector. As of Friday, 17,531 people in Florida had tested positive for COVID-19, and 390 deaths had been reported.

DeSantis, who is widely recognized as a political hanger-on of President Donald Trump, only reversed his opposition to a statewide quarantine after Trump ordered an extension to April 30 of the White Houses social distancing guidelines. When announcing the lockdown, DeSantis stated, This is another 30-day period. At this point, even though there are a lot of places in Florida with very low infection rates, it makes sense to make this move now.

Just a few days before issuing his statewide mandate, DeSantis refused to heed advice from medical experts on the grounds that most of the cases were the result of out-of-state residents flooding Florida and that there were minimal instances of community transmission. Throughout the month of March, the governor scapegoated visitors from New York and New Orleans, which are suffering severe outbreaks, as the real culprits of the spread of the pandemic.

Checkpoints were implemented on highways to identify travelers from these areas with the threat of jail time for non-compliance with quarantine orders. This was happening even as evidence began to pile up of Florida residents constituting the overwhelming majority of the number of cases, conclusively showing community spread in multiple counties.

As a result of this delayed approach, Floridas healthcare infrastructure has been placed on the brink of collapse. According to data released by the Health Care Administration last Thursday, nearly two-thirds of the states 6,000 ICU beds are now being occupied, while experts are saying that the worst of the health crisis will not arrive until early May when the number of COVID-19 cases is expected to reach its peak.

Across Florida, there have been 26 state and private prisons with employees who have tested positive for the virus, with the most recent revelations coming from Blackwater Correctional Facility in Santa Rosa County in the western Panhandle region where five staff members along with two inmates have become infected. There is little doubt that the number of cases in the states prison systems is far higher, given the fact that the Florida Department of Corrections has downplayed for weeks the looming danger of the virus spreading in packed jail settings while refusing to implement even the most basic social distancing measures or testing.
In an internal message to Bureau of Prisons staff about coronavirus over the weekend, BOP director Michael Carvajal asked employees to "have faith" that they are doing the right thing, that they will protect inmates and staff and that staff must not let fear of the virus, "distract us from our daily tasks."

However, inmates and BOP staff from facilities hit hard by the virus paint a very different picture. Prison employees spoke to ABC News about what they said was BOP's lack of preparedness which they believe jeopardizes the safety of officers on the ground and inmates in facilities.

MORE: Victim's family says they weren't told of violent offender's release amid COVID-19

There are over 200 inmates across the country who have tested positive, the BOP posted on its COVID-19 website.

At least two officials described to ABC News a lack of communication between the central office in Washington, D.C., and the boots on the ground -- especially when it came to combating the spread of the virus at facilities.

PHOTO: The seal of the Federal Bureau of Prisons is shown. (U.S. Department Of Justice)

BOP rolled out the last stage of a five-phase strategic plan on March 31, which took the most restrictive measures, including keeping inmates in their "assigned cells or quarters" for 14 days and stopping all inmate transfers between facilities.

In a statement to ABC News, the Bureau of Prisons said it has "taken, and will continue to take, aggressive steps to protect the safety and security of all staff and inmates as well as visitors and members of the public."

The Bureau pointed to that five-phase plan, which in addition to the last phase, included a task force to "begin strategic planning and building on our already existing procedures for managing pandemics."

Some of the other measures, the Bureau said it took in that plan are suspending social and legal visits, limited access for contractors and volunteers, and " inventorying sanitation, cleaning, and medical supplies and procuring additional supplies of these items."

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"I think that there's much more that they could have done prior to now. They could have followed the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] guidelines," Congressman Fred Keller, a Pennsylvania Republican with two federal prisons in his district, told ABC News.

Keller has introduced the PANDEMIC Act, a bill that calls for putting a halt to all inmate transfers during the coronavirus outbreak.

The CDC recommends social distancing, a practice of staying 6 feet apart and avoiding mass crowds or gatherings.

"I think they've done things as business as usual and haven't followed the guidelines that have been set forth by the coronavirus task force to flatten the curve and the results of them not doing that are evident because they now have more cases than do three states," Keller said. "And that to me, shows that they need to be more proactive."

The BOP told ABC News that it is "constantly updating our nationwide guidance in accordance with the CDC's updates."

PHOTO: In this July 16, 2015, file photo, a prison cell block is seen at the El Reno Federal Correctional Institution in El Reno, Okla. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images, FILE)

Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Elkton in Ohio, houses 2,500 inmates. Three inmates have died from coronavirus and more are being placed on ventilators by the day.

In early March, staff at the facility were already being screened for COVID-19, but according to local union president Joseph Mayle, staff screening was shut down, not by FCI Elktons warden, but by someone above the warden who Mayle stressed, has been working together with him to be proactive.

The local BOP Officer union president, explained that the worry is always the virus coming into the facility from the outside through a staff member, new inmate or visitor.

Mayle said though precautions were taken to keep the virus out of the facility, he told ABC News he received word from BOP headquarters that there needed to be inmates showing symptoms of COVID-19 to begin staff screening.

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.

"They are always and always have been reactive instead of proactive," Mayle said.

Mayle said that BOP gave the facility five testing kits and then received 80 from Columbiana County, Ohio, -- where the prison is located.

According to a memo obtained by ABC News, dated March 31, the Columbiana County Health Department instructed officers to only go to and from the facility, wear a mask and not allow visitors in their homes.

The prisons medical team has been stretched so thin, according to Gov. Mike Dewine, that the Ohio National Guard has been called into the facility to assist with medical care.

One inmate housed at FCI Danbury in Connecticut, who says she was sick with the virus, spoke to ABC News on the condition of anonymity out of fear of retribution.

PHOTO: In this Nov. 19, 2019, file photo, the Metropolitan Correctional Center, which is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, is shown in New York. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images, FILE)

She said she had to beg for an ambulance and when she was at the hospital, was monitored by officers 24 hours a day.

MORE: Despite coronavirus warnings, federal Bureau of Prisons still transporting inmates: Sources

According to the inmate, an inadequate thermometer misread her temperature as normal but she claims she had a fever. She also said that she was treated "like an animal" with no access to clean clothes.

There are 28 inmates and 12 staff whove tested positive for the virus at the female facility, according to BOP's website.

A pregnant correctional officer at FCI Jessup, outside of Atlanta, returned from an overseas trip and was told she needed to quarantine. However, about seven days later, she says she was called back into work -- unable to refuse or forced to use her own personal time to take off.

FCI Jessup Union President Pamela Millwood told ABC News that officers in the facility do not have access to hand sanitizer and were just given N95 protection masks this week.

"The institution is not concerned with our staff being exposed to COVID-19. When staff have reported exposure, the agency's doctor, Sylvie Cohen has directed that so long as staff are not symptomatic they immediately return to work or use their own leave," Milwood told ABC News by e-mail.

"All it will take is one diagnosis and we will be the new Oakdale," Millwood said.

FCI Oakdale in Louisiana -- the scene of the first major outbreak inside the Bureau of Prisons, has been hit hard with the coronavirus according to data on BOP's website.

In the internal message to staff, Carajval praised the agency for its fight against the disease.

"Even as I speak, our numbers of infection are increasing, however, we are doing a good job working against an unseen threat and I am proud of the fight we are waging daily. We are continuing to revise and update our Action Plans in response to the fluid nature of the pandemic, and in response to changing guidance from experts at the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control, the Department of Justice, White House COVID Task Force and the Office of Personnel Management, BOP director Carajval said in the message.

We are doing everything possible to mitigate all risks, seen and unseen, so we can complete our mission with minimal impact, he continued.

Ronald Morris, the local union president told ABC News that he thinks the BOP "messed up."

PHOTO: The United States Penitentiary, Victorville (USP Victorville) is shown amid the global coronavirus COVID-19 epidemic, on April 4, 2020, in Victorville, Calif. (Kirby Lee/AP)

"Make them show their internal memos that they had a plan. I don't believe that they had a plan. I don't think they were thinking, or it was even on the radar, or they had the foresight to see the devastation that this causes and thought about what it did to any federal prison systems after it got in the federal prison system," Morris said.

The BOP told ABC News that epidemiologists from the CDC and Louisiana Department of Health "commended" Oakdale staff and "confirmed" their compliance with CDC guidelines. The agency also said that they are sending other scientists to another facility.

"The BOP is working with CDC epidemiologists to review and address the BOPs response to COVID and the CDC will send personnel to two of our prisons that are sites of sustained transmission in Forrest City, Arkansas, and Oakdale, Louisiana," the agency said in a statement.

On March 28, the first federal inmate died from COVID-19 at FCI Oakdale. Last week, the ACLU sued BOP on behalf of the inmates at FCI Oakdale, claiming they are not receiving adequate care.

MORE: 1st federal inmate dies in prison hit hard by coronavirus after heartbreaking plea to judge

BOP told ABC News last week that it doesn't comment on pending ligation.

The Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC), in New York City, where convicted sex offender, Jeffery Epstein died by suicide, does not have a plan to deal with a potential outbreak, sources told ABC News.

Two sources also told ABC News that at MCC and at other facilities across the country, officers are being stretched to the limit, forced to work 12-hour shifts.

MCC is a BOP facility and has not directly respond to ABC News request for comment about MCC, but did highlight the five phase plan.

In a Friday night memo to the Bureau of Prisons director, Attorney General William Barr called for the "appropriate transfers to home confinement of all appropriate inmates held at FCI Oakdale, LA, FCI Danbury, CT, FCI Elkton, OH and other similarly situated BOP facilities where COVID-19 is materially affecting operations."

At FCI Aliceville, in Alabama, prison sources told ABC News that inmates who are supposed to be under quarantine because they are symptomatic, are being housed with uninfected inmates.

BOP previously told ABC News, that because of the shortage in tests anyone who is exhibiting symptoms, is automatically assumed to have COVID-19 and confirmed in a statement to ABC News that they are following CDC guidelines.

Officials say one potential source of contamination is the transfer of inmates from facility to facility.

One source, who described conversations with Bureau of Prisons director Carvajal, told ABC News that BOP started to "play word games and pass the buck," regarding inmate transfers between facilities.

Multiple sources told ABC News that inmate transfers are still occurring, although BOP notes that transfers are down 81% from when they started.

The source who spoke of weaving through BOP bureaucracy, said that one after another, up-the-chain management kept saying they needed an act of Congress to stop transfers, after initially placing the blame on the court system and U.S. Marshals.

"We are deeply concerned for the health and welfare of those inmates who are entrusted to our care, and for our staff, their families, and the communities we live and work in. It is our highest priority to continue to do everything we can to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our facilities," the agency said in a statement to ABC News.

Mayle expressed what staff at his facility are feeling at the moment: anxious and scared to take the virus home to their loved ones.

He said right now there is a lot of "angst, anxiety and anger," among staff.

"We believe that the Bureau of Prisons isn't taking proper precautions to take care of staff."

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 U.S. and worldwide: Coronavirus map

Bureau of Prisons coronavirus response under fire: 'Reactive,' not 'proactive,' inmates, staff say originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
eye-on-india Explained | How does news continue during the coronavirus pandemic? Moneycontrol's Shraddha Sharma explains how media outlets disseminate news during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The recent decisions of the Honorable Supreme Court on February 17 and March 17 regarding grant of permanent commission to Women Officers (WOs) are welcome judgments, seen as a landmark step towards womens empowerment and corrective change to prevent perceived gender bias against women, with the Supreme Court playing the role of the change agent. The concerns expressed by the government, on behalf of Indian Armed Forces, like physiology, motherhood and physical attributes did not hold ground under the basic tenet of constitutional entitlement to dignity, which attaches to every individual irrespective of gender, to fair and equal conditions of work and a level playing field.

The ruling given with respect to the cases taken up with the Supreme Court, is to be implemented in three months. These are welcome societal changes and the military system has to gear up accordingly to address the concerns yet ensure that the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces is not compromised. The issue was extensively covered by the media, and the Armed Forces responded positively with the Army Chief indicating that the roadmap for granting permanent commission to women officers was being put in place and processes were to start soon. The implementation, however, needs some serious analysis of some key issues to mitigate concerns.

A glance at the open source coverage of Supreme Court decisions seemed to suggest that the Indian military had a patriarchal mindset and the Supreme Court has bettered the system with this landmark judgment. The background needs to be put in perspective. The women were first inducted as Military Nursing Officers in 1927, as Medical Officers from 1943 in British Indian Army as per organizational needs to look after troops, families and public during deployments, which included female population.

Post-independence, the induction of WOs into the Indian Army through the Women Special Entry Scheme (WSES) started in 1992, after the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, as per the needs of the organization. In February 2019 the Government granted permanent commission to women officers in eight streams of the Army, in addition to the JAG and AEC, to whom it was granted earlier in 2008. All these decisions were also pathbreaking, need driven, societal changes taken voluntarily by Indian military and not by intervention of courts. Hence, it may not be right to perceive that the Indian military had a patriarchal mindset and resisted such changes. It is a fact that there are different conditions of service for WOs and their male counterparts in most cases, so far. These conditions of service kept getting modified to address concerns of WOs, starting from five years of service, changed to extendable by five years (5+5 years), followed by 5+5+4 and later made to 10+4 years, with little variation for few services and Indian Military has adopted accordingly. The fact is that WOs are proud and essential members of Indian military and their entry was need based and not court driven.

The differences in conditions of service for WOs and their male counterparts can be perceived in favour as well as against them. No one can deny that WOs have concessions in physical standards during recruiting, in battle physical efficiency tests and are generally given softer appointments (as far as possible) with due considerations to hygiene, sensitivities and privacy issues while accommodating them. For selection, they compete with female counterparts; hence selections of specified number of WOs is assured, as they are not competing with male counterparts. The disadvantages of difference in service conditions was inadequate/unequal growth opportunity to WO, need for permanent commission and inadequate incentive, which are well known and have been the main reason for the redressal given by the Supreme Court. The cases wherein male officers' tenures in difficult field stations have got extended in adjusting WOs for compassionate or spouse postings or Child Care Leave, resulting in reduction in time for male officers to be with family in peace locations, to attend to their family needs have not surfaced much, because male officers have not gone to courts against the resultant extra hardship caused in an attempt to help out WOs by the organization.

This gender bias against men officers also needs to be set right by gender equality. The need for 'gender equality' is the societal need of the hour and applies to both female as well as male officers and should be ensured in the spirit of the judgment.

Operational Efficiency and Command Assignments To implement the latest rulings of the Supreme Court on the grant of permanent commission to all WOs, their terms of engagement will have to be revised. As per media reports, the Indian Military is already working out models for it and I am sure that the system will settle down in due course, with some adjustments. The selection for command assignments have to be merit based irrespective of gender, which must not be compromised to ensure operational efficiency of the Indian Armed Forces.

Translating the same in the spirit of achieving gender equality, and the Supreme Court judgment, the same standards have to be applied across the board, without any gender bias, throughout their career. It therefore implies that the same standards irrespective of gender, be applied for recruitment of officers, training, career courses and criteria for command appointments. It entails same hardships be suffered by all officers and the same selection process be gone through for successive promotions, irrespective of the gender which will make the competition tougher for WOs.

To implement this, the selection for command be done through their confidential reports and promotion board, which should be a closed promotion board, common for both genders and the names and gender of the profile is hidden from the selection board. The profiles are then approved for promotions based on merit and capabilities and then decoded for names and gender later. The best officers should get the command irrespective of gender, as the troops respect competent leaders, who rough out inconvenient times with them. The cohesion of a military subunit is gained by officers and men being with each other in rough times. These are some basics of soldiering, which must not be violated to ensure operational efficiency. It means that the concessions given to WOs in recruitment and softer tenures must be withdrawn, and they must go through field and rough appointments with troops, to be at par with male counterparts to be accepted as 'Leaders' and not 'Appointed Officers'. Troops respect leaders irrespective of gender, but an appointed officer has to prove to be a leader. It may be noted that amongst male officers in the existing system, only 30 per cent to 50 per cent get command assignments. To implement the Supreme Court's decision, the experiment of giving command to WOs should be done in a graduated manner commencing with the services like Army Service Corps and Army Ordnance Corps, where women have been commissioned for the last three decades.

The fact that the Supreme Court delivered its decision in March 2020 to induct WOs in all types of warships in Indian Navy, as a natural process of societal evolution, the possible induction of WOs into combat arms is going to be the next challenge, which the Indian military will be confronted with, in due course. The leadership in combat arms at each level from detachment to highest formation is laid on a bedrock principle of 'Leading from the front', which must not be compromised. It implies that all officers and soldiers must go through the same selection, toughness schedule, promotion exams, command criteria assignments and appointments with no concessions.

Most foreign armies having WOs already have gender neutrality in physical standards or are working towards it. The concerns of physical attributes, physiology, minimal facilities for habitat, hygiene in combat ships, bunkers and long-range patrols, privacy needs, motherhood and childcare concerns are well known to WOs, as well as courts and public. The WOs who volunteer for combat arms with determination to overcome these concerns and are found suitable, at par with men counterparts, should be given the opportunity to take such a choice.

If every other combat arm officer has to go through commando or counterinsurgency or mountain warfare course and serve in Rashtriya Rifles or Assam Rifles for at least one tenure, the same yardstick must apply to WOs. In Israeli defence forces which follow gender equality, only four per cent of WOs are in combat roles and they too are mostly employed for combat support tasks within the combat arm. Most armies avoid women getting involved in close combat with the enemy, with due concern for their safety. It may be interesting to note that support services attract much more volunteers than combat arms, in view of greater stability of family, even amongst male officers. Hence, the trend is unlikely to be different in case of WOs.

The UN, which has been a pioneer in gender equality efforts -- it has peacekeepers from militaries having greater share of WOs -- have managed to get only 4.4 per cent volunteer WOs till 2019 as military peacekeepers against the target of 15.1 per cent even when the UN peacekeeping field missions are less dangerous than counter terror operations, and financially more lucrative. We can accordingly draw inferences of choices of WOs for hard combat duties, notwithstanding what appellant WOs have been saying in courts and media. However, even if few WOs want to opt for combat roles overcoming the affiliated concerns, they must get equal opportunity.

The Indian army cannot afford not to send WOs or women on forward posts or CI areas after inducting them in combat arms. Such an implementation will be disastrous, lead to gender inequality and create a gender bias against male officers, stressing them with longer hard field sufferings and invite grievances from them. Some male doctors have faced such management problems in the past. The Supreme Court, through its decisions of February and March 2020, has settled most aspirations of WOs, made major strides towards gender equality, which the organization will take some time to absorb. The Supreme Court has also expressed consciousness of the limitations which issues of national security and policy impose on the judicial evolution of doctrine in matters relating to the armed forces and, specifically, held the engagement of women in the combat arms, not in question in the appeal.

The Indian army has started recruiting WOs and soldiers in the Corps of Military Police, who can be employed in counter insurgency and terror operations on roles similar to women police, in dealing with the population. Such an experience will help the army in making further decisions on this issue. To ensure gender equality if same standards are applied, the army may well face a situation of not many WOs qualifying at the recruitment stage itself and start demanding quotas in recruitment and later in promotion, which must never be accepted, as it will amount to compromising operational efficiency of the Indian military, which is the "Instrument of last Resort" in terms of hard power of the nation.

Interpreting the orders of the Supreme Court, so long the level playing field is ensured in all aspects of gender equality throughout the service span from recruitment to retirement, the WOs volunteering for combat arms with determination to overcome all concerns, and found suitable at par with male counterparts, should be given the opportunity to take such a choice.

(Maj Gen S.B. Asthana is a veteran Infantry General and strategic analyst. The views expressed are personal and of the author, who retains the copyright)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
South Africa: SAA to continue to repatriate stranded nationals

South African Airways (SAA) will continue to aid the repatriation of foreign nationals who want to be reunited with their families in their respective home countries.

We are pleased to assist and will continue to work with foreign governments through their respective embassies and high commissions in the repatriation of their nationals to re-join their families to share comfort, support and strength during these trying times, said SAA acting General Manager for Operations Tebogo Tsimane.

Tsimanes comments come as an SAA operated flight repatriated 313 Canadians from Johannesburg and Cape Town to London, for onward connections to Canada.

SAA is collaborating with the Government of Canada through the High Commission of Canada in South Africa, to assist Canadians who are stranded in South Africa to return home, after the lockdown was implemented in response to the outbreak of the Coronavirus, which resulted in travel restrictions, said the national carrier on Friday.

On 22 March, the South African government took the decision to declare a national lockdown, starting at midnight on 26 March to curb the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

In response to the pandemic, SAA has suspended all domestic, regional and international flights.

On Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a two-week extension of the previously announced 21-day national lockdown, which is part of efforts to slow the spread of the virus.

SAA has already repatriated thousands of German, Brazilians and Belgian nationals to their respective home countries over the past two weeks.

These repatriation flights require among other things, the consideration, approval and support of the South African government to implement.

Acting High Commissioner of Canada to South Africa, Kim Butler said Canada is happy to be working with SAA in the repatriation of citizens.

We know how important it is to be home in these challenging times. We are very happy to be working with SAA and the Government of South Africa to organise this special flight that will allow many Canadians to make their way home, said the High Commissioner.

Fridays flight was operated in collaboration with the Canadian government, in line with the health and safety provisions contained in the South African travel regulations, and other relevant provisions undertaken during the lockdown, as well as Transport Canada regulations.

SAA has taken all measures to ensure that the airport staff, cabin crew and flight deck crew are safe and protected by providing the appropriate training and protective clothing as approved by the Communicable Disease plan, said Tsimane.

Screening protocols were conducted before the flights departure. SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2020-04-11. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
As Canadians battle the pandemic by staying home and distant, more and more are participating in porchraits  standing on their doorstep, porch or driveway to have a family photo taken by a professional photographer.

In return, the photographers ask the families to donate to a charitable organization. One Toronto photographer said hes already raised $4,000 for food banks and hospitals.

But now the Professional Photographers of Canada is telling shutterbugs to snap out of it and step away from the sidewalk.

I understand that photographers are suddenly cut off from most in real life social contact and thus their clients; but this type of photography is not a necessary interaction, nor is it an essential service, said association chairperson Louise Vessey in an April 10 statement.

Although most do it with the very best of intentions, it still leaves room open for mistakes that could potentially cost lives.

The risk of spreading COVID-19 by ringing a doorbell, or passing someone on the street, outweighs the benefit, Vessey added in the statement.

Not everyone agrees with the recommendation.

Jonny Micay, a Toronto-based photographer, said hes taken portraits of about 45 families and raised $4,000 for various charitable organizations. Hes not involved in the distribution of the funds  he takes the photos, families make a donation and send him a receipt. He lets them choose the organization but suggests a food bank or hospital.

Its more of an honour system, he said.

Micay said he uses his 105-millimetre lens to take photos from his car or the sidewalk and that he hadnt heard the Professional Photographers of Canada recommendation to stop. But he added he wasnt going to end the photo shoots; he said he had about 15 families lined up for photos on April 11.

In terms of the actual risks, I think going to the grocery store is far riskier than what were doing, he said, adding that hes only received positive feedback on social media.

He said hes been careful to respect social distancing guidelines and doesnt see the issue with shooting a photo of someone when hes much further than two metres away.

He said theres been a couple times when the subjects insisted on handing him a tip, which he physically accepted, then regretted.

After that, I was like, Oh shoot that was maybe not great. But other than that its usually been about a 10-foot distance, Micay said.

Other photographers have had different experiences. Jennifer Blake, based in Oromocto, N.B., said she photographed about 30 or 40 families before being discouraged by online vitriol.

I think my main thing is that people were really mean about it. People would post in groups just blasting these photographers and talking about how irresponsible they are for doing this, she said.

That kind of bothered me. Because I was like, as of right now were not breaking any rules, were just trying to do something good and making people happy.

She eventually stopped offering the sessions not because of the online talk, but because it was a lot of work and time. She doesnt regret it, but appreciates where the Professional Photographers of Canada is coming from.

I kind of agree. Its been a few weeks since I did it, and things have changed a lot  I dont think its a bad thing to say Weve done good, weve done this for people, lets take a break and focus on staying home. 

Buzz Bishop, a radio host in Calgary, had a local photographer take his familys portrait, and is a supporter of the idea.

Theyre taking a bad situation and making it bright  Not only is it raising money for charities, its supporting out-of-work photographers and its bringing positivity to everybodys lives, he said.

Bishop believes it would have been more effective for the Professional Photographers of Canada to outline best practices for health and safety, instead of just telling people to not take porchraits.

I think what they could have done is recognize this is bringing joy and positivity to people, and say We would like to underline these safety measures that should be taken.

Omar Mosleh is an Edmonton-based reporter covering inner-city issues, affordable housing and reconciliation for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @OmarMosleh

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Russia said on Friday it had opened a criminal investigation after Czech authorities dismantled the statue of a Soviet military commander last week despite Moscows protests, escalating a rancorous diplomatic row over the issue, Reuters reports.

The statue to Marshal Ivan Konev, who led Red Army forces during World War Two that drove Nazi troops from Czechoslovakia, is reviled by some in Prague as a symbol of the decades of Communist rule that followed the war.

But in Moscow Konev is lionised by authorities as a war hero, and the removal of his statue was cast as a diplomatic insult and part of what Russia sees as a dangerous attempt to rewrite history.

The statue to Konev was taken down on April 3 by municipal Prague authorities who said they planned to put it in a museum.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has appealed to Czech Defence Minister Lubomir Metnar to intercede, asking that the statue be sent back to Moscow.

Russia would be prepared to pay for transport or any other costs, the ministry said.

We expect information from you about the place and time of its handing over, Shoigu said in a defence ministry statement late on Thursday.

The Czech Foreign Ministry said it was up to the Prague district municipality where the statue had been located to decide whether to give it to Russia.

On Friday, Russias Investigative Committee, which handles probes into major crimes, said it had opened a criminal case into the suspected public desecration of symbols of Russias military glory.

The Czech foreign ministry said it considered the move to be meddling in its internal affairs and that the statue would be treated in a dignified manner after its removal.

The statue has for years been the centre of controversy in Prague. It has been repeatedly vandalised and moves by municipal authorities to cover it up with tarpaulin sparked anger among local pro-Russian residents.

Earlier, President Vladimir Putin has accused Russias detractors of diminishing the Soviet war effort and its huge loss of life, and said Moscow must defend itself from the rewriting of history.
INGHAM COUNTY, MI  The number of deaths caused by COVID-19 in Ingham County has been reassessed, bringing the count from four to three after follow-up testing found one person did not in fact have the illness.

The Ingham County Health Department said in a news release that follow-up testing was conducted postmortem due to conflicting laboratory results performed when the person was still alive. The death was initially reported as the countys first COVID-19-related fatality April 1, but the Michigan Bureau of Laboratories confirmed the negative test result Friday, the health department said.

The county and the state strive to share timely and accurate information with the public, said Ingham County Health Officer Linda Vail. Although great care is taken, the data is by its very nature preliminary.

The Ingham County Health Department does not conduct in-house laboratory analysis, officials said in the news release.

The county as of Friday had 228 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 24 hospitalized patients. Fifty-three people in the county have recovered from the illness, according to the health department.

Statewide, health officials reported 205 total new deaths Friday due to COVID-19  the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, and 1,279 new cases. It was the 12th day in a row the state has had 1,000 cases or more per day.

The total confirmed case count for the state is up to 22,783.

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PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.

Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.

Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.

Read more Michigan coronavirus coverage here

Friday, April 10: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan

Michigan is doing the right things on coronavirus. So why is the caseload so high?

Most Michigan health insurance companies wont charge for coronavirus treatment

How many Michiganders have recovered from coronavirus? Why state, local leaders have different answers

Vice President Pence praises Michigan hydroxychloroquine trial to fight coronavirus

No Michigan golfers allowed; Toledo opens municipal courses but only to Ohio residents
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New York, April 11, 2020  The Committee to Protect Journalists expressed alarm at a decision by the Ansar Allah group, known as the Houthis, to sentence Abdulkhaleq Amran, Akram al-Waleedi, Hareth Hameed, and Tawfiq al-Mansouri to death, and urged the Houthis to release them and all other journalists in their custody.

A court proceeding set up by the Houthis in Sanaa, the capital, handed down the sentence today against the four journalists, according to the journalists lawyer, Abdel Majeed Farea Sabra; Abdullah al-Mansouri, Tawfiq al-Mansouris brother; and Nabil Alosaidi, Yemeni Journalists Syndicate co-chair, who communicated with CPJ via messaging app. The Houthis handed down the sentence after detaining the journalists for nearly five years, according to CPJ reporting.

At a time when Yemen needs accurate news and information more than ever, this sentence is truly dismaying and will put the Houthis beyond the pale internationally should it stand, CPJ Senior Middle East and North Africa Researcher Justin Shilad said. We urge the Houthis to immediately reverse this decision and release all journalists in their custody.

According to a copy of an indictment sent by Alosaidi and Sabra to CPJ, the journalists were charged with spreading false news in support of the crimes of Saudi aggression and its allies against the Republic of Yemen.

Sabra told CPJ that it was possible to appeal the verdict and that he would do so. However, Sabra also told CPJ that he had not been able to properly represent his clients or defend them in the courtroom, including when the sentence was handed down.

At the same court proceeding today, six other detained journalistsHesham Tarmoum, Hisham al-Yousifi, Essam Balghaith, Haitham al-Shihab, Hassan Anaab, and Salah Al-Qaedywere sentenced to time served in prison and three years of so-called police supervision, according to Sabra, Alosaidi, and Abdullah al-Mansouri.

Houthi forces control most of Yemens north and west, as well as Sanaa, and for more than five years have been at war with the internationally recognized government, which is backed by a Saudi-led coalition. The Houthis have effectively taken over government institutions in Sanaa formerly run by the internationally recognized authorities, including intelligence agencies and the judiciary. The Saudi-led coalition announced a unilateral two-week ceasefire April 9 in an effort to combat the spread of the coronavirus, which the Houthis dismissed as a ploy, according to the BBC.

Sabra told CPJ that the decision was handed down without the presence of any lawyers for the journalists, and that a judge had barred them from the court since January 27. All of the journalists sentenced to police supervision remain in detention, and a date for their release has not been specified, Alosaidi and Sabra both told CPJ.

Mohammad Abdulsalam, a spokesman for Ansar Allah, did not immediately respond to CPJs email requesting comment.

CPJ has previously documented the Houthis detentions and ill-treatment of journalists, including the 10 sentenced today. Last week, CPJ wrote an open letter to world leaders urging them to immediately release all journalists behind bars, as freedom has become a matter of life and death amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Restaurateurs in the era of coronavirus are taking bold steps to keep revenue flowing.

The big guns who chose to remain open are focusing on specialties, at least in the short term. Marc Vetri sells fresh pasta out of Fiorella and Stephen Starr offers pizzas at Pizzeria Stella and bread from a window at Parc, for example. In the grand scheme, the revenue doesnt move the needle, but it does keep the public happy and a few employees collecting paychecks.

Others have pivoted in an attempt to bring in revenue not only to survive but to subsidize the costs of reopening their dining rooms someday. Chefs Townsend Wentz and Jason Cichonski revved up pasta businesses. Edward Garcia and Jeannie Wong, who owns Queen & Rook, a game cafe in Queen Village, started delivery. Keith Taylor, who had been catering while between restaurant locations in Norristown, found luck and even made a little of his own.

Keith Taylor: Connecting to new business

Lets start with the success story. Chef Keith Taylor, who closed his Zacharys BBQ restaurant on the outskirts of Norristown last year pending the opening of a new restaurant in downtown Norristown in late 2020, dodged a bullet. He and his crew have been catering out of a commissary kitchen in Philadelphias Bridesburg neighborhood, which means he operates with less overhead. He also does not have an idle restaurant to worry about.

Though off-premises caterers everywhere are suffering as companies are not hosting meetings and families are skipping large parties, Taylor had more luck.

 READ MORE: Window service: Restaurants work through the pane during coronavirus shutdown

A large client is an Amazon fulfillment center, which is busy. Taylors smart management of a 10,000-name email list just yielded a large contract.

Taylor sends one-page newsletters every two months  nothing outrageous, he said. You dont want to overdo it. He keeps it light and not sales-focused. A percentage of the newsletter recipients are clients who enjoy replying to the chatty chef. I call those the superfans, he said.

A superfan had heard that the Air National Guard in Horsham needed catering. He said he spoke to a sergeant in charge, who told him: Taylor, we cant get food." (Taylor recounted this, barking in the military voice from his days in the Armys 508th Infantry Regiment.) Slowly over the last month, the restaurants [that served the base] dried up, Taylor said.

Rather than find another restaurant, the Guard decided to use a caterer to get meals on demand at odd hours. Taylor was hired for lunch and dinner three days a week, and recently added breakfast.

I have clients that keep us in business, Taylor said. This is a client that puts me in a place of profit, not just survival.

 ASK US: Do you have a question about the coronavirus and how it affects your health, work and life? Ask our reporters.

Townsend Wentz: Solo act

Townsend Tod Wentz had quite a year. He closed his East Passyunk restaurant Townsend. He moved it to Walnut Street, near Rittenhouse Square. Then he opened a bar, The Pearl, next door to his Spanish restaurant, Oloroso, near 12th and Walnut Streets, and set up a wine bar at Townsends former location. Meanwhile, his Italian restaurant, A Mano, was chugging along at 23rd Street and Fairmount Avenue.

Now, since the bottom fell out, its Wentz alone at A Mano. Every day but Monday, he makes fresh pasta, sauces, and 12 sheet pans of focaccia, advertises it on social media, fields and processes the phone orders, packages the food, and sets the bags out on a shelf for contact-free pickup.

Financially for me, its not great, said Wentz, whose staff of 65 is out of work. The income allows me to pay maintenance bills like my insurance, but I miss my team and my customers. Wentz said he had already pretty much written off 2020 and was expecting to play for the end of 2021 to be debt-free.

Jason Cichonski: Pasta business revs up

Since selling his Queen Village restaurant Ela in late 2018, Jason Cichonski has been operating Attico, a rooftop bar in Center City, as well as Messina Social Club, a private club in South Philadelphia. Over the years, he and a partner had been noodling around with fresh pasta for a prepared-foods concept called Little Noodle that he is running out of Messina.

Pasta just makes sense, he said. It can be made in batches. The variety can change on a dime. Its also easy to vacuum-seal. Customers can heat it in 3 to 4 minutes, he said, and it tastes like something that was made in a restaurant.

Orders go through the Messina website, and pickups are available Tuesday and Friday. Cichonskis displaced staff members are handling local deliveries, as well.

This is one idea that may continue on the other side of the crisis, he said.

Edward Garcia and Jeannie Wong: Changing their game

Edward Garcia, who works for the city Commerce Department, and his wife, Jeannie Wong, opened Queen & Rook, a game cafe, last fall in Queen Village.

Its hard to imagine a more social environment than a game cafe, where you rent and play games with friends and enjoy snacks. When the city shut down restaurants on March 16, Garcia and Wong realized that while they could send food out for delivery, they could not do the same with rental games or with alcohol. The popular delivery services handle only food, and it would be impractical to lend games that would have to be sanitized. Queen & Rook did not have permits for alcohol delivery.

The couple, who are carrying insurance premiums for staff, recently began using Relay Delivery, a bike courier service that delivers food as well as new, wrapped games from their online store. Theyre also in line with the Liquor Control Board for permits for beer and wine bottle carryout.

For now, that is how theyre operating. Garcia concedes that revenues are off by 90% to 95%  and thats hustling in every way we can think of.
Vietnam will resume rice shipments from April, the government said in a statement on Friday, after it last month announced a ban on rice exports to make sure the country has sufficient food to cope with the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

According to the statement of the Government Office, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has approved a plan by the Ministry of Industry and Trade to export 400,000 metric tons of rice in April.

The trade ministry, together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, is responsible for the details and data in the proposal.

At the same time, the Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Finance to coordinate with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to monitor the amount of rice permitted for export, ensuring strict, public and transparent exporting activities and leaving no room for exploitation of the policy for wrongful purposes.

The ministries have to ensure that the export of rice does not affect national food security, as well as absolutely prevent a shortage of rice under any circumstance.

The ministries must promptly report to the Prime Minister on arising issues beyond their authority, the statement said.

PM Phuc also asked the trade ministry to collaborate with the finance and agriculture ministries to make a report on the country's April rice export and propose May plans by April 25.

In addition, the ministry was also tasked with building a plan for regulating the domestic rice market and rice export in case the COVID-19 pandemic persists until the end of 2020.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance shall coordinate with related agencies in purchasing enough rice reserves for 2020 as approved, and at the same time study adding extra reserves if necessary.

The government on March 24 announced halting new rice export contracts until late May to ensure national food security amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade later asked the government to lift the suspension, arguing that the country still has 800,000 metric tons for export in April and May after accounting for all volumes needed for reserves.

On Monday this week, the trade ministry sent an express dispatch to the PM proposing the rice export resumption, including capping the export volume at 400,000 metric tons for April.

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Storyful

Supporters of world No.1 Novak Djokovic gathered outside a courthouse in Melbourne on January 10 as the player appealed against his deportation from Australia.A bid by the Australian government to delay a court hearing to January 12 was rejected by a federal circuit judge.According to court filings, Djokovics lawyers say he was granted a visa on November 18. An exemption certificate was issued by Tennis Australias chief medical officer on December 30, they said.The hearing was due to start at 10am local time but was delayed due to technical issues. Footage by Marion Theissen shows fans outside the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Melbourne. Credit: Marion Theissen via Storyful
Uttarakhand Health Department on Saturday said that no new positive COVID-19 case in the state for the third day in a row.

The total number of cases in the state remains at 35.

Meanwhile, the total number of COVID-19 positive cases stand at 7,529 including 6634 active cases, said Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday.

So far 652 people have been discharged from hospitals after they recovered while 242 deaths have been reported across the country and one person has migrated.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 10)  Four barangays in Baguio are now on lockdown after the city confirmed its first COVID-19 case in 13 days on Good Friday.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong announced that residents from Upper and Lower Dagsian, Hillside and Scout Barrio would only be allowed to leave their homes for essential travel.

A 46-year-old woman, who works as a street sweeper in Scout Barrio and resides in Barangay Dagsian, is Baguio Citys first COVID-19 patient after nearly two weeks.

Magalong said the patient first experienced symptoms on April 3 and was subjected to a rapid test on April 7. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test two days later confirmed the presence of the new coronavirus in the womans body.

The city said it is now tracing people who might have come in contact with the woman.

For almost two weeks, Baguio City had not recorded a new COVID-19 case, which Magalong attributed to transparency, mass testing, and effective contact tracing.

Baguio now has 15 cases of COVID-19, including one fatality. Nationwide, there are over 4,000 cases of the highly-contagious disease.
In his Good Friday reflection, Zambias Bishop of Monze Diocese, Moses Hamungole has said each time Christians refuse to do what is right, they deny and betray Jesus.

Paul Samasumo - Vatican City

Bishop Moses Hamungole invites the faithful to take time to discover the many ways in which Jesus is constantly betrayed and denied. He urges Christians to learn from Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the women who followed Jesus right up to the end on Calvary.

When officials fail to uphold the rule of law

When I reflect on the Passion of the Lord Jesus Christ, the roles and choices of Pilate and the people of Israel stand out. The Israelites knew fully well that Barabbas was a robber, but they chose to have Jesus condemned instead. Sometimes, it is very difficult to understand how legal systems operate, where we find the innocent are the ones who are condemned and the guilty acquitted. It also begs that question as to what has gone wrong with our Pilates -those entrusted with the noble responsibility of governing and judging fairly and justly. They certainly know what is right and how the law must be equally and justly applied without fear. Yet it is sad to see constitutional institutions of governance fail to guarantee confidence of ordinary citizens in the rule of law. We have seen officials fail and choose not to uphold the rule of law as they know they should. How very sad indeed, said Bishop Hamungole.

Evil triumphs when good people do nothing

Bishop Hamungole also wondered what has gone wrong with society when citizens choose to support false causes that go against Christian values. The Bishop cautioned against the tendency of looking the other way. There is no virtue in silence when ones voice can make a difference.

There are some of us who are like those who shouted: Not this man but Barabbas, Crucify him, Crucify him! How can we live with our consciences when we know that we are making the wrong choices? Sometimes we keep quiet, but in doing so, we perpetuate injustice. Yes, there are consequences to speaking up. This is not in any way to minimise the dangers associated with speaking up. We have heard it said: The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing," emphasised the Zambian prelate who is also Bishop Chair for the national Communications Commission.

Obey authorities to rid society of the coronavirus

Bishop Hamungole has urged Christians to cooperate with authorities as they fight the coronavirus pandemic because it is the right thing to do in these challenging times. Let us all take time to ponder on our personal commitment to uphold the rule of law in our communities. For example, how a choice such as staying at home can make a difference in the lives of many other people, depending on what we choose to do," he said.

He continued, "The issue of the choices that we make can also be applied to the current situation of the coronavirus pandemic. In Zambia and many other countries, governments have given guidelines which must be obeyed. When people flout these rules, they put others at risk. There is the possibility that by not obeying the regulations, other people could end up contracting the disease. Pilate and the Jews made choices that led to Jesus death on the Cross. Similarly, those not respecting the COVID-19 mandatory regulations risk perpetuating contagion or even the real possibility of others dying from the disease, because of inconsiderate behaviour, the Bishop said.

The women followed Jesus to Calvary

Put differently, Bishop Hamungole said Good Friday offers us an opportunity to interrogate our consciences, responsibilities and the everyday choices that stare us in the face.

As we reflect on the Lord Jesus Christ Passion, let us take time to acknowledge and confess our loud and silent denials of Him. We also confess our wrong choices and fears to stand up for what is right and just. Let us pray for the courage to be like the women: Jesus Mother and all the women who followed Jesus and stood by his Cross give us a good example. The women were with Jesus till the end even when they knew it was dangerous for them to do so. May we become witnesses of His death and resurrection.
Okay, thighs. Photo: Walt Disney Studios

Congrats, furries. Next on Disneys list of animated movies to re-create in some combination of live action and photo-realistic CGI is Robin Hood. Fresh out of Renaissance-era classics to pervert by adding unnecessary things like special effects, Disney will adapt its already-perverted 1973 film about a hot fox who doesnt let a lack of pants stop him from going on adventures. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Blindspotting director Carlos Lopez Estrada is attached to helm the project, which makes Daveed Diggs as hot fox Robin Hood a tantalizing possibility. The project is being written by Kari Granlund, who also wrote the 2019 Lady and the Tramp remake. Here is one crucial difference, though, between the two talking-animal projects: Lady and the Tramp is about dog-shaped dogs who do dog things. Robin Hood is about human-shaped foxes who do human things, and do them sexily.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, The new take is said to be a musical and will again feature the characters as anthropomorphic, this time in a live-action/CG hybrid format. This reaffirms what we already knew: Tom Hoopers 2019 CGI live-action musical Cats shifted the Overton window of what our human eyes can process, and this is our reality now. Sexy hybrid fox-people (and, oh my God, bear-people) singing Oo-De-Lally while cavorting in the forest, pantsless, with their tails flapping all over the place? Sure. We lived through Jennyanydots: The Old Gumbie Cat. Youre gonna have to do a lot better than that to faze us.

The movie will be a Disney+ feature rather than a cinematic release, if that distinction even means anything anymore. No word on whether or not the fox-people will have buttholes.
TWO brothers who are charged in connection with a significant drugs seizure have been granted legal aid after the State withdrew its objections.

Kieran Collopy, aged 40, who has an address at St Itas Street, St Marys Park and Brian Collopy, aged 43, of Kilonan, Ballysimon are each accused of possession of heroin, worth around 50,000 for the purpose of sale or supply.

Both men were arrested on December 15, last after gardai searched a house at St Itas Street, St Marys Park. Both were refused bail a number of days later after investigating gardai objected saying they feared they would flee the jurisdiction, if released.

Limerick District Court was told previously that Brian Collopy, who is in receipt of disability allowance, left the country on 11 separate occasions over the past year and, along with his brother, has access to an apartment in Benidorm in Spain.

Kieran Collopy, the court heard, travelled outside of Ireland five times during the same period.

While the defendants lodged bail applications in the High Court, they were withdrawn a short time before the scheduled hearing.

Yesterday, Sergeant Donal Cronin said the garda investigation into the matter is continuing and that directions are not yet available from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Solicitor John Herbert, representing each of the defendants who appeared before the court separately, said his clients were consenting to a two week adjournment of the case.

While Brian Collopy application for legal aid was approved in December, Sgt Cronin previously indicated the State had some concerns as a Statement of Means had not been submitted. Yesterday, he said there was no objection to the application.

It was also previously indicated that gardai would be objecting to Kieran Collopys application for legal aid but again, yesterday, Sgt Cronin indicated there was no objection.

After formally granting legal aid, Judge Marian OLeary back-dated the certificate to the date of their first court appearance on December 19.

Both men were remanded in custody and are due to appear before Limerick district court again on March 8, next.
By Express News Service

TUMAKURU: Lockdown or no, theres no stopping MLAs from celebrating their birthdays. Turuvekere BJP MLA Masale Jayaram held his birthday bash at a government primary school in Idaguru village of Gubbi taluk. His followers cut a cake and served biriyani for over 500 people.

Ironically, the MLA gave a talk on how to combat the spread of COVID-19 by staying indoors. The bash drew flak from both the public and political circles. It marked his 51st birthday and he should have observed it in a simple manner in these times, said JDS leader Narase Gowda. He had arranged non-vegetarian food for over 500 people, and social distancing was not maintained, a source informed TNIE.
Meghan Markle spent nearly two years as a royal, attending a variety of the familys biggest engagements. From Trooping the Colour to Christmas at Sandringham and Commonwealth Day, the Duchess of Sussex rarely skipped out on an important event. But there is one engagement that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has never attended, and it is one of Queen Elizabeths favorite yearly events.

Queen Elizabeth and Meghan Markle | Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Inside one of Queen Elizabeths favorite annual events

One of Queen Elizabeths favorite yearly event is Easter at Windsor Castle. All of the senior members of the royal family gather for the annual Easter Sunday service, which is usually held inside St. Georges Chapel, where Meghan Markle and Prince Harry tied the knot.

But before the service, Queen Elizabeth spends the entire weekend with her family and performs a few royal duties along the way. This includes passing out Maundy Money across the country to men and women who have contributed to the church and their individual communities.

Queen Elizabeth also hosts an Easter egg hunt at the palace. A bunch of children is invited to the event, including a few members of the royal family. In previous years, Kate Middleton and Prince Williams children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis have appeared at the event.

Her Majesty, of course, does not get involved in the hunt herself. She does, however, display some artful eggs the palace has in their holdings, some of which have been given to her by ambassadors around the world.

Meghan Markle skips this one event

Easter may be one of Queen Elizabeths favorite annual events, but Meghan has never attended the service at St. Georges Chapel. According to Hello Magazine, Prince Harry has appeared at the event several times, including a surprise showing in 2019.

Turns out, there is a good reason Meghan has never joined the royal family during Easter. In 2018, the Duchess of Sussex skipped the event because she was too busy preparing for her wedding.

Last year, Meghan Markle was pregnant with Archie Harrison and Easter was too close to her due date. She ended up giving birth on May 6, a few weeks after the Easter holiday.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the royal family has canceled their Easter plans. The United Kingdom is currently under lockdown and the royals will not resume their schedules until after the pandemic is under control.

Harry and Meghan, meanwhile, have started their new lives in Los Angeles. Their exit from the royal family became official on March 31, though that does not mean a future appearance at Easter is out of the question.

Will Meghan Markle ever attend Easter service with Queen Elizabeth?

Meghan and Harrys exit from the monarchy means they will no longer appear in public on behalf of the crown. The couples decision to split their time between North America and the UK will also lessen their public appearances throughout the year.

While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are no longer a part of the monarchy, they could appear at certain events with the royal family. Events like Easter, for example, often include non-active royals, such as Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Zara Tindall, and Peter Phillips.

Depending on how things go over the next year, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle might be open to appearing at events like Easter. This is especially true once Archie gets older and is able to participate in Easter egg hunts with other children his age.

For now, Harry and Meghan are currently hunkering down in LA and are reportedly looking to buy a home in Malibu. The Sussexes have not commented on their future plans except to say that they are focusing on helping people hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

As part of their exit, the couple will no longer use their royal titles and will be seeking to become financially independent from the crown. The details of Prince Harry and Meghan Markles departure will be re-examined after 12 months. At that time, the royals will make appropriate adjustments to the plan.
Gov. Gavin Newsom takes notes on a tour of Bloom Energy in Sunnyvale, which is refurbishing ventilators for coronavirus patients, as Chief Executive K.R. Sridhar looks on. (Associated Press)

With its nearly $1-billion deal to acquire 200 million respiratory and surgical masks a month, amid a nationwide shortage of the crucial protective gear for first-line healthcare workers, California has demonstrated what seems to be a unique capability to chart its own course in the coronavirus battle.

"We decided, enough's enough," Gov. Gavin Newsom told MSNBC host Rachel Maddow on Tuesday in announcing the deal, which has inspired admiration for its audacity as well as questions among lawmakers in Sacramento about transparency. "Let's use the purchasing power of the state of California as a nation-state."

Newsom's description of California as a "nation-state" was instructive, for it underscored the advantage of the state's size while hinting at its limitations.

One cannot be Pollyannish and understate the magnitude of impact to state coffers but also to local governments that were already stretched a few months ago.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom

It's true that California's economy is world-class in its sheer magnitude  its 2019 gross domestic product of $3.14 trillion would rank fifth in the world, ahead of Britain and France, were it an independent country. But because it's a state, California faces constraints on its ability to manage its own affairs that could turn into brick walls as the coronavirus crisis unfolds.

The state's healthcare policies, such as its wholehearted embrace of the Affordable Care Act, have given it tools to manage the immediate public health ramifications of the crisis better than many others.

Its proactive implementation of stay-at-home orders and other social distancing measures may have resulted in lower infection and death rates from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, than in states such as New York, where infections surfaced about the same time but action came later.

But there is only so much that a single state can do without assistance or cooperation from the federal government. The limitations are legal, administrative and financial. While California's fiscal resources are great, they're not unlimited.

Story continues

While the federal government can essentially print money to finance its programs, California must enact a balanced budget every year. And that requirement is almost certain to bite harder as tax revenues sink as a result of business shutdowns, soaring unemployment and the stock market slump.

"One cannot be Pollyannish and understate the magnitude of impact to state coffers but also to local governments that were already stretched a few months ago," Newsom told me. "It's not only the front-end revenue loss; it's the back end in increased responsibility to deepen and broaden the social safety net ... for those who have been most impacted, which is low-income [households]."

He said he has written to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) to emphasize the need for more stimulus help for states and localities from the federal treasury.

Newsom has the support of state trade leaders in that appeal. "State and local government is not going to have a dime left," says Robbie Hunter, president of the State Building and Construction Trades Council. "They're going to shut down public works construction, and we're going to have 2008 on steroids."

Newsom has avoided banning major construction projects, as some other states have done, in order to keep construction workers on the job and public works projects on track.

Pain from changes in the fiscal landscape will be especially acute in California because Newsom and the Legislature had laid out an ambitious expansion of help for low-income Californians, including broader eligibility for Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program, regardless of applicants' immigration status.

The state also expanded premium subsidies for enrollees in Affordable Care Act health plans through Covered California, its individual insurance exchange.

These expansions reflected the assumptions as recently as January that the state budget was flush, its economy on a roll and its budgetary rainy-day fund on pace to reach $21 billion by this summer.

All those expectations have had to be revised. The crisis could exhaust the budget surplus within months. The economic reversal, moreover, has underscored the structural flaws of a state tax system that minimizes property tax revenue (thanks to Proposition 13), leaving it dependent on income tax, especially from the wealthy.

"The reality is that we're in a state that's overly reliant on capital gains," Newsom says. As a result, the volatility of tax receipts "will be acute."

California is relatively well prepared to manage the public health ramifications of the coronavirus crisis.

"California is in a better place than other states because we were aggressive in implementing and improving on the Affordable Care Act," says Anthony Wright, executive director of the nonprofit advocacy group Health Access California. "We have the Medicaid expansion, we have set up our own exchange, we did things just in the year to expand Medi-Cal."

Still, the state can't achieve everything it wishes without the cooperation of the federal government, especially when it comes to Med-Cal, since as a version of Medicaid it's a joint state-federal program.

The state has applied for several waivers of Medicaid rules, which are permitted by law with government approval. Most are still pending, but the state recently won approval of one change that had become a bone of contention with the government.

That was a request for a tax on managed care organizations that was expected to provide $1.5 billion for Medi-Cal starting next year.

The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services rejected the application last year, raising concerns that the agency was acting on President Trump's oft-expressed disdain for California policies rather than on the merits. On April 3, however, the agency signed off on a revised request through fiscal 2022-23.

"That was a big, big boost for us," Newsom says. "I don't think that would have happened were we not in the throes of this crisis. We were ready for litigation." In the heat of the crisis, he says, the relationship between the state and the Trump administration "has improved substantially in the last few weeks," at least on healthcare, as the approval demonstrates.

California faces other challenges as one state among many rather than a sovereign. It has almost no ability to control its own borders, for example. That could pose a risk should the state's success in suppressing and mitigating COVID-19 infections not be matched in states that haven't acted to encourage social distancing as proactively.

"In California, given the responses in other states, one thing that's going to be an issue is whether you restrict people coming in from Utah, or Texas, or Florida or any other state that has a later spark in the virus, says Kevin Klowden, an expert on regional and California economics at the Milken Institute. Some states, including Florida, have dictated that travelers from "hot spot" states must self-quarantine for weeks after they cross the state line.

"California is a large state with a lot of different entry points," Klowden observes. "This is why you've got huge concerns in terms of the federal government relationship, because you have to be able to coordinate travel issues and make sure that if 70% of the country gets the virus under control but 30% doesn't, it doesn't come back."

Not all the pressure on California policy will come from outside the state. Battered by stay-at-home orders, the California Restaurant Assn., for instance, has already asked Newsom to defer scheduled increases in the state minimum wage, aimed at raising it from the current $13 per hour ($12 for employers of 25 workers or fewer) to $15 by 2022 or 2023.

"When the COVID-19 crisis passes, there will be scorched earth on the restaurant and employment landscape," the association said in a March 27 letter.

The proposal is sure to be opposed by labor representatives. "We're going to be playing defense against a lot of corporate lobbying issues," Steve Smith, a spokesman for the California Labor Federation, told me.

The real challenge for California will come when it tries to start reopening its economy. The phase depends on vastly expanding its testing capability for signs of coronavirus infection in the general population. Shortages of testing supplies, including swabs and chemical reagents for the tests, loom as obstacles to the process.

"We just have to scale that exponentially," Newsom says. "That remains an issue, especially if we talk about the next iteration, which is getting back to work: How do we go back to some semblance of normalcy?"
Thrissur: People wearing mask to take precaution against the Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outside a hospital in Thrissur, Kerala on Jan 31, 2020. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: PK

Thiruvananthapuram, April 10 : The Kerala government on Friday came out with an order which will enable all prisoners parole of up to 30 days. The prisoners include men above 60 years and women above 50 years, who are not sentenced in major crimes.

This is to ensure that there is no crowding in Kerala jails in the wake of coronavirus pandemic, the order said.

But this order will not be applicable to those prisoners who are sentenced to crimes such as TADA, POCSO, UAPA, NDPS and such crimes.

The order allows prisoners who are currently out on parole and their period has ended, but they are unable to return to the prisons due to non- availability of public transport, to return by April 30.

Pregnant women, those who have minor children and other prisoners who are under treatment will also get 30-day parole.

On March 30 the Kerala High Court granted parole till April 30 to all prisoners in the state who are either under trial or remand prisoners, provided they are sentenced to less than seven years' imprisonment.

According to reports, in the 54 jails in the state, there are 8,600 prisoners and this move could benefit around 2,500 prisoners.

The court had directed that all such prisoners who go on parole have to first report to their nearest police station and remain in their homes.

In case of any violation, the police can arrest such prisoners and put them back in jail.
Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2020 > Condemn the Supreme Courts denial of relief from arrest for Prof. Anand (...)

Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) demands the immediate release of all political prisoners!

April 8th 2020

On March 16th 2020, the Supreme Court of India rejected the anticipatory bail plea of civil rights activists, Prof. Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha, asking them to surrender by April 6th 2020. The review petition heard on April 8th 2020 cited the COVID-19 pandemic as reason to extend the period of reprieve from arrest by another seven weeks. Today, the petition has been rejected giving Prof. Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha one week to surrender before the Bombay High Court stating, we make it clear that there shall not be any further extension of time. This order disregards the COVID-19 pandemic and displays a lack of concern over the health of persons over 65 years of age and the over-crowding of prisons at a time of a global health crisis. The order shows how inconsiderate the courts are to the realities of the people of this country. Rejection of the bail plea and issuance of an order to surrender amidst a pandemic reiterates the nature of Indian judiciary as subservient to the interests of the Brahmanical Hindutva Fascist State. Both civil rights activists are charged under the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and various other sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for their alleged involvement in the violence at Bhima Koregaon, Maharashtra on January 1, 2018. Notably, neither were present at Bhima Koregaon on that date nor had any connection to the Bhima Koregaon Shaurya Din Prerna Abhiyan organised by the Elgaar Parishad.

Rejection of the bail plea by the Supreme Court and deployment of UAPA by the Maharashtra Police must be seen in concert with the general policy of the current regime, a policy tailored to suppress voices of dissent and any opposition to Brahmanical Hindutva Fascism. The targeting of academics, activists, journalists, lawyers, students and trade unionists following the Bhima Koregaon programme alongside the refusal to hold accountable the known perpetrators of the violence, Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote, reveals the agenda of the BJP-RSS and their lackeys in the Maharashtra Police and a compromised judiciary. The programme at Bhima Koregoan which marked a broad unity between Adivasis, Dalits, Muslims and other oppressed communities in Maharashtra posed a severe challenge to the RSS project of establishing a Hindu Rashtra. The Indian legal system with its array of extra-judicial and anti-people laws has been fully utilised to create a bogey of terror in the name of Bhima Koregaon and consistently arrest civil rights activists who have spoken out against the atrocities perpetrated by the State.

Prof. Anand Teltumbde is one such civil rights activist. A professor at the Goa Institute of Management, he is the General Secretary of the Committee for the Protection of Democratic Rights (CPDR) in Maharashtra and a prolific writer critical of anti-people policies. His work on the Brahmanical nature of the Indian State is internationally renowned. Likewise, Gautam Navlakha, a former editor of the Economic and Political Weekly, has written on topics ranging from Indian defence policy to Kashmir. His commentary on the contemporary political situation and his work in Peoples Union of Democratic Rights (PUDR) to highlight the exploitation of workers, violence faced by Adivasis and oppression of religious minorities, have brought to fore the deep fractures in Indian society. These sharp criticisms made by Prof. Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha have often attracted the ire of State.

Targeting of dissenting voices has been the tried and tested method of authoritarian governments everywhere. In the Bhima Koregaon case, it began with the arrests of trade unionists and workers at Reliance Energy Ltd. in January 2018. This was followed by raids of homes of several activists in April and then the arrests of Arun Ferreira, Mahesh Raut, Rona Wilson, Shoma Sen, Sudha Bhardwaj, Sudhir Dhawale, Surendra Gadling, Varavara Rao and Vernon Gonsalves in June and August 2018. In October 2019, following the defeat of the BJP in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Elections, the Bhima Koregaon case was suddenly transferred from the Maharashtra Police to the notorious National Investigation Agency (NIA). This action reeks of the malicious intentions of the BJP-led Central Government.

The incarceration of the nine activists is part of the relentless assault on the basic rights of civil rights activists and all voices of dissent. That these incarcerations continue despite the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic indicates that state repression will march onward irrespective of the circumstances. The attempt to arrest Prof. Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha must also be seen in this context. Today, the country is under a lockdown implemented without warning or preparation. This has left a vast majority of the people, notably those of strained economic means and the socially marginalised, facing the twin threats of infection and starvation. The States response to this is marked by apathy, callousness and inaction. At the same time, BJP led Central Government and its lackeys in the Maharashtra Police and NIA and a compromised judiciary have worked overtime to jail Prof. Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha and ensure that all political prisoners remain incarcerated. This can also be seen in the continued incarceration of Shoma Sen and Varavara Rao, both of whom are aged persons with severe physical ailments and consequently susceptible to infection from the COVID-19 virus. This is glaringly evident in the case of Dr. GN Saibaba, a professor of English from the University of Delhi with 90% physical disability, incarcerated since 2014. The rapidly deteriorating health of Dr. Saibaba is likely to exacerbate at a time when prisons are struggling to provide basic medical care and maintain physical distancing guidelines. These difficulties are magnified by the overfilling of prisons in India. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, Indian jails are significantly filled beyond capacity with prisons in Maharashtra being nearly 30% over the national average. Consequently, the chances of a COVID-19 infection are exponentially increased which can be a death sentence for persons like Dr. Saibaba. The surfeit of efforts involved in silencing voices of dissent when compared with the States paucity of action in combating COVID-19 and mitigating its impact on the people clearly indicates its priorities.

Furthermore, it is to be noted that during this crisis, the BJP led Central Government and State Governments have intensified their attack on others they consider a hindrance to the establishment of a Hindu Rashtra. The arrests of Dr. Kafeel Khan, arrest of Meeran Haider, a student activist from Jamia Millia Islamia, re-arrest of Akhil Gogoi, and the continued incarceration of Sharjeel Imam and Khalid Saifi among many others on fabricated charges and under draconian laws is a clear sign of the undemocratic, vengeful character of the Brahmanical Hindutva Fascist state. While the anti-CAA protests displayed a vibrant culture of protest inviting unity of people across class, caste, community and culture, the crackdown faced by the protests revealed an unabashedly saffron tint in the police, administration and judiciary. This was felt acutely in the communally charged violence in Delhi in February 2020 which has left thousands homeless who now face the lockdown without food or shelter.

The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) calls on all democratic organisations and individuals to come together and condemn the denial of relief for Prof. Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha, stand in solidarity with all such voices of democracy and demand the immediate release of all political prisoners. Our unity at this time of crisis is all the more urgent and necessary for our silence in the time of injustice is bound to render us voiceless in the days to come. Let us unite and demand

1. Immediate reprieve from arrest of Prof. Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha.

2. Immediate release of all political prisoners lodged in jails all over the country, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. Immediate release of all under-trial prisoners and persons convicted on minor charges to decongest prisons.

4. Action (with restraint in light of COVID-19) against the perpetrators of violence in the Bhima Koregaon case including Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote.

5. Repeal of all draconian laws like UAPA, NSA and PSA, among others.

Campaign Against State Repression

(Organising Team: AISA, AISF, APCR, BASO, Bhim Army, Bigul Mazdoor Dasta, BSCEM, CEM, CRPP, CTF, Disha, DISSC, DSU, DTF, IAPL, IMK, Karnataka Janashakti, KYS, Lokpaksh, LSI, Mazdoor Adhikar Sangathan, Mazdoor Patrika, Mehnatkash Mahila Sangathan, Morcha Patrika, NAPM, NBS, NCHRO, Nowruz, NTUI, Peoples Watch, Rihai Manch, Samajwadi Janparishad, Satyashodak Sangh, SFI, United Against Hate, WSS)
Russian forces attacked the Nikopol near the Kerch Strait before seizing the armored artillery boat and capturing the crew on November 25, 2018.

Mykolaiv-based Shipyard repaired and restored combat efficiency of the Ukrainian Navy's Nikopol and Vyshgorod armored artillery boats.

That's according to Defense Express.

On the Nikopol boat, restoration of electrical systems and equipment is still underway after it has been put back in water. All works are scheduled to be completed before the end of the month.

At the same time, repairs at the Vyshgorod boat have been completed ahead of schedule.

Read alsoExpert explains capabilities of Mark VI gunboats U.S. could give Ukraine

On both boats, repairs covered the outer skin of the underwater part, screw steering complexes, tread protection, hull reinforcement, etc.

UNIAN memo. On the morning of November 25, 2018, Russia blocked the passage to the Kerch Strait for the Ukrainian tugboat Yany Kapu and two armored naval boats Berdyansk and Nikopol, which were on a scheduled re-deployment from the Black Sea port of Odesa to the Azov Sea port of Mariupol.

All 24 crew members on board were captured and charged with "illegal border crossing" under Part 3 of Article 322 of the Criminal Code of Russia (imprisonment for up to six years). Later the Ukrainian sailors were freed and returned to Ukraine in a major prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia on September 7, 2019.

Read alsoSpy channel uncovered between Ukraine's naval officer, Russia's FSB  media

The ITLOS on May 25 ordered Russia to immediately release the three vessels and return them under Ukrainian control.

In November 2019, Russia handed the boats back to Ukraine.
Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy on Saturday said the chief ministers of various states sought a financial package from the Centre as they were facing a fund crunch in the absence of any economic activity due to the ongoing lockdown.

He said the chief ministers, during a video-conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also called for an extension of the 21-day nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus.

The prime minister agreed, saying the country should exercise caution as regards lifting the lockdown while adding that going by the current situation, continuation of the restrictions is a must, the Congress leader said.

He added that the chief ministers pointed towards the slowdown in the economy and told the prime minister that as the states are not generating any revenue due to the lockdown, they are not equipped to handle the situation.

They urged the Centre for financial assistance, Narayanasamy said, adding that most of the chief ministers also raised the issue of migrant labourers and poor people losing their livelihood, and sought steps from the Union government to help them.

"The states are facing a fund crunch and the chief ministers urged the prime minister for a package for all the states and moratorium on debts, but the latter did not say anything on this in his reply," Narayanasamy told a press conference through a video link.

He said the chief ministers of Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal requested Modi for compensating the states in the form of a package as industrial units were shut and there was no money with the state governments to manage their day-to-day affairs.

The Puducherry chief minister also said his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee raised the issue of governors and lieutenant governors (LGs) interfering with the functioning of the state governments and urged the prime minister to "control them".

"The West Bengal chief minister specifically said that during this period of crisis, governors and LGs are playing and trying to interfere in the administration and functioning of the states. She told the prime minister to control the governors and LGs, who should not interfere in the day-to-day functioning of the state governments," he said, adding that Modi did not say anything on this either in his reply.

The chief ministers sought a package for migrant labourers as well as for those working in the farm and construction sectors, Narayanasamy said.

They also urged the Centre for relaxations in the FRBM (Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management) norms from the current three per cent to five per cent, he added.

FRBM deals with the fiscal prudence to be maintained in accordance with the FRBM Act.

In his response to the chief ministers, the prime minister said agricultural activity should continue, Narayanasamy said, adding that he suggested that farm produce be picked up from the fields instead of it being brought to the "mandi" (wholesale market).

Modi also said guidelines would be issued by the Centre for the construction industry to restart in a graded manner, the Congress leader said.

He added that the prime minister said the government proposes to segregate the construction industry into "Green", "Orange" and "Red" zones and will tell the states on how activity can be restarted in this sector in a graded manner.

Asked if Modi gave any assurance to the chief ministers on their demands, Narayanasamy said, "You know our prime minister. Even in Parliament, he does not reply to the MPs and similarly, he did not reply to the chief ministers either."



He said Puducherry has been far more successful compared to other states and Union territories in containing the spread of coronavirus as there are only seven positive cases in the UT.

The Congress leader said he had sought a package of Rs 300 crore from the Centre for Puducherry.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
SOCAR Energy Ukraine, the Ukrainian subsidiary of the Azerbaijani state oil company SOCAR, and Gaztrim Trading House LLC offered the lowest prices in the tender held by Ukrainian Ministry of Defense for the supply of 10,200 tons of diesel fuel on April 6, the Ukrainian website on public procurements reported.

SOCAR became the winner by offering a price of 21,650 hryvnias ($799) per ton in the first lot, which envisaged the purchase of 4,700 tons of Arctic diesel. At the same time, OKKO Contract private enterprise was the only competitor of SOCAR Energy Ukraine, which offered the same price.

Gaztrim Trading House LLC and SOCAR Energy Ukraine which offered the prices of 18,100 hryvnias ($667.99) per ton and 18,708 hryvnias ($685.77) per ton respectively, became winners in the second and third lots for 2,500 tons and 3,000 tons of diesel fuel (summer brand).

According to A-95 Consulting Group, the country's average diesel price was 17,700 hryvnias ($648.84) per ton on FCA terms on April 6.

Meanwhile, taking into account the premium for the quality of the Arctic oil brand in the amount of $50 per ton, the current market price of the fuel grade purchased by the Defense Ministry is about 19,070 hryvnias ($699.06) per ton.

The Ministry of Defense buys diesel fuel on DDP terms (Delivered Duty Paid), as well as with a delay of payment for 30 days.

In total, five companies took part in the tender of the Ministry of Defense, among which, besides the winners, were OKKO Contract, Glusko Ukraine and Fidea Firm LLC.

SOCARs representative office opened in Ukraine in 2008.

The company acquired about 20 Tala-Nafta filling stations in Odessa and Nikolaev regions, as well as Svitanok large oil depot in Odessa region in 2009.

The company took control of the fuelling networks ONIO (four filling stations in Kyiv and the region) and GFC (in Lviv region) in 2010-2011. SOCAR received permission from the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine to purchase 26 filling stations and one tank farm of the Kalina group in August 2012.

The company operates 60 filling stations in Ukraine, as well as two Baku-1 oil bunkers in Kyiv and Ganja in Odessa.

The company has also been engaged in the trade of natural gas in Ukraine since late 2016.

(1 USD = 0.0369 UAH on April 9)
New Delhi: Minor stone pelting on cops was reported from the Panigate area of Gujarat's Vadodara on Friday (April 10) after locals objected to blocking the entry and exit gates of their lane by the police under the lockdown.

According to reports, a mob pelted stones at the police team while they were placing barricades to seal the entry and exit gates at Panigate area. A team of police force has been deployed in the area following the incident. A Rapid Action Force has also been deployed in the entire area.

At least 18 accused have been booked by the police in connection with the incident, out of which 11 have been arrested while a search is underway to nab the eight others.

Gujarat so far has seen 432 cases of COVID-19, with 19 deaths occuring due to deadly virus. 34 people have also been cured and discharged of the disease in the state.

According to the Health Ministry, the total number of cases in India has risen to 7447 including 6565 active cases, 643 cured/discharged/migrated and 239 deaths as of Saturday.

Meanwhile, the total number of cases across 184 nations reached 1,650,210 and the death toll stood at 100,376 at 11.45 pm (IST) on Friday, according to Johns Hopkins University`s Coronavirus Resource Centre.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 11

Trend:



Transport monitoring will be switched to digital mode in Turkmenistan, Trend reports with reference to Zolotoy Vek (Golden Age) newspaper.



Turkmenawtoulaglary Agency plans to switch to digital monitoring of transport arriving from abroad and providing transport services both on the territory of Turkmenistan and on international routes.



Deputy Prime Minister Bayramgeldi Ovezov informed the president of Turkmenistan about this on April 10, 2020. Transports will be tracked using GPS and necessary software.



The project will be implemented in stages. At the first stage, it is planned to install tracking systems on various transport types within Turkmenistan. This will help to control the movement and issue electronic permits to cross borders. The trucks will have tracking systems installed on them at the second stage, and those vehicles engaged in international transport - at the third stage.



A road transport electronic map will also be created. According to the plan, the project will be implemented until October 1, 2020.



Earlier at the session of the Parliament of Turkmenistan, the head of state noted the need to have electronic format further integrated into the country's various fields.
Kangana Ranauts sister Rangoli Chandel has shared an adorable memory from the actors childhood when she took part in a school play. The picture shows Kangana decked up in a red sari with a pallu on her head.

Sharing Kanganas childhood picture on Twitter, Rangoli wrote, Ramayana being on air here sharing a picture of Kangana from school Ramayana play, make up costume direction by Kangana, she was hardly 13 years old used to get lot of scolding from papa for dressing up like this but she never cared. The photograph features Kangana, probably dressed as Sita in a red sari and a mangtika, and gesturing her hand as if blessing her followers. She is seen with her other friends, one of them dressed up as Hanuman and another girl in a saints attire.

Ramayana being on air here sharing a picture of Kangana from school Ramayana play, make up costume direction by Kangana, she was hardly 13 years old used to get lot of scolding from papa for dressing up like this but she never cared  pic.twitter.com/fmtyfqJO4Z  Rangoli Chandel (@Rangoli_A) April 11, 2020

Kanganas fans loved her look as Sita and showered her with praise. One wrote, Star from the childhood. Another wrote, Areeee ye to super cute Sita Maa Hain. One even asked, Beautiful Maata Seeta Smiling face with halo. Will we see her as Seeta Ma on big screen?

A few even guessed who was the kid dressed up as Hanuman. A fan wrote, So, behind the Hanumaan jis mask, I guess it must be you because that is what you are to Kangna I think! Sankat mochak! To him, Rangoli replied, Ha ha no no I was much older thats her friend Parul.

Also read: Sonam Kapoor bakes cake for family in Delhi, her mother-in-laws reaction will melt your heart

Kangana and Rangoli are very close and often stand up for each other against trolls on social media. Kangana had once opened up about how she dealt with Rangolis acid-attack incident. She told Mumbai Mirror in an interview, I was just 19, on the threshold of a bright career, when the attack happened and it was a long, hard struggle to deal with this kind of perverse, sexist cruelty. Financially too, I was not strong back then. Girls around me would feel depressed by a bad hair day or because a meal was not to their liking. I was grappling with something far more real and yet had no time to sit and cry. I did tacky films, took on roles I did not deserve, accepted guest appearances, so my sister could be treated by the best surgeon in India. It took 54 surgeries.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
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Then the Spanish American War happened, and America came out the victor, showing it could stand against a European power. So the plan was altered. Now it involved a cross Atlantic amphibious invasion. Bill 16 does go into detail about imposing a carbon tax, which is an essential step in preventing runaway climate chaos. The point of a carbon tax is to tax polluters so they change their ways and incentivizes change over time by making it more costly to pollute. Unfortunately, as we stated in the past, the government is not going to charge the major emitters for their current operations and will not be progressively increasing the carbon tax.

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The government reported 30 new COVID-19 infections Saturday, bringing the nation's total cases to 10,480.







South Korea has now recorded 50 or fewer new cases daily for six straight days, a sharp drop from the Feb. 29 peak of 909, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). But the health authorities remain on high alert over infection clusters at churches and hospitals, as well as new cases coming from overseas







The KCDC reported that the country's death toll from the new coronavirus, which emerged in China late last year, rose by three to 211.







The number of patients released from quarantine after a full recovery has reached 7,243, up 126 from a day earlier.







The southeastern city of Daegu, the nation's worst virus-hit region, added seven new cases, just a day after the city reported no additional cases for the first time in 52 days. The surrounding North Gyeongsang Province reported three new infrctions.







The total number of cases reported in Daegu and the surrounding North Gyeongsang Province has reached 6,814 and 1,330, respectively.







Other major provinces and cities also reported new infections, with Seoul and the surrounding Gyeonggi Province each adding four and nine.







The country also saw six new cases coming from overseas at border checkpoints, raising the country's total number of imported cases to 886.







Since April 1, South Korea has been enforcing a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for all travelers coming from overseas to better contain imported cases.







Seeking to reduce the daily number of new infections to below 50, the government has extended strict guidelines on social distancing by two weeks to April 19. (Yonhap)


The Regional Executives of the New Patriotic Party has assured the people of the Eastern Region and Ghanaians of the government's continuous support to the development of the country despite the outbreak of COVID-19.

Regional Communication Director, David Prah, in a statement to wish Ghanaians Happy Easter celebration indicated that, the death of Christ Jesus symbolizes the love and favour of God for humanity.

According to him, is the commitment of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addos led NPP Government that will continue to provide the numerous social intervention programmes such as Free SHS, Planting for food and jobs, One District One Factory, One Village One Dam, Restoration of the Teacher and Nursing Trainees Allowances, Planting for Export and Rural Development, Payment of Health Insurance Debts, numerous road projects across the country, among others for the benefit of the Ghanaian people.

he Regional Executives of the New Patriotic Party admonish the people of Eastern Region and Ghanaians at large to continue to observe the hygiene protocols outlined by the Government such as frequent handwashing with soap under running water, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, cover your mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing, observe Social Distancing and most importantly STAY AT HOME, etc. to prevent getting infected by the deadly Coronavirus (COVID-19) the statement added.

Read the full statement here:

WISHING YOU GODS BLESSINGS AND A HAPPY GOOD FRIDAY

On behalf of the President of the Republic of Ghana, H. E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Eastern Regional Chairman Hon. Kiston Akomeng Kissi, Regional Executives and the entire Membership of the New Patriotic Party, we wish the good people of Eastern Region and the entire country Gods Blessings and a Happy Good Friday.

The Death of Christ Jesus symbolizes the love and favour of God for Humanity. It is on the basis of these that the Eastern Regional Executives of the ruling New Patriotic Party extend our appreciation to the good people of Eastern Region for their continuous support and commitment to the Government of H. E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

It is the commitment of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addos led NPP Government that will continue to provide the numerous social intervention programmes such as Free SHS, Planting for food and jobs, One District One Factory, One Village One Dam, Restoration of the Teacher and Nursing Trainees Allowances, Planting for Export and Rural Development, Payment of Health Insurance Debts, numerous road projects across the country, among others for the benefit of the Ghanaian people. These will go a long way to lessen the burden and promote the development of the people of the Eastern Region and Ghana as a whole.

As we mark today as the Good Friday, let us reflect on the sacrifices made by Christ Jesus and emulate his examples to serve humankind.

The Regional Executives of the New Patriotic Party admonish the people of Eastern Region and Ghanaians at large to continue to observe the hygiene protocols outlined by the Government such as frequent handwashing with soap under running water, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, cover your mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing, observe Social Distancing and most importantly STAY AT HOME, etc. to prevent getting infected by the deadly Coronavirus (COVID-19).

As it has been stated by the President, H. E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the NPP Government knows how to bring the economy back on track per our records in economic management so far but what we do not know is how to bring back lives lost due to this COVID-19 back to life.

Let us all stay safe and stay healthy.

Once again, the New Patriotic Party wishes the people of the Eastern Region and the entire country a Happy Good Friday and Happy Easter.

David Prah

Eastern Regional Communications Director, NPP.
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post)  Sat, April 11 2020

As Christians prepare for one of their most celebrated holidays, Easter, which falls this Sunday, they may also have their hopes and patience tested. This year, with the COVID-19 outbreak ravaging the country, they will be restricted to their homes instead of celebrating the occasion at church and with their extended families.

Many have never before experienced Lent  marked by fasting or some form of abstinence to replicate Jesus Christs sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert before he began his prophetic trajectory  without weekly gatherings for Bible readings and reflection and Sunday Mass in church.

With the Holy Week, including Good Friday and incoming Easter, celebrated in seclusion, the grandiosity of rituals to remember the divine salvation of humankind this year is sorely missed.

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Florence police are searching for a suspect who shot two people, seriously injuring one of them, early Friday morning.

Police responded to a shots fired call near West Mobile Street around 2:30 a.m. Friday, according to Florence police Capt. Brad Holmes. When officers searched the area, they found a black male in the 200 block of Perry Street with a gunshot wound to the head.

That victim, who was in his 20s, was airlifted to Huntsville Hospital for treatment and is listed in critical condition, Holmes said.

While EMS were attending to the victim, police found another man who was shot in the hand. The second victim, also a male in his 20s, was treated at North Alabama Medical Center.

Both victims names were not released because the investigation is still very active, according to the captain.

Investigators determined that the victims were shot by a third person who has yet to be identified, Holmes said.

While a motive has yet to be determined, the crime scene is familiar to our agency, Holmes said, noting that there were previous numerous complaints in the 200 block of Perry Street. Investigators believe there was a gathering at that location before the shooting.

Anyone with information on the double shooting was asked to call Florence police at 256-768-2727.
Those returning from the occupied territories will be put under 14-day observation as part of anti-coronavirus measures.

Minister for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories Oleksiy Reznikov has elaborated on the upcoming stage of exchange of held persons in Donbas set to be held before Orthodox Easter.

Once again, the lists of persons drawn for the exchange lack political prisoners detained in the Russian-occupied Crimea, TSN quotes Reznikov as saying.

At the same time, the minister notes, the Ukrainian government is not giving up on attempts to implement the "all for all" format.

Prisoners illegally held in the occupied areas of Donbas will have to spend another two weeks under observation in designated locations once they are handed over to the Ukrainian authorities. The measure is part of anti-coronavirus efforts being made by Ukrainian authorities.

Those released from illegal captivity will be provided with all necessities, including medical treatment, and means for communication with their families.

Read alsoNext prisoner swap in Donbas to be held before Easter, Zelensky's Office says

However, the lists for the exchange have not been finalized so far, says Reznikov.

The OSCE is awaiting from Russia confirmation of the date, number, and names.

"On Wednesday, during a meeting of the Trilateral Contact Froup, a fundamental agreement was reached. Lists were discussed, names were named. But final confirmation will be possible once there's confirmation from the other side," Reznikov said.

As UNIAN reported earlier citing the President's Office, another stage of prisoner exchange was scheduled to be held before Easter holidays as a result of the TCG meeting held via video link.

Later, information on the preparation of the exchange was confirmed by Russian-controlled forces in Donbas.
As the effects of the coronavirus epidemic began to roll across Canada, the financial pressures facing its provinces begin to mount. Newfoundland and Labrador was the first to tiptoe the edge of the fiscal precipice, but indications are that other provinces may not be far behind.

Last month Dwight Ball, premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, wrote an alarming letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau  the province was in dire financial straits.

The anticipated impact of COVID-19, the January snowstorm and resulting State of Emergency, and the collapse of oil prices on the Newfoundland and Labrador economy in 2020 will be unprecedented, wrote Ball on March 20.

As expressed to Minister Morneau and to Deputy Prime Minister Freeland, our Province has run out of time

The federal government responded with a package for all the provinces that took the pressure off Newfoundland  for the time being.

In fact, however, Balls letter to Trudeau might have been a warning to all provinces, especially the other three Atlantic Provinces. They all have older and aging populations, as well as economies that lean heavily on natural resources.

Newfoundland finds itself in a unique situation. A long-term bet on its oil industry paid off at first, with the province making  and spending  money hand over fist, and gradually moving away from being a have-not province to a have.

In 2018, Newfoundland produced 84 million barrels of oil, or five per cent of Canadas total. And while that figure is dwarfed by Alberta  which produces 80 per cent of Canadas oil  and Saskatchewan  which produces 10 per cent  it represented 18 per cent of Newfoundlands total provincially sourced revenue.

They bet big on oil prices going up and staying up, said Lars Osberg, a professor of economics at Dalhousie University. They certainly werent the only ones. An awful lot of money got invested in oilsands based on the same assumption.

To be fair, it seemed like a safe bet at the time. In 2011, an International Monetary Fund report projected oil prices steadily rising to north of $160 (U.S.)/barrel in 2020, with a projected lower 95 per cent confidence limit at $120.

If you were thinking you were going to make $200,000 a year this year and $500,000 the year after that, what would you do? Youd probably go out and buy a new car, wouldnt you? said Osberg.

But in 2015, a drastic drop in oil prices driven by a supply glut caused a fiscal crisis in Newfoundland. $1.5 billion in oil revenue suddenly became $500 million as oil prices dropped to almost half of what the province had projected.

Over the next five years, the province pushed its way back from the fiscal precipice, to the point where in the 2019-20 budget Finance Minister Tom Osborne was projecting a $1.9 billion surplus.

That was before Russia and Saudi Arabia began an oil price war in early March, however, triggering a massive drop in oil prices to around the $30 (U.S.)/barrel mark.

At the same time, the global economic reaction to the coronavirus pandemic meant that the demand for the provinces other natural resources  especially its fisheries and timber products  dropped drastically.

A massive snowstorm in January caused the province to declare a state of emergency, essentially shutting much of it down for two weeks. Financially, it was still digging itself out from that burden as well.

In addition, an aging population put more stress on the health-care sector, especially when the province tried to project the increased costs of dealing with the coronavirus epidemic.

It was, as they say, a perfect storm. And it lead to Ball writing that unusual letter to Trudeau.

I have personally never seen anything like this, said Lori Turnbull, Director of the School of Public Administration at Dalhousie University in Halifax. Shes been a professor there for 15 years, and watching politics for a lot longer than that.

I think the publicity of the ask is important to note because federal-provincial negotiations on money go on all the time. And we dont necessarily see all of it. We dont see most of it, said Turnbull.

But when you see a  premier writing publicly to the prime minister saying, Were broke. How that would feel for a Newfoundlander? It would be so difficult to see that ask. It has a desperation and a last resort-ishness about it.

In fact, said Turnbull, from a political standpoint, the letter was a bold move, one that would normally carry a political price  were it not for the fact that Ball had already announced in February that he was stepping down from his position.

The federal government stepped in with a package; A commitment to buy short-term bonds from the provinces. That in turn gave Newfoundland and Labrador  and other provinces having trouble selling bonds  the means to borrow from lenders whose confidence had been somewhat restored. And that meant, for the time being, those provinces have some breathing room.

People will be paid. Contracts will be met. Were in a position to borrow to keep our economy going, said Ball on April 2, shortly after news of the package and his letter became public.

He had recently secured from his legislature permission to borrow some $2 billion. That represents fully a quarter of Newfoundland and Labradors $8 billion budget.

In the current coronavirus climate, however, its difficult to tell how long that $2 billion will last.

Newfoundlands biggest expenses are health care and paying off the interest on its debts.

Its biggest income is from taxation and natural resources, which include oil revenues and its fisheries and timber products. Those oil revenues have now dropped by 66 per cent, and the loss of revenue from fisheries, timber products and other natural resources while not fully defined as yet, will be significant.

At the same time, the provinces health care costs are going to rise significantly and stay higher than normal for an undetermined period of time.

We still dont know the full implications of COVID or what our expenses will be as a result of COVID, said Newfoundland Finance Minister Tom Osborne.

We dont know the full implications of the drop in oil prices, when oil will rebound, or to what level it will rebound, And we dont know the implications for the economy and (for) everything from business, to payroll, to income, to consumable taxes, gas taxes. Everything right now is very unpredictable.

The larger question is: If Newfoundland and Labrador came within a hairs breadth of not being able to pay their debts, and with the coronavirus epidemic continuing to contribute to financial uncertainty, could the same thing happen to other provinces?

Economist Jack Mintz thinks its possible. Hes the Presidents Fellow at the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary.

Newfoundlands oil industry notwithstanding, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island face many of the same challenges. Theyre all carrying significant debt. Their economies are largely natural resource-based. And they each have older and aging populations, which will challenge their health-care sectors financially and for an indeterminate period of time as the coronavirus epidemic continues.

Alberta, on the other hand, hit as hard by the oil price collapse as Newfoundland, is carrying the lowest debt-per-capita ratio of any province in the country, and is still managing to sell bonds, said Mintz.

Some provinces are (in better shape) than others  like B.C. and Alberta, said Mintz. Quebec has relatively high debt, but theyve been running surpluses going into this. (They have) better debt controls so they may be OK.

Ontario is a big province; theyre probably all right. Saskatchewan also has a fairly good balance sheet, so theyre probably OK. But the Maritime provinces do have a debt problem that will have to be watched. They may be getting some difficulty trying to finance their deficits and they might need additional help from the federal government.

But that is all based on medium-term projections. The longer the country stays in what Mintz calls a medically induced coma for the economy the more difficult it will be for provinces to rebound.

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He holds her to the ground and, as she struggles and tries to choke him, violently kisses her. Eventually her protests peter out and she submits to his manhandling. They sink into the hay. The soundtrack strikes up a brassy flourish. Fade to black.

Such was the manner in which James Bond (Sean Connery) and Pussy Galore (Honor Blackman) consummated their 'flirtation' in the 1964 007 classic Goldfinger.

Watched today, the scene plays out as a sexual assault. "There now let's both play," Bond jokes as he wrenches Galore to the floor. But in the 1960s, nobody thought twice of a dashing super-spy wrestling a reluctant love interest into submission.

It's fair to say we've travelled a long way since James Bond could get the girl whether the girl wanted it or not. So it's been strange to reflect on Pussy Galore and her legacy this week following the death of Blackman at age 94.





"Who are you?" Bond had wondered when first clapping eyes on Blackman's character. "My name is Pussy Galore," she responds. Connery smirks. "I must be dreaming."

And with that, Pussy Galore took her place among the most memorable Bond girls. Blackman was 39 at the time: old age in Bond girl years. Yet she was very much Connery's match on screen, even as Galore made clear her lack of interest in Bond romantically.

It was heavily implied that she was lesbian. This being the 1960s, it wasn't spelled out, of course. And clearly her sexuality was malleable. All Bond had to do was assault her in a barn and she melted in his arms.

Blackman herself seemed unsure of her feelings about Bond. She got the humour that was part of 007. And she regarded her most famous character's name as a bit of a jape.

"Tongue in cheek, isn't it?" she said of Pussy. "If you're so po-faced that you had to take that seriously, well, bad luck."

However, she didn't see herself as a pin-up and did not accept that Pussy was just another disposable love interest draped around Bond. "I hate being referred to as a Bond girl simply because Pussy Galore was a great character," she said in 2004. "It wouldn't have mattered what she was in."

Still, though she was by far the most interesting thing about Goldfinger - and effortlessly outshone the smarmy Connery - it's fair to say Blackman's character wouldn't fly today. The world has changed, and with it the Bond girl.

The forthcoming 25th Bond movie, No Time to Die, has been pushed back because of coronavirus. So it's too soon to say how new 007 director, Cary Joji Fukunaga, will deal the most problematic of the franchise's traditions.

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We do know Bond 25 will pit Daniel Craig's super-spy against formidable licensed-to-kill agent Nomi, portrayed by Lashana Lynch. The actress has expressed the hope Nomi will be a role model for young girls - not something that could be historically said of many female protagonists in Bond movies.

She wants Nomi to be "embraced by many women, many black women, many young girls, being hopefully some kind of shining light, a little bit of inspiration for people that have never seen something like that before... We're just moving the needle more and more".

No Time to Die will welcome a second female heroine in CIA operative Palomo (Ana de Armas). Described as a "Cuban agent", she wasn't in the original script. Palomo was added by Fleabag's Phoebe Waller-Bridge, bought in to give the film a more contemporary gloss (and also presumably to make Bond funnier and less rampantly sexist).

"There's been a lot of talk about whether or not (the Bond franchise) is relevant now because of who he is and the way he treats women," Waller-Bridge said when her participation was announced. "I think that's b****cks. I think he's absolutely relevant now."

"It has just got to grow," she continued. "It has just got to evolve, and the important thing is that the film treats the women properly. He doesn't have to. He needs to be true to this character."

"You could tell that Phoebe was in there," said De Armas of her character in a recent Vanity Fair interview.

"There was that humour and spikiness so specific to her. My character feels like a real woman. But you know, we can evolve and grow and incorporate reality, but Bond is a fantasy. In the end, you can't take things out of where they live."

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The Bond girl has in fact been evolving for quite some time. In 1983, Maud Adams' Octopussy was the first Bond girl to have a 007 movie named after her. She was an imposing matriarch with a collection of killer molluscs (she also slept with Bond).

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In 1999's The World is Not Enough, Pierce Brosnan squared off with Denise Richards' headstrong nuclear physicist Dr Christmas Jones (who also slept with him). Even in the 1970s, with feminism going mainstream, Bond had to sit up and take notice. In 1977's The Spy Who Loved Me, Bond faced a worthy adversary in Barbara Bach's Major Anya 'Triple X' Amasova (reader, she slept with him).

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Depressingly, however, even these relatively forward-facing Bond girls were obliged to follow the franchise's formula.

In 1967, You Only Live Twice screenwriter, Roald Dahl, set down the blueprint for Bond love interests. Until recently, it has been followed rigorously.

"You use three different girls and Bond has them all. No more and no less," he wrote.

"Girl number one is violently pro-Bond. She stays around roughly the first reel of the picture. Then, she is bumped off by the enemy, preferably in Bond's arms."

Girl number two, he continued, is "anti-Bond". "She works for the enemy and stays around for the middle third of the picture. She must capture Bond, and Bond must save himself by bowling her over with sheer sexual magnetism.

"This girl should also be bumped off, preferably in an original fashion."

Which brought us to Bond girl number three. "She occupies the final third of the picture, and she must on no account be killed. Nor must she permit Bond to take any lecherous liberties with her until the very end of the story. We'll keep that for the fade-out."

Things had become more sophisticated by the time Craig took over the role in 2006. He had a great love in Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale (the relationship grew slightly complicated as it emerged she was a double agent).

This was gutsy as it showed us Bond as a vulnerable, flesh-and-blood human being. Of course, even here, the series stumbled into the historical problem that female characters in Bond movies exist simply as glorified plot devices.

Though portrayed with impressive intensity by Eva Green, Lynd was just another prop with which Bond could interact.

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As was Monica Bellucci's Lucia Sciarra in 2015's Spectre, no matter that Bellucci was the oldest Bond girl at age 51.

The series, it is true, had progressed a considerable distance from Sean Connery wrestling Honor Blackman to the floor. But to give us a fully modern Bond girl, Fukunaga and Waller-Bridge will have to go further still.

One sign of the changing climate is Craig's recently admission that he avoids, wherever possible, using the term 'Bond girl'.

"I don't even call them Bond girls," he told Vanity Fair. "I'm not going to deny it to anybody else. It's just I can't have a sensible conversation with somebody if we're talking about 'Bond girls'."
 Flash

As some of the European countries hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic are starting to see signs of slowing in infections, the World Health Organization (WHO) sounded a stern warning on Friday against lifting restrictions too soon, saying it could lead to a deadly resurgence of COVID-19.

"In the past week, we've seen a welcome slowing in some of the hardest-hit countries in Europe, like Spain, Italy, Germany and France," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a regular press briefing.

As "some countries are already planning the transition out of stay-at-home restrictions," the WHO chief warned that "lifting restrictions too quickly could lead to a deadly resurgence."

"The way down can be as dangerous as the way up if not managed properly," he said, underlining that the WHO is working with affected countries on strategies for gradually and safely easing restrictions.

"Pale ray of sunshine"

The novel coronavirus has claimed 13,197 lives in France. But the country is witnessing a decline in the number of critically-ill patients on Friday for a second consecutive day, a "pale ray of sunshine," according to Director General of Health Jerome Salomon.

In Spain, where the total number of infection cases has reached 157,022, and death toll stood at 15,843, the single-day numbers of new cases and related deaths dropped on Friday for the second day in a row, according to the data collected by the Spanish Ministry for Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Welfare.

Italy is also witnessing a drop in those hospitalized and those in intensive care, as total fatalities in the country amounted to 18,849 by Friday.

Nonetheless, Italy remains one of the countries hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic, with nearly 150,000 infections. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Friday extended the country's national coronavirus lockdown by "at least" additional 20 days to May 3.

Some European countries are already considering relaxing their restriction measures as they see a slowing trend in the number of COVID-19 infections. Austria, for instance, aims to gradually ease the exit restrictions and reopen shops and businesses from mid-April. Switzerland also suggested "the first relaxations" by the end of April.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday that a further tightening of restrictions on daily life in Germany is not necessary at present.

"The curve is flattening out," said Merkel at the Chancellery. The latest COVID-19 infection figures in Germany gave "reason for cautious hope." But she stressed that it would be necessary to be "very, very careful" with relaxing the current restrictions.

Restrictions in place



The European Union (EU) on Wednesday proposed prolonging travel restriction at its external borders. The European Commission said in a statement that it invited Schengen member states and Schengen associated states to prolong the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU until May 15.

Britain's coronavirus lockdown is to continue as the country heads towards one of its biggest holiday weekends of the year while the death toll keeps growing. The fear was that a relaxation of the lockdown could risk seeing millions of people heading to seaside resorts and tourism hotspots during the four-day Easter holiday which starts Friday and lasts until Monday.

"At this stage, the government continues to gather data to determine the effects of the lockdown and physical distancing measures," said Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis on Thursday urged people to adhere to social distancing measures during the Easter holiday; Sweden's Home Affairs Minister Mikael Damberg said on Thursday that all forms of travel should be avoided and social distancing be upheld while restaurants should not allow crowds to form in outdoors seating areas as the weather warms.

The Hungarian government will indefinitely extend the lockdown imposed nearly two weeks ago due to the coronavirus epidemic, Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced on his Facebook page on Thursday.

The WHO chief stressed that decision of lifting restrictions should be made on the condition that transmission is controlled; that sufficient public health and medical services are available; that outbreak risks in special settings like long-term care facilities are minimized; that preventive measures are in place in workplaces, schools and other places where it's essential for people to go; that importation risks can be managed; and that communities are fully aware and engaged in the transition.

Globally, nearly 1.5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 have now been reported to the WHO, as well as more than 92,000 deaths.
If Ukraine has limited external borrowing opportunities, the Government will be forced to take other radical steps.

"There are many risks, this budget is not simple. If we have limited borrowing opportunities, we will take other radical steps. Today, we hope that the Parliament will show its good will and pass the necessary laws," Finance Minister of Ukraine Serhiy Marchenko said on the air of the Freedom of Speech TV program, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

He stressed that Ukraine would not face default without cooperation with the International Monetary Fund but the situation would be very difficult.

As reported, the draft law No. 3276 on amending the State Budget for 2020 was rejected by the Verkhovna Rada on March 30. The lawmakers sent it for revision to the relevant committee. The bill proposed to reduce state budget revenues by UAH 122.9 billion (from UAH 1.096 trillion to UAH 972.6 billion) and increase expenditure by UAH 79 billion (from UAH 1.184 trillion to UAH 1.263 trillion). The budget deficit boundary was proposed to be increased 3.1-fold  from UAH 96.3 billion to UAH 298.4 billion.

The Government of Ukraine looks forward to working with the International Monetary Fund and other international financial institutions. The IMF has two basic requirements for Ukraine: the adoption of the law on the land market that has been successfully passed, and the adoption of the law on non-return of banks to former owners. This bill is now at its first reading and is being prepared for second reading. During the preparation for the second reading, the MPs made more than 16,000 amendments to it.

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Australians are still ignoring COVID-19 restrictions, with more than $1 million worth of fines being handed out across the country in a strict coronavirus crackdown.

Police officers are out in force this weekend to enforce social distancing laws, amid fears a busy Easter weekend could lead to a spike in cases.

Most seem to have heeded the advice of the government, with usually-busy holiday spots being largely empty.

But in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland alone, 406 infringements were issued to residents found blatantly breaching public health orders over a 24 hour period.

In Queensland, $230,782 worth of fines were given out in just 24 hours on Friday, as police stopped 39,000 cars at the border in just one week.

Officers from Victoria Police step out on Saturday to make sure residents were not breaking social distancing rules

A man is handcuffed on Bondi Beach on Saturday morning (pictured), as the area continued to be busy

Police officers are conducting checks at the Queensland-NSW border,after tighter restrictions came into force overnight

The fines for each state for people who breach public health orders or ministerial directions

THE STRANGEST EXCUSES GIVEN TO POLICE - ALL MET WITH $1,000 FINES Around 50 people every day are being slapped with $1,000 fines in NSW. These include: - A 32-year-old woman found wandering in Sydney's Surry Hills. She told police 'it's a free country' - An 18-year-old woman, who when in the Blue Mountains without a reaosn, told officers she was visiting her father 'in the bush' - A couple in the Central North told police they were out to 'buy cigarettes' on Friday night Advertisement

New South Wales police issued 50 fines of $1,000 each to people allegedly breaching public health orders in the last 24 hours alone.

They included a couple who were spotted out twice in one day and a woman who claimed she was visiting her father 'in the bush' in the Blue Mountains.

Another 32-year-old woman was slapped with the fine after being found in Sydney's Surry Hills wandering the streets.

Despite being given an official warning the day before, the woman alleged told police 'it's a free country' - and was given a fine.

Victoria police confirmed 183 people were slapped with a $1,652 fine for breaching public health orders in the 24 hours to 11am on Saturday.

Among those fined were four women caught partying at a short-term rental property and seven mates drinking at a schoolyard.

Police officers are out in force this weekend to crack down on social distancing offenders during the Easter holiday (pictured: officers speaking to bystanders)

In Victoria, a five-day operation is underway to enforce safety on the state's streets over Easter

COVID-19 rules vary from state to state, but the general advice for all Australians has been to not to leave their homes unless it is absolutely necessary

Multiple people were fined over gatherings at their homes.

Officers have conducted nearly 20,000 spot checks since March 21 at homes, businesses and non-essential services.

A five-day operation is underway to enforce safety on the state's roads over Easter and have the added task of nabbing non-essential travellers.

COVID-19 rules vary from state to state, but the general advice for all Australians has been to not leave their homes unless it is for essential travel, including to buy food and to exercise.

Victoria Police were seen patrolling Melbourne's CBD under Operation Sentinel on Saturday

Queenslanders entering the state must have an amber or red pass, the latter indicating they are returning from one of the 13 COVID-19 hot spots declared by the state government

The crack down has extended to other parts of the country, with fears city residents are using the Easter break to travel to rural communities.

In Queensland, more than 400 fines for coronavirus-related offences were handed out since March, raking in more than half a million dollars for the state government.

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the majority of people had been compliant and officers took people on their word and also showed compassion before issuing a $1,334 fine.

Queensland Police were out in force on Easter Saturday (pictured) checking who is coming into the state at the border with New South Wales

Dozens of walkers were spotted enjoying the 26C sunshine on Saturday on the paths next to the closed Bondi Beach (pictured)

'However, we have issued over 400 penalty infringement notices,' Ms Carroll said on Saturday.

'Most people are doing the right thing, but if there is blatant disregard, and there has been many examples of that, people will be issued with an infringement notice.'

Not only are police busy handing out fines, they are also patrolling the NSW-Queensland border and vehicles travelling southbound on the M1 to the Gold Coast after tighter restrictions came into force overnight.

The new 14-day isolation period for Queenslanders means those returning to the state will require a new pass and exemptions to strict coronavirus regulations to get home.

Crowds gathered at popular hotspots across Sydney as residents stepped out for a stroll

A Queensland Policeman (right) is seen moving people on from the beach at Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast, Friday, April 10

Previous passes issued by the state government have been voided.

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

Queenslanders entering the state must have an amber or red pass, the latter indicating they are returning from one of the 13 COVID-19 hot spots declared by the state government.

The unprecedented checks have 72,823 cars stopped since March 27.

Exemptions apply for freight and commercial vehicles.

'There has been a dramatic change and every individual must have a pass,' Ms Carroll said.

'If you have a red pass, as has happened to two people, you will be put into self-isolation.'

She said from her experience, having driven past the Gold Coast beachfront this morning, people were adhering to social distancing rules.

Three beaches were closed on the Gold Coast, at Coolangatta, The Spit and Surfers Paradise, and they were being policed both physically and through the use of drones.

Police are seen questioning drivers at the border between Queensland and New South Wales on Saturday (pictured)

'People are out there going for a swim or having that walk but we are not seeing people loitering, lingering or hanging around in groups,' she said

Gold Coast District's Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler said they had intercepted 200 vehicles over the past couple of days heading south on the M1.

'We have been very targeted with our interceptions ... and we have had to turn 11 vehicles around containing 19 people. They had no reason to be travelling to the Gold Coast,' Mr Wheeler said.

'No infringement notices have been issued.'

A police officer holds up a 'Queensland Entry Pass' to a driver at the Queensland/NSW border (pictured) as officers on Saturday checked that people were travelling for essential reasons

A number of beaches have been closed across the country after people continued to ignore social distancing rules

Meanwhile in New South Wales, Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys confirmed on Friday that almost 50 residents across the state had been slapped with a $1,000 fine.

Mr Worboys said while most people in NSW were following the rules, it was disappointing to issue $50,000 worth of fines.

'Here we are at the start of Easter. Right around this state, police are reporting that there's a good deal of consideration and compliance with those requests around not travelling, social distancing,' he said on Friday.

'But it's also disappointing, in the same time, to say that in the last 24 hours nearly 50 people have been issued infringement notices for $1,000.

Police take down details of a driver who is entering Queensland on Easter Saturday (pictured) as they ensure people are travelling for essential reasons

Queensland Police question drivers on Easter Saturday to ensure they are following the coronavirus restrictions (pictured)

'Those people who just failed to get the severity of the situation that we face in these last few months and days.'

Police in Western Australia have also been ordered to issue on-the-spot fines to people ignoring social distancing, with photos emerging of packed beaches on Good Friday.

WA Police praised beachgoers who hit the waves and were mindful of social distancing measures.

'The overwhelming majority of people attending the beaches were consciously following the advice about maintaining appropriate distances,' they said in a statement.

One surfer is seen enjoying the waves at Bondi Beach on Saturday (pictured), despite obvious signs that the area is closed off

Exercising is allowed, but it can often be difficult in popular areas to maintain social distancing. These people are seen enjoying the sun in Sydney's eastern beaches on Saturday (pictured)

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly on Friday said while the rate of infections are down, relaxing restrictions on people's movement could see infection rates spike.

In his Easter message, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the inability to gather should not diminish Christians' hope, and they should live out their faith by staying home and supporting their loved ones.

Australia has recorded 6,283 positive coronavirus cases with 3,205 people recovered.

The national coronavirus death toll hit 56 on Saturday, after a man in his 80s has died in a Victorian hospital while a woman in her 90s is NSW's latest victim,

A council ambassador in Bondi tells passersby to observe social distancing (pictured) on Saturday

A council ambassador in Bondi tells passersby to observe social distancing (pictured) on Saturday

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard announced the death of the woman, who had a pre-existing medical condition, who is the state's 23rd fatality - saying she had died overnight and her source of infection remains unknown.

'It is always tough when a family member passes away and this is the toughest of times,' he said.

In Victoria, Health Minister Jenny Mikakos announced the 80-year-old's death in a tweet, taking that state's toll to 14.

Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese is 'encouraged but not complacent' about the decreasing rates of new COVID-19 cases, saying it shows that social distancing is working.

However, he rejected talk of removing such restrictions.
New York, April 11 : America's top medical experts on the White House coronavirus task force Dr. Deborah Birx and Dr. Anthony Fauci pointed to encouraging signs that the US infection curve is levelling off but warned against relaxing social distancing guidelines and declaring victory too early.

The doctors' comments come on a day when the world passed a grim milestone of 100,000 deaths from the pandemic and America's death toll crossed 18,000. More than 4 in 10 deaths in the US have come from New York State, which reported 777 new deaths on Friday.

"You can see for the first time that in the United States we're starting to level on the logarithmic phase, like Italy did about a week ago. And so this gives us great heart," Dr. Birx said at a White House briefing on Friday.

Hope springs from New York's hospitalisation rate slowing consistently throughout this week. The numbers are down to the below 300 level compared with more than 1000 per day last week.

The nation's top infectious-diseases expert Dr. Fauci cautioned that the virus' trajectory decides the timeline of when social distancing rules are relaxed.

"The one thing you don't want to do is you don't want to get out there prematurely and then wind up backtracking," he said as US president Donald Trump looked on.

Trump has been enthusiastic about reopening the economy as soon as possible.

Both Fauci and Birx have doubled down on their public messaging from the White House megaphone that social distancing does work and is blunting the curve in ways that weren't clear even a week ago.

Exactly 10 days ago, the predictive model most frequently quoted by the White House had projected 100,000-200,000 total deaths in the US. Today, that projection has been revised downwards to around 61,000 deaths.

The revisions reflect real time data and behaviour change in society at large.

"We've never been here before. There's no literature to tell us what to expect," Birx said when asked about the sharp changes in the projections in less than two weeks.

Birx and Fauci applauded the American public for complying with the mitigation guidelines now in force since March 16. US president Donald Trump said 95 per cent of the country is following along with the federal recommendations on social distancing which stop short of a national lockdown.

"Last week, we really asked a lot of people in the Washington and Baltimore area to consolidate, not go out, frequently to grocery stores or pharmacies, you can really see that that's having a huge impact," Birx said.

Birx warned that although the signs from New York's flattening curve are encouraging, the US has not "reached the peak".

"And so every day, we need to continue to do what we did yesterday, and the week before, and the week before that because that's what in the end is going to take us up and down the other side." (Nikhila Natarajan can be reached at @byniknat)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
The low pressure area heading through Southern California is starting to move off to the East, and high pressure is building into the West Coast. We'll be seeing sunny to mostly sunny skies, and warmer temperatures over the next several days. The one chance for wet weather will be in store for portions of the Sierra on Saturday night into Sunday as an area of low pressure drops down into the Rockies to our East. The latest models give our region the best chance for some modest Sierra showers on Saturday night, with showers then moving down towards Tahoe on Sunday. Gusty North winds will be possible on Sunday into Monday. Aside from the slight chance for mountain showers and gusty winds our forecast over Northern California looks extremely comfortable.

Temperatures will start out in the high 40's to low 50's in the valley over the next several mornings, and high temperatures will mostly end up in the high 70's to low 80's. Saturday afternoon we will have some parts of the mid valley in the low to mid 70's in the afternoon, but high temperatures will become warmer after that. Mountain areas can expect low temperatures in the 30's to 40's, and high temperatures in the 60's to 70's for the next several days. The current outlook leave our region dry and warm through at least the start of next week, with this trend more than likely lasting into the end of next week.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 11

Trend:



Turkmenistan has participated in a meeting on improving the water and socio-economic situation in the Aral Sea basin, Trend reports with reference to Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.



The 78th meeting of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination of Central Asia of The International Fund for Aral Sea was held in the videoconference format on April 10, 2020.



The participants discussed the agreements adopted following the Summit of the heads of state-founders of the International Fund for Aral Sea on August 24, 2018 in Turkmenistan's Turkmenbashi city.



The participants also noted the importance of 'water diplomacy' conducted by Turkmenistan.

The heads of Turkmenistan's Syr Darya and Amu Darya water associations read out reports on limits imposed of the use of water for the 2019-2020 growing season along the Syr Darya and Amu Darya river basins.

The Protocol was adopted at the 78th meeting of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination of Central Asia.

Representatives of state water management departments of Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan attended the meeting. The Chairman of the state water management Committee of Turkmenistan took part in the meeting from Turkmens side.
Three members of a family have been burnt to death in their home in Lower New Takoradi in the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolis of the Western Region.



The incident which happened on Good Friday was described as horrific by some of the residents of the area.



An eye witness, who only gave his name as Ataa, told the Ghana News Agency at the scene, that he saw flames of fire amid a thick smoke emerging from the house of the deceased by name Mena Mansa.



He said a follow up revealed that the house which served as a store area also for another tenant who deals in premix fuel for fishing was indeed in fire.



Mena Mansa, 28, including her two children P.K, three years and Mame Yaa, eleven months old could not be saved from the ravaging fire and therefore lost their lives in the process.



Community members managed to quench the blaze through the use of wet blankets, sand, and water before the Fire Service arrived at the scene.



Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Takoradi Constituency, Mr. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, has visited the families of the deceased to commiserate with them.



BO 111 Emmanuel Bonney, the Western Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service confirmed the incident and said they reported within the time of the call from the community.



The remains of the three have been deposited at the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital for autopsy.

Source: GNA









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H ome Secretary Priti Patel has dodged a direct apology over NHS workers experiencing a lack of personal protective equipment.

When pressed by a reporter to apologise at the daily Covid-19 press conference on Saturday, Ms Patel said she was sorry if people feel there has been a Government failing.

It comes after Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed 19 NHS workers had now lost their lives after contracting Covid-19.

The Government has been dogged by criticism since the pandemic hit UK shores that not enough PPE was being made available to health workers, especially those working in social care.

Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures 1 /81 Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures A deserted Westminster Bridge PA A man wearing a face mask or covering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, walks past customers sat outside a restaurant AFP via Getty Images Boris Johnson addresses the nation on the Coronavirus lockdown Andrew Parsons Runners pass cardboard cutouts of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William during the London Marathon in London AP An empty escalator at Charing Coss London Underground tube station Jeremy Selwyn Electronic bilboards displays a message warning people to stay home in Sheffield PA A sign is displayed in the window of a student accommodation building following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Mancheste Reuters People take part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions, in Londo AP People sing and dance in Leicester Square on the eve on the 10PM curfew Reuters Hearts painted by a team of artists from Upfest are seen in the grass at Queen Square, following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Bristol Reuters Graffiti reads 'good luck and stay safe', as the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases grow around the world, under a bridge in London Reuters A sign is pictured in Soho, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London Reuters Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures, during a coronavirus briefing in Downing Street, London AP A person runs past posters with a message of hope, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Manchester REUTERS Riot police face protesters who took part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions in London AP An image of The Queen eith quotes from her broadcast to the UK and the Commonwealth in relation to the Coronavirus epidemic are displayed on lights in London's Piccadilly Circus PA Military vehicles cross Westminster Bridge after members of the 101 Logistic Brigade delivered a consignment of medical masks to St Thomas' hospital Getty Images Durdle Door in Dorset Reuters Captain Tom Moore via 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 Coronavirus outbreak PA An NHS worker reacts at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital during the Clap for our Carers campaign in support of the NHS Reuters Goats which have taken over the deserted streets of Llandudno @AndrewStuart via PA Tobias Weller PA Novikov restaurant in London with its shutters pulled down while the restaurant is closed London Landscapes: Hyde Park and the Serpentine, central London. Matt Writtle A newspaper vendor in Manchester city centre giving away free toilet rolls with every paper bought as shops run low on supplies due to fears over the spread of the coronavirus PA Theo Clay looks out of his window next to his hand-drawn picture of a rainbow in Liverpool, as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continue Reuters A young man cuts another man's hair on top of a closed hairdresser in Oxford Reuters General view of the new NHS Nightingale Hospital, built to fight against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London via Reuters Jason Baird is seen dressed as Spiderman during his daily exercise to cheer up local children in Stockport, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues Reuters A woman wearing a face mask walks past Buckingham Palace Getty Images A man holds mobile phone displaying a text message alert sent by the government warning that new rules are in force across the UK and people must stay at home PA Medical staff on the Covid-19 ward at the Neath Port Talbot Hospital, in Wales, as the health services continue their response to the coronavirus outbreak. PA Prime Minister Boris Johnson taking part in a virtual Cabinet meeting with his top team of ministers PA A shopper walks past empty shelves in a Lidl store on in Wallington. After spates of "panic buying" cleared supermarket shelves of items like toilet paper and cleaning products, stores across the UK have introduced limits on purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have also created special time slots for the elderly and other shoppers vulnerable to the new coronavirus. Getty Images People on a busy tube train in London at rush hour PA Mia, aged 8 and her brother Jack, aged 5 from Essex, continue their school work at home, after being sent home due to the coronavirus PA Children are painting 'Chase the rainbows' artwork and springing up in windows across the country Reuters Social distancing in Primrose Hill Jeremy Selwyn A general view of a locked gate at Anfield, Liverpool as The Premier League has been suspended PA Homeless people in London AFP via Getty Images A piece of art by the artist, known as the Rebel Bear has appeared on a wall on Bank Street in Glasgow. The new addition to Glasgow's street art is capturing the global Coronavirus crisis. The piece features a woman and a man pulling back to give each other a kiss PA The Queen leaves Buckingham Palace, London, for Windsor Castle to socially distance herself amid the coronavirus pandemic PA A general view on Grey street, Newcastle as coronavirus cases grow around the world Reuters 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 Britain's Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty (L) and Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance look on as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures as he speaks during a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) news conference inside 10 Downing Street Reuters The ticket-validation terminals at the tram stop on Edinburgh's Princes Street are cleaned following the coronavirus outbreak. PA Locked school gates at Rockcliffe First School in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear PA A sign at a Sainsbury's supermarket informs customers that limits have been set on a small number of products as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grow around the world Reuters Jawad Javed delivers coronavirus protection kits that he and his wife have put together to the vulnerable people of their community of Stenhousemuir, between Glasgow and Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images A sign advertising a book titled "How Will We Survive On Earth?" Getty Images A man who appears to be homeless sleeping wearing a mask today in Victoria Jeremy Selwyn A pedestrian walks past graffiti that reads "Diseases are in the City" in Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images Staff from The Lyric Theatre, London inform patrons, as it shuts its doors PA A quiet looking George IV Bridge in Edinburgh PA A quieter than usual British Museum Getty Images A racegoer attends Cheltenham in a fashionable face mask SplashNews.com A commuter wears a face mask at London Bridge Station Jeremy Selwyn A empty restaurant in the Bull Ring Shopping Centre Getty Images A deserted Trafalgar Square in London PA Passengers determined to avoid the coronavirus before leaving the UK arrive at Gatwick Airport Getty Images

At the press conference, the Home Secretary was asked twice if she would apologise to NHS staff and their families over the lack of necessary PPE.

She said: Im sorry if people feel that there have been failings. I will be very, very clear about that.

But at the same time, we are in an unprecedented global health pandemic right now.

It is inevitable that the demand and the pressures on PPE and demand for PPE are going to be exponential. They are going to be incredibly high.

And of course we are trying to address that as a government.

It comes as Mr Hancock said healthcare workers should treat PPE as a "precious resource" with healthcare bodies slamming the suggestion that staff had been "abusing or overusing" it.

Priti Patel announces a new domestic violence awareness campaign (Sky News)

The Home Secretary said the Government is working to provide PPE for wider public services.

She said: The Government is working across every single agency that (the public) would expect us to work with. The Health and Safety Executive, Public Health England, various groups and organisations across the supply chain.

We already know that, certainly from a police and fire perspective, and this links over to prisons and other key public services, weve absolutely secured our supply chain.

Every single aspect of public service requires different guidance around PPE and also different types of guidance, and thats exactly what weve all been working through.

Ms Patel added: From a policing perspective, were already out there in terms of making sure we have enough gloves, face masks and a substantial supply chain as well with already 1.5 million gloves and masks in the pipeline for distribution.

Meanwhile NHS England medical director Stephen Powis said at the news briefing that it is absolutely critical that PPE is distributed to all those working on the frontline so that they not only are protected but they feel safe.

Clearly there is a global demand for personal protective equipment at the moment and I know that Government with our support is working night and day to ensure that we procure the PPE that we need, he said.

He said he is confident in the supplies of FFP3 masks and said they are working very hard on gown supplies, the use of which has been extended in light of last weeks updated guidance.

He said: We are working very hard including with the Health and Safety Executive to ensure that we can use the widest range of gowns possible to ensure that that supply is there.
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Linkedin Editorial Board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, April 11, 2020 08:12 640 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd11b8a8 1 Editorial Easter-Sunday,Good-Friday,Christian,#Editorial,lockdown,self-isolation,COVID-19 Free

As Christians prepare for one of their most celebrated holidays, Easter, which falls this Sunday, they may also have their hopes and patience tested. This year, with the COVID-19 outbreak ravaging the country, they will be restricted to their homes instead of celebrating the occasion at church and with their extended families.



Many have never before experienced Lent  marked by fasting or some form of abstinence to replicate Jesus Christs sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert before he began his prophetic trajectory  without weekly gatherings for Bible readings and reflection and Sunday Mass in church.



With the Holy Week, including Good Friday and incoming Easter, celebrated in seclusion, the grandiosity of rituals to remember the divine salvation of humankind this year is sorely missed.



But the fact is that the virus has been relentless in its spread across the world, infecting people at an alarming rate regardless of their beliefs. Social or physical distancing as a mandatory measure to contain the spread of COVID-19 has forced religious communities to change the way they worship.



In some countries, including Indonesia, Christians follow Mass service through live streams on YouTube and most recently, TV or live radio broadcasts.



The good news is that most religious groups in the country have shown compliance with the social distancing strategy, which is a worthy contribution to the efforts to beat the virus. The largest Muslim organizations,

Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, for example, have asked their followers to avoid Friday prayers and religious gatherings until the health crisis is over.



With the pandemic unlikely to cease during Ramadan, which will start in less than two weeks, NU has called for tarawih (night prayers during the fasting month) at home, instead of in mosques. There has also been discourse on banning Idul Fitri prayers in May if the state of health emergency protracts.



It seems this ongoing crisis is demanding a sacrifice from every individual of all faiths. The Easter festival this time around will not live up to its name.



Next month, it may be the turn for Muslims to miss the festivity of Idul Fitri, which in Indonesia is traditionally marked by family gatherings, particularly after Muslim leaders have discouraged mudik (homecoming exodus).



Easter is essentially a happy-ending story of sacrifice. Christians celebrate Easter as a testament of victory over death, which in todays world can take shape in poverty, injustice and even human-made disasters. Easter, or Pascha in Greek, is by all means a statement of hope.



In his Urbi et Urbi address on March 27, Pope Francis said people across the world in this time of the pandemic, like the disciples in the Gospel, were caught off guard by an unexpected, turbulent storm.



Like Francis said, there is always hope and the strength to go through the current ordeal if we help and comfort each other. We wish everyone who celebrate the occasion a happy and healthy Easter  in the safety of your own homes.
New Delhi: A major fire broke out at a shelter home in Kashmiri Gate area in New Delhi on Saturday (April 11). Upon receiving the information, the fire department rushed several firetenders to the spot to douse the flame.

Over 1,000 homeless people were reportedly staying at the shelter home, which caught fire today.

Confirming the report, a fire department official told ANI that they received a call of stone-pelting and fire from a 'Rain Basera' at Kashmiri Gate, following which they sent at least five firetenders to the spot. The fire personnel managed to douse the blaze soon after reaching the spot.

Here are some of the pictures from the spot:

While the cause of the fire remains unknown, a source said the people staying at the shelter home are suspected of setting it on the fire. The people staying here, most of who are addicted to either drugs or alcohol, were barred from going out.
New Delhi, April 11 : One more big Coronavirus hotspot has been found in Delhi. At least 52 members belonging to the Tablighi Jamaat out of 102, who have been found gathered in 13 different mosques in old Delhi's Chandni Mahal area, have tested coronavirus positive.

Now the process of contact tracing has begun on a massive scale. Area has been declared as a containment zone.

Three people have already died in three days due to coronavirus in Chandni Mahal area.

On Monday, 102 people were evacuated from different mosques in Chandni Mahal and were isolated at a quarantine centre in Gulabhi Bagh. Of these 52 tested coronavirus positive.

Delhi's health minister Satyendra Jain said, "Several people have been found coronavirus positive here. This is in the knowledge of Delhi government. All of them have been quarantined." The entire Chandni Mahal area will be sanitised under the containment plan to prevent further spread of the disease. Door to door samples are collected for testing.

Under the containment plan, the residents of Chandni Mahal area will not be allowed to leave their homes and essential commodities will be supplied to them at their doors.

Health officials said those who came in contact with the people who have died will also be tested for Covid-19 and will remain in isolation.

So far Delhi has seen 903 coronavirus infected cases out of which 584 are from Nizamuddin markaz.
S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson's office issued an opinion on Friday that said only the governor could order people to stay at home during an emergency.

As the day wore on, the opinion's impact would begin to ripple out across the state as local officials considered whether they needed to lift local restrictions and other actions taken earlier in the week. Some cities decided to stay the course, but for at least one municipality the risk of a possible lawsuit from the state was too high.

Folly Beach City Council met on Friday and rolled back local orders banning beach access, short term rentals and removing a road block on Folly Road, the only way to access the island.

As of Saturday, Folly Beach will be open, fully and without restrictions.

Mayor Tim Goodwin said he and other city officials felt they voted reluctantly to lift restrictions in order to not face retribution by the state.

"There was no choice," Goodwin said. "The attorney general's opinion that came out today said ... we don't have the authority to do it (to shut down the city). Its all about politics."

Had the opinion from South Carolina's top attorney not been issued, the city would have kept restrictions in place, the mayor said.

Goodwin said he understands people's concerns and continues to urge residents to stay home of their own volition, and for outsiders not to come to the island.

"I know everyones concerned," he said. "Dont call city council. Call the governor's office."

Attorney General Alan Wilson's opinion came after councils in the states two largest cities, Charleston and Columbia, put so-called stay at home orders in place amid the rising coronavirus pandemic. The orders in Charleston and Columbia instruct residents to stay home in hopes of slowing the spread of the virus, but each have broad exceptions for businesses and other entities deemed essential during the crisis.

Gov. Henry McMaster responded to a question at a Friday press conference about the the attorney generals opinion and whether he believed Columbia and Charlestons stay-at-home orders were illegal.

I am concerned and we are working to see that we keep as many people working as we can, the governor said. We want to keep as many people safe as we can. We want to keep as many people out of harms way as we can. (We) issued orders on congregations or groups of three people or more that law enforcement can disperse. ... We have urged people to keep that social distance.

In Edisto Beach, town officials also voted to retract access restrictions. The town's parks, playgrounds and facilities will stay closed until further notice, but similarly to Folly Beach, they said they recognized that the opinion from Wilson's office was unambiguous.

Edisto Beach town officials continued to urge residents and others to practice social distancing but recognized they could not mandate it.

But not all municipalities backed down.

In Sullivan's Island, offiicials said they were staying the course.

"In light of changes made at Folly Beach and Edisto Island, the public is reminded that access to Sullivans Island will remain controlled to residents and those with a current business license between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. until further notice," said Town Administrator Andy Benke.

And in Isle of Palms, city council members voted to "stay the course" with temporary access restrictions and barring new check-ins for short term rentals, hotels and overnight accommodations.

The council also voted to pass a resolution asking McMaster to issue a mandatory, statewide order requiring all people not performing essential services to stay home.

City Council voted to stay the course regarding the temporary access restrictions and prohibition on new check-ins for short term rentals, hotels and overnight accommodations and unanimously approved Resolution 2020-01 requesting Governor Henry McMaster to issue a mandatory stay at home order for the State of South Carolina.

Council members said the Lowcountry faces a significant challenge. Although state officials have said they have faith that residents will exercise common sense and follow best practices laid out by public health authorities, such as washing hands and practicing good hygiene, the local picture was far different.

A significant number of people aren't following common sense, city officials said, adding that it was imperative that the governor act.

A stay at home order from the governor would provide consistency and lay out groundwork for enforceable action to prevent further illness and death, they said.
ICA Building (PHOTO: Screenshot of Google Street View)

SINGAPORE  The ICA Building at 10 Kallang Road is closed for disinfection on Saturday (11 April) as it is now a COVID-19 cluster.

In a statement on Friday night, ICA said that this is in accordance with National Environment Agency (NEA) guidelines for environmental cleaning and disinfection of areas for COVID-19 cases.

Customers who have appointments with ICA on Saturday should visit the ICA Building only on Monday. For foreign visitors whose visit passes are expiring on 11 or 12 April, ICA will process their requests for extension on 13 April.

Three ICA officers based at the ICA Building tested positive on 8 April and are listed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) as Cases 1553, 1650 and 1698. Case 1553 is currently warded at National University Hospital, while cases 1650 and 1698 are warded at Changi General Hospital. ICA said it is in touch with all three officers to render support and assistance.

Additionally, a healthcare assistant and an auxiliary police officer engaged by ICA at the building also tested positive for COVID-19. The healthcare assistant is listed as Case 1733 and tested positive on 8 April, and is currently warded at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital.

The Auxiliary Police Officer is listed as Case 1950 and tested positive on 9 April, and is currently warded at Changi General Hospital.

Details on the cases

Case 1553

Case 1553 last reported for work on 6 April and developed a high fever that night. He sought medical treatment at a polyclinic the next morning, and was referred to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) for further medical examination. He was subsequently confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 on 8 April. 4.

On 6 April, the officer was deployed at ICAs e-Lobby1 for some two hours to assist customers with their transactions. He was wearing a surgical mask throughout his deployment.

Case 1650

Case 1650 last reported for work on 27 March. On the night of 29 March, the officer developed a sore throat, cough and had diarrhoea, and sought medical treatment at a clinic the next morning. He was given five days of medical leave from 30 March to 3 April. This was later extended to 7 April. He was subsequently confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 on 8 April.

Story continues

The officer is deployed at a staff unit and primarily works in a staff-only area.

Case 1698

Case 1698 last reported for work on 26 March. The officer felt unwell on 28 March and sought medical treatment at a clinic on the same day. She was given five days of medical leave from 30 March to 3 April. As her condition did not improve, the officer was admitted to Changi General Hospital on 7 April, where she was subsequently confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 on 8 April.

The officer is deployed in the same staff unit as case 1650.

Case 1733

Case 1733 last reported for work on 28 March. She developed a fever and cough on 30 March and sought medical treatment at a polyclinic on the same day. She was on medical leave from 30 March to 7 April. She was admitted to Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital on 7 April, and confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 on 8 April.

Case 1733 was assisting with temperature screening at the entrance of ICA Building. She had worn a surgical mask throughout her deployment.

Case 1950

Case 1950 last reported for work on 7 April 2020. He developed respiratory symptoms on 8 April and was on medical leave from 8 April to 12 April. He was subsequently confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 on 9 April.

Case 1950 is an auxiliary police officer deployed at ICA Building to provide security services. He wore a surgical mask throughout his deployment.

Actions following case confirmations

ICA said that together with its healthcare and security service providers, it is assisting MOH with contact tracing efforts.

As a precautionary measure, those who were identified to be in close contact with the officers have been instructed to stay home, monitor their health and practise strict safe distancing.

Upon notification of the confirmed cases, ICA said it had immediately proceeded with thorough disinfection of the public and staff areas that the officers could have gone to at ICA Building.

These areas, such as the e-Lobby, public and staff entrances, public and staff lifts, escalators, work stations, meeting rooms, pantries, and public and staff toilets, have been disinfected thoroughly in accordance with NEAs guidelines.

As of noon on Saturday, Singapore had a total of 2,108 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection, with 492 cases having fully recovered from the infection.

Some 875 remain in hospital and seven have died from the disease.

Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore

Related stories:

COVID-19: Singapore confirms 198 cases, 3 new clusters including ICA Building

COVID-19: PM Lee appeals to Singaporeans to 'stay at home' in Good Friday address

COVID-19: Singapore begins active case-finding in foreign worker dormitories, swab-testing started

COVID-19: Stadiums to be shut, parents banned from leaving children with grandparents daily
Yemen confirmed its first novel Coronavirus case after the country's internationally recognised government made the announcement on Friday. Stoking fears that an outbreak in the Middle Eastern country could ravage the already devastated health care system.

The national emergency committee for the COVID-19 disease in Yemens southeastern province of Hadramout said in a tweet that the patient is being treated and in stable condition, without providing further details. The repeated bombings for half a decade of war has destroyed or shut half of its health care facilities. Deep poverty, starvation, water shortage and lack of sanitation has made the country a breeding ground for diseases.

READ| War-torn Syria records first Coronavirus death; confirms 10 positive cases

Yemen on April 3 imposed a curfew on major cities with the aim to step up its fight. The move came after parts of Yemen started releasing low-risk prisoners. The government official of Yemen said that the country was forced to impose a curfew as people disregarded the appeals to isolate and maintain social distancing. The United Nations appealed for a ceasefire in major conflicts in the wake of the Coronavirus that killed thousands in the Middle East. The Saudi-led coalition with the UAE declared a two-week ceasefire against the rebel Houthis in the Middle East's poorest country, Yemen.

Yemen War

Yemen, the Arab worlds poorest nation, has been convulsed by civil war since 2014. Thats when the Iran-backed Houthis took control of the countrys north, including the capital Sanaa. A Saudi-led military coalition intervened against the Houthis the following year. Despite relentless Saudi airstrikes and a blockade of Yemen, the war has stalemated.

The conflict has killed over 10,000 people and created the worlds worst humanitarian crisis, leaving millions suffering from food and medical care shortages and pushing the country to the brink of famine. There are over 134,000 Coronavirus cases in the Middle East, including 5,300 deaths, as per international media. Iran became the epicentre of the virus in the region.

READ| Saudi Arabia expects 2,00,000 more coronavirus cases within weeks: Health Minister

READ| Julian Assange highly susceptible to Coronavirus as Belmarsh Prison records first death

(With agency inputs)
The Food and Drug Administration has released new guidelines on best practices for supermarkets and food retailers with an emphasis on protecting employees in the workplace.

Why it matters: The FDA's new guidelines come days after major supermarkets started reporting their first employee deaths since the coronavirus outbreak began, per The Washington Post. Some critics blame major chains for not allowing workers to use protective gear from the get-go.

The outbreak has forced major stores to close their doors, with anxiety among employees who may have come in contact with the virus.

The rise in worker infections and deaths could hinder companies' ability to hire and retain grocery store workers as they try to hire temporary employees.

The new guidelines recommend: An emphasis on employers communicating with employees about any possible exposure to the coronavirus.

Employees should communicate with their employers if they are positive for the coronavirus, or have come in contact with somebody who is positive.

Employers should pre-screen workers before the start of their shifts, and employees should constantly self-monitor.

Workspaces and equipment should be constantly cleaned and disinfected.

Employees should wear masks and gloves. They should also try to stay at least 6 feet from other people whenever possible.

Go deeper: The new labor movement
Easter, also called Pascha or Resurrection Sunday is a period on the calendar of Christians, where they commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Founder of Christianity, from the dead.



The New Testament of the Holy Bible, states that the resurrection of Christ occurred on the third day after his crucifixion and burial.



Easter is the culmination of the passion of Jesus, preceded by Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, praying, and penance for Christians. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Good Friday, the day of Christ crucifixion.



The 40-day period was established by Pope Gregory the Great using the 40-day pattern of Israel, Moses and Elijah; and the time Jesus spent in the wilderness.



Easter, though religious period, has a cultural touch with a variety of activities such as all-night vigils, church services with Christians usually dressed in black or white, festive family meals, and sharing of gifts.



The week before Easter is often referred to as the Holy or Passion Week by Christians, and it usually entails the days of the Easter Triduum, including Maundy Thursday thus the Last Supper, Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ and Easter Sunday, the resurrection of the Christ.



Easter was a prophesy fulfilled about a Messiah, who was to be born, persecuted and die for sins of the world and rise on the third day (Isaiah 53).



Christians during this period reflect on their lives and renew their minds with a commitment to emerge victorious over sin, while strengthening their faith that Jesus, the son of God, has given the gift of eternal life in Heaven to those who believe in Him.



The earliest Christians celebrated the resurrection on the fourteenth of Nisan (March-April), the date of the Jewish Passover. Jewish days were calculated from evening to evening, so Jesus had celebrated His last supper the evening to the Passover and was crucified on the day of the Passover.



On Good Friday, usually a number of churches with the aim of remembering the passion of Christ, organise activities like drama portraying step-by-step, how Jesus was maltreated and led to his crucifixion.



Easter has a number of symbols, like the Easter Eggs, Easter Lamb, Easter Bunny and Easter lily. On Easter lily, painters and sculptors throughout the year, use the white Madonna lily to symbolize purity, and innocence, frequently referring to Mary, the mother of Jesus.



The Easter Lamb, on the other hand, which is the most popular and significant, comes from the Jewish Passover, where each family killed a lamb for sacrifice. When Christ became the Passover lamb for everyone, the lamb became a symbol for His sacrifice.



John 1: 29 says: The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.



Some Christians often wear new clothes on Easter. The new clothes are associated with the idea of newness and fresh beginning and began with the early Christians wearing new white robes for baptism during Easter vigil services.



However, the custom later expanded to everyone wearing new clothes in celebration of his or her new life in Christ.

The 2020 Easter falls on Sunday April 12, following the first full moon, the paschal full moon, after the vernal equinox.



However, the celebration would be different this year as most of the rituals performed and symbols used would not be operationalized in many countries as a result of the rise in recording confirmed cases of the novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which had led to a total or partial lockdown of many countries.



However, some Christian religious leaders, like the Most Reverend John Bonaventure Kwofie, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra and Most Reverend Dr Paul Kwabena Boafo, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Ghana, have called on Christians to observe the celebration within their homes, while reflecting on the death and resurrection of Christ as well as the good things that come with it.



In Ghana, leaders of some churches would lead their congregation to commemorate the festivity on traditional and social media networks, as there is a suspension of social gatherings including church activities, as part of measures to control the spread of COVID-19.

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
WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI - Palm Palace. Uptown Coney Island. Silvios Organic Ristorante & Pizzeria.

These Ann Arbor restaurants have committed themselves to providing free meals, whether to students or healthcare workers or anyone in between, during the coronavirus pandemic. Now theres another eatery joining the feeding frenzy.

Toarminas Pizza and Burrito Joint, 1200 Packard St., is donating $5,000 of free meals to hospital employees in the Ann Arbor area, according to a release.

The Ann Arbor location started a fundraiser that raised $2,285, which the chain more than matched to reach the $5,000 total, the release states. Any Michigan Medicine or St. Joseph Mercy employee, from janitors and clerks to nurses and doctors, can redeem a free meal until the $5,000 runs out.

The deal starts on Monday, April 13, and it includes deliveries between 1 and 2 p.m. Frank Toarmina, the Ann Arbor locations owner, thanked customers for helping to fund the effort.

I have family that works in many capacities at UM hospital and others around the state," he said in the release. They have shared some horror stories with me. I hope by doing this we can make these heroes days just a little bit better.

For more information, those interested can call Toarmina at 734-995-4040 or visit Toarminaspizza.com .

Here are four more things that give us Washtenaw County residents hope during the COVID-19 crisis.

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.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends people wear eyeglasses rather than contact lenses during the coronavirus outbreak. (FRED TANNEAU/AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty Images

Instead of layoffs, eyeglasses company educates, trains employees during pandemic

With unemployment claims skyrocketing, one metro Detroit optical company is taking the time to train its employees rather than lay them off.

EyeQ-ity, which has a store in Ann Arbors Briarwood Mall, has not laid off any employees during the COVID-19 shutdown statewide, according to a release. Instead, the company has distributed training modules electronically to be completed at home, the release states.

As more and more companies let very talented people go, EyeQ.ity is in the process of recruiting, interviewing, hiring and training high-talent individuals so that when business resumes, our staff can deliver the best quality experience and eyewear, Spokesman Seth Houston said in the release.

Ann Arbor theater closure, layoff of 70-plus employees part of statewide Cinemark shutdown

DTE Energy headquarters in Detroit MLive.com filesMLive.com files

DTE delivering 100,000 medical respirator masks to hospitals, ordered 2 million more

The DTE Energy Foundation delivered 100,000 KN95 respiratory masks to hospitals in southeast Michigan on Wednesday, April 8, according to a release.

This is twice the amount of respirators the foundation donated earlier during the COVID-19 crisis, when it delivered 50,000 masks to the Detroit Police Department, Highlight Park Police Department and southeastern Michigan hospitals, the release states. The charitable efforts also include donations to 1,000 statewide nonprofits and funding 1 million meals to help about 100,000 families, the release stated.

Were just getting started. the DTE Foundation is pulling out all the stops to help protect the heroes of our communities, Jerry Norcia, DTE president/CEO, said in the release. For weeks, the DTE Foundation and its partners have been feeding Michiganders and equipping first responders. Now, thanks to the tenacity of our remarkable supply chain team, we can protect the Detroit-area health care workers who are on the front lines of this pandemic.

"The DTE Energy Foundations donation is just one example of how Michiganders are rallying behind one another in this critical time, said Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in the release. I am so proud of the people and the business leaders of this state who are stepping up to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect Michigan families. We will get through this together.

The foundation also ordered 2.3 million additional masks for future distribution, the release states, adding this is just a portion of the companys $16 million investment to help prevent coronavirus spread. The distribution has been coordinated with DTE partner Choctaw-Kaul, as well as the states Emergency Command Center.

Edible Arrangements has an Easter Feaster Box has 12 strawberries dipped in multicolored white or semisweet chocolate and topped with Easter-themed chocolate Swizzle.Edible Arrangements

Edible Arrangements delivering healthy foods like vegetables, treats such as chocolate-dipped strawberries

Just like Frog Holler Produce, another Ann Arbor business is delivering produce boxes to residents doorsteps. Edible Arrangements, 3386 Washtenaw Ave., is taking orders for whole fruit and vegetables boxes for free delivery if customers order a day ahead, said owner Michelle Toal.

Also for those seeking comfort food, there are chocolate-dipped items such as strawberries available. The effort is great for those that cant or dont want to leave their house, Toal said.

We drop it on their porch and call them from our delivery vehicle so theres no contact, she said.

For more information or to order, call 734-929-0200.

On this terrible time, Silvio will keep cooking for you. Delicious meals, reads a sign outside Silvios Organic Ristorante e Pizzeria, 715 N. University Ave. in Ann Arbor, advertising 15% off pickup orders and no-fee delivery. Stay calm. We will get over it.Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

Update on Silvios program to feed healthcare workers

Silvios Organic Ristorante & Pizzeria fed 80 people at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital last week, as well as about 140 people between a senior facility and the University of Michigan Hospital Wednesday night, according to an email from the business.

The program operates with customers purchasing food and gift cards, and the restaurant takes every $50 sold and donates a free large pizza or pasta entree to one of the local health facilities. With the demand higher than the incoming sales, the program needs further assistance, said spokesman Ted Ward.

The people at both UM and St. Joes would like to have food every day if possible, but since we are funding it so far from Silvios stores sales and donations by our customers, we cant meet the need, he wrote The Ann Arbor News/MLive. We have the ability and the willingness to make more food, we just need more donations to cover the cost of the food.

The store is trying to get the word out to Ann Arbor residents and beyond to increase sales to keep the program alive. To help Silvios front-line food program, you can place lunch or dinner orders from the menu for pickup or delivery at silviositalianfood.com/menu.

We have been part of this community for 14 years, owner Silvio Medoro previously said. The community always supported us, and is continuing to support us during this crisis. Customers show up every day to get a gift card, to get food for someone they know, or to just give us a nice tip and to tell us they love us and support us.

Read more 5 things that give us hope:"

Produce for restaurants now bundled for residents: 5 things that give us hope amid coronavirus crisis

Sidewalk chalk art cheers up Michigan Medicine nurses: 5 things that give us hope amid coronavirus crisis

Yard signs show appreciation for health care workers: 5 more things that give us hope amid coronavirus crisis

Ann Arbor caterer donating thousands of meals: 5 more things that give us hope amid coronavirus

350 meals delivered to families in need: 5 more things that give us hope amid coronavirus crisis

Free toilet paper with an oil change: Another 5 things that give us hope amid coronavirus crisis

5 things that give us hope amid the coronavirus pandemic in Washtenaw County

5 more things that give us hope amid the coronavirus outbreak in Washtenaw County

An extra 5 things that give us hope amid coronavirus crisis in Washtenaw County

Another 5 things that give us hope amid coronavirus crisis in Washtenaw, Livingston counties
WASHINGTON  Any way you cut it, this is going to be bad, a senior medical adviser at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Dr. Carter Mecher, wrote on the night of Jan. 28, in an email to a group of public health experts scattered around the government and universities. The projected size of the outbreak already seems hard to believe.

A week after the first coronavirus case had been identified in the United States, and six long weeks before President Donald Trump finally took aggressive action to confront the danger the nation was facing  a pandemic that is now forecast to take tens of thousands of American lives  Mecher was urging the upper ranks of the nations public health bureaucracy to wake up and prepare for the possibility of far more drastic action.

You guys made fun of me screaming to close the schools, he wrote to the group, which called itself Red Dawn, an inside joke based on the 1984 movie about a band of Americans trying to save the country after a foreign invasion. Now Im screaming, close the colleges and universities.

His was hardly a lone voice. Throughout January, as Trump repeatedly played down the seriousness of the virus and focused on other issues, an array of figures inside his government  from top White House advisers to experts deep in the Cabinet departments and intelligence agencies  identified the threat, sounded alarms and made clear the need for aggressive action.

The president, though, was slow to absorb the scale of the risk and to act accordingly, focusing instead on controlling the message, protecting gains in the economy and batting away warnings from senior officials.

Even after Trump took his first concrete action at the end of January  limiting travel from China  public health often had to compete with economic and political considerations in internal debates, slowing the path toward belated decisions to seek more money from Congress, obtain necessary supplies, address shortfalls in testing and ultimately move to keep much of the nation at home.

Unfolding as it did in the wake of his impeachment by the House and in the midst of his Senate trial, Trumps response was colored by his suspicion of and disdain for what he viewed as the Deep State  the very people in his government whose expertise and long experience might have guided him more quickly toward steps that would slow the virus, and likely save lives.

Decision-making was also complicated by a long-running dispute inside the administration over how to deal with China. The virus at first took a back seat to a desire not to upset Beijing during trade talks, but later the impulse to score points against Beijing left the worlds two leading powers further divided as they confronted one of the first truly global threats of the 21st century.

The shortcomings of Trumps performance have played out with remarkable transparency as part of his daily effort to dominate television screens and the national conversation.

But dozens of interviews with current and former officials and a review of emails and other records revealed many previously unreported details and a fuller picture of the roots and extent of his halting response as the deadly virus spread:

 The National Security Council office responsible for tracking pandemics received intelligence reports in early January predicting the spread of the virus to the United States, and within weeks was raising options like keeping Americans home from work and shutting down cities the size of Chicago. Trump would avoid such steps until March.

 Despite Trumps denial weeks later, he was told at the time about a Jan. 29 memo produced by his trade adviser, Peter Navarro, laying out in striking detail the potential risks of a coronavirus pandemic: as many as half a millions deaths and trillions of dollars in economic losses.

 The health and human services secretary, Alex Azar, directly warned Trump of the possibility of a pandemic during a call on Jan. 30, the second warning he delivered to the president about the virus in two weeks. The president, who was on Air Force One while traveling for appearances in the Midwest, responded that Azar was being alarmist.

 Azar publicly announced in February that the government was establishing a surveillance system in five American cities to measure the spread of the virus and enable experts to project the next hot spots. It was delayed for weeks. The slow start of that plan, on top of the well-documented failures to develop the nations testing capacity, left administration officials with almost no insight into how rapidly the virus was spreading. We were flying the plane with no instruments, one official said.

 By the third week in February, the administrations top public health experts concluded they should recommend to Trump a new approach that would include warning the American people of the risks and urging steps like social distancing and staying home from work. But the White House focused instead on messaging and crucial additional weeks went by before their views were reluctantly accepted by the president  time when the virus spread largely unimpeded.

When Trump finally agreed in mid-March to recommend social distancing across the country, effectively bringing much of the economy to a halt, he seemed shellshocked and deflated to some of his closest associates. One described him as subdued and baffled by how the crisis had played out. An economy that he had wagered his reelection on was suddenly in shambles.

He only regained his swagger, the associate said, from conducting his daily White House briefings, at which he often seeks to rewrite the history of the past several months. He declared at one point that he felt it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic, and insisted at another that he had to be a cheerleader for the country, as if that explained why he failed to prepare the public for what was coming.

Trumps allies and some administration officials say the criticism has been unfair. The Chinese government misled other governments, they say. And they insist that the president was either not getting proper information, or the people around him werent conveying the urgency of the threat. In some cases, they argue, the specific officials he was hearing from had been discredited in his eyes, but once the right information got to him through other channels, he made the right calls.

While the media and Democrats refused to seriously acknowledge this virus in January and February, President Trump took bold action to protect Americans and unleash the full power of the federal government to curb the spread of the virus, expand testing capacities and expedite vaccine development even when we had no true idea the level of transmission or asymptomatic spread, said Judd Deere, a White House spokesman.

There were key turning points along the way, opportunities for Trump to get ahead of the virus rather than just chase it. There were internal debates that presented him with stark choices, and moments when he could have chosen to ask deeper questions and learn more. How he handled them may shape his reelection campaign. They will certainly shape his legacy.

The Containment Illusion

By the last week of February, it was clear to the administrations public health team that schools and businesses in hot spots would have to close. But in the turbulence of the Trump White House, it took three more weeks to persuade the president that failure to act quickly to control the spread of the virus would have dire consequences.



When Dr. Robert Kadlec, the top disaster response official at the Health and Human Services Department, convened the White House coronavirus task force on Feb. 21, his agenda was urgent. There were deep cracks in the administrations strategy for keeping the virus out of the United States. They were going to have to lock down the country to prevent it from spreading. The question was: When?

There had already been an alarming spike in new cases around the world and the virus was spreading across the Middle East. It was becoming apparent that the administration had botched the rollout of testing to track the virus at home, and a smaller-scale surveillance program intended to piggyback on a federal flu tracking system had also been stillborn.

In Washington, the president was not worried, predicting that by April, when it gets a little warmer, it miraculously goes away. His White House had yet to ask Congress for additional funding to prepare for the potential cost of wide-scale infection across the country, and health care providers were growing increasingly nervous about the availability of masks, ventilators and other equipment.

What Trump decided to do next could dramatically shape the course of the pandemic  and how many people would get sick and die.

With that in mind, the task force had gathered for a tabletop exercise  a real-time version of a full-scale war gaming of a flu pandemic the administration had run the previous year. That earlier exercise, also conducted by Kadlec and called Crimson Contagion, predicted 110 million infections, 7.7 million hospitalizations and 586,000 deaths following a hypothetical outbreak that started in China.

Facing the likelihood of a real pandemic, the group needed to decide when to abandon containment  the effort to keep the virus outside the U.S. and to isolate anyone who gets infected  and embrace mitigation to thwart the spread of the virus inside the country until a vaccine becomes available.

Among the questions on the agenda, which was reviewed by The New York Times, was when the departments secretary, Azar, should recommend that Trump take textbook mitigation measures such as school dismissals and cancellations of mass gatherings, which had been identified as the next appropriate step in a Bush-era pandemic plan.

The exercise was sobering. The group  including Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health; Dr. Robert Redfield of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Azar, who at that stage was leading the White House Task Force  concluded they would soon need to move toward aggressive social distancing, even at the risk of severe disruption to the nations economy and the daily lives of millions of Americans.

If Kadlec had any doubts, they were erased two days later, when he stumbled upon an email from a researcher at the Georgia Institute of Technology, who was among the group of academics, government physicians and infectious diseases doctors who had spent weeks tracking the outbreak in the Red Dawn email chain.

A 20-year-old Chinese woman had infected five relatives with the virus even though she never displayed any symptoms herself. The implication was grave  apparently healthy people could be unknowingly spreading the virus  and supported the need to move quickly to mitigation.

Is this true?! Kadlec wrote back to the researcher. If so we have a huge whole on our screening and quarantine effort, including a typo where he meant hole. Her response was blunt: People are carrying the virus everywhere.

The following day, Kadlec and the others decided to present Trump with a plan titled Four Steps to Mitigation, telling the president that they needed to begin preparing Americans for a step rarely taken in U.S. history.

But over the next several days, a presidential blowup and internal turf fights would sidetrack such a move. The focus would shift to messaging and confident predictions of success rather than publicly calling for a shift to mitigation.

These final days of February, perhaps more than any other moment during his tenure in the White House, illustrated Trumps inability or unwillingness to absorb warnings coming at him. He instead reverted to his traditional political playbook in the midst of a public health calamity, squandering vital time as the coronavirus spread silently across the country.

Kadlecs group wanted to meet with the president right away, but Trump was on a trip to India, so they agreed to make the case to him in person as soon as he returned two days later. If they could convince him of the need to shift strategy, they could immediately begin a national education campaign aimed at preparing the public for the new reality.

A memo dated Feb. 14, prepared in coordination with the National Security Council and titled U.S. Government Response to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, documented what more drastic measures would look like, including: significantly limiting public gatherings and cancellation of almost all sporting events, performances, and public and private meetings that cannot be convened by phone. Consider school closures. Widespread stay at home directives from public and private organizations with nearly 100% telework for some.

The memo did not advocate an immediate national shutdown, but said the targeted use of quarantine and isolation measures could be used to slow the spread in places where sustained human-to-human transmission is evident.

Within 24 hours, before they got a chance to make their presentation to the president, the plan went awry.

Trump was walking up the steps of Air Force One to head home from India on Feb. 25 when Dr. Nancy Messonnier, the director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, publicly issued the blunt warning they had all agreed was necessary.

But Messonnier had jumped the gun. They had not told the president yet, much less gotten his consent.

On the 18-hour plane ride home, Trump fumed as he watched the stock market crash after Messonniers comments. Furious, he called Azar when he landed at around 6 a.m. on Feb. 26, raging that Messonnier had scared people unnecessarily. Already on thin ice with the president over a variety of issues and having overseen the failure to quickly produce an effective and widely available test, Azar would soon find his authority reduced.

The meeting that evening with Trump to advocate social distancing was canceled, replaced by a news conference in which the president announced that the White House response would be put under the command of Vice President Mike Pence.

The push to convince Trump of the need for more assertive action stalled. With Pence and his staff in charge, the focus was clear: no more alarmist messages. Statements and media appearances by health officials like Fauci and Redfield would be coordinated through Pences office. It would be more than three weeks before Trump would announce serious social distancing efforts, a lost period during which the spread of the virus accelerated rapidly.

Over nearly three weeks from Feb. 26 to March 16, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States grew from 15 to 4,226. Since then, nearly half a million Americans have tested positive for the virus and authorities say hundreds of thousands more are likely infected.

The China Factor

The earliest warnings about coronavirus got caught in the crosscurrents of the administrations internal disputes over China. It was the China hawks who pushed earliest for a travel ban. But their animosity toward China also undercut hopes for a more cooperative approach by the worlds two leading powers to a global crisis.



It was early January, and the call with a Hong Kong epidemiologist left Matthew Pottinger rattled.

Pottinger, the deputy national security adviser and a hawk on China, took a blunt warning away from the call with the doctor, a longtime friend: A ferocious, new outbreak that on the surface appeared similar to the SARS epidemic of 2003 had emerged in China. It had spread far more quickly than the government was admitting to, and it wouldnt be long before it reached other parts of the world.

Pottinger had worked as a Wall Street Journal correspondent in Hong Kong during the SARS epidemic, and was still scarred by his experience documenting the death spread by that highly contagious virus.

Now, 17 years later, his friend had a blunt message: You need to be ready. The virus, he warned, which originated in the city of Wuhan, was being transmitted by people who were showing no symptoms  an insight that U.S. health officials had not yet accepted. Pottinger declined through a spokesman to comment.

It was one of the earliest warnings to the White House, and it echoed the intelligence reports making their way to the National Security Council. While most of the early assessments from the CIA had little more information than was available publicly, some of the more specialized corners of the intelligence world were producing sophisticated and chilling warnings.

In a report to the director of national intelligence, the State Departments epidemiologist wrote in early January that the virus was likely to spread across the globe, and warned that the coronavirus could develop into a pandemic. Working independently, a small outpost of the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Center for Medical Intelligence, came to the same conclusion.

By mid-January there was growing evidence of the virus spreading outside China. Pottinger began convening daily meetings about the coronavirus. He alerted his boss, Robert C. OBrien, the national security adviser.

The early alarms sounded by Pottinger and other China hawks were freighted with ideology  including a push to publicly blame China that critics in the administration say was a distraction as the coronavirus spread to Western Europe and eventually the United States.

And they ran into opposition from Trumps economic advisers, who worried a tough approach toward China could scuttle a trade deal that was a pillar of Trumps reelection campaign.

With his skeptical  some might even say conspiratorial  view of Chinas ruling Communist Party, Pottinger initially suspected that the Chinese government was keeping a dark secret: that the virus may have originated in one of the laboratories in Wuhan studying deadly pathogens. In his view, it might have even been a deadly accident unleashed on an unsuspecting Chinese population.

During meetings and telephone calls, Pottinger asked intelligence agencies  including officers at the CIA working on Asia and on weapons of mass destruction  to search for evidence that might bolster his theory.

They didnt have any evidence. Intelligence agencies did not detect any alarm inside the Chinese government that analysts presumed would accompany the accidental leak of a deadly virus from a government laboratory. But Pottinger continued to believe the coronavirus problem was far worse than the Chinese were acknowledging. Inside the West Wing, the director of the Domestic Policy Council, Joe Grogan, also tried to sound alarms that the threat from China was growing.

Pottinger, backed by OBrien, became one of the driving forces of a campaign in the final weeks of January to convince Trump to impose limits on travel from China  the first substantive step taken to impede the spread of the virus and one that the president has repeatedly cited as evidence that he was on top of the problem.

In addition to the opposition from the economic team, Pottinger and his allies among the China hawks had to overcome initial skepticism from the administrations public health experts.

Travel restrictions were usually counterproductive to managing biological outbreaks because they prevented doctors and other much-needed medical help from easily getting to the affected areas, the health officials said. And such bans often cause infected people to flee, spreading the disease further.

But on the morning of Jan. 30, Azar got a call from Fauci, Redfield and others saying they had changed their minds. The World Health Organization had declared a global public health emergency and American officials had discovered the first confirmed case of person-to-person transmission inside the United States.

The economic team, led by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, continued to argue that there were big risks in taking a provocative step toward China and moving to curb global travel. After a debate, Trump came down on the side of the hawks and the public health team. The limits on travel from China were publicly announced on Jan. 31.

Still, Trump and other senior officials were wary of further upsetting Beijing. Besides the concerns about the impact on the trade deal, they knew that an escalating confrontation was risky because the United States relies heavily on China for pharmaceuticals and the kinds of protective equipment most needed to combat the coronavirus.

But the hawks kept pushing in February to take a critical stance toward China amid the growing crisis. Pottinger and others  including aides to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo  pressed for government statements to use the term Wuhan Virus.

Pompeo tried to hammer the anti-China message at every turn, eventually even urging leaders of the Group of 7 industrialized countries to use Wuhan virus in a joint statement.

Others, including aides to Pence, resisted taking a hard public line, believing that angering Beijing might lead the Chinese government to withhold medical supplies, pharmaceuticals and any scientific research that might ultimately lead to a vaccine.

Trump took a conciliatory approach through the middle of March, praising the job Chinas President Xi Jinping was doing.

That changed abruptly, when aides informed Trump that a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman had publicly spun a new conspiracy about the origins of COVID-19: that it was brought to China by U.S. Army personnel who visited the country last October.

Trump was furious, and he took to his favorite platform to broadcast a new message. On March 16, he wrote on Twitter that the United States will be powerfully supporting those industries, like Airlines and others, that are particularly affected by the Chinese Virus.

Trumps decision to escalate the war of words undercut any remaining possibility of broad cooperation between the governments to address a global threat. It remains to be seen whether that mutual suspicion will spill over into efforts to develop treatments or vaccines, both areas where the two nations are now competing.

One immediate result was a free-for-all across the United States, with state and local governments and hospitals bidding on the open market for scarce but essential Chinese-made products. When the state of Massachusetts managed to procure 1.2 million masks, it fell to the owner of the New England Patriots, Robert Kraft, a Trump ally, to cut through extensive red tape on both sides of the Pacific to send his own plane to pick them up.

The Consequences of Chaos

The chaotic culture of the Trump White House contributed to the crisis. A lack of planning and a failure to execute, combined with the presidents focus on the news cycle and his preference for following his gut rather than the data cost time, and perhaps lives.



Inside the West Wing, Navarro, Trumps trade adviser, was widely seen as quick-tempered, self-important, prone to butting in and obsessively anti-China.

So it elicited eye rolls when, after being prevented from joining the coronavirus task force, he circulated a memo on Jan. 29 urging Trump to limit travel from China, arguing that failing to confront the outbreak aggressively could be catastrophic, leading to hundreds of thousands of deaths and trillions of dollars in economic losses.

The uninvited message could not have conflicted more with the presidents approach at the time of playing down the severity of the threat. And when aides raised it with Trump, he responded that he was unhappy that Navarro had put his warning in writing.

From the time the virus was first identified as a concern, the administrations response was plagued by the rivalries and factionalism that routinely swirl around Trump and, along with the presidents impulsiveness, undercut decision making and policy development.

Faced with the relentless march of a deadly pathogen, the disagreements and a lack of long-term planning had significant consequences. They slowed the presidents response and resulted in problems with execution and planning, including delays in seeking money from Capitol Hill and a failure to begin broad surveillance testing.

The efforts to shape Trumps view of the virus began early in January, when his focus was elsewhere: the fallout from his decision to kill Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Irans security mastermind; his push for an initial trade deal with China; and his Senate impeachment trial, which was about to begin.

Even after Azar first briefed him about the potential seriousness of the virus during a phone call on Jan. 18 while the president was at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump projected confidence that it would be a passing problem.

We have it totally under control, he told an interviewer a few days later while attending the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. Its going to be just fine.

Back in Washington, voices outside of the White House peppered Trump with competing assessments about what he should do and how quickly he should act.

The efforts to sort out policy behind closed doors were contentious and sometimes only loosely organized.

That was the case when the National Security Council convened a meeting on short notice on the afternoon of Jan. 27. The Situation Room was standing room only, packed with top White House advisers, low-level staffers, Trumps social media guru, and several Cabinet secretaries. There was no checklist about the preparations for a possible pandemic, which would require intensive testing, rapid acquisition of protective gear, and perhaps serious limitations on Americans movements.

Instead, after a 20-minute description by Azar of his departments capabilities, the meeting was jolted when Stephen E. Biegun, the newly installed deputy secretary of state, announced plans to issue a level four travel warning, strongly discouraging Americans from traveling to China. The room erupted into bickering.

A few days later, on the evening of Jan. 30, Mick Mulvaney, the acting White House chief of staff at the time, and Azar called Air Force One as the president was making the final decision to go ahead with the restrictions on China travel. Azar was blunt, warning that the virus could develop into a pandemic and arguing that China should be criticized for failing to be transparent.

Trump rejected the idea of criticizing China, saying the country had enough to deal with. And if the presidents decision on the travel restrictions suggested that he fully grasped the seriousness of the situation, his response to Azar indicated otherwise.

Stop panicking, Trump told him.

That sentiment was present throughout February, as the presidents top aides reached for a consistent message but took few concrete steps to prepare for the possibility of a major public health crisis.

During a briefing on Capitol Hill on Feb. 5, senators urged administration officials to take the threat more seriously. Several asked if the administration needed additional money to help local and state health departments prepare.

Derek Kan, a senior official from the Office of Management and Budget, replied that the administration had all the money it needed, at least at that point, to stop the virus, two senators who attended the briefing said.

Just left the Administration briefing on Coronavirus, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., wrote in a tweet shortly after. Bottom line: they arent taking this seriously enough.

The administration also struggled to carry out plans it did agree on. In mid-February, with the effort to roll out widespread testing stalled, Azar announced a plan to repurpose a flu-surveillance system in five major cities to help track the virus among the general population. The effort all but collapsed even before it got started as Azar struggled to win approval for $100 million in funding and the CDC failed to make reliable tests available.

The number of infections in the United States started to surge through February and early March, but the Trump administration did not move to place large-scale orders for masks and other protective equipment, or critical hospital equipment, such as ventilators. The Pentagon sat on standby, awaiting any orders to help provide temporary hospitals or other assistance.

As February gave way to March, the president continued to be surrounded by divided factions even as it became clearer that avoiding more aggressive steps was not tenable.

Trump had agreed to give an Oval Office address on the evening of March 11 announcing restrictions on travel from Europe, where the virus was ravaging Italy. But responding to the views of his business friends and others, he continued to resist calls for social distancing, school closures and other steps that would imperil the economy.

But the virus was already multiplying across the country  and hospitals were at risk of buckling under the looming wave of severely ill people, lacking masks and other protective equipment, ventilators and sufficient intensive care beds. The question loomed over the president and his aides after weeks of stalling and inaction: What were they going to do?

The approach that Azar and others had planned to bring to him weeks earlier moved to the top of the agenda. Even then, and even by Trump White House standards, the debate over whether to shut down much of the country to slow the spread was especially fierce.

Always attuned to anything that could trigger a stock market decline or an economic slowdown that could hamper his reelection effort, Trump also reached out to prominent investors like Stephen Schwarzman, chief executive of Blackstone Group, a private equity firm.

Everybody questioned it for a while, not everybody, but a good portion questioned it, Trump said earlier this month. They said, lets keep it open. Lets ride it.

In a tense Oval Office meeting, when Mnuchin again stressed that the economy would be ravaged, OBrien, the national security adviser, who had been worried about the virus for weeks, sounded exasperated as he told Mnuchin that the economy would be destroyed regardless if officials did nothing.

Soon after the Oval Office address, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration and a trusted sounding board inside the White House, visited Trump, partly at the urging of Jared Kushner, the presidents son-in-law. Gottliebs role was to impress upon the president how serious the crisis could become.

But in the end, aides said, it was Dr. Deborah Birx, the veteran AIDS researcher who had joined the task force, who helped to persuade Trump. Soft-spoken and fond of the kind of charts and graphs Trump prefers, Birx did not have the rough edges that could irritate the president. He often told people he thought she was elegant.

On Monday, March 16, Trump announced new social distancing guidelines, saying they would be in place for two weeks. The subsequent economic disruptions were so severe that the president repeatedly suggested that he wanted to lift even those temporary restrictions. He frequently asked aides why his administration was still being blamed in news coverage for the widespread failures involving testing, insisting the responsibility had shifted to the states.

During the last week in March, Kellyanne Conway, a senior White House adviser involved in task force meetings, gave voice to concerns other aides had. She warned Trump that his wished-for date of Easter to reopen the country likely couldnt be accomplished. Among other things, she told him, he would end up being blamed by critics for every subsequent death caused by the virus.

Within days, he watched images on television of a calamitous situation at Elmhurst Hospital Center, miles from his childhood home in Queens, New York, where 13 people had died from the coronavirus in 24 hours.

He left the restrictions in place.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
The Afghanistan government has rejected Pakistans demand for handing over Islamic State of Khorsan Province (ISKP) leader Aslam Farooqi, saying he will be tried under Afghan laws for crimes committed in the country.

Pakistan had on Thursday demanded the handing over of Farooqi, a Pakistani national with long-standing ties to the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan. Farooqi was captured with 19 other members of ISKP during an operation by Afghan troops on April 5.

The Afghan foreign ministry said in a statement in Dari issued on Friday: Aslam Farooqi is the leader of the ISIS group who has committed many crimes in Afghanistan. He is accused of leading a series of operations that have resulted in the deaths of many civilian Afghans and soldiers. He will be treated according to the laws of Afghanistan.

The statement said another reason for treating Farooqi under Afghan laws is that there is no agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan on the extradition of criminals.

Afghanistan does not discriminate against terrorists [and] unlawful behaviour and is committed to all anti-terrorism commitments, the statement added.

The foreign ministry statement suggested there could be exchanges of information under the Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS), which will help fight terrorism.

Several of the terrorists captured with Farooqi are Pakistani nationals, Afghanistans spy agency or National Directorate of Security (NDS) has said.

Farooqi has been linked to the March 25 attack on a Sikh place of worship in Kabul that killed more than 25 people, including an Indian national. Indian security officials have said the ISKP targeted the Sikhs after being unable to attack the heavily fortified Indian mission in Kabul.

Pakistans Foreign Office had demanded that Farooqi be handed over as he was involved in anti-Pakistan activities in Afghanistan.

Indian and Afghan security officials have been sceptical about Pakistans demand. They said it appeared the Pakistani side was more worried about what Farooqi could divulge about his long-standing links to the Pakistani military establishment during his interrogation.

The ISKP has claimed responsibility for a string of deadly attacks on Afghanistans minorities such as Hazara Shias and Sikhs. However, it has been put on the backfoot after coordinated operations by Afghan forces in Nangarhar province since November led to the surrender of hundreds of the groups fighters and sympathisers.

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Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said investigators continue to work to strengthen their case against Weinstein. As we gather corroborating evidence, we have reached out to other possible sexual assault victims," she said in a statement. If we find new evidence of a previously unreported crime, as we did here, we will investigate and determine whether additional criminal charges should be filed.
Being a prostitute has always been a good option in times of crisis... until this one, says Bruno, a sex worker who fears catching the deadly coronavirus at a time when those in his trade are more vulnerable than ever.

One of approximately a million sex workers in the United States, Bruno - not his real name - has stopped taking clients in the past month as the once-in-a-century pandemic arrived in America.

Like most legal trades, demand for the 33-year-olds services has plummeted with much of the country staying home under lockdown.

But Bruno, who is based in the Los Angeles area, started in this business about two years ago precisely because he couldnt get a steady job that paid well.

Now his savings are rapidly dwindling -- and unlike most unemployed workers, Bruno is not eligible for federally approved relief.

Despite his health concerns over a pandemic that has killed more than 14,000 people in the US, Bruno is considering returning to work.

Im going to have to take the risk, its the only way I can make money, he said.

Demand has already fallen by around 80 percent, he said -- but a handful of clients are still contacting him.

Bruno already considers his job to be high-risk because of potential exposure to sexually transmitted diseases.

Im surprised that, with this virus going around, people still want to take the danger, he admitted.

Returning is not a decision he takes lightly.

How can I be sure the person is taking care of themselves? he asked.

The only way

Small businesses hit by the crisis seeking emergency loans, according to government guidelines, may not sell products or services... of a prurient sexual nature.

Our governments unwillingness to recognize sex work as a non-criminal venue of employment means that many workers are quickly being pushed into a state of financial desperation, wrote Molly Simmons, a New York sex worker, on the Huffington Post.

The situation, she warned, may force sex workers to accept clients they know arent safe and risk an assault or rape because they need to feed themselves or their children or keep the electricity on.

The Desert AIDS Project, an NGO specializing in HIV-AIDS in California, has published recommendations for sex workers during the pandemic.

When negotiating services, prices, and laying ground rules, cover off on coronavirus too, it advises, suggesting other measures such as protective gloves.

Other organizations have promoted ways for sex workers to avoid physical meetings altogether during the pandemic.

Advocacy groups COYOTE and BAWS have called on clients to make donations or pay in advance for post-crisis services.

Some sex workers have emulated pornographic actors by making a living from home via webcam appearances and connecting with clients by phone calls or messaging.

Bruno has friends who already do this and earn up to $3,000 a month.

But he is wary of that route, which risks exposing his identity.

Im not criticizing it, but Im not getting into it, he said. I dont want my financial difficulties to cost me my privacy.

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.)

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The Ebonyi State governor, David Umahi, had banned the use of motorcycle for transportation business in the state.

He stated this in a live broadcast to the people of the state on Saturday.

The governor, who said the ban is statewide, expressed dismay at the flagrant disregard for the closure of the state borders by commercial motorcyclists who smuggle returnees in.

It will be recalled that the state government had closed the state borders as part of measures to fight the deadly coronavirus which has so far infected 305 persons in the country and caused the death of seven persons.

But commercial motorcyclists and even commercial vehicle operators have continued to bring people into the state.

The governor also warned that any vehicle caught flouting the lockdown by bringing people into the state will be impounded and auctioned off.

READ ALSO:

A statement by the special assistant on media to the governor noted that the ban is with immediate effect.

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, has noted with dismay how misguided elements hire motorcyclists popularly called Okada to enter Ebonyi State through track roads which contravenes the COVID-19 Law 2020 and as a result, has directed immediate ban of the use of Motorcycles (Okada) in Ebonyi State.

This directive is without exception and the ban is an all-time ban across the state, the statement said.
President Muhammadu Buhari has pleaded with Nigerians to obey the stay at home directive, a statement from his office said on Saturday.

A presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, noted that the president has ordered the release of 70,000 tonnes of grain to augment the ongoing palliative being given to vulnerable Nigerians.

The grain is to be released from the National Strategic Grain Reserves, Mr Shehu wrote in his statement.

The freedom we ask you to willingly forsake today will only last as long as our scientific advisers declare they are necessary. But they are essential, world over, to halt and defeat the spread of this virus, the president said.

READ MORE:

We realize that today, there will be sons and daughters unable to visit their parents, and elders that are isolated from young ones. And there will be those who live day-to-day, eating as they earn, who face real and present suffering.

He also implored Nigerians to listen and follow public announcements via the mass media for instructions as to how to receive this government support  and learn of more public assistance in the coming days.

All that the Government is asking you to endure is because nowhere in the world today is there any known way of defeating this pandemic. There is no vaccine. And that means there are choices to be made: between continuing as usual, or accepting the restrictions even when they come with unintended consequences.

He added that the government owes Nigerians the truth and it does not expect other countries to come to her aid to help defeat the virus.

Instead, the defeat of the virus in our country will be in our hands, alone. We cannot wait for others. We can only depend on ourselves now. And so we must  and we will  end this outbreak ourselves as Nigerians, together.

As of Saturday, Nigeria has 305 confirmed cases of COVID-19, a deadly respiratory disease, which has killed thousands globally.
Two Enniskerry women have founded an initiative to make masks for healthcare workers, under the banner 'East Coast Mask Makers'.

Sinead O'Riordan said that she learned that front-line workers don't have enough masks.

'I read an interview with a nurse in the mid-lands and got in touch to see if I could help with home made masks,' she said.

'They're not hospital grade, but fabric,' she said.

'They are not to replace surgical masks but if stocks run low, the idea is that something is better than nothing.

They could also be used by nurses and healthcare workers to avoid bringing infection home.'

She had sent a batch to the mid-lands and along with co-founder Sinead McGuinnes is continuing the rally the troops in Enniskerry and beyond to make more.

There is a pocket in each mask allowing the user to insert a filter, such as a paper towel.

All masks will be washed prior to dispatch and placed in zip-lock bags.

They have used sheets and pillow cases or fabric they happen to have, and are on the lookout for more fabric and elastic.

Materials are hot washed and steam pressed before dispatch.

A biker group called Bravo Charlie is helping them to distribute the masks in Wicklow and Dublin.

The women said that there has been fantastic community spirit, with the task giving people a sense of purpose.

To get involved, either by sewing masks or donating materials, email organisers at eastcoastmaskmakers@gmail.com.
At least six employees working at



the iconic Taj Mahal Palace and Towers hotel in south Mumbai have tested positive for coronavirus, a doctor attached to a private hospital said on Saturday.

Indian Hotels Company, which runs the Taj Hotel chain, confirmed that some of its employees have been found positive for virus, but did not specify the number.

The company has been hosting, at its hotels in the city, doctors and health workers from various state-run hospitals treating coronavirus cases and also those rendering other emergency services.

Apart from Taj Palace at Colaba, it also runs Taj Lands End at Bandra, Vivanta President at Cuffe Parade, and Taj Santacruz.

"Six Taj hotel employees are being treated at Bombay Hospital and they tested positive to COVID-19. They are recovering and their condition is stable now," Dr Gautam Bhansali, consulting physician at Bombay Hospital, said.

Without specifying the number of infected employees, the company said in a statement that most of them were "asymptomatic showing absolutely no signs of illness" and that the employees were tested proactively.

"However, staff testing positive and symptomatic were duly hospitalized and others who were in contact with them have immediately been put in quarantine," the company statement said.

The iconic Taj Mahal Palace and Tower hotel of the company in south Mumbai does not have any guests at present and only minimal staff are present to ensure upkeep of the property, it said.

When contacted, a senior official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation could not give any information as to how the civic body was treating the IHC properties where staff tested positive. In some cases the BMC declares the building where patients are found and areas around it as "containment zones".

The civic body official only said that three people had tested positive last week. Dr Bhansali said two of the patients were admitted on Saturday, while the rest had come earlier.

A doctor working for the civic body said last week they were accommodated in Taj Palace Colaba and later shifted to Tak Lands End in Bandra.

Asserting that all of its staffers found positive are from Taj Colaba, an IHC official said the property overlooking the famous Gateway of India monument has been completely sanitised and there is no one going in or out.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Clarks Shoes will re-open all 10 of its Irish shops once the Covid 19 restictions are lifted, despite announcing some closures in the UK.

The company confirmed it will not reopen less than 10 of its 347 UK outlets once the lockdown there ends. In those cases the shops' leases were set to expire and the firm decided not renew them in May.

A spokesperson said the closures were not related to the coronavirus pandemic.

The family-owned retailer has also hired Rothschild to advise on its financing options, according to a report from Sky News.




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The Union labour and employment ministry has set up control rooms across the country to receive and address on a war-footing, the grievances of workers who have been denied wages or retrenched during the national

The labour ministry has made public a list of 60 officers -- essentially labour commissioners in 20 regions across the country -- along with their e-mail address and contact numbers. They will deal with distress calls from workers who are working under the central sphere.

This comes as a time when there is growing discontentment among workers living in shelter homes or relief camps in various states. On Friday, hundreds of migrant workers from such camps in Surat, Gujarat took to the streets to demand logistical arrangements for them to return home. The workers, who went to the extent of torching vegetable carts, also asked for wages to be paid by their employers.

ALSO READ: India would have 8.2 lakh COVID-19 cases by now without lockdown: Govt

We understand that the workers are going through a period of stress and as the extends, they will be more anxious about the prevailing situation.

The control rooms are aimed to listen to their problems and address them at the earliest, a senior labour and employment ministry official said, requesting anonymity. The official added that even the micro, small and medium enterprises have shown concerns of poor cash flow due to a in paying salaries to workers.

Ever since the 21-day national lockdown was put in place on March 25, the office of the chief labour commissioner under the labour ministry has been receiving distress calls from workers complaining about retrenchment or a delay in receiving wages.

ALSO READ: Construction of highways in safe districts may be allowed under lockdown

Few days back, chief labour commissioner Rajan Verma told his regional officers to follow up rigorously on all complaints and even took a status report. In some cases, even employers who had deducted wages or laid off workers were contacted.

However, the CLC can only monitor the activities of industries belonging to the central sphere. This includes all central public and private sector units in the civil aviation, banking and finance, telecommunications, insurance, ports, dock, and mines sectors.

The government, in an order issued on March 29, has made it mandatory for firms to pay wages to workers on due dates during the lockdown period. The labour ministry has advised businesses to not go for retrenchment or layoffs.
New Delhi, April 11 : Fifty two coronavirus patients have been found in Chandni Mahal area of Old Delhi. A total of 102 Jamaatis have been evacuated from 13 mosques here. Many of them belong to the Nizamuddin Markaz while 52 of them have tested positive for coronavirus.

People who came in contact with them are also being searched for. Three people have died in three days in the Chandni Mahal area.

On April 6, all these people were taken out of the 13 mosques in the Chandni Mahal area and kept in the Quarantine Centre at Gulabi Bagh. After 52 people tested positive for coronavirus, the District Magistrate issued orders to seal the entire area immediately.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said on Saturday morning that the number of infected people in Delhi has reached 903. Informing about the Chandni Mahal area, Jain said: "Many people have been found suffering from coronavirus there. The Delhi government has taken cognizance of these matters and all of them have been quarantined." Nizamuddin is also one of the 30 Containment Zones in Delhi and the entire area is being sanitized. The Health Department has hired 100 teams to carry out tests and sanitization of the local people in the Nizamuddin area.

"We make 50, 100 and 150 teams for different locations for scanning and scan each and every place," said Jain.

Meanwhile, 13,500 PPE kits have been sent to the Delhi government to protect the doctors and nurses treating coronavirus patients.

Efforts are also being made to identify those persons who came in contact with the people living in the mosques. Door to door samples will be taken in the area. The Jamaatis were housed in the Chandni Mahal area at Moti Masjid Gate Telian, Masjid Syedrafai, Masjid Telianwali, Kikar Wali Mosque, Chhoti Masjid, Pathanwali Mosque, Masjid Chamanwali, Masjid Chhata Lal Mian, Masjid Chandwali, Masjid Mustafa and Chhoti Masjid, Badi Masjid Fasil Road, Hauzwali mosque and Maulvi Abdul Ghani mosque.

According to the data, 903 people have been infected with the coronavirus in Delhi so far.
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With our patented technology and our independent panel of world-class physicians, we are able to provide a very cost-effective choice to improve health care while reducing costs, said Steve Krause, President, SecondOpinionExpert, Inc. Patients using our system are able to obtain the highest quality second opinion, avoid unnecessary travel time and expense, and know that they will be getting the best medical advice no matter the medical specialty.

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Candidates are going all out to woo swing voters. The ruling Minjoo Party is highlighting the government's successful response to the coronavirus epidemic while the main opposition United Future Party is taking aim at the dismal economic record of the Moon Jae-in administration and cronyism cases like fly-by-night Justice Minister Cho Kuk.

Almost half the National Assembly seats up for grabs or 121 are in the densely populated areas of Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, and no party will be able to win a solid lead without victory there.

Undecided voters in the capital region are expected to hold the decisive votes in the April 15 general election.

Hahn Kyu-sup at Seoul National University said, "The election is taking place amid the coronavirus epidemic so the choices of undecided voters, who are relatively passive, could become a decisive factor. We can't rule out the possibility of undecided voters traditionally favoring the opposition, failing to materialize this time."

The Minjoo Party swept the Seoul metropolitan area in the last two general elections. In the last general elections, its predecessor, the Democratic Party, won 82 seats there and the then-ruling Saenuri Party just 35.

This time Minjoo aims for more than 90 seats, while what is now the United Future Party seeks to win more than 50.

A poll by Gallup Korea from March 24 to 26 showed 30 percent of voters in Seoul undecided, 27 percent in Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, and 28 percent in the traditionally moderate Chungcheong provinces.

The National Election Commission has yet to complete the final list of eligible voters, but a look at the current population distribution pattern in these regions suggests there are around 7.3 million undecided voters.

One pollster said, "If we don't ask people to specify which party they favor, the proportion of undecided voters rises to 38 percent. So the winner of the upcoming election will be determined by the choices of undecided voters."
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- In the past week, four U.K. doctors have died from Covid-19; the youngest was 55. There will be more to come if the government doesnt quickly resolve the shortages of personal protective equipment, or PPE, in hospitals and medical centers.

The British Medical Association wasnt being dramatic when it said this week that health workers treating Covid-19 patients face life-threatening shortages of PPE, and asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer for enhanced death-in-service insurance cover. A failure to protect medical personnel will not only threaten Britains ability to help those worst affected by Covid-19  it could also undermine the bonds of trust that have kept the country's under-resourced health service punching above its weight.

Doctors around the country are still reporting a lack of PPE, despite government assurances that the shortages were due only to temporary distribution hiccups and that millions of items have been delivered. As the hashtag #GetMePPE was trending and young doctor couples were reportedly drawing up wills, there have been reports of doctors being punished or prevented from speaking out, as if out of some 1970s communist playbook. (And this was not just in the U.K.: Bloomberg reported earlier this week that doctors and medical staff in the U.S. have also been told by hospitals theyll be fired if they speak out about shortages).

But doctors are right to advocate for better protection. In examining the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the World Health Organization found that healthcare workers were up to 32 times more likely to become infected than the general population; the degree of health-care worker infection  which ranged from 2% to more than 50%  depended largely on the preparedness of the facility receiving patients. Its been clear for some time that medical workers are at heightened risk from Covid-19 and that shortages of PPE were going to be a big problem.

Story continues

There was the tragic death of 34-year-old Chinese doctor Li Wenliang, who was initially detained by police for spreading rumors after warning colleagues of the new virus. In February, Chinese and U.S. media were reporting that Chinese medical professionals often had to source their own PPE, using tape to hold together items meant for single use and, inevitably, becoming ill. In mid-February, China reported that 1,716 medical workers had contracted the virus and six had died. Few doubt that this vastly understated the problem.

Italy began publishing statistics on doctor deaths on March 11. When I first wrote about the issue last week, 24 Italian doctors had been named as fatalities from Covid-19. Just 10 days later, the list had grown to 69.

Most fatalities have been older doctors, but that should be no comfort to younger physicians. An older persons weaker immune system increases vulnerability; but doctors with prolonged and repeated contact with Covid-19 patients, and especially surgeons performing invasive aerosol-generating procedures, are likely to experience a higher viral load. This seems to increase the risk of contracting a more severe form of the disease, where the virus overwhelms even a younger persons defenses.

The news from Italy isnt all grim. Experience at the Cotugno Hospital in Naples, in which no medical staff have been infected so far, supports the view that correct PPE and procedures can save lives. The PPE there is more like Full Metal Jacket for the coronavirus era. A Sky News report from the hospital this week showed guards in the corridors and disinfectant machines that hose down all visitors. Staff protection at Cotugno Hospital goes beyond the standard WHO recommendations. Their thick suits are waterproof. Those inside the treatment rooms with patients communicate through a window to those outside. Medicine is passed through a compartment.

Todays PPE shortage in the U.K. and U.S. is one consequence of years of underinvestment in pandemic preparedness, despite many warnings. It will take time to fix. The typical supply chain, where U.S. healthcare providers purchase from known manufacturers, has broken down. Connecting supply to demand has become the Wild West, explains Nadav Ullman, one of the founders of ProjectN95, a non-profit set up to act as a national clearinghouse for Covid-19 equipment in the U.S. They have logged more than 335 million requests for PPE for the next 30 days.

Big Chinese factories like 3Ms are focused on supplying Asian countries, so any masks coming arriving in the West from them are leakage, says Devika Daga, supply director of ProjectN95. Meanwhile, theres a cottage industry of home-made and repurposed kit to meet the need (as my colleague Frank Wilkinson recently described in the U.S.). There is plenty of poor-quality PPE being produced in China too, making vetting essential. The Netherlands recently had to recall a large shipment of faulty Chinese masks.

In Britain, where health care is socialized and procurement largely centralized, the shortages have turned doctors into dealers, where they have to learn about getting VAT numbers and customs codes. Dr. Ricardo Petraco, a cardiologist at Imperial College NHS Trust, has resigned himself to this reality to ensure his team is protected and can keep working. Im just on Alibaba.com ordering 500 pieces of kit as a trial, he said when I checked in with him recently. If it works well, well order much more as a department.

Petraco said his department had run out of visors and other PPE: I have read that millions of PPE have been delivered. I haven't seen that. We had to buy our own. That seems to be a problem around the country. Even U.K. schools have been asked to donate science goggles to be used as face shields.

I asked Petraco how the gatekeepers at his hospital and NHS Trust have responded to the new supply chains. Normally we wouldnt be able to buy kit independently. You have to go via procurement and they have to check and do quality control, he says. But the surgeons just want to keep working and the hospitals know theres a supply breakdown. They will fundamentally have to accept it as its for our protection. They cant go inside wards and start removing peoples face masks and goggles, he says.

For prestigious institutions, securing funding for more PPE isnt a problem. For less well-connected hospitals and medical centers, it may be another matter. And its unclear whether these ad hoc supply chains will work smoothly or hold up over time. Petraco later learned that the items he ordered were being held in China and Hong Kong. Another doctor who ordered supply directly from contacts in China also hadnt received delivery.

In the U.K., the problem hasnt been supply alone. Guidance was confusing and inadequate. On Thursday, after an outcry from doctors and surgeons, Public Health England belatedly announced new guidance for PPE. The improved guidance is more specific and tailored to different medical settings. The standards have also been raised for anyone using devices in an aerosol-generating procedure. They still dont meet the Cotugno Hospital gold standard.

For orthopaedic surgeons and their teams, often engaged in long procedures using heavy tools, having powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR)  stipulated in guidance from the American College of Surgeons but not in the NHSs  would offer better protection and prevent the inflammation, pain and bruising that close-fitting masks and goggles often cause. The bigger problem may be that the new guidance doesnt take seriously enough the infectiousness of Covid-19.

Because Covid-19 hasnt been established as airborne, the guidance for general practitioners and many other front-line staff is much lighter. While new research hasnt yet been peer-reviewed, theres enough to suggest high levels of viral shedding  that is, viral RNA finds its way onto surfaces and lingers in rooms where Covid-19 patients have been and in the air. This suggests that the practice in many Asian countries of widespread PPE makes a lot of sense. There is a focus on aerosol generating procedures, but not on what you might call aerosol-rich environments, says Petraco. Accepting this level of threat, however, would require a much greater distribution of PPE in all medical settings.

The shortages have underscored the extent to which the taxpayer-funded NHS relies on the goodwill of medical staff and their families. The 223 or so devolved NHS bodies that run health-care facilities around the country are known, specifically, as trusts. But what if the professionals treating Covid-19 patients or performing emergency operations lose confidence in the system thats meant to have their backs? The consequences, at a time when so many doctors have already been leaving the NHS for private practice, would extend beyond this particular crisis.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Therese Raphael writes editorials on European politics and economics for Bloomberg Opinion. She was editorial page editor of the Wall Street Journal Europe.

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com/opinion

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By Amanda Ferguson

BELFAST (Reuters) - Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein expressed concern on Saturday over a request by Northern Ireland's health minister for British military assistance in response to the coronavirus, saying it had raised the sensitive issue with the British government.

The presence of British armed forces in Northern Ireland would be highly contentious for some Irish nationalists because of the role some soldiers played in 30 years of violence up to a 1998 peace deal that introduced a power-sharing government.

The accord mostly ended the so-called "Troubles" fought between security services, Catholic nationalists seeking union with Ireland and Protestant unionists wishing to stay in the United Kingdom. But there are still sporadic attacks, mainly from nationalist splinter groups who oppose the peace process.

Pro-British Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) Health Minister Robin Swann signed off on a request on Friday for military support distributing life-saving equipment and the possible development of a temporary field hospital.

"My number one priority right now is to save lives and protect those of the staff on the front line. I believe the time has now come that the Ministry of Defence can help me with that," Swann said in a statement.

Deaths in the British-run region from COVID-19 rose to 107 on Saturday.

Sinn Fein, the largest nationalist party in the devolved administration, said no proposal to use British military personnel for roles normally performed by civilians had come before the regional executive.

"Sinn Fein has made clear we will not rule out any measure necessary to save lives," Michelle O'Neill, the pro-Irish unity party's leader in Northern Ireland, said in a statement.

"(But) the health minister has a responsibility to exhaust all options," the region's deputy first minister added.

She said she had raised "the sensitivities of British military intervention" directly with Britain's Northern Ireland minister.

Story continues

A spokeswoman for the health department said Swann had publicly stated his intention to make the request a week ago and O'Neill had been informed of the decision.

Doug Beattie, a UUP lawmaker and ex-British army captain, told Reuters the request did not mean new soldiers being brought in from Britain but using navy, air force and army personnel who remained after the army's general withdrawal from the region.

Other parties also criticised Sinn Fein's intervention.

The British army has been involved in the distribution of personal protective equipment to other parts of the United Kingdom and in building a new hospital in London.

(Editing by Padraic Halpin and Frances Kerry)
The United States became the first country to report more than 2,000 coronavirus deaths in a single day, marking a grim milestone as huge swathes of the globe celebrated the Easter holiday weekend under lockdown from home.

The global death toll from the virus surged past 103,000, with the United States quickly becoming the epicentre of the pandemic that first emerged in China late last year.

Europe has so far shouldered the majority of all deaths and infections -- though there were signs of hope the curve could be starting to flatten in some of the hardest-hit countries.

Numbers out of Spain offered a shred of hope Saturday: 510 new deaths, a dip in fatalities for the third day in a row.

Official number of deaths linked to the coronavirus around the world, as of April 11 at 1100 GMT. By Simon MALFATTO (AFP)

France reported nearly 1,000 new deaths Friday but confirmed a drop in the number of intensive care patients for a second day running.

Italy meanwhile said the number of daily deaths was starting to level off -- though the government resisted pressure to lift its lockdown, extending confinement measures until May 3.

But Britain on Saturday recorded its second highest daily toll, as virus-stricken Prime Minister Boris Johnson made "very good progress" after being released from intensive care, a spokeswoman said.

With 18,849 dead, Italy has the highest global death toll, but is likely to soon be surpassed by the United States.

On Friday, the US reported 2,108 new deaths, the highest daily toll out of any country since the outbreak was first reported in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December.

Spain reported a drop in new deaths for a third consecutive day, offering a glimmer of hope the peak may have passed. By PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU (AFP)

With more than half a million reported infections, the United States already has more coronavirus cases than anywhere else in the world.

The global infection rate now stands at more than 1.7 million, though with many countries only testing the most serious cases the real numbers are believed to be higher.

But President Donald Trump said that with the US infection trajectory "near the peak" and social distancing working well, he was considering ways to re-open the world's biggest economy as soon as possible.

He acknowledged the risk of higher death tolls if businesses restart too soon -- even as the World Health Organization cautioned countries against lifting lockdown measures too quickly.

"But you know what? Staying at home leads to death also," Trump said, pointing to the massive economic suffering for millions of Americans.

It is unclear when that will be possible to end the lockdown, with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo saying millions in the state -- the hardest hit in the US -- will have to be tested before it can reopen.

New York hospitals are straining to treat a steady influx of patients, and the unclaimed dead -- up to 25 a day -- are now being buried in unmarked mass graves in a public cemetery in the state.

'Unreal silence'

Easter weekend kicked off in near-empty churches around the world as parishioners remained locked in their homes.

Pope Francis was due to livestream his Easter Vigil from an empty St Peter's Basilica later Saturday, after he presided over an empty Good Friday Service to kick off the holiday weekend. By Vincenzo PINTO (AFP)

More than four billion people -- over half the world's population -- are confined to their homes from New York to Naples to New Delhi as governments scramble to contain the pandemic's deadly march across the globe.

Pope Francis was due to livestream his Easter Vigil from an empty St Peter's Basilica later Saturday, after he presided over an empty Good Friday Service to kick off the holiday weekend.

The pontiff was praised by Italy's prime minister for his "gesture of responsibility" to observe Easter in private.

"We will remember this spring as the one in which, for the first time in history, the pope presided over the general audiences and conducted the Angelus (prayer) by livestream," Giuseppe Conte wrote in Italy's Catholic daily Avvenire.

"His words, although spoken far from Saint Peter's Square, which was wrapped in an unreal silence, have reached everyone."

Worshippers in Rome stocked up on traditional Easter cakes ahead of the weekend, some piling them onto scooters outside of grocery stores, eager to maintain parts of the holiday tradition.

'Deadly resurgence'

Across Europe, government urged citizens to stay home for the weekend, fearing people would flock outdoors to enjoy the warm weather or flee to holiday homes.

Turkey announced with little warning Friday that a 48-hour lockdown order would be in place in dozens of cities, including Ankara and Istanbul, as its virus death toll crept past 1,000. By Yasin AKGUL (AFP)

France deployed some 160,000 gendarmes to patrol busy roads, while long queues of customers formed outside of butcher shops in Paris as residents stocked up on holiday goods.

Turkey said Friday that a 48-hour lockdown order would be rolled out in dozens of cities, including Ankara and Istanbul, as its virus death toll topped 1,000.

Shoppers crowded supermarkets in Istanbul late Friday in a rush to stock up on supplies before the curfew kicked in at midnight.

India also announced an extension of its nationwide lockdown, keeping citizens in the world's second-most populous country confined for two more weeks.

The World Health Organization has warned that prematurely easing lockdown measures could spark a dangerous return of the disease.

"Lifting restrictions too quickly could lead to a deadly resurgence," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned Friday.

Countries, especially in Asia, are worried about a possible second wave of infections imported from travellers as life creeps back to normal.

But governments are under pressure to strike a balance between keeping people safe and keeping already battered economies stable.

China, where the virus first emerged, has begun to loosen its lockdown on citizens after its official daily COVID-19 figures dropped.

Great Depression

The pandemic has shaken the global economy, and the International Monetary Fund -- which has $1 trillion in lending capacity -- said it was responding to calls from 90 countries for emergency financing.

It said this week the world now faces the worst downturn since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

G20 energy ministers, meanwhile, pledged to work together to ensure oil market stability after major oil producers agreed to cut output.

A dramatic slump in oil demand, worsened by a Saudi-Russia price war, has sent prices crashing to near two-decade lows in recent weeks.

In much of the developing world, there are fears the worst is still to come.

War-torn Yemen, already suffering one of the world's most acute humanitarian crises, reported its first COVID-19 case.

In Brazil, authorities confirmed the first deaths in Rio de Janeiro's slums, where overcrowding and poor sanitation have raised fears of a catastrophe.

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A woman was killed and



her son and mother-in-law were injured in a blaze in West Bengal's Alipurduar district, police said on Saturday.

The blaze erupted in a house in Meghnad Saha Nagar locality in Madarihat police station area early on Saturday, an officer said.

Three persons sustained burn injuries and were admitted to the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital in Siliguri, where one of them succumbed to her injuries, he said.

The fire has been doused and the cause of the blaze is yet to be ascertained, the officer added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A girl wears a protective face mask amid fears of the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Sanaa

By Mohammed Ghobari

ADEN (Reuters) - Yemen reported its first coronavirus case on Friday as aid groups braced for an outbreak in a country where war has shattered health systems and spread hunger and disease.

The news of the laboratory-confirmed case came after a nationwide ceasefire prompted by the virus pandemic began on Thursday. A Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen's Houthi movement said it would halt military operations for two weeks, though the Houthis have yet to follow suit.

A 60-year-old Yemeni man was diagnosed in the southern oil-producing region of Hadhramout, an area controlled by Yemen's internationally-recognised government, the supreme national emergency committee said.

Spokesman Ali al-Walidi told a news conference the man, who works in the small port of Ash Shihr, was in stable condition at a quarantine centre.

Authorities have ordered the closure of Ash Shihr port for a week for deep cleaning and instructed workers there to isolate themselves at home for two weeks, according to a directive seen by Reuters.

They have also imposed a 12-hour nightly curfew in Hadhramout starting from 6:00 pm on Friday.

The governors of neighbouring Shabwa and Al Mahra ordered the sealing of their borders with Hadhramout as of Friday.

If the virus spreads in Yemen, the impact would be "catastrophic", its U.N. humanitarian coordinator Lise Grande had told Reuters, as the health status of at least half the population is "very degraded" and the country does not have sufficient supplies or facilities.

"This is one of the biggest threats in the past 100 years to face Yemen," Grande said in a statement on Friday. "It's time for the parties to stop fighting each other and start fighting COVID together."

HUMANITARIAN CRISIS

The World Health Organization (WHO) said it was providing support to Yemen's health ministry.

"We are following the case and its contacts to assess the level of exposure," Yemen representative Altaf Musani said.

Story continues

WHO recently told Reuters it was working to provide Yemen with the ability to test thousands of patients. It has already provided 500 testing kits. Some 37 health facilities have been dedicated as isolation units.

Yemen's five-year-long war has killed more than 100,000 people and triggered a humanitarian crisis. Only half of its hospitals are fully functional and 18 million people do not have access to proper hygiene, water and sanitation, the International Rescue Committee says.

Cholera, dengue and malaria are rife. Around 80% of Yemenis, or 24 million people, rely on humanitarian aid while millions live on the brink of starvation and are vulnerable to disease.

Al-Walidi earlier told Reuters that quarantine centres had been set up in Hadhramout, Al Mahra and Aden in the south.

He said the government committee was requesting ventilators, oxygen tanks and hospital beds from the WHO in coordination with Saudi Arabia's King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center to be divided between areas under control of the Saudi-backed government and those held by the Houthi movement.

The Houthis, who ousted the Saudi-backed government from power in the capital Sanaa in late 2014, control most big urban areas. They have set up a quarantine centre at a Sanaa hospital and one in Sanaa Airport.

The United Nations is trying to set up virtual talks among the warring parties to discuss a permanent truce, a coordinated coronavirus response, humanitarian and economic confidence-building steps and the resumption of peace negotiations.

Yemen relies heavily on imported food, fuel and medicines.

The World Food Programme said on Thursday it would halve the aid it gives to people in Houthi-controlled areas from mid-April after donors cut funding over concerns that Houthi authorities were hindering aid deliveries. The WFP feeds more than 12 million Yemenis a month, mostly in Houthi areas.

Houthi authorities have complained about mismanagement of aid programmes by international bodies.

A U.S. State Department official told reporters in a teleconference on Thursday that the onus was on the Houthis.

"We encourage them to, one, join the ceasefire; and two, to end their problematic humanitarian practices," said David Schenker, assistant secretary for Near Eastern affairs.

(Interactive graphic tracking global spread of coronavirus: open https://tmsnrt.rs/3aIRuz7 in an external browser.)

(This story was refiled to remove repeated paragraphs at end of first section)

(Reporting by Mohammed Ghobari, Mohammed Mokhashef and Reuters TV team, Lisa Barrington, Humeyra Pamuk and Samar Hassan; Writing by Ghaida Ghantous; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, Gareth Jones and Hugh Lawson)
Former policeman dies from COVID-19

Tributes are being paid to a former Manx policeman who has died from COVID-19.

Richard Lloyd passed away from the disease at Noble's Hospital earlier today.

A tribute on the Isle of Man Constabulary Historian Page wrote: "The depth of loss felt by all who knew Richard is unfathomable. Seldom in life do people have such an impact on others like he did. It would not be an overestimation to say that the vast majority of Police Officers and staff on the island have in some way been positively influenced by this giant of a man

Richard acted as a father figure to many of us, old and young in service and did so with the kindest, gentlest of demeanours. He was nobodys fool but he just had the most engaging and charming manner that disarmed all but the most hardened of hearts. We loved him, purely and simply.

Richard came from a family of police officers - both of his parents had been police officers in Merseyside, which is where Richard also began his career and where his son also currently serves, himself also having been a serving member of the Isle of Man Constabulary prior to transferring to the UK.

Both Richard and his son, Andy were very active in the Manx Judo community. Again, another area where Richard was held in the highest regard."

The number of people to die from coronavirus on the Isle of Man stands at 2.
For those processors and cooperatives requiring milk dumping due to canceled dairy product sales, land application is likely the only or best option for removal of excess milk. For that reason, University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources specialists presented a webinar addressing concerns and opportunities for utilizing milk as fertilizer on fields.

Water quality was University of Wisconsin-Madison soil scientist Carrie Laboskis number one concern related to land application of excess milk. Thats because milk has six times more available nitrogen, nine times more available phosphoric acid, and five times more available biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) than liquid dairy manure.

While farmers are familiar with the impact of nitrogen and phosphorus in water supplies, Laboski spoke to the importance of understanding the effects of high BOD. That is the amount of oxygen required by microbes to break down organic materials. When BOD is high, it uses up the oxygen levels in water. This is of special concern if runoff reaches bodies of water where fish and aquatic habitats can be killed.

Bacteria can consume all the oxygen in 12,600 gallons of water when only 1 pint of milk is added, the specialist explained.

Further, concern surrounds application of nutrients above and beyond the needs of crops. Nutrients from all sources (milk and fertilizer) should not exceed crop nutrient needs. I cant emphasize that enough, stated Laboski. She shared the table, explaining that in many of the nutrient categories, milk provided higher and more available levels of common nutrients utilized by plants.

In milk, 100% of nutrients are plant available, she emphasized. In manure, thats not true. In fact, the nitrogen (N), phosphate (P 2 O 5 ), and potassium (K 2 O) fertilizer value of milk is $32.60 per 1,000 gallons.

Follow these guidelines

In order to get the most benefit from land application of milk and prevent nutrients from reaching water sources, she offered these guidelines:



Milk should not enter ground or surface water

Follow all nutrient management plan setbacks

Apply only to soils that are suitably dry

Avoid applying when rain is predicted, eminent, or directly after rainfall

Milk should not runoff the field or pond during application

All other nutrients that have been or will be applied must be credited toward the total nutrient application rate

Apply uniformly across the field

She further outlined the importance of selecting fields that are an adequate distance from wells or bodies of water. Further, the fields should not have sandy or loamy sand soils and, preferably, should not have had a manure or fertilizer application since last summer.

Also beware of fields with tile drainage. If milk must be applied to tiled fields, till the soil 3 to 5 inches deep before application. Tile should not be running, she said.

Her final caution was regarding heightened odor concerns due to milk application on land. She recommended reaching out to neighbors to inform them of what is taking place as field applied milk will cause significant odor. Flies will be another associated concern.

In manure storage

If milk is dumped into manure storage rather than immediately field applied, UW-Madison Extension Specialist Becky Larson recommended placing it into the portion of the storage system closest to land application.

If youre adding milk to manure storage, dont go through the sand separator or any other system. If you choose to put the milk into one of these systems, be prepared for clogging and odor issues, she said.

Further, if milk dumping continues into summer, she warned listeners that they should be cautious of the potential for greater hydrogen sulfide production in the manure system. Carefully follow your best practices for managing manure gases.

Milk can be sent through a manure digester. Larson recommended mixing it into manure at input and staying below the level of 19% milk. At higher levels, milk can hurt the microbial community and methane production.

To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com.

(c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2020

April 8, 2020
A former prisoner of war, 99, has been discharged from hospital after recovering from coronavirus.

Albert Chambers has described himself as a "very lucky man" after successfully battling COVID-19 which to date has claimed the lives of nearly 9,000 people in the UK.

The World War Two veteran was wheeled out of the hospital as emotional staff gave him a guard of honour and a rapturous round of applause.

Chambers, who turns 100 in July, said: "I had a fall at home around three weeks ago.

"My neighbour helped me and I soon found out I had broken my arm.

Read more: Drug dealer wears high-vis jacket and pretends to be key worker

Albert Chambers has described himself as a "very lucky man" (Picture: SWNS)

Chambers added: "When I get home Im going to tell all of my neighbours how marvellous the nurses are here.

"I want to say thank you very much to them. I appreciate every bit of what they have done for me.

"They couldnt have been any better. Ive been well kept and well looked after."

The pensioner, who is from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, was treated at Tickhill Road Hospital, where coronavirus tests came back positive.

The loyal Liverpool fan received oxygen to help him battle 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

6 charts and maps that explain how COVID-19 is spreading

Chambers was a Coldstream Guard with the British Army and at one time helped protect Buckingham Palace.

While serving during the Second World War he suffered a leg injury and spent some years in a POW camp.

Read more: Neighbour reports selfish commuting NHS worker for 'non-essential car trips'

Speaking about the war, Chambers simply said: "I survived that."

His grandson, Stephen Gater added: My grandad is amazing. Hes pretty incredible.

"Hes not only survived the war and being in prison camp, now hes won the battle with Coronavirus.

Paige Lax, a nurse who helped to care for Albert, said: Albert has been a wonderful patient.

"Hes fought to get better... he wanted to get back home. Hes pretty amazing.
LAKE FOREST, IL  Mayor George Pandaleon ordered the indefinite closure of Forest Park Beach to the public this week in response to the spread of the new coronavirus. Lake Forest's other parks and trails remain open.

While other North Shore communities shuttered beaches to the public weeks ago, the mayor said, city officials in Lake Forest held out and continued to allow access to its public lakefront.

"Unfortunately large groups of people have been increasingly gathering at the beach," Pandaleon said in a video message. "Although we have mightily resisted doing so, as of Thursday morning the beach will be closed. This unpleasant decision was made to safeguard our community and to do our part to eliminate hot spots for transmission of the virus."

In a statement explaining the decision, Pandaleon said it was based on a formal recommendation from City Manager Jason Wicha, Police Chief Karl Waldorf and Fire Chief Pete Siebert.

"While we recognize that most Lake Forest residents have behaved responsibly, others have not. Increasing our police presence to ensure proper behavior is neither a practical nor responsible solution for us," Pandaleon said.

Illinois Coronavirus Update April 11: More Than 18,000 Cases, 600 Deaths in Illinois  Don't miss updates about precautions in the Chicago area as they are announced  Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.



[RECIRC]

The city does not have its normal summer staffing at the beach, and it was vital for its police officers and firefighters to be available for actual emergencies, he said.

"I am sure everyone appreciates that our first responders are already putting themselves at risk of exposure to the New Coronavirus to serve you every day," the mayor said. "Potentially exposing them to this virus through unnecessary and inherently close contact with people who are misbehaving at the beach is a poor risk to take."

Residents reported seeing multiple police cars on the beach enforcing the closure Friday.

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The mayor emphasized there were nearly 200 acres of other developed parklands in the city, including space preserved by the Lake Forest Open Lands Association, and the closure of the beach would be temporary.



As of Saturday, there were at least 85 cases of COVID-19 detected in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, according to the Lake County Health Department. Thirty-nine Lake County residents and an undisclosed number of Lake Forest or Lake Bluff residents have died.

"I am confident that we will begin to see a light at the end of this tunnel before too long," the mayor said in his video address. "Please join me and stay the course."

This article originally appeared on the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Patch
If you have a great idea to develop a small scanning robot, NASA needs to listen to you. The organization calls on the general public to send designs for miniature rovers to use as part of the Artemis mission to explore the Moon.

According to the reports, the worlds largest aeroscape company NASA issued a call to the public on April 9 asking for ideas for miniaturized payloads to send to the moon onboard Roomba-size rovers, which would be used to explore the moon as part of the Artemis project.

Reports suggest that the Honey, I Shrunk the NASA Payload challenge was launched on crowdsourcing platform HeroX with total available prize money of $160,000 (130,000, AU$250,000) for the top concepts.

Our news sources have reported that NASA has also disclosed its interest in designs that would tie into its Artemis program, which is aimed to return humans to the moon in 2024, and ultimately establish a permanent presence there.

The challenge states, Payloads that support prospecting for resources that help support a sustained human presence are highly desirable, in addition to payloads that enable lunar science, demonstrate new technologies and/or advance the use of resources found on the moon.

Payloads have to fit into a small room, about the size of a soap bar. NASA has proposed a detailed set of guidelines for the competition. Ideas will be judged based on the nature of the concept, the technological capabilities of the proposed project, its potential effects, the degree of progress and the probability that it will be developed and deployed within one to four years.

According to the report, the challenge is to build a 100 mm by 100 mm by 50 mm rover with full external dimensions. Following the design process, the prototyping, testing, and development of these rovers will present new challenges. There is a total of $160,000 in prize money to be split into two groups for the first round of designing rovers to find lunar resources, and rovers to explore the lunar environment.
The government has launched a new website for people struggling with their mental health during the pandemic.

It has tips on coping with stress and anxiety as well as links to online counselling options.

The site Getting Through Covid-19 Together can be found here.

Minister for Health Simon Harris said this afternoon that he is concerned with the toll of restrictions on people's mental health.

"This is a really tough time for our country," he wrote on Twitter.

"We are all feeling a bit anxious and uneasy. Today we launch a new site with tips to help us all get through it together.

"There are things to do, people to talk to and mental health supports available."

Kate O'Flaherty, from the Department of Health, says it is important people do not suffer alone.

"A lot of people are sharing that they are finding certain things helpful so all of that is on gov.ie together.

"Things about keeping a routine, sleep, keeping physically active, trying to eat well, trying to switch off and most importantly, staying connected to others."

The website offers guidance under several categories: Looking after our mental health, Coping at home, Staying active, Healthy eating, Helping in the community and Cocooning.

It reminds people that it is normal to be worried and to feel stressed during this time.

Those who might find it more worrying than others can avail of additional support on the phone or online from the list of organisations found on the website.
Cases of slum dwellers in two urban centres in Maharashtra and West Bengal testing positive for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) have raised concerns s about the vulnerability of the inhabitants of these areas, short on space and basic amenities.

Of the 116 fresh Covid-19 cases reported from Mumbai on Tuesday, two were from Dharavi, one of the worlds most densely populated slums. In Kolkata, too, two pavement dwellers were detected positive for Covid-19.

While authorities are tracing their travel and contact history, experts suggest there is a need to revisit how social distancing is being imposed in these slum clusters during the ongoing lockdown, which may be extended well beyond April 14.

Amitabh Kundu, distinguished fellow at the New Delhi-based think tank, Research and Information System for Developing Countries, said the lockdown has been largely successful in urban areas, among the middle and the upper classes because of a lot of social vigilantism, but the same cannot be said for those living in slum clusters or in areas inhabited by lower income groups.

Residents welfare associations are taking extra care; there is limited entry of people, quarantine notices were put up on houses with members having travel history and effective monitoring is being done, often at the irritation and violation of privacy of the affected households. But we are really worried that the hot spots should not extend to the rural areas, low income areas and slums in towns and cities, he said.

The union health ministry on Tuesday cited an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study that claims a Covid-19 patient can infect 406 people in 30 days if preventive measures such as lockdown and social distancing are not implemented.

But is social distancing conceivable in slum dwellings where an average family has four to five people living in a single room?

Kundu said the concept of social distancing is difficult in lower income groups because of the lockdown, since most of them spend more time in confined spaces.

As per Census 2011, about 25% of the people living in urban slums still have to go out for toilet and drinking water; for them the lockdown means standing in long queues (where social distancing is not possible). About 45% of these people are workers mostly employed in informal sector. They are not allowed to go out unless they are part of the essential services, he said.

Lack of amenities, such as potable water and toilet facilities, also forces these people to break the social distancing protocol.

The sense of hygiene maintenance in India is already compromised. For people in slums, access to space, safe water and privacy is a daily struggle that has been heightened by the lockdown, so the immediate steps that can be taken now are focusing on the most susceptible in this group, those above 60, said Manoj Misra, head of Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan, a non government organisation that works for the revival of the Yamuna.

Another aspect that threatens to weaken the social distancing protocol has been the movement of migrant workers, most of whom live in slums.

While the union government has asked all states to ensure that manufacture, production, transportation and other related activities in the chain of supply of food, medicine and medical equipment are maintained, and instructed industries not to cut jobs or withhold wages, many slum dwellers have moved back or are wanting to head back to their own villages.

Based on the data of the 2011 Census and two rounds of NSS data, one would estimate the total number of interstate migrants as 67 million of which 20 million are workers. As per estimates of this, 6 to 7 million are those who are employed in the casual sector and face the threat of losing their jobs; another 6 to 7 million are what are classified known as a regular workers by NSS but theyre in the informal sector. So in all, about 12 million are likely to face job cuts. Then, there are the self employed small vendors -about 8 million of them; half of them are interstate migrants and many of them would want to go back to their homes, said Kundu.

He said while the government works out the details of whether to extend the lockdown, it should consider certain relaxation for travel and work for these migrant workers.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 18:12:39|Editor: huaxia

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DAMASCUS, April 11 (Xinhua) -- A total of 300 Turkey-backed Syrian rebels arrived in Libya to support the UN-backed Libyan government in its fight against the east-based army led by Khalifa Haftar, a war monitor reported on Saturday.

The new batch of rebels arrived on Friday, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The UK-based watchdog group said with the new batch, a total of 5,050 rebels have reached Libya since late last year when Turkey started sending Syrian rebels to join the fight in Libya.

Those rebels are being transported out of Syria through Turkey and later sent to Libya, according to the Observatory.

As many as 182 rebels have so far been killed in the battles in Libya, said the report.

The Turkey-backed rebels opened four centers in the northern Syrian city of Afrin to recruit fighters to be sent to Libya.

Turkey offers a monthly salary of 2,000 U.S. dollars for those who agree to go to Libya on contracts between three and six months, according to the London-based watchdog.
AKEEM Dick, also known as "Sugars', was charged on Monday with the November murder of a Free
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 07:45:26|Editor: huaxia

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A meal-distribution vehicle leaves a catering company in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, April 10, 2020. Some catering companies delivering students' meal in Harbin have resumed work as senior students in high schools and secondary vocational schools in the city returned to school. (Photo by Zhang Tao/Xinhua)
The Union health ministry has asked all states and Union Territories to seek the services of ENT specialists and resident doctors in the fight against coronavirus, saying there is an urgent need of qualified personnel to collect samples for COVID-19 testing.

In a letter addressed to all chief secretaries and principal secretaries (health), the



ministry underlined that the country is in the midst of an unprecedented outbreak of COVID-19 and one of the key components of the government's strategy to combat it is contact tracing and collection of throat and swab samples of potentially infected persons.

"There is an urgent need of trained and qualified personnel to collect these samples and the number of such persons needs to be augmented significantly," the ministry said in its letter.

"All states/UTs are therefore requested to organise collection of COVID-19 case samples by using the services of ENT specialists and residents," it said.

It has advised officials concerned to issue necessary instructions to the medical institutions to ensure action on these lines so that such samples are taken professionally.

"All medical colleges may be instructed to get in touch with state governments to offer their services. It is requested that necessary action in this regard may be taken urgently under report to this ministry," the letter stated.

More than 30,000 doctors, including those from Armed Forces Medical Services, have volunteered to help the government in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, a senior government official said on Friday.

The government on March 25 had appealed to retired government, Armed Forces Medical Services, public sector undertaking or private doctors to come forward and join the efforts to fight the pandemic.

The death toll due to the novel coronavirus rose to 242 and the number of cases climbed to 7,529 in the country on Saturday, according to the health ministry.

However, a PTI tally of figures reported by various states at 9 PM Saturday showed at least 8,320 cases and 287 deaths.

There has been a lag in the Union Health Ministry figures, compared to the number of cases announced by different states, which officials attribute to procedural delays in assigning the cases to individual states.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Cole Sprouse co-stars in the Archie Comics-based whodunit, Riverdale. The show features an ensemble cast tasked with ambitious storylines. But aside from his busy shooting schedule on the drama among other projects, Sprouse has another gig. The actor moonlights as a professional photographer, and he appears to have a unique talent for the art form.

Cole Sprouse | Matt Winkelmeyer/VF20/WireImage

Cole Sprouse from Riverdale to Elle and beyond

Sprouse portrays the tortured teen writer Jughead Jones on Riverdale. In the show, Jugs style is defined by biker jackets and his signature beanie. The young man has tackled issues ranging from homelessness to gang wars to faking his own death. So it is no surprise that Jugheads priority list does not include high fashion.

In the real world, the actor who portrays Jughead, Sprouse, has worked hand-in-hand with fashionistas and other artists. He creates eye-catching and thought-provoking photos for art lovers and tastemakers alike.

His photography has been featured in Luomo Vogue, the Sunday Times, and W Magazine, just to name a few, as detailed in Refinery 29. Sprouse is a skilled photographer with a knack for showcasing cool concepts and haute looks.

Sprouse photographed model Lucan Gillespie in Death Valley for the April issue of Elle Magazine. His Instagram followers can get a sneak peek of some of the snapshots he took for the Elle spread. Plus, it turns out that the multitalented actor turned photographer is also a masterful wordsmith. In a caption for one of the Elle Magazine shots, Sprouse wrote this:

An understanding of luxury post-quarantine. To miss the pleasant encounter with a stranger. The white noise of a loud bar. What commercial pursuits will luxury industries prioritize when recoiling from our isolation? When all the peacocking elitism of frivolity is again humbled by utility. The time for posture is past. How much pasta you got in your cupboard? Cole Sprouse via Instagram

What inspired Sprouse to master photography?

Fans may wonder what led Sprouse, an actor with a thriving career and a busy schedule, to take up photography in the first place. He revealed on Instagram that the hobby was a means of dealing with depression. In his post, he wrote:

It was depression that drove me to do it. Thats the real truth. It was depression that led me to the camera. It heals you know, a hobby. Theres no Band-Aid like a hobby. Ive been destructive. I know that now. I can see that Im in a desert, and Ive been thinking about that oasis when I shouldve been trying to get out. Cole Sprouse via Instagram

What started as a hobby and a coping technique has blossomed into a beautiful livelihood. Sprouse has gained extensive experience in the field of photography and created a robust portfolio on Instagram to showcase his talent. Hopefully, the star will continue sharing his special gift with the world.

Riverdale, which is currently in its fourth season, airs on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on The CW. Fans can catch up on prior seasons anytime on Netflix.

Read more: Riverdale: K.J. Apa and Charles Melton Are Roomies
Deep down, I knew I had cancer before the doctor delivered her diagnosis. Still, the news came as a shock. I was 27. My wife and I had just moved to a new town, where we knew hardly a soul. We felt very much alone.

Of course, we knew and believed Gods promise to never leave you nor forsake you (Deut. 31:6). In church the following week, we sang the chorus O love that will not let me go. But this knowledge was mostly intellectual. Beneath these affirmations, we were for the first time trying to understand the meaning of Gods presence in our newly unmistakable mortality.

The question of Gods presence in mortality is central to a significant, but seldom recognized, day in the churchs yearly calendar. Holy Saturday is that odd day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday during which Jesus Christlife himself!lay dead in a tomb. Before my diagnosis, I had never much pondered the significance of this fact. The church has had little difficulty fixing its attention on the dying of Christ, and even less difficulty on the rising of Christ, but the being dead of Christ has found relatively little expression in its theology and liturgy. Holy Saturday, however, has an integrity of its own. If the church can attune its ear to its frequency, so easily drowned out by the dominant tones of Good Friday and Easter, it may be able to hear a profound word about human living and dying between the Cross and the Resurrection.

Christ the Superhero

Christians have found two primary ways to understand how and why Christ descended ad inferos (literally to those below). The predominant interpretation by the early church, what we might call the classical view, stressed Christs ...

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NEW ORLEANS - The archbishop of New Orleans sprinkled holy water from a World War II-era biplane high above the city in an unusual Good Friday blessing for those affected by the coronavirus.

The open-air plane carried Archbishop Gregory Aymond, 70, from the Lakefront Airport to Kenner, to Gretna, to the French Quarter over 25 minutes, The Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate reported.

Aymond prayed for protection and healing and sprinkled holy water that came from the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized.

When I first did it, the water came back on me, Aymond said, but then I got situated.

Aymond recently recovered from the virus himself and said he asked God to offer grace in particular to health care workers, first responders and city leaders.

The archdiocese has cancelled all Masses indefinitely due to social distancing requirements.

Rabbi Lexi Erdheim, 29, of the Congregation Gates of Prayer Synagogue in Metairie, went up in the same plane after Aymond to offer a blessing during Passover.

It was really powerful, seeing everything at once, she said, especially after being inside the same four walls for so long.

More than 20,000 people in Louisiana have confirmed infections of the COVID-19 disease caused by the coronavirus, about 10% of whom are hospitalized, according to health department data. The number of virus deaths climbed to at least 806, with 51 new deaths added to the toll Saturday.

All 64 parishes  every parish in the state  now has a confirmed positive case of the coronavirus, with Tensas Parish getting its first confirmed case overnight.

Louisiana has seen encouraging signs this week in its fight against the virus outbreak. The rate of new hospitalizations has slowed, and the number of COVID-19 patients on ventilators has decreased.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild symptoms like fever and a cough that resolve in two to three weeks. But for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, more severe symptoms can occur, including pneumonia, that can lead to death.

___

Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak
Other than asking people to recreate close to home and practice social distancing while they do it, Pennsylvanias outdoor agencies cant and wont do much more about people traveling long distances across the state to get to outdoor destinations during the coronavirus pandemic.

Thats the message that emerged in a joint press conference held today by the Pennsylvania Department and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, as multiple reporters from all parts of the state noted the extensive travel being done by some recreationists despite a stay at home order from Governor Tom Wolf.

The governor is doing so much messaging about it. I think the message is sinking in, said Cindy Adams Dunn, executive director of DCNR. Were doing everything we can through communications and the media. Beyond messaging thats the best we can do.

Both she and Tim Schaeffer, executive director of the Fish and Boat Commission, noted that field personnel for their agencies have noted widespread and improving social distancing by people hiking and fishing.

Both agencies have interpreted the stay at home order to encourage outdoor enthusiasts to get their recreation close to home, within 15 minutes or so of their home, while practicing social distancing and wearing face masks.

But reporters repeatedly noted large numbers of people traveling long distances to camps and to other desired outdoor destinations. Reporters from media in northern Pennsylvania pointed out that camps there are packed, and many out-of-state license plates can be seen on vehicles parked at the camps.

In addition, social media is packed with thousands of hikers and anglers sharing their recent trips to destinations far from home, explaining how they interpret state guidance to allow that activity or how they disguise their non-compliance, and flatly stating they have no intention of staying close to home.

Dunn reiterated, Do not leave your community to recreate. Were trying to reinforce that message.

She acknowledged, Its had a tremendous effect on a lot of people, but there are a number of people choosing to ignore it.

DCNR Deputy Secretary John Norbeck noted, We dont see a situation where were going to citing people for violating the stay at home order.

Schaeffer said the commission is taking the same position.

Messaging is the way to go, said Norbeck. We are not using law enforcement to enforce the stay at home order.

There are some outliers, but generally weve had very good compliance.

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.
North Perry Village is seeking to add two new members to its Economic Development Committee.

The five-member panel, consisting of three village elected officials and two residents, is intended to further facilitate Village Councils desire to increase economic development in the village, according to a 2018 ordinance that established the committee.

Vacancies currently exist on the committee after two Dave Seese and Tara Schubert left the group earlier this year. Each were appointed to two-year terms on the panel that would have ended in about July or August of this year.

Any residents whod like to apply for the open seats on the committee are asked to contact Village Councilman Ray Blalock at rblalock@northperry.org orJudi Sprague, the villages new administrative assistant and secretary, at secretary@northperry.org or 440-259-4994.

The other three members of the group are Mayor Ed Klco Klco and Village Council members Blalock and Mike Cutler. Their terms also are for two years.

At this time, the Economic Development Committees highest priority is creating a village Community Improvement Corporation.

A CIC is a nonprofit corporation created under guidelines of the Ohio Revised Code for advancing, encouraging and promoting the industrial, economic, commercial and civic development of a specified community or area.

Village Council, at an October work session, engaged in a thorough discussion about whats involved in launching and operating a CIC. During that gathering, council members gained insight about community improvement corporations from two people who served on CICs in nearby towns.

At the same work session, it was agreed that an important first step would be for the village Economic Development Committee to draft legislation that council would need to approve to establish the CIC.

When Village Council held its April 2 meeting remotely through a video and audio conference, Councilman Larry Klco asked when the ordinance to create the CIC would be ready for council to review and consider for approval.

Stephen Byron, who took over as village solicitor in February, said the ordinance had yet to be drafted.

We had planned to have the Economic Development Committee meet and put together that ordinance, Byron said.

Byron noted that Assistant Village Solicitor Laura Pizmoht needs to get direction from the committee about the purpose of the ordinance and things that need to go into it.

Larry Klco then asked Byron if the committee could hold a video conference meeting to focus on creating the ordinance.

Can we draft the basic ordinance over the phone and keep this thing moving? he said.

Byron said that absolutely could be done.

Now that state law has authorized these types of (video and audio conference) meetings (for local governmental bodies), my recommendation would be to call a meeting of that committee, he said. Make it publicly known youre going to be meeting, hold that meeting and formulate the CIC.

Pizmoht said the committee could still meet, even before it appoints two residents to fill the vacancies left by Seese and Schubert.

We could do it anytime you have three members available, she said.

Rather than conducting a separate meeting, members of the Economic Development Committee have decided to discuss the CIC ordinance during Village Councils regularly scheduled work session on April 16, Sprague said. The work session will be held remotely by video and audio conference starting at 7 p.m.
Total Coronavirus Cases Live Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the CMs of various states to discuss the possibility of the extension of the lockdown. Most states voted in favour of the extension. Maharashtra and West Bengal have announced extension of lockdown till April 30. It is likely that the lockdown is stretched by two more weeks. Punjab, Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Rajashthan, UP were some of the states to vote in favour of a national extension. Meanwhile Odisha and Punjab have already announced an extension. State governments have now announced containment zones that will further restrict the movement of the residents. Delhi, Gurugram and Gautam Buddha Nagar aka Noida have all announced containment zones as cases have increased steadily. Additionally, Indore has emerged as one of the most-severely impacted cities. As many as 30 deaths have been reported in the city. So far, according to data by the Health Ministry, India has 6,634 active cases, while 242 have succumbed to coronavirus. As per the ministry data, 652 have been cured or discharged. The number of cases is the highest in Maharashtra at 1,574, followed by Tamil Nadu and Delhi with 911 and 903 cases, respectively.

Also read: Coronavirus: Anxious Indians withdrew Rs 84,461 cr cash to tank-up for lockdown

Also read: Coronavirus: India's export sector may lose 15 million jobs due to lockdown

Follow coronavirus lockdown new updates on BusinessToday.In blog:

10.43 pm: Case registered against Kupwara man for hiding travel histry to Nizamuddin

Kupwara Police in Jammu and Kashmir have registered a case against one person for concealing travel history to Delhi Nizamuddin. Police sources said that he had returned home on March 22 and kept roaming in his immediate neighbourhood for more than 15 days. His residential area declared as red zone.

10.09 pm: Hotel staff in Mumbai hospitalised after found COVID-19 positive

Six staff members of Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai have been hospitalised after testing positive for novel coronavirus with symptoms, according to sources. The employees are in stable condition and under medical care. "Taj hotel employees are being treated at the Bombay Hospital and their condition is stable right now," Dr Gautam Bhansali, the hospital's consultant surgeon, told India Today.

9.51 pm: Delhi govt clears proposal to give Rs 5,000 to public transport drivers

Delhi government has cleared the proposal to give Rs 5,000 to drivers of auto rickshaws, taxis, Gramin Sewa, Phatphat Sewa, Maxi cab, Eco-friendly Sewa, e-rickshaws, school cabs, etc to help them tide over the coronavirus crisis. The drivers will have to present valid PSV badge and driving licence to avail this benefit.

As promised by Honble CM @ArvindKejriwal, Delhi Cabinet today cleared the proposal to give Rs 5000 to each para-transit vehicle driver to enable them to overcome financial distress caused by lockdown. Valid PSV Badge and Driving License are two essential conditions. pic.twitter.com/LossbUrzFA Kailash Gahlot (@kgahlot) April 11, 2020

9.45 pm: Coronavirus news: Case lodged against 28 foreigners in Jharkhand

Jharkhand DGP MV Rao informed that case has been lodged against 28 foreigners who had come here on a tourist visa for taking part in religious activities. These people are under quarantine right now, and will be produced before the court and sent to jail after their quarantine period finishes, Rao added.

9.37 pm: Coronavirus in Delhi: 166 new cases reported; death toll at 19

Delhi government has confirmed that the total number of coronavirus cases in the national capital is 1069, whereas 19 patients have succumbed to the respiratory disease. As on April 11, 166 new cases have been reported in Delhi of which 128 are 'Under Special Operations'.

166 new cases reported in Delhi of which 128 are from Under Special Operations; Total number of COVID19 positive cases in Delhi now stands at 1069, death toll 19: Delhi Health Department pic.twitter.com/ZzfLKRGA52 ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

9.29 pm: Indigo says one of its employees has died due to coronavirus in Chennai.

9.22 pm: Telangana extends lockdown till April 30

Telangana goernment has decided to extend the lockdown in view of novel coronavirus outbreak till Apil 30, announced Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao.

Lockdown in Telangana to be extended till April 30: Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao pic.twitter.com/EQKbz8V9VK ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

9.19 pm: Coronavirus impact: LIC gives 30-day extension for premiums due in March. April

Insurance major Life Insurance Corporation of India has granted an extension of 30 days for premiums due in March and April to help policyholders amid the coronavirus crisis. For February premiums that had grace periods till March 22, relaxation is allowed till April 15, LIC said in a statement.

8:30 PM: Hydroxychloroquine has no approval as anti-Malarial drug in India: IPCA Lab

A myth is going viral across social media that Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an anti-Malarial drug. But in India, it has no approval as an anti-Malarial drug, ANI quoted Ajit Kumar Jain, Joint Managing Director, IPCA Laboratories, Mumbai, as saying.

"We have a capacity to produce around 20 tonnes of HCQ Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) in a month that can make 10 crore tablets," he added.

8:25 PM: All 46 Tablighi Jamaat members tested negative for COVID19: Goa CM Pramod Sawant

The Goa government, which has quarantined 46 Tablighi Jamaat members have tested negative for coronavirus, said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. "All 46 Tablighi Jamaat followers (10 out of 46 attended the Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi) have tested negative for COVID19," he said.

8:15 PM: Repurposed industrial respirator could free ventilators for coronavirus patients

Researchers from the University of Michigan have developed a new, portable and mass-producible helmet system to provide support for COVID-19 patients, protect health care workers and safeguard hospital systems.

The system draws oxygen, as well as room air, into the helmet, while pulling exhaled air and any other outflow through a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, clearing it of the virus. The research team says it is lightweight, disposable and has a retractable face shield, allowing easy access to the mouth for food and hygienic needs.

8:10 PM: Landlords may face action for evicting doctors and nurses: NSA

The National Security Agency (NSA) on Saturday said that strict action will be taken against landlords asking doctors and nurses who are treating Covid-19 patients to vacate houses. The order came after woes of the medical personnel surfacing on Twitter and Facebook.

8:05 PM: PM Modi asks council of ministers to resume work from Monday

Amid ongoing speculation over extension of the national lockdown, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked all council of ministries to resume work with Standard procedures of social distancing from Monday, according to a India Today report.

Senior officers have also been asked to report to work from Monday. The ministries will resume work with Class 2, 3 and 4 staff working on a rotational basis, the report said.

7:55 PM: No coronavirus positive cases reported in Gurugram district in last 72 hours

No COVID19 positive cases reported in Gurugram district in the last 72 hours. The total number of active positive cases in the district is 18, while 14 patients have been discharged , says Gurugram Health Department, Haryana.

7:50 PM: Delhi govt starts process to give Rs 5,000 to auto, cab drivers

Delhi Government has initiated the process of providing one-time financial help of Rs 5000 to auto-rickshaw, taxi, Gramin Sewa, Phatphat Sewa, Maxi Cab, Eco-Friendly Sewa, E-Rickshaws and school cab drivers. The process of taking applications will start on April 13, according to ANI report.

7:40 PM: Extend lockdown, but economic activities should continue, says Goa CM Pramod Sawant

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said that it has suggested central government that lockdown should be extended but economic activities should continue. "From Monday, OPDs of private and government hospitals will begin to function. While from today, fisheries activities have started in the state," he said.

7:30 PM: Anand Mahindra lauds Maharashtra govt's measures to combat coronavirus spread

Industrialist Anand Mahindra on Saturday took to social media to appreciate the proactive measures taken by Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.

"You're leading from the front. As supply chains are interwoven with other chains. We need incentives for migrant labour to return to farms & for loading/unloading. Please also allow farmers' markets in urban areas with appropriate distancing protocols," he tweeted.

Compliments @CMOMaharashtra Youre leading from the front. Ag supply chains are interwoven with other chains. We need incentives for migrant labour to return to farms & for loading/unloading. Please also allow farmers markets in urban areas with appropriate distancing protocols https://t.co/MPlIUTsA9C anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) April 11, 2020

7:15 PM: IAF continues its support towards fight against Covid-19

Indian Air Force (IAF) has continued its support to undertake any task for complementing the efforts of the government to contain the spread of the Novel Coronavirus. "All efforts are being made to ensure timely delivery of the essential medical supplies and ration to the nodal points of various States, thereby equipping the State governments and supporting agencies to combat the contagion effectively and efficiently," IAF said in a statement on Saturday.

#HarKaamDeshKeNaam :

IAF continues to be ready 24 x 7 to undertake any task for complementing the efforts of the Govt of India to contain the spread of the Novel Coronavirus.#IndianCovidWarriors#IndianAirForce pic.twitter.com/J9xPoLD74h Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) April 11, 2020

During the last few days, IAF airlifted essential medical supplies and commodities from nodal points to various States across the country including Maharashtra, Kerala, Telangana, Nagaland and the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh, it said.

7:10 PM: Mumbai reports 189 new cases, 11 deaths on Saturday

Mumbai saw 189 new cases of coronavirus cases and 11 deaths related to the virus today, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the city to 1,182 and deaths at 75. Of the 11 deaths reported today, 10 had comorbidities and age-related factors, says Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

7:00 PM: Tamil Nadu reports 58 new COVID19 cases

As many as 58 new COVID19 cases have been reported in Tamil Nadu, taking total number of positive cases in the state to 969 and death toll 10, says Tamil Nadu chief secretary K Shanmugam.

6.40 pm: Coronavirus in India: Death toll rises to 242; total cases at 7,529

According to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, there are 6,634 active cases of coronavirus in the country, whereas 242 patients have lost their lives to the disease. The total number of cases is 7,529.

6.36 pm: Police marks vehicles of COVID-19 lockdown violators with white paint

Tamil Nadu: Police in Rameswaram are using white paint to mark the vehicles of the people who are violating the #COVID__19 lockdown. pic.twitter.com/KPXft9Oqwd ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

6.34 pm: IAF airlifts 9,000 kg of raw material for PPEs

Zydus Cadila CEO Pankaj Patel has said that the pharmaceutical industry has significantly increased the production of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). pic.twitter.com/khGNJb4Qri ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

6.24 pm: Coronavirus update: West Bengal extends lockdown till April 30

After a meeting with PM Narednra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the state is in favour of extending the coronavirus lockdown till April 30. Banerjee added that schools in West Bengal will remain close till June 10. The West Bengal CM also professed a Rs 10 lakh crore package for states to combat the coronavirus pandemic

6.13 pm: Rajiv Bajaj advocates homeopathy as treatment for coronavirus

Bajaj Auto MD Rajiv Bajaj has suggested that homeopathy can help people develop immunity against novel coronavirus. In an interview with India Today, Bajaj said that homeopathy has been effective in similar pandemics. He also said that lockdown is not the answer to COVID-19 as it hinders herd immunity.

6.00 pm: Zydus Cadilla CEO Pankaj Patel says that Indian pharmaceutical industry has ramped up production of hydroxychloroquine tablets substantially.

Schools in the state to remain closed till June 10: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee#COVID19 pic.twitter.com/ebsEI48fXf ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

5.45 pm: Locals in Sukna, Siliguri in West Bengal raise funds, supply food packets to daily wage labourers left jobless due to coronavirus lockdown

5.35 pm: School in West Bengal to remain close till June 10: CM Mamata Banerjee

Technically called convalescent-plasma therapy, the treatment aims at using immune power gained by a recovered person to treat a sick person. Indian Council for Medical Research has given approval to SCTIMST for carrying out the novel treatment: Science&Technology Ministry(2/2) https://t.co/8TVoW3QKHC ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

5.29 pm: Govt approves innovative coronavirus treatment

17 new #COVID19 cases reported in Jammu & Kashmir; 5 from Jammu Division and 12 from Kashmir. Total positive cases now 224: Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary (Planning), Jammu & Kashmir pic.twitter.com/Zc7JBqMv3B ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

5.27 pm: Maharshtra extends coronavirus lockdown till April 30

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray has announced that lockdown in the state will be extended at least till April 30. Thackeray urged people to remain inside their homes, and to wear masks if they have to go outside.

5.18 pm: 17 new COVID-19 cases in J&K; total positive cases at 224

1 person out of 4 men who were transferred to Jabalpur Central Jail from Indore has tested positive for #COVID19. They were arrested under National Security Act. Patient hospitalised, rest 3 kept in isolation inside jail: Bharat Yadav, Jabalpur District Collector #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/2UVkgXSfds ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

5.11 pm: One inmate transferred to Jabalpur Central Jail from Indore tests positive for coronavirus

We are thinking of allowing bakeries to function but proper protocol should be followed so that no violation takes place: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee https://t.co/5hUjTgttww ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

5.10 pm: Coronavirus news: 6 new cases in West Bengal; total tally at 95, informes CM Mamata Banerjee

More than 30 crore beneficiaries have been directly given support through Direct Benefit Transfer amounting to Rs 28,256 crores under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package: Ministry of Finance pic.twitter.com/2plY7d2oPg ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

5.00 pm: Coronavirus news: Over 31 crore benefitted from DBT under PM-GKY

Ministry of Finance has said that direct benefit transfers amounting to Rs 28,256 crore under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package have benefitted 31.77 crore benficiaries.

Indias RAPID RESPONSE TEAM arrives in Kuwait. Follow up to the discussion between our two Prime Ministers on #COVID19. Underlines the special friendship between India and Kuwait. pic.twitter.com/lACVPTuqQj Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 11, 2020

4.47 pm: Coronavirus update: Indian rapid response team arrives in Kuwait

PM has taken correct decision to extend lockdown. Today, Indias position is better than many developed countries because we started lockdown early. If it is stopped now, all gains would be lost. To consolidate, it is imp to extend it Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 11, 2020

4.35 pm: MHA writes to West bengal over dilution of lockdown in parts of Kolkata

Ministry of Home Affairs has written to West Bengal government over alleged dilution of lockdown in parts of Kolkata. This letter was sent ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with chief ministers. The letter lists seven regions in Kolkata - Rajabazaar, Narkel Danga, Topsia, Metiabruz, Gardenreach, Ikbalpur and Maniktala - where people have allegedly been thronging markets in violation of social distancing norms. The letter added that police have allowed religious gatherings and free ration is being provided by political leaders instead of the institutional delivery system, which could have led to more coronavirus cases.

4:23 pm: With no lockdown, we would have had 2 lakh cases: Health Ministry

Health Ministry has said that with no lockdown and no measures in place, India would have had 2 lakh cases so far. Joint Secy Lav Agarwal said that containment and isolatiion very important to fight coronavirus.

4:20 pm: PM Modi won't address nation tonight: Government sources

4:15 pm: MHA seeks security for doctors

MHA has asked states and UTs to provide security to doctors and other medical staff in the facilities where they are working.

4:10 pm: 585 COVID-19 hospitals, 1 lakh isolation beds in India

Health Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal has said that India has 586 coronavirus hospitals and as many as 1 lakh isolation beds. He said that India's approach has been proactive and that a graded apprach is being followed.

4:06 pm: Gradation likely in extended lockdown

Unlike the current lockdown that is all-pervasive, the extended lockdown might be graded. Already multiple states have earmarked containment zones where no form of movement is allowed. Additionally, cities like Delhi are also planning buffer zones that may be outside the containment zones and some form of activity might be allowed. However, there have been no announcements on these. Prime Minister Modi might speak on these issues while announcing the lockdown.

4:00 pm: PM Modi to address nation

After the video coference, PM Modi is likely to address the nation. While some sources have said that the Prime Minister is likely to address the nation tonight, some have said that tomorrow or day after is equally likely.

3:50 pm: PM Modi speaks about India's future

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India will work towards both jaan and jahaan. "Jaan bhi, jahaan bhi," he said. He said that entails a future where people care about their duties, aspects and follow the government's directions. He added that it will be important for a prosperous and healthy future for India.

3:40 pm: Jaan hai toh jahan hai, says PM Modi

During the video conference call, Prime Minister reiterated what he said in his first lockdown message. He said that he would put the life and welfare of every Indian before anything else. He said in order to do so, social distancing and lockdown are very important.

3:30 pm: Lockdown extension right decision, says Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who voted in favour of the extension said that the extension is the right decision.

Mumbai: Screening of Dharavi residents has begun from today. A team of 150 doctors, from Maharashtra Medical Association, is helping Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) workers in the process. #Coronavirus pic.twitter.com/9OFwQBAL7y ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

3:07 pm: PM Modi video conference ends

According to sources, here's the outcome of the PM Modi-CMs video conference meet:

After majority CMs voted for it, the government is considering extending the lockdown

The lockdown might extend by two more weeks

Govt will work with states to plan a staggered exit

Relaxation for agriculture and industries likely

Centre is working to finalise the contours of the extension

2:56 pm: Prisoners stitch PPEs

Jail inmates in Uttar Pradesh are stitching Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits for the medical professionals. Speaking to India Today, Director General (DG) Prison Anand Kumar said "In these uncertain times help and assistance has been forthcoming from the most unexpected section of society, namely the jail inmates of UP. Prisoners in all 67 jails in the state have stitched more than 5 lakh masks in less than a month time. Now work of stitching PPE kits for health workers has also begun. Fifty sets of PPEs including face shield masks and full body aprons have been stitched as per specifications and handed over to the director of Balrampur hospital. A hundred more such sets are in the pipeline."

2:46 pm: Screening of Dharavi residents

Residents of Dharavi slum in Mumbai will be screened from today onwards. BMC is being helped by a team of 150 doctors. So far four people have died in Dharavi. Maharashtra is the most severly-impacted state in the country.

Out of the pension he receives, Former Prime Minster @H_D_Devegowda has contributed Rs. 1,00,000/- each to PM Cares Fund, Govt. of Karnataka Chief Minister's Relief Fund, and Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund.

- Office of HDD@PMOIndia@CMofKarnataka@CMOKerala H D Devegowda (@H_D_Devegowda) April 11, 2020

2:41 pm: HD Devegowda donates to PM CARES fund

Former Prime Minister HD Devegowda has donated Rs 1 lakh from the pension he receives to PM CARES fund as well as to Kerala and Karnataka CMs' relief funds.

I urge the state government to immediately announce relief package to farmers by way of direct benefit transfer mechanism and purchase all the agricultural produce so as to avoid farmer suicides.

3/3 pic.twitter.com/y2ymEPWhpA H D Kumaraswamy (@hd_kumaraswamy) April 11, 2020

2:37 pm: Dharavi coronavirus cases

Coronavirus death toll in Dharavi has increased to 4. The latest person to succumb to coronavirus is an 80-year-old man who died at Kasturba Hospital.

2:30 pm: Rajasthan and Uttarakhand vote for extension

Rajasthan and Uttarakhand are the latest states to vote for a national extension of the 21-day lockdown. Rajasthan CM Ashik Gehlot also spoke about the farmers and said that proper strategies must be in place to ensure help. Before this, Punjab, Delhi, Maharashtra and UP also urged for a lockdown extension.

2:19 pm: HD Kumaraswamy asks Centre to support farmers

Former Karnataka CM HD kumaraswamy urged the Centre to support farmers who are throwing away their produce in despair amid the coronavirus lockdown. He asked the Centre to ensure swift action.

Attended PM Modi jis video conference along with other CMs over the outbreak of #CoronaPandemic. pic.twitter.com/U3VGVJhqZ4 Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) April 11, 2020

2:13 pm: PM Modi video conference: Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot signs in

This post has neither been said, nor written by me. I urge you to verify media circulated on WhatsApp and social platforms. If I have something to say, I will say it on my official channels. Hope you are safe and do take care. pic.twitter.com/RNVL40aRTB Ratan N. Tata (@RNTata2000) April 11, 2020

2:07 pm: Zydus Cadila CEO says that production of HCQ considerably ramped up

Zydus Cadila CEO Pankaj Patel said that the production of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been considerably increased. He said that 20 crore tablets have been produced by the pharma industry. He added that there's stock not only for domestic use but also for exports. Zydus will also produce 30 tonnes of API, he said.

2:03 pm: Ratan Tata busts a fake message on coronavirus attributed to him

Ratan Tata took to twitter to bust a circulating message on coronavirus attributed to him. The post says that while experts believe there will be an economic downfall, he believes that the experts know nothing about the human spirit. Ratan Tata said that if he had to say anything, he would convey it through his official channels.

My cabinet and I attended the video conference about #covid19 with PM @Narendramodi today. We discussed vital strategies and actions to implement around the state. We are doing and will do everything in our control to tackle this pandemic.1/2 pic.twitter.com/xoAk2kth8c B.S. Yediyurappa (@BSYBJP) April 11, 2020

1:55 pm: PM video conference: UP CM votes for extension

UP CM Yogi Adityanath also voted for a national extension of the 21-day lockdown. Along with Delhi, Punjab and Maharashtra, 10 out of the 11 states have voted for extension of the lockdown.

1:45 pm: Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa interacts with PM

During PM Modi's video conference Yediyurappa said that the Karnataka govt is doing everything it can to control the spread of coronavirus. He also urged people to stay at home furing the lockdown.

Had the VC with the PM @NarendraModi Ji to discuss the future action plan to fight #Covid19. Reiterated need for ramping up testing facilities as well as sought Centres support for assisting the poor in today's challenging times along with a bonus for our farmers. pic.twitter.com/on9oeTLlII Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) April 11, 2020

1:40 pm: West Bengal imposes 'total lockdown' in 10 hotspots

The West Bengal government will impose a 14-day 'total lockdown' in 10 hotspots. "Areas from where there is high possibility of the spread of the disease we are calling them hotspots. We are not naming them... We will be imposing total lockdown...This measure will cause more inconvenience to people but we have no choice... We have to impose total lockdown as we don't want the cases to spread like wildfire. Stricter protocol will be in place in these areas. The administration will arrange for everything like food, water, and even medical support," the chief secretary said.

1:30 pm: Maharashtra corporator booked for lockdown violations

A BJP corporator in Maharashtra has been booked for violating lockdown restrictions. Ajay Bahira was later released on bail. He was arrested for celebrating his birthday with friends amid the lockdown. Along with the corporator, 11 others were also arrested.

1:25 pm: Coronavirus in Karnataka

Coronavirus cases in Karnataka has risen to 214. Between 7pm on Friday and 12pm today, seven people have been reported positive.

1:15 pm: Punjab CM says testing must be increased

Punjab CM Amarinder Singh said that more testing facilities need to be set up. During the video conference with PM Modi, the CM also said that poor must be helped during this time of crisis.

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a meeting via video-conferencing with the Chief Ministers over #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/yd6mdCzukr ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

1:10 pm: Amma canteen on a feeding spree

Amma canteen that serves 5 lakh people daily is now serving 11 lakh people. Greater Chennai Corporation commissioner G Prakash said that they monitor the inventory for Amma canteen and it is sufficient for now. He added that everyone in need of food will be served at the canteen.

1:00 pm: PM Modi video conference

Here's what Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal suggested on the lifting of the lockdown:

He voted for the lockdown to be extended till at least the end of April

Kejriwal said not even phase-wise lifting of restrictions is a good idea

No point of state-wise lockdown, it should be on a national-level

Road, air, rail transport should not open under any circumstances

12:50 pm: Coronavirus in Punjab

Coronavirus cases in Punjab is on a steady rise. Number of case in Mohali has reached 50 with 34 cases in Jawaharpur village. Meanwhile, Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh has urged PM Mod to extend the lockdown at least by a fortnight, keeping in mind the increase in numbers.

12:40 pm: PM Modi vide conference: Delhi, Punjab Maharashtra vote for extension

The Prime Minister has spoken to five Chief Ministers so far. Out of the five states, Delhi, Punjab and Maharashtra have voted for an extension of the lockdown. Delhi and Maharashtra are two of the most severely-impacted states in the country.

12:30 pm: In case of extension will it be a state-wise affair?

There is a possibility that in case the lockdown is extended it would be a state-wise affair. However, Delhi CM Kejriwal does not feel that this would solve the problem and batted for a nationwide extension. "This decision should be done at the national level. If the states decide at their level, then it will not have that much effect," he said during PM Modi's video conference.

12:20 pm: Tablighi Jamaat member commits suicide

A thirty year old Tabliqi Jamaat Member has committed suicide at a hospital in Akola. He had tested positive to Covid19 on Friday. According to sources, the deceased is a native of Assam and had come to Akola with Tabliqi Jamaat members after attending the Merkaz event at Nizamuddin. He had developed symptoms and he himself approached the hospital.

12:10 pm: PM Modi video conference: Arvind Kejriwal requests for extension of lockdown

12:05 pm: Prohibit public use of tobacco: MHA to states

The Union Health Ministry has asked all states to prohibit the use and spitting of smokeless tobacco in public places to prevent the spread of coronavirus. "Chewing smokeless tobacco products, paan masala and areca nut (supari) increases the production of saliva followed by a very strong urge to spit. Spitting in public places could enhance the spread of the COVID-19 virus," the ministry said in a letter.

12:01 pm: Ranjan Gogoi's mother donates to PM CARES

Former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi's mother Shanti Gogoidonated Rs 1 lakh to PM-CARES Fund. Dibrugarh Deputy Commissioner Pallav Gopal Jha received the cheque from Shati Gogoi on Friday.

11:45 am: PM Modi during the video conference

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi seen wearing a mask during video-conferencing with the Chief Ministers over #COVID19. Other CMs are also using masks. pic.twitter.com/N6Qfjq9xjy ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

11:40 am: PM Modi video conference

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been spotted wearing a homemade mask. Chief Ministers of states who are interacting with the PM are also wearing face masks as states make it mandatory to wear.

#CoronaVirusUpdates:



State-wise details of Total Confirmed #COVID19 cases so far (till 11 April, 2020, 08:00 AM)



States with 1-20 confirmed cases

States with 21-300 confirmed cases

States with 300+ confirmed cases

Total no. of confirmed cases so far



Via @MoHFW_INDIA pic.twitter.com/nSrXCfrv1Z #IndiaFightsCorona (@COVIDNewsByMIB) April 11, 2020

11:35 am: Coronavirus tracker: State-wise tally

Some states have seen a sudden spike in cases while some states are still in single-digit cases. Maharashtra has been one of the severly impacted states, with the toll crossing 1,500. Meanwhile, Tripura reported its second case today. Here's a lowdown:

Working from home during #CoronaLockdown



Here are some cyber security tips you need to keep in mind as you #StayAtHome #IndiaFightsCorona #IndiaLeadsCovidWar pic.twitter.com/hVduikr19a PIB India #StayHome #StaySafe (@PIB_India) April 11, 2020

11:30 am: Coronavirus lockdown: How to make WFH safer?

As people work from home, cyber crime has also seen a spike. PIB tells you how to work safely from home.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued the 5th addendum to the consolidated guidelines regarding the #CoronaLockdown. The 5th addendum exempts from lockdown restrictions, the operations of Fishing (Marine)/Aquaculture Industry: Ministry of Home Affairs pic.twitter.com/FZT9cEGw2C ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

11:20 am: Fishing activity exempted from lockdown restrictions

Fishing and aquaculture activity has been exmpted from the lockdown restrictions, as mentioned in a notification by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Harvesting, processing, marketing, movement of fish and shrimps have been exempted from the lockdown.

Delhi: Security personnel and medical staff present in Nizamuddin West area which is one of the 30 areas, declared a containment zone in the union territory. Visuals from outside Markaz Masjid. pic.twitter.com/7avD1JwYPA ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

11:15 am: PM Modi video conference with CMs begin

11:10 am: India-Nepal border tightened

Amid intelligence inputs that around 50 infected people are planning to sneak in to the country, the India-Nepal border has been tightened. Bihar's borders with Nepal, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and West Bengal have been sealed with a view of preventing outsiders from entering the state.

11:05 am: Coronavirus in Gujarat

Gujarat has reported 54 new coronavirus cases, taking the total to 432. The state health department said that Ahmedabad and Vadodara are the two most-severly infected cities in the state. Ahmedabad has reported 228 cases, while Vadodara has reported 77 cases.

11:00 am: 13,500 PPE kits for Delhi

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said that 13,500 PPE kits are being brought to the godowns. This comment comes after he said on Friday that rapid testing kits are yet to arrive.

10:50 am: Delhi containment zones: 30 areas sealed

Nizamuddin West is one of the 30 areas in Delhi that have been earmarked as a containment zone.

The poor have lost their jobs or self-employment in the last 18 days. They have exhausted their meagre savings. Many are standing in line for food. Can the State stand by and watch them go hungry? P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) April 11, 2020

10:45 am: PM Modi video conference

The Prime Minister is scheduled to discuss the matter of extension of the lockdown via video conference. He will speak to the CMs of various states and take into account their opinion. The 21-day lockdown is scheduled to lasttill April 14.

10:40 am: P Chidambaram asks CMs to talk to PM to remonetise the poor

P Chidambaram posted a series of tweets urging the Chief Ministers from Congress party to tell the Prime Minister to transfer cash to the poor. He said that they have lost their savings as well as their jobs in the last 18 days. PM should remonetise the poor, he said.

10:30 am: Bhilwara sarpanch slams Sonia and Rahul Gandhi

Bhilwara sarpanch Kismat Gurjar slammed Sonia and Rahul Gandhi for seeking credit for the Bhilwara containment model. She said that the ones responsible for the success and implementation of the containment model are the people of Bhilwara and the various organisations involved.

Delhi: Chandni Mahal area wears a deserted look, security forces deployed in the area. Chandni Mahal is one of the 30 areas in the national capital which has been declared containment zone. #Coronavirus pic.twitter.com/MEOFHo07Dk ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

10:25 am: Indore a hotspot

Fourteen people have been found positive in Indore, taking the total cases to 249. Additionally, the city has reported 30 deaths so far. According to Chief Medical an Health Officer (CMHO) 12 perople were discharged yesterday as they recovered from COVID-19.

10:20 am: Visuals from Chandni Mahal after containment

Delhi: People were seen violating norms of social distancing at wholesale fruit and vegetable market in Okhla, amid the #CoronavirusLockdown. pic.twitter.com/WS1Vzz3Z1R ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

10:10 am: Indore emerges as coronavirus hotspot

With the death toll in Indore reaching 30, Indore has emerged as one of the most severely impacted cities in the country. Three more people -- aged 77, 65 and 52 -- succumbed to coronavirus.

10:05 am: Coronavirus sealing in Thane

Maharashtra's Thane district administration sealed the borders of Ambernath, Kulgaon-Badlapur, Murbad and Shahapur towns as cases continue to rise. Movement of people in and out of these towns will be restricted. No vehicles will be allowed either. Those found violating the restriction orders will be penalised.

10:00 am: Kerala coronavirus cases

Third patient has died in Kerala. The deceased was a 71-year-old resident of Puducherry's Mahe area. He was in a critical condition and his kidneys had given up. The deceased was also using a ventilator. The victim passed away at Pariyaram Medical College in Kannur.

9:55 am: INDIA CORONAVIRUS TRACKER: BusinessToday.In brings you a daily tracker as coronavirus cases continue to spread. Here is the state-wise data on total cases, fatalities and recoveries in one comprehensive graphic.

9:50 am: Coronavirus in Jharkhand

The number of cases in Jharkhand has increased to 17 after three people were tested positive. One case each from Ranchi, Koderma and Hazaribagh have been reported as mentioned by Health Secy Nitin Madan Kilkarni.

9:45 am: Karnataka BJP MLA organises birthday bash amid lockdown

Flouting lockdown norms, BJP MLA from Turuvekere constituency, M Jayaram celebrated his birthday with a bash on Friday. People gathered in Gubbi taluk to celebrate the MLA's birthday. Meanwhile, people from across the country are being penalised for violating restriction norms.

9:40 am: Delhi coronavirus cases: 3 dead in Chandni Mahal

Chandni Mahal in Delhi has been declared a containment zones after three people died in three days. There are 102 people staying in dfferent religious locations within the area. Out of that 52 have been tested positive. The DM has said that interaction between positive and residentss cannot be ruled out.

9:35 am: Coronavirus in China: 46 new cases

While the increase in cases has slowed down, China is still reporting new cases. The National Health Commission said 46 new cases were reported on Friday, including 42 involving travellers from overseas.

9:30 am: Coronavirus impact on economy

India's export sector could lose nearly 15 million jobs amid the lockdown due to fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic, the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) told the government. With the cancellation of 50 per cent of the export orders, the sector is also expecting a rise in non-performing assets (NPAs), Sharad Kumar Saraf, President, FIEO also said.

9:23 am: Coronavirus in UP

Three more cases have been found in Lucknow. Three more have been found in Agra as well. So far, the number of cases in Uttar Pradesh is 431 at April 11 8am, according to the official data by Health Ministry.

9:20 am: Italy extends coronavirus lockdown

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Friday extended its nationwide lockdown until May 3, though he said a few types of shops would be allowed to re-open next week. "This is a difficult but necessary decision for which I take all political responsibility," Conte told a news conference.

9:10 am: Social distancing gone for toss as people rush to market

Even as cases are on a sharp rise, people have been found violating social distancing norms. Amid the coronavirus lockdown, people rushed to the Okhla market to gather vegetables and fruits.
State-run UCO Bank will reopen



one of its branches in the city on Monday, which was sealed after the branch manager's mother was diagnosed with the coronavirus infection, an official said.

The lender decided to resume work at its Lala Lajpat Rai Sarani branch, located at Bhawanipore area in the city, by deputing staff from other units, the bank's MD and CEO A K Goel told PTI. The branch was sealed on Friday as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19, he said. "The branch manager's mother was found to be infected with coronavirus. The branch is now sealed and being disinfected and sanitised," Goel said. All the employees of the branch have been quarantined, he said. "Today being the second Saturday, banks across the country are closed. From Monday, the branch will resume normal banking transactions as staff from other units will be deputed there," he said.

Goel said the customers should not face any problem as all the branches are under CBS (core banking solution) platform. All India Bank Officers' Confederation state general secretary Sanjay Das said that managing the customers in city branches is not a problem as the turnout has been very low.

"There is a pressure in rural branches and it is becoming a problem for the staff to maintain social distancing norms there," he said, adding that sanitising the branches should be done on a regular basis.

He said employees of banks are scared amid the COVID- 19 crisis and they must be given enough personal protective gears as a safeguard against the virus outbreak.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
- DJ Black Coffee has been applauded as a hero for helping out the struggling DJ at the centre of Shimza's drama

- Shimza had accused the aspiring artist of harassing him and got dragged for his attitude

- But Black Coffee saved the day and the DJ will now be sharing the stage with the icon

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DJ Black Coffee has come through for a struggling Mzansi DJ in a big way after he got snubbed by Shimza.

The DJ had been attempting to join one of Shimza's lockdown virtual sessions and evidently he thought it was a waste of time.

The harsh response resulted in social media dragging Shimza, but the outcome wasn't all negative.

Black Coffee had been touched by the situation and reached out to offer the DJ a spot on the streaming lineup of his own show, Africa is Not A Jungle.

While the rejection handed down by Shimza had been a bitter pill to swallow an even bigger opportunity has opened up.

READ ALSO: Black Coffee claps back at DJ Maphorisa saying he rules Mzansi music

Sometimes when life dishes out disappointment its because something bigger and better is in the pipeline but this situation is one a whole new level.

As far as Shimza is concerned many in Mzansi want to see him cancelled over this situation, with numerous peeps feeling as if he had disrespected not only the DJ but his fans.

He has since issued an apology, but it might be a case of too little too late with thousands voicing their anger.

It seems as if Black Coffee is getting real tired of artists with overinflated egos in recent times.

Briefly.co.za reported that he cut DJ Maphorisa down to size after he hinted that he was running SA 'musically'.

At the end of the day, celebrities are only as big as what their fans allow them to be so it's not surprising some are coming up short due to their nasty attitudes.

Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news!

Source: Briefly News
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that Moscow and Washington agreed to create a working group on space, the Russian side is waiting for American colleagues to respond to proposals on the agenda.

"In practical terms, the composition of the group has not yet been formed, we are at the stage of agreeing on the agenda, that is, the topics on which we will work, he said.
Becca Sass wanted to help.

The teachers aide at Henry P. Becton Regional High School in East Rutherford saw the toll the coronavirus was taking on her community. A colleague, Javiera Rodriquez, died last week due to complications with the virus, students had parents in the hospital, and staff members were being affected.

James Bononno, the schools assistant principal, started a relief fund to help deliver food to students and families that were affected by the virus. He started out delivering the free and reduced lunches for students, but then transitioned to bringing pizza to school community members.

Bononno mentioned what he was doing in a staff meeting, and said he was accepting donations from anyone who wanted to help contribute. He opened up a Venmo account and was blown away by peoples generosity.

My staff in this schoolI wouldnt want to be surrounded by any other group, he told NJ Advance Media. My phone started lighting up with donations from my staff.

Sass, a freelance artist on the side and inspired by Bononnos gesture, decided she wanted to contribute to the fund. She posted a message on her Instagram last Fridayin exchange for a donation of whatever amount, Sass would draw a digital portrait of the person (or of a furry friend).

I had 400 messages in my Instagram inbox the next day, she told NJ Advance Media. It was a little insane.

Sass, 23, said she intentionally didnt set a donation amount, because she knew many people were dealing with layoffs and other financial setbacks. She suggested donations anywhere from $5 to $20.

One of the digital portraits Becca Sass created. Sass has raised more than $4,000 dollars since she started the fundraiser last Friday.Becca Sass

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Businesses that are open | Homepage

But peoples generosity went above and beyond, and her fundraiser, Doodles for Donations, raised more than $4,000. All the proceeds are going to the schools relief fund, set up by Bononno.

Sass said each portrait took her about 10-15 minutes to draw, and she got through about 200 portraits this past weekend, working for 12 hours one day. Shes temporarily closed the fundraiser, but hopes to reopen it once she can finish up the current waitlisted drawings.

After last week, with how crappy last week was, receiving these amazing messages of how many people were willing to give, she said, I was totally, totally blown away.

People can still donate money, Sass said, and can reach out over Instagram, @becca_sass.

One of the digital portraits Becca Sass created.Becca Sass

Bononno said Sass came to the high school as a studentshe was a great kid thenand they had the opportunity to hire her to work with them this year.

Shes just a great human being, a great worker, he told NJ Advance Media. She told me she started doing this and raised about $4,000 and I (texted her) back, Becca, I am speechless. This is absolutely amazing work. Im so happy that you returned to our Becton family.

Together, Bononno and Sass have raised more than $6,700. The money has all gone toward food for students, staff members, and families who are sick with the coronavirus or have lost people from it. The food ranges from gift baskets and pizza to platters of food from a local restaurant, even including zeppoles (Italian fried dough balls) and drinks.

Its just a little comfort for those who can use a little comfort, Bononno said. Were going to keep this thing going as long as we can.

Bononno is still accepting donations and his Venmo is @james-bononno.

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A second man has been charged in connection with an alleged armed robbery involving the theft of drugs from a pharmacy.

Police said a man brandishing a knife threatened staff at the pharmacy on King Street, Bathgate, on March 28, fleeing on foot with controlled drugs including morphine, pregabalin and diazepam.

Three days after the alleged robbery, a 25 year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

On Saturday, Police Scotland said another man, 43, has been arrested and will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Detective Sergeant Graham Garvie, of West Lothian CID, said: Nobody was injured but this was a frightening experience for staff and customers alike.

Extensive inquiries are ongoing to identify the man responsible, including reviewing CCTV from the area.
Thane recorded the third highest number of positive coronavirus cases with 4 fresh confirmed infections on Saturday behind 72 cases in Mumbai and 5 in Malegaon, taking the total number of positive Covid-19 cases in the district to 160, said officials. The highest number of positive cases has been reported from Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation limits.

On Friday, Thane district authorities had made wearing of masks compulsory for everybody and also ordered the closure of all vegetable markets and shops till April 14 to enforce social distancing in a bid to contain the spread of the disease. The order was issued by Collector Rajesh Narvekar.

The decision seems drastic but was the only way to reduce crowding as all pleas to people to maintain social distancing were failing, an official quoted by PTI said. The order will remain in force within the limits of civic bodies in the district, he added.

The administration also ordered shutting down of the shops in the wholesale market in Jambli Naka and traders were told to accept online orders from the retailers.

The district administration on Friday night issued an order to seal the borders of Ambernath, Kulgaon-Badlapur, Murbad and Shahapur towns adjoining Thane. The move is aimed to stop the movement of people and vehicles, except those engaged in essential services, to and from these towns.

People have been warned with serious consequences including hefty penalty if the order is defied.

In another move to prevent escalation of positive Covid-19 cases in the district, the state administration released 350 prisoners from the Thane Central jail on bail. They were among close to 3,500 prisoners who were released on bail from different jails in Maharashtra to prevent crowding, said PTI.

Meanwhile, a senior police inspector from Thane tested positive for the virus on Friday while he was under quarantine at his Nashik home after coming in contact with the members of the Tablighi Jamaat.

92 fresh cases of Covid-19 have emerged in Maharashtra, taking the states tally to 1,666 on Saturday, the state health department said.

Click here for live and latest updates on Coronavirus
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., April 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- MC Companies is supporting local food banks in the regions they operate by donating $5,000 from their Sharing The Good Life Foundation. Totaling in $70,000, donations have been made to food banks across Arizona, Texas and Oklahoma.

While MC Companies is committed to serving their residents, employees and investors at the highest level possible, they are also committed to supporting the local communities and neighborhoods where they operate. As the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic continues to intensify, MC believes it is important now more than ever that they step up to the plate.



Not only has MC Companies' Sharing The Good Life Foundation donated $5,000 to each of the following food banks, MC Companies owners Ross and Patty McCallister have committed to match every donation made from the Ross and Patty McCallister Family Foundation.

MC Companies does not shy away from talking about the many philanthropic projects they undertake every year. While giving back makes for a good headline, the true reason they try to make as much noise as they can is to encourage their peers to do the same.

"Donating your time and money and giving back to your community truly is inspiring," says Lesley Brice, President and Partner of MC Residential LLC. "We have watched that drive to help others grow exponentially throughout our entire company and we are proud that it has become a bedrock of our organization. Our goal is to continue to advocate that drive, that philosophy that helping others isn't optional but necessary, throughout our industry and beyond."

MC Companies now challenges you to give back in any way you can. Whether you are a business owner or passionate individual, now is the time to speak up and help those in need. It is important now more than ever that we support each other. Find your local food bank, shelter, rescue or any charity you are passionate about and make a donation to help keep their doors open and able to continue their mission of helping those in need.

About MC Companies: MC Companies https://www.mccompanies.com is a real estate investment, development, construction, and management company specializing in the multifamily properties and commercial markets. MC Companies has completed over $750 million in multi-family and commercial value-added transactions since 1985.

Media Contact:

MC Companies

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4809985400

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https://www.prlog.org/12818151

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The boss of BT has launched an extraordinary intervention after dozens of phone masts and engineers were attacked by 'mindless idiots' who think the coronavirus pandemic has been caused by the 5G internet signal.

Philip Jansen, who is recovering after suffering mild symptoms of the virus, has written an impassioned plea to the public to unite against 'harmful, dangerous misinformation'.

In a lengthy statement prepared for The Mail on Sunday, Jansen reveals the shocking news that 39 BT engineers have been physically or verbally assaulted by members of the public who wrongly believe the new mobile technology triggers coronavirus symptoms.

BT boss Philip Jansen said that those who think the coronavirus pandemic has been caused by the 5G internet signal are 'mindless idiots'

Some employees at the FTSE 100 telecoms giant  which also owns the UK's largest mobile network EE  have even had death threats, he said.

Jansen revealed that 18 of BT's masts are among at least 40 across the country that have been destroyed or damaged as a result of arson. Many of the attacks are understood to have taken place last week.

In the past few days, conspiracy theorists have started wrapping telephone poles in barbed wire to stop engineers doing their jobs, the BT boss said.

He added that most of the masts that have been attacked do not even carry the 5G signal.

Jansen, who joined Britain's former telecoms monopoly at the start of last year, said: 'Everything about this is senseless.'

He pointed out that the engineers are 'Government-designated key workers out  with no small risk to their own health  to ensure that broadband and mobile networks keep working'.

Jansen continued: 'Without these engineers fixing faults, adding capacity and installing new lines, people lose their connection.

'Now, more than ever, that connection is vital. Whether that's for home schooling, working from home or ordering food online, losing that connection is unthinkable to millions.

5G conspiracy: These theories include the suggestion that radiation from 5G antennas is causing coronavirus symptoms

'If the site that provides coverage to your house gets burned down, it matters.

'If you can't call 999 or get through to a lonely parent to check they're OK, it matters.

'If your link to family, friends and the outside world when you're feeling truly isolated, gets destroyed because of a baseless and reckless conspiracy theory, it matters.'

Conspiracy theories that coronavirus is linked to 5G sprang up online about a fortnight ago, but only in the UK do they appear to have led to physical attacks and destruction.

The false theories include the suggestion that radiation from 5G antennas is causing coronavirus symptoms. Others claim Covid-19 is a fabricated virus and merely a cover-up for 5G.

Jansen said the most bizarre theory was a laughable suggestion that the public applause for NHS workers each Thursday at 8pm is an attempt to mask 'loud beeping' of 5G networks being tested.

Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden and Hollywood actors Woody Harrelson and John Cusack are among a host of celebrities who have promoted the conspiracies on social media. Holden claimed last week that she had retweeted an anti-5G post on Twitter in error.

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove last week branded the conspiracy claims as 'dangerous nonsense'. Meanwhile, telecoms watchdog Ofcom issued a statement to 'emphasise that there is no relationship whatsoever between 5G mobile signals and coronavirus'.

But Jansen revealed that the vandalism and assaults have escalated and are threatening public safety. BT is providing connections to Nightingale field hospitals set up to look after Covid-19 patients.

Jansen said: 'It's hard to know where to begin to use science, logic or reason to debunk something so devoid of reality.

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove last week branded the conspiracy claims as 'dangerous nonsense'

'Now, more than ever, the country needs to be united. Listening to the authorities. Trusting the scientists. Staying connected. Instead, the advice of experts is being undermined. Fear is being spread.'

Jansen said small groups on Facebook and instant messaging service WhatsApp were hotbeds for misinformation.

He pointed out that 5G is a radio network like 4G or 3G and it employs 'the same radio waves that have been safely in use for decades'.

Facebook, YouTube and Google all promised to crack down on the spread of 5G misinformation last week.

Jansen praised his 'brave, skilled engineers', and added: 'This is my team and I will not tolerate them being targeted by a few mindless idiots.'

Read Philip Jansen's heartfelt plea in full here.
Judge Sloss once explained, "A thing is impossible in legal contemplation when it is not practicable; and a thing is impracticable when it can only be done at excessive and unreasonable cost.

It is through the lens of Judge Sloss that I view any discussion on COVID-19 and the pandemic is continuing to have on businesses. It should be universally clear by now that a lot of things previously normal that happen in our lives and our businesses have become impossible or impractical.

In my article on COVID-19 & Force Majeure last week, we quoted the Gibson Dunn Law Firm as stating, Whether or not the contract contains a force majeure clause, the common law doctrines of impossibility or commercial impracticability may be available and legal analysis of such a claim should be conducted

the party asserting this defence will bear the burden of proving that the event was unforeseeable and truly rendered performance impossible, and the doctrine generally is applied narrowly

if an agreement does not have a force majeure or act of god clause, an analysis under the doctrine of impossibility or commercial impracticability, depending on the jurisdiction, may be warranted.

Last weeks article triggered some healthy discussions amongst readers and myself. That article had, as I put it, real gems from a real lawyer and a real law firm. Todays article is the content of dialogues with two good friends, one being my proclaimed King of Brainstorming, and the other the man I will credit if ever I take up full-time Pan-Africanism.

Foster Awintiti Akugri, the Stanbic Bank Incubator Manager and Founder of Hacklab Foundation, explores how COVID-19 could trigger commercial impracticability for contract holders. Tom Arowojolu is a Director at Mainbridge Group and CEO of Mainbridge Investment Advisory. He touches on what he calls the Dawn of a New Reality.

Before you read it, I agree with Toms assertion that, in legal proceedings and within a legal framework not subject to conspiracy theories and the like, the coronavirus cannot be automatically categorized as an Act of God.

I say this because, from a legal standpoint, the onus is on whoever is making the claim, be it Force Majeure or Commercial Impracticability, to prove the aforementioned claims. It is going to be very hard to prove that, in these times of advanced modern technology, a virus like this can only be an Act of God and not engineered in a lab.

Enjoy the read!

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How COVID-19 could trigger common law doctrines of Commercial Impracticability.

Let me start from the national level. The COVID-19 has been so critical to the extent that governments have had to shut down certain arms of its operations in terms of economic activities as a measure to curb the spread. And this has disrupted a lot of value chains and supply chains businesses all over.

Huge sections of the Ghanaian economic community now seem to pose a threat to national security and risk defying the executive order of the President of Ghana if they go about their breadwinning activities as they are used to. So this puts businesses in some form of a shamble where they are caught between do we fulfil the deal or do we come to a consensus to postpone whatever we may have agreed on or committed to.

And in as much as a contract is a contract, even in the absence of force majeure, some circumstances can make execution impossible or impractical. In this instance, it is an executive order of the President of Ghana, the one person of the highest authority of any economic environment putting an embargo on and limiting some business operations. This may definitely have an impact on some types of businesses and some types of contracts.

Lets take another instance. Assuming I got involved in an accident today or I got paralysed and I am unable to fulfil a certain obligation because of that incident. If I can demonstrate clearly with evidence that it is beyond my control to get my duty done as per a contract, then common law doctrines of commercial practicability could be enforced.

But again, it depends on how the contract is also drafted. There are a variety of avenues that this may end up taking. Severability Clauses may only allow the courts to void one part of the contract while keeping the other parts very much alive.

[Severability Clauses might say, If any clause, or portion of a clause, in this Agreement, is considered invalid under the rule of law, it shall be regarded as stricken while the remainder of this Agreement shall continue to be in full effect.]

Also, keeping in mind that Severability Clauses potentially allow only parts of a contract to be voided, everything thats happening with these lockdowns other COVID-19 situations do not necessarily make contracts automatically void when the common law doctrines of commercial impracticability is enforced. You may consider giving an extension to the other party or suspending the activity until both of you have agreed on something. But it also gives the right to one party to terminate the contract.

This becomes the much more complex part of it, which in this circumstance is the impact of why you are writing this article right? To seek the opinions of your readers as to whether people can take advantage of these circumstances to get out of contracts.

[At this point I interjected that Advantage is a strong word: this is more like the exploration of an option that readers requested I delve into after reading a little about it in the closing paragraph of my last article on COVID-19 & Force Majeure. Foster continued

Ok, then let me rephrase it as this is explore considerations to taking precautions in light of the complications of COVID-19 to renegotiate contracts which they were initially tied to and now seem to have no option than to fulfil them.

Most people have Force Majeure clauses in their contracts though which addresses pandemics. And technically, this is a pandemic.

So terrorism, earthquakes, hurricanes, acts of governments, plagues and/or epidemics are usually whats mentioned in Force Majeure clauses. So where the term epidemic is used, it could be argued that it loosely also refers to a pandemic, which clearly COVID-19 has been declared as such by WHO.

Recent events all over the world has and will affect every business differently. The imposition of travel restrictions, restrictions of import and outbound-inbound trade, other trade embargos, quarantines, closing down some buildings and borders, closing down or decongesting crowded areas like marketplaces, etc. These and many others are major hindrances to the many things that ensure that a trade happens or that a contract is executed successfully.

But then again, this doesnt mean people should jump to cancelling contracts. Another clause thats usually in many contracts is the Entirety of Agreement Clause. Though it states that the agreement is complete and anything not written there is excluded, it allows you to make changes later to the contract especially when it also states that any additions should be signed by both parties first.

[Entirety of Agreement Clauses might say, This Agreement embodies the entire, final and complete agreement and understanding between the Parties and replaces and supersedes all prior discussions and agreements between them with respect to its subject matter. No modification or waiver of any terms or conditions hereof shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by a duly authorized officer of each Party.]

So if COVID-19 raises the situations of impossibility and commercial impracticality, look to enforcing the entirety clauses where you have to write to the other party to draw their attention to the facts on the ground. You shouldnt assume that they should have agreed in principle that since the situation is this way, then everybody should know what to do. You have to put it in writing and inform the other party that due to circumstances arising, you would rather you two renegotiate the terms of the contract to reflect the current situation. In circumstances where there is uncertainty on fulfilling the obligations of both parties or one party, they usually come to a consensus whether to suspend the contract or terminate it.

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The COVID-19 Virus and Dawn of a New Reality

In recent weeks a new reality has dawned upon the world which has a huge impact on how we engage socially and with our work routines. The disruption has led to isolation and a distinct change in work patterns. Businesses has been disrupted significantly with a detrimental impact on many sectors where some have even considered reducing their workforce numbers as a result. The longer this debacle continues, the more time the new reality will have to set in and thus become the new norm.

Businesses will have to continue in a different manner and some will either sink or swim depending upon how hard they've been hit or how quickly they're able to adapt.

As some businesses seek solutions to the current debacle numerous questions are being asked. Two key questions are:

What is the government doing to support businesses and their workforces during this uncharted period? And,

Can the Corona Virus pandemic be deemed as an act of God in force majeure?

The answers are indeed critical to the survival of many businesses and also to the mental well-being of the workforce at large.

In response to the first question, many Governments have implemented a range of measures to assist businesses as they understand the gravity of what the businesses are up against with the current pandemic.

In response to the Corona Virus however the pandemic is not an act of God as it could be man-made hence I believe that the latter will prevail as the former has further implications.

However it is certain that we are in unprecedented and extraordinary times and therefore have to contend with the current circumstances. As the virus ravages the environment and changes the way we operate socially and in business we have to be prepared and adhere to the necessary precautions.

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Hit me up on social media and lets keep the conversation going! I read all the feedback you send me on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Go to bit.ly/maxwrites to read all my previous articles.

Also, feel free to send me your articles on relevant topics for publication on the Macroeconomic Bulletin. Id give you full credit, an intro, and an outro. Kindly make it about 1000 words.

Have a lovely week!

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Maxwell Ampong is the CEO of Maxwell Investments Group, a Trading and Business Solutions provider. He is also the Business Advisor for the General Agricultural Workers Union of TUC (Gh). He writes about trending and relevant economic topics, and general perspective pieces.

LinkedIn:/in/thisisthemax Instagram:@thisisthemax Twitter:@thisisthemax Facebook:@thisisthemax Website: www.maxwellinvestmentsgroup.com Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0249993319
An intensive care nurse in New York's emergency field hospital broke down and cried uncontrollably describing the scale of the coronavirus tragedy.

In a video posted to Facebook this week, 35-year-old ER nurse D'neil Schmall described her experience caring for Covid-19 patients in a Central Park hospital set up to treat victims of the pandemic.

"I just feel there is so much anyone can take," Ms Neil said in the video, which was filmed after she lay on her hotel room floor and cried for an hour following the "worst shift" she's had in the past two weeks.

"I'm tired of walking into rooms, and your patients are dead. You just walk into a room, and there's a dead body there. I'm tired of calling families and telling them that news," she said in the video.

"I cried the whole way home, I mean the driver was like, 'Ma'am are you okay?' I don't think people understand how stressful this job is. I was trained for anything in the world but this is so stressful."

The former bodybuilder, who moved to New York on 30 March to help fight the virus, said in the video caption that it's important for people to see what frontline nurses go through after walking eight to 11 miles in a 13 to 15-hour shift, five to six days a week, on only four to five hours of sleep.

"If you have ever felt any time would be appropriate to have compassion for each other, right now is the time when we should all have compassion for each other, and try to at least acknowledge what the other person is going through. I just have so much sadness," she said.

"I have friends that are nurses and I'm pretty sure that they understand but they are going through the same thing," she said. "So the end result is you end up crying in your hotel room. Or in the bathroom. There is no one to talk to."

In the video, Ms Schmall also described working conditions when wearing plastic personal protective equipment that was like a "sweatsuit" while treating 10 to 16 patients per nurse, per day.

"Some of them, bless their souls, can't do anything for themselves," she said. "How can I take care of 14 people when I have one tech and they have 30 patients. It's so bad here you guys."

Underneath the video, Ms Schmall posted: "This video was cathartic. I only posted it because I feel like people should know what were going through here. I love my job I LOVE  what I do! UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES AM I LEAVING!"
More than 60 quarantined inmates at Southern State Correctional Facility were forcibly removed and taken to another prison Thursday night after they formed a blockade in their unit amid the coronavirus pandemic, NJ Advance Media has learned.

The blockade, which officials described as a prolonged disturbance," came just a day before Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order allowing for the release of some sick, elderly and other inmates to ease prison populations in light of the public health crisis.

Nobody was injured and the situation is now under control, Liz Velez, a spokeswoman for the Department of Corrections, said Saturday.

Velez said the blockade formed by prisoners was preventing officers from access (to the unit) to carry out their duties."

For security reasons, inmates were transferred from dormitory quarantine housing to single cell medical quarantine housing at South Woods State Prison, she said.

Both prisons are in Cumberland County.

Corrections officials did not say what sparked the incident or how many inmates were involved.

But two sources with knowledge of the incident said it was more than 60 prisoners. The Special Operations Group, the prison systems version of a SWAT team, was required to quell the disturbance, according to the sources , who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss prison operations publicly.

It was not immediately clear why the inmates had been placed in quarantine, though corrections officials have previously said that prisoners who may have come in contact with someone who had tested positive would be quarantined as a precaution. Nearly 400 inmates are quarantined across almost a dozen prisons statewide.

Southern State has 10 confirmed cases of staff members contracting the virus and just one confirmed case among inmates, according to the corrections department website. However, a Friday e-mail from medical staff to corrections officials indicated two more inmates had tested positive, according to a copy of the email obtained by NJ Advance Media.

South Woods has just one inmate and one staff case, according to the states figures. More than a half-dozen inmates are in medical quarantine, according to Velez.

State authorities have been under mounting pressure to respond to the spread of COVID-19 in prisons, which has infected at least 17 inmates and 150 staff members. Corrections unions have been calling for a lockdown to alleviate a severe staffing shortage, and civil liberties groups have urged the release of prisoners.

At his daily coronavirus briefing on Friday, Murphy said the state would be reviewing cases of inmates eligible for home-confinement within days.

The needs of public safety and public health have to be balanced, Murphy said.

Although family and friends of at least a dozen inmates have reached out to NJ Advance Media and other news organizations to complain symptomatic prisoners were being denied testing, State Corrections Commissioner Marcus Hicks said that wasnt the case.

Weve been very transparent, Hicks said. I dont believe that, really, anyone can make the point that they dont have access to health care if they have symptoms.

Neither Hicks nor Murphy mentioned the Southern State blockade at Fridays briefing.

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.

NJ Advance Media staff writer Blake Nelson contributed to this report.

S.P. Sullivan may be reached at ssullivan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 22:04:26|Editor: huaxia

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TAIPEI, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The total number of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in Taiwan has increased by three to 385, the island's epidemic monitoring agency said Saturday.

The new patients were believed to have contracted the virus during their trips overseas, the agency said in a press release.

Two of the three patients, a man in his 60s and the other in his 70s, returned to Taiwan from the United States on April 10 while the other one, a woman in her 20s, had been studying in France and came back to Taiwan on April 3, the statement said.

Among the island's confirmed COVID-19 cases, 331 were imported. A total of 99 confirmed patients have recovered and six died.

Since fewer people went out to donate blood amid the epidemic, the island's blood banks have run short of reserves, according to the Taiwan Blood Services Foundation, an organization running the island's blood donation.

The reserve for type O blood across the island would only meet the medical needs in next 4.9 days while the stocks of type A, type B, and type AB bloods would also fail to meet the demands for more than seven days, the foundation said in a press release, calling on the public to actively make donations.
The Chadian army neutralized about 1,000 Boko Haram fighters and lost 52 of its own soldiers in an operation launched 10 days ago.

The operation codenamed Operation Wrath of Bomo, was launched after terrorists dealt the heaviest blow to the Chadian military after an assault killed over 90 soldiers.

The offensive took place at Kelkoua bank and Magumeri where the army destroyed several Boko Haram bunkers, recovered cache of arms and arrested a top Boko Haram commander.

According to the armys spokesman Azem Bermadoua our men occupied two Boko Haram island bases and have also deployed on the Lake Chad banks of Niger and Nigeria. They will keep their positions until the arrival of these countries troops.

He said the operation was completed and 196 Chadian soldiers had been wounded.

A video making the rounds on Twitter since last week captures President Idriss Deby disclosing that Boko Harams factional leader, Abubakar Shekau, had narrowly escaped in the town of Dikoa. He goes on to advise Shekau to surrender or be killed inside his Dikoa hideout.

Abubakar Shekau was lucky, he was at Dikoa during the attack. He fled from Dikoa but we know where he is, the president stressed during a state broadcast.

Boko Harams 11-year-old campaign has claimed tens of thousands of lives in northeast Nigeria and driven nearly two million people from their homes.
A suburban Detroit field hospital is on track to open later this month with less than a quarter of its total available capacity on-line as the state scales back its original plan to combat the coronavirus.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are now planning on opening a 250-bed facility at the Suburban Collection Showcase in Novi by April 20, spokesperson Penny Carroll said on Saturday.

Earlier this week, the Army Corps announced plans to convert the 250,000-square-foot space to accommodate up to 1,100 beds for coronavirus patients to help relieve overcrowding at Detroit-area hospitals.

The facility could be scaled up as needs arise but is now slated to open with 250 beds available, a number determined by the state government, Carroll said.

The scale back comes after Michigans numbers of new cases have leveled off in recent days. After reporting nearly 2,000 new cases on April 3, the state has reported fewer than 1,400 new cases for three straight days.

Suburban Collection Showcase is the second planned field hospital in Michigan, which has the third-most coronavirus cases in the country. The Army Corps completed construction last week on a conversion of the TCF Center in Detroit, which has 970 beds.

PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.

Read more from MLive:

Saturday, April 11: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan

Michigan reports 205 new coronavirus deaths, nearly double previous daily peak

In unusual session, Michigan lawmakers OK 23-day extension of coronavirus state of emergency
Tunis, Tunisia (PANA) - Several civil society organizations, trade unions, MPs and public figures have expressed their deep concern about the marginalization of the most precarious segments of Tunisian society
Communities in Spain have cancelled thousands of religious processions, which were likely to be held to commemorate Easter Sunday on April 12, for the first time in nearly 90 years, in view of the coronavirus outbreak.

But people in-charge of the events are making masks out of the materials which were purchased for the events, as an alternative to make use of them and highlight how religious communities in Spain are helping the country's struggle against the outbreak, Al Jazeera reported.

"We had bought pretty much everything we needed, right down to the cloth for the uniforms for the penitents," Lola Diaz Montero of Aznalcazar's Brotherhood of Saint James, was quoted by Al Jazeera, as saying.

"We'd started cancelling Masses for Lent ... before the state of alert was declared in the middle of March. Then the news came through that all the processions were going to be stopped too," Montero said.

For the past weeks across Spain, there has been a severe shortage of protective face masks for the general public in chemists and other stores.

Meanwhile, to make up for canceled processions, some Brotherhoods have also organised online religious ceremonies, including historical documentaries mixed with prayers, videos of last year's parades and messages from their association presidents.

Some penitents have organised their own individual marches, remodelling processions in Lego, hanging religious symbols from their balconies or marching around their kitchen table in their procession uniform.

Lockdown rules, however, look set to be strictly respected, as the death toll and the number of coronavirus cases continue to rise.

Police have told one local priest in the southern town of Puebla de Don Fadrique, whose plans to go through the streets in his own individual enactment of the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday was widely publicised, would not be allowed.

In southern Spain, where Easter processions are traditionally the largest, local authorities for tourist-friendly cities like Malaga and Granada have said the economic effect of their loss runs into more than 100 million euros, while in Seville, the region's capital, it has been estimated at four times that amount.

Spain has reported 605 new coronavirus deaths, continuing a downward trend, and 4,566 new cases. The death toll in the European country stands at 15,843 and a total of 157,022 cases have been reported.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 19:45:36|Editor: huaxia

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An exterior view of an under-construction temporary hospital, converted from an office building, in Suifenhe, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, April 10, 2020. (Xinhua/Qi Hongxin)

By Friday, the city of Suifenhe had reported a total of 173 imported cases of COVID-19 from Russia.



HARBIN, April 11 (Xinhua) -- A medical team that departed Saturday morning for the city of Suifenhe, at the China-Russia border in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, will aid a temporary hospital due to the mounting pressure of imported COVID-19 cases.

The 24 medics, who assisted on the front lines of the battle against the new virus in central China's Hubei Province, the hardest-hit province in China, returned to the city of Mudanjiang on March 21. They have recently ended their 14-day quarantine and are the first medical team to support the temporary hospital, according to Zhang Xiaoyu, head of the temporary hospital.

By Friday, the city of Suifenhe had reported a total of 173 imported cases of COVID-19 from Russia.

So far, the renovation work of the temporary hospital has been completed and medical equipment has been delivered from different places to the hospital, according to Zhang.

A local hospital still has more than 100 beds to admit asymptomatic coronavirus carriers. And the temporary hospital, converted from an office building and providing more than 600 patient beds, will go into operation if necessary. 
One of the few upsides from the coronavirus pandemic lockdown has been Foxtel giving subscribers access to all of their channels, to help keep us sane through working from home and home schooling the kids, not seeing friends and missing the footy.

On Saturday night I sat down with my girls and re-watched Robert Mulligans 1962 classic film, To Kill a Mockingbird. Based on Harper Lee's 1960 Pulitzer prize winning novel of the same name, the film portrays the trial of an African-American on trial in Alabama for the rape and bashing of a young white woman during the Great Depression.

Atticus Finch, the lawyer for the accused establishes that his client, who had no use of his right arm, could not have caused the injuries inflicted on the left side of the victims face, and he certainly wasn't capable of choking someone as alleged.

George Pell arrives at the Seminary of the Good Shepherd in Sydney on Wednesday

Actors Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch and Brock Peters as Tom Robinson in the film To Kill a Mockingbird in 1962

Despite it being clear on the evidence that the accused was innocent, or at least not guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, the all-white jury convicts the accused. The word of a white woman was always to be taken over that of an accused black man.

I reflected on To Kill a Mockingbird this week, when, upon hearing news of the High Court's decision to overturn George Pell's conviction for historical child sexual abuse allegations, a large part of Australian society went into meltdown.

'Hang him now' one comment on social media read. 'I hope he burns in hell,' said another.

Former NSW Labor Party general-secretary Jamie Clements

In the American Deep South in the 1930s, African Americans accused of raping white women often didn't make it to court; they were taken out and lynched by an outraged mob.

Judging from much of the reaction to the High Court's verdict this week, you would be forgiven for wondering if a large part of our civilised society would be happy to go back to lynching those we despise.

My Facebook feed, crowded with the remnants of Labor people who friended me back when I was the Party's general secretary in NSW, shocked me the most.

Not just the members of Australia's oldest, and arguably the world's most successful left wing party, but holders of high office, past and present, were all too quick to accuse the High Court of corruption and conspiracy.

To these, the custodians of a party which once prided itself on supporting the rule of law and separation of powers, George Pell could not ever conceivably have been innocent of the crimes for which he was wrongly imprisoned. The word of a complainant must always be believed before that of a powerful and conservative clergymen.

'Why have a jury?' one pundit asked. Good question.

View of a graffiti on the door of St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne in protest at George Pell's convictions being quashed

A child's tricycle is seen on the gate of the Carmelite Monastery where Cardinal George Pell was staying in Kew, Melbourne

In the film, Atticus Finch approaches his client after the verdict to tell him not to worry 'we'll appeal tomorrow'. Unfortunately he never gets the chance: his client attempts escape and is shot.

In real life as well in film juries can and do get it wrong sometimes. In the criminal law world, we call them 'unsafe verdicts'.

The High Court in Pell v The Queen [2020] HCA 12, in a relatively rare 7:0 unanimous decision, sifted through mountains of evidence, heard submissions from some of the nations greatest legal minds, and came to the view that 'the compounding improbabilities caused by the unchallenged evidence ... required the jury, acting rationally, to have entertained a doubt as to the applicants guilt. Making full allowance for the advantages enjoyed by the jury, there is a significant possibility  that an innocent person has been convicted'.

Those railing against the High Court for overruling a jury's decision should ask themselves this: what if it was you, or someone you loved, who was in George Pell's shoes? Would you be comfortable with a legal system which permitted an innocent person who you loved to be convicted and sent to jail?

I for one am glad we have a High Court that is prepared to impose the rule of law without fear of backlash from the community.

Jamie Clements is a former boss of the NSW Labor Party who now works as a criminal lawyer.
Ten out of the 17 Ivory Coast returnees that tested positive for the coronavirus disease, who were receiving treatment at the Osun State isolation centre have been discharged after testing negative twice.

Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, while addressing journalists on the update of covid 19 management in the state said the patients would be reunited with their families after undergoing the National Centre for Disease Control protocol.

17 out of the 127 persons, who arrived Osun on March 28, 2020 from Ivory Coast tested positive for the deadly virus after they were isolated at Ejigbo local government area of the state.



With the recent developments, Governor Oyetola added, the total covid 19 patient discharged from hospital in the state is now 11, saying the remaining seven are also responding to treatment.

He admonished residents of the state that coronavirus is not a death sentence, hence, should come forward if anyone feels any symptoms, assuring them of prompt treatment.

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CALIFORNIA - PG&E has sent out voting materials to about 250,000 parties entitled to vote on its Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization.

Those who are eligible include people with fire claims, certain holders of pre-bankruptcy petition funded debt, creditors and debtors.

All ballots must be received by 4 p.m., May 15 to be counted.

RELATED: PG&E reaches bankruptcy deal with California governor

A hearing before the bankruptcy court is set for May 27, to determine whether the utility's plan meets requirements for confirmation under the bankruptcy code.

To read the new commitments agreed upon by the utility company and Governor Gavin Newsom, CLICK HERE.

You can vote electronically, HERE, or by mail by sending your ballot to "PG&E Ballot Processing, c/o Prime Clerk, LLC" at One Grand Central Place, 60 East 42nd Street, Suite 1440, New York, NY 10165.
Dominic Raab - "the man who is Boris while Boris is out sick" - has been no friend of Ireland thus far.

Boris Johnson, stricken by the coronavirus his government is battling, ended three days in intensive care on Thursday night. But he will need considerably more time to regain his strength.

Meanwhile, just who is the man who will lead our nearest neighbour through the peak of its coronavirus crisis yet to come? The 46-year-old Conservative MP, who is the UK foreign minister and deputy prime minister, was not even in the London government two years ago.

The spikey internal rivalry left by Johnson's rush to intensive care last Monday became instantly clear the following morning. Michael Gove, also a pretender for the top job, told BBC radio: "The prime minister always remains the prime minister."

Yet despite being a newcomer, with less than 10 years as an MP, Raab has long made it clear that he wants the top job. There are also some similarities with Johnson, including a propensity to drop clangers and little feel for anything beyond the core of English politics, much less any real interest in the Irish Border.

Like Johnson, who has strong Turkish and French links, his family roots in England are very recent. Raab is the son of a Czech Jew who fled the Nazis. And like Johnson, he has climbed the Westminster greasy poll by burnishing his Brexit credentials.

Soon after his election as an MP in 2010, he angered then UK home secretary Theresa May by dubbing some feminists as "obnoxious bigots" and arguing that men get a raw deal. But when the Tories won in 2015, he was named as a junior minister by then-PM David Cameron. He went on to campaign actively for Brexit and openly contradicted then-Northern Ireland minister Theresa Villiers in April 2016, by saying the process would see a return of the Irish Border.

"If you're worried about border controls and security... you couldn't leave a back door without some kind either of checks there with any country or assurances in relation to the checks that they're conducting, obviously. Otherwise, everyone with ill-will towards this country would go round that route," he told Sky News at the time.

Raab maintained his "hard Brexit" stance after the June 2016 referendum Leave result by joining a group advocating a very hard Brexit. He eventually eked his way into Mrs May's favour after her poor election gambit in June 2017 when she made him a junior minister.

In July 2018, after the resignation of his sometime mentor David Davis and Johnson from government over May's Brexit terms, Raab made the first team by being promoted to Brexit secretary. He continued his stance against the Irish Border arrangements by insisting there could be "no border in the Irish Sea".

In November 2018, he dropped an all-time clanger by admitting that he never realised the importance of the Dover-Calais link to UK trade. Critics were flabbergasted that such a senior government person could not know the importance of the biggest link to the country's biggest market.

Raab quit when May brokered her ill-fated EU-UK Brexit deal on November 25, 2018. When Johnson finally won through in July 2019, he was back in favour as UK foreign minister and designated deputy PM.

But as before, he still clings to the rhetoric of "no border in the Irish Sea".

Irish and EU officials continue to insist this is at complete variance with the Brexit deal.
Irish life has changed dramatically. The clearest representation of this, to me, has been the number of contacts that people have been reporting once they have been diagnosed as being positive for Coronavirus. At the start of this pandemic, the average number of contacts for an Irish person was twenty; within a week of the strict rules about staying at home, that number had come down to just three.

Irish people love socialising, and this forced confinement has seriously restricted how many people we are allowed to meet. It doesn't feel natural or normal at all.

There has been an unexpected consequence of this: many people have decided that they would like to take this opportunity of being at home to take on their first dog. New human friends are hard to find just now, but why not get a new animal friend?

This has led to an unexpected demand for dogs similar to the traditional pre-Christmas boom in puppy sales.

I have seen the effect of this in my own vet clinic: people with puppies that they've bought through unreliable online sources that have led them, unwittingly, to puppy farmers. We had two pups from the same litter: they were seriously ill, riddled with worms and lice, they were underweight, and they were anxious, frightened animals. They have been treated and will now be fine in the long term, but it would have been far better if their owner had taken on pups from a different, more reliable source.

At this stage of the crisis, it is unlikely that people will be buying puppies any more anyway, since we have all been confined to our own homes. But it is worth remembering that once society does open up again, you need to be very cautious if you are considering getting a new dog. Some puppy farmers have learned how to trick people into buying poor quality puppies for high sums of money. There are safe ways of getting a new animal, and by following simple guidelines, you can make sure that you and your family don't get into trouble.

The best summary is on a website run by the Irish Pet Animal Advertising Group (www.ipaag.ie ) This is a coalition of animal welfare organisations and vets who have worked together to combine the best advice. You can also consider going to another new website: www.petbond.ie. Petbond is like a classified adverts site for pets, but it goes the extra mile, checking for high standards of the sources for its animals. Petbond directs people to animal rescues as well as to ethical commercial breeders, so it caters for all needs and wishes.

You really do not need to spend hundreds of euro on a pedigree puppy.If you sure you want a new pet; there are so many wonderful animals in rescue groups that need a new home. But now there is a new problem to deal with: many of these rescue groups are struggling in this crisis.

There are some particular issues that deserve to be highlighted.

First, while rescue groups are always grateful for help from the public, too many people have been wanting to provide temporary homes by fostering a pet from a rescue group. As a result, some animal rescue groups have been overloaded with offers of fosterers.

One animal rescue group had nearly a hundred offers in one day; each of these needed to be processed, with interviews carried out and arrangements made. And most of them were inexperienced wanabee dog owners who only wanted to foster for 2 weeks. This in turn led to complications, as the dogs would all have come back at the same time, needing another large batch of fosterers to take them to the next stage..

That said, experienced help is always valued by rescue groups.

Second, many animal charities have already fallen into financial distress due to the cancellation of fundraising events, the closure of charity shops and the impact of reduced donations from a worried public. So spare a thought for your local animal rescue, and if you can afford a few euros, please donate them to help your local animals in trouble.

In the UK, pet shop chains and other animal organisations like the Kennel Club have stepped up to help out financially. Perhaps similar groups will also step up to do the same here in Ireland.

The third concern is that when life returns to normal, there will be a bunch of new problems facing the rescues. In particular, the export of excess numbers of dogs to the UK is likely to be under pressure. This has always been an escape valve for Irish rescue groups: the larger UK population is a useful market for dogs that can't find a home in Ireland. The combination of travel restrictions due to COVID-19 along with anticipated tougher border controls due to Brexit is likely to make it harder to carry on taking dogs to the UK in the same numbers. We will need to refocus on reducing puppy production (more spays and neuters) and working hard to find good homes for dogs in Ireland.

Animals are fortunate that they do not suffer from COVID-19, and we are fortunate to have pets in our lives at this time. They live in the moment, and provide a useful reminder to us to do the same. Let's thank them by making sure that we care for them properly during, and after, this crisis.
Hyderabad, April 11 : A Hyderabad-based lifesciences company has developed coronavairus test kit named Quantiplus COV that can give the result in two hours.

Huwel Lifesciences on Friday received approval from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for the test kit.

Its production would begin at the company's Narsingi and Kokapet facilities on Monday, Huwel Lifesciences Director Shesheer Kumar told IANS on Saturday.

Quanitplus COVID-19 detection kit is based on published protocol of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the national public health agency of the US.

"The kit has synthetic gene cloned in a plasmid as positive control. The primers set is cross-verified for specificity with several RNA and DNA viruses and bacteria," he said.

Designed to exclusively detect the Covid-19, it can also detect SARS-CoV and bat SARS related CoVs.

According to Huwel Lifesciences, all high-quality reagents required for the test, including enzymes, are made in-house. The company calls it a one-stop solution for detection kit, extraction kit, molecular transport medium and swabs for sample collection.

He said all testing technologies for Covid-19 were based on three different reagents of virus updated by World Health Organisation (WHO) and the CDC. "Based on that you need to decide the technology. Too much experimentation can't be done at this point because of non-availability of too much data on sequences." he said.

Only difference with other companies was Huwel Lifesciences makes its own enzymes. "We make everything except one component which is imported. It's scaleable, quality can be controlled and consistency can be maintained," he said.

A test using Quantiplus COV kit costs Rs 1,000 and the result will be available in two hours. "We have a single formulation where you don't need to add separate components while setting up reactions. It's easy to set up and also avoids contamination and reduces time of reaction," he said.

The company, which initially plans to produce 1,000 kits a day, is hoping to bag orders from the Telangana government.

The company officials met Telangana Industry Minister K.T. Rama Rao and briefed him on the kit. "Their kits can give result in two hours and the mode of scalable. Look forward to work with them," the Minister tweeted.
In Pulitzer-Prize-winning author Doris Kearns Goodwins book, Leadership in Turbulent Times, she describes characteristics that define and mold a leader: kindness, empathy, humor, humility and passion. She goes on to state that a leader becomes a powerful force that not only enriches subsequent leaders but has provided our people with a moral compass to guide us.

She has aptly identified the qualities that have been displayed by Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and Health Director Dr. Amy Acton. As a team, they are guiding Ohio through one of its most turbulent times. Their leadership has brought calm and understanding to the public by their daily updates. Their decisive actions are saving lives now as they thoughtfully plan how to reopen our state. The future of Ohios people and economy is in their hands and I am confident they will serve all Ohioans well.

Carol Chiorian,

Hinckley
Pioneering woman newspaper reporter Nelly Kenyon of the Chattanooga Times in 1932 snuck onto the private compartment of the passenger train transporting Alphonse Al Capone to the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary to begin serving his 11-year sentence for income tax evasion and obtained a personal interview of Americas number one gangster.



While Nelly got the interview scoop from Capone from a journalistic perspective little has been printed that it was a young female Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) from California that initiated the legal theory that ultimately led to Capones conviction in Chicago.



Mabel Walker Willebrandt (May 23, 1889-April 6, 1963) was born in Woodsdale, Kansas and moved to Los Angeles, California in 1912. She received two law degrees in night school from the University of Southern California in 1916-1917 while teaching elementary school during the day.



After graduating from law school she became the first public defender for the Los Angeles area and actually handled cases pro bono (free) while a student in law school. One area in which she developed expertise was the defense of prostitutes.

During World War I she handled cases for the Draft Board dealing with soldier eligibility for military service.

In 1921 she was appointed by the Warren G. Harding administration to be only the second woman to serve as an Assistant Attorney General in the United States. In that capacity from 1921-1929 she was the highest-ranked woman in the federal criminal justice system and became the first female head of the Tax Division that would ultimately lead to the downfall of Al Capone.

Enforcing the Volstead Act of 1919 (prohibition) was one of several areas that she headed and had important responsibilities.

Due to division in the country over the 18th Amendment, which banned the manufacture, sale, or the transportation of alcohol for public consumption, she was faced with many problems enforcing the Amendment due to incompetent public officials, public indifference, and the reluctance by many politicians and law enforcement officers when it came to prosecuting the law.

Although she faced strong criticism from both federal and state officials in her commitment to follow the letter of the Volstead Act, she was successful in overcoming many obstacles. During the one-year period from June, 1924 to June, 1925, she obtained 39,072 convictions out of 48,734 cases brought for alcohol-related offenses.

During her tenure as the major prosecutor enforcing the Volstead Act she argued and won 40 cases in the United States Supreme Court that dealt with the prohibition statutes. She prevailed in spite of strong prejudice displayed towards her by Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, James C. McReynolds, because she was a woman.

Al Capone, took over control of the crime syndicate in Chicago from Johnny Torrio, who stepped down as crime boss after a near fatal gangland shooting in 1924.

During the era mobsters such as Capone could not be prosecuted for murder or other serious crimes because of the reluctance of witnesses to testify against them. Most of them lived very opulent lifestyles flaunting the display of their illegally gained wealth from prohibition, gambling, prostitution, etc.

Wiilebrandt created the novel idea of prosecuting the high-spending criminals under the federal income tax evasion laws and the United States Supreme Court upheld the legality of such prosecutions in the landmark decision of United States v. Sullivan, 274 U.S. 259 (1927), which she personally argued in the high court.

She was responsible for successfully convicting several prominent bootleggers throughout the country including Capone and Cincinnati crime boss George Remus, who were both prominently featured in the popular 2010 HBO television series, Boardwalk Empire. Actress Julianna Nicholson portrayed Willebrandt and her law enforcement career was also featured in the 2011 public broadcasting system series (PBS) Prohibition by Ken Burns and Others.

After being rejected by President Herbert Hoover for the position of attorney general she resigned her job and returned to the practice of law in California where she developed a successful legal career. She represented Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and the Screen Directors Guild of America, as well as movie stars Clark Gable, Gene Harlow, Jeanette McDonald and others.

A fitting tribute was paid to her by her friend and Watergate Federal Judge, John J. Sirica, who stated, If Mabel had worn trousers she could have been president.

In the era where few women were in the legal profession, Mabel Walker Willebrandt relentlessly enforced the prohibition laws and earned herself such nicknames as Prohibition Portia and First Lady of the Law from both foes and supporters of the controversial 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which was repealed in 1933 by the 21st Amendment.

* * *
This year was the year I was going to start getting exercise back on track, sort out the "dad bod" and get going on all the projects that have been hanging over me. Of course, as January landed I was off to a flying start, jiggling away in the gym, making time to read books and meditate, basically all the things that might equate to "#InstaGoals". I was going pretty strong too, until, like everybody else, things started changing pretty quickly thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic. With the gym closed (don't start with me Zoom workout aficionados!) and childcare a distant memory, the bikini bod is a long way away.

To be honest, it's the last thing on my mind at the moment. In amongst the unfolding world events, we had been excitedly planning to return to Ireland to spend the rest of the year and beyond at home to be closer to family and friends. We were due to travel at the beginning of May to move to a place in Ireland.

With an ever-changing situation we've now been advised by the Irish consulate here in LA to move home as soon as possible or risk cancelled flights and closed borders. So for the past couple of weeks we have been scrambling to move out of our home here in LA and attempt a transatlantic move with two children and a dog. I could never have imagined it all happening like this and even as I write this there is an uncertainty as to whether we can even travel. As we waved goodbye to a truck full of our life in 36 boxes a couple of days ago, I'm hopeful we won't be stuck in limbo for long and we'll be able to see family (albeit potentially waving through a window) soon. By the time you guys are reading this, we should be safely back in Ireland.

It is true that comfort can always be found in sugar and fat. As far as I can see, the whole country has gone baking mad and if you can track down some eggs and flour, the recipes here will hopefully have you on a roll and offer a welcome distraction to any isolation anxiety that may flare up.

A blessed lemon curd cake inspired by the nuns at Kylemore Abbey, a raspberry ricotta pound cake that's rich and indulgent with a creamy white chocolate glaze, and a tres leches cake that is tooth-achingly sweet and devourable. Enjoy!





Raspberry & White Chocolate Ricotta Pound Cake

Cook time 50 mins

Serves 12

A no-fuss basic baking recipe to easily master which can be adapted with any fruit you might like to substitute. I particularly like the combination of raspberries and white chocolate here though, a combination I often add to muffins for sweet summery vibes.

Ingredients

For the cake:

200g caster sugar

200g self-raising flour

1 tsp baking powder

250g ricotta

4 large free range eggs

125g butter, melted

250g raspberries

200g white chocolate, roughly chopped

To serve:

50ml double cream

1 vanilla pod, seeds removed

150g white chocolate

250g strawberries

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4. Grease and line a 20cm round springform tin and place onto a large baking tray.

2. Add the sugar, flour and baking powder to a large mixing bowl and mix to combine and make a well in the centre.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the ricotta and eggs with the melted butter.

4. Pour the egg and ricotta mix into the dry ingredients and fold through along with 125g of the raspberries and white chocolate.

5. Pour into the prepared tin and then place in the preheated oven for 50 minutes until risen, golden and a skewer inserted comes out clean.

6. Allow to cool for at least 20 minutes in the tin and then remove onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

7. While the cake is cooling, prepare the topping; heat the cream along with the vanilla seeds in a small saucepan over a low heat and bring to a gentle simmer.

8. Finely chop the chocolate and add to a large bowl. Once the cream is at simmering point, pour over the chocolate slowly a little at a time, whisking as you go until the chocolate has melted.

9. Top the cooled cake with the glaze, strawberries and remaining 125g raspberries.





Donal's Lemon Curd Cake

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Cook time 45 mins

Serves 8

This lemon sponge is light, airy and so moist because of the tangy lemon curd and creamy buttercream filling. This recipe was inspired by a lemon cake I was treated to while filming with the nuns at Kylemore Abbey, and it's hard to beat.

Ingredients

For the lemon curd filling (or 2 cups store-bought lemon curd):

300g caster sugar

50g corn flour

120ml lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)

4 large free-range egg yolks

A pinch of salt

Finely grated zest of 2 lemons

60g butter

For the sponge:

225g butter

225g caster sugar

Zest & juice of 1 lemon

4 large free-range eggs

3 tsp vanilla extract

210g self-raising flour

1 tsp baking powder

About 3 tbsp of milk to loosen batter

For the buttercream:

300g butter, softened

 tsp vanilla extract

520g icing sugar, sifted

To Finish:

Dusting of icing sugar

Method

1. For the lemon curd, place the sugar, corn flour and 450ml water in a large saucepan and stir until you have a smooth mixture. Stir in the lemon juice, egg yolks and salt. Place over a medium heat and keep stirring while the mixture boils, for about 10-12 minutes. Stir in the lemon zest and butter until the butter has melted, then remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool.

2. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4. Grease and line two 21cm/8" springform tins. In a standalone mixer, cream the butter, sugar and lemon zest together until pale and fluffy. Then beat in the eggs one by one before adding the vanilla extract and lemon juice.

3. Using a spatula, fold in the flour and baking powder until you have a smooth mixture. Use a little bit of the milk if you need to loosen the mixture. You want the mixture to be a bit loose.

4. Divide the mixture into the two springform tins, flatten the top with a spatula if needed. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes, until it's nice and golden. When the bases are cooked, take them out and let cool for a few minutes before you take it out of the tin to cool completely.

5. While the bases are cooling prepare the buttercream filling by beating the butter and vanilla extract together in a bowl until light and fluffy, then add the icing sugar, a little at a time, until it is all incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

6. To assemble the cake, spread some lemon curd on one of the bases before topping with buttercream, then add the second base and sprinkle with icing sugar.





Tres Leches Cake

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Cook time 30 mins

Serves 12

Tres leches is a Mexican dessert and gets its name from the triple mix of condensed milk, evaporated milk and heavy cream that is poured over the just-baked cake. Before you whisk the egg whites make sure the bowl is really clean to allow the egg whites to whip up.

Ingredients

For the cake:

225g caster sugar

125g unsalted butter

5 eggs, separated

1 tsp vanilla extract

200g plain flour

1 tsp baking powder

125ml milk

150ml evaporate milk

150ml condensed milk

100ml double cream

To serve:

500g cream, whipped

100g caramel sauce

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180C (fan)/390F/Gas Mark 6. Grease and line a 20 x 30cm rectangular baking tin with baking parchment and set aside.

2. In a free-standing mixer, beat together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy, add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to this mix and beat again. Sift in the flour and baking powder and fold through followed by the milk.

3. Using an electric handheld mixer, beat egg whites in another clean large bowl until firm peaks form, beat in a little to the cake mix and fold through the remaining. Transfer to the prepared tin, smoothing the surface so that it is even and transfer to an oven to bake for 25-30 minutes until golden, risen and a skewer inserted comes out clean.

4. Allow to cool for 5 minutes in the tin and then invert onto a tray with edges, to hold the liquid which is to be poured over.

5. Using a skewer and while still hot, poke holes all over the top of the cake. Whisk the evaporate, condensed milk and cream in a jug. Slowly drizzle half of the milk mixture over the cake, letting liquid soak in before adding more.

6. When the cake has cooled fully, whisk the cream with a little sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form, spread over the surface of the cooled cake, dot the caramel sauce across the top and swirl through the whipped cream. Cut into 12 even squares and serve.
The city has been going after habitual price gougers taking advantage of customers during the COVID-19 crisis. This week the mayor the the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) filed lawsuits against three more businesses, including Hong Kong Supermarket at 157 Hester St.

According to a press release, the stores, have been knowingly increasing prices in violation of DCWPs regulations under the Citys Consumer Protection Law. Violations were issued to the businesses for, selling face masks, hand sanitizer, cough medicine and other products at drastically increased prices.

Hong Kong Supermarket is accused of 139 violations of price gouging face masks, gloves, disinfect wipes and hand sanitizer. The city is seeking up to $69,500 in fines from the Chinatown store. The other stores cited by the city are Burns Pharmacy in Queens and Thomas Drugs on Columbus Avenue.

More details from the city release:

DCWP is actively inspecting stores based on consumer complaints. Businesses found to be overcharging consumers by 10 percent or more for any personal or household good or service that is needed to prevent or limit the spread of or treat COVID-19 will be issued a violation. Examples of covered products include disinfectants, soap, cleaning products, diagnostic products and services, and medicines. Since March 5, DCWP has received more than 7,200 complaints and issued more than 2,700 violations for price gouging.

Gothamist noted:

At the Manhattan store on Hester Street, Hong Kong Supermarket, operators allegedly displayed hand-sanitizer wipes for $38 per tube. A slew of various types of masks were sold for up to $180 per box of 50 on March 13th, the summons against the supermarket reads. Several days later, a single N95 mask was on sale for $45, according to the summons. 4-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer were priced at $20 to $23. 50 surgical masks are typically $12 to $20 a pack, according to the summons. 4-ounce hand sanitizer bottles range from $1 to $3.

While Hong Kong Supermarket did not respond to requests for comment, a manager at Thomas Drugs told the New York Post that the store is marking up items as it normally would, but that wholesalers are demanding higher prices. If you think youve been overcharged, you can file a complaint at nyc.gov/dcwp or by contacting 311 and saying overcharge.
Naas General Hospital has taken delivery of a ventilator donated by a specialist equine medical professional.

Patients who contract coronavirus generally have breathing problems.

There is a worldwide shortage of mechanical ventilators which are used to help patients deal with respiratory problems after a tube is placed into the mouth and windpipe and connected to the ventilator.

It was donated by Kevin Corley, a Ballysax, Curragh-based veterinary surgeon, who specialises in equine internal medicine and the critical care of foals and adult horses.

He has a number of specialist qualifications and is based at Veterinary Advances, which provides a host of services including information technology aimed at the veterinarian and equine industry.

The ventilator is about 15 years old and in perfect working order.

Dr Corley said he handed it over having spoken to mechanical engineering staff at Naas General Hospital.

They were very pleased to receive it, said Dr Corley, who added it was collected by Naas garda Gary Cogan and delivered to the hospital last week.

The ventilator itself has an interesting history

It was given to me when I worked in the UK, said Dr Corley, who has been working in Ireland since 2006.

He acquired the piece of equipment having saved a foal from death for an anaesthetist who was working in the Royal Veterinary College outside London.

The prestigious Royal Veterinary College is the oldest and biggest veterinary school in the United Kingdom.

The ventilator had been in a hospital originally and it was designed for people before it was used on foals and now its gone back to a hospital setting.

In this context foals are not that different than humans partly because of similar weights.

Hopefully, though, it wont be needed, added Dr Corley.
Amir holds a photograph of his late mother, 68-year old Azar Ahrabi, who was the Bay Area's first COVID-19 victim. (Stephen Lam / For the San Francisco Chronicle)

A man found dead in his house in early March. A woman who fell sick in mid-February and later died.

These early COVID-19 deaths in the San Francisco Bay Area suggest that the novel coronavirus had established itself in the community long before health officials started looking for it. The lag time has had dire consequences, allowing the virus to spread unchecked before social distancing rules went into effect.

"The virus was freewheeling in our community and probably has been here for quite some time," Dr. Jeff Smith, a physician who is the chief executive of Santa Clara County government, told county leaders in a recent briefing.

How long? A study out of Stanford suggests a dramatic viral surge in February.

But Smith on Friday said data collected by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, local health departments and others suggest it was "a lot longer than we first believed"  most likely since "back in December."

"This wasn't recognized because we were having a severe flu season," Smith said in an interview. "Symptoms are very much like the flu. If you got a mild case of COVID, you didn't really notice. You didn't even go to the doctor. The doctor maybe didn't even do it because they presumed it was the flu."

Just as New York has strong ties to travelers from Europe, who are believed to have brought the coronavirus there from Italy, the Bay Area is a natural hub for those traveling to and from China. Santa Clara County had its first two cases of COVID-19 almost a week before federal approval of emergency testing for the disease Feb. 4. Both were in travelers returning from Wuhan, China, where the virus was rampant.

In January and most of February, there was little, if any, community testing in California.

The CDC provided testing materials to only some health departments, with restrictions that confined testing and thus the tracking of the novel coronavirus to those who were sick or exposed to someone already known to have COVID-19. The federal agency's focus was on cruise ships, with Princess Cruises' Diamond Princess carrying the largest known cluster of COVID-19 cases outside of China. The first passenger tested positive for COVID-19 five days after the ship's Jan. 20 departure from Japan. Eventually, 712 passengers and crew tested positive, and nine of them died.

Story continues

COVID-19 did not reappear in the Bay Area until Feb. 27, when doctors finally decided to test a hospitalized woman who had been ill for weeks. She became the region's first case of community-spread coronavirus.

But from there, almost every positive test pointed toward local spread. "When public health [officials] tried to track down the start of the disease  we weren't able to find, specifically, a contact," Smith told county supervisors. "That means the virus is in the community already  not, as was suspected by the CDC, as only in China and being spread from contact with China."

Researchers still unsure how long the virus lurked are now turning to blood banks and other repositories to see if lingering antibodies can show them what was missed. A study funded by the National Institutes of Health is looking for virus antibodies in samples from blood banks in Los Angeles, San Francisco and four other cities across the country.

Santa Clara County's first community-spread case also became its first announced COVID-19 death.

Azar Ahrabi, 68, died March 9, the second COVID-19 fatality in California, five days after the first. For the first few weeks, the urban county that sits at the heart of Silicon Valley, home to Stanford University and tech giants Apple and Google, led California in coronavirus deaths.

Health investigators said they could find no source of Ahrabi's infection. Her family members said she stayed mostly at home, taking care of her mother. She seldom drove, and she walked to a local grocery store to shop. But she and her mother lived in a Santa Clara apartment complex in a neighborhood with a high density of international residents.

Relatives said she showed signs of illness in mid-February. For more than a week, they gave only a passing thought that her fever and sudden fatigue might be tied to the horrifying news out of China.

Ahrabi's son, Amir, said that when his mother checked into a medical clinic Feb. 20 and was diagnosed with a nonspecific pneumonia, she was prescribed antibiotics and sent home. The next day, her doctor admitted her to the intensive care unit.

Amir said he asked that she be tested for COVID-19, and doctors told him the county health department would not approve the test. She met none of the qualifying criteria.

New studies out of Stanford University and the CDC, taken together, suggest that the novel coronavirus spread quickly through the Bay Area.

Stanford's virology lab, looking retroactively at some 2,800 patient samples collected since January, did not find the first COVID-19 cases until late February  from two patients who were tested Feb. 21 and Feb. 23. Neither of those patients, the researchers note in a letter published by the Journal of the American Medical Assn., would have met existing criteria for COVID-19 testing.

The California Department of Public Health and the CDC did not begin community surveillance for COVID-19 in Santa Clara County until March 5. Samples were collected from 226 coughing, feverish patients who visited four urgent care centers; 1 in 4 turned out to have the flu. The state tested samples from a subset of 79 non-flu patients. Nine of them had COVID-19.

The result suggested that 8% of people walking into the urgent care centers carried the novel coronavirus, an infection rate that mirrored the 5% infection rate at a Los Angeles medical center, the CDC said in a report published Friday.

It is possible the coronavirus spread widely through the Bay Area in just two weeks, said Dr. Benjamin Pinsky, the pathologist who led the Stanford study. He said Stanford's virology clinic saw a similar increase in cases once it was cleared by the federal government to begin running its own COVID-19 tests.

Pinsky said the virtual invisibility of COVID-19 in February followed by an 8% infection rate two weeks later is not "incompatible.... I think that all kind of fits together."

Santa Clara County acted on the CDC's local sampling immediately. Two days after the project ended, it and five other Bay Area counties ordered residents to stay home and schools and nonessential businesses to close. Azar Ahrabi by then was dead.

Amir said he sees his mother as on the cruel side of history, falling ill before Californians were ready to look for the virus already in their presence. For his mother, that realization came too late.

The first confirmed COVID-19 death in California was March 4 in Placer County, claiming the life of a 71-year-old man who had recently taken a Mexican cruise. A ship medical officer told The Times the man had developed symptoms during the Feb. 11-21 voyage, suggesting he brought the virus on board from California.

Two days later, March 6, San Jose authorities found a 70-year-old man dead in his home. The Santa Clara County medical examiner determined the man tested positive for COVID-19, according to records provided to The Times. The discovery of this second death was never publicly announced, and county health officials did not answer questions about the case.

Research by The Times showed he lived less than four miles from Azar Ahrabi, essentially off the same main road with an interstate between them.

The diagnosis of Ahrabi appeared to the family to make little difference in her steady decline. She was put into an induced coma and intubated with a ventilator. Family members were not allowed to see her. The county put them in quarantine and served a legal order to back that up.

Physicians threw a slew of treatments at Ahrabi  including offering a controversial synthetic quinine used to treat malaria but using another experimental treatment, Remdesivir. But her liver failed, and her body rejected dialysis treatment. The ventilator could not deliver enough oxygen through her occluded lungs, and the hospital did not have a machine to infuse oxygen directly into her blood.

"She was essentially tested a week and a half after her first symptoms, and some of the treatments that were proposed and [that] we went with could have been way more effective if we  they  put them in place days ago," Amir said.

Amir was ordered by Santa Clara County to go into quarantine the day his mother's test result came back, and he never saw her alive again.

As she died, he stayed in his apartment with his grandmother, caring for the elderly woman without telling her the fate of her daughter. Only after the quarantine order was lifted, when the whole family could again gather, did they tell her Azar Ahrabi had died.

Iranian tradition dictated that the family wash her body and prepare it to eventually return to the earth, Amir said. Instead, the county health department required that she be sealed into a plastic bag for interment.

Times staff writer Melody Petersen contributed to this report.
Digital payments platform Paytm on Saturday said contributions for the PM-CARES Fund for the COVID-19 crisis have crossed Rs 100 crore on its platform.

Paytm had earlier announced it aims to contribute Rs 500 crore to the PM-CARES Fund. It had said for every contribution or any other payment made on Paytm using the wallet, UPI or Paytm Bank debit card, it will contribute an extra up to Rs 10.

"In a little over 10 days, contributions have crossed Rs 100 crores on the Paytm app and the initiative is still going strong," Paytm said in a statement on Saturday.

The company said its employees have also come together and contributed their salaries for the fund.

"Over 1,200 employees have contributed their 15 days, one month, two months to even three months' salary for this noble cause," the statement said.

Amit Veer, senior vice president at Paytm said every citizen in the country needs to come together to fight this global pandemic.

"We urge fellow Indians to contribute wholeheartedly for this cause. We hope our humble contribution to this great cause helps us come out stronger as a nation," he added.

Paytm also said it is seeking donations for meals for daily wage earners and is working on this initiative in association with the KVN Foundation.

Corporate India has been rushing in to help the government and citizens fight the COVID-19 pandemic in India.

Tata Trusts and Tata group together have pledged Rs 1,500 crore -- by far the highest by any corporate.

Wipro Ltd, Wipro Enterprises Ltd and Azim Premji Foundation have together committed Rs 1,125 crore, while Reliance Industries' chief Mukesh Ambani had also committed a further Rs 500 crore to the Prime Minister's COVID-19 fund, topping up over the multi-crore initiative of India's first coronavirus hospital, meals to the needy, and fuel to emergency vehicles.

Infosys Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Infosys, has committed Rs 100 crore, while a number of other companies are also extending support efforts like providing sanitizers, masks and meals to people.

The pandemic -- which has killed over 1,00,000 people across the world -- has claimed 239 lives in India so far. There are over 7,440 people infected with coronavirus in the country.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The 13 Turpin children are doing their best to build happy lives more than two years after they were discovered malnourished and enslaved inside the California home of their parents.

Riverside County Deputy District Attorney Kevin Beecham, who was part of the prosecution in the case against parents David and Louise Turpin, told People that the children have made positive progress.

The 13 Turpin siblings are moving on with their lives more than two years after their rescue from being malnourished and enslaved by their parents at their California home. (TODAY)

"Theyre all happy," Beecham said. "They are moving on with their lives."

Beecham was not available for further comment due to the partial shutdown of the district attorney's office because of the coronavirus pandemic, a spokesperson told TODAY.

Several of the adult children have been living on their own, while others are in group homes and the six youngest ones have been adopted, according to Beecham. The siblings ranged in age from 2 to 29 when they were rescued in 2018.

"The younger ones didnt have as many years of abuse and neglect, so they are able to rebound a little better, he said.

When authorities rescued them after one of the siblings escaped and called 911, many of the children were found starved. Others were beaten and shackled to furniture, and all of the victims had been restricted from showering to once a year.

The adult children were so malnourished that police thought they were minors after living in what prosecutors called "a house of horrors."

"They want people to know that they are survivors,'' Jack Osborn, the attorney for the seven adult children, told TODAY last year. "They want to be independent now."

David and Louise Turpin were sentenced to life in prison last year.

The siblings also have been taking care of their mental health, and all 13 of them still meet together, according to Beecham. Some of them have changed their names to give themselves more privacy.

"They are receiving really good help," Beecham told People. "With therapy, counseling and a lot of psychological assistance, theyre exponentially in a better place than they were before."
The Oregon State Hospital is abandoning a policy that restricted admissions amid the coronavirus outbreak to certain mentally ill defendants.

The hospital, capable of serving more than 650 patients at campuses in Salem and Junction City, is an adult mental-health treatment center for those who have been civilly committed, found guilty except for reason of insanity, or are too ill to aid and assist in their criminal defense.

Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dolly Matteucci had announced in a March 14 memo that the hospital would restrict admissions for many aid and assist patients, thereby leaving mentally ill defendants in local jails. The policy still allowed jails to request expedited admission for anyone showing psychotic symptoms compromising the immediate health and safety of the defendant or for anyone displaying active suicidal intent."

But Matteucci announced in a memo Thursday that the hospital would change the policy to increase admissions at its campuses. The changes will go into effect Monday.

Matteucci said the hospital would continue to prioritize admissions of people found guilty except for reason of insanity and aid and assist patients" who meet expedited admission criteria, but would also reopen admissions to other aid and assist patients," based on the order in which their court orders were signed.

The change in policy came after The Oregonian/OregonLive reported Thursday that restricting admissions for certain mentally ill defendants could put the hospital in violation of a judges 2002 order that established a seven-day timeline to move criminal defendants from local jails to the hospital if they were ordered to receive mental-health treatment.

These restrictions were necessary to protect patients and limit the potential spread of COVID-19 within our two campuses and to allow the hospital to plan and designate special units for medically vulnerable patients and patients under investigation or COVID-19 positive, Matteucci explained in her memo Friday.

Matteucci said the hospital will admit small groups of patients into a specialized unit over a five-day period. These patients will undergo a medical screening, a 14-day quarantine and an additional screening before being moved to other units.

Kale Williams of The Oregonian/OregonLive contributed to this report.

-- Jamie Goldberg | jgoldberg@oregonian.com | @jamiebgoldberg

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As the nation's beloved Queen of Cakes, Mary Berry's verdict on all things baking is gospel.

But this week, the former Bake Off judge made an uncharacteristic faux pas...

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's The Food Programme, she urged listeners not to bother making their own hot cross buns this Easter.

'I have to confess that the best quality ones are in the supermarkets,' she said.

'I have never really thought mine were better.'

Mary Berry recently urged people not to bother making their own hot cross buns this Easter. Pictured: Sarah Rainey showing off her cheat buns

Well I have to disagree. Of course you can  and should  make your own hot cross buns at home!

And as more Brits than ever take to the kitchen during lockdown  we need all the encouragement we can get.

But, with flour and yeast in short supply, traditional recipes can be tricky to follow. So I attempted two. I first tried Mary Berry's own, for classic, spiced, fruity hot cross buns.

The other was my hack's hot cross bun, made with unconventional store-cupboard staples  from oats to apple sauce  in place of not only flour and yeast but sugar, eggs and butter, too.

So why not try and whip up your own batch of buns this Easter weekend. Here's how...

From her 2016 series, Mary Berry's Easter Feast, Mary says her Hot Cross Bun recipe is 'foolproof'. Pictured: Mary Berry with a traditional set

Tweaks for cheats Baking is hard when you cant buy all the ingredients needed  but with a few swaps its easy to rustle up some hot cross buns. Ive run out of flour, so I blitz porridge oats in a food processor. With no yeast left, Im using a mix of baking soda and buttermilk  which is milk and lemon juice  which will have the same effect. I mix 200g ground porridge oats with two teaspoons of baking soda, half a teaspoon each of salt, ground nutmeg and cloves and a teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Then, with 150ml ofbuttermilk, I add 85g of Greek yoghurt to thicken it. Instead of eggs I add 260g of apple sauce to the mixture (you can use any pureed fruit). As a swap for sugar, Im using 3 tablespoons of honey, a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a tablespoon of marmalade. I add them to the mixture, with a tablespoon of sunflower oil (instead of butter). I stir in 125g sultanas  and, without any kneading or rising, I grease a 12-hole muffin tray with oil and spoon the mixture into this to help them hold their shape. For the crosses, I grind 75g porridge oats to flour, mix with water and pipe them on. I then bake them for 20 minutes at 190c (170c fan). Despite the unconventional ingredients they taste delicious! Advertisement

Mary's traditional buns

From her 2016 series, Mary Berry's Easter Feast, Mary says her Hot Cross Bun recipe is 'foolproof'  if all the ingredients are available. I scavenge in the cupboards and cobble together 500g wholemeal flour (the recipe calls for strong white bread flour but mine will be fine), 75g caster sugar, two teaspoons of mixed spice and a teaspoon of cinnamon.

To this, I add a packet of dried yeast and 10g salt, on different sides of the bowl so they don't mix, as this can interfere with the rise.

In a pan, I melt 40g butter with 300ml milk and add this to the dry mixture, along with the zest of a lemon and a beaten egg. It comes together into a soft, moist dough.

Now I have to add 200g sultanas and 50g finelychopped mixed peel, and knead the dough for ten minutes until it's 'silky and elastic'.

'They're a bit of a palaver to make,' Mary admits  and she's not wrong. If you (like me) don't have a food mixer with a dough hook, this bit seems to take for ever. My arms are aching.

When it finally reaches the right consistency, I drizzle some oil in a bowl and leave the dough, covered with Cling Film, to rise for a few hours until it's doubled in size.

The next step requires me to knead the risen dough, divide it into 12 balls  and then arrange them on covered baking sheets to rise yet again, this time for 40 to 60 minutes.

Mary says the double rise gives a 'wonderful open texture'. I ditch mine in a warm place (beside the oven) to work their magic.

Finally, almost four hours after I started baking, they've puffed up nicely and are ready to go in the oven. I'm just about to close the door when I realise there's something missing: the crosses!

For this, I mix 75g plain flour with a few tablespoons of water until it makes a paste. I spoon it into a sandwich bag, snip off one corner and pipe white crosses on all the buns, before baking them at 220c (200c fan) for 15 to 20 minutes.

They bake beautifully, turning crisp and golden on the outside, and filling my kitchen with a lovely spiced scent.

All that's left is to brush the tops with a few tablespoons of golden syrup while they're hot  and wait for them to cool so I can tuck in.

The finished buns are light, springy and full of fruit. Homemade buns may take a bit of practice  and a lot of patience  but this Easter we've all got plenty of time on our hands.

And it really is worth it for that fresh from-the-oven taste. Mary, I'm sorry to say it, but your own recipe has proven you wrong.

But whos the in-store winner?

If you'd rather take Mary at her word, heres our taste test of the best on the supermarket shelves

MORRISONS

The Best Extra Fruity Hot Cross Buns

Price: 1 for pack of four

Fat: 3.4g per bun

Sugar: 17.6g per bun

Verdict: Light and spongey in the middle, with a soft dough thats not too dry. But there isnt much fruit inside, and they taste overwhelmingly of cinnamon. Theyre sticky, too, leaving me with syrup all over my hands. 3/5

MARKS & SPENCER

Luxury Hot Cross Buns

Price: 1.50 for pack of four

Fat: 3.1g per bun

Sugar: 19.4g per bun

Verdict: Soft texture, with a nice balance of fruit-to-dough and not too spicy. A neat cross as well, and good shine on top. But with the highest sugar content of the lot, theyre a less-than-healthy treat. 4/5

CO-OP: Irresistible Limited Edition Richly Fruited Hot Cross Buns

CO-OP

Irresistible Limited Edition Richly Fruited Hot Cross Buns

Price: 1.35 for pack of four

Fat: 3.2g per bun

Sugar: 11g per bun

Verdict: Packed full of citrus sultanas, currants and peel, these buns deliver on fruit. The bread itself is doughy but its moreish  more like a muffin. Lovely golden crust, and the lowest sugar content. 5/5

TESCO: Extra Fruity Hot Cross Buns

TESCO

Extra Fruity Hot Cross Buns

Price: 1.50 for pack of four

Fat: 2.2g per bun

Sugar: 14.8g per bun

Verdict: Dough that is on the soft side, and one for those who like a high fruit content. Bold crosses, though not even  and the shine is patchy. Cloves come through as the dominant spice. 2/5

WAITROSE: Richly Fruited Hot Cross Buns

WAITROSE

Richly Fruited Hot Cross Buns

Price: 1.69 for pack of four

Fat: 3g per bun

Sugar: 14.7g per bun

Verdict: Plump, sweet buns with a golden glaze on top. Inside theres plenty of fruit and the dough is infused with fragrant spices: I taste cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. The crosses are neat. But at 42p per bun, theyre not cheap. 4/5

SAINSBURYS

Taste the Difference Fruity Hot Cross Buns

Price: 1.25 for pack of four

Fat: 2.7g per bun

Sugar: 15g per bun

Verdict: Made from a sourdough starter and filled with soaked Chilean flame raisins and Turkish vine fruit, these promise a lot  but sadly deliver very little. Theyre chewy, dense and not nearly as pillowy as Id hoped, while the fruits are are very sparse. 1/5
Being number nine out of 12 Catholic humans who all went to Notre Dame High School, these folks I love as my blood brothers and sisters, Id heard the name Decosimo long before I ever met Tom. The first Decosimo I ever met was Fred who had no problem fighting amongst us for a spot on our floor in front of the TV for Laugh Inn because there werent any more chairs. He was quite used to that for the Decosimos were also a large, tight, family that came in sections.

By the time I went to Notre Dame, an additional five of my siblings, our middle section, had rubbed daily shoulders with at least three and probably four additional Decosimos at the school. When I arrived at Notre Dame the first day, Cessna, the last male in the Decosimo clan, walked up and demanded that we be friends. Seriously, he said "You and I are going to be friends, okay?" I didn't know Cessna from Adam. I said okay and we became instant buddies. Some 45 years later we still are.

I met Tom some time that fall when he was home from UT. From the get go, Cessna swore Tom was the greatest guy in the world. I already knew he was a nice guy from what my brothers and sisters said so I really wasnt all that surprised to see that from what I could tell, the man was as advertised. I was completely at ease with him and there was none of that big brother bully stuff. The guy was in college and I was a freshman in high school and we were equal. He listened to you and had no agenda.

Once, Cessna was frustrated about wrestling and acting out, always hilariously I might add, I couldnt help but egg him on, and Tom listened and went about his business. Then, a couple of days later Cessna got this two or three page hand written letter from Tom telling him (Cessna) how much he loved him, how proud he was of him and to not worry about other people because Cessna was Toms favorite wrestler in the whole world. That was huge to me.

I think you could define that as being a really good brother. That is the Tom Decosimo I met in 1974 and hes the same Tom today except his resume is about nine miles long.

Its with that knowledge that I read and was thrilled to learn that Tom is willing to sacrifice a good deal of his valuable time to sit on the Hamilton County School Board. This man is not trolling for attention or notoriety; he cares. Period. Thats why my vote for Tom Decosimo will be the biggest no-brainer decision Ive ever made. I hope the rest of you folks in District 2 will too.

Savage Glascock






More than 40 Indian-Americans and citizens of India have reportedly lost their lives due to the deadly coronavirus and the number of those having tested positive for the dreaded disease is likely over 1,500, according to community leaders in the US, now the global COVID-19 hotspot.

The US has become the world's first country to have registered more than 2,000 COVID-19 deaths in a single day with 2,108 fatalities reported in the past 24 hours, while the number of infections in America has crossed 500,000, according to latest Johns Hopkins University data.

New York, which has emerged as the epicenter of the COVID-19 in the US, along with adjoining New Jersey, account for majority of the death cases reported so far. Notably, New York and New Jersey have one of the highest concentrations of Indian-Americans in the country.

Among those who have died in the fight against the coronavirus, at least 17 are from Kerala, 10 from Gujarat, four from Punjab, two from Andhra Pradesh and one from Orissa. Majority of them are more than 60 years of age, except for one who was of 21 years of age.

According to a list of COVID-19 deaths compiled by PTI from various community leaders, more than a dozen Indian-Americans have died in the State of New Jersey, mostly around the Little India areas of Jersey City and Oak Tree Road.

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

Similarly, at least 15 Indian-Americans have reportedly died in New York.

Reports of the deaths of four Indian-Americans have also come from Pennsylvania and Florida. There has been confirmed deaths of at least one Indian-American in both Texas and California.

Reports indicated that at least 12 Indian nationals have died in the US due to the coronavirus, with a majority of them being from New York-New Jersey area.

"We have not seen a situation like this in the past," said Bhavesh Dave, who runs a commercial real estate business on the Oak Tree Road area of New Jersey often called as Little India.

Among those who lost their lives were Hanmantha Rao Marepally, CEO of Sunnova Analytical Inc. He passed away in Edison, New Jersey. He is survived by wife and two daughters.

Chandrakant Amin, a popular face at Indian Square in New Jersey City, and known for distributing flyers for businesses has also died of the novel coronavirus. He was 75.

More than 50 friends and family members of Mahendra Patel, 60, joined his last rites through an online video platform this week, after city officials in New Jersey told them that not more than nine of them could attend the funeral in person. At least one Indian-American died inside his home in New Jersey.

Community leaders said they estimate more than 400 Indian-Americans have tested positive in New Jersey and more than a 1,000 in New York. In New York City several Indian-American taxi drivers have tested positive.

There are reports of several community leaders being tested positive for coronavirus, but most of them requested anonymity.

Meanwhile, community leaders have started online and social media campaigns to find plasma donors so as to help in the treatment of those in serious condition. At least two of them were successfully able to find a plasma donor on Friday.

One Neila Pandya in Jersey City shared a video on social media on Friday, urging community members not to take the virus pandemic lightly.

Speaking in Gujarati, she said that all five of her family members are seriously ill, of which local hospital has admitted only two of them, as there were not enough beds.

Rasik Patel, 60, from Jersey City who was taken off the ventilator a few days ago is reportedly in a serious condition.

While there is sense of panic among Indian Americans, some of the community leaders have come out with a helping hand. For instance, Ajit, Sachin and Sanjay Modi from Rajbhog Sweets have been providing free vegetarian food at Jersey City Medical Center.

Dave from Oak Tree Road in New Jersey has started a fund raiser campaign to donate 1,000 face masks to health care professionals and first responders.

There are reports of several local restaurants in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and Pennsylvania distributing foods to their nearest hospitals.

World Hindu Council of America volunteers have been supplying free meals to Lowell General Hospital- ER workers in Boston and to first responders and doctors in Indianapolis. It also distributed 85,000 gloves to the local police, fire, and emergency medical technicians in New Jersey.
A Connecticut couple faces federal charges after they allegedly were involved in five armed robberies at gas stations throughout the state last month, authorities announced Friday.

William Rosario Lopez, 34, of New Haven, was charged with Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, brandishing a firearm during a robbery and discharging a firearm during a robbery.

Rodriguez Gonzalez, 19, of New Britain, was charged with Hobbs Act robbery and conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery.

The two were arrested Thursday.

Lopez remains in custody. Gonzalez was released on bail.

Court documents indicated that Lopez went into the Shell gas station at 1302 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon on March 18 while wearing a black mask.

The news release alleged Lopez wore a black mask and pointed a small pistol at the employee, grabbed him by the collar, directed him to walk to the cash register and struck him in the back of the head as they were walking to the cash register.

When the employee opened the register, the employee handed over about $1,188 to Lopez, who then told the employee to get down on the floor. Lopez then fled.

Just a few days later, on March 22, Lopez allegedly went into the Fleet gas station at 1611 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike in Southington.

This time, Lopez is accused of donning a surgical-type mask. He again allegedly pointed a pistol at the employee and demanded money.

When the employee handed over about $100, Lopez allegedly told the worker, Give me everything else.

The employee told Lopez that all the money was already in the safe in the store and he didnt know the combination. At that point, Lopez allegedly kicked the employee, ordered him to get on the floor and then fled.

About an hour after the Southington robbery, Lopez allegedly walked into the Shell gas station at 883 Hamilton Ave. in Waterbury  again, wearing a surgical-type mask  and pointed a pistol at the worker, demanding money.

The employee opened the cash register and handed over about $500 to Lopez, the news release said. Lopez then, again, ordered the worker to get on the floor. He then fled the scene.

Less than two hours after the Waterbury robbery, Lopez walked into the Shell gas station at 696 Main St. in Ansonia.

Surgical-type mask over his face, small silver pistol in hand, Lopez again allegedly demanded money from the worker. This time, however, authorities say he threatened to shoot the employee.

When the worker wasnt able to get the cash register open quickly, Lopez fired one round in the direction of (the) employee and then fled. The worker was not injured.

Days later on March 26, Lopez allegedly followed a similar pattern after he walked into a Citgo gas station at 788 W. Main St. in New Britain.

Lopez allegedly waited for another customer to leave the store before he approached the counter and pointed a pistol at the worker, demanding money.

The employee handed over $250 from the cash register, then Lopez fled the store.

During all this, authorities said, it is alleged that Gonzalez acted as a lookout in at least two of the robberies, and she is depicted on store video surveillance just prior to the robberies that occurred in Vernon and Waterbury.

Investigators searched a vehicle used by the couple during the alleged robberies and recovered a silver, semiautomatic pistol  matching the description of the one used in the crimes  and 14 rounds of ammunition.

Lopezs criminal history includes convictions in New York for attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon, authorities said.

He also has convictions in Puerto Rico for importation and unlawful possession of a firearm, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault with a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, threatening a witness and aggravated robbery.

Lopez faces at least seven years in prison on the brandishing a firearm charge, as well as at least 10 years in prison for allegedly firing his gun during the Ansonia robbery. He also faces up to 20 years in prison on each of the Hobbs Act offenses.

He is also charged with possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, which carries a maximum term of 10 years in federal prison.

Gonzalez faces up to 20 years in prison on each count she is charged with.
A team of police and district officials was attacked in Meerut's Jali Kothi on Saturday when it reached there to seal a part of the area following a confirmation about presence of coronavirus patients there, officials said.

Four people, including an imam, have been arrested in connection with the incident, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Awanish Awasthi said in Lucknow.

"A team which had gone to take a COVID-19 patient to hospital in Meerut's Jali Kothi area was attacked by some people. Four persons, including an imam, have been arrested in this regard. Action will be initiated against the accused persons under the National Security Act (NSA)," Awasthi said in a statement.

The NSA allows preventive detention up to 12 months without a charge if the authorities are satisfied that the person is a threat to the national security or law and order.

Circle Officer Dinesh Shukla said the accused pelted stones at the team, injuring a police official and the city magistrate.

"On February 24, three people attended a programme of a local Jamaat and came from Maharashtra (Malegaon) to Meerut. They were staying at Dariwaali Masjid. On Friday, their samples came back positive for coronavirus," he said.

"On Saturday morning, when in-charge of Delhi Gate police station Ravindra Singh along with police force and City Magistrate Satendra Kumar Singh went to seal a lane in the Jali Kothi area, some people started resisting them, and raised slogans against the police. They also pelted stones at the police," he added.

In the incident, city magistrate and police station in-charge sustained injuries, Shukla said.

Additional police force from other police stations was rushed to the spot as soon as information about the incident was transmitted on wireless.

Superintendent of Police (City) Akhilesh Narayan Singh said, "The area is being sealed. As of now, there is peace in the area."



So far, Uttar Pradesh has reported 433 coronavirus cases. The tally in Meerut stands at 44, of which six were reported on Saturday, according to official data.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 10

Trend:

The Operational Headquarters under the Cabinet of Ministers has appealed to the Azerbaijani citizens who wish to return to the country from Russia, the Operational Headquarters told Trend on April 10.

Having closed their borders, a number of countries temporarily restricted entry and exit to their territory as part of the measures which are taken at the international level to prevent the widespread spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

As a result of the suspension of regular flights by most countries since March 2020, an appeal was made for Azerbaijani citizens who are abroad and wishing to return to the country. The Azerbaijani government ensured their return to the country by charter flights from Iran, Turkey, Russia, Italy, Hungary and other countries.

The situation in connection with COVID-19 pandemic in Azerbaijan was analyzed at a subsequent stage. The entry and exit from the territory of Azerbaijan by vehicles and planes have been closed since April 5 till April 20, 2020 to curb the wide spread of the virus with the exception of cargo transportation. The domestic flights were also suspended.

Despite a warning about the closure of borders was given in advance, Azerbaijani citizens living in Russia and willing to return to the country have some difficulties at the checkpoints.

In connection with the current situation, we urge Azerbaijani citizens living in Russia and willing to return to the country, comply with the requirements of the quarantine regime, and pass registration in the Azerbaijani embassy and consulates in Russia until April 20, 2020, the Operational Headquarters said.

Due to the special quarantine regime in Azerbaijan, the decision of opening the borders will be made after April 20, 2020, proceeding from the situation in connection with COVID-19.

Taking into account the opportunities for receiving citizens at the special quarantine points within the country and the dynamics of spreading coronavirus (COVID-19), the issue of returning the citizens registered at the embassies and consulates to Azerbaijan on a certain schedule will be considered.

During the border closure period, as an exception, in case of the death of Azerbaijani citizens in other countries, one relative will be allowed to enter Azerbaijans territory while transporting the body (the accompanying person will be on quarantine after entering Azerbaijan).

To protect the health and safety of people during a global pandemic, citizens are required to comply with applicable requirements and rules, not to gather at border checkpoints, thereby violating the quarantine regime of the country of residence.
But lets not add to the stress and anxiety children are feeling by saying youve got to sit them down at the computer and make them learn all day. Ideally, we dont want to kids slipping too far behind, but I think we all have to be gentle with each other. Dr Joanne Blannin, senior lecturer and Digital Learning Leader at the University of Melbournes Graduate School of Education, says families with both parents working at home cant possibly expect to work an eight-hour day and supervise primary school kids. Parents will manage by scheduling blocks of time for kids and their own work. Loading Its not about parents becoming teachers. Were asking them to help with setting up a space  for younger children that should be somewhere near an adult because of cybersecurity  and were asking them to ask about the work that children are doing. Say, What have you done there? Explain that to me. What did other people do? What did your teacher say?  the kind of stuff you would say after school. To the level we are asking parents to do this, I think they are equipped, said Dr Blannin. Research shows feedback is key to keeping students engaged with online learning, so parents just need to try to engage.

If some gaps in learning do occur, teachers and schools will identify them and make up for it and, in the grand scheme of 13 years education, it is not going to be the end of the world. One teacher told The Sunday Age that, while parents with self-starters will find the period not too demanding, some will struggle to get kids to comply. I think theres going to be parents who really cant get their kids to do anything. Obviously theres a massive range of motivations among students. Kids, I find, bluff as much as they can, but if you know what the work is that theyre supposed to be doing it is so much easier. Im sure therell be many parents wholl have to supervise kids to Get off Minecraft and do this now!, but the work thats being set should ideally be self-sufficient, so parents shouldnt have to sit next to their child to help them through it. At her eastern suburbs public school, all work will be uploaded on the Compass School Manager program and parents will be able to see what is due. Teachers will monitor progress and email parents to let them know if the child has not been completing it.

Kids, I find, bluff as much as they can, but if you know what the work is that theyre supposed to be doing it is so much easier to pop in every 20 minutes and say, Oh, I cant see that (piece of work). Where is it?  Educational consultant, teacher and author Sharon Talbot Witt says students will adhere to work with varying degrees of success, but in the grand scheme it will not hurt their outcomes. Some [kids] will thrive, others will struggle. But we all need to cut ourselves some slack. They may do OK getting work done, they may not. As teachers we will pick that up in due course. I think if we have to do a couple of terms, even, of remote learning, its still going to be OK. Megan Fisher, a former science lab manager who has five, home-schooled, children says parents anxious about the shift may not realise they are already teaching their children. Megan and Brandon Fisher homeschool their children, from left, Adele, 13, Kipp, 4, Jolene, 14, Lottie, 7, and Gideon, 11. Credit:Paul Jeffers

"I know a lot of families in which neither of the parents are teachers or have any teaching experience, but if you're someone who can organise and is willing to stick to a routine and has a passion for learning, you can teach and pass on knowledge to somebody," says Ms Fisher. As parents, we do that all the time anyway." Her tips include have a routine and stick to it, do subjects such as maths and languages in the morning, go outside for breaks, keep the school days consistent and make sure children know what to expect will happen each day. Professor Taylor-Guy acknowledges this is a hugely challenging time for everyone. But she says that, as long as children are helped to remain engaged with school and not allowed to become disconnected from it, they may come through the term as more active, independent learners. Primary school teacher and parent Rachel Harrison began teaching her classes remotely in the last week of last term. She and other teachers phoned parents to check in and kept in very frequent email contact.

Loading She believes students ability to cope with remote leaning will come down in part to their personalities. And while capable learners should be fine, she warns, children with special needs, from anxiety to being on the autism spectrum, may struggle. For kids who have academic learning needs, or even emotional needs, we will have to navigate our way through how we are going to be there for them, she says. Ms Harrison worries some parents will find it difficult to manage, especially given they are cut off from their usual networks, and thinks teachers will need to work hard to stay in touch by phone. The mental health aspect is my biggest concern with parents. Like the experts who think some of this terms teaching innovations may stick, Ms Harrison sees a bright side.
Pfizer Inc. (New York, NY, USA) and Biopharmaceutical New Technologies {(BioNTech) Mainz, Germany} have entered into a collaboration to advance candidates from BioNTechs mRNA vaccine program, previously announced in March. The collaboration aims to rapidly advance multiple COVID-19 vaccine candidates into human clinical testing based on BioNTechs proprietary mRNA vaccine platforms, with the objective of ensuring rapid worldwide access to the vaccine, if approved. The collaboration will leverage Pfizers broad expertise in vaccine research and development, regulatory capabilities, and global manufacturing and distribution network.The two companies plan to jointly conduct clinical trials for the COVID-19 vaccine candidates initially in the United States and Europe across multiple sites. BioNTech and Pfizer intend to initiate the first clinical trials as early as the end of April 2020, assuming regulatory clearance. During the clinical development stage, BioNTech and its partners will provide clinical supply of the vaccine from its GMP-certified mRNA manufacturing facilities in Europe. BioNTech and Pfizer will work together to scale-up manufacturing capacity at risk to provide worldwide supply in response to the pandemic. BioNTech and Pfizer will also work jointly to commercialize the vaccine worldwide (excluding China, which is already covered by BioNTechs collaboration with Fosun Pharma) upon regulatory approval.Combating the COVID-19 pandemic will require unprecedented collaboration across the innovation ecosystem, with companies coming together to unite capabilities like never before, said Mikael Dolsten, Chief Scientific Officer and President, Worldwide Research, Development & Medical, Pfizer. I am proud of Pfizers collaboration with BioNTech and have every confidence in our ability to harness the power of science  together  to bring forth a potential vaccine that the world needs as quickly as possible.We have already started working with Pfizer on our COVID-19 vaccine and are pleased to announce these further details of our ongoing collaboration, which reflects both companies strong commitment to move quickly to bring a safe and efficacious vaccine to patients worldwide, said Co-Founder and CEO of BioNTech, Ugur Sahin, M.D.
The Labor Department is already being criticized for how it is enforcing unemployment assistance. An Alabama subcommittee is evaluating when to re-open the states economy. And the stock markets were closed.

Its a lot to keep up with. Heres Alabamas latest economic news -- good and bad. And a few things to know about how swiftly-changing national policies could affect you.

What you need to know tonight

National:

New Labor Department guidelines could make it harder for gig workers like Uber drivers to benefit from unemployment assistance.

The department, led by Eugene Scalia, says gig workers can claim unemployment benefits only if they are forced to suspend operations which would hurt drivers and other gig economy employees if the apps they work for are technically still active. It also states workers may be able to return to work within two weeks of quarantining.

The Labor Department chose the narrowest possible definition of who qualifies for pandemic unemployment assistance, Andrew Stettner, a senior fellow at the Century Foundation, told The Washington Post.

That approach seemingly defeats some of the purpose of the economic stimulus package to help unemployed Americans survive a growing economic crisis. Writing for New York, Eric Levitz said, Trumps Labor Department has been working diligently to ensure that no U.S. worker has it too easy in the middle of a pandemic and burgeoning economic depression.

State:

As part of a $30 billion initial offering to help the healthcare system, Alabama hospitals will get nearly a half-billion dollars to help them deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

As AL.coms John Sharp reports, the $449.5 million is meant to reimburse providers for COVID-19 care for uninsured Americans as well as reimbursement for Medicare services. As hospitals around the country become overwhelmed with sick patients, this influx of money should make things easier for all involved.

Elsewhere, Alabama Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth announced that a subcommittee on reopening the states economy has been created and is expected to report findings to Governor Ivey on April 17.

Alabama, like many other states around the country, has been pummeled with rising unemployment claims as the coronavirus shut down businesses across the state. The purpose of the subcommittee, according to Ainsworth, is to provide a road map for how Alabama can start to work its way out of its recent economic crisis while not endangering the health of its citizens given the ongoing health concerns.

Reopening Alabamas economy and getting businesses back to work will not be like flipping a light switch, Ainsworth said, but it will more likely be accomplished in stages once the COVID-19 pandemic begins to ease,

Market update:

The markets were closed for Good Friday

In case you missed it:

What were watching

What happens when a community rallies around your beloved yet struggling business? AL.coms Michael Casagrande will have an update with the owner of Rama Jamas in Tuscaloosa after writing on March 25th how the restaurant was doing only a third of its usual business.

Resources

Coronavirus in Alabama: How many infected; where to get tested; key information you need

Coronavirus in Alabama: How to help, how to get help

What happens if you lose your job due to coronavirus?

What to do if you cant pay your bills

How much will I get from the coronavirus stimulus?

How do you apply for small business funds from the stimulus package?

COVID-19 COVERAGE 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.
A colleague sent an email after Tuesdays election declaring that he thought hed seen everything, but Assembly Speaker Robin Vos  working the polls in full PPE garb after telling everyone it was safe to vote  takes the cake.

Yes, there he was at a Burlington polling place dutifully posing for the cameras after he and his Republican cohorts strong-armed Wisconsin into voting Tuesday. Its not hard to see why so many call him Robin, the boy wonder.

Vos camera moment didnt go unnoticed. Social media was buzzing about it. Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell, whose poll workers were given only surgical masks, gloves and alcohol spray, said the picture of Vos in Personal Protection Equipment that doctors and nurses wear treating patients with COVID-19 was just absurd.

First of all, why would you think its appropriate to hold an election when you have to dress that way as a poll worker? he told WKOW-TV. I guess if youre the speaker, thats what you get. If youre everyone else, you get what you get.
Friday, April 10, 2020 at 11:30PM

by Claudio Alves

The Academy loves transformative performances, ones where an actor's chameleonic abilities are on full display. While the recent avalanche of biopics winning acting Oscars may suggest such dynamics are a recent phenomenon, it isn't so. Since the 20s, we've seen it happen regularly. Just look at Warner Baxter who won the second-ever Best Actor Oscar for putting on brown face and playing the Cisco Kid in In Old Arizona. That particular example also brings up another favorite bit of acting work that the Academy seems to adore beyond reason  accents. Bad ones at that.

Some performers, like Meryl Streep, are brilliant at mimicking regional and personal accents, doing them so naturally that one forgets the artifice. Many others, can't be helped and often fail at the task. To be perfectly frank, I'm not a person that's much annoyed by bad accents onscreen. Nicole Kidman's American accent in The Portrait of a Lady is quite unconvincing, for instance, but I still consider it one of the actress' best works. That said, sometimes there are levels of incompetence too flagrant to ignore.

Such is the case of some Oscar champions, including a Best Actor winner whose efforts are cringe-worthy

As mentioned, we can find many bad accents throughout Oscar history, from Loretta Young's Scandinavian intonations to Michael Caine's inconsistent Maine voice. Options are aplenty, but one disaster shines brighter than all the others. I probably say this because I'm Portuguese and have many friends from Madeira, but Spencer Tracy's turn in 1938's Captains Courageous as Manuel, an American-Portuguese fisherman originally from the Madeira islands, always makes me laugh for all the wrong reasons.

First of all, the accent is a mishmash that even Tracy considered terrible. For years, it's said that the Hollywood titan thought his performance was undeserving of the Oscar in part because he didn't even try to perfect a Portuguese accent. Instead, he seems to have done an amalgamation of Yiddish with a pinch of Italo-American thrown in for some unfathomable reason. The worst, however, is when he's asked to pronounce some Portuguese word (like his name) and the sounds come out all jumbled, probably closer to an alien dialect than anything earthbound.

Comments like these may sound catty, but this isn't an attack on Tracy. He could be wonderful like in Bad Day at Black Rock, but chameleonic accents simply weren't on his wheel-house. The actor's longtime companion, Katharine Hepburn, was similarly lousy at accents and she's still widely considered as one of the best actresses of all-time. Spencer Tracy wasn't necessarily a bad actor, but his Manuel is a linguistic calamity, so much so that his dramatic moments become tinged with unintentional comedy.

With all that said, Captains Courageous wouldn't have been an unworthy Best Actor Oscar winner if only the Academy had bestowed its glories on the film's true protagonist. As a rich kid who is rescued from drowning by the crew of a fishing schooner, Freddie Bartholomew is surprisingly effective. Avoiding mannered affectations, this little thespian can be touching and funny, always able to evoke the bold emotional registers demanded by the screenplay. The film's newly available on the Criterion Channel, so go check it out.

In the meantime, what are some of your favorite bad accents in the history of the Academy Awards? Are you similarly horrified by Tracy's Portuguese?
Amid the coronavirus outbreak that is plaguing United States, the USS Nimitz nuclear carrier is besieged by the highly-communicable virus, but the US Navy fighting men will carry America's interest no matter what.

USS Nimitz No. 2 officer reported on Thursday of another coronavirus outbreak after another carrier, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, reported positive cases on March 24. This comes at a time that America is mobilizing the carrier for a Pacific deployment. Because the USS Carriers are centers of the coronavirus siege, it is affecting the US Navy's fighting force.

Small breakouts all under control

In spite of this, the US Navy's top brass assures Americans that all is under control, as the affected are quarantined on the ships. According to Air Force Gen. John Hyten, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:

"There's been a very small number of breakouts on the Nimitz, and we're watching that very closely."

The general said that close quarters onboard a ship is a problem when containing the COVID-19 disease. The sailors are cramped in by bunks with two dozen in one room. In Bremerton, Washington, there are not enough hotels where the ship is docked. So, quarantine must be done on-ship, said Hyten.

Lt. Rochelle Rieger, a spokeswoman for the Navy's 3rd Fleet, told U.S. News that two sailors based on the USS Nimitz are now getting treatment for possible COVID-19 disease. Sources confirm that one sailor exhibited symptoms when was on leave out of state and tests showed positive results. Soon after, he went through isolation; not boarding the ship during that period.

On March 24, one navy man took the test but came back 'inconclusive'. Erring on the side of caution, he was later isolated with 15 more sailors whom he encountered. After 14-days in quarantine, all were free of symptoms and were back to duty on the ship.

Also read: Coronavirus Weak Spot Discovered: Researchers Find Out That Virus is 'Low Shielding'

COVID-19 cases in other Navy ships

According to the Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, there will be updates about COVID-19 infections in the information disseminated.

Reports of coronavirus infections on the USS Nimitz, the USS Ronald Reagan, and the USS Carl Vinson had mentioned of infected sailors that was reported by the Politico.

A previous report revealed the virus effectively affected 400 crew members of the USS Teddy Roosevelt that is moored in Guam. It is a setback that is almost unforeseen as the ship is only one of the fighting ships that stand in line for America. Courageously, the commanders of these ships say they can deploy anytime with sailors in quarantine. Hyten added that there are 416 cases on Teddy Roosevelt.

David Norquist, the deputy defence secretary with Hyten made a statement on Thursday:

"To those who wish us harm, make no mistake: even with the challenges that this disease has brought to our shores, the Department of Defense stands ready to meet any threat and defend our nation."

He warned that despite the coronavirus breaks on the USS Nimitz or the Teddy Roosevelt, the US Navy will keep America's interest their topmost priority.

Related article: U.S. Navy Live-Fire Missiles in Philippine Sea

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
State

Condolences pour in for Naga activist Kaka D. Iralu

DIMAPUR, APR 11 (NPN) | Publish Date: 4/11/2020 12:28:19 PM IST

Several political leaders, parties, organisations and people from all walks of life have send their tributes and condolences on the passing of Kaka D. Iralu, Naga activist and political commentator. Iralu, who passed away on April 9 night after a prolonged ailment at Referral Hospital (CIHSR) Dimapur, was laid to rest at Medziphema on April 10.

CM: Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio expressed pain and sadness over the passing away of Kaka D Iralu; a prominent author and voice of Naga political movement.

In his condolence message, Rio said Kakas demise was a big loss to the Nagas. Through his writings he gave countless voices which needed to be heard; stories needed to be told. My condolences to the bereaved family, Rio tweeted.

TR Zeliang: Opposition leader, T.R. Zeliang has mourned the demise of renowned Naga activist and political commentator, Kaka D. Iralu.

Zeliang said late Iralu was a renowned author known for his books, The Naga Saga and The Blood and The Tears in which he gave historical account of the Indo-Naga war and the story of those who were never allowed to tell it.

As a patriotic soul, an intellectual and a man, he said Kaka stood for the Naga cause till his last breath. Zeliang said Nagas have lost a significant figure whose desire for liberation of the Naga people was manifested through his exemplary life and the void created by his demise will be difficult to fill.

His books and commentaries on the Naga political issue and other state of affairs will live on to tell the story of a man who contributed so much during his lifetime, he added.

Zeliang, along with his family, prayed that the Almighty God grant peace and solace to the bereaved family and for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.

NH: Naga Hoho has expressed profound sorrow over the demise of Kaka D. Iralu, a prolific writer, a real Naga patriot, and historian and above all a very humble person.

NH general secretary K. Elu Ndang said Kaka was a man with deep knowledge of Naga political history who has authored some iconic books like Nagaland and India: The Blood and Tears; and The Naga Saga that has spread over the globe.

A bold, outspoken man with genuine convictions who rendered selfless service to the Naga nation till his last breath, NH said Kaka was true to his word and always believed in inalienable rights of the Nagas for sovereignty.

In this moment of grief and sorrow, NH conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that God Almighty grant peace and comfort and for his soul to rest in eternal peace.

FGN: Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) has expressed deep grief and shock over the untimely demise of its Alee Kilonser (foreign minister) Kaka D. Iralu and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and relatives.

In a condolence message, FGN Kedahge Gen. (Retd.) Viyalie Metha described late Iralu as a true patriot and said that he faithfully served the nation till his last breath. FGN said his untimely death was a great loss for the Naga people as a whole, adding his true sacrifice and patriotic service rendered to the nation would always remain alive in the history of the Naga nation.

FGN prayed that Almighty God grant peace and solace to the bereaved family members and relatives and his soul eternally rest in peace,.

NSCN (I-M): NSCN (I-M) said it was shocked to learn of the sudden demise of Kaka D. Iralu, who was a man of strong integrity and committed in voicing the Naga political movement.

He exercised his intellectual power to defend the sovereign identity of the Naga nation and stood his ground unwavered, NSCN (I-M) stated. Notwithstanding our differences in political perspective, we respect his integrity in upholding the political struggle of the Nagas, it added.

NSCN said it acknowledged late Kaka as a sensible Naga national and to die at this early age, was a great loss for the Nagas.

NSCN (I-M) conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed to Almighty God to bestow them the strength and comfort and for Kaka Iralus soul to rest in peace in the hands of God.

FNR: Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) has expressed shock and grief at the passing away of Kaka D Iralu in Dimapur on April 9.

FNR said Kakas life was an epic, a grand tale of uncompromising Naga spirit. In a world of differing stances, Kaka remained undisputed as a voice of Naga rights, the sturdiest of nationalism, and the firmest of friends, FNR stated.

Death did not wrestle with him. He has passed through the hills and plains of our homeland unmarked and standing firm! Go in peace, Kaka! FNR stated.

NSCN (R): NSCN/GPRN (Reformation) vice president Akato Chophi expressed extreme pain at the unfortunate demise of kaka D. Iralu.

Chopi said late Kaka was a prominent Naga historian, a political leader and a prolific author/writer of various books like Nagaland and India, the Blood and Tears and was one of the very intellectual Nagas, a force to be reckoned with.

As a true Naga Patriot in his own rights, Chopi said Kaka was an unbiased Naga thinker who always called a Spade a Spade and never shied away from truth.

In his demise, Chopi said the Angamis in particular and the Nagas in general have lost a true and a daring Naga Leader, a frontrunner and a torchbearer whose place will be very difficult to be filled in.

He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved. I pay my revolutionary salute to my compatriot and pray to the Good Lord to kindly Rest his soul in eternal peace... Chopi stated.

APO: Angami Public Organisation (APO) expressed deep grief over Iralus demise and conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

In a condolence message, APO general secretary, Neisakholie Ziephru, said late Iralu was someone who contributed so much to the Naga national movement. Ziephru also said Iralu was a profound member of APO, adding that the organisation cannot express its sorrows with words. APO prayed that Almighty God provide the bereaved family the peace and comfort they need and the departed soul rest in peace.

CPO: Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO) has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the sudden demise of Kaka D Iralu, who it described as a real patriot.

In a condolence message, CPO president Mikha Kenye and general secretary Veduvo Rhakho said that late Iralu braved with many odds and exhibited unwavering determination in defending the cause of Naga nationalism.

CPO prayed that the Almighty God grant comfort to the bereaved family members and the departed soul rest in peace.

ZB (AMN): Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur and Nagaland) mourning the untimely demise of Kaka D Iralu said he worked for the welfare of the down trodden people not only in the Naga society but also for the entire Northeast.

In a condolence message, ZB(AMN) president Athuan Abonbmai said that late Iralu in spite of many threats and mental harassment from within and without Naga society, stood for the cause of the Nagas and its liberation till his last breath without any fear and bias. The baudi said that vacuum created by his demise would be difficult to fill.

Further, ZB (AMN) prayed that Almighty God grant peace and console the bereaved family members during this time of sorrow and pain.

CPO: Deeply mourning the sudden demise of late Kaka D. Iralu, the Chakhroma Public Organization (CPO) said that Kaka, notwithstanding human frailties of this mundane world, was a man who was endowed with all such qualities and traits which made him what he was popularly known for- his simplicity, honesty, fearlessness and unwavering conviction in the rights of his beloved Nagas as had been reflected in his books, speeches, interactions etc.

In a condolence message, CPO general secretary Mhiesisato Vupru said that in his death, not only his loved ones, but the Nagas as a whole have lost a true patriot and a true son of the soil which may be found irreplaceable for a long time to come.

TNG: Expressing shock over the untimely demise of Kaka D Iralu, the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) said he was an orator par excellence who minced no words in defending the political and historical rights of the Nagas.

In a condolence message, TNL president Hopingson A Shimray said late Iralu was a prolific writer whose narratives of the long drawn seven decades Indo-Naga political imbroglio inspired many and remind the world of the longest running conflict in South East Asia. He was a true patriot and intellectual of our time who would be greatly missed, TNL said and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family at this difficult time of sorrow and anguish.

KIN: Kuki Inpi Nagaland (KIN) has expressed sadness over the demise of Kaka D. Iralu, a prominent figure in society, a writer and a dedicated worker for the nation.

KIN through its media cell conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that God Almighty grant them solace and comfort. The whole Naga nation mourns the passing of a great son of the soil and we pray that the departed soul rest in eternal peace, KIN stated.

NGA: Nagaland Gorkha Association (NGA) expressed its deep and heartfelt condolences over the passing of Kaka D Iralu and described him as fearless, bold and even aggressive in fighting injustice.

In a condolence message, NGA president Nobin Pradhan, said late Iralus knowledge and his fearless crusade for Naga self determination would be etched in history.

NGA said that his passing would leave a very big gap in the Naga society.

The association also conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that the departed soul finds his place in paradise.
MANADO, Indonesia - Angry inmates set fire to an overcrowded prison on Indonesias Sulawesi island during a riot erupted late Saturday over measures imposed to contain the coronavirus, officials said.

Hundreds of police and soldiers were deployed to take control of Tuminting prison in Manado city, the capital of North Sulawesi province, which is designed to house 490 inmates but now has more than 550, said Lukmasono, the head of Justice and Human Rights provincial office.

Lukmasono, who goes by a single name, a preliminary investigation revealed that many inmates, mostly drug offenders, were angered by restrictions on family visits and envious following the early release of 115 inmates to curb the spread of the coronavirus in prisons.

They went on the rampage and started fires, and other inmates joined the protest and it turned violent, but there were no reports of deaths, Lukmasono said.

Television video showed prisoners in an open field under heavy guard by soldiers while orange flames and black smoke billow from a building, and burned office equipment, documents and broken glass are scattered around the prison.

Indonesia has released more than 36,550 inmates in a desperate bid to stop coronavirus from rampaging through its notoriously overcrowded prison system, said Rika Aprianti, the directorate general of Corrections at Justice and Human Rights spokesperson.

Inmates due to have served two-thirds of their sentences by December will be freed under assimilation and reintegration programs, the ministry said in a decree. It said juvenile inmates set to have served half their jail terms by December will also be released.

Indonesia recorded 3,842 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Saturday, with 327 deaths.

Jailbreaks and riots are common in Indonesia, where overcrowding has become a problem in prisons that are struggling with poor funding and large numbers of people arrested in a war on illegal drugs.

___

Associated Press writer Niniek Karmini in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this story.
Major airlines are seeking operating subsidies for key routes once coronavirus restrictions are lifted, a leaked lobbying document shows, stoking tensions with some low-cost carriers that are less likely to benefit from the additional funds.

Route subsidies feature on a list of financial support requests circulated among airline members of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and seen by Reuters.

"Airlines will need support to maintain their networks, which play a critical role in driving the world's economy," the IATA states in the 12-page digest of "key messages" for airline public affairs executives to take to governments.

Support can be offered "either through a rebate on landing charges per flight or via a direct subsidy per available seat kilometre until markets have been stabilised", it adds.

IATA spokesman Chris Goater confirmed the authenticity of the document, which was first reported by Unearthed, an environmental news service funded by campaign group Greenpeace.

"It's a private document for our members," Mr Goater said.

Operating subsidies would add to tax breaks, charge deferrals, loan guarantees and other forms of government support given to airlines crippled by an unprecedented near-total shutdown of air travel in the face of the global pandemic.

However, not all airlines in the IATA are in favour. The emphasis on economically important connections favours so-called flag carriers over budget rivals such as Ryanair, which fly more leisure passengers to and from secondary airports.

"Under EU law, any grant of state aid must respect the principle of equal treatment," a Ryanair spokeswoman said when asked about the call for route subsidies.

"We are in contact with the European Commission to ensure that it remains vigilant and blocks any aid measures that favour 'national' airlines."

Ryanair's Lauda unit publicly urged Austria's government on Thursday to withhold financial support from Lufthansa-owned rival Austrian Airlines.

"Not all airlines (are) in support of this initiative," the IATA document states, noting a "high risk of discrimination if only applied in certain markets". It did not identify carriers seeking or opposing route support.

Aer Lingus parent IAG and Air France-KLM declined to comment on the proposal.

Germany's Lufthansa did not respond to requests for comment.

Subsidies have long existed on low-traffic routes offering economic lifelines to regions with few other transport links.

But the IATA, which represents 290 airlines, wants support to help restore services on some of the bigger international connections during what may be a slow recovery.

Even after restrictions end, airlines could face further losses, hit by weak demand, intense fare competition and limits to passenger numbers designed to keep the coronavirus at bay.

"It's only core routes that a government would probably consider supporting at this stage," Mr Goater said.

"They're not going to be looking at marginal tourism routes."

He added: "If a government wants a particular route to be running because it's strategically important, then temporary funds or support may be required."

Reuters
New York: The United States surpassed Italy on Saturday as the country with the highest reported coronavirus death toll, recording more than 20,000 deaths since the outbreak began.

The grim milestone was reached as President Donald Trump mulled over when the country, which has registered more than half a million infections, might begin to see a return to normality.

The United States has seen its highest death tolls to date in the epidemic with roughly 2000 deaths a day reported for the last four days in a row, the largest number in and around New York City. Even that is viewed as an understatement, as New York is still figuring out how best to include a surge in deaths at home in its official statistics.

According to the Johns Hopkins University tally, the US has nearly 520,000 confirmed cases and more than 20,000 deaths.
Marijuana users in Oregon bought $84.5 million worth of licensed product in March, according to data compiled by the state's Liquor Control Commission and cited in various media. That tally was 6.4% higher than in the previous month, and 30% above the March 2019 result. March 2020 also set a new all-time monthly sales record for the drug in Oregon.

It nearly goes without saying, however, that this was due to heavy buying in the face of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus outbreak. A 65% year-over-year sales increase for the week of March 15 to March 21 strongly suggests that marijuana users were stocking up in advance of an expected "stay at home" order mandated by the state; that order was issued on March 23.

This is not unusual. A recent set of data compiled by a consultancy firm called Headset revealed similar peaks in both Washington state and California, which like Oregon permit both recreational and medical marijuana consumption and sale.

Still, licensed marijuana sales have generally been on the rise in Oregon, a pioneering state for legalization. For all of 2019, sales rose by a robust 22% over 2018, coming in at $793 million. This generated $110 million in tax revenue for the state.

One marijuana company that is very active on the Oregon market is high-profile Canadian producer, distributor, and retailer Canopy Growth (NASDAQ:CGC). For example, the company's popular Tweed brand is grown under license in the state (Canopy Growth began life under the name Tweed Marijuana).

On Thursday, Canopy Growth's stock traded down by nearly 1.8%, while the broader market indexes generally recorded gains on the day.
American political memories can be so short.

Remember that time way back in 2005, during the avian flu A(H5N1) crisis, when a junior senator named Barack Obama wrote an op-ed in the New York Times warning that America urgently needed to prepare for a pandemic, and that we could model our readiness on the lessons learned from the 1918 flu?

As Dan Diamond pointed out online today, way back in 2005, before Obama ran for president, "there was growing political consensus to fund those planning efforts."

"A junior senator named BARACK OBAMA even argued in the New York Times that it was time for 'decisive action to prevent a pandemic.'"

Here's an excerpt from that op-ed, "Grounding a Pandemic," by Barack Obama and Richard Lugar, June 6, 2005:
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 11)  A 79-year-old woman from Lipa City, Batangas is among the elderly patients who have recovered from the coronavirus disease.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Lipa Mayor Eric Africa confirmed the recovery of the patient, who is a resident of a subdivision in the city.

The elderly woman is the third to be cured of coronavirus infection in Lipa, which has 14 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with four fatalities as of Wednesday.

On Thursday, Africa said the test results of a 23-day-old baby boy turned out positive for COVID-19 but was only announced four days after his death.

Nationwide, the number of coronavirus cases has risen to 4,195. A total of 221 have died from the viral disease while 140 have recovered.

While elderly patients and those with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for complications from COVID-19, many have recovered, according to DOH data..
Presidential Task Force to mitigate COVID-19 impact on education By Bandula Sirimanana View(s): View(s):

Sri Lanka will be taking every effort to mitigate the impact of the school closure countrywide as COVID-19 prevention action and to facilitate the continuity of students education through remote learning.

These activities range from hi-tech solutions like real-time video classes conducted remotely to lower-tech options such as educational programming on radio and television.

However there was a need of passing these benefits to children of more vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in rural areas.

The slow pace of change in academic institutions with centuries-old, lecture-based approaches to teaching, and outmoded classrooms took pride of place in the country before the COVID-19 outbreak.

However, the crisis has become a catalyst for educational institutions worldwide to search for innovative solutions in a relatively short period of time.

Under these circumstances a 26-member Presidential Task Force on Sri Lankas Education Affairs headed by Higher Education Ministry Secretary D. M. A. R. B. Dissanayake has been appointed. The members include vice chancellors of all the universities, principals of some state and private schools and the head of an international school.

The scope of this committee is to recommend mechanisms to ensure continuity in the education sector without any setbacks whatsoever in the context of the coronavirus epidemic situation.

It will also be recommending methods to modernise primary, secondary and tertiary education sectors in Sri Lanka in keeping with contemporary needs.

The committee will introduce and implement mechanisms necessary for the proper operation of examination activities and curriculum of students after clearing the backlog of work that has occurred due to recent interruptions to primary, secondary and tertiary education activities.

Strategies will be formulated and implemented to conduct student education activities without interruption under the distance education concept during this time period.

It will identify activities to broaden vocational and skills education opportunities and introduce and implement innovative solutions to improve skills and competencies compatible with the job market.

A programme is to be formulated to expedite new enrollments to universities and expand higher education opportunities by extending distance learning opportunities to such students as well.

The committee will introduce and implement training mechanisms, including education techniques that enhance the quality of education sector and direct students to subjects in line with topical requirements.

The President has authorised the Task Force to make relevant inquiries and issue instructions as required for the purpose of executing the tasks entrusted with relevant institutions.

The President has directed all public officers and other persons to whom the Task Force may issue instructions or from whom assistance for provision of services may be requested to comply with all such instructions and render all such assistance and furnish all such information as needed by it.
The latest update on U.S. cases and deaths from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention contained no mention of male and female patients. When asked why, a spokesperson for the CDC said the agency simply does not have that information to share at this time and additional investigation is needed. Even The New York Times case tracker, which was made public last week and provides county-level data, has no sex breakdown because that information isnt consistently available across states and counties.
Chron.com is compiling the latest headlines on the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the Houston area.

LATEST:

A state judge in Austin has temporarily halted Gov. Greg Abbotts executive order prohibiting judges from releasing inmates during the pandemic on personal bonds if theyve been accused or convicted of a violent crime, saying that to keep the order in place would cause irreparable harm.

Judge Lora Livingston said her late Friday night order restrains the governor and his lawyers from enforcing any such restraints on judges bond rulings and automatically sets bonds at $0.

***

If you're planning a trip to a Houston park this weekend despite the city-mandated closure, you could be cited or arrested, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo tweeted Friday afternoon.

"We will have officers patrolling area parks to ensure compliance," Acevedo said.

***

Some Democrats in the Senate are proposing a "COVID-19 Heroes Fund," a hazard pay program for essential workers. Under Michigan Sen. Gary Peters' proposal, essential workers in would receive a $25,000 premium pay increase from the start of the public health crisis until Dec. 31, the Benzie Record Patriot reports.

New York Sen. Chuck Schumer has also called for a "Heroes Fund." Schumer tweeted: "No proposal would be complete without addressing the needs of our doctors, nurses, medical workers, truck drivers, grocers, transit workers, and more."

***

Every park in Houston and Harris County is now closed for Easter amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier in the week, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo ordered the county's parks close Friday ahead of the much-anticipated weekend, in which people typically flock to outdoor spaces like parks to celebrate the Christian holiday. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who initially said parks would remain open, reversed course and closed parks.

How do you plan to celebrate the holiday while social distancing? Let us know at newstips@chron.com.

Check back for updates as they come in.
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The covid19 virus threat has ended the weekly protests, which began in February 2019 and quickly succeeded in overthrowing a corrupt and inept president. Also gone was the power of the FLN party, which had held onto power since the 1960s. One reason the FLN lost was that the deposed president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, tried to limit the autonomy of military intelligence. This was an unpopular effort with most Algerians as well as the troops. The military was popular because it had defeated an effort by Islamic political parties to take over the government in the 1990s. After that, the military managed to keep Islamic terrorism out of Algeria, even after the 2011 Arab Spring and the appearance of ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) in 2014. The FLN saw the military as a potential rival and starting in 2015 tried to limit military intelligence capabilities. This was not popular with anyone but the FLN and the many corrupt politicians who believed (somewhat correctly) that the military intel had evidence of corrupt acts.

The presidential elections were held on December 12th despite popular opposition. This was not an instant disaster because the candidate elected, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, a former prime minister, formed his new government by appointing new government ministers that most protesters approved of, or could not criticize. None of the new ministers had opposed the weekly protests. Tebboune has also met with protest leaders and simultaneously organized an effort to create a new constitution that would make it more difficult for him or any future president, to again become a corrupt president-for-life. The new president, as a former senior official himself, knows that there are many senior people in the government, military and business community who oppose such changes. Such opposition has to be expressed quietly but it is still there and it will be a year or more before it will be clear if a new, dictator-proof, constitution is possible or not.

The problem is that Tebboune had the support of the military and will be under pressure to maintain a high level of military spending. Nearly a third of the government budget goes to the military. This is high by world standards. In fact, it is the highest in the world by a nation that releases such data. North Korea is believed to devote more of the government budget to the military but refuses to talk about it. Other nations that come close are Saudi Arabia, at 25 percent. Saudi Arabia believes it is at war with Iran and considers its military budget a wartime budget. Armenia, at 21 percent, is in a similar situation with neighbor Azerbaijan. Officially Algeria only spends about 14 percent of the government budget on the military but the reality is the spending is much higher and the security services want to keep it that way.

Most of the troops, mainly the younger ones, support going after corruption in a big way. The junior officers agree with that. For the older officers and NCOs who have made the military a career, priorities are different. For the older troops, the most important thing is to maintain enough political power to maintain the current levels of military spending.

This outcome may prove that Algerians who felt that rushing elections favored the election of another corrupt politician, were right. So far the new president and his ministers appear pretty clean, as do most senior military officers. But that could change, as it often does, leaving Algeria with leaders are as corrupt and ineffective as all the previous ones. In other words there would be a few token prosecutions for corruption but the majority of the corrupt bureaucrats and business owners would return to their outlaw ways.

Running Near Empty

The government measures how long it can avoid making decisive and effective changes in the economy by noting what the foreign currency reserves are. As of March 1st, the reserves amounted to about $60 billion. When these reserved dipped below $100 billion at the end of 2017 it was predicted that they were headed for $64 billion at the end of 2019 and $47 billion by the end of 2020. Things got worse faster than expected.

Until 2020 the government's inability to reform (suppress corruption) the economy quickly enough to reduce vulnerability to low oil prices was a major threat and cause the foreign reserves shrinking. The status of these reserves must be reported accurately in order to placate foreign exporters and lenders. Foreign exchange reserves, essential to pay for imports, keep declining because 70 percent of what Algerians consume is imported. Replacing a lot of those imports with locally produced food and manufactured goods takes time and the elimination of many laws and customs that allowed the FLN party and corrupt leaders like Bouteflika and to prosper and survive since the 1960s.

In 2020 there were two unexpected financial difficulties. First, Saudi Arabia and Russia got into a dispute over how to cut oil production to raise world oil prices. This dispute resulted in both nations increasing production and sending world oil prices down to $20 a barrel. Right after that covid19 got out of China and temporarily stalled American and European economies as most businesses were shut and people told to stay home to halt the spread of the virus. This reduced demand for oil, even at the very low prices and that drove prices still lower.

Then came covid19, a virus that first showed up in China back in December 2019. Local and national Chinese leaders mishandled the virus, especially when it came to sharing data with the outside world. As a result, the opportunity to halt the virus early on was lost and now it is worldwide. Algeria is dealing with the virus better than most other African or Middle Eastern nations. But this comes at the expense of economic activity. That is another battle, which is going to be more difficult because of the unusually low oil prices.

These low financial reserves are not a new problem, because since the collapse of oil prices after 2013, Algeria's foreign currency reserves have enabled the government to put off carrying out the extensive reforms and anti-corruption measures needed to revive the economy and achieve the degree of economic growth that would solve the unemployment problems. Those cash reserves were $193 billion in mid- 2014 and, even with cuts to non-essential imports, the cash reserves kept shrinking. The government cut its budget 14 percent in 2017 in order to get the budget deficit down to 8 percent (versus 15 percent in 2016). Even so after five more years of this, the foreign currency reserves will be less of a cushion and more of a threat because of all the additional budget cuts. By 2018 it was obvious that budget cuts and reductions in imports was not going to work and most Algerians knew it. That was one of the issues that led to the April 2019 overthrow of FLN rule. The current unrest is all about what replaces the FLN and if the replacements can fix the economy. Further cuts in the national budget are mandatory. It will be difficult to justify sparing the military and that could get interesting.

Islamic Terrorists Intimidated

Even before covid19 showed up Islamic terrorist activity in Algeria was declining year after year. Islamic terror groups have warned their members about covid19 and advised them to remain inactive and out of sight until the health crisis is over. The army continues its counter-terrorism and border patrols but at a reduced frequency. While some smugglers are taking advantage of this, they are just getting the stuff across the border and then hiding the goods until the quarantine measures ease up and enable them to move their drugs, weapons or consumer goods towards the coast.

April 7, 2020: Algerian banks agreed to defer, or reschedule, loan payments by firms that have lad operations disrupted by covid19.

April 5, 2020: The nationwide curfew is now longer, from 3 PM to 7 AM in the capital and eight of the most populous provinces. For the other provinces it remains 7 PM to 7 AM. There are two southern provinces, which are thinly populated and largely desert, where they have been no reported covid19 cases. These two provinces have no curfew at all. So far the government has identified nearly 1,300 Algerians who have come down with the virus. Over the next three days infections rose to 1,468 and virus-related deaths to 193. So far Algeria has suffered about four deaths per million population. Thats the same as South Korea, which is praised for its efficient handling of the virus. South Korea has a much better public health system but so far Algeria has done well with what it has. What helped was the Algeria has only had 33 cases per million people while South Korea had 203. Both are doing better than the United States, which has 1,210 cases per million and 39 deaths per million. One reason for the higher American, and European, numbers per million is a better health care system that identifies and counts more of the infected and dead from covid19. Not all nations are able, or willing, to get accurate numbers.

March 20, 2020: Protest leaders, who have managed 56 straight weeks of gatherings, decided to suspend the protests until the covid19 threat is over. So far there have been 90 confirmed people with the virus in Algeria and ten deaths. Today, which would have been week 57, the streets were empty.

March 17, 2020: The government ordered mosques and other religious institutions closed until firth notice as part of the effort to halt the spread of covid19.

March 12, 2020: The government ordered schools including universities, closed until firth notice as part of the effort to halt the spread of covid19. This comes two days after most businesses were ordered closed.
"When my husband is under too much stress, he takes it out on me," said Maharo Soarolahy, a 34-year-old Madagascan villager.

Domestic violence is an evil that exists in every society.

But in patriarchal Madagascar, the problem is entrenched and seems bound to worsen in the coronavirus lockdown.

A third of women here say they have suffered gender-based violence at least once in their lives, according to a 2012 study monitoring UN development goals.

Half of such attacks have occurred at home.

The high statistics are rooted in Madagascar's traditions, in which the paramount social role is allotted to men and gender-based violence is considered a norm.

Nearly one in two people find it acceptable for a spouse to beat their intimate partner, according to the UN Population Fund.

"I often manage to satisfy him sexually. But there are times when I'm too tired and that is when blows just come flying," said Soarolahy, after she had cooked dinner and fetched water for her six children.

In Madagascar, one of the poorest countries in the world, the cast-iron role of tradition is having a disastrous impact on women, said Simon Ravelojaona, coordinator of CECJ, a charity supporting victims of violence in the southern region of Ambovombe.

"Some women feel neglected if they are not beaten by their husbands," he said.

People "don't consider women as full members of society," said Ravelojaona, listing examples of humiliations women ordinarily suffer.

In Madagascar "a woman has no right to express herself. In case of a divorce she gets nothing from her husband. She inherits nothing. That's what women's life is," he said.

Unsurprisingly, just five percent of assault cases end up in court, according to Ravelojaona.

Resigned to their fate, feeling shameful and caving in to social pressure or ignorant of their rights, most abused women simply do not lay charges.

"At the gendarmerie, you have to bribe to sue someone," explained Sourayah Banou Vololomihaingo, who heads the CECJ.

New law

After much heated public debate, Madagascar last year adopted a law punishing gender-based violence such as "physical, sexual, psychological and economic violence within the family... including traditional practices harmful to both sexes".

Flouting the law attracts sentences of between six months and five years in prison and fines of up to $270 (250 euros) -- a punishment that has been welcomed by campaigners.

Overwhelming male domination has a cascade of consequences on Madagascan society.

In the Ambovombe region, contraceptives are accessible to all, thanks to the UN and Japanese aid. "But resistance from men blocks everything," said Robena Mampionindray Razafindratovonimanana, a local physician.

Families of up to 15 children in this region are not an exception.

"My husband beat me when I asked him if I could use family planning," said Juliette Vahinala, 45, a mother of eight.

"He thought I wanted to cheat on him, and not risk getting pregnant by another man."

Virus confinement

Apart from beatings, there are many rape cases, said Clovis Rakotoninaina, the gendarmerie boss in Tsihombe village, 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Ambovombe.

In most cases, either it is impossible to identify the rapist or the family settles the matter "amicably" with the perpetrator, he said.

Some victims' families have reprimanded the police chief for handing over cases for prosecution without their consent.

"According to them, I would have just destroyed their social ties," said Rakotoninaina.

The only solution, according to Rakotoninaina, is "social dialogue" to erode harmful traditions and point out the availability of the law.

If there is time when vigilance and awareness is most needed, it is now.

President Andry Rajoelina has imposed a lockdown on the country's largest cities, including the capital Antananarivo, and couples are forced to spend more time together in confined spaces.

"Violence is going to increase very fast," warned Nathalie Razafindehibe, head of the National Commission to Combat Violence against Women.

"People of both sexes are going to find themselves at home without money, as there are no jobs."
Filmed by a Syrian opposition soldier riding in the back of a pickup truck, the shaky footage posted to Facebook on Oct. 14 showed Turkish troops walking cheerfully across a rocky plain in northern Syria toward a town that had just been vacated by U.S. forces.

It was one in a flurry of videos posted by citizen journalist Abo Liath Aljazarawy to his Facebook page, chronicling a rapid reshaping of northern Syrias political map after President Trump ordered U.S. troops to withdraw from the region earlier that month.

But days later, the videos had disappeared from the Internet. Facebook had banned his page.

Aljazarawy, who asked to be referred to by a pseudonym for his security, had been using the page, called Eye on Alhasakah after his hometown, to share information about the Syrian civil war with his 50,000 followers. Some days, like that one in October, he shared news of troop movements. On others, he posted videos or photographs showing the bloody aftermath of military attacks. The point, he says, was to keep ordinary people informed. We dont have loyalty to anyone, Aljazarawy told TIME. Most of our followers are just common people.

But the videos and photographs he shared showing the ground reality of the Syrian civil war were the reason his page was banned. Facebook confirmed to TIME that Eye on Alhasakah was flagged in late 2019 by its algorithms, as well as users, for sharing extremist content. It was then funneled to a human moderator, who decided to remove it. After being notified by TIME, Facebook restored the page in early February, some 12 weeks later, saying the moderator had made a mistake. (Facebook declined to say which specific videos were wrongly flagged, except that there were several.)

The algorithms were developed largely in reaction to ISIS, who shocked the world in 2014 when they began to share slickly-produced online videos of executions and battles as propaganda. Because of the very real way these videos radicalized viewers, the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq and Syria worked overtime to suppress them, and enlisted social networks to help. Quickly, the companies discovered that there was too much content for even a huge team of humans to deal with. (More than 500 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute.) So, since 2017, beg have been using algorithms to automatically detect extremist content. Early on, those algorithms were crude, and only supplemented the human moderators work. But now, following three years of training, they are responsible for an overwhelming proportion of detections. Facebook now says more than 98% of content removed for violating its rules on extremism is flagged automatically. On YouTube, across the board, more than 20 million videos were taken down before receiving a single view in 2019. And as the coronavirus spread across the globe in early 2020, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter announced their algorithms would take on an even larger share of content moderation, with human moderators barred from taking sensitive material home with them.

Story continues

But algorithms are notoriously worse than humans at understanding one crucial thing: context. Now, as Facebook and YouTube have come to rely on them more and more, even innocent photos and videos, especially from war zones, are being swept up and removed. Such content can serve a vital purpose for both civilians on the ground  for whom it provides vital real-time information  and human rights monitors far away. In 2017, for the first time ever, the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands issued a war-crimes indictment based on videos from Libya posted on social media. And as violence-detection algorithms have developed, conflict monitors are noticing an unexpected side effect, too: these algorithms could be removing evidence of war crimes from the Internet before anyone even knows it exists.

Content moderators work at a Facebook office in Austin, Texas. Facebook says more than 98% of content removed for violating its rules on extremism is flagged automatically. | Ilana Panich-Linsman for The Washington Post via Getty Images

On a rainy day in early January, Chris Woods leads the way up the narrow staircase of an end-of-terrace house on the campus of Goldsmiths University in southeast London. The top two floors here serve as the base of Airwars, which Woods founded in 2014 to hold militaries to account for civilian casualties. Out of this cramped headquarters, he and his small team have collected evidence of more than 52,000 civilian deaths, most gleaned from social media. They have forced the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq and Syria to share monthly information about civilians killed by collateral damage, and keep an eye on the Turkish and Russian militaries too. They also recently expanded to cover Somalia, and are working on a Yemen archive. All this is funded on a shoestring. Our budget for the next year is around a third of a million pounds [$430,000] for everything that we do, Woods says, in his attic office. Thats roughly the price of a guided bomb.

The removal of Eye on Alhasakah came as a blow to this tight operation. The page was one of the most comprehensive sources for news concerning northern and eastern Syria, says Mohammed al Jumaily, a conflict researcher for the group. Its closure meant that we lost a key source of local reporting, which is already pretty sparse in that region.

It was an example of how even one mistaken takedown can make the work of human rights defenders more difficult. Yet this is happening on a wider scale: of the 1.7 million YouTube videos preserved by Syrian Archive, a Berlin-based non-profit that downloads evidence of human rights violations, 16% have been removed. A huge chunk were taken down in 2017, just as YouTube began using algorithms to flag violent and extremist content. And useful content is still being removed on a regular basis. Were still seeing that this is a problem, says Jeff Deutsch, the lead researcher at Syrian Archive. Were not saying that all this content has to remain public forever. But its important that this content is archived, so its accessible to researchers, to human rights groups, to academics, to lawyers, for use in some kind of legal accountability. (YouTube says it is working with Syrian Archive to improve how they identify and preserve footage that could be useful for human rights groups.)

Most people working in conflict monitoring understand that the social media companies are in a tough position. Back in the attic in southeast London, Woods agrees that a lot of violent content has no place on social media sites. But he is frustrated with what he sees as three years of inaction by social networks when it comes to preventing valuable evidence from being lost forever, potentially reducing the chances of human rights violators being convicted of their crimes. Our own view is that if they are determined to delete videos, photographs, posts and so on, we think it should be put into a cordoned off area that is only accessible to researchers with permissions, Woods says. Basically at the moment, its an all or nothing. They will delete an entire archive and everything gets permanently lost, as far as we can tell.

Facebook and YouTubes detection systems work by using a technology called machine learning, by which colossal amounts of data (in this case, extremist images, videos, and their metadata) are fed to an artificial intelligence adept at spotting patterns. Early types of machine learning could be trained to identify images containing a house, or a car, or a human face. But since 2017, Facebook and YouTube have been feeding these algorithms content that moderators have flagged as extremist  training them to automatically identify beheadings, propaganda videos and other unsavory content.

Both Facebook and YouTube are notoriously secretive about what kind of content theyre using to train the algorithms responsible for much of this deletion. That means theres no way for outside observers to know whether innocent content  like Eye on Alhasakahs  has already been fed in as training data, which would compromise the algorithms decision-making. In the case of Eye on Alhasakahs takedown, Facebook said, oops, we made a mistake, says Dia Kayyali, the Tech and Advocacy coordinator at Witness, a human rights group focused on helping people record digital evidence of abuses. But what if they had used the page as training data? Then that mistake has been exponentially spread throughout their system, because its going to train the algorithm more, and then more of that similar content that was mistakenly taken down is going to get taken down. I think that is exactly whats happening now. Facebook and YouTube, however, both deny this is possible. Facebook says it regularly retrains its algorithms to avoid this happening. In a statement, YouTube said: decisions made by human reviewers help to improve the accuracy of our automated flagging systems.

But Kayyali says there are signs that, for Arabic content especially, the way these algorithms work could be having a detrimental effect. Currently, Islamic extremist content from the Middle East probably makes up the bulk of training datasets, says Kayyali  though theres no way to know for sure, because the platforms dont share that information. It means that other Arabic content  like a video of the aftermath of a bombing, where the uploader has blamed ISIS in the accompanying text, for example  is also at risk of removal. We have consistently seen Facebook and YouTube take down documentation of protests from the Arabic speaking world, Kayyali says.

Despite the human toll of content moderation, conflict monitors say one way to make sure this content is kept online is for the social networks to hire more content moderators, and ensure they are paid and treated just as well as other staff. But both Facebook and YouTube are moving in the other direction  partly out of recognition that content moderation can be a demanding and emotionally damaging job, partly because computers are faster, and partly because running an algorithm is cheaper than employing skilled humans. This technology is showing a lot of promise, and in some cases we are now even able to detect and remove some harmful content automatically, without human review, Erin Saltman, Facebooks EMEA counter-terrorism policy manager, said in a statement to TIME. Thats the case, for example, with reuploads of known extremist content. But when algorithms flag content which has never been seen before, Facebook and YouTube both say it is always routed to a human moderator, who makes a final decision on whether it should be removed.

Thats because Facebooks policies allow some types of violence and extremism but not others  meaning decisions on whether to take content down is often based on cultural context. Has a video of an execution been shared by its perpetrators to spread fear? Or by a citizen journalist to ensure the wider world sees a grave human rights violation? A moderators answer to those questions could mean that of two identical videos, one remains online and the other is taken down. This technology cant yet effectively handle everything that is against our rules, Saltman said. Many of the decisions we have to make are complex and involve decisions around intent and cultural nuance which still require human eye and judgement.

In this balancing act, its Facebooks army of human moderators  many of them outsourced contractors  who carry the pole. And sometimes, they lose their footing. After several of Eye on Alhasakahs posts were flagged by algorithms and humans alike, a Facebook moderator wrongly decided the page should be banned entirely for sharing violent videos in order to praise them  a violation of Facebooks rules on violence and extremism, which state that some content can remain online if it is newsworthy, but not if it encourages violence or valorizes terrorism. The nuance, Facebook representatives told TIME, is important for balancing freedom of speech with a safe environment for its users  and keeping Facebook on the right side of government regulations.

Facebooks set of rules on the topic reads like a gory textbook on ethics: beheadings, decomposed bodies, throat-slitting and cannibalism are all classed as too graphic, and thus never allowed; neither is dismemberment  unless its being performed in a medical setting; nor burning people, unless they are practicing self-immolation as an act of political speech, which is protected. Moderators are given discretion, however, if violent content is clearly being shared to spread awareness of human rights abuses. In these cases, depending on how graphic the content is, we may allow it, but we place a warning screen in front of the content and limit the visibility to people aged 18 or over, said Saltman. We know not everyone will agree with these policies and we respect that.

But civilian journalists operating in the heat of a civil war dont always have time to read the fine print. And conflict monitors say its not enough for Facebook and YouTube to make all the decisions themselves. Like it or not, people are using these social media platforms as a place of permanent record, says Woods. The social media sites dont get to choose whats of value and importance.
Even though the weather is getting warmer and the snow is melting, seasonal events like farmers markets and special sales are on hold due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 11/4/2020 (640 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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COLIN CORNEAU Don Burnett strums a 12-string guitar at his booth at the United Way's annual spring garage sale a few years ago. This year's Brandon Biggest Record Sale, which he organizes, was cancelled alongside countless other public sales events. (File)

Even though the weather is getting warmer and the snow is melting, seasonal events like farmers markets and special sales are on hold due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Because these events cant be held, that will mean a loss of income for the organizers of those events, the vendors who sell their wares at them and the venues at which they are held.

Don Burnett has had to cancel the spring edition of the twice-annual Brandons Biggest Record Show because the Royal Canadian Legion in Brandon is currently unable to book events.

When the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair was cancelled, Burnett said he could see the writing on the wall for his own event.

"Its not a major income source, but its helping money," Burnett said. "I earn a little extra cash by charging rent for the tables, plus selling a little bit."

He said that he can have as many as 47 tables set up at the sale since it moved to the Legion from the Park Community Centre a few years ago. The number of vendors varies because some take up more than one table.

Burnett said that he also wont be able to make sales at markets like the Global Market on Rosser Ave. and at Brandons Biggest Garage Sale put on by the United Way due to the pandemic.

With him being laid off from his regular job, a lot of sources of income are now cut off for Burnett. He was asked if he could make sales online but he said hes never found much luck doing so. Hes hoping that he wont have to cancel the fall record sale scheduled for October.

"Its gonna hurt a little bit," he said about not being able to sell at events.

Burnett wonders about the potential impact on the Legion, which gets income from events like his from rental fees and a collection plate they fundraise with at the entrance to the sale. He said he wont be able to collect food donations for Samaritan House at the event like he normally does.

The Sun reached out to the United Way of Brandon & District to see what the impact of having to cancel events like the garage sale would be on the organization.

"Weve had several events between now and the end of June that weve had to cancel," CEO Cynamon Mychasiw said. "It costs as far as revenue goes and the awareness piece of some of our event, but at the end of the day, the communitys health and safety is the most important thing."

She said that theyll be unable to reschedule the spring garage sale because they already hold a second one during the fall. Some of the United Ways volunteer events wont be able to take place but Mychasiw said that theyll try to move as much online as they can.

"Right now our sole priority is crisis funding for the agencies that are doing the work with people right now and dealing with the increased need," she said.

Mychasiw said that the United Way across Canada is getting ready to run programs for vulnerable seniors during the pandemic through funding from the federal government. This will take the form of volunteers making sure seniors are getting the help, food and medications they need right now as well as working to make sure they dont feel isolated.

A community crisis fund the organization in Brandon started has reached the $10,000 mark in donations, she said. There is a volunteer sign-up at brandonuw.ca for those who want to help out with pickups and deliveries during the pandemic. People can also donate to the crisis fund through the website.

She added that shes heard from the agencies they partner with that the donation of socks and underwear are needed and theyre happy to pick those up for their partners. Additionally, theyll help get donations of running shoes to the Brandon Bear Clan who have expressed a need for them.

When reached for comment, Glen Kruck of the Community Health and Housing Association, which runs the Global Market, said that with all thats been going on the world, the market hasnt been a big priority for the organization.

Kruck did say that the organization had planned on changing the way the Global Market works this year.

Instead of charging a fee to book tables in advance, they had planned on moving to a system where they wont charge vendors to set up but it would be a free for all to find available spaces.

 cslark@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @ColinSlark
Rifat Chadirji, known as the father of modern Iraqi architecture, died late Friday in the United Kingdom after contracting the novel coronavirus, friends and Iraqi officials have said.

The 93-year-old architect and photographer is credited with designing some of Iraq's most well-known structures, including the iconic "Freedom Monument" in the now protest hub of Baghdad's Tahrir Square its name.

"He was a giant of 20th century Iraq," said Caecilia Pieri, a scholar focusing on Baghdad's modern architecture who knew Chadirji well.

Top Iraqi officials including President Barham Saleh and caretaker premier Adel Abdel Mahdi mourned him on Saturday.

"With the death of Rifat Chadirji, architecture in Iraq and the world has lost its modern lung," Saleh wrote.

Born in Baghdad in 1926, Chadirji studied in London and returned to Iraq in the 1950s to design his magnum opus -- an elegant arch entitled "The Unknown Soldier" -- as well as the capital's post office and other public buildings.

But when the Baathist regime came to power, it tore down "The Unknown Soldier," replaced it with a statue of Saddam Hussein and tossed Chadirji into the infamous Abu Ghraib prison, where he remained for 20 months.

He wrote about the experience in "The Wall Between Two Darknesses," relating how Saddam had him released from prison to design a conference centre.

Chadirji moved to Beirut a few years later and lived abroad during most of the devastating 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war, the 1990 Gulf War, a decade of international sanctions and the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam.

When he returned to Iraq in 2009, he was scarred by what he found.

"I cannot believe what has happened to the buildings in Baghdad, everything has been almost completely destroyed," Chadirji said at the time.

In 2019, another one of his famed buildings was torn down: the National Insurance Company in Mosul, a seven-storey building from where the Islamic State group thew men accused of being gay to their deaths.

The structure was ravaged by the months-long fight to oust IS from Mosul and a municipal committee later decided to demolish what was left of it saying it could not be restored.

The NIC building was seen as a prime example of modern Iraqi design, with rows of slim archways and projected windows reminiscent of Iraq's beloved "shanasheel".

Chadirji had been a longtime advocate of preservation, working even under Saddam to halt the demolition of traditional Iraqi architecture in Baghdad.

"A people that cannot take care of its creations is a people without a memory," he said in 2009.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The extent to which African Americans are underrepresented in the testing done so far is unclear. According to data from the Illinois Department of Public Health, more than half of those who had been tested as of Thursday did not provide information about their race. Among the 11,413 who identified as black, 36% have tested positive, compared with 18% of those who identified as whites who were tested.
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The Queen has called for 'light and life' to overcome despair amid the coronavirus crisis as she declared that Easter is 'not cancelled' in a special message Bank Holiday message.

Her Majesty has delivered her first Easter audio address, which had the resolute message: 'As dark as death can be - particularly for those suffering with grief - light and life are greater. May the living flame of the Easter hope be a steady guide as we face the future.'

The 93-year-old monarch's pre-recorded speech offered support to those marking Easter privately and the wider country, and she said: 'But Easter isn't cancelled; indeed, we need Easter as much as ever.'

It ended on a positive note: 'May the living flame of the Easter hope be a steady guide as we face the future.'

The Queen (pictured during her address to the nation last Sunday) has called for 'light and life' to overcome despair amid the coronavirus crisis as she declared that Easter is 'not cancelled' in a special message Bank Holiday message

Her Majesty has delivered what is believed to be her first Easter address, which had the resolute message: 'We know that coronavirus will not overcome us'. Pictured: A grab from the video posted on the Royal Family's social media page

The speech came after the Queen's televised address to the nation last Sunday when she said by remaining united the country would overcome the virus, and told those in lockdown 'we will meet again'.

Her messages illustrate the importance of the head of the nation appearing at times of crisis to rally the country and keep up morale.

The full text of the Queen's Easter address: 'Many religions have festivals which celebrate light overcoming darkness. Such occasions are often accompanied by the lighting of candles. 'They seem to speak to every culture, and appeal to people of all faiths, and of none. They are lit on birthday cakes and to mark family anniversaries, when we gather happily around a source of light. It unites us. 'As darkness falls on the Saturday before Easter Day, many Christians would normally light candles together. 'In church, one light would pass to another, spreading slowly and then more rapidly as more candles are lit. 'It's a way of showing how the good news of Christ's resurrection has been passed on from the first Easter by every generation until now. 'This year, Easter will be different for many of us, but by keeping apart we keep others safe. 'But Easter isn't cancelled; indeed, we need Easter as much as ever. The discovery of the risen Christ on the first Easter Day gave his followers new hope and fresh purpose, and we can all take heart from this. We know that coronavirus will not overcome us. 'As dark as death can be - particularly for those suffering with grief - light and life are greater. 'May the living flame of the Easter hope be a steady guide as we face the future. 'I wish everyone of all faiths and denominations a blessed Easter. Elizabeth R.' Advertisement

The deadly coronavirus claimed a further 917 patients in the UK in the last 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to a staggering 9,875.

The total cases also jumped by 5,233 to 78,991 on Friday after an additional 18,091 tests were performed, down 1,025 from Friday.

On another grim day in Britain's battle against the epidemic:

An 11-year-old was among those to died from the deadly bug;

A row erupted between Health Secretary Matt Hancock and a top nurse over his claims that medics were overusing personal protective equipment;

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer led the backlash over the Health Secretary's claim that NHS staff were 'wasting' PPE;

Mr Hancock revealed that of the 9,875 who have died, 19 were NHS workers;

Downing Street said the Prime Minister was making extremely good progress with his recovery from coronavirus;

Former Home Secretary David Blunkett blasted 'Sermon on the Mount' coronavirus briefings by ministers and accuses officials of 'hectoring' people;

Scientists said coronavirus can spread 13 FEET from sufferers - more than twice the 6ft social distancing gap demanded by government - and that isolating infected people at home is not a good strategy.

The Queen said in her audio message recorded on Good Friday at Windsor Castle: 'This year, Easter will be different for many of us, but by keeping apart we keep others safe. But Easter isn't cancelled; indeed, we need Easter as much as ever.'

Easter is the most important period in the religious calendar for Christians. It is the culmination of holy week and celebrates the resurrection of Christ.

The Government is urging people to stay at home this Easter amid fears that with continuing good weather, people will flock to parks and beaches and undermine its social distancing strategy.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has acknowledged the warm weather but said it was too early to lift the social distancing measures.

The Duchess of Cornwall photographed outside of Birkhall by a member of staff. The duchess has spoken poignantly about a book by her late brother as she recommends good reads for those wanting solace during the coronavirus outbreak

Peter, Kate Beresford and family members in the garden watched the Queen during the televised address to the nation at their home last Sunday

The Queen said: 'The discovery of the risen Christ on the first Easter Day gave his followers new hope and fresh purpose, and we can all take heart from this. We know that coronavirus will not overcome us.

'As dark as death can be - particularly for those suffering with grief - light and life are greater. May the living flame of the Easter hope be a steady guide as we face the future.'

The message was written by the Queen, who has a strong religious faith, and was accompanied by footage of a candle lighting an altar which illustrated her theme of 'light overcoming darkness'.

Speaking about the symbolic importance of the lighting of candles, she added: 'They seem to speak to every culture and appeal to people of all faiths, and of none.

'They are lit on birthday cakes and to mark family anniversaries, when we gather happily around a source of light. It unites us.'

Social distancing was observed during the recording of the message, sent out on the Royal Family's social media accounts, with the Queen delivering the address alone into a microphone set up in Windsor Castle's White Drawing room while the sound engineer was in a nearby room.

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, will deliver his Easter sermon in a video recorded in his flat at Lambeth Palace on Sunday.

He had an audience with the Queen on Thursday, speaking with the monarch by telephone due to the lockdown.

'Now is the time to revolt': Vicars threaten to defy Justin Welby's orders to shut over Easter (as Archbishop of Canterbury leads service from his kitchen) Church of England vicars have threatened to defy the Archbishop of Canterbury's orders to shut over Easter - claiming 'now is the time to revolt'. Guidance issued by Mr Welby warned the clergy not to enter churches to film services or for solo prayer. Mr Welby prerecorded his Easter services from his kitchen, while other vicars claimed they would be at their churches to celebrate on Sunday. Many across the Church of England have become enraged by the rules as they go further than the government advice. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby recording his Easter Sunday sermon in the kitchen of his flat at Lambeth Palace in London The government had made provisions for such activities, so people belonging to churches up and down the country were still able to attend virtual services. Those defying the rules set out by Mr Welby claimed they were being threatened with disciplinary measures. One vicar said 'it was time to revolt' and another claimed they had 'been going to church since lockdown'. They said they would continue to do so, adding they would be attending at 10.30am on Easter Sunday. Rector at London's St Luke's Wimbledon Park Rev James Paice told the Telegraph: 'If people can go to supermarkets and get food and stand less than two metres apart from others, then why can't clergy go into an empty building on their own? 'The advice that clergy should get shopping but not enter their buildings alone to minister online elevates the humanistic and practical above the spiritual.' He added: 'I've been going every Sunday to a room in my church. Ever since the lockdown I have been doing it, and I will do it at 10.30am on Easter Sunday. Other clergy are doing it from the main body of church.' But most priests appear to be obeying the Archbishop as he calls for the first Easter without church services since 1213. Advertisement

Britain is on course to hit the grim 10,000-death milestone on Easter Sunday, which the country will spend in lockdown despite the glorious weather.

NHS England reported a further 823 patients had died in their hospitals in the past 24 hours - the youngest was 11 and the eldest was 102, both with underlying health problems. Out of these 828 deaths in England, 33 of these - aged between 29 and 94 - had no underlying health conditions.

Scotland confirmed a further 47 deaths, bringing the nation's total fatalities to 542, while Northern Ireland's tally hit 107 after an additional 15 deaths.

The rise in deaths came as police told Britons to remain indoors on a warm Easter bank holiday weekend, but were forced to have words with some flouting social distancing rules in the nation's parks.

The police have been warned not to abuse their new beefed-up powers by Home Secretary Priti Patel, who confirmed the latest figures at the daily Downing Street press briefing.

Ms Patel, who has largely been absent from the government's public response to the health emergency, is likely to double down on calls to stay indoors.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock this morning pleaded with the public to avoid going outside as the nation enters the critical period in the epidemic.

He said it is not clear if the UK has reached the peak of its outbreak, but acknowledged that hospital admissions were flattening.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'The good news is we have seen the number of hospital admissions starting - starting, I stress - to flatten out.

'You can see (from the Government's charts) that instead of going up exponentially, as they would have done if we had not taken the measures, that they are starting to come down and flatten.

'We haven't seen that enough to have confidence to make changes.

'The answer to your question, about have we reached the peak, is nobody knows.'

Scientists braced Britons to breach the 10,000-death barrier tomorrow and told the public to obey social distancing rules.

Reacting to today's figures, Dr Simon Clarke, associate professor in cellular microbiology at the University of Reading, said: 'The news of a further 917 COVID19 deaths is very sad, but unsurprising.

'The fact that an 11-year-old was amongst the victims is particularly distressing.

'Only two weeks ago we saw the UK pass the threshold of 1,000 total deaths and we can expect that number to breach 10,000 tomorrow.

'It has become increasingly clear that younger people and those without underlying health conditions are at greater risk than had initially been expected, so it's essential that people observe social distancing rules in order to start to halt the spread of the coronavirus.'

Of the 9,875 who have sadly lost their lives, the Health Secretary this morning revealed that 19 had been NHS workers.

Mr Hancock said: 'My heart goes out to their families, these are people who have put themselves on the front line.

'The work is going on to establish whether they caught coronavirus in the line of duty while at work or whether, like so many other people, caught it in the rest of their lives.

'It is obviously quite difficult to work that out. What matters is we pay tribute to their service.'

A police officer on a horse talks to sunbathers in Victoria Park, London, as Britons continue to bask in the glorious Easter sunshine

A group of eight police officers was seen walking past people taking their daily exercise in St James's Park in central London

Mr Hancock today became embroiled in a row after he responded to claims of a personal protective equipment shortage by urging medics not to overuse the gear.

Royal College of Nursing general secretary Dame Donna Kinnair also said that no amount of PPE was 'more precious a resource than a healthcare worker's life, a nurse's life, a doctor's life'.

UK braced for 18 months of restrictions Normal life will stay on hold until a virus vaccine becomes available in about 18 months, officials said last night. Advice to work from home and stay in for seven days if you have symptoms will probably still be in place next year. Ministers want to lift the most restrictive parts of the lockdown, including school and shop closures, within weeks. But senior Government sources say the only true 'exit strategy' is a vaccine or a cure. Until then, the UK will have to adjust to a 'new normal'. An official last night told The Telegraph that social distancing measures that have been placed upon Britons could be 'indefinite'. Official plans to encourage social distancing on a long term, voluntary basis, have also been discussed, as the government continues to hold talks on how long Britons can cope with the current measures. Some measures, such as remote working, could be left in place for longer. Advertisement

She told BBC Breakfast: 'I take offence actually that we are saying that healthcare workers are abusing or overusing PPE.

'I think what we know is, we don't have enough supply and not enough regular supply of PPE.

'This is the number one priority nurses are bringing to my attention, that they do not have adequate supply of protective equipment.'

Reports have emerged from the front line of health workers forced to treat patients in homemade protective gear made from bin bags and curtains.

New Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also weighed in to condemn Mr Hancock's remarks as 'insulting'.

He added: 'It is quite frankly insulting to imply frontline staff are wasting PPE. There are horrific stories of NHS staff and care workers not having the equipment they need to keep them safe. The Government must act to ensure supplies are delivered.'

At yesterday's Number 10 update, Mr Hancock assured that there is sufficient stock of face masks, gowns and gloves but admitted distributing them was proving a 'Herculean logistical effort'.

This afternoon will mark the first time the Home Secretary will front one of the daily Downing Street briefings.

Before his hospitalisation, Boris Johnson was front and centre of the country's war on the virus, but is currently recovering in St Thomas' Hospital after leaving intensive care.

A graph released at today's Downing Street briefing showed the number of people in hospital beds in different areas of the country. The largest number is seen in London

Figures released by the government also showed that the number of observed cases is increasing because the number of tests is increasing

Another graph showed the number of deaths compared by the number of days into the crisis. The UK is behind the US but in line with Italy

A Downing Street spokeswoman today said: 'The Prime Minister continues to make very good progress.'

The former Home Secretary David Blunkett blasted the daily coronavirus briefings, saying they have become like a 'Sermon on the Mount'.

When asked about the police and political reaction to the crisis, Mr Blunkett responded saying people are being 'hectored', including during the daily coronavirus briefings which have been running since March 16.

He said: 'Actually we talk, talk, talk and we hector people, I mean the daily press briefings now just become a Sermon on the Mount'.

Former Today programme presenter John Humphrys claimed that the BBC was warning interviewers not to put ministers under pressure over the coronavirus crisis.

The veteran broadcaster, 76, made the revealing claim in his column in the Daily Mail. He wrote: 'I'm told BBC bosses are warning interviewers not to put ministers under pressure.'
T housands of people have sent wishes to TV presenter Richard Osman's mother, who is celebrating her 78th birthday while in isolation.

The Pointless presenter asked his Twitter followers to wish his mother Brenda a happy birthday.

Mr Osman said his mother was making protective masks for local care homes while staying indoors during the coronavirus outbreak.

After he sent the request, more than 2,000 people responded, with Happy Birthday Brenda soon trending on Twitter.

Among those to send wishes was the London Ambulance Service, who thanked Brenda for supporting her community.

Other well-wishers included London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who wished Brenda a "lovely day".

Radio presenter James O' Brien also joined in:

And TV chef Nigella Lawson send her best wishes.

The UK has been on lockdown to slow the spread of Covid-19 since March 23, with exceptions for essential work, daily exercise, medical trips and shopping for essentials.

The Government was set to review the lockdown next week, but the measures will now continue, as deaths and hospitalisations related to coronavirus continue to rise sharply.

Health secretary Matt Hancock told BBC Breakfast on Saturday: Of course we keep all these things under review and the scientific committee that advises us is meeting and looking at the evidence this week.

Matt Hancock has urged people to stay at home / via REUTERS

This weekend it is hot outside but everybody needs to stay at home. We are just starting to see the curve flatten.

We are just starting to see the number of new arrivals at hospital with coronavirus starting to flatten.
(Photo : Screenshot from Twitter of @NokiamobBlog)

As Nokia is finally getting back into the scene with their smartphones, the latest flagships won't be released around August or September. Nokia's 9.3 and 7.3 models are rumored to be announced by the third quarter of this year.

Read More: New CS:GO Updates Released by Valve Features Nerfs and Buffs on Weapons, New Map Changes

What's the Scoop

The successor of the Nokia 9 PureView aims to be a smash hit, unlike the previous model. Its task is to break the sales and create a profit for Nokia this time around.

HMD Global has given up on battling the first wave of 2020's flagships and maybe taking ideas from them as well and make it their own. This will be competing directly against Samsung's Note 20, Huawei's Mate 40, and Google's Pixel 5.

The Nokia 7.3 mid-range phone is also rumored to go alongside Nokia 9.3 announcement.

No release date has been confirmed yet, and plans may probably change depending on what happens during the coronavirus pandemic.

HMD Global is currently testing the 9.3 and 7.3 prototypes and said: "it is progressing fine." Their website said that the 7.3 prototypes might be able to support 5G. To some followers, this news is not surprising since HMD Global has been striving to bring 5G affordable smartphones in the market to give them that much-needed edge to compete with more established brands like Samsung and Apple.

Read More: Not So Dead Afterall! Dead Island 2 Might Be Available on Next-Gen Consoles as New Job Listings Surface

Of course, Nokia 9.3 will also be supporting 5G broadband and get the best chipset--the Snapdragon 865.

For now, Nokia does not have a flagship phone for the year 2020 due to the delays, but the wait will be worth it once it comes out, that's for sure.

Nokia So Far

Nokia has been facing several issues lately due to the coronavirus pandemic, forcing them to halt production. The tech company apologizes to its consumers for delaying orders.

Nokia is not the only company facing the same fate--most companies' smartphone productions have been affected as well and had no choice but marked "sold out" the products.

Nokia Mobile stays optimistic as it believes the situation (the pandemic) is not permanent, and soon it can fulfill the pending orders as well as their other services as soon as humanly possible when everything is safe.

Nokia told nokiamob.net, "In light of administrative directives around the COVID-19 outbreak, we are unable to fulfill any orders, and the service is suspended. It will be our effort to resume at the earliest. We regret the inconvenience. Stay safe in the meantime."

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Kevin Leiva wasnt supposed to get the email that would kick off his career.

One day while wandering campus at Passaic County Community College, Leiva checked his inbox and saw a message for an EMT certification program. They were looking for a student majoring in biology or medicine who could earn a scholarship to pursue a job in emergency medical services.

But Leiva was a law student. He went to the interview, where administrators were just as confused as he was as to how he got the message. He got the scholarship anyway.

He always called his discovery of EMS an act of God, said Marina Leiva, his wife.

On Tuesday, Leiva, 24, who served as an EMT at North Bergen and for Saint Clares Dover hospital, died from complications with the coronavirus. He was the second EMT who served the Passaic area for Saint Clares to succumb to complications with the coronavirus in less than two weeks. Last week, Israel Tolentino Jr., 33, who was also a Passaic firefighter and and EMT for Saint Clares, died from complications with the coronavirus.

Members of the Passaic Emergency Medical Services remember fallen colleague Kevin Leiva with a candlelight vigil at EMS headquarters in Passaic on Friday night. 04/10/2020Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance Media

It was always clear that Leiva wanted to help others, his wife said. Helping her through difficult times and in her transition moving from Wisconsin to New Jersey, Marina knew that Kevin was just built to take care of those around him.

From the moment Leiva won the scholarship, he dove head first into being an EMT, said Leiva. He started volunteering for the Moonachie Ambulance Service before eventually working at Monmouth Ocean Hospital Service Corporation (MONOC) and Saint Clares, she said.

Even after a nearly fatal ambulance crash while volunteering for Moonachie, Leiva refused to stop.

Thursday, April 89 2020 - Following his custom at his daily press breifings of eulogizing 3 New Jerseyans who have died from the cornoavirus, Governor Phil Murphy remembers First Responder Kevin Leiva.(Pool photo by Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

One of Leivas closest friends, Kara Connolly, was partners with him for two years at Saint Clares. The two became close friends, talking every day and watching each others backs in the field. She remembers the funny guy who would do whatever he could to help others.

He was all about EMS and helping people, she said. In the job, patients and his coworkers alike, he did everything for anybody. It didnt matter.

Like it has with countless others, the coronavirus came abruptly for Leiva. On March 20, he first complained of a migraine and feeling dizzy, said Leiva. He remembered hearing that his friend Tolentino had also felt similar symptoms.

Leivas symptoms worsened as he heard that Tolentino, who he and Marina called Izzy, was growing more and more sick and had tested positive for the coronavirus. By March 27, his 24th birthday, Leiva could barely breathe, his wife said.

Leiva was upset that he would be taken out of the fight against the pandemic and wouldnt be riding alongside his crew, his wife said. The next day was the last time Leiva talked to her husband.

He was put on a ventilator the next day, the 28th, and he never woke up, said Leiva, holding back tears.

Members of the Passaic Emergency Medical Services remember fallen colleague Kevin Leiva with a candlelight vigil at EMS headquarters in Passaic on Friday night. 04/10/2020Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance Media

On Friday night, fellow EMTs held a candlelight vigil for the man they all knew as intelligent, sarcastic and selfless at all times. It was a final farewell to a young man whose career helping people was set off by an email and a twinge of realization that it was where he was meant to be.

He was one of the most honorable people I have ever met, said Leiva. He didnt just think of it as a job. He thought of it as a duty.

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.

Rodrigo Torrejon may be reached at rtorrejon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rodrigotorrejon.
Angola and Namibia have signed bilateral agreements for the construction of a cross border Baynes hydroelectric dam.

Construction of the Baynes hydroelectric dam falls within Angolas Energy 2025 Vision, which centers on creating increased capacity and distribution capabilities, supported by new renewables and private sector investment in new power generation projects.

The planned hydroelectric dam will be located on the Cunene River on the border between Angola and Namibia.

The reservoir will be located 200 km downstream of the Ruacana hydroelectric power station in Namibia with a capacity of 330 MW. Baynes is a concrete-lined rockfill dam with a height of 200 m. Its reservoir will be 43 km long with a maximum width of 4 km.

The two governments plan to start work in 2021 and commission the facilities in 2025. If we keep to the schedule of the agreement, we will be able to meet the deadlines, as there is great interest in this bi-national project, Joao Baptista Borges, Angolas Minister of Energy and Water said in a statement.

Namibia and Angola will have to invest $1.2 billion in the project. The 600 MW to be produced by the plant will be shared equally between the two countries.
Kathmandu, April 11

The Nepal Army has chartered a Shree Airlines flight to send to Sudan to bring the body of a deceased officer.

Tne aircraft took off the Tribhuvan International Airport on Saturday morning. An army officer deployed to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Sudan had died of a heart attack recently.

The aircraft is expected to reach its destination on Saturday night and come back to Kathmandu tomorrow.

In the past also, Shree Airlines had mobilised its aeroplanes and helicopters in the peacekeeping missions.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan has said the expatriate Keralites who wish to return to the state will have to wait till May. If all expatriates are suddenly brought back to the state, it will be difficult to arrange quarantine facilities for them, he said. Muraleedharans statement comes at a time when the state government is under immense pressure from various quarters to facilitate the return of Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) to the state once lockdown restrictions are eased.

Muraleedharan said priority will be given to NRKs who are facing maximum difficulty. He was replying to questions from Indian expats from various parts of the world on a show aired by a Malayalam TV channel. The Union minister said a group of NRKs, a film crew stranded in Jordan and students in Moldova have shown interest to come back. All will be brought back when the situation improves, he said. Quarantine facilities will be set up for Keralites in the UAE after obtaining permission from the government of the Gulf nation. Steps will be taken to ensure delivery of food and medicines to the labour camps.

The Indian Embassy will make necessary intervention with the help of voluntary groups there, the minister said. He termed as unwarranted the proposal to send medical teams from India to foreign countries. Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) state general secretary K P A Majeed had on Wednesday written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urging them to facilitate the return of the expatriates who wish to come back to the state.

Meanwhile, KPCC president Mullappally Ramachandran said the Central and state governments should urgently intervene to allay the fears of Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) in the backdrop of Covid-19 outbreak. Lakhs of Keralites living in labour camps in Gulf countries are staring at a bleak future with the rise in Covid-19 cases. In most of the places, the situation is similar to curfew.

Life has become miserable for them with many stranded in the camps after losing jobs, said Mullappally. Most of them live together in dingy rooms. Without enough quarantine facilities, situation could turn worse if any one of them tests positive for Covid-19. The Centre should make diplomatic intervention to solve the issues, he said.
NEW YORK - Governor and mayor locked horns again Saturday, this time over whether school buildings in the nations largest district would close for the rest of the year, with classes continuing online.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a news briefing that public school sites in the citys 1.1 million-student school district would shutter for the rest of the academic year to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Soon afterward, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said at his own briefing that the decision was his to make.

It is my legal authority in this situation, yes, Cuomo said.

De Blasio, like Cuomo a Democrat, had said that it was not an easy decision to close school buildings in favour of online learning, but that it is the right decision and its also a decision made a little clearer by the fact that the distance learning is working more and more every day.

The goal, he said, is to reopen school sites by September, adding that high school graduates may have to go without a commencement ceremony.

But Cuomo said school closings would have to be co-ordinated with districts surrounding the city.

So I understand the mayors position, which is he wants to close them until June, and we may do that, but were going to do it in a co-ordinated sense with the other localities, Cuomo said. It makes no sense for one locality to take an action thats not co-ordinated with the others.

When a reporter suggested that the mixed messages would confuse parents, Cuomo said, We just clarified it. Its not going to be decided in the next few days because we dont know.

Adding to the confusion, an email from the city to parents was issued while Cuomo spoke, advising of the extended school closing.

NYC school students will continue with Remote Learning for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year, it said.

The dispute was the latest bout in a long-running grudge match between the two elected officials, who have failed to maintain a united front in the face of a pandemic.

When de Blasio said last month that city residents should prepare for a shelter-in-place order, Cuomo countered that the city didnt have the power to make such a declaration.

Days later, Cuomo announced a New York state on pause order directing nonessential businesses to close and telling people to stay 6 feet away from others when in public. The order sounded much like shelter-in-place, a term de Blasio has continued to use.

De Blasio spokeswoman Freddi Goldstein alluded to the earlier dispute on Twitter, saying Cuomos reaction to de Blasios school announcement was reminiscent of how he reacted when the Mayor called for a shelter in place. We were right then and were right now.

Cuomo addressed the school issue as he released numbers showing that 783 deaths from COVID-19 were recorded statewide on Friday, the fifth day in a row that the toll topped 700.

The new figures raised the number of coronavirus-related deaths in the state to 8,627.

These are just incredible numbers depicting incredible loss and pain, Cuomo said.

The governor, whose national profile has risen as his virus briefings have become must-see TV, said again Saturday that he is not interested in running for president.

When a reporter said some Democrats would prefer Cuomo to former Vice-President Joe Biden as their partys presidential nominee, Cuomo said, That is on one hand flattering. On the other hand, it is irrelevant.

I have no political agenda. Period, he said. Im not running for president. Im not running for vice-president. Im not running anywhere. Im not going to Washington. Im staying right here.

De Blasio ran for the 2020 Democratic nomination but dropped out early in the race.

Cuomos remarks Saturday were embraced by authorities on Long Island, which has seen its own surge in coronavirus cases. Everybody wants to get back to normal as soon as possible, but we have to take a data-driven, regional approach, Laura Curran, the Nassau County executive, said in a statement.

If this pandemic has taught us one thing, added Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, it is that we are one New York and all in this together.

School buildings in New York City, the U.S. epicenter of the pandemic, have been closed since March 16. All school buildings in the state have been closed since March 18 following a Cuomo executive order.

The school closings were initially announced for a few weeks back before the viruss full impact was known. New Yorks school year lasts through late June.

A massive effort to move instruction online has met mixed success in the city, where many low-income students lack Wi-Fi and devices for connecting to their virtual classrooms.

De Blasio said tens of thousands of tablets and laptops have been loaned to students who needed them and the remaining students who lack devices for online learning will get them by the end of April.

De Blasio had resisted closing schools as the city recorded its first deaths from the coronavirus, saying he feared that health care workers would have to stay home to care for children and that hundreds of thousands of poor students would go hungry without free school meals.

Since then, the city has set up food distribution sites and centres where essential front-line workers can drop their children off.

Authorities in some other locales, including the states of Virginia and Pennsylvania, previously announced that schools would close for the rest of the year.
: Territorial Chief Minister V



Narayanasamy on Saturday said the Puducherry government would decide on extending the lockdown beyond April 14 only by taking into account the stand of the governments of neighbouring Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.

In his message to mediapersons at the end of the cabinet meeting held after a video conference with the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister said the constituents of the Union Territory - Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam - are enclaves in the three neighbouring states.

He said the territorial government could not, therefore, take on its own any decision on the issue of lockdown as that depended on the stand of theneighbouring states.

"We have considered this at the cabinet meeting and adopted a resolution that an appropriate decision will be taken and announced shortly," he said.

On the video conference the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with the Chief Ministers of several states earlier in the day, Naryanasamy said, "When Chief Ministers of states and the National capital territory of New Delhi were invited to air their views, I was not called to express my views."



He said he had already written a letter to the Prime Minister seeking an opportunity at the video conference to enable him to speak on lockdown but he was not invited to speak.

Narayanasamy said,"Had I been given an opportunity, I would have reiterated the territorial government's plea to the Centre to grant an interim COVID-19 relief of Rs 300 crore to Puducherry, a grant of Rs 995 crore to strengthen the infrastructural facilities in hospitals to treat COVID-19 patients in the Union Territory."



Puducherry was already awaiting sanction of Rs 360 crore by the Centre to compensate the loss the Union Territory suffered because of GST (goods and services tax).

The Centre had also been repeatedly urged to earmark as grant Rs 300 crore to Puducherry and Rs 1,800 crore for implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission report for government staff.

"But no opportunity was given to me as I was not invited to speak at the video conference," he said.

He said with Puducherry and other regions of Union Territory closely intertwined with the bigger states in the neighbourhood, "our decision on the lockdown would be dependent on the other states' stand."



The Chief Minister said the Health Minister Malladi Krishna Rao was away in his home constituency of Yanam and the PWD Minister A Namassivayam could not be present as he was indisposed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The death rate  that is, the number of dead relative to the population  is still far higher in Italy than in U.S., which has more than five times as many people. And worldwide, the true numbers of dead and infected are believed to be much higher because of testing shortages, different counting practices and concealment by some governments.
: Opposition leader



in the Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to facilitate the return of Indians stranded across the globe in the wake of the extended coronavirus lockdown.

Chennithala said any decision to extend the lockdown which ends on April 14 was welcome, but it was imperative to ensure that people's needs are taken care of.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, the opposition leader said the expatriate communities stranded in different countries, especially in the Gulf, are in great difficulty.

People in labour camps and flats are extremely vulnerable and are facing shortage of food, essential medical needs, among others, he further said.

Even the people who have contracted COVID-19 are not given adequate medical or ambulance facilities, he said and sought a special economic package for NRIs to help the needy.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A temporary pop-culture collaboration created a boon for the whole town when Beekman 1802 in Sharon Springs, NY turned themselves in to the Rose Apothecary, a prominent location on the Canadian TV series, Schitts Creek.

The Rose Apothecary pop-up during the months of January and February changed a typically quiet time in the Upstate NY town into a bustling street with fans coming from across North America to visit the shop.

Schitts Creek, co-created by Eugene Levy and his son Daniel Levy, who also both star in the show, aired their final episode of the series on April 7. The Beekman Boys, owners Dr. Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, took to their Instagram account to talk about the Rose Apothecary collaboration, saying:

It was wonderful to see so many people filling the streets of our sleepy, off-season little town. Hotel rooms normally empty, were filled. Part-time restaurants added seatings and even opened on days they were traditionally closed. One shop on Main Street reported that they did more revenue that month than the same month over the past seven years COMBINED! It was a blessing, and now that Main Street businesses across America are closed, we realize just how much so. To have had that economic cushion turned out to be a life raft.

Like many businesses in America right now, the Beekman 1802 Mercantiles retail space is closed along with the other neighboring shops due to the coronavirus pandemic. Beekman 1802 is still selling their products online and neighboring businesses like the Black Cat Cafe and 204 Main Bistro have been periodically offering takeout orders.

It was a gift at the time, for sure. So many people from all over the country were coming to visit and every shop on Main Street was seeing a lift in their business which was wonderful," Brent said. "Now that the world has changed, it turned out to be an even greater blessing. For all of them to have had that extra flow of tourism and revenue is really going to help get them through these lean times.

Not only were people from all over the U.S. and Canada coming to shop, but Josh said one of the most surprising parts of the pop-up shop were just how many people showed up dressed as their favorite Schitts Creek characters.

Entire families drove from all over and came into the mercantile and started acting out scenes from the show, Josh said.

Schitts Creek in Sharon Springs You just never know whats going to happen when you visit Schitt's Creek, (oops), I mean Sharon Springs. Theres always something at Rose Apothecary (oops), I mean @beekman1802mercantile Posted by Beekman 1802 Boys on Saturday, February 22, 2020

Josh and Brent, originally from Manhattan, were drawn to the story of Schitts Creek after seeing so many parallels to their own life. Much like the shows character David who created the Rose Apothecary, Josh and Brent used their city-bred hustle, eye for style, and the help of their neighbors to create economic opportunity when they lost their jobs in the 2008 financial crisis. They quickly turn their home, and the goats that lived on it, into a viable business by selling items like goat milk soap and gourmet cheese.

Dr. Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, founders of the lifestyle brand Beekman 1802 are pictured here on their farm in Sharon Springs, NY with their dog Onder.Provided photo | nyup.com

These similarities added to the Schitts Creek fan experience for many.

People who knew nothing about Beekman beforehand, they were just Schitts Creek fans came into the store and heard our story. They came into Sharon Springs and saw the American Hotel and the Black Cat Cafe and saw how they were so similar to the world that had been created on Schitts Creek," Brent said. It was just really great to see their expressions. They really, truly felt like they were in Schitts Creek when they were in Sharon Springs. It was so fun and everyone was in such a good mood.

The couple are regulars on the Home Shopping Network, but as the studio they film in is in Pennsylvania, the first floor of their Beekman 1802 Mercantile has now been home to their TV studio. All of their employees are working remotely and while springtime is when visitors once were able to visit the baby goats on the Beekman farm, you can still see the little ones on their live baby goat cam.

The Beekman Boys have not had the chance to meet any of the cast of Schitts Creek and their plans to see them at a big fan event have been upended as the casts Farewell Tour has been postponed due to the COVID-19 event.

In November 2019, Beekman 1802 did a collaboration with A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, the film about Mister Rogers starring Tom Hanks. The couple said that while they dont have any collaborations lined up for the future, they are always on the lookout for whats next.

We always try to think about not only what can be a fun thing for our business, but how does that spiral out into our community and do good things for our community," Brent said.

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Fatalities due to COVID-19 in America have now surpassed Italy, making the U.S. the nation with the highest number of deaths due to coronavirus-related illness.

Deaths from the virus reached at least 19,563 in the U.S., according to data from John Hopkins University, after New York reported 783 new fatalities on Saturday.

Italy has recorded at least 18,849, and Spain has the third highest fatalities at 16,353.

The higher death toll could be explained by the population of the U.S. being much higher at 330 million people compared to just over 60 million in the European nation of Italy.

The statistics may also be incomplete, due to differences in testing and reporting among countries. Some countries present comprehensive, detailed and regularly updated data. Iceland is one of these countries. Estonia goes even further, showing breakdowns by age, gender and region much like in the U.S.

For many countries, however, available data on testing is either incomplete or else completely unavailable.

The worldwide death toll from the coronavirus hit a milestone of 100,000 as Christians around the globe marked a Good Friday unlike any other, in front of computer screens instead of in church pews, as some countries tiptoed toward reopening segments of their battered economies.

This will probably be the toughest week, between this week and next week, President Donald J. Trump said April 4 during the White House coronavirus task force press briefing.

Related Content:
By Ricardo Moraes

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - When coronavirus hit and tourists stopped coming to Thiago Firmino's Rio de Janeiro favela tour, he decided to act. Unwilling to wait for officials to react, he donned a white suit and set about disinfecting the streets of the Santa Marta slum.

Having watched with horror as the virus spread round the world, Firmino, 39, launched a scheme to sanitize the Santa Marta favela.

Dressed as a "Ghostbuster," Firmino leads the latest in a growing number of community-led programs to combat the spread of a virus that many expect to wreak havoc in Brazil's poor, densely-packed slums.

"I wouldn't call it heroic, but we have a ferocious attitude," said Firmino as he took a break from spraying the stairways and back alleys of Santa Marta to the applause of quarantined residents.

"The favela is always forgotten. Anything that happens in the city, the favela is always the last to receive any benefit. Healthcare is precarious and the question of public hygiene and trash is also precarious."

Around 4,000 people live in Santa Marta, one of Rio's most iconic favelas.

Set behind the beachside neighborhood of Botafogo, it boasts spectacular views of the Sugar Loaf mountain and even a statue of Michael Jackson, who filmed the video to his song "They Don't Care About Us" in Santa Marta.

Firmino's wife, Wilcieide Miranda, said that so far there were no known cases of COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus, in the slum.

She and her husband rely on community donations to undertake their sanitation work.

"Tourism is the first to stop and the last to return," said Firmino. "We are doing this voluntary action with residents so we can take care of ourselves, because I would rather be without work than without my life."

This week, authorities reported the first six coronavirus deaths in Rio's favelas, which are often controlled by drug gangs and violent self-defense militias.

Story continues

Last month, Reuters reported that gangsters had imposed curfews in some of the city's slums to fight the spread of the coronavirus.

On Wednesday, Brazilian Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta said he would talk with the gangsters who act as the slums' de facto rulers about how to best tackle the virus.

"They are also human beings and they need to collaborate, help, participate," he said.

So far, 1,057 people have died from COVID-19 in Brazil, with 19,638 confirmed cases, according to the latest official figures on Friday. Nearly 150 people have died in Rio state, where there are 2,464 cases, the figures show.

(Editing by Gabriel Stargardter and Alistair Bell)
Apparel businesses near liquidation By Sunimalee Dias View(s): View(s):

Sri Lankas apparel factories have stopped their machines with no orders and with no hand-outs from the government, they are facing stiff competition from their counterparts.

None of the companies that has asked for loans from banks have been successful in obtaining a loan, Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA) President Rehan Lakhany said.

The industry has requested the government to allow them to suspend payment of EPF/ETF for a period of six months; provide at least 30 per cent of the apparel industry workforce with three months salary as a means of sustenance for April, May and June.

Moreover, he noted they requested authorities to allow for a temporary laying off of workers for a period of three months until business picks up.

Some have reached the point of closing shop with voluntary liquidation and the medium sized ones say they are unable to sustain through this period, Mr. Lakhany said.

The industry wants the government to allow 30 per cent of their workforce amounting to around 50,000 employees be provided at least the Rs.5000 hand-out from the state.

Since apparel companies have borrowed from banks to buy raw material and customers of already-executed exports are requesting longer payment terms and discounts, companies dont have any collateral, he noted. As a result the government has to instruct the banks to give loans without the collateral, he noted.

In addition, he pointed out that limiting the loan to Rs.25 million per customer would cover the salaries of most companies but I dont think the factories will survive without staff cuts.

Sri Lankas competitors however, he explained have been given stimulus packages from their respective governments like Bangladesh announcing a US$8.2 billion stimulus including loans for companies to pay salaries for the long term at 2 per cent; Vietnam gave a stimulus including laying off without pay; Cambodia has agreed to split payment of the salary to workers during the layoff period between government ($40) and industry ($30); and even Ethiopia has committed to its national carrier channeling raw material from anywhere for free to the industry and even without orders factories have been asked to produce face masks on a buy back arrangement.

Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers are the only ones left out, he noted insisting that they had attended numerous meetings with authorities with no favourable outcome yet.

Most factories in other countries are operational but in Sri Lanka they are closed and so the industry is getting worried. It does not help the companies that are in trouble right now, Mr. Lakhany said.
An international trade in skins of exotic species such as pythons, stingrays and crocodiles for luxury fashion accessories such as bags and boots increases the risk of dangerous viruses spreading to humans, conservationists are warning.

Goods such as shoes, handbags and clothing made of wildlife parts are openly sold in designer shops in European cities such as Milan, as well as online.

With the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, a global clamour has arisen for the World Health Organisation to push to ban wet markets, where the slaughter of animals in insanitary conditions, like in Wuhan, China, is strongly thought to have given rise to the virus.

But conservation experts say the demand for leather from species such as crocodiles, alligators, snakes and marine life is fuelling the meat trade in street markets across Southeast Asia and Africa, so helping such places to thrive.

While many animals are captured from the wild, large numbers are also bred specifically for the market in exotic meat and body parts, at thousands of sites across Asia that are just as cramped and unhygienic as the markets where they are sold.

China brought in a temporary ban on open-air wet meat markets in February, and there are signs the ban may be made permanent. But such places remain common in other Asian countries including Indonesia and Thailand, as well as Africa and South America.

The Australia-based Nature Needs More campaign group discovered luxury accessories including boots made of python skin and crocodile handbags in upmarket stores in Milan. The leather is part of the dangerous industry selling exotic meat at roadside stalls and wet markets, the organisation says.

Some British designer stores and websites sell sandals, belts and gloves made of the pelts of alligators, lizards and even deer. On eBay a Thai trader is selling a 100 per cent stingray leather briefcase for offers of around 481.

A real python leather coat can be found elsewhere for more than 7,600.

The trade in skins for fashion accessories is legal, but experts say viruses do not distinguish between legal and illegal trade.

According to the World Association for Animal Health more than 70 per cent of emerging infectious diseases in humans are zoonoses  those that cross from animals to people.

The Worldwide Fund for Nature says wildlife trade is the second-biggest direct threat to species survival, after habitat destruction.

Lynn Johnson, founder of Nature Needs More, told The Independent: The risks involved arent only about wet markets, they are also about legal captive breeding facilities.

Before Covid-19 few people would have known about Chinas 22,000 legal captive breeding facilities. These facilities are the source of product to the apparel, meat and medicine industries.

Any industry that involves humans handling  not just consumption of  exotic animals poses a risk of animal-to-human transmission for a newly evolved virus. Also, it does not matter what these facilities breed for  meat or skin; if they are close to areas where bats live, for example, the chain of transmission can happen again. Humans handling the animals is enough for transmission.

Pythons, she said, are legally and illegally harvested from the wild in Asia, and also captive-bred, with 96 per cent of skins going to the European fashion market. When the organisation investigated, sales assistants for the luxury fashion brands buying them said the skins were a by-product of the meat industry, claiming it was sustainable.

While the world is talking about wet markets in China and throughout Asia, it is avoiding seeing this as an issue of legal global trade Lynn Johnson

In 2016 a European parliament report revealed the worlds wildlife trade was one of the most lucrative in the world. The legal trade into the EU alone is worth 100bn [88bn] annually, while the global illegal wildlife trade is estimated to be worth between 8bn and 20bn annually, it said.

Its thought demand for luxury goods has risen further still since then, with one upmarket company reporting the market grew by 5 per cent in 2018.

So buyers and sellers of exotic body parts will lobby to keep captive breeding facilities open, Ms Johnson warned.

Boots and bags made from wildlife in Asia on sale in Milan stores (For the Love of Wildlife)

While the world is talking about wet markets in China and throughout Asia, it is avoiding seeing this as an issue of legal global trade.

If these captive breeding facilities stay open who will pay for monitoring to ensure meat doesnt make its way into the food chain, if eating such meat is banned?

Mark Jones, of Born Free, a trained vet, said: Any trade in wild animals carries a risk to people. It might be argued that the wet markets carry the highest risk because of the numbers and range of animals traded and the poor welfare and hygiene conditions. Nevertheless, the risk of, for example, salmonellosis from the reptile trade has long been acknowledged, and there are restrictions on such trade in a number of countries for this reason.

There are other potentially much more impactful pathogens that could be spread by the trade in live animals as exotic pets Mark Jones

The likes of salmonellosis doesnt make the headlines because it tends to have a localised impact on the people who are in direct contact with the animals, and doesnt spread rapidly or widely in the way that, say, influenza or coronaviruses can.

But it remains a risk, and there are other potentially much more impactful pathogens that could be spread by the trade in live animals as exotic pets.

Poor husbandry, transport and hygiene conditions on wildlife farms may render farmed animals particularly susceptible.

Nature Needs More is lobbying for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) to update its system of paper permits  which Ms Johnson says is rife with abuse and corruption  to an electronic one.

Recommended China pressured to rethink relationship with wild animals

Last month a report by wildlife-protection organisation Traffic on how the Cites system is abused said: This system gives rise to numerous possibilities for corrupt practice, both when documents are issued and upon inspection at border crossings.

It recommended, among other steps:

* prosecuting corrupt officials for violating national laws and international conventions;

* introducing an e-permits system, to streamline and automate controls digitally;

* enforcing sanctions;

* making paper documents more secure.

Modernising the system would make supply chains more transparent and help address the biosecurity risks, as well as tackling the illegal wildlife trade, Ms Johnson said.

The Independent has launched a campaign for an international effort by governments to curb the wildlife trade to reduce our risk of future pandemics. Pressure is mounting on China, seen as an incubator of Covid-19, with many observers calling for the country to face financial penalties.
A woman Pakistani police official sustained minor injuries when she was attacked by a mob after she asked worshippers not to gather at a local mosque here for Friday prayers, in violation of a government ban on such religious congregations to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country, according to a media report.

The incident happened when Sharafat Khan, the officer in charge of the Pirabad police station, arrived at the Haqqani Mosque here after being informed that people were gathering there to offer Friday prayers, The Express Tribune reported.

On being asked to pray at home, the enraged group of individuals started pelting stones at her, injuring her nose.

A video of the incident, which is now viral on social media, shows a big crowd exiting the mosque with some individuals engaged in a heated argument with the officer.

You people have attacked me and also damaged my glasses. A case will be lodged against you, Khan can be heard saying in the video.

The police have registered a case against the mosque administration and unidentified men under sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act as well as charged them for attempted murder and vandalism, the report said.

The Pakistani government has issued a notification limiting the number of people between three to five who can attend Friday and congregational prayers in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The provincial and federal governments are also trying to convince people to stay away from mosques but without much success.

The Sindh provincial government announced a complete lockdown from 12 noon to 3pm to stop people from attending the Friday prayers.

Despite the restrictions, a case was registered against a cleric for gathering around 400 people for Friday prayers at a prominent mosque in Islamabad on April 5.

On March 28, police arrested four clerics and booked 15 others in Punjab and Sindh provinces of Pakistan for violating lockdown rules and holding Friday congregations.

The COVID-19 cases in Pakistan have risen to 4,788 and the death toll has reached 71, according to latest official figures.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2020 > LETTER TO THE READERS - COVID 19 Lockdown Edition No.3

The pandemic Corona Virus has already caused real havoc in many parts of the world including the major developed countries like the US. European states like Italy, Spain and France have also suffered having become victims of the scale of spread of the virus, leading to the number of casualties among their citizens.

Lately, India too has borne the brunt of the Covid-19 attacks with the number of casualties on the rise in a brief span of time. This in itself is a matter of serious concern given the visible paucity of tests in the country in general even if some medical experts feel the persons in authority are doing a great job due to the early imposition of lockdown in comparison with other states, especially those in the west, on this score. However, due to manifold complexities in India and its bulging population, there is every prospect of things getting out of control within a short time if vigilance is not promptly exercised and citizens remain unprepared for any eventuality.

There has been a sudden spurt in Corona Virus across the globe = as Christians around the world observed Good Friday (April 10) today with the global virus toll crossing 100,000. The World Health Organisation has declared that lifting lockdowns too soon may result in deadly resurgence of the virus.

As we all know the adverse conditions created by Covid-19 has led to a major crisis in unemployment in several sectors. This of course is not limited to India. On Thursday, April 9 (The figures of unemployment in America since the outbreak of Corona Virus soared past ten per cent; now it is known that 16.8 million have sought US jobless aid since the virus manifested itself. This has led experts to insist that the country is facing the worst rate of joblessness since the Great Depression. This also is a source of grave anxiety.

Two specialists have today highlighted the way in which the Covid-19 crisis has affected rural India "The thousands of migrant workers who have returned to their villages since the lockdown used to send home remittances," they wrote. In Bihar, they disclosed, these remittances accounted for 35.6% of the Gross State Domestic Product in 2011-12 up from 11.6% in 2004-05 and they raise a pertinent query: How will the villagers in Bihar, or Odisha for that matter cope with the new situation ?

Thereafter they underlined: ".....the Covid-19 crisis, by revealing the magnitude of the migrant worker phenomenon should open the eyes of the urban dwellers to the grim situation of Indias agriculture.

Dear readers, once again we are coming out with this issue that is going only online. It carries several important articles which we hope will be profitable for you in the present context.

Meanwhile, Indias response to COVID 19 so far has shown glaring lapses in planning and a clear anti-poor bias

Yes India like the rest of the world is faced with a gigantic health emergency, but declaring a sudden lockdown across the country has inflicted huge collateral damage on the urban poor and migrant labour who are out of work and left to fend for themselves. It had led to a major social crisis for the urban poor who dont have tenured or protected jobs and who earned daily wages and at best of times had a reserve to keep going only for week.

The administrative elites are it seems totally unaware of a ground reality where the large number of services in the economy are rendered by informal labour with no social protections. It should have been evident to all that a lockdown would imperil the hundreds and thousands of people with precarious jobs and they would be homeless and with no food The need of the hour now is to protect and feed the people rendered hungry and out of work and not to lock them up in prisons. The health emergency cannot be tackled if it is insensitive to the social reality of the vast numbers of Indians.

The Editor, 10 April 2020
South Korea is regularly ranked lowest in the developed world for gender equality, but for the first time a feminist party is seeking parliamentary seats at Wednesday's election, accusing the political establishment of having failed women. The party was founded last month on International Women's Day on the back of a surge of anger over the country's spycam porn epidemic and other crimes, and against a backdrop of an enduring pay gap and employment and childcare issues. But it has a mountain to climb. It has put forward four candidates in the proportional representation section of the vote, and to secure a single seat will need three percent of the popular vote. "I had signed petitions, I participated in rallies against sexual violence against women, but realised it wasn't going to work. So I've decided to go to the National Assembly," said Kim Ju-hee, one of the four, who at 25 is among the youngest candidates in the whole election. The party has about 10,000 members -- around three-quarters of them in their 20s -- and Kim says she will never marry nor have children in her efforts to fight patriarchy. But with the party unlikely to attract male voters, the threshold means it needs to secure the backing of six percent of all women. It is an ambitious goal when the South's two major parties -- the ruling left-leaning Democratic party and the conservative main opposition United Future Party (UFP) -- and their satellite entities dominate the political system. And single-issue parties have long struggled. "For many women, it's hard to support a party only because it deals with women's issues," acknowledged Kwon Soo-hyun, president of Korea Women's Political Solidarity, a rights organisation. Chai Hyun-jung, a 33-year-old mother who works in Seoul, said she would vote for a party that offered solid pledges on children's education and tackling the South's sky-high housing prices. "I have too many other responsibilities in my life to solely focus on gender issues," she told AFP. "Of course I'm angry about cyber sexual violence, but I'm sceptical giving a single seat to a feminist party can actually lead to a significant difference." - Glass ceiling - Despite its economic and technological advances, South Korea remains socially traditional and patriarchal, and has one of the world's thickest glass ceilings for women. It has the highest gender wage gap in the OECD club of developed economies, and only 3.6 percent of Korean conglomerates' board members are female. Similarly in politics, women make up just 17 percent of assembly seats in the outgoing parliament -- 125th in a global ranking maintained by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, just behind North Korea in 120th place. "Almost all male politicians, regardless of being progressive or conservative, are traditionalist when it comes to rights of women," said Lee Soo-jung, a criminology professor at Kyonggi University, adding that some do not understand the difference between pornography and crime. Former UFP presidential candidate Hong Joon-pyo admitted in his memoirs that at university he supplied a stimulant to a friend who tried to drug and have sex with a female student. In 2019, a provincial governor from the Democratic party who used to proclaim himself a feminist was convicted and jailed for raping a female aide. - Stones thrown - Young South Korean women have enjoyed unprecedented campaigning successes outside parliament in recent years -- fighting to legalise abortion and organising a widespread #MeToo and anti-spycam movement that led to the largest women's rights demonstrations in Korean history. But being an open feminist can lead to social stigma in a society where the movement is often framed as selfish, extreme and even irrational. Women's Party candidate Lee Ji-won said party members had received online death threats and had stones thrown at them while on the stump. Linda Hasunuma, a politics scholar at Temple University in the US, said feminist issues were often framed as "not representing the mainstream", and portrayed instead as the "concerns of extreme activists". "It's hard for women's issues to gain traction in a society that has devalued women's status and labour for generations." But the party's Kim said winning isn't impossible. "Thousands of women joined our party within the first week," she said. "I believe in young women's collective wish to live a dignified life."
Two Tomah residents were referred to the Monroe County District Attorney for battery after an April 3 altercation at an East Saratoga Street address. James E. Davey, 48, and Sherry Lynn Niccolai, 51, were both referred for battery and disorderly conduct. Davey was also referred for suffocation/strangulation.

Niccolai told police that Davey pushed her to the ground and put his hand around her throat during an argument. She said she was frightened by the contact to her throat but wasnt sure whether it restricted her breathing. The report says Davey acknowledged pushing Niccolai but denied putting his hand on her throat. He said Niccolai threw a beer can at him.

The report says Niccolai acknowledged throwing the can at Davey but couldnt remember if it happened before or after being pushed. Davey said the can hit him in the face.

Niccolai told police she didnt remember how the argument started. She said it was a drinking thing.

In other Tomah Police Department news:

Dustin James Sharkozy, 24, Black River Falls, was referred to the district attorney for criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct after a March 31 incident. He is accused of punching three holes in a wall inside a Mark Avenue residence and knocking down multiple pictures.

Sharkozy had left the scene when police arrived. Police were later told about a cracked television screen that Sharkozy was believed to have damaged.

Scott Allen Hughes, 52, Tomah, was referred to the district attorney for disorderly conduct. He is accused of yelling and head-butting a person during a March 31 altercation at a Glendale Avenue apartment complex. The person who reported being head-butted said the contact didnt cause pain.

A 15-year-old juvenile runaway was referred to the district attorney for multiple charges after allegedly resisting police officers who attempted to take her into custody April 3. The juvenile was referred for battery to a police officer, battery and disorderly conduct.

Police received a tip the juvenile was staying with Deven Scot Keyser, 18, Tomah. He told police he didnt know where the juvenile was but speculated she could be with an acquaintance in Wisconsin Dells.

An hour later, a witness told police Keyser and the juvenile left Keysers residence in a black Nissan. When the Nissan returned, police approached the juvenile after she exited the vehicle. The report says she refused to be handcuffed, directed profane language toward police and kicked an officer in the calf. The juvenile was returned to her guardian.

Shortly after dropping the juvenile off, police were called back to the residence, where the juvenile reportedly threw a metal water bottle toward at the guardian. The report says the juvenile again resisted arrest. She was transported to a group home in Sparta.

Dwight Fitzgerald Carter, 52, Tomah, was referred to the district attorney for criminal damage to property, theft and harassment after police were called to a Kwik Trip store April 3.

A Kwik Trip employee told police that Carter called at the store multiple times after she asked him to stop. The employee said Carter made roughly 25-30 calls. When she returned home from work, she discovered $40 in cash and multiple television remote controls were missing. She also said a bottle of wine was dumped on her mattress. She told police Carter was responsible for the thefts and vandalism.

Carter is also accused of harassing a second Kwik Trip employee, who told Carter she was going to call police. The employee said Carter called Kwik Trip the following day and demanded to know the color of her vehicle.

Andrew Lavern Eckelberg, 38, Black River Falls, was referred to the district attorney for operating after revocation/drunk driving-related and tampering with an ignition interlock device after an April 5 traffic stop.

Eckelberg was pulled over April 5 on North Superior Avenue after police conducted a license plate check. Eckelberg was also referred for bail jumping.

Lisa Marie Meacham, 33, Camp Douglas, was referred to the district attorney for theft. She is accused of leaving ACE Hardware March 13 without paying for a cordless drill valued at $60. The report says police were still trying to contact Meacham as of April 6.

Tomah Journal editor Steve Rundio can be reached at steve.rundio@lee.net.

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Portlands police force and many others around the nation are bracing for a holiday weekend and a forecast of beautiful spring weather in many states that will tax their ability to promote proper social distancing.

Portland Police Chief Jami Resch took to video to issue another plea to the public to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Help us continue to #flattenthecurve by staying home and safe this weekend. The weather is expected to be nice and it is a holiday for many, it is important to keep in mind the need for physical distancing. We are making positive progress! #WeGotThisPDX pic.twitter.com/sdn3lRjLQY  Jami Resch (@ChiefResch) April 9, 2020

Please stay home this weekend. I know the weather is supposed to be warm and sunny and for some of you it will be a holiday weekend, Resch said. Its very important. Please consider all of the first line responders working for your safety and stay home this weekend and enjoy the sun.

Reschs request echoed the entreaties by top police officials from New York to Seattle, who said theyre continuing to look for creative ways to try to reinforce the message for people to heed local and state orders to remain home.

Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best said her department is trying to make the message personal: This could be your parent, our cousin, your neighbor, for their sake, stay at home.

But Best acknowledged its an uphill battle. With 2,000 employees in a city of 760,000 people, the ability to force everyone indoors is not practical or realistic, she said.

Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best said her department is trying to make the message personal: This could be your parent, our cousin, your neighbor, for their sake, stay at home. Were not over the hump yet.

Tampa officials are scrawling basic chalk messages on sidewalks to share the social distancing appeal.

Law enforcement leaders discussed the challenges of policing during the coronavirus during a webinar this week hosted by the Council on Criminal Justice, a nonpartisan research organization.

All agreed theyre in uncharted territory, trying to protect their officers from infection yet continuing to respond to life-threatening emergency calls.

New York police are distributing leaflets and making announcements over their cars loudspeaker systems to try to encourage people not to congregate in large groups, said New York Deputy Police Commissioner Benjamin Tucker.

With 36,000 officers in a city of 8.6 million people he said, theres no way you can enforce your way out of this.

New York police have been reaching out to elected officials and clergy to press upon the public to stay home, even when they may want to connect with family or attend church for Easter Sunday.

Portlands officers have done the same, contacting local religious leaders through the national initiative -- One Congregation, One Precinct -- which identifies clergy to serve as liaisons between police and their communities.

Chuck Wexler, director of the nonprofit Police Executive Research Forum, said those collaborations are key during the pandemic.

With Easter coming, its far better for ministers and priests to be asking people to stay at home, rather than police, he said.

Having officers model physical distancing and the importance of wearing protective gear such as masks is also important, Seattles police chief said.

Portland police on Friday announced a new directive ordering officers to wear some type of facial covering or mask when theyre inside a police precinct or headquarters, in a patrol car with more than one occupant and when they cant maintain a six-foot distance from another.

Portland police on Friday announced a new directive ordering officers to wear some type of facial covering or mask when theyre inside a police precinct or headquarters, in a patrol car with more than one occupant and when they cant maintain a 6-foot distance from another.

When placing someone under arrest, officers also now are required to wear gloves and one of three mask options.

We must also keep ourselves safe as we continue to protect and serve our city, Resch said.

Until now, a person wearing a mask was understandably viewed with suspicion, Resch added in a video Friday. Today we are in a different place and the context for wearing a mask is very different.

At this point, no one in the Police Bureau is known to have tested positive for COVID-19, and the number of officers out sick has remained average, according to Portland police.

Since Seattle was at the epicenter of the coronavirus, the citys police department got an early lead in securing personal protective gear and got donations from local businesses and the community, Best said.

Emergency dispatchers in Seattle are asking callers health-related questions  if anyone has been sick at the home or has coronavirus symptoms or tested positive for the disease -- to provide information to responding officers.

The dispatchers have a heat map that shows where calls from infected people are occurring to alert officers that they need to wear full protective gear if they must respond. Calls that arent high priorities are taken online or by phone.

Seattle police, still operating under a court consent order, had to obtain a waiver to allow officers to wear full protective gowns on certain calls that might cover their body cameras, though audio from the recordings would still be captured, Best said.

Seattle and Portland police say local hotels have offered officers rooms in case they prefer not to return to their homes if theyre worried they may expose a vulnerable family member or if theyre sick. In Portland, hotel rooms are available for all essential city employees but none have been used yet by police, said Officer Carlos Ibarra, a bureau spokesman.

Looking ahead, the city of Tampa has ordered antibody testing kits to see who has actually been through this and now has a level of immunity  so we could put those individuals back at work, said Tampa Mayor Jane Cantor, the citys former police chief.

Wexler said he believes such testing will be crucial in the future as departments and others consider how theyre going to resume normal life.

Weve advocated that first responders, they should be at the front of the list to get them back out and working, he said.

Another likely change post-pandemic: Police will rely more on technology to handle calls online and by phone.

Because were limiting calls for service, we realize theres a lot more we can do online that doesnt require an officer with a gun and a badge and pepper spray and all those tools to gather information, said Seattles Best.

-- Maxine Bernstein

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 18:00:19|Editor: huaxia

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DAMASCUS, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. forces sent 35 truckloads of military gears into a base in the northeastern province of Hasakah on Saturday, state news agency SANA reported.

The military shipment includes vehicles, equipment, and logistics, said the report, adding that the military support came from Deir al-Zour province in eastern Syria near the Iraqi border.

Over the past few months, the U.S. brought in thousands of military trucks and weapons to Hasakah, according to SANA.

The U.S. has been running military bases in Hasakah in coordination with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

The SDF controls large swathes of Hasakah and the countryside of Deir al-Zour province.
2 members of megachurch linked to dozens of coronavirus cases reportedly die in Calif.

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Two members of Bethany Slavic Missionary Church, a megachurch linked to dozens of coronavirus cases in California, have reportedly died as officials push back against allegations they have been regularly flouting the states social distancing guidelines.

It was unclear if the members died as a result of the coronavirus but Slavicsac.com reported on Sunday that Victor Thor, the 82-year-old assistant to the churchs lead pastor, Bishop Adam Bondaruk, and Pyotr Bortnovskiy, 69, a sound engineer at the church, both died.

The deaths come after Sacramento County health officials accused the 3,500-member church of blatantly violating the stay-at-home orders designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus, The Sacramento Bee reported.

Dr. Peter Beilenson, the countys health director, told the publication that 71 people linked to the church, including congregants and people they know, have been infected with the virus, including one person who has died. So far, the outbreak connected to the church accounts for almost one-fifth of the coronavirus cases in the county.

In a press release published by the church on Friday, church officials said The Sacramento Bee's report was misleading.

Bethany Slavic Missionary Church believes in the value of community health and human well-being. The church has complied with all federal, state, and local guidelines and regulations at the time of issuance, the church said, stating several steps they have taken to help stem the spread of the coronavirus, including closing their doors on March 18 and moving all church meetings online.

It has been reported that 71 members of this church had fallen ill. These reports are believed to be inaccurate and falsely place the emphasis on this church. The official Sac County website article COVID-19 Update, April 1 reads as follows: Approximately one-third of the confirmed cases in Sacramento County are linked to gatherings related to churches. This number has been falsely linked to Bethany Slavic Missionary Church. Media repetition of such unfounded representations invite ridicule, hatred, and violence against our church community, the church said.

The church has not been informed that any of its parishioners have died from COVID-19 as reported by the media. The church did not condone any church related in-person gatherings outside the church. It disputes accusations that its members widely continued to gather as reported, church officials continued.

The public is dangerously misled by the media to believe and fear that church continues to gather in person. During online live stream services archival videos of choir singing are played in place of a live choir. Such archival videos have been misused by some media to imply that the church members continue to gather. Full recordings of the live services clearly show vacant choir and hall, they explained.

Church officials also argued that the decision of local health officials to disclose the situation of infections at their church even though they had been complying with regulations was dangerous.

In light of the churchs compliance with the COVID-19 regulations, the stated objective of the Sacramento County health officials through public disclosure to put the pressure on church members to stop their gatherings is unwarranted and dangerous, the church said.

Many of the church members are professionals, business owners, and otherwise productive members deeply committed to the well-being of the Sacramento community. Working closely with the medical professionals many of whom are church members, they added. We pray for the well-being of healthcare professionals on the front lines along with the rest of the community.
Pakistan has banned the export of anti-malaria drugs after several countries, including the US, started using the medicines to treat coronavirus patients, according to a media report.

The ban, which has been imposed with immediate effect, will remain till the National Coordination Committee (NCC) on COVID-19 deems necessary, according to a notification released by the Commerce Ministry on Friday amidst a spike in the number of coronavirus cases in the country.

On Friday, Pakistan reported 190 fresh infections taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country to 4,788. The death toll from the virus has reached 71. As many as 762 have recovered while 50 were in critical condition.

This is the second time in this week that the Pakistan government has banned the export of anti-malaria medicines.

The international demand for anti-malaria drugs, especially hydroxychloroquine, has increased significantly in the last fortnight. Hydroxychloroquine has been identified by the US Food and Drug Administration as a possible treatment for the novel coronavirus.

In Pakistan, there has been confusion over which department -- Commerce Division or the National Health Ministry -- has authority to impose ban on export of medicines, according to the Dawn newspaper.

Earlier, the Commerce Division had termed a letter by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) seeking ban on export of masks as inappropriate'.

According to an official source, the Commerce Division in the wake of the NCC meeting issued an order on April 3 banning the export of all anti-malaria drugs with immediate effect.

We have issued the order to implement the decision quickly, the official said, adding it was decided that post-facto approval would be sought from the Cabinet.

It was decided that the National Health Ministry would submit a summary to the federal Cabinet for getting approval on imposing ban on export of all anti-malaria drugs.

The Cabinet in its meeting on April 6 approved the ban, the source said.

However, the Commerce Ministry on April 6 issued another order withdrawing its April 3 order regarding the imposition of ban.

To implement the Cabinet meeting decision, the commerce ministry issued a new notification for imposing the ban on the export of medicines, which was dated April 9.

The notification was released to the media on Friday. There are approximately 20 companies, which are manufacturing anti-malaria drugs.

At the same time to restrict use of anti-malaria drugs in the domestic market, the DRAP has already asked medical stores to sell the drugs on doctors' prescriptions only.

As per the DRAP's record, there are around 25 million tablets and around 9,000 kg of raw material available in the market to produce anti-malaria drugs.

The authority believes the country has sufficient stock to meet any emergency.

According to an official statement, the Central Licensing Board of DRAP has approved local manufacturing of Chloroquine Phosphate-Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API).

Now Chloroquine API can be manufactured indigenously to meet the requirement of those pharmaceutical companies that prepare Chloroquine phosphate tablets, injections and syrups, according to the Dawn newspaper.

In the absence of either a vaccine or a drug, the novel coronavirus has claimed more than 100,000 lives and has infected over 1.6 million people globally.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hassan Akkad had never worked in a hospital before.

He used to be an English teacher in Syria, and has been working as a documentary maker in the UK since claiming asylum here several years ago.

But things changed for the 32-year-old as the coronavirus outbreak continued to take its toll: he decided to take on a cleaning job at a hospital in East London.

I felt like I had to do something about it, he told The Independent. When I was in similar situations before, I did something. I acted.

He signed up for the NHS volunteering scheme, and looked around for jobs when he did not hear back  finding his local hospital was short on cleaning staff.

The horrible news I was hearing about nurses and doctors at the front getting infected motivated me to take on the job, Hassan said, because I knew disinfecting and cleaning would help.

He said: I was hearing stories of people volunteering and doing all these amazing things. I wanted to be part of this movement that is trying to save Britain during the worst crisis since the Second World War.

Originally from Damascus in Syria, Hassan worked as a teacher and began going to peaceful protests when the revolution started, documenting them to share what was happening with the world.

My activism led to me being detained and tortured  twice  and I eventually had to leave, he said.

He took a several month-long journey through Europe during the peak of the refugee crisis in 2015, filming everything along the way. It featured in the BBC documentary Exodus: Our Journey to Europe, which has won multiple awards  including a Bafta and an Emmy.

Hassan has lived in the UK for many years now and has been making documentaries  as well as fundraising for charities helping refugees.

However, he decided to take on something new during the coronavirus outbreak, which has infected more than 78,000 people and seen almost 10,000 hospitalised patients die in the UK to date.

Seeing Britain struggling, I thought I needed to do something, he told The Independent.

Britain for me is now home and Ive already lost my home in Syria. I dont want to lose another home.

He recently started a cleaning role in Whipps Cross Hospital in London, working five days a week and starting at 7am each day to disinfect the wards.

A post of him in his protective gear gained thousands of likes on Twitter, with Hassan urging people underneath to donate to his hospitals coronavirus appeal and Choose Love, which is raising money to help refugee camps face the coronavirus crisis.

Despite the replies on social media, he insists he is not a hero. Im just a random guy who wanted to do something, he said. Im glad Im able to help.

He said he is one of around 20 different nationalities working on his ward, where staff come from Kenya, Nigeria, Spain, Poland and Britain.

We are all from different parts of the world working to help fight this pandemic.

Even though he did not want to be political in times of crisis, Hassan said anti-migrant and anti-refugee rhetoric was on the rise before coronavirus hit, and some countries were shutting their borders.

Now we see migrants are the NHS staff, working around the clock to fight this pandemic, as well as the bus drivers and other key workers, he said.

Britain should reassess its problem with migration after this.

According to the latest government figures, around 13 per cent of NHS staff  around 153,000 workers  say their nationality is not British.

The UK has been working to change the way its admits migrants after Brexit, with plans to introduce an Australian-style points-based system which the government said prioritises the skills a person has to offer.

I support the government trying to have a sensible policy around migration, Hassan said, but we need to have a national discussion because, if we take one thing from this pandemic, it teaches us a lesson about when we open our hearts and arms to migrants and refugees, they actually pay back.
Farmers and businesses in rural communes of Dien Ban Town in the central province of Quang Nam have been working to develop low-yield rice fields as the first ever sustainable source of organic rice in central Vietnam since 2017.

A chemical-free zone has been nurtured using bio-fertiliser and non-chemical plant protection agents in Dien Tho and Dien Hong communes to produce the first safe rice crops over the past three years.

Organic rice fields in Dien Tho Commune, Quang Nam Province. Chemical-free agricultural production has sprung up in the central province. VNS Photo Cong Thanh

The organic rice zone has been supplying around 200 tonnes to consumers in the central region each year since 2017, earning 50 per cent yield increase and doubling the price of normal rice.

The co-operative model has also created a big change to switch from risky manual, unplanned farming to highly mechanised production. Farmers work under strict timetable supervision and technical management on their fields.

A farmer checks new grown rice on a farm in Dien Tho Commune, Quang Nam. The commune was the first in the province to grow organic rice. VNS Photo Nguyen Van Kiet

Its a big change. Rice yield was formerly based on fertiliser and the climate, said Nguyen Thi Ly, 50, a farmer from Dien Tho Commune.

We spent at least VND600,000 (US$26) on fertiliser and plant protection products for every 500sq.m of land, but the crops only sold for VND1.2 million ($52.2). On top of that we had the risks of rat and insect damage and unfavourable weather, as well as unstable market prices after harvest time, she said.

Ly explained that working odd jobs in the cities for one or two days could earn as much as a whole crop, and that was the reason many farmers had left their farms empty to seek better paid work.

Rice farming only brings a little profit. It just helps supply families with food, while their main incomes come from other sources and jobs in urban areas and factories.

Change

A deal to develop the organic rice farm zone was signed between Dien Ban Agriculture JSC and 150 farmers in Dien Tho Commune in 2017.

A farmer collects rice on a farm in central Vietnam. Organic rice production will be the future choice for agricultural development. Photo courtesy of Gao Phong Thu

Businesses have rented land from local farmers and employed them (the farmers) to work in the paddy fields following well-control organic rice production processes.

We employ farmers for VND5.5 million ($239) per month  a stable income in rural areas, excluding land rent of $65 per 500sq.m annually, said Nguyen Van Kiet, deputy director of the company.

Meanwhile, businesses cover production costs and market management  two major factors  while farmers make a profitable share in the production chain, Kiet said.

Workers package organic rice at a factory in Quang Nam Province. The Phong Thu organic rice brand was developed in the province from 2017. VNS Photo Mai Phuoc Thanh

Its difficult for us to persuade farmers to change to mechanised production and non-chemical use, he explained.

Nguyen Thi Phong, a farmer, said her 1ha farm could produce seven tonnes of organic rice for a net profit of VND40 million ($1,700) per year  a 50 per cent increase compared to previous production.

Usually, crop needs six or seven rounds of chemical pesticide and four lots of fertiliser as well as weed-killer. But now only bio-fertilisers and pesticide are used on our farm. Organic farming helps the rice grow stronger with a natural resistance to pests, Phong explained.

Our organic rice  the Phong Thu brand  was awarded the certificate of the Good Agricultural Practices, VietGAP  in 2018. The product sells for VND25,000 (about $1.08) per kilo  double the price of normal rice, Kiet added.

The vice director explained the organic process helped reduce production and manual labour costs, as well as time.

Our close control and proven procedures minimise harmful insect infections, while an independent irrigation system kills weeds by maintaining a constant level of water.

Locally born Nguyen Phuoc Thien, the mastermind behind the Phong Thu organic rice brand, said promoting safe food production was a sustainable way for farmers and the community to grow.

Farmers harvest rice in central Vietnam. Dien Ban Town in central Quang Nam Province has built the first organic rice zone in the region. Photo courtesy of Gao Phong Thu

It benefits everyone for two reasons. Consumers are not scared of poisonous chemical agents used in rice production, while farmers earn a better income, Thien said.

The company also has a contract with Hoa Thang  a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) rice mill  to create the first organic rice production chain in central Vietnam.

Nguyen Minh Hieu, vice chairman of Dien Ban Towns authorities, said Phong Thu organic rice product had been recognised as a typical brand of Quang Nam following the One Commune-One Product (OCOP) plan  an eco-tourism project launched by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.

Hieu said organic farming was a successful way of boosting technological applications in sustainable agricultural production.

Thien, the founder of the Phong Thu brand, said they now planned to export their product to Europe and Southeast Asia. VNS

Cong Thanh

Mekong Deltas start-up farmer in search of organic rice Graduating from the Mekong Deltas prestigious Can Tho University, 24-year-old Pham Thanh Vu still refers himself as a farmer in the truest sense of the word.
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 04/11/2020



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

couple David Toborowsky and Annie Suwan apparently aren't planning to have children any time soon, and they're both totally content with that.While quarantining themselves at home amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, David, who turns 52 next month, and Annie, 27, revealed their relationship is stronger than ever and kids simply aren't on their radar."It would be awesome if we have [children], but right now, that's not going to be a serious conversation for us anymore," Annie told Us Weekly while promoting TLC's new spinoff : Self-Quarantined.Annie said she and David don't need to have kids to make their love stronger."If I did [have a child], we'd probably name him Jesus because I can't have children. I would [need] a vasectomy reversal," David noted, before joking that if Annie is pregnant they'd have a big problem."Clearly she's not going out [with other men because of the coronavirus quarantine], so it can't be anyone else's. It would probably be the guy from the pizza delivery or Amazon Prime while I'm asleep."David, who already has adult children from a previous relationship, apparently feels like nothing is missing in his life with Annie in Scottsdale, AZ."Right now we have about three million children that watch that we feel like are our children," David shared."I'm one of the older ones... We appreciate every fan of the show, even the haters."David and Annie were just featured on an recently-released episode of : What Now?'s fourth season, which is available on the TLC GO streaming service.David and Annie were shown hosting a dinner party for a couple of friends who brought over their three-month-old daughter nicknamed "Little Panda.""So what do you guys think, I mean, about maybe one day having a little panda of your own?" David's friend asked him."It's something Annie and I are still discussing. I don't know!" David replied. "It's obviously something to think about.""And we have so many things going on right now, like, in a couple of days, I'm going in for the hair transplant. I wasn't blessed with [thick] hair. After the Army, my hair started receding."In October 2019, Annie told Us that she was "good" without babies for a while."Our relationship is very good. We have each other. We have everything," Annie said at the time.David added he and Annie were traveling a lot but didn't know what tomorrow would bring.As for Annie and David's relationship with David's children, David explained they're all "in a very good place." However, David's children reportedly wish he and Annie lived with them in Kentucky."But they understand," David insisted to the magazine. David Toborowsky was a 48-year-old from Louisville, KY, and Annie Suwan was a 24-year-old from Bueng Kan, Thailand when she arrived in America on a K-1 visa.After originally appearing on Season 5 of , David and Annie also returned for Season 3 of : Happily Ever After?.David and Annie first met at a bar while he was living in Thailand. David struggled financially, especially when it came to impressing and receiving approval from Annie's parents. However, they got engaged 10 days after meeting.Despite allegations against David of substance abuse and infidelity, Annie still married him in November 2017."For me I feel like our life is 50 First Dates," David gushed to Us about Annie, referencing the movie starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore . "Every day I want to wake up and make sure she falls in love with me all over again.""We still feel like we're on our honeymoon every day," Annie added.After Annie finally received her travel and work permits, David and Annie began traveling the country and staying with family and friends.The couple have also continued to make appearance on TLC's : Pillow Talk commentary show.The fourth season of : Before the 90 Days is currently airing on Sunday nights at 8PM ET/PT on TLC.: Self-Quarantined will air as five episodes beginning Monday, April 20 at 9PM ET/PT.Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our webpage!
Authorities in Tamil Nadu, as



part of efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus use drones, mist cannons and have come up with innovative ideas like using catchy taglines to spur people to walk through the disinfectant tunnels when they visit market places.

In the State capital, which has 172 coronavirus positive cases, the highest when compared with other districts in Tamil Nadu, Greater Chennai Corporation officials use drones in densely populated neighbourhoods like Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar as children watch the drive with curiosity from their balconies.

"We are using drones in densely populated areas and the results are good," an official said adding about six litres of disinfectant liquid was being used for a single trip.

The children are attracted to the buzz of drones which they call a mini-helicopter.

Mist cannons which are huge blowers are mounted on trucks that go around spraying disinfectant fumes in downtown areas and in other containment zones in addition to localities of positive patients.

Butterfly sprinklers -swings up and down like a butterfly's wings when dispensing the disinfectant fog- placed on the rear of tractors are also being used by the civic body for clean up work.

Anti-bacterial fluid containers connected to jet spray guns are taken in light cargo vehicles to easily navigate narrow alleys in city neighbourhoods.

Germicide and bleaching powder was being sprinkled on all roads, alleys and intersections.

Volunteers wearing artistically designed 'coronavirus' crowns are also helping authorities in several areas to drive home the message of social distancing, personal hygiene and the need to stay indoors.

Officials came up with a fresh idea to goad people to use the disinfectant tunnels set up in six locations in Tiruvannamalai district.

"Come inside (the tunnel), are you coming in or shall I (coronavirus) come (infect you) ?" the tagline in Tamil, embossed on the tunnel's facade asks.

In Tamil, the slogan is more punchy as it has striking colloquial words used everyday to convey the message ('Ulley vaaaa.. nee varriyaa..illa naan varatta !').

The sprawling Aarani Fort and Isanya grounds in Tiruvannamalai district that house the temporary vegetable markets are among the places where the disinfectant tunnels have been set up.

People visiting the markets cannot miss the tunnels as they are placed prominently and public walk through the passage fitted with sprayers and sprinklers after and before their purchase.

Cheyyaru and Vandavasi bus termini in the district also have the disinfectant walkthrough arrangement.

Tamil Nadu has a total of 911 coronavirus cases and Tiruvannamalai district 10 as on April 10 evening.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
The FBI team investigating President Trump's 2016 election campaign learned that statements made in the Steele dossier - which accused Trump of conspiring with Russia - may have been products of Russian disinformation.

The shocking revelations were unveiled after declassified footnotes from the Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz's December 2019 report about FBI misconduct.

The footnotes suggest that the Steele dossier, authored by former British spy Christopher Steele, relied on falsehoods from a 'Russian disinformation campaign.'

Still, investigators touted the Steele dossier as a key piece of evidence against the Trump campaign from 2016 to 2017.

Footnotes revealed the FBI team investigating President Trump's (pictured) election campaign came to believe there was Russian disinformation in the Steele dossier

'It's ironic that the Russian collusion narrative was fatally flawed because of Russian disinformation,' Sen. Chuck Grassley and Sen. Ron Johnson in a statement to Fox News.

'These footnotes confirm that there was a direct Russian disinformation campaign in 2016, and there were ties between Russian intelligence and a presidential campaign  the Clinton campaign, not Trump's.'

One footnote, which was previously redacted, said: 'The [REDACTED] stated that it did not have high confidence in this subset of Steele's reporting and assessed that the referenced subset was part of a Russian disinformation campaign to denigrate US foreign relations.'

The 'subset' referred to the activities of Michael Cohen, Trump's former attorney who allegedly traveled to Prague to meet with Russian agents.

Cohen has vehemently denied those allegations, and Special Counsel Robert Mueller was unable to confirm the claim.

Michael Cohen (pictured), Trump's former attorney who was convicted in 2018, denied allegation in the Steele dossier that claimed he met Russian agents in Prague

Additionally, the footnote said a 2017 report 'contained information  that the public reporting about the details of Trump's [REDACTED] activities in Moscow during a trip in 2013 were false, and that they were the product of RIS 'infiltra[ing] a source into the network' of a [REDACTED] who compiled a dossier of information on Trump's activities.'

A second footnote said Sergei Millian, thought to be an unnamed source in the Steele Dossier, had ties with people allegedly linked to Russian Intelligence.

'According to a document circulated among Crossfire Hurricane team members and supervisors in early October 2016, Person 1[Sergei Millian] had historical contact with persons and entities suspected of being linked to RIS [Russian intelligence].

'The document described reporting [REDACTED] that Person 1 'was rumored to be a former KGB/SVR officer.'

In addition, in late December 2016, Department Attorney Bruce Ohr told SSA 1 [FBI Agent Joe Pietnka] that he had met with Glenn Simpson and that Simpson had assessed that Person 1 was a RIS officer who was central in connecting Trump to Russia.'

Millian denied any involvement with Russian Intelligence and called the allegations and busted attempt to 'frame' him.

Sergei Millian (pictured), was also named in the newly declassified footnotes in regards to allegations he has ties to Russian Intelligence

The declassified footnotes also presented more uncertainty surrounding the Steele dossier's credibility and the integrity of its main sources.

'When interviewed by the FBI, the Primary Sub-source stated that he/she did not view his/her contacts as a network of sources, [REDACTED] with whom he/she has conversations about current events and government relations,' a footnote read.

This contradicts a statement made in IG Horowitz's executive summary of his report.

Horowitz's report found that Steele's Primary Sub-source 'used his/her network of sub-sources to gather information that was then passed to Steele.'

After the partially declassified notes were publicly released, Republicans and conservatives doubled down in the alleged invalidity of the Steele dossier.

Throughout the Trump-Russia investigation, supporters of Trump repeatedly called the allegations false and doubled down on the president's narrative that it was a 'witch hunt.'

Christopher Steele (pictured), a former British spy, first broke allegations against Trump's election campaign

The FBI's reliance on the Steele dossier encouraged agents to obtain a surveillance warrant to monitor former Trump aide, Carter Page.

Page was accused of being a Russian agent. The FBI did not release information about the apparent Russian disinformation campaign with the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court when it obtained the warrant.

According to FBI legal counsel, the warrant used to surveil Page was 'essentially a single source FISA' dependent on the Steele dossier.

The FBI obtained a warrant during the 2016 campaign to eavesdrop on Page (above) on suspicions that he was secretly a Russian agent - though such claim was never proven

Page, upon learning of the footnotes, called for information about the Obama-Biden Administration's alleged election interference.

'Why have all these details remained unnecessarily secret for so long?' he told Fox News.

'In our dual system of Justice, the Mueller Witch Hunt crew falsely misrepresented my own 'historical contact with persons and entities suspected of being linked to RIS,' when I was actually serving my country in support of the U.S. Intelligence Community.

'The time has finally come for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and related agencies to release the full facts about the Obama-Biden Administration's election interference campaign against candidate Trump and the illicit coup attempt against our President.'

In Horowitz report, former FBI-lawyer Kevin Clinesmith is said to have falsified an email from the CIA in an attempt to make Page's Russian contacts appear criminal, despite Page being an informant to the CIA about those contacts.

Republicans, including Grassley and Johnson, pushed to for a full declassification of the report, but only received partial footnotes.

'The 'central and essential' evidence used to justify invasive surveillance of an American citizen in the FBI's probe into Russian interference was, itself, an example of Russian interference, according to once-secret footnotes declassified at the urging of two U.S. Senators,' said Grassley.

It was revealed Thursday that George Papadopoulos , formerly on Trump's foreign policy advisory panel, was recorded by an FBI confidential human source at the end of the 2016 presidential election.

Papadopoulos was asked if he believed Russians hacked the Democratic National Committee before the Democratic National Convention.

'No,' Papadopoulos said.

Questions about Russia's 'special interest' in the election were met with a similar answer.

'Thats all bull****. No one knows whos hacking them, ' Papadopoulos said, adding that it could very well be 'the Chinese, could be the Iranians, it could be some Bernie, uh supporters. Could be anonymous.'

When asked if he thought Russian agents 'have interest in Trump, Papadopoulos doubled down.

'They, dude, no one knows how a presidents going to govern anyway ... I dont know. Even Putin said it himself. Its all, its like conspiracy theories,' he said.
Houston-area arts organizations have formed a coalition to launch an emergency fund for artists and arts workers during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.

The funds are to support artists and individuals who work in the arts whose income has been devastated by the pandemic, as many if not all Houston arts organizations have either canceled or postponed their 2020 seasons.

NEWS YOU NEED NOW: COVID-19 in 60 and Coronavirus Chronicle: The latest news, case counts and commentary

Many artists are considered freelance or contract workers and do not qualify for unemployment benefits. Although the 2020 CARES act passed by Congress last month does include benefits for self-employed individuals and independent contractors, artists and art workers impacted by the pandemic need emergency assistance faster than what the government can supply.

Thats why Houston arts organizations got together to provide an emergency $1,000 relief fund for individuals in the arts community, trying to ease the gap of the nearly $50 million in real and anticipated losses to arts nonprofits, with 75 percent of artists contracts being canceled.

Morning Report: Get the top stories on HoustonChronicle.com sent directly to your inbox

Members of the coalition include the City of Houstons Mayors Office of Cultural Affairs, Dance Source Houston, East End Cultural District, 5th Ward Cultural Arts District, Fresh Arts/Arts District Houston, Galveston Historical Foundation, Houston Arts Alliance, Houston First Corporation, Houston Museum District, Mid-America Arts Alliances Engage Houston, Midtown Cultural District, Theater District Houston, and the University of Houston-Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts.

The Houston Arts Alliance Board of Directors seeded the fund with initial donations, with the funds goal being $100,000.

We got together immediately when the disaster started to coordinate our response, said John Abodeely, CEO of Houston Arts Alliance. When we started to get a clear picture of how much income our artist community was losing because all their contracts were canceled, we agreed to get behind a single artist relief fund that would also support other arts workers. Whether youre a gallerist or an employee who was laid off from the Alley Theater, youre part of our arts ecosystem and can access the funds.

The coalition recognizes that private philanthropy will never fill the gap completely and are continuing to help connect artists to existing resources to help them survive.

The fund is about basic needs, said Houston Arts Alliance Partner Joe Brettell. We have an industry of workers that work in what is considered an unstable industry by the Texas Workforce Commission. Rent, food, housing, these basic securities are what were working on. Right now were just trying to keep people in their homes.

Donations are requested at https://bit.ly/GHAAReliefFund.

To see if you qualify for relief, go to https://bit.ly/Apply4ArtsRelief.

ryan.nickerson@hcnonline.com
MANISTEE  Tom Amor, president of Amor Sign Studios, Inc., was recently elected and inducted as president of the Midwest Sign Association at the MSA winter meeting in Toledo, Ohio, on Feb. 28.

Prior to becoming president, he served in multiple board positions and subcommittees. Amor Sign Studios, Inc. has been an active member in the MSA since 1975.
Energy stocks in the S&P 500 capped their best week on record, jumping 13 percent on news that Saudi Arabia and Russia were near a deal to cut output and end a price war that sapped oil prices. All 11 of the indexs major industry groups gained, led by a 21 percent surge in real estate companies. A 13 percent gain in the Dow this week took its advance from the March low to 28 percent. All 30 members advanced.
A week before there was a mandate to do so, as the coronavirus was first gaining a foothold in New Jersey but businesses and residents were still hoping life might carry on with minimal disruption, Donna Wilson, 69, decided she would start working her customer service job from home.

And thats when her much younger boss made the comment she cant forget.

Yes, thats right, you should stay home, he said. I understand why you would.

It was a nod to her age  and though she wasnt really offended (she and her boss have a joking and jovial relationship), it put things into stark relief: She was now among that vulnerable population experts keep talking about.

The coronavirus has wrought a perfect storm of stress and anxiety for everyone, young and old, all across the globe. But for the men and women of Wilsons generation  the Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, and now entering retirement age  the pain is particularly acute.

Theyre caring for elderly parents, while watching retirement accounts plummet.

Theyre cut off from kids and grandkids, while having to master millennial-favorites like Zoom and Instacart.

Most powerfully and poignantly: These boomers who came of age in the 1960s  and who have always viewed themselves as an exemplars of youth and rebellion  are being forced to directly confront their own mortality.

[The pandemic] is a big psychological jolt, says Leonard Steinhorn, a professor of communication and history at American University in Washington D.C., who literally wrote the book on boomers.

This is a generation that really had youthfulness as part of our identity, he explains. There's that old expression, oh, well, 60 is the new 40, or 70 is the new whatever. I think right now boomers just need to accept that 60 is 60. It's society and healthcare and economics that have enabled us to lead longer lives, but we can't escape biology.

Its a point that resonates with Wilson, who until now had been able to put such thoughts of time running out easily out of her head. She could go shopping and buy a tie-dye top and high boots, and think, Im so cool, she says.

But now you realize it doesnt matter how good we look or that we take care of ourselves. You still are that chronological number, that vulnerable group.

Cindy Siessel, 61, of Clark, cant help but think about all the things her generation has lived through  she remembers crawling under her desk for air raid drills in elementary school, standing in line in the school gym to get the first polio vaccines, the assassination of a president, 9/11, Superstorm Sandy, the list goes on.

Still, the COVID-19 pandemic is like nothing weve ever seen, she says.

She was furloughed from her job last week. Her husband takes immunosuppressants and has type 2 diabetes; shes terrified of him being exposed to the coronavirus. One of her five sons is a Cranford police officer, still out on the job. And her 87-year-old father lives alone.

As if all that wasnt challenging enough, last week, Siessel went to two drive-by funerals for her daughter-in-law, who lost both her grandmother and great grandmother within two days (though not due to coronavirus).

No family member had been able to visit either of them for weeks because of the pandemic, Siessel says. They died alone.

Its the issue of isolation that worries Dr. Anthony Tasso, a clinical psychologist and chair of the department of psychology and counseling at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

You know, I think for boomers and non-boomers alike, it's important to be mindful of how easily one can drift into depression, he says. Isolation can be very depressing, and it could be subtle.

Not to mention that boomers are notorious for neglecting their own mental health. Tasso points especially to boomer-aged men, who are often less in tune with feelings like depression.

It could gradually creep in, he says. So to be alert to it is important. Are you low energy, less engaged, are eating patterns disrupted, are you consuming alcohol more than in the past?

For Siessel, its the loss of being with her grandchildren, the missing out, the sands of time slipping by, thats the hardest ache. She saw her five-month-old grandson roll over for the first time on FaceTime.

And while she used to visit with her almost-two-year-old granddaughter several times a week  her son lives just minutes away  now shes made her a photo book, so the little girl wont forget her extended familys faces.

The last time she saw her granddaughter nearly broke her.

I saw her from the car, and she kept reaching for me and saying, Up, up, up! Siessel says. A friend of mine said her grandson asks, Why is grandpa mad at me? because he cant pick him up or hug him either.

Its this pain of losing time itself thats felt more deeply by the boomers, says Stanley Teitelbaum, a clinical psychologist in Teaneck and faculty member at the Postgraduate Center for Mental Health in NYC.

The timeline for the future of baby boomers is much more limited than it is for later generations, millennials, generation X and so forth, Teitelbaum says  whether thats time with loved ones or even time to recover from the financial hit of the market crashing.

Baby boomers, like everybody else, were operating with a belief that they had lots of time to deal with any crises, he says. And so thats one of the issues they're facing in the impact of this crisis. The number of deaths, the level of terror, anxiety and depression is so profound. It's affecting all of us in so many ways, but for the baby boomers, I think, it is even a little more profound.

Cindy Siessel with her granddaughter, Ella.

Grocery shopping was what almost sent Peter Boise, 65, from Berkeley Heights, over the edge. He and his wife figured out Peapod, and got a grocery delivery earlier this month. Theyd never online grocery shopped pre-coronavirus.

The second time they tried Peapod, there were no available deliveries, so they stayed up till 2 a.m. refreshing the app because they heard time slots open up in the wee hours. (It didnt work.)

Besides groceries, Boise has to worry about his very extroverted father, 91, who doesnt want to stay home.

His attitude is, hes 91, something is going to kill him sooner or later, statistically you cant go on forever, which, to me, sounds horrible, Boise says. He was going food shopping. No mask, no nothing. I said, Its like youre actively going out of your way to get it. Im more stressed out for him than he is for himself.

Now, though, Boise is thankful the world has closed on his father  no more swimming laps at the Y, no more senior bus trips. Its all been canceled.

And while Boise doesnt worry as much about his own health, when online grocery shopping wouldnt work and he had to go to the store, he found himself sweating.

It could happen just because you went to the store to buy a loaf of bread? he says. People dont want to die this way. If you are 80 or 90 and have a heart attack and drop dead, we can say, okay, you lived a good life. But its a little scary getting into the age bracket where we have to worry, too.

As he donned a mask and gloves to brave Stop & Shop, he texted his brother: I said, I can feel my heart rate going up, my stress level going up. And Im not going in for surgery. Im going to the supermarket.

Boise retired from his job as an advisor at an oil additive company two years ago. Ironically, the last thing he did was create a pandemic plan, one he doesnt think anyone ever read back then.

Hes not panicking yet about his retirement accounts, even if he laughs at my joke about how 401Ks have turned into 201Ks.

Its not going to go back up as fast as it came down, I can guarantee that, he says. But I think in the long term itll be okay.

But the fun of retirement, spending time with friends and family, traveling  all thats been postponed. His college buddies had scheduled a trip to Savannah in March. Instead, theyre attempting to master Zoom happy hours.

Were all pushing buttons, trying to get the best picture and sound, he says with a laugh.

Peter Boise with his father, Frank.

So whats a boomer to do in the meantime? To juggle the aging parents, the dwindling retirement portfolios, and the isolation from those they love? How do they stave off the doom and gloom?

Embrace the adaptions, says Teitelbaum. Do FaceTime and videoconference. And be proud if youve mastered Instacart and whatever else.

You can get joy through those connections, even if its limited, he says. And when it comes to learning new online skills like grocery shopping  that gives you a sense of mastery, that gives you a sense of control. So that youre not as helpless or as powerless as this pandemic is making everyone feel.

Tasso agrees.

Lets watch a show together. Let's have a cup of tea or a glass of wine at 7 o'clock, he suggests. Sure, you're not able to do it in the way that you've done it for decades, but it doesn't mean it can't be done in a modified way.

Because resilience in the face of struggle? Well thats a boomer trait, too.

Boomers have experienced more innovation and adaptation than anyone else on earth, Tasso says. Think of a time when the concept of going to the moon was unheard of. And now we have computers in our pockets. Boomers are the can-do generation, and they can do this.

And in the face of so much crisis, experts say, never underestimate the value of looking on the bright side, and finding a bit of levity in this terrible situation.

Once Wilson got over her bosss too-quick acceptance of her working from home, she, too, was faced with the isolation of living alone: Shes a divorcee whose son moved out years ago.

But when I ask if shes using FaceTime or videoconferencing to connect with the outside world, she cringes.

Oh, no way. Thats a horror on its own, she says, laughing. I see myself, and I look like Whistlers Mother!

So when her son is in the area, he puts out a lawn chair in the driveway and she talks to him from the window. Shes been taking pictures of him and then draws them. Shes calling the series The Corona Chronicles.

She also admits she talks to the dog more than usual.

My son tells me to let him know when the dog talks back, she says.

Jessica Remo may be reached at jremo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessicaRemoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters.
Millions of Americans are under some type of stay-at-home order due to the coronavirus pandemic, but a new survey finds many are unsure what that means nor do they care to follow.

GoodRx conducted the poll that found nearly 15 percent are confused about the policy in their area, with a majority of misinformed living Missouri.

Other than being muddled about the rules, 10 percent of the population is disregarding social distancing and said they have gone to a restaurant, visited someone else's home or attended a large gathering in the past week.

The writers asked more than 100,000 people in all 50 states one question: 'Do you live in an area that is currently under a stay-at-home order due to the pandemic?'

The survey was conducted from March 22 through April 5 and residents could answer 'Yes', 'No' or 'I Don't Know.'

Scroll down for video

Millions of Americans are under some type of stay-at-home order, but a new survey finds many are unsure what that means nor do they care to follow. Pictured is Time Square, which is empty due to New York's shelter-in-place policy

The timeline is key, as many states had adopted shelter-in-place orders, which could have been why there were so many confused about the policy for their hometown.

However, Wired noted that 'even in states that have had such instructions in place for weeks, consistently 15 percent or more of citizens seem to misunderstand whether they are subject to an order.'

Missouri, which reported being the most confused, implemented a stay-at-home policy on Monday.

'The first order I done in the state of Missouri was the most strict order we have done,' Governor Mike Parson said in a virtual press briefing.

Wired conducted the poll that found nearly 15 percent are confused about the policy in their area, with a majority of misinformed living Missouri (pictured is an empty street in downtown Kansas City)The state reported being the most confused, as it just implemented a stay-at-home policy on Monday

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a shelter-in-place order on March 22, stating it is 'the most drastic action we can take', but Wired found one-fourth of New Yorkers are misinformed what that means. People gathered to watch the USNS Comfort dock at Pier 19 last month and disregarded social distancing to catch a peak at the ship

'It was no more than 10 people could ever be grouped up together, and six feet apart.'

These policies are given different names  there is 'shelter in place' and 'stay at home'.

But the simply mean that people are allowed to leave their homes for essential travel, such as grocery shopping, doctors' appointments and ever for a jog around town.

Both let certain activities to carry on outside, but just as long as people stay six feet apart from one another, which the Centers of Disease Control calls 'social distancing'.

It was more men who were hosting gatherings at their home - 55 percent of them reported having people over or went to a restaurant bar or other events

California was the first to issue a stay-at-home order on March 19, leading the way for the other 41 to impose their own policies.

Hoboken, New Jersey, a city located in the northern area of the state, was the first place onthe east coast to start a lockdown.

Officials closed all bars and restaurants March 15 and other towns in the surrounding area began to follow in suit.

The entire state of New Jersey is currently under shelter-in-place.

Since then policies have been put in place across the country, but more than half of the residents in some states are still confused about what is happening.

Wired found this was the case in South Carolina, Oklahoma, Wyoming and Alabama  but tit was Missouri leading with 65 percent of people who could not answer the questions correctly.

Other than being muddled about the rules, 10 percent of the population is disregarding social distancing and said they have gone to a restaurant, visited someone else's home or attended a large gathering in the past week.

There are more than 490,000 cases reported in the US and the death toll has surpassed 18,000 as of Friday

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has become a hero to some for his leadership during the pandemic.

He issued a shelter-in-place order on March 22, stating it is 'the most drastic action we can take', but Wired found one-fourth of New Yorkers are misinformed what that means.

And there is a fine of up to $1,000 in New York City for those not social distancing.

Wired also found that about 10 percent of the population said they have gone against he CDC's advise about social distancing in the past seven days.

And it was more men who were hosting gatherings at their home - 55 percent of them reported having people over or went to a restaurant bar or other events.
Briefing With Dr. William Walters, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Operations; Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Julie Chung, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs; and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Ian Brownlee, Bureau of Consular Affairs On COVID-19: Updates on Health Impact and Assistance for American Citizens Abroad

Special Briefing

Dr. William Walters

Julie J. Chung, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary

Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs

Ian G. Brownlee, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary

Bureau of Consular Affairs

April 10, 2020



MR BROWN: Good afternoon, everyone, and thanks for joining today's call. Since January 29th of this year, the U.S. Department of State has coordinated repatriation of some 56,000 Americans from more than 100 countries. To tell the story of the State Department's historic effort to repatriate Americans from every corner of the globe, we have joining us for today's on-the-record call Ian Brownlee, our Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary from the Bureau of Consular Affairs; Dr. William Walters, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Operations from the Bureau of Medical Services; and Julie Chung, our Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary from the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs.

By now you're very familiar with PDAS Brownlee and Dr. Walters. PDAS Chung has joined the call for the first time today having just returned on a repatriation flight from Peru to help shed some light on the effort to bring Americans home from that Andean nation. Dr. Walters will begin with some opening remarks and turn it over to PDAS Chung. Following that, PDAS Brownlee will give the latest repatriation figures, then we'll take a few questions. A reminder that this briefing is embargoed until the end of the call.

Dr. Walters, please go ahead.

DR WALTERS: Good afternoon, everybody, and thanks again for the opportunity to update you with the latest statistics. Currently there are a total of 55 cases domestically and one confirmed death. Overseas the numbers are 285 confirmed cases; still holding at the previously reported three deaths, all within locally employed staff. We extend our condolences to the employees and the families who've been affected by this virus, both those that have lost loved ones and those that are struggling in over 220 missions around the world. With that, I'll hand over to my colleagues.

MS CHUNG: Good afternoon. This is Julie Chung. Thank you for the opportunity to brief. I arrived back in the U.S. late last night after spending two weeks supporting our embassy team in Peru, so clearly an effort to get more than 6,800 Americans from all corners of Peru back home under extremely challenging circumstances. Now that I'm back home  actually, I'm closer to home, as I'm currently self-isolating before reuniting with my family  I wanted to share some firsthand observations on our ongoing, around-the-clock work to repatriate U.S. citizens in Peru. The entire mission in Peru came together to undertake this unprecedented repatriation effort. Our volunteers included consular officers, military personnel from all branches, representatives from our U.S. Government agencies, and even family members who were volunteering.

And as a result, we have now successfully repatriated the vast majority of Americans in Peru who indicated that they wanted to return to the U.S. The U.S. embassy has offered over 40 international flights, facilitated six international private charters, and facilitated three medevacs from Peru since the country closed its airspace on March 16th. We have successfully repatriated Americans from a significant number of cities outside Lima, including Iquitos, Arequipa, Pucallpa, Puerto Maldonado, Trujillo, and all around in the Ica region. And we also worked closely with the Peruvian coast guard to bring Americans by boat down a river in the jungle. We hired buses to also bring Americans from coastal regions, and we've also used small U.S. Government aircraft to shuttle Americans from various cities around the country.

And so  and they've done all this while facing a really unique set of challenges in Peru given the extent of the restrictions driving the international airports closure. The embassy team worked with airlines, local aviation authorities, police to create a system basically from scratch. We used our own U.S. Government-owned hangar instead of the international airports' facilites and we initially faced complications getting permits for flights due to the national quarantine and airport closure. But the Peruvian Government has been cooperative in allowing expedited approvals, which allows for a more predictable schedule of flights.

We of course continue to improve communication to the U.S. citizens through social media, multiple MASCOT messages, and our website; we created a care response team to respond to emails and make direct calls to as many U.S. citizens as possible.

Now, we understand there's still some groups of U.S. citizens who have requested assistance, and we will continue to work on getting them home. At this point, the embassy has a good process for doing that. So I delayed my departure from Peru already once to support our team's efforts to set that process in motion. And the U.S. mission throughout this process and beyond will continue to be led by a very senior Foreign Service officer, Charge Denny Offutt, who is continuing to lead the effort on the ground while Ambassador Urs continues to work these issues from Washington.

The U.S. Government is pressing for Peruvian Government concurrence to start commercially operated rescue flights in lieu of State Department chartered flights to repatriate the remaining Americans and we will continue to work with the Peruvian authorities and with the private sector to explore additional flight options. But if you plan to return to the U.S., we have told the citizens we urge you to do so on available flights as soon as possible as we can't guarantee when these flights will occur and when the international airport will reopen. President Vizcarra has extended the national quarantine an additional two weeks until the end of April.

So I'll be returning to my job in the bureau now that the repatriation efforts are starting to move to the next phase and we'll look at other regions, other countries in the region.

So as of early this morning the department had repatriated nearly 30,000 U.S. citizens from Latin America and the Caribbean out of a total of 56,000 worldwide. So we're seeing now the highest levels of demand for repatriation shift over to the South and Central Asia region, but I'm proud of the tremendous work our Western Hemisphere team has achieved in repatriating the majority of U.S. citizens from the region back home. We still have a lot of work to do, and I'll be of course supporting our efforts to continue getting Americans home from places such as Colombia, Haiti, and Ecuador.

And I close by emphasizing that, as I'm sure PDAS Brownlee will say as well, that if you're an American overseas and you're still considering whether to come home, it's time to make that call. We are dedicated to serving U.S. citizens abroad, but we cannot guarantee that our repatriation efforts will continue indefinitely.

And with that, I'll conclude.

MR BROWNLEE: Thanks very much, Julie. Ian Brownlee here again. I'm really glad that Julie is here with us today. She's able to offer a unique and personal vantage point into how our repatriation's been working on the ground. And Peru is a great example. Although it hasn't been without challenges, it really highlights all the tremendous work our staff has been doing around the globe and around the clock, from start to finish, to overcome these challenges. And we will, quote, "finish," close quote, our State Department charted flights sometime soon.

The Secretary stated on Wednesday that timeline will be based on demand and resources. Although there are still U.S. citizens in Peru who'd like to come home now and we are committed to seeing them home, the department is looking into how to transition out of the business of setting up direct charter flights and leave that to the ones who know how to do it best: commercial airlines. (Inaudible) heard this all week and we think it's the most sustainable (inaudible) model. So keep watching this space.

To those Americans (inaudible) calling or emailing our embassies for help, we hear you. We're working to get you out. Whether it's on a commercial flight, State Department charter, or a commercially operated rescue flight, we will not rest until we have explored every possible option to assist.

I really don't (inaudible) belabor the point about STEP, but it is truly crucial that every American overseas enroll in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at step.state.gov. This is how they find out about the latest travel options out of the country and it's how we find out that they are in the country at all. Like I said, we're working with commercial carriers to get more commercial flights out of  into Peru and the rest of South America. We'd like to use this model for when we're wrapping up our operation in other regions.

All of that information is on our embassy and consulate websites as soon as it's ready. If somebody has already enrolled in STEP, they will get an email with that information, so if one of your readers is not enrolled in STEP, encourage them to do so. And if you're thinking about coming home and there are flights available, get on that plane now. With that, I look forward to your questions.

MR BROWN: Okay. For our first question, let's go to Matt Lee.

QUESTION: Hey there. Thanks, and usual caveat: I apologize for Elmo and Peppa Pig in the background if they're there.

I've got two  I got two really brief ones, one for Doc Walters. The one confirmed death domestically, can you be just a little bit more specific? Was that in D.C. or in one of the satellite offices?

And then for PDAS Chung, on Peru, could you  I think you gave the number, but I might have missed it. What's the total number that have been repatriated from Peru? And did you guys really  did you know  maybe I'm just ignorant  I had no idea there were so many Americans in Peru. Were all of these people registered? What do they do? I mean, were there a lot of them who had not registered in STEP? Were you surprised at the amount of demand? Thank you.

DR WALTERS: Okay, it's Dr. Walters. The one domestic case fatality was in New York City.

MS CHUNG: Okay. And to answer the other part of your question  who knew  I think exactly right, we  I think we did not realize there  that Peru would be basically the  globally, the largest number of repatriations. Again, the number of Americans that are there and registered in STEP increased day by day as that  they closed the airport and closed the borders.

But I think the unparalleled scale of this was not expected by either the Peruvian Government or by the embassy, and you  I've seen all walks of life and every diverse kind of American citizen out there, everyone from backpackers, long-term residents, a lot of missionaries from the Latter-day Saints and other faiths. We've had adventure travelers, teachers, basically just a wide swath of people who, because they were really surprised by the sudden closure of the borders overnight and the airport closure, and then immediately started to  many of them had  who had not registered for STEP had started to do so. And so I think the scale of this is beyond any magnitude that we've seen before.

And in terms of the numbers, I think as of yesterday it was at over 6,800. And when we started this, we thought it was about 5,000, so we've already gone beyond that amount.

QUESTION: Thank you.

MR BROWN: Okay. For the next question, let's go to Christina Ruffini.

QUESTION: Sorry, I was too stupid to get my phone off mute. I was wondering  I have kind of a more general question  I'm wondering what's being done to coordinate with the countries in Latin America on a response to the virus. We're reading a lot about what's going on in Ecuador. Some of the images coming out of there are quite startling. I'm wondering if you can give us any idea of some of the places that you're most concerned about in the region and what the State Department is doing specifically in those areas to mitigate the virus. Because obviously, spikes in those places would be more likely to impact the U.S. on a possible second wave. Thank you, guys, so much.

MR BROWNLEE: Christina, Ian Brownlee here. I think we're really going to have to take most of that question, because we are focused  I certainly am focused on repatriating Americans, and not  we're not really addressing foreign assistance issues or that sort of question. So we'll have to take that question and get back to you unless somebody else on the line feels confident to answer it. Over.

QUESTION: I was hoping PDAS Chung could maybe take a swing at it.

MS CHUNG: Well I think, as the  Secretary Pompeo has said, we have been focusing on the needs of the American citizens in the U.S. But we do have CDC attaches throughout the region and around the world, and USAID programs are building ongoing health care systems and providing capacity to that. In regard to specific COVID-related assistance, I think we'll have to get back to you on that.

MR BROWN: Thanks. For the next question, let's go to Michele Keleman.

QUESTION: Thanks. I actually had a question about those CDC personnel, because we've heard that almost all of them have left a place like Kenya. I wonder if they're part of the chief of mission personnel, are you  at embassies. Are you seeing many of them returning home on these authorized departures? Thanks.

MS CHUNG: I don't know about the specific CDC personnel, but actually I do have some additional information on some of the assistance in Latin America and the Caribbean.

So for instance, humanitarian assistance is being provided to Colombia in the amount of $8.5 million to survey the spread of the virus, provide water and sanitation supplies, manage the COVID-19 cases, and more. And in Colombia, the U.S. has invested approximately $32 million in health for the past 20 years, and nearly 12 billion in total assistance in that same timeframe.

Another example is in Haiti. We have provided $2.2 million in health assistance that will help the Haitian Government scale up its risk communication efforts, water and sanitation, prevent and control infections, manage COVID-19 cases, strengthen laboratories, and more. And the U.S. has invested 1.8 million  I'm sorry, $1.8 billion in health in Haiti, and nearly 6.7 billion in total assistance over the past 20 years.

So these are just two of the examples that we have ongoing assistance but also some additional assistance as we address COVID cases.

MR BROWN: Okay. Next question, let's go to Jennifer Hansler.

QUESTION: Hi, thank you. Could you please give us an update on how many folks you're still tracking who might need help getting back from overseas? And then do you feel that the airlines, specifically the major U.S. carriers, are doing enough to assist with these efforts on these charter repatriation flights? And what more specifically are you asking them to help with? Thank you.

MR BROWNLEE: (Inaudible). We are tracking (inaudible)  and you've heard me say it before, but I'll say it again: These numbers are somewhat fuzzy. Julie went into this specifically with regard to Peru. But we're tracking about 20,000 who have indicated a desire to return to the United States. Many people in Peru, India, and other places get a call from us saying we've got a seat for you on tomorrow's flight, and then they say no thank you. We've also found that many of these (inaudible) were entered in STEP by family members, so (inaudible) children of elderly parents in places like Peru are entering their parents 

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, I'm sorry to interrupt. Would you mind repeating that? It seemed to be breaking up a little bit.

MR BROWNLEE: I'm sorry. I'm explaining some of the uncertainty about these numbers. (Inaudible) that in some cases the individual whose name is entered in STEP was not entered by that person but maybe by a family member who knew that person was living in, for example, Peru. And then when we call the person and say we understand you want to leave, he says no, no, I'm at home here, I'm perfectly happy. So again, the number is 20,000 but that remains somewhat  somewhat fuzzy.

We are working closely 

QUESTION: And on 

MR BROWNLEE: I'm sorry. We're working closely with the airlines. A number of them have been assisting us. So for example, United is working with us on the repatriations out of India. We're working with smaller ones in Central and northern South America.

I'm sorry, I'm getting a message saying I'm breaking up badly. I think I better just stop it because, apparently, I've got a bad signal. Can you hear me better now?

MR HARUTUNIAN: Yes, that's better. Go ahead.

MR BROWNLEE: Let me just (inaudible). We are working closely with the airlines and we find they are being cooperative with us. Over.

MS CHUNG: And if I could just add to that  this is Julie  and from what I've seen in Peru as well, we have called individuals, emailed individuals who have confirmed, and many have changed their minds or canceled at the last minute. And yesterday at the hangar  I was at the hangar and somebody changed their mind right before they boarded and said, actually, I do want to stay here and just wait it out here.

So again, we want to make sure we take care of every American, every individual counts, and helping them get home whether it's through our U.S. Government charter or a privately arranged charter, but we do get a lot of indecision and people who have for various reasons, whether it's COVID cases in the U.S. or other family reasons have changed their minds, and so that number remains inconsistent.

MR HARUTUNIAN: Okay, next question. Let's go to Conor Finnegan.

QUESTION: Hey, thanks for doing this. I have a WHA question. Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras and El Salvador too have all asked the U.S. to halt removals and deportations of migrants. Can you update us on those discussions and whether or not the administration is doing that, is halting them, because it can risk the spread of COVID? There was at least one case of a migrant being deported to Guatemala who later confirmed positive for COVID. Thank you.

MS CHUNG: I apologize 

MR BROWN: Our focus 

MS CHUNG: Go ahead.

MR BROWN: Julie, unless you have an answer, my default would be that we cover that separately. Our focus here is on repatriation efforts.

MS CHUNG: Yeah, I'm sorry. I apologize. I've been on the ground in Peru for the past two weeks, so my entire focus has been on the  coordinating the Peru repatriations, but I'll have to consult with my colleagues on that.

QUESTION: Can I just follow up then with a different question? On Tuesday there were, I think, 78 countries that you had repatriated Americans from. Ian, I think you said today that there were now over a hundred or nearly a hundred. Why the big jump in terms of numbers of countries where you've been able to repatriate folks?

MR BROWNLEE: Yes, as of today, we're looking at 101 countries. This is really because we're bringing more people out of Africa (inaudible) operations (inaudible) in Africa, including, for example, Mbabane, Eswatini, places like that that previously we had (inaudible). So we're getting some of the smaller pockets of U.S. citizens, so the overall number of countries is going up. Over.

MR HARUTUNIAN: Okay, thanks. Next, Jessica Donati.

QUESTION: Hi, I was wondering if you could just add some more details to the staffer who died in New York. Was that an FSO and is that an American citizen?

DR WALTERS: This was  the case involved a contractor and was not a U.S. direct hire, and I don't have any other information available.

MR HARUTUNIAN: Okay. And next, Humeyra Pamuk.

QUESTION: Hi, Dr. Walters. My question was actually pretty much the same with Jessica's and you just answered, but you sort of broke up as well. You said  so I can hear it properly, you said it was the person who passed was a contractor and wasn't an American? Can you repeat that, please? Thank you.

DR WALTERS: No. Yeah, what I said was that  sorry for the disruption. The impacted individual was a contractor, was not a direct hire. I don't have any information on nationality. And really, I don't have any other information available.

MR HARUTUNIAN: Okay, thanks. Looks like our last question is from Abbie Williams.

QUESTION: Hi. Thanks for doing this. I just wanted to follow up on what is happening in Moscow and the inability to coordinate with Aeroflot about getting American citizens on those planes. I wondered if you thought there was any other motivation there, and if you could just kind of give us a general update. Thanks.

MR HARUTUNIAN: Ian, are you still on?

MR BROWNLEE: Sorry, I was talking with the mute on. I apologize. I will repeat what I just said. There have been several flights out of Moscow bringing  and I'm sorry, I don't have the numbers at my fingertips, but hundreds of U.S. citizens out. The embassy is reaching out through STEP and similar programs to U.S. citizens in Moscow and elsewhere to see if there's interest in anybody else coming home. So that's where we are on Russia. Over.

MR BROWN: Okay, we've had one more add themselves to the queue. Nike Ching, go ahead.

QUESTION: Thank you very much. My question I would like to ask PDAS Julie Chung. Do you see certain governments in the Western Hemisphere are taking advantage of the COVID-19 emergency to enact autocratic measures that encroach on citizens' civil liberties, including press freedom and other rights? Thank you.

MS CHUNG: I think in general these  this is an unprecedented time, not for just this region but globally. So governments are taking measures to put in quarantines, curfew, other things to protect the health and safety of our citizens. And so I think, again, in the time of crisis we turn to each government to do what they think is the best for their communities and able to ensure that safety and security. So I defer to each of the separate governments on what individual measures they are taking, and this is an unprecedented time for us to all take certain actions.

MR BROWN: Okay. As one last question for Dr. Walters, I just wanted to ask you to clarify a point. You briefed confirmed cases. I believe these guys are seeing our reports of current cases on the website. If you could explain the difference.

DR WALTERS: Yes. So when we report positive cases, we're reporting both the current cases, which are people who are currently being treated and those that have recovered. And so  and that's important I think for everyone to take away from this is you're going to see the number of cases sort of on our dashboard. Those recovered cases are going to continue to grow because people are getting better from this virus. It has horrible impacts on people's lives, absolutely, but there is a light at the end of this tunnel. And that discrepancy, if you will, is hopefully going to become more apparent, right, where people get better. We are transparent. We are trying to be sort of an example of the transparency that we wish we had from others earlier in this outbreak. So we'll report current cases and we'll report total cases, and the difference between them is either an unfortunate death or, more hopefully, the  those that recovered.

MR BROWN: Okay. Thanks to all of our briefer for joining us and taking their time to share. And thanks to everyone for joining today. This is the end of the call. The contents  the embargo on the contents is lifted. Have a great afternoon.

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Coronavirus has infected 1.6 million people worldwide and has resulted in deaths of more than 100,000 people but China, the source of the virus, remains defiant and shrugs off its responsibility to contain the virus and inform the about the virus at the earliest.

Europe is discussing how China has become a global threat due to its mismanagement of the virus, delayed response, censorship, and lies, as written in New Europeerts by Herman Tertsch, Spanish Member of the European Parliament.

China could possibly face a global backlash for failing to contain the coronavirus and refusing the magnitude of the crisis that has resulted in the entering an unprecedented crisis, which the Health Organisation (WHO) has called an "unchartered territory".

China refused the take initial help from the US and WHO in February to contain the virus and reported that all is under control despite China knowing that there would be no U-turn for a pandemic of this sort.

Tertsch says that there are several indicators that point out why China is becoming a global threat and why the world must reply to it quickly.

He alleges that even though the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) knew about the disease as early as November 2019, it however, chose to keep it under wraps.

The country immediately scrambled to silence and discredit the doctors who first reported the virus from Wuhan on state-run social media service WeChat.

They immediately accused the doctors of spreading misinformation. Given that the state was in denial of the virus, it did not provide adequate production for the doctors many of which were the earliest whistleblowers of the virus. These doctors are either missing or dead, writes Tertsch

Tertsch quotes a report by Radio Free Asia that says the total death toll due to the outbreak in China was reported to be 3, 500 but hospitals in the region had been handing back 500 sets of ashes of deceased people every day.

Tertsch writes, "Chinese state media began to report disinformation to deflect from their own poor handling of the quarantine. They started to spread stories that the United States or the United Kingdom had created the virus as a biological weapon, none of which is based on fact. They began to escalate the war of words with US President Donald Trump and accused the United States of not having taken the crisis seriously."

At the same time Chinese authorities pursued a program of public relations that included sending millions of euros worth of aid to Europe in the form of ventilators, masks, and other personal protection equipment, Tertsch writes.

However, he says, "The Dutch ministry of health was forced to recall 600,000 face masks because they didn't protect health workers. Spain and Croatia have had similar issues with faulty Chinese equipment. As a result, China's public relations campaign has backfired."

Such a campaign of misinformation is not the first one according to Tertsch. He says the Communist Party holds one of the world's tightest control and censorship on information and have tried to export their propaganda through video sharing services.

The video-sharing like Tik-Tok is full of videos where Chinese doctors could be seen arriving in Italy and Italians singing Chinese national anthem.

European Conservatives and Reformists Party will meet on a virtual panel conversation to discuss China as a new global threat in the backdrop of coronavirus crisis. He would be joined by other like-minded people from the European Parliament.

Anna Fotyga, who has recently been appointed to NATOs Reflection Committee, and Carlo Fidanza, as well as Mattias Karlsson MP and former leader of the Swedish Democrats, will also join the debate to uncover China's lies.

He concluded by saying, "It is clear that for many years now China under the Communist Party has not been a fair player on the world stage and is increasingly considered as a rising threat to the Western World.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Seneca County reported its first coronavirus death on Friday, county health department officials said.

The county was the last in New York State to report its first case.

Seneca County did not release any information about the person who died.

Currently, the county has 13 confirmed COVID-19 cases, one of which has been hospitalized. Three people in the county have recovered, according to health department officials.

The county reported its first positive case on March 30. Sandwiched between Seneca and Cayuga lakes, the Upstate New York county is very rural, with a population of about 35,000.

In New York State, 7,844 people have died in from the coronavirus and 170,512 people have tested positive, according to state-provided data.

MORE ON CORONAVIRUS

Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources

NY clarifies essential rules on physical therapy, retail, fitness by video, chiropractors, lawyers, defense work

From Syracuse, with love: Nurses bring supplies, expertise, hope to Long Island outbreak

NY order closes golf courses, boat launches, marinas, playgrounds in coronavirus shutdown

Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com

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.
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The Torch is a weekly newsletter from the Committee to Protect Journalists that brings you the latest press freedom and journalist safety news from around the world. Subscribe here.

Across the Middle East this past month, printing presses have ground to a halt after governments in Iraq, Yemen, Oman, Morocco, Jordan, and Iran suspended the printing and distribution of newspapers, citing COVID-19 fears despite a lack of evidence that it can be transmitted via newsprint.

As part of a series of Q&As with journalists on the frontlines of coronavirus coverage, Slovenian journalist Blaz Zgaga told CPJ he has faced harassment and threats from the government over his reporting. In Kashmir, journalist Raihana Maqbool told CPJ how the continued lockdown has stifled reporting.

CPJ also spoke to journalists in India, Haiti, and Somalia. An editor of The New York Times Coronavirus Live Update and a New York City housing reporter shared with CPJ how they navigate their jobs in the USA during the pandemic.

Journalism in the time of coronavirus

U.S. video journalist shares tips for covering COVID-19: We have to get creative

Iraqs media regulator suspends Reuters license for three months for a report about the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases; and separately in Iraq, security forces beat journalist Mohamed Kader al-Samarrai at a COVID-19 checkpoint

In Algeria, three newspaper employees face 10 years in prison over a report alleging a state facility published false statistics regarding COVID-19

CPJ finds it unacceptable that a proposed bill in the Turkish parliament would release 90,000 prisoners, but no journalists

Two reporters charged for spreading false information about COVID-19 in the Philippines

CPJ sends letter calling on new Malaysian prime minister to respect press freedom

Spotlight

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Do you have an Amazon Alexa-enabled device? Enable CPJ's flash briefing skill to stay up to date with the latest press freedom news from around the world.
SANAA, Yemen - A court run by Yemens Houthi rebels on Saturday sentenced four journalists to death after their conviction on spying charges, their defence lawyer said.

The four were among a group of 10 journalists who were detained by the Iran-backed rebels and accused of collaborating with the enemy, in reference to the Saudi-led coalition that has been at war with the Houthis since 2015, lawyer Abdel-Majeed Sabra said.

Amnesty International last year called the charges trumped-up. The rights group said the detained reporters were beaten, deprived of water and forced to hold cinder blocks for several hours.

Sabra identified the four who were sentenced to death as Abdel-Khaleq Amran, Akram al-Walidi, Hareth Hamid and Tawfiq al-Mansouri.

The court in the rebel-held capital, Sanaa, convicted the other six journalists on similar charges, including spreading false news and rumours to aid the coalition, but ordered their release after time served, Sabra said.

He said the Houthis did not allow defence lawyers to attend the trial. The verdict can be appealed.

Nine journalists were arrested in a raid on a hotel in Sanaa in June 2015, and the 10th was detained at his home in Sanaa that August.

Yemen, the Arab worlds poorest nation, has been convulsed by civil war since 2014, when the Houthis took control of the countrys north, including Sanaa. The Saudi-led military coalition intervened against the Houthis the following year, conducting relentless airstrikes and a blockade of Yemen.

The conflict has killed over 100,000 people and created the worlds worst humanitarian crisis, leaving millions suffering from food and medical care shortages.

Both sides of the conflict have violated press freedoms, according to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists.
THE Tanzania Government has expressed gratitude to the Federal Government of Germany for its support in the fight against Covid-19 by financing testing kits.

The Minister for Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Ms Ummy Mwalimu, conveyed the gratitude as Tanzania institutes measures to tame local transmission of the deadly virus, having, to a great extent, managed to tame imported cases.

The German government, through its Frankfurt-based development bank KfW, is financing 5,400 Covid-19 test kits for the six East African Community (EAC) member countries  Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan.

Thank you Germany/@ KfW_int for your support in strengthening Covid-19 laboratory testing capacity in East African Community partner states. Tanzania tunasema Asante sana Folded hands, remarked Ms Mwalimu through her Tweeter account, finalizing by saying thank you so much.

Through joint cooperation with the EAC Secretariat, Germany is extending the support, and already, 500 kits have arrived in the country.

Apart from financing the diagnostic kits to the EAC, Germany, through KfW, financed an intensive training programme for laboratory experts to build capacity in the region to detect Covid-19.

The Senior Public Relations Officer at the Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department of the EAC Secretariat, Mr Simon Owaka, unveiled that the training was conducted under the EAC Network of Public Health Reference Laboratories for Communicable Diseases (Mobile Labs Programme) in collaboration with the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM).

The Acting Head of Health Department at the EAC Secretariat, Dr Michael Katende, said recently that the Secretariat had provided the training, with KfW support, in an effort to enable all EAC partner states detect and diagnose the novel corona virus promptly and thereby avoid its spread.

He further emphasized that this initiative was in response to World Health Organisation (WHO)s Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan (SPRP) for the new coronavirus.

The objectives of the plan are to limit human-to-human transmission of the virus, particularly in countries that would be most vulnerable if they faced an outbreak, to identify, isolate and care for patients early, communicate critical risk and event information, minimize social and economic impact, reduce the spread of the virus from animal sources and address still existing unknowns.

Dr Katende further noted that it was of high priority and importance to ensure that all EAC partner states maintain high levels of preparedness and surveillance.

Having got the training and diagnostic kits, Minister Mwalimu said that Tanzania was expected to issue a trend and projections outlook of the spread of Coronavirus in the country.

The Secretariat has also deployed mobile laboratories to all EAC partner states, each receiving a four-wheel drive vehicle fitted with laboratory and ICT equipment, as well as all the necessary consumables for a fully functional laboratory with the capacity to conduct tests for Ebola and the Coronavirus in addition to other pathogens.

It has also put in place a Regional Coordination Committee (RCC) with Risk Communication and community engagement; Policy and Guidelines; Finance and Logistics; and Data and Statistics Sub-committees to oversee the regional Covid19 response.

The RCC has already set in motion a number of activities to secure the EAC Organs and Institutions, and support the partner states in battling the virus.
Seattle: If you can consider yourself lucky saying goodbye to your father through a plastic face mask and with gloved hands, then the Lambrecht family was just that.

The family was allowed, two at a time, into Douglas Lambrecht's intensive-care room at EvergreenHealth Medical Centre in the first hour of March 1, just as he became the second person in the United States to die of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

Nathan Lambrecht (left), his father, Doug (centre), and his mother, Karen, in December 2019, two months before Doug Lambrecht died from COVID-19. Credit:Courtesy of Nathan Lambrecht via Seattle Times

In the days after, as the number of COVID-19 diagnoses and deaths in the Seattle area and around the world soared, so did Nathan Lambrecht's anger over what he believes President Donald Trump failed to do to save his father and those who died after him.

Last Sunday, Lambrecht, 29, wrote a letter to Trump, letting him know about his family's loss, and rebuking the administration for what he saw as inaction and carelessness.
HOUSTON, April 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Alex Bregman, famed third baseman for the Houston Astros, has launched FEEDHOU, a $1M fundraising campaign to help feed Houston-area residents experiencing food insecurity during the COVID-19 crisis. Proceeds from the campaign directly benefit the Houston Food Bank, a nonprofit committed to feeding the hungry in the Houston area.

"While the Astros are off the field, I want to create a new team to help Houston's hungry. Houston is my home, and right now my home is in need," said Mr. Bregman. "By partnering with a great organization such as the Houston Food Bank, we can all do our part to ensure Houston's underserved children and families continue to get the support they need during these difficult times."

To help kickstart the initiative, Mr. Bregman along with local entrepreneur Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale are each committing $100,000 for the cause.

"I am thrilled to support the Houston Food Bank, a leading organization dedicated to helping Texans during this pandemic," said Mr. McIngvale. "The Houston Food Bank has been a force for good for decades and I could not be more excited to partner with Alex Bregman, Paul Wall and Houston Food Bank."

Rallying the community spirit behind the "Houston Strong" campaign that grew in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Mr. Bregman is now calling on Houstonians to step to the plate and contribute. Donations can be made by typing "FEEDHOU" in a text message to the number 41444 or by visiting the FEEDHOU Alex's Army donation page online at https://bit.ly/2y1eB96.

"I am asking everyone to consider being a member of this army of donors," Mr. Bregman adds. "Together, we can show the world the sense of community and resiliency that has come to define just who we are as a city."

Houston rapper Paul Wall is showing his support for FEEDHOU by creating a special album entitled "Frozen Face  Vol. 3  FEEDHOU edition," which includes songs and lyrics inspired by the mission of FEEDHOU and will be available on music platforms such as Spotify. To amplify his support, the prominent musician also developed artwork that prominently displays "FEEDHOU" on his new album cover.

"Any opportunity to bridge the gap between those who need help and those who want to provide help, I am down with," said Mr. Wall. "I am the people's champ of hip hop, and Alex and Mac are the champs of their worlds. I feel very lucky to be part of what they are doing for the Houston Food Bank and am excited to give back to a city that has given me so much."

About the Houston Food Bank:

Houston Food Bank's mission is to provide food for better lives. Last year it provided access to 104 million nutritious meals in 18 counties in southeast Texas through our 1,500 community partners which includes food pantries, soup kitchens, social service providers, and schools. The Houston Food Bank has a strong focus on healthy foods and fresh produce. In addition to distributing food, the Food Bank provides services and connections to programs that address the root causes of hunger and are aimed at helping families achieve long-term stability, including nutrition education, job training, health management, and help with securing state-funded assistance. It also works alongside partner food banks in Montgomery County, Galveston Country, and Brazos Valley. The Houston Food Bank is a certified member of Feeding America, the nation's food bank network, with a four-star rating from Charity Navigator.

Media Contact:

Jennie Bui-McCoy

832-567-3899 (mobile)

[email protected]

SOURCE Alex Bregman
A major fire broke out in a shelter home near Kashmiri Gate here on Saturday.

Following the incident, five fire tenders rushed to the spot to douse the flames. No casualty or injuries have been reported so far.

"There was a call of stone-pelting and fire from a 'Rain Basera' at Kashmiri Gate. 5 fire tenders have been sent," said Fire Department official.

More details are awaited.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Linkedin Josh Smith and Sangmi Cha (Reuters) Seoul  Sat, April 11, 2020 10:04 640 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd124b9e 2 Health South-Korea,coronavirus,COVID-19 Free

South Korean officials on Friday reported 91 patients thought cleared of the new coronavirus had tested positive again.

Jeong Eun-kyeong, director of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), told a briefing that the virus may have been "reactivated" rather than the patients being re-infected.

South Korean health officials said it remains unclear what is behind the trend, with epidemiological investigations still under way.

The prospect of people being re-infected with the virus is of international concern, as many countries are hoping that infected populations will develop sufficient immunity to prevent a resurgence of the pandemic.

The South Korean figure had risen from 51 such cases on Monday.

Nearly 7,000 South Koreans have been reported as recovered from COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.

"The number will only increase, 91 is just the beginning now," said Kim Woo-joo, professor of infectious diseases at Korea University Guro Hospital.

The KCDC's Jeong raised the possibility that rather than patients being re-infected, the virus may have been "reactivated".

Kim also said patients had likely "relapsed" rather than been re-infected.

False test results could also be at fault, other experts said, or remnants of the virus could still be in patients' systems but not be infectious or of danger to the host or others.

Read also: Coronavirus found in air samples up to 4 meters from patients

"There are different interpretations and many variables," said Jung Ki-suck, professor of pulmonary medicine at Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital.

"The government needs to come up with responses for each of these variables".

South Korea on Friday reported 27 new cases, its lowest after daily cases peaked at more than 900 in late February, according to KCDC, adding the total stood at 10,450 cases.

The death toll rose by seven to 211, it said.

The city of Daegu, which endured the first large coronavirus outbreak outside of China, reported zero new cases for the first time since late February.

With at least 6,807 confirmed cases, Daegu accounts for more than half of all South Korea's total infections.

The spread of infections at a church in Daegu drove a spike in cases in South Korea beginning in late February.

The outbreak initially pushed the tally of confirmed cases much higher than anywhere else outside of China, before the country used widespread testing and social distancing measures to bring the numbers down.
A sign for St Thomas' Hospital is seen in front of the Houses of Parliament on April 07, 2020 in London, England. Justin Setterfield | Getty Images

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is making very good progress in his recovery from COVID-19, his office said on Saturday, as his health minister said the peak of the outbreak in Britain had not yet been reached. The death toll in British hospitals from the virus has reached almost 9,000, with 980 more deaths reported on Friday. That figure exceeded the deadliest day so far in Italy, which has been the country with the most fatalities so far. Among those who have been infected is Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is in the early stages of recovery on a hospital ward after spending three nights in intensive care. "The Prime Minister continues to make very good progress," a Downing Street spokesman said. On Friday, his office said Johnson was back on his feet while British newspapers reported he was watching films and reading letters sent to him buy his pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds, who herself has suffered COVID-19 symptoms. Britain imposed a lockdown three weeks ago in a bid to curb the spread of the virus and ministers have been pleading with Britons to observe the ban on social gatherings over the Easter weekend when much of the country has been bathed in sunny, spring weather.

'Stay at home'

"People have got to stay at home unless there is a very good reason not to," health minister Matt Hancock said. That message comes though as the government has come under increasing pressure to detail how long the strict curbs on movement would last, with the shutdown meaning many businesses are unable to operate. Ministers have said Britain needed to pass the peak of the outbreak before changes could be made, and Hancock said although the number of hospital admissions had started to flatten out, there was not enough evidence yet to have confidence they were past the worst.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaves 10 Downing Street for PMQs at the House of Commons on 25 March, 2020 in London, England. Wiktor Szymanowicz | NurPhoto | Getty Images

"Our judgement is we're not there yet. We haven't seen a flattening enough to be able to say that we've reached the peak," he told BBC radio. A decision on the lockdown will not be made until next week the government has said, and some scientists have suggested the peak might still be some time off. Hancock said "nobody knows" when it would be. "There's all sorts of suggestions. Their job is to make their best estimate and advise us and we have a whole load of different pieces of advice from different scientists," he said. The death rate is also expected to increase over the next few days, health officials have cautioned, but they say they are hopeful that the lockdown will mean that the overall number of deaths will be below 20,000.

Lack of protective equipment
A plea has been moved in the Delhi High Court by five employees of St Stephens Hospital challenging the facility's decision to sack them from its Gurgaon branch during the coronavirus outbreak.

The petition, moved by the ex-support staff of St Stephens Hospital Healthcare Facility in Gurgaon, contended that the decision was taken without giving any notice or opportunity to hear them.

The decision was taken on March 30 by the management of St Stephens Hospital, located at Tis Hazari here, as it was closing its Gurgaon facility, the plea said.

However, no one else was terminated by the hospital, the petition claimed.

Apart from the hospital, the petition has arrayed the ministries of Home Affairs and Labour and Employment as parties in the matter.

The petitioners have contended that the decision was in violation of the advisories issued by the Labour Ministry on March 20 and March 23 which had "specifically directed that persons engaged contractually or casually with either public or private establishments not be terminated during the coronavirus outbreak".

The petition said that due to their termination, the petitioners have been left without any means of livelihood for themselves and their families during the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.

"That such termination at this catastrophic juncture is inhumane and in the teeth of the two advisories," the petition said.

It sought quashing of the March 30 decision taken by the St Stephens Hospital management or a direction to continue employing them while COVID-19 pandemic subsists in the country.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A court in the northern province of Quang Ninh on Friday sentenced a local man to nine months behind bars for obstructing officials performing their duties after he had attacked officials at a checkpoint for novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) prevention and control who reminded him to wear a face mask.

The offense occurred at a COVID-19 control post in Tien Yen District, Quang Ninh at around 4:00 pm on April 4, according to the indictment brought before the Peoples Court of Tien Yen District.

At the time, officials stationed at the post noticed 30-year-old local Dao Xuan Anh going about without wearing a face mask as per regulations.

Vietnam has made it mandatory for all people to wear face masks while outdoors.

Anh exhibited disobedience and went as far as insulting and attacking the officials with a pith helmet before returning home.

The next morning, he turned himself in to Tien Yen Police and admitted his wrongdoing.

On April 6, the People's Procuracy of Tien Yen District issued an arrest warrant and charged Anh with obstructing officials performing their duties as prescribed in Article 330 of Vietnams Penal Code.

The crime carries a jail term of between six months and three years.

The Peoples Court of Tien Yen heard all the arguments, evidence, and documents brought before the trial on Friday and reached a guilty verdict.

The case marks the first time a person has been brought to trial and convicted for resisting officials on duties related to COVID-19 prevention and control in Vietnam.

The country has introduced climatic regulations to hinder the spread of COVID-19, including social distancing norms and mandatory face mask wearing in public.

The Hanoi Department of Justice has announced penalties for violations of regulations on COVID-19 prevention, with fines of up to VND20 million (US$850) and a prospect of facing criminal charges.

Ho Chi Minh City has also doled out fines ranging from VND200,000 ($8.50) to VND300,000 ($12.80) for people failing to wear face masks in public.

Vietnam has confirmed 258 cases of COVID-19 so far, 144 of whom have fully recovered.

No deaths related to the disease have been reported in the country to date.

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The families of four U.S. Marines who died in a 2018 CH-53E Super Stallion heavy-lift helicopter accident have filed a lawsuit March 31 alleging that two companies were responsible for the faulty aircraft component that caused the fatal crash.

The Marines killed in the April 3, 2018, crash were Capt. Samuel A. Schultz; 1st Lt. Samuel D. Philips; Gunnery Sgt. Richard D. Holley; and Lance Cpl. Taylor J. Conrad. All were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California.

The huge helicopter took off from the Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms, California, to conduct squadron training, consisting of aircraft landings in "unimproved zones," before it crashed and "burst into flames" near the U.S.-Mexico border just outside of El Centro, according to the lawsuit filed in Pennsylvania State Court.

The lawsuit against Kampi Components Co. Inc. of Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, and Diamond Rubber Products Co. of Birmingham, Alabama, alleges that the companies were responsible for manufacturing and supplying a defective valve part that triggered the tragic accident.

Related: Marine Corps Identifies Four Killed in Super Stallion Crash

The failed component, known as a bypass valve button, was made from ethylene propylene di monomer (EPDM), a rubber material that is incompatible with hydraulic fluid, the lawsuit alleges.

"The failure of this component part caused what is known as a 'hydraulic lock' condition, resulting in a loss of flight control of the subject helicopter," the lawsuit states. "When this condition occurs, the pilots can do nothing to bring the subject helicopter back under control and are blameless in this crash."

Post-crash investigation and analysis further revealed that, following the discovery of the non-conforming EPDM part, "all batches of the non-conforming buttons were analyzed in an attempt to find the non-compliant supplier and/or manufacturer and through those efforts the source of the non-compliant 'button' was identified as being sold and supplied by Defendant KAMPI and manufactured of Defendant DIAMOND," the lawsuit alleges, referring to Kampi Components and Diamond Rubber Products.

Attorney David Casey Jr., who is representing the families in the lawsuit, said in a recent news release, "There was nothing the pilots could have done to prevent this deadly accident."

Military.com reached out to Diamond Rubber Products and Kampi Components but did not receive a response by press time.

As a result of the post-crash investigation, the Marine Corps sent out a fleetwide message ordering the removal of the faulty part from all affected helicopters, according to the lawsuit.

Laboratory testing and analysis also confirmed that the presence of the non-compliant EPDM button material "would have and should have resulted in a failed First Article and Conformance Inspection verification testing," the lawsuit states.

"Based upon the post-crash analysis and investigation, the Defendants, jointly and severally, failed to warn the government about possible dangers or defects in the non-conforming bypass valve button, which defects were either known or should have been known by the Defendants, but not the government," according to the lawsuit.

Military.com reached out to the Marine Corps for further explanation on why the faulty part would not have shown up during aircraft testing or inspections but did not receive a response by press time.

The lawsuit is seeking compensatory damages for the loss of loved ones, including "loss of past earnings, loss of future earnings ... loss of enjoyment of life, loss of life's pleasures ... as well as for funeral and interment expenses, estate expenses and such other damages as are or may be provided for by applicable law," according to the court document.

The suit alleges product liability, negligence and breach of warranties, as well as fraud, intentional misrepresentation and willful and wanton conduct which could result in compensatory and punitive damages in excess of $800,000, according to the court document.

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.

Read More: Pilot Error Caused Super Stallion Rollover, Investigation Shows
1,000 Boko Haram Fighters Killed in Raid, Chad Army Reports

By VOA News April 10, 2020

Chadian army officials report military forces have killed about 1,000 Boko Haram extremists in an operation on the islands of Lake Chad.

In a video statement released late Thursday, Army spokesman Colonel Azem Bermandoa said the eight-day operation cleared the extremists from the islands in a vast area between Chad, Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon.

He said 52 Chadian army soldiers also were killed and nearly 200 others wounded during the operation.

The move follows a Boko Haram attack last month on a Bohoma army base. More than 92 soldiers were killed. Army officials called it the deadliest attack ever on the nation's forces.

Boko Haram extremists have killed tens of thousands and forced millions from their homes during their more than decade-long insurgency.

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The government of Vietnam has been trying to diversify investments in special-use forests (SUF) in order to improve financial flows for forest management, protection and conservation activities.

However, this trend has raised controversy, because there are difficulties and high risks.



Potential and risks



Vietnam is one of the countries with the highest biodiversity in the world, but the forest resources and biodiversity are on the decline.





To solve the problem, Vietnam enacted the 1991 Law on Forest Protection and Development and the 1993 Land Law, and changed its approach from "production and exploitation of forests" to "nature conservation".



The system of SUF has been gradually established to protect the national forest ecosystem and plants and animal genetic resources; serve scientific research; protect historical, cultural and scenic sites; and serve tourism.



The state manages and protects SUFs with the legal system and necessary financial resources. However, the state budget doesnt always have enough resources, so it is necessary to mobilize other resources for the protection and development of SUF.

Not all SUFs have potential for tourism development. Income sources from selling excursion tickets and leasing the forest environment have been below expectations.

Nguyen Quoc Dung from the Forestry General Directorate, said there is much controversy about the tendency because of many risks.

Not all SUFs have potential for tourism development. Income sources from selling excursion tickets and leasing the forest environment have been below expectations.



Experts warn that if Vietnam doesnt not have a reasonable management mechanism, business in SUF may turn into public asset appropriation or green grabbing.

In this case, private investors, under the mask of forest conservation, use resources to make a profit instead of serving the public interest.



Striving for financial autonomy



In order to diversify sources of income for forest protection and conservation, agencies believe that the forest environment can be leased for ecotourism development.



Nguyen Huu Dung from the Vietnam Association of National Parks and Nature Reserves said Vietnam needs to pay attention to drawing up a strategy on ecotourism and building development plans through the country, in each locality, national park and nature reserve.



He also urged research on the potential for ecotourism and program ecotourism development in a way that would ensure both t'tourism development and environmental protection and cultural values.



The initiatives of payment for forest environmental services, forest carbon sequestration (providing public services), ecotourism development, forest environment leasing, and development of medicinal plants under forest canopy have been implemented on a trial basis.



To date, 61 out of 176 SUFs, or 35 percent, including 25 out of 34 national parks, or 74 percent, have been used for ecotourism development. However, the number of SUFs for ecotourism development remains modest.

Thanh Mai

Rangers drive monkeys back into forest on COVID-19 alert Forest rangers have been attempting to drive troupes of monkeys (stump-tailed macaques) back to Son Tra Nature Reserve in the central city of Da Nang.
Horror writer Gary Dauberman, who made his feature directorial debut with last year's Annabelle Comes Home, is set to adapt celebrated author Stephen King's vampire tale Salem's Lot.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Dauberman will also serve as the screenwriter on the film.

James Wan, Roy Lee and Mark Wolper are producing the project.

The 1975 book revolves around an author who returns to his hometown to write about an abandoned mansion in the town. As he finds that the home has been bought by a mysterious man from Europe, he also discovers that the people of his town are being turned into vampires.

He takes help from a ragtag group to stop the spread of vampires, with the final confrontation happening in the house with the mysterious man.

The book has previously been adapted for small screen in 1979. The mini-series starred David Soul as the writer and was directed by Tobe Hooper. Larry Cohen directed the 1987 sequel.

Dauberman has previously written for Stephen King adaptations, It and It Chapter Two. He was also part of The Conjuring series and wrote the spin-offs Annabelle, Annabelle Creation and Annabelle Comes Home.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The media coordinator of Jamia Coordination Committee was arrested on Saturday in connection with protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in northeast Delhi's Jaffrabad earlier this year, police said.

Safoora Zargar, an MPhil student of Jamia Millia Islamia, has been accused of obstructing the road near Jaffrabad metro station in February during an anti-CAA stir, a senior police officer said.

Following the protest at Jaffrabad metro station, clashes broke out between pro and anti-CAA agitators in the area on February-end that snowballed into a communal riot in northeast Delhi that claimed 53 lives and injured over 200 people.

Jamia Millia Islamia students had on March 21 temporarily suspended their sit-in protest against the CAA in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The announcement was made by the Jamia Coordination Committee, a group comprising JMI students and alumni. The group was formed after alleged police brutality on the campus on December 15.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
There could be trouble ahead for mutual funds.

With American Century launching Wall Street's first two actively managed, nontransparent exchange-traded funds, some investors are wondering what the implications could be for competing actively managed mutual funds.

The funds, launched in late March, began trading last week under American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF (FDG) and American Century Focused Large Cap Value ETF (FLV).

Unlike traditional ETFs, which are required to disclose their holdings daily, nontransparent ETFs will take a page from the mutual fund's book. Once approved, they are allowed to disclose their holds on a monthly or quarterly basis.

ETFs are also largely cheaper to own than mutual funds and more liquid, meaning they can be bought and sold on the open market. Generally, mutual funds can only be bought or sold after the market has closed.

All this makes the ETF structure an attractive one for ailing active managers, who for years have struggled to find alpha under the more costly and rigid mutual fund umbrella.

"From our perspective, we want to offer the investors choice," Ed Rosenberg, head of ETFs and senior vice president at American Century, told CNBC's "ETF Edge" on Monday. "There are clients who are going to prefer mutual funds. It's just their normal habit, whether it's been dollar-cost averaging or 401(k)s or 529s. There are other investors who want more control, and those are the investors that we're going to be targeting."

As more and more fund issuers and platforms waive trader commissions, cut fees and allow for fractional share trading to try and make their mutual fund offerings more attractive, that should benefit ETFs as well, Rosenberg said.

"There's going to be a point where they become a level playing field, and ETFs, with their benefits, could outweigh those of mutual funds in the long term," Rosenberg said.

John Davi, founder and chief investment officer of Astoria Portfolio Advisors, said in the same interview that the ETF market's impressive resilience in recent weeks could also pose a risk to the fate of mutual funds.

With ETFs establishing themselves as reliable vehicles for price discovery, "I think the mutual fund industry is in trouble, obviously," Davi said.

"For my money, we prefer a little bit more transparency than less in general, but I'm always amazed about the ETF product" Davi said. "I've been working in the ETF ecosystem for 20 years. I remember when iShares first launched 25 ETFs in one day. People were like, 'Why do you need a single country? Why do you need a subsector ETF?' And sure enough, we have an entire industry now. So, there's always a market."

With mutual fund companies' price-to-earnings ratios already on the decline, nontransparent ETFs could find success sooner than many think  depending on a few key factors, Davi said.

"I think the market is telling the mutual fund industry, 'Hey, you need to get on the ball here and get involved in the ETF ecosystem in one shape or form,' and ANTs is one way to do it," he said. "You'll kind of know what type of firm you have if you are able to successfully raise assets, because I don't think anyone's going to buy it unless you either have strong distribution or really good performance."

For Rosenberg and his firm's newly launched ETFs, that success will largely predicate on client preferences, he said.

FDG and FLV both hit new highs in Thursday's trading session.

Disclaimer
From Agra's petha to Mathura's peda, train journeys have a completely different meaning to children, who count not just the stations during their travel but also the regional delicacies they offer.

Often restless, they wait through the year with incredible patience for the summer vacations to indulge and set themselves free of their daily routine. Sitanshu, 8, has looked forward to May every year when he would travel from



Delhi to Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. But he is a little disappointed this year.

He has got an infinite number of days at his disposal but is not allowed to step out of his home in Noida Sector-41.

"I was studying hard thinking about the vacation but this summer is bad. I hope coronavirus dies soon," said Sitanshu. His friend and neighbour Revati agrees with him.

"I would travel to Bilaspur (Chattisgarh) every year to visit my mami (aunt). On my train journey, my father would buy me Champak and Chacha Choudhary comics and I would read and re-read them on my way," said the eight-year-old.

Many children especially miss their train journeys which they treat as a medium to see new things and meet their cousins and grandparents, said Rabia Hasan, a child psychologist.

"In many cases these train experiences whether it is the food they eat on the way or the comics they read remain with them for the rest of their lives. Right now, the parents must ensure children are given attention and they are not allowed to play video games as a compensation as these two things cannot be compared," she said.

What is perhaps weighing more on Sitanshu and Revati's minds is that they cannot understand why their favourite trains will not run during the summer holidays.

The Indian Railways is yet to decide when it will start operations, but it is allowing bookings for train journeys after April 14, the day the lockdown ends. However, fear and uncertainty due to the coronavirus pandemic have kept travellers away.

Data accessed by PTI showed as of April 4, there has been around 2 lakh bookings for travel per day between April 15 to April 30, immediately after the end of the 21-day lockdown, but it has dipped to around one lakh per day for journeys in May.

In fact, during the summer holidays when it is rare to find a booking on any train, the lowest number of tickets were booked this year. For May 26, only 77,000 tickets were booked, followed by May 28, when 67,847 tickets were booked, and for May 28, when 73,180 were booked.

While it is parents who decided to stay home, it is also them who need the break.

Sashi, a homemaker in Delhi's Mayur Vihar, says she misses her "yearly break".

"The summer vacation used to be the time of the year when I would unwind. Go to my sister's home and have some time for myself," Shashi said. Varsha Rajora, 48, calls the period from May to June her "me-time".

"It is that time of the year when I live for myself. Being a housewife is a full-time job and we too need a break," she asserted, bordering on the frustration.

A resident of Mayur Vihar Extension, she had planned to visit Shimla but had to cancel due to the lockdown.

"We are not sure when the railways would start its operations and the danger of coronavirus also looms. There are all kinds of rumours, so we decided to cancel the plan and stay home. Better safe than sorry," she said.

India is under the biggest lockdown in its history with all 1.3 billion people asked to stay home for three weeks in view of the coronavirus disease which has claimed more than 200 lives and infected over 6,000 people across the country.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
One hundred residents of the Rocinha favela in Rio de Janeiro were tested on Saturday for COVID-19. In an attempt to help the populous and poor communities of the city where the virus could spread quickly, the non-governmental organisation "Favela without Corona" and the platform "Ribon", worked together and collected funds to buy the first testing kits.

The "fast tests" return results in 15 minutes and are free for residents.

After 11 days in quarantine due to the fever, pain in her body and other symptoms, Elizabeth de Nascimento, a 60 years old resident of the favela, went with her son to the laboratory to have a test.

Minutes later, she confirmed what she already suspected: she has COVID-19.

Because she was not in a serious condition, she was sent back home to finish the quarantine.

Brazilian health authorities have expressed concern about the increase in the number of cases in the country, especially in the overcrowded favelas where large families sometimes share small houses in the closely populated community.

The organisation "Favela without Corona" and the platform "Ribon" that also works in Africa and other regions, said they will keep working to buy more tests that will be donated to the worse affected favelas of Rio de Janeiro.

By Saturday Brazil registered 1090 deaths and more than 20,000 thousand confirmed cases of COVID-19.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.
The Perspective

Atlanta, Georgia

April 10, 2020



For a man who is a self-absorbed, power-hungry narcissist who wants to be recognized as one of the greatest presidents of the United States while desperately trying to be reelected, Trump failed miserably to rise to the occasion precipitated by the unfortunate advent and spread of the coronavirus. Instead of minimizing the ominous danger of the virus and ignoring the warning of top scientists about the prospective disastrous consequences it could unleash, he could have mobilized from the onset of this pandemic every national resource to tackle the virus head-on. This includes the military, the National Guards, and thousands of companies and medical institutions to produce critical equipment and testing on a national scale, and creating an aggressive national program to fight this virus as a war on all fronts.

Had he done that, he could have realized just about everything he wanted. In fact, he would have been able to emerge from this tragic outbreak as a hero. The public would have forgiven him for his incessant lies, deliberate misleading statements, idiosyncrasies, and corruption. I also believe that Trump would have been able to handily beat any prospective Democratic nominee, including Joe Biden, come November.

The question is, why didnt Trump pursue this logical course of action? There are a number of reasons that explain his bizarre behavior, albeit none should have obscured the gravity of the situationif he only wasnt so immersed with himself. From his vantage point, everything starts first and foremost with what can serve his personal interests.

From the onset, Trump sought to disassociate himself from the outbreak of the virus by denying that he failed to prepare the country for such an epidemic, when in fact he greatly contributed to the countrys unpreparedness. In the spring of 2018, he dismantled the team in charge of responding to pandemics, including the departure of its head, Rear Adm. Timothy Ziemer. In addition, he cut funding for the CDC and continues to push for reducing US funding of the World Health Organization. Moreover, he seems to be unwilling to embrace testing on a national scale because he does not want to show that the number of those infected is exponentially increasing, leaving the country more vulnerable than it has ever been.

Trumps concern with the economy was first and foremost in his mind. As he sees it, the continuing economic boom was central to his reelection campaign, and he rebuffed anything that could adversely impact the health of the economy. Thus, he had to minimize the dire implications of the coronavirus, even though he knew about the virus early in January and dismissed the scientific evidence suggesting that the impact of the virus would be catastrophic if the country was not fully mobilized to deal with the epidemic.

As customary for Trump, he never takes responsibility for anything that turns sour, but he rushes in and relishes taking credit for anything good, perceived or real, like the record-breaking stock market or the lowest unemployment rate in a generation which, in fact, was largely precipitated by Obamas economic recovery plans. In this case, he blamed the lack of essential medical supplies squarely on the Obama administration, and various governors who were told that they are on their own: not only because it was convenient, but because it would also distinguish himself from the failings of his predecessor whom he intensely disliked.

Being totally consumed by his reelection campaign is an understatement. For Trump, nothing else matters. He was determined to treat COVID-19 as a side distraction and not allow the rapid spread of the virus to interfere in his reelection efforts. Having finally realized the severity of the pandemic, as the number of deaths and those infected rose exponentially, Trump was quick to capitalize on it by conducting a daily press conference, which has become a replacement for his campaign rallies.

Finally, Trump was quick to take full credit for the passage of the largest economic stimulus bill, to the tune of $2.2 trillion. For him, the bill is essential in order to keep unemploymentwhich has exploded in recent weeksas low as possible and allow the stock market to regain some of its substantial losses. To be sure, Trump wants to present himself as the savior of the economy, knowing that short of a significantly improved economic outlook in the immediate future, his reelection prospects will be dim at best.

While Trump was focusing on what serves his personal interests, COVID-19 was claiming the lives of tens of thousands of Americans and infecting hundreds of thousands more (14,696 deaths and 427,460 cases at the time of writing). Much of this tragic infliction could have been prevented had his administration been better prepared, and had Trump himself acted in good faith. Instead, he sought to push unproven and under-tested pharmaceuticals in the hopes that they would prove beneficial so that he could present it to the nation as another sign of his great success in handling the pandemic.

The problem with Trump though is his obsession with himself, which blinds him from seeing the larger picture. Trumps ignorance prevented him from realizing that one can engender a breakthrough from a breakdown. Had he been honest with himself and with the American public, he could have simply admitted that the country was unprepared and that he will fight this deadly virus with all of Americas might. He could have also offered assistance to other countries in need, restoring some of Americas global leadership.

Indeed, assuming responsibility and rising to the occasion to right the wrongs would have put Trump in a completely different light. He could have emerged from this historic pandemic a truly decisive, strong, and visionary leaderattributes that have only eluded him when they were at his very grasp.






West Bengal based jute industry on Saturday urged the Central government to allow the operation of mills as the workers can maintain social distancing while on work in factories during the lockdown.

"The jute industry saw its revival in the last few years with the Central government's promotion of jute bags instead of plastic bags. However, since the lockdown was imposed due to the coronavirus, the workers of the jute industry are again on the verge of losing their jobs," Shiv Narayan Basu, Director, Basu Jutex, in North 24 Parganas, told ANI.

Talking about the Central government's norms of maintaining social distancing and sanitisation to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, Basu said: "In jute factories, each machine is set at a metre's distance from the other. Thus, social distancing is maintained even otherwise."

"I urge the Central government to allow the jute industry to function," he said while adding that the jute industry is important during these months as it is time to harvest rabi and kharif crops.

He said: "There are several crops like wheat, potato, onion, etc., which cannot be packed in plastic bags. These need to be packed in jute bags and only then can be taken to vegetable markets."

The lockdown has also hit the export of jute from India to other countries.

"For the past couple of years, we were getting good amount of orders from abroad. However, due to lockdown imposed in almost all countries, the packs that were ready to be shipped off are now lying in our godowns," added Basu.

The 21-day nationwide lockdown, which was announced by the Prime Minister last month to check the spread of the coronavirus, will end on April 14.

The total number of positive coronavirus cases across the country is 7,529. Total deaths due to COVID-19 stand at 242, as per the data provided by the Union Ministry of Health.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Though congregation members at Highland United Methodist Church have not met in person in several weeks, Pastor Mike Henderson said strangely enough he believes his church members are more connected and are growing spiritually.

There are a lot of things that we arent doing, but those things that are most essential, prayer, worship, fellowship, we are working on serving others. We are doing it more than we ever have, Henderson said.

Henderson said they have been recording services and publishing them online. The church has small groups that are meeting online through video conferencing apps and classes that are keeping up with each other via email.

Though the church is staying connected, Henderson said he still misses the congregation.

I really hate not being with people, especially when we have so many things we do to celebrate the passion of Christ, Henderson said. I just hate not being with folks face to face.

Though the pandemic may cause great anxiety, Rev. Jason Hamshaw of All Saints Anglican Church said his hope is that this time draws people toward God.
On Thursday, Tara Reade, the former staffer for then-Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) who has publicly accused the Democratic presumptive nominee of sexual assault, filed a complaint with the Washington, D.C. police about the incident, PJ Media informs.

In the report, Reade alleges that Biden assaulted her in a Senate corridor, shoving his hand under her skirt and penetrating her with his fingers, BusinessInsider, which obtained a public incident regarding the filing, reported.

The statute of limitations for the alleged assault has long passed, so it seems Reade is merely attempting to draw attention to her claims. She first made the full allegations last month in a podcast interview, claiming Biden touched her without her consent while the two were alone after she delivered a gym bag to him, PJ Media informs.
Sheikh Mohammed Kawtharani was branded a global terrorist by the US in 2013 and accused of funding armed groups in Iraq.

The United States has offered up to $10m for information on Hezbollah commander Sheikh Mohammad al-Kawtharani, who was an associate of slain Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.

Kawtharani was branded a global terrorist by the US in 2013, accused of funding armed groups in Iraq and helping transport Iraqi fighters to Syria to join President Bashar al-Assads effort to put down a revolt against his rule.

Announcing the reward, the US State Department said Kawtharani had taken over some of the political coordination of Iran-aligned paramilitary groups formerly organised by Soleimani, an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps commander assassinated in a US drone strike in Baghdad in January.

In this capacity, he facilitates the actions of groups operating outside the control of the Government of Iraq that have violently suppressed protests, attacked foreign diplomatic missions, and engaged in wide-spread organised criminal activity, it said in a statement.

The State Department said it was offering the sum for information on Kawtharanis activities, networks and associates as part of an effort to disrupt the financial mechanisms of the Lebanon-based Hezbollah.

The US has blamed Iran-backed armed groups for several attacks on its bases in Iraq.

Reuters reported in February that, according to two Iraqi sources and a senior Iraqi Shia Muslim leader, Kawtharani, for the time being, was seen as the most suitable figure to direct Iraqi militias until a permanent Iranian successor could be chosen, although he did not have Soleimanis clout.

Kawtharani has connections with the militia groups, the Shia leader said. He was trusted by Soleimani, who used to depend and call on him to help him in crises and in meetings in Baghdad.
The laboratory at the centre of scrutiny over the pandemic has been carrying out research on bats from the cave which scientists believe is the original source of the devastating outbreak.

Documents obtained by The Mail on Sunday show the Wuhan Institute of Virology undertook coronavirus experiments on mammals captured more than 1,000 miles away in Yunnan  funded by a $3.7 million grant from the US government.

Sequencing of the Covid-19 genome has traced it to bats found in Yunnan's caves.

The laboratory at the centre of scrutiny over the coronavirus pandemic has been carrying out research on bats from the cave which scientists believe is the original source of the devastating outbreak

It comes after this newspaper revealed last week that Ministers here now fear that the pandemic could have been caused by a virus leaking from the institute.

Senior Government sources said that while 'the balance of scientific advice' was still that the deadly virus was first transmitted to humans from a live animal market in Wuhan, an accident at the laboratory in the Chinese city was 'no longer being discounted'.

According to one unverified claim, scientists at the institute could have become infected after being sprayed with blood containing the virus, and then passed it on to the local community.

Bats have been linked with seven major epidemics over the past three decades

Now The Mail on Sunday has learned that scientists there experimented on bats as part of a project funded by the US National Institutes of Health, which continues to licence the Wuhan laboratory to receive American money for experiments.

Results of the research were published in November 2017 under the heading: 'Discovery of a rich gene pool of bat SARS-related coronaviruses provides new insights into the origin of SARS coronavirus.'

The exercise was summarised as: 'Bats in a cave in Yunnan, China were captured and sampled for coronaviruses used for lab experiments.

'Stop blaming us': Letter from the Chinese Embassy Last week, The Mail on Sunday carried an article propagating a groundless theory that links the origin of Covid-19 to a lab in Wuhan. The article also discredits Chinas effective efforts in combating Covid-19 and promoting international co-operation. There has been no scientific or medical conclusion yet on the origin of Covid-19, as relevant tracing work is still under way. The World Health Organisation has made repeated statements that what the world is experiencing now is a global phenomenon, the source is undetermined, the focus should be on containment and any stigmatising language referring to certain places must be avoided. The name Covid-19 was chosen by the WHO for the purpose of making no connections between the virus and certain places or countries. The origin of a virus is a complicated, scientific issue. It should be left to scientists and doctors to find out through studies and research. Hasty and reckless allegations, such as naming China as the origin in an attempt to shift the blame, before any scientific conclusion is reached, is totally irresponsible and will definitely do harm to international co-operation at this critical time. China and the UK exchanged views seriously on the origin of the virus and reached consensus. In his telephone conversation with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed out that alarmingly, some people are attempting to politicise the epidemic, label the virus and stigmatise China. Such moves are extremely harmful to international co-operation and solidarity, and will only disrupt the joint efforts of various parties to tackle the virus. 'It is believed that the world, including the UK, will respond in an objective and fair manner and reject such narrow-minded actions. Mr Raab expressed the UKs firm opposition to politicising the outbreak and fully agrees with China that the source of the virus is a scientific issue that requires professional and science-based assessment. Covid-19 is a global challenge. The right thing to do for every responsible stakeholder, including the media, is to work together and leave no place for rumours or prejudice. Chinese Embassy, London Advertisement

'All sampling procedures were performed by veterinarians with approval from the Animal Ethics Committee of the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

'Bat samplings were conducted ten times from April 2011 to October 2015 at different seasons in their natural habitat at a single location (cave) in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. Bats were trapped and faecal swab samples were collected.'

Another study, published in April 2018, was titled 'fatal swine acute diarrhoea syndrome caused by an HKU2-related coronavirus of bat origin' and described the research as such: 'Following a 2016 bat-related coronavirus outbreak on Chinese pig farms, bats were captured in a cave and samples were taken.

Experimenters grew the virus in a lab and injected it into three-day-old piglets. Intestinal samples from sick piglets were ground up and fed to other piglets as well.'

Senior Ministers say that while the latest intelligence does not dispute the virus was 'zoonotic'  originating in animals  it no longer rules out that the virus first spread to humans after leaking from a Wuhan laboratory.

Last week, further doubt was cast on the animal market theory after Cao Bin, a doctor at the Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital, highlighted research showing that 13 of the first 41 patients diagnosed with the infection had not had any contact with the market. 'It seems clear that the seafood market is not the only origin of the virus,' he said.

The 30 million Wuhan Institute of Virology, the most advanced laboratory of its type on the Chinese mainland, is based ten miles from the now infamous wildlife market.

Last night, Anthony Bellotti, president of the US pressure group White Coat Waste, condemned his government for spending tax dollars in China, adding: 'Animals infected with viruses or otherwise sickened and abused in Chinese labs reportedly may be sold to wet markets for consumption once experiments are done.'

US Congressman Matt Gaetz said: 'I'm disgusted to learn that for years the US government has been funding dangerous and cruel animal experiments at the Wuhan Institute, which may have contributed to the global spread of coronavirus, and research at other labs in China that have virtually no oversight from US authorities.'

A letter from the Chinese Embassy, responding to our report last week about the possible leak from the Wuhan Institute, is published in today's edition.

It says: 'Hasty and reckless allegations, such as naming China as the origin in an attempt to shift the blame before any scientific conclusion, is irresponsible and will definitely do harm to international co-operation at this critical time.

'China and the UK exchanged views seriously on the origin of the virus and reached consensus.

'In his telephone conversation with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed out that 'alarmingly, some people are attempting to politicise the epidemic, label the virus and stigmatise China...'

'Raab expressed the UK's firm opposition to politicising the Covid-19 outbreak and fully agrees with China that the source of the virus is a scientific issue that requires professional and science-based assessment.'
KOLKATA: The West Bengal government on Saturday (April 11, 2020) extended the ongoing lockdown over coronavirus till April 30. Addressing a press briefing, the Trinamool Congress chief said, ''PM Narendra Modi spoke about extending lockdown till April 30 in a video-conference with CMs. We are also on the same page with PM Modi. We want lockdown extended till April 30.

She said that the next two weeks are going to be "crucial and critical" in battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

The West Bengal CM also announced that schools, colleges, and universities in the state will remain closed till June 10th.

She, however, said that grocery stores will remain open from 10 am to 6 pm. Flour and oil mills and the bakeries will also remain open.

Mamata Banerjee further informed that she had asked PM Modi to give a special package of Rs 25,000 crore for the state to deal with the current crisis.

''Govt must announce a national health package of Rs 10 crore for each state. I've said this,'' she added.

During her press briefing, she said that serious attention has to be given to Howrah.

State Secretariat 'Nabanna' will be sanitised on Sunday and the day after, she told reporters.

On MHA letter to the state government, Mamata Banerjee said that the MHA has sent a notice. They have asked to check certain areas.

''There is no communal angle. It's not a communal virus, she added.

''This lockdown has to be done with the help of striking a balance with life and livelihood, she stressed.

Banerjee said she had requested the central government to ensure strict vigil in the border areas so that no one is able to sneak in during this period.

In a related development, the Maharashtra government on Saturday decided to extend the ongoing lockdown till April 30. Making the announcement, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said that the lockdown can be relaxed in certain areas while on others it will become stricter.

He also said that the decision on lifting the curbs completely after April 30 will be taken depending upon the prevailing situation.
President holds talks with Premadasas Samagi Jana Balavegaya but wanted three party leaders left out of delegation

Election Commission and President in constitutional dispute over parliamentary elections; Deshapriya rejects allegations of playing politics

The shock for Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) leaders came through a telephone call just hours before a meeting they were to hold with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa last Monday.

An aide to presidential secretary P.B. Jayasundera told SJP leader Sajith Premandasas office assistant that three members of his delegation would not be welcome for the meeting. Two were former cabinet ministers  Patali Champika Ranawaka and Rishad Bathiudeen. The former is the General Secretary of the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) and the latter, the leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC), both partners of the SJB. The third was attorney Suren Fernando, who is on the Balavegayas National List.

The SJB partner leaders went into an emergency meeting to discuss the telephone intimation. They decided that leader Premadasa and the SJB Secretary, Ranjith Madduma Bandara should attend. After all, the meeting has been granted at their request so they could raise urgent issues related to the prolonged curfew, the fight against Corvid-19 and the impending parliamentary elections.

President Rajapaksa explained to his officials the reason why he chose to leave out the trio. There were investigations, he noted, against former ministers Ranawaka and Bathiuddin. He said both had been enlarged on bail. If I meet them, I will be delivering a wrong message, he said, adding that this may even influence others. As for Suren Fernando, he noted, that he did not expect to get involved in a legal discourse. He appears to have sensed that issues related to the constitution, parliamentary elections and other matters might be raised.

During the meeting, where Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was also present, Premadasa spent the first part raising issues related to the Covid-19 pandemic. This was particularly about urgent measures to contain the deadly virus with occasional responsive inputs from Minister Wimal Weerawansa, leader of the National Freedom Front (NFF). Ministers Dullas Allahapperuma and Dinesh Gunawardena were also present. Presidents Special Envoy Basil Rajapaksa gave a briefing on how food was being distributed in different parts of the country. This came after Premadasa spoke of there being little or no coordination between producers and consumers. District Secretaries and their deputies have been roped in for the exercise with the Grama Sevakas helping at the grassroots level. An exit strategy was mooted. The SJB duo also complained of drug shortages and what they claimed were insufficient testing  a claim dismissed by medical professionals involved in the campaign to cope with the deadly virus.

As expected, the discussion turned to the conduct of parliamentary elections. Reported last week in these columns were highlights of two letters which Election Commission wrote to President Rajapaksa. To place matters in context, the full text of the two letters in Sinhala, translated into English, is given below:

31 st March 2020

Dr P.B. Jayasundara,

Presidents Secretary

The Date of the Parliamentary Election and Convening of the New Parliament

1. As per Extraordinary Gazette Notification 2165/8 dissolving Parliament that was issued on March 2, 2020 by His Excellency the President, the poll to elect Members to Parliament, otherwise known as the Parliamentary Election, was due to be held on April 25, 2020 with the date of convening of the new Parliament scheduled for May 14, 2020.

2. However, on account of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Election Commission has announced that the election cannot be held on April 25 and that it can only be held on a date that falls after May 14.

3. In light of this situation, the President must, through a gazette notification, declare a new date on which the new Parliament is to be convened. As per provisions of the Constitution, the new Parliament must be convened no later than three months from the date on which Parliament is dissolved. As such, Parliament must be convened by June 1, 2020.

4. In order for Parliament to convene on June 1, 2020, the election must be held on either May 27 or 28. For this to be possible, initial preparations to hold the election must begin by April 20. For that to happen, the impact felt by COVID-19 throughout the country by this date must be negligible, so that officials of the Election Commission, other Government officials, as well as political activists will be able to conduct their activities without any obstruction or fear.

5. When considering the situation prevailing today, March 30, 2020, many are of the view that it is unrealistic to expect such a situation to develop by April 20.

6. Accordingly, if the situation does not fully improve, it will not be possible to hold the election before the end of May. Consequently, the Election Commission observes that a constitutional crisis will arise as Parliament will not be able to convene before June 2, 2020.

7. Please take steps to make the President aware of this matter without delay. Furthermore, I also kindly urge you to obtain the advice of the Attorney General about the same.

Mahinda Deshapriya

Chairman, Election Commission

(For Election Commission)

The Election Commission Chairmans second letter was a further elucidation of what he said before. Here is the full text:

01.04.2020

URGENT

Dr P.B. Jayasundara

Presidents Secretary

Parliamentary elections and date on assembling of Parliament

01.Further to the letter dated 31.03.2020.

02. Considering the increase of the number of COVID-19 patients during the past 24 hours and the advice of the epidemiologist it is clear that it is not possible to control the spread of the virus during the month of April.

03. Therefore, it is not possible to conduct the Parliamentary elections even by the last week of May. The observation of the Elections Commission that met on 01.04.2020 was that the new Parliament cannot be summoned before the lapse of three months after Parliament was dissolved on March 02.

04. The opinion of the Elections Commission is that it is suitable that the President, as soon as possible seeks the guidance of the Supreme Court to resolve the issue.

05. Please convey this without delay to the President.

Sgd: Mahinda Deshapriya,

Chairman

Elections Commission

(On behalf of the Elections Commission)

The Election Commission three members Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya, N.J. Abeysekera, Member and S. Ratnajeevan H. Hoole, Member  jointly signed a Gazette notification published on March 21. It was an order under Section 24 (3) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, No 01 of 1981. Here is the order:

In terms of Section 24 (1) of the Parliament Elections Act, No. 01 of 1981, the Election Commission has specified that the poll for the Election of Members of Parliament from each of the Electoral Districts mentioned in the Schedule hereto shall be taken from 07.00 a.m. to 04.00 p.m. on the 25th of April 2020, by the notice published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2167/12, dated 20th March, 2020, however, in terms of the powers vested in the Election Commission under Section 24(3) of the Parliament Elections Act, No. 01 of 1981, the Election Commission hereby announces that the poll for the Election in the Electoral Districts mentioned in the Schedule below cannot be taken on the 25th of April 2020 due to the Covid-19 outbreak in Sri Lanka. (ii) It is further notified that the Election Commission will appoint a day coming after fourteen days from the 30th day of April 2020 as the day for the taking of the poll for the Election of Members of Parliament. The schedule lists the 22 electoral districts.

As is clear from the above order, the Election Commission will appoint a day coming after fourteen days from the 30th day of April 2020 as the day for taking of the poll. That could be a date in June or July depending on whether the scourge of Covid-19 is curbed.

Both Premadasa and Madduma Bandara raised issue over Chairman Deshapriyas position with regard to parliamentary elections. President Rajapaksa explained that he would be sending a reply to the Election Commission but asserted that he had no plans at all to re-convene Parliament. He made clear that seeking an interpretation on the constitution is entirely my discretion. I am not like one of the previous presidents  Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratuanga, Mahinda Rajapaksa or Maithripala Sirisena, he exclaimed. I am Gotabaya Rajapaksa, he asserted and pointed out that my advisors are not the same.

President Rajapaksa, who is earning plaudits from most Sri Lankans and even Colombo-based diplomats over his spearheading the anti-Covid-19 campaign appeared not worried about the impending constitutional crisis which the Election Commission has warned of. He insisted that he had acted in accordance with provisions of the constitution and it was a matter for the Election Commission. A set of senior lawyers have been advising him with regard to constitutional matters. This included Romesh de Silva PC, Gamini Marapana PC. Manohara de Silva PC and Professor G.L. Peiris.

President Rajapaksa came for praise during a meeting chaired by his Special Envoy Basil Rajapaksa. The meeting was attended by envoys from France, Norway, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. They said the anti Covid-19 measures were impressive and there were lessons for them to learn.

The response to the Election Commission from President Rajapaksa through the Presidential Secretary came in a letter dated April 6. Here is the full text:

 Mr. Mahinda Deshapriya,

Chairman,

Election Commission of Sri Lanka,

Sarana Mawatha,

Rajagiriya.

Parliamentary Election 2020 and Date of Summoning of the New Parliament

I am in receipt of your letters dated 31.3.2020 and 01.04.2020.

I am surprised that letters which have been sent for the attention of His Excellency the President by the Election Commission, in respect of the official functions of the President of Republic have been released to the press, prior to the receipt of the letters by this office and that the same have also been copied to several others.

It is relevant to set out in brief the following facts.

1. By Proclamation made by Gazette no. 2165/8 dated 2.3.2020, Parliament was dissolved with effect from midnight of 2.3.2020 and the new Parliament was summoned to meet on 14.5.2020.

2. By the said Proclamation, the date of election of the members of the new Parliament was fixed for 25.04.2020

3. Thereafter,

a. The Secretaries of several political parties gave their intent to contest the election;

b. In terms of section 15 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, several recognised Political Parties and Independent Groups submitted nomination papers setting out the names of the candidates seeking election to Parliament.

c. The written consent of such candidates was also given;

d. Deposits have been duly made in terms of section 16 and 17 of the Parliamentary Elections Act.

In the circumstances several independent candidates and several recognised Political Parties have accepted and acted in accordance with:-

a. The order dissolving Parliament;

b. The order fixing the date of Poll;

c. The date on which nomination papers be received; and

d. The nominations have been submitted to respective Returning Officers.

The Election Commission was obliged under Section 24 of the Parliamentary Elections Act to publish a notice in the Gazette specifying the matters referred to in sub paragraphs [a] to [d] of Section 24[1].

It appears that by the Gazette No.2167/12 dated 20.03.2020, notice was published specifying only the matters set out in [a] and [c] of Section 24[1], that is the poll will take place between 7.00a.m. and 4.00 p.m. on 25th April, 2020 in each electoral district and the electoral districts in which the election is contested.

Thereafter, a Gazette No.2167/19 dated 21.03.2020 has been issued by the Election Commission wherein the Commission has stated that the poll cannot take place on 25.04.2020 and the Commission will appoint a day coming after 14 days from 30.04.2020 as the day of taking of the poll.

Regrettably, it is necessary to point out that in terms of Section 24[3] the Commissioner is obliged to specify another day for taking such poll in the Gazette issued under section 24[3], if the poll could not take place on 25.04.2020.

Furthermore, the day for taking such poll has to be 14 days after the day on which the date of the gazette published under section 24[3] of the Parliamentary Elections Act. As per the advice by His Excellency, it is not possible at this point of time to state that the election cannot be held on or before 28.05.2020. The date for fixing the poll is the responsibility of the Election Commission and His Excellency has no wish to interfere with duties and obligations of the Election Commission.

I may point out that in terms of Section 24[3] of the Parliamentary Elections Act, the time period giving notice of adjourned poll is not less than 14 days which implies that poll which was postponed, could be held even on 15th day.

I need hardly emphasise that it is the right of the people of this country to exercise their franchise, which is their sovereign right. In the total circumstances set out hereinbefore, I am instructed to inform the Election Commission that the question of Reference to the Supreme Court in terms of Article 129 of the Constitution does not arise.

P.B. Jayasundara

Secretary to the President

The Sunday Times has learnt that President Rajapaksa had a telephone conversation with EC Chairman Deshapriya. The same sources said they discussed issues related to the parliamentary elections. The President has explained that after his proclamation dissolving Parliament, nominations have also been concluded. The elections, however, have been put off by the Election Commission. He has also said that he had no plans to re-convene Parliament, again a matter which was his own prerogative.

The release to the media of their two letters clearance from the Presidents office irked government leaders. In public statements, Minister Wimal Weerawansa hit out at the Chairman of the Election Commission for allegedly dabbling in politics. He said, the Commission, as if it has woken up from slumber, says politicians should not get involved in the distribution of relief to poorer sections in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis. What we are doing is not politics. We do not want to get hold of coronavirus patients and do our politics. Whether it is ruling party members or opposition members, they need to give leadership to this.

Officials alone cannot carry out this task. If the Election Commission considers this as getting involved in politics, it is the Election Commission that should distribute medicines. What we are doing is fulfilling a social responsibility. We do not have differences on party basis. It is better to stop the Election Commission doing politics. We can understand the politics of the Election Commission. We are not children; we can understand how the Commission acted during the previous government and how it acted when the government changed. Therefore, we wish to tell the Commission and the clan there that they should stop doing politics.

Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya responded to these comments in his Facebook. Without making pointed reference to Minister Weerawansa, he said he could not react with the same tenor and tone to remarks made against the Commission. However, he said, the Commission had at no time declared that politicians should not distribute relief to those affected. That was a serious allegation but untrue. He said the Commission, however, had said that in carrying out such relief work, they should not try to make political capital. This is not only at a time of crisis but also but also under other circumstances.

Other than the campaign against Corvid-19, trying to defuse a constitutional crisis, economic issues are taking high priority attention. One area where President Rajapaksa has directed that immediate attention be paid is an estimated 100,000 Sri Lankans who have lost their jobs overseas. The government has been told that Kuwait has asked all their expatriate labour population to leave the country. Other West Asian nations affected by Corvid-19 have given the option to employers to decide whether they should employ expatriate labour. This has led to an important Presidential directive  that Foreign Employment Bureau (FEB) will from now on focus on the welfare of not only Sri Lankan workers who have gone through legitimate channels but others who have left unofficially through different means.

The other is a vast student population stuck abroad, particularly in different parts of India. This week ministers discussed at the cabinet the fate of a group of Sri Lankans who are stranded in different airports after the closure of the Bandaranaike International Airport. Added to that, there have been a large number of Sri Lankans who have migrated to other countries to return with their families. Also discussed was financial relief to private sector companies in different spheres.

Needless to say, that the return of those who are employed abroad will deprive their families in Sri Lanka of any revenue. That apart, foreign exchange remittances from them will come to a halt. Another difficulty posed by those wanting to return is the requirement that they should undergo quarantine. The present 47 centres are said to be inadequate to meet the numbers and construction of new ones will leave the government with a lack of doctors and other medical staff. At present, these centres could accommodate around 4,000 inmates. Parents of students have been advised to contact the Foreign Ministry in case they wish to send messages to their children.

Amidst these developments, the countrywide curfew is most likely to continue even after the national holidays. Presidential Special Envoy Basil Rajapaksa, who heads a 40-member Task Force told the Sunday Times, We are appealing to the people, in their own interest, not to mingle in crowds during the New Year. Even family meetings should be restricted to the minimum if we are to get rid of the scourge of Covid-19 soon. We are making sure that all essential services will function during the national New Year season. Our first, second and third priority is to restore normalcy as soon as possible. We have to do it without an escalation of the situation.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa addressed Sri Lankans in a speech simulcast over all television channels last Tuesday. Whether we live or not, he warned, will be decided by how steps are taken to control the Covid-10 pandemic. In a veiled attack on the previous regime, he said the government did not have the opportunity to have a budget approved. He noted this is not a time to follow the traditions as required by a religion or race. This is a time to think about the country. We must remember that we can jump over this grave only if we think collectively as human beings.

The armed forces and the police, who are in the front lines after medical professionals, in the fight against Covid-19 have been playing a commendable role. The Armys Military Intelligence Directorate has been carrying out the tasks of tracing victims, where they travelled and whom they mingled with. In this task, the Police and Public Health Inspectors are working together.

If the present momentum continues and there is no rapid increase in Covid-19 cases, normalcy that would lead to elections and the next phase will not be far off. The question is how long. Yet, a nation owes its gratitude to those who have held it so far and giving their best to get over difficult times. They are national heroines and heroes.
Federal courthouse building in downtown San Diego. (San Diego Union-Tribune)

A federal judge declined on Friday to allow a small Campo-based Christian church to assemble for Easter services on Sunday, turning aside a lawsuit the church had filed against San Diego County that alleged the public health orders banning group gatherings discriminated against religion.

U.S. District Judge Cynthia Bashant turned down the request for a temporary restraining order against the county from Abiding Place Ministries. The church had filed a suit Thursday contending the public health order issued Wednesday that banned public or private gatherings of more than one person was unconstitutional and too broad, violating the religious freedom of the church.

The countys order, the latest in a series aimed at combating the COVID-19 epidemic, said all gatherings were banned with exceptions for gathering of a single family or household, essential businesses, and public spaces where people are in transit and can maintain social distancing.

In the suit, the church argued that the order specifically prohibited religious gatherings but allows gatherings for a multitude of businesses and activities that are not constitutionally protected, only requiring them to enact social distancing and increased sanitation standards. However, it does not allow a Church, which is protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution, to gather, even if it enacts the strictest possible social distancing and the highest possible sanitation standards.

Jeremiah Graham, the lawyer for the church and a member, said Bashant turned down the suit by concluding the government had an overriding interest in protecting public health that in this instance justified the limits on religious gatherings, and that the order was not unconstitutional.

In constitutional law, individual rights can be overcome only if the government passes a high bar by showing there is a compelling state interest that justifies infringing on fundamental rights.

Graham said the church was uncertain if it would appeal. And he said that the church fully intended to abide by the ruling, and is planning to conduct services online Sunday.

Story continues

Mike Workman, a county spokesman, said the county welcomed the ruling. The judge upheld the countywide stay at home order, he said in an email. The order and this ruling are intended to protect the public health. We applaud the efforts of the local faith community who are reaching out to connect with their congregations via technology.

Graham said the church had tried to work with county officials to hold a service, even proposing allowing people to gather but stay in their vehicles. But he said the county was adamant that if they gathered they would be in violation of the order, which could result in a misdemeanor charge and fines.

In court papers, county lawyers said the church was not being singled out, and that the order is a necessary and critical tool to avoid a public health catastrophe. The county said the order is widely applied across the county and does not target the free exercise of religion.

The Countys stay-at-home order applies generally countywide, and has required the temporary closure of myriad businesses, events, and areas where people gather, without respect to the secular or religious nature of any such establishment or gathering, county lawyers wrote.

They said those businesses that remain open do so because they have been designated essential businesses under state law, and must still abide by social-distancing and other measures designed to halt the spread of the coronavirus.

Moreover the county said that the church has been violating the gathering bans the last two Sundays.

In court papers, Senior Deputy County Counsel Timothy White wrote on March 29 there were 50 to 60 church members gathered at the Campo property for a service, seated two to three feet apart  less than the required six-foot separation called for under social-distancing rules. A deputy responded to complaints from residents. The deputy issued a warning but the service continued, White wrote.

The following Sunday a second deputy went to the church location to find Graham telling parishioners who arrived to remain in their cars to hear a broadcast of the service. The deputy left and then returned three hours later to find six to seven people standing together, but they quickly dispersed.

Since the stay-home orders, nearly all religious services for a variety of faith traditions have been disrupted, with most places of worship shutting down to public access and conducting services online via streaming feeds on Facebook or other platforms.

Graham said Abiding Place Ministries was not looking for special treatment  Other churches should be able to have an assembly, if needed, he said  but said the act of gathering together was a central tenant of the churchs practice and theology.

The hearing on the restraining order was conducted via telephone, according to an entry in the online case file, and the reasons for denying the restraining order were not spelled out. An entry referred to the reasons stated in the telephonic hearing.

Moran writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.




Esteemed Members of the PA House and Senate,

Thank you for passing the historic voting reform package last year. A portion of this package that seems to have arrived just in time is the ability for all Pennsylvanians to vote-by-mail (VBM).

Last week, I took a few minutes to complete the online application for a VBM ballot. This will be the easiest and the safest way to participate in the upcoming state primary on June 2nd.

In order to extend this option to all registered voters in the Commonwealth, I urge you to support Rep. Boyles HB 2367. This bill would ensure that every voter in PA is mailed a VBM ballot application.

HB 2367 is crucial for protecting both voters and election workers during the June 2nd Primary. If the Legislature fails to act and does not push VBM as the norm, we will risk losing the progress we will have made flattening the curve through social distancing.

So many aspects of our lives have been affected by the global pandemic. Let us ensure that we still have a robust, competitive, and well-attended primary this year by passing HB 2367.

Randall Hayes, Harrisburg, Pa.
A site in Somerville that will be able to decontaminate up to tens of thousands of N95 masks per day is being highlighted as a key piece of protecting the supply of personal protective equipment, or PPE, for health care workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis.

Battelle, a Columbus-based nonprofit, worked with Partners HealthCare and Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone to set up the system to clean and decontaminate the N95 masks, relied on by doctors and nurses at hospitals across the state.

As the number of COVID-19 patients continues to grow as Massachusetts enters its predicted surge period, hospitals have struggled to maintain enough PPE for staff. Battelles machine will be able to serialize up to 80,000 N95 masks per day once it is fully operational, officials said.

Gov. Charlie Baker and other officials toured the facility Saturday.

Im incredibly grateful for the support weve received from Mayor Curtatone in the city of Somerville, who moved heaven and earth under his emergency powers to team up with Battelle and Partners and stand up this facility, Baker said. This machine will keep more masks in use and will sustain our personal protective equipment supply here in Massachusetts.

Health care facilities from across the state plan to use the facility. The service will be free for Massachusetts health care providers because of a federal contract, Baker said.

"Cleaning tens of thousands and sanitizing tens of thousands of these N95 respirator masks per day will help give the highest level of protection to our health care workers and we need to protect them because they need to care for us as we become ill, said Curtatone.

Baker said the machine is on its way to being able to decontaminate more masks in the coming week.

Battelles machine uses concentrated amounts of vapor phase hydrogen peroxide to kill off biological contaminants, including the coronavirus, according to Battelles website. Officials said masks, once cleaned, can be safely reused several times.

Baker said the state continues to look for ways to track down enough PPE for health care workers.

On Friday, the state Department of Public Health recommended that Massachusetts residents wear a face mask or face-covering in public when social distancing is not possible. The CDC has made the same recommendation.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-10 22:37:30|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese spokesman on Friday said a U.S. official's "fact-distorting" comments concerning the World Health Organization (WHO) and Taiwan were politically motivated to shift the blame and will only damage the credibility, image and interests of the United States.

He urged the U.S. side to respect facts and international public opinions and focus on its own epidemic prevention and control.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian made the remarks in response to the comments made by a U.S. State Department spokesperson who on Thursday said the U.S. is "deeply disturbed that Taiwan's information was withheld from the global health community, as reflected in the WHO's January 14 statement that there was no indication of human-to-human transmission." The U.S. official also accused the WHO of choosing politics over public health, an action that has cost time and life.

Novel coronavirus is a new virus to human beings, which means a science-based process is needed for gradual understanding and research work, Zhao said.

He said the WHO released authoritative information, at the earliest time possible, based on China's confirmation of "human-to-human transmission" on Jan. 20 and a WHO team's field visit to Wuhan on Jan. 20-21.

"In fact, no responsible countries or organizations will jump to conclusions without sufficient and valid evidence," he said.

On the U.S. claims that the international community failed to get information from Taiwan, the spokesman said it was not true, because after the epidemic broke out, the National Health Commission of China promptly informed the Taiwan region of the situation. In mid-January, experts from Taiwan paid a field visit to Wuhan and had discussions with mainland experts.

Zhao said Taiwan medical experts had expressed sincere thanks to the mainland for the reception. "As people in the Taiwan region share a bond of kinship with us, no one cares more about their health and well-being than the Chinese central government."

He stressed that as the WHO is a specialized UN agency composed of sovereign states, Taiwan's participation in the activities of WHO and other international organizations needs to be arranged in a reasonable and appropriate manner after cross-strait consultations under the one-China principle.

"According to the agreement reached between China and the WHO, there have been proper arrangements for the application of the International Health Regulations in the Taiwan region." Taiwan can obtain timely information on global public health emergencies released by the WHO, and can report their public health emergency information to the WHO in a timely manner as well.

Health experts from Taiwan can attend WHO technical meetings, and WHO experts can visit Taiwan if necessary for field trips or to provide assistance. These arrangements ensure that Taiwan can respond to public health emergencies in a timely and effective manner wherever these emergencies occur, Zhao said.

He said since the outbreak of COVID-19, the WHO has been holding an objective, scientific and impartial position, performing its duties, and making enormous efforts to assist countries in response to the pandemic and to promote international cooperation, which has been widely recognized and highly praised by the international community.

"China will, as always, firmly support the WHO in fulfilling its duties and leading global anti-epidemic cooperation," he said.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has just awarded a grant of nearly 762,000 to Guinea. The amount, granted through the AfDB Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), will support the Guinean Rural Electrification Agency sett up solar off-grid projects for the countrys villages.

According to the bank, funds will be used, among others, to finance technical, economic, financial, technical pre-feasibility and environmental and social impact studies for off-grid solar projects in the West African nation.

The projects identified in the Least-Cost Electrification Plan developed by the Government of Guinea in 2016, in coordination with the World Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD) comprise 57 off-grid solar systems in Guinean villages.

The systems will benefit around 30,000 households and some 100 micro and small businesses in the country. About 100 jobs will be created to deploy these systems.

In rural Guinea, only 7% of the population have access to electricity, compared to 34% at the national level.

Last year, the World Bank has approved about $50 million International Development Association (IDA) financing for the countrys Electricity Access Scale up Project to help increase access to electricity in selected areas of the country.

The project will finance the rehabilitation, densification and expansion of distribution networks in the areas of the Greater Conakry and secondary cities of Kindia and Forecariah, and enable 90,000 new or improved electricity connections, benefiting more than 600,000 Guineans.
All but gutted by a devastating fire a year ago, Notre-Dame became a beacon of rebirth for Catholics yesterday when the Archbishop of Paris led a small service in the cathedral to mark Easter.

Mgr Michel Aupetit and a handful of priests entered the famed Gothic edifice in hardhats for Good Friday prayers.

Two actors and a violinist wore white hazmat suits and boots to protect themselves against lead poisoning after the fire left traces of the metal throughout the building. The small group gathered in the apse behind Notre-Dame's Pieta statue, deemed a safe area in a building whose structure was weakened in the blaze last April 15, losing its roof and spire - and almost losing its bell towers.

"As we are going to celebrate Easter, we will celebrate life, which is stronger than death, and love, which is stronger than hate," said Mgr Aupetit.
SPRINGFIELD, Ore.  Springfield Utility Board is making some changes to help those struggling due to the ongoing pandemic.

A rate increase expected to take effect in May will now be delayed until August, SUB said.

Also, the General Manager Jeff Nelson will be reducing his salary by $25,500 to provide all hourly employees with a $220 payment in recognition of their work.

"My co-workers are my heroes," Nelson said. Its an honor to serve with them.

Additional money has been approved for the utilitys low-income assistance fund, bringing the total for Project Share to $120,000.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 659, responded to Nelson's salary reduction, saying not enough has been done to protect the utility's workers during the pandemic. The union said in a news release that SUB has been without a safety coordinator for months, and employees' calls for increased safety measures in the wake of coronavirus have been met with resistance.
A south-east Queensland pharmacy worker has tested positive for COVID-19, triggering the quarantine of nine of their colleagues.

Health authorities said contact tracing had already been completed for the new case, one of nine confirmed on Saturday.

Hygiene practices and social distancing meant customers who visited the pharmacy at Riverlink Shopping Centre in Ipswich were considered at low risk of contracting the disease, Queensland Health said.

The details information was made public on the same day federal Deputy Chief Medical Officer Nick Coatsworth said every case where a healthcare worker contracted COVID-19 from their patient needed to be formally investigated.
The Kasoa Police on Thursday, arrested the owner of a drinking spot in the area, for failing to comply with the Imposition Restriction law.



Mawutor Ahetor opened her spot at Blue Top Estate on Wednesday at 0820 hours during the lockdown culminating in a robbery incident that night.



DSP Irene Serwaah Oppong, Central Region Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), confirmed the incident to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Cape Coast.



She said on Thursday, April 8, one Samuel Richards, a Nigerian reported to Kasoa Police Station that he had been robbed of his Infinix mobile phone and an amount of GHC 2,500.00 by a group of young men.



According to Richards, the suspects, whom he could identify, attacked him on his way out of the drinking spot.



DSP Oppong said the Police visited the crime scene and saw the drinking spot opened and arrested the owner, Ahetor for breaking the Imposition of Restriction law.



She said Richards was also arrested for the same offense and were both given Police enquiry bail assisting in investigation.



Meanwhile, the Police is on a manhunt for the group of young men who allegedly robbed Richards of his Infinix mobile phone and an amount of GHC 2,500.00.

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.

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Chennai: A jumbo panel of medical experts have suggested to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Mr. Edappadi K Palaniswami to extend the lockdown, to fight Covid-19, by 15 days beyond April 14. But a final decision will be taken by Palaniswami only after consultations with Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, followed by a cabinet meeting on Saturday.

The medical experts including domain specialists on infectious diseases and from ICMR and government and private sector doctors, at an over three-hour meeting with Mr. Palaniswami is learnt to have clearly told him that Tamil Nadu should consider lifting the lockdown only it was "sure" that the new coronavirus spread has been brought under control; or else, the purpose of the steps taken so far like the lockdown, the Containment Plan (CP) and observing social distance could be defeated, they cautioned.

The Chief Secretary, Dr K Shanmugam, briefing reporters here on Friday evening at the DMS complex, where the State Health Secretary, Dr. Beela Rajesh was also present, did not divulge the details of the above meeting, but said the medical experts general advice was unless the Covid-19 spread was brought under control, the measures taken thus far may go waste.

Dr Shanmugam said, the Chief Minister will take a final call on the lockdown issue after his scheduled video conference with Mr. Modi on Saturday and which is to be followed by a meeting of the State Cabinet here and then announce the final decision.

On the overall situation in the State, he said while the total positive cases for the virus has shot up to 911 by Friday evening, with 77 new positive cases reported today alone, an elderly woman patient died in the coronavirus ward in Thoothukudi government hospital, taking the total virus death toll to nine.

However, he said of the 77 new positive cases today, five of them had a contact history with 'primary persons' who had travelled from abroad, while the remaining 72 had contacts with those five persons.

All these people who have tested positive today were from the group of people either already in government quarantines or who were isolated and under house quarantine under the massive CP that was going on in the State. "So, there is no spread of the virus from any new outside source," he said, to drive home that Tamil Nadu was still in Stage-II of the disease.

Dr. Shanmugam saw this as a ray of hope in Tamil Nadu quickly getting over the situation and bringing the virus spread under total control. The Chief Minister wants to rigourise the CP, to not only test all the family members of any patient testing positive for Covid-19, but also screen all their contacts, and isolate and quarantine those who have symptoms.

Dr Shanmugam expressed the hope that this "aggressive containment plan" should be completed by the next two or three days and once those numbers are known, it will "help us to bring the virus-spread under control soon." The public should continue to cooperate with the State, he added.

Asked about the delay in the Rapid Test Kits (RTK) imported from China, in reaching Chennai, he said the delay by a day or two was due to those imports being sourced through the Central government. But Tamil Nadu was also directly sourcing RTKs', other equipment and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) kits for frontline medical and sanitary staff on its own, that "we are well prepared". Tamil Nadu began readying itself to combat Covid-19 by beginning to source all these equipment from January-end itself when the first breakout from China was reported, he explained.

At the same time, Chief Minister Mr. Palaniswami was focusing on minimizing the economic hardships due to the lockdown with all the cash assistance and free supply of essentials through PDS, he said. The cash dole of Rs. 1,000 was on Thursday extended to cover another 8.50 lakh families including workers of registered fire crackers units, he noted. The needs of the unorganised sector including over three lakh migrant workers from other States, the disabled and the elderly were also taken care of.

GOI MONEY: On financial assistance from the Centre for Covid-19 containment activities, Dr Shanmugam said apart from the Rs. 510 crore initially sanctioned to Tamil Nadu from the SDRF funds, on Friday, the Centre has released another Rs. 314 crore to the State from the National Health Mission (NHM) funds for fighting Covid-19 pandemic. But the State government was also mobilizing resources on its own and spending a lot of money on medical needs and various welfare schemes, he pointed out.
Six people were missing after a fly ash dyke gave way at a coal-fired power plant in the Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh state on Friday, a local official told Reuters. It was the third such incident in the district in a year, the official said. Five villagers and a worker at the site owned by Reliance Power were swept up in a flow of fly ash, which travelled at least six kilometres, swallowing up whole agricultural fields along the way. Fly ash is a powdery byproduct of burning pulverised coal. The sludge flowed from the dyke and then mixed with a stream, which ...
The mainstream media is filled with stories these days about how, while most people are sheltering in place and practicing social distancing while they're out, several adult websites are, in their words, "raking in the cash" as bored stay-at-homers are feasting their eyes on clips, and adult performers who used to do much of their work on movie sets have turned to camming to support themselves during the crisis.

But the sad truth is that all of the major adult movie producers have stopped production completely rather than subject talent and crews (not to mention office staff) to the possibility of becoming infected with COVID-19 just from being close together for several hours. The result: Any "new" movies currently being advertised were shot weeks if not months agoand when they've all been released over the next month or two, there'll be no new features until it's decided that this virus is no longer a threat.

Of course, the question on just about everyone's mind is, when will the coronavirus cease to be a threat so everyone can go about their regular businesses again?

Now, by and large, adult industry members follow a "live and let live" philosophy, and they generally trust that somehow, the government and its advisors will do their best to bring this pandemic (or at least the U.S. part of it) under control as soon as possibleand that they'll do that through medical science, despite the obvious cluelessness being exhibited by government officials from Trump on down.

Generally speaking, however, the Very Religious, especially evangelicals, aren't big fans of science. After all, they believe the earth was created by a supreme being about 6,000 years ago (when it's actually 4.5 billion years old), that this supreme being gets testy every once in a while, such as when he (it's almost always "he") decided to flood the planet and only allow as many species to survive as Noah could fit on his ark. And the Very Religious are convinced that it's because people "sin" that these catastrophes are "visited upon us" periodically, but that those who are "saved" don't really have to worry about the plagues, earthquakes, pandemics, etc., because if they die, they'll be going to heaven for the rest of eternityand won't that be nice?

For instance, according to a report by Salon's Matthew Rozsa, "Christian evangelist Franklin Graham told Judge Jeannine Pirro on Fox News that the coronavirus pandemic happened because the world 'has turned its back on God.'"

"Well, I dont think its Gods plan for this to happen," Graham told Pirro after she asked Saturday why God would allow a pandemic to occur. "Its because of the sin thats in the world, judge. Man has turned his back on God, we have sinned against him and we need to ask for Gods forgiveness... And this pandemicthis is the result of a fallen world. A world that has turned its back on God."

"Christians spend their entire lives fantasizing about what happens after they die," noted commentator Terry Firma on the FriendlyAtheist blog. "They tell each other that the wages of sin is death. The evangelical ones like to share their belief that the Christian God will one day burn heretics and blasphemers in lakes of fire."

But it's this "faith" that church- (and synagogue- and mosque-) goers are "saved" that's allowed certain clergymembers to put their parishioners squarely in harm's way with stunts like the one pulled by Pastor Tony Spell of Life Tabernacle Church in Baton Rouge, who was charged with violating an executive order that bans churches from holding large gatherings, but showed his defiance last Tuesday by holding a service that was attended by over 1,000 people.

And then there's Florida Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne of The River Church of Tampa, who was being arrested for holding church services on March 29 and for stating that he wouldn't close the doors of his megachurch "until the End Times begin."

Both Spell and Howard-Browne are represented by Mat Staver, an attorney with Liberty Counsel, the group that's defended a bevy of right-wing religious nutjobsand Staver's taking his defense of congregations congregating very seriously.

"Sadly, during this national emergency many officials are using fear to justify illegal and unconstitutional actions," Staver wrote in an email to supporters on April 8. "And unfortunately, anti-Christian and anti-Jewish forces are pushing back hard on Governor Ron DeSantis, pressuring him to close every single Florida church and house of worship before Easter Day." (Emphasis in original)

(BTW, the company that insures Howard-Browne's church just cancelled its policy after the pastor insisted that he would continue to fight against "government tyranny.")

**

UPDATE: The clueless Spell, according to The Hill newspaper, "says his church near Baton Rouge is expecting a crowd of 2,000 or more despite federal coronavirus guidance advising social distancing."

Satan and a virus will not stop us, Rev. Tony Spell told Reuters. God will shield us from all harm and sickness. We are not afraid. We are called by God to stand against the Antichrist creeping into Americas borders. We will spread the Gospel.

ASSHOLE!

**

Plenty of officials have taken Staver's statements (or similar ones) to heart. After all, there are currently seven statesArkansas, Iowa, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, Utah and Wyomingthat have issued no stay-at-home/social distancing orders and have no plans to do so, even though the coronavirus is responsible for dozens of deaths in those states.

And then there are the ones who have issued such orders but can't wait to repeal them.

"Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, an anti-abortion Republican who is popular with the Christian Right, has called for an end to social distancingeven if people in his state die as a result," reported Alex Henderson on Alternet.com.

Patrick asserted, "My message is: lets get back to work. Those of us who are 70-plus, well take care of ourselves, but dont sacrifice the country. Dont do that. Dont ruin this great American Dream."

And it's not just clergy and their representatives who want to make it easier for people, particularly churchgoers, to gather. For instance, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers did issue a stay-at-home orderbut members of the State Assembly are urging him to cancel the order, at least as it applies to churches.

"It is more important than ever that we allow Wisconsinites to observe their individual faiths," Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and the other members of the Assembly GOP caucus wrote in an April 3 letter to Evers. "To that end, we ask that you work with Wisconsin churches and temples to allow them to hold Easter or Passover services, even if its outside."

And of course, for right-wing insanity, one doesn't have to look much further than failed talkshow host Glenn Beck.

"I would rather have my children stay home and all of us who are over 50 go in and keep this economy going and working," Beck told listeners. "Even if we all get sick, I would rather die than kill the country. Because its not the economy thats dying, its the country."

Most recently giving the country a chance to continue dying is Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, who stated that he would today hold a Good Friday service under a 15-foot cross displayed at the Capitol Building. No word yet on how many showed up for that.

The point is, as long as these jackasses insist on treating the coronavirus as if it were "a hoax" and/or no more dangerous than a case of the flu, and who insist that people getting togetherclose togetherin buildings to express their religious beliefs when they could just as easily pray alone in their "inner rooms" (as Jesus reportedly counseled) which some have interpreted to mean "closet," this pandemic will continue to ruin the lives of ordinary citizensand kill a bunch of them as well, while keeping the world's economy in the crapper.

So while it might make those pre-infected, suicidal parishioners happy that it's in part because of them that no new porn movies will be made for the foreseeable future, the adult industry and its supporters don't have to be happy about itand they damn well aren't!

Images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
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We are dedicated to providing the reliable, local journalism you have come to expect. We are committed to serving you with renewed energy and growing resources. Let the Prince William Times be your community companion throughout 2021, and for many years to come.
The Ghaziabad district administration has roped in five psychologists for counselling people who are suspected to have caught the coronavirus and kept in isolation wards, officials said on Saturday.

This would enhance awareness, courage in the patients and prepare them to fight the pandemic, District Magistrate Ajay Shankar Pandey told PTI.

The psychologists would inform the patients about the symptoms, precautions and treatment of novel coronavirus.

Ghaziabad has become the first district in Uttar Pradesh to provide counselling to the suspected cases during their quarantine period, DM Pandey claimed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With Kerala recording its third Covid-19 death on Saturday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the state will take a call on extending the lockdown after the Union Governments decision.

Ten fresh cases have been reported in the state taking the total number of positive cases to 374, the CM said adding 19 people had been discharged from hospitals. Out of ten new cases, seven have been reported from Kannur in north Kerala and 1,23, 490 people are under observation in the state, he said.

In Kannur, a cured woman gave birth to a baby after C-section surgery and both are in good health, he said. The doctors performed the operation wearing PPE kits and the baby will be kept away from the mother for a few days, said doctors of the Kannur medical college hospital. In an advanced stage of pregnancy she had tested positive last month and was shifted to an isolation ward. Later she tested negative.

There is a little confusion over the death of the latest victim, a 71-year-old resident of Mahe which is part of Puducherry. Admitted in the Pariyaram Medical College in Kannur he died in the early hours of Saturday. He was suffering from multiple complications and was on ventilator support for the last two weeks, health minister K K Shailaja said. Later, his body was buried under strict protocol in Kannur and only four family members were allowed.

Kerala was the first state in the country to report coronavirus cases and has the least number of deaths and a good recovery rate. The CM said the recovery of a large number of people was a good sign but it was too early to relax norms.

Recovery of many patients and less number of people turning positive are good signs. It shows we have a good grip on the disease but if some lapses take place things will change. So we have to keep our surveillance up, he said. He gave enough hint that the state was in favour of extending the lockdown but least affected areas will have to be eased.

The CM said in the meeting with the Prime Minister that the state sought more financial help and food grains. The state has also asked for non-stop trains to ferry migrant workers who are camping in 10,000- odd camps in the state. He sought special flights to bring back stranded expatriates in the middle-eastern countries.
On April 4, the World Socialist Web Site posted a review of Black & Privileged, directed by independent, Chicago-based filmmaker Mark Harris (Black Butterfly, Black Coffee, Nothing Like Thanksgiving).

Mark Harris [Credit: GaperBlock]

The film examines in part how an affluent African-American community is turned upside down by the arrival in its midst of several low-income blacks. In other words, Harriss work, as we wrote, deals with a nearly taboo subject in Americawealth and class divisions, includingwithin the African-American population.

Black & Privileged is significant for this reason. At the same time, the review was critical of certain aspects of the film, including its failure to fully follow through on that important theme.

Unusually for an artist, especially one who has been criticized to one degree or another, Harris contacted the WSWS. We expressed our appreciation for his objectivity and level-headedness and suggested an interview to further explore some of the key elements of the film, a proposal to which he generously agreed.

What emerged in the hour-long discussion were a number of notions about history and the current state of American society, some of them insightful and some of them, in our view, confused and contradictory. In any event, such discussions and debates are vital to the rebirth of more critical film and art.

Below is a transcript of our discussion, edited for length and content.

* * * * *

Nick Barrickman: I appreciate you granting us this interview. I wanted to know if you would give us a little background about yourself, your personal history and your work in film.

Mark Harris: Sure. First of all, thank you for reviewing the film, it was an honor to see it on your website.

Black & Privileged

I was born and raised in Englewood, Illinois [a Chicago neighborhood and the setting for Black & Privileged]. I now live in Hyde Park. I started making movies in 2005, with a film titled Black Coffee. I did another film called My First Love, as well as a film titled Stock Option on MTV. Im doing a lot of work with Netflix and Amazon Prime right now.

NB: In my opinion, Black & Privileged raises a very important issuethe issue of social inequality. To be honest, this issue hasnt been well-addressed at all in recent art, let alone in popular film, and even less so in respect to how it appears within the African-American community. Could you speak a little about how you view this issue and how it influenced your film?

MH: Sure, the way I see it is, in society, the average person who hasnt been born and raised in a black community usually isnt willing to walk through one at night. Why? Theyre afraid of violence and so on. In most communities, the question of violence is connected to economic issues; the lack of jobs, but also, the lack of wealth and the ability to invest and create jobs for others.

NB: Theres a scene early in Black & Privileged with Dawnisha Halfkenny, in which she hears that new residents from a nearby housing tenement are being sent to live in Englewood. At first, she acts very progressive and is supportive of it all. She quotes W.E.B. DuBois and says how they must lend these poor people a helping hand. Then, almost overnight, when she sees the new residents out in the community, drinking malt liquor, with their bad manners and all, she gets hysterical and calls the police on them.

Mark Harris and Dawn Halfkenny

Its almost like a situation where the idea of poor people is more attractive to her than the actual people themselves. Once they appear, up close and in person, the reality is just too much for her to bear. In my opinion, this scene is very well-done and honest. It seems to me that you are critiquing an attitude that exists in wealthier, better-off parts of America. Can you speak to that?

MH: I purposefully exaggerated that scene you are mentioning to make a point. Im definitely critiquing this Im better than you mindset.

Like you say, when Dawns husband, Samad [Simeon Henderson], mentions the new residents to her, shes cool with it. But the very next day, with the new neighbors arriving, with their bad habits and all, she sees it differently. Thats definitely a type of personality [which has] some sympathy for the poor, as long as they stay over there.

She basically switches her views with Samad, who from the start doesnt want the new residents there. He is kind of left saying to her, I told you so.

Sometimes, black people, we dont like to admit to certain things. In more middle-class communities, even when other black people move in, we dont like to take a look in the mirror and examine ourselves. They are to an extent defending black privilege.

Im not even really speaking about their skin color; its a way of thinking.

NB: There is another scene near the beginning, in which Eldon [Corey Hendrix] is angry that the new residents will be moving in. He refers to their integrating into the community as redlining [the practice of refusing (a loan or insurance) to someone because he or she lives in an area deemed to be a poor financial risk, often black, inner-city neighborhoods]. It seems to me he is being serious when he says that, but, in my view, it is quite ironic. Could you explain that concept and how its used here?

MH: In Englewood, the community in which the film is set, today it is majority African American. When my mother first moved to it from Alabama, the community was almost entirely white. [The gangster] Al Capone even used to own a home there.

When my mother moved in, there was white flight, and the neighborhood started becoming what it is today. While the racial majority of the neighborhood turned from white to black, through redlining, blockbusting and other racist policies, in the movie, this Im better than you mentality remains. It seems like the mentality transferred from the former residents to the new, whose parents had to deal with that same treatment when they first arrived.

NB: Another way to say this is that while the residents skin color may have changed, the class status they inherited has, ironically, led them to adopt similar discriminatory views seen during the Jim Crow era.

MH: Yes.

Incidentally, I also wanted to address your criticism about the movies editing.

The production is purposefully rough in places. I wanted the movie to reflect the chaotic and contradictory parts of society. At the end of the movie, theres a particular scene in which a little girl is looking up at the adult characters. I wanted to show the audience the world from the little girls perspective, which is disjointed. We have a lot of contradictions; between old and young; rich and poor; black and white; in politics; in religion. I wanted these shots to reflect these conflicts within the black community.

NB: Fair enough. I would like to ask a more critical question. As our review suggests, your film seems to back off from following through on the theme of social inequality and pursues something completely different in the second half of the movie which, in my opinion, is far less interesting. Would you agree the movie pivots away from this issue, and if so, why?

MH: I think your criticism is valid, but here is the reason whyif you follow the narrative, the film is set into three chapters. The Eldon character gives an outline of each. In my film, the three assassins who appear in the plot are actually meant to represent an idea, not actual people. That idea is America. If you note, each assassin wears a specific color: red, white or blue.

The assassins are killing off the female characters. Malcolm X referred to the black woman as the most unprotected person in America. As the plot unfolds, the citizens of Englewood regroup and kill off these ideas.

NB: What about America is embodied in these ideas?

MH: The legacy of slavery, Jim Crow, the residue of the Civil Rights movement. Symbols of history.

NB: You seem to be placing Jim Crow segregation in the same category as the Civil Rights movement. Wouldnt it be more appropriate to say the Civil Rights movement was out to vanquish Jim Crow and the legacy of slavery?

MH: Many people look back to the Civil Rights movement period as this great thing. But within it, you had these major figuresMalcolm X, Medgar Evers, Martin Luther King, Jr.who were assassinated.

Im sure youre familiar with American history. After the Civil War, you had the creation of Black Wall Street, not only in Oklahoma, but in cities across America. After the Civil Rights movement, black communities lost their hotels, their banks and things like that. Some people may disagree with me, but these things were lost.

NB: It seems to me youre mixing too many things together in one pot. On the one hand, you have the period of Reconstruction, which followed the American Civil War to end slavery. During this time there was an effort to genuinely integrate blacks into American society. But then youre also conflating this with the period of Jim Crow, which was against integration. Finally, the Civil Rights movement was striving for genuine equality and to do away with Jim Crow and the doctrine of separate but equal.

The Civil Rights movement made real gains, but due to the role played by the Democratic Party, which diverted the movement for social equality into channels promoting black capitalism, instituted by [Republican President Richard] Nixon, and programs such as Affirmative Action, genuine social equality was never achieved. I wouldnt want to kill off the ideas behind the movement, though. We shouldnt try to turn back the clock to Jim Crow, we have to deal with the central issue of class privilege today. I think that your film does a good job of that in several places, revealing how that appears in our day-to-day life.

MH: Thank you. Its a contradictory history, for sure. I would say the film is that way. There are certain socialist ideas in it, such as the better-off citizens pooling together their funds to help put the newer residents through school. Its a capitalist community, for sure, but its contradictory.

NB: In wrapping up, what are some other projects you are working on at the moment?

MH: Im working on two films: Black Coffee 2, which is a romantic comedy. Its about a couple that buys a coffee plantation in order to compete with Starbucks. They end up going to Belize, and different conflicts arise. The other film is called The House Behind the Tracks, it is about a police officer who kills an honor student and then tries to obtain forgiveness from the family.

NB: They sound interesting. Thank you again for your time.

MH: No problem. I also was very pleased and honored to see that your website had chosen my film for a review, and that you had done your research about me and my views.
Sophie Turner in Dark Phoenix, which surprisingly hasn't put her off the X-Men franchise (Image by 20th Century Fox)

Sophie Turner would love to return as Jean Grey in a future X-Men movie, even though Dark Phoenix was a major critical and financial failure.

The 24-year-old actress made this admission during her recent interview with Variety, although she was quick to add that she has absolutely no idea whether or not Disney want to continue with 20th Century Foxs take on the characters.

Read More: Jean Grey is darker than ever in the new 'X-Men: Dark Phoenix' trailer

"I don't even know what the deal is, whether Disney wants to continue on the X-Men journey, Turner remarked, before adding. I would always be down to go back to that character and that cast and that experience... we had the best time on those movies. I would kill to go back."

Director Simon Kinberg poses with the cast of "Dark Phoenix" during the film's premiere in Los Angeles, California, U.S., June 4, 2019. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Turner has played the younger version of Jean Grey/Phoenix in both X-Men: Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix. But while Apocalypse was a relative success, grossing $543.9 million despite its average reviews, Dark Phoenix was savaged by critics and then only made $252.4 million, making it the lowest grossing installment in the franchise.

The poor performance of Dark Phoenix means that Turners hopes of returning as Jean Grey are unlikely. Disney are almost certainly going to reboot the X-Men cast and franchise, especially because the mutants are eventually going to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Although Kevin Feige is yet to reveal or even tease when thats going to take place.

Read More: 'X-Men: Dark Phoenix' ending completely reshot due to 'parallels' with another superhero movie (exclusive)

Theres both good news and bad news for those of you that are desperate for another X-Men movie. The good news is that New Mutants, which revolves around teenage mutants trying to get to grips with their superpowers, is still yet to be released. The bad news is that Disney recently rescinded its scheduled release date and theyve yet to announce a new one.
In view of a sharp decline in tax collection, a Delhi government employees' association has requested Lt. Governor Anil Baijal and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to use religious institutions' premises to accommodate doctors, nurses and suspected COVID-19 patients.

Earlier this week, Kejriwal had said that all departments have been directed to stop all expenses except salary of employees. He had said the Delhi government will have to cut its expenses drastically in view of the current revenue status.

According to the association, the government has made arrangements for accommodation of doctors treating COVID-19 patients at five-star hotels, which puts extra burden on the exchequer at a time when the tax revenue has drastically gone down.

Umesh Batra, general secretary of Delhi Government Employees Welfare Association, said the government can save money in such financial crises by paying attention to the association's demand.

"Our religious institutions in Delhi have good space where government can make accommodation arrangements for doctors, nurses, suspected COVID-19 patients," he said.

Committees and managements of most temples, gurdwaras, churches and mosques will not deny requests for this noble cause, he added.

In his letter to Baijal and Kejriwal, Batra said the move will not only help the government avoid "unnecessary expenses" on five-star hotels and resorts, but also give relief to government servants as community centres and schools in their areas are being used to quarantine suspected COVID-19 patients.

The number of coronavirus cases climbed to 903 and the death toll rose to 14 in the national capital on Friday, with 183 fresh infections and two deaths being reported.

Of the total cases, 584 are related to a religious congregation that was held in south Delhi's Nizamuddin area in March.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In the aftermath of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders abandonment of his campaign, many members and supporters of the Democratic Socialists of America now see through the DSAs cynical and duplicitous role as an accomplice of the Democratic Party.

For years, even preceding the 2016 election, the DSA trumpeted Sanders as the fearless leader of a political revolution that would transform the Democratic Party into an instrument of far-reaching social change.

Bernie Sanders [Credit: Gage Skidmore, Flickr.com]

But Sanders has slunk out of the fight for the nomination in a manner that invites contempt. There was nothing of an old fighters last hurrah. The aged senator did not even offer his supporters a last harrumph. Rather, he meekly accepted the verdict of the Democratic Party machine and sang the praises of his old friend Joe Biden. And so, Sanders political revolution ended not with a final roar of defiance, but with a whimper of unctuous flattery.

With anger building among a substantial number of disillusioned and disgusted DSA members over the prospect of endorsing a Biden candidacy, Jacobin, a journal affiliated with the DSA, held an online forum last Wednesday titled What Bernie accomplished and where to go next. It featured Jacobin founder Bhaskar Sunkara, contributors Michael Brooks, Meagan Day and Matt Karp, as well as Amber Frost of Chapo Trap House.

The primary purpose of the forum was to answer the question Where to go next? with a definitive: Nowhere, stay in the Democratic Party. No speaker at Wednesdays forum challenged the article published in Jacobin Wednesday morning by Eric Blanc that stated, Were not yet strong enough to stop using the Democratic ballot line any time soon.

During the forum, Sunkara asserted: Im not talking about a new socialist party or anything.

Despite the unrelenting opposition of the Democratic Party to Sanders candidacy, Jacobin is relying on increasingly stretched arguments as to why those who consider themselves socialist should stay within this reactionary organization.

We shouldnt allow ourselves to draw too simple of a conclusion that the institution of the Democratic Party was too smart for us or too strong for us, argued Day. To those who are upset over Sanders defeat, Day suggested, work on some electoral campaign or something like that.

Amber Frost stated her agreement with Day and added, There is a certain amount of luck, and you should definitely analyze your mistakes, but you cant actually overestimate the Democratic machine Clearly, they are not very confident, they did get kind of lucky and we did get kind of unlucky.

These statements are desperate attempts to resuscitate the illusion that the Democratic Party can still be reformed from within. If Sanders merely suffered from bad luck in 2016 and 2020, why not try again in 2024? And what about the past century of failed efforts at reforming the Democratic Party? According to the DSA, everyone from William Jennings Bryan to Jesse Jackson apparently suffered from just a bad roll of the dice.

More than any past event, the efforts of the DSA and Jacobin to justify remaining in the Democratic Party were aimed at counteracting the growing influence of the World Socialist Web Site and Socialist Equality Party, whose criticism of and opposition to the Sanders campaign are well known to DSA members.

Day worriedly noted that theres a lot of chatter online right now about where [discontented Sanders supporters] will go. People are looking for a place to go next. Later in the program, she elaborated: We hear a lot of grumblings from those who tell us that Bernie Sanders is not a socialist and they would like to disabuse us of that notion. This is a running theme, and its obviously kind of obnoxious, because whatever is in Bernies heart this is obviously the exact way that a socialist should behave in the beating heart of global capitalism.

Day appealed to non-sectarian socialists to unite, while Sunkara explained the futility of breaking with the Democratic Party in opposion to good sectarians who know they are small and marginal. Frost similarly noted concern over smug gloating from the armchair revolutionaries.

When Sunkara and company refer to sectarians, they mean individuals who are not cynical, opportunist agents of the Democratic Party. The DSA uses the term sectarian as an epithet against Marxists who are politically hostile to and independent of the Democratic Party.

Leon Trotsky wrote in 1935:

Reformists and centrists readily seize upon every occasion to point a finger at our sectarianism; and most of the time, they have in mind not our weak but our strong side: our serious attitude toward theory; our effort to plumb every political situation to the bottom, and to advance clear-cut slogans; our hostility to easy and comfortable decisions which deliver from cares today, but prepare a catastrophe on the morrow. Coming from opportunists, the accusation of sectarianism is most often a compliment.

Trotsky was writing under conditions in which the Left Opposition faced a relatively smaller readership compared with the Social Democratic and Stalinist parties. In recent months, however, the World Socialist Web Sites readership has grown to far exceed that of Jacobin, both worldwide and in the United States.

Despite significant institutional support and free advertising in the bourgeois press, Jacobin has suffered a substantial decline in readership, indicating a growing revulsion over its opportunist politics among healthier elements among DSA supporters. Sunkara knows his claim that the WSWS is small and marginal is false.

Jacobin and the DSA are aware of the critical role they play as a facilitators of Democratic Party politics.

The Washington Post recently referenced Vermont Democratic Congressman and Sanders confidant Peter Welch, stating that Welch sees Sanders as central to Bidens chances of winning support from a progressive left who dont particularly support the Democratic Party as an institution but whom we need to get out to vote.

The Post also cited Washington Democratic Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, noting, Sanders greatest contribution may involve demonstrating the importance of what she called inside/outside politics.

Genuine socialism is based on the struggle to develop a movement of the working class that is organizationally outside of and consciously hostile to all political parties of the capitalist class. Only in this way is the working class capable of realizing and unleashing its social power.
GM to Share Face Mask Production Plans

Due to surging demand for face masks, GM is also increasing production capability at its Warren, Michigan plant to fight COVID-19 pandemic

DETROIT  Based on the overwhelming number of requests for face masks for frontline workers, GM is increasing its production capacity for face masks at its Warren, Michigan facility. In addition, the company has shared its manufacturing plans with GM suppliers along with the Original Equipment Suppliers Association and the Michigan Manufacturers Association to help other manufacturers ramp up their own production efforts.

Our ultimate goal is to get more masks to the people who desperately need them, said Shilpan Amin, GM vice president of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain. And we recognize it would be counterproductive for GM  or any other manufacturer  to compete for supplies with existing medical mask companies. By making GMs production processes available to the OESA and the MMA, we hope to facilitate other companies efforts to bring more materials, more equipment and ultimately, more face masks to the community.

The Michigan Manufacturers Association has 1,700 companies across all industries, and many are looking for ways to help during this crisis, said John Walsh, Michigan Manufacturers Association president and CEO. GMs production plans and their willingness to share design specifications will be extremely appreciated as our members accelerate their own efforts to help during this crisis. GMs efforts are a strong symbol of how manufacturing is driving solutions to solve this crisis.

The 500+ members of OESA are honored to lend their manufacturing expertise in this initiative, said Julie A. Fream, OESA president and CEO. For automotive suppliers, this is an excellent opportunity to champion the efforts of our healthcare workers and provide much needed PPE to help fight the global coronavirus pandemic.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, GM is currently producing face masks Warren and in China through a joint venture with SAIC-GM-Wuling. Studies are underway to launch similar initiatives in other countries.

The Warren facility can now produce up to 1.5 million face masks a month. Coordinating with the State of Michigans Michigan Community Service Commission, GMs site in Warren has already delivered face masks to local hospitals. Over the weekend, the site will add two additional production lines: a second line for face masks and a new line for filtering facepiece respirators.

For U.S. production, the company partnered with existing automotive suppliers to provide the materials and equipment necessary for mask production.

JR Automation in Holland, Michigan and Esys Automation in Auburn Hills typically provide GM with automotive-manufacturing equipment. For GMs face-mask production, the company built a mask line that automatically folds, welds, and cuts face masks.

GDC in Goshen, Indiana provides GM with sound-deadening insulation found in vehicle doors, headliners and trunks. To transition to making materials for GMs face mask production, GDC enlisted the help of OXCO in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Both companies employees worked around the clock and over weekends to alter their production processes for the manufacturing of three layers of fabric used to manufacture masks.

To learn more about how GM is producing masks in Warren, and General Motors other efforts to combat the COVID-19 outbreak, please visit https://www.gm.com/coronavirus.html.

For information on the mask design, please visit: https://mimfg.org/COVID-19 or click here to request the Face Masks Informational Blue Print.

General Motors is a global company committed to delivering safer, better and more sustainable ways for people to get around. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Holden, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, and Maven, its personal mobility brand, can be found at http://www.gm.com.
Police have detained around 80



migrant workers, mostly from Odisha, for allegedly going on a rampage and setting many handcarts afire in Surat demanding that they be allowed to return to their native places amid the lockdown, an official said on Saturday.

Hundreds of migrant workers stuck in Surat due the lockdown torched handcarts and tyres in Laksana area of the city on Friday night.

After the incident, police personnel were deployed in large numbers in the area and the situation was brought under control, the official said.

"Hundreds of workers, mostly from Odisha, hit the streets demanding that they should be sent to their native places. They also claimed that the food served to them by an NGO is tasteless and they have to stand in queue to get the meal," ACP C K Patel said.

"Out of anger, they torched some handcarts and tyres in Laskana area. We have detained 80 migrant workers. Heavy police deployment and strict vigil by the administration has brought the situation under control," he said.

On March 30, over 90 migrant labourers were arrested in Surat city for defying the nationwide lockdown and attacking police over a similar issue.

On Friday, the number of coronavirus cases in Gujarat rose to 378 after 116 new cases were reported since Thursday night. With two more deaths reported during this period, the death toll due to coronavirus reached 19, officials said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Setting an example, about 2,500 residents of a panchayat in Kathua district Saturday decided to skip their one meal everyday to feed the hungry as the coronavirus lockdown has snatched livelihoods of many and left them without food, despite best government efforts.

Sarpanch Shiv Dev Singh of Panchayat Baira-Buorthian said a resolution to this effect was passed by the Panchayat, which has a population of over 2,500, at a special meeting



The 2500 residents implemented it immediately, he told PTI, raising the slogan save food - save the nation.

It is a token contribution from our panchayat in the country's fight against coronavirus.

Jammu and Kashmir was put under complete lockdown on March 22, two days ahead of the 21-day nationwide shutdown announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to combat the spread of novel coronavirus.

A total of 207 people - 168 in Kashmir and 39 in Jammu - have tested positive in the Union Territory, out of whom four have died, three in the Valley and one in Jammu.

After the lockdown was announced, migrant labourers working in J&K got stranded with no work. Also, local daily wage-earners lost their livelihoods as all commercial activities and labour work came to a halt.

Although the government has taken various steps to reach out to the affected people, complaints about underprivileged sections running out of ration and money have been coming from different parts of Jammu region.

Police and other security agencies including Army and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have also come forward joining hands with NGOs, social and political outfits and even individuals to ensure no one sleeps hungry.

Reports from Doda said the tribal population in the remote areas of Chenab valley district are facing a very adverse situation.

Sarpanch Shiv Dev Singh urged other panchayats to follow suit to ensure such people get help. He said his panchayat will identify the needy people and would reach out to them to ensure that they survive this lockdown with honour and dignity.

Social activist Sukesh Khajuria, a resident of Jammu, welcomed people showering flower petals on those on the forefront of the battle against coronavirus but said we need much more than tokenism.

The stark reality is that many people are running short of food and money due to the ongoing lockdown and we need to strengthen the efforts of the government to reach out to such people, he said.

Reports from Doda said the tribal population living in the remote hilly slopes of the Chenab valley district are facing a very adverse situation.

The Gujjar tribe traditionally resides in small hamlets near high-altitude meadows far away from the populated areas and treks downhill to the villages and towns with their produce (milk) and labour work to earn their daily income.

"I have not earned a penny for the last 15 days, as the work has come to a standstill. We are without money and left with no essentials as a result of which my four children and elderly parents are starving for the past two days," said Mohammad Salim Gujjar of Alan-Sharekhi village, hoping some government help would come sooon.

Hundreds of Gujjar families reside on the slopes in small hamlets like Alan-Sharekhi, Dooru-Sartingal, Kota Top, Darie, Ladoo, Rajpura, Kilroo and Ghil-kanaan near high altitude meadows Padri, Qatari, Kainthi, Gildhar, Sarola, Kilroodhar, Guldanda and Bhal-Padri of the hilly district.

The families of many local labourers who are stranded in neighbouring states including Punjab and Himachal Pradesh are also looking towards the government for assistance to overcome the crisis.

"I have been borrowing money to survive as my husband has got stranded at Shimla due to lockdown. We want the government to at least help us get back our bread-earners ," said Gulshana, the wife of stranded labourer Abdul Gani



Additional Deputy Commissioner, Bhadarwah, Rakesh Kumar, when contacted, assured necessary help would be made available to the tribal population.

"We have got enough stock of foodgrains with us. We will immediately send a team to these hamlets and ensure delivery of ration to them at the earliest," he said.

Reports from Samba district said over 150 families of village Dunai in Sumb block are without food as the local residents have no money left with them.

We heard the government is providing three months free ration to the poor but no one had come to us so far. We were working in the unorganised sector and earned our wages daily. We have no money to feed our families, said Babu Ram, a local resident, fearing starvation in case the help does not reach them.

The district administration in Jammu distributed free ration among over 400 stranded labourers who are living in a slum near Jammu railway station.

The workers, most of whom earn a living by handling goods at the railway station, had complained of starvation due to the lockdown.

The government distributed ration kits containing five kg Atta, mustard oil and other items among the workers on Friday, officials said.

Police had also come to the rescue of over 40 families consisting of 160 people in Akhnoor sector in the outskirts of Jammu as part of its we care for you campaign.

Police acted after receiving a call from the stranded labourers from Bihar and Haryana that they are running out of ration, an official said, adding ration kits were distributed among the labourers with voluntary contribution from Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The number of confirmed cases in Laois of Covid-19 has risen sharply again in Laois according to figures released on Saturday, April 11.

There are now 61 confirmed cases in the county, up from 49 reported on Friday. That is an increase of nearly a quarter. It is less then the previous day's rate of increase when the number of positive tests rose by a third.

Neighbouring counties have also seen big rises as testing ramps up and national backlogs are cleared.

In Offaly, the number of positive passed the 100 mark. There are now 104 cases up from 88 cases the previous day. Tipperary has 166 cases up from 151 announced on Thursday.

Kilkenny also surged past the 100 mark. It now has 115 cases up from 96, while Kildare has jumped by more than 40 from 290 up to 332.

Carlow has risen by three cases to 22. Westmeath has risen 181 from 152 on Thursday. Longford has 45 cases.

The number of infections in Dublin passed the 4,000 mark with 4,156 cases confirmed up from 3,873 on Friday.

The county breakdown relates to latest figures confirmed on April 8.

Another 33 people nationally have died in the past 24 hours from the virus, bringing the toll to 320 deaths.

The Department was also notified of record daily high of 839 more cases of the virus, bringing the total number of cases in the Irish Republic to 8,928. More than 500 of the new cases were confirmed in Irish laboratories while over 200 were confirmed in Germany where a lab is clearing a backlog.

The HSE has previously warned that the virus would peak in Ireland over Easter from April 10 to 14.

Read more on the national figures today here.

The Government has extended the lockdown restrictions to May 5.

Read also: WATCH FRONTLINE HOSPITAL STAFF IN PORTLAOISE APPEAL TO PUBLIC
A woman has been remanded in custody after being accused of biting a doctor at Sligo University Hospital.

According to an Irish Times report Nicole Chambers (24) of Collooney in Sligo was charged with assaulting a doctor in Sligo University Hospital at 7.30am on Saturday morning.

She is charged with assault, assault causing harm and breach of public order.

Ms Chambers appeared before a special sitting of Sligo District Court on Saturday afternoon where she was remanded in custody until next Thursday by Judge Kevin Kilrane.

Judge Kilrane said a zero-tolerance attitude must be employed to protect frontline workers and that such workers can rely on the protection of the court.

The defndant will be detained in the Dochas Centre in Dublin and will appear at her next court date via video link.

Ms Chambers was detained at the hospital after gardai were alerted to an altercation involving a woman. She was arrested under the Public Order Act and taken to Ballymote Garda station.
Devastating.

Thats the word my colleague John Barnett used yesterday after we found out classes have been canceled for the remainder of this school year.

John is like a brother to me. We are very close and talk daily.

I choked up on the phone. How could the school year be done? There was still so much to do. The year was not complete.

I felt like continuous and ominous ocean waves were overtaking me. As I thought of yet another thing we would miss, another wave crashed down.

What about the Class of 2020 seniors? This is their finale year, their best year, their most anticipated year. What about the preschoolers and kindergarteners? They had only just begun.

How would I complete a yearbook for a school year that barely extended past Christmas?

The biggest realization was perhaps the largest wave. I would not get to say goodbye to my sixth graders. I would not get to have a goodbye party for my Journalism Staff. My eighth graders would move on to high school without concluding our final projects.

There would be no end-of-the-year slideshow or teacher talent show. No incentive trips or final club meetings.

Sure, there were days when I grumbled about minor things.

But all that never mattered.. We were cheated out of our happy ending. MAP and EOC testing had been canceled for this year. We, the teachers, were all giddy with excitement to think we could go back to old-school teaching. There were no tests to worry with so fun learning could replace the stress. The stress had finally melted away

Or did it?

Im a writer. When Im upset, I need to write things down. So Ive been keeping a daily journal.

After yesterdays news of no more school, I reviewed my first journal entry from St. Patricks Day.

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

I didnt anticipate the massive emotional roller coaster this morning. As I got behind the wheel to drive to school, it hit me. Tears came flooding down my cheeks. I felt like it was the last day of school, but these werent happy tears. They werent tears of joy for all the successes my students and I had experienced together.

These were different tears. I was so upset because in my heart I had a strong feeling this was goodbye for the rest of this school year. Even though some of my students dont always want to do their work  and that does get frustrating  I wasnt ready to end the school year just yet. We had lots of work to do together. We had a MAP test to prepare for. We had projects to complete and discussions to have. We had more time together, didnt we?

I had a meeting with my Journalism Staff and almost broke down. I needed more time with these kids. Theyre creative and fun and hard-working and were being robbed of our time together.

During fourth hour, I almost started crying again. But I didnt. We  the teachers  must be strong for our students. I see the fear on their faces. I see the uncertainty, the unspoken questions, their desire for normalcy. So today we did something different. While my kids were finishing up some work we had started the previous week and on Monday, I wanted to lighten the mood. So we watched Pixar Shorts as we worked. It was nice to laugh a little together. And we talked.

The mood at school was somber today. Everyone seemed sad. A colleague had been talking about her daughter missing out on so many things her senior year. Ive been thinking about that too plus a million other things. What if this? What if that? Too many what-if scenarios. This morning when I went in to talk to our secretary, I couldnt help it. I had a look on my face. She asked me a question and suddenly the tears came rolling down my cheeks. I know we werent supposed to, but we hugged. We felt the same way.

We had an all-district staff meeting and then I returned to my classroom late that afternoon and worked until late evening to finish tasks in my classroom. We had only been given the news two days earlier that we would be out of school for almost three weeks. There were many things to put away, prepare, pack up and more.

How long would it be before we return to school? I felt like I was packing up at the end of the school year, but there was no celebratory sigh. There was no relief. There was no summer fun on the horizon. Only sadness and the feeling of doom. I wonder if everyone is feeling this way?

My daughter Ava and I finally left school at 7 p.m. We were the last ones to leave the school, except our custodian who was still cleaning a now-empty building. It was eerily quiet.

Now fast forward to April 10, the day after we found out school campuses in Missouri have closed for the year.

I am making connections daily with my students through Zoom, email and interaction with assignments. Were accomplishing learning objectives through our virtual classroom.

Its not the same as seeing the kids at school but at least its something.

Recently I read a post online where someone said kids do not miss their teachers. This person said teachers think theyre important in everyones life. There was more, but I wont continue.

Ive been a teacher for 17 years. I have a dear friend who has been in education for 27 years and retires next year. My sweet friend and colleague right next to my room has been a teacher for 19 years. I can continue to make a long list of educators with lengthy careers.

And do you know one thing they all have in common? They truly care for their kids. They want what is best for them and do behind-the-scenes things for them. They dont want recognition for their efforts. These educators only want their students to be healthy, happy, well-fed, safe and loved.

I have cried because I wont get to spend the next two months with my students. I already miss them.

This persons post truly upset me because I feel we teachers do go above and beyond. We dont do it for recognition. We do it because we want the best for our students.

So to every teacher in the Parkland, thank you for your service. Thank you for caring for your students. Thank you for all you have already done and will continue to do for your students. Your efforts are appreciated and do not go unnoticed.

I hope you are able to move beyond the disappointment of not completing this school year inside the walls of your classroom and are able to connect with your students in the most fun, creative and awesome ways possible. I hope you now have the time to truly listen to your students because right now is when they need us most.

And yes, our students need their teachers. And the teachers need their students.

Pam Clifton is a contributing writer for the Daily Journal, a West County Middle School teacher and the mother of Ava Clifton.
Police around the globe are taking extra efforts to enforce social distancing over Easter weekend.

Why it matters: Officials say that mitigation efforts like social distancing are beginning to flatten the coronavirus curve in crucial areas across U.S. and Europe, like New York and Lombardy in Italy. Large Easter Sunday gatherings would mean some of that crucial progress is squandered.

Italy and Spain have set up roadblocks and police checks across the country, AP reports.

have set up roadblocks and police checks across the country, AP reports. In France, where more people are dying each day than in Italy and Spain, police have ramped up checkpoints.

where more people are dying each day than in Italy and Spain, police have ramped up checkpoints. South Korea has threatened to track residents with electronic wristbands if they break self-quarantine.

has threatened to track residents with electronic wristbands if they break self-quarantine. Police in the U.K. are using drones to shame those found in violation of the country's social distancing rules, and small shop owners are told they shouldn't sell "nonessential" chocolate Easter eggs.

are using drones to shame those found in violation of the country's social distancing rules, and small shop owners are told they shouldn't sell "nonessential" chocolate Easter eggs. Hawaii issued a nighttime curfew through Easter weekend that bars all forms of transportation from 11 pm to 5 am.

issued a nighttime curfew through Easter weekend that bars all forms of transportation from 11 pm to 5 am. Kentucky police will record the license plates of people attending Easter services and they will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) said on Friday. Those residents will be notified of their misdemeanor violation.

police will record the license plates of people attending Easter services and they will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) said on Friday. Those residents will be notified of their misdemeanor violation. In Illinois, Police Director Brendan Kelly said "theres not going to be law enforcement storming into church buildings," but said there would be consequences "down the road" if lives are put at risk by those breaking stay-at-home orders. Residents could face reckless conduct charges.

The other side: Religious services are exempt from stay-at-home orders in Florida and Texas, per the Times, and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) has let pastors decide if they should hold services.

"While Easter and Passover typically mean time spent with family, friends and ones congregation, its important for all to remember to stay home and celebrate these important religious holidays with immediate household members," Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) said on Friday.

The bottom line: Social distancing measures could bring the total projected death toll in the U.S. down to 60,000, a significant drop from earlier models that projected between 100,000 and 240,000 deaths, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Go deeper: Easter poses major social distancing test
The Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, says the medical personnel that arrived Nigeria from China to aid the fight against coronavirus are currently under quarantine.

Ehanire, who met with the leadership of the national assembly alongside the presidential task force on COVID-19, in Abuja on Thursday, said the doctors have also been tested for the virus.

About 15 Chinese doctors arrived the country with some medical supplies to support the fight against coronavirus.

A statement from Lanre Lasisi, spokesman of Femi Gbajabiamila, speaker of the house of representatives, quoted the minister as saying the doctors are at a facility provided by a Chinese company.

Gbajabiamila earlier hinted at a legislation to regulate the use of donations to the government to support efforts at combating the pandemic.

What we are trying to do is to see if constitutional provision is brought to bear on this issue as stated by section 80 of the constitution, that disbursement from the coffers of government can only be in a manner prescribed by an act of the national assembly, he said.

What we can do is to convene as soon as possible and give you, even if it is a one line item for you to appropriate this monies, this is because to do otherwise may become a subject of litigation, and the court can say you have no power to disburse from the money that is coming to the coffers of government.

He also said the house of representatives would monitor the activities of the Chinese medical team to ensure they abide by laid down procedure.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 04:53:43|Editor: huaxia

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Members of Chinese medical team to assist Russia's ongoing efforts in the fight against COVID-19 arrive at Moscow, Russia, April 11, 2020. The 10-member team, which departed from northeast China's Heilongjiang province, also brought medical supplies including surgical masks, N95 masks and medical protective clothing. (Xinhua)

MOSCOW, April 11 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese medical team arrived in Moscow on Saturday to assist Russia's ongoing efforts in the fight against COVID-19.

The 10-member team, which departed from northeast China's Heilongjiang province, also brought medical supplies including surgical masks, N95 masks and medical protective clothing.

The team includes experts specializing in laboratory testing, prevention and control of infectious diseases, respiratory diseases, intensive care and traditional Chinese medicine from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Heilongjiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and four hospitals in the province.

The experts will share experience with the Russian side and offer training for medics on the prevention, control, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19.

Russia tallied 1,667 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of infections to 13,584 across the country as of Saturday.
(Natural News) One of the next Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) hotspots is said to be our nations capital, where local officials are now taking aggressive action to keep area residents at home in order to avoid what they say could be a potential surge in new cases.

Many famous landmarks and monuments are now closed, as are some local parks, because too many people were still visiting them in close proximity to one another, violating social distancing guidelines. And with new cases of the virus already on the rise, Mayor Muriel Bowser doesnt want the situation to explode.

We are concerned that the next wave  that D.C. could be in the second wave, Bowser recently stated.

We want the message to get in everybodys head  that we see a level of infection in our city that if we arent strict in our social distancing, the community spread will continue and we will have more people succumb to illness and perhaps death.

Thus far, more than 1,200 people in the Washington, D.C., area have tested positive for the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), while 22 people have died. And the worst could still be yet to come, predict some national and local health officials that are pushing to keep people off the streets and away from others for the foreseeable future.

In Bowsers opinion, the virus will probably peak in Washington, D.C., at some point in May or June, resulting in one out of every seven area residents coming down with infection. By the end of the year, she predicts, more than 1,000 people in the area could end up dying.

Be sure to listen below to The Health Ranger Report as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks about how fear is what happens when your delusions collide with reality:

National health officials are developing concerns about coronavirus spreading like wildfire in D.C.

Dr. Deborah Birx, the coordinator of the White House coronavirus task force, is another official who worries that the situation in Washington, D.C., if not contained, could spiral out of control much more quickly than area resources can handle.

Along with Chicago, Detroit, Pennsylvania, and many areas of Colorado, D.C. appears to be in the early stages of a major Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, exhibiting patterns that suggest a massive spike in new cases could be on the way that would completely overwhelm local healthcare systems.

We are concerned about the metro area of Washington and Baltimore, she stated during a recent interview on ABCs Good Morning America, noting that other officials like herself are developing concerns about what might happen in the capital.

Were hoping and believing that if people mitigate strongly, the work that they did over the last two weeks will blunt that curve and they wont have the same upward slope and peak that New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and part of Rhode Island are having.

While most people who develop the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) end up suffering only mild symptoms, theres a small contingent that fare considerably worse or even die from complications associated with infection, including those with pre-existing health conditions.

In addition to sealing off the entire Tidal Basin around the Jefferson Memorial to keep people from viewing the annual spring cherry blossom blooms, Bowser also decided to shut down a popular wharf-side open-air fish market after seeing photos of people there who were standing closer than six feet away from one another.

We had to close that market because the social distancing requirements were not being met, Bowser told the media. We cannot express enough that staying at home is every individuals responsibility to save lives  We still have people gathering in places they know they shouldnt. We need the publics assistance here.

More of the latest Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) news is available at Pandemic.news.

Sources for this article include:

APNews.com

NaturalNews.com
(CNN) Researchers are saying the number of daily reported deaths across the United States could peak on Friday but lifting social distancing measures too soon could lead to a setback.

The latest version of an influential model tracking the coronavirus pandemic estimates the US will see peak daily death numbers on Friday instead of Sunday.

The peak use of resources -- like hospital beds and ventilators -- will be on or around Saturday as suggested earlier this week, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington in Seattle.

States like New York and New Jersey may have already passed their peaks this week but Florida and Texas could see the worst by the end of the month, according to the IHME model.

Dr. Chris Murray, director at the IHME, said that even if the country sees a decrease in the number of deaths, ending mitigation efforts -- like stay-at-home orders or social distancing -- could have a negative effect by the summer.

"If we were to stop at the national level by May 1, we are seeing (in models) a return to almost where we are now sometime in July," Murray said on CNN's AC360.

The IHME's modeling also estimates more people will die from coronavirus than previously predicted.

On Wednesday, the IHME estimated that 60,415 in the US would die of coronavirus by August, assuming social distancing policies continue through May. On Friday, that estimate increased to 61,500.

White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx said health officials seeing a leveling of the curve for the first time since the pandemic hit the country but urged Americans to continue mitigation efforts.

"So it's really about the encouraging signs that we see, but as encouraging as they are, we have not reached the peak, and so every day we need to continue to do what we did yesterday, and the week before, and the week before that," Birx said at a White House news conference on Friday.

There have been more than 499,000 total confirmed cases nationwide and 174,000 are in New York state -- more cases than any country in the world. Worldwide, there are 1.69 million confirmed cases, according to Johns Hopkins.

Infections would increase if stay-at-home orders are lifted at 30 days, projections show

After federal officials began discussing what it would take for the US to reopen this week, new government projections indicate that coronavirus infections and deaths may dramatically increase if social distancing and other measures are lifted after only 30 days.

The projections, obtained by The New York Times, were drafted by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Health and Human Services and dated April 9. The projections don't indicate when those spikes would take place, the Times reported.

The Times reported that the documents outline three scenarios, including one where no restrictions are imposed and another where 25% of people telework, some social distancing continues, and schools remain closed until the summer months. The third scenario adds a 30-day shelter-in-place to the restrictions in the second scenario.

If stay-at-home orders are lifted after 30 days, report says, there would be a bump in the demand for ventilators and the death toll could reach 200,000, according to the Times.

A Health and Human Services spokesperson told CNN's Kristen Holmes, "We do not comment on any alleged, leaked documents." CNN has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment.

President Donald Trump said he is hoping to reopen the country by a certain date, but he won't do anything until he knows the country will be healthy.

"We don't want to go back and start doing it over again, even though it would be in a smaller scale," Trump said during Friday's White House coronavirus briefing.

Earlier on Friday, the nation's top infections disease expert cautioned against reopening too early, saying there should be a clear indication that the country is "strongly going in the right direction."

"So, even though we're in a holiday season, now is no time to back off," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told CNN. "As I say so often, now is the time to actually put your foot on the accelerator. Because we're going in the right direction."

Antibody tests could be available this month

Antibody tests that would verify whether a person recently had the novel coronavirus could be available within a week, according to the nation's top infectious disease expert.

"Within a period of a week or so, we're going to have a rather large number of tests that are available," Fauci said on CNN's New Day Friday morning.

Having antibodies to the coronavirus could mean someone is protected from getting re-infected, making such tests important for medical workers and others on the front lines fighting the pandemic.

"If their antibody test is positive, one can formulate strategies about whether or not they would be at risk or vulnerable to getting re-infected," Fauci explained.

Tests that would identify a current infection would still be important, he said, and used in parallel with antibody tests, which still need to be validated.

"But as we look forward, as we get to the point of at least considering opening up the country as it were, it's very important to appreciate and to understand how much that virus has penetrated this society," Fauci said. "Because it's very likely that there are a large number of people out there that have been infected, have been asymptomatic and did not know they were infected."

Antibody tests are used in other clinical scenarios, said Dr. Colleen Kraft, associate chief medical officer of Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. Soon, she said, we'll learn whether a coronavirus antibody test "tells us that somebody can go back to work, for instance, tells us that somebody is no longer infectious, and tells us that somebody cannot get the virus again."

As officials begin discussing what it would take for the US to reopen, there could be "merit" to the idea of Americans carrying certificates of immunity that prove they have tested positive for coronavirus antibodies, Fauci said.

Fauci told CNN, "It's one of those things that we talk about when we want to make sure that we know who the vulnerable people are and not."

Social distancing appears to be working, officials say

Americans need to continue to adhere to social distancing guidelines throughout the coming holiday weekend, Fauci said Friday.

"Because it is working," he said. "The kinds of mitigations that we're doing now, the curves that we're seeing flattening and coming down, that's exactly and precisely because of what the American public is doing."

Some states remain cautiously optimistic with the latest developments.

In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Friday that there was a dramatic decline" in the hospitalization rate averaged over the past three days.

"Overall, New York is flattening the curve," Cuomo said.

The number of deaths, though, remained close to Wednesday's high, down to 777 from 799. Cuomo described the deaths as a lagging indicator, saying those who don't make it tend to have been hospitalized the longest.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said new hospitalizations are dropping, while Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced the state has the lowest number of hospitalizations per 100,000 people compared to other neighboring states.

And while the number of coronavirus-related deaths continues to increase in Ohio, the number of people impacted by the virus is lower than previously projected, Gov. Mike DeWine said.

"Ohioans have done a great job," the governor told CNN's Jim Sciutto Friday. "They've changed the future, but we've got to keep doing it."

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state has seen a 1.9% drop of people in ICU, and the stay-at-home order appears to be working.

"I think we're seeing the consequences of that when we see that our mortality rate is really a lot lower than what have been predicted, and it really shows that this mitigation works," said Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While maintaining social distancing measures appears to be holding down the spread in some areas, reopening the country will require a strategy and understanding the extent of the transmission, experts say.

"It's not going to be one size fits all. It's going to be using the data that we have from surveillance to really understand where it is the most important places for us to begin to reopen," Redfield said.

CDC won't recommend hydroxychloroquine, director says

On Thursday, Trump said more than 2 million coronavirus tests have been completed in the US. But he also suggested mass testing would not happen.

"We want to have it and we're going to see if we have it. Do you need it? No. Is it a nice thing to do? Yes," the President said. "We're talking about 325 million people and that's not going to happen, as you can imagine, and it would never happen with anyone else, either."

States are rushing to get hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial drug that President Trump has touted as potential treatment and a "game changer." The drug has not been fully tested but some states are gathering doses for their patients. The CDC's Redfield said he does not recommend the drug.

"At this stage, at this moment in time, we're not recommending it, but we're not, not recommending that," Redfield said. "We're recommending for the physician and the patient to have that discussion."

The CDC removed its website guidelines for doctors on how to prescribe hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine. Trump has pressed federal health officials to make the drugs more widely available despite little reliable evidence that they are effective at treating the virus.

CDC director: US coming to the coronavirus peak 02:07

"We're very comfortable in responding when we have data that is compelling," Redfield said Thursday on CNN's Global Town Hall. "CDC, as an organization ... we're not an opinion organization. We're a science-based, data-driven organization. So, I do think this is going to be an independent decision of these health care providers and patients."

Despite the lack of a vaccine, the CDC is preparing for what could happen next year, which is expected to be challenging as well, Redfield said, adding that proactive steps will change the way the country deals with another outbreak.

"That includes early case identification, isolating people who are sick and tracing those that the person has come into contact with while they were contagious," he said. "We don't have to go through the serious mitigation steps that we're taking to get us under control."
Rush Transcript: Amid Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, Governor Cuomo Announces New York State is Ramping up Antibody Testing, Critical to Reopening Economy

April 10, 2020

A rush transcript of the Governor's remarks is available below:

Good morning. Everybody knows the people with us today. Dr. Jim Malatras, from my right Dr. Howard Zucker, Health Commissioner. To my life, Melissa DeRosa, Secretary to the Governor, to her left Robert Mujica. To our friends celebrating Good Friday today, I wish them a good, good Friday. To our friends celebrating Passover, I wish them the best.

Let's give you an update on where we are. To use and overused term, we are cautiously optimistic that we are slowing the infection rate. That's what the numbers say, that's what the data suggest to us. Change in total hospitalizations is down, not relative to yesterday, but when it's averaged over the 3-day average on the hospitalizations, you see a dramatic decline in those numbers and that's obviously very good news. Change in ICU admissions is actually a negative number for the first time since we started this intense journey. That means there are fewer people in the intensive units statewide than there were. Again, that's the first time we've seen a negative number so far. So that's good. The three-day average of that is down.

Change in intubations is little tick higher than it's been the past few days, but it's still overall down. The three-day average is also down. The bad news is we continue to lose a tremendous number of lives and endure great pain as a state. Seven hundred and seventy-seven lives lost. I understand intellectually why it's happening. It doesn't make it any easier to accept. What's happening is the number of people who came in two weeks ago when we had those very high hospitalization rates. Either you get treated and get better and get discharged or you stay in the hospital and probably wind up on a ventilator. The longer you're on a ventilator the less likely you will come off the ventilator and that's what's happening now.

These lives lost are people who came in at that height hospitalization period and we're losing them. The numbers are lower than yesterday for those who can take solace in that fact. As someone who searches for solace in all this grief, the leveling off of the number of lives lost is a somewhat hopeful sign. The number of total lives lost, 7,844. For people, just to put this in perspective. I lived through 9/11 as many New Yorkers did who are of somewhat advanced age. I believe 9/11 was the worst situation I was going to deal with in my lifetime. To put in perspective, 2,753 people lost their lives on 9/11. We're at 7,844. In terms of lives lost, that this situation should exceed 9/11 is still beyond my capacity to fully appreciate to tell you the truth.

We've been watching a spread to the suburban communities around New York City: Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland. That seems to have stabilized. We have a couple of hotspots in Suffolk County that we're watching, but overall we've been very aggressive in these suburban communities in jumping on those hot spots and the percentage of growth in upstate New York and the suburban areas around New York City is basically been stabilized and flat so that's good news too.

So overall, New York is flattening the curve and we have to flatten the curve because when they showed us the projection models of what the statisticians projected the curve would do we had no capacity to meet those projections. In other words, Columbia University who was projecting the highest case load said we needed 136,000 hospital beds in New York City when we started. It was just several weeks ago. One hundred and thirty-six thousand hospital beds in New York City. We only have about 33,000 to 36,000 hospital beds in New York City. So, that was obviously distressing to say the least.

McKinsey had projected we would need 110,000 hospital beds. They had a second scenario which they considered their moderate scenario, which was 55,000 hospital beds statewide. And again, we didn't have that capacity even on the moderate scenario. The Gates-funded IHME suggested we needed 73,000 beds. We didn't have that either. So none of these projections were, in any way, comforting to us. The actual curve is much, much lower than any of them projected. And, well what's the variance?

How do you come up with an actual curve that is so much different than what those experts predicted? First, in fairness to the experts, nobody has been here before. Nobody. So, everyone is trying to figure it out the best they can. There is no model to track against. Second, the big variable was what policies do you put in place, and the bigger variable was does anybody listen to the policies you put in place? I'm governor of the State of New York. You can announce a policy. That doesn't mean anyone is going to follow it. You can announce a policy, we're going to close down all businesses, everybody must stay home. And if people don't follow it, or they don't take it seriously, or they believe you're being premature or you're being political, they wouldn't follow it. And then what do we do? What do we, arrest 19 million people? Or ticket 19 million people?

So the big variable was, what policies do you put in place. And the bigger variable, does anybody care, and does anyone follow it? And all the social distancing stay at home, nobody has ever done this before. So the statisticians had to come up with a premise on how many would comply, and we've actually exceeded that. But, we have to keep doing it, you know. People tend to think, well this is a natural trajectory of the disease. There is no natural trajectory. The trajectory is the trajectory that we create by out actions. The natural trajectory would see that line continue to go up. It would continue to go up and up and up until you develop herd immunity, where you would see many, many more infections. So, we did that. We are doing that. And that's why we have to stay the course. I said to someone this morning, you tell me how we behaved today, and I will tell you the infection rate two days from today or three days from today. What we do today will determine the infection rate two or three days from now. So, what we're doing is working, stay with it. Even though it is a grind and even though it is difficult. We have to stay with it.

We have to stay with it operationally, on our hospital system, where we're coordinating statewide in what we call the surge and flex system. We have 50 percent additional capacity on our hospital system. We're sharing equipment all across the system. We have to continue helping people who are struggling every day. Food assistance is a real issue for people. We're going to add $200 million to provide more than 700,000 low-income households more funding for food, basic food. Continue to help our medical workers, who are the front-line soldiers in this battle, and have done a phenomenal job. I know I say it all the time, but every day, they're out there doing truly the Lord's work.

We're going to provide additional housing. I want to thank all the companies that have come forward to be part of this effort. Airbnb is contributing funding to provide housing for our healthcare workers. 1199 SEIU is working with Airbnb and they're providing their members with additional benefits. We have hotels that are coming forward and offering free hotel rooms, so we thank them all very much. Last night, as a signal of our thanks to the workers who are out there every day. We lit up landmarks in the New York City area and in Niagara Falls blue in their honor and that's a nice symbolic tribute. What's even better is to take action that shows our gratitude. Saying it is nice, doing it is even better.

After 9/11 Congress created a victim's compensation fund. I've been working with our Congressional delegation. We think the federal government should set up a heroes' compensation fund to compensate our health care and other frontline workers for what they did here. Saying thanks is nice. Actually providing assistance is even better.

The big question is going to turn to when do we reopen, especially in places like New York where we're going to see the numbers now starting to change. The natural trajectory, the human movement is going to be okay now let's reopen. I need to get out of my house, had been cooped up, cabin fever, I need funds, I have to work, and that's going to be the next question, next issue that we have to deal with.

What I say on that question, again, none of us have been here before so let's learn from what has happened so far and let's learn from what we have been seeing over these past few months so it informs what we're doing going forward.

First of all, the key to reopening is going to be testing. I've said that from day one. It's not going to be a light switch where you flip this economy like you flip a light switch. It's not going to be everybody goes back next Thursday. It's not going to happen that way. It's going to be a gradual phased process and it's going to be reliant on testing, testing of antibodies, testing for diagnostic results and testing on the scale that we have not done before.

New York State has been very aggressive on testing and our state lab has been very aggressive on testing. Our state lab is now developing an antibody test which is a fast and not invasive test. The State Department of Health can do 300 tests a day. By next Friday, they will be able to do 1,000 tests and 2,000 tests the following week. That's great, sounds like a lot but 2,000 tests are still a drop in the bucket, and I'm proud of how New Yorkers advanced on testing. You look at how quickly New York State has moved on testing and how many tests we have done - we've done a higher percentage of tests in New York State than other countries have done and New York State far exceeds what this nation as a whole is doing on testing. Even with our high capacity and high performance on testing it's still not enough. It's not enough if you want to reopen on a meaningful scale and reopen quickly so the testing front is going to be a challenge for us.

Why can't New York just develop more tests and do more testing? How do we get New York State Department of Health to scale? That's an issue that we've been working on it's harder than it sounds. You need certain reagents so you can do the testing. You need certain materials so you can do the testing. It's very hard to get these reagents right. You're in a situation where countries all across the globe are trying to do the same thing.

Federal government has something called the Defense Production Act, DPA they call it, which I've been saying from day one is a very powerful tool for the federal government to use when they need to secure a product in the defense of this nation. This is in the defense of this nation. The federal government has used it effectively. They've used that in this situation more as a point of leverage than anything else, basically saying to a company, you know, we need you to do this, we do have the Defense Production Act that we could use. But we need an unprecedented mobilization where government can produce these tests in the millions.

New York State Department of Health is doing is doing several thousand. We have 9 million people we want to get back to work. You need more than several thousand tests per week if this is going to happen any time soon. Private sector companies on their own, I don't believe will be able to come to scale. We're working with the private sector companies. They have the tests but they don't have the capacity to come to scale. You're going to need government intervention to make that happen and the federal government is in the best position to do that.

New York State offers to be a full partner with the federal government. We do have the largest number of cases in New York. New York is an economic engine. I can't do it as a state. If I had a Defense Production Act in the state, I would use it. I would use it. I don't have that tool, the federal government does. Any way we can partner with the federal government to get these tests up to scale as quickly as possible, we are all in. I like to operate as a coalition with New Jersey and Connecticut because we are the tri-state area. I have spoken to Governor Murphy and Governor Lamont of Connecticut. They will join in a testing coalition. So, I ask the federal government if you are willing to step in and use the federal powers, New York State and New Jersey and Connecticut would partner with the federal government. And let's get the testing up to scale quickly so we can start to build that bridge to reopening the economy.

Second on reopening, you need a federal stimulus bill. You need a federal stimulus bill - they passed a couple already. But you need a fair federal stimulus bill that is not a political pork barrel bill. You know where the cases are. You know where the need is. I understand the political dynamics of the U.S. Senate but this is not a time to be passing bills that really are to make sure your home state gets enough funding. That's not what this is about. This is about helping the country coming back and focusing on the need. When I says the bills were unfair to New York, the past bills, it is not just that I am advocating to New York. Look at the need. Look at where the cases are. Look at where the damage has been done. The federal government is trying to address that damage. You know where it has been done. Look at the chart on where the cases exist. Look at the number of deaths, the number of cases, the number of hospitalizations and help those places come back and come back quickly. That's what the stimulus bill is supposed to be doing.

Also, let's make sure we are learning from what we just went through and are going through. Because there are lessons I think we should all be aware of over the past few months. And before you take a step forward, let's make sure we know what we are stepping into. A question I had from day one, when you look back at this, where were the horns that should have been triggered back in December and January. Where were the warning signs? Who was supposed to blow the whistle? The President has asked this question and if think he's right. The President's answer is the World Health Organization should have been blowing the whistle. I don't know enough to know if that's right or wrong, but I know the question is right and sometimes the question is more important than the answer.

How did this happen? I still want to know how this happened. Because the warning signs were there. And if you don't know the answer, then how do you know it is not going to happen again, right? Fool me once - January, you go back and look at the headlines in January and you see questions and you see warnings. Now, they were all over the map, but we saw what was happening in Asia. We saw what was happening in Europe. Where were the international experts saying, "Well, if this is happening there, this is what we should expect to happen in the United States? Or prepare to happen in the United States?" January, February, you still had sources in this country saying basically there's nothing to worry about. You know, how did that happen? Did we really need to be in this situation where the United States winds up with a higher number of cases than the places that went before? We sat here and we watched China. China winds up have 84,000 cases, we wind up having 474,000 cases. I mean, how does that happen? We saw South Korea. They wind up with 10,000 cases. Italy, where we saw a collapse of the whole health system, winds up with 143,000 cases.

I raise the question because the answer, again, is less important than the question, but before we move forward let's make sure we're not repeating the same mistake that we made, right? George Santayana. "Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it." I don't want to repeat what we just repeated, what we just went through over this past month.

So, what are the relevant questions? Is there going to be a second wave? Let's look at the countries that have gone through this reopening process and what can we learn from them? Right? Well, we have to start to reopen. Let's look at what the other countries who have gone before us, what they did, what worked and what didn't work. When you take just a cursory review you see caution signs. Hong Kong appeared to have the virus under control, they let its guard down, the virus came back. Hong Kong recorded the biggest rise in cases and a new wave of infections. Is that true? Could it happen here? Article yesterday, Italy has seen a bump in the number of cases. You know, before we take a step make sure we are more informed and more aware than we were in the past. They're talking about a second wave in Singapore.

You got back and you look at the 1918 flu epidemic. That was over 10 months. There was a first wave, there was a second wave. The second wave was worse than the first wave because the virus mutated. Third peak and the whole experience was 10 months. Is there any extrapolation to where we are today? I don't know the answers. This is not what I do. It's not what a state does.

But, we know the questions and we should have the questions answered before we take a step forward. Yes, no one has been here before. These are totally uncharted waters. But we do know that none of this is predetermined and it is all a function of our actions. We are in total control of our destiny here. What we do will effect literally live and death for hundreds of people.

So, where do we go from here? First, keep doing what we're doing. Stay home because that works. We are flattening the curve, we must continue to flatten the curve. We have to get testing to scale. That is an entirely new exercise. It's something we still haven't done well in this country. We need both diagnostic testing and antibody testing. We need millions and millions of them. We need them in a matter of weeks, not months.

We have to be more prepared as a nation. We should never go through this scramble that we went through with states competing against other states to buy masks from China. I mean, we should just never have been here in the first place, but certainly we should never be here again. And then let's make sure we study the waters ahead and proceed with caution before we set off on the next journey. When we talk about reopening, let's study the data and let's look at what has happened around the world. Let's make sure the best health minds in the country are giving us their best advice.

How do we go forward? We stay New York tough. New York tough means more than just tough, it means discipline. It means unified. It means loving. And it means smart. Now is a time to be smart. Now more than ever. That's what it means to be New York tough and we are.

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One question dominated Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levines Saturday press briefing: When and how will Pa. re-open after the coronavirus shutdown?

In answering the many and varied press questions on the topic, Levine sketched out how state officials were preparing to re-open Pennsylvania for business. But as for the biggest question of all  when?  Levine couldnt, or wouldnt, say.

Truth is, the resumption of business in the state wont be one big, grand re-opening. Rather, Pennsylvania will reboot piecemeal, with some counties, even specific municipalities, getting the all-clear based on key COVID-19 data, while other parts of the state will remain shut down, Levine indicated.

(We) are working on plans for when and how Pa. will re-open in progressive, iterative fashion. Now is not the time. We have to protect the public health and save lives, Levine said.

READ MORE:

As for the data that will drive that re-opening position on a county-by-county, even municipality-by-municipality basis, Levine said the total number of cases in an area, the number of new cases being reported there, as well as the percentage of positive test results per capita all will play a key role.

When we see COVID-19 is going down  and there is much less community spread, I think that is the time in certain area of Pennsylvania to lift the ban, Levine said.

She added the data-driven resumption of business would be done in a progressive way while watching closely for new outbreaks.

In response to a reporters question, Levine acknowledged smart phone apps that trace users daily geographical footprints and who else they encounter in daily routines could be coupled with other apps tracking peoples temperature and other health data points in order to better monitor and control future outbreaks once stay-home orders are lifted.

There is a lot of different data we will be looking at in specific counties, and even specific municipalities, she said. How prominent COVID-19 is in that area. When we see all those measures going down in a progressive way for a period of time, that is when we will be lifting those closing orders.

While weeks of social distancing by Pennsylvanians has bent the curve of the pandemic here, Levine said COVID-19 peaks will be different in various parts of the state. For example, Philadelphia and surrounding counties could be reaching their surge points in the coming week, while other parts of the states are further away from the highpoint in their coronavirus curves.

Saturday morning, Pennsylvania has more than 21,000 diagnosed cases, including more than 1,000 medical personnel, of the coronavirus, covering all 67 counties, and nearly 500 deaths, all adults. And in praising Pennsylvanians for working together to keep one another safe by isolating, Levine said nows not the time to relent.

Were going to be watching the data, she said. The virus determines the timetable. It is impossible to give you a date. I cant tell you a date. Now is the time to continue those measures, not get rid of them.

READ MORE:

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Pa. girl, 14, killed in violent ATV vs. tree crash

2 men wanted for robbing Pa. gas station with AR-style weapon: cops

Dead pit bull with horrendous wounds dumped on Pa. road triggers dogfighting probe: It sends chills down my spine

Coronavirus plays havoc with child custody arrangements in Pa. county: Taking away hugs and kisses

Coronavirus hits Pa. zoo with flock of furloughs

Lowes employee blasts Pa. shoppers: You dont need to plant your tulips amid coronavirus

Pa. woman, victim of revenge porn, goes public to shatter stigma: Do not suffer in silence

Woman accused of using coronavirus crisis to move 100 pounds of pot into Pa.: cops

Man who spit in the face of Pa. supermarket manager caught on camera

Pa. man who admitted sex with 8-year-old now faces 200 felonies for sex with 2nd girl 40 times': police

Pa. bar accused of pouring drinks despite coronavirus closing orders loses liquor license
Live updates tracking the coronavirus pandemic from Yahoo News reporters in the United States and around the world.

The worldwide death toll from the coronavirus has passed 109,000, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Over 1.7 million people have tested positive for the virus.

The U.S. remains the epicenter of the pandemic, with over 500,000 cases and more than 20,000 deaths, leading the world in both reported numbers. In England, Prime Minister Boris Johnson thanked NHS (National Health Service) staff for saving his life while he underwent treatment in intensive care for the virus.

Pope Francis breaks centuries of tradition and livestreams Easter Sunday mass to allow the world's 1.3 billion Catholics to celebrate their holiest holiday under lockdown.

For the latest live updates, click here.
Three youth, who caused panic at



a police check post in Mandya district by posing as Muslims infected with COVID-19 and threatened to pass it on to the personnel there if they were detained, have been arrested, a revenue official said on Saturday.

The incident occurred on April 8, when the three identified as Mahesh, Abhishek and Srinivas reached Tendekere checkpost in an autorickshaw, KR Pet Tahsildar M Shivamurthy told PTI.

"When they were intercepted, one of them showed the home quarantine seal on his hand and threatened the personnel by claiming that they were Muslims infected with coronavirus and would spread the disease if they were detained, before fleeing," the official said.

Police launched a manhunt for the trio and nabbed it at Ballekere.

A case was registered against the youth, who were subjected to medical examination at a hospital, but they remained asymptomatic, said the official adding they have been quarantined.

Later, in a press release, Shivamurthy said that though the accused were Hindus, they identified themselves as Muslims infected with COVID-19 and triggered panic.

"I want to make it clear that neither Muslims have come to KR Pet to pass on the disease nor is it true that people from the minority community area were transmitting it. People need not panic," he clarified.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Faith in divine protection, defending the economy, or simply an ideological stance: A handful of rural US states, many fierce supporters of President Donald Trump, have stubbornly refused to issue stay-at-home orders despite the ravages of coronavirus. Two of them -- South Dakota and Iowa -- have however officially called for days of collective prayer against the disease as Easter approaches. South Dakota's Republican governor Kristi Noem justified her decision to buck the nationwide trend of confinement orders declaring that "the people themselves are primarily responsible for their safety." Comparing stay-at-home orders to "draconian measures much like the Chinese government has done," the 48-year-old from a farming family in the Great Plains officially proclaimed Wednesday a "Statewide Day of Prayer... for an end to this pandemic." Neighboring Iowa held its collective prayers the following day, led by fellow Republican governor Kim Reynolds. "Throughout our history Iowans have found peace, strength and unity through prayer to God in humbly asking for his strength during times of difficulty," she wrote in her official proclamation. Reynolds has closed schools, as well as many businesses and public places, and has banned gatherings of more than 10 people. Last week, Iowa medical authorities unanimously called for more drastic containment measures similar to those in effect for 95 percent of the US population. But Reynolds said such restrictions were not necessary in areas where the coronavirus has not yet been reported. People unknowingly carrying the disease can remain asymptomatic for extended periods. - Commerce and faith - "This isn't as much about what government says, it's more about what individuals do," said Doug Burgum, governor of North Dakota -- another state resisting mandatory containment, along with Nebraska. Further south in Arkansas, Governor Asa Hutchinson has stated that local factors like low population density mean widespread containment is not needed. Downplaying the effectiveness of any statewide policy, he said that even if containment were enacted, exemptions for essential services would still mean "700,000 Arkansans would get up tomorrow morning and go to work." He has slammed ordinances by local officials like the mayor of state capital Little Rock, who imposed travel restrictions. And even in neighboring Louisiana, which has implemented confinement measures, some are resisting -- often citing religious freedoms guaranteed by the US Constitution. The faithful of Life Tabernacle Church in the city of Central flocked to Sunday service last weekend by the hundreds -- many shuttled there in crowded buses -- in defiance of the ban. "They would rather come to church and worship like free people than they had live like prisoners in their homes for 22 days," said Pastor Tony Spell. He has been arrested and charged for violating confinement rules, but intends to continue his preaching regardless. "Viruses feed on fear. I don't have fear, I have faith," one worshipper at the church told The Washington Post. In northeastern Ohio, places of worship have been exempted from the ban on mass gatherings, despite the governor's reluctance. "I'm covered in Jesus's blood," said one congregant of the Solid Rock Church in Monroe, when asked why she was not afraid of getting or spreading the infection while attending a service.
Bryan Morin had just finished 20 straight days working at his restaurant -- 20 of the busiest days of his professional life -- delivering hundreds of pizzas, trays of Italian delicacies and plates of sandwiches to doctors and nurses on the front lines of the coronavirus crisis. For free.

All this was possible because of the surreal outpouring of support after an NJ Advance Media story about the restaurant owners decision to take out a $50,000 credit line to pay his employees during this difficult time.

People from everywhere wanted to help him, and after the initial shock wore off, he decided that was an chance to help others. Strangers sent money via Venmo or purchased food over the phone that Federicos, the popular Belmar eatery, gave away to local hospitals each night.

It was a gratifying, exhausting three weeks. Then, on Monday morning, Morin woke up with the chills.

Oh my God, he thought. Do I actually have a fever?

He took his temperature. It was 101.

Come on. Are you kidding me?

He immediately called his partner, his brother Michael, and closed the restaurant. He was tested the next day, and two days later, the results confirmed what he already had expected. The man who set a powerful example for small business owners everywhere during this crisis with his selfless gesture had COVID-19.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Businesses that are open | Homepage

The good news: He only had mild symptoms. I woke up today and I feel wonderful, Morin said over the phone on Friday morning. He was frustrated that his precautions -- gloves, masks, etc. -- hadnt kept him from getting exposed to the virus, but grateful that at a time when New Jerseys death toll is approaching 2,000 that he already has recovered.

Hell leave it to the rest of us to shake our heads at the cruel irony.

Really? This guy has to get it?

This is one of the things that makes this virus so evil. The men and women who are doing the most to keep society from breaking down completely -- the supermarket cashiers, the food delivery people, and of course, the doctors and the nurses -- are the ones with the highest risk of catching it. They are out there, every day, putting themselves at risk.

That includes Morin. When Gov. Murphy announced that the states restaurants must close their dining rooms, Morin and his brother knew they wouldnt need more of their employees as business declined. But they also believed it was unfair to the men and women of their second family to cast them aside at the beginning of a crisis.

My father told us a long time ago: Youve got to take care of your employees first, because without those employees, you dont have a business at all, Bryan Morin said then. I definitely owe them a debt -- even if it means I might go into debt.

He took out a $50,000 credit line and vowed to continue paying them at least through the end of May. His story went viral. Morin appeared on Fox News, CNN and the CBS evening news. He and his brother set an example for small businesses across the country, and the response from people was overwhelming.

It was surreal, he said. I never had anything like that happen to me in my life. Im pretty sure Ive used up my 15 minutes of fame.

So when the CLOSED sign went up in the restaurants window, the hospitals hes been helping turned the question around on him: How can we finally help you?

The answer, for now, is to stay patient. Morin has hired a professional cleaning company to scrub not only the restaurant but the cars used by his delivery people. All employees will wear gloves and masks when Federicos reopens on Thursday, and Morin himself -- out of an abundance of caution -- will double the CDCs guidelines for isolating before he returns to work.

The week and a half with doors closed will be a costly one. Good Friday is always one of the busiest nights of the year, with families ordering pizza while they prepare their Easter Sunday meals. Morin, though, knew a shutdown was a possibility.

And, for the people who work at Federicos, it wont change a thing.

The promise is still here, Morin said. All of our employees will continued to get paid.

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.

Steve Politi may be reached at spoliti@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevePoliti. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 08:19:10|Editor: huaxia

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URUMQI, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Staring at the frozen Ulungur Lake, Buzayinap Abulahat could not help asking questions with her eyes wide with curiosity.

"Is that an egret? Am I standing at the seaside?" The 23-year-old Uygur girl had never left her home county Moyu in Hotan Prefecture of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, except once in 2008 when she accompanied her younger sister to Urumqi for cardiovascular surgery.

Her family of six own less than one-seventh of a hectare of farmland in Moyu in southern Xinjiang where life is difficult due to the dry climate and weak industrial foundation.

Abulahat's father was born with a heart problem, so was her younger sister, who received free surgery in Urumqi supported by the local government but has to remain on medication.

To help her family loosen the grip of poverty, Abulahat hit the road without hesitation when she heard from others in late March that there were job opportunities in a northern town, leaving her home village on the fringe of the desert.

"I'm the firstborn, and I don't want to miss the chance to improve the lives of my family," she said.

Abulahat was favored by a local travel agency in Fuhai, a county at the foot of the Altay Mountains, some 2,720 km from Moyu, due to her Mandarin and computer skills.

As a major task of poverty relief work in Xinjiang, cross-regional employment plays an important role in helping impoverished households get rid of poverty, with 126,600 poor residents in the southern parts of the region supported through employment transfer since 2018.

The region plans to create 50,000 jobs in cities and towns with better conditions in the north and east this year.

"Now with the supportive migrant working policy, I will seize the job opportunity," Abulahat said.

Her mother Ayinusahan Hrudi just secured a public welfare position with a monthly pay of 2,000 yuan (about 283 U.S. dollars), which eased her worries of working far from home.

Abulahat took a northbound train with dozens of her fellow villagers, crossing the Tianshan Mountains. She appreciated the scenery along the way, singing ballads from home, smiling.

With the help of the local management and service bureau for migrant workers from southern Xinjiang, Abulahat passed her job interview and will work at a scenic area in Fuhai with an iconic yardang landform, irregular ridges of compact sand eroded by the wind.

Her fellow villagers also met with employers in Fuhai. Some got jobs in local restaurants, some became cashiers, while those who like to work on the land went for field management on large-scale farms.

Multiple measures have been rolled out to help the migrant workers enjoy stable employment by matching their skills and capabilities with the demands of local enterprise employers, said Wang Lin, executive deputy head of the bureau.

Abulahat recalled her mother was a bit worried at first when she bid farewell to the family and told her mother that everything had been arranged.

"Mom then encouraged me to learn more and said that good days are coming soon," she said.
New Delhi, April 11 : The Covid-19 relief measures might cause massive defaults in the NBFC sector unless CRAs are allowed to properly grade these accounts and the regulator comes out with clear guidelines for the lacuna, sources said.

At present, regulations mandate NBFCs to provide moratoriums to customers while they have not been given the same facility with their lead bankers. This is expected to heavily dent the liquidity profiles of many NBFCs.

The lacuna lies in the fact that CRAs, whose job is to assess the asset quality and then these NBFCs are also mandated not to do so under the garb of Covid-19 measures.

Subsequently, CRAs have become weary about the situation and have recommended massive steps to save the sector, as no clear regulatory guidance has tied their hands.

Many CRAs are also restless for not getting into regulatory mess of Covid- 19 protection but are also aware of the past instance of the IL&FS, when they were blamed for not initiating downgrade actions.

Some have even called for clear regulatory guidance from Sebi, which is the regulator.

Sources in CRAs said: "CRAs are expected to follow their respective ratings criteria and the extant SEBI guidelines. While SEBI has given some flexibility to CRAs on default recognition during the Covid crisis, they may nonetheless, need to take appropriate and objective rating actions to reflect any significant deterioration in the business or liquidity profile of a rated entity." "The RBI moratorium may give short-term relief but the CRAs may need to look beyond to assess the overall impact." A recent report of rating agency CRISIL said that the liqudity cover available with CRISIL-rated non-banking financial companies will decline sharply if they cannot avail of their own bank borrowings the moratorium announced by the Reserve Bank of India in its "COVID-19 Regulatory Package".

It noted that NBFCs face a double whammy because they are offering morator ium to customers despite not getting one themselves from their lender-banks. That will put significant pressure on liquidity profiles of many NBFCs, it added.

"CRISIL's analysis of NBFCs shows liquidity pressure will increase for nearly a quarter of them if collections do not pick up by June 2020. These NBFCs have Rs 1.75 lakh crore of debt obligations maturing by then," it said.

Another rating agency Acuite Ratings has said that while the gross advances of the NBFC sector stood at Rs 22.76 lakh crore as on March 31, 2019, retail NBFCs constituted Rs 14.48 lakh crore or 64 per cent of gross advances and the selected 11 NBFCs together constitute 43 per cent of these retail NBFC portfolio as on March 31, 2019.

It noted that the loans of retail NBFCs are granular in nature and largely cater to self-employed borrower segment where the cash-flows highly are corelated to the economic activity levels and therefore, inherently more volatile as compared to that of salaried individuals.

"One important segment in retail NBFCs is new or used vehicle finance for transport operators, small businesses, farmers and self-employed individuals. Their lending portfolio also includes small and medium enterprises where the ticket size is higher, typically up to Rs. 5 crore. Clearly, the economic disruption brought about by the Covid lockdown will have a severe impact on the incomes of such borrowers for several months depending on the intensity of the outbreak," said Acuite report.

Since the RBI has provided a three-month moratorium framework for banks and NBFCs, almost all retail NBFCs are expected to provide such a moratorium to their borrowers. While this is likely t o provide a temporary reprieve to the retail borrowers of the NBFCs, it is likely to have significant implications for their liquidity and businesses, it said.

Acuite's analysis of the top 11 retain NBFCs in India highlighted that almost 60 per cent of their borrowings (excluding securitisation) are from non-bank sources and require continuity in debt servicing. It estimates the refinancing requirement for these 11 retail large NBFCs at around Rs 10,000-20,0 00 Cr to avoid any challenges in their debt servicing and to sustain their operations.

Suman Chowdhury, Chief Analytical Officer, Acuite Ratings & Research, said: "The aggregated debt repayment including interest for the top 11 retail NBFCs in first quarter of FY21 is estimated to be between Rs 40,000-60,000 crore while the cash reserves are estimated to be around Rs 45,000 cr. It is apparent that many of these NBFCs would find it difficult to manage their cash flows, including their operating expenses during the next 3 months unless they get access to additional bank lines or refinance.

Further, industry body FICCI has also suggested a special liquidity line to NBFCs from banks as well as a significant allocation from the TLTRO operations mandatorily flowing to the NBFCs.

In a presentation, FICCI recommended an additional 10 per cent loan by banks under a special COVID-19 program. An amount of 10 per cent of total borrowings as refinance against existing NCDs issued by the NBFC and HFCs, it said .

N.R. Bhanumurthy, Professor of National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, also said that NBFCs also require support as other segments, more so as they were already going through a liquidity crisis.

However, there are some concerns. Speaking to IANS, Chief Economist at HDFC Bank Abheek Barua said that currently, all the sectors which have genuine needs should be looked into and provided with relief, and merely sticking to NBFCs would not be beneficial for the economy.

"There are all sorts of claims on the government's resources which are limited. Now it's no longer about NBFCs, there are the MFIs (micro-finance institutions), then there are actual sectors like civil aviation, hospitality, part of the MSME sector which of course is funded partly by the NBFCs," he said.




MPILO Central Hospital in Bulawayo will tomorrow start testing for coronavirus (Covid-19) with the first samples being those of more than 400 Zimbabweans who were based in Botswana who arrived in the city yesterday.





The testing of the virus will be conducted at the National Tuberculosis Referral Laboratory which is housed at the hospital and will also cater for the two Matabeleland provinces, North and South. The centre becomes the second after the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory at the Sally Mugabe Hospital in Harare.





Officials said the centre will be able to conduct at least 300 samples per day with a turnover time of five hours and results released on the same day. In the past, samples from Bulawayo were being sent to Harare, with results taking up to four days to be released. They emphasised that only samples will be taken to Mpilo, and that people should not come to the hospital for Covid-19 testing.





A Government official said since the beginning of the month 450 Zimbabweans have been repatriated from Botswana. Botswana deported 185 undocumented Zimbabweans through Plumtree Border Post while others who were legally staying in that country voluntarily returned home. They had been quarantined at Plumtree High School since their arrival and were set to be further quarantined at Bulawayo Polytechnic and Hillside Teachers College upon their arrival in the city last night.





The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Cde July Moyo, who is part of the Inter-Ministerial Taskforce on Covid-19 toured the Mpilo laboratory yesterday.





We discussed that testing needs to be done here in Bulawayo and we are happy that Nust (National University of Science and Technology) has moved its machinery from its lab to Mpilo and it has been set up. The Minister of Health and Child Care has brought in its lab technicians who are training the technicians at Mpilo, said Cde Moyo.





During a tour of the Mpilo laboratory technicians were doing last rounds of preparations. Some of the equipment came from Nust while other components were at the hospital being used for other tests. The equipment has since been aligned to do Covid-19 tests. Director at Nust





Applied Genetics Testing Centre Mr Zephaniah Dhlamini said they were in a position to run 300 samples alongside TB specimen sampling.





With this machinery and equipment, we can process 300 samples a day. We will have the TB samples being run in the morning and the Covid-19 samples being run in the afternoon. If all samples arrive on time, we can take five hours to give results.





Right now, we are ready to start, we have a team that came from the National Microbiology Reference Lab in Harare that is assisting us in training. The team also brought in protective clothing for everyone at the lab and the actual test kits and reagents, he said.





Mpilo Hospital Chief Medical Laboratory Scientist Mrs Barbara Murwira said samples would be disposed of accordingly.





After a sample has been processed there is a need to dispose the waste in a safe manner, friendly to the environment and also the people who are handling the sample need to be safe. The samples will be autoclaved to sterilise the virus but Mpilos autoclave is not functional, so Nust has offered to disconnect theirs today and bring it here for use during this period, she said.





Earlier in the day representatives from the Government, Ekusileni Property Company (PVT) Limited, Bulawayo City Council, I am Bulawayo Fighting Covid-19 Trust, National Social Security Authority (Nssa) and Nust signed a Memorandum of agreement over the use of Ekusileni Medical Centre for the isolation of coronavirus patients.





Meanwhile, the Government has so far availed $481 million towards curbing the spread of coronavirus with plans underway to test more than 33 000 people before the end of the month countrywide.





Addressing stakeholders from Matabeleland South Province in Gwanda on Friday during a briefing by the Ad-Hoc Inter-Ministerial Taskforce on the Covid-19 outbreak, Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry Cde Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu said the Ministry of Health and Child Care will intensify testing starting this week to cater for more people across the country. He added that moves to decentralise testing from Harare were at an advanced stage.





Up to date Treasury has availed $481 100 000 towards efforts of combating Covid-19. These funds include money which has been given to tertiary institutions and other partners for production of materials, increase in grain distribution and cash transfers which have started in Bulawayo and Harare.





Treasury also allocated $100 million through Industrial Co-operation of Zimbabwe (IDC) for water treatment chemicals. We were worried about local authoritys capacity to supply clean water and we anticipate that with these funds there will be adequate supply of water treatment chemicals. The water situation is critical because without water people will be forced to go out of their homes in search of water, he said.





Speaking at the same meeting, Matabeleland South Provincial Medical Director, Dr Rudo Chikodzore said all districts have identified isolation facilities and work was underway to capacitate them. Sunday News








Top oil producers struggled to finalise production cuts during a virtual summit held by G20 energy ministers on Friday, despite US President Donald Trump's mediation efforts to end a standoff with Mexico.

The final G20 communique appeared to gloss over simmering divisions over energy policy, making no mention of output cuts and pledging simply to ensure oil "market stability" amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Mexico was the lone holdout in a record OPEC-led agreement reached a day earlier that would see output slashed by 10 million barrels per day in May and June followed by a gradual reduction in cuts until April 2022.

The standoff had cast doubt on efforts to bolster oil prices, pushed to near two-decade lows by the demand-sapping pandemic and a Saudi-Russia price war that rattled global markets.

The subsequent G20 meeting -- hosted by Riyadh -- was expected to seal the deal more widely with non-OPEC countries in the group including Mexico, the United States and Canada.

But there was no sign of an agreement in the group's final statement.

"We commit to ensure that the energy sector continues to make a full, effective contribution to overcoming COVID-19 and powering the subsequent global recovery," said the statement released early Saturday.

"We commit to take all the necessary and immediate measures to ensure energy market stability." There was no sign that countries such as Canada -- the world's fourth largest producer -- had committed to specific cuts, with Natural Resources Minister Seamus O'Regan saying the G20 summit "didn't discuss numbers".

Under the OPEC deal, Mexico was expected to cut production by 400,000 barrels per day but it resisted the suggestion.

Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he had reached an agreement with Trump to cut production by only 100,000 bpd.

He added that Trump had agreed to cut US production by 250,000 bpd "as compensation" for Mexico.

Trump later confirmed the deal, saying the United States will "make up the difference" by cutting "some US production".

The G20 statement was silent on the Mexico-US deal.

The tentative production cut deal, which hinges on Mexico's consent for it to take effect, marked a possible end of the price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Both oil producers took on the lion's share of the cuts as they agreed to slash output to around 8.5 million bpd, according to Bloomberg

"Our global energy systems, from producers to consumers, is in uncharted territory and it is our responsibility to find the path forward," Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman told the G20 gathering.

"Saudi Arabia urges all G20 members, including Mexico, as well as invited countries to take appropriate and extraordinary measures to stabilise market conditions."



Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak also urged the G20 ministers to act in a spirit of "partnership and solidarity", according to a local television station.

OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo warned the global crude storage capacity would be exhausted before the end of May because of a supply glut and a "jaw-dropping" drop in demand.

"There is a ghostly spectre encircling the oil industry," Barkindo told the ministers.

"We need to act now, so we can come out of (the) other side of this pandemic with the strength of our industry intact." The impact of the tentative deal on prices was not immediately clear as the global oil markets were shut on Friday for the Easter weekend.

But Stephen Innes, an analyst at AxiCorp, said the supply cuts were "less than the market hoped for" given the hit to demand from coronavirus lockdowns throughout the world.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
FILE PHOTO: French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire and Dutch Finance Minister Wopke Hoekstra attend a joint news conference at the Bercy Finance Ministry in Paris

By Gabriela Baczynska and Anthony Deutsch

BRUSSELS/AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - As the European Union hammered out an emergency economic package this week for countries reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dutch held true to their reputation for thriftiness by refusing to support a plea by southern members to take on collective debt.

And while the bloc's 27 finance ministers agreed to half-a-trillion euros in relief on Thursday, the contentious issue of "eurobonds" - jointly issued debt - was left unresolved. A reference to "innovative financial instruments" enabled both sides to declare having won political concessions.

EU powerhouse Germany, Austria, Finland and others had also expressed objections to debt mutualisation, but Dutch Finance Minister Wopke Hoekstra was ultimately the sole holdout in 16 hours of talks that failed to work out a deal on Wednesday.

When the EU finance ministers returned to talk in a Thursday evening video conference, The Hague agreed to ease terms for accessing financing from the euro zone's EMS bailout fund to help with healthcare costs, but held firm against shared debt.

A smiling Hoekstra said he was "very satisfied" with the outcome on euro bonds, tweeting that "there won't be any" and telling Dutch TV stations "sometimes you have to put your foot down."

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire countered that the agreement had paved the way for mutual debt.

GOING DUTCH

The Dutch minister's stance was no surprise, however.

Only days earlier a top TV satirist took Hoekstra's side in explaining why the Dutch should not pour money into Italy.

With a record two million viewers of his "Lubach on Sunday" show, Arjen Lubach said the Dutch wanted to help, but have legitimate concerns about the bloc's long-term finances and preserving their own hard-fought financial health. He compared the situation to putting out a neighbour's house fire.

Story continues

"I am willing to help you put out the fire, but I don't want to take over your mortgage," Lubach said, adding that while Hoekstra might be irritating, he had a "fair point".

The Netherlands, a wealthy nation of 17.2 million, emerged only recently from years of belt-tightening under an austerity program since the 2008 financial crisis that made deep cuts into social security, pensions, education and healthcare.

While the Dutch cut back their national debt to 50% of GDP, Italy's rose to nearly 135%, or 2.4 trillion euros, Lubach pointed out.

The Hague had drawn a red line with southern European nations over joint debt and conditions for access to the emergency European Stability Mechanism (ESM) credit lines, drawing anger from hard-hit Spain and Italy.

Dutch thriftiness is deeply rooted in the culture and history of the trading nation that adopted the Calvinist branch of Protestantism more than four centuries ago.

In the 17th century, the English coined the phrase "Going Dutch", which refers to the splitting of a bill so that one party does not end up indebted to the other.

The country's neighbours still like to poke fun at the Dutch splitting of dinner bills, taking groceries on holiday, and always looking for a bargain.

'BAD COP'

The fact that the issue is prime TV fodder goes a long way to explaining how the Netherlands has become the bloc's "bad cop" opposing the kind of financial burden-sharing that its neighbours to the south say is needed to stave off an economic meltdown.

While the tough stance of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's government has the backing of parliament at home, in Rome eurosceptic challenger Matteo Salvini denounced the bloc as failing to show enough solidarity.

"The European debate is embarrassing not to say sickening," said governor Luca Zaia, a member of Salvini's Northern League in the Veneto region, one of the hardest hit in Italy.

Joris Luyendijk, a Dutch author and political commentator, said Hoekstra's hard line tactics could cause long-term damage to the Netherlands' diplomatic relationships within the union.

"It's horrible PR and horrible politics; at a time of unprecedented crisis Wopke offers southern Europeans an ideal hate figure. We will pay for this down the line, as a country."

(Reporting by Gabriela Baczynska and Anthony Deutsch; Additional reporting by Michel Rose in Paris, Toby Sterling in Amsterdam, Francesco Guarascio in Brussels and Riccardo Bastianello in Rome; Editing by Frances Kerry)
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Turkey has sent a second planeload of emergency equipment to Britain to help medics fighting the deadly coronavirus.

The first flight from Ankara took off on Friday carrying PPE including surgical masks, N95 industrial masks and hazmat suits, with a second flight landing on Saturday at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, the defence ministry said.

The items were sent in boxes displaying the words of 13th century Sufi Poet Jalaluddin Rumi: 'After hopelessness, there is so much hope and after darkness, there is the much brighter sun.'

In the past weeks, Turkey has similarly donated medical supplies to Italy, Spain - who like the UK are NATO allies - as well as five countries in the Balkans.

The first flight from Ankara took off on Friday carrying PPE including surgical masks, N95 industrial masks and hazmat suits, with a second flight landing on Saturday at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire (pictured), the defence ministry said

The items were sent in boxes displaying the words of 13th century Sufi Poet Jalaluddin Rumi: 'After hopelessness, there is so much hope and after darkness, there is the much brighter sun'

In the past weeks, Turkey has similarly donated medical supplies to Italy , Spain - who like the UK are NATO allies - as well as five countries in the Balkans. Pictured: A RAF Brize Norton on Saturday

The RAF tweeted: 'A Turkish Air Force A400M has landed at @RAFBrizeNorton to deliver 250,000 items of PPE equipment for our @NHSuk.

'Thank you to Turkey, valued friend and ally, for such a vital contribution in the fight against #coronavirus #WeAreNATO #InThisTogether.'

The Turkish Defence Ministry said on Twitter: 'At the direction of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish Armed Forces aircraft that will transport to (the) United Kingdom the medical aid supplies prepared by Turkey's Health Ministry to be used in the fight against COVID-19 has departed Etimesgut/Ankara.'

Wing Commander Faulks, OC 47 Squadron welcomes his Turkish Air Force counterpart to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on Saturday

The RAF tweeted: 'A Turkish Air Force A400M has landed at @RAFBrizeNorton to deliver 250,000 items of PPE equipment for our @NHSuk'

The RAF added: 'Thank you to Turkey, valued friend and ally, for such a vital contribution in the fight against #coronavirus #WeAreNATO #InThisTogether'

It later added: 'The plane and accompanying personnel of our Turkish Armed Forces, which successfully completed the 12-hour mission by delivering health supplies to England, returned to Ankara.'

It is understood 250,000 items of PPE were delivered to Britain, including 50,000 N-95 face masks, 100,000 surgical masks and 100,000 protective suits.

The supplies were to be transported to a regional NHS distribution hub to be delivered to medical centres across the country.

It is understood 250,000 items of PPE were delivered to Britain, including 50,000 N-95 face masks, 100,000 surgical masks and 100,000 protective suits

The supplies were to be transported to a regional NHS distribution hub to be delivered to medical centres across the country

The Turkish Defence Ministry said on Twitter : 'At the direction of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkish Armed Forces aircraft that will transport to (the) United Kingdom the medical aid supplies prepared by Turkey's Health Ministry to be used in the fight against COVID-19 has departed Etimesgut/Ankara.' Pictured: The plane landing on Saturday

The state-run Anadolu Agency said Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab had thanked Turkey in a phone conversation on Wednesday with his counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu, describing it as an 'indication of strong friendship between the two countries'.

The German embassy to Britain yesterday confirmed a report in Der Spiegel that the Bundeswehr would be sending ventilators to the UK as soon as possible.

A statement on the embassy's Twitter feed said: 'Support for our friends in the UK - the Bundeswehr is donating 60 mobile ventilators to the UK.'

The Turkish Defence Ministry later added: 'The plane and accompanying personnel of our Turkish Armed Forces, which successfully completed the 12-hour mission by delivering health supplies to England, returned to Ankara'

The state-run Anadolu Agency said Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab had thanked Turkey in a phone conversation on Wednesday with his counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu, describing it as an 'indication of strong friendship between the two countries'

The NHS is currently reported to have around 10,000 ventilators - still some 8,000 short of the 18,000 which Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said will be required. Pictured: The plane from Turkey at RAF Brize Norton on Saturday

The huge payload is pictured as it was delivered to RAF Brize Norton on a glorious day in Oxfordshire on Saturday afternoon

The NHS is currently reported to have around 10,000 ventilators - still some 8,000 short of the 18,000 which Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said will be required.

The Government has appealed to British manufacturers to fill the gap, but, while a number of firms have come forward, it is taking time to gear up production.

In the meantime, the NHS has been seeking to source supplies from overseas, including 200 from the United States, with president Donald Trump saying this week: 'They need them desperately.'
President Donald Trump speaks during the daily briefing of the White House Coronavirus Task Force in the James Brady Briefing Room at the White House in Washington on April 10, 2020. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Trump to Announce Opening Our Country Taskforce, Reflects on Biggest Decision of His Life

President Donald Trump on Friday said he will soon announce a new task force dedicated to opening up the United States for business, as he describes the decision as to how to reopen the country the biggest decision he would ever make.

Trump said he calls it the Opening Our Country task force or council so as not to confuse the group with the White House Coronavirus Task Force, which is chaired by Vice President Mike Pence.

Were going to have great business leaders, doctors, and a great group of people, Trump told reporters at a press conference on Friday at the White House on the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, also known as the novel coronavirus.

A voice in the briefing room said in passing that it is like an economic task force, to which Trump clarified, This is beyond economic.

He said he would probably announce the task force on Tuesday. The group is likely to meet via teleconference.

Then I will have to make a decision, Trump said. [Such as] do we close a little area thats a hot spot?  Also, very important, different parts of the country because you go to the Midwest, it is different than perhaps the East Coast or the West Coast. The West Coast, those numbers are amazing on the West Coast. Very interesting.

The White Houses Coronavirus Guidelines for America, first issued March 16, will end on April 30.

I do say this, I want to get [the United States] open as soon as possible, Trump told reporters. This country was meant to be open and vibrant and great. Not with people staying in  I would love to open it. Im not determined to do anything, but the facts will determine what I do.

When asked whether he would be open to shutting down the country again should there be a spike in infections, Trump said that he would consider the idea depending on the outbreak.

Im watching other countriesin many cases, theyre ahead of us [such that] it attacked them before us, it hit them first  and what theyre doing and the successes theyre having, and thats going to play a large part, Trump said. He later noted that should there be any flare-ups, after the country reopens for business, then he hoped they would be localized so we can control it from a local standpoint without having to close.

We are fighting this hidden enemy, which is genius. It is genius. It is genius. The way it has attacked so many countries at so many different angles  it is a very tough adversary, but we are going to win, and we will win very decisively, the president said. I will have to make a decision, and I only hope to God it is the right decision. But I would say without question: it is the biggest decision I have ever had to make.

Read More Editorial: Giving the Right Name to the Virus Causing a Worldwide Pandemic

A Different Kind of Death

One reporter asked: The models, as I understand them, are based on social distancing continuing through May. Is that correct? And if you were to open the economy on May 1 or sometime during that month, would that impact the models in terms of the deaths that youd expect?

White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Debbie Birx agreed that the projections by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington in Seattle (IHME) are on social distancing continuing through May. However, she noted that the IHME model has been shifting continuously and that the curves are getting much broader confidence intervals  when you see that, you know the model has a bit of instability.

As such, it is hard to predict what will happen, she said. Look at how much the model has changed in just a week. Remember, just a week ago, it was 80,000. Now its 60,000, Birx pointed out, referring to how the projected deaths by August in the United States have dropped again in the past week as per the model.

White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Deborah Birx speaks as President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence listen in the James Brady Briefing Room at the White House in Washington on April 10, 2020. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Birx also pointed out that different states have approached the pandemic differently, with some states imposing stay-at-home orders. In contrast, other states have not done so, and have instead been conducting more widespread testing and contact tracing. The latter approach would help inform authorities of individuals who are more likely to have the CCP virus and, therefore, should be quarantined.

We look at what New York is doing, and Detroit, and we forget that theres a Utah and New Mexico and North and South Dakota and a whole series of states that have been doing testing and contact tracing, and have been testing at rates higher than that per capita rate that we all have discussed, Birx explained. So were looking at that: What did they do? Where are the most vulnerabilities? Where are the outbreaks most likely to occur?

So were looking at the impact of that model and what that model predicted, based on the type of contact tracingless mitigation; more contact tracing.

Trump told the reporter: You are right about opening up and [the possibility that] it could lead to death, but staying at home leads to death also. It is very traumatic for this country, but staying at home, if you look at numbers, that leads to a different kind of death, perhaps, but it leads to death also. It is a very big decision. It is the biggest decision I will ever make.

The United States has recorded more than 18,700 deaths attributed to the CCP virus.

Data released April 3 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that the American economy has lost more than 700,000 jobs in the first weeks of government efforts to slow the spread of the CCP virus. The BLS data doesnt capture the full effects of the CCP virus since it took hold of the United States, as its based on a survey conducted between March 8 and March 14, before many of the mitigation measures in the country were adopted.

The Economic Policy Institute, a Washington-based think tank, on April 1 made a dire forecast that 19.8 million jobs could be lost by July.

Petr Svab contributed to this report.
The cruise line industry faces a long journey back from the coronavirus pandemic.

David Reece and his wife Carolyn should be sipping cocktails somewhere in the Indian Ocean at the moment.

But their latest cruise line holiday has been cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak. And they are missing it - as confirmed devotees of cruise vacations they have been on nearly 20 over the past two decades.

For the retired couple from Plymouth it all started by accident. "I was sent to the travel agents to book a cheap holiday in the Canaries, and I came back having booked a cruise in the Red Sea," says David. "Carolyn didn't talk to me for two weeks."

But they loved it, and ever since they have travelled all over the world on cruise ships; from the Baltic to the Caribbean, and from Australia to Brazil.

For them it is the perfect holiday, as David explains: "We had the idea it was all about crossing the Atlantic, sitting on deckchairs with a blanket over your knees. [But in reality], the ships are really mobile hotels, and we wake up somewhere different every day we use it to go to places we want to see.

But those floating hotels are now all rapidly returning to port, discharging their passengers and being mothballed. The industry has not just been devastated, it has ceased to function altogether. For it, coronavirus has been the perfect storm.

It has gone from being an industry worth $46bn (37bn) a year, with 26 million passengers per annum, to an almost total standstill overnight.

Ironically, the industry was well prepared for the outbreak of disease on board its ships, as it has happened plenty of times before, most often the norovirus "vomiting bug".

However, this time the plan hit a snag, as Christopher Muller, professor of hospitality at Boston University, explains.

"The worst thing you can do [if passengers start falling ill] is keep people on board," he says. "The plan is to go to the nearest port, get everyone off and then sanitize the ship".

Normally this means the ship is ready to start cruising again within a matter of weeks, but this time "governments forced them to keep people on board", adds Prof Muller. "This was not the industry's fault, they would not normally have done this."

The problem was made worse by the fact that many modern cruise liners have relatively small cabins, as the industry's economic model depends on getting as many passengers as possible spending money in the ship's spas, restaurants, bars and shops.

The resulting bad publicity, as passengers suffered in quarantine on board ships within sight of the shore, will be difficult for the industry to shake off.

So, will this put the industry's rapid expansion in recent years into reverse? The sector certainly has one major problem that means it is likely to suffer more than other parts of the tourism and travel industries such as the airline sector - it has few friends in high places.

Most cruise ships are not registered where they do business, in the USA and Europe, but offshore in places like Panama and the Bahamas.

The industry does that for two reasons - it saves a fortune in tax, and it means that they don't have to follow American or European labour laws. This allow the companies to recruit cheap workers from developing countries, pay them less, and work them harder.

Now, however, avoiding taxes and hiring cheap foreign workers doesn't look so clever - the cruise line industry was specifically not included in the US's business bailout schemes. The industry may be in dire straits, but it is crying in the dark.

And even if governments wanted to help, which they don't appear to, as Prof Muller points out: "It is hard to give a tax break if they pay no taxes".

Not only that, but many of the destinations loved by their passengers are not missing the cruise liners very much, if at all. As Prof Sheela Agarwal, from Plymouth University's department of tourism and hospitality, puts it: "No one is willing to bail them out because of their tax avoidance, but also because of the negative impacts they have at their destinations... they contribute very little to the local economy."

Cruise ships are notorious for depositing thousands of tourists in crowded cities who, Prof Agarwal says "spend very little, look around the place for five or six hours with a packed lunch, and then go back on board for dinner".

So, can the industry recover from this crisis? Well there are some good signs amidst all this gloom.

"Tourists have very short memories," says Prof Agarwal. "This is like when a terror attack affects a destination. Look at the attacks in Paris and Brussels - three months maximum [fall in visitor numbers], and they were back to normal."

Also, it is fairly obvious what the industry will do the second that travel restrictions are lifted - they will launch a huge advertising campaign and slash their prices, to get customers back. Although as Prof Muller explains, that won't be painless.

"You have to have these ships pretty full to make a profit, you can discount a lot, but you have to meet your fixed costs," he says.

Global Trade

More from the BBC's series taking an international perspective on trade:

Luckily for the industry, oil prices have also collapsed during this downturn, and as fuel prices are one of cruise firms' biggest fixed costs, Prof Muller is certain of one thing: "I can guarantee they are buying fuel futures like crazy".

If David Reece and his wife Carolyn are anything to go by, the cruise line industry may well bounce back better than most.

He says that the ongoing coronavirus outbreak is "not going to put us off at all". He is instead looking forward to rescheduling their trip "in the next 12 months".

David adds that he might also hunt for any special offers. "We might go on a last minute cheapy being retired we can drop tools and go anytime," he says.

UK-based Cunard, part of Carnival, the world's largest cruise line operator, and owner of luxury ships including the Queen Mary 2, is also confident that the industry will recover.

"We have been sailing for 180 years and we look forward to many more," says Simon Palethorpe, Cunard's president. "We will get through these tough times together and look forward to welcoming our guests back on board again soon, when the time is right."

David adds that even if some smaller companies do go bust, the ships are unlikely to be wasted as they are worth billions. "Someone will buy them up," he says.

The industry, it seems, will carry on cruising.BBC
Meghan Markle might be sitting pretty miles away from Buckingham Palace, but it looks like she is cooking something explosive to get back at the royal family anytime soon.

Rumor has it that the 38-year-old Duchess of Sussex will soon reveal the truth about her first-hand experience as part of the British royal family. It will be possible if she accepts the $1.2 million offer that she received in exchange for a "tell-all" interview with a US-based television network.

A source close to the Meghan said that she has been offered this huge cash deal to spill the tea on her and Prince Harry's controversial decision to step down as senior members of the royal family.

"It will be the most anticipated global TV interview even," the source told a UK news outlet.

Meghan's explosive interview is expected to echo Princess Diana's famous 1995 television interview with Martin Bashir, where she dished all the dirt about her failed marriage with Prince Charles.

The source said that the former "Suits" actress is "extremely serious" to win back the public's enthusiasm through a one-time big-time interview.

"When she was part of the Royal Family, it would have been unthinkable for her to do a solo interview with anyone about her life and how being a princess has changed her world," the source said.

"But now she's very much her own boss, and it has put her under pressure feeling that the public have lost their 'love' for her and Harry after they took the big step of going on their own," the source added.

It is also understood that Meghan's close friend and favorite talk show host Oprah Winfrey could score what could be the biggest interview of the decade.

Aside from a no-holds-barred dialogue, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are also said to be giving a "serious consideration" to the idea of opening their home and family life during the million-dollar TV special.

While it looks like Meghan and Harry could earn a fortune by granting the interview, the source said that the Sussex matriarch is looking forward to donating the massive paycheck to charity.

"Probably the NHS (National Health Service) after the incredible efforts of all the frontline workers," the source added.

Royal Blackmail

Could this interview be Meghan's slap on the royal family's face after not giving in to their demands before stepping down as senior royals?

It could be recalled that during the height of "Megxit" controversy back in February, New Idea reported that Meghan is threatening the royal family to have a blockbuster interview if the royal family will not give them a whopping $90 million after their exit.

A source also told Radar Online that Meghan kept telling her pals what kind of toxic life there is behind the palace walls, and she is ready to expose it if they do not give her the money.

"The royals fear that she'll want $90 million from the coffers to finance their new life in return for keeping her mouth shut!" the insider said.

READ MORE: Piers Morgan Furious Over Prince Harry, Meghan Markle's 'Archewell' Revelation
A non-profit organization was on Saturday disinfecting streets and churches in Islamabad, as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the Pakistani capital.

The Alkhidmat foundation has been disinfecting impoverished areas in the city, as well as mosques and other community prayer centres, over the past days.

Alkhidmat president Hamid Athar Malik said their plan was to sanitize all churches in Islamabad ahead of Easter Sunday.

All entrance and exit points in Islamabad have been cordoned off by the police and military in view of rising numbers of patients in the vicinity of the federal capital and adjoining garrison city.

Federal health authorities in Pakistan reported the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was increasing, raising the country's total number of confirmed cases to 4,788.

They also reported another death of a man in the country's commercial hub, Karachi, increasing the death toll to 71.

It is reported that 762 people have recovered.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

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.

(Image Credits:Pixabay)
The coronavirus continues to ramp upward in Bexar County with the number of confirmed cases jumping to 665 on Friday, an increase of 50 in the past 24 hours.

Another two residents of the Southeast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center died Friday, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said, pushing the death toll in Bexar County to 24. A dozen people who lived at the nursing center have died after contracting COVID-19.

The source of infection in most of the countys cases has been close contact with a family member or someone else who already had the virus  that accounted for 243 cases. Another 210 resulted from community spread.

Another 151 cases were attributed to travel, while the source of infection in 61 cases remained under investigation Friday night.

The public should not shun precautions just because its Easter weekend, Nirenberg warned.

It would be very dangerous and reckless to let our guard down now, he said. Lets make sure we continue to stay home and stop the spread  because its only beginning to rise in our city. And weve got to make sure we keep each other safe.

The number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in San Antonio has continued to hold steady. On Friday night, 89 patients were in local hospitals, including 56 in intensive care units. Among those patients, 44 were breathing with the aid of mechanical ventilators.

The stress on resources at local hospitals also remains manageable, Nirenberg said. We have over 2,000 beds available ... And this is a result of hospitals canceling all unnecessary procedures.

Were actually doing better than other cities in terms of the overall numbers of infections per our population. And considering where San Antonio is in terms of emergency preparedness capacity, were in good shape.

On ExpressNews.com: First inmate at Bexar Countys downtown jail tests positive for COVID-19

So far, 92 patients sickened by COVID-19 have recovered.

The two patients from Southeast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center who died Friday  one a man, the other a woman  were in their 80s. Both tested positive for the virus and had underlying medical conditions.

Two nursing homes in San Antonio have been designated as places to house and care for residents from any nursing homes in the region who contract the virus. The citys two largest nursing home operators each provided one of their facilities for this purpose.

Westover Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare, which is owned by Keystone Care, and River City Care Center, which is owned by Creative Solutions in Healthcare, will be used to house any nursing home residents throughout the San Antonio region who test positive for COVID-19, but dont need hospitalization.

Residents who had been living at those two facilities have been moved to other locations so both sites can be used exclusively to care for any nursing home patients suffering from the virus.

All beds at both facilities are empty right now, and local officials hope they wont have to use them.

We dont want them bringing in patients from outside the San Antonio and Bexar County region, County Judge Nelson Wolff added. We are not going to let that happen.

This step was taken to limit the risk of the virus spreading throughout any more nursing home facilities in San Antonio after the COVID-19 outbreak at Southeast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center led to the deaths of 12 residents and the infections of 74 residents and 27 staff members. The patients at Southeast Nursing wont be moved to either of these designated facilities.

On ExpressNews.com: First San Antonio COVID-19 patient receives plasma transfusion from recovered donor

Aside from Southeast, there are no other localized outbreaks at nursing homes in Bexar County, and were grateful for that, Nirenberg said.

Bexar County ranked fifth among Texas counties reporting the most confirmed COVID-19 cases Friday afternoon  well behind Harris County, which topped the list with more than 3,000, and Dallas County, which ranked second with more than 1,400, according to state health officials.

The Bexar County Sheriffs Office said Friday that an inmate confined at the county jail since last month has tested positive for COVID-19. Sheriffs officials havent yet determined how that inmate was exposed to the virus.

The 29-year-old man, who has been in the agencys custody since March 11 on a misdemeanor family violence charge, reported feeling shortness of breath Thursday and was found to have a fever higher than 100 degrees.

Because he tested positive, two living units at the adult detention center were placed on lockdown while the other inmates housed there undergo medical observation.

All 3,000 inmates at the Bexar County Jail will be wearing surgical masks at all times to prevent the spread of the virus.

In nearby Comal County, three more confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported Friday, bringing the total number of people sickened there to 37.

Those three patients are isolating themselves at home. One lives north of Canyon Lake, while another lives south of Canyon Lake. The other lives in Spring Branch.

On ExpressNews.com: In biggest turnout yet, 10,000 slam San Antonio Food Bank seeking help

So far, nearly half of the Comal County patients  16  have recovered. The death toll there stands at four.

In Guadalupe County, where Seguin is located, 47 confirmed cases have been reported so far, according to the states COVID-19 page. The city with the most cases is Cibolo, where 18 people have been sickened by the virus. No deaths have been reported in that county.

A third of Guadalupe Countys patients have recovered from the virus.

In Wilson County, the home of Floresville, 10 confirmed cases have been reported. Most of those cases were attributed to travel, while one resulted from community spread and another resulted from household transmission. So far, three of the 10 patients have recovered. No deaths have been reported.

In Atascosa County, the home of Pleasanton and Jourdanton, seven confirmed cases have been reported. Two of those patients have recovered, county officials said. No deaths have occurred.

Medina County reported its first coronavirus-related death on Wednesday. No details about the patient who died were released. The county has recorded 12 confirmed cases so far, with the largest number  seven cases  occurring in Hondo.

Half of Medina Countys cases have been attributed to community spread, according to the countys Facebook page. So far, two patients have recovered.

Bandera County reported its second confirmed case of COVID-19 on Friday. That patient was infected through community spread of the virus. No deaths have been reported.

Kendall County, the home of Boerne, stands at 10 confirmed cases. No deaths have been reported.

Peggy OHare covers demographics, the census and occasionally crime and general assignment stories in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. To read more from Peggy, become a subscriber. pohare@express-news.net | Twitter: @Peggy_OHare
Six men were arrested for allegedly setting ablaze three shelter homes near Kashmiri Gate on Saturday, officials said.

Information about the blaze was received at 6.05 pm, following which five fire tenders were rushed to the spot, the Fire Department said.

The fire personnel managed to douse the blaze soon after reaching the spot. No one got injured, it said.

According to police, those arrested were among the people who created ruckus earlier in the day over the death of a man who stayed in one of the shelter homes.

The man had allegedly jumped into the Yamuna on Friday after he, among others, was asked by police to maintain social distance while standing in a queue for getting food.

A body was fished out from the river on Saturday morning by the people living in shelter homes. They claimed that it was the body of the man who jumped into the river on Friday, police said.

"Four to five people jumped into the Yamuna river. They came out of the river after a while but one of them didn't return. Later, police called divers, but they could not trace him, Additional Public Relation Officer Anil Mittal said.

"The body of an unidentified man, which police suspect came from some other place, was fished out from the river by the people living in the shelter homes on Saturday morning, and they claimed it to be the body of the man who went missing the previous day," he said.

The body was later sent for postmortem, Mittal said.

On Saturday evening, the accused persons set ablaze three shelter homes, he said.

A case under relevant sections of the IPC has been registered at the Kashmiri Gate police station, he said, adding that further investigation is underway.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
1986 DEFENDER 110 TRANSFORMED TO MODERN LUXURIOUS OFF ROADER







Taking a 1986 Bone Stock Truck to Classy Off Roader

Wilmington, NC, (April 2020) - OSPREY CUSTOM CARS is well known for their exceptional custom-built classic Defenders, Broncos, and old FJ restomods. Their latest build is the top to bottom makeover of a bone stock 1986 Land Rover Defender. The vehicle was carefully taken apart all the way down to the frame, the frame was then galvanized and then powder coated. At the same time the bulkhead was replaced to the modern PUMA style with excellent heat and air conditioning vents that help keep the inside a comfortable temp year round. The majority of the body was treated to updated, new take off and new body panels. There was a full revamp of the suspension, adding a 2 inch lift, new terra firma shocks and springs all around, with a terra firma steering stabilizer, along with new terra firma heavy duty track rod, and drag links, and much, much more. The complete original drive train was scrapped and in its place is the heart of America muscle was installed. It now has an LS3 turning out low 465hp, with a 6l80e transmission. Custom dual magna flow exhaust giving it the performance and sound you would expect from the truck.













The inside was upgraded now featuring 7 leather seats, featuring heated front seats, middle and rear are high back forward facing with integrated seat belts protecting those most precious to you. The Alcantra Suede headliner above, and the plush leather protected by the heavy duty factory rubber floor mats. The dash and door panels are leather covered with custom red stitching that matches the seats and custom center console. Door panels have aluminum door pulls. Front heated windscreen. It now has power windows in the front and middle, along with keyless entry, and more options never offered in a defender through the factory. Kenwood stereo with DVD, Bluetooth, navigation, apple car play, and back up camera etc. Several charging points have been added into the custom center console, along with a very nice 10 speaker JL audio system providing great musical sound in the truck.







Osprey is a family business and understands the importance of building something that stands the test of time, as many of their clients have owned cars for generations and hope to pass their vehicles onto future generations. Their handiwork can be seen from the hobbyists' garage to the showroom of SEMA in Las Vegas. Osprey has seen a number of interesting requests, and prides themselves on the notion that, 'if you dream it, we can build it!' They've installed antique flooring, custom engraved exteriors and even custom paint jobs to match houses or other cars. Osprey's latest restoration retains the timelessness of the original model plus modern performance, styling, and convenience. "We've rebuilt this truck from the ground up with all the finest components and finishes", Says Aaron Richardet, owner and founder. "This includes a GM LS engine, automatic transmission, custom paint, and much, much more. This vehicle is actually more capable off road while looking and feeling much more luxurious than the original. "







What the Defender 110 includes:

Drive Train / Chassis * 465 hp LS3 engine with 6180e transmission * Dual Magna flow performance exhaust with custom headers * Galvanized chassis * Galvanized cross member * Electric fans * Stainless oil cooler lines * Stage 3 lift kit by terra firma with castor corrected radius and trailing arms * Hd drag link * Hd track rod * Adjustable pan hard bar * Hd rear axles * Hd front axles and cvs * Double cardan driveshaft front and rear * Slotted and drilled rotors front and back * 17 inch land rover Predator Rims * General Grabber Red Letter Tires * New transmission cooler lines * Stainless brake lines * Stainless fuel lines * Oversized fuel tank Exterior * New body panels * All new weather stripping * New front bumper winch bumper and super winch * Rock Sliders * Terra Firma front skid plate * New hood * New doors - all 5 * All new glass and gaskets * New Masai style glass * New svx style front end * Stainless hardware kit Interior * New custom center console * New bulkhead with upgraded style and dash. * 7 leather seats, front heated * New door handles new interior trim, new seat belts Addon Accessories * HD rear swing away tire carrier * Kenwood stereo with DVD, Bluetooth, navigation, apple car play, and back up camera etc * 10 speaker JL audio system * Led head light kit * Power windows * Keyless entry * Front heated windscreen * Alcantra Suede headliner Price: $189,950 Visit the Osprey Custom Cars website at www.ospreycustomcars.com <http://www.ospreycustomcars.com> for photos, product information, and updates.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  For the second consecutive day, 23 new cases of coronavirus were reported in Cleveland, Mayor Frank Jacksons administration announced Friday.

The new cases lifted the citys total of people confirmed positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus to 282. They range in age from less than one year old into their 90s.

Two people in Cleveland have died from the disease.

The new cases involve both males and females who range in age from less than 10 years old to their 90s. The city did not release any further information about the patients, citing a need to protect the individuals privacy.

The Cleveland Department of Public Health will work to identify any people who were in close contact with these residents and who now would require testing or monitoring for symptoms of COVID-19.

The Cleveland cases are among 1,052 confirmed among people in Cuyahoga County. Of those, 299 people have been hospitalized. Twenty-two residents of Cuyahoga County have died.

The virus has claimed the lives of 231 Ohioans, the state reported Friday. The total number of cases is 5,878, according to the Ohio Department of Health reported Friday.

More than 480,000 people have been confirmed as having contracted coronavirus across the United States. Nationally, there have been 18,000 deaths.

More coronavirus coverage

Greater Clevelands air pollution could push up regions coronavirus death toll, Harvard research suggests

Projections show COVID-19 coronavirus will be one of Americas deadliest events -- Heres the numbers

One month into coronavirus stay-at-home, finding your favorite brand of TP, other products still a challenge

Why are Ohios gun shops still open? State says its a nod to constitutional rights
Pakistan said on Saturday that it will take a decision on whether to extend the ongoing nationwide lockdown or ease restrictions on Monday, as the number of coronavirus patients rose to 4,970.

Speaking at a press conference here, Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar said that Prime Minister Imran Khan will take a decision after his meeting with the National Coordination Committee on COVID-19, comprising senior officials of all provinces and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

"We will make a national decision on the lockdown," said Umar.

He also said that the country would suffer about Rs1,400-1,500 billion shortfall in revenues due to the nationwide shutdown.

Prime Minister's Advisor on Health Dr Zafar Mirza said that Pakistan had lower number of cases than projected but people should not relax and follow the restrictions. It will be a mistake to relax, he said.

He warned that the number of cases and deaths will sharply increase if restrictions were removed and people didn't follow social distancing.

The official data posted by the Ministry of National Health services on its website showed that the worst-hit Punjab province reported 2,414 COVID-19 cases, Sindh 1,318, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 656, Balochistan 220, Gilgit-Baltistan 215, Islamabad 113 and PoK 34.

It also reported that 762 patients have recovered so far. Seventy-one patients have died including five in the last 24 hours. Authorities have so far conducted 57,836 tests, including 2,457 in the last one day.

Umar said that the government was planning to increase the daily number of tests to 25,000 by the end of this month.

The official data showed that 52 per cent patents were those who had travelled abroad while 48 per cent were local transmissions.

At least 61 doctors and paramedics at a major healthcare centre in PoK's Muzaffarabad were placed in quarantine after a 65-year-old asymptomatic patient being treated there for some other chronic ailments tested positive.

"I can confirm you that 29 physicians and 32 other staffers are being quarantined immediately," a senior official was quoted as saying by Dawn.

Meanwhile, China is providing more medical supplies to Pakistan to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

A special plane of Pakistan International Airline (PIA) will arrive from China later Saturday with more medical supplies. It is the second plane to arrive in two days, said Naghmana Hashmi, Pakistan's Ambassador to China.

"PIA special plane with 50 donated ventilators, equip & PPEs (personal protective equipment) left Chengdu for Islamabad today. One plane of relief goods from Beijing went yesterday," she tweeted.

Earlier on March 27, the Khunjerab pass between Pakistan and China was opened for a day to receive Chinese medical supplies.

Pakistan and China describe their relations as all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and have firmly supported each other on issues concerning each other's core interests.

So far Lahore with 21 per cent share of total infections is on the top as the most infected city in Pakistan, followed by Karachi with 18 per cent infections.

But a Sindh health official expressed concern on Friday that Karachi was vulnerable due to its dense population and increase in the rare of local transmission. Three districts out of six of the metropolis have over 100 cases each, with the East District having 185 positive cases, Central District 144 and the South District 135 cases.

Pakistan Medical Association's Karachi chapter general secretary, Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, said residents in poor localities are roaming, posing a serious threat to them and others.

I believe there would be far more cases in other areas, such as Keamari, Lyari, Korangi and Orangi Town, he said.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said that over 82 per cent of new coronavirus cases in the province were reported from Karachi. He also said 20 per cent of COVID-19 tests conducted in the past 24 hours came out positive in Sindh. "This is greater than the world average at the moment," Shah said.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday chaired a meeting with officials to discuss ways to bring back about 40,000 Pakistanis stranded in various countries.

A special Pakistan International Airlines brought back 200 Pakistanis from Malaysia and Singapore to Islamabad. The flight also repatriated 120 Malaysian and Singaporean nationals from Pakistan.

The National Command and Operation Centre on COVID-19 on Friday directed all provincial governments to reopen their airports to avoid chaos in the federal capital. Since the provincial governments closed their airports in the wake of the pandemic, all flights bringing Pakistanis from abroad were landing at Islamabad international Airport, Dawn reported.

The airports in the provinces will reopen by April 13, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Hamza Shafqaat said, adding that there was no flight arriving in the capital on April 10 and 12.

Meanwhile, the government re-imposed a ban on the export of all anti-malaria drugs on Friday, four days after withdrawing the ban on the export of these drugs.

The ban that has been imposed with immediate effect will remain in place until further decision, according to the commerce ministry.

The demand for export of anti-malaria drugs especially hydroxychloroquine gained importance after US President Donald Trump claimed that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved the use of "very powerful drug Chloroquine to treat coronavirus patients.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
(Natural News) The American people are reaching their end of their patience with the coronavirus lockdowns, and the food riots will begin in May if the lockdowns dont end.

There is a rational, sensible way to end the lockdowns while protecting public health and defeating the coronavirus. Ive described it in this article, and its based on promoting masks, nutrition, hydroxychloroquine and other commonsense measures.

Yes, the lockdowns were initially necessary to stop the exponential explosion of infections that would have led to millions of deaths in America (we were on track for 2.16 million deaths by early July, before the lockdowns began). Without the lockdowns that began mid-March, we would not be seeing the flattening of the curve thats now easing the load on hospitals in NYC, for example. As the number of deaths declines starting next week, remember that without the lockdowns, that curve would have been exploding skyward.

But we now have the knowledge to end those lockdowns while simultaneously protecting public health. Yet that knowledge is being ignored by the people advising President Trump  Dr. Fauci and Dr. Birx  in what seems like a scheme to keep America suffering until Big Pharma can come up with a vaccine that may or may not work and is likely at least 18 months away.

The most likely outcome of the coronavirus vaccine is so-called immune response enhancement, which means the vaccine will cause an immune system overreaction that will result in a deadly cytokine storm that kills the patient when exposed to a subsequent infection. So the vaccine may actually end up killing a very large number of people. This is especially likely given the rush to cut corners and skip the routine quality control measures that typically go into clinical trials.

The plan of the globalists is a never-ending lockdown, followed by forced immunizations and mark of the beast biometric scanning

Sadly, all the sensible suggestions about how to end the lockdowns are being ignored.

Certainly, its great news that we invoked effective lockdowns and altered the trajectory of the virus, saving millions of lives in the USA alone, but now that we have some breathing room, we have the opportunity to make better-informed decisions about where to go from here.

The temporary compliance of the population has convinced the authoritarian tyrants that they can order the public to do anything they want. But theyre going to discover that short-term compliance is not a long-term surrender of liberty.

The American people are being polite. Theyre sacrificing a lot to halt the spread of the virus. But their patience has just about run out, and they now know the virus isnt impervious to public health measures. We can control these infections. We can limit the spread, and we can prevent a repeated explosion into exponential territory.

The American people have demonstrated a lot of common decency, Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) told Sean Hannity in a Fox News interview. The health care workers, the food workers, but also the people whove been willing to stay home. But theyre not going to stay home much longer.

Hes right about that. With the death numbers expected to start flattening next week, we will have mathematical proof that the lockdowns have halted the spread of the virus, underscoring the opportunity to restore something resembling a more normal life (while taking commonsense precautions Ive outlined previously). As Americans start to see the numbers fall over the last half of April, they will demand an end to the lockdowns.

The American people are running out of food, money and patience

If the lockdowns are not ended by May 1st, America will be on a collision course with food riots and regional uprisings. The fact is, people are running out of food, money and patience. And no nation is more than nine meals away from a revolution, as they say.

Perhaps thats why were seeing FEMA ramp-up its preparation of FEMA camps. Are they anticipating the coming food riots?

FEMA is also busy confiscating medical supplies from hospitals across the country, according to Yahoo News. This massive government theft of medical equipment appears to be a malicious effort to worsen the spread of the virus by denying hospitals the gear they need to successfully treat infections and protect healthcare workers.

It looks, in fact, like FEMA is gearing up to try to suppress a national uprising of tens of millions of angry, hungry, bankrupt citizens who are already on the verge of desperation.

The Left, of course, will try to use the uprising to blame Trump and cause chaos ahead of the November elections. The Right will be taking a more pro-liberty stance, demanding economic freedom to reopen businesses and restore the economy.

Astonishingly, we might actually see Antifa and pro-America patriots marching side by side, demanding an end to the lockdown tyranny. (At least Antifa already has the mask thing down pat)

One thing is perfectly clear, however: If the lockdowns continues much longer, there wont be an America left to save. The country will self-destruct, perhaps with social chaos or a popular uprising against state governments.

Maybe thats what the globalists really want: A national riot, a brutal crackdown and the transposition of President Trump into the position of an accidental authoritarian ruler presiding over a medical police state run by Big Pharma and the FauciFrauds.

And if we dont raise our voices starting right now, they just might get exactly what they want.

#EndTheLockdowns

Beat the globalists, defeat the virus and restore America.

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New Delhi, April 11 : If the Chief Ministers' conference on Saturday, a third in less than two weeks, convened by PM Modi is an indication, there has been a growing unanimity that the ongoing shutdown should continue "at least for two more weeks".

The CMs also seemed to agree on opening the up the rural economy, especially grain markets. The suggestions included continuing the lockdown of airports, railway stations and metros.

There were indications that the Prime Minister's Office is contemplating a graded lifting of lockdown measures, and marking the country into red, yellow and green zones, depending on the severity of the coronavirus spread.

The PMO will also review the situation with top officials and experts, sources added. After the meeting with CMs, the Prime Minister indicated in his remarks that based on recommendations of states, the lockdown might be extended by two weeks.

Sources indicated that at least ten Chief ministers "strongly advocated" an extension of the ongoing shutdown. While some CMs have advised the PM to extend it "at least for the rest of April", some have advocated "caution", in case he decides against extending it.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has suggested the extension of the nationwide shutdown for "at least a fortnight". The CM has already extended the shutdown in Punjab till May 1.

Singh is believed to have asked for a slew of relief measures, particularly one-time increase in borrowing limit from 3% to 4% of states' GDP by amending the FRBM Act.

Sources say Singh has also sought "bonus" for farmers in the harvesting season. Punjab has one of the highest number of big farmers who have been finding it tough to locate labour for harveadsting during the shutdown.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal too batted for a "strict implementation and continuation" of the current shutdown "at least till April-end".

Kejriwal, who is battling a crisis due to the Nizamuddin congregation in Delhi, has requested PM Modi to formulate a nationwide shutdown policy rather than leaving it to the states to formulate their own system.

Many states such as Rajasthan and Punjab have already formulated their own strategy, independent of the PM's announcement of further course of action.

"State-specific announcements won't be as effective," Kejriwal is believed to have told PM through video conferencing on Saturday.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan thanked the Prime Minister for being available over phone. The PM told all CMs on Saturday that he would be available over phone for them 24/7, given the seriousness of the situation.

India, as on Saturday morning, has seen 6,565 active COVID-19 cases. Chauhan too batted against removing the lockdown. He also informed the PM that Madhya Pradesh has crisis management teams working at district levels on a war footing.

Earlier, in his meeting with floor leaders of different parties, the PM had indicated the same. IANS was the first to report on April 2 that PM Modi is aggressively considering extending the current shutdown.

At Saturday's meeting, a few CMs including Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray, came wearing the face mask and PM Modi too was spotted wearing a white face cover.

Rajasthan and Odisha which have extended the shutdown made a strong pitch for nationwide shutdown as well.

At the CMs' meeting, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath too favoured extending the lockdown till April-end.

On Friday, Union I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar, during a Fecbook address to ABVP cadre in JNU gave the clearest indication of the extended shutdown. "A few states have extended the shutdown because measures such as this are the only ways we can win the battle. If we have to get ready for another 15 days, we will need new volunteers." The current shutdown ends on the night of April 14.

Latest updates on Howdy Modi Houston

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
A Hindu American group has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grant asylum to the persecuted Sikhs and Hindus from Afghanistan.

In a letter dated April 9 to Modi, Hindu American Foundation (HAF) said it is imperative to alleviate the dire situation of religious minorities in Afghanistan who look to the secular Republic of India as the only safe haven in the region.

On March 25, 2020, a terrorist attack on the prominent Dharamshala Temple in the Shor Bazar area of Kabul, Afghanistan tragically killed 25 people and injured at least 8 others. About 150 worshipers were inside the temple at the time of the attack including women and children, said the HAF.

Noting that this is just the latest example of religious minorities being persecuted in Afghanistan, HAF said in July 2018, a suicide bomber attacked a convoy of Sikhs and Hindus en route to meet Afghan President Ashraf Gani, resulting in the deaths of 19 people and injuring 20 others.

Today, there are only an estimated 200 Sikh and Hindu families left in Afghanistan, it said.

Encouraged by the recent steps taken by the Indian government, HAF urged Modi to take further action to alleviate the dire situation of religious minorities in Afghanistan who look to the secular Republic of India as the only safe haven in the region.

HAF urged the prime minister to grant legal entry and political asylum to Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, and other persecuted religious minorities currently fleeing Afghanistan with residency visas that last no less than five years and with the option of applying for expedited citizenship.

Seeking temporary housing to refugees, HAF urged Prime Minister Modi to ensure that these religious minorities are eligible for government benefits such as physical and mental healthcare, education, economic or business loans, grants and other employment opportunities.

Hindu Americans are right in believing that the Indian government, granting citizenship to the most vulnerable communities in the region seeking safe haven in India, is a genuine humanitarian gesture that makes right at least some of the wrongs that exist in that part of the world, stated HAF executive director Suhag Shukla.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has condemned reports of racial discrimination in China.



A statement signed by sector Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey disclosed that the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Shi Ting Wang has been asked to call his government to order.



"I have been briefed on the inhumane treatment being meted out to Ghanaians and other African nationals in the People's Republic ofChina with regards to the COVID-19 outbreak. I regret and highly condemn this act of ill-treatment and racial discrimination. I have therefore summoned the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Shi Ting Wang to register my disappointment and call for his government to immediately address the situation and bring their officials to order. A formal communication from the government of Ghana will be issued within the next 24 hours to address the situation at hand," the statement noted.



Background



Africans in southern China's largest city, Guangzhou, claim they have been rendered homeless and have become targets of suspicion after Guangzhou reported 111 imported cases, including 25 foreign nationals.



Among them, 9 were from Nigeria, 3 from Angola, 2 from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and 2 from Niger.



CNN reports that a publication on the Peoples Government of Guangdong Provinces website on April 4 alleged that a Nigerian national with Covid-19 had attacked a Chinese nurse who tried to stop him leaving an isolation ward at a Guangzhou hospital.







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
Contributed Photo / Hamden Fire Department

HAMDEN  A hiker with an ankle injury was rescued from Sleeping Giant State Park Saturday afternoon, according to fire officials.

Units were dispatched to the park on Mount Carmel Avenue around 2 p.m. for a report of a hiker who got hurt on one of the trails.
Cathal & Caoimhin Pentony from Aston Village Educate Together School missed the schools Easter Hat Parade this year...but held their own in their back garden in Tullyallen.. They also want to send our a message to Stay Safe....

Monasterboice: Contact me - Given the times we are now enduring, please feel free to share your thoughts, experiences and ideas on how you are coping or helping others to cope, through these most surreal, life changing times. Ok, we are all social media junkies at the moment, but the printed word, for posterity, will be a much better reference point when, please God, we are all trying to make sense of this time, in the years to come.

Below are pieces that came to my mind, but your contribution, on how this epidemic is effecting your lives in Monasterboice would be most welcome.. We'll keep them anonymous unless otherwise requested. Paddy Holdcroft on 0862039501 or paddyholdcroft @gmail.com. Keep up the good work, safely.

A message from Naomh Mairtin.

Dear Local Business and Supporter,

Amidst this time when many of our Club Members, Supporters and Businesses may be restricted or struggling to adapt plus maintain their livelihoods and those of their employees, we want to support all these businesses now and in the future in any way we can.

Calling all Business to let us promote your business and highlight to our supporters and members any key offers, promotions or details you'd like us to publicize. Send in your images and details to pro.naomhmairtin.louth@gaa.ie and we will endeavor to highlight as many of these businesses as possible daily.

We in Naomh Mairtin are very conscious and appreciative of how you have supported our Club and Community and therefore we would like to reciprocate this at this difficult time we all find ourselves in - Let us know how we can help You and Your Business.

Notes on "these extraordinary times"

Garda delivering the goods:

I must say, seeing a Garda delivering food to my mother in law (in a neighbouring parish) was a beautiful moment. And the Garda, according to Anna Marie, wasn't that bad either.

Seriously, I thought that it was a connection between our law force and the community that has been missing these last few years.

Oliver Callan.

Just after hearing Oliver Callan on the radio (the most talented man in the universe) as he's standing in for the unfortunately positive tested Ryan Tuberity. Got me thinking as to why Oliver doesn't present EVERY programme on Radio 1. His impersonations of Sean O'Rourke, Joe Duffy, Ray D'arcy et al are better than they do themselves.

Ploughing along.

The extra "time on our hands" has recalibrated our priorities and appreciation of things. For example, we watched the local farmer expertly ploughing the fields behind our house for what seemed like hours last week. Not exactly in the league of "House of Cards" on Netflix, but, nevertheless, Pat, your hitherto under appreciated work didn't go unnoticed this time.

A cut above.

Sadly, I'm in the "nothing (much) to lose category, as regards the act of "getting my ears lowered" but I do appreciate that they are lot of you guys and gals out there in a bit of a tizzy, wondering when you are going to get your head inside a hairdresser's/barber's again. Unfortunately, unless you know a long armed hairdresser, with a two meter pair of scissors, I can be of little assistance. However, You Tube, do an array of crash courses

Funerals

Funerals are like dentists. Absolutely essential, but the less experience of them, the better.

However, when needed, like dentists, they are essential and they serve a very real purpose. Funerals and wakes help "bring our love ones over the line", they council us and reassure us that, whilst our grief is real and, at times, excruciating, we are not alone.

This plague that is the coronavirus has robbed us of all of the above and its effect on us all, as a people, will be with us, long after it has wiped its dirty boots on its exit.

I've had personal experience recently, as my dear Auntie Olive has been buried. It was all done, before a limited audience, at the requisite distance. Absolutely awful, that. All we could do, in terms of comfort, was give a consoling wave to her only daughter, Bridget and granddaughter Sarah. Just not good enough.

At least we actually attended that funeral. Anna Marie's Uncle Thompson also passed away last week. It would be inaccurate to report that only his immediate family attended the final farewell in Belfast as one of his sons, Philip, was locked down in Italy and couldn't attend his dad's funeral. He did get to view the shortened ceremony, via social media, from his brother's phone. Again, simply not good enough.

Sad to relate that our very own Fr. Paddy's dad also passed away, in his native Tyrone, last week. Condolences from the parish, Paddy and thanks for your beautiful night prayers and Saturday evening mass on The Monasterboice Parish page.

Also, God rest Fr Hamil, ex curate in Monasterboice, in the late 60's, who passed away last weekend

Mullary Cemetery Lotto.

Sat. 28th March, Winning no was 3.

Winners were Jackie Ryan and Campbell family,

Tullyallen

Deadline for Your News

If you would like to see your news in this part of the newspaper, a celebration, weddings, anniversary, family party, births or anything that might be of interest to the local community, please have no hesitation in contacting. Give me a ring at 087 6366605 or pop me an email at hilary.a.kelly@gmail.com But one thing to remember is that the deadline to get your items to me is Friday Lunchtime as the paper will now be in the shelves from Tuesday mornings.

Parish News

Fr. Dooley and Fr. Caraher will celebrate Mass (without a congregation) for the intentions of parishioners. Mass will be offered each day for any intentions booked.

The Parish has been contacted by some parishioners asking how to continue to contribute to the upkeep of the Parish at this time of disruption as there is no opportunity for parishioners to give their weekly offerings. Should you wish to continue contributing one option is by standing order. If you wish to, just complete a standing order form and return it to the Parochial House for processing. Forms are available in the back porch of the Church or one can be accessed from Parish Facebook Page.

The Church remains open daily from 9am - 5 pm for quiet reflection and prayer.

Fr. Dooley, Fr. Caraher and Mellifont Parish Pastoral Council take this opportunity to wish you all a blessed Easter. Our prayer for you during these days as we celebrate Easter that we may remember God's Love for us all and may that love fill you with hope for the days to come. Happy Easter.

Parish Facebook Page

Why not click onto the Parish Facebook page Mellifont Parish - Tullyallen for updates, for Holy Week celebrations, prayers, reflections and links Spread the word that our Parish Facebook is active.

Trocaire Boxes

Your support for Trocaire this Lent is much appreciated. Please hold onto your box until it is safe and possible to return it.

Parish Holy Land Collection

The collection for the Holy Land which normally takes place on Good Friday will now take place on Sunday 13th of September near the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Mass Online on TV and Radio

A recording of daily Mass in our Pastoral Area is available from:

https://www.churchservices.tv/lourdesdrogheda and https://www.churchservices.tv/drogheda

RTE will air Mass every weekday at 10.30am from St Eunan's and St Columba's Cathedral, Letterkenny, on RTE News Now. Mass from the North East (Lmfm) Sundays 9am.

Radio Maria Ireland broadcast Sunday and Daily Mass at 10am - Saorview, Channel 210; or by downloading their free app for mobile devices.

Mass from the North East (Lmfm) Sundays 9am.

Junior Infants 2020/21 Enrolment

For the children starting school this September for 2020/2021 - could their parents please email: tullyns.ias@gmail.com and put Junior Infants 2020/21 in the subject line. The school will then set up a group and send out a letter confirming the children's enrolment and any other information.

First Communion

Unfortunately the school's First Holy Communion has been postponed until further notice. All the children and parents will be notified of any changes as soon as it becomes clear when it will be safe to go ahead with this. It is indeed very unfortunate but a necessary step in these very difficult times.

Recruitment

Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and Louth County Hospital are recruiting now for Permanent and Temporary Contracts. Flexible working arrangements are available. RCSI Hospital Group, Our Lady of Lourdes and Louth County Hospital have over 3000 staff delivering care to the North East Region. They aim to provide world-class care, and exceptional clinical services with respect and compassion. Please come and support our fight against Covid-19 as we launch our recruitment campaign to support our Health Service. Current opportunities include: Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Social Care Professionals Patient and Client Care. Contact Details: Informal Enquiries: Emma McArdle Recruitment Manager - HROLOL@hse.ie. Application Details: Email Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter in area of interest to hr.olol@hse.ie. The Closing Date: 6th May 2020 Proposed Interview Dates: To be confirmed and will be held through SKYPE Post Specific Information: As per Job Specification available on www.hse.ie

School Transport for 2020/21 Opens

Bus Eireann are now accepting applicants from primary and post primary school pupils for the School Transport scheme during the next school year.

Bus Eireann in partnership with the Department of Education and Skills provides school transport for students from their nearest school. Applications for the school year 2020/21 are now open with the closing date for applications set as Friday April 24th. Bus Eireann have also stated that new students, students starting Primary or Post-Primary school and those changing home or school addresses should apply. Existing pupils, already part of the scheme, who currently hold tickets are already recorded on the system and contact will be made via email provided on last year's registration, in July.

Bus Eireann have also added that applications for pupils with special educational needs arising from a diagnosed disability should be made through The National Council for Special Education. Payment for school transport tickets may be made online between late June and the last Friday in July. Details of the closing date will be published soon.

Visit https://www.buseireann.ie/

Tullyallen Medical Centre Here For all Concerns

Tullyallen Medical Centre would like to say that people should not feel that you need to avoid contacting us for non-COVID-19 related concerns, as they are aware that the problems which we normally deal with, day in day out, have not gone away, and they are concerned that some people think they need to stay away altogether.

The GP's are busier with COVID-19 related queries, but quieter regarding other issues. However, they are aware that other concerns such as chest pains, contraceptive needs, urinary tract infections, mental health issues etc. still need their attention.

They have moved most of their consultations to phone, and this can be booked by contacting reception. Repeat prescriptions can be ordered by email and sent securely directly to your pharmacy.

Their doors are locked to protect against spread of COVID-19, but we are still open from 08.30 until 18.00 and here for you. So please don't be afraid to contact them.

Tullyallen Pharmacy

The pharmacy in the village have introduced a priority service for the over 60's, carers of vulnerable people and the elderly. This means that between 9.30am and 10.30am these groups will have priority into the pharmacy for whatever they might need. Also a reminder that they have a delivery service available for all over 60s, vulnerable or those isolating.

Centra Deliveries

Niall and the staff at Centra in the village know that some of the elderly in our community are staying at home as advised and that it might also be a little scary for some customers to go out and get their shopping. If you do not feel comfortable going into the shop, Centra in the village will deliver to your home with no delivery charge (no matter what the cost of your shopping is) Centra would not want to see anybody stuck and says that if you call 041 9830496 with your list they will organize to get your delivery to you.

The Emmets Offer Help in the Community

There have been lots of people on social media offering to help the elderly or vulnerable or others in need of assistance in our parish by collecting groceries, fuel for the fire or prescriptions and the Glen Emmets in the heart of our village is no different. If you need or know of anyone who needs a little help and is isolated, please contact Joey on 087-8339568 or Cariona on 086-3203675 or Jack on 087- 2316722
State officials at the Battelle mask decontamination site in Somerville.

Governor Tours Mask Cleaning Site; Grocery Workers Given Testing Options

SOMERVILLE, Mass.  The governor has added grocery market employees to the list of essential workers who can be tested for COVID-19.

The free and priority and testing sites have been set up for first-responders at the Big E in West Springfield and Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

Gov. Charlie Baker on Saturday, speaking at the N95 mask cleaning center set up in Somerville, said men and women who provide critical access to food can ask to be tested.

"Someone wants to get tested, you can make an appointment in advance with your suit by your supervisor or your manager, and you do not need to be symptomatic to be tested," he said.

The governor did not speak to how grocery workers -- who are often on the low end of the employment scale -- would be able to travel the hour and half or so to Springfield for testing for the novel coronavirus.

"I also authorized the activation of an additional 3,000 Massachusetts National Guard military personnel to support our COVID-19 response if necessary," he said. "This order raises the total authorization of up to 5,000 members statewide who may be tasked with supporting requests from state agencies for equipment, logistics, warehousing and related duties."

The governor said procuring personal protective equipment continues to be a challenge and the reason he was in Somerville, where the Battelle mask cleaning mobile station was set up.

"This remains one of the biggest challenges, but solutions like the one we're visiting here today will help us aggressively use every means necessary to make sure people have the gear, they need," Baker said. "We've found creative ways to track down more and more PPE, and we'll continue doing so in order to get more to the people that are battling this disease head on."

The Battelle facility can decontaminate up to 80,000 masks per day once fully operational. The state recently brought in 1 million N95 masks with the aid of the New England Patriots.

"The machine is well on its way to being able to decontaminate more and more masks in the next week,"he said. "That will be available to any hospital and first responder system in the commonwealth."

The state has also received another 100 ventilators and has been told it will receive another 200 from the Strategic National Stockpile, in addition to the 100 it first received. It's a far cry from the 1,400 requested but Baker was confident the smaller amount would come through, with the caveat no orders are sure until they're in hand.

"But I do believe that 200 additional ventilators are coming. The message we got from the feds was, we would be receiving ventilators on an incremental basis," he said. "So far they're living up to that, you know they gave us 100, they gave us another hundred, they've committed another 200, we're obviously going to continue to pursue the full thousand that we believe we need and we're also pursuing a variety of private sector channels that I believe remain promising as well."

Other actions recently in relation to the pandemic was the canceling of Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System testing, which schools had been preparing for at the time COVID-19 hit.

The administration also put out guidelines encouraging everyone to wear masks in situations where social distancing is difficult or not applicable. A face covering may include anything that covers your nose and mouth, including a mask, scarf or bandana. Health-care workers are advised to use FDA-approved materials.

Cloth masks should not be worn by young children under the age of 2, persons with difficulty breathing, or those who unable to remove the mask without assistance. More information can be found here.

The state is also limiting access to parks, beaches and parkways to ensure proper distance between people.

"There's a reason why we've taken these draconian measures, with respect to essential businesses, there are reasons why we've taken these measures with respect to stay at home, and why we've been so aggressive about encouraging people to not go out unless you have to go out," the governor said. "We all get the fact that the economic impact of these decisions is profound ... when you're dealing with something that is contagious as this particular virus, and is deadly for certain populations that this particular virus, you have got to understand and recognize the role you can play in protecting not just yourself but the other people you come in contact with."
Book by former PGC officer highlights unusual wildlife encounters

Dick Bodenhorn has published a book highlighting some of the unusual encounters he had while working with the Pennsylvania Game Commision.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi suggested that the poor must get Rs 5,000 deposited in their accounts if the 21-day nationwide lockdown is extended beyond April 14.

On Shab-e-Barat, Owaisi held an online public meeting and said, "The poor are saying that if they do not die due to coronavirus, they shall die due to hunger. I ask the Prime Minister that whichever party has five MPs you have called them, but you are calling those who have less than five MPs in the Parliament. The Prime Minister has not called me and my other MP from Aurangabad. He has not called the three MPs from Indian Union Muslim League from Kerala. You know that the first three cases were reported in Kerala," Owaisi said.

"I would suggest that if the lockdown is being extended, the poor must get Rs 5,000 deposited in their accounts," he said.

Owaisi also talked about 'Corona Jihad', which was trending over social media.

"It is made a trend on Twitter. People who are doing such things are not strengthening the country. Since January 1 till March 15, there were 15 lakh international arrivals. And then you object to Tablighi Jamaat? We have started screening from March 3, then how have they come? Who has done the screening and who is responsible for it?" he asked.

"Is it not true that the Modi government has told the Supreme Court that one in three migrants could be infected and they should not pass the infection to villagers? However, it is also mentioned that six lakh people have been put in shelters. Where is social distancing? It is a conspiracy to spread hatred. I urge the Prime Minister to stop these people and break your silence," Owaisi said.

"You are my Prime Minister too... The whole world is coming together. But in our country, there are some people who are spreading hate. I appeal to the government to consider the difficulties faced by poor. I can state an example of Telangana where Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao has stated that migrants are our brothers and no person in the state shall starve," he added.Stressing that COVID-19 has "no religion," the AIMIM chief appealed to the Muslim community to maintain social distancing, by not gathering at mosques and offering prayers at home.

Later, he said, "In Indore, stone pelting at health workers is not at all correct. These health workers are risking their lives to save us. I feel very sorry that in my own constituency, a constable was attacked. The police department and hospital staff are risking their lives to save us. If this virus reaches a stage of community spread, who will be responsible for it? Do we have enough infrastructure?"

Owaisi also thanked those who have fully cooperated for COVID-19 tests.

"There was complete cooperation from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Do not be careless and irresponsible. Do not eat gutka and pan masala. It is a crime," he further said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
DURHAM, N.C., April 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- George A. Vandeman, Chairman of international healthcare technology company Global Growth, sent the following letter to the company's employees and business partners:

"Dear Friends and Colleagues:

As you have likely heard, on March 17, 2020, Global Growth and its sole shareholder Greg Lindberg filed a lawsuit against North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey seeking recovery of over $500 million in damages that the lawsuit alleges Mr. Causey's fraud, deception, and abuse of power has caused Greg Lindberg and the Global Growth group of companies. I am sending this letter in response to numerous questions I have received.

Allegations in the lawsuit, which was filed in Federal Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, outline Mr. Causey's abuse of power and breach of the public trust. It states the claims arise out of Mr. Causey's desire to retaliate against Mr. Lindberg for supporting Mr. Causey's opponent in the 2016 election, former Commissioner Wayne Goodwin, and to ensure that Mr. Lindberg would not support Mr. Causey's political opponents in the future.

According to the lawsuit, Mr. Causey abused the power of the North Carolina Department of Insurance, the United States Department of Justice, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in order to hobble Mr. Lindberg in advance of the 2020 election. In his efforts to undermine Mr. Lindberg, Mr. Causey made materially false representations to the State Ethics Board, the FBI and even under oath in Federal Court.

The lawsuit said: "Causey could not forgive Plaintiffs for supporting former Commissioner Goodwin's re-election campaign. He also could not ignore the threat that Plaintiffs and their financial resources posed to him. Causey knew he needed to sideline Plaintiffs, and Lindberg in particular, in advance of the 2020 elections."

After taking office, the lawsuit said, Mr. Causey "quickly intensified the Department's scrutiny of Plaintiffs." This scrutiny, the lawsuit said, included:

Encouraging the Department of Insurance to scrutinize every aspect of Plaintiffs' insurance operations;

Empowering the North Carolina Department of Insurance to knowingly circulate materially false and self-serving statements about Plaintiffs to other state insurance regulators, the credit markets, media outlets, and others, including federal law enforcement authorities;

Citing the instability generated by the materially false accusations as justification for taking even more radical steps.

When Mr. Lindberg met with Mr. Causey to address these false statements, the lawsuit says, Mr. Causey asked Mr. Lindberg, unprompted, "What's in it for me?"

"This was Causey's 30th undercover recorded conversation and 30th attempt at getting someone at GBIG to offer him money. Never once had anyone offered him money on these recordings. It was Causey who brought it up," the lawsuit states.

The suit states, the extortion by Mr. Causey was clear: He wanted campaign donations or the lies and false statements about Mr. Lindberg would continue.

According to the lawsuit: "It was at these meetings where Causey continued soliciting Lindberg's support. The Department's actions and statements up to this point made it apparent that Plaintiffs would be the subjects of intense regulatory scrutiny now and in the future unless Lindberg played along."

The lawsuit also alleged: "Records show that, at the direction of federal law enforcement authorities, Causey made at least 30 attempts to lure Lindberg and his associates into a campaign contribution before they had ever mentioned the subject of money. Even then, the response to Causey's solicitation of "What's in it for me?" was to set up legal independent expenditure committees."

While attempting to entrap Mr. Lindberg, Mr. Causey fraudulently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Mr. Lindberg regarding Causey's apparently newfound interest in restricting certain investments made by Mr. Lindberg's companies, the suit says.

According to the lawsuit, "Plaintiffs believe that Causey (or others acting for him) contacted the media with the expectation that breaking the story and providing information on background would kill Plaintiffs' chances of complying with the Memorandum. Similar leaks continued throughout the investigation. Causey was correct. The effect of publication on Plaintiffs' business relationships and planned deals was immediate, widespread, and devastating."

Mr. Causey also intentionally interfered with Mr. Lindberg's lending relationships  telling one lender who already lent one of Mr. Lindberg's companies over $400 million to no longer do business with Mr. Lindberg, the suit says.

According to the lawsuit, "The fallout from the events that Causey initiated has been severe. Lindberg is fighting incarceration and must reclaim his good name and professional reputation. Global Growth removed Lindberg as Chairman. Plaintiffs lost over $600 million in assets, lost investment opportunities, and lost out on potential acquisitions. They also incurred tens of millions of dollars in legal fees in the process. All told, Plaintiffs estimate their actual damages to exceed $500 million.

"Policyholders have likewise directly suffered. They continue to suffer, too. This is because Lindberg personally guaranteed all debts of Plaintiffs' insurance companies. With economic losses exceeding $500 million, policyholders lost over $500 million in backstop support. Some policyholders were unable to even redeem their policies because of the ongoing rehabilitation proceedings. The harm to policyholders and the financial and reputational damage to Plaintiffs are only two reasons why this lawsuit is necessary. It is also necessary because Causey's actions have served neither the State of North Carolina nor its citizens. Indeed, Causey's success has only emboldened him to bring other insurers to heel."

"Causey's actions, and the actions of his administration, are indicative of a pattern of abusing the trappings of government to retaliate against and neutralize perceived political foes."

Mr. Lindberg and the Company's attorneys believe that once the facts are presented, a Court will find that Mr. Causey committed unlawful First Amendment retaliation, defamation, tortious interference with existing relationships and prospective economic advantage and violated Mr. Lindberg and Global Growth's rights to due process and equal protection.

I hope this explanation gives you a better understanding and background of the ongoing dispute. It will take some time for this legal matter to be addressed. In the meantime, it is more important than ever for all of us to focus on our work responsibilities and duties to our customers and clients.

With warm regards,

George A. Vandeman

Chairman

Global Growth Holdings, Inc.

For more Greg Lindberg news please visit: www.greglindberg.com/in-the-news

SOURCE Global Growth
Three generations of a family face losing their home after a grandmother was fleeced of 180,000 in a 'state-sanctioned' pension scam.

Patricia Yates, 58, shares the home with her husband Geoffrey, 62, daughter Geraldine Oatham, 35, and 11-year-old grandson Paddy.

But they face an uncertain future after losing the nest egg she had worked for since she was 17 and planned to use to help clear her interest-only mortgage on the property in Laindon, Essex, when she retired.

Three generations of a family face losing their home after a grandmother was fleeced of 180,000 in a 'state-sanctioned' pension scam. Patricia Yates, 58, shares the home with her husband Geoffrey, 62, daughter Geraldine Oatham, 35, and 11-year-old grandson Paddy

Like hundreds of others, the money vanished when she moved it to an 'unscrupulous' scheme Fast Pensions, run by a rogue British couple now living in a villa on the Costa Blanca.

The scheme was one of more than 100 government-sanctioned pension scams exposed by the Daily Mail that saw tens of thousands of workers losing up to 10billion of savings.

Victims agreed to transfer their savings to the schemes because they were enrolled with HMRC and the Pensions Regulator  making them appear above board.

This was in large part down to a 2006 government rule change aimed at bringing 'security, dignity and comfort in old age' which led to scammers being able to enrol pension schemes with HMRC online in a matter of minutes  and with virtually no checks.

The couple invested money into a scheme which was one of more than 100 government-sanctioned pension scams by the Daily Mail saw tens of thousands of workers losing up to 10billion of savings

Fast Pensions was wound up by the Insolvency Service last year after investigators found it had misused up to 21million of pension savings transferred into it, with advisers failing to disclose the high risk and illiquid investments they made and misrepresenting the benefits members would be entitled to.

It has been a devastating blow for Mrs Yates, who had worked as an administrator at Lloyds Bank head office for 22 years after starting just before her 18th birthday.

She said: 'I thought I was doing the right thing. But it has caused terrible emotional as well as financial damage.

'The strain has affected our relationship and the uncertainty is very worrying for everyone in the house.'

After leaving Lloyds for a new job, she moved the money to Fast Pensions in 2012 which she thought would help secure her future.

She had no reason to doubt the scheme, which was registered with HMRC and overseen by The Pensions Regulator.

Mrs Yates was told if she invested it for ten years she would be able to use the funds to pay off her mortgage when she turns 62, in three years' time.

Like hundreds of others, the money vanished when she moved it to an 'unscrupulous' scheme Fast Pensions, run by a rogue British couple now living in a villa on the Costa Blanca

She said: 'It was all fine at the start, I was getting statements and it looked like it was going the right way.

But in 2014 things started to go sour. I tried to contact them about my money but there was no response.

'I tracked down people who worked for them and called them and even visited the headquarters in Trafalgar Square to try to speak with them.'

Eventually Sara Moat, the director of Fast Pensions, rang her to say it would be ten days before they got the money because they were selling assets.

'They kept saying it would be better if we invested the money. I just wanted to get my money safe,' Mrs Yates said.

But she never received her money. Soon after receiving the call from Mrs Moat, Fast Pensions was put into liquidation and wound up last year.

Mrs Yates has battled to win back her savings and is considering taking action with the Pensions Ombudsman.

She said it was very frustrating that police had dropped the investigation into Fast Pensions, citing costs.

'I hope the authorities start to take notice, because hundreds of us are facing a very worrying future,' she added.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Borough Hall has launched an initiative aimed at curbing the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Borough President James Oddo announced that his office has teamed up with several healthcare organizations on Staten Island, including Richmond County Medical Society (RCMS), Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI) and New York Chapter of the American College of Physicians (NY ACP) to launch 10,000 Calls.

The initiative is meant to tackle the coronavirus pandemic through local physicians conducting outreach to patients, or their caregivers in order to provide a quick wellbeing/social check-in phone call. Patients who are 65-years-old or older, who are more susceptible to the coronavirus, will be prioritized by physicians.

*** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK ***

The Initiative gives physician offices and their staff questions to ask patients, and/or their caregivers, that are related to critical areas of the coronavirus outbreak.

Physician staff members will ask patients questions about their overall health and whether they have any pressing health concerns. Staff members will also ask patients about whether they need medication assistance, have concerns related to the pandemic and will offer concrete help related to social support during the pandemic.

We want to make sure that people have what they need during this trying time, which is why I am grateful for Richmond County Medical Society and Community Health Action of Staten Island for partnering with us to bring this 10,000 Calls Initiative to Staten Island. We will get through this crisis, but we have to continue to work together to do so, said Oddo.

Said Dr. John Maese, Richmond County Medical Society: Primary care physicians are part of the fabric of our patients lives. We are privileged to be invited to share in patients celebrations and sorrows, and to advise in times of challenge and fear. As such the office teams are frequent sources of information and comfort, especially in trying times as we are experiencing with COVID19.

"The 10,000 Calls Project seeks to access the bonds of kinship between patients and their primary care physicians. This is an easy social outreach that brings caring for the individual to a new and more meaningful level, he added.

If a patient requires additional services or medical attention they are connected with CHASI through the physicians office. CHASI is able to provide additional support to the patient.

During initial testing and rollout, several patients needed refills on their medication. A few patients needed a follow-up due to feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Most patients who were contacted had a friend or family member monitoring/checking up on them, according to Borough Hall.
Planet Earth is around 4.5 billion years old. Various interstellar turmoils and the constant interplay between dark matter and other matter in space that took place millions of years after the Big Bang formed this planet we call home. What was the first thing on the third rock from the Sun?

Rocky Start

Well, the answer is exciting as your imagination allows it to be: rocks are the structures that shaped first after Earth was no longer a hot ball of lava floating in space. However, not only are the stones we walk on today old, but they are also most commonly a home for fossils that are millions, or even billion years old.

There are numerous findings across the planet that tell us the stories of how old the rocks are, and how old were some of the first life forms that appeared on Earth. For example, some fossils found in Australia suggest how they are actually the remains of something that had the capacity to use the energy coming from the Sun, nearly 3.5 billion years ago.

The so-called microbial fossils from Downunder, are not even the oldest we have dug up. In Greenland, scientists have found fossils of cyanobacteria. Although these are very small, and indeed elementary forms of life, they have formed colonies in the form of stromatolites 3.7 billion years ago. In 1996, some evidence was found on something that could be at least a hundred million years older, but it is still a mysterious microbe.

First Life Forms

As there is more evidence being found every year in rocks and fossils that continue to stretch how old first life forms really were, it is hard to give a definitive answer when did first life forms appear.

Prokaryotic cell.

The different bacteria types mentioned above already started to form more complex structures, but possibly the first thing that could be considered as an organism were prokaryotes. Scientists suggest how prokaryotes appeared 4 billion years ago as simple microorganisms of a single cell.

Hadean Eon

One thing you have to remember is how different the conditions were on both the surface and the atmosphere of Earth. It was scorching for millions of years, the last Ice Age finished just 12,000 years ago, and the amounts of oxygen were nowhere near the levels we have today. With that in mind, the Hadean Eon was a tough time to be alive, when even the meteorites were still flying around and crashing into the surface.

Water did appear relatively quick on the surface, but only due to the effects of the vaporization of everything that was on the surface. The atmosphere was unfriendly, or at least it would have been for us back in the day, as it mostly consisted of carbon dioxide.

While we still search for answers, it is worth noting how there is already substantial evidence of zircon crystals forming 4.4 billion years ago. This suggests how the conditions in the Earths earliest days were maybe not so adverse, relatively speaking, and that those zircon crystals are Earths oldest friend. Or its first creation, if you wish.
The Union Health Ministry has asked all states to prohibit the use and spitting of smokeless tobacco in public places to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

"Chewing smokeless tobacco products, paan masala and areca nut (supari) increases the production of saliva followed by a very strong urge to spit. Spitting in public places could enhance the spread of the COVID-19 virus," the ministry said in a letter to chief secretaries of all states and union territories.

In view of the increasing danger of the coronavirus pandemic, the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) has also appealed to people to refrain from consuming smokeless tobacco products and spitting in public places.

The letter stated that state and Union Territory governments have necessary authority under the Epidemic Diseases Act, the Disaster Management Act and under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code 1860 and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPc) to deal with COVID-19.

"In this background, it is requested that necessary preventive measures may be taken under the appropriate law to prohibit the use and spitting of chewing smokeless tobacco products in public," the letter stated.

Few states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Haryana, Nagaland and Assam have already issued orders on the ban of use of smokeless tobacco products and spitting in public places during the COVID-19 epidemic.

The death toll due to the novel coronavirus rose to 239 and the number of cases climbed to 7,447 in the country on Saturday, according to the Union Health Ministry.

INDIA CORONAVIRUS TRACKER: BusinessToday.In brings you a daily tracker as coronavirus cases continue to spread. Here is the state-wise data on total cases, fatalities and recoveries in one comprehensive graphic

However, a PTI tally of figures reported by various states as on Friday showed at least 7,510 cases and 251 deaths. There has been a lag in the Union Health Ministry figures, compared to the number of cases announced by different states, which officials attribute to procedural delays in assigning the cases to individual states.

Also read: Coronavirus lockdown: Govt likely to take final call on lockdown extension on April 11

Also read: India coronavirus lockdown live updates: PM Modi sports homemade mask during video conference with CMs
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Linkedin Suherdjoko and Ganug Nugroho Adi (The Jakarta Post) Semarang and Surakarta  Sat, April 11, 2020 12:54 640 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd132af7 1 National COVID-19,novel-coronavirus,Ganjar-Pranowo,mudik,exodus,Central-Java Free

Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo has expressed his appreciation to residents who have decided not to participate in this years Idul Fitri mudik (exodus) in light of the COVID-19 outbreak, as nearly 500,000 people have already returned to the province.

We thank those who chose to stay where they are. The government will fulfill your needs, especially staple needs, Ganjar said on Thursday.

He was referring to a number of social aid programs provided by the government for, among others, Greater Jakarta residents to persuade them to stay at home instead of returning to their respective hometowns. Ganjar said the aid would be distributed starting next week.

We must take care of them, so they will not be burdened by their sacrifice of not participating in mudik.

According to the Central Java provincial administration, a total of 489,700 Central Java residents have returned to their respective hometowns between March 23 and April 7.

The highest arrival numbers were recorded on March 31, when 131,977 people returned to the province.

However, the number of people returning to Central Java had been declining since April 1, as the government has been urging people not to mudik for the upcoming Idul Fitri holiday, which is expected to fall in late May.

Ganjar also reminded civil servants to shelter in place as the government had officially prohibited from mudik, including police and military personnel, as well as state-owned enterprise employees.

There will be sanction for violators.

People who have returned Central Java are required to self-quarantine for 14 days, supervised by their neighborhood unit (RT) head and physician in nearby community health centers (Puskesmas).

Read also: COVID-19: 'Mudik' risks mass contagion across Java

To discourage their relatives living in Greater Jakarta from returning home, residents of Wonogiri in Central Java also joined hands to send them staple food. Residents of Krapyak village in Wonogiri collected various staple food sand dried foods such as rice, emping (nut crackers) rengginang (rice crackers), cashews and dried salted fish for their relatives.

We do it so that they would put their plans to return home on hold. Many people leave our village to work in big cities, said local resident Widi Prastowo, 56.

The villagers acknowledged that their relatives in Greater Jakarta faced economic hurdles amid the COVID-19 outbreak. At the same time, they understand the dangers of people traveling from one province to another during the health crisis.

They could spread the disease if they return home. To help them, we send them staple foods to fulfill their daily needs, Widi added.

Residents distributed the first batch of 1.6 tons of rice directly to 148 Krapyak natives in Greater Jakarta on Wednesday and are now preparing the second batch.

Central Java has reported 144 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Friday and 22 fatalities. (aly)
(Natural News) Drone footage has spotted workers wearing hazmat suits burying dozens upon dozens of caskets in a mass grave in Hart Island, in northeast Bronx, New York City. The use of personal protective equipment suggests that the bodies are COVID-19 victims.

The drone footage was produced by Melinda Hunt, the founder of the Hart Island Project, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to document the burials that take place on the island and provide low-income families with assistance in retrieving deceased relatives who were possibly buried there.

The footage was taken on Thursday, showing around a dozen contracted laborers digging long, narrow trenches using excavation machines. The dead were wrapped in body bags and carefully placed inside pine caskets with their names scrawled in large letters on the lid.

Historically, New York City has used Hart Island to bury people with no known next of kin since 1868, when the city purchased the island from a private individual. Its estimated that more than a million unclaimed and unidentified bodies have been buried there since. Under normal circumstances, around 25 bodies are buried there once a week by low-paid prison laborers from Rikers Island, the citys main prison complex.

However, ever since the COVID-19 pandemic started hitting the city hard, the number of burials has increased dramatically. Sources have told journalists that around two dozen bodies are buried there every day, five days a week. Furthermore, for social distancing and safety reasons, the city has decided to employ contract workers instead of prison laborers to bury the bodies.

New York City will start burying bodies that haven't been claimed for more than 14 days in mass graves on Hart Island. The city's morgues are short on space as it fights the coronavirus pandemic. pic.twitter.com/5dUeCn6u1j  AJ+ (@ajplus) April 10, 2020

City policy to bury unclaimed bodies at Hart Island

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio confirmed in a press conference that the bodies of coronavirus victims who havent been claimed must be buried at Hart Island, as the city deals with dwindling morgue space due to experiencing the deadliest outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States.

In fact, under a new policy, New York Citys Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) will be keeping bodies of COVID-19 victims in storage for only 14 days before theyre given to prison laborers to bury on Hart Island.

Burial operations at the city cemetery remain uninterrupted and they continue to be supervised by [the Department of Corrections], which has been performing this solemn duty on Hart Island for over 150 years and will continue to do so until the jurisdiction of Hart Island moves to [the Department of Parks and Recreation] in 2021, said Jason Kersten, Press secretary for the Department of Corrections (DOC).

A spokesperson for the OCME has warned that more coronavirus victims may be temporarily interned in Hart Island if the citys capacity to store bodies reaches past breaking point.

The OCME says it can store around 800 to 900 bodies in its buildings and has room for 4,000 more in around 40 refrigerated trucks it can dispatch around the city.

Were all hoping its not coming to this, said Kersten. At the same time, were prepared if it does.

As of Friday, New York State alone has 161,807 confirmed cases of COVID-19  a third of the total cases in the United States. New York City has 87,028 confirmed infections, or over half of all of New York States COVID-19 cases. New York City also has 5,150 confirmed deaths due to COVID-19. (Related: A warning to the world? New York now scrambling to address Coronavirus outbreak.)

Many in the city were outraged last week after public officials sparked a panic when they claimed that some of New York Citys deceased would have to be temporarily buried in other public parks across the city  possibly even Central Park. This claim was quickly dismissed by New York Citys Parks department. However, if things continue to escalate and city officials possibly run out of space on Hart Island, its only a matter of time until they dig a new mass grave somewhere else.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

HartIsland.net

NYTimes.com

Telegraph.co.uk

NYPost.com

NYMag.com
Riyadh

The official spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Col. Turki Al-Malki said in his statement that the Coalition announces a ceasefire in Yemen for a period of two weeks, starting on Thursday, April 9.

This came in line with its previous announcement on March 25, where the Joint Forces Command of the Coalition supported the Yemeni governments decision to accept the United Nations Secretary General's call to a ceasefire in Yemen in order to counter the spread of the COVID-19 Pandemic and welcoming the call by the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Yemen Mr Martin Griffiths to deescalate tensions, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The Coalition is determined to create a conducive environment for the UN Envoys efforts, and to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.

The two week period is subject to extension to allow conditions and implement the UN Envoys call for an UN-sponsored meeting between the legitimate government of Yemen, the Houthis, and military representatives from the Coalition to discuss his proposals on steps and mechanisms to implement a permanent ceasefire in Yemen, confidence-building measures on humanitarian and economic sides, and to resume the political process between Yemeni parties in order to reach a comprehensive political solution in Yemen.

The Coalition will seize this opportunity to unite all efforts to reach a comprehensive and lasting cease-fire in Yemen, and agree on serious, concrete steps to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people and maintain their health and safety.
Mr Isaac Odoom, District Chief Executive for Asikuma Odoben Brakwa, has said the fulfillment of the promises of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Government has greatly affected the fortunes of his district.



For the past three years, he said, the NPP Government under the able leadership of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, all promises made have been attended to.



Mr Odoom said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Breman Brakwa in the Central Region.



He urged the electorates to vote massively in the impending general elections, to help government to continue providing social amenities to enhance the living conditions of all Ghanaians.



He said the district now has additional 37 learning institutions to the 15 existed ones listed on the School Feeding Programme, bringing the total schools on the programme to 52 beneficiary schools.



The DCE said the district has also benefited from the governments Free Senior High School Programme and the Nations Builders Corp, which has drastically curbed graduate unemployment in the district.



The Chief Executive urged students and pupils in the district to attend to the expectations of their studies and take advantage of the free SHS policy by the government.

Source: GNA









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Chron.com is compiling the latest headlines on the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the Houston area. See live updates from HoustonChronicle.com here.

5:35 p.m.

There has been a significant spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in Houston and Harris County. According to local health officials, there are now 3,561 cases of COVID-19, an increase of 300 cases since yesterday.

Galveston County added 14 new positive cases of COVID-19, which has brought the total number of cases up to 355, according to Galveston County Health District.

4:10 p.m.

Heading the RNA therapeutics research team at Houston Methodist, Dr. John Cooke is now collaborating with Woodlands-based VGXI to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. VGXI is a subsidiary of GeneOne Life Science, a South Korean-based DNA vaccine company.

Cooke says the Methodist team plans the development phase of the new COVID-19 RNA vaccine next week.

"Our first step is to complete the synthesis of the RNA vaccine and test its integrity," Cooke said. "We are starting on it next week. Basically, we're giving the biological software to human cells to fight COVID-19. We'll start animal testing in a few weeks. Then we will see if that vaccine will generate an immune response. There will be human trials after that." Read more about this new COVID-19 RNA vaccine in this report.

3:50 p.m.

A fifth Montgomery County resident has died of coronavrius, according to the county's office of homeland security and emergency management.

The COVID19 victim, a man in his 80s, was a resident at The Conservatory at Alden Bridge, making him the fourth death related to the senior living apartment complex.

Eighty percent of the county's COVID-19 deaths now stem from The Conservatory at Alden Bridge, which is a complex focused on maintaining independence for its elderly residents. Read the full report about this story from Houston Chronicle's Samantha Ketterer.

3:00 p.m.

Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta told Fox News' guest host Brian Kilmeade Saturday night that he laid off 45,000 workers as a 'favor' to help them access unemployment benefits earlier.

"You're doing people a favor if you get them furloughed first, because you have them to unemployment line after the severance that you give them. It's a trick that I've learned many years ago.

Fertitta's estimated net worth according to Forbes stands at $4.8 million, making him the 44th wealthiest person in the world. Read more about his tough decision in this report.

2:08 p.m.

Houston and Harris County COVID-19 testing capacity has doubled, officials announced Saturday afternoon. Harris County sites that normally tested 250 a day will now be equipped to test 500.

1:40 p.m.

Crews have constructed an outdoor medical center for COVID-19 patients at NRG Park. The facility has the capacity to treat up to 250 patients. It will be used when the hospitals experience a surge. According to County Judge, Lina Hidalgo, the cost of the makeshift medical center is approximately $11 million. Houston Chronicle's Dylan McGuiness provides an update about the medical shelter at NRG.

12:29 p.m.

Americans should expect their stimulus check to arrive next week. If you've received your 2018/2019 tax returns via direct deposit, expect to get the stimulus money by middle of next week. Nearly 115 million Americans will receive their stimulus money via direct deposit into their bank account by April 14.

11:20 a.m.

The city of Houston now has 2,063 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Harris County released a list of confirmed coronavirus cases by municipality on Friday. As Nancy Sarnoff reports, the county's most recent data shows 3,261 confirmed cases of COVID-19 cases and 40 deaths.

9:26 a.m.

There are now 10 COVID-19 confirmed cases at an upscale Houston senior living home called the Buckingham, according to a notice on their website. Eight residents and two employees have tested positive for COVID-19. A full quarantine of the building has been ordered.

Mayor Turner said he would soon issue an order for all senior living homes in the Houston area, "We want everyone's temperatures to be taken of the employees. We want all employees to be wearing masks, so that there are certain protocols in place."

Of the 47 residents tested there, nine have tested positive, 37 have tested negative, and five tests are still pending.

The Buckingham is a senior living facility located in west Houston near the Piney Point Village.

8:30 a.m.

Two NASA astronauts who have spent more than a year and half on the International Space Station are expected to return to a dramatically changed world next week.

Andrew Morgan said the crew has tried to keep informed about the pandemic news. But its hard to comprehend whats really going on and what to expect, he noted, when his nine-month mission ends next Friday.

It is quite surreal for us to see this whole situation unfolding on the planet below, said Jessica Meir, who took part in the first all-female spacewalk last fall. We can tell you that the Earth still looks just as stunning as always from up here, so its difficult to believe all the changes that have taken place since both of us have been up here.
3 1 of 3 Kristi Nix Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Kristi Nix Show More Show Less 3 of 3





Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman held a press conference to accept donated medical supplies for the citys first-responders and essential workers by the Together, We are Stronger Coalition Tuesday, April 7.

The Together We are Stronger Coalition was launched because we firmly we believe we are all in this together, said J.J Clemence, one of the group founders and organizers We are equally being attacked by this disease whether we are Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, European Americans or African Americans, we are all proud Americans. We are one family and we are stronger when we stand together, Clemence said. COVID-19 is invisible deadly threat and threatens each one of us regardless of our background. We should unite as friends, families, neighbors and citizens in confronting it because when Americans are united there is no adversity we cant overcome. This is a time for unity of purpose and decisive action. Together, we are stronger.
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Shoppers at a popular market have been seen disregarding social-distancing advice designed to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Crowds at Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market on Saturday morning in the city's CBD appear to ignore instructions on signs advising people keep 1.5 metres apart.

Market-goers - many wearing face masks - brazenly stood shoulder-to-shoulder as they browsed the stalls.

Australians have been repeatedly warned that they need to remain vigilant about following social distancing measures over the Easter weekend.

Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market on Saturday morning in the city's CBD - where signs were visible advising people keep 1.5 metres apart

Pictures show market-goers, who despite taking precautions to wear face masks, brazenly crowd shoulder to shoulder as they browse and shop the stalls

Most people across the country have been following the lockdown rules and heeding government advice to not travel over the Easter weekend with holiday spots being quiet.

However, more than $1 million worth of fines have been handed out for social distancing rule breakers across the country since the laws were brought into effect.

In the entire state of Victoria in the 24 hours to 11am Saturday 183 people were hit with a $1,652 fine for disregarding public health orders.

States and territories have brought in fines for those who flout social distancing laws

The images follow authorities repeatedly warning Australians they need to remain vigilant about following social distancing measures over the Easter weekend

Crowds gathered at Melbourne's Queen Victoria Markets on Easter Saturday morning

Among those fined were a group of seven friends who were drinking in a schoolyard and a woman caught partying at a short-term rental property.

Victoria police have conducted almost 20,000 spot checks since March 21 at homes, businesses, and non-essential services.

In one spot check at a Melbourne house three friends were fined after they were found playing video games in a lounge room but did not live together.

Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting anyone pictured has broken social distancing public health orders.

Authorities advise keeping 1.5 metres apart and avoiding gathering in crowds to prevent COVID-19 spreading

People shop at the Queen Victoria Market while wearing face masks as a preventive measure against the spread of novel coronavirus COVID-19 in Melbourne, Saturday, April 11, 2020

Signs advising people to keep 1.5 metres distance were clearly visible at the Melbourne market

On Friday in Queensland $230,782 worth of fines was handed out in just 24 hours.

QLD Police commissioner Katrina Carroll said most people had been following the rules and officers took the majority of people they stopped at their word about why they were out of the house.

'However, we have issued over 400 penalty infringement notices,' Ms Carroll said on Saturday.

'Most people are doing the right thing, but if there is blatant disregard, and there has been many examples of that, people will be issued with an infringement notice.'

Queensland has closed their border with New South Wales with 72,823 cars trying to drive into the state stopped since March 27.

Drivers must have an amber or red permit to be allowed passage into Queensland, with the red permit indicating they are travelling from a COVID-19 hotspot declared by the state government.

Authorities have said social distancing and isolation measures could still remain in place for the next six months

There have been more than 6,000 cases of COVID-19 in Australia with more than half of those recovered

A shutdown of non-essential services is in effect Australia wide in a bid to slow the spread of the coronavirus

In NSW police have issued 50 fines of $1,000 for people breaching public health orders on Friday.

And in Western Australia and extra 150 police are being recruited to enforce the social distancing laws while another 130 are having their graduations from the academy fast tracked.

Australia has recorded 6,283 positive COVID-19 cases with 56 people dying of the virus as of Saturday.

More than half of the cases have recovered at 3,205 people.

The rate of new infections has been steadily decreasing since lockdown measures were brought into effect, dropping to under 100 new cases in 24 hours on Thursday.

Group gatherings have been prohibited to prevent the spread of coronavirus with the measures being shown to work

What does the coronavirus modelling show? If no measures are taken The theoretical modelling finds an uncontrolled COVID-19 pandemic scenario would overwhelm our health system for many weeks. 89 per cent of people would catch the virus, with 38 per cent requiring some medical care. ICUs would be stretched well beyond capacity for a prolonged period. Only 15 per cent of people requiring ICU beds would be able to access one, even with the expanded ICU capacity in the model. This graph shows three scenarios based on no restrictions (grey), quarantine (light blue) and social distancing (dark blue) With quarantine and isolation Quarantine and isolation would reduce the proportion of people who would catch the virus to 68 per cent, and those needing medical care to 29 per cent. Only an estimated 30 per cent of people requiring ICU beds would be able to access them. With social distancing restrictions If social distancing measures reduces transmission by 25 per cent, the proportion of people infected would be 38 per cent with 16 per cent requiring some medical care. Eighty per cent of people who need ICU beds could access them. With a 33 per cent reduction in transmission due to social distancing, the proportion of people infected is 12 per cent and only five per cent require some medical care. In that scenario, everyone who needs an ICU bed over the course of the pandemic could access one. The modelling finds our ICUs will cope if we continue to have effective social distancing, increase our health system capacity, and isolate people with the virus and their close contacts. This table shows the proportion of each age group who require hospitalisation if they are infected with the disease Advertisement




Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 21:52:04|Editor: huaxia

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ADDIS ABABA, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Djibouti's Ministry of Health on Saturday announced 37 new COVID-19 confirmed cases, eventually bringing the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Horn of Africa nation to 187.

The Djiboutian Ministry of Health, in a statement issued on Wednesday, disclosed that 37 people were tested positive for the virus from the total 277 people who were tested for the novel coronavirus over the last 24 hours.

The ministry also on Saturday reported the second COVID-19 inflicted death in the Red Sea nation, after the country reported its first COVID-19 death on Thursday.

The Horn of Africa nation, which lies on a key location connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and that hosts a number of foreign military bases, declared its first case of COVID-19 on March 18.
Sana Shakil and Rajesh Thakur By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI/PATNA: Around 200 Indian nationals, many of them possibly coronavirus carriers, are being pushed from Nepal into India by a notorious arms smuggler, according to intelligence inputs of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) which guards the countrys border with Nepal.

The assistant commandant of the SSBs 47th battalion based at Ramgarhwa in Bihars East Champaran district informed the local administration and intelligence agencies about the activities of smuggler Jalim Mukhiya and his plans to spread coronavirus in India.

The SSB letter, addressed to the district magistrate and the superintendent of police of West Champaran district, says about 200 Indians who worked in various countries, along with 5-6 Pakistani nationals, have reached Nepal and are residing in a mosque in Chandanbasra and Khairwa villages. Mukhiya is trying to smuggle them into India in batches as international air travel is suspended in wake of the coronavirus outbreak. According to intelligence inputs, many of these people may be Covid-19 positive and are consuming paracetamol tablets to lower body temperature.

Mukhiya is a resident of Jagannathpur village in Parsa district of Nepal and was chargesheeted in cases of smuggling of arms and fake currency in both the countries.Officials said the SSB has informed its Nepalese counterpart, the Armed Police Force.

With the new intelligence that has been generated, we have asked all the units to be more cautious against any suspicious movement and have enhanced patrolling and electronic surveillance, said a senior SSB official.
The country has seen an unexpected slow-down in the daily rate of infections.

During the past fortnight South Africa has seen a dramatic, and unexpected slow-down in the daily rate of coronavirus infections.

Health experts are warning that it is far too early to see this as a significant development, and worry that it could even trigger a dangerous sense of complacency.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has now suggested that the two weeks of lockdown is responsible. He has extended the nationwide restrictiions, scheduled to end in one week's time, to the end of the month.

But - as the country and the continent continue to brace for the potentially devastating impact of the pandemic - doctors are struggling to explain what's going on.

The beds are ready. Wards have been cleared. Non-emergency operations rescheduled. Ambulances kitted out. Medical teams have been rehearsing non-stop for weeks. Managers have spent long hours in online meetings drawing up, and tweaking their emergency plans.

But so far, and against most predictions, South Africa's hospitals remain quiet, the anticipated "tsunami" of infections that many experts here have been waiting for has yet to materialise.

"It's a bit strange. Eerie. No-one is sure what to make of it," said Dr Evan Shoul, an infectious disease specialist in the main city, Johannesburg.

"We're a bit perplexed," said Dr Tom Boyles, another infectious disease doctor at Johannesburg's Helen Joseph Hospital, one of the biggest public hospitals in the city.

"We've been calling it the calm before the storm for about three weeks. We're getting everything set up here. And it just hasn't arrived. It's weird."

Aggressive tracing of contacts

It is nearly five weeks since the first confirmed Covid-19 case in South Africa, and until 28 March, the daily graph tracking the number of new infections followed a familiar, accelerating, upward curve.

But on that Saturday, the curve suddenly broke sharply - from 243 new cases in one day, to just 17. Since then, the daily average has settled at around 50 new cases.

Could it be that South Africa's early, and strict lockdown, and its aggressive tracing work, are actually working? Or is this just a small lull?

On Thursday President Ramaphosa said it was "too early to make a definite analysis", but he said that since the lockdown had been introduced the daily increase in infections had dropped from 42% to "around 4%".

"I think the more people we test, the more we'll reveal whether it's an aberration, or it's real. The numbers are not yet there," cautioned Precious Matotso, a public health official who is monitoring South Africa's pandemic on behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Complacency fears

There is a general acknowledgement here, from the health minister to frontline hospital staff, that it is dangerously early to try to reach any firm conclusions about the spread of the virus.

"It's difficult to predict which road we're going to take - a high, middle or low [rate of infection]. We don't have widespread testing.

"There might be early signs that are positive, but my fear is that people start becoming complacent, based on limited data," said Stavros Nicolaou, a healthcare executive now coordinating elements of the private sector's response.

The sense of a vacuum caused by this extended lull - the potential "calm before a devastating storm," as Health Minister Zweli Mkhize described it last week - is, inevitably, being filled by speculation.

The widespread assumption has been that the virus - introduced to South Africa, and many other African countries largely by wealthier travellers and foreign visitors - would inevitably move into poorer, crowded neighbourhoods and spread fast.

Nervous anticipation

According to experts, that remains the most likely next stage of the outbreak, and there have already been several confirmed infections in a number of townships.

But doctors here and in some neighbouring countries have noted that public hospitals have seen not yet any hint of an increase in admissions for respiratory infections - the most likely indication that, despite limited testing, the virus is spreading fast.

One theory is that South Africans might have extra protection against the virus because of a variety of possible medical factors - ranging from the compulsory anti-tuberculosis BCG vaccine that almost all citizens here are given at birth, to the potential impact of anti-retroviral HIV medication, to the possible role of different enzymes in different population groups.

But these ideas have not been verified.

"These stories have been around for a while. I'd be amazed if it was BCG. These are theories. They're probably not true," said Dr Boyles.

"It's an interesting hypothesis" but nothing more than that, said Prof Salim Karim, South Africa's leading HIV expert, of the BCG jab. He chided "instant experts" for promoting unverified solutions on social media.

Confirmed coronavirus cases in South Africa

"I don't think anyone on the planet has got the answers," said Mr Nicolaou.

"We're still planning as if the tsunami is coming. The feeling is still very much one of great nervous anticipation," said Dr Shoul.

And so South Africa waits - wondering whether it is experiencing a minor pause before what one doctor here called "an intergalactic spike," or something more significant.

The more important question may be whether these quiet weeks are being put to good use.

There have been particular concerns that the state health system has been slow to implement an aggressive testing regime and is currently too dependent on private clinics.

Internal health department correspondence, seen by the BBC, points to growing concerns about mismanagement and dysfunction within the state system, particularly regarding the slow rate of testing.

But those concerns are balanced by growing confidence in the government's "evidence-based" approach to the pandemic, and by encouraging signs of increasingly constructive and formal cooperation between the state and the private sector. BBC
The Jalaram Seva Samaj Trust is providing food to the needy people daily at Jalaram Mandir in Tarsadi area of Surat district of Gujarat.

In order to maintain social distancing, people were standing in white circles drawn at a certain distance while waiting for their turn to get the food prepared by the Jalaram Seva Samaj Trust.

Those serving food to the needy had also covered their faces and hands using masks and gloves as a precautionary measure.

Today is the 18th day of the 21-day long nationwide lockdown imposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 in order to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of positive COVID-19 cases in Gujarat is 308. Till now, 32 people have either been cured or discharged, while 19 deaths have been reported.

The total number of positive coronavirus cases across the country are 7,447, including 6565 active cases of the virus. So far, 642 patients have either been cured or discharged while 239 deaths have been recorded in the country, as per the data provided by the Ministry of Health.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has urged governments to put women and girls at the centre of their efforts to recover from COVID-19, fearing that the limited gains in gender equality and womens rights made over decades are in danger of getting reversed due to the pandemic.

I urge governments to put women and girls at the centre of their efforts to recover from COVID-19. That starts with women as leaders, with equal representation and decision-making power, Guterres said. Measures to protect and stimulate the economy, from cash transfers to credits and loans, must be targeted at women, he stressed, adding that unpaid care work must be recognized and valued as a vital contribution to the economy.

The dire warning from the UN chief was laid out in a policy brief which details how the new disease is deepening pre-existing inequalities which are, in turn, amplifying its impacts on the lives of women and girls. The pandemic is unfolding during a year when the world marks the 25th anniversary of the landmark Beijing Platform for Action on womens rights and gender equality.

COVID-19 has been reported from practically every corner of the planet. Nearly 1.5 million cases and more than 85,000 deaths have occurred since the disease first emerged in China last December. While everyone is affected, the UN chief highlighted the devastating consequences of the pandemic on women and girls, encompassing every sphere -- from health and the economy to the security and social protection.

Nearly 60 per cent of women around the world work in the informal economy, earning less, saving less, and at greater risk of falling into poverty. As markets fall and businesses close, millions of womens jobs have disappeared, Guterres said. At the same time, as they are losing paid employment, womens unpaid care work has increased exponentially as a result of school closures and the increased needs of older people. These currents are combining as never before to defeat womens rights and deny womens opportunities.

Forced lockdowns and movement restrictions also mean that women suffering gender-based violence are now trapped at home with their abusers at a time when support services are disrupted or inaccessible. As the Secretary-General stated, COVID-19 is not only a challenge to global health systems, but also a test of our human spirit, and a better world must emerge following the pandemic.

Gender equality and womens rights are essential to getting through this pandemic together, to recovering faster, and to building a better future for everyone, he said.

Meanwhile, ambassadors from 124 UN member states and observers have answered the secretary-generals recent call to address the surge in domestic violence in the pandemic. These countries have committed to making prevention and redress of gender-based violence a key part of their national response plans.

More than ever, there needs to be zero tolerance for domestic violence, they wrote in a letter to the UN chief.

They added that women are not just victims in the crisis; they also play a major role in COVID-19 response.
FILE -- Act-Up members chain themselves together in the offices of a Japanese pharmaceutical company that said it would block the sale of a possible AIDS drug to American citizens in 1988. Some HIV survivors are experiencing a feeling of weary deja vu during the coronavirus pandemic. (Sara Krulwich/The New York Times)

Jacob Bernstein

Three weeks ago, a spring breaker in Miami became a symbol of Gen Z denialism when he spoke to CBS News and said that coronavirus wasnt going to get in the way of his partying.

Outrage was swift, but one person who felt a touch of recognition was Peter Staley, one of the countrys most respected AIDS activists.

Staley, 59, remembers what it was to be young and dumb.

In the summer of 1983, shortly after graduating from college, Staley moved to New York City and began inching his way out of the closet. In the East Village, hanging out at places like Boy Bar, he heard in this abstract rumor-mill way of a plague that was killing gay men.

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

My first instinct was like that kid on the beach, Staley said. There was this whole thing of, Im hearing its only happening to the older gays and the ones who slept with hundreds of guys. It was so easy to shrug off.

That summer, Staley got infected. Over the next two decades, lovers and close friends died.

Follow our LIVE Updates on the coronavirus pandemic here

When I spoke to Staley in late March, he cautioned against drawing a false equivalence between HIV and the new coronavirus, which in his estimation are more dissimilar than they are alike.

HIV, he pointed out, was harder to transmit than the coronavirus, slower to wreak havoc on those infected as AIDS, and (until anti-retrovirals went to market in 1996, some 15 years after the disease began seeping into public consciousness) far more likely to be deadly than COVID-19.

Moreover, the disastrous inaction of the federal government to AIDS for more than half a decade was largely the result of bigotry toward those most commonly infected: namely, gay men and IV drug users.

Still, Staley said, there is no denying that for me and for other long-term survivors of the AIDS crisis I know, COVID-19 is stirring up a lot. To the extent that all of us from those years have some version of PTSD, all of that is flooding back.

The biggest similarity, in his view, has been politicians not immediately deferring to expert scientific opinion. That, on very different deadlines, has been just as deadly, helping to drive this pandemic as effectively as during the early years of the AIDS crisis.

And although matinee idols, right-wing politicians and pink-haired divas are publicly disclosing their COVID-19 diagnoses, it has been clear to a number of AIDS activists that despite what Madonna or Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo might say, COVID-19 is no equalizer.

Pandemics never hit fairly, said David France, 60, the director of the 2012 Oscar-nominated documentary How to Survive a Plague. While we now have what appears on its face to be a more democratic plague that isnt confined mostly to a despised population, it has still been most heavily concentrated in the major urban areas, which is blue America, in neighborhoods that are filled with people who are not rich and are often black or brown.

COVID-19s disproportionate ability to kill the poor, the uninsured and the elderly has also played into disheartening arguments against reacting aggressively.

That has enraged a number of HIV survivors who have reached senior citizenship.

During AIDS, I was disposable because Im a faggot. Now Im disposable because Im a fogie, said Cleve Jones, 65, who got into activism during the 1970s as a protege of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California.

And there are other reasons for a feeling of deja vu.

In 1984, a 44-year-old Dr. Anthony Fauci oversaw the governments response to the AIDS crisis as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Today, a 79-year-old Fauci is the director of NIAID overseeing the coronavirus response. And throughout, his calm demeanor and attempt to float above politics has been a source of heated debate among AIDS activists.

Staley said that Faucis ability to translate science into laymans terms make him perfectly suited to this moment.

Hes been one of the only comforting things about all these White House briefings, he said. His ability to not get thrown out of the room is something we should all be thankful for.

Jones lamented the surreal way that Fauci has nodded his head in news conferences while President Donald Trump blathers on.

Its unclear whether some of the lessons Staley and Fauci learned during the AIDS crisis will be heeded by the population at large.

ACT UP, the era-defining AIDS organization founded by Larry Kramer in 1987, made civil disobedience an essential part of its sales pitch.

One of the organizations biggest goals was speeding up access to experimental drugs, and the efforts of its members to accomplish this included marches on Washington and chaining themselves to the balcony of the New York Stock Exchange in an effort to bring down the price of the AIDS drug AZT. A number of ACT UPs members had helped get the drug to market before it had been fully tested for toxicity.

The argument made was that with people dying, there was no time for placebo studies and bureaucracy. Many came to regret this haste.

Later, we learned it could be effective in combination with other drugs, but a huge number of the people who took it as recommended during the Reagan years died, Jones said.

I was handed AZT and told to take 12 pills, said writer Hal Rubenstein. I said, Youre handing me poison, its going to kill me before the disease. He regards the decision to turn it down as the thing that saved his life.

That was part of why Rubenstein, Jones and Staley have all been horrified to see Trump repeatedly tout the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for COVID-19, since the disease resolves naturally in the vast majority of cases and more research is needed on hydroxychloroquines efficacy in coronavirus patients.

Its just totally irresponsible, Jones said.

Another difficult thing about the coronavirus for AIDS activists has been the difficulty of assembling publicly to protest the United States health care system.

As Eric Sawyer and Ann Northrop, two other veteran AIDS activists, pointed out, protest during the AIDS crisis was not solely about fomenting social and political change.

ACT UP, said Sawyer, 66, was young virile men dressed in Doc Martens, fitted jeans and black leather jackets who were marching in the streets, taking over buildings, spray-painting sidewalks and disrupting government. It was sexy and empowering putting boots on the streets and standing up to people in power. That gave people hope, something to belong to, and a way to rally around and channel anger and grief.

Northrop, who is 71, said: Now were in a situation where we are practically forbidden from having physical contact with anyone, and thats a heartbreaker. Theres a legitimate reason for it, but its a real tragedy.

Still, people are finding workarounds.

Rise and Resist, an anti-Trump group with many members also in ACT UP, has been staging 6-feet-apart demonstrations about government inaction around the coronavirus.

Clad in apocalyptic Blade Runner meets Rhythm Nation gear, they have held up signs that said, Trump Lies, People Die, not unlike the Silence = Death tag phrase of ACT UP.

Elton John, who has raised $450 million for AIDS research and prevention campaigns through his Elton John AIDS Foundation, organized a virtual benefit for coronavirus relief that aired on Fox on March 29.

Billie Eilish and Mariah Carey performed from their homes. The event raised around $8 million, according to Variety.

France, the director, has picked the coronavirus as the subject of his next documentary.

And a number of AIDS activists interviewed for this article said their experiences facing the possibility of death decades ago taught them valuable lessons about how to stay sane and healthy during the current crisis.

Rubenstein, 69, said he learned from having HIV during the 80s to not count on the government to protect him.

I cant say I feel invincible, he said. I cant say nothing will get me, because sooner or later something will. But I do think Ive learned from HIV not to be foolish. I do think Ive learned that if someone else isnt going to watch out for me, then Ill watch out for myself.

Thats why he got a mask weeks before the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made it a recommendation for the general public. Its also why he never believed 6 feet apart is a sufficient amount of social distance.

Safe distance is going home and locking the door. Thats the truth, he said.

But Rubenstein didnt waste time taking actions that seem panicky and pointless, like buying up the nearest supermarkets entire toilet paper supply.

I mean, how stupid can people be? he said.

And Richard Berkowitz, another AIDS activist, made it through March with his mood largely intact.

Honestly, Berkowitz, 64, said, my first reaction when I heard about coronavirus was, Wow! Lucky me. I actually managed to survive one pandemic to be here for another one.

c.2020 The New York Times Company
UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres has warned that the coronavirus pandemic is threatening international peace and security as world leaders warn against relaxing social distancing rules during Easter.

Mr Guterres told the UN Security Council the pandemic could potentially lead to an increase in social unrest and violence that would greatly undermine our ability to fight the disease.

The council is the UNs most powerful body and it has been silent on Covid-19 since it started circling the globe in January.

But after Thursdays meeting the council issued its first brief press statement, saying it expressed support for all efforts of the secretary-general concerning the potential impact of the Covid-19 pandemic to conflict-affected countries.

#COVID19 is not only challenging global health systems, but testing our common humanity.



Gender equality and womens rights are essential to getting through this pandemic together, to recovering faster, and to building a better future for everyone.https://t.co/LsfAcITRsb  Antonio Guterres (@antonioguterres) April 9, 2020

It came after world leaders and health officials warned that hard-won gains in the fight against coronavirus must not be jeopardised by relaxing social distancing over the Easter holidays.

A spike in deaths in the UK and New York and surges of reported new infections in Japan and in Indias congested cities make it clear that the battle is far from over.

We are flattening the curve because we are rigorous about social distancing, New York governor Andrew Cuomo said. But its not a time to be complacent. Its not a time to do anything different than weve been doing.

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The US has by far the most confirmed cases, with more than 430,000 people infected  three times the number of the next three countries combined.

Numbers released by the US government showed that 6.6 million American workers applied for unemployment benefits last week, on top of more than 10 million in the two weeks before that.

That amounts to about one in 10 American workers, the biggest, fastest pileup of job losses since the worlds largest economy began keeping records in 1948.

In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel emphasised that people should not travel as usual this weekend, saying: Even short trips inside Germany, to the seaside or the mountains or relatives, cant happen over Easter this year.

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In New Zealand, police warned people not to drive to their holiday homes over Easter or they would be risking arrest.

Its simple  travelling to and from different towns and cities risks spreading Covid-19, and puts lives at risk, police said.

Lithuania is restricting public movement and imposing a lockdown on major cities during Easter to prevent the further spread of infection in the predominantly Catholic nation.

Greece also tightened restrictions ahead of next weeks Orthodox Easter celebrations, increasing police roadblocks along major routes and secondary roads, doubling fines for lockdown violations and banning travel between islands.

Swiss police are seeking to dissuade drivers from heading to the Italian-speaking Ticino region, the only part of Switzerland south of the Alps and one of the worst-hit by the pandemic. Roadblocks were being set up near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel to separate out would-be visitors.

In a potentially worrying development in South Korea, at least 74 people diagnosed as having recovered from coronavirus tested positive for a second time after they were released from hospital. Health authorities are testing their virus and serum samples to determine whether those patients could again be infectious to others.

Japan reported more than 500 new cases for the first time on Thursday, a worrying rise since it has the worlds oldest population and Covid-19 can be especially serious in the elderly.

India, whose 1.3 billion people are under lockdown until next week, has sealed off dozens of hot spots in and around New Delhi, the capital. It will supply residents with food and medicine but not allow them to leave. The number of confirmed cases exceeds 5,000, with 166 deaths.

New infections and hospital admissions have been levelling off in hard-hit Italy and Spain, which together have more than 32,000 deaths.

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Italian premier Giuseppe Conte is expected to announce soon how long the countrys lockdown will continue.

In Spain, where more than 15,000 people have died, budget minister Maria Jesus Montero said normal life will gradually return beginning on April 26 but warned it would be a staggered easing.

Worldwide, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases has climbed to nearly 1.5 million, with almost 90,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. The true numbers are almost certainly much higher.
Simon Matthews, country manager of ManpowerGroup in Vietnam, Thailand, and the Middle East

Manufacturing has undergone many transformations from dirty, dark, and dangerous to advanced, digital, and connected. In its The Future Factory research, ManpowerGroup has mapped four technical generations of manufacturing  generations zero to three. Today we are on the cusp of the third generation, characterised by the transformational power of radical improvements in connected systems and machine learning.

However, to prepare for this transformation, companies should get their workforce upskilled and reskilled to stay employable and reduce unemployment. It is a must and foremost directive to carry out in the context of digitalisation around the world.

Mapping skills

With manufacturing jobs listed in the top 10 in-demand roles globally according to the latest Talent Shortage Survey by ManpowerGroup, manufacturers are reporting growing talent shortages as they struggle to find the right blend of technical and soft skills to fill new positions.

The catalyst for the early stages of this skills shift was automation  machine strength. Now sector-wide transformation has been turbocharged by the Internet of Things, the digitally-connected enterprise, and the relentless expansion of data and AI to handle the scope of the challenge  machine thinking.

According to The Future Factory research, almost half of all roles in manufacturing (49 per cent) will need to change within the next three or five years as the industry transitions to become fully digital. ManpowerGroups workforce analysis identified 165 new and evolving roles across seven areas of technical expertise  what we refer to as domains. These include roles such as service technician, robotics engineer, data architect, product designer, app developer, technical trainer, knowledge curator, ethicist, and many, many more.

The digitalisation of manufacturing is creating a need for people with more advanced skills. The top five skill sets expected to increase significantly in the coming few years due to the influx of automation and advanced technologies are identified as SixSigma certification, computerised numerical control machines, geometric dimensioning and tolerance, Center TRACON automation systems, and PLC software skills.

The fast-changing industry will require almost a quarter of workers to become Pioneers, who are the first people to introduce the ideas and processes that will jumpstart transformation. Almost one in five people will be keystones, putting processes in place to execute the strategy, while the majority, 60 per cent, will be producers, responsible for the output, making the change happen, and executing on a daily basis. Producer roles exist in every domain, from executives and IT workers, to those on the production floor.

New upskill approaches

Vietnam is an emerging country with an abundant young workforce, which is a strong competitive advantage. Among the manufacturing sectors, footwear and textiles have created hundreds of thousands of jobs within Vietnam although in recent years electronics has moved to the forefront and is now the leading export product, overtaking garments and footwear.

However, regarding industry structure, most emerging industrial countries have low-skilled workforce and labour-intensive industries. Only 11.6 per cent of the Vietnamese workforce is highly skilled and up to 40 per cent is non-skilled, according to the Total Workforce Index. Without proper planning for upskilling their workforce, organisations will face acute talent shortages.

As a result, in the context of digitalisation and new technologies, organisations need to shift their talent strategies and find new and alternative ways to resource, develop, motivate, and retain the in-demand skills they need. Individuals need to be aware of the changing landscape too and be ready to nurture their learnability, or the ability to learn and evolve their skills, so they stay employable for the long-term. To upskill tomorrows manufacturing talent at speed and scale, we need a new approach to training. In ManpowerGroups experience, for instance, the most effective skills development is achieved through shorter certification programmes of six months or less. The two examples below can demonstrate the importance of training in the evolution of new technologies:

In the US, ManpowerGroup and Rockwell Automation launched a first-of-its kind programme in 2017, the Academy of Advanced Manufacturing, to upskill 1,000 US military veterans annually for in-demand, highly specialised roles in digital manufacturing. At the end of just 12 weeks, the programme leads to certification and well-paid, sustainable employment as automation and instrumentation controls technicians.

Building tomorrows talent

Technological disruption is contributing to a manufacturing skills revolution. Roles are being automated while new roles that optimise the potential of machine learning are being created. The pace of change is accelerating and companies, governments and universities need to collaborate to upskill people at speed and at scale. Without proper preparation, organisations will face talent shortages while unemployment will keep raising. Now is the time for manufacturing organisations to carry out three things.

First, they must develop a connected workforce strategy: appropriately skilled workers are not available in sufficient numbers to simply buy the necessary skilled talent, so organisations must build, bridge, and borrow the skills they need.

Second, they should identify those skills that will be critical in the short, medium, and long term  mapping the 165 new roles within the seven domains and use this information to identify future talent needs.

Finally, enterprises must understand important impacts caused by each advanced manufacturing role on the entire supply network.
Majella Forde of Red Cross collecting the protective face masks from, right, Susan Moriarty, Killorglin, who donated to the Red Cross with (from left) Red Cross personnel Lloyd Abhram, Thomas White and Nathan Comerford on Tuesday. Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin

"Not all heroes wear capes": the words of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar were borrowed by Colaiste Gleann Li principal Richard Lawlor in recent days to describe the work of teacher Michael O'Sullivan, who is hard at work producing face shields for those who need them most at this time.

And similar good deeds are underway in Killorglin, thanks to Susan Moriarty.

In Tralee, Colaiste Gleann Li is part of a nationwide drive to produce such shields, and its first batch of shields was distributed to health facilities in recent days. It comes after Michael acquired the prototype needed for production - and Richard said he wasn't one bit surprised that the teacher rose to the task.

"He got the prototype through his network, and we're lucky enough here to have the specialist machine, a laser cutter machine, that we need to make these," Richard said. "We got it recently enough ahead of teaching technology in the school for the first time, a subject Michael teaches.

"The first batch was distributed recently, and was given, mainly, to nursing homes, GP surgeries etcetera.

"Michael is very astute, very knowledgeable, brings a lot of expertise to the table. He would be well-known for his expertise in robotics, for example, and I'm not a bit surprised he's doing this. Not all heroes wear capes. He has a young family, but he has risen to the task, and I have massive admiration for him."

Richard said that others will be coming on board to support Michael so that all the teacher has to think about is the production side of things. A critical-incident team will assess the requests for the shields, while Michael will also be accompanied by other members of staff, within current health guidelines, as he goes about his work. Richard was also extremely thankful for the support network around the school, including Kerry ETB - who will cover production costs - Councillor Terry O'Brien, and County Cork-based Miko Metals, who are behind the raw materials being used.

"As a school, we're a community college, and we are no strangers to working with the community - but everything we do is done in conjunction with the support network around us," Richard added.

Over in Killorglin, meanwile, sitting at home bored during the current lock-down prompted one woman to find out what she could do amidst during the crisis.

Now Susan Moriarty's sewing machine is going continuously to make face-masks for the Irish Red Cross during the current pandemic. A shortage of masks has been one of the key concerns during the crisis and Susan's offerings will hopefully help support those who are working around the clock to help the community.

While they are not to the standard of medical masks, they offer some protection, and the Kerry Red Cross has received two deliveries from Susan.

"I was going nuts around the house. It was so frustrating not being able to do something. I do a lot of voluntary work and I just wanted to keep my mind active," she said"Then I read the Kerry Red Cross were looking for hand sanitiser and masks, and I heard that there was a shortage of them in Ireland so I made a few and then rang the Kerry Red Cross, and they were delighted," she explained.

Susan has had some difficulty sourcing elastic, but the local community has rowed in behind her by dropping off donations of material to help. Susan suffers from arthritis, but the condition doesn't stop her sewing.

She is a member of a quilting and sewing group in Keel, and the material left over from these enterprises has been used to make the masks. Susan even created a few unique masks - one of which features Harry Potter.

"It would be nice to wear if you were going to a child's house," she said.

She has been inundated with calls for masks since then and has sold some to the public for 3.50. She can be found on Facebook for requests, and the funds are used to buy elastic and material.

"It has just snowballed once people heard. It is probably helping me more than it is helping others, but is nice to know I am doing something."
Here is the latest on where Star readers can receive help and give help.

Blessings to Go drive-through is extended

Since Wednesdays column, the Tucson Neighborhood Food Pantry, at 5707 E. 22nd St., has closed. It will continue food assistance through the Gospel Rescue Missions Blessings to Go Drive-Through, at the H.S. Lopez Family Foundation Center of Opportunity, 4550 S. Palo Verde Road.

The Gospel Rescue Mission has extended the drive-through until Friday, April 17, weekdays from 1 to 4 p.m.

The Gospel Rescue Mission offers free emergency food boxes and basic supplies for those in need and emphasizes that its a low-touch, stay-in-your-car line.

Gospel Rescue Mission welcomes donations for Blessings to Go. Needs include nonperishable food staples such as canned goods (meat, vegetables and fruit), peanut butter, juice, pasta, rice and beans, as well as bottled water, paper towels, toilet paper, hygiene products, cleaning supplies and diapers.

You can drop off at the drive-through, donate online at grmtucson.com or send a check to Gospel Rescue Mission, 4550 S. Palo Verde Road, Tucson, AZ 85714.

Box of veggies for $8

While the pantry is closed, the veggie boxes will continue at Tucson Neighborhood Food Pantry, 5707 E. 22nd St. You can get a huge box of veggies for an $8 donation on Saturdays starting at 8 a.m. and until all boxes are sold or by noon, whichever comes first.
Paris, France (PANA) - A group of 200 East African women journalists will soon be connected through an on-line resource hub addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and providing online training materials on how to cover the outbreak
The Delhi government will provide one-time financial help of Rs 5,000 to drivers of autos, taxis, e-rickshaws and other paratransit vehicles to tide over the financial crisis caused by coronavirus pandemic.

The assistance will be given to drivers of autorickshaws, taxis, Gramin Sewa, Phatphat Sewa, maxi cab, eco-friendly Sewa, e-rickshaws and school cabs, an official statement said on Saturday.

The paratransit service providers will need to fill a simple online application form to avail the benefit, it said, adding the registration for the same will start from Monday.

The drivers will also require public service badges (PSVs) and valid driving licence of paratransit vehicles, it said.

"The financial help will be given through direct benefit transfer in the Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries. The applicants will have to furnish PSV badge number, driving licence, mobile number, date of birth and gender, the statement said.

The benefit will be given to all PSV badge holders who have been issued such badges till March 23 this year. Further, in case of persons whose driving licences have expired on or after February 1, 2020, their cases will also be considered for grant of benefit, it said.

The applicants can file online applications within 15 days of opening of the portal from Monday at 10 am onwards. The link is available on the website of the Transport Department of Delhi government, the statement said.

Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said, The Delhi government is committed to help drivers of public transport vehicles like autos, e-rickshaws, taxis etc in the extraordinary circumstances created by the lockdown owing to coronavirus.

"The process would be quick and the money would get transferred directly into the bank accounts. This will greatly help the drivers in these times of distress, he said. According to the government, a helpline service will also be available for answering the queries of PSV badge holders.

The applicants can seek any clarification from 9 am to 6 pm on the helpline numbers- 011-23930763, 011-23970290, barring Sunday, the statement added.

The transport services in the national capital have been stopped amid the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A total of 2,305 people in 1,883 cases had been prosecuted in China over criminal offenses related to the COVID-19 epidemic, said the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP).

Among them, 25 people were indicted for impairing infectious disease prevention, 556 for obstructing official duties, 162 for manufacturing or selling fake or inferior products such as substandard drugs or medical equipment, 21 for engaging in illegal business operations including price gouging and 330 for damaging wildlife resources such as hunting illegally, killing or selling precious or endangered wild animals and their byproducts, the SPP said.

Other violations include intentional injuries, fraud and the fabrication and intentional transmission of false information, it added.
Total Coronavirus Cases Live Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the CMs of various states to discuss the possibility of the extension of the lockdown. Most states voted in favour of the extension. Maharashtra and West Bengal have announced extension of lockdown till April 30. It is likely that the lockdown is stretched by two more weeks. Punjab, Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Rajashthan, UP were some of the states to vote in favour of a national extension. Meanwhile Odisha and Punjab have already announced an extension. State governments have now announced containment zones that will further restrict the movement of the residents. Delhi, Gurugram and Gautam Buddha Nagar aka Noida have all announced containment zones as cases have increased steadily. Additionally, Indore has emerged as one of the most-severely impacted cities. As many as 30 deaths have been reported in the city. So far, according to data by the Health Ministry, India has 6,634 active cases, while 242 have succumbed to coronavirus. As per the ministry data, 652 have been cured or discharged. The number of cases is the highest in Maharashtra at 1,574, followed by Tamil Nadu and Delhi with 911 and 903 cases, respectively.

Also read: Coronavirus: Anxious Indians withdrew Rs 84,461 cr cash to tank-up for lockdown

Also read: Coronavirus: India's export sector may lose 15 million jobs due to lockdown

Follow coronavirus lockdown new updates on BusinessToday.In blog:

10.43 pm: Case registered against Kupwara man for hiding travel histry to Nizamuddin

Kupwara Police in Jammu and Kashmir have registered a case against one person for concealing travel history to Delhi Nizamuddin. Police sources said that he had returned home on March 22 and kept roaming in his immediate neighbourhood for more than 15 days. His residential area declared as red zone.

10.09 pm: Hotel staff in Mumbai hospitalised after found COVID-19 positive

Six staff members of Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai have been hospitalised after testing positive for novel coronavirus with symptoms, according to sources. The employees are in stable condition and under medical care. "Taj hotel employees are being treated at the Bombay Hospital and their condition is stable right now," Dr Gautam Bhansali, the hospital's consultant surgeon, told India Today.

9.51 pm: Delhi govt clears proposal to give Rs 5,000 to public transport drivers

Delhi government has cleared the proposal to give Rs 5,000 to drivers of auto rickshaws, taxis, Gramin Sewa, Phatphat Sewa, Maxi cab, Eco-friendly Sewa, e-rickshaws, school cabs, etc to help them tide over the coronavirus crisis. The drivers will have to present valid PSV badge and driving licence to avail this benefit.

As promised by Honble CM @ArvindKejriwal, Delhi Cabinet today cleared the proposal to give Rs 5000 to each para-transit vehicle driver to enable them to overcome financial distress caused by lockdown. Valid PSV Badge and Driving License are two essential conditions. pic.twitter.com/LossbUrzFA  Kailash Gahlot (@kgahlot) April 11, 2020

9.45 pm: Coronavirus news: Case lodged against 28 foreigners in Jharkhand

Jharkhand DGP MV Rao informed that case has been lodged against 28 foreigners who had come here on a tourist visa for taking part in religious activities. These people are under quarantine right now, and will be produced before the court and sent to jail after their quarantine period finishes, Rao added.

9.37 pm: Coronavirus in Delhi: 166 new cases reported; death toll at 19

Delhi government has confirmed that the total number of coronavirus cases in the national capital is 1069, whereas 19 patients have succumbed to the respiratory disease. As on April 11, 166 new cases have been reported in Delhi of which 128 are 'Under Special Operations'.

166 new cases reported in Delhi of which 128 are from Under Special Operations; Total number of COVID19 positive cases in Delhi now stands at 1069, death toll 19: Delhi Health Department pic.twitter.com/ZzfLKRGA52  ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

9.29 pm: Indigo says one of its employees has died due to coronavirus in Chennai.

9.22 pm: Telangana extends lockdown till April 30

Telangana goernment has decided to extend the lockdown in view of novel coronavirus outbreak till Apil 30, announced Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao.

Lockdown in Telangana to be extended till April 30: Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao pic.twitter.com/EQKbz8V9VK  ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

9.19 pm: Coronavirus impact: LIC gives 30-day extension for premiums due in March. April

Insurance major Life Insurance Corporation of India has granted an extension of 30 days for premiums due in March and April to help policyholders amid the coronavirus crisis. For February premiums that had grace periods till March 22, relaxation is allowed till April 15, LIC said in a statement.

8:30 PM: Hydroxychloroquine has no approval as anti-Malarial drug in India: IPCA Lab

A myth is going viral across social media that Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an anti-Malarial drug. But in India, it has no approval as an anti-Malarial drug, ANI quoted Ajit Kumar Jain, Joint Managing Director, IPCA Laboratories, Mumbai, as saying.

"We have a capacity to produce around 20 tonnes of HCQ Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) in a month that can make 10 crore tablets," he added.

8:25 PM: All 46 Tablighi Jamaat members tested negative for COVID19: Goa CM Pramod Sawant

The Goa government, which has quarantined 46 Tablighi Jamaat members have tested negative for coronavirus, said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. "All 46 Tablighi Jamaat followers (10 out of 46 attended the Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi) have tested negative for COVID19," he said.

8:15 PM: Repurposed industrial respirator could free ventilators for coronavirus patients

Researchers from the University of Michigan have developed a new, portable and mass-producible helmet system to provide support for COVID-19 patients, protect health care workers and safeguard hospital systems.

The system draws oxygen, as well as room air, into the helmet, while pulling exhaled air and any other outflow through a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, clearing it of the virus. The research team says it is lightweight, disposable and has a retractable face shield, allowing easy access to the mouth for food and hygienic needs.

8:10 PM: Landlords may face action for evicting doctors and nurses: NSA

The National Security Agency (NSA) on Saturday said that strict action will be taken against landlords asking doctors and nurses who are treating Covid-19 patients to vacate houses. The order came after woes of the medical personnel surfacing on Twitter and Facebook.

8:05 PM: PM Modi asks council of ministers to resume work from Monday

Amid ongoing speculation over extension of the national lockdown, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked all council of ministries to resume work with Standard procedures of social distancing from Monday, according to a India Today report.

Senior officers have also been asked to report to work from Monday. The ministries will resume work with Class 2, 3 and 4 staff working on a rotational basis, the report said.

7:55 PM: No coronavirus positive cases reported in Gurugram district in last 72 hours

No COVID19 positive cases reported in Gurugram district in the last 72 hours. The total number of active positive cases in the district is 18, while 14 patients have been discharged , says Gurugram Health Department, Haryana.

7:50 PM: Delhi govt starts process to give Rs 5,000 to auto, cab drivers

Delhi Government has initiated the process of providing one-time financial help of Rs 5000 to auto-rickshaw, taxi, Gramin Sewa, Phatphat Sewa, Maxi Cab, Eco-Friendly Sewa, E-Rickshaws and school cab drivers. The process of taking applications will start on April 13, according to ANI report.

7:40 PM: Extend lockdown, but economic activities should continue, says Goa CM Pramod Sawant

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said that it has suggested central government that lockdown should be extended but economic activities should continue. "From Monday, OPDs of private and government hospitals will begin to function. While from today, fisheries activities have started in the state," he said.

7:30 PM: Anand Mahindra lauds Maharashtra govt's measures to combat coronavirus spread

Industrialist Anand Mahindra on Saturday took to social media to appreciate the proactive measures taken by Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.

"You're leading from the front. As supply chains are interwoven with other chains. We need incentives for migrant labour to return to farms & for loading/unloading. Please also allow farmers' markets in urban areas with appropriate distancing protocols," he tweeted.

Compliments @CMOMaharashtra Youre leading from the front. Ag supply chains are interwoven with other chains. We need incentives for migrant labour to return to farms & for loading/unloading. Please also allow farmers markets in urban areas with appropriate distancing protocols https://t.co/MPlIUTsA9C  anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) April 11, 2020

7:15 PM: IAF continues its support towards fight against Covid-19

Indian Air Force (IAF) has continued its support to undertake any task for complementing the efforts of the government to contain the spread of the Novel Coronavirus. "All efforts are being made to ensure timely delivery of the essential medical supplies and ration to the nodal points of various States, thereby equipping the State governments and supporting agencies to combat the contagion effectively and efficiently," IAF said in a statement on Saturday.

#HarKaamDeshKeNaam :

IAF continues to be ready 24 x 7 to undertake any task for complementing the efforts of the Govt of India to contain the spread of the Novel Coronavirus.#IndianCovidWarriors#IndianAirForcepic.twitter.com/J9xPoLD74h  Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) April 11, 2020

During the last few days, IAF airlifted essential medical supplies and commodities from nodal points to various States across the country including Maharashtra, Kerala, Telangana, Nagaland and the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh, it said.

7:10 PM: Mumbai reports 189 new cases, 11 deaths on Saturday

Mumbai saw 189 new cases of coronavirus cases and 11 deaths related to the virus today, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the city to 1,182 and deaths at 75. Of the 11 deaths reported today, 10 had comorbidities and age-related factors, says Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

7:00 PM: Tamil Nadu reports 58 new COVID19 cases

As many as 58 new COVID19 cases have been reported in Tamil Nadu, taking total number of positive cases in the state to 969 and death toll 10, says Tamil Nadu chief secretary K Shanmugam.

6.40 pm: Coronavirus in India: Death toll rises to 242; total cases at 7,529

According to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, there are 6,634 active cases of coronavirus in the country, whereas 242 patients have lost their lives to the disease. The total number of cases is 7,529.

6.36 pm: Police marks vehicles of COVID-19 lockdown violators with white paint

Tamil Nadu: Police in Rameswaram are using white paint to mark the vehicles of the people who are violating the #COVID__19 lockdown. pic.twitter.com/KPXft9Oqwd  ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

6.34 pm: IAF airlifts 9,000 kg of raw material for PPEs

Zydus Cadila CEO Pankaj Patel has said that the pharmaceutical industry has significantly increased the production of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). pic.twitter.com/khGNJb4Qri  ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

6.24 pm: Coronavirus update: West Bengal extends lockdown till April 30

After a meeting with PM Narednra Modi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the state is in favour of extending the coronavirus lockdown till April 30. Banerjee added that schools in West Bengal will remain close till June 10. The West Bengal CM also professed a Rs 10 lakh crore package for states to combat the coronavirus pandemic

6.13 pm: Rajiv Bajaj advocates homeopathy as treatment for coronavirus

Bajaj Auto MD Rajiv Bajaj has suggested that homeopathy can help people develop immunity against novel coronavirus. In an interview with India Today, Bajaj said that homeopathy has been effective in similar pandemics. He also said that lockdown is not the answer to COVID-19 as it hinders herd immunity.

6.00 pm: Zydus Cadilla CEO Pankaj Patel says that Indian pharmaceutical industry has ramped up production of hydroxychloroquine tablets substantially.

Schools in the state to remain closed till June 10: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee#COVID19pic.twitter.com/ebsEI48fXf  ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

5.45 pm: Locals in Sukna, Siliguri in West Bengal raise funds, supply food packets to daily wage labourers left jobless due to coronavirus lockdown

5.35 pm: School in West Bengal to remain close till June 10: CM Mamata Banerjee

Technically called convalescent-plasma therapy, the treatment aims at using immune power gained by a recovered person to treat a sick person. Indian Council for Medical Research has given approval to SCTIMST for carrying out the novel treatment: Science&Technology Ministry(2/2) https://t.co/8TVoW3QKHC  ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

5.29 pm: Govt approves innovative coronavirus treatment

17 new #COVID19 cases reported in Jammu & Kashmir; 5 from Jammu Division and 12 from Kashmir. Total positive cases now 224: Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary (Planning), Jammu & Kashmir pic.twitter.com/Zc7JBqMv3B  ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

5.27 pm: Maharshtra extends coronavirus lockdown till April 30

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray has announced that lockdown in the state will be extended at least till April 30. Thackeray urged people to remain inside their homes, and to wear masks if they have to go outside.

5.18 pm: 17 new COVID-19 cases in J&K; total positive cases at 224

1 person out of 4 men who were transferred to Jabalpur Central Jail from Indore has tested positive for #COVID19. They were arrested under National Security Act. Patient hospitalised, rest 3 kept in isolation inside jail: Bharat Yadav, Jabalpur District Collector #MadhyaPradeshpic.twitter.com/2UVkgXSfds  ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

5.11 pm: One inmate transferred to Jabalpur Central Jail from Indore tests positive for coronavirus

We are thinking of allowing bakeries to function but proper protocol should be followed so that no violation takes place: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee https://t.co/5hUjTgttww  ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

5.10 pm: Coronavirus news: 6 new cases in West Bengal; total tally at 95, informes CM Mamata Banerjee

More than 30 crore beneficiaries have been directly given support through Direct Benefit Transfer amounting to Rs 28,256 crores under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package: Ministry of Finance pic.twitter.com/2plY7d2oPg  ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

5.00 pm: Coronavirus news: Over 31 crore benefitted from DBT under PM-GKY

Ministry of Finance has said that direct benefit transfers amounting to Rs 28,256 crore under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package have benefitted 31.77 crore benficiaries.

Indias RAPID RESPONSE TEAM arrives in Kuwait. Follow up to the discussion between our two Prime Ministers on #COVID19. Underlines the special friendship between India and Kuwait. pic.twitter.com/lACVPTuqQj  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 11, 2020

4.47 pm: Coronavirus update: Indian rapid response team arrives in Kuwait

PM has taken correct decision to extend lockdown. Today, Indias position is better than many developed countries because we started lockdown early. If it is stopped now, all gains would be lost. To consolidate, it is imp to extend it  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 11, 2020

4.35 pm: MHA writes to West bengal over dilution of lockdown in parts of Kolkata

Ministry of Home Affairs has written to West Bengal government over alleged dilution of lockdown in parts of Kolkata. This letter was sent ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with chief ministers. The letter lists seven regions in Kolkata - Rajabazaar, Narkel Danga, Topsia, Metiabruz, Gardenreach, Ikbalpur and Maniktala - where people have allegedly been thronging markets in violation of social distancing norms. The letter added that police have allowed religious gatherings and free ration is being provided by political leaders instead of the institutional delivery system, which could have led to more coronavirus cases.

4:23 pm: With no lockdown, we would have had 2 lakh cases: Health Ministry

Health Ministry has said that with no lockdown and no measures in place, India would have had 2 lakh cases so far. Joint Secy Lav Agarwal said that containment and isolatiion very important to fight coronavirus.

4:20 pm: PM Modi won't address nation tonight: Government sources

4:15 pm: MHA seeks security for doctors

MHA has asked states and UTs to provide security to doctors and other medical staff in the facilities where they are working.

4:10 pm: 585 COVID-19 hospitals, 1 lakh isolation beds in India

Health Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal has said that India has 586 coronavirus hospitals and as many as 1 lakh isolation beds. He said that India's approach has been proactive and that a graded apprach is being followed.

4:06 pm: Gradation likely in extended lockdown

Unlike the current lockdown that is all-pervasive, the extended lockdown might be graded. Already multiple states have earmarked containment zones where no form of movement is allowed. Additionally, cities like Delhi are also planning buffer zones that may be outside the containment zones and some form of activity might be allowed. However, there have been no announcements on these. Prime Minister Modi might speak on these issues while announcing the lockdown.

4:00 pm: PM Modi to address nation

After the video coference, PM Modi is likely to address the nation. While some sources have said that the Prime Minister is likely to address the nation tonight, some have said that tomorrow or day after is equally likely.

3:50 pm: PM Modi speaks about India's future

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India will work towards both jaan and jahaan. "Jaan bhi, jahaan bhi," he said. He said that entails a future where people care about their duties, aspects and follow the government's directions. He added that it will be important for a prosperous and healthy future for India.

3:40 pm: Jaan hai toh jahan hai, says PM Modi

During the video conference call, Prime Minister reiterated what he said in his first lockdown message. He said that he would put the life and welfare of every Indian before anything else. He said in order to do so, social distancing and lockdown are very important.

3:30 pm: Lockdown extension right decision, says Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who voted in favour of the extension said that the extension is the right decision.

Mumbai: Screening of Dharavi residents has begun from today. A team of 150 doctors, from Maharashtra Medical Association, is helping Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) workers in the process. #Coronaviruspic.twitter.com/9OFwQBAL7y  ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

3:07 pm: PM Modi video conference ends

According to sources, here's the outcome of the PM Modi-CMs video conference meet:

After majority CMs voted for it, the government is considering extending the lockdown

The lockdown might extend by two more weeks

Govt will work with states to plan a staggered exit

Relaxation for agriculture and industries likely

Centre is working to finalise the contours of the extension

2:56 pm: Prisoners stitch PPEs

Jail inmates in Uttar Pradesh are stitching Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits for the medical professionals. Speaking to India Today, Director General (DG) Prison Anand Kumar said "In these uncertain times help and assistance has been forthcoming from the most unexpected section of society, namely the jail inmates of UP. Prisoners in all 67 jails in the state have stitched more than 5 lakh masks in less than a month time. Now work of stitching PPE kits for health workers has also begun. Fifty sets of PPEs including face shield masks and full body aprons have been stitched as per specifications and handed over to the director of Balrampur hospital. A hundred more such sets are in the pipeline."

2:46 pm: Screening of Dharavi residents

Residents of Dharavi slum in Mumbai will be screened from today onwards. BMC is being helped by a team of 150 doctors. So far four people have died in Dharavi. Maharashtra is the most severly-impacted state in the country.

Out of the pension he receives, Former Prime Minster @H_D_Devegowda has contributed Rs. 1,00,000/- each to PM Cares Fund, Govt. of Karnataka Chief Minister's Relief Fund, and Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund.

- Office of HDD@PMOIndia@CMofKarnataka@CMOKerala  H D Devegowda (@H_D_Devegowda) April 11, 2020

2:41 pm: HD Devegowda donates to PM CARES fund

Former Prime Minister HD Devegowda has donated Rs 1 lakh from the pension he receives to PM CARES fund as well as to Kerala and Karnataka CMs' relief funds.

I urge the state government to immediately announce relief package to farmers by way of direct benefit transfer mechanism and purchase all the agricultural produce so as to avoid farmer suicides.

3/3 pic.twitter.com/y2ymEPWhpA  H D Kumaraswamy (@hd_kumaraswamy) April 11, 2020

2:37 pm: Dharavi coronavirus cases

Coronavirus death toll in Dharavi has increased to 4. The latest person to succumb to coronavirus is an 80-year-old man who died at Kasturba Hospital.

2:30 pm: Rajasthan and Uttarakhand vote for extension

Rajasthan and Uttarakhand are the latest states to vote for a national extension of the 21-day lockdown. Rajasthan CM Ashik Gehlot also spoke about the farmers and said that proper strategies must be in place to ensure help. Before this, Punjab, Delhi, Maharashtra and UP also urged for a lockdown extension.

2:19 pm: HD Kumaraswamy asks Centre to support farmers

Former Karnataka CM HD kumaraswamy urged the Centre to support farmers who are throwing away their produce in despair amid the coronavirus lockdown. He asked the Centre to ensure swift action.

Attended PM Modi jis video conference along with other CMs over the outbreak of #CoronaPandemic. pic.twitter.com/U3VGVJhqZ4  Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) April 11, 2020

2:13 pm: PM Modi video conference: Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot signs in

This post has neither been said, nor written by me. I urge you to verify media circulated on WhatsApp and social platforms. If I have something to say, I will say it on my official channels. Hope you are safe and do take care. pic.twitter.com/RNVL40aRTB  Ratan N. Tata (@RNTata2000) April 11, 2020

2:07 pm: Zydus Cadila CEO says that production of HCQ considerably ramped up

Zydus Cadila CEO Pankaj Patel said that the production of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been considerably increased. He said that 20 crore tablets have been produced by the pharma industry. He added that there's stock not only for domestic use but also for exports. Zydus will also produce 30 tonnes of API, he said.

2:03 pm: Ratan Tata busts a fake message on coronavirus attributed to him

Ratan Tata took to twitter to bust a circulating message on coronavirus attributed to him. The post says that while experts believe there will be an economic downfall, he believes that the experts know nothing about the human spirit. Ratan Tata said that if he had to say anything, he would convey it through his official channels.

My cabinet and I attended the video conference about #covid19 with PM @Narendramodi today. We discussed vital strategies and actions to implement around the state. We are doing and will do everything in our control to tackle this pandemic.1/2 pic.twitter.com/xoAk2kth8c  B.S. Yediyurappa (@BSYBJP) April 11, 2020

1:55 pm: PM video conference: UP CM votes for extension

UP CM Yogi Adityanath also voted for a national extension of the 21-day lockdown. Along with Delhi, Punjab and Maharashtra, 10 out of the 11 states have voted for extension of the lockdown.

1:45 pm: Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa interacts with PM

During PM Modi's video conference Yediyurappa said that the Karnataka govt is doing everything it can to control the spread of coronavirus. He also urged people to stay at home furing the lockdown.

Had the VC with the PM @NarendraModi Ji to discuss the future action plan to fight #Covid19. Reiterated need for ramping up testing facilities as well as sought Centres support for assisting the poor in today's challenging times along with a bonus for our farmers. pic.twitter.com/on9oeTLlII  Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) April 11, 2020

1:40 pm: West Bengal imposes 'total lockdown' in 10 hotspots

The West Bengal government will impose a 14-day 'total lockdown' in 10 hotspots. "Areas from where there is high possibility of the spread of the disease we are calling them hotspots. We are not naming them... We will be imposing total lockdown...This measure will cause more inconvenience to people but we have no choice... We have to impose total lockdown as we don't want the cases to spread like wildfire. Stricter protocol will be in place in these areas. The administration will arrange for everything like food, water, and even medical support," the chief secretary said.

1:30 pm: Maharashtra corporator booked for lockdown violations

A BJP corporator in Maharashtra has been booked for violating lockdown restrictions. Ajay Bahira was later released on bail. He was arrested for celebrating his birthday with friends amid the lockdown. Along with the corporator, 11 others were also arrested.

1:25 pm: Coronavirus in Karnataka

Coronavirus cases in Karnataka has risen to 214. Between 7pm on Friday and 12pm today, seven people have been reported positive.

1:15 pm: Punjab CM says testing must be increased

Punjab CM Amarinder Singh said that more testing facilities need to be set up. During the video conference with PM Modi, the CM also said that poor must be helped during this time of crisis.

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a meeting via video-conferencing with the Chief Ministers over #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/yd6mdCzukr  ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

1:10 pm: Amma canteen on a feeding spree

Amma canteen that serves 5 lakh people daily is now serving 11 lakh people. Greater Chennai Corporation commissioner G Prakash said that they monitor the inventory for Amma canteen and it is sufficient for now. He added that everyone in need of food will be served at the canteen.

1:00 pm: PM Modi video conference

Here's what Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal suggested on the lifting of the lockdown:

He voted for the lockdown to be extended till at least the end of April

Kejriwal said not even phase-wise lifting of restrictions is a good idea

No point of state-wise lockdown, it should be on a national-level

Road, air, rail transport should not open under any circumstances

12:50 pm: Coronavirus in Punjab

Coronavirus cases in Punjab is on a steady rise. Number of case in Mohali has reached 50 with 34 cases in Jawaharpur village. Meanwhile, Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh has urged PM Mod to extend the lockdown at least by a fortnight, keeping in mind the increase in numbers.

12:40 pm: PM Modi vide conference: Delhi, Punjab Maharashtra vote for extension

The Prime Minister has spoken to five Chief Ministers so far. Out of the five states, Delhi, Punjab and Maharashtra have voted for an extension of the lockdown. Delhi and Maharashtra are two of the most severely-impacted states in the country.

12:30 pm: In case of extension will it be a state-wise affair?

There is a possibility that in case the lockdown is extended it would be a state-wise affair. However, Delhi CM Kejriwal does not feel that this would solve the problem and batted for a nationwide extension. "This decision should be done at the national level. If the states decide at their level, then it will not have that much effect," he said during PM Modi's video conference.

12:20 pm: Tablighi Jamaat member commits suicide

A thirty year old Tabliqi Jamaat Member has committed suicide at a hospital in Akola. He had tested positive to Covid19 on Friday. According to sources, the deceased is a native of Assam and had come to Akola with Tabliqi Jamaat members after attending the Merkaz event at Nizamuddin. He had developed symptoms and he himself approached the hospital.

12:10 pm: PM Modi video conference: Arvind Kejriwal requests for extension of lockdown

12:05 pm: Prohibit public use of tobacco: MHA to states

The Union Health Ministry has asked all states to prohibit the use and spitting of smokeless tobacco in public places to prevent the spread of coronavirus. "Chewing smokeless tobacco products, paan masala and areca nut (supari) increases the production of saliva followed by a very strong urge to spit. Spitting in public places could enhance the spread of the COVID-19 virus," the ministry said in a letter.

12:01 pm: Ranjan Gogoi's mother donates to PM CARES

Former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi's mother Shanti Gogoidonated Rs 1 lakh to PM-CARES Fund. Dibrugarh Deputy Commissioner Pallav Gopal Jha received the cheque from Shati Gogoi on Friday.

11:45 am: PM Modi during the video conference

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi seen wearing a mask during video-conferencing with the Chief Ministers over #COVID19. Other CMs are also using masks. pic.twitter.com/N6Qfjq9xjy  ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

11:40 am: PM Modi video conference

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been spotted wearing a homemade mask. Chief Ministers of states who are interacting with the PM are also wearing face masks as states make it mandatory to wear.

#CoronaVirusUpdates:



State-wise details of Total Confirmed #COVID19 cases so far (till 11 April, 2020, 08:00 AM)



States with 1-20 confirmed cases

States with 21-300 confirmed cases

States with 300+ confirmed cases

Total no. of confirmed cases so far



Via @MoHFW_INDIApic.twitter.com/nSrXCfrv1Z  #IndiaFightsCorona (@COVIDNewsByMIB) April 11, 2020

11:35 am: Coronavirus tracker: State-wise tally

Some states have seen a sudden spike in cases while some states are still in single-digit cases. Maharashtra has been one of the severly impacted states, with the toll crossing 1,500. Meanwhile, Tripura reported its second case today. Here's a lowdown:

Working from home during #CoronaLockdown



Here are some cyber security tips you need to keep in mind as you #StayAtHome#IndiaFightsCorona#IndiaLeadsCovidWarpic.twitter.com/hVduikr19a  PIB India  #StayHome #StaySafe (@PIB_India) April 11, 2020

11:30 am: Coronavirus lockdown: How to make WFH safer?

As people work from home, cyber crime has also seen a spike. PIB tells you how to work safely from home.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued the 5th addendum to the consolidated guidelines regarding the #CoronaLockdown. The 5th addendum exempts from lockdown restrictions, the operations of Fishing (Marine)/Aquaculture Industry: Ministry of Home Affairs pic.twitter.com/FZT9cEGw2C  ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

11:20 am: Fishing activity exempted from lockdown restrictions

Fishing and aquaculture activity has been exmpted from the lockdown restrictions, as mentioned in a notification by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Harvesting, processing, marketing, movement of fish and shrimps have been exempted from the lockdown.

Delhi: Security personnel and medical staff present in Nizamuddin West area which is one of the 30 areas, declared a containment zone in the union territory. Visuals from outside Markaz Masjid. pic.twitter.com/7avD1JwYPA  ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

11:15 am: PM Modi video conference with CMs begin

11:10 am: India-Nepal border tightened

Amid intelligence inputs that around 50 infected people are planning to sneak in to the country, the India-Nepal border has been tightened. Bihar's borders with Nepal, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and West Bengal have been sealed with a view of preventing outsiders from entering the state.

11:05 am: Coronavirus in Gujarat

Gujarat has reported 54 new coronavirus cases, taking the total to 432. The state health department said that Ahmedabad and Vadodara are the two most-severly infected cities in the state. Ahmedabad has reported 228 cases, while Vadodara has reported 77 cases.

11:00 am: 13,500 PPE kits for Delhi

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said that 13,500 PPE kits are being brought to the godowns. This comment comes after he said on Friday that rapid testing kits are yet to arrive.

10:50 am: Delhi containment zones: 30 areas sealed

Nizamuddin West is one of the 30 areas in Delhi that have been earmarked as a containment zone.

The poor have lost their jobs or self-employment in the last 18 days. They have exhausted their meagre savings. Many are standing in line for food. Can the State stand by and watch them go hungry?  P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) April 11, 2020

10:45 am: PM Modi video conference

The Prime Minister is scheduled to discuss the matter of extension of the lockdown via video conference. He will speak to the CMs of various states and take into account their opinion. The 21-day lockdown is scheduled to lasttill April 14.

10:40 am: P Chidambaram asks CMs to talk to PM to remonetise the poor

P Chidambaram posted a series of tweets urging the Chief Ministers from Congress party to tell the Prime Minister to transfer cash to the poor. He said that they have lost their savings as well as their jobs in the last 18 days. PM should remonetise the poor, he said.

10:30 am: Bhilwara sarpanch slams Sonia and Rahul Gandhi

Bhilwara sarpanch Kismat Gurjar slammed Sonia and Rahul Gandhi for seeking credit for the Bhilwara containment model. She said that the ones responsible for the success and implementation of the containment model are the people of Bhilwara and the various organisations involved.

Delhi: Chandni Mahal area wears a deserted look, security forces deployed in the area. Chandni Mahal is one of the 30 areas in the national capital which has been declared containment zone. #Coronaviruspic.twitter.com/MEOFHo07Dk  ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

10:25 am: Indore a hotspot

Fourteen people have been found positive in Indore, taking the total cases to 249. Additionally, the city has reported 30 deaths so far. According to Chief Medical an Health Officer (CMHO) 12 perople were discharged yesterday as they recovered from COVID-19.

10:20 am: Visuals from Chandni Mahal after containment

Delhi: People were seen violating norms of social distancing at wholesale fruit and vegetable market in Okhla, amid the #CoronavirusLockdown. pic.twitter.com/WS1Vzz3Z1R  ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

10:10 am: Indore emerges as coronavirus hotspot

With the death toll in Indore reaching 30, Indore has emerged as one of the most severely impacted cities in the country. Three more people -- aged 77, 65 and 52 -- succumbed to coronavirus.

10:05 am: Coronavirus sealing in Thane

Maharashtra's Thane district administration sealed the borders of Ambernath, Kulgaon-Badlapur, Murbad and Shahapur towns as cases continue to rise. Movement of people in and out of these towns will be restricted. No vehicles will be allowed either. Those found violating the restriction orders will be penalised.

10:00 am: Kerala coronavirus cases

Third patient has died in Kerala. The deceased was a 71-year-old resident of Puducherry's Mahe area. He was in a critical condition and his kidneys had given up. The deceased was also using a ventilator. The victim passed away at Pariyaram Medical College in Kannur.

9:55 am: INDIA CORONAVIRUS TRACKER: BusinessToday.In brings you a daily tracker as coronavirus cases continue to spread. Here is the state-wise data on total cases, fatalities and recoveries in one comprehensive graphic.

9:50 am: Coronavirus in Jharkhand

The number of cases in Jharkhand has increased to 17 after three people were tested positive. One case each from Ranchi, Koderma and Hazaribagh have been reported as mentioned by Health Secy Nitin Madan Kilkarni.

9:45 am: Karnataka BJP MLA organises birthday bash amid lockdown

Flouting lockdown norms, BJP MLA from Turuvekere constituency, M Jayaram celebrated his birthday with a bash on Friday. People gathered in Gubbi taluk to celebrate the MLA's birthday. Meanwhile, people from across the country are being penalised for violating restriction norms.

9:40 am: Delhi coronavirus cases: 3 dead in Chandni Mahal

Chandni Mahal in Delhi has been declared a containment zones after three people died in three days. There are 102 people staying in dfferent religious locations within the area. Out of that 52 have been tested positive. The DM has said that interaction between positive and residentss cannot be ruled out.

9:35 am: Coronavirus in China: 46 new cases

While the increase in cases has slowed down, China is still reporting new cases. The National Health Commission said 46 new cases were reported on Friday, including 42 involving travellers from overseas.

9:30 am: Coronavirus impact on economy

India's export sector could lose nearly 15 million jobs amid the lockdown due to fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic, the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) told the government. With the cancellation of 50 per cent of the export orders, the sector is also expecting a rise in non-performing assets (NPAs), Sharad Kumar Saraf, President, FIEO also said.

9:23 am: Coronavirus in UP

Three more cases have been found in Lucknow. Three more have been found in Agra as well. So far, the number of cases in Uttar Pradesh is 431 at April 11 8am, according to the official data by Health Ministry.

9:20 am: Italy extends coronavirus lockdown

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Friday extended its nationwide lockdown until May 3, though he said a few types of shops would be allowed to re-open next week. "This is a difficult but necessary decision for which I take all political responsibility," Conte told a news conference.

9:10 am: Social distancing gone for toss as people rush to market

Even as cases are on a sharp rise, people have been found violating social distancing norms. Amid the coronavirus lockdown, people rushed to the Okhla market to gather vegetables and fruits.

Delhi: Number of 'containment zones in the union territory was raised to 30 yesterday with addition of 6 new areas including Nabi Karim, E pocket GTB enclave, street no 18 to 22 of Zakir Nagar & nearby area of Abu Bakar Masjid, Zakir Nagar. Visuals from Nabi Karim. #Coronaviruspic.twitter.com/pWxkW2rBdW  ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

9:00 am: Indo-American entrepreneur to make 10,000 masks a day

An Indian American entrepreneur has announced that he will produce 10,000 face masks a day and 15,000 face shields per week to help meet the demand in the US. Cleanaxa, the company recently formed by Indiana-based Gurinder Singh, is also producing 1,000 gowns a week for personal protective use.

8:50 am: India exports hydroxychloroquine to 13 countries

India has approved the first list of countries that will receive crucial drugs from India, including the much talked about anti-malaria drug, hydroxychloroquine or HCQ. The first consignment has started to leave. The first list includes 13 countries including the US, Spain, Germany, Bahrain, Brazil, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Seychelles, Mauritius and Dominican Republic.

8:45 am: Raghuram Rajan part of IMF's response group

Raghuram Rajan has been picked by IMF to be part of its coronavirus advirsory group. The group will provide perspectives from around the globe on key developments and policy issues, including responses to the exceptional challenges the world faces.

8:37 am: Coronavirus in Delhi: Containment zones increased

The Delhi government has increased the number of containment zones in the city. With the new additions of 6 areas, Delhi has sealed 30 areas to contain coronavirus.

{blurb}

8:32 am: WHO warns against lifting lockdown soon

WHO said that it is currently observing welcoming trends with regards to the spread of coronavirus. At the same time it warned against lifting restrictions too soon. "WHO wants to see restrictions lifted as much as anyone. At the same time, lifting restrictions too quickly could lead to a deadly resurgence. The way down can be as dangerous as the way up if not managed properly," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

8:25 am: Clamour for cash before the lockdown

Indians withdrew Rs 84,461 crore from their accounts in the two fortnights before the lockdown. Rs 53,000 crore was withdrawn in cash in the fortnight ended March 13. In the following 14 days, cash withdrawal from banks was Rs 31,575 crore, shows Reserve Bank of india data.

8:15 am: Coronavirus in India: 6,039 active cases

The number of active cases in the country has risen to 6,039. According to Health Ministry 515 people have been cured or discharged while 206 have succumbed to COVID-19.

8:00 am: PM Modi to interact with CMs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with chief ministers of all states to decide whether there is a need to extend of the lockdown. This would be the second event when the PM will interact with the Chief Ministers via video link after the lockdown was imposed. During his April 2 interaction with Chief Ministers, Modi had pitched for a "staggered" exit from the ongoing lockdown.
If ever there was a time and a need to honour our common humanity, Namawyut [we are all one], this is it. This is the moment.

This message from Chief Dr Robert Joseph, the hereditary chief of the Gwawaenuk First Nation, a small community in British Columbia, Canada, brought me comfort.

He went to the same residential school as my grandfather. These were schools Indigenous children were forced to attend  away from their families  where they were alienated from their language and culture, and often exposed to abuse, neglect and disease. Like my grandpa, he speaks Kwakwakawakw.

In the face of a pandemic, Chief Joseph urged us to unite. He encouraged us to follow instructions and keep ourselves and each other safe. He reminded us we are not alone and that we are all interconnected and interdependent. Considering it was not long ago that people were fighting over toilet paper, we needed to hear this.

I sat at my desk watching the video of him calling us to action, nudging us towards hope, assuring us this too will pass. He said the things my soul needed to hear, as it was already so weary. His is a voice I treasure and he represents the strong, calm, hopeful spirits of many elders I have come to know and love throughout my life.

In times of trouble, I have always had elders to turn to. I rested in their wisdom, soothed with the knowledge that someone wiser than I, who had seen many more things, would know just what to say, what ceremony was needed, where to go from here.

I remember being so scared before a big job interview and being comforted and smudged by my elder. His feather wafted over the medicines that glowed inside a bowl of shell, a cleansing ritual that brings me immense comfort. The smell of the medicines washing over me, releasing tears of tension until I could feel at home in my skin again and brave enough to face something I was afraid of.

Now in a time of COVID-19, there is something new to fear. Elders are at higher risk of infection. This thought is terrifying from an Indigenous perspective. Elders are like living, breathing monuments to our way of life; they are cultural treasures. Elders keep our languages alive. The things they know could fill endless libraries. They hold our history and shape our future with their words and prayers.

It is so hard to think about having to keep your distance from the very people you would normally run towards, having to stay away from the people who are our safe place so we can keep them safe. When we save our elders, we are saving ourselves. We are giving ourselves more chances to learn from people who know so much.

When I hear people like Dan Patrick, the Texas lieutenant governor, suggest that older people be sacrificed for the sake of the economy, I am horrified. To me, elders are more precious than gold. The elders that I know put people before money and this idea is so inconsistent with the teachings I have received. I have learned that respecting my elders is of utmost importance and that we can learn so much from history that will help us not make the same mistakes. Hearing those stories from people who have been there and being able to ask them questions has been invaluable. Our elders bring that highly relevant history to life. At a time where we will want to remember the lessons we have learned, it will be helpful to have the people who have been documenting our oral history for so long by our sides. I think the whole world could learn from these storytellers.

I cannot imagine giving up cultural riches for monetary gain. They are so much more valuable than the stock market to me. When we talk about essential services, I think of elders. Elders counsel, they comfort, they are our touchstones in uncertain times and in the cruellest twist of fate, we now cannot even touch them.

I think about the things they have endured throughout their lives. This is not the first time Indigenous people have been forbidden from gathering and practising ceremonies. This is not the first time they have seen widespread illness devour communities.

In the late 1700s, Indigenous people were devastated by smallpox. When it struck again in the late 1800s, it killed more than half of the Native population of British Columbias coast. During the 1700s and 1800s, the impact of tuberculosis on Indigenous people was exacerbated by the prevalence of poverty, malnutrition and overcrowding on the reserves. Tuberculosis still disproportionately affects Indigenous people to this day.

We need our elders so they can guide us through, bringing things back to life again when this is all over.

On the West Coast of Canada, so much of our ceremony involves gathering and feeding the people. Now we cannot gather and food can be hard to find with grocery stores stretched past capacity by people hoarding. When our ways used to be forbidden by the Canadian government, the practices were driven underground, held in secret to avoid arrests and the confiscation of goods. That was when the law was in the way, between 1885 and 1951, when Potlatch  the gift-giving feast of Indigenous people in this area  was banned. But now when continuing to hold these ceremonies threatens the safety of the community because of disease, the solution is not so simple.

Now we are called to gather in spirit, together but apart, to feed our hearts and souls through this difficult time. We are called to do this so that one day, when the cloud of disease lifts, we can feast together once more, with our elders there to give the teachings we will so desperately need on the other side of all this sadness.

Like Chief Robert Joseph said, If ever there was a time and a need to honour our common humanity, Namawyut [we are all one], this is it. This is the moment. Our elders are a big part of that web of the Indigenous community, and this is the time for all of us to keep our elders and ourselves safe. We are all in this together.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.
Passengers from coronavirus-affected cruise ships were bussed from Port Everglades, Florida, to the nearby Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on April 3, local media reported.

The Miami Herald said the passengers, who were from two Holland America ships that docked at Port Everglades on April 2, would be escorted directly onto the tarmac to board chartered flights, with destinations in Toronto, Atlanta, San Francisco, and Frankfurt. The Holland America ships are named the MS Zaandam and the MS Rotterdam.

Holland America Line reported that at least 90 passengers and 143 crew on the Zaandam had presented with influenza-like symptoms. Seventeen passengers on the Rotterdam had fallen ill.

The Zaandam had been left docked off Panama for several days as many South American ports denied the ship entry. Credit: Kenny Baublitz via Storyful
For weeks, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has deftly handled the many aspects of the public health crisis that have confronted him and members of his administration. Led by Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine, the administration has calmly and persuasively convinced Pennsylvanians to stay home to deter the spread of the new coronavirus and the disease COVID-19.

But there is one area within his responsibilities in which the governor has yet to take action - Pennsylvanias state prisons.

By definition, people who are incarcerated are limited in their ability to practice social distancing. While arrangements vary from institution to institution, it is typical in the commonwealths prisons for men to be housed two people per cell; women who are incarcerated are housed 4-6 people per room. People who are imprisoned eat meals in close proximity to each other and often are employed in jobs that keep the prison running, such as food preparation and custodial duties. They share bathroom facilities and have limited access to personal hygiene items, including even a simple bar of soap. Hand sanitizer is forbidden because prison authorities consider it contraband.

People who are incarcerated cant get away from each other. And COVID-19 does not see walls or razor wire. Staff, attorneys, and medical officials enter and leave a prison daily and can be carrying contagions into the prison and back out into the broader community.

On a good day, prisons are unhealthy environments. When COVID-19 enters a prison, it will inevitably spread like wildfire. Thats the lesson in New York City, where 286 people who are incarcerated, 321 staff, and 53 medical officials have tested positive for COVID-19 in the citys jails, as of April 5.

Gov. Wolf was warned of these dangers. On March 18, the ACLU of Pennsylvania, Abolitionist Law Center, and Amistad Law Project sent a letter to the governor warning him and other state officials of the danger and outlining numerous powers that he and other state agencies have at their disposal to release people from prisons to lower the risk of the disease spreading in state prisons. On March 26, 13 public health and legal experts from some of Pennsylvanias top universities, including Drexel, Temple, Pitt and Penn, sent the governor a letter with the same warning.

To date, Gov. Wolf has left the response to the Department of Corrections, which has tried to work with the General Assembly to achieve a legislative resolution, an effort that has yet to produce any results.

But the governor has the ability to release more people from the state prisons right now by using his constitutionally enshrined power of reprieve. With this mechanism, the governor can temporarily suspend the sentence of anyone serving time for a criminal conviction. He can release people in the state prisons who are at high risk of contracting COVID-19, including the elderly and people with serious medical conditions, and send them home to their families. Individuals released under this reprieve power would finish serving their sentence after the public health emergency has passed.

In 2015, a high-ranking state official called the reprieve provision of the state constitution entirely unlimited. This official said, (T)he Governors constitutional power to issue reprieves is not only express and unlimited, but it stands without regulation by any other body or official of government, including the General Assembly and the courts, and that the Governor may define the reason for, and duration of, a reprieve as he sees fit.

The state official who said that was Gov. Tom Wolf.

In a brief submitted by the Office of General Counsel in a case in which district attorneys challenged his moratorium on executions, the governor argued that the power of reprieve is solely his. The state Supreme Court agreed and ruled in his favor.

The governor used that power once. Why would he hesitate to use it again, in a public health crisis that threatens to kill thousands of Pennsylvanians?

Gov. Wolf must act now and use the constitutionally granted power of reprieve to temporarily release the most vulnerable people in Pennsylvanias state prisons. Gov. Wolf cant stop COVID-19 from entering a prison. But he can minimize the damage it does.

It is time for him to act.

Reggie Shuford is Executive Director, ACLU of Pennsylvania
The United States has become the world's first country to have registered more than 2,000 COVID-19 deaths in a single day with 2,108 fatalities reported in the past 24 hours, while the number of infections in America has crossed 500,000, the highest in the world, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

IMAGE: Medics bring a patient who has tested positive for the coronavirus disease to the ambulance at an assisted living facility in Chelsea, Massachusetts, US. Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters

China, where the deadly coronavirus disease started in December last year before spreading across Europe and America killing more than 100,000, has so far recorded 81,000 cases of positive infections and 3,339 deaths.

In terms of fatalities, the US might soon overtake Italy where 18,848 COVID-19 deaths have happened so far.

By Friday night, the US had 18,679 recorded deaths, closely behind Italy.

More than 16,000 people have died in Spain and over 13,000 in Germany, the university data said.

By Friday night more than 2,108 Americans had died due to the novel coronavirus and 500,399 people had tested positive with the dreaded disease, it said.

The COVID-19 positive cases in the United States are now more than the other top countries taken together: Spain (158,000), Italy (147,000), Germany (122,000) and France (112,000).

New York, which has emerged as the epicenter of COVID-19 deaths, has registered over 1.7 lakh positive cases, which is more than any other country.

More than 7,800 people in New York have died due to coronavirus. New Jersey has has nearly 2,000 deaths and more than 54,000 confirmed cases.

Before the start of the week, members of the White House Task Force on Coronavirus had projected between 100,000 and 200,000 deaths in the US.

While President Donald Trump had said that this was going to be a "terrible, terrible" week in terms of death, US Surgeon General Jerome Adams said the week was going to be 9/11 and Pearl Harbour moment for the country.

On Friday, Trump told reporters that as per the new projections the death toll was expected to be below 60,000.

"Hard to believe that if you had 60,000 (deaths), you could never be happy, but that's a lot fewer than we were originally told and thinking. So they said between 100 and 220,000 lives on the minimum side, and then up to 2.2 million lives if we didn't do anything. But it showed a just tremendous resolve by the people," he said.

Trump has declared a national emergency, has notified major disaster declaration for almost all of the 50 States and more than 95 per cent of the 330 million population are under stay-at-home order.

The American economy is headed for a recession, experts say.

IMAGE: People arrive for testing during the outbreak of coronavirus at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, US. Photograph: Joshua Roberts/Reuters

New York, the epicenter, he said is showing signs of a "downward curve," Trump said.

"A lot of that has to do with the aggressive strategy in saving so many lives. We're saving so many lives compared to what it could have been," he said.

"In New York, we're seeing hospital admissions declining very substantially. And nationwide, the number of new cases per day is flattening substantially, suggesting that we are near the peak and our comprehensive strategy is working, Trump said.

Over time, the guidelines to slow the spread are decreasing the rate of new cases very substantially and will result in fewer hospital admissions, he added.

According to Dr Deborah Brix, a member of the White House Task Force on Coronavirus, the mortality rate in the United States is significantly less than many other countries.

"That is really solely the work of our frontline healthcare providers," she said, but cautioned that the country has still not reached the peak.

"But as encouraging as they are, we have not reached the peak. And so, every day, we need to continue to do what we did yesterday and the week before and the week before that, because that's what, in the end, is going to take us up across the peak and down the other side," Brix said.

Globally, 102,669 people have died due to coronavirus and over 1.6 million people have been infected, according to Johns Hopkins University data.
Ten residents of a Southeast Portland nursing home have died from coronavirus -- Oregons largest known cluster of deaths tied to the disease.

The death toll at Healthcare at Foster Creek -- provided by two employees and confirmed by information released late Friday by the state Department of Human Services -- accounts for nearly one in five coronavirus deaths in the state.

It indicates the coronavirus pandemic has hit long-term homes for the elderly far harder than previously known.

The full scope is unclear, however, because state officials have not yet provided home-by-home details on COVID-19 cases for all facilities, as requested by The Oregonian/OregonLive.

Corvallis Democrat Sen. Sara Gelser, who chairs the Senate Interim Committee on Human Services, tweeted this story after it was published, saying she only learned about the deaths from a state official who heard it from a reporter.

"Information must be more timely and transparent, Gelser wrote.

Three other senior communities have had major outbreaks. Laurelhurst Village in Portland has reported the deaths of five residents and positive cases among 57 staff members and residents.

The others are at the state veterans home in Lebanon, which has reported the deaths of three residents and 21 cases among residents, and Marquis Marian Estates, a nursing home in Sublimity that has confirmed seven residents and six employees have fallen ill with the coronavirus. Nobody from Marquis Marian Estates has died.

At Healthcare at Foster Creek, about 20 current residents have been diagnosed with the disease or are showing symptoms, according to nurse Morgen Crumpacker and nursing assistant Alyssa Talimao who work there.

The two caregivers described dire conditions, with far fewer staff working than normal and far more high-risk residents.

They have kept separate tallies of each coronavirus death as the outbreak tore through the nursing home since its first cases were identified in late March. Foster Creek is licensed to hold up to 114 residents.

Crumpacker and Talimao said theyve counted nine people who have died after getting diagnosed with the disease, based on staff briefings, calls from testing labs, an internal resident database and nurse and caregiver chart notes. A 10th person with coronavirus symptoms also died but hadnt been tested, they said.

Elisa Williams, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Human Services, said Healthcare at Foster Creek has reported 10 COVID-related deaths, 18 other cases among residents and six cases among staff.

The nursing home has provided updates on its website, and through Monday indicated five residents had died. The nursing home is managed by Benicia Senior Living of Oregon. One of the companys owners didnt respond to email and phone calls for comment.

Crumpacker, a licensed practical nurse, and Talimao work in the same unit. Both said Foster Creek needs more help to fight the outbreak and protect residents and employees.

All of us are motivated and working to keep these patients alive, Talimao said. And they keep dying.

Many workers have been out sick or have decided not to come to work for fear of infecting their families, the women said. As a result, Talimao alone had to care for more than 20 residents by herself at least twice in the last few weeks.

Normally, three nursing assistants staff Talimaos 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. shift, along with a nurse.

Now, when Crumpacker and Talimao are on the same shift, the nurse must provide basic care typically done by nursing assistants and forego more intensive care.

You focus on barebones necessities, Crumpacker said. These people need water. These people need food.

Crumpacker also said shes been reusing the same N95 mask for a week and a half, tying a handmade cloth mask around the front and washing it daily.

The Oregon Long-Term Care Ombudsmans Office raised the alarm Thursday about the nursing home to Multnomah County, citing in an email grave concerns coming from staff and family members related to Health Care at Foster Creek.

Lisa Ferguson, a county health official, responded that the countys Health Department did an infection control assessment of Foster Creek with the Oregon Health Authority.

The state Department of Human Services has been working to provide additional staffing so that sick and healthy residents can be separated, Ferguson wrote.

Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare, a company that provides staff for residents with mental health needs at Foster Creek, also pulled its employees out of the nursing home due to healthcare practices there, according to an ombudsmans email obtained through a public records request.

The Cascadia manager explained that the company felt the home wasnt making protective equipment available and that Cascadia workers were concerned that some Foster Creek staff were working in units with positive cases and those without cases.

About a week ago, Crumpacker recalled singing to an infected resident struggling to breathe. When she started in on Amazing Grace, she stumbled on some of the words and another patient in the room picked up the verse.

The patient with COVID-19 died several days later, she said.

-- 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.
China has been accused of covering up a horrific coronavirus death toll of tens of thousands of people and unleashing a potential wave of new infections by taking the city at the epicentre of the outbreak out of quarantine to help jump-start its national economy.

Communist Party officials are suspected of manipulating statistics to hide a cataclysmic body count in Wuhan in Hubei province in a cynical ploy to allow it to sprint ahead of other major economies by getting back to business as vast swathes of the world remain paralysed by the pandemic.

Incredibly, Beijing claims only 3,336 people have been killed by Covid-19 in China - just over a third of Britain's current total and one 30th of the global toll.

Chinese officials now report almost zero new infections. Even more astonishingly, China says only 119 people have died in its 25 provinces outside Hubei - many of them the size of European countries - while simultaneously killing more than 102,000 people outside China.

All but two of those provinces claim to have had zero deaths or less than ten deaths.

A mother holding her daughter walking in the street in Wuhan, Hubei Province, in China

For that scenario to be true, Covid-19 would have had to miraculously bypass more than 1.3billion people in the rest of China even as people travelled freely in and out of Wuhan, which is linked by air and high-speed rail to Beijing and Shanghai and cities across China, from the start of the November outbreak until the January 23 lockdown.

But as China triumphantly returns to business as usual and lifts a travel ban on Wuhan where the virus began, critics and sources within the country claim its statistics defy logic and warn its decision to lift the quarantine is triggering panic among Chinese citizens.

A Mail on Sunday investigation drawing on reports from inside China has found disturbing evidence that:

Crematoriums kept furnaces burning 24 hours a day in Wuhan to dispose of tens of thousands of bodies at the peak of the outbreak in February;

Tens of thousands of funeral urns for the cremated remains of victims were delivered when the lockdown ended and relatives were ordered to hold funeral ceremonies quickly and quietly;

Hospitals were told to discharge patients after President Xi Jinping visited Wuhan on March 10 to effectively declare victory over the virus;

Videos emerged on the day the Wuhan lockdown was lifted on Wednesday showing a dead body being moved at night by health workers in hazardous materials suits and the unconscious body of an apparent victim lying in the street;

Rioting has broken out as people from Hubei province are treated 'like lepers', with officials in one province offering cash rewards to trace and detain them;

China's own citizens believe the real death figures are ten to 40 times higher than official figures, while a prominent US-based dissident says hundreds of thousands may have died.

China - battered by the US trade war and a prolonged slowdown that threatened to undermine its legitimacy before Covid-19 - celebrated its alleged victory over the virus by setting off fireworks over Wuhan last week and urging people to go back to work and start shopping again to revive the economy.

The announcements follow a decline in reported Covid-19 cases that has gathered pace since President Xi Jinping visited Wuhan on March 10 and spoke to hospital workers by video link to signal China's triumph over the outbreak.

Since that visit, there have been only 200 more reported deaths in China according to official statistics and the country where Covid19 originated claims a death rate of just 2.4 people per million, compared with 90 per million in the UK and 300 per million in Spain.

The astonishing disappearance of the virus within China - while countries like Britain face up to a year of lockdown - began weeks after credible reports emerged from Wuhan in February of cemeteries burning hundreds of bodies 24 hours a day, mobile crematoriums being sent to the city, and hospitals being overwhelmed by sick and dying patients.

CIA officials told the White House in a leaked report that China is vastly understating both Covid-19 deaths and cases in the same way financiers worldwide accept it has for decades routinely manipulated its GDP data to maintain a consistently positive narrative.

Chinese dissident Jennifer Zeng, who has monitored the outbreak through contacts within the country, said: 'Many sources told us Wuhan was preparing to build 15 more makeshift hospitals to cope with the number of victims. But after President Xi's visit, officials suddenly declared hospital patients should be sent home.

'Patients were released without being properly diagnosed and tested. They wanted the city to reopen for economic activity, so they just pretended the virus was totally under control. But we have seen videos of bodies being moved at night, people collapsing in the street, and we've heard from hospitals with 100 victims in the past week.

'The figure of 3,000 deaths is absolute b******t. Based on the world average and Italy's ratio, I believe there have been dozens of thousands of deaths at least. It is possible there have been hundreds of thousands of deaths.'

In clashes captured on video, police officers from the two provinces wrestled with each other, while people in face masks from either side of the bridge fought and overturned police cars after migrant workers without the virus were told they could once again leave Hubei for work

The violence erupted after barricades were reportedly set up by police to stop the Hubei workers crossing into Jiangxi where, according to government figures, there have been less than 1,000 Covid-19 cases and only one death

Suspicions over the official death toll are widespread, even within China.

An MoS correspondent in Guangxi province, south-west China, said: 'Some people say this number should be multiplied by ten. Others say it should be multiplied by 40. They delivered 40,000 funeral urns to Wuhan, so everyone knows the government figure is a lie.'

Officials in Guangxi were last week offering 1,000 renminbi (114) rewards to citizens who report people arriving in the province from Hubei.

The bounty follows extraordinary scenes when Hubei police fought with police from neighbouring Jiangxi trying to stop Hubei people crossing a bridge between the two provinces in late March.

A women walking in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, after the partial lift of the lockdown

In clashes captured on video, police officers from the two provinces wrestled with each other, while people in face masks from either side of the bridge fought and overturned police cars after migrant workers without the virus were told they could once again leave Hubei for work.

The violence erupted after barricades were reportedly set up by police to stop the Hubei workers crossing into Jiangxi where, according to government figures, there have been less than 1,000 Covid-19 cases and only one death.

The chaotic showdown showed the lack of trust Chinese people have in official assurances that the virus is no longer a threat.

A commentary in the Communist Party newspaper the People's Daily complained 'some places are discriminating against Hubei people without purpose'.

As factories reopen in Guangdong province, home to the country's biggest migrant worker population, police were conducting spot checks at railway stations and in the street to intercept anyone from Hubei, taking them to be tested in detention.

In Beijing, meanwhile, people were on high alert about the risk of infection, with most restaurants and bars still closed and residents terrified of encountering people from the epicentre of the outbreak.

'No one will allow people from Hubei in and they will be rounded up wherever they go,' said a photographer in the capital.

The MoS believes hospitals were told to discharge patients after President Xi (pictured) visited Wuhan on March 10 to effectively declare victory over the virus

A security man stands guard next to a library of Wuhan University, in Wuhan, China

Professor Ben Cowling, co-director of the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology at the University of Hong Kong, said officials in China may have significantly underestimated infection rates early on by only counting people with advanced symptoms like pneumonia.

However, he insisted: 'The cohort of people leaving Wuhan are perhaps going to be the most tested people in the word. Wherever they go, they are probably going to be monitored and surveilled.'

Asked how so much of China escaped the virus, Prof Cowling said he believed the most important factor was the lockdowns being 'widely applied across a large number of cities before community transmission could be established'.

Zeng, a researcher with the State Council in Beijing before she was jailed and exiled for her connections to the banned Falun Gong spiritual movement, has a blunter explanation.

'The Chinese Communist Party lied about the numbers from the beginning because it's in their DNA,' she said.

'Whenever anything negative happens, they cover it up. Now people are laughing at the numbers from China - but because they have already told such a big lie, they have no option other than to carry on lying.'
Jammu, April 11 : Pakistan Army on Saturday resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation on the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K's Poonch district, Defence spokesman, Colonel Devender Anand told IANS.

"Around 9.50 a.m. today Pakistan initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing with small arms and intense shelling with mortars along the LoC in Kirni sector. The Indian Army is retaliating befittingly," Anand said.

The ceasefire violation comes a day after the Indian Army destroyed an ammunition dump, a terror launching pad and caused damage to an artillery formation of Pakistan in Keran and Tangdhar sectors of the Valley.

Meanwhile, two civilians were injured and two residential houses damaged in Pakistan shelling in Keran sector of the LoC on the Indian side yesterday.
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 11th April, 2020) The number of COVID-19 cases confirmed in Uzbekistan has risen by 25 to 694, the country's Health Ministry announced on Saturday.

"As of 10:00 on April 11, 2020 [05:00 GMT], the number of cases of coronavirus disease in Uzbekistan is 694," the Health Ministry said in a message on its official Telegram channel.

On Friday, the Health Ministry had announced that a total of 669 cases had been reported in Uzbekistan since the start of the outbreak. The death toll then stood at three, and 42 people have recovered after contracting the disease, health authorities announced.

The first case of the disease in the country was reported on March 15, identified as a woman who had recently returned from France.

Stringent self-isolation measures have been in force in Uzbekistan since April 1. Citizens over 65 years of age are forbidden to leave their homes, and almost 90,000 people are in state-ordered quarantine.

The Uzbek government has banned all international travel until April 30, and inter-regional passenger travel has also been suspended.
Ukraine also received first batch of humanitarian aid from the UAE to combat Covid-19

On Friday, April 10, an airplane landed at the Boryspil International Airport with 113 citizens of Ukraine who could not leave the UAE earlier, as the Security Service of Ukraine reported.

According to the Service's chief Ivan Bakanov, the plane also delivered the first batch of humanitarian aid to Ukraine from the UAE with a total cargo of 10 tons so as to fight the Covid-19 coronavirus.

In particular, we are talking about personal protective equipment: 15 thousand medical gowns, 20 thousand protective masks, 500 thousand gloves, 30 thousand pairs of protective shoes, 15 thousand overalls and six thousand liters of disinfectant.

"The humanitarian aid was received without raising funds from the state budget of Ukraine. All protective equipment will be directly transferred to domestic hospitals and doctors," the SBU officials stated.

As we reported before, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the planes with the medical means and tests of coronavirus continue to arrive in Ukraine.

During a week, our planes supply from China and South Korea everything necessary. Four planes have already arrived; we except another four today and on the weekends. The result of the one-week delivery is almost half a million respirators, 150,000 of single-use advanced suits, 100,000 of polymerase chain reaction tests and 200,000 reagent needed for polymerase chain reaction tests, the president reported.
- The Nonprofit Will Help Lead Pre-Clinical Development and Clinical Trial Oversight -

NEW YORK, April 09, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- iBio, Inc. (NYSE AMERICAN:IBIO) (iBio or the Company), a biologics contract manufacturing organization and biotechnology innovator, today announced the signing of two Master Services Agreements (the MSAs) and a Memorandum of Understanding (the MoU) with the Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI) in support of iBios SARS-CoV-2 Virus-Like Particle (VLP) vaccine development.



Under the MSAs, IDRI will support pre-clinical development and provide clinical trial oversight, while iBio will provide process development and manufacturing services to IDRI, as needed. Additionally, the MoU calls for iBio and IDRI to establish a separate, additional agreement within the next 60 days if the Company opts to include one of IDRIs novel adjuvants in the COVID-19 vaccine development program (IBIO-200). The MSAs and the MoU integrate IDRI into iBios collaboration with the Texas A&M University System to create a strong partnership that brings deep experience and advanced technologies and capabilities to the task of moving IBIO-200 into the clinic.

We are delighted to have IDRI contribute its deep understanding of infectious diseases and vaccine development expertise to the team, said Tom Isett, Co-Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of iBio. We are also looking forward to evaluating the novel adjuvants in IDRIs portfolio that may deliver even greater immunostimulatory effects. A more potent antigen-adjuvant combination would further increase our projected manufacturing capacity for production of a vaccine for COVID-19 disease.

We are excited to be a partner in the development of IBIO-200, said Corey Casper, M.D., MPH, Chief Executive Officer of the IDRI and Clinical Professor of Medicine and Global Health at the University of Washington. Combining iBios VLP antigen with an IDRI adjuvant provides for promising safety and efficacy characteristics, and importantly, the ready ability to scale-up manufacturing to help meet the projected global demand for a suitable vaccine.

Story continues

About iBio, Inc.

iBio is a global leader in plant-based biologics manufacturing. Its FastPharming System combines vertical farming, automated hydroponics, and glycan engineering technologies to rapidly deliver gram quantities of high-quality monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, bioinks and other proteins. The Companys subsidiary, iBio CDMO LLC, provides FastPharming Contract Development and Manufacturing Services via its 130,000 square foot facility in Bryan, Texas. Originally built in 2010 with funding from the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), iBios FastPharming Facility was part of the Blue Angel initiative to establish factories capable of rapid delivery of medical countermeasures in response to a disease pandemic. iBios FastGlycaneering Development Service includes an array of new glycosylation technologies for engineering high-performance recombinant proteins. Additionally, iBio is developing proprietary products which include IBIO-100 for the treatment of fibrotic diseases and IBIO-200, a COVID-19 vaccine. For more information, visit www.ibioinc.com .

About the Infectious Disease Research Institute



As a nonprofit global health organization, IDRI (Infectious Disease Research Institute) takes a comprehensive approach to combat infectious diseases, combining the high-quality science of a research organization with the product development capabilities of a biotech company to create vaccines and therapeutics. IDRI combines passion for improving human health with the understanding that it is not just what our scientists know about disease, but what we do to change its course that will have the greatest impact. Founded in 1993, IDRI has 55 employees headquartered in Seattle with more than 100 partners/collaborators around the world. For more information, visit www.idri.org.

About The Texas A&M University System

TAMUS is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation with a budget of $6.3 billion. The System is a statewide network of 11 universities; a comprehensive health science center; eight state agencies, including the Texas Division of Emergency Management; and the RELLIS Campus. The Texas A&M System educates more than 151,000 students and makes more than 22 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. System-wide, research and development expenditures exceeded $1 billion in FY 2019 and helped drive the states economy.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 12:26:05|Editor: huaxia

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RIYADH, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Energy ministers of the Group of 20 (G20) agreed on Friday to ensure the energy market's stability, affordability and security in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a joint statement released after their virtual meeting.

The G20 economies will develop collaborative policy responses to ensure market stability across all energy sources taking into account each member's circumstances, the statement said.

"All the necessary measures" will be taken to ensure a balance of interests between producers and consumers, the security of the energy systems and an uninterrupted flow of energy, said the ministers, who called energy security "a cornerstone of energy market stability."

"We establish a short-term Focus Group, with the task of monitoring the response measures," the statement read.

The G20 energy ministers will meet again in September as scheduled.
The lockdown declared by the Indian government to curb COVID-19 pandemic has received mixed response till now. While one section of the citizens has praised the decision, many have also been critical of it. Among those from the film industry, after Kamal Haasan expressed his displeasure over the troubles being faced by daily wage workers, Simi Garewal has come out in support of the lockdown.

READ: PM Modi Thanks Priyanka Chopra For Donating To PM CARES; lauds Chiranjeevi For COVID Song

Garewal recently praised the efforts taken by India in the battle against COVID-19. The veteran took to Twitter recently and wrote that she was proud of Indias handling of the situation.

The Karz star gave the first credit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking charge and taking a difficult but timely lockdown before other countries like Spain, UK and Singapore, despite India being ranked lower than them by WHO and the UN.

READ: Javed Akhtar & Simi Garewal All Praise For CM Uddhav Thackeray's Efforts In Fighting COVID

She added that India got the lowest number of infections per million and praised the efforts of the CMs for taking firm steps. The veteran also praised the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation for precision and dedication for cleaning and sanitisation of the roads and support of the companies of the country.

Garewal also highlighted the efforts of the Sikh community in providing free meals, while sharing how we were safe in our homes while the doctors and nurses are on the battlefield. The actor shared they were deserving of all gratitude, and about her heart swelling with awe and admiration. She also called for an end to the criticism in the challenging circumstances.

Here are the posts

Am so proud how India has handled the C-19 crisis. 1st credit must go to PM @narendramodi for taking charge, & a difficult but timely lockdown, before other countries. S'pore UK Spain now follow us.

On the world measure index WHO & UN rates India 100.(1)..  Simi Garewal (@Simi_Garewal) April 8, 2020

Lowest numbers of infection per million across the earth.

All CMs hv taking firm steps.

Our BMC works with precision & dedication. Roads swept, washed & sanitized. Waste disposed off. Areas contained.

India Inc support in multiple ways - for free.

(2)..  Simi Garewal (@Simi_Garewal) April 8, 2020

Sikh give lakhs of meals free daily.

Doctors, Nurses, Police hv risen as one to fight this scourge. They're on the battlefield. We're safe in our homes. We owe them our gratitude.

Yes my heart swells with admiration & awe! India is doing us PROUD. JAI HIND  Simi Garewal (@Simi_Garewal) April 8, 2020

Please stop the criticism! They are all doing the best under very difficult & challenging circumstances. Instead give credit where it is due.  Simi Garewal (@Simi_Garewal) April 8, 2020

READ: Richa, Anubhav Sinha & Others Not Pleased With Panic Buying; Simi Garewal Shares Warning

Meanwhile, India has entered day 18 of the national lockdown, that ends on April 14. There have been calls for an extension to the lockdown, by numerous leaders. As per Ministry figures, 239 persons have lost their lives due to COVID-19 in India, with over 7000 cases.

READ: Simi Garewal Backs Kangana On Nirbhaya Rapists, But Calls Indira Jaising 'a Fine Woman'
State-run miner Nalco will fund an exclusive 200-bedded hospital for COVID-19 patients in Odisha, the company said on Saturday.

"Showing commitment and solidarity with the home state in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO) ... has come forward to fund an exclusive 200-bedded Covid19 hospital at Nabarangpur, Odisha," the PSU said in a statement.

A tripartiteent in this context has been signed by Nalco, District Administration and Christian Hospital, Nabarangpur on Saturday, the statement said.

The 200-bedded hospital will have medical facilities exclusively for treatment of Covid 19 patients.

Under the agreement a Covid 19 exclusive isolation facility care centre has been made at B.Ed college, Hirli, Nabarangpur.

With the exclusive Covid19 hospital being operational in the tribal dominated district of Nabarangpur, hopes are high that it will also be helpful for other adjoining districts of southern Odisha,viz Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri and Kalahandi.

"We have stood with the people of Odisha in the past during natural calamities. This time, the crisis is more challenging and of unprecedented scale, and we at Nalco reiterate our pledge to extend our wholehearted support in whatever ways we can," company's CMD Sridhar Patra said.

Earlier, Nalco employees had contributed two-day salary amounting to Rs 5.2 crore which has been remitted to PM CARES Fund and Odisha CM's Relief Fund, i.e Rs, 2.6 crore each.

The company is a navratna central public sector enterprises which comes under the Ministry of Mines.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, April 11, 2020 18:10 640 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd13dad2 1 Entertainment Rich-Brian,music,album,rapper,single,coronavirus,COVID-19 Free

Indonesian rapper Rich Brian introduced a new single, "Bali", on Friday, his first release since the launch of his second studio album, The Sailor, in July 2019.

As one might expect, the song was indeed inspired by the famous paradise island it is named after.

Featuring American rapper Guapdad 4000, it boasts a jolly mix of playful reggae and hip-hop.

Read also: Rich Brian releases short film on home and dreams

Brian told Billboard on Friday that, although he had been making a lot of music even before the COVID-19 lockdown, he was not currently planning on releasing an album. "I may come out with a short EP or something, but right now it's all up in the air."

Regarding the pandemic, the 20-year old said he was not that upset about having to cancel many things, as "we have to be responsible and do our part in not letting the virus go on any longer". He also shared that he was seeking to make the best of the situation by learning new skills and embracing old ones, such as cutting his own hair and editing videos.

The "Bali" single is available on major streaming platforms. (kes)
- East Avenue Medical Center issued a statement regarding the alleged cover-ups of COVID-19 deaths

- GMA News reporter Arnold Clavio shared a conversation with an unnamed source exposing the alleged order from the DOH to stop reporting COVID-19 deaths

- The DOH also issued a statement denying the allegations and urging the public to fact-check information before sharing online

- The country currently has 4,428 confirmed cases, with 157 recoveries and 247 fatalities as per the Health Department

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The East Avenue Medical Center issued a statement regarding the issue of alleged cover-ups of COVID-19 deaths. GMA News reporter Arnold Clavio took to Instagram to share some of the messages from an alleged unnamed frontline working in a hospital.

In his earlier post, Clavio tagged the Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to verify the information. According to his post, the hospital requested body bags because of the severity of the situation.

He wrote,"Sa isang ospital sa Metro Manila, may utos na huwag nang magbilang ng namamatay dahil sa COVID19. Ayon sa isang frontliner, nakakatakot ang situwasyon dahil nagkalat sa hallway ng ospital ang mga bangkay. Sa isang ward, may 15-20 ang Covid19 positive. Sa tatlong ward, puno ng PUI (Person Under Investigation). Sa loob ng isang araw, 10 ang namamatay. Kaya nanawagan na ang ospital sa supplier ng mga body bags para paglagyan ng mga namatay. Maging ang ilang frontliner ay nahahawa na rin. Seryoso at nakakabahala ang impormasyong ito at kailangan ang mabilis na pagtugon ng pamahalaan."

EAMC denied that they were ordered to stop reporting COVID-19 deaths dated April 11 following Clavio's Instagram post.

Likewise, the Department of Health denied giving orders to hospitals.

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In another Instagram post, Clavio thanked Secretary Duque for addressing the issue. However, he questioned why a doctor from the said hospital posted on social media that the hospital is in dire need of cadaver bags."

Clavio also said that the information was verified since his sources witnessed the situation.

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 present, the Philippines is under a state of calamity while the entire Luzon is under an enhanced community quarantine.

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The country's largest airlines will have to compensate taxpayers for billions in payroll grants to weather coronavirus, the Treasury Department said Friday, leaving the door open to an aid structure that sparked criticism from labor unions, some lawmakers and industry members.

The Treasury Department has received more than 230 applications from air carriers for payroll grants as the virus and harsh measures to stop it drive down air travel demand to the lowest level in decades. Last week, United, Delta, JetBlue, Spirit and others said they applied for the aid.

Two weeks ago, Congress approved $25 billion in grants for U.S. passenger carriers, $4 billion for cargo airlines and $3 billion for airline contractors, such as caterers, in exchange for not furloughing workers or cutting their pay rates through Sept. 30. Lawmakers also approved $29 billion in loans for airlines.

The Treasury Department was supposed to start making initial payments last Monday to airlines that applied and were approved for the grants, but the process has taken longer than expected as the Treasury Department requested additional financial information from airlines, according to people familiar with the discussions.

Airline executives have said the drop in demand is more severe than following the Sept. 11 attacks and say they expect the fallout from the pandemic will last into next year if not longer than that.

The Treasury Department on Friday said that it would not require applicants seeking $100 million or less to provide compensation but that it was working with 12 passenger airlines whose allocations would be greater than that amount. Officials have said the compensation could include stock warrants and or other financial instruments.

The department said it would provide guidance to those larger passenger airlines "should total requests for payroll support exceed the maximum amounts awardable under the CARES Act."

President Donald Trump on Friday said his administration plans to meet with carriers about the aid.

"We have a great plan for the airlines. We've got to keep the airlines going," Trump said at a press briefing. "It's never been a great business but it's a vital business for the country."

The delays in getting the aid to the ailing carriers has sparked concern among some airline unions and lawmakers.

"Congress acted two weeks ago. That's a pay period," Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, which represents some 50,000 cabin crew members, tweeted at Secretary Mnuchin on Friday. "Cut the checks."
New disengagement zones are being negotiated, the president stressed.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday, April 11, paid a visit to the zone of the Joint Forces Operation in Donbas, speaking of ongoing efforts on setting up new disengagement sites and toward restoring peace in the country's east.

"Glad that the disengagement helped reduce shelling. We're seeing the result. The troops are seeing the result. We're working to coordinate new sites and bring peace to the Donbas land," Zelensky said while visiting disengagement site No.3 near Bohdanivka and Petrivske as reported by the Presidential Office press service.

The president was briefed about Joint Forces' efforts to monitor movement of enemy units in the area before visiting one of the Ukrainian bases where Zelensky handed awards to three distinguished Ukrainian troops, thanking them for their service.

Read alsoRussian occupation forces 17 times shell Ukrainian troops in Donbas

In the face of the coronavirus pandemic, Zelensky appealed to the military to protect their life and health.

As UNIAN reported earlier, forces and means of the warring sides disengaged in the area of Stanytsia Luhanska in June 2019, near Zolote  in late October, and in the area of Bohdanivka and Petrivske  in November.

Normandy Four leaders during their latest summit in Paris on December 9, 2019, voiced support for the agreement reached within the framework of the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk on the separation of forces and assets at three more sites. Previously it was agreed that the next stage of disengagement should take place before the end of March 2020.

On February 12, participants in the TCG stopped short of agreeing that one of the three new sites will be the area near the village of Hnutove in Donetsk region.

On March 11, the OSCE Special Representative in Ukraine and the TCG, Ambassador Heidi Grau, said that representatives of Ukraine and Russia had agreed in Minsk to submit within a week their positions on possible compromises on the issue.

On March 13, Head of Ukrainian President's Office Andriy Yermak said that consultations on the designation of three more disengagement sites were ongoing.

Read alsoUkrainian PM presents draft strategy for bringing country out of quarantine

On April 9, Ambassador Heidi Grau, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and the TCG, said that the Group's members  representatives of Russia and Ukraine  had not yet identified additional sites for disengagement of forces.
"This is the moment I've been training for all my life!" an unnamed introvert asserts in a Facebook post, as covid-19 sends much of the world into seclusion.

Edie Jarolim, a freelance writer and editor in Arizona, can relate to that sentiment - that adults who have chosen to live alone may be better adapted than many to the stay-at-home restrictions in place in large parts of the United States and elsewhere.

"I know many/most people find comfort in other people's company in situations like this," she said in an email. "Me, I am eternally grateful that I am not stuck at home with someone else."

Others contacted through the Community of Single People, a Facebook support group for adults who are single by choice, agree. Ranging in age from 35 to 73, they responded by email to questions about what the lockdown means to men and women who thrive on living solo even in normal times.

While rejecting what they see as the widespread belief that all well-adjusted adults would couple-up if they could, these voluntary singles did express fear that social prejudice could affect their medical treatment.

As Christina Campbell, a writer in Virginia who co-founded the singles advocacy blog Onely.org, said: "The main problem is the assumption that because I am not married I don't have a support system."

Others worry that patients who are single may be viewed as less important when it comes to medical treatment than those who have partners.

Nevertheless, they consider their lifestyle an advantage during the covid-19 lockdown. London psychologist Eva Papadopoulou put it this way: "I think those who are single by choice and loving having time to themselves are very well equipped to deal with isolation." But, she reiterated, only "provided that living alone is a lifestyle choice."

Choice is important, experts confirm. "How single people are faring probably depends a lot on whether they have embraced single life," psychologist Bella DePaulo, who pioneered the scientific study of unmarried adults, said in an email. To those who have, "staying home for long periods may feel more like comfortable cocooning than anxious isolation," she said.

Elyakim Kislev, a sociologist at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, agrees. "Singles might have an advantage in this crisis, but it really depends on how they treat their singlehood," he said in an email. "I found in my research that those who accept and embrace their singlehood also know how to turn aloneness into solitude instead of loneliness."

That comfort with solitude, which research has associated with qualities such as creativity and personal growth, is a key element in adapting to a lockdown.

"The ability to be alone with yourself and your thoughts is an underappreciated skill," said Campbell. And Craig Wynne, an English professor in Virginia, feels "quite skilled at enjoying my own company, which is crucial for my well-being during this time."

Deeply engaging interests also play a role.

To Papadopoulou, extended solitude offers "an opportunity to finish that book, do some art, clean the loft, archive those traveling photographs, and do all those things on our never ending to-do list with no interference from others."

Nor do solo dwellers have to worry about being infected by a housemate or infecting anyone else. "Once I close my front door, I am self-isolating," said Caroline Hanson, a scientist and educational administrator who lives near London.

Although such a strong preference for solitude may sound like social isolation, these voluntary singles also enjoy active social lives based on a range of relationships. In so doing, they defy the social norm that, in Campbell's words, "discourages reaching out to friends for help, whereas leaning heavily on a spouse is seen as OK, even required."

"Many coupled people rely on each other, but this is almost the only resource they have," Kislev said. "In contrast, singles are closer to their relatives, they join more clubs, and they even know their neighborhood better. All of these are resources at [crisis] times, and they can rely on a more diverse network of social support."

Jarolim, for instance, described a check-in system with friends, including someone who will care for her dog if necessary. Ketaki Chowkhani, a sociologist in Manipal, India, identified her birders' group and the staff of her building as elements of her support system.

Freelance writer Kristin Noreen occupies a tiny house in a "small intentional community" in Washington state, where residents look after one another.

"Coupled people may have 'the one,' but single people often have 'the ones,' " DePaulo summed up. "That can serve them well in times like this."

Online resources also play an important role, especially for individuals capable of feeling emotionally connected to friends who are not physically present. Papadopoulou pointed to "many friends near me and all around the world," as well as "an online neighborhood support network where people offer help to each other."

Hanson relies on "a lot of friends and neighbors who have simply said, please let me know if you need anything, plus we are checking in with each other electronically - including friends in Australia, Germany, and the U.S."

And yet, as the covid-19 crisis deepens, these single adults express a growing unease.

It's not about how they'll manage alone at an unsettled time, or even about the possibility of dying alone. To those who genuinely prefer living solo, those risks are worth it - just as people living together accept the downsides of that way of life. Rather, their concern is that social bias might impede their access to treatment if they get sick.

Their concern is well-founded. Studies have shown, for instance, that unmarried patients with cancer receive surgery and radiotherapy at lower rates than married patients do, even when factors such as age and tumor stage are taken into account. And medical authors persistently disseminate the inaccurate belief that unmarried patients lack the social support necessary to handle aggressive care, although research findings in psychology and sociology overwhelmingly contradict that assumption.

"I won't be surprised to discover that experimental treatments for covid-19 are given to singles less frequently than to partnered people based on the false assumption they won't have enough support in case of failure," Kislev said. And yet, "Singles may actually have a better support system in such cases, with more people to chip in for help."

Shortages of medical resources also raise concerns.

"Whose life will be deemed more important, a single woman's or one with a husband and little child?" Chowkhani said. Wynne agreed. "Much of the rhetoric I've heard around medical care revolves around treating 'families,' " he noted. "I'd rather it say 'individuals.' "

"If anything, the rhetoric of families has gotten worse during the pandemic," DePaulo said. "The Coronavirus Response Act is called 'Families First.' Is that a way of telling me, right in the title, that as a solo single, I'm a second-class citizen?"

That's probably not a concern with respect to official guidelines for treating covid-19, infectious disease specialist and author Anand Panwalker said. "I think that [discrimination on the basis of marital status] would be illegal, unethical and immoral," he said in an email. "And no one would dare face legal responsibility for such a guideline, which would be challenged immediately."

But even if official guidelines don't discriminate, might individual medical providers still give priority to spouses? "Yes," Panwalker said. "I do believe that might happen."

The singles interviewed for this article believe that, too. Just as some older people aren't willing to die for the economy, they fear that their lives may be undervalued by medical decision-makers who won't even ask whether they're caregivers for friends or extended family, or mainstays of the wider community, or valued contributors to their professions.

"I'm a little nervous about if I have to go to the hospital and need a ventilator," said Noreen, 56. "My age and single status might demote me in the triage queue.

"I wish it weren't a competition."
COLUMBUS, OhioState officials are moving to test nearly 5,000 inmates at three Ohio prisons hit by the coronavirus, Gov. Mike DeWine said Friday.

We will be completely testing some of these prisons -- every prisoner, DeWine said during his daily briefing at the Ohio Statehouse. That will much better determine who has it, who doesnt have it, how to segregate them and how to attack this.

DeWine spokesman Dan Tierney later clarified that the promise of blanket testing is for inmates at three of the 10 prisons that, as of Friday, had confirmed cases among inmates and/or staff: the Marion Correctional Institution, Pickaway Correctional Institution, and the Franklin Medical Center.

Testing will begin on Saturday, according to state prisons spokeswoman JoEllen Smith. Ohio State University has helped state officials to obtain the necessary testing supplies and will process the test results, she stated in an email.

Marion and Pickaway have seen the most coronavirus cases among Ohios 31 prisons. As of Friday, 11 inmates and 44 staffers at Marion tested positive, including one employee who died earlier this week. At Pickaway, 23 inmates and 11 staffers were confirmed to have the disease.

The Franklin Medical Center, the Ohio prison systems hospital in Columbus, had 10 confirmed cases: one inmate and nine staffers.

Combined, the three prisons house 4,987 inmates. As of Friday, only 124 inmates across Ohios entire prison system have been tested for coronavirus, according to state data.

Tierney didnt immediately comment on whether every staff member at the three prisons will also be tested.

The other seven Ohio prisons with confirmed coronavirus as of Friday, according to the state, include:

The Correctional Reception Center in Orient

Dayton Correctional Institution

Madison Correctional Institution

North Central Correctional Complex in Marion

Northeast Ohio Correctional Center in Youngstown

Ohio State Penitentiary in Youngstown

Toledo Correctional Institution

In all, 38 Ohio prison inmates have tested positive, as have 74 prison staff. An additional 39 inmates still have test results pending.

Each of the 10 facilities are currently under a full quarantine.

DeWine said there has been a surge of testing and an influx of personal protection equipment at Ohio prisons in recent days, as well.

This is something I take very seriously, the governor said. We have a responsibility to employees...We have responsibility to the prisoners who are in our care. And we will do everything that we can to try to keep them safe.

DeWine has recommended the release of more than 200 non-violent inmates, both to make more room for social distancing and to keep safe a number of inmates who have underlying health issues, are pregnant, or are new mothers.

However, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio and other groups say the governor needs to do much more to depopulate state prisons, which have been overcrowded for years.

Following DeWines comments Friday, Gary Daniels, the ACLU of Ohios chief lobbyist, said that expanded testing isnt enough, referring to Thursdays data showing eight prisons under quarantine.

What additional testing does not accomplish is rapid, broad & smart reduction of Ohio prisons, now 10K above capacity, Daniels tweeted. With (now) 8 quarantined DRC facilities, assume every facility is exposed. Plan A is simply not working & we are wasting precious time.

What additional testing does not accomplish is rapid, broad & smart reduction of Ohio prisons, now 10K above capacity. With (now) 8 quarantined DRC facilities, assume every facility is exposed. Plan A is simply not working & we are wasting precious time.  Gary Daniels (@gdanielsohio) April 10, 2020

Read more Ohio coronavirus coverage:

Ohio OKs food trucks at highway rest areas during coronavirus emergency

Ohio health department video uses mousetraps, ping-pong balls to show importance of social distancing

As Easter nears, see which of the 50 states are banning religious gatherings in response to the coronavirus

Are vape shops essential businesses? It varies throughout Ohio

Experimental coronavirus treatment using plasma from survivors approved for Ohio use
A Cass County woman is the seventh victim of COVID-19 in North Dakota, the state Department of Health reported Saturday, as testing in the state surpassed 10,000 people.

Gov. Doug Burgum had announced the death during his Friday afternoon briefing, but full details weren't available at the time.

Health officials on Saturday said the woman in her 70s had underlying health conditions and acquired the coronavirus through community spread.

Cass County joins Stark County in having two COVID-19-related deaths. Cass County is home to Fargo, and Stark County to Dickinson. Other deaths have occurred in Morton, Emmons and McHenry counties.

The health department on Saturday reported 15 more positive cases statewide, including one in Burleigh County, home to Bismarck, seven in Cass County, two in Williams County, home to Williston, and one each in Stark, Mountrail, Ward, Richland and Rolette counties.

The statewide case total is now 293, with 119 recovered. Thirty-six people have been hospitalized; 10 remain so.

State and private labs have tested 10,080 people, with 9,787 being negative. Burgum has stressed that because testing data lags and not everyone is tested, the actual number of positive cases in the state could be 10 times higher.

Cass County leads the state with 95 cases; Burleigh County is second with 49. Neighboring Morton County has 19. Stark County has the third-most cases in the state, with 30, and Mountrail County, which encompasses the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, is fourth with 21.

The state this weekend plans testing in some coronavirus hot spot areas such as Mountrail County, Burgum said Thursday. Mountrail has a positive test rate of 14.1%. By comparison, Burleigh Countys rate is 3.5%.

As we dial up our capability, which we practiced last weekend in terms of being able to do testing, we will be, this weekend, conducting some testing in some of our hot spot areas to try to make sure that were really able to identify (cases) and then do the appropriate targeted isolation/quarantine to slow the spread in those areas where were showing a high percentage, Burgum said.

The state conducted drive-thru surveillance testing in the rural southwestern towns of Amidon and Gladstone last weekend. A total of 735 samples were collected, and so many people turned out that some had to be turned away because testing kits ran out. Six people tested positive, including three who had no symptoms.

Burgum said the testing not only showed that asymptomatic people can have the disease, it reinforced the need for people to be aware they can get COVID-19 from people who arent showing symptoms.

The testing in a rural area with almost no identified cases will help shape the states modeling and could have bigger impacts nationwide, where little of such testing has been done, according to the governor.

The department reports case numbers to the news media, on social media and on its website at: www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus.

Reach Blake Nicholson at 701-250-8266 or blake.nicholson@bismarcktribune.com.

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11.04.2020 LISTEN

The Managing Director of the Voiceless Consult, Chief Akilu Sayibu, has indicated that aside from staying home, washing hands, social distancing and the use of hand sanitizers, depoliticization is another way to defeat the covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking on Tamale based Zaa Radio recently, Chief Akilu Sayibu explained that death has no political colour and no one has a spare life.

He, therefore, urged Ghanaians to abide by the various interventions that the government is implementing to contain and curb the spread of the Novel coronavirus and throw politicization away in these difficult times.

Chief Akilu Sayibu also used the opportunity to appeal to Civil Society groups and members of the general public who can donate PPEs to the Security Agencies, Health Workers and the media to do so to complement the efforts of the government.

Chief Akilu Sayibu, who is also the Managing Editor of the Voiceless Media, disclosed that his media organization was using 80%, of its space for Covid-19 news coverage and also educating the general public on the virus and urged other media houses to do same as their way of contributing to the fight against the pandemic.

Ghana currently has 378 cases of the covid-19 and the government has, in the last two weeks, introduced partial lockdown in some parts of the country as a way of preventing the spread of the virus.

President Nana Akufo Addo also announced some measures to cushion Ghanaians in the face of the pandemic; Ghanaians are to enjoy free water for three months effective April and also free electricity in various forms. Frontline workers in the fight against the covid-19 in the country are also to receive some incentives.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said on April 10, 2020, that he will soon issue an executive order containing guidelines for how businesses can re-open, a key aspect of emerging from the virual lockdown the state, and much of America, has been amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (Tim Fox-Pool/Getty Images)

Texas to Ease CCP Virus Lockdown to Restore Jobs, Governor Says

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is planning to issue an executive order next week that will include guidance to businesses on how to re-open, a key phase in emerging from the virtual lockdown the state is under.

Like most states in America, recent orders in Texas mandate residents largely stay at home unless theyre taking so-called essential trips, in a bid to slow the spread of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus.

The new order will focus on protecting lives while restoring livelihoods, Abbott told reporters on Friday.

We can and we must do this. We can do both: expand and restore the livelihoods that Texans want to have by helping them return to work. One thing about Texans, they so much enjoy working and I know they want to get back into the workforce. We have to articulate also the strategies about ways we can do this safely, he added.

Vicky Dickson, with Houston Independent School District Nutrition Services, helps distribute food in Houston, amid the COVID-19 pandemic on April 6, 2020. (David J. Phillip/AP Photo)

State officials are in contact with the White House to make sure the new guidelines will follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, health officials on the White House Coronavirus Task Force, and economic officials like Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

A slew of European nations are starting to re-open and President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he hopes to have the United States re-open soon. The near-nationwide lockdowns have led to millions of people losing their jobs and fears of related impacts like higher suicide rates and shorter life spans.

Confirmed CCP virus cases in Texas rose to 11,449 on Friday, with 1,532 in hospitals and 221 killed by the new illness from China. But the growth rate has slowed down after social distancing measures were implemented last month, officials said, while the percentage of cases requiring hospital care has remained steady at around 10 percent of those who test positive.

The number of recovered patients in the state increased to 1,366, one of the highest counts in the nation.

Abbott declined to give full details on his planned order but said one component will be testing. A two-pronged testing approach, using tests to see who has the virus and other tests to see who has had the virus in the past, indicating likely immunity, has been recommended by federal officials.

A health worker wears a protective mask and suit as she extracts blood from a patient to perform an antibody test for COVID-19 at the Dworska Hospital in Krakow, Poland, on April 9, 2020. (Omar Marques/Getty Images)

We will operate strategically. We want to open up, but we want to open up safely, knowing that, if we do it too fast, without the appropriate strategies, it will just lead to a potential closure because of another outbreak of COVID-19, Abbott, a Republican, told reporters.

We all have a desire to get things going as quickly as possible, but we also have a desire to make sure that its done in ways that are safe.

Texas, according to Abbott, has always led economically.

We will lead economically in response to the aftermath of COVID-19, but we will understandably do so that we will do so in ways that protect lives and promote the livelihoods of our fellow Texans, he said.
Public health officials almost universally agree that the best way to keep coronavirus deaths to a minimum is for Americans to stay at home as much as possible. Yet President Donald Trump keeps wanting to reopen the economy as he tries to weigh economic health and public health.

A look at the polling data reveals, however, why he may want to err on the side of keeping folks at home.

Normally, presidential elections depend a lot on the state of the economy. Trump has to be seeing the economy shedding jobs and has to know the economy has historically been linked to a president's re-election hopes. I, myself, made the connection just last week.

And indeed, the percentage of voters who think the economy is getting worse skyrocketed to 60% in the latest Quinnipiac University poll. That's up from 28% at the beginning of March. When this many voters think the economy is getting worse historically, incumbents almost always lose.

The same poll, however, found that Trump's approval rating on the economy is 51%. This is no different than the average of Quinnipiac polls taken since May 2019. Voters, it seems, are not for the moment blaming Trump for any economic downturn.

This lack of attribution follows a general pattern we've seen throughout Trump's presidency. In fact, it's a trend dating back to Barack Obama's administration. Both of their approval ratings changed little, even as consumer sentiment moved around. For most presidents, there's a clear correlation.

Putting aside Obama and Trump, we see that voters are willing to forgive economic downturns in times of crisis. Think back to 2002. George W. Bush's Republican Party did exceedingly well in that year's midterms, even as the unemployment rate was hovering around its highest rate from 1995 to 2007.

Meanwhile, everything we see in the polling data suggests that almost no one thinks that we need to reopen the economy right now. In a Fox News poll this week, 80% of voters nationwide say they would favor the federal government announcing a stay at home order for everybody but essential workers. You usually can't get 80% of voters to agree upon anything, and the 80% is certainly higher than the approval Trump is getting for his handling of the coronavirus.

Voters aren't concerned Trump is being too proactive. If anything, they think he is being too cautious. The same Fox News poll showed that a mere 4% of voters thought Trump was overreacting to the virus. That compares with 47% who think he isn't taking the virus seriously enough.

Americans expect to have disruption to their lives for a good while longer. Most voters, 75%, in the Fox News poll believe the worst of the epidemic is yet to come. An ABC News/Ipsos poll found that the vast majority of Americans (91%) have had their daily routines interrupted by the virus, and a majority of those (56%) don't expect their routines to get back to normal until at least July.

The point is that there's a lot in the data to indicate that Americans want the President to focus most on the public health issue at hand more so than they are worried about him fixing the economy right now. If people are allowed to go about their normal routine too soon and the number of coronavirus cases rise afterward, there's a good case to be made that's far more dangerous to Trump's reelection chances than a bad economy.
Albert Munanga, regional director of health and wellness at Era Living, leads a personal protective equipment training session at the Ida Culver House Ravenna, a retirement center in Seattle. (Karen Ducey / For The Times)

Death fell hard across America this week.

More than 7,000 people died of COVID-19. Total U.S. infections of the coronavirus reached nearly half a million. It was the worst seven days the country has seen so far.

The news came as the world faced its own grim milestone Friday: more than 100,000 dead in an outbreak that has battered countless towns and cities. Even as the virus waned in China, its origin, it has surged across the planet.

America has become its greatest victim. From Boston to Honolulu, curfews were put into place. From Los Angeles to Miami, masks were no longer an option but the law. Good Friday services were canceled, intubated patients succumbed in hospital hallways, wooden boxes were lowered into mass graves.

This was America  a strange, new, scary place, where rage mixed with bewilderment, and bad numbers crept higher. More than 250 people died in California. Infections slowed in the epicenter of New York and the early-outbreak site of Seattle. But the deaths are still piling up, and cases are spiking among black communities in Detroit and New Orleans. So are they for Latinos in the Midwest and South.

For the doctors in packed hospitals  including one in New York who described what he was enduring as "mental terrorism"  and the nurses running out of protective suits who have watched the virus take their colleagues, the fight against the pandemic is far from over.

Intensive care nurse Laura Roark in New Orleans. (Molly Hennessy-Fiske / Los Angeles Times)

For the caretakers in nursing homes where the virus has killed scores of the elderly, and the chaplains who now tend to grieving EMTs, years of training arent preparation enough for the pain. It wasn't war or 9/11, but it felt like it, an unfolding, pervasive disaster waged by an invisible enemy.

Parents, first told their children would be spared as the disease hit older generations, now bury their kids in anger and await funerals that may never come.

These are scenes from a ravaged America.

'Its unlike anything I have ever seen'

Story continues







Laura Roark and her co-worker tried CPR. The man didn't respond. He had come up from the ER just moments earlier. But he was gone.

Roark, a nurse for a decade, stood in her hazmat suit, face shield and mask in the ICU of a New Orleans hospital. There was more to do, though, a task no nurse wants.

The mans family's wasn't around. Like him, they had COVID-19 and were quarantined at home.

Roark took an iPad into the room where the man lay. She held it up. On the other end, the man's mother wailed when she saw her sons dead body on the screen. He was 45. There were only seconds to mourn. The hospital was busy, other people needed to be saved. Or watched as they died.

Roark clicked off the iPad and went back to work. But she couldn't stop hearing the cries.

Hearing his mothers wail when she saw him  thats harder than doing CPR, " Roark, 34, said.

In this hard-hit city in one of the hardest-hit states, Roark, who was working her second COVID-19 unit of the day, could do little else. Louisiana has reported about as many cases as California, a state with a population thats 10 times bigger, and more deaths  755 as of Friday.

We have enough supplies for today and this week. But if this continues for another month, what is it going to look like then? she said.

Roark floats between three hospitals straining to care for an influx of COVID-19 patients. By Thursday, the Ochsner Medical Center where she worked had expanded from three to five intensive care units, each with space for three dozen patients. Roark is worried about her patients. But shes also trying not to get infected.

Typically in an ICU, were in a patients room almost the entire day, constantly assessing," she said. "Now were trying to be in there as little as possible.

Its unlike anything I have ever seen in my nursing career."

'The communities that enter the fight the sickest and least-resourced are going to fall faster and harder'







The death rate is worse than New York City.

The city has more deaths than all of Wisconsin, Ohio or Indiana.

Black people make up just 14% of Michiganders, but account for nearly 40% of the states deaths.

At Sinai-Grace Hospital, some patients now lay in converted hallways and waiting rooms, with tubes bringing ventilated air to them from occupied rooms.

Dr. Tolulope Sonuyi at Sinai-Grace Hospital in 2018. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Almost every hour, Dr. Tolulope Sonuyi dials a family member, knowing theyre desperate for information.

Critical condition, he tells a panicked relative on the other line. May need a ventilator.

Heart and lungs have stopped working. Deceased.

Sonuyi assumes that every patient wheeled through the doors could have COVID-19. He estimated that at least 75% of his do.

Its the highest concentration of critical patients that most of us have ever seen, said Sonuyi, who is in his ninth year as an ER doctor.

On the city heat map of COVID-19 cases, Sinai-Grace is marked in dark red.

In Michigan, there are 20,000 cases of COVID-19 and more than 1,200 deaths. Detroit has 9,600 cases and 450 deaths. During each 10-hour shift, Sonuyi watches as paramedics rush inside with patients struggling to breathe.

Almost all are black. Many are poor. With more than a dozen assisted living homes nearby, many are also elderly.

Its a devastating compound effect, Sonuyi said. The communities that enter the fight the sickest and least-resourced are going to fall faster and harder.

Albert Munanga, director of health and wellness at Era Living. (Karen Ducey / For The Times)

'The elders among us deserve everything we have to give them'







The director of health and wellness at Era Living, which owns Ida Culver House Ravenna Senior Living Community, Munanga is worried. The road to recovery from the pandemic appears to be getting longer by day, even as experts say social distancing measures have more than halved the estimated death count in the U.S. from initial predictions of 200,000.

The virus is tearing through homes for the elderly in Washington state, where the U.S. epidemic first took root in January.

At least 163 long-term care facilities had reported infections over the last week, double the number from the week before. Deaths linked to the retirement communities have soared to 221  more than half the states fatalities. In some nursing homes, the majority of residents are infected.

Still, the overall number of deaths has been declining in Washington state even as those in King County remain high, at an average of 11 a day in April until jumping to 19 reported Friday.

Munanga, a registered nurse, credits sanitation and screening, and quick testing of all residents and workers for the coronavirus, with containing an outbreak that imperiled the facilitys 80 residents.

On March 10, after a resident died of COVID-19 and another was hospitalized, healthcare workers converged on Ida Culver House. They found three more residents  all without symptoms  to be positive, along with two staff members.

Managers had already acted swiftly, ending group meals, isolating residents in their rooms, disinfecting common areas and banning visitors. A week later, the team returned and again tested all residents, obtaining one positive result for a person without symptoms.

The tests enabled managers to separate infected and healthy residents, both to prevent further spread and to conserve limited supplies of masks and gowns for use when tending to people with the virus. Since then, in a rare success documented in a study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, no more residents have tested positive.

The elders among us deserve everything we have to give them, Munanga said. We should be diligently and passionately supporting them  until the very end, if we must.

'Im tired. But this is not a sprint'







She works as the only chaplain at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Queens, N.Y. A triage tent is erected outside.

Her job is to comfort the sick, the dying and the grieving, whether theyre religious or not.

That used to mean ministering bedside to patients or in waiting rooms to families.

Today, it means praying in hallways with doctors who are near tears.

I cant be there in person for the wife of a man who has been married for 60 years and is dying, Zazzu said.

But there are staff members with death in their sight every day.

The Rev. Dr. Rachelle Zazzu of Mt. Sinai Hospital in Queens, N.Y.

Zazzu arrives at the hospital every day at 5:45 a.m. to scan the logbook of who has been admitted to the 140 beds overnight. She huddles with staff as they go over the hours they face ahead.

Zazzu takes a few moments to offer spiritual support to the workers who will inevitably see death many times over.

I remind them they are seen and known by God, said Zazzu, 60, who was ordained in Los Angeles by the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness. I remind them nobody is forsaken by God.

God was letting people die 10 years ago and a month ago, and hell let people die tomorrow, Zazzu said.

She spends most days walking through the corridors slowly, waiting for staff to approach her.

They have concerns. They have fears. They have gratitude. They have blessings.

For those dying of COVID-19, she cant enter the room. So Zazzu has a new kind of memorial.

Shell stand outside and place her hands on the door. Ill pray out loud for God to receive this person with mercy and grace.

"I'm tired," she said during a recent shift. "But this is not a sprint."





'Why should I be allowed to live and she has to die?'







Qunia Roberts, 27, died Monday in Albany, Ga.

Like with so many families, closure escaped Nichols. Both she and her daughter, Qunia Roberts, were hospitalized in Albany, Ga., three weeks ago after being infected with COVID-19. But while Nichols, 48, recovered and left the hospital with an oxygen tank, Roberts, 27, died Monday.

Brand-new summer sandals, in shades of orange, yellow and gold, were stacked inside her daughters closet. Roberts had been excited just a few weeks ago to usher in spring with a pedicure.

You dont expect a young person to die, she said as she slipped Roberts glossy wigs and long eyelashes into a trash bag and packed up her work laptop, crocodile and snakeskin purses and floral 2020 planner.

Nichols said her first-born had no medical conditions.

The young software implementation specialist for a healthcare IT consulting company was lighthearted, a free spirit who loved watching "The Golden Girls" and Maury Povich's show.

Just a few days before she got sick, Roberts changed her Facebook profile to a shot of her spraying a can of Lysol.

The last thing Roberts said to her mother, over the phone when she arrived at the ER, was Mama, I love you. We aint gonna let this corona kills us.

She died in the evening.

In the last week, the death total jumped from 38 to 67 in Dougherty County, a predominantly black region in southwest Georgia that has been hit particularly hard by the pandemic. About 1 in 82 people in the county have tested positive for COVID-19.

After piling Roberts possessions into her daughters gray Hyundai Elantra  her lint roll and hoop earrings still in the driver's door, her frosty pink lip gloss and wet wipes in the console  Nichols spent Thursday afternoon trying to arrange a funeral.

I question God, she said through sobs. Im close to 50. Why should I be allowed to live and she has to die?

Kaleem and Lee reported from Los Angeles, Hennessy-Fiske from New Orleans, Read from Seattle and Jarvie from Leesburg, Ga.
Reports of hundreds of COVID-19 cases at meat processing plants and a rising death toll have led to the temporary closure of a number of facilities across the US, amid mounting outrage by workers.

Three workers at the Tyson Foods plant in Camilla, Georgia have now died from COVID-19. There are 2,100 workers at the Camilla Tyson plant, which is still operating despite the deaths. Management has offered a derisory $500 bonus to workers if they work April through June without missing a day.

Dougherty County, where the Camilla plant is located, leads the state of Georgia with 1,001 COVID-19 cases and 62 deaths. The semi-rural county, with a population of barely 90,000, has one of the highest rates of infection in the entire country, at over 7 times the national average. The outbreak at the Tyson plant is clearly a contributing factor.

Highlighting the dangers facing meatpacking workers was the death of Annie Grant, age 55, at the Camilla plant. Her children had urged her not to return to work at the plant, where she had been employed for 15 years, out of fear for her health. However, the company ordered her to return to the line even though she had reported not feeling well. She died in the hospital Thursday night after spending more than one week on a ventilator.

A worker at the plant told the New York Times, How many more have to fight for their life, how many more families got to suffer before they realize we are more important than their production?

Another said, Our work conditions are out of control. We literally work shoulder to shoulder daily, noting that two of her co-workers are currently fighting for their lives.

Another worker said he would stay away while the pandemic continues, Enough is enough, he said. Nobody wants to risk their lives over some chicken. Sorry. My life and my sons life are way more important.

Many meatpacking workers earn poverty level wages and lack adequate sick time, making them fearful of missing work even if they are sick.

Despite this, the Trump administration insisted that production at meat packing facilities must continue after the deaths at the Tyson Foods Camilla plant were reported. Show up and do your job. You are vital, Vice President Mike Pence declared this week. He added hypocritically: You are giving a great service to the people of the United States of America and we need you to continue, as a part of what we call critical infrastructure, to show up and do your job.

But the US government is doing nothing to ensure safe conditions for critical infrastructure workers. Instead, the single-minded focus of the political establishment has been protecting the fortunes of the super rich through $6 trillion in corporate handouts, not protecting workers or battling the pandemic.

The situation at the Camilla, Georgia plant is being increasingly replicated at meat processing facilities across the country.

The Cargill Meat Solutions plant in Hazleton, Pennsylvania shut down temporarily on Tuesday after reports that 130 workers at the 900-worker facility had tested positive for COVID-19 and large numbers had called in sick. The operation supplies supermarkets in Pennsylvania and surrounding states.

A total of four meat-processing plants in Pennsylvania have now shut down temporarily. In addition to the Hazleton plant, they are JBS Beef in Souderton, CTI Foods in King of Prussia and Empire Kosher Poultry in Mifflintown, in central Pennsylvania.

JBS closed its plant in Souderton after several senior management team members displayed flu-like symptoms. It plans to reopen the plant next Thursday, April 16.

Production continues at the giant JBS meat processing plant in Greeley, Colorado, despite the fact that at least 30 workers have tested positive for COVID-19. At least one worker, Saul Sanchez, age 78 and a longtime JBS employee, is confirmed dead. Hundreds of workers have protested by refusing to come to work each day, but the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) insists the lines must keep moving. The workforce is highly international, with 27 different languages spoken among the workforce.

Sanchezs daughter Beatrice Rangel told local news media, A lot of people loved my dad. And they said my dad should have been warned and JBS knew people had tested positive a week before my dad got sick. She continued, They didnt do anything to protect him. If they would have protected him or gotten him out, I dont think my dad would be where he is now,

Smithfield Foods is closing its plant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota through Monday after reports became public that 80 workers at the facility had tested positive for COVID-19. In justifying its determination to resume production with the least interruption, Smithfield management draped itself in the flag, emphasizing its patriotic duty to sustain the nations food supply.

Meanwhile, the UFCW at the plant said the real number of coronavirus cases was likely 120. Despite this, the union praised managements actions. We applaud Smithfields decision to temporarily close the plant to push for an even safer work environment...

In every case the role of the unions in the meatpacking industry has been to suppress worker opposition and ensure production continues without interruption. The UFCW, the Retail Wholesale and Department Store union and others seek to diffuse worker anger through endless rounds of talks. At the end they hail minor cosmetic changes in procedures by management, claiming workers are safe.

The outbreak at the plant makes the Sioux Falls facility one of the hotspots for COVID-19 infections, accounting for one fifth of all cases in the state. Plant management and Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken held a conversation Thursday over the outbreak, which the mayor described as tense. TenHaken said that he was concerned that the outbreak in the plant would spread to the community, especially among Hispanic and Nepali immigrants who make up a significant portion of the Smithfield workforce.

Local Latino advocates staged a protest at the plant Thursday evening over the treatment of employees, driving their cars around the facility and waving signs. A leader of the group said the company was taking no added safety measures, "Employees are calling to tell us that they're letting them work with a temperature of 100.3," Nancy Reynosa, a leader of the group, told kelo.com. "They're not taking into consideration the space between employees. They're still gathered together."

Meanwhile, Tyson said it is closing its plant in Columbus Junction, Iowa, for one week after 24 workers tested positive for COVID-19. The company said it was diverting livestock sent to the plant to other facilities. The Columbus Junction plant kills 10,000 hogs per day, or about 2 percent of US capacity. It employs 1,400 workers and was closed during the past week.

A worker at a Tyson plant in Wilkesboro, North Carolina plant commented, We do not have enough distance ... they do not clean extra and do not supply face mask(s)it's very unsafe and it shouldnt take for someone to get sick to send people home. I wish the government closed everything for 2 weeks. We [are] really risking our lives...my daughter [is] pregnant and she still [has] to work ... I just pray [to] God [to] cover us every time we enter the building.
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Linkedin Issam Ahmed (Agence France-Presse) Washington  Sat, April 11, 2020 11:19 640 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd1290c7 2 Health coronavirus,COVID-19,health Free

As COVID-19 tests become more widely available across the US, scientists have warned about a growing concern: Many people with negative results might actually have the virus.

That could have devastating implications as a global recession looms and governments wrangle with the question of when to reopen economies shuttered as billions of people were ordered to stay home in an effort to break transmission of the deadly disease.

The majority of tests around the world use a technology called PCR, which detects pieces of the coronavirus in mucus samples.

But "there are a lot of things that impact whether or not the test actually picks up the virus," Priya Sampathkumar, an infectious diseases specialist at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, told AFP.

"It depends on how much virus the person is shedding (through sneezing, coughing and other bodily functions), how the test was collected and whether it was done appropriately by someone used to collecting these swabs, and then how long it sat in transport," she said.

The virus has only been spreading among humans for four months and therefore studies about test reliability are still considered preliminary.

Early reports from China suggest its sensitivity, meaning how well it is able to return positive results when the virus is present, is somewhere around 60 to 70 percent.

Different companies around the world are now producing slightly different tests, so it's hard to have a precise overall figure.

But even if it were possible to increase the sensitivity to 90 percent, the magnitude of risk remains substantial as the number of people tested grows, Sampathkumar argued in a paper published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

"In California, estimates say the rate of COVID-19 infection may exceed 50 percent by mid-May 2020," she said.

With 40 million people, "even if only one percent of the population was tested, 20,000 false-negative results would be expected."

This makes it critical for clinicians to base their diagnosis on more than just the test: they must also examine a patient's symptoms, their potential exposure history, imaging and other lab work.

Timing is everything

Part of the problem lies in locating the virus as its area of highest concentration shifts within the body.

The main nasal swab tests examine the nasopharynx, where the back of the nose meets the top of the throat. This requires a trained hand to perform and some portion of the false negatives arises from improper procedure.

But even if done correctly, the swab may produce a false negative. That's because as the disease progresses, the virus passes from the upper to the lower respiratory system.

In these cases, the patient may be asked to try to cough up sputum -- mucus from the lower lungs -- or doctors may need to take a sample more invasively, when a patient is under sedation.

Daniel Brenner, an emergency physician at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, described to AFP taking a test after performing a procedure called a bronchoalveolar lavage.

This was done on a patient whose nasal swab returned negative three times, but who showed all the signs of COVID-19.

Eventually, the patient's medical team placed a camera down his windpipe to examine the lungs, then sprayed fluid in and sucked out the secretions, which were then tested, resulting in a positive.

Read also: South Korea reports recovered coronavirus patients testing positive again

No perfect test

Uncertainty in clinical diagnoses is not new, and clinicians are well aware that no type of test for any condition can be considered perfect.

What makes COVID-19 different is its newness, said Sampathkumar.

"Most of the time when you have tests, you have test characteristics outlined carefully and warnings about tests interpretation," she said.

"We had no test for so long, and when we got the test, we started using it widely and sort of forgot the basics."

After being slow to start mass testing, the US has ramped up production and has tested almost 2.5 million people, with pharmacists now authorized to carry out the procedure.

But "the real fear of that is people who are given a false negative test and then decide that they're safe to go around their daily life and go out and expose people," said Brenner.

Much hope is placed on newly available serological tests which look for antibodies produced by a person's body in response to the virus and can tell whether a person was infected, long after they recovered.

They could also be used to help diagnose a person who is currently infected but whose PCR test results showed a false negative, by waiting a week or so for the body to produce its immune response.

"We are excited about the serologic test, but we don't know how well it will work and we are starting to study it," said Sampathkumar.
Due to colleges being shut amid the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus disease (Covid-19), the Punjab government has decided to chalk out a tentative schedule for conducting examinations across the state.

As scheduling examinations an uphill task due to the prevailing, the Punjab government has asked universities to chalk out a plan which will be discussed in a video conference scheduled for next week.

The department of higher education and languages of the Punjab Government has written to Panjab University, Punjabi University, Patiala, and Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, and asked them for a plan of action.

A video conference will be held next week to discuss and formulate a policy regarding conducting exams, and admissions for the next session in universities and colleges of the state, under prevailing situation, the letter states.

Minister of higher education, Punjab, Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa said, Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, it is not going to be easy to conduct examinations. We have told these universities to discuss the issue and chalk out what can be done. 

Moreover, universities have been asked to discuss the setting up of new degree colleges across the state. As per the higher education department, it is necessary to introduce a set of professional courses uniformly throughout Punjab.

On April 6, UGC constituted a seven-member expert panel to discuss issues related to examination and academic calendar. RC Kuhad, vice-chancellor, central university of Haryana, is the chairman of the committee of which PU vice-chancellor Raj Kumar is also a member.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Saturday said that hydroxychloroquine or HCQ should be used as prophylaxis to prevent the coronavirus and not as a treatment for COVID-19.

"Two trials were conducted aborad. The trails were not good enough. So, we thought if it needs to used in our country, it should be used as prophylaxis, and not as a treatment," Raman R Ganagakhedkar, Head Scientist, ICMR, told ANI.

"We have decided that if it reduces the chances of COVID-19 among doctors and their contacts, then we will advise it to others. The results of the effect of HCQ in them is yet to come," he added.

He, however, cautioned that HCQ has side effects as well.

"We have never recommended it to the general public. Doctors are advised to prescribe to patients judiciously. People need not be worried nor they need to start using HCQ. Like other medicines, this has side effects too. If we get the desired or futile results, we will inform the public," said Ganagakhedkar.

He further said that it is very hard to say whether or not COVID-19 patient, who has recovered is likely to be COVID-19 positive again or not.

"It is very hard to say something about this. We have initiated a study for this. It will take time. We will tell everything based on evidence," he added.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday had said that the government has more than enough stock of HCQ for meeting the current requirement.

India has temporarily licensed the export of paracetamol and anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in appropriate quantities to some countries, which have been badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

India has so far 7,529 positive cases of COVID-19 and 242 deaths caused by the virus.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The #MeToo movement, which rocked the country in 2018, encouraged several people to come out with their experiences of sexual harassment and assault. During a recent interaction with The Times of India, Rajeev Khandelwal said that men, too, were at the receiving end of inappropriate advances.

Rajeev was reminded of his own casting couch experience while discussing the #MeToo movement recently. The incident gave me flashes of a once-upon-a-time super director who had offered me a movie back then when I did not start doing films, he said.

Before Rajeev made his big screen debut with Raj Kumar Guptas Aamir, he was a popular face on television, with shows like Kahiin Toh Hoga and Left Right Left to his credit. The actor said that he was called into the filmmakers home office to discuss the film.

Next time, he called me from his office to his room, and then he made me sit there and decided not to give me the story, instead asked me to decide whether I want to do the movie based on one song, he said.

Rajeev went on to say that he did not give projects a nod without reading a script, and when he made this known to the filmmaker, he lashed out at him. By the second meeting, I had realised things were just not alright. It turned into a hilarious situation as well. I found myself feeling how any woman in my place would have felt. He asked me to go to his room which I refused to. I dropped names and mentioned that I have a girlfriend back then waiting for me so that the guy knows that I am straight, he shared.

Also read: Maanvi Gagroo of Four More Shots Please says she didnt like her role until a girl cried in her arms at a cafe

The director allegedly threatened to ruin Rajeevs career for rejecting his advances. Later, he offered me a two-film deal, saying that he had heard that I was doing a small budget-movie, which was Aamir, at that time. I replied to him saying that I was happy with my small budget movie. I dont know what happened to his film when it came out, the actor said.

Recently, Rajeev was seen in the web series Marzi, alongside Aahana Kumra. The show is streaming on Voot.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
She married Chris Fischer, a professional chef, in February 2018 in Malibu, California.

And Amy Schumer and Chris, who is also an award-winning author cookbook author, will have a cooking show on Food Network, airing later in the spring.

The comedian, 38, will be mixing cocktails while Chris, 40, exercises his culinary skills in the eight 30-minute episode series with the working title Amy Schumer Learns How To Cook, according to Variety.

Family project: Amy Schumer and Chris Fischer, who is also an award-winning author cookbook author, will have a cooking show on Food Network, airing later in the spring; pictured with their son Gene and their pup Tati on April 1 in New York City

The couple, who are parents to son Gene, will film the show from their home as they self quarantine amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The series will be self-shot with Chris using farm fresh ingredients to cook dishes during the quarantine.

The lovebirds will try and have culinary themes for episodes with pasta night, tacos, as well as fridge cleanup, according to Variety.

Courtney White, president of Food Network told Variety in a statement: 'Amy and Chris will give an unprecedented look at their lives as they are quarantined in their house.'

Brilliant: The comedian will be mixing cocktails while Chris exercises his culinary skills in the eight 30-minute episode series with the working title Amy Schumer Learns How To Cook, according to Variety ; pictured December 23, 2019

Adding: 'Shot entirely themselves, Amy's boundless humor and Chris' culinary skills show views how they navigate life while at home making the best of these turbulent times with some good laughs and good food.'

Amy said in a statement to the outlet: 'Chris and I are excited to make this project with Food Network combing our two passions - for Chris it's cooking and for me, eating.'

She said: 'With everything going on in the world right now, we are so grateful to be able to share an entertaining and informative experience with viewers.'

Adding: 'And it is more important than ever to look out for one another, so Chris and I will be making donations to causes dear to us - The Coalition of Immokalee Workers' Fair Food Program and select domestic violence organizations.'

Mutli-talented star: Amy said in a statement to the outlet: 'Chris and I are excited to make this project with Food Network combing our two passions - for Chris it's cooking and for me, eating;' pictured February 3, 2018 at the 70th Annual Directors Guild Awards in LA

Amy and Chris welcomed Gene, now 11 months, on Sunday, May 5th at 10:55 pm; she gave birth the same day as Meghan Markle - who welcomed son Archie with husband Prince Harry.

Amy announced her pregnancy in October 2018 while getting fans to vote.

She directed fans to journalist/author Jessica Yellin's Instagram story, where, at the bottom of a list of Amy's candidate recommendations, she wrote, 'I'm pregnant.'

Amy and Chris tied the knot in February 2018 in Malibu, California.
Kansas City Endures Amid COVID-19 Harsh Times

Kansas City restaurant scene adapts amid uncertain future KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The coronavirus outbreak has put the Kansas City restaurant industry in unfamiliar territory, as businesses try to figure out how to stay afloat. Adaptability is the key for restaurants as they adjust doing business during the outbreak. Among restaurants, there have been massive layoffs, while others have closed for good.

More Deets On KC Test

Researchers test new coronavirus vaccine in Kansas City The race is on to find a coronavirus vaccine right here in Missouri. A new vaccine for COVID-19 is being tested at The Center for Pharmaceutical research. The first vaccines were given on Monday. Two people were given the vaccine in Missouri and one at another testing facility in Philadelphia.

Rock Chalk Perspective

Coronavirus researcher at KU shares what's alarmed, surprised him about COVID-19 LAWRENCE, Kan. - For the past eight years, a University of Kansas professor has quietly studied the family of coronaviruses linked to such contagious and sometimes-deadly infections as SARS and MERS. Those studies may soon include research into the newest member of that coronavirus clan - the dangerous strain officially called SARS-CoV-2 that has triggered [...]

Local Doc Front & Center

Local doctor talks about his experience on the front lines KANSAS CITY, KS (KCTV) -- We've heard a lot from medical experts over the course of the coronavirus spread. Today, we wanted to bring you the experience of a local doctor who has been face-to-face with COVID-19 patients day after day. The doctors and nurses at KU Hospital take pride in providing quality care with emotional warmth.

Head Check Report

Suicide hotlines report surge in calls after coronavirus outbreak As daily stress intensifies over the coronavirus, the need for mental health counseling is also on the rise.

Kansas City Cheers

Research hospital workers, families join in applause, waving to nurses, patients inside KANSAS CITY, Mo. - They're the pace-setters of recovery, serving on the front lines. COVID-19 patients depend on critical caregivers to speed their drive to good health, and on Friday, the community turned out to encourage them. The parking lots at Research Medical Center in east Kansas City filled with well-wishers, toting signs, streamers and happy words of encouragement.

Northland Lockdown Updated

Platte County extends order shutting down all dine-in restaurants and social gatherings through end of April by: Brian Dulle Posted: / Updated: PLATTE COUNTY, Mo. - In an ongoing effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Platte County Health Department is extending the order suspending dine-in restaurant services and limiting gatherings of 10 or more people. The order extends two separate orders issued on March 17 and 20.

More Testing In The Dotte

Wyandotte County Health Department to increase testing for COVID-19 KANSAS CITY, Kan. - More expanded COVID-19 testing will begin in Wyandotte County on Monday, April 13. The county health department will be testing outside its Ann Avenue headquarters in downtown Kansas City, Kansas Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m.

Meth Town Starts Q&A

Independence sets up phone bank to answer COVID-19 questions INDEPENDENCE, Mo. -- As the coronavirus pandemic rages on, people have a lot of questions. The city of Independence is trying something now. They've recently set up a phone bank and are taking calls to answer general questions about COVID-19. "Folks are looking for ways to keep their life moving along normally.

Channel 9 Shares Info

Coronavirus in Kansas City: The latest resources and how to keep your family safe Here you can get the latest information on the coronavirus, or COVID-19, in Kansas City and resources to be prepared and keep your family safe.CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASESKansas: 1,166, 50 deathsMissouri: 3,799, 96 deaths15 Days to Slow the Spread: CLICK HERE to read the CDC guidelines on coronavirusFULL LISTSMaps of Missouri, Kansas COVID-19 cases by countyList school districts offering free meals during COVID-19 shutdownList of places of worship in Kansas City offering livestreamed servicesSHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR?Have you traveled outside the U.S.

Kansas NextGen Life Lessons

Kansas College Students Face Uncertainty In A World Changed By The Coronavirus A few weeks ago, University of Kansas senior Fatimah Alsinan was in a workshop finishing the last design and construction projects for her architecture degree. Now, she's meeting with classmates online, reviewing premade blueprints and building projects with K'Nex and Legos at her apartment.

Nice Kind Of Hotel Love

#WeSeeYouKSHB: T-shirt raises money for KC hospitality industry KANSAS CITY, Mo. - We know Kansas City loves our local t-shirts, and we love our local restaurants. Now, a group of Kansas City folks are hoping you'll combine the two to help struggling hospitality workers hit hard by stay-at-home orders because of COVID-19. When you buy the shirt that reads "Kansas City runs on hospitality!"

An early morning life lesson . . . Not so long ago we once scoffed at human interest reporting but this pandemic is making us understand that helping locals to share their experience with something more substantial than a tweet, handheld video or meme is a vital function of local news.Accordingly, here are some of our favorite local human interest story as of late . . .Developing . . .
The World Health Organization (WHO) urges the authorities of Belarus to prepare for the worst and strengthen measures of social distance amid the spread of the coronavirus infection, the head of the WHO expert mission, Patrick O'Connor says.

"Time to prepare for the worst scenarios, this is a long distance race," he said.

The WHO notes that the Belarusian authorities should ban mass events, provide quarantine for those infected with coronavirus, as well as for contacts of the first and second levels.
Man escapes crashed plane just before it's hit by train
For a number of states that already allow a large share of voters to vote remotely, the road would be considerably smoother. Five states  Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah and Washington  conduct elections almost entirely by mail. Twenty-eight others and the District of Columbia allow voters to cast absentee ballots by mail without providing a reason, though participation is dampened in states that make voters apply for ballots in every election instead of providing them automatically.

Some of those states have impressive rates of balloting by mail, including big states like Arizona, California and Florida and smaller ones like Montana and North Dakota. But for Alabama and others accustomed to handling only trickles of mail ballots, a quick transition to voting by mail would be wrenching. Most of those states are in the Southeast, but not all: In New York, only 3.5 percent of ballots in the 2018 midterm election were absentee.

Still, for all the concerns about the impact of the virus on the presidential election, the six swing states most likely to determine the outcome in November  Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Florida, North Carolina and Arizona  all allow broad access to voting by mail.

The election this week in Wisconsin offers a cautionary example of what could happen to a state unprepared for a mostly mail election. In the 2016 presidential election, voters there cast some 145,000 absentee votes by mail; in Tuesdays election, there were over a million. The states election officials regularly process high volumes of absentee ballots, but the last-minute cascade left them swamped, said Kenneth Mayer, a political science professor at the University of Wisconsin.

The coronavirus pandemic is giving some states a taste of what an all-mail election in November would look like. The National Conference of State Legislators has tracked legislation or executive orders that could potentially increase mail balloting in more than a dozen states, both Republican- and Democrat-led, in response to the health risks of voting at polling places. (This page, from the web site Ballotpedia, offers a more detailed account of all actions by states.)

Ohio is among the states that have already acted. It is planning an all-mail primary election on April 28 and is sending postcards to voters telling them how to obtain a ballot and a postage-paid return envelope. Georgia, Iowa and West Virginia are doing much the same. New York issued an executive order allowing absentee voting without an excuse for its upcoming primary, Alabama has temporarily lifted its absentee-voting restrictions, and Michigan has ordered that its primary election in May be conducted by absentee ballot as much as possible.

Some states are encountering resistance. In New Mexico, where 27 county clerks have petitioned the state Supreme Court to allow them to send mail ballots to voters for its primary, the state Republican Party has intervened, arguing that voting by mail encourages fraud. Missouris attorney general, Jay Ashcroft, has told county clerks that he does not have the power to allow no excuse absentee voting. And Republicans are opposing calls by Democrats and local election officials for all-mail voting in Arizonas primary election  even though four in five voters already do so.
At least 2,489 care homes across the United States have confirmed cases of coronavirus, a bombshell NBC report has revealed.

The shocking number is a 522% increase from a federal 'estimate' released just 10 days ago - meaning that there has either been a recent explosion in cases or a drastic underestimation by the US government.

The NBC report, which was released Friday, also confirmed that the federal government is not keeping a record of the total number of nursing home deaths.

NBC was only able to determine that 2,246 care home deaths have been recorded across 24 states. The remaining 26 states were unwilling or unable to disclose how many deaths had occurred in their nursing homes.

The lack of cohesive data has prompted outcry from experts, given that elderly people much more likely to be impacted by COVID-19, and mass deaths can occur at care homes if the virus infiltrates the facilities.

'It's impossible to fight and contain this virus if we don't know where it's located. You could see where it could be headed next,' David Grabowski, a professor of health care policy at Harvard Medical School, told NBC.

The shocking report about the lack of federal government data follows separate revelations out of New York, where paramedics have revealed they have not been testing people for coronavirus if they die at home or on the street.

It suggests that the soaring death toll from the virus could be much higher than currently reported.

At least 2,489 care homes across the United States have confirmed cases of coronavirus, a bombshell NBC report has revealed. An ambulance crew is pictured transporting a care home patient out of the Gateway Care and Rehabilitation Center in California, where 65 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed

Paramedics take a suspected coronavirus Covid-19 patient from the Fort Washington Senior Rehabilitation Center in New York

NBC found that 2,489 care homes have confirmed cases of COVID-19 after they were able to obtain data from 36 different state agencies.

However, the actual number of nursing homes dealing with coronavirus patients is likely to be much higher, given that 14 states were unable or unwilling to disclose their figures.

States that did not reveal their data include Florida, Michigan and Ohio - which have all been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

Of the 36 states that did unveil their figures, New York was the most affected.

452 nursing homes across that state have recorded residents with COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Illinois rank second with 213 separate nursing homes battling coronavirus, while Texas came in third with 195 affected care homes.

Numbers were far lower in more rural states. Wyoming and Montana only have one infected nursing home each.

NBC found that 2,489 care homes have confirmed cases of COVID-19 after they were able to obtain data from 36 different state agencies. The Life Care Center of Kirkland in Washington state is one of the homes. A resident is pictured in the facility back in February

A patient is pictured being evacuated from the Magnolia Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Riverside, California

UNDER REPORTING OF DEATHS AND A LACK OF CLEAR DATA The fact that the federal government is not keeping a record of the total number of nursing home deaths has sparked outrage, but there are other examples where data is not being cohesively obtained by authorities. A disturbing new report out of New York asserts that bodies being recovered from homes and streets are not being included in the coronavirus death count - even if the deceased person was suffering from symptoms of the virus. Data from the NYC fire department shows that 1,125 people died in their homes or on the street in the first five days of April alone It suggests that the soaring death toll from the virus could be much higher than currently reported This has alarmed researchers who say that obtaining accurate data is crucial in order to gain an proper understanding of COVID-19, which is needed to help fight the virus in the coming months. Advertisement

While 36 states provided NBC with the number of nursing homes with cases of COVID-19, only 24 released data on resident deaths.

Those 24 states have a combined total of 2,246 care home resident deaths, with more than half occurring in New York state.

However, California - which has a whopping 191 care homes infected with COVID-19 - failed to reveal their total number of deaths.

Many nursing homes across the country ramped up their health and safety measures after an outbreak at Washington state's Life Care Center of Kirkland back in February.

The nursing home was the original epicenter of the COVID-19 virus in the US after dozens of residents became infected back in mid-February.

A total of 37 people connected to the Life Care Center of Kirkland have died from COVID-19 in the past two months.

'For better or worse, we got to sound the alarm for other nursing homes across the state and across the country,' nursing home spokesperson Tim Killian recently stated. .

In early April, the Life Care Center of Kirkland was fine $611,325 for 'inadequate care'.

Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus cases throughout the US continues to skyrocket. As of Friday evening, more than 500,000 Americans have tested positive to the contagious virus.

As of Friday evening, more than 500,000 Americans have tested positive to the contagious virus
A woman died from coronavirus Thursday night at Odessa Regional Medical Center, according to Dr. Rohith Saravanan, chief medical officer. The female patient, in her 60s or 70s, had underlying conditions and had been on a ventilator, he said Friday during a Zoom conference.

The woman was not an Ector County resident, and therefore will not be counted as an Ector County case, according to Brandy Garcia, director of the Ector County Health Department.

ORMC has done 110 tests, with 77 negative cases and nine positive cases. ORMC is still waiting for 24 tests to come back. Five patients are currently being treated at ORMC. Four of those are persons under investigation and one is the confirmed coronavirus case, who is in the ICU, Saravanan said.

Medical Center Health System President and CEO Russell Tippin said 22 positive cases have been confirmed. Seven of those patients are in the hospital; five patients are in the ICU on ventilators and two patients are on the isolation floor. MCH has tested 121 negative cases, with 50 pending tests. There are 12 people under investigation at the hospital. Of the 12, seven are in critical care and five are on the isolation floor.

Tippin said that the pediatric patient being treated for coronavirus has gone home.

MCH on Thursday did its first plasma treatment on a patient. The plasma is from someone who has recovered from the virus and provides antibodies for a patient. He said the treatment could help the patient recover faster.

The health department reported one new case of coronavirus on Friday, according to the ECHD website. The total is 40 positive cases in Ector County. Garcia said at the Zoom conference that the health department has contacted 514 people rgarding coronavirus. There have been 317 negative cases, 116 pending cases and 462 people tested in Ector County, Garcia said. The total number of people tested doesnt include those tested by private labs.

The total confirmed cases with underlying health conditions is 48 percent, Garcia said. The average age of people who have coronavirus is 48. As of Thursday, 15 people have recovered from coronavirus in Ector County.

Ector County by the numbers

Confirmed cases: 40

Days since first case was confirmed: 14

By Gender

Male: 17

Female: 23

Age Group

0-19: 0

20-29: 5

30-39: 7

40-49: 7

50-59: 14

60-69: 6

70-79: 1

Source of exposure

Travel related: 5

Person to person (community exposure): 21

Unknown: 14

Testing

Private: 25

Public: 11
The former executive vice president at Bergen County Community College has been sued in federal court, accused of sexually harassing women who worked for him.

Brian Agnew, who was second-in-command and in charge of hiring and firing, was named along with the school in a gender discrimination lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court, according to court documents.

A woman who worked for Agnew claims he tried to kiss her, repeatedly asked her to meet with him on her days off outside work and texted her while she was on vacation, according to the complaint, which was filed Jan. 31.

The woman claims in the lawsuit that she felt coerced into playing games with Agnew, such as 20 questions, because she feared he would terminate her employment if she didnt.

The lawsuit states the womans co-workers were subjected to similar acts of alleged harassment and that human resources and others at the institution knew or should have known Agnew was a particular danger to women in the workplace.

In interviews with NorthJersey.com, which first reported the story, five other women claim Agnew sexually harassed them when he worked at Georgian Court University in Lakewood in 2016 and 2017.

The website reported Agnew worked at Georgian Court for 15 months before he left amid complaints from the women, who were students and employees. Agnew also resigned from his position at Bergen Community College after complaints were made, according to the report.

Agnew couldnt be reached for comment Thursday. In a statement last week to NorthJersey.com, he denied the allegations and said he was in the process of hiring an attorney to fight the claims in court.

A spokesman for Bergen Community College released this statement:

As a public, open-access institution serving a diverse community, Bergen Community College remains committed to providing a safe learning and working environment for all of its faculty, staff and students. Please know that the college cannot discuss personnel matters or pending litigation.

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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In a pre-Season 6 interview for How to Get Away with Murder, Jack Falahee, who portrays Connor Walsh, promised viewers would get all their answers by the finale, even those surrounding storylines they might have forgotten about in the jam-packed series. Therefore, fans are hoping the show revisits the mysterious death of newly appointed D.A. Denver as well as several events that happened at the end of Season 4.

Benito Martinez | Mitch Haaseth

D.A. Todd Denver killed in How To Get Away With Murder Season 4

New Assistant District Attorney, Todd Denver, was introduced in the second season when Annalise Keating approached him, requesting for immunity for her team in the murder of ADA Emily Sinclair.

His role increased in the third season when he investigated Wes Gibbins death and locked Annalise in jail for the murder as well as arson for burning her home to the ground.

"This is so illegal." ~Connor~

"So is killing your professor's husband." ~Denver~

WHAT?!?! #HTGAWM pic.twitter.com/6rFaBfMYxl  How To Get Away ABC (@HowToGetAwayABC) February 24, 2017

However, the professor successfully pinned the murders of her husband, Sam, and his mistress, Rebecca Sutter, on Wes, causing Denver to drop the charges.

In Season 4, the newly appointed District Attorney of Philadelphia began playing a prominent role once Annalises former assistant, Bonnie Winterbottom, blackmailed him into hiring her at his office.

Bonnie then hired former Keating 5 member Laurel Castillo, against Denvers wishes, as her intern. After the pregnant law student found out that Denver called Dominick, a friend of her family and Wes killer, several times and evidence that her corrupt father, Jorge Castillo, illegally donated to his campaign for attorney general, she approached him wanting a deal.

Laurel offered to turn herself in for stealing the files from Caplan and Gold in exchange for her mothers phone records, to which he obliged. After she left, Denver saw Bonnie bribing an officer to take evidence from lockup and called Jorge to tell him to handle the lawyer.

Instead, Laurels father tampered with Denvers brakes, and the district attorney died in a car accident.

Fans are hoping questions surrounding D.A. Todd Denvers death are answered

In a Reddit post, one fan noted the convenient nature of Denvers death and hopes the final season revisits his unusual accident. They are convinced there was foul play involved and remembered Laurel saw him alive last.

Another user agreed and pointed out a scene in the episode where Frank attempted to reach Laurel by tracking her phone, but it was offline. Once she came home, she claimed her phone died.

Denver is dead, Jorge was arrested, Tegan is on team Annalise, Laurel got her baby, Annalise won the Supreme Court case WHAT AWFUL THING IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN?! #HTGAWM  Jasmine, Vol. 6 (@jasjanae) March 16, 2018

The viewer speculates the Keating 5 member switched her phone off to avoid being traced back to Denvers office right before his death. Additionally, Laurel got irrefutable proof on Wes killer and avoided criminal prosecution, while her movements that night, thanks to her turned-off cell phone, were conveniently untraceable.

Others believe not only Denvers death but several things from Season 4B will be addressed in the final season because they didnt seem to add up in the grand scheme of things.

Not only did it end too perfectly, but viewers also learned of the possible involvement of Laurels mother, Sandrine, in Wes murder. Therefore, they believe the shows final plotlines will address the events in Season 4 episodes 11  15, including Denvers suspicious death, for closure on these storylines.

How to Get Away with Murder airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. EST on ABC.
With hundreds of thousands of Americans contracting the coronavirus  bringing death, overwhelming medical systems and devastating the economy  serious scrutiny and introspection is required to contain the damage in the short term and prevent a recurrence in the future.

The scale of national trauma in some ways exceeds the terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 Americans on Sept. 11, 2001. Heading into Easter weekend, the death toll from the pandemic was several times greater than 9/11, and the impact on the economy was expected to be deeper and more enduring.

So, too, will be the transformation on the everyday way of life in America.

Only the heroic efforts of medical professionals, along with the cooperation of the citizenry in stay-at-home directives, have kept the toll from becoming much worse. Those who saved lives, and those who lost loved ones, deserve to know that the U.S. government is doing everything possible to assess what happened and to reduce the chances of it ever happening again.

The model for such a comprehensive examination does not need to be re-invented. The model for a bipartisan diagnostic is the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks on the United States, more commonly known as the 9/11 commission, established 442 days after the attack through congressional legislation and signed by President George W. Bush. Its more than 500-page report laid out 41 recommendations that led to a major restructuring and coordination of the nations intelligence and preparedness efforts, including the creation of the Department of Homeland Security.

A movement to sanction a similar investigation of the coronavirus pandemic has begun to emerge on Capitol Hill, with Rep. Adam Schiff, chair of the House Intelligence Committee, among the proponents.

The health care workers and victims of the coronavirus and their families are going to demand an objective assessment when this is all behind us, Schiff, D-Burbank, said in a recent phone interview. Why were we so ill prepared? What did we do right and what did we do wrong? What do we need to do to protect the country in the future?

Schiff added, perhaps most significantly, And theyll want it to be nonpartisan and fact based.

Is that even possible in this moment of seemingly terminal polarization when facts are often treated as optional at the highest level of government? Schiff and Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., chair of the Homeland Security Committee, have been floating proposals that make good-faith efforts to address such skepticism and attract Republican support.

Among the components of the draft Schiff is circulating among colleagues:

 The commission would not be established until February 2021, presumably after the pandemic has subsided and with a start date that Schiff said would take it completely out of the political realm.

 Each major party would be represented equally in the 10-member commission, with backgrounds in relevant fields. Current federal officials would be ineligible.

 The commission would be instructed to hold public hearings and would be empowered to subpoena witnesses. It would ultimately offer specific recommendations to the congressional and executive branches to improve our preparedness for future pandemics.

The key to the commissions influence would be to find leaders with the gravitas and truth-finding determination exhibited by Republican Thomas Kean and Democrat Lee Hamilton in the 9/11 postmortem.

No matter what, its hard to imagine accountability-averse President Trump welcoming this or any other deep dive into what went wrong. His daily briefings have become the theater of the absurd, alternating between self-congratulation and assigning blame to others: China, the World Health Organization, former President Barack Obama, news-media negativity and governors (especially those who have praised him insufficiently).

In words and actions, Trump has been openly hostile to oversight.

He lashed out after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi established a special House committee to track federal spending in the $2 trillion pandemic relief packages.

Endless partisan investigations have already done extraordinary damage to our country in recent years, Trump said, reading from prepared remarks. Its witch hunt after witch hunt after witch hunt. Its not any time for witch hunts, its time to get the enemy defeated.

Yet as Pelosi rightly noted to reporters, Where theres money, theres also frequently mischief.

Unlike the 9/11-style commission, the independent oversight of the rescue spending cannot wait, not with trillions of taxpayer dollars pouring out of the U.S. Treasury with meager oversight.

In fact, Trump more than justified the need for congressional scrutiny when, in signing the relief package, he inserted a statement that he would not adhere to the laws requirement that a new Treasury watchdog assigned to monitor the expenditures would alert Congress if the administration was withholding information. This was an ominous move from a White House that resisted all congressional subpoenas during the impeachment process.

In recent days, Trump has gone even further to neuter potential accountability of his administration by inspectors general. He ousted the Defense Departments acting inspector general, Glenn Fine, whose responsibilities were to include chairing a new Pandemic Response Accountability Committee to oversee the $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief spending. Fine held his current Pentagon post for more than four years and has worked under Republican and Democratic presidents during his career.

Pelosi called the move against Fine part of a disturbing pattern of retaliation by the president against independent overseers fulfilling their statutory and patriotic duties to conduct oversight on behalf of the American people.

Fines removal came just days after Trump fired Michael Atkinson, the inspector general for the intelligence community who had alerted Congress to a whistle-blower complaint that led to the impeachment inquiry. Trump had accused Atkinson of doing a terrible job.

So the watchdogs within the executive branch are forewarned: Do your job at your peril.

Congress needs to step into that void for the sake of unemployed workers and hard-hit business owners who are desperate for assistance to stay afloat amid the shutdown  and for all American taxpayers who are bankrolling this extraordinary investment and dont want their hard-earned dollars squandered on political donors and cronies seizing the opportunity to line their pockets.

And that oversight must be performed in real time.

For the longer term, we need to know how to avert a future catastrophe. I asked Schiff how much of the commissions focus would be on health care and how much on the economy.

Is the economic response too big a piece to bite off with the commission ... or is it so inexorably intertwined with the health care piece that you really need to do both? he said. I look forward to getting peoples feedback on that.

John Diaz is The San Francisco Chronicles editorial page editor. Email: jdiaz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JohnDiazChron
The Congress on Saturday accused the central government of ignoring the plight of Indians stuck in COVID-19 hotspots abroad and sought immediate measures to safeguard their lives.

In a statement, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal said the Centre must ensure their testing and provide medical help to them on an urgent basis in this humanitarian crisis.

"The central government is callously ignoring the plight of COVID-19 positive Indian citizens living abroad," he said.

The Congress leader said it is a matter of concern that Indian embassies and missions abroad are woefully lacking a comprehensive and practical approach to deal with this unprecedented global health crisis.

He said many countries have taken extraordinary efforts to rescue their citizens stranded abroad, including in India, during the present global lockdown by sending special aircraft.

"The Indian government cannot leave the NRI citizens at the mercy of fate and it should take immediate measures to safeguard the citizens stranded in the COVID-19 hotspots abroad," the Congress leader noted.

Venugopal said there has been substantial increase in coronavirus cases in the gulf and west Asian countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

"India's large expat population working in these countries are consequently affected by the virus and the Government of India ought to take extraordinary measures on a war footing to ensure medical care to these people stranded abroad," he said.

Since a vast number of them working in the informal sectors have been living in makeshift labour camps, they have been facing difficulties to follow even the social distance protocol amidst this global pandemic, the Congress general secretary said.

Venugopal added that the fear of community transmission and lack of access to immediate medical help, including testing as well as treatment, have put their lives in great peril.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Texas abortion providers have taken a back-and-forth legal battle with the state of Texas over its temporary ban on the procedure to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The groups on Saturday requested an emergency stay from the high court, asking that it overturn a federal appeals court decision and allow medication-induced abortion services, and surgical abortions in limited circumstances, while the case proceeds.

The request comes amid the longest period that women in the state have ever been without access to abortion since the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade case that legalized the procedure, as the more than two-weeklong legal saga continues.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Texas abortion ban is biggest-ever disruption for embattled womens health providers

The battle began when Gov. Greg Abbott on March 22 banned elective surgeries during the coronavirus state of disaster in a move intended to conserve personal protective equipment needed to fight the pandemic, and the groups quickly filed suit. The Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is representing the state, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday.

The state has argued that personal protective equipment would still be needed with medication abortions and that those could even require hospitalizations if complications followed. Paxton said in an interview with CBS on Wednesday that he figured that the case would rise to the nations highest court.

Legal battles are brewing in several other states where abortion rights groups have sued over similar bans, including Alabama, Ohio and Oklahoma, but Texas case is the first to reach the Supreme Court.

On Thursday, a federal district court granted a second temporary restraining order against Abbotts order. The decision allowed abortion providers to resume medication abortion as well as surgical abortion procedures for patients nearing the 22-week gestational deadline for receiving the procedure.

That was short-lived, however, because on Friday, a federal appeals court reversed part of that decision and again put a stop to medication abortions.

Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights, said the state is overreaching and needs the Supreme Court to step in and protect the health, lives and futures of Texas women.

This is an extraordinarily difficult time, but this is an easy case, Northup said in a statement. Texas is blatantly abusing its emergency power to obliterate Roe v. Wade  These thinly veiled attempts to end abortion must stop.
The Jammu Police has arrested a Jaish-e-Mohammed over ground worker in the RS Pura area.

The accused Mohd Muzaffer Beigh, son of Asadudullah Beigh and resident of Vodhpora, Handwara was arrested from Chakroi by a special team led by SDPO RS Pura along with SHO RS Pura.

The accused was arrested along with incriminating material, police said and added that during questioning, important disclosures relating to links with terrorists have been established.

Subsequently, a case under sections 13,17,39 UAPA and 121-A IPC was registered at police station RS Pura and investigation taken up, the police further said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Centre on Saturday took into consideration the extension of lockdown due to the ongoing coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, after holding a video conference with all the state chief ministers. During the meeting, most states requested PM Narendra Modi to extend the lockdown for two more weeks and the government is considering this request. The PM will take a final call soon. The ongoing lockdown is set to end on April 14.

After the meeting, PM Modi asserted that he has emphasized that to save the life of every citizen, lockdown and adherence to social distancing is very important. "Most of the people of the country understood this and stayed indoors and performed their duties. All of us followed this to save the lives of our countrymen. When every person in the country will follow government and administration guidelines our fight against the virus will be stronger," said the PM.

PM Modi told the CMs that he is available round the clock. I am always available. Any chief minister can speak to me and give suggestions (on COVID-19) anytime. We should stand together shoulder-to-shoulder, PM Modi said during the meeting. He said that we all should stand together shoulder-to-shoulder in the fight against this disease.

Ten out of eleven chief ministers have called for extending the lockdown. During the meeting, the chief ministers of Delhi and Punjab suggested extension of the nationwide lockdown till April 30, which was backed by other CMs.

During the interaction, Punjab CM Amarinder Singh suggested extension of the national lockdown by at least a fortnight after April 14. According to Zee Media sources, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also suggested extension of the lockdown till April 30.

The Chief Ministers of Delhi, West Bengal, Punjab, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh suggested to PM that the lockdown should be extended. Political leaders like Mayawati and MK Stalin have also demanded extension in COVID-19 lockdown.

PM Modi, accompanied by some senior officials, including from the Union Health Ministry, was wearing a white mask during the meeting which was also attended by chief ministers - Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal), Uddhav Thackeray (Maharashtra), Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), Manohar Lal (Haryana), K Chandrashekhar Rao (Telangana) and Nitish Kumar (Bihar).
PM Modi likely to interact with Maharashtra CM today to discuss COVID-19 situation

Why Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu became the first COVID-19 hotspots in India

Night Curfew in Maharashtra: Check guidelines, rules; what is allowed, what is not allowed

Maharashtra govt trying to frustrate probe against former minister Anil Deshmukh: CBI to SC

3,478 prisoners released from Maharashtra jails

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Mumbai, Apr 11: The Maharashtra prisons department has released on bail 3,478 prisoners till Friday to reduce crowding in jails due to the coronavirus outbreak, officials said.

These prisoners are serving jail terms of less than seven years, they said.

Fake News Buster

"While 469 prisoners were released from Arthur Road Jail, 350 were freed from Thane Central, 330 from Taloja Central, 275 from Yerawada, 151 from Amravati, 141 from Nagpur, 118 from Aurangabad Central and 100 from Nashik Central," officials said.
The worlds largest oil producers were closing in on a deal to rescue crude markets from a coronavirus-induced collapse after U.S. President Donald Trump stepped in to broker a truce.

An unprecedented cut of about 10 percent in worldwide crude production -- which seemed unlikely last week when Trump first floated the idea in a tweet -- was all but certain on Friday, with Mexico the last holdout in the OPEC+ coalition. Now, a compromise backed by Trump will be discussed between the Latin American country and Saudi Arabia on Saturday. Russia has already said it considers the plan a done deal.

The survival of thousands of crude producers, millions of jobs and the economies of oil-dependent nations are hanging in the balance as the global pandemic wipes out demand in a world awash with crude. Several U.S. shale producers are on the brink of bankruptcy, Russia risks having no place to store its crude, and for all their low-cost production, the Saudis need higher prices to fund the kingdoms budget.

So, after Trump held calls with Russias Vladimir Putin and Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz over the past days, the two rivals were ready for a deal at an OPEC+ virtual meeting on Thursday, followed by a Group of 20 video conference on Friday. And that meant getting over their grudge over Trumps stance that Americas contribution would be in the form of cuts that have already started to happen naturally over time as explorers adjust to the crisis.

Then Mexico threw a spanner in the whole process.

Mexicos Energy Minister Rocio Nahle didnt budge from her insistence that the country could only cut output by 100,000 barrels a day, 300,000 less than its fair share of 23 percent reductions by everyone in the OPEC+ group.

On Friday morning, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he had resolved the matter in a phone call with Trump. The U.S. would make an additional 250,000 barrels a day of cuts on Mexicos behalf.

Trump said he had agreed to help Mexico along in making a deal with Russia and Saudi Arabia. The U.S. will make up the difference, he said Friday after a call with AMLO on Thursday. He suggested output cuts American producers have only started making to weather the price crash could be counted toward Mexicos share of the pact.

We are trying to get Mexico, as the expression goes, over the barrel, Trump said in a White House news conference on Friday.

Also see, The Unexpected Holdout to a Global Oil Production Deal

The shale boom that turned the U.S. into the worlds largest oil producer is unraveling fast. Last week, the countrys production fell by 600,000 barrels a day from a near-record 13 million as shale explorers idle rigs in the Permian Basis of West Texas and elsewhere in the country. Thats almost the equivalent of wiping out Venezuelas current output.

Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette, in opening remarks at the G-20 meeting, said he predicted a decline of nearly 2 million barrels a day in U.S. output by the end of this year.

Russia appeared satisfied with the unusual math to include part of that as Mexicos contribution. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow that Putin considers the OPEC+ deal to be fully agreed and regards it very positively.

While there was no indication Saudi Arabia had accepted the proposal -- and Trump himself couldnt say for sure the deal will go ahead -- the setback from Mexico was relatively small compared to all the frustration the kingdom had to swallow. Riyadh had expected the G-20 meeting would win it at least 5 million barrels a day of production-cut commitments from producers outside OPEC+, and for now it got none.

What makes Mexicos case complicated is that its an OPEC+ member and a concession to the Latin American country in theory creates a precedent within the group. Strengthening Mexicos position, on the other hand, the country has a unique hedging program that has helped it weather price crashes in the past.

Substantial Cut

If the deal can be finalized, the proposed 10-million-barrel-a-day OPEC+ cuts would dwarf any previous market interventions. They would also end the destructive price war between Riyadh and Moscow thats flooded the market with crude just as demand collapses because of the coronavirus lockdowns around the world.

Even if poorly implemented, the agreement is substantial, and will make a difference to the market, said Ann-Louise Hittle, vice president of macro oils at consultant Wood Mackenzie Ltd. Partial compliance of the kind that Mexico is demanding wont stop this production agreement from having a big -- and swift -- impact on supply and demand fundamentals.

If Saudi Arabia can overcome obstacles with G-20 partners and lead the world to a 15 million barrel-a-day production cut, it would be an historic achievement. However, it would also be just a fraction of the 20 million to 35 million barrels a day in estimated global demand losses as billions of people stay confined to their homes and businesses close to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

West Texas Intermediate crude plunged more than 9 percent on Thursday, settling below $23 a barrel, as traders and analysts said the cut was too small to prevent an oversupply of crude.

With demand likely down 20% this quarter, we believe the agreed cuts wont be enough to prevent oil inventories from rising sharply over the coming weeks, said Giovanni Staunovo, commodity analyst at UBS Group AG.




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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.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday tweaked the governments approach to the 21-day lockdown ordered last month to stop the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus disease. The prime minister, who interacted with chief ministers, stressed that the new challenge was not only to save lives, but livelihoods also.

PM Modi underlined that the motto of the government earlier was jaan hai to jahaan hai [when you have life, you have the world].

Now it is jaan bhi jahaan bhi [save life, and livelihood], he said, signalling a shift in the Centres approach. PM Modi didnt elaborate. An official in the Prime Ministers Office later said he would finalise the countrys strategy closer to April 14 after some more deliberations.

Incidentally, chief ministers of several opposition-ruled states such as Punjab and Maharashtra have gone ahead to extend the lockdown. In contrast, NDA chief ministers have left the decision to PM Modi who is expected to take a more nuanced approach.

The extension of lockdown this time will be conditional so that the economy also gets kickstarted in crucial areas, said another PMO official.

Also watch | PM Modi interacts with chief ministers of states: Key takeaways

India was one of the few countries in the world to have imposed a national lockdown long before the disease started spreading in the country. A study by the University of Oxfords Blavatnik School of Government says India was quicker than almost every other country in imposing a lockdown on March 25.

Also read | Considering request, says Centre on CMs pitch to extend Covid-19 lockdown

This approach, the Health Ministry said after the prime ministers video conference, had helped control the spread of the disease. The government pointed to estimates that had projected 8.2 lakh Covid-19 cases in the country by April 15 if the government had not implemented the containment or nationwide lockdown. The cases were projected to drop to 1.2 lakh cases if India only took containment measures but did not enforce the lockdown.

Since the government has acted, India only has 7,447 cases on April 11, the health ministry said.

Having seen the efficacy of the lockdown to stop the spread of the disease that has killed more than 100,000 people across the world, most chief ministers advocated extending the lockdown by another two weeks.

At Saturdays meeting, PM Modi, according to an official statement, emphasised the criticality of coming 3-4 weeks to determine the impact of the steps taken till now to contain the virus.

But Prime Minister Narendra Modi is deeply conscious of the impact that the lockdown is having on the poor, and the economy in the long run, a senior government official familiar with the developments told Hindustan Times.

At this stage, there is a view in the government that a blanket extension of the lockdown by another two weeks would be the easier thing to do. The more difficult would be getting the country, economy and the lives of people back on track without compromising lives.

This is the blueprint that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been working on.

The broad principle that has been underlined at many of the meetings being held to firm up the lockdown strategy is to recognise that there are many parts of the country that do not have a single case of coronavirus, or even a suspected case. The lockdown could be eased in such areas. You need to recognise the fact that nearly half of all the Covid-19 cases in the country are reported from just three states: Maharashtra, Delhi and Tamil Nadu, a government official said.

Besides, when PM Modi takes the call on the national lockdown, the official said, he will account for the fact that the harvesting season begins from April 14.

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This obituary is part of a series about people who have died in the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr. Ricardo Castaneda was an avid caricaturist who could often be found at New York Philharmonic concerts or the Metropolitan Opera  in the front row, when possible  scribbling away at sketches of the performers. He illustrated beginner books on psychiatry and addiction. He tried his hand at writing screenplays and composing opera.

For his day job, Dr. Castaneda served as the director of inpatient psychiatry at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan from 1992 to 2009, before entering private practice as a clinical psychiatrist on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

Dr. Castaneda died on March 25, shortly after being admitted to Tisch Hospital of N.Y.U. Langone Medical Center in Manhattan. He was 64. His wife, Ana Lucia Fuentes, said the cause was complications of the coronavirus.

Dr. Castaneda was a man of many talents who transferred his faith in human accomplishment to his patients.
Oil Producers In OPEC+ Group Outline Plan To Cut Output, Expect U.S. To Join

By RFE/RL April 10, 2020

Representatives of OPEC, Russia, and other oil-producing countries have outlined a plan to cut production, a move meant to stabilize the global oil market shaken by the coronavirus pandemic.

The group, known as OPEC+, said on April 9 after a nine-hour negotiating session that the plan calls for a cut in output by more than a fifth -- about 10 million barrels a day -- in May and June.

They also said they expected the United States and other producers to join in their effort to prop up prices, which have gone into a tailspin because of the pandemic and supply glut.

But the group said a final agreement was dependent on Mexico, which balked at the production cuts it was asked to make.

More talks are due to take place on April 10 among the energy ministers from the Group of 20 (G20) major economies.

Some oil industry officials have said even an agreement to cut production by 10 million barrels per day won't be enough to stabilize the market because current oversupply is weeks away from filling up the world's storage facilities.

OPEC+ is expecting an additional cut of 5 million barrels per day to come from other oil producers including the United States, which is the world's largest oil producer.

"We are expecting other producers outside the OPEC+ club to join the measures, which might happen tomorrow during G20," Kirill Dmitriev, the head of Russia's wealth fund and one of Moscow's top oil negotiators, told Reuters.

The United States, however, has been reluctant to agree to participate in a cut to prop up prices. Many producers believe a mandated cut would violate U.S. antitrust laws, and Washington has said U.S. output was already falling due to low prices.

The price of a barrel of Brent crude, the international benchmark, has dropped to just over $31 from about $66 in January as a result of a drastic decline in economic activity amid the coronavirus pandemic and the breakdown of a previous OPEC+ deal between Russia and Saudi Arabia.

The end of that deal in March saw Russia and Saudi Arabia announce major supply increases in a fight over market share at a time of plummeting demand. The Russian move was in part driven by a desire to hit indebted U.S. shale-oil producers whose production costs average around $50 per barrel.

The OPEC+ meeting was a video conference in keeping with guidelines to avoid large gatherings amid the pandemic.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, Bloomberg, and AP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/opec-oil-production- russia-saudi-arabia/30545359.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.

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As the dry weather continues, Bay of Plenty Regional Council is asking people to make every effort to reduce water use  especially those in the rural sectors.

Bay of Plenty Regional Councils water shortage event manager Steve Pickles says the region continues to experience exceptionally dry weather after the main summer period, and those ongoing conditions are starting to put the regions waterways under pressure.

Regional council has been closely monitoring waterways across the region over recent months, and rivers and streams in the western Bay of Plenty in particular are seeing reduced flows, with some reaching near record low levels.

Unfortunately there is a potential environmental impact from waterways running at low flows and we are keeping a close eye on the health of our rivers and streams. We are preparing to put extra measures in place if there is a risk to the environmental health of our waterways, says Steve.

We dont want to see cases of fish dying or other aquatic life suffering because there is too little water flowing. Its also about protecting the water bodies, the mauri and the close association that Maori have with these taonga.

At the same time, we want to make sure rural water users who take from these waterways are still able to access water for their reasonable domestic, sanitary and stock needs.

Steve says everyone can play a part by checking for leaks in their reticulation systems, reducing non-urgent water usage where they can and making sure all water takes are within the rules. While rural landowners in particular have a role to play in reducing water usage, Steve says everyone  urban and rural  should think about how they can reduce the water they use.

We are asking our orchardists and farmers to monitor soil moisture content, with the aim of reducing irrigation where possible.

Although there is predicted rainfall on Easter Monday, it may not be enough to alleviate the current conditions. So by taking action now we might be able to reduce the need to put restrictions in place.

Last month regional councillors approved a process for issuing Water Shortage Directions under the Resource Management Act, which allows staff to put restrictions in place in certain catchments or waterways if there is environmental risk to particular streams or rivers.

Water Shortage Direction details will be determined on a case-by-case basis, but could include actions such as staggering the timing of water takes or reducing the amount or the purposes for which people may take water from a river, stream or from groundwater.

If we do have to put a Water Shortage Direction in place, well inform consent holders and water users in the affected catchments of the details at that time. It would be a temporary measure until we get enough rain to restore and sustain minimum base flows.

People can call our 0800 884 883 Pollution Hotline if theyre concerned about low flows or potentially illegal water takes.

Steve says while it is the western Bay of Plenty that is under the most pressure, being mindful of water usage is something people throughout the wider Bay of Plenty region should consider.

Regional council staff have also met with some of the main water users represented by the Bay of Plenty Primary Sector Co-ordination Group, which includes agencies such as Ministry for Primary Industries, Rural Support Trust, DairyNZ, NZ Kiwifruit Growers and Maori agribusiness, to ensure a coordinated response to the effects of the current prolonged period of low rainfall for the region.

MPI and industry groups are offering support to farmers and growers through their networks and the Rural Support Trust 0800 number (0800 787 524). Weve also been in contact with our local district and city councils to monitor how their municipal supply systems are holding up but at this stage there are no restrictions on domestic water use.

Information about water take consents and permitted activity levels is available here.

Live monitoring data, including stream/river water levels, rainfall, ground water level and soil moisture information from regional councils network of more than 100 hydrological monitoring sites is available here.
She then became director of the Eagleton Institute itself, serving for 24 years before stepping down in 2019. She further developed programs to demystify the political process and encourage young people to become public leaders. She also began speaking publicly about her familys experience on the doomed voyage.

She saw her lifes work as an outgrowth of her origin story, her daughter said in a phone interview.

Having been a refugee from World War II, she had a deep personal understanding of what happens when society restrains the rights of people in their midst, she said. That shaped her belief in the value of participatory democracy and full inclusion.

Ruth Mandel was nine months old in 1939 when the St. Louis sailed, too young to have her own memories. But she relived the experience through her parents, who, she said, spent the rest of their lives recovering from it  though they never forgot that they had been among the lucky ones.

One lesson Ms. Mandel absorbed was how no one, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt, acted on the Jews behalf, leaving them adrift on a sea of indifference.

As their ship idled off the Florida coast, they could see the lights of Miami Beach.

For one brief moment they had seen the shores of America and glimpsed freedom, Ms. Mandel said at the 1999 commemoration. The clarity of hindsight tells us that at that moment, people could have been saved; action could have made a difference.

The fate of the St. Louis inspired a well-received nonfiction book, Voyage of the Damned (1974), by Gordon Thomas and Max Morgan-Witts. A partly fictionalized movie with the same name followed in 1976 with an all-star cast that included Faye Dunaway, Max von Sydow and Orson Welles. Many reviewers said the movie was melodramatic. Still, Maud Mandel said, she and her mother and grandmother saw it together and sobbed their way through it.
As a woman in Michigan put it during my latest round of polling in America: 'It's almost painful to watch. I have to change the channel.'

But her comment did not refer to the terrible scenes played out in hospitals and elsewhere as the coronavirus wreaks havoc across the US.

Instead, she was talking about Donald Trump's performance alongside doctors and scientists in daily press conferences that have transfixed the nation.

'He's missing the compassion gene,' said another.

'He goes off on a tangent about how rich he is and how he doesn't need a pay cheque. It's not what people need to hear right now.'

Both remarks were from people who voted for Trump in 2016 but were now having second thoughts. Like many others, they were horrified that the country had seemed so unprepared, with such vital things as ventilators, testing kits and protective equipment for health workers in short supply.

President Trump speaks at a Coronavirus briefing at the White House, in Washington, DC

People felt the response had been too slow, not least because the President had initially downplayed the seriousness of the situation and had failed to underline its dangers. They lamented a lack of leadership at the national level.

'You don't know who is in charge, who is the adult in the room,' as a confused observer put it. The President's references to the 'Chinese virus' were considered very unhelpful even by those who thought they contained an element of truth.

These reactions chime with a widespread view that the crisis spells disaster for Trump's chances of being re-elected in November.

Strikingly, though, I found that those most critical of the President - aside from those who had never liked him in the first place - were those who were already disillusioned with him before the current crisis hit, feeling the change they were promised had not materialised for them.

To these people, Trump's flaws had long ago begun to grate.

'Calling people names and throwing out insults gets old after a time,' one woman told us, 'especially if the economy is not good.'

An EMT wearing personal protective equipment prepares to unload Covid-19 transfer patients at the Montefiore Medical Center Wakefield Campus in New York City

Trump's response to the coronavirus had simply encapsulated why it was that they were disappointed with him. They hoped he would surround himself with experts and drain the swamp of Washington politics. Instead, he seemed to be ignoring or undermining the very people whose advice ought to be holding sway.

But that is not the whole story. Although economic optimism is down, overall approval for Trump's job performance is rising.

Such support is often seen in times of crisis as Americans rally to the flag.

It can also prove fleeting, as President George H. W. Bush found to his cost at the 1992 election, having enjoyed stratospheric ratings a year earlier during the first Gulf War. Yet there are other straws in the wind. While voters agree that the Covid-19 emergency may not exactly show the President in his best light, for many it simply highlights traits they had long ago decided to overlook.

Yes, they say, we know he's self-indulgent and undiplomatic and the crisis has offered some prime examples of that. But sooner or later, America is going to have to get back to business, and who better to make that happen than Donald Trump.

'Who do you want to be there to rebuild the country?' as one man in Tampa put it to us. 'To me, that's going to be his greatest opportunity to shine.'

Besides, he added, in what was either heroic determination to look on the bright side or a piece of spin to make Alastair Campbell blush: 'He does have experience with bankruptcy. He knows how to get himself out of a hole.'

More to the point, the November election will not simply be a referendum on the Trump presidency, let alone his handling of the coronavirus disaster.

It will be a choice between two individuals, the other of whom is some way from setting the nation alight.

Joe Biden, now certain to be the Democratic nominee after the withdrawal of Bernie Sanders this week, is considered inoffensive (a big advantage over his predecessor, Hillary Clinton), but any sense that he is the man for the moment is noticeably absent.

In my poll, the word Americans most often chose to describe him was 'elderly'.

Medical personnel move a deceased patient to a refrigerated truck serving as make shift morgues at Brooklyn Hospital Center in New York City

More than one former Trump voter who was in the market for an alternative said that Biden seemed to be 'not all there'.

Democrats themselves struggle to summon any enthusiasm for him. Many of his primary voters told us he was their second or even third choice after younger and more exciting candidates withdrew, and that they feared the idealistic socialist Sanders could not appeal to potential swing voters.

Biden was simply the embodiment of the compromise they knew was necessary to give themselves the best chance of denying Donald Trump a second term.

It was a compromise they were prepared to make, yet the mood among the Democrats we spoke to was gloomy.

Although they knew Trump was behind in the polls and saw what they considered his worst features magnified each day as the crisis wore on, something told them that this was not going to be their year.

Our poll put that feeling into numbers: when we asked people how they would vote, Biden beat Trump by 12 points. When we asked who they thought would win, the answer was Trump.

Although its actual consequences are all too real, the political effect of coronavirus - as with all the flashpoints of Donald Trump's presidency - might not be to change people's minds but instead to reinforce what they thought already.

In that case, the outcome in November is no more certain now than it was when Covid-19 was just a minor item in the pages of the overseas news.

Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC is an international businessman, philanthropist, author and pollster. Full details of his research can be found at lordashcroftpolls.com.

For information on his general work, visit lordashcroft.com.

Follow him on Twitter @LordAshcroft
Wuhan Lockdown Diary Author Says She is Being Abused by China's 'Extreme Left'

2020-04-10 -- An author who is due to publish her diary of her time under coronavirus lockdown in the central Chinese city of Wuhan has been subjected to widespread online abuse and criticism from key media figures.

Wang Fang, who uses the pen-name Fang Fang, has been posting her accounts of daily life during the Wuhan lockdown on social media, drawing furious abuse from nationalist "angry youth" and the ruling Chinese Communist Party elite.

"I'm being subjected to abuse for everything I say now," Fang Fang wrote on the social media platform Weibo. "I have really had a lesson in online violence."

"The extreme left is really powerful," she wrote, comparing the attacks against her to the political turmoil of the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976).

"It's like a virus itself, which spreads from person to person."

Fang Fang began the diary on Jan. 25, day 3 of the city-wide lockdown that left millions of people confined to their homes.

She talked about her friends and family, how uncomfortable it is to wear a mask, and the deaths of coronavirus patients, as well as poking fun at her nationalist critics who crowded onto Maoist platforms to criticize her.

It was updated almost daily until March 24, when she finished it with the words "I have fought the best battle of all."

"Without their encouragement," she wrote of her critics, "someone lazy like me might have let far more time elapse before writing [the diary]."

She took a further potshot at her detractors on March 24, asking rhetorically "So what did you do during the great catastrophe of 2020? Oh, I went crazy attacking Fang Fang."

Speaking out against corruption

Wuhan Diary will be published in English by Harper Collins in August, translated by Michael Berry, according to a pre-order page on Amazon.com.

"In a nation where authorities use technology to closely monitor citizens and tightly control the media, writers often self-censor," the publisher's promotional blurb says.

"Yet the stark reality of this devastating situation drives Fang Fang to courageously speak out against social injustice, corruption, abuse, and the systemic political problems which impeded the response to the epidemic," it said, adding that ruling Chinese Communist Party censors have deleted large numbers of Fang Fang's posts.

The diary will also contain valuable lessons for other countries and cities going through what Wuhan did, according to the book's publisher.

"As Fang Fang documents the beginning of the global health crisis in real time, she illuminates how many of the countries dealing with the novel coronavirus pandemic have repeated similar patterns and mistakes," it said.

A testament to the truth

Veteran political journalist Gao Yu said the amount of vitriol slung in Fang Fang's direction is a testament to the authenticity of her writing.

And she quoted the author as saying that the authorities would never allow Wuhan Diary to be published in China, where the government controls all aspects of public expression.

"They won't bring my book out in China, so why shouldn't I go overseas," Gao quoted Fang Fang as saying in a recent tweet. "Lots of Chinese writers have published overseas. This is normal."

RFA was unable to confirm independently that the comment actually came from Fang Fang, but Gao said she believed it to be authentic.

Guangdong-based writer Ye Du said the backlash against Fang Fang indicates how little freedom of speech exists in China.

"The authorities want to eradicate any idea of a China origin or official responsibility for the coronavirus pandemic from history and public opinion," Ye told RFA. "That's why it's hard for writing like Fang Fang's to find a place in the public discourse."

Wang Fang graduated from the Chinese department of Wuhan University. She chaired the Hubei Writers Association from 2007 to 2018, and won the prestigious Lu Xun Literary Prize in 2010.

Reported by Jia Ao for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.

Copyright  1998-2020, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Joel Bartley did not wait for a government order before taking action to protect his grandmother.

The grandson of artist Jack Absalom, Mr Bartley said his family decided four weeks ago to close Absalom's Gallery in Broken Hill, which is also home to his grandmother Mary. "Nan's 91," he said. "We're not going to risk her health for the sake of a few tourists."

A handmade sign warns road users that Broken Hill has become a "hotspot" for the coronavirus. Credit:Joel Bartley

Broken Hill is located 934 kilometres from Sydney, where Bondi backpackers and cruise ship passengers have created coronavirus "hotspots".

But the outback city was one of 13 areas chosen by NSW Health last week for increased testing for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, because of an elevated risk of community transmission  a decision that surprised some locals including Mr Bartley.
Everybody wants to control us but nobody wants to help us, said a young Palestinian man sitting on a car hood in the impoverished ridge-top neighborhood of Jabal Mukaber on a recent afternoon. He would only give his first name, Abdel, because he feared reprisals from both governments. We fall in the middle.
82 per cent Indians want the lockdown to be continued beyond 14th April and a mind boggling 86%, would like the PM to introduce a weekly morale boosting activity, similar to clapping and lighting of diyas/ candles, for displaying solidarity and oneness with one and all.

These responses were part of the Public ki Rai poll conducted by Public app, Indias largest location based social media app in association with global market research firm Ipsos. Over 2 lakh Indians participated in this poll conducted across Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

Said Azhar Iqubal, Co-founder and CEO, Inshorts and Public on the findings, The lockdown has been difficult for everybody, but the poll findings clearly show that Indians really understand the importance of maintaining social distancing and are ready to support authorities going forward too. We will continue bringing to fore opinions of our 25 million plus app users, on important matters, so that the pulse of the nation reaches everyone.

There is a strong support for extending the lockdown, until the crisis is over. After applauding the frontline warriors of COVID-19 and lighting the candles in solidarity with everyone in self-isolation, people expect more such activities, on a weekly basis. it is a good way of building solidarity and the feeling of togetherness, said Amit Adarkar, CEO, Ipsos India.

Overall, the poll results show, around 56 per cent people want the lockdown extended till 30th April; 21 percent till 15th May and 23 percent would like the lockdown enforced till 30th May. Interestingly, 14 percent did not support further extension of the lockdown; while about 3% had no opinion.

Amid Coronavirus, Public app has been providing verified and real-time local updates to users and allowing them to record and share the happenings in their vicinity. The App is also being used by local politicians and government officials to share valuable updates around COVID 19 in their locality and help debunk rumours and fake news to prevent misinformation and panic in the community.

PUBLIC KI RAI POLL RESULTS State Experts and state governments have suggested PM to extend the lockdown. Do you also suggest the same? Till when should the lockdown continue? Should some activity happen every Sunday for the countrys motivation and unity? Answer selected Yes No No opinion 30 April 15 May 30 May Yes No No opinion Bihar 81.32% 15.28% 3.40% 56.97% 21.38% 21.65% 86.46% 8.53% 5.01% Chhattisgarh 84.08% 12.93% 2.99% 58.21% 20.68% 21.11% 87.26% 7.72% 5.02% Delhi 69.61% 23.34% 7.05% 57.54% 18.59% 23.87% 80.28% 12.15% 7.57% Haryana 82.65% 13.75% 3.60% 54.61% 20.93% 24.45% 83.57% 11.04% 5.39% Jharkhand 85.07% 11.91% 3.02% 50.12% 24.38% 25.51% 86.16% 8.27% 5.57% Madhya Pradesh 82.52% 13.95% 3.53% 54.42% 22.19% 23.39% 85.82% 9.00% 5.18% Rajasthan 84.20% 12.55% 3.24% 56.63% 21.73% 21.64% 86.16% 8.82% 5.02% Uttar Pradesh 79.00% 16.63% 4.37% 58.21% 19.56% 22.23% 84.08% 9.72% 6.20% All States 81.72% 14.61% 3.67% 56.14% 21.31% 22.55% 86.16% 8.82% 5.02%

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By Lisandra Paraguassu

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, agreeing to a request from evangelical Christians, said on Friday that he was calling for a national day of fasting and prayer this Sunday to "free Brazil from this evil" coronavirus epidemic.

As the death toll mounts in the country, along with criticism of his handling of the public health crisis, Bolsonaro met with Pentecostal evangelical pastors outside his official residence. Evangelicals have been among the right-wing leader's most faithful supporters.

"With the pastors and religious leaders we will call for a day of fasting by Brazilians so that Brazil can free itself from this evil as soon as possible," he later said on radio station Jovem Pan.

On Friday, the country's coronavirus deaths increased to 359 from 299, while confirmed cases jumped to 9,056.

Brazilians overwhelmingly disapprove of Bolsonaro for minimizing the epidemic and support governors and health officials that he has attacked for advocating social-distancing measures, two polls showed on Friday.

Bolsonaro has become increasingly isolated politically as he continues to rail against state and municipal shutdowns, calling them economically disastrous responses to an over-hyped risk.

The idea of fasting and prayer gained momentum on Friday among Bolsonaro supporters and evangelical preachers on social media.

"Brazil is in a serious crisis. The forces of evil are rising against a God-fearing Christian president and family defender. Sunday will be a day of fasting," Congressman Marco Feliciano, an evangelical pastor, said in a Twitter post.

Pastor Silas Malafaia, a leader of Brazil's largest Pentecostal church, the Assembly of God, proposed on social media that the fast begin at midnight on Saturday and last until midday Sunday.

Bolsonaro's approval rating has fallen to its lowest level since he took office last year. He was elected in a conservative swing by Brazilian voters, with massive evangelical support for his family values platform opposing abortion and gay marriage.

A former army captain turned politician, Bolsonaro was raised a Roman Catholic and was re-baptized by an evangelical pastor in the River Jordan in 2016 in Israel, as he began to plan a run for president.

(Reporting by Lisandra Paraguassu; writing by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
LANCASTER, Pennsylvania  While most Americans are glued to their televisions and cellphones for the latest information on the coronavirus pandemic, the nation's Amish communities  tight-knit Christian farming families that live simply and reject most modern technology  present a challenge for elected and public health officials working to share information about the virus.

There were more than 340,000 Amish living in the U.S., in 2019, according to the Young Center at Elizabethtown College, which focuses on national Amish studies. They live primarily in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois.

While its unclear how many Amish have been diagnosed with COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus, there's evidence of positive cases in several counties where they live. Lancaster County in Pennsylvania, for example, has reported at least 596 cases (on par with some Philadelphia suburban counties), while Geauga County in Ohio has at least 47 cases and Douglas County in Illinois has 11 cases.

Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois are among those that have issued statewide stay-at-home orders, so the Amish are cut off more than usual from the outside world  meaning they arent receiving much news about the pandemic in real time. Typically, an Amish person might hear news on the radio if driven in a car by a so-called English (non-Amish) colleague, or hear updates from non-Amish co-workers or at farmers markets.

While churches and schools across Amish country have closed, the culture itself remains very social, with communities sometimes continuing with the kinds of large gatherings discouraged by state and local officials during the pandemic.

In their culture, they look forward to those events, to going to church and having weddings, Dr. Holmes Morton, who treats Amish patients in Belleville, Pennsylvania, told NBC News. He described a phone call he had with one of his regular patients who lives in an Amish community near Pittsburgh, where church services were still being held.

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Its very hard on them as a culture, to accept the fact that it's dangerous to do that, Morton said.

Mortons office, the Central Pennsylvania Clinic, is offering testing to the Amish community for COVID-19 to boost awareness of the severity of the virus and the importance of prevention.

Its a drive-through process, but with horse-and-buggy service for the Amish. WellSpan Health, a health care system in central Pennsylvania which works with the Amish, has been updating the community on the pandemic since mid-March, sending mailers to church deacons who often serve as disseminators of information.

The real challenge is getting information out quickly, because they do not have access to the things that most of the rest of us would turn to quickly like social media, the internet and television, Joanne Eshelman who, as WellSpans Director of Plain Community Relationships, said.

We jokingly talk about the Amish internet. Information spreads by word of mouth fairly quickly, Dr. Keith Wright, the medical director of quality and innovation, said.

Wright says their health liaisons work to answer questions coming from the community about when to wear masks, when businesses can open again, and in what situation they should seek testing.

Because so many Amish and Mennonites  a similar community of Plain Christian farmers  are uninsured, WellSpan Health is waiving all out-of-pocket costs for anyone who needs COVID-19 testing or treatment during the coronavirus outbreak. The health center also provided a pattern for the Amish to sew their own masks; many families have made extra masks and are donating them back to the health care system as the state sees shortages in personal protective equipment.

One Amish death due to COVID-19, in Indiana, was reported by several physicians and liaisons this week. NBC News could not confirm the cause of death due to the federal health care privacy law.

An obituary for the deceased said that the funeral service will be private and for family only. That suggests an acceptance of social distancing measures, as Amish funerals can typically draw more than 400 people in Indiana.

Amish farmers markets and agricultural auctions have been permitted to continue as essential businesses, but attendance has decreased in recent weeks.

Its a strange sight to see the market so empty, one Amish man at the Lancaster Central Market in Pennsylvania said, requesting anonymity due to privacy and religious concerns. Blankets covered at least half of the stands in the market, marking their temporary closures.

The folks who are coming know what they want to buy, instead of wandering around like some do. So business has been cut in half, but luckily some people are willing to come down to the farm, the man added.

Liaisons with the Amish community said that most communities are abiding by the stay-at-home orders.

Typically when driving through Lancaster County, the roads are sprinkled with horse and buggy carriages carrying Amish families through town. This week, a lone Amish woman riding her bicycle was spotted, passing a sign reading, Dawn comes after darkness, echoing a Bible verse.

The Penn State Extension, a branch of the university used to educate local communities regarding science and agriculture, normally works with the Plain sect communities -- it has distributed pamphlets to hang in Amish businesses that are still operating, with guidance and graphics depicting best practices.

The large Amish farming community receives publications like Lancaster farming where Leon Ressler, an agronomist with Penn State, publishes a weekly column, used now to provide updates on national guidance regarding the coronavirus.

Last weeks read in part, Since we dont yet have an approved treatment, social isolation practices to prevent the spread of the virus are critical to gaining ground in the efforts to control the virus, pointing to guidance from the White House task force and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In Illinois, though, the Douglas County Health Department has worked over time to build a relationship with the Amish community, providing regular care and immunization clinics throughout the year.

With that community, from the beginning, we just blanketed information about COVID-19, department spokesperson Amanda Minor said. Even if its the same information that comes from the CDC or the president, if it comes from us locally, it feels more trustworthy. We put it on our letterhead.

Minor noted the Amish population she works with has done well abiding by the guidance to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, especially with church services.

In Ohio, Amish schools closed the day after Gov. Mike DeWine gave the order statewide. Geauga County worked with the Amish school superintendent to strategize about safe alternatives to give out lesson plans, since the Amish dont have access to the technology for remote learning.

The Amish community is being very proactive in asking for partnership with Geauga Public Health, Health Commissioner Thomas Quade said.

Quade described detailed communication with local bishops to request churches be closed throughout the month of April, along with efforts to create billboards depicting social distancing using items the county thought would be meaningful to the community, like a ladder and tape measure.

Just like in the non-Amish community, there is room to improve, but there is a very good relationship between their leadership and the health department to assure communication is flowing in both directions, Quade added.

Maura Barrett reported from Lancaster and Matt Wargo reported from Reading, Penn.
Princess Dianas impact on the fashion world can still be seen in modern times. How many instances are there of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge channeling her late mother-in-laws look? And shes not the only one.

Diana was a trendsetter in part because she pushed boundaries where royal protocol was concerned. She was frequently spotted in off-the-shoulder frocks, short gowns that showed off her mile-long legs, and form-fitting dresses after she and Prince Charles split. One of these was even nicknamed Dianas revenge dress.

But even though the Princess of Wales dressed provocatively by royal standards, she still did her best to keep herself covered in public. Thats where Dianas so-called cleavage bags came into play.

Princess Diana | Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

Princess Diana used her clutch bags to hide her decolletage

The Princess of Wales was always the epitome of class. And as one of the most photographed women in the world, she wanted to avoid potential wardrobe malfunctions no matter what. Instead of wearing turtlenecks all the time, Diana used one of her accessories wisely.

There are countless photos of Diana using her clutch style handbags to cover up a low cut dresses and help keep her bosom from being overexposed, especially while stepping out of a car. Apparently, Diana used her clutch bags this way on purpose and even came up with a fun name for them.

We used to laugh when we designed what she called her cleavage bags, little satin clutches which she would cover her cleavage with when she stepped out of cars, British designer Anya Hindmarch told The Telegraph.

Princess Diana | Anwar Hussein/WireImage

Diana isnt the only royal family member who used her handbag strategically

The Princess of Wales is in good company when it comes to using her handbag for practical purposes. Catherine is rumored to clutch her small bags in front of her to avoid shaking hands with certain people. This posture constantly ignites pregnancy rumors, but the Duchess of Cambridge keeps using it anyway.

And shes not the only one. Queen Elizabeth also uses her handbag to send secret messages to her staff. When Her Majesty switches her bag from one arm to the other, its her way of silently indicating that shed like to be rescued from the current conversation. It would be done very nicely, royal historian Hugo Vickers explained. Someone would come along and say, Sir, the Archbishop of Canterbury would very much like to meet you.

Princess Diana took bold risks with her wardrobe and accessories

Diana, Princess of Wales | Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

Diana started breaking royal protocol before her marriage ended, but it wasnt until after she and Prince Charles separated that her outfits started getting tighter, shorter, and more risque. These outfits showed that the Princess of Wales was fully embracing her sex appeal and, to some extent, wanted to make her ex jealous.

Plus, Diana knew how popular she was with the media and like any celebrity, her more revealing outfits inevitably got more attention. As long as she had her cleavage bags for protection, Diana wasnt afraid to embrace low-cut necklines that would make Queen Elizabeth blush.
(Newser)  In December 2018, hundreds of people died when a section of the Anak Krakatau island volcano, located in Indonesia's Krakatoa crater, collapsed, setting off a deadly tsunami. Now, there's new activity from the volcano, with the longest eruption noted since the 2018 disaster. The AP reports that Anak Krakatau (or "Child of Krakatoa") started spitting out lava, ash, and smoke on Friday, continuing into Saturday morning. "This seems to be the strongest eruptive phase since the violent phreatomagmatic activity following the partial collapse of the volcano on 22 Dec 2018," notes VolcanoDiscovery. Per the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, an initial eruption began just before 10pm Friday, lasting one minute and 12 seconds and sending ash and smoke nearly 700 feet high, the Jakarta Post reports.

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Then, about a half-hour later, a 38-minute eruption sent up an ash column that stretched more than 1,600 feet high. A "level 2" alert (the second highest out of four) was in place Saturday, though no casualties had yet been reported. Some pictures of the eruption circulated online. Residents along the southern Lampung coastline self-evacuated, mainly because they remain spooked from the 2018 tsunami. "They immediately fled to the mountains as they were still traumatized," one South Lampung resident told local media, per the Post. Police and service members remained on alert in Lampung province in case more evacuations were needed, but an official from the country's National Disaster Mitigation Agency says the volcanic activity had stopped as of Saturday and that "residents were advised not to panic." (Read more volcano eruption stories.)
Royal Philips (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) has entered into an agreement with the US government to increase the production of hospital ventilators at its manufacturing sites in the US. The company plans to double its production by May 2020 and achieve a four-fold increase by the third quarter of 2020 for supply to the US as well as global markets. Philips plans to invest several tens of millions in its ventilator manufacturing sites in the US.Philips is a leading health technology company that leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. In line with the recent call to action by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and World Health Organization (WHO), Philips and the US government have agreed to work together to accelerate access to critical materials and components, expedite logistics and regulatory approvals, in order to rapidly increase the production of ventilators which are critical for the treatment of patients with the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).Philips believes that critical medical equipment, such as hospital ventilators, should be made available across the world using a fair and ethical approach to allocate supply to acute patient demands based on data such as the COVID-19 statistics per country/region (e.g. provided by the WHO and Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center) and the available critical care capacity. Philips may divide orders into batches to be delivered in phases, so that the company can simultaneously serve multiple countries/regions in need.We are actively collaborating with the US government to help save lives in the US and across the globe, said Frans van Houten, CEO of Royal Philips. There is an unprecedented global demand for medical equipment to help diagnose and treat patients with COVID-19. We welcome the support of the US government in our efforts to aggressively increase the production of hospital ventilators. We believe in fair allocation of scarce medical equipment to those who need it the most, and we are ramping up to deliver 43,000 units to the most critical regions in the US in the coming weeks and months through December 2020.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has sent a letter to the overseas Vietnamese community, calling on them to remain unanimous and stand side by side with the homeland in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The following is the full translation of his message:

Dear overseas Vietnamese compatriots,

"COVID-19 is a dangerous pandemic that has been spreading fast around the globe and developing more and more complicatedly and unpredictably.

Our Party and State have issued drastic directions, synchronously and resolutely taken many early disease prevention solutions that have been applied at higher level than the World Health Organisation (WHO)s recommendations. Vietnam has been taking control of the situation, achieving initial positive results with 50 percent of the infected people making a full recovery and, especially, no deaths so far, which has been highly valued by the WHO and the international community.

Such results are thanks to the participation of the entire political system from the central to local levels; the tireless efforts of medical staff, officers and soldiers of the armed forces, others working in foreign affairs, information and communications, and organizations; as well as the solidarity and unanimity to act together of the whole nation, including the extremely important contributions and donations of the overseas Vietnamese community.

On behalf of the Party and State, I highly value your valuable and practical support and sharing, both materially and spiritually, for the prevention and control of the pandemic in the country in recent times. I appreciate that precious solidarity, kindness, support and assistance, and at the same time commend the efforts by the overseas Vietnamese, workers, students who are living, working and studying in other countries to overcome pandemic-caused difficulties, and comply with regulations of the host countries to protect themselves and the community. Those actions reflect the tradition of solidarity, patriotism, humanity and overcoming difficulties of our nation and our people.

I welcome Vietnamese missions abroad for promptly, effectively and effectively implementing the task of protecting citizens and assisting the Vietnamese communities in foreign countries in the difficult period. They should continue making efforts and promoting the sense of responsibility and cooperation with the concerned agencies in the host countries, as well as ensure the rights, implement preventive measures and treat the disease for the local Vietnamese community. At the same time, the missions should continue reiterating Vietnams positive spirit and responsibility to the international community, and further their efforts to coordinate actions and share difficulties with all countries to soon win the COVID-19 fight.

Compatriots,

Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong had an appeal: The whole Vietnamese nation, please join efforts to overcome all difficulties and challenges to beat the COVID-19 pandemic! In response to this call, with the tradition of patriotism, solidarity, and compassion, I urge our compatriots abroad to continue to unite, join hands and stand side by side with the country and the people at home to prevent and combat the pandemic; as well as raise responsibility, and uphole the spirit of 'protecting yourself is protecting your family and society'; while strictly complying with preventive measures and regulations of the host countries, especially social distance and travel restrictions.

"The fight against the COVID-19 is still facing a lot of hardships and difficulties ahead, requiring more efforts from all of us, including the overseas Vietnamese community. With positive initial results in disease prevention and control, together with the unanimity of compatriots and soldiers nationwide as well as our compatriots abroad, we will certainly win the pandemic.

"I wish you solidarity, health and success.

Sincerely,

Nguyen Xuan Phuc

Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam./.
Coronavirus sufferers can spread the infection 13 feet, twice the government's social distancing rules, a study has found.

Chinese scientists examined surface and air samples from both an intensive care unit and general Covid-19 ward at Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan, the city where the disease spawned before spilling across the map to become a global pandemic.

Both wards housed a total of 24 patients between February 19 and March 2, when China was still in the grip of the deadly virus.

The team observed so-called aerosol transmission - when the droplets of the virus are so fine they become suspended and remain airborne for several hours.

Chinese scientists examined surface and air samples from both an intensive care unit and general Covid-19 ward at Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan in March

This differs from cough or sneeze droplets that fall to the ground within seconds and linger on surfaces.

They found that virus-laden aerosols were mainly concentrated downstream from patients at up to 13 feet, though smaller quantities were found also observed upstream up to eight feet away.

It suggests that the government's six-feet distancing guidance does not go far enough.

However it remains unclear if these ultrafine particles are infectious and the World Health Organization has so far downplayed the risk.

The Chinese team, from the Academy of Military Sciences in Beijing, also tested the concentration of the disease on surfaces.

Their findings, published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, were that the virus was most heavily concentrated on the floors of the wards, 'perhaps because of gravity and air flow causing most virus droplets to float to the ground.'

Medical staff check information as patients infected by coronavirus leave from Wuhan Hospital to Huoshenshan Hospital in March

High levels were also found on frequently touched surfaces like computer mice, trashcans, bed rails and door knobs.

'Furthermore, half of the samples from the soles of the ICU medical staff shoes tested positive,' the team wrote.

'Therefore, the soles of medical staff shoes might function as carriers.'

Encouragingly, no members of the hospital staff were infected, 'indicating that appropriate precautions could effectively prevent infection,' the authors wrote.

They also offered advice that bucks most lockdown guidelines: 'Our findings suggest that home isolation of persons with suspected Covid-19 might not be a good control strategy given the levels of environmental contamination.'

Because most citizens do not have access to personal protective equipment, the scientists believe confining the virus to households simply leads to cluster cases.
While all the Bollywood celebrities are having a tough time being locked up inside their homes due to the lockdown, Manoj Baypayee has the other way round. He is locked out of the comforts of his home in a faraway land.

Bajpayee was shooting a film in Uttarakhand when the lockdown was announced. Before he could catch a flight back home to Mumbai, all means of transportation were seized, leaving the actor stranded in a distant outskirt of Uttarakhand where there is no television or proper mobile network.





A source close to Manoj informs, He was shooting for a film with Deepak Dobriyal in the wilderness when disaster struck after just 4 days of shooting. Manoj has no means of returning to Mumbai. Hes been stuck in Uttarkhand for over three weeks now. Unless the lockdown is lifted there is nothing he can do. Luckily he has his wife Shabana and daughter with him. So they are all entertained. While Deepak Dobriyal who was shooting with Manoj in Uttarakhand is alone. His wife and children are in Mumbai. Affirming the same Manoj's text message from Uttarakhand read, All of us are here, safe. Take care and stay safe.

We hope Manoj Bajpayee and his family stay safe and return to the comforts of their home, soon.














Authorities believe someone threw or dropped a brick that crashed through a car window Friday night on State Highway 242 in Concord, killing a 63-year-old Antioch grandmother.

The woman, whose name has not been released, was sitting in the front passenger seat of a 2004 Volkswagen Jetta when the brick smashed through the window at about 9:30 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.

The car had been headed north on 242 near State Route 4 and the 20-year-old male driver pulled over after the incident and called 911, the CHP said.

Emergency crews provided livesaving measures but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver and two children in the backseat were not injured.

It's not yet known where the brick came from, and the case is under investigation.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the Contra Costa CHP in Martinez at (925) 646-4980.

A driver died early Saturday after his SUV veered off State Route 116 in Sebastopol, hit a utility pole and flipped several times, the California Highway Patrol said.

The driver, whose name was not released, was alone in a Jeep Grand Cherokee headed westbound on 116, east of Cooper Road at about 4:30 a.m. The SUV went off the roadway into a dirt embankment, where it hit the wooden utility pole, according to the CHP.

The driver was ejected from the Jeep and was found in the roadway. He died while being taken by emergency crews to a hospital, the CHP said.

The crash is under investigation and the CHP asks anyone with information to call the Santa Rosa CHP office at (707) 588-1400.

The beacon atop Mount Diablo will be lighted after sunset on Easter, this Sunday, and will be illuminated each succeeding Sunday until the new coronavirus crisis has ended, representatives of nonprofit group Save Mount Diablo said Friday.

Save Mount Diablo staff and volunteers, in coordination with their partners at California State Parks, will light the famed beacon at Mount Diablo State Park each Sunday and turn it off at sunrise Monday.

Physical distancing will be followed throughout, organizers said.

"Lighting the Beacon every Sunday is a way to honor our heroes in this global pandemic struggle, to pay our respects to the dead and those suffering, to lift our eyes to higher ground and the light and be reminded of the healing power of nature and our Mount Diablo, and to bring our communities together during this difficult time," Ted Clement, executive director of Save Mount Diablo, said in a statement.

Save Mount Diablo, California State Parks, the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors Chapter 5, California State University - East Bay (Concord) and others organize the annual lighting ceremony of the beacon in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on Dec. 7.

The current lighting effort has been coordinated with the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors Chapter 5.

The Golden Gate Bridge District has closed the south end parking lots and the Caltrans' Vista Point parking lot entrance this weekend to prevent overcrowding in light of the novel coronavirus.

The district has placed signage around the bridge's entrances encouraging travelers to continue practicing physical distancing and other coronavirus safety protocols.

Visitation at the bridge has significantly declined since San Francisco and other Bay Area jurisdictions implemented a regionwide shelter-in-place order in response to the virus. District officials encouraged Bay Area residents to continue following local safety guidelines and avoid crowded areas for the foreseeable future.

The south end parking lots are closed until 7 a.m. Monday while the Vista Point parking lot will be closed from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Information on the district's response to the virus can be found at goldengate.org/covid-19.

Ten people were displaced and a dog died in a two-alarm fire early Saturday at a Livermore townhouse complex, fire officials said.

The fire was reported about 6:30 a.m. at a two-story townhouse in the 1000 block of Murrieta Blvd. When firefighters arrived, they encountered heavy fire and evacuated the building, according to Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Joe Testa.

All residents were able to get out of the building safely, but a dog died in the blaze.

The fire left two townhomes heavily damaged and two others with moderate damage, mostly due to smoke and water. Fire officials put an early estimate of the damage at $450,000 to the four units.

The Alameda County Fire Department also responded to the blaze.

The American Red Cross is working with the displaced residents and fire officials to provide shelter. Fire crews remained at the scene Saturday morning to check for hotspots.

The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

A man has been sentenced to three years in local custody in connection with an animal cruelty case, Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced Friday.

Aaron O'Hare, 29, was sentenced for cruelty to an animal and domestic violence, prosecutors said.

On Aug. 7, 2018, the SPCA's Humane Investigations Division received an anonymous tip a man was abusing a white Pomeranian dog named Kitty.

Investigators learned Kitty was seen at the Monterey Peninsula Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center on July 30, 2018 and had been diagnosed with significant bruises and swelling to the left leg and abdomen with hemorrhaging in the left eye.

Prosecutors said O'Hare told the vet he fell on the dog when he got tangled up in the dog's leash during a walk.

On Aug. 6, 2018, Kitty was taken back to the emergency veterinarian and was not able to walk. Prosecutors said O'Hare admitted he smacked the dog on the nose when it urinated on the floor.

The dog died on Aug. 11, 2018, and a necropsy revealed the dog had six broken ribs in varying stages of healing, two dislocated hips, bleeding in the brain, a hemorrhaged liver, and the dog's spine was dislocated from the skull, prosecutors said.

Investigators determined the injuries were the result of multiple episodes of blunt force trauma and possible shaking over a course of two weeks.

The cause of the dog's death was determined to be shock secondary to traumatic injury resulting in bleeding around the brain and in the abdomen, prosecutors said.

Authorities on Saturday are asking the public's help in finding a missing elderly man who is suffering from a medical condition.

Jerry Prine, 79, walked away from his home in Woodside about 11:45 a.m. Saturday and hasn't returned, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.

Prine is described as 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing about 180 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black down vest, a blue plaid flannel shirt, black pants and dark colored shoes, the sheriff's office said.

Anyone who sees him is asked to call the San Mateo County Sheriff Office at (650) 363-4911.

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.
Avenattis lawyers have been pushing for his release amid the coronavirus pandemic since last month, and late Friday, U.S. District Judge James Selna granted the request for up to 90 days. Avenatti, who represented adult film actress Stormy Daniels in a scandal-ridden legal battle against President Trump, must quarantine for 14 days at a federal facility to ensure that he does not have coronavirus symptoms. Then, he can stay at the Venice, Calif., home of his friend Jay Manheimer while wearing a monitoring bracelet and having no Internet access.
Pentagon Chief Says Reinstating Coronavirus-Ridden Warship's Commander Not 'Off the Table'

Sputnik News

16:53 GMT 10.04.2020(updated 17:21 GMT 10.04.2020)

Captain Brett Crozier, commander of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, was relieved of his command last week after penning an 'inappropriate' open letter to Navy officials requesting urgent help for his men in addressing an outbreak of COVID-19 on his ship. The fallout from the fiasco prompted at least one senior Navy official to resign.

Senior officials including Secretary of Defence Mark Esper and Admiral Mike Gilday, the Navy's chief of operations, say they're not ruling out reinstating Captain Crozier as the public relations disaster over his dramatic firing continues to smolder.

"We've taking nothing off the table," Esper said, speaking to CBS News on Friday. "My inclination is always to support the chain of command, and to take the recommendations seriously," he added.

"There are always extreme cases where going outside the chain of command makes sense. That's why we want to see where this investigation takes us," Esper stressed.

A day earlier, Admiral Gilday similarly indicated that he wasn't taking any "options off the table" as far as Crozier's fate goes, telling AP that he has yet to speak to the former commander, who remains in quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19. Gilday stressed that he wanted to find out about what it was that motivated Crozier to email his letter out to officials warning about the COVID-19 outbreak on his ship.

In his letter, a copy of which was leaked to the press late last month, Crozier urged that immediate action be taken by the Navy to halt the carrier's operations, stressing that his ship was "not at war," and that "sailors do not need to die." He urged "the majority of personnel" to be removed and isolated from the ship for a two week period. The Pentagon initially refused to evacuate the vessel, removing Crozier from duty, accusing him of demonstrating "extremely poor judgement" and making the Navy and the government look bad.

In this Nov. 15, 2029, photo U.S. Navy Capt. Brett Crozier, commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), addresses the crew during an all-hands call on the ship's flight deck while conducting routine operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

Later, after tests showed that some 416 of the ship's sailors had tested positive for COVID-19, the Navy ended up following Crozier's recommendations, quarantining 2,700 sailors on Guam.

Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly courted controversy after calling Crozier "naive and stupid" before apologizing and resigning amid pressure by senior lawmakers to have him fired.

A total of four US carriers have confirmed cases of COVID-19 onboard. On Friday, France reported 50 COVID-19 cases aboard its Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, with three sailors evacuated to hospital in mainland France by helicopter as the warship continues to chart its course for its home port of Toulon.

 Sputnik

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By PTI

HYDERABAD: A COVID-19 patient discharged from a state-run hospital here after he tested negative was called back after a second test result turned out to be weak positive, a medical official said on Saturday.

"The patient, who tested positive on March 23, was discharged after the test result came out negative. But it came weak positive in a second test. So we called back, admitted him in the hospital and again sent (the samples) for testing," the official said.

ALSO READ: COVID-19 LIVE

The man was discharged on Thursday and was again admitted to the hospital on Friday, he said.

The patient did not go around much and those who came in contact with him have been put in quarantine, the official said.

An enquiry was held and a report on the matter had been sent to the authorities concerned, he said.
Dr. Joseph Rizza isnt lost at sea.

The Tucson-area cruise ship physician is safe on board a massive, well-stocked vessel equipped with all sorts of high-tech navigational equipment.

The Celebrity Solstice is roughly one-fifth of a mile long from stem to stern, with 19 decks and room for about 4,000 people. Its basically a floating luxury hotel built to cross oceans at about 28 mph.

At the moment, though, the Solstice and its pared-down crew of about 450 cant seem to find a place to dock.

Coronavirus fears have closed ports around the globe, leaving dozens of cruise ships stranded just off shore.

A few ships still have passengers on board, but the vast majority of the people stuck at sea are crew members, as cruise operators slowly unfurl an unprecedented global repatriation effort.

As of last week, some 93,000 crew members remained aboard 114 cruise ships in or near U.S. ports and waters, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Thousands more are still on the job on dozens of other passenger ships elsewhere around the globe.

Rizza joined the Solstice crew in New Zealand on March 15 as an emergency, mid-cruise replacement, after one of the ships doctors abruptly resigned.

What was supposed to be a five-day assignment for the 72-year-old doctor is about to enter its fifth week, with no end in sight.

Hes nowhere. He doesnt know what to do, said Rizzas wife, Guje Olofsson, in a phone interview from the couples home in SaddleBrooke. What I worry about is when on Earth am I going to see him and how is he going to get home.
The coronavirus pandemic had a negative impact on the public and private sectors, Chief Executive Officer of Romanias IT GRUP in Azerbaijan Kamran Allahverdiyev told local media.

It also affected IT GRUP Azerbaijan, which took all necessary measures to combat the spread of coronavirus, CEO of IT GRUP Azerbaijan said.

The office of IT Grup Azerbaijan was completely disinfected, Allahverdiyev added. To avoid interruptions in the implementation of projects and at the same time to protect the health of our employees, the companys management reduced working hours by continuing to work remotely from home.

"Presently, the management and employees continue to comply with the quarantine regime introduced in Azerbaijan and fulfill their job responsibilities at home, CEO of IT GRUP Azerbaijan said. This situation creates a number of difficulties, but to support Azerbaijans initiative to protect the populations health, we must follow the Evde qal ("Stay at home") principle to deal with this problem."

"The implementation of many projects was postponed, bidding and tenders were suspended due to coronavirus in Azerbaijan, as well as worldwide, Allahverdiyev said. This adversely affected the financial and economic market. However, we are confident that 2.5 billion manat [$1.5 billion] allocated by the Azerbaijani president will help the IT sector, as well as each economic entity and get out of this pandemic with the least losses."

The company also rendered support to the fight against coronavirus in the country, Allahverdiyev added. As a subsidiary of the Romanian IT Grup company in Azerbaijan, the company made a contribution to Azerbaijans Fund to Support Fight against Coronavirus created upon the presidential decree dated March 19, 2020, to prevent the infection and strengthen the measures to combat it.

"IT GRUP Azerbaijan has been operating for eight months, and the company has successfully begun to work on several projects, CEO of IT GRUP Azerbaijan said. Of course, the situation with coronavirus had its negative impact on our company, as well as on other companies.

We faced stagnation in the work on current and new projects. As for the new projects, the work in this sphere has been temporarily suspended, Allahverdiyev said.

"Only when all people of the country unite and move in one direction, will we be able to overcome all the hardships that covered almost all the countries, including Azerbaijan, CEO of IT GRUP Azerbaijan added. Therefore, our company is always ready to support our country, comply with all decisions made by the president and relevant state agencies."
A Northern Ireland medical equipment firm has landed an express delivery of hundreds of key respiratory units to help in the fight against coronavirus here.

Operating Room Systems says it has landed 100 of a total of 300 of the O2FLO high-flow respiratory units, with the first delivery being installed in local hospitals.

The next 200 are expected to arrive this weekend.

The equipment is used for patients who are out of intensive care and don't need a ventilator, but still require oxygen to aid recovery.

The company secured the deal with assistance from Danske Bank, which says it approved an overdraft extension of 700,000 to enable the transaction to go ahead.

"We were responding to a need in the system and were pleased to be able to use our contacts to ensure these products could be delivered now, when the need is greatest," David Haslett, director at Operating Room Systems, said.

"Danske Bank did a wonderful job for us. I made the call to our relationship manager on a Sunday morning two weeks ago and they approved the extension of our overdraft facility within 24 hours, enabling us to pay for the order in full in advance, as required by the manufacturer. It provides a timely boost to our own business at a time when most surgery has been postponed."

And Raymond Geddis, business banking manager at Danske Bank's Belfast business centre, said: "Operating Room Systems has an excellent reputation in the health sector and it is to the company's credit that they stepped out of their usual product areas and used their global contacts to secure this equipment at a time of intense need for the health service.

"We were delighted to be able to provide the funding required to secure this essential order."
Lucknow: Both the report of a two and a half-year-old child in a hospital in Uttar Pradesh's capital Lucknow has been negative. Admitted to King George Medical University (KGMU), this child will soon be discharged from the hospital. The second investigation report of the child has surfaced on Saturday, it is also negative.

500 corpses in a tomb, the situation in this city is very scary

While giving the information, in charge of Infectious Diseases Unit of KGMU, Dr D. Himanshu has told that "Both the reports of a two and a half-year-old child admitted in KGMU test report has come negative. The paperwork of the child has to be done. After that, he will be discharged. The investigation report of the mother has come negative. Now after seeing technical things, both of them will be discharged." On March 11, a woman doctor returned from Canada was confirmed to be Corona positive.

PM Modi holds video conference with CMs of all states on lockdown, decision may come soon

She was discharged from the hospital on 19 March. During this time, the virus was confirmed in the young man of Indiranagar who came in contact with her. He is undergoing treatment at KGMU. 18 days later, corona infection was found in the woman's father-in-law. He is undergoing treatment at the Command Hospital. After that, the woman's two and a half-year-old child was found infected.

CMs of Punjab, Delhi and Maharashtra appeals PM Modi to extend lockdown
[April 10, 2020] Labaton Sucharow LLP Files Securities Class Action Lawsuit Against E-House and Certain Other Parties

Labaton Sucharow LLP ("Labaton Sucharow") announces that on April 9, 2020, it filed a securities class action lawsuit, captioned Maso Capital Investments Limited v. E-House (China) Holdings Limited, No. 1:20-cv-02943 (S.D.N.Y.) (the "Action"), on behalf of its clients Maso Capital Investments Limited, Blackwell Partners LLC - Series A, and Crown Managed Accounts SPC for and on behalf of Crown/Maso Segregated Portfolio (together, the "Maso Entities") against E-House (China) Holdings Limited ("E-House"), and certain directors, officers, and affiliates (collectively, "Defendants"). The Action asserts claims under Sections 10(b), 13(e), 20A and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and SEC (News - Alert) Rules 10b-5 and 13e-3 promulgated thereunder. It is brought on behalf of all former owners of E-House American Depository Receipts ("ADS"), who sold E-House ADS, and were damaged thereby: (i) during the period from April 15, 2016, until August 31, 2016, inclusive (the "Class Period"); or (ii) by way of, or as a result, of tendering their ADS as part of the Merger (as defined herein), regardless of when that tender occurred. E-House describes itself as a "leading real estate services company in China." In June 2015, the Company announced that it had received a buyout offer from its CEO, Defendant Zhou, and another Director, Defendant Shen. Shortly thereafter, SINA Corporation joined them in forming a "Buyer Group." On April 15, 2016, the E-House executed a merger agreement with the Buyer Group, where each ADS would be bought for $6.85 per ADS (the "Merger"). ADS holder approval, however, would still be required before the Merger could close. The Company published a preliminary proxy seeking ADS holder approval for the Merger on April 25, 2016. In an attempt to persuade public ADS holders to accept the deal, the preliminary proxy contained numerous flse and misleading statements and omissions. Specifically, that: (i) the Merger was fair and in the best interest of those investors not affiliated with the Buyer Group; (ii) there were no plans for post-Merger transactions; and (iii) the projections in the proxies were based on the best available information. In truth, the Merger was not fair, there were planned post-Merger transactions, and the projections in the proxies were not the best available. The merger was approved based on Defendants' false information on August 5, 2016, and closed on August 12, 2016.



According to their plans, yet contrary to their proxies, Defendants set into motion post-Merger transactions, which culminated in the registration of shares for listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in July 2018. This relisting reflected a valuation far higher than the consideration of $6.85 per ADS given in connection to the Merger. As a result of Defendants' wrongful scheme to take E-House private at less than fair value (with the goal of relisting it at a higher valuation), former ADS holders outside the Buyer Group have suffered harm under the federal securities laws. If you sold or otherwise disposed of E-House ADS during the Class Period or if you tendered ADS into the Merger you are a member of the "Class" and may be able to seek appointment as Lead Plaintiff. Lead Plaintiff motion papers must be filed with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York no later than June 9, 2020. The Lead Plaintiff is a court-appointed representative for absent members of the Class. You do not need to seek appointment as Lead Plaintiff to share in any Class recovery in the Action. If you are a Class member and there is a recovery for the Class, you can share in that recovery as an absent Class member. You may retain counsel of your choice to represent you in the Action.

If you would like to consider serving as Lead Plaintiff or have any questions about this lawsuit, you may contact David J. Schwartz, Esq. of Labaton Sucharow, at (800) 321-0476, or via email at [email protected]. The Maso Entities are represented by Labaton Sucharow, which represents many of the largest pension funds in the United States and internationally with combined assets under management of more than $2 trillion. Labaton Sucharow has been recognized for its excellence by the courts and peers, and it is consistently ranked in leading industry publications. Offices are located in New York, NY, Wilmington, DE, and Washington, D.C. More information about Labaton Sucharow is available at www.labaton.com. You can view a copy of the complaint here. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200410005200/en/

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The worldwide coronavirus (covid19) has not had much impact on armed forces despite the fact that troops work, and often live, together in close proximity. The advantage the troops have is that they are generally young and in excellent health. This is especially true of troops in units deployed overseas and the crews of ships. Some 87 percent are between 18 and 39 years old while over 90 percent of ship crews are 18-39. The main covid19 danger in the military is to family members and civilian employees. These may be older or in poor health. These groups are more likely to die if infected. For example, the death rate of covid19 victims is 0.2 percent for younger (under 40) victims but that death rate gets much higher (over 20 percent) for people in poor health. Thus in the military, the most serious problem is troops getting infected and passing it on to more vulnerable civilian populations. Some 10-15 percent of the troops will suffer the effects of covid19 but few will die. Nevertheless, the impact of covid on troops is a problem for morale and overall readiness. In combat zones around the world, the impact of covid19 is already a reality. Most of these wars are disorganized affairs involving lots of irregulars, part-timers and militias. These wars tend to take place in areas that never had much in the way of modern health care or high standards of living. Since covid19 is less lethal than many of the existing diseases, like malaria in many parts of Africa, the new flu-type disease would come and go without much notice were it not for all the publicity.

There are some situations where the military impact pf covid19 can be more disruptive. This would be the case in special operations and air force units as well as the crews of ships at sea. There have already been cases of sailors coming down with covid19 while at sea. How could this happen? We already have examples of the impact. The cruise ship Diamond Princess had 3,700 passengers and crew on board and all were exposed to covid19 because there were enough infected passengers to begin with and the ship was quarantined long enough (two weeks) under conditions that allowed everyone on board to be exposed. Nearly all were tested and 19.6 percent tested positive but 47 percent of the infected showed no symptoms. Some of these did later exhibit symptoms (were asymptomatic) but none died. The danger of the asymptomatic infected is that they can spread the virus until their immune system eliminates it. It is unclear exactly how long that takes but it appears to be up to several weeks. It is known that 80 percent of those exposed to the virus do not become infected. This is typical of such diseases as influenza.

Even with flu, some of those whose immune systems reject the diseases, but some people do so while the virus has already infected them. These people probably spread these diseases more than the minority (10-15 percent) of the population that actually develops the uncomfortable symptoms of the flu. This gave rise, in the 19th century, to Typhoid Mary (Mary Mallon) a woman who carried the typhoid virus but never suffered the ill effects. This was not unique but it was the first time the relatively new mass media got a chance to handle this sort of thing. Unfortunately, Mary Mallon worked as a cook and refused to change professions and was found to have infected 51 people with typhoid, of whom three died. This led to her arrest in 1907 and she eventually spent 26 years confined to a cottage on an island dedicated to the care of those with contagious diseases. There were other such asymptomatic carriers of typhoid and similar diseases, but these were never noticed because they always believed as if they were vulnerable and took the precautions everyone else took to avoid infection or passing on the disease during outbreaks of these diseases. Historically, people have been dying of unidentified fevers for as long as humans, and animals in general, have been around. While modern medicine cant cure all diseases, it can identify anything new that comes along and a fast-spreading fever that kills a few people per million is news, especially in countries were modern medicine and sanitation have enabled large segments of the population to live to old age they have less resistance to fevers.

The Diamond Princess provided other insights that were also historical truths. While 0.2 percent of the passengers and crew died, most of those were and older and all were in poor health. Adjusting this data for more common age distribution (based on global populations exposed to Influenza) shows an overall death rate of 0.3 percent. The average death rate for Influenza is 0.1 percent. Higher death rates in some countries are not based on universal testing and mainly counted only those who showed symptoms. That accounts for the early estimates of a much higher death rate for covid19. Rarely is an entire population tested for the presence of a virus. Thus the Diamond Princess is the only example we have of a large group of people on a ship with at least one infected passenger to begin with and that was enough to expose the entire population of the ship to the virus.

Meanwhile, there has been no universal standard for measuring the impact of covid19. For example, some nations only count a covid19 death if covid19 was the major cause of death. In other nations anyone who died while infected is counted as a covid19 victim. It is already being noticed that a lot of victims are dying in the traditional fashion, at home or work, who had not appeared in need of hospitalization. They had a fever then they suddenly died.

Some navies are providing other examples as ships at sea where this an outbreak of covid19 that the entire crew can be exposed to. A recent example was the American aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt which, while in the Pacific recently, found several of the crew had the virus. Given the days or week an asymptomatic victim may have been on the ship, it explains how a seemingly healthy sailor boarded the Roosevelt and infected others, some of whom did show symptoms and become visibly ill. Ultimately all 5,000 sailors on the Roosevelt were tested and seven percent were found to be infected. So far a few have been hospitalized and no one has died.

Based on the Diamond Princess experience if the carrier did not isolate those known to be infected, the entire crew would be exposed and hundreds of those would be sick for days or weeks and a few might even die. When cases of covid19 were discovered on the carrier it headed to the nearest port (the Pacific island of Guam) and docked so the entire crew could be more quickly tested and those who had the virus would be isolated and treated. The navy moved 4,000 of them off the ship so the carrier can be disinfected. A thousand sailors had to stay on the ship to operate the nuclear power system and watch over many electronic systems and large quantities of ammo and fuel carried. The popular captain of the carrier was relieved of command because a memo he sent to his superiors about the covid19 outbreak was also sent to the media. The carrier was out of action for weeks because the ship had made a port call in Vietnam even though it was known that covid19 had spread to nations, like Vietnam, that were neighbors. So far Vietnam has only identified 244 cases and most of those have recovered.

There are war zones where the threat of covid19 has led to ceasefires and some other strange discoveries. For example, in Libya, a ceasefire was implemented to avoid the spread of covid19 throughout the country. Up to that point (March 2020), no one in Libya has been tested and found to have covid19. All Libyans agree that it is important to keep it that way. A month later 24 cases have been identified in Libya and one person has died. There may be others but no one knows.

South of Libya and North Africa there are a lot Chinese doing business in rural areas where there is also a lot of fighting by rebels or other armed groups. Chinese are a growing presence in Africa where they are making large investments in mining and other enterprises. As a result, there is a lot of travel between China and Africa and covid19 showed up in Africa but has not become an epidemic. The public health systems in Africa are far less capable as those in the rest of the world like China.Chinese researchers discovered that Africans are less likely to catch covid19 because they have one fifth as many cellular receptors in their lungs than Chinese. That difference enables covid19 to cause breathing problems more, or less, readily. Other researchers found that this genetic difference was most helpful for Africans and most harmful for East Asians. People in other parts of the world have less resistance to covid19 than Africans.

Lung damage is the most frequent cause of death among covid19 victims. So far Africa, with 18 percent of the world population, has only suffered about 0.3 percent of the covid19 infections. Africans are not immune, just less likely to get infected or suffer the breathing problems that cause most covid10 related deaths. Such genetic differences are common and account for some ethnic groups having different health problems, or advantages. For example, Africans are more prone to have sickle cell anemia. This genetic mutation helps those with it resist the deadly effects of malaria but also brings with it a high risk of blood disorders. Many of these genetic differences are useful with no bad side effects. That would include the unique eyelid structure of East Asians, which provides more protection from fine sand driven by high winds. Those sand storms still regularly blow into China from the Gobi Desert.
Guangzhou in southern China is home to a sizeable African community Guangzhou in southern China is home to a sizeable African community (AFP Photo/FRED DUFOUR)

Beijing (AFP) - Africans in southern China's largest city say they have become targets of suspicion and subjected to forced evictions, arbitrary quarantines and mass coronavirus testing as Beijing steps up its fight against imported infections, drawing US accusations of xenophobia.

China says it has largely curbed its COVID-19 outbreak but a recent cluster of cases linked to the Nigerian community in Guangzhou sparked the alleged discrimination by locals and virus prevention officials.

Local authorities in the industrial centre of 15 million said at least eight people diagnosed with the illness had spent time in the city's Yuexiu district, known as "Little Africa".

Five were Nigerian nationals who faced widespread anger after reports surfaced that they had broken a mandatory quarantine and been to eight restaurants and other public places instead of staying home.

As a result, nearly 2,000 people they came into contact with had to be tested for COVID-19 or undergo quarantine, state media said.

Guangzhou had confirmed 114 imported coronavirus cases as of Thursday -- 16 of which were Africans. The rest were returning Chinese nationals.

The tense situation has made Africans targets of suspicion, distrust and racism in China -- and brought a stinging rebuke Saturday from Washington.

Several Africans told AFP they had been forcibly evicted from their homes and turned away by hotels.

"I've been sleeping under the bridge for four days with no food to eat... I cannot buy food anywhere, no shops or restaurants will serve me," said Tony Mathias, an exchange student from Uganda who was forced from his apartment on Monday.

"We're like beggars on the street," the 24-year-old said.

Mathias added that police had given him no information about testing or quarantine but instead told him "to go to another city".

Police in Guangzhou declined to comment when contacted by AFP.

A Nigerian businessman said he was evicted from his apartment this week.

Story continues

"Everywhere the police see us, they will come and pursue us and tell us to go home. But where can we go?" he said.

- Growing tensions -

Other Africans said the community had been subject to mass COVID-19 testing even though many had not left China recently, and people had been placed under arbitrary quarantine at home or in hotels.

China has banned foreign nationals from entering the country, and many travellers are being sent into 14-day quarantines either in their own accommodation or at centralised facilities.

Thiam, an exchange student from Guinea, said police ordered him to stay home on Tuesday even after he tested negative for COVID-19 and told officers he had not left China in almost four years.

He believes the measures are specifically and unfairly targeting Africans.

"All the people I've seen tested are Africans. Chinese are walking around freely but if you're black you can't go out," he said.

The US State Department has issued an alert advising African Americans, or those with potential contact with African nationals, to avoid Guangzhou.

Then on Saturday the department issued a sharp criticism of China over how it treats Africans.

"It's unfortunate but not surprising to see this kind of xenophobia towards Africans by Chinese authorities," a State Department spokesperson said.

The US in recent weeks has denounced what it calls Beijing's lack of transparency at the start of the coronavirus epidemic, which was first detected in late 2019 in the Chinese city of Wuhan. American officials say the delay resulted in thousands of deaths around the world.

Despite a recent truce in the US-Chinese war of words, skirmishes have continued between the two world powers, already locked in a long-term strategic confrontation.

- 'Crazy fear' -

The infections in Guangzhou have also sparked a torrent of abuse online, with many Chinese internet users posting racist comments and calling for all Africans to be deported.

Last week a controversial cartoon depicting foreigners as different types of trash to be sorted through went viral on social media.

"There's just this crazy fear that anybody who's African might have been in contact with somebody who was sick," said David, a Canadian living in Guangzhou who did not want to give his full name.

China's foreign ministry acknowledged this week that there had been some "misunderstandings" with the African community.

"I want to emphasise that the Chinese government treats all foreigners in China equally," said spokesman Zhao Lijian on Thursday, urging local officials to "improve their working mechanisms".

The complaints in Guangzhou contrast with a welcome reception to Chinese efforts in battling the coronavirus across the African continent, where Beijing this week donated medical supplies to 18 countries.
A GAA club in Laois has thanked all who supported a collection of crucial scarce equipment which is vital to those on the Covid-19 frontline in Ireland.

Ballinakill GAA sent out an appeal in recent days for Personal Protection Equipment to supply for use by staff at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise.

The club posted an appeal an April 6 on their facebook page and within 24 hours had gathered a substantial amount of the equipment.

"A massive thank you to all who donated crucial PPE for Portlaoise hospital at this very serious time. It is not hyperbole to say that this may be a life-saving donation from members of our community. This act of kindness may save lives." said the club.

The club thanked to Laois Blinds and various community members and club for this donation of:

800 pairs of gloves

60 masks

40 head visors

8 protection suits

Anti bacterial wipes and sprays.

Ballinakill GAA urges everyone stay safe.

"Continue to social distance to give all the vulnerable members of our community and further afield a chance.

Ballinakill GAA has also teamed up with the Ballinakill Community Development Association to help anyone in the community who needs assistance.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Here's a look at key developments regarding coronavirus throughout Cleveland, Ohio and the rest of the world:

April 4: Gov. Mike DeWine says when he is out in public he will wear a cloth mask made by his wife, Fran. Dr. Amy Acton, director of Ohio Department of Health, says 40,000 tests have been done, with 9.35% coming back positive.

April 5: The state reports that 119 Ohioans have died from coronavirus and 4,043 Ohioans have tested positive. There have been 1,104 hospitalizations. Also, 22 more cases are confirmed in Cleveland, bringing the total number to 203.

April 6: As of today, 4,450 people in Ohio have tested positive, of which 1,214 have been hospitalized. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is admitted to intensive care. The U.S. coronavirus death toll tops 10,000. For the first time, China - where the virus originated - reports no new deaths from the virus.

April 7: DeWine says he will release 167 non-violent offenders from prison to stem the spread of the virus.

April 8: The state of Ohios projections for the outbreak shift dramatically. Officials now predict a peak of about 1,600 cases per day in late April. Previous estimates offered by state officials said the state could see up to 10,000 new cases per day. In Ohio, 193 people have died from the virus, and 5,148 people have confirmed cases.

April 9: One month after the first cases of coronavirus in Ohio, 213 Ohioans have died from Covid-19, with 5,512 confirmed cases. In Cleveland, 23 new cases are reported, the single largest daily increase yet for the city. Ohio reports 224,182 initial unemployment claims for the week ending April 5. That easily eclipses the states prior record for unemployment claims. New York records 799 deaths within a 24-hour period, Gov. Andrew Cuomo says. That brings New York's total to 7,067, highest of any state. According to the Los Angeles Times: That is so shocking and painful and breathtaking, I dont even have the words for it, says Cuomo, who describes the outbreak as a silent explosion that just ripples through society with the same randomness, the same evil that we saw on 9/11. Boris Johnson leaves ICU but remains hospitalized. And first lady Melania Trump shares a photo of herself wearing a face mask, "becoming the first member of the Trump family to publicly don a face covering."

April 10: The global death toll from coronavirus hits 100,000, with more than 1.6 million cases. Reuters reports that it took 83 days to reach 50,000 deaths but only eight more days for that number to double. Years from now, world almanacs will have pages devoted to the outbreak to be sure.

Previous coverage Coronavirus timeline: Restrictions mount throughout Northeast Ohio

Coronavirus timeline March 21-27

Coronavirus timeline March 28-April 3
A court run by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Saturday sentenced four journalists to death after their conviction on spying charges, their defense lawyer said.

The four were among a group of 10 journalists who were detained by the Iran-backed rebels and accused of ``collaborating with the enemy,'' in reference to the Saudi-led coalition that has been at war with the Houthis since 2015, lawyer Abdel-Majeed Sabra said.

Amnesty International last year called the charges ``trumped-up.'' The rights group said the detained reporters were beaten, deprived of water and forced to hold cinder blocks for several hours.

Sabra identified the four who were sentenced to death as Abdel-Khaleq Amran, Akram al-Walidi, Hareth Hamid and Tawfiq al-Mansouri.

The court in the rebel-held capital, Sanaa, convicted the other six journalists on similar charges, including ``spreading false news and rumors'' to aid the coalition, but ordered their release after time served, Sabra said.

He said the Houthis did not allow defense lawyers to attend the trial. The verdict can be appealed.

Nine journalists were arrested in a raid on a hotel in Sanaa in June 2015, and the 10th was detained at his home in Sanaa that August.

Yemen, the Arab world's poorest nation, has been convulsed by civil war since 2014, when the Houthis took control of the country's north, including Sanaa. The Saudi-led military coalition intervened against the Houthis the following year, conducting relentless airstrikes and a blockade of Yemen.

The conflict has killed over 100,000 people and created the world's worst humanitarian crisis, leaving millions suffering from food and medical care shortages.

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The opposition DMK in Tamil Nadu



on Saturday urged the state government to take a cue from Punjab and Odisha and extend the ongoing lockdown enforced in the state to stem the spread of coronavirus till April-end.

DMK President M K Stalin's demand came on a day when the state cabinet under Chief Minister K Palaniswami is likely to take a call on extending the lockdown.

On Friday, a 19-member expert committee constituted by the state government to advise it of steps to tackle the COVID-19 crisis had recommended that the lockdown be extended by two weeks beyond April 14 considering the rise in number of cases. Tamil Nadu has so far reported 911 positive cases.

On Saturday, Stalin wrote a letter to Palaniswami, where he wanted the lockdown to be extended beyond April 14.

Though isolation was a key precautionary measure, many states had urged the Centre to extend the lockdown, Stalin pointed out.

"The Chief Ministers of Odisha (Naveen Patnaik) and Punjab (Amarinder Singh) have extended the lockdown till April 30 and May 1, respectively. Therefore, a due decision on this in Tamil Nadu should be taken without further delay," Stalin, Leader of the Opposition in the state, said in the letter.

He said the lockdown will affect the livelihood of the poor, farmers, labourers and small time traders and urged the government to ensure they did not suffer during this period.

He demanded for a cash assistance of Rs 5,000, besides provision of essentials like rice and pulses to people.

He also wondered why the state government was not convening an all-party meet like Prime Minister Narendra Modi had done to discuss the matter, adding, the outbreak of the virus was not a mere health or medical issue but also a future social, economic, environment and political one.

Stalin also took exception to the state government's decision to utilise Rs one crore from legislators' local funds towards fighting COVID-19, saying the monies were being used by them only for "public welfare."



"It is the MLAs' moral right. It is not fair on the part of the state government to snatch away that right," he told the chief minister.

Palaniswami had on Tuesday ordered utilisation of Rs one crore from the MLA Local Area Development Fund of all the 234 legislators towards procuring medical equipment, drugs and for prevention initiatives against the coronavirus across Tamil Nadu.

Among others, Stalin sought for giving incentives to health professionals and field staff such as police since they were actively involved in the fight against coronavirus.

While there were apprehensions of Tamil Nadu slipping into the third stage of the pandemic, the government should ensure it doesn't happen, he said.

In the event of the state entering the third stage, the government must be prepared to face it, the DMK chief added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Chennai, April 11 : Tamil Nadu fishermen are planning to request the state government to allow fishing from May 15 onwards and also to make arrangements at major fish landing centres for wholesalers to procure the catch.

"On Friday, a telecon of fishermen associations from different districts was held. We will be requesting the government to allow us to go into the sea from May 15 onwards," K. Bharathi, President, South Indian Fishermen Welfare Association told IANS.

Queried about the breeding season and the ban on fishing that is normally imposed between April 15 to June 15, he said: "It will not impact the fish breeding as fishermen do not use closely knit nets. Secondly, many fish varieties breed during October - November. The government should announce clearly the actual breeding season." "Earlier the ban period was only for 45 days and the government paid Rs 5,000 as compensation for loss of earnings. Later the fishing ban period was increased to 61 days with no corresponding hike in the compensation," Bharathi added.

Tamil Nadu fishermen's livelihood has been severely affected due to the lockdown as the government has banned fishing.

In Chennai, the government has closed the Kasimedu harbour as the crowd comprising of wholesalers, retailers and general public was huge thereby increasing the risk of Coronavirus infection.

"The government should talk with the fishermen and work out ways and means so that there is no crowding at the fish landing centre. The government should allow only wholesalers and the retailers, general public should be allowed to buy from the local markets," he added.

According to him, the fish sold in the markets in Chennai are brought from Andhra Pradesh and other places while Tamil Nadu fishermen are not able to go to the sea.

Pointing out the government's focus on arranging logistics for groceries and vegetables, Bharathi said some focus could be thrown at the fisheries sector as well.

According to him, the financial compensation offered by the government is not sufficient even for workers.

Recently noted agriculture scientist M.S. Swaminathan had said there is an urgent and immediate need for assistance for India's marine fishermen as the annual fishing ban is to start on April 15.

Swaminathan, founder of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), said the marine fishers are restricted by the Covid-19 lockdown from March 20, they are additionally facing the annual fishing ban from April 15 until June 15 along India's east coast.

This means they will potentially be unable to fish for as many as 90 days and quick and effective intervention is required to support fishermen.

According to him, the fishing ban coinciding with the biological breeding period should be safeguarded; otherwise the reproductive cycle of the fish will be interrupted with long-term consequences.

"Adjustments are needed to provide immediate relief to COVID-19-affected fishing communities. This should not be connected to regular payments like fishing ban compensation," he said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
MIDDLETOWN  The mayor announced Saturday another person has individual died of coronavirus, bringing the citys total fatal cases to five.

The ages of those who lost their lives from complications of Covid-19 in Middletown range from 87 to 97. Total cases, as of Saturday, are 94, compared to 240 throughout Middlesex County, according to the state coronavirus website.

The city will be producing a PSA shortly and published on the city website, listing informational resources, as Mayor Ben Florsheim expects coronavirus cases to peak over the next two weeks.

On Thursday, Gov. Ned Lamont announced businesses and other essential services, as well as schools, will be closed until at least May 20.

Most City Hall employees are being paid, at least through May 4, because government offices are closed. Some essential service employees, such as public works, police and fire, are working on a rotating basis every couple of days or on a weekly basis to minimize their contact with those potentially carrying the virus, Florsheim said.

For the past month, the members of the MFD are taking this pandemic seriously and have changed the way we do business, Fire Chief Robert W. Kronenberger, who is also director of emergency management, said on the citys website.

A dedicated EMS response vehicle is sent to all medical calls along with two firefighters whose only obligation is emergency medical response, he added. That crew stays in a separate location from other personnel to prevent cross-contamination with fire suppression staff and the stations, Kronenberger said.

The Covid-19 pandemic has temporarily changed everyones lives during a crazy time, Police Chief William McKenna posted on social media.

Its amazing how in three little weeks, life as weve known it has dramatically been altered and transformed into our new norm, at least for now. Yet, I am confident that this was just an audible called at the line of scrimmage and we will be getting right back to the playbook soon. Easier said than done at this point, yet I remain optimistic, he said.

Department procedures have been revamped, including allowing officers to take as many calls over the telephone as possible to limit personal contact, he added.

Several Middlesex County residents are stepping up to help fill shortages of face masks among doctors, nurses and others on the front lines of the pandemic.

Emma Casarez of Middletown is sewing face coverings using a pattern she found online. When friends ask for some, she places them just outside her door for contact-less pickup.

Casarez suffers from an autoimmune disease and is being especially careful about going out in public. Im afraid to catch anything. My husband is still working, but very, very cautiously.

Not only am I helping people, but sewing is so good for my anxiety. Other people are so happy to receive them, she said.

Casarez learned Hartford Hospital is seeking donations of these masks due to very low supplies, and the inability to secure large quantities, so shell soon begin sewing larger batches.

She can make up to 20 a day. When she began the project, Casarez had supplies, including different fabrics, but didnt have enough elastic to create the ear hooks. Shes found difficulty buying elastic from retailers online because their suppliers are experiencing shortages, then learned it could take up to two weeks for packages to arrive.

Thats before she posted a request for  and -inch flat elastic on the Whats Happening in Middletown (Connecticut) Facebook page.

She received enough to make 50 more masks.

Lakshmi Tatikonda of Middletown, a retired university professor, has also joined the effort. She has experience making dresses and doll clothes for her granddaughters.

When heard about the shortage I got excited about making masks. I checked the internet, where there are a ton of patterns, but confusing information about what materials to use, Tatikonda said.

She is friends with a retired physician, who connected her with Middlesex Hospital.

Like Casarez, getting elastic was a challenge for Tatikonda. Most vendors have delivery dates only in May and June. Finally, she ordered the elastic on line at a premium price. It was delivered in 10 days.

When I got started, the first one took almost half-hour. After some trials and errors and tinkering I got the hang of it, she said. She has since cut that down to 10 minutes.

Annette Cook of Killingworth posted a photo of masks she had made on the Killingworth Stompin Ground Facebook page. She handed out 100 at the transfer station and plans another drop-off Saturday at 11 a.m.

The community response was immediate and desperate. So many people have offered to pay for these, but I think of it as my contribution to community service during this crisis, Cook said. The work lifts her spirits tremendously, she added.

Meanwhile, Florsheim has recommended people shop for a weeks worth of supplies, rather than making multiple and frequent trips. There should be no cause for concern about food supply, he added, asking people not to hoard things such as toilet paper.

For information on coronavirus in Connecticut, visit portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus
Brendan McDermid/Reuters

Michael Avenatti, the lawyer for adult film star Stormy Daniels who is serving time for trying to extort Nike, has been granted temporary release from the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City amid fears he might contract COVID-19, according to a court order signed by a California judge late Friday.

Avenatti will have to spend 14 days in quarantine at a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to make sure he is not infected with the coronavirus before he can return to Los Angeles for 90 days. His $1 million bail was paid by banker Hubert Bromma, author of the book How to Invest in Offshore Real Estate and Pay Little or No Taxes and self-described pioneer in the field of alternative investments in tax-free and tax-deferred environments.

He will be confined to the personal residence of his childhood friend, Jay Manheimer, in Venice, California.

Michael Avenatti Guilty on All Counts in Nike Extortion Case

Avenatti first petitioned the court for his release so he could avoid disastrous health consequence in early April, saying he had suffered from pneumonia six months earlier, which made him susceptible to COVID-19.

Coronavirus has spread rapidly through New Yorks prison system, prompting a judge to release at least one other high-profile inmate, rapper Tekashi69.

Judge James V. Selna of U.S. District Court in Santa Ana initially said Avenatti posed a danger to the community and could not be released unless he could post $1 million bond secured by at least half a million in real estate or hard assets.

At the time, Avenattis lawyer, H. Dean Steward, told the judge, Frankly, your honor, we cant meet this. It is unclear what obligation Avenatti now has to the author Bromma, who secured the bond.

Among the stipulations of his release laid out in the court order, seen by The Daily Beast, are his need to secure advance permission to travel and to wear an ankle monitoring bracelet. He is not allowed to leave Manheimers house and he is prohibited from using the internet, from opening any bank or credit card accounts, or from engaging in any transaction worth more than $500.

Story continues

In an email to The Daily Beast on Saturday, Steward said he expected Avenatti would be released next week.

Our goal has been to prepare for the two upcoming trials, he said. The release of Mr. Avenatti will help us complete that preparation.

Avenatti represented Stormy Daniels in her lawsuit against President Donald Trump. He was later found guilty of wire fraud, extortion and transmitting a threat in interstate communications in his failed attempt to extort sportswear company Nike. He was due to be sentenced on June 17.

He faces two other pending criminal cases in New York and California, where hes charged with stealing money from several of his clientsincluding Daniels, who claims he swiped $300,000 from her book advance.

Federal prosecutors had opposed Avenattis release, arguing that the celebrity lawyer had shown disregard for the court by trying to hastily organize a release without securing a bond, arranging a self-quarantine or allowing the government to properly vet Bromma and Manheimer.

Defendant and his counsel continue to demonstrate that they are either unable or unwilling to follow this Courts directions, thereby wasting valuable judicial and government resources during a time when such resources are already stretched thin, prosecutors wrote in their court filing.

A spokesman for the United States Attorneys Office for the Central District of California, Los Angeles declined comment to The Daily Beast on Saturday.

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Military helicopters have been deployed across the country to carry coronavirus patients to hospital as part of a new task force which is the first of its kind.

The Ministry of Defence has set up a new Joint Helicopter Aviation Task Force which includes a total of 13 helicopters which will pick up critically ill Britons.

There are 300 personnel deployed to the task force, flying and maintaining the helicopters in different regions across the UK.

The Ministry of Defence has set up a new Joint Helicopter Aviation Task Force which includes a total of 13 helicopters which will pick up critically ill Britons. Pictured: NHS staff and Air Ambulance Service crews work to remove a stretcher from a Chinook at Thruxton Aerodrome in Andover, Hampshire, on Thursday

There are 300 personnel deployed to the task force, flying and maintaining the helicopters in different regions across the UK (pictured, in Andover on Thursday)

The helicopters will take patients from more remote areas to major hospitals that have free intensive care beds as smaller hospitals struggle to cope (pictured, in Andover on Thursday)

The helicopters will take patients from more remote areas to major hospitals that have free intensive care beds as smaller hospitals struggle to cope.

They could also be used to fly vital medicines and medical equipment to specific areas and even specialist doctors to visit patients.

A Chinook has practised drills landing at London City Airport next to the new NHS Nightingale hospital at London's ExCel centre in the past month.

Those helicopters covering the South West, for example, will carry patients from remote areas such as the Channel Isles and Scilly Isles to hospitals in the mainland.

They could also pick up patients from areas in Cornwall where there are limited primary care facilities and take them to larger hospitals.

They could also be used to fly vital medicines and medical equipment to specific areas and even specialist doctors to visit patients. Pictured: Andover on Thursday

A Chinook has practised drills landing at London City Airport next to the new NHS Nightingale hospital at London's ExCel centre in the past month. Pictured: Another training exercise at Andover on Thursday

They could also pick up patients from areas in Cornwall where there are limited primary care facilities and take them to larger hospitals. Pictured: Andover on Thursday

This week around 30 military personnel and civilian medics undertook joint training at Thruxton Aerodrome in Hampshire.

They simulated loading patients on stretchers and hooked up to ventilators into the aircraft.

The drills fed into new standard operating procedures to be drawn up for military aircrew and NHS medics across the country.

This marks the first ever large scale collaboration linking military helicopters and their crew with health service paramedics.

Commander Chris Knowles, Commanding Officer, 820 Navy Air Squadron, said: 'One of the reasons we're standing by is the particular pressures that could come on the NHS if you ended up with a hot spot.

This week around 30 military personnel and civilian medics undertook joint training at Thruxton Aerodrome in Hampshire (pictured on Thursday)

They simulated loading patients on stretchers and hooked up to ventilators into the aircraft at Andover on Thursday (pictured). The drills fed into new standard operating procedures to be drawn up for military aircrew and NHS medics

'There is only one accident and emergency centre in Cornwall, which is in Truro, the next nearest major hospital is up at Derriford in Plymouth.

'So there's not a great deal of primary care around. Everywhere else is cottage hospitals.

'I think we might be initially moving people out of areas that are difficult to get to  especially the Scilly Isles, places like that, to primary care.'

The 43-year-old, married father-of-two, works at RAF Culdrose in Cornwall.

The squadron's Merlin Mk2 helicopters are usually used for anti-submarine warfare and would normally be on the state-of-the-art aircraft carriers.

Now they will be used to transport up to four critically ill patients at any one time.

He said: 'Everything we do is based on the advice of medical experts at the time.

'Whether the priority is smoothness for the patient, whether the priority is speed, or whether the priority is maintaining a low altitude.

This marks the first ever large scale collaboration linking military helicopters and their crew with health service paramedics

'The squadron are quite experienced  they deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan and there are crew members who've done this previously in combat.'

The Iraq war veteran said for respiratory diseases the helicopters needed to maintain a relatively low altitude.

He said of the Covid-19 mission: 'As a whole squadron we thought it was a great opportunity to be able to do our part, help our colleagues in the NHS.

'This is a whole-nation effort and it's a real team work piece for us.'

He suggested there could be an impact on other operations but that at the moment 'the focus of the nation is on dealing with this'.

The task force includes three Royal Navy Merlin helicopters on standby at RNAS Culdrose to support Southern England, the Channel Islands and Isles of Scilly.

Three RAF Puma helicopters are detached to Kinloss Barracks in Moray, Scotland to support requests for assistance from the NHS in Scotland and Northern England.

The 43-year-old, married father-of-two, works at RAF Culdrose in Cornwall. The squadron's Merlin Mk2 helicopters are usually used for anti-submarine warfare and would normally be on the state-of-the-art aircraft carriers. Now they will be used to transport up to four critically ill patients at any one time. Pictured: The back of a Chinook at Andover on Thursday

Three RAF Chinook helicopters are on standby at RAF Odiham in Hampshire and a further two Army Air Corps Wildcat are on standby at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset.

In addition, two Army Air Corps Wildcat helicopters have been detached to RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire, to support requests in Northern England.

The 300 personnel could work with up to hundreds of NHS and air ambulance paramedics in coming weeks and months.

In addition to the helicopters, an A400M Atlas aircraft based at RAF Brize Norton could shift patients and equipment if needed.

Dr Simon Hughes, an anaesthetist from HEMS (helicopter emergency medical services) said: 'It's absolutely fantastic.

'This is a marriage, if you like, between the highly capable RAF and Royal Navy, and the professionalism and capabilities of Southampton Air Ambulance.'

The 47-year-old married father-of-two, who used to be in the RAF for 16 years, added: 'We are on standby to assist the evacuation of any critically ill patients from within and without our normal area.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight air ambulance helicopter is seen at Thruxton Aerodrome as members of the UK Armed Forces work with NHS medical staff and Air Ambulance Service crews on Thursday in Andover

'On the Chinook we can be taking up to two ventilated patients. The size of the aircraft allows the RAF staff to maintain a safe distance from us and the patient.'

Flight Lieutenant Paul Huyton, 27 Squadron, who is Captain of a Chinook, said: 'Previously when we've done medical-style response, it was in Afghanistan.

'Very rarely do we get to aid the civil authorities (in the UK). There's a lot of planning for something we didn't really see coming.'

The 30-year-old added: 'The biggest challenge is protecting ourselves against the disease  working within two metres of potentially infected patients.'

He added: 'I'm a fairly new captain, so it's quite a privilege to be a captain of a crew that does something like this.

'Helping out the civil authorities, making a difference, it's quite a privilege.'

General Tyrone Urch, Commander Standing Joint Command (UK) said: 'This is a perfect example of the military's role in supporting the NHS and our emergency services.

'The pilots and crews from across the Aviation Task Force have years of experience of challenging casualty evacuations from operations in the UK and abroad.

'The training in Thruxton brings these skills to the service of the NHS and continues to build the partnership with our frontline clinical staff that is vital to our battle against the coronavirus.'
The threat of creches failing to reopen after the coronavirus crisis ends is growing because a Government bailout has not been rolled out, childcare providers have warned.

Paula Donohoe, of Clever Clogs, in Ballyconnell, Co Cavan, claimed some creche owners are in dire financial straits since the Government ordered them to close.

Although they still get State funding for schemes they run, she said the loss of parents' fees and overheads such as rent, rates and wage top-ups for staff are hitting smaller providers hard.

She was commenting after it emerged a Government bailout that aims to give creches the "best shot" at reopening following the crisis had been delayed.

"I've a friend in Cavan who is sick at the thought that she may not be able to reopen even if this deal gets across the line," said Ms Donohoe.

"The 300 a week she would be eligible for under the department's proposal would not cover her rent."

Children's Minister Katherine Zappone has contacted childcare providers to say plans to issue contracts yesterday would be deferred until next week.

The message was issued following a meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe. She said the delay to the scheme was "in order to ensure that there is compatibility with schemes in other sectors".

Under the proposed scheme, creche owners were set to get their staff's wages fully funded plus a subsidy towards their business overheads.

They would get an amount worth 15pc of their pay bill towards their costs, or 300 a week. In return, they would not charge parents but keep their children's places secure.

Ms Zappone said funding under the scheme will be backdated to April 6 "to account for the delay". The minister encouraged childcare services to register for a Revenue wage subsidy scheme under which they can get funding for 70pc of pay.

"I'm OK until September if funding continues as it is, but my business will be on a very dicey footing," said Ms Donohoe. However, she said she was "disgusted" by creche owners who may be asking parents for fees for April.

She said she believes the Government is looking down the road at a plan to nationalise services but should help a sector "that's on its knees".

Marian Quinn of the Association of Childhood Professionals said the delay was disappointing and baffling. "There is a threat some creches will not reopen," she said. "Some are already in a precarious position and 300 a week will not cover their overheads."

Ms Zappone said the Government was working to introduce measures to ensure the free pre-school scheme and childcare will be available "when we emerge from the crisis".
The government said Friday it plans to postpone this month's ceremonies to celebrate Crown Prince Fumihito's ascent to first in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, while Emperor Naruhito described the coronavirus outbreak as "a great challenge to mankind."

The "Rikkoshi no rei" ceremonies, scheduled for April 19, are intended to proclaim the 54-year-old crown prince's new status, which he acquired after his brother, the emperor, ascended the throne in May last year.

"Following the prime minister's instructions, we will start making arrangements to postpone the ceremonies as a state of emergency has been issued," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said at a press conference.

The government will set a new date after taking into account developments in the viral outbreak, said Suga, the top government spokesman. Alarmed by sharp rises in infections in urban areas, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared a state of emergency on Tuesday for Tokyo, Osaka and five other prefectures.

The Abe cabinet is expected to officially endorse the postponement next week.

The postponement will affect the government's plan to formally start discussions after the ceremonies over how to ensure stable imperial succession amid a shrinking number of male heirs. Under the 1947 Imperial House Law, only males in the paternal line can ascend the throne.

The Imperial Household Agency said it has been notified of the government plan and reported it to the crown prince, the emperor and their spouses.

Two events -- the "Rikkoshi Senmei no gi" ceremony to proclaim Crown Prince Fumihito's new status and the "Choken no gi" ceremony in which he will meet with the emperor and empress following the proclamation -- had been planned for April 19.

As the new coronavirus spread in Japan, the government initially planned to reduce the number of guests at the proclamation ceremony to about 50 from 350.

But the government was forced to postpone the event as Japan scrambles to curb a sharp rise in infections, with people in the seven prefectures asked to stay at home under a monthlong state of emergency.
CROWN POINT  James Forsythe always had a corny joke or silly song at the ready for any occasion, his children recalled.

"There was always music. I mean, whether he was playing his guitar, or playing music on the radio, or whistling  he whistled all the time," his daughter Margaret Wood said.

The former Crown Point mayor died on Wednesday at 95 from underlying health conditions  nearly two weeks after his wife of 73 years, Marjorie "Marge" Forsythe, died.

Forsythe, a longtime Crown Point resident, was patriotic, Wood said. A World War II and Korean War veteran, he often served as the master of ceremonies for Memorial Day events in the city. He also was an active member of the Crown Point VFW and American Legion.

"He would dress up as Abraham Lincoln and was Abraham Lincoln in several Fourth of July parades in Crown Point, but then he also got asked to speak in front of the Indiana General Assembly. This would be in honor of Presidents Day, and he recited the 'Gettysburg Address,'" Wood said.

His desire to serve his country began in his youth. At 17 years old, he volunteered to join the United States Army, his children said.
- On April 11, the Department of Health (DOH) announced the new classification system for people being checked for coronavirus disease 2019

- The DOH, aiming for a uniformed reporting, will now use suspect, probable, and confirmed to categorize patients

- The terms patients under monitoring and patients under investigation will no longer be used

- They also gave details on how the patients will be categorized using the new classification system

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The Department of Health announced on April 11, Saturday, the new classification system that will categorize patients being checked for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

According to the health department, people under watch for the disease will soon be called suspect, probable, and confirmed cases, removing the terms patients under monitoring and patients under investigation from the classification.

The aim of the new classification is to uphold a uniformed reporting nationwide.

According to a report by ABS-CBN News, patients will be classified with the following factors:

SUSPECT

A patient will be classified as "suspect" if they fall under any of the three:

1. Patient has the following symptoms:

- Fever of at least 38 degrees C

- Cough

- Throat Pain

And either of the two:

- Has travel history or lives in community with local COVID-19 transmission within 14 days since start of symptoms

- Had close contact with a confirmed or probable COVID-19 case within 14 days since start of symptoms

2. Patient has the following symptoms:

- Fever

- Cough

- Difficulty breathing

And is any of the following:

- 60 years old and above

- Has preexisting condition

- Has sensitive pregnancy

- A health worker

3. Patient experiences sudden onset of lung illness with severe symptoms of unknown origin and needs hospitalization

PROBABLE

A person will be classified as "probable" if he/she was earlier tagged as a "suspect" and has the following:

- still undetermined COVID-19 results

- test was not done in an official laboratory with RT-PCR test (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, considered the gold standard in COVID-19 testing)

- remains untested

CONFIRMED

A person will be considered a confirmed COVID-19 case if RT-PCR testing shows positive result for coronavirus.

As of April 10, around 4,195 COVID-19 cases have been recorded nationwide, with 140 recovering and 221 dead from the disease since the start of the pandemic.

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In previous report by KAMI, Filipino artist paid tribute to fallen health workers amid COVID-19 fight through his art.

At present, the Philippines is under a state of calamity while the entire Luzon is under an enhanced community quarantine due to the coronavirus disease outbreak.

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Kapuso star Kris Bernal participated in the new episode of our Tricky Questions feature! Check out all of the exciting videos and celebrity interviews on our KAMI HumanMeter YouTube channel!

Source: KAMI.com.gh
Even when surrounded by uncertainty, the people of Alabama sure do love each other, and every week, our hearts are warmed by the kindness we show one another.

While our circumstances may be challenging and stressful, our resolve and compassion are as strong as ever.

This week was no different.

From the Birmingham women who started a virtual sewing circle to make face masks for health care workers to the Cherokee County churches who banded together for a Palm Sunday service at the local drive-in, here are some of those sweet and uplifting stories that left us feeling really good about Alabama.

In these uncertain times, she bakes bread for her friends and neighbors

Ferrell Carter, a manager at Bottega Cafe in Birmingham, is baking her way through this pandemic.

On cooler days, she can make about six loaves of homemade bread. On days when its warmer, her home kitchen allows for more. Bread is funny that way, she says.

When she is finished, Carter then delivers the food to neighbors and friends and leaves it at their doors.

This is not a side hustle while shes out of work. The bread is free. No charge. Carter is giving food away because thats what her heart is telling her to do right now.

READ MORE: Service to others is the most important thing.

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First Intubated COVID-19 Patient Moves Out of ICU | East Alabama Medical Center A celebration took place at EAMC today. Thats when 48-year-old Tony Thornton became the first COVID-19 patient at EAMC to recover well enough to be removed from ventilation and moved from the ICU to a regular medical room. Thornton, who lives in Auburn, was admitted to EAMC on March 20 and intubated (put on a ventilator). He was extubated (removed from his ventilator) on Sunday (April 5), and when he was wheeled out of the ICU today, EAMC employees were there to cheer him on. Late this afternoon, he said I am still weak, but feeling pretty good. I talked to my wife for the first time and that was wonderful. His advice for the public? People need to follow the guidelines. This is a big deal. In addition to Mr. Thornton being able to move out of ICU, 29 other hospitalized COVID-19 patients have been discharged home from EAMC. #EAMCstrong #EAMCproud Posted by East Alabama Medical Center on Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Opelika hospital staff cheers recovering coronavirus patient leaving ICU

The staff atf East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika lined a hallway earlier this week, cheering the patient the hospital described as the first patient healthy enough to be removed from a ventilator, discharged from the intensive care unit and moved to a regular room.

Tony Thornton, 48, waved to the celebrating staff as he was pushed down the hallway in a wheelchair. It was an uplifting moment for the facility and for an area of the state that has been ravaged by the coronavirus.

Thornton lives in Auburn and was admitted to EAMC on March 20 and placed on a ventilator, the hospital said. He was removed from the ventilator on Sunday.

READ MORE: Watch Alabama hospital staff cheering recovering coronavirus patient leaving ICU.

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Photo by Kimberly Greenlaw Photography

Dying father walks 10-year-old daughter down the aisle

Like a lot of little girls, 10-year-old Maggie Alvis of Pelham has dreamed of the day she will put on a wedding gown and walk down the aisle on her daddys arm.

But Maggie's father, longtime attorney Barry Alvis, is dying, and Maggie couldnt bear the possibility that she and her father would miss sharing that moment.

She broached the subject with her mother, Shelby County Circuit Judge Lara Alvis, and after weeks of planning, Maggie and her father Barry this past Sunday took a walk shell never forget.

READ MORE: 'It was the best day': Dying Alabama father walks 10-year-old daughter down the aisle.

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Paul Gattis/pgattis@al.com

Saturn V rocket in Huntsville lights up to honor coronavirus warriors

Much like the Empire State Building in New York City, the giant Saturn V rocket at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville is honoring first responders with varying light patterns.

And for one minute each night, the rocket goes dark to remember those who have died from the coronavirus.

Each night at 8, the rocket will change to sparkling red for 33 seconds for medical workers, followed by 33 seconds of blue for police. Then the rocket will go to red, white and blue for all emergency workers, continuing until 8:59 p.m.

At that point, the rocket will go dark for one minute in remembrance of the virus' victims.

READ MORE: Lights on Huntsville's giant Saturn V rocket honors those fighting coronavirus.

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These Alabamians create face masks to help others. Some Alabama women wanted to help others, so they started an online community to encourage others to make homemade masks. Now, more than 5,000 people have joined the cause. Posted by This is Alabama on Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Alabama women start online community to sew 15,000 face masks

Since they created their Facebook group Bham Face Masks, Kathy Green and Christine Mclean have built an online community of seamstresses, fabric cutters and delivery drivers responsible for sewing and distributing more than 15,000 homemade cloth masks to health care workers, hospital staff, police officers and other civil servants.

"It's just the most amazing, beautiful thing I have ever witnessed," Mclean tells This is Alabama. "Our Facebook page is just post after post after post of just positivity and everybody coming together."

Click on the video above to hear their story.

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Photo courtesy of Mary Katherine Zarzour Williams

Mobile woman goes into action to feed hospital workers

A week after launching a fundraiser to feed employees at Mobile-area hospitals, Mary Katherine Zarzour Williams (above, right) raised more than $17,000, and she and her "unsung hero" husband, Davis (left), have delivered a wide variety of restaurant meals to all of the hospitals in Mobile  Springhill Medical Center, Providence Hospital, Mobile Infirmary Medical Center, USA University Hospital and USA Childrens and Womens Hospital  at least twice, and once to the Mitchell Cancer Institute.

I was blown away by the response, she says. People were enthusiastic about being able to support restaurants and hospitals at the same time.

READ MORE: How one woman is feeding frontline heroes in Mobile.

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Joe Songer/jsonger@al.com

Palm Sunday service at the drive-in in Cherokee County

In the Cherokee County town of Centre, three churches united to hold an outdoor Palm Sunday service at the 411 Twin Drive-in movie theater near Weiss Lake.

The service drew nearly 100 cars and several hundred people, who stayed in their vehicles to avoid spreading the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.

David Dale, pastor of Fairview United Methodist Church, delivered the sermon from a stage near the concession building, broadcasting with an FM transmitter that allowed people to tune in on their car radios

After the sermon, church members honked their horns as their way of saying Amen.

READ MORE: Three churches join for drive-in movie theater service on Palm Sunday

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Birmingham firm converting Miami convention complex into field hospital

A Birmingham-based construction firm is being given two weeks to transform part of the Miami Beach Convention Center into a field hospital.

Robins & Morton is taking 250,000 square feet of the center and creating a 450-bed field hospital, including isolation rooms, to relieve pressure on area hospitals from the anticipated surge in coronavirus patients. The project will cost $22.5 million and involve up to 250 people working around the clock in two shifts.

Robins & Morton and more than 20 contractors from South Florida are involved in the project, which will follow COVID-19 health and safety protocols and CDC guidelines. The hospital is expected to open April 21.

READ MORE: Birmingham firm converting Miami center into hospital.

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Photo courtesy of Patrick Aitken

Montgomery church opens 'Clean Machine' for homeless during pandemic

In the parking lot of River City Church on Dexter Avenue in Montgomery, the citys homeless population is showered with kindness and receiving loads of love during the coronavirus pandemic.

It is all thanks to the churchs portable Clean Machine, a trailer with three washers and dryers and two shower units.

Those who are homeless are invited to come down to the church and use the trailer on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Washcloths, towels, soap, shampoo and conditioner are on the house.

(In the photo above, a server at Montgomery's legendary Chris' Hot Dogs donates food to volunteers at the "Clean Machine.")

READ MORE: Montgomery church opens shower, laundry service for homeless during pandemic.

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Lawrence Specker/lspecker@al.com

Mobile carries on a springtime tradition, despite the coronavirus outbreak

Alabamas Port City has many quirks and traditions beyond Mardi Gras, and one of those is that in spring, the scent of crawfish frequently wafts along Mobile's downtown sidewalks.

This year, though, the COVID-19 outbreak threatened to at least postpone that annual rite of spring, if not cancel it altogether.

But a few resourceful downtown bar owners figured out a way to keep the tradition alive -- and support some of their employees hurt by the coronavirus shutdown.

READ MORE: It's springtime in Mobile. Let there be crawfish.

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Ignite! Alabama plans virtual graduation for the Class of 2020

Social distancing regulations enforced by health officials have postponed graduations for Alabamas Class of 2020.

However, Ignite! Alabama, a group organized by Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson, is helping students cope with the limbo by organizing a virtual graduation party on April 26th.

The ceremony, which will be livestreamed, will feature multiple celebrities and will be open to the public to view.

Ignite! Alabama has been collecting stories, photos and videos from high school and college seniors since March 26 and will continue to do so until April 19. The organization has been posting about each student on Facebook and Instagram. All of the students will be honored during the virtual party.

READ MORE: Alabama group plans virtual graduation for Class of 2020.

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Pressure washer art is a thing, and it's amazing A Trussville man produced the most awe-inspiring art -- in his driveway, while using a pressure washer. Posted by This is Alabama on Monday, April 6, 2020

Trussville man creates art with his pressure-washer

With his driveway as his canvas, Ron Burkett used his pressure-washer to create the most awe-inspiring mural in the driveway of his Trussville home.

Click on the video above to watch this pressure-washing Picasso in action -- and to marvel at his artwork.
The US has become the first country in the world to record more than 2,000 deaths from the coronavirus in a single day, and the number of infections across America has now topped 500,000.

Stark figures show that 2,028 Americans died from coronavirus in a single day on Friday, taking the death toll to almost 19,000.

As the nation mourns its darkest day on record during the pandemic, the total number of Americans infected skyrocketed past half a million.

The death toll increased to 18,798 Friday and infections reached 505,478, as another 35,579 Americans tested positive.

The US is on track to become the deadliest nation in the world amid the outbreak, as it rapidly edges closer to Italy's death toll of 18,849.

In a matter of days, it has surpassed Spain's death toll (16,081) which was previously hardest-hit after Italy.

Worldwide, more than 100,000 people have now been killed in the pandemic.

New York state, which remains the epicenter of the US outbreak, made up almost half of the total death toll across the US and accounted for about a third of all deaths on Friday.

Deaths in New York increased by 777, bringing the total death toll to 7,844.

The number of cases in the state also rose by a staggering 10,575 to 170,512.

The neighboring state of New Jersey continues to be the second hardest-hit, with infections topping 54,588 and deaths reaching 1,932, after another 225 died Friday.

Fears are mounting that Michigan is on track to become a new major hotspot, as 205 deaths were recorded Friday, taking the total to 1,281.

The state now has 22,783 cases, after 1,279 new infections were confirmed.

America's deadliest day was even worse than experts could have predicted.

Forecasters at the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation brought forward the peak day of deaths by two days to Friday, predicting that 1,983 people would die from coronavirus.

Peak resource use for hospitals is predicted to occur on Saturday - the day after the peak death toll - where an estimated 86,379 beds, 17,707 ICU beds and 15,414 ventilators will be needed.

The total death toll from the pandemic is now expected to be 61,000 by August, according to the projections.

It comes as new US government figures show that a spike in coronavirus infections will occur in the summer if the current lockdown measures are lifted after 30 days as planned.

About 95 percent of the US remains on some form of lockdown after President Donald Trump issued guidelines that called for 30 days of measures to slow the spread of the virus.

America's deadliest day was even worse than experts could have predicted. Forecasters at the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation brought forward the peak day of deaths by two days to Friday, predicting that 1,983 people would die from coronavirus

Peak resource use for hospitals is predicted to occur on Saturday - the day after the peak death toll - where an estimated 86,379 beds, 17,707 ICU beds and 15,414 ventilators will be needed

The total death toll from the pandemic is now expected to be 61,000 by August, according to the projections

The government projections, obtained by the New York Times, indicate that lifting the strict social distancing measures now in place will see a second wave surge in infections and deaths in about June and July.

If the current shelter-in-place orders are lifted on May 30, the death total is estimated to reach 200,000, according to the projections obtained from the departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services.

The death toll could reach 300,000 without any restrictions imposed to contain coronavirus - including school closings, shelter-in-place orders and social distancing.

Fatalities could reach 200,000 if the 30 day lockdown is lifted, schools remain closed until summer, 25 percent of the country continues working from home and some social distancing continues.

The projections, which are dated April 9, do not have dates for when shelter-in-place orders were delivered or specific dates for when spikes would hit.

The measures currently in place have seen most people isolating at home, schools shutter and businesses close down through at least the end of April.

White House officials said on Thursday they believe the US economy could start to reopen for normal business in May, despite health experts urging for continued social distancing measures to defeat the coronavirus.

Public health experts, including top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci, say the measures are needed to control the fast-spreading virus.

Dr Fauci, a member of the White House coronavirus taskforce, on Friday warned it was too early to relax the lockdown even though hard-hit spots like New York are showing positive results in the battle against coronavirus.

The government projections indicate that lifting the strict social distancing measures now in place will see a surge in infections. The yellow depicted in the above graph assumes some social distancing is kept in place after the 30 days. The red in the graph assumes not additional measures are put in place after 30 days.

If the current shelter-in-place orders are lifted on May 30, the death total is estimated to reach 200,000, according to the projections obtained from the departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services

'What we're seeing right now is favorable signs,' Fauci said in an interview on CNN on Friday.

'We would want to see a clear indication that you were very, very clearly and strongly going in the right direction, because the one thing you don't want to do is you don't want to get out there prematurely and then wind up back in the same situation.

DEADLIEST DAYS IN CORONAVIRUS HOTSPOTS: UK - April 10 - 980 deaths Italy - March 27 - 969 deaths Spain - April 2 - 950 deaths Advertisement

'Now is no time to back off.'

Dr Fauci, who heads the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, warned that if the US 'prematurely' ends social distancing measures 'you're right back in the same situation'.

'The virus kind of decides whether or not it's going to be appropriate to open,' he said.

He said the number of new cases appeared to flattening the curve given hospitalizations and patients on ventilators in New York had decreased.

'We're going in the right direction, let's keep in that direction,' Dr Fauci said.

'Obviously we're looking for the kinds of things that would indicate that we can go forward in a gradual way to essentially reopen the country to a more normal way,' Fauci said, adding that it depended on a number of factors.

Bodies are moved to and from refrigerated morgue trailers at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Brooklyn

A number of bodies were loaded into a refrigerated morgue truck in Brooklyn on Friday
With Pakistan under an unpopular lockdown aimed at fighting the coronavirus pandemic raging around the world, a large portion of the country's devout and poverty-stricken people are resisting limits on physical and social contacts and their mobility.



This large opposition to such things as the closure of businesses and places of worship has many concerned that it could result in upheaval in the religiously conservative and economically fragile country of some 220 million people.



That worry has led many to sympathize with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's opposition to a strict national lockdown in a country where about one-quarter of its people earn only 300 rupees (roughly $2) per day.



Which is likely why his government is taking measures to ease restrictions.



"We are going to resume key sectors [of the economy] that employs millions," Information Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan said on April 10.



That announcement comes a few days after the government decided to allow people in the agriculture sector to go back to their jobs and for construction firms -- including cement and steel-making companies -- to resume their work by April 14.



Awan said retail and transport sectors could be the next to come out of the lockdown -- announced about three weeks ago -- despite the number of infections climbing to more than 4,800 with 71 deaths as of April 11 and predictions the numbers could get much worse in a country where little testing has been done.



But concern about mass discontent in Pakistan and the problems that could cause for the government was no doubt a reason for an easing of the lockdown.



There are three major factors that make Pakistan's lockdown difficult to enforce -- a strained economy with a large number of people living in poverty, the strong social ties and traditions in the country, and the devout religious beliefs in large segments of the population.



Economic Fallout



One of the hardest-hit segments of Pakistani society are the daily workers and self-employed who have not only lost their daily earnings to feed their families but also cannot pay rents, utility bills, school fees, or medical expenses.



Umar Zaman, 50, and his 22-year-old son Wahid Zaman, are among the hundreds of daily wage laborers who roam the streets of Islamabad looking for daily or short-term jobs.



Umar told RFE/RL that his 14-member family depends solely on the wages that he and his eldest son earn.



He added that they cannot afford the road toll to travel to their native town in the Mohmand district, roughly 200 kilometers from Islamabad, as drivers are charging five times more for the journey than usual due to the lockdown.



Umar said he fears "the looming hunger more than the coronavirus."

Such sentiments are one of the main reasons Khan has not enforced a strict lockdown in Pakistan and is instead easing it.



While Khan's decision to allow construction firms to resume operations was welcomed by many who believe this will kickstart economic activity and help generate jobs for daily wagers like the Zamans, others criticized it, arguing it will increase social contacts that will likely spread the coronavirus.



Apart from laborers, the closure of major cities has also caused serious damage for farmers whose crops are ready but who cannot hire people to bring in the harvest. Price Swings



In the Swat district, the per kilogram rate of tomatoes has dropped to 30 rupees ($0.20) from a normal price of between 100 and 120 rupees ($0.67-$0.80) due to farmers' inability to export their produce to cities such as Peshawar and Islamabad, causing a glut on local markets.



Conversely, the cost of some products not produced locally that would normally be brought from other regions of Pakistan have skyrocketed.



And daily staples such as sugar and flour have seen huge price increases due to hoarding as well as bans or prohibitive costs on interdistrict and interprovince transport.



With the Islamic fasting holiday of Ramadan beginning in Pakistan on April 25, food prices will rise at a time when the consumption of food also increases (due mostly to the huge post-sundown feasts).

But with more people out of work or making less money because of the lockdown, there is a worry of widespread discontent leading people to reject the lockdown and return to their jobs.



In an effort to perhaps stave off widespread financial problems, Khan last week launched a 144 billion rupee ($860 million) plan to distribute some 12,000 rupees (about $90) for each of the next four months to around 120 million Pakistanis most affected by the COVID-19 lockdown.



But critics have charged that political affiliations, nepotism, corruption, and mismanagement of the funds could result in a backlash among people if they don't receive the allotted aid.



Strong Social Fabric



Other factors putting pressure on the lockdown are Pakistan's strong social ties and traditions, which pose major hurdles to restrictions on social and physical contacts.



Funerals, for example, are occasions in which everyone's participation is a must -- less for religious but more for social and cultural reasons.



If a politician fails to attend the funeral of someone in his constituency, he/she will risk losing many votes. That is why, despite calls for limits on social contacts, political leaders largely still attend funerals.



Marriage ceremonies and celebrations -- often very large affairs -- have already been banned in cities, but people are still arranging weddings and parties and inviting people to them in rural areas.

The upcoming Eid al-Fitr festival, which marks the end of Ramadan in late May, could prove another challenge for Pakistani officials to restrict social contacts.



Eid is marked with a congregational prayer followed by warm embraces and handshakes. Restricting people from celebrating this annual festival will be difficult, if not impossible.



Religious (Dis)belief



In one act of defiance, hundreds of worshippers manhandled a group of police officers that tried to stop them from attending Friday Prayers at a mosque in the Liaqatabad part of Karachi, the capital of Sindh Province, on March 3.



Unlike Pakistan's other three provinces, the Sindh government imposed a strict lockdown on society, requiring people to not attend Friday Prayers.



Pakistan's first coronavirus case was reported in Karachi on February 26, and the number of infected in the province has since risen to about 1,318 people. In the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, police arrested a radical cleric and six others for disobeying a government order on religious activities.



Maulana Abdul Aziz, the former administrator of the Islamabad Lal Masjid, or Red Mosque, flouted the official ban on Friday Prayers designed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The firebrand cleric was the focus of attention in July 2007 when some of his extremist students took several women hostage after accusing them of prostitution. Pakistani security forces had to conduct a bloody operation to resolve the situation inside the mosque. Abdul Aziz was arrested while trying to escape wearing a burqa but was acquitted of charges two years later.



In yet another alarming development, more than 100,000 members of the missionary Tablighi Jamaat gathered in Pakistan's eastern city of Lahore, ignoring government appeals to follow regulations against large events in an effort to ward off the deadly virus.



The gathering also included 3,000 foreigners from 40 countries and the five-day annual congregation, which attracts group members from across Pakistan and the world, was later curtailed by the Tablighi leaders who cited rainy weather.



Since then, more than 1,000 members of the missionary group -- including citizens from Iran, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Kyrgyzstan -- have been quarantined for having coronavirus symptoms.

Although the top leaders of the missionary group have issued clear directives to their millions of followers across Pakistan to follow the precautionary measures recommended by the government, the majority of them -- particularly in rural areas -- still do not accept the tough restrictions.



"I pray five times a day and each time I wash my hands and face. The rest is God's will," said Mohammad Shakil Khan, from the Karak district in northwestern Pakistan.



Shakil Khan, who had attended the March 13 Tablighi Jamaat meeting in Lahore, said he does not think a face mask will save him from God's fate for him.



"He is the creator and the rest is his creation," he said. "Whatever happens to the creation, happens with his will."



That follows the Tablighi Jamaat motto, which says: "To believe that only God does everything, and the creation (humans) have no power to do anything [without the will of God]."



Many who are not members of Tablighi Jamaat or any other religious group equally ignore the warnings.



While the government has somehow managed to shut down major cities, people in smaller towns regularly visit the markets while the rural population is attending religious prayers as usual.



One positive aspect of the situation is that most religious political party leaders have acknowledged that the coronavirus is a serious threat and urged their followers to restrict themselves from normal social activities.



In interviews with RFE/RL, the leaders of Pakistan's two mainstream religious parties, Jamiat Ulema e-Islam and Jamaat e-Islami Maulana Fazlur Rahman/Siraj ul-Haq appealed to their party members and all Pakistanis to stay home and follow all official precautionary measures against the spread of the coronavirus. Alarming Report



A big concern for officials is the month of Ramadan, when Muslims dedicate much of their time to worshipping in mosques. Restricting people to their homes during the holiday will be a challenge for authorities.



As the number of COVID-19 infections increases in Pakistan as more tests are conducted, the country is still far from enforcing the strict measures needed to stop the virus from spreading.



Equally alarming is a recent report by the National Health Services Regulations Ministry presented to the Supreme Court that states the number of COVID-19 cases in Pakistan is expected to rise to some 50,000 by the time Ramadan begins on April 25.
New blood tests for the novel coronavirus could one day play a major role in showing how many people were previously infected with COVID-19, but experts caution that the new tests are not very good at telling us who has the disease now.

Thats because the blood tests dont look for the virus itself, but for substances called antibodies that a patients immune system makes to fight off the virus. Once a persons immune system recognizes a virus as a threat, it creates these antibodies to attach to the virus and neutralize it.

But that process takes time, and those antibodies often wouldnt show up in a blood test until a week or more after the person started showing symptoms, according to Dr. Sonya Heath, a professor at UABs division of infectious diseases.

When you're in a very early part of an infection, and in the case of COVID probably at least the first seven days of symptoms, you actually have to look for the virus itself, Heath said. You have to do the COVID PCR test, that's the nasal swab, and you're looking for the virus itself.

Those nasal swabs collect mucus from deep within the patients nasal passages, where the virus tends to accumulate. That allows doctors to look for the virus itself rather than the antibodies.

For COVID, the antibody response, or the immune response that your body makes in response to the COVID virus, comes up somewhere between day seven and day 14, Heath said.

And thats seven to 14 days after showing symptoms. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control now says that a patient may not show symptoms for two to 14 days after being infected. If the higher ends of those ranges are correct, a person who has COVID-19 may not test positive on a blood test for up to 28 days after getting infected.

Evidence also continues to show that people can transmit the COVID virus for several days before showing symptoms, and some people who test positive for the virus have reported very mild or no symptoms.

Theres also a risk of false positives with the blood tests, which have been rushed into use to combat this new virus. The novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is similar in structure to other coronaviruses, like the ones that cause the common cold.

Heath said there is a risk that these new tests would detect antibodies produced to fight the common cold or another virus and come back positive even if the patient hadnt been exposed to the new virus that causes COVID-19.

Mobile tests may give incomplete picture

The long delay is one reason why the blood tests are not used to officially diagnose patients who believe they may have the virus. But in some cases, those blood tests are more easily available than the nasal swab.

In Mobile, approximately 900 police officers and fire fighters were given the blood tests in late March or early April because the nasal swab tests were not readily available at that time. Of those 900 personnel, 37 tested positive for the COVID antibodies, and received nasal swab tests. Three of those 37 tested positive with the nasal swabs.

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson was optimistic when discussing those results at Tuesdays city council meeting.

If you think of only 3 of 900 had the virus, thats 3 tenths of a percent, Stimpson said. You would have to assume our policemen and firemen are representative of our community. They probably come in contact with more people than others in the community.

But it is unlikely that only 3 of the 900 had the virus. The 37 who tested positive for the antibodies may have had the virus previously and recovered from it before their nasal swab samples were taken.

And, more importantly, the emergency responders who did not test positive for the antibody may have already been infected but were just too early in their infection to register antibodies.

Testing negative for the antibody is not an all-clear.

At this time, I don't think we're using an antibody test to necessarily declare that somebody can go back to work, Heath said. That's not a current recommendation from the CDC.

Blood tests can lead to better understanding, treatments

Heath said blood antibody tests can provide valuable information after the fact, when trying to determine who has already had the virus and who has not. With many people unable to get tested in the early weeks of the disease, these blood test may clue researchers in later to just how many people were infected.

We know that there are people who were infected with COVID in the early part of March in Alabama, but we didn't really have a test to look for that, Heath said. And so oftentimes, doctors were going based on most common symptoms that were compatible with what we understood about COVID.

With the increasing availability of this antibody response, we will now have the ability to test people who may have had COVID, historically, sometime in the month of March.

Heath said we dont know how long those antibodies will last in the bloodstream, but it could potentially be months or years. Its also still uncertain whether a person who has had COVID and recovered would still be at risk of getting the virus again.

We all know that people get reinfected with common colds but we really don't know with coronavirus, Heath said. If we do find that people won't get reinfected then people may want to know if they've ever had it and if they have the antibody, because they'll have at least some sense that they've already been exposed and recovered from it.

The antibody test may also be useful in developing a type of treatment using convalescent plasma, or blood plasma from a patient who has already recovered from COVID-19 and already has the antibodies. Those antibodies may help jump-start the immune response in a sick patient who has not yet developed the antibodies.

UAB is working on understanding the antibody response, both whether or not people are generating antibodies, but also which of those antibodies can neutralize the virus, Heath said. If we can better understand that, we might be able to say a patient that's recovered from COVID has really good antibodies, and they could be a plasma donor, and that could be used in treatment for another person.

AL.com reporter John Sharp contributed to this story.
The library remains closed through at least April 30 and patrons are asked to hold on to all materials until an announcement is made that the building is reopening. All in-person programs and passport services have been cancelled through the end of May, the library said.
A man was arrested in Rajkot



using the CCTV-powered Automated Number Plate Recognition System (ANRS) which showed that he had ventured out 21 times in three days during the lockdown in place for the novel coronavirus outbreak, Gujarat Director General of Police Shivanand Jha said on Saturday.

He said 3,967 cases have been lodged so far using drone footage, including 487 on Friday alone, and 618 cases with the help of CCTV cameras.

CCTV footage helped police register 84 cases and arrest 131 persons on Friday, the DGP informed.

"A man was arrested in Rajkot using CCTV ANRS which revealed that he had gone out 21 times in three days. And every time he was stopped, he used to say he was going to buy medicines," Jha told reporters.

He said the Gujarat Prevention of Anti Social Act will be invoked against those who attack police personnel and medical staff on COVID-19 duty.

More CCTV cameras have been installed in buffer zones of areas under cluster quarantine, he informed.

"We have lodged 194 FIRs and held 368 persons so far for spreading rumours, fake and hate messages on social media. On Friday, 3,059 cases were filed for lockdown violations, and 829 for flouting quarantine rules. A total of 4,280 FIRs were lodged and 6,392 persons held in one day on Friday," Jha said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Linkedin Sudirman Nasir (The Jakarta Post) Makassar  Sat, April 11, 2020 09:35 640 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd1233b3 3 Opinion hand-washing,hygiene,poor-residents,poverty,clean-water,COVID-19,sanitary-equipment,economic-inequality Free

Amid the current pandemic and in the absence of effective vaccines and antiviral drugs, preventive measures are essential to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Numerous scientists, health professionals, officials, teachers and parents are tirelessly reminding the public about the importance of preventive measures such as 20-second hand-washing with soap and clean running water as well as staying at home or social/physical distancing. They also keep encouraging people to more consistently employ these essential preventive activities to protect themselves from the new coronavirus.



However, peoples capability to apply these protective actions vary based on their socio-economic circumstances. Indeed, inequality should be seriously taken into account since it frequently hinders peoples ability to apply preventive measures. Indonesias current 0.38 Gini ratio which means high inequality, reminds us of among our most challenging socio-economic problems. Inequality across the archipelago directly or indirectly shapes peoples health and wellbeing particularly in the pandemic since it influences their ability to comply to preventive measures on a daily basis.



We can start with looking at access to clean water and its consequences for maintaining health. Hand washing is still considered the best tool against the new coronavirus strain and may reduce 40 percent of the risk from various infectious diseases. Unfortunately, millions of Indonesias citizens face significant barriers to adhere to this simple but essential preventive activity.



In fact, only 74 percent of citizens have access to clean drinking water with an even lower percentile in rural areas according to Statistics Indonesia in 2018. Furthermore, none of Indonesias population across 34 provinces have 90 percent access to clean water; even in the capital the figure is only 73.18 percent.



Additionally, people in the archipelagos eastern part have even poorer access to clean water than those in the western part of the country. In 2019 merely 76.07 percent of Indonesias population had access to public hand-washing facilities that provided soap. Unsurprisingly Papua, the poorest province, had the lowest figure with 35.55 percent of its population having access to such facilities, followed by East Nusa Tenggara with 51.92 percent. Even in the western half of the country in Aceh province only 64 percent can access clean water.



The grim reality related to lack of access to clean water is found both in rural and urban areas, in the nations epicenter of the pandemic, which is the capital, and the capitals of other densely populated provinces which follow Jakarta in their high number of confirmed COVID-19 cases such as Bandung in West Java, Surabaya in East Java and Semarang in Central Java; as well as Medan in North Sumatra and Makassar in South Sulawesi, the two major cities outside Java.



Low-income families in the above metropolitans face daily challenges in maintaining hygiene since they can hardly afford to frequently wash their hands, let alone obtain and secure access to drinking water. As a result, they are highly vulnerable to the new coronavirus infection or other germs infections.



Indonesias latest Basic Health Survey (Riskesdas) in 2018 clearly demonstrated that though the country is increasingly experiencing epidemiological transition in which non-communicable diseases such as diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases become the most lethal health problems, communicable diseases such as water-borne infections remain a huge threat to peoples health and wellbeing.



Another dimension of inequality that hinders key prevention measures  physical and social distancing  is our dominant informal economy which accounts for some 57 percent of the workforce. Common characteristics are lack of protection for non-payment of wages, retrenchment without notice or compensation, unsatisfactory occupational health and safety conditions and an absence of social benefits such as pensions, sick pay and health insurance.



Migrants, women and other vulnerable groups who are excluded from other decent job opportunities have little alternatives but to take informal, low-quality jobs available in rural and urban areas in Indonesia. Additionally, many people who are too poor to be unemployed have no choice but to work in hazardous circumstances in the informal economy.



The nature of their work usually requires close physical interaction and they cannot afford to stay home owing to limited savings, if any. Many of these informal workers in cities like Jakarta have already returned to their villages in neighboring provinces because of the economic slowdown. Returning to their villages is a kind of coping strategy that they regularly employ in the time of economic hardship  even though considerable transportation costs are involved. Such circumstances will increase the risk of COVID-19 in the countrys hinterland.



Hence the urgency of safety nets for food, rent and access to clean water, among other needs, to reach such informal workers to enable social or physical distancing and to adequately wash hands. The government had recently announced social safety net programs to support the people working in the informal sector as part of policies on large scale social restrictions and the public health emergency.



Though these decisions mark crucial progress in the fight against COVID-19, the government should pay attention to the details such as securing reliable data and mechanisms that allow them to deliver the aid as fast as possible to the people in need. The devil, as always, is in the details.



The pandemic has brought us serious lessons about the importance of policies to decrease inequality in Indonesia. Investment in improving basic needs such as access to clean water as well as decent and secure jobs will enable us to reduce health problems and improve peoples quality of life.

______

Senior lecturer and researcher at the Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University (Unhas) and a member of the Indonesian Young Academy of Sciences (ALMI).

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
Wen Guicheng, the vice general manager of the Hubei V-Medical Products Company, a manufacturer of caps, masks and gloves based in the southwestern suburbs of Wuhan in central China, said that his company was trying to avoid delays by speaking with customs officials before exporting more goods.

Noah Blake, a respirator trader in Shanghai, said that one of his shipments had already been delayed by the new rule, but added that the new regulation would help make sure that public health agencies and consumers could count on medical supplies imported from China.

The new rules might also help some factories export what they make.

Beijings initial response two weeks ago to quality complaints was to require that factories producing medical supplies be certified by the government before they could export their goods. That policy caused export delays at many factories that previously manufactured everything from winches to cranes but suddenly switched to making medical equipment after the lockdown of Wuhan on Jan. 23.

Those factories typically do not have medical certification from Beijing, which can take months to obtain.

If these factories are now allowed to export medical supplies that pass quality inspections, then that could allow many more companies in China to export products needed to fight the pandemic.

The customs agency announcement on Friday did not specify whether the new mandate was in addition to the requirement for factory certification or instead of it.
A 71-year-old resident of Puducherrys Mahe, who was admitted in Pariyaram Medical College in Keralas Kannur, died early on Saturday, officials said.

The man was suffering from multiple complications and was on ventilator support for the last two weeks, according to doctors.

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He was admitted to a local hospital on March 27 and later discharged. Later, he was again rushed to the hospital after he developed pneumonia and both his kidneys were damaged, said doctors.

They added he didnt have any travel history but participated in many functions before he fell ill.

Kerala was the first state in India to report coronavirus disease cases and has the least number of deaths and a good recovery rate.

There are 363 positive cases in the state to date after the first Covid-19 patient was reported in January.
Police officials in Punjab's Rupnagar district have set an example for others to emulate in the fight against coronavirus, by converting a part of police lines area into a makeshift hospital with quarantine facilities.

Director General of Police Dinkar Gupta said the wards of police personnel pursuing MBBS and nursing courses have volunteered to work at the hospital.

With nine beds, which can be increased to 18, the hospital is well equipped to keep coronavirus patients in complete isolation, Gupta said in a statement.

The doctors and paramedics at the police lines are working round the clock to take care of the police personnel on field duty, he said.

Punjab has reported 152 COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths by Saturday evening and the state government has extended the curfew till May 1.

Meanwhile, SSP Rupnagar Swapan Sharma apprised the DGP about the work being carried out by the police force in Rupnagar district. Keeping in mind their health and safety, a team of doctors regularly examines them in the field as well as at their offices.

The SSP said sanitization rooms have been set up at all the police stations.

The DGP lauded the efforts of Rupnagar police in creating awareness and helping people.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Senator Rand Paul, the Republican senator from Kentucky, is pushing back against a plan by the Democratic governor of his home state to crack down on church gatherings during the coronavirus lockdown by reporting the license plates of those who attend.

Paul, who has recovered after testing positive for COVID-19, warned Governor Andy Beshear on Friday to take a step back.

Taking license plates at church? Quarantining someone for being Christian on Easter Sunday? Someone needs to take a step back here, Paul tweeted on Friday.

Beshear warned on Friday that anyone attending a weekend gathering will be ordered to self-quarantine for two weeks as he announced a single-day high for coronavirus cases in Kentucky.

With Easter two days away, the governor took the new step against mass gatherings in an attempt to contain the viruss spread.

Senator Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, slammed Democrat Governor Andy Beshear (right) for his plan to track down Easter churchgoers who attend services during the coronavirus lockdown and order them into quarantine

Taking license plates at church? Quarantining someone for being Christian on Easter Sunday? Someone needs to take a step back here, Paul tweeted on Friday

A few Kentucky pastors signaled in recent days that they intend to go ahead with in-person services despite Beshear's constant warnings that churches should switch to virtual services or other ways for people to practice their faith and protect public health.

Under the new action, anyone participating in a gathering this weekend will have their license plates recorded to provide to local health departments, Beshear said.

Local health officials will go to each participants home with a 14-day self-quarantine order, he said.

This is the only way that we can ensure that your decision doesnt kill somebody else, he said.

That your decision doesnt spread the coronavirus in your county and in your community.

The governor added: I hear people say, Its my choice.

Well, its not the person next to yous choice.

Beshear reported 242 new coronavirus cases statewide, raising the total to nearly 1,700. He announced 11 more virus-related deaths, bringing the states death toll to 90.

In the United States, there are a confirmed 505,015 cases of coronavirus as of Saturday. Of those, 18,771 people have died.

One cleric, Maryville Baptist Reverend Jack Roberts, took to Facebook and pledged to defy Beshears orders.

Do you think the virus just generated in this church or was it carried in from somewhere else, he wrote.

[I]ts sad anyone gets infected even sadder its contagious but trying to blame churches or a particular church is unthinkable.

A few Kentucky pastors signaled in recent days that they intend to go ahead with in-person services despite Beshear's constant warnings that churches should switch to virtual services or other ways for people to practice their faith and protect public health. The Maryville Baptist Church in Kentucky is seen above

Politicians need to stick to trying to figure a way to steal our money and leave the spiritual life of America to the ministry of those God called to preach the WORD.

Several state governors and legislatures have been grappling with the sensitive issue of religious gatherings during the coronavirus lockdown.

Local officials have been trying to balance the need to preserve public health while preserving the constitutional right to worship and assemble.

In Kansas, the Republican-dominated state legislature overturned a ban by the Democratic governor of gatherings of 10 or more people.

Governor Laura Kelly announced on Thursday that she would sue the seven-member Legislative Coordinating Council which voted 5-2 to overrule her executive order from last week.

A handful of holdout churches plan to hold in-person services on Easter Sunday, saying their right to worship in person outweighs public health officials warnings against holding large gatherings during the coronavirus outbreak.

One cleric, Maryville Baptist Reverend Jack Roberts, took to Facebook and pledged to defy Beshears orders

He wrote: 'Politicians need to stick to trying to figure a way to steal our money and leave the spiritual life of America to the ministry of those God called to preach the WORD

Most US churches are expected to be closed on Sunday, and a broad majority of observant Americans are expected to follow authorities recommendations to avoid crowds to limit the spread of the potentially lethal COVID-19 respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus.

But not all of them.

Satan and a virus will not stop us, said the Reverend Tony Spell, 42, pastor of the evangelical Life Tabernacle Church near Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

He expects a crowd of more than 2,000 to gather in worship at his megachurch on Sunday.

God will shield us from all harm and sickness, Spell said in an interview.

We are not afraid. We are called by God to stand against the Antichrist creeping into Americas borders.

We will spread the Gospel.

Major US religious institutions, including Roman Catholic dioceses and major Protestant denominations, will hold religious services online as well as through local broadcast radio and television, with just a handful of ministers and priests preaching sermons and reading liturgies to rows of empty pews.

Indeed, some major religious-liberty legal advocacy groups, whose mission is to challenge restrictions on freedom of religion, have not raised objections to the closures, saying churches have been treated the same as other major institutions and that safety comes first.

In Idaho, Ammon Bundy, who has led multiple standoffs against authorities in acts of protest against the federal government, plans to gather hundreds of people for an Easter observance, in defiance of public health advice, according to multiple media reports.

Another holdout church, the evangelical Cross Culture Center in Lodi, California, about 70 miles southwest of San Francisco, plans another service even after its members found their church doors locked against them last weekend.

Lay preacher Jon Duncan, 43, who has led the evangelical center for more than 10 years, said that under city orders, his landlord changed the locks and shut them out Sunday morning.

Lodi police officers was standing by the door, because they were defying both local and state stay-at-home orders and a court order from the San Joaquin County Public Health Services.

Instead, Duncan held brief curbside prayers with his congregants as they showed up for the 11am service.

It is disappointing because we have a valid lease, but we wont be stopped, he said.

God commands us to meet and thats what were going to do Easter.

Duncan expects he and his flock of about 80 regular attendees will be locked out on Easter too, so he has picked an alternate site to meet.

He and his attorney declined to disclose the new location to the public for fear of becoming a spectacle instead of a holy service.

The churchs attorney, Dean Broyles, has lodged a complaint against the city, and implored Californias governor in a letter to lift the ban on large church gatherings.

Duncan said he is steadfast in his decision.

We dont believe our rights are eroded by a virus, he said.

We will stand together before God even against the gates of hell.
By IANS

SANGLI: Even as the 'Bhilwara Model' of Rajasthan has attained fame for containing the spread of Covid-19, Maharashtra has notched equal success in its own 'Islampur Pattern' implemented in the Sangli district, officials said here on Saturday.

Situated near the Pune-Bengaluru NH-4, Islampur town had shaken the state health authorities on March 23 after notching a wide spread of coronavirus among 26 persons, mostly of a single family.

By Friday (April 10), Nationalist Congress Party President and Water Resources Minister Jayant Patil, whose Assembly constituency is Islampur, proudly announced that 22 out of 26 patients had tested negative and have been fully cured of Covid-19.

ALSO READ: Failure to replicate 'Bhilwara Model' makes Jaipur next coronavirus hotspot in Rajasthan

The spread was ostensibly from four persons of the family who had returned from a trip to Saudi Arabia and had tested positive, and within a week, infected 22 others in their immediate and extended clan.

It is attributed to the quick measures initiated by Patil, known to be a tough administrator and no-nonsense organiser, Sangli Collector Abhijeet Choudhary and Civil Surgeon C.S. Salunkhe.

Even as the first cases erupted in the district in the third-fourth week of March, rapid response teams were formed to track the 'high-risk' and 'low-risk' contacts before they could spread the disease further.

All symptomatic contacts were shunted to isolation and were tested, while those without symptoms were sent to institutional quarantine or home quarantine.

Since all the cases came from a single locality in the town, a one-km radius containment zone was created with a buffer zone outside it and seven entry-exit points to the area were completely sealed and monitored round-the-clock for any violations.

"All essential items of daily requirements like milk, fruits, vegetables, grocery etc. were delivered to people's doorsteps and social distancing was strictly enforced," said Patil.

Besides, medical and paramedical teams scoured 1,600 homes in the containment zones for the coronavirus scourge on a daily basis, taking people's temperatures, checking them for cold, cough or any related symptoms.

Health Minister Rajesh Tope and Medical Education Minister Amit V. Deshmukh chipped in by setting up a special team from the Government Medical College, Miraj (Sangli), for this purpose.

"I am confident there will not be any further increase in Covid-19 positive cases in Islampur now. The containment and quarantine was 100 per cent successful. But the ongoing lockdown will also need to be strictly adhered to," said Patil.

Deshmukh and Tope termed it as a "well-coordinated effort of the people, the administration and health authorities", which enabled Islampur -- with a population of around 69,000 -- beat the coronavirus on the lines of the Bhilwara Model of Rajasthan.

Relieved locals said that during the past over two weeks, they remained completely cut-off from the world physically and maintained contact through mobiles, internet or television as they patiently waited to emerge from the huge crisis, virtually unscathed.
Man, 28, found dead on Khao Rang

PHUKET: A 28-year-old man was found dead on Rang Hill in Phuket Town yesterday afternoon (Apr 10) after he leapt from the viewpoint in what family members believe was suicide, report police.

deathsuicidepoliceCOVID-19Coronavirus

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Saturday 11 April 2020, 05:36PM

A rescue worker points to where Mr Paphons body was found below the Khao Rang viewpoint yesterday (Apr 10). Photo: Phuket City Police

Maj Akkaradet Phongphrom of the Phuket City Police was called to the viewpoint at around 3pm.

Police together with Kusoldharm rescue workers arrived to find the body of Paphon Yalong, 28, on the steep hillside below the viewpoint. He had suffered fatal head trauma after his head had hit a rock.

Rescue workers took around two hours to access the area to recover his body, some 70 metres below.

Near the rail at the viewpoint was a black bag Paphon had taken with him, containing a bottle of water, his mobile phone, cigarettes and a lighter.

His body was taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital for further examination, Maj Akkaradet noted in his report.

Paphons father, Suchin Yalong, 54, told police that Paphon used to work at a shooting range in Rawai that had temporarily shut down in accordance with the government orders issued to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

On Thursday (Apr 9), Mr Suchin and Paphon went to Phuket Kwaeng Court (the equivalent to a magistrates court) to pay a fine for breaching the national night curfew, Mr Suchin explained.

At around 4pm, while they were riding home together on separate motorbikes, Paphon rode up to Rang Hill alone, Mr Suchin said.

After that, he was unable to contact him.

As Paphon did not come home that night, Mr Suchin went to Phuket City Police Station to report that his son was missing the next morning.

His sons body was found yesterday afternoon.

Mr Suchin believes that his son committed suicide by jumping from the viewpoint, Maj Akkaradet said.

Officers had uncovered no clues that any foul play had been involved, he also noted.

Mr Suchin said that his son had lost his job and his relationship with his girlfriend had ended just days earlier, Maj Akkaradet said in his report.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 15:11:27|Editor: huaxia

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A man (L) gets disinfected at a Soldiers' Home amid COVID-19 outbreak in Bogota, Colombia, April 13, 2020. (Photo by Jhon Paz/Xinhua)

BOGOTA, April 10 (Xinhua) -- "You have to obey" the quarantine rules "for the health of yourself and your family members," said Colombian worker Orfilia Cardona Ortiz, adding that everyone in her seven-person household has been participating in the quarantine amid the COVID-19 epidemic.

Friday marked the 17th day of the quarantine in the South American country, and according to authorities, the measure has resulted in progress in containing the spread of COVID-19, which as of Thursday, has infected 2,223 people and caused 69 deaths in the country.

In Bogota, the capital and the city with the highest number of infections, quarantine measures have changed all areas of life. The measures include working remotely, the obligatory use of masks in public, and restrictions on going out into the street.

Gabriela Romero, a teacher, told Xinhua that although the measures implemented are good, they are not perfect.

There are 37 exceptions for not staying in mandatory isolation, "which in my opinion is too many," Romero added.

However, the quarantine has also posed challenges for Colombians, especially for those in vulnerable sectors of society.

Ciudad Bolivar is home to more than 700,000 low-income families, many of whose members are employed as street vendors and domestic workers.

The good news is that they have received food aid donated by private foundations and distributed by Colombian soldiers, aiming to alleviate economic stress in the area.

"This aid is a great blessing, and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts," said Willian Fernando Linares, a welder. "I think that the aid needs to be constant."

Furthermore, through the application of different programs, Colombian authorities hope that the poorest families in the country will also be able to comply with the isolation necessary to contain the virus.

Among these programs is "Solidarity Income," which, according to the government, will provide 3 million families throughout the country with economic aid.

Army Lt. Col. Juan Giraldo told Xinhua that he has confidence in his country's citizens, after soldiers from his battalion delivered supplies to impoverished people in the capital.

"We trust our citizens and the judgment of our leaders," he added.
A previous version of this article named Elena Scroffa as a member of the Italian General Confederation of Labour and described Father Daniele Moschetti as a priest from the local Caritas Fernandes Centre. This was incorrect. Elena Russo is a member of the Italian General Confederation of Labour and Father Daniele Moschetti is a member of the Comboni Fathers missionaries. The article has been updated to reflect this.

Rome, Italy  On what used to be a vast complex of illegally built apartment blocks and holiday homes on the Mediterranean shore, Castel Volturno is today a run-down no-mans-land stretching along Italys ancient Via Domiziana coastal road in the southern Campania region.

Gutted houses, bars and pizzerias sit alongside abandoned restaurants and small businesses run by Italians and Africans alike, as well as a handful of Christian churches and a few Islamic centres.

Here, life unfolds along the busy dual carriageway, which bisects the city for some 30 kilometres (18 miles), and where the Neapolitan Camorra and the Nigerian mafia have been plying their business for decades, mostly busying themselves with drug trafficking and prostitution.

But alongside the mobsters, several thousand impoverished locals and migrants make up the social texture of Castel Volturno, where the coronavirus pandemic has further exposed the state of emergency in which its denizens live  even in ordinary times.

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The city has clearly seen better days, but it now counts about 25,000 inhabitants, of which 5,000 are registered migrants and an estimated 15,000 are undocumented, mostly hailing from West African countries including Nigeria and Ghana, say officials. So far, the town has recorded a dozen COVID-19 cases and one death, and that is only among the Italian population, authorities say. The Campania region has registered more than 3,400 infections.

Under Italys lockdown, Castel Volturnos battered streets are deserted, with only a few sporadic gatherings near post offices, relegating the struggle for the survival of its most vulnerable citizens to within the four walls of their homes.

Over the years, paltry rents for run-down houses, which are often paid to local landlords under the table, have made Castel Volturno a haven for destitute migrants in search of temporary shelter upon their arrival in Italy. Other migrants call it home instead, hustling a daily living, especially in the informal agricultural and construction sectors.

National laws were deliberated in such a way over the past decades to relegate these people to the margins of society and criminalise them, says Fatima Maiga, a member of aid group Italiani Senza Cittadinanza (Italians Without Citizenship). Migrants have stayed in southern Italy, and especially in places like Castel Volturno, because the area offers them a chance to escape checks.

We know people are scared. Antonio Casale, Caritas Fernandes Centre

Aid group representatives operating here have joined the towns mayor in warning about a ticking bomb and a bubble of desperation ready to burst as people now under lockdown are prevented from earning their usual daily living.

Without a solid assistance programme, the population here risks falling victim to hunger due to the virus.

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In coordination with the municipality, we are driving through areas with the highest concentration of migrants and poverty spreading information in different languages, trying to reach as many people as possible, Antonio Casale, director of the local Caritas Fernandes Centre, tells Al Jazeera.

We know people are scared. We hope the relationship of trust we have built with them over the years can help them overcome the fear of being left abandoned, and calm them.

As the national emergency continues, Italys Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte put 4.3 billion euros ($4.7bn) at the disposal of the countrys local mayors to deal with citizens needs, along with another 400 million euros ($438m) in a special fund for people who lack the funds for their basic food shopping.

Castel Volturno obtained 270,000 euros ($295,000) from the national emergency food package, but limited access to its official residents, thus leaving thousands outside the official food programme. The deadline for requesting food vouchers expired on Tuesday, while many in the migrant communities here were still wondering what the initiative was all about.

We are not able to move right now, meaning we cannot interact with each other, a Nigerian pastor from one of the Evangelical churches in Castel Volturno tells Al Jazeera. There are people who are outside our reach because of the lockdown. Information that people look at on social media is not reliable at all. Many people are not understanding whats happening.

Luigi Umberto Petrella, the mayor of Castel Volturno, and a member of the conservative Fratelli dItalia (Brothers of Italy), tells Al Jazeera he had received around 2,500 official requests and that other services had been set up for the other sections of the population in need.

Two hotlines in English and French were established during the emergency with the help of Caritas to answer peoples requests, he says. And a task force comprising NGOs, charity groups, the Red Cross, members of local community centres and the civil defence has been set up to address the needs of the local community and spread information during the pandemic.

Two mattresses and a makeshift table make up the room African migrants share in a run-down house in Castel Volturno. Monthly rents per mattress can reach up to 150 euros ($164) [Giovanni Izzo/Al Jazeera]

Food for those outside the official aid programme has been collected through the local food bank and private donations from local businesses and residents.

Distribution of bags containing goods to last a couple of days have so far reached 1,500 families, the mayor said, adding they were are trying to bring food to people to avoid the formation of large gatherings.

But residents say this has not been enough.

We saw the municipality going out to deliver food aid to some people, but we dont know how many people they were able to help. Many people in dire need might be left with nothing at the moment, the Evangelical pastor from Nigeria says. We want to help. But if you dont give us an opportunity to support our people, the whole community will never be able to enjoy our service.

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Father Daniele Moschetti, a member of the Comboni Fathers missionaries, was busy distributing food bags to the most vulnerable while talking to Al Jazeera on the phone.

With the help of a volunteer hailing from Ghana, we have delivered 47 bags today, just as many as yesterday, he says. We need to operate fast, also to avoid possible protests or revolts. It is difficult to work together here, but the concerted efforts of all the aid bodies active on the ground is working well. Still, we dont know for how long we can resist. We need to think about the situation after the pandemic, too, and start talking about the regularisation of people here. We cannot postpone a future project for this town any longer.

Several thousand African agricultural workers pass through Castel Volturno during the annual tomato harvest season, while 600 African farm workers live here on a permanent basis.

They tend to share rooms in ruined houses that often lack gas connections and running water, paying around 150 euros ($164) a month for a mattress in a room shared with up to 20 people, a source from Castel Volturno tells Al Jazeera.

But few workers are currently going to work in the fields at this time of crisis, the source says. They take their bikes and go to work at night to dodge controls, fearing police checks and the ensuing expulsions if they lack documents. For many going to work is simply a matter of survival.

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Massimiliano Giansanti, president of the Italian agricultural association Confagricoltura, sounded the alarm earlier this week over the shortage of labour, which threatens to compromise the food harvest across the whole country.

Agriculture Minister Teresa Bellanova also stressed the need for the migrant workforce to continue to support the normal functioning of the food supply chain.

There is a strong manpower deficit. [Workers] must be put in a position to work on a regular basis, especially because if the state does not govern certain processes, the mafia will take care of it, she said. We have to deal with reality. We must guarantee working conditions of absolute safety in the fields, and take the illegal workers out of the mafia nets.

Dozens of NGOs are asking for an extraordinary legal measure to legalise the presence of European Union and non-EU foreigners who are already in Italy. But no such development has yet been seen. Meanwhile, Italy has closed its ports to refugee ships, saying its harbours cannot be considered safe havens because of the coronavirus epidemic. At the time of publication, the state of emergency is officially set to expire on July 31, but the deadline might well be extended.

I dont think that a large regularisation could be a solution, Mayor Petrella says. I am not against it in principle, but workers should be given a decent context to live in first. And Castel Volturno does not represent a decent social context. Also, many families of Italian origin live here amid dire poverty. Unemployment is skyrocketing in the area.

But Elena Russo, of the Italian General Confederation of Labour, one of Italys largest unions, sent a stark note to government ministries to ask for a general and immediate amnesty for the migrant workforce as the pandemic spreads.

Without such a regularisation, illegal workers who are much needed here wont be able to access support programmes like those provided by the municipality  or basic health care services, she said.

We need instruments to implement a regularisation of the workforce once and for all. The usual bureaucracy cannot impact peoples life in such a way at such a time of crisis. If help from the state is not provided, of course people might look for help somewhere else, like from criminal mafia groups. This is unavoidable. And this applies both to the migrants and the locals.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 04:54:23|Editor: huaxia

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MEXICO CITY, April 11 (Xinhua) -- A shipment of 11 tons of medical supplies arrived in Mexico from China on late Friday to help the country address the COVID-19 pandemic, Mexican authorities said.

Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said via his Twitter account that an Aeromexico Boeing 787-8 aircraft had transported the shipment, which included 1.9 million face masks and 820,000 surgical masks.

"The equipment will be distributed over the coming weekend," Ebrard said.

It was the second flight carrying medical supplies from China to Mexico.

According to the Mexican government, shipments of medical supplies from China are expected to arrive between two and four times per week, for a total of 20 shipments.

By Friday, Mexico had reported 3,844 cases of COVID-19 and 233 deaths.
After the tirade also made it into the public domain, Modly had to resign.

Crozier's apparent sin was he sent his letter to too many people, making it possible for it to leak to the media.

The greater sin would have been not to stand up for the well-being of his crew. Thankfully, he did.

Reports Thursday said it's possible Crozier may be reinstated. (Those reports also said more than 400 of the crew have tested positive for the virus).

What the Navy does next will be instructive. It seems to us that advocating for your crew is performing a greater good than keeping a tight lid on the truth.

Thumbs Up ... to all the health care workers who are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. We've said it before  they are doing heroic work, a fact made all the more salient this week with Iowa officials reporting that fully 20 percent of the known cases are concentrated among health care workers. Two Genesis Health System workers are among those testing positive.
All people are talking about right now is hospital beds, ventilators, testing, testing, testing. Yes, those are important, but they are all reactive. You are dealing with the symptoms and not the virus itself, said Tolbert Nyenswah, who led one of the most successful contact tracing efforts in Africa during the Ebola epidemic of 2014 to 2016. You will never beat a virus like this one unless you get ahead of it. America must not just flatten the curve but get ahead of the curve.
Judge denies Christian college 'ministerial exception' to ex professors discrimination lawsuit

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A judge has barred Gordon College from using a ministerial exception defense in a lawsuit brought by a former professor who claims she was denied a promotion over her opposition to the evangelical institution's policies on sexuality.

Judge Jeffrey T. Karp of the Massachusetts Superior Court ruled last week that Gordon College cant avail itself of a legal doctrine that exempts religious institutions from employment discrimination laws.

The college, which was founded in 1889, was sued by former associate professor Margaret DeWeese-Boyd in 2017. Deweese-Boyd began working as an assistant professor with Gordons Social Work Department in the fall of 1999 and was later promoted to associate professor.

She claims that Gordon College Provost Janel Curry and President D. Michael Lindsay denied her promotion to full professorship in February 2017 even though the promotion was recommended by the faculty senate. She claims the denial came because of her advocacy against school policies related to LGBT individuals and extramarital sex.

In her lawsuit, the former professor argues that the school committed associational and gender discrimination in violation of the states Civil Rights Act in addition to breaching the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. DeWeese-Boyd claimed that Lindsay and Curry aided and abetted interference with her civil rights.

The college filed a motion seeking a summary judgment from the court to determine whether the ministerial exception clause  as affirmed by the Supreme Court in its Hosanna-Taborruling from 2012  barred Deweese-Boyd from suing on the basis of employment discrimination.

The ministerial exception is an affirmative defense grounded in the First Amendment that prevents the government from interfering with employment relationships between religious institutions and their ministerial employees.

The parties appeared before the court in November 2019 for a hearing on the motion and the college argued that Deweese-Boyd was responsible for integrating faith-based beliefs into her teachings as a professor and qualified as a ministerial employee.

But DeWeese-Boyd, who received a masters degree from Covenant Theological Seminary and has served as a missionary in the Philippines, denied the claim that the ministerial exception applied to her position of employment since she has never worked as a minister. Karp agreed.

DeWeese-Boyd argues she was not a ministerial employee because her title did not suggest any ministerial or religious role, she did not hold herself out as a minister, and she did not perform any religious functions of a minister, Karp wrote.

The Court concludes the strict application urged by DeWeese-Boyd is misplaced and inconsistent with how the ministerial exception has been applied before and after Hosanna-Tabor. Nevertheless, as discussed below, the Court finds that, when applying the proper framework, DeWeese-Boyd is not a minister for purposes of the exception.

According to the Gordon College handbook, faculty members are expected to be fully prepared in all facets of their tasks as Christian teachers and advisors as well as engage students in their respective disciplines from the perspectives of the Christian faith and to teach with accuracy and integrity.

Although Gordon College does not require faculty members to have a seminary degree, the college requires employees to sign a document stating that they will support the goals and objectives of Gordon College as a distinctively Christian Institution of higher learning and abide by Gordon college statement of faith and conduct.

As part of its Statement of Life and Conduct, Gordon College requires faculty members to [r]ecognize the Bible to be the Word of God and hence fully authoritative in matters of faith and conduct and [h]ave a sincere desire for that commitment to mature both in insight and behavior.

The statement requires faculty members to refrain from words and actions which are expressly forbidden in Scripture.



President Lindsay testified that all Gordon employees must be committed to the evangelical mission of the institution, and that journeys of faith are evaluated . . . when employees are hired and through the performance review process, the judge wrote in his ruling.

He testified further that, when he interviews faculty applicants, he emphasizes the importance of taking seriously signing the Statement of Faith and the Statement of Life and Conduct and being able to embrace the Christian mission and purpose of the institution.

DeWeese-Boyd not only publicly spoke out about her opposition to Gordon Colleges policies related to LGBT students and staff, she also organized meetings and events to call for the safety and inclusion of LGBT students.

According to the ruling, Curry maintained that DeWeese-Boyd was denied the application for full professorship because her scholarly productivity did not reach acceptable levels for a Gordon faculty member.

Curry also questioned DeWeese-Boyds professionalism and follow through on institutional projects about which she may not feel passionate was lacking.

Karp ruled that although the Supreme Court ruled in Hosannah-Tabor that churches and religious institutions have the right to select their own ministers, the court identified four considerations relevant to determining if ministerial exceptions apply.

Those four exceptions are: the employees formal title, the substance reflected in that title, the employees use of that title, and the important religious functions [the employee] performed.

In sum, although DeWeese-Boyd had a seminary degree when hired, she did not have a religious title at Gordon, Karp stated. [S]he did not represent herself as a minister, she did not play an integral (or any) role in religious services, she did not convey Christian doctrine to the Gordon community, she did not lead her students in prayer, and she did not perform any religious functions.

As the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly observed, Superior Court Judge Salim R. Tabit in 2018 ordered the case to be bifurcated to allow for the ministerial exception issue to be settled individually. With Karp ruling against the ministerial exception claim, the case will proceed to determine the merits of DeWeese-Boyds lawsuit.

The U.S. Supreme Court was slated to hear two cases brought against California Catholic schools sued for terminating religion teachers. Advocates believed those cases could determine how far ministerial exceptions go when it comes to protecting religious institutions from employment discrimination lawsuits. But because of the coronavirus pandemic, hearings have been postponed.
In yet another long-distance lockdown drive, the parents of a 39-year-old decorated Indian Army officer and Shaurya Chakra winner, were forced to travel a distance of more than 2,600 km between Amritsar and Bengaluru by road to perform the last rites of their son.

Colonel Navjot Singh Bal, a Special Forces officer who commanded the elite 2 Para unit of the Army, lost a long-fought battle against a rare cancer this Friday.

The previous day, he had posted a selfie that showed him smiling on a hospital bed in Bengaluru.

 India Today

According to reports, when the family approached the government, they were told that the requests made for a military aircraft to transport them did not materialise as the required orders for the Indian Air Force to fly his parents were not issued.



@PMOIndia @DefenceMinIndia @AmitShah @Ra_THORe @rajeev_mp MHA not sanctioned move parents of Col NS Bal Para SF to Banglore 4 last rites, restrictions for COVID19. Inflexible adherence to policy. Request exception & sanction. Col Bal Shaurya Chakra gave best years 2 d nation  Lt Gen Vinod Bhatia (@Ptr6Vb) April 9, 2020

Despite this bureaucratic barrier, the Karnataka government stepped in to allow special permissions for Col Bals family to enter through Karnatakas borders and finally perform his last rites.

Thank you for the call and assistance from DGP Praveen Sood and team Karnataka @rajeev_mp .



Let us all pray for a safe journey for parents and brother if Col N S Bal. pic.twitter.com/1Ye24xKyoB  Meghna Girish (@megirish2001) April 11, 2020

Colonel Bal himself was an outstanding member of the Armed Forces, distinguishing himself ever since his commission back in 2002.

Since then, he has been awarded the Shaurya Chakra, the third highest peacetime gallantry award, for his role in an operation in Jammu and Kashmirs Lolab.

He was first diagnosed with cancer in 2018, when a tumour was detected in the officers right hand.

After rounds of chemotherapy and radiology served only to delay the spread of cancer, oncologists then had to amputate his right hand - even this did not slow the Colonel down, who despite this severe disability, continued to command his troops, even learning how to shoot with his left hand - earning the respect of several top brass ex-military figures, some of whom sent their best wishes to Bals family.

Deepest condolences! Have a safe journey. Sad GOI did not help. Rules are never written on stone. They are modified or changed in special circumstances.  Vedmalik (@Vedmalik1) April 11, 2020

Some followers also expressed their disappointment in how the government did not issue a special order and make an exception for Bals family owing to his tragic death and dedicated service.

Very sad state of affairs. At one end our bureaucracy and political class rolls out red carpet to proclaimed offenders like Wadhawans and other end we treat our saviors -men in uniform so badly. Black day for armed forces.  Girish Sethi (@Trekgrey70) April 11, 2020

Are we living in stone age ??? What the hell is happening in India ..a decorated man dies n no courtesy is extended to his parents!! What if some pol person dies .same treatment wl b fr thm as well? ??

Shame !!  .Alex (@Alex19172447) April 11, 2020

Colonel Bal is survived by his wife and two children, aged four and eight.
JOHANNESBURG - African officials are confronting China publicly and in private over racist mistreatment of Africans in the Chinese city of Guangzhou, and the U.S. says African-Americans have been targeted too.

Some Africans in the commercial hub have reported being evicted or discriminated against amid coronavirus fears. And a U.S. Embassy security alert on Saturday said that police ordered bars and restaurants not to serve clients who appear to be of African origin, and local officials have launched mandatory testing and self-quarantine for anyone with African contacts.

Thats in response to a rise in virus infections in Guangzhou, the U.S. said, adding that African-Americans have also reported that some businesses and hotels refuse to do business with them. The U.S. statement is titled Discrimination against African-Americans in Guangzhou.

A recent increase in virus cases in China has been largely attributed to people arriving from overseas.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. But for others, especially older adults and people with health problems, it can cause severe symptoms like pneumonia.

The police and public health bureau in Guangzhou on Tuesday told reporters that officials had responded to rumours that 300,000 black people in Guangzhou were setting off a second epidemic, which caused panic. Officials said the rumour was untrue.

African diplomats in Beijing have met with Chinese foreign ministry officials and stated in very strong terms their concern and condemnation of the disturbing and humiliating experiences our citizens have been subjected to, Sierra Leones embassy in Beijing said in a statement Friday, adding that 14 citizens had been put into compulsory 14-day quarantine.

The diplomats reminded officials of their support of China during the pandemic, especially in the early days. Some African nations that had scores or even hundreds of students stranded during Chinas earlier lockdown had sided with Chinese officials against calls for evacuations, and many African nations publicly praised Beijing for its virus response.

Separately, in an unusually open critique of Beijing, the speaker of Nigerias House of Representatives tweeted a video of himself pressing the Chinese ambassador on the issue.

Its almost undiplomatic the way Im talking, but its because Im upset about whats going on, Femi Gbajabiamila says.

We take it very seriously, Ambassador Zhou Pingjian replies.

Nigerian Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama said he summoned the ambassador to express extreme concern and call for an immediate government response.

The scoldings continued Saturday as African nations that have openly praised Chinas development model or assertive investment in the continent in recent years made it clear that racist treatment of their citizens wouldnt be tolerated.

Ghana summoned the Chinese ambassador as Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey condemned the inhumane treatment, a statement said. The chair of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, said he summoned the Chinese ambassador to the AU, Liu Yuxi, to express our extreme concern.

Kenya also has spoken out. A foreign ministry statement noted unfair responses against foreigners, particularly of African origin, from some locals in Guangzhou, especially landlords.

The statement said the Chinese embassy in Nairobi has told Kenyas foreign ministry that authorities in Guangzhou have been tasked to take immediate action to safeguard the legitimate rights of the Africans concerned.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian on Thursday told reporters that Chinas most urgent task is to prevent overseas imports of the virus but acknowledged that there might be some misunderstandings in the implementation of measures.

China treats all foreigners equally, Zhao said.

___

Clarence Roy-Macaulay in Freetown, Sierra Leone; Francis Kokutse in Accra, Ghana; Elias Meseret in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; and Joe McDonald in Beijing contributed to this report.

___

Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak
The Hurricane Ivan in 2004 swept up the seabed entombing a 60,000-year old cypress forest that thrived along river, just as pre-historic humans started radiating out from Africa, a cypress tree forest thrived along riverbanks near the area of the Gulf of Mexico. Scientists say that exposed the ancient forest, which is currently located 60 feet below the water surface in Mobile Bay off the coast of Alabama holds the secret to the creation of new medicines. (Photo : Pixabay)

Almost 60,000 years ago, just as pre-historic humans started radiating out from Africa, a cypress tree forest thrived along riverbanks near the area of the Gulf of Mexico. When its trees died, they became buried under the sediment, and as the sea level once again rose, the waters covered what remained of the ancient forest.

In Hurricane Ivan's rampage in the Gulf Coast in 2004, the sediment and seabed entombing the forest were swept. This event exposed the ancient forest, which is currently located 60 feet below the water surface in Mobile Bay off the coast of Alabama. Chas Broughton, a dive shop owner, discovered the forest and invited an environmental journalist and scientists to study it.

Scientists think that it holds the secret to the creation of new medicines. According to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this ancient forest has remained undisturbed for thousands of years. They published their discovery in their Ocean Exploration & Research website.

Among the first scientists on the site were Dr. Kristine DeLong from the Louisiana State University (LSU); marine scientist Robin Cobb from LSU; and Dr. Grant Harley, a dendrochronologist from the University of Southern Mississippi. They collected samples of the trees for analysis to determine what type of environment the forest was in, as well as provide a basis for climate reconstruction during that time.

When the tree samples were cut and analyzed, a tree sap that was tens of thousands of years old was found still intact within it. Upon cutting, its resin still permeated the air. The growth rings and wood fibers were still visible. According to Harley, the cells were more uniform in size than those of modern cypress trees, and the growth rings were narrower, indicating a very different environment then, which may be colder than our current climate. According to DeLong, radiocarbon dating has put the wood's age at 40,000-45,000 years old.

Last December, scientists from the University of Utah and Northeastern University conducted an NOAA-funded expedition. Northeastern University marine and environmental sciences professor Brian Helmuth found that the trees still had intact internal coloration. They were very well preserved even for their age from being buried under sediment layers that prevented oxygenation and decomposition.

Northeastern University Marine Science Center senior lab manager Francis Choi looked at organisms that were buried within and lived on top of the wood. They found over 300 ancient animals. Shipworms, in particular, got scientists interested because it contained previously undiscovered bacteria at least 60,000 years old. Shipworms are clams that feed on and convert wood to animal tissue.

They found one hundred bacterial strains from the shipworms, many of which were novel. The scientists DNA-sequenced twelve of them to determine their potential for the creation of new drugs.

According to NOAA, past studies in shipworm bacteria have resulted in producing one or more antibiotics for possible treatment against parasites. University of Utah medicinal chemistry research professor Margo Haygood has told CNN that the bacteria are being screened for likely pain and anti-cancer drugs, antimicrobial activity, and possibly anti-viral drugs.

NOAA said that scientists would also study the samples for possible insights in textile, paper, food, renewable fuel, animal feed, and fine chemical production. The COVID-19 pandemic has postponed dives back to the forest site, but Haygood and her team will continue studying the samples for possible publication within one year. Choi and his team are also working on putting unmanned robots underwater to provide images to share with the world.
(TNS) Can your employer ask if you are sick? And can you be fired if you are?Those questions, fraught in normal times, are coming to the fore as workers and businesses navigate a new environment where a sick colleague isnt just an inconvenience, but a potential threat to the company and the workforce.Federal law prohibits discrimination based on disabilities, and companies have to walk a fine line between protecting worker health and complying with labor laws. But a number of workers in California have already filed complaints with the state alleging discrimination related to the coronavirus, highlighting a new legal battlefield.During an epidemic or pandemic, employers do have more leeway to seek medical information if it is done to protect other employees from infection.Before it shut down operations at its Fremont plant last month, electric car maker Tesla took employees temperatures as they entered the factory, to guard against sick employees potentially spreading the coronavirus.The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission updated existing guidance for employers in March, saying the coronavirus is similar to past influenza pandemics and employers can request information from employees about symptoms, take their temperatures at work and require that they stay home.The commission specified that employers cannot ask an employee who is not displaying symptoms of illness whether they have other medical conditions that make them more vulnerable to an infectious disease.Not all employers seem to have stuck to these rules. San Francisco mobile gaming company Skillz recently sent a document to employees asking if they have certain afflictions, including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, tuberculosis or the coronavirus, to avoid infecting others. In the document obtained by, the company promised to keep sensitive medical information confidential.The policy did not specify why the company needed detailed information on employees health. Skillz did not respond to an email asking questions about its policy.In the document, Skillz said employees exhibiting symptoms of a range of ailments or those at higher risk from exposure could be encouraged to leave work and seek medical attention.In assigning dangerous work  and these days, being a cashier in a grocery store or a delivery courier can qualify  managers might want to consider whether an employee is particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. Those with weakened immune systems or other conditions can face more of a threat from the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus. But its not clear if employers can ask about those conditions, even with a pandemic raging.Ordinarily, asking if someones immune system is compromised might be problematic because it might be a disability, under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, said Catherine Albiston, a law professor at UC Berkeley.Employers can make medical inquiries after offering employment as long as they do so to all workers in a particular job classification, although they are required to keep information confidential under state and federal law, Albiston said. Employee-related disability inquiries have to be job-related and consistent with business necessities, she said.Pandemic or no, employers also have a duty to maintain a safe workplace. Determining if someone is ill with the coronavirus or another condition can be part of doing that  but that does not mean employers have to ask about a particular condition, Albiston said.Employers are prohibited from firing workers simply because they are ill, but sick workers can be laid off alongside the well as the economy continues to sputter.The line between a discriminatory firing and an economically necessary layoff is not always clear.Kevin Kish, the director of the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, said his office had received three coronavirus-related complaints in recent weeks and that one case had involved a health care worker who lost a job.What were seeing in some of these cases is an overlap between health and safety protections and anti-discrimination protections, administered at the state and federal level by different agencies, Kish said.The agency is encouraging the cases to go to mediation to avoid lawsuits but Im sure that in some of these cases, well see litigation out of this crisis, Kish added.Attorney Lisa Bloom said she is working with a former front desk worker at a Bay Area medical facility who lost his job after being exposed to a patient with the coronavirus. He was not given protective equipment, she said. The worker was sent home after a patient with the virus came to the desk where he worked. He lost his job the next day, despite subsequently testing negative for the virus, Bloom said.Bloom said her client, who has not yet filed a complaint or lawsuit, wanted to remain anonymous for fear of further retaliation. She did not disclose the name of the employer.State law prohibits discrimination based on a medical condition, but Bloom said the law applies to only a few specific illnesses, like cancer. This case, she said, appeared to fall into the states disability law, which is broader than federal law, and defines disability as a physical or mental condition that affects a major life function.What is permitted under state and federal law is highly dependent on the facts of a particular case, said Karla Kraft, an attorney at the Stradling law firm.An employer also does not necessarily need to make specific inquiries to protect other workers, said Jason Geller, an attorney who manages the San Francisco office of law firm Fisher Phillips.I would not encourage employers to start inquiring on their own about whether an employee is vulnerable or not, Geller said. He added that a company can inform workers about risks of or from infection and encourage them to come forward: That would be incumbent on the employee.
Chennai: A 56-year-old Covid19 positive patient who is under treatment at Omanadurar Medical College Hospital in Chennai alleged violation of guidelines issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, regarding the management of Covid patients at Covid Care Centres, narrating the ordeal he underwent for last few days at the hospital.

The person, a retired civil servant who was admitted at the MCH on April 2 after he developed symptoms of flu, had tested positive for Covid-19 on April 6.

Since then he has been treated at a separate ward in the third floor of the hospital.

Explaining his experience over the phone, he said that he was currently feeling extremely well in terms of his health condition.

But the patient raised serious allegations in the manner covid-positive patients are treated in the hospital, including that there were five extra beds ready to occupy patients in the same ward he was admitted.

Apart from him, another person was brought there on Friday and is being treated right in front of him.

According to him, the second patient, a 45-year-old trader from Mannady, is a suspected case. His sample has been sent to the lab and he is waiting for the results. How can a suspected case be treated along with confirmed one?, he asked.

Crying foul, he went on to say he was no longer being treated in isolation as a positive-tested person is supposed to be treated.

Two women are said to have been brought to the ward and admitted in the same ward for one whole night in beds close to him. The women were shifted away from there the morning after. He says they too were suspected cases.

He also alleged that the hospital authorities did not provide him food in time. There is no breakfast, lunch and supper on time. I get food only when I complain. Today (Friday) I got breakfast at 10 am only when I called the control room. For lunch, I shared some food the suspected man brought in with him, he claimed.

As per his words, he has been provided with three chapatis in combination with rasam and sometimes half-baked Paratha with aloo. The quality of food is below par and I cant go out since I have tested positive. The hospital authorities must understand this, and provide food on time, he said.

The patient says that he is not sure of where he contracted the virus. I do not have a travel history and have been staying at my own place for the last three months. I came into contact with outside people only when I went to a nearby mosque. But I still wonder how my case became positive, he says.

Meanwhile, Guidelines issued by MoHFW, says that the patients tested for Covid-19 will remain in the suspect cases section of the Covid Care Center preferably in an individual room till the time their results are available.

Those who test positive will be moved into the confirmed cases section of the Center. Apart from medical care, other essential services like food, sanitation, and counselling at the Centers will be provided by local administration, the guideline says.

Dr. Narayana Babu, Dean, Omanadurar Medical College Hospital, when contacted, told Deccan Chronicle that at least 54 Covid-19 positive cases were being treated at the hospital.

He also said that as many as 500 beds were made ready for Covid-19 care. There is enough space at the hospital for the treatment and no complaint on mistreatment has been received so far, he said.
Governments from the 19 countries that use the euro have agreed a package of measures that could provide more than 442 billion for companies, workers and health systems to cushion the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

The deal struck Thursday did not, however, include more far-reaching co-operation in the form of shared borrowing guaranteed by all member countries.

It leaves the issue open as leaders look forward to a further discussion about a fund to support the economic recovery in the longer term.

Borrowing together to pay for the costs of the crisis was a key demand from Italy, whose already heavy debt load is expected to increase because of the recession caused by the virus outbreak.

But it was rejected by Germany, Austria and the Netherlands.

Mario Centeno, who heads the finance ministers group from euro countries, called the package of measures agreed upon totally unprecedented.

He said: Tonight Europe has shown it can deliver when the will is there.

The ministers agreed that hard-pressed governments such as Spain and Italy could quickly tap the eurozones bailout fund for up to 240 billion euros (210 billion), with the condition that the money is spent on their health care systems and the credit line expires after the outbreak is over.

The agreement also provides for up to 200 billion euros (175 billion) in credit guarantees through the European Investment Bank to keep companies afloat and 100 billion euros (88 billion) to make up lost wages for workers put on shorter hours.

Mr Centeno said that countries would work on a recovery fund for the longer term and as part of that would discuss innovative financial instruments, consistent with EU treaties.

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He said that some countries support shared borrowing and that others oppose it.

The deal overcame bitter disagreement between Italy and the Netherlands over the conditions for loans from the bailout fund, the European Stability Mechanism.

Italy had rejected the idea of using the fund because the money comes with tough conditions that recalled the austerity imposed on Greece, Ireland and other indebted eurozone countries that were bailed out during the eurozone debt crisis in 2010-2015.

The compromise struck in the final statement says that countries could borrow up to 2% of annual economic output at favourable rates to finance direct or indirect costs of the current health crisis.

The question now is whether the package will be seen as big enough to impress markets and prevent new accumulations of government debt from triggering a new eurozone financial crisis.

For now, bond-market borrowing costs of indebted countries such as Italy are being held in check by the European Central Bank, which has launched an 870 trillion-euro bond purchase programme.

But that programme is so far limited in size or duration.
Photo credit: .

Were deep into summer (apparently), so theres a high chance youre in need of a little summin summin to shield your eyes from the sun. Here at Esquire, were toying with the idea of buying a Panama hat. No, seriously, what better way to dandify your balcony breakfasts and daily coffee runs than with a new accessory?



If you need a reminder of the Panamas timeless appeal, well just throw a few iconic cultural moments out there for you: Viggo Mortensen in The Two Faces of January (2014), Anthony Hopkins in Hannibal (2001), Robert Redford in The Great Gatsby (1974) and Gregory Peck in To Kill a Mockingbird (1963).

Photo credit: Paramount

Granted, most of these characters highlight the Panama in its mid-century heyday, with smart pairings like linen suits, silk ties and maybe a gold signet ring. But dont let that put you off. Olie Arnold, Style Director at Mr Porter, has good news for the tentative hat-wearers out there: The Panama is a classic hat that has been a go-to style for the best part of the last century, and with good reason," he says. "It has the benefit of generally looking good on most guys. How, exactly? You might ask. Well, they lend an air of sophistication to outfits, so can easily complement a smart casual look, as well as tailoring."

If youre finding that hard to picture, mentally scan your wardrobe and imagine topping your seersucker camp collar shirts with one at a BBQ, or going beyond suited and booted at a summer wedding. Menswear by nature has only the subtlest of details to differentiate with, so standing out from the crowd is the easiest way to up your style game.

Photo credit: StudioCanal

What is a Panama hat?

But, first, in order to find the best option for you, it helps to understand exactly what exactly constitutes a Panama hat. Spoiler alert: most people dont know.

The important thing to note is that the Panama part refers to the straw weave, not the shape. These hats are made in a manner of different styles, including the Fedora (youll know that one), Optimo (rounder with a seam splicing the middle), Trilby (with a shallower brim) and Planter (with a flat, dipped crown).

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Secondly, this accessory actually originates from Ecuador. It was first exported from Montecristi to Panama in the 17th century, where it soon caught the eye of American miners travelling through during the Gold Rush years. They were both aesthetically pleasing and practical: perfectly designed to protect Panamas canal workers from the beating sun.

It was all down to the naturally cooling fabric (made from the Paja Toquilla plant, indigenous to the coastal regions of Ecuador) and weaving technique. This intricate process is now considered a dying art and in 2012 was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Today, bespoke options like our Lock & Co selection can take up to nine months to make.

In the late 18th century, the US government were ordering these sombreros in bulk from Ecuador, and by 1906 they were a firm favourite among English aristocracy  including King Edward VII. The hats popularity was cemented in 1906, however, when a photograph of Roosevelt wearing one on an official visit to Panama Canal excavation was printed in the New York Times.

By 1944, Panama hats were Ecuadors top export. Go figure.

Photo credit: VW Pics - Getty Images

How should I care for my Panama hat?

This is a question you probably wont ask yourself until your precious Panama emerges from your hand luggage  and dont blame budget airlines for their one bag on-board rule  a little worse for wear. Its important, though, so listen up:

Its fairly easy for a delicate straw hat to lose its shape and break if not cared for properly," says Arnold. "Look to store your Panama in a hat box or, alternatively, stuff the crown with tissue paper and pack in a plastic bag. Keep it in a cool dry place: the fibres can dehydrate and crack when exposed to heat for too long.

The Best Panama Hats to Buy in 2021

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By PTI

NEW DELHI: More than 30 crore poor people have received Rs 28,256 crore financial assistance under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman last month to protect them from the impact of 21-day nationwide lockdown.

As part of Rs 1.70 lakh crore relief package, the government announced free foodgrains and cash doles to women and poor senior citizens and farmers to mitigate hardship faced due to the lockdown.

"More than 30 cr beneficiaries have been directly given support through Direct Benefit Transfer amounting to Rs 28,256 cr under #PradhanMantriGribKalyanPackage," a tweet from the Finance Ministry said.

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Of the total disbursement, Rs 13,855 crore have gone towards payment of first installment of PM-KISAN.

Under the scheme, nearly 6.93 crore out of 8 crore identified beneficiaries got Rs 2,000 directly in their account.

As many as 19.86 crore women Jan Dhan account holders received Rs 500 each in their account.

The total disbursement under the head was 9,930 crore, it said.

The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) disbursed about Rs 1400 crore to about 2.82 crore old age person, widow and disabled person, the ministry added. Each beneficiary received an ex-gratia cash of Rs 1,000 under the scheme.

As many as 2.16 crore construction workers received financial support from the Building and Construction Worlers' Fund managed by state governments.

Under this Rs 3,066 crore were given to beneficiaries.

The government, under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana, is in the process of releasing 12 million MT of food grain during April-June.

"It will provide for 80 crore people @5 kg per head per month at no cost.Free rations have already reached 2 cr beneficiaries," the ministry said in another tweet.

The package included free LPG refills for the next three months to over 8.3 crore poor women under Ujjawala scheme and Rs 50 lakh insurance cover for healthcare workers.
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya on



Saturday demanded strict action by the CBI against DHFL promoters Kapil and Dheeraj Wadhawan, both facing non-bailable warrants in a Yes Bank-related case, who are currently under quarantine for travelling during the coronavirus lockdown period.

Somaiya said he spoke with Minister of State in the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh earlier in the day and requested that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) takes strict action against the brothers.

A controversy erupted recently over the travel of the Wadhawan brothers and their family members and friends from Khandala in Pune district to Mahabaleshwar in neighbouring Satara district.

Principal Secretary (Special) of state Home Department, Amitabh Gupta, has been sent on compulsory leave for facilitating the journey of the Wadhawans.

"The Wadhawans will go to jail after the 14-day quarantine period. I spoke to union minister of state Jitendra Singh in the morning. I requested him that the CBI takes strict action," Somaiya said in a video message.

"We will take care that the Wadhawans face strict action," he added.

The former MP also sought to know who helped the Wadhawans "hide" even after a non-bailable warrant was issued against them on March 17 (in connection with the Yes Bank case).

The CBI has asked the Satara district authorities not to release the Wadhawans, who were detained at Mahabaleshwar on Thursday, from a state-run quarantine facility without an NOC from the agency.

Somaiya on Friday alleged that NCP chief Sharad Pawar had close ties with the Wadhawans, a charge denied by the party.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 23:30:24|Editor: huaxia

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DAR ES SALAAM, April 11 (Xinhua) -- A Tanzanian government cabinet minister said the government has released 10 billion Tanzanian shillings (about 4.3 million U.S. dollars) for supporting the ailing Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), according to a statement issued on Saturday.

"The funding is part of efforts to bring back to life TAZARA and enable it to stand on its feet," Isack Kamwelwe, the Minister for Works, Transport and Communications, was quoted in the statement.

The statement said Kamwelwe revealed the release of the 4.3 million dollars by the government to TAZARA when he inspected maintenance of TAZARA's two locomotive engines in the southern highlands region of Mbeya on Friday.

The funding is intended to enable TAZARA to be able to ferry millions of tonnes of cargo annually as it previously used to do, said Kamwelwe.

Ezekiel Mong'ateko, TAZARA workshop manager for Mbeya region, said two locomotive engines have already been repaired with the third one to be repaired by the end of this month.

He said one locomotive engine could carry 250,000 tonnes of cargo annually, adding that at the moment the railway line was ferrying less than 300,000 tonnes of cargo annually.

TAZARA was constructed as a turnkey project between 1970 and 1975 through an interest-free loan from China, with commercial operations starting in July 1976, covering 1,860 km from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to New Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia.
Corinne Elaine Perry had a bright future ahead of her. Just a month away from graduation, the 17-year-old high school senior had just earned a scholarship to Simpson College in Iowa and planned to double major in psychology and acting.

She had everything going for her, Corinnes sister Letitia Perry DenHartog told Dateline. She was this vivacious, smart girl with long strawberry-blonde hair who loved being on the stage. That was her thing.

Corinne Perry (Creston High School Senior Photo)

Letitia said her little sister belonged to Creston High Schools mime troupe, acted in several plays and competed in Speech contests. She was popular in school and loved to spend time with her family and friends.

Letitia, Corinne, and their two older sisters, were very close growing up. They never lived in one place very long. Their father, Donald Perry, was in the Air Force and the family traveled with him for years until he finally retired, and they moved to Creston, Iowa.

On April 17, 1983, tragedy shattered the family.

Letitia, who was 19 years old at the time, had moved out of the house and was taking classes at Southwestern Community College in Creston. Her sister, Corinne, was living at home with their mother, Barbara. Their mother and father had divorced years earlier.

That Sunday evening, Corinne took the car she shared with her mother and drove to the local coin-operated laundromat in Creston where she did laundry. Witnesses later told authorities that Corinne left the laundromat between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. and that a man walked out behind her, but he was not identified.

I was at the house that day and when Corinne didnt come home that night, we started to worry, Letitia said. It got late so we started calling her friends.

But no one had seen or heard from Corinne.

Letitia told Dateline they called Creston Police, but said authorities told them they believed she was a runaway.

It was really frustrating, Letitia said. I just remember getting really upset with each question they asked. We were wasting time and I just wanted to find my sister.

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Corinne Perry (Creston High School Senior Photo)

A day after Corinne disappeared, her car was found. It was still parked outside the laundromat in Creston. A pile of freshly-laundered clothes was neatly folded on the seat.

Later that week, police called Corinnes family with news. They had found Corinnes purse.

My heart sank, Letitia said. My little sister was all about the way she looked. She loved makeup and she never left the house without makeup. And her purse well, it was filled with her makeup. To find that purse with her makeup just proves that she didnt run away.

The purse was found on a highway bridge about seven miles from the laundromatbetween the towns of Kent and Lenox, Iowa.

Corinne and Letitias fatherlived in Kent, but Letitia said Corinne would have no reason to be on the highway bridge in that area, especially without the car.

Over the next few weeks, family and friends conducted searches, handed out flyers and raised money for a reward.

Three weeks after Corinne disappeared, Gerald Shanahan, then the Chief of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), announced a $2,500 reward. But nothing led authorities to Corinne.

One month after Corinnes disappearance, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad approved a proposal to remove the 72-hour hold that some law enforcement agencies were required to wait before asking the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) for help in missing persons cases with suspected foul play.

Letitia told Dateline their family was frustrated because while authorities believed Corinne was just a runaway, precious time was wasted by not searching for her immediately.

On November 3, 1984 -- nearly two years after Corinne vanished -- the family received heartbreaking news. Her remains had been found.

I was in another part of Iowa at a friends house when my mom called, Letitia said. She told me Corinnes body had been found. I--I hit the floor. I dropped the phone. I couldnt breathe or think. My sister was gone.

Authorities confirmed to Dateline that hunters discovered Corrines remains near a creek bed in a shallow grave just south of Creston between Kent and Lenox. The location was close to the bridge where Corinnes purse had been foundshortly after she disappeared.

The hunters called the police right away, Letitia said. Everyone in this area knew about Corinne and I think they knew right away it was her.

Letitia told Dateline she believes her sister was killed and that her body was placed in the shallow grave.

We searched near that bridge, but we searched down the river, Letitia said. In case she fell, or something, into the water and moved downstream. But this was up river from the bridge. I dont think that area was searched.

Authorities said the remains, now just bones, had been there for such a long time that Corinne had to be identified bydental records. The coroner could not establish a cause of death.

Following Corinnes death, Creston High School started a Drama scholarship in her name. Family and friends continued to search for answers. The town of Creston never forgot about her.

But years passed and Corinnes killer was never found.

In 2009, the DCI established a Cold Case Unit and Corinnes murder was one of approximtaly 150 cases listedthat investigators were hoping to solve using advancements in DNA technology.

DCI Assistant Director Mitch Mortvedt told Dateline Corinnes case remains unsolved to this day, but they continue to investigate as new leads develop and as technology advances for forensic testing of original evidence.

In Ms. Perrys investigation, just like any other unresolved investigation, we strongly urge anyone with information to contact us with any information they may have, Mortvedt told Dateline in an email. Oftentimes people feel that the information they have is not worthy of law enforcement attention or it is not relevant. My statement to them is let law enforcement be the judge of that and no piece of information is ever not worthy or irrelevant in an investigation and especially a cold case investigation.

Corinnes father died in 2001 and her mother died in 2017, without getting answers in their daughters unsolved murder.

Corinnes sisters have moved on with their lives, starting families of their own in Missouri and Nebraska.

Letitia, who is now a librarian in Missouri, has two daughters, and says the youngest is a mirror image of her sister Corinne.

She looks exactly like my little sister, she said. Weve done a side by side with their pictures and its absolutely incredible. I see my sister in her every day.

Letitia told Dateline that even after all these years, she still hopes to find justice for her sister and closure for their family.

At the 30-year mark of her death, I sort of quit having expectations, Letitia said. But I cant give up. She was my little sister and Im not going to give up.

Anyone with information about the murder of Corinne Perry is asked to contact the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation at (515) 725-6010, email dciinfo@dps.state.ia.us, or contact the Creston Police Department at (641) 782-8402.
Yves here. This author no doubt chose easy-for-laypeople-to-understand examples to make his point about sloppy coronavirus studies. Im sure our savvy readers can offer far more sophisticated advice on how to read medical studies, but its always useful to keep a few things in mind (and youd be surprised to see how many studies fall short on these very basic tests):

How big was the sample population? Ive been told by MDs who review medical research that they regard anything less than a sample of 100 (with a similar sized control) as not reliable. Smaller samples can be flukey. With coronavirus, there are presumably a lot of controls via the large population of the already sick; it would be nice to see a study take some trouble in creating its control out of available cases. Is there bias in the sample? Age, ethnicity, gender, lack or presence of other conditions. Are the authors careful in stating findings? Correlation is not causation!

Also watch what is being tested. For instance, the author discusses a preliminary hydroxychloroquine study. More studies are underway. But most appear to be evaluating the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine against coronavirus all by itself, when most of the experiments in the field I have read about are of either hydroxychloroquine + azithromycin or hydrochloroquinine + azithromycin + zinc sulfate. HIV is treated with a drug cocktail and that is where we may wind up with coronavirus. So a negative on hydroxychloroquine as the sole remedy does not establish it isnt useful in combination with other drugs.

By Irving Steinberg, Dean for Faculty, USC School of Pharmacy; Associate Professor of Clinical Pharmacy & Pediatrics, School of Pharmacy & Keck School of Medicine of USC; Director, Division of Pediatric Pharmacotherapy, Dept of Pediatrics, LAC+USC Medical Center, University of Southern California. Originally published at The Conversation

It has been barely a few weeks since the coronavirus was declared a pandemic. The pace at which the SARS-CoV-2 virus has spread across the globe is jolting, but equally impressive is the speed at which scientists and clinicians have been fighting back.

I am a pharmacotherapy specialist and have consulted on infectious disease treatments for decades. I am both exhilarated and worried as I watch the unprecedented pace and implementation of medical research currently being done. Speed is, of course, important when a crisis such as COVID-19 is at hand. But speed  in research, the interpretation and the implementation of science  is a risky endeavor.

The faster science is published and implemented, the greater the chances it is unsound. Mix in the panic and stress of the current pandemic and it becomes harder to make sure the right information is communicated and adopted correctly. Finally, governing bodies such as the World Health Organization, politicians and the media act as sources of trustworthy messaging and policy making. Each step  research, interpretation, policy  has safeguards in place to make sure the right information is acquired, interpreted and implemented. But pace and panic are testing these safety measures like never before.

Unprecedented Pace

The process of taking an idea from theory through testing and eventually toward implementation has been refined in modern times to make sure medical studies and publications are truthful and accurate.

Once research is completed, investigators analyze their results and write a manuscript. They then submit it to a journal, where it is reviewed by experts in that field who assess whether the methods, analysis and conclusions are sound. If the paper is accepted, it is then further edited and published in a journal.

From there, groups like the WHO, medical societies and government agencies evaluate this and other evidence-based information to decide whether to establish new recommendations or change previous ones. It normally takes from several months to more than a year to go from submission to publication. But the rush to publish during this pandemic has shortened the time from submission to online publication to one to two weeks in numerous cases.

There has also been a huge increase in preprint publication  publishing studies online before they are adequately peer-reviewed  and these are a good example of the risk that comes with the rapid release of data.

On March 17, French investigators posted a prepublication clinical paper online touting the successful use of hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients. Despite the media and government attention, the study was described by director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Anthony Fauci as anecdotal due to the poor study design.

On April 3, the International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, the sponsoring organization of the very journal posting this prepublished article, agreed and stated .the article does not meet the Societys expected standard, and Although ISAC recognises it is important to help the scientific community by publishing new data fast, this cannot be at the cost of reducing scientific scrutiny and best practices. The debate over the usefulness of hydroxychloroquine will likely continue until well-designed trials are completed.

The deliberate steps of scientific investigation, followed by editorial scrutiny, are guardrails. When these are disrupted there is a real risk that policy organizations may make consequential mistakes in spite of good intent.

When Pace Meets with Panic

Nothing better illustrates how trusted institutions can make misinformed recommendations than the recent fiasco over ibuprofen.

The most common early symptom of COVID-19 is fever, and ibuprofen is one of the most widely used drugs in the world to treat fever. In a letter published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, European researchers raised concerns that ibuprofen use could worsen COVID-19 symptoms. The idea is that since ibuprofen increases the quantity of ACE2 in human cells  the protein that the coronavirus uses to enter lung cells  the virus could infect lung cells more easily if a person was on ibuprofen. This was not a study nor did it present sufficient experimental evidence; it was simply a theoretical concern based on a mechanism.

Three days after the letter was published, the French health minister tweeted a message urging people to avoid ibuprofen for coronavirus associated fever based on four cited cases of people getting sicker after taking ibuprofen. These cases were never published in a journal. The French Health Ministry followed this with a broad ban on treating COVID-19 fever with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. The WHO tweeted an essentially similar warning. The media followed with more case anecdotes, dubiously relating worsening early symptoms with ibuprofen use and referring to the letter as a study, adding to the confusion and fear.

The Lancet letter also hypothesized that two other drugs commonly used to treat hypertension and diabetes  ACE-inhibitors (ACE-I) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)  could be problematic in people with COVID-19. However, the mechanism they put forward was incompletely described and neglected that a protein these drugs promote can be helpful in reducing inflammation and tissue damage in the lungs and heart.

The Response

This letter to The Lancet slipped past the safeguards in research and institutional and media interpretation, but one of sciences oldest pastimes  definitively calling out the errors of others  reestablished patience and perspective.

Clinicians and scientists pushed back swiftly, supporting the use of ibuprofen in COVID-19 patients. The support was outlined in a published literature review. In response, the WHO quickly reversed its position on ibuprofen.

There was a similar rapid response to the statements about ARBs. Within days, three prominent cardiology groups, including the American Heart Association, released a joint statement urging practitioners not to discontinue ACE-I and ARBs in their patients.

The risk-benefit ratio is always a clinical factor for the use of any drug in any patient. But the risk must be more than theory for the use of a drug to be discontinued or any major policy change to be implemented.

Some Perspective

As the coronavirus rampages across the U.S., it is incredibly important to know whether commonly used drugs like ibuprofen or ARBs are risky, neutral or of therapeutic potential. There are ways to find out quickly. Researchers can look for correlations between the use of ibuprofen or ARBs and more severe infections or deaths, for example. And standard clinical trials can, should and are being done. There are several studies currently underway testing the effect and risk of ARBs for COVID-19 patients. But until the science is finished, it is foolish and potentially dangerous to flee from tested clinically important drugs.

Scientists and policymakers must take quick steps and avoid missteps. Proper scientific method and conduct of studies, carefully reviewed publications and cogent post-release interpretations are necessary safeguards that ensure the best and safest medicines are prescribed and provided. The pressure and desperation of the moment are forcing researchers and policymakers to be innovative and act quickly, but what is done should stay within the guiding concepts of medical research.
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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) San Francisco, United States  Sat, April 11, 2020 18:08 640 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd13d415 2 Science & Tech Samsung,smartphone,5G,Samsung-A-series Free

Samsung has announced that the A Series line will be gaining its first 5G models: the Galaxy A71 5G and Galaxy A51 5G.

This year, Samsung is expanding 5G connectivity beyond its flagship lineups to its midrange A Series devices; on Wednesday, the company announced the Galaxy A71 5G and Galaxy A51 5G smartphones will be the first handsets in the series to gain the premium feature, one that will become as normal as 4G relatively soon.

Read also: Indonesians can expect 5G connectivity in 2022: Association

Apart from the updated connectivity, the pair of devices are essentially the same as their 4G iterations, which also have premium features inside their midrange bodies, as well. All models have Infinity-O, 4K front displays, a quad rear camera array and hefty 4,500mAh batteries.

While the A51 5G has a 6.5-inch Super Amoled display, the A71 offers a 6.7-inch Super Amoled Plus display for those in need of more screen real estate. In terms of the main camera on the rear, the formers clocks in at 48MP and the latter at 64MP; complementing these, each also has a 12MP Ultra Wide camera, 5MP Macro camera, and 5MP Depth camera.

Finally, each comes with 128GB of internal storage, 6GB or 8GB of RAM, and Micro SD support up to 1TB.

The Galaxy A71 5G will be priced at US$500 and the Galaxy A51 5G at US$600 when they launch this summer.
10.04.2020 LISTEN

The Novel Corona Virus has threatened the very existence of mankind, exposing the weakness and vulnerability of our governance, social protection and economic models around the world. This calls for stronger partnerships, accountability, and innovation to address the likely human rights abuses and violations that often characterize situations of emergency for the millions living in poverty.

In these difficult times, state parties and duty bearers must reflect deeply and be guided by the profound word of the renown American Civil Rights Activist, Martin Luther King Jr., who opined in Letter from the Birmingham Jail Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.

Advancing human rights must be viewed as an effort not aimed at only promoting the protection and dignity of our fellow human, but an effort to safeguard our own dignity and worth. Governments, individuals and private entities are legally and morally obligated to promote, protect and uphold the fundamental human rights of fellow humans.

In this era of fake news, where people easily share fake content, it is difficult to sometimes tell what is true of fake. Some weeks ago, Ghanas social media platforms, notably Whatsapp and Facebook were awash with viral videos of State Security forces allegedly abusing citizens for defying social distancing and lockdown measures announced by the government.

In the 5th address to the nation on the status of COVID-19 in Ghana, His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akkufo Addo pledged to investigate any excesses by the security forces and further urged citizens to desist from sharing such videos which he says are largely fake.

While commending, His Excellency for the thought provoking advice, I wish to humbly direct His Excellency and my fellow citizens to the following 1946 poem by a German Lutheran Pastor, which summarizes the need to speak up and demand an end to any form of brutality and abuse:

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out

Because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out

Because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for meand there was no one left to speak for me.

Martin Niemoller (18921984)

RISE-Ghana is concerned about the risk of discrimination, excessive use of force and violations of fundamental rights and freedoms reported in parts of the Greater Accra and the Greater Kumasi areas as a fall out of the implementation of lockdowns and mandatory isolation. While the need to protect public health is vital, it is imperative to keep the security forces in check to ensure they dont undermine the fundamental civil liberties and human rights of anybody.

While urging citizens to continue the difficult sacrifice associated with the social distancing measures, we urge all to remain vigilant and be each others keeper.

State and non-state actors must note that the pandemic calls for measures to ensure the already vulnerable and marginalized, ethnic and religious minorities and persons with disabilities are not further exploited and persecuted.

The United Nations Population Fund for Development (UNFPA) and the Domestic Violence Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service deserve commendation for setting up 0551000900 as a Hotline dedicated to domestic violence survivors during this COVID-19 period.

Other CSOs and agencies such as UNICEF-Ghana, Oxfam in Ghana, WILDAF, the European Commission, Canada Embassy, Embassy of the United States also need to be commended for the supporting efforts to reduce inequality and vulnerability and issues related to sexual and gender-based violence and child protection in Ghana.

Addressing the COVID-19 pandemic can best be approached with the principles of human rights, that is Participation, Accountability, Non-discrimination, Empowerment and Linkage to human rights standards (PANEL).

Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Awal Ahmed Kariama

Executive Director

Vision: A world in which Human Rights and Sustainable Development informs all actions to empower people to live in DIGNITY. Core Values: Accountability, Equal Opportunities & Diversity, Mutual Respect, Inclusion, Equity & Justice. Mission: To facilitate and initiate processes/programs that empower poor peoples movements to access and utilize the social, human and natural resources they need in a sustainable and timely manner to become self-reliant.
IT is still a dark tunnel as far as coronavirus (Covid-19) is concerned.

The world is not out of the woods yet. Some prophets who had claimed to have had divine revelation that the pandemic would end by March 27 are now flabbergasted, since the situation is not getting better. So we need to continue being vigilant and taking the necessary precautions.

In public parlance it seems coronavirus and Covid-19 can be used interchangeably. That should not be the case. In order to learn more about this, I turned to the good old google and found myself directed to the Wiki website. Here Covid-19 is defined as Coronavirus disease 2019.

Apparently, there are many corona viruses. These include the Middle East Respiratory coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and the one causing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases.

Is Covid-19 a pandemic or an epidemic? Is it endemic? These words seem to be used interchangeably in the media. An epidemic refers to a sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected.

An outbreak has the same meaning as an epidemic but is often used to describe a more limited geographical event. Pandemic refers to an epidemic that has spread over several countries or continents, usually affecting a large number of people.

A disease is endemic when it has a constant presence or prevalence in a geographical population; when it has grown roots in that community. Covid-19 is a pandemic since it has spread the world over. Governments are propagating preventive measures and we should all take heed.

Let us reluctantly leave Covid-19 and look at other events that made it to the newspapers. We have in our hands, the Good Citizen of March 30, 2019. On its page three is a news item telling us what is no longer exciting, of yet another MP jumping ship from the opposition: Another Chadema legislator to defect, runs the headline.

While for all other MPs it has been moving from the opposition to the ruling party, in this case it is from the opposition to the opposition. This is apparently a first. Another first is that the MP is not transferring immediately; but will move to his former party, which is in the opposition, after his parliamentary term expires.

Whether this will be allowed or not, remains to be seen. The defecting MP gave reasons justifying his decision: the Party he was leaving had lost direction and he was fed up with politics that allowed attack to personalities, hence diverting to main partys agenda to protect interests of citizens.

Clearly, according to this MP, the Party is diverting from (not to) its main agenda of protecting citizens. What is he planning for the future? He was categorical that he will not vie any position in the forthcoming general election. The verb vie is normally used in the form of vie for, not vie on its own.

Thus, you do not vie a position; you vie for a position. To vie for something means to compete for it. Thus our defecting MP will not be vying for any position, come the next general election. He will not be standing, he will not be seeking to be elected to a position.

The MP argued that he had been accused of taking steps aimed at sabotaging the partys national chairman: Party leaders are aware about this. However, no clarification has been issued to discourage hatred against us.

Aware about? No. Aware of? Yes. Or even aware on its own: Party leaders are aware of this; Party leaders are aware that this is happening. At this trying moment for the human race, we all need to be Covid-19 aware!

lusuggakironde@gmail.com
People in Northern Ireland have been told they can do something special by staying apart this Easter.

In a heartfelt plea, Stormont ministers said that by remaining at home, we will save lives.

It came as a leading doctor said Northern Ireland is at a critical time in tackling coronavirus as hospitals prepare for a rise in admissions in the week ahead as the expected peak of the virus nears.

Yesterday it was revealed another 10 people have died in Northern Ireland after testing positive for Covid-19, bringing the death toll to 92.

First Minister Arlene Foster joined with Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill and other Executive ministers in a video message stressing the importance of staying at home to limit the spread of Covid-19.

We can help to save lives by staying at home, protecting the most vulnerable, protecting our frontline workers, and protecting our health service Arlene Foster

Police have ramped up patrols across the region, targeting beaches, parks and other visitor spots, amid fears a combination of good weather and Easter traditions will tempt people to ignore social distancing guidelines.

Mrs Foster said: "Easter is a special time for families and we understand how difficult this year will be for people.

"But this Easter, even though we can't be together, we can all still do something special.

"We can help to save lives by staying at home, protecting the most vulnerable, protecting our frontline workers, and protecting our health service.

"We should remember that the message of Easter is all about hope. We know and trust that these difficult times will pass.

"By staying home this weekend, and the days to come, we will protect each other and our whole community and prevent heartbreak being brought to someone's door."

Ms O'Neill added: "We are depending on our healthcare staff and other frontline workers to get us through this time of crisis.

I know this isn't easy, but it won't last forever. So please keep your resolve and don't go out unless it's essential Michelle O'Neill

"We all owe them a huge debt of gratitude, and the best way we can show them how much we appreciate what they are doing is by staying at home.

"Easter is normally a time when people come together and spend time with each other.

"But this isn't a normal Easter, and if we behave as normal then more people will lose their lives.

"I know this isn't easy, but it won't last forever. So please keep your resolve and don't go out unless it's essential.

"It's in your gift to save lives."

Their message was echoed by Dr Gerry Waldron, head of health protection at the Public Health Agency.

He said: "Coronavirus is circulating in our community. People are dying. One of the best things we can do to slow its spread is to follow the advice to stay at home.

"We appreciate how frustrating this is, particularly if you have been apart from parents, siblings or other family members for several weeks, or are experiencing 'cabin fever', but it is essential in the battle against this virus."

Health Secretary Matt Hancock also urged people to stay at home this weekend.

"This is a national effort, and every single person in this country can play their part in this plan," he said.

Meanwhile, the PSNI has launched a webpage for people to report alleged breaches of social distancing rules.

People will now be able to report any instances of concern including gatherings of people; people repeatedly travelling for non-essential purposes; or a bar or licensed premises remaining open, using an online form.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd has encouraged people to use the facility "sensibly".

"We want to resolve situations where the restrictions are being contravened without having to resort to enforcement powers or issuing fines," he said.

Mr Todd also revealed that police had received nearly 1,000 reports of alleged breaches of the current lockdown measures in less than two weeks.
Three days before the national lockdown is due to end, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India will have to strike a balance between jaan (lives) and jahan (the outside world)  a sign that the restrictions will continue in some form to preserve lives as it enforces social distancing, but with some relaxations to resume economic activity and preserve livelihoods.

In his third and most expansive interaction with chief ministers since the 21-day lockdown began on March 25 to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), Modi acknowledged on Saturday that many CMs suggested that the lockdown be extended for a fortnight, but did not make a categorical announcement on the issue.

However, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee claimed that the PM had agreed to extend the lockdown. Several states such as Odisha, Punjab and Maharashtra have already taken state-specific decisions to extend the curbs.

A top government official said that the PMs formulation meant that the government may move towards a smart lockdown  with severe restrictions in affected districts, and partial lifting of restrictions in unaffected districts, along with the opening up of some sectors to meet the economic challenge. A second official said that the government was also considering demarcating the country into three zones  red, yellow and green  depending on the scale of the Covid-19 outbreak.

In the interaction, which spanned over four hours, Modi emphasised that he was available 24x7 to assist the states and that the next two to three weeks were critical in determining the impact of Indias efforts to tackle Covid-19 so far. He underlined the gravity of the global situation; said India has enough medicine supplies and was working to ensure adequate protective gear; condemned attacks on health care workers ; acknowledged the need to address economic concerns; and pointed to the possibility of converting the crisis into an opportunity to make India a self-reliant economic powerhouse.

The PM said that while announcing the lockdown, he had spoken of jaan hai toh jahaan hai  if one is alive, there is a world  but now, for a successful and prosperous India, it was time to move to jaan bhi, jahaan bhi  life also, world also. Several chief ministers, for their part, expressed the need to extend the lockdown, and offered a review of the situation in their respective states. The CMs placed emphasis on balancing lives and livelihoods, with some asking for a major economic package to tide over the crisis. They also flagged the need for more testing kits and personal protective equipment (PPEs) for health workers.

For the government, both at the central and state level, the situation clearly has posed a difficult choice. The demands of public health -- which dictate that an extension of the lockdown is the best way to control the spread of the disease  and the demands of the economy  which is in crisis with supply and demand shocks, closure of factory plants, business becoming unviable, loss of jobs and incomes  have to be reconciled.

It is understood that while senior officials are in agreement on the importance of the lockdown to save Indian lives, they also want economic activity to be revived, as ports are jammed with containers and major port cities such as Mumbai and Chennai are hit by the pandemic.

Before the interaction with the CMs, on Thursday and Friday, the PM held meetings with his key advisors and empowered committees set up to deal with the crisis. The participants included principal secretary PK Mishra, national security adviser Ajit Doval, principal advisor PK Sinha, cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba, NITI Aayog chief executive officer Amitabh Kant, and additional secretary in the Prime Ministers Office AK Sharma. An official familiar with the proceedings of the meeting said that while everyone was in complete agreement that lives had to be saved, they also wanted economic activity to be revived

The easiest call to make is to extend the lockdown, the toughest one is how to lift it so that India does not go into negative growth, said a senior member of one of the empowered committees.

It was in these meetings that a proposal came up to demarcate the country into three zones  red zones to define districts and areas which have a high number of cases and will remain under a lockdown; yellow zones to define districts with a limited number of cases but which will be monitored and where limited movement will be allowed; green zones to define areas with no cases which may see greater normalcy, said the second official cited above who is familiar with the discussions. Remember over 400 districts are not hit by the infection yet. One must also not forget that the harvesting season begins from April 14 and India is a largely agrarian economy , the official added.

To be sure, such a decision has not been taken -- but it is an indication of the various options being considered by the government. Explaining the possible meaning of the PMs jaan and jahan statement, a key economic ministry official familiar with discussions in the government said: The governments thinking is to continue the value chain under an insulated system for essential goods and services that are the lifeline of the nation. They are medicines, medical equipment, medical care, sanitation items, farm produce, processed food and groceries.

The government is particularly focused on agriculture, with the PM telling the CMs that modifications in the Agricultural Market Produce Committee Act will enable the smoother sale of farm produce. Another official with an economic ministry said, It is a challenge to implement social distancing and hygiene for agricultural workers. An ideal work model could be prepared soon by the agricultural ministry and the labour ministry in consultation with other stakeholders and states. Besides, a smooth logistical system  farm to fork  will also be required. The government agencies are working towards that.

Another option discussed at the meeting of the PM with CMs was the idea of lock-in  where select factories would resume functioning, but workers would be under strict supervision and live within the factory complex in a sanitised environment.

Public health experts believe, however, that notwithstanding the economic argument, the lockdown is a necessity. NK Mehra, former dean of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, said, The positivity rate of the Sars-CoV-2 virus infection as well as the number of deaths in India has seen a consistent rise in the last one week. Under the circumstance, an extension of the lockdown for at least another two weeks is critical to drive down the viruss reproductive numbers. The country could otherwise pay a very heavy price if the disease enters stage three.

Stage three refers to community transmission  which some experts believe India has already entered, an assertion the government rejects.

The CMs outlined their views in the meeting, with the expectation of support and concessions from the Centre. Punjab CM Amarinder Singh asked for special concessions for industry and agriculture sectors, reiterated the need for ramping up testing facilities, and expediting the supply of rapid test kits. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee asked the PM to spend at least 6% of the GDP to fight the crisis, and announce a National Economic and Health Package worth 10 lakh crore for the state governments. Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel suggested that state goverments be allowed to decide whether to carry out economic activities in their respective states. Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray spoke of the problems faced by the migrant workers. Telangana CM K Chandrashekhar Rao underlined how revenues in his state had dipped to 10% of what it was before the lockdown, making public finance situation precarious. Many CMs asked that contributions to CM Relief Fund  like contributions to the PM-Cares fund  should be considered a part of Corporate Social Responsibility expenditure of companies, while others asked for a relaxation on deficit limits provided under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act.
In the picturesque towns of Prince Edward Island, Katrina Kuzminer was out snapping photos when she got a call from Health PEI.

Her photography partner received word that Health PEI had gotten a complaint about them and they had to stop photographing, weeks after receiving a letter of approval.

Kuzminer lives in Summerside and joined The Front Steps Project at the end of March. The project was started in Massachusetts by photographers Cara Soulia and Kristen Collins, then spread on social media and inspired photographers across Canada to join.

Kuzminer joined two other photographers on the island. The three split up different areas so they could reach as many people as possible  and safely. Kuzminer would announce on social media the area she was going to that day, and people would send their addresses.

Submitted by Katrina Kuzminer

"I would pull up to the house right on the sidewalk ... stop, honk and then they would come out on their step and then I would just either be in my car shooting, or step out of the car."

Kuzminer said she didn't enter yards, was always more than six metres away and used a 105 mm lens to make it seem like she was closer than she was.

Submitted by Katrina Kuzminer

"People were very, very happy," she said. "People actually posted about me on their page and [were] telling people how thankful they are that they got family photos done because they haven't had them done in forever.

"I did it all for free just to get out of the house and do a little bit of good for the community in this hard time."

I was really proud of what we did, because all together between the three of us we shot probably over 600 families on the island. - Katrina Kuzminer

Kuzminer received messages from other photographers on the island advising her to stay home. She weighed the options and her photography partner contacted Health PEI, who sent them a letter of approval.

Then after someone complained to Health PEI, Kuzminer and her partners had to stop.

Story continues

"We were doing nothing wrong in a sense of putting anybody in danger," she said. "And still we got a complaint, which I was confused by.

"But I was really proud of what we did, because altogether, between the three of us, we shot probably over 600 families on the island," Kuzminer said. "We got to make those people happy and we made a lot of new friends."

Submitted by Katrina Kuzminer

On April 9, the Professional Photographers of Canada issued a statement asking all photographers across the country to stop the project.

"I understand that photographers are suddenly cut off from most 'in real life' social contact and thus their clients; but this type of photography is not a necessary interaction, nor is it an essential service," Louise Vessey, chair of the Professional Photographers of Canada said in a statement.

Understanding from photographers

Lexie Larson started snapping photographs of smiling families in front of their front doors a couple weeks ago. She said she understands the national body's view and now joins a number of photographers across the country who are putting their lens caps back on.

"I jumped on board and just wanted to go out and still be able to be safely in the community and kind of brighten some people's days with all of the doom and gloom coming in," she said.

Submitted by Lexie Larson

Larson, a photographer based in North Battleford, Sask., said she received an overwhelming amount of requests and visited over 100 houses with nothing but positive feedback.

"I'm not accepting any money for this at all. It's completely free. It's a pay-it-forward aspect. I have just asked people to pay it forward in any positive way that they can, so they can either make a donation to a local charity or ... just help a neighbour out," she said.

Submitted by Lexie Larson

Larson said she understands the national body had to make a statement in case someone did end up being sick, but she believes photographers in higher-risk areas should abide by it and others should simply take it day-by-day following their provincial regulations at the time.

'They just wanted to bring some joy to people in a hard time'

A New Brunswick photographer shares Kuzminer's experience of other photographers putting down the project.

Jennifer Blake lived in Saskatchewan before moving to Oromocto, N.B.  her home province.

Blake joined the Front Steps Project after reading about it online. On her second day shooting, Blake received a message letting her know that many photography groups were talking negatively about the project.

Submitted by Jennifer Blake/Blueberry Hill Photography

"My first reaction was like, 'Well I'm not doing anything wrong,'" she said.

The negativity continued, she said. After three days of sessions, Blake decided to stop for a while because she understood where these comments were coming from. Blake said she doesn't judge someone who has done the project in the past or continues doing it in the future, but does suggest people stay home.

Submitted by Jennifer Blake

Blake does hope the negativity stops in the future.

"Some people have just been really mean about it and I think, as photographers, we need to stick together," she said. "We're all kind of in the same place. We're all struggling.

"Everybody had good intentions. They weren't spreading COVID-19 everywhere. They just wanted to bring some joy to people in a hard time."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed former Prime Minister H D Devegowda after the latter contributed Rs 1 lakh each to PM CARES fund, Kerala and Karnataka Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Office of the former PM apprised that H D Devegowda will be donating the money from his pension.

Taking to Twitter, PM Modi then hailed the 'very inspiring' gesture.

Out of the pension he receives, Former Prime Minster @H_D_Devegowda has contributed Rs. 1,00,000/- each to PM Cares Fund, Govt. of Karnataka Chief Minister's Relief Fund, and Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund.

- Office of HDD@PMOIndia@CMofKarnataka@CMOKerala  H D Devegowda (@H_D_Devegowda) April 11, 2020

READ: Kejriwal confirms lockdown extension, says 'PM has taken correct decision to extend'

With India battling the Coronavirus pandemic which has ensnared the globe in a vice-like grip, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set up a charitable trust where citizens, corporates, organisations and just about anyone else can contribute funds towards the relief effort.

The fund is called the Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund or PM-CARES Fund. The PM is the Chairman of this trust. Other members of the trust include Defence Minister, Finance Minister, and Home Minister.

READ: 'Jaan bhi aur Jahan bhi': PM Modi shares new mantra with chief ministers on COVID-19 fight

Meanwhile, over 7000 cases have been reported of the pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19) - 642 have been discharged and Maharashtra reported the highest at 1574. 239 deaths have been reported to date. India has suspended all visas and barred travel from Afghanistan, Philippines, EU, UK, China, Malaysia and mandatory 14-day quarantine from several other countries. The Prime Minister has issued a 21-day countrywide lockdown starting from 23 March to April 15 and the Finance Minister has announced a Rs 1.7 lakh crore package under the 'PM Gareeb Kalyan Scheme'.

READ: Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray extends COVID-19 lockdown in state till April 30

READ: Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Maharashtra, Bengal extend lockdown till Apr 30, cases at 7529
As congregations are unable to attend churches for Easter Week ceremonies this year due to COVID-19, the Church is turning to technology to enable parishioners to join in the Holy Week celebrations.

Faithcast, the weekly faith podcast from the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference, has launched a special Holy Week series which focuses on how people can celebrate in the context of the coronavirus pandemic.

Archbishop Eamon Martin commented: 'As we prepare to celebrate Holy Week at home this year, we are offering people a chance to hear from different voices of faith. These daily reflections from bishops, priests and lay people will hopefully offer listeners a pause for thought from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday.

'I invite people to tune in to our Holy Week reflections. There are many people feeling alone and isolated at the moment and we hope that our short pieces of audio can assist people in living Holy Week in their homes.

'This podcast series is just one of a number of digital opportunities that we have been offering to people during these days. I would like to thank all those priests and people putting out into the deep of the net at this time and connecting with their parishioners on the digital highways.

The podcasts are available on www.catholicbishops.ie and on all Bishops' Conference social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Archdiosese of Armagh is also providing a digital platform for the faithful, including individuals and families with suggestions as to how they can mark Holy Week in their homes. It features suggested readings from the bible as well as videos for children, and links to Mass webcames. It can be found on www.armaghprays.com
Surat: The Surat Police have detained around 80 migrant workers, mostly from Odisha, for allegedly going on a rampage and setting many handcarts afire in the city demanding that they should be allowed to return to their native places amid the lockdown.

News agency PTI quoted an official as saying that hundreds of migrant workers stuck in Surat due the lockdown torched handcarts and tyres in Laksana area of the city on Friday night.

After the incident, police personnel were deployed in large numbers in the area and the situation was brought under control, the official said.

"Hundreds of workers, mostly from Odisha, hit the streets demanding that they should be sent to their native places. They also claimed that the food served to them by an NGO is tasteless and they have to stand in a queue to get the meal," ACP C K Patel said.

"Out of anger, they torched some handcarts and tyres in Laskana area. We have detained 80 migrant workers. Heavy police deployment and strict vigil by the administration has brought the situation under control," he said.

On March 30, over 90 migrant labourers were arrested in Surat city for defying the nationwide lockdown and attacking police over a similar issue.

The Surat Police have deployed drones to keep a hawks eye on peoples movement during the lockdown.

On Friday, the number of coronavirus cases in Gujarat rose to 378 after 116 new cases were reported since Thursday night. With two more deaths reported during this period, the death toll due to coronavirus reached 19, officials said.

According to the Health Ministry, the total number of cases in India has risen to 7447 including 6565 active cases, 643 cured/discharged/migrated and 239 deaths as of Saturday.

Meanwhile, the total number of cases across 184 nations reached 1,650,210 and the death toll stood at 100,376 at 11.45 pm (IST) on Friday, according to Johns Hopkins University`s Coronavirus Resource Centre.
Washington, April 11 : Indian-American nonprofit, Indiaspora has raised $500,000 to fight hunger among vulnerable populations affected by the coronavirus pandemic in in the US and India, it was reported.

The amount was raised in contributions from the group's leadership network, the American Bazaar reported on Friday citing the nonprofit as saying in a statement, adding that the campaign continues as a grassroots initiative on the organization's signature online platform ChaloGive.org.

Indiaspora said there has been an outpouring of support from Indian-Americans in the aftermath of the pandemic, with several community organizations leading relief efforts.

One of the lead donors to the campaign is Silicon Valley entrepreneur and venture capitalist Anand Rajaraman and his wife, Kaushie Adiseshan, the statement said.

"We are facing an unprecedented situation due to COVID-19," said Rajaraman.

"The drastic measures necessary to control this pandemic have created special challenges for vulnerable sections of society across the world, particularly in India and the US.

"Indiaspora has the opportunity to unite the diaspora to quickly and decisively help in the midst of this crisis." Sejal Hathi, an Indiaspora board member and physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, said: "While all eyes are on frontline hospitals, millions in America and across the globe suffer silently from a growing and equally alarming epidemic of food insecurity as the crisis threatens to push already struggling families deeper into poverty.

"Now more than ever is the time for communities like Indiaspora's to come together and rise to this call to feed people in need. I'm so proud to witness exactly this commitment to seva." Indiaspora is partnering with two reputed nonprofits in the US and India - Feeding America and Goonj - to distribute food to the needy in the two countries, reports the American Bazaar.

According to Indiaspora, contributions made at ChaloGive.org are fully tax-deductible for US taxpayers.

An additional $100,000 donated online by April 15 will be matched by Indiaspora's members, the release added.

This is the second ChaloGive online campaign launched by Indiaspora.

The inaugural campaign was launched last October coinciding with the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
A teenager from the Yanomami tribe has been killed by the new coronavirus in Brazil, raising alarm about the spread of the virus among indigenous communities.

The 15-year-old, from a village within the Yanomami indigenous territory, had been hospitalised in an intensive care unit in Roraima states capital since 3 April according to the government.

The Brazilian Healthy Ministry said late Friday that COVID-19 was the cause of his death, and he is the first resident of an indigenous territory to succumb to the disease.

The teen moved from his home village roughly a year ago to another village to study, said Dario Kopenawa Yanomami, vice-president of the Hutukara association, which represents the ethnic group.

The teenager, who belongs to the Yanomami community scattered along the Brazilian-Venezuelan border, is in intensive care with Covid-19 symptoms. Pictured: A Yanomami tribesman in 2012

An aerial view shows the Yanomami Indian community of Irotatheri, in the southern Amazonas state of Venezuela, just 12 miles from Brazil's border, during a government trip for journalists, in 2012

The Yanomami tribe is believed to be the largest indigenous people in Brazil and occupies over 200 villages across 2.3million acres on the Venezuelan border

The teen was hospitalised in March, but doctors released him.

His health deteriorated when he was returning to his village and, after about a week there, he was airlifted to a hospital, Kopenawa said.

In a statement on Friday, the Hutukara association alleged careless and inadequate medical attention.

'I am feeling very sad,' Kopenawa said. 'He had a lot of fight left, a long life. But this happened.'

Many of Brazils indigenous groups in the Amazon have effectively retreated into their territories.

The concern is that the teens death is a harbinger of more cases as the virus still manages to permeate their lands, where communal living can facilitate contagion and proper medical care is remote.

Indigenous people within protected territories have their own public healthcare provider, Sesai, which has created a 'crisis cabinet' to oversee handling of the virus response.

As of 8 April, Sesai had reported six cases of COVID-19 among indigenous people and zero deaths. The system doesnt treat grave cases, which are redirected to the already strained public healthcare system.

The remote Yanomami tribe (file photo) recorded its first case of coronavirus after a 15-year-old boy fell critically ill in March

In Amazonas, home to more indigenous people than any other state, the health secretary said this week that 95 per cent of intensive care beds were already occupied.

The Health Ministrys weekly epidemiological report showed Amazonas with the greatest incidence of the COVID-19 disease, at 19 per 100,000 residents, although its total number of cases remains a fraction of the hotspot in Sao Paulo.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

Roughly half of Brazils indigenous people no longer live in protected lands, according to Marco Paulo Schettino, an anthropologist.

Historical reasons include encouragement to assimilate, expulsion from their lands or not having lands recognised by the government, and the lure of healthcare, education and money.

However, many urbanised indigenous people frequently travel back to ancestral lands, and so can transmit the virus, said Schettino, executive secretary at Brazils public prosecution office responsible for indigenous affairs.

Public prosecutors have pressured the Health Ministry to direct resources to infrastructure, including construction of barriers and field hospitals, according to Antonio Carlos Bigonha, the offices lead prosecutor.

'We have to maintain the villages isolation, maintain the communities in quarantine so they arent contaminated with the virus and it isnt disseminated,' Bigonha said by phone from Brazils capital, Brasilia.

Sesai has a sanitary unit in charge of Yanomami territory and is responsible for 28,000 people in 363 villages.

It has isolated and is monitoring several people who were in contact with the deceased teen, and dispatched COVID-19 tests to the area, according to the unit's coordinator, Francisco Dias.

Hutukara in its statement said the boy's village remains vulnerable to contagion from the thousands of illegal gold prospectors traveling upriver. Meantime, his parents are in mourning in the state capital, according to Kopenawa.

'They want to bring his body back to his land, where he was born, where he grew up,' Kopenawa said. 'On the other hand, theres a bit of danger of transmitting the sickness to the community.'
CLAIMS that Limerick is the 17th most expensive city in Europe  and even more expensive than Dublin - have been dismissed by the local authority, Limerick Chamber and the IDA.

However, the figures for Limerick compiled by Numbeo, which describes itself as "the worlds largest database of user contributed data about cities and countries worldwide," is based on submissions from just 54 contributors.

The online guide claims that the cost of living in Limerick is 7.77% higher than in Dublin  based on the data received. Groceries prices in Limerick are 31.03% higher than in Dublin is another claim, which too has been challenged.

It also states that consumer prices in Limerick are 15.57% higher than in Cork, while rent prices in Limerick are 37.89% lower than in Cork.

Among its statistics is that consumer prices in Limerick are 3.03% higher than in Paris, and groceries prices in Limerick are 3.52% higher than in the French capital.

It is not so, according to those driving business and investment in the region.

Laura Ryan, the head of communications and marketing with Limerick City and County Council, said that data on the website is unreliable due to it being user generated and it cannot be taken as a reflection of actual living costs in Limerick.

There is no evidence to suggest that Limerick is a more expensive city to live, rent and buy groceries in than European capitals of Dublin, London, Paris and when analysed in further detail it is evident that many of the prices for the consumer products listed on the Numbeo website are incorrect, she said.

Ms Ryan pointed out that Limerick is the most affordable place to buy a home out of 367 cities, according to the 12th Annual Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey.

House prices in Limerick are 30% lower than the national average and residents in Limerick have one of the highest disposable income per capita outside the greater Dublin region.

Limerick City and County Council will shortly commission an international report examining the wider investment picture for Limerick. Caroline Kelleher, head of policy with Limerick Chamber said there are major inaccuracies in the data.

It is unclear what, if any, quality checks are performed by Numbeo and for that basis the data could be skewed by any number of outlier values, she said.

Cost competitiveness is a significant part of the value proposition which has resulted in record numbers of IDA Ireland client investments into the Mid-West over the past two years, along with talent and infrastructure amongst others, said Niall OCallaghan, regional manager for IDA Ireland.

Given the qualified statistics published regularly for the Mid-West region, with Limerick at its core, there is clear evidence we are in a unique position as a low cost centre  for both company and employee alike. There is no doubt Limerick is one of the most cost effective cities in the world to do business, he said.
Milk dumped in fields and cattle prices plunging even as steaks stay expensive: the coronavirus pandemic is hitting American farmers hard.

With industries from restaurants to department stores forced to close, farmers haven't stopped working, but are finding demand unpredictable and supply chains are struggling to adapt to the new conditions.

Dairy farmers often struggle to store excess production, and Brenda Cochran, who runs a 70-cow dairy farm in Pennsylvania along with her husband, said she was ordered twice recently to dump her milk.

In line with environmental regulations, the couple loaded their excess milk into a manure spreader and dumped it on their fields.

"Dumping our milk and seeing, at the same time, the images in the press of empty dairy shelves make us angry," Cochran said.

"We have the same COVID-19 anxiety everyone else has," and after years of very low dairy low prices, Cochran said the couple is also facing "this long-term anxiety every month of not being able to meet our bills."



The country's main farmers union has warned that virus-induced trouble for agriculture in the world's largest economy will be widespread.

"Shuttered schools, universities, restaurants, bars and cafeterias are no longer buying milk, meat, fruits, vegetables and other food, causing a downward spiral in crop and livestock prices," the American Farm Bureau said.

The beef industry is struggling with a paradox: prices for live cattle listed in Chicago have fallen by about 30 percent since mid-January, but steak prices have increased in stores.

"On one side, you had the futures market that was worried about a drop in demand because of restaurants closing," Mike Zuzolo of Global Commodity Analytics said in explaining the discrepancy.

"Meanwhile in the cash market, the breaking of the supply chain has created perturbations all around and we started to see empty shelves."



The problem has grown so severe that the National Cattlemen's Beef Association has asked President Donald Trump to investigate.

The president tweeted on Thursday that he has directed the Secretary of Agriculture "to expedite help to our farmers, especially to the smaller farmers who are hurting right now."



"We will always be there for our Great Farmers, Cattlemen, Ranchers, and Producers!" said Trump, who is facing a tight re-election battle in November and counting on farmers to renew their support.

Intermediaries are also struggling. Meat giant Tyson Foods has had to suspend operations at a pork factory in Iowa after detecting more than 20 cases of COVID-19 among its employees.

Cereal farmers are preparing for planting season, hoping to benefit from a lull in the trade war between China and the United States after a truce signed in mid-January but instead they're facing tough times.

Containment measures to stop the virus have led to a drop in gasoline demand, including biofuel made from ethanol.

About a third of corn production in the US is used for ethanol and, as a result, corn prices have fallen by 15 percent since mid-January.

Cotton prices have meanwhile plunged to their lowest level in 11 years, which experts at Commerzbank blame on a drop in spending on new clothes, factory closures in garment-producing countries hit by the virus and a shift towards synthetic fibers that have grown cheaper with oil prices low.

For Cochran, the only good thing that could come from all this is a re-organization of supply chains.

"We have the right to fresh local foods," she said. "And not just in food, but also in other basics like... medical goods.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The residents of Himachal Pradesh within and outside the state may use helpline numbers issued by the government during the period of the lockdown due to COVID-19 in case of any distress, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said here on Saturday.

The CM said a State Control Room for COVID-19 pandemic management has been set up.

The state government has set up dedicated helpline numbers 0177-2622204, 0177-2629688, 0177-2629939 and toll free numbers 1070 and 1077, which are operational round the clock, he said.

Besides, helpline numbers 0177-2626076 and 0177-2626077 operational from 8 am to 10 pm every day have been set up to assist people of Himachal Pradesh living in other states.

The chief minister said people stranded in other states are being provided facilities of shelter, food and medical emergencies. Most of the cases are being resolved by coordinating with other state governments, he added.

Helpline numbers 0177-2626076 and 0177-2626077 and toll free number 1070 are also being used by people stranded in different parts of Himachal Pradesh for the requirement of medicines, Thakur added.

Toll free number 1077 has been set up in disaster control rooms in all districts, he said, adding that the number is operational round the clock and can be called from any mobile or landline number for any kind of assistance.

Helpline numbers set up in Chandigarh for people of Himachal Pradesh are 0172-5000103, 0172-5000104, 8146313167 and 9988898009, the chief minister said.

The helpline numbers set up in Delhi are 011-23711964, 011-23716574 and 011-24105386, which can be contacted from 10 am to 5 pm, and helpline numbers 011-23716124-25, 26 and 27, 011-24105386-87 and 88 can be contacted from 5 pm to 10 am, he added.

People stranded in Chandigarh and Delhi are also being assisted in every possible way by providing grocery, food, shelter and medicine as per their need, the chief minister said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By William Schwartz | Published on 2020/04/10

The Film Industry Restructuring Special Interest group recently released a survey conducted of parliamentary candidates in the upcoming elections to gauge support for legislation to restructure South Korea's film industry. This initiative has been dubbed the post Bong Joon-ho law, in honor of the director who unexpectedly took the world cinema market by storm with the popular movie "Parasite" last year.

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Restructuring the South Korean film industry has long been an interest of critics and film professionals to better preserve the industry's artistic integrity against commercialism. Such suggested practices include regulation of the film industry's business practices, enforcement against monopolistic screen domination by major blockbusters, and a guarantee of funding and support for more independent films.

Of the 477 candidates who were contacted by e-mail for their opinion on such legislation, 292 responded. Of these 292, 286 expressed support for such legislation, with 6 stating that they would not support such legislation. Though 185 candidates did not respond, even if their non-responses are interpreted as nos a decisive majority of candidates are now on the record as supporting a post Bong Joon-ho law.

In terms of political party respondents, 81% of the candidates from the liberal party expressed support of such a law, versus 100% of centrist party candidates and 34.4% of conservative party candidates. Other minor party candidates were not asked their opinion via the e-mail survey, which only focused on the country's three largest parties.

Such legislation is also widely supported by South Korean film industry professionals, 1325 of whom have signed a petition to bring such legislation to a vote in parliament back in February. Among the celebrities who signed this petition are directors Im Kwon-taek and Lee Chang-dong. Actors Ahn Sung-ki and Jung Woo-sung, as well as actress Moon So-ri have also expressed their support for such legislation.

Written by William Schwartz
Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for the group taking a human-centric approach for overcoming challenging hardships, especially for the vulnerable.

Pradhan made the comments during the G20 Extraordinary Energy Ministers' virtual meeting held on Friday.

"The meeting was called by Saudi Arabia in its capacity as the G20 Presidency and chaired by Saudi Arabia Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz. The meeting was attended by Energy Ministers of G20 countries, guest countries and heads of international organisations including OPEC, IEA and IEF," the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said in an official statement.

The G20 Energy Ministers focused on ways and means to ensure stable energy markets, which are affected due to demand reduction as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing surplus production-related matters.

"During the meeting, the minister reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for G20 taking a human-centric approach for overcoming challenging hardships, especially for the vulnerable," the statement said.

"In this context, the minister highlighted the decision of the Prime Minister, under the aegis of the Ujjwala scheme, to provide 80.3 million poor families free LPG cylinders, as part of a 23 billion dollars relief package. He emphasised that India was, and will continue to be, the global energy demand centre. He also highlighted the government's efforts to fill in our strategic petroleum reserves," it added.

In terms of the ongoing energy market fluctuations, Pradhan stated that India has always advocated for a stable oil market, which is reasonable for producers and affordable for consumers.

He appreciated the collective efforts of OPEC and OPEC-plus countries to balance the supply-side factors which is imperative for long-term sustainability, the statement said.

The minister, has, however, urged that oil prices should be targeted to affordable levels to allow for a consumption-led demand recovery, it further said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will sanction the departure of Harry Kane to Manchester United for a world-record fee of 200million because of financial worries and exasperation with England's captain for going off-message during the coronavirus crisis.

Levy has made it clear that Spurs would agree to let Kane leave this summer.

Tottenham fear the financial repercussions of the current lockdown more than any other Premier League club because they are still paying for their new 1billion stadium.

Tottenham are ready to sanction the 200m sale of Harry Kane to Man United this summer

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is desperate to raise funds over fears for club's financial future

Tottenham still owe a reported 637million on the loan they took out to build 1bn stadium

It's significant that Spurs were among the first top-flight clubs to furlough non-playing staff despite the negative publicity it attracted.

They reportedly owe 637m on the stadium loan and 83m on transfer fees. And Levy is understood to have been furious at Kane's recent comments that the Premier League season should be voided if it wasn't completed by the end of June.

That would have huge repercussions should television broadcast rights holders demand a refund from the Premier League although The Mail On Sunday understands that Sky will not demand that the League repay the 371m they are owed.

Kane, who has been out since January with a hamstring injury, also suggested that it might be time to leave Spurs if they aren't going to be winning trophies.

Spurs also still owe 83m in transfer fees but could be short of cash if season is cancelled

Kane recently hinted he could leave Spurs and his exit would bring in significant money

Former Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov, who made the move to Old Trafford in 2008, said: 'I see a lot of similarities in the situation I went through and what is happening with Kane at the minute.'

Though Levy has been criticised in the past for not spending transfer money, Tottenham have splashed out more than 100m in the past 12 months on Tanguy Ndombele, Steven Bergwijn and Ryan Sessegnon.

It has left manager Joe Mourinho with a bloated squad and selling Kane is now gaining favour with the Spurs chairman as he plots the club's post-coronavirus future.

The 200m asking price would beat the world record 198m that PSG paid Barcelona for Neymar in 2017.

The mooted amount would be optimistic in the current climate, though. But even if Spurs do not fetch their full asking price, Kane is sure to smash the British transfer record of 89m paid by United for Paul Pogba.
Northern Irelands Deputy First Minister has criticised Health Minister Robin Swann for seeking the Armys help to combat the Covid-19 emergency.

Mr Swann told the BBC he made a formal request to the Army for help in distributing lifesaving equipment.

He also requested help from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in planning for a Nightingale hospital at the site of the former Maze Prison.

Mr Swann said: I believe the Armys skills and logistical expertise could assist with the redistribution of essential lifesaving equipment across Northern Ireland to ensure that all hospitals have the materials and resources required to fully enact their surge plans.

I have raised the sensitivities of British military intervention directly with the British Secretary of State Brandon Lewis Michelle O'Neill

He said he hoped his decision to ask the Army for assistance is not considered divisive.

The minister said: I have said a number of times over recent weeks that at the end of this pandemic, there will be only one thing that divides us  and that is those of us that are still alive and those that have sadly passed away.

Michelle ONeill said the Executive should have been informed of his decision before any such request was made.

In a statement, Ms ONeill said she has requested a meeting with Mr Swann over his failure to consult ministerial colleagues about his decision.

She said while Sinn Fein will not rule out any measure necessary to save lives, no proposals to use the Army for roles normally performed by civilians have been put before the Executive.

Ms ONeill said: I have raised the sensitivities of British military intervention directly with the British Secretary of State Brandon Lewis.

The health minister has a responsibility to exhaust all options, including the use of other blue light public services and civilian contractors, to ensure that ventilators and lifesaving equipment are moved swiftly to where they are needed most.

The Department for Health has already contracted a local civilian contractor to scope out building a HSC-led civilian field hospital.

It remains Sinn Feins position that any proposed new Nightingale hospital should remain under the care and control of the HSC.

The number of people with coronavirus who have died in a hospital setting in Northern Ireland has risen to 107, with 15 further deaths reported on Saturday.

There were 128 new cases of the virus, bringing the total of confirmed positive tests in the region since the outbreak began to 1,717.
In a big development amid coronavirus outbreak in the world, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund(IMF) Kristalina Georgieva on Friday named former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan to her external advisory group. 11 others were also named to provide perspectives from around the globe on key developments and policy issues, including responses to the exceptional challenges the world now faces due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Georgieva said that even before the spread of COVID-19, IMF members have faced complex economic and financial disruptions. She said that IMF needs top-notch input and expertise from the widest range of sources. She then announced people for her External Advisory Group. Toward this end, I am proud that an exceptional and diverse group of eminent individuals with high-level policy, market and private sector experience has agreed to serve on my External Advisory Group. Today we had a dynamic discussion to gain their insights, and to receive informal reactions to our ideas and approaches, the IMF Managing Director said.

READ | Raghuram Rajan tells RBI to leverage its 'Rs 8-9 lakh crore' capital against Coronavirus

Rajan, 57, was the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor for three years until September 2016, is currently working as a professor at the University of Chicago. Other members of the group are Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Senior Minister of Singapore and Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore; Kristin Forbes, Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Kevin Rudd, former Prime Minister of Australia; Lord Mark Malloch Brown, former UN deputy secretary-general among others.

READ | COVID-19: '16,002 tests conducted in one day, only 2% test positive': Health Ministry

'India's Greatest Challenge in Recent Times,'

Earlier on April 6, Rajan suggested the government to call people with proven expertise and capabilities, including from opposition parties, to deal with 'perhaps the greatest emergency being faced by the country since Independence'. In his blog titled 'India's Greatest Challenge in Recent Times,' he cautioned that driving everything from the Prime Minister's Office, with the same overworked people, may not be of much help.

"There is much to do. The government should call on people with proven expertise and capabilities, of whom there are so many in India, to help it manage its response. It may even want to reach across the political aisle to draw in members of the opposition who have had experience in previous times of great stress like the global financial crisis. If, however, the government insists on driving everything from the Prime Minister's Office, with the same overworked people, it will do too little, too late."

READ | Coronavirus LIVE Updates

Meanwhile, as per health ministry, India has conducted 1,44,910 tests on 130,792 suspected COVID-19 patients in 146 government and 67 private laboratories. The country reported 1035 new cases in the last 24 hours, the sharpest ever increase in cases and 40 deaths, bringing the number of confirmed cases to 7447. Over 642 patients have recovered and been discharged. Worlwide COVID-19 has claimed 102,734 lives and 1,699,632 cases have been reported, while 376,330 have been cured.

READ | Punjab cabinet unanimously approves extension of lockdown in state till May 1
Dr Nguyen The Hoang, Deputy Director of Surgery at Central Military Hospital 108, led a team of four top surgeons to successfully graft a left forearm for a man, who lost his hand in an accident at work four years ago.

Dr Nguyen The Hoang

"Every night, when I woke up and could not see my left hand, I fell asleep dreaming that it would come back one day," said mechanic Pham Van Vuong, 31.

Vuong actually did wake up one day, just over a month ago, to see his left hand again, not the one he was born with, but a new one, from a donor, who was more than happy to offer it to someone and give it a new lease of life. Prof Nguyen The Hoang tells Viet Nam News how it was done.

Could you share your thoughts on the success of the operation, which took place on January 21?

It's been six weeks since the operation. The operation itself and the healing process have been positive. Every step of the way has been as we expected. I am glad that our patient is recovering well.

The grafted hand shows good signs of recovery. The fingers can move, which means the muscles are working. Right after the operation, his fingers could move a bit. Now they can hold hard objects in his palm or a bouquet of flowers. It's significant progress.

Could you share your plans for this landmark operation and why it is only happening now?

Back in 2008, I was one of the main surgeons performing at double arm transplant at the Retchs der Isar University Hospital at Technical University Munich. It was a milestone operation, which gave the patients two arms, bringing back for him the functions, aesthetics and the fuller feeling of a human body. Ever since then, I have been working toward making limb transplants a reality for our patients in Vietnam.

When I came back from Germany, I had meetings with the then hospital Board of Directors, but we had to wait until 2016, when Central Military Hospital 108 received a licence to perform human organ transplants, and we started working on a plan to set up a Human Tissue and Organ Transplant Centre at Hospital 108.

Led by Prof Mai Hong Bang, general director of Hospital 108, who also chairs the project, we set up teams for transplant operations and sent them to transplant centres around the world to hone their skills. Our teams went to Hopital Foch in France, Pusan National University Hospital, Kyoto City Hospital and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan.

The first kidney transplant took place in 2016, and gradually, this has become a frequent procedure at our hospital. Next we did liver transplants with the help of Korean doctors. Now it's also a common procedure with live donors. We also had emergency liver transplant cases, which were also successful.

In 2018, we transplanted lungs for the first time. It was quite remarkable because the operation was conducted on a conference call.

After these procedures, our operating teams have matured, mastered the techniques, and better used anti-graft medication. We have got valuable experience. Especially last year, our hospital completed a brand new building with 2,000 beds with the best operation rooms and facilities.

This operation for the first hand transplant was from a living donor. With the current success of this operation, with complete support from the hospital's Board of Directors, we trust that more operations can be performed in the future.

In Vietnam today, traffic accidents and work accidents result in many people losing their limbs. Some war veterans also lost arms and legs. At our hospital, we see these cases every week. This is definitely making us toss and turn, trying to figure out a solution to help our patients, giving them back their confidence and ability to work for themselves and their families.

Why is it happening now?

It's very challenging to perform a transplant operation. You will need to work with many different structures. You need to recover the functions of the human body that are transplanted. You also need to graft different skins, blood vessels, nerves, bones and joint structures, body fat under the skin and other types of tissues, which means there are numerous risks. The risks of anti-graft reactions from donors are high so we have to use anti-graft medication after operation.

Another factor that patients need to face is the fact they would be using another person's limb, be that person still alive or dead. Moreover, long-term physical therapy is needed after a procedure.

But the top challenge and most difficult obstacle is finding a donor, which is extremely rare and hard to find. Following the popular thinking of our Oriental philosophy, social and cultural beliefs, people do not want to donate part or all of their limbs, which are the parts people can see. Medical ethics would never allow that to happen if the donor was still alive.

Even if you can find a committed organ donor who is brain dead, they would not agree to donate their limbs because they could not bear the psychological pain caused to their living loved ones knowing they would be going into the afterlife incomplete.

That's why limb donors are extremely rare.

Further more, when you perform a limb transplant, you'll need compatible donor-receiver features like skin colour, sex: you cannot transplant a woman's limb to a man or vice versa, and volume and size: you cannot transplant a small limb to a big body.

In conclusion, there are technical, anti-graft and post-operation recovery issues, but above all, the donor.

That's why we tell each other that these two people were born for each other. The donor was AB blood group and the recipient was group B, so it was possible. Both the donor and receiver shared similar features in skin colour, shape, and even their finger nails looked alike. This was nearly the perfect match.

But this was no accident. We had been planning since 2016. We had a list of patients who had lost limbs in different positions and had all the necessary tests ready for a transplant if we could find a donor.

Were there any complications during the operation?

We had prepared thoroughly, and our surgeons had experience, so the procedure went really well. The decisive moment was when we compared medical records with transplant indicators. If all the requirements were met, then we would go ahead, if not, then we would not have performed the operation. The best news for us was the structures in the donor's limbs had stayed intact, despite the arm being wounded beyond repair. We were positive and went ahead with the surgery.

How long after the surgery could you confirm the hand would live?

We operated on the 27th of the last lunar month. For three days before Lunar New Year, we checked carefully and found that it was being well nurtured with fresh blood, the veins were circulating well, and the palm was fair and healthy. At midnight, the hospital had a party for everyone who had stayed for the Lunar New Year. We went up to see Vuong at 1am to wish him all the best for the New Year. I was very touched when Vuong told me "This is a dream for me!"

A dream for a patient is the reality we doctors make happen. Truly, for us, a smile from a patient encourages us all. It was a moment to cherish. We hugged each other and wished Vuong a brighter future.

What was the first object he could hold after surgery?

The first object I tested his fingers with was a ping pong ball. Perhaps because I love playing ping pong after work here at the hospital, so the balls were available.

Do you think he will be able to play ping pong with you some day?

He's right-handed, so yes, he will be able to play me. VNS

Vietnam successfully performs world's first limb transplant from live donor Vietnam has successfully conducted the world's first limb transplant from a live donor, Central Military Hospital 108 announced on Monday.
Police in Kobe, western Japan, say officers who tested positive for the coronavirus were apparently infected at a welcome party for their new station chief.

Seven officers at Kobe Nishi Police Station are infected. Three of them attended the party on March 27 to welcome the chief and others at a pub.

About 120 officers, including the chief and a deputy chief, have been self-isolating at home.

Officers from the prefectural police headquarters have been sent to the station to support its operations.
Saleem Mulla, chief coordinator, Hadiya Social Foundation, Kondhwa, has set up a community kitchen at the Baitul Uloom madrasa in the area and distributes meals to at least 750 needy persons that have been affected by the lockdown. He speaks to HT about the challenges he faces.

What is your role in this crisis?

Ours is a social organisation in Kondhwa that is serving food to the poor and to those who lost their jobs due to the lockdown. We are in turn working with a number of other social organisations and well-wishers who have helped with food, food grains and financial assistance to feed the poor. Now we have set up a community kitchen which is serving lunch and dinner to at least 750 daily wage workers in the area. My job is to coordinate the food distribution operations and ensure that nobody goes to sleep without food.

How does your day begin, and roll out?

I wake up early in the morning and take stock of the situation on the ground. After that, along with a close group of social workers we go to the market to buy vegetables and necessary essentials. The cook is briefed and the cooking starts at 10 am and by 1 pm , we deploy the food packets to the distribution area. The evening session for dinner preparations begins at 5 pm and ends at 8 pm.

What precautions are you taking?

We are following all the guidelines of the district collector and state health department. Everyone observes social distancing and it is compulsory for everyone in the kitchen to wear masks. We have sanitisers to keep hands clean.

What is your view of the Covid-19 situation in Pune?

The situation in the city appears to be serious and citizens must follow social distancing and stay indoors. We are all concerned but the government and the local police are doing good work in preventing the spread. The Kondhwa police officials and people on the ground have put in special efforts to help us.

What gaps do you see in health and relief work?

We need more residents to come out and help the government and the people in this crisis. The corporate sector in Pune must donate more for the city through their corporate social responsibility initiatives so that poor people can be fed during the lockdown.
An overground worker (OGW) of the Jaish-e-Mohammad terror outfit was arrested from a village near the border with Pakistan in RS Pura sector of Jammu district on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, police said.

He has been identified as Mohammad Muzaffar Beigh (24), a resident of Vodhpora in Handwara area of north Kashmirs Kupwara district.

Sub divisional police officer of RS Pura, Shabir Ahmad Khan said, He is a hardcore overground worker of Jaish-e-Mohammed. He has confessed of being a worker of the Jaish outfit.

Police sources said Rs 20,000 of hawala money and five SIM cards were seized from him.

He was hiding in the house of a local since March 17, well before the lockdown began on March 25. He might have also used SIM cards to pass on vital information to his handlers in Pakistan. We are investigating all the angles, said a police officer.

Another police official who did not wish to be named said that the Jaish operative was arrested during a late night raid on a house in Chakroi village.

The house owner was also taken into custody for questioning. We expect more arrests on his disclosures, he said.

Chakroi is very close to the border and that mobile frequency of Pakistani cellular companies have been detected in border areas of Jammu region in the recent past.

The overground workers usually used Pakistani SIM cards in the border areas to relay information to their handlers in Pakistan, a police officer said.

In certain cases the network frequency of Pakistani cellular companies was so strong that it was detected on Jammu-Pathankot highway and in Rajouri and Poonch towns.

The Jaish operative travelled around 370 km from Handwara to Chakroi where he reached on March 17.

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(CNN Philippines, April 11)  The coronavirus disease has reached Kawit, Cavite, its municipal mayor reported this weekend.

Kawit Mayor Angelo Aguinaldo said in a Facebook post that a town resident who works as a security guard in a condominium in Makati City is the locality's first reported COVID-19 case.

The guard is a resident of Barangay Toclong. The mayor confirmed that the security personnel was tested for COVID-19 at the Makati Medical Center. He said the person left the hospital against the doctors recommendations.

Aguinaldo also said they are investigating a possible breach of their protocol involving their first COVID-19 case as he condemned the escape from the hospital.

He said all COVID-19 cases must be reported to his office so appropriate action can be taken to prevent the spread of the respiratory infection.

Making things worse, a barangay kagawad (village councilor) from Barangay Toclong was accused of ordering to fetch the person with the viral disease from Makati City and bringing him back to their village using a government-owned ambulance.

The official purportedly asked permission from their chief to transport the COVID-19 positive individual back to their village.

Although the barangay captain thumbed down the transport request, the kagawad still pushed through with transporting the patient, Aquinaldo said.

"Kasalukuyang pina-iimbestigahan po natin ang kasong ito. At pagkatapos ng lockdown, mananagot ang mga dapat managot," Aguinaldo said.

[Translation: We are having this case investigated. After the lockdown, those liable will be held be charged.]

As of Friday, the Philippines has 4,195 COVID-19 infections nationwide, with 221 deaths and 140 recoveries
Twenty-one residents at the Longmeadow campus of JGS Lifecare have died from the COVID-19 infection, company management said in a letter, and more than half the residents and staff members who have been tested received positive results.

JGS Lifecare CEO Barry Berman and President Adam Berman said in a joint letter to residents families Saturday that after its first positive exposure approximately two weeks ago, testing at the various facilities at the campus began.

To date, 180 tests of residents have been completed and of those 93 residents are positive. Staff members were also tested and 43 of 84 tested also indicated positive exposure.

Susan Halpern, spokesperson for the facility, said all of the residents have been tested at least once. Many have been tested multiple times.

There have been no positive test results from residents in Ruths House, an associated assisted living facility.

The letter said most of the positive residents are in stable condition and many are asymptomatic at the time of writing. All residents are quarantined in their rooms and no visitors are allowed at the campus.

As of April 3, the management said 29 residents had tested positive.

The Bermans told family members that they contracted with a commercial testing facility when access to testing was limited by the lack of available kits and, what they called, overly restrictive criteria for testing required by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. By testing far more residents and staff members that earlier, the management expected to find more positive results.

JGS Lifecare operates the Jewish Nursing Home facility and associated divisions at 770 Converse St. in Longmeadow.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 11/4/2020 (640 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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Manitoba has recorded its fourth death from COVID-19 - a Winnipeg man in his 70s.

The man was in ICU when he died and was previously living in a personal care home, according to the provinces chief public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin. He said the mans case is not connected to any other infections.

Roussin also announced six new cases of the coronavirus in Manitoba, bringing the provincial total up to 230. The number of cases remains at 11 in the Prairie Mountain Health Region.

The province is listing 92 people as recovered from the virus across the province.

While the number of new cases is rising more slowly than in the past, Roussin said it is "way too early" to relax physical distancing measures. This weekend especially, with both Easter and Passover happening, is not the time for families to gather or to attend religious services.

"These numbers over the past few days may be showing us that our efforts are working, but we cannot interpret them as a lowering of our current risk.  This weekend, these next few weeks are critical in Manitobas response to this pandemic and now is not the time to loosen our efforts," he said.

"We dont have to look far to see the impact of this virus around us, we can look to our neighbours in the south and even to many jurisdictions in Canada right now, case numbers climb and as well, unfortunately, deaths."

Manitoba will also be opening up COVID-19 testing to all first responders, Roussin said on Thursday. Firefighters, police and paramedics are at the highest risk of contacting infected people due to their jobs.

Roussin also announced more information on the cases of COVID-19 that have sent people into the ICU. He said the 10 people who have been in intensive care are all in their 50s of 70s, and 90 per cent are men. 80 per cent of admitted ICU cases had hypertension and many had underlying health conditions.

A total of 21 people have been admitted to hospital and ages range more widely, from in their 20s to 80s. Two-thirds of those cases are men and most also have underlying health conditions, Roussin said, including respiratory conditions, cardiac conditions and diabetes.

A Brandon business is the first in the province to have an emergency health hazard order issued against it during the COVID-19 pandemic, Roussin announced on Thursday.

According to Manitoba Healths list of establishment closures, the unnamed body art business on 12th Street was closed on Wednesday for contravening the March 31 public health order that shut down all non-essential businesses.

The closures report says the business also did not get public health approval to operate in the first place, as required under City of Brandon bylaw.

Roussin described the business as a tattoo parlour and said no fine was issued against the business. If the business violates the health hazard order it will face more severe penalties.

"Violation of that order has very stringent penalties under the Public Health Act should it be violated," he said.

The business was likely contacted by Manitoba Health multiple times about complying with the order and failing to do so, he said.

The shops storefront was closed when The Sun visited on Thursday afternoon. A Manitoba Health notice dated April 8 from a health inspector had been posted on the door, which reads "I hereby order that these premises be vacated and further occupation of them is prohibited."

Issues around a shortage of personal protective equipment for first responders has improved, said Shared Health chief nursing officer Lanette Siragusa on Thursday. A shipment of gloves from the federal government came in and Canada Goose will start manufacturing medical gowns.

The situation with PPE supplies is changing daily, she said, but the province is trying to get equipment out to health-care workers as quickly as possible.

A total of 552 people had been tested at the Brandon COVID-19 testing site as of April 8, while 104 had been tested at the Dauphin testing site.

 dmay@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @DrewMay_
Most of us use Twitter to see what news is trending, keep up with celebs and issues, and contact customer service of accounts when we have a grievance to address.

But have you ever seen threats of war being issued publicly on the microblogging platform?

Reuters

Twitter is used extensively by politicians across the world, but in this latest instance it is also being used to threaten the outbreak of war.



In a tweet, the Israel Defence Forces official account revealed a video showing Syrias military head meeting Hezbollah positions in Syria.

The tweet stated, Look closely. See the man with white hair? That's the head of the Syrian Armed Forces 1st Corps, Luau Ali Ahmad Assad. He's visiting Hezbollah positions in #Syria. Our message: We see you. Consider this a warning. We won't allow Hezbollah to entrench itself militarily in Syria.

Take a look below at the exact tweet:

Look closely. See the man with white hair? That's the head of the Syrian Armed Forces 1st Corps, Luau Ali Ahmad Assad. He's visiting Hezbollah positions in #Syria.



Our message: We see you. Consider this a warning.



We won't allow Hezbollah to entrench itself militarily in Syria. pic.twitter.com/vmPtZe1VuC  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 10, 2020

While to many, this might seem like any ordinary tweet by the handle, but it in fact is a warning -- a warning to control the matters or be ready for consequences -- on a social media platform such as Twitter.

This post surely got a lot of people excited, appreciating Israeli Forces bada** response.

Twitter

Online threats around the world

This isnt the first time weve seen threats like this on Twitter. Just in the beginning of April, Trump threatened to go to war against Iran, if they planned to sneak attack on troops in the US.

Twitter

To this, Irans Javad Zarif responded:



Twitter

Last week, we saw Trumps response when India wasnt ready to export its shipments of hydroxychloroquine to the US, where at the press conference, while responding to a journalist he clearly stated, there will be retaliation. Soon after, India sent across its shipments to the US and upon reception, Trump tweeted this:

Twitter

Is this really the new normal of online discourse among nation states, where war threats as serious as this will be a common affair on the social media platform? What do you feel about it? Let us know in the comments below.




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quotes:

" He smiled and took her hand and pressed it. They got up and walked out of the gallery. They stood for a moment at the balustrade andlooked at Trafalgar Squre. Cabs and ominbuses hurried to and fro, and crowds passed, hastening in every direction, and the sun was shining."



"Partly for pleasure, because it's a habit and I'm just as uncomfortable if I don't read as if I don't smoke, and partly to know myself. When I read a book I seem to read it with my eyes only, but now and then I come across a passage, perhaps only a phrase, which has a meaning for ME, and it becomes part of me; I've got out of the book all that's any use to me, and I can't get anything more if I read it a dozen times. You see, it seems to me, one's like a closed bud, and most of what one reads and does has no effect at all; but there are certain things that have a peculiar significance for one, and they open a petal; and the petals open one by one; and at last the flower is there."

Life seemed an inextricable confusion. Men hurried hither and thither, urged by forces they knew not; and the purpose of it all escaped them; they seemed to hurry just for hurryings sake.



He knew that all things human are transitory and therefore that it must cease one day or another. He looked forward to that day with eager longing. Love was like a parasite in his heart, nourishing a hateful existence on his life's blood; it absorbed his existence so intensely that he could take pleasure in nothing else.

I have nothing but contempt for the people who despise money. They are hypocrites or fools. Money is like a sixth sense without which you cannot make a complete use of the other five. Without an adequate income half the possibilities of life are shut off. The only thing to be careful about is that you do not pay more than a shilling for the shilling you earn. You will hear people say that poverty is the best spur to the artist. They have never felt the iron of it in their flesh. They do not know how mean it makes you. It exposes you to endless humiliation, it cuts your wings, it eats into your soul like a cancer.

This love was a torment, and he resented bitterly the subjugation in which it held him; he was a prisoner and he longed for freedom.

Sometimes he awoke in the morning and felt nothing; his soul leaped, for he thought he was free; he loved no longer; but in a little while, as he grew wide awake, the pain settled in his heart, and he knew that he was not cured yet.

There was no meaning in life, and man by living served no end. It was immaterial whether he was born or not born, whether he lived or ceased to live. Life was insignificant and death without consequence. Philip exulted, as he had exulted in his boyhood when the weight of a belief in God was lifted from his shoulders: it seemed to him that the last burden of responsibility was taken from him; and for the first time he was utterly free. His insignificance was turned to power, and he felt himself suddenly equal with the cruel fate which had seemed to persecute him; for, if life was meaningless, the world was robbed of its cruelty. What he did or left undone did not matter. Failure was unimportant and success amounted to nothing. He was the most inconsiderate creature in that swarming mass of mankind which for a brief space occupied the surface of the earth; and he was almighty because he had wrenched from chaos the secret of its nothingness. Thoughts came tumbling over one another in Philip's eager fancy, and he took long breaths of joyous satisfaction. He felt inclined to leap and sing. He had not been so happy for months.

'Oh, life,' he cried in his heart, 'Oh life, where is thy sting?

You know, there are two good things in life, freedom of thought and freedom of action.

People ask you for criticism, but they only want praise.

It was one of the queer things of life that you saw a person every day for months and were so intimate with him that you could not imagine existence without him; then separation came, and everything went on in the same way, and the companion who had seemed essential proved unnecessary.

He was always seeking for a meaning in life, and here it seemed to him that a meaning was offered; but it was obscure and vague . . . He saw what looked like the truth as by flashes of lightening on a dark, stormy night you might see a mountain range. He seemed to see that a man need not leave his life to chance, but that his will was powerful; he seemed to see that self-control might be as passionate and as active as the surrender to passion; he seemed to see that the inward life might be as manifold, as varied, as rich with experience, as the life of one who conquered realms and explored unknown lands.

They're a funny lot, suicides. I remember one man who couldn't get any work to do and his wife died, so he pawned his clothes and bought a revolver; but he made a mess of it, he only shot out an eye and he got alright. And then, if you please, with an eye gone and a piece of his face blown away, he came to the conclusion that the world wasn't such a bad place after all, and he lived happily ever afterwards. Thing I've always noticed, people don't commit suicide for love, as you'd expect, that's just a fancy of novelists; they commit suicide because they haven't got any money. I wonder why that is."

"I suppose money's more important than love," suggest Philip.



The rain fell alike upon the just and upon the unjust, and for nothing was there a why and a wherefore.

But Philip was impatient with himself; he called to mind his idea of the pattern of life: the unhappiness he had suffered was no more than part of a decoration which was elaborate and beautiful; he told himself strenuously that he must accept with gaiety everything, dreariness and excitement, pleasure and pain, because it added to the richness of the design.

Then he saw that the normal was the rarest thing in the world. Everyone had some defect, or body or of mind: he thought of all the people he had known (the whole world was like a sick house and there was no rhyme or reason in it), he saw a long procession, deformed in body, warped in mind, some with illness of the flesh, weak hearts or weak lungs, and some with illness of the spirit, languor of will, or craving for liquor.

He did not know how wide a country, arid and precipitous, must be crossed before the traveller through life comes to an acceptance of reality. It is an illusion that youth is happy, an illusion of those who have lost it; but the young know they are wretched, for they are full of the truthless ideals which have been instilled into them, and each time they come in contact with the real they are bruised and wounded. It looks as if they were victims of a conspiracy; for the books they read, ideal by the necessity of selection, and the conversation of their elders, who look back upon the past through a rosy haze of forgetfulness, prepare them for an unreal life. They must discover for themselves that all they have read and all they have been told are lies, lies, lies; and each discovery is another nail driven into the body on the cross of life. The strange thing is that each one who has gone through that bitter disillusionment adds to it in his turn, unconsciously, by the power within him which is stronger than himself.

The answer was obvious. Life had no meaning. On the earth, satellite of a star speeding through space, living things had arisen under the influence of conditions which were part of the planet's history; and as there had been a beginning of life upon it so, under the influence of other conditions, there would be an end: man, no more significant than other forms of life, had come not as the climax of creation but as a physical reaction to the environment. Philip remembered the story of the Eastern King who, desiring to know the history of man, was brought by a sage five hundred volumes; busy with affairs of state, he bade him go and condense it; in twenty years the sage returned and his history now was in no more than fifty volumes, but the King, too old then to read so many ponderous tomes, bade him go and shorten it once more; twenty years passed again and the sage, old and gray, brought a single book in which was the knowledge the King had sought; but the King lay on his death-bed, and he had no time to read even that; and then the sage gave him the history of man in a single line; it was this: he was born, he suffered, and he died. There was no meaning in life, and man by living served no end. It was immaterial whether he was born or not born, whether he lived or ceased to live. Life was insignificant and death without consequence. Philip exulted, as he had exulted in his boyhood when the weight of a belief in God was lifted from his shoulders: it seemed to him that the last burden of responsibility was taken from him; and for the first time he was utterly free. His insignificance was turned to power, and he felt himself suddenly equal with the cruel fate which had seemed to persecute him; for, if life was meaningless, the world was robbed of its cruelty. What he did or left undone did not matter. Failure was unimportant and success amounted to nothing. He was the most inconsiderate creature in that swarming mass of mankind which for a brief space occupied the surface of the earth; and he was almighty because he had wrenched from chaos the secret of its nothingness.

He might have known that she would do this; she had never cared for him, she had made a fool of him from the beginning; she had no pity, she had no kindness, she had no charity. The only thing was to accept the inevitable. The pain he was suffering was horrible, he would sooner be dead than endure it; and the thought came to him that it would be better to finish with the whole thing: he might throw himself in the river or put his neck on a railway line; but he had no sooner set the thought into words than he rebelled against it. His reason told him that he would get over his unhappiness in time; if he tried with all his might he could forget her; and it would be grotesque to kill himself on account of a vulgar slut.

The effort was so incommensurate with the result. The bright hopes of youth had to be paid for at such a bitter price of disillusionment. Pain and disease and unhappiness weighed down the scale so heavily. What did it all mean? He thought of his own life, the high hopes with which he had entered upon it, the limitations which his body forced upon him, his friendlessness, and the lack of affection which had surrounded his youth. He did not know that he had ever done anything but what seemed best to do, and what a cropper he had come! Other men, with no more advantages than he, succeeded, and others again, with many more, failed. It seemed pure chance. The rain fell alike upon the just and upon the unjust, and for nothing was there a why and a wherefore.

What I can do is the only limit of what I may do. Because we are gregarious we live in society, and society holds together by means of force, force of arms (that is the policeman) and force of public opinion. You have society on one hand and the individual on the other: each is an organism striving for self-preservation. It is might against might. I stand alone, bound to accept society and not unwilling, since in return for the taxes I pay it protects me, a weakling, against the tyranny of another stronger than I am; but I submit to its laws because I must; I do not acknowledge their justice; I do not know justice, I only know power. And when I have paid for the policeman who protects me and, if I live in a country where conscription is in force, served in the army which guards my house and land from the invader, I am quits with society: for the rest I counter its might with my wiliness. It makes laws for its self-preservation, and if I break them it imprisons or kills me: it has the might to do so and therefore the right. If I break the laws I will accept the vengeance of the state, but I will not regard it as punishment nor shall I feel myself convicted of wrong-doing. Society tempts me to its service by honours and riches and the good opinion of my fellows; but I am indifferent to their opinion, I despise honours and I can do very well without riches.

He had thought of love as a rapture which seized one so that all the world seemed spring-like, he had looked forward to an ecstatic happiness; but this was not happiness; it was a hunger of the soul, it was a painful yearning, it was a bitter anguish, he had never known before.

Philip remembered the story of the Eastern King who, desiring to know the history of man, was brought by a sage five hundred volumes; busy with affairs of state, he bade him go and condense it; in twenty years the sage returned and his history now was in no more than fifty volumes, but the King, too old then to read so many ponderous tomes, bade him go and shorten it once more; twenty years passed again and the sage, old and gray, brought a single book in which was the knowledge the King had sought; but the King lay on his death-bed, and he had no time to read even that; and then the sage gave him the history of man in a single line; it was this: he was born, he suffered, and he died.

The day broke gray and dull. The clouds hung heavily, and there was a rawness in the air that suggested snow. A woman servant came into a room in which a child was sleeping and drew the curtains. She glanced mechanically at the house opposite, a stucco house with a portico, and went to the child's bed.

His life had seemed horrible when it was measured by its happiness, but now he seemed to gather strength as he realised that it might be measured by something else. Happiness mattered as little as pain. They came in, both of them, as all the other details of his life came in, to the elaboration of the design. He seemed for an instant to stand above the accidents of his existence, and he felt that they could not affect him again as they had done before. Whatever happened to him now would be one more motive to add to the complexity of the pattern, and when the end approached he would rejoice in its completion. It would be a work of art, and it would be none the less beautiful because he alone knew of its existence, and with his death it would at once cease to be.

Philip was happy.
KYODO NEWS - Apr 11, 2020 - 19:36 | World, All, Coronavirus

North Korean state-run media by Saturday evening has yet report on the convening of the country's top legislature which was scheduled for the previous day.

The lack of any mention of the session of the Supreme People's Assembly by domestic news media has led some South Korean media outlets to speculate that it has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Supreme People's Assembly convenes once or twice a year to decide on the national budget and the personnel of state organizations.

According to Radio Press news agency, which monitors North Korea's official news media, given that reports on parliamentary meeting have since 1990 been issued on the day of the session or the following morning, and it is extremely unusual for there to be no reporting on the event at all.

North Korea continues to insist that there are no cases of coronavirus infection in the country, but many are skeptical.

Nevertheless, a Beijing-based diplomat pointed out that given the lack of information supporting the claim that the meeting has been postponed, it is necessary to keep monitoring the situation.

North Korea has since January closed its border with China in a bid to prevent the spread of the virus from its larger neighbor.

On March 21, state media announced that the Supreme People's Assembly would convene on April 10, the first time for it to do so since August last year.

The Korean Central News Agency reported Friday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a mortar firing drill by the army. It also released photos of him at the exercise, in which he was not wearing a mask.

KCNA did not say when are where the drill was held, with Korea Central Television on Saturday repeatedly broadcasting footage of the training inspection.

A session of the Supreme People's Assembly usually ends in one day, but last April it lasted for two days, with Kim delivering a speech on the second day. Some meetings have not been attended by Kim.

Related coverage:

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Global death toll from coronavirus tops 100,000
Brussels: The outbreak of Corona that has been increasing all of a sudden has been taking the form of an epidemic for the whole world. This virus has caught more than 100000 deaths so far but still this death game has not stopped. This virus has rocked the whole world today. Among these frightening figures, there are early indications that the epidemic in Europe and America is now reaching its peak.

Now Corona will be FINISHED, Scientists identify six potential drugs for COVID-19 treatment

Due to this, preparations are on to extend the lockdown period in the worst affected Italy and Spain till the beginning of May. The leading Italian newspapers have written that Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has made up his mind to extend the lockdown until May 3. It can be announced soon. There is a lockdown in Italy since last March 10 in an effort to prevent Corona.

Know how New Zealand succeeded in keeping death tolls low in corona virus pandemic

The death toll in Italy, which is most affected by Corona's havoc in Europe, has crossed 18 thousand. Some similar situations are also in Spain. In this European country, lockdown is expected to be increased by early May. In Spain, however, the lowest deaths were recorded on Friday in the last 17 days. The government said that 605 victims died in the last 24 hours. The death toll in Spain has reached close to 16 thousand. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Friday, "The fire caused by the epidemic is now under control." He said that the strict steps taken in an effort to curb the corona have helped save many lives.

America is badly hit by Corona, death toll reaches 17000
RTHK: Uruguay allows virus-hit cruise ship to dock at last

An Australian cruise ship stranded off the coast of Uruguay for two weeks with more than 100 people aboard infected with the new coronavirus arrived at the port of Montevideo on Friday.

Following an agreement between the governments of Uruguay and Australia, about 110 passengers began disembarking from the Greg Mortimer before they were due to be taken along a "sanitary corridor" to Montevideo's international airport, where they will take a medically equipped charter flight to Melbourne.

The Australian and New Zealander tourists  including people who tested negative and others confirmed ill with the virus  will be taken on buses with a police escort straight to the runway without entering the terminal. They are due to take off in the early hours of Saturday.

"If everything goes well, Uruguay will be completing a complex but necessary humanitarian mission," said the country's Foreign Minister Ernesto Talvi. "We don't consider it an option, but rather an ethical obligation."

Of the 217 people  passengers and crew  aboard the ship, 128 have tested positive for the virus.

Aboard the plane, passengers will be "seated by test results and level of care required by passenger," said Australian company Aurore Expeditions, owner of the Greg Mortimer.

The tourists were on an expedition to Antarctica, South Georgia and Elephant Island when their adventure was called off due to the nearest South American countries  Argentina and Chile  closing their borders and imposing lockdowns.

The ship traveled to Montevideo as it was the nearest port still open. It had been anchored in the Rio de la Plata since March 27.

Since then, eight people have been taken from the ship to hospitals in Montevideo with "life-threatening" conditions.

All are in a stable condition and earlier on Friday, Uruguay's foreign ministry said that three Australians undergoing hospital treatment would be allowed to board the flight to Melbourne as they are in sufficiently good health to travel. (AFP)

This story has been published on: 2020-04-11. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
The conscription in the Russian Federation Armed Forces carried out in the illegally-annexed Crimea is a violation of international humanitarian law.

The Russian Federation is carrying out conscription in the illegally-annexed Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol to draft residents of the peninsula in the Russian Federation Armed Forces. This is a violation of international humanitarian law. The Russian Federation is bound by international law, and obliged to ensure the protection of human rights in the peninsula, reads the statement posted on website of the European External Action Service.

As noted, the EU does not and will not recognise the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and city of Sevastopol. The European Union continues to expect Russia to stop all violations of international law in the Crimean peninsula. The European Union is unwavering in its support for Ukraines independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, the statement underscores.

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Dam Vinh Son is questioned at a police station in Lam Dong Province for spreading fake news on a local Covid-19 death, April 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Khanh Huong.

A Da Lat resident is being investigated for the crime of posting false information on his Facebook page about a Covid-19 death.

Dinh Vinh Son, 27, a native of popular resort town Da Lat in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, is the first person in the country to face a criminal investigation for spreading rumors about the Covid-19 pandemic.

Son, who has not been detained, is being investigated for "illegally posting or using information on computer networks and telecommunication networks," an offense that carries a maximum prison term of seven years.

Investigators said that on April 1, Son used his Facebook account called Ho Hoang Duy to post on a public group with 60,000 followers that Da Lat has reported three Covid-19 infections, with one of them dying at 4 a.m. and the other two being placed under quarantine.

He added that the deceased patient lives on Da Phu Street and the other two were vendors in the Da Lat Market. The number of people in contact with these patients rose to 500, he said.

"Please pay attention to not going out without necessity. The information is completely accurate. Im not joking on April Fool's Day and Im not posting such scrap news just to be fined," he said in his Facebook post.

The post received a lot of shares, worrying people. A few hours later, Son removed the information and locked his account.

Lam Dong has recorded no Covid-19 infections so far. No Covid-19 death has been reported in Vietnam until now.

Son admitted to the police that he had a conflict with Ho Hoang Duy in Da Lat and had created a fake Facebook in that persons name to post false information as an act of revenge.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out in Vietnam in late January, authorities have slapped fines of up to 15 million ($427- 641) on hundreds of individuals for posting fake news on the pandemic, under a decree on administrative violations on post and telecommunications, information technology and radio frequency regulations.

In a latest case, a Vietnamese lawyer, Le Van Thiep, was fined VND8 million ($338) on Friday for insulting an infected female reporter in a Facebook post.

To tighten control over the propagation of fake news, Hanoi police said they would launch criminal investigations that could lead to jail terms of up to seven years for those posting false Covid-19 information.

Vietnam has so far recorded 257 infection cases, and has discharged 144 patients.

The Covid-19 pandemic has claimed over 102,700 lives as it spread to 210 countries and territories.
Kentucky Governor Mandates Quarantine for Those Attending In-Person Gatherings Over Easter

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, announced on Friday that those in the state who are attending mass gatherings, including church services over the Easter break, must self-quarantine for 14 days.

Authorities will record the license plates of anyone who plans to attend a mass gathering and report them to the local health departments, Beshear added.

Any individual thats going to participate in a mass gathering of any type that we know about this weekendwere going to record license plates and provide it to local health departments, Beshear said. Local health departments are going to come to your door with an order for you to be quarantined for 14 days.

The governor said that this is the only way that the state can ensure that individuals decisions to attend gatherings doesnt kill somebody else.

I think it is not a test of faith in whether youre going to an in-person service, Beshear said. Its a test of faith that youre willing to sacrifice to protect your fellow man, your fellow woman, your fellow Kentuckian, your fellow American.

He asked Kentuckians of all faiths to remain at home and consider online services.

Officials are aware of only about six churches in the state that are still planning to hold in-person services, Beshear said, adding, We dont have any synagogues or mosques that are holding in-person services.

We absolutely cannot bring people together in one building like that because that is how the coronavirus spreads and that is how people die, Beshear said.

He acknowledged that some people believe they should be able to choose whether to attend an in-person gathering.

I guess I hear that there are some individuals that say that this is my choice about whether I go to something and get the coronavirus, but its not the next persons choice that you might spread it to, Beshear said. This is the only way that we can ensure that your decision doesnt kill somebody else, that your decision doesnt spread the coronavirus in your county and in your community.

The Kentucky governor has noted that an outbreak in Hopkins County that sickened dozens and led to multiple deaths was traced to a church revival there in mid-March.

Kentucky has more than 1,600 cases of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, also known as the novel coronavirus. Eleven people died on Friday from the virus, bringing the death toll in Kentucky to 90.

The state saw an increase of 242 cases on Friday, the largest increase so far in the state.

Read More Programming Alert: Exclusive Documentary on Origin of the CCP Virus Premieres
Islamabad/Kabul, April 11 : Afghanistan on Saturday turned down Pakistans request to handover Aslam Farooqi, leader of the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP), an affiliate of the Islamic State (IS) terror group, a media report said.

The Pakistan Foreign Office had made the demand of handing over Farooqi to its envoy in the Afghanistan on Thursday, said The Express Tribune.

It emphasised that Islamabad had been expressing its concerns over the activities of the ISKP, which were clearly detrimental to Pakistan.

But turning down the request on Saturday, the Afghan Foreign Ministry said Farooqi was involved in the killing of hundreds of Afghans, therefore, he should be tried under the law of the country, The Express Tribune reported.

The Ministry further said that Afghanistan and Pakistan have no extradition treaty and Kabul was under no obligation to hand over the ISKP chief.

On April 4, Afghanistan's intelligence agency, the National Directorate of Security (NDS), announced that they had arrested Farooqi, whose real name is Abdullah Orakzai, in Kandahar province.

Before Farooqi joined the Islamic State, he was an active member of the Tehreek-e-Taliban terror outfit. He replaced Abu Omar Khorasani as ISKP chief a year ago, sources said.

The ISKP took responsibility for the suicide attack on a Kabul gurdwara in which 27 Sikhs were killed recently.
Using a cutting-edge experimental therapy, doctors at a Bergen County hospital on Saturday injected cells from a placenta into a critically ill coronavirus patient, in the hope they will bolster his immune system and save his life.

It was believed to be the first time the procedure was performed in the United States to combat COVID-19, said Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck.

The cells, drawn from a human placenta, will hopefully aid the mans immune response and could potentially also heal tissue damage to his lungs, said Drs. Ravit Barkama and Thomas Birch, who are clinical researchers at the hospital.

The otherwise relatively healthy 49-year-old man was hospitalized more than three weeks ago with shortness of breath and a fever, and has been on a ventilator in intensive care since March 20. His wife signed off on the emergency treatment, which was approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration on Friday, the doctors said.

Were trying anything and everything that makes sense, that can be applied in a rational way, Birch said.

Cell therapy is one of many potential treatments for the coronavirus that doctors are scrambling to test as the country faces its greatest public health crisis in at least a century. Bergen County has been at the center of New Jerseys outbreak, which has claimed the lives of 2,183 people and sickened more than 58,000.

Holy Names procedure aims to counterattack a common complication seen in coronavirus cases known as the cytokine storm. Under it, the bodys immune system produces such a strong response to the illness that it begins to damage itself  picture an army bombing a village captured by the enemy, and the destruction left behind.

The placenta cells may potentially quiet down that response, bringing down dangerous inflammation, the doctors said. The mechanism is not completely understood, but the cells may work similarly to how they protect a pregnancy from the mothers own immune system, the doctors said.

Why doesnt the mother reject a placenta? Why doesnt her immune system reject it? Birch asked.

The Pluristem clinical trial at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, New Jersey, during the first weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic.Jeff Rhode

The procedure is championed by Pluristem Therapeutics, a Haifa, Israel, biotech company. On Tuesday, Pluristem announced that six critically ill COVID-19 patients in Israel had survived at least a week after receiving the cells, with four showing improved respiration.

Holy Name already has a relationship with Pluristem. The hospital is part of a clinical trial testing whether placenta cells are useful in treating chronic vascular problems that can lead to festering wounds and sometimes force amputations. The hospital has treated nine people in that trial  a totally different patient population that have wounds to the feet that will not heal, Barkama said.

The procedures for those patients and the man with COVID-19 were very similar, Barkama said. The placenta cells, which were taken following a live, healthy birth, were shipped Friday from Maryland frozen in liquid nitrogen. After being thawed, they were placed in 15 different syringes and injected into the muscles of the mans body.

The process itself is very simple, Barkama said. Its the physiology around it that is very complicated.

The Pluristem clinical trial at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, New Jersey, during the first weeks of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Vincent Defedele from the pharmacy prepares the injections.Jeff Rhode

The doctors said they hope to see the mans inflammation go down over the next week. From their experience with the vascular patients, the doctors said, the procedure appears to be safe and have few side effects, though the man is under constant monitoring given his condition.

With no known cure or vaccine for coronavirus, cell therapy is among many experimental treatments that doctors are trying in the crisis. Hospitals also are turning to unproven malaria medicines, antivirals and drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, hoping theyll show results.

On April 2, a Somerset County biotech company announced it was cleared by the Food and Drug Administration to conduct a clinical study to test its own placenta therapys impact on the coronavirus. The company, Celularity of Warren, said it has approval for a study involving up to 86 patients with COVID-19.

Editors note: This story has been updated to correct the description of the cells injected into the patient. They were drawn from the placenta, but were not stem cells.

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A problem with a major submarine communications cable, which has caused users in Vietnam to experience sluggish international connection, is expected to be fixed by April 21, according to the cables operations center.

The center said the repair will begin on April 17 to fix an issue that had occurred on the S1 section, connecting Vietnam and Hong Kong, of the Asia America Gateway (AAG) cable system at 8:30 pm on April 2.

According to some domestic Internet service providers (ISPs), a power outage had been responsible for the problem, resulting in a complete interruption of transmission via the line.

The incident caused ISPs in Vietnam to have their international bandwidth significantly reduced.

Although domestic operators have rerouted traffic to other submarine and land cables, users in Vietnam have reported sluggish Internet speed this month.

The crucial cable line had been experiencing regular problems since the end of 2019 until its traffic capacity was completely restored on March 2, 2020.

The AAG is a 20,000-kilometer submarine communications cable system connecting Southeast Asia with the U.S. mainland across the Pacific Ocean via Guam and Hawaii.

It was put into operation in November 2009.

The segment connecting to Vietnam is 314 kilometers long and strikes land in Vung Tau City in the southern region, delivering up to two terabits per second.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
An unknown gunman has killed a guard of the Afghan presidential palace in the capital city of Kabul, the second such murder in a week, Sputnik has learned from the Afghan Ministry of Interior.

A man named Syed Attaullah was killed by an unknown attacker in the Taimini area of Kabul and a colleague of his has sustained injures during the same attack, a security source told Sputnik. The source has shared a video of the attack and murder shot by a surveillance camera.

The Afghan Ministry of Interior has confirmed the incident, but did not share any further details.

Last week, another Afghan presidential palace guard was killed in the Paghman area of Kabul.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Several MPs in Botswana have been caught breaking their self-isolation instructions and have now been placed in supervised quarantine.



On Thursday, all parliamentarians and President Mokgweetsi Masisi were asked to quarantine for 14 days after a health worker who had been screening them for the coronavirus herself tested positive.



However a government statement said some of the MPs had regrettably been seen shopping in supermarkets.



They have been moved from their homes to a supervised government facility.



The statement did not say how many lawmakers had broken the rules.



Botswana has reported 13 coronavirus cases and one death.

Source: BBC









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The Chinese Embassy in Poland has distributed more than 1,000 health packs to Chinese students studying there, as the country's confirmed COVID-19 cases approached 6,000.

With some 20,000 face masks and 150 liters of disinfectant liquid donated by Chinese companies, banks in Poland, the embassy staff worked overtime to repack the supplies into 1,367 health packs and distributed them to the students, said a press release on the embassy's official website on Friday.

In a letter attached to the health pack, Chinese Ambassador to Poland Liu Guangyuan thanks the students for their prompt action and generous donation to support their country and compatriots in the fight against the novel coronavirus. He reassures that the embassy is always ready to help the Chinese students by all necessary means.

Since the outbreak, the Chinese Embassy in Poland has been in close contact with the Polish government to ensure the legitimate rights of Chinese citizens and students. Prior to the distribution of the health packs, the embassy had sent around 8,000 facial masks to students who needed them most, and coordinated various entities to provide assistance to the Chinese citizens and students.

"We are so grateful that the embassy could send us the critically needed supplies which a lot of people are looking for amid the pandemic. We feel safe and confident in overcoming the crisis," a student was quoted as saying.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Poland has reached 5,955, with 181 deaths, the Health Ministry said Friday afternoon.
Oscar-winning actor Joaquin Phoenix checked into a rehabilitation centre after director Werner Herzog highlighted his reckless ways following a near-death car crash.

Phoenix said he was drinking heavily and partying, post the success of the biopic "Walk The Line" 15 years ago, reports aceshowbiz.com.

"I wasn't engaging with the world or myself in the way I wanted to. I was being an idiot, running around, drinking, trying to screw people, going to stupid clubs," the "Joker" star told GQ magazine.

Then, one night, after he crashed his car, he was about to light a cigarette. That was when German filmmaker Herzog intervened.

"A German voice said, 'Just relax'," Phoenix said, recalling how the director pointed out the car was leaking petrol and he was seconds away from potentially lighting himself on fire.

Phoenix entered a treatment facility days later. Today, the actor says, he has no urge or desire to drink like he used to.

"There are too many things I enjoy doing and I don't want to wake up feeling hungover. It's not a thing I fight against, it's just the way I live my life."
According to a report by Maharashtra Medical Education and Drug Department, dated 11 April, reveals that not only does Maharashtra account for nearly a fifth of the national burden of COVID-19 cases with the highest nationwide tally but also has the highest mortality rate.

As Indias coronavirus cases surged past the 7,400 mark, it became clear that the state of Maharashtra is facing the worst of the pandemic in the country with confirmed cases nearing the 2,000 mark.

A recent study from the Public Health Department of Government of Maharashtra has revealed that not only does the state account for nearly a fifth of the national burden of COVID-19 cases with the highest nationwide tally, the state also has recorded a high mortality rate from the virus.

According to a report by Maharashtras Medical Education and Drug Department, dated 11 April, the mortality rate in Maharashtra at 6.98 percent, which is higher than the world average of 6.10 percent and more than double the national average of 3.21 percent.

The data used in the report is prepared on the basis of information published by the World Health Organisation Daily Situation Report, Ministry of Health Family Welfare mohfw.gov.in and Daily Press Note released by the state's Public Health Department. It accounts for cases reported till 10 am on Tuesday.

Maharashtra with 110 deaths also accounts for the highest number of fatalities in the country followed by Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

Maharashtra accounts for 46 percent of the 239 deaths reported across the nation, the report said.

Table 1 - Comparison of COVID-19 cases and deaths

World India Maharashtra Total cases 15,21,252 7,447 1,574 New cases 85,054 1,035 210 Total deaths 92,798 239 110 New Deaths 7,277 40 13 Mortality 6.10% 3.21% 6.98%

Among other states, Punjab is at the top of the list with a mortality rate of 8.33 percent mortality rate with 132 confirmed cases and 11 deaths. Madhya Pradesh with 435 cases and 33 death recorded the second-highest mortality rate at 7.59. Jharkhand which recorded 7.14 mortality rate has reported just one death due to the novel coronavirus and and currently has 14 cases.

Maharashtra, which occupies the fourth position in terms of mortality rate among all states, is followed by Gujarat with a mortality rate of 6.17 percent.

Click here for LATEST updates on coronavirus outbreak

The situation is worrying in Maharashtra as the total number of cases in the state is nearing 2,000 cases.

The report also analyses the age-wise distribution of COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra.

Although existing data on the coronavirus says that older people are more vulnerable to infectious disease, Maharashtra has recorded the least number of cases from people between the age gap of 71 to 90 years.

The report states that about 20 percent (321) of the patients are between the age group of 41 to 50 years.

The reports also pointed out that male COVID-19 patients accounted for more deaths than female patients. From the total number of fatalities, 69 percent of the people who died were males while about 31 percent were females.

Table 2: Percentage mortality among males and females (N = 110)

Sex Total cases Total deaths Mortality (%) Male 954 76 7.96% Female 620 34 5.48% Total 1574 110 6.98%

The report also said that almost 87 percent of patients currently admitted to hospitals in Maharashtra are asymptomatic, meaning they did not show any symptoms of COVID-19 disease when they were first tested.

Patients with COVID-19 disease may not show symptoms for more than 7 to 8 days and hence may get missed out. They can still be potential carriers and spreaders or the virus.

However, extensive screening and tracing of contacts of laboratory-confirmed cases can help report these cases. The study also says that the state records about three percent of critical cases.

On Thursday, Maharashtra reported 162 new coronavirus cases as of Thursday morning, the highest jump in cases the state had recorded in a single day. According to PTI, of the 162 new cases, 143 were from Mumbai, the financial hub of the country.

The metropolis, as per the report, accounts for the highest number of cases in the state with 1,008 patients and the highest number of deaths with 64 succumbing to the virus in the metropolis.

Pune comes second with 219 cases and 25 fatalities, followed by Kalyan-Dombivali with 34 cases.
GENEVA/ZURICH  The World Health Organization (WHO) warned countries on Friday to be cautious about lifting restrictions introduced to curb the spread of the new coronavirus and voiced alarm it was taking hold in Africa.

The United Nations agency would like to see an easing, but at the same time "lifting restrictions could lead to a deadly resurgence," WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a press conference.

He said there had been a "welcome slowing" of epidemics in some European countries  Italy, Germany, Spain and France  but there had been an "alarming acceleration" elsewhere including community transmission in 16 countries of Africa.

Nearly 1.5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 92,000 deaths have been reported to the Geneva-based agency, Tedros said.

Yemen reported its first case of the novel coronavirus on Friday as aid groups braced for an outbreak in a country where war has shattered health systems and spread hunger and disease.

Tedros said he was particularly concerned by the large number of infections reported among health workers.

"In some countries reports of up to ten percent of health workers being infected, this is an alarming trend," he said.

A new UN supply task force will coordinate and scale up the procurement and distribution of protective gear, lab diagnostics and oxygen to the countries that need it most.

"Every month we will need to ship at least 100 million medical masks and gloves, up to 25 million N-95 respirators, gowns and face shields, up to 2.5 million diagnostic tests and large quantities of oxygen concentrators and other equipment for clinical care," he said.

The World Food Programme  the UN agency that handles logistics  will deploy eight 747 aircraft, eight medium-sized cargo aircraft and several smaller passenger planes to transport the goods and aid workers needed in the operation which will have eight hubs, he added.

Tedros urged donors to contribute to WFPs operation which will cost an estimated US$280 million, while the cost of procuring supplies will be "much greater."

Michael Ryan, executive director of the WHO Health Emergencies Program said the world owed a tremendous debt to front-line health workers, and it was vital they got the right protective gear.

Tedros said no country was immune from the pandemic, which was spreading panic around the world.

Cases have recently been found in some parts of Japan with no known links to other outbreaks.

"From this pandemic we have to try to learn what the gaps are, this is a message even for the developed countries. Across the board you see a lack of preparedness of the public health system," Tedros said.

"No country is immune. No country can claim it has a strong health system. We have to be really honest and assess and address this problem."
It has been almost two weeks since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle officially stepped down from their roles as senior members of the royal family.

Now that the couple is living their post-Megxit life on the sunny side of Los Angeles, California, it appears that the former "Suits" star has no problem adjusting to the situation.

Shinan Govani, a freelance columnist in Toronto and former friend of the Duchess, told Tatler that Meghan "is no stranger to picking up and reinventing herself."

Duchess With A Dare Devil Attitude

Govani recalled how Meghan shared her life living in different places like Buenos Aires, where she worked as an intern in the U.S Embassy.

According to the 2018 royal biography "Meghan: A Hollywood Princess," Meghan's stint in the diplomatic service was considered as the "scariest moment of her life" after angry protesters surrounded their car during a motorcade with U.S. finance secretary Paul O'Neill.

Megan Markle Shapeshifting Back To Non-Royal Lifestyle

Moreover, the Canadian society columnist pointed out that the 38-year-old duchess is a "go-getter and shapeshifter," and he thinks that she can quickly adapt to the non-royal lifestyle.

He even compared the mother-of-one to liquorice and mentioned that it's "either you love her, or you don't."

Shinan had the opportunity to meet Meghan through the city's social circles when she lived in Toronto, Canada in 2011 to film the legal drama series "Suits" -- where she appeared in 108 episodes as Rachel Zane.

Life After "Megxit"

Since the controversial couple announced their plans to exit the royal family, they sought to have their independence first in Canada. However, they fled the Great White North after it was reported that the government will not cover the cost of their security once they officially stepped down from their royal status.

The coronavirus situation and the closing of the borders also played a big role in their decision to leave Canada and fly to the U.S.

"At the request of the Metropolitan Police, the RCMP has been providing assistance to the Met since the arrival of the Duke and Duchess to Canada intermittently since November 2019. The assistance will cease in the coming weeks, in keeping with their change in status," the official statement reads.

However, as the couple set their foot in the United States, President Donald Trump declared that the administration would not pay for their security protection.

"I am a great friend and admirer of the Queen & the United Kingdom. It was reported that Harry and Meghan, who left the Kingdom, would reside permanently in Canada. Now they have left Canada for the U.S. however, the U.S. will not pay for their security protection. They must pay!" Trump posted on his official Twitter account.

Following this, it was reported that the Sussexes won't be needing any help from the government, most especially with the security costs since they have already settled "privately funded security arrangements."

Multiple reports said that the security bill of the family will either be shouldered by themselves or his father, Prince Charles.

Future Plans for the Sussexes

As the couple starts their independent life, Meghan has recently landed a voiceover gig with Disney as the narrator for the new documentary "Elephants."

Apart from this, they have also unveiled their upcoming charity called "Archewell."








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There has been no advisory issued by either the Trudeau government in general or Health Canada to support the need for "border controls" regarding Canadians travelling into Quebec.

Yet, Quebec Premier Francois Legault backed by Gatineau Mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin has seen fit to spend huge amounts of Quebec public taxpayer money on two levels of Quebec Police Departments having border controls against traffic coming into the province of Quebec from Ottawa. These two levels of police departments are the Gatineau Police and the Surete du Quebec.

Do you have any idea the huge of money such an ongoing operation like this costs in terms of police salaries and other administrative costs?

I would like to know how many additional healthcare workers could have been saving lives in Quebec hospitals while the Premier Legault and Mayor Pedneaud-Jobin have been indulging their separatist egos and passive aggression against other Canadians? These apparent two political clowns are completely irresponsible on this matter.

How many Quebec lives could Legault and Pedneaud-Jobin have saved during the coronavirus crisis of they weren't spending the money on stupid cops from two different departments?

Premier Francois Legault denies the Outaouais needed money for hospitals. But Quebec City seems to have plenty of cash for wasteful border controls!

But alas, just about every motorist in Ottawa knows that one of the favourite pastimes of the Gatineau Police and the Surete du Quebec is harassing drivers with Ontario license plates.

Now that there's a pandemic, these corrupt cops now get to harass Ontario drivers under the pretext of the pandemic.

But it's more than apparent that these cops have no fear of getting COVID-19 from any of these motorists. I have yet to see any wearing protective gear!

It's apparent that all of these cops know that coronavirus is not the real reason that they are on duty at the expense of Quebec taxpayer dollars which should be allocated to the province's public healthcare system on saving more lives in Quebec.

Gatineau Mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin is flexing his political muscles with his Premier at the expense of saving lives and expediting the health of Quebecers.

Quebecers need more doctors on duty along with more nurses, healthcare workers and public health staff ensuring that all Quebecers are educated on COVID-19.

Quebecers do not need stupid cops asking stupid questions and wasting time and money on the fight against COVID-19.

The mis-allocation of precious resources under the auspices of Premier Legault and Gatineau Mayor Pedneaud-Jobin in such a pandemic where there is so much human suffering is a Crime Against Humanity.

Fortunately, wisdom prevails on the Ontario side.

We dont believe on this side that its necessary, Ottawa's Mayor Jim Watson stated during the conference, adding, "I think this has gone one step too far."

Watson confirmed that Ottawa would not support putting municipal police resources on the five bridges for "24 hours a day" at this stage, describing it as a "complete waste of resources."

While Ontario's Premier Rob Ford is lifting boxes the vitally needed medical supplies, Premier Legault is grandstanding in his $1000 suits portraying himself as the champion of Quebecers backed-up by his ex-colleagues in Quebec's propaganda-makers in the clique that runs the Quebec "mainstream" media.

It is this kind of flawed decision-making that has not worked in favour of Quebecers. Indeed, Quebec has become Canada's new epicentre of COVID.

British Columbia's provincial government has comparatively been able to level-off their experience of the pandemic without putting police on its borders with Alberta.



It's up to Quebecers to hold Premier Legault accountable for the continued waste of their money on such an apparent political activity as "border cops" which is neith endorsed by the federal government nor more more sensible political leaders at the City of Ottawa..





I invite you to read my book Justin Trudeau, Judicial Corruption and the Supreme Court of Canada: Aliens and Archons in Our Midst if you want to explore the world of corruption and manipulative aliens as background to the so-called "coronavirus".





The manipulate aliens I cite my book appear to be connected with the current "coronavirus" pandemic simulation.
WASHINGTON  Russian spies are likely using the coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity to collect intelligence on U.S. supply lines, which have struggled to provide adequate medical equipment, according to an intelligence report issued earlier this week by the Department of Homeland Security and obtained by Yahoo News.

The Russian intelligence services likely are watching the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic, says says an April 6 intelligence bulletin produced by the DHS Counterintelligence Mission Center.

Intelligence collection on medical supply chain vulnerabilities could inform future operations aimed at weakening key logistical elements in preparation for a wartime attack, or opportunistically during an emergency, the document says.

Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Alexei Druzhinin\TASS via Getty Images)

DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But the report comes at a time when the U.S. has surpassed other countries in coronavirus cases, while also facing domestic concerns about shortfalls in medical supplies, particularly for personal protective equipment, or PPE, for health care providers. After weeks of delays, President Trump last month authorized the use of the Defense Production Act to ramp up production of equipment, including ventilators and N95 respirator masks.

Moscow, in the meantime, has already scored some major public relations coups amid the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this month, Russia sent a planeload of medical equipment to the United States in what at first appeared to be a donation, though it was later revealed that the United States paid for supplies.

On Friday, President Trump spoke directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the coronavirus pandemic, the White House announced.

Last month, Russia flew in plane loads of medical equipment and more than 100 personnel to Italy as part of what it describes a humanitarian mission. But La Stampa, an Italian newspaper, reported that Russian military intelligence officials were also on those flights.

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Michael Carpenter, managing director of the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement, told Yahoo News he wasnt surprised by the reports claims, given how Russia operates. Russian intelligence service is always probing vulnerabilities among adversaries. Its not surprising even in the midst of a pandemic where they are supposed to be focusing on their own safety and health, theyre scrutinizing our supply chain vulnerabilities, our critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and so forth, said Carpenter, who previously served as a senior Pentagon official responsible for Russia.

This pandemic is essentially a war game of countries resilience, how command and control works, how governments respond rapidly, he added.

A billboard in St. Petersburg, Russia, reads: "Avoid crowded places, it will save a life." (Dmitri Lovetsky/AP)

The unclassified DHS report notes that Russia has since January conducted a disinformation campaign related to the coronavirus epidemic. DHS also expects that Russia will use the current crisis as a way to improve its future information operations.

We expect the Kremlin analyzes American public reaction to disinformation and adjusts techniques to maximize the impact both during the current COVID-19 situation and in the future, such as Russias ongoing 2020 election interference, the report says.

Daniel Hoffman, a retired CIA senior Intelligence Officer, said that Russia is using its propaganda to send a not so cryptic message to the U.S. government. "The Russians are well aware that we know what our vulnerabilities are," he said. "Implicitly threatening us, the Kremlin wants us to know they also know our vulnerabilities."

Russia Likely Watching US R... by Sharon Weinberger on Scribd

Another target of Kremlin propaganda are Russians, according to Bret Schafer, a media and digital disinformation fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. During the 2016 presidential elections, the Kremlin-directed interference campaign spread conspiracy theories.

Now its different, according to Schafer. Instead, the narrative framing from state-backed outlets has generally been to portray the Russian governments response to the crisis as competent, while framing the EU and U.S.s response as inept, he wrote in an email to Yahoo news.

Nina Jankowicz, a disinformation fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C., agreed that the focus of Russian information operations now appears to be on a domestic audience. The goal is to show Russians what Putin is accomplishing, she says.

Im sure they're watching as different parts of our supply chain are breaking down under this unique environment, she says. They can use that to broadcast at home.

Sharon Weinberger contributed reporting to this article.

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Click here for the latest coronavirus news and updates. According to experts, people over 60 and those who are immunocompromised continue to be the most at risk. If you have questions, please refer to the CDCs and the WHOs resource guides.

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The same drugs used for executions in US prisons may end up saving lives in the fight against the coronavirus.

US doctors are calling on states to relinquish drugs used in lethal injections so they can use them as sedatives and paralytics when treating patients suffering from COVID-19.

A group of doctors sent letters to several state prison directors asking for the drugs.

"Your stockpile could save the lives of hundreds of people," the letter stated. "At this crucial moment for our country, we must prioritise the needs and lives of patients above ending the lives of prisoners."

Most states have stopped using the drugs in executions since the onset of the pandemic.

According to Business Insider, Texas courts have issued three stays of execution since the mass spread of the coronavirus across the US, citing disruption to the court system as the cause.

The New York Times reports that hospitals are facing a shortage of the drugs, which are used to help alleviate respiratory suffering in coronavirus patients.

"We're running out of all the drugs," a doctor told the Times. "So we're on second line, third line, fourth line medications. We've run out of the ability to monitor these people the way we conventionally monitor them. So we're just sort of flying blind a little bit."

Hospitals are most in need of drugs that are used to keep patient's airways open, as well as antibiotics, antivirals and sedatives.

Recommended Hospitals fear shortage of vital drugs will make ventilators useless

The drugs are primarily used to treat patients on ventilators and help doctors control their lung functions, reduce fevers, fight lung infections, cope with pain and resuscitate individuals who suffer a cardiac arrest.

As a result of the shortages, doctors have had to rely on drugs like midazolam, hydromorphone and ketamine, the effects of which last longer than the drugs doctors would typically use. Due to the longer sedation time, it becomes more difficult for patients to return to a lucid state.

"Many places are already shifting to using medications that we tried to avoid," Dr Lewis J Kaplan, president of the Society of Critical Care Medicine, said. "We had to cut down tremendously on the amount of benzodiazepines, which you may be familiar with as Ativan or Valium, because they may induce delirium, especially in people who are having trouble sleeping. But we're now using those medications where our standard sedatives are running low."
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 00:56:43|Editor: huaxia

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NICOSIA, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades responded positively to a request by the leader of the estranged Turkish Cypriot community to provide medicines and protective gear to help them in the fight against coronavirus, a statement by the government spokesman said on Saturday.

Government spokesman Kyriakos Kousios' written statement said the gear requested by Turkish Cypriots will be dispatched next week.

The spokesman's statement said that President Anastasiades discussed over the telephone with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci developments concerning the spread of coronavirus on the island.

"The two leaders expressed their concern about developments in relation to the spread of coronavirus on the island. Anastasiades and Akinci agreed to be in constant touch about this issue and to strengthen the efforts of the bi-communal Technical Committee on Health," the statement said.

The Cyprus island has been divided along ethnic lines since 1974 when Turkey intervened militarily following a coup by Athens-backed Greek Cypriots.
US health officials made cautiously optimistic noises about the coronavirus despite a jump in deaths Thursday, as falling hospitalization rates hint at a turning point in the battle against COVID-19. Meanwhile, New York, the US epicenter of the illness, has trouble finding enough place to bury its dead.

Overwhelmed with the sudden rush of Covid-19 victims, the office of New York City's Chief Medical Examiner said in a statement that bodies of unidentified and/or unclaimed victims of the disease will be put in a temporary storage for a period of up to 14 days.

With 161,504 active cases and 7,067 dead, New York is by far the hardest-hit state in the US.

The bodies will be stored in a facility on Hart Island in The Bronx, a public cemetery with over 1 million graves that is maintained by the US Department of Corrections.

Final stop

According to the website of The Hart Island Project (HIP) the burial site was the final stop for New York's indigent population: homeless, stillborn babies, early victims of the Aids epidemic, the unclaimed, the poor, and the otherwise forgotten by the city government and the site has mass graves which, according to HIP "hold coffins for up to 150 adults or 1,000 babies."

The Department of Corrections pays inmates of the notorious Rikers Island Correctional Facility 1 US$ per hour to handle the area's many bodies, generating rumors that Covid-19 victims were handled by them as well.

New York mayor Bill de Blasio refused to comment on the rumours and a video produced by HIP that shows recent burials at the island din which several people dressed in white protective clothes are seen dealing with the bodybags.

Cautious optimism

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump's top pandemic advisor Anthony Fauci warned that America cannot be reopened overnight "due to the threat of further waves of infections," but said it could be up and running again by the summer months, providing citizens adhere to social distancing guidelines in place throughout April.

His comments came as New York Governor Andrew Cuomo struck a similar tone of cautious optimism despite the state reporting a record single-day death toll for the third time this week Thursday.

Cuomo said COVID-19 had claimed the lives of 799 New Yorkers in the past 24 hours, bringing the state's death toll to more than 7,000 and outdoing the previous high of 779 announced on Wednesday.

He added, though, that curve was flattening because of social distancing orders.

"We had a 200-net increase in hospitalizations, which you can see is the lowest number we've had since this nightmare started," Cuomo told reporters, adding that intensive care admissions were also at their lowest yet.

The COVID-19 death toll in the US leapt to more than 16,200 Thursday, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University, from well over 450,000 confirmed cases.

Truth in numbers

In an apparent attempt to boost confidence, Trump, using a new calculation model proposed by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) has revised the US overall Covid-19 death toll from 93,000 to 82,000 and then 60,000.

The model, which is considered too optimistic by some states, suggested the United States will reach its peak number of confirmed cases this Easter weekend.

America's top doctor, Surgeon General Jerome Adams, told the CBS television network that spread of the virus was slowing adding that the coming 30 days are crucial.
Strengthening India's efforts to combat COVID-19, the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) here has decided to transfer technology free of cost to companies of various equipment it developed to aid health workers in the country.

SCTIMST has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with HLL Lifecare Ltd under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for rolling out disinfection gateway, examination booth and sample collection booth developed by it.

Speaking to ANI, SCTIMST director Dr Asha Kishore, said that the move comes considering India's need to have innovative technologies to aid its health workers in tackling COVID-19.

"There will be no licence fees for technology transfer for any of the COVID-19 equipment that we develop. If the equipment is manufactured by a company and supplied for state governments or Centre, the royalty fee also will be waivered," Dr Kishore said.

"If it is for any private agency, then we will levy a royalty fee which will go into the technology development fund of the institute," she said.

Last week, SCTIMST had signed an MoU with a Bangalore-based Wipro Enterprises for mass production of AMBU-based (Artificial Manual Breathing Unit) emergency ventilator system that it has developed.

"Disposal of infected secretions from patients poses a great challenge to every hospital. This is particularly so in the case of secretions of patients with highly contagious diseases such as COVID-19. The collection and disposal of such wastes put the nursing and cleaning staff at high risk. This is the reason why we have come up with canisters to collect body fluids and dispose of it safely," Dr Kishore said.

Talking about an isolation pod, which was developed by SCTIMST, she said that it can be used to shift the COVID-19 patient from one place to another. It comprises of a sterilised tent cover, which can be equipped with a light bed.

"Under the MoU, SCTIMST will provide the design and know-hows free of cost to HLL. HLL will fabricate these items in a cost-effective manner. HLL plans to supply the disinfection gateway to public institutions, hospitals all across the nation to effectively combat COVID-19 pandemic," HLL Lifecare Ltd Director (Technical and Operations) EA Subramanian told ANI.

Other newly developed medical products from SCTIMST stable includes AcryloSorb suction canisters, spit bags, isolation pod and bubble helmet.

While, the Chitra bubble helmet is an alternative to the traditional oxygen masks. The bubble helmet with a special collar helps the patient with breathing issues and avoid using ventilator.

The isolation pod can be used to shift the COVIDd-19 patient from one place to another. It comprises of a sterilised tent cover, which can be equipped with a light bed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
'This is just one holiday, its one time, its one year when I would ask people to do something that I know is unusual and uncommon for them: its to please stay at home.'
A coalition of Bexar Countys top elected officials moved swiftly Friday to get Gov. Greg Abbott to release millions in state aid that could help ease the unprecedented pressure from hungry area residents threatening to overwhelm the San Antonio Food Bank.

Its a strong bipartisan effort, said Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, one of several state lawmakers who met with Food Bank CEO Eric Cooper via teleconference first thing Friday morning. That always helps.

Facing demands more than twice the normal size  feeding 120,000 per week instead of 58,000  Cooper has said he fears the Food Bank could run through its inventory in less than a month.

That pressure came under a national spotlight Friday after Express-News photographs and video went viral, showing thousands of vehicles waiting in line for hours in a record-setting distribution at Traders Village on Thursday.

The images underscored the heart-wrenching economic desperation caused by the coronavirus-triggered recession and the daunting challenge facing the Food Bank.

Reacting to the photos, Rep. Ina Minjarez, D-San Antonio, and Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, D-San Antonio, quickly gathered Bexar Countys state legislative delegation for a video conference with Cooper. The delegation includes Zaffirini, one of the highest-ranking legislators in the Texas Senate, and Sen. Jose Menendez, D-San Antonio, who went personally to the Food Bank office.

I woke up this morning to speak to our senators and congressmen and City Council. Every elected official is on it, Cooper said. And they are like, We saw the picture. We understand now. What can we be doing to help?The level of urgency and the need was captured (in those photographs).

Its been non-stop.

The delegation drafted a formal letter to Abbott supporting the Food Banks request and will personally follow up. It wasnt known Friday, however, when a decision might be made.

Its not just elected officials rushing to help.

The Food Bank has also seen an uptick in monetary donations made through its website, collecting more than 2,000 commitments since Friday morning. It also benefited this week from large-scale food donations made by Labatt Foods, Ben E. Keith Foods, Nature Sweet and Sysco Foods.

We started the month with about $17 million in inventory and I would guess we are down to $10 million now, Cooper said. We didnt stay flat, but we didnt lose as much as we had been losing because of this big swell of donations.

Labatt, Ben E. Keith, Nature Sweet and Sysco each provided between five and 12 truckloads to help with the Food Banks distributions Tuesday at Toyota Field on the Northeast Side, where 1,500 households received food, and at Traders Village on Thursday.

This was a good week in support, Cooper said. Its where philanthropy came to the rescue and food companies donated to extend our inventory another week.

Said Labatt director of sales Matt Silva, It cant be said enough how much need there is right now and how it keeps growing.

In all, the Food Bank has held four drive-thru distributions between March 31 and Thursday that provided food to 15,500 households. Another one is scheduled April 17 at the Alamodome, Cooper said.

(Donations by individuals and the food companies) got us through this week, but, again, if there is not some miracle in the supply chain, we are going to keep eating away at the existing balance, Cooper said. We are still about three weeks out from being empty.

Thats where the $12 million the Food Bank is seeking from the state comes in. The agency filed a State of Texas Assistance Request (STAR) with the Department of Emergency Management asking for 171 truckloads of food. The aid is provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and is allocated by the state; Abbott has the final say on who gets the assistance.

That was the topic of the meeting with the (Bexar County legislators), Cooper said. They were all like, What can we do to help you get through the red tape, so we can get you the food that you need? That gave us hope.

Cooper said he hopes to receive an update from the state about the STAR request Monday.

Ive said this before, I dont think philanthropy has the capacity at this moment to meet this challenge, so it really is going to be the private-public partnership, he said.

In crisis mode since the start of the pandemic, Cooper and his staff experienced a long, challenging day Thursday.

The Food Bank expected to service about 6,000 households after that number pre-registered for the event, but thousands more showed up, forcing the distribution to last nearly four hours after it was scheduled to end at 2 p.m. With so many volunteers leaving at 2, Cooper and Traders Village staffers had to scramble to find reinforcements.

We were calling anybody we could get, Traders Villages Brian Billeck said.

Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff were asked at their daily coronavirus briefing if there was anything the city and county could do to help the Food Bank manage the thousands showing up at the distributions.

We need to have a system that does it in the stores (with a voucher) rather than have somebody drive a car and sit for 2, 3, 4 hours waiting to get in, Wolff said.

Wolff also questioned whether everyone showing up for the giveways is truly in need of food.

The problem we have when that many people show up (is) who are the ones that are totally, totally in desperate need of the food? he said. And its hard to separate those, so its a very, very difficult way to handle it.

Cooper said the need is very real.

People are desperate, he said. They have lost their jobs and they need to feed their families They need this support.

Nirenberg said the city and county would continue to look for ways to help.

You do get a true scale of this crisis by looking at those photos, Nirenberg said. And we are not unique. Every city in he country is struggling with food supply issues. But I can tell you that this is one of the critical issues we are focusing on, and we will make sure our families here in San Antonio wont go hungry.

Tom Orsborn covers sports news in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. To read more from Tom, become a subscriber. torsborn@express-news.net | Twitter: @tom_orsborn
ROBBIANO, Italy  Giuseppe Corbari got tired of hearing his voice bounce off the walls of the empty church of Santi Quirico e Giulitta a Robbiano di Giussano.

So he asked his congregation to send in pictures of themselves, which he stuck onto the empty pews. Come Sunday, the church will have a congregation  of sorts  and he will celebrate Easter not quite alone.

Its not like having people face-to-face here attending the mass, Corbari, 50, said. But as soon as I see a face in the photo, I think about what that person must be going through in the lockdown.

Image: BESTPIX - ITALY-HEALTH-VIRUS (AFP Contributor#AFP / AFP - Getty Images)

Corbaris workaround came about after Italys government in February imposed strict restrictions on movement in a desperate bid to halt the deadly coronavirus outbreak. Now, with thousands of churches around the world sitting empty, the Catholic Church is trying to find ways to bring people together but also to keep them apart on this the holiest day of the year for Catholics.

In Italy, the country hardest hit by the pandemic with close to 20,000 deaths, families are usually reunited on Easter Sunday, as well as on the following Monday  La Pasquetta  which is spent in groups often in the countryside or in parks.

With these sorts of gatherings being illegal this year and to help the faithful cooped up at home, the Vatican has already started livestreaming hours of Pope Francis Mass, mostly served in solitude, on its social media channels.

Via Crucis in One Minute: PopeFrancis presides over an unusual Way of the Cross on Good Friday in a deserted St. Peter's Square.https://t.co/Wqqk1YXUzF pic.twitter.com/tF5fOpgmD8  Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 11, 2020

The pope, the leader of the worlds 1.3 billion Catholics, has said he has been intensely praying for the victims and those fighting the virus on the front lines, urging love and tolerance in difficult times.

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The pope is making an effort to make himself present by showing that he is praying with us, said the Rev. Robert Gahl, an American priest and an associate professor of ethics at the Vatican-affiliated Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome.

As Italys death toll continued to grow, the pope held a rare, solitary prayer service in St. Peters Square last month.

He walked alone in the rain to a white canopy on the steps of St. Peters Basilica and spoke sitting alone before the square, which is normally filled with tens of thousands of people but now empty because of the pandemic.

We were caught off guard by an unexpected, turbulent storm, he told the faithful watching his address online or on television. We have realized that we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented, but at the same time important and needed, all of us called to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other.

Image: Pope Francis delivers prayers in an empty St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on March 27, 2020. (Alessandra Tarantino / AP file)

But this comforting is being done from a distance.

On Palm Sunday, which opens the Holy Week, the pope celebrated a Mass in the nearly empty St. Peters Basilica, with no usual crowds waving palm fronds in St. Peters Square.

On Thursday, the pope would have been joined by around 10,000 from around the world for the Mass of the Lord's Supper at the basilica. Instead, he presided over a scaled-down ceremony in an empty St. Peters Basilica, and praised doctors, nurses and priests who risk their lives helping coronavirus victims, calling them the saints next door.

Download the NBC News app for full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak

So the crisis has upended daily life here, as it has in so many other places, but some see glimmers of hope in the midst of the crisis, according to Gahl.

Despite the suffering and hardship of this pandemic, we can still find opportunity for joy and for grace, he said. God is certainly seeking us out within our hearts.
Hyderabad, April 11 : With the coronavirus crisis pervading all aspects of life, the University of Hyderabad (UoH) is working with health psychologists to provide emotional support for people affected by the virus.

Faculty members at the Centre for Health Psychology, UoH, are involved in preparing material and training modules for the services to be offered through tele-counselling.

The tele-counselling support initiative is a collaborative effort of The Association of Health Psychologists (AHP) and five other organizations, working under the banner of SERV (Support for Emotional Rehabilitation of the Virus Victims) which extends telecounseling services to the needy across the country.

The UoH faculty from the Centre for Health Psychology are also among the founding members of the AHP.

The AHP is working on the project along with Action Aid, Dr. Reddy Foundation-School Improvement Programme, APTS Social Service Forum. Its aim is to provide emotional support for rehabilitation of coronavirus victims through tele-counselling.

Counsellors with the highest academic (psychology) background and years of experience in counselling have volunteered to provide 24X7 hours support for the coronavirus victims.

People in need of counselling services can approach the helpline number 9985010680.

The material and training modules have been developed by the AHP as a team along with a few faculty members from the Centre for Health Psychology, University of Hyderabad (UoH) who are also the founding members of AHP.

The Association of Health Psychologists was formed in the year 2015 with the involvement of senior Psychologists in India where the membership was open to people working in the area of Health Psychology and other allied disciplines.

The objectives of the Association included promotion of research and training in Health Psychology with a special focus on indigenous approach.
He was black and she was red and genetically very distantly related, but that did not stop them from becoming more than friends. Even though researchers had been observing them for years, it was after a lot of time that they found out that the black hawk and red hawk had mated and produced a hybrid offspring.

This took place near the Laguna de Santa Rosa Wetlands Complex in Sonoma County, California, where bird researchers had been following interactions of a visiting common black hawk and the local population of red-shouldered hawks.

Stan Moore

The researchers were stunned to find out that the socialising had manifested into mating and the result of a hybrid chick.

That doesnt happen often in hardly anything, especially not in predators, Gizmodo quoted researcher Jennifer Coulson, of Tulan University, as saying.

Black and red hawk, each comes from a different genus, the biological category one step above species. Even though it is not unheard of that members of different species mate to produce a hybrid offspring, it generally occurs between species with a close genetic relationship, like coyotes and wolves or polar bears and grizzly bears.

Stan Moore

The two hawk species are three to four times more genetically distant than common hybridisation pairs which makes their mating very rare. It is like a house cat mated with a Jaguar or a gorilla mated with a human.

In some cases, the exchanged genes might result in an adaptive advantage for one of the species. So, hybridization can be an important factor in evolution,Jente Ottenburghs of Wageningen University told Gizomodo.

Stan Moore

The researchers have not been able to collect blood samples of the the new hybrid hawk to learn more about its new genetic makeup but it seems to have the same dark feathering and large torso of the common black hawk alongside the especially rounded head and shallow hooked beak of the red-shouldered hawk.

Well, whats a love affair if it doesnt lead to something new.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 09:39:28|Editor: huaxia

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Chinese medical and technical experts share their experience with their Venezuelan counterparts in Caracas, Venezuela, April 1, 2020. (Miraflores/Handout via Xinhua)

China understands Venezuela's current situation, and has sent to the Latin American country several batches of material aid as well as a team of high-level medical experts, Chinese President Xi Jinping said, adding that his country is ready to offer more help.

BEIJING, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Friday that China stands ready to boost cooperation with Venezuela in COVID-19 prevention and control and continue to help the Latin American country combat the coronavirus disease.

Xi made the remarks in a phone conversation with his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas Maduro.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, Xi extended sincere sympathies and firm support to the Venezuelan government and people.

Since the onset of the coronavirus outbreak, Xi said, China has always been sharing information on the epidemic with the World Health Organization and the international community in a timely fashion and with an open, transparent and responsible attitude, and has carried out extensive international cooperation.

Chinese medical experts pose at the Simon Bolivar International Airport, in La Guaira, Venezuela, on March 30, 2020. (Xinhua/Marcos Salgado)

Upholding the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, China has also been providing as much support and assistance as its capacity allows for other countries in need, Xi added.

The Chinese president said he follows closely the development of the COVID-19 outbreak in Venezuela, and has noted that the Venezuelan government has rolled out swift and decisive measures, which fully demonstrates its high sense of responsibility for the safety and health of the Venezuelan people.

China understands Venezuela's current situation, and has sent to the Latin American country several batches of material aid as well as a team of high-level medical experts, Xi said, adding that his country is ready to offer more help.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro(L) greets the Chinese medical experts in Caracas, Venezuela, April 8, 2020. (Venezuela's Presidency/Handout via Xinhua)

Xi pointed out that China and Venezuela are comprehensive strategic partners, and their people share a profound friendship.

China, he added, supports the Venezuelan government and people in safeguarding national sovereignty, maintaining social stability and improving people's well-being, and supports the Venezuelan people in exploring a development path suited to their national conditions.

Xi said China stands ready to continue to play a constructive role in seeking a political settlement of the Venezuelan issue. 
Someone sent me a picture the other day of a crocus trying to pop its way out of the ground through a little snowbank, and I look outside and hear more birds chirping everyday. I think at this time in North Dakota, springtime is always one of optimism. I mean, our agricultural roots in this state get people to start thinking about getting back in the field and getting (crops) into the ground and the whole cycle of life that is happening. And I would encourage everybody -- if you unplug for an hour, take a look at the beautiful state of North Dakota, take a look at the amazing place that we live, and I think what you can add to that, is something that I have, which is wonder, just true wonder and awe about what a beautiful place this is.

-- Gov. Doug Burgum

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People here are trying to take this seriously. We have a very old population, and they are very nervous.

-- Mike Dowling, owner of a grocery story on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, discussing the coronavirus pandemic.

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"I kill for the day that I can open those doors back up."

-- Mike Klostreich, owner of a Mandan barber shop that, like other personal care service businesses, was shut down by Gov. Doug Burgum to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

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"It was very well hidden. We were pretty darned excited. This is awesome -- I never win anything. I'm always a day late and a dollar short."

-- Jeanette Keller of Bismarck, who with the help of family found the golden egg in this year's Bismarck Tribune Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by Bismarck Heating and Air. The family won $1,000 after following the clues and finding the egg in an old railroad tie at the Fort Lincoln Trolley ticket building in Mandan.

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Our fervent hope is that no North Dakotan ever has to step into one of those sites, and we dont have to staff them.

-- Gov. Doug Burgum, on COVID-19 field hospitals, one of which has been set up in the University of Mary Fieldhouse.

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There was no evidence from the autopsy of excessive use of force.

-- Mandan Deputy Police Chief Lori Flaten, detailing autopsy results showing John Ernie Prudente Jr., 36, died Feb. 8 of "excited delirium as a result of methamphetamine use and underlying diagnoses, following a traffic stop. Two officers involved were cleared of any wrongdoing.

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There were cars winding around city blocks waiting to take their turns.

-- Rick Lemke, on the popularity of state-conducted COVID-19 drive-thru surveillance testing in the small town of Gladstone. Lemke and his wife, Ashley, waited about 2  hours for their tests.

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The business that were in requires mouths. We feed people, and so we have to begin to look more outward especially in places that have higher densities.

-- Cloverdale Foods President and CEO Scott Russell, talking about the Mandan company's planned $20 million building expansion and its plan to expand its market to areas such as California and Texas.

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In view of the coronavirus pandemic, India has cleared the first list of 13 countries to receive Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) supply. According to reports, the list includes the United States, Spain, Germany, Bahrain, Brazil, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Seychelles, and the Dominican Republic. India will be sending a total of 14 million tablets and 13.5 MT of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) to these countries, reports add.

India is expected is sanction 50 lakh HCQ tablets in the second consignment to Brazil, Germany, and Canada, as per reports. In the first consignment, Brazil will receive 0.53 MT of API, while Germany will receive 1.5 MT API, Bangladesh will get 20 lakh tablets of HCQ, Nepal will get 10 lakh, Bhutan 2 lakh, Sri Lanka 10 lakh, Afghanistan 5 lakh, and Maldives 2 lakh. Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug that is deemed to be useful in treatment of COVID-19.

Read: MHA amends lockdown guidelines once again; fishing industry and its workers can function

India sanctions 35.82 lakh tablets for US

As per reports, India has already sanctioned 35.82 lakh HCQ tablets and nine MT of API for the United States while the Trump administration has asked for 48 lakh tablets of HCQ. United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday, April 8, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over India's decision of supplying hydroxychloroquine to the US.

Earlier on April 5, after requesting India to release hydroxychloroquine supplies ordered by the US, Trump had threatened India with possible retaliation if the drug supply was interrupted. In his press briefing on Tuesday, the US President had said that he has spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the supply of hydroxychloroquine, adding that if India doesn't allow export, it may face retaliation.

Read: Centre scales up COVID-19 testing capacity with over 16,000 collection centres

Read: Trump teases WHO announcement after threatening about fund cuts

India banned export

On March 25, India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade had banned the export of hydroxychloroquine amid the growing coronavirus cases in the country. However, the authorities had informed that certain shipments on humanitarian grounds may be allowed on a case-by-case basis.

Along with that, the export was allowed in case an irrevocable letter of credit has already been issued or the full advance payment was received by the exporter in India against specific shipment.

Read: Rajasthan bans spitting of paan, chewed tobacco in public places to curb COVID-19 spread

(With ANI Inputs)
Bill Gates Open source

FINANCIAL TIMES: So I want to start by going back in time to five years ago. As many people know, you warned that the greatest risk of global catastrophe wasn't a war, but a highly infectious virus. Why didn't anybody listen? And if some people did, what was done to prepare for the pandemic that exists now?

BILL GATES: Well, not enough was done. A system wasn't built. We didn't really do the number of simulations to try and figure out, OK, how are we going to connect up the diagnostics? How are we going to get the vaccine going? There were some investments. For example, our foundation, Wellcome Trust and a number of governments created Cepi (the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation), which is about making vaccine platforms that are ready when we get surprised to manufacture a new vaccine faster than has been done in the past.

So some work was done but, in retrospect, the saddest thing is to be able to say yes, that was right. But the whole point of the speech was to drive the research and the planning and the simulation which would have allowed us to stop this at a very early stage.

FT: And in terms of the global response now, many countries, including the UK and the US, have been criticised for not doing enough testing and not doing it fast enough. What is your assessment of the global response so far and, specifically, of President Trump's response to this crisis in the US?

BG: Well, I'm sure there'll be plenty of time, once we're on top of this, to look at before the epidemic hit, what more could have been done, when the epidemic hit. I don't think any country has a perfect record. Taiwan comes close.

They really were talking about it, and it's unfortunate they weren't part of the WHO (World Health Organization) to really get those warnings paid attention to. Most countries didn't see it as [becoming] as big a problem as it's ended up being. And of course, when you have exponential growth, that means if you miss, you know, three doubling times, it's eight times as big and much, much harder to get under control.

So a few countries, particularly those that have the experience of dealing with Mers or Sars, they were the fastest to respond. South Korea is an example of that. China, which had a lot of cases, now is in a very different state where they are able to get most people going back to school and back to work. And so there's lessons about, what did they do to drop the numbers? And what are they doing to avoid a rebound? Because until we get a vaccine that we've given to a high percentage of the global population, we will be at risk of rebound.

FT: And what would you say is the single most important thing that needs to happen now? The World Health Organization has said test, test, test. Is testing the key here? Or what about, for example, the role of technology? We've seen some Asian countries use technology to spread information so quickly, which has helped them fight the virus. What do you think is the single most important thing that has to happen right now?

BG: Well, testing is what guides you to see, do you need to do more social isolation, or have you gotten to a point where you can start to open up a bit? It can't just be numbers of tests though. You have to have the results coming back in less than 24 hours, and you have to prioritise who gets tested. The demand for tests exceeds supply in every country. And some countries really stepped in, like South Korea, and made sure the right people were being tested. They have a unified system that could look at the individual cases and weigh the criteria.

The US does not have that. We have so many different companies, labs. And most of tests go in without any criterion. And so now we have these backlogs that really devalue what can be done with those tests. So the fact that the numbers have gone up doesn't mean that we're doing this well at all.

That is still ahead of us to get organised on prioritising properly. So your contacts, if you test positive here, before they become infectious, that they need to isolate. The PCR test is sensitive enough to catch it even before you'll have symptoms. And that's the ideal case  where you don't go on to infect anyone else, which is the key to bringing those numbers down.

So today, the appropriate testing and isolation are the primary tactics. In the mid-term, getting some drugs that will reduce the hospitalisation and death rate, that will be very important. And the ultimate solution is a highly effective, safe vaccine. But getting billions of doses is hard. And our foundation works in all of those areas.

We're providing funding even now in parallel to scale up the manufacturing of the most promising vaccines  way more than we will end up picking. Because even though that's a few billion dollars of manufacturing capacity, the fact that it will be ready because we do it in parallel, that anything that cuts a month off of the time until we vaccinate is worth literally hundreds of billions, if not trillions.

FT: And let's talk more about that big picture then for the developing world. We're at this point, it seems like quite a scary point, where, as you say, the virus is just starting to spread in developing countries. We know it's already spread throughout Africa, but hasn't quite taken off yet. How big of an impact do you think it will have in terms of deaths and the number of infections? And how worried are you about the ability of developing countries to fight this?

BG: We could get lucky, and there could be something about [the] weather that means that some countries have lower force of infection  we don't know that. Our assumption has to be, because we are seeing in some southern hemisphere places like Australia, quite a bit of infection, that it's not dramatically seasonal and that it's just gotten started slower in Africa. I hope something shows up that changes that.



It's very easy to say this disease has about a 1 per cent case fatality rate. And when you overload your hospitals you can get up to 2-3 per cent rate. Now, then again, Africa has a younger population, so that brings your numbers down. But the comorbidities in terms of smoke inhalation, both indoor and outdoor, TB, HIV, malnutrition, those are much higher there. And so you'd have quite a bit of uncertainty. But it's not impossible that you'd see [a] 2 per cent overall death rate, which is a horrific situation, potentially, even worse, as you have panic and other healthcare is very disrupted.

Read the original text at The Financial Times.
Protesters rally Friday outside of City Hall for the release of inmates amid a coronavirus outbreak in the Philadelphia jails. A new expedited court review process this week has led paved the way for hundreds of jail inmates to be released, but advocates say it's still not moving fast enough. Read more

A 26-year-old woman from University City who couldnt come up with the $500 she needed for bail on an aggravated-assault charge.

A 58-year-old Holmesburg man who had already spent more than five months behind bars for a first-time DUI offense.

And a 43-year-old woman with a string of prostitution convictions weeks away from serving her minimum jail term.

All began last week as inmates in a jail system under siege from a coronavirus outbreak growing at a rate five times the rest of Philadelphia. But by weeks end, each had been cleared for release along with roughly 235 others through a new effort to curb transmission of the virus by thinning the citys jail population.

Over three days, four judges presided over a series of unusual hearings, reviewing scores of potentially releasable inmates from lists compiled by the District Attorneys Office and the Defender Association. Candidates included nonviolent offenders who had already completed their minimum sentences and those being held on cash bail or low-level charges like drug possession, prostitution, and theft.

Judges considered each case one-by-one  most only for a matter of minutes  weighing the circumstances of the defendants alleged crimes, whether victims had expressed safety concerns, and if the prisoners had stable homes to return to.

 READ MORE: Thousands of state prison inmates in Pa. and N.J. are now eligible for temporary release as governors act to avert coronavirus spread

None of the inmates was present for the proceedings that played out in largely empty courtrooms with prosecutors and defense lawyers calling in from their offices or homes. And in most cases, the prisoners  chosen by attorneys reviewing court records and data sent from the citys jails  did not even know they were under consideration for release.

Its not like a textbook, Common Pleas Court Judge Leon Tucker said in an interview, describing the calculus involved in weighing an inmates risk of infection in jail against factors like public safety. Its a conglomerative of things that are mixed into a pot that you have to look at and weigh.

The goal, said District Attorney Larry Krasner, was to expedite what he had criticized as a sluggish process that was failing to move with the urgency required by the crisis.

For weeks public health advocates have warned that county jails  which unlike state prisons house mainly pretrial defendants and are subject to high rates of population churn  threaten to become breeding grounds for disease. Their cramped quarters, lack of proper hygiene, and inability to implement social distancing recommendations could not only put hundreds of inmates at risk but also spread the virus to surrounding communities.

Cities such as Seattle and Los Angeles have managed to dramatically reduce their jail populations over the last month, while jails in Bucks and Delaware Counties have seen their numbers fall by more than 20%.

But in Philadelphia, where the first jail coronavirus cases were detected last month, bickering and finger-pointing among prosecutors, defense lawyers, and judges had resulted in a piecemeal review process that before this week had secured the release of only about 15 inmates a day.

 READ MORE: As the coronavirus gains strength in Phillys jails, panic and fingerpointing mark efforts to avert crisis by thinning inmate population

Between March 16, when Mayor Jim Kenney ordered all nonessential businesses in the city to shut down, and the end of that month, the citys typical inmate population of about 4,600 had declined by only 3%. By Friday, the jail population stood at about 4,100, a roughly 11% reduction over the last month.

Im really happy with the progress were making now, said the citys chief public defender, Keir Bradford-Grey. Were trying to be diligent in getting the most people out that can be out now. I think this is the most effective way.

Still, the three days of hearings this week demonstrated that even with a highly infectious and deadly virus looming, the question of who would be better off outside of jail was not always an easy one for judges to answer.

 READ MORE: Movita Johnson-Harrell is one of the lucky ones. Releasing more nonviolent inmates is the humane thing to do | Jenice Armstrong

Some defendants who were let go lacked stable housing or were suffering from addiction, like a 38-year-old Wissinoming woman with a history of drug and prostitution arrests considered Wednesday by Municipal Court President Judge Patrick Dugan.

I do understand whats going on in our prisons and the rest of society right now, but I worry about these people who have a lot of problems and are being released without a lot of support, the judge said. Whats worse? Keeping them in jail or releasing them back into a life that got them into jail in the first place.

Other cases submitted to the courts seemed to fall outside the parameters that prosecutors, defense lawyers, and the courts had agreed upon  prompting some judges to question whether they had already dealt with the majority of easily decidable cases in just a matter of days. One defendant Dugan denied release had been accused of chasing an 11-year-old girl with a pair of scissors and forcing her to touch him inappropriately, he said.

Meanwhile, other judges appeared skeptical about some aspects of the process entirely.

They make it seem like the prisons are a petri pot, but according to the CDC, the whole world is a petri pot, said Tucker, the supervising judge of the Common Pleas Courts criminal division. Its not as if theyre lying [in jail] with no one caring. They do have medical staff there.  I think some of the individuals are using this [pandemic] as a way to get out of jail.

 READ MORE: Its terrifying: Corrections officers say jails arent doing enough to protect them

Both Dugan and Tucker said balancing public safety was among the chief concerns of the citys judges in weighing whom to let go.

But as he presided over a docket of 26 defendants Wednesday, Dugan erred on the side of release  paroling person after person, lifting probation detainers, and wiping out cash bail requirements for 18 of the prisoners hed been asked to consider.

Some like a 26-year-old woman held at Riverside Correctional Facility since January on an aggravated- assault charge  her first arrest as an adult  had not been able to come up with bail money.

This appears to be more of an economic hold, Dugan said. Now shes going to be able to sign her own bond.

 READ MORE: What its like to be locked in prison during the coronavirus pandemic

Others, like a 31-year-old North Philadelphia man incarcerated on a probation violation from a 2016 DUI offense, had their probation terminated.

Not all cases that the prosecutors and public defenders agreed upon received a rubber stamp from the judge, including a 21-year-old held since last month on theft charges and for failing to appear at an earlier court hearing. The mans lack of a fixed address, past history of violence, and a previous court order mandating continued monitoring for sexual offenses prompted Dugan to keep him locked up.

 ASK US: Do you have a question about the coronavirus and how it affects your health, work and life? Ask our reporters.

And the process was not without its wrinkles. When a prosecutor arrived with a list of cases involving additional defendants whose charges the district attorney had decided to drop, the judge refused to immediately release most of them without more information about their probation history and criminal backgrounds.

Im not going to go down this list blindly, said Dugan.

Still, Krasner said he was heartened by the weeks significant progress and optimistic that even more cases would be heard next week. Additional judges have signed on, more hearing days have been added, and the courts have agreed to expand the parameters for inmate eligibility to include anyone without a first-degree felony charge or a record of violence, sex crimes, gun offenses, or multiple open drug cases.

The question is whether that progress has come in time. Sixty-four inmates had tested positive for the virus by the end of the week, city officials said at a Friday news briefing at City Hall while scores of advocates blocked traffic and shouted from car windows calling on Mayor Kenney to do more to intervene.

The demonstrators played a recording of a phone conversation with one inmate at Riverside whom they did not identify.

I dont want to die in here, the mother of five and grandmother of four pleaded through tears. I know what crimes I committed. But my crime doesnt carry a sentence of a death penalty.
Communist China reportedly had to lock down another city yesterday and build a makeshift hospital to deal with another coronavirus outbreak in its country after failing to contain the original outbreak, which originated in Wuhan last year.CNN reported, citing the Chinese state-run media.coronavirus cases.CNN added.The news comes after China has tried to claim that it has managed to gain control of the coronavirus outbreak, which originated in its country and became a global pandemic after China lied about it and tried to cover it up. Many analysts and political figures believe the number of confirmed cases and deaths that China has chosen to report to the world are much lower than the real numbers.China had to institute another mass quarantine in a different part of the country last week after another outbreak popped up to the west of Shanghai.Politico reported Asia analyst Gordon Chang said during a recent interview that there was another indicator that China was dealing with another major outbreak in the big cities.Chang said Forbes had reported at the end of March that the Chinese government shutdown tourist attractions in Shanghai to prevent the spread of the coronavirus after they had been reopened earlier in the month.U.S. intelligence officials have confirmed to President Donald Trump that China lied about the extent of the outbreak in their country and scientific advisers have informed British Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the same thing.
April 11 : While we await eagerly that the lockdown comes to an end, Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty has put across another line of thought that we could all think about. Just as she and her family are living a safe life of social distancing, she also shared a heart- touching video of how her mother spends time with her son Viaan. The video looked simple, heartwarming and reflected on how much our grandparents played and fondled with us during our childhood.

In the video, we can see how Shilpas mother spends time patiently with little Viaan and crafts out a beautiful drawing on his hand. She can be seen using sketch pens of various colors, along with taking inputs from her smartphone. Shilpas boy Viaan also looks cute as he awaits for the final drawing.

Though Shilpa Shettys post is quite lengthy, it is worth reading. She recalls all the pain, and sacrifice that parents had taken to look after their children. The Nikamma actress also confessed that we all live in an era where we struggle to find an identity for ourselves. In such a fast-paced life, people often forget their past and live to accomplish their dreams. The actress suggests that during this lockdown, we all should take time to remember our past, our childhood, and give gratitude to the ones who had sacrificed their lives to make us shine bright in life.

Last she thanked God and her mom for spending such valuable time with her son. The beautiful yoga freak and her husband had recently welcomed their second child via surrogacy. This had happened just before lockdown and they named her Samisha. Recently, she had also announced that the girl had turned 40 days old.

Watch Vidya Balan open out on women empowerment
The death toll due to COVID-19 in Dharavi has gone up to 4 after an 80-year-old man infected with the virus died at Kasturba Hospital, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said on Saturday.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, a total of 1,574 cases have been reported in Maharashtra including 188 cured/discharged/migrated and 110 deaths.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Her teenaged sons entreat her not to go to work, but 40-year-old Ranjita Vimal, an Accredited Social Health Activist (Asha) worker, turns down their emotional pleas every day.

Vimal is part of the Delhi governments surveillance team for Covid-19 in the Central Delhi district. My boys are scared because they love me. But I cant say no to my work; it needs me right now, Vimal said. I wear my pink coat and step out every day to do my duty.

For the last few days, she has been conducting door-to-door surveys in the densely populated Sadar Bazaar and Nabi Karim areas  two of the 30 containment zones declared so far.

The survey teams have been asked to collect information on people in the area, their contact details, and check if anyone is showing flu-like symptoms. Its not easy to extract these basic details. In some places, we face resistance. We have to spend a lot of time to convince them to share these details, she said.

For instance, in Chamelian road in Sadar Bazaar, a family refused to share information. They wanted us to provide ration, as they had nothing to cook at home. To win their trust, I told them about the Delhi governments policy to give ration to needy people. I also told them about the nearby school where they can go for meals. It is only then that they shared the details, she said.

At another area, Vimal said she and her co-workers were threatened. It was scary as 40-50 people told us not to come in a colony. Thankfully, a few people came to our rescue. Many think we are surveying for the National Population Register (NPR). We have to show our ID cards to show we are the Covid-19 survey team, she said.

Every evening, she gets a message from the areas District Surveillance Office about the area she and her co-workers have to cover the next day. They screen around 150-200 houses daily. The workload has increased, and so has the risk. All we can do is take precautions, she said.

The risk increases in containment zones, as chances of large number of people being infected by the contagious disease are higher. Every evening, her family keeps a bucket of hot water, and sometimes food, ready before she reaches home. I go straight to the bathroom. I wash my clothes, she said. The work is tiring, but it is very important.
In the largest single-day spike, 896 fresh Covid-19 cases were reported across India on Friday, taking the total number over 6,700. Though the numbers are, indeed, alarming, the fact remains that India is testing far fewer number of people compared to other nations. There is a lurking danger that many more people could have slipped through the cracks and are spreading the infection quietly.

According to data crunched by aggregator Worldometer, India tests just 0.04% of its population. By comparison, Spain and Italy test a massive 18.3% and 15.8% of their respective populations. Germany and the UK have tested around 8%. Though India has far fewer cases compared to these countries, extending the current lockdown without increasing testing would be meaningless, opine experts. Add to this the lack of cooperation from several patients, with some fearing the stigma of being associated with the disease.

The only way to make the lockdown work is to increase testing aggressively. In a bid to realise that effort, the Supreme Court a few days ago ordered to make testing free, even in private centres. Private labs currently charge Rs 4,500 per test. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, who heads one of Indias largest pharmaceutical companies, says the courts decision will have a negative impact on testing. Humanitarian in intent but impractical to implementI fear testing will plummet, she tweeted. She and many others in the sector have appealed to the government to support private companies by reimbursing the testing cost. Considering that testing remains the fundamental problem in the battle against Covid-19, corporate India must come forward to boost measures in this regard.

In this time of suffering, the best CSR effort would be for every company to sponsor testing for their employees who cannot afford it; for actors, eminent personalities, and philanthropists to support testing of those in the unorganised sectors; and for governments to actively mobilise private initiative in this regard.
The entrepreneurship that matters, Scott Shane, a professor at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, stated in Is Entrepreneurship Dead?, is not the broad swath of employer or non-employer businesses but the high-potential start-ups that are backed by sophisticated investors. Creating more venture capital and angel-backed companies, and fewer mom-and-pop retail shops, is ultimately positive, as a few extra Facebooks and Googles are probably worth a lot of clothing shops on Main Street because they produce a lot more jobs and economic output.

The thing that we tend to forget when we study entrepreneurs only as engines of job creation, profits or other quantifiable markers of economic growth is that every entrepreneur is a person, with hopes, dreams and feelings. Their businesses are intricately tied into the fabric of their communities in a way that numbers simply cant capture.

In New Orleans, women in the Gentilly neighborhood now face losing a place like Friends, a hair salon that cuts and styles the hair of middle-age, professional African-American women, including the citys mayor, LaToya Cantrell. Its owner, a soft-spoken woman named Tanya Blunt-Haynes, described Friends not as an investment or a source of income, but as a community center. Her customers will linger for hours, long past when their treatments are finished, catching up on neighborhood news with the staff or other customers, ordering in crawfish platters, or just sitting in a chair, quietly reading a book. Ms. Haynes plays soft jazz, gospel and R&B to create a relaxing mood. If someone doesnt have the money to pay her that day, or a relative needs help with makeup for a wedding or funeral, Ms. Haynes will do the work for free, no questions asked.

Several years back, when her son Jared was murdered, Ms. Haynes returned to Friends, and was held by every single person who walked in the doors as she cried in their arms. Thats an amazing thing: the love of women, she told me two years ago, tearing up at the memory. Its not your grandmother, but it feels like Grandma. Its not your aunt, but it feels like your aunt. Its not your sister, but it feels like your sister.

You see this same sense of community emerging in the entrepreneurs response to the pandemic. Fashion designers are sewing desperately needed face masks, craft distilleries are churning out hand sanitizer, restaurants are now donating meals to the homeless and isolated senior citizens. Entrepreneurs see where they can help their communities, and they step up.

Take my friend Andrew Badali, who usually teaches preschoolers music and is now offering his singalong classes on Instagram every weekday morning, for free, so that kids can get a dose of joy, and their parents can gain a precious hour of freedom. My friends Mike and Jaime, who own a bike shop in Toronto, are giving free tuneups to doctors, nurses and emergency medical workers so they can safely get to work. In Los Angeles, my friend Alex Grossman is directing, filming and editing commercials in his house (starring his family) for any small business that needs a boost.

In some cases, the most heroic thing an entrepreneur can do is to carry on. At New Yorks Rockaway Beach Bakery, owner Tracy Obolsky still shows up each morning, mixing and stretching dough, baking her famous ham, cheese and everything bagel spice croissants (now takeout only), because her people need something to eat and, more important, someone to talk with from a safe distance. I feel like peoples therapist, she told me recently. We are one of the only normal moments left in peoples lives. Even if it is just an egg sandwich.
Actor Varun Dhawan has said that one of his relatives in the US has tested positive for the coronavirus. He made this revelation during a live interaction with his fans and followers on Instagram.

Its very close to home right now. Until it happens to someone you know, you dont take it seriously and understand the gravity of it, he said, urging everyone to stay inside their homes and practice social distancing to control the spread of the deadly virus.

Joining him in the Instagram live session was his childhood friend and actor Zoa Morani, who has tested positive for the coronavirus. Her father and producer Karim Morani and sister Shaza have also been diagnosed with Covid-19 and are currently undergoing treatment.

Zoa said that it all started with a very mild fever around March 20. The first two days, it was just fever and weakness, but on the third day, she got a cough. This was followed by breathlessness and eventually, a headache.

Earlier this week, Zoa tested positive for the coronavirus and is currently admitted to the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. She said that her symptoms were pretty mild and manageable, and that she has been feeling better since her treatment started.

Also read | Zoa Morani outlines daily routine as Covid-19 patient: I was meant to go through this

Meanwhile, Varun has been contributing to coronavirus relief funds, including Rs 30 lakh to the Prime Ministers Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM-Cares) fund and Rs 25 lakh to the Maharashtra chief ministers relief fund.

Recently, Varun also announced that he would be sponsoring meals for the needy and homeless as well as healthcare professionals who are working tirelessly through the coronavirus pandemic.

With each passing day of being locked down at home, my heart goes out to all those who have no home in this time of crisis. And so this week, Ive committed to provide meals for the poor who are without homes or jobs. I also have deep admiration for all those who are risking their lives by working on the frontlines. I have committed to provide meals to doctors and medical staff at hospitals, he wrote in a note shared on his Instagram account.

All meals are provided through the Taj Public Service Welfare Trust. Its a small step. But during a crisis like this, we have to make every step count. I will continue to do what best I can, he added.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
Beijing has been criticized by the west, but Fang Fang's Wuhan Diary has an account of the truth, that was contrary to the claims of Chinese officials.

During the Wuhan lockdown, a Chinese writer wrote her accounts about what happened in China, which caught the attention of Chinese officials who are under a directive to silence anything unfavourable to Beijing.

Her accounts attack the Chinese government, which has been accused of non-transparency in terms of how they handled the coronavirus crisis. There are copies of her diary translated to English and German.

As the United States and other countries are calling for actions against Beijing as the culprit for the coronavirus pandemic, they are carrying out a PR campaign to reduce or totally remove complicity. Chinese officials are leaning on Fang Fang's Wuhan diary.

They are accusing her of spreading lies that is harming China's already tattered and tarnished reputation in the community of nations.

All the excerpts in the diary, all the accounts began in late January after the official lockdown, caused by the coronavirus which is denied to originate in Wuhan, one notable aspect of the diary is they official responses from then till now.

Exerpts from the diary

The diary of Fang has many controversial entries which is considered a basis of the real occurence in Wuhan. Som excerpts of her diary was shared online along with its translations.

"How many people have died in Wuhan and their families destroyed?" she wrote on 31 January. "But so far not a single person has said sorry or taken responsibility. I've even seen a writer use the phrase 'complete victory'. What are they talking about?"

Her words reflects her anger on how many have perished but no government official has taken the blame. She is also appalled by the fact that no one is allowed to talk about the realities of the pandemic. Seeing someone say they achieved victory disgust her because many are infected and the Wuhan outbreak spiralled out of control.

Also read: Coronavirus Weak Spot Discovered: Researchers Find Out That Virus is 'Low Shielding'

Posted excerpts of the diary were shared on social media. But these were deleted by government watchdogs after around an hour of posting. Censored posts of said diary are being archived by China Digital Times.

An action that seemingly proves the veracity of her statement is the shutting down of her Weibo account which had 3.8 million followers. It was taken down by government internet sensors to prevent any more unfavorable response her diary is getting online. But due to pressure, it has been put back up.

Publisher Harper Collins cherised her memoirs in a book which will be released on June. It is said that the book will come in German and English languages.

The Chinese government has labelled Fang Fang a traitor especially that having her memoir published in different areas around the world will be a gian sword attack for western powers.

Publishing of her books means that all the happenings in the Wuhan lockdown will be verified and perused by western countries, giving clues which they could never get a hold-off.

The Chinese leader is trying to repair a tattered western image which may be affected by the book when it comes out in June or July.

One point that draws the ire of the west is the under-reporting of the real death toll.

On Weibo, a post accused Fang Fang's diary saying, "Wuhan Diary is a knife handed over to foreigners and a bullet shooting at Chinese."

One comment said, "The woman only writes articles in her small blog, and does not know the overall situation of our country at all. Maybe she does not admit that she is unpatriotic, she thought we were extreme she was just a stupid old lady."

Fang Fang's Wuhan Diary' has 380 million views, and the hashtag #wuhandiary show its impact.

Related article: Li Wenliang, Coronavirus Doctor Dies Amidst Mixed Reports Causing Public Anger



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SATURDAY PUZZLE  Im feeling such deja vu with these hard Erik Agard puzzles, but I mean it as a compliment and an appreciation of his proliferation: Theyre all very original. Today he has a collaborator, Wyna Liu, who in turn worked with Paolo Pasco on a Friday grid last month. (That one started off with POWERCORD over ATHLEISURE, themselves a memorable collaboration, as I drag myself around the house, swaddled in both things.)

Todays grid is crunchy like a fresh head of romaine that youve magically acquired despite the dire grocery situation, musically provocative, twisty, turny and a tiny bit poignant. Its probably the toughest Times daily grid Ive solved since, hrm, Mr. Agards last Saturday puzzle (there was a recent crazy hard acrostic thats nuttier than anything Ive seen all year, if you feel like a challenge). Ms. Liu, in collaboration, seems to bring something very elegant and ephemeral today, if Im correct in crediting her with particular entries (check the constructor notes for some clues  I was pretty close).

Tricky Clues

This is one of those puzzles that takes following a few hunches to get started, unless youre really a savant. Theres too much wordplay and conversational entries, not enough pure trivia  POODLE and BRAD PITT were my only sure things there. I batted about .500 with my hunches, and probably could have had a faster solve if I had given in to a couple that I second-guessed myself out of. A-GAME, ALEWIFE, BAIL BOND, good; Neosporin, Cured, Aging, bad (TIGER BALM, RID OF and ACING, in that order). The classic Erik Agard experience held true today  the one where your eyes cross trying to come up with something, ready to give up, and suddenly youve refocused and finish in a rush.
Photograph: Daniel Acker/Reuters

If any lingering doubts remained, Tuesday should have erased them all. Republicans will weaponize anything  even in-person voting during a deadly pandemic  to maintain power, avoid accountability and bend electoral rules in their favor. Worse, the US supreme court will have their back.

Make no mistake: the deliberate chaos and unthinkable images from Wisconsin on Tuesday  Americans on line for hours, wearing homemade masks, risking a gruesome respiratory disease to exercise their right to vote  wasnt just a warning sign for Novembers elections. It was Republicans dress rehearsal.

Its scarcely 200 days until the real show. The coronavirus has already pushed more than a dozen states to postpone primaries and forced fearful Ohio and Wisconsin governors into court the day before an election, desperate to avoid worsening a public health crisis. Its quite likely that the virus will threaten in-person voting in many states and cities in November as well.

Thats why a growing non-partisan chorus has called for expanding vote-by-mail options this fall. It can be done; five states already conduct all their elections this way and every state allows some level of mail-in voting. It doesnt favor either party  just ask Republicans in Utah and Colorado. Its safer during a pandemic, but also secure: a study of hundreds of millions of votes in Oregon, ever since it became the first to adopt all-mail elections, found fewer than 15 fraudulent ballots cast over more than a decade.

Nothing about the Wisconsin election was normal

Republicans, however, have fought efforts to fund expanded voting options this fall. President Trump recently told Fox & Friends: If youd ever agreed to it, youd never have a Republican elected in this country again. On Wednesday, he tweeted that vote by mail creates tremendous potential for voter fraud and mused that for whatever reason, [it] doesnt work out well for Republicans. Georgias state house speaker knows that reason, opposing it because it will certainly drive up turnout and will be extremely devastating to Republicans and conservatives.

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But while the quiet part sometimes comes out louder than expected, most of the Republican partys anti-vote-by-mail excuses are ludicrous. If the presidents intention is to conjure phoney visions of voter fraud, others hope to simply slow-walk reform. When Senate Democrats attempted to add election protection safeguards to the first coronavirus stimulus package, the Republican senator John Barrasso insisted they have no place in an emergency rescue package for the American people. Election assistance funding, sniffed his colleague Marsha Blackburn, has nothing to do with Covid-19.

Related: Yes, Wisconsin Republicans used the pandemic to stop people from voting | Lawrence Douglas

On Tuesday, however, the connection between voting and the virus should have been clear enough for even a Republican senator to see. When Robin Vos, Wisconsins Republican assembly speaker, tried to deny it, he wore a mask and full personal protective gear. He looked like one of those mean government agents looking to capture ET, which only undercut his assurances that voters stacked up in the five available Milwaukee precincts had absolutely nothing to fear.

Nothing about the Wisconsin election was normal. Not voters in homemade masks, not the immunocompromised woman whose requested absentee ballot never arrived voting in full bubble wrap, not the plaintive signs that read this is ridiculous. But the five conservative Republican appointees to the US supreme court, concerned, ruefully and almost comically, that something might fundamentally alter the nature of the election, stepped in  on the side of forcing tens of thousands of Wisconsinites to brave the pandemic and vote in person.

Along a dreary 5-4 party line vote, the supreme courts conservative majority, most appointed by presidents who lost the popular vote, overturned two lower-court rulings that had extended the vote-by-mail deadline until next week, despite evidence that tens of thousands of absentee ballots had yet to be delivered to voters who requested them, and that untold thousands more might not be postmarked in time. Ruling comfortably from their own living rooms, the five conservatives required these voters to leave their homes during a shelter-in-place order and placed them in the path of a virus. (On Wednesday, the day after the election, reports came of absentee ballots piled in post offices, undelivered.)

That the supreme court intervened not on the side of voters and fair elections, but in order to protect particular Republican partisan interests, should be saddening, yet unsurprising. Chief Justice John Roberts arrived in Washington almost 30 years ago as a young justice department appointee with a particular interest: eroding the protections of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). Under his leadership, this court has embraced his cramped vision with gusto.

John Roberts arrived in Washington almost 30 years ago as a young justice department appointee with a particular interest: eroding the protections of the Voting Rights Act. Photograph: Mario Tama/Getty Images

The Roberts court has made clear that it should not be looked to as any guarantor of the foundational right to vote. Not in an emergency. Not at all. In 2013s Shelby County v Holder, a 5-4 court defanged the enforcement provisions of section V of the VRA and laid the groundwork for a decade of voter ID requirements, precinct closures and voter roll purges from states with documented histories of racist voting inequities.

The legislatures behind those efforts, a 5-4 court decreed in 2018s Abbott v Texas, must be awarded the presumption of good faith  even for naked racial gerrymandering schemes. Those voter roll purges were upheld in 2018s Husted v A Philip Randolph Institute, where the court, again 5-4, created a non-existent loophole that justified canceling registrations if a voter had not casted a ballot in two consecutive elections. Then last year, Roberts authored a, yes, 5-4 decision  Common Cause v Rucho  which slammed the federal courthouses closed to partisan gerrymandering claims at precisely the time a growing number of decisions, by judges appointed by presidents of both parties, saw both an urgent role for the courts and a clear standard for when politicized mapmaking crossed a constitutional boundary.

Elected Republican officials have proven that they are willing to see Americans die rather than hold fair elections

Gerrymandering and voter purges were at the heart of the GOP urgency to hold this election, this week, with this diminished turnout. A critical state supreme court seat was on the ballot. The winner could sway an upcoming appeal over whether Wisconsin can purge about 240,000 voters from its rolls ahead of November  keep in mind, Trump only won this state by 22,000 votes in 2016  and could also determine whether Republicans, once again, have a free hand to gerrymander the states legislative and congressional maps in 2021. The maps the party carefully engineered in 2011, behind closed doors at a Madison law firm, delivered a 63-36 Republican edge among state assembly districts in 2018, even though Democrats won nearly 54% of the statewide vote, and a statewide edge of about 200,000 votes.

Non-partisan electoral reformers, Democratic congressional leadership, and even some apostate Republicans like Bill Kristol and the former Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele have been battling to ensure that Novembers election doesnt look like the one this week in Wisconsin. After all, even if Congress does nothing to create a national vote-by-mail standard, theres still likely to be record demand for absentee ballots this fall. And just as the underfunded election administrators and US Postal Service were overwhelmed by an unprecedented 1.2m requests in Wisconsin, its easy to imagine a creaky system collapsing under similar strains in November.

Related: Wisconsin's primary subjected people of color to yet another Covid-19 disadvantage | David Bowen

The Republican strategy is clear: drag their feet so its difficult to properly fund vote-by-mail. Mislead the public with fictional claims of voter fraud that get amplified on Fox News and by Russian bots on Twitter. Finally, count on John Roberts and the courts partisan 5-4 majority to backstop any efforts to make free, fair and safe voting more difficult.

If this plays out according to the Republican plan, it will plunge this nation from an unprecedented public health crisis into a dark constitutional emergency that threatens the legitimacy of the White House, the courts and American democracy itself. Thats a frightening sentence to write. But its long past time we call this what it is: elected Republican officials, and the conservatives who they have handed lifelong tenure on the federal bench, have now proven that they are willing to see Americans die rather than hold fair elections that might oust them from power. They have used a pandemic to suppress votes.

The warning sirens are real. The dress rehearsal is over. There are barely 200 days until election day.
By Rich McKay REUTERS - A handful of holdout U.S. churches plan to hold in-person services on Easter Sunday, saying their right to worship in person outweighs public health officials' warnings against holding large gatherings during the coronavirus outbreak. Most U.S

By Rich McKay

REUTERS - A handful of holdout U.S. churches plan to hold in-person services on Easter Sunday, saying their right to worship in person outweighs public health officials' warnings against holding large gatherings during the coronavirus outbreak.

Most U.S. churches are expected to be closed on Sunday, and a broad majority of observant Americans are expected to follow authorities' recommendations to avoid crowds to limit the spread of the potentially lethal COVID-19 respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus.

But not all of them.

"Satan and a virus will not stop us," said the Reverend Tony Spell, 42, pastor of the evangelical Life Tabernacle Church near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He expects a crowd of more than 2,000 to gather in worship at his megachurch on Sunday.

"God will shield us from all harm and sickness," Spell said in an interview. "We are not afraid. We are called by God to stand against the Antichrist creeping into America's borders. We will spread the Gospel."

The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed more than 14,700 lives across the United States and infected more than 431,700 people, with officials predicting the worst is yet to come.

Major U.S. religious institutions, including Roman Catholic dioceses and major Protestant denominations, will hold religious services online as well as through local broadcast radio and television, with just a handful of ministers and priests preaching sermons and reading liturgies to rows of empty pews.

Indeed, some major religious-liberty legal advocacy groups, whose mission is to challenge restrictions on freedom of religion, have not raised objections to the closures, saying churches have been treated the same as other major institutions and that safety comes first.

In Idaho, Ammon Bundy, who has led multiple standoffs against authorities in acts of protest against the federal government, plans to gather hundreds of people for an Easter observance, in defiance of public health advice, according to multiple media reports.

Another holdout church, the evangelical Cross Culture Center in Lodi, California, about 70 miles (110 km) southwest of San Francisco, plans another service even after its members found their church doors locked against them last weekend.

Lay preacher Jon Duncan, 43, who has led the evangelical center for more than 10 years, said that under city orders, his landlord changed the locks and shut them out Sunday morning.

Lodi police officers was standing by the door, because they were defying both local and state "stay-at-home" orders and a court order from the San Joaquin County Public Health Services.

Instead, Duncan held brief curbside prayers with his congregants as they showed up for the 11 a.m. service.

"It is disappointing because we have a valid lease, but we won't be stopped," he said. "God commands us to meet and that's what we're going to do Easter."

Duncan expects he and his flock of about 80 regular attendees will be locked out on Easter too, so he has picked an alternate site to meet. He and his attorney declined to disclose the new location to the public for fear of becoming a spectacle instead of a holy service.

The church's attorney, Dean Broyles, has lodged a complaint against the city, and implored California's governor in a letter to lift the ban on large church gatherings.

Duncan said he is steadfast in his decision.

"We don't believe our rights are eroded by a virus," he said. "We will stand together before God even against the gates of hell."

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Premier Daniel Andrews has demanded assurances from Prime Minister Scott Morrison that a plane carrying 80 stranded Australian cruise ship passengers infected with COVID-19 could be landed in Melbourne without endangering the health of Victorians.

The flight from Uruguay was due to touch down at Tullamarine early on Sunday, carrying about 112 passengers, most from the stricken Greg Mortimer cruise vessel which had been stranded in the South American nation for more than two weeks.

The ship's operator confirmed this week 128 of 217 people on board, nearly 60 per cent, had tested positive for the coronavirus.

The Greg Mortimer cruise ship. Credit: Supplied

The former cruise ship passengers are among 1200 Australian nationals being flown home from overseas in a rescue mission by the Commonwealth to land at Tullamarine this weekend, with flights from India and Peru landing on Friday and Saturday.
By Rod Nickel

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Reuters) - Canadian government and opposition legislators approved a wage subsidy worth C$73 billion ($52 billion) on Saturday to support the ravaged economy, in an emergency sitting in the House of Commons.

Opposition parties had agreed prior to the sitting to support the bill. It was expected to also receive Senate approval and royal assent by Canada's Governor General, which is usually a formality.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke for the first time in weeks in the House after self-isolating with his family as his wife Sophie was infected with the novel coronavirus.

"This situation may get worse before getting better," Trudeau said in Ottawa, comparing it to a war. "Let us make a commitment among ourselves, to do what needs to be done for as long as it takes."

Trudeau's Liberals control a minority in the House of Commons and require support from the other parties to govern.

The subsidy covers 75% of a worker's wages. Finance Minister Bill Morneau said the government may send payments within two to five weeks.

The economy lost a record 1 million jobs last month.

As of Friday, more than 5.85 million Canadians had applied for federal emergency unemployment help since March 15, government data showed.

Canada's death toll rose 13% in the past day to 600, and total cases climbed by 6% to 22,559, health officials said.

Deaths are set to soar to as high as 22,000 by the end of the pandemic, according to government projections.

In the province of Quebec, Canada's epicenter, Premier Francois Legault said 31 people have died in a single Montreal-area care home since March 13, prompting a police investigation.

He said authorities have so far confirmed that five of the deaths were from COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus.

Health authorities that visited the 150-bed residence in late March found "serious problems" and a severe staff shortage, Legault said.

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Many deaths in Canada have occurred among elderly people, and the Liberal government released new guidelines for long-term care homes, including monitoring that all staff and visitors wear masks.

Canada's most populous province, Ontario, has seen declines in new cases over the past several days, which is cause for optimism, said Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. David Williams.

Ontario accounts for the second-highest numbers of cases and deaths among provinces, after Quebec.

(Reporting by Rod Nickel in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Daniel Wallis)
The plane from the United Arab Emirates has brought 113 citizens of Ukraine who had no opportunity to leave UAE earlier to Boryspil international airport, a press center of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported.

"Instructed by the head of state Volodymyr Zelensky, the SBU in cooperation with the partners from the UAE and the diplomats of both states provided returning of 113 citizens of Ukraine who had no opportunity to leave the UAE earlier to the motherland. The plane landed at Boryspil international airport on April 10," reads a report posted on Facebook.

SBU Chief Ivan Bakanov stressed that returning of Ukrainians became possible due to cooperation of the SBU, Supreme Council for National Security of UAE, Embassy of the UAE in Kyiv and the Diplomatic Mission of Ukraine in Abu Dhabi, as well as other state agencies of both states.

Bakanov expressed gratitude to the partners of the UAE and Embassy of the UAE in Kyiv for help and stressed that this was a vivid example of the international cooperation in the situation when all the states oppose to a new challenge of the world dimensions.
Shoppers have complained about having to walk through packed supermarket aisles despite strict social-distancing rules being in place.

Major supermarkets Coles and Woolworths encouraged customers to shop safely over the Easter long weekend by following the social distancing measures implemented across their stores.

But furious shoppers have taken to Facebook to complain of overcrowded aisles and customers failing to keep a 1.5 metre distance from others.

'Pathetic Coles. The store at Winmalee was packed. Zero social distancing and only 1/2 the tills open,' one person wrote alongside of a line at the self-serve checkouts.

A shopper at Coles Broadway in Sydney complained of crowds on Easter Saturday

A Coles customers snapped this picture of employees gathered together at the seafood counter. 'The two Coles staff members were in a tight huddle with others a few seconds before I took this photo,' she wrote

Coles said they 'may limit the number of customers in stores to help maintain social distancing'

Another Coles customers snapped a picture of employees gathered together at the seafood counter.

'The two Coles staff members were in a tight huddle with others a few seconds before I took this photo,' she wrote.

'No social distancing being enforced at the crowded store in Warragul.'

One angry shopper wrote: 'Absolutely disgraceful behaviour by Coles and their failure to limit customers in their stores today.'

'Aisles were packed and the staff member at the door could not have cared less.'

A health care worker said they find it 'impossible' to shop at the supermarket during the health crisis because the narrow aisles mean there is 'no space' to social distance.

'No beach, no bush,' one person wrote with a picture of crowds at a Coles supermarket

A health care worker said they find it 'impossible' to shop at Coles during the health crisis

Coles said the wellbeing of customers, team members, suppliers, the vulnerable and those in isolation is their priority.

They have introduced a raft of measures to ensure customers feel safe while purchasing essential grocery goods.

Coles are allowing a max of 110 shoppers at its smallest store, and 275 at its largest.

'We want to ensure that all customers can follow social distancing guidelines when shopping in our stores,' a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

'As well as introducing social distancing decals in stores and measures that minimise contact... we have introduced new limits when the stores are busy on how many customers can be in a Coles store at any one time.

'While most customers are doing the right thing, there is a small number of customers who are not following these guidelines.'

'We have increased cleaning and hygiene measures, including wiping trolley and basket handles regularly.

'We ask that every customer, just like every team member, washes or sanitises their hands before coming into store.'

Woolworths shoppers have also taken to Facebook to complain about the crowds over the Easter holiday.

Woolworths shoppers have also taken to Facebook to complain about the crowds over the Easter holiday

One shopper encouraged others to 'stop standing around chatting to your friends'

What are the new social distancing measures at Coles and Woolworths? Coles and Woolworths have placed a limit on the number of customers in-store to help combat the spread of coronavirus. Coles will allow a max of 110 shoppers at its smallest store, and 275 at its largest. Woolworths Supermarkets Managing Director Claire Peters said the number of customers allowed into each store at any one time will be dependent on its size. Advertisement

'Social distance in Melton was non existent people in groups including employees talking casually in threes - so much for flattening they curve,' one person wrote.

Another wrote: 'While we appreciate all the extra lengths your shops are going to... aisles were crowded and people unavoidable... there was even a bit of a panic vibe in people as everyone felt vulnerable.'

Pictures of checkouts at Woolworths Kellyville, in Sydney's western suburbs, show screens have been installed around self-serve machines to encourage social distancing.

In a statement at the beginning of the week, Woolworths said they were planning for a safe and happy Easter in their stores.

'With more customers looking to do their Easter shop, Woolworths is introducing new measures in stores in a further bid to keep its customers and team members safe.

'In the coming week, Woolworths will be limiting the number of customers allowed in store from time to time to enable social distancing between customers.'

Pictures of checkouts at Woolworths Kellyville, in Sydney's western suburbs, show screens have been installed around self-serve machines to encourage social distancing

One Woolworths customer said the aisles 'were crowded and people unavoidable'

Woolworths Supermarkets Managing Director Claire Peters said the number of customers allowed into each store at any one time will be dependent on its size.

A Woolworths spokesperson said they have received positive feedback from shoppers over the weekend.

'We've been pleased with the way our customers and team have responded to the introduction of new social distancing measures, including customer limits,' the spokesperson said.

'While we haven't needed to implement queuing in many of our stores as yet, we've found most customers have been understanding and patient when we've had to do so.

'We encourage our customers to continue following the many different social distancing guides and prompts available in our stores.

We're all in this together and it's good to see that community spirit coming through as we seek to uphold public health and safety.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Coles for comment.
Bangladesh has executed a former military captain for his involvement in the 1975 coup in which the country's founder Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated, nearly four-and-a-half decades after the massacre.

Abdul Majed was hanged at the Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj at 12:01 AM (local time) on Sunday, bdnews24.com reported.

Jailor Mahbubul Islam said that Mazed was executed by hanging.

He was arrested in Dhaka on Tuesday after hiding in India for nearly two-and-a-half decades.

On Friday, Majed's wife and four other relatives met him for nearly two hours in the prison.

President Abdul Hamid on Thursday rejected his mercy plea, removing the last hurdle for his hanging.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal earlier told PTI that the presidential decision meant there was no bar in executing the convict, who was arrested in a surprise development earlier this week from Dhaka's Mirpur area.

A specialised police unit arrested Majed, one of the fugitive convicted Bangabandhu assassins, as he returned home after hiding for nearly two and half decades in India.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said the "self confessed killer" was not only involved in Bangabandhu's assassination but also took part in the subsequent killing of four national leaders in high security Dhaka Central Jail on November 3, 1975.

He said previous reports indicated Majed was hiding in India but eventually he was arrested from Dhaka as he secretly returned last month.

Police's Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit arrested him in a predawn raid at Mirpur area while he was roaming around a shrine.

Majed is one of the six absconding ex-army officers who were handed down capital punishment after trial in absentia.

A prosecution lawyer said Majed told the court that he returned to Bangladesh on March 15 or 16.

The convict, he said, claimed he managed to live secretly in Kolkata for the past 23 years.

Twelve ex-military officers were sentenced to death for the August 15, 1975 killing of Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with most of his family members. Five of them have been executed while one died of natural causes as he was on the run abroad.

Bangabandhu's elder daughter and incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and younger daughter Sheikh Rehana survived as they were on a visit to the then West Germany at the time of the putsch, which also toppled Bangladesh's post independence government.

The five convicts were hanged at Dhaka Central Jail on January 28, 2010, after a protracted legal procedure while the delayed trial process began in 1996 when an infamous indemnity law was scrapped as it was protecting the assassins from justice until then.

Majed was one of the remaining fugitives believed to be hiding abroad with no confirmed whereabouts.

The rest of the fugitives included the key mastermind of the coup ex-lieutenant colonel Abdur Rashid. Interpol issued red alert against the absconders believed to be hiding in several countries including Pakistan.

Bangladesh confirmed two cases where two convicts took refuge in the United States and Canada, one of them is said to have shot dead Bangladesh's founder.

Dhaka said it was trying to extradite them but Canada declined to entertain the request citing provisions of the country's laws.

After the 1975 carnage, Majed was rehabilitated in civil service during the subsequent regime of former military-dictator-turned-politician Ziaur Rahman as an ex-cadre official and posted as the director of National Savings Department.

He later fled the country while serving in the finance ministry along with other 1975 coup plotters as the 1996 general elections brought Awami League back to power which vowed to expose to justice Bangabandhu killers in line with its election manifesto.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hilda Salas was diagnosed with cancer just as the severity of the highly contagious coronavirus was coming into view.

Salas, 64, said she couldnt speak to anybody about it for two days, calling the collision of her diagnosis with the deadly outbreak unreal.

I think I was trying to wrap my head around both things at the same time, she said, a week after her first round of chemotherapy at the START Center for Cancer Care.

On March 10, Salas found out she has an aggressive type of breast cancer that would require chemotherapy and surgeries, which would weaken her immune system, reducing her chances of fighting off the novel coronavirus.

On March 11, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a global pandemic. The government stay-at-home orders soon followed.

The crisis at least freed up her busy schedule. Normally in April, as president of the Pan American League, shed be engulfed in last-minute planning for the organizations annual fundraiser Fiesta Ole. Shed also take her four grandsons to SeaWorld or the San Antonio Zoo on weekends.

Of course, thats been put on hold by restrictions intended to slow the spread of the virus.

Last month, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered health care facilities to postpone all elective surgeries and nonurgent medical procedures in an effort to conserve masks and bed space.

Salas doctors said she had to continue the cancer treatments despite the stay-at-home orders. And with so many other patients appointments pushed back, she was able to see her doctors sooner.

On ExpressNews.com: Get the latest update on coronavirus and a tracking map of U.S. cases

Im blessed. I cant complain, Salas said.

Her first thought when she got her cancer diagnosis was about losing her hair, but I thought how selfish to worry about that.

Salas is a retired San Antonio Independent School District teacher who lives on the Northwest Side with her husband, Frank Salas, a state employee whos mostly working from home.

Her daughter, a USAA employee, lives nearby and also has been working from home. Salas son has kept his distance since the diagnosis because his job frequently puts him in contact with travelers.

They cant delay my treatment, she said. The only sad thing about this is going through it by myself. No one can go with me.

Her next chemotherapy treatment, which she describes as more painful than childbirth, is in two weeks.

Many health care facilities are prohibiting visitors, except for patients who are dying. Theyre shifting to virtual appointments so in-person visits can be avoided.

The public health emergency prompted the federal government to expand its Medicare rules so more tele-health visits will qualify for reimbursement.

The American Cancer Society has stopped coordinating patient rides to medical appointments because of the outbreak, but executive director Lindsay Maggio McElwee said the organization wants patients and their families to know its still able to assist them.

Cancer hasnt stopped, so neither have we, she said, adding that services can be found at cancer.org/coronavirus, including a 24/7 cancer help line and virtual support groups.

An estimated 18,478 Texans who likely will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, more than any other type of cancer. More than 1,200 of those cases could be in Bexar County, state officials say.

This is a really scary time, particularly for patients with cancer, said Dr. Ruben Mesa, director of the UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center.

While social distancing is recommended for everyone during a pandemic, Mesa said its crucial that cancer patients and those with weakened immune systems avoid other people.

The center has had to change the way it serves its 150 patients per day to guard against COVID-19, including doing e-visits for follow-up appointments or when patients needs their drug dosages adjusted.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio medical school gets millions to research breast cancer

Besides closely monitoring everyone entering and leaving the building, located at the South Texas Medical Center, the cancer center also eliminated its waiting rooms. Patients wait in their vehicles in a designated parking lot, where they receive a text message or call letting them know its time for their appointment.

The facilitys 15 weekly tumor boards, which is how medical care is coordinated among a patients different providers, also have switched over to video conferences to limit face-to-face interactions.

Mesa said the center has taken on treatments for more than 15 San Antonio-area patients whod previously traveled to MD Anderson, its sister campus in Houston.

Douglas Brackenridges cancer treatment requires a visit every three weeks to the UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center.

The retired Trinity University religion professor, 87, is undergoing immunotherapy for bladder, cancer and he feels better than he has in the past year.

Right now, Im not in any pain and Im doing well, he said. Im able to drive, but because of the quarantine I have nowhere to go.

A former jogger, he stays busy doing light exercise, and said hes fortunate he and his wife are able to order groceries for home delivery. Still, he cant wait to be able to go out and talk to people face-to-face again.

This situation  it does make you think more about whats important in life, he said. Not things, but the people and friendships you have. Our personal relationships are really the heart of who we are.

Laura Garcia covers the healthcare industry in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. To read more from Laura, become a subscriber. laura.garcia@express-news.net | Twitter: @Reporter_Laura
The Navy's lead hospital ship Mercy will begin receiving senior citizens to help nursing homes on the mainland which have been overwhelmed by the coronavirus outbreak.

Governor Gavin Newsom announced Friday that the former oil tanker docked in Los Angeles would take on the seniors who are not infected from homes where COVID-19 infections were spreading.

Concerns over the elderly and their exposure to the virus in California nursing homes began escalating this week.

Eighty four patients were evacuated from the Magnolia Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Riverside, east of Los Angeles, on Wednesday.

The Mercy arrived in L.A. March 27, to play a key role as California braces for a surge in COVID-19 infections that could require 50,000 hospital beds statewide in the next five to 10 weeks.

The Navy's lead hospital ship Mercy will begin receiving healthy senior citizens to alleviate nursing homes on the mainland which have been overwhelmed by the coronavirus outbreak

Governor Gavin Newsom announced Friday that the Mercy, a former oil tanker docked in Los Angeles would take on the seniors who are not infected from nursing homes where COVID-19 infections were spreading. A patient (pictured) is evacuated from one of the homes this week

Concerns over the elderly and their exposure to the virus in California nursing homes began escalating this week. Eighty four patients were evacuated from the Magnolia Rehabilitation and Nursing Center (pictured) in Riverside, east of Los Angeles, on Wednesday

The state is also sending 600 nurses who specialize in treating infectious diseases to assist the nursing homes and similar facilities caring for the elderly in an effort to slow the outbreak and quarantine older patients who have become infected, Newsom said.

Seniors, who are considered most at risk to become seriously ill from the virus, remain the state's top priority, says Newsom.

'I'm just giving you an overall sense of the seriousness to which we place our efforts and focus on protecting our most vulnerable, our seniors in the state of California,' Newsom said Friday during his daily briefing on the outbreak in Sacramento.

There have been more than 21,000 confirmed cases in California of the virus, which has been blamed for close to 600 deaths.

Across the U.S. there have been more than 505,400 confirmed cases and 18,798 deaths.

Across the U.S. there have been more than 505,400 confirmed cases and 18,798 deaths

How the number of coronavirus cases in the U.S. has escalated over time

How the number of new coronavirus infections has spread over time

A day-to-day look at the number of deaths in the U.S. resulting from the coronavirus

The evacuations of the Magnolia nursing home came after only one of the 13 certified nursing assistants at the facility showed up for work for two consecutive days.

Five employees and 34 residents at the 90-bed facility had become infected with the virus.

The residents of the nursing home are now being sent to other facilities that will need to follow virus containment measures.

Those residents who are not infected are being transferred first, along with their personal belongings, public health officials say.

If the patients are well enough they may potentially be sent home instead of being transferred elsewhere.

Some may also end up on the Mercy.

Health officials were forced to send in more than 30 nurses to help with the evacuations after the facility's employees didn't show up.

The offficials said they don't know why the employees didn't report for work.

No one at the facility could be reached for comment.
STAUNTON  For family nurse practitioner student Brooke Buffington of Staunton, the best use of her skills was clear: helping others in crisis.

The Macoupin County registered nurse left Friday for New York, where she will spend four weeks on the front line of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

I chose to pursue a career in nursing so that I could serve people in their most vulnerable state, Buffington said. I will be working in one of the intensive care units treating COVID patients at NYC Health and Hospitals in north-central Bronx.

The days will be exhausting. She will work a rotation of seven days on, with two-day breaks in between.

Buffington earned a bachelors degree in nursing from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2017, and began the schools Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner program in 2018. She will graduate in May 2021, but has worked in health care for five years  first as a student nurse technician in a cardiothoracic intensive care unit and then as a registered nurse in a cardiovascular ICU.

The decision to help in New York, which has been hit particularly hard by the pandemic, will leave her juggling healthcare service and her studies.

What Brooke is doing is truly amazing, SIU School of Nursing lecturer Greg Jennings said. I know her skills will be put to good use, and she will help save many lives. She has been trained for this, both with her education and on-the-job training.

Jennings and program director Valerie Griffin have discussed ways to help Buffington take a pause and then complete her studies so she can continue through the program as scheduled.

Brookes new work schedule is going to be extremely demanding and even though she has two days off, those days are going to need to be spent recovering both mentally and physically, Jennings said. She is going to see, experience and feel things she may never have before and will need to process that. As important as school is, she felt an internal calling to help others and we  support and respect that.

Griffin said Buffingtons service is an example of compassion and love.

In this past month, I have seen human kindness reflected in many ways and Brookes decision to request time off from her program to volunteer in this manner is an exceptional act of kindness, Griffin said.

Buffington said she has a role to play in fighting the pandemic, and hopes others will do what they can  such as staying home and practicing social distancing to help flatten the curve of COVID-19.

Its important that we think about the many families who have been affected by this pandemic, as well as the numerous healthcare professionals who are working tirelessly to treat these patients, she said. My hope is that everyone will do the best that they can to stay safe during this very difficult time.
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Linkedin Djemi Amnifu & Markus Makur (The Jakarta Post) Kupang and Flores  Sat, April 11, 2020 16:27 640 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd13a0b7 1 National COVID-19,COVID-19-in-Indonesia Free

Christians in East Nusa Tenggara celebrated a solemn yet joyful Good Friday from the comfort of their homes, taking part in online church services as the COVID-19 outbreak forced people to refrain from public gatherings.

The head of Kaisarea Church Council, Rev. Ronny Runtu, said the church had conducted a live-streamed Good Friday service for its congregation.

Through the livestream, they can follow it from their houses. We have to follow the governments policy to prevent the spread of COVID-19, he said, referring to the physical distancing policy encouraged by central and local administrations.

Ronny reminded Christians to keep their faith and stand strong against the pandemic.

This was the first time throughout my 27 years as a reverend that I had to deliver the sermon while facing rows of empty chairs, Ronny said.

He also added that the church had to postpone the Holy Communion typically conducted on Good Friday, which commemorates the day Jesus Christ was crucified.

Meanwhile in East Nusa Tenggara, six dioceses had urged their congregations to celebrate Easter inside their houses.

Petrus Ngempeng from Saint Josef Freinademetz Parish in Wajur, Flores, said this was his first time to celebrate Good Friday from inside his house. He said his family followed the advice issued by the Ruteng diocese to stay at home and implement physical distancing to prevent any further spread of COVID-19.

This [Easter] has become a historical moment for me since I had to celebrate it at home for the first time with my family, he said. (dpk)
Were only entering the tenth day of a two-week nationwide social distancing order in this tough fight against microbial enemies, which are totally new and unpredictable.

A week since social distancing was put in place, people in Hanoi have become complacent and started gathering in public places.  VNA/VNS Photo Minh Quyet

But as the number of infected cases of COVID-19 seems to be going down in Vietnam, people have started feeling more relaxed, and the streets are filling up again.

I understand many people have to leave their homes to make a living.

I also understand many might be bored being locking up by themselves during this social distancing phase.

But the fact is the COVID-19 pandemic has shown no signs of abating yet. As of April 9, the coronavirus pandemic had infected more than 1.5 million people. At least 94,000 people have died, and the virus has been detected in at least 177 countries.

Its crucial to recall these figures at this point in time when theres no vaccine for the virus. Companies are racing against time to develop one, but a vaccine would take at least 12 to 18 months before it is available. The only tool to fight the spread of COVID-19 now is strictly following social distancing guidelines.

In the past two months, Vietnam has managed to keep the number of cases quite low compared to other countries, regardless of the fact that it shares a border with China, the epicentre of the pandemic. The Government acted quickly to stop international flights, quarantine incoming passengers and isolate all infected cases and anyone they might have come into contact with. Huge efforts by the military, healthcare sectors and others have been made to keep a large part of the population safe.

Part of what is helping is social distancing. This period may even be extended since we havent been able to track down the transmission sources of a number of cases. Community transmission has become real.

Many people may think they can simply protect themselves by avoiding those at high-risk or those with symptoms of respiratory illnesses, but its not that simple. Studies have shown that many people can carry the novel coronavirus without showing any symptoms, such as fever, dry cough or shortness of breath.

A study by the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China, said that during the aggressive outbreak in their city, over 50 per cent of cases were non-confirmed, and that these may have included people with no or limited symptoms who had the potential to remain socially active.

Another study in the journal JAMA showed that one person who had no symptoms can actually pass the virus on to five other people. If these individuals continued their social interactions without knowing they were infected, many more people would be at risk.

The Vietnamese Government has predicted more community infections over the next few days related to cases with complicated travelling histories as well as zoned outbreaks at Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi and Buddha Bar in HCM City.

For these reasons, what we need right now is to continue the full implementation of social distancing to help slow the stealthy spread of this new coronavirus.

Although the health sector said it's prepared for a scenario of 10,000 cases of COVID-19, we wouldnt want that to happen.

Many of us believe that this virus is doing nothing more than stopping our day to day lives. But for many others working on the front line, its much more than that.

Over the past few months, many doctors and nurses havent been able to return home to hug their children, to sleep in their beds or have dinner with loved ones. So many soldiers have given up their beds and blankets for people going into quarantine. And many technicians at the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention are working day and night, spending hours and hours in the lab to conduct tests. Many others are having sleepless nights during this battle, whilst bearing a huge workload as they battle to contain the pandemic.

We just cant ease up too soon and set back all the progress that's been made.

Its now only a matter of time before scientists discover solutions for the pandemic. We're buying time and trying to slow down the spread of virus when scientists can get the testing done and doctors can get the equipment needed. During this wait, the healthcare system can stem the fatality rate and treat patients using ventilators and intensive care units, if they are available. They can only do that if we dont allow them to become overloaded with new cases.

Vietnam is taking the time to prepare for different scenarios. If the public takes social distancing seriously, burdening and overwhelming the medical system can be avoided. We dont know for sure what might happen tomorrow or the next day, but we can slow or stop the spread of the virus and decrease the number of cases. Much of how the coronavirus pandemic unfolds in Vietnam will come down to each persons choices. Each of us who can limit our social contact can break the chain of the contagion.

For many of us who dont have to go out to sell food on the street to make a living, for example, staying home and social distancing is a privilege. Therere so many ways to keep yourself from going insane: read a good book, listen to music, cook some good food, bake a cake, clean your home, watch movies, learn to dance, group video chats, and sharing memes!

I understand it might be uncomfortable and lonely staying at home, but we have to think about the collective rather than the individual. Were not only protecting ourselves by staying at home but also protecting others who are vulnerable to the risks. It might be slow, it might not be perfect, and is socially and economically disruptive, but it can save lives.

Experts predict the virus will be around for quite some time, and it will come in waves. So social distancing might stop for a while and then start again. Until we have a vaccine for it, we need to be patient.

A lesson from the past can be retold in this time of crisis: After authorities in Toronto relaxed requirements for close contact and personal protective equipment after the first wave of the SARS epidemic in 2003, transmissions resurged and the second wave lasted as long as the first one. So we have to be patient to see it through and cant pull the trigger too early.

Believe me I do want to get out of this mess and back to my normal life just as quickly as you do. Social distancing is an abnormal thing in this connected and integrated world. But if we dont follow the requirement strictly and stay at home, it might become the new norm.  VNS

Thu Van

Social distancing may be extended if more Covid-19 cases found Minister and Chairman of the Government Office Mai Tien Dung said on April 8 that social distancing would be reviewed after April 15 and it may be continued if new cases found.
The governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade, has said that people who put on face masks do not need to practice social distancing because the mask already protects them from being infected with the novel coronavirus.

Health officials, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), in contrast with Mr Ayades assertion, are advising people all over the world to maintain at least one metre (three feet) distance with others, especially anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Mr Ayades assertion, which is bound to generate controversy, is contained in a video which is being circulated on Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp.

PREMIUM TIMES could not ascertain when and where the video was shot.

It is mandatory for all residents of Cross River state to wear a face mask whenever they are in the public. There is no confirmed case of the virus in the state, meanwhile.

I know once you put on this mask you already have been protected, the governor said in the 50-second video. You dont need social distancing when you are properly protected.

The governor, in the video, is surrounded by a handful of persons, apparently government officials, who clapped and jeered on.

Mr Ayade, including everyone who stood around him, wore a face mask. The governor, characteristically, was bombastic, which elicited laughter from the people.

READ ALSO:

Oh, my goodness, a womans voice could be heard shouting in the video as she laughed out loud.

No mask, no movement, the governor and the rest of the people in the video chorused two times towards the end of the video.

The Nigerian Medical Association, in a statement on Friday, said they were concerned with the assertion made by Mr Ayade.

According to the WHO, If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection.

There are 305 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Nigeria as of April 10, according to data released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

Nineteen states, out of Nigerias 36, have one or more cases of the viral infection, so far. Lagos, Nigerias commercial hub, has 163.
Nuclear Safeguards Inspector - Multiple Positions, Vienna, Austria

Organization: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Country: Austria

City: Vienna, Austria

Office: IAEA Vienna, Austria

Grade: P-3

Closing date: Tuesday, 21 April 2020

Nuclear Safeguards Inspector (P3)

Multiple Positions

( 2020/0186 (009065) )

Organization: SGOA-Section OA1

Primary Location: Austria-Vienna-Vienna-IAEA Headquarters

Job Posting: 2020-03-10, 9:19:52 AM

Contract Type : Fixed Term

Regular

Probation Period : 1 Year

Multiple positions based in different duty stations and for the following divisions: Division of Operations A, Division of Operations B, Division of Operations C and Office of Safeguards Verification in Iran

Organizational Setting

The Department of Safeguards (SG) is the organizational hub for the implementation of IAEA safeguards. The IAEA implements nuclear verification activities for over 180 States in accordance with their safeguards agreements. The main objective of the Department is to maintain and further develop an effective and efficient verification system in order to draw independent, impartial and timely safeguards conclusions, thus providing credible assurances to the international community that States are in compliance with their safeguards obligations. Safeguards activities are undertaken within a dynamic and technically challenging environment including advanced nuclear fuel cycle facilities and complemented by the political and cultural diversity of the countries.

The Department of Safeguards consists of six Divisions: three Operations Divisions for the implementation of verification activities around the world; three Technical Divisions (Division of Concepts and Planning, Division of Information Management, and Division of Technical and Scientific Services); and three Offices (the Office for Verification in Iran, the Office of Safeguards Analytical Services and the Office of Information and Communication Services).

The primary focus of each Division of Operations, and the Office for Verification in Iran, is to perform and document safeguards verification activities and to conduct analysis and evaluations aimed at providing assurances that States comply with their nuclear safeguards commitments. The Divisions / Office implement a broad range of measures, including information analysis and in-field verification, to draw soundly based safeguards conclusions for States.

Main Purpose

The Nuclear Safeguards Inspector P3 will be assigned to one of the Divisions of Operations or the Office for Verification in Iran and, under the supervision of a Section Head and a Senior Inspector, will participate in the implementation of the IAEAs safeguards activities and, subject to the approval of the Board of Governors, function as a safeguards inspector.

Role

The role of the Nuclear Safeguards Inspector (P3) is primarily an in-field verification expert performing safeguards verification activities in conformity with safeguards agreements. The incumbent will prepare for, perform, document and report on the results of these activities. This includes the analysis of data and information collected from various sources (such as State declarations and reports, inspections, results of verification of information related to the design of nuclear facilities and complementary access, nuclear material accountancy, containment and surveillance systems, satellite imagery, open source and results of non-destructive assay and environmental sampling). The incumbent will thereby provide the IAEA with objective findings for assuring the international community that States are fulfilling their safeguards obligations. The incumbent will also assume the responsibilities of being a facility/site officer or country officer after appropriate training and mentoring, and in this role will work collaboratively with analysts, technicians and other staff across the Department. The Nuclear Safeguards Inspector works independently and proactively in varied environments with different groups of people, showing organizational skills, flexibility, resilience and strong interpersonal skills.

Functions / Key Results Expected

The Nuclear Safeguards Inspector (P3) carries out verification and analytical work as part of safeguards activities and inspections at nuclear facilities, other locations with nuclear material and where nuclear related research and development is performed, in order to confirm the absence of undeclared nuclear material or activities, undeclared production / processing or diversion of nuclear material.

The Nuclear Safeguards Inspector (P3) in close collaboration with Nuclear Safeguards Inspector (P4) will have a strong focus on in-field activities including:

Verify nuclear material accountancy, examine records and reports prepared by the facility operator and/or State or regional safeguards authorities.

Verify material and activities with assessment of the scope and purpose of nuclear related activities at facilities or locations involved in the nuclear fuel cycle.

Perform complementary access activities and collect nuclear material samples and environmental samples.

Routinely service containment and surveillance equipment, calibrate and operate instruments for measuring nuclear material.

Verify design information to confirm information provided by States.

Assess the applicability of safeguards approaches.

The Nuclear Safeguards Inspector (P3) will also carry out activities in Headquarters / Regional Offices:

Plan and prepare for standard safeguards verification activities and complete inspection, design information review, complementary access reports and related statements with due regard to promptness, accuracy, completeness and quality of presentation.

Evaluate inspection and other verification results and summarize information to be used as input for future inspections and activities.

Review and evaluate Remote Data Transmission and surveillance information for nuclear sites and facilities (including seals, instruments and surveillance data).

Evaluate data and information collected from various sources and review and analyse safeguards relevant information and report and follow-up on results in liaison with relevant intra-departmental partners.

Analyse the consistency of declarations provided by the State and data collected through safeguards verification activities and take follow-up action where necessary.

As a facility/site officer, establish and maintain technical information with regard to specific safeguards facilities/sites providing reports and updates as required; assist in the preparation/coordination of relevant subsidiary arrangements, facility attachments and safeguards approaches including the application of appropriate safeguards measures, as necessary, for the effective implementation of safeguards at the specified facilities/ other locations outside facilities (LOFs).

As a country officer, collaboratively prepare/coordinate State evaluations to formulate conclusions, recommendations and draft reports for use by key safeguards groups and committees.

The incumbent may perform their work in areas involving exposure to radioactive materials. Therefore, as an Occupationally Exposed Worker, they must be medically cleared by VIC Medical Service and is subject to an appropriate radiation and health monitoring programme, in accordance with the IAEAs Radiation Safety Regulations.

Competencies and Expertise

Core Competencies

NameDefinition

Planning and Organizing

Plans and organizes their own work in support of achieving the team or Sections priorities. Takes into account potential changes and proposes contingency plans.

Communication

Communicates orally and in writing in a clear, concise and impartial manner. Takes time to listen to and understand the perspectives of others and proposes solutions.

Achieving Results

Takes initiative in defining realistic outputs and clarifying roles, responsibilities and expected results in the context of the Department/Divisions programme. Evaluates their results realistically, drawing conclusions from lessons learned.

Teamwork

Actively contributes to achieving team results. Supports team decisions.

Functional Competencies

NameDefinition

Judgement/decision making

Consults with supervisor/manager and takes decisions in full compliance with the Agencys regulations and rules. Makes decisions reflecting best practice and professional theories and standards.

Resilience

Maintains a high level of performance when facing pressure and uncertainty. Able to remain calm and self-controlled, and to respond logically and decisively in difficult situations.

Technical/scientific credibility

Ensures that work is in compliance with internationally accepted professional standards and scientific methods. Provides scientifically/technically accepted information that is credible and reliable.

Required Expertise

FunctionNameExpertise Description

Administrative Support

Data and Information Analysis and Reporting

Demonstrated ability to observe and report concisely and accurately (both verbally and in writing) with proven experience in writing analytical reports in English.

Safeguards

Nuclear Fuel Cycle/Nuclear Facilities

Demonstrable knowledge of the nuclear fuel cycle and associated facilities.

Asset Expertise

FunctionNameExpertise Description

Safeguards

Safeguards System, Basic

Previous experience in the area of nuclear safeguards or in safeguards inspection at a national or international level or experience in other relatable verification work is an asset.

Qualifications, Experience and Language skills

University degree in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or Information Analysis or International Relations with specialization in a field relevant to nuclear engineering or nuclear technology.

Minimum of five years of relevant experience, preferably in the nuclear field.

Practical field experience, experience in nuclear facilities or experience of verification activities are all highly desirable.

Tags civil servants data analysis data transmission information management international relations nuclear facilities nuclear fuel cycle nuclear safeguards nuclear technology radiation protection radioactive materials research and development safety regulations

Demonstrated experience in analytical work including data analysis, analytical reporting and information management.

Excellent oral and written command of English. Knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an asset.

Additional Information

The majority of Nuclear Safeguards Inspector positions are based at headquarters located in Vienna, Austria. However candidates may be appointed to positions in a regional office (Tokyo or Toronto) and Nuclear Safeguards Inspectors may be reassigned to different locations and work a reas at any time based on programmatic need.

Nuclear Safeguards Inspectors will receive mandatory training (Introductory Course on Agency Safeguards (ICAS) upon appointment. Successful completion of ICAS is a prerequisite for subsequent contract extensions.

Working conditions require excellent health and physical abilities. Nuclear Safeguards Inspectors will need to work in a variety of local field conditions (sometimes involving extreme conditions, long hours, working at height or in a confined space and using protective clothing and equipment) and may be required to carry, set up and service cumbersome equipment.

Nuclear Safeguards Inspectors may perform their work in areas involving exposure to radioactive materials. As radiation workers, they are subject to an appropriate monitoring programme in accordance with the IAEAs Radiation Protection Rules and Procedures.

The work involves extensive travel and time away from duty station (potentially more than 100 days a year), including travel and work on weekends and IAEA holidays.

A valid driving license is required.

Nuclear Safeguards Inspectors are expected to demonstrate a cultural awareness and respectfulness to the customs of different countries.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $60962 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $ 25665*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks annual vacation, home leave, pension plan and health insurance

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are encouraged

Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. The IAEA is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. As part of the United Nations common system, the IAEA subscribes to the following core ethical standards (or values): Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for diversity. Staff members may be assigned to any location. The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or with a different contract type, or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above. Testing may be part of the recruitment process
As soon as the UT administration made it mandatory for everyone to wear masks in public, most pharmacies have sold out their stock in Chandigarh. A check by this Hindustan Times correspondent found that masks are out of stock with most pharmacies, while others are selling them at twice or thrice the rates mandated by the government.

In March, after a notification of Government of India, prices of masks and sanitisers were capped in the UT. The move aimed at making products of personal care and sanitation more affordable as they are crucial to combat the rapidly spreading coronavirus. The consumer affairs ministry had notified the MRP for 2-ply and 3-ply surgical face masks at 8 and 10 per piece, respectively.

However, when this correspondent tried to buy masks and sanitiser from Sector 36, 37 and 38 pharmacists, none of them were ready to sell at the price decided by UT.

Kushaldeep Kaur, a resident of Sector 19, said, I went to many shops, but they are out of stock. I will have to make my own mask at home now.

Vivek Mehra, who distributes masks in Chandigarh slums, said, Barring a handful of places, the 3-ply and 2-ply masks are available at 20 to 25 and the black cloth mask is priced between 30 and 80.

VENDORS USING SAME MASKS, GLOVES FOR DAYS

Hitesh Puri, chairman of CRAWFED, said, Just yesterday, I asked a vegetable vendor about how many days he had been using the same mask and gloves, and he replied that it was more than four days. With limited money, of course, a vendor will not think of changing his mask and gloves every day, he added.

Baljinder Bittu, chairman of FOSWAC, said, The repeated use of same masks and gloves by vendors is frightful. They meet several people everyday, go to crowded mandis and exchange currency notes,too. To help them, we have also decided to donate 25,000 masks.

Frontline workers should be given masks by the government. Even if the lockdown is extended for the next 15 days, the government can afford them 8 per mask, said Puri.

He added, Moreover, pharmacists should display the rate list of mask and sanitisers outside the shop and there should be an inspection to check implementation. Administration can also take the help of NGOs for this.

Vinay Jain, secretary of Chandigarh chemist association, while rejecting the charges said, Masks are plentiful in supply. Some pharmacists are selling them at higher rates but they do not belong to our association.

UT health secretary, Arun Kumar Gupta, There is no need to buy masks, people can make them at home. They are reusable and adequate against infection. But except for home made masks, its dangerous to wear same masks again and again. We are trying to make people aware of it.
SoftBank Group Corp CEO Masayoshi Son said he has secured a monthly supply of 300 million face masks for Japan from May after reaching a deal with Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD Co Ltd, which has also started producing masks. SoftBank will donate two different kinds of mask, initially for medical staff, in cooperation with the Japanese governments mask team, set up to tackle shortages due to the coronavirus outbreak, Son said on Twitter. Addressing the supply crunch is a priority for the Japanese government, which will begin delivering two washable masks to ...
As the coronavirus spreads, public and private companies as well as government entities are requiring employees to work from home, putting unforeseen strain on all manner of networking technologies and causing bandwidth and security concerns. What follows is a round-up of news and traffic updates that Network World will update as needed to help keep up with the ever-changing situation. Check back frequently!

UPDATE 4.27

According to the April 22 Verizon Network Report, overall data volume across its networks has increased 19% compared to pre-COVID levels. While data usage remains elevated, the changes in how people are using the network has stabilized, the company stated.

In the United States, there has been a notable decline in peoples movements during the course of the global pandemic. Mobile handoffs the times when a data session moves from one cell site to another as users walk or drive around  have reduced by 27% nationally compared to typicalpre-COVID levels. And, measured by mobile handoffs, the U.S. has seen a decrease in movements since March 1. Verizon said that the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions appear to have the most people in the nation staying at home. Verizon stated it expects usage to continue at sustained higher levels, even as movements begin to shift in the coming weeks and months as stay-in-place restrictions begin to lift . We believe all trends point to sustained network usage at this higher level for the foreseeable future, said Kyle Malady, Chief Technology Officer for Verizon.

In its fifth report tracking internet speeds across the top 200 most populous U.S. cities, Broadbandnow reported networks were slowly adjusting to the new demand placed on them. But as of April 22 despite these adjustments, internet speeds in some cases slowed to a crawl. Over the past week, 67 cities (33.5% of the top 200) experienced median upload speed decreases of 20% or greater below range of previous weeks in 2020. Through April 15, the number was 61, or 30.5%. In turn, 51 cities (25.5%) have recorded download speed dips of 20% or greater, compared to last weeks 52.
Work is progressing at a steady pace on five key construction projects in Bahrain being implemented in co-operation with the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning, reported BNA.

These are the Budaiya Comprehensive Community Centre, the Parent Daycare Club in Jidhafs, the A'Ali Comprehensive Disability Complex, the Comprehensive Social Care Complex in Hamad Town and the Comprehensive Social Services Complex in Isa Town, stated the report, citing a senior minister.

The work at the social facilities projects is moving as per the schedule and according to the Government Action Plan 2019-2022, remarked Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan.

"The facilities will serve various social segments, including people with special needs, senior citizens, as well as cater to the needs of families," he stated.

Humaidan lauded all partners and sponsors of these development projects, including the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development for financing the construction of A'Ali Comprehensive Disability Complex, the Comprehensive Social Care Complex in Hamad Town and the Comprehensive Social Services Complex in Isa Town.

He also paid tribute to Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) for financing the largest part of the costs of the Budaiya Comprehensive Community Centre.
After 17 days imprisoned in his cabin, Melbourne orthopaedic surgeon John Clifford, along with 112 "tired and stressed" Australians and New Zealanders, stepped off the diseased Greg Mortimer cruise ship on Saturday and onto a plane bound for home.

Assuming no last-minute mishaps or bureaucratic backflips on the Montevideo tarmac, the charter plane, paid for through the insurance of cruise company Aurora Expeditions, was to touch down in Melbourne shortly before 7am on Sunday to waiting paramedics and an emergency medical team.

Two Melbourne hospitals have been put on standby to receive the sick.

Australian passengers Wayne and Rowena Hamilton on board the Greg Mortimer, stranded off Uruguay.

The Greg Mortimer pushed off from Argentina on March 15 for a dream16-day cruise to Antarctica and back. At the time, Dr Clifford thought the timing something of a blessing.
A severe weather outbreak, including the threat of widespread damaging winds, large hail and potentially strong tornadoes, is likely this weekend for portions of the South. The storms come as coronavirus concerns have prompted the shuttering of many community storm shelters, since some public officials fear the repercussions of prioritizing tornado safety over social distancing.

In advance of this weekend's anticipated onslaught of vicious weather, the American Meteorological Society, the scientific organization representing about 12,000 meteorologists, is seeking to prevent people from avoiding tornado shelters due to coronavirus fears.

"Do not let the virus prevent you from seeking refuge from a tornado," wrote the AMS in a public statement released Thursday afternoon. "If a public tornado shelter is your best available refuge from severe weather, take steps to ensure you follow CDC guidelines for physical distancing and disease prevention."

Their advice echoes a March joint statement released by the National Weather Service and the Alabama Department of Public Health. "Your first priority should be to protect yourself from a potential tornado," that statement said. They noted that individuals in the path of an approaching storm were far more likely to be affected by a tornado than by the virus.

With atmospheric ingredients lining up for a potential high-end event, the AMS hopes to improve awareness and offer insight into this issue.

"There had been some discussion on a statement . . . for a bit, but we did work hard to get it done this week," said Keith Seitter, executive director of the AMS, in an email. "[We wanted] to have it in place prior to the potential severe weather this weekend."

Already, the Storm Prediction Center has taken the unusual step of declaring a "moderate risk" of severe weather for portions of the Deep South on Sunday. That's a level 4 out of 5 on their severe weather scale, highlighting the potential for damaging winds and long-track tornadoes.

The AMS stopped short of encouraging emergency managers to open shelters, however. Seitter wrote that "[the] AMS respects that those decisions need to be made on the local and regional level."

While it may seem like a straightforward decision, the presence of multiple hazards presents a formidable communication challenge. Ongoing social science research within the meteorological community has found that the public responds best to a unified, actionable message. Otherwise, it can be difficult for those in harm's way to rank various risks and prioritize action items accordingly.

That decision-making process is made even more problematic when the actions associated with handling different risks conflict - like being told to seek refuge from a tornado, possibly in a community shelter, while also being directed to remain isolated at home away from others.

The weather community has dealt with multiple simultaneous hazards before - and at times with tragic consequences. On May 31, 2013, several people sheltering from a massive tornado in El Reno, Oklahoma, hid in a ditch - heeding the advice to get as low to the ground as possible. They perished when floodwaters engulfed that culvert, drowning in the sudden deluge. A total of 13 people succumbed to flash flooding in Oklahoma that day.

Similarly, during Hurricane Harvey's 2017 assault on Houston, when between 3 and 5 feet of rain fell on the Houston metro area, residents also faced a choice between climbing to an upper floor of their home or going to the basement.

Historic flash flooding forced many residents onto their rooftops at a time when dozens of tornado warnings were issued around the city. The local National Weather Service forecast office handling the event was forced to adapt in real time - since they knew the deadly flooding posed a much greater threat.

"It's something up until Harvey we hadn't really dealt with a lot at the Houston office," said Lance Wood, the science and operations officer at the National Weather Service in Houston. "We were under continuous tornado watches for about four days . . . [even] as the really big flooding happened."

"It made us think a lot, since most people realized that flooding was their main threat if they were in the [flood] emergency area," Wood explained. They scaled back the number of tornado warnings issued, reserving them for high-likelihood events, but they knew they had to go a step further.

"What we thought of since then is that, if we do issue a tornado warning in a flash flood emergency area, we should state in the warning which is your main threat," Wood said.

That was put into practice on September 19, 2019, when Tropical Storm Imelda's severe flooding targeted portions of East Texas and southwest Louisiana. Wood issued a tornado warning for an area dealing with flash flooding, but this time, the warning read a little differently.

"A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Winnie," read the warning. "The main threat remains flash flooding, as this area is in a flash flood emergency."

Meteorologists also removed the automatically generated text in the tornado warning that instructed residents to head to their basement.

This weekend's threat isn't just weather hazards at odds with one another - it's a pandemic versus the violence of Mother Nature. Some National Weather Service offices have already begun implementing changes to fit their severe weather warnings into a covid-19 context.

The National Weather Service in Wakefield, Virginia, for instance, is making an effort to mention more hospital locations in their warnings. A severe thunderstorm warning issued on Tuesday warned that "people at Rappahannock General Hospital should seek safe shelter immediately!"

"We had [emergency management] email us, basically with a listing of where those [testing] locations are, and which hospitals have tent services set up," said Jeff Orrock, the meteorologist in charge at that office. Orrock was referring to covid-19 testing locations, most of which are located outdoors in tents.

"We can go into our warning software and put in the locations of those hospitals."

Now, the hospitals can be highlighted both on their maps and automatically when severe weather warnings are issued. So far, Orrock's office has added into their warning program 31 hospitals across portions of northeastern North Carolina, southeastern Virginia, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

It's not the only office to do so. The NWS office in Milwaukee also issued a severe thunderstorm warning on Tuesday that called out covid-19 testing locations.

"People attending Outdoor Testing at Aurora in Grafton, and Outdoor Testing at Ascension in Mequon should seek safe shelter immediately!" the warning urged. Large hail missed the location by just a few miles.

The same technique of adding locations to the warning software has been used in the past for large concerts, sporting events and even political rallies.

Issuing accurate severe weather warnings is challenging enough, and ensuring those warnings enable residents to act quickly to protect life and property is another significant hurdle.

But with steps already in place along with the guidance of authorities like the AMS, one can hope that residents of the South are prepared for any severe weather that heads their way this weekend. That, though, requires a bit of work ahead of time.

"If you cannot take refuge in your home, discuss sheltering with neighbors, friends, or family," the AMS urged. But if you live in a home without a basement or on-site structure, you may be forced to shelter elsewhere.

"If your community has shelters, verify now which will be open and operating during the pandemic," the AMS wrote.

Some communities have already announced closures, while others have confirmed shelters will remain open. Knowing where your community stands ahead of time could save your life.
In Dunnings polite brand of white supremacy, black voting during Reconstruction  which for a while brought political revolution and hundreds of black elected officials to the South  was a curse and a historical blunder. The political equality of the negroes, he maintained, went too far and necessitated a counterrevolution to roll it back.

Dunning never used our modern term, suppression. He called it pressure applied by all these various methods to reduce the black vote. Indeed, the undoing of Reconstruction could be measured, as Dunning celebrated, in the large reductions of black voter turnout in Southern states. Votes were not suppressed; they simply disappeared, he said, like bad weather.

In the 1884 presidential election compared with that of 1876, the black vote declined from 182,000 to 91,000 in South Carolina, 164,000 to 120,000 in Mississippi and 160,000 to 108,000 in Louisiana. As the Jim Crow system descended on Southern life, black voters became increasingly extinct, Dunning wrote. Dr. Anderson documents this voter mortality rate by the early 20th century: Between 1896 and 1904, registered black voters in Louisiana plummeted from 130,000 to 1,342, and in Alabama from 180,000 to 3,000. Todays Republicans can only dream of such numbers, but they need only fractions of those counts to succeed. Their trickery matches their challenge. We should not mince words: Voter mortality is their goal.

Fueling Dunnings confidence about Jim Crows control over voting was the coup and bloody massacre committed by white Democrats in Wilmington, N.C., in the election of 1898. The largest city in the state, Wilmington had forged a black majority and a successful black economic and political leadership. White Democrats found black rule and economic success unbearable. In a vicious white-supremacist campaign led by a Confederate veteran and congressman, Alfred Waddell, whites used lies, intimidation, cartoon journalism and racial terrorism to take back control first of the city and then of the entire state. Organized mobs, energized by grievance and racial hatred, violently overthrew the election.

In rousing speeches, Waddell made their duty clear to the mobs of Wilmington. This city, county and state shall be rid of Negro domination, once and forever, he shouted at an election-eve rally. Go to the polls tomorrow and if you find a Negro voting, tell him to leave the polls. And if he refuses, kill him! Shoot him down in his tracks! The mob roared and raised their rifles in the air. On and after Election Day, 15 to 20 people were murdered in the immediate uprising, while hundreds of black women and children fled into nearby swamps. About 1,400 fled the city during the next 30 days.

Generations later, the right to vote never seemed so important and newly triumphant as on the day President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act in 1965. The violence on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., in the early spring, and the heroic march that it inspired; a brave and persistent civil rights movement; liberal Democrats joined by a key cadre of moderate Northern Republicans in Congress; and a converted, dedicated former segregationist in Johnson, who embraced his most important historic moment  all of this made the act possible. But it became law against the same resistance and rhetoric left over from the past.

W.B. Hicks, the leader of the white-supremacist Liberty Lobby, told Congress: If the presidents law is passed, the South will disappear from the civilized world just as surely and certainly as Haiti did in 1804. Senator Sam Ervin of North Carolina trotted out numerous notorious segregationists to testify before his Senate Judiciary Committee. Leander Perez, the Democratic leader of a Louisiana parish, invoked the Dunning school vision of Reconstruction. The bill was worse than the Thaddeus Stevens legislation during Reconstruction, he said. It is inconceivable that Americans would do that to Americans. The new power of the Voting Rights Act empowered the Justice Department to scrutinize any changes to voting laws and practices (so-called preclearance) in seven states and other regions of the country with especially notorious records of denying the franchise.
U.S., Chinese military aircraft fly near Taiwan's airspace

ROC Central News Agency

04/10/2020 05:04 PM

Taipei, April 10 (CNA) A United States military reconnaissance aircraft was reported flying near Taiwan's southern airspace Friday, the same day the Ministry of National Defense (MND) confirmed Chinese warplanes were monitored southwest of the country.

A U.S. RC-135U Combat Sent was operating in the South China Sea, according to a flight chart posted on Twitter Friday morning by Aircraft Spots, a military air movement tracker.

Taiwanese military spokesman Shih Shun-wen () would not directly confirm the aircraft's movements, except to say that the nation's armed forces are closely monitoring the country's surrounding waters and airspace.

According to charts released by Aircraft Spots and Taiwan's own records, the latest operation was the sixth time since March 25 that a U.S. warplane was found to have been operating near the country's airspace.

The first three occurrences happened between March 25 and 27, while the fourth and fifth occurrences took place on March 31 and April 8.

Su Tzu-yun (), a researcher at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, said the RC-135U movement near the Bashi Channel and into the South China Sea may have been to monitor unusual activity by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the area.

Also Friday, Taiwan's Defense Ministry confirmed that several Chinese J-11 jet fighters, KJ-500 early warning aircraft and H-6 bombers were monitored flying over waters southwest of Taiwan and then entering the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines earlier in the day.

Soon after entering the skies over the channel, the Chinese warplanes returned to their bases via the same route, the MND said, but it did not disclose where the planes were based.

According to the MND, the sortie also marked the sixth time that PLA planes were seen operating near the country's airspace this year.

(By Chen Yun-yu and Ko Lin)

Enditem/ls

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Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick teamed up with "Today" show anchor Hoda Kotb to shine a spotlight on a heroic mom! The "Trolls World Tour" stars surprised the family of emergency room nurse Stacey Kelly, who volunteered to travel from Kansas to New York to join the fight on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, Justin has been quarantined in Montana with wife Jessica Biel and their son Silas, who celebrated his 5th birthday on April 8. The Grammy winner joked about the self-isolation experience during an interview with SiriusXM's Hits 1, admitting that "24-hour parenting is not human."
(Photo : REUTERS/Brian Snyder) A Cataldo Ambulance medic wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) arrives to treat a patient who has tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at an assisted living facility in Chelsea, Massachusetts, U.S., April 10, 2020.

The National Health Service (NHS) personnel in Britain still do not have the personal protective equipment (PPE) they need to deal with coronavirus patients.

The British Medical Association (BMA) stated their employees have been placing their lives at risk by operating without adequate protection.

It comes as Britain's health secretary said 19 NHS employees had died with coronavirus since the outbreak began.

ALSO READ: Schoolboy Turns Bedroom Into PPE Factory to Make Face Shields Coronavirus Frontliners Using a 3D Printer

PPE shortage is a distribution issue

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that there needs more "works to do" to make sure those at the NHS frontline have the protective device they need.

Mr. Hancock stated that 761 million portions of PPE were delivered in the last couple of weeks. However, the distribution was still a challenge.

There are currently more than 1.7 million confirmed cases and at least 103,000 deaths from the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak worldwide. But according to England's deputy chief clinical officer, Jonathan Van-Tam, it is nonetheless "impossible to say [the country] have peaked."

The Health Secretary told BBC the government was searching into how NHS staff who died with the virus have been infected. However, he said it was crucial to say that some employees might also have caught it outside of work.

Hancock said he was "particularly struck at the high proportion of people from minority ethnic groups and [migrant workers] in this country to work in the NHS who died of coronavirus."

"It is a testament that people [worldwide] have come and given their lives in service to the NHS and paid for that with their lives," he said.

ALSO READ: Coronavirus Update: NHS Doctor No Choice but to Buy Motorcross Goggles; Cough Syrup Prices Soar!

Row over PPE going strong

The row over PPE has been growing more intense as doctors end up increasingly more frustrated that they are no longer getting the materials they need.

Doctors running in close touch with COVID-19 patients should have at the very least a surgical face mask, disposable apron, disposable gloves, and eye protection.

The BMA issued a survey of almost 2,000 responses on Tuesday, The Guardian reported. It said it showed more than half of doctors operating in high-risk environments reporting either shortages or no supply of face masks at all. At the same time, 65% stated they did not have access to eye protection. The figures have been even better among GPs in touch with COVID-19 patients.

Mr. Hancock is saying that there are massive logistical challenges concerned in scaling up the supply of PPEs. However, that is little consolation to healthcare people who feel they are being forced to risk their lives to perform their obligation of care to desperately sick patients.

Dr. Chaand Nagpaul, BMA council chair, said doctors have been being forced to make "heart-breaking decisions" over whether or not to work without proper protection.

"This is an immensely difficult position to be in, but is ultimately down to the government's chronic failure to supply us with the proper equipment," he said.

Precious resource

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has brushed off any notion that healthcare staff has been overusing PPE.

RCN chief executive Dame Donna Kinnair told BBC no PPE is a "more treasured resource than a healthcare worker's life, a nurse's life, a doctor's life."

"I take offense actually that we are saying that healthcare workers are abusing or overusing PPE," she told BBC Breakfast.

It comes after Mr. Hancock warned on Friday that PPE should only belong to where it was most needed.

He said 742 million pieces of protective gear had been delivered so far. Hancock added there's enough PPE to go around, but only if it's used in line with the official guidance.

Susan Masters, national director of nursing policy and practice of the RCN, said the number of PPE being added would be impressive "when [nurses stop telling me] what they need to use wasn't available."

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
MOSCOW, April 10 (Reuters) - Russia's central bank is considering how to help the country's commercial banks with gold storage after complications with bullion exports because of the coronavirus crisis.

Gold exports from the world's third-largest producer behind China and Australia have been hit by the grounding of passenger flights while domestic demand has been curbed by the central bank's decision at the start of the month to suspend its gold purchases from banks, a banking lobby group said this week. "There are difficulties," the central bank's governor, Elvira Nabiullina, acknowledged in an online briefing on Friday.

"Banks tell us that it is harder to export gold because of transportation and logistics problems. We are now working with the banks (on the issue), including an opportunity to use vaults," she said without elaborating.

Some Russian banks hope to have a meeting with the central bank on the gold exports issue next week, two banking sources told Reuters.

The central bank had 73.6 million troy ounces of gold with a value of $120 billion in its reserves as of March 1.

It remains unclear when the central bank would resume gold purchases and why it stopped them. The move had nothing to do with the foreign currency sales - the reason some analysts suggested previously - as the central bank buys gold for roubles, Nabiullina told the briefing.

Russian banks normally buy gold from miners for export or for sale to the central bank.

Russia produced 10.1 million ounces (314 tonnes) of refined gold in 2019, of which 5.1 million ounces were bought by the central bank and 3.7 million ounces were exported.

(Reporting by Elena Fabrichnaya and Polina Devitt Editing by David Goodman)

Messaging: polina.devitt.reuters.com@reuters.net))
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Most churches across the United States will remain closed on Sunday amid the coronavirus crisis. For many, it will be a markedly different Easter Sunday as they will worship via livestream. But some are defiant and ignoring calls from authorities to limit congregations to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

One church near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for example, expects more than 2,000 people to attend its services Sunday. Satan and a virus will not stop us, Rev. Tony Spell, 42, pastor of the evangelical Life Tabernacle Church near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He expects a crowd of more than 2,000 to gather at his megachurch on Sunday. God will shield us from all harm and sickness, Spell told Reuters. We are not afraid. We are called by God to stand against the Antichrist creeping into Americas borders. We will spread the Gospel.

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When BuzzFeed called Spell, he almost immediately began reciting the Declaration of Independence. Spell has been charged with six misdemeanors for continuing to open his church to worshippers. The president did not give me my rights to worship God and to assemble in church, and no socialist government or godless president can take that right away, he said.

Some churches tried the livestream option but said that Easter is simply too big of a holiday to do over the Internet. If its a crisis, the church should be able to dispel fear and panic and not join in with the fear and panic. We cant really make a difference in our world just online. Were one power failure away from being shut down, Pastor John Greiner of The Glorious Way Church in Houston said. Greiner says he will protect the faithful by removing several rows of chairs and offering hand sanitizer.

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In Ohio, Solid Rock Church is continuing to stay open but insists it is taking all necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of anyone who goes to worship. Fortunately, our facility is large enough that we are able to easily ensure that everyone who is physically in the facility is practicing the physical distancing; we are providing additional cleaning and hand sanitizing stations; and we are holding some services outside to allow for more distance, the church says on its website.

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In Kentucky, the state government is aware of six churches that are planning to hold services on Sunday. In a statement, the governor warned that police will be recording the license plates of anyone attending service on Easter and require them to quarantine for 14 days. Local health officials then will contact the people associated with those vehicles and require them to self-quarantine for 14 days. This is the only way we can ensure that your decision doesnt kill someone else, Gov. Andy Beshear said.

Update, April 20, 2020: This post originally used a photo of an empty Catholic church. It has been replaced with a photo of a Protestant megachurch.
Trend:

WHO Director-General has expressed gratitude to the government and people of Azerbaijan for contribution to the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan (SPRP), Trend reports citing UN Baku office.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made a speech at the virtual Summit of the Cooperation Council of the Turkic Speaking States (Turkic Council).

Since the beginning of the global spread of COVID-19, the Leaders of the Turkic Council have been cooperating closely, including on sharing hospital facilities, providing humanitarian aid and testing kits, and exchanging clinical expertise and medical support.

This is an example of the kind of cross-border cooperation we need to get through this pandemic.

Since it first erupted more than 100 days ago, the global spread of COVID 19 has overwhelmed health systems, disrupted the global economy, and lead to widespread social disruption.

The fatality rate is estimated to be 10 times higher than influenza.

More than 1.3 million people have been infected, and almost 80,000 people have lost their lives.

So far, the five Member States of the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States have reported more than 36,000 cases of COVID-19, and 750 deaths.

Turkey, the most affected so far of your countries, has suffered a dramatic increase in cases and deaths in the past week. WHO is suffering with you and stands ready to provide whatever support we can.

This pandemic is much more than a health crisis. It requires a whole-of government and whole-of-society response.

In the last 100 days, COVID-19 has shown us the damage it can do in wealthy nations.

We are yet to see the devastation it could cause in more vulnerable countries. Were committed to doing everything we can to prevent that from happening.

The window for containing the virus at the subnational and national level is closing in many countries.

Since the beginning of the outbreak, WHO has shipped personal protective equipment and testing kits to the Turkic speaking states.

We have learned much about this new virus since we first encountered it at the start of the year.

While each of your countries is in a different phase of the outbreak, all must have the same focus: to scale up efforts to minimize the impact of the epidemic on health systems, social services and economic activity.

Restrictive social measures alone only buy us time. Stopping the transmission of the virus requires a comprehensive strategy to find, test, isolate and care for every case, and trace every contact.

At the same time, equitable access to healthcare is critical, especially among vulnerable groups. In the COVID-19 era, access to essential health services must be ensured for all. Otherwise, the outbreak will be harder to control and puts everybody at risk.

National strategies must be supported at the international level in five key areas. These are the five areas WHO is focused on:

First, to support countries to build their capacities to prepare and respond;

Second, to provide epidemiological analysis and risk communication;

Third, to coordinate the global supply chain;

Fourth, to provide technical expertise and mobilize the health workforce;

And fifth, to accelerate research, innovation and knowledge sharing.

Our second Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, to be published in the coming days, will estimate the resources needed to implement national and international strategies during the next phase of the response.

I want to thank all Member States and partners who have responded to our first Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan. More than US$800 million has been pledged or received.

I especially want to thank the government and people of Azerbaijan for their contribution of US$ 5 million to the SPRP.

Turkey also deserves recognition for its support of is European neighbors by sending essential supplies.

Wed like to invite all of you to participate in the Solidarity Trial, an international study that will show us which treatments are most effective. Many countries from throughout the world are already participating.

To stop this pandemic, we have to continue and improve on the kind of cooperation that you have already been demonstrating.

Were all in this together, and we still have a long way to go.

But with solidarity and determination, we will overcome this common threat together, he said.
Health secretary Matt Hancock is facing a growing backlash over his claim that NHS workers are using too much personal protective equipment (PPE), with one doctors leader saying that the failure to provide adequate supplies was a shocking indictment of the governments response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Mr Hancock revealed that 19 NHS staff have died after contracting Covid-19, but said that authorities were not aware of any link to shortages of PPE in any of these deaths.

The Royal College of Nursing rejected the health secretarys warning that shortages were being caused by overuse of items like facemasks and gowns, and that PPE should be treated as a precious resource by frontline workers. And Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said it was insulting to suggest NHS staff were wasting life-saving equipment.

Mr Hancock said in a Downing Street press conference on Friday that there was enough PPE to go around, but warned that it should be used in line with official guidance to ensure everyone got what they needed.

Announcing that PPE distribution would be stepped up to daily deliveries, the health secretary said: Everyone should use the equipment they clinically need in line with the guidelines, no more and no less. Theres enough PPE to go around, but only if its used in line with our guidance. We need everyone to treat PPE like the precious resource that it is.

Coronavirus: London on lockdown Show all 29 1 /29 Coronavirus: London on lockdown Coronavirus: London on lockdown A man walks down a deserted Camden High Street Photos Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Goodge Street Station is one of the many stations closed to help reduce the spread Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown An empty street in the heart of Chinatown Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown People in masks in Chinatown a day after the lockdown Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown A near-empty Piccadilly Circus during the first week of lockdown Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Sonja, my neighbour, who I photographed while taking a short walk. It was nice to briefly chat even from a distance Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown A couple sit on the empty steps of the statue Eros in Piccadilly Circus Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Making sure I stay two-meters apart  DArblay Street, Soho Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown A mannequin behind a shop window. UK stores have closed until further notice Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown A notice displayed on a shop window in Camden Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown As part of the lockdown, all non-essential shops have been ordered to close.Image from Camden High Street Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown A skateboarder wearing a mask utilises his exercise allowance in the Camden area Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Communities have been coming together in a time of need Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown A woman stands alone in a deserted Oxford Street. Up until a few weeks ago, on average, half a million people visited the street per day Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown A couple walk hand in hand down a street in Soho, a day before the stricter lockdown was announced Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown During the first week of March, shoppers focused on stockpiling necessities ahead of a countrywide lockdown Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Many supermarkers are operating a queuing system to make sure only a limited amount of customers are allowed in at anyone time Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Stay Safe  Curzon cinemas are temporarily closed under the new measures Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Pubs, restaurants and bars were ordered to shut as part of the lockdown Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Camden High Street There are fears that coronavirus could lead to permanent closure of struggling shops Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Camden Town is eerily silent on a normal working day Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Shops and supermarkets ran out of hand sanitisers in the first week of the lockdown. As we approach the end of the second week most shops now have started to stock up Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Empty streets around Soho Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown A noticeboard on Camden High Street urges the public to stay at home Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Camden High Street, one of Londons busiest tourist streets turns quiet Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Thriller Live confirmed its West End run ended in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Empty and eerie Soho streets after stricter rules on social distancing announced Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown A woman pauses for a cigarette on Hanway Street, behind Tottenham Court Road Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown A man steps outside onto Hanway Street, that sits behind what is usually a bustling retail hub Angela Christofilou

RCN chief executive Dame Donna Kinnair rejected Mr Hancocks claim, telling BBC Radio 4s Today programme: There is no PPE equipment that is more precious a resource than a healthcare workers life, a nurses life, a doctors life.

Any suggestion that nurses are overusing personal protection is absolutely something we would like to dismiss.

And Dr David Wrigley, a member of the British Medical Associations council, said that more than 50 per cent of doctors responding to a survey said they did not have the supplies they need.

We want to be there on the front line tackling this virus, helping our patients, said Dr Wrigley. But we are hearing from doctors  over 2,000 doctors responded to us and over half of them said they havent got the right facemarks to work in high risk environments. That is ITU [intensive treatment unit] environments. Thats a shocking indictment.

Sir Keir said in a tweet: It is quite frankly insulting to imply frontline staff are wasting PPE. There are horrific stories of NHS staff and care workers not having the equipment they need to keep them safe. The government must act to ensure supplies are delivered.

Dame Donna warned that nurses were under threat from infection in services outside intensive care unit, such as community care, mental health and midwifery, where protective equipment was in shorter supply.

We know actually the health care workers that are dying arent the ones that are working in intensive care, they are working in other services such as the community, such as mental health, she said.

We dont know how they contracted Covid-19 but we do know their places of work and we know they are not the intensive care units, we know they are midwives, they are people who are mixing or who are delivering care in the community and in other services that we havent prioritised for the equipment.

Its easy to work in a place where the risk is identified and you have got the right equipment. What we do know is that Covid-19 patients are coming into contact with healthcare workers anywhere. It is being passed on in hospitals but we also know it is being passed on in communities.

We can see that from our prime minister  he was not in a hospital [when he contracted Covid-19]. Protective equipment is needed in all of these places.

Mr Hancock said it was humbling to see more than 1 million NHS and social care staff go to work every day during the pandemic despite the risks they face.

Health secretary Matt Hancock holding a Covid-19 press conference in 10 Downing Street (EPA)

Asked whether they should continue to work if they feel they have not been provided with adequate safety equipment, he told Today: They shouldnt be faced with that choice. The honest truth is that you have got to make the judgement in the circumstances of the time. My job is to make sure people dont have to make that judgement.

Mr Hancock stood by his plea for staff not to make excessive use of PPE, urging them to stick to guidelines drawn up in consultation with bodies including the BMA and RCN which meant gear could now be used for a whole shift, rather than being changed after every patient.

It is really important that people dont overuse PPE, he said. It is a precious resource.

I dont want to impute blame on people who have used more PPE than the guidelines suggest, because I understand the difficulties and circumstances, but it is important to use PPE as the guidelines say.

The health secretary said that 761 million pieces of PPE have been distributed since the start of the outbreak and said those involved should be proud of their efforts.

But he added: Theres clearly more to do to make sure that every single person who needs it gets what they need.

And Dame Donna said she was still fielding frequent calls from nurses saying they did not have enough.

In recent days we are improving the deliveries, but the safety of nurses and doctors and other health care workers must not be compromised, she said. Basic equipment to deliver care must be provided.

We are all petrified about going out on the front line but we do it because thats what we are trained for.

But its beholden on those in offices of power to make sure they are looking after our physical welfare and psychological welfare. If a nurse does not feel safe she or he is not going to be able to provide good care.

 RCN boss Donna Kinnear on PPE shortages

Dr Jenny Vaughan, of the Doctors Association UK, said that more than 1,000 healthcare workers had signed up to its NHS PPE app in just 10 days to report the situation on the ground, with more than 40 per cent saying they had experienced shortages of long-sleeved gowns and eye protectors.

Dr Vaughan told Sky News: "We absolutely acknowledge that things have improved, but there are still many, many gaps and we can't afford gaps when it comes to people's lives."
Union health ministry officials defended the nationwide lockdown on Saturday and said the country would have had close to 120,000 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases by April 15 if people moved as usual, giving out data not based on any epidemiological premise, but , as the ministry put it, statistical analysis.

The health ministrys calculations were, according to joint secretary Lav Agarwal, based on the cumulative growth rate (CGR) observed prior to the lockdown  a figure the official said was 28% when the nation was forced to shut down on March 25.

This is merely health ministrys internally done statistical rate of growth-based analysis. It is not a study done by the ICMR or any other technical body, said Agarwal.

The ministrys projections involved other scenarios, such as taking into account the peak CGR of 41% observed till now. If 41% CGR (which has been the highest spike in cases noticed so far) is taken into account in a no-restrictions scenario, the number of cases would have been 8.2 lakh till April 15, Agrawal said.

The official, who made the statement during the daily briefing, did not give details about the methodology.

This goes on to prove that lockdown and other preventive measures are a must to keep the numbers low. The Indian government is working to the extent of being over prepared. All critical supplies are being assured to states, and there are already 586 dedicated Covid-19 hospitals that will give us additional 104,613 isolation beds, and 11,836 intensive care unit (ICU) beds, said Agarwal.

Disease growth rates, however, are influenced by several other factors that need to be taken into account, such as the diseases basic reproduction number (how infectious a particular illness is), social contact patterns etc.

One of the preferred methods is SIR modeling, which looks at how much of the population will fall in three categories: suspected, infected and recovered, and takes into account factors that can have an impact on the growth rates.

CGR calculations take into account none of that  they are a basic calculation of a rate of growth over a period of time.

It is important to understand the assumptions behind the modeling. We do not know what is the doubling rate, what are the factors related to host, environment or agents. In the absence of these, assuming counterfactual scenarios such as depicted in this are very difficult to imagine, said Giridhar R Babu, professor and head, Lifecourse Epidemiology, Public Health Foundation of India.

To be sure, the lockdown will have disrupted social contact patterns. A statistical projection  involving established epidemiological tools  using case data till March 22 by a group of academicians in three American university and the Delhi School of Economics showed that India would have had between 97,000 to 1.3 million cases by May 15 if no restrictions were put in place.

The health ministry officials at Saturdays briefing asserted the governments containment plans were being implemented to the last detail on ground, and provided 100% result.

The state, district administration and frontline workers coordinated their efforts by utilizing their existing Smart City Integrated with Command and Control Centre (ICCC) as war rooms, Agarwal said.

In these containment zones, Urban Primary Health centers were roped in and 1,248 teams were deployed; each team had 2 workers including ANMs/ASHA/AWW reaching out to 9.3 lakh of people through household screening about 2,500 people were found to be symptomatic and made to under testing. The strategy adopted by Agra is being shared with other states as a best practice, said Agarwal.

The joint secretary added that the government was ensuring there is no shortage of supplies of critical items which includes PPEs, N95 masks, testing kits, medicines and ventilators in any state.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rhythma Kaul Rhythma Kaul works as an assistant editor at Hindustan Times. She covers health and related topics, including ministry of health and family welfare, government of India. ...view detail
Nguyen Huy Dung, director of the Ministry of Information and Communications Department of Information Security

We are living in a digital age, with strong development of technology and more online communication and information exchanges. We were once worried about becoming too dependent on technology devices, but COVID-19 has forced us to change this mindset. We have become aware that we do not have enough digitalised technologies, such as adequate healthcare software for local citizens.

From this, we know that the capacity of Vietnamese digital technology companies is far higher than we thought. In fact, many software solutions for the prevention and fight against the pandemic are produced within 48 hours, and many firms have even introduced new and efficient applications ahead of this timeframe.

COVID-19 is not only a challenge for each individual, but also a strict test of the health condition of businesses, as well as the adaptation and response of each country. This in turn creates new opportunities to accelerate positive changes in society.

Strong impetus to IT applications

Vietnam has launched and developed e-government services for years. Online public services have been increasingly used by ministries, agencies, and localities to ease administrative procedures, leading to an increase in the number of online public services. However, the percentage of these that generate records remains low.

The onset of the virus has led to many people becoming worried about going out in public, and the government has taken a number of drastic measures to fight the disease, such as limiting large gatherings. As a result, there has been a trend towards using online applications.

The percentage of agencies providing online public services is an important measurement indicator for e-government development. Online public services should be available for everyone everywhere at all times. This helps to save time and money, increases efficiency and transparency in the operation of state organs, contributes to preventing and fighting corruption, and reforms administrative procedures comprehensively.

Therefore, encouraging locals and businesses to use online public services is a good pandemic prevention measure and provides motivation for e-government development.

In a report assessing the impact of COVID-19 on ICT applications among state agencies in the first quarter of 2020, the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) clarifies that e-government development among ministries and agencies seems to have had no negative impact from the pandemic.

In fact, the process is even developing faster because of the high demand for information exchanges and document delivery, and online meetings at different levels and among agencies at all levels tasked with fighting the virus.

With the rapid spread of COVID-19, promoting the provision of online public services at levels 3 and 4 becomes increasingly more important and urgent. The facts prove a strong increase in access to e-portals and online public services.

With the dual role of e-government development in general and promoting the development of online public services in particular, the MIC has taken many practical steps to propagate and motivate people to use online public services.

In the near future, the ministry will launch an e-government monitoring system to collect and measure the use of online public services for each locality, ministry, or agency.

Digital transformation - ready for take-off

The draft of the National Digital Transformation Programme by 2025, with a vision towards 2030, sets targets for Vietnam to be named among the 50 leading countries in e-government by 2030, for the digital economy to make up 30 per cent of GDP, and for people to be able to enjoy and experience smart services in healthcare, education, banking and finance, transport, the environment, and energy supply.

At present, the MIC is completing the draft before submitting it to the government for approval. Once the programme is approved, this will be the framework for the national digital transformation, and based on this, ministries and agencies, and cities and provinces will be able to build and deploy their five-year programmes and annual plans on digital transformation to tap into their own advantages and specific characteristics. Once all ministries, agencies, and localities, as well as businesses and society, join efforts in digital transformation, all the targets of developing a digital government, digital economy, and digital society set in the programme will be achieved.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has warned people against gathering at places of worship or with extended family on Easter Sunday as the state recorded its 23rd death from coronavirus.

A 91-year-old woman with pre-existing health conditions died overnight while the number of new cases in NSW has risen by 44: a number Health Minister Brad Hazzard said was "smack in the middle" of new cases in recent days, showing a slowed rate of increase.

"As a result of compliance we are seeing a lower rate than we had anticipated at this stage and that is fantastic," he said.

There are 19 confirmed cases among Qantas staff and 13 cases at Gosford Hospital. Ninety-seven crew members on board the Ruby Princess showing respiratory and flu symptoms were also tested for COVID-19 on Saturday, with 46 testing positive.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 09:38:11|Editor: ZD

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Photo taken on April 10, 2020 shows neighbours of all ages participating in a street exercise class organised by personal trainer Shelley Moore in Heywood, near Manchester, Britain. People here attempt to keep fit during the coronavirus outbreak. (Photo by Jon Super/Xinhua)
TDT | Manama

Bahrains standing as a pioneering nation in the health sector has been further consolidated with the creation of a state-of-the-art field Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Bahrain Defence Force (BFC) Hospital in Riffa.

This was claimed yesterday by Supreme Council of Health (SCH) president Lieutenant General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, who made an inspection visit to the new facility in the presence of Royal Medical Services Commander Major General Prof. Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa. Lt. Gen. Dr. Shaikh Mohammed, who is also the National Taskforce for Combatting COVID-19 head, said that the field intensive care unit was put together in a record time of seven days and it features 130 beds for the treatment of critical cases infected with COVID-19. He added that the unit is outfitted with the best equipment, according to the highest global standards. The SCH president was briefed on the various features of the unit, which will be operated by the military hospital.

The unit is part of the ongoing preparations of the National Taskforce to provide the needed facilities and procedures to deal with infected cases. Lt. Gen. Dr. Shaikh Mohammed also pointed out that the Kingdom will provide 500 beds nationwide to give the needed treatment when required. Lt. Gen. Dr. Shaikh Mohammed stressed resolve in going ahead with all preemptive measures to boost the Kingdoms efforts in combatting the coronavirus (COVID-19), which he affirmed are being carried out rapidly.

He lauded the unflinching support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and extended thanks to His Royal Highness the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, for their continuous follow-up on the efforts made by the taskforce to boost the health and safety of all. The SCH president expressed his happiness about the creation of the intensive care unit, which stands witness to the kingdoms efforts in combatting the coronavirus, which as a pandemic requires urgent action.

He voiced determination to face all challenges, in line with the directives of HRH the Crown Prince, to ensure the safety of all people in Bahrain. He reiterated that efforts are being exerted to the maximum to ensure the safety of all people in Bahrain and prevent the further spread of the virus. On his part, Major General Prof. Shaikh Khalid revealed that the field intensive care unit in Sitra is equipped with 100 beds and will be outfitted with the best equipment to provide optimum services when needed.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 07:55:21|Editor: huaxia

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Displaced children are seen in their room in a building complex under construction in Tripoli, Libya, on April 10, 2020. The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has documented at least 356 civilian deaths and 329 injuries since the outbreak of a conflict in April 2019 between the eastern-based army and the UN-backed government in and around Tripoli. Since the beginning of the conflict, nearly 150,000 people in and around Tripoli have been forced to flee their homes, with 345,000 civilians remaining in frontline areas and some 749,000 living in conflict-affected areas, according to UNSMIL. (Photo by Amru Salahuddien/Xinhua)
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.
Apple and Google launched a major joint effort to leverage smartphone technology to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

New software the companies plan to add to phones would make it easier to use Bluetooth wireless technology to track down people for who may have been infected by coronavirus carriers. The idea is to help national governments roll out apps for so-called contact tracing that will run on iPhones and Android phones alike.

The technology works by harnessing short-range Bluetooth signals. Using the Apple-Google technology, contact-tracing apps would gather a record of other phones with which they came into close proximity. Such data can be used to alert others who might have been infected by known carriers of the novel coronavirus, although only in cases where the phones' owners have installed the apps and agreed to share data with public-health authorities.

Privacy and civil liberties activists have warned that such apps need to be designed so governments cannot abuse them to track their citizens. Apple and Google plan said in a rare joint announcement that user privacy and security are baked into the design of their plan.

On Friday, the companies released preliminary technical specifications for the effort, which they called Privacy-Preserving Contact Tracing.

The worldwide death toll from the coronavirus hit 100,000 as Christians around the globe marked a Good Friday unlike any other  in front of computer screens instead of in church pews.

In other developments today:

Pope Francis prostrated himself in a nearly empty St. Peters Basilica during a Good Friday service in a sign of obedient humility. He heard a papal preacher say the coronavirus has reminded people they are mortal, not all-powerful.

As hospitals scour the country for scarce ventilators, pharmacists are beginning to sound an alarm that could become just as urgent: Drugs needed to use ventilators are running low.

President Donald Trump says he has no plans to seek his predecessors counsel during the coronavirus pandemic. Even in the face of the greatest challenge of his presidency, Trump has expressed confidence in his team, and said he didnt want to bother the former presidents.

Even as nearly 17 million Americans sought unemployment benefits, a large number appear to be falling through the cracks. They cant get through jammed phone systems or finish their applications on overloaded websites. And now there is a whole new category of people seeking help  gig workers, independent contractors and self-employed people.

International charity groups usually provide support to war-torn or impoverished countries. But now, theyre sending humanitarian aid to some of the wealthiest places in the United States to help manage the coronavirus pandemic. Experts say the fact that U.S. health providers are turning to international charities underscores the governments inadequate response.

President Donald Trump is claiming without evidence that expanding mail-in voting will increase voter fraud. But several GOP state officials are forging ahead to do just that, undermining one of Trumps arguments about how elections should be conducted amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The coronavirus has infected so many doctors, nurses and other health workers that some in France, Italy and Spain are now quickly returning from their sick beds and heading back to the front lines. We were trained for this. The world needs us, one doctor explained.

For more summaries and full reports, please select from the articles below. Scroll further for helpful tips, charts tracking virus spread and more.

This coverage is being provided free as a public service to our readers during the coronavirus pandemic. Please support local journalism by subscribing.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 22:30:30|Editor: huaxia

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WUHAN, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Eight COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, the former epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in central China, are centenarians, of whom seven have been discharged from hospitals after recovery with the oldest aged 108, a health official said Saturday.

"The overall cure rate of COVID-19 in Wuhan has reached 94 percent, with that among patients in their 80s nearing 70 percent. This is a hard-won achievement," said Jiao Yahui, an official with the National Health Commission.

According to Jiao, the number of COVID-19 patients aged above 80 exceeded 3,000 in Wuhan, and around 40 percent of them had been in severe or critical conditions.

"Over 90 percent of the old-age patients have underlying diseases and some of those in severe conditions had been hospitalized for 50 to 60 days," said Jiao.

As of Friday, a total of 50,008 confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported in Wuhan, including 47,112 patients who had been discharged from hospitals after recovery.

The number of patients in severe and critical conditions who were still under treatment in the city had dropped to 94, said Jiao.
Information about our federal coronavirus preparedness and response is slowly starting to come out. However theres one critical piece of data that we will likely never learn: How many people were turned down for tests because of lack of testing capacity?

Its undoubtedly a large number. Early on, you had to have recently traveled to China or Italy or be a health care worker to qualify for a test in St. Louis. Most people who requested tests were told to self-quarantine as if they were infected, and if their health failed, to go to the emergency room. Its a little better now, but we are nowhere near testing on demand  there just arent enough tests to go around. This situation wasnt unique to St. Louis. There was a severe shortage of tests in every state. The news was filled with stories of sick people who tried to get tested but were refused.
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".
A Garda spokesman said the remains were discovered on Thursday (Niall Carson/PA)

Gardai are continuing to search an area of waste ground in south Dublin following the discovery of partial human skeletal remains.

A Garda spokesman said the remains were discovered on Thursday evening during works on common ground at Lissenfield in Rathmines and were reported to Gardai.

A forensic anthropologist visited the site and is continuing to conduct examinations along with members of the Garda Technical Bureau.

The scene has been preserved for examinations to continue on Saturday.

A post-mortem examination will also be carried out to try to establish the cause of death to determine the course of the investigation.
The tale of these two temporary hospitals is one of disconnect between public expectations and political declarations, and whats possible to achieve  logistically and medically  under the circumstances. Covid-19 patients can deteriorate rapidly and suddenly, even when they seem to be on the mend, and often require oxygen for days or weeks. With an increase in the severity of cases treated comes the need for more equipment and staffing. And at the moment, it remains to be seen whether either the Javits Center or the Comfort can adequately care for very many of the most seriously ill covid-19 patients, as state and federal officials have indicated is their new mission.
The BJP on Saturday alleged that the West Bengal government is suppressing information on the number of COVID-19 cases in the state and urged Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar to take up the issue with the Trinamool Congress-led dispensation to ensure that accurate data is disseminated.

A BJP delegation led by state party president Dilip Ghosh called on Dhankhar at the Raj Bhavan here and told him, "People do not have confidence on the data provided by the state government."



The delegation, which also included senior party leaders Mukul Roy and Rahul Sinha, said there is discrepancy between the data provided by the Centre and that released by the state government.

It told Dhankhar that on April 10 there were 116 COVID-19 cases in West Bengal according to the Centre, while the state government put the number at 95, a Raj Bhavan statement said.

The BJP claimed that testing of samples has been very low in the state and told the governor that around 5,000 testing kits have not been distributed and "wherever testing kits were sent, they have hardly been used".

It claimed that 1,000 testing kits were sent to Malda district alone, but not a single test was conducted.

"The situation is similarly worrisome elsewhere," the delegation said.

The BJP also expressed concern over doctors and nurses being quarantined "in one hospital after another" and said the poor quality of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) being provided to them is to blame for this.

The party's delegation alleged that all those from the state who attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi have not yet been identified and quarantined.

"They pose a serious threat of transmission," it said.

It also sought Dhankhar's intervention into instances of "dilution of lockdown" enforcement.

"Religious congregations are taking place and social distancing is not being maintained," the BJP delegation said.

Earlier, in a communication to the chief secretary and the DGP of West Bengal, the Union Home Ministry had objected to the "gradual dilution" of lockdown in the state.

It said shops of non-essential goods were allowed to open in the state and the police also gave permission to religious gatherings. The ministry also said there is no regulation in vegetable, fish and mutton markets and social-distancing norms are being violated at these places in the state.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
3rd Marine Logistics Group Supports USS Theodore Roosevelt

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS200410-02

Release Date: 4/10/2020 9:59:00 AM

By 1st Lt. Tori Sharpe, 3rd Marine Logistics Group Public Affairs

NAVAL BASE GUAM (NNS) -- A team of medical professionals assigned to 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force deployed to Guam in order to augment the COVID-19 response efforts by USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).

Approximately 230 Sailors and Marines arrived in Guam throughout the first weeks of April and are supporting Theodore Roosevelt's onboard medical staff in assessing, managing and treating the symptoms of COVID-19 cases while the ship is in port.

"As a Maritime Force, we need to work together as a Navy and Marine Corps team to stop the spread of COVID-19 in order to remain a ready force in the region," said U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Keith D. Reventlow, 3rd Marine Logistics Group Commanding General. "Soon after receiving the request for support, we rapidly deployed a team of highly skilled medical professionals to augment Theodore Roosevelt's existing capabilities with manpower and resources to effectively assist with COVID-19 cases. Our combined efforts to combat the virus and protect the health of our force will allow us to continue our mission in Indo-Pacific theater."

The team adds to the professional medical care already available aboard Theodore Roosevelt, including more than 70 embarked officers and corpsmen and a team from the Biological Defense Research Directorate, Fort Detrick, Maryland, which has been on board Theodore Roosevelt conducting early-warning surveillance testing for Sailors who present with influenza-like symptoms.

The 3rd Medical Battalion, based in Okinawa, Japan, maintains a deployable force ready to intervene to support natural disasters, humanitarian assistance and various other missions. After receiving official notice of the mission to support Theodore Roosevelt, the joint Navy and Marine Corps team was ready to deploy within 48 hours.

"The rapid response by the 3rd MLG was incredible," said Rear Adm. Stu Baker, commander, Carrier Strike Group Nine. "Their footprint ashore will ensure our Sailors off ship are well cared for."

Although Theodore Roosevelt recently conducted joint exercises with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, this deployment marks the first time the ship and the 3rd Marine Logistics Group have worked together in recent years.

The medical team, which is based at Naval Base Guam, will comply with all quarantine requirements set forth by Governor Leon Guerrero and will only be travelling to conduct critical official business on military installations.

Theodore Roosevelt is currently on a scheduled deployment to the Indo-Pacific and pulled in to Guam on March 27.

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T he Prime Minister has thanked NHS staff at St Thomas Hospital in central London for saving his life while he underwent treatment in intensive care for coronavirus.

Issuing a short statement as he continues his recovery, Boris Johnson said: I cant thank them enough. I owe them my life.

The PM is back on a ward at St Thomas Hospital after being discharged from the intensive care unit where he was being treated for Covid-19.

His comments come as the first public statement since his admission into the ICU on Monday.

Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures 1 /81 Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures A deserted Westminster Bridge PA A man wearing a face mask or covering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, walks past customers sat outside a restaurant AFP via Getty Images Boris Johnson addresses the nation on the Coronavirus lockdown Andrew Parsons Runners pass cardboard cutouts of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William during the London Marathon in London AP An empty escalator at Charing Coss London Underground tube station Jeremy Selwyn Electronic bilboards displays a message warning people to stay home in Sheffield PA A sign is displayed in the window of a student accommodation building following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Mancheste Reuters People take part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions, in Londo AP People sing and dance in Leicester Square on the eve on the 10PM curfew Reuters Hearts painted by a team of artists from Upfest are seen in the grass at Queen Square, following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Bristol Reuters Graffiti reads 'good luck and stay safe', as the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases grow around the world, under a bridge in London Reuters A sign is pictured in Soho, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London Reuters Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures, during a coronavirus briefing in Downing Street, London AP A person runs past posters with a message of hope, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Manchester REUTERS Riot police face protesters who took part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions in London AP An image of The Queen eith quotes from her broadcast to the UK and the Commonwealth in relation to the Coronavirus epidemic are displayed on lights in London's Piccadilly Circus PA Military vehicles cross Westminster Bridge after members of the 101 Logistic Brigade delivered a consignment of medical masks to St Thomas' hospital Getty Images Durdle Door in Dorset Reuters Captain Tom Moore via 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 Coronavirus outbreak PA An NHS worker reacts at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital during the Clap for our Carers campaign in support of the NHS Reuters Goats which have taken over the deserted streets of Llandudno @AndrewStuart via PA Tobias Weller PA Novikov restaurant in London with its shutters pulled down while the restaurant is closed London Landscapes: Hyde Park and the Serpentine, central London. Matt Writtle A newspaper vendor in Manchester city centre giving away free toilet rolls with every paper bought as shops run low on supplies due to fears over the spread of the coronavirus PA Theo Clay looks out of his window next to his hand-drawn picture of a rainbow in Liverpool, as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continue Reuters A young man cuts another man's hair on top of a closed hairdresser in Oxford Reuters General view of the new NHS Nightingale Hospital, built to fight against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London via Reuters Jason Baird is seen dressed as Spiderman during his daily exercise to cheer up local children in Stockport, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues Reuters A woman wearing a face mask walks past Buckingham Palace Getty Images A man holds mobile phone displaying a text message alert sent by the government warning that new rules are in force across the UK and people must stay at home PA Medical staff on the Covid-19 ward at the Neath Port Talbot Hospital, in Wales, as the health services continue their response to the coronavirus outbreak. PA Prime Minister Boris Johnson taking part in a virtual Cabinet meeting with his top team of ministers PA A shopper walks past empty shelves in a Lidl store on in Wallington. After spates of "panic buying" cleared supermarket shelves of items like toilet paper and cleaning products, stores across the UK have introduced limits on purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have also created special time slots for the elderly and other shoppers vulnerable to the new coronavirus. Getty Images People on a busy tube train in London at rush hour PA Mia, aged 8 and her brother Jack, aged 5 from Essex, continue their school work at home, after being sent home due to the coronavirus PA Children are painting 'Chase the rainbows' artwork and springing up in windows across the country Reuters Social distancing in Primrose Hill Jeremy Selwyn A general view of a locked gate at Anfield, Liverpool as The Premier League has been suspended PA Homeless people in London AFP via Getty Images A piece of art by the artist, known as the Rebel Bear has appeared on a wall on Bank Street in Glasgow. The new addition to Glasgow's street art is capturing the global Coronavirus crisis. The piece features a woman and a man pulling back to give each other a kiss PA The Queen leaves Buckingham Palace, London, for Windsor Castle to socially distance herself amid the coronavirus pandemic PA A general view on Grey street, Newcastle as coronavirus cases grow around the world Reuters 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 Britain's Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty (L) and Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance look on as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures as he speaks during a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) news conference inside 10 Downing Street Reuters The ticket-validation terminals at the tram stop on Edinburgh's Princes Street are cleaned following the coronavirus outbreak. PA Locked school gates at Rockcliffe First School in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear PA A sign at a Sainsbury's supermarket informs customers that limits have been set on a small number of products as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grow around the world Reuters Jawad Javed delivers coronavirus protection kits that he and his wife have put together to the vulnerable people of their community of Stenhousemuir, between Glasgow and Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images A sign advertising a book titled "How Will We Survive On Earth?" Getty Images A man who appears to be homeless sleeping wearing a mask today in Victoria Jeremy Selwyn A pedestrian walks past graffiti that reads "Diseases are in the City" in Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images Staff from The Lyric Theatre, London inform patrons, as it shuts its doors PA A quiet looking George IV Bridge in Edinburgh PA A quieter than usual British Museum Getty Images A racegoer attends Cheltenham in a fashionable face mask SplashNews.com A commuter wears a face mask at London Bridge Station Jeremy Selwyn A empty restaurant in the Bull Ring Shopping Centre Getty Images A deserted Trafalgar Square in London PA Passengers determined to avoid the coronavirus before leaving the UK arrive at Gatwick Airport Getty Images

On Friday, Downing Street said Mr Johnson "personally" thanked the NHS team who cared for him as he starts to take short walks amid his coronavirus recovery in hospital.

The Prime Minister has been able to do short walks, between periods of rest, as part of the care he is receiving to aid his recovery, the No 10 spokesman said.

He has spoken to his doctors and thanks the whole clinical team for the incredible care he has received.

His thoughts are with those affected by this terrible disease.

Health Secretary also said that Mr Johnson wanted to "personally thank" the hospital team.

Speaking at the daily Covid-19 press conference on Friday, Mr Hancock said: Im very happy to report that the Prime Ministers condition continues to improve."

He wants to personally thank the whole clinical team at St Thomas for the incredible care that he has received.

His thoughts are with all of those who have been affected by this terrible disease.
I met Ted for the first time in the summer of 1989 on the south-west coast of France. I was a surfing correspondent and he was a would-be world surfing champion. Lacanau, colonised by Quiksilver, populated by marquees and stages and pennants and music, had the feel of some medieval jousting tournament. Ted  Edward George William Omar Deerhurst, Viscount  riding a board with the distinctive Excalibur design, his trusty sword carving through the surf, long blond locks glinting in the sun like a radiant helmet, fitted right in there. He was like a knight errant on a quest for the elusive holy grail.

A former amateur who had represented Great Britain in South Africa, he was in search of points to climb up the ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) ladder. It had been a bit of a struggle hitherto, over a number of years, but he was hopeful that this summer would be the breakthrough for him. He struck a brave, optimistic note. Mingled with a degree of melancholy yearning.

But there was one other British surfer who was competing in the French Triple Crown. His name was Martin Potter, aka Pottz. He was semi-invincible. Pottz won at Biarritz, scooped the Triple Crown, and was in pole position to take the world title, thus becoming my passport to the giant waves of Hawaii. But I was rooting for the underdog, the longshot, the loner, the unsung hero. Ted.
In Virginia, the company that owns the Kensington Falls Church (home to at least two covid-19 cases, so far) has offered to make up the difference in lost pay for workers who commit to working there alone. The Kensington is also allowing those workers to live on site with some grocery services provided, the company said in a statement.
New Delhi, April 11 : Recommendations urging the Centre and the Reserve Bank of India to provide an urgent bank-backed credit lifeline to the country's Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the name of Covid-19 relief package are unfounded, industry insiders and sector experts said on Friday.

Recently, various reports from credit agencies and industry bodies have recommended relief measures for NBFCs to mitigate the economic fallout of the Covid-19 outbreak. However, experts have raised concerns on the demand for huge relief for the shadow-banking sector as many among them have been under the lens over the past few years over regulatory and compliance issues, with the IL&FS crisis being a watershed moment for the Indian NBFC sector.

Speaking to IANS, Abheek Barua, Chief Economist at HDFC Bank said that currently, all the sectors which have genuine needs should be looked into and provided with relief, and merely sticking to NBFCs would not be beneficial for the economy.

"There are all sorts of claims on the government's resources which are limited. Now its no longer about NBFCs, there are the MFIs (micro-finance institutions), then there are actual sectors like civil aviation, hospitality, part of the MSME sector which of course is funded partly by the NBFCs," he said.

Barua added that there have been much more claimants on the RBI's and the government's resources, be it fiscal or monetary.

"NBFCs deserve some kind of a support... but they have also been some kind of a problem for the past year and a half and now we have other segments to also consider. MFIs for instance I think they are very actively involved in reaching credit to the very poor who are likely to be affected the most by the coronavirus," he said.

He said that currently, it is much more than just about the NBFCs and the resources are limited, so the government will have to think about how much to give them and how much to others who have a very genuine need for financial resources be it from a fiscal source or from monetary sources.

There are also differing voices regarding the matter. N. R. Bhanumurthy, Professor of National Institute of Public Finance and Policy said that this is not the government to look into the regulatory issues much and NBFCs also require support as other segments, more so as they were already going through a liquidity crisis.

Further, with some credit rating agencies suggesting for the moratorium on loans provided by the RBI to be extended to the non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) several industry insiders and economists have said that their suggestions have to be considered with greater scrutiny as the track record of several rating agencies have been under the cloud in several fiascos including the IL&FS crisis.

"Rating agencies globally have been under the cloud for long because of their dubious behaviour and should be taken with a pinch of salt," said an industry veteran.
Hospital staff celebrates COVID patient who defied odds Guntersville man fought for his life for 10 days before released to rehab It was a day to celebrate. Marshall Medical Center North staff lined the hallways on the third floor all the way down through the lobby to give a cheerful Good Friday sendoff to a discharged patient whod been hospitalized for 10 days fighting COVID-19. Its a miracle he was able to leave the hospital, said Chief Nursing Officer Kathy Woodruff. The reason we wanted to celebrate his leaving was because he wasnt supposed to. I believe it was divine intervention. Gregory Melcher of Guntersville doesnt know how he caught the virus that nearly took his life. I have felt horrible, he said just before being released into rehab at Marshall Manor following two negative COVID tests. Still very weak, Melcher knew he had won a battle for his life. Im just really tired. His son, Jacob Melcher, an Army Warrant Officer 1, didnt know if his dad would ever leave the hospital alive. It was really hard, said the 18-year-old who is in flight school at Fort Ruckers Army Aviation training. The doctors didnt think he would pull through. The ordeal started on March 31 when Jacob called to check on his dad but couldnt get an answer. Knowing Melchers health issues, he contacted a neighbor, who found him unconscious and called an ambulance. The older Melcher spent two days in ICU with his blood pressure dropping dangerously. Doctors called him to decide whether to remove his dad from a ventilator. Melcher had told him wouldnt want to be kept alive by a machine. Jacob was granted leave to go home to Guntersville and then, miraculously, his dad began to stabilize thanks to the relentless work of the acute care staff on the third floor. Once Jacob learned that, after having been awake for 72 hours straight, he left the hospital to get some rest. The next day Melchers doctor called to say he was breathing on his own. The following day when Jacob called to check on his dad, Melcher asked to talk to him. He asked how I was doing, Jacob said, which was a shock. Jacob said it is a mystery how his dad got the virus. Hes retired and hardly sees anyone. He doesnt go out, he said. I dont understand how he got it at all. The 2019 Guntersville High School graduate had only the Easter weekend to get his dad settled into rehab and on the road to recovery before he had to head back to Fort Rucker on Monday. Jacob said his dad clearly has a long road to recover from the fight that took him to the point of death. He seems really tired but hes still my dad. And Melcher was well aware of the young soldier standing by his side. Were extremely proud of him, he said. Posted by Marshall Medical Centers on Friday, April 10, 2020

On Easter weekend, an Alabama nursing officer credited divine intervention for the miracle recovery of a patient not expected to recover after being stricken by COVID-19.

So when Gregory Melcher of Guntersville was discharged Friday from Marshall Medical Center North between Guntersville and Arab, hospital staff cheered and celebrated  sending him home through a gauntlet of applause as he left the hospital.

Its a miracle he was able to leave the hospital, Chief Nursing Officer Kathy Woodruff said in a hospital Facebook post. The reason we wanted to celebrate his leaving was because he wasnt supposed to. I believe it was divine intervention.

Related: Watch Alabama hospital staff cheering recovering coronavirus patient leaving ICU

Melcher spent two days in the intensive care unit, the hospital said, as his blood pressure dropped to a dangerously low level. He was removed from a ventilator because his 18-year-old son, Jacob, told doctors his father would not want to be kept alive on a machine.

After being removed from the ventilator, Gregory soon began breathing on his own and his condition stabilized -- improving to the point that when his son called the hospital, "He asked how I was doing," Jacob said in the Facebook post.

It's a bright spot for an area that's getting hit harder than most any county in north Alabama. As of late Saturday afternoon, Marshall County  with a population of only about 97,000 people  had 84 confirmed positive tests for the novel coronavirus. That's the most positive tests of any county north of Birmingham's Jefferson County other than Huntsville's Madison County  which is the third-largest county by population in the state with about 373,000 people.

There has been one confirmed coronavirus-related death in Marshall County and two other suspected coronavirus-related deaths that are under investigation by the Alabama Department of Public Health.

While Marshall County has a high positive-test count, the cases have not put a strain on the county's two hospitals. Both Marshall Medical North and Marshall Medical South in Boaz are part of the Huntsville Hospital Healthcare System.

Those are trending up fairly quickly, David Spillers, CEO of Huntsville Hospital, said Saturday. That is not converting to inpatients. We only have two inpatients in Marshall County.

Spillers noted that, of course, there was three inpatients on Friday  before Melcher was discharged.

"That was a very nice event they had for the gentleman who was discharged," Spillers said.

Spillers cited several possible reasons for the high number of positive tests in Marshall County.

"A lot of the implementation of social distancing was at a city/county level," he said. "That could be a factor. They have a lot of plants that are essential that have continued to work and working within close contact with each other, the poultry industry and so forth. That could be a factor. And then potentially people just not paying attention to the rules. It's a rural community so people may not be doing the social distancing that they need to do.

"What I would surmise from the fact that there's a pretty large number for a small county is that it's in a younger, healthier population. They're getting it, getting sick, but not sick enough to be in the hospital."

Regardless of the reason, it's caught Spillers' eye.

Were trying to watch it, see if we can offer some additional services to make sure it doesnt get out of hand, he said.
Nancy Mitfords thoughts turned to love in a cold climate. Gabriel Garcia Marquezs went in a very similar direction except it was a time of cholera. Mine, Im afraid, are more prosaic. Its not amour that Ive turned to but humour. Lets see if I can make you laugh in this time of the coronavirus!

Fear of the virus has tickled the funny bone in many of us. When my emails and WhatsApps arent frightening the living daylights out of me, they actually have me chortling and even laughing out loud. The humour the world is sharing is particularly good.

Shashi Tharoor sent this. He was playing with the different ways you can say something has died. It is with great sadness that I have to mention the loss of a few further local businesses around our town. The specialist in submersibles has gone under, the manufacturer of food blenders has gone into liquidation, a dog kennel has had to call in the retrievers, the suppliers of paper for origami enthusiasts has folded, the Heinz factory has been canned as they couldnt ketchup with orders, the tarmac-laying company has reached the end of the road, the bread company has run out of dough, the clock manufacturer has had to wind down and gone cuckoo, the Chinese has been taken away, the shoe shop has had to put his foot down and given his staff the boot and finally the laundrette has been taken to the cleaners!

Leila Baig decided to have fun at the expense of different branches of the medical profession: The American Medical Association has weighed in on Trumps Covid-19 response: The allergologists were in favour of scratching it, but the dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves.The gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it, but the neurologists thought the Administration had a lot of nerve. Meanwhile, obstetricians felt certain everyone was labouring under a misconception, while the ophthalmologists considered the idea shortsighted. Pathologists yelled, Over my dead body!, while the pediatricians said, Oh, grow up! The psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, while the radiologists could see right through it. The plastic surgeons opined that this proposal would `put a whole new face on the matter. The anaesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas, and the cardiologists didnt have the heart to say no.

Some of the wittiest are one-liners. They can go viral almost as fast as Covid-19! The first collection is about what the coronavirus has done to the economy. The economy is so bad parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their childrens names, a truckload of Americans was caught sneaking into Mexico, the Treasure Island casino in Las Vegas is now managed by Somali pirates, and, finally, I was so depressed last night thinking about the economy, wars, jobs, my savings, social security, retirement funds, etc., I called the suicide hotline. I got a call centre in Afghanistan, and when I told them I was suicidal, they got all excited, and asked if I could drive a truck.

The second lot is about what this wretched virus is doing to our lives. (1) Half of us are going to come out of this quarantine as amazing cooks. The other half will come out with a drinking problem, (2) Every few days try your jeans on just to make sure they fit. Pyjamas will have you believe all is well in the kingdom,(3) This morning I saw a neighbour talking to her cat. It was obvious she thought her cat understood her. I came into my house, told my dog..... we laughed a lot, (4) Im so excited  its time to take out the garbage. What should I wear?

Finally, due to the coronavirus and the paralysed economy, the light at the end of the tunnel has been switched off!

Karan Thapar is the author of Devils Advocate: The Untold Story

The views expressed are personal

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Apple and Google announced Friday that they are working together on tools that would allow smartphone users to see whether they have come in close contact with someone with COVID-19. Early versions will be ready next month, according to a news release.

The system would allow for widespread contact tracing, a disease-monitoring measure that health officials say is critical for slowing the spread of the pandemic. If people know they were recently exposed to an infected person, they can self-isolate in order to avoid giving the disease to someone else.

On Friday, CDC director Robert Redfield told NPR that very aggressive contact tracing will be required before many businesses can bring back their workforces, and that location data collected by cellphones could be a key to putting a program in place. Several widely distributed academic proposals also call for unprecedented surveillance measures to accompany the loosening of social distancing protocols.

But existing proposals to track peoples locations through their smartphones have raised big privacy concerns, especially if they involve sharing that information with the government. And experts say it's not clear how effective those tools would be in practice.

The new system from the two tech giants addresses some of these worries. It would rely on Bluetooth, a technology that allows a device to communicate with other devices nearby. If people choose to participate, their phones will keep a 14-day log of other devices they come into proximity with, whether that's in a grocery store, on a bus, or along a city street.

Then, if someone tests positive for COVID-19 and chooses to report the result to a contact-tracing app, other users who crossed paths with that person in the past two weeks will be notified so that they can get tested or self-isolate.

Most of the data processing that will determine whether you've been near an infected person will take place on the phone, and the two tech companies say they will not collect user locations or other information that can identify an individual. This is meant to ensure that the information can not be repurposed, say, for advertising or law enforcement.

Story continues

Thats in stark contrast to contact-tracing systems that have been set up in China, Taiwan, and South Korea, where governments integrate location data with detailed personal information from official databases to keep tabs on residents.

Privacy, transparency, and consent are of utmost importance in this effort, Apple and Google said in the joint statement. To that end, they have made some documentation explaining how the system will work publicly available.

The first contact-tracing apps based on this new infrastructure could appear in May, built by public health organizations. Later, Apple and Google say, some of the functionality will be incorporated directly into the software of their phones.

This is a huge step forward to assist the public health community with contact tracing while preserving user privacy, says Albert Gidari, director of privacy at the Stanford Center for Internet and Society. It has the advantage of scale and interoperability while giving users the choice to participate.

But both technology and health experts say questions remain about the effectiveness of any app-based contact-tracing system.

To start, Bluetooth can be imprecise: It can be hard to know how close two Bluetooth-enabled devices were to each other, and variations in phone hardware can affect the range and reliability of a signal. Apple tells CR that it's studying ways to determine how far away one device is from another based on a Bluetooth signal.

And though experts say contact tracing is a vital part of managing the coronavirus pandemic, its only as useful as the extent of actual COVID-19 testing, an area where the U.S. is lagging. If people can't get tested for the disease, they wont know to submit their diagnosis to a tracing system.

If this prompts you to get tested and we havent solved the testing issue, you may be in a cul-de-sac, says Andrew Schroeder, director of analysis at Direct Relief, a research organization that is tracking the spread of COVID-19. Plus, not everyone who tests positive will decide to share that information with an app.

Health officials say that the lack of testing, plus the fact that some people have COVID-19 without developing symptoms, means there are probably droves of unreported cases out there. That means you could opt in to the program and never get an alert about close contact with a carrier, even if you really have been exposed to the virus.

I worry that could lead to a false sense of security and make people overly confident about going out and interacting with others, says Justin Brookman, CRs director for consumer privacy and technology policy.

Another potential problem with contact-tracing technology is being addressed simply by the fact that this is an Apple-Google collaboration. If only a few people participate in any particular program, the results will be woefully incomplete and potentially misleading.

But Apple and Google make the operating systems for almost every smartphone on the market. That means that the 81 percent of Americans who have a smartphone should have easy access to the program.

However, the 19 percent of Americans who don't have smartphones are concentrated in some low-income and rural areas. That means there would be glaring holes in the data this system gathers, Schroeder says, even if everyone who can opt in does so.

The only way to include everyone in a contact-tracing system is to assign teams of investigators to track a persons recent movements and interactions after theyve tested positive for coronavirus, experts say.

Thats how Singapore, for example, has attacked the issue. But scaling up personalized tracing from a city-state to a country of almost 330 million would require enormous resourceseven if Americans were willing to embrace such aggressive government surveillance.





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Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright  2020, Consumer Reports, Inc.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 00:11:15|Editor: huaxia

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by Fatima AbdulKarim

BETHLEHEM, April 11 (Xinhua) -- In the wake of a new discovery of a cemetery of the Bronze Age, a Palestinian official said the country will seek new ways to boost tourism after the country recovers from the novel coronavirus crisis.

The latest discovery was made in Hindaza area in the suburbs of the southern West Bank city of Bethlehem. It was found by a man who was digging in the area to build his future home's foundations.

The man contacted the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities which confirmed that it is a cemetery of the Bronze Age.

Rula Maayah, Palestinian minister of tourism and antiquities, told Xinhua that the discovery shows a diverse set of items including horse saddles, clay pots, dishes and jars as well as weapons made of bronze.

"The importance of this discovery is that it shows the burial tradition of the middle Bronze Age, which dates back to around two millenniums ago," Maayah said. "This teaches us about human life in Palestine in that age and people's belief about the afterlife."

The discovery was made amid an expected slowdown in the tourism sector due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Like most of the world, Palestine's tourism and antiquities sector has suffered a blow that has nearly paralyzed the sector, as airports and borders were shut down, however, we have not stopped our work on the preservation of cultural heritage sites and buildings," she noted.

The minister explained that the newly discovered site will be renovated and will possibly be connected with tourist hiking trails in the eastern part of the Bethlehem city.

However, there is no timeframe for the plan yet, as the circumstances amid the COVID-19 outbreak remain unclear.

"Our plan for 2020 includes the renovation of 20 archeological sites across the West Bank to make them catalysts for economic development," Maayah said.

"However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, our work at the moment is restricted to only the protection of cultural heritage sites," she added.

The ministry has begun an extensive research and documentation of the new cemetery in order to accurately identify all found archeological items.

Maayah said the difficulties they face are not only related to the COVID-19 protection measures, but also, to the limited access to some heritage sites because of Israeli movement restrictions against Palestinians.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allow economic activities within the states during the lockdown period as the MSME sector was badly suffering.

Baghel's suggestion came during a video conference the Prime Minister held with the chief ministers to discuss the situation arising out of the coronavirus outbreak and the subsequent lockdown imposed to prevent its spread.

During the video-conference, Baghel urged the Prime Minister that the number of PPE kits should be increased and testing facilities should also be scaled up. He also suggested that Central University examinations be postponed or taken online.

The Chief Minister said, "Due to lack of clear instructions in the guidelines set by the central government for the purchase of test kits, there is a situation of doubt. There is a need to give clear guidelines in this regard."

He also said, "The MSME sector in the state is constantly demanding economic package. Due to the long period of lockdown, the existence of this important sector which provides maximum employment to people has become endangered. An early economic package by the central government must be announced to save these industries."

Speaking on number of coronavirus positive patients in the state, Baghel said, "A total of 18 persons have tested positive for coronavirus in the state, of which 10 people have been cured and discharged. The condition of the remaining eight patients is stable."

"The seven people who had attended Delhi's Tablighi Jamaat and were tested COVID-19 positive have been admitted to AIIMS Raipur, are now stable," he said while adding that till now no death due to coronavirus infection has been reported in the state.

The Chief Minister also informed PM Modi that only 5 districts have been found to have coronavirus infected patients.

"So far, 3,473 samples have been taken and every day an average of only 135 samples are being taken. Hence, it cannot be said with certainty whether COVID-19 in the state is under control or not. There is a need to take 3,000 to 5,000 samples daily. A request has also been made earlier in this regard," he added.

Speaking on ration to the poor people amid the lockdown, the Chief Minister said that about 47 lakh poverty-ridden families have been given a lumpsum ration for two months, including sugar and salt.

Baghel said that the ban on interstate traffic via road, air and rail should continue.

He said, "As the number of coronavirus infected patients is increasing every day, it would be appropriate to give the right to the states to decide whether economic activities in the state should be relaxed or not. Given the current situation, an action plan needs to be prepared so that we are able to revive our economy.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Kylie and Kris Jenner have started distributing boxes of hand sanitizer to medical centers across southern California.

Through Kylie's skincare brand Kylie Skin and its major investor, Coty, the reality stars were able to produce thousands of bottles of antibacterial gel for healthcare workers.

And now pictures are emerging of the truckloads of the bottles being delivered to people on the frontline fighting COVID-19.

They've arrived: Kylie Jenner's hand sanitizers, which she produced through her Kylie Skin brand with Coty, have started being delivered to hospitals across southern California

Helping the healthcare workers: One of Kylie Jenner's personal physicians showed off the bottle and thanked the generous reality star for her help

One of Kylie's personal physicians, Dr. Thais Aliabadi, revealed on Saturday that Kylie Skin had just donated 6,000 pounds of the bottles to be distributed to different hospitals.

'@kylieskin donated 6000 pounds of hand sanitizers to us yesterday. These pallets will soon be distributed to the hospitals and clinics around Los Angeles.

'THANK YOU again @kyliejenner for your generous donation. The loving gift that keeps on giving'

Aliabadi shared a photo of the stylish bottle emblazoned with the Kylie Skin logo along with a message for first responders.

'Dedicated, in partnership with Coty, to 1st responders supporting our communities.' is written on the label underneath text which details the solution is 'Alcohol Antiseptic 80%'.

She also posted a few snaps of a fork lift truck moving pallets of the bottles, illustrating Kylie's generosity.

Crates: Aliabadi revealed she would be distributing the bottles to LA hospitals

It was announced last month that her Kylie Cosmetics brand would be producing hand sanitizers for hospitals across California to help fight the spread of infection.

A representative for Kylie Skin confirmed that the hand sanitizer would be made by Coty's factories and will not affect the production of Kylie Skin products.

The lip kit mogul has also donated $1 million to help supply protective wear to healthcare professionals fighting coronavirus on the front lines.

Meanwhile, Kylie has been named Forbes' youngest self-made billionaire for a second year in a row.

Generous: Pictures are emerging of the truckloads of the bottles being delivered to people on the frontline fighting COVID-19.

The star made her huge fortune from her Kylie Cosmetics empire and, last March, she overtook Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg to top the publication's annual World's Billionaires list.

Kylie has managed to maintain her substantial wealth, and as of November last year, she sold 51 per cent of her beauty brand to Coty Inc. for $600 million.

The deal, which wrapped in January, now values her business at an estimated $1.2 billion.

The sale and still having a 49 per cent share in the business enabled the 22-year-old reality star - who has two-year-old daughter Stormi with rapper Travis Scott - to retain her riches.
Its a weekday morning and Eunha Shim is at Soongsil University in downtown Seoul where she works in the mathematics department.

The country is in its second two-week phase of extreme social distancing and Shim said there are far fewer people on the streets than normal, although some students are meeting on campus.

The countrys quick reaction to COVID-19, through a variety of strict measures, including social distancing tied with steep fines for violation of these guidelines, and mass testing, has been able to slow the spread of coronavirus and reduce the rate of death compared to other countries, according to two studies co-authored by a number of researchers, including Shim, a Canadian who moved to Seoul five years ago.

One study found, on average, a person infected with COVID-19 in South Korea passed the virus on to 1.5 people, which is referred to as the reproduction number and indicates how fast the virus spreads.

Without social distancing or other measures, the number would have been much higher, said Shim. For example in China and Japan, the reproduction number was around seven.

In confined spaces, the reproduction number can reach 11, according to a separate study of the outbreak aboard the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship off Japan in February, which served to provide evidence of how quickly the virus can spread in hospitals and nursing homes.

The public health interventions in Korea have kept the death rate relatively low, around 1.4 per cent, according to a second study by Shim and Gerardo Chowell, a mathematical epidemiologist at Georgia State University, among others.

Information and data has been one plank of South Korea's agressive approach to stopping COVID-19 in its tracks. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (KCDC) website provides a regularly updated and detailed analysis of cases in South Korea as well as countries around the world. It also provides daily briefings broken down to the local level across the country. KCDC

In China, fatality rates reached 15 per cent in Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak, and five per cent in Hubei province, excluding Wuhan, said Chowell. In the rest of the country, the death rate was similar to Korea at about one per cent, he said.

South Korea, a country of 51 million, now has fewer new cases a day than Ontario.

Shim grew up in Korea and moved to Vancouver when she was 20. She did her undergraduate degree and her masters in mathematics at UBC. She moved to Arizona State University for her PhD and afterwards, worked as an associate research scientist at Yale. A mathematician by training, Shim does mathematical modelling of infectious diseases and is now focusing on the transmission of coronavirus as well as intervention strategies.

She keeps up with whats happening in Canada through her parents who still live in Vancouver.

From what I hear and see in the news, it seems that social distancing is well practiced in Canada, in general, said Shim. Further control measures, solving the face-mask shortage and wearing face masks, as well as widespread testing, would help to contain the outbreak in Canada, and mitigate the morbidity and mortality impact of COVID-19.

Nearly half the new cases in South Korea during the last three weeks are imported cases as travellers return home.

Without those, the curve was going down, said Shim.

The country moved decisively after the first case of coronavirus was confirmed in Korea on Jan. 20, in a woman who arrived at Incheon International Airport from Wuhan, China with a fever that was picked up by thermal scanners.

Health officials instituted a number of measures, including mandatory two-week periods of self-quarantine for anyone who came in contact with a confirmed case, and, in February, rolled out a newly-developed diagnostic test that can detect the virus in six hours at a number of health facilities.

And they tested widely, nearly one test for every 100 people as of Wednesday, setting up drive-through stations around hospitals.

The person doesnt have to get out of their car, said Shim. They just lower their window, the staff take swab samples, and the persons temperature, and, in 10 minutes, the testing is done.

About 6,000 people were tested on the day Shim was interviewed by the Star.

The swabs are analyzed at conventional labs  the country expanded its capacity to test by creating partnerships with private labs  and people typically receive the results the next day.

Companies in Korea began manufacturing test kits early and the country had enough to take samples from 20,000 people a day during the height of the pandemic.

On April 1, the government instituted a mandatory two-week period of self-isolation for inbound travellers, and a few days later legislated a fine of 10 million won (about $11,500 CAD), and a year in prison, after public outcry over news that some people were flouting the requirement.

As around 30 per cent of cases are asymptomatic, according to one study, the government has recommended people wear masks, which, Shim said, nearly everyone has donned.

The start of the school year in March was put on hold, but, in April, the government made the decision to put classes for all grades, including university and college, online.

The Korean government also hasnt forced businesses to shut down, although people are encouraged to stay home and only go out for groceries or other necessities. Still, some employees still go to work for meetings.

Theres still no maximum number of people who can be in a group, said Shim, but most people are very strict about social distancing and they are required to keep two metres apart. The younger generation may be getting tired of it, she noted.

Shim said she saw some younger people lined up at Starbucks. And she points to the data, which shows that the largest proportion of confirmed cases so far is among 20-somethings, which may indicate they are not as strict about the requirements.

They just had two weeks of intense social distancing before and it was just extended, she said. I think they are a little bit frustrated.

Shim said its difficult to predict how much longer the country will need to keep the restrictions in place.

Its hard to say at the moment, because we still have people coming in with new infections, she said.

Throughout the crisis, government officials have opted for transparency and openness, publicizing information about confirmed cases on websites, such as the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including the location and assuring people that public areas where the person visited were sanitized.

They have also adopted a number of measures that Chowell points out wouldnt really work in a Western democracy, including using mobile apps to ensure people are complying with quarantine orders.

As well, they have retraced the steps of infected cases using the GPS on peoples phones, or tracked their credit card use, and distributed the anonymized information via a website or on television, so people could determine if they had been anywhere near an infected person.

After an outbreak was identified in the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, which the government has called a cult, officials seized church records in order to find members and conduct contact tracing and testing.

The outbreak was directly related to nearly 4,500 cases in Korea, about 40 per cent of the total cases which stand at 10,384 as of Wednesday.

Much of the countrys response to COVID-19 was determined by an outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in 2015.

The outbreak was a result of a man who returned from a trip to the Middle East with the virus, and, unknowingly, spread it from clinic to clinic, then to hospitals, as he searched for a diagnosis and eventual treatment. He also passed the virus on to a patient outside one of the hospitals.

In all, a total of 186 people were infected  85 of them were healthcare workers  and 36 people died.

The outbreak lasted for two months and the government quarantined nearly 17,000 people for two weeks in order to control it. The country went into an economic slump that was estimated to have cost about $8.5 billion U.S.

After the outbreak, the government created the Emergency Operations Centre, a central command centre that co-ordinates the countrys response to infectious diseases, including a rapid response team of epidemiologists and staff that can be sent to an outbreak.

The government also changed a number of protocols at hospitals to guard against infection, and, in 2016, enacted a new law that allows the use of unapproved diagnostic test kits during public health emergencies, when there is no licenced test available.

Five companies in South Korea are making test kits for COVID-19, based on instructions from the World Health Organization, and now other countries are looking to import them.

They have learned lessons from the 2015 outbreak, said Chowell. They were able to quickly jump into it, because they knew the sooner they were able to implement all these interventions, the sooner they would be able to contain it and keep incidence levels low.

Correction - Oct. 16,2020: This article was edited from a previous version that misspelled Gerardo Chowell's surname.

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The Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) has donated GH15,000.00 to the COVID-19 Trust Fund.



A statement issued by GAUA, and made available to the Ghana News Agency in Accra said the donation formed part of the Associations corporate strategies and community impact project.



It said as institutions of higher learning, apart from teaching and research, they were also noted for their support to their communities including provision of essential services.



"The COVID-19 pandemic has brought forth the need for our communities to be supported as never before. It is in the light of this that GAUA has made a modest contribution to fight this pandemic," the statement said.



The Association is made up of Medical Officers, Consultants, Specialists, Pharmacists, Laboratory Technologists, and other health professionals.



It said these categories of staff of public universities were the frontline health workers who are currently providing specialized services to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the universities and their surrounding communities.



It said GAUA was also supporting the fight through its other members, namely: administrative staff including Registrars, Finance Officers, Estate Officers, Security Experts and Counsellors, who provide important and essential services to keep the university structures, facilities and municipal services running in the midst of the lockdown.



The statement said in a related development, the local branch of the Association at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, made a modest donation of quantities of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), valued GH5,000.00, to the University Hospital, KNUST, Kumasi, towards its efforts at fighting and managing COVID-19.

Source: GNA









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Opening up on a whole lot of issues related to the unprecedented 21-day nationwide lockdown, Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary, Sitaram Yechury said India has to fight this coronavirus pandemic as one nation.

"This is India's battle against the deadly virus... To be fought by all the Indians together. You cannot leave one section out, and think that you are safe, you are not," Yechury said.

Referring to the Tablighi Jamaat controversy, Yechury said, "Who allowed these people to come from Malaysia and Indonesia into India? Were they tested (at the airport) or not? These are the issues for which they (government) have to be accountable. But let's now focus on the pandemic."

When asked about the trail of incidents wherein MLAs and MPs of the ruling party celebrated a birthday bash or roughed up government officials during the continuing countrywide lockdown, the CPM leader said, "It's a mockery of the lockdown, and strict action should be taken against these people. But nothing has been done so far. On the other hand, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced a reward of Rs 5,000 on giving information about Jamaatis (who are missing). But what about the public events held by the BJP? For example, the BJP organised a swearing in ceremony in Bhopal. Similarly, an event was organised in Ayodhya, where thousands of people gathered. The yardstick has to be the same, we cannot have different views on such events."

The long drawn lockdown which has left migrant and the daily waged workers in utter distress, also worries the Left wing opposition leader.

"We are in the midst of a very grim battle against the pandemic. There are serious issues of livelihood, shortage of food and hunger. These problems need to be solved on an urgent basis. The government has stock of 7.5 crore metric tonnes of food grain in the FCI godowns. This stock should be immediately despatched to the states to be distributed among the poor. Prime Minister had promised to transfer Rs 5,000 to each Jan Dhan account and all the BPL accounts, but that has not happened. That has to be done for the survival of the poor," said Yechury, an alumni of the Jawaharlal Nehru University known for his deep understanding of India's socio-economic issues.

On the economic front, particularly on the problems faced by millions of employees in the private sector, Yechury said that retrenchments and salary cuts are happening and making life difficult in the urban areas.

"The Prime Minister had assured that there will be no cut in the salaries for three months but that is not happening. The government has to protect the employers and assure them of a monetary compensation to make this happen. Similarly, in rural areas, harvesting is going on but several grain markets are closed. Farmers are clueless about who will buy their yield lying in the field? Who will pay for it? These questions need to be answered as early as possible," he said.

The ongoing testing for COVID-19 seems to be bothering the Opposition, particularly the Left parties. The methodology or protocol for testing is not an issue for them but the scale of testing is certainly a matter of concern.

"Why do countries go for a lockdown...what is the logic behind it? Actually when countries opt for a lockdown they utilise this crucial time in conducting widespread testing to gauge the scale and spread of the pandemic. They identify the clusters and isolate those clusters, and later they slowly withdraw the lockdown. This is what every country is doing. But in our country the scale of testing is abysmal. As of now, our rate of testing is 102 per million. It is lower than Pakistan - 191 per million. Hong Kong tests 14,000 per million, South Korea 13,000 per million and Singapore 11,000 per million). So we have to step up the testing drive. If we do not expand this exercise then we will not be able to identify clusters and isolate them. If we do not do it effectively then how we will contain this disease, which spreads at a very fast pace. So immediately we have to speed up testing at large scale. It is vital in containing this pandemic," Yechury, known for substance and reasoning in his widely acclaimed speeches, said.

The frontline warriors of this war against the virus, the lakhs of nurses and the support staff in the hospitals also caught Yechury's attention.

"Yes, I am concerned about them. Everyone one should be concerned for them... as they risk their health in fighting this battle. So, the question is are we protecting our health workers properly? To secure their health, we require five lakh Personal Protection Equipments (PPE) every day. As of now, we are producing 12,000 PPEs per day. The first COVID-19 case was reported in India on January 30. Till February 28, we were exporting PPEs. These lapses are grave and would be questioned later on. But right now we have to accelerate production of PPEs at a war footing," he said.

Yechury was of the view that the financial condition of several states is not good. In the ongoing war against the pandemic, the states desperately need money. They have already been deprived of GST funds.

"So the government should immediately transfer adequate funds to the state in this hour of crisis," Yechury said adding: "Last but not least, the issue of Tablighis, though being very irresponsible on their part, should not be communalised. In a grim situation like this, targeting an entire community would be counter productive. This will weaken our united fight against the coronavirus, so this must be put to an end now. I will reiterate... let's fight this war unitedly... Let's be united and defeat the virus."
BERKELEY, Calif. - The silence was striking.

On a normal day, the well-child waiting room at Berkeley Pediatrics bustles with children playing, infants crying and teenagers furiously tapping on their smartphones.

On a recent Monday, the room was deserted, save for a bubbling tropical fish tank and a few empty chairs. Every book, puzzle and wooden block had been confiscated to prevent the spread of coronavirus. There was not a young patient to be seen.

Since March 17, when San Francisco Bay Area officials issued the nation's first sweeping orders for residents to shelter in place, patient volume at the 78-year-old practice has dropped by nearly 60 percent. In accordance with guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, its seven doctors have canceled well-child visits for almost all children older than 18 months. And some parents balk at bringing in even babies for vaccines, setting up another potential crisis down the road.

In the days after the covid-19 clampdown, the office scrambled to set up telehealth for sick visits. Still, this small, independent practice has gone from seeing more than 100 patients a day to about 40. It has laid off six staff members, and the physicians have taken a 40 percent pay cut.

"I've been practicing for a long time, and I've seen a lot of things. This is a very different beast," said Annemary Franks, a doctor who joined the practice in 1993. "I've never seen in a week the entire thing fall apart."

Across the United States, thousands of pediatric practices that provide front-line care for the nation's children are struggling to adjust to a dire new reality: crashing revenue, terrified parents and a shortage of protective equipment, from gloves and goggles to thermometer covers. And they are being asked to care for young patients who could well be infected with covid-19 - and prime vectors for transmission - without showing symptoms.

How well these practices adapt will be key as the nation looks to weather the pandemic: Pediatric offices provide a crucial release valve for the health-care system by treating the broken bones, lacerations, colds, flus and chronic illnesses that might otherwise flood overburdened emergency departments.

"If it's a month or two of care this way, okay. But if this is months and months and months, we're going to see more practices go under," Franks said. "We don't have some pot of money that we have sitting around to get us through this. We're fee-for-service. You get paid for what you do."

Like many practices, Berkeley Pediatrics improvised overnight in the face of covid-19. The brown-shingled Craftsman that houses the practice was quickly divided into two halves: upstairs for well patients, downstairs for those who are sick. They opened a back entrance up an unused set of stairs so well patients could bypass the sick.

Before they get an appointment, all children are screened by phone for signs of the virus. When possible, sick children are treated via a video visit. If a child with respiratory symptoms needs to be seen in person, a doctor meets the child in the family's car in the parking lot, dressed in gown, gloves and face shield. Everyone who enters the office - whether child or caregiver - is checked for fever. The practice has only 75 plastic thermometer covers left, and supplies are on back-order. The doctors wear surgical masks even for well-child visits.

"Every day, I think to myself, 'That's exactly the opposite of what I was taught in medical school and what I was trained to do,' " said Olivia Lang, another physician at Berkeley Pediatrics. "I'm not supposed to wear masks and scare my patients, but I'm doing it every day."

Telehealth makes eye contact challenging, she said. And in an effort to avoid in-person appointments, health-care providers have resorted to prescribing antibiotics over the phone for symptoms suggesting ear infections and strep throat, without doing lab work. "We're supposed to be good stewards of antibiotics, and that's being dismantled," Lang said.

Another challenge is the availability of personal protective equipment, a struggle for all health-care workers. Pediatric practices do not routinely keep stocks of the heavy-duty N95 masks, and they seldom use gowns or even simple surgical masks. Now, with hospitals facing critical shortages of PPE, pediatricians are often low on the list to get supplies.

Kristen Haddon, a pediatrician outside Boston, said the practice didn't jump to buy supplies when cases of the novel coronavirus first emerged in Washington state in January.

"It felt very far away and seemed very isolated," she said. By the time they realized the virus was widespread, "there was nothing to be had." They had no N95s, gowns or goggles, and only two boxes of surgical masks.

Pediatricians are considered at particular risk of infection, given preliminary research that suggests children infected with covid-19 are more likely than adults to have mild cases and may be contagious while showing no symptoms at all. "We have absolutely no idea who is infected and who isn't," Haddon said. "Kids cough and sneeze in our face all the time. And one cough could be really bad for me."

Niki Saxena, a pediatrician in Redwood City, California, said her practice is carefully guarding the handful of N95s they have left from the SARS epidemic and have had to make "some very scary decisions" about how to protect staff. Their options, she said, are to shut down the office - in which case they would go out of business - or to be precise about when they use protective equipment.

"When you're in battle, you have to keep your powder dry until you have to use it," she said. "When I see someone walking through the grocery store with an N95, it takes all my willpower not to rip it off their face."

At Berkeley Pediatrics, staff members are wiping down gowns after seeing a patient and simply reusing them. When she gets home, said Katrina Michel, another doctor, she stops in the garage, strips off her clothing and leaves it on the floor. She tells her two young children not to touch her until she's had a chance to shower. "I've never been afraid to go to work for my personal safety before," she said.

She worries, too, for the well-being of her patients, as the efforts to contain the coronavirus increasingly interrupt basic care. Across the country, pediatricians report that some parents are canceling routine checkups and vaccination appointments - including first-time vaccinations for infants - because they worry about getting infected at the office.

"We don't want to create a pertussis outbreak because we didn't vaccinate all of our babies on time," Michel said.

Many practices are delaying booster shots for older kids. Tina Carrol-Scott, a Miami pediatrician, said she's concerned that the mixed messaging could backfire with parents who are vaccine-hesitant.

"If we start taking the stance that because of coronavirus it's okay for you to be delayed a month or two, it kind of takes away our credibility as physicians," she said. "Parents are going to say, 'Well, it was OK to delay during coronavirus, why not now?' "

And it's not just missed vaccinations that are a concern. Pediatricians are tracking growth and development at well-child visits. For newborns, that includes checks for weight loss, jaundice and congenital diseases.

"We've had parents of infants who are 1 week old say, 'Oh I don't want to come in; I don't think it's safe,' " said Scott Needle, a pediatrician in Sacramento. "We've had to tell them, 'Look, for a 1-week-old baby just out of the hospital, there are a lot of things you need to check that could be much more dangerous than coronavirus at this point.' "

Saxena said the caseload at her Redwood City practice is less than 25 percent of what's typical, and she warned of even broader ramifications on child health care as the pandemic wears on.

"If people stop going to the doctor altogether," she said, "then primary care practices will shutter just like movie theaters and restaurants."

- - -

Kaiser Health News is a nonprofit news service covering health issues. It is an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation that is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.
I am case 667. No, this is not a belated Aprils Fool joke, was what Violet Lim, Co-founder of Lunch Actuallyone of Asias leading online dating servicesstarted off in her recent Facebook post, detailing her experience with being tested positive for COVID-19.

It is no Aprils Fool joke considering Lims cautious approach to preventing risk of infection.

Cautious in the sense of washing and disinfecting my hands regularly, not going to crowded places and even cancelling my 40th birthday celebration in February to avoid bringing together large crowds, shared the mumpreneur of two kids.

Violet Lim who was tested positive for COVID-19, identified as case 667, with her husband. | Image source: Violet Lim/Facebook

Throbbing headache

According to Lim, it all started on 25th March when she woke up in the wee hours with a throbbing headache and unfamiliar tightness in her chest.

Following that, she got out of her bed (5 metres away) to get some water, only to experience shortness of breath.

I was not panting or hyperventilating, but I felt distinctly a slight difficulty in breathing, explained Lim. And the awareness of these symptoms led her to wonder if it was COVID-19.

Lim visited a GP that morning.

She was immediately given a letter of referral to be tested at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) after being examined. Her travel history was also taken into account.

Getting Tested

Lim arrived at the NCID at 6pm. She had to queue for her turn to enter a holding room where the test would be conducted.

Social distancing was also observed at the queue during the preliminary sorting, with black crosses marked on the floor to ensure individuals are at least 1m apart. The nurses were also geared in full personal protective equipment (PPE).

Once at the holding room while waiting for her ECG, X-Ray and nose swab test, Lim had to fill up a form with her personal details and travel history. The paper also indicated clearly that the taking of photos are not allowed.

Story continues

The room was said to hold 2o to 30 tables and chairs which were again, placed at least 1m from each other.

Photo: National Centre for Infectious Diseases website

Nose swab test

By now, you might have already read about how uncomfortable the nose swab test is. And Lim confirms that.

It involves inserting a long cotton bud tip into one nostril, which would usually result in one tearing [up] as a result of the discomfort, said Lim.

The worst thing is when you thought it was all finally over, they will have to poke it into your other nostril (Ouch!)

After being cleared for both the ECG and X-ray test, Lim was told to return home and wait for her swab results. Right then, she said that she was quite confident that she was going to be tested negative.

She would receive a call within 24 hours if she was tested positive. Otherwise, an SMS would be sent to her within 48 hours.

Tested positive for COVID-19

The next day, Lim received a call from the NCID to inform her that she was tested positive for COVID-19.

I could not believe my ears. My heart sank. I was in shock, wrote Lim.

The NCID staff comforted Lim and advised her to pack her bag with at least 2 sets of clothes, toiletries and other necessities. Lim was also told that an ambulance would come to pick her within the next two hours.

Lim revealed the news to her husband who was stunned and both gathered their children to explain the situation to them.

She also told everyone to get tested soon, as there might be a chance she has exposed them to the virus.

When the ambulance came, she was assisted by an ambulance driver who donned a full PPE. As part of the protocol, Lim had to sit at the end of the ambulance and adhere to the 1m distance rule.

Felt comforted and grateful

And it can be a nerve-wracking experience for anyone, not just Lim in this situation. But Lim said that she felt comforted in the short trip to the hospital.

The ambulance driver, 64 years old Mr Nasir, had done what he could to ease her nervousness, from helping Lim with her luggage and telling her funny stories.

And for this, I am extremely grateful, she said.

tested positive for covid-19

Photo: Violet Lim / Facebook

Still in disbelief

36 hours had passed from the time Lim finally settled into her ward, which was said to be Ward 5F.

She said that she was still reeling from shock and disbelief, and did everything within [her] control. She said that she is not certain as to how long she will have to stay here.

This was the last place I expected to be in.

But amid all the happenings, Lim shared that the doctors and nurses were always positive and upbeat throughout conducting the tests, despite having to deal with so many patients every hour, every day.

Also read: Dad Shares Entire Experience of Being A Suspected COVID-19 Case in Singapore

The post Mum And Co-Founder of Lunch Actually Singapore Tested Positive For COVID-19 appeared first on theAsianparent - Your Guide to Pregnancy, Baby & Raising Kids.
Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra on Saturday announced total lockdown of the state following the positive confirmation of a suspected Coronavirus Disease patient in the state.

Mr Obiano said on Saturday in Awka that contact tracing for the patient whose status was confirmed by Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Friday night had begun.

The governor expressed regret that in spite of all the proactive measures put in place to prevent the outbreak of COVID-19 in the state, an index case was established by the NCDC on April 10.

Mr Obiano, who announced that the total lockdown would commence on April 11, urged Anambra residents not to panic as the situation was under control since Coronavirus did not meet the state unprepared.

He commended the people of the state for their cooperation with the government and various institutions, including healthcare, traditional rulers, churches and security agencies for executing their tasks to ensure the protection of the people.

I regret to announce that in spite of our proactive measures to insulate our dear state from this pandemic, we recorded the first case of Coronavirus in the state yesterday (Friday).

The index case came in from Lagos and has been placed in one of our Protective Care Centers, we have commenced aggressive contact tracing to ensure that everyone he came in contact with is brought into the net for a professional handling that will save lives.

I urge you not to panic over this, it did not take us by surprise, we are adequately prepared to handle the situation.

We have trained enough manpower on how to handle COVID-19 cases and our Protective Care Centers are among the best in the country at the moment; on the strength of this, I urge you to stand strong in prayer and faith, he said in a broadcast to the people of Anambra.

The governor announced that as part of efforts to ensure that the outbreak did not escalate, all former guidelines on social gathering and hygiene remained in force, while the closure of Anambra borders is extended by two weeks.

He said only people on essential services would be permitted to move about in the state till further notice as residents of the state were expected to stay indoors with their loved ones.

The restriction on movement is hereby extended by two weeks, this time, we are placing a comprehensive lockdown on Anambra State.

We shall not tolerate any movement across the state by individuals and groups. Only people on essential services are permitted to move around in the delivery of those services to the people.

Residents of the state are advised to stay indoors to avoid getting contaminated by this virus, security agencies will enforce the restriction on movement this time and they have my authorisation to make arrests where necessary.

All boundaries with neighbouring states remain closed, there will be no vehicular or human traffic across all the boundaries of Anambra, only vehicles delivering essential services are permitted after a comprehensive check and authorisation.

Frequent washing of hands with soap for at least 20 seconds under running water as well as the regular use of hand sanitizers are strongly recommended. In fact, everyone is expected to carry a hand sanitizer with him or her at any given time.

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Everyone is expected to stay indoors with their families and loved ones, however, anyone who wishes to step outdoors for any reason at all must wear a face mask.

Anyone who violates this directive stands a chance of arrest and prosecution.

Handshaking, hugging and all other forms of physical contact are strongly discouraged, we are also advised to minimise contact with door handles and handrails and commonly used surfaces in different locations.

A distance of 6 feet must be maintained during interaction with people. Everyone is advised to keep a reasonable social distance when holding a conversation with someone else, he said.

Mr Obiano said the preventive care centres at NYSC permanent camp, Mbaukwu/Umuawulu, General Hospital Onitsha were functional, while two such centres at Ekwulobia and Umueri were almost ready.

He expressed gratitude to all individuals, groups and firms who donated money and materials to support the governments efforts to manage the situation and mitigate the sufferings of the people.

(NAN)

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11.04.2020 LISTEN

Horatio Spafford as weve been told, composed and entitled his historically ebullient song, Its well with my soul, a moment when he received the biggest blow of his life; from business breakdowns to a bitter bite of family estrangement. The song, written in the early 1870s, has still never missed its healing prowess. And as such, were always consoled whenever its sung or played, irrespective of ones current emotional predicaments.

The music portrays a powerful message that teaches, inspires, fosters harmonious cohabitation, and can unite broken ties and homes. For example, Kofi Kinaatas Things Fall Apart. What do you make of that kind of a song which confronts you with some sort of comforting goosebumps, due to its lyrical dexterity, thereby wrestling down your emotional distraught? Some will say, inner peace. If that is so, therefore, we can conclude that jamming and jabbing arent the only benefits to be derived from listening to a song. It should nourish the soul, too.

The irony, however, as one may argue; in recent times, why is it that, even at sorrowful events like burial services, we still play less of a dirge but dance more to the tunes of songs purposely produced for dancing, soon after the interment? It means that, unanimously, theres a problem with the type of music we choose to play and/or the song (lyrics) we love to pen down at a particular place and time. This is national wreckage, which we must all come together and put things to its rightful sense. Just like our oldies used to punctuate their lyrics with thoughtful lines that always carry a soothing message.

People who listen to music, just not because they want to wriggle their waist, but would want to heal their souls, would genuinely understand that, in trying times like this, a diss song, is needlessly repugnant. In times of war, war songs were sung. And, in times of bereavement, dirges ought to be sung. Now that the world is withered by the calamitous covid-19, our lyrics should be more tailored to motivating our frontline workers whore selflessly gambling with their lives for our wellbeing. More so, it has to give hope and commiserate with the bereaved families. Because the world needs to be healed, isnt it?

In ShattaWales bid of putting smiles on the faces of his cherished supporters, he hosted the Faith Concert, and it yielded the results he wanted. Similarly, KingSark, too, has released his Sub Zero song to appease the emotions of his devotees. That is also making its waves. But for us, the listeners, being the final consumers, weve all the moral rights to ensure that they provide us with something meant for edutainment, and that which would soothe the mind and soul, in this devastating moments; whereby we dont even know our fates, as a people.

To end it all, we may be doing a great disservice to our motherland, as were using the Faith Concert, and the released Sub Zero song to inflict more emotional pain to the already wounded minds in this era of the lockdown conundrum.

And oh, before I forget, its said that when two elephants fight, its the grass that suffers.
Much of the country is likely to see some social distancing restrictions ease by late May or early June, a top public health expert told Yahoo News on Friday.

Kavita Patel, a Yahoo News medical contributor and nonresident fellow at the Brookings Institution, heavily hedged her prediction in a wide-ranging interview with Yahoo News Skullduggery podcast. The situation is rapidly evolving, Patel said, and even where there are openings, some regions will be in lockdown far longer than others.

At least 18,000 Americans have died of coronavirus as of today, and a staggering 500,000-plus have been infected, according to the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center.

Patel, formerly a senior health policy official in the Obama administration, warned that Americans potentially will never return to shaking hands in the workplace and will need to wear masks in public for the foreseeable future. Still, Patel predicted that major East Coast cities like New York and Washington, D.C., are likely to receive guidance by as early as the end of May that will allow schools, churches and other large institutions to potentially reopen on at least a limited basis so that behavior that looks closer to normal becomes possible.

"If we get a hot spot that is unexpected or kind of a reversal in these trends ... then that [prediction] changes, but thats what Im looking forward to, Patel told Skullduggery hosts Michael Isikoff and Daniel Klaidman.

Barriers block the beach after Los Angeles County ordered parks and beaches closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease and encourage social distancing in Redondo Beach, Calif., on March 28. (Reuters/Patrick T. Fallon)

Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency room physician who previously served as the health commissioner for the city of Baltimore, joined Patel for the discussion and warned that even if some restrictions ease, Americans must be prepared to go back to a lockdown as events require. Wen did not offer an exact time frame for reopening, but said she believes restrictions will be rolled back in phases and that officials will likely stagger which types of entities can open when.

Were not going to see it all just, one day, everythings going to go back to the pre-COVID-19 days, Wen said. We have to be prepared for what happens if there is another surge, what happens if there is another wave of infections.

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Americans need to brace themselves for a longer-term shift in behaviors, Wen said, because the reality is that with a new virus on the scene, even the top scientists in the world dont know what to expect.

Theres a lot that we dont know about what will happen in this country, and so continuing to tolerate that uncertainty is important for all of us, Wen said. There are a lot of unknowns because of our testing issues and also because of the demographics in our country [that] may differ from those in others.

Patel said that while Wuhan, China, where the virus originated, has reopened, life there is in no way normal.

Both doctors did offer some hope that by the fall, when coronavirus infections are thought likely to spike again, the lead time available for researchers who are now working on potential antibody treatments and other important medical developments could make the threat less severe and therefore sweeping lockdowns less vital.

Well have more antibody-based treatment ramping up to do clinical management of this disease, well have other maybe additional drug tools in our utilitarian armament, and then we can use that as a bridge to a vaccine, Patel said. I am really hopeful that at some point then we get what we call in public health herd immunity.

Referring to news reports out of Britain that officials there are contemplating potential immunity certificates, Wen dismissed critics who are concerned about the Orwellian undertones to a two-track system for reintegration based on individual immunity.

Its a great idea if we have the science to back it up, Wen said. The only way for this immunity passport to work is if somebody really develops long-term immunity and cannot become reinfected  otherwise youre giving somebody false assurance ... and [that] may be very dangerous.

_____

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 00:27:34|Editor: huaxia

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DAMASCUS, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Six new COVID-19 cases were reported in Syria on Saturday, the country's health ministry said in a statement.

With the new cases, a total of 25 COVID-19 cases have so far been registered in the country, two of whom had died and four others were recovered, according to the ministry.

The ministry also urged for toughening the curfew measurers in the country to keep the virus from spreading.

The Syrian government has already taken several measures to prevent the spread of the virus, such as closing non-essential businesses, suspending schools and universities as well as imposing a 12-hour curfew daily.
Thousands of workers left struggling by the collapse of air travel lined up in cars for a food bank in the latest sign of the brutal impact of the coronavirus shutdown.

Workers from Los Angeles LAX airport, the second busiest in the country, were invited to a nearby concert venue if they needed food to survive.

The initiative, organized by the Los Angeles Federation of Labor and the LA Food Bank for workers usually employed at nearby LAX airport, is one of thousands of food banks around the country now buckling under the weight of demand.

It was organized as tens of thousands of people whose work centers on LAX  from taxi drivers to air crew  feel the impact of the shutdown.

Food banks across the United States have seen an increase in demand from America's facing financial hardships amid the COVID-19 outbreak

Pictured: Workers with the LA Food Bank gave out boxes to residents in Inglewood that contain enough for 40 meals

The airports most recent figures show just 7,966 passengers flew or landed on March 31; the average number of travelers in January was more than 215,000 a day.

LAX says the airport  until now - had 59,000 workers on site and in the immediate area around it; the City of Los Angeles estimated that 100,000 more jobs directly depend on it.

At the emergency food bank on Friday LA Food Bank President and CEO Michael Flood told DailyMail.com that at least 5,000 cars were expected, with boxes distributed by 200 volunteers.

Affected and out-of-work workers have turned to local food banks, like LA Food Bank (pictured), to get groceries while they wait for unemployment checks

He said his organization has seen a huge spike in demand as the economic impact of the Covid-19 crisis starts to bite and distributed three million pounds of food this week  a 120 percent increase on the same week last year.

He said: 'This is like the Great Recession happening in three weeks. Based on that stat alone, no we're not shocked by the size of this.

'We're seeing it hitting so many families, furloughs, lay-offs for workers and the like. The distributions are massive so that's a little bit wow.

'The numbers are massive but when we look at the information out there, no, it's not surprising so many people have been impacted so quickly.'

Unemployment claims in California have now reached more than 2.3m, according to the latest figures  which amounts to more claims received in the past three weeks than in the whole of 2019. The figure, equivalent to 13% unemployment, is higher than the national average, of 10%, but the state started its lockdown earlier.

Approximately 900,000 of those claims came from Los Angeles County, where lockdown rules that shut restaurants, bars and theme parks have hit hard. Federal figures say that the Los Angeles County workforce was last calculated in 2017 as 3.82 million workers, which would suggest unemployment as high as 23.6%.

In the United States, unemployment made a record-breaking jump of nearly 17 million in just three weeks as businesses shuttered to slow the virus's spread.

The overwhelming demand has also resulted in a backlog in processing, which means many laid-off workers have been unable to get their hands on the $340-a-week unemployment check.

Pictured: a volunteer wears protective gloves and face masks while helping residents navigate the LA Food Bank at the Forum

Unemployment claims in California have now reached more than 2.3million, eclipsing the number of claims made in 2019

A California resident dons a Oakland Raiders face mask while picking up groceries from LA Food Bank

On Thursday, Governor Gavin Newsom said he would try to get the checks out as fast as possible, as well as relief money from the federal government.

In a statement, he said: 'Many Californians are feeling the effects of this pandemic, and this added benefit is very important to our workers so they have needed resources during this difficult time.'

But for many, the wait is too long  forcing many families to turn to food distribution drives and grocery handouts.

Flood: 'The news plays out day by day regarding COVID-19 but the economic impact has already been felt by so many and our feeling is this is going to be weeks and months of this kind of work' Pictured: Cars lined up at the LA Food Bank

Flood said the boxes given out in Inglewood contain enough for 40 meals. 'They're getting fresh produce. Today it's oranges. Frozen chicken is the protein item.

'Then there's a 36lb meal kit box that is shelf stable items. That's rice and bean products, some fruit and vegetables and some cereal.

'That's the shelf stable portion of the product. It's enough for about 40 plus meals.'

Flood: 'This is like the Great Recession happening in three weeks ... We're seeing it hitting so many families, furloughs, lay-offs for workers and the like'

Pictured: a long line of cars wait in an Inglewood, California, parking lot to pic up groceries from the LA Food Bank

His organization has distributed the equivalent of 1.6m meals in the last week alone while March set a record in demand.

Figures provided by LA Food Bank show it handed out over seven million pounds of groceries last month, enough for 5.8m meals.

But like Orange County Food Bank, which has also seen demand skyrocket, the organization is struggling with a shortfall in donations and volunteers.

Flood says he hopes to see more people signing up to volunteer as the drive through distributions continue.

He said: 'Go to lafoodbank.org and if people are in a position to volunteer, we need volunteers.

'We need funds right now, that's hugely important because our operating costs are increasing.

'But help your neighbor too. We're hearing this messaging here in California  seniors need help and the like so people can pick up groceries, pick up medication from the pharmacies for their neighbors.

'We're a formal effort to help but this is really a time when we're calling on the community to come together and help one another.'

Figures provided by LA Food Bank show it handed out over seven million pounds of groceries last month, enough for 5.8m meals

COVID-19 cases have now passed 20,000 in California and there is still no sign that the end of the state lockdown will come anytime soon.

As a result, Flood says he expects the LA Food Bank will have to continue putting on mass distributions for many weeks to come.

He said: 'Our feeling is unfortunately we're going to be in this situation for some time. It's hard for me to estimate today but we are looking at least weeks if not months.

'The news plays out day by day regarding COVID-19 but the economic impact has already been felt by so many and our feeling is this is going to be weeks and months of this kind of work.'
(Bloomberg) --

Seventy-one people connected to a church in California fell ill. Twenty-one inmates and guards were sickened at a Georgia prison that holds 730 people. More than 260 residents of New Jersey nursing homes died.As Americans contend with the Covid-19 pandemic, homes for the elderly and disabled, prisons and places of worship are proving particularly stubborn hotspots. Dozens of nursing homes across 42 states have suffered outbreaks, and 23 states have reported cases in correctional facilities. At least 11 clusters of infection have been tied to houses of worship, including churches in Alabama, Arkansas, California and Illinois.Lack of testing and equipment shortages are the most visible challenges. But the failure to protect the helpless old and the shunned prisoners  or to brave the taboo of shutting down a Sunday sermon  may prolong the virus grip.

The immediate problem is youre going to overwhelm medical services, said Josiah Rich, a doctor who is director and co-founder of the Center for Prisoner Health and Human Rights in Providence, Rhode Island. Longer term, the infection will continue to smolder and smolder and hamper our efforts to contain a resurgence.

More than 486,000 Americans have been infected with the new coronavirus and more than 16,000 have died. They have picked up the disease in manifold ways. But the three categories recur throughout the nation.

Coronavirus preys on the old. The Life Care Center outside Seattle erupted early in the outbreak when dozens of residents and staff were stricken in February. Eventually, 37 died.

Now that tragedy is being replicated. In New Jersey, more than 13% of the 1,932 people who died through Friday lived in nursing homes, and nearly 70 percent of 375 homes reported positive cases. About 60,000 people live in New Jersey nursing homes, and the state is crafting a plan to evacuate the hardest hit facilities.

Homes are owned by individuals, investors and charities, and vary widely in size and management. The mayor of Elizabeth, New Jersey, called on the state attorney general to investigate a privately owned institution that he said failed to disclose an outbreak that killed at least 12. Owners did not follow the proper protocol in informing the city or the state that this disease was running rampant, Mayor Christian Bollwage said Wednesday.

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If opacity is one hurdle, testing shortages are another. Massachusetts health officials have started bringing the National Guard into homes to help test residents in places where the virus can burn through the halls.

One of the first locations was Charwell House in Norwood, where four deaths have been linked to Covid-19, said Chris Roberts, vice president of operations. Massachusetts and the town government have been supportive, and staff members are on the phone with the state Department of Health twice a day. Still, Roberts said, more is needed.As an industry we need help, he said. The focus has been on hospitals, with good reason, but we have been forgotten, especially on the federal level.

Prisons and jails are ill-suited for social distancing. Overcrowding is rampant and inmates mingle during mealtimes and exercise. Everyone from Attorney General William Barr to the American Civil Liberties Union sees a crisis brewing among the 2.3 million prisoners in the U.S.

In New York, more than 700 prisoners and staff had tested positive for Covid-19 as of Wednesday. At the Rikers Island jail complex, where thousands are housed, the infection rate is 5.4%, meaning an inmate is 8 times more likely to get sick than the average New Yorker, according to the Legal Aid Society.

It is possible that our efforts will stem this growth, but as a physician I must tell you it is unlikely, Ross MacDonald, the chief doctor at Rikers tweeted. I cannot reassure you of something you only wish to be true.

Some cities are simply avoiding jailing people. Chicago and Philadelphia police are minimizing arrests of nonviolent lawbreakers, and lockups have released nonviolent prisoners who are elderly or medically fragile. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy on Friday said he would order the early release of inmates older than 60 or seriously ill, or who would have been free in three months or less. Those convicted of murder, sexual assault and other serious crimes are ineligible.Cook County Jail in Chicago has sent roughly 1,200 people home. Still, more than 350 inmates and guards have tested positive, one of the nations worst outbreaks, prompting attorneys for detainees to sue the sheriff to release more.

But even officials trying to release inmates can confront a legal labyrinth.In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott prohibited the release of anyone accused of or convicted for a violent crime. Next, Lina Hidalgo, elected head of Houstons Harris County, ordered nonviolent detainees released. That in turn prompted Harris Countys top felony judge to order the sheriff to disregard her.

In a matter of a few days, then, the Sheriff faced three conflicting orders from three different officials, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said in a March 30 filing with a federal judge. The already slow machinery of jail release ground to a halt. But the health crisis respects no orders. The virus cares not for the turf wars of government.

A congregant at Young Israel synagogue was the first of scores of people in New Rochelle, New York, to test positive in early March, a harbinger of how places of worship could become loci of infection.Public officials have shut schools and businesses, but often encouraged religious institutions to close rather than ordering them. At least a dozen states have carved out a religious exemption in stay-home orders.

Texas politicians suggested celebrating Easter in parking lots  with congregants in cars  and offering drive-through communion. The governor of Kentucky announced he would postpone the baptism of his child till after the pandemic.

In Mississippi, which has seen clusters of Covid-19 associated with funerals and large church gatherings, Governor Tate Reeves called a pastor asking him to suspend services at New Hope the Vision Center Missionary Baptist Church. Until then, the preacher had resisted.Lives are being lost. Financial abilities are being lost. I just didnt want to lose my constitutional right, the Reverend Stanley Searcy Sr. said at a news conference last week.Other political leaders have had less success.Solid Rock Church in Lebanon, Ohio, with about 3,500 members, held services in defiance of a health department letter, according to a news report. Pastors in Louisiana and Florida insisted on holding in-person services, with the leader of a Tampa church arrested for violating a ban on large gatherings.

Governments can close places of worship, as long as sects arent singled out, said Michael Moreland, a professor of law and religion at Villanova University in Pennsylvania. But many provide useful social services  and arresting worshipers is no political winner.Do we want the police going around breaking up gatherings in peoples houses or church services? he said. From the standpoint of state enforcement, better to have churches voluntarily not have gatherings.

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German is reportedly donating approximately 60 ventilators to the United Kingdom in a bid to fight against the deadly coronavirus pandemic. As the UK has more than 73,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases, the Germany Embassy confirmed that they will be lending a helping hand to the British government. While speaking to an international media outlet, a German government official said that the countrys armed forces would donate mobile ventilators completely free of charge to support the national effort.

As the British government is trying to equip the NHS with the resources it desperately needs, the donation from the German forces will add to the 480 ventilators that have bee already shipped to the UK from China, US, Sweden and Taiwan. In a bid to help the UK with personal protective equipment (PPE), Turkey has also begun sending planeloads of emergency medical equipment. According to the media outlet, the first flight with PPE has already left Ankara and the second flight is due later this week.

READ: UK PM Boris Johnson 'able To Do Short Walks': 10 Downing Street

Too early to end lockdown

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, said its too early to think about ending the lockdown. The initial lockdown of UK ends on April 13, however, with nearly 8,958 fatalities and British Prime Minister contracting the deadly disease, the government might announce an extension. Britain is bracing itself for more deaths from the novel virus in the upcoming weeks.

READ: UK Expects First Batch Of 3 Mn Paracetamol Packets From India Soon

The UK government also assured all social care and NHS staff that the country has the capacity for them to get testing they need for COVID-19. While addressing the daily coronavirus briefing, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said, We have the capacity for all key social care staff and NHS staff who need to get tested to get those tests. He further also urged citizens to stay at home and resist the desire to go outside during the Easter weekend.

Coronavirus, which originated in China in December 2019, has now claimed over one lakh lives worldwide as of April 11. According to the tally by an international news agency, the pandemic has now spread to 210 countries and territories and has infected more than 1.7 million people. Out of the total infections, more than 376,000 have recovered but the easily spread virus is continuing to disrupt many lives. Major cities have been put under lockdown in almost all countries including Spain, and the economy is struggling.

(Image source: AP)

READ: UK Confirms 980 Further Virus Deaths

READ: UK Universities Urge Ministers For Emergency Funds To Survive COVID-19
The small shipwreck off the coast of Rye, masquerading as a reef or hidden in sand for nearly 170 years, was, at first, something of a disappointment.

Researchers had hoped they were onto the Opossum, a ship built by Tasmanian convicts in the early 1820s and posthumously loaded with promises of answers to the mysteries of Australias early maritime industries.

The wreck of the Barbara, which was hidden for nearly 170 years until its discovery in 2018. Credit:Heritage Victoria/Flinders University

It turned out last month that the ship they were actually studying, discovered two years earlier by amateur sleuth Peter Taylor, was the wreck of the Barbara  and it has only raised more questions.

We were sort of taken by surprise, said Peter Harvey, senior maritime archaeologist with Heritage Victoria.
Oman Air, the national carrier of the sultanate, said it has operated a special flight to bring back its citizens from the East African nation of Tanzania.

The flight, in co-operation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, took off from capital Muscat at 8.20am, with stops in Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar City and landed in the sultanate's capital at 10.20pm.

During the operations, all crew members took extensive, expert-recommended measures to ensure that they and the passengers were safe, and made sure that all passengers had the appropriate personal protective equipment said the statement from Oman Air.

The sultanate's national carrier said it will continue to operate charter flights and cargo-only flights on an as-needed basis to ensure the countrys people are able to be at home and have the food and supplies they need.

The airline has recently flown a number of flights to India and China to collect food and medical equipment, along with flights to bring Omanis home from Saudi Arabia, Jordan and India.-TradeArabia News Service
Three Egyptian doctors have so far been recorded dead from the coronavirus and 43 others infected, the Egyptian Medical Syndicate said on Saturday, adding that it is still in the tallying process and that the numbers are "likely to increase."

Only one of the deceased doctors contracted the virus during work, the syndicate added.

The syndicate called on the Ministry of Health to announce the health status of doctors and medical staff, and renewed its call for the regular disclosure of data on infected doctors in order to assist their families.

The syndicate called on the competent authorities to ensure that preventive supplies are made available to all medical facilities, and urged doctors not to work unless they are wearing the necessary protection gear.

It also stressed the importance of the rapid testing of those who have been in contact with positive cases.

The medical syndicate asked the cabinet again to include the infected and deceased medical personnel in Law 16/2018 on honouring the martyrs and the injured.

In April there have been several reports of medics, workers and patients who have contracted the virus in prominent Egyptian health facilities.

On Thursday, Egypts non-profit Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation said four coronavirus cases were detected at its heart surgery centre in Aswan, including one patient and three security staff members.

Egypts Heart Institute announced on Wednesday the shutdown of the institutes admission department after a nurse tested positive for COVID-19.

Last Saturday, at least 17 doctors and nurses at Egypts National Cancer Institute (NCI) tested positive for the coronavirus, according to Cairo University, which manages the countrys main cancer hospital.

A nurse at Al-Khanka hospital for mental health in Qalioubiya governorate and six medical workers in Upper Egypts Aswan governorate also tested positive for the virus.

Friday saw the highest daily death toll in Egypt with 17 new reported fatalities, bringing the total number of deaths to 135, while the number of positive cases has reached 1,794.

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BWOKO  As one of the ways to fight coronavirus spread in Uganda, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Bukwo district, Mr. Tom Chesol has destroyed five foot bridges that were illegally set up by locals to aid their relatives locked up in Kenya to cross into the country.

Bukwo district is located in eastern Uganda and its closing bordering Kenya. Most people in Bukwo prefer crossing to Kenya for essential services like medical and even businesses.

Mr. Chesol who was accompanied by the health team dismantled the foot bridges on Thursday, April 9 after noticing that many people from Kenya were entering into the district through bridges.

The RDC names the bridges as Birirwok, Kapnandi, Kaptalamogon and Kululu all along river suam bordering Transzoia and west pokot counties in Kenya.

We were informed by the concerned residents on how the people were sneaking to Bukwo from Kenya using this foot bridges, said the RDC.

He also revealed that the district now has 25 people in isolation at Bukwo health Center IV and all of them crossed from Kenya Birirwok to Bukwo though these foot bridges.

Mr. Chesol warned that his office will deal with anyone trying to cross out of Uganda to Kenya or from Kenya to Uganda.

Currently, Uganda has 53 cases of coronavirus with no single death.

Related
Metro driver, controller arrested in deadly Mexico City train crash

Mexico City, Mexico  The Mexico City Attorney Generals Office says they have arrested the driver and the controller involved in the metro train that occurred March 10 when one person was killed and 40 injured.

La Fiscalia General de Justicia de la Ciudad de Mexico (FGJ) says two people have been arrested in the Line 1 metro crash for wrongful death and property damage. The FGJ reported that at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, Maria Maricela N controller of the Metro Collective Transport System was arrested in her home. Also, Alan Omar F, the driver of the metro train, was detained at the home of a relative.

Both are being held in the Santa Martha Acatitla Womens Center for Social Reintegration and North Male Preventive Detention Center, respectively. The pair were arrested after a Mexico City judge issued a warrant for their arrests.

Ulises Lara, spokesperson for the FGJ, reported that expert opinions regarding the collision of the two trains at the Tacubaya station on Line 1 of the Metro showed that the accident, which left one dead and 40 with injuries, was the result of omissions in the operation of the driver and controller.
The C-17 globemaster of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday landed at the Dimapur airport in Nagaland with the fourth consignment of critical medical load for the state government, amid the lockdown against coronavirus COVID-19. The C-17 globemaster is the IAF's largest transport aircraft with a capacity to airlift up to 70 tons.

The medical load was also received by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) Advisor Kazheto Kinimi. He thanked and highly appreciated the IAF team and crew working under high-risk conditions for the continuous support given to Nagaland State Government.

It is pertinent to mention that the Hindon-based C-17 globemaster aircraft has also recently flown missions to Wuhan in China, the epicentre of COVID-19, to drop medical aid and evacuate stranded Indian nationals. In addition, it has also flown similar missions to Iran. Manufactured by Boeing of 81 Squadron SKYLORDs, it is equipped with strategic capabilities and special operations including quick special troops or equipments mobilisation.

He said that considering the difficult terrain and inherent connectivity issue faced by the Naga people, such as pro-active preparedness and cohesive coordination and cooperation by various multiple nodal agencies was the need of the hour. He further stated that because of the Centre's support to the state government and Naga publics collective efforts, adequate targeted mitigation measures are being adopted to reduce the scale of any impending disaster in the state.

Kinimi was hopeful that the air support by Ministry of Defence, in the future, in support of NSDMA in interiors of the state would be a positive step and boost capabilities to tackle any disaster. The NSDMA is chaired under the dynamic leadership of Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
Chandigarh, April 11 : The Punjab government had facilitated return of 825 stranded foreigners to their countries, Director General of Police Dinkar Gupta said, here on Saturday.

A committee, comprising senior police officers, was involved in facilitating return of foreign nationals, struck here due to lockdown, he added.

Gupta said those sent back included 28 from Finland, 86 from Denmark, 43 from Sweden, 50 from Norway, 14 from Latvia, 6 from Japan and 2 each from Russia, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Belarus and one from Uzbekistan. 170 citizens of Canada and 273 of the US were also helped in returning to their countries.

For British nationals, the UK government is arranging for flights from Amritsar and Chandigarh.

Also, 15 South Koreans, 33 Malaysians, 17 from Spain, 7 from Switzerland, 4 each from Taiwan and Mexico, 9 from the Netherlands and 57 from Singapore were sent back to their countries.

All foreign nationals were screened for Covid-19 symptoms. Only Covid-19 asymptomatic people were being allowed to leave the state, he added.
Hyderabad, April 11 : Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan has suggested camphor as a remedy for coronavirus but her suggestion drew criticism from many on Twitter, who questioned the scientific basis of her advice.

Some Twitterati commented that she as a doctor should not propagate such ideas as people may start consuming camphor.

"I will be posting current research work in labs abroad on camphor to target viruses and its reference. We may reinvent its use in COVID-19 after further research studies in future," the Governor tweeted on Saturday.

She had earlier tweeted to suggest use of camphor to treat coronavirus. "Look at new drugs to target SARS nCoV-2 and COVID-19. Compound identified is camphor! In traditional ayurveda medicines, it has been used as a remedy. Camphor was used to fight plague and influenza epidemics. Pray with camphor or make Chakkarai Pongal with Pacchai Karpooram," wrote the leader from Tamil Nadu.

"Noted. Thanks. Scientific evidence documented very recently. I am confident of what I tweeted," she tweeted again after a netizen advised her to make sure her idea was correct for COVID-19 situation and cautioned that she may face a lot of criticism in future.

While some hailed her idea and referred to medicinal property of camphor, there were others who voiced concern that people may believe it and start consuming camphor.

Then she posted another tweet: "Word of caution... these are in experimental studies in labs not to be taken for oral consumption directly till approved by authorities. Proud to find camphor used in our traditional medicine getting reinvented for so- called no-cure pandemic threats... wait for clinical use...

"Let us pray with camphor and sweet Pongal with Pachai karpooram. Nothing more than that... at present, please." "Madam, I am a resident of Hyderabad. While I appreciate your intention, kindly do give a disclaimer that this hasn't gone through the rigour of clinical trials. Calling it a good practice is still 'ok' but your message may make people feel that it's the medicine, which's not true," tweeted one Sathya Raghu.

"Ma'am... camphor is neurotoxic and causes seizures and encephalopathy," commented one Dr Ramesh.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Rajasthan reported its highest single-day addition of Covid-19 cases, 180, on Saturday, with 65 of these being identified in Ramganj, Jaipur, which has become a hot spot for the infection. Curfew has been imposed in Ramganj and nine other police station areas in Jaipur from where coronavirus cases have been reported. A total of 1500 policemen including three companies of Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC) and 900 home guards have been deployed and the entire walled city has been sealed.

At the core of the cluster of infections is a 45-year-old resident of Ramganj who returned from Oman on March 12. He was asked by health officials to stay in home quarantine but continued to meet people and even offered prayers at a local mosque.

He tested positive on March 26 and curfew was imposed in Ramganj, a crowded neighbourhood of nearly 500,000.

On March 29, the number of cases in Jaipur was 10 . By March 30, the count doubled to 20, with relatives and contacts of the man testing positive. By April 6, Jaipur recorded 100 cases. As of Saturday night, the case count in Jaipur was 301. Across Rajasthan, the count is 700.

The administration is racing to contain the virus. Door-to-door screening is being done in Ramganj even though health workers have complained that residents are not cooperating. To make it easy for the residents to be tested, the health department has set-up six centres. Jaipur collector Jogaram has also issued orders warning of action against those who resist testing.

Since the first case, another 150 cases have been reported from Ramganj -- all have been traced back to the super-spreader who came back from Oman.

Health minister Raghu Sharma has said that a spike in cases is expected as the health workers are carrying out intensive screening and testing in Ramganj. The entire area has been divided into 30 clusters. 21 samples will be taken from each cluster and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test will be done. Initially 630 samples will be taken and if situation is found to be grave, then more samples will be taken, explained Sharma.

Jogaram said this is being complemented by screening, which is being done across the district. He said that at east 1,000 teams of health workers have fanned out across the district.

Till April 1, cases were reported from 11 of 33 districts in the state. Bhilwara with 26 cases and Jaipur with 21 cases were the main hot spots. The state has reported eight deaths so far.

From April 1, cases of Tablighi Jamaat members testing positive for the virus started coming to the fore. The health department officials said there were around 450 Jamaatis from Rajasthan who attended the Markaz event in Delhi in March. Of the total 700, over 60% have been traced back to the Jamaatis, said a state health department official.

Chief secretary DB Gupta said the Bhilwara model could not be replicated in Ramganj due to the congested area. In Bhilwara, where the group affected was urban, social distancing was meticulously followed, he said. But Ramganj with a population of 2.6 lakh presented a challenge. The walled city has a population of 15 lakh. He said the virus had spread to several other districts after the Tablighi Jamaati members returned. He said the government has appealed to Tablighi Jamaatis to not hide and come for testing and slowly they are responding.

By April 1, 24 of 33 districts were showing cases. Apart from Jaipur and Bhilwara, Banswara, Bikaner, Churu, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Jhunjhunu, Tonk, Kota and Jhalawar have emerged as the new areas of concern for the government.

On April 1, Banswara, Bikaner Jaisalmer, Tonk, Kota and Jhalawar reported no cases. Jhunjhunu and Churu reported 8 cases each and Jodhpur, 1 case. On Saturday, Banswara reported a total of 37 cases, Bikaner , 24 cases, Churu, 11, Jaisalmer, 28, Jodhpur, 43, Jhunjhunu , 31, Tonk, 45, Kota, 33 and Jhalawar, 12 cases.

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Cuba is an island in the Caribbean known for its vibrant culture, pristine beaches, and lush forests. Much of the country has been recognized by UNESCO World Heritage for its impact on history and scenic views.

Travelers often look for the chance to immerse themselves in another country's culture and traditions. We have made a list of all the things you should know about the colorful Cuban culture.





Being 'Cuban'







The majority of the people of Cuba came from Spanish-African descent due to the Spanish influence and the slave trade. Spain conquered the country in 1492 after Christopher Columbus arrived on a Spanish expedition. The Spanish government ruled the island until 1762 when the British forces occupied the country.

The Cuban slave trade was among the oldest and most varied African slave trade in the Americas. The slaves were subject to abuse and were often locked in boiler houses for days at a time. Pregnant women were also severely punished, with some masters whipping the women's bellies, causing miscarriages.

It is estimated more than a million African slaves were brought to the country to work on the sugar plantations until a royal decree abolished the practice in 1886.





Spoken Languages

In Cuba, most people predominantly speak in Spanish. While similar to other Caribbean dialects, Cuban Spanish is deeply rooted in Castillian Spanish and resembles Spanish taught in schools in the United States today.

Like most countries, Cuban people have a detectable accent that makes them unique from other Caribbean islands. In Cuban speech, the letter 'S' tends to disappear. They are also known to turn their R's into L's, most notably at the end of words.

Are you interested in Cuba's local dialects and colloquialisms? Check it out here.





Customary Greetings

In Cuban culture, physical contact among strangers is usual. Privacy and personal space are not as highly valued in the country.

Men often greet each other with a handshake or a quick hug. It is also customary to kiss the cheeks of the women when entering a room.

Don't be surprised or alarmed when you hear loud conversations. Cubans tend to be louder and more expressive than other nationalities. Their discussions often involve extreme hand gestures and facial expressions to point out something or ask questions.

Education and Health Systems

Cuba has a very high 97% literacy rate, making their educational system one of the best in Latin America. The state government subsidizes the entire education system. Students can attend all levels free of charge.

Education is a must for children ages 6 to 16. They attend primary school for six years and high school for three to four years. The government provides technical training, secondary education, and universities as options. Best of all, they're free.

The state also sponsors universal access to health services and focuses on maintaining a stellar sanitation system. The country now has one of Latin America's lowest infant mortality rates and the longest life expectancies as a result.

Cuban Dos and Don'ts

Cuba has fun-loving people. In fact, they enjoy sharing their culture and tradition with visitors. They are also more laid back about punctuality as they favor experience over following timelines.

While they are hospitable, Cubans do not appreciate people spitting on the ground or blowing their noses in public space. Taking pictures of anyone without their consent is also considered taboo.

While there is no legal age to purchase alcohol or a pack of smokes, there are severe penalties for possession and trafficking of illegal drugs.

So there you have it! You're now ready to board the next flight to Havana. For more traveling guides and info, check out this video below:







Interested in other travel content? Check these out!
Speaking Friday at an online conference of the National Steering Committee tasked with battling the novel coronavirus, Dam, head of the committee, analyzed Vietnams response to the Covid-19 pandemic in some depth and listed challenges that lay ahead.

"When the pandemic happened, Vietnam was at high risk because of its dense population and being on the border with China. But at the moment, we are only 103rd in the world in terms of infection cases and we still havent recorded any death. These numbers showcase the effectiveness of our prevention efforts," he said.

"When the disease spread quickly in the world, the Steering Committee and I did not panic or become passive. So far, the number of cases is lower than predictions, proving that we did a good job," he added.

Before the Lunar New Year holiday, when the novel coronavirus outbreak had just happened, the Ministry of Health invited experts to discuss prevention plans. Vietnam decided on five strategic principles: prevention, detection, isolation, zoning and controlling. The government implemented measures earlier and in a stricter manner than the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other countries.

These principles may look simple, but they were drawn from many fights with epidemics in Vietnam and around the world and they have proved their effectiveness, Dam said.

While Western countries expanded testing, mobilized many ventilators and built many hospitals... Vietnam chose its own strategy after carefully analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system and the economy, he noted.

However, the Deputy PM said Vietnam "has only won a single battle and campaign. While the situation is better these days, the whole war against Covid-19 is still ahead so we must not let our guard down."

Agreeing with the Deputy PM, Deputy Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long said Vietnam applied a series of unprecedented measures on a large scale against the epidemic. These measures were one level higher than WHO recommendations. For the first time ever, Vietnam implemented social distancing.

"We have thoroughly and consistently applied the strategy of preventing, detecting, isolation, zoning and controlling," he said adding that improvisation and change of tactics can happen depending on the situation, but the fundamental thrust of the strategy should not change.

As of Saturday, the Covid-19 pandemic had affected 210 countries and territories, infected almost 1.7 million people and claimed more than 102,700 lives.

In Vietnam, 257 people have been confirmed infected with the novel coronavirus, 144 have been discharged, and no life has been lost to date.
An Indian American entrepreneur has announced to produce 10,000 face masks a day and 15,000 face shields per week to address the massive shortage of these public health items in the country during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cleanaxa, the company recently formed by Indiana-based Gurinder Singh, is also producing 1,000 gowns a week for personal protective use for those who must go out and, in the process, is also providing employment to 300 families. The products are produced by people who do not leave their homes and then packaged and distributed in a sanitary fashion, Singh said in a statement.

An Indian American Sikh activist from Indiana, Singh, 46 is recipient of the Rosa Parks Trailblazer award in recognition of his campaign that forced US authorities to change their policy towards headgear of the Sikh community.

The face masks are intended to provide some protection for those who must leave their homes. The use of these masks will help save the medical and N-95 masks for medical and emergency service personnel," Singh emphasized in a statement.

Cleanaxa so far has generated income opportunities for over 300 families and hopes to provide it to at least 125 more, he added. We are starting a homemade revolution where people can make products at home and create income independently in their home, he said.

With this being an election year, Singh invites candidates to consult with Cleanxa to have the fabric for their mask designed for their campaign. Cleanaxa will help with their design and we will produce the masks for them, their campaign workers, and as handouts for at their events, he said.

In view of the ongoing coronavirus crisis, there is massive shortage of face masks in the country. As part of the preventive measures, the White House Task Force on Coronavirus has recommended that every citizen wear some short of face mask. Some of the states like California has made it compulsory for any outside movement.

Singh said his new company has given over 1,000 masks to law enforcement, agencies, first responders and health care workers. He is creating a process where any law enforcement officers, first responders, or health care workers can obtain a free Cleanxa mask, only paying for shipping if they cannot pick one up.

Also read: Coronavirus impact: Masks mandatory for refilling at fuel pumps in Odisha

Also read: Coronavirus in US: Over 16,000 dead; more than 4.6 lakh people infected
A man, who was detained



under the National Security Actand shifted to the Central Jail here from Indore, tested positive for coronavirus on Saturday, a senior official said.

The discovery has prompted the local authorities to request suspension of transfer of prisoners from Indore and Bhopal, two of the worst virus-affected districts of Madhya Pradesh.

Deputy inspector general of police (Jails) (Jabalpur zone) Gopal Tamrakar said, "As a precautionary measure, four NSA detainees from Indore were sent to Victoria District Hospital for a coronavirus test before being admitted inside Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Central Jail."



Of the four detainees, one tested positive for coronavirus, while three others tested negative, district collector Bharat Yadav said.

"We have requested the authorities in the state government not to shift detainees lodged in prisons at Bhopal and Indore to the Jabalpur Central jail to prevent the spread of the virus," Yadav said.

The request is being made, as there is a chance of police personnel accompanying inmates also getting infected, worsening the situation further, he added.

The detainee, who tested positive, was shifted to the Government Medical College and Hospital, he said, adding that the other three inmates will be kept in an isolation facility inside the jail premises.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
"What will show up, starting in April's numbers, are signs of all the things that we are having to do, necessary steps, to fight the public health emergency," Johnston said.

Johnston, a Crown Point native, said the COVID-19 financial impact also is likely to cause Indiana to miss its $1.2 billion May revenue goal and the $2 billion in tax revenue expected to be collected in June.

"We do know that the descent will be steep and rapid. What we don't know, for sure, is what the pace of the recovery will be," Johnston said.

"This will present challenges, not only to the current budget, but future budgets, in order for us to deliver to the best of our ability our priority services that we've committed to our Hoosiers, and we're taking steps to prepare for that."

Going into March, state revenue was running $103.5 million ahead of the forecast for the July 2019-Feb. 2020 period, records show.

The $70 million revenue miss last month means Indiana still has taken in more money during the 2020 budget year than lawmakers anticipated in 2019 when crafting the state's two-year budget.

But Johnston said the warning signs already are flashing.
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- A year has passed since Algerias Abdelaziz Bouteflika was forced to resign, after months of intense anti-regime protests. The former president, who recently turned 83, has remained mostly home-bound ever since, but continues to evade justice for two decades of corruption and misrule.

In the months between his ouster and the election of his successor, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, military courts tried and sentenced a number of Bouteflikas close associates, including his brother Said and his former intelligence chief, Mohamed Mediene, known as the Butcher of Algiers. Since being sworn in, Tebboune has pursued smaller fry, such as the former director-general of police.

But there is little appetite to bring Bouteflika before a court of law. The prevailing hope in the Algerian political elite is that the old man, an invalid since his 2013 stroke, will follow his longtime brother-in-arms, army chief Gaid Salah, who died in December without facing a trial.

That would certainly suit the cabal of military, political and business leaders, known as le pouvoir, or the power, that flourished under Bouteflika and still controls all the key levers of the state. Tebboune is himself a member of this elite  he served as housing minister, and briefly as prime minister, under Bouteflika.

The powers continuing grip in Algerias was visible in the December presidential election: The five candidates on the ballot were all regime loyalists. No wonder the young Algerians who made up the Hirak protest movement skipped the vote  turnout was less than 40%  and opted to keep the pressure on the government.

While the protests continued, at least some hope remained of Tebboune being forced to bring Bouteflika to justice. But the coronavirus epidemic  Algeria is one of Africas worst-hit countries  has forced Hirak to suspend the protests, giving the presidents, past and present, some breathing room.

Not that Tebboune can afford to exhale: He faces a surfeit of crises as he walks the line between the power and the people. Apart from the epidemic, the collapse of oil prices has devastated an economy that depends on hydrocarbon exports for more than 85% of exports, and which never fully recovered from the last plunge.

Story continues

The power has relied on high oil prices to line its own pockets and to provide subsidies and handouts to the growing number of unemployed Algerians. Bouteflika was able to buy his way out of the 2011 Arab Spring, but the fall in prices in 2014 left his coffers greatly depleted. When the Hirak protests began, he could offer neither jobs nor freebies.

Tebboune will be mindful of his former bosss predicament as his country suffers the collateral damage of the Saudi-Russian oil war. When the epidemic is past and Hirak returns to the streets, he will face the same pressures that brought down Bouteflika, even as the power counts on him to preserve its privileges.

Lacking his predecessors largesse  the government will instead slash public spending by 30%  Tebboune is reduced to humbler offerings, such as tax breaks for low-wage earners and presidential pardons for some prisoners. (Hes also trying some of Bouteflikas strong-arm tactics, such as arresting a prominent journalist.) This will satisfy neither the people nor the power.

Nor can the president hold out for any foreign-policy successes to distract from the economic hardship he must inflict on Algerians. The pandemic has forced the postponement of the Arab League summit in Algiers. Tebboune, as host, would have held the spotlight; he was also hoping to make some waves by calling for Syrias return to the fold. Algerias desire to play a bigger role in resolving the civil war in Libya will also be tempered by problems closer to home.

With little else to offer, the power may, come summer, find it expedient to make a major sacrifice to appease the popular mood. Which president will it be?

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

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States decide whether to allow drive-in church services on Easter Sunday

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As many churches plan to host drive-in services, which do not violate social distancing rules, on Easter Sunday, some states appear to be in a conundrum over whether such gatherings could spread the new coronavirus and should be banned.

Mayor Greg Fischer of Louisville, Kentucky, has prohibited churches from having drive-in services, but the religious liberty law film First Liberty Institute has written to him on behalf of On Fire Christian Church urging him to reverse the decision, according to Fox Wilmington.

The prohibition of drive-in church services goes beyond those guidelines  and unlawfully targets houses of worship, First Libertys senior counsel Roger Byron was quoted as saying. Many churches across the nation are holding drive-in services to balance the spiritual and physical health of their communities.

The mayor responded in a video message, saying, Its not really practical or safe to accommodate drive-up services taking place in our community. Think about this on Sunday morning: There would be hundreds of thousands of people driving around our community.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, is backing the ban, according to Louisville Courier-Journal.

In response to the possibility of some Kentucky churches holding in-person services, the governor warned that if people attend those services, authorities will record their license plate numbers and they will be turned in to local health departments. Residents would then be ordered to quarantine for 14 days.

Republican Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul denounced the plan to record and turn in Christians' license plate numbers. In a post on Twitter he wrote, Taking license plates at church? Quarantining someone for being Christian on Easter Sunday? Someone needs to take a step back here.

In North Carolina, the Wilmington Police Department has acknowledged that drive-in services are not a violation of social distancing rules, but only after Coastal Legal Counsel challenged the polices interpretation of the law.

The Wilmington Police Department had earlier said in a statement: With Easter Sunday just three days away, some area Pastors are asking whether or not drive-in services are allowed under current Governors Executive Orders and local Declarations. These Orders and Declarations prohibit any event or convening that brings together more than 10 individuals in one place (indoor or outdoor) at one time. This prohibition includes drive-in services, according to Port City Daily.

The department has now changed its stance but continues to encourage online services, citing local health officials concerns that drive-in services could be unnecessarily risky.

While the Governor has advised local municipalities to follow the advice of local health officials, it is the Governors interpretation of his own order that drive-in worship services should be allowed if sufficient safety precautions are met, it said.

In Mississippi, Greenville Mayor Errick Simmons has banned drive-in services. However, First Liberty is representing King James Bible Baptist Church in the city to ask Simmons to lift the ban.

Governor Tate Reeves Shelter In Place Order and the Mississippi Department of Health guideline state, Because of recent COVID-19 cases specifically linked to church gatherings, it is vital that Mississippians not attend in-person church services at any church or other type of facility. Services, weddings, and funerals are leading to greater COVID-19 transmission.

Your recent order prohibiting drive-in services leaves him in reasonable fear that he and his church members will be fined and criminally prosecuted for merely engaging in drive-in church services that fall well within the CDC guidelines, the law firm said in a letter to Simmons, according to Washington Examiner. We require Greenville, Mississippi, to withdraw the unconstitutional order that, disturbingly, targets religious exercise.

The church said its congregation remained in their cars during services and pastor Charleston Hamilton also maintained the proper 6-foot social distancing requirements while preaching.

The church says it will hold a drive-in service on Easter Sunday even if the ban is not lifted.

Three weeks ago, about 600 people in 300 cars attended drive-in church services hosted by Genoa Church of Westerville, Ohio.

The church had a raised platform for speakers, with attendees remaining in their parked cars to listen to the music and preaching through an FM transmitter.

Pastor Frank Carl told The Christian Post in an interview that this was the first time that his congregation had held such a service, having been inspired by the famed Crystal Cathedral of California offering a similar worship experience years earlier. We decided to do this as an alternative way to allow people to worship collectively in a safe environment of their own car and to honor the guidelines of our governor, explained Carl.

As of early Saturday, there were more than 1.7 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 around the world with 103,257 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, the case count was 501,615 with 18,777 deaths.
[April 10, 2020]

Statement by Minister Seamus O'Regan Following the G20 Energy Ministers Meeting

OTTAWA, April 10, 2020 /CNW/ - Today, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Seamus O'Regan, participated in a videoconference meeting of G20 Energy Ministers, and released the following statement:

"Today's discussion comes at a critical time, as Canada and governments the world over work to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, keep people safe, and limit economic impacts.

"G20 countries share an understanding that the security and economic prosperity of our people is tied to a well-functioning, stable energy market. That shared understanding was apparent in the discussions that took place today about multilateral solutions to oil price instabiliy. We made a collective commitment to use all available tools to improve stability, as well as the creation of a short-term Focus Group, tasked with ensuring and reporting on coordinated response measures.







"Canada is the fourth-largest oil producer in the world. This sector of the economy powers more than 1,000 companies, which support over 3,500 businesses in the services sector and the jobs of more than 576,000 people, including 11,000 Indigenous people, in every part of Canada. The energy sector is also a critical component of Canada's plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

"As a global energy leader, Canada is fully committed to resolving the instability at hand. With that goal in mind, we will keep up our work with provinces, Indigenous communities, businesses, workers, and international partners including the G20."

Related Links

G20 Energy Ministerial Statement

SOURCE Natural Resources Canada
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller provides the best reason I have heard so far for banning people from sitting alone in a park, while a stream of people are allowed to enter say a supermarket (''Stopping the virus with the full brunt of the law'', April 5). His argument is that, if one person does it then so could 10,000  with obvious health implications. Your reporter calls this argument ''a fair response'' but I think it's flawed. Police are routinely patrolling public spaces to enforce regulations. So why cant they intervene if they see a crowd building up and people not maintaining sufficient physical distance rather than ask someone sitting alone, who cannot harm anyone in doing so, to move on? If people are not behaving in a safe manner, there is always the option to clear the area, hand out fines etc. This is not a trivial issue. We are in a grim situation where people are confined to their homes, often small spaces shared with a number of people. We also need to remain healthy, physically and mentally. Sydney is blessed with a lot of public spaces that can accommodate many people. In the end, authorities must rely on people to follow physical distancing rules and generally people seem to be complying. We should trust that they will similarly, by and large, behave in parks. Josefa Green, Paddington

Illustration: Matt Golding Credit:

Cosmetic concerns

My heart bleeds for Sydneys social set, but they can always read a book or discover new music thereby treating their ageing brains rather than their ageing bodies (''We all miss our treatments: Sydneys social set forgo Botox, boob jobs in pandemic'', April 5). Vanity giving way to sanity? John Byrne, Randwick

Measured response
Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has announced a coronavirus aid package for poor people and hard-hit firms, as cases continue to rise in the war-torn West African state.

The president warned on Friday that the country's already war-battered economy was facing a shock, and declared a package worth some 500 billion CFA francs (USD 832 million).

"The government of Mali... is willing to make the greatest sacrifice to lessen the negative impact of the pandemic on our economy and society," Keita said in a televised address.

Mali is one of the poorest countries in the world and has been struggling since 2012 to quell a jihadist insurgency that has killed thousands of soldiers and civilians.

The conflict -- which has left swathes of the country outside state control -- has aggravated fears that Mali is ill prepared to tackle a large coronavirus outbreak. Authorities have recorded 87 cases in the country so far, with seven fatalities. The government had previously declared a nationwide night-time curfew and closed land borders.

Warning of the steep economic costs associated with the pandemic, Keita said Friday that the government would shoulder water and electricity bills for the poorest people in April and May, among other measures.

The government would also distribute 56,000 tonnes of grain in food aid and 16,000 tonnes of animal feed, he added, and allow tax rebates for firms hit hard by the virus.

Despite underlining the need for social distancing, Keita said the second round of a parliamentary election scheduled for April 19 will go ahead.

The president added that the government is also considering isolating the capital Bamako, where most of the country's infections have been detected, with a decision due soon.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Russians are recreating works of art out of food and household products to cure their lockdown boredom.

The trend started when Natalia Goroshko, a 31-year-old Belarusian who lives in Texas, was making blinis and noticed one in her pan had taken the floppy form of one of Salvador Dali's melting clocks.

She then placed three blinis in her kitchen to match their position in the Dali painting, then photographed and posted her creation in a Russian-language Facebook group encouraging members to reproduce famous artworks with items found at home.

Russians are recreating works of art out of food and household products including a representation of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa out of lentils and pulses

Natalia Rubina captured the existential despair of Edvard Munch's expressionist painting The Scream, using her dog

A meal of sausages, red cabbage, spinach and radishes has been converted into Henri Matisse's famous painting Dance (right)

Created last week, Izoizolyacia - or Art Isolation - now has more than 300,000 members and a flurry of posts.

Among the creations are Edvard Munch's Scream made of slippers and clothes, and Kazimir Malevich's Black Square composed of socks hanging from a towel rack.

Some participants have also dressed themselves and family members in elaborate costumes to reproduce portraits of the past with varying degrees of accuracy.

'There is lots of free time now and I loved how people were starting to become absorbed by art,' said Goroshko, a mother of two who has a background in graphic design and photography.

Katrusya Kosilkova painted her face and hand in many colours in an effort to recreate Pablo Picasso's cubist masterpiece The Weeping Woman

Vitaly Fonarev managed to capture the beauty of Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring in one of the many posts in the Russian group Izoizolyacia

Galina Vishnevskaya dressed up like Marc Chagall's Green Violinist, the work credited the inspiration for the musical Fiddler on the Roof

A pair of elderly Russians joined in on the fun by recreating a work by Pompeo Massani. The group now has more than 300,000 members and a flurry of posts

Ruslan Ablaev hung apples from the ceiling and held a fake chicken to recreate Bakhtiyar Umarov painting Folk Humour

The Russian-language Facebook group joins similar online initiatives, including a Dutch Instagram account with 155,000 followers, that have encouraged people in quarantine to channel their artistic talents to recreate masterpieces.

Yulia Tabolkina, a painting enthusiast from Moscow, swapped her brushes and palette for whatever she could find in the pantry to create her own versions of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and Munch's Scream.

She used lentils, buckwheat, beans and other food items to produce different shades and used her windowsill as a canvas.

Others also attempted to depict Munch's The Scream, with one recreating it out of slippers and clothes, while another out of lentils, buckwheat, beans and other food items

Anastasia Veras modelled herself as the elaborate figure of red and gold in Gustav Klimt's painting Medicine

Irena Kazatsker's recreation for the Izoizolyacia Facebook page saw her attempt Pablo Picasso's etching The Frugal Meal

Jean-Baptiste's 1761 painting The Laundress was recreated by Natalya Altypina during the coronavirus lockdown in Ukraine

Rene Magritte's surrealist painting The Therapist (left), which shows a caged bird in place of a man's body, was recreated by one of the members of the growing Facebook group, while others attempted the Belgian artist's painting The Lovers (right)

'It really helps to keep morale up during these times because people are at home and it's tough for them,' said the 33-year-old, who spent about an hour on each of her creations. 'This group helps cheer them up.'

In the Ukrainian capital of Kiev, Olesia Marchenko recreated Henri Matisse's Dance, which features five crimson nude dancers holding hands in a circle against a green landscape and a dark blue sky, with sausages, red cabbage and spinach leaves.

'I experienced a burst of emotion of the kind we have not been feeling because all countries are in quarantine to some degree,' the 50-year-old psychologist and photography aficionado said about the initiative.

'Any activity is great right now, whatever it may be.'
(Natural News) When Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins returned to Earth after their manned mission to the moon, the triumphant astronauts were put into a 21-day period of isolation. Per NASA safety protocols, this was to make sure that the Earths first visitors to the moon wouldnt spread any potentially hazardous lunar microbes.

Before the Apollo 11 mission even took off, NASA couldnt be certain that dust  or worse, microorganisms  wouldnt come back and negatively affect life on Earth. Which is why they decided that the astronauts should be quarantined as soon as they land. NASA thought that it was better to be safe than sorry.

And so, when the lunar module landed in the central Pacific and the astronauts were picked up by the American navys USS Hornet, they were quickly ushered into the mobile quarantine facility (MQF), a converted trailer that the astronauts had to live in for two-and-a-half days as the ship brought them to a receiving laboratory.

NASA was quick to confirm that the Apollo 11 astronauts didnt have any lunar germs on them and that the 50 pounds of lunar rocks and soil they brought with them were clean. However, it is believed that the lunar mission kickstarted the concept of extraterrestrials visiting Earth.

Today, around 30 percent of the public think that aliens have already visited our planet, despite a lack of concrete evidence supporting this. Seth Shostak, a senior astronomer at the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute, believes that the moon landing heavily contributed to this idea. (Related: Flashing lights in the night sky: Scientists launch study to analyze the moons flashing phenomenon.)

The moon landing may have given the world the idea of aliens

Shostak, like many other scientists working for the SETI Institute, have been scouring the outer space for signs of intelligent life for years.

Shostak states that, while the moon landing didnt really teach Earth much about extraterrestrial life, it was a monumental achievement. By the time the Apollo 11 mission launched, scientists had already known that the moon was dead for around a century before then. However, he also stated that the moon landing did affect public perception of alien life.

Up until then, rockets and so forth were just science fiction, said Shostak in an interview. But the Apollo missions showed that you could travel from one world to another on a rocket  and maybe aliens could, too. I think that, from the publics point of view, this meant that going to the stars wasnt always going to be just fiction.

Suddenly, the universe was a little more open.

This is why Shostak believes that, even though the surface of the moon itself is covered in nothing but dust, dead volcanoes and asteroid impact craters, peoples views were widened by new possibilities.

And so, many turned their attention to the Great Red Hope  Mars.

The ongoing search for extraterrestrial life

In 1976, when Viking 1 and Viking 2 landed on the surface of Mars, the whole world was optimistic that NASA would announce the discovery of extraterrestrial life. Even Carl Sagan, the noted astronomer and cosmologist, believed that the landers would find something, whether its intelligent life or just critters running around on multiple legs like insects.

Even though scientists didnt find anything on Mars, their search continues  and with todays technology, their reach has expanded far beyond just the moon and Mars.

According to Shostak, these astronomers are now turning their attention to other parts of the Solar System and even beyond its borders.

If you ask scientists today wheres the best place to look for alien life in the solar system, said Shostak, theyll probably say Enceladus or one of the other moons of Jupiter or Saturn.

Furthermore, while Shostak believes its unlikely, he says that theres a chance that some form of microbial life could still be living on Mars.

To learn more about the universes greatest mysteries, read the articles over at Unexplained.news.

Sources include:

LiveScience.com

Space.com 1

Space.com 2
Irate members of Efutu in the Cape Coast Metropolis on Thursday, took to the street to demonstrate against the decision by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to use a Senior High School in the community as an isolation centre for COVID-19 patients.



The community members, numbering about three hundred chanted war songs and blocked the main road leading to the secondary school and took the intervention of the Police to disperse them.



Similarly, some staff who lived on the campus of the St. Augustine's College have also had a hint of the decision to use their School as another centre also expressed their displeasure, saying it would put them and their families who were residents on the schools campus at risk.



A tutor at the school who spoke to the GNA on condition of anonymity questioned why the school was chosen when they were in school working and suggested that the best the authorities could do was to have chosen a day school where no teachers were on campus.



According to him, there were about 60 teachers with families numbering close to 300 residing on the campus of St. Augustine's College and therefore using the school as an isolation centre would not only put them at risk but create fear and panic among neighbouring communities.



He, therefore, appealed to the GHS to reconsider the decision.



DSP Irene Oppong, Regional Police Public Relations Officer, told the media that top Police officials together with some high-level delegation in the Region were meeting with chiefs and opinion leaders in Efutu to find an amicable solution to address the issue.



The Central Regional Minister, Mr Kwamena Duncan, earlier this week held a meeting with the Regional COVID-19 Rapid Response Team and implored them to be ready to combat COVID-19 case in the Region.



As part of the preparedness, each district was tasked to designate a senior high school to serve as an isolation centre to manage suspected cases.



The Region on Wednesday announced its first case of COVID-19 and in pursuance to the agreed decision, the St. Augustine's College and the Efutu Senior Technical School both in the Cape Coast Metropolis were chosen for that purpose.



This had been met with strong resistance from residents especially those who reside in and around the two schools.



The Regional Minister has since called for calm as the rapid response team worked around the clock to contain the disease.

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.

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One day, when the Covid-19 crisis has blown over, and it will, we will assess how we tackled it as a nation. What succeeded, what failed? Such an exercise will lead us to strategies that will hopefully keep us better prepared. All institutions will have to muster all the lessons learnt and revise their current strategies. That is why institutional memory is critical in dealing with any exigency.

Sadly, in India institutional memory is short and woefully inadequate. Having been battered by the December 2004 tsunami, the government created the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) a year later, on December 23, 2005. It was decided that the national authority would be headed by the prime minister while its state versions would be headed by the chief minister in each state. This was meant to ensure that any measure taken by the NDMA would be followed diligently and any bureaucratic red tape would be shredded immediately. The vice-chairman of the NDMA was given the rank of a cabinet minister for the same reason. Gen. N C Vij, who was chief of army staff then, took over as the first vice-chairman, and he assembled a group of experts to prepare India for emergencies.

To understand our response to the Covid-19 crisis, I reached out to him and his then colleague, Lt. Gen. Janak Bharadwaj. What I learnt was how in every crisis institutional memory lapses hamper an effective response.

Over the phone, Gen. Vij told me of the number of guidelines the NDMA prepared to deal with a number of exigencies. From nuclear to biological threats, tsunamis, earthquakes -- you name it, they had prepared a strategy for it. We also raised the National Disaster Response Force, which can be deployed very quickly with the right equipment to deal with all the disasters, natural or manmade, we planned for, Gen. N C Vij said.

I discerned an undercurrent of disappointment in the general's tone. The current vice-chairman is a secretary to the government of India. That changes things. What Gen. Vij left unsaid was that the lack of a cabinet rank post affects the way things are done in a hierarchy-conscious nation like India. The weight of the person sitting in that chair matters. A secretary-ranked officer is one among equals and therefore has limited clout.

Lt. Gen. Bharadwaj, a doctor who was director-general of the Armed Forces Medical Services, helped Gen. Vij with the biological threat scenarios. After the swine flu outbreak of 2010, we brought together many experts from the WHO, the UNs key pandemic threats unit, and many others. We produced a 35-page booklet with standard operating procedures to deal with a crisis like Covid-19. But when I spoke to the NDMA (recentlly), they said they had not seen the booklet. If they had, many of the challenges they are facing now could have been avoided, Gen. Bharadwaj said.

In July 2008, the NDMA prepared a 156-page document of guidelines to tackle Biological Disasters. After the 2010 swine flu crisis, this was revised and sharpened with a 35-page document containing additional guidelines. Both set of guidelines seem to be absent from the current tactics being employed by the government of India in dealing with the Covid-19 threat.

Michael J. Ryan, executive director of the World Health Organisation, has said that India led the world in eradicating two pandemics. He went on to add it is exceptionally important that countries like India show the way to the world as they have done before. However, despite having this experience and expertise, Indias lack of institutional memory fails it again and again.

We brought back so many people from countries that were having a high infection rate. That should have been avoided. That was a mistake. When they came, we quarantined them, but by then the infection had already started spreading. We are dealing with a virus we know very little about. That is why we needed to be careful, Gen Bharadwaj said.

During the swine flu epidemic Lt. Gen. Bharadwaj travelled extensively across the affected areas, taking notes and taking decisions to contain the spread. We built a model to input data on what is happening where so that we could predict the spread. We also looked at issues beyond health: the impact on civil supplies, what the Army needs to do, how many hospital beds we need, what the private sector can do and many other factors. Had they looked at that work and experience, we would have managed the current crisis a lot better. A lockdown will have limited utility keeping our social and cultural factors in mind, he said.

Today, the NDMA doesnt have a doctor, Gen. Bharadwaj said. That seems unbelievable, but such gaps occur when institutions have short memories. We were lucky because the swine flu mutated in India. From H1N1 it became H2N1. It became mild and we managed to avert a disaster.

As India went into the current lockdown, the lack of planning was apparent. Thousands of migrant workers were left stranded without food or housing as they tried desperately to get back home. In many cities the police had to revise their orders and allow Zomato, Big Basket, etc to continue delivering food and essential supplies. In Delhi, the police imposed a curfew and police commissioner S N Shrivastava ordered people working for essential services would have to get curfew passes from deputy commissioners of police. But in a lockdown how do people reach these offices? Finally, the Delhi government resolved the issue by instituting a mechanism for e-passes.

But such issues would have been better addressed had the government had war-gamed scenarios. War-gaming is a time-tested method used by all military forces to test their response mechanisms in various scenarios. These are detailed and controlled to ensure swift decision-making when unpredictable events occur.

The fact that daily wage earners, truckers, labourers and others would be hit the worst was a foregone conclusion. It is also a fact that rationing of supplies during a curfew leads to panic buying, hoarding and a rush to markets, which defeats the very purpose of social distancing. A comprehensive, multi-disciplinary war game would have factored such basics. Finally, in the UK, thousands of volunteers signed up to help the National Health Service to combat Covid-19. Sadly, in India, we are yet to have mechanisms for tapping citizens during a crisis. Unless this changes, governments will be overwhelmed every time a crisis hits India.
With a possible surge in coronavirus cases expected to hit South Carolina in about two weeks, state regulators have made moves to expand the type of care some nurses can provide.

But many other states have gone further.

The state licensing agency implemented an expedited application process for hospitals wishing to use advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants in more areas of care during the current public health crisis. Sen. Tom Davis, a Beaufort Republican who has been working alongside the state groups representing these health care workers, is glad for the relief but wishes the licensing boards would have mirrored other states' responses of pausing restrictions entirely.

"A lot of times I'm the first one to go in to see the patient," said Eric Shoup, president of the S.C. Academy of Physician Assistants. "We just want to help during a pandemic we hope to never see the likes of again."

A March 28 emergency order by Gov. Henry McMaster allowed licensing regulators, working with the state medical examiner and nursing boards, to relax scope of practice restrictions for APRNs and PAs. State regulations typically limit the type of procedures these medical professionals are allowed to perform.

Shoup explained that PAs typically operate under the supervision of one specific physician and in one discipline, like cardiology. So when they need to transition to another area of the hospital, like the ICU, they can't just go down there and start to work. It requires an approval process that can take two to four weeks.

The S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation order in response was issued late Friday, choosing to allow hospitals to file a "staffing plan" that includes the names of all practicing APRNs and PAs. This would eliminate the need for individual written practice agreements the law normally requires and the workers could move from one discipline into the new pre-approved scope of practice quickly.

Shoup said his organization is thankful for the response of the state agencies to date and is confident, if more needs to be done, people are open to those conversations.

Everybody wants to do what we feel is safe, he said. What we all want is the safety of the people and the patients of South Carolina.

As doctors may start to get overwhelmed with the volume of patients coming into the hospital, they could have access to as many as 2,000 PAs operating around the state.

"It's not 100 percent what I think ought to happen but it's a step in the right direction," Davis said. "Others have suspended requirements during this crisis to get more nurses to the front lines and make sure they're not held back. You can't let perfect be the enemy of the good."

Davis is no stranger to lawmaking around scope of practice, the last couple sessions he had bills signed into law expanding capabilities and use of telemedicine for nurse practitioners and physician assistants. He said state codes have not kept pace with these nurses' skill levels and training. By letting them add more services to their practices, he said health care could be expanded in more rural areas.
KAMPALA  The Ministry of Health has announced that all the new samples of 439 people that were tested for coronavirus at the Uganda Virus Research Institute on Friday tested negative.

The Director General Health Services Dr. Henry G. Mwebase made this announcement in a statement that leaves Uganda as of Friday April 10 standing at 53 coronavirus infections.

The majority of the cases, according to the health ministry, were of people who recently travelled to Dubai.

Dr. Mwebesa said that a cumulative total of 4301 samples have been tested for COVID-19 while a total number 439 are under institutional quarantine.

610 contacts to the confirmed cases are under followup but 654 have been discharged from the quarantine centres.

All the 53 people confirmed to have coronavirus are said to be in stable condition at Mulago National Specialized Hospital (21), Entebbe Grade B Hospital (30), Adjumani (1) and Hoima (1) hospital.

The Uganda government has taken firm steps to prevent the spread, including instituting a total lockdown in the country with movement of persons restricted and a night curfew enforced.

The initiatives are intended to give the Ministry of Health the opportunity to trace all the persons at risk of contracting and spreading the virus such that the threat of infections spread is completely decimated.

Related
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Until a few nights ago, I thought I understood what soap was. But these days, Im up for being wrong about just about anything I once took for granted in this world. That perhaps explains why I was disproportionately alarmed when I saw a single tweet, from an account that seemed to project a worrisome amount of authority:

This is my own hobbyhorse, I know, but I'd really like everyone to know that Dove Beauty Bars are not actually soap. They're just moisturizer. They will do nothing to prevent the spread of coronavirus, so this ad is especially grating. https://t.co/J6qiAhKc9Y  Jared Bjornholm (@jmbjornholm) March 31, 2020

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This is baffling: To the naked eye, Dove bars are very obviously soap. They are the exact correct size to fit in soap dishes. You can use them in the shower to get dirt and bad smells off of your body, which is different from what just moisturizer does. If I remember correctly, back to the time when I could use products other than the approximately four things I happen to currently have in my home, they smell and feel like soap too.

It probably would have been possible to ignore @jmbjornholm (66 followers as of this writing) as someone being wrong and shouty on the internet. But in a confusing twist, the brands Twitter account replied to @jmbjornholm thusly:

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Hi there. When it comes to staying healthy, it doesnt really matter what kind of bar or liquid you wash with, just that you wash frequently using good technique for at least 20 seconds. Our Beauty Bars may not be a soap, but contain cleansers that wash away bacteria and germs.  Dove (@Dove) March 31, 2020

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Now I really needed to know! Is Dove soap actually soap? If it is not soap, what on earth is it?

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In addition to denying that they are soap in the tweet I saw, Dove call its bars beauty bars, which does make the fairly convincing argument that they are  not soap. (Doves own head dermatologist once told Bustle, I truly wish people would stop using soap, further bolstering this case.) Then again, most brands prefer to refer to their goods using marketing nonsense, rather than real terms that belie the pedestrian nature of their actual abilities. (Remember, there used to be a time, about three months ago, when hand-washing wasnt in the zeitgeist.) According to a vintage black-and-white Dove commercial, soap dries, but Dove creams, whatever that means; maybe the company is just trying to distance itself from any negative connotations people might have about soap(?). The fine print on Doves website notes that what the beauty bar is composed of is a gentle cleansing formula, which sounds an awful lot like the one magical thing we have currently available on this pandemic-stricken planet that is able to dismantle the virus: soap.

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I mean  right?

I decided to check in with some third-party literature.

In an article for Cosmopolitan (also known as the Bible) titled These Moisturizing Soaps Wont Dry Your Hands Out, a writer explains that Dove is known for its mild soap bars. (Emphasis mine.)

Dermatologist Jennifer MacGregordermatologists, constantly touching faces and therefore basically professional hand-washersspecifically recommends in a Strategist article that the unscented version of the Dove stuff is among the best hand soaps.

The University of Utahs chief of pediatric infectious diseases, Andrew Pavia, explained to Fast Company in March that when it comes to protecting against COVID-19, regular soap is great. The infectious disease expert continues on to give some examples of what he means by regular soap: In my house we use plain old Palmolive and Dove bar soaps to wash our hands.

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Well, certainly seems like Doves so-called beauty bars are soap. Lets check in with one more expert.

Cosmetic chemist Perry Romanowski, a veteran of the industry and co-author of the blog Beauty Brains, explained to me in an email what soap technically even is: fat of oil, plus an alkali material (most commonly lye, which is made from wood ash), reacted together in a process known as saponification. Detergents made with other processes are known as synthetic detergents, and when these are molded together into handheld-size blocks, they are syndet bars. Chemists can formulate these to have a wider range of subtle properties, like how much they do or dont irritate skin, compared with soap.

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Though the chemical process that makes them is different, they work the same on a molecular level, Romanowski told me. Detergents in syndet bars will destroy germs just as well (or better) than soap. In fact, a Vox explainer on how soap destroys the coronavirus defines, with consultation from a chemistry professor, soap as anything that has a specific chemical structure that crowbars apart dirt and germs, regardless of its specific composition. But most of the cleansers were doing all the hand-washing with arent, from the perspective of cosmetic chemists and the FDA, aka the true product obsessives, actually soaps. When it comes to packaging, said Romanowski, pretty much anything that doesnt call itself a soap bar is probably a syndet bar.

As Romanowski put it in a post for his educational chemistry website a few years ago: Isnt Dove a soap, you ask? No, its not.

He is right. But it will still kill the coronavirus, just like any soap would. So for the intents and purposes of a layperson: Its fucking soap.

For more on the impact of the coronavirus, listen to The Gist.
Amaravati, April 12 : Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister K. Naryana Swamy on Saturday night apologised for the comments he made earlier in the day about the Tablighi Jamaat.

The YSR Congress Party leader tweeted that if some words used by him while appealing to all who had visited Delhi to undergo Covid-19 tests had hurt anybody, he apologised for the same. "I am withdrawing those remarks forthwith," he said.

Referring to some videos, which were subsequently found to be fake, Narayana Swamy had allegedly made certain remarks about the food habits of Tablighi members, drawing strong condemnation from various quarters.

He stated that Andhra Pradesh would not have more than 26 coronavirus positive cases had the Markaz event participants not brought it to the state.

Narayana Swamy's comments came barely a week after Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy appealed to the people not to view the coronavirus cases from a religious angle.

Jagan Reddy had said the disease could have spread from events of others like Ravi Shankar, Jaggi Vasudev, Mata Amritananda, Paul Dinakaran or John Wesley.

"We should not discriminate people as it happened that way and was not premeditated. We have to put up a united fight like Indians, giving no room to any caste or religion," Jagan had said.
From Town & Country

Andrew Cuomo, New York States taciturn and iron-fisted governor, has sprung onto the national stage recently as a source of comfort and inspiration during the coronavirus pandemic. This unlikely transformation has been chronicled by the media and a newly adoring public, which now looks forward to certain trademark moments in the governors routine.

There's the Andrew Cuomo Daily News Briefing blunt, businesslike, full of terrible numbers tempered by genuine moments of hope and compassion. It's nice to hear a leader tell the truthand urge us to embrace our better angels.

There's also the Andrew Cuomo TV Banter with His Cable-Host Brother : Appearances by the governor were previously forbidden by Chris Cuomos CNN bosses (for obvious journalism-ethics reasons) but the current crisis has loosened up the rules, and these conversations are full of brotherly burns, mentions of mom, and illuminating exchanges about government and COVID-19.

And of course, the crowd favorite, Andrew Cuomo Gets Mad , in which the Governor let's rip with some righteous indignation at Donald Trump and the lackluster federal response (a.k.a where the hell are the ventilators); Bill DeBlasio and his ambling approach to shutting down the city, and much more.

With allies and foes alike praising him and his popularity ratings higher than ever, many people wonder if Cuomo might be ready for a presidential run. I wouldnt mind running against Andrew. I have known Andrew for a long time. I wouldnt mind that, President Trump told Fox News.

So, is he considering it?

Well, He Told His Brother Chris "No"

On air, the governor's brother asked him point blank if he'd run. "No," was the simple answer that came back. Chris followed up: "How can you know what you might think about at some point right now?"

"Because I know what I might think about, and what I won't think about," came Andrew's definitive reply.

Story continues

Photo credit: Barcroft Media - Getty Images

But This Isn't the First Time a Cuomo Candidacy Has Come Up

The possibility of a Cuomo presidential run has obsessed Albany watchers for the better part of his two-and-a-half terms as governor. Speculation became particularly active after Cuomo managed to push through a law legalizing same-sex marriage in 2012 and again when he signed a bill in 2016 increasing the minimum wage in the state to $15 an hourboth progressive legislative victories in a typically conservative Albany statehouse.

In his book, The Contender: Andrew Cuomo, a Biography, Michael Shnayerson explored Cuomos political rise, from his years working for his father, New york Governor Mario Cuomo, to his time as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the Clinton Administration, his failed run for governor in 2002, and his ultimately successful one in 2010.

Cuomo has always demonstrated qualities that make him an attractive presidential candidate, Shnayerson tells T&C.

Photo credit: New York Post Archives - Getty Images

Cuomo Has Displayed Calm Under Pressure Before

Cuomo has always been at his best in times of crisis, says Shnayerson. Its a transformation that everyone from statehouse journalists to Albany politicos have watched over the years with awe, if not also a bit of eye-rolling. One recent example Shnayerson cites is the Governors response during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. He tore around flooded lower Manhattan, communicating with first responders, rattling off orders. He was a beacon of leadership.

Now Cuomo is at it again, but this time keeping not just a city reassured, not just a state, but more and more the whole country as he uses that crisis skillset to coordinate a national response to the coronavirus.

He Learned Early That Government Plays a Crucial Role in Times of Crisis

Where does it come from, this command-and-control gene? With Andrewand, for that matter, his brother Chrisall roads lead back to Mario, says Shnayerson. As governor, the family patriarch preached a mantra that, Government, done right, could fill our needs, the more dramatic those needs the better.

As a young man, Andrew carried out this sense of mission in a revealing way, points out Shnayerson, by working college vacations and summers as an AAA tow truck driver. If you were stranded at night on the New York State Thruway in the mid-1970s, chances were good that the truck that came to rescue you was driven by Andrew.

But Cuomo Will Never Be Warm and Fuzzy

Despite his daily briefings on the virus, no one in Albany thinks Governor Cuomo has turned into Mr. Rogers, says Shnayerson. Hes still a brutal manager, prone to fits of temper, ruthless with rivals. If Mayor DeBlasio had not kept running off to the gym for daily workouts as the virus spread, we might almost feel sorry for him, so utterly has he been marginalized by Cuomos maneuvers.

Even if the governor hasnt changed, the public is getting to see another facet of Cuomo, in particular his deep dedication to family. Andrews father was like a god to the family; his mother Matilda, at 87, remains the family matriarch, and Andrews sibling ties are just as strong. If he has softened, his daughters are the reason. Most parents do soften as they watch their children grow; I think we see that in Andrew as well.

Photo credit: Spencer Platt - Getty Images

Presidential Trial Balloons Are a Family Tradition

His father also had a penchant for agonizing over (and ultimately deciding against) running for president. Mario, who served as governor of New York State from 1983 to 1994, was frequently mentioned as a possible candidate, and Andrew was one of the biggest champions of the idea.

Photo credit: Patrick McMullan - Getty Images

Marios most serious flirtation with a presidential run played out in an agonizing 10-week period in 1991 when advisors and supporters pressed him to throw in his hat in for the Democratic nomination to run against President George H.W. Bush. It culminated on a night in December when he decided not to board a plane waiting to take him to New Hampshire to fill out paperwork to join the primary.

Finally, What Works in New York

Does Andrew Cuomos newfound fame and newly visible compassion put him closer to the presidency? If he were running for higher office right now all this new attention would certainly help, says Shnayerson. But lets not forget that the Cuomo brand, both in father and son, has never traveled very well outside the state.

West of the Mississippi, Andrew still comes across as a rough-hewn New Yorker with an outer-borough accent, fierce on gun control and other issues that put him at odds with red America. My guess is that he plays out this star turn knowing exactly how well hes been doing, and then lets it go, knowing how quickly the electorate can turn.

Most likely outcome? Cuomo runs for a fourth term as New York Governor in 2022. There are no term limits in the state, and a fourth term eluded his father Mario, who lost the race for his fourth to George Pataki in 1994.

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"Federal taxpayers have shelled out millions of dollars to pay for research that involves keeping monkeys in cages and intentionally frightening them with mechanical snakes and plastic spiders," wrote James Varney in a February article for The Washington Times.

"What a waste!" I remember thinking. Only an out-of-control, money-printing, spendthrift government like ours could justify sixteen million dollars on scaring the bejesus out of little, helpless, imprisoned primates. I had no idea they were just getting started.

Having taken the monkey experiment to the big time, it now looks as if our intrepid local, state, and federal governments have managed to so frighten the American people that we've voluntarily locked ourselves up in our own cages, while our elected leaders burn what's left of the Bill of Rights on the other side of the bars. Unlike our friends being tortured by the NIH, however, we did not require mechanical snakes and plastic spiders to forfeit our freedom; an invisible menace and active imaginations were sufficient to cause a national outbreak of the heebie-jeebies. And the whole nasty experiment in fear and government control is only costing us a measly thirty-four trillion dollars. Makes that sixteen-million-dollar monkey business look downright parsimonious, doesn't it? C'est la vie.

Last month, we were wondering whether the cure could be worse than the disease; this month, it seems clear that the cure and the disease were always the same thing. Rely on Chinese communists to produce your medicines and fill your supply lines with breakable crap, and this is what happens. Rely on globalist socialist flimflammers to remedy the situation with "calm expertise," and they will instead send in an army of anti-American boffins to complain, arrest fathers playing catch with their daughters, and find ways to blame the whole out-of-control exercise in petit-tyranny on Christians and Southerners. For the first time since the James Younger Gang was roaming these parts, grown men are walking around with bandanas covering their faces, but their eyes are telling a whole other story. There's only so much despotism that free people will endure, and if the price for life is the surrender of everything that makes life worth living, then those bandanas begin to feel like something else entirely. If all these municipal Napoleons-in-aspiration getting fitted for shiny hobnailed jackboots right now can't control their shared impulse to rule over other men, then these bandanas might become a more permanent fixture. If there's one thing Americans have always understood, it's this: where speech and religion and personal defense are all outlawed, be an outlaw.

I, for one, welcome this grand display of government intrusion from coast to coast. Unlike the invisible Chinese virus hunting us surreptitiously, this overbearing application of government force is right out in the open for all to see. The more unscrupulous Democrat mayors openly brag about shutting down private businesses, banning gun ownership, and ripping congregants from church pews. They're closing every house of worship in sight until their constituents learn to supplicate at the steps of City Hall and nowhere else! Democrats are always gravely warning about creeping fascism from others, but they insist we ignore the rank smell of authoritarianism emanating from their every local executive order. Lone drivers are pulled over for no other reason than to remind the riffraff that they are powerless before their local lords; neighbors are enticed by official favor and bounty to snitch on isolated joggers running through their streets; married nonagenarians are forcibly separated "for their own good." Only the Democrats could follow the examples of Boko Haram and the Chinese Communist Party in taking advantage of human misery for their own gain. There is no need to imagine the historical totalitarianism of the '30s and '40s when it is now bursting forth before us with a vulture's plumage for all to see. And for that, I am thankful.

I'm glad that America can finally see what the Democrats have in store for us should they reclaim total executive and legislative power. They've always benefited tremendously by promising utopia without having to describe the attendant mass control by the State in any detail. Americans can finally see what life will be like under the Green New Deal while chasing that other invisible, elusive menace: the weather. Almost a year ago, "China Joe" Biden submitted to the "out-and-proud-of-it" socialists who have taken over his party by embracing the governmental takeover of national industry and the transition to a command-and-control economy. His campaign released a statement touting his full surrender to a future American dystopia dictated by the policy expertise of Red Bernie and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: "Biden believes the Green New Deal is a crucial framework for meeting the climate challenges we face. It powerfully captures two basic truths, which are at the core of his plan: (1) the United States urgently needs to embrace greater ambition on an epic scale to meet the scope of this challenge, and (2) our environment and our economy are completely and totally connected." In a video released with the proposal to drive the point home, Old Joe promised to begin reorganizing the economy on his first day in office: "I'll use every authority available to me to drive progress and I will not accept half measures ... because making these revolutionary changes is going to take an incredible commitment at all levels, but I am absolutely confident that that's what the American people want to do." Those are his own words. Really.

Well, now that we're getting an awful peek behind the socialists' GND curtain with this partial shutdown of the economy. Does it feel as if the American people are jumping up and down with excitement that "revolutionary change" on an "epic scale" has finally begun? Does it seem as if we're "committed" to this path? Millions of Americans out of work. GDP contraction. Stock market and retirement savings up in smoke. A Constitution left in tatters. All to decrease electricity usage in the United States by five to ten percent and slash the demand for gasoline in half. If this is what it feels like to destroy capitalism and usher in a new era of universal misery, please stop teasing me with the amuse-bouche of collapsing just part of the economy. I can hardly wait until we are allowed to indulge ourselves with the gluttonous feast of shutting down the whole thing. What a world Biden has promised us! It is as one anti-fracking Greenie declared online: "We now see the 'glorious vision' of a world free of fossil fuels." Except the Green New Deal requires twenty times the effort and sacrifice and many more orders of magnitude in national debt to finally free ourselves of the dastardly hydrocarbons they abhor. Imagine the bliss we will discover from our future of permanent social lockdown. Thank goodness China Joe and the Green tyrants have such grand vision to go with their good intentions. We can save the planet by destroying ourselves over and over again!

Or maybe enough Americans will find this depressing glimpse into the future the Democrats promise us more than enough for one lifetime. Perhaps America will wake up to the reality that the Green New Deal and the Chinese virus share an identical life force. Maybe we won't have to fight the war to come because enough of the great-grandchildren of the last generation to fight state-sponsored evil will finally recognize the Democrats' counterfeit promises of unobtainable perfection here on Earth. Either way, at least we can finally see for ourselves what the Democrats have in mind. This miserable police state is the only future they desire.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 10)  The United States and India on Friday contributed cots and medical supplies to help in the countrys fight against COVID-19.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim handed over the cots, originally intended for the postponed Balikatan 2020 exercises, to Philippine officials led by Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Boy Locsin Jr.

1,100 of the new cots will be issued to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) for COVID-19 patients, while 150 units will be allocated to the health department for use by medical frontliners at the Philippine General Hospital.

We stand together with the Philippines, as both of our nations work to save lives and protect our people in the fight against COVID-19," said Kim in a statement.

The US Embassy also announced it will provide the country 204 million for the improvement of its laboratory system preparedness, case-finding and event-based surveillance, technical expert response and preparedness, risk communication, and infection prevention.

India, meanwhile, donated 150,000 pieces of heavy-duty KN95 and N88 face masks.

The 12-million delivery was made possible through the efforts of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Indian community in the Philippines.

Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Jaideep Mazumdar led the turnover of the face masks to the OCD.

OCD Administrator and Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and COVID-19 Chief Implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. received the face masks in behalf of the government.

The donations from the two countries come as the Philippines continues to battle the spread of the disease. As of yesterdays count, there are now 4,076 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country, along with 203 deaths and 124 recoveries.
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has played a controversial role in the royal family, including her and Prince Harry's decision to step down as its senior working members.

Markle and Prince Harry decided to resign from their royal duties to live independently in Canada in early 2020. Post-Megxit, they have now relocated to Los Angeles and it seems like the former "Suits" actress has no problem adjusting to the situation.

An old friend said the Duchess of Sussex is a "shapeshifter" who can easily reinvent herself, according to Shinan Govani, a former friend and a freelance columnist in Toronto.

The old friend remarked that she is "like liquorice, you either love her or don't."

She and Archie's father moved to her home state in California before the borders between Canada and the U.S. were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Govani got to know the 38-year-old duchess through social circles in Toronto, while the former star was filming "Suits."

She reminisced how Markle shared her lifestyle living in different places like Buenos Aires, where she interned in the U.S. Embassy.

The 2018 royal biography "Meghan: A Hollywood Princess" indicates that Markle's stint in the diplomatic service was thought to be the "scariest moment of her life" due to angry protesters surrounding their car during a motorcade with Paul O'Neill, the U.S. finance secretary.

Govani believes that she will deftly adapt to life beyond The Firm.

Also Read: Royal Heartbreak: Prince Harry Regrets Megxit, Misses Royal Family

The Toronto-based columnist said revealed how the duchess made a "surprise appearance" with former boyfriend Cory Vitiello at his house in Toronto for a dinner party while she was taping "Suits."

Markle has seemingly adapted to life in Los Angeles better than Prince Harry has, who reportedly misses the royal family.

Another old friend and a Toronto society gossip writer Lainey Lui comments that the Duchess of Sussex has always been very selective about events she would be present at.

Markle started dwelling within Seaton Village of Toronto in 2011 to work on "Suits," wherein she appeared in 108 episodes of the legal drama.

Her role as Rachel Zane in the drama ended in season 7. Markle's character got married and was cut out of the narrative. Coincidentally, the timing was right with her planning to marry Prince Harry.

Markle and Prince Harry fled the Great White North after the government reported that they will not cover the cost of their security once they officially transition out of their royal status.

The novel coronavirus situation and the closing of the borders highly contributed for them to leave Canada and relocate to the U.S.

"I recall turning in my kitchen to find her near the fridge, and our conversation moving to the time she had spent living in Buenos Aires," Govani wrote.

"Something that has stayed with me, especially post-Megxit, is that Meghan is no stranger to picking up and reinventing herself, be it in Argentina, Canada, the UK, or now, LA."

Related Article: Fact Check: Prince William, Kate Middleton Will Be Reportedly Crowned as King and Queen in July?

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Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome H Powell said that the US economy is in an emergency situation due to a nationwide quarantine. However, the economy is expected to recover after the crisis is over, Jerome Powell also said. The economy is falling at 'alarming speed' but "there is every reason to believe that the economic rebound, when it comes, can be robust," Federal Reserve Chairman said in a speech webcast to the Brookings Institution on Thursday. More than 17 million people have filed for jobless claims, he added.

The Fed recently launched a new loan program to provide over $2 trillion assistance to small businesses and large companies. Such emergency measures are reserved for challenging times that the nation faces currently, he added. Earlier, a KPMG India reported said that India's GDP growth rate could be lower than expected in FY21 if COVID-19 spreads further. India's growth may fall below 3 per cent if the virus spreads further in India and the lockdown sees an extension, the report also said. Meanwhile, India is under a 21-day lockdown currently to fight against the spread of coronavirus.

On Friday, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan told a set of diplomats that there is no community transmission in India. He also said that 400 out of nearly 600 districts have remained unaffected so far. Punjab has extended the lockdown till April 30. It has become the second state to extend the lockdown after Odisha announced a similar move on Thursday. The Odisha state cabinet also decided to request the Centre to extend the 21-day nationwide lockdown, ending on April 14, to April 30.

Also read: India coronavirus lockdown live updates: PM Modi to decide on lockdown extension as cases rise to 6,565

Also read: Coronavirus in US: Indo-American entreprenuer to produce 10k face masks daily
Tracy Morgan calls for unity: Now's not the time to blame Trump

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Hollywood comedian Tracy Morgan made an appearance on TODAY this week and urged people to unite and stop blaming President Donald Trump as he leads America in the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Morgan was on the show to promote his new show The Last O.G., and before concluding his interview, he called for Americans to come together.

People wanna criticize the president, but imagine being the president of a country and half your country got sick, Morgan said. So its difficult for him. We all gotta pull together as people. Nows not the time for blame and all of these other things and anger. Its here now. We gotta just be together.

We just gotta stay safe. Nobody wants to transmit it, nobody wants to attract it, nobody wants to get it. So lets just stay safe and do the protocol that we have to do.

Comedian & Actor @TracyMorgan just gave a message of unity and support for President @realDonaldTrump during his appearance on the Today show. The right message for the situation were in. pic.twitter.com/imKudU3d5L  Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) April 7, 2020

Many government officials and mainstream media have outwardly criticized Trump during the worldwide crisis.

Just this week, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden bashed the president while speaking to union leaders.

Coronavirus is not Donald Trumps fault. But he does bear responsibility for our response and taking his duties seriously, Biden said on Tuesday. His failings and his delays [are] causing real pain for so many Americans.

In a press conference last month, Senator Chuck Schumer called the administration's response to COVID-19s federal funding plan inadequate. He also demanded that free coronavirus testing be expanded for anyone who wants it. However, there were not enough test kits available.

Marylands Republican governor, Larry Hogan, also initially said that Trump made a grave mistake when he downplayed the severity of the coronavirus last month but he also wanted to end the blame game, saying, We cant waste a lot of time, finger-pointing and talking about what mistakes the president made or anybody made in Washington. Lets talk about what we can do right now.

According to the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs, Trump still has the approval of almost half the country while handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The recent poll shows his approval rating stands at 44 percent.
A Bixby man has died three days after he was struck in the head by a crossbow bolt.

John Preston Woodward, 36, died Thursday in a hospital, Tulsa Police Lt. Brandon Watkins said.

Police allege that Jered R. Lee, 32, fired a crossbow while in a vehicle with Woodward about 1 a.m. Monday. Woodward was struck in the head, Watkins said.

The interactions in the car that led to the crossbow shooting remain under investigation.

Emergency responders were dispatched that night to the 4600 block of South 91st East Avenue after a family member found Woodward with the head injury, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Woodward had told a family member that night that he was going to hang out with Lee. Woodward was semiconscious when he was found. He said Lee had accused him of assaulting one of Lees family members, according to the affidavit.

A relative of Lees took him in later Monday to be interviewed by investigators. Lee told investigators that the shooting was accidental.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 20:40:20|Editor: huaxia

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FAIZABAD, Afghanistan, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Over two dozen militants were killed in Afghanistan's northern province of Badakhshan as the government forces have stepped up operations amid reports of the presence of foreign fighters in the relatively troubled province.

In the latest crackdown on the armed insurgents, the government forces pounded Taliban hideouts in Wardoj and Nasai districts, killing 27 fighters over the past 24 hours, said a statement from the Defense Ministry on Saturday.

According to the statement, 11 armed insurgents were killed in Wardoj district and 16 others perished in Nasai, a district close to Tajikistan's border.

Nine more insurgents were wounded in both the districts, the statement asserted.

A main base of the Taliban, known as "Qari Basihudin Qarargah," has been utterly smashed during the operations, according to the statement.

The operations on Taliban in Badakhshan with Faizabad as its capital, 315 km northeast of Kabul, have been intensified amid reports on the presence of foreign fighters in the Taliban rank.

Foreign militants including Uzbek and Chechens nationals have their shelters in the Taliban-held areas in Badakhshan province and have been fighting alongside the Taliban militants, governor of Badakhshan province Mohammad Zakria Sawda alleged Friday in talks with local media.

According to Sawda, the presence of foreign militants in the Taliban rank demonstrates the group's association with terrorist groups. However, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has rejected the report as fabricated, saying the Taliban has no relations with terrorist outfits.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 19:02:32|Editor: huaxia

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HARBIN, April 11 (Xinhua) -- A medical team that departed Saturday morning for the city of Suifenhe, at the China-Russia border in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, will aid a temporary hospital due to the mounting pressure of imported COVID-19 cases.

The 24 medics, who assisted on the front lines of the battle against the new virus in central China's Hubei Province, the hardest-hit province in China, returned to the city of Mudanjiang on March 21. They have recently ended their 14-day quarantine and are the first medical team to support the temporary hospital, according to Zhang Xiaoyu, head of the temporary hospital.

By Friday, the city of Suifenhe had reported a total of 173 imported cases of COVID-19 from Russia.

So far, the renovation work of the temporary hospital has been completed and medical equipment has been delivered from different places to the hospital, according to Zhang.

A local hospital still has more than 100 beds to admit asymptomatic coronavirus carriers. And the temporary hospital, converted from an office building and providing more than 600 patient beds, will go into operation if necessary.
Alabamas oldest LGBTQ pride festival has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Central Alabama Pride announced its decision to push back Birminghams Pride Fest and parade on its Facebook page Friday night. The events, which were originally planned for June 13 and 14, could be rescheduled for September or October. CAP officials will be getting feedback from other LGBTQ organizations as they discuss permanent dates during the next public meeting on Wednesday.

We feel this was the best decision for the health and welfare of our community, CAP officials stated on social media.

The 42-year-old organization held its first public pride festival in 1980. About 250 people attended the organizations first parade in 1989. Now, thousands of people across the southeast come to Birmingham in rainbow-themed attire during the annual events in June.

Gov. Kay Iveys statewide stay-at-home order from April 3 only shut down non-essential businesses and activities. The order is expected to be lifted on April 30, but CAP Vice President Justin McGuire said its hard to measure how long social-distancing rules, as well as the economic impacts of outbreak, will last.

Even when the statewide order does cease at the end of the month, McGuire said it would be hard for attendants to maintain the required six-foot distance from each other during a large festival. Not only did Central Alabama officials want to comply with health regulations, but they also want to give the community time to heal from the outbreak.

The process it took to get to where we are at is also going to be a process to get back to where we were, McGuire said. We want to put something on for the community thats fun and that is going to build our community back together. The LGBTQ community, as well as the city of Birmingham, as well as the community as a state - we are all going to need time to recover after this.

The Alabama Department of Public Health reported more than 3,100 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state as of Saturday afternoon. There have been 90 deaths reported in Alabama, with 60 confirmed by the ADPH. Live updates about the outbreak can be found here.

LGBTQ pride festivities across the nation have been postponed or cancelled to slow the rate of coronavirus infections, also known as flattening the curve. Los Angeles Pride, scheduled to celebrate its 50th year, postponed its festivities in mid-March. Alabamas organizations have followed suit.

Mobile Pride postponed its April festival on March 20. The name of the event was Stand up. Stand Out. Stand Proud. Now, the organizations Facebook logo says, One city. United to stop the spread. Montgomery Pride United officials said they are meeting Tuesday to decide if the annual march to the Alabama capitol building will still occur in June.

Pride on the Plains, which serves Auburn, Opelika and surrounding communities, made the same decision on March 23. President Chad Peacock said his board is eyeing the end of the summer for new dates, but it depends on how things shape up.

He knows people look forward to the annual pride festivities, which function like annual reunions where the LGBTQ community can congregate and celebrate all they have overcome together. But he reminds those who are disappointed that LGBTQ Pride doesnt end in June.

Pride is something you can celebrate yourself each and every day. Its something you carry with you at all times Peacock said. Right now, the most important thing to Pride organizations is everyones health and safety. COVID-19 is just another obstacle we as a community will conquer.
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Major transport construction projects are carrying on as scheduled across the country despite social distancing measures to deal with COVID-19.

Workers construct the HCM Opera House metro station.

At the construction site of Hanois Mai Dich-Nam Thang Long Viaduct, some 200 workers have been divided into groups of ten, taking charge of constructing the deck and setting up barriers.

Thai Binh Duong, deputy director of Management Board of Package 1 of Cienco4-Sumitomo joint venture, said besides operating the project, the investor was taking preventative measures to protect workers from COVID-19.

All workers and engineers have their temperatures checked, make health declarations and wash their hands thoroughly before entering the construction site, Duong told Giao thong (Transportation) newspaper.

We have small groups of less than ten people and maintain a distance of two metres between them, he said, adding the project was set to finish by the end of August.

At HCM Citys Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien Metro Project, Nguyen Dinh Thuan, the coordinating director, said they remained focused on completing Ben Thanh Station at this time.

We are trying to complete 85 per cent of the work in 2020, said Nhuan.

The HCM Opera House and Ba Son stations and a tunnel connecting them are under construction and are expected to be 90 per cent complete by the end of this year.

Cuu Long Company, the investor of Lo Te-Rach Soi Expressway connecting HCM City with the Mekong Delta, said the road was being surfaced.

Although their South Korean consultants were quarantined for 14 days after returning to Vietnam, the project had not been delayed and would be finished by the end of 2020, the companys representative said.

HCM City authorities have suspended non-urgent construction projects until April 15, following nationwide social distancing rules to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Investors of sub-projects on the North-South route said they had pulled out all the stops to accelerate construction progress.

The Cam Lo-La Son project was 135 per cent ahead of schedule, according to Ministry of Defences Thanh An Company, the projects contractor.

Hand santiniser, mouthwash and face masks are provided at construction sites for workers.

Minister of Transport Nguyen Van The has urged investors and contractors of major traffic construction projects to guarantee progress while ensuring safety for workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Directors of project management boards need to make rational personnel arrangements to ensure the progress of projects as well as disbursement, while avoiding stagnation, said The. VNS

Transport companies cut trips by the handful during COVID-19 epidemic Transport companies have sharply reduced travel between Hanoi and other provinces after the first patients tested positive for COVID-19.
In the city of Chelsea, which has been seeing a widespread outbreak of COVID-19, officials are pleading with residents to comply with physical distancing rules.

As of Saturday, the city now has 472 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, according to an update on the city website. Those residents are now in isolation.

Fourteen residents have died, the city said, while 56 have recovered from the respiratory illness.

The City is terribly saddened by the loss of life occurring as a result of the COVID-19 virus, here and among our neighbors, reads the city website. Unfortunately, we know the virus is widespread, and for at least the foreseeable future, these numbers will continue to grow daily.

Chelsea has a population of 40,000. On Thursday, the city had reported 387 confirmed cases and the deaths of 10 residents.

Our best weapon against the spread of this virus, and the terrible toll it is taking, is compliance with physical distancing rules, the city said. We urge you to comply.

City leaders have called on local and federal officials, asking for more funding and resources.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health on Friday asked residents to wear face masks or other face coverings in public. The CDC has also recommended the measure.

The number of coronavirus cases in Massachusetts rose above 20,000 on Friday as DPH announced 96 more deaths because of the virus, bringing the states death toll to 599.

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.  The weird case of the porn-stuffed plastic Easter eggs being left in northeast Florida residents mailboxes has led to the arrest of a 42-year-old woman.

The Flagler County Sheriffs Office says Abril Cestoni, of Palm Coast, was taken into custody on Wednesday night.

Cestoni was arrested after multiple calls were made to authorities Wednesday night regarding a female placing plastic eggs in mailboxes on Hernandez Avenue in Palm Coast.

Officers patrolling the area saw a car that matched a description of the womans vehicle and stopped it.

Cestoni admitted to putting the eggs in the mailboxes but said she was educating people, the sheriffs office said.

There was a bag full of pornographic material inside the vehicle and she told deputies that she had distributed over 400 pamphlets in the past few days throughout Flagler County, said a Facebook post from the sheriffs office announcing the arrest.

According to the Palm Coast Observer, which cited an arrest report, Cestoni made several incoherent statements and rants about the church and local clergy.

The calls about the mailbox eggs started coming in to dispatchers a few days earlier on Sunday, when residents began discovering the strange mail deliveries.

Our team did a great job in tracking this deranged offender down and taking her into custody, Sheriff Rick Staly said in a statement.

The eggs contained not only pornographic images but also non-threatening references to local churches and county buildings, and other miscellaneous items, the sheriffs office said.

Its certainly a freakish thing to happen to any homeowner, but given the COVID-19 pandemic, there were also concerns from the sheriff that the stunt couldve been a public health hazard.

Thankfully she did not appear to be sick with COVID-19 symptoms, but she certainly needs some help, Staly said.

Cestoni faces numerous charges including 11 counts of distributing obscene material. Deputies say she was also driving without a valid license.

She was booked into the local jail and was held on a $7,000 bond, according to the sheriffs office.

Brett Clarkson of the Sun Sentinel wrote this story.

2020 Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)

Visit the Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) at www.sun-sentinel.com

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Police in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City seized dozens of packets of cannabis from a foreign man at 23/9 Park in the city's downtown on Friday night.

A police task force patrolling downtown Ho Chi Minh City found a group of foreigners gathering at the park in District 1 on Friday night and asked them to disperse.

A group member was not able to produce any identification document upon closer administrative inspection and was asked to follow the officers to a police station for identity verification.

However, he abruptly broke into a run into nearby Alley 241 on Pham Ngu Lao Street in an apparent attempt to flee the law enforcement officers.

The police officers were eventually able to pin the man down after a chase through several alleys.

A foreign man is arrested by police in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City for being in possession of cannabis, April 10, 2020. Video: Dan Thuan / Tuoi Tre

The officers then inspected his scooter and found 27 packets of cannabis in the vehicle's storage compartment.

At the police station, the foreign man admitted the stash of cannabis is his.

The foreign national, together with the confiscated illegal substance, have been handed over to police in Pham Ngu Lao Ward in District 1 for further investigation.

Cannabis, also known as marijuana or American weed among other names, is a psychoactive drug that can be used for medical or recreational purposes.

Illegal stockpiling of cannabis is a criminal offense in Vietnam punishable by between one year and life behind bars depending on the amount of the drug involved.

Packets of cannabis are found inside a foreign man's scooter in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, April 10, 2020. Photo: Dan Thuan / Tuoi Tre

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Cowlitz Family Health Center on Thursday received a $1 million federal grant to support staffing needs, purchase supplies and test and treat COVID-19 patients.

Several other local organizations this week also received a total of $138,800 in grants from the Community Foundation for Southwest Washingtons COVID Response Fund.

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., on Thursday announced $36.6 million in federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act for the states 27 community health centers.

Family Health Center in Longview will use the more than $1 million it received to pay for operational costs, as well as personal protective equipment and other supplies, executive director Dian Cooper said Friday.

Its all thanks to our elected officials, she said. This grant is a God-send in terms of us keeping operations stable and clinics open the hours they need to be to serve the community.

The organization, which operates multiple clinics in Cowlitz, Wahkaikum and Pacific counties, has seen a nearly 50% decrease in patients coming in for visits, Cooper said, leading to a drop in necessary revenue.

Coopers said she expects the organization will see an increase in the number of uninsured patients because of so many people have lost their jobs and related health insurance.

This will definitely help us serve those folks better, she said.

Cooper said the cost of personal protective equipment (PPE) has increased due to scarcity. Testing supplies are also hard to get. The organization is doing about 45 COVID-19 tests per week, she said.

Unless theres a drastic change in the number of positive cases in the area, Family Health Center has enough PPE to sustain its clinics for about a month, Cooper said.

Were taking measures to make that last as long as we can because we dont know when well get another reliable influx, she said. Were appreciative of how wonderful this community is in pulling together and following the guidelines.

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington awarded its third round of COVID-19 response grants to programs this week to support health, food, housing and support for essential workers.

Core Health received $30,000, Lower Columbia CAP received $60,000, Emergency Support Shelter received $15,000, Lower Columbia College Foundation received $25,000 and Community Health Partners received $8,800.

The foundation has awarded a total $1.7 million in 51 grants to Southwest Washington organizations since March 23.

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By Express News Service

KANNUR: One more COVID death has been reported from the state in connection with COVID-19 as, P Meharoof (71), of Cherukallayi, New Mahe, who was admitted to Pariyaram medical college four days ago, died on Saturday. The health department was still unable to confirm the source from which he had got infected the virus.

It was two weeks ago that he was got admitted to a hospital at Thalasserry with a slight fever and sore throat. On March 26, he visited Tele Centre hospital in connection with this. He had visited the same hospital on March 29 and 30 as he felt uncomfortable. Since his condition got worse, he was admitted to the hospital . On April 6, he was taken to Aster Mims hospital, Kannur. From there, he was taken to Government medical college hospital, Pariyaram. He was having kidney problems and heart ailments.

The authorities are clueless about the source from which he might have got infected the virus. He had travelled widely in the lockdown period. Later it was found out that, he had been in contact with more than 100 persons and all of them were asked to test their swab samples. Swab samples of 26 persons, who had direct contact with him during this period, were taken and all of them were tested negative.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 11)  Local governments must conduct their own mass testing in order to fight COVID-19 and bring lives back to normal, said Senator Win Gatchalian on Saturday.

"It is important that we have localized mass testings so that we will determine and we will find all those positives before we open up our economy, before we lift the lockdown," he said.

Gatchalian is currently working with the Valenzuela City government in curbing the spread of the virus. Prior to being a senator, he was the city's mayor for three consecutive terms and served as representative for its first district twice.

READ: Valenzuela City begins COVID-19 targeted mass testing

The senator said LGUs must conduct mass testing because they know where the PUIs (persons under investigation), PUMs (persons under monitoring), and frontliners in their cities are.

However, more private hospitals must be accredited by the Department of Health (DOH) to test for COVID-19 for the local governments to conduct mass testing, added Gatchalian.

This will allow for more partnerships between local governments and private hospitals, similar to the arrangement agreed upon by Valenzuela City and The Medical City.

The Medical City has been given a Stage 5 level accreditation by the DOH, allowing the tertiary hospital to conduct confirmatory tests for the virus.

"Kung mas maraming private hospitals gagawa nito, mau-unload natin ang problema ng national hospitals...para yung ibang governments na ang makagawa ng sarili nilang paraan para magkaroon ng mass testing kaya improtante ma-accredit ng DOH ang mga local and private hospitals," he explained.

Gatchalian said the mass testing will also avoid "overburdening" national hospitals such as the Philippine General Hospital and the Lung Center of the Philippines with even more tests.

The government may also provide local hospitals with laboratory equipment for mass testing in their areas under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, said the senator.

Gatchalian also advised the Department of Health to release guidelines to LGUs regarding COVID-19 responses ahead of time, citing a recent DOH warning against misting and spraying disinfectants.

The health department said the method, widely practiced by different institutions, may even cause the virus to spread further.

READ: DOH cautions against spraying, misting: It does not protect against COVID-19

"Of course we respect the decision of the DOH, but sana maaga inilabas 'to, no? Dahil maraming mga hospitals, malls, local governments ang nagbigay na nito. This is where timing is very important, no," said Gatchalian.

[Translation: Of course, we respect the decision of the DOH, but it would have been better if it was released earlier, no? Because many hospitals, malls, local governments have already done these (spraying and misting).]
McLaren Northern Michigan expects increase in COVID patients during the upcoming weeks

As of Jan. 3, McLaren Northern Michigan had 20 COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized, as well as three in the intensive care unit.
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A hospital matron who once posed on a ward alongside Boris Johnson has died from coronavirus as the number of NHS victims hit 21.

Sara Trollope, 51, was just months away from retiring when she became yet another hero to be struck down by the deadly bug.

It followed Gareth Roberts and Leilani Dayrit on a day where Britain recorded 917 Covid-related deaths, bringing the national total to 9,875.

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust confirmed Mrs Trollope, a nurse, had died at Watford General Hospital after testing positive for the illness.

News of Ms Trollope's death came as it emerged that Mr Johnson came close to death as he desperately fought coronavirus in an intensive care unit.

Sara Trollope (pictured with the PM last year), 51, was just months away from retiring when she became yet another hero to been named a victim of the deadly bug on Saturday

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust confirmed Mrs Trollope, a nurse, had died at Watford General Hospital after testing positive for the illness

Ms Trollope, who worked at Hillingdon Hospital - where she was pictured next to he PM last year - has been praised for her support for older people with dementia.

Medical director Dr Paul Hopper said: 'Sara had that unbeatable combination of kindness, selflessness and total determination to get things right for patients. She was an example to every one of us.'

Mr Roberts, 63, who came out of a retirement to help during the outbreak, was thought to have been the 20th NHS worker to die.

The grandfather, who was described as a 'much-loved and dedicated' member of the health team, died at the Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales.

Gareth Roberts, 63, (pictured) who came out of a retirement to help fight the coronavirus, has since been confirmed as the 20th NHS worker to die

In a statement, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: 'Gareth had been part of our nursing family since the 1980's and worked across our hospital sites.

'Gareth was well known by everyone and was an extremely popular, fun-filled and well liked person, always greeting everyone... when he saw them.'

Mr Roberts is survived by his wife, son and grandson.

The Royal College of Nursing Wales said it's 'devastating to lose one of our nursing professionals in this manner'.

'We are deeply saddened to hear the news that a nurse in Wales has died from COVID19. I'd like to extend my deepest sympathies to the nurse's family, friends and colleagues,' a spokesperson told MailOnline.

'Nurses have been working tirelessly around the clock to care for their patients during this crisis. Their commitment and dedication has been unflinching. It is devastating to lose one of our nursing professionals in this manner.'

Leilani Dayrit (pictured), who had worked as a nurse for the past 16 years, was known as a mother figure to the children of family friends and for her dedication on the wards

Today, the UK recorded 917 coronavirus-related deaths, as the national death toll nears 10,000

Tributes have also been pouring in for a 'special and beautiful' nurse at the Hospital of St Cross in Rugby who has passed away from suspected Covid-19.

Clinical nurse Leilani Dayrit, who had worked as a nurse for the past 16 years, was known as a mother figure to the children of family friends and for her dedication and selflessness on the wards.

Her daughter, Mary Dayrit, has led tributes to the 'unsung hero' after he death on Tuesday amid the coronavirus outbreak.

In a post on a GoFundMe page, she wrote: 'My mother was a compassionate woman who always put other people's happiness and wellbeing before her own.

'She was a very hardworking and dedicated nurse who loved to look after others and because of this she was known as the 'mother figure' to numerous family friends.

'She was a perfect example of an optimist who kept looking on the bright side of things and encouraged everyone to do the same.

'My mum was selfless until the very end and made sure to spread joy, happiness and love to anyone that ever needed it. A truly special and beautiful person inside and out; I am truly blessed to have called her my mother and words cannot express how glad I am to see and hear that she was loved by a lot of people.

'I am overwhelmed by the heartwarming responses and messages that have been sent and I am sure she would have equally been touched'.

The online fundraising page has been set up to 'lessen the burden brought by this tragedy to her family' and has a 3,000 target.

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust confirmed a member of staff had passed away but did not give out further details or state the cause of death.

Chief executive Andy Hardy said: 'It is with great sadness that I can confirm that a member of staff at the Hospital of St Cross, Rugby, has sadly passed away.

'All our thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues and we offer them our sincerest condolences. The trust is doing everything it can to support both the family and our staff during this very difficult and distressing time.'

Health Secretary Matt Hancock (pictured) told BBC Breakfast today that 19 'members of the NHS family' had died from the virus which has claimed 9,875 UK lives

A third NHS worker, Julie Omar, also passed away having contracted the virus.

The 52-year-old was an experienced trauma and orthopaedics nurse who had most recently been working at Redditch's Alexandra Hospital.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Chief Executive Matthew Hopkin issued a statement which read: 'It is with great sorrow that I have to share with you the sad news that a much-loved member of our nursing team - Julie Omar - has died.

Hancock repeats claims of PPE over use Matt Hancock speaking this morning A row has erupted between the Government and nurses after Matt Hancock again cautioned coronavirus medics against overusing personal protective equipment. The Health Secretary insisted there was enough protective clothing to meet demand, but urged health workers to treat the gear like a 'precious' resource. He doubled down on comments made at yesterday's Downing Street press briefing where he responded to reports from the frontline of a dire shortage of equipment. Royal College of Nursing's Dame Donna Kinnair said that no amount of PPE was 'more precious a resource than a healthcare worker's life, a nurse's life, a doctor's life'. She told BBC Breakfast: 'I take offence actually that we are saying that healthcare workers are abusing or overusing PPE. I think what we know is, we don't have enough supply and not enough regular supply of PPE. 'This is the number one priority nurses are bringing to my attention, that they do not have adequate supply of protective equipment.' Advertisement

Julie, who was just 52, had been self-isolating at home after developing symptoms of Covid-19, but sadly her condition deteriorated and she died at home yesterday morning.

'We have been asked by her family not to share any more details at this stage and we will of course respect those wishes.'

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust confirmed that one of their nurses, Sara Trollope, had also died after testing positive for Covid-19.

A spokesperson said: 'We sadly tell you of the death of Sara Trollope, a well-respected and long-standing CNWL staff member in Hillingdon. She was matron for older adult mental health services.

'We send our love and support to her husband Gary and her children and to her colleagues. Sara worked tirelessly with dedication, commitment and passion for older adult patients, always striving for best care and outcomes.

'Sara had a long and successful career in the NHS and CNWL and was well known and highly regarded across the Trust.'

The latest fatalities come after two porters who were both married to nurses died in an Oxford hospital from coronavirus.

Oxford University Hospitals said in a statement: 'It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the deaths of two members of staff, both of whom were porters at the John Radcliffe Hospital and both married to members of our nursing teams.

'Both men were popular and hard-working members of our fantastic team of porters at the John Radcliffe Hospital. They will be sorely missed by their colleagues as well as family and friends in the wider community.

'Our thoughts are with their wives and families as well as their close colleagues. The families have asked that their privacy be respected at this very sad time.

'As colleagues we will be supporting both families as best we can through their loss and we know that they will also be supported by the wonderful Filippino Community here in Oxford in which both families play a significant part.

'We are also offering support to all their colleagues and reminding all staff about the services and advice that are available to them.'

Areema Nasreen (pictured), 36, died just after midnight on April 2 in intensive care at Walsall Manor Hospital in the West Midlands - where she had worked for 16 years

Priti Patel says she is 'sorry if people feel there have been failings' over supply of protective gear Senior NHS officials have revealed that hospitals could run out of gowns for doctors after Priti Patel said she is 'sorry if people feel there have been failings' over the supply of protective gear. Memos that were leaked yesterday warned of a 'national shortage' of the long-sleeved gowns that are needed to treat coronavirus patients. The revelation comes as the Government asked any companies which can manufacture gowns to sign up to their new plan to produce personal protective equipment. Home Secretary Priti Patel has said she was sorry if anyone felt there had been failings over the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic Kington Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said in correspondence seen by The Telegraph that supplies of gowns could run out as soon as this weekend. The news came hours after Public Health England relaxed its rules and said that doctors could get away with wearing one-piece suits with a hood if gowns were not available. Home Secretary Priti Patel has said she is sorry if anyone feels there has been failings over the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. After being asked twice if she would apologise to NHS staff and their families over the lack of 'necessary PPE', Ms Patel said: 'I'm sorry if people feel that there have been failings. I will be very, very clear about that. 'But at the same time, we are in an unprecedented global health pandemic right now. 'It is inevitable that the demand and the pressures on PPE and demand for PPE are going to be exponential. They are going to be incredibly high. Advertisement

Dr Bruno Holthof, Chief Executive Officer, and Sir Jonathan Montgomery, Chair of the NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'This tragic loss of our two colleagues touches us all. We are a team and every single member of our team is precious.

'None of us can deliver our service to patients alone. We all need each other and we stand together in honouring the memories of our colleagues and together we share in the sadness of their families.'

Health Secretary Matt Hancock previously told BBC Breakfast that 19 'members of the NHS family' had died from the virus which has claimed 9,875 UK lives.

Mr Hancock said he was particularly struck by the high proportion of people from minority ethnic backgrounds in the NHS who had died. He said 'the work is going on to establish whether they caught coronavirus in the line of duty while at work or whether... caught it in the rest of their lives.'

The Health Secretary said of those from minority ethnic backgrounds who have died: 'It is a testament to the fact that people who have come from all over the world have come and given their lives in service to the NHS and paid for that... I think we should recognise their enormous contribution.'

Aintree University Hospital said staff nurse Liz Glanister died on Friday April 3.

Nurse Areema Nasreen, 36, died on April 2 in intensive care at Walsall Manor Hospital in the West Midlands - where she had worked for 16 years.

Nurse Aimee O'Rourke, 39, also died at the hospital she worked at - the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital (QEQMH) in Margate, Kent - on Thursday.

Tributes were also paid to nurse Rebecca Mack, 29, who died on Sunday after going into self-isolation with coronavirus symptoms.

Donald Suelto, who worked at Hammersmith Hospital, died after going into self-isolation with coronavirus symptoms, a friend and fellow NHS nurse said.

The Mail on Sunday reported that 27-year-old nurse John Alagos - who treated coronavirus patients at Watford General Hospital - died after a shift on Friday April 3.

Nurse Alice Kit Tak Ong, 70, passed away on Tuesday, her daughter said.

Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex on Sunday announced the death of 54-year-old midwife Lynsay Coventry while Janice Graham, a 58-year-old healthcare support worker in Scotland, died on Monday.

Healthcare assistant Thomas Harvey, 57, a father of seven who worked at Goodmayes Hospital in Ilford, east London, died at home on March 29.

Another healthcare assistant, Glen Corbin, 59, had worked at the Park Royal Centre for Mental Health in Harlesden, north-west London, for more than 25 years.

Dr Habib Zaidi, 76, a GP in Leigh-on-Sea, died at Southend Hospital on March 25.

Amged El-Hawrani, an ear, nose and throat consultant with University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UHDB), died at the Glenfield Hospital in Leicester on March 28. Dr Alfa Saadu, 68, who had returned to work from retirement, died on Monday at the Whittington Hospital in north London.

Transplant surgeon Adil El Tayar, 63, died at West Middlesex University Hospital in Isleworth, west London, on March 25.

Professor Sami Shousha, 79, who had worked at UK cancer research laboratories at London's Hammersmith and Charing Cross hospitals since 1978, died on April 2.

Tributes were paid to nurse Rebecca Mack (left), 29, of Morpeth, who died on Sunday after going into self-isolation with coronavirus symptoms. Pictured on the right is Donald Suelto

Consultant geriatrician Anton Sebastianpillai, who had a long association with Kingston Hospital in south-west London, died on Saturday April 4.

Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, 53, who wrote a Facebook post asking Boris Johnson to urgently provide every NHS worker with PPE, died on Wednesday night.

Dr Edmond Adedeji, 62, who worked as a locum registrar in the emergency department of Great Western Hospital in Swindon, Wiltshire, died on April 8.

Healthcare assistant Thomas Harvey (pictured), 57, a father of seven who worked at Goodmayes Hospital in Ilford, east London, died at home on March 29. Pictured on the right is Dr Edmond Adedeji

Nurse Alice Kit Tak Ong (pictured), 70, passed away on Tuesday, her daughter said

Jitendra Rathod, an associate specialist in cardio-thoracic surgery at the University Hospital of Wales, died on Monday morning. GP Fayez Ayache, 76, was taken by ambulance to Ipswich Hospital on April 2 and died six days later.

GP Dr Syed Haider, who worked in Dagenham east London, died in hospital on Monday after it is believed he developed coronavirus symptoms.

Patient discharge planner Barbara Moore, 54, died on Monday, the Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said.

The GMB union's national secretary for public services Rehana Azam said: 'Now this dark truth has been dragged out, we also need to know the number of other frontline workers, including in our care homes, who have died in the call of duty.'

'This is beyond heartbreaking. Each of these frontline workers' sacrifice to our NHS family must never be forgotten.'

Today's death tally is a drop from yesterday's 980, which remains the highest recorded in a single day so far - surpassing Italy and Spain's worst days.

But it does put Britain on course to hit the grim 10,000-death milestone on Easter Sunday, which the country will spend in lockdown.

The total cases also today jumped by 5,233 to 78,991 after an additional 18,091 tests were performed, down 1,025 from Friday.

NHS England reported 823 patients had died in their hospitals today - the youngest was 11 and the eldest was 102, both with underlying health problems.

Scotland today confirmed a further 47 deaths, bringing the nation's total fatalities to 542, while Northern Ireland's tally hit 107 after an additional 15 deaths.

It comes as police warn the public to stay indoors this Easter Bank Holiday weekend, but were forced to have words with some flouting social distancing rules.

The police have been warned not to abuse their new beefed-up powers by Priti Patel, who has confirmed today's latest figures at the No10 press briefing.

On another grim day in Britain's coronavirus pandemic:
(Newser)  The United States surpassed more than 500,000 coronavirus cases as of Saturday morning, and per Johns Hopkins University data, the US is now neck and neck with Italy in terms of total number of deathsas of Saturday morning, Italy claimed 18,849, while the US had 18,777. On Friday, however, the US reached another bleak milestone: more than 2,000 fatalities in one day, the first nation in the world to reach that number, the BBC reports. Somewhat good news on that comes from Dr. Chris Murray, head of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, who created one of the models being used by the White House to keep track of the virus. "We rerun the model, basically, almost every nightand the new returns from different states are suggesting different peaks in different states, but at the national level we seem to be pretty much close to the peak [daily death toll]," he tells CNN.

story continues below

Murray notes that, based on his team's model, he expects about 61,500 American deaths by August, though he warns that's only if states keep rigorous social distancing going through the end of May; if some states balk, the numbers "don't look good." So when will things get back to "normal" in the US? According to Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country's go-to infectious disease expert, election month is a target date of sorts. "I would hope that by November we would have things under such control that we can have a real degree of normality," Fauci told MSNBC's Brian Williams Friday evening, per the Washington Post. "That's my interest and my job as a public health person." Asked by Williams if citizens across the US would have the right to vote by mail in the election as a result of the ongoing pandemic, Fauci answered that was "not my area of expertise." (Read more coronavirus stories.)
A coil of dark braids, usually decorated with a flower crown, a vibrant dress and her signature unibrow, were some of the distinct features that set one of the 20th centurys most celebrated female artists, Frida Kahlo, apart from everyone else. Most of Fridas adverse life story took place at the Blue House, which became Kahlos base in Mexico City, where she passed away in 1954, aged 47. The house-turned-studio, where the feminist and surrealist artist was born, lived and worked, also served as a refuge for the exiled Soviet revolutionary Leon Trotsky, with whom she had a brief affair, said to be a revenge against her husband Diego Riveras affair with her sister.

Kahlos biography made way for several other literary works and also an Oscar-winning film that starred Salma Hayek as Frida. The artists distinct fashion, unibrow, and marriage to Diego Rivera, a man 21 years her senior, have added to the intrigue around the person she was.

Frida Kahlo, despite her devastating health problems, knew how to make a virtue out of adversity. The daughter of a German photographer and a Mexican mother, she was polio-stricken as a child which resulted in her right leg being shorter than the left. The leg was eventually amputated the year before her demise.

Kahlo wanted to portray herself as indigenously Mexican during the era of the Mexican Revolution, in which the country sought to reinforce its indigenous identity. The artist gained prominence with the publication of her biography in the early 1980s, and her popularity has only catapulted since. However, she is better known for her appearance than her work, as compared to other equally famous male artists.

Fridas paintings are deeply personal and contain a symbolism that narrates the story of her life. Here are a few more facts about the surrealist artist that you might not know:

She dreamt of becoming a doctor

As a child, Frida dreamt of becoming a doctor and enjoyed art as a hobby. Due to her near-fatal accident at age 18, this dream ended, and Frida was hospitalised for months after. The accident also caused Kahlo to live her life in chronic pain and she frequently needed surgeries for her spinal injuries. Fridas father created a special easel that allowed her to paint self-portraits from her bed, using a mirror.

Her self-portraits

Of the total number of paintings by Frida (143), 55 are self-portraits. Her stunning autobiographical art included heart-wrenching paintings depicting her physical ailments, miscarriages, identity struggles and several emotional battles.

She hid her real age

Frida had contracted polio as a young girl which caused her right leg to be shorter and thinner than her left. She often wore long skirts to disguise this fact. She joined the National Preparatory School in 1922, where she developed a new sense of Mexican cultural pride having become immersed in indigenismo. Hence to show her commitment to Mexico and its culture, she declared that she was born on July 7, 1910  the year the Mexican Revolution began.

She was jailed for murder

Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera were both longstanding members of the Mexican Communist Party. In 1937, the couple petitioned the Mexican government to grant asylum to former Soviet leader Leon Trotsky. Trotsky and his wife had shared the couples residence, La Casa Azul (the Blue House). Diego Rivera and Leon Trotsky had a political falling out, post which the latter moved out from La Casa Azul. He was assassinated in 1940 and Frida Kahlo, along with her sister, was briefly jailed as a murder suspect.

Her Vogue appearance

An internet rumour says that Kahlo appeared on a 1939 cover of Vogue Paris, but her first appearance in the magazine was in the October 1937 issue of American Vogue. She was featured in an article called Senoras of Mexico, within the magazine, not on the cover. The November 2012 issue of Vogue Mexico used photographer Nickolas Murays photograph, making Frida a cover girl almost 60 years after her death.

Her solo exhibition, where she arrived in an ambulance

In April 1953, her first solo exhibition in Mexico opened at the Galeria Arte Contemporaneo. Kahlo was on bed rest under doctors orders and not expected to attend at the time. However, she ensured she attended and arrived in an ambulance, ordering her bed to be moved to the gallery. Just a few months after the exhibition, her right leg was amputated at the knee due to gangrene and about a year after the opening, she was found dead.

Record-making art

With the Louvre Museums acquisition of her painting called The Frame in 1939, Frida Kahlo became the first 20th-century Mexican artist to have their work featured at a renowned international collection. At present, the 1938 self-portrait is now on display at the Pompidou Center in Paris.

The other work that she is remembered by include The Tree of Hope Stands Firm (1944) auctioned at Sothebys in 1977, Diego and I that sold for $1.4 million in 1990, and Two Lovers in a Forest that sold for $8 million in 2016.

Fridamania

Fridas openness with her sexuality, the fact that she was bisexual, and her gender-bending dress made her an iconic figure in the LGBT community. Her fierce pride in her Mexican roots have also made her a source of pride for Chicanos. The term Fridamania has been used to describe her popularity in pop-culture which nearly overshadows her true life history that has also been explained by art historian Oriana Baddeley in the Tate Modern Frida Kahlo catalogue.

Frida Kahlo: Making Herself Up

After Kahlos passing in 1954, at age 47, her husband Diego Rivera locked up all her belongings in a room and asked for it not to be opened until after his death. The room was only opened in 2004, revealing a treasure trove of clothes, makeup (her favourite lipstick was Everythings Rosy by Revlon), jewellery, medicines and other intimate possessions.

These personal effects which also included a red-leather-booted prosthetic leg were displayed at The Victoria and Albert Museum in London for the first time outside Mexico, in an exhibition titled Frida Kahlo: Making Herself Up.

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Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday asked her partys state leaders to play an active role in the fight against Covid-19. She wanted them to reach out to as many people in distress as they can and assess the governments work in containing the pandemic.

Interacting with Congress state unit chiefs through video-conferencing for over three hours, Gandhi asked them to regularly update her on the partys relief works.

She hoped that the Centre would come out with a plan to help the poor, farmers and labourers who were suffering the most due the lockdown.

She urged her party to ensure that reliable and free testing mechanisms were ramped up and also that steady and sufficient supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) reached those at most risk of infection.

For their part, some state units pointed out that certain governments were deliberately obstructing and preventing Congress workers from carrying out the necessary relief measures

save indian jobs in US

The Congress Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to impress upon the United States to prevent job losses of Indians holding H-1B visas.After compromising the India First policy in the HCQ (hydroxychloroquine) drug, the government is again failing to secure the safety and livelihood of Indians in the US, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said. Time for the PM to ensure that our soft power of Namaste Trump converts into fair treatment of H-1B visa holders.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hailed accredited social health activists, auxiliary nurse and midwives and anganwadi workers for being at the forefront in the fight against coronavirus.
Some of the rare surviving colour footage of Partition can be seen in the 2002 documentary series The British Empire In Colour. There are scenes with people sitting on the roofs of trains, travelling by bullock cart and on foot, trying to reach or flee their homes. One aerial shot shows a seemingly endless procession of the dispossessed stretching along a country road. There was an echo of this over the last two weeks, following the prime ministers announcement of a 21-day lockdown, in the videos of migrant workers, some with young children, crowding bus stations, walking hundreds of kilometres, only to be turned back.

Within days of the lockdown commencing, it was clear that the first crisis would be dealing with a deluge of people, many of them daily wagers who now had no job, no way to pay rent, and were therefore fleeing cities for their villages. Economic measures were announced three days later but by then the exodus had begun. And, as with the Kisan Long March in 2018, a large swathe of people who often remain invisible to city folk suddenly came into focus.

This unhappy caravan got me thinking of the reverse journeysmall town to metropolismade by a migrant in one of Hindi cinemas most popular songs. Five minutes into Shree 420 (1955), Raj Kapoor is singing Mera Joota Hai Japani as he walks and hitches rides from Prayagraj, then Allahabad, to Mumbai. He has left home in search of a job but finds that honest work is hard to come by and eventually becomes a cardsharp and con man. While his migrant identity isnt stressed upon, its notable that his redemption starts with Ramaiya Vastavaiya, a Hindi song with a Telugu phrase as the title, which could be seen as a nod to the many non-local cultures that make up the city.

View Full Image Still from Do Bigha Zamin (1953)

Released two years before Shree 420, Bimal Roys Do Bigha Zamin is the urtext for the migrant Hindi film. Inspired by the neo-realist cinema of Vittorio De Sica , its about a farmer forced to move to Kolkata and operate a hand-pulled rickshaw to pay off his debt back home. In an article for Cafe Dissensus, critic Amrit Gangar writes that the film is a pivotal work in the cinema of migration, anticipating what would become a motif in popular Indian cinema: the villager eking out a livelihood in the city". In fact, the film seems to look both forwards and back: Snatches of Awaara Hoon (from 1951s Awaara, another film with migration) are sung, and the brash shoeshine boys are precursors to young Vijay in Deewar (1975), a transplant from town to metropolis.

Suspended lives

At least the protagonists in Do Bigha Zamin and Shree 420 free themselves of the city by the end. Most migrants in Hindi cinema arent so lucky. Muzaffar Alis melancholic Gaman (1978) ends with Ghulam (Farooq Shaikh) at the railway station. He has endured months of loneliness and hardship in Mumbai, away from his family in an Uttar Pradesh village. But once he reaches the station, hes sapped of resolve. He watches from behind a grill, like a convict peering through jail bars, as the train he was supposed to be on pulls away.

Alis film is one of the most empathetic treatments of migrant anxiety in the big city. It begins with Ghulam as an affable wastrel, with no ambition of leaving his village. But theres no work, so he reluctantly heads out in order to support his wife, Khairun (Smita Patil), and ailing mother. He becomes a taxi driver in Mumbai but his mind is back home. Letters go back and forth between him and Khairun. She begs him to bring them to Mumbai as well but he wont commit to that. He cant afford the journey back homethe city is his purgatory.

Iss sheher mein har shaks pareshan sa kyun hai (why does everyone in this town look troubled)?" the famous Suresh Wadkar song asksand Ghulam looks more troubled than anyone else. His old life haunts him, literally, as Khairuns image appears, ghostly, superimposed on the city traffic. The two songs picturized on Ghulam are un-Mumbai-like, gentle ghazals in Urdu. A subplot gives a glimpse of another kind of migrant dream: a vague offer to go work in Dubai, with two years salary in advance.

Gaman derives its authenticity from location shooting and casting non-actors in smaller parts. Two years later, another film set among Mumbais working class took this idea even further. Saeed Mirzas Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyun Aata Hai (1980) is about a Mumbai family, but one extraordinary scene pays tribute to the migrant contribution to the citys workforce. Albert (Naseeruddin Shah) approaches a group of mill workers on strike and asks one of them his name and where hes from. He replies, and his companions do the same, addressing the camera. They are from Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Bihar. Each one is regarded separately, in close-up, as if to remind the viewer this isnt a faceless mass but individuals with hopes and dreams.

Sai Paranjpyes Disha (1990) also looks squarely at the difficulties migrants face in Mumbai, but with the directors trademark humour. In the musical number Bambai Bambai Bam, a group of workers contrast happy village memories with their miserable city lives. Aisa Gokul chhoda, kya narakpuri yeh paavat hai (left paradise and ended up in a hellhole)," one sings. Baccha jo peeche chhode woh shakal baap ki bhool gaye (the children we left behind have forgotten their fathers faces)," adds another. A man in a white topi, representing the city, tells them off: Bina bulaye tum mehmaan, upar se ho namak haraam, waapas jao (you are uninvited guests, on top of that ungrateful, go back)". The song ends with the men cheerfully acknowledging their dependence on the city, but the undercurrent is one of worry and pain.

City crimes

A recurring feature in Hindi cinema since the 1950s has been the absorption of the migrant into the citys criminal classes. In Aar-Paar (1954), Guru Dutts Kalu, from Madhya Pradesh, becomes a getaway driver for a local gang. Raj Kapoors migrant becomes a trickster in Shree 420. In Awaara, the protagonists mother journeys from Lucknow to Mumbai with her infant son after her husband turns them out; the boy grows up to be a petty thief. Over time, the crimes grew more serious. Amitabh Bachchans Vijay in Deewar (1975)modelled on real-life gangster Haji Mastanmoves as a young boy to Mumbai, shines shoes, joins the working class as a coolie and finally enters the underworld. Hathyar (1989) stresses the continuity of violence, as village feuds give way to gang warfare after the protagonists family moves to the big city.

The titular character of Satya (1998), arguably the greatest-ever Hindi gangster film, is also a migrantthough we are never told where he came from (fittingly, the role is essayed by an outsider, Chakravarthy, a Telugu actor). Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar!! (2000), a film made in the wake of Satya but with a parallel cinema hangover, is a hybrid. Manoj Bajpayees Ram Saran has a heavy UP accent; he writes letters home, like Gaman, and lives in a room with others from his state, like Disha. But theres also a crime narrative, as the car mechanic is forced to become a gangster.

View Full Image Still from Photograph (2019)

Since migrant narratives usually involve homes left behind, homelessness in the city becomes an important theme, with the inability to secure a place of ones own a mark of shame (Gaman) and success in this regard the ultimate achievement (Deewar). In Satya, the first thing the protagonist gets upon induction into the gang is a one-room apartment. CityLights (2014) turned this into tragedy as a Rajasthan couple is dupedas so many migrants areinto sinking all their savings into a house, only to find that its a scam. It kicks off a series of events which leads to Rajkummar Raos character taking part in a heist and his wife becoming a bar dancera grim commentary on the choices available to unlucky migrants. Udta Punjab (2016) painted a similarly bleak picture, putting Alia Bhatts Bihari labourer through hell before allowing her a measure of revenge.

The reluctance of Hindi directors to set working-class stories in foreign countries means that a potentially rich area, the issues faced by Indians abroad, has rarely been explored; we have had to make do with glimpses in Bharat (2019) and Street Dancer 3D (2020). There has been the odd urban-to-rural migrationMohan in Swades (2004), Rancho/Phunsukh in 3 Idiots (2009)but the anxieties in these films are limited to self-actualization. Even village-to-city stories are infrequent nowadays: The working class is seldom seen on the big screen as it is, and migrant stories are a small subsection of these.

A recent film, unconcerned with crime, allowed for a moment of gentle catharsis. In Ritesh Batras Photograph (2019), Rafi (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) is working in Mumbai to pay off the debt his late father left his grandmother with back in the village. The old lady comes to visit, and at the films end, lifts the burden off her grandson. Were you always unhappy as a child? Didnt you laugh? Then why are you keeping those years with you like a medal? Forget those days, forget that house." Given the premium migrant cinema places on remembering, this invitation to forget is a rare kind of freedom.

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Prison Fellowship to reach more prisoners than ever before with online Easter service

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Notable inmate ministry Prison Fellowship will be showing their annual Easter Hope event online in at least 20 states, making it available to more inmates than ever before.

Every year since the early days of Prison Fellowship, the late Chuck Colson, the organization's founder, held an Easter celebration event at prisons in one of the 50 states.

But due to coronavirus concerns and state lockdowns to curb the spread of the virus, Prison Fellowship had to cancel their in-person Easter Hope event, scheduled to take place in Georgia.

In response to the shutdown, the ministry produced an Easter celebration video featuring music, personal testimonies, and an altar call that will air in prisons across the nation.

James Ackerman, president of Prison Fellowship, told The Christian Post that unlike past years, when they focused on one state, Easter 2020 will have a broader reach in states ranging from California to Georgia.

It is amazing to me that the doors the Lord is opening for Prison Fellowship at a time when the gates of the prisons are closed, said Ackerman.

We want people to see that everyone has value in Gods eyes and even if you find yourself in a place like prison, even today, this weekend, Easter Sunday can be a point of new beginning for you when you step into a new beginning and step into the purpose and plan that God has always had for your life.

Ackerman also told CP that his ministry is open to continuing to do online Easter Hope events each year, in conjunction with an expected return to in-person events focused on a given state.

The means through which this was being handled was a video portal platform that Prison Fellowship launched earlier this month called Floodlight.

It provides all kinds of inspirational videos about people who have been transformed through Jesus and stepped into healthy new beginnings and are living successfully outside of prison now. It has content to celebrate recovery, he continued.

Floodlight is a really, really innovative approach that, again, the Lord has opened a door for us to be able to take content, teaching content, ministry content, inspirational content, and provide it to men and women in prison.

Ackerman gave the example of California, which is one of the states that has signed up for the recently launched Floodlight platform.

In California, all but four of Californias prisons have an internal television network. California is now able to distribute all of this content through their internal network to almost all of their prisons, explained Ackerman. And that happened only this last week.

Due to efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19, large numbers of churches have had to cancel in-person worship services and offer online alternatives.

According to a study by the Barna Group, 58 percent of surveyed pastors said they plan to hold a digital service for Easter, either via livestream or a prerecorded message sent out to congregants.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday said it has seized two prime properties, worth over Rs 32 crore, in connection with a foreign exchange violation case against a Mumbai-based woman for allegedly holding undisclosed assets abroad.

An order under section 37A of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) was issued against Jaya Patel, the daughter of late Parmanand Tulsidas Patel, the federal probe agency said.

Two immovable assets located on Peddar Road in Mumbai, bearing a value of Rs 32.38 crore, have been seized as "equivalent value of property in India for illegally acquiring properties abroad", it said.

The FEMA probe revealed that Jaya Patel of Mumbai had "illegally amassed" properties in foreign countries like the United States of America and the United Kingdom, the agency said.

"Searches were conducted at the residential and office premises of Jaya Patel and her associate which resulted in the seizure of incriminating documents about the illegal acquisition of undisclosed foreign assets," the ED said in a statement.

Jaya Patel, it said, is associated with a British Virgin Islands-based firm, Ivory International Properties Ltd.

"She is the beneficial owner of a flat at Chelsea Embankment, London, valued at GBP 15,25,000 and another in Central Park, New York, valued at USD 25,60,000," the ED said.

"Both assets were acquired through Ivory International Properties Ltd and probe found that the firm mortgaged the said real estate properties to obtain loan and Jaya Patel had signed as co-borrower in mortgage loan application form," the agency alleged.

Patel failed to explain the source of the funds for acquisition of these properties and the funds "to acquire these overseas properties have been illegally transferred by violating sections of FEMA," it said.

Investigation related to the illegal transfer of money outside India to acquire the properties is in progress, the ED added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
TLC's '90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days' star Ed Brown boldly asked his bride-to-be Rosemarie Vega to shave her legs after they slept together because he thinks leg hair is 'gross.'

On Sunday night's episode of the reality series, Ed, 54, happily revealed that he and Rosemarie, 23, 'made love,' and while he insisted it was 'awesome,' they were both admittedly turned off by each other's body hair.

'I can't wait to do it again. I think she enjoyed it, but she doesn't like my beard,' he explained in his testimonial  and he had some complaints of his own.

Scroll down for video

Say what? TLC's '90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days' star Ed Brown, 54, boldly asked his bride-to-be Rosemarie Vega, 23, to shave her legs after they slept together

Problems: Ed revealed he and Rosemarie 'made love,' but they both had issues with each other's body hair

When Ed asked her for a kiss the next morning, she refused, saying his facial hair 'hurts' her and he should 'shave it.'

Rosemarie's request emboldened her fiance to try and strike a deal with her.

'Um, don't be mad at me, but last night I noticed that your legs were kind of like mine. They were hairy,' he told her. 'I'll make you a deal. If you shave your legs, I will shave my beard.'

Ed was more open about his disdain for Rosemarie's leg hair in his testimonial.

'Leg hair just seems kind of less feminine for a woman,' he said. 'So, yeah, I don't like leg hair. It's gross.'

Bargaining: When Rosemarie asked him to shave his beard because it 'hurts' her, he made a deal with her

Deal? Ed told Rosemarie that he'd shave his face if she shaved her 'hairy' legs

Rosemarie made a face when Ed asked her to shave her legs and asked him why he wanted her to do it.

'Your legs will be soft like my skin,' he insisted. When that didn't convince her, he said: 'Come on. Either that or you kiss me.'

With that as her only other option, Rosemarie rebuffed his advances and hurried to the bathroom to shave her legs.

While she was in the bathroom, he took the opportunity to gush to the producers about their magical evening together.

'Last night was awesome,' he said. 'I think the champagne really got her excited and the next thing you know we're making love.'

Views: In his testimonial, he said leg hair is 'less feminine for a woman' and 'gross'

Happy: While she was in the bathroom shaving her legs for him, he took the opportunity to gush to the producers about their magical evening together

Ed went on to say they were on their way to meet her family, and he was worried about seeing her sister Maria because she had asked him from money and asked him to keep it a secret from Rosemarie.

He cast his concerns aside when Rosemarie walked out of the bathroom in her robe and propped her bare leg on the bed.

'What do you see?' she asked.

'I see what I like,' he replied, running his finger down her smooth leg. 'Very nice.'

Rosemarie made sure Ed kept his end of the bargain and demanded he head to the bathroom to shave his beard.

Ed was sporting a smooth face when they left their home while on their way to visit Rosemarie's family.

Pleased: Ed ran his fingers down Rosemarie's smooth leg after she shaved

You're turn: Rosemarie made sure Ed kept his end of their bargain

'Much better,' she said. 'I like this.'

Ed's request for Rosemarie to shave her legs came just days after he asked to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases to put him at ease ahead of their wedding.

The couple initially met online through Facebook, when Ed came across her picture and liked what he saw.

Their chats led to FaceTime calls, and before they ever saw each other in person, he flew from his home in San Diego, California, to the Philippines to propose to her,

Although he was ready to say 'I do' at that time, he was still uneasy that he knew so little about her romantic life before she met him.

'I know youre tired of me asking about your past and I dont want to do that anymore. I want to put it behind us,' he told her at a restaurant in the Philippines.

New look: Ed was sporting a smooth face when they left their home while on their way to visit Rosemarie's family

'But I have a favor. So theres a test that you can take. Its a test for um, for um  I dont know if you understand. Its STD, which is, I think its a blood test and they just test to see, um, if you have, um, sexually transmitted disease.'

'So I was asking if youre willing to take that test. I will never ask you another question about your past,' he assured her.

'Im disappointed. You want to test me. I feel you [do] not trust me. I feel offended,' she said.

In a confessional, she told the camera she felt hurt, adding: 'I feel my heart crack.'

But Ed said that wasn't his intention.

'I don't mean to offend you. But every time I asked you about your Facebook friends, every time I asked you about past relationships, you dont want to talk about it. So Im not comfortable,' he said.

Get tested: A few days before, Ed had asked Rosemarie to take an STD test

Ready to wed? Rosemarie said she was 'disappointed' and 'offended' that he didn't trust her

Big gap: Ed has also spoken about their 31-year age gap, saying he and his daughter had a falling out over it

After Rosemarie opened up to him about her sexual past, he let the STD test go and promised he wouldn't bring it up again.

Ed recently addressed their 31-year age gap while speaking to Fox News, saying his family has taken issue with his relationship,

'My biggest naysayer is my daughter Tiffany, and my mom, of course,' he said. 'The hardest thing through this whole process was the effect that this had on my daughter. My daughter is six years older than Rosemarie. And so she took it really hard.'

'We stopped speaking. I didn't talk to her for, you know, four weeks. I was, however, able to reconnect at the airport before I left for the Philippines. So that was a nice, wonderful surprise.'

He added that Rosemarie told him that she wasn't concerned about the age difference, though.

'And at that point, I never thought about it again. It just never was an issue. It was more of an attraction and the feelings that we, we began to develop for each other,' he said.
The service will be an official source of updated information on the virus to provide rapid responses to Egyptians and foreigners residing in Egypt, the health ministry spokesman said

Egypts health ministry launched a dedicated messaging service on WhatsApp to respond to inquiries on the coronavirus pandemic, a statement by the ministry read on Saturday.

Health ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed said the service will be an official source of updated information on the virus to provide rapid responses to Egyptians and foreigners residing in Egypt.

The service can be accessed through the designated 01553105105 line on WhatsApp or https://wa.me/201553105105 that opens a conversation on WhatsApp.

Users can simply type Hi! to activate the conversation, prompting a menu of options that can help answer their questions about the virus.

The service provides information and details about coronavirus symptoms, how people can protect themselves against the virus, latest infection tally, tips on staying home and answers to FAQs.

The service was built by international IT and telecommunications company Infobip and WhatsApp, allowing messages to be sent by the operator to those who have activated the service.

The World Health Organisation and a number of health ministries worldwide have launched the same service through WhatsApp in the past weeks as the virus outbreak continues.

Last Wednesday, Egypt said it is launching a mobile application to track new coronavirus cases and those in contact with patients, as the country continues to push efforts to stem the spread of the pandemic.

The new application, launched on Google Store and iOS, aims to lower congestion on the ministrys hotlines designated for reporting coronavirus cases.

The launch comes a few days after the health ministry said it had received 477,257 inquiries in March about the coronavirus pandemic through its 105 and 15335 hotlines, which have been set up to answer the publics questions about the virus.

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NEW YORK - A new ritual has taken hold in this resilient city that has been through harrowing times before. At 7 p.m. every weeknight, applause rains from windows, balconies and fire escapes. People ring cowbells or bang on trash can lids. On one block in Manhattan they blare Frank Sinatra.

The ritual, appropriated from the Italians, who have gone through their own coronavirus nightmare, expresses gratitude for the doctors, nurses, grocery store cashiers and other workers who must continue to do their jobs in a metropolis ravaged by covid-19.

This is not the New York anyone has seen before. On wide avenues that are typically gridlocked, minutes can go by without any sign of a car. Wary pedestrians wear facial coverings and give one another a wide berth on sidewalks normally swarming with humanity. There is palpable tension in the grocery stores and pharmacies as people obtain their essentials without interacting.

On residential side streets, the usual late night sounds - the shouts of overserved barflies, the squabbles over precious parking spots - have vanished. Gotham is eerily quiet.

"It's a zombie movie without the zombies," said Stuart Weiss, an emergency medicine doctor and founder of the medical consulting group Intelligent Crowd Solutions.

New York City's exceptionalism - including its population of nearly 9 million in the city proper, its housing density, heavy reliance on public transit, high proportion of elderly and low-income people, entrenched health-care inequities and the its status as a major international travel hub - turned it into America's covid-19 epicenter.

That exceptionalism also creates unique challenges for the mayor, the governor and other civic leaders who are desperate to figure out how and when to reopen the city and its suburbs. The vulnerabilities that allowed the virus to devastate New York also mean that the city faces outsized risks of new infections if the government moves too hastily to restart the economy.

Geographic data released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that New York City had 77,000 confirmed coronavirus cases as of April 7. That is five times greater than the caseload in California - the entire state. It is nine times the caseload of Washington state, which like California had an early outbreak of the disease. (More recent numbers from the state of New York put the city's caseload at 92,300 through Thursday.)

More than 4,100 people in New York City have died of covid-19, according to the CDC's tabulation. That is 27 times the number of related deaths in all of Texas.

There have been encouraging signs that new infections in New York have been waning in recent days, with a flattening in the rate of hospital admissions. But the CDC numbers show that nearly 1 percent of the city population has already had the disease. The true number of infections may be many times that.

"The virus is basically in charge right now, because we don't have a vaccine, and because there aren't proven effective treatments," said Danielle Ompad, an infectious disease epidemiologist at the New York University School of Global Public Health.

On Thursday, Mayor Bill de Blasio, a Democrat, said he does not believe any of the stay-at-home restrictions will be relaxed before mid-May. Even that may be optimistic, he said. It may not be until June, de Blasio said.

He said city leaders have not yet determined how the city will reopen, but predicted it will be done in stages. Some restaurants, for example, could be allowed to open, but only with restricted occupancy.

"We want to be very careful about letting the foot off the gas" the mayor said.

Infectious disease experts in recent days have said that communities that make progress in limiting new infections need to keep going until there are very few cases. They call this "squashing the curve" - not just "flattening" it. The reason, they say, is that most of the population still has not been exposed to the virus and hasn't acquired any immunity. These "susceptibles" function like dry tinder during wildfire season.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, said Friday that the coronavirus cases appear to be peaking at around 18,500 hospitalized patients. Cuomo has shifted his focus toward developing a plan that will allow residents to return to work.

The key will be testing, he said. Some tests would look for antibodies to the virus. That would signal that a person has already been infected and is likely immune for some period of time.

But New York potentially needs tens of millions of tests, Cuomo said. He urged President Donald Trump to mandate that the private sector join with New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, neighboring states that have all seen alarming spread of the virus, to mass produce the tests. He said Trump should trigger the Defense Production Act, a Korean War-era law that gives the president authority to compel the production of wartime materials.

"We need an unprecedented mobilization where government can produce these tests in the millions," Cuomo said. "We have 9 million people we want to get back to work. We need more than several tests per week if this is going to happen anytime soon."

Even with mass testing, though, Cuomo said he is reticent to lift the restrictions until scientific experts can give more assurances that there will not be a second wave. Citing news reports from Hong Kong and Singapore, Cuomo noted those cities may be experiencing a surge in new cases after they relaxed their initial restrictions on movement and commerce.

Cuomo also noted that the 1918 flu pandemic occurred in three distinct waves.

"Before we move forward, let's make sure we are not repeating the same mistakes," Cuomo said. "I don't want to repeat what we just went through over the past month."

With three international airports, New York City was primed for an early introduction of the virus - which is exactly what happened, as several new genomic studies have found that SARS-CoV-2 appears to have arrived as early as late January.

A new study from the Mount Sinai Health System, not yet peer reviewed, looked at mutations in 84 virus samples and concluded that the virus was spreading for many weeks before the state's shutdown order on March 22.

The same research found strains of the virus that slammed into a dead end in patients who successfully self-quarantined and did not pass it along to anyone else.

"What that tells us is that all those measures that we've been asked to take, the self-quarantine, the hand hygiene, the control of your respiratory infections, are effective," said Emilia Sordillo, an associate professor in the department of pathology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. "What your grandmother told you is true. And it's nice to have scientific evidence for common sense."

New York City's problem is America's problem. The city is the nation's financial capital. It's the media capital. It's the cultural capital. Other cities have their claims to grandeur, but there's no place like New York City.

It's the densest city in America by far, and that's epidemiologically significant. Census data show that, among cities with a population greater than 100,000, New York is the densest, with nearly 28,000 people per square mile - the next densest cities, such as San Francisco and Jersey City, had about 10,000 fewer people in the same area.

When asked whether New York's tightly packed quarters contributed to the high number of cases, Demetre Daskalakis, deputy commissioner for the Division of Disease Control at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, said simply, "You've hit on the main thing."

Millions of people are forced to occupy cramped, notoriously expensive, suffocating housing - fertile territory for a virus that clearly likes to spread among people in close contact. The city has an astonishingly diverse population of immigrants, many living in crowded enclaves in Queens, where the contagion has been particularly lethal.

Even the aisles at the grocery stores are narrow - a suddenly relevant fact, noted by many New Yorkers as they pondered that last-minute rush to get provisions before the citywide shutdown March 22. No one was wearing facial coverings then. They have to wonder: In those final days and hours before the shutdown, how many people got infected jostling for canned food?

"You started to hear rumors, 'They're going to shut down, they're going to shut down.' Everyone was rushing to the stores. The grocery stores were completely packed, shoulder to shoulder. Obviously a lot of people got infected then," said NYU School of Public Health epidemiologist Robyn Gershon.

The city has an astonishingly diverse population of immigrants, many living in crowded enclaves in Queens, where the contagion has been particularly lethal. The disproportionate toll of covid-19 on ethnic and racial minorities has been brought into focus in recent days by CDC data.

On Manhattan's Upper East Side, home to a cluster of major hospitals and medical facilities, health-care workers in scrubs trickle through the streets in the evening after doing battle for the day. Some carry after-work purchases, such as takeout food or four-packs of toilet paper. Across the city, most restaurants and bars are dark and empty.

Perry Rahbar, 37, co-founder of the local Sauce pizzeria chain - and survivor of a mild case of covid-19 - said the restaurant business "is going to be altered for a way longer period that no one understands."

With three pizzerias in Manhattan, Rahbar has kept his restaurants open for deliveries, and takeout at one location. He has been sending between 400 and 500 pizzas a day to overworked and underfed front-line workers since making an initial donation to the NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill-Cornell Medical Center. The generosity became contagious: People noticed Sauce's efforts via social media and began donating funds to send pizzas to hospitals all over the area.

Sauce has delivered 5,500 pizzas so far to more than 40 hospitals, as well as to the police and fire departments, as of Thursday. Still, two-thirds of the company's 90 full-time and part-time employees are furloughed, Rahbar said.

Rahbar said the idea of reopening to diners is tricky, because it will be hard to bring back and pay staff if customers are still afraid to enter.

"I think it's going to be a different call for every restaurant," he said. "Is it worth opening up now or not?"

Helana Natt, executive director of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, said she expects the reboot to be agonizingly slow and painful.

"They are not going to say, 'Hey, it's June 1. Everything can reopen'," Natt said.

The New York Chamber has 3,300 members and Natt is in regular communication with an online network of more than 40,000 other New York business owners and civic activists. So far, Natt said, she has identified only one business owner who has received a physical check as part of the federal coronavirus economic stimulus legislation.

"Where is the money?" Natt asked. "If you have a restaurant that is shut down, without a stimulus check, how are you going to rehire your employees back?"

She noted that Broadway theaters have said they will stay closed until at least June 7. That means restaurants in the theater district will likely be closed until then as well.

"We are in this for the long haul," she said. "People will just be taking baby steps for while," she said.

- - -

Craig and Achenbach reported from Washington.
By PTI

DHAKA: Bangladesh has executed a former military captain for his involvement in the 1975 coup in which the country's founder Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated, nearly four-and-a-half decades after the massacre.

Abdul Majed was hanged at 12.01 AM (local time), Law Minister Anisul Huq told PTI.

An official of the Dhaka Central Jail at Keraniganj on the outskirts of the capital said that a doctor declared Majed dead at 12.15 AM.

Inspector General of Prisons Brigadier General AKM Mostafa Kamal Pasha at a media briefing in front of the jail said that the body would now be handed over to the family members for burial.

"Concerned officials who were required to witness the execution under law were present," he said, adding this was the first case of execution since the Dhaka Central Jail was relocated at the newly-built facility at Keraniganj two years ago.

Jailor Mahbubul Islam later said that the officials present included Dhaka's deputy commissioner who is the district magistrate as well, police superintendent and the civil surgeon and the deputy inspector general of prisons.

A number of people gathered in front of the jail at the midnight, defying COVID-19 restrictions.

He said that Mazed was executed by hanging.

Majed was arrested in Dhaka on Tuesday after hiding in India for nearly two-and-a-half decades.

On Friday, Majed's wife and four other relatives met him for nearly two hours in the prison.

President Abdul Hamid on Thursday rejected his mercy plea, removing the last hurdle for his hanging.

A specialised police unit arrested Majed, one of the fugitive convicted Bangabandhu assassins, as he returned home after hiding for nearly two and half decades in India.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said the "self-confessed killer" was not only involved in Bangabandhu's assassination but also took part in the subsequent killing of four national leaders in high-security Dhaka Central Jail on November 3, 1975.

He said previous reports indicated Majed was hiding in India but eventually he was arrested from Dhaka as he secretly returned last month.

Police's Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit arrested him in a predawn raid at Mirpur area while he was roaming around a shrine.

Majed is one of the six absconding ex-army officers who were handed down capital punishment after trial in absentia.

A prosecution lawyer said Majed told the court that he returned to Bangladesh on March 15 or 16.

The convict, he said, claimed he managed to live secretly in Kolkata for the past 23 years.

Twelve ex-military officers were sentenced to death for the August 15, 1975 killing of Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with most of his family members.

Five of them have been executed while one died of natural causes as he was on the run abroad.

Bangabandhu's elder daughter and incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and younger daughter Sheikh Rehana survived as they were on a visit to the then West Germany at the time of the putsch, which also toppled Bangladesh's post-independence government.

The five convicts were hanged at Dhaka Central Jail on January 28, 2010, after a protracted legal procedure while the delayed trial process began in 1996 when an infamous indemnity law was scrapped as it was protecting the assassins from justice until then.

Majed was one of the remaining fugitives believed to be hiding abroad with no confirmed whereabouts.

The rest of the fugitives included the key mastermind of the coup ex-lieutenant colonel Abdur Rashid.

Interpol issued red alert against the absconders believed to be hiding in several countries including Pakistan.

Bangladesh confirmed two cases where two convicts took refuge in the United States and Canada, one of them is said to have shot dead Bangladesh's founder.

Dhaka said it was trying to extradite them but Canada declined to entertain the request citing provisions of the country's laws.

After the 1975 carnage, Majed was rehabilitated in civil service during the subsequent regime of former military-dictator-turned-politician Ziaur Rahman as an ex-cadre official and posted as the director of National Savings Department.

He later fled the country while serving in the finance ministry along with other 1975 coup plotters as the 1996 general elections brought Awami League back to power which vowed to expose to justice Bangabandhu killers in line with its election manifesto.
Free Days at Washington Coast State Parks Postponed

Published 04/09/2020 at 5:24 PM PDT

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff





(Washington Coast)  State parks in Washington were set to have to free days in April, but officials in Olympia have postponed those due to coronavirus-related park closures. This includes all state parks along the Washington coast, but officials plan to reschedule these for later in the year. (Above: Westport Light State Park, courtesy Washington State Parks).

The free days wouldve taken place April 11, a spring free day, and on Earth Day, April 22. These would have been the fourth and the fifth free days out of 12 scheduled in 2020 for Washington State Parks.

Due to Gov. Jay Inslees extension of Washingtons stay at home order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and COVID-19, Washington state parks  including those on the coast - will remain closed through May 4.

There are many more beach accesses along the Washington coast that are not part of state parks but may be subject to closures or restrictions. See the Washington Coast Travel page for links to individual areas.

State Parks plans to make up for the lost days later in the year, however, rescheduling them at some point. There was no word on when those might take place, however.



State Parks free days are in keeping with legislation that created the Discover Pass, which costs $30 for an annual pass or $10 for a one-day pass and is required for vehicle access to state recreation lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Officials with Washington State Parks (WSP) said the Discover Pass legislation makes room for the creation of 12 days throughout the year that do not require a pass for park entrance. The free days apply only at state parks; the Discover Pass is still required on WDFW and DNR lands.

In addition to the new dates, to be announced, the remaining 2020 State Parks free days are:

Saturday, June 6  National Trails Day

Sunday, June 7  Free Fishing Day

Saturday, June 13  National Get Outdoors Day

Tuesday, Aug. 25  National Park Service Birthday

Saturday, Sept. 26  National Public Lands Day

Wednesday, Nov. 11  Veterans Day

Friday, Nov. 27  Autumn free day



The Discover Pass provides daytime access to parks. Overnight visitors in state parks are charged fees for camping and other overnight accommodations; day access is included in the overnight fee.

Washington State Parks on the coast include: Cape Disappointment, Pacific Pines, Leadbetter Point, Bottle Beach, Twin Harbors, Westport Light, Westhaven, Ocean City, Griffiths-Priday and Pacific Beach.













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The Times Union has lifted the paywall on this developing coverage to provide critical information to our community. To support our journalists work, consider a digital subscription.

Total COVID-19 cases:

 181,825 in New York state, including 8,650 deaths

 529,740 in the U.S., including 20,602 deaths

 1,776,157 worldwide, including 108,804 deaths. 402,903 recovered

Note: The number of positive confirmed cases is cumulative and includes people who have recovered as well as those who died.

Additional resources:

 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.

 Share stories about people helping others in our Facebook Group.

Saturday's coronavirus updates:

3:50 p.m. Schenectady County reports 194 cases.

The county now has 100 people hospitalized and 839 under quarantine with 63 recoveries. Eight people have died of COVID-19 in the county.

1:11 p.m. Saratoga County cases top 200

The Saratoga County Department of Public Health today announced that there are 210 confirmed cases, and 12 of those people are hospitalized at this time.

11:30 p.m. Gov. Cuomo says no decision on school year

It has yet to be determined when schools will be back in session statewide, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said.

Cuomos remarks at his daily coronavirus update from Albany came hours after New York Mayor Bill De Blasio announced that schools will be closed for the rest of the academic year in the city. But Cuomo said thats under the governors legal authority, and its still too soon to say when schools will open back up.

10:08 a.m. New York City schools closed for rest of year amid pandemic

New York City's 1.1 million-pupil public school system will be closed for the rest of the school year as the city struggles to contain the coronavirus outbreak, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Saturday. Public schools in New York City, the U.S. epicenter of the virus outbreak, have been closed since March 16. Read more

Friday's coronavirus updates:

Casino furloughs

Rivers Casino and Resort in Schenectady will begin furloughing most of its team member staff starting next week and substantially cut the salaries of those who remain, the casino said. Rivers suspended operations on March 16, ahead of a statewide closure order intended to slow the spread of COVID-19. Since closing, Rivers continued paying its team members for approximately the past month, spokesman Al Roney said. Furloughs are expected to last through June 30, during which time health benefits will continue to be paid by the company. The casino will reopen when the state determines its safe to do so, Roney said. All commercial casinos in the U.S. are currently closed. Read more

___

Albany Med nurses to speak out for more equipment

Nurses at Albany Medical Center will hold a speak-out event early Saturday morning in front of the hospital to demand greater access to personal protective equipment.

Nurses say the hospital administration has been rationing PPE and limiting access to N-95 respirators that help to prevent airborne infection. Despite receiving "generous" donations of PPE from political and community supporters earlier in the week, they contend the hospital has put even more restrictions on access to supplies.

Healthcare workers at a number of Capital Region hospitals have spoken out about the rationing of PPE as the novel coronavirus continues to spread worldwide. They've told the Times Union they fear a lack of "adequate" protective equipment puts them, their patients and their families at risk. Read more

___

Albany Med, St. Peter's seeking plasma donations

Albany Medical Center and St. Peters Health Partners are among the first hospital systems nationwide to receive federal approval for an experimental COVID-19 treatment that involves using the antibody-rich plasma from a recovered person to treat a sick person.

The treatment  known as convalescent plasma therapy  involves taking blood plasma from someone whos survived an infectious disease and sharing it with someone currently fighting the disease. Plasma from a recovered person will contain antibodies that they developed to fight off the infection, and may provide a powerful boost to an ill person whos having trouble fighting the infection on their own.

Read more

___

Rensselaer County reports 112 coronavirus cases

The county added one positive case Friday afternoon. This case involved a 45-year-old Troy woman.

The county now has six residents hospitalized and about 300 in monitor quarantine. The county has 34 cleared cases. About 1,620 county residents have been tested.

___

More developments
US politically motivated to criticize WHO ignoring Taiwan: Chinese FM

Global Times

Source:Global Times Published: 2020/4/10 19:03:40

The US State Department's claim that the US is "deeply disturbed Taiwan's information was withheld from the global health community" is not fact and is politically motivated to shift focus and blame, which does nothing to ease the COVID-19 outbreak in the US and only undermines its credibility, Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

What the US State Department spokesperson said has ignored the facts, turned black into white and is politically motivated to shift the focus and blame to others. It does nothing to ease the current epidemic situation in the US and is not conducive to global efforts to combat the virus, and only undermines US credibility and interests, Zhao Lijian, spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at Friday's media briefing. Zhao said we urge the US side to respect facts and international consensus and focus on the prevention and control of its own COVID-19 epidemic.

The US government and media outlets have been criticizing the World Health Organization (WHO) for weeks, and in the latest example, the US State Department spokesperson said on Thursday that the US is "deeply disturbed Taiwan's information was withheld from the global health community, as reflected in the WHO's January 14, 2020 statement that there was no indication of human-to-human transmission."

No one is more concerned about Taiwan compatriots' health than the Chinese central government. The mainland has shared COVID-19 information with Taiwan since the virus outbreak, and Taiwan medical experts visited Wuhan in January and exchanged views with mainland counterparts. Taiwan medical experts also expressed gratitude to the mainland, Zhao said.

Zhao stressed that the WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations composed of sovereign states, and Taiwan's participation in the activities of the WHO must be based on the one-China principle and through cross-Straits consultations.

According to the arrangement reached between China and the WHO, Taiwan island could timely access WHO's information on global health emergencies and report to the WHO, and Taiwan medical experts can participate in WHO's technical meetings.

The WHO has been actively performing its duties in an objective, impartial and scientific manner which won wide recognition and praise from the global community, Zhao said.

Zhao's remarks came after Taiwan "foreign minister" Joseph Wu's speech on Thursday which boasted of Taiwan's "success" in containing the spread of the novel coronavirus.

"The more we can amplify Taiwan's story - our experiences in so far as successfully managing the crisis - the more difficult it is for authoritarian regimes to promote their alternative vision," Wu said at an online forum held by the Washington-based Hudson Institute.

Some netizens mocked him, saying "how could you call it success when Taiwan, other than Hong Kong, has the largest number of confirmed COVID19 cases in China?"

Chinese analysts warned that Taiwan island will suffer unbearable losses if its authorities turned it into a powder keg in the China-US confrontation for political gain.

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Haiti - DR : Important information for students at Santiago who wish to return to Haiti





Gerilien Jean-Louis, Vice Consul of the Consulate General of Haiti in Santiago de Los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic via his Department of Student Affairs advises students who are at the end of the session, who wish to return to Haiti but who are prevented by the measures taken by the Dominican State in the framework of the Covid-19 pandemic, to contact the Student Committees to which they adhere in concert with the consulate in order to facilitate their return to their homeland.



To do this, they are asked to establish a list in order to know the number of students interested in a return process.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Mumbai, April 11 : It's National Pet Day and on the occasion, many Bollywood celebrities have taken to social media to express their love towards their pets.

Madhuri Dixit Nene posted a video that shows her dancing in ghungroos and playing with her dog, Carmelo.

"The one who's always by my side, the one who always entertains me, my favourite dancing partner and the one who always brings a smile on my face - My mellow Carmelo. #NationalPetDay," Madhuri captioned the video.

Preity Zinta also shared a picture of her "bestfriend" -- her dog Bruno.

"My partner in crime... #NationalPetDay #bruno #dutchshepherd #dutchie #ting," she wrote.

Actor Randeep Hooda posted a loving message for his horse Cuba, saying he is missing him.

"Missing Cupa, blue skies and evening sun," he wrote along with an image in which he is posing with Cuba.

For the uninitiated, Randeep Hooda is a great horse lover. Reportedly, in 2016, he had adopted 9 dying horses.

"Bigg Boss 13" fame contestant Mahira Sharma, who owns a cat, too took a moment to introduce her pet on social media.

"I'm spending my quarantine time with my pet Duggi," Mahira wrote, appealing her fans to be kind to animals amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Group of 5 found practice shooting in clandestine Cancun training camp

Cancun, Q.R.  Benito Juarez police arrested five people after they were found practise shooting in a clandestine training camp on the outskirts of Cancun.

An anonymous call to 911 alerted authorities to the detonation of firearms in the irregular neighborhood of Tres Reyes. Authorities arrived around 6:30 p.m. to find the group of five trying to escape in two vehicles.

Cancun police were successful in apprehending all five who were found in possession of firearms and ammunition. Along with their arrest, police seized their guns, ammo and two vehicles. Those arrested range in age from 26 to 32 years of age.

The father of one of the arrested males is currently serving time for seven counts of child abuse against minors. In 2011, the father was sentenced to 112 years in prison for child abuse between 2001 and 2003. He was taken into custody in the US and extradited to Cancun where he was sentenced.
Newsfrom Japan

Tokyo, April 11 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government on Saturday called on businesses in seven prefectures covered by a state of emergency declared to combat the coronavirus to reduce the number of commuters by at least 70 pct.

The government also expanded its request for people not to use bars and nightclubs nationwide. The request initially only covered the seven prefectures.

"Social interactions must be reduced by 80 pct, or at least 70 pct, in order to end the emergency declaration in a month," Abe said at a meeting of the government's coronavirus response headquarters.

"To achieve this, people's further cooperation is needed," Abe said. The coronavirus response headquarters met for the first time since he issued the emergency declaration on Tuesday.

"A decrease in commuters has not been sufficient" in the seven prefectures, Abe said. The seven are Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa, Osaka, Hyogo and Fukuoka.

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
As a Latina, physical touch and embraces are part of how I cope with the pain of grief. The coronavirus robs us of those touches, of that intimacy. I miss the tears of my friends touching my own face as we hold each other, breathing the same air in silent mourning, in place of answers we cant give or have. In the past, my friend Lorena Borjas and I have grieved that way for others. The virus has now also taken that from me.

On Monday morning, March 30, I woke around 7:30 to see I had a missed call from Coney Island Hospital. I had been calling the hospital daily for the last week to check on Ms. Borjas, who was hospitalized after falling sick with Covid-19. I dialed the number and eventually her doctor came on the line. She started to say unfortunately  and I didnt have to hear the rest to know that she was gone. I was inconsolable.

I met Ms. Borjas in 2005, at a club in Jackson Heights, in Queens, where she had organized H.I.V. tests. At the time I thought I was better than those girls working in the streets. I was an escort, working out of my SoHo apartment. But later, as I spiraled into addiction, I found myself walking the streets near that club. There she was again, giving out condoms. This time, I needed them.

Many of us have been forsaken by our families, found ourselves homeless and deprived of support from teachers, co-workers and employers. Weve lived through extreme poverty  have made cohabitation with risk and danger part of our normal. Transgender women of color  like she was, like I am  know the uncertainty of taking each step as if it may be our last. We know the weariness of walking under the weight of transphobia, racism and misogyny.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 11)  For seriously ill COVID-19 patients with tubes connected to ventilators that pump air into their lungs, trying to send messages is a huge challenge.

Seeking to alleviate this, the Philippine Association of Speech Pathologists has developed sets of communication boards for COVID-19 patients with ventilation support.

Through a set of visual aids, the patients could convey their needs or ask questions by pointing, looking at or gesturing at symbols, words, phrases and pictures. The kits are translated in Filipino, English, Cebuano, Ilocano and Waray.

The materials could be accessed here.

The association shared instructions on how to assemble the communication boards for those interested to make them. It is also asking concerned individuals and groups to help them assemble and distribute the materials to hospitals.

The visual boards are currently being used at the University of Cebu Medical Center in Mandaue, Cebu and Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Kidapawan City, Cotabato.

The speech therapists pointed out communication is important as it may increase the patients chances of surviving. They noted that many people infected with COVID-19 will need intubation or other escalated respiratory support.

By being unable to communicate, there is a risk of causing adverse events to happen, events that may impact patients recovery, they said.

Patients who are unable to communicate cannot effectively participate in medical decision making. These in turn make their intensive care unit stay more stressful for them and their caregivers, they added.

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, which is related to the virus that causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

Health authorities urge the public to practice preventive measures such as frequent hand washing with soap, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and maintaining physical distance.
The novel coronavirus has taken just a few months to sweep the globe. How many will die, how societies will change - those questions are impossible to fathom as the disease rages. But history shows that past pandemics have reshaped societies in profound ways. Hundreds of millions of people have died. Empires have fallen. Governments have cracked. Generations have been annihilated. Here is a look at how pandemics have remade the world.

- - -

A.D. 165-180

Antonine Plague

Deaths: 5 million

Cause: Measles and smallpox

Many historians trace the fall of the Roman Empire back to the Antonine Plague, which swept Rome during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. Nobody has ever nailed down the exact cause, but symptoms recorded by a physician named Galen - gruesome skin sores, high fever, diarrhea and sore throats - strongly suggest it was smallpox and measles. How'd it get there? Armies and tradesman returning from Asia. More than 2,000 people died daily. "The ancient world," one scholar wrote, "never recovered from the blow inflicted upon it by the plague."

- - -

541-542 A.D.

Plague of Justinian

Deaths: 30-50 million

Source: Rats and fleas

Thought to be the world's first episode of bubonic plague, its namesake was the Byzantine emperor who was in power when it hit, likely arriving in the form of infected fleas hitching rides across the world on the backs of rodents. Frank M. Snowden, a Yale historian who studies pandemics, wrote in his book "Epidemics and Society" that definitive accounts of this plague have largely vanished. However, diaries from Procopius, a noted historian then, indicate that many thought the end of civilization was upon them. "A pestilence," Procopius wrote of the plague, "by which the whole human race was near to being annihilated." Researchers are still digging up evidence connected to the plague all these years later. "Scientists working in Bavaria in 2005," Snowden wrote, "identified the plague bacillus in skeletal remains from a sixth-century cemetery at Ascheim, strongly suggesting that the traditional diagnosis of bubonic plague is accurate."

- - -

1347-1352

Black Death

History Today, a monthly magazine of historical writing published in London, calls this pandemic "the greatest catastrophe ever." The number of deaths - up to 200 million - is astounding. Put it this way: That would be like wiping out roughly 65 percent of the current U.S. population. (Covid-19 disease modeling predicts U.S. deaths to potentially reach 240,000.) Like the Plague of Justinian, the Black Death was caused by the bubonic plague. The swift spread of the disease continues to astonish historians and epidemiologists. "The central explanation lies within characteristic features of medieval society in a dynamic phase of modernization heralding the transformation from a medieval to early modern European society," Ole J. Benedictow, a University of Oslo historian, wrote in History Today. Big ships carried goods across ever-widening shipping routes throughout Europe and beyond. "This system for long-distance trade was supplemented by a web of lively short and medium-distance trade that bound together populations all over the Old World," Benedictow wrote, dubbing this the "golden age of bacteria."

- - -

1520-unknown

New World smallpox

Deaths: 25-55 million

Cause: Variola virus

Explorers arrived to the New World bearing more than just turnips and grapes. They also brought smallpox, measles and other viruses for which New World inhabitants had no immunity. "Although we may never know the exact magnitudes of the depopulation, it is estimated that upwards of 80-95 percent of the Native American population was decimated within the first 100-150 years following 1492," according to a 2010 paper in the Journal of Economic Perspectives. "Historian and demographer [Noble] David Cook estimates that, in the end, the regions least affected lost 80 percent of their populations; those most affected lost their full populations; and a typical society lost 90 percent of its population."

- - -

1665

Great Plague of London

Deaths: 75,000-100,000

Source: Rats and fleas

Again, blame the rats with those pesky fleas on their backs: "They were attracted by city streets filled with rubbish and waste, especially in the poorest areas," according to the National Archives in England. While doctors, lawyers and royalty fled town, the poor were ravaged by the disease. "Watchmen locked and kept guard over infected houses," the National Archives said. "Parish officials provided food. Searchers looked for dead bodies and took them at night to plague pits for burial." There were no treatments. If you caught it, you had roughly two weeks to live. This caused people to become desperate. "Sometimes, patients were bled with leeches," the National Archives said. "People thought impure air caused the disease and could be cleansed by smoke and heat. Children were encouraged to smoke to ward off bad air. Sniffing a sponge soaked in vinegar was also an option."

- - -

The cholera pandemics

Deaths: 1 million

Cause: V. cholerae bacteria

Few societies have been spared by this highly infectious bacteria, which is transmitted via feces-contaminated water and causes severe diarrhea and vomiting. The epidemic that swept London in 1854 spawned the sort of epidemiological investigations that take place in disease outbreaks today. That's thanks to John Snow, an English physician who almost single-handedly took on the bacteria. While some scientists suspected cholera was transmitted through the air, Snow thought otherwise. "Through carefully mapping the outbreak, he finds that everyone affected has a single connection in common: they have all retrieved water from the local Broad Street pump," according to a CDC history. He ordered the pump handle turned off, and people stopped getting sick.

- - -

Late 1800s

Yellow fever

Deaths: 150,000

Source: Mosquitoes

This viral infection is endemic to South America and sub-Saharan Africa. Spread by female mosquitoes, the disease gets its name because it often turns the skin of sufferers a distinct shade of yellow. In 1793, yellow fever swept through Philadelphia, then the nation's capital, killing roughly 10 percent of the population. President George Washington and Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson high-tailed it out of town, ultimately settling on Washington as the nation's capital. Back then, nobody knew exactly how and why people came down with yellow fever. It wasn't until 1900 that U.S. Army researchers "pinpointed mosquitoes as the transmission vector for the disease," according to a vaccine history project at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.

- - -

1918-1920

The 1918 flu

Deaths: 50 million

Cause: H1N1

The covid-19 pandemic has inspired lots of comparisons to the 1918 flu, sometimes called the Spanish flu, which got its name not because it originated in Spain but because it was World War I, and Spain was the only country being honest about the toll the pandemic took on the country. The flu came in two waves, starting in 1918 and ending in 1920. The number of infected is staggering - as many as 500 million, with estimates of 50 million deaths worldwide, according to the CDC. Isolation and quarantines were used to slow transmission. Even President Woodrow Wilson was stricken, nearly derailing talks at the Paris Peace Conference, where the flu left him bedridden for days.

- - -

1957-1958

Asian flu

Deaths: 1 million

Cause: H2N2

One man saw it coming: Maurice Hilleman. The doctor later regarded as the godfather of vaccines was working at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in 1957 when he read a New York Times article about a nasty flu outbreak in Hong Kong that mentioned glassy-eyed children at a clinic. "Something about their eyes tipped him off," according to Smithsonian Magazine. "His gut told him that these deaths meant the next big flu pandemic." Hilleman requested that samples of the virus be shipped to U.S. drugmakers right away so they could get a vaccine ready. Though 70,000 people in the United States ultimately died, "some predicted that the U.S. death toll would have reached 1 million without the vaccine that Hilleman called for," according to the Philadelphia vaccine history project. "Health officials widely credited that vaccine with saving many lives."

- - -

2009

Swine flu

Deaths: 200,000

Cause: H1N1

Before covid-19, this was the world's most recent pandemic, infecting as much as 21 percent of the world's population. Swine flu was a hodgepodge of several different flu strains that had never been collectively seen together. Most of those infected by swine flu were children and young adults, with older people - those most at risk of dying from the flu - immune to it already.
[April 10, 2020] Triumph Group Provides Update On COVID-19 Response

BERWYN, Pa., April 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Triumph Group, Inc. (NYSE: TGI) ("Triumph" or the "Company") today provided an update on the current impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the business and the steps the Company is taking to mitigate it. To align capacity with short and medium-term customer demand, conserve cash and maintain long-term competitiveness, the following actions are underway: Given that Boeing has extended closure of its Washington state factories indefinitely, and closed its Charleston, South Carolina plant for 14 days, Triumph announced furloughs for approximately 2,300 employees across Triumph plants in the U.S. and Europe for two to four weeks to reduce capacity associated with Boeing Commercial Aircraft programs. These plants will remain operational and continue to support other customer demands. Triumph will provide one week of company pay and will cover the employee share of medical premiums during the furlough period.

factories indefinitely, and closed its plant for 14 days, Triumph announced furloughs for approximately 2,300 employees across Triumph plants in the U.S. and for two to four weeks to reduce capacity associated with Boeing Commercial Aircraft programs. These plants will remain operational and continue to support other customer demands. Triumph will provide one week of company pay and will cover the employee share of medical premiums during the furlough period. In addition to the previously announced 500-person reduction in force as part of its austerity measures, Triumph will eliminate approximately 200 full-time positions due to decreased demand. Triumph will pay severance to impacted employees consistent with existing policies. These reductions are expected to be completed by May 1, 2020 .

. To reduce working capital requirements, the Company will also adjust its supply chain demand consistent with updated OEM production and aftermarket forecasts. These actions help to preserve Triumph's liquidity while customers' plants are closed and allow Triumph to continue to support its customers' forecasted rates of production. Further workforce adjustments may be required based on site closures or changes in demand for Triumph's products and services. Triumph's liquidity (cash and borrowing capacity) is approximately $500 million as of March 31, 2020. Although the situation remains fluid, all but two of Triumph's factories are operational. The Company's two facilities in Mexico (Zacatecas and Mexicali), which employ approximately 1,900 individuals, are complying with a government mandate for 30-day losure of non-essential operations effective March 31, 2020. Triumph will adjust its plans as government decisions and Company policies evolve.



Daniel J. Crowley, President and CEO of Triumph Group, communicated to Triumph's employees this week: "Though the spread of the COVID-19 virus appears to be slowing, its swift impact on the global aerospace industry and supply chain is resulting in significant reductions in air traffic and disruptions to our supply chain as our commercial customers and suppliers reduce output or halt production. At the same time, our customers are counting on us to provide essential services for their military, cargo and medical transport missions and to be prepared for the post-crisis recovery." Crowley continued, "Any workforce reduction, whether by temporary furloughs or longer-term reductions in force, is very difficult as they affect our hard working and dedicated team members and their families. However, we must take these actions to enable Triumph to weather this historic downturn and position the company to recover on the other side of this global health crisis."

The Company continues to expand its actions to limit the spread of COVID-19 consistent with U.S. and international government safeguards. This includes temporarily closing plants for deep cleaning, providing over 5,000 thermometers to employees for self-check before their shifts and providing face shields and masks to employees to use onsite. About Triumph

Triumph Group, Inc., headquartered in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, designs, engineers, manufactures, repairs and overhauls a broad portfolio of aerospace and defense systems, components and structures. The company serves the global aviation industry, including original equipment manufacturers and the full spectrum of military and commercial aircraft operators. More information about Triumph can be found on the Company's website at www.triumphgroup.com. Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this release which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements under the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements of expectations of or assumptions about our financial results for fiscal year 2020, and our ability to achieve cost savings and the benefits of our operational efficiency initiatives. All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which could affect the Company's actual results and could cause its actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company. Further information regarding the important factors that could cause actual results to differ from projected results can be found in Triumph Group's reports filed with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement. Widespread health developments, including the recent global coronavirus (COVID-19), and the responses thereto (such as voluntary and in some cases, mandatory quarantines as well as shut downs and other restrictions on travel and commercial, social and other activities) could adversely and materially affect, among other things, the economic and financial markets and labor resources of the countries in which we operate, our manufacturing and supply chain operations, commercial operations and sales force, administrative personnel, third-party service providers, business partners and customers and the demand for our products, which could result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions and results of operations. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/triumph-group-provides-update-on-covid-19-response-301038944.html SOURCE Triumph Group

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New Delhi, April 11 : Fearing massive financial and job losses, the Indian alcoholic beverage industry has asked the Centre and state governments to chalk out a plan and allow opening of distilleries and bottling plants in a phased manner.

It has also sought phase-wise opening of retail and on-trade (pubs, restaurants, etc) establishments in non-Covid-19 hotspots and commencement of online sales under strict government observation to fulfil the criteria of social distancing.

In its letter to Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) has sought an urgent "phase-wise opening of the alcoholic beverage industry in conformity with COVID-19 prevention guidelines." CIABC is the apex body of the Indian Alcoholic Beverage Industry with members including major Indian companies who manufacture and market their product range in India and abroad.

In its letter to Goyal and also Chief Ministers of all states (barring those under prohibition), CIABC Director General Vinod Giri has said since the lockdown was ordered, all wholesale and retail trade has been closed.

"Factory warehouses hold stock, trucks are stranded, distribution warehouses are locked with stock and retail shops sit on unsold stock. Distilleries and bottling plants are shut down. The industry which contributes almost Rs 2 lakh crores by way of various taxes, sustains livelihood of nearly 40 lakh farmers, and employs nearly 20 lakh people directly and indirectly is in dire straits," Giri said.

"What has compounded the problems for alcoholic beverage industry is the fact that Excise policy for many states come to an end on March 31. Prior to that date, there are several statutory requirements that ought to be met by companies for them to keep continuity of operations. As March 31bfell in the middle of the lockdown, all supply chain stakeholders, viz., companies, distributors and retailers have not been able to meet those requirements," CIABC letter said.

"The concern is that a prolonged shut down of industry will not only have a huge economic cost on companies, it may also force lakhs of farmers and workers in to joblessness and penury as a result of that," it added.

CIABC has urged the government to extend the current excise year for three months, with all its permissions and approvals, until June 30, 2020 without imposing any extra fees.

It has also said that retail licenses for last fiscal expired on March 31, 2020 should also be extended for three months and shops should be permitted to sell stock purchased or ordered in 2019-20 till stocks last.

CIABC has also stressed the need for opening on-trade establishments (pubs, bars and restaurants). It has demanded that all yearly licences granted by Excise, Pollution, Fire and local authorities granted till March 31, 2020 should be automatically extended until June 15, 2020 without any charges.

Stressing the need to begin home deliveries for alcoholic beverages, CIABC has suggested that the governments should allow it by ensuring necessary checks and diligence.

"Shops should be asked to enrol for home delivery through online applications. Government may charge a fee, this being an addition to license. Each qualifying shop should be given 3-4 movement passes for home delivery personnel. Customers may place order online on over phone, along with an ID proof establishing age. Government may limit amount of liquor delivered or frequency of delivery as it deems fit." "The governments can even consider setting up their own portals for facilitating home deliveries. It can rope in food delivery aggregators to do so," he added.

Giri said prolonged unavailability of legal alcohol also has other undesired consequences. Within just two weeks of the lock down, there are already growing reports of sale of illicit and spurious liquor.
Senior central government officials would be resuming work next week onwards as rabi harvesting is set to begin on April 15, sources in the finance ministry told Moneycontrol.

Sources also say that the government has desired all officers who are entitled to an official transport facility i.e. officers of the level of Senior Administrative Grade (Joint Secretary) or higher come to the office from Monday.

The junior-level staff has been directed to report to work on a rotational basis and the government is said to have advised strict adherence to social distancing norms for all.

Moreover, as per a document issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, the government would be holding a conference on strategies for crop management during the lockdown and in the Kharif season on April 16.

Click to follow all our updates on Coronavirus in our dedicated LIVE blog

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 conference would be attended by agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar along with other senior ministry officials. The conference would be held through video conferencing with minimum participation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also held a video conference with chief ministers primarily to take their feedback on whether the 21-day nation-wide lockdown should be extended beyond April 14 to stem the tide of the infections on April 11.

State governments have asked the PM Modi for an extension of the lockdown. States like Maharashtra among others have extended the lockdown already.

The ongoing 21-day nationwide lockdown to contain the COVID-19 crisis, announced by PM Modi on March 24, is scheduled to end on April 14.

The announcement has severely disrupted supply chains across the country, as the lockdown directly impacted small and medium businesses as well as daily wage earners.

Ministry of Agriculture

On April 3, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had hinted at a staggered lockdown withdrawal after his interaction with chief ministers of states via video conferencing.

Centre has taken adequate measures in coordination with states to ensure there is no delay in procurement of rabi produce like wheat, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar had said on April 10.

Tomar acknowledged damage to crops, especially perishable products like flowers and fruits, due to restrictions caused by the nationwide lockdown, and said the Railways' decision to carry essential commodities by trains and connect them with all important cities will help farmers.

Procurement of wheat will begin from April 15 and depending upon the restrictions in place, the Centre is working with states for the purchase of farmers' produce while adhering to social distancing norms.

Follow all our coverage on Coronavirus here
Boeing is using its engineering prowess to create personal protective gear for healthcare workers as the dominant aerospace and defense companys troubled production lines remain dormant and a majority of its workforce remains at home.

On Friday, Boeing (BA) announced it had delivered its first set of reusable 3D-printed face shields to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the fight against the novel coronavirus.

Boeing PPE face shield for healthcare workers fighting COVID-19. (Source: Boeing)

The Department of Health and Human Services accepted the initial shipment of 2,300 face shields this morning, the company said in a press release. The shields are slated to aid workers at Dallas Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, which has been converted to treat patients with COVID-19.

Boeing also said it has donated tens of thousands of units of its own supplies of face masks, goggles, gloves, safety glasses, and protective bodysuits to support healthcare professionals battling COVID-19.

"Boeing is proud to stand alongside many other great American companies in the fight against COVID-19, and we are dedicated to supporting our local communities, especially our frontline healthcare professionals, during this unprecedented time," Boeing President and CEO David Calhoun said in the press release. "History has proven that Boeing is a company that rises to the toughest challenges with people who are second to none. Today, we continue that tradition, and we stand ready to assist the federal government's response to this global pandemic."

Coronavirus cases are still on the rise, though the rate of infection seems to be slowing amid social distancing measures. (David Foster/Yahoo Finance)

We will take this time to... assess applicable government direction

Boeing said the face shields were produced with additive manufacturing machines at various of its manufacturing sites in Washington state, Missouri, California, Arizona, Alabama, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Oregon, and subsidiary sites in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. In addition, the company utilized suppliers Solvay and Trelleborg Sealing Solutions to fabricate clear film and elastic adjustable headbands.

Story continues

On April 5, Boeing extended a temporary suspension of its production operations in the Puget Sound area and at its Moses Lake sites in Washington state. The suspensions impact efforts to continue work mandated by the FAA before its grounded 737 Max returns to service. On Tuesday, the aerospace giant said it planned to make two new software updates to the planes flight control computer.

Boeing employee works to create PPE face shield for healthcare workers fighting COVID-19. (Source: Boeing)

A limited number of employees who continue to work at its facilities adopted new visual cues to encourage physical distancing and have been placed on staggered shifts.

The health and safety of our employees, their families and our communities is our shared priority, Boeings Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stan Deal said in an earlier statement. We will take this time to continue to listen to our incredible team and assess applicable government direction, the spread of the coronavirus in the community and the reliability of our suppliers to ensure we are ready for a safe and orderly return to operations.

Alexis Keenan is a reporter for Yahoo Finance and former litigation attorney.

Follow Alexis Keenan on Twitter @alexiskweed.

Read more: 'Walking a very thin line': Why coronavirus could hit small businesses the hardest

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Chances are if youve been paying attention at all, youve at least heard of the Netflix docuseries, Tiger King, if you havent already binge-watched it. This meme-worthy show has just about everything a person didnt know they ever wanted to watch  big cats, murder plots, sex cults, and a larger than life lead: Joe Exotic.

Episode after episode, you can watch the Oklahoma native, along with an equally odd band of supporting characters, play out the most bizarre series of events imaginable, and its all done while sporting his signature bleach blond mullet. Its because of his mullet that fans are commenting on how much he looks like pop star Miley Cyrus.

Joe Exotic is not cutting his hair

In 2015, long before the release of Tiger King, Joe Exotic got a lot of attention for his bizarre pivot to politics. After years of running G.W. Zoo, his private zoo full of tigers, alligators, and other exotic animals, he decided he wanted to take things to the next level, so he ran for president.

Some of the participants interviewed for the Netflix series readily admitted it was done simply to publicize the zoo. Whether it helped the zoo or not is debatable, but it certainly got him a lot of attention and even landed his campaign ad on John Olivers Last Week Tonight.

The ad features him in a big cat enclosure, gun on his hip, proclaiming: First thing is, I am not cutting my hair.

Apparently that was a priority for Joe Exotic, more so than the rest of his spiel: I am gay. Ive had two boyfriends most of my life Ive had some kinky sex, I have tried drugs I am broke as sh*t. I have a judgment against me

To the surprise of no one, he did not become president. Fast forward to the present, and Joe Exotic has been in jail for over a year and true to his word, is still rocking the mullet, though footage from him in jail shows hes lost the bleached aspect of the look.

Miley Cyrus and Joe Exotic certainly make bold choices

Fans have been tweeting up a storm about how similar Cyrus new haircut looks to Joe Exotics mullet on the show, and theyre not wrong. The mullets  and lets be real, Cyrus does have a full-on mullet now  are both blonde, they both have bangs, and theyre both just past the shoulder in the back.

And while Cyrus style began as mullet-like in its early stages, with more of a natural blonde color a few months ago, her most recent Instagram posts show a much more choppy and bleached look. It really is just like Joe Exotics hair.

My mom said Miley Cyrus and Joe Exotic have the same mullet and I just pic.twitter.com/JuBVzZdFQb  Em (@gettem_) April 5, 2020

The comparisons have lead to some rather amusing tweets. While Joe Exotic has said he wants Brad Pitt or David Spade to play him in a film of his life, this fan had a different idea: Based solely on haircuts celebs already have, Miley Cyrus should play Joe Exotic in the biopic. The end.

Another fan jokingly implied they were the same person: Have you ever seen Joe Exotic and Miley Cyrus in the same place at the same time?

Miley Cyrus was sporting her look months before Tiger King dropped

Miley Cyrus arrives for the World premiere of Marvel Studios Avengers: Endgame at the Los Angeles Convention Center on April 22, 2019 in Los Angeles. (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP) (Photo credit should read VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)

Cyrus is no stranger to bold looks, ever since she began working hard to shirk her teenage goody-goody image from her Hannah Montana days. Back in January, two months before Tiger King premiered, Cyrus was already getting attention for her mullet, so much so that Vogue dedicated a whole article to it.

Mileys mullet was inevitablewe both felt it, her hairstylist told the magazine.

Perhaps Cyrus is similar to Joe Exotic in yet another way. Like her mullet, watching his show is inevitable. Do you feel it?
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Crime has fallen by 21 per cent, senior officials claimed, while conmen and paedophiles are accused of adapting to exploit the coronavirus crisis by defrauding the public and grooming children online.

Priti Patel's first No10 coronavirus press briefing comes as the Government slapped down zealous police chiefs this week who threatened to take tougher action against suspected rule-breakers.

The Home Secretary revealed that fraudsters have exploited the pandemic to con Britons out of 1.8million. She also warned of paedophiles scouring the Internet for children working and socialising online.

It comes as the UK recorded 917 coronavirus-related deaths today, bringing the national death toll to 9,875.

Joined by Chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council Martin Hewitt, the Home Secretary confirmed that 400 domestic abuse suspects were arrested in the West Midlands in two weeks.

Ms Patel also revealed that police powers to enforce the lockdown will be reviewed, as forces across the UK came under fire for using 'heavy-handed' tactics to crack down on flouters.

She refused to be drawn on when the restrictions will be lifted, saying: 'None of us can stand here today... and speculate in terms of when restrictions might move and when they will be lifted'.

'Fraudsters are exploiting coronavirus as a hook for new acquisitive crimes with losses to victims already exceeding 1.8million,' the Home Secretary thundered to the nation.

'The perpetrators of sickening online child abuse are seeking to exploit the fact that more and more young people and children are at home and online. And in the last week the National Domestic Abuse Helpline reported a 120 per cent increase in the number of calls it received in one 24-hour period.'

She continued: 'For the victims of these crimes, home is not the safe haven that it should be and that is why I have been working with law enforcement, charities, schools, businesses and local councils.

'Our outstanding police will still be there for you.'

On another grim day in Britain's coronavirus pandemic:

A row erupted between Health Secretary Matt Hancock and the general-secretary of the Royal College of Nursing over his claims that medics were overusing personal protective equipment;

Sir Keir Starmer led the backlash over the Health Secretary's claim that NHS staff were 'wasting' PPE;

Mr Hancock revealed that of the 9,875 who have died, 21 were NHS workers;

No10 said Boris Johnson was making extremely good progress with his recovery from coronavirus;

Former Home Secretary David Blunkett blasted 'Sermon on the Mount' daily No10 coronavirus briefings by ministers and has accused officials of 'hectoring' people;

Scientists said coronavirus can spread 13 FEET from sufferers - more than twice the 6ft social distancing gap demanded by government - and that isolating infected people at home is not a good strategy.

Priti Patel (pictured) has said crime has fallen by 21 per cent during the lockdown, but warned that criminals are adapting to exploit the coronavirus crisis by defrauding the public and grooming children online

The Home Secretary's (centre) first No10 coronavirus press briefing comes as the Government slapped down zealous police chiefs this week who threatened to take tougher action against suspected rule-breakers

Ms Patel warned the British public to stay indoors over the Bank Holiday weekend, adding that police - who have the power to issue fines and detain rule-breakers - will be 'unafraid to act'.

The Home Secretary said: 'Fighting coronavirus requires an extraordinary national effort, and I would like to reiterate my personal thanks to everyone across all aspects of society playing their part.

'I am immensely grateful to everyone who is heeding the instruction to stay at home.

'This remains crucial over the Bank Holiday weekend... as the weather improves. But we have given the police powers to enforce the necessary measures we have put in place, including through the enforcement of fines.

'I'd like to thank them - our police officers and staff who are working tirelessly to keep us safe, for engaging with the public so constructively, to encourage everyone to do the right thing and avoid the need to use these powers.

'The overwhelming majority of the people are listening, making their own sacrifices to support our amazing police officers and staff, as they protect our under-pressure hospitals, and safeguard the most vulnerable.

'But my message to anyone still refusing to do the right thing is clear. If you don't play your part, our selfless police - who are out there risking their own lives to save others - will be unafraid to act.

'Their work is helping our doctors, nurses and health professionals to fight this virus and to save lives.

'If you do not follow the guidance, you will be endangering the lives of your own friends, families and loved ones.'

The NPCC said that the number of 999 and non-emergency 101 calls have fallen by 14 per cent and 12 per cent respectively during the lockdown, while online reporting has increased by 50 per cent.

Mr Hewitt is expected to qualify claims that crime has fallen by 21 per cent at a press briefing next Wednesday.

Ms Patel was joined at the briefing by Chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council Martin Hewitt (pictured) who confirmed that 400 domestic abuse suspects were arrested in the West Midlands in just two weeks

Chair of the NPCC Martin Hewitt (left) arriving at No10 with NHS England Medical Director Prof Stephen Powis (right)

Ms Patel revealed that fraudsters have exploited the pandemic to con Britons out of a total 1.8million to date. She also warned of padeophiles scouring the Internet for children working and socialising online

Today the UK recorded 917 coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the national toll ever closer to 10,000

Mr Hewitt said that officers were still working to tackle crime such as drug smuggling and fraud. He added: 'Initial figures from all forces show a 21 per cent fall in overall crime.

'That drop, combined with the commitment of our over 200,000 officers and staff across the UK, the fantastic response from our volunteer special constables, means that we are in a strong position.'

Hunger crisis hits lockdown Britain as 1.5million say they go without eating all day due to poverty brought on by coronavirus pandemic Million of Brits are going without meals in a growing food crisis amid the coronavirus lockdown. Some 1.5 million people have reported going a whole day without eating since the draconian measures were introduced three weeks ago, because they didn't have enough in their cupboards and fridges. The figures, from a YouGov poll commissioned by the Food Foundation and the FFCC (Food, Farming and Countryside Commission), also show six per cent of the population - more than three million people - have had someone in their household skip dinner. Furthermore, the research claims that more than a million people said they've lost all of their income as a result of the lockdown, while more than a third (43%) who are now earning less think they are not entitled to help from the Government. Advertisement

Ms Patel warned domestic abusers they will 'not get away' with their crimes. She stressed that victims 'are not alone' and that the Government's new campaign around the issue will highlight the support available.

'When it comes to hidden abuse, the message is simple: you are not alone and you are not on your own,' she said. 'And our message to the abusers and the perpetrators of these crimes is equally as clear: you will not get away with the crimes that you are committing. Our new campaign will absolutely highlight the support that is available to victims of domestic abuse, and that advice of staying home... does not apply'.

The Home Secretary said she was sorry if anyone felt there had been failings over the supply of personal protective equipment for health workers in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

The Government has been dogged by criticism since the pandemic hit UK shores that not enough PPE was being made available to health workers, especially those working in social care.

Ms Patel said she was 'sorry' if people felt there had been failings regarding the supply of PPE.

After being asked twice if she would apologise to NHS staff and their families over the lack of 'necessary PPE', Ms Patel said: 'I'm sorry if people feel that there have been failings. I will be very, very clear about that.

'But at the same time, we are in an unprecedented global health pandemic right now.

'It is inevitable that the demand and the pressures on PPE and demand for PPE are going to be exponential. They are going to be incredibly high. And of course we are trying to address that as a Government.'

Police revealed 1,084 fines have been issued for breaches of coronavirus regulations in England and Wales. Mr Hewitt said only a 'small minority of people' had failed to follow the Government guidance.

The Prime Minister announced a lockdown three weeks ago that banned travel outside of the home, except for exercise, to shop for essential goods, to go to a job that cannot be done from home or to provide care.

The fines were issued from across 37 forces, Mr Hewitt said. 'That is an average of less than 84 a day.'

A man can be seen in the back of an ambulance transported into St Thomas' Hospital, where Boris Johnson is recovering

Paramedics take a patient into St Thomas' Hospital, where Prime Minister Boris Johnson is recovering from coronavirus

Mr Hewitt said police will publish enforcement data every fortnight during the crisis.

At the end of the briefing, the Home Secretary was asked whether an increase in breaches could lead to stronger police powers. Ms Patel said the powers will be kept under review.

She replied: 'The purpose of the guidance that we put down and the regulations that went through Parliament over three weeks ago as Martin has said is absolutely to stop the transmission of this virus.

'This isn't just about breaches, but we will make our decisions as we previously made our decisions around the regulations and the guidance that was sent out to police forces around the country, based on the trends, the scientific evidence that also comes forward over the next week or so.

Hancock repeats claims of PPE over use Health Secretary Matt Hancock speaking this morning A row has erupted between the Government and nurses after Matt Hancock again cautioned coronavirus medics against overusing personal protective equipment. The Health Secretary insisted there was enough protective clothing to meet demand, but urged health workers to treat the gear like a 'precious' resource. His remarks doubled down on comments made at yesterday's Downing Street press briefing where he responded to reports from the frontline of a dire shortage of protective equipment. Royal College of Nursing's Donna Kinnair said no amount of PPE was 'more precious a resource than a healthcare worker's life, a nurse's life, a doctor's life'. She told BBC Breakfast: 'I take offence actually that we are saying that healthcare workers are abusing or overusing PPE. 'I think what we know is, we don't have enough supply and not enough regular supply of PPE. This is the number one priority nurses are bringing to my attention, that they do not have adequate supply of equipment.' Advertisement

'And actually we have to look at all of this in the totality, in the round, and then we will absolutely, as with all aspects of government right now, keep it under review, look at what is going on.'

The Home Secretary also confirmed that the total number of coronavirus cases today increased by 5,233 to 78,991 after an additional 18,091 tests were performed - down 1,025 from Friday.

The news came after the Department of Health said a total of 9,875 people had died in hospital in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus as of 5pm on Friday, up by 917 from the same point on Thursday.

Today's death toll is a drop from yesterday's 980 deaths, which remains the highest recorded in a single day so far and even surpassed Italy and Spain's worst days. But it does put Britain on course to hit the grim 10,000-death milestone on Easter Sunday, which the country will spend in lockdown.

NHS England recorded 823 deaths in their hospitals in the past 24 hours - the youngest was 11 and the eldest was 102, both with underlying health problems. Out of these 828 deaths in England, 33 - aged between 29 and 94 - had no underlying health conditions.

Scotland today confirmed a further 47 deaths, while Northern Ireland's tally hit 107 after 15 deaths.

The rise in deaths came as police told Britons to remain indoors on a warm Easter bank holiday weekend, but were forced to have words with some flouting social distancing rules in the nation's parks.

With police forces across England and Wales making clear they would be stepping up measures over the weekend to ensure the rules were enforced, No10 said they were acting with the full support of Government.

Boris Johnson's spokesman said: 'We have given them a job to do. They will use their own discretion about how they best do that job. The powers which we have given the police are there to save lives. The police have our full backing and they have the public's backing too.'

However there was a rebuke for Northamptonshire CC Nick Adderley after he suggested his force could mount road blocks and search shopping trolleys to check if people were going out to buy non-essential items.

Mr Adderley declared the 'three-week grace period' over, saying his force would consider roadblocks, marshalling supermarkets, and searching through shopping baskets and trolleys.

'If things don't improve, and we don't get the compliance we would expect, then the next stage will be roadblocks and it will be stopping people to ask why they are going, where they're going,' he said.

A police officer on a horse talks to sunbathers in Victoria Park as Britons continue to bask in the glorious Easter sunshine

Two police officers patrolled Scarborough's coastline as the UK remains under strict lockdown to slow the spreading virus

In Cambridge, police spoke to a woman sat in a park as forces cracked down on people disregarding lockdown rules

Mounted police officers patrolled Blackpool to make sure life-saving social distancing measures were being followed

David Blunkett blasts 'Sermon on the Mount' daily coronavirus briefings by ministers Former Home Secretary David Blunkett has blasted the daily coronavirus briefings, saying they have become like a 'Sermon on the Mount'. The Labour life peer made the comments in an interview on the Today programme on BBC Radio 4, during a discussion on the reaction to the coronavirus pandemic. When asked about the police and political reaction to the crisis, Blunkett responded saying people are being 'hectored', including during the daily coronavirus briefings which have been running since March 16. He said: 'Actually we talk, talk, talk and we hector people, I mean the daily press briefings now just become a Sermon on the Mount'. Advertisement

Speaking to Talk Radio, Ms Patel said it was not the right approach, adding: 'That's not appropriate, let me be clear about that. That is not the guidance, that is not down to the measures we've been adopting thus far.

'I think though, what we should just say about this weekend, in particular, is the weather is going to be good, it's Easter, we really do need to all take responsibility here, and it's not about overreach.'

Ms Patel insisted she was 'absolutely not' considering tougher coronavirus lockdown conditions.

She added: 'I'll be very candid. Not everybody's going to get this right and it has taken a couple of weeks for these measures to bed in because this has been unprecedented, don't forget. The police have got these new powers that they are working with right now.

'I think I really must emphasise that. There's a balance to this.I do pay credit to the police because these are extraordinary times. They exercise their judgment.'

Seeking to clarify his remarks, Mr Adderley said he 'may have been clumsy in that language' as he read extracts of a briefing sent to his force - including instructions 'not to carry out basket or trolley searches attempting to ascertain the relevance of the items purchased'.

Two wardens talk to people exercising Victoria Park as the UK recorded 917 coronavirus-related deaths in the past 24 hours

Mounted police officers patrol Victoria Park, London, as they crack down on people flouting coronavirus lockdown rules

Mounted police officers patrol Victoria Park, London, as they crack down on people flouting coronavirus lockdown rules

UK braced for 18 months of restrictions Normal life will stay on hold until a virus vaccine becomes available in about 18 months, officials said. Advice to work from home and stay in for seven days if you have symptoms will probably still be in place next year. Ministers want to lift the most restrictive parts of the lockdown, including shop closures, within weeks. But senior Government sources say the only true 'exit strategy' is a vaccine or a cure. Until then, the UK will have to adjust to a 'new normal'. An official last night told The Telegraph that social distancing measures that have been placed upon Britons could be 'indefinite'. Official plans to encourage social distancing on a long term, voluntary basis, have also been discussed, as the government continues to hold talks on how long Britons can cope with the current measures. Advertisement

Civil liberties group Big Brother Watch called the comments 'outrageous'. Director Silkie Carlo said: 'The suggestion of police rummaging through people's shopping trolleys is outrageous. It would be completely disproportionate for police to start investigating shopping baskets or stopping every car at road checks, and there's no legal basis for them to do so.

'You'd think police have far more important work to do.'

Cheshire Police said it had issued summonses after 'multiple people from the same household going to the shops for non-essential items' but later admitted this part of the social media post was an 'error'.

Last month there were claims some convenience stores had been wrongly told to stop selling Easter eggs and hot cross buns by council officers as they were considered non-essential goods.

Police have sweeping powers to break up gatherings and fine people breaching lockdown rules, with legislation barring people from leaving their home unless they have a 'reasonable excuse'.

The law does not prohibit buying certain types of food and drink and permits supermarkets, corner shops, off-licences, and post offices to stay open.

NPCC and College of Policing guidance state there is no power to 'stop and account' - where an officer stops someone and asks where they are going - and says road checks on every vehicle are wholly 'disproportionate'.

Speaking of the Coronavirus Act, Liberty's Director Martha Spurrier said: 'This new law is without doubt the biggest restriction on our individual and collective freedoms in a generation.

'What people may not realise is the extent of its powers, and how long they can be in place for.

'It gives the authorities new powers to detain any one of us that they deem to be potentially infected with the coronavirus. It also removes vital safeguards in care standards, leaving many people who are already at risk, such as disabled people, at further risk, not only of poor care but also of potentially inhumane treatment.

'The breadth of this legislation is also extraordinary. It runs to more than 300 pages and includes some spectacular restrictions, including powers to rearrange or cancel elections.

'We'll beat this virus, but these measures must be a last resort in that battle and these powers must be removed as soon as possible. We cannot and must not sacrifice all of our hard-won rights and freedoms.'

A woman talks to a police officer on horseback in a London park as the warm weather brings many Britons outdoors
Pope Francis on Holy Thursday hailed priests and medical staff who tend to the needs of Covid-19 patients as the saints next door.

Francis celebrated the Holy Week evening Mass in St Peters Basilica, which was kept off limits to the public because of restrictions aimed at containing the spread of coronavirus.

The same precautions forced the pope to forego a symbolic ritual traditionally observed on the Thursday before Easter  washing the feet of others in a sign of humility.

Expand Close Pope Francis leads a socially distanced Mass (Alessandro Di Meo/Pool Photo/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp Pope Francis leads a socially distanced Mass (Alessandro Di Meo/Pool Photo/AP)

Last year, he performed the ritual washing of the feet of 12 inmates at a prison near Rome.

The ritual re-enacts Jesus washing the feet of his 12 Apostles at their last supper before he was crucified.

Looking weary and with a subdued voice, Francis also expressed dismay that priests have been insulted or wrongly slandered because of the scandals in the Catholic Church involving paedophile priests.

Sometimes they cant even go walk in the street because ugly things are said to them, in reference to the drama we are living through, priests who did ugly things, Francis said.

Expand Close Pope Francis delivers his message in St Peters Basilica, which was largely empty (Alessandro Di Meo/Pool Photo/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Earlier in the week, Australias highest court dismissed the convictions of Cardinal George Pell for allegedly sexually abusing children.

A former top aide of the pope, Pell spent 13 months in prison in his native Australia. Francis did not mention him or cite a specific case in his remarks.

The pope began his off-the-cuff homily by honouring the memory of priests who gave their lives in service to others, singling out those who died after tending to sick people in Italys hospitals.

Italy has the worlds highest death toll from the coronavirus pandemic.

Francis paid tribute to priests who offer their life for the Lord.

These days, more than 60 in Italy have died, after giving attention to the sick in hospitals, he said.

Also doctors, nurses. They are the saints next door.
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'Terrorists are killing ordinary citizens, huge crowds brave a pandemic to attend militant funerals, and artillery is booming on the LoC.'

'This April seems like a run-of-the-terror-mill Kashmiri spring: Violence is emerging like a prickly new bud,' warns David Devadas.

IMAGE: A policeman chases away young men for defying the natioal lockdown in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir. Photograph: Nazim Ali/ANI Photo

It has been 250 days since the Constitutional changes that were meant to integrate Jammu and Kashmir.

250 days is a long enough time for a new dawn to have matured into a bright and purposeful day. But with a sinking feeling, one realises that nothing has changed.

Terrorists are killing ordinary citizens, huge crowds brave a pandemic to attend militant funerals, and artillery is booming on the Line of Control.

This April seems like a run-of-the-terror-mill Kashmiri spring: Violence is emerging like a prickly new bud.

Although people had largely settled down after their initial extreme shock at the Constitutional changes in August last year, they have become steadily frustrated at the lack of meaningful progress since.

That frustration is not only apparent in the Kashmir valley, but even in Hindu-dominated Jammu. One hears that the Chenab basin, which lies between the two, is even more alienated. Nor are people satisfied in Ladakh. There seems to be all-round dismay.

Lost opportunity

These 250 days -- indeed, nearly two years since governor's rule was imposed in June 2018 -- should have been utilised to infuse a sense of confidence in the people that better times had arrived.

Improved education and healthcare, responsive and uncorrupt administration, robust infrastructure development and economic opportunities should have urgently been put in place.

Instead, distressing stories from some Kashmiri hospitals amid the COVID-19 pandemic have given glimpses of just how badly the opportunity has been missed.

The top-heavy, often corrupt and exploitative bureaucracy has been strengthened. Nothing has been done to reach out to young people at large.

Entrenched narratives have not been answered with credible logic. There is no sign of a vision or road map.

Internet anger

People have been getting steadily angrier over the cussed refusal to restore 4G Internet speed even amid the pandemic.

One hears from the ground that the increased militancy does not stem from Net-based recruitment, but from personal contacts and from overground workers's fear of being picked up during National Investigation Agency investigations.

In fact, young men and boys who might otherwise be lured by militants roaming their villages would be more likely to remain home if they were occupied on the Internet.

Anger over the Internet shutdown is even greater in Jammu where people complain that they are being made to pay a price for others's potential misdoings.

Surely the State apparatus would have the cyber resources to monitor terror-related and violence-inducing sites, and traffic to and from them, in order to check the misuse of the Internet. That might be more advisable than a blanket ban on fast Internet.

Roots of conflict

While the NIA goes after terrorists and their overground field workers, there is no focus on the still well-nurtured roots of terror.

Established promoters of conflict have resumed their narratives over the past couple of months. Their strategy apparently is to target specific persons who speak and write credibly about the erstwhile state. Some of them recently used social media to openly call for the elimination of political activists.

Despite long-pending FIRs against some of them, they blithely go about their lethal work. It would seem that the symbiosis between them and powerful sections of State forces and agencies has survived the Constitutional changes unscathed.

I have explained in my book The Generation of Rage in Kashmir (OUP) that their symbiotic relationship kept conflict artificially going from around 2007 to the end of that decade and then revived it to full strength during the decade just ended.

In a chapter on the Conflict Economy, I have shown how both sides in this shameful collaboration prosper from secret and other funds, from abroad or from New Delhi, or from both.

Geopolitical challenge

Recent infiltration bids on the Line of Control, one of which cost the lives of five Special Forces commandos, indicate that more highly trained operatives are being pushed in.

Meanwhile, China highlighted the Kashmir issue at the UN again on Thursday. I have maintained for a decade now that the country faces a triad of challenges vis a vis Kashmir: Pakistan's exertions, China's strategies, and street-level anger among millennials.

Policymakers have responded dismissively. Indeed, votaries of the government insist that last year's Constitutional changes resolved the problem.

The fact is that it addressed none of these three challenges. While policymakers keep their heads buried in the sand, this could prove to be a long hot summer.

David Devadas is the author of The Story of Kashmir and The Generation of Rage in Kashmir.
This week, Im writing about the for-profit part of the art world and how its doing in a health emergency and an economy steamrolled flat by our leaders and opinion makers  you know, the people still getting paychecks as opposed to the 17 million thrown out of work. Judging from a few recent news stories, slices of the not-for-profit art world in New York seem stuck in la-la land. Ill write about these, too.

Ive talked to friends at the big New York auction houses and at small ones. The business of buying and selling has slowed since almost all previews and live auctions are postponed. A big part of the business, though, is getting consignments. Thats got a pulse. We havent yet gotten to the 2009 and 2010 zeitgeist, when the market was ruled by the Three Ds: death, debt, and divorce. Then, no one sold unless thus motivated.

Today, the reports Im getting say that theyre securing private-sale consignments, a big part of the auction business. Will the art find buyers? Thats another story.

I suspect that the pandemic and the government-induced depression will accelerate the movement of the auction business to virtual platforms. Well still have live previews but, over time, more and more phone and online bidding. The duels to the death that give the business buzz  two rich, obsessed collectors battling in public like gladiators  will almost never happen. The big exception: the evening contemporary art auctions, which are powered by glitz and glamour and need to be live.

Crowd at the 2020 FEFAF show.

Art fairs arent going to happen for a while. A month ago, I was at the big European Fine Art Fair in Maastricht, in the Netherlands. A handful of people I know are sick, and it takes only a handful to kill a business based on crowds. At news of the first COVID-19 positive test, the Maastricht fair closed.

These fairs and the invitation-only openings are always packed and are big money makers for fair sponsors, many of which are charities. These charities are among the big losers. The biggest fundraiser for the East Side Settlement House in the Bronx, for example, is the Winter Antiques Show at the Park Avenue Armory in Manhattan. Art-fair sponsors, for profit or not-for-profit, will be skittish about planning events that a panic can close in an instant.

Story continues

I looked at the sales results of two midlevel online auctions occurring last week. I was surprised at how much people paid for less-than-perfect art. Shopaholics exist in the art world  surprise, surprise  and this explains what I thought was indiscriminate bidding. With many auctions postponed and every New York dealers doors shut, those few art-buying venues still available are battered by the winds of a million flapping checkbooks.

Many small dealers are in bad shape. Most havent fully recovered from the financial crisis of 2009. These dealers arent drastically affected by city streets turned to tumbleweed alleys  foot traffic has been falling for years. Rather, a purposefully flatlined economy has put their businesses in ICU. For every shopaholic buying online with the zest of a teen playing Mortal Kombat 11, theres a sober collector whos wondering whether hell need to smash his piggy bank to pay his mortgage.

Dealers are keeping in touch with their loyal customers. Many will open by appointment. Shrubsole, the silver dealer, is known for erudition and connoisseurship. Its sending daily anecdotes to its mailing list  about great objects that its sold over the years, along with accounts of larger-than-life, vinegary buyers. Theyre wickedly funny.

Les Enluminures, the premier dealer of illuminated manuscripts, sent a charming, clever online message to its customers, illustrated with closeups of rabbits from the Book of Marie. Its a stunning late-13th-century prayer book belonging to the Queen of France. Easter bunnies give us a break from death counts. Two Palm Press, the best fine-art printer in the country, just sent an online show of Mel Bochner prints it produced. Its called Oh Well and matches the times. Some dealers are doing online exhibitions and virtual gallery tours.

A dealer friend just got a fantastic, museum-quality painting by a famous artist  Im sworn to secrecy  thats never been on the market. Does he offer it to his best clients now, or should he wait? This is a tiny example of the uncertainty sown by the bozos running the country and reporting the news.

A chunk of dealerships will reopen only to then phase out and close. Many of my older dealer friends are seeing what retirement means, and theyre liking it. Some will close their shops and sell from their homes. Another dealer friend told me, Well, some people figure theyre going to die, so they might as well buy the art theyve always wanted. We are indeed in uncharted waters, and everyones struggling to divine the right business plan. Psychiatrists and fortune-tellers, where are you?

Meanwhile, lets jump through the Looking Glass to the public sector and not-for-profit worlds. New high-end culture appointments in New York show that the powers-that-be have a problem selecting qualified people  or, worse, they like to hire people with crazy priorities. Worse still, there are people in the higher-education world who dont seem to care about anyone except themselves. Tin ears abound. The for-profit world cant afford idiosyncrasies like these.

Members of the Vienna State Ballet perform on stage during a dress rehearsal of Hommage an Jerome Robbins at the opera house in Vienna April 30, 2011. The Jerome Robbins Library at the NYPL is the worlds best dance archive.

The New York Public Library appointed a lawyer, Jennifer Schantz, to lead its Performing Arts Library. Its one of the worlds best theater, dance, and music libraries. Schantz comes from the venerable New-York Historical Society, where I was the museum director. She was one of many vice presidents and in charge of operations.

Im puzzled. Schantz is neither a scholar nor a librarian nor an archivist. Shes a bureaucrat. I dont think shes ever been on the creative side, professionally, at least. She played the piccolo in school, I see. I play the piano, but no ones recruiting me to run Steinway.

The Historical Society has a superb library, but its led not by Schantz but by a distinguished librarian and a great professional staff. She supervised what sounds like a brilliant program helping immigrants prepare for their citizenship tests, but the classes were designed and taught by the Societys great museum educators.

Really, though, how involved was she, in this or in any of the Societys top-notch creative work? And what does a citizenship class have to do with a performing-arts library? Do future citizens need to know Yankee Doodle Dandy?

Schantz is a good lawyer, but does the City of New York library system need lawyers? For an important library like this, a performing-arts library, why set the bar low? Werent there any great librarians or theater or music scholars out there? The Jerome Robbins Library is the best archive on the history of dance in the world. Is Schantz the best they could come up with? Since she isnt an expert in any aspect of the NYPLs intellectual portfolio, I doubt shell have much credibility with the librarians, with donors, or with talent. Its a nails-on-a-chalkboard kind of hire.

I definitely smell a case of the Peter Principle in the selection of Gonzalo Casals as New York City Cultural Affairs commissioner. (According to this principle, Investopedia explains, every position in a given hierarchy will eventually be filled by employees who are incompetent to fulfill the job duties.) Casals has been the director of the Leslie-Lohman Museum  a pioneering place exploring the work of gay artists  for only two years. Before that, he was the deputy director of the Museo del Barrio, probably the worst-run museum in the city. Thats not the best experience.

The Department of Cultural Affairs has a budget of $211 million, more than the National Endowment of the Arts. Its a serious place. Casals replaces the accomplished Tom Finkelpearl, who transformed the Queens Museum during his years as director and led the DCA for five years.

Finkelpearl developed a quota system linking NYC money to the hiring of minorities for jobs as curators and directors at New Yorks museums and the selection of their trustees. Its a busy-body policy and a terrible idea, but I cant argue with Finkelpearls knowledge and professionalism.

Casals is honest in his agenda: He wants to weaponize New Yorks museums, theaters, and other arts venues to fight a culture war. Hell judge their success not by how well they educate or inspire but by how political they are. Aside from mediocrity, thats the gist of the entire equity, inclusion, and diversity movement.

The appointment of Casals is a Bill de Blasio Special  leave no left-wing hack unhired  but DCA has lots of moving parts and spends tons of money. Casals will shovel it to his and de Blasios buddies. Theres No Business Like Show Business, move over. The Which Side Are You On types are going to get the big bucks.

Laura Raicovich will run the Leslie-Lohman Museum until it finds a new director. She was fired as director of the Queens Museum in 2018 because she championed, on museum time and with museum money, the Boycott, Divest, and Sanction movement, widely viewed as anti-Semitic. She was also found to have misled her trustees on several issues. Shes writing a book promoting the use of museums for political protest.

The Leslie-Lohman Museum is a good art museum. Ive seen some provocative, well-done shows there. Its a great community center for gay people. It would be a shame if the museum were hijacked by people who spent their time protesting issues such as illegal immigration, weather panic, and Raicovichs precious West Bank and Gaza  where, by the way, homophobia is public policy.

Raicovich isnt unqualified. Rather, shes rancorous and self-important. Directors need an ego but one leavened by humility and open-mindedness. When she was director of the Queens Museum, she didnt understand that it wasnt all about her. A surfeit of ego. I believe in redemption, but couldnt the museum find someone else?

The financial and social implications of the shutdown are staggering, but so is the hospital-ship-size hubris its exposing. A couple of weeks ago, New York University MFA students demanded a tuition rebate since their art studios are inaccessible, and, well, you can learn to color by numbers online but not much else. Yearly tuition is $60,282.

Art students need not only a studio but all kinds of specialized equipment, such as ventilation equipment, digital labs for graphic design, kilns, sewing machines, and printing presses. You cant do a crit, the rigorous review of a students work by established artists, by Zoom. Of course they should get a refund. NYU cant provide the education they paid to get. With a $4.5 billion endowment, it can afford to make struggling artists whole.

Instead, the dean of the Tisch School of Arts, Allyson Green, a dance professor, said no and sent students a homemade video set to the 1991 R.E.M. song Losing My Religion.

WTF? I guess that its this ditzy dames way of saying I couldnt care less. Shes not even a good dancer. Not even some Isadora Duncan I Am a Swan moves?

Her paycheck is unaffected by the crisis, so dance away she does. NYU could stay closed for months. Shes one of the haves. Unlike Marie Let Em Eat Cake Antoinette, though, she neednt go to the guillotine. Id send her to an airline-complaint hotline center for a week, around the time a blizzard cancels all the flights to Palm Beach. Then shell have to learn how to listen as well as learn something about responsiveness.

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Calif. pastor resigns from city council before hosting communion attended by hundreds

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A California pastor resigned from his position on city council one day before he tested statewide social distancing orders by holding an in-person communion at his church.

The city of Thousand Oaks confirmed in a statement this week that Councilman Rob McCoy, who served on its city council since 2015, has resigned. McCoy is also the pastor of Godspeak Calvary Chapel in Newbury Park.

The Thousand Oaks Acorn reports that McCoy officially resigned from his position on Saturday evening, hours before he held Palm Sunday communion with members to mark the beginning of Holy Week.

With bans on gatherings of 10 people or more in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the church abided by social distancing rules and only allowed 10 people at a time to enter the church building to receive communion.

Palm Sunday and Resurrection Sunday are critical, McCoy said in a video announcement to his congregation. [We are] paralyzed and considered non-essential though we would have liquor stores considered essential, cannabis distribution considered essential.

Across the country, abortions are considered essential, he added. Is the Church going to sit back and say, Well, we will be relegated to non-essential, though we feed people and that is essential physical food?

An online announcement informed congregants not to show up for the 11 a.m. service, which was online only. But after the service from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, church members were invited to partake in communion.

To not allow us to have communion is not proper, McCoy said in the video. To consider it non-essential is not acceptable.

The church placed arrows on the ground to direct people to the communion and help them remain 6 feet apart. The church also advised people to refrain from physical greetings.

Once inside the building, congregants were allowed to pick up the communion elements for themselves and take a seat in a chair in the sanctuary while maintaining proper social distance from others.

Loaves of bread were also available for people to take if they were in need or to hand out to those who might be in need. Bathrooms were closed and congregants were told to touch nothing other than the communion elements.

The church also provided a way for people to drive behind the church to take communion.

According to McCoy, the church followed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. He suggested that coming for communion would not be much different from people waiting in line at a grocery store or Costco.

He vowed the church would not violate a single CDC ordinance.

Many in the nation would disagree with that and would find disagreement with us. But the truth of the matter is we have the Bill of Rights, McCoy said. The First Amendment declares that Congress shall make no law restricting or prohibiting the free exercise of religion. This is critical to us.

We are essential, he continued. Essential for the simple fact that God called us to this. Now, we want to honor Caesar and render unto Caesar what is Cesars. We want to respect social distancing and want to respect everything that is expected of us. But we still want to have access to what is a sacrament in the Protestant Church and the Catholic Church as well.

McCoy explained why communion is considered a sacrament.

A sacrament is a practice instituted by Christ Himself, McCoy explained. We found in Luke 22:19, Jesus took the bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to them saying, This is my body given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.

The church urged all those who are considered high risk, sick or have been in contact with someone who is sick to stay at home

According to the Los Angeles Times, hundreds of people cycled through the church for communion on Sunday, though only 10 people were allowed in the church at one time.

After congregants left their chairs to exit the sanctuary, the chairs were sprayed with disinfectant.

The communion drew protesters who lined up their cars and honked their horns in opposition to the church defying stay-at-home orders instituted in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Los Angeles Times reports.

In California, there have been over 17,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 452 related deaths as of Wednesday afternoon, according to statistics compiled by Johns Hopkins University & Medicine.

A copy of McCoys resignation letter to the Thousand Oaks City Council, which was obtained by the newspaper, explained that McCoy resigned because he was in conflict.

I have no desire to put our community at risk and will not, McCoy was quoted as writing. However this is portrayed, please know I am obligated to do this.

Thousand Oaks Police Chief James Fryhoff told the Los Angeles Times that officers were on hand for the event to ensure that congregants were keeping a safe distance from one another. He said that the biggest concern was ensuring that there wasn't a large number of people gathering at the church.

Thousand Oaks Mayor Al Adam said in a statement commenting on McCoys resignation that McCoy was a voice of strength and healing as the city recovered from two tragedies  the Borderline massacre and the Woolsey Fire.



I appreciate his contributions and wish him and his family well, Adam said. While these circumstances are unfortunate, the remaining members of the Council and I are very much focused on moving forward.
The Goa government has



recommended to the Centre that the lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak should continue till April 30, chief minister Pramod Sawant said on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters in Panaji, Sawant said the state government will resume certain activities/establishments including government offices from Monday.

Fishing has restarted in the state from Saturday.

Sawant took part in video conference of chief ministers with Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day.

Goa government requested the Centre not to resume rail and air traffic as well as allow movement of vehicles on roads expect for those carrying goods from other states, he said.

"The Centre will come out with common guidelines about lockdown. They will be applicable to all the states," he said, adding that the states may consider giving certain relaxations, as per local conditions.

Government offices in Goa will reopen on Monday and they will be fully functional from Wednesday after sanitisation, he said.

All the Outpatient departments of Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres and district hospitals will start from Monday except Goa Medical College and Hospital, he said.

"Fishing activity will resume in the entire country along with Goa. There will be restrictions on fishermen that they should not mingle with community members from other states in mid-sea," the chief minister said.

"Chicken and mutton imports would be allowed in Goa except from Karnataka and Kerala," he said.

The state government was also contemplating making wearing masks compulsory in public places, Sawant added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The White House lobbed a bizarre broadside against Voice of America (VoA) this week, using one of its popular communications channels to accuse the US-funded foreign news broadcaster of amplifying Chinese propaganda.

The post appeared Thursday on 1600 Daily, an events summary produced by the White House digital team. The charges hurled at the 75-year-old broadcaster seemed so overheated that some readers worried hackers had infiltrated the White Houses networks.

But Dan Scavino Jr, President Donald Trumps social media director, echoed the claims on Twitter.

American taxpayers  paying for Chinas very own propaganda, via the US government-funded Voice of America! DISGRACE!! Mr Scavino wrote in sharing a VoA post about a light show in China on Wednesday.

The light show marked the reopening of Wuhan, the Chinese city where the coronavirus was first detected, which had been locked down for months.

Among other charges, the White House post claimed VoA, which uses widely watched numbers from Johns Hopkins University to track coronavirus cases and deaths around the world, created graphics with communist government statistics to compare Chinas coronavirus death toll to Americas.

The statement includes links to more than a dozen VOA reports exposing Beijings underestimates of coronavirus deaths in Wuhan (Getty)

VOA too often speaks for Americas adversaries  not its citizens, the post read. Asked about the post on Friday, the White House had no further comment.

Amanda Bennett, who leads VoA, pushed back against the claims.

We are thoroughly covering Chinas disinformation and misinformation in English and Mandarin and at the same time reporting factually, she said in a statement on Friday.

VOA has thoroughly debunked much of the information coming from the Chinese government and government-controlled media.

Recommended Trump could face international consequences for his pandemic response

The statement includes links to more than a dozen VoA reports exposing Beijings underestimates of coronavirus deaths in Wuhan, its use of Twitter to spread disinformation about the origins of the virus, and its bogus claims about aiding other nations.

Ms Bennett, who is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist, also responded to Mr Scavino on Twitter.

We believe a healthy democracy means having an #Independent and #FreePress, so we love a good dialogue, she wrote in a series of messages about the broadcasters work.

Our team works hard to fact-check and hold authorities and leaders accountable for what they say. We have a whole department dedicated to this effort @PolygraphInfo.

New York Times
Black women have had to adjust: Some are going natural, giving their hair a break from weaves, chemicals and heat styling. (Counter / Getty Images)

Tia Delaney has been seeing the same hairstylist once or twice a week for more than 20 years. Now that the COVID-19 pandemic has closed all nonessential businesses, she's facing a dilemma familiar to black women across the country: What should she do with her hair?

I have no idea, said Delaney, a registered nurse and clinical case manager who has continued to visit three to six patients a day at their homes.

Of course, I know how to wash my hair, but washing it and being able to style it where I feel I look presentable is going to be complex. And if you don't normally wear a natural style, it's not something you can just do overnight.

Stay-at-home orders have shuttered salons and beauty supply stores, while social distancing has made house visits a risky endeavor for hair braiders and their clients. Black women have had to adjust: Some women are taking the time to go natural and give their hair a break from weaves, chemicals and heat styling; some are continuing to braid their hair or learning to braid for the first time; a few are confronting their natural hair texture after an extended break and panicking.

The salons, beauty supply stores and stylists that cater to black women are also adapting by revamping their digital presence with instructional videos and the sale of products online.

Felicia Leatherwood, a celebrity hairstylist who has worked with Issa Rae of "Insecure" and director Ava DuVernay, said some black women are experiencing anxiety on top of anxiety right now.

Hairstylist Felicia Leatherwood's celebrity clients include Issa Rae (pictured) and Ava DuVernay. (Felicia Leatherwood)

They have anxiety about what's happening, and then they have anxiety about discovering their hair and working with it and realizing that they actually have not liked their hair, never really liked their texture, she said.

Part of the challenge for women is the mental hurdle of working with their hair on their own, especially for those with denser textures, she said. She plans to launch a video series in which she answers questions submitted by her followers in short clips showcasing their hair.

Story continues

Leatherwood said women need to channel "Little House on the Prairie" and make do with what they have at home. One woman who contacted her didn't have any products, not even shampoo or conditioner. But she did have Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile soap, an avocado and an aloe vera plant. Leatherwood said Dr. Bronner's soap can be used as shampoo in a pinch, and she instructed the woman to make a hair treatment masque out of the avocado and aloe vera to keep her hair soft.

She said women also need to have products on hand to hydrate their hair. She recommends the Curls, Aunt Jackie's and Maui Moisture brands for all hair textures.

Tallulah Marcelin owns I Love Lulu, a salon that specializes in working with black women's natural hair texture. (Tallulah Marcelin)

Tallulah Marcelin, owner of I Love Lulu  an L.A. salon that focuses on natural hairstyling  said people who are concerned about tangles while shampooing their hair can divide it into braided sections, wash it and rinse. "You're mainly trying to clean your scalp of build-up and sweat and things like that, and then you're trying to remove product from your hair without stripping it," she said.

Marcelin recommended women also make an effort to keep their hair moisturized.

"This is the time to really saturate your hair with oils and butters and conditioners and twist it up," she said. She recommended taking a silk or cloth scarf and making a turban around the braided hair.

Trends in the beauty and hair-care industry show that black women have been shifting away from chemically straightening their hair and focusing more on looks that don't subject their hair to damage from frequent styling. Between 2015 and 2019, braids with extensions increased in popularity by 64%, wigs increased by 79% and weaves increased by 47%, according to analyst Toya Mitchell of Mintel, a global market research firm.

Delaney, 50, said she's not uncomfortable with her natural hair but also would be self-conscious about trying out a new hairstyle at work. Before the salon closures, she typically would get her hair washed, blow-dried, straightened and styled in a ponytail or loose curls. She acknowledged it would probably affect her more than her patients.

I think people in my generation, we still fall under that stigma as to how is our hair looking and how does it represent us," she said. "And the younger generation, I think some of that stigma has been removed, and so they're more comfortable with the natural hairstyles.

Actor Talia Wray says she's focusing on deep conditioning and detangling her hair since the stay-at-home order went into effect. (Talia Wray)

Talia Wray, a 27-year-old actor-model in Studio City, said that before the shutdown her hair routine consisted of visits every couple of months to a salon in Beverly Hills that caters to curly hair, where shed get a hair cut and highlights. She's using her time now to deep condition overnight and detangle her hair section by section. For easy styling, she blow-dries her hair straight and has been wearing it in a ponytail or bun.

With curly hair, the whole point of doing five different curly products is to maintain moisture, so that you can wear it out as long as possible, she said.

Wray said several of her friends have also taught themselves how to braid their hair.

I definitely have friends who were like, It wasn't how I wanted it to turn out, she said. But for the purpose of it's just maintaining and no one's seeing me, unless it's my close friends, like on Instagram, I feel like a lot of people are less worried about vanity and it's more 'How do I maintain and care for my hair?'

Other women need a little help in their transition. Tammy Wesley-Omordia, a cosmetologist and the owner of Superstar Hair & Wigs beauty supply in Studio City, said she noticed her clients were switching to lower-maintenance looks. After she closed, they started sending her direct messages on social media, asking her to ship them packages of braiding hair, crochet hair, head wraps and hair treatments, she said.

Tanasia McLean, a hair braider in Los Angeles. (Tanasia McLean)

Some people are going natural, and where I live  thats an area where everybody wants to look like Hollywood, Wesley-Omordia said. So for them to go natural is a lot. Oh, let me take this weave out. Let me take these extensions out. Let me take this wig off and let my hair breathe. A lot of people are doing that."

Some stylists said they're still getting messages from women who want to book hair appointments.

People are still trying to get their hair done, and Im like guys! said Tanasia McLean, a hair braider at Hair Are Us in Los Angeles. I stopped doing hair because I'm really concerned about everybodys health. I didn't want to continue doing hair and make a mistake and get someone sick or get sick myself.

Marcelin said she understands why clients are reaching out. There is a sense of normalcy and peace and happiness when your hair is done, she said. It makes you kind of feel like, 'OK, I'm not just totally letting myself go.'

For now, women like Delaney are learning to style their hair at home. She said she planned to separate her hair into two-strand twists while it's wet, then unravel them to create a wavy look with the help of her daughter.

I'm sure at the end of the day I'm going to come up with something cute," Delaney said. "There are so many YouTube videos now of things you can look at and different ways to do your hair naturally, so we'll figure it out.
The Advertising Club, Bangalore organized a webinar on April 7, 2020, which focused on COVID-19s impact on the media and marketing business. Industry stalwart Vincent Dong, President of Ad-Vice Software & Consulting Inc and Founder of CPA  conducted the webinar, sharing relevant insights on how companies should cope with the economic challenges arising from this pandemic.



His advice included thoroughly reviewing finances, identifying the spends and outlays that can be deferred at this trying time, and using the models around Adjusted Gross Income to identify ones current situation. In addition, he shared his inputs on consistent communication with clients and how to leverage the agencys relationship with them better. He also advocated using layoffs and salary cuts as the last measure and asked agency heads to use credit when absolutely critical.

Dong also laid out a brief action plan with points such as issuing POs to vendors to track invoices more efficiently, projecting the next three months business plans with immediate effect, and instituting project alerts for streamlined operations.



The event was a huge success, with approximately 150 participants on Zoom and Facebook Live. This webinar was put together with the support of the Ad Clubs Managing Committee. Young Indians was the strategic partner, while the community partners were Exchange 4 Media, Pitch, and Impact.



Laeeq Ali, President of The Ad Club of Bangalore said  We are the first Adclub in the country to have put together such an event targeted especially at marketing professionals, and we will bringing you many more relevant and engaging initiatives, one a week, over the next 6 to 8 weeks. Please keep looking up our Facebook page and enrol as a member.



If you have missed the Webinar, Just click on this link https://www.facebook.com/theadclubbangalore/


The ITBP troops provided food and distributed ration among the locals in remote villages of Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh amid the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown.

"The Jawans of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are providing ration, fuel, medicines besides other daily use items in different parts of the Country during the lockdown. They are also helping authorities in the enforcement of the lockdown and keeping an eye on the supplies being provided to the needy," said ITBP spokesperson Vivek Pandey earlier on Thursday.

"Thousands of people are benefited from the gesture. The Force is also running awareness campaigns in the areas and keeping social distancing in mind, providing correct information to the people of these areas," ITBP said on Thursday.

The nationwide COVID-19 lockdown was imposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24, for 21 days as a precautionary measure against the spread of the virus.

According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of positive COVID-19 cases in Himachal Pradesh is 28. Till now, six people have either been cured or discharged, while one death has been reported.

The total number of positive coronavirus cases across the country are 7,447, including 6565 active cases of the virus. So far, 642 patients have either been cured or discharged while 239 deaths have been recorded in the country, as per data provided by the Ministry of Health.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Cuba is known for its bright and colorful scenery, joyful people, and vibrant social scene-basically, everything countries in the Caribbean embody. But behind all that curtain is a heartbreaking picture of oppression and desolation.

Sixty years ago, communists seized power over Cuba. While the media portrays the country to be a luxurious tourist spot, the reality is much worse.

In 2019, a team of four Turning Point USA producers took a trip to Cuba to see whether the glamorous social media photos showing happy citizens were real. They came home to America with one stern warning.

It's all a lie.

'Famine'

The state government controls the Cuban economy. The government collects all resources and allocates them to cities across the nation 'equally.'

The country, which is presented online as a replica of its 1950s Caribbean life, is now suffering from stagnation, poverty, famine, and other social issues.

People have to wait for an hour, sometimes more, to fill their gas tanks. The cars sit under the sweltering heat, with some literally pushing their vehicles along the line because they ran out of gas while waiting.

Citizens often rush inside grocery stores, only to find an entire row stocked with one brand of garbanzo beans. The only meat option they have is pre-packaged burger patties. There are no fresh fruit, no fresh vegetables, no fresh meat, not even different food options.

All food is rationed and provided by the government. With no access to healthy, fulfilling food, Cuban people are struggling to provide the necessities they need to feed their families.

'Crumbling Walls'

Citizens who once lived in beautiful mansions now live in crumbling infrastructure on streets filled with trash and reeking of filth. Flies inhabit the sidewalks found just a block away from tourist areas.

The neighborhoods are filled with such large amounts of trash that they resemble a small dumpsite. The Cuban people are forced to live in these places where there is an apparent lack of proper sanitation.

Walls that were once painted in varying shades of wild colors are now dull and grey. Buildings that may have once served as residential infrastructures are now abandoned, barricaded, and broken.

The city resembles those from a war-torn country. Some people, however, still live in ruined buildings.

'Oppression'

When the TPUSA team arrived in Cuba, one of the producer's passport was held for seven hours after authorities found a drone in his bag. After being allowed to enter the country, the team of four thought the worst was behind them.

The nightmare began when armed authorities started "banging down the door" the morning before they planned to leave the country. The men, they said, demanded access into their room and all their belongings---including their recording devices and the documentary footage.

The producers got on the phone with the US Embassy, who asked them to leave the country. Immediately.

The Cuban government has long since prevented journalists, bloggers, and even the general population, from publishing any work that is critical of the government.

In 2015, a graffiti artist was locked up after he painted the names of two Cuban leaders on the back of two live pigs. He was thrown into prison for ten months without a formal charge.

The same year, state authorities blocked the doors of a media company to prevent local journalists from covering a protest coordinated by human rights groups. The police controlled who went in or out of the company's office from dawn till late in the afternoon.

Less than 25 percent of Cubans use the internet. The ownership of personal computers and DVDs are also forbidden. According to Amnesty International, only five percent of all homes in Cuba have access to the internet, making it the most disconnected country in the Americas.

Cuban citizens continue to live in the broken promises of a utopia to this day. With hardly any access to information and basic necessities, their society struggles to grow and prosper. Their government's socialist regime has stripped them of their natural rights and freedom to express and disseminate information.

"Watching them live in turmoil pisses you off," a TPUSA producer said, "These people, they don't know any better. They don't know natural rights."

Watch the video here:

Other interesting reads:
During the New Rules segment of Fridays episode of Real Time, Bill Maher waded into some contentious waters when he argued that it should be perfectly OK to refer to coronavirus as the Chinese virus.

Of course, the Trump administration has been trying since March to popularize the term Chinese virus, which critics say is racist and may have inspired racist attacks on Asian-Americans. But in Mahers view, the term is useful for understanding where the infection originated and not only that, he argued that China bears some responsibility for its spread.

Scientists, who are generally pretty liberal, have been naming diseases after the places they came from for a very long time, Maher said in the segment, delivered like the rest of the episode from his house. Zika is from the Zika Forest. Ebola from the Ebola River. Hantavirus, the Hantan River.Theres the West Nile Virus and Guinea worm and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and of course the Spanish flu.

(Sidenote: The 1918-1920 influenza pandemic didnt actually originate in Spain. But Britain, Germany, France, the U.S. and other nations had imposed severe media censorship during World War I and suppressed information about the illness. Meanwhile in Spain, which didnt participate in the war, media was free to report on the devastating plague, hence the association. Researchers believe the most likely points of origin are either battlefields in Europe during the war, or Kansas in the United States. Researchers have also suggested possible origins in China.)

Related: Jeannie Mai Speaks Out About Dangers of Term Chinese Virus

Also Read: Bill Maher Worries That the Coronavirus Quarantine Has Turned Him Into a Millennial

MERS stands for Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome, Maher continued. Its plastered all over airports and no one blogs about it. So, why should China get a pass? Congressman Ted Lieu tweeted, The virus is not constrained by country or race. Be just as stupid to call it the Milan Virus.'

Story continues

No, that would be way stupider because it didnt come from Milan, said Maher. And if it did, I guarantee wed be calling it the Milan Virus. Jesus fing Christ. Cant we even have a pandemic without getting offended? When they named Lyme disease after a town in Connecticut the locals didnt get all ticked off.

Maher added that it scares him that there are people out there who would rather die from the virus than call it by the wrong name and insisted he wasnt trying to vilify China specifically. This is about facts. Its about life and death. Were barely four months into this pandemic and the wet markets in China  the ones where exotic animals are sold and consumed  are already starting to reopen.

Maher continued by complaining about other things that bug him, such as liberals defending the wearing of hijabs and burkas, before continuing with Its not racist to point out that eating bats is batshit crazy.

In 2007, researchers at the University of Hong Kong wrote: The presence of a large reservoir of SARS-CoV-like viruses in horseshoe bats, together with the culture of eating exotic mammals in southern China, is a time bomb. Dr. Fauci says we should force a global closure of the wet markets because the current crisis is a quote direct result of them. On Monday, the UNs acting head of biodiversity said the same thing, Maher said.

Also Read: Bill Maher Says Trump Has Handled Coronavirus About as Well as Bush Handled 9/11 (It's Not a Compliment)

So, he continued, when someone says, What if people hear Chinese virus and blame China? the answer is we should blame China. Not Chinese Americans, but we cant stop telling the truth because racists get the wrong idea. There are always going to be idiots out there who want to indulge their prejudices.

Maher then reiterated his point that this has nothing to do with Asian Americans, and it has everything to do with China. We cant afford the luxury anymore of non-judginess towards a country with habits that kill millions of people everywhere. Because this isnt the first time. SARS came from China, and the bird flu, and the Hong Kong flu, the Asian flu.

If they were selling nuclear suitcases at these wet markets would we be so non-judgmental? And isnt this pretty close to what they are selling? And the next one could be even worse, Maher said. If the Chinese military had purposefully infected this country with corona as a bioweapon, wed be at war with them. Were always griping about how China manipulates their currency. Well, Im no monetary expert but I think you would agree this one hurt our economy a little more than the currency manipulation. And China can do this. China once built a 57-story skyscraper in 19 days.

Also Read: Bill Maher Returns With Backyard Monologue, Vintage Laugh Track in 1st Coronavirus Quarantine Episode

Theyre not like us. They can actually get shit done. This is a dictatorship that for decades enforced a one child per family policy under penalty of forced sterilization, he added. But you cant close down the farmers market from hell? They need to use that iron fist and pound it down like the whole world depends on it, because it kind of does.

And I hope that if someone told Americans that eating hot pockets could cause a worldwide pandemic that we would have the good sense to stop doing it, Maher concluded. Although I wouldnt bet on it.

Watch the segment above.

Read original story Bill Maher Says Coronavirus Should Be Called the Chinese Virus': We Should Blame China (Video) At TheWrap
CMs urge PM to stop governors, LGs from interfering in functioning of states: V Narayanasamy

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Apr 11: Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy on Saturday said the chief ministers of some states urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stop governors and lieutenant governors from interfering in the functioning of state governments.

During a meeting held by the prime minister with the chief ministers of various states through video-conferencing, most chief ministers urged the Centre for financial aid as the states are facing a fund crunch in the absence of any economic activity due to the ongoing 21-day nationwide lockdown, Narayanasamy said.

What does your child think about the coronavirus lockdown: Send us their thoughts

"The states are facing a fund crunch and the chief ministers urged the prime minister for a package for all states and moratorium on debts, but the latter did not say anything on this," the Congress leader told a press conference through a video link.
In every era, there comes a time when readjustments in the fundamentals of the global order have to be reckoned with. If the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union were two such broadly identifiable events of the last century, the 9/11 attacks in the US, the fall of Lehman Brothers and the ongoing coronavirus outbreak are certainly their parallels in the current century. The COVID-19 epidemic poses an unprecedented challenge to the world by, among other things, pushing the world into an economic recession and disrupting global relationships and cooperation as we have known it. None of this was inevitable, but the differences in the handling of the crisis by different countries will make some of these effects come to pass. The most important among them being how the US is seen to have responded to the pandemic domestically and globally.

Among the foremost impacts that the pandemic is widely expected to have is to fundamentally alter the nature of economic globalisation as we know it. If this indeed happens, there could be various possibilities, but every one of them will mean that there will be adjustments, if not an upheaval, to the current economic and international order, mainly fostered and substantially underwritten by the US.

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First it could push countries, led by the US, to adopt a collectively apprehensive stand against China. The impact of the epidemic on the West has simply left the US, UK and the EU wondering how exposed they have become to China. As such, the West, led by the US under Trump, could see the beginning of a united effort to limit this trade and connectivity exposure, if not substantially decouple from it. Even in the absence of the EUs support in this endeavour, the Trump administration is likely to take steps that strategically decouples the US from its dependence on China in specific domains.

Secondly, and partly as a result of US actions, the crisis could help China position itself as the new champion of globalization, given how it is seen to have emerged out of the pandemic crisis and responding to global calls for aid and assistance. Chinas assistance to various countries  including massive deployment of medical assistance, ranging from medics to medical gear in EU area from Italy and Spain to Greece and Estonia -- is being seen as Beijings effort to further a Health Silk Road, building on its Belt and Road Initiative to build trade and infrastructure connectivity. And given most EU countries dependence on Chinese trade and supplies, it is currently unimaginable for these countries to lessen their dependence on their new savior.

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Third, the world that emerges on the other side of this pandemic will perhaps see functional alterations in how democracies work. Greater government control over populations and institutions, mass surveillance and curtailed freedoms, state-directed economies, intensive border controls  Chinas influence could be more acceptable and pervasive than before, undermining key aspects of the Western liberal order.

At the same time, reinforced nationalisms, directed against China, could arise as America and the West develop a sense of schadenfreude on the part of Beijing as the world watches China recover from the pandemics effects while the world reels under it.

Fourth, and as a result of the above, the post-pandemic world is likely to see the intensification of great power competition between China and the US. Already, the trade war between the two countries has marred bilateral ties, even as the US has moved to take steps to curb Chinese influence in the country. Americas inability to play a significant role in the latest scramble for Europe, to lift the continent back on its legs during the pandemic, could trigger a frustrated Washington to adopt more retaliatory steps against China. This could further hasten a US grand strategy focused against China, although not necessarily pivoted around the Pacific theatre this time around. For most countries that bank on strategic hedging between the US and China, these developments do not augur well.

Fifth, the pandemic will likely leave the global community more divided. Italy is a clear example of how European and Western solidarity has been broken by the pandemic, upending traditional assumptions of State behaviour in alliances, groups and regional partnerships. In most crises, States turn to allies, partners and friends for help, and most often receive such help. However, during its hour of need, Italy found itself abandoned by its EU partners even after its appeal for essential medical supplies, while China came to its rescue.

In so far as the role of multilateral institutions is concerned, the WHO is facing tremendous criticism over its early misinformation on human-to-human transmission of the COVID-19 virus and most of all because of its perceived support to China. As such, regionalism and multilateralism, among the two strongest pillars of the Western liberal international order, have been shaken.

Other pillars of that global order continue to be tested. With the IMF predicting that the world is set to slip into a deep recession, capital outflows from emerging economies and smaller nations are likely to hit most countries very hard. For the first time, the IMF has deployed its total lending capacity of $1 trillion to assist smaller economies in need and has asked the advanced economies to come forward and help them. It remains to be seen which nations step up.

(The writer is Deputy Director, Kalinga Institute of Indo-Pacific Studies, Bhubaneswar)
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KALAMAZOO, MI  The coronavirus pandemic is disproportionately affecting African American residents in Kalamazoo County, according to the latest data on the outbreak released Saturday.

Of the 79 Kalamazoo County residents who had tested positive as of Saturday, 28 were black, making up 35.4% of the countys total confirmed cases. African Americans make up less than 12% of the countys total population, according to the latest census data.

The disparity mirrors what data has shown across the state and country. Statewide, 33% of positive tests have been for black residents. African Americans make up 14% of the Michigans overall population.

Louisiana and Mississippi are among other states that also are reporting a disparity of 30 percentage points or more between black residents as a percentage of coronavirus patients and as a percentage of the total population.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday announced a statewide task force to examine why African Americans and other minorities have been affected more by the coronavirus pandemic.

Kalamazoo County reported a total of two new cases Saturday, bringing its total since the start of the outbreak to 79.

The two new cases mark the lowest daily number since March 31, when no new confirmed cases were reported in the county. After reporting seven new cases on Thursday, April 9, the county has now reported a total of five over the last two days.

The total number of deaths in the county remained the same Saturday, still at seven. All seven deaths in Kalamazoo County involved patients with underlying health conditions who are 70 or older, the county health department said Friday in a news release.

The median age of the seven people who have died of COVID-19 in Kalamazoo County is 84, according to the newly released county data.

Bronson Healthcare reports that 13 COVID-19 positive patients are being treated at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, according to data on the hospitals website last updated Friday, April 10. There have also been six reported deaths at the hospital that are a direct result of COVID-19, according to the data.

The hospital notes on its website that deaths reported do not necessarily reflect a county of residence.

Kalamazoos other major hospital, Ascension Borgess, has refused to disclose the number of COVID-19 patients being treated at its facilities, citing privacy reasons.

Out of respect for patient privacy, we will not be releasing data on the number of patients who are being tested or treated for COVID-19 at our facilities, an Ascension Borgess spokesperson said in a statement.

Cases of COVID-19 in Kalamazoo County also skew younger than the rest of the state. Nineteen percent of confirmed cases are of people 29 and under, compared to 10% statewide. Residents in their 30s are also reporting positive cases at a higher rate than the rest of the state.

The state reported a total of 1,210 new cases on Saturday and 111 deaths, bringing the total to nearly 24,000 cases and 1,400 deaths since the start of the outbreak.

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For more statewide data, visit MLives coronavirus data page, here.

PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.

Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.

Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.

More coronavirus coverage on MLive:

Michigan reports 6th straight day of 100-plus coronavirus deaths

Saturday, April 11: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan

Detroit-area coronavirus field hospital scaling back beds

Drive-thru coronavirus testing sites opening in Flint, Detroit
NEWARK, Calif., April 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chinese Restaurant Foundation (CRF) proudly sponsors its "We Wok Together" initiative in concert with leaders in the Chinese American restaurant community. Chinese American restaurateurs are working together to provide warm meals of love to frontline heroes in their neighborhoods from April 11-30.

CRF has allocated funding to match its member restaurants' commitments and double the number of free lunches they provide to local first responders including active police officers, firefighters, EMTs and healthcare professionals. "Starting April 11 CRF will donate funds to our member restaurants, up to 100 lunches a day," said Betty Xie, CRF's Executive Director.

Leading the "We Wok Together" initiative are Master Chefs: Martin Yan, Lawrence Chu, Sr. and Tony Hu. Dozens of Chinese restaurateurs signed up within days. "In every community across the nation, Chinese restaurants have been well supported by their neighborhoods. During a challenging time like this, it's our turn to say thank you to our community, especially to those on the frontline who are fighting on all our behalf," said Martin Yan, the renowned host of PBS's Yan Can Cook.

"I'm grateful for what my community has given me, my family and my restaurant over the last 50 years. We've been able to give back to our community. I'm happy to support CRF's initiative to refuel our heroes with a warm lunch and show them some love," said Lawrence Chu, founder of Chef Chu's.

"Since mid-March, five locations of my restaurant have been providing complimentary work lunches for first responders in the greater Chicago area. I applaud CRF's initiative and am happy to endorse it," said Tony Hu, founder of Lao Sze Chuan Group.

In addition, CRF encourages its member restaurants to scale up their act of kindness to show appreciation to their neighborhood. Many others could use some solace during this difficult time, such as elderly people living alone, young children and single moms. Restaurants can sign up to participate at www.chineserestaurantfoundation.org.

About Chinese Restaurant Foundation

The Chinese Restaurant Foundation (www.ChineseRestaurantFoundation.org) is a non-profit trade organization that promotes Chinese restaurants in the United States. CRF is tied closely with Chinese Restaurant News, a monthly magazine founded in 1995 to inform Chinese-speaking restaurateurs of foodservice industry news and trends.

Media Contact

Betty Xie

CRF Executive Director

[email protected]

SOURCE Chinese Restaurant Foundation

Related Links

http://www.ChineseRestaurantFoundation.org


The number of deaths linked to the novel coronavirus across the globe has reached 103,000, as the tally of cases passed 1.7 million. The toll has been accelerating at a daily rate of between 6% and 10% over the past week, according to media reports.

US deaths due to the coronavirus topped 19,500 on Saturday while the number of infections rose past half a million over the Easter weekend, according to a Reuters tally. The number of US deaths is the second highest in the world but may soon overtake Italy, which has a much smaller population, when it updates its figures later on Saturday. The US has seen its highest death tolls to date in the pandemic with roughly 2,000 deaths a day reported for the last four days in a row. Public health experts have warned that the US death toll could spike to 200,000 over the summer if unprecedented stay-at-home orders that have closed businesses and kept most Americans indoors are lifted after 30 days.

US President Donald Trump said despite the horrible loss of life so far, there were signs the country was flattening the curve. US, he stated, would see far fewer than 100,000 deaths over the course of the outbreak, a minimum figure that had been predicted. More than 40 per cent of the deaths in the US so far have happened in New York state, which reported 777 new deaths on Friday, reported ABC.

For millions across the globe, Easter weekend will be unlike any other in recent memory. Christians marked Good Friday in isolation.

There are encouraging signs, though, that two hard-hit states are starting to turn a corner in their virus fight. The number of people being hospitalized with COVID-19 in New York and California is falling, it stated.

Some countries, including Italy, France, Algeria, the Netherlands, Spain and Britain are reporting more than 10 per cent of all confirmed cases have been fatal.

One of the largest studies of the fatality of the disease, involving 44,000 patients in China, put the rate about 2.9 per cent. The same study reported 93 per cent of recorded fatalities were people over the age of 50, and more than half were over 70. Despite that, there are growing numbers of young adults and teenagers included in the global toll.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Saturday that it was looking into reports of some Covid-19 patients testing positive again after initially testing negative for the disease while being considered for discharge.

South Korean officials on Friday reported 91 patients thought cleared of the new coronavirus had tested positive again.

Jeong Eun-kyeong, director of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told a briefing that the virus may have been reactivated rather than the patients being re-infected.

The Geneva-based WHO, when asked about the report from Seoul, told Reuters in a brief statement: We are aware of these reports of individuals who have tested negative for Covid-19 using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing and then after some days testing positive again.

We are closely liaising with our clinical experts and working hard to get more information on those individual cases. It is important to make sure that when samples are collected for testing on suspected patients, procedures are followed properly, it said. With Covid-19 activity showing some early signs of stabilizing in parts of Europe, some governments are considering extending their lockdown orders, as cases are still surging or picking up in other parts of the continent, reported ABC. India has decided to extended its initial three-week lockdown of its 1.3 billion people as the coronavirus crisis worsens. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with states to decide whether to extend its stringent restrictions beyond next week. Several states urged the Prime Minister to act despite the measures putting millions of poor people out of work and an exodus of migrant workers from cities to villages. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the Prime Minister had "taken [a] correct decision to extend [the] lockdown". "If it is stopped now, all gains would be lost. To consolidate, it is important to extend it," he said. Meanwhile, cases are accelerating in part of Asia, including Indonesia, Singapore, and Japan, and economic leaders are grappling with the pandemic's economic impact and how to fund the response, it stated. According to health experts, a grim milestone has been hit amid a global rise in death toll, with countries around the world reviewing their strategies to combat the virus. Meanwhile, a glimmer of hope for Spain as its overnight death toll reaches 510  the lowest in 19 days. Australian health authorities continue to urge people to break long-held Easter traditions to stay at home, in India officials have decided to extend the country's strict lockdown, while in Britain the virus is yet to peak despite thousands of deaths.

While North America now accounts for more than 30 per cent of cases, Europe has reported a disproportionate number of fatalities, as countries with older populations like Spain and Italy have been severely affected.

Southern Europe alone accounts for more than a third of global deaths, despite recording just 20 per cent of cases.

In many countries, official data includes only deaths reported in hospitals, not those in homes or nursing homes.

The death toll now compares with that of London's Great Plague in the mid-1660s, which killed an estimated 100,000 people, about a third of the city's population at the time.

But it is still far short of the so-called Spanish flu, which began in 1918 and is estimated to have killed more than 20 million people by the time it petered out in 1920.
The Centre is considering a request made by most states to extend the ongoing nationwide lockdown by two more weeks beyond April 14, government said on Saturday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with chief ministers and told them focus should be now on health as well as prosperity of the nation.

"During the video-conferencing with state CMs today, most states requested Prime Minister Modi to extend the lockdown for two more weeks. The Central Government is considering this request," a government spokesperson said.

There are indications that an extension in lockdown may come with certain relaxations to boost economic activities and sources said proposals being considered include lesser restrictions in areas unaffected by the virus spread.

After the interaction, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said the next two weeks of lockdown, after April 14, would be different from the ongoing one for three weeks.

He said the prime minister told the chief ministers that the lockdown extension was inevitable and guidelines will be issued about its implementation for further 15 days in a couple of days.

During his interaction, Modi, himself wearing a white mask, told chief ministers the focus should be on "jaan bhi, jahaan bhi" and it is essential for "India's bright future, and prosperous and healthy India", the statement said.

"While announcing the lockdown, I had said 'jaan hai to jahan hai'... Most people in the country understood it and discharged their responsibilities by remaining indoors. And now it is imperative to focus on both aspects, 'Jaan bhi Jahan Bhi', for India's bright future, and prosperous and healthy India," Modi said.

When every citizen does his work while keeping both these aspects in mind and follows the government instructions, then it will further strengthen our fight against coronavirus, he said.

Farmers and industry bodies have sought certain relaxations during the lockdown to carry out necessary activities.

During the video conference with Modi, several chief ministers including Punjab's Amarinder Singh, West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee and Delhi's Arvind Kejriwal had suggested extending the lockdown at least by a fortnight.

Odisha and Punjab have already extended the lockdown till April 30 and May 1 respectively.

The ongoing 21-day nationwide lockdown to contain the COVID-19 crisis, announced by Modi on March 24, is scheduled to end on April 14.

Modi was accompanied by some senior officials, including from the Union health ministry, during the meeting and the chief ministers who participated in it also included Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal), Uddhav Thackeray (Maharashtra), Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), Manohar Lal (Haryana), K Chandrashekhar Rao (Telangana) and Nitish kumar (Bihar).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Gilbert Centre in Mallow (above) will be the location for a HSE COVID-19 Community Assessment Hub

The HSE has unveiled plans to open up COVID-19 Community Assessment Hubs across Cork and Kerry over the coming days, including at locations in Mallow and Ballincollig.

The hubs at the Gilbert Centre in Mallow and the Old Fort Road in Ballincollig are due to come online early next week, along with two others in Bantry and Castleisland.

They will complement a further hub at the St Mary's Healthcare centre in Cork City, which the HSE is aiming to have up and running by the end of this week.

They will be among a number of units being established by the HSE at locations across the country.

A spokesperson for Cork/Kerry Community Healthcare said the move was just one element of the HSEs "significant response to COVID-19 across the entire health system".

"The assessment hubs will be for patients who have or may have a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and whose GP decides they need a face-to-face clinical assessment,"said the spokesperson.

"The hubs will open seven days a week, and we expect the opening hours to be from 8.30am to 7.30pm although this will depend on the level of referrals. It will be not possible to make appointments at the hub; this can only be done by your GP or by SouthDoc on Saturday and Sunday."

Once seen at one of the hubs, patients will be either requested to isolate at home or be sent to an acute hospital for treatment.

"Our aim in setting up the hubs is that anyone who needs a clinical assessment can get one in the community, as quickly as possible. This will help patients who need assessment but who do not need immediate hospital care to avoid referrals to acute hospitals where possible," said the HSE spokesperson.

The hubs will be staffed mostly by GPs with the support teams of healthcare professionals including nurses and physiotherapists, with administrative support.

"Our focus is to train and enable the 120 staff who will be working in the hubs, and to ensure GPs are aware on how they will make referrals. We would like to pay tribute to the teams involved in getting these hubs set up and operational for their dedication to patient care. People have been working extremely hard to get them ready in a very short time," said the spokesperson.
Extreme right-wing organizations and radical Islamist groups are seizing on the turmoil and panic created by the coronavirus pandemic to advance their violent agendas, often using similar tactics and the same messaging apps, security officials and experts say.

In recent weeks, racist and anti-Semitic organizations, as well as the Islamic State, al-Qaida and radical Shiite networks have ramped up recruitment efforts, encouraged attacks and advanced hate-filled conspiracy theories about the virus.

Far-right extremist groups have called the pandemic a hoax and floated the falsehood that the crisis is being orchestrated by Jews or China. In the United States, they are exploiting the state of anxiety, including massive job losses, by scapegoating Jews, blacks, immigrants, politicians and law enforcement, according to security officials.

Radical Islamist groups are similarly using the pandemic to push their extremist credo, calling the virus an act of God against the enemies of Islam. They also trying to stoke violent opposition to leaders in the Middle East, describing those who have discouraged religious and other large gatherings as defilers of the faith.

Security officials warn that extremist groups may become emboldened during a time when governments and authorities are focused on the sweeping changes to societies and economies brought on by the crisis.

"The online messages of right-wing or jihadist terrorist organizations about covid-19 to incite hate and the call for attacks are finding a receptive audience, and we cannot ignore the possible threat this might cause," said a European intelligence official, who like other officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

Experts say Muslim extremist groups and far-right organizations are using similar tactics, as well as many of the same online platforms.

"Practically speaking, these groups' directives largely remain the same: continue attacking the enemy," said Rita Katz, executive director of the SITE Intelligence Group, a private firm that tracks online extremist activity. "The far right has gone much further in directly exploiting the covid-19 pandemic."

Of particular concern, security officials say, are the messages encouraging people to intentionally spread covid-19 to create mass disorder.

One recent online extreme-right post listed chemical formulas for making toxic gases. Others call for spreading the virus to Jews and black children, or encourage sabotaging infrastructure to start race riots.

"In our research, we have found online chatter in which participants state that they are infected and seek to become biological weapons," said Steven Stalinsky, executive director of the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI). "Sites for spreading infection are discussed, among them supermarkets, hospitals and power stations. Also discussed is visiting synagogues and coughing in the faces of rabbis."

Like extremists on the far right, radical Islamist groups have aggressively exploited the pandemic, largely through the same means used in other crises.

Al-Qaida's central media outlet issued a statement in English and Arabic last month that claimed the covid-19 pandemic was a sign of God's fury toward humanity for its sins and failure to adhere to God's rules. It urged Muslims to repent and fight against "the Crusader Enemy," and condemned "the tyranny" of Muslim leaders and the "obscenity and moral corruption" sweeping majority-Muslim countries.

In an editorial in an online magazine last month, the Islamic State urged "lone-wolf" attacks to capitalize on the paralysis and fear.

MEMRI and SITE found that Shiite groups - including Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq and the Houthis in Yemen - and their supporters on social media platforms have accused the U.S. government of deploying covid-19 as a bioweapon.

Experts and security officials say they are concerned about the swell of calls from extremists to strike at a time when they believe they could get away with terrorist acts and not be detected.

On March 24, a man who authorities say was planning to bomb a hospital where covid-19 patients were being treated was killed during a shootout with FBI agents in Belton, Missouri. Timothy R. Wilson, 36, who had been active on right-wing extremist online groups, intended to use an explosive-laden vehicle in the attack, officials said.

U.S. security officials say they have noticed an uptick in threats against targets in New York and surrounding areas, which lead the country in covid-19 infections and deaths.

Last month, the FBI told police agencies in New York that white supremacists intended to spray Jews and police officers with virus-infected bodily fluids.

On March 21, the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness warned that a neo-Nazi media group had encouraged supporters "to incite panic while people are practicing social isolation during the COVID-19 outbreak, which includes discharging firearms in cities and putting bullet-sized holes into car windows."

The fact that people are under quarantine makes them safer from attacks, said Mitchell Silber, executive director the Community Security Initiative, a program created to enhance the security of Jews in New York City.

"I am concerned about the day after, when people start to return back to the real world," he said.

The Department of Homeland Security this week urged religious leaders to keep security in mind when mass gatherings halted by the coronavirus begin resuming at houses of worship. While saying there were no imminent threats, the department highlighted stress fueled by the pandemic and a surge in online hate speech.

In a letter sent to the faith-based community on Wednesday, the department noted that religious leaders who start to welcome congregants back should "also review your security plans and ensure procedures are in place to protect your facilities and visitors."

"Although there are no imminent or credible threats at this time, there has been an increase in online hate speech intended to encourage violence or use the ongoing situation as an excuse to spread hatred," Brian Harrell, the department's assistant director for infrastructure security, wrote in the letter, a copy of which was reviewed by The Washington Post.

"Additionally, stressors caused by the pandemic may contribute to an individual's decision to commit an attack or influence their target of choice," he added. "Again, we have no information to suggest such attacks are imminent or even likely, instead we are looking to provide you with useful information for planning for restoration of normal operations."

The message was sent ahead of major holidays taking place over the coming weeks. Passover began Wednesday, Easter is Sunday and Ramadan starts the following week.

Katz, of the SITE Intelligence Group, said the pandemic should alter the way the world looks at terrorist threats.

"Ultimately, we need to start thinking of terrorism in these new contexts: public health, disinformation, etc. While some of these threats may have seemed far-fetched a few months ago, we're now learning every day what happens when governments don't prepare for the worst."

- - -

The Washington Post's Mark Berman contributed to this report.
The coronavirus pandemic continues to sweep across New Jersey and the country, and hospitals continue to admit positive patients suffering from severe symptoms of the fast-spreading respiratory virus.

The outbreak of the disease has sparked a debate about DNRs, or do-not-resuscitate orders, as doctors and nurses care for the influx of critically ill patients.

To help better understand the use of a DNR and how it could be impacted by amid the coronavirus outbreak, NJ Advance Media spoke to Dr. Lauren V. Carruth Mehnert, a family physician with Capital Health and an active member of New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians about the use of a DNR and other common questions surrounding the orders.

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What is a DNR?

Carruth Mehnert: "A DNR, or do-not-resuscitate order, when signed by a patient, means theyre not going to do CPR, theyre not going to do chest compressions, theyre not going to give you medicines to try to get your heart rate going again. Its to allow a natural death. The short answer is that.

"When you talk about DNRs mostly when you worry that attempting a CPR or attempting to resuscitate is going to have very little value to that person, that their survival rate is going to be very low. So I dont personally bring up a DNR order unless the person is approaching hospice or is severely ill. Somebody who has a bad heart, has bad diabetes, has end-stage liver, lung or kidney disease, where you would have that conversation and say we should start thinking about what your wishes are.

You could be a DNR, but that doesnt mean that we dont give you antibiotics, we dont give you IV fluids, we dont give you the medicines you need, we dont give you help with breathing. Theres a big difference between the DNR and do nothing, and I think thats what people need to understand.

When does a DNR typically come into play for a patient?

Carruth Mehnert: "Theres a couple situations. For example, the most obvious one is hospice. Everyone admitted to hospice, which means you have approximately a six-month life expectancy, does have a DNR order, because thats the philosophy of hospice, to allow you to have a natural death.

"The other as common or more common reason is if somebody has a bad chronic (condition). For example, if someone who has really bad lungs and bad COPD, if they get admitted to the hospital, they might say, Do absolutely everything you can to treat my COPD, to treat my pneumonia. But, if my heart stops beating or I stopped breathing, I dont want to be resuscitated. So people might get admitted to the hospital, and a DNR order would be, I want you to do everything you possibly can do to save me, but if it gets to the point where my heart stops beating, let me go.

"Theres also in New Jersey, a POLST form  physicians orders for life-sustaining treatment. So a POLST form would be another variation of the DNR and a little bit more detailed and in-depth of that. So somebody who has maybe a four- to five-year life expectancy, they have a chronic disease, its not going to get better, they might say, Well do everything you can to keep me comfortable and keep me going, short of resuscitating me.'

When a DNR is signed by a patient, does there need to be a notary or a lawyer present?

Carruth Mehnert: No.

Can a family at any point override a patients wishes?

Carruth Mehnert: It probably starts to get legally and ethically complicated. But for example, going back to the POLST form, which is a little bit more in-depth than just a DNR, if you can assign a representative, a family member or friend to be your advocate, so that if something happens, and they feel that thats a situation you hadnt thought about and they feel that you wouldnt have wanted, that they can override it there. We want everyone on the same page. Its a tough question. I think that if somebody came in and said that, were not going to go, Too bad. But theres going to be ethics and other things like that involved.

Has the coronavirus pandemic changed anything about DNRs?

Carruth Mehnert: A DNR, in the hospital, the persons already gravely ill. So when they get to the point that their heart stops beating, the likelihood of any meaningful recovery is really, really low. And theres grave risk and a number of people involved in attempting that recovery. And I think thats why this is getting a lot of media attention, is the reality of the likelihood of saving that persons life with the equipment that we have and the people involved. But it doesnt change the fact that you still do everything you can for that patient to honor their wishes. So I dont think that the DNR would change. I guess the only conversation would be that if people are coming into the hospital and theyre really, really worried about their long-term recovery, it might come up, but I dont know that this in reality really changes anything because were all still going to do what we need to do.

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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.
Quebec authorities are investigating a seniors' home where 31 people have died since March 13, Quebec Premier Francois Legault announced Saturday, calling the situation "appalling". "I find it unacceptable the way we treat our seniors in Quebec," said a visibly moved Legault during a press conference, saying he feared "gross negligence" at the private residence. The care home, called the Herron and located in the Montreal suburb of Dorval, has 150 residents. Of the 31 deaths, at least five are due to coronavirus but the cause for the 26 others is still unknown, Legault said. The first resident was taken to hospital on March 26. There he tested positive for coronavirus and died. Three days later health officials went to the residence. There they found "serious problems" and that "a good number of the staff had left the center," Legault said, noting that authorities had sent staff to care for the residents. Legault said there was "no co-operation" from the facility's management, and it was only on Friday night that health services were able to access the residents' files and find out how many deaths had occurred. "I want to tell Quebecers that what happened at the Herron residence was appalling," he said. "We will start by managing the crisis, but when it is under control I want us to review all our practices in seniors' residences. We owe it to our seniors to treat them with dignity." On Saturday, there were 12,292 cases of coronavirus in the province of Quebec and 289 deaths, 48 more than the day before. Francois Legault, shown here on April 21, 2019, says to review practices in Quebec's care homes
The theory goes like this: California has fewer COVID-19 cases than hard-hit places like New York because the coronavirus has spread throughout the state undetected since the fall and most Californians are now immune.

Turns out its too early to prove the unlikely notion started by a Stanford University military historian who published an article about it in a national magazine that conservative talk show hosts and California media outlets quickly picked up. In fact, public health experts say theres a far more probable explanation for Californias comparatively smaller case load of 20,491 compared with New Yorks 170,512: The states early shelter-in-place orders have so far prevented many Californians from being exposed to the coronavirus. But without social isolation, they say, many Californians could still get sick.

Well still have a largely vulnerable population because people are not immune, said UCSFs Dr. Charles Chiu, one of the top infectious disease experts in the world. The only way were able to control the virus is with a vaccine.

The idea that many Californians are immune to COVID-19 started with Victor Davis Hanson, a senior fellow in military history at Stanfords Hoover Institution. Hanson wrote a March 31 think piece in the conservative National Review positing that the virus arrived in the U.S. from China in the fall and infected so many people that they developed immunity to the disease that would come to be called COVID-19. This massive level of protection from reinfection  a so-called herd immunity  could be responsible for Californias relatively low case rate, Hanson hypothesized. He concluded that we wont know the answers until researchers conduct widespread testing to find out who had the disease.

Conservative talk show hosts Laura Ingraham and Rush Limbaugh jumped on the theory.

I think theyve immunized themselves, Limbaugh said about Californians on his nationally syndicated radio show a week ago - and credited Hanson with the idea.

This week, Monterey TV station KSBW, which is owned by the Hearst Corp., which also owns The Chronicle, interviewed Hanson. Thats when the theory about herd immunity spread locally to Bay Area stations and online news sources  including SFGate, also owned by Hearst, which published KSBWs story (SFGates editorial director, Grant Marek, removed the article after questions about its accuracy came to light.)

The Chronicle contacted Hanson to ask what evidence backed up his theory. Through a Stanford University spokeswoman, Hanson pointed to a Stanford Medicine study that collected blood samples from Santa Clara County residents to determine whether they have antibodies to COVID-19. Antibodies appear when a body has fought a virus.

But the studys results arent available yet, a Stanford Medicine spokeswoman said. She could not comment on whether the researchers were investigating herd immunity.

It is also not known yet whether people who have recovered from COVID-19 are immune from getting it again, although antibody tests will offer clues. Most  but not all  viruses do confer immunity once the patient recovers, so medical researchers hope people will be immune to a recurrence of COVID-19. But more research is needed.

Stanford Medicines Dr. James Zehnder, who helped to develop antibody tests being given to health care workers, said that there is not enough information to come to any conclusions on whether many Californians are already immune to the disease. He is not connected to the study that Hanson cited.

The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December, where scientists believe it jumped from bats to humans. The severe respiratory illness has since spread around the world.

UCSFs Chiu, a leading scientist tracing the disease, published research with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health showing that numerous people brought the coronavirus into Northern California throughout January and February. The studies offered no evidence that the coronavirus arrived in the fall, as Hanson suggested.

Chiu conducts his research by tracing different strains of the disease. He connected the lineage of cases from the Grand Princess cruise ship that docked in Oakland in March to the first reported U.S. outbreak in Washington state in January. He discovered that the case of a traveler returning to California from New York was linked to strains circulating in Europe. And he revealed that an outbreak cluster in Santa Clara County had come from a strain from China.

None of the medical researchers who spoke to The Chronicle said evidence exists to support the idea that the virus was infecting Californians in the fall.

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.

Thats overstated. We would be seeing thousands of thousands and thousands of cases if this has been circulating longer, said Dr. George Rutherford, another UCSF infectious disease specialist.

In order for large-scale immunity to protect people who are susceptible, at least 40% of a population needs to be immune, multiple infectious disease experts said. For the measles, that proportion is as high as 95%, Rutherford said. He added that it takes years to build up mass immunity for the flu.

So far, COVID-19 is known to have infected less than 1% of Californias population. But California still has one of the lowest rates of testing per capita in the country, so the true rate may be higher.

UCSF is also testing blood from non-COVID patients who got routine lab tests in San Francisco to get a sampling of how many people might have recovered from COVID-19 without knowing they had it. Dr. Bryan Greenhouse, a UCSF assistant professor and medical researcher with the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub in San Francisco, said that even if 10% of those people had been infected with the coronavirus, it wouldnt prove whether massive immunity had taken hold in the region.

Greenhouse said his educated guess was that the Bay Area has kept cases relatively low because of the early protections imposed by public health officials  and not because most people are immune.

But were certainly open to finding out, Greenhouse said. The only way is to measure it.

Mallory Moench is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @mallorymoench
With 20+ years together, Selah - comprised of Todd Smith, Amy Perry, and Allan Hall - continue to offer their unmatched musical talent, passion for ministry and a deep love for the Church. In their two-decade career, they have achieved more than four million units in music sales, received eight Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and an additional 14 nominations, a Gold-certified album, and eight No. 1 singles.

A few of the group's signature hits include "You Raise Me Up," "Wonderful, Merciful Savior," and "You Amaze Us." Smith, Hall, and Perry together have graced the stage of Carnegie Hall to Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry, while touring with such artists as Casting Crowns, Point of Grace, Steven Curtis Chapman, Natalie Grant, Michael W. Smith and more, all the while carrying a message of hope and healing for those who pause and listen.

Recently, Selah released a brand new album Firm Foundation with Integrity Music. While Selah's collections have never been restricted by genre, the tracks on Firm Foundation are as diverse as the musical upbringings and leanings as the artists behind them. Each is well-represented on the album. "My Soul Be Satisfied" and "Always Gonna Be" give a nod to Allan's folk roots in East Tennessee. "Firm Foundation" features a back-up gospel choir with a nod to Todd's upbringing. "Yet Not I, But Through Christ in Me" sounds like a new, old hymn-something the church will be singing for a long time, which showcases Amy's background of church worship.

We are honored to be able to catch up with Allan Hall for this exclusive interview.

Q: Thank you so much for doing this interview with us. After 21 years with Curb Records, why did you decide to leave?

We had fulfilled our recording contract with Curb that we had originally signed back in 1997, and after 21 years we were excited to explore what options would be available to us as free agents in the "new" music industry! Things had changed so much since we had signed back in 1997 (for example, our first two albums also came out on cassette (in addition to CDs)! And there were no smartphones, iTunes, or any digital download or streaming services, of course. We go back a LONG way, don't we?

Q: What were some of the highlights for you during your tenure with Curb Records?

We had a wonderful experience over at Curb! We are still friends with many of our team over at Curb and stay in regular contact with them. Some of the highlights of working under the Curb Records banner included complete creative freedaom (a HUGE deal that not many artists get to enjoy!); performing at the CMA (Country Music Association) Fest around the year 2000 or 2001, I believe (it was called "Fan Fair" back then); co-headlining a show at the Ryman Auditorium and performing at the Grand Ole Opry (fantastic experiences!); and so many other things too numerous to count.

Since Curb is a secular label and was just starting their Christian division when we signed in 1997, they had us perform at venues with their country artists many times. So we had a unique opportunity to do what we do in places that most Christian artists would not be able to book a performance. I'm so grateful for that!

Q: Why did you choose to sign with Integrity Music?

It really came about very quickly. After leaving Curb, we intended to go fully independent with our own record label, and we actually almost completed a new album when Integrity indiicated interest in working with us. After much discussion and prayer, it made sense to postpone our independent album for a little while to make a record with Integrity.

Q: Did you approach the making of this record any differently since you are with a new imprint?

Yes, absolutely. Integrity wanted a worship album from us since that is their specialty in the Christian music industry, and we wanted to honor their request. We had never made a full worship album during our career, and we thought it would be a new challenge for us (musically speaking), and perhaps open us up to the worship music audience that might never normally think to give us a listen. So Integrity was much more involved in song choices and shaping the album than how we had previously worked at Curb.

Q: What were some of the joys and challenges in the making of this new record?

A challenge for me personally was that I actually don't listen to much worship music. I love hymns and some newer songs that are what I would term "modern day hymns" (for example, many of the songs that Keith and Kristyn Getty write). Those type of songs are definitely in my wheelhouse, while modern worship music is not. Amy had the biggest knowledge and grasp of what constitiutes a strong worship song, so her input was considerable in making this record. Todd falls somewhere between Amy and me, I think.

Since this album had to be made so quickly (we started recording in May 2019 and we had to turn the album in in August 2019), we had to split up the recording work between 3 different producers, with each producer doing 3 or 4 songs. It was an incredibly tight schedule, but one of the joys for me was working with some new producers (in addition to our long-time producer, Jason Kyle, who has been with us for our entire recording career) and the different musicians those producers used on the project.

Q: One of the songs that you had a hand in co-writing is "Always Gonna Be." Tell us how the song came about.

Todd called me up and told me he was in a writing session with two other writers. I think they had finished up a song they had been working on more quickly than they anticipated, so Todd asked me if I had any song ideas since they had extra time on their hands. I told him it would be great to write a really up-tempo, hand-clapping, encouraging song that would put a smile on people's faces and would also be just a FUN song to listen to! And I snuck in some of my East TN mountain music influences as well, which made it even more fun for me!

Q: One of the songs I really like is "Yet Not I, But Through Christ In Me," why did you guys choose to record this song?

Integrity suggested we record that song. I had never heard it, but I think it's a powerful lyric and a strong melody. All three of us really liked that one!

We are planning to release the next full Selah album this November on our own label (it's possible it might be delayed because of the shutdown from the Coronavirus, but we hope not).

Tags : Selah selah firm foundation Allan Hall Integrity Music selah new album Selah news Selah interview allan hall interview
Donald Trump has implied doctors and elected officials say they do not have enough personal protective equipment (PPE) and other materials to get on television amid the coronavirus crisis.

The US president had a row with Jim Acosta, CNNs chief White House correspondent, over the shortage of PPE, which includes essential gear such as hand sanitiser, gloves, aprons, and face masks, during his coronavirus press briefing.

Acosta said: We hear from a lot of people who see these briefings as sort of happy talk briefings. And some of the officials dont paint as rosy a picture of what is happening around the country. If you look at some of these questions  do we have enough masks? No. Do we have enough tests? No. Do we have enough PPE? No.

Mr Trump interjected: Why would you say that? The answer is yes. I think the answer is yes.

Acosta referred to doctors and other medical officials who have vented their frustrations about the dearth of essential equipment on CNN.

The president hit back: A lot of it is fake news.

Acosta said: Doctors and medical officers come on our air and say we dont have enough tests, we dont have enough masks.

Mr Trump chipped in: Well yeah, depending on your air they are always going to say that because otherwise, you are not going to put them on.

Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans Show all 25 1 /25 Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans A view of empty Bourbon street in the French Quarter amid the coronavirus pandemic in New Orleans, Louisiana Getty Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans Nyla Clark, 3, accompanied by her mother, Chavonne Clark, sits in a baby stroller at a corner in New Orleans, hoping to get a few dollars from an occasional passerby. Clark was a phlebotomist with a local company until she lost her job because of the coronavirus pandemic. She is waiting for unemployment The Advocate via AP Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans A man boards a streetcar Reuters Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans Jackson Square, normally bustling with tourists, is seen deserted AP Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans Words from Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" are painted onto plywood covering the window of a closed business AFP via Getty Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans Street performer Eddie Webb looks around the nearly deserted French Quarter looking to make money AP Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans Boarded up businesses Reuters Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans The normally bustling tourist mecca of Bourbon Street lies deserted in the early afternoon Reuters Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans A sign along I-10 informing persons who travel from Louisiana to quarantine AP Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans A man cycles along Jackson Square AFP via Getty Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans Elena Likaj, prevention department manager at Odyssey House Louisiana (OHL) which runs a drive-through testing site, takes the temperature of New Orleans resident Peyton Gill Reuters Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans A man walks his dog past a boarded up business on Frenchmen Street Reuters Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans An empty Bourbon street Getty Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans A meal is distributed at the Lantern Light Ministry at the Rebuild Center Reuters Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans A woman walks in the French Quarter Reuters Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans People practice social distancing as they queue up for a meal at the Lantern Light Ministry at the Rebuild Center Reuters Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans French Quarter Getty Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans A sign is pictured in the French Quarter amid the outbreak Reuters Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans A view of Bourbon Street Reuters Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans National Guard members walk down Rampart Street AFP via Getty Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans A man rides his bicycle in front of a boarded up French Quarter restaurant Reuters Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans A shuttered business is pictured on Decatur Street AFP via Getty Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans The normally bustling tourist mecca of Bourbon Street lies deserted Reuters Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans A view of Canal Street Reuters Impact coronavirus is having on Louisiana and New Orleans A New Orleans firefighter works to contain an early morning fire Reuters

The spat comes as doctors and healthcare workers across America are battling against a shortage of face masks which safeguard them against coronavirus  sparking fears doctors will not be able to provide life-saving care if they fall ill.

America has become the first country in the world to record more than 2,000 people dying from coronavirus in one day alone, according to Johns Hopkins University figures.

People who contract coronavirus in the US are at greater risk than those in the UK or Canada due to America not having a national health service.

Americans are at risk of running up bills for coronavirus treatment which force them to fork out tens of thousands of dollars. The situation is exacerbated by the fact many have lost their healthcare insurance due to job losses linked to the pandemic.
She's got one of the most familiar and reassuring voices on the airwaves. And as the people of Northern Ireland remain gripped by uncertainty amid the coronavirus crisis, broadcasting veteran Linda McAuley is taking her duty to provide support and reassurance to the public seriously.

"It's a huge responsibility," says Linda, who has presented BBC Radio Ulster's consumer rights programme On Your Behalf for almost 25 years.

"It's a very difficult and stressful time for everyone, and, like many people, I really never thought it would get to this point of lockdown, with people isolated in their homes and so many businesses closed down.

"There's so much going on online, with jokes and memes and inspiring messages being shared on social media. But we've got to remember there's a whole generation of people who don't have any involvement with that, and for them as well as so many others, isolation is going to be the most difficult part of all this.

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"That's why radio is so crucial right now. It's an enormous part of people's lives, and it's been the love of my life since I started working at Downtown Radio back in the 1970s.

"People know and trust the voices they hear. They know the voices they hear on Radio Ulster. We have to take what we do seriously, and this is a time for us to provide that familiar voice, friendship and reassurance when people need it most."

Linda made her way onto the airwaves almost accidentally, after joining Downtown Radio in 1976 as a copytaker. After a couple of stand-in appearances, she landed a gig reading the news and presenting a breakfast show at the station.

The Bangor native - who went to the North Down town's Glenlola Collegiate School before a time at The Mount, a Quaker boarding school in York - made her move to the BBC two years later.

And with her perfect diction and wonderfully natural presenting style, the people's champion of the airwaves has gone on to establish herself as one of Northern Ireland's best-loved broadcasters.

After being inducted into the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) Radio Awards Hall of Fame in 2017, the mother-of-three received an MBE the following year for her services to consumers.

"Both of those experiences were incredible," says Linda (65). "The MBE was such an honour and the day itself was fantastic.

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"I was actually quite overwhelmed by the experience, which is something I didn't really expect. It started off very exciting, of course, but as we were queueing in a line to walk into the room with Prince Charles, a few of us got quite emotional.

"There was a little, small lady in front of me who seemed quite nervous and I thought I'd talk to her to calm her, and when she told me she was an Auschwitz survivor who spoke to children in schools, it made me realise just how amazing the people around me were and it was a real 'wow' moment.

"It was very emotional, but of course none of us had any handbags or tissues with us. Thankfully someone got one from somewhere though, and we were able to dab our eyes before we went face to face with Prince Charles."

"He was lovely," adds Linda. "And even though they obviously do these ceremonies with so many people on a regular basis it felt incredibly special and personal.

"The night before the investiture we were lucky enough to have dinner with Lady Sylvia Hermon and we took a tour of the House of Commons and the House of Lords."

As well as the great sense of occasion that came with her honour, says Linda, of huge importance was the mark of approval it gave to prove all her hard work had been worth it.

"For me it really encapsulated how much On Your Behalf meant and contributed to people's lives," she says, "because that's what it's about.

"It was wonderful to feel people had noticed the work we'd been doing and that it was valued. It's a huge responsibility to do what we do for people and I feel very lucky to have been given the chance to have such a fabulous career on radio."

And as she approaches 25 years at the helm, Linda, who was there when the flagship consumer show was launched in the autumn of 1995, admits she felt nervous presenting the programme for the first time from her home a fortnight ago.

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"I presented the show from home two weeks ago for the first time ever," she says. "It was very strange. I haven't been nervous going into a studio in a very long time, but I was completely hyper before we went on air.

"It's a live programme and I usually have my producer with me, a studio manager, as well as most of the contributors and experts there in the studio.

"But that first time we were all over the place. We had our travel expert Simon Calder feeding in from London. We had our tax expert on a secure line from home, our legal expert on Facetime from her house and our consumer expert coming in on the phone.

"That's not even to mention the producer and studio manager, who were in separate studios in Belfast.

"I really missed the security of us all being in the studio, the comfort of having more than one screen to look at and getting a nod through the glass from my producer. It felt a bit isolated, but that's us now for the foreseeable future.

"We're all getting used to different ways of working - and we'll just have to get on with it."

And, says Linda, the programme, a mix of consumer advice and information as well as in-depth investigations, is providing a crucial service for people now more than ever.

"We have people now facing into the benefits system and Universal Credit where they never needed to before," she says.

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"There is so much for people to get their heads around.

"There's the job retention scheme for people to get their heads around, and self-employed people trying to figure out what, if anything, they're entitled to by way of government backing.

"We've had supply teachers trying to figure out whether or not they can be furloughed - a word most people hadn't even heard of a week or two ago. There is a lot going on that we need to pick our way through, which is why a consumer advice programme is so important right now."

With a tip-top knowledge of such crucial information, do people often presume Linda has the answers to all their questions when they meet her?

"They do," she laughs. "And I don't. Because, like everyone else, I turn to experts on issues like these. I suppose what I have is a little knowledge about a lot.

"By this stage I know where the pitfalls might be, so I know what to look out for. There are things I know to be careful about, and I see people walking into difficulties.

"You'll get many holidaymakers who won't take out travel insurance right until just before they go away, and of course I understand their thinking.

"However, if you go to get cover at this stage with everything that's going on, your policy will be very different to how it might have been a month or two ago when you originally booked your holiday.

"The good thing about my job is that I have access to a wonderful panel of experts - but that means the listeners do too. That's what we're all here for, and as well as providing the answers, very often we act mostly as a signpost to another expert or organisation who can give all the answers you need."

Shockingly, says Linda, scammers are taking advantage of the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus outbreak.

"These people are out there and they're jumping on the bandwagon," she says. "It's very disappointing to think it's happening, but one of the very important things I can do in my job is to spread the word and to make people think twice before they get caught out.

"We'll be talking about scams and debt in the programmes coming up, because we don't know what's going to be left or what the knock-on effect will be when we come out of this.

"Our shops, trading, our schools, universities, they've all taken a huge hit and we don't know what life is going to be like when it's over, so we need to keep things as steady as we can while the situation carries on."

And as she settles in to life in lockdown, working from home along with husband Paul Wilson, an insurance broker, Linda admits she's having to make some big adjustments of her own.

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Famously fashion-savvy, having inherited a love of clothes from her mum, former model Carol McAuley (87), Linda is dressing down at home  although she continues to be meticulous about her appearance.

Well, I have to have my lipstick on to broadcast, she laughs. Even if Im at home. But I have had to go out and get more casual clothes.

Im usually in office clothes and boots, and I dont really know what people wear to work from home, so Im learning on the job.

But it helps to keep busy at home. My husband and I are here together, so were doing our best to give each other some space and work around each other.

As well as working, Im keeping up with a daily walk which is great, and Im listening to some excellent radio and podcasts.

I suppose, taken positively, its a time for a lot of people to do things they wouldnt normally have time to do. The media show podcast on Radio 4 is great, and I really enjoyed the first episode of Vinny Hurrells property show, My First Home..

Id say that one is worth catching up on because it really plays in to the inner nosiness weve all got. Theres a great interiors design chap involved, Ian Thompson, who takes some very high-end inspiration and really fabulous ideas and explains how they could work in peoples homes. Its fun, and I suppose thats what many of us need a bit more of right now.

And like so many of us, Linda, grandmother to 18-month-old Isabella, says shes at risk of not fitting back into her old clothes once she has to go back to the office.

Im eating more than I have ever I think, says Linda. Im afraid I wont fit back into my old clothes. Im cooking an awful lot, soup and casseroles, things like that. Im not really a baker but Im eating a bit of chocolate.

Im very lucky to have inherited good genes, and Ive always had a keen interest in fashion because of my mum. As well as being a model, she went on to own a clothes shop in Newtownards, so thats always been an important part of my life  she was always telling me to stand up straight and think about my deportment, even as a teenager.

And keeping her spirits up, as well as her fitness, Linda, who spent six years as a single mother to sons Neil, Michael and James, is taking daily walks by the coast in her hometown of Bangor  and getting regular updates from her family.

Walking is a fantastic way to clear your head, says Linda, who has also presented the Stephen Nolan Show in the presenters absence. As well as that, Im in touch a lot with my sons and were getting updates on Facetime.

Its an absolute revelation and Im finding myself singing Im a Little Teapot and Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes into the iPad with my granddaughter.

She calls me Yia Yia, which is the Greek for grandmother, and its such fun. It makes me look back and think its so fantastic because my children didnt have anything like this.

Our contact is all through electronic means at the minute, which is so helpful when all other contact is off limits. Were getting lots of little video clips and theyre a lot of fun.

And while she has a remarkable list of achievements in her working life to be proud of  another highlight being a gong from the Trading Standards Institute  at a time when things closer to home are more important than ever, Linda is clear about what matters most to her. Professionally, I am most proud of the awards and acknowledgements of my career, she says. But personally, having been a single mother for six years, I am most proud of bringing up my three sons to be healthy, happy adults with their own families and careers.

And with a tough road stretching ahead, does Linda have any words of advice on making our way through this unprecedented time?

Were facing a lot of challenges Id never have predicted, she says. For one, and this is purely a professional one, its so difficult to switch off when youre working at home.

Going into the office, I would look at my emails there and leave it at that. Now Im at home theyre on the phone and the temptation is there to look at them all the time.

And while it might feel like things wont ever go back to what they were, we will adjust back to life, because thats what people do.

We just need to get through this, and if people are feeling isolated and in need of company, put the radio on because those voices you know are there for friendship, company and advice if you need it.

There will be life when this is over, no matter how strange and difficult it all seems for now, and we must remember that this too will pass.

Linda McAuley presents On Your Behalf on Saturdays on BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle from 9.30am. The programme is also available on BBC Sounds
London, April 11 : Breweries from across the UK were coming together to "buy the NHS (National Health Service) a pint" to recognise its contribution during the coronavirus pandemic, a media report said.

At least 10 companies were so far taking part in the nationwide initiative, which allows drinkers to 'Pay a Pint Forward' for health workers, who can then claim their reward in person once the COVID-19 lockdown was over, the Metro newspaper said in the report on Friday.

Each brewery has created an option to donate 5 pounds to NHS workers in their online stores, which will later be redeemable in pint form in pubs and taprooms.

The co-founder of one company involved, Sam McMeekin from Gipsy Hill Brewery, told the Metro newspaper: "As small, independent brewing businesses, we don't have an abundance of PPE or raw materials to donate, and feel we can't do much to help except keep providing beers to all of you.

"With that in mind though, we landed on a simple idea: With your help, we can get a drink into the hands of someone who's really earned it - our NHS staff.

"If you buy the NHS a 'pint' on any participating brewery's web-shop, we'll make sure that a drink gets into the hands of a well-deserving NHS worker once we come off lockdown.

"They are true heroes and deserve to be rewarded once this crisis has passed. It's a Pay it Forward scheme that will benefit small business as well as those that deserve our thanks." The hospitality industry has been particularly badly hit by the lockdown, with the public unable to visit bars, restaurants and cafes, said the newspaper report.

Various other companies have also been starting initiatives for the health service, including Scottish-based firm Brewgooder branded 'One on Us', which gifts a four pack of beer and a message of support to an NHS employee.

The UK has 74,605 confirmed cases of coronavirus since the outbreak began and 8,974 deaths attributed to the disease.
Today is Sgt. Brett M. Maher Day in Pottawattamie County.

The county Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 on Thursday to honor Maher, who died at the age of 31 on April 11, 2011, in Paktya province, Afghanistan, while on a patrol mission with the 168th Infantry of the Iowa National Guard.

Every year many veterans gather at Brents grave site to pay their respects. Most times it becomes somewhat of an event, because of the large number of veterans and family members that come, Board Chairman Justin Schultz said Friday. Given the situation with the coronavirus, fellow veterans that served with Brent brought the idea to (Pottawattamie County Veterans Affairs Director) Nick Jedlicka to recognize him through dedicating the anniversary of his death. Nick brought the idea to Supervisor Tim Wichman and Tim asked me to put it on the agenda.

Maher served in the U.S. Navy from June 1998 through October 2005, and joined the Iowa National Guard in May 2007. He was eventually transferred to the 168th Infantry and was living in Council Bluffs at the time of his death. He was born in Hamburg.

Maher was in the gunners turret of his teams armored vehicle as a convoy of soldiers from Bravo Company, of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, embarked on a combat patrol mission in eastern Afghanistans Paktia province, not far from the Pakistan border. Schultz and Jedlicka were in the vehicle, serving alongside him.

Maher was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant, and earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Naturally, this is a sensitive thing for me, so I think it is great that some of my fellow soldiers brought this to the county to honor him, Schultz said. I also recognize that there are many other service members who have lost their lives fighting for our country, some that I have known growing up, so I think its important that we use this example as an opportunity to set the stage for the others.

Supervisor Scott Belt said that going forward, the county Veterans Commission should approve recommendations for honoring military members in the future during discussion before the vote.

I think thats why we have a Veterans Commission, Belt said.

The board said it will ask Jedlicka to work on a formal process for use to recognize other fallen military members. Schultz said the application process would be easily accessible to the public.

At the board meeting, Schultz cautioned against any large celebrations honoring Maher.

Be mindful of social distancing, the measures were supposed to have in place, so we can not continue to spread, he said at the meeting. If celebrations delayed to another date, thats warranted.
Victims' Commissioner Judith Thompson has called on Secretary of State Brandon Lewis to urgently publish the details of the proposed legacy legislation.

Last month the UK Government announced that repeat investigations into Troubles cases are to end. At the time Mr Lewis said ending the cycle of reinvestigations when there is no new compelling evidence would deliver on the Government's promise to protect former soldiers from "vexatious claims".

Under the new proposals, once cases have been considered, there will be a legal bar on any future investigation occurring.

They include a pledge to ensure that Troubles veterans receive equal treatment to their counterparts who served overseas.

The proposals also include a "new independent body" to provide information to families and "swift examinations" of all unresolved deaths from the Troubles.

This week a new report by a group of academics from Queen's University and human rights activists said the proposals are incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights and the Good Friday Agreement.

Catholic bishops have also written to Mr Lewis expressing their "deep concern" at the proposal to deal with legacy issues.

The commissioner said: "The aim of addressing the legacy of the past must be to build a better future. It is vital that those who have waited so long for legacy institutions, that have had the widest possible consultation and input, are not simply swept aside in haste to drive through options that will result in yet more decades of legal challenge, hurt, frustration and distrust."
His Eminence, Oswald Cardinal Gracias, conducting the Way of the Cross at the Cathedral of the Holy Name

Actor and producer Dino Morea has fond memories of celebrating Easter as a child.

As a young boy, he would wake up early to go to church with his family, come back for some Easter eggs and bunnies, and join his family and close friends for a fun Easter lunch.

While the small gathering would feast upon a crisp leg of lamb glazed with honey, the ethos of celebrating the festival commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ would lie in the moments spent with the family.

I dont think anyone is in a celebratory mood right now as we are under lockdown and everyones in self-isolation. Fortunately, I have my family with me, so we will be together this Easter. But for those who are alone, Id say call your family and make yourself a nice meal, thats the best you can do, says Morea.

As the Christians worldwide are observing the Holy Week, with Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter on Sunday, its probably for the first time that the congregations have not been able to assemble at churches for traditional services.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has put a halt on normal ways of living but in the difficult times like these, there is an insistence on maintaining the semblance of pre-coronavirus life while abiding by the restrictions in whatever means possible.

Therefore, onwards with the same spirit, the priests and bishops are streaming the services live from churches for their faithful.

The traditional services are not possible due to the lockdown, but we are making sure that the spiritual elements and the services that are normally held are being broadcasted into their homes, says Fr. Nigel Barrett, spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Bombay.

According to the guidelines presented by the Vatican itself, the dioceses were encouraged to stream the services live. The words  encouraged to stream  were deliberately chosen because in India, there are dioceses that wont have the infrastructure nor would they have Internet speed required for streaming, so they encourage those who cannot record the services to access the services at a later stage on platforms where they are uploaded, added Fr. Barrett.

At a time when people are observing the strict lockdown to prevent the spread of the highly contagious disease, connecting with their loved ones in addition to attending the virtual mass is an apt way of celebrating Easter.

Agreeing to this, the choreographer, founder and artistic director of The Danceworx Academy and Navdhara India Dance Theatre, Ashley Lobo will be celebrating the day at home with family.

Easter this year is going to be a quiet affair at home with just the family. I will try and see if I can pick up a Sunday service online. I will also call my sisters and my mother. This will be followed by a small lunch with the family, says Lobo.

In Christianity, Easter marks the triumph of good over evil. After the sacrifice of life by Christ for humanity on Good Friday, his resurrection on Easter is a journey of hope and joy.

In fact, in this moment of lockdown, in that spirit of desolation, the story of Easter is a story of hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, that you might be locked down but you are not locked out, says Fr. Barrett about staying hopeful while strictly abiding by the rules of lockdown and social distancing.

For American actor and musician Alexx O'Nell, the original plan for the Easter was a family get-together in Amsterdam, and now that the plan has been quashed, the actor feels he has been brought closer to his family.

Even though the crisis has kept us physically distant, it has ironically caused us to become even closer than we were. I now talk with my family more often than before.

So with me in India, my sister and her family in Ireland, and my mother in Holland, this year will be our first global video conference Easter. And while I will miss the physical presence of my family, I know that staying home and maintaining social distancing is the right thing to do this Easter, he shares.

Echoing the same, the legendary Indian keyboardist Louis Banks is observing the lockdown with his family.

One of my family members, who is a very church-going person, is keeping me updated with all the days that are happening. And shes brought us special prayers, which she recites for us, so we are keeping in touch like that.

For Easter, my daughter Monique and daughter-in-law Tania are planning a couple of dishes as a surprise, they always surprise us, laughs Banks.
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It is, without doubt, one of the most disturbing  and frightening  stories to have emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic. In a stark warning issued last week, charities detailed reports of vulnerable, elderly people being pressured into signing Do Not Resuscitate forms.

The paperwork gives permission for doctors to avoid using CPR to attempt to restart a patients heart when its stopped beating.

One Welsh GP surgery is said to have sent a letter to patients with life-limiting illnesses, recommending they agree to forgo CPR treatment, should they suffer a cardiac arrest.

GPs have been asking elderly patients to agree to sign Do Not Resuscitate notices

Care homes in East Sussex and Wales imposing blanket Do Not Resuscitate orders on elderly resident prompted similar outrage.

In a damning statement, Age UK said: Many of the people affected have experienced fear and anxiety and feel that their lives and wishes do not matter.

NHS England has now warned against these blanket decisions. But in the current climate, some argue there is a need to embark on these highly sensitive conversations  perhaps earlier than many would have hoped. Now, speaking to The Mail on Sunday, leading charities and critical-care experts have detailed the appropriate ways to handle these vital discussions. And doctors outline the way in which it should  and shouldnt  be done.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, says that no one should ever feel pressured into making this highly personal decision, but adds: It is sensible to have the conversation. To try and rush it because of the current crisis  or do it in an insensitive way or over the phone  is clearly not going to be very helpful. It may be that older people, if given the chance to sit down with their families and think about it, might decide its the right thing for them. But thats harder at the moment, with families split up and unable to talk to each other very readily.

Sometimes, a GP may instigate the conversation, if it is deemed appropriate. Professor Martin Marshall, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, says finding out about patients end-of- life wishes are an essential part of general practice. This includes discussing whether they might wish to sign a Do Not Resuscitate form  known as a Do Not Attempt CPR, or DNACPR order. Patients can also ask for the paperwork on admission to hospital.

Professor Martin Marshall, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, says finding out about patients end-of- life wishes are an essential part of general practice

While Prof Marshall acknowledges doctors need to continue having these conversations during the Covid-19 pandemic, he says the focus should be on the individual patient and their needs. Abrahams agrees: Blanket decisions in care homes are completely unacceptable, she says. If a patient does sign a Do Not Resuscitate order, they will still have access to all available treatment  should they become critically ill. This includes being admitted to intensive care and, in the case of Covid-19, ventilators to help patients breathe.

The only treatment that wont be used is CPR  performed in an emergency if the heart stops beating  otherwise known as cardiac arrest. It involves using chest compressions, artificial ventilation and electric shocks, to try to restart the heart. The procedure proves life-saving in roughly a fifth of all patients. Yet, experts say patients should be aware of the risks.

Often perceptions of CPR come from film and television, Dr Andrew Conway Morris, an intensive care specialist from the University of Cambridge, who is currently treating Covid-19 patients. A team rushes in, restarts the patients heart and they wake up and everything is fine. But patients who survive CPR will often need intensive care support.

Fractured ribs and brain damage are common side effects, especially in those who are very unwell.

However, Dr Daniel Sommer, a geriatric medicine registrar at Barts Health NHS Trust, says that CPR can work if the heart is the only organ in the body that stops working and the patient is otherwise fit and healthy. But Covid-19 patients are at higher risk of failure of the lungs and kidneys too, according to Dr Conway Morris.

Regardless, every patients case is treated on an individual basis.

If there is no form signed, an expert team of specially trained medics will help decide whether CPR should be performed.

Ultimately, Dr Sommer says whats key is that all patients have access to the most accurate information. We want patients to know what will work and what is unlikely to work so they can be the decision makers  rather than us.

Only when everyone is armed with the facts can we be sure were abiding by their wishes  and they get the best quality of life they possibly can.

Tricia Murphy-Black, 74, who lives near Edinburgh, is among the thousands of people in the UK considered to be at high risk from Covid-19. She not only chose to sign a DNACPR, but has also requested not to be put on a ventilator  should it come to it  if there is a national shortage.

The retired midwife and nurse was diagnosed with myelodysplasia  a rare blood cancer where the bone marrow doesnt make enough healthy blood cells  around ten years ago, and needs blood transfusions every two weeks. She has since suffered heart failure and also has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which causes breathlessness. Before turning 70, she decided she did not want CPR if her heart were to stop.

I dont want to die, but I will, one day, says Tricia, who, like many right now, is all too aware that this could come far sooner than expected. I dont want there to be lots of interference to try and keep me alive when that happens.

A few weeks ago, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, she added to her plan  stating that she would not wish to be put on a ventilator, if there were not enough for younger, fitter patients.

She said:I will do everything in my power to avoid Covid-19  but if it happens, it happens. And if I do get the virus, I will be at high risk of having it severely.

If it comes to the point where the medics realise that the only way to keep me going is a ventilator  and there is somebody younger who needs the only one that is available  they should give it to them.

She was concerned that DNACPR orders were being imposed on elderly patients but added: I think its very important to have the discussion before you are seriously ill because when you are seriously ill, theres no time to do it.

Anyone concerned can contact Age UKs helpline on 0800 678 1602.
Controversial Ghanaian pastor, Cyril George Carstensen Lutterodt popularly known as Counselor Lutterodt has admonished Christians to ensure that they provide for their pastors in these times of global pandemic.



According to the pastor, it is biblical for Christians to provide for men of God instead of insulting them and questioning what pastors use church offerings and tithes for.



It is not by force but I am reminding you of what your duty is, have you given anything to the man of God who intercedes on your behalf? he shared in a Good Friday message posted on his YouTube channel.



While admonishing individuals criticizing pastors and churches for not providing food and other relief items for their members during the Coronavirus period, George Luterrodt said the duty of men of God is not to feed Christians with bread and butter but with the word of God.



Are you taking care of the servant of God? You are only insulting, well see true pastors, we are competing, how many people has he fed? The duty of a man of God is not to feed you with bread and water and wine. He added.



He acknowledged some pastors who have gone out of their way to donate relief items to the needy and their church members but called on Christians to ensure that they provide food, water and relief items for their spiritual leaders during this pandemic as well as within the Easter period.



Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, many Ghanaians have criticised pastors and churches in the country for not doing enough to alleviate the plight of the needy and vulnerable who have been worse affected.



According to these critics, the pastors who take offerings and tithes should do more by donating food and relief items to their church and the needy.













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.

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Rudy Reitz and his daughter, Sharon, are even closer now than before the virus took half their family.

I would have to say that the nature of the situation that weve been thrust into, yes, the father-daughter bond is increasingly tight, said Reitz, 57, who is now quarantined with his 22-year-old daughter at their Kearny home. Now we have to support each other, and help each other, look to each other, and mend each other.

The coronavirus took two members of the Reitz family in the span of nine days: first, Sharons mother and Rudys wife of 23 years, Carolyn Martins-Reitz, who died March 28 at Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, at age 55; then Carolyns son, Thomas Martin  Sharons half-brother, Rudys stepson  on April 6, his 30th birthday. Both had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. So have Rudy and Sharon, who are in close contact with local health officials and have not fallen ill.

Reitz said his wife developed a cough during the third week of March that worsened suddenly and dramatically, prompting him to call an ambulance on March 23.

The speed that the disease developed was mind-blowing, Reitz said, adding that it was hard even to define his feelings right now, much less put them into words. Everybody always says exactly the same thing. They all say, I cant imagine what youre going through. And ironically enough, neither can I. Its indescribable.

Her hospitalization was an emotional blow to Thomas, who had Down syndrome and relied heavily on his mother as his principal caregiver and closest contact. Thomas then developed a severe cough and diarrhea, and was admitted two days after his mother, said Reitz, adding that he had to get special permission to stay with his stepson so that someone in the hospital would be able to communicate with him.

I could see that he was hurting, and I would ask him, and he would say, I fine, I fine. That broke my heart, Reitz said. She was never even aware that her son went into the hospital, and he was never aware that his mother passed away.

Reitz said Thomas had been attending a weekday over-21 program at the Felician School for Exceptional Children in Lodi up until the week before his mother began to show symptoms.

Sharon Reitz, a senior at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, described feeling a kind of numbness.

It also doesnt feel real, she said. Especially since I have never seen them since they went to the hospital. So, it doesnt even feel like theyre gone. Theres not even the closure of getting to see them before they have to be put to rest.

Every one of the lives taken by the virus is irreplaceable, Gov. Phil Murphy has emphasized in imposing strict measures to contain it.

But few families have experienced the numbing impact the virus has had on Sharon and Rudy Reitz, who aside from losing two family members must monitor their own health and remain in close contact with their doctor and the Kearny Department of Public Health.

Reitz said it was painful that there would be no funeral service or burial for his wife, a devout Catholic who worked as a graphic artist for the Archdiocese of Newark and served as president of the Rosary Society at St. Casimirs Church in Newark. Likewise for Thomas. Instead, their bodies were cremated, with memorials he and Sharon hoped to organize after those kinds of gatherings are allowed to resume.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Businesses that are open | Homepage

Sharon said she and her father are now each others caregivers, making sure were resting, and eating dinner, and cleaning the house, and trying to find little things to keep busy.

Weve always been close, she said. But now with my dad being home all the time, weve definitely been bonding more.

If he werent quarantined, Rudy would be doing essential work as the fleet manager for AGL Welding Supply, a Clifton company that also supplies oxygen cylinders, hoses, masks and other respiratory equipment to hospitals.

Father and daughter have been buoyed by an outpouring of emotional and financial support from the parish, the archdiocese, and contributors to a GoFundMe online fundraiser launched by Carolyns oldest friend and Thomas godmother, Joni Lewin, who had introduced Carolyn and Rudy as members of her wedding party three decades ago. After Carolyns death, Lewin set up a GoFundMe page for the family, which as of Friday had raised more than $21,000 toward medical and other expenses.

Carolyn and Rudy walked down the aisle together at the wedding as a bridesmaid and an usher while Carolyn was still married to Thomas biological father, Rick Martins, who later became friendly with the Martins-Reitz family.

This is a beautiful woman, Reitz remembered thinking at the time. With their 23rd wedding anniversary coming up on April 26, he added, Thats going to be another heartbreak for me.

Thomas Martins, left, and his mother, Carolyn Martins-Reitz, both died nine apart, both of complications from the coronavirus. They are survived by Thomas' stepfather, Rudy Reitz, right, and his half-sister, Sharon, Rudy and Carolyn's daughter.Photo courtesy of Joni Lewin

She was one of the smartest, kindest people Ive known, Reitz said. And her dedication to Thomas, and being an advocate for Down syndrome people, and making sure that his life was well-taken care of, was right at the forefront of everything she did.

Sharon said her mother loved the Impressionist painters, and would take Thomas and her on regular trips to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan, where she made an annual ritual of taking their picture at the ancient Egyptian Temple of Dendur. Sharon, a painter who also does graphic design, said her mother and Thomas would go out together to Starbucks, the bookstore, or the cinema.

My brother loved going to the movie theater," she said. "On his iPad, that was another thing that he would look up. And he would come and tell us that he wanted to save up so that he could go see it.

The support theyve received, the father and daughter say, has made a difference.

Knowing that dozens and dozens of people know us, and care about us, that is the rainbow at the end of this, Rudy said. When this is all over, weve got a lot of hugging to do.

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Motor vehicle insurers are resisting pressure to offer premium rebates, despite a big fall in road traffic volumes and accidents because of the travel restrictions that have been imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Traffic on Australia's toll roads has fallen dramatically amid the health crisis, with the largest toll-road operator, Transurban, reporting up to 30 per cent falls on its east coast toll roads.

With the fall in traffic, there are fewer accidents and fewer insurance claims. Credit:iStock

Consumer groups and motoring advocates are calling for major car insurers to give more back to their customers as they cope with tough economic times.

"While there may not be a rebate straight away, I believe that come renewals there will be, or ought to be, a reduction based on the fact that there will have been fewer accidents and motor vehicle thefts," says Allan Manning, managing director of the risk-management company LMI Group.
There is little food



left at home, and no monetary aid or medical assistance on the horizon. They cannot even afford to fall sick amid the COVID- 19 lockdown.

The people of Kali Krishna village of Tripura are on edge, literally, living as they are on a narrow strip of land on the Indo-Bangladesh border. The village stands hemmed in between the international border and the barbed wire fence India has erected 150 yards away from it on its side.

Jahangir Hossain, a peasant, is among the 3,000 odd neither-here-nor-there people for whom the March 24 lockdown came as a bolt from the blue as the border gates closed abruptly at midnight hour, shutting them out from the rest of the country.

Fear and uncertainty have gripped people in the godforsaken place.

"We do not know who to approach for assistance, as the officials on the Indian side are not opening the gates. We are trapped here," 42-year-old Hossain told a PTI by phone.

India has raised barbed wire fences across its 4,096- km border with Bangladesh, 150 metres ahead of the zero line, in accordance with the 1971 Indira-Mujib pact.

Another resident of the neighbouring Nabadeep Chandra Nagar village, who preferred not to be named, said some villagers, with no solution in sight, were entering Bangladesh to buy essentials, and sell poultry and agricultural produce.

Subrata Majumder, the sub-divisional magistrate of Sonamura in Tripura's Sipahijala district, insisted people living on the other side of the fence visit Bangladesh often to buy and sell items, and that there is nothing new about it.

According to BSF Chief Public Relations Officer C L Belwa, certain guidelines have been issued to the paramilitary force as part of the efforts to contain the spread of COVID- 19, but claimed its local unit has been distributing food and other essential items among those stuck outside the fence.

Selim Khan, a resident of Nabadeep Chandra Nagar Village, however, alleged that the rations they receive is not enough to sustain a family.

"With the gates closed on the Indian side, we are facing difficult times buying essential supplies and tending to our fields, part of which fall in the mainland. Add to that, our foodstock is depleting fast, he added.

Shyamal Muhuri, a member of the Kali Krishna Nagar panchayat, said the villagers had been told to come to the mainland but they refused.

"We made an appeal to the villagers to shift to the Indian side, but they refused to respond to the plea, claiming that their livelihood would be at stake. They also said that there would no one to look after their houses, land, poultry and cattle, if they were to move to the mainland," Muhuri told PTI.

Echoing him, Joydeb Sarkar, a local leader of the ruling BJP, said his party had called upon the villagers to take shelter in government buildings, but they turned down the offer.

"People living on the other side of fence are mostly daily wagers, having no permanent source of income. We are looking for government land for their rehabilitation and resettlement, but the process is taking longer due to unavailability of a suitable plot, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Farmers ditching hard-won harvest with no point of sale By Kasun Warakapitiya View(s): View(s):

Vegetable farmers loaded with produce from a bumper harvest lament that they cannot sell the food they took such trouble to grow.

As the government kept experimenting with methods of getting the vegetables from farmers to consumers, all Economic Centres  central points for farmers to sell their produce  remained shut from Tuesday for fear of coronavirus contagion.

Government officials said a system to sell vegetables had been set up and the first orders from merchants had been taken, but farmers say no-one has contacted them yet about orders.

Farmers said while the government had devised a plan to distribute vegetables through divisional secretaries, that process had not been implemented at grassroots level even by mid-week.

All-Island Farmers Federation (AIFF) Secretary T.B. Sarath claimed most farmers had been forced to throw away their freshly-harvested vegetables as the economic centres in Dambulla, Keppetipola, Nuwara Eliya, Thambuthegama and Embilipitiya remained closed.

Farmers in Jaffna, Vavuniya, Nuwara Eliya too were throwing away their harvest through inability to transport their tomatoes, onions and other produce for sale.

The dedicated economic centres were the places where both farmers and merchants bought and sold vegetables. Now we are unable to sell our vegetables at all, Mr. Sarath said.

No divisional secretary or merchants have contacted us, asking us to send our crops. The days go by, we collect our harvest, but as we are unable to sell it most of it has to be thrown away, he said.

Some farmers parked the lorries they hired to transport their harvest outside Dambulla market and tried to sell their produce.

We are unable even to pay the hire of the lorry. We thought we can settle the payment once we sell the vegetables, but that did not work out, a farmer said.

Some farmers were able to sell their vegetables at Rs. 20-100 a kilo, far below market levels.

With the Dambulla centre being closed, farmer W.M. Tillekeratne said, he and others were being forced to sell at low prices as they had no means of storing their fast-perishing produce.

We understand that the government is trying its best to stop the COVID-19 virus from spreading but it should have devised a practical programme to purchase and distribute vegetables, he said.

The government should at least purchase vegetables from farmers at a fair price and store them in cool rooms to sell them to consumers at controlled prices.

Mr. Tillekeratne pleaded for government financial aid, saying the farmers sole income is their harvest, which they could not sell.

A farmer from Kalpitiya said some middlemen who were demanding that vegetables be sold to them at Rs. 20-30 were intending to take the produce to Colombo and sell it for Rs. 200 a kilo.

The Manager of the Dambulla Economic Centre, Christy Wijeratne, claimed on Wednesday that a system to distribute vegetables throughout the country would be implemented within 12 hours.

Vegetables could be transported to any divisional secretariat office from Dambulla, he said.

Merchants only needed to state the amount of vegetables they needed and place an order at a divisional secretariat office. The order would be sent to the Dambulla market control room via email or fax and the requisite vegetables would be sent by lorry to the relevant divisional secretariat office.

He said some orders had already been placed.

Mr. Wijeratne said that the programme had been set up to stop merchants from exploiting farmers.

Dambulla Divisional Secretary Piyal Jayasooriya said he was in charge of the operations coordination. He said the Dambulla Economic Centre would order directly from farmers, and vegetables could be delivered within 12 hours.

The 150 members of the Dambulla Traders Association were involved in the scheme, he said.

Farmers say a major flaw in the system is that it does not prevent traders, both registered and outsiders, from buying privately from farmers at the roadsides near the Dambulla centre, when farmers faced pressure to sell for low prices.

They said the government should enforce the new system, locking out activities that made farmers tempted by quick sales vulnerable to extortion.

Additional reporting by Kanchana Kumara Ariyadasa

Send vegetables by train, its cheaper Use trains to transport vegetables to central points for sale, All-Island Farmers Federation (AIFF) National Convener Namal Karunaratne urged the government.We can send vegetables cultivated in Jaffna, Nuwara Eliya, Welimada, Batticaloa, and even transport fish and dried fish from the south to other parts of the country, he said.Mr. Karunaratne pointed out that the amount of produce carried in 75 lorries can be sent in a single train trip, and vegetables could be delivered to every divisional secretariat from railway stations. More vegetables can be sent on trains and the number of lorry drivers required can be reduced, he said.

Fertiliser shortage will hurt Yala Farmers say they are facing a shortage of pesticides and fertiliser due to the prolonged curfew, and this is affecting prospects for the Yala season.I asked the distributors of pesticides whether they could provide us with what we need and they said they are collecting stocks of agro chemicals, All-Island Farmers Federation (AIFF) secretary T.B. Sarath said. He said despite the claims, farmers had not been able to obtain stocks.Mr. Sarath also said farmers had not received free fertiliser promised by the government. A farmer in Hingurangoda, Polonnaruwa, R.M. Mahinda Bandara Ranaweera said he had not received any. A farmer in Ampara, Hemantha Kithsiri, who is also the chairman of the Namal Oya farmers association, said it was difficult to keep crops growing with sufficient fertiliser. Local farmers, who were focusing on growing turmeric in the 1000-acre area, were struggling. There is no fertiliser available at stores, neither is there seedstock. Farmers would be unable to get a large harvest without fertiliser, he said.
Nokia 9.3 PureView, Nokia 7.3 tipped to launch in Q3, 2020: Report

It was recently reported that the launch of Nokias next flagship has been delayed, but now it looks like we have a clearer idea of when we can expect the smartphone to be unveiled. According to a report by NokiaPowerUser, the company plans to release the Nokia 9.3 PureView around that time, along with a mid-range smartphone called the Nokia 7.3. HMD Global has reportedly gone ahead with the testing of the two smartphones. However, the report also noted that is currently a tentative plan and a lot depends on the ongoing COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic.

Leaks suggest that the Nokia 9.3 PureView will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 SoC with support for 5G connectivity. It is tipped to features a 6.29-inch QHD+ pOLED display. It will most likely come with Android 10 pre-installed. Details about optics are not yet known. However, one can expect it to feature a multi-camera configuration at the back, similar to the Nokia 9.1 PureView.

Details about the Nokia 7.3 are not yet known, but reports suggest that the phone will most likely be a mid-range smartphone powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 700-series SoC.

Nokias current flagship smartphone, the Nokia 9.1 PureView offered decent specifications at launch, like a penta-camera setup with Zeiss optics. However, by the time it was launched in India, most of the competing phones had surpassed it. As such, it didnt saw much success in the country.

In related news, HMD Global has announced that it was rolling out the Android 10 update for the Nokia 4.2 and the Nokia 3.2. This also means that nine Nokia smartphones have now been updated to the latest version of the Android OS.
Los Angeles: After recovering from a bout of coronavirus, disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has now been charged with an additional sexual assault count.

Los Angeles prosecutors on Friday filed a new charge against Weinstein, stemming from an alleged assault at a Beverly Hills hotel room in 2010, reports variety.com.

Weinstein is already awaiting extradition to Los Angeles to face four other charges, stemming from two incidents in hotels in February 2013. The former producer is serving a 23-year sentence in a prison in New York for rape and sexual assault.

In the new case, Weinstein is accused of "sexual battery by restraint" against a woman at a hotel room on May 11, 2010. The woman was first interviewed by detectives in October 2019.

The new charge carries a potential sentence of four years in prison, meaning that Weinstein is now facing a theoretical maximum of 29 years on the Los Angeles charges. The DA's office was investigating two other allegations against Weinstein, but declined to file those charges because the alleged victims did not want to testify.

The DA's office did not identify any of the women in the three cases. However, a description of one of the women who declined to testify matches Jessica Mann, the hairdresser and one-time aspiring actress who testified against Weinstein in his New York trial.

Weinstein was convicted in February of raping Mann at a DoubleTree Hotel in Manhattan in 2013. In her testimony, Mann said Weinstein had also raped her at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills about a year later. Mann broke down in tears repeatedly over the course of three days of testimony and cross-examination in New York.

In the other case that the prosecutors declined to file, an actress had alleged that Weinstein sexually assaulted her during a business meeting sometime between 2004 and 2006. The woman repeatedly told detectives that she would not testify, according to a prosecution memo.

In total, Los Angeles prosecutors reviewed eight allegations against Weinstein and brought charges in three of them.
Attorney General Bill Barr called the medias reaction to the use of hydroxychloroquine as a possible treatment for coronavirus quite strange, and criticized the jihad aimed at discrediting the drug following President Trumps touting of it as a potential game-changer.

The politicization of decisions like hydroxychloroquine has been amazing to me, Barr said in an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham. Before the president said anything about it, there was fair and balanced coverage of this very promising drug, and the fact that it had such a long track record that the risks were pretty well known, and as soon as he said something positive about it, the medias been on a jihad to discredit the drug. Its been quite strange.

Ingraham reportedly brought two doctors whom she regularly features on her show to a private meeting with Trump last week to talk up the efficacy of the drug.

Trump tweeted on March 21 that the anti-malarial drug had a real chance to be one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine, following anecdotal evidence that it had been effective in treating coronavirus patients.

Following Trumps promotion of the drug, which White House coronavirus task force member Dr. Anthony Fauci has cautioned against, NBC News reported on March 23 that an Arizona man died after ingesting fish-tank cleaner that contained chloroquine phosphate on his wifes recommendation, citing Trumps praise of hydroxychloroquine. The Washington Free Beacon later revealed that the woman was a prolific donor to Democratic causes.

A Tuesday New York Times story highlighting President Trumps small personal financial interest in a French maker of hydroxychloroquine went viral, despite the fact that the brand-label drug is not available in the U.S. Further reporting revealed that the stake was likely less than $1,000.

Senator Kamala Harris (D., Calif.) on Wednesday told ABCs The View that President Trump is a drug-pusher for promoting hydroxychloroquine.

More from National Review
The New York Philharmonic announced last Monday that an arbitrators ruling had obliged it to reinstate two musicians the orchestra dismissed in September 2018 for alleged sexual misconduct.

The two men, principal oboist Liang Wang and associate principal trumpeter Matthew Muckey, disputed the firings and their union, Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians, filed a grievance. An independent arbitrator heard the case and found the musicians had been terminated without just cause and should be reinstated.

Liang Wang [Copyright: Liang Wang]

The orchestra issued a bitter statement, complaining that its actions had been countermanded. We are profoundly disappointed by the arbitrators decision, the Philharmonic commented, adding: While we obviously disagree with the arbitrator and stand by our original actions and decisions in this matter, we will, as we must, abide by the arbitrators ruling and reinstate both players.

The dismissals of Wang and Muckey came in the midst of the #MeToo hysteria as it swept through various fields, including classical music. The downfalls of such prominent figures as James Levine of the Metropolitan Opera, one of the most significant conductors of his generation; William Preucil, concertmaster for the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra and a longtime faculty member at the Cleveland Institute of Music; Charles Dutoit, principal conductor of the Royal Philharmonic of London; and Massimo La Rosa, principal trombonist with the Cleveland Symphony, were among the most spectacular.

In regard to the cases of the reinstated Philharmonic players, the New York Times noted this week, No details of the allegations against Mr. Wang and Mr. Muckey have been provided. In 2018, the Philharmonic hired Barbara S. Jones, an attorney at Bracewell and a former federal judge, to investigate. Following the investigation, the orchestra terminated the players, the newspaper said.

In an e-mail to the Times, Alan S. Lewis, an attorney representing Wang, explained that the 20-day arbitration hearing (which took place over the course of eight months), at which Liang testified, finally allowed all of the facts to be fully examined, and after that hearing, Arbitrator [Richard] Bloch concluded that the Philharmonic had simply failed to prove any misconduct by Liang. Steven J. Hyman, a lawyer for Muckey, said that his client is eager to return to his position at the Philharmonic.

Matthew Muckey

In its statement, the Philharmonic objected to the fact that, in reaching his conclusion favoring Wang and Muckey, the arbitrator opted to apply a higher standard of proof than is typically applied in labor disputes. He found that the evidence did not meet this higher standard. In our opinion, the arbitrator failed to give appropriate weight to the events supporting the victims claims (not alleged victims, but victims). In other words, the arbitrator based himself on the notion that the accused had rights in such a case.

In 2018, there was much gloating about the firings of Wang, Muckey and other musicians in #MeToo circles, on the part of individuals who, like everyone else, had absolutely no idea what the facts of the case might have been.

The headline of an article posted on the Daily Kos in November 2018, for example, by Katelyn Simon, asserted that Classical Music #MeToo Firings Send Signal: Times Up. Simon observed that Somewhere just outside the limelight of celebrity and political #MeToo takedowns (or should-have-been takedowns), classical music is having an unprecedented reckoning.  Could it be that in the most reform-proof corner of the performing arts, the paradigm is starting to shift?

In a piece that listed the dismissals of Wang and Muckey as among those welcome takedowns, Simon asked, Where do we go from here? The shakedowns are not in themselves the victory. But one can hope that theyre an opening and that, first and foremost, women will fill some of these new vacancies and change the balances of power.

Again, one needs to recall, despite Simons sweeping, presumably rhetorical claim in the column that Everyone knew everything about these men already, in fact, no one knew anything about the allegations against the Philharmonic musicians.

In regard to the cases of Levine, Dutoit, Preucil and others, Zoe Madonna, who covers classical and pop music for the Boston Globe, ludicrously argued in December 2019 that classical music continues to lean hard on the great-man myththey are almost always men, our master Maestrosand brush aside any inconveniences in their biographies, such as sexism or Nazism. Making sexual advances was thereby equated to mass murder!

In this media-driven, frenzied atmosphere, the latter-day Victorians and blacklisters had no difficulty in destroying dozens of reputations and lives.

Both Wang and Muckey are substantial artistsnot that this would constitute a defense if they were hardened sexual abusers. NPR reports that Wang was one of the Philharmonics most highly paid members. Within an orchestra, NPR notes, the principal oboe holds a particular leadership role: that instrumentalist gives the A pitch that everyone else in the orchestra uses to tune, is considered the leader of the woodwind section, and often plays solos.

Wangs website explains he was born in Qing Dao, China, in 1980 and began oboe studies at the age of seven. In 1993, he enrolled at the Beijing Central Conservatory, and in 2003, he completed his bachelors degree at The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. ... He is an alumnus of the Music Academy of the West, now a partner in the New York Philharmonic Global Academy.

The website further notes that before joining the New York Philharmonic in September 2006, Wang was principal oboe of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (200506), Santa Fe Opera (200405), and San Francisco Ballet Orchestra; associate principal oboe of the San Francisco Symphony; and guest principal oboe of the Chicago and San Francisco Symphony Orchestras.

In addition to his many other accomplishments, the oboist has given master classes at the Cincinnati Conservatory, The Juilliard School, Mannes College of Music, Manhattan School of Music, The Curtis Institute of Music, Seoul University, New York University, and the Beijing, Shanghai, Hanoi, and Singapore conservatories. He is currently on the faculties of the Manhattan School of Music and New York University, and is an honorary professor at Beijings Central Conservatory of Music and the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.

Muckey also joined the Philharmonic in 2006, directly after graduating from Northwestern University. The Northwestern student newspaper, in April 2006, provided a glimpse into the high level of competition for Philharmonic positions:

Muckey was selected from a pool of 500 trumpet players, each vying for one of two open positions. He has flown to New York City three times since January for auditions. During the final round, Muckey was one of three musicians competing for a place in the orchestra. I prepared quite extensively for the final, he said. They said they could ask for practically anything in the trumpet literature. Music Director Lorin Maazel personally selected Muckey for the associate principal position, or third chair. This is the first time in 25 years a trumpet player as young as Muckey has been selected to play for a major orchestra, Muckey said.

Wang and Muckey may have escaped having their musical careers destroyedif so, a very welcome development.

The Times, in its recent report on Wang and Muckey, also refers, somewhat regretfully, to the case of Amar Ramasar, a star dancer at the New York City Ballet and now a prominent performer in the revival on Broadway of West Side Story, the famed musical. Ramasar was fired from the ballet company for sharing vulgar texts and sexually explicit photos of a dancer with a colleague, but won his job back through arbitration with the help of his union, to the dismay of some women in the company.

The reinstatements of Wang and Mackey suggest that the overreaching by #MeToo crusaders may be backfiring. In particular, the use of media sensationalism and of anonymous and unspecified charges is beginning to reveal the real significance of the witch-hunting campaigns.
BBC bosses are warning interviewers not to put ministers under pressure over the coronavirus crisis, says former Today Programme presenter John Humphrys.

The veteran broadcaster, 76, made the revealing claim in his column for today's Daily Mail.

He wrote: 'I'm told BBC bosses are warning interviewers not to put ministers under pressure.

John Humphrys (left), 76, said BBC bosses are 'warning interviewers not to put ministers under pressure'. Pictured right: Dominic Raab speaking with BBC presenter Andrew Marr

Health Secretary Matt Hancock (centre) gave the media briefing from Downing Street on Friday

'Why? If the questioning is well informed and polite, surely the tougher the better.

'All this stuff might be justified if we were at war. But we're not. To talk of the virus as an enemy is to misunderstand the crisis with which we are faced.'

Mr Humphrys added: 'The state will survive. The question is how much it might have changed. The Chinese found a way of dealing with the virus. Nobody questioned it because they did not dare.

'That's the way it is under totalitarian rule. The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.

'Plus, occasionally, a touch of rebellion.'

Social media users have also accused the broadcasting company of failing to 'take the government to task' and 'looking after' ministers.

Referring to Matt Hancock urging the public 'not to overuse PPE' this morning, one tweeted: 'Why doesn't he answer questions?

'He was asked by Mishal Husain today if the death toll would have been lower had measures been taken earlier. He faffed, but didn't answer the question.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock, pictured above, insisted that there is enough gear to meet demand but should be treated by hospitals as a 'precious resource'

'And BBC's Husain didn't say "you didn't answer the question". This should be routine practice.'

Another posted: 'The Today programme recently even had an item comparing Johnson with Churchill.

'The BBC in general is simply not prepared to take the government to task and hold its feet to the fire.'

A third added: 'Two days ago Nursing Times reported 23 HCP's had died, yet today Matt Hancock claims it's 19! How can a word uttered by Hancock be believed?

'Did the BBC not do any research before the interview or are you prevented from challenging the SOS mendacity!'

Social media users (tweets above) have also accused the broadcasting company of failing to 'take the government to task' and 'looking after' ministers

A fourth wrote yesterday: 'BBC suddenly cut off todays Downing Street briefing when Hancock was asked a critical question about his failure to maintain social distancing in meetings at his office. BBC looking after the Tories again.'

It follows the Health Secretary saying it is 'really important' for people 'not to overuse PPE' on BBC Radio 4's Today Programme, doubling down on remarks made at yesterday's Number 10 press briefing.

He added: 'I don't want to impugn blame on people who have used more PPE than the guidelines suggest because I understand the difficulties in the circumstances.

'What I would say it is very important to use the right PPE and not overuse it.

'Of course there have been examples but I don't want to stress that because I also understand the circumstances in which people might have used more PPE than was strictly necessary according to the guidelines.'

A BBC spokesperson told MailOnline: 'This is emphatically not the case, as watching or listening to our interviews demonstrates.

'It is the job of our journalists to challenge and question ministers on behalf of the public, while bearing in mind that we are in the middle of a public health emergency.'
During the coronavirus pandemic, priests such as Father Chris Ponnet of the St. Camillus Catholic Center for Pastoral Care in Los Angeles are continuing to work in hospitals as chaplains or volunteers who administer sacraments to patients. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)

As an elderly man lay dying in a Los Angeles hospital last month, his family requested a sacrament that Catholics have asked for down through the ages: last rites from a priest.

But, tradition had to take a backseat to precaution. The dying man had COVID-19 and was in an isolation ward. Visitors were prohibited, even relatives and collared clergy.

The solution the hospital devised owed debts to Steve Jobs and Pope Francis.

A nurse in full protective gear carried an iPhone to the mans bedside and used FaceTime to patch in the patients children in two different locations as well as a priest standing in the hall outside the room.

The cleric explained that the Vatican had given a special dispensation to those suffering from the coronavirus and that the prayers he delivered over the video chat would have the same spiritual effect as if he were to perform the normal anointing with holy oil: a full pardon of all sins.

Though the circumstances were difficult and unusual, they experienced spiritual and emotional support by this intervention, according to a description of the event provided to The Times by Providence St. Joseph Health, which runs the hospital where the patient was treated.

By its nature, organized religion is a communal endeavor and social distancing has disrupted its practice profoundly. But due to the coronavirus, most houses of worship are closed, their services moved online or canceled. Scripture studies, weddings, bar mitzvahs, Lenten fish fries and even the annual hajj pilgrimage to Mecca went from set in stone to TBD or not at all.

At a time when deaths have become a national preoccupation, tallied live daily on television, the changes to last rites seem especially poignant. The sacrament, officially called anointing of the sick, exists now in a liminal state not unlike many of those who receive it.

In much of the country, hospitals, including Catholic ones, have decided it is too risky for priests to give the sacrament to those ill from the highly contagious virus. Some have told chaplains to stay away from the hospital and have ended spiritual rounding  or paying visits to patients room by room  as part of the effort to reduce spread of the virus.

Story continues

In other places, the sacrament continues, but with alterations that might make it hard to recognize.

In Boyle Heights, three priests at L.A. County-USC Medical Center suit up in gowns, gloves and masks to administer last rites to virus sufferers. Instead of carrying a large ceremonial vessel, they pour a small amount in a disposable plastic container and dot it on the patients forehead and hands with a swab. They pray through N95 masks.

The most profound alteration may be the absence of loved ones at the bedside. In regular times, the rite can be the beginning of the grieving process, with the patient and family and friends sharing memories and expressions of love. With COVID-19, it is often only the priest and a patient too ill to communicate.

Its a different form of ministry, said Father Chris Ponnet, a chaplain at County-USC for 26 years. The anointing is not a superstitious thing. Its really where the priest is representing not only God, but the presence of the community.

Deacon Guido Zamalloa, chaplain at Methodist Hospital of Southern California, stands in front of the hospital in Arcadia. Zamalloa continues to work at the hospital each day, and he has prayed with a COVID-19 patient over the phone because he was not able to go into the room. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

When virus patients are lucid, the loneliness of isolation can be oppressive. Catholic deacon Guido Zamalloa counsels COVID-19 patients at Methodist Hospital of Southern California in Arcadia by phone. During one recent call, a 55-year-old woman with the disease described being tired, feverish and anxious about not having her family.

Zamalloa listened and then he and the woman recited the Our Father prayer in unison.

"It's a spiritual support for the patients," he said.

The sacrament traces its origins to a gospel description of the apostles: They drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Though the faithful use the term last rites colloquially to mean the anointing, the church views it as three sacraments -- anointing, Holy Eucharist and reconciliation, also known as confession. For patients on ventilators or otherwise unable to eat or speak, only the anointing is done.

More than 2,000 Catholic chaplains work in the United States; the vast majority are lay people who provide counseling and bring the Holy Eucharist to patients, but are not able to anoint the sick. The sacrament only can be administered by a priest who is physically present to touch the patient.

The Catholic Church is a very tactile religion and the sacraments are very earthy ones, from bread and wine to oil to laying on the hands, said David Lichter, executive director of the National Assn. of Catholic Chaplains.

In heavily Roman Catholic Italy, which suffered an early and severe outbreak of COVID-19, more than 80 priests have died from the virus. The majority were old and some had underlying health conditions, but the bishop of Bergamo, Francesco Beschi, said in a TV interview that the deaths also testified to the priests' outreach to COVID-19 victims.

Numerous are those who have exposed themselves [to the virus] to be close to their community, he said. Their illness is an evident sign of closeness, a painful sign of closeness and sharing in the suffering.

On March 20, the Vatican decreed special dispensations for believers who couldnt receive last rites or certain other sacraments because of the virus.

It was an unprecedented move that many followers have yet to grasp.

A lot of Catholics feel like if you dont get the sacrament of the sick, you are going to be doomed, but that is not it at all, said Father Timothy Bushy, Southern California regional spiritual health officer at Providence St. Joseph Health, who helped arrange the FaceTime blessing.

A week after the Vatican announcement, Father Lester Avestruz, a Catholic chaplain at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, went from walking the hospital halls to working the phones from home.

While a younger priest continued to minister at the hospital, Avestruz, 74, calls in to about eight patients rooms each day.

Its a big difference but that is all we can do, Avestruz said. In the calls, he reassured the ill that because of the popes dispensation, they dont have to worry about not getting the sacraments.

"It's a different form of ministry," Father Chris Ponnet, a chaplain at L.A. County-USC Medical Center for 26 years, says of his work during the coronavirus crisis. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)

It gives the patient some peace, Avestruz said. I assure them that God is always good and he understands the situation.

Lay Catholic chaplains and clergy from other religions also have embraced virtual spiritual counseling.

Keck Hospital and USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center are giving out iPads that will allow a chaplain to connect with a patient.

Its not the best, but it is certainly better than nothing,said chaplain Phil Manly, Kecks director of spiritual care. The worst thing of all would be to have no communication.

These days chaplain work also means ministering to medical staff fearful about their own health. The usual hand-waves or "how are yous" often become 15-minute mini-counseling sessions for nurses and other personnel, he said.

"The anxiety levels are so high," Zamalloa said.

One nurse, he said, came to him recently with her fears. She is pregnant, and the sole provider for her family after her husband was laid off.

"She is debating whether to keep going or not," he said.

Near the end of March, the Rev. Kevin Rettig was summoned to Methodist Hospital in Arcadia to give last rites to a patient. Hospital staff took his temperature on the way into the building and, once cleared, he went to the critical care unit. A man, who did not have COVID-19, was about to be removed from a ventilator.

Rettig stepped into the room, a mask wrapped around his nose and mouth, to give him the sacrament of the sick. He dipped his gloved hand into holy oil, and drew a cross atop the patient's forehead and hand.

The man was pulled from life support that day. Though the priest wasnt present in the room, he believes that the mans wife and two grown children were there.

You are there to give a service and it's an important service," Rettig reflected later. You do the best you can under the circumstances.
PHILIPPINE SEA (April 9, 2020) An F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced) launches from the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rufus Hucks)

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As of Friday, more than half of New Yorks 613 licensed nursing homes had reported coronavirus infections, with 4,630 total positive cases and 1,439 deaths, officials said.

In New Jersey, nursing homes had been linked to 252 virus-related deaths, more than 90 of them in the past two days. The outbreak has now affected at least 70 percent of the states long-term care centers.

The actual infection rate in nursing homes is almost certainly higher than the data indicate because few homes have the capacity to test residents. The assumption among many in the industry is that every nursing home in the region has people with Covid-19.

The crisis in nursing homes is occurring in virus hot spots across the country, with infections growing in places like Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

In New York, nursing home administrators said they had been overwhelmed by an outbreak that quickly spun beyond their control. They were unable, they said, to have residents tested to isolate the virus or to get protective equipment to keep workers from getting sick or transmitting the virus to residents.

The story is not about whether theres Covid-19 in the nursing homes, said Scott LaRue, the chief executive of ArchCare, which operates five nursing homes in New York. The story is, why arent they being treated with the same respect and the same resources that everyone else out there is? Its ridiculous.
New York (AFP) - Clutching flowers, candles and photos, New York hospital workers paid tribute to colleagues who have died from the coronavirus since the beginning of the epidemic that has ravaged the city with a modest ceremony in the freezing cold Friday.

Standing in front of the Mount Sinai Hospital Group in Manhattan, with a heart drawn in electric candles on the sidewalk and letters spelling out the word "HOPE", they made short speeches remembering the nurses, doctors and other hospital workers who fell victim to the virus.

Many clutched photographs of the deceased.

"We are here to honor, to pray and remember our fallen heroes," said nurse Joanne Mee Wah Loo to the small group of people who came to pay tribute despite the chill wind.

No one knows exactly how many caregivers have died since the beginning of the epidemic in New York City, the most affected metropolis in the US, with nearly 95,000 people infected and more than 5,800 dead.

But was at Mount Sinai that Kious Kelly, the first New York nurse known to die of coronavirus, passed away at the end of March.

"He was a good person, a hard worker, he loved what he was doing," says Lenore Leiba, a nurse who knew him and attended this tribute.

"It is important to celebrate his life, their lives, and who they really were. They were not worried about their lives, they were thinking of others."

- 'Inhumane' -

Tirzah Caraballo, surgical pathologist secretary at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx, came to honor Christine Hunt, who died last Sunday after 35 years as a receptionist at the hospital.

"She was our mom, our friend, our sister," Caraballo said.

"She was denied a mask because she was a secretary. And this is why she's no longer with us."

In the early days of the pandemic, she explained, administrative staff were not allowed masks as they were reserved for nurses and doctors.

She acknowledges there are now masks for everyone. "Yes, things have improved since, but we lost so many. It shouldn't have been a decision of who gets a mask and who doesn't. That's inhumane," she said.

Story continues

The ceremony didn't last long. It began at 7:00 pm (2300 GMT), the time when the applause for the caregivers in New York City resounded.

A fire truck stopped and several firefighters took the time to applaud, as well as a few passers-by. Forty minutes later, it was over.

"Thank you for coming," said Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez, president of the New York State Nurses Association, who attended the ceremony. "We hope we don't have to do this again."
WFH for Private offices in Delhi, restaurants & bars to be shut as Omicron-led to sudden rise in Covid cases

Coronavirus outbreak: Why lifting lockdown in India is a bad idea

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

New Delhi, Apr 11: As the deadly virus began to spread across the world, India witnessed its first case on January 30, 2020. With this, it can be seen that the coronavirus is driven by human-to-human transmission, forcing the government authorities to call for social distancing as an effective way to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Govt gears up for post lockdown scenario, hints at possible relaxations

According to reports, before China imposed a complete lockdown in January, the R0 of the virus had increased to 2.38, indicating a high capacity for sustained transmission. However, China was quick to announce a complete lockdown on January 23.

After China, India called for a nationwide lockdown on March 24. This move by the government came after Janta Curfew was called as an experiment on March 22.

A report that analysed the data on coronavirus spread till April 8, claimed that the rate of positive COVID-19 cases in India with densely-populated regions is 4.5-5.0 per cent, as compared to much higher figures in the European nations and the United States.

It can be seen that India is yet to begin its testing on clusters with high rates of COVID-19. However, one positive situation that India is witnessing is that the nation is registering lack of severe and critical cases.

What does your child think about the coronavirus lockdown: Send us their thoughts

With this, it can be seen that India has done exceptionally well so far in curbing the deadly virus. But, it also has several other challenges to sustain the benefits of the lockdown and lifting the lockdown for the next few weeks, remain crucial.
Despite repeated assurances by successive governments, Nigeria has consistently underfunded its agricultural sector, leaving the country at the risk of food insufficiency and slow economic growth.

The country has the largest number of people living in extreme poverty, according to the world poverty clock in 2018. With very low income and insufficient food, Nigeria has a high number of malnourished children.

Agriculture is recognised globally as one of the most effective tools of reversing this trend. With proper financing, more people can be lifted out of poverty, the countrys GDP will grow faster and the country can easily meet its food needs for its over 200 million people.

However, administration after administration, Nigeria failed to invest substantially in agriculture despite calls by experts and international organisations.

Between 2000 and date, Nigerias agriculture financing was at its best only during the Yaradua government, a review by PREMIUM TIMES has shown. In 2008, that administration budgeted N2.92 billion for agriculture which was 5.41% from the total budget, and in 2009, it budgeted N3.101 billion again for agriculture, showing 5.38% from the total budget.

The percentage of those allocations compared to the total budgets remains the highest of any government till date. Previous and subsequent governments fared very abysmally.

Here is the data of how the country has performed in the last two decades:

YEARS PERCENTAGE %

2000 3.10%

2001 1.90%

2002 1.69%

2003 1.85%

2004 1.46%

2005 1.14%

2006 1.62%

2007 1.69%

2008 5.41%

2009 5.38%

2010 1.32%

2011 1.47%

2012 1.67%

2013 1.67%

2014 1.43%

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2015 0.90%

2016 1.25%

2017 1.82%

2018 2.01%

2019 1.50%

2020 1.73%

Looking at different administrations in the last two decades, the average of those allocated percentages can also be shown thus;

NAMES AVERAGE ALLOCATION(%)

OBASNAJO 1.81

YARADUA 5.39

JONATHAN 1.46

BUHARI 1.67

This implies that Jonathans tenure voted the lowest allocation to the sector with total average allocation of 1.46, closely followed by Buhari and Obasanjos tenure that shows an average of 1.67 and 1.81 respectively.

However, Nigeria experienced the highest allocation in the agriculture sector under Yaraduas administration with total average of 5.39, significantly higher than others.

It can be recalled that in 2003, Nigeria was part of the Maputo declaration treaty that mandated all its member countries to allocate at least 10% of its total annual budget to agriculture, this was done as a response to the current poverty level in Africa; to increase food sufficiency but from the available data gathered so far in the last two decades, opposite of the agreement is the case. Meaning that Nigeria can still do more in the sector through an increase budget allocation.

According to Victor Ebong, an associate professor of Agribusiness and Development Economic at the University of Uyo, funding of the agricultural sector by the federal government is an investment in the sector in which there must be adequate returns even above the investment funds.

Funding of the agricultural sector by the Federal Government is an investment in the sector in which there must be adequate returns above investment funds with the attendance improvement in the wellbeing of the various stakeholders in the agricultural implementation process. Mr Ebong said.
In the current destruction, valuations have become attractive in several pockets. But experts suggest that stocks that yield high dividends have a dual benefit. The stock price goes up when the market phase changes and the dividend income earned also stays. Here is a list of 15 stocks that can be considered for investment on the basis of good corporate governance, fundamentals and dividend yield.

ITC | Narnolia Financial | Valuations of this stock are at historic lows. Dividend payout has been around 50% with net profit growth at 12% CAGR for the last 4 years.

Coal India | Rudra Shares and stock Brokers | It is a debt-free company and consistently pays dividend with dividend yield of 9.39 percent in FY20 (interim basis). In FY17, FY18 and FY19, the company paid Rs 19.88, Rs 16.55, and Rs 13.03 dividend per share, respectively. Company enjoys high cash flow and margins.

CARE Ratings | Rudra Shares and Stock Brokers | It is the second-largest full-service rating company in India with ROE & ROCE of 24.55 percent & 36.02 percent, respectively. The company generated dividend yield of 10.46 percent in FY19. It enjoys higher margins and high cash accrual.

NMDC | Rudra Shares and Stock Brokers | The company has a remarkable financial profile reflected by its debt-free status, regular dividend payouts, a dividend yield of 7.50 percent in FY20 (interim basis), ROE of 18.23 percent and healthy cash generation from mining business

Indian Oil Corporation | Rudra Shares and Stock Brokers | It provides good dividend yield of 11.89 percent, supported by strong parentage arising from the GOI 51.50 percent stake. Further, it is expected to remain strong aided by healthy cash flow generation and high margins along with strong access to capital markets and high financial flexibility due to sovereign ownership

MPS | Rudra Shares and Stock Brokers | It has been maintaining a healthy dividend payout and generating 22 percent dividend yield in FY20 (interim basis) along with high cash flow. The company is debt-free with ROE and ROCE of 14.56% and 20.61%, respectively

CapitalVia Global Research has picked up ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company, Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL), MindTree, Muthoot Finance and Mahanagar Gas to buy for the dividend yield and attractive valuations.

Hero MotoCorp | ICICI Direct | It possesses capital-efficient business model realising more than 25 percent return on capital employed (RoCE) on consistent basis and offers an attractive dividend yield of around 5 percent: ICICI Direct

KSB | ICICI Direct | The company maintained dividend per share to the tune of Rs 5-6/share, which provides dividend yield of 1.5 percent. Historically, a positive spread of equity over bond yield provides a better investment opportunity. Hence, a downside in KSB from present levels to be limited

BEL | ICICI Direct | It currently exhibits attractive valuations, has always paid consistent dividends, commands a debt-free balance sheet and generates strong cash flow from operations yield
Travel and travel planning are being disrupted by the worldwide spread of the coronavirus. For the latest updates, read The New York Timess Covid-19 coverage here.

Dear Tripped Up,

Last September I booked a Japan tour with Abercrombie & Kent, scheduled to leave at the end of March. Three tickets came to more than $46,000, without airfare. What happens when you book your dream trip, only to confront travel restrictions and an exploding global pandemic? Nancy

Dear Nancy,

Last September, around the time you must have been booking your Japan trip, I took my first-ever surfing lesson in Barbados. Bobbing in the gentle, beginner-friendly bay, I learned the sport is all about timing: If you cant get ahead of the wave, youll end up watching it thunder ashore without you.

The same goes for writing about travel amid the daily-changing coronavirus pandemic.

My original response to your question, which had been scheduled for the third week of March, included a detailed run-down about how tour operators work. I spoke to Abercrombie & Kent and even got you a credit  yes, the full $46,000.
By PTI

LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh Shia Central Waqf Board has directed all its caretakers to immediately inform police if they hear about any person who had attended the Tablighi Jamaat in Delhi's Nizamuddin area.

In a statement issued here, chairman of Uttar Pradesh Shia Central Waqf Board Waseem Rizvi said, "All the muttawlis (caretakers) are hereby informed that if any person who had attended Tablighi Jamaat are noticed at your mosques or madrassas, or want to hide on the pretext of being a Muslim, then the police should be immediately informed."

Information can also be given in this regard to the helpline of the Uttar Pradesh Shia Central Waqf Board. "Special attention should be paid by mosques and madrassas located in the vicinity of India-Nepal border. If any muttawali tries to give shelter to any traitor or help him, then the Board will recommend that action be initiated against the said muttawali under National Security Act," he said.

He said in the statement that the chief executive officer and all the inspectors of the board have been instructed in this regard to inform the muttawalis.
. With active support of the people of India,have been able to contain the spread of the Virus in our country. The most important factor in preventing the s pread of the Virus locally is to empower the citizens with the right information and taking precautions as per the advisories being issued by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
A man being treated for COVID-19 became aggravated and allegedly spit on a nurse and a security officer, potentially infecting both of them.

The incident occurred at about 3:30 p.m. April 6 at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, 2333 Biddle Ave. A registered nurse, who filed a complaint, told police she was working on the third floor, which is dedicated to infected COVID-19 patients.

The nurse said she explained the protocol regarding procedures for his care while he was in the unit, but as the day progressed, the man became increasingly agitated with staff and demanded to leave his room.

The nurse advised him that he could not do that, which agitated him even more. He walked into the hallway and became combative. She notified security.

The man refused to listen to the directives given by the nurse and security officer.

The staff then backed away from (the patient) at which time he stated How do you like the COVID? and gathered a large amount of infectious sputum and spit it at the victim, an officer wrote in a police report.

Wyandotte police said it appeared to be a clear case of the patient intentionally spitting on the nurse and security officer, who only had his best interest in mind.

This horrendous act illustrates the hazards our health care workers are exposed to during these trying times, said Deputy Police Chief Archie Hamilton. Health care workers are under a great deal of stress, and despite risking their own personal safety, they continuously come to work every day in an effort to save strangers. Therefore, it is absolutely unacceptable for a patient to attack them, not only physically but mentally, adding to their emotional distress. Without question, our agency will ensure this offender is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Northam said at a news conference that Laurie Forlano, the deputy commissioner of population health at the Virginia Department of Health, will lead the group, which will focus on preventing and containing COVID-19 cases in the facilities, which are susceptible to outbreaks.

While weve taken a lot of steps across the commonwealth to protect residents of nursing homes and staff that work in nursing homes, we need to offer them more help, Forlano said.

The task force will also track data on COVID-19 cases in long-term care facilities.

Forlano said Friday that of the 82 coronavirus outbreaks identified across the state, 45 are in long-term care facilities, whose residents account for 525 confirmed cases. Overall, the state had about 4,500 cases as of Friday, the department said. The number of cases reported by the department is likely lower than the number of people actually infected because of a lag in testing results and shortage of tests.

Fears of infection severely affected staffing levels at Canterbury at the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, a shortage that Wright says has improved with the help of out-of-state nurses and the VDH at one point supplying 20 to help with testing.
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Jack Phillips back in court for refusing to bake lawyers transgender 'birthday cake'

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Colorado baker Jack Phillips was back in court Thursday after a lawyer filed a second lawsuit against him for refusing to create a gender-transition "birthday cake."

Phillips, who was victorious at the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 following years of litigation for refusing to make a custom cake for a same-sex wedding in 2012  at a time when the state of Colorado did not recognize same-sex marriage  is again being represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom.

Despite the high court's 7-2 ruling in his favor two years ago, which found that the Colorado Civil Rights Commission had shown "clear and impermissible hostility" on the basis of Phillips' religion and violated the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the same state agency pursued another case against Phillips because he declined to make a cake celebrating transgenderism.

Phillips filed a lawsuit against the state alleging harassment and it subsequently dropped the matter.

After that, a local trans activist and attorney named Autumn Scardina called Phillips' Denver-area bakery to order a custom made gender-transition cake. Scardina waited past the appeal deadline so he could file a new lawsuit in a different court.

Scardina is seeking more than $100,000 in damages, fines, and attorney's fees.

The state court heard oral arguments in the case on Thursday.

ADF has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit.

Scardina is now claiming in this latest legal action, which was filed in the District Court for the city and county of Denver, that Phillips violated Colorados Anti-Discrimination Act and Consumer Protection Act by refusing to bake what the plaintiff said was a birthday cake.

This birthday cake, as described in the lawsuit, was to be blue on the outside and pink on the inside to represent Scardina's decision to self-identify as a woman.

Masterpiece Cakeshop said before the Supreme Court they would serve any baked good to members of the LGBTQ community. It was just the religious significance of it being a wedding cake. We dont believe theyve been honest with the public," said Scardina's attorney, Paula Greisen, in an interview with CBS's Denver affiliate last year.



Phillips has long maintained that he does not single out lesbian, gay, bi-sexual or trans-identified individuals regarding his custom orders. However, he's long maintained that he will not use his creative talents to support messages that conflict with his faith. Thus, he will not make cakes that celebrate Halloween, drug use, or cakes that disparage people, including those who identify as LGBT.

"It wasnt enough for Jack to lose 40 percent of his business after Colorado pursued him the first time. It wasnt enough for Jack to have to defend his freedoms all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. And it wasnt enough for Jack and his family to endure years of harassment and even death threats," ADF noted on its website Wednesday.

"For some, it wont be enough until Masterpiece Cakeshop closes its doors and Jack Phillips is in financial ruin. They want Jack, an average American business owner, to pay a hefty priceall because he wants to live according to his faith. It is time to leave Jack alone," ADF added.

The Supreme Court ruling in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission has been seen as one of the more important modern religious liberty cases to reach the high court. Though a decisive majority of justices sided with Phillips, the scope of the ruling was narrow in that it focused on the Colorado Commission's lack of neutrality. The high court did not weigh in on the deeper conflict between anti-discrimination statutes and the free exercise of religion and free speech.
Be strong, mum, we really love you," is what Dr. Aurelie Gouel's kids tell the ICU physician when she sets off for long hospital shifts trying to save critically ill coronavirus patients.

Although aged just 4 and 6, Gouels children are acutely aware of how dangerous the disease can be not only because their mother has briefed them but also because she is among the more than 1.6 million people worldwide who have fallen sick.

Tell-tale symptoms  fever, cough, intense fatigue, difficulty breathing  floored Gouel in March.

It was very tough for three, four days, she told The Associated Press.

But as soon as she felt well enough, she plunged straight back to work at her Paris hospital that treated Europe's first fatal case.

It was quite frustrating being at home and seeing how badly the hospitals needed help," the 38-year-old said.

We were trained for this, she added. The world needs us.

In the brutal months since France reported Europes first coronavirus cases in January and then, in February, the first death on the continent, the scourge has infected so many thousands of doctors, nurses and other health workers in Europe that some have now recovered and are going from their sick beds back to the front lines.

It's a bit like what happened in the First World War. People were wounded and came back to the battlefield," said Dr. Philippe Montravers, head of anesthesiology and critical care at Bichat Hospital in Paris.

The hospital treated the 80-year-old Chinese tourist who in mid-February became the first person outside Asia to die from COVID-19.

They feel ... very guilty staying at home," Montravers said. As soon as they are feeling better, they come back to help."

As scientists race to unravel the new coronavirus' mysteries, as yet unsure of how resistant people become to re-infection after exposure, health workers hope that those among them who recovered and are returning to hospitals are now armed not only with a deeper, more personal understanding of the virus but also with some degree of immunity.

That armor against possible reinfection could make them especially useful in the drawn-out battle until a vaccine is found.

It helps a lot for them to return to work, and especially for them to return with immunization. Thats really fantastic because it takes away the fear that we have for a second wave of infections," said Dr. Julio Mayol, medical director of the San Carlos Clinic Hospital in Madrid. Nearly 15% of its 1,400 staffers have been infected.

For most people, coronavirus symptoms clear up in two to three weeks. But for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

In Italy, those back on duty include Elena Pagliarini, a nurse who was photographed before her diagnosis slumped exhausted next to a computer keyboard,

In Paris, the returnees include Sebastien, an intensive-care medic at Bichat, the hospital where Gouel also works. Sebastien doesn't want his surname published because he fears that his already very scared neighbors will freak out completely if they learn that he and his wife, a surgeon who is 5 months pregnant, both fell ill.

His infection was so severe that he spent three days nailed to my bed. I was so exhausted by the symptoms that I couldnt get up.

Yet he was back at the hospital less than two weeks later, even as his wife's symptoms worsened.

She was really in a bad way and she was hospitalized on the day that I went back to work," he said.

I felt useless. I had to work. I would have been completely stressed out had I stayed home," he added. I wanted to help my colleagues.

Assuming that he may have developed some immunity, Sebastien says he now volunteers for ICU tasks that carry a higher risk of infection, such as taking viral swabs and inserting bronchoscopes into patients' diseased lungs so they can be inspected.

I prefer to expose myself than colleagues who havent been infected, he said.

Gouel also says the possibility of immunity reassured her when she went back to dealing with the crush of patients.

I feel that Im now a durable strength," she said. If there are things that need to be done with heavily infected patients, things that are risky, Im easier with me doing them, rather than my colleagues.

Despite being very worried when she was sick, Gouel's husband supported her rapid return to work, she said.

He knows that I will be careful, that I wont take risks, that I will wear masks and gloves and that I wont put myself and our family in danger, she said.

And although her kids know all about the coronavirus, that it is serious and people die of it, they also understand that her drive to fight it means she can't always be with them.

They give me a kiss and say, Be strong, mum, we really love you,'" she said. "Even though they are small, they know that my rightful place is with the sick.

(image credit: AP)
In Iran, the hardest-hit country so far in its region, some government offices and shops, factories and other businesses began reopening on Saturday as the national lockdown is lifted in phases. President Hassan Rouhani had said last week that economic and government activity must continue. On Saturday, he said that people should still observe social distancing.

The lifting of restrictions came despite warnings from the countrys health ministry that the reopening could cause a new spike in cases and tens of thousands of additional deaths.

Some of the most grievously hit countries in Europe, while still recording hundreds of new deaths every day, say that the worst appears to be past. Their plans to ease some restrictions, they caution, will not bring normalcy, but instead a new phase of learning how to safely live with the pandemic.

[Analysis: Oil collapse and covid-19 create toxic geopolitical stew.]

Spain, with the worlds highest caseload after the United States, is preparing to allow some nonessential employees to return to work on Monday. The country has reported a falling death rate and a daily growth in new cases of about 3 percent, compared with 20 percent in mid-March.

But officials stressed the limits of that easing. Spain continues in a state of lockdown, Health Minister Salvador Illa warned on Friday. We are not yet in a de-escalation phase.
A man was hospitalized at a hospital in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho this week for esophagus ruptures after trying various home remedies to dislodge a fish bone stuck in his throat, the hospital said on Friday.

The patient, 51-year-old T.V.T. from neighboring Soc Trang Province, had recovered after receiving treatment at Can Tho Otorhinolaryngology Hospital in the namesake city, doctors said.

According to his family, T. got a fish bone stuck in his throat while eating snakehead fish.

Deeming it unthreatening, he resorted to prevalent Vietnamese folk knowledge and attempted multiple home remedies, including swallowing cooked rice and bananas without chewing, and having others massage his throat, among others.

The remedies did not help, as it turned out a few days later that the fish bone had sunk even deeper into his esophagus wall, causing him extreme pain and rendering him unable to eat.

Only after four days of only drinking water due to the pain did T. finally resorted to seeking professional help by visiting Can Tho Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, which specializes in ear, nose and throat problems.

Through an endoscopy, doctors successfully removed the three-centimeter foreign object from the mans gullet.

The fish bone was found to have punctured both sides of his esophagus wall, with yellowish, odorous pus forming at the wounds.

The doctors said that T. was fortunate as the abscess was relatively small had not spread to the mediastinum area, which would have made matters more complicated.

Dr. Ho Le Hoai Nhan from Can Tho Otorhinolaryngology Hospital cautioned that attempts to swallow or rub down foreign objects stuck in a persons throat can worsen the situation.

There have been cases where foreign objects in a patients throat have caused mediastinal abscess and blood vessel ruptures, which can be lethal, Nhan said.

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We recommend that all our branch churches follow the guidelines issued by the Government. Kindly take advantage of services being posted by our brethren in South Africa and we will also liaise with them to also broadcast local services on YouTube and for those on WhatsApp, audio messages will be sent. Until we can gather again, we recommend that our congregation members join hands in their homes in prayer, and this is an opportunity to engage in family worship time with those in our households, read the statement.
Birmingham Police Department

A Birmingham, Alabama, detective was charged with murder Saturday after she allegedly shot and killed a woman sitting in an unmarked police car with an off-duty detective in what investigators said was a love triangle gone wrong.

This is not a press conference that I wanted to give today or any other day, but its about the facts and realities of life, Birmingham Police Chief Patrick Smith said at a press conference announcing the arrest of Alfreda Fluker.

Smith did not provide details of the entanglement except to say its something that has been going on for a little while without our knowledge.

The male off-duty detective who was sitting on the car, who was not identified, was not hurt. The victim was identified as Kanisha Necole Fuller, 43.

The incident unfolded just after 11 p.m. on Friday when cops responded to a call of shots fired. They arrived to find a woman shot numerous times and rushed her to UAB Hospital, where she was pronounced dead early Saturday.

Hours later, Flukera 15-year veteran of the force assigned to the crime prevention teamwas taken into custody at her home in west Birmingham. Local police have called in state investigators because one of their own is involved.

Weve spent all of this night tracking down everything we possibly could on this case, Smith said. Even when it leads to one of our own were going to make the tough call and were going to take the right actions.

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Lembit Opik's fiancee has revealed she is expecting his baby just weeks after dumping him over his friendship with a glamorous Russian colleague.

Sabina Vankova, 36, who already shares a two-year-old daughter with the former Liberal Democrat MP, 55, ordered him out of the family home in Epsom, Surrey, earlier this month.

But today she posted a photograph of a positive pregnancy test on social media alongside a caption that read: 'Little Angelina will have a brother/sister @lembitopik.'

Sabina Vankova, 36, who already shares a two-year-old daughter with the former Liberal Democrat MP, 55, (pictured together during her first pregnancy) ordered him out of the family home in Epsom, Surrey, earlier this month

Ms Vankova eventually ordered Mr Opik out of their house after he was photographed with Natalia Khomutinnkova on what he said were business trips

But today she posted a photograph of a positive pregnancy test on social media alongside a caption that read: 'Little Angelina will have a brother/sister @lembitopik'

The couple first met in 2015 at a party to celebrate Tim Farron becoming leader of the Lib Dems but they had recently undergone months of counselling in the hope of negotiating an amicable split.

Ms Vankova eventually ordered Mr Opik out of their house after he was photographed with Natalia Khomutinnkova on what he said were business trips.

He said that the trips to Paris and Nice had been connected to his work for Asgardia - an organisation that seeks to find a way to continue the human race outside of Earth.

But it is thought that Mr Opik did not actually move out of the property.

Ms Vankova eventually ordered Mr Opik out of their house after he was photographed with Natalia Khomutinnkova on what he said were business trips (above)

Speaking previously to the Mail On Sunday, Miss Vankova said: 'I have told Lembit to move out. We have had professional therapy. I don't want to keep quiet any more.

'I wish I had never got involved with him. It is a lesson in waiting for the right man to come along.

'I saw the pictures and I realised that when he was coming back from his work trips he had condoms in his bag.

'It was strange but I believed that he was just away for his job, but now it appears there may have been more to it.'
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Linkedin Apriza Pinandita (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, April 11, 2020 11:06 640 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd127523 1 World Indonesia-Australia,COVID-19,COVID-19-in-Indonesia,diplomatic-missions,Australian-Embassy,coronavirus,virus-corona,virus-korona-indonesia,Australia,envoy,ambassador Free

Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Gary Quinlan has been recalled from his post as a precautionary measure, Australias Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has announced, as the COVID-19 health crisis deepens in Indonesia

In view of the latest developments surrounding the disease, DFAT has asked Quinlan to relocate from Jakarta.

Based on medical advice, Australias Ambassador to Indonesia Gary Quinlan AO is being temporarily relocated to Australia. Ambassador Quinlan will continue to oversee embassy operations from Australia, the department said in a statement on Thursday.

The ambassador is expected to depart for Australia soon.

This is purely a precautionary measure, related to accepted COVID-19 vulnerabilities, it added.

Read also: Australia closes internal borders as unsourced coronavirus cases rise

Despite the decision, the department said Australia's embassy and consulates in Indonesia are "resourced to continue to serve Australias interests, including by providing consular support to Australians at this challenging time.

Australia's travel advisory for Indonesia over the last month has offered a blunt assessment of the local healthcare system, stating that the following few months would be "a hugely challenging period for local authorities and service providers".

As of Friday, Indonesia's official COVID-19 tally is at 3,512 confirmed cases and 306 fatalities.

Some foreign missions have already asked its citizens to leave Indonesia and return home, including the United States Embassy.

Last week, Deputy Foreign Minister Mahendra Siregar led a video conference with at least 120 foreign missions and international organization representatives in Jakarta.

According to a press release from the ministry, Mahendra reassured the envoys that consular services for foreign missions and international organizations in Jakarta would be allowed to continue despite the outbreak, whether through face-to-face meetings by appointment, by phone or virtually.
COVID-19: After fully recovered from the deadly virus, actor Purab Kohli wrote a thanking note to his fans for showing support. The actor also requested his fans to stay indoors, as the body will be the only weapon in the battle against coronavirus.

COVID-19: Maharashtra is the worst-hit state from the coronavirus pandemic. The infected numbers are proliferating day by day. Even Bollywood is affected by the deadly contagion, recently Chennai Express producer Karim Morani with daughters have been tested positive, on the other hand, Hip Hip Hurray actor Purab Kohli and his family were earlier found infected by the deadly virus.

Howbeit, after his recovery, the actor wrote a warm note on Instagram, thanking all his fans for sending blessings to him and his family. He shared a family photo with a note which reads, a big thank you to all for extending wishes warm, felt a strong bolt of love from all the well-wishers. He and his family are now fully recovered.

Through his note, the actor urged people to stay indoors, as thats the way to put brakes in the spread of this pandemic. Right now all should stay inside, conserve their energy levels as it will build strength in the body.

Check the post here:

If in case, a person gets infected, his body will be the only real weapon against COVID-19. With that, his whole family extended gratitude towards the front line workers who are keeping their and family health at risk to serve the nation, a big shout out, it reads.

Earlier also, the actor shared his experience of COVID-19 and wrote: From the last few days, we struggling will symptoms like common flu, sputum cough, and felt uneasiness in the chest with fever which was horrid then it vanished. They were constantly in touch with GP on the phone.

Check the post here:

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Fearing that the Google-Apple team-up to develop an easy contact-tracing technology to curb coronavirus spread may impact citizens' various freedoms, US President Donald Trump on Friday said his administration will have to closely examine it.

That (Google and Apple partnership on COVID-19 contact-tracing) could lead to freedoms problems and a lot of other things. This is something we're going to look at. Certainly, and we know they've done that, Trump told reporters during his daily White House news conference on the raging COVID-19 pandemic.

To help public health officials slow the spread of COVID19, Google and Apple are working on a contact-tracing approach designed with strong controls and protections for users' privacy, Google head Sundar Pichai said in a tweet.

Apple CEO Tim Cook, in another tweet, said the contact-tracing can help slow the spread of COVID-19 and can be done without compromising users' privacy.

We're working with Google to help health officials harness Bluetooth technology in a way that also respects transparency & consent, he said. Responding to a question on this, Trump said it's "very new technology" but it may worry people.

It's very interesting but a lot of people worry about it in terms of a person's freedom. We're going to take a look at that, a very strong look at it. We'll let you know pretty soon, he said.

In a joint statement, Google and Apple said since COVID-19 can be transmitted through close proximity to affected individuals, public health organizations have identified contact-tracing as a valuable tool to help contain its spread.

A number of leading public health authorities, universities, and NGOs around the world have been doing important work to develop opt-in contact tracing technology, the two companies said.

To further this cause, Apple and Google will be launching a comprehensive solution that includes application programming interfaces (APIs) and operating system-level technology to assist in enabling contact tracing, they added. Given the urgent need, the plan is to implement this solution in two steps while maintaining strong protection around users' privacy, they said.

Firstly, in May, both companies will release APIs that enable inter-operability between Android and iOS devices using apps from public health authorities. These official apps will be available for users to download via their respective app stores.

Secondly, in coming months, Apple and Google will work to enable a broader Bluetooth-based contact-tracing platform by building this functionality into the underlying platforms.

This is a more robust solution than an API and would allow more individuals to participate, if they choose to opt in, as well as enable interaction with a broader ecosystem of apps and government health authorities, the joint statement said.

Privacy, transparency and consent are of utmost importance in this effort, and we look forward to building this functionality in consultation with interested stakeholders. We will openly publish information about our work for others to analyze, it said.

Also read: COVID-19: Apple sourcing 20 million face shields for healthcare workers, says CEO Tim Cook

Also read: Coronavirus in US: Indo-American entreprenuer to produce 10k face masks daily
In late July of 2015, Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. traversed the state of New York with Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, ending the day in Queens, where they announced plans to rebuild La Guardia Airport. On a flight with Mr. Cuomo aboard Air Force Two, Mr. Biden broached a delicate subject: his own interest in the presidency.

Like most Democratic Party leaders, Mr. Cuomo was supporting Hillary Clinton, who had a wide lead in the polls. But unlike other top Democrats  including former President Barack Obama  Mr. Cuomo did not attempt to dissuade Mr. Biden from running. Instead, over what associates to both men described as a monthslong series of conversations, the governor offered a sympathetic ear to an indecisive elder statesman.

Mr. Biden later recounted in a memoir that Mr. Cuomo urged him to make a decision he could be at peace with, alluding to the similarly anguished deliberations of his father, former Gov. Mario Cuomo, decades earlier. Youll live with it the rest of your life, Mr. Biden recalled the younger Mr. Cuomo saying.

Mr. Cuomos warm posture toward Mr. Biden raised eyebrows in Mrs. Clintons camp: Her aides wondered if the governor was currying favor with the Obama administration. But Mr. Cuomo offered a simpler explanation, telling allies he believed Mr. Biden would ultimately choose not to run but insisting that the vice president deserved the space to make a decision on his own terms.
Bill Gates: Flu Vaccine Isnt Effective in the Elderly, COVID-19 Vaccine Will Have to be Different

The flu vaccine isnt that effective in older people so vaccines for COVID-19 will have to be different, according to Bill Gates.

The efficacy of vaccines in older people is always a huge challenge. Turns out the flu vaccine isnt that effective in elderly people. Most of the benefit comes from younger people not spreading it because theyre vaccinated and that benefits on a community basis the elderly, Gates said during an interview with CNBC.

Here we clearly need a vaccine that works in the upper age range because theyre most at risk of that.

Vaccine researchers are working to try to create a vaccine that works in older people but doesnt have any side effects, Gates added.

Most vaccines being created are expected to be available next year if they pass through a gamut of tests. Its possible ones using messenger RNA, a genetic platform, could be ready before earlier than others.

A syringe containing the first shot given in the first-stage safety study clinical trial of a potential vaccine for COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP virus, rests on a table at the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute in Seattle on March 16, 2020. (Ted S. Warren/AP Photo)

Researchers want to be cautious because they expect the vaccine to be injected into people across all age ranges, including pregnant women, undernourished individuals, and people with co-morbidities, or underlying health conditions, Gates told CNBC.

Understanding that projected widespread adoption, its very, very hard, and that actual decision to say, lets go and give that vaccine to the entire world,' Gates said. Governments will have to be involved because there will be some risk and indemnification needed before that can be decided on.

Gates appeared to be referring in part to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, which was created to largely release vaccine manufacturers from liability for vaccine-related injuries or deaths. The no-fault program gives payouts to people who can prove they or people under their care were injured or killed from vaccines.

Gates, the founder of Microsoft and the nonprofit Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is funding seven different efforts to develop vaccines.

Because our foundation has such deep expertise in infectious diseases, weve thought about the epidemic, we did fund some things to be more prepared, like a vaccine effort. Our early money can accelerate things, he said during an appearance on The Daily Show on April 2.

Medical staff receive operating instructions for a ventilator at a hospital in Hamburg, Germany, on March 25, 2020. (Axel Heimken/Pool Photo via AP)

Even though well end up picking at most two of them, were going to fund factories for all seven, just so that we dont waste time in serially saying, OK, which vaccine works? and then building the factory.

Without a vaccine, people cannot be completely safe from the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus, Gates told PBS this week.

The vaccine is critical, because, until you have that, things arent really going to be normal. They can open up to some degree, but the risk of a rebound will be there until we have very broad vaccination, he said.

Once a vaccine is developed, it needs to be cheap, Melinda Gates, Gates wife, told Business Insider.

We have to make sure that the vaccine is very low priced and that theres a fund for buying it for everyone, whether youre in a low-, middle-, or a high-income country, she said.

Healthcare workers should get the vaccine first, followed by people in high-risk groups, such as people with underlying health conditions.
The number of positive COVID-19 cases has reached six at the General Motors CCA (Customer Care and Aftersales) parts warehouse in the Flint, Michigan suburb of Burton.

GM reopened the facility after a brief shutdown on March 23, with a voluntary workforce. Currently, there are approximately 200 workers between both shifts. Prior to the pandemic, 1,200 workers worked at the plant on 10 hours a day, 7 days a week, work schedules. The Burton facility opened in August 2019; the 1.1 million-square-foot facility is triple the size of the warehouse that it replaced.

GM management made the announcement Thursday at the mornings huddle-up. Of the two most recent cases, one of the employees worked in the facility until April 8. This means that one worker was possibly spreading the contagious virus for more than a week. The day before, a fourth case was announced.

A CCA worker told the WSWS that temporary workers make up a substantial part of those who have returned to the plant. This is not voluntary. Its forced labor, the worker said. The company and the union are dangling the loss of health insurance over the heads of the temps forcing them to choose between losing medical insurance, income, or life. In addition, unless temps voluntarily return to work, they lose their accumulated consecutive days necessary for being converted to full-time.

UAW 651 official Anthony Cheathams posted an update on Facebook after the fourth case was announced. Promoting GMs claim that the return to work is voluntary, he said, I am continually fighting the company on us being open during this time. Sadly if this company remains open I will make sure the members continue to have a choice to be here.

A seniority worker told the WSWS, Its really scary. Im 35 years old and Ive never seen anything of such a magnitude. There was the swine flu, H1N1, but the coronavirus has shaken the whole world. What played into my decision to return to work was my worry about how many people would be unemployed and I thought I might be able to side-step the severity of it. I watch my fellow co-workers and its hellish, its a nightmare. My biggest worry is not me getting it, but bringing it home to my kids, my family.

As far as General Motors goes, their bottom line is money. Their number one priority is to make money. So they say we are essential workers because the vehicle parts we supply may be needed by health care or other essential workers to get to their jobs, or maybe for ambulances or firetrucks. So I guess were essential, but whats really essential to GM is money. I listened to Gretchen Whitmers news conference today about how health care workers dont have sufficient PPEs [personal protective equipment]. To me, this is heart-wrenching. Whos essential?

We were on strike for 40 days [last fall]we only got $250 strike pay from the union. That in itself taught me a few things, one of which is that I cant depend on the union. Both the temps and the seniority workers got screwed. GM now has 34 tiers, there should be just one. They try to pit us against each other, but we all got screwed.

I try to stay out of politics. I dont like the Republican Party or the Democratic Party. I see how Wall Street is getting lots of money, but theres not much for the workers. I guess you could say Im open to something else that would be for the working class.

A temporary worker who returned to work described the situation to the WSWS: Its extortion. Its not really voluntary. There is so much wrong about what is happening, its hard to know where to start. The union says, GM gave us the choice to work, but really the contract with the so-called gainsand weve never seen the printed bookis why we are being forced to work.

As a temp, I will lose my health insurance if I dont go in and work for a week. I will also lose the buildup of my consecutive 30 days in order to be hired full-time. So I have to expose myself and my family to coronavirus in order to have medical coverage and a job! The union is selling us out. Theyre letting GM do this to us and push the distortion that this is a voluntary choice.

My family and my wifes family grew up in Flint. We are a family of autoworkers. Its like our heritage, but all I see from the union is a lack of representation, a lack of interest and knowledge. They want to keep us in the dark, like they did during the strike. GM declared this facility to be essential and the union accepts that. You tell me what is essential about mirrors for the Cadillac Escalade? Or what about emblems or brake pads for the Corvettes? They try to tell us that the parts we re-package are for municipalities emergency vehicles. If this place were really for essential production, then why wouldnt everyone be working? And why arent we being supplied with full protection?

Every morning we have our huddle-up with a supervisor who always begins with, Your health and safety is our primary concern. These meetings are held without regard for social distancing, were told we cannot bring in our own cleaning solutions and are given wipes and spray bottles. There are no paper towels, because theyre on order. I know for a fact that the bathrooms on the second shift are cleaned at 2:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., instead of every two hours. We have three computers to print labels which are used by everyone, and not properly cleaned. Our break rooms are small and there is virtually no social distancing.

When the pandemic was at its height in China, we were receiving parts from that area of the outbreak. The ship date showed the items arrived at our plant in four days. GM told us, Dont worry, the virus doesnt live on surfaces that long. All the parts that we repackage are generated by workers all over the world, but the union and the company try to divide us when we all face the same things. They just want us to work and dont care about any of our lives.

The anxiety I have now is not like anything in my whole life. I heard about two athletes, a 19-year-old and a 20-year-old, both from Flint, who passed away from COVID-19. Im not in the same shape as those athletes; Im older and could lose a few pounds. I feel like Im close to being hired, but do I quit or what?
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud and Russia's Energy Minister Alexander Novak are seen at the beginning of an OPEC and Non-OPEC meeting in Vienna on Dec. 6, 2019. (Leonhard Foeger/Reuters)

Deal to Cut Global Oil Production Hangs in the Balance

The worlds top oil-producing nations used the G20 talks on Friday in an attempt to finalize a deal on crude oil production cuts aimed at preventing the industry from collapsing.

President Donald Trump has spoken to both Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin in an attempt to break an impasse between the worlds second- and third-largest oil producers, which have been locked in a bitter price war for weeks.



Happening now: The Extraordinary #G20 Energy Ministers virtual meeting is taking place to discuss the impact of the #COVID19 pandemic on energy markets. pic.twitter.com/sadH0hSySJ  G20 Saudi Arabia (@g20org) April 10, 2020



A deal still looked uncertain after discussions on Friday, however, as the final details of the agreement threatened to derail the process. A tentative agreement was reached between the OPEC+ nations (which includes Russia) on Thursday to cut 10 million barrels of production per day, or around 10 percent of global capacity.

The double-whammy of low prices and a flooded market have punished oil exporters already suffering the fallout from the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. Efforts to fight the virus have meant travel bans and industrial shutdowns, compounding over-production in global oil fields to send prices into a tailspin.

An OPEC+ meeting in Vienna at the end of March aimed at agreement on production cuts ended in disarray when Russia and Saudi Arabia could not reach a consensus. Saudi Arabia then decided to rush extra capacity into an already over-supplied market, exacerbating the problem.

The extreme volatility we are seeing in oil markets is detrimental to the global economy at a time when we can least afford it, said International Energy Agency Director Fatih Birol in a statement. Todays oil crisis is a systemic shock that threatens global economic and financial stability.

In a statement on Friday, U.S. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette said: The United States has seen its oil industry gravely impacted. We estimate that by the end of this year, U.S. production will see a reduction of nearly 2 million barrels per day. Some models show even more dramatic figures, for example, up to 3 million barrels per day.

Make no mistake, Brouillette added, todays crisis transcends the interests of any one nation and requires a swift and decisive response from us all. Failure to act has far reaching consequences to each of our economies.

Good Friday Deliberations

The deal reached Thursday was almost scuppered by protests from Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador after OPEC+ proposed stinging production cuts of 400,000 barrels per day for Mexican oilfields. Lopez Obrador credited Trump with brokering an agreement for Mexico to reduce the cut to 100,000 barrelsa reduction from 23 percent down to 5 or 6 percent of Mexican production. The United States would undertake cuts of 250,000 barrels per day on Mexicos behalf, Lopez Obrador told reporters in a press conference.

Trump suggested last week that the United States could impose tariffs on oil imports if an agreement could not be reached.

Prices for Brent crude plummeted to as low as $23 per barrel in the aftermath of the CCP virus crisis, though they have rebounded since to close at $31.48 in Thursday trading. Brent had been trading between $50 and $60 per barrel in February.

However, analysts do not expect dramatic increases in crude prices even if a deal can be brokered, as a slump in global demand of around 30 percent will likely continue to outstrip proposed cuts of 12 to 15 percent made on the supply sideat least until economies reopen and factors such as industrial production, the associated shipment of raw materials and finished products, and commuting and travel return to a degree of normality.

With many countries having already taken advantage of historically low prices to fill strategic reserve capacity, and tankers full of crude on the high seas serving as floating storage, clearing backlogs in demand may take time.

The OPEC+ blocconsisting of 13 oil-producing countries plus Russiaintends to cut global production by about 10 percent, but is still negotiating with others nations such as the United States, Mexico, and Canada to cut another 5 percent.

Investment Worries

According to Reuters, OPECs Secretary General Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo said Friday: [Any] shortfall in investments in the coming year could sow the seeds for future energy security issues in the years ahead. It is in all of our interests to support stability in this vital global industry.

Brouillette said that the United States was taking action to open the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve to store as much oil as possible, taking surplus oil off the market. He said Americas goal is to ensure price stability, guarantee free and fair markets, and preserve livelihoods across the United States.

We must stabilize world energy markets by putting an end to this dangerous price decline, he said. As we all know, several countries were discussing an agreement to cut 10 million barrels per day out of the market, but the agreement never materialized. This is extremely disappointing.

This is a time for all nations to seriously examine what each can do to correct the supply/demand imbalance. We call on all nations to use every means at their disposal to help reduce the surplus.

However, it remains to be seen what effectsif anyan agreement might bring. According to Reuters, UBS bank has suggested that the cuts will not be enough to stave off oil prices in the teens. We still see Brent falling to $20 per barrel or lower in the second quarter of 2020, UBS said in a statement.

Reuters contributed to this report.
'The COVID-19 pandemic is going to send an unprecedented number of low-income households deep into poverty,' says Geetanjali Krishna.

IMAGE: Archbishop Thumma Bala of Hyderabad distributes food and masks to needy Indians in Hyderabad on Good Friday, April 10, 2020. Photograph: PTI Photo

Last week, I wrote about Kamini, the domestic worker who, like lakhs of people like her, has little to help tide herself and her family over the COVID-19 pandemic.

She lives in a crowded, low-income neighbourhood, shares a toilet with at least 15 other people and has no savings to fall back on.

Even if the coronavirus didn't cripple her, the precautions advised against it definitely could.

When I met her this week, her situation was grimmer than before.

While she's staying at home on full pay, her two children are not.

Her daughter continued to work in a small beauty parlour until Prime Minister Modi announced the 21-day lockdown.

Her son, who works in a shop, has been home for the last few days.

Both have no prospects of earning until the crisis blows over.

Now the three-member household must survive on Kamini's salary alone.

"My son and daughter used to earn about Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 each every month," Kamini said.

"With my salary of about Rs 9,000, we used to live relatively comfortably even though we had meagre savings."

After paying their rent of Rs 7,000, the household used to have enough cash left to eat chicken once a week.

All that has changed now.

"My worry is that if one of us falls ill, we may not be able to manage," said she.

Fearing exactly this, many of her neighbours returned to their villages.

Kamini and her children had planned on doing the same, but couldn't after the city went into lockdown.

"I wish we'd gone sooner," she said.

"Life in the village is much more forgiving."

What were her fallback options, I asked.

She replied that she had about Rs 1 lakh in her bank which she could tap into.

In case of an emergency, she said, there was a private moneylender that she could go to.

However, at this stage, taking loans that she and her children may not be able to repay, was a risky idea.

Her employers would probably advance her some money if she asked them, she said.

"But with only my income to support the household, it won't be easy to repay them."

Since hers was not a BPL household, they probably would not be able to access government relief either.

"I can't sleep at night worrying about what's going to happen to us..." she said.

Kamini's fears are not hers alone.

I reckon that the COVID-19 pandemic is going to send an unprecedented number of low-income households deep into poverty.

In many ways, households previously identified as Below Poverty Line or BPL are going to be better off than Kamini and her family.

At least they will be able to access everything from rations to free health care.

For people like Kamini, however, who are swiftly sliding down that slippery slope towards poverty even as I write this column, something needs to be done.

Perhaps the need of the hour is for the government to extend the public distribution system to include her, and others like her.

Perhaps it needs to give her access to subsidised health care or a higher insurance cover.

In these times corona, perhaps what we need from the government is a hefty dose of 'karuna' (compassion) economics; else the fallout of the pandemic will be even harsher than expected.
HANOI  Vietnam plans to borrow US$1 billion from foreign lenders this year, the Ministry of Finance said Friday, adding that the countrys budget deficit is seen widening this year due to the coronavirus outbreak.

"The Finance Ministry is negotiating with potential lenders (IMF, WB and ADB)," the ministry said in a statement posted on its website, referring to the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

It did not give further details.

It said Vietnams budget deficit is expected to widen by 1.5-1.6 percentage point to 5-5.1 percent of gross domestic product due to the impact of the coronavirus.

The country will lose VND140-150 trillion ($5.94-$6.37 billion) in state budget revenue this year, if the virus pandemic is contained within the second quarter, it added.
It seems a most unlikely partnership, then, that the two tech giants have joined forces to develop a standard to aid public health organizations in the fight against Covid-19. Specifically, the companies announced on Friday that they would both build software into their devices that can be used to help contact tracing, a necessary tool for slowing the spread of a pandemic.

In a statement, the companies announced:

In this spirit of collaboration, Google and Apple are announcing a joint effort to enable the use of Bluetooth technology to help governments and health agencies reduce the spread of the virus, with user privacy and security central to the design.

One thing this tells us is that while the two companies are fierce rivals in almost every aspect of their businesses, these are extraordinary times. Apple and Google account for the operating systems that power some 99 percent of all mobile devices, putting them in a unique position to help.

Public health officials have said that contact tracing is an important tool, especially in helping all of us get back to normal--or whatever the new version of normal looks like. Contact tracing is simply taking the people who have tested positive and then identifying anyone they may have come in contact with. Those individuals can then be notified and tested, or isolated until it's no longer likely that they have been infected.

The problem is that if you test positive, it can be difficult to identify all of the people you may have come into contact with. If, for example, you went to the grocery store over the weekend, it's entirely possible that you could have come in close enough contact to spread the coronavirus before you even knew you were contagious.

The technology being built by Google and Apple would allow your mobile devices to communicate in a way that the people you came into contact with could later be notified. The first step is the development of an API by both companies that will allow the development of iOS and Android apps that can be used for individuals to opt-in.

Then, both companies plan to introduce technology that works with Bluetooth, which would allow contact tracing on a much larger scale down the road.

Of course, people get a little nervous anytime technology companies start talking about things like this. That's fair considering that there is no shortage of tech companies that have built entire business models on monetizing our personal information.

The companies acknowledge those concerns and addressed them directly in their joint statement:

Privacy, transparency, and consent are of utmost importance in this effort, and we look forward to building this functionality in consultation with interested stakeholders. We will openly publish information about our work for others to analyze.

While Google doesn't exactly have a great track record when it comes to user privacy, Apple has long made it a core of its brand identity. The companies have even released a series of white papers detailing how they intend to protect privacy while still providing the necessary information to public health officials.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 21:06:12|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, April 11 (Xinhua) -- A total of 57.7 tonnes of Boston lobsters from Canada has arrived at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport in east China's Zhejiang Province on a charter flight Thursday, the General Administration of Customs (GAC) said Saturday.

This is the first lobster import cargo charter flight at the airport, one of the designated ports for imports of edible aquatic animals, since the COVID-19 outbreak this year, the GAC said.

The local airport customs ensured efficient customs clearance so that the edible aquatic products can arrive at people's dining tables safely and quickly, the GAC said.

The imports of aquatic animal food products at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport have been recovering as people's lives are returning to normal, the GAC said.

Hangzhou is well-linked with other popular destinations in China, such as Shanghai, which can be reached by high-speed trains in about one hour.
As alleged, this defendant waved a loaded gun in the faces of Rite-Aid employees simply doing their jobs and got away with $600, Williams alleged.
Post COVID-19 recovery plan View(s):

It was a long wait  for days, mind you. Then on Wednesday I heard it  the distinctive and shrill cry of the koha or Asian koel heralding the Sinhala and Hindu New Year. This year, however, its different as most people working in Colombo are unable to travel to their villages due to the curfew. It was a long wait  for days, mind you. Then on Wednesday I heard it  the distinctive and shrill cry of the koha or Asian koel heralding the Sinhala and Hindu New Year. This year, however, its different as most people working in Colombo are unable to travel to their villages due to the curfew.

For the second time in a year (after the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks), the country is in a crisis  this time joined by the world. The call of the koha is perhaps happier than before because the air is clean, there is little pollution and the birds are free to roam. Avurudu, meanwhile, will be celebrated for all purposes, indoors just like for the trio who had gathered outside our gate on Thursday morning. Their discussion was however not on the customs and celebrations of Avurudu.

Meda peradiga weda karana ape sahodara sahodariyan kohomada danne ne (I wonder how our brothers and sisters working in the Middle East are), said Kussi Amma Sera.

Mage game ekkenekta videsa rakiyavak labuna, eth ithin yanna ba ne, kochchara mudal avashya wunata (A person in my village has got a job abroad but is unable to travel, even though she needs the money desperately), noted Serapina.

Mage mithurekuta apahu lankawata ennata ona wunath enna ba (One of my friends wants to return but cannot as there are no flights), added Mabel Rasthiyadu.

While the government has been focusing on major foreign exchange earners  the apparel industry and tourism  not much attention has been given to migrant workers whose remittances contribute the largest, single source of foreign exchange to the country.

Foreign employment agencies complain that this industry gets virtually no support from the government. For example, while various schemes over the past few years and currently underway amidst the COVID-19 crisis provide support for apparel, tourism and other export sectors, the foreign labour industry is sidelined.

Due to the closure of the Colombo airport and also airports in West Asia, the country may have lost about 25,000 to 35,000 jobs  which is the average number of those going abroad on employment per month. Industry sources say that with 1.7 million Sri Lankan workers abroad, the industry supports at least 5 million people. The sector also provides benefits to a substantial segment of businesses like medical centres, transportation, immigration office, photo shops, hotels, travel agents, duty free shops, cargo services and courier companies etc.

We need some support, urged a spokesperson for the Association of Licensed Foreign Employment Agencies of Sri Lanka last week. Many questions arise about the future of Sri Lankans working in West Asia like the sustainability of their jobs, workplace environments vis-a-vis COVID-19.

There were other issues. Three international NGOs working on migrant labour issues in a statement last week said that as governments scramble to find adequate responses to address the pandemic, many migrant workers are the first to be left behind.

We have seen multiple examples where migrants are required to pay for testing and treatment. Undocumented migrant workers are denied healthcare and are rounded up for detention and deportation. In a pandemic, denying a community access to healthcare threatens the health security of all. Some countries have deported migrant workers out of fear that they might spread COVID-19. A number of governments have targeted migrants as scapegoats; blaming them for spreading the disease, they said in a statement.

Many migrants are currently stranded in transit or in countries of destination as governments impose travel bans and close their borders, while many others are stranded in countries of origin, awaiting deployment, not knowing if they still have the jobs to which they were to be deployed. Some are seeing their recruitment costs mount as they wait, the statement by the Migrant Forum in Asia, the Cross Regional Centre for Refugees and Migrants and the Solidarity Centre said.

It is incumbent on the government to explain how Sri Lankan migrant workers are being protected abroad and provided support through the embassies. Also whether they would get livelihood support if they are forced to return, after losing their jobs.

As the trio continued their conversation on the crisis faced by many of their friends who are in West Asia, the phone rang.

It was Kalabala Silva, the often agitated academic, on the line. Hello  hello Kalabala, how are you doing, I said.

Fine but this crisis is killing us, Kalabala said, adding that he wanted to discuss an important matter. What is it, I asked.

Well.while the government has set up various committees and task forces for various aspects of the emergency like for example the provision of essential goods to the community, I think the government is missing one serious requirement, he said. What is it, I asked again.

It is imperative that the government sets up quickly  and this time with private sector input and contribution of economists  an apolitical committee to draft a Marshall-like plan to resuscitate the economy which would take anything between 12 to 18 months, he said. (The Marshall Plan was a US programme enacted in 1948 providing aid to Western Europe following the ravages of World War II).

Thats a great idea and needs to be considered seriously, I replied, commending Kalabala for the thought. Adding my two cents worth of ideas, I said: My thoughts on the economic recovery, once the crisis is over, are that two scenarios could emerge: On one hand, the pent up demand for goods and services will be phenomenal from Sri Lankans, while on the other hand, people will struggle for a few months to pay for goods and services amidst job losses and pay-cuts.

We discussed many other issues connected to the COVID-19 crisis but kept coming back to the need for a committee to chart an economic and business recovery plan which will be apolitical. Committee members need to be chosen on their expertise and skills, not according to political affiliation, it was noted.

As we ended our conversation, the trio of Kussi Amma and Co., had also ended theirs and while the others went back to their homes down the lane, Kussi Amma Sera brought my second cup of tea into the room.

Relaxed and in deep thought, I sipped some tea, reflecting on the need of the hour for the government to come up with a recovery plan that would address all segments of the working population, their job security and in particular the needs of the migrant worker industry.
VinFast to be exempted imported tax on parts of exported cars

VinFast will be one of the special cases under the Law on Export and Import Tax and Decree No.134/2016/ND-CP on guidelines for the law on export and import duties.

As of now, VinFast imports parts and components to assemble finished cars and then export them overseas for testing. This move is to facilitate its long-term plan to export luxury cars.

In December 2019, international media reported that billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong had plans to export electric cars to the US in 2021 and that he would spend $2 billion of his own fortune to realise this plan. This cost makes up half of the total capital in VinFast.

In late March 2020, VinFast submitted its financial statement to the Hanoi Stock Exchange, which reported a loss of VND5.7 trillion ($247.83 million) last year. Besides, the company has an equity capital of VND19.45 trillion ($845.65 million).

VinFast established a technical arm in Melbourne in preparation for dipping a toe in the Australian market. The company, in addition to having an eye on Holden, the legendary car brand that is about to close down in Australia, also expressed interest in acquiring the design and engineering facilities of General Motors (GM) Australia, including the Lang Lang testing system which is in the same situation as Holden.

In addition, the company is in the process of completing necessary procedures to start selling cars in Russia. The source did not reveal a timeframe for when this would happen.

In order to draw attention in the international market, VinFast launched two car models at the Paris Motor Show 2018 just a year after the companys incorporation. These two car models were both based on BMW design and powertrain. Both are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Currently, both two models have been launched to the market.
Households are facing increased heating, power and phone bills after weeks of confinement with appliances running round the clock.

Bin collection costs could also rise with waste companies recording volumes of household rubbish up by 20pc-30pc.

Support groups are now urging consumers to watch their usage of all utilities and check if they are on the best package or tariff for their needs.

While disconnections from gas and electricity supplies have been temporarily halted, advisers are warning that bills will still be mounting.

Michelle O'Hara, regional manager with MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service), said for many people the new financial realities would sink in with the arrival of utility bills in the next few weeks.

"We would encourage that you pay what you can. Deferment of payment is not free money. It will still more than likely have to be paid," she said.

Eirgrid is reporting a 7.5pc drop in electricity demand nationally but that reflects the shutdown of much industry and business. By contrast, energy use at home is rising as weekdays become more like weekends when residential demand is typically higher.

Siddharth Joshi, of the Energy Policy and Modelling Group, at University College Cork, said the full implications would take time to emerge.

"There is a change towards the weekend pattern and there is a logic behind this because everybody is at home," he said.

"The bills will shift for sure because we are using more heating at home, we are cooking more, we are using lighting, our laptops are on and at the same time there is a wifi system that is on 24-7. Plus phones are being charged, people are watching TV more and drinking more tea."

Electric Ireland, which cut prices for dual fuel customers last week, said it understood that consumer habits had "changed radically" and this could cause difficulties for customers. "We continue to monitor the situation closely," it said.

Both it and Bord Gais, which is cutting dual fuel prices from next month, said they were committed to working with customers to resolve any difficulties they had.

Phone and fuel bills are another source of worry, however. Celine Clarke, of Age Action, said while the fuel allowance had been extended by four weeks, 70pc of pensioners did not qualify for it.

She said also older people were often on old phone packages with call limits that were costly to breach.

"The last thing we want is that older people in isolation would be afraid to use their phone because of the cost," she said.

"If it's possible to check what package you're on and see if it's the best fit for you, now would be the time to do that but 55pc of over-65s are not online and it can be hard to get that information."

The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) has called for a moratorium on phone and internet disconnections, and also wants time limits and usage caps lifted.

Kieran Stafford, SVP president, said he was particularly concerned for people alone in isolation and children trying to continue school work.

"We are asking that suppliers engage proactively and compassionately with customers who may face large bills in the coming weeks," he said.
Denmark will reopen schools and day care centres on Wednesday as it relaxes lockdown rules after a number of coronavirus cases in the country have stabilised.

Remaining lockdown measures, such as the closure of bars, restaurants, shopping complexes and bans of public gatherings of more than 10 people, will stay in place for at least another month.

The Scandinavian country, which has over 5,000 cases of coronavirus and a total of 237 fatalities, has seen deaths and hospital admissions stabilise in recent days.

But Denmarks Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, warned the plan will only work if lockdown rules were gradually eased.

Speaking at a press conference earlier this week, she said: This will probably be a bit like walking the tightrope.

If we stand still along the way we could fall and if we go too fast it can go wrong. Therefore, we must take one cautious step at a time.

In an interview with DK last week, Ms Frederiksen said the government was hoping for a gradual, controlled and quiet reopening of Denmark.

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Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) walks through Statuary Hall with other senators to the House Chamber for President Donald Trump's State of the Union address in the Capitol in Washington on Feb. 4, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Romney, Murphy Introduce Bill to Reorient Our Global Pandemic Response

In a bipartisan thrust to reaffirm the United States commitment to global health security amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Sens. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said on Friday said they were introducing legislation that would, among other things, establish a panel charged with preparing for pandemics.

The bill (pdf), which carries the short title Global Health Security Act of 2020, seeks to codify in law U.S. global health security staffing and activities, which now largely rely on executive orders. It also responds to calls for a permanent designated official to coordinate the interagency response to a health security crisis of global scope.

The legislation would require the U.S. president to set up a Global Health Security Interagency Review Council and a U.S. Coordinator for Global Health Security.

By establishing a health security council and dedicating a new NSC position to developing global health strategies and coordinating responses, our bill will better prepare us to confront the spread of another infectious disease, Romney said in a statement Friday.

The council, comprised of officials from across the federal government, would provide recommendations on global health policy and assist with implementation. It would meet at least four times a year.

The remit of the coordinator, who would be an appointee from the National Security Council, would be to coordinate an all-of-government response to global health crises. The coordinator would brief Congress at least twice annually.

Our experience with coronavirus has exposed some glaring gaps in our nations capacity to respond to a pandemic, and it is critical that we are better prepared to coordinate global responses and exert leadership to address future health threats, Romney added.

The White House has come under fire for a 2018 decision to disband the National Security Councils global health unit, a similar entity to the one the new legislation is seeking to establish. Critics have claimed the lack of a pandemic directorate hampered the administrations response in the early stages of the outbreak.

President Donald Trump and administration officials have rejected such claims, saying they acted quickly to save lives, especially once the true nature of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus, became clear. Trump has blamed both the Chinese regime and the World Health Organization (WHO) for mishandling the outbreak.

The world is paying a very big price for that they did, Trump said at a March 17 briefing, referring to his claim that Chinese officials did not fully share information sooner about the outbreak after it started spreading in Wuhan.

It could have been stopped right where it came from, China, he added.

As regards the WHO, Trump said at an April 7 briefing at the White House, They did give us some pretty bad play calling.

With regard to us, theyre taking a lot of heat because they didnt want the borders closed, they called it wrong, Trump said.

Romney and Murphy said one of the aims of the post of coordinator would be to implement the Global Health Security Agenda, a supra-national initiative launched by over 30 countries in 2014 to tackle global infectious disease threats.

Our priority right now should be taking decisive action to contain COVID-19s spread and rescuing our economy. But if we dont also spend time fixing the gaps in our global pandemic response leadership, were at risk of going through this nightmare all over again. Pandemics dont run on schedules, and so we need to start the job of reform now, Murphy said.

A similar bill was earlier introduced in the House as part of a bipartisan initiative by Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) and Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Ohio).

Unfortunately, almost 70 percent of the worlds nations are underprepared to manage or control outbreaks. By recognizing the critical role of U.S. leadership in international health security, enshrining U.S. global health security policy in statute, and ensuring that there is a permanent designated official responsible for coordinating these efforts in a strategic way, our legislation makes sure the United States is never caught off guard by future public health crises, Connolly said.

The Global Health Security Act provides a critical bipartisan endorsement to prioritize the U.S. governments response to epidemics like the coronavirus, said Chabot. As the coronavirus continues to sweep the globe, we need to take this opportunity to recommit to leadership on health security and prepare ourselves for the next pandemic. Protecting our nations health must be seen as a national security priority.

The CCP virus has spread aggressively across the United States, with Johns Hopkins figures on Saturday noting over 500,000 infections and more than 18,000 deaths.
A 33-year-old Panchkula Civil Hospital female staff nurse returning home from duty was assaulted by five men in Chandimandirs Billa village on Saturday. All the offenders were booked later.

In her complaint, the woman alleged she was returning home with her husband when Brij Krishan, Amit Kumar, Manjeet Singh, Sandeep and Golu, sitting at a check post at the entry point of the village asked where they were going. However, she alleged that even as she presented her identity cards and permissions for work they assaulted her.

The nurses apron duty coat was torn off, police said.

She also alleged that as she belonged to a minority community the men asked her to go to Pakistan to do your duty there.

Chandimandir SHO inspector Deepak Kumar said her brother-in-law, who rushed to the spot, was assaulted as her husband finally saved them.

A case has been registered under Sections 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 149 (every member of unlawful assembly), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of the Indian Penal Code.
(Bloomberg) --

A world leader in intensive care. A mass grave in New York. And infections racing toward 1.8 million across the globe, with deaths crossing the 100,000 mark.

The coronavirus pandemic has spurred a multi-billion dollar global fight for masks, ventilators, gloves and medicines, while the outbreak is cutting a swathe through the hotspots of the U.S. and Europe, leaving governments rushing to pass relief packages to prop up flailing economies.

In the stricken Chinese city of Wuhan  the origin of the crisis  authorities lifted the months-long lockdown, yet businesses and citizens there are facing an uncertain future.

Dig deeper into these topics  and check out some others you may have missed  with the latest edition of Weekend Reads, and click here for more of our most compelling political images.

Boris Johnson Kept on Working, But Then the Virus Took OverThe U.K prime minister was on his own. He had been self-isolating for a week since testing positive for coronavirus. His domestic staff left trays of food outside his apartment door. But there are growing concerns that a trail of errors exposed Johnson to critical risk when the country needed him most. Kitty Donaldson, Tim Ross and Robert Hutton report.

The Unexpected Holdout to a Global Oil Production DealThe worlds largest oil producers were closing in on a deal to rescue crude markets from a coronavirus-induced collapse after U.S. President Donald Trump stepped in to broker a truce. Then, as Javier Blas, Grant Smith and Amy Stillman explain, Mexico threw a spanner in the whole process.The Politics of 2020 Are Looking Less Ominous for TechThere has been anxiety for months in Silicon Valley that the eventual Democratic presidential candidate would be someone who wanted to break up large technology companies. As Eric Newcomer explains, Bernie Sanderss decision this week to end his campaign makes that scenario much less likely.The EUs Latest Existential Crisis Might Be Its Biggest One YetWhen the European Unions 27 leaders last managed to gather in person on Feb. 21, they didnt even talk about coronavirus. Since then, Ian Wishart reports, the pandemic has torn into any last notion of unity and confronted the bloc with its next existential crisis.

Story continues

Orbans Pandemic Power Grab Reveals the EUs Wider FrailtiesViktor Orban was Hungarys firebrand champion of democracy when the Iron Curtain fell in 1989. As an authoritarian prime minister three decades later, he just called into question whether his country is a democracy at all. Zoltan Simon, Ian Wishart and Arne Delfs explain.

One Community, 6,000 Miles Apart, Overwhelmed by the CoronavirusUltra-Orthodox Jewish communities have become virus flashpoints in both New York and in Israel, after many residents, at the behest of revered rabbis, flouted social distancing orders that clashed with their religious lifestyles. As Yaacov Benmeleh writes, some rabbis have now changed course.

In Worlds Worst Economy, Unrest Was Exploding Even Before VirusLatin Americas economy was already going backward when the coronavirus hit, Eric Martin and Patrick Gillespie write. Now its at risk of losing a whole decade  and pushing fragile democracies closer to their breaking points.

Trumps Friend Jack Ma Helps Repair Chinas Image After VirusJack Mas influence has only grown since he stepped down as chairman of Alibaba Group Holding. Chinas richest person is now playing a prominent role in philanthropic efforts that are helping President Xi Jinping improve the countrys image overseas after Covid-19 spread around the world, as Blake Schmidt and Venus Feng report.

Wuhan Emerges From Lockdown With a Mission: Our Goal Is SurvivalAs the first epicenter of the now global pandemic, Wuhan provides a window into the uncertain, post-virus future. While factories are allowed to re-start, most people still too scared to go out for anything but essentials, as Sharon Chen, Claire Che and Sarah Chen explain.

Foreign Workers in Limbo as Crisis Tests Gulf Immigration RulesThe shock of collapsing oil prices and the coronavirus pandemic is forcing the Arab Gulf monarchies to rethink their policies toward the majority of the regions private-sector workers: expatriates, as Simone Foxman and Abeer Abu Omar report.

Virus Spurs Global Free-for-All Over $597 Billion Medical TradeTheres little sign of the Covid-19 crisis bringing nations closer together. From India to Europe and the U.S., governments are rushing to get hold of masks, ventilators, gloves and medicines in a free-for-all thats stoking tensions, as Alan Crawford explains.

Villagers Turn Away Relatives as Virus Scare Grips Rural IndiaFront line health workers in Indias vast hinterland are gripped with fear as they anticipate a surge of Covid-19 cases amid some of the worlds worst medical infrastructure. As Upmanyu Trivedi and Ari Altstedter report, theyre expecting the worst as hundreds of thousands of migrant workers reach their homes amid the countrys weeks-long lockdown.

Virus Helps Bury Controversy in South Koreas Pandemic ElectionSouth Korea is the first major country to hold a general election in the throes of a coronavirus crisis. That may turn out to be a boost for its president, Moon Jae-in. Kanga Kong writes that Moon is basking in a glow of global praise for containing the countrys outbreak.

And finally ... New York state officials say they need 30,000 ventilators for the most critical patients in coming weeks. But as K Oanh Ha writes, getting even a few of the lifesaving machines has proved a huge challenge as hospitals around the world jockey for the scarce supply. So tech companies are working with doctors and researchers to quickly design an adapter that converts breathing machines normally used to treat sleep apnea into emergency ventilators, while 3D tech startups are working to create other life-saving equipment.

For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com

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KYODO NEWS - Apr 11, 2020 - 20:25 | All, Coronavirus, Japan

The Imperial Guard Headquarters said Saturday a senior officer has contracted the new coronavirus, but that he had not had contact with the emperor and empress for a long time.

The headquarters said the man, in his 50s, also did not have that much contact with other members of the imperial family, and that none of its other personnel showed similar symptoms of the pneumonia-causing coronavirus.

Effective March 31, the man was transferred from his post in Kyoto city to the Akasaka district, which is tasked with the security of the imperial couple's residence in the Akasaka Estate in central Tokyo.

He dropped by the estate on March 28 and developed a fever the next day. After resting at home, he underwent a medical examination on April 9. He had no record of overseas travel in the past two weeks before developing symptoms.

Related coverage:

Tokyo confirms daily record of over 190 coronavirus cases Sat.

Japan extends calls to avoid nightclubs, bars to all prefectures

60% in Japan feel gov't handled early stages of virus poorly: poll
Dr Akoto-Ampaw has urged the media to demystify the myth that blacks are immune to the coronavirus.



He said there was no scientific proof to that effect and so the media should champion that education to create awareness for people to take the precautionary measures seriously.



According to Dr Akoto-Ampaw who is the Eastern Regional Chair of the Ghana medical association, people were not being cautious of the disease due to that myth that the virus could not stand the heat in Ghana.



He said the coronavirus was real and appealed to the media to use their medium to educate the populace on the need to adhere to the protocols.



He indicated that the taking of vitamin C and other immune boosters were good but the social distancing protocol, staying home as well as wearing face masks are the surest way to prevent its spread.



Dr Akoto-Ampaw made this known at a days COVID-19 orientation for journalists in the region organised by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) and the Information Service Department in Koforidua.



Mrs Bridgette Anim, Eastern Regional Health promotion officer said even though the region had recorded one case so far, the precautionary measures must be adhered to strictly.



She said samples had been taken from the Afcon construction at Kpone where an Indian tested positive and the results would be ready soon.



She said the situation at the markets in Koforidua was very worrying as the social distancing protocol was not observed and called on the media to intensify its 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.

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The UK's Opposition Labour Party on Saturday joined calls alongside Indian-origin doctors for a probe into the disproportionate number of black and minority ethnic (BAME) medics dying from the novel coronavirus in the country.

The move comes as UK health secretary Matt Hancock confirmed that 19 National Health Service (NHS) workers have died with coronavirus since the outbreak began, around 10 of whom were of BAME backgrounds including Indian-origin doctors.

The disproportionate number of BAME doctors who have died from coronavirus is deeply disturbing, said Marsha de Cordova, Labour's Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary.

It reflects the shocking underlying inequalities facing BAME communities as a whole - who are disproportionately represented in the numbers of people getting the virus. The government must urgently investigate why BAME communities are more vulnerable to this virus, she said.

The shadow minister's intervention came as the British Medical Association (BMA) doctors' union and the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) also called for similar in-depth research and investigation.

We have heard the virus does not discriminate between individuals but there's no doubt there appears to be a manifest disproportionate severity of infection in BAME people and doctors.

This has to be addressed - the government must act now, said Dr Chaand Nagpaul, BMA Council Chair, alongside a wider plea for better access to personal protective equipment (PPE) for medics working on the frontlines of the pandemic in NHS hospitals.

While it remains unclear whether the lack of PPE is directly linked to the recorded deaths of doctors in the UK so far, the BMA council chief urged action on assessing the factors behind the large numbers of BAME doctors and nurses among the victims of the deadly virus.

It comes days after BAPIO wrote to the Chief Medical Officer of England, Professor Chris Whitty, and Medical Director of NHS England Stephen Powis requesting all the official data available on COVID-19 hospital admissions for an in-depth research into the greater susceptibility of BAME and Indian-origin patients developing more severe symptoms of coronavirus and dying of COVID-19.

BAPIO said: We need a better understanding of the issues of BAME mortality in the context of the general population, particularly if it helps us manage sick and vulnerable groups, and so that we can be accurate in our messaging.

We are therefore asking that the data for COVID-19 cases, and most certainly those who have died as a result of the illness, incorporates ethnicity and profession, as well as the usual demographic data.

Indian-origin cardiac surgeon from Wales, 58-year-old Jitendra Kumar Rathod, originally from Gujarat, and Birmingham-based Hamza Pacheeri, 80, from Kerala are among the Indian-origin doctors who have died of coroavirus.

Indian-origin doctors make up a major chunk of the NHS workforce in the UK and BAPIO, their representative group, is urging the authorities to deploy senior and retired medics away from frontline duties until more evidence can be collated on the ethnic variables for COVID-19.

The UK's Department of Health has said it is working to protect all communities and has repeatedly pledged a boost to PPE supplies for NHS medical staff.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
P olice have issued more than 1,000 fines to Brits flouting coronavirus lockdown rules, it has emerged.

Matt Hewitt, chairman of the National Police Chiefs Council, said that as of Thursday forces in England and Wales have given out 1,084 fines since the lockdown began.

The figures cover 37 of 43 police forces in England and Wales.

It comes as the Home Secretary revealed that crime has dropped 21 per cent overall in the last four weeks, but warned cyber criminals are exploiting the crisis to make millions.

NPCC chief Matt Hewitt / PA

Priti Patel also told Britons at the Downing Street press briefing on Saturday that police will be unafraid to take action against those who break social distancing guidelines this Easter weekend, as temperatures soar to 26C in some areas.

Mr Hewitt said there had been a small minority of people who have failed to follow the governments guidance.

This shows that the overwhelming majority of people are abiding by the rules and are staying at home to protect the NHS and save lives, he told the Downing Street press briefing on Saturday.

PA

In those few cases where police forces have made mistakes with those new regulations, they have quickly sought to correct them and provide clarity.

He added that police will now publish enforcement data every fortnight during the crisis.

Officers were out in force patrolling public spaces on Saturday, including Victoria Park which was packed after reopening at 8am following a three week closure.

Police in Greater Manchester revealed on Friday that they had broken up nearly 500 houseparties since the lockdown began.

Priti Patel also announced a 2 million public awareness campaign to help domestic abuse victims, after the National Domestic Abuse Helpline reported a 120% increase in the number of calls it received in one 24-hour period.

For the victims of these crimes, home is not the safe haven that it should be and that is why I have been working with law enforcement, charities, schools, businesses and local councils to address this changing threat picture, she said.
Yes, its beginning to look a lot like Christmaswhich, for many of us, feels like a rush into chaos. Celebrating Advent during this season slows us down and helps our hearts and minds be reoriented around the coming of Christ.Yes, its beginning to look a lot like Christmaswhich, for many of us, feels like a rush into chaos. Celebrating Advent during this season slows us down and helps our hearts and minds be reoriented around the coming of Christ.
By Express News Service

Mohanlal has a comforting, hopeful message for everyone trying to make it through this lockdown.

In a video message on social media, the actor urged everyone to stick together to fight the COVID-19 epidemic and hope for brighter days.

People all over the world are fighting to be freed of an epidemic, he began.

To fight an unseen enemy, we take precautions like washing our hands, wearing masks, social distancing, and staying home. We have no other options. To those living abroad, Im sure the authorities have taken steps to ensure everyones safety. Im requesting you to follow their instructions.

Mohanlal also requested everyone to steer clear of anxiety and negative thoughts.

I understand the psychological state of everyone concerned about their family members, jobs, personal safety, and so on. But anxiety about those things at this time would only lead to more problems, he said.He also addressed the feelings of loneliness popping up in such situations.

First, remove the thought that there is no one with you. We are all there for you. Though not close physically, we are spiritually. This too will pass. Well regain whatever we have lost. Get rid of all the unpleasant thoughts planting their seeds right now. Let the seeds of good thoughts grow. Nothing is permanent in this world. Everything has to change be it happiness or sadness. Well overcome this and emerge victorious, he concluded.

A few days ago, Mohanlal donated Rs 50 lakh to the Chief Ministers Relief Fund. He also brought smiles to around 250 health workers undergoing mandatory 14-day isolation by engaging with them via an hour-long video conferencing session. The interaction was arranged by Kerala health minister KK Shailaja teacher.
COVID-19 threatening global peace and security, UN chief warns

10 April 2020 - While the COVID-19 pandemic is first and foremost a health crisis, its implications are more far-reaching and could threaten global peace and security, the UN Secretary-General told members of the Security Council in a closed video-conference held on Thursday.

Antonio Guterres said heightened solidarity is needed if the world is to defeat the crisis, which he called the "gravest test since the founding of this Organization", with Governments already struggling to address rising unemployment and economic downturn.

"But the pandemic also poses a significant threat to the maintenance of international peace and security -- potentially leading to an increase in social unrest and violence that would greatly undermine our ability to fight the disease", he warned, later stating that the Council's engagement will be critical to mitigate these implications.

"Indeed, a signal of unity and resolve from the Council would count for a lot at this anxious time", he said.

Wide-ranging threats outlined

The UN chief outlined eight ways COVID-19 could undermine global peace and security, beginning with a further erosion of trust in public institutions if people perceive that their authorities had mishandled response or were not transparent.

The pandemic's economic impacts could create "major stressors" in fragile societies or less developed countries, for example, while the ensuing economic instability will have devastating consequences for women as they make up the majority in the worst-affected sectors.

Stressing that "this is not a time for political opportunism", the Secretary-General also feared electoral processes could be affected as postponing or proceeding with votes could spark political tensions and undermine legitimacy.

"In some conflict settings, the uncertainty created by the pandemic may create incentives for some actors to promote further division and turmoil. This could lead to an escalation of violence and possibly devastating miscalculations, which could further entrench ongoing wars and complicate efforts to fight the pandemic", said Mr. Guterres.

Terrorism and bioterrorism fears

With most Governments focused on the pandemic, terrorist groups could see "a window of opportunity to strike", with the situation in the Sahel a particular concern.

"The weaknesses and lack of preparedness exposed by this pandemic provide a window onto how a bioterrorist attack might unfold  and may increase its risks. Non-state groups could gain access to virulent strains that could pose similar devastation to societies around the globe."

COVID-19 has also hindered conflict resolution efforts, and many peace processes have stalled as countries respond. The pandemic also has triggered or worsened numerous human rights challenges.

"We are seeing stigma, hate speech, and white supremacists and other extremists seeking to exploit the situation", the UN chief said.

"We are witnessing discrimination in accessing health services.Refugees and internally displaced persons are particularly vulnerable. And there are growing manifestations of authoritarianism, including limits on the media, civic space and freedom of expression".

Silence the guns

The UN chief reminded Ambassadors of his recent appeal for an immediate global ceasefire during the pandemic.

Some warring parties have taken steps to lay down their arms, and UN representatives will continue their efforts on this front.

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Chinese netizens pose as Taiwanese to 'apologize' to WHO chief

ROC Central News Agency

04/10/2020 02:54 PM

Taipei, April 10 (CNA) Taiwan's Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau said Friday that Chinese posing online as Taiwanese are behind an online campaign to apologize to World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who on Wednesday accused Taiwan of involvement in a series of personal attacks against him.

In a WHO press briefing that day, Tedros said he has been the victim of months of racially abusive attacks that he claims emanated from Taiwan.

"This attack came from Taiwan," Tedros said, "Taiwan, the foreign ministry also, they know the campaign. They did not disassociate themselves."

Taiwan's foreign ministry has strongly denied the accusation and on Thursday called on Tedros to retract and apologize for the remarks.

President Tsai Ing-wen (), meanwhile, said Taiwan has always opposed "all forms of discrimination" and invited Tedros to visit Taiwan and "experience for himself" the country's commitment to international engagement and public health.

At a press conference Friday, the investigation bureau said it had uncovered an effort by Chinese netizens to exploit the controversy by falsely identifying themselves as Taiwanese and issuing apologies to Tedros online.

After Chinese-language media reported Tedros' accusations Thursday, social media posts began appearing promoting the idea of issuing apology messages in Taiwan's name, the bureau said, adding that investigators had traced the accounts in question to China.

A Twitter account calling itself Radio Free Xuzhou provided widely used templates for users posting the messages, the bureau said.

The netizens' concerted actions constitute a "grave threat to Taiwan's international reputation," the bureau said.

Taiwan's exclusion from the WHO has emerged as a major point of contention during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Taiwanese government arguing that the United Nations-affiliated body is putting the country at risk by denying it access to public health information.

The WHO, meanwhile, has said that Taiwanese experts are being included in its efforts and accessing its information in an unofficial capacity.

Taiwan participated in the WHO's policy-making body -- the World Health Assembly -- as an observer from 2009-2016 under the designation "Chinese Taipei," when relations between Beijing and Taipei were better under Taiwan's previous Kuomintang ruling party, which accepts the concept that the two sides are part of one China, with each side free to interpret what that means.

Since 2017, however, Taiwan has been excluded from the body due to opposition from China, which objects to Taiwan's current ruling Democratic Progressive Party's rejection of that concept.

(By Hsiao Po-wen and Matthew Mazzetta)

Enditem/J

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Karnataka Congress chief D K Shivakumar on Saturda said that he was hopeful that the Karnataka Chief Minister would take stern action against BJP MLA M Jayaram--who was on Friday seen celebrating his birthday with several villagers in Gubbi taluk in Tumkur, in violation of social isolation measures and nationwide lockdown to fight the coronavirus outbreak.

"I am sure that the Chief Minister will take action on all these types of activities. We have already petitioned the DGP. Suo moto case should be registered immediately," the Karnataka Congress Chief told ANI.

Speaking about the video conference meeting that Congress President Sonia Gandhi held with all Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) presidents via video conference, he said: "She has given us directions that the party has to play its own role. She said that the party needs to be very active, apart from the government."

With regards to the farmer's struggles due to the lockdown, the Karnataka Congress Chief said that the farmers are in a 'very grim situation'. "I appeal to all the people of Karnataka that we should go to the fields and discuss with farmers and buy the materials. Let us purchase their fruits and vegetables and distribute them at the village level.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
NORMAL  Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, Advocate Eureka Hospital in Eureka and all Advocate-affiliated sites in Central Illinois are one step closer to being acquired by Urbana-based Carle Health.

Carle Health has filed a certificate of exemption with the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board seeking approval for Central Illinois Advocate sites to join Carle.

The state board staff concluded this week that the certificate of exemption (COE) request was complete, said Jennifer Hendricks Kaufman, director of enterprise communications and health system marketing for The Carle Foundation.

"Under normal conditions, we would expect to receive COE confirmation in the next few weeks," Hendricks Kaufman said Friday. "With potential limitations on state operations during this (COVID-19) time, there may be some delay in receiving that documentation."

"We're awaiting FTC (Federal Trade Commission) approval and pending all necessary regulatory approvals, this transition is currently scheduled for July," she said.

"It's exciting to reach this latest milestone in our transition," said Colleen Kannaday, president of Advocate BroMenn and Advocate Eureka. "Carle is a great fit for our patients, physicians and team members and we continue to build on our strong foundation of successful clinical partnerships throughout this integration process.

"While many of our teams are giving their undivided attention to COVID-19 right now, we are continuing to make great progress towards our goal of a summer transition," Kannaday said.

Under the agreement with current owner Advocate Aurora Health, based in Downers Grove and Milwaukee, Carle would acquire all Advocate facilities in Normal, Eureka, Bloomington and the surrounding area for about $190 million. This includes BroMenn and Eureka hospitals, The Center for Outpatient Medicine and Comfort and Care Suites in Bloomington and medical group offices throughout Central Illinois.

Kannaday said previously that the acquisition also includes joint ventures, such as Advocate BroMenn Health & Fitness Center in Bloomington and the Community Cancer Center in Normal.

Advocate and Carle announced acquisition plans in January after they were approved by the governing boards of both health systems.

Dr. James Leonard, Carle president and CEO, told The Pantagraph then that Carle had no plans for Advocate staff changes. Plans call for Kannaday to remain president at BroMenn and Eureka.

"Our intent is not to make changes in employment," Hendricks Kaufman said Friday.

Advocate has about 2,000 employees in Central Illinois. Carle has about 7,800.

Leonard and Kannaday in January said that both health systems being based in Central Illinois provided growth opportunities for staff, which would benefit patients.

Hospital name changes have not been finalized.

Contact Paul Swiech at 309-820-3275. Follow him on Twitter: @pg_swiech.

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Flowers from the Ukrainian president were laid at three monuments in Kyiv

Today, April 11, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky paid tribute to the prisoners of Nazi concentration camps at the Babi Yar Memorial Complex, as the press service of the President reports.

"On the International Day for the Release of Prisoners of Nazi Concentration Camps, a basket of flowers was installed from President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky to the Babiy Yar Memorial Complex," the press service said.

It was also noted that flowers from the president were left near the memorial sign to those who died in the Syretsk concentration camp and near the memorial sign "Memory for the Future" in the Babiy Yar National Historical and Memorial Reserve.

"On this day in 1945, prisoners rebelled and took control of the situation in one of the largest concentration camps of Nazi Germany - Buchenwald. And soon the troops of the anti-Hitler coalition completed their release. People of different nationalities, views and religions united at that difficult time to to cast off the bonds of the hateful regime. Eternal memory to the martyrs and victims of World War II," Zelensky said.

As we reported, Russia is holding rehearsals for its Victory Day parade, scheduled for May 9, despite the coronavirus crisis, as the Kremlin resists cancelling a patriotic holiday of major political significance.
The number of new coronavirus deaths of residents at a skilled nursing facility in Hayward has increased to nine, Alameda County public health officials said on Friday.

That total is a 50 percent increase from the previous total of six deaths at the Gateway Care and Rehabilitation Center at 26660 Patrick Ave. in Hayward that was reported on Wednesday.

In addition to the deaths, 41 residents and 25 staff members at the facility have tested positive for COVID-19, according to health officials, up from 29 residents and 24 staff on Wednesday.

The county said 15 residents and 21 staff members at the East Bay Post-Acute Care and Rehabilitation Center at 20259 Lake Chabot Road in Castro Valley have also tested positive for the new coronavirus but no deaths have been reported there.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said on Friday that the state is taking steps to protect the residents and employees of more than 1,224 skilled nursing facilities and 7,461 residential care facilities across California.

Newsom said the state is building on early action it took to protect such facilities by training and deploying 600 nurses to support compliance with COVID-19 guidance and state staff members are calling nursing homes across the state on a daily basis to provide support.

"Protecting California's most vulnerable residents and the employees is a top priority -- not only to protect public health but because it's the right thing to do," Newsom said in a statement.

"Older Californians and those who are medically fragile are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill due to COVID-19, which is why we took early action to restrict visitors to these facilities," he said.

Newson said, "Now we are providing even more support for these facilities, their residents and staff who serve them."

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.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen votes at the National Assembly amid discussion on a law on governing the country in a state of emergency, in Phnom Penh, April 10, 2020.

Cambodias National Assembly approved legislation on Friday authorizing a state of emergency to contain the spread of the coronavirus despite widespread concerns that it would give unchecked power to Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has rolled back democratic freedoms in the country.

The parliaments 125 lawmakers, all of whom belong to the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP), unanimously voted for the Law on Governing the Country in a State of Emergency, approving it an hour after it was introduced.

Ahead of the vote, Minister of Justice Koeut Rith told the National Assembly that the law is in compliance with the constitution and would empower the government to manage the country if King Norodom Sihamoni announces a state of emergency because of the outbreak in Cambodia, which as of Friday had caused 119 cases of COVID-19the disease caused by the virus.

We cant afford not to have [such] a law, he said. The draft law aims at protecting national security, public order, lives, and public property.

National Assembly spokesman Leng Peng Long dismissed criticism from rights groups in recent days that the law grants sweeping powers to the executive, saying that the government must constantly report to parliament throughout a state of emergency.

Those who criticize the draft law saying it gives too much authority to the government are not right, he said, calling measures in the bill reasonable.

Hun Sen, who was present for the debate, was the only person present that did not wear a facemask at the National Assembly on Friday.

When asked why, Leng Peng Long said that while the lawmakers are encouraged to wear masks, it is a matter of personal preference.

Hun Sen, who only weeks ago dismissed concerns over the pandemic, has waved off suggestions that he is using the crisis to give himself even greater control of Cambodia through the proposed legislation.

In recent days, New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) had warned that the draft law contained vague clauses that would provide Hun Sen with a means to run the country by fiat if enacted, while Paris-based media watchdog Reporters Without Borders said it would lead to gross violations of the freedom to inform and be informed that could have serious consequences during the coronavirus crisis.

Among the laws provisions are a punishment of up to a decade in jail for anyone found guilty of obstructing authorities or failing to respect government measures in such a way that causes social unrest or threatens national security.

On Friday, deputy president of the banned opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) Eng Chhai Eng told RFAs Khmer Service from self-imposed exile that he was unsurprised by the National Assemblys decision to approve the draft law, which he said Hun Sen had prepared for future use if his power is threatened.

He will use the law against those who oppose his transfer of power to his children, he said, referring to reports that some legislators in Cambodia may be preparing to challenge Hun Sens plan for succession and that the laws articles could be used to suppress debate on the issue.

CNRP acting president Sam Rainsy told RFA from Paris, where he has lived since 2015 to avoid a string of what he says are politically motivated charges and conviction, that he is concerned the government will use the law to legitimize rights abuses.

It will be very dangerous if the truth is hidden and Hun Sen is permitted to do anything he wants, arbitrarily, he said.

He doesnt want the public or the media to know the truth  In other countries, leaders act transparently, and we know what the government is doing.

Military Police block a road in Phnom Penh after Hun Sens travel ban goes into effect, April 10, 2020. Credit: RFA Travel ban eased

Meanwhile, Hun Sen on Friday eased some restrictions on a travel ban he had imposed a day earlier, which he said he had ordered to prevent spread of the coronavirus ahead of the April 13-16 Khmer New Year.

As part of a new order, Hun Sen said that residents of Kandal province and the municipality of Phnom Penh, which the province surrounds, may cross the border freely. He also lifted a restriction on traveling between districts, provided they are within the same province.

The travel ban, which came without warning on Thursday, has already affected tens of thousands of migrant workers, who traditionally travel from cities back to their hometowns to be with family during the Khmer New Year.

The government recently announced that it had canceled this years holiday and said factory employees would be required to work as usual, while Hun Sen has warned of tough measures for those who dont go to the factories.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of Labor said workers can travel to factories if they show their identification cards to the authorities, adding that not going can be regarded as a serious violation resulting in termination without pay. Workers who incite or intimidate their coworkers will face prosecution, the statement added.

On Friday, a worker told RFA on condition of anonymity that she wanted to travel home but is afraid of losing her job.

The workers are disappointed, and our relatives are also disappointed, she said.

I know the government is trying to prevent the spread of the virus, but they shouldnt stop us from visiting relatives. We have no idea how long the virus will remain a threat.

A villager named Sok Phyrum said he believes Hun Sen is testing peoples reactions with the ban ahead of invoking a state of emergency.

I am concerned that this is only the first step, he said. The law will seriously impact freedom of speech advocates and human rights defenders.

Reporter jailed

Also on Friday, HRW issued a statement calling on Cambodia to immediately drop all charges against Sovann Rithy, a journalist working for TVFB, who was arrested for reporting a recent speech by Hun Sen about the coronavirus.

Sovann Rithy was taken into custody by police in the capital Phnom Penh on Tuesday evening and charged with incitement to cause chaos and harm social security under article 495 of the criminal code.

The reporter had accurately posted on Facebook a comment by Hun Sen earlier that day telling motorbike-taxi drivers who go bankrupt because of the coronavirus outbreak to sell your motorbikes for spending money  [because] the government does not have the ability to help.

Even in Hun Sens Cambodia, arresting a journalist for quoting the prime minister marks a new low for press freedom, Phil Robertson, HRWs deputy Asia director said in Fridays statement.

The government should immediately release Rithy and drop the bogus charges against him and others detained for expressing their opinions or fears about COVID-19.

Authorities have arrested several people on allegations that they had spread fake news about the coronavirus.

HRW said it had documented 23 arrests and 10 people in pretrial detention, eight of whom were affiliated with the CNRP.

Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
NORWOOD  Good morning, church. Christ has risen! He has risen indeed. Amen. With these words, Norwood United Methodist Pastor Rev. Dong Jin Choi opened Easter services for his congregation  not in person but in a prerecorded video on the internet.

Choi, like hundreds of other Delaware County church leaders, have had to turn to technology to allow them to reach their flocks during the coronavirus pandemic, which has shut down public gatherings and services in Pennsylvania. On the holiest day in the Christian calendar, priests, pastors and reverends have turned to YouTube, Zoom, Vimeo and Facebook Live to get their messages out.

During the 45-minute service at Norwood UMC, Choi welcomed those in attendance and thanked them for joining him in celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. He was joined by organist Sharon Neff, who brought the joy of music to the service, singing Christ the Lord has Risen Today.

To reach their parishioners, First Baptist Church of Collingdale went to a live stream on Facebook a month ago. Their 10:45 a.m. Sunday service is also streamed on YouTube. A 90-minute Good Friday pre-recorded service included messages on Psalm 22 by five different speakers from three churches.

We have been participating in our church services for the last couple of weeks, said Colette Rickards of Collingdale. We observe communion on the first Sunday and we observed communion online last Sunday (Palm Sunday). We used grape juice and crackers here in our living room as our pastor, Rev. Perry Messick, led us. We definitely will attend online Easter service.

Richards said while she and her husband William enjoy the live stream service, they miss their fellow church goers.

Theres nothing to compare to worshiping God with fellow believers, Rickards said. Online church is a wonderful substitute in this time of lockdown due to COVID-19. We are grateful that we live in the time of Facebook and YouTube so we can have this second-best experience.

Calvary Chapel in Chadds Ford streams its services on YouTube. It has more than 400 subscribers on the service. The Palm Sunday service had more than 2,600 views and in it, Pastor Bob Guaglione opened the 50-minute service from the loft of his house with some news.

Good morning, Calvary Chapel. Welcome to our Sunday morning live stream. As you can tell Im not at church; in fact none of us are at church. Many of you know, this week I tested positive for COVID-19. I was real sick for about a week, and finally got tested, said Guaglione. But Im on the mend. Im really just fatigued and weak. I was very fortunate I was never hospitalized. Were glad we can be with you on Sunday morning.

In Trainer, Rev. James T. Ford said while his church, Trainer Trinity United Methodist Church, has not live-streamed, they have uploaded worship experiences on Facebook and YouTube, including the choir, a soloist, and a message from the bishop.

Weve been doing this for quite a while and it does help bring people closer to the church, Ford said. The music, that is what people particularly respond to.

Ford said in addition to the internet, which many older members may not use, they have been calling and mailing their 150 members. He said the lack of in-person services has been very hard for members of his church.

It does give you pause, thinking of all the relationships you grow there. You are dependent on that contact to keep that spirit, Ford said. So many desperately miss church. Some may have been doing this (coming to services) every week for 80 years.

Ford said they hope to do more streaming of services with more choir pieces to allow members to see inside the church and to feel it.

Everyone is really hunkering down. We dont want to put our older people at risk, said Ford.

At Saint. Pius X Catholic Church in Broomall, Msgr. William Kaufman has been utilizing a variety of social media platforms to reach parishioners. During Holy Week, it has been live streaming Mass on Facebook. On Easter, Banecker will lead a Zoom scripture reflection.

Who knew or thought that this virus would cause us to end Lent this way, away from each other, wearing masks, social distancing, no public Mass. We miss you very much, Kaufman stated on a video posted on the Facebook page, which has 700 likes. All of these days are difficult for all of us, but we are linked together in our private prayer and our care for one another and our love.

On a more traditional platform, television, Neumann University has loaned WHYY equipment, which will allow the station to broadcast Archbishop Nelson Perezs Easter Sunday Mass from the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul 11 a.m. Sunday morning. The Mass will also be streamed live on the archdiocese website http://archphila.org as well as on archdiocese Facebook pages.

As we continue to be separated physically because of the pandemic of the coronavirus, we can be connected so many ways because of prayer, and our wonderful technology we have in our world, Kaufman said.
Former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Saturday said the lack of storage facilities is forcing farmers to sell their mustard produce below the minimum support price (MSP).

Most of the farmers do not have their storage facilities and the lack of storage is forcing them into distress sales. Mustard is supposed to be sold at a minimum support price of Rs 4,425 perl, but farmers are now forced to sell it at Rs 3,500-3,800. The government needs to ensure proper storage facilities for farmers or they will have to sell their wheat crops too below MSP to private agencies, he said in a statement.

The M L Khattar government had said that it would begin procurement of mustard from April 15 and wheat from April 20. The government had delayed the procurement, which was to begin from April 1, in view of the lockdown imposed in the country due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Hooda said he had raised these issues before the government in the all-party meeting and suggested that every grain produced by the farmer should be bought.

He also appealed to the government to ensure the farmers' produce is procured at minimum support price and storage of grains of farmers' crops.

The senior Congress leader, meanwhile, called on the farmers of Haryana to help each other in harvesting and taking their produce to the market.

He said the farmers must help each other as the state grapples with shortage of farm-labour and machines.

Hooda urged the farmers to follow social distancing norms while harvesting their crops and wash their hands frequently.

In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, he said they should wear masks or traditional scarves while harvesting crops.

Hooda reiterated that the fight against COVID-19 is not just the responsibility of the government, but all will have to put collective efforts.

The Congress has extended unconditional and complete support to the government during these difficult times. We are regularly sending necessary suggestions to the government in the interest of the state. The farmers have brought to my notice some of their issues they face and I am dutifully forwarding them to the government, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Channel Seven has slashed the salaries of some of its biggest stars by 20 per cent, it has been revealed.

The network was forced to make the pay cuts amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Seven News boss Craig McPherson told The Sydney Morning Herald's Private Sydney on Saturday, that the talent took the cuts with 'great grace and class'.

'Everyone is doing what they can to get through this': Channel Seven has been forced to slash the salaries of some of its biggest stars by 20 per cent amid the COVID-19 crisis. Pictured are Sunrise hosts Samantha Armytage and David Koch

The publication reports that Craig looks after Sunrise hosts Samantha Armytage, 43, and David 'Kochie' Koch, 64, who are two of the highest-paid stars at Seven.

They reportedly earned $500,000 and $1,000,000 respectively last year.

Craig told the publication that 'everyone is united and doing what they can to get through this.'

Without naming names, he said talent have all taken the news well.

'I spoke to all my presenters personally and everyone was very understanding of the situation and handled it with great grace and class,' Craig said.

They took it well: Seven News boss Craig McPherson told The Sydney Morning Herald's Private Sydney on Saturday, that the talent took the cuts with 'great grace and class'

Familiar face: Samantha is pictured with Sunrise co-star, Natalie Barr

Last year meanwhile, Kochie was widely criticised on social media for claiming that any ordinary Australian can 'save $10,000 in just 20 days'. He made the claim on Seven's show, 'How To Make $10k In 20 Days.'

One reason why viewers were so furious was because of his incredible salary.

It's believed Kochie earns $1million per year to host Channel Seven's breakfast show, Sunrise. He also doesn't work Fridays.

Backlash: Last year meanwhile, Kochie was widely criticised on social media for claiming that any ordinary Australian can 'save $10,000 in just 20 days'. One reason why viewers were so furious was because of his incredible salary

In March last year, Samantha hinted that she and David have similar pay packets, even though it's widely known that they are paid vastly different sums.

She told Kyle and Jackie O: 'All I know is that everything is equal at Channel Seven.'

However, Samantha told The Daily Telegraph three years ago that she suspected David may be earning more money than her.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Seven for further comment, in relation to this article.
The priest presses the button and starts broadcasting the mass on Facebook Live. He stands in front of the camera and starts the prayers when a virtual futuristic looking helmet lit with colored LED lights is placed on his head. He proceeds with solemn piety, unperturbed by whats happening, but moments later a warriors costume appears to cover him. A few seconds later, hes wearing shades and a hat like the Blues Brothers, while Super Mario Bros. coins begin to rain down on the church. The priest in question is Don Paolo Longo of the Church of San Petro and San Benedetto in the Italian town of Polla. Its March 24, and its the first time that he broadcasts services online. The good man has accidentally connected the animated filters. Many decades ago, when Don Paolo was ordained a priest, he was instructed in the seminary on the Third Council of Constantinople, Latin patristic theology, the hypostatic union in Jesus Christ, and other aspects of St. Thomas Aquinass Summa Theologica. What no one told him back then is that he would also need to learn the Zuckerbergian Charismata.

Don Paolo is one of many thousands of priests and faithful who, in these days of pandemic and closed churches, are suddenly immersing themselves in new technologies. They dare to try everything, thinking of those martyrs that, throughout the centuries, gave their lives to evangelize in the most hostile places on the planet, and how a puny technological barricade designed in a place as corny as Silicon Valley would not be able to stop them now. Now the history of the digital crusade is being written.

They are not alone in the battle. On Friday, March 27th, when Pope Francis gave an extraordinary Urbi et orbi blessing in a deserted St. Peters Square, many spectators participated in the ceremony online. In the United Kingdom, there were more than ten million spectators. In Spain it was the most-watched broadcast in March. Similar phenomena have unfolded in other parts of the world. In France, the Sunday Mass on television is pulverizing all previous records with more than one million viewers. In Germany, audiences are at an all-time high. On YouTube, hundreds of new channels from parishes and priests are being broadcast to the faithful across the internet. A Pew Research Center survey shows that more than half of American adults were praying for an end to the pandemic. It notes that those who pray often are doing so more in recent weeksand that a quarter of those who do not profess any religion are praying to God for an end to the coronavirus.

Story continues

Everything is new and surprising for priests like Don Paolo and for the faithful: from the processions inside deserted churches or the communal praying of the Rosary through Instagram Live, to the blessing with the Holy Sacrament from a helicopter, as the Archbishop of Panama did on April 5.

In Rome, the silence was overwhelming as the Pope imparted the Urbi et orbi blessing. A very sad rain sprinkled the square. The image of a lone Pope Francis overlooking St. Peters Square in the Vatican seemed to gather the whole church around its shepherd. His homily was resounding, and echoed on the colonnades. For some weeks now, it seems that everything has gone dark, said the Pope. We find ourselves frightened and lost. . . . Embrace the Lord to embrace hope: that is the strength of faith, which frees from fear and gives hope.

This scene reminded me of another. In 1987, John Paul II literally shouted to Chilean youth these words that now seem prophetic: Love always wins, as Christ has won. Love has conquered. Love always wins. Even though at times, before concrete events and situations, it may seem powerless to us Christ also seemed powerless on the cross. God always wins!

In recent weeks there has been an interesting debate: Should churches be closed or, on the contrary, should they be more open than ever? Probably the correct answer is both. I do not believe that closing churches in compliance with health ordinances is a sign of lack of faith. Its one of our differentiating traits: our faith is a friend to reason, not its enemy. Yesterday I saw several radical Islamists on social networks asking their jihadist brothers not to comply with the confinement measures, assuring them that this is a divine plague that only affects infidels. I listened to these exalted Islamist clerics and thought: Okay, boomer. Even the FBI in close cooperation with Charles Darwin would not have devised a more effective national-security strategy.

An old Spanish joke reflects well on where we Christians stand. Theres a guy who falls off a cliff and halfway down manages to grab hold of a branch. Dangling over the abyss, he shouts, Is anyone there? but all he hears is the echo of his voice. He asks again, louder this time: Is anyone there? And then he hears a quiet, peaceful voice: Yes, my son, God is there. Fear not, let go of the branch, and let yourself fall into the void, that before your body crashes into the ground I should send 40,000 angels commandeered by my beloved Archangel St. Gabriel, who will, in unison, flap their powerful wings, creating a vacuum that would lift you back up to from where you fell. Okay, thank you, replies the man, but is anyone else there?

Faith is required of Christians, but so are deeds  in this case, prayer and common sense. In other words, pray and do your part. When St. Peter walked on the water, Jesus told him to stand firm in faith and keep walking. He didnt tell him to jump up and down to see if he could defy Gods miracle, sink, and drown.

During a recent homily, a Spanish priest said something that impressed me: Many of the faithful have been asking me lately if the coronavirus is a punishment from God. Well, I dont know . . . but it is easier for God to show his infinite mercy to men than his wrath. Gods wrath . . . is limited. Whats so special about God is his mercy, because it is infinite.

Of course, no one is safe from anguish these days. I like the fear shown by the man who falls off the cliff in the joke, because its extremely human. So too were St. Peters doubts as he walked on water. But the best balm for all kinds of fear is God. I just attended the Good Friday services via the YouTube channel of Torreciudad, a shrine somewhere in the mountains of northeastern Spain. I was surprised to see that about 4,000 people were following the live broadcast. There are thousands of similar broadcasts happening at the same time around the world. In the midst of pain and uncertainty, it seems that many are returning to God, probably because theres no anxiety pill better than prayer.

Before this pandemic, our modern society had declared a thousand times that theres no need for God: that we can do everything we need with science, with our political systems, with our prosperity. The dominant religion in the world was the one that Leon Bloy described so well when referring to modernity: Inside every modern person there is a small infallible Church of which he is Christ and Pope and its grand mission is to attract the greatest possible number of believers. We were a proud society, only comparable to any car driver.

Im afraid Im going to look like a fool, but a few years ago I bought a new car. One of those big, long ones you buy just in case you have to escape a nuclear holocaust with all your family, friends, pets and house inside. I went to pick it up at the dealership. The garage it was parked inside was tiny. There was barely room to swing a cat, let alone a car. The guy at the dealership offered to drive it out himself, knowing the limited dimensions of the place. My pride took offence and immediately answered for me. Ill do it, thank you. He shrugged.

Once I was inside the car, the man made stupid gestures from the other side of window. I rolled it down and he warned me: Dont forget that the reverse gear is the opposite of other cars! I replied: I know exactly what Im doing! I stuck my head out of the window, looked backwards, and accelerated. The car shot forward, crashing into three towers of spare wheels. The salesman, on the verge of hysteria, opened the door for me: Please! Let me take it out for you! But, I slammed the door shut, pushed the lock down and, even angrier, I shouted at him, I know what Im doing! Then I put the car into gear again and it shot out backwards, forcing a mechanic to dive into the repair pit. When I managed to stop the damn car, one of my wheels was trapped inside the pit. It was a pitiful scene. Defeated, my pride and I got out of the car, our heads hanging low, and I handed the keys to the salesman, who by that point was frozen with the look of someone who had woken up in the middle of his own autopsy. As I contemplated the mess I had made, I understood more than ever what Chesterton meant when he said: Humility is so practical a virtue that men think it must be a vice.

Which is an elliptical way of saying that that our pride often wont give way until we cant take any more. This seems to be what has happened to us with the coronavirus. Perhaps thats why now, ashamed like children, we look upwards to God and ask Him to take our car out of the garage. In short, were having a great big serving of humble pie. I cant think of anything more humiliating than having to go out into the street with a muzzle over our mouths as our dogs beam a big toothy grin right back at us.

Joel Dalmau provided translation work for this article.

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James Ruvalcaba was the lead operational planner and Joe Plenzler was the public affairs officer for III Marine Expeditionary Force in Okinawa, Japan. They were responsible for authoring the III MEF CONPLAN 5003 to protect all U.S. forces, their families, and Defense Department personnel in Japan. They are both retired Marine lieutenant colonels.

As former lead operational planners for the Biohazard Defense Contingency Plan for all military service members, their families and Defense Department employees in Japan, we noticed the strong possibility of a COVID-19 pandemic in early February of this year.

There are lessons to be learned from an earlier viral outbreak.

In response to the H5N1 or "bird flu" outbreak in 2005, President George W. Bush issued a National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza (PI) that November.

Thirteen days later, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Peter Pace issued a planning order (PLANORD) directing all combatant commanders to conduct execution-level planning for a DoD response to pandemic influenza.

The guidance was clear and broad: Develop a contingency plan that specifically addressed the three major missions of force health protection, defense support for civil authorities, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

As leaders of the planning efforts, we recruited medical experts and researched preventive health materials from the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute of Health, and disease exposure control studies from the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

This 18-month planning effort included tabletop exercises with State Department officials and local government officials and resulted in a 650-page biohazard response plan for all Marine Corps forces in Japan.

The plan also involved the additional major mission of continuity of operations to ensure that local governments and military installations continued to provide essential and emergency services during a pandemic.

The plan required all units and critical support agencies and businesses to classify their employees or service members as nonessential, essential or emergency-essential personnel.

The lessons we learned in this comprehensive 2005 planning effort are extensive, but they have not been fully implemented in response to COVID-19.

So what can policymakers, emergency medical responders and today's planners learn from our plan?

Expect a "new normal" until a proven vaccine is developed. Social distancing measures and restrictions on mass gatherings must continue until the population has been vaccinated and the current COVID-19 virus is no longer a threat.

Just like we adapted to the post-9/11 terrorist attacks by instituting new security measures, we must also adapt to the pandemic by continuing social distancing measures until a proven vaccine has been developed, tested and administered to the entire global community. We must do this to avoid subsequent pandemic waves.

Our plan operated under the advice from health experts that a vaccine may take about a year to develop and that it will take months more for it to be readily available to the entire population. We recommend that the vaccine be prioritized and allocated first to medical responders and other personnel designated as emergency-essential responders. Local public health experts should draft immunization plans, to include the prioritization of immunizations to emergency-essential personnel.

The public should expect to experience additional shortages of medical equipment. We've seen the shortages of N95 masks, ventilators and ICU beds in hospitals; however, when restrictive measures are eased or lifted, our planning revealed that there will be a huge demand for infrared thermal detection systems (IR thermometers) in order to conduct public health febrile surveillance -- especially prior to boarding flights or mass transportation. The post-pandemic environment will most likely involve febrile screenings to ensure viral threats are contained.

Ongoing surveillance and contact tracing are extremely critical after the first pandemic wave is contained to a manageable level, in order to prevent a second wave or spreading it to another region. We should leverage technology in our smartphones to self-report if we have been in contact with infected people. China successfully implemented these protocols in Wuhan province through a phone app.

The demand for mortuary services may exceed available capacity. Additionally, new protocols must be established for conducting funerals.

Public Service Announcements are critical to shape public action to comply with evolving restrictive measures implemented by public health officials. Additionally, PSAs alleviate fear and anxiety by providing reassurance and critical educational material to assist the public in helping to contain and reduce the pandemic. Simply stated, PSAs help to reset the expectations of the evolving crisis and the associated escalatory or de-escalatory restrictive measures.

A pandemic may produce a second wave after the first outbreak, and sometimes even a second cycle outbreak after a few seasons. This is due to previously undetected pockets of viral outbreaks, a lapse in compliance to restrictive measures, the reintroduction of the virus from an external source, or the possibility of the virus mutating gradually by antigenic drift, or abruptly by antigenic shift. It is important for medical responders, public officials and the public to understand that we must not let our guard down when we start seeing a reduction in the transmissibility of the COVID virus or a reduction in the number of people infected.

We cannot lean on unfounded messages of hope; rather, we should look to science and condition-based assessments to decide when to ease or lift restrictive measures. The message to policymakers and high-ranking preventive health officials is clear: Demand science-based justifications for lifting restrictive measures.

For all that have closely tracked the evolution of this COVID-19 virus from its initial outbreak to a pandemic, the writing on the wall is obvious: National leaders made grave mistakes by not taking the threat seriously.

The lack of early mitigation has now cost us more than 427,000 sick Americans, more than 14,000 deaths and more than $2.3 trillion.

Our nation is paying a terrible cost for not taking this pandemic seriously enough, early enough. We must act in earnest to implement these lessons to help contain the viral spread so we can safely ease the restrictive measures while preventing a second pandemic wave or subsequent pandemic cycle.

-- 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.
(Natural News) Some governments and businesses are making use of drones in response to the current coronavirus pandemic, but some of the potential applications are a serious invasion of privacy.

While using drones to safely deliver food and supplies to some remote areas of China seems like a reasonable enough use, drones that can detect fever and coughing are raising more than a few eyebrows.

The Australian government is poised to deploy pandemic drones that they say can remotely monitor potential coronavirus cases. The drones come from Canadian drone manufacturer Draganfly, and they are equipped with specialized sensors and computer vision systems that can measure the heart and respiratory rates of people in crowds, workforces, airports, care homes, cruise ships, at-risk groups, and other places where groups are congregating. It can also detect a persons body temperature and whether they are sneezing or coughing.

Draganfly is teaming up with the Australian Department of Defence Science and Technology group and the University of South Australia to deploy the drone as part of their Vital Intelligence Project.

Proponents say that health and respiratory monitoring can help understand health trends and ensure public safety. Draganfly Director Andy Card, a former White House Chief of Staff and Secretary of Transportation, said: As we move forward, drones and autonomous technology doing detection will be an important part of ensuring public safety.

Draganfly CEO Cameron Chell told Digital Trends that the drones are going to be deployed at several hotspots, although its not yet clear precisely when theyll be put into action. The algorithms for measuring are still being refined. He added that the firms pandemic drones have attracted lots of interest across a range of industries.

University of South Australia Professor Javaan Chahl said that although theyd always believed this technology could be used for a situation like the one were seeing now, they thought it was something that wouldnt be needed any time soon.

He said: Now, shockingly, we see a need for its use immediately, to help save lives in the biggest health catastrophe the world has experienced in the past 100 years.

He added that while it might not be useful for detecting every case of COVID-19, it could serve as a reliable tool to note the presence of the illness within a large group of people.

Meanwhile, U.S. startup Kogniz has recently launched a camera enabled with artificial intelligence that can scan groups entering facilities and identify those who have high temperatures.

The companys co-founder, Daniel Putterman, said that they can provide temperature detection for crowded environments so that people can be identified for further checks. The Health Cam device detects a persons skin temperature in real time from less than five meters way using the area near a persons eyes. According to Kogniz, 12 major customers are already using their technology across different sites with multiple cameras.

Drones already being used in coronavirus fight around the world

Drones are already being used in many countries as another tool to help fight COVID-19. In China, drones that were once used for spraying pesticides are now being used to spray disinfecting chemicals in certain public spaces. Theyre also being used there to transport medical samples in a way that keeps human contact with the samples down and speed up the processes of testing and results.

In Spain, police are using drones to warn people they need to stay at home and order them to leave public parks. France has also joined the trend, with drones flying over the city center of Nice urging people to keep their distance and stay home unless its an emergency. Israel is using drones to enforce restrictions on movement, while Jordan and Kuwait are also using drones with loudspeakers to order people to stay inside.

Few would argue with the need to encourage people to adhere to social distancing guidelines during this dangerous time, but just how far will this drone technology and enforcement ultimately go?

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

SiliconRepublic.com

DigitalTrends.com
The hostile maneuvers and vain schemes hatched by Algerian regime against the territorial integrity of its Moroccan neighbor were once again foiled by the 15-members of the Security Council on Thursday in New York.

The Council, which was briefed by the UN Secretariat on the Western Sahara issue in accordance with resolution 2494, adopted on October 30, 2019, completely ignored the protests voiced by Algerian diplomacy against the opening of Consulates by ten African countries in the Moroccan Sahara.

In its hostile campaign against the sovereign decision taken by Morocco and African countries in line with international law, the Algerian regime mobilized all its lobbyists in New York as well as its official and unofficial media, but in the end, it failed to convince the Security Council.

Moreover, Algeria was the only country among the 193 UN members to have protested against the opening of African Consulates in the Moroccan Saharan cities of Laayoune and Dakhla. The Algerian rulers were extremely irked by the move to the point of withdrawing their ambassador in Cote dIvoire, one of the African countries having opened a consulate in the Moroccan Sahara.

As the Algerian tactics and maneuvers regarding the Moroccan Sahara have lost their luster and are fooling nobody, the Security Council has completely ignored, according to diplomatic sources at the UN, the fuss made by Algiers over the opening of Consulates General in the Moroccan Sahara.

For the UN executive body, these are acts of sovereignty made in accordance with international law and within the framework of bilateral relations between Morocco and its African partners.

During the current global health crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the Security Council deemed it inappropriate to discuss the appointment of a new personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Sahara, which Algerian diplomacy has been pushing with insistence through its news outlets.

Furthermore, Algeria has suffered another UN setback inflicted by the United States which opposed the appointment of Algerian diplomat Ramtane Laamamra as UN envoy to Libya.


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Great British Bake Off star Paul Hollywood has moved a second barmaid into his 1 million home  eight months after splitting from the first.

The 54-year-old is isolating with pub landlady Melissa Spalding at his Kent farmhouse. Friends say she immediately accepted his invitation to relocate from the nearby Chequers pub in the village of Smarden where she lived.

Hollywood bought the Grade II-listed house last year as a love-nest for him and Summer Monteys-Fullam, who worked at another pub where he was a regular.

Moving in: Great British Bake Off star Paul Hollywood has moved in with pub landlady Melissa Spalding

A friend told The Mail on Sunday: Paul and Melissa got together soon after his split from Summer and they are really happy together. Actually its looking like this one could very well last for Paul.

Hollywood became close to twice-engaged Miss Spalding, 36, after spending time in her pub when he split from Ms Monteys-Fullam in August.

The two women are understood to have previously been friends, but they no longer speak.

Ms Monteys-Fullam, 26, moved out of the 18th Century farmhouse amid claims that Hollywood asked her to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

She later threatened to sue for defamation after he suggested that she had courted media attention.

The property, which Hollywood bought in February 2019, is about 40 miles from his former marital home. His ex-wife Alex still lives there with their son Josh, 17.

Hollywood is awaiting a court hearing to settle how his 10 million fortune is divided.
By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Shravan, the celebrity inmate at the city zoo, is having a roaring vacation ever since visitors were banned at the facility as part of Covid-19 restrictions. The nine-year-old white tiger now takes longer strolls than before, roars and growls more often announcing his presence to the world around. Not just Shravan, almost all the inmates are expressing more of their basic instincts which show that they are happy in the new setting, says Dr Jacob Alexander, senior veterinary surgeon and chief veterinarian of the zoo.

Usually, it is quite noisy here since the zoo is bang in the middle of the city, surrounded by busy roads. It seems the newly-experienced quiet ambience is encouraging the otherwise shy animals and birds to make more noise than before. Obviously, they are enjoying it, which is a heartening sight for us, he said.

The city zoo, one of the oldest in the country, is home to over 150 animal and bird species. About 62 species of free flying birds and nearly 104 butterfly species were also reported from the zoological park.

The enclosure of water birds has become very lively and the avians glide around more frequently, according to Jacob Alexander. Earlier, they were seen flying after the feeding at noon and in the evening. Now, they are moving around all the time, he said.

Precautions

The city zoo was the first in the country to ban entry of visitors on March 13, said S Abu, director, Zoos and Museums. Special care is being taken to prevent the Covid transmission to animals. Staff have to undergo thermal scanning before entering the campus. Besides sanitising hands and legs, they are asked to don protective gear and keep maximum distance from the animals, he said.

The institution had an efficient safety protocol for long which helped prevent disease outbreaks during the past seven years, Jacob Alexander said. The safety measures are revised as per the epidemic intelligence reports from the state and central governments. Foot bath, sanitisation of legs with disinfectants, was compulsory for visitors and staff. Vehicle tyres were sanitised before being allowed entry inside the campus. The disinfectants used would vary with the intelligence report, he said.

The veterinarian said the zoo had been successful in remaining insulated against the foot-and-mouth disease in the past 12 years. The safety measures have been enhanced after a tiger at New Yorks Bronx Zoo tested positive for Covid-19, he said. Keepers interaction with animals has been brought to the minimum. Galleries, from where food is supplied to the animals, is regularly sanitised with disinfectants, he said.
A significant majority of voters want Boris Johnson to extend trade talks with the EU, which have been interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new survey.

Some 47 per cent of those questioned by BMG for The Independent said the prime minister should ditch his 31 December deadline to complete talks or walk out of the EU without a trade deal, against just 23 per cent who said he should stick to his timetable. Another 21 per cent said they neither opposed nor supported a delay and 8 per cent did not know.

And there was growing support for rejoining the EU, with 49 per cent saying they want the UK to seek renewed membership less than three months after it left on 31 January, compared to 51 per cent who want to stay out.

At least one planned round of talks between UK negotiator David Frost and his EU counterpart Michel Barnier has been cancelled because of the outbreak, which saw both men infected with Covid-19.

But Mr Johnson and key ministers have repeatedly said that they are sticking to the New Years Eve deadline for concluding the transition period to Brexit, which they wrote into law in the EU Withdrawal Act  and the PM has not stepped back from his threat to walk out on talks in June if no progress is being made.

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 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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. 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Businesses are increasingly concerned at the prospect of a disruptive no-deal Brexit on 1 January, coming hot on the heels of the economic damage caused by coronavirus.

The governments most recent economic assessment, issued by the Treasury in 2018, found that departure from the EU without a trade deal could cost the UK up to 9 per cent of GDP over the coming years.

Pauline Bastidon, head of European policy at the Freight Transport Association, has called for an extension to talks saying: Theres absolutely no bandwidth for anything other than Covid-19. Theres no time, energy, money or interest at the moment to focus on Brexit.

Support for delay was shared by more than a third of Conservative voters (35 per cent) and Leave voters (34 per cent) taking part in the BMG poll. Some 42 per cent of Tories and 45 per cent of Leave voters thought Mr Johnson should press ahead with his plan to halt talks at the end of 2020, deal or no deal.

Almost two thirds (64 per cent) of Labour voters, 72 per cent of Lib Dems and 66 per cent of Remain backers thought the deadline to conclude negotiations should be pushed back.

And an extension to talks was backed by a plurality of voters in every part of Britain and every age group.

David Frost and Michel Barnier are among those who have caught coronavirus (Reuters)

The director of the UK in a Changing Europe think tank, Kings College London professor Anand Menon, told The Independent: What these figures reveal is that a large proportion of the public understand  even if the government still seems not to  that Covid-19 changes everything. And that should include the timetable for ending the transition.

The CEO of the Best for Britain campaign, Naomi Smith, said: Since the UK went into lockdown, poll after poll has shown the country is in favour of extending the transition period.

That includes a sizeable chunk of those who voted for the Conservatives at the last election, who will be dismayed at their partys refusal to give the the country some breathing room to continue negotiations with the EU once we are in a better place.

Most people just want the government to get on with the job at hand so that lives can be saved and normality restored as quickly as possible.

With senior ministers falling ill, the government lacks the capacity to split its focus right now.

The poll found support for rejoining the EU up three points to 49 per cent since a similar survey in March, with only a wafer-thin majority now in favour of Brexit.

Support for rejoining was strongest among the young (68 per cent of 18 to 24 year-olds and 59 per cent of 25 to 34 year-olds), people with degrees (60 per cent) and voters from ethnic minorities (67 per cent).

However, there is a majority for staying out in every part of the country except London and Scotland and among all over-55 age groups.

Rejoining is backed by supporters of all major parties except the Tories, 84 per cent of whom want to stay out. Some 8 per cent of Leave voters now say they want to rejoin the EU.

BMG questioned 1,541 British adults between 7 and 9 April
The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown has resulted in an enormous setback to the retail industry.

While the industry is committed to ensure the safety of billions of people, some challenges faced in the current time are of large magnitude, says Ameet Panchal, CEO, Shree Balaji Ethnicity Retail Pvt Ltd.

For latest updates and live news on coronavirus, click here

Due to mandatory closure of retail stores across India, retailers face imminent financial crisis and insolvency with stores at risk of shutdown and millions of job losses, says Panchal, a member of the Retail Association of India.

The Indian retail industry is one of the largest employers in the country, with more than 15 million retailers, both big and big within traditional and modern trade.

The industry employs 40-50 million Indians directly, of which modern trade employs more than six million and its contribution being approximately 40% of Indias consumption.

Track state-wise confirmed coronavirus cases here

According to Panchal, nearly 60 to 70 percent of costs are fixed costs in the retail segment. Rents and salaries to employees make a large part of this cost.

This, along with low margins, leaves businesses with limited flexibility. With stores and ecommerce businesses being shut, we have seen a 100% fall in revenue.

Economists predict that consumption will further fall by 25-30% for the next six to nine months post the lockdown revision, which in turn will amount to insurmountable losses for this industry.

"Our industry which was already hit by the economic slowdown, is now at threat from COVID-19, with losses which are hard to ascertain," he said.

The current situation will lead to down scaling or shutting down operations widely and the closure of retail businesses will affect large sections of society.

The industry is people intensive, with over 90 percent of retail employees working at the stores, earning minimum wages and living a hand-to-mouth existence.

With extended closures, these employees are at risk of being retrenched. With the closedown, the entire value chain made up of distributors, manufacturers, raw material suppliers, etc. will have order cancellations and loss of income. This, along with projections of extended slowdown in retail consumption, will be a huge stress on the entire supply chain.
Rajasthan Chief minister Ashok Gehlot has announced a financial assistance worth Rs 50 lakh to family of any government employee in matter of his death being reported due to coronavirus during the anti-Covid-19 operation in the state.

The central government had earlier announced a medical insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh to the corona warriors, including medical staff. However, now, the state government has extended it to other employees as well who are part of the anti-Covid-19 operation.

The state government said the employees working on contract basis would also be covered under this financial assistance scheme.

Patwaris, gram sevaks, constables, contract employees including safai karmacharis, health workers and those employed on honorarium like Home Guard, civil defence, Asha and anganwadi workers have also been included amongst the beneficiaries.

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Your honour? This is not the Supreme Court of the United States says CJI Bobde

Supreme Court bar urges CJI to cancel summer vacation

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Apr 11: The Supreme Court Bar Association has passed a resolution urging Chief Justice of India, S A Bobde to cancel the summer vacation this year.

The unanimous resolution urged the CJI and other judges to cancel the summer vacation to compensate for the time lost due to the restricted functioning of the court.

The proceedings are restricted in the Supreme Court owing to the coronavirus outbreak. The association said that the CJI should take further proactive measures in order to mitigate the suffering and distress of the litigating public and also put in place fresh measures to gradually restore the full functioning of the Supreme Court. The association said that it resolved to that all practising lawyers in the Supreme Court will give up the summer vacation from May 16 to July 5, 2020.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said there is "no magic figure" that will dictate when the coronavirus restrictions can start to be lifted, as they were extended for another three weeks last night.

The Government hopes strict limits on public movement can begin to be lifted next month - but there appeared to be no end in sight for the public last night as Mr Varadkar warned they could be reimposed if the rate of new cases starts to increase again.

It comes after the Department of Health confirmed last night that there had been 25 more deaths from Covid-19 in Ireland. This brings the death toll in the Republic to 288.

It was also confirmed 480 new cases of coronavirus have been identified, bringing the total number of cases to 7,054.

However, there was confusion last night after chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said the total number of confirmed cases, was 8,089.

Backlog

The larger number was a result of the number of test results being returned from a lab in Germany which has been used to clear a backlog.

Dr Holohan stressed these cases were "historical" and did not impact on the current growth rate of the disease.

The current set of restrictions have been extended in their entirety until May 5 following a recommendation from public health officials.

While stressing the extraordinary measures had worked in slowing the rate of increase in new cases, Mr Varadkar and Health Minister Simon Harris said more work needed to be done and the public should continue to stay at home.

Mr Varadkar said it was his "fervent" hope that the Government could begin to unwind restrictions next month - but he could not guarantee this and insisted that they would not be eased in one go.

Speaking at Government Buildings he said: "There's no magic figure, if you like, that we're looking for. But the kind of thing we'll be looking at will be hospitalisations, whether they're stabilising or falling or increasing. Same thing goes for the number of people who are in our ICUs, also the number of new cases and the percentage increase in new cases."

He said in three weeks the Government will also have "some idea as to how countries in Europe that are planning to ease restrictions have done".

However, he said the easing of restrictions in some EU countries, including Austria and the Czech Republic, was not a risk he was willing to take as of yet.

Mr Varadkar also said he did not want people to report their neighbours for breaching the restrictions as he had observed is happening in other countries.

"I don't think we will suppress this virus by becoming the valley of the squinting windows. I think we'll suppress this virus by doing the right thing by each other, and doing the right thing by our neighbours," he said.

Dr Holohan said the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) did consider further restrictions but recommended the current regime be extended.

He said the number of people who are being infected by a patient who has the disease - the so-called R0 rate - has dropped to two but that if this decrease stalls, then further restrictions would be considered.

Amid growing confusion about the backlog in testing and test results, Dr Holohan and health officials admitted they did not have specific figures for this. He said it was the intention of the HSE to clear a backlog for test results within days via the use of the German lab and have a testing regime with a 48-hour or quicker turnaround time "as quickly as possible".

The HSE and the National Virus Reference Laboratory UCD (NVRL) confirmed yesterday they had entered an agreement with Genomics Medicine Ireland (GMI) for the supply of reagents that will enable the NVRL to significantly ramp up testing.

The NVRL's Dr Cillian De Gascun, who chairs the Government's expert group on Covid-19, said: "GMI's rapid response in producing reagents... will be pivotal in our understanding of the outbreak and help in deciding when we can begin to lift current movement restrictions."
Police are investigating a body discovered Saturday morning in the Little Lehigh Creek in Allentown.

City police were called at 10:36 a.m. for a water rescue in the creek near Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

The Lehigh County Coroners Office confirmed it was called to the scene, but further details were not immediately available.

Allentown police are investigating the death, and ask anyone with information that may aid investigators to call 610-437-7721.

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. If theres anything about this story that needs attention, please email her. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Three more cases of coronavirus have been reported in Lucknow on Saturday.

In-charge of isolation ward, King George's Medical University (KGMU) Dr Sudhir Singh said, "Three coronavirus positive cases have been found in Lucknow. 557 samples were sent for testing and out of them, six came positive."

Three cases are from Lucknow, they are a 38-year-old woman, a 30-year-old woman, and a 55-year-old man.

In Agra also three new cases were reported and they are a 23-year-old woman, a 29-year-old man, and a 61-year-old man.

"The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has spiked to 431 in Uttar Pradesh, with 21 fresh cases being reported today. Out of the total number, 32 were cured/discharged while four died," said the Health Department on Friday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Cheered by her doctors, 93-year-old Alye Gunduz was discharged from an Istanbul hospital after recovering from the novel coronavirus following 10 days of treatment. Her recovery from the disease that is killing chiefly the old offered some hope to health workers at Istanbul's Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty hospital as they battle the outbreak, which risks hitting Turkey hard. "It is promising because patients at this age and with chronic diseases are most of the time unable to recover because they are at highest risk from COVID-19," chief physician Zekayi Kutlubay told AFP. "A 93-year-old woman walking out of intensive care sound and safe is inspiring for us as well as for other coronavirus patients at her age." Suffering from hypertension, Gunduz, a farmer from Turkey's southeastern city of Batman, was taken to hospital on March 31 with complaints of a high fever and stomachache. She was discharged on Friday. "I wish a speedy recovery to everyone," the elderly woman said as she was helped by her grandson. Turkey has registered more than 47,000 COVID-19 cases -- ranking it among the 10 most infected countries in the world. It has recorded over a thousand deaths and the disease is spreading fast. - 'Battlefield'- Facing a growing number of cases each day, Turkish health workers have been working day and night to treat patients. One doctor has died and more than 600 health workers have been infected so far. "Everyone is working arduously as if they are at war," Nuri Aydin, rector of Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty of Istanbul University, told AFP at the hospital. "The ambiance here is like it's not a workplace but rather a battlefield." Istanbul, Turkey's largest city of about 15 million people, has emerged as the country's virus epicentre with more than 60 percent of the nationwide cases. The Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty has responded fast since the outbreak in mid-March, turning its operating theatres into intensive care units and creating special COVID-19 sections -- separating ordinary patients from others infected with the deadly disease. The physicians are currently treating 210 patients with 30 others in intensive care. One building has been allocated to treat only medical workers. - Staying 'hopeful' - Isolated from their own families, some of the health workers stay in dorms or hotels to avoid spreading the disease to their loved ones. "It's hard to put into words. They are making a superhuman effort," Aydin said. "There is no price to the service provided by health workers. They serve the humanity." Furkan Kurt, a 28-year-old physician associate, has been away from his parents for four weeks while he lives in a rented flat. "We are taking all the protective measures but it is not guaranteed that we will not get infected," he said. "The only hope we have is the beautiful days we will see. Being hopeful: there is nothing else we can do." After being diagnosed with COVID-19, some patients are caught unprepared without their mobile phones or other personal belongings. "On Saturday (when) I was on duty we received a patient at the emergency service. He didn't have anything, neither slippers nor pyjamas. We addressed their needs and give our mobiles if needed," said head nurse Merve Pirecioglu. "When they first hear the diagnosis, patients are naturally panicking. We advise them that this is nothing to fear. With healthy nutrition and morale as well as heeding isolation rules, it can be overcome." - 'More motivated'- Omer Faruk Bilici, 34, a practitioner at another hospital, who caught the coronavirus, was discharged from Cerrahpasa after 20 days of treatment including in intensive care. "I know what it's like to be shut in a six-square-metre (65-square-feet) room," he told AFP. "This scared my other colleagues who are at risk like me. I've seen nobody's face for 20 days." Bilici hopes to resume his duties as soon as his quarantine period at home is over. "I cannot wait for returning to the field," he said. At Cerrahpasa, more than 70 health workers are infected with coronavirus. "We have forgotten about ourselves, we are working day and night for the recovery of our patients," said associate professor Ilker Inanc Balkan. "With each recovered patient, we are more motivated." Despite the pressure they are under, colleagues of chief physician Kutlubay threw him a surprise 50th birthday party, while respecting social distancing rules. Without blowing out the candles on the cake, Kutlubay, wearing a face mask, said: "Let it be like this now but I hope it will change next year." Alye Gunduz's recovery from the COVID-19 disease that is killing chiefly the oldoffered a ray of hope for health workers at Istanbul's Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty hospital Under the burden of the growing number of cases each day, Turkish health workers have been working day and night to treat patients Istanbul, Turkey's largest city of some 15 million people, has emerged as the country's epicentre of the coronavirus Turkey has registered more than 47,000 COVID-19 cases
Kochi, April 11 : The Kerala High Court on Saturday asked the Centre to file a status report on the diaspora after the Dubai branch of the - Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC) sought the court's help to come to rescue of thousands of people presently held up in Dubai, unable to return home due to lockdown.

The petitioner pointed out that thousands of Keralites are in UAE unable to travel to their home country, as there is a lockdown in India.

The court after hearing the petition posted the case for April 17 and asked for the report from the Centre.

It also pointed out that at this moment one cannot question the Centre's decision due to coronavirus pandemic.

The counsel for the Kerala government pointed out the state government has also sought the help of the Centre on the issue.

Many Keralites presently based in the Middle East countries have expressed their requests to return home, but are unable to do so. They have also pointed out that several countries have flown out their nationals from these countries.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
San Francisco has raised more than $8.7 million in private donations to help residents and businesses hurt by the coronavirus.

Some of the citys biggest companies, chief executives and major philanthropists have contributed to the Give2SF fund since it was established last month, according to Mayor London Breeds office.
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During a government-imposed lockdown to fight the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, two Vietnamese Americans in California, the home of the biggest Vietnamese community in the United States, are finding themselves busier than ever, offering and delivering hot meals to frontline workers manning intensive care units and emergency departments at hospitals in the San Francisco Bay area.

Nguyen Thi Minh Huyen, 49, the owner of Pho Ha Noi, a well-known restaurant franchise with two locations in San Jose, California, originally got the idea to donate meals to doctors from a neighbor.

"I was asking myself, You have great chefs and all the equipment, why dont you do it? Nguyen said.

Nguyen herself has been feeling the pandemics economic squeeze  shes had to cut her staff from approximately 65 to just 15 and her restaurants, which had been pushing out 3,000 meals per day just weeks earlier, are down to just 800 to-go meals a day which she offers at a 25 percent discount.

Still, she pushes forward, pumping out free meals for doctors and nurses, partly to show her appreciation to those on the frontlines and party to keep her kitchen staff employed.

Nguyen and her family had originally planned to take their annual trip to Vietnam to visit her moms grave and volunteer at local orphanages, cancer hospitals, and shelters from late March to early April, but the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak put an end to those plans.

This year, theyve redirected the money for their trip towards supporting medical staff on the frontlines in California, a cause she holds close to her heart thanks to the support many of those same medical workers gave her when her own infant daughter was diagnosed with cancer.

With this money, and support from Phan Tieu Van, a fellow Vietnamese American living in San Jose, the two have been able to deliver hot meals to different hospitals in the San Francisco Bay area.

Medical staff at El Camino Hospital Mountain View receive Vietnamese meals from Pho Ha Noi restaurant in this photo supplied by Phan Tieu Van.

At the start, they had planned on donating 1,000 meals with a maximum of 100 meals per day, but thanks to her friends and family for donating to their cause, Nguyens landlord reducing rent, her suppliers donating free ingredients, and her staff taking minimal payments for gas, the duo has been able to donate 2,000 meals and hope to reach 3,000 in the coming days.

"When we started our community support, I found that it was easier to find donors than to actually donate meals to the hospitals, Phan recalled.

Owing to government regulations, the donated meals must be prepared in a licensed restaurant and delivered by the restaurants food truck.

From 8:00 am to 11:00 am, Nguyens kitchen prepares 100 meals in boxes, which are then sent to hospitals.

They operate four days a week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; and on Wednesday the restaurant closes for a deep-cleaning.

Nguyen Thi Minh Huyen prepares lunch boxes to feed doctors and nurses at her restaurant in this photo shared with Tuoi Tre by Mercury News.

Phan usually arrives at Pho Ha Noi in the early morning and helps with errands before acting as the navigator for the food truck driver who delivers the meals to the hospital each day.

At many hospitals in California, the canteen areas have been renovated into makeshift hospital rooms to treat COVID-19 patients in case the number of admitted cases increases.

Because of this, medical staff have to bring their own meals or order delivery, which can often take more than ten minutes from their 30-minute lunch break.

Phan said she spends a lot of time on the phone arranging drop-offs and getting approval to use the emergency entrance at each hospital so that doctors and nurses are able to get their meals within minutes, rather than trekking all the way into the parking lot.

Thanks to their efforts, during breaks from exhausting shifts, healthcare workers have been enjoying tamarind prawns, roasted chicken rice, spring rolls, and grilled pork. There are also vegetarian and vegan options available.

The medical staff of Kaiser Hospital are seen in a photo with Vietnamese lunch boxes on April 2, 2020.

"There was a moment when my body felt like it needed a break, but I was too overwhelmed with happiness. The smiles I get inspire me to continue my work with Nguyen," Phan recalled.

Phan said she has received many emails and text messages, some coming around midnight when the hospital staff were off work.

Besides offering a big thanks to Nguyen and Phan, many said they are impressed with Vietnamese food and cannot wait to visit Pho Ha Noi when things go back to normal.

A letter from Dr. Meenesh A. Bhimani, an executive at O'Connor Hospital in San Jose, California, the United States, sent to the Pho Ha Noi team thanking them for providing lunch for the infirmary's staff and physicians.

Phan also feels the same.

"I have plans to get together and share a hot pot with many doctors and nurses who I now know from delivering food to them," she said.

"When the pandemic is over, we will sit down to talk about an unforgettable chapter of when the virus brought us together."

Nurses of Valley Health Center East Valley are seen with Vietnamese lunch boxes in this supplied photo by Phan Tieu Van.

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So Fox, Cassino said, will present a scientist who says it isnt happening and another who says it is, so theres now a controversy. Once the debate is framed as a controversy . . . its no longer a question of science as to who should be believed, but a matter of opinion. That opens the door for pundits with no knowledge of the area to weigh in, as theyve got backing for whatever they say.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi told chief ministers who took part in a meeting with him by video conference on Saturday that the lockdown for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) will be in force until April 30, a 16-day extension, with selective easing of curbs to revive economic activity in part, CMs who took part in the meeting said.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and her Maharashtra counterpart Uddhav Thackeray said the lockdown will continue beyond April 14, when it is due to end, until the end of the month. Goa CM Pramod Sawant said the PM would address the nation and announce some guidelines aimed at reviving economic activity in part.

A majority of the chief ministers on Saturday advocated an extension of the lockdown until the end of April except Andhra Pradeshs Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, who said the emergency measure should be restricted only to so-called red zones. Some CMs said lockdown should be enforced in the red zones even beyond April 30.

While I support the steps being taken by the Centre to contain the Covid-19 situation, I also feel that the wheel of the economy should continue to run, if not with full speed, but to the extent of providing basic necessities to the people and in non-red zones, Reddy said.

Millions of workers would not get salaries due to lack of industrial operations and the revenues of the state would see a steep fall, as a result of which it cannot implement any development and welfare schemes, the Andhra chief minister said.

Red zones are areas that contain Covid-19 hotspots or containment areas, whose residents are confined indoors to ensure that the virus doesnt spread. An area free of the virus is a yellow zone. A neighbourhood that hasnt reported even a single Covid-19 case is designated a green zone. About half the 718 districts in India have not reported any Covid -19 case, according to data released by health ministry.

The lockdown for the next two weeks will be different from what is being implemented currently. Agricultural and industrial sectors will be given relaxation. Government offices will function with partial strength and the additional guidelines stated by the PM would be issued in the next couple of days, said Karnataka CM B S Yediyurappa

At the meeting with the PM, the CMs of some opposition-ruled states raised the issue of shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers, the adverse impact of Covid-19 on medium and small industries and also sought additional funds to fight the pandemic.

Banerjee urged the PM to spend at least 6% of GDP on fighting the crisis and announce a National Economic and Health Package worth Rs 10 lakh crore for state governments; a Rs. 1.7 lakh crore package announced by the Centre was less than 1% of GDP, she said. The Rajasthan and Telangana CMs also sought similar financial assistance to the states, noting that state revenues had shrunk because of the Covid-19 lockdown.

Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot and his Jharkhand counterpart Hemant Soren sought the immediate release of compensation for a shortfall in Goods and Service Tax (GST) revenues and increase the fiscal deficit limit from the present 3% to 4% under the Fiscal and Budget Responsibility Act (FBRM).

These CMS also asked the Centre to allow agriculture and allies activities during lockdown, distribution of subsdised rationx for three months and free storage for procurement of foodgrains. They also sought the expansion of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) to include agricultural activities during the extension of lockdown till April end. Soren sought an increase in MGNREGS wages.

While supporting the call for extension of lockdown, Madhya Pradesh chief minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, suggested a lock-in concept whereby factory workers could perform their jobs work and stay on in the premises until the lockdown is lifted, officials in the chief ministers office said.

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A top White House official privately warned that a pandemic could cost hundreds of thousands of American lives and wipe trillions of dollars off the economy while at the same time telling the public that it had 'nothing to worry about.'

Peter Navarro, who is President Trump's most senior adviser on trade issues, wrote two memos in late January and late February to his White House colleagues expressing alarm over the prospect of a pandemic.

In the first memo, which was dated January 29 and addressed to the National Security Council, Navarro urged the Trump administration to impose 'an immediate travel ban on China,' according to Axios.

At the time, reports out of China indicated that authorities were struggling to contain an outbreak of coronavirus in Wuhan.

Peter Navarro, President Trump's top trade adviser, appeared on CNBC on January 29, the same day he wrote a memo demanding an immediate travel ban from China due to the coronavirus outbreak

The January memo marks the earliest known high-alert to circulate within the West Wing as officials planned their first substantive steps to confront the disease that had already spiraled out of control in China.

The second memo, dated February 23, was much more dire. It warned that up to 2 million Americans could die and trillions of dollars would be lost because of the virus.

The memo warned of an 'increasing probability of a full-blown COVID-19 pandemic' that had the potential to infect as many as 100 million Americans and could kill 'as many as 1-2 million souls.'

'This is NOT a time for penny-pinching or horse trading on the Hill,' Navarro wrote.

Navarro urged the government to provide funding in order to 'minimize economic and social disruption.'

'Any member of the [coronavirus] Task Force who wants to be cautious about appropriating funds for a crisis that could inflict trillions of dollars in economic damage and take millions of lives has come to the wrong administration,' Navarro wrote.

The memos were circulated by the NSC to various agencies in the government, which has been criticized for its slow response to the crisis.

Navarro wrote two memos warning of a possible pandemic, but President Trump (seen far left) said this week that he had not read them as of Tuesday

It serves as evidence that top officials in the administration had considered the possibility of the outbreak turning into something far more serious than Trump was acknowledging publicly at the time.

'The lack of immune protection or an existing cure or vaccine would leave Americans defenseless in the case of a full-blown coronavirus outbreak on US soil,' Navarro wrote.

'This lack of protection elevates the risk of the coronavirus evolving into a full-blown pandemic, imperiling the lives of millions of Americans.'

But while Navarro was striking an urgent tone in private, in public it was business as usual.

On the same day he wrote the first memo, Navarro appeared on the financial news channel CNBC to tout Trump's signing of the USMCA, the free trade agreement agreed to by the US, Canada, and Mexico.

During the broadcast, Navarro was asked whether the coronavirus outbreak in China threatened to offset some of the economic gains of the administration.

'Well, we have a really strong leadership with (Health and Human Services) Secretary (Alex) Azar and the CDC,' Navarro told CNBC.

'We're working very carefully and diligently on this, so, well, let's see how this unfolds.

'This is not my lane per se, so I'm going to let others come on CNBC and inform that.'

Two days after the first memo was circulated, the White House imposed travel restrictions from mainland China on January 31, but not an outright ban as Navarro proposed.

When asked about his CNBC appearance, Navarro told CNN: 'A question about agricultural purchase commitments is clearly not my lane.'

On Tuesday, President Trump said he wasn't aware of Navarro's memos at the time.

As of Tuesday, the president said he still had not read the memos.

'He wrote a memo and he was right and I haven't seen the memo,' the president said.

'I will see it later on, after this. But it didn't matter whether I saw or not, because I acted on my own.

'I guess I had the same instincts as Peter.'

A day after Navarro circulated his second memo on February 23, he told reporters that there was 'nothing to worry about for the American people' under Trump's leadership.

'Since the day that President Trump pulled down the flights from China to the US, he has been actively leading the situation in terms of this crisis with the task force. Nothing to worry about for the American people,' Navarro said.

'This country's done a beautiful job under President's leadership [sic] in terms of managing this situation.

'He's working on a daily basis with the task force and we're taking steps to anticipate - what I like to say - where the puck's gonna be.

'We're skating there in defense of the American people and the American economy.

'So you can be sure you're that in great hands with the Trump administration.'

When asked about this 'nothing to worry about' comments, Navarro told CNN: 'Nothing to worry about' indicates the American people should be confident in the strong leadership of President Trump handling the crisis, NOT the seriousness of the crisis itself.

'To suggest otherwise is simply mischief and fake news.'

On February 23, Navarro appeared on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures program hosted by Maria Bartiromo.

Navarro said that the US economy was not 'particularly vulnerable to what happens in China' as it relates to the coronavirus outbreak.

'With respect to the economic impacts, Maria, I think what we have learned, with President Trump's tough stand on China, is that the American economy is extremely strong and not particularly vulnerable to what happens in China,' he said.

'So we're going to go about our business and try to get what we need in Trump time.'

Navarro also told radio host Hugh Hewitt that the coronavirus outbreak was 'not likely to materially harm this economy.'

'I think if we learned anything in the trade negotiations with China, it's that our economy can be very, very strong in the presence of tariffs and reduced imports from China,' Navarro said.

'So the fact that China is struggling is not likely to materially harm this economy.'

When asked by CNN about his comments downplaying the potential economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak, he said: 'I was explicitly asked whether a slowdown in the China economy would harm the US economy and clearly responded 'No' because the US economy is not highly dependent on China.

'I was NOT asked either explicitly or implicitly about the potential impact of a pandemic on the US economy and any suggestion by CNN that my comments pertained in any way to the possible economic impacts of a possible pandemic is misleading and irresponsible.'

In 2006, Navarro warned of a pandemic originating in China in his book The Coming China Wars.

'China has become the world's prime breeding ground for new and exotic strains of influenza and other viruses, including both the deadly SARS virus and avian flu,' Navarro wrote.

In 2006, Navarro warned of a pandemic in his book The Coming China Wars

'The primary reason, as the preceding excerpt indicates, is that so many different farm animals live in such close proximity to humans and other species.'

Some conspiracy theories circulated in far-right circles in the United States allege that the Chinese government created coronavirus in a lab, though experts say there is no evidence of this.

During a February 10 appearance on Fox News, Navarro said: 'The question of how this started ultimately has to be answered.

'I don't think now is necessarily the time to do that 'cause what we have to do is fight the crisis first.

'But China will have to be held accountable for how that started.

'Fourteen years ago in a book called The Coming China Wars that I wrote, I actually predicted a pandemic from a virus from China precisely because of the way they run their country in terms of the animal husbandry practices.

'So whether it was bats or other things, I'm not really sure at this point, but I was very surprised that the Chinese ambassador did not answer that question.'

Experts have not definitively stated where they believe the coronavirus came from.

It is believed by some to have originated in a food market in Wuhan that was illegally selling wildlife.

Health experts think it may have originated in bats and then passed to humans, possibly via another species.

When asked by CNN to explain his comments about China 'being held accountable,' Navarro clarified that the origins of the virus were still as of yet unknown.

'When I was asked whether the China virus 'started in a research lab,' my response was simply that the question of the origin of the virus would ultimately have to be answered,' Navarro said.

'There is no other possible answer to that question until we know the origins of the virus.'
I thought to myself, Should I mention to them that I had it? she said of her fellow passengers on her mostly empty flight, all of whom were talking about Covid-19. Ultimately I chickened out.

For Ms. Schneider, who lives alone and had isolated herself for two weeks after her early-March test, the time with her parents, playing board games and cooking familiar recipes, was restorative.

The flight she was supposed to take back to Seattle, however, was canceled because of a lack of passengers.

And on the flight she was able to find, there were so few fliers that she would have had no opportunity to speak to anyone even if she had wanted to.

Empty, she texted.

A Doctor Returns to the E.R.

It was midway through Dr. Dara Kasss first 12-hour shift back in the emergency room on a recent Sunday that she received the most definitive news one can currently get about immunity to the novel coronavirus.

A few days before, Dr. Kass, who tested positive for the virus in March after treating Covid-19 patients at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, had given a blood sample to a study that she hoped would help others with the disease.

The study, conducted by researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital, aims to use virus-fighting antibodies from donors who have recovered to treat patients who are currently sick. To determine eligibility, the volunteers blood is screened for the right antibodies. Those who have plenty are sent to a blood center to donate plasma in an hourlong process that can yield enough to treat three patients.
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For more than 20 years, nuclear waste in the United States has been stored at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in southern New Mexico. The waste is placed deep inside large salt caves. Trucks usually bring several shipments a week of materials contaminated with radioactive elements from South Carolina, Idaho and other areas.

Now, shipments to the plant will come almost to a complete stop as the U.S. deals with the new coronavirus crisis. National laboratories and defense sites in the United States are carrying out only those operations considered mission critical.

Officials at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant warned state officials in a letter that more time would be needed for inspections. They added that work would either be decreased or that they would take measures to make sure workers keep their distance from one another.

Donavan Mager is a spokesman for Nuclear Waste Partnership, which runs the plant. He told the Associated Press, This action is being taken out of an abundance of caution for the safety of employees and the community.

The same thing is happening at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. The once-secret city in northern New Mexico became famous for being the birthplace of the atomic bomb. Most employees there are working away from the area.

Some work related to cleanup will continue, such as radiological studies and inspections of harmful waste storage areas. Workers will also keep watch of an early warning system designed to protect drinking water supplies.

In Washington state, visitors are no longer permitted at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation. Public meetings at the site have been canceled.

The number of employees there has decreased to the absolute minimum. The employees are those needed to run safety and security programs and keep technology systems in operation for those working at home.

Officials at these and other sites say their decisions are guided by state and federal public health orders. The aim is to get people to stay home and limit contact with others to ease the growing number of cases and deaths related to COVID-19.

Worker safety is always a top priority, said U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell. She and others pushed for more money and federal action to speed up the nations cleanup program during a congressional meeting in early March.

We are fighting to make sure workers and their families are taken care of during this crisis and that workers have the resources they need to meet cleanup goals when they are able to safely return to their jobs, she told The Associated Press in an email.

The Trump administrations proposed budget for the U.S. Energy Department includes nearly $27 billion.

Most of that money would go toward nuclear security work that includes restarting production of parts used inside nuclear weapons. Less than 25 percent of that would be used for cleanup of 16 sites in 11 states.

The federal government has agreements with several states to reach certain cleanup goals. Officials note that the Energy Departments environmental managers are considering the possible effects on current projects as the virus spreads.

Jay Coghlan is executive director of Nuclear Watch New Mexico. He said, The coronavirus pandemic demonstrates why we should get cleanup done once and for allthe radioactive and toxic wastes that we leave behind last longer than our recorded history. We should be acting now.

U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich said worker health should remain the main concern. But they noted that increased funding for environmental management could help support jobs and speed up cleanup in the future.

Im Jonathan Evans.

Susan Montoya Bryan reported on this story for the Associated Press. Jonathan Evans adapted this story for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

abundance  n. a large quantity; plenty

contaminated  adj. made unfit for use by the introduction of unwholesome or undesirable elements; soiled, stained, corrupted, or infected by contact or association

priority  n. something that is more important than other things and that needs to be done or dealt with first
Up to 2,500 more small businesses will be eligible for the scheme (stock photo)

Up to 2,500 small manufacturing firms in Northern Ireland will now qualify for a 10,000 coronavirus support grant, it has been announced.

The Small Business Support Grant Scheme announced by the Treasury was originally for firms with a rateable value of less than 15,000 that qualify for small business rates relief.

Small manufacturing firms, however, were not eligible as they are covered by a different rates relief system.

Announcing the extension of the scheme, Economy Minister Diane Dodds said 14,000 payments have already be made under the Small Business Support Grant Scheme.

I am pleased to be in a position now to expand that scheme further. Around 2,500 small businesses which benefit from industrial de-rating are now also eligible for the support," she said.

Meanwhile, businesses in the hospitality, retail and tourism sectors will be eligible to apply for grants of 25,000, with applications opening on Monday, April 20 and taking around 15 working days to process.

Applications for both schemes will close on May 20.

Diane Dodds said: From the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, I have been committed to supporting businesses to mitigate the inevitable economic consequences of the vital restrictions we live under.

In recent years, the hospitality, retail and tourism sectors in Northern Ireland have flourished, but their sustainability is based on people being able to travel, shop and socialise. Covid-19 has thrown into sharp relief the fragility of these sectors and I am acutely aware of the hardship now being faced by these businesses.

Over 4,000 businesses in these sectors will be able to apply for grants of 25,000 from Monday 20 April. Information on eligibility and how to apply will be available on the nibusinessinfo website and I urge anyone who believes they are eligible to apply from that date.

The minister also said a hardship fund will be set up for business that are not eligible for the existing support schemes, with details expected at a later date.
At houses of worship across San Antonio, this Easter will mean empty sanctuaries.

No crowds of worshipers raising their voices, uttering prayers and joyous praise. No choirs in special robes singing hymns. No parishioners in their holiday finery milling about, wishing each other a Happy Easter.

The novel coronavirus made sure of it. Many traditions of Easter are on hold, supplanted by restrictions on large gatherings and close contact to ward off the highly contagious virus.

At CrossBridge Community Church, where 1,200 members used to gather on Sundays, a small group of clergy instead will conduct four Easter services to people-less pews, livestreaming to some 5,000 viewers in their homes.

Kirk Freeman, lead pastor of the evangelical congregation on the far North Side, said the church already had added two Sunday services during the pandemic to accommodate an increase in the worshipful online audience.

In times of crisis, people are hungry for the Lord, he said.

More Information Easter worship services Places of worship, as well as faith-based organizations, have had to cancel numerous events and make changes to their weekly services amid the coronavirus pandemic. Most San Antonio-area churches are livestreaming their Easter Sunday services or sharing videotaped worship services on social media and their websites. Some churches and religious organizations have posted prayer devotionals and other materials online. Some of the services offered: Community Bible Church will stream its Easter Sunday services at 10 a.m. at onlinechurch.com, where viewers also can find recordings of past services and other programming. CrossBridge Community Church will stream its Easter Sunday services online at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Facebook, Vimeo, YouTube and crossbridgecommunitychurch.com First Presbyterian Church is streaming its Easter Sunday service at 11 a.m. on its mobile app and website, which also has daily prayers and links to podcasts. fpcsanantonio.org/media Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Selma will livestream its Easter Sunday Mass at 10 a.m. in English and at noon in Spanish. olph.org Pilgrim Center of Hope is airing its "Discover the Journey with Jesus" video series on its YouTube channel and on Facebook. St. Luke Catholic Church will livestream its Easter Sunday Mass at 10 a.m. in English and at 11:30 a.m. in Spanish. saintlukeparish.com St. Mary's Catholic Church will open its back entrance through the parking lot for prayer and adoration from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Easter Sunday. 202 N. St. Mary's St. St. Matthew Catholic Church will offer videotaped Easter Sunday Mass in English and Spanish on its website and Facebook page. stmatts.org. San Fernando Cathedral will televise its Easter Sunday Mass at 10 a.m. on Catholic Television of San Antonio and will livestream it on YouTube. sfcathedral.org. See More Collapse

For two days during Holy Week, Freeman and his staff set up stations on the campus where congregants could receive prayers, blessings and Easter goodies for children  all from the safety of their cars.

Happy Easter! Freeman exclaimed one afternoon, holding his arms wide as a line of vehicles, many filled with parents and their kids, snaked through the quarter-mile circuit.

His wife, Debbie Freeman, stood at his side, enthusiastically waving a palm frond. Greeting the crowd at the start of the circuit were church members and staff wearing funny hats and holding posters proclaiming, He is risen!

Around the circuit, about 50 more people stood at 20-foot intervals, most wearing protective masks and keeping a 6-foot separation from the road. Christian-themed rock blared from speakers as drivers honked.

At the first station, prayers were intoned for those in the vehicles. At the next, children received goody bags with Easter kits full of worship-related material and prepackaged communion wafers and juice for parents to self-administer in their homes while they watched a Good Friday service livestreamed from the church.

Alisha and Michael Stoll, whose three youngsters stood upright in the back seat, said the church visit was a welcome change.

This has been such a blessing in a crazy, isolated time, Alisha said.

With so many people experiencing isolation because of the virus, Freeman said the drive-through celebration was meant to instill a sense of community in his flock. His churchs services long have been streamed over the internet, but the physical disconnection is something new.

Some people have been in tears going through the line, he said. I think its because the social interaction is reminding them they do belong to something. That theres a family in Jesus Christ, and theyre a part of it.

Gov. Greg Abbott recently declared churches, synagogues and mosques were essential, and as such could hold in-person religious services, using social distancing and other measures, if remote worship wasnt possible. But local officials have said they believe most religious leaders in Bexar County are adhering to online services to avoid endangering their congregants.

Father Rodolfo Caballero of Prince of Peace Catholic Church is having to stream Mass online, yet he believes this years sacred Sunday could be even more profound.

Right now, with all the silence and the churches closed, it is a moment of great triumph if we can truly see how God is working in our lives, he said. Even amid the silence, God is still speaking.

On ExpressNews.com: Local churches cautious about Abbotts declaration

Together with a core group of clergy and others, Father Caballero and his flock have been celebrating all the traditional Holy Week and Easter rites online.

During the commemoration of the Lords passion, a solemn service on Good Friday that honors Jesus sufferings for the redemption of mankind, a special prayer was offered for those whove been hurt by the coronavirus, and for the health care workers who served them, he said.

Were doing all the celebrations as if the congregation is present, Caballero said. For the Eucharist, which we do at every service, we are offering a spiritual communion prayer, since people wont be physically present to receive.

Even with all the chaos around the coronavirus, certain things havent changed, he said. Priests still are available to receive confessions  with certain restrictions  and to make hospital visits.

Caballero said his Easter sermon will touch on how Jesus seeming weakness at the crucifixion actually was his greatest glory and strength.

The two Easter Sunday Masses  one at 10 a.m. in English and one at noon in Spanish  can be found at princeofpeacecatholic.org or the churchs Facebook page.

The Archdiocese of San Antonio website lists 44 parishes that are livestreaming and there may be even more, said Jordan McMorrough, director of communications. Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller has been celebrating Mass every day, the service broadcast on Catholic Television of San Antonio and livestreamed on the various archdiocesan social media outlets, McMorrough said.

On ExpressNews.com: Abbotts plan to reopen churches reckless

At the historic Antioch Missionary Baptist Church on the East Side, a bare-bones group of clergy and staffers is working to provide all the services, Sunday school classes, Bible study groups and other programming church members have come to depend on, said the Rev. Jessica Kemp, minister for children, youth and young adults.

The group has increased livestreaming on the churchs website, antiochsat.org/broadcast, since the pandemic emerged.

No one wants their church to be the place where members become ill because they came for worship, Kemp said. We want to care for our members, love and uplift them, but also help them stay healthy. Yes, its going to be tougher this Easter, but God is not confined to the four walls of Antioch Church. The spirit of God is within us.

Her father, Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Kenneth Kemp, who is a pulmonologist at Brooke Army Medical Center, surely will wrap COVID-19 into the theme of his Easter sermon, she said.

Since the virus started, he always touches on how the virus is affecting our congregation, she said. With all the anxiety people are feeling, he will say words of encouragement.

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. To read more from Melissa , become a subscriber. mstoeltje@express-news.net | Twitter: @mstoeltje
Felipe Anderson may leave West Ham this summer as the club have indicated they may be willing to part with the Brazil winger, according to reports.

The Mirror claim Napoli are leading the race for his signature as they hunt potential replacements for Spanish winger Jose Callejon.

Anderson cost a then club record 42million when he joined from Lazio in 2018, but may now be set for a return to Serie A.

Felipe Anderson may be heading for the West Ham exit after two years in east London

The two-cap Brazil international impressed in his debut Premier League campaign with ten goals and five assists but has failed to recapture that form this season as the Hammers fight relegation under David Moyes.

Having found the net just once in 24 games this season, David Moyes is happy to let Anderson leave in order to fund up to four or five signings to overhaul his squad.

The Hammers are also well stocked in attacking midfield, with Andriy Yarmalenko, Michaeil Antonio, Roberto Snodgrass, Manuel Lanzini and January signing Jarrod Bowen all competing for places.
(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) A local nail salon is now using its business space to make masks for the public.

Kevin's Nail Salon located at the Shoppes at North Village, can't go about normal business during the coronavirus pandemic, so employees started sewing masks.

Anyone can pick up a mask outside the business for free, but they are asking for donations in order to buy supplies to keep making masks.

"We would like to buy as much fabric as possible so then we're able to make more for people that are in nursing homes or people that are working in essential businesses like nurses, physicians." Christine Nguyen from Kevin's Nail Salon and Spa said. "Anything that we can do to help."
Francis M. Greenwell, 83 years of Leonardtown, Md., on Saturday, April 4 left for his final journey to heaven in the arms of his loving wife, Pat. He was born in Leonardtown, Md. on December 11, 1936 to the late James C. and Mary Genevieve Norris Greenwell of Leonardtown, Md.



After graduation from St. Mary's Academy he attended St. John's College in Annapolis, Md. In 1957 he secured a position at the Smithsonian Institution where he worked for 43 years and served as Chief Taxidermist and Conservator for several of those years. His first task at the Smithsonian Institution was to assist with the mounting of the African Bush elephant in the Rotunda.



During his time at the Smithsonian he traveled to various parts of the world and 46 of the 50 States in the US collecting scientific specimens for research. While working at the Smithsonian he attended the Department of Agriculture Graduate School, Washington, DC and George Mason University, Fairfax, Va.



He retired in 1999 from the Smithsonian Institution and continued to pursue his professional photography career His photographs have been published nationally and internationally as well as being exhibited in several areas of the United States. For the last 30 years he and his wife appeared in period costumes at Historic Sotterley Plantation in Hollywood, Md. For several years he has been a member of "The Friends of Newtowne Manor House Steering Committee for the restoration of the Manor house and a member of St. Mary's County Historical Society. He was a long time member of the choir at St. Francis Zavier Church.



Frank loved his family dearly and cherished all the fun activities that the family had over the years. He felt it was important to be an uncle who was involved with all or any of the activities that he felt was important to his nieces, nephews and godchildren...



He is survived by his devoted wife, Pat. They have enjoyed fifty-seven happy years together. Frank is also survived by six sisters and one brother: JoAnne Choporis of Leonardtown, Md., Mary Genevieve Norris, Leonardtown, Md., Thomas Jefferson Greenwell (Lois), Nellysford, VA, Sybil Costanzo, California, Md., Carole Wible (Joe), Leonardtown, Md., Elizabeth Matthews (George), Williamsburg, VA. He is also survived by a myriad number of loving nieces, nephews and godchildren. He was preceded in death by his siblings: Mary Combs McCarthy, Kitty Lee Radford, James C. Greenwell and Benedict Greenwell.



Frank loved nature and he hoped that through his photography people would appreciate the beauty of nature and take the time to stop and smell the flowers or listen to the beautiful birds singing that God had created.



Donations may be made to St. Francis Xavier Church for the Newtown Manor House, 21370 Newtowne Neck Road, Leonardtown, Md. 20650 or Historic Sotterley Plantation, P.O. Box 67, Hollywood, Md. 20636



Due to the current environment a funeral/memorial mass will be held at a later date.



Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.



Arrangements made by Brinsfield Funeral Home.
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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy on Saturday pledged "full cooperation" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in fighting the coronavirus menace.

"I have faith in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the fight against COVID-19," said Reddy during a video conference the Prime Minister held with the chief ministers of all states.

Informing PM Modi of the situation in Andhra Pradesh, Jaganmohan Reddy said, "The situation in the state is under control. Out of 676 mandals in the state, only 37 are in red zone, 44 are in orange zone and 595 are in green zone."

The zoning concept involves identifying and labelling areas as Green, Yellow, Orange and Red based on the intensity of the coronavirus transmission.

"However, the lockdown can be continued in malls, cinema halls, places of worship, public transport and schools as the coronavirus still has its full presence in the country," he added.

Expressing concern over the economic condition in the state due to the lockdown, the Chief Minister said that the business can open at least to the extent of fulfilling the needs of the public.

"However, whatever the decision of the Government of India, Andhra Pradesh will fully support it," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Airbnb is warning people against travelling this Easter. (Source: Getty)

Australians have been warned against booking Airbnbs for leisure this Easter as state government police ramp up their presence over the long weekend to enforce social distancing rules.

The short-term rental platform issued a warning to Airbnb guests that they are likely breaking the law if they defy advice to remain home.

If youre thinking of an Easter getaway this long weekend, change your plans immediately and stay home, Airbnb Australia country manager Susan Wheeldon said.

Anyone travelling for non-essential reasons is not only ignoring government advice and putting the community at risk, theyre risking big fines and even prison time in many states.

Wheeldon also warned that the platform would be supporting police efforts should the authorities turn to Airbnb for assistance.

Were committed to cooperating with police in their investigations into anyone flouting these important rules, in line with our Terms of Service, she said.

We won't hesitate to take action  such as removal from our platform  against anyone who violates the policies we've put in place to help ensure the public's safety.

Our message could not be clearer; if youre not travelling for an essential reason, stay home.

Airbnb has a dedicated law enforcement support team that will assist local police where needed that tracks valid legal requests information.

An Airbnb spokesperson told Yahoo Finance that while the platform is not seeking to proactively catch out guests and turn them into the police, those travelling for non-essential reasons would be effectively breaking the law. The onus will be on guests and hosts to do the right thing.

Essential reasons to book an Airbnb would be if someone was a Covid-19 frontline worker, such as those working in healthcare, stranded students, or for compassionate reasons.

Story continues

Airbnb has been contacting hosts who inappropriately market their listings using terms related to Covid-19 to amend their listings, and those who fail to do so may see their listing suspended or removed.

When the coronavirus crisis was over, Airbnb would be looking to welcome guests again, Wheeldon said.

But for now, people need to avoid leisure trips and travel only for essential purposes.

$50k and jail time: How much youll be fined for failing to comply with public health orders

Make your money work with Yahoo Finances daily newsletter. Sign up here and stay on top of the latest money, news and tech news.

Follow Yahoo Finance Australia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
FILE PHOTO: The Boeing logo is displayed on a screen, at the NYSE in New York

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Boeing Co has hired investment banks Lazard and Evercore Inc to assess potential U.S. government assistance or private sector loans, a person briefed on the matter confirmed on Friday.

The largest U.S. planemaker asked last month for at least $60 billion in U.S. government loan guarantees for itself and other American aerospace manufacturers to help the embattled industry withstand a coronavirus-related cash drain.

"We're going to be meeting with Boeing," President Donald Trump told reporters on Friday. "Boeing has not asked for aid yet but I think they probably will... We can't let anything happen to Boeing."

Boeing did not immediately comment.

Boeing has noted that typically 70% of its revenue flows to its 17,000 suppliers and has told lawmakers that without significant assistance the entire U.S. aviation manufacturing sector could collapse.

"This isn't a great time to sell airplanes," Trump said, adding that the United States will make sure "Boeing is strong again."

The Wall Street Journal reported earlier that Boeing had hired the two investment banks.

The U.S. Congress set aside $17 billion in direct loans for national security related companies that could be tapped by Boeing. Boeing could also take part in a Treasury-backed Federal Reserve lending program and one analyst said it could raise up to $11.25 billion under one facility.

This week, Boeing suspended production of its 787 airplane at its facilities in South Carolina and had indefinitely extended a halt in its production operations at its Washington state facilities.

But the company late on Friday said it was intending to restart limited operations in the Puget Sound region in Washington state from April 13 onwards. The resumption of operations would focus on its defense programs, including P-8 and KC-46, and Moses Lake site operations in support of 737 MAX storage.

Last week, Reuters reported Boeing was looking at drastic cuts in wide-body production amid a slump in demand for the industry's largest jetliners, citing sources.

Story continues

Boeing's airline customers have deferred taking new aircraft and making pre-delivery downpayments, compounding a crisis over the year-old grounding of Boeing's previously fast-selling 737 MAX jet after two fatal crashes. Boeing halted 737 production in January and this week said it was now dealing with two new software issues it must address before the plane can resume flights.

Last month, Boeing Chief Executive Dave Calhoun said he does not want the U.S. Treasury to take an equity stake as a condition of government loans.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; additional reporting by Bhargav Acharya; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien and Sandra Maler)
Sean Sullivan 08 speaking at Bowdoin College, 2016

We were contacted in late March by a supply chain specialist from Maine hospitals who alerted us to the need. From there, we connected with Ned Wight of New England Distilling in Portland, who helped explain the process and organize the distillers, said Sullivan.

Exactly how is beer used in the production of hand sanitizer? you may ask. Hand sanitizer is either made from isopropyl alcohol or ethanol, which is just another name for alcohol, explained Sullivan, who majored in art history at Bowdoin. Brewers are always producing ethanol when they brew beer. Beer brewing equipment, however, is not set up to produce the concentrated ethanol needed for sanitizer, which is over 90 percent alcohol, he said, so thats where the distillers come in. Maine brewers are taking the beer they have, which contains 4 to 12 percent alcohol, and passing it on to the distilleries, who use it as the raw ingredient to distill it into the stronger alcohol required to produce hand sanitizer.

Typically, the beer will first go to a rum or whisky distillery, where it will be distilled into alcohol thats between 40 and 60 percent in strength. From here, the product goes to a vodka or gin distiller, where they have differently designed stills that can distill the solution to 96 percent alcohol, which is the recommended minimum concentration for hand sanitizer made with ethanol. From the distilleries, the product is handed over to chemical engineers at the University of Maine, who formulate the sanitizer and share it with Maine hospitals.

By starting the process with ready-made beer, rather than with the raw materials, explained Sullivan, Maine brewers are accelerating the production supply chain. The best analogy that I've come up with to explain how beer is involved is to imagine youre in your kitchen and want to make chicken noodle soup. You could start out with water and chicken bones, but if you have some pre-made chicken stock, you will be able to make the soup faster. In this analogy, distillers are starting with beer (already concentrated alcohol, albeit at low percentages) as opposed to water and malted grains, and thus are able to more rapidly distill out the alcohol needed.
According to information obtained by RTL, the university in Belval will rely on distant learning for the rest of the academic year.

Classes were supposed to take place until 14 May. However, as Minister of Education Claude Meisch announced that schools will remain closed until 4 May, the administration of the university decided that it would be pointless to make students attend classes for 10 days.

The current semester was extended until 4 September. This extension allows for the completion of practical assignments that require the physical presence of students. All other exams are planned to take place remotely from the end of May until mid-July.

According to the Ministry of Higher Education, students will also not be penalised for failing an exam this semester, and do not risk to be excluded from the curriculum due to the exceptional circumstances.

Employees and students of the University of Luxembourg received an e-mail on Friday, which was made available to RTL, informing them of the changes.

Mail

Dear colleagues,

At the eve of our Easter break, I want to convey to you a few important messages.

First, we are ready to announce the following end of semester modalities in the current Covid-19 crisis :

All exams will take place remotely except in very specific cases for which physical presence is essential.

When it comes to remote exam formats, the University recognizes that the large diversity of programs offered makes a one-size-fits-all approach inappropriate. Each study program director will announce the exam format relevant to his/her program.

The semester officially ends on September 4th, which allows for some practical assignments (TPs, TDs) to be performed, when the latter cannot be suitably substituted. Some exams may hence also take place beyond July 4th, which has typically marked the upper limit of our exam period.

Failure at an exam this semester will not count in the maximum number of attempts at a student's disposal.

All internships that could not take place will be replaced by an alternative remote assignment to be determined by the study director.



The vice-rector for academic affairs will communicate shortly the detail of all decisions.



The COVID-19 pandemic is an event of historic dimensions. The state of emergency declared in Luxembourg on March 18th has led to unprecedented changes in our daily lives. With the online platform #Covidmemory, the University of Luxembourg's Centre for Contemporary and Digital History (C2DH) wants to offer everyone the opportunity to share their experiences and preserve them for future generations. You are welcome to upload photos, videos, drawings, posters, songs or texts, to this open and free platform and document how this pandemic has changed your lives. The place to upload testimonies is https://covidmemory.lu. As the title of our press release rightfully states: "History is today." And we are all part of it.

Finally, as announced earlier, Student services (SEVE) and a team of psychologists of the Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences have been making excellent progress on the preparation of an electronic platform for those in the University community who wish to have psychological and wellbeing support in the current crisis. If you are experiencing personal or work problems, emotional or mental health difficulties, this service can support you. The online service will provide a mix of information, instructional material and a remote counselling service with qualified staff members and will be fully operational from Tuesday April 14th. All services are free of charge and confidential. The platform, where you can already make an appointment, can be found here: umatter.uni.lu.

I wish you all a very nice Easter break. I hope you will be able to enjoy some rest in spite of the rigors of confinement.

With very best regards,



Stephane Pallage

Recteur | Rector | Rektor
Persona 5 was already a contender for best-in-class - after all, which of its peers could possibly contend with what is one of the most deep and deeply surreal games ever conceived? In fact, developers Atlus could easily have left Persona 5 in its vanilla state and there wouldn't be many who would argue its place among the very best the genre has to offer.

Persona 5 Royal isn't just a peppering of extra content to get the 2016 game back into the minds and pockets of gamers, it is a smorgasbord of new and expanded content which essentially equates to an entirely new game of equal depth to the original. Persona 5 Royal is a massive statement on behalf of the developers that skyrockets the title to an almost uncontestable position as the finest JRPG ever made.

Mechanically, the most apparent changes are in the combat. Bullets now refresh after each battle instead of the baffling previous system of only refilling your ammunition at the beginning of an infiltration. Showtime attacks are another excellent and appropriately flashy inclusion that involve two of your party members teaming up for a Hollywood-esque decimation of your enemies.

If you can think of it - Persona 5 Royal has probably improved it. One such improvement is the Velvet Room - Igor's Sanctum and your one-stop shop for upgrading your Personas.

Royal's version dictates that every time you complete a normal encounter, a fusion alarm may trigger, allowing you to potentially fuse personas that will be far more powerful than if they were fused under normal circumstances.

Persona 5 Royal's coup de grace, of course, is the additions made to the storyline. There is now a new palace, a new Mementos area and a new heart to steal. Without spoiling anything, suffice to say that the latest antagonist is deeply fascinating and a suitable continuation of Persona's already deep exploration of human society. There are also two new confidants, fantastic characters who perfectly supplement the already deep cast on offer in Persona 5.

There is enough new content in Persona 5 Royal to write a novel on, but suffice to say that it is one of the deepest and richest expansions to a game ever conceived. If you are a fan of the Persona series this is an absolute must-buy. If you haven't had the chance to experience the delights of Persona 5 then it is highly recommended that you do.
Some restrictions, on timber companies and bookshops, have been lifted, but others remain shuttered.

Rome, Italy  Italy will remain in full lockdown until May 3 to stem the tide of new coronavirus infections, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced on Friday.

If we gave up now, we would put all the positive results achieved so far at stake and restart with a new rise in the death toll, Conte said.

The country has already spent a month under strict measures limiting the freedom of movement of its citizens.

Since February 20, when coronavirus was first detected in the northern town of Codogno, Italy has recorded the worlds highest death toll.





On Friday, the countrys Civil Protection agency announced that deaths rose by 570 within 24 hours to 18,849. This was an increase of 3.1 percent, the lowest daily growth since the beginning of the outbreak.

The infection rate has slowed since April began and, after weeks struggling with a surge of patients in critical condition, health facilities are experiencing some relief. A week ago, there were 4,068 people being treated in intensive care units. By Friday, that number had dropped to 3,497.

These trends are opening space for speculation about entering into a possible phase two  a period during which economic activities could reopen, and citizens regain some limited freedom of movement while learning to live with the virus in their midst.

The news about some regional governments using antibody tests to identify asymptomatic cases has contributed to a cautious but growing enthusiasm.

But Conte dashed such hopes on Friday. We need to keep our attention threshold high, he said, making a specific reference to the Easter holiday.

The only few concessions announced regard businesses such as timber companies, bookshops and stores selling childrens supplies, which can reopen from April 14.

Conte did, however, leave some spark of hope, stressing that, if the infection rate allows any further easing before May 3, the government would pursue it.





Curve still rising

The latest decree comes after health experts advised the government about the risks connected with any relaxation.

The epidemic curve is still rising, not bending. It has just slowed down, Walter Ricciardi, executive board member of the World Health Organization (WHO) and consultant for the Italian health ministry, told Al Jazeera.

He underlined that the lockdown could be lifted after the infection rate comes as close as possible to zero. It must be at least below 0.5 [percent daily growth] he said.

Ricciardi was also sceptical about the possibilities offered by antibody checks.

Plenty of serological tests have been introduced into the market, but none of them fulfil the requirements regarding sensibility and specificity entirely.

Has lockdown worked?

Restrictions on mobility had progressively reduced the infection capacity of every single person by 45 percent as of March 25, Professor Marino Gatto of Politecnico di Milano told Al Jazeera.





With colleagues from a range of universities, Gatto developed an epidemiological model to understand the full spread of the infection. If it were not for the lockdown, Gatto believed hospitals could not have coped with the wave of admitted patients.

In the worst-case scenario, health facilities would have faced an additional 200,000 patients, he said.

The GIMBE Foundation, a leading public health think-tank, has forecasted that new infections would reach the 0.5 percent growth rate only by May 7.

China relaxed its measures only after new infections in Hubei Province dropped to 0.1 percent daily growth.

Ricciardi acknowledged the value of such academic forecasts, but stressed that every decision should be based only on real data.

The time needed to slow down the infection here looks higher than in Wuhan. If we keep this pace, we will need a longer period, he said.

Decisions can be revised only every 15 days, Ricciardi said. That is the incubation period  and also the lapse in which we can see the effects of our directives.
While using technology to supervise fishing vessel operations has proven an effective way to manage fisheries in Vietnam, several localities are struggling to use the technology, experts have said.

Fishermen learn how to use vessel monitoring devices in Quang Tri Province. Photo sonongnghiepquangtri.gov.vn

The southernmost province of Ca Mau is an example.

With 254km of coast, the province has abundant fishery resources and a large fishing industry.

Nguyen Viet Trieu, head of the Fisheries Sub-department of Ca Mau, said the province has strictly followed the Governments regulation that fishing vessels longer than 15m must have a vessel monitoring system (VMS) installed by April this year.

By the end of last year, VMS had been equipped on 70 per cent of fishing vessels longer than 15m and nearly 90 per cent of vessels longer than 24m, he said.

Since 2018, there have been 31 cases of Vietnamese boats being detained for intruding into the waters of other countries.

By installing VMS, the number of vessels that have sailed into other countries waters has been on the decline.

However, he said, it was difficult to analyse data from the monitoring device because a fishing vessel uses 3-4 kinds of software, suggesting they should be integrated into one.

In the central province of Quang Tri, there is another problem.

Although local fishermen know installing VMS is necessary, only 55 out of 363 vessels between 15 and 24m have VMS installed.

In the meantime, Movimar satellite navigation has installed on all ships longer than 24m.

This is because owners of ships longer than 24m received support from the State while others didnt, said Nguyen Hoai Nam, head of the Fisheries Sub-department of Quang Tri, adding that not every fisherman can afford equipment that costs VND20-25 million (US$853-1,060).

Phan Van Quang, who resides in Gio Linh District, said he was satisfied with the Vifish.18 monitoring equipment on his vessel.

This device works stably and transmits signals very well, he said.

"It not only meets the requirements of automatic messaging via satellite system to the shore station but also helps the shipowner know its exact location, he said.

Thanks to these functions, my peers and I feel more secure while fishing offshore, Quang said.

Capital shortage

Lack of funding is also deferring the installation of vessel monitoring equipment in other provinces, including Nam Dinh and Hai Phong.

Nguyen Thanh Xuan, head of Hai Phong Fisheries Sub-Department, said only half of the total 419 vessels have VMS installed.

"As marine resources are gradually depleted my familys income has been seriously affected, Bui Van Tien, a fisherman from Nam Dinh Provinces Hai Hau District.

He said spending about VND20 million to install a vessel monitoring device would leave fishermen like him in financial difficulties, adding that they were struggling to make ends meet.

Jaeyoon Park, a specialist from Global Fishing Watch (GFW), said at a conference late last year in Hanoi that GFW has implemented fishing vessel management through satellite monitoring and artificial intelligence. The GFW mainly tracks ships through its onboard automatic identification system (AIS) - the GPS-like device - that large ships use to determine their position, identity, route and speed.

AIS technology can detect ships violating foreign waters by infrared and analyse the movements of fishing vessels to know whether they are moving or fishing.

Park said GFW was ready to support Vietnam in analysing fishing vessel monitoring data, organise training to enhance capacity for information and assist the country in tracing seafood.

Le Van Ninh, deputy director-general of the Fisheries Information Centre, under the Directorate of Fisheries, said the centre was supervising the operation of 9,421 fishing boat longer than 15m. It can collect data of vessels nationwide including location, itinerary and warn ships when they go into other countries waters. The centre also shares data to localities and agencies for product traceability and for research and rescue activities.

The Directorate of Fisheries has worked with the centre for the Conservation of Marine Life and Community Development (MCD) carry out the initiative on pilot the application of electronic diary as well as information technology in monitoring data for fishing vessels to contribute to the improvement of fisheries management, he said.  VNS

Tran To Nhu

Vietnam works hard to combat illegal fishing Viet Nam has taken various measures to handle illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing since it received a yellow card warning from the European Commission (EC) in October 2017.
Following the rise in the number of



coronavirus cases and deaths in Maharashtra's Pune district, the administration on Saturday urged private doctors to help them formulate a "treatment protocol" for COVID-19 patients.

District collector Naval Kishore Ram said the administration was working on a treatment protocol for COVID- 19 patients and conducting an assessment of casualties so far.

"We are probing to find out if patients had died only because of comorbidity or there were other factors involved. We are taking help from private doctors," he said.

Experts are also trying to understand how a patient's health deteriorates in the isolation period and the causes behind it, the collector said.

Citing the factors that lead to COVID-19 deaths, Ram said not all patients died of pneumonia and every case was different.

"Pulmonary ailments and respiratory failure are also some of the major causes for these deaths," he said.

The authorities were also trying to figure out what they may encounter in the next stage of the pandemic, he added.

"We have set up an expert committee and approached 10 to 15 private medical practitioners to join us," he said.

Appealing to doctors from private hospitals, the collector said the district administration will take care of their fees and cost of the equipment.

According to health officials from the Pune Municipal Corporation, so far 26 people with comorbidities had succumbed to the virus in the district, of whom two were in their 70s, 13 in their 60s and seven in their 50s.

Incidentally, none of the deceased COVID-19 patients had history of foreign travel.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Washington

The Trump administration, under fire for pushing food stamp cuts in the middle of a pandemic, has decided to hold off on stricter work requirements for adults without children during the national emergency.

"People need food and that's what USDA does," Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said this week in a statement to The New York Times.

Initially, the Trump administration planned to appeal a court decision from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, which issued a temporary court injunction on its work requirements rule, which were to go into effect on April 1. But it has since changed its tone. By the Agriculture Department's own estimates, the change would have led to nearly 700,000 people losing their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, formerly known as food stamps.

"Especially now, as a global pandemic poses widespread health risks, guaranteeing that government officials at both the federal and state levels have flexibility to address the nutritional needs of residents and ensure their well-being through programs like SNAP is essential," Chief Judge Beryl Howell wrote in the decision that came the same day President Donald Trump declared the coronavirus outbreak a national emergency.

Congress then stepped in, and in one of its economic stabilization packages, waived the work requirement for the duration of the national emergency, in addition to another month. Now the administration has reached agreement with the states that had sued it on a schedule for the remaining events in the case. The agreement is contingent on the department not appealing the temporary injunction, and a final ruling is likely to be issued in the fall.

The food stamps program stimulates the economy when it needs it most, by expanding when people need help the most, said Lauren Bauer, a fellow at the Brookings Institution and contributor to a new report that looks at the Trump administration's food stamp rule.

The one thing many Americans are leaving their houses to do right now is buy groceries, she said. The money is put directly back into the economy. And because Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits can be used for food, people can use their cash for something else such as rent or medical expenses.

"In the Great Recession, SNAP was the best stimulator of the economy," Bauer said, adding that work requirements hamper the program's ability to do that.

Bauer said that Americans were in a better place than during the recession of 2007 and 2008. At that time, only 40 percent of all American households lived in places that were eligible to have work requirements waived, Bauer said. This was because the criteria for waivers were based on economic indicators that lagged behind what was actually happening in people's lives. For instance, even though unemployment was high across the country, the majority of nondisabled adults without children were still initially subject to a work requirement.

State and local governments hoping for work-rule waivers had to secure both executive and congressional action. For the coming recession, Bauer said, Americans are better positioned because Congress and the courts have already secured those waivers.
(Bloomberg) -- In the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic, Singapore and Hong Kong saw similar success with dramatically different approaches. Now, Singapore may be paying the price for a strategy that sought to minimize disruption.

While Hong Kong has recently seen its case tally slow to a couple dozen a day, Singapores has surged 180% in the past two weeks with infections popping up in places from pre-schools to migrant worker dormitories. The city-state disclosed a further 198 cases on Friday, bringing the total to 2,108.

After taking a more measured virus-control approach for months, Singapore resorted to some of Hong Kongs drastic early moves, including school closures and encouraging mask-wearing for all. Now its gone even further, banning all social gatherings and closing all businesses except essential services.

It amounts to an abrupt reversal of fortunes for Asias premier financial centers, which have long competed for workers and capital. Weakened by months of protests and a recession, Hong Kongs government initially came under fire for inconsistent messaging in tackling the virus challenge. The demonstrations against Chinas grip over the city, which made everyday life in Hong Kong increasingly difficult, prompted global companies to weigh relocating resources to Singapore.

But Hong Kongs tough early measures to control the virus, colored by its experience 17 years ago with severe acute respiratory syndrome known as SARS, are paying off.

Hong Kong chose in the very beginning to move toward maximizing protection, but Singapore seemed to be more cautious and focused on minimizing disruption to the economy and society, said Yanzhong Huang, a professor and director of the Center for Global Health Studies at New Jerseys Seton Hall University.

Social Distancing

The second wave of resurgent cases in Singapore has highlighted the differences between the two in terms of their approaches to the outbreak -- and even the slightest difference in approach could matter in explaining the different outcomes, he said.

Story continues

Singapores government has backed its approach. Lawrence Wong, minister for national development who co-chairs a task force to fight the virus, said at a briefing last week that its policies were a judgment call and that residents can become fatigued if social distancing is implemented for too long.

If we had put in place all the measures that were talking about now much earlier, we may very well still be in the same situation today, he said.

The diverging outcomes in Hong Kong and Singapore -- which are still handling the virus far better than many other advanced economies -- show how early and strict social distancing measures may be more beneficial to the economy over the long term. In Europe and the U.S., politicians are now mulling lifting lockdowns to revive their economies, even as health experts caution against relaxing too soon.

Hong Kong and Singapore are both wealthy jurisdictions with sophisticated health-care systems and longstanding experience dealing with infectious diseases. In the current crisis, the two cities successfully met a first wave of infections originating in China through a mix of flight and travel restrictions and generous testing protocols, as well as the strict contact tracing and quarantining of infected citizens.

The key difference was Hong Kongs social-distancing measures implemented in late January and early February, which included closing schools and government offices -- a move that pressured many private sector companies to similarly work from home.

The early panic that enveloped the citys population, already on edge from months of pro-democracy protests, went viral in pictures of empty supermarket shelves and supply-hoarding, most notably of toilet paper. Residents scarred by SARS largely chose to wear masks in public spaces.

Singapore took a different approach, leaving schools and government offices open. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong advised that healthy people dont need to wear masks, in part because it could give a false sense of security while precautions such as washing hands regularly are more effective.

In the early days of the outbreak, this calm approach by Singapores leaders won global praise. But the guidance to limit mask-wearing -- then in line with what the World Health Organization suggested -- has since been reconsidered given how infected people with no outward signs of illness can still spread the virus. Singapore now advises that wearing a reusable mask could provide some basic protection.

Even as the pandemic raced around the world in March, the Singaporean population largely seemed unperturbed. Infections ticked up steadily, before surging into a full-blown second wave on March 19. On Thursday, Singapore reported its highest ever daily tally with 287 cases; Hong Kong reported 13.

Singapore U-Turns on Wearing Masks as Local Virus Cases Climb

Hong Kong, which has only four Covid-19 related deaths, hasnt seen a fatality since mid-March. Singapore has seen three deaths in April.

The Singapore government is calling its new lockdown measures a circuit breaker designed to halt transmission, but they also represented a series of U-turns. The government closed schools -- the education minister said Singapore was correct not to shut them earlier -- and planned to give every household reusable masks.

Hong Kong closed schools much earlier, and also Hong Kong people were wearing masks very early on -- these are the two big differences, said Jeremy Lim, an adjunct associate professor at the National University of Singapores Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, who previously worked for the city-states health ministry.

Singapore should have been much stronger with the social distancing requirements, he added. We really should have started earlier.

Upper Hand

Even after the governments change of stance, many Singaporeans appeared less cautious about spending time in crowded public areas than their Hong Kong counterparts: Last weekend, ahead of the lockdown, thousands of people thronged Ikea while restaurants were packed for one last hurrah. Since the lockdown began on Tuesday, Singapore has issued more than 10,000 warnings to rule-breakers.

On Friday, Lee issued an appeal for those in Singapore to heed the rules.

I know the measures are very inconvenient, he said in remarks released by the government. They also come at high cost to our economy. But the more strictly we observe the restrictions, the faster they will work, and the sooner we can ease up on them. If some of us fail to comply strictly with the measures, the circuit breaker will fail, then all our inconvenience, pain and sacrifice will have been in vain.

Singapore is also facing two additional challenges that Hong Kong may be able to avoid.

A worrying outbreak among foreign workers housed in cramped dormitories in Singapore could be a ticking time bomb, and its geographic position near sprawling Southeast Asian nations whose outbreaks are also worsening puts it at greater risk of future imported cases.

Hong Kong shares a border only with mainland China, which has wrestled its epidemic under control through draconian measures, said Piotr Chlebicki, infectious disease specialist at Mount Alvernia Hospital Singapore.

In the end, Hong Kong will probably have an upper hand, he said. Singapore faces a higher risk of importation and reintroduction of virus cases.

(Updates number of virus cases in second paragraph)

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The health of Russian President Vladimir Putin is excellent as his managing of the workload and a packed schedule suggest, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Saturday, Sputnik reports.

Putin became subject of concern after it was revealed that the head physician of the Kommunarka hospital, Moscow's prime coronavirus treatment center, has tested positive for COVID-19 days after meeting with the president.

"Excellent [answering question about Putin's health] You see this by his work schedule. Although all contacts are made via video conferencing, the amount of affairs has increased more than usual," Peskov told reporters.

Peskov added that most of the staff and aides that interact with the president on a regular basis conduct daily coronavirus tests.
Four detained journalists were on Saturday sentenced to death on charges of spying by a Yemeni court controlled by the countrys Iran-linked Houthi rebels, according to a rights advocate.

The court in the Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa, also ordered the continued jailing of six other journalists on similar charges, said the Head of the Geneva-based rights group SAM, Tawfiq al-Humeidi.

al-Humeidi condemned the rulings, which are not final.

They mark a very serious development against the press and journalists in Yemen. They continue the [Houthi] groups policy of silencing opponents, al-Humeidi said.

There was no comment from the Houthis, who have been locked in a devastating power struggle with Yemens Saudi-backed government for over five years.

The Houthis previously issued nearly 150 death sentences against dissidents convicted of spying for the enemy, according to al-Humeidi. None of those sentences has been carried out.

On Wednesday, the Saudi coalition announced a two-week ceasefire in Yemen to focus efforts on fighting the new coronavirus in the impoverished country.

The warring sides have since accused each other of breaching the truce.

(dpa/NAN)
CHICAGO  The coronavirus pandemic that has crippled big-box retailers and mom and pop shops worldwide may be making a dent in illicit business, too.

In Chicago, one of Americas most violent cities, drug arrests have plummeted 42% in the weeks since the city shut down, compared with the same period last year. Part of that decrease, some criminal lawyers say, is that drug dealers have no choice but to wait out the economic slump.

The feedback Im getting is that they arent able to move, to sell anything anywhere, said Joseph Lopez, a criminal lawyer in Chicago who represents reputed drug dealers.

Overall, Chicagos crime declined 10% after the pandemic struck, a trend playing out globally as cities report stunning crime drops in the weeks since measures were put into place to slow the spread of the virus. Even among regions that have the highest levels of violence outside a war zone, fewer people are being killed and fewer robberies are taking place.

Still, law enforcement officials worry about a surge of unreported domestic violence, and what happens when restrictions lift  or go on too long.

Its rare for a city to see a double-digit drop in crime, even over a much longer period. During New York Citys 1990s crime decline, one of the biggest turnarounds in American history, crime dropped about 40% over three years. That makes the drop-offs occurring now  in a period of just a couple of weeks  even more seismic.

Across Latin America, crime is down to levels unseen in decades.

Killings are down, and the gangsters arent harassing so much, Eduardo Perdomo, a 47-year-old construction worker, said while getting off a bus in San Salvador. I think theyre afraid of catching the virus, and they arent going out.

El Salvador reported an average of two killings a day last month, down from a peak of 600 a day a few years ago.

Much of the decrease has taken place because of tougher security policies and gang truces. But the imposition of near-total limits on movement is likely driving it down further, according to analysts and national statistics.

In Peru, where crime levels fell 84% last month, Lima mortician Raul Gonzalez usually has as many as 15 bodies a day  many are homicide victims. This week he napped on a bench after six hours without a client.

There are almost no killings or car accidents these days, Gonzalez said.

In South Africa, police reported a stunning decline during their first week of lockdown measures. Police Minister Bheki Cele said reported rapes were down from 700 to 101 over the same period last year. Serious assault cases plummeted from 2,673 to 456, and murders fell from 326 to 94.

The U.S. virus epicenter in New York saw major crimes  murder, rape, robbery, burglary, assault, grand larceny and car theft  decrease by 12% from February to March. In Los Angeles, 2020 key crimes statistics were consistent with last years figures until the week of March 15, when they dropped by 30%.

Theres a lot fewer opportunities for criminals to take advantage of, said Joe Giacalone, a former New York Police Department sergeant who now teaches at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Most burglars, they wait for you to leave the house.

Policing has also changed in the face of the pandemic. Officers are increasingly getting sick; the NYPD, the countrys largest department with more than 36,000 officers, has more than 7,000 officers out and more than 2,000 diagnosed with COVID-19.

And U.S. authorities say theyre issuing citations instead of making low-level arrests, policing social distancing and putting detectives into patrol cars  which could, in turn, bring down crime rates.

While departments are unlikely to announce theyve backed off policing certain crimes, thats going to be the case, said Bowling Green State University criminologist Philip Stinson.

In many respects, over the next weeks, theyre really in survival mode, he said.

But while narcotics arrests are down, drug sales continue, with dealers likely forced to change their strategies, said Rodney Phillips, a former gang member in Chicago who now works as a conflict mediator in the city.

These guys already face poverty and death in these areas, he said. They might be selling more online now. But they arent going to give up just because of the coronavirus.

A Maryland man accused of operating a Darknet store selling prescription opioids boasted on his vendor page: Even with Corona Virus the shop is running at full speed.

He told an undercover FBI agent he was just waiting for a shipment because this corona virus (sic) is (expletive) up inventory, according to court documents.

Other crimes, however, may be fueled by shutdown orders.

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said the citys aggravated assaults were up 10% in the last three weeks, and half of those were domestic violence, a significantly higher proportion than normal. Calls to Missouris child abuse and neglect hotline dropped by half as the virus first struck the state. Advocates said the calls arent made because the kids arent in school.

And Chicago did see a spike in gun violence this week, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, which reported 60 shootings  19 fatal  between Sunday and Thursday.

San Jose, California, Police Chief Eddie Garcia hopes the downward trend will continue after the pandemic is over. But his officers are preparing for the worst.

The longer were in a lockdown, he said, the more were playing with fire.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. But for others, especially older adults and people with health problems, it can cause severe symptoms like pneumonia. More than 1.5 million cases have been diagnosed worldwide.

___

Dazio reported from Los Angeles, Briceno from Lima. Contributing to this report were Associated Press writers Marcos Aleman in San Salvador, Jake Bleiberg in Dallas, Don Babwin in Chicago, Michael R. Sisak in New York, Don Thompson in Sacramento, Claudia Lauer in Philadelphia, Colleen Long in Washington, and Gerald Imray in Cape Town.
Houseboats, much sought



after by tourists for cruising across the backwaters, are likely to double up as Covid-19 isolation wards in Alappuzha district in Kerala, if the need arises.

The administration is exploring the possiblity of using houseboats as isolation units in the event of any emergency, district collector, M Anjana said.

"We have identified 5,806 beds with attached toilets in Alappuzha from hotels, resorts, hostels and lodges to accomodate patients, if there is a need, as there are not many hospitals in the district", she told PTI.

Discussions with the Houseboat Owners Association has been held and they were willing to provide their boats, she said.

"We can easily get at least 1,500-2,000 beds from the houseboats she said adding this was an option that can be worked out.

Various issues like logistics, bringing the boats to one point, etc have to be streamlined, she said.

This was in addition to the over 5,800 beds already identified.

All Kerala Houseboat Owners Association President, V Vinod said they were willing to cooperate with the government during the tyring times.

During the two consecutive floods in the last two years, they had suffered massive loss as there was no business.

"Last season also there was hardly any business and we could just maintain costs. Like a bolt from the blue, Covid-19 has struck us now," he told PTI.

With the situation grim globally, foreign tourists are unlikely to come to the state any time soon and the tour industry will be the last to pick up, he said adding the government was yet to announce any help for this sector.

Vinod said during the floods, the houseboats had been used to evacuate over 30,000 people from the low lying Kuttanad region and many were allowed to stay in the boats.

The houseboats are huge, slow moving exotic barges used for leisure trips, and are a reworked version of the "Kettuvallams" of olden times.

The original "Kettuvallams" were used to carry tonnes of rice and spices.

When modern trucks replaced this system of transport, people came up with a new way that would keep these "kettuvalam," by constructing special rooms to accommodate travellers.

In Alappuzha alone, there are as many as 1,000 houseboats, which provide furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling.

Presently, 7,046 people are under observation in Alappuzha for the infection of whom 11 are in hospitals.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Andhra Pradesh deputy chief minister K Narayana Swamy on Saturday accused the members of Tablighi Jamaat of spreading the Covid-19 among others by moving freely everywhere and not cooperating with the doctors in getting treatment.

Speaking to reporters in the temple town of Tirupati, Narayana Swamy allegedly pointed out some food habits and unhygienic lifestyles of the Jamaat members, based on some videos doing the rounds on social media.

The deputy chief minister said there would not have been more than 25-26 Covid-19 positive cases in Andhra Pradesh, but for the Tablighi members who had come from Markaz and spread the disease in the state.

I have nothing against Muslim minorities. They can pray to their god. Allah is benevolent. But they do all sorts of dirty things, do not follow hygiene in eating and do not even maintain cleanliness. Because of their habits, they brought the Corona disease to this level, he said.

The deputy chief ministers comments come within a week of YSR Congress party president and chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddys statement defending the Tablighi Jamaat conference in Nizamuddin.

It is not correct to pin the blame on a particular religious congregation for the spread of Covid-19 in the country, as same could happen even in any such meeting in any other religious congregation like that of Ravi Shankar or Jaggi Vasudev or Mata Amritanandamayi, Jagan said in message through electronic media.

Narayana Swamy, however, alleged that Jamaat members were not cooperating for treatment. They moved around shops and streets and spread the disease. I request them to cooperate with the doctors and get cured, so that it doesnt spread to others, he said.

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KYODO NEWS - Apr 11, 2020 - 14:11 | All, Coronavirus, Japan

TOKYO - Tokyo and six other prefectures entered their first weekend under a state of emergency on Saturday, with authorities strengthening calls for people to stay home and for nonessential businesses to temporarily shutter to curb the coronavirus' spread in Japan.

Areas around Shinjuku Station in Tokyo that are normally packed with shoppers appeared semi-deserted with department stores and restaurants closed for business.

"I came to the office because my work is piling up. It's the first time I've seen Shinjuku so empty on a weekend," said a Shinjuku Ward office employee in her 50s.

The lack of people in one of the Japanese capital's major transport hubs was further demonstrated by a timetable screen at the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal which showed the majority of scheduled buses had vacant seats.

Atsushi Ushijima, a 52-year-old from Ishikawa Prefecture who manages a rental car-related business, said that the declaration has prompted many people to leave urban areas, meaning more rental cars than normal are being dropped off in regional areas.

In stark contrast to a normal spring, nobody was sitting beneath the cherry blossoms Saturday alongside the Okawa River in Osaka. People either walked or jogged alone to maintain the social distancing that has become so important to slow the virus' spread.

(Fukuoka)

"I don't recall so few people being around at this time (of the year)," said Shigeyuki Mori, 69, from the western Japan city's Kita Ward.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday declared a state of emergency for Tokyo and the nearby prefectures of Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba as well as Osaka, Hyogo and Fukuoka prefectures.

The decision came due to fears a recent sharp uptrend in the number of new cases in urban areas could lead to the healthcare system becoming dangerously strained.

The declaration, effective till May 6, seeks to reduce person-to-person contact by 70 to 80 percent from usual to prevent an explosive surge in infections.

Major department stores and restaurant chains were among the first to suspend operations, while many stores providing daily necessities, such as supermarkets and drugstores, remained open.

On Saturday, the number of customers at a supermarket in Chiba, east of Tokyo, did not appear to have changed much despite the issuance of the emergency declaration.

"It seems our customers have gotten used to the confusion (about the virus) as it draws out," the 45-year-old store manager said. "And they have calmed down, too."

The supermarket has a sufficient supply of meat, vegetables and other foodstuffs, but face masks are sold out.

In Fukuoka, many shops and restaurants in the southwestern Japan city's Tenjin district were closed. "I see far fewer young people out here," Satoshi Hayashida, a 67-year-old bus company employee, said.

Requests for businesses in six industries, including karaoke venues and bars, to suspend operations took effect in Tokyo and Kanagawa prefectures from midnight Friday.

Medical institutions, banks and other businesses deemed essential for daily life were exempted.

Similar requests will take effect in Saitama Prefecture from midnight Sunday, while Osaka and Fukuoka prefectures will decide their responses on Monday.
(Bloomberg) -- Italy extended a national lockdown until May 3, rejecting calls by business leaders to allow a gradual restart of the economy.

The decision reflects a pattern playing out in many parts of Europe as health officials and politicians warn against letting up too early on restrictions to stem the spread of the coronavirus and avoid a second wave of infections.

As deaths surpassed 100,000 worldwide on Friday, the absence of public Easter holiday celebrations in Europe underscored the pandemics decimating impact on public life and business. Italy, Spain, France and the U.K. reported more than 3,000 new virus-linked deaths over the latest 24-hour period.

There are clear indications that the restrictive measures are bearing fruit, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said at a news conference. If we yield now we would risk, as our experts tell us, losing all the positive results we have achieved so far.

With a ban on non-essential business crippling Europes weakest major economy, Conte said he was giving a limited range of business and shops a waiver to resume activity. He held out the prospect of a gradual restart of normal life after May 3, though strict health protocols would remain in force.

Conte named Vittorio Colao, former chief executive officer of Vodafone Group Plc, to head a task force that will help map Italys exit from the lockdown. The country cant wait for the virus to disappear completely, Conte said.

Meanwhile, the U.S. said it will provide medical supplies and help set up field hospitals in Italy, according to a memorandum released by the White House on Friday night.

The U.K. reported its biggest daily increase in deaths since the outbreak began as 980 patients succumbed to the coronavirus in the latest period, increasing the death toll to almost 9,000.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has been receiving treatment for coronavirus in a London hospital, has been able to do short walks, between periods of rest, as part of the care he is receiving to aid his recovery, a spokesman said.

Story continues

Spain, which has Europes second-highest death toll after Italy, reported the smallest increase in coronavirus fatalities since March 24 on Friday.

Pale Sunlight

People in Spain are settling in for at least another two weeks of a lockdown that only allows people out to supermarkets and pharmacies. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the state of emergency, prolonged on Thursday, is likely to be extended again beyond April 25.

France reported the most new coronavirus deaths among Europes four worst-hit countries. After more than three weeks of lockdown, President Emmanuel Macron will address the nation on Monday about extending confinement measures.

While the number of patients in intensive care in France fell for the second consecutive day, a senior health official cautioned against reading too much into the data.

Its a very slight decrease, Director General for Health Jerome Salomon said at a briefing. Its a pale ray of sunlight.

Italys restrictions ban movement within the country and confine people to their homes except for work, health or emergency reasons. The euro areas third-biggest economy is poised to shrink by 15% this year, according to UniCredit SpA.

Conte made limited concessions on Friday, saying bookshops, stationery stores, sellers of baby clothes and companies linked to forestry could reopen.

Insufficient Response

He said hell continue pressing for common European debt  so-called eurobonds  as the best instrument for the European Union response to the devastating economic impact.

Euro-area finance ministers on Thursday agreed on a 540 billion-euro ($590 billion) package of measures, including a temporary fund to spark the recovery. They avoided the most divisive question, mentioning only innovative financial instruments rather than an explicit reference to joint debt as demanded by Italy and other countries.

Conte rebuffed allegations by the League partys Matteo Salvini and other opposition leaders that his government had signed up to seek the help of the European Stability Mechanism, the euro areas bailout fund.

Italy wont tap a credit line worth as much as 240 billion euros for medical spending and will veto any insufficient aid package, Conte said.

(Adds U.S. offer to help Italy in seventh paragraph.)

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WOOD RIVER  As the number of cases of coronavirus continue to rise, icluding the first cases in Greene County, state officials on Friday focused their discussion on racial disparities within healthcare relating to COVID-19.

The Illinois Department of Public Health on Friday reported 1,465 new cases statewide for a total of 17,887. Also reported were 68 deaths, bringing the total to 596.

Two cases were reported Friday by the IDPH in Greene County, the last local county to report virus cases.

The Madison County Health Department has confirmed 107 case, including two previously-recorded deaths. The IDPH website showed 101 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the county on Friday. There have been some discrepancies in the daily counts as the number of cases grow.

According to the county health department, its confirmed cases include 62 women and 45 men from their 20s to 80s. A total of 27 are hospitalized; 35 are listed as recovered, meaning they have completed isolation.

Within the county by ZIP code, the Alton area (62002) shows 16 cases, Godfrey (62035) has seven, Edwardsville (62025) has 13, Glen Carbon (62034) has six, Granite City/Pontoon Beach (62040) has 20 and Collinsville (62234) has 12. Numbers are not released in ZIP codes with five or fewer cases to protect the privacy of patients.

The IDPH also reported the number of cases in area counties:

 Jersey County: 6

 Calhoun County: 1

 Macoupin County: 14

 Bond County: 4

 Clinton County: 32

 Washington County: 2

 Monroe County: 42 with one death

 St. Clair County: 159 with five deaths.

The information is available online at www.dph.illinois.gov. Select the coronavirus banner, then COVID-19 statistics in the drop-down menu on the left side.

On Friday, both Gov. J.B. Pritzker and IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike focused their comments on concerns about demographic disparities in testing and case outcomes.

The Madison County Health Department has not released any information on racial demographics relating to COVID-19.

Pritzker said black communities have suffered disproportionately from the virus, adding that generations of systemic disadvantages have been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health disparities and major inequalities are major concerns to me, Ezike said. We see alarmingly high rates of COVID-19 in the black population.

She said the mortality rate in general is five times higher for blacks than whites. She noted the rate is 12 times higher for people in their 50s, eight times higher for those in their 60s and 10 times higher for blacks in their 70s.

Ezike said blacks have a higher rate of many of health issues that put people at a higher risk if they contract COVID-19. They include jobs with higher risk of exposure, those uninsured or under-insured, those lacking access to medical care and those with extended family settings.

As part of the response, Pritzker said the Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation will be taking samples at three local facilities and sending tests to Anderson Hospital in Maryville. He also said Illinois hotels will be used as alternate housing facilities to help isolate people who have been exposed to the virus and need to be quarantined, or for first responders who want to avoid having to go home and risk infecting their families.

Pritzker also said more money was being made available to community health agencies to help deal with the pandemic.

Illinois also is developing a COVID-19 text messaging system, Ezike said. To participate people can text covid to 312-500-3836 or covidesp to the same number for messages in Spanish.

For the latest information on COVID-19 or coronavirus resources, visit the Madison County Health Department online at www.madisonchd.org or on Facebook @MadisonCHD. Also visit www.co.madison.il.us for more news and a daily update or on Facebook @MadisonCountyIL.
Director of Communications for the Ghana Gas Company, Ernest Owusu Bempah has showed passion to about 700 widows and the aged at Agogo in the Asante Akyem North Municipal of the Ashanti Region.



The astute politician told Wontumi Radio and TV the gesture was to show love to the widows who have no one to care for during and after the lockdown.



In collaboration with the Queen mother of Agogo, Nana Afrakoma Kusi Boadum, the widows benefitted from 500 bags of rice, cartons of cooking oil and tin tomatoes.



Ernest Owusu Bempah told the widows that the plaguing COVID-19 is a deadly pandemic and advised them to adhere to the social distancing and regular handwashing with soap protocols to protect them from the virus.



 Coronavirus is deadly, stay home and dont roam aimlessly, he emphasized.



He asked the people of Agogo to keep their surroundings clean to avoid diseases adding that, cleanliness is next to godliness.



Ernest Owusu Bempah who is a native of Agogo, reminded them of the need to maintain good personal hygiene, especially, at the markets and lorry stations.









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.

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Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has called for Kyrgyz authorities to investigate allegations by a former customs officer that his ex-boss urged him to bring a Kyrgyz Service journalist from the U.S.-funded broadcaster back to Kyrgyzstan "dead or alive."



Emilbek Kimsanov made the allegation in an undated video that was posted on Facebook on April 10 by his wife, Maria Zavorotnyaya.



In the video, Kimsanov says that former Kyrgyz State Customs Agency Deputy Chairman Raimbek Matraimov sent him contact information in Prague for RFE/RL journalist Ali Toktakunov along with the command to bring him "dead or alive." Kimsanov showed screenshots on his telephone with the information about Toktakunov.



RFE/RL takes any threat against its journalists seriously," RFE/RL President Jamie Fly said in a statement on April 11.



"The ongoing slanderous attacks and threats against Azattyk journalists by Raimbek Matraimov and his associates in response to our investigative reporting are reprehensible. I call on the Kyrgyz authorities to take this issue seriously and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.



Matraimov was not available to comment on the video.



His brother, Kyrgyz lawmaker Iskender Matraimov, dismissed the video in comments to RFE/RL.



"Kimsanov will answer not only before God, but also before the law," Iskender Matraimov said. "Let law enforcement check his statements. I would ask the people not to believe the claims of just anyone."

Millions Funneled Out Of Country



Toktakunov was the lead reporter in a joint investigation by RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service, known locally as Radio Azattyk, the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), and the Kyrgyz news site Kloop.

The investigation, titled Plunder And Patronage In The Heart Of Central Asia, which implicated Raimbek Matraimov, chronicled how a 37-year-old Uyghur businessman from China's northwestern region of Xinjiang, self-confessed money launderer Aierken Saimaiti, moved hundreds of millions of dollars out of Kyrgyzstan.

Before his murder in Istanbul in November, Saimaiti alleged that widespread corruption in the Kyrgyz customs service where Kimsanov worked was crucial in generating illegal proceeds that were then spirited out of the country. He accused Matraimov of exploiting his position as deputy customs chief to skim millions of dollars in illicit funds. Matraimov and his relatives reject the claim.



At least $200,000 was transferred to the Matraimov family's charity in 2016 by Saimaiti's wife in what the murdered businessman described as dirty cash. The Matraimov family says the money was simply a charitable donation transferred on behalf of a businessman they have declined to identify.

Saimaiti also provided reporters with internal financial ledgers he maintained indicating that he had wired other funds for Matraimov's benefit. The Matraimov family has denied any relationship -- financial or otherwise -- with Saimaiti.
There could hardly be a more beautiful place to spend the lockdown. Nine miles off the coast of Donegal, Tory Island is perfectly positioned to keep the coronavirus at bay. Islanders want to keep it that way and hope visitors will heed calls to stay away for now.

The rugged beauty of Tory is a draw for artists and visitors in the spring and summer, when accessing the island is easier than during the storms of winter.

But during this time of pandemic, only islanders and supplies for residents are travelling by ferry from the port at Magheraroarty on the mainland.

Residents of all of Donegal's islands have appealed to visitors to stay away for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic.

Expand Close Legendary leader: the late Patsy Dan Rodgers, who was King of Tory. Photo by Frank McGrath / Facebook

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Whatsapp Legendary leader: the late Patsy Dan Rodgers, who was King of Tory. Photo by Frank McGrath

Tory Islanders were surprised when a yacht and its four-person crew berthed at the pier a week ago. The crew had missed the port of Bunbeg due to tides.

When the Coast Guard arrived, the crew assured them that they would remain on board overnight. They promptly set sail again at first light.

While many of us are getting used to the isolation imposed on us by lockdown restrictions, residents of Tory have more experience at battening down the hatches and being prepared. Rough seas and stormy weather can sometimes mean the ferry is unable to make the 45-minute journey across mountainous Atlantic waves.

This winter, when one storm after another battered the coast, the island at the most north-westerly part of the Wild Atlantic Way was shut off for days at a time. On several occasions, the Queen of Aran ferry - the islanders' lifeline - couldn't leave harbour.

But islanders are adept at coping in such circumstances. Well-stocked fridges and pantries - and even second freezers - mean they don't go hungry even when towering waves cut them off temporarily.

Marjorie Ui Chearbhaill, community development manager for Tory Island Co-op, says nobody is commuting to the mainland now. Very few islanders are leaving the island, she says, and the ferry is mainly being used for the transport of supplies.

The ferry is now running only three days a week instead of daily and Marjorie says the ferry operator is not bringing visitors to the island - islanders and the operator are working together to ensure this.

Mother to Padraig (9), Caitlin (7) and Ann (4), Marjorie says the island's 150-strong population are very wary of people coming in at this time, and while it is hard to be on the island all the time, this period will pass.

Life on the island is very quiet now, she explains. The gym, the social club and the day centre for the elderly have all closed, although Meals on Wheels still go out to 18 older people every Wednesday.

At this time of year, Tory residents are usually gearing up to welcome visitors who flock to the island to take in its rich musical heritage, breathtaking scenery and abundance of wildlife. Bur Marjorie believes this summer will be a quiet one.

The pandemic has also put any talk about who will be the island's next king on the back-burner. The island's legendary leader Patsy Dan Rodgers, King of Tory, died in October 2018.

Feeling safe

The island's fiercest protector and greatest promoter, Patsy Dan was always at the harbour to welcome visitors to the island and regale them with stories of its history, culture and traditions. His absence is felt keenly by islanders every day.

Like communities around the country, people on Tory are keeping their distance, staying in their family groups and maintaining social distance when they go to the shop on the island or down to the pier to meet the ferry bringing their supplies, according to Marjorie.

"Generally we are managing fine. Jimmy Rodgers, who runs the shop, keeps it well stocked," she says.

"Everything comes in a couple of weeks. We are used to that and I'm always well stocked up at home. We do feel safer here."

However, with a number of holiday homes on the island, residents are hoping that holidaymakers will respect their call to stay away. In holiday times, the population of Tory doubles as visitors take time out to enjoy the island's rugged beauty. Easter is also a time for visitors to gather but it's hoped they have taken heed and the shutters of the holidays homes will remain closed for now.

At his home at the east end of the island, David Jeffrey feels that if you're going to be waiting out a pandemic, you couldn't be in a better spot than on Tory Island looking out over the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.

He first came to Tory in the spring of 2017 and was so taken with the island that he moved there and made it his home the following year. His days since lockdown are punctuated by a daily walk, a good meal and trying to learn the electric bass guitar as well as trying to brush up on his Irish.

The weekly activities he usually partakes in, like dancing classes and a trip to the social club, have stopped, and David says people on the island are taking social distancing very seriously.

"We are very aware of the fact that we are safer here in lots of ways but it would only take one person to compromise the whole island," he says.

Lockdown aside, David says he's not finding it hard to manage. He's used to getting a big shop in on the ferry every two to three weeks and keeping his cupboards replenished with everything he needs to cook his vegetarian meals.

His daily walk takes him along the island's shoreline near his home. Already he's been lucky enough to spot an otter twice. He's waiting on the puffins to arrive - bringing with them a cacophony of raucous sound - and the corncrakes. Last year the island had 30 pairs of the elusive birds forced to the brink of extinction on the mainland.

At her home on the island's west end, Teresa Jordan, originally from Co Tipperary, is happy to while away the time with her partner William Doohan and their daughter Abbie (8).

While William, a construction worker is at home for the lockdown period, they are enjoying the family time together, taking walks to the island's famous lighthouse nearby and keeping to themselves.

"We're managing fine. I got a big shop in before all this happened. This is the way we live anyway - going out every six weeks or so to do a big shop. We have a small shop on the island for essentials like bread and milk," says Teresa.

However, she's sorry that nobody is meeting up and local children can no longer play together. A visit to family in Tipperary for Easter has had to be put off. A planned celebration to mark William's father's 80th birthday also had to be shelved.

Despite the setbacks Teresa knows that staying apart is the right thing for everyone now.

"There's a lot of elderly people here. I don't know what would happen if this got on the island. Everyone is keeping to themselves," she says.

At the parish church in Gortahork, Fr Sean o Gallchoir is sorry that his weekly trips to the island to say Mass have had to stop. A webcam means that he can still say daily Mass for parishioners.

"It's a month since I said Mass on the island. It was always nice to go out and I miss it. I say Mass every morning at 10 and I always include the islanders," he says.
HALIFAXA second transit bus driver in Atlantic Canadas largest city has tested positive for COVID-19, a development that has drivers stressed, anxious and concerned according to a union official.

In a Saturday interview, Ken Wilson, president of Local 508 of the Amalgamated Transit Union, said his membership believes more needs to be done to ensure the safety of Halifax Transit workers.

Wilson said the driver worked out of Transits garage in Burnside, and is the third employee at the facility confirmed to have contracted the virus  the others being a driver confirmed by the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) on Wednesday and a mechanic confirmed on March 26.

We are extremely concerned, Wilson said. They keep telling us that the garage has been cleaned. Only one (case) had direct connection to travel that we are aware of.

When the garage mechanics case was confirmed, Wilson called for a 24-hour pause on service so the transit garage and all buses could be deep cleaned.

He pointed out on Saturday that while businesses such as the Atlantic Superstore and also the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation had taken similar steps when cases were detected at some of their outlets, the transit garages maintenance department was down for just seven hours after the first case was confirmed.

We have concerns about the cleaning protocols right now, Wilson said. We are starting to reach out to the Department of Labour to get some guidance.

HRM did not respond to a request for comment Saturday, but in a news release issued late Friday, it said the most recent driver who tested positive had not been at work since March 31.

It said Halifax Transit had since cleaned all workspaces and vehicles the driver was in contact with, while public health was tracing those who had contact with the driver and would test anyone they deem requires testing.

HRM confirmed on Wednesday that the first driver to test positive for the virus hadnt been to work since April 4.

HRM said it was implementing measures over the long weekend aimed at helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including blocking off alternating seats with signage, which will reduce passenger capacity by as much as 50 per cent depending on the bus model.

These changes will significantly reduce capacity and, as a result, transit should be used for essential travel only, the municipality said.

As well, caution tape that had been at the front of the bus to separate drivers from passengers will be replaced with a yellow cord as a barricade, while passengers will continue to use the rear doors unless the front doors are required for accessibility.

On Transits harbour ferries that run between Halifax and Dartmouth, capacity will be reduced to 25 passengers per trip, while food and drink will be prohibited to reduce litter.

Wilson applauded the steps, but wondered whether it will be enough.

Its no secret that a public transit vehicle is a petri dish on a good day. Its almost impossible for them to clean every single touch point, even if they are doing an excellent job.

Nova Scotia identified 21 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday for a total of 428 confirmed cases.

Among the new cases was a member of Halifax Regional Police, the force confirmed in a news release.

We are now working with Public Health on contact-tracing and identifying additional employees who may need testing, police said.

The force said the employee who tested positive hadnt been to work since April 5, and since then, all workspaces and vehicles the employee had been in contact with had been cleaned.

In New Brunswick, health officials reported no new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday.

The province has a total of 112 confirmed cases with 64 travel-related, 36 close contacts of confirmed cases, six the result of community transmission and six that remain under investigation.

Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswicks chief medical officer of health, said while the most recent results have been encouraging, its too soon to conclude the spread of the pandemic is slowing in the province.

The measures we are taking are not going to change, Russell said in a news release. We do not want to become complacent and then find ourselves losing ground to this highly contagious disease.

Prince Edward Island also reported no new cases for the third straight day Saturday, leaving the total for Canadas smallest province at 25 confirmed cases.

Meanwhile, Newfoundland and Labrador reported two new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the provinces number of confirmed cases to 241.

The two new cases are in the Eastern Health region. Six people are in hospital due to the virus, with two of those patients in intensive care.

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Boris Johnson came close to death as he desperately fought coronavirus in an intensive care unit, his friends revealed last night.

After rallying, the Prime Minister told them that he owed his life to the doctors and nurses at St Thomas' Hospital in London, adding: 'I can't thank them enough.'

The Mail on Sunday today reveals the extraordinary battle to save the stricken PM by medics who had been expecting him in hospital three days before he was finally admitted last Sunday.

Boris Johnson came close to death as he desperately fought coronavirus in an intensive care unit, his friends revealed last night. Pictured: Clapping for the NHS out Number 11

A further 979 coronavirus deaths announced yesterday, bringing the total in the UK to 9,937. Pictured: Paramedics taking a patient into St Thomas' Hospital

Medical staff at the George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust in Nuneaton sent their well wishes to the Prime Minister

At one point, Mr Johnson's plight was so grave that Cabinet Ministers and aides prayed for him. While in hospital, Mr Johnson has been boosted by a love letter from his fiancee, Carrie Symonds, which included a scan of their unborn child.

The Prime Minister plans to recuperate at Chequers after his release from hospital but, with a further 979 coronavirus deaths announced yesterday, bringing the total in the UK to 9,937, his allies insist he will control the vital process of when  and how  Britain emerges from the lockdown.

Speaking at the daily press conference yesterday, Home Secretary Priti Patel said: 'It is vital that our Prime Minister gets well. We want him to get better and he needs time and space to rest, recuperate and recover.'

The PM's steady recovery came as fears grew of a surge in deaths. Ministers have been warned that coronavirus is now affecting more than 15 per cent of care homes, with many deaths in the social care sector not included in the current total.

Meanwhile, the Government apologised for a lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for health workers after medical groups accused Health Secretary Matt Hancock of implying that it had been wasted.

Announcing that 19 NHS workers had died since the Covid-19 outbreak began, Mr Hancock said he didn't want to put 'blame on people who have used more PPE than the guidelines suggest because I understand the difficulties in the circumstances. What I would say it is very important to use the right PPE and not overuse it.'

In separate developments yesterday:

The Queen stressed the importance of maintaining the coronavirus lockdown, but insisted: 'Easter isn't cancelled; indeed, we need Easter as much as ever';

Police faced renewed criticism for being heavy-handed as it emerged that 1,084 fines have been issued for breaches of coronavirus lockdown rules;

Cabinet Ministers are divided between the 'hawks' who want Britain to leave lockdown early in May and the 'doves' who want to delay lifting the restrictions until the summer;

This newspaper has found that the laboratory in Wuhan at the centre of scrutiny over Covid-19 carried out research on bats from a cave that scientists believe is the original source of the pandemic;

A leading Tory MP accused a China-backed company of seeking to exploit the crisis to 'launch a raid on British technology';

A new 'online school' is being planned to cater for children facing months out of the classroom as Minister plan a 'phased return' for some pupils after half-term;

Ms Patel said domestic violence had risen by 120 per cent last week, but overall crime was down 21 per cent since the lockdown began;

John Humphrys, the former presenter of Radio 4's Today programme, claimed BBC bosses were privately telling interviewers to go easy on Ministers when quizzing them about the virus;

Former Home Secretary David Blunkett railed against the daily briefings from No10 which he said were 'little more than a daily Sermon on the Mount'.

Taking questions during her first appearance at the daily virus press conference yesterday, Ms Patel was challenged about the shortage of PPE.

She said: 'I'm sorry if people feel that there have been failings. I will be very, very clear about that, but at the same time, we are in an unprecedented global health pandemic right now.

'It is inevitable that the demand for PPE and the pressures on PPE are going to be exponential. They are going to be incredibly high. And of course we are trying to address that as a Government.'

Her comments came after Mr Hancock was criticised by doctors and nurses for saying that there were enough supplies if they were used sensibly.

Dame Donna Kinnair, General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said no piece of PPE could ever be 'more precious a resource than a healthcare worker's life, a nurse's life, a doctor's life'.

Hinting that Parliament may have to be convened virtually, Ms Patel admitted: 'There are many discussions and I can't really elaborate any further on those discussions about how Parliament will resume and function'.

Meanwhile, America reached an unwanted milestone as it became the first country in the world to record more than 2,000 deaths in a single day. Brazil became the first in the southern hemisphere to exceed 1,000 in a 24-hour period.

By contrast, Sweden  which has rejected tough social distancing measures  recorded just 17 new deaths from coronavirus, its lowest daily rise in a fortnight.

Doctors waiting at St Thomas's hospital for Boris Johnson to arrive only realised he wasn't coming when they saw him clapping the NHS on TV, reveals HARRY COLE, as he shares the dramatic inside story of the PM's coronavirus battle

Medics were expecting Boris Johnson to be rushed to hospital three days before he was finally admitted  and only realised that he wasn't coming when they saw him clapping for the NHS that evening on their television screens.

The doctors at St Thomas' Hospital in London were wearing full protective clothing on Thursday April 2 after managers warned they could expect Mr Johnson to arrive at short notice.

But then they saw the Prime Minister applauding from the steps of No11 Downing Street at 8pm.

Mr Johnson was boosted by a love letter from his fiancee, Carrie Symonds, which included a scan of their unborn child (pictured together)

As Mr Johnson continued his recovery last night, friends finally conceded just how desperately ill he had been by the time he was taken into intensive care on Monday.

He was so unwell that he believes he owes his life to the care he received from the NHS.

For days after it was announced on March 27 that the Prime Minister had tested positive for the coronavirus, Mr Johnson's symptoms were described as 'mild'.

But after struggling through the 9.15am Covid-19 'War Cabinet' meeting on April 2, the PM conceded that he could not shake his persistent cough and temperature and would not be ending his seven-day isolation as scheduled the next day.

In frank talks with both his doctor and his private secretary, Martin Reynolds, insiders say he agreed to a significantly reduced workload and was sent to his bed.

A Government source described Mr Johnson as 'resistant' to the idea of going into hospital for fear of it looking like he was receiving preferential treatment, but Downing Street last night insisted that he acted on the advice of his doctors.

It was agreed on April 2 that he would remain in self- isolation above No11 with his symptoms reviewed on Saturday morning.

However, Ministers, aides and friends now say privately that he should have gone into hospital much earlier. 'It was clear he was in a terrible state all week,' said one.

According to NHS sources, the team at St Thomas' were already 'scrubbed up and in PPE' [personal protective equipment] at a secret entrance to the hospital on Thursday evening when they were told that the PM was no longer coming.

Preparations had followed a clearly defined plan created by NHS chiefs after news that the then Prime Minister Tony Blair had been admitted to Hammersmith Hospital with a heart scare in October 2003 was leaked to the media.

The protocol set out how the PM would use a secret entrance and take a designated route along sealed corridors and lifts to a private 'magic room' on level 12. A secure computer system would be used to ensure his medical notes were inaccessible to all but a tight group of experts.

By Saturday April 4, the check-up quickly established that Mr Johnson's condition had worsened. Mr Reynolds 'cleared the PM's diary completely', but by the following afternoon it was clear there was no choice but to take him to hospital.

A source said Mr Johnson was conscious when he arrived, but 'very, very unwell'.

He was put on oxygen via a tube through his nose within ten minutes of arrival.

Concerned by the possible public reaction to the PM's incapacitation, Downing Street described his admission as a 'precautionary step' for tests, adding that Mr Johnson would be receiving a ministerial red box so he could continue to work from his hospital bed.

In reality, his condition worsened throughout Sunday evening and Monday. An added complication was the poor mobile phone reception at the hospital, coupled with a warning to Mr Johnson not to use the public wi-fi for security reasons.

Hancock repeats claims of PPE over use Health Secretary Matt Hancock speaking this morning A row has erupted between the Government and nurses after Matt Hancock again cautioned coronavirus medics against overusing personal protective equipment. The Health Secretary insisted there was enough protective clothing to meet demand, but urged health workers to treat the gear like a 'precious' resource. His remarks doubled down on comments made at yesterday's Downing Street press briefing where he responded to reports from the frontline of a dire shortage of protective equipment. Royal College of Nursing's Donna Kinnair said no amount of PPE was 'more precious a resource than a healthcare worker's life, a nurse's life, a doctor's life'. She told BBC Breakfast: 'I take offence actually that we are saying that healthcare workers are abusing or overusing PPE. 'I think what we know is, we don't have enough supply and not enough regular supply of PPE. This is the number one priority nurses are bringing to my attention, that they do not have adequate supply of equipment.' Advertisement

Sources say engineers were sent to boost the signal in Mr Johnson's room, but in any event by Monday he was too unwell to even look at his phone or respond to texts and WhatsApp messages.

Despite the upbeat comments from No 10, the ashen-faced appearance of Dominic Raab  who had been asked to deputise for Mr Johnson at the Monday afternoon press briefing  betrayed the mounting concern.

At about 6pm on Monday, shortly after Mr Raab assured the nation that the PM was 'in good spirits', Carrie Symonds received the call from her fiance's doctors that she had been dreading.

Despite the oxygen treatment, she was told that Mr Johnson was not improving and the likelihood of him having to be put on a ventilator in intensive care was quickly growing. It was ominous news.

A study of some 1,400 patients by the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre found that more than half of Covid-19 patients who are admitted to intensive care died.

Anguished, yet prevented from being by his bed, Ms Symonds wrote her husband-to-be a love letter, attaching a scan of their unborn child. Meanwhile, aides and doctors faced the logistical problem of moving the PM to the intensive care unit, which was on a different floor from his room.

A source said transferring such a high-profile patient required a 'big operation that cannot be done quickly so the decision was made to move him sooner rather than later', adding: 'We don't want to do this stuff at 2am.'

Back in Downing Street, staff were left in stunned silence by the news.

'It was terrifying how fast things happened. I couldn't believe it,' one senior official said. Having already spoken to the PM, Mr Reynolds alerted Buckingham Palace and Mr Raab was summoned to No10, where he was briefed by Cabinet Office bosses Sir Mark Sedwill and Helen MacNamara on the PM's condition and on his new duties.

Meanwhile, the PM's spokesman James Slack prepared a public statement and a BBC camera crew sent to film an address by a visibly shaken Mr Raab.

A conference call was arranged for the Cabinet during which Michael Gove said: 'I think I speak for everyone when I say our thoughts and prayers are with the Prime Minister.'

David Blunkett blasts 'Sermon on the Mount' daily coronavirus briefings by ministers Former Home Secretary David Blunkett has blasted the daily coronavirus briefings, saying they have become like a 'Sermon on the Mount'. The Labour life peer made the comments in an interview on the Today programme on BBC Radio 4, during a discussion on the reaction to the coronavirus pandemic. When asked about the police and political reaction to the crisis, Blunkett responded saying people are being 'hectored', including during the daily coronavirus briefings which have been running since March 16. He said: 'Actually we talk, talk, talk and we hector people, I mean the daily press briefings now just become a Sermon on the Mount'. Advertisement

An official said: 'It was one of those nights where all there really was was prayer.' As Mr Johnson fought for his life on Monday night, a bizarre  and undignified  public relations battle was being played out through the switchboard of St Thomas' hospital.

'We had the drug companies contact his doctors at the hospital in London, and they're talking right now,' US President Donald Trump told Fox News  wrongly, as it turned out.

The White House had contacted the hospital but, in fact, had been politely directed toward to Foreign Office rather than to Mr Johnson's team. The Americans were not alone  China was offering drugs as well.

'The switchboard went into meltdown,' an NHS source said.

'First the White House rings and offers to send drugs to treat the PM, then a series of Chinese firms call on behalf of their government also offering to send drugs.'

None of the offers was accepted. 'We're confident the Prime Minister is receiving the best possible care from the National Health Service,' No10 said curtly on Tuesday morning.

While the nation reeled, Mr Johnson had a better night than expected and his temperature began to fall on Tuesday morning.

Messages of support from royalty, celebrities and thousands of public well-wishers were compiled by Ms Symonds and sent to the PM.

They included an image of NHS workers on the Nason Ward at the George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton posing with a Get Well Soon Boris sign.

Downing Street staff endured a 'terrible wait' for twice daily medical updates from the hospital, fed through Ms Symonds.

'Every day we were waiting to hear from the hospital, hoping for a bit of good news,' said one senior official.

'You can't get the fear out of your head that he could take a turn for the worse.'

Slowly but surely, the PM was 'going the right way' during Tuesday and Wednesday, as he responded to the oxygen given to him in intensive care.

However, he endured three long nights before he was well enough to leave the unit on Thursday afternoon.

Abandoning the secrecy in which he had entered the hospital, the PM was described by one hospital insider as 'euphoric' and waving at doctors and nurses on his way out of ICU. Incredibly, he again joined in the applause for NHS workers at 8pm on Thursday  this time from his hospital bed.

Mr Johnson has since told friends of the 'exemplary' care he has received from doctors and nurses.

'I can't thank them enough. I owe them my life,' he said on Friday. He is continuing his recovery this weekend, helped by home-baked chocolate brownies sent by Ms Symonds.

But he remains weak and will take some weeks to rebuild his strength. No10 aides have provided Mr Johnson with an iPad loaded with his favourite films, but he has spent most of the time sleeping or making short FaceTime video calls to Ms Symonds.

Under doctors' orders to limit his time on the phone, he has read a thriller dug out by a nurse and stories of Tintin, his childhood favourite, sent by his worried family.

He is expected to recuperate at Chequers, the PM's Buckinghamshire retreat, with a phased return to work, but is understood to want to oversee the decision on when  and how  to end the lockdown.

Meanwhile, finger-pointing over the timing of Mr Johnson's admission to hospital has begun.

One friend said last night: 'Those who care about Boris and have known him for a very long time and could say to him "Mate, you're unwell you need to look after yourself" have been frozen out by the No10 gang.

'And it seems they were too frightened to stand up to the PM when he needed advisers the most. 'That can never be allowed to happen again.'

Getting sick? That's for wimps! With titanic self-belief, Boris Johnson has always ignored illness, says author TOM BOWER, as he explains why a sense of his own invincibility lies at the heart of all the PMs strengths and flaws

By Tom Bower for the Mail on Sunday

Like the Incredible Hulk, the comic book superhero with whom hes compared himself, Boris Johnson has made it his trademark to defy the odds.

Overcoming a career littered with gaffes and blunders has required cunning and stubborn single-mindedness, while facing down the constant torrent of envy and abuse from his many enemies has needed awesome self-control.

But never before has Boriss resolution to triumph been more challenged, as his body tackles this frightening disease and what could still be his ultimate test.

It was in an interview with The Mail on Sunday last September, at the height of the Brexit crisis, that Boris pledged he would bust Britain out of Brussels manacles like the Incredible Hulk.

Boris Johnson boxes with a trainer during his visit to Fight for Peace Academy in North Woolwich, London, 2014 while he was mayor of London

Brought up to ignore illness and dispense with the need of doctors, many will suspect that Boriss current plight owes much to his natural recklessness. Believing in the survival of the fittest, he was taught that Real Men are never ill.

Infused by willpower and belief in his infallibility, he undoubtedly brushed aside medical advice with the same ebullience that has always been his way  until he was forced to go to hospital last weekend.

Six days ago, the media were rapidly assembling obituaries  fearing the worst. For 48 hours, the nation held its breath.

Many asked, how could a Prime Minister have allowed himself to get so close to the edge?

The fact is that such brinkmanship was simply another chapter in the rollercoaster life of Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson.

Only by studying key moments in his 55 years, as I have been doing over the past months while preparing to write his biography, can one understand the pattern of behaviour which explains his current predicament.

Chronically competitive from childhood, spent with three siblings, he perfected his bulldog iron will on the playing fields of Eton, a school renowned for its brutal expectations. Both at rugby and Etons uniquely physical Wall Game (which, aptly, to the uninitiated seems to have no rules), Boris led the charge, breaking bones and egos with one sole objective  to win.

In addition, he owes his political achievements to the ability to perfect brilliant camouflage. Acting the bumbling English gentleman buffoon, he has deployed charm and wit to escape sticky corners and save himself from disaster. Equally, his comic performances  enjoyed even by his critics  have concealed his fierce intellect and ambition.

Boris Johnson, as captain of the Eton wall game team in 1982. Johnson threw himself into all sports he played with one ambition: To win

I have witnessed countless people predict Boriss downfall many times, yet repeatedly his resilience has been the force for his resurrection, be it from his sacking from his first job, his dismissal from the Tory front bench, or his failure to win the race to succeed David Cameron as Prime Minister.

And, of course, those people include the many who have been outraged by his flagrant adultery.

In Westminster, his relationship with women is breathtakingly exceptional. Boasting at least six mistresses during his two marriages, he has had an unknown number of one-night stands with women apparently attracted by his animal magnetism.

Judgmental outsiders are aghast at his betrayal of Marina Wheeler, his long-suffering second wife and mother of four of his five children. To them, the way he set up with Carrie Symonds (his now-pregnant fiancee) before his divorce was agreed was appalling.

At the heart of their dislike, and jealousy, is Boriss public persona: his joshy smile, merriment and love for the girly swot language redolent of Just William and Nigel Molesworth, the 1950s schoolboy known as the Curse of St Custards.

Boriss other fictional alter ego is, of course, Bertie Wooster, P. G. Wodehouses buffoonish upper class character who is repeatedly saved from disaster by Jeeves, his erudite manservant.

Like Boris, Wooster got away with everything. Absolution is always at hand.

Boriss critics cannot understand how the buffoon is also an accomplished master of the classics.

First encouraged by his grandfather, Boris reveres Homers Iliad where heroes are more virtuous than the gods because mortality compels them to develop the supreme virtue of courage.

At Eton, Boris also found a hero  Pericles, an Athenian who, with charisma and shameless populism, pleased the crowds to win constant re-election.

Blending the influences  Wooster, Molesworth, Just William and Pericles  in school debates, Boris developed a unique oratorical style mixed with humour. Humour, he would say, is a utensil that you can use to sugar the pill and get important points across.

Martin Hammond, his Eton classics master, despaired about his pupils effortless superiority, excelling without apparently much effort. I think he honestly believes that it is churlish of us not to regard him as an exception, wrote Hammond, one who should be free of the network of obligation which binds everyone else.

Spreading his huge talents thinly, Boris mastered the art of winging it  engaging in every activity, which meant missing deadlines, falling asleep in class and often spouting claptrap.

And yet he won a scholarship to Balliol College, Oxford.

On his arrival there, all the gossip was about this amazing person just up from Eton. With his mop of blond hair and raffish clothes, he became the unrivalled star at the Oxford Union debating society. Not only was he, at just 18, already being mentioned as a future Prime Minister but he also forged a relationship with Oxfords most beautiful woman, Allegra Mostyn-Owen.

The complicated love life of Boris Johnson: Young Boris Johnson with fellow student Allegra Mostyn-Owen at Oxford, who would go on to be his first wife

Inevitably there was huge envy, particularly when he was voted Union president at his second attempt, having learnt that to win he had to pretend he was a liberal.

In truth, Allegra (later his wife) says: He wasnt a libertarian. He was a Thatcherite, spouting trickle-down nonsense.

This customary politicians deception has been portrayed by critics as evidence of his dishonesty.

However, Anthony Kenny, former head of Balliol, says: So far as I know, he told no actual lies, but his strategy recalls Talleyrand, the French diplomat who never told a lie and deceived the whole world.

Loyally, Allegra insists: He never lies. He just has his own attitude to the truth.

The common accusation of Boris the liar arose from his sacking for fabricating a quotation soon after he started his first job as a journalist at The Times, aged 23.

Asked to rewrite a dull report about Edward IIs London palace, he spiced it up by quoting his godfather, Colin Lucas, an academic, saying the King enjoyed the sexual company there of a young boy. In fact, the boy was killed 13 years before the palace was built.

Not surprisingly, Lucas complained. In his defence, Boris told his editor that most quotations in The Times were fabricated. Shocked by such insolence, Boris was fired.

Boriss father Stanley, who was Lucass best friend, was furious with the academic, saying indignantly. He put a whole new interpretation on the word Godfather.

In what was to become the pattern of Boriss career, this sacking was a godsend.

Ever positive and charismatic, he was hired by Max Hastings, the Daily Telegraphs editor, to report on the EU in Brussels.

Stanley Johnson (L) and Carrie Symonds (R), father and girlfriend of Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson, watch as he delivers his keynote speech at the Conservative Party Conference

Wearing a torn jacket, dirty trousers and a crumpled shirt, Boris refused to mix with other journalists. In life, Boris is a loner and in Brussels he hunted by himself.

Convinced that European Commission spokesmen were lying and that Brussels panjandrums wanted to turn the EU into a super-state, he sleuthed out secret documents. His lazy rivals, who spent much time in bars, accused him of making up his stories. These included scoops about the threat to British pink sausages, diktats about the shape of bananas and sizes of condoms, how women had been ordered to return old sex toys and how euro notes made people impotent.

We never had a single complaint that Boris was lying, recalls Jeremy Deedes, the Telegraphs managing editor. Boris understood better than anyone what was going on in Brussels.

At the time, the Tory Eurosceptic MP Bill Cash regularly visited Brussels, where he found a soulmate who explained the dangers of creeping federalism.

Cash reported back to Margaret Thatcher: Boris is the only journalist who knows the detail of what is happening. Hes telling things from the front line that are true. Inevitably, though, Boris found himself another pitfall.

Tape-recorded conversations emerged between him and Darius Guppy, a close school friend. Guppy, a fraudster, had phoned Boris for the address of a red-top Sunday tabloid reporter who was investigating him. Guppy admitted he wanted to arrange for the journalist to have his ribs broken.

Instead of refusing, Boris humoured his friend but didnt provide the address.

After listening to the tape and Boriss explanation, his boss Hastings was satisfied that Johnson was innocent. Against this background of allegations of skulduggery, in 1999, Boris was appointed editor of the Spectator magazine.

Predictably, Boris-baiters claimed giving the job to a lazy, disorganised journalist with no interest in detail would destroy the prestigious magazine. One said it was like entrusting a Ming vase to the hands of an ape. Instead, with the new editors flair and flamboyance, the magazines circulation rose.

Although Boris had promised his proprietor, Conrad Black, that he would not try to become an MP, he knew it was a false undertaking. But he felt he could take the risk as he realised he wouldnt have been offered the editorship if hed told Black the truth.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and partner Carrie Symonds arriving at the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey, London on Commonwealth Day

Boris assumed that Black, being ruthless and brazen himself, would respect those who behaved like he did. The Canadian tycoon himself said: Boris is a very cunning operator. He is a fox disguised as a teddy bear. I dont know how hes kept it going for so long.

As for his lie, Boris said: The blessed sponge of amnesia has wiped the chalkboard of history. I want to have my cake and eat it.

Not only did the Spectator thrive, its editor was elected MP for Henley, a safe Tory seat, in 2001.

It was another step up the ladder; but there were yet more brickbats. He was denounced as a poor MP, rarely seen in the Commons tea room and mocked for his stuttering speaking manner. A notable exception was his passionate defence of pig farmers in his constituency.

Boris did not enjoy parliament, concluded Iain Duncan Smith, the then Tory leader. He seemed to be only interested in getting himself noticed. Three years later, he did get attention  and it seemed his career was over.

An editorial in the Spectator callously criticised Liverpools excessively emotional reaction to the murder of a Liverpudlian charity worker by Muslim extremists. It said the city was hooked on grief and wallowing in victim status. The article also blamed drunken Liverpool football fans for causing the deaths at the Hillsborough football ground.

Michael Howard, the new Tory leader, ordered Boris to apologise in person to Liverpudlians. Any other MP would have been destroyed but Boris had turned apologies into an art form.

Although his refusal to make a full apology meant that everyone was dissatisfied, his numerous interviews and notoriety somehow quelled the controversy.

Relieved, he blundered into another mess three weeks later.

His adulterous affair with Petronella Wyatt, his deputy editor, was exposed by a Sunday newspaper. When contacted, Boris blustered: I have not had an affair with Petronella. It is complete balderdash It is an inverted pyramid of piffle. It is all completely untrue and ludicrous conjecture.

Boris Johnson was treated for the coronavirus at St Thomas' hospital in London, pictured. In the background, Westminster Palace can be seen in the distance

But confronted with an eyewitness account of his adultery, an emissary of Michael Howard asked him: Did you lie? Boris replied: Its my private life and I have the right to lie about my private life.

He was sacked for the second time in his life. Hours later, his wife Marina ordered him out of the family home. Not long after came his third sacking, as Spectator editor. I needed it run on a commercial basis, recalls Andrew Neil, the magazines new publisher, not on a whim and a prayer.

Although re-elected as an MP, Boris was furious that the new Tory leader David Cameron didnt appoint him to the Shadow Cabinet. Although both were at Eton and Oxford, the pair were not friends.

As a loner anxious about his income and concealing his mistresses, Boris was detached from Cameron and his ilk who enjoyed shooting with the aristocracy and holidaying with their fellow Notting Hill set.

Cameron did not want an untrustworthy and uncontrollable celebrity only interested in furthering his own career. Above all, Cameron judged Boris to be a man without convictions  or just one, recently for speeding.

The snub provoked a riposte: I dimly remember Cameron as a tiny chap known as Cameron minor, said Boris, contemptuous of that second-rate fellow.

Boris appeared to be bust, a position summarised perfectly some years later by the then-BBC broadcaster Eddie Mair, who, during an interview, asked him: Arent you making up quotes, lying to your party leader, wanting to be part of someone being physically assaulted? Youre a nasty piece of work, arent you?

Later, Boris jovially retorted: If a BBC presenter cant attack a nasty Tory politician, whats the world coming to?

As always, the illusionists gift was self-preservation.

After two years in the wilderness, Boris was unexpectedly asked to be Tory candidate as London Mayor. With Labour leading in the national polls by 40 per cent against 33 per cent for the Tories, it seemed a poisoned chalice.

Polly Toynbee, the Guardians matriarchal loather of Tories, denounced this buffoon, jester, serial liar and self-absorbed sociopath who has never run anything except his own image.

Yet, his celebrity triggered a Boris Bounce with a six per cent lead over Labours Ken Livingstone. Against all the odds in a Labour city, Boriss Honesty and competence campaign prevailed. Despite eight years as two-term Mayor, successfully creating the Olympic Park, building a record number of houses and getting Crossrail funded, Boriss tenure, as ever, elicited sniping

For example, many Tories, such as Clare Foges, Camerons former speechwriter, described his legacy as curiously slim and claimed that hed been pretty useless as a public administrator.

Boris Johnson still needs time to rest after his stint in intensive care, Home Secretary Priti Patel said today as No10 say he's making 'very good progress'

After becoming an MP again in 2015, Boris seemed a lost soul. But the following year, he agreed to lead the Brexit campaign despite Remain being ten per cent ahead in the polls. Again, against the odds, he took Leave to victory.

What this proved was that, despite a catalogue of sins and chaos, Boris Johnsons public popularity was pretty impregnable. It seems that, with their dislike of the dishonest pretensions of many mainstream politicians, Boris was seen as a man on their side. The public, suggested Professor Tony Travers, an expert on London, saw the mistakes as evidence of Boriss authenticity. And so Boriss brand became authenticity.

On a high after the Brexit vote, over the following days in June 2016, Boris organised his bid for the Tory Party leadership. However, he found most Tory MPs were sceptical about him as a potential Prime Minister. Boris the Buffoon would be seen as Boris the Betrayer, reported The Times. It said: Hes completely untrustworthy  or, rather, you can trust him completely to always let you down.

To Boriss amazement, he was stabbed in the back by his friend Michael Gove. Distraught, he withdrew. I was a fool to trust him, admitted Boris.

Once again he was devastated.

Youre as popular as the man whos just told his wife that hes got a dose of genital herpes, laughed a friendly MP. Their conversation was interrupted by a summons to see the new Prime Minister, Theresa May, in No 10. The vicars daughter had a reputation for enjoying mocking men. She offered Boris the job of Foreign Secretary. Another poisoned chalice? Regardless, he accepted.

Over the following two years, Boris believed that May repeatedly tried to humiliate him. A fellow Tory MP also told him: You must stop making gaffes!

Its my personality, Boris replied. I gaffe.

But in July 2018, Mays tactics backfired. Boris resigned over what he saw as her surrender Brexit deal. Rather than be humiliated, his period as Foreign Secretary had established his reputation as the champion of all Brexiteers.

Eight years earlier, Boris had said: Ive got more chance of being re-incarnated as Elvis Presley or as an olive than being Prime Minister. This was after it had been revealed that he had adulterously fathered an illegitimate daughter.

And yet last July, to the dismay of that chorus of naysayers, Boris Johnson became Britains 76th Prime Minister. All those who predicted that a lazy liar would fail were soon staggered by his industry and ruthlessness.

With deft cunning, and once again with many opinion polls predicting the career risk-taker would be defeated, he won a landslide majority in the December Election. Only Boris could have lured so many Labour voters to back their traditional enemy.

All his critics were flabbergasted. Not least the BBC. Now, of course, their tune has changed. Even Boris Johnsons detractors recognise his indispensability.

No other British politician could have persuaded the nation to embrace the sacrifices and joyfully collaborate to defeat this invisible enemy. Only his worst enemies prayed that the thread keeping Boris alive would break but, once again, he seems to have defied the odds.
The shortcomings of Mr. Trumps performance have played out with remarkable transparency as part of his daily effort to dominate television screens and the national conversation.

But dozens of interviews with current and former officials and a review of emails and other records revealed many previously unreported details and a fuller picture of the roots and extent of his halting response as the deadly virus spread:

The National Security Council office responsible for tracking pandemics received intelligence reports in early January predicting the spread of the virus to the United States, and within weeks was raising options like keeping Americans home from work and shutting down cities the size of Chicago. Mr. Trump would avoid such steps until March.

Despite Mr. Trumps denial weeks later, he was told at the time about a Jan. 29 memo produced by his trade adviser, Peter Navarro, laying out in striking detail the potential risks of a coronavirus pandemic: as many as half a million deaths and trillions of dollars in economic losses.

The health and human services secretary, Alex M. Azar II, directly warned Mr. Trump of the possibility of a pandemic during a call on Jan. 30, the second warning he delivered to the president about the virus in two weeks. The president, who was on Air Force One while traveling for appearances in the Midwest, responded that Mr. Azar was being alarmist.

Mr. Azar publicly announced in February that the government was establishing a surveillance system in five American cities to measure the spread of the virus and enable experts to project the next hot spots. It was delayed for weeks. The slow start of that plan, on top of the well-documented failures to develop the nations testing capacity, left administration officials with almost no insight into how rapidly the virus was spreading. We were flying the plane with no instruments, one official said.

By the third week in February, the administrations top public health experts concluded they should recommend to Mr. Trump a new approach that would include warning the American people of the risks and urging steps like social distancing and staying home from work. But the White House focused instead on messaging and crucial additional weeks went by before their views were reluctantly accepted by the president  time when the virus spread largely unimpeded.

When Mr. Trump finally agreed in mid-March to recommend social distancing across the country, effectively bringing much of the economy to a halt, he seemed shellshocked and deflated to some of his closest associates. One described him as subdued and baffled by how the crisis had played out. An economy that he had wagered his re-election on was suddenly in shambles.

He only regained his swagger, the associate said, from conducting his daily White House briefings, at which he often seeks to rewrite the history of the past several months. He declared at one point that he felt it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic, and insisted at another that he had to be a cheerleader for the country, as if that explained why he failed to prepare the public for what was coming.

Mr. Trumps allies and some administration officials say the criticism has been unfair. The Chinese government misled other governments, they say. And they insist that the president was either not getting proper information, or the people around him werent conveying the urgency of the threat. In some cases, they argue, the specific officials he was hearing from had been discredited in his eyes, but once the right information got to him through other channels, he made the right calls.

While the media and Democrats refused to seriously acknowledge this virus in January and February, President Trump took bold action to protect Americans and unleash the full power of the federal government to curb the spread of the virus, expand testing capacities and expedite vaccine development even when we had no true idea the level of transmission or asymptomatic spread, said Judd Deere, a White House spokesman.

There were key turning points along the way, opportunities for Mr. Trump to get ahead of the virus rather than just chase it. There were internal debates that presented him with stark choices, and moments when he could have chosen to ask deeper questions and learn more. How he handled them may shape his re-election campaign. They will certainly shape his legacy.

The Containment Illusion

By the last week of February, it was clear to the administrations public health team that schools and businesses in hot spots would have to close. But in the turbulence of the Trump White House, it took three more weeks to persuade the president that failure to act quickly to control the spread of the virus would have dire consequences.
After US authorities pulled a surprising about-face on recommendations about wearing masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19, many Australians have begun to wonder whether they should flout their own official guidelines and do the same.

The "fashion" mask trend is growing globally, and beginning to make its way to Australia with local designers offering up products that don't pretend to be medical-grade, but hope to provide a modicum of protection  and some individuality.

Milliner Chantelle Ford in one of her face masks she has started making in response to the pandemic. Credit:Ryan Stuart

Sydney milliner Chantelle Ford, whose main earners of horseracing and events are now on hiatus, has turned her skills to making masks from fabric. She says they are not medical quality for healthcare workers, but for anyone else who might need to wear one.

One such person is psychologist and social worker Eva Condeleon, who says she wants to be able to buy a mask without harming the medical supply.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the Centre should come up with a 'Food for Work' scheme as a social safety net for the poor in the wake of the COVID-19 lockdown.

While participating in the video conference of chief ministers of various states with the Prime Minister, Gehlot said that the decision on the extension of the lockdown should be taken after taking all the states into confidence.

The CM pointed out that the ongoing lockdown poses a threat to the livelihood of the ragpickers, hawkers/rickshaw pullers, nomads and other helpless people. In such a situation, the Centre should consider revamping a scheme on the lines of 'Food for Work'. Food grains are available in bulk with the central government for the operation of such a scheme, he said in a statement.

Gehlot said that the proposed scheme was earlier introduced during a famine-drought under the tenure of then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2002 and proved to be very popular and successful.

Gehlot said that the Rajasthan government has provided an ex-gratia amount of Rs 2,500 to more than 31 lakh families of the poorer sections who do not come under the purview of social security pensions.

The Centre should also devise a similar scheme of ex-gratia payment for this category of people so that they can get financial support, he said.

The CM suggested the Centre give concessions in central GST and incentive packages for industries. He requested permission for the state to increase the borrowing capacity and increase fiscal deficit limit mentioned in the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act to 5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). He called for making available Rs 1 lakh crore grant to the state governments at the earliest.

After listing out various steps taken by the state government during the ongoing lockdown, the CM emphasised on taking a collective decision by looking to the situation of the individual states and taking the respective state governments into confidence.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hamilton last emerged from a period of collective anxiety and loss 100 years ago, in the wake of the First World War and influenza pandemic.

The first was man-made, killing 2,000 Hamilton soldiers, or two per cent of the citys population; the second, the Spanish Flu, took the lives of 500 residents in one deadly three-month wave.

Deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic are not expected to approach numbers like those dark chapters in the citys history, but its protracted impact on mental health and economic disruption is without modern precedent.

When the pandemic fades, a great unknown is whether it will fundamentally reset how we think, feel and associate; if society reverts to its old form of just over a month ago, or be closer to resembling Life 2.0.

One futurist predicted that, in one way or another, COVID-19 will shape the rest of this century.

At the very least, the pandemic has already shaken deep-rooted assumptions about the predictability of daily routines, including our freedom of movement to parks and stores.

It has forced families to learn to do without relatively speaking, when it comes to food on demand and consumer goods generally.

But practising values of austerity that were familiar to generations long ago, may be short-lived, post-pandemic.

We take comfort in the virtues shown in a time of crisis and expect these to be carried on when things return to a more even keel, but history tells us that its not that simple, writes Jonathan Vance, a historian who lives in Waterdown and teaches at Western University, including a course called Zombie Apocalypse: Panic and Paranoia in Human History.

He cites the carefree living and mass consumption of the roaring 20s: You had been spared from the war, and the influenza pandemic, and this was your reward. If you had money, you spent it. If you didnt have money, you wished that you did.

And yet the global social and economic pause from COVID-19 has inspired calls in some quarters, including from the Pope, that it be a catalyst for dramatic changes in public policy, on issues from poverty to the environment.

That instinct is perhaps understandable, given that governments at all levels have undertaken wartime-style interventions in the public interest, including massive income support packages. (So much so that some commentators, including historian Yuval Noah Harari, have warned of a rise in authoritarian governments and biometric surveillance after the pandemic.)

The faith that a kinder, more equitable world will rise from the ashes of a catastrophic event goes back at least to the Black Death 600 years ago, suggests Vance in an email to The Spectator.

There was a hope that those people who had been spared would show their gratitude by living more considerate, decent, pious lives, he writes. But individuals who held such beliefs were disappointed to find that many survivors gave themselves over to pleasure-seeking and materialism to celebrate their survival, and to reward themselves for the miseries they lived through.

McMaster University economist Bradley Ruffle says that, post-COVID-19, there will be an urge to overconsume, if anything, in the first little while, and then things will get back to normal.

On the other hand, what of those people who are jaded, fearful and cautious in anticipation of the next pandemic?

There are two schools of thought about consumption during periods of heightened stress: people will save and conserve resources (including toilet paper hoarders), or spend recklessly inspired by a nothing-to-lose mindset.

Discretion and abandon will be competing impulses in the aftermath of the pandemic also in terms of physical and social distancing.

It could lead to changes in the carefree way we have always gathered in groups, whether at a festival or in a mall or theatre.

Ruffle says that when he lived in Israel for 15 years, he learned that caution over public gatherings for fear of terrorist attacks was ingrained in the culture. You could not enter a mall, for example, through an entrance that was not controlled and monitored by a security guard with a metal detector.

Tim Potocic, founder of Hamiltons annual Supercrawl festival that brings about 250,000 people downtown, joked that events like his may end up sponsored by Purell (hand sanitizer), but he is confident people will once again be drawn to gather en masse for music and art.

As tragic and frightening as COVID-19 has been, isolation has in a sense reasserted the value of human connection, and how we crave, if not necessarily physical contact, proximity to others; genuine face time, not merely digital FaceTime.

Conversely, rather than bringing people together, future virus fears could drive us further apart, influenced by what has been called our behavioural immune system  an instinct toward distancing that is not always rational, that could simply lead to less shaking of hands but also heightened xenophobia as we become more conformist and tribalistic.

Either way, clearly there will be psychological aftershocks post-COVID-19.

Randi McCabe, a clinical psychologist at St. Josephs Healthcare, says people have broadly experienced anticipatory anxiety  anxiousness over what is to come, in part fuelled by coverage in media emphasizing the escalation in positive virus cases and fatalities, over negative cases and survivors.

But she adds that for most people this anxiety will abate, and many will discover a new appreciation for the smaller things in life.

We have taken it for granted, how easy everything was. So we will be changed by this. It will not disappear.

This is among the mysteries yet to be answered: how our collective outlook on life  and mortality  will change on the other side of the pandemic.

Perhaps when that time comes, when people who made it through the event gather in Hamiltons shops and cafes, at a waterfall or escarpment stairs, the answer wont be visible to the naked eye.

It will be found on the inside; scar tissue on the psyche of those who no longer reflect solely upon the future and work and play, but simply on the people once again at arms length, or the sky above, or just feeling alive in the moment.

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Former Prime Minister H D Deve



Gowda has contributed Rs 1 lakh each to PM CARES Fund, the Karnataka and Kerala Chief Minister's relief funds from his pension, towards fighting COVID-19, his office said on Saturday.

"Out of the pension he receives, former Prime Minster @H_D_Devegowda has contributed Rs 1,00,000/- each to PM Cares Fund, Govt. of Karnataka Chief Minister's Relief Fund, and Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. - Office of HDD," a tweet from Gowda's official twitter handle read.

On April 5, Gowda had said he has assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi of his support in the nation's battle against COVID-19 pandemic when the latter called him to discuss the situation.

The JD(S) patriarch on Friday in a letter to Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa however, had claimed the lockdown decision was taken in "haste" without forethought because of which farmers and the working class were "suffering" and suggested measures to mitigate the impact.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Deputy chief medical officer Paul Kelly has urged vigilance, saying relaxing strict shut downs and limits on peoples' movement could see the virus explode

Australia 'is on the cusp' of defeating the deadly coronavirus as medical chief officer says its possible for the virus to 'die out' in a matter of weeks.

Deputy chief medical officer Paul Kelly said Australia's rates of transmission were down to one or two people for every infected person.

'Where you want to be is below one  so less than one other person being infected after a person themselves has the infection,' he said.

'Once you get to that point the virus dies out or the epidemic dies out.

'At the moment we're probably on the cusp of that in Australia  whether that's where we're going to be in several weeks or months remains to be seen.'

Mr Kelly has urged vigilance, saying relaxing strict lockdown restrictions could see an explosion of cases.

Without social distancing measures that are currently in place, one positive person could lead to 400 other cases within a month, he said.

'In terms of the virus dying out in certain parts of Australia, that would be a great achievement,' he continued.

'It does bring with it a challenge, of course  it would mean that most of us would not have been exposed yet, so we would remain susceptible to the virus if it was to be reintroduced (to an area).'

People are seen adhering to social distancing rules as they line up to enter the Sydney Fish Market in Sydney, Friday, April 10, 2020

An empty Surfers Paradise beach is seen on the Gold Coast, Friday, April 10, 2020 as Australians remain at home to slow the spread of COVID-19

Infectious diseases physician and microbiologist Peter Collignon warned that Australia could see a second wave of cases.

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

'When you look at the Spanish flu in Australia, there was a first wave, then a hiatus, then there was a second wave; that is the danger,' Professor Collignon told The Australian.

'We're going to have to continue to do what we were doing in March, which is keep pubs and clubs closed, close the borders at least until October and maybe for longer.

'What we do now has to be measured because we're going to have to do this for a long time.'

Australia has recorded 6,204 positive cases of COVID-19 with 3,136 recovered. A total of 54 people have died from the deadly disease.

On Thursday Australia recorded less than 100 coronavirus cases, the lowest in three weeks.

Government officials have said Australians should expect to live with the lockdown measures for six months as medical experts continue to monitor the situation.

Australians should expect to live with certain restrictions for up to six months as medical experts continue to monitor the situation (People waiting in line at the Fish Market on Friday)

The federal and state governments will follow advice from health officials in order to decide on their next moves.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison urged Australians to remain indoors for the Easter long-weekend to ensure the spread of the virus is contained.

Police around the country are on alert to ensure everyone is adhering to the restrictions in place.

Anyone breaking the rules will be slapped with a hefty fine.
However, Trump has occasionally given indications that he wanted to wrest more control of the board and VOA itself. VOA staffers reacted with some alarm early in his administration when Trump dispatched two staffers to review its newsroom in Washington. The visit followed a tweet from the VOAs social media account questioning former press secretary Sean Spicers erroneous claims about the size of the crowd at Trumps inauguration.
Claire Denis is in the kitchen of her apartment in the north of Paris, enduring the coronavirus isolation. Next week, the 73-year-old director will be giving an online masterclass at Visions du reel, a Swiss documentary festival taking place digitally this year. The festival is holding a small retrospective of her work (including two of her most celebrated Africa-set films, Beau Travail and White Material). She is peeling apples to make a puree when my call interrupts her.

Because I am in an apartment that has light coming through the windows, I dont feel oppressed. I see a lot of sky, Denis reflects on her confinement at home. She doesnt have a balcony but there is a yard where she keeps her plants. Its very OK. As opposed to my brother, who has young children and has to do classes (home schooling), it is not so terrible I am able to clean, I am able to wash, I am able to look at the sky and the clouds. I am able to dream. I am able to read a lot. I am able to listen to music. She is doing some work but only very sparingly.

Deniss peaceful-sounding situation under lockdown is far removed from where she found herself in late February during the Cesars (Frances equivalent to the Oscars), when she was unwittingly at the centre of a tempest.

Before the awards had even taken place, it emerged that Denis had been excluded from the guest list for the Cesar Academys event in January for emerging talent, Soiree des Revelations. One of the young artists being feted, Amadou Mbow, co-star of Mati Diops supernatural romance Atlantics, had, along with Diop, asked for her to be there as his patron. Diop had played the lead in Deniss 2008 feature, 35 Shots of Rum.

She [Diop] was told by the French Cesar organisation, no, Claire is not free for you, Denis recalls. The story put out by the organisers was that she wasnt able to attend. In fact, they simply hadnt invited her.

Frances Society of Film Directors (SRF) reacted furiously to the perceived snub, which it called opaque and discriminatory.

It emerged that Deniss fellow filmmaker Virginie Despentes (best known for her explicit and confrontational crime thriller Baise-Moi) had also been denied an invitation. The academy, under its then president Alain Terzian, came in for heavy criticism and offered a feeble apology without explaining why the two filmmakers had been excluded. The speculation among some observers was that spiky mavericks like Denis and Despentes wouldnt fit the blandly glamorous, sanitised mood the academy wanted to create at the event.

A month later, in the wake of the row and after Roman Polanskis JAccuse (An Officer and A Spy) had been nominated for 12 awards , the entire board of the Cesars resigned. Denis was then invited to the award show itself where, as one of Frances most distinguished filmmakers, she (alongside her fellow director Emmanuelle Bercot) presented the Best Director prize.

At the Cesars, probably they felt stormy weather was going on. They asked me to be at the ceremony and they asked if I wanted to be a prize-giver. I said, 'yes, why not'.

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With a car-crash inevitability, the award she announced was won by Polanski, a hugely polarising and toxic figure because of the rape allegations against him. This prompted a walkout. Adele Haenel, star of Celine Sciammas Portrait of a Lady on Fire and a victim of sexual harassment herself, was among those who left, clearly very upset that Polanski was being honoured.

Haenel had already told the New York Times that distinguishing Polanski is spitting in the face of all victims. It means raping women isnt all that bad.

Denis on the set of 2018s High Life (BFI/Thunderbird Releasing/Kobal/Shutterstock)

Its grotesque, its insulting, its vile, Despentes raged against Polanskis award. It is understood that these major prizes continue to be the exclusive domain of men, because the underlying message is: nothing must change.

Denis disagreed. I dont think anyone wanted to spit in victims [of rape] or Adele Haenels face. And I dont think the film Jaccuse is spitting in anyones face, she told Le Monde. The director says to me she knew at the outset that Polanskis film was a frontrunner for awards. When he won, she had no hesitation in pronouncing his name. The academy members had voted for him in big numbers. Guests such as Haenel, she suggests, could have chosen to boycott the event in protest about the multiple nominations Polanski and his team received. If they show up, they have to accept the law of [the] vote, Denis says. The best way not to be upset was to refuse to participate.

Denis didnt follow the post-Cesars controversy as she was in Los Angeles casting a new film. However, she declares that she is not very interested to speak a lot about Adele Haenel, and the Cesars. Ask her. Maybe it is more interesting than to ask me.

To some, Deniss remarks to Le Monde after the Cesars that the anger against Polanski was fundamentally fair but expressed at the wrong time seemed strangely callous and unsympathetic to Haenel.

However, one of the legacies of Deniss long filmmaking career is that she is brusque, direct and outspoken. She has spent so long trying to get movies financed and dealing with cast and crew that she doesnt waste time in small talk or being polite for the sake of it.

Denis and Robert Pattison at an event for High Life in 2019 (Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images)

The director expresses her frustration at being asked again and again about disgraced US producer Harvey Weinstein. When she attended the New York Film Festival with her sci-fi movie, High Life (2018), starring Robert Pattinson and Juliette Binoche, the Weinstein questions proliferated. To be with an audience asking questions about Harvey Weinstein because I am a woman was not appropriate. I never worked with Weinstein, but I knew some actors who did. But for me to answer about a guy like that was not my priority. He is probably a disgusting asshole but apart from that, what should I say?

Nor is Denis keen to talk about protests around gender equality and positive discrimination in the film business. Everybody is asking me about this. I dont know what to answer. Its a conceptual question. As a filmmaker, I think my films answer for me.

Denis didnt join the representatives (including Sciamma, Agnes Varda and Cate Blanchett) who marched up the red carpet in Cannes in 2018 to protest against the fact that only a tiny proportion of women directors have had films in official selection at the festival. I was there but I was not interested to be in that group to be very honest.

Her reluctance to become involved is surprising to some. After all, Denis is a trailblazing and inspirational director who has made around 30 films (including her documentaries and shorts). If she wanted to be a spokesperson, people would listen very seriously. In her work, she has probed away in intense and forensic fashion at subjects such as post-colonial guilt, relations between the sexes, the nature of family life and the contradictions of male desire. Many of her films have provided strong roles for women (for example, Isabelle Huppert as the coffee grower in the African civil war drama White Material or Juliette Binoche as the scientist on the space mission in High Life). She almost always works with the same female cinematographer, Agnes Godard.

Isabelle Huppert in White Material (2009) (Canalplus/Kobal/Shutterstock)

When I ask about her long collaboration with Godard, which stretches back all the way to her debut feature, Chocolat (1988), and why the cinematographer didnt work on High Life, Denis gives a surprising answer. She had made two films in the same year, Let the Sunshine In and High Life. No sooner had the first finished than she started working on the second. I am not such fun to work with and I think Agnes wanted a time to rest, I guess.

Not fun to work with? Is that because she is a relentless perfectionist who pushes her collaborators to extremes?

I am not a perfectionist, Denis dismisses that idea. I am a filmmaker. I am a pain in the ass.

How, she continues, can you make a film without being a pain in the ass. Youre waiting, preparing, casting and then finally you get the go-ahead. Youre trying to find the film which is terribly hard, she says. This has to be done while writing and preparing. But, suddenly, on the set, there is very little time.

Ask Denis if she finds filmmaking pleasurable or stressful and she takes umbrage at the question. Its not stress, she protests. Its also a great joy to work with so little time and try to do the best. It is exultation more than stress. Stress is vulgar! I am stressed when I am afraid in the subway or when I am running and I am late. But stress on the set is not possible. There is a crew. There are actors and actresses. You have to be commanding the ship. You cant be stressed.

The directors technique with her actors is always the same  and it is always (quite literally) hands-on. For me, it is impossible to work with someone I am not in love with. Any actress or any actor becomes mine. I remember when I started working with Robert (Pattinson, on High Life), I told him, look, I am not going to work exactly like you are used to. Me, I will touch you. She would then touch his hair, touch his skin and try to come as close to him as she could.

Juliette Binoche in Let the Sunshine In (2018) (Curiosa Films/Kobal/Shutterstock)

That extreme level of intimacy between filmmaker and star could easily seem oppressive in a different context (for example, if it was a male director) but it is also clear that actors relish working with Denis and feel valued and liberated on her sets.

Theres a controlled eccentricity and wildness to the way Claire works, where you never really know whats happening, Pattinson told IndieWire of his experiences on High Life. You just turn up and treat each day in and of itself. It was quite fun. The actor spoke to Little White Lies magazine about the very sensual way Denis shoots. When she looks through a camera theres this feeling of wanting to touch but being afraid to, and so she uses the camera as her hand.

Actors are cattle! They should be treated as such, Alfred Hitchcock famously remarked. Thats not a philosophy Denis endorses but she is also keen to leap to the English directors defence. Everything Hitchcock is modern. I understand what he says about actors, but I understand the double meaning of it, Denis says when I mention the English directors quote. She doesnt explain this double meaning but her implication is that Hitchcock was far fonder of his actors than he was letting on.

So she likes his work? Like is too weak a word for Hitchcock.

Denis holds New Wave director (and former editor of revered film magazine Cahiers du Cinema) Jacques Rivette in equally high esteem. She worked as his assistant, and her 1990 documentary about him, Jacques Rivette, le veilleur  the night watchman  which she made with critic Serge Daney, is screening at the festival. Jacques was like a magician on the set, she says. His films are so free. Rivette is never in the past. He is always in the present time. She calls him le patron and puts him on a higher rung than most of his contemporaries. When she was a young student, she was much more drawn to Rivette and Godard (they were like a blow in my mind!) than to Chabrol, Truffaut and Rohmer who werent really my family.

Denis met Agnes Varda at various festivals over the years. She [Varda] was always very interested by other women filmmakers. She was involved in the feminist aspect of filmmaking. Thats how I recognise her. I felt a little bit away from her. Of course, I respect her but she was not so inspiring for me. She felt far closer to Chantal Akerman, the Belgian director of Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1975), famous for its pared down, naturalistic account of the life of a single mother and sex worker.

Before embarking on her own directorial career, Denis was an assistant to Wim Wenders, Jim Jarmusch and Costa-Gavras among others, as well as to Rivette. I never learnt from them. I immediately felt I had to be at my top, (to give) the best of me for them, she dismisses my question. Its not a school. Youre part of a movie. Youre part of a moment where somebody is creating something. Youre not there to learn. Youre there to do.

However, there was one lesson from Wenders, for whom she worked on Paris, Texas (1984) and Wings of Desire (1987), which has always stuck in her mind. Maybe like many French people, I was complaining about something. And he told me, please do not complain. Whatever we were going through, lack of money, lack of this, lack of that, lack of time, he would go through the film and turn every drawback to his advantage.

That is what Denis has done, too. I found out that it is actually a very intelligent way to make films. If you always feel the heaviness of the drawbacks, then it is hard to work. By her own confession, she may be a pain in the ass when making her movies but she doesnt grumble. Its a fine balance and one she has always managed to maintain in a glittering directorial career that now stretches for over three decades.

Claire Denis films including Beau Travail, White Material and Jacques Rivette, le veilleur will be available to watch free via the Visions du Reel website from 17 April, and a Claire Denis masterclass will be (live) streamed for a worldwide audience. Details can be found here.
Commentary In Myanmar, Its Time to Stop the Senseless War and Fight COVID-19

A KNU soldier puts up a COVID-19 prevention poster to raise community awareness about the disease in the area controlled by the armed groups Brigade No. 6. / KNU

Up until late March, fighting continued in eastern Shan State as Myanmar army soldiers and Shan insurgents clashed in remote villages. But in recent weeks the two sides have turned their attention to a new, common enemy: the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Sai Yawd Muang of the foreign affairs department of the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) told The Irrawaddy that instead of fighting, We should focus on COVID-19.

Loi Tai Leng, the site of the RCSSs headquarters near the Thai border, is under lockdown, as Shan leaders have ordered everyone to stay at home, he said.

For the time being, RCSS forces arent allowing family members from across the Thai border to visit Shan soldiers based in Loi Tai Leng. During the long holiday season, Shan migrant workers and other relatives normally return home to visit Loi Tai Leng, but this year Shan rebels arent allowing it.

We told them to quarantine themselves and stay in bamboo huts outside, the spokesman said.

The pandemic has also forced the postponement of a national-level political dialogue the RCSS was planning to hold in Shan State last month.

This week, RCSS leader General Yawd Serk issued a public statement asking for cooperation to prevent an outbreak in Shan State.

As a revolutionary group with scant funds, he said, the RCSS can only afford to check peoples temperatures, monitor potential COVID-19 patients and disseminate information on the disease.

Sai Yawd Muang echoed his bosss statement, saying RCSS medical teams have traveled into the interior of Shan State to assist villagers. We check everyone, he said. In fact, he was talking about checking temperaturesnot testing for the coronavirus itself.

In his statement, Gen. Yawd Serk briefly mentioned the Myanmar governments efforts to contain the virus, but said that like many governments around the world, it has not been very effective yet.

The RCSS has urged Shan people to practice hand washing and social distancing, and encouraged them to wear face masks. It has also sent messages via social media to inform village headmen about the coronavirus.

In places where alcohol-based hand-sanitizing gel is not available (in many villages, it is impossible to find soap, let alone hand gel) it has advised people to use local moonshine made from rice, mixed with warm water, to wash their hands.

The RCSS has also provided locals with practical advice, such as keeping a supply of supplemental foods such as root vegetables, which are readily available in Shan State and considered healthy. Going further, it also included in its public statement instructions on how to prepare a simple traditional medicinal concoction of garlic, ginger and brown sugar, which is boiled in water and drunk.

It also cited an ancestral herbal remedy, which is to consume warm water with lime. In poor and remote villages in Shan State, such counsel from the RCSS seems sensible.

In Shan States Wa region, since late March, Wa authorities have banned a popular wildlife market and shut down the border with China. It is not known to what extent the Wa authorities and the Myanmar government are cooperating and sharing information on this pandemic, but some nurses from other parts of Myanmar are working in clinics and hospitals in Wa region.

Authorities in the Mong La region, also known as Special Administrative Region (4), on the Chinese border have also imposed a lockdown.

Mong La is run by the National Democratic Alliance Army-Eastern Shan State (NDAA). Mong La City is known for casinos, prostitution, drugs and nightlife.

Located in the heart of the Golden Triangle, media often portray the city as the wildlife trafficking capital of the world. Its leaders have long dismissed its reputation as a bit exaggerated, and have now shut down the business.

But NDAA leaders say they have seen an influx of unemployed people, almost overnight. The group is providing free lunches and dinners to unemployed people in the cityincluding those from various regions of Myanmar as well as from Chinabut it is not sure how long it can continue to feed them.

There has been coordination between the central government and NDAA headquarters, however.

Members of the National Reconciliation and Peace Center (NRPC) are also in touch with ethnic armed groups in order to stay updated on the situation in their respective regions. Several government officials and peace delegates are members of the NRPC.

In Kachin State, several measures have been implemented at the community level to educate people on COVID-19, and steps have been taken to quarantine those who may have been exposed. The Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC) and the Myanmar military have also cooperated to conduct medical checks and sanitation activities at the KBCs offices and at churches in Myitkyina.

Just as the ethnic armed groups now preoccupied with COVID-19 prevention, Myanmar military commander-in-chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his officers have also made preparations to confront the contagious disease. Military officials have collectively donated over 2.245 billion kyats (US$1.6 million) to be used in the prevention, control and treatment of COVID-19.

The military has also prepared a transit center in Yangons Hlaing Township to quarantine 1,000 people and another site in Naypyitaw that can handle some 15,000 people.

Back in Kachin State, some residents are worried about Chinese migrants living and working there. There are rumors of Chinese patients with COVID-19 hiding in clinics and private hospitals, but local officials deny this.

The Kachin State COVID-19 Prevention Network has also been active, providing leaflets and conducting temperature screenings and health checks.

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) is also monitoring its troops for signs of an outbreak, along with people living in KIA-controlled areas, but officers said they are in need of hand gel, soaps, masks and medical supplies.

It seems that ethnic insurgent leaders, politicians and community and religious leaders in Kachin and Shan states have been able to put aside thorny political issues and intractable armed conflicts in order to shift the focus to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

Similarly, in Karen State along the border with Thailand, Karen rebels have launched a COVID-19 education campaign to keep villagers informed by distributing leaflets. They have also set up quarantine facilities and are checking visitors and migrant workers coming back from Thailand.

But in Northern Rakhine and Chin states, bloody clashes continue between insurgents and Myanmar armed forces almost daily, and civilians continue to be killed in large numbers. Last weekend, The Irrawaddy reported on a clash in which a total of 21 villagers were killed and about two-dozen were injured when Myanmar military fighter jets opened fire on four villages in Paletwa Township in Chin State, according to local residents and relief groups.

In Paletwa, about 45 people are now in home quarantine. Many are returnees from China, Singapore and Qatar. Should patients test positiveor an outbreak occurin the area, it is hard to imagine how health officials will be able to control the outbreak and treat patients when bullets are flying over their heads.

The situation in northern Rakhine and in Chin, where the senseless war rolls on and lives continue to be lost, is indeed depressing.

In Loi Tai Leng, Sai Yawd Muangs message to warring parties is to put aside conflict and stop the fighting: It is time to focus on COVID 19.

We check villagers every day, he said. We also work with NGOs. But in the event of a serious outbreak he is well aware that there is little the RCSS or its medical teams could do to assist COVID-19 patients.

In this battle, guns, sophisticated artilleryand even jet fightersare of little use against the fast-moving virus. Should the pandemic penetrate Myanmars respective ethnic regions, the revolutionary rebel forces and the countrys powerful military will be equally defenseless against it.

You may also like these stories:

Myanmar Citizens Face COVID-19 Prosecutions for Breaching Rules

Myanmar Migrant Workers Face 14-Day Quarantine on Thai Border

Rights Groups in Myanmars Shan State Demand Justice for Villagers
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 04/11/2020



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

couple Nicole Nafziger and Azan Tefou are reportedly not any closer to making wedding plans or getting married.Nicole, 26, revealed last month she's stuck in Morocco while visiting Azan and "everything is closed" after the country temporarily shut down international flights due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.Some viewers have been speculating the couple may marry during their extended time together, but a source close to the couple says it's highly unlikely they'll tie the knot, according to In Touch Weekly."Her family isn't aware of there being any kind of wedding planning at the moment," the source told In Touch."If it's happening, it would be a shock to them. Nicole would want her close family there and [her daughter] May for sure, so her family thinks she wouldn't go and get married behind their backs."As Nicole and Azan, 29, previously learned, weddings are also very expensive, and Nicole reportedly quit her job in order to visit her fiance abroad.The source said Nicole simply doesn't have the funds to fly her family out to Morocco, and she probably won't have the cash any time soon."No one sees it happening in the near future," the source told the magazine.Nicole's mother Robbalee Nafziger is reportedly still worried Azan is using her daughter, but it's clear Nicole makes her own decisions and won't let friends or family impact her relationship."I am always concerned that someone will try and take advantage of one of my children," Robbalee reportedly wrote to fans on Instagram, "but I have also said that he seems like a really nice person."When an Instagram user called Robbalee out for not confronting her daughter about her alleged mistakes, Robbalee replied, "You have no idea what I have said and not said to her, so please remember you are not in my shoes."Robbalee said she has tried to "guide" her daughter on a "better" path but she can't control Nicole, according to In Touch.Nicole disclosed she and Azan had reunited in a selfie she posted March 11 on Instagram."So happy to finally be with my love again," Nicole captioned the picture.Later that month, Nicole gushed on Instagram, " I never want to leave your side my love," next to another picture of the pair.Many of Nicole's followers, however, have been questioning whether Nicole ever really went to Morocco at all. Fans have pointed out it's odd Nicole hasn't publicly expressed any concern for her six year old daughter considering coronavirus is rapidly spreading.One person also claims to have spotted Nicole shopping in a Publix grocery store in Florida recently, while others have accused her of posting old photos with Azan.Nicole first revealed in February she had an exciting "trip coming up," and then she teased her vacation again on March 4 -- without telling her social-media followers where she was traveling."My last week of work until my trip! I'm so excited for this vacation," Nicole teased alongside a photo of herself working as a barista at Starbucks on March 3. "Where do you think I'm going?"Nicole's secret resulted in fans speculating she was planning to visit Azan in Morocco.Fans of the show, however, were skeptical and gave Nicole a hard time that Azan would probably cancel on her and flake."Azan has only ever canceled one trip and that was for a family emergency," Nicole clapped back. "I canceled my last trip there."According to In Touch, Nicole recently confirmed Azan is still her fiance and she loves him with "all" of her heart after four years of dating. She reportedly said they're just trying to "navigate this challenging thing called life together."But in November 2019, RadarOnline reported it had been two years since the couple last saw each other."They still talk occasionally, but there have been a lot of fights between them on the phone," a source said. "The family is surprised they're still together."The source also insisted at the time Nicole and Azan had "no plans for a wedding.""He can't get a visa," the source explained to the website. "She's talked about going back to Morocco, but she doesn't have money. She has to save."Nicole and Azan met on a mobile dating app years ago when she was 21 years old and living in Bradenton, FL. Azan was 23 years old and from Agadir, Morocco, at the time.Nicole and Azan got their start on reality TV by starring on Season 4 of the original series, followed by Season 5 of the series.That later led into an appearance on Season 3 of : Happily Ever After? and then Season 4.Nicole and Azan's initial wedding plans in Morocco in 2018 fell through due to alleged time and financial constraints.At the time, Azan seemed to convince Nicole to invest $6,000 of her wedding money into opening a beauty store instead, while he planned to contribute $500 to the overall cost.It's unclear whether that store was a real possibility or will ever actually open considering both Nicole and Azan have made different claims in recent months.Nicole then planned to meet Azan for a fun vacation in Grenada, but that's the trip Azan chose to cancel due to an alleged "family emergency."Nicole therefore booked a trip back to Morocco in 2019, when she thought a wedding would be "highly likely." But the trip got canceled just two weeks later.Nicole never disclosed the reasons behind canceling that trip to Morocco, but the frustration and disappointment all over her face on Season 4 of : Happily Ever After? pointed to Azan being the decision-maker.During the Tell-All special for the spin off's fourth season, Nicole announced her trip to Morocco didn't happen "because sometimes, things are just personal."In August 2019, a source told In Touch that Nicole was getting her life "back on track" with a her new job as a barista and an apartment of her own. Nicole had also enrolled May in kindergarten.Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our webpage!
12.04.2020 LISTEN

A reporter working with TV Africa has allegedly been assaulted by a soldier in Accra.

Samuel Adobah was assigned to cover a fire outbreak at Olebu in the Ga Central Municipality of Greater Accra Region on Friday when the incident happened.

Some men in military uniform onboard 'Operation Calm Life' vehicle with registration 49 GA 68 arrived at the fire scene to take control of the situation.

In the process of providing coverage at the fire scene, one of the soldiers whose name tag was Damfour, came towards Adobah and slapped from behind without any provocation.

Mr Adobah, who also report frequently on covid-19 updates by the Information Ministry reportedly fell on the ground and the solider attacked him further whilst the others were looking on.

Not even shouts from residents that he is a journalist could stop the soldier from his actions.

The angry soldier then snatched Adobah's phone from him and stepped on it several times, damaging it completely.

Afterwards the military men jumped into their vehicle and left the scene.

The case has since been reported to the police.

Daily Guide
Tim Minchin has urged musicians to find inspiration outside of the coronavirus pandemic.

The 44-year-old performer told The Daily Telegraph that he dreads hearing endless tracks about the virus.

The Triple J host said: 'I hope we don't all only write about viruses for the next two years'.

Over it? Tim Minchin (pictured) has urged musicians to find inspiration outside of the coronavirus pandemic

He added that perhaps the opinion of musicians isn't needed on the topic.

Tim said: 'I think there is this quite modern post-internet tendency for everyone to suddenly think that their opinion on COVID-19... is their business.'

The comedian went on to say that that he hopes musicians do something more creative like 'write their space opera or their circus thriller.'

The Triple J host said: 'I hope we don't all only write about viruses for the next two years'

'I think we have just got to put out art. Our job is not always to have our arms elbow deep in the mud of contemporary politics, it is to transcend it', he concluded.

It comes after Tim said Scott Morrison does not deserve credit for Australia's successful response to coronavirus.

The left-wing comedian released a song this week criticising the Prime Minister for going on holiday to Hawaii during the bushfire crisis and 'fumbling' in coronavirus press conferences.

Creative: The comedian went on to say that that he hopes musicians do something more creative like 'write their space opera or their circus thriller'

Minchin agreed that Australia has done remarkably well to 'flatten the curve' and reduce the infection rate since it spiked at 460 new cases on 28 March.

But, in an interview on the Today show, he said Mr Morrison should not be praised.

'I don't think any leader would have failed to do what he's done in the last couple of weeks because he's just taking advice from people,' he said.

'The credit doesn't go to Scott, it goes to everyone.'
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Amnesty International India has described as "disappointing" the Supreme Court's recent direction asking civil rights activists Gautam Navlakha and Anand Teltumbde to surrender before jail authorities within a week in connection with the 2018 Bhima Koregaon violence case.

AII executive director Avinash Kumar, in a statement, said the SC order is also at odds with the court's previous ruling where it directed the states to decongest the country's overcrowded prisons to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby posing a risk to the health of the two activists.

Mentioning that Navlakha and Teltumbde have a history of working to protect the rights of some of India's most marginalized people, the international human rights body said they are to be arrested under a "draconian counter-terrorism law that has repeatedly been used to silence government critics".

"AII believes that the impending arrests of the two, along with the arrests of the nine activists in the Bhima Goregan case, are politically motivated actions that are aimed at chilling peaceful dissent. The Indian government seems to have failed in its obligation to protect human rights defenders, and the freedom of expression and assembly," Kumar alleged.

On April 3, the UN Human Rights Commissioner, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, urged all nations to release "every person detained without sufficient legal basis, including political prisoners, and those detained for critical, dissenting views".

Both of them are above 65 years old and have underlying heart ailments, the statement said.

Kumar said the WHO in its briefing on April 8 further said that although all age groups are at risk of contracting COVID-19, older people face significant risk of developing severe illness if they contract the disease due to physiological changes that come with ageing and potential underlying health conditions.

"On one hand, the court acknowledges that overcrowded prisons present a serious threat and recommends the release of prisoners during the pandemic and then it directs two activists who have been critical of the government to surrender before the police and to be sent to jail," AAI said in the statement.

Originally, the duo, who was directed by the SC on March 16 to surrender within three weeks, moved the plea seeking extension of time on the ground that going to jail during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is "virtually a death sentence".

A bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra on Wednesday said the accused should have honoured its decision of dismissal of the anticipatory bail and the direction to surrender themselves within three weeks.

"Though we expected that the accused would surrender, honouring the order of this court, they have not done so. We are told that in Bombay, the courts are functioning. It would have been appropriate for the accused to surrender as the courts are open and not totally closed," the apex court said on April 8.

"However, since the petitioners have enjoyed the protection for long, by way of last opportunity, we extend the time granted to surrender for one week," the bench ordered.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Saturday, April 11, 2020 at 10:45AM

by Eric Blume

Last weekend marked the 100th birthday of one of Frances greatest directors, Eric Rohmer, and we here at TFE figured that a nice way to celebrate him would be a look back at the six-film series that launched his career, the Six Moral Tales, which were released between 1962 and 1972.

These films basically have the same plot: a man obsessed or in love with one girl finds himself distracted by another woman, only to return to the first girl. Rohmer uses this framework to examine the stunted male psyche, the rationalizations of behavior, and the mystery of love...

These films are both dated and timeless, tricky to watch in this cultural climate, as the men make all the decisions here. But its exactly within this context that the films hold a deep fascination.

Rohmer purposefully puts us in a situation in these films where the female character we see the most and identify with is cast aside, or has an unknown resolution. Were rarely happy to see the reunion with the original woman, because weve barely seen her, or we dont know her. Often, these films are about how the lead male character makes his choice exactly because he cant handle being truly challenged by the second woman. These men all hold to their own moral code which allows them to claim integrity while their actions are selfish and feckless.

The first two films are shorts. The Bakery Girl of Monceau, at 23 minutes, is the perfect entree into the Rohmer world, and plays incredibly well. Our lead man is played by Barbet Schroeder, who produced all of Rohmers early films, and of course went onto his own Oscar nomination for directing Reversal of Fortune many years later. The second, Suzannes Career, feels overextended at just under an hour. This film feels plodding, and Rohmer was still at this point working with friends of Schroeders rather than trained actors, so theres not much magnetism in what were seeing, and you feel the schematic.

The third film in the series, La Collectionneuse, feels like the transitional movie in the series. Rohmers characters here feel more fleshed out, but once again, he doesnt have great actors who are able to fill in the gaps of the characters behaviors, which are quicksilver transitions full of gameplay and push-and-pull. The whole film doesnt quite land, but you can see Rohmer start to explore the possibilities of the camera here, and conceits that felt more on the literary side begin to find a cinematic equivalent here.

The fourth film, 1969s My Night at Mauds, was the breakthrough for Rohmer: it was even nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay in addition to Best Foreign Film (it lost to Costa-Gavras great Z, by the way). This film basically serves as a model for what Americans began to think of as a French film: intellectual characters having long discussions about ideas, from religion to fidelity to identity. The influence of this film cant be underestimated. Rohmer was unafraid to hold an audience with little more than long, sharply-written scenes between two or three actors playing the love game. At the center of Maud is a thirty-minute set piece between the two main characters thats jammed with seduction, resistance, hesitance, and false justification. It works because finally Rohmer had two actors, Jean-Louis Trintignant and Francoise Fabian, who deeply understood subtext and took the film beyond a series of ideas and into something fully flesh-and-blood: Trintignant captures all of his characters pompous contradictions, and Fabian creates Rohmers first fully-drawn female character, complete with a breezy humor that shows shes nobodys fool.

Rohmers fifth chapter, Claires Knee, is arguably the most famous but also his most problematic. Its hard not to get the ick from this film today, as its tough to watch the lead character (Jean-Claude Brialy) seduce a 16-year-old, get weirdly handsy with an old flame, and emotionally manipulate another young girl while hes a month away from his marriage. While the issue of this kind of morality is EXACTLY what Rohmer is trying to address, how men rationalize atrocious behavior, this is the one film that seems to cross the line by contemporary standards. The lead character (and actor) just feelsgross. When the eponymous knee is touched by our lead character, it no longer feels poetic or erotic or shocking, but just rapey. I fully get what the movie is up to, but Id argue it doesnt play very well nowadays.

Male privilege is once again the subject in the final tale, 1972s Love in the Afternoon. Rohmer pushes the envelope farther here, as its his first male protagonist to be married, and his series of moral compromises throughout the picture culminate in a powerful winner of a surprise ending, as Rohmer shows us the limitations of how men think. This films female protagonist, played by model Zouzou in full foxy hippie mode, has a refreshingly dangerous edge that puts Rohmers issues in a slightly new light. The movie is also a howl to watch as its a 1970s time capsule of Paris in terms of costumes, locations, and typewriters.

In these six films, Rohmer set up the universe for all of his films to come. As he grew as an artist, he expanded beyond this almost unrelenting examination of male privilege, and his female characters began to have lives of their own outside of the male gaze. He also gained a greater lightness in his approach in his later films. These six films are remarkably subtle, almost to the point of being misunderstood as sexist or misogynist. But Rohmers target was absolutely the rationalizations that men make to get through life and justify their actions, and how words are used as armor, castle, and moat to keep out the actual reality beyond the walls. Its easy to see why Eric Rohmer has long been considered one of the cinemas greatest filmmakers. If you only have time for one of these, catch My Night at Mauds, which despite a bit of tedious Catholicism, makes its points with the greatest skill, and leaves the longest linger.

These films are currently streaming on the Criterion Channel
P riti Patel has launched a public awareness campaign as well as 2 million funding to help victims of domestic abuse amid the coronavirus lockdown.

Announcing the campaign on Saturday, the Home Secretary also revealed that talks are ongoing to provide charities and the Domestic Abuse Commissioner with the additional 2 million to bolster helplines and online support.

The fresh injection of cash is aimed at ensuring victim support is available after charities reported a surge in activity since the social distancing guidelines came into force almost three weeks ago.

The Government's public awareness campaign, under the hashtag #YouAreNotAlone, will aim to reassure those affected by domestic abuse that support services remain available during the UK lockdown.

Priti Patel announces a new domestic violence awareness campaign

The Home Office is encouraging the public to show their solidarity and support for those who may be suffering by sharing a photo of a heart on their palm, while also asking others to do the same.

Speaking at the daily Covid-19 press conference at Downing Street, Ms Patel said: "Coronavirus has opened Britain's enormous heart and shown our love and compassion for one another as we come together to help those most in need.

"I am now asking this nation to use that amazing compassion and community spirit to embrace those trapped in the horrific cycle of abuse.

Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures 1 /81 Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures A deserted Westminster Bridge PA A man wearing a face mask or covering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, walks past customers sat outside a restaurant AFP via Getty Images Boris Johnson addresses the nation on the Coronavirus lockdown Andrew Parsons Runners pass cardboard cutouts of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William during the London Marathon in London AP An empty escalator at Charing Coss London Underground tube station Jeremy Selwyn Electronic bilboards displays a message warning people to stay home in Sheffield PA A sign is displayed in the window of a student accommodation building following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Mancheste Reuters People take part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions, in Londo AP People sing and dance in Leicester Square on the eve on the 10PM curfew Reuters Hearts painted by a team of artists from Upfest are seen in the grass at Queen Square, following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Bristol Reuters Graffiti reads 'good luck and stay safe', as the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases grow around the world, under a bridge in London Reuters A sign is pictured in Soho, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London Reuters Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures, during a coronavirus briefing in Downing Street, London AP A person runs past posters with a message of hope, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Manchester REUTERS Riot police face protesters who took part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions in London AP An image of The Queen eith quotes from her broadcast to the UK and the Commonwealth in relation to the Coronavirus epidemic are displayed on lights in London's Piccadilly Circus PA Military vehicles cross Westminster Bridge after members of the 101 Logistic Brigade delivered a consignment of medical masks to St Thomas' hospital Getty Images Durdle Door in Dorset Reuters Captain Tom Moore via 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 Coronavirus outbreak PA An NHS worker reacts at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital during the Clap for our Carers campaign in support of the NHS Reuters Goats which have taken over the deserted streets of Llandudno @AndrewStuart via PA Tobias Weller PA Novikov restaurant in London with its shutters pulled down while the restaurant is closed London Landscapes: Hyde Park and the Serpentine, central London. Matt Writtle A newspaper vendor in Manchester city centre giving away free toilet rolls with every paper bought as shops run low on supplies due to fears over the spread of the coronavirus PA Theo Clay looks out of his window next to his hand-drawn picture of a rainbow in Liverpool, as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continue Reuters A young man cuts another man's hair on top of a closed hairdresser in Oxford Reuters General view of the new NHS Nightingale Hospital, built to fight against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London via Reuters Jason Baird is seen dressed as Spiderman during his daily exercise to cheer up local children in Stockport, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues Reuters A woman wearing a face mask walks past Buckingham Palace Getty Images A man holds mobile phone displaying a text message alert sent by the government warning that new rules are in force across the UK and people must stay at home PA Medical staff on the Covid-19 ward at the Neath Port Talbot Hospital, in Wales, as the health services continue their response to the coronavirus outbreak. PA Prime Minister Boris Johnson taking part in a virtual Cabinet meeting with his top team of ministers PA A shopper walks past empty shelves in a Lidl store on in Wallington. After spates of "panic buying" cleared supermarket shelves of items like toilet paper and cleaning products, stores across the UK have introduced limits on purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have also created special time slots for the elderly and other shoppers vulnerable to the new coronavirus. Getty Images People on a busy tube train in London at rush hour PA Mia, aged 8 and her brother Jack, aged 5 from Essex, continue their school work at home, after being sent home due to the coronavirus PA Children are painting 'Chase the rainbows' artwork and springing up in windows across the country Reuters Social distancing in Primrose Hill Jeremy Selwyn A general view of a locked gate at Anfield, Liverpool as The Premier League has been suspended PA Homeless people in London AFP via Getty Images A piece of art by the artist, known as the Rebel Bear has appeared on a wall on Bank Street in Glasgow. The new addition to Glasgow's street art is capturing the global Coronavirus crisis. The piece features a woman and a man pulling back to give each other a kiss PA The Queen leaves Buckingham Palace, London, for Windsor Castle to socially distance herself amid the coronavirus pandemic PA A general view on Grey street, Newcastle as coronavirus cases grow around the world Reuters 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 Britain's Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty (L) and Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance look on as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures as he speaks during a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) news conference inside 10 Downing Street Reuters The ticket-validation terminals at the tram stop on Edinburgh's Princes Street are cleaned following the coronavirus outbreak. PA Locked school gates at Rockcliffe First School in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear PA A sign at a Sainsbury's supermarket informs customers that limits have been set on a small number of products as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grow around the world Reuters Jawad Javed delivers coronavirus protection kits that he and his wife have put together to the vulnerable people of their community of Stenhousemuir, between Glasgow and Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images A sign advertising a book titled "How Will We Survive On Earth?" Getty Images A man who appears to be homeless sleeping wearing a mask today in Victoria Jeremy Selwyn A pedestrian walks past graffiti that reads "Diseases are in the City" in Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images Staff from The Lyric Theatre, London inform patrons, as it shuts its doors PA A quiet looking George IV Bridge in Edinburgh PA A quieter than usual British Museum Getty Images A racegoer attends Cheltenham in a fashionable face mask SplashNews.com A commuter wears a face mask at London Bridge Station Jeremy Selwyn A empty restaurant in the Bull Ring Shopping Centre Getty Images A deserted Trafalgar Square in London PA Passengers determined to avoid the coronavirus before leaving the UK arrive at Gatwick Airport Getty Images

"And to help us all look out for those who need help, we have created a symbol of hope - a handprint with a heart on - so that people can easily show that we will not tolerate abuse as a society, and that we stand in solidarity with victims of domestic abuse.

"I would urge everyone to share it on social media or in the windows of your home, alongside a link to the support available, to demonstrate just how much this country cares.

"And to show victims of domestic abuse: you are not alone."

Priti Patel addresses the nation at the daily Covid-19 press conference / Sky News

The campaign will publicise the support available, including the freephone, 24-hour national domestic abuse helpline number - 0808 2000 247 - run by Refuge, and www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk.

From next week, adverts raising awareness of where people can seek help will run across social media and materials will be made available, including to charities and supermarkets.

Tools such as online support services, including a messaging service with domestic abuse experts, will help those most at risk of abuse seek support and help and guidance during periods when it might be difficult for them to talk on the phone.

Sandra Horley, chief executive of Refuge, said: "What is needed now, more than ever, is to ensure every woman experiencing domestic abuse is aware of the confidential support available.

"We hope the Government's campaign will reach the tens of thousands of people experiencing domestic abuse, helping send the message - you are not alone."

The announcement follows Chancellor Rishi Sunak's 750 million boost to the charity sector, which is set to benefit domestic abuse charities to support the most vulnerable in society.

The Treasury cash will support charities providing key services and supporting vulnerable people during the Covid-19 crisis.
A fifth of Britons who reported at least one of the Covid-19 symptoms in the last week did not fully self-isolate in the days after, a survey suggests.

Some 12% of Britons surveyed by YouGov said they had experienced at least one of the common symptoms of Covid-19 in the previous seven days.

These include fever, dry cough, loss of taste or smell and shortness of breath.

A man outside in a green space blows his nose and looks unwell (stock image). Common symtoms of Covid-19 are fever, dry cough, loss of taste or smell and shortness of breath

When asked what action they took over the following days, around a fifth (21%) of those who had Covid-19 symptoms said they had only sometimes, rarely or never self-isolated.

Asked how easy or difficult they would expect to find self-isolating for seven days, if advised to in future, 17% said they thought it would be somewhat or very difficult.

But the vast majority, 95%, said they would be very or somewhat willing to do this in future if necessary.

YouGov is partnering with the Institute of Global Health Innovation (IGHI) at Imperial College London to look at how populations across the world are adhering to public health advice to tackle coronavirus.

Thirteen countries were included in the first phase of the study, including 1,650 respondents from the UK, and it will expand to 16 more parts of the world this week.

Reported testing in the UK was the lowest out of all the countries, with just 1% of respondents saying they had been tested, and 1% saying a member of their household had been tested.

The survey also found that Britons are washing their hands an average of 12 times a day but around one in seven are failing to clean often-touched household surfaces.

Around 15% said they had rarely or never cleaned doorknobs, toilets and taps inside their homes within the last seven days.

And more than a fifth (22%) said they only sometimes had done this.

Britons seem to be staying inside as advised, only leaving the house an average of 0.77 times a day, compared to the international average of 1.08 times.

British people came within two metres of an average of 4.4 people outside their immediate household in the past week, it found.

They washed their hands an average of 12.06 times a day, just over the international average.

The survey also found that Brits are now washing their hands 12.06 times a day, just over the international average. Stock image

And over 90% are regularly covering their noses and mouths when they cough or sneeze and avoiding social gatherings, crowded areas and using public transport.

The survey results will be available to public health bodies free of charge so they can assess what measures are working.

Dr David Nabarro, special envoy for coronavirus at the World Health Organisation (WHO) and IGHI co-director, said: 'The knowledge offered by this resource will be immensely useful to countries across the globe as they plan their ongoing strategies to tackle this devastating pandemic.

'It's imperative that government actions to manage this crisis are driven by evidence, and insights gathered by data such as these will be critical in furthering our understanding of how the outbreak - and populations' responses - are evolving over time.'

Stephan Shakespeare, chief executive and co-founder of YouGov: 'YouGov is in the privileged position of having over a hundred thousand people all over the world share their views and behaviours with us every day.

'With Covid-19 taking hold across the globe it is only right that we put this privilege to positive use.'

He added: 'To help public health agencies' response to the crisis across the globe we are providing them with data focusing on civic compliance free of charge. We hope that by helping those leading the charge against this disease in this way will make a difference.'

People across the UK are being encouraged to stay in their homes as much as possible to avoid the risk of spreading the disease

Pictured: The Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Visit The London Ambulance Service 111 Control Room. 111 helpline staff are reportedly working with symptoms of the coronavirus due to a lack of adequate sick pay available to them

As many as one in five primary age children are afraid to leave their homes and are worried there will not be enough food to eat during the course of the Covid-19 outbreak, according to the findings of a survey.

Call centre staff at the NHS's 111 helpline are turning up to work with coronavirus symptoms owing to a lack of adequate sick pay, according to a whistleblower who has filed a complaint to MPs.

Concerns about health and safety have been raised by call handlers at at least three call centres where thousands of people are employed by outsourcing firms to field calls to the 111 service.

One employee, whose complaint has been published by a commons select committee, told The Guardian that colleagues felt ill-prepared for the mass volume of calls and 'terrified' they would catch the virus due to 'unsafe' working conditions.

The call-handler, who works for the outsourcing firm Teleperformance, said communal equipment including coffee machines, exit buttons and door handles were cleaned only twice a day  which the company does not dispute  and that staff were given only 'very, very basic' training on how to handle 111 calls about the coronavirus.

The government has asked some of the UK's biggest private call centre operators to massively scale up their NHS 111 capacity amid a 400% increase in calls due to the outbreak. Scores of often inexperienced staff have been hired in huge numbers in only a few days, posing challenges for the employees and companies involved.
TUCSON, Ariz.A U.S. Border Patrol agent, who police say barricaded himself in a church for four hours, is facing charges on suspicion of sexually abusing multiple children over several years.

Police in Sierra Vista, Ariz., said Friday that authorities arrested Dana Thornhill on Thursday night following an armed standoff at a church in nearby Huachuca City, the Arizona Republic reports.

Sierra Vista police Lt. Sean Brownson said officers, working jointly with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, had been surveilling Thornhill for some time and suspected he was involved in the continuous abuse of multiple children in Sierra Vista.

Brownson declined to go into details of the case, but added that investigators moved in to arrest Thornhill, 49, on Thursday because they determined his behaviour, coupled with his law enforcement training, presented a threat to the community.

We felt strongly at this time that he should not be walking the streets based on what types of crimes he had committed, the sexual assaults on children, and then the fact that they were continuous over multiple years, Brownson said.

Sierra Vista police also declined to release information about the ages or the number of victims, citing the sensitive nature of the investigation.

Brownson said the border agent had grown suspicious that law enforcement was investigating him.

It became pretty apparent that he was aware that law enforcement was watching him, and he was concerned that he was going to get arrested, he said.

On Thursday afternoon, Thornhill fled the Sierra Vista city limits and barricaded himself in the church, armed with a .40-calibre semi-automatic handgun. Brownson said Thornhill had a prior affiliation with the church and had access to the property.

Investigators also recovered his disassembled handgun, ammunition and his Border Patrol credential from inside the church, Brownson said.

Police also executed a search warrant at Thornhills Sierra Vista home on Thursday, where they found additional evidence linking him to the crimes.

I cant comment on what that is right now, but theres corroborating evidence that he was involved in this type of activity, Brownson said.

Officers booked Thornhill into the Cochise County jail on Thursday. Sheriff Mark Dannels declined to comment on the investigation, but told the Arizona Republic that Thornhill was arraigned on Friday morning and is being held in jail without bond.

Thornhill faces two counts of sexual conduct with a minor and two charges of sexual assault. Those felony charges can carry sentences of up to life in prison, under Arizona law.

It is not known if he has an lawyer.

Border Patrols Tucson Sector, which has jurisdiction over Cochise County, said its taking the allegations against the agent seriously. The Customs and Border Protections Office of Professional Responsibility, the agencys watchdog office, is working with investigators, it added.

CBP does not tolerate corruption or abuse within our ranks, and we co-operate fully with all criminal or administrative investigations of alleged misconduct by any of our personnel, whether it occurs on or off duty, the Tucson Sectors statement read.

The Tucson Sector promised to be transparent in releasing information about the investigation. However, it declined to release details about Thornhills employment with Border Patrol, including his length of time with the agency or where he was stationed.

Brownson said the .40-calibre semi-automatic pistol recovered is not uncommon to law enforcement, but couldnt tell if it was issued to him as a border agent.
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'Saving our economy is a priority.'

'We have to save our people and save our country.'

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi interacts with leaders of the Opposition and other parties to discuss the coronavirus pandemic and the government's efforts to contain the fast-spreading virus, via video conference, on April 8, 2020. Photograph: PTI Photo

Soon after the Union Cabinet took a decision to cancel the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme for two years to divert the funds towards fighting the coronavirus pandemic, the Congress party's Rajya Sabha member from Punjab Partap Singh Bajwa took to Twitter to say that the government should cancel the Central Vista redevelopment scheme (external link) that is projected to cost Rs 20,000 crores (Rs 200 billion).

'Maybe Govt would do better in not being penny smart & pound foolish,' Bajwa tweeted.

"They have taken Rs 8,000 crore from the MPLADS funds, so why not from the Parliament building fund?" Bajwa asks Rediff.com's A Ganesh Nadar.

Why do you want the government to cancel the Rs 20,000 crore project to build a new Parliament complex?

They have taken Rs 8,000 crore from the MPLADS funds, so why not from the Parliament building fund?

States were not prepared for such a big crisis. The hospitals lack facilities, there is a shortage of protective kits and other equipment. The world was not prepared for a fight against this virus and also for future battles against such pandemics.

You know more than 10 million people died during the Spanish Flu which happened after World War I. Our soldiers who fought for the British died because of this flu.

The whole world has spent money on defence and not enough on medicine.

The Central Vista can be redone later. Now the number one challenge is the virus. This fight will be for a long time.

Then saving our economy will be a priority. We have to save our people and save our country.

What do you think about the government suspending MPLADS funds?

We cannot go against government policy, it is for the best. The priority is to upgrade the hospitals till a vaccine is found.

Are you happy with how the government has handled the coronavirus pandemic so far?

They have taken wise decisions. Unlike America, Italy and Britain who were late in deciding. The British prime minister is ill.

Prime Minister Modi has taken the right decision about the lockdown. People have to stay at home.

Agricultural states have to open up to harvesting their wheat. I don't know what will happen then.

Our testing is low so we don't have right data. India is doing reasonably okay except for the hotspots.

Those are the biggest challenge as no vaccine is ready. The government is purchasing kits, masks and ventilators. In another couple of weeks, we will be better prepared.

Plasma therapy is being tried in Kerala. We will be able to find a solution as our best institutes are on the job.

Do you think the MPLADS funds should be diverted to the states from where the MPs hail?

That was exactly my suggestion to the prime minister. The money should go to the states to which the MPs belong.

The amount depends on the number of MPs the state has.

This fund should be used only for fighting COVID-19.

GST funds should also be distributed to the states. Punjab needs Rs 5,000 crore from its share of GST.

The Rs 15,000 crore they are distributing is very less. It should be equally distributed. Hotspots should be given more money.

Do you think the lockdown should be lifted after April 14?

The prime minister is in touch with the chief ministers and his cabinet ministers. He is the best judge of the situation.

Let it be at the discretion of the prime minister. We support the government completely.

In 1918, during the Spanish Flu, 12% of the population died. We have to be prepared to take hard decisions.

Daily wage-earners are suffering, we have to look after them.

Rich countries must contribute to poorer nations. The world has to fight as one.

How is the Punjab government handling the crisis?

They are doing a reasonably good job. All the states are doing their best in spite of difficulties. We need a couple of weeks to be reasonably prepared.

Lots of industries are helping to manufacture medical equipment that the hospitals need.

If we all work together we can pass through this crisis.
Two men in NSW have been charged in separate incidents of allegedly spitting on police officers amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The first incident took place on Friday afternoon in Ashcroft in southwest Sydney, with a 24-year-old man verbally abusing police after being told to move on from a car park.

He then allegedly spat at a male police officer and mentioned the coronavirus while being arrested. He has since been hit with a $5,000 fine and charged.

The younger man was also charged with punching a police officer in the head.

The man was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday.

Police officers are seen stopping drivers at an intrastate checkpoint on the Forrest Highway near the border of the Peel and South West regions, 110km south of Perth on Friday, April 10, 2020

In the other incident, a 62-year-old man spat at a female police officer on Friday evening in Metford in the NSW Hunter.

The man had approached officers as a 36-year-old man was being arrested over an alleged domestic violence incident.

He has also been fined $5,000 and charged with assault and resisting a police officer, and will appear at Newcastle Bail Court on Saturday.

'Spitting or coughing at public officials is disgusting and against the law - it's disgusting at any time (but) particularly during COVID-19,' NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Karen Webb said on Saturday.
The harrowing images of thousands of cars lined up for Thursdays San Antonio Food Bank giveaway captured the attention of the nation and prompted thousands of people to reach for their wallets, including bestselling author Shea Serrano.

The San Antonio native took to Twitter on Saturday morning, urging his nearly 372,000 followers to donate to the Food Bank if they have the means. Less than eight hours later, $100,000 in donations had poured in.

This is just a portion of donations that the San Antonio Food Bank has seen pouring in over the last couple of days. On Friday alone, the Food Bank received more than 3,500 unique online donations nearing a total of $500,000, said Michael Guerra a spokesman for the organization.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg, who celebrated his birthday Saturday, asked for his birthday that people consider donating to the Food Bank. He launched a fundraiser for the organization on his Facebook page with the goal of raising $30,000 in three weeks. On the first day more than $25,000 had been raised through the mayors effort.

Guerra called the immense amount of donations truly jaw dropping and that it would allow the food to continue to flow.

(I) cant stop thinking about the picture of the people waiting in line to get food from the San Antonio Food Bank, Serrano tweeted along with the viral image, captured by San Antonio Express-News photographers, that showed Thursdays record-setting distribution.

(I)m gonna make a donation if you wanna join together for a big donation then send it, he tweeted, providing information on multiple mobile payment platforms.

On ExpressNews.com: Get the latest update on coronavirus and a tracking map of U.S. cases

Throughout the day, Serrano gave updates on the fundraising effort.

Within the first hour, $21,000 was raised. Within three hours, the amount had reached $50,000. By 5 p.m., it was $100,000.

(T)hats how we operate  everybody just pitches in what they can and all of a sudden we have a big pile of money lol, he tweeted.

The Food Bank has been feeding 120,000 per week instead of the usual 58,000, said Eric Cooper, president and CEO of the organization.

Now Playing: See the viral video of San Antonio's Food Bank that changed the narrative of the coronavirus pandemic. Video: Kin Man Hui San Antonio Express News, William Luther San Antonio Express News, Michel Fortier

On ExpressNews.com: In the biggest turnout yet, 10,000 slam San Antonio Food Bank seeking help

The Food Bank held four drive-through distributions between March 31 and Thursday  providing food for 15,500 households.

Thursdays event was its largest, serving 10,000 households.

About 6,000 households had preregistered for the event, but on the day itself, thousands more showed up.

Cooper said donations from individuals and food companies helped get the nonprofit through the week. But he added that unless food supplies increase to match the extraordinary demand, the Food Bank will keep eating away at its inventory.

We are still about three weeks out from being empty, Cooper said.

On ExpressNews.com: With San Antonio Food Bank in national spotlight, lawmakers to pressure state for help

The Food Bank is seeking $12 million from the state and has filed a State of Texas Assistance Request (STAR) with the Department of Emergency Management, asking for 171 truckloads of food.

The next distribution is scheduled for Friday at the Alamodome.
Theres already a gap there, theyre showing that theyre discrepant from the kids who are in their same age peers, said Nicole Full, a special education teacher in the Kaneland school district. And as much as we want to be able to provide the instruction for them to access at home, theres nothing that is going to be able to aggressively close that gap as compared to when were in school.
For the past several weeks, Ive looked out the windows of my Oakland apartment at quiet streets, empty parking lots and an almost eerie stillness. Its sad  I feel a sense of disappointment, of loss. Like everyone, I wish the global pandemic wasnt here. I wish the news wasnt filled with COVID-19 and the human and economic toll it has taken. I wish life looked the way it did just a few months ago.

But we dont get to choose our place in history. We only can choose how we show up for it.

As a public servant responsible for the 1,700 employees who work for the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank and the 330 million Americans who rely on our work, I feel deeply committed to doing my part.

And as I look out my window, I can see that so many others are equally committed.

Our fates are tied together  as individuals, as communities, as states, as a nation. If one of us stumbles, all of us sway. Thats always true, but its especially true now.

When you follow the links, its impossible not to see how interdependent our lives are. I think about my aesthetician, a single mom with two kids, who had to shutter her business to comply with the shelter-in-place order. Without that income, its hard for her to make ends meet. This spills over to her landlord, who then has trouble paying the mortgage on the building he owns. Then the bank holding his mortgage has fewer funds to lend to other small businesses looking for a lifeline. And on and on it goes.

Across the country, people are being forced into heart-wrenching decisions. Theyre shuttering schools, laying off employees, closing businesses  for no one knows how long. Others find themselves on the front lines  the medical professionals, grocery clerks, first responders and so many others who go to work each day to serve their communities, even if it puts their own health at risk.

All of these actions  all of these painful choices  are being made for the same reason: to beat the coronavirus. They are sacrifices for the common good.

And this gives me hope. This makes me optimistic. Because it shows we are all playing a role in shaping our history.

Some of us are paying for the services we would have gotten if the world was normal. Others are getting takeout each week to support local restaurants. Many are donating funds to those who need more help.

And these are not the only actions. There are countless stories in our neighborhoods of people sewing homemade masks, picking up groceries for seniors, or simply being patient when someone wanders too close, giving a gentle reminder to stay 6 feet safe.

While its sad to see the empty streets outside my Oakland apartment, its also reassuring, and even inspiring. It represents our commitment to collective action, to doing our part by just staying home even though we desperately want to go out.

Its easy to focus on all of the things weve lost to the pandemic  the ability to travel, to enjoy a meal at a restaurant, to shake someones hand or give them a hug.

But weve also been given something  an opportunity.

A chance to embrace our interconnectedness, be other-focused, and do the right thing  for ourselves, for our communities and for our nation. In other words, weve all been given the chance to be public servants.

And if we each do our part, I know well get through this  stronger and more united in our shared humanity. And this, not the pandemic, will be our legacy.

Mary C. Daly is president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.
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he typical image of Easter is a pretty spring morning in the best matching pastel outfits mom could find, all while celebrating our Saviors resurrection and hunting for eggs later that afternoon.

This year, everyone from all walks of life have been finding a new normal, one where the phrase social distancing defines every decision. In this new normal, churches have resorted to convening digitally. That means for the first time ever, Easter service for most families will take place on couches.

This is another heartbreaking result of COVID-19 as it continues to disseminate through the world at an unprecedented rate. This virus has infected millions and taken the lives of tens of thousands, altering our lives financially, socially, and every way you can imagine along the way.

This is hardly the first time weve seen disaster before though. In 2004, a tsunami in the Indian Ocean killed 250,000 people. In 2005, we encountered Hurricane Katrina. And who can forget 2010-2011? The earthquake in Haiti cost another 220,000 people their lives; the tsunami in Japan, nearly 16,000.

More recently, weve witnessed the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the California wildfires of 2018, and a tornado in Nashville just weeks ago.

Pandemics and natural calamities rage on in our world, costing us billions of dollars, and more significantly, hundreds of thousands of innocent lives. These tragedies raise many questions about the nature of our security, about our fear of the uncontrollable, and especially about the character of God.

When we look to the Bible, were taught that in every fine detail of the universe, God is sovereign. And he reigns in the nice moments and in those that arent so nice.

To illustrate this, a powerful story unfolds in the Book of Job, where despite a roller coaster of heartbreak, God redeemed the work by which Satan meant to destroy Jobs faith.

Even in Jobs life when he had taken everything from him  his family, property, possessions and health  Job still found the humility to repent, he took responsibility for his own misdeeds, and held firm to his faith. In Job 19:25 we read of his epiphany when he proclaims, For I know that my Redeemer lives, and he shall stand at last on the earth. After all the hardship and pain, the Lord blessed Job for this unshakable faith, restoring to him abundantly more than he had lost.

This and other stories throughout Scripture remind us that in our fallen world, disasters happen, and they happen to both evil and righteous people without distinction or explanation. Its not up to us to label this one as misfortune or that one as Gods judgment, but simply  as Jesus often pointed out  to ponder the wickedness in our own hearts.

God uses disasters and tragedies to accomplish his perfect will in us and through us, and sometimes to bring us to himself in the first place. Here at Shadow Mountain, almost all who give testimony of faith at their baptism have one thing in common: They are led to the feet of Jesus through some form of hardship and tragedy. Often it is the loss of a loved one or a divorce or the loss of employment. Its abundantly clear that in Biblical times and in the present day, God uses pain and sorrow and to get the attention of those he is pursuing.

In Gods unmatched wisdom and unrivaled power, evil events are used as tools to work for the good of those who love him. In fact, thats the same story line during Holy Week as well. Theres no better illustration than the cross and the tomb.

From Palm Sunday, to the brutal crucifixion, to the miraculous resurrection  God demonstrates that though darkness may settle in for the night, even the grave can be conquered. When it seems evil has won the battle, God is always in the business of redemption and proving he can win the war.

Yes, Jesus was crucified on Friday. It was devastating for his followers who watched it unfold. But then came Sunday!

Even in our lives today when our future and our childrens future is uncertain, even when we dont know if we can put food on the table or pay rent, God is in control. Through Jesus death on the cross of Calvary and his resurrection on that quiet Sunday morning, God had the final word.

In the midst of confusion and chaos, as we have found ourselves this Easter, just remember: Sunday is always coming.
Considering the increase in the number of paediatric Covid-19 positive cases in state, the state Medical Education Department has instructed all government and private medical college/hospitals treating COVID-19 cases to keep dedicated Paediatric/Neonatal intensive care units (PNICU).

Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar said, "We can deal with existing facilities in the current situation, even for pediatric cases. But in future we need to be ready with dedicated wards to treat paediatric patients. We have discussed the same with heads of all the hospitals and instructed them to make separate arrangements to treat pediatric cases in future, if the number goes up," added Sudhakar.

For latest updates and live news on coronavirus, click here

A senior official from the department said, "As more COVID-19 positive cases are being reported from across the state, there's a need for augmenting facilities to take care of paediatric cases in future. Considering this, the minister has given instructions to keep PNICUs ready," he said.

According to doctors, though the treatment is same for both adult and pediatric cases, they only have to ensure additional care as children are prone to more infections. So far, over five paediatric positive cases have been reported in state.

"The 10-month-old baby which tested positive for COVID-19 was really shocking and looking at that case, it is better for hospitals to be ready to treat such cases. It is difficult to keep paediatric patients in general COVID-19 ward as they need more attention. Also appatite of children is different and we need to feed them often. So, they need more personal attention and care," said a doctor working with a government hospital in Bengaluru.
By Kirsti Knolle, Reuters | Apr. 10, 2020

Ryanair unit Lauda on Thursday urged the Austrian government not to grant Lufthansa's subsidiary Austrian Airlines state aid to help weather the coronavirus outbreak, saying Austrian taxpayers should not subsidise a German company.

Lauda's move demonstrates the intense pressure on the European Union's major airlines and the competitive challenges that any national financial support could pose.

Lufthansa, which like Ryanair was forced to ground nearly all its flights due to the deadly new virus, is currently in negotiations with Berlin about state aid for its German operations but also with the Swiss, Belgian and Austrian governments regarding financial support for its divisions in these countries.

"We do not believe that Lufthansa should receive state aid from Austrian taxpayers in exactly the same way we do not believe that Ryanair should receive state aid from Austrian taxpayers," Andreas Gruber, the managing director of Ryanair's Austrian unit Lauda, said.

If German-owned Austrian Airlines (AUA) was to receive aid from Vienna, then Lauda would expect similar support as its Austrian staff are entitled to the same fair treatment under EU state aid rules, he said.

Ryanair bought the Austrian leisure airline from Niki Lauda two years ago to challenge Lufthansa in Germany and Austria. The late Formula One pilot had bought it from the remnants of insolvent carrier Air Berlin.

With 550 staff and a market share of 8%, Lauda is the second-ranking carrier at Vienna airport after Austrian Airlines, which has a share of 43% and around 7,000 employees.

The finance ministry has so far not commented on press reports of a potential aid package for Austrian Airlines of EUR 500-800 million. It has said the carrier could make use of the instruments included within the government's EUR 38 billion coronavirus aid package offered to companies operating in Austria.

Lauda said short term government payroll support should be provided to Austrian Airlines as well as Lauda.
Mordechai Sacks, a physician assistant and primary care provider at Larchmont Family Medicine, said that the idea that any of these people are safer in smaller communities or other states is a flawed one. Many vacation towns have fewer medical resources to deal with a sudden onslaught of sick and contagious out-of-towners, and Florida is full of older citizens, who are at higher risk of becoming critically ill with the virus, he said. New York City is by far better equipped to deal with this, Sacks said. We have a bunch of top hospitals, we have leadership who are doing the right thing, and top clinicians.
Tired of hearing Hunker down on the news? Fed up of watching shows with subtitles because you do not wish to concentrate too much? Need a break from the intellectual pursuit of documentaries and have some fun? This is the week for it because I have discovered one of the funniest, fall off your chair, sputter coffee all over your shirt front movies. It is called Death Of Stalin. It's on Amazon Prime.

Dictators are no laughing matter and Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin was not just the successor of Lenin, but he forged everything that the Soviet Union was to be: He ruled with an iron hand (ruthlessly killing his opponents from enemy lists), his people suffered famine and food shortage and yet people believed great things would happen to them (thanks to his choosing to side with allies during WW2). When we learned about him in high school, I was fascinated by the fact that he joined a secret book club when he was in school, and when he was a young man he even had a gang that looted, and kidnapped kids from wealthy families for ransom. And Lenin was his mentor. Quite cool, that! Plus he was an editor of Pravda at one point before he joined politics!

The creators of the comic book The Death Of Stalin had to be quite mad to have dreamed up a scenario that may have happened because there are few facts available today about the dictators death. And even though the comic book dedication says that the situation itself must be rather insane, the movie adaptation of this comic book (Fabien Nury and Thierry Robin) by Armando Ianucci is nothing short of brilliant.

If you found the trailer demented, wait until you see the film! Steve Buscemi as Nikita Khrushchev rules. But first things first. As in the comic book, the film starts with Mozarts Piano Concerto #23. The lovely Olga Kurylenko (you have seen her as a Bond Girl with Daniel Craig and in the film Oblivion with Tom Cruise) plays the pianist Maria Yudina. Chaos ensues when Stalin calls and makes an unusual request: he wants a recording of the concert that was played live from Radio Moscow.

Who can say no to the boss? Maria Yudina is bribed to play the piano again and the people are assembled to recreate the live concert and a recording is sent to the dictator at his dacha.

What happens next is a heart attack and the ensuing chaos that follows. Heart attacks are not funny, but the cronies kneeling in the dictators piss and talking about how the suit is ruined (I had three fittings!) is altogether hilarious. Mozarts piano concerto is no longer art, this film makes it forever funny.

Lavrenti Beria was a scary Chief of Police in real life. To watch the fabulous theater actor Simon Russell Beale play the part with so much mean gusto is eye-poppingly fun (Arrest both of them, but kill the wife in front of him, then shoot him!).

Theres Malenkov (Jeffrey Tambor) and Molotov (Michael Palin) and Stalins children, the soaked in Vodka Vassily and his demented daughter Svetlana Should the doctor be called needs to be decided by a committee and the funeral too. The futile search for the little girl for the new portrait is a thread which has a parallel in our country as well. Remember how politicians vie for a photo opp to kiss the babies (Hollywood film The Campaign had a grab the baby episode that is still funny)? And the mention about corsets in this film reminded me of the fuss the PR machinery made about a leaders broad chest during the elections!

If you ever wondered how the impossible it is to use funny and totalitarianism in one sentence, you would need to see this film. Imagine this film set in India, with one of the beloved leaders. First the makers would be thrown into jail for sedition and two, no one would be laughing. Thats why this historical film is extra hilarious.

What makes this film great is the irreplaceable, the one and only Steve Buscemi. Remember him in Con Air sitting down to have tea with the little girl? That dreaded role is imprinted in my head, even though he has voiced many characters in animation films. Hes delightful as Nikita Khrushchev in the film. Sounds illogical, right? But the scheming, the plotting, the off with their heads moments are made even funnier because Steve Buscemi is able to plot the murder of Beria while he decides ruched or not ruched to curtains at Stalins funeral.

Does it get funnier? Yes. The film is like a little avalanche and it not only maintains the impossible speed at which horribly funny events happen, but they increase exponentially. Just when you think this plot to do one thing is going to backfire, things just become worse. And everything needs to happen with the consent of the committee, by a unanimous vote. Ive seen many political satires from Dr. Strangelove to Wag The Dog, but this one brings Monty Pythonesque madness to dictatorship and does not look back. Its a wickedly clever take on politics and just when heads of state everywhere are looking to hold on to their chairs because every one of them is mishandling the current pandemic badly, this film will serve as a reminder on how chaotic things must be in the backrooms of our State.

Not very often does one get to say that the film is funnier (or better) than the book, but this film is funnier than the graphic novel by the same name. Politics will always remain annoying and hilarious and jaw-droppingly unbelievable at the same time. I wish we were free to create such films to let our people know the secrets our dear leaders holds. Some day, perhaps!

Manisha Lakhe is a poet, film critic, traveller, founder of Caferati  an online writers forum, hosts Mumbais oldest open mic, and teaches advertising, films and communication.
A Delhi court has sent to one-month judicial custody Jammu and Kashmir Police officer Davinder Singh, who was arrested while ferrying two Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terrorists in a vehicle on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway earlier this year.

Special Judge Ajay Kumar Jain sent Singh to judicial custodytill May 6after he was produced before the court on Friday on expiry of his 30 days' custodial interrogation by the Delhi police.

The police told the court the accused was not required for further interrogation.

The court also sent three other co-accused arrested in the case -- Javed Iqbal, Syed Naveed Mushtaq and Imran Shafi Mir -- to judicial custody.

The police requested the court that all accused be sent to judicial custody as they may flee or hamper the probe if let free, defence advocate Prashant Prakash said.

DSP Davinder Singh was suspended from the Jammu and Kashmir Police in January this year.

The Special Cell had brought Singh to Delhi from Hira Nagar Jail in Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier, the police had told the court that Syed Naveed Mushtaq and others were planning to execute terror attacks in Delhi and other parts of the country as well as targeted killings of protected persons.

The police said Mushtaq, the commander of Shopian district of Hizbul Mujahiddeen, used to chat with the other co-accused and militants through various internet platforms, including darknet chat.

"Mushtaq, along with other militants of Hizbul Mujahideen, was planning to execute terror attack in Delhi and other parts of the country and targeted killings of protected persons," the police told the court.

The Delhi Police has filed an FIR under Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The FIR said the youths of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab are being trained for carrying out terrorist activities.

The FIR also mentioned the mafia's D Company and Chhota Shakeel. According to the FIR, the Delhi Police Special Cell had received an input that the D Company, run by fugitive Indian underworld kingpin Dawood Ibrahim, is funding pro-Khalistan terrorist organisations in Punjab.

Davinder Singh was taken in custody under the same FIR.

The Special Cell had also interrogated Singh regarding the Khalistan angle, police said.

Although Singh is not named in the FIR, the Special Cell has some inputs on the basis of which the enquiry will be carried out and he will be questioned, the police had said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ellen DeGeneres brought back her popular talk show while undergoing quarantine, but she faced reproving comments during its debut episode and eventually caused her to remove the video from social media.

Production on DeGeneres' show had been halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the daytime talk show host has been filming an "at-home edition" being posted on YouTube.

She resumed her program on Monday, April 6, but her return was marred by disapproval.

DeGeneres, 62, was practically "cancelled" on Twitter after she jokingly compared her being quarantined at home to being incarcerated.

Her relaunched eponymous talk show after a three-week hiatus offered up the anticipated platitudes and celebrity guests (John Legend and Chrissy Teigen).

She ignited backlash, from her palatial mansion in Southern California when she made the awkward comparison, "One thing I've learned from being in quarantine is that ... this is like being in jail."

The virtual show filmed by actress Portia de Rossi, her wife, from one of their multi-million dollar California homes.

"One thing that I've learned from being in quarantine is that people - this is like being in jail, is what it is," DeGeneres commented.

She reasoned out, "It's mostly because I've been wearing the same clothes for 10 days and everyone in here is gay."

The 62-year-old American host also said that she feels bad for college students, children at home, and parents.

Also Read: Four Teens Attack Elderly Asian Woman on a Bus, Suspecting She Has COVID-19

The traditional studio parts have been replaced with video calls to celebrities, highlights of popular videos all over on social media, and talks with executive producer Andy Lassner and the show's resident DJ, Stephen "tWitch" Boss.

DeGeneres expressed gratitude for healthcare workers, first responders, and other employees risking their health by devoting during the coronavirus pandemic.

After making the joke that fell flat, she laughed and said, "The jokes that I have."

A video posted to the "The Ellen DeGeneres Show's" official Twitter account including the joke was subsequently deleted.

Viewers who consider the comparison insensitive responded to the Emmy award-winning comedian. "Oh the jokes that you have.... my son is in prison facing a chance of Coronavirus infecting him," wrote Audrey Maxam from Ohio.

Caroline Framke from "Variety" tweeted, "What a great look for Ellen as thousands of people sit in actual jail cells just hoping for the best without soap and basic protections."

The YouTube video, which as of Wednesday afternoon was listed as "unavailable" on the platform, was deemed "tone deaf" by some in the comments section.

The timing of her comment comes at a time when prisons across America are witnessing a surge of inmates testing positive for the coronavirus.

"Except that people in jail can't practice social distancing, don't have enough water or toilet paper and are going to die at exceptional rates from Covid-19. Except for that, Ellen, your quarantine experience is just like being in jail," a user wrote.

The coronavirus continues to be widespread throughout the U.S. and other countries. The city of Wuhan, China, where the virus was first detected, has officially reopened.

Related Article: Fact Check: Harvard Scientist Arrested for Creating Coronavirus, Selling it to China?

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Chhattisgarhs chief minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday suggested extending the restrictions on inter-state road, air and railway traffic to curb the spread of Covid-19 and said states should be allowed to carry out economic activities during the lockdown period.

Bhupesh Baghel also demanded an early economic package from the Centre to boost the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector during the meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his office said in a statement.

Baghel was among the chief ministers who attended Prime Minister Modis video conference to discuss whether to extend the 21-day country-wide lockdown beyond next week.

The MSME sector in the state is constantly demanding an economic package. Due to the long period of lockdown, the existence of this important sector which provides maximum employment to the people has been endangered, the chief minister pointed out.

Also read: I am always available, PM Modi tells chief ministers during Covid-19 meet

The Chhattisgarh chief minister also said that given the number of coronavirus-infected people and their status, states should get to decide whether economic activities should be relaxed or not.

Given the current situation, we will definitely face an economic crisis. Action plan has to be prepared as per requirement, via which we will be able to revive our economy, Baghel said during the video conference.

Chattisgarh is among the very few states which have not reported any Covid-19 related deaths and has 18 people who have been infected with the virus. Of these, 10 have been cured and the condition of the remaining eight patients is stable.

Also Watch: COVID-19| PM Modi interacts with Chief Ministers of states: Key takeaways

The chief minister said Chhattisgarh was the first state in the nation to implement a lockdown by March 31. There is a better situation here due to the complete lockdown, he said.

To further his point, Baghel said only five out of the 28 districts in the state have reported cases of the coronavirus disease. So far, 3473 samples have been taken in the state, or an average of 135 per day, which he said needs to be ramped up.

Due to less testing, it cannot be said with certainty whether the condition of Covid-19 virus is actually under control or not. There is a need to take 3000 to 5000 samples daily. A request has also been made earlier in this regard, Baghel said.

Baghel also urged the Prime Minister that the number of personal protection equipment (PPE) kits should be increased. The chief minister said that due to a lack of clear instructions in the guidelines set by the central government for buying test kits, there is a situation of doubt.

He said that thousands of people, trapped and quarantined on the borders of the state, are facing trouble. There are also many travellers and families who want to return back to their homes. Guidelines are expected in this regard, he said.

He also listed what his government was doing for the poor families in the state and said they should be allowed to carry on with procurement and sale of forest produce.

Punjab and Delhi were among the states which have recommended an extension of the national lockdown by at least a fortnight as the number of Covid-19 cases in India rose to 7447 and deaths to 239.

Mumbai and Delhi have reported most of these cases and experts have warned that once the lockdown is lifted and people are allowed to get out of home freely, it could lead to a spike in the infections.

Odisha and Punjab have already decided to extend the lockdown until April end.
Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 74F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph.

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 49F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow

Intervals of clouds and sunshine in the morning with more clouds for later in the day. High 73F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.
Getting countries back on their feet will require a creative approach, unlike anything the EU has delivered to date.

In virtually every hospital and nursing home in the country today, exhausted health workers are wondering how to summon the energy to meet the limitless demands they face. Families are enduring bottomless grief, and patients are fighting for their lives. So those inclined to roll their eyes at the Taoiseach's announcement the lockdown will be pushed out until May 5 might think about walking in their shoes before complaining.

Mr Varadkar has appealed for solidarity over self interest. It is the virus that has driven us into our homes, not Government decree.

Nonetheless, the lockdown cannot go on indefinitely. Government officials are rightly examining strategies for a "phased" exit from travel and social restrictions.

But as Health Minister Simon Harris warned, we will have to move on to "a different terrain" in the coming months.

Such a move, however tentative, is inevitable. People are worried about futures and livelihoods. Getting a handle on the pandemic can be achieved, but there is some way to go. We are used to living calibrated lives rounded by routine. For the first time in most of our lives, this power of agency has been stripped away. The scenes of mass burials in New York State serve as a grim reminder of how high the stakes are.

A return to normality, or at least an acceptable level of brokenness, must still be our priority. To this end, testing and tracing procedures have to be enhanced.

Opposition calls for the Government to reveal the number of potential coronavirus patients still waiting to be tested cannot be dismissed. Plan as we might, it is the virus that will decide what happens next.

As Dr Cillian de Gascun explained so vividly on RTE, experiences in Italy and the US show us that "given the opportunity, this virus will run rampant". Schedules still seem to count for little, as this year's Leaving Certificate students are learning. Hopefully the provisional late summer sitting can be achieved. They might have hoped for more certainty, but like so much else, precise dates are not yet within grasp. Moves towards government formation are accelerating but there is an alarming lack of urgency in some political quarters to step up to the plate in an hour of national need.

At least some degree of agreement was finally arrived at in Brussels to put a package together to help countries through the emergency. It is to be welcomed, though unlikely to be enough. Countries which will need assistance are suffering not due to their own misconduct or mistakes but due to a broad public health effort. Massive unemployment is a result of economies being put into comas.

Getting them back on their feet will require a creative approach, unlike anything the EU has delivered to date. A quick recovery depends on the right response. On a country by country basis, while frailties were exposed, so too were inspirational strengths.
Phil Langley, 83, president of the USTA for 13 years, passed away on April 11, 2020. He was elected as a USTA director in 1983 and became president in 2003 before resigning at the close of 2016.

His leadership at the USTA was characterized by great advances in technology, such as online entry for races at all levels and a social media presence that made it possible for people across the globe to follow racings people and horses at any time, on any electronic device.

Langley, a native of Wisconsin, learned about harness racing from his father, who was a mailman, restaurant owner and in the 1930s, took over administration of the Elkhorn Fair and later the Wisconsin State Fair.

I learned to read by helping my dad figure out which horses qualified for a race, Langley said.

As a boy, he saw the 1943 Hambletonian winner Volo Song race at Elkhorn, Wisc,, where his father was race secretary. The trotter suffered a fatal broken bone and had to be euthanized, a memory that stayed with Langley throughout his life.

My dad stayed with him at the vets until they gave up. Sad day in Elkhorn, he said decades later.

Langley graduated from Dartmouth University in 1959 with a history degree, a passion he continued as a racing official, with a Standardbred library whose titles stretched back to the Civil War.

Langleys career as a race secretary and executive centered on the Chicago tracks, and he held management positions at Sportsmans Park and was director of racing at Balmoral and Maywood Park. He was part of the ownership group of both those tracks.

He was inducted into the Illinois Harness Horsemens Hall of Fame in 1994 and into the Harness Racing Hall of Fame in Goshen, N.Y., where he was also a trustee, in 2007.

Langley served as a member of the Illinois Department of Agriculture Advisory Committee and the Racing Industry Charitable Committee, which served the needs of backstretch employees.

Langley worked with both the Illinois and Du Quoin State Fairs on their harness racing meets for many years in an advisory capacity.

As a horse owner, his top performer was Thisbigdogwilfight p,5,1:49.1, a winner of $978,789 lifetime.

Langley is survived by his wife, Margo; son, Dr. Pete; daughters, Kate and Meg; and five grandchildren.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Phil Langley.

UPDATE: While plans for funeral or memorial services have not yet been announced for Phil, contact information for his wife, Margo, and the foundation that the family has designated for memorial contributions in his honour appears below.

Condolence cards may be sent to Margo Schrack Langley, 382 Redbud Court, Frankfort, IL 60423.

Memorial contributions may be made to Silver Cross Foundation, Tracy Simons, executive director, 1900 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox, IL 60451; by phone to 815-300-7105 or by email to [email protected].

(USTA)
Much has been made about the effect the novel COVID-19 coronavirus has had on air quality, but it turns out there's also been a downturn in crime.

The New York Times reports there's been a striking decline in murders around the world, particularly in Latin American countries, which have some of the highest homicide rates globally. With fewer people on the street, it's been easier for police to suss out criminal activity. And, per the Times, some criminal gangs have actually led the charge in imposing curfews in areas where they hold sway as part of an effort to curb the virus' spread.

In El Salvador, for example, there were just 65 homicides in March, compared to 114 in February. Colombia reported 91 homicides between March 20 and 25; over the same span in 2019 there were 206.

The change is real outside of Latin America, as well. In Chicago, drug arrests have fallen by 42 percent since the city shutdown, while overall crime dropped by 10 percent, The Associated Press reports. And in South Africa's first week of lockdown measures, Police Minister Bheki Cele said rapes were down from 700 to 101 over the same period from last year, while murders decreased from 326 to 94.

Despite all that, it's important to consider that the decline isn't monolithic. There may be less crime on the streets, but domestic abuse appears to be on the rise worldwide, as people are confined to their homes.

More stories from theweek.com

Trump adviser Peter Navarro made a bad bet 60 Minutes didn't cover pandemic preparedness under Obama

Trump might fire the one person in the White House who knows what he's doing

NASCAR driver who used racial slur during virtual race suspended


Man 20, surrenders to police with one ya bah pill so he can get food in prison

PHUKET: Police today they said they had no choice but to arrest a 20-year-old man who presented himself at Wichit Police Station with just one pill of ya bah (methamphetamine) so he could be sent to prison and get food.

COVID-19Coronaviruseconomicsdrugscrimepolice

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Saturday 11 April 2020, 06:55PM

The young man is now in police custody, where he will be fed. Photo: Wichit Police

The man, 20-year-old Chayaphon Atdin, from Songkhla Province, presented himself at the police station at 11:30am today (Apr 11), said Lt Col Chatchai Chunu, Chief of the Wichit Police Investigation Division, According to officers at the police station, this has never happened before, Lt Col Chatchai said. MrChayaphon told police that he wanted to go to jail. At least in prison I will get three meals a day, he said. Mr Chayaphon explained that he had no job because of the current COVID-19 situation, and he had no money. In addition, due to the current travel restrictions in place to prevent the spread of the virus, he was not even allowed to return to his mothers home in Phatthalung, he added. Police officers contacted MrChayaphons mother to confirm his situation. She explained that her son was under considerable stress due to not having any work, Lt Col Chatchai said. With no relatives or family members to take care of him, we felt we had to charge him for illegal possession of narcotic so we could take him into custody, he added. We feared that turning him away may have caused him even more stress and increased the possibility of him harming himself, so the officers felt they had no choice but to place Mr Chayaphon under arrest, Lt Col Chatchai explained.
>>> Vietnamese companies assist Laos efforts in COVID-19 fight

The aid was raised by the General Association of Vietnamese and the Vietnam Business Association for Cooperation and Investment in Laos (Viet-Lao BACI).

At the ceremony to hand over the funds in Vientiane, Chairman of the General Association Nguyen Duy Trung said Vietnamese individuals and entrepreneurs in Laos have kept a close eye on the situation in the country and appreciate the drastic measures taken by the Lao Government to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Deputy PM Somdy Duangdy thanked the General Association and the Viet-Lao BACI for their support.

He asked both to raise awareness among members of preventive measures and compliance with regulations issued by the countrys national committee for COVID-19 prevention and control.

He also spoke of recent support from the Vietnamese Government and people, noting that the Ministry of National Defence has sent medical experts to Laos to exchange experience in COVID-19 prevention and control.
Brussels: The deadly corovirus wreaking havoc all around the globe. As of now, the number of people who have died from this virus has exceeded 100000. The fear of this virus is spread among people. Doctors are still searching for treatment to fight this disease. Women have started a new process to save themselves and people from this disease.

Corona become disaster for world, more than 1 lakh death worldwide

122 killed before Iran resumed: Iran's Health Ministry said on Friday that 122 more victims died in the last 24 hours in the country. The death toll has reached 4200. 1,972 new cases of infection have been found. Preparations to resume low-risk businesses in Iran from Saturday. Iran has decided to restore trade to save its economy affected by sanctions.

Now Corona will be FINISHED, Scientists identify six potential drugs for COVID-19 treatment

23-day-old infant died in the Philippines: In the Philippines, a 23-day-old infant died due to coronavirus. This newborn died in Lipa, about 70 km from the capital Manila. So far 203 people have died in the Philippines from Corona and more than four thousand people have been found infected.

America is badly hit by Corona, death toll reaches 17000

66 killed in Pakistan: The number of corona infected in Pakistan has exceeded 4600. So far 66 patients have died in the country. The maximum number of cases in the country have come from Punjab province. In view of the increasing cases of infection, the Government of Pakistan has extended the ban on international and domestic flights till 21 April.

Death toll continuously increasing in America, more than 2 thousand death in one day
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Apr. 11

Trend:

Under the leadership of Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev, large-scale measures are being taken to combat the spread of coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in the country, Trend reports on Apr. 11.

Azerbaijans Parliament, having joined the campaign to support the fight against coronavirus, has prepared a social video.

Speaker of the Parliament Sahiba Gafarova has thanked law enforcement and customs officials, soldiers, border guards, doctors, nurses and all medical staff who are at the forefront on the fight against COVID-19.

Then the MPs, having greeted people who are worthily fulfilling their duties and civic duty, have expressed their support to them.

Moreover, the MPs have thanked all the people who adequately perform their duties in various fields.

We are presenting the video:
Julian Baines is the CEO of EKF Diagnostics Holdings plc (LON:EKF). This analysis aims first to contrast CEO compensation with other companies that have similar market capitalization. Next, we'll consider growth that the business demonstrates. And finally - as a second measure of performance - we will look at the returns shareholders have received over the last few years. This process should give us an idea about how appropriately the CEO is paid.

View our latest analysis for EKF Diagnostics Holdings

How Does Julian Baines's Compensation Compare With Similar Sized Companies?

According to our data, EKF Diagnostics Holdings plc has a market capitalization of UK137m, and paid its CEO total annual compensation worth UK346k over the year to December 2018. While we always look at total compensation first, we note that the salary component is less, at UK260k. As part of our analysis we looked at companies in the same jurisdiction, with market capitalizations of UK80m to UK321m. The median total CEO compensation was UK595k.

Pay mix tells us a lot about how a company functions versus the wider industry, and it's no different in the case of EKF Diagnostics Holdings. Speaking on an industry level, we can see that nearly 68% of total compensation represents salary, while the remainder of 32% is other remuneration. Our data reveals that EKF Diagnostics Holdings allocates salary in line with the wider market.

This would give shareholders a good impression of the company, since most similar size companies have to pay more, leaving less for shareholders. Though positive, it's important we delve into the performance of the actual business. The graphic below shows how CEO compensation at EKF Diagnostics Holdings has changed from year to year.

AIM:EKF CEO Compensation April 11th 2020

Is EKF Diagnostics Holdings plc Growing?

Over the last three years EKF Diagnostics Holdings plc has seen earnings per share (EPS) move in a positive direction by an average of 63% per year (using a line of best fit). In the last year, its revenue is up 5.6%.

Story continues

Overall this is a positive result for shareholders, showing that the company has improved in recent years. It's good to see a bit of revenue growth, as this suggests the business is able to grow sustainably. You might want to check this free visual report on analyst forecasts for future earnings.

Has EKF Diagnostics Holdings plc Been A Good Investment?

Most shareholders would probably be pleased with EKF Diagnostics Holdings plc for providing a total return of 73% over three years. So they may not be at all concerned if the CEO were to be paid more than is normal for companies around the same size.

In Summary...

It appears that EKF Diagnostics Holdings plc remunerates its CEO below most similar sized companies.

Considering the underlying business is growing earnings, this would suggest the pay is modest. The pleasing shareholder returns are the cherry on top; you might even consider that Julian Baines deserves a raise! It's not often we see shareholders do so well, and yet the CEO is paid modestly. But it is even better if company insiders are also buying shares with their own money. Looking into other areas, we've picked out 3 warning signs for EKF Diagnostics Holdings that investors should think about before committing capital to this stock.

If you want to buy a stock that is better than EKF Diagnostics Holdings, this free list of high return, low debt companies is a great place to look.

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.
Experts have answered the key questions Australians are asking as people adjust to radically different living conditions during the coronavirus pandemic.

Doctor and former federal MP Professor Kerryn Phelps together with economist Peter Switzer answered a series of questions on A Current Affair on Saturday.

While Australia is flattening the curve, experts have warned the virus is still far from defeated with the lockdown predicted to last for at least months.

Professor Phelps said people should wear a mask when on the street but should leave medical-grade masks for frontline health care workers

Should I wear a mask when I am in public?

Wearing a mask is currently recommended by the Centre for Disease Control when people are out in public.

Professor Phelps said that while people should be wearing masks they should stick to home-made fabric versions due to a shortage of supply of medical masks.

'They also recommended leaving the medical grade masks for frontline health workers and they suggested people wear a cloth mask.'

With 814,000 Australia's expected to line up in the dole queue before June many are seeking out additional casual work to stay afloat. Pictured is the line up at the Prahran Centrelink office in Melbourne on March 24

Will getting some casual work stop me getting Job Keeper?

With up to a million Australian's predicted to lose their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic many are seeking out the Job Keeper program offered by the government.

Economist Peter Switzer (pictured) said there is no information available on having a single casual job while applying from Job Keeper but he believes the it should be perfectly fine

But with 814,000 Australia's expected to line up in the dole queue before June many are seeking out additional casual work to stay afloat in the meantime.

Mr Switzer said there is no information available on having a single casual job while applying from Job Keeper but he believes the it should be perfectly fine.

'In this case, I think you could get the job keeper and get some more casual work,' he said.

'The government's not trying to stop you from earning money so I think that you could definitely get a second job.'

He said the current government fact sheet states that if a person has two casual jobs only one may apply for the $1,500 job keeper payment but they can still work in both.

What if I don't qualify for Job Keeper?

Australians are required to work for at least 12 months at a casual job before they are eligible for Job Keeper.

Centrelink payments also take into consideration the income of person's partner meaning that many will not be able to access the support.

Mr Switzer said in this case people are allowed to access their superannuation which will give them access of up to $10,000 before June 30 at the end of the financial year with another $10,000 able to be withdrawn in the next.

On Saturday Australia's death toll rose to 56 after a 91-year-old died with the total number of coronavirus cases at 6,303

Should I get the flu shot or wait until it is safer?

Professor Phelps said people should get the flu shot, particularly if it is offered through their work.

'Even if you've never had the flu vaccine before, this is the year to start,' she said.

'We need to avoid the threat of a double epidemic of influenza, and COVID-19.

'I would say that if your workplace is offering a free vaccine, take up the offer, because many GP's have already run out of their early supplies and are waiting for the next round of supplies to come in and they have patients on a waiting list.'

Health expert and former federal MP Professor Kerryn Phelps (pictured) said people should avoid touching each other's pets as they can transfer coronavirus to and from fur

Can people pat my dog?

Social distancing requires that people keep at least 1.5 metres distance between each other and Professor Phelps said the same caution should apply to pets.

'I would advise against it - that would put the other person within 1.5 metre physical distance of you,' Professor Phelps said.

'Also, if that person's carrying the virus, they could transfer the virus to the dog's fur which you could then theoretically pick up on your hands.'

She said the reverse would also be true and by patting another person's dog could accidentally pass on the 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

Isn't the flu more dangerous than coronavirus?

Professor Phelps said one of the main reasons the flu season is not as feared as the coronavirus is due to complacency.

'I think that's partly due to do with the fact there's a vaccine to protect it,' Professor Phelps said.

'COVID-19 is extremely dangerous, it attacks the lungs and affects your ability to breathe.

'Currently there's no treatment and there's no vaccine against COVID-19 so we have to contain the spread as much as we can.'

On Saturday Australia's death toll rose to 56 after a 91-year-old died with the total number of coronavirus cases at 6,303.

Australians should not visit older family members under the current restrictions and should reserve travel for essential visits such as to the supermarket. Pictured is a woman at Woolworths in Coburg, Melbourne

Can I visit my older family members?

Visiting family members of other people outside the home is prohibited under the current government guidelines to slow the spread of cornonavirus.

Professor Phelps said with the exception of essential travel for reasons such as buying food or going to work people are not allowed outside the house.

'We're asked not to go and visit elderly relatives in particular because of the danger to them,' she said.

She said by visiting older relatives, people could be putting them in harms way and be risking a huge fine.
H ave you baked sourdough or banana bread recently? Its likely because everyone else on your Instagram feed is doing the same thing.

The UK is in a state of lockdown, with Brits being told to stay home in order to prevent further spread of the novel coronavirus.

Yet, in a time that should be enforced rest and relaxation, theres an overwhelming feeling - stemming from social media - that we should be using this time to be productive.

If youre not writing a book, going for daily runs, becoming TikTok famous or cooking everything from scratch, youre not doing iso-life right, or so it seems.

During this isolation period, a lot of people are trying to keep themselves busy, performing different tasks to keep their brain entertained but this is normally a mechanism of self defence, to avoid facing the reality and dealing with your deepest thoughts, British author and mental health advocate Rachel Kelly tells the Standard.

Thats why I normally recommend my readers to slow down and dont get caught in the madness.

Most of us have suddenly found ourselves with extra time, no more hour-long commute (for those who can work from home), no out of hours social or work commitments - the most exciting thing that happens in our week, and the most human interaction we have outside of our household, is going to the grocery shop.

While you could use this extra time to get some much-needed kip (always a good idea), or commit to an exercise routine, Kelly says there is a benefit to doing absolutely nothing.

She adds: One thing that has helped me is remembering that we are human beings who need time to be quiet. Even just an hour a day with no urgent task to complete can be all that we need to renew, recharge and reflect more deeply.

Yet this has proved a challenge. Partly, its fear of missing out (constant need to be inform, read all the news, keep up with the stress your body is used to before quarantine), or partly I also think is difficult to slow down because we live in a digital world inevitably sped up by instant communication and the ability to work 24 hours a day.

Kelly suggests that our inability to sit still and not utilise every hour of the day could be due to how we understand time.

The Canadian writer Carl Honore suggests that Eastern cultures tend to believe that time is cyclical and moves in great, unhurried circles, while in the West, we see time as more linear, a finite resource thats always draining away. Perhaps this explains why we are addicted to speedy action, Kelly says.

In an effort to slow down, Ive found it much easier to say no if I dont give the reason why. I dont need to share that Ive blanked out space in my diary for being time, however I totally recommend people to do it on a daily basis as its a fantastic way to be present and reconnect with yourself even in these challenging and uncertain times.

So the next time you sit down to watch The Chase and suddenly four hours in front of the telly have gone by, or when all you want to do on a Saturday is read your book, slowly, with a cup of tea in the morning sunshine, dont chastise yourself for prioritising the things you love. Before you know it, life will tick back to the new normal and youd wish youd taken the time to just be.
The Covid-19 pandemic, sweeping across the world, has caused serious public health concerns, anguish and apprehensions across our country. It has imperiled lives and put at risk the lives and livelihoods of millions, particularly, the most vulnerable sections of our society.

The entire nation stands as one in solidarity in the fight to halt and defeat the corona pandemic. The 21-day nationwide lockdown announced by you as a measure to fight the coronavirus is a welcome step. As president of the Congress, I would like to state that we will fully support and collaborate with every step ...
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California's top public health official says the spread of coronavirus throughout the state might not be as high as state officials had anticipated.

Secretary of California Health and Human Services Agency Mark Ghaly said Friday the number of hospitalizations today might not look much different over the next few weeks.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said detailed planning is already underway on how best to reopen the state. But he stressed the importance for California residents to stay home and stay away from each other over the Easter weekend so as not to undo the state's progress.

California will help skilled nursing facilities wracked by the new virus by providing additional bed space for their patients on a Navy hospital ship and shipping masks and gloves for their workers.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said Friday the state will also help track the virus in more than 1,000 facilities and isolate those who test positive.

Newsom warned that the state's skilled nursing facilities are especially vulnerable to the virus and that more than 1,200 residents and staff had tested positive.

Outbreaks have been reported in facilities from San Bernardino to the San Francisco Bay Area, and dozens of residents have died.
Admissionado wrote:

Hi MP999,



Thanks for sharing your background info!



In general, merit scholarships are difficult to obtain at top US business schools, especially for foreign (non-US) citizens. The logic is that, unlike an undergraduate degree, an MBA is an "elective" degree that isn't strictly required for a career, unlike a medical degree or a law degree. You will occasionally come across students who've received scholarship money, but it's usually a more nominal sum and rarely covers full tuition.



That being said, if financial factors will be important for you, you can always contact the admissions and financial aid offices of the schools that you're most serious about and ask them directly. Each school's policy can differ quite a bit, and sometimes there are individual alumni who have donated to scholarship funds at their alma mater for specific student profiles, but that's not likely to be advertised on the schools' websites. If you do happen to come across such a scholarship, you can inquire about the specific criteria involved, as those will also vary widely. (Your GMAT score is great, but it's unlikely to be a make-or-break factor for a scholarship decision.) Often financial aid offices look for students of a certain national origin, women, or students from a particular professional background.



Best of luck!



Doris

Thank you very much for your helpful comment.I am looking for a full-scholarship covering my tuition because I've heard that some people have been able to receive a tuition waiver plus living expenses. A friend of mine, for example, with a similar background to mine, received a tuition waiver plus $20k as award from a not-well-known university (ranked 160 in business) in the US. But he had a GMAT score of 770 and I don't know whether it was because of his score or not.
BRUSSELS - The coronavirus pandemic is sending U.S. unemployment figures to levels that could rival the Great Depression. In Washington, that might feel like the inevitable consequence of a health crisis that has forced a sudden halt to much of the economy. But the situation across the Atlantic suggests that the dramatic rise in U.S. unemployment - with 17 million people filing for benefits in the past four weeks - is a choice.

Q: But isn't Europe also on lockdown?

A: The economic situation in Europe is just as grim.

The French Central Bank estimates that its country's economy contracted by 6% in the first quarter, the worst plunge since 1945, for instance. But so far, workers are largely protected. Many governments have stepped in with costly programs to subsidize their wages to avoid layoffs.

The consequences have been dramatic. Prominent German economic institutes anticipate a bump in Germany's unemployment this year ranging from 0.2 to 0.5 percentage points. The Ifo Institute for Economic Research thinks the unemployment rate in Germany will peak around 5.9% midyear before subsiding.

(In most European countries, official unemployment figures aren't released as quickly as in the United States, so many numbers remain estimates for now.)

Compare that to the United States, where JPMorgan Chase estimates unemployment could hit 20% in the second quarter.

In Europe, demand for the government subsidies have been enormous, offering a strong clue that - if it weren't for the programs - layoffs would be dramatically higher.

In Germany, for instance, 650,000 employers had notified employment agencies by last week of their intention to make use of the country's short-time work program. Under the system, employees have their hours scaled back, and the government pays them up to two-thirds of their normal salary, while the employer pays little or nothing. Once the employer is ready to pay full wages again, everything returns to normal - there are no layoffs.

Many economists credit the system for having enabled Germany to come roaring back after the 2008 global financial crisis since its companies didn't lose the expertise of their workers and were ready to zoom to full capacity once the recovery started. This time, many European countries have imitated their neighbor.

Q: Isn't that expensive?

A: It certainly is. But so is a major economic contraction. And ordinary unemployment benefits in Europe also tend to be more generous than those offered in the United States, so the difference between subsidizing employment and cushioning the blow of layoffs is more limited.

Germany's employment agencies have already asked for an extra $11 billion to help address the demand.

The French system, meanwhile, is already covering 8 million people - a third of the country's private sector workers. The French government will cover up to 84% of a worker's salary, and the Labor Ministry estimates the costs will be $21 billion over the next three months.

But, as in Germany, the payoff will be that French unemployment increases will likely be fairly limited. One private analytics firm, Xerfi, estimates that the rate will rise to 9.6% this year, up from 8.5% in 2019.

The bump - though it will be painful - is a relative hiccup compared to the size of the economic disruption. French Labor Minister Muriel Penicaud has said that half the country's economy has come to a halt.

In Britain, the government has promised to subsidize up to 80% of workers' salaries so long as they are not laid off, but it is struggling to get its program up and running. The Institute for Employment Studies estimates the cost of the British program could be $50 billion over three months. The institute believes that unemployment has already doubled, from 3.9% to 7.5%, which is above the highest point during the crisis that started in 2008.

Hard-hit Italy, meanwhile, has simply banned its companies from making layoffs for 90 days.

Q: Could something go wrong?

A: The wage-subsidy programs will work best if the pandemic-related shutdown is relatively short. If that happens, then companies will be well-positioned to speed back to business with their old workforce in place - and, of course, the workers will have suffered far less economically in the meantime.

If the shutdowns drag on - into 2021, for example - then the programs will be far more costly, and they may also be significantly less effective.

The longer the economy remains in a coma, the more likely it will have changed in major ways once it reopens. If people start traveling less, for instance, it may not be sustainable to keep subsidizing the wages of airline or hotel workers whose industries may not bounce back to pre-pandemic levels.

But European governments have committed to this approach for the time being.

"We have one of the strongest welfare states in the world, and we have built up reserves for difficult times during good times," German Labor Minister Hubertus Heil said last month.

Q: Could the United States do the same thing?

A: A lot of damage has already been done in the United States. Companies that laid off their workers may not take them back.

In Europe, many governments had programs in place as part of their safety nets already, and simply expanded them to meet the size of the crisis.

Still, there are some suggestions coming from unlikely quarters that Washington try something similar. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., a strong Trump backer, said that the United States should copy the British program and cover 80% of wages.

"The goal must be to get unemployment down - now - to secure American workers and their families, and to help businesses get ready to restart as soon as possible," he wrote in a Washington Post op-ed.
Samsung Biologics (Songdo, South Korea) has entered into a manufacturing agreement with Vir Biotechnology, Inc. (San Francisco, CA, USA) for large scale manufacturing services for Vir's SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody (mAb) program.Samsung Biologics is a fully integrated CDMO offering state-of-the-art contract development, manufacturing, and laboratory testing services. Vir is a clinical-stage immunology company focused on combining immunologic insights with cutting-edge technologies to treat and prevent serious infectious diseases. The company has assembled four technology platforms that are designed to stimulate and enhance the immune system by exploiting critical observations of natural immune processes. Its current development pipeline consists of product candidates targeting hepatitis B virus, influenza A, SARS-CoV-2, human immunodeficiency virus, and tuberculosis.Vir's lead SARS-CoV-2 mAb development candidates, VIR-7831 and VIR-7832, have demonstrated high affinity for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and are highly potent in neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 in live-virus cellular assays. The company plans to proceed directly into a phase 2 clinical trial within the next three to five months. Samsung Biologics is expected to commence its manufacturing as early as October with the first engineering run, with potential commercial batches to be manufactured starting in 2021."We are proud to be working as a partner with Vir in their response to the global COVID-19 pandemic," said Dr. Tae Han Kim, CEO of Samsung Biologics. "With millions of people being impacted by this virus, accessibility to effective treatment is paramount. Vir's candidate molecules supported by Samsung Biologics' production scale have the potential to bring hope to countless lives across nations suffering from COVID-19.""Given the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic, our expectation is that there will be a significant need around the world for antibody therapies," said George Scangos, Ph.D., CEO, Vir. "Accordingly, we are taking proactive steps to reserve large scale manufacturing capacity to be ready to move quickly with any of our antibody candidates that prove to be clinically safe and effective. We are pleased to partner with Samsung Biologics who share our commitment to work with exceptional speed to address this pandemic."
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Linkedin Josa Lukman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, April 11 2020

Glenn Fredly (triwik)

Glenn Fredly, one of Indonesias biggest pop stars known for his rhythm and blues-tinged pop songs and socio-political activism died on Wednesday, bringing an abrupt end to a more than two-decade illustrious career in music. Glenn is survived by his wife Mutia Ayu and his 40-day-old daughter Gewa Atlanta Syamayim Latuihamallo.

Glenn Fredly Deviano Latuihamallo passed away at the age of 44 after battling a bout of meningitis he suffered since early January this year. His body was interred in Tanah Kusir Public Cemetery and despite his familys request that mourners not attend his funeral because of the COVID-19 outbreak, some fans still made their way to the burial ground to pay their respects.

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A list of all foreign tourists stranded in Vietnam is being collated so the authorities can help organise their transport home.

Foreign tourists visit Tam Coc - Bich ong tourist site in the northern province of Ninh Binh.

There have been cases of cross-infection caused by visitors travelling around the country unaware they were carrying the COVID-19 virus.

These include a 64-year-old Swedish man who went to a number of tourist destinations and then later tested positive for coronavirus.

Now the Government has asked relevant ministries to gather information about all foreigners stuck here, and work closely with the embassies and consulates to arrange their safe passage home.

The total number of people affected must be presented to the Ministry of Transport by April 16.

Information concerning foreigners here visa-free or on a tourist visa that has expired, or is about to expire during the social distancing period, has also been released.

If they do not have a guarantor and are unable to leave the country due to being quarantined or their flights have been cancelled, are being advised they could ask their embassy or consulate general to guarantee the extension of temporary residence (maximum of 30 days) to wait for exit and apply their file to the immigration department.

The deadline for the application is April 30.

People, who enter for working, visiting relatives or other purposes, the embassies or consulate general are required to instruct their citizens to contact guaranteed agencies, organisations and individuals in accordance with the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, Residence in Viet Nam.

For cases of overdue temporary stay of less than 10 days due to unavoidable reasons (with papers and documents proving it) usual fines may be waivered. VNA

Foreigners not penalised for overstaying during national social distancing The Department of Immigration is shutting offices for the foreseeable future, but foreigners needing visa renewals should not be overly concerned.
The YSR Congress government in Andhra Pradesh on Friday abruptly removed State Election Commissioner N Ramesh Kumar from the post by promulgating an Ordinance, amending the AP Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, curtailing the tenure of the SEC to three years from five.

Amaravathi: The YSR Congress government in Andhra Pradesh on Friday abruptly removed State Election Commissioner N Ramesh Kumar from the post by promulgating an Ordinance, amending the AP Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, curtailing the tenure of the SEC to three years from five.

"In pursuance of the promulgation of Ordinance No.5 of 2020, Dr N Ramesh Kumar, IAS (Retd), the incumbent State Election Commissioner ceases to hold the office of State Election Commissioner on and with effect from 10.04.2020," Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department Principal Secretary Gopal Krishna Dwivedi said in an order.

In all, the government issued three confidential orders to this effect, providing that a retired judge of a High Court would henceforth be eligible for appointment as the State Election Commissioner.

Consequent to the promulgation of the Ordinance, Dwivedi issued an order stating that the State Election Commissioner shall be appointed by the Governor, on the recommendation of the state government.

The State Election Commissioner will be a full-time officer and will have the status of a Judge of the High Court.

The State Election Commissioner shall hold office for a term of three years and the incumbent shall also be entitled for re-appointment to another term of three years, the order said.

The developments on Friday came in the backdrop of a reported tiff the Chief Minister had with the SEC after the latter postponed the elections to rural and urban local bodies on 7 March in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jagan complained against him to the Governor.

The state government subsequently filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the SECs decision but the Apex Court only endorsed the deferment of polls.

The previous TDP government appointed Ramesh Kumar, a 1983-batch IAS officer who retired as Special Chief Secretary to the Governor, as the SEC for a five-year term on January 30, 2016.

The opposition parties launched a blistering attack on the YSRC government over the issue and wondered what was the express need for such a backdoor legislation when the state was fighting a major health pandemic like Coronavirus.

The main opposition Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu and Congress state president S Sailajanath shot off separate letters to Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan taking strong exception to the promulgation of the Ordinance, calling it unethical and against the law.

Any amendments to the APPR Act would become applicable only after the current tenure of the incumbent SEC ends, they contended.

The opposition parties requested the Governor to uphold the rule of law and democratic values.

The ruling YSR Congress, however, called it a policy decision initiating electoral reforms in the state.
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Linkedin Dian Septiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, April 11 2020

Somethings fishy: Personnel of the Maritime and Fisheries Monitoring Task Force inspect a boat at its base in Batam, Riau Islands. The task force captured two fishing boats and arrested 22 crew members from Vietnam after they were caught illegally fishing in North Natuna waters. (Antara/M.N. Kanwa.)

As various government agencies scramble to contain the spread of COVID-19, illegal fishing in Indonesias outermost islands of the North Natuna Sea remains rife, a senior official at the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry has said.

Indonesias vast and porous borders have been subject to years  even decades  of poaching by countries as far away as China, but the coronavirus pandemic has dominated much of the headlines since it spread throughout Southeast Asia over the past couple of months.

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SOUTH GLENS FALLS -- State Police say a man was stabbed to death Saturday at a motel in the village.

South Glens Falls police responded to the Clear View Motel on Saratoga Avenue shortly after 7 a.m Saturday for a call about a stabbing, according to State Police. Arriving patrols located a dead man with multiple stab wounds. State Police did not say whether any suspects were in custody or other circumstances about the homicide.
U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams said African Americans are more at risk to the coronavirus due in large part to societal factors.

Data has found that the coronavirus has been killing black Americans at a high rate, and during Fridays coronavirus briefing, Adams said that there is no reason to say that people of color are biologically or genetically predisposed to get COVID-19." However, he said that factors like housing and jobs have likely contributed to the higher cases of coronavirus among black and Hispanic Americans.

They are socially predisposed to coronavirus exposure and to have a higher incidence of the very diseases that put you at risk for severe complications of coronavirus, Adams said.

--Check out all of PennLives coronavirus coverage by clicking here--

During the press conference, he said that Hispanics have represented most of the deaths in New York City and that in Milwaukee County, despite representing only 25 percent of the population, African Americans have been 75 percent of the deaths from the coronavirus.

According to the Associated Press, about 42 percent of the coronavirus deaths in the country have been African Americans of the publicly shared demographic data.

Adams said that just one in five African Americans and one in six Hispanics have jobs that allow them to work remotely, and said they are more likely to live in large housing complexes that increase the risk of spreading the virus. He also noted that in the Navajo nation, 30 percent of homes dont have running water, providing challenges to hygiene.

Were taking steps now in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic to reach, protect and strengthen all communities impacted by this disease, and especially our communities of color, Adams said. More details will be forthcoming, but we are actively working as the vice president and the CDC director laid out today on data collection, targeted outreach to communities of color and increasing financial employment, education, housing, social and health supports so that everybody has an equal chance to be healthy.

Adams also said that people of color are more likely to have chronic health conditions. He said that African Americans and Native Americans have issues with high blood pressure from a younger age. Puerto Ricans have higher rates of asthma and black boys are three times as likely to die of asthma as their white counterparts, Adams said.

The chronic burden of medical ills is likely to make people of color, especially, less resilient to the ravages of COVID-19, Adams said.

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.

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A Good Friday service has been held in Pariss Notre Dame Cathedral, nearly a year after it was devastated by a fire.

With the French capital under lockdown, only a handful of people took part in the ceremony, wearing hard hats and protective clothing because rebuilding on the cathedral is not yet complete and the interior is not entirely safe.

Al Jazeeras Natacha Butler reports from Angouleme, France.
In a move to ensure that the education of class 9 to 12 students of government schools here is not hampered by the ongoing lockdown, the district administration has decided to give them lessons through YouTube.

District Magistrate Indra Vikram Singh said he and other senior officials of Shahjahanpur have agreed to teach the students online through the popular audio-visual medium.

The nation is under a 21-day lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 to contain the spread of novel coronavirus.

A decision has been taken to ensure that the education of students of government schools of class 9 to 12 continue despite the lockdown because of COVID-19 outbreak, District Magistrate Singh told PTI here on Friday.

Directives have been given to the the DIOS (District Inspector of Schools) to apprise students of all government schools of the district that they continue their studies with the help of classes on YouTube during the lockdown, the DM said.

The DM said that besides himself, SP S Channappa, CDO Mahendra Singh Tanvar and other senior officers of the district have decided to actively participate in these online classes.
Former US vice-president Joe Biden has gone after supporters of Senator Bernie Sanders with new proposals to expand access to healthcare and curtail student loan debt.

Mr Biden proposed lowering the eligibility age for Medicare coverage from 65 to 60. He also came out in favour of forgiving student loan debt for people who attended public colleges and universities and some private schools and make up to $125,000 (114,000) a year.

The announcements came after private conversations between Mr Biden's team and aides to Mr Sanders, who announced on Wednesday that he was suspending his campaign. While they do not put Mr Biden in line with Mr Sanders on two pillars of the Democratic socialist's sweeping agenda, they represent concessions that bring the two sides closer together.

"Senator Sanders and his supporters can take pride in their work in laying the groundwork for these ideas, and I'm proud to adopt them as part of my campaign at this critical moment in responding to the coronavirus crisis," Mr Biden said in a post on the website Medium.

He said he would release more details in the future.

The moves marked the latest olive branch that Mr Biden, more centrist than Mr Sanders, has offered to the party's left wing. It remains to be seen whether the gestures will be enough to overcome considerable scepticism many liberals have about his candidacy - or how much further left Mr Biden would feel comfortable moving if they are not.

Mr Sanders lauded Mr Biden's shifts, calling his new posture on healthcare a "step in the right direction" during an interview on MSNBC.

"I think what you will see is the vice-president beginning to move in a more progressive direction," he added.

The senator has long advocated enacting a Medicare-for-all system in which the government is the sole provider of health insurance. He has suggested phasing in the plan by gradually lowering the age at which Americans can enrol in the programme.

In contrast, Mr Biden supports expanding the Affordable Care Act with an optional public insurance programme similar to Medicare. Disputes between Mr Biden and Mr Sanders over healthcare policy made for heated exchanges during televised debates over the past nine months.

Mr Sanders has promoted his own plan as a means of providing universal health coverage, including for the many younger people who lack insurance. A majority of uninsured adults between the ages of 19 and 64 were younger than 50, according to a 2018 study by Commonwealth Fund, a healthcare research group. Mr Biden said that his new healthcare plan was based in part on the tough consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.

"It reflects the reality that, even after the current crisis ends, older Americans are likely to find it difficult to secure jobs," he wrote.

On student loans, Mr Sanders presented a plan last year to erase all existing debt, going well beyond what Mr Biden and other Democratic candidates embraced. Mr Biden said on Thursday that his new proposal would apply not just to public university attendees but also to people who attended private historically black colleges and universities as well as underfunded minority-serving institutions.

"The federal government would pay the monthly payment in lieu of the borrower until the forgiveable portion of the loan was paid off," Mr Biden wrote. He said there would be "appropriate phase-outs" in the programme based on income, "to avoid a cliff".

In another peace offering to liberals, Mr Biden proposed paying for his student debt plan by repealing a provision in the recent coronavirus legislation that Congress passed and President Donald Trump enacted.

"That tax cut overwhelmingly benefits the richest Americans and is unnecessary for addressing the current Covid-19 economic relief efforts," he wrote.

Last month, Mr Biden nodded to Mr Sanders by endorsing a plan to make public colleges tuition-free for families making less than $125,000 a year. At the time, Mr Sanders responded with a tepid statement.

"It's great that Joe Biden is now supporting a position that was in the Democratic platform four years ago," said the senator, who favours making public colleges and universities tuition-free for everyone. "Now we have to go much further."

On that same day, Mr Biden endorsed a bankruptcy reform plan put forth by Senator Elizabeth Warren, another rival who ran to his left.

In announcing on Wednesday that he was suspending his campaign, Mr Sanders ended a push for the White House that started five years ago when he announced a run against Hillary Clinton. ( 2020, The Washington Post)
In the previous 24 hours, two more patients were confirmed, one community transmission case in Hanoi and a returnee from Russia, keeping the nations tally at 257.

The number of discharged Covid-19 patients went up by 16 to 144 Friday.

Of the 113 active cases, eight have tested negative twice and 20, once.

Hanoi still leads the nation in the number of Covid-19 infections with 120 cases, of whom 58 have been discharged; followed by HCMC with 54 cases and 40 discharges.

Hanois Party chief Vuong Dinh Hue said late Friday that people in the city have been seen going out in large numbers in recent days, when the nation is still in the 15-day social distancing period that would end April 15.

As the city has recorded at least two cases with unknown transmission source that have transmitted the infection to many others, the epidemic situation remains "complicated," Hue said.

"Were absolutely cannot be neglectful and let our guard down. The closer we are to winning this fight against Covid-19, the more difficulties we will face," he said.

"Following the social distancing rules is a hard task but that is an extremely important step for us to prevent the epidemic (from spreading further)."

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has asked law enforcement agencies to strictly discipline those violating social distancing rules and not wearing face masks in public places, saying "the results we have achieved so far are quite encouraging but the threat remains unchanged."

The Covid-19 pandemic has claimed 102,600 lives as it spread to 210 countries and territories.
The world has now officially crossed a grim landmark; over 100,000 people have died from COVID-19, with over 103,000 dead at last count.

The world has now officially crossed a grim landmark; over 100,000 people have died from COVID-19, with over 103,000 dead at last count. The number of cases is also increasing at an alarming rate with over 1.7 million confirmed cases.

The province of Hubei, China where the novel coronavirus originated, reported no new cases for the 7th day in a row.

Misery mounts in the US

The US became the first country to lose over 2,000 people in a day in the battle against COVID-19. 2,108 people died yesterday, taking the death toll to over 18,700. The US is projected to overtake Italian deaths later today and become the country with the most fatalities.

It now has over half a million cases. A significant amount of these numbers are from New York, where the death toll has reached 5,820 (777 in the last 24 hours) and graves are being dug en masse to bury the dead. However, hospitalization rates are flattening, presenting a glimmer of hope in a difficult situation.

The UK suffers its worst day yet, numbers high but stable in Italy and Spain

The UK saw its worst day in terms of fatalities, with 980 people dead, taking the death toll to 8,958. This leap is greater than any seen in Italy or Spain.

Italy and Spain seem to have hit their peaks, whereas the UK is expected to see a rise in cases for at least two more weeks. The worst affected area is London. The vast majority of people who have died in the last 24 hours had underlying conditions - only 56 didnt.

Italys PM Giuseppe Conte has extended the lockdown for another three weeks; the country has been in a state of lockdown since March 9th. Malaysia and Bangladesh have extended lockdown by 14 and 11 days, respectively.

France also reported nearly 1,000 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total over 13,000. However, there has also been a sustained drop in ICU admissions in the last two days, providing hope for recovery.

Turkey, which had already imposed many social restrictions, called for a 2-day curfew in 31 districts including Istanbul and Ankara. With just a two-hour notice, citizens panicked and rushed to supermarkets to stock up on essentials fearing further curbs.

Apple and Google to partner to develop tracking app

In a surprising disclosure, Apple and Google announced that they would work together to develop software that will provide users information on whether they came in contact with a COVID-19 positive person.

The two companies are fierce competitors, so the announcement of a partnership underlines how serious the current global situation is. The software will use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to establish a voluntary contact tracing network. For example, if you have been in contact with someone who later tests positive, your phone will inform you of the interaction and ask you to self-isolate.

It will be several months before the software is rolled out with full functionality, but given the market dominance of the two companies, it is hoped that the partnership will strengthen the implementation of contact tracing.

For more information, read our article on COVID-19 prevention steps every office must take after the lockdown.

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.
11.04.2020 LISTEN

Fellow Ghanaians, two ants do not fail to pull one grasshopper. Gradually, the fight against the deadly Covid 19 is gratifying and hopeful with the personalities who now join the fight to support their quota. Our elders say in times of an epic fight like this, the "fingernail" is a strong weapon, no matter how small it is.

It is refreshing and exciting to see celebrities, talakawas, society's riffraff, and almost all and sundry, actively involved in the fight, donating everything worth fighting the virus, to government.

When I heard about the Manhyia Palace initiative in the Covid 19 battlefield, I saw some flashes of hope and victory against the enemy, coming. God bless his royal majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. Though the strong do not need claps, his royal highness, the Asantehene, has done what Napoleon Bonaparte could not do. I say Ayikoo to him.

Again, a certain business tycoon in the United Kingdom by name: Nana Kwame Bediako, is reported to have donated his 15 million dollars Real Estate to be used as temporal hospital according to GhBasecom. He also promised to replicate that kind and generous gesture in Ghana if our recorded cases of the Covid 19, worsened.

For the avoidance of any doubt, I read somewhere some time ago that in the United States of America, 65% of the unemployed persons are those who abandoned their jobs for lack of appreciation. Even though I believe the government of Ghana has ungodly and grossly shortchanged Ghanaians in these trying times, let me commend it, at least, for seeing it expedient not to evacuate Ghanaian citizens back home from China. We have not been badly hit by the virus by now because the government saw it necessary not to bring home citizens from China. Although theirs was a clear lack of political will and capacity and not any display of clairvoyant prowess and power, we have benefitted from that "insensitivity" of government. And let no one be amazed because, according to Winston Churchill, the greatest lesson in life is to realize that sometimes a fool can also be right.

Italy and other badly hit countries were those who quickly evacuated their citizens from China. Our elders say "he is likely to be killed by a falling leaf, a man who fears extremely for his life." A clear case of hiding in the anus to escape fecal matter. God have mercy.

But, a spanner was thrown in the works over the week by the government when our dear President, Akufo Addo, tweeted what could best be described by many Ghanaians as a "spam", to wish UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, a speedy recuperation.

The public backlash and uproar that unsolicited tweet generated, was a pointer to the utter dissatisfaction of Ghanaians and gnashing of teeth about the response of the government to the infamous COVID-19 fight. Ghanaians, for all intents and purposes, descended upon the President with vituperative tendency, questioning his moral high ground to poke his nose into foreign affairs but keeps a straight poker face on domestic issues.

Ghana's partial lockdown has been visited by many challenges since the President announced it. The "Barracks Guys" are in town at the behest, invitation, and command of their Boss, President Akufo Addo, to take care of the lockdown, but many of them are overdoing the job.

A man was reportedly murdered in Ashaiman in Accra by the military for disobeying the lockdown order by the President. Several other Ghanaians have also been subjected to the iron fist of the Barracks Men who are lashing and rising many "body temperatures" of Ghanaians in town as they roam the cities under lockdown. It has since become a challenge the President seems to have studiously ignored, yet he finds it fit to cross the sea to the UK.

The question is, why did Ghanaians quickly open the sewage to lampoon and lambaste the President whose efforts to combatting the disease in the land have been remarkable and "globally" acknowledged as matchless and peerless? Remember the President has addressed the nation over six times, or?

But lawyers, they say, are liars. The subliminal messages or the body language of government, has led many to question the commitment of it in the fight against the menace, beyond the late evening addresses by the President.

However, the scandalous comments unleashed on the President said it all, that his preachments and regular sermons have not been digested in good fate by the majority of Ghanaians.

In fact, two schools of thought have emerged over the last few weeks with respect to the government's performance, or most specifically, the performance of the President in this period of our national annihilation.

Some clean-minded Ghanaians are of the view that government has only been clever by half, for reducing the fight against the disease to only testing citizens suspected to have contacted persons infected, and therefore does not deserve any commendation. For them, an elephant that kills a rat is not a hero.

The government is more resourceful than what it has been doing so far. It would be lunatic and capital folly for the government to delay unfolding the power it so pleased Ghanaians to entrust it with to contain the virus from horizontal spread until the "deaths boom" occur.

Other countries that are serious in their fight against the virus, have made it compulsory for citizens to cover their noses (faces) everywhere. Such countries have therefore been compelled to provide face masks, hand sanitizers etcetera.

Yet another section of Ghanaians presume the President has been really dedicated and committed to the epic global biological battle. For this school of thought, "the lizard that jumps from an Iroko tree says it would praise itself if no one does."

Indeed, the government has borrowed enough money to govern on behalf of Ghanaians. And the primary objective of every serious and patriotic government is to protect the security and safety of its citizenry. Hence, the government's struggle would never be acknowledged until it prioritizes the lives of Ghanaians over pecuniary goals and the Pyrrhic victory of Economic growth.

Is it not surprising that the government has borrowed over a hundred billion cedis in less than four years of governance and yet, has not found it relevant to dedicate less than 10% of that money to safeguard the lives of citizens?

Why is government quiet over the distribution of nose masks, hand sanitizers, and other basics to Ghanaians?

In other jurisdictions where prioritization of the lives of their citizens is key and not their registration for an election, free electricity and water have been leased for citizens to use in the next three months while at home.

Ghana government has no excuse whatsoever to tell us, inter alia, there's something they so cherish more than protecting the lives of Ghanaians and for which reason spending on Ghanaians the money they have borrowed on behalf of them is not a priority.

Where are the commitment and patriotism? What kind of phantom war against the Covid 19 is President Akufo Addo fighting?

If a business mogul who suffered to create a pyramid of cash sees the need to lease and convert his multimillion hotel to hospital temporarily, why can't the government be comfortable spending on the masses what is due them in their time of need?

If Kings who are no longer signatories to the national kitty are donating cash from their private pockets to help contain the disease, why is the government which holds the key to the nation's treasury is taking the backbench in spending in this period of peculiar mess?

If former Presidents are contributing to the coffers of the Covid 19, what business do those in government have to also donate to the same course they refuse to release cash belonging to the masses, to be spent?

Let President Akufo Addo sit up. The tempo, direction, enthusiasm, and momentum of his commitment to the fight against the COVID-19, have been disappointing.

Ghanaians don't need the Presidents salary, he must use the colossal amount of cash he has borrowed on their behalf, instead.

We won't fall for these "crumbs".

God Bless our homeland Ghana.

Abdul Hakeem Iddrisu,

(The Young Prof., The Young, By The Permission of their Lord, shall GROW.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 09:36:24|Editor: huaxia

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The first planeload of supplies from China for tackling the outbreak arrives in Mexico International Airport, Mexico City, Mexico, on April 7, 2020. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

Pledging more support, Xi also suggested that the two countries continue to exchange experience in COVID-19 prevention and control as well as diagnosis and treatment via such means as video conferences of experts.

BEIJING, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Friday that China is ready to continue to provide as much support as its capacity allows for Mexico's fight against COVID-19, including helping the Latin American country purchase badly needed anti-epidemic supplies in China.

Xi made the remarks in a phone call with his Mexican counterpart, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Noting that the coronavirus disease keeps spreading in Mexico and other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, Xi extended sincere sympathies and firm support to the Mexican government and people on behalf of their Chinese counterparts.

He said he believes that under the leadership of Lopez Obrador, Mexico will overcome the epidemic at an early date.

Mexican members of staff unload medical supplies from China at Mexico International Airport in Mexico City, Mexico, on April 7, 2020. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

Pledging more support, Xi also suggested that the two countries continue to exchange experience in COVID-19 prevention and control as well as diagnosis and treatment via such means as video conferences of experts.

Xi stressed that China, upholding the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, has always been actively carrying out international cooperation against the epidemic and firmly supporting the World Health Organization.

Recalling the recent extraordinary leaders' summit of the Group of 20 (G20) major economies, where he put forward four proposals on promoting international anti-epidemic cooperation and stabilizing the global economy, Xi said China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Mexico and all other G20 members to implement the consensus reached at the summit.

A worker carries out disinfection near the Angel of Independence monument in Mexico City, Mexico, April 6, 2020. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

He said he is confident that through the anti-epidemic cooperation, the friendship between the Chinese and Mexican people will grow deeper, and the bilateral relationship will have more strategic significance.

China, he added, stands ready to enhance communication and coordination with Mexico within such multilateral frameworks as the United Nations and jointly advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

For his part, Lopez Obrador said that as Mexico is at a difficult moment in the fight against the epidemic, China has offered valuable support and assistance, which is of great importance to the Mexican side.

Mexico has always maintained a brotherly friendship with China, he said, adding that his country will stay committed to actively developing its relations with China and strengthen bilateral exchanges and cooperation in such fields as epidemic containment and public health. 
While Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in India soared to 7529 cases, India on Saturday has allowed flights from London to evacuate British nationals stuck in India amid the nationwide lockdown. Manoj Gangal, Director of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA), Ahmedabad has revealed that several flights to London will ferry over 280 passengers in each flight. Flights are scheduled to depart from Gujarat on April 13, 15 and 17.

UK announces 12 more chartered flights to evacuate its citizens from India amid Covid

UK to airlift nationals from Gujarat

The flights on 13th & 15th April will arrive at 1245 IST & depart at 1530 IST for London. The flight on 17th April will arrive at 2100 hours and depart at 2200 IST. Each flight will carry 280+ passengers: Manoj Gangal, Director, SVPIA Ahmedabad. #COVID19 https://t.co/Cz6JuyZbxX  ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

US to fly out citizens from Delhi from April 4 as India's COVID-19 tally rises to 1637

Chartered flights to London arranged

On Friday, the United Kingdom announced 12 additional charter flights after its first batch of 7 charter flights back on April 6 to evacuate British nationals from Delhi, Mumbai, and Goa. These 19 flights will evacuate a total of 5000 people from India. As of April 6, there were over 35,000 British Nationals stranded in India.

COVID-19: US tops Italy as 'worst-hit country' with 19,715 deaths; single-day toll at 2000

US embassy to evacuate citizens from India

On April 1, the US embassy in India, stated that the US Mission India will arrange several flights from April 4 to transport their citizens back to the US. The embassy stated that US citizens in Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan can get in touch with the embassy to facilitate their travel to Delhi from where they will be flown to the US. Flights have yet to fly out US- which has currently overtaken Italy as the 'worst-hit country' with 19,715 deaths.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Five states extend lockdown till Apr 30, total cases at 7529

India evacuates foreign nationals

Earlier on March 27, 170 Japanese nationals were allowed to fly back from Delhi to Narita airport via Japan airlines. Two days prior to that, India facilitated the evacuation of 500 German nationals and 2000 French tourists via special airplanes amid the 21-day lockdown. Moreover, 300 Israeli nationals were also flown out of Delhi to Tel Aviv via an Air India plane. India has also allowed countries like Singapore, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and several countries to evacuate their citizens. Currently, India has barred all air travel - both international and domestic amid the spread of Coronavirus lockdown.
Food banks across the UK are struggling to stay open as the coronavirus outbreak continues to cause a sharp decline in volunteers and a shortage of food donations.

It comes as a new survey revealed the scale of the hunger crisis facing Britain. Some 1.5 million people reported not eating for a whole day during the first three weeks of lockdown, according to a YouGov poll for The Food Foundation.

The Independents Help The Hungry campaign has been supporting work going on across the country to ensure that everyone has enough to eat during the outbreak and is backed by figures such as London mayor Sadiq Khan, Labour MP Jess Phillips and TV cook Nigella Lawson.

While several food banks have told us they have been forced to close their doors, many of them are attempting to switch gears and move into the home delivery of emergency food packages.

Bassetlaw Food Bank in Nottinghamshire was forced to temporarily suspend normal operations at the beginning of April, after it lost more than two-thirds of its mainly older volunteers who are having to self-isolate or follow NHS shielding guidance.

Recommended How to support our campaign

Administrator Mark Bagguley is part of a skeleton team now working with Bassetlaw Council Voluntary Service (BCVS) to make sure the most vulnerable people in the area get food parcels dropped at their door.

You just have to find a different way of doing things, he said. Were trying to work others as best we can. Its very difficult to say whether the local need is being met, now that everything has been thrown on its head. You just have to help as many people as you can.

Despite food donations left in supermarket collection points dwindling significantly, Mr Bagguley is making sure the produce gets taken to the BCVSs central hub, where drivers deliver to people struggling with job losses, cuts in income or difficultly getting outside for health reasons.

The Welcome Centre, an independent food bank in Huddersfield, has lost 50 per cent of its volunteers since the lockdown began. Yet demand for help has roughly doubled in the past few weeks. Kirklees Council has sent two members of full-time staff to help the charity carry on by making home deliveries across the West Yorkshire town.

Many food banks are gearing up to make home deliveries (PA)

We normally help about 300 people in a month, said Emma Greenough, one of The Welcome Centres managers. Its likely were helping around 600 people at the moment  although its guesswork at the moment because things are changing so fast.

I think the problems are bound to get worse, Ms Greenough added. Theres a lot of people who have never been in trouble financially before  its upsetting for them, because they just didnt think this could happen to them.

Some were on zero-hours contracts, some were self-employed  and now they suddenly have no income at all. If the government could suspend the five-week wait for universal credit, it would be a big help to people.

Both the Trussell Trust, Britains largest network of food banks, and the Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN) are calling on the Department for Work and Pension to end the five week-wait on new claimants receiving their first universal credit payment.

Unless the government gets a grip on the problem of [declining] income, the level of need will simply overwhelm an already fragile system, said Sabine Goodwin, coordinator at IFAN.

Ms Goodwin said some of the independent food banks that closed a few weeks ago have already been able to re-emerge in a different form. At the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak at least 12 of our member organisations closed. Since then, three of them have reopened because they have been able to adapt and put new processes in place.

DENS Decorum Food Bank organising parcels for people in Hemel Hempstead (DENS Decorum Food Bank)

The DENS Food Bank in Hemel Hempstead, part of the Trussell Trust network, is relying on extra help so it can continue to operate. Demand for food parcels has gone up 75 per cent in the past few weeks, at a time the food bank is struggling with a drop in volunteers. It has forged an alliance with another local charity called the South Hill Centre, allowing volunteer drivers to make home deliveries to people asking for help.

A lot of people have seen their income drop and they dont have savings to cover them, said Wendy Lewington, DENS Food Banks CEO. For the self-employed, the government help that might be there in a couple of months isnt there immediately so theyre struggling to afford the basics.

Both the Welcome Centre and DENS Decorum Food Bank are looking for financial donations and non-perishable items such as UHT milk, soups, tinned meat and fish  proving harder for many food banks to buy in bulk at the supermarkets.

Special delivery: Felix Project delivers food to Great Ormond Street Hospital (Hannah Harley Young)

Despite the difficulties faced by small, local food banks, some of the larger food surplus charities  rescuing unwanted or short-dated stock from restaurants, retailers and manufacturers  are stepping up to fill some of the gaps.

The Independents Help The Hungry campaign is supporting the work of our key partner The Felix Project  which has teamed with two other large organisations in London to forge the London Food Alliance.

The London Food Alliance is now coordinating with all 32 London boroughs to make sure the new, council-run community hubs are well-stocked with supplies, and also providing meals for NHS staff.

The Independent is also encouraging readers to help groups that are trying to feed the hungry across the country  find out how you can help here. Follow this link to donate to our campaign in London in partnership with the Evening Standard.
TEXAS CITY  When Larry Edrozo got a phone call from his mothers nursing home in Texas City telling him she was being treated for the novel coronavirus with an unproven pharmaceutical drug, he had two questions: why was she getting the drug if she had not been showing symptoms, and who gave consent?

Helen Edrozo, 87, is one of 56 residents at the Resort at Texas City who tested positive for the coronavirus. At least one resident, an elderly woman, has died. Edrozo and 38 others are being medicated with hydroxychloroquine, a drug sold under the brand name Plaquenil that is typically used to treat malaria and lupus and has shown some evidence of possibly tamping down symptoms of the virus.

The use of hydroxychloroquine to treat coronavirus patients has drawn controversy globally as the medical community and public debate the ethics of testing a medication before significant research is available  and in the case of elderly patients such as those at The Resort at Texas City, on a population that is statistically more vulnerable to the virus. While President Donald Trump has touted the drugs benefits, a large controlled study of hydroxychloroquine has not yet been completed, and some doctors warn the drug combination used for the experimental treatment could have severe, potentially deadly side effects.

Larry Edrozo was initially told by an administrator at the nursing home that Helen would not eligible for hydroxychloroquine treatment because she was not showing symptoms. But on Monday, a nurse at the facility phoned him to tell him that his mothers carbon monoxide levels in her blood had elevated slightly and that she had already begun a hydroxychloroquine dose.

Edrozo was stunned. His mother has dementia, meaning that, as her power of attorney, he is supposed to sign off on any medical treatment she receives at the nursing home.

I (told the nurse), OK, well, since youve already started (treatment), I guess I would write in my notes that the question was raised about consent and what happened to that? Edrozo said. I have not received a call back.

Dr. Robin Armstrong, the medical director at The Resort, who prescribed the medication shortly after Amneal Pharmaceuticals donated 1 million tablets to the Texas Department of State Health Services pharmacy, said the decision was between him and his patients. He said he did not notify families before the drugs were administered because it was not necessary and time consuming.

If I had to call all the families for every medicine that I started on a patient, I wouldnt be treating any patients at all; I would just be talking to families all the time, Armstrong said

But ethicists say informed consent is one of the most important factors in any treatment, and several people with family members at the Resort at Texas City being treated with hydroxychloroquine say that they were not asked to give consent, despite having power of attorney over their sick relatives.

Still, faced with the desperation of potentially losing his mother to the coronavirus, Edrozo felt he had no other choice than accept this course of treatment.

When the people are blasting the doctors and the governors office about human guinea pigs, Im sort of there with them, Edrozo said. But then I want to ask them, What if it was your mother, or your spouse or your child?

The success of hydroxychloroquine in treating coronavirus patients has been largely anecdotal. Dr. Philip Keiser, the local health authority for the Galveston County Health District, said that the drug has some activity against the virus when observed in test tubes, but to conclusively test its efficacy, a randomized clinical trial would have to be convened.

The county health district partnered with the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston to test residents at the Texas City nursing home, and Keiser said he was also part of the discussion as to whether to treat residents with hydroxychloroquine.

My position on (hydroxychloroquine treatment) is, its a legal drug, doctors use drugs for off-label uses all the time and when faced with difficult situations sometimes youre left with, we could do nothing or we could try this, we dont know whether it can work or not, Keiser said.

Indeed, doctors legally can and do prescribe drugs for a different purpose than those formally approved by the FDA. But medical ethicists like Savitri Fedson, associate professor in the Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy at Baylor College of Medicine, say doctors have an obligation to thoroughly explain to patients the risks and benefits and give them a choice about whether to participate.

The question is: Is he getting consent from these patients? How is he phrasing it to these patients? Fedson said.

Armstrong said he explained to patients that he believes the drug could help them and told them he was going to prescribe it to them. Kristi Dosss mother, Janet Thomas, 65, was one of the coronavirus-positive residents placed on the medication after her oxygen levels dropped slightly. Doss asked Thomas whether the drug treatment was presented as an option.

They werent really giving much of a choice, it was just This is the medicine that we have to give you, heres what its for, Doss said. The nurse did tell us that it was doctors orders.

Doss is torn about the unproven treatment. Her mother gets regular dialysis treatment and also has congestive heart failure, two conditions that the FDA highlights as noteworthy enough to inform your medical provider before taking hydroxychloroquine. Doss hasnt seen her mother in over a month  The Resort barred all visitors on March 12  and believes the medication might allow her to visit again soon. Still, as her mothers power of attorney, she is not happy with the lack of consultation.

We dont want to have her take this medicine but at the same time the medicine may possibly be the only thing keeping her alive, Doss said. Its a really hard dilemma to be in.

Others are more desperate. Melissa Dominys mother, Shirley, 69, has Alzheimers and tested positive for the coronavirus at The Resort. Dominy cares for her father, who has a lower back compression fracture and is unable to move, while also working full-time at Kroger. Her father sits in a chair at her Bacliff home and cries all day, distraught over his wifes condition and the fact he cant visit her.

When Dominy found out from a nurse at The Resort that her mother was put on hydroxychloroquine, she was elated at the possibility that they would get to see her again, but acknowledged she would have liked to be informed about the treatment beforehand.

Yes, there are some side effects but Id rather her be a little dizzy and lightheaded than to die from (coronavirus), you know? Dominy said.

If a patient has the ability to consent, Fedson said a doctor is not required to inform anyone else about a particular treatment, she said. Legal guardians or medical power of attorney may need to be consulted, but it depends what kind of permissions theyd previously given the doctor.

For a procedure or surgery, Armstrong said he would have contacted power of attorney, but not a change of medication, which happens routinely. He said the first group of nine patients being treated with the drug finished their five-day treatment on Wednesday and are stable. None of their respiratory problems have grown more severe, Armstrong said, addressing one of the most serious complications of the virus.

But the absence of clear consent in the cases of residents at The Resort being treated with hydroxychloroquine has been exacerbated by the facilitys lack of transparency in the wake of the outbreak a little over a week ago.

More than a dozen people with family members at The Resort interviewed by the Houston Chronicle said they didnt know whether their relatives had tested positive for the virus until after news was reported on April 2.

While The Resorts administration has not released any public statement since the outbreak, an April 5 letter obtained by the Chronicle sent from Jan Piveral, executive director of the facility, to family members of residents, acknowledged the communication breakdown.

Unfortunately, prior to the facility obtaining the results, the number of positive tests were disclosed to the public, of both resident and staff, which created panic, chaos for you and for us, Piveral wrote. The facility did not have the results on every resident and was unable to contact you, prior to the public disclosure.

For Haylee Bulmer, the lack of information about her grandmothers condition sowed panic and confusion. Katherine Thibodeaux, 77, who has Parkinsons disease and suffers memory loss, was one of the residents who tested positive for the virus, but Bulmer and her family did not find out until days after they saw the news on TV.

Bulmer, who lives in Nevada, was prepared to fly to surprise Thibodeaux as a late birthday present but moved up her flight a week earlier after the news. At 12 weeks pregnant, Bulmer knew she was taking a risk by flying  she brought her 2-year old daughter as well  but her grandparents raised her and she wanted to provide some comfort to her grandfather.

Shortly after she landed in Houston on April 4, Bulmers mother and grandfather were informed that she had tested positive. Days later, they were informed she had already begun hydroxychloroquine treatment. When they visited Thibodeaux that same weekend  visitors are allowed to see residents from outside the facility  it was unclear to Bulmer if she was even aware she had the virus, let alone that she was being treated for it.

She was trying to tickle my daughter through the window, Bulmer said. She was trying to communicate but Im not 100 percent sure she knows she has the virus. She seems to understand but she forgets too.

nick.powell@chron.com
The U.S. Small Business Administrations new Paycheck Protection Program has allocated nearly $350 billion in loans to help stanch the massive job losses unleashed by the coronavirus crisis. But a large number of applicants say they are struggling to secure a piece of that aid.

Created through the $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid Relief, and Economic Security Act, the PPP has faced a torrent of complaints since its April 3 launch. Many business owners say they are grappling with an unwieldy and confusing process to get the federally guaranteed loans that they need to cover payroll expenses and other costs, while banks are scrambling to respond to the borrowing spike.

Its very overwhelming, said Michael Marchetti, owner of Columbus Park Trattoria in Stamford, Applausi Osteria in Greenwich and Tarantino Restaurant in Westport. If youre a small business that doesnt have resources or good accountants, youre really up the creek without a paddle.

In a statement to Hearst Connecticut Media, the SBA said the Treasury (Department) and the U.S. Small Business Administration, coordinating closely with the White House, are working at record speed to execute on the Paycheck Protection Program. Our top priority is making sure these programs are up and running as fast as possible to provide relief to American workers and businesses.

Tackling huge job losses

Unprecedented job losses have created the need for the program, as the novel coronavirus continues to spread across the country.

During the past three weeks, 16.8 million Americans have filed for unemployment assistance. That total equates to more than one in 10 workers who have lost their jobs.

In Connecticut, the state Department of Labor has received more than 302,000 unemployment claims since March 13. By Wednesday, about 133,000 had been processed.

What were trying to attain is to take the individuals off the unemployment line to assure them that going forward they will have a position, Mark Hayward, the SBAs interim Connecticut district director said Tuesday in an online Town Hall meeting with U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Connecticut.

In PPPs first three days, Connecticut-based small businesses responded by applying and gaining approval for nearly 1,300 loans. A total of about $643 million was allocated to those applicants.

More recent statewide numbers were not immediately available from the SBA.

Eligible applicants for the 1-percent-interest loans include businesses with fewer than 500 employees, as well as independent contractors. They can receive up to 2.5 times their average monthly payroll expenditures, including health-care benefits, and cover annual salaries up to $100,000.

Loans can be fully forgiven if employers keep or quickly rehire employees and sustain salary levels. At least 75 percent of a loan must be directed to payroll costs, while up to 25 percent can be directed to other expenditures including rent, mortgage interest and utilities.

Those provisions have not convinced Marchetti, who has temporarily laid off about 75 percent of his employees. He wants to bring them back, but he wonders whether they would collect more in the meantime from unemployment insurance and how they would be deployed while his restaurants dining rooms remain closed because of the states temporary ban on sit-down service.

This is such a confusing and mysterious process. Nothing makes sense, Marchetti said. If Im working with a skeleton crew, and I hire employees back in order to get funds to pay employees, what do I have them do? And if I have them do something thats not in their job description, am I violating any labor laws? Its just very vague.

Arduous application process

Small businesses are applying for the PPP loans through 7A lenders, which process and vet the requests. That group includes banks and credit unions.

Complaints about the process have quickly mounted.

I have not heard back from any of them  theyre all pending, Marchetti said of his SBA applications. He also applied for the SBAs three other coronavirus relief programs. Some we had to scramble and had to re-apply because we were under the assumption that Bank A took care of Restaurant B. But Bank A does not take care of Restaurant B.

Jared Greenman, owner of Funky Monkey Toys & Books on Greenwich Avenue, gave a similar account.

Its been somewhat stressful trying to figure out exactly what paperwork we will need, when we will hear back from the bank to move forward with the application and if approved when the loan would be direct deposited into our account, Greenman said. Small businesses like ourselves need this money now to survive.

Others have been stymied by complex application requirements.

The people who are getting these loans are not the small small businesses. They are companies with CFOs and accountants who can decipher the formulas, determine calculations and gather the documentation, said Womens Business Development Council CEO and President Fran Pastore. Small businesses, especially service-based businesses, are very unlikely to have this information at the ready. Hence, they are missing out  It is an absolute nightmare.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, told Hearst Connecticut Media that he had heard from many business owners who were unhappy with the complexity and slowness of the approval process.

The (program) goals are superb, the basic structure is sound, but the numbers of applications have been huge, so the lenders and SBA have been deluged, Blumenthal said. The process needs to be simplified and expedited.

Others have fared better with their requests.

There was some confusion last week, but all has been cleared up with the banks I work with, said Bill Keough, owner of Keoughs Paint and Hardware in Ridgefield, who also applied for the SBAs Economy Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance. It is an easy online process.

At the same time, many bankers are battling just to start distributing the loans.

Stamford-based First County Bank typically approves about five commercial loans in a week. It has so far approved about 250 PPP loans, with another 160 applications submitted to the SBA for final processing and about 250 awaiting the banks review.

It is taking all applications, as long as new customers are willing to open deposit accounts to receive the money.

In the past week, First County officials have had to sift through masses of minutiae. They needed to adapt, for instance, to SBA guidelines issued this week on the proper loan-note documents to use.

First County aims to start disbursing the loans sooner rather than later, according to Chief Lending Officer and Executive Vice President Sara Tucker.

Were here to help the community, we want to be able to do this, and were running as fast as we can, but the mechanics of this particular program were not rolled out to the banks early enough and with sufficient time to be able to really put the best processes in place, Tucker said. Were kind of doing it each day the best we can and getting through it. There certainly is more demand than I think anyone anticipated.

Congress eyes more funding

Amid the deluge in applications, Congress members on both sides of the aisle are looking to bolster the PPP funding.

By 2 p.m. Thursday, SBA said it had approved more than 497,000 applications  worth more than $127 billion and distributed through more than 3,900 lending institutions.

Partisan squabbling has hindered the passage of a follow-up bill. A Republican proposal would add $250 billion to the program, but Democrats also want to provide more assistance to hospitals and state and local governments.

Ive been reassuring businesses in video conferences throughout this week that Congress will replenish the funds, Blumenthal said. Theres a strong demonstrated need for this assistance.

Murphy has staked out a similar position.

At the very least, even if we dont change the nature of the program, were going to have to come back, I think, and appropriate additional dollars, Murphy said Tuesday in his online Town Hall.

Small business owners like Marchetti would welcome supplemental funds, but those extra allocations would not speed up their anxious waits for the PPP support.

If my business dies, the ripple effect would be so great for my family and my employees families, Marchetti said. Were all running on fumes as it is right now. My obligation is to ensure that my business, in a month or two, is still viable so that my employees have a job and I have a job.

pschott@stamfordadvocate.com; twitter: @paulschott
Alabama added more people last year than in any recent year since 2012, and the states growth seems to be accelerating. But most of that growth is in just a few spots - as most counties are still losing people.

Just three counties - Madison, Baldwin and Limestone - made up well more than half of the states total growth. In fact, Limestone, just west of Madison and part of the Huntsville metropolitan area, unseated Baldwin as the fastest-growing county in Alabama.

Between 2018 and 2019, 38 of the states 67 counties lost people, according to recently released etsimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. Yet statewide growth seems to be accelerating, as the overall growth rate has increased each of the last three years.

Alabama added a net of more than 15,500 people between 2018 and 2019. Thats the highest yearly population gain in the state since 2011-2012, when the state population grew by 16,500. Alabamas growth has been, and remains, fairly stagnant, as growth in a few urban areas is largely offset by losses in rural pockets.

Alabamas growth is buoyed mainly by six fast-growing counties. They are the only ones to add more than 1,000 people in 2019, and most have been growing quickly for years. See those in darker blue on the map below.

[Cant see the map? Click here.]

Most growth

Baldwin County, on the coast, had been the fastest-growing county in the state for the last five years, but not anymore.

In 2019, Limestone added nearly 3,000 people, good for a 2.85 percent increase - the fastest rate in Alabama. Limestone is now home to almost 99,000. Its recent growth has been fueled by the announcement of the Toyota Mazda plant in Huntsville. The plant, which is still under construction, is in Limestone County and will bring thousands of jobs to the area.

Baldwin is still growing like wildfire, adding more than 5,000 people in 2019 to reach 223,000. Thats a one-year growth rate of 2.47 percent. It and Limestone are the only counties to add more than 2 percent to their populations in 2019. Viewed since 2010, Baldwin is by far the fastest-growing county in Alabama. It has added more than 40,000 people, a growth of 21.9 percent, since the last full Census. For perspective, there were 37 counties in Alabama with fewer than 40,000 total people in 2019.

Madison, home of Huntsville, was the third fastest-growing county in 2019, but added the most total people at 5,900. It grew by 1.6 percent to reach just under 373,000. The other counties to add more than 1,000 people last year were Shelby (2,119 new people, 1% growth, population 217,702), an affluent suburb of Birmingham; Houston (1,112 new people, 1% growth, population 105,882) , home of Dothan, the hub of the Wiregrass region in southeast Alabama; and Tuscaloosa (1,036 new people, 0.5% growth, population 209,355), home of the University of Alabama.

Black Belt rapidly shrinking

A large cluster of counties in southwest Alabama make up the heart of the states population loss. Many of those counties are in the Black Belt, one of the states poorest regions. Dallas County, home of Selma, an important city in the Civil Rights movement, has been losing people at the fastest rate in the state in recent years. Dallas lost more than 1,000 people, or nearly 3 percent of its population in 2019, to reach just over 37,000 people. Its seen its total population decline by more than 15 percent since 2010.

Dallas is one of three counties - all in the Black Belt - to see a population decline of more than 15 percent since 2010. Perry County, one of the least populous counties in Alabama, shrank by 15.5 percent from 2010 to 2019. Macon County, just east of Montgomery, shrank by nearly 16 percent - the highest percentage loss in Alabama.

Nine of the 10 fastest-shrinking counties since 2010 are in the Black Belt, according to a definition of counties in the region from the University of Alabamas Culverhouse College of Business.

Every Black Belt County except two shrank since 2010, and 13 of the 17 counties shrank by more than six percent.

Russell County, along the Georgia border, and Pike County, home of Troy University, are the only traditional Black Belt counties to gain people 2010. Pike lost people from 2018 to 2019. Russell is part of the Columbus, Ga., metro area, and home to Phenix City. Its actually the sixth fastest growing county in Alabama since 2010.

[Cant see the chart? Click here.]

Fastest gainers

Five Counties have grown by more than 10 percent since 2010.

Baldwin and Limestone are Nos. 1 and 2, followed by Lee County. Lee is home to Auburn University, and has consistently been near the top of the list in growth rate over the past decade, but Census data suggests its growth may be slowing. In 2012, it was the fastest growing county in Alabama, seeing a growth of more than 3 percent. In 2019, Lee added just .5 percent, or nearly 900 people. Still, Lee has grown by nearly 17 percent since 2010.

Shelby County is the fourth fastest growing since 2010, with a rate of more than 11 percent. Madison rounded out the top five with a rate just less than 11 percent.

Limestone County is trending up, while Lee is trending down. | graphic by Ramsey Archibald

Other large counties

Jefferson County, the most populous in the state and home to Birmingham, has remained mostly stagnant since 2010, and lost people last year. Since 2010 its added just 358 people to its more than 658,000 population. Thats including a loss of more than 850 people in 2019.

Mobile County, the second most populous in the state, is also losing people, but just barely. It lost nearly 700 people in 2019, bringing its net since 2010 to minus 105.

Montgomery, home to the states capital, has been shrinking since 2010 but might be seeing its curve flatten off. Its population is down by more than 3,000 since 2010, but it lost just 18 people in 2019.

Do you have an idea for a data story about Alabama? Email Ramsey Archibald at rarchibald@al.com, and follow him on Twitter @RamseyArchibald. Read more Alabama data stories here.
High school seniors across the country have reported being dismayed to potentially miss out on coming-of-age traditions, like the prom and graduation, as the spring of their final year of school has been confined to virtual learning while the coronavirus pandemic keeps schools closed.

As of Friday, at least a few New Jersey high schools have started making backup plans so that students can potentially still celebrate the milestones.

When Bloomfield High School in Essex County learned it could no longer hold its May 28 prom at the Westmount Country Club due to the legislation that limits social gatherings as a result of the coronavirus, it started looking for other dates, the school said in a letter to students.

Its been rescheduled tentatively for July 15.

We understand that senior prom in July is not optimal, school officials said in the note, "but we think it is important to secure this day in an effort to provide the Class of 2020 the opportunity to participate in this time honored tradition.

The high school is still evaluating plans regarding graduation. If classes are able to resume prior the end of the school year, Bloomfield will hold a graduation ceremony for its seniors.

In Middlesex County, Woodbridge High School has not officially moved its prom or graduation, but school officials unveiled alternative plans in case those events cannot be held as scheduled due to social distancing guidelines.

The prom is currently slated for May 29, but the schools prom committee secured several alternate dates with its venue between mid-July and early August. Regardless of the ultimate date, the school said it is committed to holding a prom for its seniors, officals there said.

The district still plans on holding a traditional graduation ceremony, but if that becomes unfeasible, the school has a plan to hold a police-escorted caravan with all seniors from the Woodbridge Mall to the high school. Seniors would stay in their individual cars with their parents or guardians. Diploma covers will then be distributed to each car at the school.

Though she expressed some disappointment about missing out on major events, senior Jessica King, of Union County, told NBC News she was glad to be participating in social distancing because I know that its the best thing we can do to put an end to the virus.

Although its not an ideal situation, the safety and health of people around the world is much more important than a prom.

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.
UPDATE: April 12 - A case is registered but MLA has not been named as an accused as "he was in the village only to spread Covid19 awareness" and wasn't present when birthday was celebrated. His supporters have been booked.

Amid the nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in India, people have been asked not to venture out and not gather in groups to reduce the risk of catching the infection or passing it to others.

But for some absurd reason, some people are so convinced that the virus, that has affected more than 1.5 million and claimed more than 1,00,000 lives around the world, will somehow exempt them.

So they go around with life like any other day. Case in point Karnataka MLA Masala Jayaram (AS Jayaram).

In total disregard for the lockdown norms, the BJP MLA lavishly celebrated his birthday with over 100 people.

ANI

On Friday, he invited people of his Turuvekere Assembly constituency in Tumakuru district to join him his birthday celebrations.



Images from the MLA's birthday celebrations showed him cutting the cake and the 'guests' were served biryani and cake.

ANI

Deccan Chronicle reported that the MLA even delivered a speech to the gathering, telling them how important it was to beat back the coronavirus.

We do not know how the virus spreads. Social distancing is vital. Please wash your hands regularly with warm water, he reportedly said.

So far, Karnataka has seen over 200 coronavirus cases with at least six deaths, including one in Tumkuru.

Jayaram is not the first Karnataka politicians to violate the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

In mid-March, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa had attended a wedding in Belagavi where around 2,000 guests were present.

BCCL

He along with state home minister, Basavaraj Bommai, and the MP from Udupi-Chikkamagaluru, Shobha Karandlaje and others had attended the wedding of BJP MLC Mahantesh Kavatgimath's daughter, days after his own government announced a lockdown in the state.



Recently there was another similar incident in Maharashtra, where some 200 people had assembled outside the house of BJP MLA from Wardha Dadarao Keche on his birthday.

According to reports, the MLA, Dadarao Keche, had announced that he will distribute wheat and rice outside his house to celebrate his birthday. As the news spread, some 200 people assembled outside his residence, in blatant violation of the lockdown norms.

BCCL/FILE

Confirming the incident, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Harish Dharmik said the Keche, will face action under the Epidemic Diseases Act.

Keche told media that on his birthday he had decided to distribute foodgrain to 21 people outside his residence, but some political opponents circulated the message among people which resulted in the mass gathering.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-10 20:37:36|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese researchers have identified a neuroimaging biomarker that can facilitate the early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

AD is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive dementia. Neuroimaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help diagnose AD. Accurate data-driven methods that can classify and characterize the neural features of AD would be powerful clinical tools.

Researchers from the Institute of Automation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and other collaborators found that hippocampal radiomic features can be a promising personalized biomarker for AD.

In their search for suitable biomarkers, researchers proposed a novel hippocampal radiomic biomarker derived from structural MRI and systematically validated its reliability using neuroimaging data from over 1,900 individuals, including more than 700 located at six sites in China and around 1,200 subjects from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) dataset.

The study showed that hippocampal radiomic features are related to the clinical features and changes in cognition ability. Long-term follow-up data in some hospitals demonstrated that the markers could be used to track the progression of the disease in high-risk subjects.

The research was published in the journal Science Bulletin.

Liu Yong, one of the researchers, said the research represents a large, interdisciplinary and interinstitutional effort between clinicians and researchers to develop and validate an AD neuroimaging biomarker.

The methodology can be extended to the study of other mental diseases. It has important clinical implications as the biomarker is promising for the early clinical diagnosis or prognostic follow-up in AD, Liu said.

Liu's team has dedicated itself to neuroimaging studies of AD that could provide relevant information to clinical practice.

The team is now focusing on further verification work among people with high risks of AD in more clinical centers, Liu added.
Inside Hook

Great filmmakers are often great storytellers; its something that comes with the territory. And if youre looking for an fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the film industry, a new essay by Pedro Almodovar, published in translation at IndieWire, has much to recommend itself. While he engages in social isolation in Madrid, the great filmmaker has been writing about his life  from bygone encounters with Hollywoof royalty to more recent memories of award-season events.

Almodovars essay covers a lot of ground, and is written in a somewhat free-associative style. A passing mention of James Ellroys novels of morally flawed police in Los Angeles segues into a paean to the films of Brian De Palma  who brought Ellroys novel The Black Dahlia to the big screen, with mixed results.
Spring ISD board members received an update Thursday on the various ways in which seniors are continuing their work to ensure graduation, and how they plan to celebrate that graduation come June during the coronavirus pandemic.

Lupita Hinojosa, Spring ISD chief of school leadership and support, said the districts priority since they returned from Spring Break was their graduating seniors.

Schools closed during COVID-19: Spring ISD to remain closed until further notice

We want our class of 2020 to finish strong and make it to the finish line and so what we immediately did was we formed a committee and we called it the class of 2020 committee, Hinojosa said.

That committee is made up of principals, counselors, staff, parents and studentsabout 45 members in total, Hinojosa said. They are broken into various subcommittees focused on instruction and intervention, grade repair and credit recovery, college and career readiness, grade reporting and events.

Financial assistance for students: University of Houston creates emergency fund for students affected by coronavirus crisis

The events subcommittee has met twice and launched a survey last week asking students and parents about how they would like graduation to occurwhether they would want a virtual graduation online with a ceremony at a later date if possible, or no virtual graduation and a ceremony later in the summer, or no virtual graduation and no ceremony.

Of the 2,000 people surveyed, 40% wanted a virtual graduation and a ceremony afterwards if possible, and 44% wanted no virtual graduation and a ceremony later in the summer. A smaller percentage, 9%, said they wanted only a virtual graduation, while 7% said they wanted neither a virtual graduation nor a ceremony.

We want to be able to bring to the board a recommendation that we proceed with a virtual graduation plan and look for late in July a face-to-face graduation if its available once we determine the state of the district and the nation with this pandemic, Hinojosa said.

All seniors received their laptops to begin their schoolwork and instruction last week, while the remaining underclasses began receiving their laptops this week, Hinojosa said. Each students work is integrated into a three-week project-based learning module, she said, allowing students to work independently, while teachers are available to facilitate the learning and offer feedback on work through the program Schoology.

Another program called Edgenuity is being used for students who may be missing certain credits or have failed an end of course exam, as a way for them to recover credits during this period and ensure they get back on track for graduation, she said. This also involved frequent check-ins by teachers and counselors.

For grading, Hinojosa said they would want to use numerical grades, as opposed to pass/fail or met standard/not met standard as it may be difficult to average pass or fail over any year-long courses, with the project-based learning modules designed for teachers to assign numerical grades for them.

Hinojosa said the committee is also proposing students maintain their GPA for Advanced Placement courses regardless if the student takes the College Board exam. She also said College Board has adjusted this years AP exams to be shorter, at 45 minutes, will be free response, and students will be able to take them from home.

Our teachers are working with our students to make sure theyre prepared; however, in our resolution is that for this year only that if the students are unable to take the exam, that we maintain their GPA regardless, Hinojosa said.

Board Member Winford Adams said he had some concerns with delivering instruction with Schoology and Edgenuity and wanted to know how they were tracking instruction and baseline benchmarks for participation.

Im feeling like I need to see much more than I normally would be comfortable with, Adams said.

Hinojosa said they are able to see all of their high schools in the programs to see how they are doing, and that it was each principals responsibility to maintain logs and files and teachers must communicate with students at least twice a week.

Spring ISD Chief of Curriculum and Instruction Khechara Bradford said the district has never had this type of oversight at the district level before.

We are really breaking down major walls, Bradford said. Its a whole new world were entering into with teachers acting as a facilitator of learning and students working more independently and autonomously. Its one thing to see data and numbers but its another to look at their writing and have that rubric and really analyze it.

Bradford said teachers can work much more flexibly, making office hours to meet with certain students and follow up with them based on their needs, as well as provide feedback and revisions to their work through the programs.

Another benefit of this is students will be used to learning in an entirely new way, Bradford said, having tried things they may have never tried before. She said students will be much more engaged if given an opportunity to take a lead in their learning and research.

Its not an ideal situation, no one would have wanted it to happen like this, but as far as resources, I think were on a great path right now, Bradford said.

Board members will vote on a resolution approving these recommendations at the Tuesday board meeting.

paul.wedding@hcnonline.com
After one of the members of an isolated Amazon tribe died after being infected with COVID-19, fears are growing as they could be possibly be wiped out.

The first-ever casualty is a 15-year-old boy who lives in the rainforest in Brazil and a member of Yanomami people. He succumbed due to complications of the highly-communicable virus.

COVID-19 causes worry among Amazon tribes

Due to their remoteness and lack of immunity to foreign diseases, it is the first confirmed coronavirus case within the tribe.

Officials released that after acquiring the virus, he was right away treated at an intensive care unit at a hospital in the capital of the Northern Brazilian state of Roraima, Boa Vista.

Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta shared on Wednesday's press conference that they have confirmed a case among the Yanomami which has become very worrying. He also said that this calls for caution within the indigenous communities especially to those which have very limited contact with the outside world.

Read also: Fact Check: Can 5G Networks Really Transmit the Deadly Coronavirus?

According to the country's record, Brazil now has at least seven confirmed coronavirus cases wherein a 20-year-old woman from the Kokama tribe tested positive last week.

With Brazil having 300 ethnic groups with an estimated 800,000 indigenous people, around 27,000 of them were Yanomami which is known for their face paint and intricate piercings but despite their remoteness, the tribe was devastated by outbreaks of measles and malaria in the early 70s.

With more than 18,000 cases and a death toll of 957, Brazil has been the worst affected country among South American nations by the COVID-19.

Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil's president sparked criticism over claims that he hasn't taken the pandemic seriously enough after casting doubt on the advice of the experts with regards to social distancing, possible death toll and quarantining, On March he also dismissed the spread of COVID-19 as a media fantasy, and after a few weeks described it as a mild flu.

Brazil reduces environmental enforcement effort amidst coronavirus

Despite the concerns about a possible surge in deforestation, Brazil will reduce efforts to fight environmental crimes during the pandemic crisis.

Aside from issues concerning its environmental impact, it is also the possible angle that critics are looking at as to why there are indigenous people infected with the coronavirus.

Ibama environmental agency, director of environmental protection shared that the outbreak left them little choice but to send fewer enforcement agents in the field.

Olivaldi Azevedo estimated that almost one-third of Ibama's field operatives were near 60 years old or enduring medical conditions that make them vulnerable to the virus and have greater risks acquiring it.

Because of government budget cuts, Ibama has not hired new agents in years and Azevedo added that there is no way you can take these people who are at risk and expose them to the virus and there is no choice between one thing and the other for it is an obligation.

Not authorized to speak to the media, two sources at Ibama shared that the rank-and-file field agents were worried about their health and the hazard that they could spread the COVID-19 to the rural areas where they are assigned.

Related news: China Fears of 'Silent Carriers' Spreading COVID-19

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Nothing in our collective lives will be the same this year as it was last Easter.

We remain isolated as we strive to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Schools have closed. Workers have been laid off, furloughed or had their pay reduced. Those employed wait for the proverbial shoe to drop. We worry about parents at risk and the disrupted lives our children.

All amateur scientists now, we are well versed in flattening the curve, testing and symptoms. We know how the coronavirus spreads and attacks the bodys respiratory system. We exist in a life guided by charts, statistics, infection rates, unemployment numbers and the stock market.

What we hunger for is an answer, a certainty.

Given that, is there a place this Easter for a message rooted in something as nebulous as the concept of Christian faith?

Church leaders have been grappling with that very question.

And maybe knowing that is a small, but vital, part of Easter in 2020.

***

Lake Grove Presbyterian Church Pastor Mark McIlraith will live stream his Easter Sunday service for his parishioners with large gatherings prohibited due to coronavirus. Sean Meagher/Staff

In the best of times, writing an Easter sermon is always tough, said the Rev. Dr. Mark McIlraith, 50, of Lake Grove Presbyterian Church.

Christmas is the easy one, he said. A child, a historical figure, was born. But Easter deals with the most audacious part of how faith  Jesus Christ died and was resurrected.

McIlraith understands that faith is in short supply now."

But this Easter is the perfect season for a message of faith, he said. Death is not the last word. Thats why we should be celebrating.

He will be giving his Easter sermon in an empty sanctuary as the church practices social isolation.

This has all changed the meaning of faith, he said. What has been lost is faith in community. We now have to have faith in isolation.

The church, which typically has 700 worshippers on Sundays, has livestreamed services for people unable to come to church. A few months ago, 60 devices logged on each Sunday. Last Sunday, 1,300 devices were linked to the church site.

On Easter Sunday, I will be preaching to an utterly empty sanctuary save for a tech person in the back, said McIlraith. While I may be physically alone with empty pews, I will feel connected with my brothers and sisters in Christ.

People at home are asked to respond during the liturgy, even if they cant hear each other. Church musicians, playing from home, play hymns and those at home sing in isolation.

McIlraith said the times we are living in can serve as a reminder that Christian believers are bonded not by proximity, but through Jesus Christ. That belief, he said, makes this Easter even more meaningful.

The message is that God is bigger than the pandemic and bigger than death itself, he said. He proves it when Jesus Christ comes back from the dead with a new life. Going forward, that can be our story.

***

Father Zani Pacanza at St. Johns Catholic Church in Yamhill, Ore., April 10, 2020. Mark Graves/Staff Mark GravesMark Graves

For the Rev. Zani Pacanza, who leads St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Yamhill and Misson San Martin de Porres in Dayton, the challenge began two weeks ago when he had to prepare his Easter homily.

I knew it had to be real, he said. Nothing too high-falutin or unrealistic. It had to touch on reality, but also give people something to hold onto after hearing it.

The coronavirus pandemic has brought people to their knees, he said. He believed it was his responsibility to help them find a reason to stand.

All the things we took for granted are gone, he said. What do we want? What do we need?

While a learned man, he is also honest.

Even people of faith might think this is so unfair for a loving God, he said. A month ago my life was so good. It is not right. Why, God, why?

He falls silent.

I, myself, ask that question, said Father Pacanza. Its an ageless question.

Christian faith, he said, plays a role in the midst of the crisis.

If we are truly people of faith, he said, we accept that sometimes God allows a tragedy to happen to bring out something good.

As a people, he said, we are all aware that we  to use a cliche  are in this together.

We are aware of the heroism of the nurses and doctors, he said. If you are a person of faith, you know that something good will come out of this.

He knew that writing this years Easter homily would be challenging intellectually and emotionally.

It has affected me, he said. What do I feel the Lord wants me to tell people?"

He sat in a quiet room in his home, opened his laptop and considered what he wanted to say.

We will have a new life again, he said. That is the story of Easter. After this, we will see things differently in a dramatically changed world.

But how to say that?

I prayed, he said. It sounds mushy, but without that prayer, the homily would have intellect, but no soul.

Lord, just guide me into this. Tell me what you want me to tell your people. Fill me with your holy spirit, grace, and gift of wisdom and understanding to be able to preach your word.

And then Father Pacanza began writing.

***

Although he does not have to prepare an Easter sermon, the Rev. Brian Burchfield, 71, has written many throughout his long career.

A longtime pastor at Northeast Portlands Central Lutheran Church, he is now based in Washington state with the Evangelical Lutheran Church organization.

His perspective comes from spending the last decade working closely with pastors and congregations in more than 200 churches in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho and Montana.

This Easter Sunday comes at a unique moment in our lives, said Burchfield. Faith over fear is a quiet reality we all face most of the time. But its very present right now. Can we trust in faith?

He understands that science, in some ways, is our guidepost, as it appears to give clear answers, while the notion of faith in our lives can seem so formless.

Apples and oranges are both fruits, he said. But theyre not the same. Faith and science are two different ways of knowing and speaking about what we describe as truth. Science asks how. Faith deals with the who and the why.

This Easter, he said, Christian church leaders will be challenged to engage more deeply to reach those who listen to their message.

They must speak to our deep sorrow and pain, he said. They must also speak to our hope.

Burchfield said the core message, however presented, is that God is the giver of life and will not abandon us even when we cannot see any hope for the future.

Name our pain, our sorrow and our struggle, said Burchfield. And then announce our hope.

He said that life, as we know once knew it, is over.

A life that was unable to be imagined is now breaking in upon us, he said. Can we see hope of a new possibility? That is what resurrection is.

Reverend Audrey Schindler and Reverend J. Spencer Parks of the First Presbyterian Church of Portland livestreamed Maundy Thursday services, part of Holy Week, Thursday night, April 9, 2020 Beth Nakamura/StaffBeth Nakamura/Staff

This holy time of year has been one of great change for church leaders and congregations, said the Rev. Audrey Schindler, of Southwest Portlands First Presbyterian Church.

Great joy and great fear, she said. All of us are experiencing anxiety, loss and sacrifice. But if we listen, there are notes of hope and joy.

Schindler, 60, said she wants her Easter sermon to be a light shining in the darkness."

In this time, she said, the church cant be tone deaf. We need to be an anchor to hang onto these days.

While the forces swirling around all of us feel unprecedented, Schindler said a document recently found by a member of her churchs history committee offers a sense of hope.

Records show that in the aftermath of the 1918 flu pandemic, First Presbyterian Church closed for five weeks.

But we survived, said Schindler. May that be that light in the darkness.

HOW TO WATCH

Churches across Oregon are turning to streaming platforms to broadcast their Easter worship services. Follow the links below to watch services at the churches of McIlraith, Pacanza and Schindler.

St. John the Evangelist and San Martin: 9:30 p.m. Saturday Easter Vigil Mass and 7:30 a.m. Sunday Easter Mass at Zani Pacanza on YouTube.

Lake Grove Presbyterian Church: 9:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday at lakegrovepres.org/sermons/watch-live.

First Presbyterian Church of Portland: 10:30 a.m. Sunday at firstpresportland.org/service-broadcast.

-- Tom Hallman Jr; thallman@oregonian.com; 503-221-8224; @thallmanjr

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
It was supposed to be the spring that launched Sophia Kianni's climate career.

She had eight speaking engagements lined up at big-name universities - Stanford, Princeton, Duke. She had a 35-minute presentation prepared, explaining how concern for family in polluted Iran inspired her climate activism. She even had outfits: a favorite was the knee-length white skirt, paired with a green sweater and matching white blazer.

Then came the virus.

"Within a week, basically every single thing I had planned for got canceled," said Kianni, 18. That included a speech at a Smithsonian museum in the District of Columbia, a roughly 30-minute drive from her home in McLean, Virginia.

The coronavirus pandemic is threatening protest movements in countries ranging from Hong Kong to Lebanon to Chile, halting pushes to expand civil rights, topple authoritarian leaders and fight sexual harassment.

But it poses particular challenges for teen climate activists, who built a movement around the act of skipping school on Fridays and parading through streets in a highly visible show of rage.

"Usually, climate activism for me, would be to go out and act what I think," said Erik Christiansson, 15, who has organized marches in his hometown Soest, in the Netherlands. "Now we can't go out together, and even if we did, no one would see it."

Everyone Christiansson knows is obeying "stay-at-home" orders adopted by cities, states and nations across the globe. Some advocates have left the movement altogether, forced to prioritize family, health or financial concerns.

"It felt," Kianni said, "like our movement was being taken away."

Thai Jones, a lecturer at Columbia University who studies radical social movements, has searched for a historical parallel, some tidbit from the past that could help explain the current moment.

He has come up empty.

"There's really never been a situation like this, where everyone suddenly finds themselves isolated," Jones said. He noted that activists and movements "have had to adjust on the fly" before.

"But no one," he said, "has ever had to adjust to this."

- - -

Iris Zhan quickly saw possibilities in the upheaval.

Zhan, 16, attends River Hill High School in Clarksville, Maryland. She started pondering how to shift the climate movement online more than a year ago, when she wanted to participate in the Friday strikes but feared retribution from her school.

She connected with another student, George Zhang, whose school in California has similarly harsh rules about unexcused absences. Last year, they launched a virtual strike for students unable or unwilling to skip class. "#DigitalStrike," she and Zhang called it. They asked participants to post pictures with climate slogans ahead of class on Fridays. Each week, she and Zhang combined all of the photos into a collage.

They started out with 10 or 12 digital strikers. By the time the virus struck, they'd built a faithful following of 100.

Last week, more than 3,000 people took part - a boom fueled by a recent tweet from celebrity activist Greta Thunberg, who urged her fans to join the "#DigitalStrike."

"I do feel sometimes like it's a miracle coincidence," Zhan said. "Not corona itself, but the timing and the growth: This hit us right when we needed it."

The #DigitalStrike team has now expanded from a handful of Americans to 50 students across the globe, and they're beginning to pursue more ambitious projects.

"There are so many digital tools we are discovering," Zhan said.

- - -

Christiansson, in the Netherlands, recently joined Zhan's team. But he's also pursuing another project: With a group called Fridays for Future, he is producing YouTube "webinars" about climate change and the pandemic. A recent episode featured Naomi Klein, a liberal activist and author of "This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate."

Before the virus, Christiansson said, he spent roughly five hours a week on climate advocacy, working with local teens to plot a "chalking action" outside a nearby town hall or a "die-in" at one of the biggest railway stations in the Netherlands.

Now, he puts in five hours a day. After zipping through homework in the morning, he plants himself behind a two-screen setup in his bedroom. He fires up Slack, dials into Zoom and speaks instantly to high schoolers in Sweden, Scotland, Portugal.

"It's not a good thing that this virus is happening," Christiansson said, "but it has helped make more international connection."

- - -

Almost the moment Ela Gokcigdem learned school was out, she retreated to her bedroom. In the weeks since, she has spent every waking hour - from when she rises at 6 a.m. to when she falls asleep, usually around 2 a.m. - finalizing an environmental literacy course for high schoolers.

Gokcigdem, 18, dreamed up the class months ago, inspired by what she learned in AP Environmental Science. After some convincing, her principal at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia, agreed to offer the course to students this fall. Gokcigdem was also in talks with Arlington Public Schools about offering her class districtwide.

But in the months before the virus hit, she'd fallen behind schedule. She had taken to showing up to Wakefield at 5:30 a.m., fueled by a large iced tea from Best Buns, to squeeze in extra work before school. Still, when the schools closed, she had only completed the introduction and the first two chapters. She had at least 16 chapters to go.

"This course," Gokcigdem said, "is what's getting me through this quarantine."

When she is drafting chapters, or coding the online presentation, she doesn't have time to feel scared. She doesn't even have time to get dressed: Gokcigdem said she hasn't changed out of her pajamas in a month.

Clad in her beloved Post Malone sweatshirt (and often listening to his music), she taps away at her iMac, whose screen is littered with blue sticky notes spelling out lesson plans: "Privatization of nature - who does it belong to?" reads one, adjacent to "Planet over profit." Her only breaks are trips downstairs for food: plant-based bacon, banana milk, anything involving avocados.

Twenty-eight days since being sent home, she just wrapped up Chapter 18. She's still deciding whether to add a 19th.

"My mom is a little worried," Gokcigdem said. "She says she sees me less than if I was at school."

- - -

Kianni, in McLean, Virginia, quickly got over the nixed lectures. Her new project is a website that will offer basic information about climate change in "every single language," she said.

Her inspiration came from years spent translating English-language articles on global warming into Farsi for her Iranian relatives. Almost no media outlets in Iran write about the issue, Kianni said, so her family was skeptical.

Eventually, her efforts paid off, she said. Her grandmother, aunts and uncles cut their electricity usage, began using cars less often and even agreed to reduce their meat intake.

"That," Kianni said, "was a really big deal for them."

She hopes the site can help replicate her success for families worldwide. But until a few weeks ago, Kianni said, it was just a vague idea, something she planned to give more attention after graduating this spring from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Virginia.

Now, Kianni is on track to launch the page this month. She's calling it "Climate Cardinals," named for the state bird of Virginia, and because she hopes its information will migrate across the globe.

"It feels like I have to be using this time productively," Kianni said. "It's such a terrible way to have this time given to me, so I might as well be the light in a dark situation."

Whenever she gets discouraged or tired, pulling long hours in her bedroom, Kianni turns to the photo she keeps on her desk. Her grandmother in Iran smiles back.
A new online platform has been launched that will offer support to self-employed business owners as they struggle to cope with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Self Employed Ireland (SEI) which was launched last week aims to be a national collective body providing supports and training to its members across all business sectors.

SEI was set up by serial entrepreneur, Eddie Mulrooney, to bring together self-employed business owners all over Ireland to share knowledge, improve business partnerships and spread best practice.

SEI was due to launch as a paid platform later this year but the Sligo-based businessman decided to bring the launch forward and charge a nominal 2 membership as self-employed business owners struggle with the financial impact of the coronavirus.

Eddie, who has 30 years' experience working with a broad range of businesses and supporting the community, developed the idea for SEI after noticing a lack of support and information available to entrepreneurs during his own self-employment career.

Through his research, he found that many start-ups run out of long-term supports and often become vulnerable in business.

He recognised a need for a comprehensive and broad-ranging support system for self-employed business owners - of which there are more than 300,000 in Ireland.

With SEI, Eddie intends to provide a platform for the self-employed community to seek advice or direction to move forward through team learning and shared knowledge.

Training will be provided through a community platform which includes accounts management, employee management, life skills, mindfulness, revenue matters, marketing and more.

Members can decide which supports are best suited to their business needs.

Membership to Self Employed Ireland can be made through: www.selfemployedireland.ie

Founder and CEO of Self Employed Ireland Eddie Mulrooney said:

"Working together can greatly improve the process, promotion and profitability of all our businesses while learning from each other and spreading best practice throughout the working society. In this current climate, we are all being faced with financial difficulties from the coronavirus pandemic.

"By launching SEI Ireland now, we hope to provide valuable advice and support to business owners and help each other through these uncertain times."
American rock band Pearl Jam has postponed the European leg of its tour, which was scheduled to start in June, until June of 2021, amid coronavirus outbreak.

The band shared the on Twitter.

In light of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Pearl Jam's 2020 European tour dates have been postponed until June/July 2021. We are working with all of our partners to reschedule these dates and will release the new tour routing as soon as we are able, a statement posted on the iconic group's Twitter handle read.

Pearl Jam was also the first band to cancel a tour In March as COVID-19 became a global pandemic.

The group's next album is Gigaton', Pearl Jam's first since 2013's Lightning Bolt.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The mountainous region of Gyeongsang Province. Courtesy of Diane Nars Collection



By Robert Neff



In the early 1880s, change was forced on Korea.



Treaties with European countries and the United States brought diplomats, missionaries and a handful of businessmen  mainly to the three open ports and the capital. Some of the more adventurous Westerners traveled extensively throughout the peninsula and published their observations in official government reports and personal journals and books.



William R. Carles was one of these men. He first came to Korea in the latter part of 1883 with members of Jardine Matheson & Co. and traveled to their mining sites in the mountainous regions before returning to China.



In the following year, he was made the British vice-consul to Korea and, as part of his duties, traveled widely in the northern part of the peninsula. The book he subsequently published gives an interesting (and amusing) view of Korea in the mid-1880s and the changes to Korean society. But changes were not limited only to the realm of men.





A tomb in Gyeongju. Courtesy of Diane Nars Collection



Carles wrote:



"It seems extraordinary that Corea should be free from wolves, which are common in the north-east of China, and certainly in parts of Manchuria: as far as I could gather, wolves never make their appearance in Corea. On the other hand, tigers and panthers are constantly making depredations and carrying off pigs and dogs from the villages, occasionally even entering the towns."



That may have been true in the 1880s but by the late 1890s, wolves  although rare  began to appear and cause problems on the peninsula.



In January 1897, a pack of wolves roamed the mountains and hills surrounding Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. They raided pigsties and snatched dogs. They also preyed on humans. It was reported that more than 20 people living in the area had been killed that winter by wolves. But the attacks didn't just happen during the winter.



In the summer, children were occasionally attacked while playing alone or with friends near their homes. At night, many people slept on their porches and wolves would actually creep up and snatch a sleeping child. One large wolf in Gyeongsang Province killed eight children before it was hunted down and killed.



These initial incidents were mainly by small wolves hunting in packs and they generally confined themselves to killing livestock and sometimes  if the opportunity provided  small children. But by the early 1900s, the attacks changed. Lone wolves, much larger than the pack wolves, prowled the mountains and forests and deliberately preyed on women and children. Some speculated that the wolves were originally from Siberia and had been driven south  into Korea  "by special conditions, climatic or otherwise"





A sacred grove in Gyeongju. Robert Neff Collection



These wolves were said to be huge  some accounts claimed they were the size of small horses  but Horace H. Underwood dismissed these accounts as exaggerations. However, even he admitted the wolves were large and dangerous. He wrote:



"I know of an authentic case, however, which shows the size that some of them attain. It seems that some years ago, near Syenchun [Sinchon, North Pyongan Province], a boy was bending over, working in the fields when a larger wolf stole out of the woods and seized him. Shouts and the approach of men working in another part of the field drove the beast off, and the boy, a good-sized twelve-year-old, was hurried to Dr. Sharrock's who personally treated him and on whose word I have it that teeth marks from the upper jaw reached almost to the spinal column while those left by the lower jaw extended to the breast bone."



According to an English-language newspaper in 1916:



"The Korean wolf, which is locally known as the neuktai, is a powerful animal of the canine species, a little larger, but longer and thinner than the native Korean dog. In color it is brown and gray. It possesses piercing eyes and in the face of danger or while capturing prey shows wonderful agility, hiding itself in underbrush, jumping over high cliffs or swiftly swimming across rivers and lakes.



"In attacking a pony or cow it will leap upon the victim's flank and kill instantly by tearing open some vital part. In attacking a man it will follow him for a time and occasionally leap over his head, seeking to unnerve him and cause him to fall to the ground, when it will immediately attack and kill. Oftentimes it will summon its mates to assist in attacking. There are instances of where a wolf has carried off a big hog for considerable distance or where it has jumped over a high wall with a pig in its mouth."





The Gyeongju area. Robert Neff Collection
I was scrolling through my phone the other day, looking for a number, and I realized that some of the names I was looking at were of people who are no longer alive.

I have a similar but not identical list of Facebook friends.

I stopped for a moment. Maybe I should delete these names from my records, clear up some room for new names or other information. But, I didnt. And, if youre like me, you know exactly why.

The expression goes As long as somebody remembers you, youre not really dead. So, I keep these active names of inactive individuals exactly where they are: on my phone, on my Facebook friends list. In my heart. Because, I dont want to forget. And, I dont want to be the one who forgot. And, because, I dont want to be forgotten.

Its selfish, childish maybe. Certainly superstitious. But, I aver, superstition rooted in deep traditions. Some of it is my Roman Catholic upbringing. But, I know of other religions that also honor their dead after they have passed on. The Jewish tradition of an unveiling a year after somebodys passing and the celebration of the Day Of The Dead come to mind.

And, in truth, are the dead really dead? Or are they no longer visible, reachable, touchable? There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, then are dreamt of in your philosophy.

Weve spoken of this subject before many, many times. Ive mentioned the fact that, in our culture, we shun discussions about death and finances with equal disdain. Yet, as Joan often reminds me, 100% of people now living will someday be dead. As Jim Morrison sang No one here gets out alive!

We fear death because it is the unknown. Were not quite sure what awaits us on the other side. But, really, weve experienced similar rites of passage all our lives. Anybody who has ever changed schools, gone for a drivers license, gotten married or divorced, moved to another country or started a new job has been filled with fear and trepidations. Still, we go on. Sometimes, because we dont have any choice.

When Ram Das passed, I started reading his book Still Here, about his journey after his stroke. It was inspiring but heavy going. I have also mentioned The Art Of Dying Well by Katy Butler. While in college, I read works by Elisabeth Kubler Ross, Edgar Allan Poe and Emily Dickinson. Still, the veil remained. Nobody who has passed through the mortal portal has come back to explain exactly what goes on afterwards.

Maybe its just the fear of being forgotten that bedevils us. Nobody wants to feel that theyve lived their life in vain, that their work or their legacy will crumble to dust after their passing. Many great artists are still remembered for their works: Beethoven for his music, Frank Lloyd Wright for his architecture, Jimmy Breslin for his writing.

But, if you find yourself comparing your work to theirs and coming up short, dont be disheartened. Because, I have a theory. Would you like to hear it? Do you have a choice?

My theory lies within the first quote of this piece: that, as long as somebody remembers you, youre not really dead. Think of all the people whose lives you have touched and have been touched by in return. When you imagine your funeral (and, because youre like me, Im sure you have), theres a long line into the reception area, filled by people youve known and havent seen in awhile. Your family and close friends are there, of course, but, so is you college professor, your mailman, your next door neighbor, your Amazon delivery guy. They have all shown up to show how much you meant to them.

There are no flowers. Youve asked people instead to donate to cancer or diabetes research, to the National Parks Services or to your local library. Theres a video playing with no sound that flashes through highlights of your life. You age, and then return to youth, and then age again in still photo after still photo. People cry, they laugh, they tell your stories again and again and again.

So, what are we so afraid of? Everything in life ends. Classes usually conclude after forty-five minutes. Movies (unless were talking about The Irishman) usually wrap it up after two hours and change. Kids grow into adults. Our pets age and pass on. Our town goes through changes. Our favorite bagel place closes. Things end. Things change. It is the way of the universe. This is just another ending. Just another transformation. Just another change.

Ive saved the best for last. I know Ive quoted him before, but, I kinda feel he had a lock on these things. Albert Einstein famously said Energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be changed from one form to another.

Sounds a bit like reincarnation to me. Imagine what kind of form you could change into? You might be a plant, or an animal. You could be a ray of sunshine or a droplet of rain. You might even become part of the Universe itself. Endless. Infinite. Everlasting.

That doesnt sound too bad, now, does it?

Nope. Not to me, either.

Hold those grey heads up!

[Comments on this column may be posted at Talk To The Old Guy on Facebook.]
A crew from the Arizona National Guard conducted a mission Thursday to airlift protective gear, picking up the load of equipment in North Carolina and returning to Phoenix.

The gear will be used to make protective gowns for Arizona healthcare professionals to support the fight against COVID-19.Across Arizona, 3,100 coronavirus cases resulting in 97 deaths were reported as of Friday.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

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.

(Image Credit: AP)
BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- China has rolled out a host of measures to provide support for the jobless and cushion the impact of the coronavirus outbreak, an official said Friday.

By the end of March, the country had allocated 9.3 billion yuan (about 131.58 million U.S. dollars) of unemployment insurance premiums for 2.3 million unemployed persons, said Gui Zhen, an official with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, at a press conference.

Meanwhile, 67,000 jobless migrant workers have received 410 million yuan worth of temporary living allowances, Gui added.

China has previously issued a guideline to subsidize unemployed people ineligible for unemployment insurance, or whose unemployment insurance has expired, Gui said, noting that unemployment subsidies have been extended from regions severely hit by the outbreak to the rest of the country and cover all insured unemployed people.

Gui noted that the ministry has taken moves to scale up the coverage of unemployment insurance benefits by application limits, streamlining the processes and facilitating the online services.

China has made employment one of its top policy priorities as it closely relates to people's well-being and the country's economic growth.
Holidaymakers on-board the ill-fated Ruby Princess cruise have claimed passengers were 'sneezing all over each other' and thought they were safer on the vessel than on land.

The Ruby Princess became the largest source of COVID-19 infections in Australia, with more than 600 cases and 15 deaths linked the to the cruise.

The ship docked in Sydney Harbour on March 19 and more than 2,600 passengers were allowed to disembark without adequate health checks.

Stacie Hunt, 36, boarded the cruise en route to New Zealand with eight family members on March 8, The Washington Post reported.

The Australian finance broker said the virus rapidly spread across the vessel because lax passengers failed to follow good hygiene.

'People were selfish and thought they were safe being away on a boat,' she said.

The ship (pictured at Port Kembla on April 6) docked in Sydney Harbour on March 19 and more than 2,600 passengers were allowed to disembark without adequate health checks

'I had people sneeze all over me. I had people squeeze themselves into lifts that were already too full.'

Ms Hunt, whose mother and father-in-law contracted the deadly illness, said 'people just didn't care' about the coronavirus pandemic.

'At the end of the day, we knew what was going on around the world. We knew how quickly it spread in ships,' Ms Hunt said.

Upon disembarking in Sydney, Ruby Princess passengers were given a leaflet advising they would need to self-isolate for two weeks.

The cruise - which is now docked at Port Kembla, south of Sydney - is under investigation by police.

A team of 30 detectives from state crime, counter terrorism and marine area command are investigating the communications and actions which led to the docking and disembarking of the vessel in Sydney Harbour on March 19.

'The only way I can get to the bottom of whether our national biosecurity laws and our state laws were broken is through a criminal investigation,' NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said

The investigation will cover the actions of the port authority, ambulance, police, the NSW Health department and Carnival Australia.

NSW Health on Saturday confirmed that at least 46 crew members of the Ruby Princess cruise ship contracted COVID-19.

The cruise is under investigation by police. A team of 30 detectives from state crime, counter terrorism and marine area command are investigating the communications and actions which led to the docking and disembarking of the vessel
Baltinglass & District Forum: The last meeting of the Forum due to take place on Monday, April 6 this week was cancelled due to COVID-19. The committee wish everyone to be safe and well and they will be back in action once restrictions ease. They are keen let people and groups in the community know that if there is anything that needs to be attended to upon return, to let them know. Email Mai Quaid, Secretary at quaidfj@gmail.com.

Face masks

Baltinglass Pharmacy last week received a consignment of surgical masks preparing for the possibility of new guidelines that will require us all to wear them (they also now have hand savitizer).

Currently, only those with COVID-19 symptoms are asked to wear masks but a new study from Hong Kong may prompt the World Health Organisation (WHO) to change their advice. The new study suggests that face masks can help stop the spread of infections amongst the population.

The concern of the WHO is that people may stop other essential practices such as hand-washing and social distancing if they feel safe wearing a mask. Wearing a mask must always be combined with hand washing and other social distancing guidelines.

WHO guidelines on how to use a mask:

1. Before putting on a mask clean hands with alcohol based hand rub or soap and water; 2. Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask; 3. Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with sanitizer or soap and water; 4. Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks.

County Council helpline

Wicklow Country Council has initiated a COVID-19 helpline to respond to the needs of vulnerable members of the community. This is a confidential helpline: Community Response Forum have a confidential helpline. The number is Freephone: 1800 818 399. Lines are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week. Stay safe and keep in touch.

COVID-19 symptoms

The HSE posted recently that the most common symptoms of Coronavirus are: 1. A cough: this can be any kind of cough, not just dry; 2. Shortness of breath; 3. Breathing difficulties; 4. Fever (high temperature - 38 degrees celsius or above) or chills. If you have any two of these, the advice is to sel-isolate and stay at home, do not go into your GP, phone them instead.

Non-essential journeys

Just in case you are in any doubt about taking leisurely strolls in beauty spots around Ireland during the current restrictions, you will be interested to hear news from Knocksink Wood in Enniskerry at the weekend.

Gardai are reminding people not to make non-essential journeys and to keep within the 2km limit to your home if you do go out. An app called 2kmfromhome.com is available on your phone or computer to check where this allows you to go.

Shop local

Businesses in Baltinglass have responded incredibly well to restrictions introduced over the past 2 weeks and they are to be commended.

Most shops such as SuperValu, Eurospar, Centra, Baltinglass Pharmacy, Quinns Superstore have responded with perspects screens between cashiers and members of the public, collection and delivery services, hand sanitizers etc.

Recently, Eurospar uploaded a video on how to go about taking precautions when shopping in Eurospar and have marked their aisles with social distancing markers to help shoppers stay safe while shopping.

LOCKSMITHS EMERGENCY SERVICE - East Midlands Locksmiths announce details of their Call-Out service during the Coronavirus Pandemic. As locksmiths are deemed an essential service East Midlands Locksmiths who are based in Baltinglass will continue to provide an emergency call-out service.

Under new government COVID-19 regulations the shop will remain closed until further notice. If keys for medical, domestic or business are urgently required these can be cut at the shop by appointment only. The same applies to broken or damaged car keys. Contact Enda: 087 6995529 or Sonny: 0872428914.

Bringing your business online

The Doorstep Market is a business that supports small, independent Irish businesses to go online making it easy for people to support you and buy Irish/Local. Log on to www.thedoorstepmarket.ie to find out more or check them out on Twitter. Their twitter handle is #StayHomeShopLocal.

Trees at Clough Cross

Baltinglass Tidy Towns would like to thank SuperValu (Gillespies) for sponsoring the trees recently planted at Clough Cross. Also, a big thanks to Eamonn Doyle who designed the layout, picked the hedging and tree types and oversaw the planting project. Well done to Tidy Town's nine volunteers for coming out to do the work.

There are also plans for new signage and flower beds at the entrances to the town and a plan to transform the blank wall opposite Centra on Edward Street to a work of art by a local artist. All plans are on hold for the moment of course, but ready to go when restrictions lift.

Want to chat?

ALONE is providing a telephone support line seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 0818222024.

This is for all older people and their families to contact if they would like any advice reassurance or additional support. Medically vulnerable people who are being advised to cocoon can also call this number.

You can also call the HSE phoneline at 1850241850 if you are worried about symptoms.
Police here have registered a case against a person for concealing travel history to Nizamuddin in Delhi, while the threat of coronavirus looms large in the region.

The accused got back home on March 22 and kept roaming in his immediate neighbourhood for more than 15 days, according to the Kupwara police.

The authorities have also declared his residential area as a red zone.

The Nizamuddin area is one of the areas in Delhi that have emerged as hotspots for COVID-19 after a meeting of the Tablighi Jamaat was held there last month.

Several positive cases of the coronavirus from across India were linked to the gathering.

Police authorities in Jammu and Kashmir had requested people with travel history to report to quarantine centers on their own, failing which strict action will be taken as per the law.

A total of 207 confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported in Jammu and Kashmir, as per the latest official update. Four deaths have been reported from the region till date.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 11:44:17|Editor: Xiang Bo

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VIENTIANE, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The fight against the COVID-19 pandemic shows the importance and urgency of building a community with a shared future for mankind, an official at the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) has said.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, countries around the world have suffered from tremendous losses, which have caused huge economic, social and political impacts, Sounthone Xayachack, head of the LPRP Central Committee's commission for external relations, told Xinhua in an interview on Thursday.

In order to control the spread of the disease, many countries have proactively implemented prevention and control measures, and some have achieved satisfactory results, especially those achieved by China, said Sounthone.

"This pandemic is a painful lesson of humanity, and it has also proved to the world that the Chinese proposal of advancing the building of a community with a shared future for mankind is important and urgent," said Sounthone.

The experience and lessons of many countries show that a single person, or a single society, cannot overcome this pandemic, and "the best way to overcome the disease is the cooperation of governments around the world, working together to effectively control the disease and achieve victory," she said.

Laos reported its first two confirmed COVID-19 cases on March 24, and only in five days, a Chinese anti-epidemic medical expert team arrived in its capital Vientiane.

"We are increasingly aware of the need for cooperation among countries," she said. "Although China needs to continue the fight against COVID-19 and resume work and production, it still provides assistance to more than 80 countries around the world which are suffering from the disease."

"On the contrary, there are politicians in some countries, with bias on ideology and ethnicity, accusing of and defaming other countries as their opinionated enemies," Sounthone said. "This is obviously unreasonable."

"The most urgent and necessary thing at present is to jointly take intense and strict measures to control the spread of the disease, to make known the danger of the virus, to improve global health systems, and to ensure the provision of medical supplies in developing countries or less developed countries," she said.

Laos is grateful for the help from countries with virus prevention and control experience, said Sounthone. "In particular, we highly appreciate China's assistance of sending a medical expert team to Laos and the provision of necessary medical supplies."

"Currently, the Chinese expert team is collaborating with local Lao authorities to share experience on virus prevention and control measures," she said.

The Chinese anti-epidemic medical expert team, divided into two groups, embarked on a three-day trip starting Tuesday to cooperate with local Lao governments and medical staff in its southern and northern hubs of Pakse and Luang Prabang.

"This is a vivid example of the spirit of the Laos-China community with a shared future, which is characterized by sticking together and helping each other through thick and thin," she said.

She said she firmly believes that they will jointly respond to and prevail over the COVID-19 pandemic, and help the two peoples' lives return to normal as soon as possible.

"The cooperation between the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the Communist Party of China embodies the consistent ideology of the two parties, that is to serve the people with heart and soul, to always benefit the people's livelihood, and to always put the interests of the people in the first place," said Sounthone.

The cooperation between the Lao and Chinese parties in the fight against COVID-19 can be "an example of comprehensive cooperation among countries in the world," she said.
UPPER THUMB  As we arrive on another weekend during the coronavirus outbreak, here are some things you need to know as you start your weekend.

Local nurse battling coronavirus

Registered Nurse Melissa Leggieri, a public health nurse with the Tuscola County Health Department, has been battling with coronavirus. Leggieri said her symptoms started April 1, and she was still in the hospital Friday.

Tuscola hits 41 confirmed coronavirus cases

State numbers showed Tuscola County saw an additional five cases of coronavirus Friday, bringing its total to 41 with five deaths. Statewide, confirmed cases rose to 22,783 and the state set a new record in single-day coronavirus-related deaths with 206.

Nominate your heroes

The Tribune is taking nominations for a new feature called Heroes Unmasked, where we will report on different "heroes" in our community that are helping in the fight against the coronavirus.

Easter will have a different look in light of coronavirus

Good Friday and Easter Sunday will look a little different from years prior, as they will be celebrated by many church congregations online.

Coronavirus cases across the U.S.

Here is a look of where coronavirus cases are being reported across the country.

Have questions about coronavirus?

Need a question answered about coronavirus? Fill out the form below and we will try to get the answer in a future article.
The health department has said it is notifying people who may have had contact with patients.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker also Friday said the state was stepping up testing for the virus in minority communities, which officials say disproportionately suffer from the disease.

No one life is more important than another, the governor said at his daily news briefing. Vulnerable and marginalized communities must receive equitable care.

Lurie Childrens Hospital in Chicago will partner with four health centers that serve low-income and underserved residents of the citys west and south sides to perform 400 additional daily tests over the next several days. In the Metro East area, three locations of the Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation system will test an additional 470 people per day.

Early data from IDPH has shown that Illinoisans of color, especially African-Americans, are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, as black people represent about 43 percent of fatalities from the virus.

IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said black people are five times more likely to die from the disease than white people, in part because they experience higher rates of other ailments like heart disease, stroke, cancer, asthma and diabetes.

Black Illinoisans are also more likely to work jobs with a higher risk of exposure, as well as be underinsured or have less access to medical care.

We will not stand idly by while one segment of the population bears an unfortunate, heightened burden of this disease, Ezike said.

Along with increased testing for minority communities, Pritzker said the state will soon distribute to hospitals 15 testing machines from Illinois-based Abbott Labs, which can give results within minutes.

Four will go to Chicago, three to the Metro East, three to Illinois Department of Human Services facilities and five to state Department of Corrections facilities.

Pritzker also announced new state guidance to prevent discrimination in medical treatment along many demographic lines, including race and ability.

It is essential that health care institutions operate within an ethical framework and consistent with civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in the delivery of health care, the guidelines read in part.

Among other things, the new guidance warns against quality of life assessments based on a persons disability. They also encourage health workers to communicate with patients and recognize their own implicit biases.

Pritzker said the guidance makes sure vulnerable and historically marginalized communities must receive equitable care, so that no person of color or person with disabilities suffers a disparate outcome due to a legacy of discrimination.

Pritzker also announced that 2,000 rooms at empty hotels across the state that are prepared for mild COVID-19 patients will be ready to be activated by next week based on local needs.

Rooms will be available for people who have tested positive but have low-level symptoms that do not require hospital care, as well as people under investigation who might need to move out of their homes so not to expose family members or roommates.

The state is also opening a handful of shuttered hospitals in case of overflow at existing hospitals. Dr. Suzet McKinney, CEO and executive director of the Illinois Medical District, is leading the effort.

McKinney said the targeted construction completion date for two hospitals in the suburban Chicago cities of Blue Island and Elgin is April 24 with two additional days to train staff. She said construction should be completed at Vibra hospital in Springfield by May 9.

Although the target dates for opening these facilities is weeks away, Pritzker said the timing here is correct considering when cases are expected to peak and when surrounding hospitals may reach capacity.
- Republic Bank Financial Holdings has pledged $2 million in support of the economies of the 13 countries in which it operates

- The fund is expected to be used to address key challenges that are being faced due to the outbreak of the coronavirus

- It would be used for the production of PPEs, the supply of food and health needs, ventilators, testing kits and other items

Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in

Republic Bank Financial Holdings has pledged to support some 13 countries with a $2 million package.

The beneficiaries of the package are all the countries in which the financial institution operates.

The beneficiary countries are Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Guyana, Barbados, Suriname, Cayman Islands, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, St Kitts & Nevis, St Maarten, Anguilla and Dominica.

READ ALSO: COVID-19: Local businesses to begin the production of face masks and other essentials

According to Republic Banks president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nigel Baptiste, the bank is aware of the full extent of the effect of the coronavirus on economies all over the world.

He went on to say that the management of the epidemic requires support from all stakeholders.

The $2 million package would be used to address key challenges in the fight against the coronavirus, a report by graphic.com.gh shows.

The fund would be used for the purchase of crucial needs such as ventilators, personal protective equipment, testing kits, food items and health supplies.

Information available shows that GHC1.1 million out of the amount, which is equivalent to $200,000, has been earmarked for Ghana.

It would be split among the Presidents COVID-19 Trust Fund, Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge) and Kumasi South General Hospital.

There is also a plan to reach out to communities in need, with the help of the staff of the bank.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has organized virtual hackathons in Africa and has offered up to $20,000 in seed funds to help combat coronavirus.

The prize package is set aside for finalists who offer digital solutions to the epidemic which has affected people all over the world.

YEN.com.gh understands that plans are in place for another session with the French-speaking countries in Africa

READ ALSO: Government to use $200 million from Stabilisation Fund to fight coronavirus

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Since the virus was declared a pandemic on March 11, deaths have surged from 4,300 to more than 103,000.

It has been one month since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.

The outbreak, which emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan last December, has so far killed at least 103,000 people and infected more than 1.7 million people worldwide, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

More than 380,000 people have recovered from COVID-19  the highly contagious disease caused by the virus. There is still no vaccine for COVID-19 nor any specially developed treatment.

Here are five important developments over the last month:

Rise in global cases and deaths

Since the WHO declared a pandemic on March 11, the total number of cases globally has risen from 118,000 to more than 1.7 million in a span of one month.

Deaths have surged from 4,300 to at least 103,257.

Drop in China infections

Cases in mainland China have dwindled, with the country reporting its lowest rate of new coronavirus patients since January.

No new domestic cases were reported on March 18 for the first time since the start of the outbreak, while there were no deaths on April 7.

The city of Wuhan, which was subjected to the most aggressive quarantine in China, is slowly returning to normal with its 11-week lockdown imposed at the end of January now completely lifted.





Europe becomes new epicentre, spike in US

The epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak shifted from China to Europe, with Spain, Italy, France and Germany reporting a spike in cases and fatalities.

All four European nations have surpassed Chinas number of confirmed cases, while the death toll in Spain, Italy and France is more than four times that of the Asian nation.

Meanwhile, at more than 500,000, the United States now tops the list of countries with the most confirmed cases and the second-highest fatalities after Italy.

The WHO has warned that the US has the potential to become the new epicentre due to a very large acceleration in infections there.

More lockdowns, restrictions

An increasing number of countries imposed lockdowns, curfews and border closures in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.

On March 27, India announced a 21-day total lockdown of its 1.3 billion population, while South Africa imposed similar nationwide restrictions on 57 million people.

An unprecedented month-long lockdown in the Philippines banned domestic travel in and out of Metro Manilas 16 cities and municipalities. Meanwhile, more than 57 million people will remain confined to the northern island of Luzon until April 30.

The spike in cases and deaths also forced the US and Japan to declare a state of emergency over the virus.

The US order frees up $50bn for state and local governments to respond to the outbreak, while a $990bn stimulus package was announced to tackle the crisis in Japan.

In the Middle East, countries stepped up measures, with lockdowns in Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia and strict curfews in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Jordan.

WHO under attack

The WHO has faced criticism over its approach and handling of the pandemic.

US President Donald Trump threatened to freeze American funding to the global health agency saying it missed the call on the coronavirus pandemic and was very China-centric in its approach.

The WHO really blew it, Trump said in a Twitter post.





WHO officials hit back at the US president, denying it was China-centric, and accused Trump of politicising the pandemic.

The focus of all political parties should be to save their people. Please dont politicise this virus, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a news briefing in Geneva, addressing politicians and world leaders.

Meanwhile, Taiwan has asserted that its exclusion from the WHO because of Chinas objections to its membership resulted in it being unable to get timely information, putting Taiwanese lives at risk. The WHO denies the allegation.

Last month, Taiwan said it had received no reply from the WHO to a December 31 query for information on the outbreak in Chinas central city of Wuhan, including whether it could be transmitted between people.

The WHO has said the email it received made no mention of human-to-human transmission.
Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmers first few days in office make clear the forced march to the right on which the party has embarked.

Even amid a catastrophic pandemic made worse by the criminal policies of the Conservative government, his priority has been to ingratiate himself with the Zionist and Blairite forces leading the witch-hunt of Labour members on bogus charges of anti-Semitism that has now raged for over four years.

The slanderous campaign has provided a mechanism for the Labour Party to drive out thousands of members attracted to the party based on illusions that Jeremy Corbyn would push it to the left. Instead, he did nothing even as some of his closest allies, such as Ken Livingstone, Chris Williamson, Jackie Walker and Marc Wadsworth, were branded as anti-Semites for opposing Israeli crimes against the Palestinians.

In his acceptance speech, Starmer claimed, Anti-Semitism has been a stain on our party  And I will tear out the poison by its roots ...

On Tuesday, he published a letter in the Evening Standard saying he would leave no stone unturned in the fight against anti-Semitism. Promising to throw open the books and the files to the Equality and Human Rights Commissions politically motivated inquiry into the Labour Party, Starmer added, we cannot wait until the commission completes its inquiry before we get a grip on this situation.

I will also be requesting that a report on all outstanding cases of anti-Semitism within the party is on my desk by the end of this week and that there is a timetable for their resolution. Clear cases of anti-Semitism must be dealt with robustly and swiftly if peoples faith is to be restored.

During the Labour leadership election, every candidate signed up to 10 pledges demanded by the Zionist Board of Deputies of British Jews (BoD). These include plans to turn over members confidential information to the BoD and other representative groups and to expel any members who support, campaign or provide a platform for people who have been suspended or expelled in the wake of anti-Semitic incidents  Starmers promise to deal with cases even more robustly and swiftly is preparation for a wider purge.

His agenda was made clear by an editorial in the Financial Times Monday, which urged Labours new leader to use the first weeks to take a firm grip on the party and rid it of some of the factional Corbynite officials who so damaged its reputation. Sir Keir was right to apologise to the Jewish community for Labours failings on anti-Semitism but he must act to root out the problem.

The political character of Starmers pledge is revealed by the leaders of the Jewish community he met with later on Tuesday to talk about how we can work together to stamp out anti-Semitism from the Labour Party. In a video call with Starmer and Deputy Labour Leader Angela Rayner, the four groups represented were the BoD, the Jewish Leadership Council, the Community and Security Trust and the Jewish Labour Movement. The organisations described the meeting as a good start and released a statement saying, Keir Starmer has already achieved in four days more than his predecessor in four years in addressing antisemitism within the Labour party.

Later that day, Britains chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, told BBC Radio 5 Live: I welcome Sir Keirs comments since assuming the role as leader of the Labour Party. He has recognised there is only one thing that matters and that is action. I hope he will indeed take swift and decisive action to eradicate the scourge of anti-Semitism from within the Labour Party.

These organisations, united by Zionist politics, were all closely involved with the slander of Corbyn and his supporters. Mirvis is a supporter of Tory Prime Minister Boris Johnson and staged an unprecedented and hysterical intervention in the 2019 general election, asking in a Times op-ed, What will become of Jews in Britain if Labour forms the next government? Their concern is not the Jewish people, but the state of Israel and its freedom to continue the savage oppression of the Palestinians.

Starmer has in the past made his ritualistic pledges of support for a non-existent two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict and is a member of Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East (LFPME). As such he has also ritualistically opposed US President Trumps open abandonment of the two-state solution.

But even prior to his election, Starmer was at pains to reposition himself to be acceptable to the Zionist and Blairite right. Asked during the leadership contest whether he would call himself a Zionist, he told Jewish News: I do support Zionism. I absolutely support the right of Israel to exist as a homeland. My only concern is that Zionism can mean slightly different things to different people, and  to some extent it has been weaponized. I wouldnt read too much into that. I said it loud and clearand meant itthat I support Zionism without qualification.

Lisa Nandy, Starmers leadership rival and now his shadow foreign secretary, was asked during the leadership campaign whether a Twitter post which demanded the Board of Deputies of British Jews condemn all Israeli military atrocities in the West Bank was anti-Semitic. She replied, Yes, it is. And we have a clear policy in the Labour Party that when anti-Semitism is alleged, or particularly where youve got clear examples of that in writing, we suspend and then we investigate (emphasis added).

Nandy is a co-director of the campaign group Labour Togethera combination of Blairite New Labour and nationalist Blue Labouralong with Edwin Chinn, a major donor to Labour Together and to Nandy personally, according to The Canary.

Chinn is a member of the executive committee of the British Israel Communications and Research Centre, another lobby group for the Israeli state. He has also donated money to former Labour Friends of Israel chair Joan Ryanexposed by Al Jazeera as having lyingly accused a fellow party member of making anti-Semitic commentsand former Deputy Labour Leader Tom Watson, who helped to organise the Operation Icepick expulsion of Trots from Labours membership and called for automatic exclusion from the party of members accused of anti-Semitism.

Incredibly, Nandy was chair of the Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East group for the last year. Her leadership has seen the organisations activity virtually cease. She can be trusted to ensure Labours continued complicity in the crimes of the Israeli government through its foreign policy.

Starmers cabinet includes a rogues gallery of Blairite witch-hunters such as Jess Phillips, Liz Kendall, Lucy Powell, Wes Streeting, Stephen Doughty and Pat McFadden. Shami Chakrabartifalsely accused of conducting a whitewash investigation into anti-Semitism in 2016has been replaced as shadow attorney general by arch-Blairite and Iraq War enthusiast Lord Falconer.

Labours new director of communications, replacing the Stalinist Seumas Milne, is Ben Nunnan adviser to Labour MP Heidi Alexander. Alexander, the first of Corbyns shadow cabinet to resign in the right-wing 2016 coup against him, then co-organised Owen Smiths dismal leadership challenge to Corbyn. Starmers chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, organised Blairite favourite Liz Kendalls bid for the Labour leadership in 2015.

The five years of Jeremy Corbyns leadership were a political rout before this toxic anti-Semitism campaign. Workers and young people must draw the balance sheet of this experience. The Labour Party is not institutionally anti-Semitic, it is institutionally anti-socialist. A fight against social inequality, war and all the crises of the capitalist system (from climate change to the COVID-19 pandemic) can only be waged through the construction of a new, independent party of the international working classthe Socialist Equality Party.
Despite India reporting over 205 COVID-19 deaths in last one month, the country's death rate of about 3 per cent is lower than the global rate, and also much lower than several European countries like the UK, Italy and Spain, according to the analysis of official data.

India had reported its first COVID-19 death from Karnataka on March 10.

Suggesting that a relatively young Indian population may be one of the reasons for the low mortality rate due to the pandemic, experts have attributed the high number of fatalities in countries like Italy and Spain to their elderly population which are more susceptible to developing complications after contracting the infection.

According to the data shared by the Union health ministry earlier this week, about 63 per cent deaths have been reported among people aged 60 and above, 30 per cent among people between 40 to 60 years and seven per cent among people below 40 years.

India so far has reported 6,761 confirmed cases of coronavirus with a death toll of 206, making it 3.04 per cent death rate ---percentage of deaths with respect to the total number of confirmed cases.

For latest updates and live news on coronavirus, click here

As per the US official figures, that country has reported 4,27,460 COVID-19 cases with 14,696 deaths, amounting to a death rate of 3.4 per cent. However, according to John Hopkins University and Medicine, 4,66,299 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the US with 16,686 deaths (death rate of 3.57 per cent).

However, death rate is high in Europe. As per official figures from European countries, Spain has death rate of 9.73 per cent (1,57,022 COVID-19 cases and 15,843 deaths) and Italy having a death rate of 12.72 per cent(143,626 cases and 18,279 deaths). The UK has reported a death rate of over 12 per cent (65,077 cases and 7,978 deaths). All much higher than India.

Only Germany seems to be able to contain the spread of the fast-spreading virus effectively with 1,13,525 confirmed cases and 2,373 deaths reported so far, recording about a 2.09 per cent death rate.

India's death rate of COVID-19 is also lower than the global death rate of 5.98 per cent with a total of 1,610,055 cases and 96,365 deaths worldwide, according to data and statistics website worldometer.

Dr Ravi Shekhar Jha, Senior Consultant and Head of the Department, Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts Faridabad, said in Italy, Spain and the US, "older population has been affected more compared to India where the fatalities have been less, perhaps because our population is fairly young".

Track sate-wise confirmed coronavirus cases here

Jha also attributed an early and strict lockdown in India as one of the reasons that may have helped in containing the COVID-19 cases.

He, however, noted that in India, the COVID-19 mortality rates differed from region to region e.g about 10 per cent in Indore to about 1 per cent in Haryana.

Jha lauded Germany for being able to keep the death rate from coronavirus very low, because of its "excellent healthcare system".

Dr Rommel Tickoo, associate Director, internal medicine, Max healthcare, agreed with Jha, saying Germany has been able to keep the fatalities on lower side with their good healthcare system.

"Two reasons can be attributed to less deaths in India--- firstly, the high-risk group of people aged 60 and above being affected less compared to in Europe and the US, and secondly, less severity of the virus in India," he told PTI.

"In India, the 20-40 age group account for over 40 per cent of the cases and above 60 age group about 19 per cent. So, in India the younger population is getting affected more, and hence, perhaps the less number of deaths," he said.

Earlier this week, the health ministry had said people aged below 40 years account for 47 per cent of the total confirmed cases, those between 40 and 60 for 34 per cent, and those aged 60 years and above account for 19 per cent.

Dr Rajesh Chawla, a pulmonologist at Apollo Hospital, also feels India having a relatively younger population compared to the Europe could be a reason for less fatalities in the country.

"Also, the 18-60 is an active age group compared to people who are 60 years and older, many of whom have comorbid conditions. Italy has a large geriatric population," he said while elaborating on the reasons why the virus could impact the older population more.

Comorbidity refers to the existence of multiple disorders in the same person.
- President Uhuru and ODM leader Raila urged Kenyans to reflect on the suffering of Jesus Christ during the Easter period

- Uhuru asked Christians to be strong during Easter period and not to allow the coronavirus situation dampen their spirit and faith

- Raila noted Easter has remained a symbol of the triumph of hope over hopelessness and good over evil

Kenyans have been urged to reflect on the resurrection story of Jesus Christ for hope and faith amidst coronavirus pandemic.

In their Easter messages, President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Opposition leader Raila Odinga, called on Kenyans to stand with one another as a people and pray for national healing.

READ ALSO: Coronavirus update: Kenya records 10 more recoveries, 5 new positive cases

DP William Ruto speaking in 2019 national prayer day. Seated are Uhuru and Raila (middle), the two leaders called on Kenyans to pray during Easter period. Photo: Raila Odinga.

Source: Facebook

READ ALSO: Picha za kuvutia za mrembo aliyeuawa na watoto wa mpango wa kando

The two said even though the world was faced with a pandemic, they urged Christians to be strong during Easter period and not to allow the situation dampen their spirit and faith.

"While the Easter period is often celebrated with close friends and family, we are finding that this year it must be different.The circumstance of the present, however, should not blind us to the spirit and intention of Easter and the message inherent in the resurrection of Jesus Christ," Uhuru said.

Uhuru said Kenya was being faced with a difficult situation but that should not be reason to lose hope. Photo: Uhuru Kenyatta.

Source: Twitter

On his part, Raila noted Easter has remained a symbol of the triumph of hope over hopelessness, and good over evil such as what the world was facing in way of COVID-19.

"Even though we cant gather in our places of worship or conduct group celebrations in remembrance of the arrest, persecution, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, lets have the faith that with God fighting by our side, just as he did for our Lord, we shall overcome," he added.

So far, Kenya has confirmed 189 COVID-19 cases, seven deaths and 22 recoveries. Photo: TUKO.co.ke.

Source: Original

Christians mark the Easter weekend to remember the arrest, persecution and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and strengthen their belief on existence of life after death.

However, Christians will not gather in places of worship with friends and families given the challenges presented by coronavirus leading to ban on gatherings and social distancing.

The government announced ban on any form of public gathering that also affected places of worship and a case challenging the suspension has been filed at a Nairobi court.

This was after pastors Don Mutugi, Joan Miriti and Alex Gichunge petitioned the president to allow physical congregations.

The application seeks church congregation whilst adhering to the directives issued. The church not only provides comfort, salvation and repentance but also peace of mind to the dying and the sick," the trio argued.

So far, Kenya has confirmed 189 COVID-19 cases, seven deaths and 22 recoveries.

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Three kenyans great invention that will fight covid-19 | Tuko TV.

Source: TUKO.co.ke
WFH for Private offices in Delhi, restaurants & bars to be shut as Omicron-led to sudden rise in Covid cases

ICMR study shows many COVID-19 cases without contact or travel history

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Apr 11: A study conducted by the ICMR of patients admitted with Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) shows that 93 per cent of those who tested positive for COVID-19 and for whom data on exposure was known had neither travelled abroad not had any contact with a person known to be infected.

The study quoted by the Times of India says that of the 102 SARI patients who tested positive for COVID-19, no data was available for 59 cases regarding any contact they might have had with a patient who tested positive. There is no also data available about these persons regarding international travel. Of the 43 about who such details of exposure and history were known, 40 had no history of international travel or contact.

Coronavirus: ICMR study hints at community transmission in India

The report quoting health experts said that this appeared to be an indication of community spread.

On Friday, Punjab Chief Minister, Amarinder Singh asserted that community transmission appeared to have started in the state. He said that in the wake of the increased number of positive cases, the lockdown and curfew should continue.

He said that the state has controlled the pandemic to some level, but this will spread. We have to keep our contingency plan ready, he also said.

The World Health Organisation says, " community transmission is evidenced by the inability to relate confirmed cases through chains of transmission for a large number of cases, or by increasing positive tests through sentinel samples."

The ICMR study said that COVID-19 positivity among SARI patients has increased from zero before March 14 to 2.6 per cent for the week ending April 2. Between March 22 and April 2, when the COVID testing strategy was expanded to include all SARI patients, 102 of the 4,946 samples tested positive.

Fake News Buster

The study, however, said that the data of SARI patients pertained to selected sentinel hospitals, predominantly in the public sector ones in urban areas and it may not be representative of the entire district, state or country. However the trend on COVID-19 positivity among SARI patients could provide reliable information about its spread in the area, the report also said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Saturday that it was looking into reports of some COVID-19 patients testing positive again after initially testing negative for the disease while being considered for discharge.

South Korean officials on Friday reported 91 patients thought cleared of the new coronavirus had tested positive again.

Jeong Eun-kyeong, director of the Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, told a briefing that the virus may have been "reactivated" rather than the patients being re-infected.

The Geneva-based WHO, asked about the report from Seoul, told Reuters in a brief statement: "We are aware of these reports of individuals who have tested negative for COVID-19 using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing and then after some days testing positive again.

"We are closely liaising with our clinical experts and working hard to get more information on those individual cases. It is important to make sure that when samples are collected for testing on suspected patients, procedures are followed properly," it said.

According to the WHO's guidelines on clinical management, a patient can be discharged from hospital after two consecutive negative results in a clinically recovered patient at least 24 hours apart, it added.

Based on current studies, there is a period of about two weeks between the onset of symptoms and clinical recovery of patients with mild COVID-19 disease, the agency said.

Reuters
Singapores contact-tracing app, TraceTogether. Photo: Catherine Lai/AFP via Getty Images

Apple and Google, the makers of the two most pervasive smartphone operating systems on the planet, announced this afternoon that they are collaborating on contact-tracing tools to track the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Contact tracing is exactly what it sounds like: tracing who an infected person came into contact with.

In the short term, the two companies will work on application programming interfaces (APIs) and operating system-level technology to assist in enabling contact tracing. In laymans terms, this is software that will allow Android and iOS devices to talk to each other and create a log of devices they came within range of. Someone who is infected would then be able to use an app from unspecified public-health authorities as a way to indirectly notify device owners who they came in contact with. Those APIs and health apps are slated for release next month.

In the longer term, Apple and Google are working on Bluetoothbased contact tracing built directly into each of their mobile operating systems, making it easier to perform more universal contact tracing without specific apps.

Contact-tracing apps have already been deployed in countries like Singapore, where 620,000 people downloaded TraceTogether. The software uses Bluetooth to determine who was within two meters of coronavirus patients for at least half an hour. Last month, Singapores government released the source code for the app to the public so other countries could put it to use.

There are obvious privacy implications for developing technology that tracks not just geographic positioning but also the relative locations and relationships between specific individuals. In the United States, governments are already using location data from cell phone providers to track how people are moving around and possibly spreading the disease. Google has already been aggregating location data to find trends related to the coronavirus. What is beneficial to the public in times of crisis, however, can easily be appropriated for surveillance.

Apple and Google have stressed that privacy, transparency, and consent are of utmost importance in this effort. To that end, the companies have already released technical specifications outlining how they plan to preserve privacy while aggregating data. Given Tim Cooks past statements criticizing Facebooks privacy practices and Apples work building anti-tracker features directly into Safari, theyre probably the Big Tech companies Id trust most to work on a system like this.

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More and more Koreans are becoming insomniac, and the problem is having a serious impact on their lifestyle.

According to the National Health Insurance Service, the number of patients with sleep disorders rose from 655,695 in 2013 to 914,049 in 2018, while related medical costs more than doubled from W52.9 billion to W110.2 billion (US$1=W1,212).

Sales of sleeping aids have surged over the last two or three years, with the market increasing six-fold from W500 billion in 2012 to more than W3 trillion last year.

Many couples now sleep in separate rooms to get a good night's rest. One 65-year-old housewife has been sleeping in a different room from her husband for 10 years, not because of marital problems but because of his snoring, especially when he has been drinking.
The streets are empty, the borders are closed and people are afraid to go outside.

Although Australia is not at war, the country is essentially on a war footing.

The deadly coronavirus has caused widespread fear and uncertainty not seen since World War I and II.

During those dark days, the power of Australia's wartime posters helped rally the population to fight a foreign enemy  today, the iconic slogans still ring true.

This Australian propaganda poster (above) was created during World War I to inspire fighting-age men to enlist

The original slogan still rings true in the coronavirus pandemic as a way to encourage people to stay at home

According to the Australian War Museum, posters were an ideal means of communicating messages.

Propaganda has been used to influence audiences for as long as recorded history, the Museum said.

By presenting facts selectively and using loaded language to provoke emotional reactions rather than rational responses, it seeks to promote the agenda of a particular group.

Impermanent yet public, they were designed to be noticed, and could be printed and distributed quickly in large numbers.

Don't stand looking at this Go and Help! was a powerful message aimed at Australians during the First War

The same message could also be applied to rally the population to assist health workers

Public messaging is a key part of maintaining morale during wartime, and in the recent weeks the tone of Prime Minister Scott Morrison, a former marketer as head of Tourism Australia, has changed dramatically.

We gather today at a time of great challenge for our nation and indeed the world, wrote in an op-ed for the Daily Telegraph.

We are a strong nation and a strong people, but in the months ahead this will put us all to the test like at no time since World War II.

But together, Australia, we are up to this challenge.

We will get through this.

This Australian World War I recruitment poster depicts a man lying dead on the ground at the hands of the German forces, with three others in the frame also in a helpless position

In a similar way this image of coffins with a figure in a protective suit disinfecting them also highlights the urgency of inaction

Urging the public to adhere to the strict social distancing measures put in place, Mr Morrison said that every Australian must do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19.

'The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee believes that social-distancing measures are now required and will need to be introduced progressively to reduce disruption,' he said.

'This has the most benefit in delaying transmission.'

Selflessness is a recurring theme in Australian Army recruitment posters during World War I
An X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator launches from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) on May 14, 2013. (U.S. Navy via Getty Images)

Pentagon Pushes Back Against Requirement for Unclassified Database of Spending Plans

The Pentagon is pushing back against a new law requiring that it compile data from 5-year spending plans into a single public digital database.

The Department of Defense has yet to comply with the 2018 legislation and now wants to overturn it, saying that the database could be mined and classified information inferred, revealing important strategic information to Americas foes.

However, some analysts and politicians have shown distaste for the Pentagons proposal to unpick the new requirement, saying such transparency ultimately will strengthen the militarys strategic hand.

Every year, the Department of Defense creates a detailed classified projection of spending for the next five yearsthe Future Years Defense Program (FYDP)for its own internal planning purposes.

Information from that program, with its complex coding system, is made available to Congress along with the annual budget proposal proper.

The FYDP is generally submitted to the congressional committees with jurisdiction over defense matters, according to the Congressional Research Service. While the data structure of the FYDP is unclassified, the actual FYDP data is classified.

Congress Demanded a Single Database

But until now, that information hasnt come as a single cross-referenced set of data and no formal unclassified version is available.

In 2017, Congress tried to address that by adding an amendment into the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, said Frederico Bartels, the top defense budget analyst at the Heritage Foundation.

In FY 2018, the NDAA requested that DoD consolidates all of this 5-year projection data into one unclassified document and submitted that to Congress, to the Congressional Research Service, to the Comptrollers offices and a few other institutions, he said.

The Capitol in Washington on Jan. 2, 2020. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

That change is exactly what the Pentagon now wants to undo, Bartels told The Epoch Times.

What they dont want to do is to consolidate all of that data in those documents that Congress requested and that would necessarily give visibility into areas that nowadays they dont allow any visibility.

Those areas include things like operations and maintenance expenditures and military personnel projections, says Bartels.

The Pentagons proposal to overturn the new requirement was unearthed by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) at the end of March.

In its four-page explanation, the proposal states: The FYDP is designed as an internal Department of Defense (DoD) decision tool. It presents a coherent view of the Departments program, and to be of use the FYDP must integrate classified and unclassified information and make their relationships explicit.

The Department is concerned that attempting publication of unclassified FYDP data might inadvertently reveal sensitive information. With the ready availability of data mining tools and techniques, and the large volume of data on the Departments operations and resources already available in the public domain, additional unclassified FYDP data, if it were released, potentially allows adversaries to derive sensitive information by compilation about the Departments weapons development, force structure, and strategic plans.

The Pentagon says that the data would be greater in breadth and depth than in any other document it currently produces.

The Department would welcome discussions on an alternative that would provide the Congress with the information they require to satisfy their oversight requirements, says the document.

The FAS has criticized the proposal.

Defense is a Team Sport

At a time when it is clear to everyone that U.S. national security spending is poorly aligned with actual threats to the nation, the DoD proposal would make it even harder for Congress and the public to refocus and reconstruct the defense budget, said the FAS.

After the FAS drew attention to the proposal, the Pentagon clarified that it would continue to provide the same classified information as before, but that it was only pushing back against the 2018 amendment.

The 2018 NDAA required a formal unclassified version of the FYDP report, a Pentagon spokesperson said in a statement to Military.com. The Department has not to date complied with that request because we are very concerned that providing that level of detail for the outyears might put critical information at risk and breach classification standards.

Bartels says the main problem with the DoDs proposal is that it denies other parts of the defense systemincluding Congress, the defense industry, and analyststo fully play their role.

Like it or not, national defense in the U.S. is a team sport, he said. Its not just about the DoD having the best, most awesome plan and implementing that. It needs to navigate through Congress, it needs to navigate through the administration and it needs to navigate through the public as well. The public has to have an understanding of where the defense plan is going in order to evaluate by themselves as well.

He says that crowd-sourced scrutiny is a great strength. Thats why autocratic societies are so brittle, while democratic societies are resilientbecause things are in the open, so people point out mistakes before those mistakes compound

The Pentagon on Thursday identified the two U.S. service members killed in Afghanistan earlier this week. (AFP/Getty Images)

Bartels said that compared to most nations, and even compared to other departments, the U.S. Department of Defense generally has a very high level of transparency regarding military spending.

However, he said that transparency has frosted up a little in recent years, especially when Secretary James Mattis was at the helm in 2017.

Thomas Mahnken, a former Pentagon official and now CEO of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, also notes the same shift under Mattis.

We Can Do Both

That tightening of information coincided not just with a new administration but with the military explicitly pivoting away from counterinsurgency to renewed great power competition with Russia and China, Mahnken told The Epoch Times.

Certainly, as concern over, say, competition with Russia and China has grown, I can see why people are paying closer attention to what we say and what we dont say.

The 2018 National Defense Strategy, which marked that pivot to great power competition, is an example of the change in approach, he says.

The document that we all see is just the overview of the National Defense Strategy. The document itself is a classified one. Whereas the previous national defense strategies, previous quadrennial defense reviews, were unclassified documents that had classified annexes.

But while some people might eye the hidden budgets of China and Russia with envy, Mankhen says that strategic secrecy and open democracy are not an either-or choice.

My basic view is that we can do both. We protect the information that needs to be protected but also provide Congress and the American people with the level of transparency and the level of visibility in the defense budget that they justifiably look for.

He also notes that Historically, democracies have proven quite adept at deception themselves.

Seamus Daniels, a budget analyst with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, described the DoDs proposal as a serious step backward in transparency. Writing on Twitter, he said DoDs proposal to eliminate the unclassified FYDP severely limits the publics ability to track how strategy aligns with budgets and how program plans change over time.

Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Texas), the ranking member on the House Armed Services Committee, said he has yet to hear the Pentagon make their case for the changes, but thinks it is unlikely to get through Congress.

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Texas) speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington on April 26, 2017. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo)

According to Military.com, he told reporters that the House believes that the greater good is the transparency with the American people. So thats our default position, I think in both parties.

Mahnken says he isnt sure just how big of a deal this will become for lawmakers. My suspicion is that the Pentagon is likely to face pretty strong bipartisan pushback from the Hill, he said. I dont imagine this is a popular approach on the Hill.
By Tom Daly

(Reuters) - The European Commission has imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on some stainless steel products from China, Indonesia and Taiwan, according to the official EU journal, nearly eight months after launching a probe into low-price imports.

The duties on hot-rolled stainless steel sheets and coils include a rate of 17% on shipments from two Indonesian subsidiaries of Chinese stainless steel maker Tsingshan Holding Group, whose rapid expansion and low production costs in the southeast Asian country have left EU producers fretting over market share.

Tsingshan's Chinese rival Shanxi Taigang Stainless Steel Co <000825.SZ> Ltd and three affiliates were hit with the highest rate of 18.9%, while other mainland China firms saw rates of 14.5% and 17.4%. The Taiwan duties were lower, ranging from 6% to 7.5%.

It is expected the duties will restore fair trading conditions, end the price depression and allow the EU industry to recover, said the regulation dated April 7, noting price pressure had had a serious impact on profitability.

The investigation began last August after a dumping complaint lodged by the European Steel Association, known as Eurofer, on behalf of four EU producers. That came in the wake of a surge in imports after Washington's 25% steel import tariffs effectively closed off the U.S. market.

Imports from China, Indonesia and Taiwan into the EU increased by 66% over the investigation period between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019, reaching more than 30% of free market consumption, the Commission said.

Prices of these imports "undercut the (EU) industry's prices," it added, putting the undercutting margins at 4.1% for Taiwan, 9.3% for China and 10.7% for Indonesia.

The EU has filed a separate complaint to the World Trade Organization about Indonesia's ban on exports of nickel ore, which is used to make stainless steel ingredient nickel pig iron, from the start of this year.

Story continues

The Commission said it received replies to questionnaires from the two known stainless steel sheet and coil exporters in Indonesia, both of whose ultimate parent was China's Tsingshan.

"Both exporting producers failed to provide a meaningful worldwide structure of the group in their questionnaire replies and during the verification visits," it said, adding it had found the price they paid for nickel ore was more than 30% below the international market price.

The commission gave interested parties 15 calendar days to submitted written comments on the regulation and five calendar days to request a hearing.

(Reporting by Tom Daly; Editing by David Holmes)
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday said four districts including Gurgaon, which have reported the maximum number of COVID-19 cases, will be declared red zones, meaning stricter restrictions will placed in the areas to check the spread of the virus.

The four districts --Gurgaon, Faridabad, Nuh and Palwal -- account for more than 100 cases out of the over 160 cases reported in the state. Many areas in these districts have already been declared containment zones.

After interacting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a video conference, Khattar said in a televised address this evening thatthe indications from the meeting were that the lockdown is set to increase by two weeks.

It emerged during the meeting of chief ministers that areas should be categorised depending on the severity of the spread, he said.

Khattar, who had urged people to wear a mask whenever they step out of their home, said now it is a must and they should make it a habit just like we wear clothes.

About Haryana, he said, the state will be divided into three categories the worst affected will be declared a red zone. Gurgaon, Faridabad, Nuh and Palwal are in that category.

The remaining 18 districts will be divided into two categories vulnerable areas in orange category, where coronavirus cases are fewer than worst-affected



areas.

The third category will be of areas with minimum impact of coronavirus, he said.

The lockdown, however, will continue in all three categories. The restrictions could be milder in areas with minimally affected by the virus for economic activities, he said.

Khattar said all chief ministers gave their suggestions to the prime minister and most of them said the nationwide lockdown should be continued beyond April 14.

A formal announcement will be made by the prime minister but all of us should be prepared,he said.

Khattar said the CMs said increasing the lockdown can help contain the spread of the virus and the prime minister stressed the focus now is on 'jaan bhi, jahan bhi'.

Khattar said it was pointed out during the meeting that the economic activities have come to a halt and to keep these suspended for a long time is difficult for any nation or state. If the lockdown is extended, the prime minister has indicated that some arrangements will be made so that small enterprises can restart.

He said CMs also raised the issues related to the farmers.

Social distancing plan committees will be formed, which will work at the village, block,district, city level and will decide which industry can be allowed to run.

Movement of raw material and finished goods will be allowed, he said.

To ensure there is no crowding when people go out to buy essentials items like vegetables, it has been decided to increase the duration for which such stores can open.

He said banks have been asked to work out an arrangement so that customers can request a 'token' over phone to reduce crowding at bank branches.

To provide healthcare facilities at doorsteps including medicines, the number of mobile dispensaries will be increased from 250 to 500, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Wife Maclovia Zacatenco and daughter Saida Rojas with a photo of Jose Felix Rojas at their home in La Magdalena Axocopan, Mexico. Rojas died of COVID-19 in New York at age 52. (Samuel Lopez Amezquita / For The Times)

For nearly two decades, Jose Felix Rojas crammed into apartments with fellow Mexican immigrants in the New York borough of Queens and toiled in delis and supermarkets, dutifully wiring dollars to his wife and four children back here in the state of Puebla.

My husband always said he would come back home, maybe next year, said his wife, Maclovia Zacatenco. It was always next year.

Now it is too late.

Rojas is one of at least 150 Mexican citizens in the New York City area  the current epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic  who have died after becoming infected, according to Mexican authorities. He was 52.

Maclovia Zacatenco, 50, widow of Jose Felix Rojas, outside their home in La Magdalena Axocopan. (Samuel Lopez Amezquita / For The Times)

Along with intense emotional anguish and a sudden economic void from the loss of crucial providers, their families must endure another blow: The crisis has made it almost impossible to ship bodies back to Mexico for burial.

Faced with overwhelmed morgues and funeral homes in New York, few flights and delays in issuing death certificates, the Mexican Foreign Ministry has advised the families to let their loved ones be cremated so the ashes can eventually be returned.

The families are being asked to eschew the common wish to be buried in native soil and to forgo the traditional farewell ceremonies  Roman Catholic wakes, final prayers, communal viewing, public funeral services and flower-bedecked burial in ancestral plots.

The Mexican government said Friday that all its citizens who died in the United States as a result of COVID-19 remained there in morgues and funeral homes.

Many relatives keep pushing for repatriation of departed kin for interment in familial camposantos, or cemeteries, final resting places for generations of ancestors.

I want to bring my husband's body back, to see him one last time, to be sure he is gone, said Rojas widow, breaking into tears. We always had the dream that he would come back someday."

::

In Rojas hometown, La Magdalena Axocopan, the 8,000 residents eke out a living planting plots of corn, beans and other crops in the parched landscape, supplemented by income from cattle, shops and small businesses.

Story continues

But the real economic engine is abroad  remittances from relatives in New York that finance homes, businesses, education and medical expenses.

Pedro Maximiliano Mendez, 52, ex-New Yorker and mayor of La Magdalena Axocopan. (Samuel Lopez Amezquita / For The Times)

There was no economic alternative here; that is why so many people left, said the mayor, Pedro Maximiliano Mendez, 52, who spent more than 20 years as an undocumented laborer in Queens before returning to Mexico a decade ago to be with his aging mother. We wanted to help our families.

In the late 1970s, large numbers of people from Puebla began immigrating to New York. Many started out manning flower stands in all-night Korean grocery stores, before inching their way up the low-wage immigrant job scale to restaurants and supermarkets.

Today, the New York area is home to at least 600,000 native-born poblanos and their U.S.-born children, concentrated in working-class enclaves in Queens and Brooklyn and Manhattans East Harlem.

Life in New York was not easy. We lived on top of each other, Mendez explained, recalling the crowded apartments and basements shared by Mexican workers, sometimes alternating turns on beds depending on work shifts. It was a life of work, of 18-hour days. Work, eat, sleep, and get up and work again.

Such conditions make social distancing challenging, if not impossible, probably contributing to the death toll of Mexican immigrants.

Rojas left La Magdalena Axocopan 18 years ago. He was already 34 and had four young children, but he saw little opportunity in Mexico. He never returned home, joining the ranks of immigrants who become absentee breadwinners.

My father was always a very hard worker, said his eldest child, Saida Rojas, 26. But he was also very happy, a very good-natured person who cared deeply for his family.

Saida Rojas, 26, daughter of Jose Felix Rosas, outside the family home in La Magdalena Axocopan. (Samuel Lopez Amezquita / For The Times)

She last saw her father when she was 8.

Ever-tighter border restrictions made it difficult for Rojas and for other Mexican immigrants in the United States illegally to visit their families back home  even as their children celebrated first communions, graduations and other life markers.

His presence grew more distant, despite weekly phone calls and, more recently, video conversations. But his remittances helped buy a new family home and a small grocery store.



In the last two years, Rojas had suffered from kidney ailments, even as he continued to stack shelves in a Queens supermarket.

On the morning of March 24, as he prepared to go to work, Rojas felt ill. His brother-in-law, Genaro Zacatenco, who shared a Queens apartment with Rojas, was alarmed.

"He was completely pale, white, and I got very scared because he couldnt talk, had trouble breathing, and then his whole body began to shake, recalled Zacatenco, 42, speaking by telephone from Queens.

I told my wife, Call the ambulance! Hes not well! He couldnt breathe or talk.

Rojas was rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Queens, where he died the next day. Hospital staff told the family the cause was kidney failure.

No one mentioned coronavirus, Zacatenco said.

Rojas body was transferred to a funeral home in Manhattan that specializes in preparing the bodies of Mexican immigrants for repatriation. Funeral home personnel asked for clothing for the body, travel documents and payment to ship him back to Mexico, Zacatenco said.

We paid and they said they would take care of everything, and get the body back to where my sister lives in Mexico, he said.

An hour or so later, someone from the funeral home called back with bad news: The report from the hospital indicated that Rojas had been infected with the coronavirus, a fact that ruled out returning his remains to Mexico.

"We have to cremate," Zacatenco was told.

A provisional death certificate from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said that Rojas died of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure resulting from two causes. The first was bilateral pneumonia  meaning that both lungs were compromised.

The second was handwritten in large letters across the document: * Covid-19 Case *

::

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and other officials have urged immigrants in the United States to remain there to reduce the risk of bringing the virus home.

But in recent weeks, many Mexicans fleeing New York after losing their jobs have been returning to Puebla state.

At least two returnees to the municipality of Atlixco, which includes La Magdalena Axocopan, have tested positive for the coronavirus, said Rene Leon, a spokesman for the Atlixco city government.

If we publicize the names, or even the neighborhoods where they live, it would set off panic and hysteria among the people, he said. Weve already seen some cases of discrimination against compatriots who have returned. People say they carry the virus.

Here in La Magdalena Axocopan, volunteers seated at a table one day last week in the plaza handed out surgical masks and dispensed dollops of hand-sanitizing gel to passersby.

For Rojas family, the focus remains on bringing back his body.

"If I could see him, even his body, then at least I would be at peace that he is gone," said his widow. "But I can't be at peace now, not without seeing my husband again.

Cecilia Sanchez in The Times' Mexico City bureau contributed to this report.
A man wears a mask while walking on a quiet afternoon at Santa Monica Beach in California on April 10, 2020. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

LA Officials: Nearly All Residents Could Be Infected by CCP Virus If Social Distancing Measures Stop

Some 96 percent of Los Angeles County residents could get infected with the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus, if social distancing measures are lifted, county officials said.

Officials on Friday announced an extension for a lockdown order through May 15, citing the number of residents infected and the spread of the virus, which causes the COVID-19 disease. The order was previously scheduled to end on April 19.

I know that many of you were hoping we would get to the end of April and wed be able to lift many of these restrictions, Dr. Barbara Ferrer, the countys public health director, said at a press conference. I am as sad as you are to note that this is not the time to lift.

A countywide order issued last month, similar to the statewide order, forced businesses designated as non-essential to close, shut off legal access to beaches and other areas, and required people to largely stay at home.

The strict measures have flattened the curve, Ferrer said, referring to the projected rise, peak, and fall of confirmed cases and other metrics linked to the pandemic. But because there are so many people that are infected in Los Angeles County and because there is so much spread, we have to continue to keep ourselves physically distant from each other.

(Los Angeles County Department of Health)

Officials released projections (pdf) that claimed 95.6 percent of county residents would become infected as summer approaches if physical distancing goes back to the levels seen before the order was announced.

If physical distancing is maintained at current levels, nearly 30 percent of the county will become infected; if even stricter measures are introduced, only 5.5 percent of the county will get the new virus, according to the modeling, which was attributed to Roger Lewis, director of COVID-19 Demand Modeling, and Christina Ghaly, director of the countys Department of Health Services.

Virtually all residents in Los Angeles would have been exposed or infected by Aug. 1 if residents returned to life as normal before the pandemic, Ghaly said at the press conference. The models showed a huge decline if measures were kept in place or ramped up.

It remains likely that current measures are not sufficient to lead to a reduction in illness over time, and therefore more effective measures will be required, officials wrote in the projections.

Mannequin heads remain on display inside a shuttered barber shop amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Los Angeles, California, on April 10, 2020. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Los Angeles County has approximately 10 million residents, including 4 million in the city of Los Angeles. Some of the strictest measures in the nation have been introduced or discussed by Los Angeles officials.

LA Countys confirmed cases increased by 475 Friday to 8,430 and the deaths from COVID-19 increased by 18, for a total of 241.

Twenty-four percent of all cases, or 2,043, have been hospitalized in total. Around 20 percent of those hospitalized were on ventilators at one point or another.

The county had 1,611 open hospital beds as of April 9, including 277 open intensive care unit beds. Around 1,100 COVID-19 patients were in hospitals as of Thursday, including 479 in ICUs. Officials believe theyll have enough hospital beds to handle the projected peak of cases while theyre working to boost intensive care capacity. The county has about 1,400 ventilators, which is more than sufficient for the expected hospitalizations, according to Ghaly.
Pandemonium erupted outside shops throughout Turkey late Friday night after the government announced a strict weekend curfew to halt the spread of coronavirus throughout the country.

Turkeys interior ministry announced the curfew just two hours before it was due to take effect at midnight, prompting huge crowds, long queues and even violence outside food stores.

Under the terms of the curfew all but select pharmacies, bakeries and petrol stations in 31 of Turkeys 81 provinces were shuttered and all but medical workers and other specialised professionals heading to their jobs were barred from leaving their homes.

By Saturday, streets and squares throughout much of Turkey were devoid of pedestrians or vehicles. Public transportation was limited to a few hours in the morning and evening, but some medical workers complained of being unable to get to their jobs.

The virus death toll has been steadily increasing in Turkey, which recently surpassed 1,000 after a record daily toll of 98 was announced on Friday.

Recommended Turkey to become first country to distribute free masks to nation

We urge all citizens who live in said 31 provinces to comply with this weekends lockdown without panicking, and refrain from reducing their social distance prior to the lockdown, Fahrettin Altun, communications chief for president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, wrote on Twitter.

Mr Erdogan has insisted that the wheels of the economy continue to turn, and his government has kept certain sectors of the economy open for business. These include construction, banking, mining and manufacturing.

News of the curfew came as so much of a surprise that even the mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, took to social media to voice his astonishment. A member of the opposition to Mr Erdogans political party, he has long asked for a tighter lockdown on the city, which is one of the countrys most hard-hit areas.

Curfews to combat the pandemic should not be imposed so hastily, he wrote on Twitter. The municipality of Istanbul was not informed of the sudden 48-hour curfew in Istanbul and was left unsure as to what services will be provided tomorrow. Decisions taken unilaterally only serve to create more panic and confusion.

Residents discarded social distancing guidelines to crowd late-night shops to stock up on groceries and meats. Outside one bakery in the Bayrampasa district of Istanbul, a brawl broke out as young men pummelled and jumped each other, according to video footage posted to the internet.

The 48-hour curfew applies to all the countrys major urbanised provinces, including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Konya, Gaziantep, Antalya, and Diyarbakir as well as the coal-mining district of Zonguldak. Turkish officials insisted that no one would go hungry during the 48-hour lockdown, and distributed photos showing police handing loaves of bread to residents under curfew.

It remains unclear what prompted Turkeys weekend lockdown. Health minister Fahrettin Koca insisted Friday that the number of patients in need of treatment at intensive care units in hospitals was slowing but it should not relieve us.

Mr Erdogan on Friday spoke on the phone with Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic, who earlier imposed a strict weekend curfew throughout the eastern Balkan country.

Turkey has introduced a number of measures to fight against the pandemic. Last week it banned the sale of surgical masks and launched an ambitious programme to distribute them for free to citizens. It has also sought to aid other countries facing the pandemic, recently dispatching planeloads of surgical masks and hazmat suits to the UK, with a quote from the medieval Sufi poet Rumi on the boxes.

After hopelessness, there is so much hope, it said. And after darkness, there is the much brighter sun.




Haiti - News : Zapping...





$100,000 donation from E-Power

E-Power donated 100,000 US dollars to Zanmi Lasante, a non-profit organization that operates on behalf of the Ministry of Public Health, the University Hospital of Mirebalais.



1,000 gallons of hydro-alcoholic solutions per day

The Association of Pharmacists of Haiti (APH) produces daily, approximately 1,000 gallons of hydro-alcoholic solutions for the fight against Covid-19. A first stock will be handed over to government authorities shortly, said Romel Cajuste, Vice President of APH



Assessment of the National Ambulance Center

Statistics of the National Ambulance Center (CAN) for the month of March 2020 : 337 obstetric emergencies, 212 road accidents, 201 cases of chronic diseases, 57 trauma, 86 transfers, 13 cases of Covid-19 confirmed, 33 gunshot wounds and 205 others case.



Covid-19 : Mayors call for decentralization

After having registered positive cases of Covid-19 in 7 of the 10 departments of Haiti https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30503-haiti-covid-19-daily-bulletin-april-11-2020.html , local authorities are asking the government to decentralize resources to better cope with the pandemic. Hodes Mertil, President of the Association of Mayors of the North West, called for strengthening the capacity of departmental health offices as part of the Covid-19 coronavirus containment plan.



A Haitian poet shortlisted for the African Book of the Year Award

The Haitian poet from Verettes, Guten Rachad Jean-Baptiste with his poetry collection "Mandoline of silence" is on the list of 5 finalists for the African Prize "Book of the year" organized by the publishing house Guekourougo Nobert Kone in Ivory Coast



Food For The Poor : Distribution of food kits

Food For The Poor distributed food kits, a kit having to last 15 days since it is impossible to receive them every day. This distribution of dry ration was held at the premises of the Town Hall of Delmas, in a large space allowing to respect the social distance between everyone.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected an appeal by a Muslim organisation to allow the reopening of mosques for the five daily prayers during the Covid-19-triggered lockdown in the country.

Mosques, churches, temples and other religious shrines are among the institutions where gatherings have been prohibited as the country battles COVID-19 pandemic.

Ramaphosa had on Thursday announced a two-week extension of the 21-day lockkdown that was due to end on April 14.

The President was responding to attorney Zehir Omar, who had submitted papers on behalf of the Majlisul Ulama of South Africa, citing the religious obligations which were allegedly being denied under the lockdown.

A list of Muslim religious institutions claiming to support the request was provided by an organisation called Custodians of the Haq' in support of the MA, but some have now denied being party to it.

Omar asked for the lockdown restrictions to be eased, as had been done for the huge minibus taxi industry to allow them to operate with limited numbers.

The appeal said the prayers would be conducted swiftly and the congregants would disperse immediately afterwards.

But the Presidency said in a statement that the consequences and measures taken by President Cyril Ramaphosa to curtail the coronavirus spread was a concern for all South Africans, irrespective of their religious affiliation.

The statement said Ramaphosa had consulted with leaders from religious communities before the measures were taken.

Among those who had earlier expressed support in a broadcast on national public TV was Moulana Ebrahim Bham, the secretary general of the Jamiatul Ulama of South Africa.

The consequences expressed at these meetings from leaders of all faiths was that adherence to lockdown regulations was necessary for the greater good, despite the sacrifices that this would require South Africans to make.

We fully appreciate that being unable to worship at a mosque is a great sacrifice being made by the Muslim community. It is, however, similar to the sacrifices being made by not just by adherents to other faiths, but by other Muslims around the world, the statement said.

A number of leading Muslim organisations, largely from the South African Indian community across the country, have disassociated themselves from the list of the Custodians.

The Presidency also said the Islamic Medical Association had advised that the letter by Majlis is not a representation of the majority of Muslims in South Africa.

We are in full support of the President's difficult task and even the Friday prayers usually attended by thousands at our mosques have not been held for the past three weeks already, said a religious leader from Durban who asked not to be identified.

The Majlisul request is totally out of line. Even the biggest event in the life of a Muslim, the annual Hajj (pilgrimage) in Makkah, has been put on hold, so who are these people to want a different approach to that which applies to all religious groups in South Africa? the Moulana queried.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Police in Surat, Gujarat has detained around 80 migrant workers, mostly from Odisha, for allegedly going on a rampage and setting many handcarts afire demanding that they are allowed to return to their native places amid the lockdown.

The incident happened on Friday night after several migrant workers took to the streets demanding that they are allowed to return to their native states and quick disbursal of unpaid dues.

screengrab

According to reports, they were angered over reports of the extension of lockdown, which would make their lives difficult as they do not have any income. While the situation has been brought under control, police have also detained several migrant workers for engaging in violent protests.

#Bad news coming in from #Surat. #Migrant workers in the city came out on the streets in huge numbers asking for their #salaries and #demanding permission to get back home. Torching of vegetable carts, stone pelting and #lathicharging followed. Around 70 #detained. pic.twitter.com/gflyc8ZKsr  Gulbarga Temperature (@GulbargaTemper1) April 10, 2020

"Hundreds of workers, mostly from Odisha, hit the streets demanding that they should be sent to their native places. They also claimed that the food served to them by an NGO is tasteless and they have to stand in the queue to get the meal," ACP C K Patel said.

"Out of anger, they torched some handcarts and tyres in the Laskana area. We have detained 80 migrant workers. Heavy police deployment and strict vigil by the administration has brought the situation under control," he said.

Migrant workers in Surat came out on road demanding their salaries and asking for permission to go their natives. Around half a dozen vegetable carts were torched as mob went berserk. Around 70 persons detained. @the_hindu pic.twitter.com/uZICjDndNh  ahsana (@MDAHSANAHMAD) April 11, 2020

On March 30, over 90 migrant labourers were arrested in Surat city for defying the nationwide lockdown and attacking police over a similar issue.

Millions of migrant workers from across the country have been stuck in cities without a job or income after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

While thousands left on foot and walked for days to reach their native villages as the public transport had also been suspended others had stayed back. But with no jobs and income, many have found it increasingly difficult to survive in the cities, where they lived in rented accommodations.

Though various state governments had announced those who have lost jobs including migrant workers will be provided with food kits and free rations, many have complained that they have not received any support.

In Surat - Gujarat, over 2,500 jobless migrant workers are starving and have not received any relief material from the state government.



PM Modi should realise that #ThaliBajao & #9baje9minute does not fill empty stomachs.pic.twitter.com/U7woMZTVG8  Rofl Republic (@i_theindian) April 11, 2020

Many NGOs and individuals have also stepped in to provide food for the needy during the lockdown.

On Saturday, the total number of positive coronavirus cases across the country are 7,447, including 6565 active cases of the virus. So far, 642 patients have either been cured or discharged while 239 deaths have been recorded in the country, as per the data provided by the Ministry of Health.






The opposition Congress and JDS on



Saturday demanded that the BJP-led government in Karnataka offer relief to the farmers by procuring their produce well in time and supply essential commodities to them.

In a series of tweets, JDS leader Kumaraswamy highlighted the plight of farmers in the wake of the lockdown to contain coronavirus disease.

"I urge the state government to immediately announce a relief package to farmers by way of direct benefit transfer mechanism and purchase all the agricultural produce so as to avoid farmer suicides," Kumaraswamy tweeted.

He said farmers were throwing their produce in despair and losing their livelihood even as supplies in towns are depleting. This situation, Kumaraswamy said, threatened both lives and livelihoods.

He insisted that the government act swiftly and effectively.

The former Chief Minister also sought to know the government's plans to tackle the situation.

"As the lock down continues, what action plan does the government have to tackle challenges of ensuring marketing channels for farm produce with timely transport and ensuring uninterrupted supply of essential groceries to towns and cities?" Kumaraswamy tweeted.

In a press release, the Congress state president D K Shivakumar sought the government to procure the agriculture produce at market price and supply it to the poor, free of cost.

He said these relief measures should be carried out ignoring the party

Noting that farmers were the backbone of the nation, he said, "If we don't stand in support of farmers now, then we may starve in the coming days. Thus, we should rush to their support.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
(CNN)  For most of the animal kingdom, babies are born in one of two ways: their parent either lays eggs or gives birth to live offspring.

Recently, a three-toed skink (Saiphos equalis) pulled off an extraordinary feat: It laid three eggs and delivered another baby through live birth in the same pregnancy. That suggests that the lizard species is in a rare transitional form between egg-laying and live-bearing animals, according to a study published in Molecular Ecology last month.

"We affectionately call the three-toed skink 'the weirdest lizard in the world' -- but it can tell us a lot about the evolution of reproductive strategies," Camilla Whittington, one of the study's lead authors and an evolutionary biologist at the University of Sydney, wrote in an email to CNN.

It was the first record of egg-laying and live birth in a single pregnancy

Three-toed skinks, found in Australia, are already a fascinating species for evolutionary scientists, explains Whittington. One reason is that some populations reproduce by laying eggs, while others reproduce through live birth.

The mode skinks use to reproduce generally corresponds with their environment. Skinks around the Sydney area lay eggs, albeit ones with thin shells and embryos that are almost completely developed. In northern parts of Australia, the skinks give birth to live young.

But never before had scientists seen a species lay eggs and experience live birth in a single pregnancy until it was observed in the three-toed skink last year, Whittington wrote. It was the first record of a vertebrate doing so.

Why this could be happening

There are a couple of explanations as to why the skink both laid eggs and had a live baby in the same pregnancy, Whittingon said.

One is that it was a form of "bet-hedging," meaning that the ability to switch between laying eggs and live birth could provide the lizard an advantage in unpredictable environments.

"For example, if it's cold or dry, it might be risky to lay eggs in an unprotected nest, and better for the mums to carry the babies until development is complete," she wrote. "If there are a lot of predators around and pregnant mums find it harder to escape, it might be risky to carry babies to term. Mothers that are able to act flexibly could therefore have an advantage in an unpredictable environment."

Another explanation is that some feature of the environment could have caused the skink in question to lay part of her clutch abnormally early. Still, Whittington said, two of the skink's eggs hatched to healthy baby lizards, which means that if this phenomenon happened in the wild, the babies could still be viable.

Scientists don't yet know what course evolution is taking

The finding could mean that the skink is transitioning to only laying eggs or only experiencing live birth. But scientists say it's too soon to tell which direction it's moving in.

In general, animals that give birth to live young have evolved from ancestors that laid eggs and it would be rare for an animal to evolve in the other direction, according to Whittington. And it's worth pointing out that when this skink does lay eggs, the embyros are almost fully developed and hatch much more quickly than other egg-laying lizards.

Still, it's "impossible" to determine what course natural selection is taking in this skink species, Whittington said. Their research shows that the uterus of the "transitional" three-toed skinks and live-bearing three-toed skinks function similarly, which could make it possible for the species to reverse from live-bearing to egg-laying, she said.

"At the moment, we can't rule out the possibility that the transitional animals could be descended from live-bearing ancestors -- which is why we are continuing to study these amazing lizards," she wrote.

"To complicate things, if the environment changes, the direction of selection could change too! In some environments, natural selection might favour laying eggs. In others, it might be more advantageous to give birth to live young."

And that, Whittington said, is what makes evolution such a fascinating process.

This story was first published on CNN.com "An extraordinary feat pulled off by a lizard could suggest the species is going through a rare evolutionary transition"
Under pressure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within institutions, prisons and jails across Canada are facing calls to reduce overcrowding in spaces that weren't designed for physical distancing.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 11/4/2020 (640 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Under pressure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within institutions, prisons and jails across Canada are facing calls to reduce overcrowding in spaces that weren't designed for physical distancing.

In Manitoba, no cases of the virus within correctional institutions have been announced, and all programs and in-person visits have been suspended. It's still unclear how many, if any, inmates could be released early as part of COVID-19 response plans, or what protocols are in place for the use of protective gear inside provincial jails.

Chris Hastings, a Stony Mountain inmate and wellness-committee member, said inmates are fearful of COVID-19 spreading within the prison. (Supplied photo)

The province previously committed to suspending intermittent sentences and said Manitoba already has power over release dates of inmates in its jails.

A Manitoba Justice spokeswoman didn't address a specific question about whether inmates have been released early due to the virus, instead issuing a statement: "We are managing inmate release dates as corrections has authority to do... We will not be releasing anyone that presents a significant risk to public safety prior to the completion of their sentence."

At Stony Mountain Institution, and all other federal prisons, those discussions are still underway with the Parole Board of Canada, said Sav Bains, regional director of health services for the Correctional Service of Canada.

"We're trying to show compassion for those that are the most vulnerable medically, and that have serious underlying health conditions. Parallel to that, we want to make sure our communities are safe as well."  Sav Bains, regional director of health services for the Correctional Service of Canada

"We're trying to show compassion for those that are the most vulnerable medically, and that have serious underlying health conditions. Parallel to that, we want to make sure our communities are safe as well, so that dialogue and conversation is taking place, and we'll get to a point when we can look at that, for sure," he said.

Inmate raises concerns: 'A lot of guys are freaked out'

Meanwhile, a Stony Mountain inmate says tensions are building as inmates cope with increased restrictions.

Chris Hastings, who is serving a 10 1/2-year sentence for trafficking carfentanil within the prison, said inmates aren't being completely confined to cells and can still access the canteen, but they are concerned a full lockdown is coming.

Social distancing is difficult at Stony Mountain, an inmate says, and tensions are rising amid virus concerns. (Ken Gigliotti/Winnipeg Free Press files)

The indoor gym is shuttered and inmates are not allowed to move between units. Hastings said social distancing is difficult, given all of the facilities are shared among inmates.

Hastings said extra cleaners have been hired, and as of Thursday, guards were beginning to wear protective equipment. Inmates don't have masks or hand sanitizer, and Hastings said he doesn't think they've been given enough information about how to protect themselves and others from the novel coronavirus, particularly for inmates with underlying health conditions.

"I've asked for information. I appreciate that it's a new thing and they don't know much about it; a lot of guys are freaked out. A lot of guys are stressed and worried about their families, worried about their own health," said Hastings, who is a member of an inmate wellness committee inside the prison north of Winnipeg.

"We're not trying to take advantage of this situation. We're concerned just as much as anybody else is.... I'm just worried that if these guys keep feeling the way they are, it could lead to bad stuff happening."  Chris Hastings, Stony Mountain inmate

"A lot of the guys just want people to know that we're not trying to take advantage of this situation. We're concerned just as much as anybody else is  everybody's being affected by this. And it's a prison, it doesn't take much for it to blow up. I'm just worried that if these guys keep feeling the way they are, it could lead to bad stuff happening."

Human rights group recommends early release of vulnerable inmates

As part of its pandemic response guidelines, the Manitoba Human Rights Commission recommended early release for vulnerable prisoners, including pregnant women, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems. The guidelines were released this week, aimed at government departments, municipalities, health authorities and policy makers.

The commission is also recommending the release of non-violent offenders and anyone who doesn't pose a public-safety risk, suggesting more sentences could be served in the community instead of in jail, and correctional officers could be redeployed as probation officers working by telephone.

"We're really concerned that overcrowding and large populations in our Manitoba prisons is going to impact the ability for incarcerated folks to equitably practice those health directives, like social distancing, and protect their health, but also the health of those who work in those facilities," said Karen Sharma, the commission's acting executive director.

Manitoba Justice said the number of prisoners inside its jails (1,902) is within capacity.

"We have been successful in ensuring that we can physically distance and isolate inmates, as necessary, and have developed contingency plans in case someone in the system tests positive for COVID-19," a spokeswoman said in a statement.

"We're really concerned that overcrowding and large populations in our Manitoba prisons is going to impact the ability for incarcerated folks to equitably practice those health directives."  Karen Sharma, Manitoba Human Rights Commission

At both the provincial and federal levels, correctional facilities are taking steps to isolate new admissions.

Bains said all federal prisoners being transferred to a different institution are expected to be isolated for 14 days upon arrival. He said a screening process is in place for prison staff arriving for work, and said they have protective gear to wear when physical distancing isn't possible.

Policies not provided for use of protective gear

In Manitoba's provincial jails, it's unclear how personal protective equipment is being used or whether any testing for COVID-19 is being done. When asked for a copy of any policies or guidelines that have been implemented by Manitoba Justice for the use of protective gear within its correctional facilities, a department spokeswoman said no operational documents could be provided, "in the interest of security."

It's also unclear what level of testing or screening is being conducted for the virus among correctional workers or inmates inside provincial jails. The province has only said testing is not mandatory.

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.

NDP MLA Nahanni Fontaine, Justice critic for the Opposition, said she has heard from correctional workers and their family members that personal protective equipment is not being worn, and that employees haven't received training on how to deal with someone who may have contracted the virus. The Opposition wants the Progressive Conservative government to provide that training and start fast-tracking inmates who may be eligible for early release, provided they don't have the virus and have a safe place to go.

"Those, at the very beginning, are very, very immediate and simple steps that the government should be taking," Fontaine said.

At the federal level, seven tests for the virus inside Stony Mountain came back negative and one result was still pending as of Friday, according to Correctional Service of Canada data. Federal inmates who show symptoms are being tested.

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @thatkatiemay
T he Queen has issued another morale boosting message of hope to the nation amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In her first special Easter Message Her Majesty states emphatically: We know that coronavirus will not overcome us.

And the Queen, who is Supreme Governor of The Church of England and a devout Christian, stressed that while it is important to keep apart and services have not been held: Easter isnt cancelled.

Her Majesty said: This year, Easter will be different for many of us but by keeping apart we keep others safe. But Easter isnt cancelled; indeed, we need Easter as much as ever.

The discovery of the risen Christ on the first ever Easter Day gave his followers new hope and fresh purpose, and we can all take heart from this.

We know that coronavirus will not overcome us. As dark as death can be  particularly for those suffering with grief  light and life are greater.

May the flame of the Easter hope be a steady guide as we face the future.

The message was recorded on Friday in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle, where the Queen is self-isolating with the Duke of Edinburgh.

It comes as the UK death toll reached 9,875, according to the Department of Health.

She said: Many religions have festivals which celebrate light overcoming darkness.

Such occasions are often accompanied by the lighting of candles. They seem to speak to every culture, and appeal to people of all faiths, and of none.

They are lit on birthday cakes and to mark family anniversaries, when we gather happily around a source of light. It unites us.

As darkness falls on the Saturday before Easter Day, many Christians would normally light candles together. In church, one light would pass to another, spreading slowly and then more rapidly as more candles are lit.

Its a way of showing how the good news of Christs resurrection has been passed on from the first Easter by every generation until now.

She signed off by wishing everyone of all faiths and denominations a blessed Easter.

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Special precautions were taken to ensure there was no risk to Her Majesty when she recorded the message. As with the broadcast to the nation, the equipment had been set up ahead of the recording and appropriately cleaned before The Queen came into contact with it.

It is understood to be her first Easter address on radio and television.

Easter Saturday was chosen as she did not want to overshadow traditional Easter messages from religious leaders.

Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge, has also sent a letter to the Moderator of the Church Of Scotland on the cancellation of Lord High Commissioner week.

He wrote: As we approach Easter, I wanted to acknowledge how difficult a time this must be for the Church of Scotland and your Ministries.

You have had to close your Churches at the very moment when you normally come together, and when your communities need you the most.

It is heartening to see how the Church of Scotland, like so many other faith communities across the country, is re-inventing itself digitally to continue providing worship, support and guidance for your congregations. I have no doubt that this support, as well as other means of offering help, is hugely appreciated at this extremely challenging time, particularly by the elderly, vulnerable, those economically affected and of course those who have so tragically lost family and friends.

I am sure that this continuing connection and support will be particularly welcomed this Easter weekend.

It is sad but understandable that the pandemic has resulted in the cancellation of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. As you know, I was very much looking forward to spending a week in Scotland this May as Lord High Commissioner. I know how much work goes into preparing for the General Assembly week, and I wanted to pass on my thanks to all involved.
BJP lawmaker T Raja Singh, who recently sparked controversy by raising anti-China slogans, doubled down on his criticism saying that the entire world believes that coronavirus has originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

He aslo urged the Chinese government to support the World Health Organisation (WHO) in developing a vaccine for novel coronavirus.

Singh had on April 6 raised the slogan, 'Chinese virus go back'. In a letter to Singh, counsellor in the Chinese embassy in India, Liu Bing, expressed unhappiness over Singh's remarks saying, "It is an act of stigma which should be stopped."

In a reply to Bing, Singh said, "I have received your message today and I would like to explain to you that not only me but the whole world says that coronavirus has originated from Wuhan and American President Donald Trump has stated that it's not a coronavirus but it's a Chinese virus."

Singh urged the Chinese government to support the World Health Organisation (WHO) in developing a vaccine for novel coronavirus as soon as possible to save the world from this deadly virus.

Coronavirus has so far killed over 1 lakh people and has infected more than 1.6 million around the world.

The total number of positive coronavirus cases across the country are 7,529 including 6,634 active cases. So far, 652 patients have either been cured or discharged while 242 deaths have been recorded in the country, as per data provided by the Ministry of Health on Saturday evening.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pangea.app, a Providence, Rhode Island-based startup has raised a $400,000 pre-seed round, it told TechCrunch this week. The company's new capital, raised as a post-money SAFE, comes from PJC, a Boston-based venture capital firm and Underdog Labs. Previously, Pangea.app raised money from angel investors.

The company links "remote college freelancers," per its website, to businesses around the country. College students want paid work and resume-building experience, while businesses need help with piece-work that students can help with, like graphic design. Today, with colleges and universities closing due to COVID-19, students stuck at home, and many businesses leery about adding new, full-time staff, Pangea.app could find itself in a market sweet spot.

Some students that had work lined up for the summer are now unexpectedly free, possibly adding to the startup's labor rolls. "I can't tell you how many students I've spoken with who have had summer internships and on-campus jobs canceled," Adam Alpert, Pangea.app's CEO and co-founder told TechCrunch, "we are filling an important gap helping them find short-term, remote opportunities that enable them to contribute while learning."

Pangea.app CEO Adam Alpert and CTO John Tambunting

If its marketing position resonates as its CEO hopes, the firm could see quick growth. According to Alpert the company has seen five figures of contracts flow through its platform to date, and expects to reach a gross merchandise volume run rate that's a multiple of its current size by the end of summer.

Some 250 schools have students on the platform; 60 schools have joined in the last three weeks.

Pangea.app makes money in two ways, taking a 15% cut of transaction volume and charging some companies a SaaS fee for access to its best-vetted student workers. The company had targeted a $500,000 raise, a sum that Alpert says he's confident that his company can meet.

Story continues

While the national economy stutters and the venture capital world slows, Pangea.app may have picked up capital at a propitious time; raising capital is only going to get harder as the year continues and it now has enough to operate for a year without generating revenue; it will generate top line, however, extending its cash cushion.

Pangea.app aspires to more than just growth. Alpert told TechCrunch that it has a number of development-focused hires on the docket for 2020, including a UI/UX designer and engineering talent. The company also intends to use its own platform to staff up over the summer to help speed up its own development.

Being based in Providence, not precisely the center of the world's startup gravity, may have some advantages for Pangea.app. The company said that it is working to reach break-even profitability before it works on the next part of its business. It's easier to do that in Providence where the cost of living and doing business is far lower than it is in larger startup hubs.

Update: The round was a pre-seed investment, not a seed deal as originally reported. The post has been corrected.
Indulge me a quick personal story. Twice now Ive been duped by Facebook ads into ordering American-looking products  furniture polish and a blouse  I later discovered came from China.

The packages arrived months late with Chinese language return addresses indecipherable and unreturnable. The blouse was doll-sized with two different sleeve lengths. Instead of furniture polish the crushed toothpaste-sized box I received contained spackle with a pointed applicator.

Im annoyed with Facebook for failing to disclose where their advertised products come from. I am angrier with the Chinese manufacturers who tricked me  twice. Shame on me if I fall for that again.

This lesson strikes me as a metaphor for the long-standing relationship between the United States and China. Time after time the Chinese have taken advantage, deceived and outright stolen from us. Our response has been wishy-washy.

Chinese duplicity goes way back. Foreign policy experts figure that the Chinese theft of intellectual property from Americans costs the U.S. between $225 billion to $600 billion a year. The Chinese have long hacked into American computers, stolen software and trade secrets, illegally infringed on patents and, for years, counterfeited American goods and sold them around the world  including right back here in the United States. If an American citizen had employed similar tactics they would have risked a long prison term.

The Chinese have also long practiced unfair trade tactics by forcing their grossly underpaid citizens to produce products that other countries could never duplicate without resorting to slave labor. They have slapped exorbitant tariffs on U.S. goods headed into China, thus putting a chokehold on American companies hoping to tap into the massive Chinese market.

Now the United States is forced to kowtow to this predatory empire for sorely needed medical assistance as we struggle through the COVID-19 pandemic  which came from their country. This is now the third pandemic/epidemic to have originated in China. Both the Asian flu, 1957, and the Hong Kong flu, 1968, started in China and together claimed about three million deaths worldwide. The milder epidemic of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), 2003, was also traced to China.

Now theres COVID-19. 

Realize China controls production of a massive amount of the worlds medicines, medicinal compounds and medical supplies and equipment. For example, 90% percent of our antibiotics, vitamin C, ibuprofen and hydrocortisone is manufactured in China. About 70% of acetaminophen and about 45% of the blood thinner Heparin comes from China. About half the safety masks in the world come from China. If we push the regime too hard on their hacking of U.S. trade secrets, if we harshly question them on their illogically low COVID-19 death rate or condemn them for currently hoarding face masks, we risk the possibility of serious Chinese retribution.

What if China, in a fit of parochial pique, decides to send us shoddy pharmaceuticals or medical equipment  or none at all?

There was a glimmer of hope relations might begin to even out last fall when President Trump optimistically told American farmers to buy more tractors and land because China had agreed to spend $40 billion a year on American agriculture products. However, recent estimates from Washington report China is not on track. The current total of agriculture sales to Beijing is like $14 billion. Duped again?

In this globalized economy we cannot afford to write off relations with China. But Ive learned my lesson. No more ordering from Facebook ads lest they be from a Chinese company. And, I will try my best to buy nothing marked made in China.

China is not our friend. It unapologetically operates by a completely different standard of conduct. That we have allowed ourselves to become so subservient  in business, in technology, in medicine  and allowed so many U.S. manufacturing jobs to ebb away to China is maddening.

We are paying for it now. We will continue to pay for it in the future unless drastic changes are made.
Storyful

An affable deer created somewhat of a buzz in a neighborhood near Salt Lake City, Utah, he regularly visited over the holiday period.The deer, nicknamed Cooper by local residents, has been playing with children in the neighborhood of Herriman and was even spotted posing for photos, reports said.Herriman resident Angelica Lujan recorded footage of the tame deer interacting with her children outside of her home on South Rowell Drive.Speaking to KSTU, a Utah Division of Wildlife Resources representative said despite the deers friendly attitude, the best thing for the animal is for people to leave him alone.People dont realize these beautiful, cute deer can be aggressive as they get older. Weve had times in the past where these friendly deer, they do get aggressive, said Scott Root, Conservation Outreach Manager, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.Weve had kids hurt at bus stops. Bad things happen when we feed deer in a residential area, Root added. Credit: Angelica Lujan via Storyful
With the Charlotte economy shut down to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, small businesses have been stretching their dollars, hoping to make it through to the coming recovery. But some are already finding that they might not be able to make it.

While its anticipated that demand for hotels, restaurants and other parts of the economy will come back, and along with it many of the lost jobs, companies still have to pay bills in the meantime.

And with small-business aid slow to be distributed or hard to access, some are finding the light at the end of the recession out of reach.

One of the first casualties of the economic contraction was Lemon Love, a nail spa which opened in uptown in 2019. With most nail spas and other salons shuttered, owner Tracy Martin said in an Instagram post last Friday that the spa wouldnt re-open after the pandemic.

Please continue to reach and support these businesses, there are so many that have put their entire lives and savings into their brand and business, including myself and trust me when I say they need to know that you still care, she wrote.

Charlottes small-businesses will be the hardest hit from the economic slowdown, most officials agree.

Businesses across the US have been forced to close due to the coronavirus pandemic, with some shuttering forever. This sign is posted on the door of Hope Beauty Supply in Charlotte.

There are 28,798 businesses in Mecklenburg County with fewer than 50 employees, according to county data. Its likely that a year from now that number will be significantly lower.

Every time theres a downturn, the weakest of the businesses arent going to be able to survive, said John Connaughton, an economics professor at UNC Charlotte.

Sustenance, not stimulus

Most of the aid to small businesses has been discussed as stimulus. In reality, the loans and grants to mom-and-pop restaurants and local body shops arent going to grow the economy, but rather just keep businesses as current as possible.

Policymakers are trying to make it as smooth as they can for a business to ramp back up when commerce gets going again. Thats much easier for businesses if they kept their lease or kept paying their workers.

Story continues

Idling a business is a lot easier in the long term than raising it from the dead, said Chad Turner, president of the Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

But just staying afloat when your doors are closed can be a full-time job.

Hollis Nixon, whose business Core Concrete creates custom countertops and sinks, has spent almost all of her time lately trying to get aid for her and her business.

Im just tired. This is exhausting. Its more hours than a full time job, she said. As soon as applications are released, whether its midnight or 4 a.m., I hop on the computer immediately.

Her business, which has three employees, has seen its new income drop to zero. No one needs a new bar for their restaurant when all the bars are closed. Shes applied for everything that could possibly help her get through the downturn, including federal funds, emergency grants and regional grants.

Like thousands of other business owners, Hollis doesnt know which of the things she applied for shell get. Its nerve wracking. You dont know whats gonna come through, how much its going to be, when its gonna come through, she said.

Compounding the challenge of keeping small businesses from shuttering forever is a local response criticized as insignificant and a federal response beset by technical glitches and access issues.

PPP problems

Hundreds of billions of dollars in small-business aid have been approved by Congress, but many small business owners have reported challenges in finding banks from which to get loans.

Once they do find a bank, usually after some difficulty, theyre stuck waiting on a federal system that has been plagued by technical issues and downtime.

For a few days, many Wells Fargo customers were effectively shut out of the program because the bank had hit a regulatory cap on its assets. The Federal Reserve relaxed that cap Wednesday, letting the bank participate fully.

Those very small businesses that probably need the help the most may not be able to devote the time and resources to navigate a complex system designed to help them that is proving itself to be difficult for even large banks, said Stephanie Few, a Charleston-based partner at the law firm Womble Bond Dickinson.

How many closed their doors before they were able to start the process? Few said.

On top of that, the $349 billion federal small business aid program, known as the Paycheck Protection Program, is so in demand it will likely run out of funds soon. Theres widespread support in Congress to pump more funds into it, but lawmakers have yet to come to an agreement.

Charlotte response

The response to the economic crisis from Charlotte-Mecklenburg leaders has also been small, when compared to what other municipalities in the area have put together.

Mecklenburg County passed a $5 million package to provide small businesses with low-interest loans Tuesday. That program would provide, if each loan were the maximum amount of $35,000, roughly 142 loans total.

Despite its approval by an 8 to 1 vote, many county commissioners did not believe the program did close enough to prevent small businesses from shuttering.

I just think its such a drop in the bucket. said commissioner Susan Rodriguez-McDowell at the Tuesday meeting. She voted in favor of the program.

Im not sure what the alternative is, but what Im saying is this is such a crisis for so many people and this just doesnt touch it. Its like putting a Band-Aid on  its not even big enough to be called a Band-Aid its so tiny, she said.

Commissioner Pat Cotham voted against the proposal because she thought it was too insignificant to help many small businesses.

I just worry theyre going to be left behind, she said at the Tuesday meeting.

While other municipalities, including Gaston County, have put together packages in the tens of millions of dollars, the city of Charlotte hasnt put together a comparable relief package.

The city council plans to vote on a $1 million micro-business loan program on Monday. But some officials, including city manager Marcus Jones, dont want to construct a major program until the scale of federal and state aid to the city is known.

With funding from Raleigh and Washington weeks away and businesses suffering right now, that program may come too late for many.

The waiting game

In the meantime for small businesses, whether its on their own or with government support, theyre stuck in an insufferable waiting game.

Frank La Fragola Jr. had spent the last year investing about $3 million into a second location of his Matthews restaurant, Jekyll & Hyde Taphouse and Grill, in Belmont.

A staff of roughly 60 were trained. The grand opening was set for March 19. But on March 17, Gov. Roy Cooper ordered all bars and dining rooms closed for everything except take-out.

Youve been waiting the entire year for this to happen. And then two days before its supposed to happen all your dreams get crushed, he said. Weve been paying these bills for months and months with nothing coming in. Mother Nature is a cruel person sometimes.

And because his workers had not yet received their first paycheck, many are finding difficultly getting unemployment benefits, La Fragola said.

Through Thursday, 509,693 North Carolinians filed for unemployment since March 16. Many of the newly employed have reported problems with the states unemployment benefit infrastructure, which is buckling under the record demand.

Despite the cruel timing, La Fragola is one of the better-off cases.

With the help of PPP funds, he believes hell be able to make it through the downturn, and eventually open the restaurant. Many others, he says, wont be as lucky.
In addition, when a tenants immigration status is less than ideal, they may fear that fighting an eviction could raise a red flag. Briceno indicated that Hispanic immigrants typically try to fly under the radar in these cases.

Lastly, many members of Winston-Salems Hispanic community hold a general distrust of government proceedings. Ed Sharp, a local Legal Aid lawyer, notes that the number of Hispanics who actually appear in court to contest an eviction filing is minuscule, even for U.S. citizens.

What to do? In the short-term, legal representation in civil court, including small claims court, should be guaranteed. Reform also means better information for the Hispanic community. The provision of a tenants bill of rights --in English and Spanish  should be required of all landlords, putting both groups on a more even footing. Establishing trust between government entities and the Hispanic population will then grow over time.

The private sector can play a larger role and it is in their interest to do so. They can discreetly find out who may be at risk for missing a rent payment and assist. Employees facing eviction are less productive ones, with potentially wrenching disruption to their home life, schools and work.
[April 10, 2020] NASA Marks Earth Day's 50th Anniversary with #EarthDayAtHome

WASHINGTON, April 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As the world observes the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22, NASA is highlighting the agency's many contributions to sustaining and improving our home planet's environment with a week of online events, stories, and resources. NASA's investment in space  both the unique Earth science we conduct from orbit and the technology we've developed by living in space and exploring our solar system and universe  is returning benefits every day to people around the world, particularly those who are working on environmental issues. From documenting Earth's changing climate to creating green technologies to save energy and natural resources, NASA is helping us all live more sustainably on our home planet and adapt to natural and human-caused changes. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, no in-person NASA activities are planned for Earth Day. However, NASA is bringing people together virtually for Earth Day with new online content, programming, and activities, including an extensive array of at-home projects in the #EarthDayAtHome collection, which debuts Thursday, April 16. NASA's observation of the Earth Day golden anniversary began on March 3 with a "50-Day Countdown" of daily social media posts highlighting many of the agency's Earth images and environmental projects. All of these posts are available on a blog updated daily on NASA's Earth Day website, which also includes a toolkit of activities for students and families. New content will be posted to the site beginning Monday, April 13. The NASA Earth Facebook account and @NASAEarth on Twitter and Instagram also will have special content through Earth Day. Highlights of NASA Earth Day content and activities over the next two weeks: Monday, April 13 NASA's Curious Universe podcast  From the sights and sounds of the Amazon rainforest, where scientists study how this massive ecosystem is changing, to Los Angeles, where one NASA scientist found her calling to study air pollution, this episode takes listeners on a tour of the many ways the agency observes and studies our home planet. Wednesday, April 15/span>



Make Your Own Satellite View of Earth  Explore 20 years of satellite views of our home planet in NASA's online data archive and create your own Earth Day snapshot or animated GIF with the NASA Worldview data visualization application. An easy-to-use map interface lets you explore this global archive to see hurricanes forming, wildfires spreading, icebergs drifting, and more. A special Earth Day gallery of images will be available on Wednesday, April 15 for inspiration along with a tutorial to help you use Worldview to create your own Earth Day images. Thursday, April 16

NASA's Earth Day at Home  Although people around the world are socially distancing, NASA is creating an opportunity to observe Earth Day virtually with the #EarthDayAtHome collection of new and curated activities and information that debuts on Thursday, April 16, on nasa.gov/earthday. The collection includes at-home science activities, videos from Earth and space, downloadable posters, social media engagement and more. Many resources will be available in both English and Spanish. Everyone is encouraged to share images of what they did to observe Earth Day using the hashtag #EarthDayAtHome. Lecture: "How NASA Observes Earth from Air and Orbit"  NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, will host a livestream of its monthly von Karman lecture on how NASA monitors global change from space and from closer to the ground, with aircraft, boats and buoys. This webcast will be conducted via video conference, with speakers joining remotely from home. Watch live at 10 p.m. EDT via YouTube and submit your questions via the chat feature. Wednesday, April 22 "NASA Science Live" broadcast  The Earth Day episode will feature experts from around the agency talking about how NASA science and technology are used to understand and improve our environment. The half-hour program will explore important discoveries about our home planet, advances in green technology and aircraft, and a new interactive app to let anyone at home help NASA map coral reefs around the world. The program airs at 3 p.m. on NASA TV, YouTube Premiere, Facebook Watch Party and Periscope/Twitter. Earth Science Video Talks  NASA Earth science experts have recorded a series of short videos on a wide range of topics, from scientific advances since the first Earth Day to research expeditions in the air and on the ground. The series will be posted in a playlist on NASA's Science Mission Directorate YouTube channel. Live Q&A with Astronaut Chris Cassidy  NASA's Chris Cassidy, who just arrived at the International Space Station on April 9, will answer questions submitted by social media users wanting to know more about his spaceflight experience and his views of our home planet from 250 miles above. Viewers can tune in to NASA TV starting at 12:10 p.m. to see questions answered live from the orbiting laboratory Tumblr Answer Time: NASA Earth Science  In collaboration with Tumblr, Sandra Cauffman, acting director of NASA's Earth Science Division, and Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, will go live on NASA's blog to answer questions submitted by followers about how the agency uses space to protect and sustain our home planet. Users across Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr will be able to submit questions starting Monday, April 13. The two experts will engage directly with users by recording video answers from their homes for the agency's first-ever Answer Time hosted by NASA science leadership. Videos will be released from 1-2 p.m. on NASA's Tumblr Blog. Instagram Takeover with Astronaut Jessica Meir  In a collaboration with Instagram, NASA's Jessica Meir created a series of short videos from the International Space Station about the science done on the station and how it relates back to Earth. The videos will be released from Instagram on Earth Day while NASA social media accounts share related content. Instagram will also feature a love letter to Earth from space written by Meir while aboard the station. Learn more about NASA's Earth science programs at: https://www.nasa.gov/earth View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasa-marks-earth-days-50th-anniversary-with-earthdayathome-301038929.html SOURCE NASA

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Contrary to parental and medical warnings not to look directly at the sun, a team of scientists, engineers and other specialists in Maui, Hawaii  including two former Flagstaff residents  are working to do the opposite by creating the worlds largest solar telescope.

The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, a National Solar Observatory four-meter solar telescope named after the former U.S. senator from Hawaii, saw its first light in December, capturing the highest resolution images of the sun to date after more than six years of construction.

In 2010, the National Science Foundation awarded a $298 million grant to the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy to build the Advanced Technology Solar Telescope atop Mount Haleakala on Maui. The project was later renamed after Inouye.

Charlie White and his wife, Heather Marshall, met in Flagstaff, where White grew up, through their shared connection to Lowell Observatory. Marshall helped design the structure of the Discovery Channel Telescope (now the Lowell Discovery Telescope) and White lived on Mars Hill with his family from childhood through college because of his father, Lowell astronomer Nat White.

Using her experience in the aerospace field, Marshall worked on numerous systems of the Discovery Channel Telescope, including the dome and optics system. In 2009, she joined the solar telescope project remotely from Flagstaff and five years later, the couple moved to Hawaii for the project, where Marshall created design specification documents. She is now the projects integration, testing and commissioning manager.

Its a lot of finding the right people for the right job and organizing the work. Theres different companies and universities that do very large optics, but theres only a few companies in the world that can create a mirror that large and only a few universities that can put it into just the right shape, Marshall explained.

White joined the project in 2015 as a controls engineer programmer for the telescopes thermal systems. Unlike his father, though White grew up around telescopes, he had never contributed to their construction before. He found his experience with home automation to be very similar conceptually, though, to the telescopes thermal systems.

Its not something I planned on or ever thought I would do. I guess the stars aligned, White said with a laugh. Growing up [at Lowell] was always very interesting, but I had never imagined myself being involved with astronomy beyond living there.

The two described working on a telescope like being in college  with a steep learning curve and constant challenges.

Its really challenging and also interesting and rewarding. Its typically pretty small teams trying to solve really broad problems, Marshall said. The members of the staff have to be very broadly knowledgeable and able to solve problems in a lot of different disciplines, so thats pretty unique and fun.

At twice the size of previous solar telescopes, one of the biggest challenges for the Inouye Solar Telescope is heat. White, who is now the thermal systems manager, said to run the telescope the thermal systems must dissipate the amount of energy that is used to run a larger house for an entire day. The cooling system is so large it has to be housed in a different building and it takes about seven miles of pipes to move the coolant needed to keep the telescope and its various instruments from overheating.

Location has also been a challenge for the individuals working on the telescope, which was placed at an elevation of about 10,000 feet. White said the 30-mile drive from the office where they usually work to the telescope  an increase of about 8,000 feet in elevation  would be like driving from Phoenix to Snowbowl in 30 miles.

With about 30% less oxygen present at this higher elevation, White and Marshall said they sometimes have trouble thinking or finding the right words. They carry around pocket-sized notebooks, jotting down what they want to say to someone in another room, or they are likely to forget by the time they get there.

They said being from Flagstaff helped, because they knew how to respond and did not have to acclimate as much as others. Just like going for a hike in Flagstaff, they know they have to be well hydrated and have plenty of food packed prior to leaving for the observatory.

Though the project is not yet complete, first light was a rewarding moment for everyone involved, considering the many challenges of the telescopes long construction process, because it proves the observatory can work as designed.

For me, it was mind-blowing to see those first images, White said. Its not something you would imagine the surface of the sun to look like. Its very dynamic, almost like from a sci-fi movie with big blobs the size of Texas blowing up.

Now the team has to get the telescope working for longer periods of time and with more instruments. When fully operational, observations made with the Inouye Solar Telescope will reveal more about the Suns behavior, including the types of molecules being formed and destroyed, as well as changes in temperature and magnetic fields at the Suns different layers.

Every month, it boggles my mind how much a dedicated group of people working together in the same direction can accomplish, Marshall said. It was really the culmination of extraordinary hard work and ingenuity by a huge group of people over the years.

Kaitlin Olson can be reached at the office at kolson@azdailysun.com or by phone at (928) 556-2253.

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Justice Kanagaraj takes charge as the Andhra Pradesh Election Commissioner, at the State Election Commission (SEC) office in Vijayawada. (Image via ANI Twitter)

Amaravati: Justice V Kanagaraj, a retired judge of the Madras High Court, on Saturday assumed charge as the State Election Commissioner of Andhra Pradesh.

The swift developments that began on Friday evening with the promulgation of an Ordinance amending Section 200 of the AP Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, leading to the removal of incumbent SEC N Ramesh Kumar, culminated on Saturday with Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan issuing a notification appointing Justice Kanagaraj as the new State Election Commissioner.

"In terms of Ordinance No. 5 of 2020, dated 10-4-2020, and consequent on cessation of tenure of the incumbent State Election Commissioner, and in terms of amended Section 200 of the Andhra Pradesh Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, I, Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, Governor of Andhra Pradesh hereby appoint Sri Justice V Kanagaraj, Retired High Court Judge, as the State Election Commissioner for a tenure of three years from the date of assumption of office," the Governor's notification said.

Justice Kanagaraj immediately assumed charge "in obedience of the orders" and later called on the Governor at the Raj Bhavan and presented his "charge assumption" report.

Government sources called the appointment of Justice Kanagaraj a "new paradigm in Indian governance system" as there raged a bigger debate on whether a retired bureaucrat or a judge should be the State Election Commissioner.

The YSR Congress government in Andhra Pradesh on Friday abruptly removed State Election Commissioner N Ramesh Kumar from the post by promulgating an Ordinance, amending the AP Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, curtailing the tenure of the SEC to three years from five.

"In pursuance of promulgation of Ordinance No.5 of 2020, Dr N Ramesh Kumar, IAS (Retd), the incumbent State Election Commissioner ceases to hold the office of State Election Commissioner on and with effect from 10.04.2020," Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department Principal Secretary Gopal Krishna Dwivedi said in a "confidential" order.

The developments came in the backdrop of a feud between the chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and the SEC after the latter postponed the elections to rural and urban local bodies on March 15 in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jagan complained against him to the Governor.

The state government subsequently filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the SEC's decision but the apex court only endorsed the deferment of polls.

Ramesh Kumar later wrote to the Union Home Secretary alleging a threat to his life and also listing out the irregularities committed by the ruling YSR Congress in the rural and urban local bodies' election process.
General Scott Miller holds talks with Taliban in Doha as the continued violence threatens to derails peace process.

The commander of US forces in Afghanistan has met Taliban leadership in Doha to discuss the need to reduce violence in the war-torn country, which threatens to derail a fragile peace process, according to spokesmen for both sides.

General Scott Miller, commander of US forces and the NATO-led non-combat Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan, held talks with Taliban leaders on Friday night.

General Miller met with Taliban leadership last night as part of the military channel established in the agreement, a spokesman for US Forces in Afghanistan told Reuters. The meeting was about the need to reduce the violence, he said.

The US and the Taliban signed an agreement on February 29 in the Qatari capital aimed at ending the 18-year war in the South Asian nation.

The agreement set out a framework for the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan in return for the Taliban not allowing any groups to launch attacks against the US or its allies.

Breach of agreement

The talks came as the Afghan armed group accused US forces of breaching the agreement.

Another sticking point is the delay in the release of 5,000 Taliban prisoners by the Kabul government that was agreed as part of the deal.

The spokesman for the Talibans political office in Doha said on Twitter that the meeting discussed the implementation of the agreement.

The Taliban last week accused US forces of supporting Afghan security operations in some parts of the country, and warned that such support could jeopardise the agreement.

The spokesman for the US forces described the actions as defence of Afghan forces.

The Taliban are to participate in intra-Afghan talks aiming to establish peace in the country as part of the Doha agreement, but the prisoner exchange that was supposed to precede the talks has hit snags.

The Afghan government released a total of 200 Taliban prisoners on Wednesday and Thursday, but the Taliban group had walked away from the exchange process, saying its demand on who was to be released first was not met.

Earlier, the Taliban had said it was against the phased released of its prisoners. The armed group is also expected to release Afghan captives as part of the deal.
Washington

As he grapples simultaneously with the most devastating public health and economic crises of a lifetime, President Donald Trump finds himself pulled in opposite directions on what to do next. The bankers, corporate executives and industrialists plead with him to reopen the country as soon as possible, while the medical experts beg for more time to curb the coronavirus.

The phone calls from his business friends compete against the public health experts telling him what he is doing is working, so he should not let up yet. The economic advisers and others in his White House tell him what he has done has worked, so he should begin to figure out how to ease up. Tens of thousands more could die. Millions more could lose their jobs.

"I'm going to have to make a decision, and I only hope to God that it's the right decision," Trump said Friday during his daily news briefing on the fight against the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 18,000 Americans so far and put more than 16 million out of work. "But I would say without question it's the biggest decision I've ever had to make."

Seizing on new estimates of a lower-than-projected death toll, the president signaled that he wanted to start resuming business on some basis after his current stay-at-home guidelines expire April 30, and he announced that he would name a task force next week to develop a plan. But he also promised to listen to public health officials.

"We're not doing anything until we know this country is going to be healthy," Trump said. "We don't want to go back and start doing it over again." But he added that the nation's current paralysis was not sustainable. "... Staying at home leads to death also," he said. "It's very traumatic for the country."

The number of deaths worldwide from the coronavirus topped 100,000 Friday. Lockdowns were extended across much of the globe heading into the Easter weekend, as countries desperately struggled to slow infections. The strain of people out of work and dependent on assistance was starting to show.

In the United States, the death toll has surpassed that of Spain, with only Italy reporting more. In Washington, lawmakers and administration officials made some progress in breaking a stalemate over a $250 billion federal infusion to replenish a fast-depleting loan program for distressed small businesses. Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic leader, said that the Trump administration had agreed to bipartisan negotiations early next week.

But the central question dominating the conversation was how long would it be until the country could begin to get back to normal. Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York, the hardest-hit state, said any easing of restrictions would require widespread testing to cover millions of workers first, while Trump said that "you don't need full testing" but instead concentrated screening in the most affected areas.

In actuality, the decision on when and how to reopen is not entirely Trump's to make. The stay-at-home edicts that have kept the vast bulk of Americans indoors were issued by governors state by state. But the president did issue nonbinding guidelines urging a pause in daily life through the end of the month. And if he were to issue new guidance saying it was safe to reopen or outlining a path toward reopening, many states would most likely follow or feel pressure to ease up on restrictions.

New government projections presented to officials this week concluded that stay-at-home orders, school closures and social distancing have greatly reduced infections but added that lifting them after only 30 days, as the president is considering, could result in a rash of new illnesses and fatalities that would rival doing nothing to counter the pandemic.

Without any of the mitigation policies now in place, the death toll from the coronavirus could have reached 300,000, according to the projections. But if the 30-day stay-at-home guideline is lifted, the death toll could reach 200,000, even if schools remain closed until summer, 25 percent of the country continues to work from home and some social distancing continues.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Using the demand for ventilators as a stand-in for serious coronavirus infection rates, the model foresees a modest bump immediately after stay-at-home orders are lifted and a major new increase in infections about 70 days after a shelter order is lifted, peaking after 120 days. The projections, dated Thursday, were prepared by the departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services and obtained by The New York Times.

These numbers fueling the projections may already be out of date. Forecasts accepted by the White House that once estimated at least 100,000 deaths in the United States have now been revised to about 60,000 thanks to aggressive social distancing. But if the numbers are off, the direction and increases may be consistent.

The president cited the 60,000 estimated death toll as evidence of progress. "I think we'll be substantially under that number," he said of the earlier 100,000 forecast.

But his public health advisers took a more cautious approach. "As encouraging as they are, we have not reached the peak," Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House pandemic coordinator, said of the latest figures. She noted that without universal testing, experts were seeing only the most serious cases. "Is this the tip of the iceberg, or is this half the iceberg or three-quarters of the iceberg that we've seen to date?" she said.

Five administration officials said it was highly unlikely that Trump would extend the guidelines beyond April 30, adding that he would be more likely to find a way to announce some lifting of quarantine measures, even if it might not be a full flip-the-lightswitch reopening.

Trump has been having conversations, both formally and informally, in recent weeks with business leaders like Michael Corbat, chief executive of Citigroup, and Brian Moynihan, chief executive of Bank of America, about how to support the economy and when it might be able to reopen.

Many of those discussions have been facilitated by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who has fielded calls from executives like Stephen Schwarzman, chief executive of Blackstone, looking for a road map to when a semblance of normalcy could return, although some people close to the discussions said that Schwarzman has not been as aggressive as others.
The success in Kerala could prove instructive for the Indian government, which has largely shut down the country to stop the spread of the contagion but continues to see the curve trend upward, with more than 10,000 confirmed cases and more than 300 deaths. Its challenges are plenty  from high population density to poor health-care facilities  but experts say Keralas proactive measures, such as early detection and broad social support measures, could serve as a model for the rest of the country.
ENTEBBE  The three people who are cured of the novel coronavirus have been released from hospital on Saturday afternoon, sending a message of hope in the countrys fight against the COVID-19 outbreak.

The patients were discharged by Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda who saluted the health workers at Entebbe Grade B for the job well done.

Present at the event was officials from Government, CDC and WHO officials.

The health facility has been managing 30 patients and with 3 being discharged, 27 will be left in the hospital.

The discharge of the three has reduced active cases in Uganda to 53.

Uganda has so far registered 53 cases of COVID-19.

The Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng said that because of their right to privacy, their names could not be revealed but the discharge process involves testing for the virus at least 3 times the last two after 21 days in Hospital.

Dr. Aceng said the three will be reintegrated in the community and asked the community not worry as they have been properly healed.

Regarding the discharge process, Minister Aceng said the process involves conducting a series of tests.

It is not clear whether the first case registered is among the discharged group.

The Minister of Health explained that each case is followed up individually until there are no signs of the virus remaining in their bodies.

Related
Dozens of people flying into Melbourne airport tomorrow could be infected with deadly coronavirus.

Uruguay has evacuated 112 Australians and New Zealanders from a coronavirus-plagued cruise ship anchored off its coast for more than a fortnight.

Aurora Expeditions, the operator of the Greg Mortimer ship, has chartered an evacuation flight from the Uruguayan capital Montevideo.

It is scheduled to leave on Saturday morning local time and arrive in Melbourne on Sunday, with passengers to go into 14 days of isolation in a hotel.

Of the returning passengers around 70 per cent of people on board the flight could have coronavirus.

The ship's operator confirmed this week 128 of 217 people on board, nearly 60 per cent, had tested positive for the coronavirus but all were asymptomatic.

'Our priority remains getting everyone on board disembarked as soon and as safely as possible,' an Aurora Expeditions spokesman said in a statement.

Passengers from the Greg Mortimer Cruise Ship carry their luggage across the tarmac after being allowed off the ship for the first time in two weeks

An ambulance waits by the Greg Mortimer cruise ship to take away sick passengers, including five Australians who have been hospitalised in Uruguay's capital - Montevideo

'It has been a very harrowing time for all involved.'

However, the Foreign Affairs Department told AAP on Friday five Australians had been evacuated from the Greg Mortimer and hospitalised in Montevideo.

Uruguay had originally refused to let passengers off the cruise ship but later sent medical teams on board and monitored the situation via WhatsApp.

Most of the ill crew and passengers have mild symptoms and are stable, Uruguay public health ministry director-general Karina Rando said.

'We have intensive care beds, doctors are available and we are not putting the care of our population at risk,' Ms Rando told the Associated Press.

Passengers are checked by healthcare workers as they disembark the Greg Mortimer Cruise Ship in Uruguay

An ambulance drives away after picking up sick passengers off the Greg Mortimer cruise ship

The Greg Mortimer departed on March 15 on a voyage to Antarctica and South Georgia but has been docked off the coast of Montevideo since March 27

'We have the logistical and professional capacity to serve these people.'

A sign hanging from a balcony on the ship said 'Thank you, Uruguay'.

The Greg Mortimer departed on March 15 on a voyage to Antarctica and South Georgia but has been docked off the coast of Montevideo since March 27.

The evacuated passengers, comprising 96 Australians and 16 New Zealanders, will be repatriated using a 'humanitarian corridor' with strict biosecurity measures.

The Uruguay government has evacuated 112 passengers from New Zealand and Australia who were stuck on the Greg Mortimer cruise ship for more than a fortnight

Passengers display a sign saying 'Thank you Uruguay' using a bedsheet from the cruise ship

They will be driven in four buses to Montevideo's Carrasco airport escorted by police and have their luggage disinfected prior to boarding.

A refitted plane operated by charter airline Hi Fly will take them to Melbourne.

Medical personnel would also accompany them on the repatriation flight, with the company footing the bill for the journey under insurance.

'The plane will be set up into risk zones, with passengers seated by test results and level of care required by the passenger,' Aurora Expeditions said.

The NZ government plans to reach out to its citizens directly to organise a transfer upon arrival in Australia, Aurora Expeditions said.

More than 280,000 Australians have returned home in recent weeks, with about 6200 of them disembarking from 45 cruise ships around the world.

An Airbus A340 waits on the tarmac to conduct a repatriation flight. The flight will land in Melbourne on Sunday

Passengers are seen boarding the plane after being evacuated from the cruise ship in the darkness
New Delhi, April 11 : As the fight against novel coronavirus gets longer with the addition of increasing number of positive cases across the country, there is now a demand from states to channelise some corporate CSR funds into Chief Ministers Relief Fund or State Relief Fund for Covid-19.

Sources said that ministry of corporate affairs has received several references/ representations from various stakeholders including state governments to include corporate contributions to CM Relief Fund should also qualify as expenditure on corporate social responsibility (CSR).

However, no decision has yet been taken on their request. MCA will need to amend rules of CSR through a notification of new activities are included as eligible CSR spend.

On March 29, Ministry of Corporate Affairs had included donations made by companies to the Prime Minister's Citizens Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund) as expenditure on CSR.

"Chief Minister's Relief Fund' or 'State Relief Fund for COVID-19' is not included in Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013 and therefore any contribution to such funds shall not qualify as admissible CSR expenditure," MCA has clarified in FAQ on eligible activities for CSR spending.

States are looking at getting corporate funds into CM Relief Fund to undertake larger area specific programmes that they are undertaking to combat Covid-19. Moreover, with state finances stressed, this would provide additional avenue to mobilise funds for relief activities.

MCA has clarified that though contribution to CM Relief Fund May not be eligible CSR activity, such contribution can come into State Disaster Management Authority for fighting the coronavirus.

Also, corporate could run individual programmes for Covid-19 in various states and use CSR funds into the activities. Corporate spending in this category can go into activities including promotion of healthcare, preventive healthcare, sanitation, disaster management.

The corporate social responsibility rules make it mandatory for large Indian firms to set aside at least 2 per cent of their average net profit for socially responsible expenditures. The norms are applicable to firms with at least Rs 5 crore net profit or Rs 1,000 crore turnover or Rs 500 crore net worth. The list of activities included under CSR is decided by the government.

Companies have off late announced donations to the PM CARES Fund along with several other initiatives to combat with the coronavirus pandemic.

The total corporate social responsibility (CSR) spending by the top 500 companies in the country since the applicability of mandatory CSR in 2014 is likely to cross Rs 60,000 crore by the end of the month as per industry reports.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Members of the public do not want the lockdown eased as they are 'very, very worried' about coronavirus government ministers are advised, as they prepare to make a decision over extending the lockdown next week.

Research carried out by both independent and government sources has determined that the public's attitude towards the lockdown measures are positive.

Polling data from YouGov found that nine in ten people are complying with the restrictions imposed on March 23, and only leaving their house once a day if necessary.

While a survey carried out by Imperial College London's Institute of Global Health Innovation and YouGov found that 62 percent of people have adhered to social distancing, keeping two meters away from anyone not in their household.

Lois Copley-Jones, aged five, who is the photographer's daughter, uses chalks to draw Easter celebration pictures on her house wall on April 10 in Newcastle Under Lyme, UK

However a worrying nine percent said they had been in contact with ten or more individuals a week during the lockdown designed to minimise spread through contact.

When leaving their homes only half of people said that they avoided touching door handles or lift buttons - however people were found to wash their hands around 12 times a day on average.

A source told The Times: 'The public are just not in a place to talk about returning to normal at the moment. They are scared and they are very, very worried.'

Another source suggested that the polling and survey research carried out showed that the public were widely 'accepting' of the stay-at-home approach despite the economic implications for many.

A near-deserted beach is pictured looking east towards the Palace Pier in Brighton, on the south coast of England on April 10

The decision as to whether lockdown will be extended is due to be made next week with government advisors set to meet to discuss how effective the lockdown has been on reducing infection rates and hospital admissions.

They will also consider how many people are likely to have already recovered from the virus, and whether they can be deemed 'immune'.

On Friday government advisor Epidemiologist Neil Ferguson said 'definitive' proof of whether restrictions have worked will not be available for 'several more weeks'.

As Ireland announced their lockdown would be extended until May 5 the UK cabinet descended into wrangling over fears the draconian lockdown measures themselves could cause 150,000 deaths.

The near-deserted M56 at the start of the Easter weekend, in north-west England on April 10

A lone woman walks over Millennium Bridge on April 10, 2020 in London, England

Experts say that mass testing is the only safe way to ease the restrictions, which are threatening to destroy millions of jobs and businesses, as otherwise no-one knows what proportion of the public has been infected.

However, claims have surfaced that Boris Johnson himself was becoming alarmed at the impact of the lockdown before he was struck down with the virus, as he had not expected Britons to fall into line so readily.

According to well-connected Spectator editor Fraser Nelson, the Cabinet is now split into three 'factions' - with one wanting tougher measures, another believing the 'cure is already worse than the disease', and a third element saying the government must wait for public opinion to shift before changing approach.

A High Street usually buzzing with people is pictured in Arundel, in southern England, April 10

A cyclist enjoys his daily exercise on the country lanes near Chipping, Preston, Lancashire with St. Bartholomews Church in the background closed for worship over the Easter weekend

A tentative estimate circulating in Whitehall suggests a long-term lockdown could mean 150,000 'excess' deaths from non-coronavirus causes. A Downing Street spokesman tried to play down the figure this afternoon, but stopped short of denying it existed. 'It is not a number that I have ever seen,' the spokesman said.

Health risks posed by continuing the lockdown will also be considered by the Sagge committee (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies).

They include potential deaths from delayed cancer diagnosis or treatment and the impact on those dealing with mental health issues.

The young could be the first to have the lockdown lifted, suggested Paul Cosford, emeritus medical director of Public Health England, who emphasised the 'paramount importance' of children's education.

While Downing Street and the Cabinet Office are said to be working on a plan to lift the lockdown in phases beginning in May, with one Whitehall source telling The Times these talks are at an 'early stage'.
The number of Britons taking up EU citizenship has surged following the Brexit vote in 2016, it has emerged.

Over 6,000 UK nationals have become Germans and more than 3,000 obtained French passports in the rush to secure future residency in EU states.

Official figures released by Eurostat, the bloc's statistical body, suggest that the result of the EU referendum prompted the spike.

There has been a six-fold increase in the number of Britons taking the citizenship of an EU nation since 2015, when just 2,642 successful applications were made.

The number of Britons taking up EU citizenship has surged following the vote to leave the European Union in 2016

16,193 EU citizenships were granted in 2018, the latest year for which official data are available.

Germany made up almost 40 per cent (6,250) of all new dual nationals that year. In 2015, only 594 citizenships were granted.

France came second, rising from 374 to 3,268, and Sweden was third (453 to 1,346).

Meanwhile, in the same year 9,600 Polish nationals were granted UK citizenship, and as well 5,500 Romanians and 5,300 from Italy.

Just under 5,000 Germans applied to become UK dual-nationals.

Nicola Buntin, 35, who teaches at a primary school in Thuringia, arrived in Germany in 2009 and is now married to a German. The authorities however indicated to her she would have her working rights removed after the UK left the EU.

Britons will no longer also be able to have German citizenship once the Brexit transition period ends on December 31

'I had lived here for years, I spoke fluent German, I had a full-time job and lived in a nice village,' she told the Times.

'Then they suggested I would have to produce a whole lot of documents  I thought, "I cannot cope with this. I do not know what is going to happen," so I applied for citizenship.'

She was successful and received her citizenship in August 2019, and had 'tears in my eyes' as she swore an oath to Germany in a small ceremony.

One reason for the surge in applications for German citizenship is that it allows dual nationality to EU member states.

This rule only applies for EU citizens and, as things stand, Britons will no longer also be able to have German citizenship once the Brexit transition period ends on December 31.
When they came out of their homes, they felt smaller, but in some ways stronger. Isolation had made them feel like pioneers, like immigrants, all of them displaced in time, removed from the familiar, aware that they would never return to the way they had lived before. Some had learned to bake, to sew, to properly clean. Many learned to live on less, though for those already living on little, less was even harder to bear.
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I took an oath when I graduated from medical school. The ancient, powerful words of the Hippocratic Oath are seared into the brain of every physician: First, do no harm. I, along with every physician who has come before me, hold myself to that standard. Every time I go to work, my goal is to deliver the best treatment to any patient who seeks my care. Yet I worry I may not be able to keep my oath. In the coming weeks, the number of patients who are critically ill with the novel coronavirus may exceed our health care systems resources. Simply put, we may not have enough equipment to treat everyone. Soon, I may have to decide who gets life-saving treatment and who dies.

This grim scenario is something no physician should ever have to face. Unfortunately, physicians in other countries have already been forced to. In Italy, physicians are practicing wartime medicine, deciding who gets precious resources based on their likelihood to recover. They have found themselves in this horrible position because their medical system has been overwhelmed by the number and severity of cases. The results speak for themselves; Italy now has more coronavirus deaths than any other country.

Fortunately, we are not there yet. But I fear we will be soon. Already, I have friends who work in New York City, telling me that their hospitals had to get ventilators shipped in from surrounding counties just so that they can keep all of their patients alive. While this is a great temporizing measure, this solution is not sustainable. Eventually, all of the ventilators will be in use. What are we to do then?

Im horrified by the thought that I may have to decide who gets life-saving treatment and who doesnt. I did not become a physician to play God. I became a physician because I wanted to help every single patient I possibly could. Now, I may have to sit back and watch my patients die because our health care system does not have enough equipment. How am I possibly expected to decide who gets life-saving care and who doesnt?

I keep hoping someone will step in and give us official guidelines, but I hold no illusion that they will be forthcoming. What would those guidelines even look like? It is difficult, if not impossible, to even force my brain to think through the scenario. Do I base my decision on age? Mortality rates are highest among the elderly; perhaps its wasteful to give them ventilators. Should comorbid conditions factor into my decision? Those with heart and lung disease also have higher mortality rates; perhaps only those without chronic conditions should be allocated these precious resources. What if the family is with the patient and begging me to keep their loved one alive? Do I give that patient the ventilator over someone who came in alone?

The president and governors can declare states of emergency, but facing the awful possibility of an overwhelmed medical system is clearly beyond their expertise. This is, after all, the same government that has told me a bandana or a scarf constitutes adequate protection from coronavirus. If the day comes when we have to decide who receives care and who doesnt, we medical professionals will face this nightmare scenario alone. Just as government officials are calling on us to fight this pandemic without proper protection, they will leave these hard, unpopular decisions to us. We will be forced to face the grief, confusion, anger, and probably malpractice suits of our patients and their families alone as we try to treat those that we can.

I did not sign up for this. No health care provider did. Asking me to make these decisions is asking me to turn my back on the sacred oath that defines my profession. Yet I lie awake at night wondering if I will have to. These extraordinary times may dictate it. To those that I will treat: Please know that I will do everything in my power to heal you and advocate for you. To my fellow health care providers: Stay strong. We will get through this. It will not be easy, but we will. And when we do, we will have to fight to make sure that we never find ourselves in this position again.

Gregory Jasani is an emergency medicine resident.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
The spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Munich

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - The number of confirmed coronavirus infections in Germany rose by 5,323 in the past 24 hours to 113,525 on Friday, climbing for a fourth straight day after four previous days of declines, data from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious diseases showed.

The reported death toll rose by 266 to 2,373.

(Reporting by Tom Sims; Editing by Himani Sarkar)
Investors who take an interest in Glencore plc (LON:GLEN) should definitely note that the Non-Executive Director, Peter Coates, recently paid UK1.27 per share to buy UK102k worth of the stock. While that's a very decent purchase to our minds, it was proportionally a bit modest, boosting their holding by just 5.0%.

Check out our latest analysis for Glencore

Glencore Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

In fact, the recent purchase by Peter Coates was the biggest purchase of Glencore shares made by an insider individual in the last twelve months, according to our records. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, at around the current price, which is UK1.45. That means they have been optimistic about the company in the past, though they may have changed their mind. We do always like to see insider buying, but it is worth noting if those purchases were made at well below today's share price, as the discount to value may have narrowed with the rising price. Happily, the Glencore insider decided to buy shares at close to current prices. Peter Coates was the only individual insider to buy shares in the last twelve months.

The chart below shows insider transactions (by individuals) over the last year. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date!

LSE:GLEN Recent Insider Trading April 11th 2020

Glencore is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying.

Does Glencore Boast High Insider Ownership?

Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. It's great to see that Glencore insiders own 16% of the company, worth about UK3.1b. This kind of significant ownership by insiders does generally increase the chance that the company is run in the interest of all shareholders.

So What Does This Data Suggest About Glencore Insiders?

Story continues

It is good to see the recent insider purchase. And the longer term insider transactions also give us confidence. But we don't feel the same about the fact the company is making losses. Once you factor in the high insider ownership, it certainly seems like insiders are positive about Glencore. Looks promising! So while it's helpful to know what insiders are doing in terms of buying or selling, it's also helpful to know the risks that a particular company is facing. While conducting our analysis, we found that Glencore has 2 warning signs and it would be unwise to ignore them.

Of course Glencore may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of high quality companies.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

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 GMR-led Hyderabad International Airport handled two Special Passenger Charter flights of the carrier - Air India, to evacuate US nationals from Hyderabad.

As per the flight itinerary, the first special flight of Air India - AI 1615 (Arrivals) / AI 1616 (Departures), an airbus A 320 aircraft landed at Hyderabad International Airport on Friday from Mumbai and departed with 70 US-bound passengers (69 adults and 1 infant) to Mumbai.

The second special flight of Air India - AI 1617 (Arrivals) / AI 1618 (Departures), also an airbus A 320 aircraft landed at Hyderabad International Airport today at 3.12 pm from Mumbai and departed with 98 US-bound passengers (96 adults and 2 infants) at 4.24 pm to Mumbai.

Both the flights were purely domestic and operated from the main Passenger Terminal Building of Hyderabad International Airport. As per the flight itinerary, the passengers were to be further connected with Delta Airlines from Mumbai to their final destination in the US.

In coordination with the US Consulate and the Telangana State government, the US-bound passengers started to reach to the airport between 12 and 2 PM from various part of Hyderabad.

Special screening and safety measures were in place during the flight's handling to protect against the COVID-19 threat including thermal screening prior to terminal entry, mandatory social distancing enforced through special queuing arrangements at all passenger processing points.

On April 7, GHIAL had served 99 US-bound passengers who flew to Mumbai getting connected to the US by Delta Airlines. On March 31, the airport handled a group of 38 German Nationals who flew by a special flight of Air India which ferried the passengers from Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai to Frankfurt. On March, 2020, the airport serviced a special Medical Evacuation Flight of IndiGo, which dropped its 8 crew members bound for Hyderabad and departed to Chennai with 5 stranded IndiGo crew members.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The global death toll of the novel coronavirus surged past 100,000 on Friday, though leaders in the United States, facing the world's largest outbreak of the virus, said they saw new signs that social distancing measures were slowing its spread.

The American death toll is already daunting: more than 18,000 people, seemingly poised to pass Italy's total and become the highest official toll in the world. And it is growing rapidly. More than 1,900 new U.S. deaths were announced Friday, the highest daily total so far. That number included a record-high 205 deaths in Michigan, where the coronavirus has been advancing even as it fades in the first American epicenters.

Still, officials said there was encouraging news. In New York, which has been hit the hardest by the virus, the death toll has been high but steady this week, staying just below 800 per day. That trend, plus a decline in severe cases, has encouraged leaders there.

But what comes next?

President Donald Trump has been privately pushing to lift some restrictions on business and movement. In a press briefing Friday, when Trump was asked what metrics he would use to determine when that step should be taken, he pointed to his head.

"The metrics right here," he said.

But state leaders and infectious-disease experts say that to loosen restrictions safely - reviving the economy but not the virus - the United States must implement an ambitious system of testing individuals and tracing infection chains.

And the country is not ready to do that, they said.

So Friday, public health experts said the plan for now should be more of the same. The success of isolation measures in slowing the outbreak's spread is a reason to continue them, they said, not to end them.

"We have not reached the peak," said Deborah Birx, the White House's coronavirus response director. "And so every day we need to continue to do what we did yesterday."

Her exhortation came as the nation heads into an unprecedented Easter weekend. Most churches are conducting services online, but a handful are insisting on holding services on-site despite public health warnings.

Outside the United States, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was said to be recovering, and even walking for short distances, after spending several days in intensive care this week. It was unclear when Johnson would return to run the government: He has appointed a deputy in his stead, as Britain faces a fast-rising death toll. Another 980 deaths were reported there Friday.

In Brazil, where President Jair Bolsonaro has mocked the virus as "a little flu" and flouted social distancing measures, the disease seems to be spreading rapidly. The Ministry of Health reported Friday a total of 1,057 deaths and 19,638 confirmed cases, Agence France-Presse reported.

In the United States, Friday was a day of death at the end of an unprecedented week of it. This week alone, U.S. authorities have announced more than 8,800 deaths from the virus - a toll greater than in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq combined.

And that is probably an undercount, because the figure does not include anyone who died of the virus at home without going to the hospital or getting a test.

"It's beyond my capacity to fully appreciate, to tell you the truth," said New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, as he announced 777 more deaths Friday in his state.

As the week went on, it became clear that African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans have died at disproportionate rates - far higher than their share of the population and higher than their share of the infectedpopulation as well.

On Friday, Surgeon General Jerome Adams said the cause did not seem to be genetic differences. Instead, he said African-Americans and Hispanics were more likely to have underlying conditions such as asthma and high blood pressure and more likely to have jobs that could not be done from home.

"We do not think people of color are biologically or genetically predisposed to get covid-19," he said during the daily briefing of the White House's coronavirus task force, referencing the disease caused by the virus. "There is nothing inherently wrong with you. But they are socially predisposed to coronavirus exposure and to have a higher incidence of the very diseases that put you at risk for severe complications of coronavirus."

Terrible as it is, epidemiologists consider the death toll a lagging indicator, because those dying now probably were infected weeks ago, before the nation moved indoors.

Looking at more current metrics, they said they were encouraged by what is not happening: No state has followed New York's trajectory. In that state, more than 170,000 people have been infected and more than 7,800 have died.

"What actually was predicted to happen, happened," said Anthony Fauci, the government's top epidemiologist, in a White House news conference. "We're starting to see the leveling off and the coming down."

Fauci said, however, that this was a sign that lockdown measures should stay in place. "This is not the time to feel that . . . we need to be pulling back at all."

Soon after, Trump followed Fauci to the microphone to talk about pulling back. He said he would announce Tuesday the members of a new task force made up of people from the medical and business communities to determine when and how to reopen the country.

"I call it the 'opening our country task force' or 'opening our country council,' " Trump said. He added that he had not chosen a date for reopening businesses, but privately the president has sought a strategy for doing so May 1.

Trump himself can't make that call; it would be up to governors, mayors and other officials to rescind specific restrictions. Still, his encouragement could lead to some re-openings in states where leaders are closely aligned with the president.

But scientists say it's crucial that before that happens, officials conduct widespread testing for the virus and employ armies of "contact tracers" to identify who might be infected.

That way, authorities could isolate only the infected and exposed. For now, however, scientists say the United States has neither the testing nor the tracing capacity to make that work.

On Friday, Apple and Google announced a partnership that would allow people to install an app and self-identify as infected. The app would, in theory, then alert people who had been near the infected person, using location data from their cellphones.

But that program is voluntary to install and use, making it insufficient on its own.

"All people are talking about right now is hospital beds, ventilators, testing, testing, testing. Yes, those are important, but they are all reactive. You are dealing with the symptoms and not the virus itself," said Tolbert Nyenswah, who led one of the most successful contact tracing efforts in Africa during the Ebola epidemic of 2014 to 2016. "You will never beat a virus like this one unless you get ahead of it. America must not just flatten the curve but get ahead of the curve."
During the early morning hours of March 30, 2020, the German cruise liner RCGS Resolute came under attack from a Venezuelan Navy warship.

It should have been an easy win but, like so many things in Venezuela's recent history, things did not go as planned.

The German ship, owned by One Ocean Expeditions, was in international waters and flying a Portuguese flag. It was adrift as it performed maintenance on one of its engines when it was intercepted by the Venezuelan patrol ship ANBV Naiguata.

This encounter came just days after the Trump administration declared Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to be a wanted drug trafficker and One Ocean Expeditions filed for insolvency.

Meanwhile, the Caribbean Sea is full of U.S. Navy ships.

Knowing all this, Venezuelan Capt. Granadillo Medina, in command of Naiguata, saw a ship that appeared to be inoperable, from a company that is essentially bankrupt, floating on the edge of Venezuelan waters -- all while a hostile Navy might be waiting for the right moment to pounce.

From that perspective, one might suspect the Resolute was doing more than just maintaining an engine. Whether they were or not is unclear.

Medina radioed a warning to the Germans, demanding to board the cruise ship for inspection.

The Germans had no passengers and were set to rendezvous with a sister ship in Curacao. They were already worried about being late and declined to be boarded.

The Venezuelans next ordered the Resolute to sail under escort to the nearby port of Puerto Moreno on Isla De Margarita.

When the Germans again failed to comply, the patrol ship attacked. Naiguata fired warning shots across the cruise liner's bow. What comes next is disputed by everyone involved.

The Germans allege that the Naiguata went straight at the Resolute, hitting the cruise ship's bow at a 135-degree angle. The ramming was supposedly the Naiguata's effort to point the ship toward the island and force her into Venezuelan waters.

The tactic did not have the effect the warship wanted.

The Resolute suffered very little damage, its seaworthiness unaffected. And instead of forcing the cruise ship to go anywhere, it was the warship that suffered massive damage. She quickly began to take on water.

What those on the Naiguata didn't seem to know is that the Resolute is a purpose-built polar expedition vessel, designed to operate in the most dangerous sea ice conditions. Her hull was reinforced for that purpose. A patrol boat like Naiguata would never have been able to damage such a hull.

The warning shots are not in dispute, but who rammed who is. The Venezuelans say that after the Naiguata fired the shots, it tried to cross the Resolute's path and cut the cruise ship off. They also claim the Resolute fired up its engine and intentionally rammed the Naiguata using its reinforced hull.

Repeatedly.

Venezuela released a recording of the encounter, which can be seen 40 seconds into the video below.

As the Naiguata began to take on water, the Resolute departed for Curacao, allegedly leaving 44 Venezuelan sailors to go down with their ship, a violation of international maritime law.

Luckily, they were rescued by another Venezuelan vessel.

The owners of the Resolute deny the ship left the sailors to die. The Resolute's crew says they contacted the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Curacao and asked whether the Venezuelans needed help. The Germans claim they were told they did not.

The only clear fact is that, after the incident, the Naiguata went to the bottom of the Caribbean Sea and no one was killed. But Maduro maintains the Resolute was planning acts of "terrorism and piracy" off of Venezuela's territorial waters.

-- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com, on Twitter @blakestilwell, or on Facebook.

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Update - 4.27pm, Saturday, April 11: Gavin has been found safe and well.

Earlier: Gardai appeal for help locating missing Dublin man

Gardai in Dublin are seeking the public's help in finding a missing 27-year-old man.

Gavin Neary, from Darndale, is 6'4" of a slim build with brown hair and hazel/green eyes.

He has been missing since Wednesday.

Gavin was last seen wearing a khaki green jacket, grey Nike tracksuit bottoms and white runners.

Anyone with information on Gavins whereabouts is asked to contact Coolock Garda Station on 01 6664200, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
ITHACA, N.Y. -- Ithaca police are asking for the publics help after gun shots were reportedly fired in Collegetown on Friday night.

At 5:12 p.m., officers responded to 900 block of East State Street, where 911 callers gun shots had reportedly been fired, police said.

Officers did not find any victims, according to police.

East State Street was closed between Mitchell Street and Brandon Place as officers investigated the report, police said. Traffic was detoured at Pine Tree Road and State Route 79 in the Town of Ithaca.

Police ask that anyone with information call 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.
Vatican City

A pair of white-coated doctors who care for coronavirus patients participated in a torch-lit Good Friday procession, watched over by Pope Francis and held in a hauntingly nearly empty St. Peter's Square instead of at Rome's Colosseum because of the safety measures aimed at containing the virus' spread.

Francis presided over the late-night ceremony from the steps outside St. Peter's Basilica as the procession circled 10 times around the square's central obelisk, slowly following a path marked by candles set on the square's cobblestones.

Besides the two doctors, who are part of the Vatican's health service, were a former prison inmate and the chaplain of prison in Padua, northern Italy, a uniformed penitentiary police officer and nurses.

The Way of the Cross procession, also known by its Latin name, Via Crucis, evokes Jesus suffering on his way to be crucified.

In another break with tradition, Francis didn't deliver a homily or offer remarks at the end of the 90-minute procession.

Instead, for several minutes, he prayed silently, with his head bowed and hands clasped, before a wooden crucifix which had been carried in Rome during the early 16th-century when the city was suffering through a plague.

By then, the procession participants had left the square, and except for an aide, some camera crew and very few other Vatican personnel, Francis was left alone with his thoughts as he looked out across the vast empty space, where normally tens of thousands of people attend his audiences or outdoor Masses.

During the procession, Francis listened to meditations being read aloud on the theme of suffering.

Among those composing the reflections were inmates at the prison, the family of a woman slain in domestic violence, an inmate's mother and the daughter of an inmate serving a life-sentence, the Vatican said.
- with reporting from Cianan Brennan

Restrictions on movement to fight the spread of coronavirus have been extended for another three weeks.

The initial restrictions, which were taken on advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), were announced three weeks ago by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, and will now remain in place until May 5.

This will include the closure of schools, with Leaving Cert exams postponed until late July, and Junior cycle exams cancelled and replaced with school-based assessments in September.

Health and public officials say there is evidence that the restrictions are working, as the direct contacts of an infected person on average has reduced from 20 to three, and where previously one person infected four others, it is now approaching one.

I know it is very difficult, said Mr Varadkar. But every sacrifice that we make is helping save lives, and are making a difference.

We have slowed the spread of the virus considerably, but unfortunately we have not stopped the spread.

Mr Varadkar was unable to give a date for when the restrictions would be lifted.

The news came as a further 25 deaths from Covid-19 were announced by NPHET, with 480 additional cases recorded.

It also emerged, however, that Irelands true number of confirmed cases is 8,089, more than 1,000 more than the previously reported figure, according to chief medical officer Tony Holohan.

This discrepancy is attributable to the fact that legacy tests sent for evaluation to German laboratories, some dating from mid-March, were not previously included in figures in order to not give a false impression as to the rate of growth of the illness here, he said.

In lengthening restrictions, Mr Varadkar said: I know many of us would like to know when things will go back to normal, when life will be as it was.

We are working towards that time, and planning carefully so that we get there safely.

The truth is, nobody knows when that will be or how our lives will be different when it comes.

All we can do for now is take one day at a time.

Sweeping powers given to the Government to deal with the crisis will be enforced by An Garda Siochana.

The new laws, which allows the force to issue fines and detain those who disobey orders to return home, will be extended for the duration of the three weeks.

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has said any new extension of the powers for gardai should be accompanied by a clear outline of their continued necessity from medical experts, as well as a human rights audit, concentrating on vulnerable groups more likely to be disproportionately affected.

ICCL executive director Liam Herrick said it is essential the human rights impact be fully assessed.

Any time our rights are restricted in such an unprecedented fashion must be accompanied by clear reasoning for their necessity and their proportionality to the risk, he said.

Mr Varadkar said he did not want Ireland to be turned into a police state, with people reporting their neighbours for minor infractions, and that the new powers should only be used as a last resort.

The Government hopes that, after three weeks, they can start to unwind the lock-down in stages, but cannot guarantee that will happen, with Mr Varadkar noting it will depend on how the public respond and continue the effort to slow infection.

The current restrictions started on Friday, March 27. They mandate that everyone should stay at home, only leaving to: Shop for essential food and household goods;

Attend medical appointments, collect medicine or other health products;

Care for children, older people or other vulnerable people - this excludes social family visits;

Exercise outdoors - within 2kms of your home and only with members of your own household, keeping 2 metres distance between you and other people

Travel to work if you provide an essential service - be sure to practice physical distancing

The Government will be watching other European states who have eased their restrictions, as the concern remains that the virus could re-emerge if restrictions are dropped too early.

The Government announced the extension, which includes a ban on non-essential travel, exercise only within 2km of your home, and only leaving your household to purchase or deliver food or medicines, at a Government briefing ahead of the Easter Holiday.

I encourage people not to visit their family over the next three weeks, said Mr Varadkar said. Were trying to confine the virus to households and make sure it stays there. Stay strong, stay safe and stay at home.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-10 23:09:49|Editor: mingmei

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Photo shows a notice of social distancing in Johannesburg, South Africa, April 10, 2020. South Africa's COVID-19 death toll reached 24, up by six from the previously announced figure, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said on Friday. The country also reported 69 more infections, bringing the tally to 2003, the minister said at a press briefing in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal Province. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng)

CAPE TOWN, April 10 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's COVID-19 death toll reached 24, up by six from the previously announced figure, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said on Friday.

The country also reported 69 more infections, bringing the tally to 2003, the minister said at a press briefing in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal Province.

The youngest death was 41, while most of the deceased were old people, many of them with pre-existing ailments, Mkhize said.

For some, the real cause of death may have been the pre-existing condition, he indicated.

Although COVID-19 cases keep rising, the country "is bucking the trend," Mkhize said.

Since the natinal lockdown was introduced two weeks ago, the rate of infections was going down, from a daily increase of about 40 percent before the lockdown to just four percent after, according to Mkhize.

The lockdown has helped the country "disrupt" internal transmissions, he said.

The figures were an early indication that the lockdown has worked, he said.

Anyone who doubted the lockdown should now be convinced, said Mkhize.

He commended the announcement on Thursday night by President Cyril Ramaphosa to extend the 21-day lockdown by two weeeks, to the end of April.

There was lots of support for the decision to extend the national lockdown, the minister said.

"The scientific basis for it is very sound. And we are very happy that (the) president has been able to lead us in the way that he has," said Mkhize.

He acknowledged that social distancing was still proving a challenge for South Africans.

"This must be part of our new culture to keep the curve flat," Mkhize said.
With these next weeks projected to be the worst in terms of the coronavirus pandemic, neighborhoods are hunkering down in preparation. The Martindale Brightwood community is no exception, as organizations are working feverishly to inform neighbors of the importance not only of practicing appropriate social distancing guidelines but are staying home for their own safety and that of the community at large.

With a population of approximately 90% African American residents, the need to follow these guidelines is particularly critical, as national statistics are demonstrating a disproportionate impact form this scourge on Black Americans. In extreme cases, this disparity has borne out as African Americans have accounted for almost 70% of all COVID-19 deaths in cities such as Chicago in states like Louisiana.

With disproportionate obesity rates, coupled with diabetes and hypertension, African Americans in general face increased risk of death should they contract the virus. These devastating impacts are a reminder that pervasive health indicators exacerbate the challenge neighborhoods such as Martindale Brightwood face in crisis mitigation. Simply put, the time to shutter in home has seldom been more critical, if ever.

To assist neighbors to adjust, several Martindale Brightwood organizations have aligned around a broad-based collective impact model that meets emergency basic needs, while also keeping residents abreast of activities and efforts to reduce the adverse impacts of the pandemic. Armed with two backbone agencies, the Edna Martin Christian Center and Public Advocates in Community Re-entry (PACE) Inc., and supplemented by community partners, including neighborhood CDCs, churches and schools, neighborhood residents are being afforded lifelines to maintain as the pandemic worsens. Under this strategy, adopted under the neighborhoods broader Martindale Brightwood 7 (MB7) initiative, the effort collectively addresses financial assistance, food access and broader communication via virtual case management, online programming and virtual newsletter updates.

The recipients of recently deployed resources as part of the COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund (C-CERF), EMCC and PACE purposefully aligned assets in the effort to gain broader community awareness and strategic resource allocation. As a result, this week, the partners launched an online application process that allows EMCC and PACE to assess household needs and deploy necessary supports.

But from crisis, there is also opportunity. In fact, one of the unique strategies to be engaged beginning next week includes investment in community entrepreneurs that have adapted their enterprises or ministries to engage the neighborhood effort. Led by EMCCs Microenterprise Director Immanuel Ivey, the MB7 initiative will conduct a virtual workshop with community-based entrepreneurs to share information on resources designed to assist. Entitled SWOT this COVID-19, the workshop will also feature business enterprises that have found innovative ways to sustain and serve.

The true character of a community is how it demonstrates resiliency in the time of crisis. No stranger to adversity, the Martindale Brightwood neighborhood is settling in for the fight of its life.

Community individuals in need are encouraged to connect via the MB7 website, https://ednamartincc.org/martindale-brightwood-7/ to apply for assistance or for additional information.

Barato Britt is the President/CEO of the Edna Martin Christian Center and a former Indianapolis Recorder correspondent.
A large bull seal, described as weighing in excess of 330 pounds, was rescued by local conservationists in Namibia on April 9.

Footage of the incident, which showed a strip of plastic being removed from the seal, was taken by Ocean Conservation Namibia before being published on their YouTube channel.

After an initial struggle from the animal, Naude Dreyer and his friend, Antoine Armory, managed to restrain the captured seal before removing the plastic and letting it return to the wild.

Dreyer told Storyful, Our mission is to catch and disentangle as many seals trapped in fishing waste as possible. In the last month, we have rescued over 30 seals. This particular one is the biggest weve ever managed to catch.

He added, We use a specially designed custom net to catch the seals, but this bull was too big to fit in the net properly, so we both had to jump in to restrain him. He was caught in a fish box packaging strap  a very common entanglement material. This would have caused a slow and painful death if we hadnt caught him. Credit: Naude Dreyer via Storyful
A team of Brazilian researchers have captured the exact moment COVID-19 virus infects a cell, with the use of a powerful electron microscope.

Experts from the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation in Brazil captured the pictures when they were studying the ways the coronavirus replicates and spreads.

In the image below coronavirus particles are attempting to infect and enter the cytoplasm of the cell.



Fiocruz

In a series of images one can spot multiple particles of the coronavirus attempting to enter a cell to finally being able to do so. The researchers were able to capture these images using a tool that helps them to magnify objects up to two million times their normal size.





EPA





The Brazilian research institution, Fiocruz, said the cells used in the study were from the African green monkey - not from humans.

In the image below, Sars-Cov-2 is beginning the process of infecting a cell.



Fiocruz

According to the institution cells cultures from the African green monkey, a species of primate found in Sudan and Ethiopia, are used in laboratory tests quite often.

In the image below the virus particles have successfully entered the cell.

Fiocruz

These studies are important to understand the behavior of coronavirus so that a vaccine for it can be discovered as soon as possible.
Mohanlal and Manju Warrier, the complete actor and lady superstar of the Malayalam film industry are totally active with their charity works during this COVID_19 crisis period. Earlier, it was reported that both Mohanlal and Manju immediately came forward to help the daily wage workers of the Malayalam film industry, when the all India lockdown was announced.

Recently, FEFKA (Film Employees Federation of Kerala) openly thanked both the factors for their contributions. FEFKA director's union thanked Mohanlal and Manju Warrier by posting open letters on their official Facebook page, recently. As per the reports, Mohanlal donated Rs. 10 Lakhs to the association, while Manju donated Rs. 5 Lakhs.

According to the open letters by B Unnikrishnan, the president of FEFKA, Manju Warrier herself called him when they decided to start an initiative for the daily wage workers of the industry, and expressed her willingness to donate Rs. 5 Lakhs to the FEFKA fund.

The actress transferred the promised amount the very next day and even helped B Unnikrishnan and his team to contact the management of Kalyan Jewellers, for arranging more fund. In association with Amitabh Bachchan's "We Are One" initiative supported by Kalyan Jewellers & Sony Networks, FEFKA has developed a new plan to arrange food items and groceries for the entire daily wage workers of the film industry.

When it comes to Mohanlal, the complete actor offered the association a donation of Rs. 10 Lakhs, even much before they asked him for help. In the letter, B Unnikrishnan points out that Mohanlal and Manju Warrier stand out in the crowd with their kindness and consideration for the people around them.

Apart from the FEFKA fund, Mohanlal has also donated Rs. 50 Lakhs to the Kerala Cheif Minister's relief fund. Apart from the Malayalam actors who made donations, popular Telugu actor Allu Arjun has also donated to the Chief Minister's relief fund of Kerala and FEFKA fund.

Also Read:

All India Lockdown: Mohanlal And Manju Warrier Donate To Film Industry Workers
The health secretary has announced that 19 NHS workers have died from coronavirus as the pandemic continues to escalate.

Matt Hancock said work was being carried out to assess whether the NHS staff came into contact with the virus while fighting the crisis on the front lines or outside of the workplace.

The announcement comes after the trade union for doctors warned personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies in London and Yorkshire are at dangerously low levels.

Mr Hancock told BBC Breakfast on Saturday: Very sadly, 19 members of the NHS family have died. My heart goes out to their families. These are people who have put themselves on the front line.

Work is going on to establish whether they caught coronavirus in the line of duty while at work or whether, like so many other people, caught it [while going about] the rest of their lives. It is obviously quite difficult to work that out.

Mr Hancock, who has recently recovered from the virus, added: Im particularly struck at the high proportion of people from minority ethnic backgrounds and people who have come to this country to work in the NHS who have died of coronavirus. I find it really upsetting actually.

The warning comes after the UK recorded its worst daily death toll from the coronavirus outbreak  with a record increase of 980 on the previous day.

This figure, which refers to those who died in UK hospitals in the space of just 24 hours, is a higher daily fatality rate than Spain or Italy has recorded. It increases the total UK death rate to 8,958.

Dame Donna Kinnair, general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said nurses are telling her every day they do not have adequate amounts of PPE which includes essential items such as hand sanitiser, gloves, aprons, and face masks.

A consultant who warned Boris Johnson about the need for more PPE to keep NHS staff safe amid the coronavirus emergency also died from the virus.

Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, a 53-year-old urologist who worked at Homerton Hospital in Hackney, east London, begged the prime minister to ensure personal protective equipment (PPE) for each and every NHS worker in a Facebook post last month.

Mr Chowdhury, who has been hailed a hero, suffered from no underlying health conditions. The consultant, who died after spending 15 days in hospital in Romford, told Mr Johnson that healthcare staff have a human right like others to live in this world disease-free with our family and children.

Mr Johnson has been facing mounting pressure to tackle the failure to get sufficient amounts of PPE to frontline workers battling against the coronavirus outbreak.

Some 3,963 doctors warned they were putting their lives on the line every day due to being denied sufficient protective gear in an open letter in The Sunday Times.

Intensive care doctors and anaesthetists have told us they have been carrying out the highest-risk procedure, putting a patient on a ventilator, with masks that expired in 2015, the letter, which was published at the end of March, said.
CHICAGO (AP)  The U.S. death toll from the coronavirus briefly overtook Italys for the highest in the world Saturday, according to the running tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.

The United States eclipsed Italy in reporting more than 18,850 dead around midday. A short time afterward, Italy reported a total of nearly 19,500.

Deaths have been declining in recent days in Italy, but rising rapidly in the U.S.

The Johns Hopkins figures are based on data supplied by government health authorities around the world. The true numbers of dead and infected are believed to be much higher because of testing shortages, different counting practices and concealment by some governments.

The New York metropolitan area is swamped with cases, and fear mounted over the spread of the virus into the nations heartland. Twenty-four residents of an Indiana nursing home hit by COVID-19 have died. Chicagos Cook County has set up a temporary morgue that can take more than 2,000 bodies. And Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been going around telling groups of people to break it up.

Around the world, meanwhile, European countries used roadblocks, drones, helicopters, mounted patrols and the threat of fines to keep people from traveling over Easter weekend.

The pandemic's center of gravity has long since shifted from China to Europe and the United States, which now has by far the largest number of confirmed cases, with more than half a million.

As of midday Saturday, the U.S. death toll was just short of Italy's, which stood at about 18,850. About half the deaths in the United States were in the New York metropolitan area, where hospitalizations were nevertheless slowing down and other indicators suggested social distancing is "flattening the curve" of infections.

New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo provides a coronavirus update during a news conference March 31 in Albany. TNS

But with authorities warning that the crisis in New York is far from the over, the city announced that its 1.1 million-student school system will remain closed for the rest of the academic year.

Some countries are already planning small first steps out of the shutdown, even as public health authorities warned the virus could come back with a vengeance if people aren't careful enough.

Austria aims to reopen small shops on Tuesday. Spain, with more than 16,300 dead, plans to start rolling back the strictest of its measures Monday, when it will allow workers in some nonessential industries to return to factories and construction sites after a nearly complete two-week stoppage.

Spanish authorities said they will distribute 10 million face masks at major train and subway stations.

Italy continued to include all nonessential manufacturing in an extension of its national lockdown until May 3. But Premier Giuseppe Conte held out hope that some industry could re-open earlier if conditions permit.

India extended its lockdown of the nation of 1.3 billion people by two more weeks. But Iran reopened government offices and businesses outside the capital after a brief nationwide lockdown to help contain the worst outbreak in the Middle East. Businesses in Tehran will be allowed to reopen next weekend.

Britain on Saturday reported 917 more deaths, down from the peak of 980 recorded a day earlier. The country's overall death toll neared 10,000. At the same time, data suggest that the number of hospital admissions in Britain is leveling off.

A worker puts signs on fencing outside the newly setup coronavirus Nightingale Hospital North West at the G-MEX Manchester Central conference centre in Manchester, northern England, Thursday, April 9, 2020. (AP Photo/Jon Super)AP

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the first major world leader confirmed to have COVID-19, continued to recover at a London hospital, where he was able to take short walks between periods of rest, according to his office.

Worldwide, confirmed infections rose above 1.7 million, with over 100,000 deaths, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. Close to 400,000 people have recovered.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. But for others, especially older adults and people with health problems, it can cause severe symptoms like pneumonia.

By KATHLEEN FOODY, AMY FORLITI and GEIR MOULSON, The Associated Press
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Saturday said that anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine or HCQ should be used as prophylaxis (preventive healthcare) to prevent the novel Coronavirus and not as a treatment for COVID-19. HCQ, a common anti-malarial drug has been, in some quarters, touted as a possible miracle drug in the fight against COVID-19.

Raman R Ganagakhedkar, Head Scientist, ICMR, told ANI, "Two trials were conducted aborad. The trails were not good enough. So, we thought if it needs to be used in our country, it should be used as prophylaxis, and not as a treatment. We have decided that if it reduces the chances of COVID-19 among doctors and their contacts, then we will advise it to others. The results of the effect of HCQ in them is yet to come."

READ | '100% Surety That India Has Sufficient HCQ Drug Stock For Now & Future': Health Ministry

Possibility of side effects

Although, Ganagakhedkar cautioned that HCQ has side effects as well. He said that ICMR has never recommended the drug to the general public and the council has repeatedly said that HCQ is only advised for healthcare workers and doctors need to prescribe it to patients judiciously.

"People need not be worried nor they need to start using HCQ. Like other medicines, this has side effects too. If we get the desired or futile results, we will inform the public," said Ganagakhedkar.

READ | Tracing History Of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ): From Tipu Sultan To Potential COVID-19 Drug

The ICMR scientist further said that it is very hard to say whether or not a recovered COVID-19 patient is likely to contract the disease again or not. "It is very hard to say something about this. We have initiated a study for this. It will take time. We will tell everything based on evidence," he added.

READ | Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Maharashtra, Bengal Extend Lockdown Till Apr 30, Cases At 7529

India has enough stock says Govt

The Union Health Ministry had said on Thursday that India has enough supplies of HCQ to meet the country's demand now as well as in the future. On March 25, India banned the export of hydroxychloroquine in the midst of views in some quarters that the drug could be used to fight COVID-19. India is the largest exporter of the drug. The ban was partially lifted on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump and Brazil's Jair Bolsanaro requested the supply of HCQ to battle rising COVID-19 cases there.

READ | Maldives Thanks India For Exporting "game-changer" Drug HCQ For Treating COVID-19 Patients
Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed 19 NHS workers had now lost their lives after contracting Covid-19.

The Government has been dogged by criticism since the pandemic hit UK shores that not enough PPE was being made available to health workers, especially those working in social care.

Ms Patel, fielding questions at a Downing Street briefing on Saturday, said she was 'sorry' if people felt there had been failings regarding the supply of PPE.

The Health Secretary insisted that there is enough gear to meet demand but should be treated by hospitals as a 'precious resource'

After being asked twice if she would apologise to NHS staff and their families over the lack of 'necessary PPE', Ms Patel said: 'I'm sorry if people feel that there have been failings. I will be very, very clear about that.

'But at the same time, we are in an unprecedented global health pandemic right now.

'It is inevitable that the demand and the pressures on PPE and demand for PPE are going to be exponential. They are going to be incredibly high.

'And of course we are trying to address that as a Government.'

Piers Morgan reacted with fury to her 'apology' by tweeting: 'Pathetic weasly words of non-apology for the Government's shameful failure to properly protect our NHS staff.'

Ms Patel's so-called apology comes as a row erupted between the government and nurses after Matt Hancock again cautioned coronavirus medics against overusing personal protective equipment.

The Health Secretary insisted there was enough protective clothing to meet demand, but urged health workers to treat the gear like a 'precious' resource.

His remarks, made this morning in a broadcast round, doubled down on comments made at yesterday's Downing Street press briefing where he responded to reports from the frontline of a dire shortage of equipment.

But he was met today with a fierce backlash led by a top nurse who scolded the minister for suggestions that NHS staff were straying beyond the guidance.

Royal College of Nursing general secretary Dame Donna Kinnair scolded the minister for saying there had been 'examples' of PPE overuse

Frontline health staff are 'dehydrated' because they are skipping drinks in order not to waste personal protective equipment, a critical care nurse has said.

The nurse, who asked to remain anonymous, said staff felt they were being 'lied to' about masks, and the situation was being handled 'horrendously'.

The health worker, from Manchester, hit back at suggestions staff were wasting equipment and said those working on her ward were afraid to take off their masks to drink, as this means they have to be thrown away, raising the risk of dehydration.

She said: 'We are being lied to about what masks we do and don't have, and they're hiding ones we are running out of.

'We can't eat or drink enough because we can't have water or snacks in the area and can't take masks off.

'And we're too scared to drink too much when we're out because if we need to go to the toilet then it means taking it all off again and wasting it, so we are all horribly dehydrated.'

Royal College of Nursing general secretary Dame Donna Kinnair also said that no amount of PPE was 'more precious a resource than a healthcare worker's life, a nurse's life, a doctor's life'.

She told BBC Breakfast: 'I take offence actually that we are saying that healthcare workers are abusing or overusing PPE.

'I think what we know is, we don't have enough supply and not enough regular supply of PPE.

'This is the number one priority nurses are bringing to my attention, that they do not have adequate supply of protective equipment.'

Reports have emerged from the front line of health workers forced to treat patients in homemade protective gear made from bin bags and curtains.

Mr Hancock yesterday assured that there is sufficient stock of face masks, gowns and gloves but admitted distributing them was proving a 'Herculean logistical effort'.

In the Health Secretary's wide-ranging morning broadcast round:

Mr Hancock revealed that 19 NHS workers have so far lost their lives with the virus;

Although the rate of hospital admissions is flattening, he begged the public to stay indoors this Easter weekend;

He said nobody knows if we have reached the peak of the epidemic, or when we will;

The minister rubbished reports that he and his team had not been observing social distancing measures;

Mr Hancock refused to be drawn on whether the government had been slow to initiate the lockdown.

NHS England medical director Stephen Powis said he was confident there would be enough hi-tech FFP3 masks available to cover the length of the pandemic.

He also said officials were 'working very hard' on gown supplies, the use of which has been extended in light of last week's updated guidance.

Sir Ed Davey, acting leader of the Lib Dems, was critical of the Government's response on PPE, which has seen the Army mobilised to distribute more than 760 million items across the country.

'The lack of sufficient protective equipment is becoming a national scandal - many health and care staff clearly feel they've been sold down the river,' he said.

At yesterday's Number 10 press briefing, the Health Secretary said that the UK supply of PPE stretch to meet demand if the 'precious resource' is 'used in line with our guidance'.

Nurses in PPE clap on a video at the coronavirus ward at West Cumberland Hospital

Despite an overnight backlash to suggestions NHS staff have been flouting these rules, Mr Hancock doubled down on his remarks this morning.

He told BBC Radio 4: 'It is really important that people don't overuse PPE either.

'I don't want to impugn blame on people who have used more PPE than the guidelines suggest because I understand the difficulties in the circumstances.

'What I would say it is very important to use the right PPE and not overuse it.

'Of course there have been examples but I don't want to stress that because I also understand the circumstances in which people might have used more PPE than was strictly necessary according to the guidelines.'

New Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also weighed in to condemn Mr Hancock's remarks as 'insulting'.

He added: 'It is quite frankly insulting to imply frontline staff are wasting PPE.

'There are horrific stories of NHS staff and care workers not having the equipment they need to keep them safe.

'The Government must act to ensure supplies are delivered.'

Memos that were leaked today warned of a 'national shortage' of the long-sleeved gowns that are needed to treat coronavirus patients. Stock picture

The row comes as the Government is urging the public to stay at home over Easter, after the UK recorded its highest daily death toll from coronavirus since the outbreak began.

The latest figures from the Department of Health and Social Care showed that as of Thursday there were 8,958 hospital deaths from the disease - an increase of 980 on the previous day.

Mr Hancock also said it was still too early to determine whether the peak of coronavirus infections in the UK had been reached.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'The good news is we have seen the number of hospital admissions starting - starting, I stress - to flatten out.

'You can see (from the Government's charts) that instead of going up exponentially, as they would have done if we had not taken the measures, that they are starting to come down and flatten.

'We haven't seen that enough to have confidence to make changes. The answer to your question, about have we reached the peak, is nobody knows.'

Asked about the chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, saying the UK was two weeks away from the peak, Mr Hancock added: 'Our judgment is that we are not there yet and that we haven't seen a flattening enough to be able to say that we have reached the peak.

Mr Hancock swatted away accusations that the UK had been to slow in initiating the lockdown.

He said that comparisons with Italy, which enforced social isolation weeks before Britain, were useless as Rome was far ahead of this country in the explosion of cases.

The Health Secretary sadly confirmed that 19 NHS workers have died from coronavirus.

Mr Hancock told BBC Breakfast on Saturday: 'My heart goes out to their families, these are people who have put themselves on the front line.

'The work is going on to establish whether they caught coronavirus in the line of duty while at work or whether, like so many other people, caught it in the rest of their lives.

'It is obviously quite difficult to work that out. What matters is we pay tribute to their service.'

Mr Hancock also rubbished reports that he and his team of advisers had not been observing social distancing measures in their meetings.

He insisted he had been working at home where possible, but when he needed to go into the office, he had spread out the chairs to avoid person-to-person contact.

Police have also revealed that 1,084 on-the-spot fines have been issued for breaches of coronavirus regulations in England and Wales.

Martin Hewitt, chairman of the National Police Chiefs' Council, said only a 'small minority' had failed to follow the Government guidance.

Mr Johnson announced a lockdown three weeks ago that banned travel outside of the home, except for exercise, to shop for essential goods, to go to a job that cannot be done from home or to provide care.

The fines were issued from across 37 forces, Mr Hewitt said, with a 21% fall in overall crime.

The announcement came after some forces were criticised for being heavy-handed in using beefed-up enforcement powers, with backlash on social media against the use of drones to patrol beauty spots and officers seen monitoring supermarket aisles.

'Across all of those forces, that is an average of less than 84 a day,' Mr Hewitt told the press briefing.

'This shows that the overwhelming majority of people are abiding by the rules and are staying at home to protect the NHS and save lives.'

Mr Hewitt said police will publish enforcement data every fortnight during the crisis and defended forces that had 'made mistakes', saying they had 'quickly sought to correct them'.

Ministers have so far ruled out putting a date on when the restrictions on movement and social contact will be curbed, with Mr Hancock and Ms Patel stressing the need for people to remain at home even during the good bank holiday weekend weather.

The news came after the Department of Health said a total of 9,875 people had died in hospital in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus as of 5pm on Friday, up by 917 from the same point on Thursday.

Mr Johnson is continuing to recover following his discharge from the intensive care unit at St Thomas' Hospital where he was treated for coronavirus.

Ms Patel said the Cabinet supported the PM taking time to rest.

'The message to the Prime Minister is that we want him to get better and he needs some time and some space to rest, recuperate and recover,' she said.

Number 10 has refused to be drawn on how long he is expected to remain in hospital.
The Bereijklian government has been urged to abandon the new Parramatta Powerhouse Museum following the departure of the project's leading advocate, the former Arts Minister Don Harwin.

Opponents doubled down on their criticism of the $1 billion relocation project with the arts sector calling on the NSW Premier to instead give urgent priority to immediate heart-starter measures to revive the state's cultural life.

An artist's impression of the design for the new Powerhouse Museum in Parramatta.

NSW is alone among Australia's major states yet to have specifically redressed the financial impacts to theatres, museums, galleries and arts workers during the pandemic. A decision by NSW Treasury is thought to be imminent.

From inside State Cabinet and his position on the Expenditure Review Committee, Mr Harwin had been a passionate champion of the arts, according to Museum of Contemporary Arts chairman Simon Mordant.
This article by Haley Britzky and Jared Keller originally appeared on Task & Purpose, a digital news and culture publication dedicated to military and veterans issues.

Army Pfc. Glendon Oakley Jr., the 23-year-old soldier who won praise from the the public, the Army and President Donald Trump for his heroism during a mass shooting at an El Paso Walmart in last year, was found dead in his quarters at Fort Bliss on Wednesday, officials said.

Gilbert Telles Jr., a Fort Bliss spokesman, confirmed that Oakley was "found deceased in his on-post quarters" on Wednesday, adding that foul play is not suspected. His death is currently being investigated by Army Criminal Investigation Command.

Oakley, a Texas native, was an automated supply logistical specialist with the 504th Composite Supply Company, 142nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st Armored Division Sustainment Brigade.

Oakleys military awards include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Rifle Marksmanship Badge, and more.

"No further information will be released at this time to protect the integrity of the investigative process," Telles said.

Oakley was credited with pulling several young children to safety when a gunman opened fire at the Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso, Texas in August 2019.

In an interview with Task & Purpose shortly after the shooting, Oakley said that he pulled his Glock 9mm and followed a handful of employees as they headed for the mall exits when he spotted a group of children clustered in one of the mall's open play areas, screaming for their parents.

"I didn't even think. I just grabbed as many kids as I could and ran five stores down to the exit," Oakley told Task & Purpose. "We got there and ran into a whole batch of police pointing their guns at us. I wasn't focused on myself, and I wasn't focused on my surroundings ... I was just focused on those kids."

More than 20 people were killed during the shooting that day.

In recognition for his heroism, Oakley was awarded the Army Commendation Medal in an award ceremony at Fort Bliss several weeks after the shooting. In between, he found praise from Trump, who traveled to El Paso to meet with first responders in the aftermath of the incident.

"What a job he did," Trump said of Oakley at the time. "Youll be a movie star, the way you look."

But in mid-September, the El Paso Police Department cast doubt on Oakley's account after reviewing surveillance footage from the incident.

"We have no independent confirmation of that," the department said in a statement. "All we can say is that there were reports of possible multiple shooters and a possible shooter at the mall. That was based on initial erroneous reports amidst the chaos. It was later confirmed that there was only one shooter and there was no one in danger at the mall. We have no independent reports of anyone's actions at the mall."

The following month, Oakley was arrested in the city of Harker Heights, Texas on a deserter warrant for going absent without leave, as Army Master Sgt. Vin Stevens told Task & Purpose at the time.

It is unclear what, if any, disciplinary action was taken against Oakley following his arrest.

As Task & Purpose previously reported, Oakley was born into an Army family. His father, Glendon Oakley Sr., served for 31 years before retiring in 2011 at the rank of sergeant major; his mother, Wendolyn D. Oakley, retired as a master sergeant in 2001 after two decades; and his older sister, Glenda Oakley, is a retired captain.

Oakley took a circuitous route into the armed forces, eventually recruited into the Army with an ASVAB waiver due to his rough adolescence growing up in Killeen, Texas while the senior Oakley was stationed at Fort Hood.

"I went to jail a few times, for weed charges, for fighting, just getting caught up in the wrong stuff," he told Task & Purpose. "I've been in pointless shootouts at a young age ... Killeen is a lot of pointless shootouts."

Oakley went off to basic training in September 2017, graduating from Basic Combat Training and then Advanced Individual Training. around March 2018. A few months afterwards, he was deployed to Kuwait with the 504th; he'd been home from his deployment for just four months when gunshots rang out near the Cielo Vista Walmart.

When reached for comment following the receipt of his ARCOM, Oakley told Task & Purpose that he didn't want any more attention for his heroic actions.

"I don't want anymore articles or stories about me," he said in a text message at the time. "I just want the attention to go away ... I just did what I was supposed to do. I just want this to by (sic) past so I can go back to my normal life."

More articles from Task & Purpose:
Chambers of commerce across northwest Harris County are assembling multiple resources to help small businesses stay afloat during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

One of the latest resources to become available was recently approved by the Harris County Commissioners Court, said Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce President Bruce Hillegeist. The Harris County COVID-19 Forgivable Loan Program allows businesses within the county to apply for a loan of up to $25,000 to be used for payroll and benefits.Eligibility requirements for the loan listed with the countys application include that the business must be in Harris County, must have been in operation on or before Jan. 1, 2019, must have property taxes in good standing, must provide evidence of how business revenue has been negatively impacted by COVID-19, and must have a tangible net worth of no more than $15 million and an average net income of $5 million or less after federal income taxes from the two years previous to application.

Businesses leaders react to unprecedented situation: Northwest Houston business community seeks footing in uncharted territory

Information about this program, along with loan programs offered by the Small Business Administration, is being compiled on Tomballtogether.com, a resource website created by the GTACC and the Tomball Economic Development Corporation, Hillegeist said.

The chamber is also telling its members to look at the SBAs website and talk to their local banker.

I used to be a banker and this is a time when people need to always have a relationship with their banker, Hillegeist said. To me a doctor and a banker are very important to a persons life.

Navigating the loan process: How to fill out SBA Coronavirus Disaster Loan documents

Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce President Leslie Martone said the chambers social media presence has ramped up significantly to help the community out, including linking businesses to resources such as the SBAs Economic Injury Disaster Advance Loan, providing up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses affected by the pandemic, or the Paycheck Protection Program, providing loan forgiveness for retaining employees.

Thats our reputation is giving them resources they can trust, Martone said.

Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bobby Lieb said his staff is also putting the countys loan resource on their website.

Anytime theres these business assistance programs coming out, were trying to push those to our members and make anything and everything available to them, Lieb said. Theres a lot of different agencies out there trying to put together assistance and so we just have to cull through the different opportunities.

Resources listed on their website include a list of banks offering SBA and PPP loans, and a link to the Greater Houston Business Recovery Center, which is providing guidance on policy and financing associated with recovery programs.

The information is coming out fast and furious so were just trying to get the information to them in an understandable and digestible manner as quickly as possible so people can have the opportunity to take advantage of it, Lieb said.

Lieb said the chamber is also implementing a dues relief program for chamber members, where they can apply for monthly dues payments at a discounted rate of 15%.

paul.wedding@hcnonline.com
by Austin Bay April 8, 2020

This week the Pentagon acknowledged that the coronavirus pandemic -- which President Donald Trump has correctly called a plague -- has affected U.S. military operations.

The disease has definitely reduced the combat effectiveness of the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. The virus threatens the lives of the warship's skilled personnel. Given the training and experience required to successfully operate an aircraft carrier for peacetime demands, much less combat, it would take a decade or more to replace the nuclear-powered behemoth's sailors, pilots and technicians.

Thank God we're not in a shooting war -- hot war or kinetic war in the jargon. The admirals know that in the interest of long-term security, the carrier must defeat the disease for the next few weeks. Social distancing and time anchored in the ship sick bay slow operations -- hence the reduction in what the military calls "tempo." Even if the ship remains at sea, its capabilities are diminished. According to a recent report, the carrier is quarantined in Guam for "an indefinite period."

Would that adversaries suffering from the COVID-19/Wuhan virus focus on healing themselves during the pandemic.

Alas, that is not the nature of war, or "gray-zone war" as waged by communist China. The COVID-19/Wuhan plague began in the city of Wuhan, China (Hubei province). Despite Beijing's propaganda campaign, that is a fact.

On April 6, the U.S. government warned China to resist the temptation to exploit global focus on the "Chinese virus" for geopolitical gain in the South China Sea, or SCS.

The precipitating event was a claim by Vietnam that a Chinese coast guard vessel sank a Vietnamese trawler in the SCS. The deep-sixed fishing boat is the headline but not the whole story. The U.S. State Department reports that since January, Beijing has expanded so-called "research stations" and the deployment of military aircraft in the contested million-plus-square-mile maritime zone that extends from China's coast south to Singapore and the Strait of Malacca.

AFP quoted State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus as saying, "This incident is the latest in a long string of PRC actions to assert unlawful maritime claims and disadvantage its Southeast Asian neighbors in the South China Sea."

Long string indeed. Clashes in the SCS over islands and fishing rights have occurred since the 1970s.

However, aggressive Chinese territorial expansion in the area began in the early 1990s. Beijing diplomatically framed its territory-expansion policy as bilateral struggles over islets and reefs between China and its Southeast Asian neighbors.

But this fight isn't a local squabble. The SCS maritime zone has global import. An estimated $5 trillion per year in trade (goods and resources) transits the SCS.

In 2016, The Hague international arbitration tribunal supported the Philippines' accusation that China had intruded on Filipino territory by seizing sea features and islets and conducting illegal fishing operations. China ignored the court verdict. The tribunal relied heavily on the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea treaty, which China had signed.

Beijing flouted international law and so far has gotten away with it.

Call this warfare what it is: Chinese "gray-zone warfare" with the goal of extending Beijing's control in the area without provoking a hot war with America. China invades the SCS with construction barges and drilling rigs, which build artificial islands. Swarms of fishing boats and Chinese Coast Guard ships follow the barges. Beijing then employs propaganda, crime, covert influence operations, political agitators and old-fashioned bribery to secure its gains.

China's communist dictatorship employs all of these techniques.

Now it exploits a plague it spawned to gain geopolitical advantage in the South China Sea.
The 51 Battalion of Border Security Force (BSF) distributed food among the needy in Fulbari at India-Bangladesh border amid lockdown on Saturday.

As the country continues its fight against the COVID-19, the paramilitary forces have come to extend help to people.

Meanwhile, the country is under 'lockdown' to contain the spread of coronavirus.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, there are 126 COVID-19 positive cases in West Bengal including 16 cured/discharged and five deaths.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A move to presumably fire the superintendent of the Holyoke Soldiers Home after at least 30 veterans living at the home have died of COVID-19 has been temporarily halted on the order of a Hampden Superior Court judge.

A lawyer for Superintendent Bennett Walsh filed a complaint for injunctive relief on Friday, arguing it would be impossible for him to receive a fair hearing for multiple reasons  including that he is believed to have contracted the disease caused by the new coronavirus and is quarantining at home, court documents said.

The documents, filed a day before the homes Board of Trustees were expected to meet in executive session, also laid out some of Walshs defense: that it was the homes medical director who was in control of the issues that led to the outbreak and high death toll.

The trustees had been set to meet at 11 a.m. Saturday. The agenda listed an executive session for the purpose of discussing the continued employment of an individual.

But Judge Francis Flannery issued a temporary restraining order to halt the meeting and ordered a hearing to be held by phone on April 16, court documents said.

Allowing the Board to proceed with the hearing, the Commonwealth to request termination and requiring Mr. Walsh to appear under these circumstances is a blatant violation of due process and effectively eviscerates Mr. Walsh of his ability to meaningfully participate in the hearing and present a defense, said the order filed by William Bennett, Walshs uncle and the former Hampden District Attorney, who is also serving as his lawyer.

Walsh has been on paid administrative leave since March 30, when the Executive Office of Health and Human Services responded to complaints that officials were not taking proper measures to protect staff and residents as the coronavirus rapidly spread through the home.

As of Friday night, 30 veterans who live at the home have died since the first resident tested positive for COVID-19 on March 21. An additional 76 residents and 73 staff have now tested positive for the disease. There were about 210 residents at the home when the crisis began.

Board Chairman Kevin Jourdain confirmed the meeting was canceled due to the court order and said it would be rescheduled. A new date has not been set. He declined to comment further about the complaint.

Bennett also declined to comment on the complaint. Walsh has issued statements saying he gave daily updates on the growing crisis to officials at three different state agencies, including Health and Human Services. He has denied any wrongdoing in his management of the home, calling the allegations outrageous.

The commonwealth has now requested that the board terminate Mr. Walsh, the complaint said, adding that he was ordered to appear in person at the Board of Trustees meeting on Saturday.

The complaint argued the move to fire Walsh was taking place before the completion of three independent investigations, ordered by Gov. Charlie Baker, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey and U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling.

It is impossible for Mr. Walsh to adequately present his position as he has been barred by the Commonwealth from having any contact with employees/witnesses at the Soldiers Home and from accessing or reviewing any relevant documents, the complaint said.

It continued: The prohibition on speaking to witnesses directly impacts Mr. Walshs ability to present a defense as the majority of the decisions for which the Commonwealth takes issue were in the direct supervision and control of the medical director of the facility not Mr. Walsh himself."

It said that on April 2 Walsh received a notice saying he may only speak on his own behalf without the benefit of participation of counsel.

The complaint argued that as of Friday neither Walsh nor his lawyer received ground rules for the hearing and were concerned that Daniel Tsai, deputy secretary for the Office of Health and Human Safety, would be calling witnesses.

In addition to the due process issues outlined above, requiring Mr. Walshs public participation in this meeting is a significant health and safety risk to his wife, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer, even if social distancing guidelines are maintained, the complaint said. It is also a significant health and safety risk to the Board, the attendees of the meeting and the public.

The meeting was to be conducted by telephone but open to the public, in accordance with state laws. Anyone interested could dial a number to listen.

Related Content:
State governments, particularly those like Delhi that witnessed an exodus of migrant workers after the lockdown was announced, say there are not enough labourers in the city to work in factories and warehouses.

The Delhi government turned to trade unions to help it find the necessary workforce to labour in the national capitals factories and warehouses, and also for transportation and distribution of essential commodities.

The Centre and state governments are struggling to restart at least some industrial activity as it becomes apparent that the 21-day nationwide lockdown imposed to check the spread of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) could be extended beyond April 14, and stocks of essential commodities need replenishing across the country.

State governments, particularly those like Delhi that witnessed an exodus of migrant workers after the lockdown was announced, say there are not enough labourers in the city to work in factories and warehouses.

On Wednesday, the Delhi governments labour commissioner issued an appeal to all registered trade unions to help/coordinate/facilitate in helping factories and warehouses in procuring adequate workforce.

In the appeal, Manoj Kumar, Delhi governments secretary and labour commissioner, said this was the need of the hour so that citizens of Delhi may get uninterrupted supply of essential foods and groceries.

Your cooperation and help in this hour of need will be a great help for citizens of Delhi, Kumar stated.

Kumar further said that those factories warehouses and transportation and distribution operations involved in processing and supply of essential foods and groceries should get uninterrupted supply of work force.

In Kolkata on Thursday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee told industrialists that her government had allowed movement of some taxis to ferry workers and allowed three additional people on trucks to aid in loading and unloading goods to boost movement of essential goods.

Local small, medium-sized goods carriers have been given permission to ply if carrying essential items.

Tea estates in the state have also been allowed to open, provided they have only 15 per cent of workforce.

Banerjee said exceptions were being made for industries where continuous process was applicable and petitions to open plants would be reviewed on a case-to-case basis.

However, chief secretary Rajiva Sinha clarified that only industries producing essential items would be allowed to function.

On Thursday, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said his government was trying to ensure that some factories, particularly flour and daal (pulses) mills, start operations.

Baghel said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was hasty in announcing the lockdown on March 24, which led to shutting down of flour mills in his state.

Also, prices of commodities and vegetables skyrocketed.

We are now trying to repair the situation. We have allowed factories to open, but under strict conditions.

"Flour, daal mills and those manufacturing pesticides for farmers have opened, he said.

Baghel said his government had spoken to factory owners and industrialists about ensuring that workers get two meals a day and wages.

Workers were ensured a months wages, food and shelters. Industry took care of 39 lakh (3.9 million) workers so that they are not seen on roads, he said.

Chhattisgarh has reported only 11 Covid-19 cases so far, one of the lowest in the country, and Baghel is not keen for the lockdown to end or for inter-state transit to be opened at the current juncture, as this could lead to entry of patients.

Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters
An alleged hardcore overground worker (OGW) of Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist outfit was arrested from a village near the International Border here, a police official said on Saturday.

Mohammad Muzaffar Beigh (24), a resident of the Handwara area of north Kashmir's Kupwara district, was arrested during a late night raid on a house in Chakroi, village, he said.

The official said the house owner was also taken into custody for questioning.

Some incriminating documents were recovered from the arrested OGW, whose questioning revealed his links with JeM terrorists, he said,



The man is a "hardcore" overground worker and some more arrests are expected at his disclosure, the official said.

A case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act was registered against him and further investigation is on, he said.

The official said Beigh had reached Chakroi on March 17 and was residing in the house of the local since then due to the ongoing lockdown.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A three-year-old child



died in Bihar's Jehanabad district allegedly due to lack of proper treatment at a hospital here and non-availability of an ambulance to take him to a Patna facility, triggering the authorities to suspend the manager of the hospital on Saturday.

Jehanabad District Magistrate Navin Kumar also show- caused two other officials and recommended the health department to take action against two doctors and four nurses of the Sadar Hospital who were on duty at the time of the incident on Friday, officials said.

The three-year-old boy was admitted to the Sadar Hospital with symptoms of high fever, cough and breathing problem, its Superintendent Dr B K Jha said adding that he was referred to the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) for better treatment after administering first aid.

The Sadar Hospital allegedly did not provide the child with any treatment, nor arranged for an ambulance to take him to the PMCH.

The boy's father Brajesh Kumar Singh, a resident of Sahopur village under Kurtha police station area of the district, claimed that two-three ambulances were present at the hospital premises but he did not get one to take his son to the PMCH.

Later, one person provided Singh with his car to take the child to the PMCH but he died before it could leave Jehanabad town, sources said.

Taking serious note of the incident, the DM has served a show cause notice to the Civil Surgeon-cum-Chief Medical Officer of Jehanabad and the Sadar Hospital Superintendent asking them to explain within 24 hours why action will not be taken against them for the child's death.

He also suspended the Sadar Hospitals manager Kunal Bharti.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Dear constitutional-President Maduro,

From the Hugo Chavez International Foundation for Peace, Friendship and Solidarity (HCIF-PFS), this letter comes to you, the legitimate, constitutional and democratically-elected President, and through you to the entire people of Venezuela in the light of the unending difficulties your country has to deal with.

Since the painful assassination of el-Commandant Hugo Chavez (Peace Be Unto Him), on 5th March, 2013 and onwards your country has faced an undeclared economic war, smear campaign and vilification; wicked, hate-filled and unjust sanctions; blackmail and endless aggression, spearheaded by succeeding administrations in Washington during the last two decades. These attacks have taken the lives of more than 100,000 people according to our records.

As the world becomes more inequitable and precarious, with the spread of the deadly COVID-19 threatening our very survival, high-profile figures in positions of political and economic power continue to use hateful rhetoric and intimidation to distract from the failures of capitalism. What is more absurd in this imperialist agenda is the US growing and desperate thirst for Venezuelan peoples blood and wealth. For action, such as the recent decision by the Trump administration in Washington to send US warships closer to Venezuelas territorial waters goes a long way to vindicate what we have said long ago that, the US is out to unleash genocide on the Venezuelan people by applying methods and behaviors stereotypical of the big Mafia dons. It is therefore not surprising that willing world leaders and governments have opted to tow the Trump miasma and political miscalculation to attack peace, stability, democracy and constitutional order in your country.

Mr. constitutional President, you will agree with us that with the COVID-19 destroying lives and economies of countries around the world, no sane leader can afford the luxury of abandoning his or her people to die and suffer for lack of responsible healthcare policy. We commend you and your government for showing leadership quality, especially at this time when Venezuelans need you most to save their lives from the spread of the deadly Corona pandemic.

We at the Hugo Chavez International Foundation for Peace, Friendship and Solidarity find it provocative and cowardice for the Trump administration in Washington to abandon the American people at this hour of need to wage a criminal war against your illuminating personality. We denounce the ongoing smear and vilification campaign against your Government, the harassments and intimidation of the Venezuelan population, by the diversionist, malicious rhetoric Trump administration in Washington. We express deep concern over the lives and safety of the Venezuelan population who bear the pains, traumas, tribulation, suffering and heinous impact of the unjust, wicked and spurious sanctions, embargo, undeclared economic war and other hostile policies and decisions conducted by the US.

On the recent decision to wrongfully, criminally and maliciously link your government to activities of narcotic drug cartels in Colombia further exposes the US governments hatred for the peace, stability and development of Venezuela. Our Organisation, the Hugo Chavez International Foundation for Peace, Friendship and Solidarity (HCIF-PFS) believes your Government, which works for saving lives and dignity of the Venezuelan people should not be subjected to red-tagging, threats, harassments and intimidations simply for refusing to become a cheap pawn for criminal adventurers, whose evil designs and tastes Washington represent.

We believe the world is already aware of nature the US much rhetoric talk of so-called fight against drugs. Dubbed as a war on drugs, it targeted countries that are not willing to surrender their territories for US military activities. The genocidal campaign of the 21st century is the most accurate label to describe Washingtons policy towards your country and countrymen and women. Because, U.S. foreign policy and decades-long wars against legitimate and progressive governments have further dehumanized people in countries such as Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya and Somalia. The brutal murder of Muammar Al-Gaddafi and destruction of Libya are a good example of the devastating impact of US wars in Latin America, Africa and the Middle-east.

The Hugo Chavez International Foundation for Peace, Friendship and Solidarity views therefore, the escalation of US aggression on Venezuela as a systematic campaign of terror against a country that fight for, and advocate peace, democracy and democratic good governance, human rights, rule of law, justice, freedom and dignity.

Mr. constitutional-President, we want to assure you of our unflinching solidarity with you and entire people of Venezuela in the face of mounting US aggression against your country. We share in the responsibility of calling upon the US Senate, Congress and military to stop the Trump administrations vilification and smear campaigns, through red-tagging, undeclared economic war, diabolic sanctions and spurious embargo, drugs-labelling, threats, harassments and intimidations against your Government and people of Venezuela.

We pray for Gods manifold blessings upon you and all people of Venezuela.

Sincerely,



Alimamy Bakarr Sankoh

Consular-General and President of the Executive Board of Trustees

The Hugo Chavez International Foundation for Peace, Friendship and Solidarity
Students can still contact airlines directly to try to get a refund for their flights. Stock photo: Getty

Students who booked to go on the J-1 visa programme with Usit will not get refunds after the company went into provisional liquidation.

Kinlay Group, the company behind Usit, informed customers and staff in late March of the "difficult decision" to have liquidators appointed.

The company said as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, "and having explored all other possible alternatives", it was left with no option but to appoint the liquidators.

Students who had booked to travel to the United States and Canada had been left in the dark as to whether they would get their money back.

In a statement on its website, published this week, Usit said: "Unfortunately, due to the insolvency of company, the joint provisional liquidators are not in a position to pay any refunds to any category of customer or client."

The company said customer refunds "may rank as unsecured claims in the liquidation".

Ciara Ryan, a student at Waterford Institute of Technology, had booked to travel to New York for the summer.

Like many students, she was left devastated by the announcement.

She had paid 1,000 towards her accommodation in Manhattan and a 300 deposit to Usit.

"Nobody is in a position to lose out on so much money at the minute, especially not college students working two days a week who have put every cent of their wages into this," she said.

"Nearly 2,000 down the drain after months of stress of trying to pay it off."

Students can still contact airlines directly to try to get a refund for their flights.

Claims can also be made to aviationreg.ie.

While it is extremely unlikely the summer J-1 programme will go ahead given the scale of the Covid-19 pandemic, Usit said that no formal decision has yet been made by its US partners to cancel the programme.

The US Embassy in Ireland remains closed so no visa paperwork can be processed.

For students who wish to travel later on in the year when travel bans are lifted, Usit said: "Due to the scale of the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting health risks, it's very likely there will be considerable delays to the departure dates in the next 12 weeks for the graduate, intern and trainee programmes.

"We are liaising with our sponsor on how you can travel later in the year and we hope to have further information for you shortly."

Usit employed 76 people between its head office in Dublin and regional offices in Cork, Galway and Limerick.

Since the 1960s, Usit has afforded Irish students the opportunity to work abroad in cities in the US and beyond.
WASHINGTON - The Trump administration still has no clear plan for ending the coronavirus crisis, but it does have many task forces.

There is the official task force led by Vice President Mike Pence that meets daily and is supposed to oversee the government's sprawling response to the pandemic that has cratered the economy and, as of Saturday, killed more than 20,000 in the United States alone. There is the "Opening Our Country Council," an economic task force announced Friday that is focused on reopening portions of the economy as quickly as possible. There is the group that reports directly to President Donald Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner, a cadre dismissively dubbed "the shadow task force" that helps Kushner with his roving list of virus troubleshooting.

And there is also the "doctors group," a previously unreported offshoot of the original task force that huddles daily to discuss medical and public health issues, created in part to push back against demands that the health experts view as too reckless.

In theory, the task forces are all working toward the same goal: defeating the novel coronavirus and getting the nation back to work - and life - as quickly as possible. But the reality is far more complicated: a bureaucratic nesting doll of groups with frequently competing aims and agendas.

As a result, an administration that has lagged behind at nearly every step of the pandemic still has no consensus plan for when or how to reopen parts of the economy, even as the president and many advisers push to do so as soon as May 1. There is still no concerted plan for getting vital medical supplies to states, which are left to fight among themselves or seek favors from Trump. There is also no developed plan for what happens if cases or deaths spike as people begin to return to work, or how to respond if the coronavirus surges again in the fall, as many public health experts and administration officials fear.

Public health experts say that among the keys to returning to normalcy are nationwide virus testing (to determine who has the virus); serological testing (to allow those who have been exposed to the virus and developed immunity to return to work); and contact tracing (quickly tracking all the contacts of an infected person, to halt further spread). Two task force officials said that more important even than nationwide testing is surveillance - using data to make informed decisions about public health.

But the administration has not fully grappled with the sheer manpower and resources required for an effort like contact tracing - and right now, there are not even enough coronavirus tests for those who need them, let alone the entire country.

Jack Chow, a U.S. ambassador for global HIV/AIDS during the George W. Bush administration and former World Health Organization assistant director-general, said the problem is that the administration has yet to decide what the national recovery should look like.

"The whole response has been lagging the curve of the epidemic, and what ought to be happening is the designation of key strategic goals, key accomplishments that can happen within a specified timeline," Chow said. "It sounds like they're groping for that. There isn't any clear direction as to what the strategic goals are in each different line of effort, and what the prospective timeline could be given the assets they have to deploy."

This portrait of the White House three months into the coronavirus crisis is the result of interviews with 22 senior administration officials, lawmakers, public health officials and other Republicans in frequent touch with the White House, many of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity to be candid.

One of the biggest obstacles to the virus response is Trump himself. Even the most dutiful plans and projects often get caught up in the chaos of the White House. Advisers spend significant time trying to manage the president and his whims - from successfully dissuading him from seeking to reopen the country at Easter to tempering his impulse to push unproven drugs as miracle elixirs.

Even the progress can feel halting. Scientists are working on a vaccine, but that is expected to take at least a year. Basic hospital supplies are still so lagging that on Thursday, Pence suggested that medical professionals "recycle gowns." And some states have begun to formulate their own collective plan for defeating the virus without the help of the federal government.

Marc Short, Pence's chief of staff, said the United States is in the middle of an unprecedented outbreak where the situation changes daily, that the administration is working to bring about the conditions to allow governors to feel comfortable restarting commerce, and that they fully expect therapeutics to combat the virus to be available by fall.

Short said there are not competing task forces, but rather multiple working groups whose officials - Kushner and White House coronavirus response coordinator Deborah Birx among them - all report up to Pence through the main task force. Pence spokeswoman Katie Miller also praised the overall effort in a statement.

"Vice President Mike Pence is proud of the all-of-America approach initiated by the Coronavirus Task Force to save American lives and improve health-care delivery," Miller said. "We are also grateful for the heroic work by front-line health-care workers as they come to the aid of Americans in need."

On Friday, Trump described the virus as a "hidden enemy" that is "genius," and briefly acknowledged the tough reality: "The greatest doctors in the world - I think they're close, by the way, but they haven't figured it out yet."

A former senior administration official offered a grimmer assessment of the overall situation.

"Everything they're doing is responding to something that's already happened," said the official, who stays in touch with administration officials. "Coordination from this White House has never been a particular strong suit."

- - -

The Situation Room seating chart - sent out every morning by Short in a PowerPoint - has become one of the task force's hottest documents.

Aides parse the power map for signs of who is up, who is down and who is likely to speak during the news conference that evening, with those closest to Pence having the best odds. Birx is almost always on Pence's right while other, less senior aides are along the back wall or in an overflow room.

One senior administration official described it as a "little reality show drama. Every day we wait for the email. It's like 'Game of Thrones.' "

The Situation Room meetings - which usually last 60 to 90 minutes - feature a panoply of doctors, policy officials and communications aides including Hope Hicks, a close Trump confidante and former communications director who recently returned to the White House.

The vice president leads the meeting, which often begins with a prayer. The agenda, also emailed out in the morning, usually includes six to eight items, decided by Short.

Administration officials say the virus response has improved under Pence. The meetings are more organized and the vice president's press team is responsive. Pence also engenders goodwill from many of his colleagues, unlike Alex Azar, the Health and Human Services secretary whose previous role in leading the meetings had caused discord, administration officials say.

Task force members have had spirited debates over issues ranging from how to invoke the Defense Production Act, which forces companies to make certain supplies, and where to deploy Abbott testing kits, which produce speedy coronavirus test results. One recent discussion culminated in an argument between Birx and Brett Giroir, the administration's testing czar, over where such tests should be sent.

There have also been sharp fights over the modeling used to attempt to forecast the potential spread and impact of the virus. Short has repeatedly questioned the presumptions for the models, arguing that death predictions are inflated and businesses should be reopened as soon as possible.

Despite the debates, few actual decisions are made. Instead, Pence tries to reach a consensus and then bring it to the president for approval. Decisions made in the room are often undermined by Trump, and some discussions, such as guidance on wearing masks, stretched on for weeks.

Several officials say the meetings are rarely, in the words of one senior administration official who has attended many of them, "where the real action happens."

Trump shows up to task force meetings infrequently, but when he does, he is a lively presence who often makes the gatherings more lighthearted, aides said. In one meeting, Trump suggested that he present the good news and Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, give the bad news - a good-cop-bad-cop addition to the evening briefing.

The first Sunday in April, Trump entered the Situation Room and startled everyone by announcing that he wanted to do a news conference in the next two hours. He asked members of the group - many of whom had called in or were dressed casually - what they thought of the idea. When he was met with silence, he forged ahead - and aides scrambled to assemble the media.

- - -

During one task force meeting in the Situation Room last month, Trump turned to Fauci and challenged him.

It was the day the administration was adding Ireland and the United Kingdom to its travel restrictions, and Trump wanted to understand why talk of "herd immunity" - allowing the coronavirus to sweep a nation largely unchecked, with the belief that those who survived would then be immune - was such a bad idea.

"Why don't we let this wash over the country?" Trump asked, according to two people familiar with his comments, a question other administration officials say he has raised repeatedly in the Oval Office.

Fauci initially seemed confused by the term "wash over" but became alarmed once he understood what Trump was asking.

"Mr. President, many people would die," Fauci said.

The president said he understood but since then has repeatedly made clear he wants to reopen things soon - although significant roadblocks remain.

Some states have closed schools until the fall, and many child-care facilities follow the public school schedule. Trump will also need the buy-in of governors, including those of hard-hit states who may choose to continue practices more restrictive than the federal guidelines.

One senior administration official worried that some in the White House are trying to reverse-engineer their desired outcome. "They already know what they want to do and they're looking for ways to do it," this person said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to share candid insights. "They think it's time to reopen because some thought it was never time to close, and they've made that up in their minds."

Outside advisers to the task force and experts have also warned that if a drug to treat the coronavirus is not available by the fall, the country will have little to defend itself against another catastrophic wave of infections and will not be able to keep the economy up and running. But there is no clear plan or guidance from the administration on how to be ready for such a challenge.

Trump and some of his advisers have fixated on hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug, as a breakthrough therapy, though health experts say more study is needed and warn of risky side effects. In a recent meeting with oil executives and senators at the White House, Trump veered into a soliloquy on the drug, one of dozens of times in past weeks that he has mentioned the drug and bragged that it would work even though he says his opponents hope that it fails, according to aides.

There has also been frustration between the cities and states and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One Trump adviser said the CDC has not provided local officials with enough data about what is happening nationwide. The agency has not released a snapshot of what it thinks is happening nationally, to the dismay of doctors, who now call each other or look for advice on Twitter.

But a senior administration official said part of the problem is that the cities and states have been slow to report their own data to the federal government.

- - -

Shortly before the official task force meeting nearly every day, six doctors hold their own meeting, sometimes reconvening afterward.

They grapple with the complex public health and medical questions over how to safely reopen the country, and they are crafting a plan to run past additional health experts once complete.

The group is led by Birx - who asked Pence for permission before forming it several weeks ago - and includes Fauci, Giroir, Surgeon General Jerome Adams, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn and CDC Director Robert Redfield.

It sprang up after some of the doctors grew frustrated with the "voodoo" included in the larger meetings, such as Trump's hydroxychloroquine push, one senior administration official said. Health officials, including those at the FDA, have been routinely distracted by requests from the White House, even as experts argue that the top priorities should be a vaccine and a drug that is ready by the fall.

In their working group, the physicians have spent time discussing how to moderate Trump's public message on the anti-malaria drug. And they also view their smaller meetings as better for the scientifically driven policy debates that are sometimes hard to have in the official task force gatherings.

Dominating much of the group's time recently has been the antibody testing known as serology testing, which would allow officials to identify people with probable immunity to the virus who could safely return to work.

The FDA hopes to approve a serology test in the coming weeks that could be used widely - but not everyone will be able to be tested right away. So far, officials have tentatively agreed that health-care workers, food workers and front-line responders should be given priority for serological tests because they are most at risk of having been exposed to the virus. As fall approaches, students and teachers will also be a priority, one official said.

But as of now, nearly three months since the first coronavirus case was reported in the United States, no plan is set.

On Friday, Fauci expressed caution in an interview on CNN about reopening the country too soon: "I would want to see a clear indication that you are very, very clearly and strongly going in the right direction, because the one thing you don't want to do is, you don't want to get out there prematurely and then wind up back in the same situation," he said.

Hours later, Trump similarly teased his upcoming choice, trying to summon the gravity of the moment.

"I have a big decision coming up and I only hope to God that it's the right decision," the president said.
On Hart Island, the grim scene of workers wearing hazmat suits while burying the dead in a mass grave is a pitiful sight. All fatalities are victims of the coronavirus pandemic which is now dubbed as the new 9/11 or Pearl Harbor in America.

On the ground are caskets and body bags with name on it to differentiate them from all the coffins in the mass grave. Instead of the deceased loved ones and family, the only witness to the last rites are laborers.

Hart Island has always been a resting place for the dead or those without family or for anonymous corpses. New York has done this since the 19th century, and now the state is left with no choice but to do it again this 2020.

Pandemic victims are laid to rest in Hart Island

When New York became the center of the pandemic, about 25 dead people are laid to rest by daily. However, this number has increased which required the city to contract more workers.

"For social distancing and safety reasons, city-sentenced people in custody are not assisting in burials for the duration of the pandemic." DOC Press Secretary Jason Kersten said in an interview with DailyMail. "Contracted laborers are performing this important work under DOC supervision."

"Burial operations at the city cemetery remain uninterrupted and they continue to be supervised by DOC, which has been performing this solemn duty on Hart Island for over 150 years and will continue to do so until the jurisdiction of Hart Island moves to Parks in 2021," Kersten added.

The death toll of the COVID-19 epidemic in New York City is 4,260 people with an infection rate of over 80,000 cases. This is already one of the highest incidents of the epidemic, almost equal to Italy.

City officials were quiet whether the dead were to be placed in Hart Island

Last Thursday, an official statement said that burying all the COVID-19 patients at the city cemetery is the only way to deal with mountains of bodies and less morgue space as the crisis ensues.

A new rule is that the medical examiner's office will store the corpses for only 14-days. Later, the cadavers will be sent for a non-descript burial in Potter's field in Hart Island.

Because of bodies overflowing the morgues, not only inmates from Riker's Prison are working, but additional hiring of laborers is needed to help relieve the inmates swamped by too many dead.

Also read: Numerous Dead Bodies Picked Up by Rental Van in USA Homes

If there were questions about cause of death, the DOC referred them all to the city's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Collating the cause of death of those in Potter's field

According to Aja Worthy-Davis, an OCME spokeswoman, all the deaths from the records will be collected but will take time to complete, though recent burials will include those killed by the coronavirus.

The DOC and the OCME added that Hart Island can be utilized for temporary interments. If the deaths cannot be handled by the city morgue, which is yet to be reached as stated by the DOC and OCME.

Press Secretary Kersten added that he hoped it would not reach that point, but he said they were prepared already.

The OCME has the capacity to keep 800-900 corpses in its buildings, and an extra capacity of 4,000 bodies in 40 freezer trucks, as mobile morgues.

As officials wrangle where the bodies go, more workers and inmates are in hazmat suits as they bury coffins, and Hart Island become the last resting place for the dead of New York City.

Related article: Body Bags With Dead Coronavirus Patients Line Up Brooklyn Hospital Hallway

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Veteran actor Mia Farrow has revealed that her adopted daughter Quincy has been diagnosed with coronavirus.

In a brief post on Twitter, the 75-year-old actor said Quincy has been forced to seek medical attention at a hospital.

"A personal request. If you would be so kind, would you please send up a prayer for my daughter Quincy.Today she had no alternative but to go the hospital for help in her struggle against the coronavirus," Farrow tweeted.

Quincy Farrow-LePine, who was bornas Kaeli-Sha, is the actor's youngest child.

Farrow had adopted Quincy in 1994 when she was just one-year-old, post the actor's split from filmmaker Woody Allen.

Quincy ismarried and has a baby daughternamed Coretta.

The coronavirus, which originated in China, has so far claimed the lives of over 100,000 people worldwide and infected 1.7 million others.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
There will be no return to normal once coronavirus restrictions are lifted, the health minister has said, as he dismissed the idea of an immunity passport to allow people to return to work.

It comes as the current restrictions on movement, due to expire on Easter Sunday, are being extended to May 5.

These include the closure of non-essential businesses and everyone being asked to stay at home wherever possible.

Speaking at the Department of Health on Saturday, Simon Harris said Ireland is at a delicate and critical point.

Irish economists suggested this week that young healthy workers should return to the workforce.

Mr Harris said: It would be brilliant if any country could get to a point where we can test for the virus and see if we had immunity.

The truthful answer is we have not found a reliable test to check if someone has had the coronavirus.

We dont know how many of us in this country or any country in the world could have gotten this virus.

It could have been very mild or you might have had it and you did not realise. I think were going to see a lot of developments in that space.

What I want to say to economists is  this is a public health emergency. The way we will come back as a country and an economy is by dealing with the public health crisis.

If you want our economy to come back we need to allow the virus to be suppressed as quickly as possible.

The difficulty for everyone in this country is that we are not going back to normal life in May.

It is going to be a new normal. I dont want to worry or upset people but we need to work as a people to get to a better place.

Im concerned with the toll of restrictions on peoples mental health. It is not normal that you cant go out and about or that you cant visit your family in Easter Sunday.

These are abnormal things that we are asking people to do and it sucks and it is challenging.

The number of Covid-19 cases in the Republic has been updated by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).

Originally they said there were a total of 7,054 confirmed cases as of Friday, but that number was later revised to 8,089 cases, after some 14,000 samples were returned from labs in Germany.

Of the samples that were sent to Germany, 1,035 were positive for the virus.

Mr Harris said he hoped the backlog of testing will clear next week.

He said Ireland has more testing capacity than most other EU countries and testing per head of population is the fifth highest in the EU.

Between 25,000 to 35,000 tests have been sent to Germany. It is our hope and expectation that any backlog will be cleared by next week.
P olice have apologised after a man was threatened with spray and arrested as he dropped off food for vulnerable family members under lockdown.

A neighbour used his mobile phone to film the moment a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer approached the man outside an address in Fallowfield on Friday.

The footage shows the man tell the officer he is "picking up a plant at the same time" and then ask him: "Give me a ticket for what? You're a bored guy, there's groups of people all over the place."

He refuses to give his details to the male officer and is then told he faces arrest for "breaking Covid guidelines" and is told to put his hands on his head. The officer then threatens to spray him if he does not comply.

Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures 1 /81 Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures A deserted Westminster Bridge PA A man wearing a face mask or covering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, walks past customers sat outside a restaurant AFP via Getty Images Boris Johnson addresses the nation on the Coronavirus lockdown Andrew Parsons Runners pass cardboard cutouts of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William during the London Marathon in London AP An empty escalator at Charing Coss London Underground tube station Jeremy Selwyn Electronic bilboards displays a message warning people to stay home in Sheffield PA A sign is displayed in the window of a student accommodation building following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Mancheste Reuters People take part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions, in Londo AP People sing and dance in Leicester Square on the eve on the 10PM curfew Reuters Hearts painted by a team of artists from Upfest are seen in the grass at Queen Square, following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Bristol Reuters Graffiti reads 'good luck and stay safe', as the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases grow around the world, under a bridge in London Reuters A sign is pictured in Soho, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London Reuters Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures, during a coronavirus briefing in Downing Street, London AP A person runs past posters with a message of hope, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Manchester REUTERS Riot police face protesters who took part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions in London AP An image of The Queen eith quotes from her broadcast to the UK and the Commonwealth in relation to the Coronavirus epidemic are displayed on lights in London's Piccadilly Circus PA Military vehicles cross Westminster Bridge after members of the 101 Logistic Brigade delivered a consignment of medical masks to St Thomas' hospital Getty Images Durdle Door in Dorset Reuters Captain Tom Moore via 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 Coronavirus outbreak PA An NHS worker reacts at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital during the Clap for our Carers campaign in support of the NHS Reuters Goats which have taken over the deserted streets of Llandudno @AndrewStuart via PA Tobias Weller PA Novikov restaurant in London with its shutters pulled down while the restaurant is closed London Landscapes: Hyde Park and the Serpentine, central London. Matt Writtle A newspaper vendor in Manchester city centre giving away free toilet rolls with every paper bought as shops run low on supplies due to fears over the spread of the coronavirus PA Theo Clay looks out of his window next to his hand-drawn picture of a rainbow in Liverpool, as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continue Reuters A young man cuts another man's hair on top of a closed hairdresser in Oxford Reuters General view of the new NHS Nightingale Hospital, built to fight against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London via Reuters Jason Baird is seen dressed as Spiderman during his daily exercise to cheer up local children in Stockport, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues Reuters A woman wearing a face mask walks past Buckingham Palace Getty Images A man holds mobile phone displaying a text message alert sent by the government warning that new rules are in force across the UK and people must stay at home PA Medical staff on the Covid-19 ward at the Neath Port Talbot Hospital, in Wales, as the health services continue their response to the coronavirus outbreak. PA Prime Minister Boris Johnson taking part in a virtual Cabinet meeting with his top team of ministers PA A shopper walks past empty shelves in a Lidl store on in Wallington. After spates of "panic buying" cleared supermarket shelves of items like toilet paper and cleaning products, stores across the UK have introduced limits on purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have also created special time slots for the elderly and other shoppers vulnerable to the new coronavirus. Getty Images People on a busy tube train in London at rush hour PA Mia, aged 8 and her brother Jack, aged 5 from Essex, continue their school work at home, after being sent home due to the coronavirus PA Children are painting 'Chase the rainbows' artwork and springing up in windows across the country Reuters Social distancing in Primrose Hill Jeremy Selwyn A general view of a locked gate at Anfield, Liverpool as The Premier League has been suspended PA Homeless people in London AFP via Getty Images A piece of art by the artist, known as the Rebel Bear has appeared on a wall on Bank Street in Glasgow. The new addition to Glasgow's street art is capturing the global Coronavirus crisis. The piece features a woman and a man pulling back to give each other a kiss PA The Queen leaves Buckingham Palace, London, for Windsor Castle to socially distance herself amid the coronavirus pandemic PA A general view on Grey street, Newcastle as coronavirus cases grow around the world Reuters 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 Britain's Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty (L) and Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance look on as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures as he speaks during a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) news conference inside 10 Downing Street Reuters The ticket-validation terminals at the tram stop on Edinburgh's Princes Street are cleaned following the coronavirus outbreak. PA Locked school gates at Rockcliffe First School in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear PA A sign at a Sainsbury's supermarket informs customers that limits have been set on a small number of products as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grow around the world Reuters Jawad Javed delivers coronavirus protection kits that he and his wife have put together to the vulnerable people of their community of Stenhousemuir, between Glasgow and Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images A sign advertising a book titled "How Will We Survive On Earth?" Getty Images A man who appears to be homeless sleeping wearing a mask today in Victoria Jeremy Selwyn A pedestrian walks past graffiti that reads "Diseases are in the City" in Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images Staff from The Lyric Theatre, London inform patrons, as it shuts its doors PA A quiet looking George IV Bridge in Edinburgh PA A quieter than usual British Museum Getty Images A racegoer attends Cheltenham in a fashionable face mask SplashNews.com A commuter wears a face mask at London Bridge Station Jeremy Selwyn A empty restaurant in the Bull Ring Shopping Centre Getty Images A deserted Trafalgar Square in London PA Passengers determined to avoid the coronavirus before leaving the UK arrive at Gatwick Airport Getty Images

When handcuffs are placed on him the man becomes agitated and tells him the cuffs are hurting and pleads to him to "twist that top one around".

He is then pushed against a car and told to lean over it, to which the man says: "You just keep saying things over and over again, you're not helping, you're not diluting the situation, you're making it worse. Because I come to drop some stuff off."

A woman is then heard saying to the officer: "In the current situation, in the current pandemic, there's more pressing situations to be dealing with than coming over and bothering somebody going about his business on his own."

The officer tells the woman: "Listen... you'll be next."

Before the man is placed in a police vehicle he tells a number of officers: "I'm dropping food off to vulnerable members of my family who can't do nothing and I'm taking a tree home with me."

It is understood the man was then de-arrested and issued with a fixed penalty notice.

In a statement issued on Saturday, GMP said: "We are aware of footage circulating regarding an officer's actions at an incident in Fallowfield in Manchester.

"Although the matter is being investigated fully by our professional standards branch, our initial review shows that the incident wasn't dealt with in the professional way we would expect and we apologise for that.

"The public rightly expect the highest standards from our officers and we will investigate this matter thoroughly and properly.

"A senior member of the force is speaking to the man and his family today.
Centerstone, a national leader in behavioral health care, says they will participate in the new mental health support line that was announced by Illinois Gov. J. B. Pritzker on Saturday.
As many as 52 people out of the 102, who were found living in 13 mosques in Delhis Chandni Mahal area, have tested positive for the novel coronavirus and many of them had last month attended a congregation in Nizamuddin, a Covid-19 hotspot, officials said on Saturday.

There are 30 Covid-19 hotspots in the national capital and Chandni Mahal was declared one on Friday.

In the last four days, at least three people from the central Delhi area have succumbed to the coronavirus disease, a senior government official told PTI.

Watch: COVID-19 | Over 50 test positive in Old Delhis Chandni Mahal, area cordoned

During intensive verification drives conducted in the last five days, government agencies found that 102 people, including foreigners, were living in 13 mosques in the Chandni Mahal area. After preliminary medical examinations, 52 of them tested Covid-19 positive, the official said.

All of them were sent to different quarantine centres.

Many of these 102 people had attended the congregation of the Tablighi Jamaat at the Nizamuddin Markaz last month.

The authorities have launched a sanitisation drive in Chandni Mahal and introduced a containment plan after the detection of such a large number of people living in religious places.

Those who came into contact with the three people who died and those who tested positive have been put under home quarantine.

No resident of the locality is allowed to go out of their homes and essential items are being delivered at home, another official said.

So far, over 500 Covid-19 positive cases and about 20 deaths in the country have been found to have links to the Nizamuddin congregation.

Over 2,300 activists, including 250 foreigners of the Islamic organisation Tablighi Jamaat, were found to be living at its headquarters at the Markaz building in Delhis Nizamuddin in the later part of March, despite the 21-day lockdown imposed from March 25 to check the spread of the coronavirus.

At least 9,000 people had participated at the congregation at the Nizamuddin Markaz last month after which many have travelled to various parts of the country for missionary works.

Among the participants include citizens of 41 nationalities. They are 379 Indonesians, 110 Bangladeshi, 77 Kyrgyzstan, 75 Malaysian, 65 Thai, 63 Myanmarese and 33 Sri Lankan citizens besides others.

The home ministry had also asked Delhi Police and police chiefs of other states, where these foreigners are currently living, to take legal action under the Foreigners Act and the Disaster Management Act.

The ministry had said that about 2,100 foreigners have come to India since January 1 and indulged in Tablighi activities in different parts of the country.
Ten Chinese men stormed into the Sihanoukville massage parlour and dragged 30-year-old Chanlina into a van waiting outside. Her screams alerted a nearby group of Cambodian tuk-tuk drivers, who approached the men and ordered them to release the Cambodian woman. Suddenly, they were surrounded by a hostile mob rushing out from an adjoining casino, armed with clubs, swords and knives. The ensuing battle was one-sided; several Cambodians suffered severe injuries.

The dark side of President Xi Jinpings signature foreign policy endeavour, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has turned the once sleepy Cambodian fishing port of Sihanoukville into New Macau; the casino-lined streets now green with greed and red with violence. The city is a magnet for Chinese investors and migrant workers, a consequence of Beijings desperation to rid itself of spare industrial capacity, foreign currency reserves and a restless underemployed domestic workforce.

But moving at stealth behind the billions of dollars of concrete infrastructure lies the digital silk road  Chinas developing web of surveillance and data gathering with its core at 135 Fuyou Street Beijing, under the watchful eye of the central intelligence agency United Work Front. If China is to realise its goal of becoming the worlds artificial intelligence superpower by 2030 then data is its most important resource, and its strategy in Sihanoukville is an integral component of achieving that dream.
India will export 50,000 tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan and 40,000 tonnes of the grain to Lebanon in diplomatic deals, the Indian farm minister said on Friday.

Since India has produced more wheat than it consumes, New Delhi has decided to export the grain to Afghanistan and Lebanon after receiving requests from the two countries, Narendra Singh Tomar said in a Tweet.

The Indian government has asked the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd, a farmers' cooperative, to supply wheat to Afghanistan and Lebanon under a government-to-government deal, Tomar said.

India is expected to produce a record 106.21 million tonnes of wheat this year, as favourable weather conditions helped to improve crop yields, with output far exceeding demand and further boosting stocks at grain bins.

Also read: Coronavirus lockdown: India is prepared for the "worst", says Health Minister Harsh Vardhan

Also read: PM-Kisan: Modi govt disburses Rs 15,841 crore to 7.92 crore farmers during lockdown
Maharashtra Zoo Authority (MZA) has issued directions to all zoos and rescue centres for containment of suspected coronavirus cases in captive animals.

Zoos have been asked to send reports on animals displaying medical issues such as coughing, nasal discharge, respiratory distress, diarrhoea, anorexia, nervous symptoms and fever. The authorities have also been asked to send reports on overall sanitation, regular health check of zoo workers, bio-containment and safety measures, using personal protective equipment (PPE) during feeding etc.

The report is to be submitted to the authority by Sunday by 13 zoos, rescue centres and national parks (having captive animals for safaris) including Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and the Byculla Zoo in Mumbai.

So far we have no reports of any animals showing unusual symptoms or ill-health across any captive animal centres in Maharashtra, said Ravikiran Govekar, member secretary of the MZA. However, considering the seriousness of the issue, this checklist has been prepared to understand the current status of all centres and if any suspected cases, immediate samples to be collected and remedial measures to be provided per Central government guidelines.

Zoological parks and animal safaris across the country have been asked to be on high alert and check for animals showing any symptoms of the Covid-19 virus after the first confirmed case of a tiger testing positive for coronavirus in New York was reported last Sunday. On Monday, the Centre appointed three animal health institutes to initiate Covid-19 testing for animals.

The testing method for animal samples was developed at our Hisar facility almost a month back. Captive or wild animals need to be tranquilised first, the throat swab is then collected and transported to Bhopal or Hisar under cold chain. Results will be declared within a day, said Dr BN Tripathi, director, National Research Centre on Equines in Hisar, Haryana.

The MZA has further directed each zoo premises to be demarcated zones by different colour codes (using coloured ribbons) indicating restricted entry even among staff (in some areas only certified veterinarians would be permitted). Zoos have been asked to keep a record of staff exiting and entering the premises, restrict entry for any unauthorised persons, keep records of treatment to animals discreet, and take proper documentation of bio-safety measures, said Govekar.

Meanwhile, the Byculla Zoo said they had consulted Maharashtra government for PPE acquisition. Since the outbreak, our staff in direct contact with animals have maintained appropriate social distancing and have not stepped out of the zoo premises. Also, they are maintaining physical distancing guidelines while feeding or taking care of animals, said Sanjay Tripathi, director.

Currently, the number of captive cats across zoos and rescue centres in Maharashtra include 36 tigers, five lions, and 88 leopards. There is no reason for panic. All animals in SGNP are healthy and eating well. We havent noticed any specific symptoms such as nasal discharge, coughing or respiratory distress. Maximum care for personal hygiene, sanitation and biosecurity measures are being taken, said Shailesh Pethe, a veterinarian at SGNP.

What US authorities on Covid-19 positive tiger

The United States Department of Agricultures (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratories issued a statement confirming SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes Covid-19 in humans) in one tiger at a zoo in New York last Sunday. This is the first instance of a tiger being infected with Covid-19. Samples from this tiger were taken and tested after several lions and tigers at the zoo showed symptoms of respiratory illness. Public health officials believe these large cats became sick after being exposed to a zoo employee who was actively shedding the virus. All of these large cats are expected to recover. There is no evidence of this virus affecting animals at any other facilities in the United States.

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In the mood for a dose of angsty 2010s new adult romance? Hulu's TV adaptation of Sally Rooney's Normal People has you covered. Rooney's book focuses on class, adulthood, and, frankly, two overstimulated, star-crossed lovers. It's possible, if not probable, that the onscreen adaptation will deviate from the novel. After all, Normal People is something of a hangout piece with spikes of drama but not much action. If you're curious to see how the novel matches up with the Hulu version, here's a spoiler-filled breakdown of the turbulent romance in Normal People.

Marianne and Connell in High School

Set in Ireland from 2011 to 2015, Normal People hinges on the on-and-off relationship between two high school and college sweethearts: Marianne and Connell. Their relationship, suffice to say, is one twisted roller coaster. Marianne and Connell first get together in Carricklea while in high school. Connell's mother, Lorraine, who had him as a teen, is a housekeeper for Marianne's rich, abusive family. While Connell is poor, he's relatively popular at school. Marianne, on the other hand, isn't as well-adjusted - she's considered cold and odd. Still, they share a special bond, both fairly smart and as the kids say, angsty as hell. The two of them hook up and keep their relationship under wraps and undefined because Connell is too embarrassed to date openly. And, yes, this ends terribly. Connell asks another person to their school dance, which prompts them to break up and Marianne to leave school.

Marianne and Connell in College

The two cross paths again at Trinity College in Dublin. Socially, their lives turn a total 180. Marianne is a social butterfly, but Connell doesn't quite fit in with his rich peers. They soon start another friends-with-benefits relationship, though this time more openly. Things sour when Connell loses his job and has to return home for the summer - Connell doesn't want to ask to stay with her. They break things off until Marianne is back in Carricklea for her father's anniversary mass. The two reconcile once more, but Marianne is dating an abusive guy named Jamie, who enjoys hurting her. Connell, who really does not like Jamie, also starts seeing Helen, a student who's pleasant but just not Marianne. While the pair don't see each other often, they keep up over email pretty consistently. The next summer, they travel around Europe with friends, Connell able to do so thanks to a scholarship. After a tense moment with Jamie and an awkward kiss from Connell, Marianne breaks up with Jamie in Europe.

Story continues

The next school year, Marianne studies abroad in Sweden and dates another terrible guy named Lukas. Like Jamie, he also likes her to be submissive, tying her up and taking photos of her. Meanwhile, Connell struggles with the news that his high school friend Rob has committed suicide. In a spiral, he sees a school therapist.

Marianne and Connell in the End

Inevitably, Connell and Marianne get back together when they both come home. Just as they're about to have sex, she tells him to hit her. He doesn't want to, so she leaves. When Marianne gets to her house, her brother Alan ends up hurting her, so she calls Connell, who picks her up and threatens to kill Alan. As fate would have it, Marianne and Connell are an item again, this time settling in a more functional relationship. Connell's now pretty involved in the literary community at school. When Connell gets an offer for an MFA writing program in New York, Marianne encourages him to leave without her and take the opportunity, even if it means they might not end up together. Perhaps there will be a more definitive conclusion in the adaptation - we'll just have to wait and see.
SACRAMENTO  Gov. Gavin Newsom pointed ahead for the first time Friday to the next phase of Californias response to the coronavirus pandemic, saying his administration is developing plans to get back to some semblance of normalcy as the disease appears to spread more slowly than the state projected.

We have detailed strategies that were working on that were very close to making public, Newsom said at a news conference.

But he pleaded for a few more weeks of patience for the state to assess the pandemic before easing up on social distancing guidelines, ahead of a holiday weekend in which Californians would ordinarily pack churches, visit families and attend egg hunts for Easter.

We are not just along for the ride as it relates to experiencing the future. The future happens inside of us, the governor said. Lets continue to hold the line.

Coronavirus infections in California increased to more than 19,400 by Friday. Many of the new cases are emerging at nursing homes and senior care facilities, a growing outbreak among the population at highest risk of serious health effects from the virus. Newsom said that had become a top priority of our efforts.

Overall hospitalizations, however, are trending below projections from a state model, which estimated that California would need an extra 50,000 hospital beds during the peak of the virus in May.

There were 2,897 hospitalized coronavirus patients on Friday, Newsom said, though he did not specify how many the state was expecting at this point. The governors office could not immediately provide a figure.

Mark Ghaly, the state health and human services secretary, said California is on the better case scenario of what we were always hoping for and that the number of hospitalizations may not ultimately surge much higher than it is now. But he said that trend will continue only if people dont lose the focus on physical distancing.

This is actually signaling to us that our peak may not end up being as high as we actually planned around and expected, Ghaly said.

Meanwhile, the state is closely monitoring 191 nursing homes where 1,266 patients and staff members have tested positive for the coronavirus. An additional 370 people at 94 senior care facilities have also been infected.

The virus has ripped through several nursing homes in the Bay Area, infecting hundreds and killing dozens at homes in Hayward, Castro Valley and Orinda, and at the city-run Laguna Honda Hospital in San Francisco.

Newsom said the state has acquired hundreds of beds at seven locations where nursing home residents who have been exposed to or tested positive for the coronavirus could quarantine. The Mercy, the 1,000-bed naval hospital ship that has largely sat empty since it was sent to Los Angeles last month to assist with treating patients, will also take in seniors who are not infected to decompress nursing homes that have become hot spots for the virus, the governor said.

The Campus for Jewish Living, a 378-bed nursing home in San Francisco, notified residents last week that it could begin accepting coronavirus patients who no longer need to be hospitalized. The patients would be in separate wing of its building, but the announcement still concerned advocates and family members who feared the move would put residents at risk.

Newsom said Friday that he was trying to keep seniors who do not need acute care out of hospitals, which have their own challenges as it relates to infection.

The governor also said the state would distribute an additional 200,000 sets of gloves and 200,000 masks to nursing homes that are running out of personal protective equipment, and deploy 600 nurses to help in facilities with positive cases.

Alexei Koseff is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: alexei.koseff@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @akoseff
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 14:55:12|Editor: mingmei

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NEW DELHI, April 11 (Xinhua) -- India's Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) is playing an key role in the fight against the COVID-19 in the country, even as it has produced and delivered in the past few days quite a few medical equipment which could be used in checking COVID-19 spread, said an official statement issued Saturday.

OFB is an industrial organisation functioning under the "Department of Defence Production" of the country's Ministry of Defence.

It came up with a cost effective solution for isolation wards with the manufacture of two-bed tents with medical equipment for screening, isolation and quarantine, said the statement issued by the Ministry of Defence.

These special tents can be used for medical emergency, medical screening, hospital triage and quarantine purposes. These tents with floor area of 9.55 square metres are made up of waterproof fabric, mild steel and aluminum alloy, added the statement.

According to the statement, these tents can be set up in any place and terrain and help in creating additional facilities other than those in conventional hospitals within a short period of time. Ordnance Equipment Factory, Kanpur has manufactured these tents.

OFB's unit "Opto Electronics Factory" has donated 2,500 bottles (100 ml each) of hand sanitizers. The "Cordite Factory Aruvankadu", another unit of OFB, handed over 100 litres of sanitizers to the Nilgiris District Police authorities in Tamil Nadu.

The "High Explosives Factory (HEF)" in Pune dispatched the first batch of 2,500 litres sanitizers on April 9.

Ordnance Factory Ambajhari (OFAJ) in southwestern city of Nagpur has developed fumigation chamber for the purpose of sanitisation. It is fully portable and can be shifted with ease. It is installed at the main entrance of OFAJ Hospital, said the Ministry's statement.
ISLAMABAD - The Taliban have met with the head of U.S. forces in Afghanistan to call for an end to what they say is an increase in American attacks since a peace deal signed in February, allegations the U.S. military denied on Saturday.

A U.S. military spokesman called on the Taliban to stop attacking Afghan security forces and said American troops would continue to come to their aid in accordance with the agreement. He spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

The peace deal is aimed at paving the way for the U.S. to extricate itself from the 19-year war, Americas longest.

The spokesman confirmed that Gen. Scott Miller met with the Taliban as part of the military channel established in the agreement to discuss ways to reduce the violence.

Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said the meeting was held late Friday in the Gulf nation of Qatar, where the insurgent group maintains a political office. Shaheen tweeted Saturday that the two sides held serious discussions. He said the Taliban called for a halt to attacks against civilians. The U.S. military says it does not target non-combatants.

The U.S.-Taliban deal, touted as Afghanistans best chance at ending decades of war, is holding, but progress toward a broader political settlement has been slowed by squabbling within the Afghan government. That has frustrated Washington and delayed the start of the next phase of negotiations, among Afghans themselves.

The Taliban say they have reduced their attacks on Afghan forces and have not attacked U.S. or NATO troops since the agreement was signed on Feb. 29. Most of the recent Taliban attacks have been against Afghan forces posted in remote areas.

The Afghan government meanwhile said its air force struck Taliban positions in the northeastern Badakhshan province, killing up to 27 insurgents.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahed said civilians were killed and wounded, blaming U.S. and Afghan forces. The U.S. military spokesman declined to respond to the allegation but said that the Taliban often falsely accuse the U.S. of carrying out bombing raids launched by Afghan forces.

____

Associated Press writers Rahim Faiez in Kabul, Afghanistan, and Maamoun Youssef in Cairo contributed to this report.
ASAP! in Washington is extending its deadline for submissions to the Celebration of Young Writers until April 30.

Students in grades K-12 from across the state are invited to participate in the literary experience that recognizes the work of talented young writers across the state.
Medics were expecting Boris Johnson to be rushed to hospital three days before he was finally admitted  and only realised that he wasn't coming when they saw him clapping for the NHS that evening on their television screens.

The doctors at St Thomas' Hospital in London were wearing full protective clothing on Thursday April 2 after managers warned they could expect Mr Johnson to arrive at short notice.

But then they saw the Prime Minister applauding from the steps of No11 Downing Street at 8pm.

Medics were expecting Boris Johnson to be rushed to hospital three days before he was finally admitted  and only realised that he wasn't coming when they saw him clapping for the NHS that evening on their television screens (pictured)

As Mr Johnson continued his recovery last night, friends finally conceded just how desperately ill he had been by the time he was taken into intensive care on Monday.

He was so unwell that he believes he owes his life to the care he received from the NHS.

For days after it was announced on March 27 that the Prime Minister had tested positive for the coronavirus, Mr Johnson's symptoms were described as 'mild'.

But after struggling through the 9.15am Covid-19 'War Cabinet' meeting on April 2, the PM conceded that he could not shake his persistent cough and temperature and would not be ending his seven-day isolation as scheduled the next day.

In frank talks with both his doctor and his private secretary, Martin Reynolds, insiders say he agreed to a significantly reduced workload and was sent to his bed.

A Government source described Mr Johnson as 'resistant' to the idea of going into hospital for fear of it looking like he was receiving preferential treatment, but Downing Street last night insisted that he acted on the advice of his doctors.

It was agreed on April 2 that he would remain in self- isolation above No11 with his symptoms reviewed on Saturday morning.

However, Ministers, aides and friends now say privately that he should have gone into hospital much earlier. 'It was clear he was in a terrible state all week,' said one.

According to NHS sources, the team at St Thomas' were already 'scrubbed up and in PPE' [personal protective equipment] at a secret entrance to the hospital on Thursday evening when they were told that the PM was no longer coming.

Medical staff at the George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust in Nuneaton sent their well wishes to the Prime Minister (above)

Preparations had followed a clearly defined plan created by NHS chiefs after news that the then Prime Minister Tony Blair had been admitted to Hammersmith Hospital with a heart scare in October 2003 was leaked to the media.

The protocol set out how the PM would use a secret entrance and take a designated route along sealed corridors and lifts to a private 'magic room' on level 12. A secure computer system would be used to ensure his medical notes were inaccessible to all but a tight group of experts.

By Saturday April 4, the check-up quickly established that Mr Johnson's condition had worsened. Mr Reynolds 'cleared the PM's diary completely', but by the following afternoon it was clear there was no choice but to take him to hospital.

A source said Mr Johnson was conscious when he arrived, but 'very, very unwell'.

He was put on oxygen via a tube through his nose within ten minutes of arrival.

Concerned by the possible public reaction to the PM's incapacitation, Downing Street described his admission as a 'precautionary step' for tests, adding that Mr Johnson would be receiving a ministerial red box so he could continue to work from his hospital bed.

In reality, his condition worsened throughout Sunday evening and Monday. An added complication was the poor mobile phone reception at the hospital, coupled with a warning to Mr Johnson not to use the public wi-fi for security reasons.

Sources say engineers were sent to boost the signal in Mr Johnson's room, but in any event by Monday he was too unwell to even look at his phone or respond to texts and WhatsApp messages.

Despite the upbeat comments from No 10, the ashen-faced appearance of Dominic Raab  who had been asked to deputise for Mr Johnson at the Monday afternoon press briefing  betrayed the mounting concern.

At about 6pm on Monday, shortly after Mr Raab assured the nation that the PM was 'in good spirits', Carrie Symonds received the call from her fiance's doctors that she had been dreading.

Despite the oxygen treatment, she was told that Mr Johnson was not improving and the likelihood of him having to be put on a ventilator in intensive care was quickly growing. It was ominous news.

A study of some 1,400 patients by the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre found that more than half of Covid-19 patients who are admitted to intensive care died.

Anguished, yet prevented from being by his bed, Ms Symonds wrote her husband-to-be a love letter, attaching a scan of their unborn child. Meanwhile, aides and doctors faced the logistical problem of moving the PM to the intensive care unit, which was on a different floor from his room.

A source said transferring such a high-profile patient required a 'big operation that cannot be done quickly so the decision was made to move him sooner rather than later', adding: 'We don't want to do this stuff at 2am.'

Back in Downing Street, staff were left in stunned silence by the news.

'It was terrifying how fast things happened. I couldn't believe it,' one senior official said. Having already spoken to the PM, Mr Reynolds alerted Buckingham Palace and Mr Raab was summoned to No10, where he was briefed by Cabinet Office bosses Sir Mark Sedwill and Helen MacNamara on the PM's condition and on his new duties.

Meanwhile, the PM's spokesman James Slack prepared a public statement and a BBC camera crew sent to film an address by a visibly shaken Mr Raab.

A conference call was arranged for the Cabinet during which Michael Gove said: 'I think I speak for everyone when I say our thoughts and prayers are with the Prime Minister.'

An official said: 'It was one of those nights where all there really was was prayer.' As Mr Johnson fought for his life on Monday night, a bizarre  and undignified  public relations battle was being played out through the switchboard of St Thomas' hospital.

'We had the drug companies contact his doctors at the hospital in London, and they're talking right now,' US President Donald Trump told Fox News  wrongly, as it turned out.

The White House had contacted the hospital but, in fact, had been politely directed toward to Foreign Office rather than to Mr Johnson's team. The Americans were not alone  China was offering drugs as well.

'The switchboard went into meltdown,' an NHS source said.

'First the White House rings and offers to send drugs to treat the PM, then a series of Chinese firms call on behalf of their government also offering to send drugs.'

None of the offers was accepted. 'We're confident the Prime Minister is receiving the best possible care from the National Health Service,' No10 said curtly on Tuesday morning.

While the nation reeled, Mr Johnson had a better night than expected and his temperature began to fall on Tuesday morning.

Messages of support from royalty, celebrities and thousands of public well-wishers were compiled by Ms Symonds and sent to the PM.

They included an image of NHS workers on the Nason Ward at the George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton posing with a Get Well Soon Boris sign.

Downing Street staff endured a 'terrible wait' for twice daily medical updates from the hospital, fed through Ms Symonds.

'Every day we were waiting to hear from the hospital, hoping for a bit of good news,' said one senior official.

'You can't get the fear out of your head that he could take a turn for the worse.'

Slowly but surely, the PM was 'going the right way' during Tuesday and Wednesday, as he responded to the oxygen given to him in intensive care.

However, he endured three long nights before he was well enough to leave the unit on Thursday afternoon.

Abandoning the secrecy in which he had entered the hospital, the PM was described by one hospital insider as 'euphoric' and waving at doctors and nurses on his way out of ICU. Incredibly, he again joined in the applause for NHS workers at 8pm on Thursday  this time from his hospital bed.

Mr Johnson has since told friends of the 'exemplary' care he has received from doctors and nurses.

'I can't thank them enough. I owe them my life,' he said on Friday. He is continuing his recovery this weekend, helped by home-baked chocolate brownies sent by Ms Symonds.

But he remains weak and will take some weeks to rebuild his strength. No10 aides have provided Mr Johnson with an iPad loaded with his favourite films, but he has spent most of the time sleeping or making short FaceTime video calls to Ms Symonds.

Under doctors' orders to limit his time on the phone, he has read a thriller dug out by a nurse and stories of Tintin, his childhood favourite, sent by his worried family.

He is expected to recuperate at Chequers, the PM's Buckinghamshire retreat, with a phased return to work, but is understood to want to oversee the decision on when  and how  to end the lockdown.

Meanwhile, finger-pointing over the timing of Mr Johnson's admission to hospital has begun.

One friend said last night: 'Those who care about Boris and have known him for a very long time and could say to him "Mate, you're unwell you need to look after yourself" have been frozen out by the No10 gang.

'And it seems they were too frightened to stand up to the PM when he needed advisers the most. 'That can never be allowed to happen again.'
The National Tertiary Education Union is negotiating through Easter with universities on deals likely to temporarily trade pay and conditions concessions for greater job security as the sector faces a mammoth funding shortfall.

But staff in one of the unions' most active and confrontational branches say it has been too quick to offer concessions despite the universities' dire financial state. The union's leadership argues negotiations are essential to get staff and their employers through a disastrous period.

The National Tertiary Education Union is trying to protect staff jobs after universities revealed their finances had taken a multibillion-dollar hit from coronavirus. Credit:Paul Jones

Prominent Australian universities have lost billions of dollars in student fees as student enrolments plummet because of the coronavirus and international travel restrictions.

In an email to members on Wednesday, the union said it was considering measures it "would never normally consider" to protect jobs, including the "deferral of pay rises, providing the ability to direct taking of leave, or other cost saving measures".
WUHAN, April 10 (Xinhua) -- China has managed to improve the cure rate of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to 94 percent in the hardest-hit place in the country, central authorities said Friday.

Those cured include over 89 percent of the severely ill patients and more than 3,600 octogenarians or even older patients, said a central government group overseeing the epidemic response in the hardest-hit Hubei Province.

The provincial capital Wuhan, the former epicenter, had only 101 COVID-19 patients being treated for severe or critical conditions as of Friday, the authorities said, urging more efforts to treat them, most of whom have underlying health conditions and are of old age.

Vice Premier Sun Chunlan, who led the group, inspected Tongji Hospital in Wuhan and listened to the reports of designated hospitals for COVID-19 treatment in the city.

Sun, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, demanded utmost efforts to improve the cure rate for COVID-19 patients.

Stressing taking full advantage of the experience accumulated in the fight against COVID-19, Sun required early intervention in treating patients, and triaged-based treatment to severe cases and patients with mild symptoms.

Severe patients should be further transferred to hospitals of high-quality medical resources, Sun said, calling for targeted treatment and better nursing to the patients.

Demanding timely quarantine and follow-up examination to cured patients discharged from hospitals, she also ordered the medical teams supporting Hubei to retain high-level intensive care groups and improve coordination with local medical workers.
I notice, my Lord Mayor, by your speech you have reached the conclusion that news from the various fronts has been somewhat better lately.

In our wars, episodes are largely adverse but the final result has hitherto been satisfactory. Eddies swirl around us, but the tide bears us forward on its broad, restless flood.

In the last war we were uphill almost to the end. We met with continual disappointments and with disasters far more bloody than anything we have experienced so far in this. But in the end all oppositions fell together and our foes submitted themselves to our will.

We have not so far in this war taken as many German prisoners as they have taken British, but these German prisoners will, no doubt, come in in droves at the end, just as they did last time.

I have never promised anything but blood, tears, toil and sweat. Now, however, we have a new experience. We have victory-a remarkable and definite victory. The bright gleam has caught the helmets of our soldiers and warmed and cheered all our hearts.

The late M. Venizelos observed that in all her wars England-he should have said Britain, of course-always won one battle, the last. It would seem to have begun rather earlier this time.

General Alexander, with his brilliant comrade and lieutenant, General Montgomery, has made a glorious and decisive victory in what I think should be called the Battle of Egypt. Rommel's army has been defeated. It has been routed. It has been very largely destroyed as a fighting force.

This battle was not fought for the sake of gaining positions or so many square miles of desert territory. General Alexander and General Montgomery fought it with one single idea-to destroy the armed forces of the enemy and to destroy them at a place where the disaster would be most punishable and irrevocable.

All the various elements in our lines of battle played their part. Indian troops, Fighting French, Greeks, representatives of Czechoslovakia and others. Americans rendered powerful and invaluable service in the air. But as it happened, as the course of battle turned, it has been fought throughout almost entirely by men of British blood and from the dominions on the one side and by Germans on the other. The Italians were left to perish in the waterless desert. But the fighting between the British and Germans was intense and fierce in the extreme.

It was a deadly battle. The Germans have been outmatched and outfought with every kind of weapon with which they had beaten down so many small peoples and, also, larger, unprepared peoples. They have been beaten by many of the technical apparatus on which they counted to gain domination of the world. Especially is this true in the air, as of tanks and of artillery, which has come back into its own. The Germans have received that measure of fire and steel which they have so often meted out to others.

Now, this is not the end. It is not even the beginning to the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.

Hitler's Nazis will be equally well armed and, perhaps, better armed. But henceforward they will have to face in many theatres that superiority in the air which they have so often used without mercy against others and of which they boasted all around the world that they were to be masters and which they intended to use as an instrument for convincing all other peoples that all resistance to them was hopeless.

When I read of the coastal road crammed with fleeing German vehicles under the blasting attacks of the R. A. F., I could not but remember those roads of France and Flanders crowded not with fighting men, but with helpless refugees, women and children, fleeing with their pitiful barrows and household goods upon whom such merciless havoc was wreaked. I have, I trust, a humane disposition, but I must say I could not help feeling that whatever was happening, however grievous, was only justice grimly repaid.

It will be my duty in the near future to give a particular and full account of these operations. All I say about them at present is that the victory which has already been gained gives good prospects of becoming decisive and final, so far as the defense of Egypt is concerned.

But this Battle of Egypt, in itself so important, was designed and timed as a prelude and a counterpart of the momentous enterprise undertaken by the United States at the western end of the Mediterranean, an enterprise under United States command and in which our army, air force and, above all, our navy are bearing an honorable and important share. A very full account has bee published of all that has been happening in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.

The President of the United States, who is Commander in Chief of the armed forces of America, is the author of this might undertaking and in all of it I have been his active and ardent lieutenant.

You have, no doubt, read the declaration of President Roosevelt, solemnly endorsed by His Majesty's Government, of the strict respect which will be paid to the rights and interests of Spain and Portugal, both by America and Great Britain.

To those countries, our only policy is that they shall be independent and free, prosperous and at peace. Britain and the United States will do all that we can to enrich the economic life of the Iberian Peninsula. The Spaniards, especially, with all their troubles, require and deserve peace and recuperation.

Our thoughts turn toward France, groaning in bondage under the German heel. Many ask themselves the question: Is France finished? Is that long and famous history, marked by so many manifestations of genius, bearing with it so much that is precious to culture, to civilization and, above all, to the liberties of mankind-is all that now to sink forever into the ocean of the past or will France rise again and resume her rightful place in the structure of what may one day be again the family of Europe?

I gladly say here, on this considerable occasion, even now when misguided or suborned Frenchmen are firing upon their rescuers, that I am prepared to stake my faith that France will rise again.

While there are men like General De Gaulle and all those who follow him-and they are legion throughout France-and men like General Giraud, that gallant warrior whom no prison can hold, while there are men like that to stand forward in the name and in the cause of France my confidence in the future of France is sure.

For ourselves we have no wish but to see France free and strong, with her empire gathered round her and with Alsace-Lorraine restored. We covet no French possession. We have no acquisitive designs or ambitions in North Africa or any other part of the world. We have not entered this war for profit or expansion but only for honor and to do our duty in defending the right.

Let me, however, make this clear, in case there should be any mistake about it in any quarter: we mean to hold our own. I have not become the King's First Minister in order to preside over the liquidation of the British Empire. For that task, if ever it were prescribed, some one else would have to be found, and under a democracy I suppose the nation would have to be consulted.

I am proud to be a member of that vast commonwealth and society of nations and communities gathered in and around the ancient British monarchy, without which the good cause might well have perished from the face of the earth.

Here we are and here we stand, a veritable rock of salvation in this drifting world. There was a time not long ago when for a whole year we stood all alone. Those days, thank God, have gone.

We now move forward in a great and gallant company. For our record we have nothing to fear. We have no need to make excuses or apologies. Our record pleads for us and we shall get gratitude in the breasts of every man and woman in every part of the world.

As I have said, in this war we have no territorial aims. We desire no commercial favors, we wish to alter no sovereignty or frontier for our own benefit.

We have come into North Africa shoulder to shoulder with our American friends and allies for one purpose and one purpose only. Namely, to gain a vantage ground from which to open a n ew front against Hitler and Hitlerism, to cleanse the shores of Africa from the stain of Nazi and Fascist tyranny, to open the Mediterranean to Allied sea power and air power, and thus effect the liberation of the peoples of Europe from the pit of misery into which they have been passed by their own improvidence and by the brutal violence of the enemy.

These two African undertakings, in the east and in the west, were part of a single strategic and political conception which we had labored long to bring to fruition and about which we are now justified in entertaining good and reasonable confidence. Taken together they were a grand design, vast in its scope, honorable in its motive and noble in its aim.

British and American forces continue to prosper in the Mediterranean. The whole event will be a new bond between the English-speaking people and a new hope for the whole world.
Victoria is considering the introduction of judge-only trials to keep the wheels of justice turning through the COVID-19 crisis and avoid a massive backlog of cases that threatens to clog the courts for years after the pandemic has passed.

The Andrews government has resisted pressure in the wake of the George Pell case to adopt the practice of other states which gives accused persons the choice to have their guilt decided by a judge in circumstances where they may not receive a fair trial before a jury.

Cardinal George Pell pictured on Wednesday after his release from prison. Credit:BIANCA DE MARCHI

However, the impact of the pandemic on the court system has caused Victorian Attorney-General Jill Hennessy to examine whether, as an emergency response, all defendants should be given the option of having their cases dealt with by a judge instead of waiting until at least next year to go before a jury.

Although the Victorian Supreme Court is provisionally listing trials for late September, the Victorian County Court last week abandoned all criminal trials until 2021.
Vijayawada: In a swift political development, the Andhra Pradesh government on Friday promulgated an ordinance reducing the tenure of State Election Commissioner (SEC) to three years, thereby bringing a sudden end to the term of incumbent N Ramesh Kumar, who has completed four years.

The government will instead henceforth appoint a retired High Court judge as the new SEC and complete the formalities of oath taking and assumption of office by Saturday morning itself to gain some strength as its decision is bound to come under judicial scrutiny.

The YSRC-led Andhra Pradesh government has been maintaining utmost secrecy in this regard. It did put its orders in the public domain but under the category of confidential, which prevents others from accessing them.

Sources said the government is pinning hopes on Mr Ramesh Kumar himself, who it thinks would not challenge his cessation in a court of law.

Even if someone else challenges, we have a strong case because Mr Kumar established beyond doubt that he is biased and was targeting the YSR Congress, sources close to the CM pointed out.

Chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy had earlier vented out his anger openly against the SEC for postponing local body polls scheduled last month, citing need for social distancing in the wake of spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19).

The ruling party was upset with a letter purported to have been written by the SEC to the Ministry of Home Affairs, wherein chief minister Reddy was described as a faction leader and ruling party leaders as goons.

The opposition parties, however, raised a united voice against the government for removing Mr Kumar in an unconstitutional manner.

Telugu Desam Party Rajya Sabha member K Ravindra Kumar said the party has been exploring every option, including moving the High Court.

Describing the CMs decision as an act of vengeance, state BJP president Kanna Lakshminarayana dashed off a letter to Governor Biswabhushan Harichandan, urging him to stop the undemocratic act. The Jana Sena and Left parties too condemned it.

It is evident that the government has taken the route of trimming the tenure through an ordinance as an impeachment of the SEC has to be done only with approval of the Parliament. Article 243 K of the Constitution clearly lays down that the procedure of removing an SEC is similar to that of removing a judge of a High Court.

Explaining the legal position, L Ravichander, senior High Court counsel, said that the Constitution is clear that the conditions of service of a State Election Commissioner shall not be varied to his or her disadvantage after appointment.
Tunis, Tunisia (PANA) - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Friday approved the release of 740 million dollars to Tunisia to support its fight against the coronavirus (COVID-!9) epidemic
Officials, Health Workers Encouraged by Rise in Recovery Among Patients on Ventilators

COVID-19 patients need ventilators at critical times, but those put on them have a low rate of survival. However, recent cases of recovery in long-term ventilator patients have encouraged administration and health care professionals.

On April 9, the federal COVID-19 task force noted a great report from Louisiana that said an increasing number of patients on ventilators are coming out alive. Similar stories of recovery are being reported from around the nation.

Dr. Deborah Birx, a task force member, talked about the encouraging data in a media briefing on April 9.

The testing rates, the seropositivity, the age groups, who really needs hospitalization, ICU, the innovative pieces coming fromwe heard a great report from Louisiana this morning on that phone call where they talked about a minimum now of 40 percent of people coming out of ventilators alive and leaving the hospital, she said.

As of April 12, there were more than 550,000 confirmed cases of infection in the United States, with more than 21,000 deaths and 28,000 recoveries.

The increasing cases of recovery are encouraging news for the administration, Birx said.

It really shows amazing progress, clinically, at each of these hospitals, and the real lessonswhat were learning and sharing across hospitals, she said.

Need of Ventilators

Many COVID-19 patients suffer from acute respiratory distress syndromeARDS, a condition in which fluids build up in the tiny sacks of the lungs called alveoli, which play an important role in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. More than 40 percent of COVID-19 patients suffer from ARDS, and when their oxygen level falls to critical levels, they need ventilators, according to a study from the Journal of the American Medical Association.

While ventilators are very important for CCP virus patients because they can help them to breathe at critical times, the treatment isnt always successful.

Michael Dowling, president and CEO of Northwell Health, told CBS News Face the Nation on April 5 that, in his observation, a COVID-19 patient has only a 20 percent chance of survival after going on a ventilator.

Doctors at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System called one case of recovery of a long-term ventilator patient a miracle, according to 21 News.

Dr. Matthew Burns said that COVID-19 patients who need ventilators dont recover at a fast rate. He said the recovery of David Williams, a long-term ventilator patient, was a great morale booster for health care professionals fighting the CCP virus pandemic.

It was a big confidence booster to the whole VA, hey we can do this, we can make it through this pandemic together,' Burns told local21news.

In another case, 55-year-old Ines Santacruz in Colorado came out alive after 10 days on a ventilator on April 10. A few of Santacruzs family members had become infected, and the grandmother of nine became ill on March 13, according to 9News.

While other family members recovered at home, Santacruz fell very sick by the end of March and had to be transported to a hospital where she spent 16 days, and intubated for 10 of them.

Colorado has had at least 6,510 cases of #COVID19. But the state isnt reporting the number of patients who have recovered so we dont know how often its happening. A family in Aurora reached out to #9News to say it is. Their mom fought the virus for 16 days. Today, shes home. pic.twitter.com/J9uuPnWrxC  Lori Lizarraga (@LoriLizarraga) April 10, 2020

When admitted to the ICU at the University of Colorado, UC Health, she already had pneumonia and was in critical condition.

They had to put her on a ventilator. We were just an emotional wreck, Santacruzs daughter Elvira told 9News.

This was followed by a medically induced coma in the ICU and treatment with antibiotics and hydroxychloroquine. After 10 days of intensive care, Santacruz was freed of the ventilator, and a week later, she walked out of the hospital.

USA Today cited a University of Washington report saying that most COVID-19 patients require at least 10 days to recoup when under a ventilator. Used only in intensive care units, ventilators are removed once patients can breathe on their own.
India to export 90k tonnes of surplus wheat to Afghanistan, Lebanon

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Apr 11: India said it will export 90,000 tonne of surplus wheat to Afghanistan and Lebanon under government-to-government (G2G) trading arrangement.

"India had a good crop of wheat, in surplus of its own demand. On specific demand from countries, cooperative NAFED has been asked to export 50,000 tonne wheat to Afghanistan and 40,000 tonne to Lebanon under G2G arrangement," the Union Agriculture Ministry said in a statement.

What does your child think about the coronavirus lockdown: Send us their thoughts

The government is having a stock of about 23 million tonne of wheat and 54 million tonne of rice, which is much more than its requirement.

Right now, harvesting of wheat -- the main winter crop -- is underway in India. Farmers have harvested wheat crop in about 33 per cent of the total sown area so far and it will pick up in the coming weeks.

As per the second government estimate, the country is set to harvest a record wheat production of 106.21 million tonne in the 2019-20 crop year on the back of good rains.

Wheat production has been rising year-on-year and the previous record of 103.60 million tonne was achieved during the 2018-19 crop year (July-June).
A worrying drop in attendances in accident and emergency (A&E) wards could mean people with medical emergencies, including heart attacks, are delaying treatment out of fear of contracting coronavirus, doctors have warned.

Medical professionals are seeking to reassure people that hospitals are well-poised to receive and treat patients with non-coronavirus-related problems and urge them not to avoid hospitals.

Their calls come after NHS Englands monthly statistics showed a huge drop in the numbers of people going to their local emergency departments, sparking fears that people could die without care.

Speaking on BBCs Today programme on Saturday, consultant cardiologist Dr Ramzi Khamis and Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group chair Professor Sir Sam Everington said people too frightened to go to hospital amid the coronavirus crisis is a big problem.

Mr Everington, who is also a GP, said: We are worried about [people not seeking urgent treatment]. Rightly, everyones focused on increasing the number of intensive care beds and theres been fantastic energy put into that by doctors, nurses, managers in the hospital  but we know that casualty attendances have gone down by half, cancer referrals have gone down by half and outpatient referrals are a 10th of what they were.

While the fall in attendances is not all bad, it is concerning that people who do attend hospital to seek urgent treatment are in a more severe situation, he added.

According to NHS Englands data, 1.5 million people attended A&E departments in England in March this year, compared to over 2.1 million in March 2019.

Dr Khamis, who works at Hammersmith Hospital in London, said heart attack centres saw half as many patients in March as the same period last year.

Thats quite worrying  we would like to really emphasise that we are there and we are poised to receive heart attack patients. We are so well-poised that we would like to encourage people with heart attack symptoms not to delay and to seek treatment urgently.

A heart attack is a medical emergency and if you ignore it, there is a big risk of both death and serious problems with the heart afterwards. Weve got this fantastic programme in the UK which has been developed over the past 40 years with the help of the British Heart Foundation in terms of supporting research and we are so good at treating heart attacks, it would be a real shame to lose that advantage, he added.

If anyone experiences heart attack symptoms, which includes chest pain, pain travelling from chest to arms, lightheadedness, sweating and shortness of breath, they must call 999 and an ambulance crew will come, said Dr Khamis.

Many practices have also moved their operations online, enabling patients to get specialists opinions and check their prescriptions without having to go to their GP.

But Mr Everington said constantly hearing about coronavirus deaths is making people so frightened that theyre just not ringing their GP or going to the hospital, and also not knowing that so much of this can be done online.

Weve completely transferred to video consultations, texting, emailing patients, patients can access their notes, prescriptions that are sent by computers. Theres this fantastic new system in place, actually, to keep them safe and distance as much as possible. But a lot of this is fear and thats the thing were really worried about, he said.

Medical leaders have also warned patients not to avoid seeking medical help when they need it.

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) said in a joint statement: During this Covid-19 pandemic it is vitally important that patients and the public recognise that they must continue to seek medical assistance if they have symptoms which cause concern, or they already are being treated for a serious health condition.

The risk of developing other serious or life-threatening conditions remains unchanged and people must be fully confident that they can, and should, seek medical assistance if they are worried about themselves or a relative.
With so much down-ness everywhere, I feel its my job, nay my duty, nay my quest, nay my moral obligation, nay my Supreme God-Given Holy Destiny ... sorry, nays get out of hand really fast, actually its just my job ... to share a few of the positive things Ive discovered during this tough, tricky time.

Stage 1: get an expired packet of yeast that you have no memory of buying but you somehow find in your cupboard.

Ive learned how to make pizza dough. Yeah its simple and fun. Stage 1: get an expired packet of yeast that you have no memory of buying but its in your cupboard, its in everyones cupboard, it comes with every house when you move in. Mix the expired yeast with warm water, mix the water with some flour, knead it into a ball and let it rest until it doubles in size, which it wont, then chuck it in the kitchen compost and start again. Stage 2: realise you dont have any more flour, get the failed dough-blob out of the kitchen compost, rinse off the carrot peels and coffee-ground sludge, and now roll it flat into a wonky vaguely-roundish shape, resembling the island-nation of Sri Lanka or a ringworm rash. Stage 3: top it with toppings, bake it for 10 minutes, and youve got an enormous stale inedible coffee-flavoured Arnotts Pizza Shape.

I now know what a pangolin is. Id never heard of the animal before: its not mentioned in Old MacDonald Had a Farm, its not a character in The Lion King  as far as I was concerned, it didnt exist. But turns out its a scaly anteater-like creature. Very placid and shy and gentle and riddled with highly-contagious deadly bat-diseases, and also adorable.

Apparently pangolins were being sold as bushmeat in Chinese markets and thats how this whole thing started, so now pangolin-eating has been banned and these beautiful animals can go back to living happy, peaceful lives, just foraging for termites and having sex with bats.
In 2008 Zhengjun Fu was appointed CEO of Tian Ge Interactive Holdings Limited (HKG:1980). First, this article will compare CEO compensation with compensation at similar sized companies. Then we'll look at a snap shot of the business growth. Third, we'll reflect on the total return to shareholders over three years, as a second measure of business performance. The aim of all this is to consider the appropriateness of CEO pay levels.

View our latest analysis for Tian Ge Interactive Holdings

How Does Zhengjun Fu's Compensation Compare With Similar Sized Companies?

Our data indicates that Tian Ge Interactive Holdings Limited is worth HK$2.1b, and total annual CEO compensation was reported as CN988k for the year to December 2018. While we always look at total compensation first, we note that the salary component is less, at CN720k. As part of our analysis we looked at companies in the same jurisdiction, with market capitalizations of CN706m to CN2.8b. The median total CEO compensation was CN2.1m.

Now let's take a look at the pay mix on an industry and company level to gain a better understanding of where Tian Ge Interactive Holdings stands. Speaking on an industry level, we can see that nearly 73% of total compensation represents salary, while the remainder of 27% is other remuneration. So it seems like there isn't a significant difference between Tian Ge Interactive Holdings and the broader market, in terms of salary allocation in the overall compensation package.

Most shareholders would consider it a positive that Zhengjun Fu takes less total compensation than the CEOs of most similar size companies, leaving more for shareholders. Though positive, it's important we delve into the performance of the actual business. You can see a visual representation of the CEO compensation at Tian Ge Interactive Holdings, below.

SEHK:1980 CEO Compensation April 10th 2020

Is Tian Ge Interactive Holdings Limited Growing?

Over the last three years Tian Ge Interactive Holdings Limited has shrunk its earnings per share by an average of 38% per year (measured with a line of best fit). It saw its revenue drop 28% over the last year.

Story continues

Unfortunately, earnings per share have trended lower over the last three years. And the impression is worse when you consider revenue is down year-on-year. So given this relatively weak performance, shareholders would probably not want to see high compensation for the CEO. Although we don't have analyst forecasts shareholders might want to examine this detailed historical graph of earnings, revenue and cash flow.

Has Tian Ge Interactive Holdings Limited Been A Good Investment?

Given the total loss of 67% over three years, many shareholders in Tian Ge Interactive Holdings Limited are probably rather dissatisfied, to say the least. This suggests it would be unwise for the company to pay the CEO too generously.

In Summary...

Tian Ge Interactive Holdings Limited is currently paying its CEO below what is normal for companies of its size.

Shareholders should note that compensation for Zhengjun Fu is under the median of a group of similar sized companies. But then, EPS growth is lacking and so are the returns to shareholders. We would not call the pay too generous, but nor would we claim the CEO is underpaid, given lacklustre business performance. Moving away from CEO compensation for the moment, we've identified 1 warning sign for Tian Ge Interactive Holdings that you should be aware of before investing.

If you want to buy a stock that is better than Tian Ge Interactive Holdings, this free list of high return, low debt companies is a great place to look.

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.
Apple, Google to work together to create COVID-19 contact tracing system for iOS and Android

Apple and Google have announced that they will be working together to fight the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic. The two companies plan to enable the use of Bluetooth technology to help governments and health care agencies reduce the spread of the virus. However, in its release, Apple notes that user privacy and security will be central to the design.

The company stated, since COVID-19 can be transmitted through close proximity to affected individuals, public health officials have identified contact tracing as a valuable tool to help contain its spread. A number of leading public health authorities, universities, and NGOs around the world have been doing important work to develop opt-in contact tracing technology. To further this cause, Apple and Google will be launching a comprehensive solution that includes application programming interfaces (APIs) and operating system-level technology to assist in enabling contact tracing. Given the urgent need, the plan is to implement this solution in two steps while maintaining strong protections around user privacy.

The first step will be taken in May when both companies will release APIs that enable interoperability between Android and iOS devices using apps from public health authorities. The company notes that these official apps will be available for users to download via their respective app.

Further, the companies plan on working together to enable broader Bluetooth-based contact tracing platform by building this functionality into the underlying platform. This is planned to launch in the coming months and the company claims that this would be a more robust solution than an API and should allow for more people to participate if they choose to opt-in. The companies claim that privacy, transparency and consent are very important and will be working together to build this functionality in consultation with interested stakeholders. The companies also say that both will openly publish information about their work for others to analyze.
As the coronavirus pandemic swept through the US in early April, China readied to re-open in its controversial wet markets. Senior US congressmen began to threaten trade reprisals, and there have been renewed demands that Beijing pays reparations for the fatal delay in warning the outside world of the coming crisis.

The calls for China to face financial penalties have been echoed by some politicians in other countries including Britain and Australia. There has been widespread condemnation of what is seen as Chinese subterfuge, which allowed the pandemic to spread so wide, so virulently. The latest criticism came from the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, which accused Beijing of manipulation and disinformation.

Wet markets are where traders sell fresh produce, fruit and vegetables, but also wild and domestic animals, dead and alive: there have been regular complaints of some of them operating in unsanitary conditions. Dry markets sell non-perishable goods, including packaged food.

The Independent is calling for global action to create tighter restrictions surrounding the trade in wild animals, to help prevent reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases such as coronavirus.

The Stop the Wildlife Trade campaign asks that governments work together to impose stricter controls on the trade, sale and consumption of wild animals.

The accusation now is not just that China is culpable for the current pandemic but that it is the incubator for another devastating contagion in the future. The great risk comes from its wet markets  the one in Wuhan is believed to be the source of Covid-19 and also its huge and highly lucrative trade in wildlife. Official Chinese figures for wildlife trade and consumption shows that it was worth more than $74bn and has provided work for 14 million over the past decade.

In Washington senator Lindsey Graham has launched a campaign in congress to get China to close wet markets once and for all. The Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, has urged the United Nations and World Health Organisation to ensure that Beijing does not reopen them. The United Nations biodiversity chief, Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, has said that she would support a global ban on wildlife markets, and there is also support for the measure from senior conservationists within China.

Writing for The Independent on Friday, Ms Mrema said: Global wildlife trade and live animal markets, where live fish, meat and wild animals are sold, are important risk factors for zoonotic disease spillover. Accordingly, measures taken by countries to reduce the number of live animals in food markets can significantly reduce the risk of disease outbreaks. Stricter controls on the sale and consumption of wild species, and implementation of the International Health Regulations, must also be scaled up globally.

Senator Graham asked: What can China do to help the world? Shut those markets down. The source of this virus is the Chinese wet markets. They are absolutely disgusting, selling exotic animals that transmit viruses from animals to human beings. About the last three or four pandemics have come from the Chinese wet markets.

It is indeed the case that some of the most lethal viruses that have spread beyond borders have come from contact between wild animals and humans.

Workers wearing face masks prepare a barbecue at a market in Wuhan, China (Getty)

The H2N2 Asian flu in 1957-1958 came from a mutation in wild ducks: it killed 1.1 million people worldwide. The H5N1 bird flu in 1997 came from Chinese geese, leaving around 460 dead. The Sars epidemic of 2002-2003 is thought to have come from bats or civet cats and killed around 780 people. The H7N9 Bird Flu in 2013 came from poultry at live bird markets with 610 dead. And now there is Covid-19, with more than 103,000 deaths so far and rising daily.

Senator Graham said he started his drive against wet markets after talking to Dr Anthony Fauci, Americas most senior expert on coronavirus, who had told him it was a crazy decision which puts the whole world at risk.

There is an element of irony in this. Dr Fauci now needs security protection following threats from hardline Trump supporters who have been angered by him contradicting the president, who had initially claimed the virus was a Democrat hoax. Dr Fauci was denounced as a traitor and a supporter of Hillary Clinton.

But on China and coronavirus at least, Dr Fauci and the Republicans are on the same hymn sheet. It boggles my mind how, when we have so many diseases that emanate out of that unusual human-animal interface, that we just dont shut it down. I dont know what else has to happen to get us to appreciate that, he told Fox News.

A seafood vendor wearing a face mask uses his phone at a wet market in Shanghai (Getty)

In Melbourne, Premier Morrison bluntly stated wet markets were a very real and significant problem wherever they exist. This virus started in China and went round the world, thats how it started, we all know that.

These wet markets are a real problem and this is something the UN and World Health Organisation should do something about We can clearly see the risks to the health and wellbeing of the rest of the world as a result of these types of places and facilities.

This week, more than 200 animal and wildlife charities from around the world wrote to the WHO, urging the body to demand Beijing close down all live animal markets, immediately, to prevent the spread of further pandemics.

Recommended We all need to transform our relationship with the natural world

Jinfeng Zhou, secretary general of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation, said that a universal closure of wildlife markets was justified. Speaking to The Guardian, he said: I agree there should be global ban on wet markets, which will help a lot on wildlife conservation and protection of ourselves from improper contact with wildlife. More than 70 per cent of human diseases are from wildlife and many species are endangered by eating them.

There have also been calls in the UK for Chinese wet markets to be shut.

Such calls, however, were not evident two years ago, when Theresa May visited Wuhan, in the drive for post-Brexit trade with China. The then prime minister also went to Beijing and Shanghai on the trip. But the South China Morning Post noted: Wuhans inclusion on Ms Mays itinerary seems surprising. The city rarely has been a destination for foreign visitors.

Customers and stall owners wear protective face masks shop at a chicken stall at a wet market in Shanghai (Getty)

Wuhan was rapidly becoming an important technological hub. But there were also concerns about its wet market, where exotic wild and domestic animals, dead and alive, were being sold in packed conditions.

There is no record of Ms May, or the Trade Secretary accompanying her, Liam Fox, a medical doctor, raising the issue of the wet market, despite UK National Security Strategy warning of a pandemic as a tier one priority risk and the knowledge that the Sars epidemic came from bats and civet cats.

Last month, as coronavirus spread, Beijing banned the trade and consumption of non-aquatic wild animals. The authorities subsequently announced that 20,000 farms raising animals including peacocks, porcupines and ostriches have been shut down. Last week Shenzhen became the first Chinese city to ban the sale and consumption of dog and cat meat. And on Wednesday, central authorities declared that dogs are companions  and not for consumption. Around 10 million dogs and four million cats are currently killed in the country every year.

However, restrictions imposed after Sars were subsequently lifted. And at the same time as the Chinese government put in its wildlife ban this time, it approved the use of bear bile to treat coronavirus patients. Beijings recent ban on the sale of wild animals is also a general guidance for regional authorities to enforce, and there are already signs that it is not being enforced.

The digestive juice from the animals, ursodeoxycholic acid, has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine, tan re qing, to dissolve gallstones and treat liver disease. There is no evidence that it is effective against Covid-19, for which there is no known cure, but some drug combinations have been found to alleviate symptoms.

A stall worker cuts pork for a customer at the Wan Chai wet market in Hong Kong (Getty)

The ways of extracting the bile range from inserting rubber or metal tubes through a bears abdomen to cutting a permanent hole in the bear so it can be put on a free-drip system. The process is extremely distressing and painful for the bears. Animals Asia Foundation, an animal welfare group which rescues bears in the continent, recorded that the bears are often sick and their bile is contaminated with blood, pus and urine.

Brian Daly, a spokesperson for the Foundation, said We really shouldnt be relying on wildlife products like bear bile as the solution to combat a deadly virus that appears to have originated from wildlife.

A spokesperson for Shanghai Pharmaceuticals company, Chinas largest bear bile manufacturer, said the product came from government-authorised animal breeding programmes... and they come from third generation of bred bears rather than wild ones.

The laws in China also allows the farming of bats and pangolins  two of the animals suspected of transmitting Covid-19. Scales of the pangolin  an endangered mammal also known as a scaly anteater  are used tin traditional medicine and are being sold in some areas as antidotes for the virus.

Three of the bat species  Pipistrellus abramus, Murina leucogaster and Rhinolophus ferrumequinum  are found in Hubei province, which includes Wuhan. The third of these, the greater horseshoe bat, is sold commercially for its faeces and body parts. The faeces treatment, ming sha, or night brightness sand, is believed to cure certain eye problems while parts of the bats body are drunk with wine or taken as powders and thought to act as a detox treatment.

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 animals used for medicine are meant to be bred under licence, but the system is open to widespread abuse with many being sold in wet markets. Shen Wangping, from the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) which monitors wildlife poaching and trading in Hunan province, told the Los Angeles Times that state officials were often culpable in the illicit trade.

People think this [forestry] administrations job is to protect wild animals. But the organisations main objective is to push the breeding of wildlife everywhere, to give out permits for wildlife breeding and sales, she said. Breeders who have these permits can go to the wild and hunt down animals, pretend they are human bred and sell them legally in the market.

Jinfeng Zhou the conservationist, speaking to The Guardian, asked: Why were civet cats still encouraged to be eaten after the Sars outbreak? Its because hunters, operators, practitioners needed that. How can they achieve that? They urged the government to support them under the pretext of economic development.

Recommended Jane Goodall calls for global ban on wildlife trade

There are accusations of conflict of interest in the body, which is supposed to be dedicated to the protection of animals. Three of the 14 board vice-chairs of the China Wildlife Conservation Association are also executives of traditional Chinese medicine companies.

One of them is with a company that specialises in medicine made out of deer musk, cow gallstone, snake bile and herbal root. Another is the managing director of one of the worlds biggest Chinese medicine companies, famous for its tiger bone wine. The third is one whose company focuses on treatments made from seahorse and pangolin scales.

A woman walks through a Hong Kong market wearing a face mask before coronavirus became the pandemic it is today (Getty)

The trade in wildlife as food in markets took off during the post-Mao reforms of the economy. In the 1970s, with the country facing widespread food shortages, including starvation in some areas, huge collective farms were dismantled and land redistributed to households under the orders of the new leader Deng Xiaoping.

Smallhold farmers known as specialised or zhuanyehu because they focused on cash crops or livestock such as chickens, ducks or pigs began to spring up quickly in many parts of the country.

But then came the second great leap forward in the 1990s, when the government decided on a drive for economies of scale in agriculture. Well capitalised production conglomerates, dragonheads, often with ruling Communist Party connections, built supply chains with slaughterhouses and production facilities.

Some smallholders, seeing their income cut, gravitated to wild animals and local breeds, which got a relatively high return in wet markets. The move gained more ground when a number of diseases swept through livestock, adding to the burden of poorer farmers.

The result was more animals, wild and domestic, packed into the markets and worsening of sanitary conditions. With rats, bats, civet cats, pangolins and other wild animals becoming staples of rural farming, a law was passed to protect the lawful rights of those engaged in the development or utilisation of wildlife resources.

Wildlife is also brought into China from abroad for consumption. In the last 10 years Chinese customs authorities have recorded around 400 wildlife trafficking cases. Conservationists insist that the real figures are far higher.

Steve Glaister, founder of Freeland, a Thailand-based anti-trafficking organisation, wanted to stress that Wuhan is a major wake-up call. The way to prevent further outbreaks is to stop the trade. Most wildlife is trafficked by gangsters. This is not a regulated trade, so no wonder there are infections and viruses spreading. HIV, Sars and bird flu came from animals and now this too. These markets are ticking time bombs. HIV is believed to have originated in non-human primates.

Others warn, however, that an outright ban would only drive the trade in wildlife underground, making it difficult to detect. Professor Dirk Pfeiffer, of the City University of Hong Kong, points out that demand will remain. The people who are providing them, whether farmed wild animals or animals from the wild, thats an important source of income for them, he said, speaking to the BBC. Pushing it underground, thats not the solution.

Richard Thomas, of the wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC, has also warned of the danger of forcing the trade into a black market and held that the emphasis should be on addressing conditions that allowed Covid-19 and other diseases to emerge.

Theres a dilemma here. If you ban trade, you risk pushing it underground, where those dangerous conditions are likely to be prevalent  and realistically its just a matter of time before the next zoonotic disease risk emerges, he said, speaking to Al Jazeera. If you manage legal trade properly, the risk of disease emergence should be mitigated, but it needs to be thoroughly monitored and regulated.

But there is no guarantee that thorough monitoring and regulation would ever take place and, under the circumstances, Robert Emerson, a strategic consultant, maintains a black market is probably better than a grey market. At least in the black market people know the goods are illegal and should know there are risks involved. But in the grey market there could be confusion and people believing something is safe when its not.

There is another problem now surrounding pandemics, largely between China and the US and some other countries  trust deficit and a burgeoning confrontation. The talk of China paying reparations shows how far things have gone, said Mr Emerson. And when you have the Chinese government even denying that the coronavirus started there and saying it started in Europe or America, there is a disbelief in a lot of things they say. That is going to be a problem not just in the matter of food security and diseases, but other matters as well.
The UK will receive a first batch of 3 million paracetamol packets from India by Sunday as it expressed gratitude to the Indian government for approving this "important shipment" after New Delhi lifted its export ban amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Lord Tariq Ahmad, the Minister of State for South Asia and the Commonwealth in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), on Friday said the shipment is symbolic of the cooperative way both countries have been working through this unprecedented global crisis.

"The UK and India continue to work in close partnership to respond to the COVID-19 threat. My sincere thanks on behalf of the UK government to India for approving this important shipment," Ahmad said.

The shipment, set to arrive on a plane by Sunday, will coincide with a series of charter flights laid on by the UK government to ferry thousands of British residents stranded in India's coronavirus lockdown.

"We have been working very closely with the Indian authorities, here at the Indian High Commission in London, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and at state level in India to put in place all the necessary requirements for British nationals wanting to return to the UK," Ahmad said.

"The sheer logistics of this exercise involves every individual who has registered on to our central database being sent detailed information about booking their seat on the flights as well as local support for them to be able to get to the airports in the particular states, given the lockdown and curfews in place," he said.

The travellers are set to be flown out from Goa, Mumbai, Delhi, Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Thiruvananthapuram via Kochi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Chennai via Bengaluru over the coming week.

They will be checked for any symptoms of the novel coronavirus before being allowed to board the charter flights and on landing in the UK, they will be subject to the same self-isolation and social distancing stipulations as other UK-based citizens, the FCO said.

An estimated 21,000 British residents are currently in India, of which around 5,000 are set to be repatriated over this weekend and the next week with a total of 19 charter flights confirmed between the different cities of India back to London.

Passengers are given a chance to book on to these flights at a standard 600-650 pound rate, with those facing financial difficulties given the opportunity to access an interest-free loan to be paid back over a six-month period.

The British High Commission in New Delhi has said that it is prioritising the more vulnerable within the nationals registered on its database wanting to return to the UK.

The charter flights announced so far are expected to make "serious inroads" into repatriating the large numbers stranded in India, with an end of April target set for getting the majority back to the UK.

In reference to some calls for a possible passenger swap on these flights, for thousands of stranded Indians in the UK to be flown back to India by return journey, the UK government said that is a decision for the Indian authorities - given the ban on international flights in India.

The FCO said in the spirit of cooperation it has announced a series of measures to assist the Indians caught up in the crisis in the UK, including an extension to any expiring visas until the end of May and steps to safeguard university accommodation for Indian students.

On Friday, the total number of COVID-19 fatalities in the UK rose to nearly 8,000, while the number of confirmed cases climbed to more than 65,000.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A 37-year-old Brooklyn, Ohio woman was taken the hospital after an officer involved shooting and subsequent chase April 10 in Wickliffe.

The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. when two Wickliffe police officers responded to a report of a physical altercation between two people in the street near Euclid Avenue and Lloyd Road, according to a news release from Wickliffe police.

Upon arriving to the scene, the officers made contact with a white female and Hispanic male in the parking lot of the 29215 Euclid Ave. Dollar General. The man was in the front passenger seat of a black sedan and the woman was outside of the car.

Police allege the woman ignored repeated commands to stop and entered the drivers side of the sedan. An officer on the drivers side of the car grabbed the woman and attempted to pull her out of the drivers seat of the car while the second officer, through the front passenger door, attempted to keep the woman from starting the car.

Police stated the woman was able to get the car started and put the car into reverse, accelerating and hitting a pole located behind the car. The woman then allegedly put the car into drive and began to accelerate. The officer on the drivers side of the car fired three shots from his department issued handgun and struck the woman at least one time in the shoulder, according to police.

The woman then sped off and officers briefly lost sight of the car, the release stated. The woman and man allegedly switched positions in the car. Officers located the car traveling eastbound on Euclid Avenue and attempted to stop the car and a pursuit ensued.

According to the release, officers chased the car east on Euclid Avenue and north on East 345th Street, where the driver drove behind a factory into a grassy area. At that point, Wickliffe, Willowick and Willoughby officers blocked the car in and the two occupants were taken into custody.

The woman was taken to Lake West Medical Center in Willoughby for a gunshot wound in her left shoulder. She is expected to recover from her injuries, according to police.

Police have not released the name of the woman or the man, but stated both will be charged with felonies related to the incident. Police said the man is a 54-year-old Cleveland resident.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations is conducting an independent investigation into the shooting, according to the release. The officer involved in the shooting was placed on administrative leave during the investigation, which the department stated is standard protocol.

Police stated that no further information is available at this time.
Kolkata, April 11 : The West Bengal government has decided to impose complete lockdown in nine-ten areas of the state, identified as hotspots of the Covid-19 disease.

The identified areas will be sealed and nobody will be allowed to get in or come out of these places, chief secretary Rajeev Sinha said.

State secretariat sources said the inhabitants would be barred from leaving their homes unless for medical or emergency reasons and strict action taken under the disaster Management Act in case of violations.

All markets and shops including those selling essential items will be sealed, and the government will arrange for home delivery of all goods alongside the various online aggregators. The police and local administration will render all help to the inhabitants.

Sinha said so far the Coronavirus infection has mainly been recorded from 9-10 areas in the state.

"We know people will be inconvenienced. But we are helpless. Nobody will be allowed to enter or exit the identified areas. The government will decide on the next course of action after reviewing the situation," he said.

State secretariat N-abanna sources said the complete lockdown was now likely to be enforcd for 14 days.

According to officials, one area in North Bengal, and parts of Kolkata, Howrah, Nadia, 24 Parganas (North), East Midnapore could come under complete lockdown.

Sinha said more than 60 of the Coronavirus cases in the state involved 11 families.

"In Kalimpong, Egra, Kolkata, Howrah, Haldia and Nadia, we have seen fast spread of the disease from one person to their relatives and neighbours. The hotspots are being decided on the basis of the number of cases in an area.

"If the infection is seen to be spreading in a village, then it will be identified as a hotspot, while the entire gram panchayat will be classified as a Coronavirus cluster, In complete lockdown conditions there will be bar on people-to-people mixing in both the areas," he said.

Meanwhile, four areas in Howrah have already been identified as hotspots and sealed by the district administration.

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation is holding discussions on whether to declare some wards as hotspots or adopt some other system in enforcing complete lockdown.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Long-time community activist Dr. Ronald J. Sheppard has died of natural causes at his home on April 3. He was 80.

Dr. Sheppard was retired from business and academic life but was well-known for decades of his contributions to countless organizations, including the SIEDC, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, and the College of Staten Island (CSI), where was a Dean of Continuing Education and Business Development, among others.

A former consultant to NASA Headquarters in the area of Advanced Mission Planning, Dr. Sheppard held management positions with Xerox and General Motors. He previously held academic administrative positions, including Dean, Center for Business and Industry at the University of Toledo and Dean.

A learned man who cared deeply about Staten Island, Dr. Sheppard earned a PhD in Physics and an MBA in Marketing and Finance, and was awarded a NATO Fellowship to study Astrophysics at the University of Newcastle.

He was also awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to evaluate the emerging market economies in the Czech Republic and Bulgaria and was invited to the State Department with other community leaders for foreign policy briefings hosted by Secretary of State Cyrus Vance.

In 1997, Sheppard was integral in guiding CSI students to help upgrade the South Shore business community through a partnership with South Shore Business Alliance, working with then-Councilman Vito Fossella Jr. (R-South Shore), merchants, and representatives of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce (SICC), Staten Island Economic Development (SIEDC) Corporation.

Ron was a founding member of SIEDC who served the organization diligently for 20 years," said Cesar Claro, President of SIEDC. "He was an Executive Committee Member, received our Annual Awards recognition, and was one of a handful of Lifetime Achievement Honorees.

He was active in everything we did and he will be greatly missed. He was a personal friend of mine and a mentor. We all will miss him.

In 2014, Sheppard was named the Top 31 Most Influential People in SIEDCs history during the organizations 16th annual conference, to mark its 20 year anniversary. The honorees were selected based upon their years of service and impact on the organization.

Sheppard was No. 7, after Randy Lee, developer; Stanley Friedman, The Alexander Hotel; Robert Moore, SIEDC chairman; Mike Manzulli, Richmond County Savings Bank; and former Borough President James Molinaro.

Ron worked closely with former CSI President Dr. Volpe to introduce business classes into Continuing Education, said John Amodio, former Chairman/President of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce.

"He received the Louis R Miller Business Leadership Award in February 1999 and was always willing to speak in front of an audience on just about any topic. He was passionate about providing education and guidance to better Staten Island businesses.

Former City Councilman Hon. Fred Cerullo, President/CEO of the Grand Central Partnership (GCP) and a Commissioner on the New York City Planning Commission said: Ron was always one of those members of our community who stepped up without being asked and always worked to make our present and our future better."

We always were and are today better for his leadership and his friendship, Cerullo added. "I join with all of our neighbors in mourning his loss and send my thoughts and prayers to his family during this very sad time. 

Robert Cutrona, owner of Project One Services and a board member of the CSI Foundation, Building Industry Association of NYC, Eden II Foundation, JCC Advisory Committee, said: Having worked with Ron at the SIEDC, he displayed an incredible intellect and a thirst for details on such projects of economic development and seeking adequate public transportation for Staten Island.

"He had a great curiosity and asked probing questions. Further, he was a pleasure to work with and a warm, friendly person. Im going to miss him.

Community activist Sam Farag, former President of the Staten Island Rotary and President of Worldwide Electronics, agrees: Ive known Ron for almost 20 years through the Rotary and CSI. He was intelligent and lent his business acumen to the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. He will be greatly missed.

Al Curtis is now president and CEO of A. Boima Curtis & Co, as well as former commissioner of the citys Department of Youth and Community Development. But when he was the young president of Staten Islands NAACP, he constantly reached out to Sheppard.

I was very, very sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Ron Shepard, Curtis said. When I was a young President of the NAACP, I constantly reached out to him for advice and he was always at the ready to help. His legacy of altruistic community involvement will remain a true inspiration to all of us, particularly the African American community on Staten Island, Curtis went on.

A strong pillar of our community has fallen. May his soul rest in perpetual peace.

Mayor Rudolph Giuliani dines with Urban League Co-Chairman Dr. Ronald Sheppard and the Rev. Victor A. Brown. (Staten Island Advance)

June C. Gallop and Dr. Ronald Sheppard in their office conference room, at S.I. Center of Metro College of NY, St. George, where he was director. (Courtesy June Gallop)

Stephen R. Greenwald, left, president of Audrey Cohen College; Cesar J. Claro, executive director of Richmond County Savings Foundation, and Dr. Ron Sheppard, director of Campus Development
Conor McGregor - MacLife pre-UFC 246

UFC superstar Conor McGregor has been shouting loudly in videos and on social media for the Irish government to do more to lockdown his country amidst the coronavirus pandemic. He is also putting his money where his mouth is.

McGregor apparently has donated 1.3 million euros (roughly 1.4 million U.S. dollars) to provide personal protective equipment to front line healthcare workers, such as doctors and nurses, in Ireland.

Several of the people associated with getting the donations out to workers and some of the workers themselves took to social media to thank McGregor for his assistance.

TRENDING > Conor McGregor continues to press Ireland to close all its ports

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However, only 78 of 950 such organizations are participating in the government program, according to a Treasury spokesman. The rest do not have authorization to participate because they have not previously been approved by the Small Business Administration to make loans backed by the agency. Their representatives say they do not yet have clarity from the government on how to get that approval quickly enough to participate in the emergency program.

On Monday, the leaders of the Opportunity Finance Network, a group that represents the community development organizations, met with Treasury officials to suggest ways that the government could quickly approve the lenders for the program. But later, in a statement posted on its website, the group said that Treasury officials were noncommittal about what, if any, actions they would take in response to the groups recommendations. A Treasury spokesman did not provide a timeline for when more community organizations might be approved to participate.

In their letter, the group of black investors, including Ariels co-chief executive Mellody Hobson, who serves on the board of JPMorgan Chase, proposed that a quarter of the $250 billion in additional money for small businesses that Congress is considering adding to the program be set aside for black businesses.

This roughly $68 billion will only begin to address the disparities within capitalism brought into relief by coronavirus, they wrote. By prioritizing clients that already have existing lines of credit, black businesses and nonprofits find themselves yet again excluded from live-saving relief.

Some federal lawmakers have proposed that part of the second stimulus could be directed to local business development organizations that focus specifically on helping minority businesses so that they can hire lawyers and offer advice to minority-owned businesses about how to get help during the pandemic. The $2 trillion CARES Act allotted $10 million for minority chambers, but some lawmakers say that is far from enough.

During a call on Wednesday with Vice President Mike Pence, members of the Congressional Black Caucus expressed concern that funds from the program were not reaching black business owners, according to Representative Emanuel Cleaver II, Democrat of Missouri and a caucus member who was briefed on the call after it took place. Mr. Pence said that the program had gotten off to a shaky start in general, Mr. Cleaver said.

He did admit that they had had some difficulty, Mr. Cleaver said. The fear now is that if we dont act quickly, by the time we get the help for minority businesses by way of having advisers through minority chambers, the fear is the money will be exhausted.
The Soyuz-2.1a rocket booster with Soyuz MS-16 space ship carrying a new crew to the International Space Station, ISS, blasts off at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Thursday, April 9, 2020. The Russian rocket carries U.S. astronaut Chris Cassidy, Russian cosmonauts Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner. (Roscosmos Space Agency via AP)

A US-Russian space crew have blasted off to the International Space Station following a tight quarantine amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Nasa astronaut Chris Cassidy and Roscosmos cosmonauts Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner lifted off as scheduled from the Russian-operated Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Russian space officials have taken extra precautions to protect the crew during training and pre-flight preparations as the coronavirus outbreak has swept the world.

3-2-1... LIFTOFF!  Shooting into the sky at 4:05am ET, the Soyuz rocket carrying Chris Cassidy of @NASA_Astronauts and @Roscosmos cosmonauts Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner left Earth for a six-hour journey to the @Space_Station. Watch: https://t.co/NkA30hHnBS pic.twitter.com/yLhN2DWmvH  NASA (@NASA) April 9, 2020

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday in a videolink from Baikonur, Mr Cassidy said the crew had been in a very strict quarantine for the past month and are in good health.

We all feel fantastic, he said.

Commander Ivanishin also noted that extra measures have been taken to keep the crew healthy and safe before launch, adding that none of the crew have had any guests  no family or friends.

Weve been completely isolated at this final stage of training, he said.

Expand Close The Soyuz-2.1a rocket booster with Soyuz MS-16 space ship blasts off (Roscosmos Space Agency/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Whatsapp The Soyuz-2.1a rocket booster with Soyuz MS-16 space ship blasts off (Roscosmos Space Agency/AP)

Roscosmos director Dmitry Rogozin said earlier this week that nine employees of the state corporation had tested positive for coronavirus. Roscosmos, which controls a sprawling network of production plants and launch facilities, has about 200,000 employees, he said.

As part of additional precautions, Roscosmos has barred reporters from covering the launch, contrary to usual practice.

Mr Ivanishin and Mr Vagner had trained as back-ups for two other Russians and were picked for the flight only in February after a member of the original Russian crew suffered an eye injury.

The International Space Station is currently operated by Russian Oleg Skripochka and Nasa astronauts Jessica Meir and Andrew Morgan, who are due to return to Earth on April 17.
You cant go to the bar. You cant ask your favorite bartender to mix me up something special.

So, during this time of coronavirus and the resulting stay-at-home guidelines, we decided to bring the bartenders to you.

We asked experts in the Central New York beverage scene -- bartenders and distillers -- to come up with recipes for a category of mixed drinks well call Quarantinis. (No, we didnt invent the name).

They answered our call: From riffs on classic cocktails to drinks that embody the spirit (or spirits) of staying at home, they shared some creative ideas.

Theres even one that could almost be considered a health tonic.

Many use ingredients you may already have in your liquor cabinet and pantry. If not, remember that liquor stores are considered essential and remain open. And dont forget the many local distilleries in Central New York. Most are offering takeout or delivery of their spirits (when theyre not busy making hand santizer.)

Here are the drinks. Note the creativity often extends to the names, as well as the recipes:

Laura Serway with the Hopetini at Laci's Tapas Bar in Syracuse.

Hopetini

From Laura Serway, Fallon Moen and the crew at Lacis Tapas Bar in Syracuse

1 1/2 ounces Skyy Raspberry Vodka

1 ounce pomegranate syrup

Shake and strain into sugar-rimmed glass. Top with Champagne.

Inside info: We chose this drink because of the sweetness and fun color, we thought it was a good choice for a spring drink through this hard time, Moen said. One of our bartenders came up with the name with the thought that we need to have hope that we will be back to better time soon. She also thought it would be fun to use the extra champagne for mimosa the next morning!

The place: Lacis Tapas Bar is one of the local restaurants that tried to-go business for a while before giving up. It plans to reopen when the shutdown order is lifted.

***

Adam Carvell drinks a Pantry Raid straight from the can of peaches used as an ingredient in the drink at Old Home Distillers in Madison County.

The Pantry Raid

From Adam and Aaron Carvell at Old Home Distillers, Lebanon, Madison County

4 ounces Old Home Distillers Field Days Bourbon Whiskey

1 can sliced peaches in light syrup

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

4 dashes bitters (if available, or substitute 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)

4 ounces ginger ale

Combine all ingredients but the ginger ale in a blender 2/3 full of ice, blend well until smooth. Add ginger ale and pulse blender to incorporate. Serves 2 (or, more likely, 1 in a big mason jar).

Inside info: Modern mixology often relies on rare or obscure ingredients to impress, but one of the hardest challenges in bartending is to make a well balanced drink from everyday commodity ingredients in your home, Adam Carvell said. The Pantry Raid takes some basic prepper items from your doomsday stockpile and puts them to use in a simple blended cocktail.

The place: Old Home Distillers, makers of whiskey and other spirits, is open for pick-up and delivery, and is one of several local distillers making alcohol-based sanitizers.

***

Jeremy Hamill of the Scotch 'n Scotch in DeWitt with his Quarantine Tonic.

Quarantine Tonic

From Jeremy Hamill at the Scotch 'n Sirloin in DeWitt

2 ounces of peeled ginger

1 cup raw honey

1 cup water

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

fresh juice (pineapple, orange etc.)

Spirit of choice (whiskey, rum, vodka, tequila etc.)

Splash tonic water

Chop up 2 ounces of peeled ginger and add to a simmering pot of the honey and water. Simmer for a minimum of 30 minutes and then add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper and a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Let cool and then strain into a clean bottle. Once cooled, add to fresh juice like pineapple or orange. If desired, add your favorite spirit. Whiskey, rum, vodka, or tequila all work great with this quarantine mix. Add a splash of tonic water for the quinine.

Inside info: Hammill makes the base of this drink at home as a non alcoholic tonic to boost my immune system. Once made, it can be a go-to mixer for a cocktail.

The place: The Scotch 'n Sirloin, a steakhouse and bistro adjacent to Shoppingtown Mall on Erie Boulevard in DeWitt, is open for pick-up orders of food and drink.

***

Baker Teitsch with the Mexican Razorblade and the 2020 at Elephant and the Dove in Skaneateles.

The 2020 and the Mexican Razorblade

From Baker Teitsch at Elephant and the Dove in Skaneateles

2020

2 ounces gin

1 ounce Chambord (raspberry liqueur)

1 ounce lemon juice

3/4 ounce agave syrup

Mint

Champagne

Shake with ice and some of the mint and pour into glass. Top off with champagne, garnish with a mint sprig.

Mexican Razorblade

2 ounces tequila

3/4 ounce lime juice

3/4 ounce simple syrup

2 slices of cucumber

Shake well with ice and strain into an ice-filled glass. Garnish with a sliced cucumber.

Inside info: Teitsch, the bartender at the Mexican restaurant Elephant and Dove offers both a new drink (2020) for the times and a classic fit for a stay-at-home Mexican meal (The Mexican Razorblade).

The place: Elephant and the Dove is at 9 E Genesee St. in Skaneateles, owned by Adam and Kim Weitsman, who also own The Krebs.

***

Debbie Dates with the Quarantini Martini at Lock 1 Distilling in Phoenix, Oswego County.

Quarantini Martini

From Debbie Dates at Lock 1 Distilling, Phoneix, Oswego County

1 ounce Lock 1 Ryze Vodka

1 ounce Pineapple Excuse (flavored liqueur)

2 ounces cranberry juice

1 ounce orange juice

Splash of Sprite or club soda

Shake with ice and strain into a martine glass. Float an orange on top.

Inside info: Like many distilleries Lock 1, makes cocktails in its tasting room (when open) and offers recipes using its own products. Ryze is its best-selling spirit, and Pineapple Excuse is one of several new flavored liqueurs it introduced this year (replacing its no longer-available Cuse Juice liqueur).

The place: Lock 1 Distilling, at 17 Culvert St. in Phoenix, is currently open for sales of bottles to go.

***

Alex Doucette with the On the Porch, and Jordan Colella with Flatten the Curve at Al's Wine & Whiskey Lounge in Syracuse

On the Porch and Flatten the Curve

From Alex Doucette and Jordan Colella at Als Wine & Whiskey Lounge in Syracuse

On the Porch (Alex Doucette)

1 1/2 ounces Absolut Juice Strawberry

1/2 ounce Stoli Vanilla

2 ounces pineapple juice

1 ounce cranberry juice

Shake together and garnish with cherry & orange wedge

Flatten the Curve (Jordan Colella)

1 ounce bourbon

1 ounce Amaretto

3 dashes Orange Bitters

Shake together and garnish with cherry & orange peel

Inside info: One sweet drink, one not so sweet, from the staff at one of Syracuses best-stocked cocktail bars.

The place: Als Wine & Whiskey Lounge, 321 S. Clinton St. in Armory Square, is known for the wall of bottles behind the bar and its extensive wine, beer and spirits list.

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Don Cazentre writes about craft beer, wine, spirits and beverages 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.
Ajay Kanth By

Express News Service

KOCHI: When an urge to see his family took over him, Musthafa Pannikkora didnt think twice. The expatriate, who runs a cab service in Dubai, took the next flight to Karipur from Sharjah and flew home. That was on March 21. A day later, he developed a temperature, only to test positive for the dreaded coronavirus within a few days. Now, after being discharged from Government Medical College, Manjeri, on April 8 following a complete recovery from Covid-19, Musthafa is thanking the almighty for making him take the decision to come back to his family.

I had just returned to Dubai on January 29 after a short vacation. I usually return after at least four to five months. This time, I suddenly felt the desire to see them, so I randomly took a flight. I feel blessed to have made the decision. Else, I would have been stuck in Dubai throughout this ordeal, he said.Musthafa, who has been working in Dubai since 1995, is still not sure where he contracted the virus from. None of my roommates have any symptoms. Its likely I got it from the Sharjah airport, he told TNIE over the phone, while in isolation at his house at Ponmundam near Tirur.

Though Musthafa was discharged after three of his samples tested negative, the doctors have advised him to stay at home for another 14 days. Musthafa, who knows how important social distancing and isolation is to contain the virus, has been sticking to the quarantine religiously.

If I hadnt been strictly following the guidelines, my family would have been infected. I didnt have any symptoms when I reached the Karipur airport. However, the health officials there made me understand the seriousness of the crisis and the need for isolation. When I reached home, I didnt mingle with my wife or three kids. I went to my room and stayed there, Musthafa said, recalling how difficult it was to resist his four-year-old sons attempts to come near him.

Musthafa started to show signs of fever on the evening of March 22, and by night, he had high temperature. I also had severe body pain the next morning. I rang up the Ponmundam Primary Health Centre, and the doctor advised me to take a paracetamol tablet and get my blood tested. Though my family wanted to arrange a cab or an autorickshaw, I insisted that Ill go to the hospital alone in an ambulance, he said.

By the time I gave my blood and samples, the fever had subsided and I was starting to feel normal. So, I presumed it was a normal viral infection. On March 28, I got a call from the Health department saying I had tested positive. They asked me to prepare to get admitted to the isolation ward of the medical college at Manjeri, he said.He was admitted by evening. I didnt even have a fever during my stay there. All I had was a runny nose, he said.

All praise for govt

Musthafa said the state government and the Health department have put in place an excellent mechanism to deal with the crisis. As responsible citizens, all we need to do is follow the guidelines. That is how we can help fight the spread of the virus, he said.
The minister of health, Osagie Ehanire, has warned health workers against privately treating patients suspected to be infected with the COVID-19 virus.

Mr Ehanire, while speaking at the Presidential Task Force briefing on Friday, said all cases of the disease should be referred to healthcare facilities for safe isolation and management.

All medical practitioners, health care workers and also the public are reminded that Covid-19 is such a highly infectious disease and they should abstain from trying to privately treat or manage these cases in their homes.

Only designated treatment centre can provide safe isolation and management of Covid-19 patients, the minister said.

Healthcare workers are highly exposed to COVID-19 virus as they are first responders to patients.

On April 4, Aliyu Yakubu, a medical doctor aged 60, died at the Nigeria Air Force Reference Hospital, Daura, Katsina State, after contracting the deadly virus. A week later, his wife and children tested positive for COVID-19.

Due to their vulnerability to this disease, health workers are been advised to take extra precautions in handling suspected cases.

Adequate supplies

Mr Ehanire said all designated isolation centres have adequate supplies to manage cases of the disease.

All designated isolation and treatment centres have adequate supplies to manage cases and there is no shortage of Personal Protective Equipment and no fear of shortage in the short term for health workers, he said.

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria has been on the increase.

As of 9:30 p.m. on Friday, the NCDC announced a total of 305 cases of which 55 people have been discharged and seven deaths recorded.

Consumables

However, Mr Ehanire explained that though there is a limited supply of consumables in the market, health workers have priority in rationing of commodities because they are more at risk.

He said the government is developing in-country manufacturing capacity to ensure the availability of necessary consumables.

It must be noted that there is a limited supply of consumables in the market due to increased global demand and increased production to a public health crisis.

We are, however, developing in country manufacturing capacity. Citizens should use limited supply of this equipment judiciously.

Health workers have priority in rationing of these commodities because they are more at risk, he said.

READ ALSO:

The minister urges private practitioners to play their role by educating the public and protecting the frontline workers.

He, however, said all private facilities must be accredited by the federal government before commencing treatments of Covid-19 patients.

Private practitioners have a big role in educating the public and protecting patients and frontline workers and by having a high index of suspicious to identify, advise and refer suspected cases to designated management facilities for testing.

Private facilities must apply to the federal ministry of health for accreditation before engaging in treatment of patients, he said.

He said private practitioners also share in the responsibility to maintain essential and emerging service at all times and ensure the safe transfer of suspected cases of COVID-19 by dialling the toll- free emergency number.
Mr. Bessa Simons, Acting President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has urged artistes to find new ways of getting in touch with their fans base in the midst of the Coronavirus.



With the ban on public gatherings due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the music industry had been hit massively especially with the cancellations of shows, festivals among others.



But the celebrated music icon in an interview with the Ghana News Agency admitted that the devastating impact of the virus on music business but encouraged artistes to be innovative ng during this turbulent period.



"We are not the only ones whose businesses have been affected, it's a big blow to us but we keep doing our best as MUSIGA to sustain our members by making them happy and relaxed during these difficult times. Artistes need to find different ways to go about their music business because the multiple sources of making income had been narrowed or disappeared,'' he said.



He lauded Shatta Wale for staging a successful virtual concert and urged musicians to follow suit or find different ways of entertain music loving fans.

Source: GNA









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Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 10

Trend:

The number of efforts which are made by Armenia to strengthen relations with Israel has greatly increased recently.

In accordance with the Armenian governments decision made in 2019, a diplomatic mission of Armenia is planned to be opened in Tel Aviv in the first half of 2020.

The opening of an embassy in Tel Aviv will not benefit the regions security in the future, Ex-ambassador of Iran to Azerbaijan Mohsen Pakayeen told Trend.

"Therefore, Iran must delicately express its attitude to the opening of the Armenian embassy in Tel Aviv and carefully evaluate the possible negative impact of this event in the region," Pakayeen said.

Armenia maintains extensive trade and economic ties with Iran - 2.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas are annually exported through the Tabriz-Meghri pipeline.

Iranian political analyst Tavakkol Lotfi told Trend that the opening of the Armenian embassy in Tel Aviv may create problems in Armenias relations with both Iran and Arab countries.

"Armenias pro-Western policy may also be assessed as a factor disturbing Russia, Lotfi added. If Armenia continues to develop ties with the US and Israel, a number of problems will arise in relations with Russia."

A number of experts said that if Armenia loses Irans support, as well as the aid of the Armenians living in various countries which is delivered through this country, then Armenia may face even more economic and social problems. If Iran reconsiders relations with Armenia and makes adjustments, Armenia will face a deep crisis.

By opening an embassy in Tel Aviv, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wants to strengthen his position as a politician capable of managing Armenia and its foreign policy, Iranian expert Elyas Vahedi said.

"Pashinyan, having no experience in governing the country, came to power with populist statements, Vahedi added. Up till now, he could not prove that he is worthy to rule Armenia, which for many years has faced incredible difficulties.

This casts doubt on the legitimacy of Pashinyans power, Vahedi added. Apparently, he thinks that by strengthening relations with Israel, he will demonstrate success, at least in diplomacy. But this, of course, will ruin relations with Iran."

Hossein Amir Abdollahian, special assistant to the speaker of the Iranian parliament for international affairs, severely criticized Armenia on March 15.

Armenias intention to open a diplomatic mission in Tel Aviv is surprising and this step will negatively affect security in the region, Abdollahian added.

It turns out that Iran is aware of Armenias two-faced and hypocritical policy, with which it traditionally maintains strategic relations. Geopolitical realities and political history testify to the fact that the relations with Iran have always been of strategic importance for Yerevan due to its isolation as a result of aggressive politics and geographical location in the region.

Therefore, Irans assistance is important from the point of view of the existence of Armenia as a state. Relations between the two countries since Armenia's independence have been developing well thanks to Irans good-neighborly policy. Armenia receives huge benefits from these relations, covering many spheres (including trade, energy, etc.).

From a geographical point of view, the neighborhood with Iran is a happy ticket for Armenia. After all, Armenias most influential patron - Russia does not border it directly. Relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan have been destroyed due to the occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts by Armenia. Armenias ties with Georgia are also weak. That is, moving away from Iran, Armenia puts itself in a difficult position.

Of course, it is still difficult to talk about Russia's immediate reaction. However, it is obvious that Moscow will not want Yerevans rapprochement with Israel and the US, having left its zone of influence.

The opening of the embassy is the contribution to the expansion of bilateral relations and protection of Armenias interests in the region, Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan said.

Armenia, which occupied 20 percent of the Azerbaijani lands and carried out ethnic cleansing on these lands, thinks that the opening of an embassy in Israel will serve to the development of relations with this country and balance Azerbaijans political and economic superiority in the South Caucasus region.

Briefly, the Armenian political elite will approve Pashinyans this step in the short term while in the long term this will lead to Armenias strategic isolation.

The uncertainty reigns in the foreign policy of aggressor country Armenia, Azerbaijani MP Elman Nasirov said. A country with a syndrome of uncertainty will sooner or later put itself into a dead end in the international politics and this is only a matter of time.

All the signs of such a situation are clearly visible in Armenia, Nasirov said. Therefore, trying to maneuver, Pashinyans government rushes in search of new patrons by turning away from old friends. So, the Armenian leadership is zealously trying to bring some warmth into the traditionally cold relations with Israel."

Iran will never forgive Armenia for its treachery, Azerbaijani political expert Bahruz Guliyev said. "If Armenia continues to make efforts to open an embassy in Tel Aviv, it will receive a powerful political and economic blow. So far, Armenia has only been warned. Otherwise, Iran will severely punish Armenia."

Taking into account Irans assistance to Armenia, regional projects between the two countries, including economic and political ones, Armenias desire to get closer to Israel testifies again that Armenia easily sacrifices friends for the sake of its own interests, Ilyas Huseynov, chief consultant of the internal policy analysis department of the Azerbaijani Social Research Center, political analyst, said.

Of course, Armenias intention to strengthen ties with Israel, that is, a state having serious political contradictions with its vital neighbor testifies to the cynical political hypocrisy.

Obviously, Armenia will fail to maintain the relations with its strategic partner - Iran and to develop the relations with Israel as an independent player.

Trend News Agency's political department
The government will allow the governors of all 47 prefectures to "strongly request" that residents avoid nightclubs, hostess bars and other busy downtown spots to prevent more coronavirus clusters from developing, officials said Saturday.

At present, Tokyo, Osaka and five other prefectures covered by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's emergency delcaration are subject to the request, which is not legally binding.

Abe voiced a need to grant that authority at a meeting on coronavirus countermeasures Saturday afternoon.

At the meeting, the government revised its basic policy on the virus so the governors of the other 40 prefectures can issue the nonbinding nightspot request in a stronger fashion.

Since the desired reduction in commuters hasn't been reached yet, Abe urged businesses to basically practice working from home.

"Should there be a need to go to work, commuters are to be reduced by at least 70 percent," Abe said. The prime minister has been calling for reducing person-to-person contact by as much as 80 percent.

While the current policy says authorities can ask the public to refrain from going out, the revision would further clarify such containment measures, though they would still likely be on a voluntary basis.

According to experts, nightclubs and hostess bars provide environments ripe for infection because customers are crammed into enclosed spaces and engage in close contact.
Its going to be hard to defeat an incumbent based on normal red and blue teams, he said.

That may be good news for vulnerable Republican senators and Democrats in the House, who have shifted from traditional campaigning to Zooming town halls with health experts and intense constituent service around small-business loans and unemployment benefits.

All told, as many as nine incumbent governors will be on the ballot in November. The Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan handicapper, rates three of the Republicans and two Democrats as solid for re-election. Three Republicans, including Mr. Sununu, are likely to retain seats. There is one open governorship, in Montana, which Cook rates a tossup (while Utahs open seat is a virtual lock to stay in Republican hands).

Mr. Coopers race in North Carolina is rated lean Democrat, the most competitive of all the incumbents contests.

His Republican opponent, Mr. Forest, is a social conservative who strongly backed a 2016 law that required people to use public bathrooms corresponding to the gender on their birth certificates. After it became a target of national ridicule and boycotts, Mr. Cooper made its repeal a top campaign issue. He narrowly defeated Gov. Pat McCrory, the only Republican governor to lose in 2016. The bathroom law, known as H.B. 2, was tossed out.

Many North Carolina voters split their tickets in 2016, voting for both Mr. Trump and Mr. Cooper because of opposition to the bathroom law or a desire to put a check on the Republican legislature. It is unknown how many of those Trump voters will stick with Mr. Cooper this year.

One of them, David Lindsay, a mortgage loan officer for a bank in Cabarrus County outside Charlotte, said he would reluctantly, most likely vote for Mr. Trump again. Im aware hes an idiot and sticks his foot in his mouth, thats no shock, he said. But I think a lot of the time he does have the United States best interest in mind. He said Joseph R. Biden Jr., the presumed Democratic nominee, seems to be stumbling and not knowing what hes talking about a lot of the time.

Mr. Lindsay, 37, was undecided about the governors race. I do think Governor Cooper has done a pretty good job since hes been in office, he said, including his handling of the coronavirus. I almost wish it would have been a little stricter. If this thing is as bad as everybody reporting it thinks, we have to nip it in the bud.
China has vowed to continue providing assistance within its capacity to help the countries in need amid the global battle against COVID-19.

President Xi Jinping made the pledge in his latest diplomatic interactions with his Venezuelan, Mexican and Argentine counterparts.

Xi held phone conversations with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Friday night.

He has also exchanged messages with Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez recently.

Speaking with Maduro, Xi said he was very concerned about the development of the pandemic in Venezuela and he noticed that Caracas has quickly adopted resolute measures to prevent the outbreak. It showed that the government is highly responsible for the people's safety and health, he said.

China will strengthen anti-epidemic cooperation with Venezuela and continue to provide help, Xi said.

Maduro said that China's support and help are especially precious for Venezuelan people who are experiencing hard times, adding that China has shown the world the spirit of solidarity and cooperation with actual deeds.

His country treasures the comprehensive strategic partnership with China and hopes to continue cooperation with China and jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, he said.

In the telephone conversation with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, Xi said China actively develops international cooperation in the fight against the pandemic, and firmly supports the World Health Organization's anti-epidemic efforts.

Beijing stands ready to strengthen coordination with the Group of 20 member countries including Mexico to implement the consensus reached at the G20 Extraordinary Leaders' Summit on COVID-19, he said.

Xi extended sincere sympathies to Mexico over the novel coronavirus outbreak and expressed resolute support for the country in the fight against the virus.

China is willing to continue to provide support to Mexico to the best of its ability, including assisting its purchase of medical supplies in the Chinese market, he said, adding that experts of both nations may also continue to share experience in epidemic prevention and control as well as diagnosis and treatment of the disease via videoconference.

The Mexican president said it's critically important that China offered valuable support and assistance to his country at a difficult time as Mexico fights the epidemic.

Mexico will remain committed to actively developing relations with China and intensify exchanges and cooperation in such fields as epidemiology and public health.

In his message to Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez, Xi said China firmly supports measures the nation has made against the outbreak, and has sent anti-epidemic supplies to Argentina.

He said China will step up bilateral exchanges and cooperation regarding the virus with Argentina and make contributions to preserving global and regional public health security.

In his message to Xi, Fernandez said he appreciated China's strong support, adding that China has demonstrated strong leadership and the ability to innovate during its COVID-19 fight, setting an example for his country.

Fernandez said China has the world's most professional epidemic prevention and control experience, from which Argentina hopes to learn. He said he believes bilateral cooperation to fight the outbreak will further deepen the friendly and mutually beneficial relationship between the two peoples.

Xi has been actively engaged in diplomatic activities through phone conversations or exchanges of messages with other world leaders since the outbreak, calling for international solidarity and cooperation to fight the pandemic.

The Foreign Ministry said the Chinese government has provided or has arranged medical assistance including surgical masks, protective gear and testing kits to 127 countries and four international organizations to combat COVID-19.

Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a daily news briefing on Friday that China sent 13 teams of medical experts to 11 countries and held over 70 videoconferences with experts from more than 150 nations and international organizations.

"Upholding the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, China has provided support and assistance to the international community to the best of its ability while continuing to curb the novel coronavirus at the domestic level," Zhao said.

He said local governments, enterprises and civil organizations in China have offered medical supplies to over 100 countries, regions and international organizations.

Zhao said 10 Chinese medical experts arrived in Kazakhstan on Thursday, and they planned to work there for 15 days.

The Red Cross Society of China, he said, has sent medical supplies to the Vatican Pharmacy to assist in the Vatican's effort to cope with the pandemic and treat patients.

At the Nigerian government's request, Chinese companies donated medical materials to the country and set up a medical team to assist it in combating the disease, he said.

As of Wednesday, 58 countries and regions and four international organizations had signed commercial contracts with Chinese enterprises to purchase medical supplies, Zhao said. From March 1 to April 4, China exported 10.2 billion yuan ($1.45 billion) in major epidemic prevention materials.
Fears over the Covid variant meant that, from late November, all travellers arriving in the UK were required to take a lateral flow test before flying and self-isolate until they received a negative result from a post-arrival PCR test. This led to many people scrapping their travel plans over the festive period - which is typically one of the busiest times of the year outside summer for international travel from Britain. A total of 19.4 million people travelled through Heathrow across the whole of last year - less than a quarter of the pre-pandemic level in 2019, and 12.3% down on 2020. Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye said: 'There are currently travel restrictions, such as testing, on all Heathrow routes. The aviation industry will only fully recover when these are all lifted and there is no risk that they will be reimposed at short notice, a situation which is likely to be years away.' Several overseas destinations - including France and Germany - had brought in their own restrictions late last year, effectively rendering the possibility of a holiday within their territory impossible amid the outbreak of Omicron. Ms Streeter added: 'Mass vaccination programmes failed to have the desired effect in 2021, in bringing the rebound in travel there had been such high hopes for this time last year. The web of rules and regulations which was spun across different countries and regions and swept away, and then spun again as new variants emerged, clearly led to a drop in confidence in the travelling public.' Pictured: Heathrow in December.
Pakistan is set to receive more medical supplies from its all-weather ally China to fight the coronavirus outbreak in the country where the COVID-19 cases have sharply increased to 4,892 and death toll reached 71, officials said on Saturday.

The Ministry of National Health Services reported that five patients died of coronavirus in the last 24 hours.

The total number of cases on Saturday rose to 4,892 with more than 294 fresh infections. The death toll from COVID-19 has reached 71. As many as 762 have recovered while 50 were in critical condition, it said.

According to the data, the worst-hit Punjab province reported 2,336 COVID-19 patients, Sindh 1,318, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 656, Balochistan 220, Gilgit-Baltistan 215, Islamabad 113 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) 34.

At least 61 doctors and paramedics at a major healthcare centre in PoK's Muzaffarabad were placed in quarantine after a 65-year-old asymptomatic patient being treated there for some other chronic ailments tested positive.

"I can confirm you that 29 physicians and 32 other staffers are being quarantined immediately," a senior official was quoted as saying by Dawn.

Meanwhile, China is providing more medical supplies to Pakistan to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

A special plane of Pakistan International Airline (PIA) will arrive from China later Saturday with more medical supplies. It is the second plane to arrive in two days, said Naghmana Hashmi, Pakistan's Ambassador to China.

"PIA special plane with 50 donated ventilators, equip & PPEs (personal protective equipment) left Chengdu for Islamabad today. One plane of relief goods from Beijing went yesterday," she tweeted.

Earlier on March 27, the Khunjerab pass between Pakistan and China was opened for a day to receive Chinese medical supplies.

Pakistan and China describe their relations as all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and have firmly supported each other on issues concerning each other's core interests.

Authorities in Pakistan have so far conducted 57,836 tests, including 2,457 in the last one day.

The official data showed that 52 per cent patients were those who had travelled abroad while 48 per cent were local transmissions.

So far Lahore with 21 per cent share of total infections is on the top as the most infected city in Pakistan, followed by Karachi with 18 per cent infections.

But a Sindh health official expressed concern on Friday that Karachi was vulnerable due to its dense population and increase in the rare of local transmission.

Three districts out of six of the metropolis have over 100 cases each, with the East District having 185 positive cases, Central District 144 and the South District 135 cases.

Pakistan Medical Association's Karachi chapter general secretary, Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, said residents in poor localities are roaming, posing a serious threat to them and others.

I believe there would be far more cases in other areas, such as Keamari, Lyari, Korangi and Orangi Town, he said.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday chaired a meeting with officials to discuss ways to bring back about 40,000 Pakistanis stranded in various countries.

Pakistan is making frantic efforts to tackle the pandemic.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has warned the people to follow official guidelines on self-isolation or the virus would spread further.

The National Command and Operation Centre on COVID-19 on Friday directed all provincial governments to reopen their airports to avoid chaos in the federal capital. Since the provincial governments closed their airports in the wake of the pandemic, all flights bringing Pakistanis from abroad were landing at Islamabad international Airport, Dawn reported.

Citing Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Hamza Shafqaat, the paper said that the National Command and Operation Centre had issued an order to all the provinces to reopen their airports so that Pakistanis coming back to the country could be distributed among them.

The airports in the provinces will reopen by April 13, the DC said, adding there was no flight arriving in the capital on April 10 and 12. However, three flights are scheduled to land in the capital on April 11 with 200 passengers.

The government has re-imposed a ban on the export of all anti-malaria drugs, four days after withdrawing the ban on the export of these drugs.

The ban that has been imposed with immediate effect will remain in place until further decision of the National Coordination Committee on COVID-19, according to the commerce ministry on Friday.

The demand for export of anti-malaria drugs especially hydroxychloroquine gained importance after US President Donald Trump claimed that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved the use of "very powerful drug Chloroquine to treat coronavirus patients.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Coronavirus fears are creating new ways for scammers to exploit residents, New Jersey officials say, especially when it comes to the $2 trillion in stimulus funds Congress is pumping into the economy.

Although money from the federal government should automatically arrive for many taxpayers, scammers are telling residents they need to register for that assistance as a way to steal personal information, authorities said.

New Jersey residents need the financial relief thats coming to them, state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal said in a statement issued Friday. We want you to be able to spot a scam, so that the check youre expecting from the government doesnt turn into a blank check from you to a thief.

Nationwide, people have already lost almost $12 million due to a variety of COVID-19 fraud, according to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. The agency has logged more than 15,000 complaints, including hundreds from New Jersey.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Businesses that are open | Homepage

Residents have also reported messages purporting to be from the U.S. Small Business Association, according to Grewals office. The government isnt going to call you to ask for your Social Security number in order to receive help, officials stressed, and residents should never click on links in unsolicited emails.

If you receive a message supposedly from a government agency, look up that agencys phone number to call and verify it, authorities said. Thieves are texting and emailing with fake links to trick residents into surrendering credit card numbers.

Scammers are following news headlines to craft official-looking communications to convince consumers to grant them access to personal information, putting them at risk for identity theft, Paul Rodriguez, acting consumer affairs director, said in a statement.

People should also be wary of messages from relatives begging for money (residents should first call that relative to see if theyre ok), charities demanding donations (always research them on sites like Guidestar) or travel insurance companies promoting coronavirus-related refunds (New Jerseys consumer affairs office published refund advice online).

Complaints can be filed with the state. Victims of coronavirus-related fraud can call the National Center for Disaster Frauds hotline at 866-720-5721.

Reporting scams helps investigators zero in on the worst criminals, an FBI agent stressed last month.

Grewals office previously joined a task force with other state and federal officials to investigate COVID-19 fraud.

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.

Blake Nelson can be reached at bnelson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BCunninghamN.
Russia airlifts 228 tourists trapped in Phuket

PHUKET: The official closure of Phuket International Airport on April 10 did not prevent Russia from airlifting 228 of its citizens trapped on the island due to COVID-19.

COVID-19Russiantourismtransport

By Anton Makhrov

Saturday 11 April 2020, 02:33PM

An Airbus (same as pictured) with 228 Russians left Phuket on Apr 10. The date of the next airlift is yet to be revealed. Photo: Fedor Leukhin

The first airlift after the airports closure was performed by Aeroflot, Russias flag carrier in civil aviation, on April 10.

An Airbus A330-300 plane was sent to the Southern resort province of Thailand and left the island at 3.20pm. Ten hours later the plane landed in St. Petersburg and after disembarking some of the passengers headed further to Moscow.

Aeroflots first flight to the island after the closure of Phuket International Airport airlifted some 228 Russians, including two infants, St. Petersburg airports press service said.

As of Mar 30, around 20,800 Russians had applied to their Embassy saying they need assistance in returning to their home country from Thailand. Some 8,000 applications had been filed from Phuket, Russian Ambassador to Thailand Evgeny Tomikhin said at the moment.

It is unclear how many Russian nationals are still staying in Phuket waiting for further airlifts which are yet to be announced.

As of April 11, four more flights to Russia have been confirmed with all of them are scheduled to depart from Bangkoks Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The Embassy advises Russian tourists to check for updates on its website and Facebook page.

Russias Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) explained earlier this week, that only Russian nationals who left Russia after Jan 1, 2020 can apply for airlifts back home. Another mandatory requirement is to register through www.gosuslugi.ru, an official website for Russians to get various government services.

Rosaviatsiya clearly stated that airlifts should not be perceived as a free transportation service. Those who dont have any return tickets to Russia or have canceled tickets issued by non-Russian air carriers have to pay a fee of 200 to 400 euro. Yet those with tickets issued by Russian carriers fly for free with the companies later settling the financial matters themselves.

Also there are limits on the number of arrivals Russian airports can accept per day. The limit for Moscows main gateway Sheremetyevo has been set at 400 people, the limit for all other cities has been set at 200 people.

A typical Airbus A330-300, normally used on all Aerflot flights from Thailand to Moscow, has 300 seats.
Minister for Health Simon Harris during a press conference at the Department of Health in Dublin to speak about mental health supports during the Covid-19 outbreak. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

HEALTH Minister Simon Harris has said the coronavirus restrictions can start to be lifted once the rate of transmission slows.

A day after the restrictions were extended by three weeks, Mr Harris offered fresh hope that some measures can be loosened once the reproduction rate of the virus - the R0 - falls below one.

An R0 of less than one suggests that, on average, an infected person is passing the virus on to less than one other person. If this is maintained, the virus will eventually die out.

Key to reducing the transmission rate is reducing the number of people coming into contact with infected cases and Mr Harris identified R0, which currently stands at about 1 in Ireland, as the key indicator for when restrictions can start to be loosened.

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So the closer you can get that to zero, and the more the virus is suppressed, that means the more you freed up your ICU capacity, Mr Harris said.

And it does mean that if you did see an increase, which inevitably you're going to when you lift your restrictions, you'd have the capacity within your ICU, within your hospitals, within your general practice, within your testing system.

Mr Harris said there is no manual for which restrictions would be lifted first and that the Government would observe how the partial lifting of restrictions in some European countries works in the coming weeks.

Some shops will open in Austria next week, while Denmark will partially reopen schools. We will have the benefit of being able to watch kind of what others are doing, Mr Harris said.

Mr Harris said the loosening of restrictions would involve a blended mix of measures and would not be a case of start where the restrictions were first introduced.

When we do it well have to be honest with people that we're going to do it, we're going to monitor it very carefully and if it doesn't work, we're going to have to revert, he said.

Mr Harris said he hoped the backlog of testing will clear next week. He said Ireland has more testing capacity than most other EU countries and testing per head of population is the fifth highest in the EU.

"Between 25,000 to 35,000 tests have been sent to Germany. It is our hope and expectation that any backlog will be cleared by next week," he said.

Mr Harris was speaking at an event in the Department of Health to raise awareness of the mental health supports and resources available to people who may be struggling under the current restrictions.

"The difficulty for everyone in this country is that we are not going back to normal life in May, he said.

"It is going to be a new normal. I don't want to worry or upset people but we need to work as a people to get to a better place.

"I'm concerned with the toll of restrictions on people's mental health. It is not normal that you can't go out and about or that you can't visit your family in Easter Sunday. These are abnormal things that we are asking people to do and it sucks and it is challenging."
As the numbers of new cornavirus cases and COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization accelerate towards what state officials expect will be a peak within the next 10 days or so, Gov. Charlie Baker said Friday that Massachusetts hospitals are currently at roughly 55 percent capacity.

Gov. Charlie Baker said Friday that data from recent days suggest that the peak of COVID-19 hospitalizations will come closer to April 20, the end of the 10-day window he has said will be a critical period for the health care system.

In a press conference in which he was at times emotional and clearly frustrated, the governor put a finer level of detail on information about the number of hospital beds already filled and those available to handle the upcoming surge of COVID-19 patients, which he said should be the main focus of everyone in the state.

We are about to have a very difficult couple of weeks here in Massachusetts, and it could be three weeks and it could be four depending upon how this whole thing plays out. People have put a ton of work into preparing for this so that we do everything we can to make sure that not only are we able to serve the people who are going to be dealing with COVID-19, but we are able to make sure our health care system can continue to take care of the people who have the incidents and the illnesses and the heart attacks and everything else that happened every single day in Massachusetts, Baker said.

Our goal is to make sure that we get we get enough capacity in place that we can continue to do the things weve always done on behalf of people when they needed it, and take care of people who are dealing with COVID as part of the surge. Thats our focus. That should be our focus and that should be what people in Massachusetts are thinking about," he said.

Baker and state officials have said their modeling projects the surge would arrive sometime between April 10 and April 20. On Friday, the governor said data from recent days suggest the peak might be closer to April 20. He said the model projects that the virus will result in 2,500 new cases a day at its peak. Shortly after the governors press conference ended, Massachusetts reported 2,033 new cases after reporting 2,151 new cases Thursday.

If we do not see a flattening in the daily cases and in new hospitalizations, we may need to make some adjustments in our planning and we will, Baker said. At this time we see evidence were still on the upward slope of this pandemic.

Before the coronavirus pandemic, Massachusetts had about 11,000 hospital beds that could be used to treat coronavirus patients, Baker said, roughly 9,400 acute care beds and another 1,500 intensive care unit beds.Through planning in preparation for a surge of COVID-19 patients, hospitals have been able to add 2,500 beds -- 1,300 acute care beds and 1,200 ICU beds -- and the state has created 1,000 more beds at field hospitals at the DCU Center in Worcester, Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, and elsewhere.That puts Massachusetts at a total of 13,400 beds after implementing surge planning at hospitals and establishing field hospitals -- 10,700 acute care beds and 2,700 ICU beds.

To put a finer point on it, our current models have suggested that Massachusetts should have a target of 2,700 ICU beds available, with approximately 2,200 available for COVID missions, Baker said. Well continue to expand this capacity with our hospitals if necessary as we move forward.

Hospitals have reported to the administration that 8,100 beds are currently occupied, either by COVID-19 patients or patients being treated for something else. The great majority of patients, 7,300, are in acute care beds, according to a chart provided by the Baker administration.

That means we have about 6,400 available hospital beds for both ICU and acute care. Thats roughly 45 percent of the total number of beds, Baker said. Thanks to everything we are all doing to stay home, practice good hygiene and the incredible work of our medical community, capacity is manageable right now. But what were seeing in the models predicts a big increase in cases in the weeks ahead. And that means our health care system will be stretched like never before.

Bakers office also released a chart Friday showing the breakdown of hospital bed capacity and availability by region. He said the COVID-19 Command Center is monitoring how many beds remain available in each corner of the state.

If theres a surge or a hotspot in one region, well have a plan in place to utilize hospital space or transport patients if we need to, depending on the level of care they require, he said.

The projections Baker spoke of were in keeping with comments made earlier Friday afternoon by a White House official.

We still see cases occurring in the Boston area and in Chicago but their rate of increase seems to be stabilizing, the White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx said.

Applauding efforts in California, Oregon and Washington state, Birx said there are encouraging signs in the national numbers but as encouraging as they are we have not reached the peak and so every day we need to continue to do what we did yesterday, and the week before, and the week before that because thats what in the end is going to take us up across the peak and down the other side.

In addition to hospital bed capacity, the governor and his team have also been chasing more and more of the personal protective gear that is so critical to keeping doctors, nurses, EMTs and other first responders safe.

Since the start of the pandemic, Baker said his administration has made over 1,100 deliveries of over 2.6 million pieces of PPE to health care facilities, first responders and municipalities.

And well keep working to get more into the hands of those on the frontline that need it most, he said.

At Fridays briefing, President Donald Trump said the Department of Defense would be providing the national stockpile with 10 million N95 masks that they had and claimed that PPE is no longer a dire issue.

Were in great shape in every way. Were in great shape with ventilators. Were in great shape with protective clothing. We have additional planeloads coming in but were not getting any calls from governors at this moment, Trump said. Were getting very few calls from governors or anybody else needing anything. Theyre in great shape for this surge thats coming in certain areas in particular.

Baker, about half an hour later, said that PPE remains a challenge nationwide.

Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders said Friday that the state has distributed 109 ventilators -- 100 from the federal stockpile, four from a company and five from Boston Childrens Hospital -- and that the state received another shipment from the federal stockpile. She said that allotment -- she did not specify how many ventilators arrived -- is being tested and will be distributed Saturday.

In addition, we were informed last evening that the governors advocacy on behalf of the commonwealth has been successful and that we are to receive another 200 sometime next week, Sudders said.

The governor also announced that DPH will issue an advisory Friday recommending that people wear a mask or face covering when not in their homes and when social distancing is not possible. He said people should especially wear masks at grocery stores and pharmacies.

"This protects you from others and protects others from you," Baker said. It works both ways.

Michael P. Norton contributed reporting

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The death toll in the United States surpassed that of Spain on Friday, with more than 18,400 fatalities recorded. For the first time, the daily death toll exceeded 2,000. Over the past three weeks, 16.8 million Americans have filed for jobless claims in the largest and fastest wave of job cuts on record.

Workers who have been laid off or furloughed are facing the very real prospect of hunger. With supermarket shelves emptied of staples and cupboards increasingly bare, people are lining up in record numbers at food pantries across the country.

Boxes of food are distributed by the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, at a drive thru distribution in downtown Pittsburgh, 10 April, 2020 [Credit: AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar]

In San Antonio, Texas on Thursday, traffic stretched for over five miles as cars lined up for a food distribution organized by the San Antonio Food Bank at Traders Village. Six thousand converged for the giveaway, with some arriving over 12 hours early to make sure they received food.

Four hundred volunteers gave out 200 pounds of food per car, including fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen chicken and pork, and Easter candy. We have to do this to survive, Albert St. Clair told NEWS4SA.

On Facebook, organizers posted the comments of one of those who came. Since the coronavirus hit, it is hard to find food, Ms. Honore said. Seniors need to eat too. The food is scarce and its getting more expensive.

Charitable food distribution organizations are being overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The current outbreak, aside from directly threatening the lives of those who contract the virus, is rapidly impoverishing many hundreds of thousands if not millions of people. At the same time, shortages of manpower and logistical challenges are overwhelming the ability of food distribution organizations to provide assistance. There is a serious danger of a dramatic reduction of access to food and levels of hunger not seen since the Great Depression.

Also on Thursday, hundreds of Los Angeles residents lined up for free food handed out by the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Several tons of shelf-stable food, frozen meat and fresh fruit were distributed to families impacted by the citys collapsing economy, mass layoffs and reductions in work hours. The food bank says the distribution will be enough to keep families going for a few days but is uncertain what resources will be available in the future.

On March 30, hundreds of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania -area residents waited for hours, beginning at 7 a.m., in a mile-long lineup of cars to receive two boxes of food being given out by the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Aerial footage was shot showing hundreds of cars waiting in line to access food bank supplies in the city. Pittsburgh has seen food bank usage increase by 543 percent in recent days.

Chronic hunger, exacerbated by the pandemic, has been a decades-long problem for the American working class. In 2019, the US Department of Agriculture reported that more than 37 million peopleover 10 percent of the populationfaced difficulty obtaining enough food. Those most likely to face hunger were households with children, with an estimated 11 million children classified as food insecure.

The scourge of hunger is felt in every geographical region, though it is especially acute in the South, the Deep South, the Southwest and Alaska, compounded by state governments with onerous restrictions on who can receive aid.

In Palm Beach, Florida, a four-minute drive from President Trumps private Mar-a-Lago resort, the kitchen staff at Howleys Restaurant have been cooking free meals for the thousands of workers from Palm Beachs closed restaurants and resorts. Rodney Mayo, whose 17-location Subculture restaurant group owns Howleys, started handing out brown-bag lunches and dinners from the diners parking lot on March 21, having had to lay off 650 workers the day before. The restaurant group gave away 15,000 meals in the first 10 days.

Hillary Gale, spokeswoman for Feeding South Florida, said in a statement, Normally we serve around 706,000 food-insecure folks throughout the quad-county [from Palm Beach to Monroe counties] and we are seeing a 600 percent increase due to COVID-19.

At least 100,000 people have filed for unemployment in Alabama since the pandemic began. The Food Bank of North Alabama reports that three times the normal number of people are getting food from the organization.

Shirley Schofield, executive director of the food bank, told local media, We have spent about $130,000 just on food alone. That doesnt count any of the fuel of the trucks or the people to distribute the food. Thats just in the past few weeks. Normally it would take us six months, or a quarter of a year, to spend that money.

The tens of millions of families that rely on food banks and other charitable organizations to bridge the gap are now faced with reduced access to one of their only lifelines. While food banks and similar programs are reporting an average increase in usage of 40 percent, the need has grown far greater in some areas.

Problems related to the sudden surge in demand are being compounded by a host of other difficulties arising from the pandemic, including increased retail purchases of non-perishable foods, which normally make up the bulk of food assistance. Shelves are bare in stores that previously donated excess products to food pantries.

The ramped-up demand at supermarkets has also resulted in food manufacturers reducing their donations to hunger relief organizations. As a result, pantries have been forced to increase direct purchases of food, draining their budgets while they wait for supplies from the Emergency Food Assistance Program, which received a funding increase from two recent federal rescue packages.

Another problem hindering food distribution organizations, like the countrys hospital and transportation sectors, is a critical lack of manpower. Finding enough volunteers to staff food banks and other programs is becoming increasingly difficult due to safety measures and increased need.

The highly contagious COVID-19 virus has forced operations to adopt social distancing measures, thereby changing how food is distributed. Instead of clients entering food banks to select items themselves, many of those seeking relief must now drive up to the distribution point with their trunks open, resulting in hundreds of cars waiting in line for hours.

This, in turn, requires traffic control and the sourcing of new sites suitable for such an operation. Staff must also pre-assemble the boxes to minimize human interactions and ensure social distancing, which takes time and labor.

At the same time, staffing levels are down overall due to illness, unemployment, insufficient personal safety equipment and a sudden lack of childcare as schools are closed. In Pittsburgh and other locations, including Louisiana, some food kitchens are now relying on the National Guard to continue providing services. In other areas such as Central Florida, dozens of feeding programs have been shut down due to a shortage of manpower.

Feeding America, a private network that operates 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs across the US, estimates that $1.4 billion will be needed to feed Americas hungry during the coronavirus pandemic. Should the state shutdowns last for months, the need for food assistance will rise.

Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America network, recently appeared on Fox News to appeal for donors, stating, I have never had an awareness of anything so jarring, so replete with challenges as what the charitable food system is facing right now, and thats because of what it means for people who are facing hunger The people who are showing up, so many of them, are people who have never needed us before People who never dreamt they would need the charitable food system to feed themselves and their family are showing up.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos announced last week that he would be donating $100,000 to Feeding America. This paltry sum is an insult to both Americas hungry and the nations grocery and delivery workers, who are risking their lives working with little protection during the pandemic.

Bezos, with a net worth $117.2 billion at last count, has treated his own employees at Amazon and Whole Foods with contempt, forcing them to work with little protective equipment alongside coworkers who have tested positive for COVID-19. Testing has been denied. Amazon workers have joined Instacart and other delivery workers in walkouts to protest these unsafe conditions.

Snapshots of food banks across the country give an indication of the extreme need facing families:

In Maine, the Good Shepherd Food Bank helps supply 450 partner food pantries across the state, serving about 178,000 people a year. Since the COVID-19 crisis, need has doubled, but donations are down 70 percent.

In the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area, the Hunger Task Force has instructed food pantries to reduce how much they provide. Beginning in March, pantries were encouraged to provide customers with two weeks of food. That is now down to 35 days a month.

In Omaha, Nebraska, donations for March to the Food Bank for the Heartland dropped by nearly half. The food bank, which typically purchases $73,000 of food in a month, has spent $675,000 in the past four weeks.

In Seattle, Washington, where the outbreak in the US began, independent food bank Northwest Harvest estimates that Washington state has gone from 800,000 people struggling with hunger to 1.6 million since the crisis began.

In New York City, the current global epicenter of the pandemic, a little over a month since the first case of COVID-19 was detected, Hunger Free America says that about one-third of the citys food pantries and soup kitchens have closed. City Harvest reports that 74 of the 400 soup kitchens, food pantries and other food programs across New Yorks five boroughs have shut down, due either to precautionary measures or a lack of staffing, as volunteers stay home for fear of contracting the coronavirus.
Delhi High Court has dismissed the bail plea of one person, who was arrested in connection with the violence that took place in north-east Delhi in February this year.

Justice Mukta Gupta, hearing the matter through video conferencing, dismissed the bail plea of Shadab Alam observing that investigation is at a crucial stage after Dayal Pur SHO apprised the court that the video footage has been preserved and is yet to be examined.

"Since the investigation is going on and the persons who were present at the spot are required to be ascertained by scientific evidence and even if found that the petitioner is part of the unlawful assembly even though he may not have individually torched any vehicle or the shops he would be liable for the offenses, at this stage this Court finds no ground to grant bail to the petitioner (Alam)," the court said.

Alam was seeking bail in a case registered at Dayalpur police station for offenses punishable under various charges dealing with rioting and unlawful assembly of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984 (PDPP Act).

According to police, Alam was part of unlawful assembly which torched vehicles and shops.

However, Alam's counsel said that Section 3 of the PDPP Act has been wrongly invoked for the reason even as per the FIR and the recoveries made, the scooty, motorbikes, and the car allegedly burnt were not "public property" in terms of Section 2(b) of the PDPP Act as the same do not belong to the Government or any other authority controlled by the government.

The defence counsel also said that in any case, there is no witness or no CCTV footage showing that the Alam was the one who set on fire the vehicles or the shops.

Opposing the bail, the police countered that even if the motorcycles or car do not fall in a dwelling unit, by burning shops in the area, the petitioner and co-accused have been found to be involved in an offence under Section 436 IPC (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy the house, etc) which is punishable up to ten years of imprisonment and since the investigation is still going on, no bail be granted to the petitioner at this stage.

During the course of arguments, the court also noted a mystery surrounding the arrest of the petitioner and co-accused which was further fortified by the nature of injuries received by the petitioner Alam as would be investigated in the course of events.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
DHAKA, Bangladesh - Authorities in Bangladesh have executed a killer of the countrys independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, nearly 45 years after the brutal assassination, a prison official said.

Abdul Majed, a former military captain, was hanged at the central jail at Keraniganj near the capital, Dhaka, just one minute past Saturday midnight, said Inspector General of Prisons Brig. Gen. A.K.M. Mustafa Kamal Pasha.

He was arrested in Dhaka on Tuesday, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said, adding that the arrest was the biggest gift for Bangladesh this year.

Majed had publicly announced his involvement in the assassination and had reportedly been hiding in India for many years. He recently returned to Bangladesh.

The execution took place after President M Abdul Hamid rejected a clemency filed by Majed, seeking mercy. His wife and other family members visited him for last time on Saturday.

Majed is one of a dozen defendants whose death sentences were upheld by the countrys Supreme Court in 2009. A trial court in 1998 had sentenced them to death for their involvement in the Aug. 15, 1975, killing of Rahman and most of his family members by a group of army officials.

Rahman was the father of current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana were the only survivors in the family, as they were visiting Germany during the assassination.

After the assassination, subsequent governments and later President Ziaur Rahman awarded the killers by posting them mostly in Bangladeshs diplomatic missions abroad. Majed was posted as Bangladeshs ambassador to Senegal in 1980. Rahman  an ex-army chief and the husband of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, an archrival of Hasina  was killed in a military coup in 1981. Ziaur Rahman and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were not related.

In 2010, five others who admitted to taking part in the assassination were hanged. One man died of natural causes in Zimbabwe. The other six convicts, including Majed, were at large. At least one of them is in Canada and another in the United States, officials say.

Bangladesh became independent in 1971 through a nine-month war against what was then West Pakistan, now Pakistan, under the leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He was kept in jail in Pakistan during the war and was freed in 1972 amid a global outcry when he returned to newly born Bangladesh via London and India.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 11

Trend:



Turkmenistan will hold a digital exhibition of its export-oriented goods, Trend reports with reference to Turkmenistan Today State News Agency.



This exhibition will present information on enterprises, organizations, goods and services of Turkmenistans export products. The exhibition will also reportedly support small and medium-sized businesses.



The exhibition will be developed in coordination with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan.

President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was informed about this project at a meeting held on April 10, 2020. Berdimuhamedov highlighted that such work will expand the country's number of foreign partners.

Based on modern technologies Turkmenistan produces high-quality textile products from natural cotton and silk fabrics, as well as handmade carpets.

The president highlighted the importance of advertising and information support in this area and said that such support should also be provided at the exhibition of export goods of Turkmenistan.
The peculiar nature of the pandemic is that the virus is, while all too real, invisible to the naked eye and all pervasive. Covid-19 has formed itself into the structure of reality: a disease everywhere and nowhere, imprecisely known and, as yet, untreatable. And most of us have the feeling of having been swimming in a sea of virus for many weeks now, possibly months. But perhaps beneath the trembling of fear lies a deeper anxiety, the anxiety of our mortality, our being pulled toward death. And this is what we might try to seize hold of, as a condition of our freedom.

It is vitally important, I think, to accept and affirm anxiety and not hide away, flee or evade it, or seek to explain anxiety in relation to some object or cause. Such anxiety is not just a disorder that needs to be treated, let alone medicated into numbness. It needs to be acknowledged, shaped and honed into an vehicle of liberation. Im not saying this is easy. But we can try to transform the basic mood of anxiety from something crippling into something enabling and capable of courage.

Most of us, most of the time, are encouraged by what passes as normality to live in a counterfeit eternity. We imagine that life will go on and death is something that happens to others. Death is reduced to what Heidegger calls a social inconvenience or downright tactlessness. The consolation of philosophy in this instance consists in pulling away from the death-denying habits of normal life and facing the anxiety of the situation with a cleareyed courage and sober realism. It is a question of passionately enacting that fact as a basis for a shared response, because finitude is relational: It is not just a question of my death, but the deaths of others, those we care about, near and far, friends and strangers.

A few weeks ago I found myself talking blithely about plague literature: Boccaccios Decameron, Defoes A Journal of the Plague Year, Camus The Plague. I thought I was clever until I realized a lot of other people were saying the exact same things. In truth, the thinker I have been most deeply drawn back to is the brilliant 17th century French mathematician and theologian Blaise Pascal, in particular his Pensees.

Pascal writes of the inability to sit quietly alone in a room as the source of all humanitys problems; of inconstancy, boredom and anxiety as defining traits of the human condition; of the machinelike power of habit and the gnawing noise of human pride. But most of all, it is Pascals thought that the human being is a reed, the weakest of nature, that can be wiped away by a vapor  or an airborne droplet  that grips me.

Human beings are wretched, Pascal reminds us. We are weak, fragile, vulnerable, dependent creatures. But  and this is the vital twist  our wretchedness is our greatness. The universe can crush us, a little virus can destroy us. But the universe knows none of this, and the virus does not care. We, by contrast, know that we are mortal. And our dignity consists in this thought. Let us strive, Pascal says, to think well. That is the principle of morality. I see this emphasis on human fragility, weakness, vulnerability, dependence and wretchedness as the opposite of morbidity and any fatuous pessimism. It is the key to our greatness. Our weakness is our strength.

Simon Critchley is a professor of philosophy at the New School for Social Research and the author of several books, including, most recently, Tragedy, the Greeks, and Us. He is the moderator of The Stone.

AUDIO: Can philosophy help us navigate this moment that is marked by anxiety, fear and grief? Listen to The Stones editor Peter Catapano and the philosopher Simon Critchley discuss the pandemic and answer questions from readers.
A US doctor's dance videos posted on social media have proven just the right medicine for hundreds of thousands of people, including health care workers, who are cheering him on for lifting their spirits during the coronavirus pandemic. Dubbed "Tik Tok Doc" after the popular short-form video app, Dr. Jason Campbell has taken the Internet by storm with clips featuring him and colleagues doing the "corona foot shake," "the cha-cha slide" and other dance moves. The 31-year-old anesthesia resident physician at Oregon Health & Science University Hospital told AFP he has been overwhelmed by the positive response, including from health care workers in New York, the country's epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. "When you're in medicine, you see a lot of serious, sad things all the time," Campbell said. "And so we too need a way to remain human, stay sane and a chance to just smile or laugh, even if it's just five minutes out of a 12-hour day." Campbell said he initially began posting the videos to encourage teens, especially African-American youths, to pursue their dreams and know that they too could become physicians. The clips, however, quickly went viral, resonating with a much wider audience clearly in need of cheering up during these dark times. His "corona foot shake" video alone has been watched four million times. "I got a message today (Friday) from someone who said his wife was a cardiologist working with COVID-19 response teams and found the videos so refreshing," Campbell said. Another message came from a lung cancer patient who thanked him for making his quarantine more bearable. "The overwhelming response has been, 'Hey, I work in New York City and I love seeing your video after my long day,'" Campbell said. "Others say, 'Hey, my family member has the virus and we watch these videos together while they recover.'" Campbell said fellow doctors and nurses at the hospital in Portland were initially reluctant to appear in the videos, but after seeing the positive reactions have joined in the fun. Hospital officials have applauded the initiative. "Dr. Campbell's energy and charisma is infectious," said Dr. Renee Edwards, the hospital's chief medical officer. "A skilled physician, he's found a unique way to incorporate the power of positivity into his daily work, helping to lift the spirits of patients and co-workers alike." The videos have been hailed by the state's governor and even caught the attention of popular recording artist Janet Jackson, who retweeted one of the doctor's TikToks. Campbell, who has posted about a dozen videos since the beginning of March, said his next dance routine, currently being rehearsed, was in response to a special request from his co-workers' kids. "It's going to be a slow-motion challenge with one of my colleague's daughter," he said. "It's multiple moves where you go slow at first then speed it up back to real time." As for his plans once the pandemic is over, Campbell said he has no intention of stopping his dancing. "The focus will remain on connecting with the black youth," he said. "And working to enhance diversity in medicine long-term."
Amid a spurt in ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, a senior Army officer on Saturday met Lt Governor G C Murmu here and discussed with him the prevailing security situation in the Union Territory, an official spokesperson said.

General Officer Commanding (GOC), 26 Infantry Division, Major General Vijay B Nair called on Murmu at the Raj Bhavan and briefed him about the security situation in his area of responsibility, he said.

"The Lt Governor and the GOC discussed various important issues relating to the overall security environment in the Union Territory," he added.

Pakistani troops violated ceasefire for the fifth consecutive day on Friday by shelling mortars along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district. The Indian Army has been retailiating effectively to firing from across the border, according to officials.

The Army on Friday said it had inflicted heavy damage on Pakistani army's gun areas and terrorist launchpads after unprovoked ceasefire violation by the "enemy side" in two areas along the LoC.

The GOC also extended support of the Army to the administration in its efforts to combat COVID-19, the spokesperson said.

Jammu and Kashmir has reported 224 COVID-19 cases and four deaths due to the disease so far, according to official data.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
2 more persons have been added to the death toll in Ghana's confirmed Coronavirus cases.



This was confirmed by the Ghana Health Service on its official COVID-19 update page.



In addition, they confirmed the country's case count now is now at 408, this including 4 recoveries and 2 moderate to severe cases.



These are the details as put on the Ghana Health service page:



As of 10 April 2020, 23:00 HRS, a total of 27,346 persons have been tested with 408 being positive for COVID-19. The breakdown of the 408 positive cases are as follows: four (4) have been treated, discharged and have tested negative, 394 cases have been categorised as mild disease on treatment, two (2) moderate to severe cases, none currently on ventilators and eight (8) have died.



Of the 408 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 205 were reported from the routine surveillance, 88 from enhanced surveillance activities and 115 from travellers under mandatory quarantine in both Accra and Tamale.



Regions that have reported cases are Greater Accra, Ashanti, Central, Eastern, Northern, North East, Upper East and Upper West regions.



This shows a total of 30 new additional cases after the last 378 count on Thursday, April 9, 2020 as announced by President Akufo-Addo.



Ghana Extends Lockdown For One More Week



Restriction of movement in Greater Accra, Kumasi and Kasoa has been extended for one more week.



This was announced by President Akufo-Addo during his 6th address to the nation on the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday, April 9.



A 14-day restriction was imposed with the aim of controlling the spread of the novel Coronavirus and according to the President, "it is important that we stay the course".

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.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 23:32:05|Editor: huaxia

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DAR ES SALAAM, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian police said on Saturday they have arrested a female university student after she had claimed through social media that the east African nation has 230 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and four deaths.

Deborah Magiligimba, Shinyanga regional police commander, identified the suspect as 23-year-old Mariamu Jumanne Sanane, a third-year Kiswahili language student at the University of Dar es Salaam.

Magiligimba said Sanane was arrested on Friday night at the Mwadui diamond mining premises after cybercrime police had traced her with the phone she used in spreading the false information

"By inflating the number of COVID-19 cases through social media, the student could have caused panic to the general public," said Magiligimba.

By Friday afternoon, Tanzania had a total of 32 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with three deaths.

On Monday, police they were holding one man in Kilimanjaro region for allegedly spreading false information on the COVID-19 pandemic on social media.

The arrest of the university student brought to four the total number of people arrested in Tanzania for spreading false information on the viral disease.

On March 21, Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa warned people against issuing of misleading statements about the COVID-19 pandemic through social media saying the perpetrators will face the music.
One concern doctors and medical workers across the world have while they fight coronavirus is the quantity and quality of medical equipment like Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits provided by the government.

You might have seen various videos of doctors pleading with the government to provide them with PPE kits and masks however one doctor took a more, ahem, 'seductive' approach. Here's the male nurse from Seattle, Washington, US, who's making waves online.

Twitter

He posted a video of himself trying to seduce the government and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for appropriate PPE and hazard pay.

Henry Tieu is a wedding and adventure elopement photographer by day and an emergency resident nurse by night. In the video, he can be seen dancing with medical equipment at a hospital. He hangs a COVID-19 sign by the door. He gracefully and purposefully slides and stretches on equipment to garner attention creatively.

Even though his video is viral, that is not the only method Henry has resorted to, to make people aware of the conditions in which doctors, nurses and paramedical staff are working in. He shared a lengthy post on Instagram which started with, Before I leave my car to go working the hospital, I take a couple of deep breaths.

He goes on to say, I cant speak about my own hospital due to privacy and confidentiality policies. But one thing I can say for sure is that healthcare workers across America are struggling with getting enough and appropriate PPE to take care of patients SAFELY.

The government of respective nations should start paying attention to the pleas of doctors as they are the only ones who can help win the fight against coronavirus.
National and local leaders have been and will continue to be scrutinized, and justly so. But global institutions deserve the same scrutiny, because COVID-19 isn't a national issue; it's a global one. As the virus began to leave China, the world looked to the World Health Organization for guidance. The WHO made some relevant health recommendations, but its inability to see the advantage of closing borders proved essential. Fears of promoting xenophobia may have prevented the WHO from doing the right thing.

On January 30, a WHO committee made some health suggestions, but in hindsight, this one seems critical: "[t]he Committee does not recommend any travel or trade restriction based on the current information available." The WHO reasoned, "Travel restrictions can cause more harm than good by hindering info-sharing, medical supply chains and harming economies." But COVID-19 is spread by traveling, hence the shelter-in-place recommendations. Sure, it already minimally existed in many nations, but what about the greater influx that would follow as world travel continued? Given the proclivity of the virus to spread geometrically, even limiting a few dozen carriers into a nation can have a dramatic impact. Cosmopolitanism reigned when the times required provincialism.

President Trump rejected the WHO's advice with a proclamation on January 31 that restricted travel from China as a means to slow the spread of the virus. As usual, journalists missed the longer-term significance. On the same day Trump announced his partial travel ban, CNN responded with a headline: "As the Coronavirus Spreads, Fear Is Fueling Racism and Xenophobia." Responding to the order, The New York Times focused on merely the economic impact. In an article titled "Trump Administration restricts entry into US from China," the NYT writes, "The travel disruption sent shocks through the stock market and rattled industries that depend on the flow of goods and people between the world's two largest economies." Rather than describe any health benefits, the New York Times emphasized the economic consequences. Why is the stock market spiraling? Trump's policies  in this case, aggressive measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 by restricting entry from China.

One journalist described how the ban directly affected her. A February 3 headline from the Charlotte Observer read: "How Trump's Panicky Coronavirus Travel Ban Cost Me $4,000 in 2 Hours to Save My Job." Lamenting that she was awoken early to a barrage of text messages the morning of the proclamation, the author, as a way to criticize Trump's restrictions, cites Jennifer Nuzzo, epidemiologist with Johns Hopkins, who insisted that "[b]anning travel from China is unlikely to keep the new coronavirus out of the United States, especially as the geographic footprint of the epidemic continues to rapidly expand." Even on the surface, this doesn't seem rational. Yes, banning people from China won't keep the virus out of the United States, but neither will shelter-in-place or social distancing keep it out of Los Angeles and New York. The goal is to curb the spread of the virus. Limiting movement achieves this. How could banning infected people from China to the United States in late January not slow the spread of the virus (albeit not completely stop it)?

Using some logical thought shows this: imagine two societies represented by Italy and Germany. And imagine that 1% of Italy's population has COVID-19 and 0.1% of Germany's population has the virus. How can any rational person argue "since the virus already exists in Germany, it doesn't matter if people from Italy go there"? Of course it matters. Given that scenario, if merely ten thousand people enter Germany, one hundred are likely to carry the virus to Germany and are more likely to encounter and therefore infect a previously uninfected person than had they stayed in Italy. This limits the spread of the virus. Moreover, the main means of traveling from one country to another  trains and airplanes  facilitates the spread due to the close proximity of people in these environments. The mere act of traveling internationally puts more people at risk. This doesn't take expertise in public health. It just takes rational thought.

The WHO never grasped this. It never advocated travel bans. It had one final chance to advocate travel bans on February 29 but refused, although it equivocated. The declaration reads: "WHO continues to advise against the application of travel or trade restrictions to countries experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks[.] ... However, in certain circumstances, measures that restrict the movement of people may prove temporarily useful, such as in settings with few international connections and limited response capacities" (emphasis added). Some concessions, but a critical opportunity was again missed.

Finally, in mid-March, countries around the world began changing course and aggressively shutting their borders, irrespective of where their leadership fell on the political spectrum. Trump took the lead, restricting travel from Europe on March 11, at least for non-U.S. citizens. (It would have been better if he had done it two weeks sooner.) Initially, the move was criticized. Angela Merkel replied to Trump hours later proclaiming, "We in Germany, in any case, are of the opinion that border closures are not an appropriate response to the challenge." Time Magazine replied on March 12, "'What Is He Afraid Of?' Trump's European Travel Ban Prompts Scorn in China." A March 13 Atlantic headline reads: "The Corona Virus's Xenophobic Problem: As the Coronavirus Spreads across the Globe, so Too Does Racism."

Yet four days after slamming Trump, Merkel closed Germany's borders to most nations. On March 16, even the European Union closed borders for thirty days to slow the coronavirus pandemic. An E.U. commission declared, "In the current circumstances, with the coronavirus now widespread throughout the EU, the external border regime offers the opportunity of concerted action among Member States to limit the global spread of the virus." Technically, the travel ban would have been more effective before the coronavirus was widespread in the E.U. At least there were concessions that closing borders slows the spread of the virus.

Latin American countries agreed. On March 15, Argentina announced that it was closing its borders to all foreigners for at least two weeks. Chile essentially did the same thing the next day. African nations, too, embraced closed borders. On March 15, the Kenyan government announced the suspension of travelers from most Western nations. On March 17, Ghana followed. So did Nigeria on March 18. This wasn't xenophobia or racism. It's means to slow the spread of the virus. If nothing else, it gives more pristine African nations time to prepare. It all makes sense.

There will be a natural tendency of people to criticize their political leaders because, in practice, we are governed by national and local, not global, governments. But COVID-19 is a global issue. The real problem was the WHO. The health organization routinely criticizes xenophobia, and fear of appearing xenophobic may have prevented them from recommending travel restrictions sooner. (Joe Biden accused Trump of xenophobia after Trump restricted travel from China.) Sometimes, humans let beliefs and ideologies cloud rational thought. Closing borders in an attempt to curb the spread of a virus isn't xenophobic. It's smart. Like shelter-in-place (and having more COVID-19 testing kits), none of this would have stopped the spread of the virus, nor could it have been completely applied, but it would have helped  maybe even dramatically.

The author's book, Ronald Reagan: An Intellectual Biography can be purchased here. His Twitter account is here.
As the weather warms, taking a walk on the beach or boardwalk can provide the breath of fresh air that so many New Jerseyans crave while sheltering from the coronavirus outbreak.

But even with proper social distancing, large gatherings in public places can be deadly. Thats why state and county parks were closed last week and many Shore towns have already closed their waterfronts.

During the past several days, popular destinations like Belmar, Point Pleasant Beach and Ocean City announced closures. Some smaller towns remain open but are monitoring their crowds to ensure safety.

Longport Mayor Nick Russo, who oversees a town with less than 1,000 people in Atlantic County, wants to keep beaches open as an outlet for residents  especially frontline workers  to relieve stress, get some fresh air and exercise.

Im very reluctant to cut that avenue off unless people are abusing their privilege, Russo told NJ Advance Media on Thursday.

Although thunderstorms rolled across the state on Thursday and cold gusty winds made it miserable to be outside on Friday, the sun is expected to be shining this weekend  with temperatures forecast to rise into the 50s on Saturday and the 60s on Sunday. So it wont be surprising if many folks in Shore communities will feel the urge to head outdoors.

In Deal, police have monitored their beaches, which remain open. While there havent been large gatherings, one unexpected visitor was spotted on the sand in this Monmouth County town Wednesday  a seal.

There is currently a seal resting on the beach. There is nothing wrong with it, this is perfectly normal. Do not approach, touch or attempt to drag the seal back to the water. They are just relaxing and will make their way back to the water. pic.twitter.com/ettKgTBjHb  Deal Police (@DealPolice) April 8, 2020

Gov. Phil Murphy urged New Jerseyans with vacation homes to remain at their primary residences.

On Thursday, Harvey Cedars Mayor John Oldham said 45% of the homes in his Long Beach Island town were occupied. Beaches in Harvey Cedars are open, but only to homeowners who have a resident placard. The same policy was established in Long Beach Township, while other towns on the island have closed entirely.

How have other towns responded?

Below is a look at every towns status we could find or report as of Thursday evening. Follow the links for additional information or formal announcements.

Atlantic County

Atlantic City: Mayor Marty Small Sr. strongly opposes closures to the beach and boardwalk, according to the Press of Atlantic City. Both remain open.

Brigantine: Some areas were closed Thursday, including the Cove Beach recreation area, Brigantine Sea Wall and North Beach Observation Tower.

Longport: Beaches remain open as long as long as social distancing practices continue to be followed, according to Mayor Nick Russo

Margate City: Beach badge sales were suspended until May 1. Information regarding closures were not immediately available.

Ventnor: Mayor Beth Holtzman closed the beaches and boardwalk with an executive order that went into effect April 3.

Cape May County

Avalon: All beaches, the boardwalk, recreational fields, playgrounds and the kayak park were closed April 6 after Mayor Martin Pagliughi issued an executive order.

Cape May: City Manager and Chief Executive Officer Jerome Inderwies announced closures for beaches and the promenade on March 31.

Cape May Point: Beaches and the Pavilion Circle were closed March 30.

People escape to the boardwalk in North Wildwood despite the coronavirus scare, Thursday, March 19, 2020. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

North Wildwood and Wildwood: Beaches will be closed from April 8 until May 1 except to provide an outlet. Heres more information on the exceptions. The Wildwood boardwalk is also closed, but residents can walk, jog or bike on the bike path and seawall every morning prior to 8 a.m.

Ocean City: Mayor Jay Gillian announced the city would close its beaches and boardwalk on March 25. According to data a census report, 62% of the citys populations is 65 years or older, which gave Gillian more impetus to close. A full story is here.

Sea Isle City: Mayor Leonard Desiderio closed beaches and the towns promenade on March 27. Residents who pre-ordered beach tags will have to wait until May 1 (or later) for pickup.

Stone Harbor: Closure of the beaches, parks, marina and fishing pier went into effect April 8 and will remain until May 6, the borough announced.

Upper Township: Beaches and parks were closed March 27, according to a public safety message.

Wildwood Crest: Borough administrators announced beaches, parks and the beachfront bicycle path were closed as of April 6.

Monmouth County

Allenhurst: Beach and boardwalk are open. On March 26, officials sent a letter to residents saying we believe our residents are smart enough to use these areas as means of getting some fresh air without violating the rules relative to maintaining safe distance from one another".

Asbury Park: The boardwalk was closed March 27, but beaches remain open at four locations.

Avon-by-the-Sea: The boardwalk was closed March 31 but the beach can be accessed at East End Avenue and Washington Avenue.

Belmar: The boardwalk closed March 30, but the beach remains open for residents. There are access points at five locations.

Bradley Beach: The boardwalk closed March 30 in coordination with neighboring Belmar and Avon-by-the-Sea, Mary Gary Engelstad wrote in a letter to residents.

Deal: Did you see the Deal seal? The beach in Deal remains open but is being monitored by police, according to Borough Administrator Stephen Carasia.

Long Branch: Mayor John Pallone announced the boardwalk, promenade and bike paths were closed as of April 2, but the beach remains open.

Manasquan: The beach walk and inlet walk are off limits to any type of activity, but visitors can still access the beach itself, according to Manasquans municipal website.

Monmouth Beach: Parks and beaches closed March 8, Mayor Sue Howard announced. The decision came in response to Gov. Phil Murphys Executive Order No. 118, which closed all state and county parks.

Ocean Grove: The beach and boardwalk remain open, according to the latest information released by the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association.

Sandy Hook: The National Park Service announced April 8 that the Sandy Hook unit of Gateway National Recreation Area has been closed until further notice.

Sea Bright: The beach remains open, but the seawall walkway is closed, Daniel Chernavsky, Sea Brights Emergency Management Coordinator, wrote in a letter to residents April 1.

Orange netting blocks access to the boardwalk in Sea Girt, N.J., late Thursday afternoon, March 26, 2020. Officials closed the boardwalk Thursday morning due to concern over people spreading the coronavirus, but the beach remains open.Lori M. Nichols | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Sea Girt: The boardwalk was closed March 26, but the beach remains open at certain locations.

Spring Lake: The boardwalk was closed March 24, but residents can still access the beach at two locations: Brown Avenue and Pitney Avenue, township police announced on Facebook.

Ocean County

Bay Head, Mantoloking and Point Pleasant Beach: The three towns collectively announced beach closures April 3. The boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach is also closed.

Brick: The township closed all beaches and parks in response to Murphys executive order, which closed state and county parks. Closures in Brick went into effect April 7.

Lavallette: The boardwalk and beaches were closed March 26 and will remain closed until Murphy lifts the State of Emergency, the borough announced.

Seaside Heights: One of the first towns to close its boardwalk and beaches, Seaside Heights banned visitors on March 24 on both the ocean and bay sides of the borough.

Seaside Park: Beaches closed April 8 and will remain closed until further notice.

Toms River: Mayor Mo Hill said Thursday that all beaches in the Toms River section of the barrier island are closed. The list includes Ortley Beach, Ocean Beach and private sections in the north end. The boardwalk in Ortley Beach also remains closed.

Long Beach Island

Barnegat Light: Beaches are open. Old Barney, the famous lighthouse sitting in a state park, is closed. Mayor Mark Larson said the beaches will be closed if problems with social distancing arise.

Beach Haven: Residents and homeowners with emergency placards can walk, jog or exercise their dogs on the beach, the borough announced.

Harvey Cedars: Beaches are open for residents and homeowners with placards, Mayor John Oldham said Thursday

Long Beach Township: Full-time residents and homeowners with a placard can access beaches, the largest municipality on the island announced March 6.

Ship Bottom: Beaches were closed April 7 for all residents and homeowners for all activities, the borough announced.

Surf City: A borough official said Thursday that beaches are open unless problems with social distancing arise.

State parks

Island Beach State Park in Ocean County and other areas with waterfront access were closed as of Tuesday, April 7. You can find the full list of parks here.

Note: If your towns beach or boardwalk has been closed, or reopened, please let us know by sending an email to: community@njtimes.com.

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.

Have a tip? Tell us.nj.com/tips.

Pat Lanni may be reached by e-mail at planni@njadvancemedia.com. Find NJ.com on Facebook for more coverage.
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has asked for a status report on restoration of 4G services after it was informed that non-availability of high-speed Internet was hampering studies of students who were confined to their homes because of the lockdown to curb coronavirus cases.

A division bench headed by Chief Justice Gita Mittal passed these directions after hearing amicus curiae Monika Kholi on a Public Interest Litigation.

Justice Mittal has been regularly reviewing the responses of the administrations of JK and Ladakh in tackling the coronavirus situation. She has been holding regular video-conference hearings with all stakeholders involved in the fight against COVID-19.

During the video-conference held on Friday, Kohli made a vehement submission that on account of non-availability of the 4G services, the students in the Union Territories were unable to access the educational courses being sent by institutions.

The noted lawyer drew attention of the court that all colleges and schools on the directions of the universities and CBSE were providing study material and classes online but students of the two union territories could not access or even download the files due to lack of high speed Internet.

Because of this, Kohli said, the students would lag behind compared to those from the rest of the country and urged for immediate restoration of 4G Internet.

Additional Solicitor General Vishal Sharma informed the court that this issue is under consideration before the Supreme Court in a PIL filed by the 'Foundation for Media Professionals' and a notice has been issued by the apex court.

However, after hearing the issue, the division bench, that also comprised Justice Rahnesh Oswal, asked the home secretaries of the both the union territories to submit a status report before the court.

The CBSE, the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangthan and other school boards and universities have began holding online classes for its students from earlier this month.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New York

The worldwide death toll from the coronavirus hit 100,000 as Christians around the globe marked a Good Friday unlike any other  in front of computer screens instead of in church pews  and some countries tiptoed toward reopening segments of their battered economies.

Around the world, public health officials and religious leaders alike warned people against violating the lockdowns and social distancing rules over Easter and allowing the virus to come storming back. Authorities resorted to roadblocks and other means to discourage travel.

In Italy, officials employed helicopters, drones and stepped-up police checks to make sure residents didn't slip out of their homes. On Thursday alone, police stopped some 300,000 people around Italy to check whether they had permission to travel. About 10,000 were issued summonses.

Some churches held services online, while others arranged prayers at drive-in theaters. Fire-scarred Notre Dame Cathedral came back to life briefly in Paris, days before the first anniversary of the April 15 inferno that ravaged it. Services were broadcast from the closed-to-the-public cathedral.

The holiday observances came as the worldwide number of deaths tracked by Johns Hopkins University hit a bleak milestone of 100,000 since late December, when the outbreak emerged in China. More than 1.6 million people around the globe have been infected, by the university's count.

The true number of lives lost is believed be much higher because of limited testing, cover-ups by some governments and different counting practices. For example, in places like New York, Italy and Spain, many victims who died outside a hospital  say, in a home or a nursing home  have not been counted.

The U.S. had over 18,000 dead, putting it on track to overtake Italy as the country with the highest death toll. Almost a half-million Americans were confirmed infected. About half of the dead were in the New York metropolitan area, which includes northern New Jersey, lower Connecticut and Long Island.

Still, there were signs of hope.

New York state reported 777 new deaths, down slightly from the day before, for an overall toll of more than 7,800.

"I understand intellectually why it's happening," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. "It doesn't make it any easier to accept."

But state officials said the number of people in intensive care dropped for the first time since mid-March and hospitalizations are slowing: 290 new patients in a single day, compared with daily increases of more than 1,000 last week.

Cuomo said if the trend holds, New York might not need the overflow field hospitals that officials have been scrambling to construct.

"There is a light at the end of the tunnel," said Dr. Jolion McGreevy, medical director of Mount Sinai Hospital's emergency department. "It's getting better, but it's not like it's going to just drop off overnight. I think it's going to continue to slowly decline over the next weeks and months."

With the pandemic slamming economies, the head of the International Monetary Fund warned that the global economy is headed for the worst recession since the Depression.

In Europe, the 19 countries that use the euro currency overcame weeks of bitter divisions to agree on spending $550 billion to cushion the recession caused by the virus. Mario Centeno, who heads the eurozone finance ministers' group, called the package "totally unprecedented. ... Tonight Europe has shown it can deliver when the will is there."

As weeks of lockdowns were extended in nation after nation, governments were pressed to ease restrictions on key businesses and industries.

After a two-week freeze on all nonessential economic activity, Spain decided to allow factories and construction sites to resume work on Monday, while schools, most shops and offices will remain closed. Spanish authorities said they trust that the move won't cause a significant surge in infections.

"We wouldn't be adopting them otherwise," said Maria Jose Sierra of Spain's health emergency center.

The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warned that a premature lifting of restrictions could "lead to a deadly resurgence."

In Italy, the industrial lobbies in regions representing 45 percent of the country's economic output urged the government to ease its two-week lockdown on all nonessential manufacturing, saying the country "risks definitively shutting down its own motor, and every day that passes the risk grows not to be able to restart it."

Italy reported 570 additional deaths for a running total of more than 18,800 but said the number of hospital admissions is falling along with the number of patients in intensive care.

Malaysia's prime minister announced a two-week extension to the country's lockdown but said selected economic sectors can reopen in phases while following strict hygiene rules.

In the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, people desperate for food stampeded, pushing through a gate at a district office in the Kibera slum. Police fired tear gas, injuring several people.

In Japan, the world's third-largest economy, many have criticized Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as being too slow to act against the pandemic. In a rare rebuke, the Japanese prefecture of Aichi, home to the Toyota car company, declared its own state of emergency, saying it cannot wait for the government.

"The situation is critical," said Aichi Gov. Hideaki Omura. "We decided to do everything we can to protect Aichi residents' lives and health."

Japan has the world's oldest population, and COVID-19 can be especially serious for the elderly.

In some of the worst-hit countries, Italy and Spain, new infections, hospitalizations and deaths have been leveling off. But the daily tolls remain shocking.

The 605 new deaths announced in Spain were the lowest in more than two weeks. The coronavirus has claimed more than 15,800 lives there, though the rates of contagion and deaths are dropping.
As we roll into week four of coronavirus lockdown and The Inquirers One Movie, One Philadelphia project, the feeling that were all reliving the same day, ad infinitum, has no doubt intensified. So we wondered: Is there a movie that both captures that state of mind and  via the miraculous mechanism of laughter  provides insight into how to endure and possibly even improve?

Sure there is, provided were willing to expand the parameters of One Movie, One Philadelphia to include other regions of the state, specifically Punxsutawney. Call it One Movie, One Pennsylvania.

This weekends selection for everyone to watch from home and weigh in on is the 1993 Harold Ramis classic Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray as Phil, a narcissistic weatherman whose assignment to cover the annual ceremony at Gobblers Knob turns into a kind of purgatory wherein he is doomed to endlessly relive Feb. 2. (Watch it anytime this weekend, and comment here before midnight Sunday.)

We use the word purgatory advisedly  from the outset, the movie has attracted unusual interest from theologians who find in it an ecumenical, spiritual significance that complements this weeks religious observances.

In interviews, writer-director Ramis said he received a call on opening weekend back in 1993 that Hassidic Jews were picketing the movie in Santa Monica  not in protest, but with signs that indicated they were in sync with the movies implicit spiritual prompt: "Are we living the same day over and over again?

That interest has continued unabated for 27 years. Just a few months ago, in the National Catholic Reporter, Mike Jordan Laskey wrote of how Murrays Phil confronts his fate with denial, frustration, gluttony, womanizing, despair, and ultimately, selfless compassion and kindness. This, he noted, reflects the thinking of Jesuit priest Anthony de Mello: Enlightenment is: absolute cooperation with the inevitable.

Helpful words in repetitive times.

 READ MORE: Our exclusive interview with Punxsutawney Phil from Gobblers Knob in late January

Of course Phil is also redeemed by love. His superficial attempts to seduce his beautiful producer (Andie MacDowell) ultimately morph into sincere affection. The insincere becomes the authentic: Act as if ye have faith, and faith will be given to you.

Ramis said that over the years hes been buttonholed by enthusiastic Buddhists and Baptists (the 15th anniversary DVD has commentary from theologians across the board), and particularly understands how the movie appeals to people with his own Jewish upbringing.

One reason Jews respond to that idea is that the Torah is read every year. You start at the same place in the same day, every Jew in the world reads the same portion every day. The Torah doesnt change but every year we read it, WE are different our lives are different. said Ramis, by way of explaining why the movie holds up to repeat viewing.

Ramis is quick to add: Im not comparing Groundhog Day to the Torah. Its more entertaining than the Torah.

As we watch this weekend during lockdown, we can chew on these religious ideas, or turn to more secular matters:

Is Ramis correct  does the movie hold up to repeat viewing? Where does Groundhog Day rank in the spectrum of Ramis/Murray collaborations? Where does it rank in the Murray canon?

Why doesnt Andie MacDowell make more movies? And how is it possible that her daughter Margaret Qualley is already old enough to play one of the Manson girls in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood?

Time flies. Or at least, it used to.

Groundhog Day is easy to find on streaming, if you dont already own it. Watch from home anytime this weekend, and add your comments here. Well highlight the best ones Monday. Let us know your reaction in the comments or on our Facebook or Twitter pages.
Welcome to adulthood! We are so proud of you and hope that your adult years are just as good to you. Have a great birthday. We love you.
Lehigh and Northampton county officials as of Saturday reported at least 42 total deaths from the coronavirus.

Two Northampton County residents and one person from New York City who died in the county were among the 78 new deaths from the coronavirus reported Saturday by Pennsylvania health officials.

Data released by the county Saturday shows additional deaths since Friday of residents from Palmer and Upper Nazareth townships and from the Bronx, New York. Northampton County has lost 23 people in all to the COVID-19 illness, according to the county and state tallies.

Is the above map not displaying? Click here.

The information only reflects the number of people who have died of COVID-19 within the countys borders, and does not include Northampton County residents who may have died of the virus in another county.

Pennsylvania on Saturday reported 21,655 confirmed cases of the viral disease, with 494 deaths, since the first cases were identified March 6. The following map shows the counties where the deaths have occurred, as reported by the state. Click here if its not displaying.

In Lehigh County, the state reports 16 people have died. The toll reported Friday by the Lehigh County Coroners Office is 20.

These are all the ones that have been reported to us, Lehigh County Coroner Eric Minnich told lehighvalleylive.com. Those are deaths that have been reported to us from hospitals and facilities that weve investigated that have been COVID-19 positive and were residents in Lehigh County.

Its possible the disparity between the state and county tallies may be due to a delay in state reporting, Minnich said.

Northampton and Lehigh counties are each reporting one Bethlehem death, while the citys health department says one Bethlehem resident has died.

Bethlehem Covid-19 Update as of today:



Total confirmed cases in Bethlehem- 247



Total number of Bethlehem residents who have died- 1@PrepBethlehem #coronavirus #COVID19 #COVID  BethlehemHealthDept (@BethlehemHealth) April 11, 2020

The two counties gave the following details on their coronavirus deaths:

Northampton County

Of Northampton Countys 23 victims included in Saturdays data release by the county, the municipalities in which they lived are as follows:

Forks Township (1)

Lower Nazareth Township (2)

Bangor (1)

Palmer Township (6)

Upper Nazareth Township (2)

Williams Township (1)

Nazareth (1)

Bethlehem Township (5)

Bethlehem City (1)

Washington Township (1)

Phillipsburg (1)

Bronx (1)

These additional details were released by the county:

Average age of the deceased: 78 years.

Gender of the deceased: 57% female, 43% male.

Race of the deceased: 74% white, 17% black, 4% Hispanic and 4% Asian or Pacific Islander.

Lehigh County

According to the Lehigh County Coroners Office, the hometowns and demographic data of the deceased are as follows:

Allentown (7)

Bethlehem (1)

Heidelberg Township (1)

Lower Macungie Township (8)

Whitehall Township (3)

Average age of the deceased: 80.35 years.

Gender of the deceased: 55% male, 45% female.

We wish our most sincere condolences to the families affected as well as thoughts of strength and healing to our entire Lehigh County community, Minnich said in a statement.

Editors note: This article has been updated to correct a calculation error in the total reported deaths.

For more information on the coronavirus, consult your state health department at health.pa.gov or covid19.nj.gov and the website of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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.

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

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.
In times of great emergency, when the normal rules have been suspended, all sorts of things that used to seem unthinkable suddenly enter the realm of possibility. A national health service paid for by taxes and free at the point of delivery in the United States, for example  or a guaranteed basic income in Spain.

We are going to implement a minimum basic income as soon as possible, said Nadia Calvino, Spains deputy prime minister and economics minister, on Monday. She added that it will not just be for this special situation, but for good.

Plenty of governments are providing what amounts to a basic income to millions of laid-off employees for the duration of this special situation. Britain is covering 80 per cent of peoples normal salaries for at least three months, up to a maximum of $3,000 a month, if their employers will just keep them on the books.

Canada is paying workers affected by the coronavirus outbreak $2,000 a month for up to four months. Even the U.S. government will be providing its citizens with two $1,000 cheques over the next three months (plus $500 extra for each child)  and they dont even have to be out of work to get them.

But all these benefits are temporary, to be withdrawn again when things are back to normal. The question is: do we really want to go back to normal if that means that many people live on welfare and barely scrape by, and a great many more (the working poor) do have jobs and work very hard, but still dont have enough to live a comfortable life?

In normal times, this is a highly ideological issue, with a lot of people convinced that those below them on the income ladder are just lazy and undeserving even of charity, let alone welfare payments. Yet those convictions are easily put on hold when some unforeseen emergency means that those higher up the ladder also need government help.

Calvino is clearly using this crisis to advance a project that she and many others in her party have long favoured; a basic income that nobody can fall below, with any shortfall made up by the government. (Not, as some have incorrectly reported, a Universal Basic Income that goes to everybody regardless of need).

Theres nothing wrong with exploiting the disruption caused by a crisis to launch new policies. As Niccolo Machiavelli said 500 years ago: Never waste the opportunity offered by a good crisis. But is basic income a good policy?

Its certainly a good policy politically, because those who benefit from it will probably vote for you. Its probably a good policy economically, because the beneficiaries, still being relatively poor, will immediately spend the money and boost the economy.

And it may well be neutral fiscally, because the money doled out in various unemployment and welfare programmes, plus the cost of administering all those programmes, may be around the same as the cost of bringing the poorest fifth of the population up to the level of the slightly higher earners in the next fifth in a single, simple payment.

If it should turn out to cost a bit more, it would still be a small price to pay for raising so many people out of desperation and giving their children better opportunities for the future.

This was the kind of thinking that motivated the people who had lived through the Great Depression and the Second World War to build welfare states in all the developed countries in the quarter-century after 1945. They wanted to improve the lives of their citizens, but they also wanted to head off the populist anger and nationalist demagoguery that had made the war possible.

Those things are on the rise again, because the gap between the rich and the rest has widened steadily for the past 40 years in the developed countries. Fixing it will require a reshaping of the welfare state, and nothing will narrow the gap faster than raising the incomes of the poorest.

Making that kind of change in normal times is a Sisyphean task, but when the government must confine much of the population to their homes because of the pandemic and many of them lose their incomes as a result, it tends to broaden peoples minds about the possibilities.

A small wager. The Spanish government will be only the first of many to propose a basic income as a permanent part of the economy before the current crisis is over.
My phone rings and as the neurosurgery resident on call, Im on the front line. Im the first physician to be notified of any emergencies, and unfortunately one of my patients is decompensating. I race over to the ICU. My patient is in critical condition after a traumatic brain injury. There is a flurry of activity in the room superimposed on a backdrop of flashing lights and a cacophony of buzzing machines. The patients blood pressure is high and their heart rate is low, findings seen during periods of considerably elevated brain pressure. The monitoring device that we had surgically placed through a hole in the patients skull confirms that the pressure is dangerously high. As I begin devising a plan of action, I hear a voice boom from above, I think you can give more hypertonic saline. The sodium level isnt prohibitively high.

The voice is both commanding and reassuring, like a pilot making an announcement over the intercom. I turn around to find one of our critical care doctors on the large screen in the room. Giving the patient hypertonic saline, a fluid with a high salt concentration, would be life-saving. I initiate the treatment and as the fluid infuses into the patients veins, their brain pressure decreases to a normal level.

Though not physically present, the critical care doctor could help guide the patients care remotely through our telemedicine system (eICU). This encounter, along with numerous others, flooded my memory as I read an email on logging into my new eICU account.

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed an incredible strain on the medical system worldwide. Due to an expected surge of patients here in Philadelphia, I was granted use of the eICU system as a care provider to better help both patients with the virus and others we continue to treat in the ICU, like my brain injury patient.

 HELP US REPORT: Are you a health care worker, medical provider, government worker, patient, frontline worker or other expert? We want to hear from you.

The systems most obvious use is permitting physicians who are unable to physically come to the hospital  perhaps because they are under quarantine  to remotely care for patients. This telemedicine system is also a boon for physicians physically present at the hospital. There is a severe shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gowns and masks, so the eICU system could be used to care for patients without entering the room, reducing the amount of PPE used. Furthermore, the computer system monitors vital signs and alerts physicians if a patients condition deteriorates. The eICU system and other telemedicine systems are also enabling critical care and emergency department doctors to remotely consult doctors in other specialties, providing the best multidisciplinary care.

Outside of the hospital, physicians are using telemedicine solutions like standard video chat applications to care for patients. Thankfully, federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations are being relaxed during this pandemic, as the majority of doctors do not have access to costly HIPAA-compliant solutions. These widely-available video chat solutions are also enabling doctors to screen patients with symptoms of COVID-19 remotely. Through telehealth, physicians can then direct a subset of patients to self-quarantine or receive drive-through testing, which may alleviate emergency room and hospital burden. While employing technological advances such as telemedicine will aid in the care of patients during this difficult time, proper hand hygiene and social distancing remain of paramount importance to mitigate this pandemic.

Frederick Hitti, MD, PhD, is a senior neurosurgery resident in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. The opinions expressed in this article do not represent those of the University of Pennsylvania Health System or the Perelman School of Medicine.
One in five primary school children are afraid to leave their homes as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, new research has revealed.

The researchers also found that many children are afraid that they will not have enough food to eat at home as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown.

Scientists at the University of Oxford are seeking to assess the impact the unusual situation is having on the mental health of children.

One in five primary school children are afraid to leave their homes as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, new research has revealed

Children have admitted to their parents that they are afraid of leaving their house

According to the Guardian, preliminary findings suggest that younger children are more worried about the situation than those aged between 11 and 16.

More than half of younger children are worried that a friend or a relative might pick up the virus.

The researchers questioned 1,500 parents who revealed one-third of their children were concerned about catching the disease. Almost a quarter feared passing on the virus while two fifths were worried about missing school work.

Other research has found that more than three million people in Great Britain may have gone hungry during the first three weeks of the coronavirus lockdown, a charity estimates.

Around 6 per cent of 4,343 adults polled by YouGov said someone in their household has gone hungry during the first three weeks of lockdown.

Scaled up to reflect mid-year population estimates for Great Britain, this equates to more than three million people not having enough to eat, the Food Foundation said.

The charity commissioned the survey along with the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission (FFCC).

The survey also found that 3 per cent of respondents - the equivalent of 1.5 million people - said they had gone a whole day without eating since the lockdown started.

And 2 per cent - the equivalent of more than one million Britons - said they had lost all their income as a result of the crisis.

They are calling for the Government to establish a national food aid task force led by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

This would help local authorities scale up welfare assistance schemes and provide food parcels for people who are self-isolating.

And the task force would work with supermarkets, businesses and volunteers to improve home delivery options.

They are also calling for the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure people have enough money for food by abolishing the five-week wait for Universal Credit payments.

Anna Taylor, executive director of the Food Foundation, said: 'We cannot rely on food banks to support the millions of people who need emergency food aid during this crisis: it is too big a problem, and urgently requires substantial investment from central government.

'The Government must put money in the pockets of families who can't afford food, and support local authorities to scale up the food response for those who are self-isolating so they can secure enough food to sustain themselves and their children. Other countries are doing this, so can we.'

Sue Pritchard, FFCC director, said: 'It's taken a pandemic to reveal just how fragile our food system is for many people.'

She added: 'We need urgent action now, so that people do not go hungry, whilst farmers are having to throw away produce. This is a long-term problem that needs serious, substantial and radical change.'

Dr Rachel Loopstra, lecturer in Nutrition at King's College London, said: 'These figures, based on a three-week window of time, are 1.5-two times higher than what we usually see when we survey about experiences of hunger covering a 12-month period.

'They suggest the Covid-19 lockdown has had a swift and devastating impact on the population's ability to access sufficient food, both for economic reasons and because of self-isolation.'
A care company boss who claims his phone lines were cut by conspiracy theorists has branded the culprits 'idiots' for thinking 5G is causing the coronavirus.

Majestic Care North West, which provides vital end-of-life care, was left with internet or phone connection after their cables were cut in an overnight targeted attack.

The firm's office was one of three businesses who reported having their cables cut in Burnley town centre, boss Alan Cooper said.

After speaking to internet provider BT Openreach, he believes the lines were sabotaged by believers of a conspiracy theory that roll-out of 5G caused Covid-19.

Majestic Care North West, in Burnley, was left without internet or a phone connection after the lines were cut but unknown vandals

Pictured: The line now has a metal shield around it to protect it from future attacks. Office boss Alan Cooper believes it was cut by people who think 5G causes the coronavirus

There is no scientific evidence that 5G technology poses any threat to human health and it was confirmed as safe by the radiation watchdog last month.

But a conspiracy theory that is circulating over online channels by people who believe that 'elites' are using the masts in order to weaken the immune systems of people so that they are more susceptible to getting coronavirus.

Believers point to the fact that masts went up in the same year that Covid-19 originated in Wuhan, China, but don't account for the fact that Iran, which has been disastrously affected by the virus, has no masts.

The attack comes as 5G masts were burnt down in Liverpool and Birmingham after the bonkers conspiracy theory was shared on social media.

Masts have also been attacked in Liverpool and Birmingham. Pictured: A 4G mast was set aflame in Chelmsley Wood, Solihull

Pictured: The aftermath of a 4G mast that was set alight by vandals who believed it to be a 5G mast, which they believe the coronavirus is causing the coronavirus to spread

Mr Cooper said: 'The main cables to our offices were completely cut, probably with the use of an axe, as there's no way you could cut those cables with snippers, they're too thick.

'We provide end-of-life and continuing healthcare on behalf of the NHS and these care services are vital to people, and cannot be late or missed.

'Currently, we're providing essential healthcare for several Covid-19 patients, and as a result of this idiocy, we were left with serious communication problems between care-co-ordinators and support workers.'

Mr Cooper said the phone lines went down around 4.20am on April 3 and BT repaired them by mid-afternoon due to the nature of their work.

He added: 'They armour plated the cables to prevent further damage.

'At the time, we didn't know the lines had been cut, it was only when a police officer came past later in the evening to ask if we had our internet back did we find out it had happened elsewhere in the town and they were investigating.

'These acts of vandalism could possibly be the work of people that mistakenly believe the Covid-19 virus is caused by 5G transmissions.

'There are a lot of people who think like that, they're trying to find something to blame the virus on but 5G is not it. They're idiots.

'To have the cables cut in three locations, on the same day, around the same time, it's not coincidence.

'I just hope they're caught before they do more damage.'

UK phone networks began rolling out 5G in 2019, which boasts faster mobile internet speeds than 4G which most phones currently use

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said they were called at 7.40pm on April 3 to a report that the phone lines had been cut.

The spokesperson added: 'At this stage we are not sure what was used to cut the wires. We are looking at local CCTV and enquiries are ongoing.

'No arrests have been made.

'This is a deplorable crime at the premises of a healthcare provider amid the current pandemic.

'We would appeal for anyone with information to please get in touch to help us find those responsible.

'We understand people may be reluctant to come forward during this time especially if they have not been following the government guidelines about staying at home.

'But I would reassure them that our immediate concern is to find out what happened here and we would urge anyone who has any information, no matter how insignificant they may feel it to be, to come forward and speak to us.'

Cabinet Secretary Michael Gove has said that the theories are 'dangerous nonsense'. Pictured: Michael Gove address the nation during the Government daily coronavirus briefing

Cabinet Secretary Michael Gove said the theories spreading from various social media groups and profiles were 'just nonsense, dangerous nonsense as well.'

Dr Michael Head, senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton, said: 'Conspiracy theorists are a public health danger who once read a Facebook page.

'Here, we also see similar groups of people keen to show their ignorance on a topic where they have no helpful expertise, nor any inclination to post useful public health messages.'

The world health organisation has branded the spread of disinformation about COVID-19 on social media platforms as an 'infodemic'.

On 5G generally the World Health Organisation said: ''A large number of studies have been performed over the last two decades to assess whether mobile phones pose a potential health risk.

'To date, no adverse health effects have been established as being caused by mobile phone use.'
The devastating impact the coronavirus is having on public patients needing surgery is revealed in stark new figures showing waiting lists have jumped by a record 11,000 in just a month, to 77,748.

Hospitals have had to impose massive cancellations in March and April in order to free up beds, intensive care units and staff to cope with the rise in coronavirus patients.

But with another three weeks of emergency measures and potentially months of a clampdown on thousands of routine care appointments ahead, the fear is that more patients facing critical delays will die on waiting lists.

It comes as another 25 patients have died from the coronavirus, bringing the death toll to 288, ranging in age from 32 to 105.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan revealed around 156 of the deaths from the virus have involved residents of nursing homes or residential centres.

There have been 135 clusters in nursing homes but this is out of 550 nursing homes.

Read More

Some one in five of the residents and one in six staff were diagnosed with the virus. "We are concerned about the rate of infection," he said.

Overall 480 new cases of the virus have been diagnosed, pushing the total to 7,054.

He was asked to clarify why the European disease watchdog had a higher figure. It emerged that when 1,035 tests from a German laboratory, which is being used to clear a backlog from here, are added in the full total of positive cases here rises to 8,089.

Dr Holohan said around 14,000 to 16,000 swabs had been outsourced to Germany and these were "historic" tests which were two to three weeks old and made no difference to the daily growth in figures.

Dr Colm Henry, of the HSE, said he was unable to say how many are waiting for a test result but insisted that HSE centres taking swabs are now able to cope with demand.

Dr Holohan warned there is a need to have a "lightening quick" testing regime here by the end of the extended period of emergency measures on May 5 if there is to be any relaxation of some of the restrictions.

Irish laboratory services should be capable of ramping up testing here from the middle of next week, he added.

The HSE and National Virus Reference Laboratory UCD (NVRL)reached an agreement with Genomics Medicine Ireland Limited (GMI) for the supply of reagents that will enable the lab to significantly increase coronavirus testing.

A spokeswoman said reagents for the production of up to 900,000 tests have been secured by GMI and NVRL, with components for the first 200,000 already delivered to its laboratory in Cherrywood, Dublin. "The laboratory will operate seven days a week to formulate these reagents for the NVRL and its partner laboratories, who are the primary testing centres for Covid-19.

"This will enable the NVRL to ramp up to 10,000 tests per day in the coming weeks supporting a more rapid analysis of samples and a quicker turn-around of test results to clinicians."

Dr Holohan said there are currently 157 patients with the virus in intensive care.

To date 62 patients who were treated in intensive care were discharged and 31 died there.

Meanwhile, nursing home residents with Covid-19 should not be brought to one of the new GP-led community hubs to be set up by the HSE, according to new guidance.

The hubs, located in primary care centres, are being set up to allow doctors to examine patients with the virus who are self-isolating at home who may be deteriorating and need medical care.

Guidelines say GPs should not send nursing home patients to one of these hubs.

The resident should be assessed by their own GP "remotely" and sent to a hospital A&E if deteriorating. This has led to concern of delay by some hospital doctors.
China condemns personal attacks against WHO Director-General

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:52, April 10, 2020

BEIJING, April 9 (Xinhua) -- A spokesperson for Chinese Foreign Ministry said Thursday that China strongly condemns personal attacks and racist words and deeds against WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's remarks came following the head of the WHO Wednesday rebuked "racist slurs" against him, which he said came from Taiwan.

China opposes any attempt to use the epidemic for the purpose of politicization or stigmatization, Zhao told a routine press briefing.

Under the leadership of Director-General Tedros, the WHO has played an important role in assisting countries' responses to the epidemic and promoting international anti-epidemic cooperation, said Zhao.

The WHO actively fulfills its responsibilities and upholds an objective, science-based and unbiased stance, which has been widely recognized and highly praised by the international community, he added.

Zhao stressed that China supports the WHO in continuing to play a leading role in global anti-epidemic cooperation.

The spokesperson accused the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in Taiwan of doing all they can to make reckless political maneuvers and hype up the issue of Taiwan's participation in the WHO and the World Health Assembly since the outbreak of COVID-19.

"Their real intention is to seek independence under the pretext of the pandemic," he said. "We are firmly opposed to that. Their scheme will never succeed."

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Los Angeles: Oscar-winning actor Joaquin Phoenix checked into a rehabilitation centre after director Werner Herzog highlighted his reckless ways following a near-death car crash.

Phoenix said he was drinking heavily and partying, post the success of the biopic "Walk The Line" 15 years ago, reports aceshowbiz.com.

"I wasn't engaging with the world or myself in the way I wanted to. I was being an idiot, running around, drinking, trying to screw people, going to stupid clubs," the "Joker" star told GQ magazine.

Then, one night, after he crashed his car, he was about to light a cigarette. That was when German filmmaker Herzog intervened.

"A German voice said, 'Just relax'," Phoenix said, recalling how the director pointed out the car was leaking petrol and he was seconds away from potentially lighting himself on fire.

Phoenix entered a treatment facility days later. Today, the actor says, he has no urge or desire to drink like he used to.

"There are too many things I enjoy doing and I don't want to wake up feeling hungover. It's not a thing I fight against, it's just the way I live my life."
The CCP virus epidemic has worsened in Chinas northernmost province. The Chinese regime has been preparing for an expected second wave with thousands of hospital beds.

The Chinese regime has been funding an army of internet trolls to push its political narrative. But hardly anyone knows their faces. Leaked documents and photos obtained by NTD show what Chinas professional trolls look like.

Fear is growing over a potential food crisis. Is food shortage really a concern in China? An expert explains.

A popular simulation game animal crossing was reportedly removed from China. Many blaming Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong.

Japan is spending billions to move its manufacturers out of China. This, as lockdowns forced Japan to look elsewhere for much-needed supplies.

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.

Subscribe to our Youtube channel for more first-hand news from China

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"We want to reiterate: putting the system out to bid does not require the township to accept any bid we receive. This is still part of the process, to make sure any sale of the system makes sense financially," said board Chairman Chuck Wilson.
Churches were empty throughout Latin America on Good Friday but priests and their parishioners were doing what they could to observe the holy holiday.

With Christians around the world heading into Easter weekend, public health officials and religious leaders alike urged people to stay home, warning that violating the lockdowns and social distancing rules amid the coronavirus pandemic.Actors portraying the Passion of Christ stood six feet (1.8 metres) away from each other during the reenactment in the Mexico City neighborhood of Iztapala which has taken place annually since 1843.

Actors dressed as Romans beat and drag "Jesus" through the streets in the ceremony.

Nearly 90 percent of the more than 100 million people who live in Mexico are Roman Catholics.In Santiago, Chile the streets were deserted and the churches closed.

On the other side of the continent in Rio de Janeiro, Father Omar Raposo, the priest in charge of the church of Sao Jose da Lagoa performed mass and broadcast it on the internet.

He told the Associated Press that although the doors of churches worldwide are closed because of the virus "we are using new technologies to communicate (to send) the word of God."

And in El Salvador the street leading to El Calvario, San Salvador's main church, was cordoned off by police tape to prevent people from walking to the front door.One parishioner, Maritza Perez, said she was doing her penance alone this year without her two sons and her husband.

"We must try not to lose the tradition," she said.Worldwide, the number of deaths hit another sad milestone, as tallied by Johns Hopkins University, while confirmed infections reached about 1.7 million.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks.For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and could lead to death.

(Image Credit: AP)
Nearly 60,000 years ago, as prehistoric humans just started venturing out of Africa, a forest of cypress trees grew on the banks of a river near the Gulf of Mexico. As the trees grew old, they fell and were buried under sediment. When the sea level rose, the remains of the forest were covered once again.

Now, scientists have uncovered that same forest and believe it may hold the secrets to creating new medicine and saving lives.

For millennia, the ancient forest remained undisturbed, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which published an article about the forest last week.

But in 2004, Hurricane Ivan hit the Gulf Coast, sweeping up the seabed and sediment that kept the forest entombed.

Since then, the site, which now lies 60 feet underwater off Alabama's coast in Mobile Bay, has been visited by a few scientists and filmmakers. But it wasn't until December that a team of scientists from Northeastern University and the University of Utah set out on an expedition funded by NOAA to dive into the waters and bring back pieces of wood to study.

Brian Helmuth, a professor of marine and environmental sciences at Northeastern University, was one of the scientists who dived in.

"It was a really nice day. Pretty calm on the surface, and we were expecting it be equally nice on the bottom," Helmuth told CNN. "But we got to the bottom and it was like diving in chocolate milk. We literally could not see our hands in front of our faces."

The conditions were less than ideal, and the fact that previous dive teams saw a lot of sharks in the area made the expedition somewhat risky, but when the scientists finally reached the forest, they were in awe.

"It was really amazing. We dove around the edge of this ancient river bed. On our left were these remains of giant stumps and pristine wood coming out of the bank embankment," Helmuth recalled. "Even though the visibility wasn't great, you could pretty easily imagine it being the edge of a cypress forest and it was almost an eerie feeling of stepping back in time."

Despite the wood being 60,000 years old, it was extremely well-preserved because it had been buried under layers of sediment that prevented oxygen from decomposing it.

"It really looked like something that you could have picked up from today. It still had bark on it. It still had all the coloration on the inside. It was just locked away for 60,000 years," Helmuth said.

But the real excitement for the scientists started when they took the wood back to the lab.

"We were able to take a look at what kind of organisms had taken advantage of this exposed, ancient wood. The different kind of animals buried in there and what kind of animals are living on top of it as well," Francis Choi, a senior lab manager at Northeastern University's Marine Science Center, said.

Out of the more than 300 animals that were removed from the wood, scientists were particularly focused on just one: shipworms, a type of clam that converts wood into animal tissue, according to NOAA.

Shipworms aren't new to science. They're common and can be found in most oceans wherever there's wood. But the bacteria found from the shipworms that had been living inside the 60,000-year-old wood had never been discovered before.

"We were able to isolate bacteria from them and get some bacteria that we haven't worked with before, so we're really excited about that," Margo Haygood, a research professor of medicinal chemistry at University of Utah, told CNN.

The shipworms from the ancient wood produced 100 strains of bacteria, many of them novel, and 12 are undergoing DNA sequencing to evaluate their potential to make new drug treatments.

Previous research on shipworm bacteria has already resulted in at least one antibiotic being studied as a drug to treat parasitic infections, according to NOAA. So scientists, including Haygood, are feeling optimistic about these new strains of shipworm bacteria.

"We screened for antimicrobials and for neurological activity, which is in the direction of pain drugs as well as anti-cancer drugs," Haygood said. "We have not been (working on antivirals) in the past, but right now my department at University of Utah is spinning up to start including viral assays in the program."

In addition to lifesaving medicines, scientists will study the new samples to see whether they can be applied in production of paper, textiles, food, animal feeds, fine chemicals and renewable fuels, according to NOAA.

While the coronavirus pandemic has put any future dives to the ancient forest on hold, Haygood said she and the team of scientists will continue to study the samples and hope to publish the results within a year.

Choi said they're also working on getting AUVs, which are unmanned underwater robots, to capture images and make 3D visualizations to share the wonder of this 60,000-year-old forest with the rest of the world.

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Bengaluru: Seven fresh Corona positive cases were reported in Karnataka on Saturday taking the total cases in the state to 214.

This includes 5 cases with links to the Jubilant pharmaceutical company at Nanjangudu, one case from Bidar who was in contact with Tablighi Jamaat attendee and one case from Bangalore was in contact with a positive patient, as per the mid day bulletin issued the Department of Health and Family Welfare.

All the 5 cases from Mysuru were in contact with a 24 year old male worker of the company, who had earlier tested positive. All of them are admitted at a designated hospital at Mysuru.

With this the total Covid 19 positive cases in Mysuru district stands at 47. Of the total 47, 2 patients have recovered and discharged making Mysuru a district with 45 active cases.

The positive case from Bidar is a 50 year old female who was in contact with a 73 year old male, who attended Tabligh-e-Jamaat markaz event held at New Delhi from March 13 to 18. She is admitted at a designated hospital for treatment. With this total cases in Bidar stands at 11.

The case from Bangalore is a 32 year old male who was in contact with a Corona positive patient. He is admitted at a designated hospital. The total positive cases from Bengaluru has reached 72, which includes 19 discharges.
Sydney's iconic Bondi to Bronte walk has been closed after residents ignored advice to stay home over the Easter long weekend.

The Waverley Council on Saturday announced it was shutting the popular walking path after 'careful consideration and close monitoring' of the area.

With gyms ordered closed by NSW Government lockdowns, dozens of joggers have been flocking to the 4km stroll for their daily dose of fresh air, creating a public safety issue.

'Unfortunately, closing the coastal walk was the only way the Council could help ensure that Public Health Orders could be maintained along the walk,' Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos said.

'Council is trying to balance the needs of our community, but we need our residents and visitors to adhere to social distancing in our public spaces.'

Sydney's iconic Bondi to Bronte walk (crowds pictured during stage 3 lockdown) has been closed after too many people flocked to it over Easter

Walkers exercise in groups along the Bondi to Bronte trail amid Sydney's coronavirus lockdown

The Council also cited 'behavioral issues' with people ignoring signs and ranger instructions to follow safety measures.

Ms Masselos acknowledged the importance of being able to exercise outdoors under these unprecedented times, but encouraged residents to find new places.

'I encourage people to be a tourist in their own suburb and find places to exercise on other streets and parks,' she said.

The Bondi to Bronte walk is also a popular jogging track, made even more desirable now gyms are closed and it's harder to travel far from home to work out

With gyms ordered closed by NSW Government lockdowns, the popular 4km stroll is choked with thousands of people walking or jogging every day

'If we all follow Public Health Orders then we may be in the position to reopen the coastal walk. In the meantime, I thank the community for their patience during this challenging time. We are all in this together.'

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 council is now in the process of installing signage and barricades at access points to the coastal walk and warned anyone found trespassing will be subjected to fines.

Waverley's beaches, including Mackenzie's Bay, remain closed until further notice.

Bondi is Australia's biggest coronavirus hotspot with at least 107 cases, and 167 in the local government area, out of 6,283 across Australia.

The move comes days after the Council had agreed to a series of crowd control measures in an effort to keep the walk open over Easter.

'If numbers are excessive we have the capacity to close the walkway down with the staff, contractors, and equipment deployed,' a briefing sent to councillors stated.

Rangers had been patrolling the path handing out fines to anyone breaching the two-person rule or not staying 1.5m apart.

Council staff and 11 private security guards also monitored entrances from 6am to 6pm and keep track of entrances and crowd sizes.

Additional fencing has been installed at McKenzies Bay and about 60 new signs will be erected advising people to kept left and obey social distancing rules.

These measures will be employed on a smaller scale every day after the long weekend and the trail closed whenever crowds get out of control.
The last three months have been tough on Australian Finance Group Limited (ASX:AFG) shareholders, who have seen the share price decline a rather worrying 47%. But that doesn't change the fact that the returns over the last year have been pleasing. To wit, it had solidly beat the market, up 24%.

View our latest analysis for Australian Finance Group

While markets are a powerful pricing mechanism, share prices reflect investor sentiment, not just underlying business performance. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement.

Australian Finance Group was able to grow EPS by 4.1% in the last twelve months. The share price gain of 24% certainly outpaced the EPS growth. So it's fair to assume the market has a higher opinion of the business than it a year ago.

The company's earnings per share (over time) is depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers).

ASX:AFG Past and Future Earnings April 11th 2020

It's good to see that there was some significant insider buying in the last three months. That's a positive. On the other hand, we think the revenue and earnings trends are much more meaningful measures of the business. Dive deeper into the earnings by checking this interactive graph of Australian Finance Group's earnings, revenue and cash flow.

What About Dividends?

As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. We note that for Australian Finance Group the TSR over the last year was 30%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return.

Story continues

A Different Perspective

Pleasingly, Australian Finance Group's total shareholder return last year was 30%. That includes the value of the dividend. That's better than the annualized TSR of 13% over the last three years. These improved returns may hint at some real business momentum, implying that now could be a great time to delve deeper. 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. Consider risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for Australian Finance Group 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 AU 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.
An Oxford professor has claimed that a vaccine for Covid-19 could be ready by autumn.

Sarah Gilbert is a professor of vaccinology at the University of Oxford and leads a team of researchers in developing a vaccine for the coronavirus, which has so far infected more than 1.7 million worldwide.

The global Covid-19 death toll passed 100,000 on Friday, according to data from John Hopkins University.

Professor Gilbert told The Times she was 80 per cent confident the vaccine being developed by her team would be successful in protecting people against the disease.

She was quoted as saying: I think theres a high chance that it will work based on other things that we have done with this type of vaccine. Its not just a hunch and as every week goes by we have more data to look at.

Most experts have said a coronavirus vaccine could take up to 18 months to be developed and distributed globally, but Professor Gilbert wants to accelerate the clinical trial process by letting volunteers become infected naturally as soon as possible.

She said volunteers from places that have no imposed lockdown measures would produce more efficient results.

If one of those (places) turns out to have a high rate of virus transmission then we will get our efficacy results very quickly, so that is one strategy for reducing the time.

Total lockdowns do make it harder, she admitted. But we dont want herd immunity either. We want them to be susceptible and exposed for the trials purely to test the efficacy.

Developing a working vaccine by September was just about possible if everything goes perfectly, added Professor Gilbert, but she warned that nobody could promise it would work.

The government is poised to spend millions of pounds for a viable vaccine to have it ready for use and the team is in talks with the government about starting production of the vaccine before the final results become available.

Professor Gilbert said: We dont want to get to later this year and discover we have a highly effective vaccine and we havent got any vaccine to use.

Other experts have expressed confidence in Professor Gilberts claim, and said the Oxford team is highly advanced.

Words at the window: Social isolation and the Coronavirus Show all 12 1 /12 Words at the window: Social isolation and the Coronavirus Words at the window: Social isolation and the Coronavirus Agnetha Septimus, Matthew Septimus, and children Ezra and Nora Stephen Lovekin/REX/Shutterstock Words at the window: Social isolation and the Coronavirus Husband and wife filmmakers, Claire Ince and Ancil McKain pose for a portrait for the series by Shutterstock Staff Photographer, Stephen Lovekin, shot around the Ditmas Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York Stephen Lovekin/REX/Shutterstock Words at the window: Social isolation and the Coronavirus Khadijah Silver and son Eliot Stephen Lovekin/REX/Shutterstock Words at the window: Social isolation and the Coronavirus Anna Beth Rousakis and daughter Mary Rousakis Stephen Lovekin/REX/Shutterstock Words at the window: Social isolation and the Coronavirus Mike Pergola and Denise Pergola with children Henry, Jack, and Will Stephen Lovekin/REX/Shutterstock Words at the window: Social isolation and the Coronavirus Artist Shirley Fuerst Stephen Lovekin/REX/Shutterstock Words at the window: Social isolation and the Coronavirus Jean Davis and Danny Rosenthal, with children Simone, Naomi, and Leah Stephen Lovekin/REX/Shutterstock Words at the window: Social isolation and the Coronavirus Robert E Clark Jr Stephen Lovekin/REX/Shutterstock Words at the window: Social isolation and the Coronavirus Lisa Draho and Josh Zuckerman, with children Ruby and Ava Stephen Lovekin/REX/Shutterstock Words at the window: Social isolation and the Coronavirus Professor and activist Dr Kristin Lawler Stephen Lovekin/REX/Shutterstock Words at the window: Social isolation and the Coronavirus Tom Smith and Laura Ross, with daughters Caroline, Elizabeth, and Abigail Stephen Lovekin/REX/Shutterstock Words at the window: Social isolation and the Coronavirus Callie Lovekin and Lucas Lovekin Stephen Lovekin/REX/Shutterstock

Professor of microbial pathogenesis at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Brendan Wren, said: The Oxford vaccine group are among the most advanced groups in the world and have been working on vaccine biopreparedness for several years.

This means that they can test and evaluate Covid-19 vaccine candidates rapidly (even in human volunteers). A strong vaccine candidate available by September would not be surprising.

However, Professor Brendan warned that because the UK lacks manufacture capabilities, it might be at the back of the queue if it depends on other countries with manufacturing capacity, such as Germany, Belgium and France.

Desperate times require desperate measures, so upscaling and manufacture would be justified before data is fully known, he said.

Even if the vaccine didnt prove effective this would be a useful trial run for the manufacture of alternative Covid-19 vaccines and vaccines against other viral and bacterial diseases.
FLINT, MI  An employee of McLaren Flint Hospital has died due to COVID-19 complications.

It is with profound sadness that the McLaren Flint family mourns the loss of an employee due to complications of the coronavirus, the hospital stated in a press release. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the employees family, friends and co-workers. Members of the hospitals behavioral health team are rounding to support staff coping with this heartbreaking loss.

The deceased person was identified by a local union as Roger Liddell. His last public Facebook post was on the night of March 30.

Work in ccu and icu last week today a patient on the 9th floor, Liddell wrote in the post. Pray for me God is still in control.

Liddell was noted for his affable personality. He was a husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated employee who brought smiles and friendly service to everyone he interacted with, according to Bill Sohmer, president of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Local 2650, of which Liddell was a member.

Liddell had been with McLaren for about 18 years, Sohmer said. He worked in supply distribution, bringing stock to all hospital floors.

During these stressful times, most media outlets are focused on the physicians and RN's rightly so, but the heartbeat of the hospitals are its support staff who keep all the other departments running and also provide patient care, Sohmer said.

Liddell is one of 55 people to have died of coronavirus-related matters in Genesee County as of Friday, April 10. There have been 827 total confirmed cases in the county.

Related:

Coronavirus death toll hits 57 in Genesee County, 9 in Saginaw County

For 12th day running, more than 1K new coronavirus cases confirmed in Michigan

Nine more die from coronavirus in Genesee County, 48 total lives lost
By PTI

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir police seized mobile phones and SIM cards from three inmates of the high-security Kot Bhalwal jail here during a surprise search operation on Saturday, officials said.

Of the three inmates from whom the mobile phones and SIM cards were seized, one was top Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commander Abdul Rehman Mughal of Pakistan, they said.

The raid in the jail was conducted by a police team led by Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu, Shridhar Patil, hours after the arrest of a JeM overground worker from near the International Border (IB) in R S Pura sector on Friday night.

Mohammad Muzaffar Beigh (24), a resident of the Handwara area of north Kashmir's Kupwara district, was arrested during a late night raid on a house in Chakroi village and his interrogation led the police to Kot Bhalwal jail, the officials said.

They said Beigh had reached Chakroi village of R S Pura on March 17 and was residing in the house of a local since the lockdown was imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus.

The owner of the house has also been taken into custody for questioning, officials said.

During the raid in jail, the police team seized three mobile phones and two SIM cards, a charger, a headphone and a memory card from Mughal, Farhan Fayaz Lillu of Baramulla district and Deepak Singh of Satraiyan village of R S Pura, they said, adding a case has been registered and further investigation is on, the officials said.

Earlier, a police official said some incriminating documents were recovered from Beigh, whose questioning revealed his links with JeM terrorists.

"The man is a hardcore overground worker. Some more arrests are expected at his disclosure," the official said, adding a case under relevant sections of the IPC and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act was registered against him and further probe was on.
Gmsuae.sharepoint.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 31 Dec 2012, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.

This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the gmsuae.sharepoint homepage on Twitter + the total number of gmsuae.sharepoint followers (if gmsuae.sharepoint has a Twitter account). The total number of people who shared the gmsuae.sharepoint homepage on Delicious. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the gmsuae.sharepoint homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if gmsuae.sharepoint has a Facebook fan page). The total number of people who shared the gmsuae.sharepoint homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. The total number of people who shared the gmsuae.sharepoint homepage on StumbleUpon.

Basic Information

PAGE TITLE Welcome to Microsoft Online Services DESCRIPTION KEYWORDS OTHER KEYWORDS



The keywords meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The description meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of the site. CoolSocial advanced keyword analysis tool is able to detect and analyze every keyword on each page of a site. The title found in the head section of the homepage.

Domain and Server

DOCTYPE CHARSET AND LANGUAGE UTF-8 DETECTED LANGUAGE English English SERVER Microsoft-IIS/7.5 OPERATIVE SYSTEM Windows Server 2008 R2 Windows Server 2008 R2

Operative System running on the server. Type of server and offered services. Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) The language of gmsuae.sharepoint.com as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Character set and language of the site.

Site Traffic trend during the last year. Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world.

Referring domains for gmsuae.sharepoint.com by MajesticSeo. High values are a sign of site importance over the web and on web engines.

Facebook link

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The total number of people who tagged or talked about website Facebook page in the last 7-10 days. The total number of people who like website Facebook page. The URL of the found Facebook page. Facebook Timeline is the new layout of Facebook pages. The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users. A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file. The type of Facebook page.

Twitter account link

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On Zoom, the rectangle of boxes each containing someones face created a strange intimacy. The smudge and reflections from their bourbon glasses and the prominent display of their hairlines and foreheads on my computer screen made it feel like we were sitting on the same couches in a password-protected speakeasy. Some people hoisted their bourbon glasses at the stems, others clasped the bulbous-bottomed bowl. Some people were sitting at their laptops with no art behind them, others drank proudly in front of their own well-stocked bars. You really could get to know people this way, on Zoom.
Cardinal George Pell said he is ashamed of the Catholic Church's handling of child sex abuse scandals and compared it to 'cutting out a cancer'.

The 78-year-old spoke candidly about the church's failings following his release from prison in a sit down interview with Sky News Australia presenter Andrew Bolt.

In a preview for the interview, Bolt asked the cardinal whether he was ashamed of the church and how it dealt with child sex abuse scandals.

'Yes. There are two levels. One is the crimes itself and then the treating it so inadequately for so long,' Cardinal Pell said.

'It's like cutting out a cancer. I think, please God, we've got rid of it.'

Cardinal Pell said he condemns 'these sort of activities', adding he has seen the damage it has done to victims.

'One of the things that grieves me is the suggestion that I'm anti-victim, or not sufficiently sympathetic,' he said.

The interview, which will air on Tuesday at 7pm, also sheds light on Cardinal Pell's experiences in jail - where he befriended a number of inmates, including a convicted murderer.

During his first days in freedom, Cardinal Pell wrote a letter to The Weekend Australian about his suffering and the coronavirus pandemic.

'I have just spent 13 months in jail for a crime I didn't commit, one disappointment after another,' he wrote.

'I knew God was with me, but I didn't know what He was up to, although I realised he has left all of us free.'

Cardinal Pell wrote that 'every person suffers' and will be confronted by a series of questions, including 'what should I do?' and 'why did this happen to me?'

Cardinal George Pell said he is ashamed of the Catholic Church's handling of child sex abuse scandals and compared it to 'cutting out a cancer'. Pictured: Pell arrives at the Seminary Of The Good Shepherd in Sydney on Wednesday

He explained that Christians can cope with suffering better than atheists can explain the happiness of life, adding that 'Christians see Christ in everyone who suffers'.

'And many, most understand the direction we are heading when it is pointed out that the only son of God did not have an easy run and suffered more than his share. Jesus redeemed us and we can redeem our suffering by joining it to His and offering it to God,' Pell said.

Pell also wrote about the global suffering brought by the COVID-19 crisis and referred to the Spanish flu pandemic as well as the Black Death in the 14 century.

He said there is a new capacity to fight the disease intelligently and curb its spread.

Writing to the sexual abuse scandals which have rocked the Catholic Church, Pell insisted they have painfully cut out a 'moral cancer'.

The cardinal won his appeal bid to the High Court on Tuesday and walked free from Barwon Prison, near Geelong, after more than 400 days behind bars.

The 78-year-old travelled from Melbourne to Sydney on Wednesday stopping briefly at a petrol station

The 78-year-old travelled from Melbourne to Sydney on Wednesday stopping briefly at a petrol station to buy a phone charger and newspapers.

During the pit stop, the cardinal told media he was 'very pleased' to be free.

He apologised for not dressing better, saying he wasn't expecting company on the trip.

'Before you arrived, it was better here,' he told media at the service station when asked about life behind bars, before adding his prison experience was 'not too bad'.

He also asked reporters to adhere to social distancing and not get too close to him.

Cardinal Pell arrived at the Seminary of the Good Shepherd in Homebush, in Sydney's west, at about 9pm on Wednesday.

The 78-year-old spoke candidly about the church's failings following his release from prison in a sit down interview with Sky News Australia presenter Andrew Bolt. Pell is pictured in 2008

Following the overturning of his child sex convictions, Cardinal Pell released a statement saying the serious injustice he suffered had been remedied.

'I hold no ill will to my accused, I do not want my acquittal to add to the hurt and bitterness so many feel; there is certainly hurt and bitterness enough,' he said on Tuesday.

The 78-year-old said his trial was not a referendum on the Catholic Church or how Australian church authorities dealt with paedophilia.

'The point was whether I had committed these awful crimes, and I did not,' he said.

In December 2018, a jury found Cardinal Pell guilty of five charges, accepting evidence of one complainant that the then-Archbishop of Melbourne had sexually abused him and another 13-year-old choirboy at St Patrick's Cathedral in 1996.

One of the choirboys died in 2014, prompting the other to bring the allegations to police.

In an initial trial, a jury was unable to reach a verdict. The second jury was unanimous in its decision. An appeal to Victoria's Court of Appeal last year was unsuccessful.

Cardinal Pell has always maintained his innocence, a fact noted in the High Court's 26-page decision.
Ben Marsh, 28, co-owns Creation Coffee in Midland. Creation is a wholesale coffee roaster focused on creating great coffee, great relationships, and a better world. Their wholesale operation may expand services and offerings in the near future. Ben was born in Massachusetts but was raised in Midland. His parents are Susan and Dave Marsh (see today's Meet Your Neighbor). Ben's a graduate of Midland High. He earned a bachelor's degree in advertising and marketing from Northwood University. Creation's co-owner is Jacob Spence. He's from Cheboygan. He and Ben met while attending Northwood. Ben is engaged to be married to Arianna Ilenich.

1. How long have you owned your business?

We have been in business for just under four years.

2. What inspired you to own this business?

When we were in college, both Jacob and I had a eye-opening, life-changing experience with coffee that inspired us to explore all that was out there in terms of the world of coffee. We started roasting coffee in Jacob's garage in college. We noticed no one was doing that in the area, so we decided to scale up to a proper commercial roasting operation.

3. What makes Midland a great place to own a business?

The size of the community. It's large enough to support an array of businesses but small enough that there's a tight knit feel in the community, hometown and local.

4. What are some ways your business is active in the local community?

We have spent a lot of time on campus with Northwood students and professors, hosting lectures and workshops, participating with different organizations. Share our experiences with the students. Also utilize our products and services to do fundraising. Have made custom label bags for United Way and Mid Michigan Health. Nice to help them in their endeavors and efforts in the community

5. What are some of your interests and hobbies?

Outside of drinking a lot of coffee, I enjoy traveling around Michigan and various cities across the country. Enjoy listening to and playing music (guitar and piano), and spending time with my fiance.

6.What are some local businesses you work with that help make your business a success?

We've got a number of great local partners who we appreciate so much. To name a handful, Live Oak Coffeehouse, Journeys, Grand Traverse Pie Company, LaLonde's, Eastman Party Store, Midland Brewing Company, Iron Grind in Auburn and City Grind in Bay City.

7. Other thoughts?

Want to extend a thank you for being so supportive of local businesses. In a time that can be really trying, the community has rallied to be supportive but, even before this, it's been a really engaging and supportive community.
The hovering drone emits a mechanical buzz reminiscent of a wasp and shouts down instructions in a tinny voice. "Attention! You are in a prohibited area. Get out immediately," commands the drone, about the size of a loaf of bread. A heat sensor takes the offender's temperature and sends the information to a drone operator, who stares at a thermal map on his hand-held screen -- shining orange and purple blobs. "Violations of the regulations result in administrative and criminal penalties," the drone says. Italy's coronavirus epicentre in the northern province of Bergamo, in Lombardy region, has had enough of people spreading COVID-19. "Once a person's temperature is read by the drone, you must still stop that person and measure their temperature with a normal thermometer," Matteo Copia, police commander in Treviolo, near Bergamo, told AFP. "But drones are useful for controlling the territory." - One in 1,000 dead - Italy was the first Western democracy to enter a national lockdown in the face of a disease that has officially killed more than 18,000 in the Mediterranean country and nearly 100,000 worldwide. It is now one of several European nations using police drones to an extent that would have seemed unimaginable -- and almost certainly unacceptable -- just a month ago. Drones keep people off Paris's river quays and monitor water consumption in Spain. In Italy, they try to figure out who has COVID-19. The official death toll in Lombardy, an industrial area of 10 million people, stood at 10,022 early on Friday -- meaning one in 1,000 people have died of the disease in a matter of weeks. - 'Critical operations' - The death toll appears to have peaked and the number of new daily infections is dropping to a point where Italy might soon start seeing the number of formally registered COVID-19 cases decline. But health officials fear this progress may be undone once people have had enough of life under lockdown and start coming out into the spring sunshine. Copia says the local police force has received new powers that allow it to check people's temperature without their knowledge or permission. "Everything is perfectly legal," the police commander said. "At this moment of emergency, the Italian civil aviation authority has authorised us to control people using critical and non-critical operations. "The critical operations involve city overflights." - 'A privacy violation' - The government in Rome is reportedly ready to let residents leave their homes for the first time in nearly two months on May 4. But the most heavily hit regions might choose to extend their lockdowns and the Bergamo drones may keep flying well into the summer months. Some Italians have had enough of the buzzing machines and their heat maps. "The use of drones might seem positive but in my opinion, it's a privacy violation," local student Carlotta Locatelli said. But pensioner Regina Masper said the drones delivered a public good. "I think it's good that they are using drones," the pensioner said. "At least we know who is infected and who is not."
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-10 11:58:22|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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An electronic screen displaying "Keep 1 to 2 meters apart." is seen on the Queen Elizabeth Drive in Suva, Fiji, April 10, 2020. Fiji confirmed on Friday one more case of the COVID-19, bringing the total number of such cases in the country to 16. Currently, a 14-day lockdown has been imposed in Suva while a nationwide curfew from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. every day has also been implemented since March 30. (Xinhua/Zhang Yongxing)

SUVA, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Fiji confirmed on Friday one more case of the COVID-19, bringing the total number of such cases in the country to 16.

In a televised speech on Friday, Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said that the latest case is the 9-year-old granddaughter of a man in Labasa, capital of Fiji's second largest island of Vanua Levu.

The girl was taken into isolation on April 4 after the Fijian Health Ministry believed she had a high risk of being infected given her close contact with her 54-year-old grandfather. She initially showed no symptoms but she tested positive of the deadly virus on Friday morning.

This is the sixth confirmed case stemming from the 54-year-old Labasa man, who returned from India in March. He, the father of patients 6 and 7 (a couple) in Fiji's capital of Suva, has tested positive and has been isolated in Labasa while the 11-year-old daughter of the couple in Suva has also tested positive of such virus. The 54-year-old Labasa man's wife has also contracted the COVID-19.

Fiji reported its first confirmed case of the deadly virus on March 19. This case was a 27-year-old Fiji Airways flight attendant who had overseas travel history to the United States and New Zealand.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Fiji is limited so far but the prime minister has warned that the grim reality is that in Fiji, the number of deaths for the cases would likely be much, much higher.

Bainimarama urged on Friday Fijians to abide by the restrictions and help the government fight the deadly virus.

Currently, a 14-day lockdown has been imposed in Suva while a nationwide curfew from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. every day has also been implemented since March 30. The prime minister has warned that a 24-hour curfew will be imposed if Fijians do not adhere to the government restrictions.
T he death rate of patients admitted to intensive care with coronavirus now stands at more than 51 per cent, according to a study of critical care outcomes.

The figure comes from the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre (ICNARC) and is based on a sample of 3,883 coronavirus patients.

It comes as the UK saw its deadliest day in the outbreak so far with a record increase of 980 deaths in just 24 hours, pushing the total fatalities up to almost 9,000.

The recent study shows that out of 1,689 patients in the sample whose care outcome was known, 871 died (51.6 per cent), while 818 were discharged.

Special look inside the NHS Nightingale Hospital - In pictures 1 /20 Special look inside the NHS Nightingale Hospital - In pictures The ICU wards at the newly created Nightingale Hospital at the Excel Centre Matt Writtle Portrait of Matthew Trainer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the newly created Nightingale Hospital at the Excel Centre Matt Writtle The ICU wards at the newly created Nightingale Hospital at the Excel Centre Matt Writtle The ventilator that will helps save lives at the newly created Nightingale Hospital at the Excel Centre Matt Writtle The map of the identical layout of each ICU station on the wards at the newly created Nightingale Hospital at the Excel Centre Matt Writtle Portrait of Dr Alan McGlennan, Medical Director of the newly created Nightingale Hospital at the Excel Centre Matt Writtle The ICU wards at the newly created Nightingale Hospital at the Excel Centre Matt Writtle The ventilator that will helps save lives at the newly created Nightingale Hospital at the Excel Centre Matt Writtle The ICU wards at the newly created Nightingale Hospital at the Excel Centre Matt Writtle The ICU wards at the newly created Nightingale Hospital at the Excel Centre Matt Writtle The ventilator that will helps save lives at the newly created Nightingale Hospital at the Excel Centre Matt Writtle The ICU wards at the newly created Nightingale Hospital at the Excel Centre Matt Writtle The ICU wards at the newly created Nightingale Hospital at the Excel Centre Matt Writtle The ventilator that will helps save lives at the newly created Nightingale Hospital at the Excel Centre, Matt Writtle The ICU wards at the newly created Nightingale Hospital at the Excel Centre Matt Writtle

In comparison, just 22 per cent out of 5,367 patients taken into critical care with non-Covid-19 viral pneumonia died between 2017 and 2019.

The coronavirus figures come from 284 NHS critical care units in England, Wales and Northern Ireland taking part in an ICNARC programme as of 4pm on April 9.

According to the study, the data shows that: "Of the 3,883 patients, 871 patients have died, 818 patients have been discharged alive from critical care and 2,194 patients were last reported as still receiving critical care."

The mortality rate is currently higher for men and increases with age, the data shows.

Deputy CMO: It's impossible to say if UK has reached coronavirus peak but social distancing measures are paying off

Of the 871 people who died, 53.6 per cent were male, while 46.3 per cent were women.

Meanwhile, the largest number of deaths were among those aged between 70-79 at 298, followed by the 60-69 age group, with 273 reported.

Thirty-one patients died aged between 16-39, 46 were 40-49 and 145 were 50-59. A total of 78 patients died aged over 80.

The average (mean) age of those admitted to intensive care with coronavirus was 59.8 years, with 72.5 per cent of patients recorded as male.

Some 2,291 (59 per cent) patients in critical care had to be mechanically ventilated in the first 24 hours, the study revealed.

The largest number of Covid-19 patients remains in London, with 1,428 being managed by the three London Operational Delivery Networks - the system of co-ordinating patient care across the capital.

Previous figures from April 3, recorded the death rate as being at 50.1 per cent.
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In 2009, the European debt crisis revealed that the European Union, unlike the United States, is not a united republic composed of somewhat independent nation-states. Instead, it was, as it had been since Roman times, a collection of warring tribes that occasionally made common cause. Somehow, though, the E.U. stuck together.

In 2015, when Angela Merkel opened the E.U. to floods of Muslim refugees from the Middle East and Africa, the E.U. took another hit to its unity. The core Western nations reluctantly accommodated the onslaught, but the Central European countries, remembering centuries of Islamic rule, ignored the E.U.'s open border mandates and closed their borders to the Muslim invaders.

In 2016, British citizens had enough and voted to pull out of the E.U. On January 31, 2020, even as COVID-19 was following the path the migrants paved in 2015, Britain finally left the E.U. The E.U. bureaucrats in Brussels sneered that Britain would never recover.

Now, in April 2020, it looks as if it's the E.U. that won't recover. COVID-19 is killing it.

Politico has published an article detailing the myriad missteps by the individual European nations and the E.U. itself in response to COVID-19's spread through the continent.

Despite trying to cast some blame on Trump for closing America to European flights, it's evident from the article that the problem lies deep within the E.U. itself. It's being eaten alive because the individual nations will cling to their national interests and because the E.U. bureaucracy is incapable of reacting quickly to a rapidly changing situation.

The article has too many details to yield to an easy summary, but the highlights are clear: in the beginning, the E.U. was focused on climate change and the Middle East. As the virus ramped up, the various ministers were much more concerned with events in their own countries than in the E.U. as a whole. In this regard, America has a tremendous advantage, which is an executive who is dedicated to the nation's welfare rather than the welfare of any individual state.

The authors say part of the problem in some countries (i.e., Germany, Italy, and Spain) was that their health care systems  all of which are socialized  were decentralized, with control at the regional level. In other words, these countries had the worst of all worlds: the local systems weren't talking to each other, and, as is the case for all socialized systems, they were still proceeding in the usual way: slowly and with the rationing that is inevitable with socialized medicine.

Additionally, the politicians who rotate through the E.U. wanted to do spectacular things and were uninterested in the nitty-gritty of disease control. More than that, the politicians reflected strong national biases and couldn't ignore the crises within their borders. Again, unlike our federal system, which is headed by a dedicated president, there was no single leader whose focus was the entire E.U.

While the ministers were fussing about African testing capacities, COVID-19 was spreading. Because nobody was taking COVID-19 seriously, carnival week in February went ahead as usual, with people traveling widely throughout Europe, carrying the disease with them. Meanwhile, as carnival died down, the situation on the border between Greece and Turkey distracted the E.U. and the individual European nations, for Erdogan had announced that he would unleash onto the E.U. the Middle Eastern migrants in Turkey.

In the beginning of March, perhaps in response to the E.U.'s disorganization and perhaps in response to age-old instincts, the various E.U. countries began to act as standalone nations rather than parts of a federation. France (of course) was the first to announce that nobody was getting its personal protective equipment. Other nations followed suit.

In Spain, the leftist government encouraged people to turn out for the Women's Day march, a crowded, chaotic event. Many in the Spanish government got COVID-19 there. When things went sour in Italy, none of the E.U. nations would help, showing again a decided lack of unity for a union. And now that Italy and Spain are seeking affordable financial support, the rich E.U. nations are rejecting their pleas.

American leftists used to assure Americans that the E.U. was the future. It had everything: sophisticated European culture, advanced wokeness, and socialized medicine and industries. What they forgot was that, despite being a coherent continent, Europe was never a coherent culture. This divisiveness grew as the E.U. kept adding member-states from outside Western Europe's geographic and cultural core.

Between the E.U.'s inevitable descent into being the usual moribund bureaucracy and the fact that ancient nations turn inward when threatened, the E.U.'s break-up is beginning to seem inevitable.

Here are three other excellent articles that focus on the E.U. situation:

Top E.U. Coronavirus Scientist Resigns, Saying He Has 'Lost Faith in the System Itself'

European Disunion: Italy's PM Says 'Risk is Real' the Coronavirus Could Break Up the E.U.

Italy and the Wuhan virus  the real story  from an Italian writer
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte extended national lockdown to May 3 extended the country's national coronavirus lockdown by "at least" additional 20 days to May 3.

The prime minister's announcement on Friday came about one month after the first decree went into force. Since then, Conte has periodically strengthened the terms of the lockdown and extended its length, Xinhua news agency reported.

Before this extension, the measures were scheduled to be lifted on Monday, though reports began circulating on Thursday that it would be extended into May after Conte held a conference call with trade union leaders.

Italy was the first country in Europe to issue a national lockdown as a way to curb the spread of the virus.

The extension means that residents in Italy will not be able to leave their homes except for "vital" reasons, such as food shopping or medical visits, in an extra 20 days.

Italy remains one of the countries hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic, with nearly 19,000 deaths and nearly 150,000 infections.
During these days of isolation and meditation, to get news from beloved people is inspiring, said Marcos Inhauser. He and his wife, Suely, are leaders in Igreja da Irmandade-Brasil (the Church of the Brethren in Brazil). As you know, we are in the mood as you in the United States. Social isolation, following the statistics about people that are infected, the number of daily deaths, taking care of necessary procedures, etc.

In Brazil, churches are not allowed to have worship services. Some of them are having some virtual worship service that is bringing to Internet what they usually do: a group of people playing and singing and preaching.

The characteristics of the Irmandade in Brazil does not allow us to do it. We have stressed the communitarian interpretation of the Bible, where all the participants are supposed to bring their interpretations. It fits with the idea of the priesthood of all believers. All the gifts of the church have the opportunity to build the whole body. It is not just the duty of the pastor, but it is the ministry of all people. It is not a matter of having someone preaching, but all people contributing, Thus, for us to do what others are doing does not fit. We are quite a different church!

What we have done for two times until now is to have a Zoom session. People are invited to share their joys and concerns, and we do pray for each of them. In the second one, we had the time of sharing and also a teaching on being peacemakers. It was a kind of lesson or sermon, and I feel that people were not comfortable with this. We are looking for the way to be in the way we are used to be.

Among the church members, we do have a quite stable situation. The majority have their own houses, typical job, and until now, regular salaries. It is good, but we know that jobs have been cutting down drastically. I have many people that I do know lost their job or are at the point of losing it.

Because of this, we are in coordination with the Mennonite Church to ask church families to adopt a needy family, providing them what they need, in the frame they can afford. It was a personal commitment to love our neighbors.

Suely and I decided to have more time pastoring in the social media. We do have countless people, both in WhatsApp and Facebook. We are asked to post videos with messages, and Suely, yesterday wrote to the people: I prefer to pastor individually. Shepherding is listening to them without judgment, it is crying together, it is also smiling with them, it is praying with them, it is strengthening them when their knees are shaky, it is helping them to feel loved and care for them. I am tired of seeing and hearing Christians fighting for political parties, defending, or attacking each other. There are many sick people who need to be accompanied and helped to act with the values of the Kingdom of God. I am striving not to fall into the commonplace. Count on me if you need to, but dont expect sermons, I prefer prayers.

God bless you and all of us.

Marcos Inhauser also reported that he continues to write a regular newspaper column, which he has done for almost 20 years, published each Wednesday and posted on Facebook and on a blog. His column has more than 10,000 readers, and he has learned that pastors are using the ideas in his columns for their sermons and classes at Sunday school.

Prayer requests from the church in Brazil:

Authorities are saying that the next two weeks in Brazil will be the worst. The Brazilian Brethren are praying and waiting for this time of turbulence.

The Inhausers seek prayer for Suelys family therapy business using social media (Skype and WhatsApp), offering free services for some people who cannot afford to pay as a way to develop the ministry.
- Alex Gonzaga is known for sharing comical contents on her YouTube channel

- But for the first time, she made use of her platform to discuss her Christian faith amid the public health emergency

- Her new YouTube content was uploaded on April 11, Black Saturday, where Alex also sang her own rendition of the song Oceans by Hillsong

- The video also featured photographs related to the present COVID-19 crisis and collection of art showing Jesus Christ embracing His people

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Alex Gonzaga, who mostly posts comical videos on her YouTube channel, used her platform for the first time to discuss her Christian faith.

On April 11, Black Saturday, Alex published a video entitled Holy Week Cover by Alex Gonzaga where she sang her own rendition of the song Oceans by Hillsong while her Tita Ela plays the piano.

Actually, first time ko gagawin to ever. That in my vlog, I will be discussing my faith. Kasi hindi ko masyadong yun nung una kasi feeling ko corny ang maybe this is not the right time, Alex said in the videos introduction.

But you know, you should not be ashamed of the gospel, she shared.

Alex continued, Lahat tayo, hindi lang ang Pilipinas kundi ang buong mundo, confused kung ano ang nangyayari, ano ang next move natin. Theres uncertainty in every one of us so maybe this is the right time well find peace and rest through God.

Right now, sa lahat po ng ating pinagdadaanan, its time na you talk to Jesus. You talk to Him and that whatever you are feeling right now kung ano man ang nakikita mo, kung ano man ang anxiety mo, kung ano man ang panic mo, kung ano man ang kailangan mo, ask and it will be given. Accept Jesus Christ as your savior.

The actress and vlogger also wrote in the videos caption, Hi Netizens, first time ill use my platflorm to spread the good news. Stay safe everyone! Jesus loves you! Thank you tita Ela.

The video featured photographs related to the present COVID-19 crisis and collection of art showing Jesus Christ embracing His people.

Here is the video where she wrote "this is not fake news" in the thumbnail:

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In a previous report by KAMI, Alex Gonzaga countered a netizen who wrote a controversial comment on her social media post where she shared her desire for the leaders to use all calamity funds in these trying times.

Alex Gonzaga is a prominent showbiz personality in the Philippines. She is also a YouTube content creator with over 6.4 million subscribers as of this writing.

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!

Kapuso star Kris Bernal participated in the new episode of our Tricky Questions feature! Check out all of the exciting videos and celebrity interviews on our KAMI HumanMeter YouTube channel!

Source: KAMI.com.gh
The Ho Central Market in the capital of the Volta Region will from Monday, April 13 be closed to the public as part of measures to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The closure which will fall on a market day, will be replicated on every other market day which is the fifth day counting from the last market day.

The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yaw Letsa made the announcement in Ho during a one-day training programme for selected journalists on Reporting On COVID-19.

The workshop was funded by the USAID was facilitated by the Ghana Health Service (GHS), the Ministry of Information, the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).

Dr. Letsa said the Ho Municipal Assembly, headed by Prosper Pi-Bansah have had to take such decision due to the reluctance of traders and other users of the market to adhere to the social distancing directive.

A statement released by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Prosper Pi-Bansah noted that the 'market day' closure will be used for general cleaning starting from the next market day which falls on Monday, April 13, 2020.

The Ho market, like many markets in the region and in many parts of the country apart from operating every day, have days that are referred to as 'market days'. On this day, there are a lot of food items and traders from far and near making cost of food and groceries cheaper.

The abundance and large variety of food items also attracts large crowds far more than the normal market days.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Ghana several measures have been taken to curb the spread, one of them is social distancing, however due to the sheer numbers on market days, social distancing has become impossible in a country where over 300 people have been infected with COVID-19.

Dr. Letsa said a similar measure has been employed at the Kpando market due to the same reason of not adhering to social distancing adding that, they will not hesitate to close other markets that refuse to adhere to social distancing.

He also commended the media for their consistent support to the regional administration and the various Municipalities and Districts in sensitising and equipping the public with adequate information to fight COVID-19.

He also urged the media not to entertain rumours because I, the regional Minister will be the one to announce if any one tests positive to COVID-19. Any other information on a positive novel corona virus case that does not come from me is fake news.

---Daily Guide
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 11

By Elnur Baghishov - Trend:

The inclusion of Iran in the FATF's black list on February 21, 2020 has had some effect, a member of Iranian parliament Masoumeh Aghapour Alishahi told Trend.

According to Alishahi, this issue has led to 15-20 percent increase in foreign exchange in Iran.

Alishahi added that it also had a negative impact on the return of Iranian funds to the country.

The Iranian MP said that however, the fact that three European countries (the UK, France and Germany) in the Comprehensive Joint Action Plan launched the first operation under the INSTEX financial mechanism has reduced the FATF's influence.

Alishahi said that in addition, the effects of FATF are less severe in the current state of coronavirus spread.

The Iranian MP said that The Expediency Council of Iran may re-examine the FATF's projects, given the economic situation in Iran.

The objectives of FATF are to set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.

During the recent FATF meeting, Iran has been warned that it may be added to the list of non-cooperative countries within three months if it does not completely fulfill the FATF requirements. Iran fulfilled 37 of 41 FATF requirements. The remaining four requirements refer to the legislative field.

The amendments to Counter-Terrorist Financing Act, Anti-Money Laundering Act, Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (Palermo) and International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) were prepared by the Iranian government and sent to the parliament.

Although the four conventions have been approved and sent to the Expediency Council of Iran, the CFT and Palermo conventions have not yet been ratified by the Council.

FATF was established in 1989 on the initiative of the G7 Group to combat money laundering. FATF has 37 members and its secretariat is in Paris.

Iran was included in the FATF blacklist in 2007. The anti-Tehran steps have been taken since 2009. Thus, the countries were cautious in their financial and banking transactions with Iran.

Taking of reciprocal steps against Iran through diplomatic steps has been postponed since 2016. FATF included Iran into the black list again on Feb. 21, 2020.
An emergency loan program meant to aid small businesses hurt by the coronavirus pandemic could be a lot less generous than previously advertised.

The Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is supposed to provide small businesses running out of cash due to the pandemic with working capital loans of up to $2 million, according to the Small Business Administrations website.

But small businesses dont appear to be able to get anything close to $2 million. Those that apply will likely be given maximum loans of $25,000-$35,000 (as opposed to the advertised $2 million cap for EIDLs), Tom Sullivan, the U.S. Chamber of Commerces vice president for small business policy, wrote in an internal email on Thursday evening, which was obtained by POLITICO.

Demand for the loans has been so high that it has overwhelmed the agency, even though Congress set aside billions of dollars last month to help the program make loans and grants to small businesses hurt by the novel coronavirus. It's the latest headache for small businesses trying to tap into the hundreds of billions of dollars in aid Congress appropriated last month, much of which hasn't made its way to small businesses yet.

I do not understand SBAs decision to have a quiet rollout instead of admitting publicly that their disaster loan program is tapped out and Congress needs to grant them more, Sullivan wrote in the email, which he sent to other Chamber officials.

The email lines up with what the agency appears to have told small business owners who applied for the loans.

The SBA is experiencing a large volume of applications for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan, the agency wrote to one loan applicant in a message shared with The New York Times. Due to current appropriations for this program, the SBA will make initial loan disbursements for two months of working capital up to a maximum of $15,000 per applicant.

In remarks on the Senate floor on Thursday, Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) also said the loan program was only able to provide $15,000 to small businesses that applied, even though the average amount requested was $200,000.

Story continues

Small businesses have applied for $372 billion worth of Economic Injury Disaster Loans, according to Cardin. But heres the problem: We have only authorized $7.3 billion for that program, he said.

Cardin has called for providing the program with enough money to make another $300 billion worth of loans.

Small businesses that apply for the loans can also get a cash advance of up to $10,000  making the total amount available around $25,000, the figure cited in Sullivan's email. But that effort is also underfunded and doesnt have enough money to give $10,000 to every small business that has applied, Cardin said.

Sullivan confirmed he sent the email, which he said was meant to ensure the Chamber gave accurate information to state and local chambers of commerce trying to guide small businesses through the loan application process. We are going full speed at trying to get information into the hands of small businesses, he said.

The Small Business Administration disputed that loans would be capped at $25,000 to $35,000. Jennifer Kelly, a spokeswoman for the agency, wrote in an email to POLITICO that it was not accurate but declined to elaborate.

The Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is one of two initiatives designed to help small businesses suffering due to the pandemic. A second, larger effort, known as the Paycheck Protection Program, offers loans up to $10 million but stipulates that 75 percent of the money must be used to cover payroll.

Banks complained to President Donald Trump this week that the Small Business Adminisrations system used to authorize the Paycheck Protection Program loans has crashed periodically since it launched last week and the some community banks still lacked access to it.

The Treasury Department has asked Congress to cough up another $250 billion to shore up the Paycheck Protection Program, which lobbyists for restaurants, hotels, retailers and other industries devastated by the pandemic say cant come soon enough. Industry lobbyists have also called for more money to bolster Economic Injury Disaster Loans.





FILIE - This June 6, 2019, file photo shows the U.S. Treasury Department building at dusk in Washington. Multiple published reports say that the U.S. government has launched a national-security review of the China-owned video app TikTok, popular with millions of U.S. teens and young adults. Several senators have recently noted concerns about censorship and data collection on TikTok. The Treasury Department, which houses CFIUS, says it does not comment on specific cases. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

What were finding is that while the intent of these programs is good, the funding is not enough for the nations second largest private employer, Sean Kennedy, the National Restaurant Associations top lobbyist, said in a statement. We hope that Congress will move quickly to increase the funding for the PPP, consider additional funding for the EDIL, and will work with us to create a Restaurant Recovery Fund to ensure the survival of the industry.

Tori Barnes, the U.S. Travel Associations top lobbyist, said in an interview that the Paycheck Protection Program could run out of money as soon as next week. She also called for more money to shore up the Economic Injury Disaster Loans, which she said wouldnt help small businesses much if theyre capped at $25,000.

It essentially makes the EIDL loan useless, she said.

Some travel industry groups can only seek Economic Injury Disaster Loans because theyre not eligible for Paycheck Protection Program loans, she said, including tourism promotion agencies such as Visit Philadelphia and Visit Tampa Bay.

There are organizations that are going to be critical to the recovering when we get to that point, she said.
Almost all of the countries in Europe are on coronavirus lockdown, and they also implemented restrictions on movement and penalties for those who will break the rules. However, Sweden has a world of their own. The country's restaurants and bars are still open, playgrounds and schools are still functioning and the government is relying on voluntary action to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Sweden's approach is very controversial, and it has drawn the attention of U.S President Donald Trump. He stated that Sweden is suffering badly because there is action taken to help flatten the curve.

Sweden refuses to go on lockdown

Despite the criticisms, the Swedish government is confident that its policy can work. Foreign Minster Ann Linde stated that President Trump was factually wrong to suggest that Sweden was following the herd immunity theory of letting enough people catch the virus while protecting the vulnerable, meaning a country's population builds up immunity against the disease.

According to the Foreign Minister, Sweden's strategy was no lockdown and they rely on people taking responsibility themselves. Anders Tegnell, Sweden's state epidemiologist, also pushed back against Trump's criticism that Sweden was doing badly. He stated that Sweden is doing okay and that the country is producing quality results the same way it has always done. The Swedish health care is handling the pandemic in a fantastic way so far. As of April 10, Sweden has 9,685 coronavirus cases, 870 deaths, and 381 recovered cases.

Also Read: India's Trains Made Into Hospitals for COVID-19 Patients

Sweden's actions are about recommending and encouraging, not compulsion. Two days after Spain imposed a nationwide lockdown on March 14, the authorities in Sweden were encouraging people to wash their hands and to stay at home if they are sick. On March 24, new rules were introduced in order to avoid crowing at public places, but the establishments were still open.

Tegnell defended the country's decision to keep establishments and schools open. He said that they know that closing down schools has a lot of effects on health care because a lot of people can't go to their work anymore. A lot of children are suffering when they can't go to school.

A journalist in Stockholm, Elisabeth Liden, stated that the city is less crowded now. She said that the subway went from being packed to having only a few passengers left. The public is taking the recommendations of social distancing seriously. However, she added that while some citizens are following the health measures, others are not.

Fresh surge

The focus of Sweden is to protect the elderly. Anyone who is aged 70 or older has been told to stay at home and to limit their social contact. The World Health Organization or WHO is skeptical of Sweden's approach. They noted that a fresh surge in the country's infections could happen. They stated that it is imperative that the country increases its measures to control the spread of the virus.

A study by Imperial College London estimated that 3.1% of the Swedish population was infected as of March 28, compared to 0.41% in Norway and 2.5% in the UK. As for deaths due to the virus, Sweden as 67 fatalities per 1 million citizens according to the Swedish Health Ministry. Norway had 19 deaths per million and Finland has 7 deaths per million.



Related Article: New Zealand Sees Decline on Coronavirus Cases

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
We have a problem right now with some folks in the black community.

Most are acting responsibly -- but some, and that sum, whatever the numbers maybe, makes me shake my head and tug at the brim of my fedora. They believe theyre invincible, that the coronavirus will never catch them, and they are taking a huge gamble with their lives and the lives of others as this highly contagious disease rips through the nation.

Heres my message to New Jerseys black community, which I have covered for many years:

Rona is not playing, yall.

Get off the block and out the parks. Stop gathering openly and privately -- especially for some of you who are trying to be on the sneak, opening up businesses from a side door, telling cats to come on in and get that haircut.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka correctly put a barber, who has been violating the business shut down, on blast Thursday night during a Facebook Live update about the virus.

We have your information," Baraka said. Were submitting it to the Essex County Prosecutors Office. You will be hearing from us." And Baraka had a message for those dumb enough to sit in the guys chair: Youre going to go in there to get a haircut and come out with the coronavirus."

Newark police have been clamping down on those ignoring social-distancing mandates: More than 824 summonses have been issued over the past week. Forty-four businesses, allegedly operating illegally, have been closed.

What are these violators thinking? Have they been watching the news? Reading about the unprecedented tragedy? Black people are dying of the coronavirus disproportionately. Statistics often can be boring, but these numbers should make your heart race.

According to the Washington Post: Chicagos population is about 30 percent black, but so are nearly 70 percent of those in the city killed by the virus. Milwaukee County looks worse: Black people make up 26 percent of the population, and a whopping 73 percent of covid-related deaths. In Michigan, its 14 and 41; in Louisiana, its 32 and 70. Maryland has a 30 percent black population and reported Thursday that black residents account for 40 percent of the states deaths.

We dont know the federal statistics yet, because there arent any.

A coronavirus snapshot of New Jersey is a screaming siren for blacks, too, after the state released early (but incomplete) data. As of Thursday, 1,700 had died of the virus in the state -- 61 percent are white, 22 percent are black, and 6 percent are Asian. Less than 1 percent are native or Pacific islander, roughly 10 percent are under review.

Because blacks compose 15 percent of the states population, those statistics worry Ryan Haygood, president and chief executive officer for the New Jersey Institute of Social Justice. He sent a letter to Gov. Phil Murphy this week asking for a robust accounting of racial and demographic data to help black leaders get a handle on whats happening.

Haygood wants the state to answer basic questions: How many blacks have been tested? How many have tested positive? What is the fatality rate? How many have been hospitalized? What are the statistics for incarcerated blacks, youths and adults?

Even without complete data, we know blacks are dying of coronavirus at alarming rates. Doctors believe its because of underlying health issues prevalent in the black community, such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and asthma. These pre-existing conditions make victims more susceptible to the coronavirus. Limited access to health care is likely another factor.

The bottom line: If youre black in New Jersey, the coronavirus is more likely to be a death sentence.

Listen to those who have been brought to their knees. The wife of a Detroit bus driver pleaded in a television interview for us take this pandemic seriously. Her husband, and father of their six children, died days after catching the coronavirus. Before he was stricken, he posted a video on Facebook after a passenger coughed several times without covering her mouth.

He was one of those essential workers the public takes for granted. They are on the front lines with nurses and doctors, and many have quit their jobs because they dont think theyre safe. Health care workers are dying. This is real, people.

Remember Scared Straight, the prison program in which inmates serving life sentences told young people to stop their criminal ways or theyd end up behind bars with them? I wish those who are violating the shelter-at-home guidelines could be jolted into reality by spending a shift in New Jersey hospitals, watching doctors and nurses struggle to keep people alive as respirators whir and beep into the night.

Unfortunately, Im not hopeful and optimistic that the knuckleheads will wise up.

Its Easter weekend and churches that normally would be filled should be empty. Newark police will make sure. There are ways to worship without putting people at risk, and hundreds of New Jersey churches are offering virtual services. Churches that still will host services make us wonder: Is this about the right to worship the Almighty, or the ability to collect the Almighty Dollar?

This weekend, stay out of church. Have Easter or Passover meals only with those youve been living with. Dont invite friends and family over.

I cannot say this strongly enough: We cannot gather together," Gov. Phil Murphy said. "There cannot be large community seders or gatherings  either indoors or outdoors. We will have to get creative to come together virtually so we can gather together someday soon in person.

Baraka hopes to effectively shut down the entire city in an initiative he will call Be Still Mondays. Next week, he will ask essential businesses, like grocery stores, to close voluntarily once a week until May 17, a city spokesman told NJ Advance Media.

As of Thursday, the deadly count in Newark is 98, out of 2,163 people in the city who have tested positive. Its not business as usual anymore. We have to do what we have to do right now, so we can do what we want to do later. And as spring takes hold, dont be lured outside. That message is even more important to the black community living in cramped city quarters.

Dont turn cabin fever into the coronavirus.

Dont let the warm weather or the holidays fool us, Murphy said. We are in the fight of our lives.

This, too, shall pass. The question is, are we willing and disciplined enough so we can be here when it does?

Read More

Barry Carter may be reached at bcarter@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BarryCarterSL. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 11

By Tamilla Mammadova - Trend:

Georgia is impressively coping with the challenges caused by coronavirus, US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan said in an online meeting held with Georgian Health Minister Ekaterine Tikaridze, Trend reports via Georgian media.

Degnan said that the infection spread curve in the country is stable, which was facilitated by the correct steps taken by the government at the very first stage of the coronavirus spread in the country.

"The US Embassy is monitoring the current situation in Georgia. The country spares no effort to stop the spread of the infection and prevent a peak that will be difficult for the healthcare system. The government has done a very good job, not only in terms of treatment of infected people, but also in raising public awareness", said Degnan.

Meanwhile, the US government has announced a rapid response grant program for Georgian civil society organisations, civic movements and citizen groups to help the country respond to challenges caused by COVID-19 virus in a timely manner.

Grants will range between $500-$5,000.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Mila61979356
In recent reports, it has been said that the coronavirus takes a higher toll on menwith some experts warning that being male may be a risk factor for COVID-19, as much older age is.

In fact, a scientist who studies sex difference in viral infections at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Sabra Klein told the New York Times: Being male is as much a risk factor for the coronavirus as being old. People need to be aware that there is this pattern. Just like being old means youre at higher risk, so does being male. Its a risk factor.

She also said the vulnerability could be biological or behavioural, adding that women have more robust immune systems than men.

But a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is suggesting it may have more to do with biology than lifestyle. In particular, it may even have to do with genetics.

Male COVID-19

Male COVID-19 patients are more common than females, study finds. | Image source: iStock

Male COVID-19 patients get it worse

In CDCs Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report published on Monday (6 April), it is found that there is a higher prevalence of COVID-19 in males across every pediatric age groupincluding newborns and infants.

Specifically, in the study of over 2,500 childrenaged 0 to 18with COVID-19, some 57 percent were male, suggesting that biological factors could make men more susceptible to the virus.

Based on the study, among the cases in children, the median age was 11 years, with nearly one-third of reported pediatric cases of cases involving teens between the ages of 15 and 17.

Among pediatric cases for which sex was known, 57 percent occurred in malesmuch higher in percentage compared to adult cases, in which 53 percent occurred in males.

The study also found that most of the children reported symptoms of cough or fever, only 5.7 percent were hospitalized.

These data support previous findings that children with COVID-19 might not have reported fever or cough as often as do adults, the report said.

Story continues

Children who were hospitalised reported at least one underlying health condition, with most common being chronic lung diseases (such as asthma), cardiovascular diseases.

Meanwhile, in Singapore, a quick check on the summary of made available since the beginning of April shows that among the 21 reported pediatric patients who tested positive for COVID-19, 16 are male. Furthermore, based on this online dashboard, among the 49 pediatric cases reported here as of 11 April, 29 are male.

Parents Should Protect Children Against the Virus, Regardless of Their Gender

Still, it is noted that the research is still in its preliminary stages and that the authors are working with limited information. It is noted that the research did not suggest that parents should now be more concerned about their male childrenmore than their female childrengetting severely ill from COVID-19. Experts said it is no reason for parents of boys to panic, and for parents of girls to think they are immune to the virus.

24 hour clinics in singapore, Male COVID-19

Image source: iStock

They also reiterated that the risk for children remains very low. In fact, though there have been multiple reports from all over the world about coronavirus-related death in children recently, only 0.1 percent of the children infected died.

Ultimately, authors of the study recommended that doctors maintain a high index of suspicion for children who could have COVID-19, especially for infants and kids with underlying conditions.

Having said this, experts recommend that as parents, protecting all childrenequally, regardless of their gendershould be the top priority in this global pandemic.

The post COVID-19: Young Boys At Higher Risk Of Infection and Severe Illness From Coronavirus, Says Study appeared first on theAsianparent - Your Guide to Pregnancy, Baby & Raising Kids.
The move came following a complaint submitted on November 7, 2019, by an association of Vietnamese manufacturers which accounts for nearly two thirds of domestic output.

According to the complaint, imports of PFY from the above-mentioned countries have increased sharply recently, which is the main cause of the significant losses in Vietnams PFY manufacturing industry.

Customs data showed PFY imports to Vietnam rose from 154,000 tonnes in 2017 to 185,000 tonnes in 2019.

The total annual capacity of domestic PFY manufacturers is estimated at 350,000 tonnes, which is sufficient to meet domestic demand at around 270,000 tonnes a year.

PFY is mainly used in manufacturing fabric for the clothing industry, along with polyester staple fibre and natural fibre, mainly cotton.

During its investigation, the Ministry of Industry will assess the socio-economic impacts in order to ensure the legitimate rights and interests of importers, PFY users and the domestic PFY industry.
What is common between the northernmost district of Kerala and the South Korean city of Daegu? And what is the connection between them and the Pink City of India and Chicago? Also, what links them to Malaysia and a small town in eastern France?

All these places have become infamous for the rapid spread of COVID-19 through those described as super spreaders.

A super spreader is broadly defined as an individual or group who spreads the infection to many people.

This concept is not unique to COVID-19. Super spreader cases related to other diseases have been documented as far back as the early 20th century. The most infamous among these was perhaps Typhoid Mary (Mary Mallon), an Irish cook who infected 51 people of typhoid in the early 1900s.

One of the first reported super spreaders of COVID-19 was 'patient 31', a 61-year-old woman who participated in a gathering in the Shincheonji Church in the South Korean city of Daegu. She was tested positive for COVID-19 on February 18. The number of cases jumped from below-50 to above 2,000 in ten days. South Korea until then had done a great job of containment, but it suddenly saw an exponential rise in the number of cases. Patient 31 ignored the advice of doctors and travelled extensively through the country, coming in contact with approximately 1,160 people.

The situation here was not really serious until mid-February. It began to get very serious starting with patient 31. Before patient 31, our strategies to contain the virus were working. But after countless people were infected by patient 31, it became very difficult to control," said Hwang Seung-sik, a spatio-temporal epidemiologist at Seoul National University.

Another super spreader was the the Islamic missionary movement Tablighi Jamaats event in Malaysia where 16,000 people (including 1,500 foreigners) attended a gathering at the Sri Petaling mosque compound in Kuala Lumpur from February 27 to March 1. Out of Malaysias first 673 cases (reported till March 18) almost two-thirds were linked to this four-day gathering.

Story continues

A similar event was organised by the Jamaat in the Nizamuddin area of Delhi from March 13-15. Of the 4,400 confirmed cases in India as of April 7, a third were linked to the Nizammudin Markaz spread across 17 states of India.

In another incident, at least 40,000 people were quarantined in Punjab following a coronavirus outbreak linked to a Sikh priest. The 70-year-old came back from Germany via Italy and after returning to his village Pathwala ignored advice of self-isolation and attended several religious gatherings. He also travelled to the Hola Mohalla festival in the nearby city of Anandpur Sahib, where between March 10 and 12, thousands attended the cultural event. Singh died shortly after on March 18 because of COVID-19.

A prayer meeting at an evangelical church in Mulhouse, a small town in eastern France in late February, seeded the growth of the virus in the country, according to their health minister, Olivier Veran. The tipping point was the evangelical gathering in Mulhouse. The epidemic spread across the country from the gathering, Veran told Frances Le Journal du Dimanche newspaper.

Amesh Adalja, an expert in emerging infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University stated that although the term 'super spreader' does not have any set scientific definition, one does see a higher number of cases related to such individuals or events. "In general, it is usually a markedly higher figure when compared to that of other individuals," she told AFP.

The connection between the spread of COVID-19, or any virus, and religious gatherings is complicated and difficult to control and contain  the primary reason being the power of faith and peoples beliefs. For centuries people have been indoctrinated and taught not to question faith. They believe God will save them and they cant get affected where they worship. Then to suddenly develop a scientific temperament and be told to keep away from places they regard as sacred is, to say the least, a Herculean task.

But not all the COVID-19 super spreaders around the world are related to some religious meeting.

A resident of Chicago with respiratory symptoms went to pay his respects at a funeral and took part in a birthday celebration with his family three days later. Unknowingly, he set off a chain of transmissions that infected 15 people, three of whom died.

There are many cases of super spreaders not linked with any religious gathering back home in India too.

A native of Kudla in Kasargod in northern Kerala violated the isolation protocol after his friend from Dubai tested positive on March 19. He attended public and marriage functions and did not cooperate with the police when asked about his whereabouts and travel history. A total of 609 people were placed under observation in Kasargod.

Ramganj, a locality of Jaipur, saw almost 100 people infected by a 45-year-old man who returned from Oman and ignored quarantine rules.

Noida witnessed a surge in cases after an auditor of a fire safety company, Ceasefire in Sector 135, visited from the UK earlier in March. 41 of the 62 cases reported till April 9 in the neighbourhood are linked to Ceasefire.

In Mumbais Prabhadevi, a 65-year old woman, who served lunch to a corporate office in the area, tested positive, sending hundreds who bought meals from her into isolation at Kasturba Hospital.

A doctor from a mohalla clinic in east Delhi tested positive after treating a COVID-19 patient from Saudi Arabia. Nine hundred people in contact with the doctor have now been quarantined.

Another doctor from Rajasthans Bhilwara, a city famous for textiles, allegedly contracted the virus from relatives visiting from Saudi Arabia. He went on to infect 16 others in the hospital which has forced 8,000 people to be kept in isolation.

Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, senior consultant gastroenterologist and deputy medical director, Sunrise Group of Hospitals, has an interesting theory which relates the super spreader to aerosols (fine liquid droplets in air). The SARS-CoV-2 virus is present in large numbers in the throat of a person before the onset of symptoms. Even though such people do not cough or sneeze, they are well-known to spread the virus, sometimes even as super spreaders, he says.

There is evidence that when a person talks in a closed space, the throat secretions get aerosolised. This is an efficient way to spread the virus to the next person. The longer the time spent sharing the closed space, the greater the dose of virus inhaled by others.

Dr Jayadevan further says that speaking louder can produce up to 10 times more droplets. This potentially explains the devastation caused by super spreaders especially in religious gatherings where there are prayer services in close proximity by thousands of people often in a closed environment.

Historically there is a lot of stigma associated with being a super spreader which perhaps explains the non-cooperation of some who may have unknowingly spread the virus. Yet, there are others who have broken the law due to sheer carelessness and selfishness, violating the isolation guidelines, creating panic, and putting the lives of thousands in the community in danger.
Crime has dropped by more than 20 per cent during the UK coronavirus outbreak, police have revealed.

But the head of the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) said officers had also issued more than 1,000 fines for breaking lockdown restrictions.

Initial figures from all forces show a 21 per cent fall in overall crime across the last four weeks compared to the same period last year, Martin Hewitt told Downing Streets daily press conference on Saturday.

That drop, combined with the commitment of our over 200,000 officers and staff across the UK, and the fantastic response from our volunteer special constables  means that we are in a strong position.

Senior officers believe the drop in crime has been driven by the closure of bars and clubs, lack of large public events, and robbery and burglary being made more difficult by people staying at home.

Earlier on Saturday, the Metropolitan Police commissioner said stabbings had dropped considerably in London.

Many, many crime types have reduced, Dame Cressida Dick told LBC radio. We are of course concerned about some that could go up.

Mr Hewitt appealed for people to continue reporting crime and emergencies, repeating home secretary Priti Patels call for domestic abuse victims to seek help.

Following criticism over several incidents where police were accused of going beyond the law or being heavy-handed in their response to the coronavirus lockdown, Mr Hewitt said officers were using their new powers carefully.

 Some police may have gone too far in enforcing lockdown, senior Tory admits

Officers have engaged with thousands of people, and in most cases no enforcement has been necessary, he added.

However, we have had a small minority of people who have refused to follow instruction.

The senior officer said that 1,084 coronavirus fines had been issued across England and Wales by Thursday.

Across all of those forces, that is an average of less than 84 a day, he added. This shows that the overwhelming majority of people are abiding by the rules.

The figure only includes 37 out of 43 regional forces that have so far provided data, and further details will be given next week.

Amid continued confusion over the extent of the new coronavirus laws, which are less severe than the governments guidance in some respects, Mr Hewitt admitted that some forces had made mistakes but said they quickly sought to correct them.

British Transport Police wrongly charged a woman under the new Coronavirus Act last week, causing her to be fined 660 for a crime she did not commit.

Parliaments Joint Committee on Human Rights warned that police may be punishing members of the public without any legal basis, while questioning, fining and arresting people who have not broken the law.

Chair Harriet Harman said: It remains a concern that some police forces will take a more proactive approach than is necessary and perhaps even lawful.

Several police forces appear to have enforced the government guidance, rather than the separate Health Protection Regulations, which give police powers to arrest and fine people.

The regulations do not define essential travel, specify what kind of groceries people can buy or limit how many times people can be exercise outside in a day  apart from in Wales.

North Yorkshire Police at a coronavirus-related vehicle stop (Getty)

But several police forces have claimed to be enforcing a ban on non-essential travel, despite internal guidance calling blanket vehicle checks disproportionate and saying people can drive away from their homes to exercise.

Last week, the Home Affairs Committee was told that an average of 13 per cent of police officers and staff were off work due to coronavirus nationally.

Police leaders said the drop in staffing was being offset by falling crime and demand.

But officers are being called to increasing numbers of coronavirus-related deaths in houses and car homes, sparking a warning about trauma being suffered.

And police have been subject to new demand from people calling to ask for clarity on new coronavirus laws, and members of the public reporting their neighbours for alleged breaches.

Many regional forces have set up dedicated online tools to flag suspected lockdown violations to free up the 101 line, while appealing for people to use 999 for emergencies only.
Today, an airplane with 128 citizens of the republic returned from the UAE, the press service of the akim of Almaty region reports.

According to local authorities, enhanced security measures have been taken to receive aircraft passengers. Airport workers are in special protective suits, and newly arrived will immediately be examined by a medical doctor.
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Editor's note: While boasting about freedom of speech, the White House earlier this month declined to allow the nation's top health officials to appear on CNN and discuss the coronavirus pandemic, in what was seen as an attempt to pressure the network into carrying the White House's lengthy daily briefings in full.

According to CNN, Vice President Mike Pence's office, which is responsible for booking the officials on networks during the pandemic, said it would only allow experts such as Dr. Anthony Fauci or Dr. Deborah Birx to appear on CNN if the network televised the portion of the White House briefings that includes the vice president and other coronavirus task force members, with a Pence spokesperson noting, "When you guys cover the briefings with the health officials then you can expect them back on your air."

Here is a screenshot of the original article:
WASHINGTON - For several months, President Donald Trump and his officials have cast a fog of promises meant to reassure a country in the throes of the coronavirus pandemic. Trump and his team haven't delivered on critical ones.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 11/4/2020 (640 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

FILE - In this March 24, 2020, file photo stacks of medical supplies are housed at the Jacob Javits Center that will become a temporary hospital in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in New York. A review of federal purchasing contracts by The Associated Press shows federal agencies waited until mid-March to begin placing bulk orders of N95 respirator masks, mechanical ventilators and other equipment needed by front-line health care workers. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

WASHINGTON - For several months, President Donald Trump and his officials have cast a fog of promises meant to reassure a country in the throes of the coronavirus pandemic. Trump and his team haven't delivered on critical ones.

They talk numbers. Bewildering numbers about masks on the way. About tests being taken. About ships sailing to the rescue, breathing machines being built and shipped, field hospitals popping up, aircraft laden with supplies from abroad, dollars flowing to crippled businesses.

Piercing that fog is the bottom-line reality that Americans are going without the medical supplies and much of the financial help they most need from the government at the very time they need it most  and were told they would have it.

The U.S. now is at or near the height of COVID-19 sickness and death, experts believe.

There's no question that on major fronts  masks, gowns, diagnostic tests, ventilators and more - the federal government is pushing hard now to get up to speed. Impressive numbers are being floated for equipment and testing procedures in the pipeline.

But in large measure they will arrive on the down slope of the pandemic, putting the U.S. in a better position should the same virus strike again but landing too late for this outbreak's lethal curve.

Concerning ventilators, for example, Trump recently allowed: A lot of them will be coming at a time when we wont need them as badly."

Two weeks ago, Trump brought word of an innovative diagnostic test that can produce results in minutes instead of days or a week. The U.S. testing system, key to containing the spread of infection, has been a failure in the crunch, as public health authorities (but never Trump) acknowledged in March. The rapid test could help change that.

Like other glimmers of hope that may or may not come to something, Trump held out these tests as a whole new ballgame." The new machines and testing cartridges are being sent across the country, and may well hold promise. But they are not ready for actual use in large numbers.

New Hampshire, for one, received 15 rapid-test machines but 120 cartridges instead of the 1,500 expected. Only two machines can be used. Im banging my head against the wall, I really am, Republican Gov. Chris Sununu said Wednesday. "Were going to keep pushing on Washington multiple times a day to get what we need.

False starts and dead ends are inevitable in any crisis, especially one driven by a virus never seen before. By its nature, a crisis means we're not on top of it. Desperation is the mother of invention here and officials worldwide are winging it, many more successfully than in the U.S.

But bold promises and florid assurances were made, day after day, from the White House and a zigzagging president who minimized the danger for months and systematically exaggerates what Washington is doing about it.

Were getting them tremendous amounts of supplies, he said of health care workers. Incredible. Its a beautiful thing to watch. This was when Americans were watching something else entirely  doctors wearing garbage bags for makeshift protection.

___

MASKS, GLOVES, GOWNS

FILE - In this March 24, 2020, file photo stacks of medical supplies are housed at the Jacob Javits Center that will become a temporary hospital in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in New York. A review of federal purchasing contracts by The Associated Press shows federal agencies waited until mid-March to begin placing bulk orders of N95 respirator masks, mechanical ventilators and other equipment needed by front-line health care workers. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

In hospitals, masks, gloves and other protective garb come with the territory. But doctors, nurses, flight attendants and other front-line workers have had to go begging for such basics, even before public health leaders flipped and recommended facial coverings for everyone outside the home.

The mere scale of the pandemic stretched supplies even in better prepared countries. Yet the enduring shortages in the U.S. are not just from a lack of foresight, but also from hesitancy as the pandemic started to sicken and kill Americans.

It was not until mid-March, when some hospitals were already treating thousands of infected patients without enough equipment and pleading for help, that the government placed bulk orders for N95 masks and other basic necessities of medical care for its stockpile, The Associated Press reported. Washington dithered on supplies for two months after global alarm bells rang about a coming pandemic in January.

And the Strategic National Stockpile, it turns out, is not the supply fortress you might have thought from its formidable name.

It maxed out days ago, before the pandemic's peak in the U.S., and never filled its purpose of plugging the most essential and immediate gaps in supplies, though it helped. This past week officials said the stockpile was 90% depleted of its protective equipment, with the remainder to be held back for federal employees only.

Some shipments to states were deficient. The wrong masks were sent to Illinois in a load of 300,000. Michigan got only half of the number that was supposed to be in a shipment of 450,000. When he was trying to get 10,000 ventilators in late March, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom of California said he received 170 broken ones from the national stockpile as well as good ones.

When officials in Alabama opened a shipment of medical masks from the stockpile, they found more than 5,000 with rot. They had expired in 2010, officials in the state said, yet been left in place first by the Obama administration and then the Trump administration.

When it became clear that critical shortages weren't being solved, the self-styled wartime president," who had gone to Norfolk, Virginia, to send off the USS Comfort Navy hospital ship to New York City, blamed the states and declared the federal government isn't a shipping clerk.

___

TESTS

Anybody that needs a test, gets a test," Trump said on March 6. "They have the tests. And the tests are beautiful. He said the same day: Anybody that wants a test can get a test.

Whether it's a case of needing a test or only wanting one, his assurance was not true then, it's not true now and it won't be true any time soon.

The greatly expanding but still vastly insufficient capacity to test people is steered mostly to those who are already sick or to essential workers at the most risk of exposure.

If you're sick with presumed COVID-19 but riding it out at home, chances are you haven't been tested. If you worry that you've been exposed and might be carrying and spreading the virus but so far feel fine, you're generally off the radar as well.

Trump tries to assure people who need to fly that passengers are tested getting on and off flights. He is wrong. Instead, some major airports do screenings, which means asking passengers questions and checking their temperature, not swabbing their nasal passages to find out for sure.

Many people with the virus will never get sick from it. Others who have it will get sick eventually. Both groups are contagious. But there is no capacity in the days of greatest danger to test apparently healthy people in large numbers, so precautionary distancing remains the best defence, like in ancient times.

President Donald Trump speaks about the coronavirus in the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House, Thursday, April 9, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Within three weeks of China's New Year's Eve notification to global health authorities about a mysterious cluster of pneumonia cases, China had sequenced the genetic makeup of the virus, German scientists had developed a test for detecting it and the World Health Organization had adopted the test and was moving toward global distribution.

Ten days behind, officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention bypassed the WHO test and sponsored their own, which was flawed out of the gate. Trump said the WHO test was flawed, but it wasn't.

Precious time was lost as the U.S. test was corrected, distributed narrowly, then more broadly but still not up to par with the countries most on top of the crisis. Testing most lagged during the critical month of February as the virus took root in the U.S. population.

Germany, in contrast, raced ahead with aggressive testing of a broad segment of the population when it had fewer than 10 cases in January. It has experienced far fewer deaths proportionally than the United States.

There were many, many opportunities not to end up where we are, Dr. Ashish K. Jha, director of the Global Health Institute at Harvard, told AP.

Trump told Americans on March 13 that a division of Google's parent company was coming out with a website that would let people determine online if they should get a test and, if so, swing by a nearby place to get one, a notable shortcut in theory. But a game-changer in practice?

Its going to be very quickly done, he said. The website is up but operational in just four California counties. Drive-through sites that he promised would expedite testing were plagued with shortages and delays in state after state, such that many people with symptoms and a doctor's order were turned away.

___

VENTILATORS

Trump dusted off the Defence Production Act, empowering him to order manufacturers and shippers to make and deliver what the country needs in the crisis. His move raised expectations that a new wave of emergency supplies generally and ventilators in particular could come to the aid of patients and the people looking after them. He and his advisers inflated those hopes.

Under the president's vigorous, swift order to General Motors, said Peter Navarro, White House point man on the emergency supply chain, new ventilators would be ready in Trump time, which is to say as fast as possible.

Yet Trump has held off on using his full powers under the act to command production from private companies. A presidential directive to GM on ventilator manufacturing essentially told the company to do what it was already doing.

While most people get better from COVID-19 without needing medical care, the sickest cannot breathe without a ventilator bridging them to recovery. The ventilator shortfall has been the most frightening deficiency as more people get infected and die by the hour. In the current chaos, the size of the shortfall nationally is not known.

In the absence of what they regard as dependable federal leadership, several states formed a supply consortium to co-ordinate purchases and boost their buying power. The federal government has pitched in with states and private companies to spur supplies, though not exactly in an atmosphere of trust.

Governors accuse Washington of shortchanging states on machines. Washington accuses some of them of trying to build an unreasonable cushion that deprives other, more desperate states.

According to the scientific model most favoured by federal authorities, the country probably needs nearly 17,000 ventilators to be operating for COVID-19 patients alone at the pandemic's peak, right about now, a figure that exceeds 35,000 under a worst-case scenario.

We have over 100,000 being built right now or soon to be started, Trump said a week ago. He acknowledged they won't come in time.

___

WHERE'S THE MONEY?

This will deliver urgently needed relief, Trump said in signing an economic rescue package into law. The need may be urgent but the delivery hasn't been.

More than two weeks later, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said with some exaggeration, but not much, that "no money has gone out the door yet.

Because of the bureaucracy.

Because of website glitches.

Because of confusion among lenders with the money to farm out and among those who need it to keep their businesses afloat.

So much for Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's prediction that loans could be turned around and money transferred to businesses bank accounts the same day applications were received.

Yet because of the flood of pending loans, Congress is already having to find more money for subsidies to help businesses cover payroll. Only a tiny fraction of loans has been released.

Meantime state officials are slammed as they try to administer jobless benefits that Washington expanded and is paying for but having states try to manage.

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.

Frustration with the virus package is going viral.

In Portland, Maine, a furloughed orthopedic medical assistant, Margaret Heath Carignan, called the unemployment office on a day set aside for people with surnames starting with A through H. And called and called. Altogether, she said. 291 times before she gave up.

___

Associated Press writers Amanda Seitz in Chicago, Matthew Perrone and Michael Biesecker in Washington and Ken Sweet in New York contributed to this report.

___

Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak
At one New York City hospital, a doctors used mask tore as she performed CPR on her infected patient.

In Seattle, a nurse compares walking into her intensive care unit to bathing in COVID-19.

And in St. Louis, a nurse slips her used N95 mask into a paper bag at the end of her shift and prays its disinfected properly.

These are scenes playing out in hospitals across the country, based on interviews with over a dozen residents, doctors and nurses who go into work every day feeling unprotected from the disease theyre supposed to treat.

Nearly a month into the declared pandemic, some health care workers say theyre exhausted and burning out from the stress of treating a stream of critically ill patients in an increasingly overstretched health care system. Many are questioning how long they can risk their own health. Some are falling sick themselves, and even dying. In many hospitals, the pandemic has transformed emergency rooms and upended protocols and precautions that workers previously took for granted.

Its like walking into Chernobyl without any gear, said Jacklyn, an ER doctor at a New York City hospital who asked to go by her middle name for fear of being fired over speaking out.

At her hospital, 90% of patients have COVID-19, but health care workers get only one N95 mask every five days.

Were constantly breathing in everything thats aerosolized because of all of the procedures that were doing, the New York City doctor said.

Coronavirus can spread easily through droplets during close interactions such as coughing and talking. It can also stay on some surfaces for days. During certain procedures, the virus becomes aerosolized and can linger in a room for longer periods. In such cases, health care workers are directed to take airborne precautions and wear N95 masks or another kind of respirator.

She said shes baffled by how unprepared the government and hospitals are for this moment.

The day Jacklyn shows up to the hospital and there are no N95 masks, she said, shell refuse to work.

Im not on a suicide mission here. Im not going to do anything that puts my life at risk. What is my daughter going to do without me? What would my husband do without me? she said.

With a nationwide shortage of protective equipment, many hospitals are limiting how often nurses and doctors can get new masks and devising ways to stretch supplies.

Whoever is disinfecting these masks, are they trained to do this? Is someone supervising? Where are they doing it and how? wondered Sophia Rago, an ER nurse based in St. Louis, about her hospitals policy.

Rago said she gets only one surgical mask and one N95 mask for three shifts in a row. Afterward, she places her gear in a brown paper bag and writes her name on it.

You give it to somebody and they are supposed to be disinfecting it between your shifts, she said. Do I trust that? No! It can be disheartening to have that feeling of uncertainty that you are not going to be protected.

Much of the anxiety felt by front-line health care workers stems from the ever-shifting federal guidance that in some cases later turned out to be wrong.

For example, in the early days of the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had narrow criteria for screening suspected coronavirus cases, which was later broadened as the virus spread in the U.S.

The CDC still recommends, in cases where N95s arent readily available, that a simple surgical mask will suffice for health care workers unless theyre doing procedures that cause aerosol spray from the patients, such as intubating someone. It was only last week that the agency changed its guidelines and told all Americans to cover their faces with masks or cloth when in public.

Health care workers are distrustful of recommendations that, many said, appear to err on the side of less than what they require for protection. They point to the CDCs recommendation to use a bandana or scarf as a last resort if masks run out.

I dont care what the CDC guidelines say. If your nurses feel uncomfortable in a certain area, you should give them what they need, said Ramona Moll, a nurse who works at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California.

Moll said she contracted COVID-19 in mid-March after treating a patient suspected of having contracted the coronavirus. She believes the exposure happened when the older patient with dementia became combative and tried to bite her. At the time, Moll was wearing a surgical mask, goggles, gloves and a gown, but no N95 mask. Her gear was in line with CDC guidelines.

The hospitals need to take responsibility for the fact that they did not take care of their nurses. They did not have N95s available, she said.

Her hospital disputes her account. Spokesperson Edwin Garcia said there were no COVID-19 patients at the hospital at the time and that it has dedicated, full-time teams that are committed to infection prevention and keeping our employees safe.

Grueling shifts, stress and bruised faces

The lack of protective gear is one piece of a mosaic of stress that comes with caring for COVID-19 patients.

There are the 12- and 13-hour shifts in uncomfortable masks, the many unknowns of the disease and difficulties screening for it, the fear of getting infected or accidentally infecting another patient and the sadness of watching people die alone.

At an underresourced community hospital in Los Angeles, a nurse practitioner, Marie, has a plastic bag in her car in which she stashes her used N95s for the day her hospital may run out.

Ill spend the majority of my shift trying not to have a panic attack and then come home and fear going back to work, she said. If this goes on for weeks and weeks and things only get worse, I just dont know how Im going to be able to handle it.

She asked to use her middle name because her hospital has warned employees not to speak publicly; some workers have been reprimanded for critical social media posts.

Marie has lost 3 pounds in a week. Once she puts her mask on during a shift, she wont take it off and, thus, avoids eating. The bridge of her nose is cut open from wearing it on her face for hours at a time. The lack of preparation has her considering leaving nursing after the pandemic passes.

I have dedicated my life to treating other people, she said. And yet when Im in need, Im not provided with what I need. Its like an abusive relationship.

Health care workers across the country and the globe are sharing selfies of their bruised faces from wearing N95 masks.

It is a long six hours to be in all that gear, said Amanda Adams, a travel nurse who works at an ER in the New York City suburbs. I try to put aside my emotions and cheer up the patients. Meanwhile, I am thinking, which one is going to give it to me and am I going to get sick?

Once infected, who takes care of the health care worker?

Already, front-line workers are falling ill and feeling they have to choose whether to risk their lives to save others.

At least 40 U.S. health care workers in the U.S. have died of COVID-19, according to Medscape. Some of them were young and early in their careers.

That also increases the fear. That its hitting young people, said Dr. Roy Akarakian, an ER resident at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Im worried and afraid about the overall situation. This is something weve never seen before.

Akarakian has already survived the virus  one of more than 730 employees of the Henry Ford Health System who have tested postive since tracking began on March 12.

In Seattle, Edward, an ICU nurse, said he developed flu-like symptoms and shortness of breath last month, after treating COVID-19 patients. He decided to stay at home out of caution, while he waited for his test results. Seven days passed before he learned he was positive.

It was just really hard and nerve-wracking, said Edward who works at Swedish Medical Center, and is using only his first name because hes afraid of losing his job for speaking publicly.

While in isolation and recovering, he was required to use his own vacation and sick time. After learning he had COVID-19, he said, his employer tried to pin those results on something outside the hospital  probably, Edward said, because the hospital provides fully paid emergency administrative leave only if you can prove you caught it on the job.

I did not feel supported at all, he said. Their main concern was trying to explain away my positive results as community-acquired.

In a statement, Swedish said its grateful for our caregivers unwavering commitment to our patients and the selflessness they bring to work every day to ensure our patients and community are safe.

Tiffany Moss, a hospital spokesperson, also noted Swedish provides 80 hours of full-paid emergency time off for workers affected by COVID-19  no matter where they were exposed to the virus  but only after infected employees exhaust vacation and sick time.

When Edward got the green light to go back to work, his co-workers seemed afraid to be near him.

When I would tell people, they would physically back away from me, they would question whether I should be at work, he said. It was hard to go home at night and deal with those emotions.

This story is part of a partnership that includes NPR and Kaiser Health News.
Disregarding scientists and the World Health Organisation (WHO), the social-democratic Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) and pseudo-left Podemos coalition government will force workers in non-essential industries back to work on Monday, April 13. With trade union support, the PSOE and Podemos are effectively spreading the deadly COVID-19 disease. As most workplaces still lack basic security measures, they are needlessly sacrificing countless thousands of lives simply to boost corporate profits.

For 10 days starting March 30, Madrid banned non-essential work and, exceptionally, forced employers to keep paying workers in non-essential sectors while they stayed confined at home. Under the terms of this reactionary deal, the unions pledged to business that they would force workers to work unpaid overtime and forgo vacation days to pay back these wages. This is now being phased out, however.

Workers in manufacturing and construction, primarily, are to be forced back to work. Shops, restaurants (except for home delivery) and leisure establishments are to remain closed.

In parliament on Thursday, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez lied, claiming this decision had been taken based on science. He added, What is better, staying home until May or June? There are discrepancies when you speak with epidemiologists and scientists. He also claimed, economic hibernation is very harsh for our industrial and economic fabric.

In fact, PSOE and Podemos had not even bothered to check with their governments own scientific committee, which opposes this reckless policy. Antoni Trilla, an epidemiologist and scientific committee member, told El Pais that they were not consulted and that, in his opinion, it would be sensible to maintain total confinement.

Similarly, the WHOs regional director for Europe, Hans Kluge, said on Wednesday: Now is not the time to relax measures.

The governments argument for ending confinement is based on lies and scientifically unfounded assertions. The first lie is that the pandemic is now under control in Spain. In fact, thousands continue to contract the disease each day. With more than 15,800 fatalities, Spain has the third highest COVID-19 death toll worldwide, after the US and Italy. With 157,053 confirmed infected, 605 patients died on Friday and 3,831 new cases were detected.

Even pro-government sources admit, however, that the official figures hugely underestimate the pandemic, as many die at home or in rest homes. The pro-PSOE daily El Pais confessed, The number of cases does not reflect the true number of infections in the country, which is unknown, nor all the fatalities caused by the coronavirus. It is not even clear what is meant by the figure of intensive care admissions.

El Pais also reported that the PSOE-Podemos government is discussing relying on the development of herd immunity to the virus within Spains population. According to the Spanish Society of Public Health and Health Administration, this would require at least 60 percent of the Spanish population (28 million people) to catch COVID-19 and become immune, preventing them from spreading it further. This would overwhelm Spanish hospitals, which are already swamped when there are 157,000 cases. Moreover, there is not yet any clear evidence that those infected with COVID-19 cannot get it again.

The trade unions are fully complicit in the formulation of this policy with Podemos and the PSOE. On Friday, the Podemos Minister of Labor, Yolanda Diaz, met with the leaders of Spains two largest unions, Unai Sordo of the Stalinist Workers Commissions (CCOO) and Pepe Alvarez from the social-democratic General Union of Labor (UGT).

Diaz called this summit a very productive meetingit is essential that workers and companies have all the support of the government for the following phases. The union tops cynically claimed their priority is preserving healthwhile working to send millions of workers to work without any health and safety assurances! Sordo claimed the return to work should be subordinated to health and safety of workers.

These are more lies, and the PSOE-Podemos government has no health or safety protocols in place. Health Minister Salvador Illa said Friday that workers should practice social distancing at work, use masks and avoid public transportif possible. However, it is not possible, as there are still disastrous shortages of basic protective equipment (masks, gloves, hand gels, testing kits), and no agreed plan to ensure workers can maintain social distancing at industrial workplaces.

The Spanish governments politically-criminal actions are part of the back-to-work call from the financial markets and the ruling establishments, ordering tens of millions of workers to risk contracting a deadly disease in order to continue supplying profits to the financial aristocracy.

In Italy, the country with the highest COVID-19 death toll, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced yesterday, after talks with Italys unions, that businesses would start reopening on April 14. Hundreds of academics signed a letter in the Italian financial daily, Il Sole-24 Ore, denouncing shelter-at-home orders: The social and economic consequences risk producing irreversible damage, probably more serious than those caused by the virus itself. In Austria, the government will allow small shops to resume business after Easter, while the Czech Republic plans to lift a travel ban.

In the US, President Donald Trump is the loudest advocate of prematurely re-opening businesses, stating this week that it would be nice to be able to open with a big bang, and I think we will do that soon. I would say we are ahead of schedule.

Such a criminal policy creates the conditions for a clash between the working class and the thoroughly corrupt financial aristocracy that is international in scope. It was a wave of wildcat strikes and walkouts by workers that forced the shutdown of factories and offices and the adoption of limited shelter-at-home orders in Spain, Italy and the US. According to an online survey in the Barcelona-based daily La Vanguardia, 80 percent in Spain support continuing confinement.

An initial foretaste of what the financial aristocracy is preparing came two weeks ago, when the Podemos-PSOE government oversaw the dispatching of police to assault striking steelworkers who were protesting against being forced back to unsafe, non-essential jobs in Spains Basque country.

Yesterday, a Renault autoworker in Spain, Miryam Largo, told Europa Press that the PSOE-Podemos government and the unions were sending them to the slaughterhouse. She added, We will totally oppose the measures as confinement measures continue and there is no clear indication about pandemic control from the WHO.

To oppose the ruling elites campaign to railroad them back to work, workers need new organs of struggles, action committees independent of the trade unions, and a new political perspective.

The record of Podemos has vindicated the International Committee of the Fourth Internationals (ICFI) principled opposition to pseudo-left populist parties like Podemos. Such forces are not left, but represent deeply corrupt layers of the affluent middle class, who seek to defend their position by defending the wealth of the financial aristocracy. The unions meanwhile act as the capitalists main agents to send workers back to work despite the pandemic.

The pandemic poses urgent tasks to the working class. All non-essential work must be shut down, with workers and the self-employed granted full pay. In essential sectors like health care, food and transport, emergency measures must be implemented to ensure workers safety, including mass production of the necessary safety equipment. And an internationally coordinated campaign must be coordinated and organized to fight COVID-19s spread around the world.

The fight for such essential policies will bring the working class into direct confrontation with Podemos and similar parties internationally, posing to workers a struggle for state power to implement socialist policies against the pandemic. The critical question facing advanced workers in Spain and in every country is building sections of the ICFI to fight for this program in the working class.
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If one of your patients told you he is going to go spend a few hours hanging out in the cold this week with a bunch of people who might have coronavirus, what would your advice be? That is exactly the situation thousands of people in Wisconsin faced on April 7, as the state decided to push forward with their election despite an attempted delay by their governor in the setting of the coronavirus. In Milwaukee, a city of 600,000, thousands of voters were forced to funnel through only five polling places as the other 175 were closed due to the virus. In Green Bay, only two out of the usual 31 were open.

In a slap in the face to the medical community, the Wisconsin legislature, Wisconsin Supreme Court, and US Supreme Court all backed moving forward with the election as previously planned while simultaneously not allowing the state adequate leeway to ramp up its absentee balloting. The result is what we see today, with voters and poll workers complaining that they unnecessarily but heroically risked their lives in the interest of allowing people to have their voices heard in a democratic election. Just like in New York City, this mass congregation will translate into higher risk down the line for Wisconsin doctors, nurses, staff, and EMTs.

Where was the American Medical Association or the other major private physician or nursing organizations during this public health crisis? Weve done a good job of issuing guidelines amongst ourselves about what we should and should not be doing in the hospital as means of saving patients, managing staff, maximizing resources, and preserving PPE. As a means of affecting public health policy, however, we have been complete failures. The AMA, ANA, and other organizations should have issued statements condemning the decision to move forward with the election in the manner it did given the 2600 confirmed coronavirus cases with 94 dead in that state alone. With more elections coming up, Wisconsin is just the tip of the iceberg, and we need to use our position as physicians and nurses to help institute plans to make our elections as open and safe as possible. To repurpose a phrase from Isaac Asimov, we know that our medical knowledge is better than their ignorance, and physicians need to and can be leaders on this issue. This is perfectly demonstrated by the publics reaction to the current media darling Dr. Anthony Fauci.

Dr. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984 and essentially the face of the current administrations medical response to the coronavirus, is rightly getting a lot of love from both sides of the political spectrum as many Americans look to him as a leader in these troubled times, particularly when trust among many other leaders in the same administration is so polarized. You can buy an Anthony Fauci bobblehead. You can buy a shirt, socks, or even a donut with his face on it. And its not as if Dr. Fauci has some particularly unique oratorical gift or uncommon media savvy. He is simply an intelligent, calm, and confident physician who is putting his years of expertise to use to reassure and guide the public, and the public is listening. We all probably know or trained under a dozen doctors like him, who would all probably do a great job if put in the same situation.

In the 116th Congress, there are 14 representatives and three senators who are physicians. Of that 17, only one is a woman, and only two are not white. There are only two nurses serving in Congress. Compare these numbers to the 157 lawyers in the House and the 47 lawyers in the Senate. We cant be leaders if our voices are not heard, and now more than ever, we need to make our voices heard.

Generations are defined by their tragedies. Pearl Harbor. JFK. 9/11. We no longer live in a post-9/11 world. We now live in a post-coronavirus world, and doctors and nurses need to become leaders in this new world. Just because you arent interested in politics doesnt mean politics isnt interested in you.

Sean Jordan is a thoracic surgeon.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
Russian prison officials say the situation at a maximum-security prison in the Irkutsk region is under control following a riot by prisoners that was put down by special-operations forces.



The body of one inmate was found in the ruins of a burned-out prison building on April 11, according to Russian state media. The cause of death was not given, but independent local media with contacts among the inmates said the victim committed suicide as security officers stormed the building.



There were no other reliable reports of casualties, although some nonstate media, again citing statements from inmates, claimed that up to 300 inmates had been injured.



The riot broke out late on April 9 at Prison No. 15 in the city of Angarsk. Authorities blamed the incident on a prisoner who allegedly assaulted a guard, while prisoners claimed the incident was set off after a guard beat a prisoner.



After the prisoner was beaten, inmates said, he attempted to commit suicide, followed by 17 other inmates who also purportedly cut their wrists in protest.



No independent journalists or rights monitors have been granted access to the prison.



Videos posted on social media during the night of April 9-10 showed large fires in the prison, and prisoners could be heard complaining of systemic maltreatment.



Prisoners-rights organizations reported that inmates were also reportedly upset because authorities have banned visits and parcels from the outside as part of measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.



The Vremya newspaper in Angarsk reported that 120 prisoners participated in the uprising, and one guard suffered a concussion.



The fires engulfed an area of some 30,000 square meters, and riot police blocked roads leading to the prison and turned away all independent observers.



The regional penal service said the situation at the prison early on April 11 was "under control." It accused prisoners of starting the fire.



The Irkutsk Oblast Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case in the matter.



There are about 1,300 prisoners at the facility.

With reporting by AFP, Dozhd TV, Meduza, AP, and Vremya (Angarsk)
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The Simon Community in Sligo has launched an urgent appeal saying its vital frontline services are under immense pressure due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The homeless charity says that Covid-19 is putting many already vulnerable people at particular risk, including those who are homeless and those who are at risk of becoming homeless due to a sudden reduction in income.

North West Simon Community raises 79% of its operating income through public fundraising so COVID19 presents a challenge to its survival.

The most recent Government statistics for homelessness in the North West region of Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo, show that 63 Adults and 17 Child Dependants were staying in Local Authority managed emergency accommodation during the week 17 - 23 February 2020.

No figures are available for the number of people living in refuges or those sleeping rough, sofa surfing, sharing with family or friends in overcrowded conditions, who are typically described as the "Hidden Homeless".

Noel Daly, General Manager of North West Simon Community, points out that while the organisation's offices and shop in Sligo are closed and community fundraising events are suspended indefinitely, its housing staff continue to offer support and assistance to people across the region.

Online donation can be made at at www.northwestsimon.ie/donate-now/, by post to 4 JFK Parade, Sligo, F91 PY50 or direct to its AIB Bank Account BIC AIBKIE2D / IBAN IE82 AIBK 9371 8505 2910 91
Following are the top stories from the Western Region at 1745 HRS. BOM20 MH-LOCKDOWN-THACKERAY



Maharashtra extends lockdown till April 30: CM



Mumbai: With continuous spike in COVID-19 cases, the Maharashtra government on Saturday decided to extend the ongoing lockdown till April 30.

BOM10 GJ-VIRUS-LD CASES Guj: Tally of COVID-19 patients rises to 432 with 54 new cases



(Eds: Adding details)



Ahmedabad: The number of coronavirus positive patients in Gujarat rose to 432 after 54 new cases emerged on Saturday, a state health department official said.

BOM13 LOCKDOWN-PM-MADHYA PRADESH Not in favour of lifting lockdown in MP: Chouhan tells PM



Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he was not in favour of the withdrawal of the ongoing coronavirus lockdown, which ends on April 14, in his state.

BOM11 MP-DYKE-LD BREACH 2 die, 4 missing as dyke of power plant develops breach in MP (Adding statement of Sasan Power Ltd)



Singrauli (MP): Two persons, including a boy, died while four others washed away when the storage pond of a private coal power plant developed a breach in Harrahwa village in Singaruli district of Madhya Pradesh, an official said on Saturday.

BOM7 MH-VIRUS-SUICIDE Maha: COVID-19 patient from Assam allegedly commits suicide



Akola: A 30-year-old migrant worker from Assam, who had tested positive for coronavirus on Friday and was undergoing treatment at a government hospital in Akola city of Maharashtra, died after allegedly slitting his throat early on Saturday, officials said.

BOM6 MH-VIRUS-CASES Maha: 92 new cases of COVID-19 take state tally to 1,666



Mumbai: As 92 more cases of COVID-19 have emerged in Maharashtra, the number of such patients in the state reached 1,666 on Saturday, the state health department said.

BES2 GJ-LOCKDOWN-DRONES Guj: Police drones keep hawk's eye on people during lockdown



Ahmedabad: From busting secret terrace parties to catching youths playing volleyball, the camera-mounted unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, are helping the Gujarat Police in enforcing the coronavirus lockdown in an effective manner.

BES8 MH-VIRUS-SUICIDE CASE Maha: Man kills self over coronavirus scare



Nashik: A 31-year-old man, who assumed that he contracted coronavirus, allegedly committed suicide in Maharashtra's Nashik city, police said on Saturday.

BES12 MH-LOCKDOWN-LD CORPORATOR Corporator among 11 held for birthday party amid lockdown (Eds: Adding details)



Thane/Mumbai: A BJP corporator and 10 others were arrested at Panvel in Raigad district of Maharashtra after they were found assembled at one place for his birthday celebration despite the ongoing lockdown, police said on Saturday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Though Christians cant attend church on Easter morning due to the coronavirus pandemic, they can worship God publicly and collectively from the safety of their own front porch.

At noon on Easter, Christians of all denominations are being urged to gather everyone in their household, step outside, and Raise a Hallelujah  shout praises to God, ring bells, and celebrate for 60 seconds.

Then, you can post a picture or video of your celebration on social media with the hashtag #RaiseAHallelujah, or in Spanish #levantaunaleluya, so others are encouraged.

The idea for this initiative began with a pastor in the Chicago suburbs  Trevor McMaken of City of Light Anglican Church in Aurora, Illinois. In an email to local pastors and Christian leaders, McMaken wrote, This Easter we remember the hope of Jesus resurrection and victory over death in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. As churches across our city are unable to gather in person, lets raise a hallelujah on our front porches to bring the hope of Jesus to our neighborhoods.

Several local pastors responded to McMakens invitation. And the bishop overseeing the diocese in which McMaken serves spread the word to leaders within the diocese.

Now, theres a website (raiseahallelujah.org) for the initiative so Christians everywhere can participate in Raise a Hallelujah. The website was created by a Christian web designer, who donated his time for this project. And at the website youll find a countdown to noon that automatically adjusts to the time zone youre in. The webpage also has shareable social media images, a social media feed, and a downloadable flyer you can give to neighbors.

Raise a Hallelujah Offers Important Message of Hope

Also, as you may know, Raise a Hallelujah, is the title of a popular worship song. What you may not know, however, is that Raise a Hallelujah was written in a moment of crisis when the future appeared bleak.

The song was written a couple years ago when an E.Coli infection had brought a two-year-old boy, Jaxon Taylor, to the brink of death. As his family watched little Jaxon rapidly decline, they pleaded with God to save their son.

Jaxons father, Joel Taylor, whos the CEO of Bethel Music, told worship leaders in his network about Jaxons plight. Two of them, Jonathan David and Melissa Hesler, responded by writing Raise a Hallelujah.

Yet Jonathan David Hesler said his first response to the crisis was not faith, but doubt.

I just felt like this giant of unbelief stood in front of me and I just thought, Jaxons gonna die tonight, Hesler said. Were not going to see the miracle.

Then God began to move in Heslers heart.

As this giant stood in front of me, Helser said, all of a sudden, out of my gut this song started coming out. I raise a hallelujah, in the presence of my enemies . . . My weapon is a melody . . . Heaven comes to fight for me.

Hesler and his wife recorded the song and sent it to Joel Taylor, who played the song repeatedly in his sons presence. Slowly, little Jaxon began to get better and eventually was able to leave the hospital alive and well.

I cant help but think that this song, and the truth it communicates, is exactly what we need to hear right now.

While staring at death and a pandemic, we need to sing in the middle of the storm and remember the reality Easter proclaims: Death is defeated, the King is alive!

I hope this weekend, you will listen to this song and meditate on its powerful words. Then join me and scores of other believers on Easter at noon and raise a collective hallelujah to our risen Lord.

Video ofRaise a Hallelujah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awkO61T6i0k
The coronavirus pandemic is instilling chaos that is shaking the world. When intensive care units are running out of ventilators and essential medications, and some 95,000 people die in a matter of a few months, society panics - and justifiably so.

But medicine is a science with a long history, and the best way forward now is to stick to strategies that we already know can work.

As our nation searches for ways to augment the ventilator supply - with Medtronic rushing to release ventilator design specs and anyone with a 3-D printer or some extra wood wondering if they could help with the problem - there's another path available. The number of ventilators could be increased, and the shortage of sedatives, respiratory therapists and nurses lessened, by getting people off ventilators faster and making those same machines available for the next patients sooner.

HOW DID WE GET HERE?: A timeline of the coronavirus pandemic

That would improve the heartbreaking crisis of depersonalization and isolation felt by covid-19 patients and their families. A protocol already developed over the past 20 years and tested in thousands of patients in critical care successfully shortens time on mechanical ventilation, reduces coma and delirium, accelerates getting out of bed even if in isolation and increases survival.

At the bedside of a covid-19 patient, it's easy to let fear take over - to feel as though nothing in our training has prepared us for this. Perhaps as a result, critical care doctors like us find themselves deviating from our proven techniques. We are regularly placing coronavirus patients on ventilators earlier than we would were it not for their diagnosis, out of fear that they might decompensate rapidly.

We are starting neuromuscular blockade (paralysis) in 40 percent of patients, half of whom would generally not be considered sick enough to require it considering standard approaches to other viral illnesses like severe influenza, which also means these people are sedated very heavily into a coma - begetting another shortage, this one in sedative medications.

Doctors typically use the precarious practice of paralysis less than 10 percent of the time, usually only in severely stiff lungs to prevent damaging them further by a ventilator. Now, reports from the field show, it's being used to treat lungs that are not very stiff at all. Rather than turn to the protocols we know, critical care doctors are flying by the seat of our pants.

That all started because an incredibly talented Italian physician, Luciano Gattinoni - as famous globally as National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases director Anthony Fauci is - submitted a paper on 16 patients with covid-19 that was published just three days later. Everyone in the critical care community listened. With just four words in his journal article, "intubation should be prioritized," tidal shifts in thinking occurred (likely much larger than Gattinoni ever intended), and the usual operating procedures shifted. A ventilator shortage accelerated, which sent policy planners scrambling for solutions.

Covid-19 is "the story of dissemination of anecdotal medicine in a disease you don't know, and the walk away from evidence-based medicine," Christopher Thomas, a critical care physician at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Baton Rouge, told us. "And it's driven by fear and anxiety."

Critical care itself is just 150 years old. During the Crimean War, Florence Nightingale requested to place the most seriously ill patients closer to the nurses' station so they could be monitored more carefully. Specialized shock units were used in World War II to provide efficient resuscitation for the large numbers of severely injured soldiers.

In 1952, in Copenhagen, the polio epidemic ballooned to 900 patients locally, which forced a medical response that thrust the discipline forward. Some providential and seemingly random connections between folks who met on a transatlantic ship journey led to the development and use of rudimentary ventilators, but there weren't enough.

Through the night and day, hundreds of nurses joined with approximately 1,500 medical and dental students to bag ventilate the tracheostomized polio patients manually. Thus, critical care was born - under conditions that seem eerily reminiscent of the stories we've been hearing from Bergamo and New York.

HOUSTONS FINEST: These people are Houstons heroes of the coronavirus pandemic

Images of modern critical care from the 1990s show rows of patients, sedated into the Stone Age, unmoving, tethered to ventilators, families nowhere in sight. This was not an accident. Until about 20 years ago, patients were heavily sedated throughout their critical care stay with the dual goals of pain control and amnesia. Clinicians hoped to spare patients the discomfort and memory of the breathing tube and other procedures and - mistakenly - believed that if the patients appeared to be asleep, they would not remember anything of what went on.

But when patients are sedated, they aren't asleep. For many covid-19 patients, the nightmares of ICU delirium - caused by suspected brain invasion of the coronavirus, immense inflammation throughout the body, toxic effects of over-sedation and new lows of social isolation - are now setting in as a harbinger of ensuing acquired dementia, plus depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

We already know this isn't the best practice. In 1996 and 2000, the New England Journal of Medicine published data showing that interrupting sedation and the breathing machine nearly every day in intubated patients shortened the amount of time they spent on ventilators and got patients out of the ICU faster.

As a result, daily breaks in sedation and the ventilator, known as "spontaneous awakening and breathing trials" (SATs and SBTs), became standard practice globally. We also learned that delirium itself, a waxing and waning in consciousness that is being seen so commonly in covid-19 patients, is the most robust driver of acquired dementia after the ICU - and that we must select and minimize our sedative meds with this in mind.

That groundbreaking research led to the creation of what's known as the "A2F safety bundle," which reminds us how best to care for critically ill patients. The basic tenets are to make sure that our patients have the chance to wake up from sedation each day, unless that proves dangerous. We must assess and manage pain and monitor our patients for delirium daily, in addition to making sure our choice of sedation is the right one, usually avoiding drugs like benzodiazepines, to minimize long-term side effects.

The safety bundle emphasizes the importance of early mobility (getting patients up and walking or using in-bed exercises even when they are still on the vent) and engaging families - both of which are challenges in covid-19 patients, since the virus demands that we isolate them. Unfortunately, this guide can't be completely followed in all covid-19 patients every day. But we must try.

David Janz, director of medical critical care at the University Medical Center in New Orleans, says that these steps were often being lost there early on. "At the beginning of this, we did things that weren't evidence-based," he told us. "They were probably not good practices. We would deeply sedate patients who were remarkably hypoxemic [meaning their blood had very low levels of oxygen]. They'd be on deep sedation for days. When we'd extubate them, if and when we'd extubate them, they'd be laying in bed with little to no attention about mobilizing them." Covid-19 has made doctors much more likely to leave patients on sedation too long to avoid the hypothetical risk that patients might pull out their breathing tubes and the shortages of personal protective equipment that would be required to intubate them again.

CORONAVIRUS CELEBS: Celebrities whove tested positive for COVID-19

In truth, this risk is grossly exceeded by the true danger of subjecting people to ongoing sedation and even one extra day on a ventilator. Without spontaneous awakenings and adherence to the A2F bundle, we have repeatedly shown that patients stay an average of two to four extra days immobilized on life support - and die more often. ICU teams have reams of data from famous ICU physicians like JP Kress at the University of Chicago and Dale Needham at Johns Hopkins showing that prolonged immobilization is extremely dangerous for the human body. But, Janz says, "everyone was very scared, and now we are getting back to our basics."

In a pandemic, everything seems uncertain. There is still so much that we do not know about the coronavirus. But we do know that from years of rigorous research in tens of thousands of patients that the more we comply with our A2Fs, the better our patients do. Our guidelines are perhaps at their most essential in times like these - when we are in the midst of a crisis. No doubt there are heroes with scrubs on in many major cities of the world right now, doing the best they can. But let us not forget the key components of care that we know. They could save us ventilators, sedation - and lives.

- - -

Ely is the co-director of the Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction and Survivorship (CIBS) Center at Vanderbilt University and the Nashville Veteran's Administration Hospital. Lamas is a pulmonary and critical care doctor at Brigham & Women's Hospital.
South Korea reports recovered coronavirus patients testing positive again FILE PHOTO: A medical staff member in protective gear prepares to take samples from a visitor at a 'drive-thru' testing center for the novel coronavirus disease of COVID-19 in Yeungnam University Medical Center in Daegu

By Josh Smith and Sangmi Cha

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean officials on Friday reported 91 patients thought cleared of the new coronavirus had tested positive again.

Jeong Eun-kyeong, director of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), told a briefing that the virus may have been "reactivated" rather than the patients being re-infected.

South Korean health officials said it remains unclear what is behind the trend, with epidemiological investigations still under way.

The prospect of people being re-infected with the virus is of international concern, as many countries are hoping that infected populations will develop sufficient immunity to prevent a resurgence of the pandemic.

The South Korean figure had risen from 51 such cases on Monday.

Nearly 7,000 South Koreans have been reported as recovered from COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.

"The number will only increase, 91 is just the beginning now," said Kim Woo-joo, professor of infectious diseases at Korea University Guro Hospital.

The KCDC's Jeong raised the possibility that rather than patients being re-infected, the virus may have been "reactivated".

Kim also said patients had likely "relapsed" rather than been re-infected.

False test results could also be at fault, other experts said, or remnants of the virus could still be in patients' systems but not be infectious or of danger to the host or others.

"There are different interpretations and many variables," said Jung Ki-suck, professor of pulmonary medicine at Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital.

"The government needs to come up with responses for each of these variables".

South Korea on Friday reported 27 new cases, its lowest after daily cases peaked at more than 900 in late February, according to KCDC, adding the total stood at 10,450 cases.

The death toll rose by seven to 211, it said.

The city of Daegu, which endured the first large coronavirus outbreak outside of China, reported zero new cases for the first time since late February.

Story continues

With at least 6,807 confirmed cases, Daegu accounts for more than half of all South Korea's total infections.

The spread of infections at a church in Daegu drove a spike in cases in South Korea beginning in late February.

The outbreak initially pushed the tally of confirmed cases much higher than anywhere else outside of China, before the country used widespread testing and social distancing measures to bring the numbers down.

(Reporting by Josh Smith and Sangmi Cha; editing by Michael Perry and Jason Neely)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 11)  Some frontliners in this COVID-19 battle are not stationed in hospitals; others are out there, ready to lend a hand in times of need  like the healthcare volunteers in Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental.

Workers and volunteers from the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) - Negros Oriental responded to an emergency childbirth, or the imminent delivery by a 17-year old pregnant woman, who was riding a pedicab on her way to a clinic, at noon of April 6.

PRC nurses, Richel Amada and Junefred Icalina; first aid instructor Dave Calumpang; and volunteer James Kervin Vega immediately came to the rescue of the mother in a site in Candau-ay in Dumaguete City. The health workers helped the mother give birth to her daughter inside the motorcab.

The infant was born at exactly 12:10 PM. The responders transferred the mother and her baby girl to the Dumaguete City Health Office after the delivery.

The mother and daughter are both well and healthy.

CNN Philippines' Stringer Roy August Bustillo contributed to this report.
A BJP corporator and 10 others were arrested at Panvel in Raigad district of Maharashtra after they were found assembled at one place for his birthday celebration despite the ongoing lockdown, police said on Saturday.

The incident took place late on Friday night, they said.

All of them had gathered on the terrace of a residential building at Takka village in Panvel for the birthday celebration of Ajay Bahira (42), the BJP corporator in Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC), they said.

"The police received a tip-off that some people have gathered on the terrace to celebrate his birthday. A police team rushed to the spot and 11 persons, including the corporator, were held when the celebration was on," senior inspector of Panvel Police Station, Ajaykumar Landge, said.

Another official said that alcohol was being served at the party.

"They were not wearing masks and flouted the social distancing norms. An alert citizen informed about the celebration to the Navi Mumbai control room, following which a Panvel police team rushed to the spot and took all of them into custody," he said.

They were arrested and later released on bail, the official added.

They have been booked under IPC sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life), 271 (disobedience to quarantine rule), 290 (public nuisance) and others.

Offence was also registered against them under the Epidemic Diseases Act, the Disaster Management Act, they said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Former Bachelor star Noni Janur had been forced to self-quarantine for two weeks after travelling back from Bali last month.

And the 29-year-old made the most of her newfound freedom on Saturday, stepping out to exercise in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

The swimwear designer flaunted her gym-honed curves while walking in Tamarama, as she donned a slim-fitting cropped black Nike singlet and high-waisted Cotton On Body leggings.

Stunner: The Bachelor's Noni Janur flaunted her curvaceous figure in black activewear as she stepped out to exercise at Tamarama after two weeks in self-quarantine

The bleached-blonde tied her long locks into a messy bun with a silk scrunchie, accessorising with classic round sunglasses and numerous earrings.

She flaunted her natural beauty by going makeup free, as her signature freckles gave her a skin-kissed look.

Last month, the glamour model filmed herself getting a nasal swab to test for COVID-19.

Out and about: Noni had been forced to self-quarantine for two weeks after travelling back from Bali last month

Keeping fit: The 29-year-old made the most of her newfound freedom on Saturday, stepping out to exercise in Sydney's Eastern suburbs

'Just don't hit my brain!' joked Noni as a doctor slowly inserted a long Q-tip into her nostril.

'It tickles a little bit. That's it, that's it. Perfect,' the doctor assured Noni, as he pushed the swab into her nose further.

Unable to hide her discomfort, Noni closed her eyes and grimaced until the test was over.

Stylish: The swimwear designer flaunted her gym-honed curves in a slim-fitting cropped black Nike singlet and high-waisted Cotton On Body leggings

Chic: The bleached-blonde tied her long locks into a messy bun with a silk scrunchie, accessorising with classic round sunglasses and numerous earrings

The COVID-19 nasal swab allows health care workers to collect secretions from the uppermost part of the throat.

Noni is yet to share her results and Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting she had coronavirus.

She had been in quarantine for the required two weeks after travelling internationally, but found even with all the benefits of modern technology, isolating at home can be a frustrating experience.

She ordered McDonald's via UberEats but was left disappointed when the restaurant botched her order by delivering a bun-less chicken burger.

One with nature: She flaunted her natural beauty by going makeup free, as her signature freckles gave her a skin-kissed look

Getting tested: Last month, the glamour model filmed herself getting a nasal swab to test for COVID-19

Noni, who had flown from Bali to the Gold Coast, wanted a McChicken with a plain steamed bun instead of the standard burger bun topped with sesame seeds.

'So I'm kind of confused,' she wrote on her Instagram Story. 'I just ordered a McChicken. No quarter pounder bun and add steam bun, and this is what I get.'

As she lifted the lid of the burger box, she revealed a single chicken patty topped with mayonnaise and shredded lettuce - but no bun.

As of Saturday afternoon, there are 6,283 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia, including 56 deaths.

Jet-setter: Noni is now in Sydney, after flying from Bali to the Gold Coast last month
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 23:25:09|Editor: huaxia

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ACCRA, April 11(Xinhua) -- Ghana Health Service (GHS) announced another 30 confirmed COVID-19 cases here on Saturday, bringing the number of confirmed cases to 408 in the country.

While four people have been discharged, eight people have died from COVID-19 pandemic, GHS added.

The Ghanaian government has introduced a raft of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, including restrictive movement in the hotspots of the outbreak, intensive contact tracing and laboratory testing.

"These measures have resulted in a sudden increase in case detection, with a high number of cases being reported," said GHS.
Mohammed bin Salmans March 6 arrests of his uncle, cousin and several other senior princes on the charge of conspiring against him have re-energized the debate about the future of the countrys stability and the fate of the Al Saud rule. The detentions of the senior royals are evidence of MbS power grab and unmistakable descent into dictatorship.

The draconian measures he has taken against his close relatives violate every principle the Al Saud family has followed to help it survive the regional tumult for nearly a century. MbS in effect has accused his relatives of treason. The ruling family seems to be seriously fracturing.

MbS previously used his so-called anti-corruption campaign to justify the detentions of senior royals. Recently, he has invoked the fear of a possible coup. If this charge is rejected as spurious, he could easily invoke the threat of the coronavirus pandemic to justify the royals continued isolation.

The simmering tensions within the ruling family point to the crumbling of a key two-legged pillar of Saudi stability, namely consensus, or ijma, and allegiance, or baya. It works this way: The family council selects the king by consensus. Once the king is selected, the entire family declares allegiance to him. In extreme cases of malfeasance or incompetence, the family council removes a king from office, as was the case with King Saud ibn Abdulaziz in 1964.

Regional scholars have identified several other factors that have underpinned the Al Saud rule. They include: a collective acceptance within the family council on the succession to the throne; a quietist foreign policy and functioning neighborly relations; and a symbiotic partnership between Al Saud and the Wahhabi-Salafi religious establishment in which Al Saud would rule as it pleases, but Salafi clerics would drive the moral compass of society.

The special security relationship that Saudi Arabia and the United States forged during World War II established an understanding the United States, primarily because of its need for Saudi oil, would protect the security of the Saudi state against external threats.

That relationship was state-to-state, not person-to-person. In a major shift, Mohammed bin Salman has reduced the decades-old relationship to a personal one between him and President Trump and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Before MbS was given the levers of power by his father, the ailing King Salman, Saudi Arabia generally refrained from bullying its neighbors or starting a war against them. The Al Saud often viewed themselves as the first among equals in regional councils but rarely attempted to dominate the smaller family ruled states in the vulgar manner as MbS has done the past five years.

In his attempts to ascend to the throne while his father is still alive, MbS has undermined the countrys internal stability and Al Saud rule.

In the past decade, some scholars have projected the fall of these monarchies. For example, Professor Christopher Davidson of Durham University wrote in his 2012 book After the Sheikhs: The Coming Collapse of the Gulf Monarchies, that domestic opposition, modernizing forces, Arab Spring upheavals and rising poverty and repression could force a regime change in Gulf family-run tribal societies.

The anticipated collapse did not occur because of regime repression, massive arrests, ubiquitous security services and economic patronage. These monarchies remain in place today, albeit more brutal and autocratic.

Future historians will likely judge that MbS actions and policies have undermined the Al Saud family unity and cohesion, upended the succession process, jettisoned the consensus and allegiance formula, rejected the kingdoms traditional quietist foreign policy and undermined the key drivers of domestic stability.

MbS disastrous war in Yemen, his manufactured confrontations with neighbors, especially Qatar, his war with other oil producers and his disregard of the ruling family traditions have made him a pariah within his own family. The brutal murder of journalist and dissident Jamal Kashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul a year and a half ago  orchestrated and carried out under his direction  has tarnished his international standing.

Ironically, what Professor Davidson and others predicted a few years back about the Gulf monarchies collapse could come to pass over the next five years primarily because of MbS actions, not because of mass protests and upheavals.

MbS deep knowledge of Saudi society and tribal dynamics  for example, unlike his brothers and cousins, he did all his studies inside Saudi Arabia and did not receive any post-secondary education abroad  helped him become his fathers favorite son and ultimately his heir.

If in the face of impending threats to his rule MbS turns to Trump and Kushner to save him, the United States should not come to the rescue. The changing regional geopolitical and economic realities of the Middle East and the regions diminishing significance in American strategic calculus should make Washington reluctant to save his throne. Will the Trump administration allow Mohammed bin Salman to drag it yet once again into another endless war?

Emile Nakhleh is research professor and director of the Global and National Security Policy Institute at UNM and a former senior intelligence service officer at the CIA. A longer version was published on ResponsibleStatecraft.org.
Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Dev on Saturday directed the city's deputy commissioners of police to provide sufficient security to healthcare personnel treating COVID-19 patients in their respective areas.

An official said that the chief secretary also directed the DCPs to extend police security to the doctors and other medical staff visiting colonies to conduct screening of people.

The move comes after the Supreme Court directed the Centre and state governments to ensure sufficient security to the healthcare personnel at the frontline of the country's coronavirus response.

The official said that the chief secretary has warned of strict action for the violation of the Supreme Court order.

Earlier, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had also warned of strict action against those misbehaving with healthcare personnel in the city.

Recently, two women resident doctors of the Safdarjung Hospital were assaulted following rumours that they are "spreading COVID-19" in the Gautam Nagar area.

The number of coronavirus cases in the national capital mounted to 1,069 on Saturday, with 166 fresh cases and five deaths being reported.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Chandigarh, April 11 : Adopting social distancing in lives is the best way to reduce the spread of novel coronavirus, which has the world firmly in its grip.

This fact came to light in a village in Punjab's Mohali district where 32 positive cases were reported in less than a week. All of them belong to close-knit families of the prime patient, who is the panch in the village.

Eleven new cases came on Friday in Jawaharpur village near Dera Bassi town, some 20 km from the state capital Chandigarh, which has a population of less than 3,000, and all contacts of the positive patient.

Mohali Deputy Commissioner Girish Dayalan told IANS the 10 new cases with no travel history were in the direct contact with the positive cases.

He said all patients were relatives and there was no case of community transmission.

"Extensive sampling has enabled us to identify more positive cases within the village and timely isolate them, hopefully containing the spread in the village with a population of 2500 plus, as well as beyond," he said.

The first case in the village was reported on April 4 with the 42-year-old panch, who is running a tent house, tested positive.

Doctors believe the tent house owner contracted COVID-19 from his part-time employee, who returned to the village after visiting Delhi's Nizamuddin Markaz in March. He has been missing since March 30.

His first cousin is the husband of village's sarpanch.

Civil Surgeon Manjeet Singh said it is believed some outsiders stayed in the village till March 30 and they might be the source of infection.

Jawaharpur is now a containment zone with complete ban on movement of people.

Authorities blame the massive spread of the virus to frequent mingling of family members for the community kitchens organised by them to cater to the weaker sections during lockdown.

With the surfacing of 32 cases from a village, Mohali district that lies adjoining Chandigarh has emerged as a major hotspot of coronavirus with reporting of 48 cases -- almost one-third of state's total patients.

One woman was tested positive posthumously in the district.

"Health teams have sampled over 10 dead bodies and one positive case was reported," Dayalan said.

He said the posthumously tested positive was a woman resident of Mundi Kharar and died on April 7.

The Health Department said a total of 713 samples were collected in the district till April 9.
The governor of Cross River state, Ben Ayade, has ordered civil servants from grade level 10 in the state to resume work on Tuesday, April 14.

Mr Ayades spokesperson, Christian Ita, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

The no mask, no movement policy of the state government is still in force and applicable to the civil servants, the statement said, adding that all returning civil servants are to receive nose masks from the COVID-19 Response Task Force through their respective permanent secretaries.

The statement said that while mass gatherings of all kinds such as worships, weddings, burials remain prohibited, residents would be allowed into public places such as markets, malls, sports, and banks if they use appropriate mask.

All nose masks to be used in the state must be locally made, with the place of origin clearly marked.

The sale of masks made by the Cross River State Garment Factory is prohibited. Masks are to be distributed free of charge, the statement said.

Governor Ayade recently stirred controversy by saying people with face mask need not practice social distancing as they are already protected from contacting the coronavirus.

The ban on vehicles and flights from other states has been extended for two weeks.

Cross River state has no confirmed case of coronavirus.

Nigerias confirmed cases of coronavirus has exceeded 300.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 11)  The chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee has proposed a program to help millions of people whose jobs have been affected by quarantine restrictions.

Albay Representative Joey Salceda said the Payroll Support for Workers, Entrepreneurs, and Self-employed (PSWES) Program would cover 5.98 million workers for small and medium enterprises, sole entrepreneurs, and freelancers.

In a statement on Saturday, Salceda said he had written to President Rodrigo Duterte to propose the program which will "provide relief to formal economy workers, entrepreneurs, and self-employed individuals, who typically belong to the middle class.

Salceda said income support would also be provided for freelancers and those in the gig economy who were unable to earn income due to the ECQ."

He added that the country needed these enterprises to operate "so its essential for the economy and for job preservation that we lend them a helping hand.

Salceda's proposes for the wage subsidy to be distributed for three months.

RELATED: Duterte: Appeal to give cash aid to middle class 'valid'

It is estimated that those belonging to these sectors earn an average of 9,500 per month. The wage subsidy proposed by the congressman, however, is for only about a quarter to a third of the amount.

"The cost of supporting their income, at 2500 to 3000 per month for two months, is 44.85 to 53.82 billion. Salceda said.

Salceda said the Social Security System with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Department of Labor and Employment could be tapped to distribute most of the aid for formal economy workers.

Along with the subsidy, Salceda is also suggesting that freelancers be accredited by the state.

Im also proposing that we couple the open-application process for freelancers with cost-free BIR and SSS registration. That way, they are able to see the full benefits of being accredited with the state, while also being able to contribute in future years when they are in better conditions, Salceda said.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 05:07:51|Editor: huaxia

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LIMA, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra announced Saturday that the country has 951 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the number of people infected with the novel coronavirus to 6,848, with 181 deaths.

"Of the 65,712 people sampled, the indications are that we have 58,864 negative cases and 6,848 positive cases, which is 10 percent of 65,712. Of the total number of people we have sampled, 90 percent came out negative," said the president, while giving the report at the San Isidro Labrador Annex Hospital, located in the Ate district of Lima.

Vizcarra urged the population to remain vigilant and only go out to the market when it is extremely necessary, making every effort to avoid crowds.

Peru has been under a state of emergency since mid-March, a measure that includes a quarantine and a curfew as part of the efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
Life can be a roller coaster. There are few certainties. Growing up, when tax rates in Ireland were extremely high, I often remember the line that the only certainties in life are death and taxes.

With insurance, we try to protect ourselves from the snakes and ladders of life, but it has its limits as COVID19 is showing us. No insurance can protect you from catching COVID.

With half the world on lockdown, as our world gets physically smaller and as non-essential travel is restricted, on some level, it feels like we are even more connected as we hear and share stories of how people around the world are coping with the rapid change and challenges of COVID19.

People who are never or rarely on social media are now using it (including myself). Many are connecting with people from our past and present and making new friends.

Some are choosing to take a step back from everything to take time out and relook at things. Some because of the nature of what they do are stepping up and forward. Some are doing both.

Some make us smile sharing pictures and stories of themselves in Balaclavas or how they are playing board games and enjoying dinner parties and coffee sessions with friends and colleagues through zoom.

There are singathons and challenges to share and writes songs. There are people sharing exercise videos and lots of facebook lives about everything under the sun. Others are doing online meditations.

There are so many diverse and wonderful things happening. But what is common is that mother nature is giving us a chance to relook at our lives and decide and shine a light on what is most important.

People are recognizing the important work of healthcare and supermarket workers and others on the front line who are making the essential parts of life and living possible for all of us.

People are less focused on material matters and looking good and more on what they deem important-whether it is family, friends, health or helping others. Sharing our unique gifts is a key part of what is important for all of us in life.

As Pope Francis said recently: 'It is a time to choose what matters and what passes away, a time to separate what is necessary from what is not.'

A friend sent me this beautiful poem. It goes through the spectrum of emotions that we feel in self-isolation. The lady that wrote it, Katy O'Meara, a writer who felt helpless in the face of corona sat down and did what she was good at - writing.

It has since gone viral with so many sharing it - from Oprah to Deepak Chopra. Being interviewed about the poem she said: 'We have gifts. It's a good reminder that whatever your gift is, and however small it is, keep using it. This is a really good time for that.'

The poem touched me. I hope it gives you some inspiration for these times.

And people stayed at home

And read books

And listened

And they rested

And did exercises

And made art and played

And learned new ways of being

And stopped and listened

More deeply

Someone meditated, someone prayed

Someone met their shadow

And people began to think differently

And people healed.

And in the absence of people who

Lived in ignorant ways

Dangerous, meaningless and heartless,

The earth also began to heal

And when the danger ended and

People found themselves

They grieved for the dead

And made new choices

And dreamed of new visions

And created new ways of living

And completely healed the earth

Just as they were healed.
Joel Osteen teaming up with Mariah Carey, Tyler Perry for weekend Easter celebration

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UPDATE: 3 PM ET APRIL 11: Kanye West and the Sunday Service choir will no longer be making an appearance at Lakewood Church's Easter weekend service online.

Original:

Hollywood stars Mariah Carey, Kanye West and Tyler Perry will be joining Lakewood Church pastor Joel Osteen for an Easter Sunday digital celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Over 5 million people worldwide watched Osteens Lakewood Church services on Palm Sunday as numerous churches stopped holding in-person services to help stave off the spread of the new coronavirus. For Easter Sunday, Osteen hopes to draw even more people to hear the life saving message of our Savior.

The Easter service will stream Saturday at 7 p.m. Central time and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Central time. It will be available on multiple platforms as well as Facebook, YouTube, Roku, AppleTV and SiriusXM Channel 128.

In these times of crises, this is the time for us to shine, to be a bright light, to be a voice of peace and hope for our neighbors and friends. And its a time for all of us to draw closer to God, Osteen told The Christian Post.



For the order of service, Mariah Carey is expected to be the first celebrity appearance and will share a message from her home and sing a gospel song. Carey, who's best known for her countless No. 1 hits and elaborate ensembles, has long shared her faith with fans and features a gospel song on each of her records. So its no surprise that shell be lending her iconic voice to this celebration.

Joining Carey will be Kanye West and his Sunday Service choir who pre-taped four songs for the service. Osteen and West were gearing up to host a Night of Hope in New York City on May 2, but due to health concerns caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as limits set by the state of New York regarding public gatherings, the event has been postponed.

Film and television mogul Tyler Perry, who recently created the #HesGotTheWholeWorldChallenge to help raise hope and morale while the nation is on a temporary lockdown, will also be part of the Lakewood Church service by delivering a message from his home.

In addition to the music and messages from the A-list celebrities and Joel and Victoria Osteen, the service will also include Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo and Houston Fire Chief Samuel Pena who will share a special prayer for Houston and the nation.

Osteen told CP he hopes people will gather with their families and tune in to the stream on Easter Sunday.

Lets stay connected, lets encourage each other and help lift each others spirits in this time of need, Osteen said.

The service will be streamed HERE.
As many schools across Vietnam have moved classes online owing to the novel coronavirus disease (COVD-19) pandemic, two high school students in the north-central province of Quang Tri have been attending remote lessons from a makeshift tent erected by their parents on top of a hill, taking advantage of the high altitude to catch cellular signals otherwise unavailable at their homes.

Students in Vietnam have enjoyed a months-long break since early February as schools in the nation are closed as a COVID-19 precaution.

Twelve graders Ho Thi Tam and Ho Thi Suong, members of the Van Kieu ethnic group in Quang Tri, are among students at local Dakrong High School who have resumed school through online classes for nearly a week.

However, unlike other students who can seamlessly adapt to the new learning environment thanks to an Internet connection at home, Tam and Suong from Khe Ngai Village found themselves at a disadvantage with no cellular signal accessible from their houses.

Le Chi Thong, the schools principal, said some teachers have noticed the two students having an unusual background while monitoring their screen during remote lessons.

Rather than being inside of a house, they were found sitting under the shade of a makeshift tent erected on top of a hill by their parents.

The tent is made simply out of bamboo trees and a plastic canvas on top.

Ho Thi Suong (left) and Ho Thi Tam are seen sitting in a makeshift tent on top of a hill in Khe Ngai Village in the north-central province of Quang Tri, Vietnam for their online classes. Photo: H.S. /Tuoi Tre

Talking about their special classroom, Suong said she and her friend had tried running around their houses trying to get access to the Internet with 4G SIM cards, but their smartphones failed to connect as their village nestled in the middle of a ravine where cellular coverage was unavailable.

However, necessity is the mother of invention. The high school friends eventually came up with the idea of climbing up a hill where they could have cellular signals for data.

The young girls passion for studying moved their parents so much that they later decided to build the hilltop tent to provide the girls with cover from the scorching sun.

Their desks were two metal storage trunks fetched from their houses.

Ho Thi Suong (right) and Ho Thi Tam are seen sitting in a makeshift tent on top of a hill in Khe Ngai Village in the north-central province of Quang Tri, Vietnam for their online classes. Photo: H.S. /Tuoi Tre

However, it was not the end of their challenges, as the data-demanding video calls needed for their remote lessons quickly drained their mobile balances.

The girls refused to give up. They decided to skip school for one day and went to work as for-hire farmers to earn enough money to top up their SIM cards.

As people from the Van Kieu community in their locality dont pay much attention to school, partly because of their poverty, local students with such resolve to pursue studies like Tam and Suong are not common to see.

We were deeply touched seeing our students sitting in a tent and studying so hard, principal Thong expressed.

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Health officials have confirmed 553 new cases of Covid-19 in Ireland, the biggest increase since the outbreak began.

The Department of Health also confirmed a further 286 older cases of Covid-19 have been reported by a laboratory in Germany.

On Saturday, Minister for Health Simon Harris said he hoped the backlog in testing would be cleared by the end of next week.

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He said between 25,000 and 30,000 tests had been sent to Germany, with more than half of the tests returned and the remainder due back this week.

There are 8,928 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland, and another 33 people have died, taking the total to 320.

Of the 33 deaths, 25 had an underlying health condition. Thirty were in the east and three in the west. There were 14 females and 19 males with a median age of 82.

Analysis from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) shows that as of Thursday, when there were 7,787 cases, about 45% were male and 54% were female.

553 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Ireland, the largest number of new cases reported since the start of the outbreak.



There have also been 33 new deaths bringing the death toll to 320.#COVID19ireland pic.twitter.com/lKfOZjhcBs  Aine McMahon (@AineMcMahon) April 11, 2020

Chief medical officer Tony Holohan said: Todays figure of 553 represents the largest number of new cases reported in a single day since the start of the outbreak.

This should remind everyone of the importance of hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and physical distancing. These are the actions to suppress this infection. We need to continue with them.

A total of 2,141 cases are associated with healthcare workers.

The median age of confirmed cases is 48.

#COVID19 #Coronavirus is new and challenging. Everyone's lives have been affected by measures introduced to keep us all safe.



Today @SimonHarrisTD launched https://t.co/ZzENw1d3Yl with tips on how to maintain wellbeing - with phone/online support for those who need to talk. pic.twitter.com/0PwoZfSYEq  Department of Health (@roinnslainte) April 11, 2020

A total of 1,718 cases (22%) have involved hospital admission, and of those, 253 have been admitted to intensive care.

Dublin has the highest number of cases at 4,156 (53%) followed by Cork with 581 (8%)

On Saturday, Mr Harris launched a one-stop shop for mental health resources to help people cope during the pandemic, on Government website www.gov.ie/together.

He said the emergency is taking its toll on the nations mental health and there would be no return to normality once restrictions are lifted.

The difficulty for everyone in this country is that we are not going back to normal life in May.

It is going to be a new normal. I dont want to worry or upset people but we need to work as a people to get to a better place.

Im concerned with the toll of restrictions on peoples mental health. It is not normal that you cant go out and about or that you cant visit your family on Easter Sunday.
Ecuador is struggling to cope with mounting cases of coronavirus infections, now numbering more than 4,400 according to a Johns Hopkins University monitoring site. Almost 250 people have died from the illness, with the port city of Guayaquil the hardest hit.
In Yerevan, in front of the parliament building, a man sewed up his mouth because of seminal and social problems, the press service of the Ministry of Emergencies informs.

Employees of the centers operational group and psychologist went to the place as soon as they received call.

A citizen Migran M., born in 1991, partially sewn up his lips, substantiating his act with family and social problems. He was provided immediate psychological help, the Armenian emergency department informs.
NHS doctors have warned their hospitals are running out of three vital drugs that help coronavirus patients fighting for their lives on ventilators.

Medical staff said their supplies of the sedative propofol as well as the painkiller fentanyl and circulation-boosting noradrenaline are getting low.

The shocking revelations come as the death toll in Britain rocketed by 917 to 9,875, with infections rising by 5,233 to 78,991.

Medical staff said their supplies of the sedative propofol (pictured) as well as the painkiller fentanyl and circulation-boosting drug noradrenaline are getting low

Paramedics take a patient into St Thomas' Hospital, where Prime Minister Boris Johnson is recovering from coronavirus

To manage the most severe coronavirus cases, resuscitators have to immerse the patients in an artificial coma and intubate them.

They use powerful anaesthesia drugs - such as propofol, which now costs up to 20 for 100ml - to do this and these are the ones that are rapidly disappearing.

Noradrenalin, a type of adrenaline, and the the high-grade painkiller fentanyl were banned from export last month to try to stem the shortages.

But consultant anaesthetist Anthony Beaumont told the Sunday Mirror 'we're running out of drugs,' adding he has enough propofol to last five days.

He said: 'Nobody saw this pandemic coming and to expect the Health Service to be ready is unfair. The infrastructure is just not up to it.'

The 62-year-old, who came out of retirement to join the ICU at Kent and Canterbury Hospital, added: 'There is a shortage. This could mean operating theatres will get first pick, leaving patients in intensive care.'

He claimed there are plans to sedate Covid patients with morphine and midazolam, which he said are not as effective as patients take longer to wake up.

One doctor, who asked to remain anonymous, also said the drugs are being rationed by the Department of Health of Social Care.

Their warnings were echoed by chairman of the clinical quality and research board for the Royal College of Anaesthetists Professor William Harrop-Griffiths.

A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said: 'We are doing everything to ensure patients access medicines they need.

'We are working with the pharmaceutical industry and NHS England to make supplies available.

'We have banned the parallel export of more than 100 medicines to keep supplies in the UK.'

It comes as senior NHS officials revealed hospitals could run out of gowns for doctors after Home Secretary Priti Patel said she is 'sorry if people feel there have been failings' over the supply of protective gear.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has said she was sorry if anyone felt there had been failings over the supply of PPE for health workers in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic

Memos were leaked on Saturday warned of a 'national shortage' of the long-sleeved gowns that are needed to treat coronavirus patients.

The revelation comes as the Government asked any companies which can manufacture gowns to sign up to their new plan to produce personal protective equipment.

Kington Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said in correspondence seen by The Telegraph that supplies of gowns could run out as soon as this weekend.

The news came hours after Public Health England relaxed its rules and said doctors could get away with wearing one-piece suits with a hood if gowns were not available.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has said she is sorry if anyone feels there has been failings over the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

In an email sent on Thursday evening, Martin Barkley, the Mid Yorkshire chief executive, said: 'I fully recognise the huge anxiety staff feel about this issue.

'Every day you are coming into work, leaving your families, putting yourselves in what must feel like a vulnerable and scary position in order to do the right thing by our patients. I want to assure you the trust is doing everything it can to secure further stocks.'

The Government has issued a plea to all industries asking that any firms which can produce protective equipment to come forward.


The Ondo State government has announced the cancelation of the Easter Day celebration as the state recorded a fresh case of coronavirus.

In a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information, Donald Ojogo, on Saturday, said the decision was taken after consultations with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN).

He noted that all measures previously taken to curtail the spread of the virus still stands.

Ondo was among the six states PREMIUM TIMES highlighted on Friday, who had announced they would be relaxing the weeks-long restriction of non-essential movements by residents, thereby putting the lives of thousands of citizens at risk.

The states mentioned are Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Katsina, Kogi and Ondo. While Cross River, Imo, Ebonyi, Abia, Taraba and several others are said to have or are planning to lift the restriction orders in their states.

According to the new data released by NCDC, on Friday evening, 17 new cases were recorded in seven states: Lagos, Katsina, FCT, Niger, Kaduna, Anambra and Ondo, bringing the total confirmed cases to 305. Ondo state has Ondo have two cases.

Read The Full Statement Below

The Ondo State Government notes with deep concern the second index case. This development has once again, reinforced the need to deepen our collective efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ondo State COVID-19 Response Team has reported that the second index case having travelled from Lagos to Ondo State must give the Government greater concern to avoid community transmission.

Against the backdrop of the above, the Ondo State Government has directed the cancellation of the special concession granted Churches across the State to celebrate the Easter Sunday/Service. This decision was taken after due consultations with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

All measures and steps taken in respect of COVID-19 still remain in force. In particular, Government has taken further steps to effectively man the boundaries in the light of reported cases of compromise and breach of the directive to close all inter-state entry points into Ondo State.

Donald Ojogo

Commissioner for Information and Orientation

April 11, 2020.
All 30 districts now have ministers in-charge with Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa retaining Bengaluru Urban with him.

Late on Thursday night, the government issued a notification appointing new district in-charge ministers.

Three ministers - Ramesh Jarkiholi, Shrimant Patil and K Gopalaiah - have not been given charge of any district.

Jarkiholi, who was tipped to be made in-charge of Belagavi, dismissed reports of disgruntlement. He said he declined the responsibility as he was already in-charge of the laborious water resources portfolio.

"The chief minister was keen on appointing me as district in-charge. Since Belagavi is a large district and I handle Water Resources portfolio, I conveyed my inability to fulfill both charges," Jarkiholi said in a statement.

The district in-charge ministers are as follows:

B S Yediyurappa: Bengaluru Urban, Govind Karjol: Bagalkot and Kalaburagi, Jagadish Shettar: Belagavi and Dharwad, Basavaraj Bommai: Haveri and Udupi, J C Madhuswamy: Tumakuru and Hassan, Prabhu Chauhan: Bidar and Yadgir, C N Ashwath Narayan: Ramanagara, Laxman Savadi: Raichur, KS Eshwarappa: Shivamogga, R Ashoka: Bengaluru Rural, B Sriramulu: Chitradurga, S Suresh Kumar: Chamarajanagar, V Somanna: Kodagu, C T Ravi: Chikkamagaluru, Kota Srinivas Poojary: Dakshina Kannada, CC Patil: Gadag, H Nagesh: Kolar, Shashikala Jolle: Vijayapura, Shivaram Hebbar: Uttara Kannada, S T Somashekar: Mysuru, K Sudhakar: Chikkaballapur, K C Narayana Gowda: Mandya, Anand Singh: Ballari, B A Basavaraja (Byrathi): Davanagere and B C Patil: Koppal.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday suggested that the nationwide lockdown should be extended till April 30 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interaction with chief ministers, sources said.

They said Kejriwal was of the view that the ongoing 21-day lockdown, which is scheduled to end on April 14, should be extended to the whole of India and not only in Delhi.

"Extending the lockdown in Delhi only will not serve any purpose," sources quoted Kejriwal as saying in the video conference interaction with the prime minister.

As the country battles the coronavirus, Modi on Saturday held video conference with chief ministers primarily to take their feedback on whether the 21-nationwide lockdown be extended beyond April 14 to stem the tide of the infections.

The central government is understood to have also obtained views on the issue from all the relevant agencies and stakeholders involved in the efforts to contain the spread of the pandemic.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Wentworth star Luke Hemsworth has revealed the reason he and his family moved back to Australia.

The 38-year-old, who spent almost a decade living in Los Angeles, recently moved to Byron Bay to be closer to his parents, Leonie and Craig, and brothers Liam and Chris.

'It's a better quality of life, for sure,' Hemsworth told Stellar magazine.

'We had to make a decision': Wentworth star Luke Hemsworth has revealed the reason he and his family moved back to Australia

'We had to make a decision about the kids, because if we'd stayed in LA and Westworld went into Season Four, then we'd be locked in for another couple of years.'

He continued: 'It's best for the kids. Mum and Dad can walk to the house, Chris is about a mile away, and I think Liam's going to be there soon, too.

'The kids are outside in bare feet, they're on the beach and not watching much TV at all any more.'

'It's a better quality of life': The 38-year-old explained that he wanted to be closer to his family. Pictured with wife Samantha and their three children, Harper, Holly, and Ella.

Luke is also the eldest sibling of his famous Hemsworth brothers - Chris, 36, and Liam, 30.

Back in April 2018, Luke spoke candidly to The Daily Telegraph about his personal life differs from his superstar brothers.

'I worry about the loss of anonymity, which is the one thing Chris and Liam would want back,' he told the publication.

Luke added his brother's height also means they attract plenty of attention, saying: 'They are both 6 foot 4, they're very recognisable, whereas I am a little shorter (5 foot 11) and can disappear into the crowd.'

Famous family: Luke is also the eldest sibling of his famous Hemsworth brothers - Chris, 36, and Liam, 30

The Melbourne-born actor stars in the acclaimed HBO Western sci-fi series alongside Evan Rachel Wood, Tessa Thompson and Aaron Paul.

Luke plays Ashley Stubbs, the head of Westworld security, and has been on the show since season one in 2016.

His career began on the Australian soap Neighbours, and he has also starred in the Channel 10 series Bikie Wars: Brothers in Arms and had a cameo role in Thor: Ragnarok in 2017.

Luke and Samantha have been married for 13 years and together share four children: daughters Holly, 11, Ella, 10, and eight-year-old Harper Rose, as well as seven-year-old son Alexandre.
Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain on Saturday informed that around 13,500 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits are being brought to Delhi for healthcare workers.

"As of now, 13500 PPE kits are being loaded on trucks and being taken to our godowns," Jain said while speaking to media in New Delhi.

Doctors and paramedics attending to COVID-19 patients across the country have been complaining of the lack of personal protective gear that has put their own lives in danger as the coronavirus is highly contagious.

With 40 deaths and 1,035 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, India on Saturday witnessed the sharpest ever increase in coronavirus cases, taking the tally of the infected people in the country to 7,447, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
All Union ministers have been asked to resume work in their ministries from Monday and focus on kick-starting the economy post lockdown, sources said on Saturday.

They also said the government is mulling giving relaxation in curbs for agriculture and industrial sectors in areas which are least affected by COVID-19, if the lockdown is extended.

There is also a suggestion to divide the country into three zones -- red, orange and green - based on the number of COVID-19 cases in those areas and allow some industrial activity in orange and green areas while maintaining standard operating procedures of social distancing.

The government is broadly focusing on two things, hotspots of COVID-19 to contain the spread of the disease and on efforts to kick-start the economy once the lockdown is lifted, an official said.

Besides the ministers, all officers of the joint secretary level and above will also be present in the ministries along with one-third of the essential staff from Monday, the sources said.

"Government has desired that all officers who are entitled to official transport facility will come to office from Monday ie officers of the level of SAG (Joint Secretary) or higher," a source said.

Even during the lockdown, Health, Finance, Rural Development and Agriculture among other ministries were working, while activities of others were restricted, sources said.

Besides Home Minister Amit Shah and Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, several ministers such as Rural Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur were attending their offices during the lockdown.

"Government was not out of action during the lockdown, but now it is scaling up its activities," another official said adding the idea is to ease the process of lifting of lockdown so that ensuing period is hassle-free and the government has started doing its homework for the same.

Other sources in the government said there could be some easing of curbs for agriculture and its allied activities as harvesting season is about to start. There is also a view that those large industries or plants which can house their workers within their premises might be allowed to function.

Farmers and industry bodies have sought certain relaxations during the lockdown to carry out necessary activities, they said.

However, the prospects of easing restrictions on inter-district transport, railways and airways at this moment appear slim and these are likely to continue for some more time.

Meanwhile, the Centre is considering a request made by most states to extend the ongoing nationwide lockdown by two more weeks beyond April 14, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with chief ministers and told them that focus should be now on health as well as prosperity of the nation.

There are indications that an extension in lockdown may come with certain relaxations to boost economic activities and sources said proposals being considered include lesser restrictions in areas unaffected by the virus spread.

During his interaction, Modi, himself wearing a white mask, told chief ministers that now it is imperative to focus on both aspects, 'Jaan bhi Jahan Bhi', for India's bright future, and prosperous and healthy India.

The ongoing 21-day nationwide lockdown to contain the COVID-19 crisis, announced by Modi on March 24, is scheduled to end on April 14.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Amid the nationwide social distancing campaign, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are inundated with commuters and those exercising outdoors.

Wednesday afternoon, one week after the nationwide social distancing campaign was implemented across Vietnam, the area around Nhieu Loc Canal in Saigon's District 3 bustled with walking and jogging urbanites, some accompanied by pets, venturing well within the two meter exclusion zone.

Nearby, Vo Thi Sau Street was packed with the honking throb of commuters.

Vietnam launched a 15-day nationwide social distancing campaign on April 1, not allowing gatherings of more than two people and asking people to stay home, only going out when truly necessary.

HCMC commuters swarm on April 9, 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Huy.

Many have dropped their guard, venturing out and joining crowds.

In Hanoi, around Nam Dong Lake in Dong Da District, where local authorities placed posters instructing locals to avoid gathering and exercising in public, dozens jog and chat each afternoon.

The same goes for Lang Street, Nghia Do Park, and Thong Nhat Park, since closed after a bout of crowding last week. Now, some breach the fence or run along the pavement surrounding the park.

Ho Chi Minh City suffers the same problem.

"Since last weekend, more people have gone out, especially during rush hour. I see no difference with the social distancing campaign," said Tran Van Tao, residing on Saigons Ba Thang Hai Street.

With many supermarkets and streetside markets remaining open, the number of shoppers has steadily grown.

Hanois Nam Dong and Saigons Nguyen Tri Phuong markets still attract many urbanites flouting social distancing rules.

"We love fresh produce, and cannot be banned from visiting the market, so I go every day," said Nguyen Thi Thu Hoai, a housewife in Saigons District 10.

Delivery staff cluster at many local restaurants awaiting lunch and dinner orders.

Tran Thanh Son frequents over 12 eateries a day in search of deliveries, and confirms crowding is not rare.

Yearning for normalcy

For young people, "staying home for days without hanging out with friends is sure torture," said Nguyen Dang Khoa, a 24-year-old white-collar worker in Saigons Tan Binh District.

Many elderly have opted for public exercise instead of staying indoors, even with health authorities recommending older people and those with underlying medical conditions to avoid contact with others.

"It is boring and stressful to remain home every day. I know what is recommended, but jogging in the afternoon makes me feel better," said Nguyen Thi Kim Hoa, 62, from Saigons Go Vap District.

Hanoians converse on Ton That Tung Street on April 9, 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy.

Many people have no choice but hitting the streets and earning.

Every afternoon, thousands of workers at Tan Tao Industrial Zone in Saigons Binh Tan District rush to catch a bus home, creating chaotic, overcrowded conditions.

Keeping the powder dry

According to government office chief Mai Tien Dung, slowing infections means little, and the risk of contracting the deadly virus remains high.

As of Saturday, Vietnam had discharged 144 of 257 Covid-19 cases recorded so far.

Carelessness during this period can be disastrous because of untraced community infections, said Dung.

"I restate, if people act carelessly, the risk of increased infection remains a threat. The government requires everyone to practice social distancing as a matter of urgency," Dung maintained on April 9.

In a meeting on the same day, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has asked law enforcement agencies to strictly discipline those violating social distancing rules and not wearing face masks.

"The results we have achieved so far are quite encouraging but the threat still remains unchanged." No one should neglect social distancing rules and let their guard down, Phuc said.

Apart from warning people gathering in groups in public places, including those doing exercises, in several places, police have fined people found going out for "non-essential" purposes. The typical fine in such cases is VND200,000 ($8.58). In some cases, those ignoring the rule to organize public gatherings have been fined up to VND12 million ($510).

Meanwhile, Vietnam has entered the third stage of the epidemic with several community transmissions and some sources yet to be detected, which requires strict deployment of social distancing, recently said Deputy Health Minister Nguyen Truong Son.
A research scholar of the



Jawaharlal Nehru University, who is from Manipur, was arrested for writing an article in a local daily, that authorities claimed could "incite communal disharmony", officials said on Saturday.

In the article published in a vernacular newspaper, Md Chingiz Khan accused the state's BJP government of discriminating against a particular community.

Police suo motu registered an FIR against Khan and arrested him from his residence in Mayang Imphal town in Imphal West district, officials said.

Khan, who has been pursuing PhD in history, has been remanded to six days' police custody by a court.

A senior government official said the research scholar raked up a two-year-old issue in his writing when the state is fighting against the COVID-19.s



The article published on April 6 could incite communal disharmony and he was arrested on Thursday, he said.

Several organisations such as the JNU Student Union, Delhi Association of Manipur Muslim Students and the Manipur Students Association Delhi have condemned the arrest of Khan and demanded his immediate release.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The federal government has been forced to shelve its $48.7 million commemoration of the 250th anniversary of Captain Cook's voyage to Australia due to coronavirus restrictions.

The planned unveiling of monuments at Botany Bay this month has been delayed, while a voyage around Australia by a replica of Cook's ship and a touring exhibition have been suspended.

"Some initiatives are currently impacted by necessary social distancing measures in place as a result of COVID-19," a spokeswoman for federal Arts Minister Paul Fletcher confirmed.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks at the Australian War Memorial's concept design launch. Credit:Karleen Minney

Expensive cultural infrastructure projects such as the $500 million redevelopment of the Australian War Memorial and the NSW government's controversial relocation of the Powerhouse Museum have also come under fire as the pandemic drives creative industries out of business and wreaks havoc with public finances.
The ongoing 21-day nationwide lockdown is set to continue in place of another 14 days after the Narendra Modi government announced a two-week extension of the restrictions. Calling it a correct decision, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said India's position is better than many developed countries because we started lockdown early.

Agencies

Kejriwal was the first Chief Minister who attended the meeting of chief ministers with the PM through video conferencing to confirm the development even before it was officially announced.

PM has taken correct decision to extend lockdown. Today, Indias position is better than many developed countries because we started lockdown early. If it is stopped now, all gains would be lost. To consolidate, it is imp to extend it  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 11, 2020

In the meeting, several chief ministers had urged the PM to extended the lockdown till April 30 as the country grapples with an alarming rise of COVID-19 cases.

The 21-day nationwide lockdown was originally set to end on April 14.

"Most states requested to extend the lockdown by two weeks and the Centre is considering the request," a government source said.

PM Modi, accompanied by some senior officials, including from the Union health ministry, was wearing a homemade white mask during the meeting which was also attended by chief ministers - Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal), Uddhav Thackeray (Maharashtra), Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), Manohar Lal (Haryana), K Chandrasekhar Rao (Telangana) and Nitish Kumar (Bihar).

The lockdown will continue till April 30th. Instructions about examinations in schools, universities, allowing industries to be operational, will be given soon. I request you to not panic.  CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) April 11, 2020

The Prime Minister told us that we must not compromise on lockdown and that he was receiving suggestions to extend it for another 15 days. In the next 15 days, it will be relaxed in a graded manner. He said that in the next one or two days the Centre will announce guidelines for the next 15 days. The PM said the next two or three weeks are critical and this time will decide whether we are successful, Chief Minister of Karnataka BS Yediyurappa told the media after the meeting with the PM.

Agencies

Yediyurappa added that the lockdown this time will be different from the past three weeks. Certain sectors like agriculture and industry will be given relaxation. Government offices will be allowed to function with partial strength. The PM will announce all this in two days, he said.

The Union Home Ministry has sought views of state governments on various aspects, including whether more categories of people and services need to be exempted. Only essential services are exempted during the ongoing lockdown.

Agencies

This is for the second time the Prime Minister is interacting with the chief ministers via video link after the coronavirus lockdown was imposed.

During his April 2 interaction with chief ministers, PM Modi had pitched for a "staggered" exit from the ongoing lockdown.




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By Express News Service

GUNTUR: In view of the coronavirus positive cases detected in the district, Guntur collector I Samuel Anand Kumar has recently extended the shutdown of the Guntur Mirchi Yard till April end. Famous for exporting chilli, the yard, Asias biggest, is a source of livelihood for 30 exporters, 1,000 commission agents, 5,000 workers and 5,000 farmers.

Ever since its closure in March, all commission agents and farmers, who came to the yard from as far as Telangana, were rendered jobless, state agricultural market commission agents association secretary P Suresh Reddy said. Before the lockdown, more than 5,000 farmers from both the Telugu states brought their produce to the yard every day.

All India Exports Association president V Sambasiva Rao said there was a 50 per cent decline in export order due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As the chilli yard is closed, we are forced to buy red chilli from cold storage. As against the monthly business worth `400-`500 crore with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, China and others in 2019, the worth of monthly export order has reduced to `200 crore, he explained and requested the government to let the chilli yard function with all precautionary measures as the present period was the peak for the red chilli trade.

Yard secretary M Venkateswara Reddy said the premises would remain closed as per the directions of the collector. The exporters buy `3 crore worth stock from cold storage daily. On Thursday, they bought 40 lakh bags of chilli online, he added. Meanwhile, ministers Mopidevi Venkataramana Rao and Kurasala Kannababu had said chilli farmers need not worry as they could still sell their produce in the market yards at Durgi, Piduguralla, Krosuru and Nadikudi by following social distancing norms. As many as 58 cases of coronavirus were detected in Guntur district till Friday evening. The district is second only to Kurnool (77) in the state in Covid-19 cases.
A Cookstown fashion designer has made more than 80 sets of scrubs for staff who are fighting the coronavirus in hospitals and in the community following a funding drive.

Ruedi Maguire, who creates bespoke occasion wear and wedding guest attire from his boutique RUEDI on Belfast's Lisburn Road, stepped aside from his couture work to create a rainbow of scrubs for hospital workers.

They were funded after he successfully generated 4,000 to cover the cost of material through a Go Fund Me page.

The award-winning designer said: "This fund has been set up to assist with purchasing fabric to make scrubs and other essential wear needed to help protect our health heroes.

"Our health services are the front line in the combat against this Covid-19 and need our help. Currently, they have a huge shortage in scrubs and cotton bags to place them in before leaving work."

Mr Maguire and his husband Paul have been working around the clock to ensure they can create and deliver as many scrubs as possible.

He told the Belfast Telegraph requests from hundreds of healthcare workers have been coming in daily.

He said: "To date we have made 80 sets of scrubs at a rate of 16 sets a day, which is a full roll of poly cotton fabric. I have been informed by a doctor in the City Hospital that their order with another supplier is four to five weeks away, so I will be at this until the supply has caught up with the health service."

The designer said the swap from bespoke fashion to workwear has "kept my mind in the reality we now live in".

He credits Paul for helping him ramp up his production line, adding: "Without him I wouldn't be achieving 16 a day."

After posting a picture of a mannequin clad in the scrubs in his store window on social media, Mr Maguire said he received hundreds of requests from all kinds of health workers, "from doctors to community nurses".

Mr Maguire said the support from local suppliers and other businesses at this time has been humbling.

Ruedi Maguire's Go Fund Me page can be found at gofundme.com by searching for Superheroes Wear Scrubs.
Editors note: This Sunday, Christians here and around the world celebrate Easter in an unfamiliar way. The coronavirus pandemic prevents us from gathering for the church services, rituals and family meals typical of this day. People of all faiths find themselves challenged by illness, isolation and disruption of their daily lives.

We invited Central New York faith leaders from many spiritual traditions to offer messages of hope during these difficult times. Our thanks to them and to InterFaith Works of Central New York for coordinating their submissions.

Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York. (Provided photo)Hal Silverman Studio, Inc.

Gods presence with us is the source of our hope

Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe, the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York:

"God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God and God abides in them. ... We love because he first loved us. (I John 4:16,19)

This is a sacred time of year for the Abrahamic faiths, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Our respective celebrations of deliverance, resurrection and penitence renew our sacred connection with God and with one another.

For Christians, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is good news: Gods power of creation is the source of all life and extends beyond human sinfulness and even death itself. The power of Gods love to re-create, to make all things new, is the source of our hope. It is especially comforting to know the power of Gods Holy Spirit cannot be out-crisis-ed, each time we love our neighbors as ourselves, each time we offer forgiveness instead of hate, each time we act in love and not fear, God abides with us.

As people of all faiths, our lives are not defined by the challenges we face but by the faithfulness with which we meet these challenges. With faith greater than our fear, we have courage, love and profound hope; Gods presence with us is the source of our hope. And let us remember hope is not wishful thinking; hope is a core belief that has the power to transform us and bring us peace.

Around the world, this is a liminal moment in which all humanity is experiencing the same crisis at the same time. Whether in Italy or Kenya, Germany or Belize, New York or California, the COVID-19 pandemic requires us to socially distance ourselves from one another and act with integrity for the safety of all. From those isolating at home, to truck drivers delivering goods, to all medical caregivers, to civic leaders, we are all part of a global response.

In one of our Episcopal liturgies, we have a prayer that refers to our planet as this fragile Earth, our island home. I treasure the vulnerability named in this bidding as it is really an invitation to mindful living. All of the world is our home and when we love one another, we experience Gods abiding presence that is more powerful than death, calling us to renewal, love and life.

May the power of God and the love of God abide with you this day and always.

Bishop Douglas Lucia of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse. (Provided photo)

We are an Easter People!

Bishop Douglas Lucia, Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse:

Dear Friends,

Do not be afraid and Peace be with you. These are greetings that Jesus used with his disciples on the first Easter day. Today, in a chorus echoing through time and space, we are invited to pick up the new song that Jesus Christ brought in His resurrection from the dead. We are an Easter People!

This hope of resurrection illumines a world whose light has been dimmed by suffering and death. The earthquake in Matthews account of the resurrection illustrates that Jesus Christ has come to shake us up and awaken us from our sleep. Further, he invites us who would be his disciples to journey with him and to carry forth the good news of the resurrection.

This year, we may not have been able to carry lit candles at our Easter services or sing out our joyful Hallelujahs! together, but in this Easter Season and beyond, we can carry the light of the Risen Christ to all whom we meet along the way. This commission of the Risen Jesus himself sends us out to loosen bonds and unlock doors so that the wondrous love which flowed forth from that old, rugged cross can be experienced by those we encounter in the public square, masks or no masks!

The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly turned our lives upside down, but our prayer is also that it has given us new vision. A vision of a worldwide family whose foremost concern is ones neighbor whether near or far. In this light, we send Pesach greetings to our Jewish brothers and sisters praying that the miracle of Passover live on in your hearts forever and that your light may shine bright this Passover season. Soon also our Muslim brothers and sisters will welcome their holy month of Ramadan. We pray that this time will find their hearts filled with peace, harmony, and joy; and that they, too, will shine the Almightys divine blessings.

To all people of good will, we assure you of our prayers for you and your loved ones. We take this opportunity to express special gratitude to all in our community and beyond who have put themselves on the front line in the fight against the coronavirus. To our civic leaders, health care professionals, pharmacists, emergency personnel, grocers, food pantry workers, clergy and so many others, we say thank you for all you are doing to try and make our lives better in these days of testing and pain.

May the blessings of the Lord guide you, protect you, and be with you on Easter and always!

Imam Mohammed ElFiki, Islamic Society of Central New York. (Provided photo)

The power of supplication and hope

Imam Mohammed ElFiki, Islamic Society of Central New York:

God instructs us in the Great Quran, Call on Me and I will answer you. (40:60) He reassures our hearts saying, Surely with hardship comes ease. Surely with that hardship comes more ease. (94: 5-6) He describes resolving a tough experience for Prophet Muhammads companions once they turned to God: When the earth, despite its vastness, seemed to close in on them, when their very souls closed in around them. When they realized that the only refuge from God was with Him, He turned to them in mercy. (9:118) Prophet Moses in a hardship supplicated My Lord, I am in dire need of whatever good thing You may send me. (28:24) Right after that he was informed, Have no fear! You are now safe. (28:25) In his distress, Prophet Job cried out to his Lord Suffering has truly afflicted me, but You are the Most merciful of the merciful. (21:83) In the next verse God says, We answered him and removed his suffering. (21:84) Prophet Jacob commanded his sons, Do not despair of Gods mercy  only disbelievers despair of Gods mercy. (12:87) When he was told the good news after that he said, Did not I tell you that I have knowledge from God that you do not have. (12:96) Lets all turn to God and be sure He will never let us down.

Bishop Colette Matthews-Carter, Senior Pastor Zion Hill World Harvest Baptist Church, Inc. Prelate Covenant Fellowship of Churches (CFOC) (Provided photo)

'Listen to God in this season of quiet

Bishop Colette Matthews-Carter: Senior Pastor, Zion Hill World Harvest Baptist Church Inc., Prelate Covenant Fellowship of Churches (CFOC)

Be still, and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

These words are thought by some to be spoken by God to the nations of the world to cease from war. The psalms are known to have an amazing amount of power and comfort. Taken from the treasury of King David, this psalm delivers a word of encouragement to us for this season. This word calls for the COVID-19 pandemic to cease, for suffering to cease, for pain and death to cease, and for the powerful stillness of God to speak healing and hope to the world.

The words Be still are defined as not moving, and being quiet. Many believe that God is the friend of stillness, the friend of quietness and the friend of calm. When all of the noise is gone, then there is only God who often speaks in a still, small voice. Let us be free to listen to God in this season of quiet (quarantine). Let God speak to our hearts comfort and peace in the midst of this catastrophic crisis.

Allow the still, small voice of a sovereign and omnipresent God guide us through the trials and uncertainties of the day. Sometimes the noise from the outside drowns our ability to hear from God, to feel the Spirit of God and to commune with the sacred presence. Even nature honors silence. The trees, shrubs, flowers and grass grow in quietness; the sun, moon and stars commune in complete silence. Silence is powerful and redemptive.

As we honor stillness, let us learn to trust God. Be still, and know that I am God is more than just an expression; its a state of existence. And in this season existence has become survival. But we must not allow our desire to survive to dissolve our humanity and need for spiritual sustenance. May the quietness and stillness of Calvary allow us to triumph over the gloom of this moment into the threshold of monumental hope!

The Rev. Suzi Harriff, American Baptist Churches of New York State. (Provided photo)

This week we call holy

The Rev. Suzi Harriff, American Baptist Churches of New York State:

This week we were supposed to be together  rejoicing at the Seder, walking the last steps of Jesus from death to resurrection, celebrating the super moon, filling childrens baskets with candy and toys. ... Yet we cannot be together. So we are crying out with the Psalmist: Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless? Why am I in turmoil, distressed, depressed and weary? We are all of those because we are exhausted  from loneliness and worry, from fear and uncertainty, from isolation and separation from our routines and our loved ones, from the loss of our sense of security.

Sarah Bourns, in her poem Rona, speaks of how we have all been exposed by the virus  revealing our addiction to comfort, our obsession with control, our compulsion to hoard, and our selfishness  and that too often our gods have been health, self-importance, false security and misplaced trust. But now, we can choose to replace those false idols with hope, grace and compassion. We can change our I to we and make choices and decisions based not on ourselves and our preferences, but on the priorities of community, to protect and care for the other.

In this week known as holy in my Christian tradition, we can remember that the journey through the valley of the shadow of death ended at an empty tomb, where sadness, grief and death were defeated by resurrection joy. We can all see new life reflected in the world around us as spring returns. We can read in the Quran of the One whose mercy encompasses all things. We can echo the final words of the Psalmist, Hope in God, for I shall again sing praise and rejoice. In the midst of everything, the message of resurrection and rebirth echoes throughout our community and our world. Let us, together, harvest hope.

Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone, Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas. (Provided photo)

Please be near to our cry

Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone, Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas:

A Prayer for the Days of COVID-19 from the Jewish Liturgy

(Based on sources from Numbers, the Shabbat morning service, and the weekday service for Fast days)

God, Source of the breath of all life

You have redeemed us from narrow places,

And taken us out from slavery.

During famine, You fed us.

During times of plenty, You took care of us.

You have saved us from the sword,

And rescued us from plague,

And from evil, long-lasting illnesses You have lifted us up.

Even up to this very day,

Your compassion has helped us,

and Your lovingkindness has never left us,

and Eternal One, You will never ever abandon us.

During these days of distress,

Answer us, Eternal One, answer us,

In these days of our great anxiety and worry,

Because we are in great distress.

Do not regard our wickedness;

Do not hide Your face from us, and do not ignore our prayers.

Please be near to our cry;

Please treat us kindly and comfort us;

Even before we call to You, answer us,

As it is said:

'And it will be that before they call,

I will answer them,

and while they are still speaking,

I will hear.'

For You, Eternal One, answer in the time of distress.

You redeem and deliver in every time of woe and distress.

Bountiful are You, Eternal One, who responds in the time of distress.

His Eminence Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche. (Provided photo)

We will all learn from this

His Eminence Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche; submitted by the Rinpoches student, Madalyn Smith, Convener of InterFaith Works of Central New Yorks Round Table of Faith Leaders

I feel that this Covid-19 pandemic will not be difficult to overcome if we are all united, if we all follow social distancing and if we remain in our own homes until we are able to flatten the curve. At this moment, we can pray for everyone to be free from the suffering of this virus. May everyone be free from anxiety and fear, may everyone realize the preciousness of human life and never take life for granted. May everyone respect all beings equally and have love and compassion for all sentient beings. Right now, this pandemic is very difficult for all of us, but this too shall pass, and we will be able to recover and make sense of this, we will all learn from this. We must care for everyone equally, as we would wish to care for ourselves.

Tim Saka, Board President, CNY RISE Center. (Provided photo)

We are reminded of our common humanity

Tim Saka, Board President, CNY RISE Center:

Bismillahirrahmannirrahim

In the name of Allah, The Gracious, The Most Merciful.

With the worldwide pandemic of the coronavirus, we are confronted once more with the fragility of our lives, and again we are reminded of our common humanity; that the peoples of this world are our brothers and sisters.

Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) said, O people! Be treated. For, there is no disease that Allah has created, except that Allah also has created its treatment.

One of the 99 names of Allah is Shafi which means The Healer. We pray to Allah with the name of Shafi to heal those who are sick with the virus. We also pray for the doctors, nurses and health workers during this crisis.

We also would like to remember the story of Prophet Job(pbuh) who was inflicted with an intense disease. In the Holy Quran it says:

Truly! We found him patient. How an excellent servant to Allah! Verily, he was ever oft returning in repentance to Us! (Quran 38:44)

Prophet Job(phub) was always patient throughout his illness and never complained. One day his wounds reached to his tongue and he was worried that he could not pray to Allah anymore. So, he prayed:

Rabbi innee massaniyaddurru waanta arhamurrrahimeen

Oh Lord, the harm afflicted me, and You are The Most Merciful.

After such prayer, Allah gave his health back and healed him.

Today we are joining Prophet Job(pbuh) with the same prayer. While millions of people are infected with this virus and thousands have died, we are raising our hands to Allah and we say:

Oh Lord, the harm afflicted us and You are The Most Merciful. Please heal us Ya Shafi.

Ameen

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CHESTER SPRINGS, Pa., April 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Edge of Cinema, a video production and digital marketing company, announces an initiative to help Pennsylvania-based businesses who are struggling during the pandemic. All organizations and businesses that are suffering and supporting their communities are encouraged to apply.

Edge of Cinema supports the local economy in a time of need.

Ten applicants will be selected based on their circumstances as described in their application. Those selected will be given a custom 30-second commercial designed to spread their message, meet their most urgent need, and support their valuable work in the community during the crisis. Edge of Cinema's team is working safely from home, and all work under the initiative will maintain Pennsylvania social distancing guidelines and mandates.

When asked about the initiative, co-founders Matthew Scura and Jeremy Schmidt said, "COVID-19 has impacted Pennsylvania businesses in very scary ways, ourselves included. Now, more than ever, we need to support the local economy, and allowing struggling businesses a chance to communicate with their audience is how we can make a difference."

Businesses can apply at www.edgeofcinema.com/Community/

About Edge of Cinema, LLC: Edge of Cinema is a video and digital marketing company based in Chester Springs, PA. Since 2009, Edge of Cinema has created hundreds of videos and marketing campaigns for businesses and nonprofits in Pennsylvania and around the world.

Contact:

Matthew Scura

Edge of Cinema, LLC

610-304-9504

[email protected]

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Bill Maher says we shouldnt heed racists who blame Asian Americans for the coronavirus. At the same time, hes being criticized for spouting off racist commentary about China and the coronavirus.

Asian Americans have been subject to harassment and physical attacks in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. But Maher says we should blame China for the coronavirus disease.

Scientists have been naming diseases after the places they came from for a very long time, Maher said on Fridays episode of HBOs Real Time with Bill Maher." He gave Zika, Ebola and the hantavirus as some examples, among others.

So why should China get a pass? he asked.

Maher pointed to a tweet from Rep. Ted Lieu, D-California, in which Lieu said, The virus is not constrained by country or race. Be just as stupid to call it the Milan Virus. Calling the coronavirus the Wuhan virus, Lieu said, is an example of the myopia that allowed it to spread in the U.S.

Maher, who, like many other late-night and talk show hosts, has been hosting his show from home, answered Lieus comment by saying that if the virus had started in Milan, wed be calling it to the Milan virus.

Cant we even have a pandemic without getting offended?" Maher said, taking the opportunity to make a crack about Connecticut locals not getting ticked off about Lyme disease.

This isnt about vilifying a culture, said Maher, 64, who grew up in River Vale. This is about facts.

China is a dictatorship that, for decades, enforced a one child per family policy under penalty of forced sterilization. But they can't close down the farmer's market from hell? #CoronaVirus #WetMarkets pic.twitter.com/pvkfhdTk4i  Bill Maher (@billmaher) April 11, 2020

He went on to talk about the Chinese wet markets that are thought to have been the source of contraction of the virus by humans, but also talked about Islamic culture as well as liberalism, which he said had lost its way.

Its not racist to point out that eating bats is batsh*t crazy, Maher said.

The answer is we should blame China, he said. Not Chinese Americans. But we cant stop telling the truth because racists get the wrong idea. There will always be idiots out there who want to indulge their prejudices.

Viruses come from China like shortstops come from the Dominican Republic, Maher continued.

As Republicans including Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Brad Parscale, campaign manager for President Donald Trump, agreed with Maher and shared his comments on social media, others on Twitter  one of Mahers favorite foes, he even mentioned Twitter backlash in the segment  pointed out that his take itself was racist.

i see bill maher has once again weighed in on the racist side of an argument. as usual.  Oliver Willis (@owillis) April 11, 2020

Bill Maher once used the N-word and now calls the coronavirus the Chinese virus even after Asian Americans have been beaten on the streets. Well the H1N1 swine flu came from factory farms in America. Nobody calls it the American Pig Flu or demand we stop eating pork and chickens.  Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) April 11, 2020

So this is why he got boo'd when he was the speaker at a friend's grad. @billmaher racism isn't funny. Be a better comedian. https://t.co/qHeOmsGjUb   (@pwcsays) April 11, 2020

Have a tip? Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AmyKup or on Facebook.

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WFH for Private offices in Delhi, restaurants & bars to be shut as Omicron-led to sudden rise in Covid cases

Kerala CM Vijayan denies allegation of COVID-19 data leakage

India

pti-PTI

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 11: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday dismissed the allegations of leakage of data regarding COVID-19 patients in the state.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala had on Friday alleged that the LDF government had entrusted a US company with the task of collecting the data regarding the virus infected patients and that it was a violation of their fundamental rights.

The data, collected using government machinary, was being uploaded not in the government server but in that of the foreign company, Chennithala had said .

"This was not a PR company as was alleged. No money was given to them for the services being rendered. It is an NRK- run company which is helping the state", Vijayan told reporters here.

The data would be on an Indian server, Vijayan said and dismissed the allegation of leakage. Chennithala had slammed the government saying that such secret data is considered as 'protected health information' by other countries and handing it over to a foreign private agency was a "serious" issue, he said.

"The ward-level committees, set up by the government for the anti-coronavirus fight, was collecting information in this regard and uploading it in the server of the private agency," the Congress leader had alleged.
Indias long-running battle with pollution may have rendered it particularly vulnerable to the novel coronavirus. Researchers at Harvard recently found that places with long-term exposure to higher levels of fine particle pollution  known as PM2.5  were associated with higher rates of death caused by covid-19. Such particles can lodge deep in the lungs and have been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, respiratory infections and even cancer. So far, about 200 people in India have died of covid-19, with more than 6,500 cases of the illness confirmed.
The YNT also wants to point out that hotels are private businesses and their amenities are for their guests, not for the general public. And again, they have to have their guests practice social distancing as well.

Q: In reference to Nebraska Game and Parks and Upper Big Blue NRDs decision to close overnight camping I must ask our NRD, what benefit does this bring to the stopping the spread of COVID-19? If I bring my own camper/tent, my own food, my own lawn chairs with my family and spaced well from other campers, how is this an issue? Compared to walking into the local gas station or super market touching the same door, in the same indoor space, interacting with the same cashier as everyone else that day? It seems like allowing families to get out and camp in the outdoors, again with potential campsite space limitations, would have been one of the few things left to enjoy during this time of social distancing.
He holds her to the ground and, as she struggles and tries to choke him, violently kisses her. Eventually her protests peter out and she submits to his manhandling. They sink into the hay. The soundtrack strikes up a brassy flourish. Fade to black.

Such was the manner in which James Bond (Sean Connery) and Pussy Galore (Honor Blackman) consummated their 'flirtation' in the 1964 007 classic Goldfinger.

Watched today the scene plays out as a sexual assault. "There now let's both play," Bond jokes as he wrenches Galore to the floor. But in the 1960s, nobody thought twice of a dashing super-spy wrestling a reluctant love interest into submission.

It's fair to say we've travelled a long way since James Bond could get the girl whether the girl wanted it or not. So it's been strange to reflect on Pussy Galore and her legacy this week following the death of Blackman at age 94.

Expand Close New heroine: Paloma, played by Ana De Amas, in No Time to Die / Facebook

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Whatsapp New heroine: Paloma, played by Ana De Amas, in No Time to Die

"Who are you?" Bond had wondered when first clapping eyes on Blackman's character. "My name is Pussy Galore," she responds. Connery smirks. "I must be dreaming."

And with that Pussy Galore took her place among the most memorable Bond girls. Blackman was 39 at the time: old age in Bond girl years. Yet she was very much Connery's match on screen even as Galore made clear her lack of interest in Bond romantically.

It was heavily implied that she was lesbian. This being the 1960s, it wasn't spelled out, of course. And clearly her sexuality was malleable. All Bond had to do was assault her in a barn and she melted in his arms.

Blackman herself seemed unsure of her feelings about Bond. She got the humour that was part of 007. And she regarded her most famous character's name as a bit of a jape.

"Tongue in cheek, isn't it?" she said of Pussy. "If you're so po-faced that you had to take that seriously, well, bad luck."

However, she didn't see herself as a pin-up and did not accept that Pussy was just another disposable love interest draped around Bond. "I hate being referred to as a Bond girl simply because Pussy Galore was a great character," she said in 2004. "It wouldn't have mattered what she was in."

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Still, though she was by far the most interesting thing about Goldfinger - and effortlessly outshone the smarmy Connery - it's fair to say Blackman's character wouldn't fly today. The world has changed, and with it the Bond girl.

The forthcoming 25th Bond movie, No Time to Die, has been pushed back because of coronavirus. So it's too soon to say how new 007 director Cary Joji Fukunaga will deal the most problematic of the franchise's traditions.

We do know Bond 25 will pit Daniel Craig's super-spy against formidable licensed-to-kill agent Nomi, portrayed by Lashana Lynch. The actress has expressed the hope Nomi will be a role model for young girls - not something that could be historically said of many female protagonists in Bond movies.

She wants Nomi to be "embraced by many women, many black women, many young girls, being hopefully some kind of shining light, a little bit of inspiration for people that have never seen something like that before... We're just moving the needle more and more."

No Time to Die will welcome a second female heroine in CIA operative Palomo (Ana de Armas). Described as a "Cuban agent" she wasn't in the original script. Palomo was added by Fleabag's Phoebe Waller-Bridge, bought in to give the film a more contemporary gloss (and also presumably to make Bond funnier and less rampantly sexist).

"There's been a lot of talk about whether or not [the Bond franchise] is relevant now because of who he is and the way he treats women," Waller-Bridge said when her participation was announced. "I think that's b****cks. I think he's absolutely relevant now."

"It has just got to grow," she continued. "It has just got to evolve, and the important thing is that the film treats the women properly. He doesn't have to. He needs to be true to this character."

"You could tell that Phoebe was in there," said De Armas of her character in a recent Vanity Fair interview.

"There was that humour and spikiness so specific to her. My character feels like a real woman. But you know, we can evolve and grow and incorporate reality, but Bond is a fantasy. In the end you can't take things out of where they live."

The Bond girl has in fact been evolving for quite some time. In 1983 Maud Adams' Octopussy was the first Bond girl to have a 007 movie named after her. She was an imposing matriarch with a collection of killer molluscs (she also slept with Bond).

In 1999's The World is Not Enough the great Irish Bond Pierce Brosnan squared off with Denise Richards' headstrong nuclear physicist Dr Christmas Jones (who also slept with him). Even in the 1970s, with feminism going mainstream, Bond had to sit up and take notice. In 1977's The Spy Who Loved Me, Bond faced a worthy adversary in Barbara Bach's Major Anya 'Triple X' Amasova (reader, she slept with him).

Depressingly, however, even these relatively forward-facing Bond girls were obliged to follow the franchise's formula.

In 1967, You Only Live Twice screenwriter Roald Dahl set down the blueprint for Bond love interests. Until recently it has been followed rigorously.

"You use three different girls and Bond has them all. No more and no less," he wrote.

"Girl number one is violently pro-Bond. She stays around roughly the first reel of the picture. Then, she is bumped off by the enemy, preferably in Bond's arms."

Girl number two, he continued, is "anti-Bond". "She works for the enemy and stays around for the middle third of the picture. She must capture Bond, and Bond must save himself by bowling her over with sheer sexual magnetism. This girl should also be bumped off, preferably in an original fashion."

Glorified plot devices

Which brought us to Bond girl number three. "She occupies the final third of the picture, and she must on no account be killed. Nor must she permit Bond to take any lecherous liberties with her until the very end of the story. We'll keep that for the fade-out."

Thing had become more sophisticated by the time Craig took over the role in 2006. He had a great love in Vesper Lynd in Casino Royale (the relationship grew slightly complicated as it emerged she was a double agent).

This was gutsy as it showed us Bond as a vulnerable, flesh-and-blood human being. Of course even here the series stumbled into the historical problem that female characters in Bond movies exist simply as glorified plot devices.

Though portrayed with impressive intensity by Eva Green, Lynd was just another prop with which Bond could interact.

As was Monica Bellucci's Lucia Sciarra in 2015's Spectre, no matter that Bellucci was the oldest Bond girl at age 51.

The series, it is true, had progressed a considerable distance from Sean Connery wrestling Honor Blackman to the floor. But to give us a fully modern Bond girl, Fukunaga and Waller-Bridge will have to go further still.

One sign of the changing climate is Craig's recently admission that he avoids, wherever possible, using the term 'Bond girl'.

"I don't even call them Bond girls," he told Vanity Fair. "I'm not going to deny it to anybody else. It's just I can't have a sensible conversation with somebody if we're talking about 'Bond girls'."
Health staff yesterday with the tray-bakes rustled up by the female inmates of Hydebank Wood

Inmates at Northern Ireland's only female prison have been spreading much needed Easter cheer to say thank you to health and social care workers on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic.

Some sweet Good Friday treats were handed out yesterday to hundreds of dedicated doctors and nurses working within the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.

The gift of tray-bakes came as a pleasant surprise to hardworking health staff during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak and were made by inmates at Hydebank Wood Secure College in Belfast.

They were handed out in gratitude to NHS workers including those based at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald and Lagan Valley Hospital in Lisburn.

Posting on social media, a spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Prison Service tweeted: "The tray-bakes from Hydebank brought a smile to the faces of our #NHS colleagues.

"Well done to the women in our care who made it possible and to our staff for the vital support they provide.

"Special thanks to @setrust for getting the treats to the frontline."

The kind gesture from the inmates at Hydebank also won praise from Justice Minister Naomi Long.

Mrs Long tweeted: "What a fantastic gesture from the women in Hydebank Wood, to say thank you to front line NHS staff!"
The discovery of fossils from a previously unknown lagonomegopid spider species in South Korea, dating back more than 110 million years, has revealed that their eyes would have glowed in the dark. The results were published in the Journal of Systematic Paleontology and included the first preservation of a spider eye tapetum in the fossil record, according to the authors.

In a press release, Dr. Paul Selden, a University of Kansas professor of geology and co-author of the study, describes the tapetum as a reflective structure in an inverted eye where light comes in and is reverted back into retina cells.

While finding spider fossils is quite rare in and of itself, the discovery of specimens with such strange eyes was even more unusual. Its nice to have exceptionally well-preserved features of internal anatomy like eye structure, Selden said. Its really not often you get something like that preserved in a fossil.

Photo courtesy of Paul Selden

The spiders were found in the Jinju formation, an area of shale rock in South Korea, and a total of 10 fossils were identified. Two of them featured the glowing eyes typical of mammalian predators including cats and dogs. Theyre so reflectivethey clearly stick out, Dr. Selden told National Geographic, calling the discovery a sort of eureka moment.

Because these spiders were preserved in strange slivery flecks on dark rock, what was immediately obvious was their rather large eyes brightly marked with crescentic features, Selden explained.

What the team, led by Tae-Yoon Park of the Korea Polar Institute, found were spiders that combine unique characteristics to those of today. In spiders, the ones you see with really big eyes are jumping spiders, but their eyes are regular eyeswhereas wolf spiders at nighttime, you see their eyes reflected in light like cats.

The eye structure has implications for how these ancient spiders operated. University of Cincinnati professor of biology Nathan Morehouse told National Geographic, More exciting to me and other vision scientists is the glimpse that the tapetum offers into the lifestyle of these ancient animals. They were likely nocturnal hunters!

Photo courtesy of Tae-Yoon Park

Spiders this old are usually found trapped in amber, which better preserves their remains. Finding them in soft shale that was unearthed for a construction is so rare because theyre very soft, Selden said, adding, They dont have hard shells so they very easily decay.

The conditions must have been just right for these tiny fossils to have survived as long as they have and in such good condition. Normally, theyd float, Selden said, as reported by KU. But here, they sunk, and that kept them away from decaying bacteriait may have been a low-oxygen condition.

Comparing the rare finds in fossil form to those suspended in amber, Selden says that the discovery in South Korea has made the team want to go back and look at the amber fossils and see if we can find the tapetum, which stares out at you from rock fossils but isnt so obvious in amber ones because the mode of preservation is so different.

Photo courtesy of Paul Selden

The question of how these spiders used their glowing eyes to their advantage is still being evaluated by researchers. While spiders with tapetum today, such as wolf spiders, have their eyes on the front, Selden said in the press release that the eyes of newly discovered species are more at the corners of their head rather than the front, which is a bit of a mystery.

While its not clear whether the spiders tapeta would have made their night vision clearer or blurrier, spider specialists are hopeful for more. How these fossil spiders navigated such tradeoffs will probably remain unknown unless an even better set of fossils shows up, Morehouse said.

We would love to hear your stories! You can share them with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.nyc
Step aside, Kardashian: The Musical, theres a new rusical in town. This one features the contestants of season 12 of Drag Race and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and model Winnie Harlow as the guest judges. Heres what you mightve missed from episode 7 of RuPauls Drag Race season 12.

This article contains spoilers from the latest episode of RuPauls Drag Race season 12. Read at your own risk!

Aiden Zhane is gone, to begin with

With another queen eliminated, Widow is calling people out left and right, especially Brita for her apolo-lie while wiping away the lipstick on the mirror. Just a few weeks ago everyone was piling on Aiden. Now theyre pretending like they loved her?

Anyway, theres other drama to worry about. Gigi says her piece to Heidi, apologizing for how it came out during Untucked. Theres still some unresolved tension between Widow and Jackie, too, because Jackie called out Widow for being unprepared in the Snatch Game.

Widow just says she hopes a dance challenge is next, so that way Jackie can see how she felt. Widow gets her wish. The next day, RuPaul comes in and shares what their challenge is for this week  Madonna: The Unauthorized Rusical.

Similar to Cher: the Rusical, the queens each choose a version of Madonna that they identify with, record vocals, and perform it for the judges on the mainstage. (However, Cher: The Rusical had the contestants sing live.) Jan couldnt be more excited. The Rusical episode is always her favorite and this is her time to shine!

Heidi N Closet, Crystal Methyd, and Gigi Goode of RuPauls Drag Race Season 12 | Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for VH1 RuPauls Drag Race

The maxi challenge is Madonna: The Unauthorized Rusical

No one is assigned to give the parts out so the queens listen to the music and work it out amongst themselves. Jackie is nervous about singing as Boy Toy Madonna. Jan is nervous about opening the show as Early Madonna. Brita gets the part that Gigi initially wants and Gigi is nervous about the iconic choreography for her version of Madonna, Unapologetic Madonna.

After the roles are decided, the queens record their vocals with Michelle Visage. Jan goes first and the other contestants quickly realize they made a mistake having her open the show. She has a background in musical theater and isnt going to ru-pologize about it. The other queens are kind of shaky while recording, especially Gigi, who is literally shaking from being so nervous.

When its time to do the choreography, the same thing happens: Jan kills it, Heidi gets the steps down pretty quickly, but everyone else is having problems. Widow, a self-proclaimed dancer, cant do some of the moves because of a cut on her knee. Jackie shes trying.

Back in the Werk Room, the queens have a chance to open up about their appreciation for Madonna, especially her early support of the LGBTQ community. Heidi shares that her uncle passed away from HIV, Crystal shares that her father has Parkinsons Disease and she worries about him a lot.

Category is: Night of 1000 Michelle Visages

Its time for the challenge and on the runway, category is: Night of a 1000 Michelle Visages. The musical begins with Jan, who really gets to show off her love for singing and dancing. Gigi, surprisingly, kills it. She does the choreography perfectly and even sneaks in a flip. Crystal, as Enlightened Madonna, is quirky and funny. As AOC says, this was her favorite Rusical.

Its those three, Jan, Crystal, and Gigi, who are in the top. In a gag-worthy turn of events: Gigi Goode is the winner of this weeks challenge, instead of Jan. And Jan is mad. When she walks to the back of the stage as a safe contestant, Widow notices some anger lingering in Jans face.

Jackie, Heidi, and Brita are in the bottom. Because they loved Jackies runway look so much, its Brita and Heidi who lip-sync for their lives to Madonnas Burning Up. As a result, Brita sashays away. Only 8 queens remain in the competition.

Episodes of RuPauls Drag Race premiere on Friday nights on VH1. Fans can binge-watch already released seasons on VH1.com and episodes of Untucked on the World of Wonder YouTube Channel.
Number of coronavirus containment zones in Delhi reached 30 as six new areas were sealed. These areas are Nabi Karim, E pocket GTB enclave, Street no 18 to 22 of Zakir Nagar and nearby area of Abu Bakar Masjid, Zakir Nagar.

The government released the lowdown of 30 containment zones in Delhi that have been barricaded by the Delhi Police to ensure that people inside these zones cannot go outside and no outside is allowed inside. As coronavirus in Delhi has reached a critical juncture, the state government is continuously monitoring the number of COVID-19 cases and checking the spread of novel coronavirus.

A screening test of the residents inside containment zones showing symptoms of COVID-19 is already going on in full swing and is expected to intensify further in the latest zones. Delhi government has made it compulsory for people to wear face masks while stepping out of the house to mitigate COVID-19 spread.

Delhi has reported a total of 903 confirmed coronavirus cases and 13 people have died due to novel coronavirus. According to Health Ministry, 25 people have been cured, discharged or migrated. As of April 11, 08:00 am, India has reported 6,565 active COVID-19 cases whereas 239 people have died due to novel coronavirus. According to the data 642 people have been cured and discharged whereas 1 patient has been migrated.

Also read: India coronavirus lockdown live updates: PM Modi to decide on lockdown extension as cases rise to 6,565

Also read: Coronavirus crisis: India can't afford prolonged lockdown, says FICCI
Happy retirement

Todays market crash has been ripe with opportunity. Investors looking for cheap, blue-chip stocks have found the best time to get in on the market. If youre looking to retire, now is a fantastic time to buy up those strong stocks to lead you to retire rich. Thats especially if you plan on using your Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA).

Thats because the TFSA offers exactly what it states: no taxes. As long as you stay within the rules, you now have $69,500 at your disposal to invest in anything you choose, tax free.

So, what stock would I consider?

TC Energy

There are a number of reasons why you should consider TC Energy (TSX:TRP)(NYSE:TRP) if youre looking to retire rich. First of all, the company has been beaten down for no good reason as of late. Sure, the stock might be within the oil and gas industry, but its a solution to the issue, not the problem.

Oil prices have tanked because of a production glut. Pipeline companies such as TC Energy are creating pipelines so that this glut can come to an end, and oil produces can once again pump their products across North America. TC Energy has $38 billion in secured growth projects that includes the Keystone XL pipeline. These projects arent just in Canada but also in Mexico and Columbia. This will become increasingly exciting, as these areas continue to grow in natural gas demand.

As TC Energy has a number of secured growth projects and long-term contracts, that makes its cash flow stable for years to come. That means the companys dividend and subsequent growth is almost guaranteed. The company is confident it can continue to grow that dividend by 8-10% each year through 2021.

Retire plan

While this stock has fallen due to the recent economic crisis, compared to the overall market, its done quite well. The stock fell almost 40% from peak to trough but has since popped back up back 36%. Thats almost back to where it was before the crash. So, for those looking for a defensive stock even during a market crash, TC Energy is a pretty safe bet.

Story continues

The stock still trades at a discount compared to fair value, but its the future outlook thats exciting. Analysts believe in the next year the stock could hit $80 per share. Thats a potential upside of 25% as of writing. This is right on track with whats happened in the past. Just five years ago, the stock traded at around $40 per share, so if the stock were to make it to $80 per share, thats an increase of 25% per year on average.

That means if you use your TFSA contribution room of $69,500, in only a year you would have $86,880 in your TFSA and $3,518.64 from the companys 5.10% dividend yield. If you held that stock for five years, and the company kept increasing by an average of 25% per year, that means, with dividends reinvested, you could be looking at $251,976.20 in your TFSA.

The post TFSA Investors: Use Todays Crash to Retire Rich Tomorrow appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

The Motley Fools purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool Canadas free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. Motley Fool Canada 2020
A team of Vietnamese nationals have spent their own time and resources developing a live map that provides visitors with a mine of information on novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Vietnam.

The map, available at vietnamcovid19.info, provides live statistics of the total count of confirmed cases, with those confirmed within two days marked as new cases and others as old, and the number of recovered patients in the Southeast Asian country.

It also features a search tool allowing visitors to look up a confirmed cases data including their general information, when and how they were infected, their travel history, and links with other patients.

Why a map?

Visitors can also look up infection information of any place in Vietnam from the search tool, as well as locate quarantine camps countrywide, Phong Pham, one of the four founding members of the team that runs the live map, told Tuoi Tre News via email.

The map is available in Vietnamese by default. A translation button was added on April 10, allowing visitors to switch to English.

Although only the most basic features are translated for now, the English version is readable enough for English-speaking users.

Phong refused to say much about himself and other members, introducing them only as a group of Vietnamese who want to do something for the country in this fight against the pandemic that has spread throughout the world.

The team has two members based in Hanoi and one each in the U.S. and Australia.

This project was realized during our discussion on March 13, when there were only 44 confirmed cases in Vietnam, Phong said.

We knew the situation was much more worrying than it appeared, especially the high risk of community spread from patients No. 17 and 34.

Vietnams 17th patient of COVID-19 is a 26-year-old resident in Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, while the 34th patient is a businesswoman based in Phan Thiet, the capital of the south-central province of Binh Thuan.

Both patients had returned to Vietnam from overseas and had traveled to different places, having contacted a number of people, before they were confirmed infected last month.

Both of them have been discharged from the hospital after weeks of treatment.

This screenshot shows different types of data available on the vietnamcovid19.info live map.

Phong said all of the founding members are taking managerial roles at projects in such fields as information and technology, data analysis, financial technology, and artificial intelligence, so they are well aware that only by applying tech could we help spread information to the community in a rapid and accurate manner, contributing to combating the disease.

The team also reached a consensus that a live map is the best way to keep the community updated on the diseases spread and development.

Phong said the travel history of a patient plays a crucial role in efforts to prevent the coronavirus from spreading, particularly in Vietnam, where children meet their parents and grandparents more often than their Western peers do.

It is therefore essential to keep the community updated on the patients and their contacts, and such information is best displayed on a map, he elaborated.

Phongs team had taken references from some live maps in other countries, with those in Singapore and South Korea standing out as they both let visitors know how the infected are linked to one another.

Except for these references, we had to design and build all the features of our map from scratch, Phong said.

Useful source of data

Phong said during the first days of the live maps launch, human and financial resources were their biggest challenges.

The map is powered by Googles web mapping service Google Maps, and the team had to pay for every expense to keep the platform online.

The team members also had to devote time to the project while running their respective day jobs.

We voluntarily dedicated our time, money and efforts to this project as a joint contribution to the countrys fight against COVID-19, Phong said.

The vietnamcovid19.info live map allows users to look up information on a confirmed patient, including how they are linked to other cases.

The Vietnamese government normally announces updated information on new and recovered cases at least twice a day.

Asked if his team has to closely watch such official data and manually update the map, Phong said most of the information on his platform is automatically updated.

The credit goes to our head developer and IT team, who have years of experience in managing major tech companies, he added.

With the statistics automatically updated from official sources such as the government and the health ministry, we only need one admin to handle the extra information on the patients.

Since going live, the map has been constantly added with new features.

It was recently added with a dashboard for users to access more in-depth data about the pandemic not only in Vietnam but globally as well.

The dashboard also features different graphs and the latest local headlines on COVID-19-related issues.

Phong underlined that the real-time and accurate information available on their platform makes it a useful source of data for individual and corporate users to make the best possible health and travel decisions for themselves, their employees, and their businesses.

A chart in the dashboard of the vietnamcovid19.info live map.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
(CNN)  Kritchai Rojanapornsatit has lived in Phuket for most of his life.

Owner of a construction company, he's accustomed to the regular traffic jams on Thailand's most popular resort island, where large tour buses chug up and down its hilly roads as tourists weave around them on rented motorbikes, all heading for Phuket's many beaches, ports and attractions.

The scenes that greet him now, however, are like nothing he's ever witnessed in his 30 years of living here.

"There are no speed boats on the water, the streets and beaches are empty and there are very few tourists," he tells CNN Travel.

"I've never seen it like this  not even after the tsunami in 2004."

That's because authorities have taken extraordinary lockdown measures to slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus in Phuket, which has emerged as the country's coronavirus hotspot.

With 170 confirmed cases of Covid-19 as of April 10, this island of 400,000 or so residents has the highest infection rate per capita out of all of Thailand's 77 provinces.

According to government statistics, there are about 38.95 cases per 100,000 people in Phuket, versus 21.90 per 100,000 in Bangkok. (Overall, Thailand has reported 2,473 coronavirus cases, with 33 deaths.)

Extensive testing is reportedly now underway in Phuket to further slow the pace of transmission, according to health officials.

Residents asked to stay in their district

Restrictions are set to get even tighter. On April 9, the government announced a lockdown for all 17 sub-districts of the island for 14 days, asking all residents to stay home from April 13-26, "or until the situation improves."

"The move makes Phuket the first province in Thailand to impose a total lockdown of all areas, in its sustained effort to stop the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19)," says a statement from the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

"With the exceptions of medical and emergency personnel and logistics workers, all 17 sub-districts are sealed off to ensure minimum mobilization of people and vehicles."

These measures are just the latest in a series of restrictions and closures as the island races to contain the situation.

The Phuket International Airport is now closed to all non-essential flights until April 30. The island, connected to the mainland by a bridge, has also closed its land and sea entry points, opening only for vehicles transporting necessary goods. All beaches have been closed indefinitely, in addition to restaurants, bars and non-essential shops/services.

A government order, effective from April 7, requires everyone in Phuket to wear face masks when leaving their premises, while a curfew is in place from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Hotels without guests have been ordered to close, while those that stay open must restrict access to communal areas including swimming pools and restaurants.

According to Phuket-based Bill Barnett, managing director of consulting firm C9 Hotelworks, there are currently five hotels that have been designated to take new bookings to accommodate any remaining tourists on the island.

"We have estimated that 80% of all hotels on the island are currently closed or in the process of closing down," he tells CNN Travel. "Phuket has over 88,000 registered hotel rooms."

Barnett says they've surveyed hotels in the Phuket Hotels Association and the sentiment is split between reopening in May or as soon as allowed, while others say they will restart in June and some at the beginning of October.

"Phuket has a large influx of snowbirds or Europeans who visit the island from October through March so this is when the upward cycle is likely to occur," he says, adding that recent news that employees of hotels that were forced to close would receive 62% of their salary for up to three months was well received in the industry.

As for the situation on the ground, he says supermarkets remain open and food delivery services are continuing to operate.

"I was here during the tsunami and SARS but this is like nothing we've seen. Yet, when I look at Flightradar [air traffic over] China and see the planes flying that's where our short-term hope for recovery is pinned," he says, referring to China's emergence from the worst of the pandemic, with travel restrictions now easing domestically.

In the meantime, locals in this tourism-reliant destination are doing the only thing they can at the moment. Waiting it out.

"I don't see any tourists right now, though I still see some foreigners jogging but that's really rare," says Chaankayhan Kongmuang, who works as a DJ at a Phuket luxury hotel.

Chaankayhan is currently out of work due to the tourism shutdown but says he's trying to make the best of the situation.

"The roads are empty and I'm kind of feeling that it's peaceful. The only bad thing is no business, of course."

This story was first published on CNN.com "Thailand's most popular island goes into lockdown as Covid-19 cases surge"
Coronavirus Outbreak Updates:According to ICMR's 9 pm update on Saturday, 17,143 samples were tested of which 600 were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Overall, 1,79,374 samples from 1,64,773 individuals have been tested till date and 7,703 individuals have tested positive for the disease among suspected cases and contacts of known positive cases in the country, it said.

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The video conference comes amid indications that the Centre may extend the lockdown across the country beyond 14 April after several states have favoured the extension to contain the fast-spreading virus.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with chief ministers of all states on Saturday via video, where a call would be taken on whether the 21-day lockdown to check the spread of coronavirus, ending next week, should be extended.

Of the total cases, 6,039 were active patients while 515 have been cured or discharged, and one migrated while 206 have died so far.

The total number of coronavirus cases across the country surged to 6,761 on Friday with 37 new deaths and nearly 900 new cases in 24 hours as several places including Delhi and Mumbai reported further spread of the deadly virus.

These numbers, however, do not represent the actual reality on the ground as a PTI tally of numbers reported by various states as on 9.30 pm showed a total of 7,510 people having been affected by the virus nationwide so far with at least 251 deaths. More than 700 have been cured and discharged.

Maharashtra has also registered the maximum deaths accounting for 97 of the total 206 deaths in the country, which is over 5.7 times that of Gujarat, which recorded 17 deaths, the second highest in the country.

Ten coronavirus patients died in Mumbai and one each in Pune, Panvel and Vasai-Virar. Nine of the deceased were men and four women.

As many as 132 new patients were found in Mumbai alone, state officials said.

Thirteen COVID-19 patients died during the day, taking the death toll in the state to 110.

Maharashtra state officials reported 210 new cases on Friday, taking the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 1,574, with Mumbai accounting for close to 1,000 cases in the state.

"Even reports have been received about people attempting suicide after being placed under home quarantine," he said, adding that rapid COVID-19 tests will relax a large number of people as well as the administration, which has been keeping a tab on all the people placed under quarantine.

In the state government's briefing on COVID-19, Mohanty stressed on the social distress being created due to the quarantine period along with the month-long lockdown period.

"It has become a difficult task to place so many people under home quarantine after they returned to Odisha from highly-affected states and countries," the Director of Medical Education and Training (DMET), Prof CBK Mohanty, said.

The Odisha government on Friday said it was planning to conduct two lakh rapid COVID-19 tests to give relief to the people who have been placed under home quarantine.

Italy has registered the highest number of COVID-19 deaths, more than 18,800 as of Friday, while the United States has reported the majority of confirmed infections, nearly half a million.

The global toll from the novel coronavirus has surpassed 101,000 amid with 1.6 million confirmed cases and more than 372,000 recoveries, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally.

Brazil, the hardest-hit Latin American country in the coronavirus pandemic, passed the mark of 1,000 deaths, the health ministry said. The ministry's latest figures gave a toll of 19,638 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 1,056 deaths.

It brings the total number of fatalities from COVID-19 in UK hospitals to nearly 8,000, while the number of confirmed cases inside the country climbed to more than 65,000.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Friday that Britain had recorded 980 deaths from coronavirus in the 24-hour period since the last report, the highest daily toll yet.

"Privacy, transparency, and consent are of utmost importance in this effort," the companies said in a statement published on Google's blog site.

The app will rely on Bluetooth to determine distances between phone users and encryption to ensure data security, the companies said.

Tech giants Apple and Google announced they would join forces to develop an app for tracking the coronavirus infections using existing Bluetooth and encryption technology.

The number of containment zones in Delhi was increased to 30 on Friday after an addition of six more areas. These include Nabi Karim, E pocket GTB enclave, street no 18 to 22 of Zakir Nagar and nearby area of Abu Bakar Masjid, Zakir Nagar.

The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in the country has reached 7,600, with more than 800 new cases being recorded on Friday. Fatalities in the country, according to data compiled by Worldometer , stand at 249.

The police have also registered a case against 13 local residents, who provided shelter to them in different mosques and caused the spread of coronavirus infection, Additional Superintendent of Police (Zone-1) Rajat Saklecha told PTI on Friday.

Police have registered an offence against 64 foreigners, including some COVID-19 patients, and 10 others from different states, all of whom were found hiding in Bhopal after attending Delhi's Tablighi Jamaat event held in March, an official said on Friday.

Agra registered three more cases of the novel coronavirus on Saturday. The District Magistrate of Agra, Prabhu N Singh, said the total confirmed cases of the infection stood at 92 in the region, including 81 active cases.

A 16-year-old who had earlier tested positive for COVID-19 in Chhattisgarh has now been cured of the virus. He will be discharged later on Saturday.

Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot chaired a high level meeting on the novel coronavirus in his residence on Saturday and said the decision to extend the lockdown will be taken keeping in mind to protect lives of people.

The figure includes 6,565 active cases, 643 cured/discharged/migrated and 239 deaths, said Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The highly infectious COVID-19 has killed 239 people in the country, with 40 new deaths reported in the last 24 hours. The total number of positive cases is now at 7,447 after 1,035 new cases were registered.

"Total number of positive cases in the state goes up to 17", said Jharkhand Health Secretary Nitin Madan Kulkarni

Jharkhand saw an increase in its COVID-19 tally after three new cases were registered on Saturday. One from Ranchi's Hindpri, the other two from Koderma and Hazaribagh, ANI reported.

"No labourer left from Punjab, they were stopped. A list of workers enrolled under MNREGA is being prepared they'll also render services. I assure the labourers that there are enough shelter homes. They needn't worry for food," Punjab Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu

Farmers in Ladian Kalan village of Ludhiana on Saturday said that some of their harvest is yet to be reaped as many labourers have gone back to their homes in fear of the novel coronavirus and the lockdown. They said, "Many labourers have gone home, some are scared to come to work due to COVID-19&curfew. Urge govt to help us."

"Two more persons tested positive and 10 recovered on Friday," the official said, adding that that the state presently has 37 active COVID-19 cases.

Odisha has reported two fresh COVID-19 positive cases taking the total number to 50, while 10 coronavirus patients have recovered in the state, an official of the Health and Family Welfare department said on Saturday.

"Siwan, Begusarai and Nawada have been completely sealed now after new cases reported from these areas. A curfew-like situation is prevailing in these districts. People are not allowed to move from one house to another," said DGP Bihar.

Bihar DGP Gupteshwar Pandey on Friday informed that Siwan, Begusarai and Nawada districts have been completely sealed after new cases were reported from these areas.

The Bihar government ordered on Saturday to step up its vigil in three of its hotspot areas of Siwan, Begusarai and Nawada districts to curb the fast-spreading coronavirus in the state, according to All India Radio News.

The three men died during treatment at different hospitals in the city over the last three days. However, their test reports, which confirmed that they were coronavirus positive, were received this morning, an official of Government Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College said.

With three more individuals, including a 75-year-old man, succumbing to COVID-19 in Indore, the toll in the city has reached 30, officials said on Saturday.

"Of the 102 people staying in 13 different religious locations in the area, 52 tested positive," said Office of Central district DM.

At least three people have died of the novel coornavirus in Delhi's Chandni Mahal area in the past three days, ANI reported. Chandi Mahal is one one of the 30 areas that have been declared containment zones.

Rajan, 57, who was the RBI governor for three years until September 2016, is currently working as a professor at the University of Chicago.

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Friday named former Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan and 11 others to her external advisory group to provide perspectives from around the globe on key developments and policy issues, including responses to the exceptional challenges the world now faces due to the coronavirus pandemic.

All protocols with regard to COVID-19 related death would be followed for his funeral, he added.

The man, had earlier undergone treatment at two private hospitals at Thalassery for fever and later was admitted to the Pariyaram Medical College Hospital here, where he died this morning, Dr Naik said.

The deceased, who had tested positive for the coronavirus, hailed from neighbouring Mahe, an enclave of Puducherry, Kannur District Medical Officer Dr K Narayana Naik told PTI.

The video conference comes amidst indications that the central government may extend the lockdown across the country beyond 14 April after several states have favoured the extension to contain the fast-spreading virus.

CNN-News18 reports say that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be interacting with chief ministers from all states at 11 am today. A call on whether the 21-day lockdown to check the spread of coronavirus, ending next week, should be extended or not, will be taken during the meet.

Officials said that the lockdown and social distancing measures have helped contain the pandemic in a big way in India. Citing an ICMR study, the Health Ministry said just one COVID-19 patient can infect as many as 406 people in 30 days in the absence of preventive measures such as social distancing and the lockdown, reported PTI.

Top government sources have told CNN-News18 that the Centre is likely to extend the nationwide lockdown post 15 April.

Many experts and state governments have urged the Centre for the lockdown period to be extended beyond 14 April in view of the continued rise in confirmed cases in the country. Odisha and Punjab have already announced a lockdown extension till 30 April and 1 May respectively.

Those defying this order will face serious consequences, he added.

As per the order, movement of people and vehicles, except those engaged in essential services, to and from these towns will be restricted.

In an order issued on Friday night, district collector Rajesh Narvekar said the borders of Ambernath, Kulgaon-Badlapur, Murbad and Shahapur were sealed for effective control of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

The district administration in Maharashtra's Thane district has sealed the borders of Ambernath, Kulgaon-Badlapur, Murbad and Shahapur towns in light of the coronavirus outbreak, an official said on Saturday.

Sources told the news channel that the lockdown may be extended but with many changes this time around. Interstate movement will remain restricted, except for essential services. Schools, colleges and religious institutions are likely to stay closed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to address the nation again to announce his decision on whether the coronavirus lockdown will end on Tuesday, reports NDTV.

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with all state chief ministers, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram urged state leaders to unanimously demand for transfer of cash to every poor family and table the issue at the scheduled meeting today.

One person has so far succumbed to COVID-19. The cumulative tests in the state stand at 3,547 out of which 50 have tested positive, the department said.

Two more persons tested positive and 10 recovered on Friday, the official said, adding that that the state now has 37 active COVID-19 cases. Two others had recovered earlier.

Odisha has reported two fresh COVID-19 positive cases taking the total number to 50, while 12 coronavirus patients have recovered in the state, an official of the Health and Family Welfare department said on Saturday.

China has reported 46 new coronavirus cases, including four local and 34 asymptomatic infections, while three more people have died due to the global pandemic, taking the death toll in the country to 3,339, health officials said here on Saturday.

About 210 new coronavirus cases were reported as of 8:00 am on 11 April in Maharashtra, according to data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This brings the total reported cases of coronavirus in Maharashtra to 1,574. Among the total people infected as on date, 188 have recovered and 110 have passed away.

"In last 24 hors 1,593 tests conducted, of which 1,187 cases are negative while 124 tested positive. The results of 282 swabs are pending," said state health department.

Gujarat registered a total of 432 positive coronavirus cases on Saturday after 54 new cases emerged in the state. Ahmedabad and Vadodara are among the most affected cities with 228 and 77 cases respectively.

Amid rising cases of the novel coronavirus cases in West Bengal, the government is likely to impose total lockdown in 10 COVID 19 hotspots including parts of Kolkata, PTI quoted officials as saying.

Strict lockdown, quarantine and contact tracing are the major reasons behind the region being coronavirus free. Sangli was identified as one of the first hotspots by the Central Health Ministry.

Sangli was red-flagged by the Centre after the region registered 26 positive cases. All the cases were reported from Islampur area.

At a time when Maharashtra has been identified as the worst COVID-affected state with 1,574 confirmed cases, a major development was seen in Sangli district. The Islampur region in Sangli, one of the first hotspots in the state, became "COVID-free" on Saturday, News18 reported.

State leaders have pushed for lockdown extension in Maharashtra as the number of total coronavirus cases crossed over 1,500 in the state. The meeting will be discussing exit strategy and possible extension of lockdown which is set to end on 14 April.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen wearing a mask during video-conferencing with the State Chief Ministers over COVID-19.

The number of positive cases crossed 1,500 in the state on Saturday.

As the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus has exponentially increased in Maharashtra, the cabinet has expressed concern Saturday to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about suspension of of lockdown on 14 April.

Five others tested positive in Malegaon, four in Thane, two each in Panvel and Aurangabad, one each in Kalyan-Dombivali, Vasai-Virar, Pune, Ahmednagar, Nashik city, Nashik rural and Palghar, the department added.

Seventy-two of these new cases were detected in Mumbai, it said.

As 92 more cases of COVID-19 have emerged in Maharashtra, the number of such patients in the state reached 1,666 on Saturday, the state health department said.

He also said that the decision should be taken at the national level as a state-level decision might "not be much effective," adding that even if the lockdown is eased, "the transportation should not be opened including movement by road, rail or air."

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the lockdown in the National Capital should continue till 30 April at least to contain the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.

The thermal screening will take place over the course of next ten days, News18 reported.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Doctors of Maharashtra Medical Council have begun door-to-door testing of 7.5 lakh people in Dharavi, in south Mumbai, on Saturday.

"If we follow a common strategy we can defeat coronavirus and the losses that we are incurring due to this crisis," he added.

"I am available 24x7. Any chief minister can speak to me and give suggestions on COVID-19 anytime. We should stand together shoulder-to-shoulder," Modi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a video conference with chief ministers to discuss whether the lockdown to check the spread of coronavirus should be extended, assured them that he is open to suggestions.

Over the past few days, the ward had been reporting a daily average of 50 new cases. Other wards such as E (Byculla) reported five new cases, D (Malabar Hill, Walkeshwar) eight, and K West (Andheri West) five.

According to data released by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday, the tally in the G South ward, which comprises areas such as Worli Naka and BDD chawl, now stands at 199.

Reports state that the hotspots have being sealed, rapid tests of residents are being planned, markets removed and government ready to ensure supply of essential commodities to residents.

A '100 per cent lockdown' will be imposed in parts of Dum Dum, Salt Lake in Kolkata, Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas, several wards of South and Central Howrah, Haldia and Egra in East Midnapore, Kalimpong and some areas of Alipurduar district in North Bengal and parts of South 24 Parganas district.

West Bengal government released a list of 10 regions in the state identified as coronavirus hotspots to curb the spread of the disease.

A total of 29 cases have emerged in Palwal so far, of which 1 person has recovered.

After a gap of three days, another person has tested positive for COVID-19 in Palwal on Saturday, with officials saying he had attended the Tablighi Jamaat gathering in Delhi in March.

What is more hard-hitting as of Saturday, state had 1,574 positive cases and 110 deaths while the nationwide toll stood at 239. This suggests Maharashtra that has 21.13 percent of the country's cases accounts for 46 percent of the deaths across the nation.

At 6.98, the states mortality rate is higher than the global rate of 3.21% and the national average of 6.10%

According to the State Health Department, not only does Maharashtra bear nearly a fifth of the national burden of COVID-19 cases with the highest nationwide tally, but also has the highest mortality rate.

As Indias coronavirus cases surged past the 7,400 mark, it became clear that the state of Maharashtra bore the brunt of the spread of pandemic in the country. But a recent study, also quoted by the Maharashtra government, shed light on just how bad the situation as.

"Dear citizens, there are no plans to seal-down any other area in Bengaluru. Please do not heed to any rumours. Bengaluru Police is strictly enforcing lockdown by barricading roads in Kodigehalli, Vidyaranyapura, Horamavu and all over city to stop citizens moving around in vehicles," said Kumar.

"Seal-down orders are only in wards 134 Bapuji Nagar and Ward 135 Padarayanapura due to fresh cases and to contain the fast-spreading COVID-19. Urge television channels to report facts and not speculate," tweeted Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner BH Anil Kumar.

Seal-down orders are only limited two wards in Bengaluru in the city to curb COVID-19 cases, said a top civic body official, urging news channels to avoid speculation.

The government hospital drew up a list of some 40 doctors, nurses and health workers whose samples have been collected for tests. State health department to decide later on Saturday whether they would be simply quarantined or put in hospital isolation

The wards are currently being sanitized, existing patients have been removed to other wings of the hospital. These patients would be treated in isolation for 14 days by hospital staff wearing special gears.

Authorities seal off cardiology and male medicine wards of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata after two patients who died in these wards on Friday were later found to have tested positive for COVID-19.

There is no shortage in country of hydroxychloroquine tablets used for COVID-19 treatment, the health ministry said in response to a question.

Talking about the Exit Plan from Lockdown in his interaction via video conference with chief ministers of states, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that there seems to be a consensus amongst the states on extension of Lockdown by another two weeks, the Press Information Bureau said in a statement. According to the statement Modi also said that coming 3-4 weeks are critical for determining the impact of the steps taken till now to contain the virus.

The coronavirus crisis is taxing New York Citys 911 system like never before. Operators pick up a new call every 15.5 seconds. Panicked voices tell of loved ones in declining health. There are multitudes of cardiac arrests and respiratory failures and others who call needing reassurance that a mere sneeze isnt a sign theyve been infected. The system is so overwhelmed, the city has started sending text and tweet alerts urging people to only call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.

He also said that people from Odisha who are stranded in other states are to be taken care by concerned states and that the state government is coordinating with them. "Our state will continue to take care of workers from outside who are in Odisha," he added.

"All three points have already been informed to the Centre by the state," Ptanaik said after the conference.

Patnaik also told the Centre during the video conference that agriculture and allied services should resume despite an extension of the lockdown.

Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik supported the extension of lockdown till 30 April during his interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other chief ministers of states on Saturday via video conference, however suggested that train and air services should remain suspended till the restrictions are lifted.

Meanwhile, according to ANI, a couple that recovered from COVID-19 recently has been blessed with a baby in Kannur today, the chief minister said.

As of Saturday, Kerala has reported 373 confirmed cases, of which 228 are active, Vijayan added.

Seven of the ten new cases have a foreign travel history while three have contact history with COVID-19 positive patients, the chief minister said.

In his daily briefing, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the state has reported 10 new coronavirus cases on Saturday with seven infections being reported from Kannur, one from Kozhikode and two from Kasaragod.

According to sources, central ministers are likely to begin work from office from Monday, sources said on Saturday. Bureaucrats, including those at joint secretary level and above are also to work from govt offices, starting next week.

The directive, signed by Srinavasu K, deputy scretary to the Government of India, has come amid reports of attacks on health workers and doctors.

According to the directive, necessary police security is also to be extended to "doctors and other medical staff who are visiting places to conduct screening of people to find out symptoms of disease".

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday directed police authorities across India to "provide necessary police security to doctors and medical staff in hospitals and at places where patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or suspected to have contracted coronavirus are being quarantined or isolated".

Thirty-six new cases of coronavirus were found in Gujarat on Saturday, taking tally to 468, PTI quotes Gujarat health officials as saying. The toll rose to 22 with three new COVID-19 deaths.

The Chhattisgarh government on Saturday said that it was making face masks compulsory for all persons while stepping out of the house.

According to Union health ministry data, Delhi, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Telangana are the states which have recorded more than 500 cases. The highest number of cases till now has been recorded in Maharashtra (1,574) while Tamil Nadu follows with 911 cases. Delhi and Telangana reported their first cases on 2 March, Rajasthan on 3 March, Tamil Nadu on the 7th and Maharashtra on 9 March.

The tally in Maharashtra rose to 1761 with 187 new cases and 17 deaths reported on Saturday, said the state health department. Of these, 12 were from Mumbai, 2 in Pune and one each in Satara, Dhule and Malegaon. Eleven of the deceased were men and six were women;sixteen suffered from other health conditions such as diabetes and asthma, said the statement.

The Trinamool Congress supremo said she raised the issue of a financial package for the state and clearing its dues. The Centre should also bring in a special package for the unorganised and MSME sectors, she said.

Narendra Modi had with CMs of different states where a broad consensus emerged about expanding the duration of the shutdown amid spurting COVID-19 cases, reports PTI  All schools and colleges in West Bengal will remain closed till June 10, she added.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday declared extension of the lockdown till 30 April , soon after a video-conference Prime Minister

There will be no activity in the red zones the districts where sizeable number of cases were detected or areas which were declared hotspots. In the orange zones where only a few cases were found in the past with no increase in the number of positive cases -- minimum activities like opening of limited public transport, harvesting of farm products will be allowed. Green zones will be in the districts where there is no COVID-19 case.

The Centre is likely to categorise the country into red, orange and green zones depending on the number of COVID-19 cases during the proposed extended period of lockdown and might allow limited services to function in the safe zones, reports PTI. Officials privy to the discussions during the four-hour-long conference with chief ministers, convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said that schools and colleges would remain shut but some small scale industries and liquor shops may be allowed to function.

All Union ministers have been asked to resume work in their ministries from Monday and focus on kick-starting the economy post lockdown, sources told PTI.They also said the government is mulling giving relaxation in curbs for agriculture and industrial sectors in areas which are least affected by COVID-19, if the lockdown is extended.

Singh said 16 people have so far tested negative for coroanvirus after treatment and 58 people have been discharged.

Rajasthan recorded 139 new cases of coronavirus on Saturday, taking the tally of such cases in the state to 700,reports PTI. The virus has so far claimed nine lives in the state. A 62-year-old man who was admitted at the state-run SMS Hospital on April 9 died on Friday. He was tested positive today. He was suffering from ischemic heart disease and hypertension. As many as 139 new cases have come up today," Additional Chief Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh said. The total number of coronavirus positive cases in the state has risen to 700, he said. Among the fresh cases, 80 are from Jaipur, 20 in Tonk, 14 in Kota, 13 in Banswara, six in Bikaner, two in Jhalawar and one each in Dausa, Alwar, Karauli and Jaisalmer district, the official said.

Almost 80,000 people in Britain have tested positive for the virus, among them Johnson, who is in the early stages of recovery on a hospital ward after spending three nights in intensive care. The prime minister continues to make very good progress, a Downing Street spokesman said.

Britains COVID-19 death toll neared 10,000 on Saturday after health officials reported another 917 hospital deaths, reports Reuters. Britain has now reported 9,875 deaths from the coronavirus pandemic, the fifth highest national number globally, and Saturdays increase was the second day running that the number to die had increased by more than 900.

According to ICMR's 9 pm update on Saturday, 17,143 samples were tested of which 600 were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Overall, 1,79,374 samples from 1,64,773 individuals have been tested till date and 7,703 individuals have tested positive for the disease among suspected cases and contacts of known positive cases in the country, it said.

Another person tested positive for novel coronavirus in Muzaffarnagar on Saturday, taking the number of confirmed cases in the Uttar Pradesh district to five, reports PTI. According to Chief Medical Officer Praveen Chopra, the man is among the 13 Tablighi Jamaat members who were quarantined last Saturday. They had come to the Kidwai Nagar locality a fortnight ago and were later quarantined. One of them tested positive, taking the number of infections in the district to five, the official said. Meanwhile, efforts are on to seal the locality where the 13 members resided.

Singh said 16 people have so far tested negative for coroanvirus after treatment and 58 people have been discharged.

Rajasthan recorded 139 new cases of coronavirus on Saturday, taking the tally of such cases in the state to 700,reports PTI. The virus has so far claimed nine lives in the state. A 62-year-old man who was admitted at the state-run SMS Hospital on April 9 died on Friday. He was tested positive today. He was suffering from ischemic heart disease and hypertension. As many as 139 new cases have come up today," Additional Chief Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh said. The total number of coronavirus positive cases in the state has risen to 700, he said. Among the fresh cases, 80 are from Jaipur, 20 in Tonk, 14 in Kota, 13 in Banswara, six in Bikaner, two in Jhalawar and one each in Dausa, Alwar, Karauli and Jaisalmer district, the official said.

Six staff members of Mumbai's Taj Mahal Palace Hotel have tested positive for the coronavirus and have been hospitalised, reported India Today . The Taj has been hosting doctors involved in Covid-19 treatment, reports Hindustan Times .All six employees have a mild infection and are stable, the report said adding that other emplyees who came in contact with the six patients have been placed in quarantine.

Tamil Nadu on Saturday recorded one more COVID-19 death, taking the toll from the virus to 10, reports PTI. The latest death was reported from Erode district, Chief Secretary K Shanmugam said. Further, 58 fresh coronavirus cases were reported in the state on Saturday, with the total number of positive cases reaching 969.Of this, 881 people were those who had attended the "single source event" in Delhi and their contacts, the government said, in an apparent reference to the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in the national capital.

Almost 80,000 people in Britain have tested positive for the virus, among them Johnson, who is in the early stages of recovery on a hospital ward after spending three nights in intensive care. The prime minister continues to make very good progress, a Downing Street spokesman said.

Britains COVID-19 death toll neared 10,000 on Saturday after health officials reported another 917 hospital deaths, reports Reuters. Britain has now reported 9,875 deaths from the coronavirus pandemic, the fifth highest national number globally, and Saturdays increase was the second day running that the number to die had increased by more than 900.

The wife and son of the deceased man alleged that they had to face a "lot of hassles" at the Nigambodh Ghat.The cremation was to be done in a CNG-based crematorium, but there was no operator there and people were trying to avoid us, the wife alleged. Finally, after a couple of hours, an operator came from Bawana and the cremation could be carried out, she said.

The man was brought to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi from a facility in Bulandshahr, and he died in the emergency ward, an official source said. His sample was taken which tested positive on Saturday, the source said.

A middle-aged doctor from Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr has died due to coronavirus at a hospital, reports PTI.The family of the 58-year-old doctor has alleged that when his body was taken for cremation at the Nigambodh Ghat in the National Capital on Saturday, they had to "wait for many hours" before it could finally be done.

According to ICMR's 9 pm update on Saturday, 17,143 samples were tested of which 600 were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Overall, 1,79,374 samples from 1,64,773 individuals have been tested till date and 7,703 individuals have tested positive for the disease among suspected cases and contacts of known positive cases in the country, it said.

Odisha has already set up 10 dedicated COVID-19 hospitals with a total bed strength of 1,950 and these two facilities will raise the capacity to 2,250 beds. The state plans to establish around 34 exclusive COVID-19 hospitals with a capacity of 6,000 beds, the official said.

The Odisha health department on Saturady said four new cases were detected in the state. The state is all set to have two new COVID-19 hospitals with a total capacity of 300 beds very soon as a part of its preparedness to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, PTI quotes officials as saying.The hospitals, for treatment of COVID-19 patients only, will come up in association with National Aluminium Company (NALCO) and Paradip Port Trust (PPT).

The official data posted by the Ministry of National Health services on its website showed that the worst-hit Punjab province reported 2,414 COVID-19 cases, Sindh 1,318, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 697, Balochistan 220, Gilgit-Baltistan 215, Islamabad 113 and PoK 34. It also reported that 762 patients have recovered so far. Seventy-seven patients have died including five in the last 24 hours. The official data showed that 52 percent patents were those who had travelled abroad while 48 per cent were local transmissions.

Pakistan said on Saturday that it will take a decision on whether to extend the ongoing nationwide lockdown or ease restrictions on Monday, as the number of coronavirus patients rose to 5,011, reports PTI.Speaking at a press conference here, Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar said that Prime Minister Imran Khan will take a decision after his meeting with the National Coordination Committee on COVID-19, comprising senior officials of all provinces and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). "We will make a national decision on the lockdown," said Umar.

Areas in Rajouri, Jahangirpuri and Deoli Extension were identified as hotspots in the National Capital on Saturday, PTI quotes authorities as saying. The total number of hotspots in Delhi now stands at 33. The civic authorities have carried out mass sanitisation and disinfection drive in hotspot areas in the last few days using drones and other measures.Houses in containment zones are being surveyed by medical teams and people were made aware about the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, methods of prevention, social distancing measures and importance of hand washing.

Coronavirus Outbreak Updates: According to ICMR's 9 pm update on Saturday, 17,143 samples were tested of which 600 were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Overall, 1,79,374 samples from 1,64,773 individuals have been tested till date and 7,703 individuals have tested positive for the disease among suspected cases and contacts of known positive cases in the country, it said.

Tamil Nadu on Saturday recorded one more COVID-19 death, taking the toll from the virus to 10, reports PTI. The latest death was reported from Erode district, Chief Secretary K Shanmugam said. Further, 58 fresh coronavirus cases were reported in the state on Saturday, with the total number of positive cases reaching 969.

Rajasthan recorded 139 new cases of coronavirus on Saturday, taking the tally of such cases in the state to 700. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the Centre should come up with a 'Food for Work' scheme as a social safety net for the poor in the wake of the COVID-19 lockdown

The Centre is likely to categorise the country into red, orange and green zones depending on the number of COVID-19 cases during the proposed extended period of lockdown and might allow limited services to function in the safe zones.

529 cases of coronavirus have been detected in Madhya Pradesh till date, up from 451 yesterday, as per date released by the state health department whil the toll has risen to 40.

Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao said lockdown in the state will continue till 30 April as the number of cases in state rises to 503 while death count is at 14.

The tally in Maharashtra rose to 1761 with 187 new cases and 17 deaths reported on Saturday, said the state health department. Of these, 12 were from Mumbai, 2 in Pune and one each in Satara, Dhule and Malegaon.

Thirty-six new cases of coronavirus were found in Gujarat on Saturday evening, taking the tally to 468, PTI quotes Gujarat health officials as saying. The toll rose to 22 with three new COVID-19 deaths.

The Goa government has recommended to the Centre that the lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak should continue till 30 April , PTI quotes chief minister Pramod Sawant as saying. Speaking to reporters in Panaji, Sawant said the state government will resume certain activities/establishments including government offices from Monday.

189 COVID-19 cases and 11 deaths related to the novel coronavirus have been reported in Mumbai, taking the total number of cases in the city to 1,182 and deaths at 75.

In his daily briefing, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the state has reported 10 new coronavirus cases on Saturday with seven infections being reported from Kannur, one from Kozhikode and two from Kasaragod.

Seven of the ten new cases have a foreign travel history while three have contact history with COVID-19 positive patients, the chief minister said.

As of Saturday, Kerala has reported 373 confirmed cases, of which 228 are active, Vijayan added.

Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray says that he told the prime minister that he will continue lockdown in the state after 14 April and requested people to not panic. The lockdown will continue till 30 April he said. He said that while restrictions may be relaxed in some places, they might be tightened in others depending on the situation.

Next 3-4 weeks critical to determine impact of steps taken till now to curb spread of the virus, Prime MInister Narendra Modi told chief ministers on COVID-19 fight, said a press release.

The Centre is considering a request made by most states to extend the ongoing nationwide lockdown by two more weeks beyond April 14, government said on Saturday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with chief ministers and told them focus should be now on health as well as prosperity of the nation.

1035 news cases were reported yesterday ,while 40 deaths were recorded. Overall, 239 deaths have been recorded till now, said Lav Agarwal.

Narendra Modi's meeting with Chief Ministers regarding extension of lockdown on Saturday, Delhi cheif minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "PM has taken correct decision to extend lockdown."

"Today, Indias position is better than many developed countries because we started lockdown early. If it is stopped now, all gains would be lost. To consolidate, it is imp to extend it," he added.

Several states on Saturday pitched for an extension of the 21-day nationwide lockdown, that was to end on 14 April, during their video conference with Modi, according to government officials.

According to the State Health Department, not only does Maharashtra bear nearly a fifth of the national burden of COVID-19 cases with the highest nationwide tally, but also has the highest mortality rate.

At 6.98, the states mortality rate is higher than the global rate of 3.21% and the national average of 6.10%

What is more hard-hitting as of Saturday, state had 1,574 positive cases and 110 deaths while the nationwide toll stood at 239. This suggests Maharashtra that has 21.13 percent of the country's cases accounts for 46 percent of the deaths across the nation.

Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh suggested an extension of lockdown to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the meeting on Saturday. He asked for a faster and supply of rapid testing kits and special risk insurance for all government employees who are working at the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic.

He also asked for urgent special concessions and relief for industry and agriculture amid the lockdown.

According to data released by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday, the tally in the G South ward, which comprises areas such as Worli Naka and BDD chawl, now stands at 199.

As 92 more cases of COVID-19 have emerged in Maharashtra, the number of such patients in the state reached 1,666 on Saturday, the state health department said.

Seventy-two of these new cases were detected in Mumbai, it said.

Five others tested positive in Malegaon, four in Thane, two each in Panvel and Aurangabad, one each in Kalyan-Dombivali, Vasai-Virar, Pune, Ahmednagar, Nashik city, Nashik rural and Palghar, the department added.

At a time when Maharashtra has been identified as the worst COVID-affected state with 1,574 confirmed cases, a major development was seen in Sangli district. The Islampur region in Sangli, one of the first hotspots in the state, became "COVID-free" on Saturday, News18 reported.

Sangli was red-flagged by the Centre after the region registered 26 positive cases. All the cases were reported from Islampur area.

Strict lockdown, quarantine and contact tracing are the major reasons behind the region being coronavirus free. Sangli was identified as one of the first hotspots by the Central Health Ministry.

CNN-News18 reports say that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be interacting with chief ministers from all states at 11 am today. A call on whether the 21-day lockdown to check the spread of coronavirus, ending next week, should be extended or not, will be taken during the meet.

The number of containment zones in Delhi was increased to 30 on Friday after an addition of six more areas. These include Nabi Karim, E pocket GTB enclave, street no 18 to 22 of Zakir Nagar and nearby area of Abu Bakar Masjid, Zakir Nagar.

The highly infectious COVID-19 has killed 239 people in the country, with 40 new deaths reported in the last 24 hours. The total number of positive cases is now at 7,447 after 1,035 new cases were registered.

The figure includes 6,565 active cases, 643 cured/discharged/migrated and 239 deaths, said Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in the country has reached 7,600, with more than 800 new cases being recorded on Friday. Fatalities in the country, according to data compiled by Worldometer, stand at 249.

The total number of coronavirus cases in India surged to 6,761 on Friday with 37 new deaths and nearly 900 new cases in 24 hours as several places including Delhi and Mumbai reported further spread of the deadly virus, which has infected over 16 lakh people globally since its emergence in China last December and the worldwide toll is fast approaching 1,00,000.

Of the total cases, 6,039 were active patients while 515 have been cured or discharged, and one migrated while 206 have died so far.

According to health ministry data, Maharashtra continued to top the list with 1,364 cases, while Delhi (894) and Tamil Nadu (834) seemed to be inching closer to the 900 mark.

Maharashtra has also registered the maximum deaths accounting for 97 of the total 206 deaths in the country, which is over 5.7 times that of Gujarat, which recorded 17 deaths, the second highest in the country.

These numbers, however, do not represent the actual reality on the ground as a PTI tally of numbers reported by various states as on 9.30 pm showed a total of 7,510 people having been affected by the virus nationwide so far with at least 251 deaths. More than 700 have been cured and discharged.

The Health Ministry in the meantime maintained that no community transmission is taking place as yet in India, while the World Health Organisation also put the country in a category named 'cluster of cases'  a notch below the community transmission stage and a classification used by the global body for cases "clustered in time, geographic location and/or by common exposures".

Amidst this, on Friday, Punjab became the second state to extend the lockdown beyond 14 April, a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold a video conference with chief ministers to take stock of the situation.

The Union home ministry also sought views of state governments on the 21-day lockdown including on whether more categories of people and services need to be exempted, officials said on Friday, amidst indications of a possible two-week extension of the nationwide restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus.

The WHO has warned that a hasty lifting of restrictions imposed to control the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to a fatal resurgence of the deadly virus.

Meanwhile, the Union health ministry said the rate of people testing positive was only 0.2 percent on Thursday when more than 16,000 samples were tested. Cumulatively close to 1.5 lakh samples have been tested so far across India.

Maharashtra toll rises to 110, 1,574 cases confirmed, say state officials

Maharashtra state officials reported 210 new cases on Friday, taking the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 1,574, with Mumbai accounting for close to 1,000 cases in the state.

Thirteen COVID-19 patients died during the day, taking the death toll in the state to 110.

As many as 132 new patients were found in Mumbai alone, state officials said.

Ten coronavirus patients died in Mumbai and one each in Pune, Panvel and Vasai-Virar. Nine of the deceased were men and four women.

In Tamil Nadu, a 70-year-old woman died of coronavirus on Friday, taking the toll in the state so far to nine, while 77 people tested positive, pushing the total to 911 (the second highest in the country), Chief Secretary K Shanmugam said.

The woman died in Tuticorin, he said.

Of the total number of positive cases, Chennai topped the list with 172, followed by districts of Coimbatore 86, Erode 60, Tirunelveli-56, Dindigul 54, Namakkal 41, Chengalput and Theni 40 each, Trichy and Ranipet 36 and Nagpattinam 12, he said.

On Friday, Delhi registered 183 new cases in the last 24 hours, the highest jump so far, taking the National Capital's tally of coronavirus cases to 903 (the third highest in the country).

Two more deaths linked to coronavirus were reported, taking the total number of fatalities to 14.

Among the fresh areas that have been included in the list of containment zones are in west, central and south east Delhi.

With 44 persons testing positive on Friday, the number of coronavirus cases in Madhya Pradesh climbed to 470, while one more person succumbed to the disease, taking the death toll to 37, health officials said.

Twenty-one new cases were reported in Bhopal, which took the tally of COVID-19 patients in the state capital to 119, they said. Indore has reported the highest 249 cases in the state with 14 new cases being reported on Friday.

The total number of coronavirus cases in Rajasthan rose to 561 as 98 fresh cases were reported in the state on Friday while the fatality count due to the disease increased to eight with the death of a 65-year-old woman at a hospital here, officials said. The fresh cases include eight people evacuated from Iran, they said.

On Friday, the maximum number of cases  53  were reported in Jaipur, a hotspot, taking the tally of COVID-19 patients in the state capital to 221.

Meanwhile, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Uttar Pradesh rose to 433 on Friday, with 23 new cases being reported, of whom 21 are linked to the Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi, the state government said.

It said the deadly virus has now spread to 40 of the state's 75 districts, with Agra being the worst hit at 88 positive cases and one death.

Gujarat records highest single-day jump

On Friday, Gujarat recorded the highest jump so far in a single day after as many as 116 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours, officials said. The number of coronavirus positive patients in the state jumped to 378.

After two more COVID-19 patients succumbed to the infection, the death toll in the state has reached 19, Principal Secretary (Health), Jayanti Ravi, said.

This is for the first time that such a large number of positive cases have surfaced in a single day in the state.

According to Health Ministry, COVID-19 cases have gone up to 473 in Telengana, 363 in Andhra Pradesh and 357 in Kerala.

The ministry also reported 197 cases in Karnataka, 184 in Jammu and Kashmir and 169 in Haryana. Punjab has 132 COVID-19 patients so far while West Bengal has 116 cases.

Bihar has reported 60 cases while Odisha has 44 coronavirus cases. Thirty-five people were infected with the virus in Uttarakhand while Assam has 29 patients followed by Himachal Pradesh with 28 cases. Chandigarh has 18 cases while Ladakh has 15. Jharkhand has 13 coronavirus positive patients so far.

Eleven cases have been reported from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands while 10 were reported from Chhattisgarh. Goa has reported seven COVID-19 infections, followed by Puducherry at five, Manipur at two while Tripura, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh have reported one case each.

Punjab extends lockdown till 1 May day before Modi meets CMs of states

Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh Friday announced the extension of lockdown in the state till 1 May, a day after Odisha extended it to 30 April.

Singh said that most of the 27 positive cases reported in his state on Thursday  the maximum daily increase for the state  were those of secondary transmission and expressed apprehension that the state may be entering the community transmission stage of the outbreak.

In Tamil Nadu, an expert committee recommended to Chief Minister K Palaniswami that the lockdown be extended by two weeks beyond 14 April considering the rise in number of cases.

A review meeting was also held by the Prime Minister's Office during the day on various efforts to check the coronavirus spread, which also discussed ramping up of production of personal protective equipments (PPEs) among other issues.

The Home Ministry, separately, has sought views of state governments on the 21-day lockdown, scheduled to end on 14 April, including whether more categories of people and services need to be exempted, officials said on Friday.

Some of the suggestions made by state governments include allowing construction-related activities in rural areas.

The central government, while imposing the lockdown, had announced that shops dealing in essential commodities, including the online platforms, will remain open, besides services like health, sanitation, police, media, agriculture and banking. Movements of essential and non-essential cargos were also allowed by the government, but there have been reports about disruptions in the supply chain due to lack of labourers and trucks, among other issues.

There have also been reports of depleting levels of essential goods from various parts of the country.

Some states such as Kerala have suggested phased opening of the lockdown, while other suggestions from various states include allowing liquor sale to shore up the revenues and to allow private vehicles on an odd-even basis. However, most states have suggested keeping the public road transport, rail and airline services suspended for more time. Many have also recommended keeping state borders sealed, except for goods movement.

A few states have also suggested area-specific lockdown with stricter restrictions, which are as such being followed in the places identified as hotspots of the virus spread.

Odisha, Telangana make masks mandatory

In the meantime, more states including Odisha and Telangana made it mandatory for people to wear masks or face covers at public places, while enforcement was beefed up for action against those violating the lockdown conditions.

The Centre also asked states not to allow religious gatherings and processions.

Government officials also said that a decision on bringing Indians from abroad will be taken at a later stage after reviewing the COVID-19 situation.

With inputs from agencies
Since early March, when coronavirus began to appear in Texas, weve been checking in with Peter Hotez, a vaccine researcher who lately has become a familiar bow-tied presence on national cable news channels.

Hes a professor and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, and co-director of the Texas Childrens Hospital Center for Vaccine Development.

His lab developed a vaccine to protect against SARS, a deadly strain of coronavirus, but in 2016 wasnt able to get money to test it in humans. Now theyre racing to create a vaccine to protect against the new coronavirus thats wreaking global havoc.

Earlier this week, on Twitter, he wrote:

There's a misunderstanding out there that America just hunkers down for a year, then a #vaccine magically appears, and everyone goes out to have a nice picnic on the National Mall. It would be nice, it's not impossible, our lab working 24/7, but I think a low probability scenario.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Could you talk about those tweets and the expectation that we'll have a coronavirus vaccine within the next year to 18 months?

That's certainly the aspirational goal. That was the charge from Dr. Anthony Fauci, whos advising the president. And that's what we're all working toward. Our scientists are in the lab day and night trying to make this happen and trying to accelerate it, but it's a tough goal.

Sometimes people forget how long it really does take to make a vaccine. Dr. Fauci knows this as well as anybody: He's devoted his life to the HIV AIDS vaccine  the development of which has taken 30 years and counting.

Most vaccines take 10 to 25 years. That's the timeframe. My colleague Paul Offi points out that the record is probably four years from start to finish in terms of developmental licensure. That was for the mumps vaccine.

The time horizons are huge for vaccines. So then you say, Okay, well, how do you stack that up against a year to 18 months?

It's going to be very tough. We're clearly putting a lot of resources into it. A lot of smart people are thinking in innovative ways about how we could do more things in parallel. But we have to also set some realistic expectations that we might not have that vaccine in a year or 18 months  and maybe not for two or three or four years.

So how do we manage? How do we manage expectations and what our country looks like during that time?

Do you have any idea where that goal of a year to 18 months comes from?

I don't know. There's a new international organization called CEPI, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation, that's been charged to fix the long timelines of vaccines and to come up with new ways to accelerate. And there are some theoretical reasons to say we can do more things in parallel. The regulatory agencies are all looking at this.

So we're all going to try, but the the history says that's not a high probability. I'm listening to some of the cable news networks saying, Well, we just got to hunker down for a year and then we'll have the vaccine.

That's not a wise strategy. Or maybe we can have that as one strategy, but don't put all of our eggs in that basket. Let's have another strategy with a more realistic timeframe for vaccines.

This disease may come in waves, like the flu pandemic of 1918. That came in several waves between the beginning of 1918 and the end of 1920. That was a three-year pandemic, and that's a possibility for us as well.

Figuring out a plan for the country in the event that we don't have a vaccine is going to be very important for us. Some people are not happy that I said that because it sounds so pessimistic. It isn't.

I do think we will have other technologies coming out. We've already got the convalescing the antibody therapy. We've got some new drugs that will come online.

But let's consider a realistic timeframe too, in case the vaccines are not out, and figuring out if this virus comes in waves.

MORE Q&AS: Disaster expert Angela Blanchard on COVID-19 and the Houston economy

What would that look like in terms of getting people to back to work? How would we manage that? That includes mental health aspects. Will people have PTSD in terms of going back to work?

Well also have governors from some states unwilling to go back to social distancing once we're off that first hook. Even in this month, when things are so dire in the country, you've got about a third of the governors who are pushing back against aggressive social distancing.

What's it going to be a year from now if we're off social distancing, then we have to go back on?

And who organizes it? Who organizes the response? Who charts the plan for us?

How do we figure this out as a nation? How do we look at all the models and say, what's a realistic model? And and if this virus does show a waxing and waning course, how do we deal with that, working with governments, working with businesses, and working with health systems? This is going to be a very complicated situation.

Right now we're going mainly state by state, and looking at things like closing state borders  or at least requiring self-quarantine for people traveling to Texas from Louisiana. How do you think that works?

It doesn't reflect the reality of the situation. COVID-19 is in every state in the country right now.

Travel restrictions sound appealing because they make it seem like, Well, it's over. We just shut that travel down, and that will prevent the virus from coming in. The president has said that he slowed things down by closing down travel with China. But we have reports now, based on the genetic sequence of the virus, that the virus in New York came in from Europe.

At this point, we have to recognize that the virus is probably everywhere. There's a diminishing return at this point of cutting down traffic between states.

I've seen estimates that we are maybe two weeks away from the peak here in Houston  or maybe I should say, our first peak.

Thats according to the IHME model from the University of Washington.

So what should Houstonians be doing right now?

Now it's crunch time. Now's the time when you're at greatest risk of contracting the virus by being in crowds or being with people outside your home. We're trying to do everything we can to minimize the number of people that have to be brought into the hospital, who need ICUS.

Its really important now that we aggressively pursue social distancing, especially to prevent a surge on Texas Medical Center. Even though the leaders of the TMC been meeting daily, we need to do our part as citizens of Houston to minimize the number of people that go into the hospital.

It's easier for some than others. Weve talked before about the poor neighborhoods in Houston, and how social distancing is more complicated in areas of poverty and crowding, or for families where lots of people live in one house or one apartment.

Its one thing to say, Okay, everybody now has to social distance. I don't know how we do that easily in Fifth Ward or in Acres Home or in northeast Houston.

I know the mayor's worried about it, and so is the county judge and our congressional delegation from Texas. Everyone's trying to think hard how to deal with this problem.

Right now, without a vaccine, we unfortunately have to use a 14th-century approach. Thats quarantine.

Assuming that its a long time until we get a vaccine, what sorts of things do you see happening? Between waves of the virus, could we begin loosening restrictions and starting the economy up again?

The models say, as we move through the month of May, the number of transmissions will go way down. Maybe at that point we could begin opening things up.

I don't know, though. At what point do we risk the disease immediately coming back if we do that? We're starting to hear that from Singapore and elsewhere.

MORE Q&AS: Texas A&M pandemic expert: Coronavirus will have 5 stages. Were in stage 2.

We're going to need outside help here in Houston, getting advice about that. Hopefully the federal government will provide some support.

Then let's say the levels of transmission continue to stay down for the next few months. When are the predictions this virus might return? Is in the fall of this year? Is it January of next year? April next year? Getting guidance about that will be really helpful.

Other questions are, who goes back into the workforce? Is that only people that have been infected and have antibodies that make them resistant to infection? Or is it or is it everyone?

I certainly don't have the answers to that. We're going to have to have some meaningful dialogue and convene some of the best minds in the country. I suggested on CNN that bringing in the National Academy of Sciences, or a similar organization, would be very helpful. We need some of the best scientists in the country around the table, looking at the models and charting a path.

Adding to the problem is the fact that we're in an election year. Things will be so heated politically that decisions made both on the Republican side and the Democratic side may put political expediency over public health. How do you deal with that?

It's really hard. Im hearing from people who look at the relatively low number of people hospitalized in Houston, or the small number of deaths here. Theyre asking whether the cost of social distancing has been worth it, and whether we should continue staying at home. What would you say to them?

First of all, I don't know that we really know the number of people in ICUS or of deaths. And remember, we still have another two weeks before we reach our peak. So we're certainly not out of the woods by any means.

If it turns out that the data are not as high as we thought then the question always comes: Did that happen because of what we did? Or in spite of what we did?

We had this discussion before about Zika. I met with Houstons mayor and strongly recommended cleaning up the tires that breed Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes in places like the Fifth Ward. He did it.

Then we didn't have Zika. Was that because of my recommendation? We have no idea. You cant prove a negative.

But based on the experience we're seeing elsewhere, we know social distancing is really important for the next few weeks.

What else is on your mind these days? What are you watching?

Im really scratching my head figuring out what the next two and three years look like. That's a big one.

We've also now heard a lot about health, about COVID-19 as a health disparity among the African American and Hispanic communities in the southern parts of the U.S. I put that out there about almost three weeks ago: This is going to be a concern. And thats turning out to be the case, unfortunately. Fighting that in Houston is going to be really important .

How are you doing personally?

Oh, we're hanging in there. I'm spending a lot of time writing papers, and documents related to getting our vaccine off the ground, and writing some thought papers also about what the ideal characteristics are for the vaccine and how we advance the Global Health vaccine.

Im also trying to raise the funding to make it happen. Vaccine developments are expensive.

And Im also talking to people like you, to get the word out, so we get good accurate science messaging. I'm going on CNN or MSNBC and Fox News, and sometimes I'm not telling people good news.

I've been getting a bit of pushback from people I've known for years, people who are not happy that I'm not painting a very rosy picture of things.

Its taken me time to figure out how to tell real information without alarming people. I veer a little too much on the rosy. Sometimes I veer a little too much on the dark side. The best critic of all is my wife, who lets me know about it.

How is she doing?

I think good. She sees how stressed I am.

It's not just me  it's our whole group, and Dr. Maria Elena Bottazzi, my science partner for 20 years. I'll text her at 4 a.m. when I wake up, and find out that she's already texted me at 3:30 a.m. when she's woken up. It's crazy. I'll wake up in the middle of the night and send a text, not expecting an answer to the next morning, and she's responding right away.

We're all kind of sleepless.

lisa.gray@chron.com, @LisaGray_HouTX
As an anti-graft agency, the Commission has credible records of managing recovered funds and assets and it is rather unfortunate that the ranking US Senator, in a desperate bid to frustrate the repatriation of the funds, clearly embraced the well-worn antics of some unscrupulous elements in the country, who never succeeded in blackmailing the anti-corruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari.
JACKSON, MI -- Its Friday night in downtown Jackson. Usually, the area is busy with restaurant and bar patrons enjoying the end of the work week.

The states stay-at-home order and closing of non-essential businesses, however, has changed that, along with the landscape.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extends coronavirus stay-at-home order through April 30

Five cars were parked on Michigan Avenue between Mechanic and Jackson streets on Friday, April 3. A few pedestrians and very little car traffic moved through the area as the sun set.

Scroll down to see a video and view and all of the photos from the eerily quiet night in the heart of Jackson.

A view down Michigan Avenue as the sun sets in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

A nightime view of one of the Bright Walls murals in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

A view down a walkway along Michigan Avenue in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

A view down Michigan Avenue as the sun sets in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

A customer at Chilango's Burrito Bar in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

A view down Michigan Avenue as the sun sets in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

A view down a walkway along Michigan Avenue in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

A view down Michigan Avenue as the sun sets in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

It is quiet in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

Two people walk in downtown Jackson near Bright Walls murals on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

A view down Cortland Street in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

Two people walk in downtown Jackson near Bright Walls murals on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

A view down Michigan Avenue as the sun sets in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

A view down Michigan Avenue as the sun sets in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

A view down Michigan Avenue and S. Jackson Street as the sun sets in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

A view down Michigan Avenue as the sun sets in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

Bright Walls murals in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

A view down Michigan Avenue as the sun sets in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

The area in front of the Comsumers Energy headquarters in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

A view down Michigan Avenue as the sun sets in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

A view down Michigan Avenue in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

A view down Michigan Avenue in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

A view down Michigan Avenue as the sun sets in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

A nightime view of Mechanic Street and the Michigan Theatre in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

A view down Michigan Avenue as the sun sets in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

A view down Michigan Avenue and Mechanic Street at nighttime in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

A view of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

The Grand River Market as the sun sets in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

A view down a walkway along Michigan Avenue in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

A view down a Michigan Avenue sidewalk in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

A nightime view of one of the Bright Walls murals in downtown Jackson on Friday, April 3, 2020. The downtown area, which is usually busy with people visiting bars and restaurants, has been quiet during the stay-at-home order.J. Scott Park | MLive.com

To purchase photos, please visit the photo gallery below.
Arsenal will provide more than 30,000 free meals as well as sanitary and personal hygiene products to vulnerable people in the local community as part of a response plan to the coronavirus pandemic, the Premier League club said on Friday.

The north London club also pledged to donate 100,000 pounds to local organisations and a further 50,000 pounds to a COVID-19 Crisis Fund.

The Arsenal Foundation has joined forces with HIS Church to deliver 15 tonnes of emergency supplies into Islington.

This initiative forms part of our wider community response to COVID-19, which has seen Arsenal in the Community staff volunteer to transport frontline NHS workers, the club said in a statement.

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With the coronavirus pandemic wiping clean much of the calendar of public events in Germany, the memorial at the Buchenwald former concentration camp marked the 75th anniversary of its liberation on Saturday in a new way. It published online a "Declaration of Thuringia" (www.thueringer-erklaerung.de) -- in German, English and French -- warning that "human rights, democracy and freedom can by no means be taken for granted" as "right-wing radicalism and authoritarianism are on the rise". Signed by figures from politics and civil society, including Thuringia state premier Bodo Ramelow and Auschwitz and Buchenwald survivor Ivan Ivanji, the text described as a grave threat "a form of populism emboldened by a racially motivated superiority complex, nationalism and the undermining of European unity". "Racism and anti-Semitism are openly propagated and have led to acts of violence in Germany that would have been inconceivable even several years ago," it stated. "Yesterday's destructive poisons are once again being touted as a universal remedy for society's ills." - "It can happen to you, too" - The website also published brief statements from people who survived Buchenwald, where around 56,000 people perished in the main camp and 20,000 in the satellite installation Dora between 1937 and a prisoners' uprising in April 1945. "Not everybody can be a hero, a politician, a philosopher, a helper. But each and every one of us can respect the dignity of every other individual and give someone in need a helping hand," wrote Jack Unikoski, a 93-year-old Polish former inmate who today lives in Australia. "Be friendly and tolerant of other people. Hatred for one group can easily spread to the others. We learned the hard way -- 'It can happen to you, too'," wrote Chava Ginsburg, a 90-year-old Hungarian woman who survived Auschwitz, Bergen-Belsen and women's camp Markkleeberg, another satellite camp of Buchenwald. Along with 40 more people from 14 countries who lived through the concentration camps, the two were among those invited to the commemoration originally slated for April 5 and 7 in Buchenwald and Dora. Public events planned over several days to mark the liberation have all been cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But memorial director Volkhard Knigge said they would all be rescheduled for next year. Meanwhile, he asked members of the public to place flowers at the entrances to both camps Saturday -- "while respecting social distancing rules". - Rise in far-right violence - Other memorials around Germany, including Ravensbrueck, Sachsenhausen and Bergen-Belsen, plan similar online events in the coming days. "The good thing to be found amidst every evil is that we humans rediscover ourselves," wrote Hungarian philosopher Eva Fahidi-Pusztai, 94, another Buchenwald and Auschwitz survivor. "We can once again do things for ourselves; we can help each other, have fun with each other," Fahidi-Pusztai said. "We can more easily get through even crises with humour and good cheer. Believe me. I know only all too well." The 75th anniversaries of the liberation of the camps falls in a year when Germany has seen a string of far-right and anti-Semitic attacks. In February, a far-right extremist conspiracy theorist shot nine people dead, in a rare mass shooting that shocked the nation. Last autumn, another shooter killed two in an attempted attack on a synagogue in Halle, a city in Germany's former communist East. And in June 2019, a pro-refugee local politician from Angela Merkel's conservative party was shot at his home. Germany's VS domestic intelligence service has warned that far-right terrorism and violence represent "the greatest danger to democracy" in the country. The Buchenwald concentration camp near Weimar in Germany was liberated 75 years ago 56,000 people perished in the main camp at Buchenwald People have been asked to place flowers at the entrance of the camp
Sydney, 11 April 2020 (SPS) - the Australia Western Sahara Association (AWSA) has sought the intervention of the United Nations with the Moroccan authorities for the release of Saharawi political prisoners, recalling they are being one of the groups most at risk of infection with Covid19, in a message to United Nations Secretary General, Mr. Antonio Guterres.



The full text of the letter is below:



Attention: Antonio Guterres



United Nations Secretary General



Dear Mr. Secretary General



SAHARAWI PRISONERS AND CORONAVIRUS



On behalf of the Australia Western Sahara Association I am seeking your intervention with the Moroccan authorities for the release of Saharawi political prisoners.



Prison populations are recognised globally as being one of the groups most at risk of infection with Covid19. This has been acknowledged by the Moroccan authorities in their recent decision to release 5000 prisoners in the face of the coronavirus threat.



This did not include any Saharawi prisoners.



It is well known that the indigenous Saharawi population in the Occupied Territories receives scant and deficient medical attention by the occupying administration. In the case of Saharawi held in Moroccan prisons the situation is much worse. They live without minimum hygiene conditions and are poorly fed. They already suffer diseases and illnesses, in many cases resulting from the torture they have endured and lack of medical attention. They are prime candidates for the spread of the coronavirus.



You are likely aware that observers and international organizations have denounced the lack of evidence and unfair trials by which Saharawi political prisoners were sentenced. Now they are exposed to the danger of the coronavirus, making their release more urgent.



Accordingly, the Australia Western Sahara Association calls for the intervention of the United Nations Secretary General to ask the Moroccan authorities to release all Saharawi political prisoners before a disaster occurs, particularly those known as Gdeim Izik political detainees.



AWSA has also written to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the International Red Cross, who have responsibilities to monitor the conditions under which Saharawi political prisoners are detained. AWSA asks that they also act before it is too late.



I would like to register an additional concern that AWSA has at this time. That is the appointment of Ambassador Omar Hilale, Morocco's permanent representative in New York, as co-facilitator for the process of strengthening the United Nations human rights treaty bodies. In the light of the abuses of human rights committed against the Saharawi population in occupied Western Sahara, Ambassador Hilale's new role in relation to human rights is singularly inappropriate. It is a further indication of the little value the United Nations places on the rights of the people of Western Sahara. The greatest demonstration of this being the 44 year delay in the holding of the referendum of self-determination.



I look forward to your response to AWSA's concerns.



Yours sincerely



Lesley Osborne



Secretary



Australia Western Sahara Association (SPS)



062/SPS
We may never be wrong when we are quick to praise the efforts of doctors, nurses and other health professionals in the world's fight against this deadly virus, Corona. Yes indeed, they are poised as the front lines of the fight.

However, let us do this reasoning together. As of now, the best-implemented strategy of nations of the world in the fight against this deadly disease has not been cure (medicine) but prevention (social distancing).

This is the very reason why almost every nation in the world is practicing one or more of ideal forms of social distancing ie confinement, lockdown, state of emergency, etc according to their own needs to win the fight.

Think about this! In this our current state of confinement and lockdown, what keeps and sustains human lives more than the food from the farmer's fields?

The World Health Organization (WHO) awareness campaign against the pandemic goes like this; the real front line in the fight against COVID-19 is you and your doorstep; stay home, stay safe, stay alive. This is a very good advert on television screens with words which make absolute sense. We should, however, note that stay home, stay safe, stay alive would not be possible if there is no food.

This makes the man or nation with the abundance of food in a time like this the most powerful one. As written in the bible in Genesis, Joseph interpreted a dream, Pharaoh and his nation Egypt obeyed and they were wise enough to store enough food that could cater to their needs should there be famine as was told. Truly, during the period of the famine, all nations looked up to them. This made Egypt very powerful.

For fear of this viral infection, let all farmers say ''we have secured enough food for our families in our barns and warehouses, hence we are abandoning our lands to stay at home'', and we would know if there would be a single soul left to be chased by this wicked virus for doctors to quarantine and treat. We'd all starve to death!

Governors can pay for themselves fat salaries, the rich can cheat the poor and employ dishonest means to get billions in his account, and Governments can give huge sums of money to their citizens as COVID-19 relief package, but the wise would realize that these monies and packages would be of no commercial importance if there is short or no supply of food. Nobody can chew or make a meal out of raw coins and banknotes.

The economy of a nation with an inadequate supply of food is as useless as wind and cloud that cannot cause rain to fall.

Truly, the wisdom of Governors is important against the fight; the knowledge and brilliance of doctors and nurses cannot be neglected as we fight; the efforts of our able security services are also a thing to commend; responsible parents who sing a lullaby for their babies at home and also use different entertaining strategies to keep their children indoors are also to be thanked for. All these players are really contributing their part to the collective fight against this virus.

People may be bored with doing the same thing that may be repeated in their homes day after day but when food is served on the table, hallelujah.

The hero in the real front line of the fight against this pandemic is unsung. Social distancing (confinement and lockdown) which is the best form of prevention has been possible due to adequate availability of food and its efficient supply.

Therefore, I expect the president of Ghana, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, to salute all farmers in his next COVID-19 address to the nation. Likewise, I would wish the World Health Organization and Heads of States in nations of the world to start a common campaign to praise the efforts of all hardworking farmers who are tirelessly working in their fields to provide enough food for humanity.

Above all, ''Human wisdom, brilliance, insight - they are of no help if the LORD is against you.'' Proverbs 21:30. Hence we pray earnestly for the Lord's mercy, and may He be with us all in these times so that our collective efforts may count.

My special blessing goes to all peasant and commercial farmers in nations of the world. You and your fields are one important pillar of human survival. I pray, in the name of the almighty Lord Jesus, and shield your territories from any evil invasion.

I love you all!
Ahead of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, the Jewish publisher Behrman House issued a new Passover Haggadah with an environmental theme rooted in caring for the Earth.

"The Promise of the Land," by Rabbi Ellen Bernstein, is intended to guide Jews at the Passover Seder through the biblical story of their liberation from slavery with a newfound ecological emphasis.

Published in February, the Haggadah, (script for the Seder which includes telling the story of the Israelites flight from slavery in Egypt) sold out quickly and went into a second printing. Many were so inspired by it they planned "Earth Seders"  either outdoors or using locally grown organic food.

Then came the coronavirus.

But as Jews scrambled to organize remote Seders on Wednesday when Passover began, the idea of viewing the Passover story through an ecological lens has taken on new urgency.

The goat is one animal often associated with the Seder and he appears prominently in the book's illustrations, along with plants and herbs associated with Passover.

"If climate change is the great test of civilization in the 21st century, COVID-19 is a pop quiz," said Rabbi Daniel Swartz of Temple Hesed, a Reform synagogue in Scranton, Pa. "It's showing us some of the problems humanity has in dealing with long-term, big, international issues."

Swartz, who is also executive director of the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life, plans to drive home that point during a videoconferencing Seder, to which he's invited a Catholic nun and a Sunni Muslim.

He, like several dozen rabbis, ordered 50 copies of the new Haggadah for their congregations' use  not only this year, but also in years to come.

In this time of pandemic, the new Haggadah reminds Jews of the origin of Passover as a springtime harvest festival of thanksgiving that connects all living creatures to the Earth and to their responsibility to care for it.

Bernstein, the author of the new Haggadah, has devoted her life to the study of Judaism and ecology. Thirty-two years ago, she founded the first Jewish environmental nonprofit, Shomrei Adamah: Keepers of the Earth.

Inspired by the eco-philosopher Aldo Leopold, the American conservationist, forester and wildlife ecologist, Bernstein studied the Torah with an eye toward identifying verses infused with an ethos of Earth care.

She found them everywhere: verses that implied that caring for the land is inextricably tied up with the Israelites' relationship to God.

When the ancient Israelites cared for the land and shared its abundance, it brought life; when they neglected the land or overburdened it, it brought death.

"As long as we keep bringing back the first fruits and our generosity to God and to the land, we will continue to receive a land," Bernstein explained. "Otherwise, we'll get booted out or there will be a famine. That's the underlying work that went into the Haggadah."

Jews have been reinterpreting and embellishing on the Haggadah text for ages. Each year, dozens of new Haggadah versions are published  each retelling the story of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt through a different lens. There are Haggadahs devoted to the liberation of women, farm workers, refugees, LGBTQ people and sweatshop workers. But in a year that has seen the deaths of thousands to a virulent virus sweeping the world, many are finding Bernstein's Haggadah especially pragmatic in a time of social isolation.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

It suggests that participants may substitute another green vegetable for parsley, the traditional vegetable for the ritual blessing of green vegetables. It reminds Jews to appreciate the humble matzo bread, stripped of yeast and other grains and spices consumed in times of plenty. And it suggests that instead of giving money to the child who finds a hidden piece of matzo, called the afikomen, that child and parents consider a donation to an environmental or conservation group.

Avital Abraham, a junior at Ithaca College who helped steer her campus Hillel to organize an Earth Seder this year, said the lesson of this Haggadah, like so many of her environmental studies classes, is that people have to care about the Earth.

"To save the natural world, people have to care about the natural world," said Abraham, who will be joining a Zoom call from her New Jersey home for her school's Earth Seder.

Abraham, who works at an apiary on campus and helps collect sap for maple syrup, said the environmentally themed Haggadah  even if offered online through the Zoom app  is helping her reconnect her Earth activism with her Jewish faith.

There is no more urgent time to do that than now, as Jews, like everyone else, are forced to isolate from others to avoid spreading disease.

"We're at a time when we're crying out, and in that crying out we are really getting to understand the effects of our behavior on the Earth," said Rabbi Jan Salzman of Congregation Ruach HaMaqom, in Burlington, Vermont.

Like many others, Salzman bought dozens of copies of the new Haggadah for her synagogue, Vermont's only Jewish Renewal congregation. On Wednesday she will facilitate a remote Earth Seder via videoconferencing with breakout rooms for people to reflect on the meaning of the ideas in the Haggadah.

"We could turn the kind of energy we're putting into COVID into the environmental crisis," she added. "There isn't anything more important at this point. This is the crisis."
India's COVID-19 count has crossed 7,000-mark on Saturday (April 11, 2020) as the number of cases rose to 7,447 which includes 6,565 active cases, 642 recovered cases, 1 migrant patient and 239 fatalities as per Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data. More than 1000 cases and 40 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours which is the sharpest spike in the number of cases after the coronavirus outbreak in India.

Maharashtra continues to remain the worst-hit state due to the COVID-19 outbreak with over 1,500 cases. The death toll in Maharashtra rose to 110, which makes it the state with over 46% coronavirus deaths in the country.

In Rajasthan, 98 new coronavirus positive cases reported in a day and the state tally has now gone up to 561. A 11-month old baby was also found coronavirus positive in Rajasthan. In Jaipur, 53 cases were reported on April 10. Total number of cases in Jaipur stands at 221 out of which 150 cases are reported from Ramganj alone.

The national capital is also facing the adverse effect of the crisis situation and in the wake of rising number of cases containment zones were increased to 30 in Delhi. The total number of coronavirus cases in the national capital on Friday climbed to 903, with 183 fresh cases and two deaths.

States like Jharkhand and Odisha also reported new cases on Saturday with the number standing at 17 and 50 respectively.

Meanwhile, India is under a 21-day nationwide lockdown till April 14 to prevent the coronavirus spread in the country. Several states like Odisha and Punjab already extended the lockdown till the month in the wake of coronavirus outbreak. Delhi and Maharashtra have banned venturing out without masks and said violators will invite arrest. PM Modi is expected to discuss the situation with the chief ministers of states in a video conference meeting on Saturday.

The total number of coronavirus cases across 185 nations reached 1,694,954 and the death toll stood at 102,607 at 06.30 am (IST) on Saturday (April 11, 2020). The US continues to record the highest number of cases at 499,252 followed by Spain at 158,273, Italy at 147,577, Germany at 122,171, and France at 125,171 as per Johns Hopkins University data.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on Saturday recommended that all DTH and cable set-top-boxes (STBs) provided to the customers must support interoperability and urged the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to make it mandatory by introducing the requisite provisions.

Interoperable set-top boxes will allow consumers to change their DTH operator without buying a new set-top box. Presently the STBs deployed in the Cable TV networks are non-interoperable -- the same STB cannot be used interchangeably across the different service providers.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) also recommended the mandatory provisioning of USB port-based common interface for all digital television sets in India.

"All the set-top-boxes in India must support technical interoperability in principle, i.e. every STB provided to a consumer must be interoperable," the TRAI recommended.

The TRAI also called for the setting up of a coordination committee by the I&B ministry having members from Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, TRAI, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and representatives of TV manufacturers.

"The committee may steer implementation of revised STB standards for both the DTH and the Cable TV segment," it said.

The lack of interoperability of STBs between different service providers not only deprives customer of the freedom to change his or her service provider but also creates a hindrance to technological innovation, improvement in service quality, and the overall sector growth, the TRAI said.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) may include a suitable clause or condition in the permission, registration or Cable Television Network Rule mandating all the distribution platform operators (DTH as well as Multi-System Operators) to compulsorily facilitate service provisioning through the interoperable STBs either provided by DPOs or procured by the consumers from open market, it said.

The MIB, in collaboration with the BIS, should make suitable amendments in specified standards for STBs, the TRAI said.

It said DTH and MSO players should be given a time for six months to adopt "DVB CI+ 2.0 standards (with USB CAM)" in line with the ETSI standards (Europan Telecommunications Standards Institute).

Such specifications must mandate TV manufacturers to provide all digital television sets with at least one open interface port based on DVB CI Plus 2.0 standards permitting simple connection of USB CAM to allow reception of television signals, the TRAI said.

They must also provide the digital television sets with built in tuners to enable reception of television content through both satellite and cable platforms, it said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Stretchers, row after row, comatose patients in isolation rooms. Every surface is dangerous and so is the air, especially during an intubation. Every day, youre thinking, am I going to get really sick? Am I going to recover? Am I going to be one of those young people that, for whatever reason, dies from this? The history of this pandemic will be remembered not for briefings at the White House. But for the heartache in the hot zone. We journalists havent been able to cover coronavirus the way we normally cover wars from the front lines. Good morning. Good morning. But I was able to spend two days inside two hard-hit hospitals in the Bronx. To witness the toll on frontline workers trying to keep Americans alive. So were entering a Covid area. And so everybody who goes in wears these protective gowns. And this gentleman is helping me get it on correctly. Because I dont know what Im doing. Im the P.P.E. monitor. Theyre pulling out another one. Find that patient now. We need the patient to go upstairs please. Dr. Deborah White reminds me of a general commanding a battlefield. I mean, this is what we train for. This is the moment in our career because its a once in a lifetime thing. Shes trying to save lives, Yeah, for upstairs, for upstairs. while also keeping up morale. On this day almost 800 New Yorkers died. Many of the people here are clearly in their 70s or 80s, but theyre also, Im struck that there are a lot of young and middle aged adults here. Yeah, absolutely. We range from 26 all the way up to 59. Shes constantly counting beds keeping track of every patient. Were just rounding want to know how youre feeling. Sometimes, you know, that human interaction helps them. So the bus is here? Oh so lets go upstairs quickly because the M.E.T.U. bus is here. Lets walk rapidly. Dr. White has a problem. Too many patients, not enough beds. Unless they make room, more people will die. This is a medical evacuation bus to take people from this hospital to make some space here. The bus is unlike any bus youve ever seen. It has oxygen. It has E.M.T. people there to support the patients as they make that ride. But as this bus frantically shuttles overflow to a nearby hospital, new patients continue to pour in. The red phone rings constantly signaling the arrival of yet another critical patient. So many that there is a traffic jam of stretchers leading to a small army of doctors and nurses. They are about to attempt a last desperate step. An intubation. I need a vent. I need a vent. I need a ventilator. So what were going to do is intubate her right now to support her oxygen level so that we can improve the oxygen exchange. This procedure spews virus into the air leaving staff at enormous risk as they try to save the patients life. Take some deep breaths. Youre okay. Shes attached to the vent. While intubated patients cant speak and what everybody knows is that they probably will never speak again. Ventilators may be lifesaving but most patients still die. Death here has no dignity. Patients cant have visitors. Theyre scared. They cant even see their nurses eyes. Ive reported on lots of deaths in my career. And this feels particularly brutal. Someone codes, someones dies. You go onto the next patient. Someone codes, someone dies, you got onto the next patient. And you dont have time to process those emotions before you go home. I like, I have cried just, at home thinking about it all. Or just, when you get home, you finally take a breather and thats when you let it all out. Because you dont have time to process those emotions here. These doctors and nurses are risking their lives and were failing them. Some told me of their deep frustration with the governments response. We catastrophically bungled testing. The president dithered. Americans kept on partying. The result, thousands of needless deaths. I was in the Intensive Care Unit, the second patient who came in was tested positive, was a 27-year-old. Im 29 right now. Im just as healthy as this patient. It just often times feels like a roll of the dice. I spent twelve hours by his bedside with all my P.P.E. on. He would grab my hand and I just kept telling him everything is going to be okay, that were doing the best we could, but I could see the fear in his eyes. It was heartbreaking. Because this is still so new to us that were just doing what we can and we dont know whats going to happen. As I see it, the triumph here lies in the courage and humanity of the health workers. This may not be enough to defeat the virus, but its magnificent to witness.
If our goal is to maximize collective lifespan -- which it should be -- then our models need to account for all lives, not just the ones we save today, but the ones our policies may cause to die tomorrow.

First, some cold facts and context.

The CDC estimates that more than 60,000 Americans died of the flu two years ago. The vast majority -- 83% -- were seniors, but more than 1% -- 643 -- were kids. It also estimates there were more than 800,000 flu-related hospitalizations.

Let's be honest: none of these numbers ever concerned you. You likely didn't know them. They received little news coverage at the time. They certainly did not keep you up at night or make you think twice about sending your kids to school, let alone cause you to lose your job or be quarantined.

They were, basically, a non-event. 60,000 contiguous deaths. Yawn.

Turning to today's pandemic, our latest figures state there have been 17,000 deaths, a fraction of the forgotten 60,000 flu deaths. We also are approaching 500,000 confirmed corona cases (and rising fast). Experts tell us that 20% of these corona carriers will require hospitalization, meaning there have been about 100,000 corona hospitalizations, a small fraction of the 800,000 flu hospitalizations. (Note: The real hospitalization rate for corona is likely much lower that 20% for two reasons: (1) many carriers are asymptomatic, and (2) testing has been relatively minimal).

Conclusion 1: To date, corona deaths and hospitalizations are a small fraction of our recent flu season, which triggered no attention, alarms, or changed behavior.

To be fair, there seems little doubt that corona morbidity is higher than the flu. Experts don't know, but one scientific article cited by CNN from the medical journal Lancet suggests corona morbidity (0.66%) is about 4-5 times that of the flu (0.15%). And when you add in that corona is 2-3 times more contagious -- meaning more of us would get it absent harsh measures -- there's little doubt that if unchecked, corona would overwhelm our health system, as New York and Italy show.

In short, our health system is not equipped to treat all those who would be infected absent our harsh lock down measures. We -- and every other health care system -- lack the capacity for a pandemic.

But now comes a tough, seemingly callous question: might our harsh measures to save lives today actually cost more lives tomorrow? At a minimum, shouldn't our models account for all lives?

Before proceeding, let me be clear about two things. First, in posing this question I do not seek to compare life with money (i.e., the economy). Instead, I attempt to only compare life to life. Apples to apples.

Second, in pondering this, I would hope that we -- humanity -- would all agree on the goal: namely, to maximize, collective, quality lifespan. That statement -- that goal -- should not be controversial. It is, frankly, the framework for most "public health policy," what some call the greatest good for the greatest number. It is the basis for how ethicists at places like Harvard instruct doctors on the morbid task of deciding whom to give the last ventilator. It is the main statistic governments use -- average lifespan -- to measure health between countries.

Conclusion 2: Our goal should be to adopt policies that will maximize collective, quality lifespan.

To be clear, I do not know what policies will maximize our collective, quality lifespan. But I do know that asking whether our one size fits all policies -- lock downs and shutting the economy -- are costing us lives is not just a fair question, it is a humane one. Not asking it -- and not demanding that we all be forthright, rigorous, and disciplined in answering it -- is inhumane.

At a minimum the question needs to be asked to help determine when to ease restrictions and go back to work and school. Otherwise, in theory, we should stay locked down forever since whenever we open back it, it will be at the expense of a life that might have been saved had we stayed locked up longer.

In trying to answer the question and oversimplify, consider this: because of our harsh measures, we save an 84-year-old grandma today (either because she doesn't contract the virus or because there is a ventilator for her if she does). Great. We saved a life.

But what if in turn this means that a nameless, faceless 46-year-old somewhere has become unemployed. And in two years she becomes a drug addict. And two years later homeless. And so on. And because of all that, she's dead at 52. Had she not become unemployed and unraveled, the "experts" and actuaries say she would have lived to 79 (27 more years).

Let's even give her a name: Jane.

Is that a good "trade" to make? Were grandma's 4 more (yucky) years worth the loss of Jane's 27 years (and Jane's loss of six quality years before she died)?

Before you cringe and say that is crass or unfair, remember we are not comparing money to lives here. We are comparing lives to lives. Apples to apples. Grandma's life to Jane's. Now multiply by thousands, millions, maybe tens of millions.

Let's be clear: Jane and grandma are constructs. They are relevant for setting policy, especially at the margin.

And let's also be clear, it is a "trade," perhaps not a one-to-one trade, but a trade. That word is purposeful. You can't argue that we can have our cake and eat it too -- that we can save grandma today without other costs tomorrow, without other lives being lost. The "costs" here include massive unemployment, massive deficits, and even nationalizing industries, which in turn may manifest in shortened lives for many.

Remember, almost all societal decisions cost lives (not just dollars). When we raised the speed limit from 55 to 75, it came with a known cost: more lives would be lost. Speed kills. But we -- as a society -- made the trade because there were other benefits. If saving lives was the sole goal for every decision, the speed limit might be just 30 on highways.

Likewise, we all sent our kids to school two years ago even though more than 600 kids died of the flu -- way more than will now die of corona. Were we terrible, negligent, uncaring parents for doing so? No, not at all. Instead, we -- mostly unconsciously -- made a rational cost-benefit decision.

One important tangent here. Most of these "decisions" are not made too consciously. Most are made by what famed economist Adam Smith called the "invisible hand." What's the invisible hand? It's the collective decision-making tool we passively employ when we each make our own (selfish) decisions.

For instance, it is why the government doesn't have to dictate how many plumbers we have. The "market" mostly "invisibly" figures it out. Too few plumbers and they can charge $1000 to fix your toilet, but then many others will quickly become plumbers. Too many plumbers and they'll only be able to charge $10 to fix your toilet while competing with each other, and soon many will find other trades. So, the "market" invisibly gets it just about right.

What's the point of the tangent here? Well, what makes this -- a pandemic -- so difficult is the invisible hand mostly disappears. Instead we -- as a society -- have to quickly make very conscious decisions. We can't rely on our passive, collectible invisible hand. We have to own it.

And I wonder, since nobody wants to be accused of killing grandma today, even if means effectively killing faceless Jane in six years, are we making the right decisions? Grandma is on CNN tonight, while Jane will die quietly without cameras in six years.

Conclusion 3: It seems unclear whether our harsh policies today are maximizing collective, quality lifespan.

I wonder: given the life and death stakes, are these decisions better left to a computer? I am serious.

Before you scoff, consider this: the most skilled surgeons in the world use computers and robotic arms to guide them. They do so precisely because it's life and death. They want to get it right and so do you, the patient. We are not just good with them using computers -- and having our biopsy cells analyzed by a machine -- we demand it. It is best practice.

So why not here with the stakes so high? Why not feed into the computer the question I hope we all share: "Dear computer, what policies will maximize collective, quality lifespan?

We already are using all sorts of models and computers to guide our policies -- i.e., flatten the curve -- so the question is not whether to use them, but rather do our models account for Jane?

The computer can better juggle all the dozens -- maybe hundreds -- of variables, some of which we can't even fathom. The computer could factor in Jane. And the computer could factor in many other more subtle factors.

Here's one many can relate to: the lockdown is causing people to eat more and people can't go the gym. So many arteries are becoming clogged that otherwise never would have. Some will never return to their gyms even after they re-open. That too will shorten many lives, albeit in a way more subtle and less dramatic then grandma not having a ventilator.

And then there's the increased suicides, domestic violence, and other collateral consequences -- like rioting, looting, and massive crime -- that may flow from our policies.

There are amazing epistemology calculators that show exactly how the "curve" changes based on differing assumptions. You can literally drag a button, change a variable, and see exactly how it affects death. Here's one, check it out.

But what bugs me is none of these amazing tools and models seem to factor in Jane. If the goal is indeed to maximize collective, quality lifespan, then these calculators -- and Dr. Fauci & Co. -- need to factor in Jane and all other related factors that will reduce lifespan.

The irony is that accounting for Jane should be a liberal proposition. After all, don't we care about all people -- those like Jane who fall between the cracks -- and all life? Closing our eyes and covering our ears does not mean that Jane doesn't exist.

It speaks to President Trump's question -- that caused immediate rebuke -- of whether the cure is worse than the disease? It is a fair and humane question to ask. Michael Burry -- the famous physician investor profiled in the movie The Big Short  says:

"...universal stay-at-home is the most devastating economic force in modern history [that] very suddenly reverses the gains of underprivileged groups, kills and creates drug addicts, beats and terrorizes women and children in violent now-jobless households, and more."

In asking -- and even referencing the economy -- you are not comparing life with money, you are actually comparing life to life, with the goal of maximizing it for all, a noble pursuit.

Conclusion 4: Once we agree on the goal -- maximizing collective, quality lifespan -- we need to adjust our models and account for all factors, which a computer may do better than we humans. At a minimum, just like using a surgeon's robotic arm, it should help guide us. Doing so should not be controversial. Failing to do so should be controversial.

Post Script: I first shared this piece with some peers -- who provided some criticisms -- which I address here:

How do you know how many "Janes" are out there? I don't, but that is not the point. The point is they exist, and they should be included in our modeling if the goal is to maximize collective lifespan. Is it fair to compare Jane's life to grandma's? Most public health models -- which seek to maximize collective lifespan -- compute one Jane (27 years) equals about seven grandma's (4 years). And "no," I am not suggesting there is one Jane for every grandma saved. I have no idea. What makes you think that we can't save Jane too, that after this all settles down, we can't include her in the safety net, meaning there are no collateral casualties -- we can have our cake and eat it too? That would be great but is unlikely. All social policy comes with "costs," or trade-offs. Economics -- the science of scarcity -- is based on this. Isn't it hard to include Jane in these models? Perhaps, it's one thing to say its too hard, but another to say they don't exist or aren't relevant. All models are, by definition, imperfect, but we still try to account for all factors, and we should try here. Do you really think we shouldn't lock down or engage in social distancing? I have no idea. Candidly, the policies seem to make sense to me, but it is not -- or should not be -- an all or nothing analysis: either we lockdown fully or we engage fully. My instinct is the elderly and compromised should be segregated as much as possible until there is a vaccine or better therapies while the rest should live their lives with changed behaviors (washing hands, social distancing, masks). At a minimum, even if our policies are right on the target, Jane should be factored in to help determine when it is the optimal time to loosen them. Again, too many variables for a human to juggle, so bring on the computer. Are you against closing schools? I answer with a question: if closing schools for months is appropriate, when will it ever be safe to reopen them? After all, way more kids die from the "regular" flu each year than Covid will kill.

Born and first raised in Gary, Indiana followed by Chicago's south suburbs, William Choslovsky is a Harvard Law School graduate and lawyer in Chicago. His wife is not named Jane.
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...
Mumbai, April 11 : Covid-19 claimed 17 victims in the state even as Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray extended the lockdown till April 30, officials said on Saturday.

The state also recorded 187 new positive cases.

The state's death toll has now touched 127 and the number of positive cases shot up from Friday's 1,574 to total 1761 today.

Among the victims are Mumbai's 12 including 4 women, two in Pune, and one each in Satara, Dhule and Malegaon, and majority of the victims suffered from other serious diseases like diabetes, hypertension, asthma or heart problems.

On the positive side, 208 patients have fully recovered and discharged, including 2 from Mumbai today.

As many as 38,800 persons are in home quarantine while another 4,964 are isolated in institutional quarantine facilities across the state.

A total of 4,641 teams have surveyed a population of over 1.70 million in the state to weed out potential cases and avoid spread.

The BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced that it has set up 186 Corona Care Centres, 11 Dedicated Corona Health Centres and 26 Dedicated Corona Hospitals in Mumbai, as per Centre's directives.

Mumbai's Dharavi -- Asia's biggest slum and the most congested locality on earth -- continued to cause concerns with six new cases today, increasing the total to 28, besides five deaths, according to local civic officials.

Since Friday, the government has deployed the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) in Dharavi to assist the Mumbai Police, besides flying drones to enforce strict lockdown in the region.

In view of the heavy population -- around 800,000 crammed in just 2.25 sq. kms area -- the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken up sanitization drives in a big way in Dharavi, though plans to completely "seal" the slum pocket are ruled out for the present.

Addressing the state this evening, Thackeray said it was imperative to extend the lockdown "minimum till April 30" in view of the prevailing circumstances and the increasing number of Covid-19 positive cases and casualties in the state.

"You take precautions, we will take responsibility for your safety," said Thackeray.

Referring to apprehensions in many quarters, he said all agricultural activities in the state are continuing as before.

"All essential supplies are also continuing as usual with the movement of vehicles and there will be no disruptions of any kind", the CM said.

He solicited people's cooperation in the 'war against virus' since it had entered a decisive stage now and it was imperative to break its chain at all costs, for which the lockdown extension was essential.

"We have to break the virus chain and prevent its further spread. We must win the war against the virus at any cost. That should be our firm resolve," Thackeray said.

He said details of the protocols to be followed during the extended lockdown, besides the status of various pending examinations, would be announced later.

The BMC has so far declared 381 'containment zones' in the city to date as the number of new cases and casualties continue to mount.

The police and BMC have shut down markets and other shops in several areas of Mumbai, and barricaded many parts of the city and suburbs to keep people indoors as all appeals to avoid crowding and maintaing social distancing have been ignored.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Haryana rose to 165 on Saturday as three more people tested positive for the disease in Faridabad, Palwal and Hisar districts, the state health department said.

Palwal and Faridabad are among the state's worst affected districts.

One case each was reported from Palwal, Faridabad and Hisar, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in Haryana to 165, the health department said in its daily bulletin.

Of these 165, 22 patients have been discharged and two have died. The number of active COVID-19 cases in the state stands at 141, it said.

As many as 3,663 samples have been tested so far, out of which 2,472 have tested negative. However, reports of 1,026 samples are awaited.

Among the coronavirus patients in Haryana, 10 are foreign nationals and 64 are people from other states of the country, according to the bulletin.

The worst affected districts in the state are Nuh (38), Gurugram (32), Palwal (29) and Faridabad (29).

Containment orders have been issued by concerned deputy commissioners for 140 villages, including 104 buffer zones, in Nuh; 52 villages, including 36 buffer zones, in Palwal; 13 containment zones in Faridabad; and nine villages or colonies in Gurugram.

Health Minister Anil Vij has maintained that the spike in the number of coronavirus cases in Haryana is due to a number of Tablighi Jamaat members testing positive for the infection.

Earlier, he had said that over 100 Tablighi Jamaat members in the state have tested positive for COVID-19.

Vij had said that those Tablighi Jamaat members who had failed to report to the authorities till 5 pm on April 8 would be booked under law.

After this, police booked six members of the group in Yamunanagar and Palwal for failing to disclose that they had attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi's Nizamuddin last month.

Thousands of people had participated in the congregation held at the Tablighi Jamaat's headquarters in Delhi's Nizamuddin last month and then travelled to various parts of the country, with many of them carrying the virus.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Trump administration has decided to pause efforts to increase work requirements for some Americans receiving food stamps, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the New York Times reports.

What's happening: Nearly 10 million Americans have filed for unemployment in recent weeks. Meanwhile, demand is surging for food banks across the U.S., as those who rely on food stamps to buy essentials are largely unable to stock up on food and medication amid the COVID-19 outbreak, the Washington Post reports.

Catch up quick: The Agriculture Department, which faced a lawsuit from 14 states, New York City and Washington, D.C. over its plan to limit SNAP access for non-disabled adults without children, previously planned to appeal a judge's ruling that stopped the new requirements.

What they're saying: People need food and thats what USDA does, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue told the Times in a statement this week.

The department plans to comply with the legislation which really pauses that during this public health emergency," Purdue told the Times, indicating that the agency does not currently plan to appeal the judge's ruling.

While we, in a normal situation, were moving in a way to enforce what the common thinking was regarding food supply, we are going to be as flexible as we can, Perdue told the Times.

Background: The proposed rule, which gives non-disabled adults without children access to food stamps for three months within a three-year period before they have to work, would cut benefits for 688,000850,000 unemployed people, the Washington Post reported in earlier this year.

Go deeper: Coalition of states sues Trump administration over food stamp rule
Three inmates at Northampton County Prison have tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus illness, the county Department of Corrections said Friday.

These are the first inmates confirmed to be have been infected. The county on Wednesday announced four employees at the prison in Easton have also tested positive.

The three inmates are quarantined on the same tier where they've been since first showing symptoms, officials said.

Corrections officials say their health care vendor, PrimeCare Medical, is closely monitoring the inmates health and that employees and inmates are following guidelines established by PrimeCare Medical to prevent further transmission of the virus.

We are confident that we are getting the best possible advice from our medical provider in the prison, county Executive Lamont McClure told lehighvalleylive.com on Friday.

As part of efforts to halt the spread of COVID-19, visitors and tours have been banned at the prison since March 10. Inmates may still communicate with loved ones via telephone, computer tablets or mail.

In addition, the county says at least 33 non-violent inmates have been furloughed from the prison since March 31 to reduce the population.

At the state prison level, Gov. Tom Wolf on Friday issued an executive order to authorize the early release of up to 1,800 inmates in an effort to minimize the spread of the new coronavirus.

The plan is similar to what other states and some Pennsylvania counties have undertaken, and it comes after talks broke down with Republicans who hold a majority in the state Legislature.

The releases, to halfway houses or home confinement, could start as early as Tuesday, according to the governor's office.

The plan allows the release of inmates serving time for nonviolent offenses who are within nine months of scheduled release, or within 12 months for those considered at heightened risk from the coronavirus.

Pennsylvania's 21 state prisons hold about 45,000 inmates. The Wolf administration said approximately 1,500 to 1,800 inmates are eligible, although some may not be released because of challenges involving health care or behavioral health treatment, as well as housing availability and food security.

Wolf's order said the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections will discuss each eligible inmate with the courts, the state attorney general's office and county district attorneys offices.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

For more information on the coronavirus, consult your state health department at health.pa.gov or covid19.nj.gov and the website of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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.

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.
The writer E. L. Doctorow  who, in Ragtime and other novels, pioneered a new way of presenting historical material in fiction  once said in an interview: The historian will tell you what happened. The novelist will tell you what it felt like. This kind of novelist deposits the reader in another era to walk in someone elses shoes. History plus empathy equals artistry.

The impulse to immerse young people in epochs other than their own drives such books as Avis Crispin series, about an orphan in 14th-century England; Laurie Halse Andersons Seeds of America trilogy, about enslaved teenagers during the Revolutionary War; and Margi Preuss Newbery-winning debut, Heart of a Samurai (2010), about a Japanese boy on an American whaling ship in the 1840s.

Preuss protagonists tend to be young people straddling two cultures. Like Manjiro in Samurai and the Norwegian immigrant Astri in West of the Moon, theyre bighearted adventurers and seekers of justice. Some are based on real people; others are inhabitants of real experiences, as in Village of Scoundrels, about French teenagers who hide Jews during World War II. Always they dive into the whorl of time and give us a fresh perspective.

Preuss charming eighth novel, THE LITTLEST VOYAGEUR (Margaret Ferguson Books/Holiday House, 176 pp., $16.99; ages 7 to 10), features a twist: Her protagonist inhabits not only a different time period, but also a different species. Jean Pierre Petit Le Rouge is a red squirrel caught between fur-bearers like himself and 18th-century French Canadian voyageurs.
On April 9th, 2020 the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department, affirmed the trial court's decision in Nemeth v. Brenntag North America, et al., Case No. 9765, New York County Index No. 190138/14, denying the defendant's post-trial motions.

The plaintiffs, Florence and Frank Nemeth of Lake Ronkonkoma, New York, sued several manufacturers and distributors of asbestos-containing products, including a distributor of talcum powder named Whittaker Clark & Daniels, Inc. ("WCD"), after Florence was diagnosed with mesothelioma following years of using talcum powder in a product called Desert Flower, the talc for which WCD had sourced from asbestos-containing mines.

Florence succumbed to the disease before trial, and was survived by her husband Frank and their two children and four grandchildren.

The plaintiffs won a jury verdict against WCD, and WCD appealed, arguing (among other things) that the Nemeths couldn't prove that WCD's asbestos-containing talcum powder caused Florence's mesothelioma.

A panel for the First Department rejected WCD's arguments, holding that "the trial record contains sufficient evidence, consistent with the Court of Appeals' reasoning in Parker v. Mobil Oil Corp. (7 NY3d 434 [2006]), to support the jury's verdict and conclusion that Nemeth was exposed to a sufficient quantity of asbestos to cause the disease."

Indeed, Plaintiffs' geologist and testing expert testified for the jury that a typical use of a cosmetic talc product would have released approximately 2.7 million individual asbestos fibers. This meant that over Florence's years of use, she was exposed to billions or trillions of asbestos fibers in her home's bathroom.

In reaching its decision, the appellate court clarified that a 2017 First Department decision, Matter of N.Y.C. Asbestos Litigation (Juni) (148 AD3d 233 [1st Dept 2017]) did not upend decades of New York law and practice regarding proof of causation in asbestos cases.

Finally, the appellate court recalculated a damages setoff, and accordingly increased the amount of plaintiffs' net verdict from $2,933,750 to $3,300,000.

"It is gratifying, after such a lengthy trial and appellate process to see the Appellate Court render such a well-reasoned and supported decision on behalf of our deserving client", said Robert Komitor, a partner at Levy Konigsberg. "Today's decision is important not just for vindicating the rights of a loyal talcum powder product user who was exposed to asbestos in a product that contained no warning, but for consumers everywhere hoping to get a full and fair opportunity to prove their case in court," said Renner Walker, a Levy Konigsberg attorney who litigated the appeal.

About Levy Konigsberg LLP

Levy Konigsberg LLP (LK) (https://www.levylaw.com) has established itself as one of the nations premier law firms featuring highly acclaimed trial lawyers who have won some of the nations largest jury verdicts. With over 30 years of experience, the firm prides itself on the accomplishments attained by its lawyers in high-stakes cases involving mesothelioma, lead poisoning, sex abuse, defective products, whistleblower law, and medical malpractice. LK has litigated and won precedent-setting cases and obtained highly-publicized rulings and judgments, including some of the highest awards for our clients in numerous areas of litigation.
As the lockdown exercise in Ogun State entered its second week, robbers have continued to threaten the peace of communities in major parts of the state.

The communities affected include Toll-Gate, Dalemo, Sango, Ijoko, Oniyale, Iyana-Ilogbo, all the way to Ifo area of the state.

Multiple residents of the communities who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES confirmed that they barely slept in their communities since the lockdown began about a week ago.

Our reporter confirmed that shops and houses have been attacked in the communities, with money and foodstuff carted away.

PREMIUM TIMES random assessment of the communities on Saturday showed that there were bonfires in major streets in the communities affected from Ijoko/Ogba-Ayo through Sango to Ifo.

Kafayat Oladepo, a resident of Ogba-ayo area told PREMIUM TIMES Friday evening that they were robbed on Thursday, with money and other valuables lost in the attack.

The boys came on Thursday, she began in her native Yoruba. They fired shots into the air and people ran for safety. Then they began what was like a house-to-house search, looting money and other valuables.

It was very scary. The security situation in this part of Ogun is poor. The boys know that and thats why they invade our houses like this.

Dangerous Pattern

Multiple residents confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that the robbers do not operate only in the night, but by mid-day and sometimes, noon.

Okafor James, a resident of Sango Otta community, told PREMIUM TIMES on Friday that the mode of operation is scary, signaling what he called a dangerous pattern.

READ ALSO:

The pattern is dangerous. They come on bikes (motorcycles) and raid the entire community once there is no push-back. We have not slept in the last one week.

Yesterday, they came to our community but we were lucky to be alert by then. They first came around 1 a.m., we heard tip-off and chased them back through the streets leading to gas-line. So we went back but they did not relent. Around 3 oclock, they invaded again from the back of the street. They rode on about 30 okadas and were racing violently.

Again, we reinforced and pushed back. They fired shots to scare us away and our vigilante guys began firing shots in retaliation. It was like a movie but very sad. We dont sleep in my community any longer.

Another resident, Alfa Jamiu, claimed that when the robbers visited Friday morning, the community informed the police but were told to sort themselves out because they too were overwhelmed.

PREMIUM TIMES could not independently confirm this claim.

The police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, did not respond to phone calls by the reporter.

Residents claimed that there have been pockets of arrests but the attacks on communities and households still go on.

A resident who identified herself simply as Shade explained that when they invaded their community in Joju area of Ota, the robbers came with a POS machine.

She said: They were so confident that they came with POS and ensured that they went with food and money. They operate for hours and we had nobody to help us. The problem is that the operation is simultaneous in almost all the areas surrounding us.

Meanwhile, residents of the communities took to Twitter early Saturday to register their anger. Many complained of the poor security network and others called on the government to address the situation.
WHITE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI)Maddie Loyd had a goal of $3,000 she's already raised over $2,000 in ten days and it's for a good reason.

"I started a GoFundMe page called food for frontline providers, said Loyd. And basically we are raising money to provide food for our amazing hospital staff, nurses and doctors."

She's fifteen years old and is a Lafayette native. Her father is a physician at IU Health. Maddie says she is making it her initiative to support those risking their health to better others.

"We care for them, said Loyd. Cause it's really scary to go out there, they have families and it's just really important for me and other people to just show that we care and we thank them."

Loyd is partnering with Arni's pizza and will provide lunch and dinner for all of IU Health locations in the area such as IU Health Arnett, IU Health in Frankfort and IU Health White Memorial Hospital in Monticello. That's where you'll find Director of Impatient Services Connie Jordan.

"This is the first time we've ever had to really do any type of disaster or preparedness to prepare for this surge or a pandemic of any kind, said Jordan.

Jordan has been with IU Health White Memorial Hospital for more than thirty years. She says providing food for those who are on the frontline during this time is an act of kindness that goes a long a way.

"It's just amazing to think that a fifteen year old would think about a GoFund Me page and to collect money for pizza for the surrounding hospitals, said Jordan. You know at the age of fifteen I was more worried about is my hair styled right is my clothes right and do I have friends,

Jordan goes on to say,

"To think that she wants to pay it forward to others and we need that to grow and have others pay it forward too."

Maddie has provided the link to the GoFund Me account. If you'd like to donate you can here.
Former Super Eagles player John Mikel Obi has confirmed he is discussing a possible deal with Brazilian club Botafogo over a month since he left Turkish club Trabzonspor over the Coronavirus pandemic.

Mikel, 32, left Turkish club Trabzonspor by mutual consent in February after declaring that he did not feel comfortable playing during the COVID-19 pandemic while people were getting infected and dying all over the world and it hasnt taken long for him to start getting new offers

Mikel is now in regular contact with Botafogo boss Ricardo Rotenberg and hopes to iron out a deal when the Coronavirus pandemic is over.

READ ALSO  Coronavirus: Mikel Obis Contract With Turkish Team Ends

Mikel speaking to ESPN about Botafagos interest in signing him, said: Yes there has been interest and yes there has been negotiations.

But I dont know yet. I am still thinking about it. Not sure yet.
Supermarket shelves across Australia have been left bare for weeks after coronavirus panic-buyers stripped them off essentials - even sparking a black market for toilet paper.

But at one supermarket in Sydney's CBD, customers are treated to a treasure trove of hard-to-find goods, including meat, soap, tins, pasta sauce and endless toilet paper.

The Coles store, in the city's Wynyard train station, is so well stocked that staff have created a 'Great Wall of Toilet Paper' at the back of the store.

Piled high with the household essential, staff have been working hard to ensure stock remains out for customers.

In Wynyard Coles, in Sydney's CBD, customers are treated to a treasure trove of hard-to-find goods, including meat, soap, tins, pasta sauce and endless toilet paper

The supermarket is piled high with hard to find goods such as canned produce that has sold out across the country

The key behind the supermarket's success could lie in its location, inside a usually-busy CBD commuter station now practically empty every day.

The vast majority of the city's workers are now working from home, meaning they are unlikely to travel into the district to shop - with all surrounding businesses closed.

It has left the supermarket virtually empty of customers, but full of produce.

Pasta sauce is readily available, as are tins of tomatoes, tuna and all manner of beans.

The Coles is located on the upper levels of Wynyard train station and is normally swamped by commuters

The Coles store, in the city's Wynyard train station, is so well stocked that staff have been forced to create a 'Great Wall of Toilet Paper' at the back of the store

Pasta sauce is readily available, as are tins of tomatoes, tuna and all manner of beans

The key behind the supermarket's success could lie in its location, inside a usually-busy CBD commuter station now practically empty every day

There are nearly a dozen varieties of soap, which has become virtually impossible to track down as people diligently wash their hands to stay safe from coronavirus.

It comes as families try to fill up on essentials during the long Easter weekend, with many supermarkets closed or operating on restricted hours.

The major supermarkets have even ramped up social distancing measures, with shoppers rushing to snap up holiday favourites.

There are nearly a dozen varieties of soap, which has become virtually impossible to track down as people diligently wash their hands to stay safe from coronavirus

Walls of paper towels were also stacked well above eye level as staff struggled to find room for the essential items

Coles and Woolworths have placed a limit on the number of customers in-store to help combat the spread of coronavirus.

Coles will allow a max of 110 shoppers at its smallest store, and 275 at its largest.

While Aldi will restrict customer number to 70-100 people per store, depending on size.

Claire Peters, managing director of Woolworths, Easter was an incredibly busy time.

Coles said panic-buyers had bought up three Christmases worth of stock in as many weeks amid the coronavirus pandemic (pictured, a store in Sydney)

This shocking pictured showed an elderly man staring at an empty bread shelf after it was cleaned out by coronavirus panic buyers in March (pictured)

'In this current crisis, we have doubled our amount of hours in cleaning and particularly in the amount of those customer touch points,' she said.

'We have to keep Australians fed, and we understand our role in society... it is a safe environment a supermarket.

'It's never been cleaner, you can still shop, but it's all about minimising contact and risk,' Coles Chief Operating Officer, Matt Swindells told A Current Affair.

Supermarkets in Australia have become a battle ground amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Staff have been even assaulted by people desperate to get their hands on sought after items such as toilet paper, pasta and rice.

One alleged incident in Brunswick, in Melbourne's inner-city, involved a Coles worker allegedly being hit with a stick by a disgruntled shopper.

This heartbreaking picture was taken in the canned food aisle of a Port Melbourne Coles store on February 27, as vulnerable customers struggled to find food

A Woolworths cashier is seen in protective clothing (pictured) as the stores remain busy over the Easter weekend

Brawls have also broken out in Woolworths, with two women being investigated by police after a fight broke out in the aisles over a pack of toilet paper.

Coles now has two dedicated shopping hours per week for emergency service and healthcare workers as of March 26.

They are the first hour of trade on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while Monday, Wednesday and Friday remain for seniors to help reduce risks to them.

There are still strict limits imposed on how many of each item you can buy, it is usually two of anything but for toilet paper it is still just one packet in most stores.
The European Union has stated that conscription of the citizens of illegally-annexed Crimea to the Russian Armed Forces violates international humanitarian law.

This follows from the statement of spokesperson of the EU External Action Service released on Saturday.

"The Russian Federation is carrying out conscription in the illegally-annexed Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol to draft residents of the peninsula in the Russian Federation Armed Forces. This is a violation of international humanitarian law," the EU said.

According to the statement, the Russian Federation is bound by international law, and obliged to ensure the protection of human rights in the peninsula.

"The EU does not and will not recognize the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and city of Sevastopol. The European Union continues to expect Russia to stop all violations of international law in the Crimean peninsula," Brussels reminded on a policy of non-recognition of illegal annexation of Crimea by Russian Federation.

"The European Union is unwavering in its support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders," reads the document.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Saturday said that the central government should soon form a policy to handle the situation arising out of the coronavirus crisis that has particularly affected the poor, farmers and daily wage workers in the country.

Sonia Gandhi's observation came during a video conference with all Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) presidents.

According to a tweet from the Congress party, in the video conference, Sonia Gandhi expressed concerns over the poor, farmers, workers and economy of the country amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak in the country.

"Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and I have written earlier to the Prime Minister and gave suggestions. So we expect government to make policy as soon as possible to face this (coronavirus outbreak) challenge," the Congress president said.

"The poor, farmers and workers of this country face most problem. Due to lockdown, there will be a lot of burden on our economy which was already in crisis," she added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Navios Maritime Acquisition Corporation (NYSE:NNA) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to today's value. This is done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple!

Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model.

See our latest analysis for Navios Maritime Acquisition

Is Navios Maritime Acquisition fairly valued?

As Navios Maritime Acquisition operates in the oil and gas sector, we need to calculate the intrinsic value slightly differently. In this approach dividends per share (DPS) are used, as free cash flow is difficult to estimate and often not reported by analysts. Unless a company pays out the majority of its FCF as a dividend, this method will typically underestimate the value of the stock. The 'Gordon Growth Model' is used, which simply assumes that dividend payments will continue to increase at a sustainable growth rate forever. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a company's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In this case we used the 10-year government bond rate (1.7%). The expected dividend per share is then discounted to today's value at a cost of equity of 9.5%. Compared to the current share price of US$4.3, the company appears about fair value at a 2.7% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind.

Value Per Share = Expected Dividend Per Share / (Discount Rate - Perpetual Growth Rate)

= US$1.2 / (9.5%  1.7%)

= US$4.4

NYSE:NNA Intrinsic value April 11th 2020

The assumptions

We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Navios Maritime Acquisition as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 9.5%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.435. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

Story continues

Next Steps:

Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it shouldnt be the only metric you look at when researching a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For Navios Maritime Acquisition, We've compiled three additional factors you should look at:

PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the NYSE every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here.

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.
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President Trump ignored advice by the National Security Council back in January to consider shutting down cities and keep Americans home from work, memos reveals.

The NSC office responsible for tracking pandemics received intelligence reports in early January predicting the devastation coronavirus could cause to the US once it hit, according to The New York Times.

Within weeks of receiving the report, NSC officials raised options Trump that would prevent the spread of the virus, including shutting down entire cities the size of Chicago.

But Donald Trump ignored the warnings, and instead waited until March to implement such measures, the report reveals.

This comes as the death rate from coronavirus in the United States rises to 20,087 fatalities - overtaking Italy's death toll after 2,000 Americans died in one day - as the president celebrates Easter while social distancing in Washington, DC.

Donald Trump ignored the warnings from the NSC, and instead waited until March to implement such measures, the report reveals

President Trump tweeted his outrage at the New York Times' findings Saturday afternoon

This is just one of a dozen reports that reveal the US had ample warning ahead of the devastation the coronavirus could cause, but ignored intelligence reports.

President Trump tweeted his outrage at the New York Times' findings Saturday afternoon, 'When the Failing @nytimes or Amazon @washingtonpost writes a story saying unnamed sources said, or any such phrase where a persons name is not used, dont believe them. Most of these unnamed sources dont exist. They are made up to defame & disparage. They have no source, the president wrote.

'Does anyone ever notice how few quotes from an actual person are given nowadays by the Lamestream Media. Very seldom. The unnamed or anonymous sources are almost always FAKE NEWS,' he continued.

Just this week it was revealed Donald Trump's trade adviser Peter Navarro issued his first grim warning in a memo dated January 29 - just days after the first COVID-19 cases were reported in the US.

At the time, Trump was publicly downplaying the risk that the novel coronavirus posed to Americans - though weeks later he would assert that no one could have predicted the devastation seen today.

Navarro penned a second memo about a month later on February 23, in which he warned that as many as two million Americans could die from the virus as it tightened its grip on the nation.

The January memo marks the earliest known high-alert to circulate within the West Wing as officials planned their first substantive steps to confront the disease that had already spiraled out of control in China.

It serves as evidence that top officials in the administration had considered the possibility of the outbreak turning into something far more serious than Trump was acknowledging publicly at the time.

'The lack of immune protection or an existing cure or vaccine would leave Americans defenseless in the case of a full-blown coronavirus outbreak on U.S. soil,' Navarro wrote.

'This lack of protection elevates the risk of the coronavirus evolving into a full-blown pandemic, imperiling the lives of millions of Americans.'

Another report shows that Trump dismissed Health Secretary Alex Azar's initial warnings about the deadly coronavirus as 'alarmist' back in January.

Trump's administration continues to be heavily criticized for its delayed reaction to COVID-19 by failing to mobilize upon early warnings, form a chain of command, and organize efficient nation-wide testing - as the US suffers heavy casualties from the virus with over 9,600 deaths.

But the president had time to respond as he was first notified about the coronavirus outbreak in China on January 3.

Azar called Trump on January 18 while the president was at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida to brief him about the severity of the novel coronavirus.

During that call the president reportedly cut him off before Azar could explain and instead criticized the health secretary over his handling of the axed federal vaping ban.

At that time the president was reportedly more concerned about his then-ongoing impeachment trial.

President Donald Trump dismissed Health Secretary Alex Azar's initial warnings about the deadly coronavirus back in January as 'alarmist'

Trade adviser Peter Navarro warned top Trump officials in late January and again in February that failing to contain coronavirus could cost the US trillions of dollars and millions of American lives. Trump is seen with Navarro (center) at a March 9 press briefing on coronavirus

Trump voters 'are less likely to practice social distancing' in pandemic, claims analysis of phone data 'scoreboard' that grades states by how effectively they are locked down

A new analysis of nationwide cell phone location data suggests that counties which voted for President Donald Trump in higher proportions are less likely to practice social distancing measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

The analysis, by Princeton sociologist Patrick Sharkey for Vox, also found that attitudes toward climate change are 'one of the strongest and most robust predictors of social distancing behavior.'

In parts of the country, a recalcitrant minority of people continue to openly blow off stay-at-home orders, defiantly congregating for recreational events in the midst of the pandemic that has infected more than 500,000 Americans and killed at least 18,798.

In New Mexico, at least 31 off-road enthusiasts gathered last weekend by the 'Welcome to Las Cruces' sign for a photo, which was posted online with the dismissive remark 'If you got it, you got it,' according to the Las Cruces Sun News.

A 'scorecard' from Unacast shows state and county-level data on how much people have reduced their outdoor movement during the coronavirus pandemic

In New Mexico, at least 31 off-road enthusiasts gathered last weekend by the 'Welcome to Las Cruces' sign for this photo, which drew fury after it was posted to Facebook

Unacast data shows county-level ratings for social distancing in Florida (left) and the results of the 2016 presidential elections (right)

The Facebook post presenting the photographs read: 'Social Distancing Mtherfkers! And if you don't like (it) ur staying hm ok bye!' with emojis simulating hands raising their middle fingers.

New Mexico has been under a statewide stay-at-home order since March 23, currently scheduled to last until the end of April.

According to Sharkey's analysis of location data, 'politics and civic engagement bear a strong relationship to social distancing behavior.'

Sharkey's analysis relies on aggregate location data complied by Unacast, an advertising company that has recently emerged as one of the top sources of information about how much people continue to move about in the pandemic.

Unacast gives each county in the U.S. a letter score of A through F based on how much people have reduced their movement and non-essential travel during the pandemic, with 'F' representing the least change in outdoor movement.

Sharkey used a statistical analysis of the letter grades from Unacast to compare them with other

'Counties with larger populations, with more educated residents, and with higher percentages of white and Hispanic residents tend to receive higher grades on social distancing, while the age structure, the median income, and the unemployment rate are no longer associated with social distancing behavior,' Sharkey writes.

He continues: 'grades fall with the percentage of the county voters who cast a ballot for Trump in 2016.'

The average score of the counties is broken into three cohorts in a variety of categories

A Unacast chart shows the changed in non-essential visits since the pandemic began, with daily new cases in the US shown in grey bars

Unacast data shows county-level ratings for social distancing in California

Unacast data shows county-level ratings for social distancing in New York

Unacast data shows county-level ratings for social distancing in Texas

'Lastly, even after adjusting for all of these other characteristics, counties within the same state where a greater share of residents do not agree that global warming is happening are substantially less likely to change their behavior in response to Covid-19,' Sharkey writes.

Sharkey says his analysis shows that attitudes toward climate change are 'one of the strongest and most robust predictors of social distancing behavior.'

'In the places where residents don't think global warming is real, where they don't believe humans are responsible, where they don't think citizens have a responsibility to act, residents are also failing to change their behavior during the coronavirus crisis,' he writes.

As the crisis continues, cell phone location data is coming to the forefront as a key tool in the battle -- raising privacy concerns and exposing just how much data is being collected on Americans by private advertising and technology companies.

On Friday, Apple and Google announced a joint effort to help public health agencies worldwide use smartphone data to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

New software the companies plan to add to phones would make it easier to use Bluetooth wireless technology to track down people who may have been infected by coronavirus carriers.

Signs displaying directions for maintaining social distancing due to COVID-19 concerns are posted on a New York supermarket as customers wait outside on Friday

The idea is to help national, state and local governments roll out apps for so-called 'contact tracing' that will run on iPhones and Android phones alike.

The technology works by harnessing short-range Bluetooth signals. Using the Apple-Google technology, contact-tracing apps would gather a record of other phones with which they came into close proximity.

Such data can be used to alert others who might have been infected by known carriers of the novel coronavirus, typically when the phones' owners have installed the apps and agreed to share data with public-health authorities.

Developers have already created such apps in countries including Singapore and China to try to contain the pandemic.

In Europe, the Czech Republic says it will release an app after Easter. Britain, Germany and Italy are also developing their own tracing tools.

No such apps have yet been announced in the United States, but Governor Gavin Newsom of California said Friday that state officials have been in touch with the companies as they look ahead at how to reopen and lift stay-at-home orders.

Surgeon general under fire for telling African Americans not to smoke, drink or take drugs and 'highly offensive' use of 'big momma' as coronavirus pandemic hits black community hardest

Surgeon General Jerome Adams has been met with outrage by the black community for using phrases like 'abuela', 'big momma' and 'poppop', while pleading for minorities to not drink or smoke and follow the government's guidelines to slow the spread of the coronavirus .

'We need you to do this if not for yourself than for your abuela. Do it for your granddaddy, do it for your big momma, do it for your poppop,' the nation's top doctor said Friday at the daily coronavirus taskforce briefing - while also advising those groups to 'avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs.'

Adams told Americans of color that they need to 'step up' to stop the spread of coronavirus, and said 'social ills' are likely a contributing factor when looking at the dire statistics that the outbreak has killed twice as many black and Latino people than white Americans.

Now members of the black community are calling out the Surgeon General for 'pandering' to them with his use of slang and also for his 'offensive' instruction that those specific communities to stop drinking and smoking during this pandemic.

Surgeon General Jerome Adams asked members of communities of color in the United States to follow the White House guidelines, imploring them to 'do it for your granddaddy, do it for your big momma, do it for your poppop'

The surgeon general talked about some of the dire statistics that show black and Latino Americans are dying twice as much of coronavirus complications than their white peers

TV host and actress Claudia Jordan took to Twitter to express her outrage at Adams' comments.

'The surgeon general telling black folks not to drink and smoke and do it for ya "paa paa and big momma". Where they get this guy from? How dumb do they think we are with this? How bout suggesting that EVERYONE cut back? Let's not do that ok?' Jordan said.

One man on Twitter, David DeLoatch, said: 'Let me tell a lot of you something, we don't talk the way movies, songs, and the media portrays us. The Surgeon General is trying to relate to a life he never lived, listen to his voice and they way he speaks. He has never called anyone "big momma," and neither have I.'

Other questioned why Adams' word choice, writing: 'As if people wouldn't understand him if he said, "Do it for your grandparents"?'

Some bashed him for using 'stereotypical ethnic names for our relative'.

And activist Blaine Hardaway wrote: 'I really would like to say I'm surprised but of course I'm not. Trump sent the only black guy on his team out to chastise black and Latino people for smoking and drinking, as if that's the reason our communities are predisposed to this virus. Just disgusting.'

Adams was met with immediate push back for his comments later in the briefing when PBS NewsHour's Yamiche Alcindor asked him to respond to those who might have been offended by his colloquialisms.

'We need targeted outreach to the African-American community and I used the language that is used in my family,' Adams said. 'I have a Puerto Rican brother-in-law, I call my granddaddy "granddaddy" I have relatives who call their grandparents big momma.'

'That was not meant to be offensive,' he added. 'That's the language that we use and I use and we need to continue to target our outreach to those communities.'

Alcindor also pressed Adams on why he mentioned drugs and alcohol, when talking specifically about communities of color.

'All Americans need to avoid these substances at all times,' he said.

TV host and actress Claudia Jordan took to Twitter to express her outrage at Adams' comments

Adams was met with immediate push back for his comment later in the briefing by PBS NewsHour's Yamiche Alcindor

Activist Blaine Hardaway wrote: 'I really would like to say I'm surprised but of course I'm not

Other questioned why Adams didn't choose the word 'grandparents' instead, writing: 'As if people wouldn't understand him if he said, "Do it for your grandparents"?'

Members of the black community are calling out the Surgeon General for 'pandering' to them and his 'offensive' instruction to stop drinking and smoking during this pandemic

Some bashed him for using 'stereotypical ethnic names for our relative'

One man David Deloatch said the Surgeon General is 'trying to relate to a life he never lived'

On Wednesday, New York released data that showed black and Latino people were twice as likely to die from coronavirus than white residents.

Similar figures are popping up around the country including in Chicago where 70 per cent of the deaths have been black people, who only make up 30 per cent of the population.

In Louisiana, with New Orleans being another hot spot, 70 per cent of the dead have been black. Black people only make up 32 per cent of residents in the state.

'Everywhere we look, the coronavirus is devastating our communities,' said Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP.

Johnson and other black leaders, including Rev. Jesse Jackson, were on a call Friday with Vice President Mike Pence, who is leading the White House's coronavirus taskforce, and Adams, who took over the briefing room podium to discuss the call and the numbers.

'So what's going on?' he said. 'Well it's alarming, but it's not surprising that people of color have a greater burden of chronic health conditions.'

Among those are high blood pressure, which Adams said African-Americans and Native Americans see at a much younger age than their white counterparts.

'Puerto Ricans have higher rates of asthma and black boys are three times as likely to die of asthma than their white counterparts,' Adams said.

PBS NewsHour's Yamiche Alcindor asked Adams to respond to those who might have been offended by his colloquialisms during the briefing

Crosses are seen outside of a church, as each cross represents one life lost to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the state of Louisiana, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana U.S, April 10

Adams then pulled out his own red inhaler, used to open the airwaves during an asthma attack.

'As a matter of fact, I've been carrying an inhaler in my pocket for 40 years out of fear of having a fatal asthma attack,' said Adams, who is black. 'And I hope that showing you this inhaler shows little kids with asthma all across the country that they can grow up to be Surgeon General one day.'

'But I more immediately share it so that everyone knows it doesn't matter if you look fit, if you look young, you are still at risk for getting and spreading and dying from coronavirus,' he warned.

Adams said the 'chronic burden of medical ills' among Americans of color is making those communities less resilient to the 'ravages' of COVID-19.

'And it's possible, in fact likely that the burden of social ills is also contributing,' he remarked.

He mentioned trends like fewer people of color having jobs where they can work from home. He also pointed to housing trends - where many Americans of color live in urban, and thus more densely-packed, places and have multi-generational living arrangements.

'We tell people to wash their hands, but a study shows that 30 per cent of homes on Navaho nation don't have running water, so how are they going to do that?' he asked.

The takeaway, Adams said, was that 'people of color experience both more likely exposure to COVID-19 and increased complications from it.'

Adams was asked later in the briefing if he should have used language like 'big momma' and brought up alcohol and drug use when speaking about communities of color

'But let me be crystal clear, we do not think people of color are biologically or genetically predisposed to get COVID-19, there is nothing inherently wrong with you,' he said. 'But they are socially pre-disposed to coronavirus exposure and have a higher incidence of the very diseases that put you at risk for severe complications of coronavirus.'

Adams then encouraged members of those communities to follow the guidelines of social distancing, mask-wearing and hand-washing strictly.

'Wash your hands more often than you ever dreamed possible,' he said. 'Avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs,' he advised.

'And call your friends and family, check in on your mother, she wants to hear from you right now,' Adams said.

And with the mention of mothers, Adams listed nicknames for Spanish grandmothers and black moms.
This year's Married At First Sight cast have struggled to turn their fifteen minutes of fame into lasting careers as Instagram influencers.

But fan favourite Mishel Karen could be bucking the trend, with the mother-of-two signing a deal with a major PR agency this week.

On Friday, the 49-year-old police worker announced she had signed with Melbourne-based PR and marketing agency Modern Currency.

Bright future! Married At First Sight's Mishel Karen has signed a deal with a major PR agency

In an Instagram post, Mishel said: 'Yes! I signed with a PR agency. Why? Simple... I don't know what I'm doing!'

The owners of Modern Currency also issued a statement on social media.

'We're so excited to be representing the beautiful and incredible powerhouse that is Mishel,' they wrote.

Success! In an Instagram post, Mishel said: 'Yes! I signed with a PR agency. Why? Simple... I don't know what I'm doing!'

Since shooting to fame on MAFS, Mishel has amassed more than 85,000 followers on Instagram.

Many of her photos are attracting thousands more 'likes' than photos from her younger co-stars, including Aleks Markovic and Natasha Spencer.

With her social media following growing by the day, Mishel could become this season's Martha Kalifatidis.

From Martha to Mishel! With her social media following growing by the day, Mishel could become this season's Martha Kalifatidis (pictured)

Martha is currently the most followed MAFS star on social media, and has launched a full time career as an influencer and ambassador for top brands like Nip+Fab, Aceology, Shopback and more.

Last week, Mishel raked in more than 14,000 likes on a sponsored Instagram post for a fashion label.

In a series of photos, she posed seductively in an orange blazer and matching pants.

Work it! Last week, Mishel raked in more than 14,000 likes on a sponsored Instagram post for a fashion label

She confidently flaunted a hint of cleavage in the ensemble, tousling her hair and pouting her lips for some added sex appeal.

Indicating that the post was sponsored, Mishel tagged the clothing brand in her post, along with her stylist and a wardrobe rental service.

'Professional Social Distancer... my MONDAY iso VIBE Wearing my outfits IN,' she captured the post.

'Hired from @glamcornerau and styled by @emeliamorrisstylist #glamcornerau.'
Seven members of a family, have



been booked for violating the lockdown rules by entering Dakshina Kannada district by sea from Talapady in Kasaragod district of neighbouring Kerala.

The case was registered against Yakoob, a resident of Addur in Bajpe police station limits and his family members.

They had gone to a relatives house in Talapady on the Kasaragod side where they got stuck after the lockdown was clamped.

As the district administration has sealed all border points, Yakoob hired a boat with help of one Shakir who sailed them to Talapady side of Dakshina Kannada, from where they reached Addur, police sources said.

Local people who saw them at a ration shop, brought the matter to the notice of the police, who took them into custody.

They have been sent for medical tests and quarantined at the Wenlock hospital, the sources said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Malbec is a grape that we're all familiar with, and if it's one of your favourite varieties, Friday would be a good day to crack open a bottle and toast World Malbec Day. No prizes for guessing that this day was created by Wines of Argentina, but it does have a bit of a back story. It commemorates the day, in 1953, when Argentinian president Domingo Faustino Sarmiento commissioned a French wine expert, Michel Aime Pouget, to bring some new grape varieties from France to Argentina. It is pretty well accepted, although not as well known, that the French vine cuttings would have arrived first in Chile, before making their way over the Andes to Argentina. But once in Argentina, the vines showed a huge affinity with the terroir there, and the rest is wine history.

Known as Auxerrois in Cahors, the only appellation in France which is based on the grape, it was once the most commonly planted grape in the southwest of France, and was widely grown in the Bordeaux region. Severe winter frosts in 1956 killed many of the vines, and when it came to replanting, Merlot was seen to be a more interesting alternative.

The lush, ripe fruit, a distinct spiciness and its velvety texture make Malbec hugely appealing. It also goes spectacularly well with beef, so no surprises that it found its spiritual home in Argentina, where the grilled steaks from the beef raised on the pampas are legendary. We discovered it first in Ireland back in the early millennium years, when decking and the joys of outdoor barbeques swept through the country. It was a style of wine that appealed at the time, influenced by wine critic Robert Parker's favourable ratings for full-bodied wine. Along with Australian Shiraz, it was big and powerful and had plenty of toasty oak.

Trends and tastes have changed, and now many wine makers have moved away from a pronounced use of oak, which can overwhelm the nuance of flavour. Rather than power, they are looking for purity and freshness. Some of the most interesting wines in Argentina are being made from grapes grown at a higher altitude, where cooler nights ensure the grapes don't ripen too quickly.

Alberto Antonini, co-founder and winemaker of Altos Las Hormigas, is one of the proponents of this approach. Malbec, he explains, is a fragile variety that is easily overpowered by young toasted oak, and an excess of oxygen in small barrels can strip the energy and vitality from the wine.

At Altos Las Hormigas, after employing vineyard mapping expert Pedro Parra to do a comprehensive analysis of the diverse soils in Mendoza, they set about identifying soils with similar characteristics. They found that the limestone soils of Cahors, back in the country where Malbec originated, can also produce a distinctively fresh and elegant style of wine. Two of their wines, the Altos Las Hormigas from Argentina and the Causse du Theron from France, are included in this week's line up.





Wine of the week: Altos Las Hormigas Mendoza Malbec Clasico 2018

21.99, 13.5pc, from blackrockcellar.com, greenmanwines.ie, stationtostationwine.ie, thecorkscrew.ie, thewinecentre.ie and wineoline.ie

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The primary source of fruit for this unoaked Malbec is from Altos Las Hormigas' own vineyard in Lujan de Cuyo in Mendoza in Argentina. The silty, sandy soils provide good drainage and allow the roots to dig down deep, keeping them cool in the summer sun. With a biodynamic approach to farming, grapes are hand-harvested, and fermented using natural yeasts. The wine is then aged for a minimum of nine months in concrete vats to allow it to round out. With a spicy nose, on the palate it is pure, with freshly picked juicy blackberries, purple plums and a whisper of black pepper.

Exquisite Collection Argentinian Malbec 2018

7.99, 13.5pc, from Aldi

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An easy-drinking Malbec from the Uco Valley in Mendoza, you can't go wrong at this price. Fresh, with rustic flavours of purple plums and blackberries.

Eugenio Bustos Leyenda Malbec 2017

10.99, 13pc, from Spar, Eurospar, Londis and Mace

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From the Uco Valley in Mendoza, this is one of a range of wines which are very good quality for their price point. With ripe blackberries and plums, there's a gentle touch of spice and silky chocolate.

Norton Barrel Select Malbec 2018

11.95, reduced from 14.95, 14pc, from O'Briens and obrienswine.ie

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Hand-harvested, this is aged in French oak barrels but just shows a gentle touch of savoury spice which melds beautifully with the ripe flavours of crushed dark plum. Great on its own or with ratatouille or grilled meat.

Causse du Theron 'En Pente' Cahors Malbec 2014

27.99, 13pc, from thecorkscrew.ie, and wineoline.ie

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From a steep two-hectare plot on limestone soils in Cahors, the grapes are hand-harvested, fermented with wild yeast and aged for two years in a tank. Fresh, with pure, juicy red plums and a touch of raspberries on finish.
US President Donald Trump has invited Twitters ire after posting a tweet wishing people Happy Good Friday. In a tweet shared last evening, Trump posted the message in all capitals, instantly earning backlash from people.

I cant believe Trump just wished all of America a happy Good Friday. Its like he doesnt even know what Good Friday is, wrote a Twitter user.

Good Friday is a significant day for the Christian community as it commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Good Friday is a day of mourning and the good means holy.

This is why Trumps tweet has earned him severe criticism on Twitter.

HAPPY GOOD FRIDAY TO ALL!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 10, 2020

Collecting over 47,000 retweets, Trumps tweet has received a flurry of comments from tweeple slamming the president for his post.

Just another evidence you know absolutely NOTHING about Christianity. There's nothing happy about Good Friday. Wait for Easter Sunday.   Chidi (@ChidiNwatu) April 10, 2020

Dear Christian friends,



I was taught that Good Friday is a somber day, and that saying "Happy Good Friday" is in poor taste, even offensive.



True or false? #GoodFriday  Nancy Levine Vote.org (@nancylevine) April 10, 2020

I am not even Catholic and I know that Good Friday is not a happy holiday.  David Weissman (@davidmweissman) April 10, 2020

Happy?



You're not really familiar with Christian holy days, are you?  Arlo Walker (@ArloTWalker) April 10, 2020

This isnt the first time Trump has found himself on the receiving end of Twitters trolling. Last year, the US President called Apple CEO Tim Cook Tim Apple at a White House event. The gaffe was noticed by people who flooded Twitter with posts pointing it out.
Emerging Nollywood actress, Amara Maduka, has revealed her most important plan during this COVID 19 pandemic.

According to voluptuous actress, immediately after the Coronavirus Lockdown in Lagos State she will be going to engage in sexual intercourse.

Read Also: Nigerian Actress, Foluke Daramola Loses 2-Month-Old Pregnancy Due To Marriage Break Up Rumour (Photo)

She says, The first thing Id do when the Lockdown is over is to get some really good sex, dont ask me where from. You know toys are great, but when you have so much time on your hands like we all do now, you get to think about things you really havent had time to think about.

Like how the little things in life, like good sex really matter, considering the fact that we only live once and weve all seen how fragile life is in the past weeks. Im not having enough sex as a spinster.

My peaches is the least used part of my body and its not fair on the innocent organ. With all the deaths happening around us, I cant stop thinking what if?. No one is sure of anything anymore these days.

One has to really take a shot at this one life. I have been making due with my toys even though theyre beginning to bore me, she asserted.

On her relationship status;I did meet someone not too long but I still consider myself single. Im really taking my time because I dont want to rush. Ive dated myself for so long it feels a bit awkward letting someone in but were taking it slow and he seems to understand.

I dont sit around with plans for marriage or babies.. Im not trying to be anybodys wife, literally. Its great when marriage and kids happen for anyone but I dont see them as priorities at this point in my journey.

If God blesses me with them, I would happily play my role as expected but before then, I got a life to live and things to do, she added.
'Considering Mumbai's population density, one can expect to see more positive cases in areas like Dharavi in the days to come.'

'That is the challenge before the public health infrastructure and preparation of the city in dealing with such crises.'

Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com reports.

IMAGE: A view of a deserted road near Dharavi in north central Mumbai. Photograph: Kunal Patil/PTI Photo

With as many as 22 people testing positive for COVID-19 in the Dharavi slums in Mumbai, the city's civic administration is likely to face its biggest health challenge in containing the spread of coronavirus with an epidemiologist expressing concern that the transmission in the city has already reached transmission stage.

The city has till now reported 64 confirmed deaths due to COVID-19 out of 993 COVID-19 positive cases (as of April 10).

Maharashtra has 1,574 cases and a death toll of 97 (as of April 10). Out of these, 218 fresh cases and 10 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours in Mumbai.

With such a sharp surge in the number of fatalities, the city has emerged as a COVID-19 hotspot. The state administration as well as BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation-run hospitals in Mumbai, on their part, have ramped up screenings and testing capacity, quarantining people who show symptoms and enforcing a strict lockdown across 381 containment zones.

Has Mumbai reached the community transmission stage?

As health experts find ways to contain the spread of coronavirus, there is disagreement between them about the pace at which the virus is spreading in the city.

While BMC officials told the Hindustan Times that the city has reached community transmission stage, state government officials as well as doctors working in BMC-run civic hospitals strongly refute this claim.

"We have not reached the community transmission stage," Dr Archana Patil, director, health services, Maharashtra, tells Rediff.com over the phone.

"Community transmission happens when a person tests positive for COVID-19 without having any known international or domestic travel history and who has not come into contact with a COVID-19 positive patient but still tests positive," Dr Patil explains why the city cannot be categorised as having reached stage three or community transmission stage.

"Community transmission happens when the coronavirus spreads in a limited geographical location from a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 without satisfying the above two conditions," she elaborates.

A senior epidemiologist working at a BMC-run hospital reflects Dr Patil's assessment.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has not yet reached the community transmission stage despite the first two cases from Dharavi that are being categorised as spread due to 'community transmission'," says the epidemiologist on condition that his name should not be cited in this report as he is not authorised to comment on the issue.

"We have not reached the community transmission stage. We are somewhere a little ahead of stage II and far behind stage III transmission which is considered community transmission," he says.

"As an epidemiologist I can tell you that there has not been a very high surge in COVID-19 positive cases (in Mumbai). See, if we test more, the chances are we will get more positive cases and we have begun testing on a bigger scale now," he says, explaining why the number of cases are rising in the city.

Clarifying why the two people who first tested positive for coronavirus in Dharavi cannot be considered cases of community transmission, the epidemiologist says, "While they didn't have any travel history they may have come into contact with those who were positive."

"The people from whom these two Dharavi residents got their infections can be traced and must have been traced and quarantined," he adds. "This is not apparent because the BMC does not disclose these details."

Another epidemiologist, who is also at the frontline of containing the spread of coronavirus and works at another BMC hospital, says, "We reached the community transmission stage almost a week ago. We have had cases that have tested COVID-19 positive without having any travel history or any known contact with a COVID-19 positive patient," he says, referring to the same two cases from Dharavi.

The spread of coronavirus

But more than Dharavi, this epidemiologist pins the blame on the city reaching stage III on the lax arrangements provided to healthcare officials and airport staff at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in the days when alarm bells had just begun to get louder.

"The airport staff and doctors there did not have any protective masks when this all began sometime in mid-March. Some people from the airport have tested positive," he reveals.

"Some of these staff living along the periphery of the airport must have tested positive for COVID-19 and spread the infection to those who came in contact with them," he explains.

"It could also have spread from healthcare workers who are at the frontline. Suppose, I am a healthcare worker who has come home after being in the presence of a COVID-19 patient. The virus can stay alive on clothes for 12 hours. If I don't disinfect these clothes as per standard protocol and if anybody from my home comes into contact with these contaminated clothes, then there is high chance of the other person getting infected," he explains.

"The community spread could happen due to multi-causal factors," he adds, offering another probable reason why the spread in Mumbai could have reached stage III.

According to this doctor, community transmission spreads in cycle and continues like an uncontrolled chain reaction.

"Suppose if I am a COVID-19 positive person and if I come in contact with five people out of which three get infected and test COVID-19 positive. These three, who are infected, in turn pass it on to the three, each taking the figure to 9 who will then take it to 27 (it spreads exponentially) and so the chain reaction continues. This is how such infections go viral," he explains.

"The Dharavi cases did not have any history of travel; they must have got infected from someone in the community outside Dharavi with whom these two must have come in contact with," he adds.

IMAGE: BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation workers prepare an isolation centre for COVID-19 patients at the NSCI dome at Worli, south central Mumbai, April 9, 2020. Photograph: Kunal Patil/PTI Photo

The fightback

"That's the reason why lockdowns and containment zones are so crucial in stopping community transmissions," explains the senior epidemiologist quoted earlier.

Mumbai, which had 212 containment zones two days ago, has seen this number rise to 381 as the lockdown seems to be failing to contain the community transmission.

"We have now sealed almost 400 localities across the city as these areas have higher chances of spreading community transmission," says the second epidemiologist.

"Just so that this community transmission doesn't get viral, the BMC and state administration has taken the decision to create these containment zones where nobody is allowed to enter or exit from these localities. Again these localities have started mohalla clinics so that those showing symptoms could be isolated and sent for tests or home quarantined," adds the younger epidemiologist.

"That is what the lockdown is for. To stop the spread of coronavirus and prevent it from reaching Stage III, the BMC has created containment areas, which are a harsher version of a lockdown," says the senior epidemiologist.

"That is why even doctors are requesting the public to stay at home and prevent themselves and others from getting coronavirus infection. You move out and you get it at your own place and the source remains unknown. If that happens, then community transmission is very difficult to contain," he says.

According to him, all the doctors at BMC-run hospitals are following the standard operating protocols meticulously.

"That is the reason why you don't find even a single BMC doctor getting infected from coronavirus even though you have such cases happening abroad," he says. "We wear (N95) masks, PPEs (personal protection equipment), sanitise our hands mandatorily. We have a very meticulous plan of action at every health institute in Mumbai."

"We will need to continue with the sealing off of these containment areas for at least 20 more days if we were to stop community transmission. That's the only way out. The last two swabs of the last COVID-19 patient should test negative for us to break the chain of community transmission," says the second epidemiologist.

Offering an insight into the sudden surge of COVID-19 positive patients in Mumbai, the senior epidemiologist says, "Now that we have increased our testing capacity manifold, the graph of increase or decrease in COVID-19 positive patients can only tell how long it would take to completely contain the spread of coronavirus."

According to him, Maharashtra has built the capacity to test 18,000 people in a day at various state-run, district and block-level healthcare centres, with one-third, or 6,000, of these tests happening in Mumbai alone.

The dark clouds and silver lining

Like every dark cloud having a silver lining, the fact that the rate at which Indians are getting infected is far slower compared to global standards.

Another positive is the fact that many Indians have been vaccinated for BCG (Bacille Calmette Guerin) that offers effective immunisation against tuberculosis. According to research reports, this vaccine prevents coronavirus infections, and that could act as a major positive for the country, says the second epidemiologist.

"The one positive factor that works in India's favour is that compared to global standard, the percentage of COVID-19 positive patients (out of the total tests done) stand at just 4 to 6 per cent," he says.

"The other positive for us Indians is that most Indians have taken BCG vaccine, which as many research papers have shown, helps prevent coronavirus infection," he adds.

"The only concern is many old people above 60 to 70 may not have taken the BCG vaccine and also those living on the margins or in slums may not have taken the BCG vaccine. Those who have not gone for BCG vaccination are emerging as a high-risk category," he says about the dark clouds hovering over India's fight against COVID-19.

Another dark cloud for a city like Mumbai, where space is at premium and people live in cramped clusters like Dharavi will pose major challenge in the days ahead, he says.

"Considering Mumbai's population density, one can expect to see more positive cases in areas like Dharavi in the days to come. That is the challenge before the public health infrastructure and preparation of the city in dealing with such crises," he says.

"Almost 4 to 6 people stay in dingy tenements and even if one of them gets positive without knowing it, he is likely to go out and infect many others aiding the community transmission cycle," he adds.

"BMC doctors will really have to make huge efforts to stop and contain community transmission in Mumbai's slums."
Rushing to stave off a shortage of medical-grade protective gear to combat the spread of the coronavirus, Minnesota officials leaned on a local company's global connections to airlift a cache of N95 masks from a Chinese factory back to the state for delivery this week.

Washington state purchased 750,000 cotton swabs for coronavirus tests, taking a risk because the product located by officials has not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The state is also betting that a Seattle-based outdoor gear company, known for its backpacks and parkas, can reconfigure its operations to produce N95 respirators.

And California, acting as a "nation state" in the words of the governor, began buying 200 million masks per month to shore up supplies in that state and, potentially, across the country.

Elsewhere, some governors and lawmakers have watched in disbelief as they have sought to close deals on precious supplies, only to have the federal government swoop in to preempt the arrangements.

Officials in one state are so worried about this possibility that they are considering dispatching local police or even the National Guard to greet two chartered FedEx planes scheduled to arrive in the next week with millions of masks from China, according to people familiar with the planning. These people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, asked that their state not be identified to avoid flagging federal officials to their shipment.

As the Trump administration assumes what the president has called a "backup" role in distributing supplies to fight the pandemic, state governments are taking extraordinary - and often unorthodox - steps to compete in an increasingly cutthroat global marketplace.

The result is a patchwork and often chaotic scramble for goods, pitting states against each other and, often, against other countries or even the U.S. government.

"We're doing what everyone else is doing," Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, said in an interview. "You've got 50 states and the federal government all chasing the same companies. It's crazy."

Soaring prices have left states at times to pay up to 10 times the normal prices for certain goods, according to officials from multiple states, eating away at cash reserves and laying the foundation for a fiscal crunch that several governors believe will require federal bailouts. Windfalls, so far, go largely to foreign companies that make the equipment along with third-party brokers that often help connect states with manufacturers and then get a cut, according to state officials and business people.

Worried about losing potential deals, state governments have tossed aside long-standing purchasing rules about how to spend taxpayer money, offering funds up front for equipment before it disappears. Governors and top aides are spending hours on the phone, hunting for friends, relatives of aides or other personal connections that might give them an edge. Teams of senior state aides - who in normal times oversee issues such as climate change and health policy - sit in conference rooms and bid all day.

The frenzy invites the potential for fraud, according to several aides to governors, with officials in New Jersey, Illinois, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Washington state all saying they have been inundated with pitches from likely scam artists.

Help from the federal government is inconsistent, with some governors having luck working with their regional directors from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, others finding an in with Jared Kushner, a White House adviser and the president's son-in-law, and some appealing directly to President Donald Trump.

Some governors are directing blame at the federal government, which has taken only partial control of the supply chain, dictating how certain supplies are allocated while standing by as a bidding war ensues over the rest.

"If I was going to draw a model, I think that our national response should look a lot more like a national response to World War II and less like the Balkans," said Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat, whose state saw the initial outbreak.

This account of the worldwide scramble by governors and their administrations to locate the supplies they need to protect their residents and health-care workers amid a public health crisis unlike any other in modern history is based on interviews with 48 state, local and federal officials and business leaders involved with the response, as well as a review of procurement records and public statements by officials.

Administration officials say that they are now shipping supplies directly to states instead of going to the national stockpile first.

"We're giving states what they need when they need it," said Katie Miller, a spokeswoman for the Trump administration.

An administration official said many states are asking for things they do not need and that some of the states are inflating their requests to look like they are delivering for their states. Officials quiz the states on their state stockpiles, what their burn rate is at personal protective equipment at hospitals, how many of their beds are filled, how many of them are coronavirus patients, what their capacity is and what they normally order.

Some of the states are seeking supplies, this official said, for items they say they might need in several weeks. Decisions are made by FEMA, but recommendations sometimes come from Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Kushner and others based on their interactions with states.

"FEMA makes the decision, but it's not like FEMA is going to do the opposite of what the president tells them to do," a second official said.

Administration officials say there are now daily meetings about supplies, and Kushner has installed something of a SWAT team at FEMA to fix the issue. They are also counting on "Project Airbridge," the federal government's partnership with major health-care distributors, such as McKesson Corp. and Cardinal, to quickly source and deliver medical supplies to the United States.

The government is directing distributors to send about half of the material to hot spots and to release the other half to the commercial market, said a FEMA spokeswoman, Lizzie Litzow.

"This agreement may be misconstrued as FEMA 'commandeering' supplies from the company or their customers," Litzow said.

But some state officials and lawmakers see it differently - that FEMA, having failed to organize a coherent national strategy, is instead interfering in seemingly random ways.

"Stories from FEMA are contradicted by what we're hearing on the ground, namely that they deny that they're confiscating or redirecting PPE while they're clearly commandeering it for their distribution system," Rep. John Yarmuth, D-Ky., said in an interview.

Four shipments of equipment heading to Kentucky hospitals were redirected or taken over by FEMA, according to a hospital CEO who wrote to Yarmuth and other lawmakers earlier this month. The first order was en route from Texas when it was diverted to St. Louis at the demand of FEMA, Garren Colvin, the CEO, wrote in an email reviewed by The Washington Post. In another case, a deposit had already been made for supplies from China when, Colvin wrote, "we were told that the order was canceled at the request of the US Government."

Craig Fugate, a former FEMA administrator, said the agency is asserting its authority over the allocation of critically needed supplies. The agency, which historically responds to one-time disasters in particular regions such as hurricanes and earthquakes, has not been equipped to conduct a nationwide delivery effort for an ongoing crisis. The challenge is amplified by the relative lack of domestic medical supply production.

"They are using the tools the federal government has to move a system that was not built for this type of response," he said.

But the administration appears reluctant to fully override market competition. "I'm not here to disrupt a supply chain," Navy Rear Adm. John Polowczyk, who is heading FEMA's supply chain task force, said at a recent White House briefing.

The split approach only deepens the uncertainty in the states.

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., became so frustrated after accounts of the federal government apparently seizing some supplies that were headed to his state, that he tasked his staff with understanding their rationale.

"I wanted to figure out, how is FEMA making these decisions? How involved are they in the supply chain?" Murphy said in an interview. "My staff got on a bunch of calls. We weren't any closer to understanding how the federal government was using the supply chain."

For most states, the king of supplies is the ventilator - one of the few pieces of equipment that can provide hope for the sickest patients.

Trump has promised that thousands remain at hand, but states have begun sharing the equipment among themselves. And some say there still aren't enough to go around.

"The national stockpile was smaller than what we anticipated," said Kenneth Raske, the CEO of New York's largest association of hospitals. "We thought there were a lot more ventilators than there were."

One official in New Jersey said the state had offered to pay exorbitant funds for ventilators but still could not find them - and remained about 1,000 short of what was needed.

Purchasing has become more difficult since the federal government used the Korean War-era Defense Production Act to restrict access to ventilators produced by 11 companies. As of Thursday, these include Medtronic, General Electric and Philips, according to Litzow.

Whether states still have a shot at an order can be a matter of luck. One of Georgia's state-approved vendors, for instance, doesn't fall on that list, and the state was recently able to place an $18 million order for 1,200 ventilators, said Lisa Rodriguez-Presley, a spokeswoman for the state's emergency management and homeland security agency.

Elsewhere, hospitals have gone to great lengths to be sure they don't have a shortage. In Maine, officials looked to veterinarians for relief. The devices will need to be adjusted for human use, said Marta Agrodnia, a veterinary surgeon in Portland who gave up her practice's two machines.

Some Democrats have complained that politics appears to be a factor at times in determining which states receive ventilators from the national stockpile.

In Colorado, which is nearing 200 deaths from the virus, the governor's office learned via a tweet from Trump on Wednesday that the federal government would be sending 100 ventilators.

Trump credited the state's Republican senator, Cory Gardner, for requesting the items. Gardner is facing a difficult reelection campaign this year, and made the request to the president in a private conversation this past week. .

Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo. ,said she was alarmed by the episode.

"Do you have to have some sort of in with the president to get breathing devices?" DeGette said in an interview.

Moreover, the shipment is far short of the 10,000 ventilators requested by Colorado's Democratic governor, Jared Polis. And it's just a fraction of the 500 ventilators Colorado ordered from a private manufacturer, only to be told last week that FEMA had stepped in and preempted the request.

A White House aide, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations across multiple agencies, said the administration uses data provided by the states to distribute resources "at the right time." Gardner, in a statement, said he was "very thankful" that Trump had provided the ventilators, adding, "We're going to continue to work with the president for more and continue to meet Colorado's needs."

At the same time, there is bipartisan criticism of the chaotic global marketplace in which state and local authorities are seeking to fend for themselves.

"You have literally everyone in the world competing for all the same manufacturers right now," New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican, told WMUR-TV. "A small municipality in France is competing with the state of New Hampshire, which is competing with the country of Mexico and the United States for these exact same items." Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican, told NBC this month that it "literally is a global jungle that we're competing in now."

With the national stockpile stretched so thin, officials in multiple states said they were working personal connections to free up resources all over the world.

"We've had people whose cousin has an entree into a factory in China that allows us to get products," Inslee said.

Many states have set up teams to collect incoming tips about potential supply caches, vet the tips and then follow up on those with promise. Massachusetts and Kansas developed Web portals where officials funnel all proposals. New Hampshire set up an emergency operations team stationed behind a state police roadblock. Temperature checks are required for entrance, according to local media reports.

Once a supply is located, finalizing a purchase has required states to throw out old rule books.

"The traditional norms have absolutely gone out the window in the middle of this pandemic," said Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.

The state, which ordinarily spends up to six months negotiating with vendors, now cuts checks before items even leave China. In two instances, staff physically drove seven-figure checks from their Springfield office to meet vendors - including an official who transported a $3.2 million check to a McDonald's parking lot for an handoff to make a bank deadline.

"My thought was we're going to lose this," recalled Ellen Andres, an assistant Illinois comptroller who drove the check for the parking-lot rendezvous. "We're going to lose 1.5 million masks."

The masks arrived, but Andres is well aware of the cost. "Anytime we get something, another state is not getting it," she said. "We're all trying to get the same supply."

The sheer number of buyers willing to pay top dollar has inevitably led to price increases.

Masks that used to go for 50 cents a piece now cost as much as $13 apiece, said Adam Carlson, senior director for government and political affairs at the Michigan Health and Hospital Association.

In Illinois, the state is lucky to get N95 masks, which typically cost $1.75 a piece, for $4.75 each, said an aide to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the bidding process. Prices can sometimes go up to $10 or $12 per mask, the aide said.

Prices for medical gowns have soared to four or five times the usual cost, officials in several states said. A ventilator can now price for close to six figures.

Some states have considered forming consortia, to pool their buying power. But, officials said, the big states have little incentive to work with the smaller ones and the system rewards those who can pay the most.

"We've done the same thing every other state has done, but we all know how the free market works," Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, said in an interview. "It goes to the highest bidder. I can't put in a bid for masks or ventilators or face shields that will rival what my colleagues in New York can do, or Illinois or Florida or California. You know what that's going to do to the smaller states."
Chinese mainland condemns Taiwan for racist attack aimed at WHO leader

Global Times

By Yang Sheng Source:Globaltimes.cn Published: 2020/4/10 1:02:19

Chinese mainland condemned Taiwan's separatist Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for making racist comments online against the World Health Organization's (WHO) director-general. The Taiwan party was also accused of using COVID-19 as a political trick to undermine the one-China principle and join the WHO, which is doomed to fail, according to a spokesperson with the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.

The spokesperson Zhu Fenglian made the remarks on Thursday, and said the DPP authority is playing "as dirty as it could" by using the pandemic to push for separatism and even connive the party's Internet "water army" to spread racist remarks against WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Li Haidong, a professor at the Institute of International Relations of China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times that the WHO will be an important international organization related to the shaping of the new world order once the pandemic ends. The US has noticed that the organization should be under its control rather than being professional and neutral, and Taiwan is playing as a "stick in the US' hand to hit the WHO."

Tedros said Wednesday he'd received death threats and racist insults while running global efforts to fight COVID-19.

"I can tell you, personal attacks that have been going on for more than two, three months. Abuse, or racist comments, calling me names, black or negro. I'm proud of being black, proud of being negro," he told reporters during a press conference call from the WHO's Geneva headquarters on Wednesday. "I don't care, to be honest ... even death threats. I don't give a damn."

Tedros was responding to a question on whether criticism from world leaders such as the US President Donald Trump in the midst of the global pandemic makes his job more difficult. Tedros commented specifically on the insults that he said came from Taiwan.

"Three months ago, this attack came from Taiwan. We need to be honest. I will be straight today. From Taiwan," he said. "And Taiwan, the 'Foreign Ministry' also, they know the campaign. They didn't disassociate themselves. They even started criticizing me in the middle of those insults and slurs, but I didn't care."

Li said the WHO is a professional organization dedicated to public health, but Taiwan has treated it as a political organization to push separatism and shake the one-China principle, so unsurprisingly it would be angry on the WHO as it cannot join the organization, even though obstacles do not stand in its way of receiving information on the pandemic from the organization.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian also defended the WHO on Thursday. Zhao said at the daily press conference that "China opposes any attempt to use the epidemic for purpose of politicization or stigmatization, and strongly condemns the personal attacks and racist words and deeds against WHO DG Tedros."

"Under the leadership of Tedros, the WHO has played an important role in assisting countries' responses to the epidemic and promoting international anti-epidemic cooperation by actively fulfilling its responsibilities and upholding an objective, science-based and unbiased stance, which has been widely recognized and highly praised by the international community. China supports the WHO in continuing to play a leading role in global anti-epidemic cooperation," Zhao said.

Those Western politicians who doubt the WHO's credibility and professionalism are self-contradictory. They follow the WHO's guidance to prevent COVID-19; meanwhile, they're reluctant to admit that the organization's scientists' suggestion of learning China' experiences is right, and they also downplayed the warnings sent from the WHO during the early stages of the pandemic. It is unfair for these same politicians to blame the WHO and China since they should be responsible for the outbreak in their countries, Li noted.

Zhao noted that since the outbreak, the DPP authorities in Taiwan have been doing everything they can to make political maneuvers and hype up Taiwan's participation in the WHO and the World Health Assembly.

"Their real intention is to seek separatism under the pretext of the pandemic. We are firmly opposed to that. Their scheme will never succeed,' he said.

Li Xiaobing, an expert on Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan studies at Nankai University in Tianjin, told the Global Times that it would be dangerous if the US and other Western countries to use Taiwan or other excuses to force professional scientists to leave the WHO, as it would damage the credibility of the organization and would also be harmful to the global fight against the pandemic.

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: The Union Territory of Puducherry reported its first COVID-19 death with a 71-year old man, hailing from Mahe, succumbing to the infection at a hospital in Kannur on Saturday.

Spokesman of the Department of Health, Puducherry, said this was the first coronavirus death from the UT.

The man died at the Pariyaram Medical College Hospital, Kannur District Medical Officer, Dr K Narayana Naik, told 'PTI'.

Kerala Health Minister K K Shailaja told reporters that "the man was not a patient from the state and had come to Kannur for treatment. All his relatives are in Mahe."



His nine-member family has tested negative for coronavirus, she said.

Mahe, a former French colony, which shares its borders with two Kerala districts-- Kannur and Kozhikode-, is an enclave of Puducherry.

Teams from Kerala and Mahe have traced almost all the contacts of the deceased and a list of 83 people has been prepared, the minister said.

"We have traced almost all contacts of the deceased.

A contact list with 83 persons has been prepared", she said adding the condition of the patient was critical and all efforts had been made to save his life.

The deceased had at first undergone treatment in two private hospitals at Thalassery and Kannur and was later admitted to the Pariyaram Medical College Hospital, where he died this morning, Dr Naik said.

Dr A K Jayasree of the medical college hospital said the man was also suffering from heart and kidney ailments and hypertension.

It is not clear from where the patient had contracted the virus as he has no travel history from abroad.

The man, a social worker, had attended various functions, including some weddings, offered prayers at a mosque and had travelled in various vehicles.

Samples of 16 people, who had come in contact with him, were found negative, Dr Jayasree said adding results of 30-40 other samples are awaited.

The deceased hailed from Chalakara in Mahe.

A Puducherry report said during treatment for renal ailment, the man tested positive for coronavirus and was shifted to a COVID-19 hospital in Kannur a few days later.

Seven people have tested positive for the virus in Puducherry, of whom one of them died Saturday morning.

A 68-year old woman from Mahe who had returned from a pilgrimage in March, had tested positive.

She had been cured and discharged from the Mahe government hospital recently.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
All this talk of a snap-back after the corona crisis is over reminds me of the obsession in some quarters with the pre-baby body. The pre-baby body is a nostalgic hark-back to a place where stretch marks did not exist, tummies were flat and there wasnt so much sag.

Snapping out of entrenched gender roles ... might something good come of this wretched virus? Credit:Bernsen's International Press Series

Women are supposed to pop back to this place like a press-stud snapping into position, as though they haven't experienced a brutal and life-changing physical event.

Its a deeply imperfect analogy. But it seems to me that a return to the same economic and social reality we had before the pandemic is just as unrealistic as the pre-baby-body pop-back.

All of humanity has been forced to stare deep into the eyes of our own mortality. There can be no perky snap back from that. The economic and social consequences of what we are living now will be felt for decades.
Major Australian abortion provider denied masks; supplies reserved during pandemic

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A prominent Australian-based abortion provider has reportedly been denied an order of face masks because the masks were said to be reserved for "health professionals."

Marie Stopes Australia spoke with Gina Rushton of BuzzFeed News earlier this week, claiming that they have been denied supplies including face masks and hand sanitizer amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Australias National Medical Stockpile told them last week that they could not provide them with medical supplies, as they were being reserved for entities like public hospitals and pharmacies.

Additionally, earlier this week the company Clifford Hallam Healthcare canceled an order for face masks for MSA, reportedly due to a request from the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

We have been requested to reserve our supplies for health professionals as they are the first priority, read the CHH email to MSA, as reported by BuzzFeed. We have had no option other to cancel your back orders for all masks.

According to Jamal Hakim of MSA, the entity only has about two weeks of supplies remaining for performing surgical abortions.

Many [personal protective equipment] suppliers do not consider abortion to be healthcare, Hakim told BuzzFeed. Over the past month, private suppliers have either refused to take orders or cancelled orders from MSA.

An entry on MSAs website, accessed Wednesday, noted that due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus, they were restricting their contraception and vasectomy services.

They also stated that abortions were an essential service and promised to continue to provide abortion services throughout this pandemic.

Micaiah Bilger of the pro-life website Life News celebrated the news, arguing that this was how it should be given that other medical and surgical services were being delayed due to COVID-19.

All over the world, cancer treatments, stents to prevent clogged arteries, dental work and joint replacements are being postponed because of the health crisis, wrote Bilger.

But the abortion industry thinks it is special. It wants its work killing unborn babies elevated above real health care.

As governments issue orders restricting mass gatherings and nonessential services, debates over to what extent abortion procedures should be allowed have been a source of controversy.

In the United Kingdom, the Department of Health and Social Care temporarily changed regulations to allow women in England to undergo medical abortions in their homes. The new regulation permits a woman seeking an abortion before the 10th week of a pregnancy to take abortion-inducing pills mifepristone and misoprostol at home during the lockdown.

The Christian Legal Centre, an evangelical conservative legal organization, accused the U.K. government of creating the most significant change to abortion law since 1967.

Centre CEO Andrea Williams stated that she believed the government was pushing through a back-door policy that will put thousands of women at risk in a time of national and global crisis.

In the United States, several states have called for a temporary halt to elective abortions to preserve personal protective equipment for healthcare workers on the front lines of the pandemic. Judges blocked the bans in Alabama, Ohio, and Texas. The block in Texas was recently lifted by an appeals court.
A meme floating around in recent days shows a group of women wearing housecoats in various pastel shades, with a caption that introduces this years Easter fashions. Its a bittersweet nod to the unusual circumstances this season.

Easter  for that matter, the entirety of Eastertide  has always been a special time in this corner of the world. For starters, the vast majority of residents in Southeast Alabama were raised in the tradition of the Christian doctrine, and congregations on Easter Sunday would often swell to capacity. My mother, who had several closets filled with Christmas decorations and three (!) sets of holiday china, would always talk about preferring Easter to Christmas as she set out her pastel eggs and bunnies each spring. The reason? Christmas is about Jesuss birth, but Easter is about rebirth, and the promise of eternal life.
CHICAGO - The U.S. death toll from the coronavirus eclipsed Italys for the highest in the world Saturday, surpassing 20,000, as Chicago and other cities across the Midwest braced for a potential surge in victims and moved to snuff out smouldering hot spots of contagion before they erupt.

With the New York area still deep in crisis, fear mounted over the spread of the scourge into the nations heartland.

Twenty-four residents of an Indiana nursing home hit by COVID-19 have died, while a nursing home in Iowa saw 14 deaths. Chicagos Cook County has set up a temporary morgue that can take more than 2,000 bodies. And Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been going around telling groups of people to break it up.

In Europe, countries used roadblocks, drones, helicopters, mounted patrols and the threat of fines to keep people from travelling over Easter weekend. With infections and deaths slowing in Italy, Spain and other places on the Continent, governments took tentative steps toward loosening the weeks-long shutdowns.

Glorious weather across Europe posed an extra test of peoples discipline.

Dont do silly things, said Domenico Arcuri, Italys special commissioner for the virus emergency. Dont go out, continue to behave responsibly as you have done until today, use your head and your sense of responsibility.

The outbreaks centre of gravity has long since shifted from China to Europe and the United State s, which now has by far the largest number of confirmed cases  over a half-million  and a death toll higher than Italys count of nearly 19,500, according to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.

The death rate  the number of dead relative to the population  is still far higher in Italy than in the United States, which has more than five times as many people. And worldwide, the true numbers of dead and infected are believed to be much higher because of testing shortages, different counting practices and concealment by some governments.

About half the deaths in the U.S. are in the New York metropolitan area, where hospitalizations are nevertheless slowing and other indicators suggest lockdowns and social distancing are flattening the curve of infections and staving off the doomsday scenarios of just a week or two ago.

New York state on Saturday reported 783 more deaths, for a total of over 8,600. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the daily number of deaths is stabilizing, but stabilizing at a horrific rate.

What do we do now? We stay the course, said Cuomo, who like other leaders has warned that relaxing restrictions too soon could enable the virus to come back with a vengeance.

With authorities warning that the crisis in New York is far from over, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the citys 1.1 million-student school system will remain closed for the rest of the academic year. But Cuomo said the decision is up to him, and no such determination has been made.

In the Midwest, pockets of contagion have alarmed state and city leaders and led to stricter enforcement.

Nearly 300 inmates at the Cook County Jail have tested positive for the virus, and two have died. In Wisconsin, health officials expect to see an increase in cases after thousands of people went to the polls Tuesday for the states presidential primary.

Michigans governor extended a stay-at-home order with new provisions: People with multiple homes may no longer travel between them.

In Kansas, the state Supreme Court heard arguments in a dispute Saturday between Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and Republican lawmakers who overturned her executive order banning religious services and funerals with more than 10 people. New Mexicos governor expaned a ban on mass gatherings to include churches and other houses of worship.

An AP tally from media reports and state health departments indicates at least 2,500 deaths have been linked to coronavirus in nursing homes and long-term care facilities across the United States, though the federal government has not been releasing a count of its own.

The Internal Revenue Service said the first economic support payments from a $2.2 trillion rescue package have been deposited in taxpayers bank accounts, but it didnt say how many people received them or how much money has been disbursed so far.

Elsewhere around the world, Italian authorities set up roadblocks around Milan to discourage people from going on Easter weekend trips. British police kept a close watch on gatherings in parks and at the seaside on one of the hottest days of the year. And France deployed some 160,000 police, including officers on horseback who patrolled beaches and parks.

With religious leaders around the globe urging people to observe Easter safely at home, the archbishop of Turin, Italy, allowed a video streaming display of the Shroud of Turin, believed by the faithful to be the burial cloth of Jesus, so that they can pray in front of it during the epidemic.

Pope Francis celebrated an Easter vigil Mass in an empty St. Peters Basilica, where the footsteps of the pontiff and his small entourage on the marble floor could be heard clearly as they walked in slow procession toward the altar. Francis likened coronavirus fears to anxiety felt by Jesus followers after his crucifixion.

For them, as for us, it was the darkest hour, he said, encouraging people to sow seeds of hope, with small gestures of care.

Austria aims to reopen small shops on Tuesday. Spain, with more than 16,600 dead, plans to allow workers in some nonessential industries to return to factories and construction sites Monday. Spanish authorities said they will distribute 10 million face masks at major train and subway stations.

Italy continued to include all nonessential manufacturing in an extension of its national lockdown until May 3. But Premier Giuseppe Conte held out hope that some industry could re-open earlier if conditions permit.

Arcuri said that the exit from the lockdown will include increased virus testing, the deployment of a voluntary contact-tracing app and mandatory blood tests as Italy seeks to set up a system of immunity passports.

India extended its lockdown of the nation of 1.3 billion people by two more weeks. But Iran, the site of the worst outbreak in the Middle East, reopened government offices and businesses outside Tehran.

In Indonesia, inmates set fire to a prison on Sulawesi island during a riot, apparently angry over restrictions imposed to contain the coronavirus. There were no reports of riot-related deaths.

Britain on Saturday reported 917 more deaths from the coronavirus, down from the peak of 980 recorded a day earlier. The countrys overall death toll neared 10,000. At the same time, data suggest that the number of hospital admissions in Britain is levelling off.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the first major world leader confirmed to have COVID-19, continued to recover at a London hospital, where he was able to take short walks, according to his office.

Worldwide, confirmed infections rose to about 1.8 million, with over 108,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins. More than 400,000 people have recovered.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. But for others, especially older people and those with health problems, it can cause severe symptoms like pneumonia.

___

Forliti reported from St. Paul, Minnesota. Moulson reported from Berlin. Associated Press journalists around the world contributed to this report.

___

Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.
Wearable sensors are being developed to help monitor the health of dairy cows with the aim of identifying the disease brucellosis at an earlier stage.

The 'fitbit' product is non-invasively placed on livestock monitoring daily activities 24/7, according to developer IceRobotics, a British agri-tech company.

Advanced processing of this information will help vets to monitor any changes in behaviour which could be early indicators for illness and allow them to shortlist livestock at an early stage.

In tandem, a portable test is being developed by another UK tech firm, Biotangents, to allow rapid confirmatory diagnosis of suspected cases.

This test will be used to evaluate samples from shortlisted animals and confirm if the disease is present.

Brucellosis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects livestock but can also be passed onto humans. Infected cows have abnormal pregnancies and lose their calves.

As there is no effective cure, the affected animals must be slaughtered. The current regulations require all cattle that have had contact with infected animals to be slaughtered.

Although the UK is officially brucellosis free, cases of the disease have been increasing in China in both animals and humans and it is seen regularly in Ireland and other European countries.

The UK-China project is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care and Cranfield University is the collaborations academic lead, working with both UK agri-tech firms.

These two types of technology will form a shortlist-and-test diagnostic platform. IceRobotics and Cranfield University will further develop its data analysis for the disease of brucellosis.

The molecular diagnostic device developed at Biotangents will allow a quick and accurate identification of infectious diseases

Meanwhile, Biotangents and the university will create the diagnostic test using Biotangents proprietary platform diagnostics technology, Moduleic SensingTM.

Dr Jerry Luo, an expert in wearables and data mining, said the advanced data processing algorithm being developed will track individual cow health more accurately and report illness at an early stage.

"This could be crucial in detecting changes in behaviours and pinpointing the diseased animal in the herd," Dr Luo said.

"Early intervention could prevent the disease spreading, so this really will be a vital tool for vets and livestock owners.

Dr Iva Chianella, expert on biosensors technology, added that the device developed at Biotangents is suitable for pen-side testing and will allow a quick and accurate identification of infectious diseases in livestock.

"This avoids the long delay and difficulty of sending samples to a laboratory," she said.

"After animals with behavioural patterns that may indicate infection have been spotted by the IceRobotics wearable sensors, their milk/serum will be analysed in-field using the Biotangents diagnostic device - obtaining an accurate diagnosis within two hours.

"This will permit quick identification of infected animals and therefore a prompt intervention, which will limit spread of the infection to other animals and humans, with a positive impact on economic development and population health.

The three-year project will conclude in 2022 and received 687,673 via Innovate UK from the Department of Health and Social Care.
By Steve Scherer

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian life could soon return to a semblance of normality if people bear down now to stop the spread of the coronavirus, but the risk of resurgence will remain until a vaccine is developed, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday.

During his daily press conference in front of his Ottawa home, Trudeau said a "more normal" phase could come as early as this summer.

"If we do things right, this will be the first and worst phase that we go through as a country in terms of COVID-19," Trudeau said.

Once the first phase of contagion has passed, "we will be able to talk about loosening up some of the rules that are in place" to get some people back to work "and get things rolling again," he said.

The prime minister said a partial return to normalcy would be accompanied by a major boost in coronavirus testing combined with the use of contact-tracing technologies to head off new outbreaks of the disease.

However, it may be 18 months or more before a vaccine can be developed to prevent the threat of a resurgence, he said.

Canada's coronavirus deaths rose to 531 on Friday, up 15% from 461 on Thursday, and total cases topped 21,000, the Public Health Agency said.

The death toll is set to soar to as high as 22,000 by the end of the pandemic, health officials said on Thursday, while the economy lost a record 1 million jobs last month.

As of Thursday, more than 5.6 million Canadians had applied for all forms of federal emergency unemployment help since March 15, government data showed.

Local governments across Canada have ordered non-essential businesses shut to combat the spread, throwing millions out of work. They have also closed parks and introduced fines against social gatherings.

Trudeau's government recalled the House of Commons to meet on Saturday and vote in limited numbers on measures including a wage subsidy worth C$73 billion ($52 billion) to soften the economic blow.

Story continues

Trudeau said he would speak from the floor of the House on Saturday instead of holding his daily press conference, which he has done from his home since being forced into quarantine on March 12 when his wife tested positive for the coronavirus.

He will not speak on Sunday and Monday so he can celebrate the Easter holiday with his family, he said.

($1 = 0.5748 Canadian dollars)

(Reporting by Steve Scherer; Editing by Steve Orlofsky)
Amid rising cases of coronavirus, an area in central Delhi -- Chandni Mahal -- has reported three deaths due to the virus in three days, an official informed on Saturday.

The District Magistrate (DM) informed media persons that at least 52 people have been found positive for coronavirus out of 102, who were evacuated from the different religious locations in the area.

"Interactions between those who have tested positive and the other residents cannot be ruled out," the DM said.

Security personnel have been deployed in Chandni Mahal, hours after it was declared as one of the containment zones late on Friday night by the Delhi government.

The administration will now sanitise the entire area and will also provide door-to-door delivery of the essential commodities to the residents.

Delhi has identified 30 COVID-19 hotspots where strict containment measures are being taken including a total ban on people leaving their homes.

With 40 deaths and 1,035 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, India on Saturday witnessed the sharpest ever increase in coronavirus cases, taking the tally of the infected people in the country to 7,447, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi, April 11 : For the first time, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is planning to commemorate Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar's birth anniversary on April 14 by lighting diyas in every house. The Samajik Samarasta Manch, which is linked to the RSS, has made special arrangements for it.

It is believed that the RSS will try to give a message of social equality and ending casteism by organising this event. Also, it can be seen as an answer to the critics who accuse the RSS of being anti-Dalit on various issues like reservation etc.

According to Anil Gupta, who is associated with the Manch, "A special event will be held in the memory of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar on the evening of April 14. There will also be a programme to light lamps in all the houses of the capital at 7 p.m.

Gupta said, "At the time of a crisis due to the coronavirus outbreak, it is important to remember Baba Saheb and follow his path." Sources in the RSS say that all the views expressed in Ambedkar's books match those of the Sangh. Hence, Ambedkar is an all time favourite of the Sangh. After the Modi government came to power in 2014, the Sangh and the BJP started celebrating Ambedkar's birth anniversary vigorously.

For instance, in 2015, the 'Sangh Parivar' and the BJP tried to rope in the Dalits by organising more than 300 programmes across the country on the 125th birth anniversary of Ambedkar.

The RSS has started a 'Seva Saptah' with an eye on the April 14 event. During the week, the Manch will express gratitude towards the doctors, nurses who are engaged in treating corona infected people without caring for their own lives.

Apart from this, the Manch will encourage the people who are engaged in essential services. It will run a campaign in all the colonies of Delhi, hospitals, police stations, bank ATMs and public places to thank the police personnel, doctors, nurses, sanitation workers and ATM security guards who are doing their duty despite the pandemic outbreak.

(Navneet Mishra can be reached at navneet.m@ians.in)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
South Africa: Unity, cohesion needed to fight COVID-19

A meeting of the Bureau of the African Union (AU) Executive Council has highlighted the importance of unity, cohesion and coordination needed to fight the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Bureau held a teleconference meeting convened by Chairperson of the AU Executive Council as well as South Africas Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Naledi Pandor.

Several Ministers took part in Thursdays meeting including Chairperson of the AU Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat, as well as Director of the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Dr John Nkengasong.

In line with the sentiment and decision of the Bureau of the Assembly, the Ministers underscored the importance of unity, cohesion and coordination in order to effectively implement the continental anti-COVID19 strategy, said the Bureau of the AU Executive Council in a statement.

The teleconference took note with satisfaction the efforts of the AU Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to implement the Africa anti-COVID-19 strategy. The Ministers were also encouraged RECs to ensure synergy, complementarity and coherence in the fight against the virus.

In addition, the meeting also welcomed and recommended for approval the measures to be put in place for the operationalisation of the AU COVID-19 Response Fund.

The Bureau of the Executive Council welcomed and recommended for approval the measures undertaken by the Chairperson of the AU Commission Faki Mahamat of putting in place all the necessary legal requirements for the operationalisation of the African Union Covid-19 Response Fund.

In this regard, the Bureau noted that its members are in the process of transferring a combined total of $17million, as seed capital to both the Fund and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) as follows; $12.5million the Fund, and $4.5million to the Africa CDC.

The Ministers urged member states to contribute to both the fund and the Africa CDC.

They also invited regional development institutions, the African private sector, International financial institutions and bilateral partners to honour their financial commitments to the fund.

The Ministers also expressed concern about the spread of the virus across African countries.

The meeting of the Bureau of the (AU) Executive Council was a follow-up to two successive meeetings of the Bureau of Heads of State/Government, which developed an overarching framework for Africas response to COVID-19.-SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2020-04-11. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
GANGTOK: The Indian Army has launched a massive search and rescue operation to trace a soldier struck by an avalanche in the snow-bound high-altitude areas of Sikkim.

According to Zee Media sources, the tragedy struck when a brave Indian Army soldier, Lance Naik Sanjeeva Reddy, was operating a dozer in the snowbound high-altitude areas of Sikkim during which he struck by an avalanche.

The incident took place on April 6, 2020. Reddy is a resident of village KS Pally, district Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh.

In a statement, the Indian Army said that it immediately launched a search and rescue operation and all-out efforts are being made to locate the soldier.

More than 250 Army personnel, helicopters, tracker dog, snow avalanche rescue dog and other support equipment are being employed in the search operation.

The search party is braving inclement weather marked by frequent snow fall and poor visibility. The search operation is currently in progress to locate the soldier.
As the COVID-19 pandemic goes on the rampage across the globe, its impact on public health will have ramifications for not only individual livelihoods, but also the global political and economic structure, according to a report published by the Center for China and Globalization (CCG).





The report, titled "Strengthen multi-level international cooperation to fight the pandemic," outlines China's experience in curbing the spread of the virus, and offers suggestions for the international community to work together to deal with the pandemic and its long-term fallout.

It stresses that in seeking to summarize China's experience since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak doesn't mean it is asking any other country to copy China's methods, nor is seeking to export the "Chinese model."





However, sharing information in this regard does provide a reference for the rest of the world to address this global health crisis based on their own situations.





As of April 10, the global COVID-19 caseload had passed the 1.6 million mark, and the number of the confirmed cases in the U.S., Spain, Italy, France, and Germany are among the highest in the world, according to the statistics from the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University.





When the virus outbreak was first confirmed, the State Council of China quickly established a joint prevention and control mechanism to allocate resources nationwide. It has been working to promote transparency, and applying non-pharmaceutical intervention such as social distancing as well as high-tech approaches featuring big data to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.





In the report, CCG called for countries to collaborate under existing multilateral mechanisms, especially G20, and support the World Health Organization (WHO) in coordinating global cooperation on public health issues.





In regard to the economic fallout of COVID-19, CCG suggests countries should work with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to introduce fiscal support packages and build inclusive and win-win trade partnerships in order to stabilize the global value chain.





In addition, the report also stresses the importance of ensuring food supply through working together with multilateral organizations in this field such as The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and World Food Program (WFP), as well as other regional institutions.
Babies born amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand have been given little face shields to protect them from coronavirus.

Pictures of babies wearing the shields covering their entire face were snapped at Praram 9 Hospital in Bangkok, while nurses hold the newborns behind a glass screen.

This photo taken through a glass window at a maternity ward shows a nurse holding a newborn baby wearing a face shield, in an effort to halt the spread of the COVID-19. Source: Getty Images

The babies wore the protective visors even when they were being held by their mothers, according to Yahoo UK.

One photo shows a mother taking a photo of her baby through the glass windows while a nurse holds the infant up for her.

The images have been shared widely on social media with many praising the hospitals precautionary measures.

Hospitals in Thailand are giving newborn babies mini face shields to protect against Covid-19.  pic.twitter.com/G135Qr57zN  Minh Ngo (@minhtngo) April 10, 2020

Coronavirus in Thailand  Newborn human babies are protected with face shields in Bangkoks Maternity Wards pic.twitter.com/PMYswtDti3  Alfons Lopez Tena (@alfonslopeztena) April 10, 2020

There have been over 2,400 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Thailand and 33 deaths according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Centre.

Last week Thai officials imposed a nationwide, indefinite curfew to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The 10pm to 4am curfew is the governments solution to encourage people to stay at home and prevent gatherings amid the outbreak.

A mother takes a photo of her newborn baby (R) who is wearing a face shield, in an effort to halt the spread of COVID-19. Source: Getty Images

People transporting medical supplies and healthcare workers travelling to and from work are exempt from the curfew.

We prioritise health over freedom, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said.

We might not feel as comfortable as before, but we all need to adapt for survival and have social responsibility, so that we can make it through this crisis.

Story continues

This photo taken through a glass window at a maternity ward shows a newborn baby wearing a face shield. Source: Getty

-With Reuters

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.
Three days before the World Health Organisation declared the coronavirus a pandemic, Stacie Hunt, a 36-year-old Australian finance broker, and eight members of her extended family arrived at a downtown Sydney wharf to begin a two-week cruise to New Zealand.

The crew had to work fast to prepare the ship for 2,647 passengers. The Ruby Princess - one of the largest vessels in Carnival Corp's Princess division - had arrived at 6am that day, March 8, leaving them less than 12 hours to clean a vessel that would be as tall as a 70-storey building if raised vertically.

A health questionnaire had to be completed for every passenger before they could board. As crew members sifted through piles of paper, they had to break the news to some passengers they would not get to see New Zealand's fjords or mountains. "We knew even before we got on things were serious," Ms Hunt said in an interview.

The screening procedures felt like a necessary, if tedious, precaution. In hindsight, they appear to have been woefully inadequate.

Fifteen passengers have died, and some 660 people have been infected, either on board or from people who were, making it the deadliest outbreak on any cruise ship and the biggest individual contributor to cases in Australia.

Australian police have assembled a 30-strong team under the leadership of a murder detective to investigate the ship and its owner, Miami-based Carnival, the world's largest holiday travel company.

Detectives wearing head-to-foot protective clothing have seized evidence from the ship, including the data recorder that chronicles conversations on the bridge.

Some of those on board say that, despite an awareness of the virus sweeping the world, there was little effort to separate passengers and medical screening was inadequate.

When Kiri-Lee Ryder (41) complained to the ship's medical team at 1am one day that she had body aches and severe headaches, she was given headache pills and cough medicine, according to her mother, Carlene Brown. She was charged about $300 (275).

A week later, the Australian mother of three was diagnosed with Covid-19. Ms Ryder spent more than two weeks in intensive care, much of it in an induced coma. Before going under, she phoned her children and mother from the ward, which had banned all visitors.

"It's silly, but she calls me mummy and she just said, 'They are going to put me to sleep,'" Ms Brown said in an interview. "She wanted to say that she loved us. You could hear the struggle for breath in her voice.

"I said, 'We love you darling, and we will see you when you wake up.'"

Ms Hunt, whose mother and father-in-law were infected, said she blamed her fellow passengers, many of whom did not realise they could pass on the virus without showing symptoms.

"People were selfish and thought they were safe being away on a boat," she said. "I had people sneeze all over me. I had people squeeze themselves into lifts that were already too full. We knew what was going on around the world. We knew how quickly it spread in ships. People just didn't care."

A Princess Cruises spokesman said anyone displaying Covid-19 symptoms or who had been in contact with an infected person was not allowed on board and that crew members were tested by health authorities before the ship left.

"There was therefore no reason to believe there was Covid-19 on the ship," he said.

At the time, cruise ships worldwide did not conduct onboard tests but were expected to provide swabs to health authorities for onshore testing, he added.

The Ruby Princess arrived back in Sydney on March 19, three days early. Passengers were told they would be screened by state health officials, Ms Hunt said. Instead, they were given a leaflet explaining how to isolate themselves for two weeks.

Many could not return home right away. About one-third was from the United States or Europe. Ms Ryder and her family spent two days in a hotel, and then took a five-hour commercial flight to Perth.

It took five days after disembarking for the first passenger to die. Another who followed was 75-year-old Karla Lake, whose husband Graeme accused Carnival of allowing passengers to believe they were not at risk.

"They made a point of not letting anyone know at all that anyone was sick," he told Australia's Seven television network. "Good as gold, we thought it's fine."

It was known among officials that cruise ships were potent incubators of the coronavirus. The first Australian fatality was a passenger on another Carnival ship, the Diamond Princess, where 12 passengers died.

The ship was designated as having a low risk. The only other country it had visited was New Zealand, which did not have many cases.

"You can have laws, guidelines, practices and procedures in place, but if the people in whatever agency are not 100pc vigilant for whatever reason, then the whole thing can collapse very badly," said David Widdowson, an Australian academic who is president of the International Network of Customs Universities.
To mark Manitobas 150th anniversary in 2020, the Free Press is featuring weekly an article from the archives of the Manitoba Historical Society. This article was published originally in Manitoba Pageant by the Manitoba Historical Society in September 1958.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 11/4/2020 (640 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

To mark Manitobas 150th anniversary in 2020, the Free Press is featuring weekly an article from the archives of the Manitoba Historical Society. This article was published originally in Manitoba Pageant by the Manitoba Historical Society in September 1958.

Born in comparative obscurity, at an engine works in the U.S. in 1872, a locomotive known as the Countess of Dufferin, CPR No. 1, still lives and ranks high in the historical lore of Manitoba and the West. A fast runner at the age of one  thoroughly schooled in railroading at four  she was raised to the rank of a Countess and became the first "Lady" of the locomotive world in Western Canada at five. An intrepid "mountain climber" at 14, she had personal acquaintance with high government officials, railway presidents, Indigenous leaders and many others and now has a place of honour, in retirement, in Winnipeg.

L. B. Foote / Archives of Manitoba The Countess of Dufferin being transported up the Red River on a barge.

In 1877, a contractor named Joseph Whitehead purchased this engine and moved it on a Red River barge from Fishers Landing, Minn., to St. Boniface, for the construction of the future Canadian Pacific Railway.

Two days after its arrival at St. Boniface, on Oct. 9, 1877, the engine started to pull cars of rails and material for construction work on the Pembina branch. It was then used between Selkirk and Cross Lake by the Government, and later sold to the CPR in 1882, for the sum of $5,800.

Early in 1877, Whitehead had been given a government contract and, having knowledge of the proposed visit of the governor-general and Lady Dufferin, he extended an invitation to their excellencies to take part in the ceremony of driving the first track spikes of the new branch at St. Boniface. He also invited the Countess to start the first engine but the locomotive did not reach Winnipeg from the U.S. until after the departure of the vice-regal couple on the steamer Minnesota on Sept. 29.

By that time the engine had reached Fishers Landing and was available there for inspection by the Marquis and Lady Dufferin when they arrived on the southbound steamer. In this connection the Countess made the following record in her published diary: "Tuesday Oct. 2nd  We went ashore and saw the engine No. 2 of the Canadian Pacific Railway; it is going to Winnipeg with a train of railway-trucks, and it is to be called the Lady Dufferin." While the number of the locomotive was recorded in the diary as No. 2, at Fishers Landing, the number was changed to No. 1 en route, probably by contractor Whitehead, as it arrived in St. Boniface bearing the number one.

The famous little engine, loaded on a barge, was towed away from Fishers Landing by steamer Selkirk, shortly after receiving the blessing of Lady Dufferin. They expected to reach Winnipeg on Oct. 8 but a delay occurred at Crooked Rapids, and it took from daylight until 3 p.m. to pass them. A stop was also made five miles south of Winnipeg, so as to reach Winnipeg in daylight.

The following morning, Oct. 9, the steamer continued the historic journey towards Winnipeg. It was a gala affair, with hundreds of settlers lining the riverbanks.

The welcome at Winnipeg was vociferous and filled with excitement, as reported, in part, by the Manitoba Free Press on Oct. 9, 1877:

L. B. Foote / Archives of Manitoba The Countess of Dufferin being moved to William Whyte Park in 1910.

"At an early hour this morning, wild, unearthly shrieks, from up the river, announced the coming of the steamer Selkirk, with the first locomotive ever brought into Manitoba. A large crowd of people had assembled on the river banks, and as the Selkirk steamed down into the city the mill whistles blew furiously, and bells rang out to welcome the arrival of the "Iron Horse."

The Selkirk was handsomely decorated for the occasion with Union Jacks, Stars and Stripes, banners with the familiar C.P.R., and her own bunting; with the barge conveying the locomotive and cars ahead of her, also daily decorated with flags and evergreens, and with a barge laden with railway ties on each side presented a novel spectacle, the continuous noise and din proclaimed loudly that the iron horse had arrived at last."

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The locomotive was unloaded from the barge at St. Boniface on Oct. 10 and was put to work the following day.

It was this engine that pulled the first excursion train operated in the West, which ran from Winnipeg to East Selkirk on Dec. 19, 1877. It was also the "Iron Countess" that handled the train that brought William C. Van Horne from Emerson to St. Boniface on Dec. 31, 1881. Van Horne, who had been engaged as general manager by the Canadian Pacific Railway, commenced duties immediately after reaching Winnipeg, and rented an office over the Bank of Montreal on Main Street. However, a fire caused him to move from that location and he engaged space in the Old Grace Church, also on Main Street, and carried on the business of the CPR from there for a time.

For the next few years the "Iron Countess" was used on various local and main line runs, including mountain service, west of Calgary. By 1897, the traffic called for heavier locomotives burning coal, and the Countess, which was a wood-burner, was sold to the Columbia River Lumber Co. at Golden, B.C., for the sum of $1,000, to be used by them in switching service.

But in the year 1910, Controller R.D. Waugh, of Winnipeg, learned that this historic little engine had been relegated to storage tracks; was idle and without steam. He persuaded the lumber company to donate the engine to the City of Winnipeg, and Mr. Waugh then arranged with the CPR for free movement to that city. Immediately after its arrival the railway gave the locomotive a thorough overhauling and also built a special track on which to move her from the main line, over Higgins Avenue to her first location, which was in Sir William Whyte Park, opposite the railway station.

Thirty-two years later, on Sept. 9, 1942, nearly sixty-five years after her arrival in Manitoba, the 25-ton engine was moved across Higgins Avenue in front of the CPR Station. She now stands for all to see in the Winnipeg Railway Museum in the Union Station, 123 Main St.  a picturesque reminder of those epic days, when Canadians thrust a railway across the West to bind the nation together.

For more information or to become a member of the Manitoba Historical Society, call 204-947-0559 or email: info@mhs.mb.ca. The MHS is on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as manitoba-history.
The departure of a 99-year-old former prisoner of war from hospital after he recovered from coronavirus has been celebrated with cheers and applause.

Albert Chambers, who was a Coldstream Guard in the Second World War, was declared fit and well upon his discharge from Tickhill Road Hospital in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.

The soon-to-be centenarian was admitted to Doncaster Royal Infirmary after he broke his arm in a fall, but began showing coronavirus symptoms after he was moved to Tickhill Road for rehabilitation.

In a video shared by NHS England, Mr Chambers thanks the nurses who looked after him during his time in recovery and was seen being wheeled out of the hospital as NHS staff clapped him out.

During his time as a guardsman, Mr Chambers once helped protect Buckingham Palace. But he sustained a leg injury in Germany and spent three years in a prisoner of war camp, said the hospital.

He said: When I get home Im going to tell all of my neighbours how marvellous the nurses are here. I want to say thank you very much to them. I appreciate every bit of what they have done for me. They couldnt have been any better.

Mr Chambers grandson, Stephen Gater, said: My grandad is amazing. Hes pretty incredible. Hes not only survived the war and being in prison camp, now hes won the battle with coronavirus.

Paige Lax, a nurse who helped look after Mr Chambers, said: Albert has been a wonderful patient. Hes fought to get better. He wanted to get back home. Hes pretty amazing.

Earlier this week, another centenarian recovered from Covid-19  101-year-old Keith Watson of Worcestershire had been treated for the virus for two weeks, and was discharged from Alexandra Hospital in Redditch on Thursday.

Mr Watson had also gone into hospital for surgery initially, but later tested positive for coronavirus after showing symptoms.
Ive been able to create a boundary  one of the things Ive felt good about is that writing allows me to escape the whole pandemic for the hours that Im writing, he said. In the story that Im writing, coronavirus isnt there, we are still free of it in that world, and I get my head pretty deeply into it because Im writing in first person. I am this guy while Im there.
The first episode of the new series of Britain's Got Talent kicked off on Saturday night and it's fair to say it was an emotional one.

Ten acts took to the stage in the hopes of impressing the judges but it was choir Sign Along With Us that came out on top as they left Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon in tears with their heart-rending rendition of This Is Me from The Greatest Dancer.

And their audition thrilled the judges so much that David Walliams pressed his golden buzzer for the act, the very first one of the series.

Wow: Choir Sign Along With Us that came out on top as they left Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon in tears with their heart-rending rendition of This Is Me from The Greatest Dancer

At the start of the performance, Jade, 18, and her little brother Christian, four, walked onto the stage where Jade revealed she taught her brother to sign after doctors warned he wouldn't be able to communicate.

She told the judges: 'We were told that Christian would never be able to communicate. I taught him sign language so then he could talk and hes here, a little miracle, proving everybody wrong.'

Later in the VT, she added: 'I didnt want to accept that Christian would never be able to communicate, I just knew there was a voice in there that wanted to come out.'

Emotional: Sing Along With Us left Amanda and Alesha in floods of tears with their moving and inspiring audition on Saturday night

Jade went on to say that others wanted to learn sign so she made a class and thus Sing Along With Us was born.

Also in the video was 12-year-old Ella who previously met Simon Cowell when he presented her with a Child of Courage award at the 2019 Pride of Britain awards, with the youngster saying 'It was a dream come true' to be on the show.

The choir, made up of 37 children and 28 adults with their ages ranging from four to 58-years-old, then took to the stage donning a colourful array of T-shirts printed with 'This Is Me', with each member's face painted with a rainbow.

As the group belted out the emotional number, several of the audience members were left moved by the performance, none more so that Alesha and Amanda.

Lovely: The choir, made up of 37 children and 28 adults with their ages ranging from four to 58-years-old, then took to the stage donning a colourful array of T-shirts printed with 'This Is Me', with each member's face painted with a rainbow

The pair were seen with tears streaming down their faces as they clapped along to the music, while Simon and David, as well as hosts Ant and Dec, were also touched.

Following the song, Sing Along With Us received a standing ovation from the audience as well as all four judges.

Amanda said afterwards: 'That song is such an anthem for people who maybe dont feel part of anything. I just found it really really moving, it was absolutely brilliant.'

While a tearful Alesha added: 'I genuinely cant find the words', to which an audience member shouted "amazing!" with Alesha nodding in agreement.

Moved: As the group belted out the emotional number, several of the audience members were left moved by the performance, none more so that Alesha and Amanda

Tears: The pair were seen with tears streaming down their faces as they clapped along to the music, while Simon and David, as well as hosts Ant and Dec, were also touched

She added: 'And Christian, youre a little star so thank you.'

Simon was then quick to acknowledge his friend Ella in the choir, saying: 'I have to confess, I have a friend in this choir, Ella. We met at the Pride of Britain and I heard Ella sing and I said I have a feeling one day that youre going to be auditioning on one of our shows and guess what? Youre here!'

He continued: 'You're saying This is me and Im thinking You are us because you define what this show should be all about. This is an audition I will never ever forget.'

Finally, David said: 'Every one of you gave everything to this performance, it was an amazing, positive message for people out there and all I can say is'

He then got out of his seat and pressed his golden buzzer, much to the delight of everyone, sending a shower of golden ticker tape to fall on the stage.

Amazing: Ant and Dec were also left emotional by Sing Along With Us' performance

Loved it: 'You're saying This is me and Im thinking You are us because you define what this show should be all about. This is an audition I will never ever forget'

The accolade left the choir elated with many members moved to tears, while the judges were once again on their feet.

As David headed to the stage to greet the act, Ant and Dec spotted some of the kids making 'snow angels' with the glitter, with Ant adding: 'Now that's how you celebrate!'

In a sweet moment Ant and Dec then joined in the fun and encourage some of the others to make angels with them.

Golden buzzer moment: David said: 'Every one of you gave everything to this performance, it was an amazing, positive message for people out there and all I can say is'

Big moment: He then got out of his seat and pressed his golden buzzer, much to the delight of everyone, sending a shower of golden ticker tape to fall on the stage

Simon soon headed onto the stage to great Ella, where she revealed that she had painted a picture for him.

As she presented him with his picture, Simon joked that the artwork made him more handsome than in real life.

Ella then said: 'I made you that picture so you can keep it forever so you wont forget me.

To which Simon, hugging her, replied: 'Ill never forget you.'

Later, reflecting on the audition, Amanda said: 'David, that was the perfect buzzer. It was life-affirming and joyful. It was just brilliant and they sounded amazing.'

Special audition: The accolade left the choir elated with many members moved to tears, while the judges were once again on their feet

Meanwhile on the show, father and son magician act James and Dylan Piper left Simon Cowell stunned with an incredible routine inspired by Simon's son Eric.

After asking Simon to pick from a list of 56, things for son Dylans birthday, Simon picked the number 25.

He then picked out the card five of Hearts from a deck, with Simon then writing his son's name on the back.

His card then disappears out of his hand, with Dylan then emerging from the audience claiming he had Simon's card in his wallet.

Stunned: Meanwhile on the show, father and son magician act James and Dylan Piper left Simon Cowell stunned with an incredible routine inspired by Simon's son Eric

Pick a card: After asking Simon to pick from a list of 56, things for son Dylans birthday, Simon picked the number 25

After Simon's card was uncovered in the wallet with Eric's name on it, the music mogul was further shocked when Dylan's twin brother Joseph came out on stage and turned around a board with the five of hearts written on it.

He then turned the board upside down, with the text forming the words 'Simon and Eric.'

Simon was stunned into silence, with him and his fellow judges giving the act a well-deserved standing ovation.

Brilliant: However, the surprised were not over yet as James and Dylan asked Simon what he had picked from the list earlier, with Simon then stating he picked out a jet-ski

However, the surprised were not over yet as James and Dylan asked Simon what he had picked from the list earlier, with Simon then stating he picked out a jet-ski.

They then turned over the board to reveal a picture of Simon and Eric riding jet-ski.

Thrilled by the performance, Simon then brought little Eric on stage to join them.

He said of the act: 'That was really really special. I loved the fact it was a family affair and everything linked to him and I. I liked the presentation, a really great audition, all of you.'

Father and son: Thrilled by the performance, Simon then brought little Eric on stage to join them

Amazing: St Anne's Gospel Choir from London kicked off the auditions, the group is made up of 81 girls aged 11-35 and they performed Emeli Sande's Shine

Other acts making it through to the next round included St Anne's Gospel Choir from London, who wowed with their rendition of Emeli Sande's Shine.

While hip hop dance group Nu Crew from Glasgow, aged five to 10, who danced to a remixed song full of commercial music and nursery rhymes.

Meanwhile, Diana Vedyashinka from Russia made it through after dancing with her five pet Dachshunds, in an adorable performance.

While the dancing doesn't stop there as Yakub, 10, from Stratford-upon-Avon, auditioned with a thrilling routine from the The Lion King, leaving the judges on their feet.

Dance crew: Hip hop dance group Nu Crew from Glasgow, aged five to 10, danced to a remixed song full of commercial music and nursery rhymes

Amazing! Meanwhile, Diana Vedyashinka from Russia made it through after dancing with her five pet Dachshunds, in an adorable performance

Wow: And the dancing didn't stop there as Yakub, 10, from Stratford-upon-Avon, auditioned with a thrilling routine from the The Lion King

Next up was contortionist, Papi Flex, 26, from Belgium, who left the judging panel recoiling in terror and screaming over his flexible moves.

And it wasn't the only novelty act as Steve Royle, 51, from Manchester impressed the judges with his ping pong and juggling act.

In addition, a dance group from India called X1X Crew who performed a routine involving jhama, hip hop and gymnastic moves.

Woah! Next up was contortionist, Papi Flex, 26, from Belgium, who left the judging panel recoiling in terror and screaming over his flexible moves

Watch out! And it wasn't the only novelty act as Steve Royle, 51, from Manchester impressed the judges with his ping pong and juggling act

Their tricks and lifts left the judges wowed, with everyone giving them a standing ovation.

However, while all the other acts made it through to the next round, the same couldn't be said for super villain, Mr Cuddles, who's 'time machine' fell flat with the judges and the audience.

Britain's Got Talent continues Saturday at 8pm on ITV.

Unsuccessful: However, while all the other acts made it through to the next round, the same couldn't be said for super villain, Mr Cuddles, who's 'time machine' fell flat with the judges and the audience
Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Pune will fall under the "red zone" as they have reported 91 per cent of the total 1652 positive cases in Maharashtra so far, Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Saturday after Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray extended the lockdown period in the state till April 30.

Tope also said that the lockdown could be extended even beyond April 30 if people fail to follow the social distancing norms.

Tope was speaking to reporters after attending the meeting of chief ministers and health ministers of states with Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Mumbai through video conferencing.

Speaking about the meeting, Tope said the prime minister spoke about dividing all the districts in the country in red, orange and green zones on the basis of the number of coronavirus positive cases.

The red zones will include districts which have reported more than 15 COVID-19 cases, while the orange zones will cover the areas where 15 or less number of cases have been reported, the minister said.

The green zones will cover the districts which have reported 0 or one case, Tope said, adding that the detailed guidelines with regard to such zones will be issued in a day or two.

"Though we have extended the lockdown (in Maharashtra), we will get guidelines on whether we can allow some activities by keeping boundaries of the districts which fall in the green zones sealed," he said.

Maharashtra has become a third state after Odisha and Punjab to extend the lockdown period till April 30. The decision was announced by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray after attending the meeting with the PM.

Tope further said that Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Navi Mumbai and Pune have reported 91 per cent of the state's 1652 positive cases so far and will fall under the red zone and the lockdown will remain there.

He said the prime minister also talked about the concept of "lock-in" during the meeting under which the industries that will observe 100 per cent discipline and ensure social distancing by their workers may be allowed to operate.

"However, it is the prime minister who will talk about it in detail in his address to the nation," Tope said.

"During the conference, the prime minister praised rural areas where lockdown has been observed strictly. In cities, I will urge people to observe the lockdown strictly," Tope said.

In view of the extended lockdown in Maharashtra, the health minister urged people to observe discipline in a stricter manner.

"The CM has announced that the lockdown will remain in force for 15 another days (beyond April 14). He has stressed that the lockdown will be there for minimum 15 days. So, one thing has to be kept in mind that we must observe discipline now.

"Or else, there will be no other alternative but to extend it (further)," he added.

The minister further said that Thackeray demanded the prime minister to allow Maharashtra to conduct "pool testing" in which swabs of a group of people will be tested at a time.

In case the samples test positive, only then individual tests will be carried out to ascertain the patient.

"It will save our time and testing kits," the minister said, adding that Maharashtra has so far conducted 33,000 individual tests.

During the meeting, Thackeray demanded that the Centre provide medical equipment assured for fighting the coronavirus disease to Maharashtra, Tope said, adding that the PM responded positively to the demand.

He said the PM asked all the chief ministers to download the Aarogya Setu mobile phone application.

The application was launched by the Centre on April 2.

Meanwhile, Tope dismissed reports of shortage of PPE kits in the state.

"We have 40,000 PPE kits and 3.50 lakh masks available in the state," he added.

Tope further informed that of the total number of COVID-19 patients in the state, 70 per cent are "asymptomatic", 25 per cent "mild symptomatic" while the remaining 5 per cent are "critical".

He said the cumulative daily growth (of number of COVID-19 patients) is approximately 13 per cent, while the death rate is 5.5 per cent.

Tope said the government will categorise hospitals in three ways: COVID Care Centres (CCC) in which there will be 100 per cent asymptomatic patients will be treated and COVID Health Centres which will treat persons with mild symptoms and COVID Hospitals where severe and critical individuals will be admitted.

"A big hospital like Seven Hills (in Mumbai) can treat patients of all three categories, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New York, the coronavirus pandemics epicentre in the United States, has more coronavirus cases than any country and accounts for around half of all deaths in the US. Covid-19 has torn through New York with a frightening speed.

Why was it so badly hit and could its leaders have done anything differently? In New York, the cumulative death toll is higher than the fatalities suffered from 9/11, when nearly 3,000 people were killed in the terror attack on the US. By comparison, as of Friday, New York state had almost 160,000 confirmed Covid-19 infections, more than ...
Science/Medicine

The Staggeringly Complicated Ethics of Ventilating Coronavirus Patients New Republic

Doctors are asking states to use their lethal-injection drugs to treat patients with COVID-19, instead Business Insider

NIH Begins Clinical Trial To Test Hydroxychloroquine To Treat COVID-19 The Hill. The latest theory I have heard is you need to take it with zinc and azithrothromycin

Two-Thirds of Severe Covid-19 Cases Improved on Gilead Drug Bloomberg. N=53. And dont 3/4 of the people with severe cases survive? The results on the ventilator patients might be promising, but Im not sure about the less dire severe cases in this sample. Can any readers closer to this sort of data weigh in?

Covid-19: How to prevent a second wave Asia Times. Resilc: Just in time for 2020 election is the way I bet.
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The Pune police booked 13 people for violating the order prohibiting common worship and gathering at a mosque for prayers on Friday.

The joint commissioner of Pune police had issued an order prohibiting common worship at all religious places in the city at the beginning of the lockdown. However, the azaan was heard on Friday from the mosque located in Ganesh peth area of Pune, according to senior police inspector Jagannath Kalaskar of Faraskhana police station.

These are natives of Ranchi, Jharkhand. They were in Pune for the work of Tablighi Jamaat. They were staying in the mosque and were sent back to the mosque. Naidu Hospital staff did not conduct test on them as they were not symptomatic. They say they do not have travel history to Delhi, but we are checking their records to confirm, said senior PI Kalaskar.

The maulana of the mosque, who called the azaan, is also an accused in the case.

A group of policemen equipped with gloves and masks, responded to the information received by the officials of the Faraskhana police station.

A case under Section 188 of Indian Penal Code was registered against them at Faraskhana police station and a notice was issued to them.
America-Firsters were both perplexed and furious for most of last week as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appeared to be going ahead with its early March announcement to expand the H-2B unskilled guest-worker program to over 100,000 slots a year. With unemployment-benefit applications for March coming in at over 10 million, the last time the job market looked this badthe Great Depression of the 1930simmigration authorities sought to help, not hinder, the American worker by creating the nations first-ever illegal- alien-removal program.

Late last week, however, due in part to activist pressures, DHSs interim secretary, Chad Wolf, announced the increase would be paused due to present economic circumstances. It was a minor bit of respite for working Americans who were already struggling going into this crippling downturn.

The H-2B guest-worker visa was created in 1986 as part of a congressional law that provided amnesty to over 3 million illegal aliens. Because that law also included a promise to finally put an end to illegal-alien hiring, businesses complaining of impending worker shortages were able to secure the right to import temporary foreign workers for a slew of low-skilled industries, including cattle farming, landscaping and hospitality. Agribusiness got its separate, far larger H-2A program for farmworkers. Nearly 35 years on, however, the problem of illegal labor is bigger than ever, and H-2B-using businesses still complain about worker shortages.

The H-2B is one area where anti-borders groups and pro-American worker groups like mine actually come together on. Organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Economic Policy Institute, and the AFL-CIO all rightly criticize the program for being a modified version of colonial-era bonded servitude, due to workers visas being tied to their employers, their inability to unionize, and their wages and benefits being well below normal market expectations.

It is certainly not outlandish to call programs like the H-2B, the H-2A, and its Big Tech cousin, the H-1B, throwbacks to the time when European peasants came here as indentured laborers. America has devolved back to its pre-independence days of immigrant-serf labor before.

According to venerable U.S. historians Charles and Mary Beard, in their 1930 book The Rise of American Civilization, the Immigration Act of 1864 was an extraordinary law which gave federal authorization to the importation of working people under terms of contract analogous to the indentured servitude of colonial times.

Key to their assessment was a section of the law in which emigrants first had to pledge up to a year of their wages to pay for their transportation, in effect, bonding them to their employer. Due to the publics outrage (even Russia had abolished its serf system by this point), it was repealed four years later. However, the practice still went on for many decades, say the Beards, with companies [being] organized to supply employers with European labor in any quantity, anywhere, at any time.

When it was initially announced as part of the Republican Partys platform four years earlier (when Lincoln won the party ticket), the Beards described members both in- and outside the party as being in total shock. Pushing a policy that took the country back to the days of British colonial-era serfdom was only made possible, say the Beards, by a D.C. institution that was just then coming into its own: corporate lobbying.

As they describe in their book, in this period there evolved a reasoned scheme of political action through which the capitalists of the Northeast demanded from Congress a liberal immigration policy to assure an abundance of cheap labor. This was part of a heroic program which its sponsors could only realize by securing the possession of the executive and legislative branches of the federal government.

Particularly big sponsors of the Act were Northern mill owners who feared that free farmland out West would lure away local workers. As a counter stroke, the danger of higher wages [was] partially averted by the [Act], the Beards write. It was all part of the newfound positive advantages won by capitalists in the halls of Congress.

Created alongside the immigration lobby was another D.C. institution we still live with today: the cheap-labor, public-affairs industry. This wasnt a coincidence. In order to mute the public outrage over the new law, the Beards describe how big business had to supplement its economic arguments with a moralizing narrative to be publicized by orators:

And orators, applauded by these mighty friends, were fond of portraying America as the asylum for the oppressed of the world suffering from wars, revolts, pogroms, and persecutions of every kind. Seldom has economic gain and loft idealism coincided with such mechanical precision.

Economic threats about shortages coupled with moral intimidation is, of course, a fixture of todays immigration policy discourse. Even critics of guest-worker programs, like those mentioned above, frequently employ scare terms like hateful, racist and xenophobic to intimidate critics of mass amnesty and mass immigration.



As the Beards recount, later that century, the small immigration victories achieved by organized labor were particularly "hard-fought battles, for by this time the doctrine of the asylum for the oppressed of every land had become intrenched in popular psychology. Intrenched it still is, and hard-fought battles must keep being waged if American workers are to gain the respect and dignity they deserve.

In 1925 Calvin Coolidge famously said that the business of America is business. That is still true today, but what is best for business must be balanced with what is best for American citizens. When our nation is back to full employment, we can have a national debate about the wisdom of bringing in large numbers of foreign workers. Until then, this crisis demands the prioritization of the millions uprooted from their livelihoods and their health.
An Oxford University professor who is currently leading Britain's most advanced search for a vaccine for coronavirus, stated that it could be ready by September and she is 80% confident that her team's development would work.

In March, Professor Sarah Gilbert was hopeful that the vaccine could be developed by the end of 2020, but she has now confirmed that human trials could be in the next fortnight.

Coronavirus vaccine

The government indicated in that past that it would fund the manufacture of vaccine doses for millions of people around the world, and this will allow immediate availability to the public once developed. Although there were warnings from other experts that a vaccine could take 18 months to produce, Professor Gilbert said that the most bullish scenario for a working product was September as long as the plan goes smoothly.

Professor Gilbert told the Times that she thinks there is a high chance that it will work based on other things that they have done with this type of vaccine. She also said that it is not just a hunch and as every week goes by, they have more data to look at. She went for 80% as her personal view.

Also Read: Newborn Babies May Get COVID-19 from Mothers, Scientists Warn

Professor Gilbert's team is working to find a vaccine and they will try it in a country with a high virus transmission rate in order to get results fast. Because of Britain's lockdown, vaccines are harder to test because the virus can't spread.

Professor Gilbert's team was already in talks with the government overproduction in order to avoid any delays and a second infection spike in autumn. She said that they do not want to get to later this year and discover that they have a highly effective vaccine and they have no vaccine to use. She also said that they do not think they need facilities built because there are facilities that can be switched over.

Funding the vaccine

Ministers have stated that spending tens of millions on a working vaccine is worth it, as it can offset the economic cost of lockdown. Health experts have stated that the coronavirus is mutating at a slower rate than several other respiratory viruses, particularly the flu. However, scientists say that the mutations do not vary from the virus that originated in Wuhan, China, nor are they more severe.

This means that once a vaccine is available, it would give protection against both the original virus and mutations, and it would give protection for years. The new virus, also known as SARS-CoV-2, is an RNA virus, which means that it has RNA as its genetic material.

RNA viruses, such as the flu, enter the cells through a receptor that is found on the surface and then make hundreds of copies of themselves that can infect cells throughout the body. RNA viruses often mutate, unlike DNA viruses, which include chickenpox and herpes.

According to Dr. Mark Schleiss, a professor in the division of pediatric infectious diseases and immunology at the University of Minnesota Medical School, in the world of RNA viruses, change is the norm. He told Healthline that the flu mutates every year, which is why researchers have to create vaccines to protect people against the most prevalent strains.

The novel coronavirus has mutated and currently, it has eight strains that are making their way around the world. But the virus has mutated very slowly, and its mutations are similar to the original virus. This means that the mutations that hit the US and Europe are not different from the virus that first appeared in Wuhan, China nor are they more infections or fatal.



Related Article: Almost 60% of Passengers in Antarctic Cruise Ship Tested Positive for COVID-19

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The front doors of St John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Birchgrove are closed to the public for the first time in years, but Father Peter Yeats will ring the bells on Easter Sunday as a sign of hope.

"We might be closed, but we are still going," he said.

From St Mary's Cathedral to the Tongan Parish Youth Group in Sydney's Ashfield, churches of all sizes and denominations plan to use video technology to worship on the holiest day of the Christian calendar.

Father Peter Yeats ahead of his live streamed blessing of the Easter Garden at the St John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Birchgrove on Holy Saturday. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

Live streaming is a first for the small church of St John's, which has a congregation of about 30 most Sundays.
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UK doctors' and nurses' lives at risk from lack of protection kit-unions FILE PHOTO: A member of medical staff is seen at an NHS coronavirus disease (COVID-19) testing facility, Wolverhampton

By Michael Holden

LONDON (Reuters) - Doctors and nurses treating patients with COVID-19 in Britain are putting their lives at risk because of a lack of protective kit for frontline staff, their unions have warned.

The British government has faced repeated criticism from National Health Service (NHS) staff that doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers were facing shortages of masks, gloves and other personal protective equipment (PPE).

Health minister Matt Hancock said on Friday there was enough kit but it needed a "Herculean" logistical effort, backed up by the military, to ensure PPE reaches those on the frontline, with 761 million items delivered so far.

"There's clearly more to do to make sure every single person who needs it gets the PPE that they need," Hancock told BBC radio.

The British Medical Association (BMA), which represents doctors, said current supplies in London and Yorkshire, in northern England, were insufficient, and doctors faced a "heart-breaking" decision over whether to treat patients without proper protection and so put themselves at risk.

"It is absurd that the people trained to treat this disease are the ones who are not being appropriately protected  and without them, we face real disaster," said Dr Chaand Nagpaul, the BMA council chair.

Among the 9,000 people with COVID-19 who have died in British hospitals are 19 NHS workers, including 11 doctors. Hancock said the government was not aware of any link between the deaths and a shortage of equipment.

Nagpaul said: "Its unclear whether the lack of PPE is directly linked to the recorded deaths of doctors so far, but we know that no healthcare workers have been infected in a hospital in Italy precisely because their PPE supplies are sufficient and of high-quality."

A BMA survey earlier this month found more than half of doctors had reported a shortage or no supply of face masks.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said the figures on PPE deliveries would only be impressive when nurses no longer reported shortages.

Story continues

"The calls are still coming through - people are petrified. They have seen colleagues die already," said Susan Masters of the Director of Nursing, Policy and Practice.

Hancock said PPE needed to be treated as a "precious resource" which should not be used unnecessarily and called on British manufacturers to offer their production lines to help make more.

However, the suggestion that some PPE was being wasted had provoked anger, the RCN said.

Keir Starmer, leader of the opposition Labour Party, said on Twitter: "It is quite frankly insulting to imply frontline staff are wasting PPE."

(Reporting by Michael Holden; Editing by David Holmes)
Cristiano Ronaldo has been told he cannot expect preferential treatment after taking part in a secret training session in his native Madeira.

The Juventus superstar was pictured training at a stadium on the island, despite the public being told to stay at home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Ronaldo was spotted training at the Madeira national stadium, home of club CD Nacional, in the capital Funchal on the Portuguese island.

Government chiefs warned Ronaldo he cannot expect any privilege and must set an example by abiding by the social distancing regulations in place to stop the spread of the virus.



Madeiras head of health, Pedro Ramos, said: Ronaldo has no special permission to train.

He has the right to train as long as he respects the rules like all citizens  there is no privilege.

All citizens can leave the house and do so, as long as they do not cause gatherings and maintain a safe distance during the exercise. Therefore, Ronaldo did what we have seen.

There was no special authorisation because we are all the same, we are all facing the same pandemic.

The best player in the world must use his image to set an example, but Cristiano seems to me to have done just a few minutes of exercise and, therefore, there is no harm in the world.

I would not like it to be said that it is trivialisation, because we are all responsible.

All Madeirans are complying with the rules of the regional government. And those who do not know that the forces of authority can exercise their power.

Ronaldo has been in Madeira since the start of March as he went to visit his mother after she suffered a stroke.

With Serie A suspended shortly afterwards he has opted to stay there since, and is living with other family members.

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L.A. Needs More Help during COVID-19 Pandemic; Public Officials distinguish Available Resources

Thursday, April 9. New updates came from L.A. Officials; They discussed the need for assistance surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. L.A. residents feel the hemorrhages within their financial stability, city officials due their best to respond and provide innovative measures to keep the city infrastructure and monetary economy together. With restricting health orders in place, government and county assistance are seeing a drastic increase of applicants and families needing assistance. The L.A. Emergency Operations Center provided information on what resources are available in Los Angeles.

Due to the public order closing non-essential businesses, theres been a dramatic rise in request for county and government assistance. Many Americans are unable to work because of the contagious spread of COVID-19. There has been a 370% jump in unemployment insurance claims processed from the week prior. That is a total of 880,000 people applying for unemployment. Meals provided to senior citizens have jumped from 70% from February to March.

Food Pantry needs have raised 200%. The food assistance system, CALFresh has seen an increase of 38% with nearly 70,000 applications in March. CALWorks, the state job assistance program, has seen an increase of 32%. The Countys breath stabilization unit received 1,300 inquiries, related to constituents being affected by COVID-19. The county established an eviction moratorium, to keep people in their homes as their financial status are in flux. Those who are unable to pay their rent, will have up to six months to re-pay past fees. It is highly recommended that there is a payment plan worked out with tenants and property owners.

Barbara Ferrer, Director of Public Health shared the latest data surrounding the COVID-19 Virus. As of April 9. there were 25 additional deaths. This brings the total COVID-19 related deaths in the L.A. County to 223. Barbara disclosed as of Thursday, April 9. There are 425 new COVID-19 reports, in summary there is a total amount of 7,955 cases in the Los Angeles region.

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Over the last 48 hours, there has been 1,045 reports. These numbers reflect 287 positive cases in Long Beach and 94 COVID-19 reports coming from Pasadena. Of these new cases, 20 individuals who have tested positive are unsheltered. One of the staff members from a shelter has also passed away, due to the coronavirus. Approximately 24% of those infected with COVID-19 are hospitalized at some point. Updated statistics is reflecting 2.8% of carriers of the coronavirus have died, which is higher than the general mortality rate for influenza related deaths in the United States. There has been no updated research on mortality rate among specific ethnicities, but the L.A. County Health Department is looking to unearth more related findings.

Joseph Nicchitta, Director of Consumer and Business Affairs disclosed there is a motion among the county official table, detailing a relief fund for small businesses. The goal for the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs is to provide timely and accurate information. This level of office is looking to cover multiple tiers of business, such as the Gig economy and business owners where English is their secondary language. As of March 26. There is a central hub for information, The Business and Worker Disaster Health Center. Assistance from established business personnel directly from the Department of Consumer and Business, and other public departments are available within that function to assist those in need. Collectively there are nine languages available within this central hub. The Emergency Operations Center are pulling together federal and local aid to support the fragile immune system of our economy.
Saturday, April 11, 2020

How is Everyone this Week?

You doing ok?

Our authors report that they are hanging in there, and hopefully they are writing more great books, too.

Were currently offering 10 Books Per Week

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We know even if youre home and the bills are covered, its a scary time. The virus is reaching out into our communities, and making life difficult for everyone.

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We wish you all the very best during this scary time. We hope youll enjoy our books, and get to know some of our authors. Reach out to them through their social media, and drop them a review on Amazon. Your reviews help our authors reach a wider audience.

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This Weeks selection includes books for all ages, from pre-school on up. Choose from the below titles:

Sigils & Secrets: Black Magick Book 1

By Whitney Metz

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Sigils & Secrets is the first in the Black Magick Seriesa series about the world behind the one we see every day, the importance of the connections we all share with each other and with the Earth, and the search for our true paths.

The Puppy Who Left Puddles on the Floor

By Lorena Estep

?Illustrated by Tamira Thayne

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Chance has a little problem with leaving puddles on the floor. Without the proper training, he ends up in a horrible placestuck at the end of a chain.??A twist of fate sets him free to seek a better life. Will Chance finally find the loving inside home and family he deserves?

Sergeant Pepper and Mister Paws

By Al Riney

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Private Rick Santos and the little cat who befriended himSergeant Pepperare now famous war heroes: battle buddies wounded in combat and awarded the Purple Heart together. Now theyll face their greatest challenge yet: civilian life. Can Pepper overcome her own demons to save neighborhood cats? Find out in Sergeant Pepper and Mister Paws, a wonderful new read for ages 10 and up.

A Doggie Hero is Born

Written & Illustrated by Rocky Shepheard

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Romp through the wilds on a good old-fashioned adventure with pals Worthless, Sly Fox, and Otto. Worthless remains chained to his rickety old doghouse yet longs to be free and loved. His best friends find a way to break his chains, and their quest for a new home takes off. Will they win the love they are searching for, and just maybe a new name for Worthless?

In Rescuing Cats I Lost My Mind But Found My Soul

By Cheryl Kwasigroch

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What does it involve to do rescue work with cats, or just be a caring cat adopter? In these 19 short yet heartwarming stories, different cats as well as the people in their lives struggle to understand one another.??Many people would like to foster but dont understand the commitment it involvesits not often simply a matter of playing with a cute kitten. Are you up for the challenge?

Squeak the Squirrel

Written & Illustrated by Rhonda Van

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Squeaks family used to live in a big nest lined with leaves and dry grass. The little squirrel remembered a mother who loved and cared for them. But one morning there were loud noises outside the nest. VRR VRRR! VRR VRRR! Their branch started shaking, then the whole nest fell to the ground . . . two men were trimming the tree! Hey, look, one said. Baby squirrels! 

Limbo

Written by Laura Koerber

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From Booklife (Publishers Weekly): Koerber weaves a slow, captivating exploration of life, death, and the place of kindness and forgiveness in the salvation of the spirit.??From a reader:?This is a book to read when you want to get away from the noise and anger of current events and politics. Somehow I felt lighter at the end of the book even though I would have liked it to continue on.

Raffy Calfys Rescue

By Tamira Thayne

?Illustrated by C.A. Wulff

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The calf plopped to the ground, looking as grumpy as she felt. She had energy to spare, but nowhere to run and no one to play with. She was trapped! Suddenly there was a commotion in the barn, and a loud braying sent her scurrying under her mother, cowering and shaking. Whats that noise? The sound grew louder. Raffy peered through a gap in the wooden fence and saw a huge brown beast, with shiny fur and black trimmings on his feet and face

Ouzo the Greek: A Year in the Life of a Greek Rescue Dog

By Lisa Edwards

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After being hit by a car and left for dead on the streets of Greece, I was rescued by my heroine and first love, Ermioni. My guardian angel continued to look out for me and share my story on social media all around the world, until one day I found my very own Mama and Papa, in little old England.?? And this is where my story begins

Courageous Conner

By Heather Leughmyer

Illustrated by April Pedersen

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Little Conner was born on the 3rd day of June, to a proud mama cow, one warm afternoon. His mom gently cleaned him, as a good mother would, then he wiggled and wobbled, until finally he stood.??She gave him soft kisses on his velvety head, then faintly he mooed; Conner now needed fed. He found mamas milk; it was pleasingly sweet. When his tummy was full, he took a nap at her feet

Special Pricing on It Went to the Dogs: How Michael Vicks Dogfighting Compound Became a Haven for Rescue Pups through May 31st! Just $2.99 in Kindle. Find all your options here: http://www.whochainsyou.com/wtd.html
Burrow beach, Sutton, Co. Dublin, where people are taking exercise in the bank holiday sunshine, as restrictions remain in place in Ireland to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

A man walks down an almost deserted Henry Street in Dublin's city centre as restrictions remain in place in Ireland to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Keep informed of these unprecedented times with the latest coronavirus updates on Independent.ie's live blog.

17:34 12/04/2020

14 more deaths related to Covid-19 in Ireland confirmed bringing total to 334

14 more people diagnosed with Covid-19 in Ireland have died.

A further 430 new cases have been reported by Irish laboratories, as well as an additional 297 confirmed cases reported by a laboratory in Germany.

The breakdown of the deaths are as follows:

12 deaths located in the east, 2 in the west of the country

The latest deaths included 6 females and 8 males

The median age of todays reported deaths is 80

10 people were reported as having underlying health conditions

With the latest German figures included, there are now a total of 9,655 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.





17:30 12/04/2020

Bonos plea to South Korean president to help Ireland in coronavirus fight

U2 frontman Bono has written to South Korean president Moon Jae-in asking for help to tackle the coronavirus health crisis in Ireland.

In a tweet posted by the presidents office, it said that Bono had asked South Korea for personal protective equipment.

The tweet said: The letter has arrived from Bono  leader of rock band U2.

Humanitarian activist Bono, the lead vocalist of U2 and nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, recently sent a letter to President Moon Jae-in.

It was about asking for help to overcome the Covid-19 crisis. We will deliver a written briefing by spokesman Kang Min-suk.

Read More





16:40 12/04/2020

Mary Lou McDonald honours frontline workers in Easter Rising commemoration

Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald has used her Easter Rising oration to honour frontline and health workers.

Ms McDonald paid tribute to staff working in hospitals, as well as those working in shops and delivery services, during the coronavirus health crisis.

Ms McDonald, who led Sinn Feins Easter Rising commemoration, said those working on the front line put their lives at risk.

The party held the event online because of the coronavirus restrictions.

It was streamed across social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook.

Ms McDonald said: On the morning of Easter Rising, many volunteers would have held their loved ones close, kissed their children and in a quiet moment reflected on the enormity of the task ahead.

This is the stuff of human heroism. It is this heroism that we call on again today.

Everyday, frontline workers and our health workers in particular leave the sanctuary of their homes knowing that they will face trauma, sorrow and pain, knowing that they face the possibility of a coronavirus infection.

Yet they still do it. They walk into that storm, they put themselves at risk to help others.





16:00 12/04/2020

Ireland hopes to reach goal of 15,000 tests a day by end of next week

The chair of the Covid-19 expert advisory group has said that Ireland will increase its coronavirus testing to 15,000 a day probably by the end of next week.

Dr Cillian De Gascun, a consultant virologist and director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL), said it is expected between 5,000 to 7,000 people a day will be tested this week.

The Governments goal is to dramatically increase its testing over the coming weeks and to turn around a test within 48 hours.

Ireland has been facing several challenges as it tries to increase capacity and clear its backlog of tests.

Read More





12:30 12/04/2020

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson discharged from hospital

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been discharged from St Thomas Hospital to continue his recovery from coronavirus at Chequers, Downing Street said.

A Number 10 spokesman said: The PM has been discharged from hospital to continue his recovery, at Chequers.

On the advice of his medical team, the PM will not be immediately returning to work.

He wishes to thank everybody at St Thomas for the brilliant care he has received.

All of his thoughts are with those affected by this illness.





13:00 12/04/2020

Ireland facing 'some of its darkest days' - Taoiseach warns

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that Ireland will face some of its darkest days in the weeks ahead, as it battles to contain the spread of coronavirus.

In a video message posted on Twitter, Mr Varadkar said that the country is preparing to reach its Covid-19 peak later this month.

Visit our Covid-19 vaccine dashboard for updates on the roll out of the vaccination program and the rate of Coronavirus cases Ireland

"The number of hospitalisations and sadly the number of deaths continues to rise," he said.

"So we cannot lose focus. We cannot lessen our efforts. In fact, we need to redouble them for the next few weeks."

Read More





09:20 12/04/2020

Tax hikes to pay for coronavirus bill ruled out

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that he is strongly opposed to income tax increases or welfare cuts as measures to pay for the enormous cost of fighting the coronavirus.

In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Independent, Mr Varadkar said: "One thing that I'm absolutely sure of, something that we definitely don't need in the next couple of years, is pay cuts - or welfare cuts or increases in income tax."

Read More





18:45 11/04/2020

553 new cases of Covid-19 and 33 more deaths confirmed in Ireland

553 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Ireland, as well as 286 cases returned from a laboratory in Germany.

A further 33 deaths have been reported, bringing the total to 320 deaths in Ireland from Covid-19.

The breakdown is as follows:

30 deaths located in the east, 3 in the west of the country

The deaths included 14 females and 19 males

The median age of todays reported deaths is 82

25 people were reported as having underlying health conditions

As of 1pm Saturday 11th April, the HPSC has been notified of the following cases;

An additional 553 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 reported by Irish laboratories

An additional 286 confirmed cases of Covid-19 reported by a laboratory in Germany

With the latest German figures included, there are now a total of 8,928 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; "Todays figure of 553 represents the largest number of new cases reported in a single day since the start of the outbreak.

"This should remind everyone of the importance of hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and physical distancing. These are the actions to suppress this infection. We need to continue with them."





17:30 11/04/2020

Health Minister launches mental health and wellbeing initiative to support people during COVID-19

Minister for Health Simon Harris today launched a wellbeing initiative aimed at supporting the diverse mental health needs of the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The campaign, developed by the Department of Health and HSE, in collaboration with a range of cross-Government partners, will offer support and resources to help deal with the stress, anxiety and isolation currently experienced by many in Ireland.

A new online resource at gov.ie/together will offer advice to help people cope at home and will promote the mental health supports and resources available on the HSEs YourMentalHealth.ie.

Speaking about the launch, Mr Harris said: "The outbreak of COVID-19 throughout the world is a source of significant stress, anxiety, worry and fear for many of us. I know that the current restrictions on peoples daily lives are hard, but there are ways we can support each other through these difficult days.

"The HSE and partner organisations already offer a number of supports and services through online, telephone and text, including online counselling, and are developing a plan to expand these as needed over the coming weeks and months.

"I would strongly encourage anyone who needs support for their mental health difficulties to seek out the help you need, and please get in touch with your GP or mental health service if you need their help during this time."





16:30 11/04/2020

Gardai monitoring Russian embassy after reports of construction amid coronavirus restrictions

Gardai are monitoring the Embassy of Russia in Dublin after receiving reports of construction work being carried out during the coronavirus lockdown.

The embassy has being constructing a controversial new consular building on its grounds in South County Dublin.

The Government banned construction work as part of its clamp down on non-essential activities during the coronavirus emergency.

Last week, An Garda Siochana confirmed they received complaints about work continuing on at embassys new building despite the lockdown.

Read More





15:00 11/04/2020

Harris sets new target for when some coronavirus restrictions could be lifted

HEALTH Minister Simon Harris has said the coronavirus restrictions can start to be lifted once the rate of transmission slows.

A day after the restrictions were extended by three weeks, Mr Harris offered fresh hope that some measures can be loosened once the reproduction rate of the virus - the R0 - falls below one.

An R0 of less than one suggests that, on average, an infected person is passing the virus on to less than one other person. If this is maintained, the virus will eventually die out.

Key to reducing the transmission rate is reducing the number of people coming into contact with infected cases and Mr Harris identified R0, which currently stands at about 1 in Ireland, as the key indicator for when restrictions can start to be loosened.

Read More





14:07 11/04/2020

Dublin's Seapoint, Sandycove and Forty Foot bathing areas closed amid coronavirus restrictions

Dublin's Seapoint, Sandycove and Forty Foot bathing areas have been closed to the public from today in response to Covid-19 restrictions, Dun Laoghaire County Council have said.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council have shut the areas from now until further notice in order to comply with social distancing and the 2km requirements outlined by the HSE guidelines.

A statement from the council reads: "Following consultation between the Council & An Garda Siochana, as a result of concerns raised with social distancing compliance, the Municipal Services Department has decided to close Seapoint, Sandycove amd Forty Foot bathing areas to the public from Saturday 11 April until further notice to best align with COVID 19 restrictions and in the interests of public health."

The announcement follows Wexford county council's decision to close a number of beach car parks ahead of the Easter weekend.

Read More





11:00 11/04/2020

Late Leaving Cert may delay the start of next school year

The opening of the new school year in second-level schools may be disrupted by a decision to postpone the start of the Leaving Cert to late July/August.

It will depend on the final timetable for the rescheduled exams and how long it takes to grade the papers of the 61,000 candidates, in which working teachers are heavily involved.

A Department of Education spokesperson confirmed it is only when the new exam schedule is set in June "will it be possible to determine if there will be any impact for the start of the new school year".

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) will seek to boost examiner numbers by using Junior Cycle examiners as well as recruiting further examiners in a bid to make the marking process as efficient as possible.

Education Minister Joe McHugh's announcement of the postponement of the Leaving Cert ends weeks of uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 public health emergency, which closed schools on March 12. Schools will remain shut until further notice.

Read More





09:00 11/04/2020

Hidden toll of coronavirus as hospital waiting lists soar by 11,000 in just one month

The devastating impact the coronavirus is having on public patients needing surgery is revealed in stark new figures showing waiting lists have jumped by a record 11,000 in just a month, to 77,748.

Hospitals have had to impose massive cancellations in March and April in order to free up beds, intensive care units and staff to cope with the rise in coronavirus patients.

But with another three weeks of emergency measures and potentially months of a clampdown on thousands of routine care appointments ahead, the fear is that more patients facing critical delays will die on waiting lists.

It comes as another 25 patients have died from the coronavirus, bringing the death toll to 288, ranging in age from 32 to 105.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan revealed around 156 of the deaths from the virus have involved residents of nursing homes or residential centres.

There have been 135 clusters in nursing homes but this is out of 550 nursing homes.

Read More





08:26 11/04/2020

Coronavirus lockdown measures extended

The Government last night extended coronavirus lockdown measures by three weeks to May 5 - with little sign an end to the crisis is in sight.

It came as Leaving Cert students were told their exams have been moved to either late July or August, which could have the knock-on effect of a delayed start to the next second-level school year.

No specific date for the exams was given as Education Minister Joe McHugh said steps to reopen schools would only be taken when public health advice assured it was OK to do so.
Funny Boy @ 25: How the story finally found its voice Shyam Selvadurai in an email interview with Yomal Senerath-Yapa View(s): View(s):

Funny Boy is a cult and more. It comes with the conspiratorial whisper Just be yourself- however hostile the world may be.

Winner of the Canada First Novel Award and the Lambda Award, the book has been translated into more than eight languages, and turned into a film, still to be released.

As Funny Boy celebrates its 25th anniversary, author Shyam Selvadurai in an email interview with the Sunday Times looks at how the novel came to be. (Some extracts have been drawn from a text written for the special anniversary edition by the author).

It was the fall of 1990, and Shyam Selvadurai had broken free of the gray, utilitarian routine of Scarborough, Toronto, to go live in Montreal- the city of festivals- a vibrant, colourful explosion in glorious, russet autumn where, away from his parents house for the first time- he began writing a novel.

He had been inspired by Anita Desais novel Clear Light of Day, where the Indian Partition of 1947 whips up a miniature storm within an English speaking upper middle class family in Delhi. He had never before seen his own childhood milieu in Colombo so closely matched in literature (give or take the bigger cacophony of the 20th Century Delhi).

The book threw open a back door in his mind, and he knew he too had a story to tell. Desais Partition could be replaced by Sri Lankas Sinhala- Tamil ethnic riots- which forced the Selvadurais to seek refuge in Canada in 1983.

Like Desai, he would write about not those who made history, but those who were swept along by it.

That first year of writing in Montreal was heady and golden. Shyam would go for long walks, inhale the freedom of that raucously lit city and write  his writing stamina growing the more he wrote. There was the excitement of seeing (himself) slowly gaining mastery over scene, dialogue, and language.

In a year, the novel was done- a story of the riots pretty much following Desais structure.

The afterglow of it radiated in him for some weeks but soon, reading with detachment, something bewildering, scary suddenly crashed on him. He realized the novel was really a failure- a stillborn- that he could not re-enter.

It was shattering as he had only saved money for a year in Montreal- and it was over.

With no cards left to play Shyam began working at a video store. One evening, to fill the awful hours and tire myself out, he set himself the task of writing a page of first person narrative.

Soon he was writing about a boy watching his mother wearing a sari. A chance memory tossed up- he knew that the boy was himself, and wanted to drape the sari himself. It was a powerful moment and the story would then unfold- from his own youth- of a boy who loved to dress up as a bride. The story had finally found its voice.

The first story in the novel- Pigs Cant Fly- ends after Arjie runs crying from the hostile world that would not let him be what he wants to be. But Shyam knew he had to follow an older Arjie again- with his compelling voice. He wrote four more stories and an epilogue  which would make up the novel.

Though based on Shyams childhood, Arjies world could not have been more different. Tempest-tossed between awakening homosexuality and rumbling ethnic troubles, the novel was like a wild monsoon beach with the bittersweet pangs of adolescence. In reality Shyam grew up in a happy domestic world amidst a loving, understanding family. Till, of course, the very real ethnic tensions erupted. The novel had to have many conflicts as happy endings would not have provided impetus and tension- and would not have allowed Arjie to grow wise.

Early on, Shyam had an imagined reader for Funny Boy: a young Sri Lankan person, who would pick up the novel and find in it their own queernessand know, by reading about Arjies journey, that they were not alone, that resistance and happiness were possible.

Once the monsoonal sweep of the novel came to its end, Shyam would have been happy had the novel been taken by a small press- if that.

Shyam hadnt dreamt of the success to come- probably eclipsing Desais novel, or Alice Munros Lives of Girls and Women which first gave him the idea of a novel in six stories.

The rest of course is history- but it remains to be known precisely how that storm of praise and awards floored Shyam, taking him totally unawares, months later.

I suspect that perhaps part of the lasting value lies in the authenticity of its voice, he says. He did not talk down to, or even talk at, the reader, but rather invited them into a world (he) knew and loved and lost.

The charismatic presence of Arjie himself- slightly feminine and silent but spirited, defiant, rebellious and imaginative throughout- was another.

Shyam adds finally:

The novel also tells another universal story: that of a people whose daily lives are thrown into turmoil when the negative forces in their society prevailbe it the Holocaust, Rwanda, Iran of the last 1970s or Syria of today. It tells a very Canadian story tooabout the lives and circumstances of the thousands of people we take into our land as refugees, who walk the streets of our cities. It tells of the circumstances that drove them to leave their home and seek a new one here in Canada.
Let the message of Easter cast light on last years tragedy By Ayesha Muthuveloe View(s): View(s):

No one truly dies until they are completely forgotten

By that measure the innocent victims of the Easter bombings of 2019, will never be forgotten. Their death at the hands of a terrorist organization will be remembered, at the dawning of every Easter Sunday for decades to come. The killers chose the most sacred day in the Christian calendar, to unleash their unspeakable cruelty on innocent worshippers and those who were doubly innocent on account of being children. There were others, who had gathered happily at hotels to enjoy breakfast, an Easter celebration.

A tragedy of such magnitude is unbearable, but when it arises out of human depravity and malevolence, it is gut wrenching and evil. To strike on the holiest of Sundays, with detailed precision and a pre-meditated motive, to kill and maim countless people is criminal intent of the highest degree. What makes it even more heinous, is that many of the victims were at prayer, to celebrate the festival of Easter that claims victory over death.

Truth

The Easter bombing was the antithesis of the peace professed by Christianity. The followers of Christ aspire to live their lives to reflect Gods love and to mirror His kingdom on earth. The act of carnage was contrary to the true nature of Almighty God. At the dawn of creation, God spoke His word and brought forth order and light out of a formless void of darkness and chaos. He made man in his own image and instilled His absolute truth at the centre of His created order. If this was not so the functioning of our natural world and our scientific discoveries will not stand up to empirical testing and the sun would fail to rise and set each day.

When we move away from absolute truth as ordained by God and replace it with falsehoods that masquerade as relative truth, we justify our acts of wickedness, deceit, violence, hatred, prejudice, greed, avarice, jealousy and selfishness using a measure alien to God ordained absolute truth. This leads to atrocities such as the Easter bombing, by men who claim their entrance into paradise, whilst creating hell on earth for their victims.

One year on since the Easter bombings there has been no clearer understanding as to how this atrocity went undetected. As to why the terrorists chose to attack Christians, foreigners and locals at hotels remains unclear. An official inquiry into the events of the Easter bombing so that lessons can be learnt and to provide answers, accept responsibility and seek justice for those who lost lives and continue to suffer injury, appears to raise more questions. Absolute truth was sacrificed together with the victims of the attack.

Triumph

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. His message was achieved not by the efforts of sinful man but through the sacrificial death of His son Jesus Christ.

On Easter Sunday Jesus Christ, the son of God rose victorious over sin, the devil and death. The message of redemption through the death of Christ has the power to reconcile sinful man to Almighty God. Jesus proclaimed a message of love, peace, redemption and forgiveness which has transformed human hearts down the ages. His followers seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, reciting the prayer that Jesus taught Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven . Lead us not into temptation, deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom The absence of violence by Christians following the attack encouraged by the Catholic, Christian priests and pastors, demonstrates the power of the Christian message to overcome evil with good.

Jesus said, I am the Way, the Truth and the Light. Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who presided over the trial of Jesus asked the question what is truth and concluded with the answer eke Homo (behold the man). At His crucifixion Jesus prayed for His enemies Father forgive them for they know not what they do. He gave hope to the penitent robber who was dying alongside Him saying, Today you will be with me in paradise. His encouragement to His disciples was - let not your hearts be troubled, you believe in God believe also in me. He told His followers to pray for their enemies, turn the other cheek and go the extra mile for them. After the resurrection He appeared before His disciples saying My peace I leave with you, my peace I give you and Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. He then ascended into heaven leaving His disciples to carry His message of love, peace and forgiveness to the ends of the earth.

Christs resurrection on Easter Sunday grants us transformed hearts and minds and the promise of eternal life. Christians the world over can experience Gods forgiveness for genuine contrition, hope in place of despair, love in spite of hatred and an enduring peace that passes all understanding. Easter reminds us that the Living Eternal God of the universe became man to live, die and rise again so that goodness can triumph over evil and eternal life rise victorious over death.

May the souls of all who died last Easter rest in peace and rise in glory.
Masks at a Lab of 3M, contracted by the U.S. government to produce extra masks, in in Maplewood, Minnesota, on March 4, 2020. (Nicholas Pfosi/Reuters)

Man Accused of Trying to Sell Non-Existent Face Masks in Multimillion Dollar Scam

A man from Georgia has been charged with fraud after he allegedly attempted to scam the federal government by offering to sell millions of non-existent respirator masks in exchange for upfront payments, the Justice Department announced on Friday.

Christopher Parris, 39, is accused of making multiple false misrepresentations when he tried to sell the Department of Veterans Affairs 125 million face masks and other personal protective equipment in a scheme that would have totaled over $750 million. The DOJ said Parris promised that he could obtain millions of genuine 3M masks from domestic factories even though he knew that would not be possible. He was also accused of doing the same to state governments.

The 39-year-old has been charged with wire fraud and has been ordered to be detained as he awaits extradition to Washington.

We will vigorously pursue fraudsters who exploit the COVID-19 pandemic to make money, Attorney General William Barr said in a statement.

As this case demonstrates, even beyond the typical costs associated with unlawful behavior, COVID-19 scams divert government time and resources and risk preventing front-line responders and consumers from obtaining the equipment they need to combat this pandemic.

The Department of Justice will not tolerate this conduct, especially when it involves this kind of egregious attempt to target and defraud our nations treasuresour veterans, he added.

If Parris is convicted, he faces 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

As Americans battle the CCP virus pandemic, which has caused human and economic devastation, criminals are attempting to take advantage of the fear and panic by creating schemes and scams to exploit victims.

Barr has previously instructed U.S. attorneys nationwide to prioritize prosecutions and investigations of scammers, fraudsters, and cybercriminals who are seeking to profit from the virus.

The pandemic is dangerous enough without wrongdoers seeking to profit from public panic, and this sort of conduct cannot be tolerated, Barr said in a memo issued on March 16.

Some of the schemes involve individuals and businesses selling fake cures online for COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. Meanwhile, some are engaging in other forms of fraud such as sending out phishing emails posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The department is also looking to prosecute individuals and businesses who engage in anti-competitive behavior such as price-fixing of personal protective equipment and unfair business practices such as price gouging and hoarding of items.

Thousands of masks, gloves, and other protective equipment were confiscated from a hoarder and have been distributed to healthcare workers combating the CCP virus, the federal government announced last week.
Thousands of vehicles lined up before dawn Thursday to seek aid from the San Antonio Food Bank.

The agency fed about 10,000 households at a South Side flea market amid the economic fallout caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
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The ministry official said in January this year, they began with just one lab then scaled it up to 15 labs. "We have done upscaling to 2.5 labs in a day so far," said Agarwal.He said though there is no community transmission in the country till now, people have to be alert and follow dos and don'ts.On the availability of the Hydroxychloroquine, Agarwal said there is a stock of more than 3 crore tablets in the country, and the required projection of consumption is nearly one crore tablets."The stock is sufficient for the month-end requirement," said Agarwal citing the MEA decision to export surplus medicine.Source: IANS
Kabul/IBNS: The Afghanistan government has rejected Pakistan's request to extradite its citizen and terrorist Aslam Farooqi who was a mastermind of the attack on a gurudwara in Kabul city recently killing at least 25 Sikhs.

He is the so-called emir of Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP).

"Afghanistan ministry of foreign affairs have received the request of Pakistan government about surrendering Aslam Farooqi. Farooqi is that leader of Daesh that have performed lots of crimes. He is accused of leading several operations that resulted death of several Afghan civilians and soldiers.

"He will be sentenced based on the Afghanistan Islamic laws. Afghanistan never makes deference between the terrorists, will deal the same based on the law and is dedicated to all the ani-terrorism commitments," read a statement issued by the Afghanistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"As there is no agreement between Afghanistan and Pakistan on extradition of suspects or criminals therefore Aslam Farooqi will be dealt based on the Afghanistans law," said the statement.

Farooqui had earlier confessed his strong relationship with Pak spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

"ISKP leader Abdullah Orakzai, a Pakistani national known as Aslam Farooqi was detained in a complex operation by NDS Afghanistan special forces. In initial investigations, he has confessed of strong relationship between Islamic State-Khurasan and regional intelligence agencies," Javed Faisal, Spokesperson of National Security Council of Afghanistan was quoted as saying by Zee News.

He was arrested by security forces in Afghanistan on charges of orchestrating the attack on the Sikh gurudwara on Mar 25, an incident that was condemned worldwide.

Farooqi is a native of Orakzai agency that is located in Pakistan, media reports said.

Farooq was operating as the commander of Daeshs military wing in Pakistans Peshawar city and was deployed in Abdul Khel valley of Achin district of the eastern province of Nangarhar, read a statement issued by National Directorate of Security (NDS) of Afghanistan, as reported by Tolo News.

Farooqi was "enjoying close relations" with the other terrorist groups such as "the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, said the statement.

According to reports, he had joined LeT in 2004.



The attack last month in the Kabul city of Afghanistan left 25 people killed.
CROWN POINT  The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way many people are working, but it hasn't slowed government business in Crown Point.

The city of Crown Point is working, all offices are open, Mayor David Uran said at his monthly community forum held earlier this week. We are not allowing any walk-ins to come in, but we are operating.

Director of Public Works Terry Ciciora said his crews are working at staggered times between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

He said the department will continue to handle its regular tasks, including brush pickup, leaf pickup and moving forward with the 50/50 sidewalk program.

I have faith in my staff that we can handle anything thrown at us, Ciciora said

He said employees work in pairs, and they are provided the personal protective equipment (PPE) they desire to remain safe. Crews work in the same pairs each day as another precaution.

Uran said the department has a roll call each morning to go through a checklist. If a person isn't feeling well, they would be sent to be evaluated by medical personnel with Franciscan Health.
Cross-border cargo policies put in place by China to control the spread of the coronavirus are pinching Myanmar traders and truck drivers, who have voiced concern about the safety of their cargo and charges imposed by the Chinese, officials at Myanmar trade associations said Friday.

Chinese authorities have restricted their drivers from entering Myanmar and since April 1 have required Myanmar traders in northern Shan state to pay Chinese drivers 10 yuan each (U.S. $1.40) to transport truckloads of rice and fruit from border crossings to local cargo facilities.

The move came after a decision by Chinas Yunnan province to close its border with Myanmar, forbidding all vehicles except trucks to cross, and to only allow in Myanmar nationals whose identity cards specified that they were from the border town of Muse.

Starting April 1, Chinese authorities restricted Chinese traders from entering Myanmar, said Yiyi Khine from the Muse border areas Fruit and Vegetable Traders Association.

Previously, Chinese traders crossed the border to check the commodities at a facility near the 105-mile border crossing in Muse, [and] they completed the trading there, he said. Now, Myanmar traders need to send their cargo across the border and present the commodities to potential buyers.

Truck drivers have criticized the policy, saying they fear that Chinese drivers will damage their vehicles and steal some of their cargo.

The drivers are concerned that the new rules require cargo trucks to be taken over by Chinese drivers, said Win Aung Khant, chairman of the Shan State Cargo Logistic Entrepreneurs Association. They are concerned that there will be damage or a loss of cargo.

Most trucks in northern Shan state drive from Muse across the Shweli River and into Ruili in southwest Chinas Yunnan province.

The Chinese drivers take over the cargo trucks from the border gate to the cargo facility in Ruili in China, Win Aung Khant said.

Major border crossing

Muse is an important border crossing point for agriculture and livestock exports from Myanmar and for machinery and construction equipment imports from China.

Between 600 to 800 trucks from Myanmar pass through the crossing daily, and at least 300 Chinese cargo trucks enter Myanmar, local traders said.

Myanmar traders say the new rule has increased logistics expenses to the point that many cargo truck owners and drivers are facing possible bankruptcy.

They want Myanmar authorities to intervene and negotiate with their Chinese counterparts in an effort to reverse the policy, according to the trade associations.

Muse district administrators and border trade authorities discussed the issue during a meeting with their Chinese counterparts on Thursday, but failed to achieve any progress, said a meeting participant who declined to give his name because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

The Chinese authorities focused on work in the area related to Belt and Road Initiative projects and their countrys donation of medical supplies to Myanmar, he told RFA.

Myanmar officials have not imposed any restrictions on cargo traffic passing through its border crossings with China amid the spread of the coronavirus.

The Myanmar government has restricted travelers from China and elsewhere from entering the country, though Myanmar citizens returning from abroad are permitted back in but subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine to ensure they do not have the virus.

Virus cases inch upwards

On Friday, Myanmar registered 27 confirmed coronavirus, or COVID-19, cases, including four news ones, and three deaths.

Myanmar health officials have issued guidelines for people leaving quarantine centers to remain in self-isolation at home for another 14 days as a further preventive measure, to keep six feet away from their family members, to wear face masks, and to wash the hands after touching something.

The guidelines came as hundreds of people who have completed mandatory 14-day quarantines are being released from facilities in different regions of the country.

The move has sparked criticism from some that people are been released too soon and without any lab tests performed.

Placing those suspected of having the coronavirus in quarantine is not enough, said Nay Oo from a self-help group in Sagaing regions Monywa township that is monitoring people who have returned from overseas trips.

The authorities should have done lab tests and blood tests on them, but, as we understand, the facilities have limited capacity, and there are limited budgets, he said.

Nay Oo also suggested that the costs for lab tests could be divided between people in quarantine and the government.

It would be better than observing them only during the quarantine, but it might not work, he said.

Reported by Kan Thar and Thant Zin Oo for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Ye Kaung Myint Maung. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Albeit described by The Washington Post as old, inarticulate, uninspiring and gaffe prone, Joe Biden is today the likely winner of the Democratic Party nomination for the upcoming US presidential elections. According to The Financial Times, polls in March 2020 even show Biden beating Trump by seven percentage points in a presidential race. What would a Biden presidency mean for the liberal international order? Would it make a difference, as far as the status quo in US foreign policy is concerned? Let us turn to Bidens recent article published by Foreign Affairs for answers.

Bidens Foreign Affairs article is good news to liberals, among whom Princeton Universitys John Ikenberry is the most outspoken. In his paper, Biden calls for the restoration of US leadership. An ambiguous and much contested term, US leadership, to Biden, as to liberals, means commitment to the liberal international order. This means commitment to key alliances such as NATO, multilateral economic institutions such as the World Trade Organisation and the now gone Trans-Pacific Partnership, and confronting key illiberal powers, such as Russia and China and, albeit within the parameters of the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran. Today, this also means gradual withdrawal from the Middle East and the forever war on terror.

With the exception of commitment to economic multilateralism, Bidens foreign policy outline sounds familiar to anyone who has read Trumps 2017 National Security Strategy. Furthermore, it remains unclear how economic multilateralism would be restored under a potential Biden administration. In his article, Biden says, I will not enter into new trade agreements until we have invested in Americans and equipped them to succeed in the global economy. In other words, the state will interfere in the free market, arming citizens with what they need to compete, and then open free trade. A subtle form of economic nationalism under a Biden administration will apparently save the free market by letting the US, in Bidens words, sell the best to the world. This is the foreign policy of liberal nostalgia, which simply overlooks the contradiction between the desire for multilateralism and the reality of economic nationalism. In its pursuit of the latter, in however subtle a form, it represents a foreign policy that Trump would applaud.

What explains this continuity in US foreign policy? In some areas, for example in US foreign policy towards the Middle East, particularly towards Iran, US foreign policy remains continuous due to domestic considerations. The Israeli lobby, as Professor Stephen Walt of Harvard University and Professor John Mearsheimer of the University of Chicago argued in their book, The Israeli Lobby and US Foreign Policy, plays a major role here. Continuity in US foreign policy in the wider liberal order, however, cannot be reduced to domestic considerations: it is due to a lack of imagination to go beyond liberal principles that, for at least for a century now, proved morally bankrupt.

Liberal principles, particularly in the neoliberal age that accelerated in the 1980s onwards, lack moral purpose beyond material accumulation and improvement in hedonistic lifestyles. In the age of the nation state, this causes a contradiction that historians of liberalism and empire are all too familiar with. On the one hand, liberal principles call for free trade and the reduction of the government role in political economy. On the other hand, liberal principles reduce international politics to a Darwinian struggle for economic and political competition between governments. In the age of the nation state, where each people looks to their national government to provide material improvement, endless accumulation and competition result in total wars as seen with World War I and World War II. In short, in the age of the nation state, liberal principles are highly problematic: they result in conflict and violence, only to be tamed by the sheer destructiveness of nuclear weapons as seen during the Cold War.

Liberals argue that in the post-1945 order the US engaged in the formation of multilateral institutions that allegedly mitigated the disaster of pre-1945 laissez faire. But the contradiction under liberalism remained. Resurfacing under Trump, it once again challenged these institutions, as seen with Trumps recent challenge to the WTO. Bidens image of peace, like Trumps, is based on the false premise that a fair deal for America can save its liberal nostalgia and once again open up free trade. What this premise fails to recognise is that liberalism itself became bankrupt a long time ago. What America faces today is a challenge of imagination: the challenge to imagine a post-liberal alternative; that is, to look forward to a new future, rather than backward to a glorious past.

Neither Trump nor Biden are ready to come face to face with this moral bankruptcy of liberal principles in the age of the nation state. Rather, theirs is a foreign policy of reformation as Thomas Wright recently wrote in The Atlantic. In an age of impending climate catastrophe and global health crisis, both of which cry for transnational cooperation, this nostalgia is dangerous. It lacks a post-liberal imagination that is desperately needed today. Thus, to answer the question raised at the start: no, it does not make a difference, as far as the status quo in US foreign policy is concerned, whether Trump or Biden is in the White House next year. The only real change can come from a more radical candidate, perhaps a democratic socialist who may challenge the moral bankruptcy of liberalism and, with fresh thinking, ultimately challenge the status quo. Whether this challenge will be successful and steer US foreign policy in a less conflictual direction is yet to be seen.

*The writer is a teaching fellow in international relations at the University of Birmingham.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 9 April, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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A call has been made to support Drogheda businesses during the current pandemic crisis.

Although the measures announced by the Irish government to mitigate the risks of Coronavirus spreading are required and appropriate to safeguard public health, Trevor Connolly CEO of the LOVEDROGHEDA BID says we need to ensure Drogheda's businesses are protected during this outbreak and that, as best we can, jobs are preserved.

"We are currently in an ever-changing situation that will have extreme impacts across the retail and business sector in the immediate short term. In this last number of days, there has been a very dramatic downward impact on business in Drogheda," he says.

"As a town we need to come together, to follow instructions on safe social distancing, and work together to help stem the spread of the COVID 19 virus. During this time, Love Drogheda BID will be calling for supports for small local businesses."

The group says that while public health and safety must be the number one priority, the virus will pass and the general health of our nation will return to normal.

"We are calling on all Government agencies to support and provide every assistance in protecting Drogheda's jobs and businesses," adds Geoff Fitzpatrick, Chairperson of the LOVEDROGHEDA BID.

"A key immediate requirement, will be to assist with cashflow. If businesses do not have cash, they cannot pay staff or suppliers. If they run out of cash - they close.":

Love Drogheda BID strongly urges and welcomes actions to be implemented on streamlining and simplifying the process for employees to access financial supports from the Department of Employments Affairs and Social Protection, that banks are flexible, defer loan payments and make short term funds available to businesses, that Revenue defer VAT and PAYE payments, a pause be put on all utility bills, and that local authorities seek to take action in relation to emergency provision for a suite of supports for local rate payers.

"We are also calling on the people of Drogheda to buy local and support local businesses. Local businesses support local jobs and generally buy goods and services from local producers, farmers and trades people, said Valerie Sherlock of the LOVEDROGHEDA BID.

"If you are shopping online for a product in a search engine, always put "a comma and Drogheda" thus helping your local businesses where possible.

"We need to ensure the people of Drogheda have jobs to go back to when it ends. Businesses need to be backed and business owners given support, so they have the confidence to see this storm through".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold another round of video conference with all chief ministers on Saturday to discuss the coronavirus pandemic and is expected to take a call on extending the lockdown, which will end on April 14.

The Centre is considering extending the three-week nationwide lockdown over the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak after some states asked its enforcement beyond April 14. It will also keep the option of lifting the restrictions in a staggered manner in mind.

Punjab and after Odisha have already extended the lockdown till the end of the month.

Also read: What you need to know today

Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra and Karnataka have said that the threat of Covid-19 would be easier to handle if the lockdown, which took effect on March 25, remains in force for a longer duration.

Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Puducherry are also among others who have favoured an extension of the lockdown.

Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday stressed lockdown is the only way to save our people as he ruled out lifting the nationwide restrictions in one go.

He had said that life will not be the same again after the coronavirus pandemic and that there would be pre-corona and post-corona for times to come.

I am regularly talking to CMs, districts and experts. Nobody is telling me to lift the lockdown. We need strict rules to maintain social distancing. We have to take many unexpected steps too, Modi said.

I will talk again to CMs. But as of now, the mood is that entire lockdown lifting is not possible. We are also talking in district levels. For us, lockdown is the only way to save our people, Modi added.

Also read: Rising infections among medical staff raise preparedness concerns

The number of Covid-19 cases in India on Friday reached 6761 and 206 have so far died of the disease.

Experts have raised concern that once the lockdown is lifted and people are allowed to get out of home freely, it could lead to a spike in the number of cases, negating the gains from the lockdown. However, there are also worries that continuing with a strict lockdown could cause long-term damage to the economy.

The Union government has asked for strict enforcement of the current lockdown and reached out to states to assess if some categories of services and people needed to be exempted, in a sign that a set of restrictions will continue to be in place.

The Union health minister, Harsh Vardhan, on Friday met state health ministers and urged them to ensure that the lockdown was strictly followed.

I request health ministers of all states to ensure that lockdown is followed 100% in your respective states. If we lag behind in this, it will be difficult for us to win this fight against Covid-19, he said.

The Centre also constituted 10 high-level multi-disciplinary central teams to help states from where a high number of cases are being reported.

These teams have been rushed to Bihar, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh, to aid them in containment preparedness, hospital preparedness and ventilator management.

The Union home ministry has also reached out to states and asked whether more categories of people and services need to be exempted, officials familiar with the development said on Friday.

The step is also being widely seen as a sign that the lockdown will continue in some form.
A mother and her young son are believed to have died in a unit fire in southeast Queensland.

Their bodies were located in the burnt-out remains of a unit complex that caught fire at the Gold Coast overnight.

Forensic testing will be carried out to confirm their identities, police say.

A mother and her young son are believed to have died in a unit fire in southeast Queensland

Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler had earlier said emergency workers had trouble gaining access to the site because of the extensive damage

Eight units were damaged in the blaze at the Biggera Waters building, which was alight when firefighters were called around 1.30am on Saturday.

Police have declared a crime scene at the Back St unit as officers try to determine out what started the fire.

Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler had earlier said emergency workers had trouble gaining access to the site because of the extensive damage.

A man in his 40s was also taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Senior Sergeant Brett Macgibbon told the ABC police were unable to locate the pair during the evacuation.

Eight units were damaged in the blaze at the Biggera Waters building, which was alight when firefighters were called around 1.30am on Saturday

'The fire was very extensive at that stage and police were unable unfortunately to get into the unit,' he said.

'The fire was just horrendous when we've arrived  massive flames coming out of all the windows, neighbours were actually giving us ladders to try and convince us to go in.

'However it was just extremely dangerous and no-one could have gone into that unit.'
Cabinet minister Priti Patel has said she is sorry if people feel there have been failings in the governments supply of PPE protective equipment to hospitals.

The home secretarys comments, at her first appearance at the daily 10 Downing Street coronavirus crisis press conference, stopped well short of an admission of shortcomings in the governments response, and Labour immediately said it did not amount to the apology that was needed.

And the general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, Dame Donna Kinnair, said the comments would not quell nurses anger over health secretary Matt Hancocks suggestion that shortages were caused by health workers overusing PPE rather than treating it as a precious resource.

I dont think any nurse is going to accept the apology because we dont understand why anybody would be intimating that nurses are using a precious resource irresponsibly, Dame Donna said. What we will want to see is that we are getting the kit, we are getting PPE out there and we are able to use it in caring for the patients.

Ms Patels comments came just hours after health secretary Matt Hancock revealed that 19 healthcare workers have died from coronavirus during the outbreak, and as senior doctors said the failure to deliver PPE was a shocking indictment of the governments approach.

High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Show all 18 1 /18 High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Najaf, Iraq A man holds a pocket watch at noon, at an almost empty market near the Imam Ali shrine Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Bangkok, Thailand Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, part of The Grand Palace) Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Prague, Czech Republic An empty street leading to the historic Old Town Square Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Washington DC, US Lawn stretching towards the Capitol, home of Congress Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Jerusalem's Old City A watch showing the time in front of Damascus Gate Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world London, UK The Houses of Parliament seen from Westminster Bridge Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Wuhan, China Empty lanes in the city that saw the first outbreak of disease Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Havana, Cuba The Malecon road and esplanade winds along the city's seafront Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Cairo, Egypt A little busier than elsewhere: midday traffic in Tahrir Square Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Berlin, Germany The Brandenburg Gate, the only surviving city gate in the capital Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Caracas, Venezuela Bolivar Avenue, opened in 1949 and the site of many demonstrations and rallies Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Moscow, Russia Spasskaya Tower (left) on the eastern wall of the Kremlin, and St Basil's Cathedral Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Istanbul,Turkey The harbourside Eminonu district is usually buzzing with activity Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world New Delhi, India Rajpath, a ceremonial boulevard that runs through the capital Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Amman, Jordan The Roman amphitheatre that dates back to the 2nd century AD Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world New York City, US The main concourse of Grand Central station in Manhattan Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Kiev, Ukraine Maidan Nezalezhnosti, the site of many political protests since the end of the Soviet era Reuters High noon in a coronavirus-stricken world Accra, Ghana The odd walker out in the midday sun on Ring Road Central Reuters

Mr Hancock was facing a growing backlash over his claim that scarce equipment had been wasted, which was branded frankly insulting by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer at a time when the UKs overall death toll approached 10,000.

Official figures put the total number of coronavirus deaths in UK hospitals at 9,875 with the virus claiming a further 917 lives on Friday, slightly down on the previous days 980. Test numbers dipped to 18,091 over the 24-hour period, down from 19,116 the previous day, taking the government further away from its target of 100,000 by the end of the month.

Speaking alongside Ms Patel, NHS England medical director Stephen Powis said the figures showed a levelling off in the number of cases, largely due to strong public compliance with social distancing rules. Prof Powis said he was confident that the plateauing in demand for hospital beds would translate in the next weeks into a reduction in daily deaths, so long as guidelines on staying at home and avoiding public contact were followed.

Pressed to apologise to doctors and nurses who have repeatedly raised concerns about the shortage of gowns, gloves and facemasks for staff treating highly infectious Covid-19 patients, Ms Patel said it was inevitable that there would be an increase in demand.

She dodged two demands to commit the government to a fixed date when every NHS worker will have the personal protective equipment they need.

Absolutely we are focused as a government across all departments to make sure everyone in the NHS has everything they need in terms of resources and equipment and PPE is at the heart of that, she said.

And asked to apologise to healthcare staff, she said: Im sorry if people feel there have been failings, I will be very, very clear about that.

But at the same time, we are in an unprecedented global health pandemic right now.

It is inevitable that the demand and pressures on PPE, the demand for PPE, are going to be exponential, they are going to be incredibly high.

We are trying to address that as a government, and I think thats right, thats our priority.

We are doing everything in our power and our means to boost capacity and make sure we can get PPE out to the NHS.

British medics have complained of low levels of PPE protective equipment (EPA)

Labours shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth told Sky News: It wasnt really an apology, was it? It was one of those half-hearted apologies where you use the word sorry to give the impression that you are apologising but you are not actually in reality apologising.

We hear stories every day of healthcare workers on the front line forced to cut up curtains to make their own PPE. Weve heard stories of nurses in bin-liners because they couldnt get PPE, and those nurses have now come down with coronavirus.

This really has been unacceptable, simply not good enough. People have been raising the alarm for weeks and weeks now and ministers have been making promises for weeks and weeks now, and yet our frontline staff still dont have the adequate supplies of PPE they need. Its time for ministers to get a grip, because its not fair to put our brilliant NHS workers and care workers in this situation.

Mr Hancock sparked healthcare workers anger by telling a Downing Street press conference on Friday that there was enough PPE to go around so long as it was used in line with official guidance to ensure everyone got what they needed.

Announcing that PPE distribution would be stepped up to daily deliveries, the health secretary said: Everyone should use the equipment they clinically need in line with the guidelines, no more and no less. Theres enough PPE to go around, but only if its used in line with our guidance. We need everyone to treat PPE like the precious resource that it is.

But Dame Donna rejected Mr Hancocks claim, telling BBC Radio 4s Today programme: There is no PPE equipment that is more precious a resource than a healthcare workers life, a nurses life, a doctors life.

Any suggestion that nurses are overusing personal protection is absolutely something we would like to dismiss.

And Dr David Wrigley, a member of the British Medical Associations council, said that more than 50 per cent of doctors responding to a survey said they did not have the supplies they need.

We want to be there on the front line tackling this virus, helping our patients, said Dr Wrigley. But we are hearing from doctors  over 2,000 doctors responded to us and over half of them said they havent got the right facemarks to work in high risk environments. That is ITU [intensive treatment unit] environments. Thats a shocking indictment.

Dame Donna cautioned that the need for PPE was not confined to intensive care settings.

We know actually the health care workers that are dying arent the ones that are working in intensive care, they are working in other services such as the community, such as mental health, she said.

We dont know how they contracted Covid-19 but we do know their places of work and we know they are not the intensive care units, we know they are midwives, they are people who are mixing or who are delivering care in the community and in other services that we havent prioritised for the equipment.

In a message on Twitter, Sir Keir said: It is quite frankly insulting to imply frontline staff are wasting PPE. There are horrific stories of NHS staff and care workers not having the equipment they need to keep them safe. The government must act to ensure supplies are delivered.

Mr Hancock said it was humbling to see more than 1 million NHS and social care staff go to work every day during the pandemic despite the risks they face.

Asked whether they should continue to work if they feel they have not been provided with adequate safety equipment, he told Today: They shouldnt be faced with that choice. The honest truth is that you have got to make the judgement in the circumstances of the time. My job is to make sure people dont have to make that judgement.

Mr Hancock stood by his plea for staff not to make excessive use of PPE, urging them to stick to guidelines drawn up last week in consultation with bodies including the RCN and BMA which permit gowns to be used for a whole shift rather than changed between every patient.

It is really important that people dont overuse PPE, he said. It is a precious resource.

I dont want to impute blame on people who have used more PPE than the guidelines suggest, because I understand the difficulties and circumstances, but it is important to use PPE as the guidelines say.

The health secretary said that 761 million pieces of PPE have been distributed since the start of the outbreak and said those involved should be proud of their efforts.

But he added: Theres clearly more to do to make sure that every single person who needs it gets what they need.

And Dame Donna said she was still fielding frequent calls from nurses saying they did not have enough.

In recent days we are improving the deliveries, but the safety of nurses and doctors and other health care workers must not be compromised, she said. Basic equipment to deliver care must be provided.

We are all petrified about going out on the front line but we do it because thats what we are trained for.

But its beholden on those in offices of power to make sure they are looking after our physical welfare and psychological welfare. If a nurse does not feel safe she or he is not going to be able to provide good care.

The Doctors Association UK has created an NHS PPE app to allow healthcare workers to report the situation on the ground in real time.

The associations policy head, Jenny Vaughan, said that more than 1,000 signed up in just 10 days, with more than 40 per cent saying they had experienced shortages of long-sleeved gowns and eye protectors.

She said: We absolutely acknowledge that things have improved, but there are still many, many gaps and we cant afford gaps when it comes to peoples lives.
BT chief executive Philip Jansen

When I first began to assess the potential impact of Covid-19 on our customers, our colleagues and our business, this was a situation that I never imagined: that our engineers and our networks would be under attack from people who truly believe, somehow, that 5G and Covid-19 are linked.

Our focus at BT has been on standing by the country  connecting the new Nightingale Hospitals, helping isolated patients speak with their loved ones, making sure our networks perform to keep everyone working and entertained, offering help to vulnerable customers and support to small businesses that face the challenge of a generation.

Yet as I write this, 39 engineers have been verbally or physically assaulted  including threats to kill. These are Government-designated key workers, out  with no small risk to their own health  to ensure that broadband and mobile networks keep working. Without these engineers fixing faults, adding capacity, and installing new lines, people lose their connection.

Now, more than ever, that connection is vital. Whether that's for home-schooling, working from home, or ordering food online, losing that connection is unthinkable to millions.

11 of our mobile masts have been destroyed or damaged through arson  and 33 across all operators in the UK so far. That may not sound a lot, but if the site that provides coverage to your house gets burned down, it matters.

If you can't call 999 or get through to a lonely parent to check they're okay, it matters. If your link to family, friends and the outside world when you're feeling truly isolated, gets destroyed because of a baseless and reckless conspiracy theory, it matters.

Everything about this is senseless. There's no thought for the validity of the theories  many openly contradict themselves; all ignore the very basic principles of science.

Some go so far as to assume that Covid-19 is an entirely fabricated virus; nothing but a cover-up for 5G. Oh, and by the way, most of the sites attacked don't even carry 5G.

11 of BT's mobile masts have been destroyed or damaged through arson  and 33 across all operators in the UK so far

The most bizarre theory, and one that brought a rare smile in these dark times, was that the wonderful tradition we've so quickly established of clapping at 8pm on a Thursday to show our appreciation for the NHS and other key workers, is actually done to create enough noise to mask the 'loud beeping' of 5G networks being tested.

This week, we've seen telephone poles wrapped in barbed wire to stop our engineers doing their job. Those poles carry fixed phone lines, they're nothing to do with mobile. It's hard to know where to begin to use science, logic or reason to debunk something so devoid of reality.

Small, private groups, particularly on Facebook and in WhatsApp, are where so many of these conspiracy theories are spread. Material from YouTube is often the go-to evidence for the claims. That the mainstream media either ignores or dismisses the theory is simply evidence to the believers that the theory must be true.

In the simplest terms, 5G is just a new radio network  like 4G, but better. It's a more efficient technology, delivering amazing new speeds for customers, but from the same radio waves that have been safely in use for decades. But it's difficult to understand, so it's an easy subject for conspiracy theorists to jump on and rally against.

The most bizarre theory was that the clapping at 8pm on a Thursday for the NHS is actually done to create enough noise to mask the 'loud beeping' of 5G networks being tested

So far, the impact has been minimal and to the vast majority of people it's just noise in some far corner of the internet.

This link to Covid-19, however, seems designed to cause maximum disruption. Now, more than ever, the country needs to be united. Listening to the authorities. Trusting the scientists. Staying connected. Instead, the advice of experts is being undermined. Fear is being spread.

It is hugely important that everyone comes together to stop this spread of harmful, dangerous misinformation.

We've seen a fantastic response from Government, from the World Health Organisation, and from the big social media and internet platforms  like Facebook, YouTube and Google. Their help is essential.

For me the most immediate concern is that my team  the brave, skilled engineers who are working to maintain vital communications networks  are being confronted, abused and sometimes attacked in the street.

These people are performing a vital service for the country; we should be thanking them, not harming them. This is my team and I will not tolerate them being targeted in this disgraceful way by a few mindless idiots.

We all need to be able to recognise conspiracy theories, and to stop them before they become harmful. They are just like a virus  if we starve them of the ability to reach new people, they will die out, and we can all focus on coming together as one nation to get through these most challenging of times.
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A few weeks ago, I wondered aloud whether people grieve the same in the middle of a pandemic. A pandemic or other tragedies like earthquakes or tsunamis, when there are hundreds or thousands of people grieving for their lost family members and friends, is their individual grief felt less acutely? Does it help to know that there are other families grieving like yours? Or does the individual grief get pushed aside by collective trauma?

My dad died of COVID-19 last week. Hed come back to Wisconsin from Florida about two weeks before; my mom planned to stay down there in their condo for a few more weeks. He was still working (he thought if he stayed 6 feet away from people, it was fine to still work). He was in the office on Tuesday; I convinced him to call his doctor, go home and stay there. He reluctantly listened, was started on a Z-pack by his doctor, and by Wednesday morning, he said his cough was a lot better, and he was planning to nap and work from home. I told him he probably had COVID-19, but that a test wouldnt change the course of it. He was so surprised to hear me say that: He was absolutely convinced he just had a cold. That was the last time I talked to him.

Just after I talked with him Wednesday, a residency friend called and reported the horrific news that my medical school and residency mentor, an amazing family doctor and gifted teacher, was murdered alongside her husband in a targeted act of senseless violence. My heart broke in two. All I wanted to do was hug all of my residency classmates and faculty and share in our collective broken-heartedness. A spontaneous phone tree spread the news to the far-flung places where their friends sat in disbelief, alone in our pain.

At work on Thursday, I heard a lot of Im so sorry to hear about your friends, along with I wish I could hug you. I could feel myself delaying my grief. I just wanted to keep busy and move forward with all of the COVID work Ive been involved in. I Zoom called into incident command as usual on Thursday and quickly had to turn off my video when the CEO read a blessing aloud to the team at the beginning of the meeting so I could cry at my desk. By the end of the meeting, though, I had tasks and jobs and work to do. It helped me get through that day.

Friday morning, I was at the clinic when my brother called and mentioned that he and my mom hadnt been able to get in touch with my dad the day before, so they sent someone to check on him. He was sleeping, she woke him up, and he seemed OK, but no one had heard from him since. I started thinking about driving the 3 hours to my dads house to lay eyes on him. I thought about the PPE I would bring, and grabbing a pulse ox to bring with. I thought about putting him in my car and bringing him to my local hospital, where I knew the kind of care he would get and might be able to visit him if he was admitted. I called my mom when I was done with morning patients to check-in. When she answered in a quiet voice and asked where I was, I knew immediately what the news would be. My dad was dead. Found by a coworker on the floor next to his bed; EMS was called and said he had been dead for a couple of hours.

Grief in a global pandemic means that when my colleague walked to my door because she overheard my end of that phone call, she lovingly put her hand on my back, but we didnt hug. Grief in a global pandemic means my mom drove alone from Florida to arrive at a house that shes afraid might still be contagious. Grief in a global pandemic means that my friends and family are all collectively grieving in the silos of our own homes. Grief in a global pandemic means sitting down to write a futile email to Wisconsin lawmakers to please, for the love of everything holy, cancel in-person voting for the scheduled election.

The medical examiner called yesterday with the result we expected. COVID-19 test was positive. My dad was the second person in his county to die from it, the 77th in the state of Wisconsin, and roughly the 8,000th to die in the U.S. I am heartbroken for us, but also heartbroken for the thousands of families worldwide who are grieving in these lonely times.

I am grateful for my generous and loving community, who have called, sent cards, messages, freshly baked bread, eggs from their chickens, baked goods, soup, casseroles, and homemade beer. A friend came over yesterday, I told her to BYO chair; we chatted 8 feet apart. A faraway friend sent a care package with coffee and bath bombs. My daughters teacher invited her to a one-on-one Zoom meeting, and she let me know she adjusted the family questions on the upcoming autobiography project so that it can be therapeutic for her, rather than painful. Grief in a global pandemic doesnt have to look lonely.

Someday well gather and mourn the loss of our loved ones. Someday we will sit in moment of collective joy  a concert or a festival maybe  and smile in disbelief. Someday well all go to a funeral not long after someone beloved has died and rejoice in the fact that we can be with our communities as we grieve, and hug the ones that are hurting. Until that time, Ill grieve in this unique, delayed way, and hope that all the other families who are also grieving have a community to lift them up with love and peace from a distance.

Sarah Fox is a family physician.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
ALBANY It has yet to be determined when schools will be back in session statewide, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Saturday.

Cuomo's remarks at his daily coronavirus update from Albany came hours after New York Mayor Bill De Blasio announced that schools will be closed for the rest of the academic year in the city. But Cuomo said thats under the governors legal authority, and its still too soon to say when schools will open back up.
Kerala High Court on Saturday sought the response of the Central government on a plea seeking directions for the evacution of Indian citizens stranded in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) amid coronavirus lockdown.

A division bench of Justices AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Shaji P Chaly asked the Centre to inform it about any policy decision taken with respect to allowing the return of Indians from abroad in the light of the pandemic and slated the matter for further hearing on April 17.

The court, referring to an advisory by the Government of India, observed that it is advisable for Indians in foreign countries to stay there at the moment, and wait for better times to return and said that "the state needs to be on guard, and be cautious about letting persons from abroad coming at this juncture."

The bench then asked the Central Government to apprise it about the welfare measures taken by the Indian Embassy at UAE for the well-being of citizens there. "Let's not question the wisdom of the Centre at this stage. We will seek a status report from them," it observed.

The petition, filed by Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre in Dubai and a UAE based travel service provider, sought directions to the Union Ministry of External Affairs and Civil Aviation for permission to evacuate Indian citizens stranded in UAE.

The plea said that the plea is of utmost urgency as many citizens stranded in UAE are on tourist visas or on transit visas and have already gone beyond their permitted period of stay.

It said that it is averred that there are other categories of citizens who because of their entitlement of leave from work, as also certain other categories require immediate medical attention and are also stranded in UAE.

"The petitioners had communicated this to Counsel General of India in Dubai who acknowledged the fact and also has stated that the Indian embassy in UAE is awaiting permission from New Delhi. The petitioners have also represented to the Ministry for External Affairs as also the Chief Minister of Kerala. But no positive action has come so far", the plea said.

It said that the petitioners are not asking for a direction to the Union of India to operate a chartered flight to evacuate the stranded citizens, as Emirates Airlines, which is the official airline of the Dubai government has expressed its willingness to operate flights to India subject to getting permission from the Indian government.

"It had come out in the news that Air India had operated flights from various situations in India including cochin to evacuate the stranded German citizens back to Germany. It had also come in the news that the Government of Oman has charted a flight to take their citizens back to their country," the petition added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
"Going to work during this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, everyone is worried because no one knows who has been infected with the virus. The company does not allow workers to stay off work," said Nguyen Thi Bich of Long An Province.
The pandemic has caused many workers to take unpaid leave for an indefinite time.

Hoa from Vung Tau City, a nursery school teacher, is now staying at home and has nothing to do. Her savings are running out because she has been taking unpaid leave for two months.





I have no income these days, but I still have to pay for food every day. And the electricity and water bills have become bigger because I am at home, she complained.



More than 10 teachers at the same private kindergarten are in the same situation.



Le Van Loc, born in 1988, began working as a tour guide for Vietravel in 2014. His last tour was to Phuket, Thailand, in mid-February and there were only six travelers.



After returning from the tour, Loc has been at home because most tours have been canceled.



Nguyen Thi Thanh, head of a tourism management division of a travel firm in Tan Binh district, is in the same situation. Her travel firm has been closed for more than one month.



At first, Thanh did not feel sad because of the unpaid leave, because she thought she would return to work after one month. However, her holiday has been prolonged and no one can say for sure when the epidemic will be contained.

The Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) said the number of unemployed workers may reach 1.32 million. Many of them have tried other jobs to earn a living.

Since Thanh doesnt have income, she has become extremely economical. Instead of pho (noodles served with beef or chicken), she now only has a loaf of bread or sweet tomatoes for breakfast.



Because of Covid-19, all schools and learning centers have halted operation, while thousands of enterprises have scaled down production.



In Hanoi, HCM City and other localities, all restaurants, eateries, beauty spas and gym centers have been forced to close to facilitate epidemic prevention.



This has pushed many workers into unemployment. The Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) said the number of unemployed workers may reach 1.32 million. Many of them have tried other jobs to earn a living.



Hoa, the nursery school teacher, is trying to work as a real estate broker in HCM City.



This is not a job I want, because I dont have experience, but I still have to take it, she said.



Meanwhile, Thanh has become a trader. She collects face masks from producers and sells to consumers. Loc and his five colleagues have become delivery workers. He works from 7.30am to 8pm and earns VND500,000-700,000 a day.

Le Ha

Unemployment benefit recipients up 9.11 percent in Q1 The number of recipients of unemployment benefits nationwide rose by 9.11 percent to 378,000 people during the first quarter of 2020 as a large amount of businesses have been forced to suspend operation or go bankrupt by COVID-19.
'China has been unbelievably taken advantage of us and other countries. You know, for instance, they are considered a developing nation. I said well then make us a developing nation too,' Trump told reporters at his daily White House news conference on coronavirus.

Washington: If China is considered a developing country, make the United States too a developing one, US President Donald Trump said on Friday, alleging that Beijing has taken advantage of his country.

"China has been unbelievably taken advantage of us and other countries. You know, for instance, they are considered a developing nation. I said well then make us a developing nation too, Trump told reporters at his daily White House news conference on coronavirus.

The president was responding to a question on China.

They get big advantages because they are a developing nation. India, a developing nation. The United States is a big developed nation. Well, we have plenty of development to do, he said.

Reiterating that the United States was taken advantage of by the World Trade Organization, Trump said the Chinese economy started booming after it joined WTO with the help of the US.

If you look at the history of China, it was only since they went into the WTO that they became a rocket ship with their economy. They were flatlined for years and years, he said.

Frankly, for many, many decades. And it was only when they came into the WTO that they became a rocket ship because they took advantage of all -- I'm not even blaming them. I'm saying how stupid were the people that stood here and allowed it to happen, he said.

The Trump Administration will now allow that to happen, he said.

If they don't treat us fairly, we will leave. But now we're starting to win cases, he said.

Alleging that China has taken advantage of the United States for 30 years, he said, China has taken advantage of the US through WTO and using rules that are unfair to the United States.

"They should have never been allowed it, this should have never been allowed to happen", he added.

When China joined and was allowed to join under those circumstances the WTO, that was a very bad day for the United States because they have rules and regulations that were far different and far easier than our rules and regulations, he said.

Plus. They took advantage of them down to the last. China took advantage of them like few people would even think to take advantage of them and again they are considered right a developing nation, he added.

The United States, he rued, is not considered a developing nation.

They were given advantages (for being a developing nation). For many years China has ripped off the United States. Then I came along and right now, as you know, China is paying 25 percent," said Trump, adding that the US is now gaining "billions and billions and billions of dollars in tariffs from China.

The US is not paying, he asserted.

Not every country is China but China would devalue their currency and they would also pour out money and they essentially were paying most of those tariffs not us, he said.
Six employees of the Taj Group, including a few from Taj Mahal Palace in Colaba, have tested positive for Covid-19 in Mumbai. They have been admitted to Bombay Hospital, officials from the hospital and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.

Gautam Bhansali, consultant physician, Bombay Hospital confirmed that six employees of the Taj Group have tested positive and are admitted in Bombay Hospital. Their condition is stable.

Daksha Shah, Deputy Executive Health officer of BMC also confirmed that six employees of the Group have tested positive and have mild coronavirus symptoms.

In a statement the Taj Group said, IHCL has been supporting the government with various humanitarian initiatives by offering its hotels to the medical fraternity, health workers, supporting certain states with quarantine facilities and also providing almost 4 lakh meals till date to doctors, health workers and migrant workers. The President, Taj Lands End, Taj Santacruz and Ginger Andheri are also hosting the medical fraternity in close cooperation with BMC.

In keeping with our values of being a responsible company and as a matter of abundant precaution, we have been proactively ramping up testing criteria for our employees, especially those who are in the frontline at these times, the statement read.

Approximately, 500 of our employees who are at work in our Mumbai hotels have been tested to date. Those who have tested positive mostly were asymptomatic showing absolutely no signs of illness. However, staff testing positive and symptomatic were duly hospitalized and others who were in contact with them have immediately been put in quarantine in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines issued by government authorities. Taj Mahal Palace and Tower does not have any guests at the current time and only very minimal staff in areas like housekeeping, security, maintenance and staff dining are present to ensure the upkeep and maintenance of the hotel, the statement said.

The safety of our associates and their families remain paramount during these unprecedented times. We remain committed to operating under all the guidelines of the WHO, governmental agencies and other regulatory bodies, a spokesperson representing the Indian Hotels Company Ltd said.
By David Shepardson

(Reuters) - Volkswagen AG said Thursday it will furlough 1,500 workers at its U.S. assembly plant in Tennessee starting April 11 as the industry grapples with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The German automaker said the temporary emergency furloughs for its production and maintenance workforce are expected to last no more than four weeks.

The automaker said its "primary objective is to protect the financial health of Volkswagen for the benefit of our team as we address the emerging and ongoing impacts of the COVID-19."

VW said employees and production contractors at the plant have to date received full pay and benefits during the shutdown that began March 21.

Automakers are facing a dramatic drop in sales in the United States, the worlds second-largest car market, after some states barred dealers from selling new cars while "stay-at-home" orders are in place. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV on Monday extended its shutdown of U.S. and Canadian plants until May 4.

On Tuesday, Honda Motor Co and Nissan Motor Co said they had furloughed thousands of workers at their U.S. operations.

A spokesman for Honda, which employs about 18,400 workers at plants in Alabama, Indiana and Ohio, said the Japanese automaker would guarantee salaries through Sunday, having suspended operations on March 23. The plants will be closed through May 1.

Nissan said it was temporarily laying off about 10,000 U.S. hourly workers effective April 6. It has suspended operations at its U.S. manufacturing facilities through late April due to the impact of the outbreak.

Toyota Motor Corp said this week it plans to reopen its North American auto plants on May 4, extending its current shutdown by two additional weeks. Toyota said it will stop paying salaries for 5,000 workers provided by outside agencies.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chris Reese and Stephen Coates)
A federal judge in Manhattan rejected an effort by US President Donald Trump and his adult children to send a lawsuit accusing them of exploiting their family name to promote a marketing scam into arbitration.

In a decision concerning the American Communications Network, Judge Lorna Schofield accused the Trumps of acting unfairly by seeking arbitration after first obtaining "the benefits of litigating in federal court", including the dismissal of a racketeering claim.

"This conduct is both substantively prejudicial towards plaintiffs and seeks to use the [Federal Arbitration Act] as a vehicle to manipulate the rules of procedure to defendants' benefit and plaintiffs' harm," she wrote.

Defendants included Trump's adult children Donald Jr, Eric and Ivanka, and an affiliate of the Trump Organisation. "We will take an immediate appeal," Joanna Hendon, a lawyer for the Trumps, said.

In the October 2018 complaint, the Trumps were accused of misleading victims into becoming salespeople for ACN, a multi-level marketing company that charged $499 for a chance to sell videophones and other goods.

According to the plaintiffs, the Trump family conned them into thinking Donald Trump believed their investments would pay off.

They said the real goal was for the Trumps to enrich themselves, including through the receipt of millions of dollars in secret payments from 2005 to 2015.

The Trumps have called the lawsuit politically motivated, and said Mr Trump's endorsement of ACN was merely his opinion.

Last July, Judge Schofield said the plaintiffs could pursue state law claims of fraud, false advertising and unfair competition against the Trumps.
Robbie Williams has urged students at his music college to stay safe and stay at home over the Easter weekend.

The former Take That star, 46, is a co-owner of LMA, a music, media and performing arts college with campuses in London and Liverpool.

In a video message, he said: I just wanted to wish all LMA students and family and friends a very happy Easter.

Expand Close The LMA Choir (Ian West/PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp The LMA Choir (Ian West/PA)

Stay safe, stay at home and please make sure you eat too many Easter eggs for me.

I have given up chocolate since January the 1st. I am feeling much better for it. So eat all the chocolate you can for me. Stay smiling.

Williams championed the centres LMA Choir during the 2018 series of Britains Got Talent, when he and his wife Ayda Field were judges.

He became a co-owner in 2019 alongside founders Richard and Simon Wallace.

The LMA offers degree courses in musical theatre, acting, music performance, games and animation, and film and TV production, all validated by Staffordshire University.
With three more people succumbing to COVID-19 in Indore on Saturday, the district death toll due the virus climbed to 30.

According to Indore's Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) Medical College, two male patients and a female person died while battling coronavirus this morning.

The male patients, from Gomati Nagar and Green Park colony, were aged 52 and 66, while the female patient was 75-years-old and from Loha Pura Jawahar. The two of them remained under observation at the hospital for three days and another patient stayed there for 10 days, as per the MGM Medical College's data.

Speaking to media persons, Indore's Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr Praveen Jadia said that 14 more positive cases were found in Indore on Friday, taking the total number of cases in the district to 249.

"14 more positive cases were found in Indore on Friday. The total positive cases here now stand at 249. Death toll so far in Indore is 30. Twelve people were discharged yesterday after they recovered. A total of 29 people have been discharged in the district so far," Jadia said.

With 40 deaths and 1,035 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, India on Saturday witnessed the sharpest ever increase in coronavirus cases, taking the tally of the infected people in the country to 7,447.

Among 7,447 COVID-19 positive cases, 6,565 are active cases, 643 are cured, discharged and migrated and 239 patients have succumbed to the virus.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Something many Indian students seem to forget about college admissions is that once you get in, you actually have to go. Ive always found it a mixture of disappointing and amusing how much stock we put into Ivy Leagues, and how quickly we decide to apply there without knowing anything more than the name. Often, we dont even bother to research what courses they offer, what the campus is like, what the learning environment provides, who our professors will be, whether its truly a good fit for us. Its the equivalent of going to the pharmacy and buying a well-known medication for no other reason than the fact that youve heard it works well; you have no idea whether you need it, or whether it will treat your symptoms, but its there and it has a great reputation, so it must be the best choice!

Hoover Tower at the Stanford University (Shutterstock)

The reason I say this is because the first few months of university are hard enough as it is, without having to spend them in a place you never really wanted to attend to begin with. Not only are you adjusting to a completely new way of life, but youre also coping with leaving behind your friends, your high school, your home, your family. My mother and father said goodbye to me at the doorway of the dorm. We had been really strong thus far, bracingly approaching this unfamiliar terrain with a hand on each others shoulders. Mom gave me a final hug. I held on to her, wanting a memory to hold on to in the weeks to come, when I felt her shoulders begin to shake. I pulled back (which was tough, considering the iron grip she had on me) to see tears pouring down her face. Obviously, I started crying too, and then Dad returned from where he had been dropping off my key in my room, and proceeded to scold us both. Were leaving her at the finest possible place she could be in! he reminded us. She belongs here. We should be over the moon. This, I think, is all that parents can hope for: the knowledge that when they do leave their child, they leave them at the finest possible place they could be in; they leave them somewhere they truly belong.

For the first few weeks at Stanford, I felt like Id been dropped down the rabbit hole. Each day brought with it new friends, new professors, new responsibilities; there was so much moving so quickly that it was easy to feel overwhelmed. I fumbled at the smallest of things: making myself breakfast, finding my way to classes, realising (always a moment too late) that I was being flirted with. I began to miss home, and at first, it was hard to accept that this was the new normal; this was my new life. Theres something interesting, though, about being thrown into the deep end. Whether you know it or not, you slowly learn to swim. This is something I wish someone had told me when I first started college. Youre going to fall, and youre going to flail, but at the end of it all, you will find yourself landing on your feet. All you need to do is make it till tomorrow. This, I think, is the thing Im proudest of: my newfound ability to persevere.

Winds of change

In times like these, that ability is needed more than ever. It seems that I had only just begun to view the swaying trees, the cool breezes, the swirls of red and white as home when it fell out from under my feet. The speed with which things decomposed was more frightening than the decomposition itself; events were being cancelled, students were being tested, and, finally, dorms were shutting down. At first, the university insisted that those who wanted to stay still had the choice to. However, soon it became clear that this was no time for the luxury of choice; the campus shut down entirely, only allowing students to remain if the borders of their country were shut, if they truly had no choice but to stay. On my last day at the dorm, my friends decided we should all go out to lunch in Palo Alto. It was a day of sunshine and storefronts and bumbling background music. We pulled chairs together and ate and talked and laughed, looking for all the world as though we had always been there and always would. The only sign that things were fading fast was the Stanford theatre, chipped red letters spelling out the words Closed Temporarily above its gleaming doors.

Clark center at Stanford University (Shutterstock)

I got out in that perfect moment between mounting panic and swift anarchy. When I arrived in Dubai for my connecting flight home, there was a large swarm of passengers being turned away. They didnt hold Indian passports, and in the fifteen-hour flight from SF to Dubai, India had closed its borders to all foreign citizens. Things were less frenzied but equally frightening at my final destination. A line of people had formed before immigration to submit the mandatory health forms and get their temperature checked with a forehead scanning thermometer. Posters for prevention of Coronavirus had been splattered across the once colourfully cultural walls, and in those late hours of the night, it felt as though the world was splintering into chaos.

The homecoming

Im back in Mumbai now. Safe and healthy and among loved ones. Its astonishing to me how quickly I began to miss Stanford. I cried early and often, particularly when the university announced that the whole of spring quarter would be held online; and so our time in our freshman dorm was over. Theyll soon be packing up our remaining belongings into bulky brown boxes, shipping them back to us like cracked picture frames found in the ashes of a desecrated home. Ive realised now that because of how much my friends and my community have come to mean to me, it doesnt matter where I am; half of my heart will always be halfway across the world. Its too easy in times like these to dissolve into anger and wallow in the stale, oppressing silence that every morning brings.

But whenever the flames threaten to overwhelm me, I think of all the beautiful things Ive been gifted. I think of every lunchtime in the crowded dining hall, every writing workshop steeped in discussions of the stakes of true art, every lecture that inspired me to change the way I moved about the world. I think of how lucky I am to have my family with me, of every parrot perched outside my bedroom window, of every dinner my brother and I spend teasing our parents over rotis and paneer. And I realise all over again that no matter what hardships we have faced, no matter what tribulations we have yet to meet, we have too much to be grateful for to let ourselves fall apart.

Author bio: Zuni Chopra is filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra and film journalist Anupama Chopras daughter, and is currently a freshman at Stanford university where shes studying the creative arts. She has authored three books of poetry and one novel. Through this column, she chronicles her journey as an international student leaving home for the first time to study abroad.

Follow@zuni_chopra on Twitter

From HT Brunch,April 12, 2020

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Dr. Ahmed El-Lawah liked to gather the whole family every week at his home in the Egyptian city of Port Said _ his parents, his wife and children, all his siblings, their kids and their kids' kids. He would often play with the children and ask them about their hopes and dreams.

At their most recent gathering, El-Lawah, a pathologist, told his 13-year-old son, Mohammed, I want you to be a doctor.'' El-Lawah's youngest sister, Mai, was surprised. Why?'' she asked him. You always say medicine is such a difficult field.''

I want him to pursue my path and take my place,'' El-Lawah replied.

Two days later, he learned that a patient he had tested at his lab was confirmed positive with the coronavirus. El-Lawah immediately isolated himself. Within two weeks the 57-year-old was dead, leaving behind a stunned family and a mourning community.

I don't know how life is going to be without him. He was the backbone of our family,'' Mai told the Associated Press, sobbing. We're all asking each other, What are we going to do without him?''

The eldest son among seven siblings, Ahmed was the one who took care of everyone, the one they turned to for advice.

Their father built a lucrative business importing household goods from the U.S. and Italy. In the 1970s and 1980s, Port Said was a place to make money: a city at the Mediterranean entrance of the Suez Canal and site of the Duty Free Market, the easiest entry point for imports as Egypt's long-closed socialist economy opened up. Ahmed was more like a friend to him than a son, traveling with him on work trips and helping run the business.

The whole clan was close. The four-story family building, in downtown Port Said, had apartments for the siblings, so they could stay together as they married and had children of their own.

To Mai, around 20 years younger, Ahmed was like a father. He bought her a school uniform when she was a child and took her on vacations. At her wedding, he cried as if he were my father not my brother.'' After Mai had children, Ahmed encouraged her daughter to aim for university and advised Mai to let her study what she wanted.

Hanin, one of his nieces, said he practically raised her since her parents live in Libya, and now he was guiding her two kids.

All the children were brought up under him. He watched over all of us,'' she said. He was a noble knight, a man of morals.''

Ahmed's own daughter, Israa, earned a masters in maritime transport and, now 24, works in his lab.

Ahmed built the family's name in their home city. He was well known in the medical community, teaching pathology at university and running his lab.

A friend, Dr. Osama Arafa, said he would send patients to the El-Lawah Lab and, if they couldn't pay, he would test them for free. He donated money to care for orphaned children and supported poor families. Hanin said she often sent her neighbors, if they needed help, to Uncle Ahmed. He built two mosques as an act of charity.

It's rare to find a person like him, beautiful and kind,'' Arafa said. He was very liked in Port Said.''

In his last Facebook post, written from his self-isolation, El-Lawah pleaded with people to stay at home, explaining why it was so important to stopping the virus.

Soon, the virus began to steal his breath. His friends found an available ICU at a local hospital. But there was no ambulance fitted with protections against the virus, so they had to take him in a private car, said one of his friends, Dr. Ibrahim Hashim. He was put on a ventilator, then taken to a quarantine hospital in the nearby city of Ismailia.

There, he died in the early hours of March 30.

A video posted on Facebook shows the arrival of his body at Port Said's Hayy al-Zuhour cemetery overlooking the Mediterranean. Police had barred entry to the cemetery.

Men encased in yellow hazmat suits wait at the cemetery's entrance, the gates open and ready. When the ambulance carrying El-Lawah arrives, they usher it quickly in without stopping, then hurry to shut the black metal gates behind themselves. Over the cemetery wall, the camera gets one last, partial glimpse of the ambulance before it disappears among the tombs.

A few dozen men who had been watching from a parking lot across the street then coalesce into rows and recite a prayer used specifically when the dead is absent.

They're not seen in the video, but El-Lawah's wife Amal and their son were sitting in a car nearby.

From that remove, never leaving the car, they watched him taken away. Soon after, Amal and their daughter Israa, testing positive for the virus, would be hospitalized and quarantined.

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At the Vanderbloemen Search Group, we have helped thousands of churches find their pastor, but last weekend was the first time I saw a virtual pastoral election.

And it happened at a really historic church.

Last week, The Moody Church, a legendary church in Chicago, did the unprecedented. Because of the Coronavirus, they held a virtual congregational meeting to elect their next pastor. It was on Zoom. I attended and was amazed.

Their new pastor preached to the congregation online. That was followed by a virtual question and answer session and a vote via Survey Monkey. For over a decade, we have helped run searches for churches, nonprofits and values-focused corporations, but Ive never seen anything like this.

For the last five months, we have had the privilege of serving The Moody Church in Chicago as we assisted them in the search for their next senior pastor. In the church world, Moody is legendary. It was the first mega church (over 2,000 in weekly attendance) in the country, and it has been a large church longer than any other in the United States. The list of their pastors is a hall of fame.

Theyve been around a long time, so they learned not to act too quickly. When it came time to do a search for them, I was so impressed with the thoroughness of their processes and their patience to get it right. They arent a church that moves hastily, nor are they one to adopt a new idea without thinking through it.

But once they had zeroed in on their top candidate  and now their pastor Phillip Miller  the effects of COVID-19 had hit the U.S. and impacted travel and life in Chicago.

Rather than put the search on hold, Moody doubled down.

They did what they had never done before so that they could have their pastor for a time like never before. Moody shows us that a stately American congregation can also be on the leading edge of innovation.

Moody isnt alone, either. One week earlier, another church we served organized a drive-thru voting line to elect their new pastor. Congregants were allowed to either drive their vote in or text their board members  desperate times, desperate measures!

But, why is the world in a rush to get pastors?

Its simple: in a moment of national crisis, churches realize that now is not the time to be without a leader, and they are taking unprecedented steps to make sure they have that leadership now.

Its also kind of what one should expect of the church. Christianity has often been at the leading edge of technological innovation, from Gutenbergs printing press to the You Version Bible app (which has been downloaded over 400 million times).

Its one of the reasons why the church continues to grow. The future belongs to the agile, and I believe that we will see agility in places we never expected and that it will make all the difference.

There are plenty of examples. Our pastor preached from his home today. Our clients are doing childrens ministry online, and others are doing bible studies online.

This week, our pastor told us that the Chinese symbol for crisis is actually a combination of the symbols for danger and opportunity. Historically, the church has never wasted a crisis. Faith grows during the tough times in our world, and I see it happening now.

Tough times force innovation, and Im proud to see so many churches we serve step up to the plate, finding new ways to provide hope to a hurting world.
The number of people who work or live at the four state-run psychiatric hospitals and tested positive for the coronavirus tripled this week, with 240 cases and five fatalities, according to data the state Department of Health released Saturday.

On Tuesday, Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli reported 80 cases of COVID-19, the aggressive respiratory disease the coronavirus causes, associated with the four psychiatric hospitals. She said 46 employees and 34 patients had tested positive.

Were working with the hospitals to conduct surveillance and implement the infection control protocols to reduce exposure, Persichilli said that day during the media briefing with Gov. Phil Murphy.

But just as nursing homes, veterans homes and other congregate settings have been besieged by the coronavirus, the 1,200 patients legally committed to the public psychiatric hospitals and the several thousand people who work there are equally as vulnerable.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Businesses that are open | Homepage

The hardest hit facility is Trenton Psychiatric Hospital, where 120 people  93 employees and 27 patients  have COVID-19. Fifteen patients remain in an acute-care hospital and one has died, health department spokeswoman Donna Leusner said.

On Saturday, Persichilli said test results are pending for 153 more Trenton Psychiatric Hospital employees.

At Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital in Parsippany, 44 employees and 33 patients are sick and four people have died, Thomas said. There were 339 patients at Greystone as of Friday, she said.

There are 17 staff and 10 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital in Camden County, the largest psychiatric hospital in the state with 398 patients. One patient is hospitalized, Leusner said.

Six workers and 10 of the 179 patients at the Ann Klein Forensic Center, located on the grounds of the Trenton hospital, have tested positive, Health Department spokeswoman Dawn Thomas said. One patient remains hospitalized for treatment, she said.

The advocacy organization Disability Rights New Jersey is hearing complaints about how slowly the hospitals have been in implementing social-distancing practices, Executive Director Gwen Orlowski said Saturday. Her office is speaking weekly to the Department of Health to share these concerns.

We are getting anecdotal stories that there is a delay in separating the well roommates from those showing symptoms, Orlowski said. Without widespread testing that would reveal who is infected yet asymptomatic, she said she didnt know how effective quarantining would be.

The rapid jump in positive COVID-19 cases is extraordinarily concerning, Orlowski said, but this is the pattern we are seeing everywhere.

We are watching a tragedy unfold right know hitting people with disabilities and the elderly particularly hard, she added.

In letters sent to NJ Advance Media this week, employees from Ancora and Greystone Park complained senior management had not been sharing real-time information about how many people were infected.

They consistently lacked personal protection equipment, the letters said. As recently as April 2, Ancora employees were discouraged from wearing masks because it would scare the patients," according to one of the letters. An undated letter from Greystone employees said the lack of equipment left them fearful for their lives.

Anonymous Trenton Psychiatric Hospital employees started a petition at change.org that called on state officials to allow some non-essential personnel to work remotely, and for the facility to practice more rigorous social-distancing policies, The Trentonian reported. By Friday, 908 people had signed the petition.

Thomas said the state has taken strict measures to stem the spread of the virus and protect patients and staff and disputed claims the department had not enforced social distancing directives the governor has ordered for the rest of the public.

The department has limited staff to those who are providing direct care, medical security officers, housekeeping, food services and some maintenance and some managers, Thomas said in an email. Others are telecommuting. Additionally, all meetings are held via conference call instead of in person.

She said there has been enhanced cleaning of high-touch areas, such as hard surfaces, bathrooms, dining rooms, door handles and electronics." The health department also stopped family and friends visiting the facility, (and) screen all staff  "anyone who is sick is told to stay home.

Treatment and meals are provided on patient units, and all court hearings have been suspended, she said.

Theres been an inventory of equipment and supplies ordered, as needed, she said.

And she said that as of Wednesday, the four hospitals received 22,932 N95 masks, which offer the highest level of protection, 36,000 surgical masks and 26,900 gloves according to the states PPE data.

The state psychiatric hospitals are following CDC, DOH and CMS (federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid) guidance on addressing COVID-19, Thomas said. This has been a rapidly changing situation as more is learned about this novel coronavirus requiring us to quickly adapt.

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.

Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio.
France on Friday reported 987 more COVID-19 deaths registered in hospitals and nursing homes over the last 24 hours, although the number of patients in intensive care fell for the second day in a row, France 24 reports.

The new deaths  including 554 in hospitals and 433 in nursing homes  brought the total toll in France to 13,197 since the epidemic began, top health official Jerome Salomon told reporters.

A child aged under 10 infected with COVID-19 died, but Salomon said that the causes of the death were multiple. In better news, Salomon said there were now 62 fewer people in intensive care, continuing a trend first seen on Thursday.

"This is a pale ray of sunshine," said Salomon. "But this timid light is very important for all the medical staff."

He added: "A plateau seems to be setting in -- a very high plateau with an epidemic that is very dynamic."
is one of our traditions during Holy Week when we, Filipino Catholics visit at least seven different churches on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, to pray the Rosary or say prayers in front of the 14 Stations of the Cross. Because of the community quarantine, CBCP encourages us to celebrate Holy Week, and Easter through online streaming. Below is a virtual Visita Iglesia to 14 beautiful churches across the Philippines in virtual reality, complete with gospel readings for each station of the cross.
Australians have turned inward to fight the coronavirus outbreak. But well soon need to look outward again. Our near-neighbours are struggling to deal with the pandemic and the economic damage on our doorstep is immense.

An expert analysis released on Thursday found half a billion people in developing nations  about 8 per cent of the worlds population  could be pushed into poverty by the coronavirus outbreak. A decade or more of global progress on poverty reduction is under threat.

A child in Papua New Guinea receives a polio vaccine. The coronavirus outbreak threatens to reverse decades of global progress in alleviating poverty. Credit:Louise Kennerley

And Australias immediate region will be badly hit.

Christopher Hoy, an Australian National University economist who co-authored the report, says extreme poverty is likely to skyrocket in our neighbourhood.
In a bid to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus, several of Thailands provinces have reportedly banned sales of alcoholic beverages. The new measure came as the countrys Buddhist New Year is just around the corner and to discourage people from celebrating this year, the provinces decided to ban alcohol. Thailands central government also urged people to not celebrate the Thai New Year which is usually held from April 13-15.

To contain the spread of COVID-19, the government also postponed the holidays. Thailand is reportedly among Southeast Asian countries that are cancelling or calling back traditional celebrations amid the global pandemic. According to an international media outlet, the capital Bangkok ordered a 10-day ban on the sale of wine, beer and spirits, which went into effect on April 10.

READ: Coronavirus Ravages Storied New Orleans Mardi Gras Group

47 out of Thailands 77 provinces have reportedly implemented bans to April 15 or until the end of the month. Bangkok authorities have also called off the activities and urged businesses and malls to do the same. As per reports, the government also urged people to refrain from travelling back to their hometowns amid the holiday season.

Thailand extends lockdown

Currently, Thailand has more than 2,500 confirmed coronavirus cases and the deadly virus has claimed nearly 35 lives in the country. Out of the total number of cases, around 1,135 have also been recovered. A total lockdown measure was also imposed by the government that was extended until April 15 to stem the transmission of the disease among the communities, local media reported.

READ: Moscow Mayor Warns Of rapid Rise Of Coronavirus

Meanwhile, coronavirus, which originated in China in December 2019, has now claimed over one lakh lives worldwide as of April 11. According to the tally by an international news agency, the pandemic has now spread to 210 countries and territories and has infected more than 1.7 million people. Out of the total infections, more than 389,000 have recovered but the easily spread virus is continuing to disrupt many lives. Major cities have been put under lockdown in almost all countries including Spain, and the economy is struggling.

(Image source: Representative/Unsplash)

READ: Trump And His Trail Of Unmet Promises In Coronavirus Fight

READ: Turkey Sends Medical Equipment To Britain Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
The federal government is struggling to deliver financial aid to faltering employers  and workers are suffering the consequences. Roughly 10 percent of American workers filed for unemployment benefits in the past three weeks, a wave of job losses that has no precedent in modern American history. Millions more are struggling to submit unemployment claims to overwhelmed state agencies. And still more face the loss of their jobs in the coming weeks.

The scale of the economic damage is breathtaking. In one recent poll, more than half of all Americans under the age of 45 said that they had lost their jobs or suffered a loss of hours.

Some businesses may survive the crisis by shedding workers now, but they face long-term costs, too: the loss of trained and experienced workers, the uncertainties of hiring new ones.

The federal government was slow to react to the pandemic. Local officials began ordering businesses to shut down weeks before Congress moved to provide those businesses with the lifeline they so obviously needed. Timely action by itself could have saved millions of jobs.
The Executive Director of Shekhinah Clinic for the Poor and Destitute, A. D. Mariama has expressed appreciation to the Voiceless Media and Consult for recognising the wonderful works of the late Dr. David Abdulai Fuseini (Dr. Choggu).

The Voiceless Media and Consult Awards, which was initiated to bring attention to the good works of individuals and organisations who bring about positive change and development in our various societies, presented a Posthumous Award to the late Dr. Choggu on March 21, 2020.

The late Dr. Choggu, who was a Medical Doctor, worked in several hospitals in Ghana but later resigned and went back to the North to offer Humanitarian services. He cared for the sick and almost all mentally challenged persons on the streets of Tamale, at no cost.

It is at the backdrop of this that the Voiceless Media and Consult, through its novel awards scheme, recognized him posthumously at the Headquarters of Gub Kati Mali society in Tamale.

A.D. Mariama, wife of the late Dr. Choggu, in a letter addressed to the Managing Director of the Voiceless Media and Consult, expressed her profound gratitude and appreciation on behalf of her late husband.

The posthumous award package included a colourful Citation and a cash amount of Ghc2,000. CEO of Repairer Foundation, Dr. Ibrahim Anyars Imoro, as part of the award, also pledged to support the Shekhinah Clinic for the Poor and Destitute by way of sponsoring one Mental Health student every year, to go and support the Clinic.

She expressed the faith that the late Dr. Choggu, father to the fatherless who served humanity till his sad demise on 2nd October 2016, would be at peace knowing that he has been appreciated in some way after his death by his own people.

Madam A. D Mariama, on behalf of her late husband, staff and beneficiaries of the Shekhinah Clinic, thanked the Managing Director and management of Voiceless Media and Consult for the award.
ALBANY  I have lived within walking distance of his grave for nearly a decade, but, inexcusably, I had neglected to pay my respects to the greatest of Albanians.

That changed on a recent sunny day, when I traveled to Albany Rural Cemetery to correct my terrible lapse. I rushed past the graves of Chester Arthur and all the other departed upstate luminaries in search of the Great Mans headstone.

When I found it, finally, in a sloping, shady section of the vast cemetery, I felt I was speaking for all humanity when I uttered these words:

"Thank you, Seth Wheeler. Thank you."

Wheeler, who died in 1925, has been in the news quite a bit during these coronavirus days, and for good reason. His shining achievement, the invention of all inventions, is the hot item of the moment, hoarded from Bakersfield to Bar Harbor.

Im talking, of course, about toilet paper.

It was Wheeler who in 1871 envisioned that tissue should be wrapped around a tube. Genius! Two decades hence, his brilliant, churning mind came up with the perforated toilet paper sheet.

Wheeler, in other words, created the indispensable product we know and love, but probably take for granted when a pandemic or some other emergency isnt frightening us into ransacking the supermarket. Let me ask you: Is there another invention that has so profoundly and wonderfully impacted your life?

Oh sure, you can point to penicillin or ATMs or toenail clippers as terrific inventions, and I wont quibble. Those are nice things, certainly.

But Im going to assume that nothing brings you more daily comfort and cheer than soothing sheets of, say, Angel Soft. How is it possible, then, that the world celebrates Jonas Salk and Albert Einstein but forgets the name Seth Wheeler?

It isnt just the world that neglects him, Im sorry to say. Even his hometown fails to show Wheeler the proper adoration.

You cant throw a tulip in New York's capital without hitting a plaque or statue honoring some supposedly heroic politician, general or other muckety-muck. Theres even a big dog sitting on a warehouse.

Yet you wont find a statue of Wheeler or a roll of toilet paper cast in bronze. Lark Street, where Wheeler lived and died, has not been renamed Wheeler Way or Toilet Roll Lane.

Why not? I have no answer. It is inexplicable.

But of this we can be sure: Toilet paper wrapped around cardboard and cut into sheets is Albanys gift to the world. No city, with Athens and Rome as possible exceptions, can point to a greater achievement.

There is a reason we hoard toilet paper in moments of crisis. We do so because we understand that Charmin and Cottonelle and even the cheap, scratchy stuff represent the thin, disposable line between order and chaos. Toilet paper puts the civil in civilization.

We know if worst comes to worst, we can get by without pillows and Cheetos and clean laundry and toothpaste. But take away our toilet paper, and we are lost. We are barbarians.

Incredibly, some lack the proper gratitude.

Recently in the New York Times, one ingrate wrote that we should stop using Wheelers invention because of the environmental cost and should instead use toilets that shoot water at our heinies. Bidets, theyre called.

The same article noted that in the days before Wheelers genius, people used leaves, seashells, fur pelts and corn cobs. Corn cobs? Seashells?!

At the risk of sharing too much information, I ruefully mention that I was once forced to use dried leaves for the delicate task on a misbegotten camping trip. It is not a fond memory, and I imagine Id still be waking in cold sweats if it had occurred to me to use a corn cob.

Ill stick with toilet paper, thank you very much.

Listen, I consider myself an environmentalist, but I know that an environmentalism demanding that people stop using toilet paper in favor of fancy French toilets or (shudder) corn cobs will get nowhere. To paraphrase Charlton Heston, from our cold, dead hands

So, if youre worried about forests, which is certainly reasonable, buy recycled or a brand made from hemp. But please, dont dishonor Albanys greatest resident and his fabulous invention.

Seth Wheeler deserves our respect, our gratitude, our honor. For the comfort hes given us, it is the least we can do.

Thats why I found myself at Albany Rural on that sunny day, looking down at his modest headstone in a cemetery known for ostentatious statuary. Thats why I left the Great Man an offering that, in these days of pandemic, is more lovely than the most beautiful bouquet.

I left a full roll of toilet paper.

cchurchill@timesunion.com  518-454-5442  @chris_churchill
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Following the death of footwear legend Sergio Rossi from coronavirus, designers paid heartfelt tributes today.

Sergio Rossi was born in San Mauro Pascoli, one of Italys main shoemaking regions, in 1935. He learned the trade from his own father, began producing footwear in the early 1950s and launched his namesake brand in 1968. As he grew his own label, the designer also collaborated with fashion houses such as Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and Azzedine Alaia. Rossi developed a number of groundbreaking styles such as the Opanca sandal with its curved sole.

More from Footwear News

Here, designers and footwear figures  from Gianvito Rossi and his family to industry stalwart Cesare Casadei to new generation talent Amina Muaddi  talk about Sergio Rossis lasting legacy.

The Rossi Family Statement

Sergio Rossi died last night, not without fighting, at the age of 84. The Sammaurese entrepreneur had contracted COVID-19, and had been hospitalized for days in the intensive care of the Bufalini hospital in Cesena. His is a story of unconditional love for shoes, which began in an Italy consumed by the Second World War, and learned from an artisan father, who has always made bespoke shoes. At the age of 14, he was a skilled shoemaker and together with his brother Franco, produced the shoes he would later sell in the summer in banquet along the Riviera. His talent was soon noticed, and he began a successful journey: from a young designer to a great entrepreneur.

An extraordinary career that has made San Mauro Pascoli a world capital of luxury womens footwear. His line has combined creative design with a quality achieved by a long work of improvement, tireless and endless. His international rise is marked by collaborations with the greatest fashion icons, including, the most iconic ever, young Gianni Versace.

Story continues

A man who gave all of himself, to the shoe, but also to his community. He wanted to donate the knowledge learned in a lifetime to future generations, transmitting them through Cercal, a school founded with his Sammauresi companions.

He has always stood out for his class and his strong, charismatic, generous, courageous character: a natural leader, loved and respected at the same time by his collaborators, with whom, in the long journey of his life he created one big family.

There are those who have had the good fortune to transform their art into a work and those who have the extraordinary talent of transforming their work into a work of art. Sergio Rossi was this man. A husband, father, grandfather, and progenitor of a family that followed his example.

The family offers, with love, their last goodbye: With the unquenchable fire of your passion, you taught us that there are no limits for those who love what they do. Goodbye maestro.'

Riccardo Sciutto, CEO of Sergio Rossi

He was a master. It was a great pleasure to have met him, he was our spiritual guide and he is today more than ever.  The designer loved women and was able to capture a womans femininity in a unique way. He was never over the top, always in good taste. The shoes were always wearable and he was never satisfied until they were perfect. They were not accessories for him. He told me once that he wanted to create the perfect extension of a womans leg.

Cesare Casadei

When I heard the sad news today I realized that life is not to be taken for granted. My heart is with Sergios family in this time of sorrow and grief. My thoughts and prayers are with them. I remember Sergio as one of my fathers best friends and a close neighbor (in Italian shoe district San Mauro Pascoli). He was a strong man with a vision, a fair competitor and a loyal man. His son, Gianvito, and I learned from our fathers integrity, respect for others and appreciation for what we were given. I am sure that we all remember Sergio as one of the shoemakers that changed the concept of the shoe.

Manolo Blahnik

Sergio was one of the main forces in Italian manufacture and design. I met him years ago and he was so charming  he contributed so much, he was a major talent and very important. He had an incredible flair for what is current, he produced wonderful things. Its an enormous loss for the shoe industry.

Francois-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering

Sergio Rossi was more than a great shoe designer and a successful entrepreneur: he played a key role in the luxury shoe sector throughout his career. His shoes were the epitome of elegance and comfort, designed to fit perfectly womens expectations. He has left an indelible mark on the luxury shoe sector. I want to express my sympathy to Gianvito and the whole family in this sad moment.

Rupert Sanderson

Im very sad to hear that Sergio Rossi died last night. I have many amazing memories of working for Sergio. He was my first shoe boss. Starting with an internship it eventually turned into a full blown job offer. The way the offer was made remains a true moment in my shoe life. I had been bunking off to try and find engine parts for my old Vespa back in London, so when he called me into the office I thought I was for the chop. He and Gianvito were sitting on one side of a simple desk and I was on the other, Sergio reached into a drawer and produced a cigar and a job offer. I still keep the Cohiba he gave me that day on my desk. Sergio was very generous allowing us to roam free throughout his factory, modelaria and magazzini. This generosity allowed me to flourish quickly as a maker and designer. My experiences with the Rossi family inform my approach to shoe making and the ways of running a shoe business. Generous and visionary, he gave me my first true break in the business. My thoughts and prayers are with Gianvito, the Rossi family and the shoemaking community of San Mauro Pascoli.

Giuseppe Zanotti

In the small town of San Mauro Pascoli, we are 10.000 inhabitants only and we all know each other. When I was a teenager, there were only model-makers, but Sergio was already a designer and entrepreneur, a true legend for us. The 70s were the years of the rise of companies like Casadei and Pollini, which were already doing business in Italy and abroad, especially in the USA. Sergio belonged to the generation before mine and he has always been a legend and role model for many of us. He did so much for our shoe district  he started Cercal, a school which trains young students to become professionals in the world of footwear, and that I am proud to be part of along with other renowned shoe companies. I respect and admire Sergio, because he was a pioneer of the shoe industry. He was the first to collaborate with young designers in the late 70s and early 80s. A real loss for us and for our industry.

Samuele Failli

I am so sad. I never had the chance to meet Sergio Rossi but I was always a big fan of his great work. I remember when I was a child and my mum used to buy a lot of his shoes. She would take me to his store in Florence often and I very much enjoyed watching her trying on so many pairs. He was one of the reasons why I love my job. He never made crazy unwearable shoes, they were simple, flattering and very beautiful. I always thought he was the modern Charles Jourdan. They were very similar in doing simple shoes that can make a woman feel sexy and beautiful and never vulgar. He was been one of the greats of all time.

Nicholas Kirkwood

I was saddened to wake up this morning to the news of the passing of legendary Italian shoe designer Sergio Rossi. He was a true master of his craft. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.

Nicolo Beretta, creative director of Giannico and LAutre Chose

Its so sad to hear this heartbreaking news. Sergio Rossi has always been an inspiration for all of us, one of the founding pillars of Made in Italy and Italian fashion as we know it today. His name will last in history as a great entrepreneur and a wonderful creative mind.

Amina Muaddi

RIP to the legend that Sergio Rossi was and will forever remain. This is such a sad day for me, for the fashion industry and for women across the globe who he has graced with his creations for decades. My sincerest condolences to the Rossi family for their loss. When I went to the Sergio Rossi factory in December because I was going to start producing my collection in their factory, I was taken to the museum built in his honor inside the factory. I felt so much emotion going through his incredible work and looking at the archives that I could barely focus on my meeting. The legacy he left behind is immeasurable. Thank you master, may you rest in peace.

Chloe Gosselin

Woke up to the news of @sergiorossi s passing today. He was my hero in this industry & the reason I started my own brand. His work gave me the passion for Italian shoes, perfectly made and comfortable yet still fierce, striking and innovative. My deepest condolences to the Sergio Rossi family sending much love and thoughts @gianvitorossi #madeinItaly #iloveitaly.

Olivia Palermo

We lost a true creative force in the accessories world today. My thoughts are with the Rossi family, friends, and team at this difficult and unprecedented time.

Tamara Mellon

Im deeply sad to learn about the passing of Sergio Rossi this morning. I have an immense amount of respect for him as a designer and businessman. His story is one that gives me so much personal inspiration founding one of the first shoe brands to sell to a luxury group in 1999. He invented the opanca sole, which is one of my favorites, and he gave us his son, Gianvito Rossi, whose shoes I love. Fashion and the world at large will miss him. xx, TM.

Sophia Webster

Our deepest condolences to Sergio Rossis family. The world has lost one of the greatest shoe designers of our time.

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Authorities are on high-alert to prevent another Ruby Princess-style debacle as a plane filled with coronavirus-infected passengers landed in Melbourne on Sunday morning.

The plane carrying 112 Australian and New Zealand passengers touched down at Tullamarine Airport shortly before 7am, with the plane surrounded by officials in hi-vis uniforms as it taxied toward the terminal.

Around 80 coronavirus-infected Australians were on board the 16 hour mercy flight.

A major operation involving dozens of officers from multiple government agencies, including emergency services and medical professionals were there to meet the plane, where passengers will be assessed individually on board.

A handful of passengers who have given the all clear to disembark from the front of the plane.

They were seen making their way towards a fleet of waiting Sky buses, who will transport them to quarantine hotels, where they will remain for the next 14 days.

Those who show any type of coronavirus symptoms will be taken hospitals by a fleet of ambulances waiting on the runway.

A charter plane on the runway will transport a small group of New Zealanders on board home, who will also go into quarantine.

The plane carrying 112 cruise ship passengers touched down at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport shortly before 7am Sunday

Passengers given the all clear to disembark the plane collected their luggage before heading towards a fleet of buses

A fleet of waiting ambulances on the runway will transport sick passengers showing coronavirus symptoms to hospital

The 112 passengers have spent 14 days on the Greg Mortimer cruise ship, which was docked off the coast of Uruguay when it was hit with an outbreak of the deadly disease.

Australia has recorded 6,303 cases of coronavirus as of Saturday night with 56 deaths after a 91-year-old woman passed away but the daily increase in new infections has dropped below 100 for the first time in three weeks.

The passengers pose one of the biggest threats in the country's battle against the coronavirus and flattening the curve and infection rate with up to 70 per cent of those on board already testing positive to COVID-19.

The coming weeks will be critical to see whether the curve is really flattening or if this is just a mirage with a new wave of outbreaks to come.

'We have reports that up to 70 per cent of these patients have tested positive for COVID-19. The government has been working very, very closely with the cruise ship operators to organise this flight to come back to Australia,' Victoria's Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Annaliese van Diemen said.

Passengers began disembarking via the front of the plane within an hour of touching down in Melbourne on Sunday

Passengers on board the mercy flight collected their luggage and made their way towards a fleet of waiting buses

Passengers who were well enough boarded buses which transported them to Melbourne hotels for a 14 day quarantine

Passengers from the coronavirus riddled Greg Mortimer cruise ship are en-route to Australia after 70 per cent of them tested positive for coronavirus. Pictured at Montevideo's international airport in Uruguay on Saturday

Photographs which emerged yesterday showed passengers celebrating as they boarded the plane at Montevideo's international airport in Uruguay.

Unlike the passengers of the Ruby Princess - who were allowed to walk freely onto Australian shores without testing or imposed quarantine - medical staff are checking all travellers from the Greg Mortimer before they leave the plane.

The passengers who pose a possible risk will be taken to hospital for further testing but even if they show no symptoms they will be forcibly isolated in hotels for a fortnight.

The ship's operator Aurora Expeditions confirmed this week 128 of 217 people on board, nearly 60 per cent, had tested positive for the coronavirus but all were asymptomatic.

'Our priority remains getting everyone on board disembarked as soon and as safely as possible,' an Aurora Expeditions spokesman said in a statement.

'It has been a very harrowing time for all involved.'

Medical staff will be checking all travellers from the Greg Mortimer before they leave the plane in Australia

Passengers from the Greg Mortimer Cruise Ship carry their luggage across the tarmac after being allowed off the ship for the first time in two weeks

An ambulance waits by the Greg Mortimer cruise ship to take away sick passengers, including five Australians who have been hospitalised in Uruguay's capital - Montevideo

However, the Foreign Affairs Department told AAP on Friday five Australians had been evacuated from the Greg Mortimer and hospitalised in Montevideo.

Uruguay had originally refused to let passengers off the cruise ship but later sent medical teams on board and monitored the situation via WhatsApp.

Most of the ill crew and passengers have mild symptoms and are stable, Uruguay public health ministry director-general Karina Rando said.

'We have intensive care beds, doctors are available and we are not putting the care of our population at risk,' Ms Rando told the Associated Press.

'We have the logistical and professional capacity to serve these people.'

Passengers are checked by healthcare workers as they disembark the Greg Mortimer Cruise Ship in Uruguay

An ambulance drives away after picking up sick passengers off the Greg Mortimer cruise ship

The Greg Mortimer departed on March 15 on a voyage to Antarctica and South Georgia but has been docked off the coast of Montevideo since March 27

A sign hanging from a balcony on the ship said 'Gracias Uruguay'.

The Greg Mortimer departed on March 15 on a voyage to Antarctica and South Georgia but has been docked off the coast of Montevideo since March 27.

The evacuated passengers, comprising 96 Australians and 16 New Zealanders, are being repatriated using a 'humanitarian corridor' with strict biosecurity measures.

The Ruby Princess arrived in Sydney on March 19 and unloaded its over 2,700 guests without health checks before several passengers went onto test positive for coronavirus

Timeline of Ruby Princess fiasco March 18: The Ruby Princess issues an urgent mayday call for an ambulance for two of its passengers presenting with coronavirus-like symptoms 24 hours before the ship is allowed to dock in Sydney. March 19: The Ruby Princess arrives in Sydney Harbour. More than 2,700 guests are allowed to disembark without adequate health checks. March 25: Australian Border Force Commissioner Michael Outram says New South Wales Health is responsible for letting coronavirus patients disembark the ship. March 29: Several crew members are evacuated and taken to hospital after being diagnosed with coronavirus. April 2: A 66-year-old crew member is taken off the Ruby Princess for medical treatment. More than 200 crew members are sick and in self-isolation. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian defends the actions of NSW Health and the Australian Border Force and points the finger at the Ruby Princess. She claims staff onboard may have misled NSW Health about the extent of illnesses in passengers. April 3: Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton alleges Ruby Princess' operators weren't transparent about the health of crew: 'It was 'clear that some of the companies have been lying about the health of passengers and crew on board'. April 4: Leaked emails show NSW Health knew of the coronavirus risk on board the Ruby Princess before allowing its thousands of passengers to disembark. April 5: A criminal investigation is launched into how passengers were able to disembark without health checks April 8: A team of 30 detectives from state crime, counter terrorism and marine area command start investigating the handling of the Ruby Princess coronavirus scandal. The first briefing into the investigation is held. April 9: NSW Police clad in PPE equipment raid the vessel, questioning its captain and searching for evidence in a rapid escalation of the criminal investigation. April 11: NSW Health confirms that at least 46 crew members of the Ruby Princess cruise ship have contracted COVID-19 April 13: NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller says patient zero on board may have been a crew member serving meals to hundreds of passengers April 15: NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian announces an independent special commission to investigate the Ruby Princess fiasco April 23: With 500 crew left on board, the Ruby Princess left Australian waters to sail to Manila in the Phillipines Advertisement

The Uruguay government has evacuated 112 passengers from New Zealand and Australia who were stuck on the Greg Mortimer cruise ship for more than a fortnight

Passengers display a sign saying 'Thank you Uruguay' using a bedsheet from the cruise ship

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 passengers were driven in four buses to Montevideo's Carrasco airport escorted by police and have their luggage disinfected prior to boarding.

A refitted plane operated by charter airline Hi Fly is flying them to Melbourne.

Medical personnel would also accompany them on the repatriation flight, with the company footing the bill for the journey under insurance.

'The plane will be set up into risk zones, with passengers seated by test results and level of care required by the passenger,' Aurora Expeditions said.

The NZ government plans to reach out to its citizens directly to organise a transfer upon arrival in Australia, Aurora Expeditions said.

More than 280,000 Australians have returned home in recent weeks, with about 6200 of them disembarking from 45 cruise ships around the world.

Many of them have gone on to test positive to the deadly coronavirus with the Ruby Princess became the largest source of infections in Australia, with more than 600 cases and 15 deaths linked the to the cruise.

An Airbus A340 waits on the tarmac to conduct a repatriation flight. The flight will land in Melbourne on Sunday

Passengers are seen boarding the plane after being evacuated from the cruise ship in the darkness

A healthy passengers boards the plane back to Australia after two weeks trapped on the Greg Mortimer cruise ship

The ship docked in Sydney Harbour on March 19 and more than 2,600 passengers were allowed to disembark without adequate health checks.

The cruise - which is now docked at Port Kembla, south of Sydney - is under investigation by police.

A team of 30 detectives from state crime, counter terrorism and marine area command are investigating the communications and actions which led to the docking and disembarking of the vessel in Sydney Harbour on March 19.

The investigation will cover the actions of the port authority, ambulance, police, the NSW Health department and Carnival Australia.
NASA has selected five teams led by university faculty and students to examine a range of technical areas in support of the agencys aeronautics research goals.Known as the University Leadership Initiative (ULI), the project will provide a total of $32.8 million to the five teams during the next four years.Each of these teams is working on important problems that definitely will help break down barriers in ways that will benefit the U.S. aviation industry, said John Cavolowsky, director of NASAs Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Program in Washington, D.C.This is the third time NASA Aeronautics has reached out to the academic community in this way. Five teams were selected in 2017 and three teams announced in 2019.Unlike other NASA-funded research programs in which the agency specifies the project goals, universities are asked to come up with a compelling investigation, so long as that technical challenge addresses one of the strategic research thrusts of NASA.Another key goal of ULI is for the student researchers involved to gain experience in leading a multidisciplinary team made up of partners from other universities and industry, especially representing those who traditionally have not applied their skills to aviation problems.Weve also sought to emphasize inclusion of universities that serve underrepresented student populations and I think weve been successful this year in achieving that goal,said Koushik Datta, ULI project manager at NASAs Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley.For the first time, a ULI team will be led by a historically black university, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University in Greensboro. Moreover, team leader Oklahoma State University in Stillwater is known for graduating the most Native American students of any school in the nation.The five team leaders and their research topics are:The team seeks to develop a novel integration of secure and safe autonomous systems used on unmanned Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft with the goal of advancing their technical readiness level and be ready for industry to consider using these technologies. The team intends to validate these systems with flight tests of multiple aircraft.The team will receive $8 million over four years. Team members include Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana; Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta; Aurora Flight Sciences in Manassas, Virginia; Alakai Technologies Corporation in Hopkinton, Massachusetts; General Atomics Aeronautical Systems in Poway, California; and Northrop Grumman Corporation in Linthicum, Maryland.The team will look for ways to improve real-time weather forecasting of low-level winds and turbulence in both rural and urban environments with an eye to improving safety for Unmanned Aircraft Systems flying in AAM operations.The team will receive $5.2 million over four years. Team members include the University of Oklahoma in Norman; University of Nebraska Lincoln; University of Kentucky in Lexington; National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado; Vigilant Aerospace Systems Inc. in Oklahoma City; AirXOS, part of GE Aviation, in Boston; and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.The team will seek to develop tools that ensure machine learning in autonomous systems used by unmanned AAM aircraft work as expected in real-time, as well as to employ fault detection and recovery methods if they do not, particularly in situations involving taxiing, landing and collision avoidance.The team will receive $8 million over four years. Team members include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge; Georgia Tech in Atlanta; University of New Mexico in Albuquerque; Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia; University of California, Berkeley; MIT Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, Massachusetts; and United Technologies Research Center Inc. in Berkeley, California.Using a composite supply method already developed under a Defense Advanced Research Project Agency program, the team plans to demonstrate the ability to produce aerospace-quality components at a rate comparable to that of the automotive industry.The work supports a NASA research goal to find ways to help manufacturers increase the rate at which they can produce hardware using composite materials.The team will receive $5.9 million over four years. Team members include Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Joby Aviation in Santa Cruz, California; Spirit AeroSystems Inc. in Wichita, Kansas; Advanced Thermoplastic Composites Manufacturing in Post Falls, Idaho; American Composite Manufacturers Association in Arlington, Virginia; Arkema Inc. in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania; and SGL Carbon in Charlotte, North Carolina.The team seeks to develop tools and technology to help better understand and safely use a composite tape made of thermoplastic in designing and manufacturing parts for an AAM vehicle. Two structural parts typical of an AAM vehicle  a fan blade and airframe shell component  will be designed and built to demonstrate the technology.The team will receive $5.7 million over four years. Team members include the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg; Boise State University in Boise, Idaho; Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina; The Boeing Company in Chicago; Joby Aviation in Santa Cruz, California; Toray Advanced Composites USA in Morgan Hill, California; Ingersoll Machine Tools Inc. in Rockford, Illinois; Smart Tooling in Xenia, Ohio; C. A. Litzler Co. Inc. in Cleveland; Schrdinger in New York City; and Collins Aerospace in Melbourne, Florida.A fourth round of ULI request for proposals is anticipated to be announced soon. An online virtual workshop for interested participants is currently scheduled for Thursday, April 30. More information is available at this ULI website.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 08:54:12|Editor: huaxia

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HARBIN, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province on Friday reported one new confirmed COVID-19 case transmitted locally and 22 new confirmed cases from overseas, the provincial health commission said Saturday.

All the new imported cases were Chinese nationals returning from Russia. Of them, 10 were previously asymptomatic patients, according to the commission.

By Friday, the province had reported a total of 177 confirmed imported COVID-19 cases. It had traced 1,523 close contacts, with 1,101 still under medical observation.

On Friday, Heilongjiang reported five new imported asymptomatic patients, all of them Chinese nationals returning from Russia. The province had a total of 146 imported asymptomatic patients by Friday.
>>> Vietnam presents antibacterial masks to European countries

Di Maio wrote that the widespread solidarity shown at multiple levels proves the depth of the relationship between the two countries.

The Italian Government is steering all efforts towards containing the spread of the virus, taking care of those affected, and addressing the dire consequences stemming from the global pandemic, he wrote, adding that Vietnams help will undoubtedly contribute to the success in these endeavours and ultimately assist Italy on its road to recovery.

Italys Minister of the Interior Luciana Lamorgese, meanwhile, also sent a letter of thanks to Minister of Public Security, General To Lam.

She expressed her profound thanks to the ministry for its solidarity with Italy in these challenging times, which is evidence of the sustainable cooperation between the two countries.

She wrote she hoped that, when conditions allow, she may meet with General Lam to discuss issues of shared concern in order to further boost bilateral ties.

Earlier, on April 7, Deputy Foreign Minister To Anh Dung handed over the token of 550,000 made-in-Vietnam anti-bacterial masks to various European countries in support of the fight against the pandemic.
On Friday, the world passed a grim milestone of 100,000 deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic. At more than 18,700, the United States now has more coronavirus deaths than any other country, surpassing Italy and Spain.

For the first time Friday, more than 2,000 people died in the United States. In New York, dozens of corpses are being interred each day in unmarked mass graves in a potters field on Hart Island in the Bronx. Refrigerated trucks are stacked high with bodies outside the citys hospitals.

Workers wearing personal protective equipment bury bodies in a trench on Hart Island, April 9, 2020 [Credit: AP Photo/John Minchillo]

Sinai Grace Hospital in Detroit is running out of body bags. All three coolers are filled, nurse Jeff Eichenlaub told the Detroit News. The morgue and the viewing room next to the morgue are full, and right now were taking bodies to the sleep lab to store them.

The virus is beginning to spread more rapidly in states beyond the initial centers, including in Massachusetts (2,033 new cases yesterday); Pennsylvania (1,795 new cases); Illinois (1,465 new cases) and Florida (1,142 new cases). It is beginning to move into rural areas, which in many cases lack any facilities to treat those who become ill.

However, in the course of this week, with nearly 2,000 new deaths every day, a disturbing turn in the media narrative began to take shape. While the week began with grim warnings of the disaster that would unfold, it came to an end with innumerable articles focused on the supposed glimmers of hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

This shift in the narrative is being used to justify demands for a premature return to work. The most open advocate is President Donald Trump, who has used his daily press briefings to advocate that the United States open with a big bang.

Scientists in the United States and throughout the world have warned against any effort to prematurely open businesses and workplaces. On Friday, the New York Times reported that the Trump administrations own internal figures state that an early rollback of social distancing measures will lead to the deaths of approximately 140,000 people.

If the administration lifts the 30-day stay-at-home orders, the death total is estimated to reach 200,000, even if schools remain closed until summer, the Times notes. This contrasts with the governments current estimates of 60,400 deaths if current restrictions are kept in place through the end of May.

There is not a single credible scientist, doctor or epidemiologist who claims that the pandemic is under control in the United States. Scientists have warned that the US lacks the necessary health infrastructure to contain the pandemic if social distancing measures are lifted. The United States is testing only those with the most severe symptoms, and there are no systematic quarantine and contact tracing measures in place in most of the country.

In fact, the Trump administration is moving to roll back testing, cutting federal funding to drive-through testing facilities this week, leading some of them to close.

What will a return to work mean? The aim of the Trump administration and the American ruling class as a whole is to normalize the pandemic, that is, to acclimate the population to the fact that large numbers of people will die for some time to come. Workers are supposed to accept it as something inevitable, with the death toll attracting less and less attention in the news.

There is a deeply sinister class logic at work in this demand. Workers are to be treated as expendable. If they die, this is just a cost of doing business, with those who succumb to the disease replaced by others.

In practical terms, moreover, it means that workers who refuse to work risk being fired, making them ineligible for unemployment insurance. The mass joblessnesswith 16.8 million filing for unemployment claims in just the last three weekswill be used as a cudgel to force them to risk their lives by returning to the job. The corporations, which before the pandemic were facing a labor shortage, will once again have the whip in hand to discipline their workforce.

To the extent that the pandemic disproportionately kills the oldest and most vulnerable, this will mean that fewer social resources are diverted to caring for the elderly and infirm and can instead be used to fund share buybacks and dividend payments.

The demand for an early return to work is the continuation of the policy of malign neglect carried out by the ruling class since the start of the pandemic.

Trump initially downplayed the significance of the pandemic, presenting it as an external enemy to be combatted with travel bans. The United States made no serious effort to carry out testing for months. It was only after the horrific reports emerged, first from Italy, then in Washington and New York, that state governments and finally the White House were forced, amid popular pressures and spontaneous walkouts by workers, to implement widespread social distancing.

As the pandemic spread, the ruling class used the crisis atmosphere to implementon a unanimously bipartisan basisthe largest transfer of wealth to the corporate and financial oligarchy in history. The bailout of Wall Street by the Treasury and the Federal Reserve, including an additional $2.3 trillion program announced yesterday, far exceeds what was done after the 2008 crisis. This time it was orchestrated in a matter of days.

As this exercise in thievery and plunder on a mass scale was underway, the push for a return to work began almost immediately. And it was not just from the Trump administration. Indeed, the campaign was initiated by the Democratic Party-aligned New York Times, whose columnist Thomas Friedman warned agaisnt a cureeven for a short whileworse than the disease.

And what is happening in the United States is repeated throughout Western Europe. The Austrian government has announced plans to return to work as early as next week, while Spain intends to reopen auto plants on April 20.

The Socialist Equality Party National Committee wrote in its statement of March 17: Two irreconcilable interests of two classes stand opposed to each other. For the capitalists, it is a question of securing their profit interests and ensuring that their property and wealth remain untouched. No measures are to be taken that impinge on their interests. The working class is concerned with the interests of the broad mass of humanity, proceeding not from private profit but from social need.

The Socialist Equality Party insists there must be no return to work under unsafe conditions! In the wave of strikes that have emerged in every industry, the demands of workers for safe working conditions, the provision of protective equipment, and the closure of nonessential production have corresponded with the demands of scientists for measures to contain the pandemic.

All workers affected by the crisis must receive full income, and there must be an immediate cancellation of mortgage, debt and utility payments.

The COVID-19 pandemic can still be contained and eradicated through a massive investment in health care. Hundreds of thousands, or even millions of lives around the world can be saved!

The trillions handed out to Wall Street must be cancelled. Instead, a massive public works program must be initiated to build emergency health care infrastructure, produce lifesaving medical equipment, and create the systems for large-scale testing and contact tracing that are essential for stopping COVID-19.

The realization of these demands requires the conquest of political power by the working class, supported by all progressive forces in society, in the United States and every country. Social and economic life must be reorganized on the basis of social need, not private profit. The alternative confronting mankind is capitalism and death, or socialism and life.
The Chinese Embassy in Brazil Friday urged some Brazilians to immediately correct their mistakes and stop unjustifiable accusations against China.

Brazilian Education Minister Abraham Weintraub in his recent live internet broadcasts stigmatized China by calling the novel coronavirus "Chinese virus."

In response, the Chinese embassy noted that as the pandemic has recently been spreading across the world, no single country can meet challenges of the pandemic on its own.

The top priority now is for the international community to carry out active cooperation in fighting COVID-19, the embassy said, adding that all countries should safeguard international public safety, health and human well-being.

A woman wears a face mask amid COVID-19 outbreak in Sao Paulo, Brazil, April 4, 2020. /Xinhua

The embassy also pointed out that the World Health Organization (WHO) and the international community are clearly opposed to linking viruses to specific countries and regions.

Local netizens also voiced outrage over Weintraub's anti-Chinese remarks, saying Weintraub's racist remarks were incompatible with his status and left Brazil embarrassed.

Big data analysis of a local political consulting company shows that in 30,000 tweets directly related to the incident, over 90 percent of comments criticized the Brazilian government, especially Weintraub himself, and voiced support to China.

Brazil's Workers' Party, Social Liberal Party and other major parties, as well as the mainstream media, scholars and social celebrities have also criticized Weintraub's improper speech.
New Delhi, April 12 : The Delhi Police on Saturday arrested Jamia Coordination Committee (JCC) core member and media coordinator Safoora Zargar in connection with the Delhi riots case.

Safoora was arrested by the Delhi Police for her alleged role in orchestrating the violence that erupted in the North East part of the national capital in February.

Confirming her arrest, a member from the JCC said, "Safoora has been arrested in FIR no. 150/2020 by the police accusing her for having a role in orchestrating the North East Delhi violence." "A bail plea has been moved citing that Safoora is three months pregnant and hence, her health should be taken care of," the member said.

On April 6, the police custody of a 35-year-old Jamia Millia Islamia research scholar was extended by nine days by a Delhi court.

Meeran Haider was arrested for allegedly hatching a conspiracy to incite violence in the northeast Delhi in February. He is president of Delhi's youth wing of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sudhir Kumar Sirohi allowed Haider's custodial interrogation after Delhi Police contended that he needed to be confronted with other accused and unearth the larger conspiracy.

Widespread violence between groups supporting the changed citizenship law and opposing it had spiralled out of control in February, leaving 53 people dead and scores injured in its wake.
The melodies of choir absent, the pews lay empty, the churches locked. It is probably the first time in modern history that Easter Sunday services would see an empty row of chairs as people are under a lockdown. That means, this year, there wouldnt be any hosannas raised or celebrations done.

However, churches are using technology to stay connected with their faithful and relay live sessions. Archbishop of Raipur, Victor Henry Thakur says, We have online live mass services and thousands of people watch it. 2-3 priests join me in doing the mass but we all keep a considerable distance between us for our safety.

He doesnt discount on the fact that he would miss his church members on Easter, a day where they all gathered together for worship, hearty talks and Easter eggs. He says, Certainly, our people are upset that they are deprived of the Easter mass but we know that obedience is better than anything. Even Jesus came to save our life, not destroy it. We understand its a protective measure. After all, life is everything.

Read: In Delhi, the faithful worship from home this Good Friday and Easter

One of the oldest church in Delhi, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Ashok Place has always seen thousands of people flocking there to attend the Holy Week. But this year, the place lay silent and no bells would be heard on Easter. Archbishop of Delhi, Anil Couto who helms the church says, I am rather pained that the first time in our lives, we will have to celebrate Easter alone, but we have to accept that its a part of Gods plan. It is for good of the nation during the given crises.

Fr Jose TJ, parish priest of Mother of Perpetual Succour Church, Delhi saysWe have about 600 people but Easter night I will be all alone to conduct the holy liturgy. Church is not just the priest, its always about people. I am going to feel the absence of my parish members.

For Christians, attending the Easter mass online is something new. Fr Ajeet Patrick from Sacred Heart Cathedral says, Online masses can never be a substitute for ones physical presence. But yes, they have become a help and allow us to visualise things. Our senses have become accustomed to see things and then pray. However, in this situation, it is imperative to be spiritually united to God.

Read: As countdown to Good Friday, Easter begins, Mohali churches conduct prayer services online amid lockdown

It was of course, a surreal Holy week for the churches but physical presence didnt matter much. Archbishop Victor says, Church is not a building but people gathered together spiritually. Our God is a compassionate and loving God. He sees our heart and not that we attended church or not on Easter.

The lockdown has brought together the value of spirituality in peoples lives especially in Easter, as Archbishop Anil says, Since we cannot go to the church, the longing has deepened. We now realise the value of our coming together to worship and pray.

Follow @htlifeandstyle for more
Fire officials said it was not yet known if the man died because of the smoke or from a medical emergency he suffered. The fire department spokesman did not disclose the type of medical emergency.
Way before Bixby debuted on the Samsung Galaxy S8, it had another voice assistant called S Voice that debuted on the Samsung Galaxy S III. It wasnt a replacement for Googles voice commands, but it was able to do things like call contacts, set reminders, launch apps, and perform Google searches. It didnt really have any personality or tell any jokes.

As per a report from Sam Mobile, Samsungs S Voice will cease to operate as of June 1, 2020. If you try to use S Voice after June 1, 2020, youll only receive a response from S Voice that says Im unable to process your request. Try again later. Were sure there arent too many of you who are still using S Voice.



S Voice on Galaxy S5

Models still using S Voice include the Galaxy A3, A5, A7, A8, and A9, the Galaxy Note II, III, 4, 5, and FE, the Galaxy S III, S4, S5, and S6, as well as the Galaxy Note Pro 12.2, Galaxy W, Galaxy Tab 4, and Galaxy Tab S (1st gen).

S Voice wasnt particularly groundbreaking or amazing in any way and as a result, not many folks used it. It would eventually gain voice-activation with the phrase Hi Galaxy or any custom phrase. It also found its way into Samsung smartwatches like the Samsung Gear and Gear S lineup as the only way to process voice-to-text replies. These days, all Samsung devices including the Galaxy Watch lineup, and most Samsung Galaxy smartphones are using Bixby.

Source
It was 50 years ago Monday (April 13) that the Apollo 13 crew famously told NASA: "Houston, we've had a problem." You can celebrate the "successful failure" with a NASA documentary and other activities online.

On April 13, 1970, three astronauts on their way to the moon experienced an explosion in the service module of their spacecraft. To survive, they had to abandon their lunar-landing plans and make a four-day trip home with less oxygen and water than was ideal.

Luckily, the efforts of NASA's Mission Control and teams around the world brought Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert and Fred Haise home safely. Haise and Lovell are still alive; Swigert died of cancer in 1982.

But NASA will not hold any in-person events to commemorate the mission, due to the pandemic caused by the new coronavirus. That said, there are numerous ways you can follow the mission and celebrate the anniversary online.

Video: 50 years after Apollo 13, see the moon as the astronauts did

New NASA documentary

Watch Live! (Image credit: NASA/JSC) You can watch NASA's "Apollo 13: Home Safe" on Space.com at 8 p.m. EDT (0000 April 11 GMT).

NASA will premiere the documentary "Apollo 13: Home Safe" on Friday (April 10) at 8 p.m. EDT (0000 GMT Saturday, April 11) on the NASA YouTube channel and live on NASA Television. The official trailer alludes to "bad omens" from the beginning of the mission , which presumably references a last-minute crew swap due to exposure to the German measles and the fact that the mission was branded as unlucky because 13 is considered a traditionally unlucky number in Western culture. (Compounding the "13" fears, the mission lifted off at 1:13 p.m. local time  that's 13:13 p.m.  on launch day.)

The 30-minute program includes interviews with Lovell and Haise, as well as Mission Control flight directors Gene Kranz and Glynn Lunney, among others. Archival footage will also be included. Make sure to tune into NASA TV frequently during the mission's anniversary dates (between April 11 and April 17) to receive pop-ups indicating mission milestones.

The Apollo 13 crew: Who's who

Apollo 13 in Real Time

NASA contractor Ben Feist put together an incredible project called " Apollo 13 in Real Time ," which is a searchable website filled with photographs, transcripts, film and audio from the mission. You can choose to experience the mission in real time, or scroll through the content for whatever moments interest you.

The site features about 17,000 hours of audio recorded inside Mission Control as well as video from NASA press conferences. The project also, for the first time, syncs some previously silent mission control footage with audio from the archives. Most of the flight control audio tapes were digitized with help from the University of Texas, Dallas, with five additional tapes digitized by NASA after they were found with the help of the National Archives.

Apollo 13 timeline: The hectic days of NASA's 'successful failure' to the moon

If you prefer to use social media to celebrate the anniversary, NASA has you covered there too. You can ask the agency questions on Twitter using the hashtag #AskNASA; some questions will be answered real-time on social media, while others may be addressed during an upcoming #AskNASA episode about the mission (air time to be announced).

On Twitter, the NASA Headquarters photo team will share historical images from the photo archives between April 9 and April 17; special content is already flowing on the NASA History Twitter account.

Other platforms will also celebrate. NASA's Instagram account will feature Part 1 of "Apollo 13 by the Numbers" on Friday (April 10) and Part 2 on Saturday (April 11); NASA describes the feature as a "visual recap of the mission as told by the NASA History office." NASA's Tumblr account will release images and multimedia on Monday (April 13) and NASA's History Facebook account also has special content planned for the anniversary week.

Stunning 4K views

Some of us prefer images over text. You can see recreated views of the moon as the Apollo 13 crew would have seen it on their journey home via the far side of the moon. (After the explosion, NASA determined it was safer to have the crew take a longer way home and use the moon to slingshot back to Earth, instead of using a potentially damaged engine to turn around more quickly.)

These views are based on data from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter , which has been gathering high-definition views of the moon since 2009. "These visualizations, in 4K resolution, depict many different views of the lunar surface, starting with Earthset and sunrise and concluding with the time Apollo 13 reestablished radio contact with mission control," NASA said in a statement .

"Houston, We Have A Podcast"

NASA's Johnson Space Center's long-running feature " Houston, We Have A Podcast " borrows its name from the famous line uttered during the Apollo 13 mission, but usually covers human spaceflight more generally. For the anniversary, however, the producers naturally pivoted to covering Apollo 13 and the show will air interviews with Lovell and Haise. The astronauts, NASA said in the same statement, will "reflect on the highlights of their expansive careers and share wisdom gained from their famous mission on its 50th anniversary."

Video recordings, imagery and archival materials

There is also a wealth of other multimedia available online. Apollo 13 in-flight video recordings include television transmissions (kinescopes) from the crew to Earth, which have since been converted to digital files. You can download Apollo 13 imagery from NASA's image and video library , or the Apollo Lunar Surface Journal , a volunteer-created site managed by NASA's History Office.

If you want to share Apollo 13 with an online audience, NASA has presentation slides available. NASA's History Office also has several Apollo-themed books available online , which you can find by searching the word "Apollo." The Internet Archive hosts still more Apollo audio and video, and NASA also has information about the Apollo program in general on the Apollo 50th Anniversary website .

Other Apollo 13 resources

If you have a small budget available, you can also pick up other Apollo 13 resources  such as movies or books by some of the major players. Many people were introduced to the mission through the successful 1995 Hollywood film "Apollo 13," which is available on Amazon Prime .

An indie mini-film called " Thanksgiving with the Kranzes " (2007) spoofs the movie with a fictional account of the astronauts and Mission Controllers gathering for Thanksgiving post-mission  only to experience more problems with dinner.

There have been numerous Apollo 13 documentaries over the decades, so here are a couple to whet your appetite: Last year, National Geographic aired a documentary (and hosted associated footage) about the Apollo missions in general, called " Apollo: Missions to the Moon ." The Smithsonian Channel's 2010 documentary, "Apollo 13: The Real Story," may be available on your local cable provider; check here for how to find it .

Here are a few books you can pick up on Amazon Kindle or via audiobook from the comfort of your home:

Apollo 13 (originally titled "Lost Moon," available on Kindle or Audible): This account of the mission, coauthored by Lovell and journalist Jeffrey Kluger, inspired the Hollywood film. The authors chose to tell the story from the third person to represent the fact that Apollo 13's participants included people around the world working on the rescue effort.

(originally titled "Lost Moon," available on Kindle or Audible): This account of the mission, coauthored by Lovell and journalist Jeffrey Kluger, inspired the Hollywood film. The authors chose to tell the story from the third person to represent the fact that Apollo 13's participants included people around the world working on the rescue effort. A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts (Audible only): Journalist Andrew Chaikin interviewed almost every Apollo astronaut (except the long-deceased Jack Swigert) to inform his account of every mission, including Apollo 13.

(Audible only): Journalist Andrew Chaikin interviewed almost every Apollo astronaut (except the long-deceased Jack Swigert) to inform his account of every mission, including Apollo 13. Failure Is Not an Option: Mission Control from Mercury to Apollo 13 and Beyond (Kindle only): This autobiography of Kranz, one of the principal flight directors, includes the account of Apollo 13 from his point of view. The title "Failure is Not an Option" is borrowed from a line in the movie Apollo 13 uttered by the fictional Kranz (played by Ed Harris); Kranz himself never said those words.

Numerous other Apollo 13-themed Kindle and audiobooks are available at this Amazon link .

Follow Elizabeth Howell on Twitter @howellspace. Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook .
Bengaluru, April 11 : Mangaluru police booked a family of seven members for illegally sailing over from Kerala to Karnataka amid Covid lockdown, police said on Saturday.

"Yakoob, 48, crossed over to Thalapady along with his family from Kerala. It is made out that he had used the sea route to cross over to Talapady," said a Mangaluru Police Commissionerate statement.

Thalapady is 350 km west of Bengaluru.

According to the police, one Shakir aided the family's transit to Thalapady, providing logistical support for the sea voyage.

"Yakoob has violated all norms issued by the central and state governments to curtail the spread of the pandemic," police said.

Police said Yakoob put himself, his family members and the general public at risk of contracting Covid.

The Bajpe Police Station registered a case against all the seven family members and is proceeding with the investigation.

Meanwhile, police sent Yakoob and his family for medical examinations at Wenlock Hospital in coordination with the district officials.
Gov. Gavin Newsoms initiative to fortify the states health care work force was ambitious  a March 30 executive order establishing the California Health Corps  but nursing students are encountering imposing obstacles as they try to join the effort.

Those concerns were outlined Friday in a letter from two nursing education groups to the Department of Consumer Affairs, which oversees the California Board of Registered Nursing. The letter, a copy of which was obtained by The Chronicle, seeks revisions in the licensing requirements for nursing students to graduate.

Officials from the two organizations, the California Association of Colleges of Nursing and the California Organization of Associate Degree Nursing, also cited significant delays in processing applications for the newly formed Health Corps. Newsom introduced the program to staff at least 50,000 extra hospital beds in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

If you have a background in health care, we need your help, Newsom said in unveiling California Health Corps.

Now Playing: Jessica Boykin, 32, had stuck plenty of people with needles by the time she graduated from the nursing school at Los Medanos College in 2018, but nothing prepared her for the coronavirus pandemic. Now she's an ER nurse on the front lines, where equipment and staff are short. Many nursing students who are just inches away from graduation are hoping to join her, and begging the state to bend its licensing rules so they can work. Video: SFGATE

More than 81,000 people applied in the first week, but problems also surfaced. Advocates for nursing students accused the state board of stalling in making the changes needed to allow students to graduate and join the workforce. Those students cannot meet existing requirements, officials said, because hospitals in the state canceled the students mandatory clinical rotations in the wake of the pandemic.

This leaves many nursing students in awkward limbo, said Scott Casanover, senior vice president of governmental affairs at West Coast University, an Irvine-based school specializing in preparing students for careers in health care.

In my opinion, you have a rogue state board making decisions that are going to have a dire impact on the states health care situation, Casanover said in a phone interview Saturday. I was optimistic and applaud the governor for trying, but I dont think he realized how entrenched the board is on (its) position.

Its frustrating because it seems like the solution could be so easy. Other states have figured out you can teach students in a simulated environment until we get through this pandemic.

The California Board of Registered Nursing historically requires students to spend 75% of their training in direct patient care, or shadowing registered nurses in a hospital. The board reduced the threshold to 50%, given the coronavirus pandemic.

Fridays letter from the nursing education groups described this decrease as insufficient, because students can no longer secure enough direct patient hours. Casanover said other states, including Florida and Texas, are allowing training on simulated patients, but California does not.

We are aware of and sympathetic to the predicament many of our pre-licensure nursing students are in, the state board said in a statement emailed to The Chronicle.

Our goal is to get nursing students out to direct patient care experiences to help in an ordered and expeditious manner, while encouraging the academic institutions  to allow them to receive academic credit for their time spent assisting in the care of our patients.

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.

As a matter of policy, the Board of Registered Nursing considers that time spent in direct patient care better prepares a student for situations the student may face once licensed.

Veronica Harms, a spokeswoman for the board, insisted board officials have reached out to individual hospitals to encourage them to let students return to their clinical training. But thats not happening, in part because of a shortage of personal protective equipment.

No one is debating the value of direct patient care education, Casanover said. But its simply not available.

As for the larger issue, with fewer graduating nurses in a time of urgent need, he added, You can have 50,000 extra hospital beds, but it doesnt do much good if you dont have nurses to service those beds.

Ron Kroichick is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rkroichick@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ronkroichick
School closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic will result in student learning loss. This is a huge challenge all students will face, but inner-city students will have even more barriers to overcome in the upcoming weeks and months of home-based schooling.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 11/4/2020 (640 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Opinion

School closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic will result in student learning loss. This is a huge challenge all students will face, but inner-city students will have even more barriers to overcome in the upcoming weeks and months of home-based schooling.

The sudden shift to the online delivery of education has brought a significant transition for students, families and teachers. Connecting with teachers to get education support will be more difficult for inner-city students and their families, because many dont have computers or internet access in their homes.

This "digital divide," the gap between low-income families and middle/upper-income families in terms of their ability to access digital tools and the internet, creates dire consequences for inner-city students and has been accelerated by the COVID-19 crisis.

According to the Pew Research Centers analysis of the 2015 U.S. Census Bureau data, roughly 35 per cent of households with an annual income below US$30,000 a year did not have high-speed internet connections at home, compared with just six per cent of such households earning $75,000 or more annually.

A 2013 Statistics Canada report indicated that 42 per cent of households in the lowest-income quartile did not have home internet access, compared with just two per cent of households in the top income quartile.

Mike Casserly, executive director of the Council of the Great City Schools, a coalition of the largest urban public school districts in the U.S., maintains that "our biggest challenge will be how to ensure equity" with respect to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Casserly further states, "I have great concern around the unfinished learning we may face when students go back to school next fall. When schools reopen, we are likely to face not only the instruction for the new year but also a lot of catch-up instruction, especially with our struggling students."

The evidence on summer learning loss can be used to help us understand the likely effect of school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Summer learning loss refers to the loss of knowledge and academic skills over the summer months, when students are out of school.

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Research indicates summer learning loss is experienced more harshly by students in lower socioeconomic communities and families; it can result in the equivalent of up to three months of declines in measures of grade-level equivalency, and its effect is cumulative, with lower-income students falling behind their more affluent peers as they advance to high school.

The digital divide complicates educators efforts to continue instruction during this pandemic and deepens the impact of the inevitable COVID-19 learning loss. Bedong Chens 2015 study, which explored the digital divide in Ontario public schools, identified three levels of intervention to address the digital divide: school infrastructure  hardware, software and internet access support for technology; teachers knowledge and ability to use technology in the classroom; and parental capacity to access and support internet use in the home for educational purposes.

Some key digital equity strategies in inner-city communities that support students and families for online or out-of-school learning have involved school districts partnering with community organizations to: provide "homework hotspots" in the local neighbourhood for students without home internet access; work with internet service providers to offer discounted high-speed internet plans for low-income households; establish mobile hot spot lending programs, including Wi-Fi hot spot devices and laptops; and develop initiatives for community-based Wi-Fi capacity for free internet to households with students who register for this education-focused broadband connectivity service with local schools and community organizations.

The Manitoba governments community school legislation is well-suited to support the role of neighbourhood schools in low-income communities to be "resources hubs" for families to address the growing digital divide. School libraries could become a "learning commons" and modernize their role from gatekeeper of books to a digital equity resource that works with local community partners to develop connectivity initiatives, lend mobile hot spot devices similar to their present book-lending role, and provide digital literacy education for students, parents and community residents.

The COVID-19 crisis has shown us that bridging the digital divide is not an option, but a necessity. Schools cannot address this issue on their own. The community, philanthropic, private and public sectors need to work together with schools to remove these digital barriers for inner-city students and their families, for now and in the future.

Tom Simms is co-director of the Community Education Development Association, a non-profit community development organization that has served the inner city since 1979.
Minetto, N.Y.  It was 63 and sunny here on Tuesday, perfect weather for a lemonade stand. But the menu at the table outside the Leavens house on Oswego County Route 42 was face masks. They came in white, purple and different shades of blue.

The cost: $0.

Ethan Leavens, 12, and his 9-year-old brother Aidan are students at Minetto Elementary School and have been learning at home since March 16, when Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered all schools closed to help slow the coronavirus.

Ethan decided to use part of this time away from his sixth-grade classroom to help others. He heard that face masks were hard to find in stores, so he wanted to make them for anyone in need.

His mother, Katrina, is a teachers assistant at the school. She had several yards of polyester fabric she had purchased months ago at Jo Ann Fabric and Craft store. They found a pattern for masks online that meets the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requirement. Then they got to work.

Its home economics class at home, she said. But its helping people, and thats what they wanted to do. This is nothing out of the ordinary for Ethan.

After Hurricane Maria hit in 2017, Ethan led the charge at his school to collect and ship toiletries to Puerto Rico which had been devastate. So its only natural that Ethans making masks during the pandemic, his mother said.

Aidan measures the fabric, Ethan cuts the wire that fits over the nose, and Katrina sews everything together.

She had a sewing machine tucked away in a closet, but she didnt know how to use it. Katrinas mother is a seamstress and was patient enough to give her a primer.

One yard of 44-inch fabric can yield 12 to 15 masks. The Leavens trio has a system thats churning out about six masks an hour. Ethan and his mom will sometimes stay up late making a few more. Since they started this project last week, theyve created more than 100 masks.

Katrina Leavens (left) and her sons Ethan and Aidan have made more than 100 face masks to give away for free to anyone who needs them.Submitted photo

To set up the stand, Ethan placed a card table in the front yard, covered it with a red plastic tablecloth secured by rocks painted with smiley faces. The sign on the table reads Flatten the Curve ... Free Masks.

Business was brisk early in the week. He gave away his entire inventory, so the family kept making masks. When the skies became overcast and the temperature dropped to the high 40s, Katrina put a notice on the Pay It Forward Oswego County Facebook page, and Ethan left a bag full of masks on the table. The Facebook post generated more business. Factory workers, grocery store cashiers and nursing home employees stopped by for a mask.

Mari Jo lives 8 miles away in Scriba and saw Katrinas Facebook post. She works in an auto body shop and wanted masks for her and her co-workers. She doesnt know Katrina, but she messaged her on Facebook to ask if she could get six dark blue masks. I see they are free, but I want to donate $20 for you keep making them, she wrote.

On Thursday afternoon, Mari had six denim-blue masks.

She made them all today for me," she said. What shes doing is amazing. We see people from hospitals, doctors, police, firefighters and (others from) every occupation. The masks will be a bit of a comfort."

This is one of six masks Ethan Leavens and his mom Katrina made for a nearby resident.Submitted photo

Earlier Thursday, Ethan and his mother delivered masks to an elderly woman who wanted a mask but didnt have a car.

I like helping people, Ethan said. It makes me feel good. And it makes them feel good. This is a hard time for people so this might make it better for them.

While folks can take as many as they need from Ethans stand, most have taken just one. Some have grabbed an extra or two for co-workers.

Im so impressed with the community, Katrina said. I was afraid that someone would stop by and take all of the masks, but they didnt. Some are actually giving money so we can make more. People want to help.

And they will make more, she said. As many as people need.

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Charlie Miller is a journalist at syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Do you know of any other heroes of CNY? Contact him at (315) 382-1984, or by email at cmiller@syracuse.com.
As European countries settle into weeks of tough measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, governments are beginning to chart possible routes out of their lockdowns. Austria and Denmark have both announced an easing of restrictions, with the opening of small stores and elementary schools.

Researchers in the U.K. have presented the government with a different proposal, under which young people aged 20-30 would be the first to be allowed to leave their homes and get back to workonce the infection rate has been brought under control in the next few months leaving their parents and bosses stuck at home.

A research paper by economists at the University of Warwick published this week argues that the 20-30 group would be at relatively low risk of suffering severe cases of COVID-19 if they began to rejoin the workforce and breathe some life back into the economy. It also suggests that 20-30 year olds may feel the economic impact of remaining in lockdown more severely than older adults. Under the proposal, only young private sector workers who dont live with their parents or any older adults would be allowed to leave lockdowna group that includes 4.2 million people in the U.K. (Much of the public sector, including government employees and healthcare workers, has continued to run as normal.) The proposal is being studied by British government officials, according to the Financial Times.

The idea is controversial. Epidemiologists agree that until a vaccine for the virus emerges not expected for 12-18 monthsany loosening of lockdown measures carries the risk of increasing the spread and the death toll of the virus. Scientists say more work is needed to model the impact of different ways of easing lockdowns.But as governments grapple with the painful economic fallout of their measures, the pressure is on to find options that enable some activity to restart in the coming months, or at least before the end of the year.

Story continues

There is no risk free way forward from our current situation, says Andrew J Oswald, one of the Warwick papers authors. So were looking for a solution that balances the economic objectives and the epidemiological objectives. Young people fit that bill rather naturally.

Heres what to know about the idea of relaxing measures for younger people  and the other possible ways out of lockdown.

What is the economic case for releasing young people earlier?

The U.K. has been under a nationwide lockdownsimilar to the measures imposed in many countries in mainland Europesince March 24. Only essential workers are allowed to leave their homes for work, and only the children of those workers are allowed to go to school. Most people are only allowed to leave their homes to go for brief periods of exercise or to buy food or medicine. Gatherings in public of more than two people are banned.

Oswald argues that, while the entire U.K. population faces severe economic risk from those measures, young people are likely to be particularly hard hit by a looming recession. Theyre the lowest-earning age group, he says, and theyre unlikely to have the savings or protected income that older people and retirees could rely on without having to go out to work. Theyre also beginning their careers and this [period of lockdown] might have long term deleterious effects on their career trajectory.

Allowing the 4.2 million 20-30 year oldsaround a sixth of the U.K.s workforceto return to work would create a kind of mini economy, Oswald argues. Young workers could communicate with their bosses and older colleagues online, while helping to restart businesses activity. That would allow young people to earn a living, and prosperity to spread to other demographics.

How would releasing young people from lockdown affect the spread of the virus?

Though young people die at a lower rate from COVID-19 than older people, they are by no means immune to the virus. The Warwick paper argues that allowing 20-30 year olds to return to work while older people stay at home would add a reasonably small, but unfortunately not negligible extra health risk for the U.K. population. It suggests that the number of additional premature deaths caused by releasing the young people would be around 630. The number is based on the current average death rate from COVID-19 for this age bracket, of 0.03%, an estimated 50% infection rate, and the number of people in the bracket in the U.K., 4.2 million.

But the purpose of including people in the 20-30 age group in isolation measures in the first place is not to protect them, says Liam Smeeth, a professor of clinical epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The point is to lower transmission rates for the virus in society as a whole, and they would definitely be increased if young people leave isolation.

Aris Katzourakis, a professor of genomics and evolution at the University of Oxford, says the 630 figure does not take into account the potential knock on effect for the infection rate. Though the proposal envisages only 20-30 year olds who do not live with their parents re-entering the workforce, Katzourakis says theres no way to do it without increasing the exposure of older people to the virus. If youre leaving your home to go to your workplace every day and come back, youre increasing your contact with other people, and those people youre coming into contact with are increasing their contacts with other people too, and so on. Its true that the impact might be low. But that hasnt been explored yet.

Though the young dont tend to suffer as severely from COVID-19, Katzourakis says theres some evidence that they could spread it more than older demographics do. Since young people are more likely to have fewer symptoms, they are less likely to be aware they are carrying the virus.

Still, Katzourakis says that young people may well be the first groups to be released from lockdown measures in the long run. I imagine thats probably what [the U.K. government] is going to do eventually. But wed need very tight monitoring systems on track to make sure that we can see how it affects infection rates. Testing for the virus would need to be carried out on a large scale, and systems to track peoples contacts would need to be in place, he says. If it proved a miscalculation and got out of hand, wed be back at square one.

What other routes are there out of lockdowns?

There will be no sudden, wholesale end to the changes recently imposed on societies, says

Smeeth. Its going to have to be a gradual, phased process in some way. There are a range of options for what such a process would look like.

Governments in several European countries, including the U.K., have floated the idea of immunity passports,, which would allow people who have already had COVID-19 and have antibodies to protect them from contracting it again, to abandon isolation. But scientists say there are major obstacles to such a system, including the lack of widely available tests for antibodies and the still unresolved question of how longif at allimmunity to the virus lasts.

Other options for easing the lockdown being discussed include lifting measures in geographical regions where there have been fewer cases, or to use a stop-start process, in which some measures would be lifted and reinstated as the rate of new infections falls and rises, with the aim of keeping cases at a manageable level for the health system.

On April 6, Austria became the first European country to announce a relaxation of its quarantine after recording a downward trend in the growth rate for infections. The government will allow small stores to open first on April 14, and then larger stores and malls on May 1. Social distancing rules will remain in place, as will a requirement to wear masks in public places.

Denmark, meanwhile, has decided to start easing its lockdown by reopening kindergartens and elementary schools from April 15, as children are at a low risk of contracting serious cases of COVID-19. Both Austria and Denmark say that measures will only be relaxed further if cases remain stable. This will probably be a bit like walking the tightrope, said Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

For Smeeth, reopening schools is a sensible option for easing lockdowns, because managing children is easier than managing 20-30 year olds. With young adults, you cant stop them moving around in random directions in random combinations of people with all different levels of contact. Its very hard to predict. For school kids, though, it would be feasible to create a situation in which parents drop them off at school and bring them home, meaning theres only transmission at school and within childrens homes.

There are no good options, though, for exiting an unprecedented shutdown amid a global pandemic. As scientists we can give the government all the information we have, but then theyve basically got to guess how the public will respond to partial loosening of restrictions. Smeeth says. I dont envy the politicians right now.
Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2020 > Declare special budget for COVID-19 - AIFB Writes To Prime Minister

PRESS RELEASE

7th April 2020, New Delhi

Debabrata Biswas Ex.MP and the General Secretary of the All India Forward Bloc today wrote a letter to the Prime Minister suggesting to declare a special budget to combat the spread of COVID-19. Along with this the letter explains 17 suggestions which demands immediate attention of the PMO. The full text of the letter is as follows:

To

Shri Narendra Modi,

Honble Prime Minister of India,

South Block,

New Delhi.

Dated 7th April 2020

Dear Shri Modi ji,

I am writing this letter to inform you that the All India Forward Bloc, the party founded by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is cooperating with the Central Government and the state governments in their efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. As per the official reports the spread of deadly Corona virus has entered into the midst of second and third stage in our country and it is the most vulnerable time. It is a fact that along with the governments, all political parties both ruling and opposition and the civil society organizations are actively engaged in maintaining the 21-days lockdown announced by you. Our party salutes the health care workers across the country on their commendable service to contain the virulent disease within all limitations.

As you are aware that the working people particularly the daily workers and the workers in informal sectors are the worst victims of the restrictions imposed by the state and central governments with regard to contain the spread of Corona virus. A panic has started to set in as a vast workforce stares at a bleak and uncertain future. The source of revenue of the people engaged in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), fisheries and small business are severely affected throughout the country. With the closure of Malls and Super Markets, Hotels and Restaurants, Mandis and Bazars, small shops and FMCG stores, garments and leather shops, thousands of small entrepreneurs are facing a complete black out of revenue. Supply chain businesses such as big hotels, airlines, logistics, tourism and transport have seen business drop up to 90% and the workers engaged in these sectors are also facing serious problem of income loss.

The government of India has already taken some steps to address the grievances of the informal sector workers and other victims of the lockdown. But it seems that the steps taken by the governments are not sufficient to deal with the issues confronting the poor and marginalized people across the country. Therefore, we earnestly urge upon you that:-

1. The government should announce a Special Budget (COVID-19 Budget) to enhance the facilities for public health and to ensure the livelihood of the people immediately.

2. Establish more special care wards in all District Hospitals and Medical Colleges with all modern and multi-specialty facilities including ventilators.

3. Provide sufficient PPE kits to the health care workers immediately.

4. Issue orders to the Ordnance Cloth factories to make PPE kits and other cloth and tent materials for equipping our health care workers and to make more isolation wards and hospitals.

5. Open more laboratories for testing and virology examine centres under the supervision of expert people.

6. Set up more centres for PCR tests.

7. Involve all the science and technology research scholars, institutions, university departments and PSUs in these fields in the awareness and preventive campaign on COVID-19. Decentralized monitoring and information centres must be opened throughout the country.

8. Declare special financial incentives and departmental grades to the health care workers across the country as a reward to their exemplary service to the nation.

9. Bring the health care workers of private sector also into the ambit of the special insurance scheme announced by the Union Government as a special package.

10. Declare a complete moratorium of all the loans taken by the MSME, retailers and self-employed, housing, education and personal for a period of six months.

11. Prepare a comprehensive Public Health Policy in view of sporadic outbreak of epidemics.

12. Special control room must be open under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to monitor the procurement, distribution and storage of PPE kits, testing materials and other paraphernalia for COVID-19 treatment across the country.

13. Direct our embassies abroad to extend all sorts of assistance to the NRIs residing and working in different countries. Ensure that no NRI will loose their livelihood.

14. Take adequate initiatives to ensure the safety of Indian students studying abroad.

15. Withdraw the decision of freezing the MPLADS as it will slowdown the Local Area developments, SC/ST Development projects, procurement of COVID-19 Testing kits and establishing special care wards in hospitals etc. Instead of freezing, the MPs should ask to allot more funds for COVID-19 prevention and Treatment purpose. The government should prepare guidelines for spending MPLADS Fund for this purpose in consultation with the relevant Parliamentary Committees.

16. Increase the budgetary allocation of health care facilities particularly more GDP share for public health schemes and projects. At least 6% of GDP should be spent for health. At present it is less than 2%.

17. Take more initiatives to develop scientific temper among the people as per the Article 51 A (h) of the Constitution of India.

Hope that you and your good office will look into the above cited suggestions and will take necessary steps to formulate policies accordingly.

A line of acknowledgment is highly appreciable.

With best regards,

Sincerely yours,

(DEBABRATA BISWAS) Ex. M.P. (R.S)

General Secretary
FILE PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: Zoom logo is seen in front of diplayed coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

By John Geddie

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Singapore has suspended the use of video-conferencing tool Zoom by teachers after "very serious incidents" in the first week of a coronavirus lockdown that has seen schools move to home-based learning.

One incident involved obscene images appearing on screens and strange men making lewd comments during the streaming of a geography lesson with teenage girls, media said.

Zoom Video Communications Inc <ZM.O> has faced safety and privacy concerns over its conferencing app, use of which has surged in offices and schools worldwide after they shut to try and curb virus infections.

"These are very serious incidents," Aaron Loh of the education ministry's technology division said on Friday, without giving details.

"The Ministry of Education (MOE) is currently investigating both breaches and will lodge a police report if warranted.

"As a precautionary measure, our teachers will suspend their use of Zoom until these security issues are ironed out."

Loh said they ministry would further advise teachers on security protocols, such as requiring secure log-ins and not sharing the meeting link beyond the students in the class.

Zoom was deeply upset to hear about the incidents and was "committed to providing educators with the tools and resources they need on a safe and secure platform", the firm's chief marketing officer, Janine Pelosi, said in an email.

It has also recently changed settings for education users to enable virtual waiting rooms and ensure that only hosts can share their screens by default, she added.

Taiwan and Germany have already curbed use of Zoom, while Alphabet Inc's <GOOGL.O> Google banned the desktop version from corporate laptops this week. The company also faces a class-action lawsuit.

Concerns have grown over its lack of end-to-end encryption of meeting sessions, routing of traffic through China and "zoombombing", when uninvited guests crash meetings.

Story continues

Officials at Berkeley High School in California said they suspended use of the app after a "naked adult male using racial slurs" intruded on what the school said was a password-protected meeting on Zoom, in a letter to parents seen by Reuters.

To address security concerns, Zoom has launched a 90-day plan to bolster privacy and security issues, and has also tapped former Facebook security chief Alex Stamos as an adviser.

The Singapore government has also been using the tool to host media conferences.

(Interactive graphic tracking global spread of coronavirus: open https://tmsnrt.rs/3aIRuz7 in an external browser.)

(Reporting by John Geddie; Editing by Michael Perry and Clarence Fernandez)
Indias financial capital continued to reel under the burden of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) with 138 new cases and 12 deaths reported on Saturday and the state government saying it will focus on urban areas to contain the rapid spread of the infection.

The cramped slum cluster of Dharavi saw its fourth death on a day the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) started screening around 700,000 residents of the area  an exercise that is expected to take around two weeks to complete. The number of cases in Mumbai stands at 1,146 and the death toll at 76.

The 240-hectare slum pocket has 850,000 residents and a population density of 66,000 per square kilometre, making it one of the most congested spaces in Mumbai. Activists and health workers had expressed concerns over how social distancing is practically impossible in an area where an average of 10-12 people live in each of the 57,000 housing units measuring around 250 sqft.

Health minister Rajesh Tope indicated that if the country were divided into three zones, Mumbai will fall in the red zone, which is earmarked for the regions with the maximum cases and deaths, where the most stringent restrictions on movement and transport is imposed. Our thrust is to neutralise the less-affected districts in the next few days and contain the virus spread in the cities in next eight days. We have intensified our strategy in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Pune, said a senior state government official.

The state, which is the worst hit in India, reported 187 cases and 17 deaths on Saturday. A total of 208 patients have been discharged across the state till date after full recovery. In Maharashtra, 38,800 people are in home quarantine and 4,964 people are in institutional quarantine.

The state has eight districts (Nandurbar, Solapur, Parbhani, Nanded, Wardha, Bhandara, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli) with no positive cases and Tope indicated these areas may see a relaxation of restrictions in the second phase of lockdown.

The number of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) patients is rising rapidly, although most of them are in Mumbai. The authorities have started working proactively to trace and test suspected people, so as to avoid multiplication of virus cases. I am confident that the chain of the spread of the infection will be broken soon, chief minister Uddhav Thackeray said.

Of the 17 deaths reported on Saturday, 12 were in Mumbai, two in Pune and one each in Satara , Dhule and Malegaon. Six of them were aged above 60 years, eight between 40 and 60 years, while the remaining were less than 40 years. Sixteen of the 17 people who died had underlying illnesses like asthma, diabetes, heart ailments and blood pressure, the government said.
ANKENY  The Iowa Soybean Association, Quantified Ventures and Cargill have launched a collaborative, market-based program to accelerate soil health and water conservation across Iowa farmland and provide a critical new source of financial incentives to Iowa farmers.

The Soil and Water Outcomes Fund compensates farmers for implementing agricultural management best practices on their farms. The resulting environmental improvements, including enhanced water quality and carbon sequestration, are independently monitored, verified and purchased by municipal, corporate, and governmental entities who are seeking innovative ways to reduce their environmental impacts and costs.

The Fund is a win-win for farmers implementing conservation practices and those benefiting from the outcomes of those practices, says Adam Kiel, Iowa Soybean Association director of conservation and external programs. Farmers are well positioned to play a lead role in improving water quality and sequestering carbon. Its also an ideal way for farmers to scale beyond the acre and contract limits of traditional government funded cost share programs.

Nearly 10,000 acres in Iowa are already enrolled in the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund. This year, the fund will achieve an estimated 100,000 pounds of nitrogen reductions and 10,000 pounds of phosphorus reductions in water.

Additionally, 7,500 tons of carbon dioxide will be sequestered in soils, an amount equivalent to removing 1,480 cars from the road.

The intent is to scale the fund into additional states and regions to realize even greater positive environmental impacts and farmer benefits.

The outcomes-based funding model aligns with Cargills strategic focus to develop scalable, public-private partnerships that enable farmers to improve soil health, carbon storage and water quality and access.

Cargill is excited about the potential of this innovative approach to support and mitigate risk for farmers as they invest in soil health and other conservation best management practices, said Ryan Sirolli, director of Row Crop Sustainability at Cargill. Were incentivizing more participants to implement best management practices that provide positive benefits for their business and the environment.

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The soldiers at the medical front battling COVID-19 By Kumudini Hettiarachchi, Ruqyyaha Deane & Meleeza Rathnayake View(s): View(s):

The battle against the tiny new coronavirus is being waged by soldiers on different fronts.

At hospital level, especially in those treating COVID-19, the arms-bearers, nay the stethoscope, thermometer and medicine wielders include the senior doctors, medical officers, nurses and minor staff.

The hospitals treating COVID-19 are the Infectious Diseases Hospital (now called the National Institute of Infectious Diseases), Angoda, where a majority of patients are; the Welikanda Base Hospital; the Colombo East (Mulleriyawa) Hospital where the mother with COVID-19 and her baby are being managed; and the newly set up Iranawila Hospital; and also the Homagama Hospital looking after highly-suspect cases.

A different fight is being fought at ground-level by the medical officers of health and the public health staff.

This is a multidisciplinary effort involving many people, a senior doctor told the Sunday Times listing all those involved on the medical side as the Epidemiologists, the Internal Medicine Specialists, the Virologists, the Respiratory Physicians, the Anaesthetists, the Emergency Medicine Physicians and junior doctors.

This pandemic is the clinically most challenging issue the world including Sri Lanka has faced, where the disease is highly infectious with no definitive treatment, the doctor said, explaining that in the COVID-19 crisis, Internal Medicine Specialists have been active at national and public level.

We have been engaging in discussions with the Health Ministry and providing input on the clinical management of patients with the new coronavirus and also discussing the requirements of the staff. We urged that hospitals treating COVID-19 should be provided adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and that these hospitals also should have proper isolation units, said the doctor, adding that they have also carried out public awareness campaigns on the disease by distributing leaflets and circulating videos on social media.

Ministering angels

They are the ministering angels for all those whose bodies are wracked by the new coronavirus.

We are like one family, be it the doctors, nurses or minor staff and we keep working for the benefit of the people, said the Matron of the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH), Geethani Udugamakorala who heads the 130 nursing officers.

The dedication is such that most of them do not go home anymore. They have sent their families to relatives homes and taken up temporary residence in houses close to the hospital, while some live in the quarters provided, the Sunday Times understands.

Explaining that they take all the precautions stipulated including the use of hand sanitizer, face-masks and PPE, Matron Udugamakorala says that before the COVID-19 outbreak, the hospital had a cleaning service but now the minor staff has voluntarily taken on this task.

Even though the nursing staff has leave, no one utilizes a single day. She sometimes tells her nurses, Meh sumane onanan nivaduwak ganna (Take leave this week), but they refuse with the reply, Api meh vede ivarakaralama gamuko (Lets finish this job first).

Simple rewards are forthcoming..people bring us food, tell us to use their homes to stay after work and supermarkets donate dry rations. There are also those who come in and say they are not in a position to do anything, but offer prayers for us.

The patient-patient relationship is growing, she smiles, adding how they are also very fond of the nurses and try to prevent them from catching the disease by keeping them from coming into contact with their cutlery and crockery.

Describing the IDH as their home, Matron Udugamakorala says that their only wish is to save all those lives under their care.

Masks unmasked! The people are confused. Should they wear a face-mask or shouldnt they, is on their minds. Simple cloth face-coverings slow the spread of the virus, advises the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) of the United States of America and recommends this measure in areas of significant community-based transmission. These coverings also prevent people who may have the virus and do not know it, from transmitting it to others. This is slightly in contrast to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines which state that if you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected COVID-19. Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing. Of course, masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water, many experts said. In Sri Lanka, the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka (CCPSL) has sought clear guidance on wearing masks. Giving the view that it should be emphasized as an additional voluntary public health measure, the CCPSL adds that the evidence available on non-surgical masks and guidelines provided should be reviewed and recommendations made that are favourable in the local context, rather than having a rigid approach.

Not letters but medicines The ring of the postmans bell these days at some peoples gates will not be the harbinger of letters but medicines. Postmen are delivering packages of medicines, said Postmaster General Ranjith Ariyaratne when contacted by the Sunday Times, explaining that just as patients who go to a government hospital clinic have a record book, these hospitals maintain a record of their patients. The hospitals know how long a patients prescription is filled and whether that patient requires a stock of medicine. When a patient does require medicine, the hospital will put the package together, label it meticulously with the name of the patient, clinic number, contact details and address and send it to the Postal Department for delivery, he said, pointing out that medicines are being distributed at no charge. All those who are not under a clinic but are in urgent need of medicines can Whatsapp or Viber their prescriptions to any of the 40 Osu Sala outlets under the State Pharmaceutical Corporation and those outlets will fill the prescription and handover the packages to be delivered by the Postal Department for a nominal fee, Mr. Ariyaratne added.

Senior medical specialists from varying fields show the scientific way to beat the virus

A detailed plan to keep the new coronavirus at bay has been put forward by a team of senior medical specialists to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The team highlighted that adequate testing of suspected cases and contacts is a key strategy in overcoming the challenge posed by COVID-19.

We recommend testing of all suspected cases of COVID and all their contacts. The contacts should be tested with PCR on Day 7, Day 14 and on Day 21 and again with an antibody test on Day 28 so that it would be possible to detect all cases of that cluster and also make sure infection may not be spreading in that cluster anymore, they have pointed out.

The medical specialists who have made this strong plea are Dr. Vajira Senaratne (cardiology), Prof. Ranjani Gamage (neurology), Prasad Katulanda (endocrinology), Prof. Saroj Jayasinghe (medicine), Prof. Neelika Malavige (microbiology), Prof. Arjuna De Silva (gastroenterology), Prof. Vajira Dissanayake (genetics), Dr. Kumudini Ranatunga (anaesthesia), Dr. Amitha Fernando (respiratory) and Dr. Indika de Lanerolle (emergency medicine).

The others who provided their expertise are Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama (The National Institute of Infectious Disease), Prof. Manuj Weerasinghe (community medicine) and Dr. Jude Jayamaha (Medical Research Institute).

The specialists have stressed that PCR testing of nose/throat secretions are required in hospitals, in primary contacts (those in quarantine centres) and ideally in secondary contacts (those in areas where patients/contacts were found). The testing should be freely available in all the areas where mini-epidemics are seen.

The antibody test would have a place under specific situations (for community screening). Such tests (preferably SARS-CoV2 specific IgG ELISA) can be used in combination with the PCR in identifying contacts of positive patients with no contact history with a positive patient and also to screen for high risk groups, they state.

They add: There is a long supply chain of equipment and personnel. Swabs to take the sample, protective equipment for the person who takes it, mediums to carry it, boxes that are safe to carry, protective equipment to the person who carries it, trained staff to do the tests and disposal. Each of this is essential before the machines are used.

At the stage of opening offices, factories and schools, meanwhile, we will require large-scale testing of thousands, decentralized and available at these sites. Pooled testing by PCR or rapid tests/IgG ELISA could be used. This is while a fast-track method to evaluate and register diagnostic kits is set in place.

The other measures suggested are:

Local production of ventilators and other necessary equipment 

Several groups are repairing and producing ventilators such as the Universities of Moratuwa and Peradeniya. A fast-track method to evaluate and register these products involving the College of Anaesthetists and Intensivists is required. The regulations used at the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) need to be amended to facilitate the registration of medical devices.

Personnel Protection Equipment (PPE) and masks 

All healthcare workers attending to COVID-19 patients or suspected patients must be provided the appropriate PPE.

A clear message must be communicated regarding the use of masks: N95 for aerosol generating procedures; surgical masks for healthcare workers, patients and carers of patients; washable cloth masks for all other healthy people.

The PPE and masks of adequate quality can be produced by different groups such as the Tri Forces, MAS, Brandix, Hayleys and Ansel, while a fast-track mechanism to assess quality before release to the health sector has to be established. The possible evaluators could be SLINTEC, the nano-tech institute and the Health Ministrys MRI.

Infrastructure 

The designated hospitals and potential COVID-19 hospitals should have a pre-fabricated room or similar facility in all emergency treatment units/preliminary care units/emergency departments to manage patients suspected to be having the infection, presenting with respiratory symptoms and presenting with other illnesses. These are urgently required within one to two weeks.

This allows health workers to speak, examine and treat patients in a protected environment, for example, transparent partitions, negative pressure areas, seating at a distance, a clear patient pathway, areas to keep the PPE, areas to wash and change.

Each hospital should have an operational cell to coordinate these actions. A separate respiratory triage as appropriate for clinical presentation. Most COVID patients will present with respiratory symptoms and managing these patients in designated clinical settings will help identify COVID suspects and prevent the exposure of staff and other patients.

To ensure the institution has an agreed plan to meet infrastructural, material, laboratory, radiology, pharmacy, infection control, transport and human resource needs in the likelihood of a surge of COVID patients.

Intensive care and ventilators 

Identified ICUs for COVID should be staffed, equipped and ready to accept patients. At present 5 ICUs have been identified in the Western Province. We suggest selecting one ICU each from other provinces too. An already functioning ICU with best facilities is suitable rather than makeshift ICUs to treat these patients who have a high mortality rate.

A national network that monitors and coordinates ICU bed availability has been developed by the College of Anaesthesiologists & Intensivists with the Health Ministry. It is doing trial runs at present and we recommend it to be implemented. Immediate modifications to be made to all ICUs (especially those in affected areas) to reduce aerosol/droplet exposure during high-risk procedures

The Security Forces could help build these pre-fabricated cubicles according to specifications and instal them where feasible.

COVID-19 testing: RT-PCR is the gold standard

Testing for COVID-19 came under the spotlight this week as many health experts reiterated that the RT PCR is the gold standard, while a few attempted to push for rapid antibody testing.

For diagnosis, RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction) is still the best option, reiterated SARS-buster and Professor of Virology at the School of Public Health, Hong Kong University, Prof. Malik Peiris, when the Sunday Times contacted him.

He said that the Hong Kong University has developed its own antibody tests but they are laboratory-based assays. With these, we have shown that antibody tests are not very sensitive in the early days of illness. That is the time you need to make the diagnosis, he said, explaining that there are also many suppliers of these so-called rapid tests and some of them are really bad.

Categorical that it is not a path I would recommend, Prof. Peiris goes on to explain that there are two ways to make a diagnosis of an acute COVID-19 case. They are:

Detect the virus in the nose, throat or sputum of a patient.

Detect an antibody response to the infection in the blood of the patient. By definition, this takes some time after the onset of infection.

By rapid test what most people are talking about is a blood test. So by definition, the likelihood of this being positive early in the infection is not so high. Later in the infection, yes. But ideally we want to diagnose patients early, added Prof. Peiris.

The Director-General of Health Services, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, meanwhile, said that the number of tests being carried out to identify those affected by COVID-19 was being increased, though he did not mention a figure.

But the number of cases has not gone up with the increased testing, which is a positive trend. Testing will be increased among certain identified categories of people, he added.

RT-PCR tests are now being done at the Medical Research Institute (MRI), Colombo; the Kandy National Hospital; the Anuradhapura, Karapitiya & Ragama Teaching Hospitals; the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), Angoda; the National Cancer Institute, Maharagama; the Ratnapura Hospital; the Teaching Hospital of the Kotelawala Defence University, Werahera; and the Sri Jayewardenepura University.

In a technically-strong statement issued this week, the Presidents of the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), the Ceylon College of Physicians (CCP) and the Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists have urged that in this current stage of the epidemic the authorities should increase the RT-PCR testing capacity to 1,500 tests per day and conduct community surveillance in hotspots.

According to the Epidemiology Unit, currently there are 2,000 first-level contacts of COVID-19 confirmed cases in Sri Lanka. If these first level contacts can be covered through risk stratified/pooled sampling, it will provide the evidence-base on how the next level of contacts should be screened and address current concerns and uncertainty regarding the number of asymptomatic patients, they say, emphasizing that any shift in the current testing policy for COVID-19 should be considered within the border framework of the present successful public health response and not as an isolated technical matter.

Citing the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) that confirmation of cases of COVID-19 should be by nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) such as RT-PCR, Prof. Indika Karunathilake, Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama and Dr. Shirani Chandrasiri point out that the primary strength of molecular tests is that they directly detect the gene sequences of the virus in the early stages of infection when the patient is infectious.

They add: Thus, detection of COVID-19 by RT-PCR can be done from five days prior to the onset of symptoms to several days after symptoms have waned. The test to detect IgM/IgG antibodies to diagnose COVID-19 infection cannot replace the value of the RT-PCR test, as this rapid test relies on the detection of antibodies made by the patient which may take up to 7 to 12 days to produce antibodies. As such, patients in the early stages of the disease will be missed and it will lead to more spreading within the community due to a false assurance depending on a negative antibody test result.

Adding their voice, six senior professors from different universities pushed for an increase in testing capacity so that all those with contact with COVID-19 positive persons could be tested and not just those with symptoms, with the clear proviso that in this regard the advice of virologists need to be sought on the most appropriate test for use in specific scenarios, followed by stocking up on supplies. Harness capacity in the private health sector, under stringent regulatory control, for testing and patient care if the need arises.

WHOs Solidarity to pursue effective treatment for COVID-19 The World Health Organization (WHO) and several partners have launched Solidarity, an international clinical trial to help find an effective treatment for COVID-19. The Solidarity trial will compare four treatment options against standard of care, to assess their relative effectiveness against COVID-19. By enrolling patients in multiple countries, the trial aims to rapidly discover whether any of the drugs slow disease progression or improve survival. While providing simplified procedures to enable even overloaded hospitals to participate with no paperwork required, as of March 27, more than 40 countries including Argentina, Bahrain, Canada, France, India, Iran, Malaysia, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland and Thailand had confirmed their participation. The four treatment options selected are: Remdesivir (an anti-viral drug used against Ebola)

Lopinavir/Ritonavir (a combination in the treatment of HIV/AIDS)

Lopinavir/Ritonavir with Interferon beta-1a (a mix used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS and multiple sclerosis)

Chloroquine or Hydroxychloroquine (an anti-malarial drug)
Opec and nations including Russia have agreed to boost oil prices by cutting as much as 10 million barrels a day in production.

Even more countries, including the United States, were discussing their own cuts in what would be an unprecedented global pact to stabilise the market.

The agreement between Opec and partner countries aims to cut 10 million barrels per day until July, then an eight million barrels per day cut through to the end of the year, and six million a day for 16 months beginning in 2021.

Mexico had initially blocked the deal but its president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, said on Friday that he had agreed with US President Donald Trump that the US will compensate what Mexico cannot add to the proposed cuts.

The 9th (Extraordinary) OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting concludes.



Press release  https://t.co/cd9z8KTCc2  OPEC (@OPECSecretariat) April 10, 2020

That paves the way for cuts that experts estimate could reach 15 million barrels a day in all  about 15% of world production. Such a move would be unprecedented both in its size and the number of participating countries, many of whom have long been bitter rivals in the energy industry.

The price of crude is down by more than 50% since the start of the year and while that helps consumers and energy-hungry businesses, it is below the cost of production for many countries and companies. That has strained the budgets of oil-producing nations, many of which are developing economies, and it has pushed private companies in the US towards bankruptcy.

Analysts warn even these proposed cuts may not be enough to offset the loss in demand over the longer term, as the coronavirus pandemic has decimated demand for energy around the world.

Covid-19 is an unseen beast that seems to be impacting everything in its path, said Opec secretary-general Mohammed Barkindo at the start of the meeting. There is a grizzly shadow hanging over all of us. We do not want this shadow to envelope us. It will have a crushing and long-term impact on the entire industry.

API on OPEC+ decision to cut production by 10 million barrels per day. Read more: https://t.co/n1vTKCnDRt pic.twitter.com/BahjBOhWdu  American Petroleum Institute (@APIenergy) April 9, 2020

Mexico had baulked at cutting its output by the requested 400,000 barrels a day. Mr Obrador said Mexico will instead cut its oil production by 100,000 barrels per day from its current level of 1.7 million barrels a day. The US will add a cut of 250,000 barrels per day to what it has already agreed.

More nations were expected to add to the effort, with Saudi Arabia chairing a G20 virtual meeting of energy ministers to discuss the oversupply in the market.

The meeting is expected to bring on board a wider number of countries, including the United States. Saudi media quoted energy minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman as saying in his opening remarks that the pandemic means it is more vital than ever that reliable and affordable energy supplies are available. The meeting also includes representatives of Opec.

The oil market was already oversupplied when Russia and Opec failed to agree on output cuts in early March. Analysts say Russia refused to back even a moderate cut because it would have only served to help US energy companies that were pumping at full capacity. Stalling would hurt American shale-oil producers and protect market share.

Russias move enraged Saudi Arabia, which not only said it would not cut production on its own but said it would increase output instead and reduce its selling prices in what became effectively a global pricing war.

In the time since, prices have collapsed as coronavirus has largely halted global travel.
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.
A Hindu American group has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grant asylum to the persecuted Sikhs and Hindus from Afghanistan.

In a letter dated April 9 to Modi, Hindu American Foundation said it is imperative to alleviate the dire situation of religious minorities in Afghanistan who look to the secular Republic of India as the only safe haven in the region.

On March 25, 2020, a terrorist attack on the prominent Dharamshala Temple in the Shor Bazar area of Kabul, Afghanistan tragically killed 25 people and injured at least 8 others. About 150 worshipers were inside the temple at the time of the attack including women and children, said the HAF.

Noting that this is just the latest example of religious minorities being persecuted in Afghanistan, HAF said in July 2018, a suicide bomber attacked a convoy of Sikhs and Hindus en route to meet Afghan President Ashraf Gani, resulting in the deaths of 19 people and injuring 20 others.

Today, there are only an estimated 200 Sikh and Hindu families left in Afghanistan, it said.

Encouraged by the recent steps taken by the Indian government, HAF urged Modi to take further action to alleviate the dire situation of religious minorities in Afghanistan "who look to the secular Republic of India as the only safe haven in the region".

HAF urged the prime minister to grant legal entry and political asylum to Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, and other persecuted religious minorities currently fleeing Afghanistan with residency visas that last no less than five years and with the option of applying for expedited citizenship.

Seeking temporary housing to refugees, HAF urged Prime Minister Modi to ensure that these religious minorities are eligible for government benefits such as physical and mental healthcare, education, economic or business loans, grants and other employment opportunities.

Hindu Americans are right in believing that the Indian government, granting citizenship to the most vulnerable communities in the region seeking safe haven in India, is a genuine humanitarian gesture that makes right at least some of the wrongs that exist in that part of the world, stated HAF executive director Suhag Shukla.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The US president is mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic and getting away with it.

A lot of clever people have been predicting that the coronavirus pandemic will be a turning point for anything from globalisation, statehood, liberalism, economic and social systems to the environment, economic and cultural habits and even music.

But US President Donald Trump is failing to turn. In fact, he refuses to turn.

Instead, he insists on sticking to the same trajectory that helped him win the last elections, disregarding what damage it may inflict on America and Americans amid the coronavirus outbreak.

In the deepening health and socioeconomic crisis, he sees an opportunity to project himself as the indispensable leader of a vulnerable nation.

To quote a line from Aaron Sorkins film classic, The American President: People want leadership, and in the absence of genuine leadership, theyll listen to anyone who steps up to the microphone. They want leadership [] Theyre so thirsty for it theyll crawl through the desert toward a mirage, and when they discover theres no water, theyll drink the sand.

And sand is basically all it has been ever since Trump embarked on using the coronavirus crisis to dominate the national debate, rise in the polls, and make his way towards a second term.

The vibe and the virus

From the outset, Trump misled the nation about the imminent danger of a coronavirus outbreak. In February, a month into the epidemic, he was reassuring the public that there was nothing to worry about, that all was under control.

And although he now denies it, Trump is on the record repeatedly underestimating the viruss contagion, deadliness and disruption.

The question is, why? Why did he insist that the pandemic was under tremendous control and that the number of those infected would be brought down to zero?

Judging by his usual erratic behaviour, it is more likely he was driven by sheer ignorance and arrogance than by wise statesmanship  by his eagerness to save the stock market rather than his concern with saving lives.

Needless to say, arrogance breeds ignorance, just as ignorance breeds arrogance, and both spell danger.

As the infections grew in number, Trump decided to personally dominate the evening news with his regular prime-time press conferences, and succeeded in dictating the news agenda despite his mixed messages, mumbled utterances, falsehoods, and overall poor performance.

With an eager, anxious nation, seeking guidance and comfort from its leader, he quickly gained the upper hand, racking up high TV ratings and even claimed (falsely) that he was number one on Facebook.

And to the astonishment of his detractors, his own ratings also went up five points in the polls by the end of March.

In other words, Trump was being rewarded for his failure to fully understand the implications of the coronavirus outbreak and prepare the country early on to reduce the damage.

While this bump in the polls was still lower than the double-digit bumps gained by other Western leaders, which is expected in a time of crisis, it was more than sufficient to overshadow the Democrats presumptive presidential nominee, Joe Biden, who by mid-March had gone into a self-imposed quarantine.

Trump did not stem the spread of the virus as hundreds of thousands became infected, but he was able to shape the news vibe.

When asked on March 16 to rate his performance on the job, Trump did not hesitate. It was a 10, he insisted. That is  10 out of 10.

But if he was so brilliant and successful, who was then to blame for the unfolding epidemic, the ill-preparedness, the mounting fatalities, the rising unemployment and the looming economic recession?

The blamer-in-chief

As the crisis deepened, Americas commander-in-chief morphed into the blamer-in-chief, projecting his failures on anyone but himself or his administration, as any self-respecting populist leader would.

The first to be blamed were those journalists sitting in front of him and the fake news outlets they represent. The national press conferences that were meant to inform and clarify have turned into theatres of the absurd, as a conceited president faced off with constipated journalists. Trump humiliated senior White House correspondents, criticised their questions, and questioned their motives.

He also blamed his predecessor, President Barack Obama and the do-nothing Democrats for the lack of protective medical gear and equipment and many governors who complained about the administrations incompetence.

Trump also went on a global blaming campaign, accusing Beijing of being responsible for the pandemic, his European allies of failing to stop the outbreak early, and more recently, the World Health Organization (WHO), of acting late and spreading wrong information.

Any suggestions that he may have gravely erred, especially by closing the White House pandemic office set up by his predecessor in 2016, were immediately deflected and disparaged.

The war president

While dodging blame for the looming public health disaster in the US, Trump also sought to rally the nation behind his presidency by declaring himself a war president.

The media had been quick to draw parallels between the pandemic and the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941 or the 9/11 attacks in 2001, so the incumbent jumped at the opportunity, hoping to replicate the success of his predecessors, Franklyn D Roosevelt and George W Bush, who won, respectively, a fourth and a second term by mobilising the nation under a war flag.

If Trump is to secure re-election, however, he will need to stay on the offensive into the summer and beyond in order to maintain the momentum. So, even if the curve of coronavirus infections flattens in the next few months, the US president will likely double down on his inflammatory language, incitement and his America First doctrine as the only way forward for the country.

He will continue to ride the nationalistic wave, by advocating for closed borders and travel bans, reminding everyone it was he, against the advice of most, who shut down travel from China before the coronavirus outbreak became a pandemic, and only he could be trusted with containing Chinas economic and military power.

Will his strategy work, or will Americans insist on assigning responsibility for their misfortunes?

Easy come, easy go?

Since President Harry Truman popularised the phrase, the buck stops here, meaning, it is the president who is responsible for his decisions, Americans have not taken kindly to leaders who have tried to pass the buck.

When the nation emerges from the tragedy of the pandemic amid distressing human loss and an economy in ruins, it will seek to blame someone for the devastation. The performance of the Trump administration will be the first to be dissected.

The mainstream liberal media will readily investigate, scrutinise and ultimately provide enough dirt on the president for some of it to actually stick before the November elections.

Already last week, a New York Times investigation revealed that 430,000 travelled into the US from China including from Wuhan, after Beijing made the coronavirus outbreak public, including 40,000 who arrived in the country after the ban was enforced.

If this trend continues, the much-feted spike in the presidents approval ratings could easily transform into a downward jolt.

But since Trump has successfully discredited and demonised the mainstream media, especially among his supporters, calling it the enemy of the people, it is not clear whether Americans will blame the president for the ill-preparedness, incoherence and mismanagement of the crisis, or accept his justifications and his buck-passing to China, Obama, WHO or whoever else he blames for their misery.

The word historic has been overused in analyses of almost every US election in the past two decades, but the vote scheduled for November 3 is indeed slated to go down as a momentous event in US history.

How Americans vote on that day will not only determine the future of their democracy, but it will also indicate if indeed the coronavirus pandemic will prove to be that turning point that many predict it to be  for America and for the world.

More on the post-America post-coronavirus world in my next column.
A woman who served on former Vice President Joe Biden's senate staff and who accused him of sexually assaulting her in 1993 has filed an official criminal complaint against the now presumptive Democratic presidential frontrunner.

Tara Reade filed the complaint about the alleged assault with the Washington Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C.

She then tweeted on Friday that the statute of limitations on the allegation had passed, but that 'there is justice in just being heard in a dignified way.'

Reade has said that Biden shoved his hand under her skirt and penetrated her with his fingers while they stood in a senate corridor, an accusation he denied when she first made the claim last month.

Tara Reade, who served on former Vice President Joe Biden's senate staff and who accused him of sexually assaulting her in 1993, has filed an official criminal complaint against him

Reade, a day after filing the complaint, tweeted that the statute of limitations on the allegation had passed, but that 'there is justice in just being heard in a dignified way'

Reade has accused Biden of shoving his hand under her skirt and penetrating her with his fingers while they stood in a senate corridor, an accusation he has denied

The complaint was filed Thursday with the police department's sexual assault unit, Business Insider reports.

A department spokesperson was not immediately able to provide a copy of the police report when DailyMail.com reached out.

A spokesperson for the candidate also was not immediately available.

Biden's campaign came to his defense in late March when Reade first made the allegation on a podcast.

'Women have the right to tell their story, and reporters have an obligation to rigorously vet those claims,' Deputy Campaign Manager and Communications Director Kate Bedingfield said. 'We encourage them to do so, because these accusations are false.'

Reade was among the women who came out last year alleging he was too handsy.

She had said that in 1993, while she was in her mid-20s and Biden was still a senator from Delaware, touched her several times and made her feel uncomfortable.

Reade also said her duties were cut after she refused to serve drinks at an event. Biden, she claims, had wanted her serving because he liked her legs. The former staffer said she later felt pushed out and left in August 1993 after only nine months.

Reade, who had been supporting Biden's rival, Bernie Sanders, then expanded on her claim to journalist Katie Halper for her 'Katie Halper Show' podcast on March 25.

She also spoke with Hill.TV and Vox.

Just before filing the complaint, Reade tweeted that those who 'silence sexual assault & sexual harassment survivors' are complicit in the alleged abuse, without naming whom she was referring to.

'I was in my 20s I trusted my boss, Joe Biden,' she also wrote in the tweet.

'I want the generation behind me to feel the empowerment to lift their voice and stand in truth no matter how powerful the man or forces that enable him.'

Just before filing the complaint, Reade said in a tweet (pictured) that those who 'silence sexual assault & sexual harassment survivors' are complicit in the alleged abuse, without naming whom she was referring to

Reade posted an image on social media of what she looked like in 1993, the year she alleged Biden sexually assaulted her

An undated photo of Reade that she included in a social media post

Biden's campaign pushed back vehemently after the claims, providing a character witness to DailyMail.com and other outlets.

It included a statement from Marianne Baker, an executive assistant to Biden from 1982 to 2000.

'In all my years working for Senator Biden, I never once witnessed, or heard of, or received, any reports of inappropriate conduct, period - not from Ms. Reade, not from anyone,' Baker said in a statement, provided by the campaign.

'I have absolutely no knowledge or memory of Ms. Reade's accounting of events, which would have left a searing impression on me as a woman professional, and as a manager,' Baker continued.

'These clearly false allegations are in complete contradiction to both the inner workings of our Senate office and to the man I know and worked so closely with for almost two decades,' Baker added.

Reade told Halper that the assault occurred after she was told to deliver a gym bag to the then-senator. Reade said she tracked down Biden on Capitol Hill and he remembered her name.

Biden's campaign pushed back vehemently after Reade's claims, providing a character witness to DailyMail.com and other outlets. The presidential candidate is pictured with his wife Jill during a campaign stop in Philadelphia last month

'And then we were alone. And it was the strangest thing. There was no, like, exchange really, he just had me up against the wall,' she said.

She said she was wearing a work skirt, but no pantyhose.

'He just had me up against the wall and the wall was cold,' she said. 'His hands were on me and underneath my clothes. He went down my skirt and then up inside it and he penetrated me with his fingers. He was kissing me at the same time,' she said.

She said that when she 'pulled back,' Biden 'looked annoyed.'

Reade said Biden said to her, 'Come on man, I heard you liked me.'

'He implied that I had done this,' she told the podcast host.

At first Reade didn't want to mention the other quote that got stuck in her head, but then she told Halper what it was.

'You're nothing to me,' she claimed the senator said to her. 'Nothing.'
EUCLID, Ohio  Today would have marked the 26th annual Easter gathering for neighbors at the Brookwood Club park in Euclid. Ohios coronavirus stay-at-home order cancelled the plans. But one neighbor came up with a fun, safe solution to keep the tradition alive.

Karen Steigerwald says she didnt want the coronavirus pandemic to end the Easter tradition shared with her close-knit Brookwood Club and Gilchrist Club neighbors. Ive been hosting an egg hunt for about 25 years for the kids and hated to let the current crisis break our neighborhood spirit, said Steigerwald. She came up with the idea of a Social Distancing Easter egg hunt where participating neighbors can safely search for a hidden plastic egg in their own yards.

Steigerwald, with the help of her husband Kurt, hid one egg filled with tokens for ice cream at CPs Cooler in Euclid in 30 different yards. No worries, all of the items were thoroughly sanitized, Karen explained, who is a school nurse at St. Martin DePores and part-time pediatric nurse at Hillcrest Hospital.

At 10 a.m. Satirday she hopped on her bicycle, donning bunny ears and a carrying a basket filled with Easter candy, and rode down Gilchrist Drive, blowing her whistle decorated as a colored Easter egg to start the hunt.

Most neighbors with young children were already searching their yards for the egg before the official start. Kristi Ward and her daughter Bridget, 8, searched the front yard thoroughly to no avail.

Steigerwald rode by on her bike to drop off the candy and asked if they checked the back yard. Bridget went racing down the driveway to her back yard to get there first. The egg was eventually found with the help of Kurt Steigerwald, who hid it on the Ward property. He did it by offering a few your-getting-warmer clues.

Nina Pomnean, 8, started the search with her mother Mary and finally needed the help of her older sisters, Katherine, 17, and Cecilia, 11. They all cheered when they discovered their egg together on a fence rail by the garage.

Steigerwald said, I couldnt let Easter go by without a neighborhood egg hunt. This one is just a little different."
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to extend the world's biggest pandemic lockdown for two weeks, state ministers said after talks Saturday on the growing fallout in the country.

The three week lockdown is due to end Tuesday. But with the death toll rising, several chief ministers from India's 29 states and territories have been pressing Modi to prolong restrictions for the 1.3 billion population.

Two states -- Odisha and Punjab -- have already extended the lockdown by around two weeks, but critics say a nationwide lockdown is needed to stop people moving between states and potentially taking the virus with them.

India has so far reported about 7,500 cases and 240 deaths. But the government says there is no community transmission.

Delhi's chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Twitter after the talks that Modi has taken the "correct decision" to extend the lockdown.

"Today, Indias position is better than many developed countries because we started (the) lockdown early. If it is stopped now, all gains would be lost."

Other ministers who took part in the video conference talks on Saturday told media the lockdown would go on for another two weeks.

The government made no immediate announcement and officials said Modi may not make a statement until Sunday.

According to reports, the Hindu-nationalist government is worried about the impact of the restrictions and ban on international flights on the economy, which was slowing even before the pandemic crisis blew up.

Millions of people have lost jobs in the past three weeks and the lockdown sparked a mass migration as workers headed for their home villages.

Every state has now declared a coronavirus case, but Maharashtra, which includes the financial capital Mumbai, has been among the worst hit. The western state has more than 1,600 cases and more than 110 deaths in India's total.

The coronavirus is spreading alarmingly in Mumbai's Dharavi district, one of Asia's biggest slums.

Story continues

Mumbai council spokesman Vijay Khabale-Patil told AFP that more cases had been uncovered at "extensive medical camps in Dharavi and other areas of Mumbai to test more people."

He said there were now 28 cases in the slum and three people have died there.

The capital, Delhi, has also seen a growing toll with more than 180 cases declared on Friday, taking the total to 865.
Plus, Bill's Message of the Day, we are living in the United States of Propaganda.

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Students can return to school by June 15 at the latest if the Covid-19 epidemic remains under control, the Ministry of Education and Training said Friday.

Nguyen Huu Do, Deputy Minister of Education and Training, said at a Friday meeting that teachers will help students review lessons after they have studied online at home during the coronavirus-induced closures and complete the second semester and final examinations from June 15 to July 15. Vietnam's school year starts in August or September with two semesters and a normal semester lasts four months.

"Grade 12 students will have three weeks to review their lessons before the national high school examination which will take place from August 8-11," Do said. The graduation exam has been pushed back two months from previous years with schools remaining closed for a long time.

Vietnams national high school graduation exam is considered to be a make-or-break event for the students, determining if they can enter a good university or not.

If schools remain closed even on June 15, the ministry will report the situation to the National Assembly to reconsider rescheduling the national high school examination.

"Students can be assured that their interests will be protected, we aim to reduce the amount of academic workload as much as possible to help them acquire the same level of knowledge; even if there is a difference, it wont be big," Do said.

He also said the ministry has devised many measures to help students study online and via televised lessons. It has also held conferences with teachers in localities to guide them on online teaching.

"Students are absent from schools but the academic program is still being run. Teachers are teaching and students are learning," Do said.

In mountainous areas like the northern province of Ha Giang, students do not have the opportunity to study online so teachers teach them in small groups so that their learning is not interrupted, he said.

Students can bridge the knowledge gap caused by the long school break in the first or two weeks of the next school year, Do said.

22 million students in Vietnam had completed the 20th week of school in the new academic year before they began a fortnight-long Lunar New Year holiday that started January 17. They have not gone back to school since with the break being extended multiple times on safety considerations.

40 provinces and cities have extended school breaks until further notice, while schools in the remaining 23 localities have said school closures will last until mid-April.

Sooner in HCMC

HCMC authorities said Friday that the citys 1.7 million students can return to school mid-May, a month earlier than proposed by the education ministry for the entire country. The city is also considering the resumption of manufacturing activities around the same time to reverse the economic downturn, they said.

The rationale offered for the early reopening was that the city was handling the Covid-19 spread well and has only used 3.5 percent of its total number of hospital beds.

"HCMC is ready to move to a new phase - socioeconomic development when the disease is under control; there might be new cases but there won't be outbreak points and community transmissions," said HCMC Party Secretary Nguyen Thien Nhan.

HCMC has recorded 54 Covid-19 cases. Of these, 37 have been discharged from hospitals. The city has gone through seven days without any new infections. It had previously put 10,000 people in centralized quarantine facilities, and this number has reduced to 500.

As of Saturday, Vietnams had recorded 258 Covid-19 cases, 114 of them active and the rest discharged. Of the active cases, 12 have tested negative twice and 13 once.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren



Singh on Saturday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take action for stopping racial slur and harassment that the people of the Northeastern region are facing in different parts of the country amid the coronavirus crisis.

During a video conference, Singh urged the PM to direct the states to do the needful to stop harassment of NE people.

He appealed to other chief ministers to take care of the 30,000 Manipuri people who are stranded outside the state because of the lockdown.

A list of stranded Manipuris with addresses where they are putting up is being forwarded to the states concerned, he said.

He also pleaded the prime minister to make arrangements for bringing all the stranded people of Manipur to their home.

The chief minister said his government is also looking after the requirements of people of other states stuck in Manipur.

Regarding the state's preparedness to contain the spread of Covid-19, Singh said 3,200 beds have been kept ready for quarantine, while one dedicated block of 50 beds in two hospitals each is earmarked for Covid-19 patients.

More ventilators have been installed in both the hospitals of the state that so far reported one positive coronavirus case, he said.

To increase the number of testing facilities, Sing said, permission is being sought from the Indian Council of Medical Research to allow testing for Covid-19 in some select private diagnostic centres.

Manipur shares 398 km long porous border with Myanmar, the CM said adding that the state government has erected temporary fencing along the border to block illegal entry of foreigners.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Australia had recorded only 20 cases of COVID-19 on February 26, when Christians gathered in Western churches around Australia to mark the start of Lent, a 40-day period of abstinence that ends today, Easter Sunday.

Little did we know that this year, all of us would be forced to observe the Lenten tradition of giving up the good things in life in pursuit of the greater things. The coronavirus pandemic has taken away many of life's pleasures  drinks with friends, a game of footy, even toilet paper.

And while many of us have used the time to pause and appreciate simple moments of life unfolding at home, for others the past 40 days have been anything but peaceful.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on March 23 asks parents to keep their children home. Credit:AAP

Life became particularly difficult for working parents on the morning of March 23, when faced with falling attendance levels, Premier Gladys Berejiklian asked parents to keep their children home from school. She did this despite federal health advice that children were not super-spreaders of coronavirus and that schools should remain open.
Copyright  2020 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  Confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Mexico eclipsed the 1,000 mark Friday, just one month after state officials reported the first positive test results.

A total of 106 additional confirmed cases brought the states total number of cases to 1,091  an 11% increase over the previous day.

Top state health officials also announced two additional deaths due to COVID-19, bringing the states death tally to 19.

The two deaths  one in Bernalillo County and one in Sandoval County  were both elderly men with underlying health issues.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who last month issued a stay-at-home order aimed at slowing the diseases spread, has said she expects more fatal cases of coronavirus in the coming days and weeks before New Mexico hits its peak number of cases.

The big thing here is this is a deadly virus  its highly contagious and theres no vaccine, Lujan Grisham said during a Thursday news briefing.

Meanwhile, health officials also said that confirmed coronavirus cases have now been identified in nine different group homes statewide, including La Vida Llena retirement community in Albuquerque that has seen a cluster of cases  among both residents and staffers  and two deaths.

The other facilities included assisted-living homes in Farmington, Aztec and Santa Fe, along with four other similar facilities in Albuquerque.

In all, confirmed cases have been reported in 26 of the states 33 counties. The first cases in the southwestern New Mexico counties of Luna and Hidalgo were reported Friday.

There are currently 75 individuals hospitalized due to coronavirus symptoms statewide, health officials said, while the Department of Health has designated 235 people as having recovered.

The latest developments come as New Mexicans are preparing for Easter weekend.

Lujan Grisham did not order churches and other places of worship to shut down under a public health emergency order, but she said most have closed their doors voluntarily and shifted to online or drive-through religious services.

I know that all of us are missing our faith-based traditions this Easter weekend, Lujan Grisham said during Thursdays news conference.

$35 million to help hospitals

With New Mexico hospitals struggling financially due to elective surgeries being put on hold, the state Human Services Department said it was distributing $35 million in relief funds to 35 hospitals statewide.

That money will be distributed through the states Medicaid program that covers more than 830,000 New Mexico residents.

It was scheduled to be gradually dispersed over the next six months, but state health officials said they decided to advance the payments to give hospitals more of a financial cushion.

Providing support to New Mexico hospitals is more important than ever, state Medicaid Director Nicole Comeaux said Friday. We cannot afford to have hospitals bear the burden of this financial strain at a time when New Mexicans need these health care facilities the most.

Most people who test positive for coronavirus have only mild to moderate symptoms  fever, cough, fatigue and shortness of breath  and do not require hospitalization.

But severe cases require medical intervention and state officials have warned the states health care system could be overwhelmed if the diseases infection rate isnt kept in check.

While some models have recently lowered the projected death rates from the disease, Human Services Secretary Dr. David Scrase said state-level modeling still shows between 2,110 and 4,567 deaths over the next 12 months, depending on how effective the stay-at-home order and other strategies prove.

Isolation, quarantine orders coming?

With the coronavirus spreading in New Mexico, state court officials said Friday they were preparing for possible isolation and quarantine orders to be issued.

A training session was held Friday for roughly 90 attorneys who volunteered through the state Bar of New Mexico to represent individuals in such cases.

By having a trained group of judges and lawyers on call to handle public health cases, New Mexicos court system can respond quickly if state authorities seek a quarantine or isolation order to help control the spread of coronavirus, Supreme Court Justice David Thomson said.

A 2003 state law gives the governors administration the power to isolate or quarantine individuals  usually through a court order  to prevent or limit the spread of a communicable disease.

While no individualized quarantine orders had been issued as of Friday, the governor said this week she would consider taking such action in certain cases.

And Lujan Grisham last month did issue an order requiring air travelers to New Mexico to self-isolate for at least 14 days after landing in an attempt to slow coronavirus infection rates.

Journal staff writer Rick Nathanson contributed to this report.
Luxembourg's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean Asselborn told German radio station Bayern 2 that it proved challenging to bring refugee children into the country in times of coronavirus.

Both Germany and Luxembourg plan to take in children from migrant camps in Greece. According to the minister, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic complicates the enterprise. Calling for solidarity with other EU member states, Asselborn metaphorically explained that the country was not taking in sandbags from Greece, but human beings.

The first children from Greece are expected to arrive in Luxembourg next week. Germany plans to take in 50 children now, and an additional 300 at a later time.
The Pikes Peak regions need for more gloves, masks and other personal protective equipment for health care workers and others on the coronavirus front lines will have to come from the states purchase of supplies and local donations.

In part, thats due to Colorado not expecting further allotments from the federally managed Strategic National Stockpile in the foreseeable future, officials said.

The Colorado Unified Command Group said Friday the state is purchasing $46.2 million of medical supplies including hundreds of ventilators and respirators, thousands of face shields and disposable gowns, and millions of masks and gloves.

It is unknown when and how much equipment the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management might receive from the order, said Lonnie Inzer, deputy chief of the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management. Supplies from the state order could help meet El Paso County's needs, but donations are still being collected for nonmedical workers, he said.

The county has $60,000 for personal protective equipment and expects to receive 20,000 masks soon. However, purchasing equipment is unpredictable because demand has far outstripped supply, Inzer said.

In recent weeks, the Strategic National Stockpile supplied El Paso County with nine pallets of supplies, including masks, that were distributed to hospitals and other front-line coronavirus workers, he said. Donations of supplies have also flowed in from individuals and businesses such as dental offices and physicians. Xcel Energy was among them, donating thousands of surgical masks, he said.

Thousands of plastic face shields for medical workers are expected to be cast and 3-D printed by Colorado College and the University of Colorado, Inzer said.

Despite donations and expected shipments, hospitals and other health care providers are still conserving personal protective equipment because it is unknown how long the coronavirus pandemic might last, he said.

We are preparing for the worst, Inzer said.

- PHOTOS: Documenting COVID-19 in the Pikes Peak Region

In addition to hospitals, the office of emergency management supplies long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, the newly opened isolation shelter for homeless residents and any alternative care facilities that open, he said.

"No health care worker should be left unprotected, Inzer said.

The office has seen a growing need in long-term care, which are supplied when they have a patient test positive for coronavirus, he said.

El Paso County has identified coronavirus outbreaks in eight long-term care facilities, said Michelle Hewitt, a spokeswoman for El Paso County Public Health.

Since Gov. Jared Polis asked all residents to start wearing cloth masks April 3, the office has also started working with crafters to supply Colorado Springs and El Paso County employees who work with the public, he said. Once public employees have masks, the cloth masks will be distributed to other community agencies, he said.

The Emergency Management Office expects to collect 3,000 cloth masks from hundreds of crafters this week and start distributing them on Friday, said Robin Adair, community emergency preparedness coordinator for the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management.

Its just an army of volunteers who sew, she said.

One of the leaders within the volunteer effort, Kathy Kemp expected to give Adair 900 homemade masks Friday from her informal group of about 20 volunteers, she said.

I feel like a mask factory, but its a good thing, said Kemp, a registered nurse who lives in Monument.

Kemps medical training helped her anticipate the need for masks and she started planning a design for masks and organizing neighborhood volunteers weeks ago before the governor announced everyone should start wearing them, she said.

The virus highly contagious nature, its ability to mutate and the fact no one has immunity to fight it, helped her anticipate how dangerous the virus would be, she said.

All the signs were there for this being really bad, she said.

Before donating masks to the city and county, she gave masks to deputies at the jail, nursing home workers, eye doctors, immunocompromised neighbors, and her UPS driver, she said.

She worked with a friend in Florida on the design of her masks, which have a nose piece to keep them in place and space for a removable filter, like gauze that can be used and thrown away, she said. She gives out the materials for the masks in kits to her neighbors to make via drop-boxes on her front porch, to maintain socially distancing, she said.

Sew in Tune, a shop in Monument, is also serving as a hub for about 75 volunteers who are making masks, owner Pam Hull said.

The shop started helping this week and sent out email and social media alerts to recruit volunteers who agreed to complete 130 mask kits, she said.

Its been crazy, she said.

If residents are interested in making masks to donate, Adair recommends getting in touch with sewing supply shops, because many are involved in distributing kits. Crafters need beginner-level sewing skills to make a mask, Hull said.

To volunteer with Sew in Tune in Monument call the shop at 203-5642.

The Office of Emergency Management is accepting smaller donations of new PPE and fabric for masks from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday at 3755 Mark Dabling Blvd.

To donate to Colorado College's effort to make face shields visit crowdfund.coloradocollege.edu.
Vietnam allows private medical facilities to test for Covid-19

Covid-19 testing tools at the National Hospital of Tropical Diseases in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy.

The government on Thursday said private medical facilities with adequate equipment and qualified personnel could carry out tests for Covid-19.

Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Truong Son said this is meant to take advantage of medical facilities outside the public sector in combating the epidemic.

"Private medical facilities will conduct Covid-19 tests if requested by local centers for disease control or doctors at hospitals, not at the request of the public.

"The process and cost will be specified."

The Ministry of Health will meet with experts and issue recommendations for testing at private health facilities next week.

There are 110 public medical facilities currently authorized to do the test.

As of Friday afternoon 114,241 people had been tested for Covid-19, according to the ministry portal.

Meanwhile, 16 more patients were discharged from hospitals on Friday, taking the number of current cases down to 113, less than half the total of 257 diagnosed so far.
On This Day A Burmese Dictators Final Visit to Japan

Burma President Ne Win is welcomed by Emperor Hirohito prior to their meeting at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on April 15, 1981.

YANGONOn this day in 1981, Myanmars military dictator General Ne Win, at the invitation of the Japanese government, made his last official visit to Japan. The then-70-year-old dictator first traveled to Japan some 40 years earlier, along with independence hero General Aung San, as a member of the Thirty Comrades, a group of young Burmese men who trained in Japan to fight for independence from Britain.

On his 13-day visit in 1981, Gen. Ne Win met Japanese Emperor Hirohito and Prime Minister Zenko Suzuki. He was trained by former members of the Minami Kikan, a special Japanese intelligence unit formed to support Myanmars fight against the British, and was also visited by former Japanese soldiers who served in Myanmar and former Japanese prime ministers who had visited Myanmar. He also visited electronics and automobile factories and shipyards.

Gen. Ne Win had officially visited Japan as Myanmars head of state three times before, in 1966, 1970 and 1973. The two countries maintained close ties and four Japanese prime ministers visited Myanmar during Ne Wins rule.

Two months before his fourth and final visit to Japan in 1981, Gen. Ne Win awarded to his Japanese military trainers the Aung San Tagun title, the second-highest honor for those who have served the interests of Myanmar.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
Keir Starmer is the new leader of Britain's opposition Labor Party. (Lewis Whyld / Agence France-Presse / Getty Images)

What would have been a huge story in British politics  the election of a new leader for the opposition Labor Party last week  was understandably overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the hospitalization of Prime Minister Boris Johnson. (Johnson was released from intensive care on Thursday.)

But the election of Sir Keir Starmer, a former director of public prosecutions, could be the beginning of a comeback for Labor, which suffered a humiliating defeat in Decembers parliamentary elections.

It isnt just that Starmer projects more competence than the hapless Jeremy Corbyn, the hard-left politician who led Labor to two election losses and who was unable to finesse divisions in the party over Brexit. Starmer isnt burdened by Corbyn's reputation for not responding decisively to anti-Semitism within the party.

Starmer has apologized to Jewish leaders for anti-Semitism in the party. In a column in the Evening Standard this week he wrote: "Passover is also a fitting moment for me to acknowledge the pain and hurt that the Labor Party has caused Jewish people in recent years anti-Semitism has been a stain on our party."

Corbyn too had expressed a grudging apology for anti-Semitism in the party before the election, telling a television interviewer who pressed him on the subject: Obviously Im very sorry for everything thats happened but I want to make this clear: I am dealing with it. I have dealt with it.

But Corbyn had a massive credibility problem with British Jews who regarded him as insufficiently vigilant about anti-Semitic tropes and insults that they said flourished under his leadership. In a submission last year to the Equality and Human Rights Commission, the Jewish Labor Movement alleged that the party was characterized by endemic, institutional anti-Semitism and argued that anti-Semitic conduct is pervasive at all levels of the party.

The filing as based on the testimonies of 70 current and former Labor Party staffers. One reported 22 examples of anti-Semitic abuse during party meetings, saying that he had been called a Tory Jew, a child killer and Zio scum and had been told that he was good with money.

Story continues

Anti-Semitism is an amazingly adaptable prejudice, manifesting itself on both the political left and the political right. On the left, criticism of the state of Israel and its policies sometimes morphs into anti-Semitic tropes.

Thats the case with much of the anti-Semitism that has bedeviled the British Labor Party, and it also manifests itself, to a lesser extent, in U.S. politics. Last year Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) offered this explanation of the influence of pro-Israel lobbyists in Washington: Its all about the Benjamins, baby. (Omar apologized, and the Democratic-controlled House later passed a resolution condemning all sorts of bigotry and discrimination.)

Anti-Semitism wasnt the only or even principal cause of the Labor Partys defeat in last years election. In addition to Corbyns unpopularity and confusion over the partys position on Brexit, Labor had to cope with Johnsons outreach to traditional Labor voters with a relatively moderate platform.

Still, anti-Semitism was an albatross for the party that Starmer now says he wants to cast off. That will make it easier for him to challenge Johnson on other issues, including his response to COVID-19.
I think that Trump is at greater risk of losing because the strong economy was a central plank of his argument to reelection, said Dan Eberhart, a prominent Trump donor and oil industry executive. I think at some point he needs to take a step back from the press conferences and let the scientists talk more and then he needs to find some way to communicate how hard he is trying to get the economy moving again.
GM Mobilizes to Support Communities Amid Coronavirus Pandemic





$2.65 million in grants to benefit the DonorsChoose Keep Kids Learning program and 40 nonprofits across the United States 2,100 employees step up to join manufacturing, volunteer and donation efforts

DETROIT  In response to the constantly-evolving challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, General Motors has acted swiftly, harnessing its scale to provide frontline workers with the ventilators and supplies they need to respond to this global crisis.



Simultaneously, GM has taken measures to bolster communities across the country, investing $2.65 million in 40 nonprofits and supporting employee volunteer and donation efforts.

Our team at GM has shown ingenuity, creativity and heart as we face this pandemic, said Mark Reuss, GM president. We have mobilized our manufacturing capacity to aid response efforts, and weve been actively engaged in our communities to help find solutions to new and compounding challenges, especially in education.

Included in these efforts is a $1 million grant to the DonorsChoose Keep Kids Learning program, which provides $1,000 credits to 1,000 teachers in high-need school districts to help send basic resources like books, pencils, notebooks, food and cleaning supplies to students homes.

When schools began closing last month, we surveyed over 4,000 teachers from the countrys highest-need districts and found that nearly 70 percent of their students lack resources to learn at home, said Charles Best, DonorsChoose founder and CEO. The unfortunate reality is, when students cannot go to school, the resources available in their homes are going to shape their education, which means coronavirus threatens to widen educational inequity. We're grateful for General Motors' support of our Keep Kids Learning program, to help teachers prepare their students to continue learning at home.

An additional $1.65 million in grant funding is being deployed to GM facility communities across the country. Each facility dedicates funds to nonprofits providing critical services to their communities like food and housing assistance, small business support and at-home learning resources for parents, teachers and students.

Additionally, more than 2,100 GM employees have also volunteered to join the effort:



931 salaried employees have volunteered to help manufacture and deliver critical PPE from GMs Warren, Michigan facility to area hospitals.

178 employees have donated more than $14,000 to support United Ways local COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Funds and the DonorsChoose Keep Kids Learning program.

program. 1,051 employees and their friends and families have pledged to the American Red Cross SleevesUp campaign.

We are working hard to make sure that everyone  from frontline and emergency response teams to teachers and families  has the resources they need to navigate this uncertain time, Reuss said. I am proud of the employees that continue to show resourcefulness and resolve in helping our communities and country through this perilous time, and we wont stop until the job is done.

GM employees have been recording short videos thanking teachers for their efforts to keep kids engaged and learning while at home. GM plans to provide a compilation of these videos to DonorsChoose to share with teachers.

About the DonorsChoose Keep Kids Learning program:

In the initial phase of Keep Kids Learning, DonorsChoose is reaching out to teachers who have previously used DonorsChoose at schools where nearly all students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, the national standard for measuring need within a school community. Eligible teachers receive $1,000 in funding credits to spend on educational resources to ship to their students homes. DonorsChoose is contacting teachers and issuing credits on a rolling basis as funds become available. To date, over 2,200 teachers have participated in the program. The organization is also working to expand at-home learning support to more teachers and students, offering donors the chance to give to a specific teacher or community, similar to the traditional DonorsChoose model.
Boeing has enlisted investment banks Lazard and Evercore to advise it on talks with Washington on potential federal aid in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, sources told AFP Friday. The talks with the US Treasury Department, which is managing a $2.2 trillion US emergency aid package, could begin towards the end of April, said a source on condition of anonymity. Boeing, the biggest US exporter, had sought $60 billion in federal support for itself and the 17,000 suppliers and contractors in its supply chain. The sector employs around 2.5 million people in the US, according to the aerospace giant. Around 17 billion dollars aimed at Boeing was included in the giant federal relief bill approved in March. Boeing had $27.3 billion in debt at the end of December as it works to complete the purchase of Brazilian company Embraer's commercial plane operation. President Donald Trump again offered strong support for the company Friday. "We can't let anything happen to Boeing," Trump said at a White House briefing. "It's got so much potential." Later in the briefing, Trump said that he thought Boeing "probably" will seek federal support. "This isn't a great time to sell airplanes, let's not kid ourselves," Trump said. "We'll do whatever's necessary to do." A stumbling block has been the question of what Washington will get in return for the support. Boeing chief executive David Calhoun has balked at the idea that taxpayers would receive shares in Boeing, a proposal floated by some congressional Democrats. In talks with major airlines, Treasury officials have demanded that carriers maintain their staff until at least September 30. But Boeing is targeting a reduction of 10 percent of its workforce in the commercial plane business, the Wall Street Journal reported. The company's factories have been shuttered due to COVID-19. In anticipation of complex negotiations with the Treasury, Boeing has also asked Lazard and Evercore to explore private sources of funds, said a different source, confirming a report in the Wall Street Journal. Boeing declined to comment. Boeing also continues to be embroiled in a complex process with the Federal Aviation Administration over efforts to win approval to resume flights on the 737 MAX, which has been grounded since March 2019 following two deadly crashes. A key test flight of the Boeing 737 MAX has been pushed back by a month to May due to the upheaval of the coronavirus crisis, sources told AFP earlier this week. Boeing has enlisted investment banks Lazard and Evercore to advise it on talks with Washington on potential federal aid in the wake of the coronavirus, sources told AFP
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Thanks to the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic, LogMeIn recently saw 300% usage increase due to teleworking.

As a reference  you may remember, we last covered the company in October when we broke the news on LogMeIn Bold360 Helpdesk Bringing

AI and the Future of Work to the Enterprise.

Ian Pitt, SVP &CIO at LogMeIn

We thought the company is in a great place to help provide tips and thoughts on how best to get through this rushed remote-working environment we find ourselves in. As a result, please enjoy a Guest Blog Post From Ian Pitt, SVP &CIO at LogMeIn below:

Organizations around the world have experienced a shared challenge over the past month  transitioning employees to work from home. After several weeks of what is arguably the largest experiment in full-scale remote work in modern-day history, several key lessons learned have emerged.

The first is the importance of a business continuity plan. From equipping employees with devices to ensuring remote access while maintaining compliance and security  there are many critical pieces to consider for keeping a companys operations running from afar. While some organizations, like ours, were well-practiced in remote work and were set up to implement continuity plans seamlessly, many werent ready for this significant shift.

In the absence of company-issued devices, some had to quickly develop zero-touch device delivery plans. And while collaboration tools have proven essential in keeping teams connected and foster productivity, many had to tackle quickly implementing these tools and onboarding teams. Above all, the coordination between IT, Security, HR, and Business Operations in continuity plans cannot be overstated. Seamless interaction and decision making among these teams is key to successfully execute plans.

The massive number of remote workers around the globe has also created unprecedented network traffic. IT teams have had to implement real-time monitoring in order to manage capacity and scalability. At LogMeIn alone, we have seen a 300% increase in the use of our remote access products, and video conferencing usage has spiked tenfold from 2020 norms. With this increase in network activity, also comes increased security risks. IT and security teams are continually tracking new user behavior while ingesting threat reporting on COVID-19 scams and threats. Security training and awareness programs that drive cyber smart behavior at home  from using strong passwords to avoiding phishing scams  are key to keeping employees and the organization secure.

Another unexpected challenge has been adapting to a new way of management. During other disruptions in operations, leadership would typically assemble a war room to tackle the challenges head-on. In this crisis, where leadership and operations teams are dispersed, we have been forced to create a virtual war room. This has certainly changed the dynamics and created the need for new processes and approaches.

As we move into the second month of this new normal, the challenges will continue to change. Organizations should focus on what can be done now and use lessons learned to bolster their remote work environment moving forward.
BOBCAYGEON, ONT.There is a difference between a quiet town and a silent one. Bobcaygeon is neither, and it is both. Some people still wait in line for the Valu-Mart, or Foodland. Some people still drop by the LCBO. The giant farm-town pickup trucks still rumble around, and people still go to the post office. They used to put names of people who had died in the window there, with a nice picture. Recently, they stopped.

Bobcaygeon was already an anchor for this part of cottage country, a retirement destination, a tourist town. It was sainted by the Tragically Hip because Gord Downie couldnt find another place in Canada whose name rhymed with constellation, or near enough. It helped that it is beautiful here. The line, constellations being revealed one star at a time, works.

And Bobcaygeon is the Pinecrest town, right now. As of Friday morning, one in every seven COVID-19 deaths in Ontario had happened in the little one-storey brick nursing home at the top of the hill at the south end of town, on the main road in.

Were known as Hip town, says Aaron Shaw, 43, the towns citizen of the year in 2017. And now were known as the epicentre of Ontario because of this.

Some rooms are shared, separated by curtains. The first public notification of an outbreak came Friday, March 20, and staff got sick after residents did. It was reported there were not enough staff to cover, and that the sick were not separated from the healthy for two weeks, because the building didnt have enough space to move people.

On Wednesday this week Pinecrest announced a 28th resident had died of the coronavirus. On Thursday, they announced a 29th. On Friday, they announced no new deaths for the first time in what felt like forever. The facility has 65 beds. They were full when this started.

We just pray for one day that we go without a death, said one longtime Bobcaygeon resident, before Fridays announcement. I mean, we have a death every single day. And everybodys got an opinion and everyones got a negative suggestion, but those workers are doing the best they can.

I think theres lots of fear. Im not a fearful person, I dont have fear of death, but I just wish they didnt have to die alone.

The virus can get anyone, but it hunts the elderly and can ravage care homes, which are understaffed by underpaid workers who often serve multiple facilities. The Globe and Mail counted COVID-19 in over 600 across Canada, and that number is likely higher now. Some have already become infamous, tragedies. Seven Oaks in Scarborough has lost at least 16 people. The Montreal Gazette reported on a private one in Dorval, Residence Herron, which was likened by health professionals who came to rescue it to a concentration camp. Nearly half of Quebecs coronavirus deaths have occurred in care homes.

We were just first, says Doug Whalen, the president of the Bobcaygeon Curling Club.

What is left is a town in stasis, perched somewhere between tragedy and hope. Bobcaygeon is a place where Toronto money splashes over, a boating paradise along the Trent-Severn Waterway, an off-Muskoka cottage retreat. Approximately half the towns population is 65 and older. The population nearly triples in the summer, but sits at 3,500 through three-quarters of the year; phone numbers are given in four-digit increments, because everybodys number starts with 705-738. A lot of restaurants in Bobcaygeon are just starting to stay open year-round.

The community spirit here is palpable: the horticulture club, the curling club, the Kinette Club, the Legion, more and more. Volunteerism powers a lot of small towns, and this one especially. So they have tried to help each other, where they can. Usually they would gather together. Now, they are trying to find other ways.

Its devastating, says Shaw, who runs a tree removal company, and who has been a fulcrum of the community response. Its devastating. I know a very large population at Pinecrest, and when I make my deliveries and I see families standing at the window in tears looking at their families inside, its hard. Its very, very hard. Its devastating.

But the community is coming together like crazy.

Normally, Bobcaygeon would be starting to hum right now, as winter recedes. In a lot of small Canadian towns, winters are about finding reasons to be together, or having them forced on you.

Ive been to six or seven funerals since Christmas, because in an older community, people tend to die this time of year, in the winter, says John Bick, 73, whose family was one of the original farming families in the area. So people are dying from other causes, as well as this.

This is different, though. Bick is likened to a town historian, asked how many he knows who have died in Pinecrest. He says five. No, six. Maybe seven.

Marg Cameron is the president of the Legion. She is 73, and has left the house once in three weeks. Seniors from Pinecrest and Case Manor used to be bused to the Legion once a month, and they would play bingo and games and win prizes, and the Legion would serve beer or juice and snacks. The Legion held a jam session every week with local musicians, and one Pinecrest resident, Elmer DesRoches, would attend. They would play the classics: You Are My Sunshine was a favourite.

His son brought him over every Wednesday, and his dad was always neatly groomed and he loved it, and hed sing along, and he knew all the songs that they were playing, says Marg. Elmer has passed away.

She mentions Ruth Sheppard, a woman with a sense of humour and a pillar in the community; Ruth had moved her adult daughter Tami to Pinecrest after Ruths husband died because Tami  who had Down syndrome  had to be taken care of. Ruth went in after Tami. Both have died.

Marg called all 250 Legion members, one by one, and maybe half were snowbirds just back from abroad. She had the Legion flag lowered to half mast. It was hard to know what to do.

Its affecting everything, she says. Even when you drive through its a bit of a ghost town. We know things will get better down the road, but theres this anxiety, I guess it is.

You just feel very anxious, you dont know whats going to happen tomorrow, you dont know who youre going to hear about, you dont know whos going to be the next victim. Even when you go to the grocery store or the pet store. I was going to go to the pet store, and I know Marlene, who runs Pet Valu, and my husband is high, high risk: hes had cancer and a stroke. And she said, Margaret, Im going to bring it to your house. She dropped it off at my front door.

People turn it around: they say, What do you need?

After the outbreak came the panic. Valu-Mart lost 13 of 50 employees, mostly students whose parents worried about them being exposed to the virus. Every order seemed like stockpiling: $400, $500. A lot of seniors were scared of Bobcaygeons stores, and went to shop at the Sobeys in nearby Fenelon Falls instead. Valu-Mart decided it needed precautions.

Immediately, we put someone at the front of our store, and we screen, says Jessica Strang, who runs the store with her husband Ken, whose parents owned it before them. We ask them if theyve been out of the country, near anyone whos been out of the country, or if theyve been in contact with anyone from Pinecrest.

And we got backlash, saying, you cant discriminate that way. And my defence there was, if appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) had been used, half their staff wouldnt have it. And its unfortunate, and its not their fault. But I am going to do everything in my power to protect my staff, and my community thats shopping in the store. And thats just how it is. Im a firefighter. I run into medical calls myself, and we have very strict PPE protocols in place. We have plenty of EMS and firefighters and nurses who shop in our store. Im not denying anyone. Unfortunately, Pinecrest did not have those protocols in place.

If someone from Pinecrest comes here, tell me what you want, I will go in and shop it personally for you, and bring it to wherever. Call me.

Shannon Campbell is Valu-Marts deli manager, and her mother Cathy has been a nurse at Pinecrest for 35 years. On Thursday, March 19, Cathy came down with a sore throat; she stayed home the following day, worried about infecting the residents. Cathys COVID-19 test came back positive on the Monday. Shannon lost her husband to a heart condition two years ago, and her two daughters stay with her parents every day. She left the store as soon as she heard. Her family self-isolated, and waited.

Shes still sick, but shes still able to breathe, not going to the hospital or anything, says Shannon. Nobody else in the family has tested positive; Shannons eldest daughter has a rare metabolic disorder, glutaric acidemia type 2, and cannot store fat: her body turns on itself when she gets sick.

I didnt know how it would affect her, says Shannon. So that was a whole extra added stress.

Shannon spent 14 days apart from her family. It sounded like her mother had to work to even talk on the phone. Cathy seems to be finally getting better, after three weeks of fever and a cough.

Its been so hard. The amount of times Ive had to call her and give her an update on numbers, and shes been beside herself crying, and feeling terrible that shes not there to help, says Shannon. And these were people that shes helped take care of for a number of years. They are like family to her. And its devastating.

Unless youre actually in there, nobody knows whats happening in there.

Shannon thinks her mom might go back to work when she is well. On Thursday afternoon, a steel-grey hearse sat by Pinecrests side entrance; later in the day, someone left a big fluffy stuffed toy dog on the lawn outside, and it lay prone on its belly, pointed at the home.

Small communities run on helpers. Shaws company, Crazy Monkey Tree Service, employs 10 people: he threw three at delivering groceries, to blunt the worries over snowbirds. He didnt charge for delivery: people just pay the bill with a cheque. When people started to tip, he matched it and donated half to the food bank, and half to the Kawartha Lakes COVID-19 relief fund  $1,000, so far.

We have the big double-barrel masks, and gloves, and hand sanitizer, Shaw says. We can do this.

Hes been just incredible for the community, says Strang. He started (the deliveries), and then people started following suit. Her store alone has added 50 deliveries a day, and had to go to 24-hour shifts to fill the orders.

People help. A graphic designer named Paul Reid came up with a T-shirt, and Shaw asked Sherri Peel, who owns the iconic Bigleys store downtown, to help print 1,000: the shirts read, Bobcaygeon, United We Are Strong, Three Islands, One Heart. Peel says theyve sold 700, and one family ran inside when they were delivered and came out to pose for a photo. More are being printed, and the goal is $25,000 for the relief fund, which will be aimed at supporting front-line health workers.

Shaw posted on Facebook for iPads; he got 10 of them to Pinecrest so residents could see their families, and another four or five to Case Manor, the other main care home in town. A group scrounged up unused PPE across the region, and Shaw helped deliver it to the Lindsay hospital, the local doctors office, and Pinecrest. He heard from a cottage couple, Jerry and Mary Lennox of Whitby: they pledged $5,000 for the relief fund, and then another $5,000.

Local farms are delivering fresh vegetables and eggs and meat. Tim Hortons sends food and coffee and tea to Pinecrest twice a day. The local cable company, Cable Cable, upgraded Pinecrests internet. There have been so many volunteers.

The town did a drive-by of Pinecrest, with emergency vehicles and regular folks, and another couple smaller parades, to show support.

Al Ingram, who was the school board treasurer and another super-volunteer in almost every place, lives just down the road. He thinks a lot about Pinecrest.

Its amazing to me every time I drive by, theres got to be 12 or 14 cars in the parking lot, says Ingram. Im just amazed at the size of the workforce that keeps showing up there.

Normally when you lose this many people in a small community, its a physical incident: a car accident, a fire, says Bick, who lives on the family farm with his wife Jan. And then everybody can gather around and comfort the families. This way, people are feeling quite helpless, because they dont know all the names of the deceased, and which families are being affected, and being confined as we are, we cant go out and comfort those that need to be, and really show the kind of support that were all feeling for the staff and the remaining residents at the nursing home.

Its like youre in a movie, but you have no idea why youre in that movie, or what the ending is going to be like. There have been wonderful acts of kindness. The grocery deliveries, for instance. Ive had people offer to help. Its a small comfort. Its better than nothing.

Pinecrest was well-regarded. People lasted a long time there. Its a part of life: at some age, some people need to be cared for, and they are put away.

They do go above and beyond; its truly a family in there, says one resident who lost a parent to COVID-19. Theyre not just workers; they treat you like family. They hug and kiss you. I would visit my mom, and they would hug me. Pinecrest staff have been known to attend funerals of the residents they lose.

Now there are no funerals; just obituaries posted at Hendren funeral home, and rumours. And underneath the stiff-upper-lip resilience, beneath Bobcaygeons communal strength, something else.

Its a just-under-the-surface fear, says Whalen, the curling club president. People act like things are OK, how are you doing? But its about how vulnerable we are, and, whats about to happen? There is this deep fear.

This is different than, I accept my mortality and Ill prepare for it. This is that fear of, this could come out of the blue and strike down relatively healthy people. There is a fear and theres an anger that comes with it, that its just so unjust.

But it just is what it is. And guilt. God forbid, if it happens to my wife, am I going to look back and say, did I do something? Did I bring it into the house? Could I have prevented it? And I think that is going to happen for those who are left behind: could I have done something? Can you imagine?

People say that has happened here, in Pinecrest. Nobody wants to say it out loud. A pandemic in a small town is tragedies, unfolding in slow motion.

Bobcaygeon is trying. The supportive signs, the soaring relief fund, the spirit: it is undeniable, and it is a part of why people want to live here: it is a community. They will be OK, eventually. There is an acknowledgment among some older residents that at least this wasnt Humboldt: it isnt a community being robbed of young people with their lives untold. As one resident put it, Theres so much gratitude up here. This is not going to break us or kill us; its a sad time. If youre meant to go, youd rather the 90-year-old go than the 6-year-old. Everybody is uplifting someone else.

But it is a theft of whatever is left, of lives almost lived. It is still theft.

The lady who passed the other night, she was my Sunday school teacher, says Ruth McIsaac, a past president of the horticulture club, and someone who has volunteered for so many things that she once played half a camel in the local theatres production of Aladdin. Mrs. (Marguerite) Adams-Miller. I know her sons and daughters, and we went to church together. Its sad. But then maybe its better because she was in a nursing home.

Ruth loses control of her emotions, just for a second. She is 68, and put her own mother in a home, once.

Sorry. Im not trying to be derogatory about the nursing homes, sorry. But its sad that people who have led an active life and lived on their own and were capable of looking after themselves all of a sudden cant. They become helpless.

My father used to say, all my friends are dying. And I think  and Im quite sure it will happen to me, too, they ask, why am I living for? My friends are already gone, I have no purpose here. I still have my family. Your family has always been there, and always will be there. But friends give you that social outlet. We are social people.

I think its a sad way to go, because most of those people are on their own, and their family cant be around them ... they probably dont have that feeling of being loved. They might feel like theyre left alone, but people have gone away from them. Deserted.

The people of Bobcaygeon are trying not to desert one another. The horticulture club will still plant its decorative spring beds around town, but with a couple people instead of 40. The Kinettes will still do the hanging baskets, carefully. The helpers will still help; everybody tells you, the community is stronger right now. People say one day, when this is over, there will be a party, like when the Hip stopped here in 2012, or when they set up a viewing party of Downies final concert of his funereal tour, when Bobcaygeon filled the street with people all together, dancing, singing, loving and together in this little sainted town under the stars.

In Canada, Bobcaygeon was first. It will not be the last. And one day its people will share grief the way they used to, and love the way they used to. One day they will be together again.
A further 917 people have died from coronavirus in the UK in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths in hospitals to 9,875, the Department for Health and Social Care has announced.

The latest deaths include an 11-year-old and a 102-year-old, both in England. The Government has also announced that 19 NHS workers have died so far - although at least five more fatalities have since been reported by hospitals.

Meanwhile Downing Street has said the Prime Minister "continues to make good progress" in his recovery from Covid-19.

Speaking at the daily government press briefing the Home Secretary, Priti Patel, said the message from the Cabinet to the Boris Johnson is "that we want him to get better, and he needs the time and space to rest, recuperate and recover".

At the briefing Prof Stephen Powis, national medical director of NHS England, also warned that there is "no easy course through a global pandemic" and said the current crisis is the worst health emergency we've seen in a century.

Follow the latest updates below.
Ninety-one recovered coronavirus patients have tested positive for the disease again in South Korea, raising questions over health experts' understanding of the pandemic.

The prospect of people becoming infected for a second time is of international concern, as many countries are hoping that infected populations will develop sufficient immunity to prevent a resurgence of the pandemic.

The reports also suggest the virus may remain active in patients for much longer than was previously thought.

The Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) has sent a team to the city of Daegu, the worst-hit area, to investigate why patients there are testing positive again.

Preliminary findings are not expected until next week, but Jeong Eun-kyeong, the KCDC director, raised the possibility the virus may have been "reactivated" in people, rather than the patients being reinfected.

False test results could also be at fault, other experts said, or remnants of the virus could be in patients' systems without posing a risk to them or others.

"There are different interpretations and many variables," said Jung Ki-suck, professor of pulmonary medicine at Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital. "The government needs to come up with responses for each of these."

South Korea was hailed as a success story after its swift implementation of a mass testing regime halted the spread of the virus and led to a far lower fatality rate than the global average.

The country had one of the worst outbreaks outside China in the early stages but has brought the situation under control in the past two months.

Yesterday, it reported 27 new cases, the lowest since daily cases peaked at more than 900 in late February, according to the KCDC. The death toll rose by seven to 211, it said.

Nearly 7,000 South Koreans have been reported as recovered from Covid-19.

Daegu, which accounts for more than half of all South Korea's infections, reported zero new cases for the first time since late February.

Reports of recovered patients testing positive once more for the virus has sparked fears of a fresh outbreak.

"We say that a patient has fully recovered when he or she tests negative twice within 24 hours. But the fact some of them tested positive again in a short period means the virus remains longer than we thought," a spokesman told the 'Financial Times'.
Bill walks into a coffee shop.

He has COVID-19 but does not know it. Bill sneezes on Anne, who walks past with her takeout coffee. If you were to test Anne for the virus the next day, or even a few days later, she would most likely test negative, even though she later developed symptoms and would most likely then test positive.

This is why health and government leaders are encouraging people to self-isolate as much as possible. You could have the virus and not know it.

And as Ontario, which has struggled to increase its testing capacity, finally does ramp it up in the coming weeks, the hypothetical story of Bill and Anne is a warning: a negative is not necessarily a negative.

If a person is incubating COVID-19, but does not yet have symptoms, they will likely have a negative molecular test for COVID-19, said Dr. Vanessa Allen, chief microbiologist at the Toronto lab. That negative result might give false reassurance if they were tested.

Thats why testing when a person has clear symptoms is more likely to determine if a person does or does not have the virus. As of Friday, the ministry of health reported that 92,673 people in Ontario had been tested for COVID-19, and 6,768 were positive for the virus.

While testing instructions are changing continually, the current provincial guidance is to test people with obvious symptoms  particularly if they are health-care workers or first responders  or people with no symptoms who are transferred from a hospital to a nursing or retirement home. In the latter case, the resident who is transferred would be isolated for 14 days and watched to see if any symptoms develop.

Ontarios COVID-19 tests are done by Public Health Ontario, and a growing group of private and hospital laboratories.

The Star recently did a virtual tour of two floors of the provincial lab in Toronto (one of six provincial labs that conduct these tests), as new equipment arrived and capacity to test was raised in Ontario to 13,000 samples a day. Controversy in the provincial COVID-19 testing world continues as despite recent increased capacity, the number of daily swabs taken has dropped, though Premier Doug Ford said Saturday that situation will improve.

At the main provincial lab, technologists who perform the tests using high-tech machinery run the test in batches (usually 96 samples at a time) and upload the results to the Ontario Lab Information System. Positive results are telephoned out immediately to both the clinician who ordered the test and to the public health agency in the jurisdiction where the person lives.

The Star has found that one of the quirks of Ontarios testing regimes is that people typically receive a negative result much later than they would receive a positive result because more resources are devoted to making sure the patient and public health knows of positive results.

A virus, unlike bacteria, needs human, animal or plant cells to thrive. When the outbreak began, the practice was to take two swabs from each potential case, one from the back of the throat and one from the nose. PHOs Allen explains that the practice has changed to only taking a nose swab, which doubles the number of people who can be tested.

The machines that do the molecular testing for the virus are the size of a minivan. They take up a lot of space in a lab. Among the machines PHO has are two made by manufacturer Roche: one can run 4,000 tests a day, another can run 1,400 a day. The latter was just added last week.

Samples taken from the noses of Ontario residents are transported to labs in special containers that stabilize the material, even if it has to travel hundreds of kilometres from a testing site.

You take the sample and you take out the genetic material. That process is called extraction,  says Allen. When she says sample, Allen is referring to what is on the nose swab. Part of the process involves stripping out contaminants so that the genetic marker of COVID-19  if it is there  can be isolated.

(A previous tour of the lab in February is described by the Stars Kate Allen, who breaks down the intricacies of the testing process.)

In addition to public health and hospital labs, big private labs including Dynacare and LifeLabs have been contracted by Ontario to run tests.

Redundancy is a buzzword that came up in the Stars tour. The reagents  chemicals used to extract the genetic markers of COVID-19  are prepared and packaged exclusively for one type of machine made by one manufacturer. Allen, who helps co-ordinate the response by all labs in the province, said one strategy Ontario is employing is to make sure they have several different machines.

If they were, for example, to run out of Roche reagents, the Roche machines would sit idle. But other machines, such as one made by Abbott, could continue to test with their reagents.

To have a different method to do it. We are now buying different machines that have a different supply chain for the reagents. We have three different extraction machines right now, said Allen.

The type of molecular testing being done to determine if a sample is COVID-19 is a very unique and expert skill, says Allen. Its not a common expertise. A lot of microbiology technologists dont have expertise in molecular microbiology. You cant just say bring us all the technologists and they will be able to do it.

Until the last two weeks, the provincial lab in Toronto was running two shifts. Now it has added a third shift and can test 24 hours a day. The Toronto lab, which used to be in an industrial area, now occupies the top four floors of the MaRS Centre in downtown Toronto.

Allen said because the nature of the testing work requires technologists to work in close quarters, a screening protocol is used at the main entrance of the lab. Any workers with symptoms or who believe they may have been in contact with a person with symptoms is not allowed into work. The lab is also practising social distancing, and food is provided so technologists do not have to leave the building during a shift.

Like any other essential worker they are working in a tough environment and we are doing what we can to support them, Allen said.
A chief constable has condemned a man who savagely bit a policewoman on her arm as "the lowest of the low".

The 21-year-old Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer was responding with colleagues to reports of a street disturbance in Rochdale during the coronavirus lockdown.

At the scene, a man lashed out at officers as they tried to explain why he should not be visiting other people's homes.

He punched two officers, including the police constable, who he then bit.

A bite mark left on the arm of a 21-year-old Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer who was attacked as she responded with colleagues to reports of a street disturbance in Rochdale / PA

The officer had to attend hospital following the incident in Drake Street on Thursday at about 6.40pm and was later discharged.

Days earlier she had been delivering Easter eggs to children while out on patrol, said GMP.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins later tweeted: "Words fail me when it comes to some people's behaviour. This is shocking at the best of times, but during a Coronavirus Pandemic this is just the lowest of the low. I trust the CPS & Court will now do what we all expect of them!"

Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures 1 /81 Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures A deserted Westminster Bridge PA A man wearing a face mask or covering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, walks past customers sat outside a restaurant AFP via Getty Images Boris Johnson addresses the nation on the Coronavirus lockdown Andrew Parsons Runners pass cardboard cutouts of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William during the London Marathon in London AP An empty escalator at Charing Coss London Underground tube station Jeremy Selwyn Electronic bilboards displays a message warning people to stay home in Sheffield PA A sign is displayed in the window of a student accommodation building following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Mancheste Reuters People take part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions, in Londo AP People sing and dance in Leicester Square on the eve on the 10PM curfew Reuters Hearts painted by a team of artists from Upfest are seen in the grass at Queen Square, following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Bristol Reuters Graffiti reads 'good luck and stay safe', as the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases grow around the world, under a bridge in London Reuters A sign is pictured in Soho, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London Reuters Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures, during a coronavirus briefing in Downing Street, London AP A person runs past posters with a message of hope, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Manchester REUTERS Riot police face protesters who took part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions in London AP An image of The Queen eith quotes from her broadcast to the UK and the Commonwealth in relation to the Coronavirus epidemic are displayed on lights in London's Piccadilly Circus PA Military vehicles cross Westminster Bridge after members of the 101 Logistic Brigade delivered a consignment of medical masks to St Thomas' hospital Getty Images Durdle Door in Dorset Reuters Captain Tom Moore via 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 Coronavirus outbreak PA An NHS worker reacts at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital during the Clap for our Carers campaign in support of the NHS Reuters Goats which have taken over the deserted streets of Llandudno @AndrewStuart via PA Tobias Weller PA Novikov restaurant in London with its shutters pulled down while the restaurant is closed London Landscapes: Hyde Park and the Serpentine, central London. Matt Writtle A newspaper vendor in Manchester city centre giving away free toilet rolls with every paper bought as shops run low on supplies due to fears over the spread of the coronavirus PA Theo Clay looks out of his window next to his hand-drawn picture of a rainbow in Liverpool, as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continue Reuters A young man cuts another man's hair on top of a closed hairdresser in Oxford Reuters General view of the new NHS Nightingale Hospital, built to fight against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London via Reuters Jason Baird is seen dressed as Spiderman during his daily exercise to cheer up local children in Stockport, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues Reuters A woman wearing a face mask walks past Buckingham Palace Getty Images A man holds mobile phone displaying a text message alert sent by the government warning that new rules are in force across the UK and people must stay at home PA Medical staff on the Covid-19 ward at the Neath Port Talbot Hospital, in Wales, as the health services continue their response to the coronavirus outbreak. PA Prime Minister Boris Johnson taking part in a virtual Cabinet meeting with his top team of ministers PA A shopper walks past empty shelves in a Lidl store on in Wallington. After spates of "panic buying" cleared supermarket shelves of items like toilet paper and cleaning products, stores across the UK have introduced limits on purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have also created special time slots for the elderly and other shoppers vulnerable to the new coronavirus. Getty Images People on a busy tube train in London at rush hour PA Mia, aged 8 and her brother Jack, aged 5 from Essex, continue their school work at home, after being sent home due to the coronavirus PA Children are painting 'Chase the rainbows' artwork and springing up in windows across the country Reuters Social distancing in Primrose Hill Jeremy Selwyn A general view of a locked gate at Anfield, Liverpool as The Premier League has been suspended PA Homeless people in London AFP via Getty Images A piece of art by the artist, known as the Rebel Bear has appeared on a wall on Bank Street in Glasgow. The new addition to Glasgow's street art is capturing the global Coronavirus crisis. The piece features a woman and a man pulling back to give each other a kiss PA The Queen leaves Buckingham Palace, London, for Windsor Castle to socially distance herself amid the coronavirus pandemic PA A general view on Grey street, Newcastle as coronavirus cases grow around the world Reuters 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 Britain's Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty (L) and Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance look on as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures as he speaks during a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) news conference inside 10 Downing Street Reuters The ticket-validation terminals at the tram stop on Edinburgh's Princes Street are cleaned following the coronavirus outbreak. PA Locked school gates at Rockcliffe First School in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear PA A sign at a Sainsbury's supermarket informs customers that limits have been set on a small number of products as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grow around the world Reuters Jawad Javed delivers coronavirus protection kits that he and his wife have put together to the vulnerable people of their community of Stenhousemuir, between Glasgow and Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images A sign advertising a book titled "How Will We Survive On Earth?" Getty Images A man who appears to be homeless sleeping wearing a mask today in Victoria Jeremy Selwyn A pedestrian walks past graffiti that reads "Diseases are in the City" in Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images Staff from The Lyric Theatre, London inform patrons, as it shuts its doors PA A quiet looking George IV Bridge in Edinburgh PA A quieter than usual British Museum Getty Images A racegoer attends Cheltenham in a fashionable face mask SplashNews.com A commuter wears a face mask at London Bridge Station Jeremy Selwyn A empty restaurant in the Bull Ring Shopping Centre Getty Images A deserted Trafalgar Square in London PA Passengers determined to avoid the coronavirus before leaving the UK arrive at Gatwick Airport Getty Images

The message was retweeted by Home Secretary Priti Patel.

A 29-year-old man was arrested and is being questioned in custody on suspicion of criminal damage, domestic violence assault, section 18 assault with intent to resist arrest and regulation 8 of the Health Protection Regulation 2020 (Coronavirus).

Superintendent Richard Hunt said: "It is absolutely disgusting that my officer was faced with this last night and all of our thoughts are with her as she rests at home.

"This is a particularly challenging time for everybody at the moment, made worse by something so mindless like this.

"Having spoken to the officer earlier this morning, she said that last night's incident was a stark contrast to the support she has felt over the past few days while she has been delivering Easter eggs to local children whilst out on patrol.
There will be no Jello eggs on the Easter brunch table this year. No multicolored confetti from broken cascarones sprinkled across the lawn, a reminder for weeks to come of the egg hunt  the highlight of our annual Easter Sunday gathering, which wont take place this year.

My daughter wont be sitting in our living room, digging through the Easter basket I still assemble for her, even though shes now a 24-year-old woman with a successful engineering career.

Instead, the Easter bunny is delivering a COVID-19 Easter box to her and her fiance in Austin via the U.S. Postal Service.

It is filled with confetti eggs, homemade cookies, a jigsaw puzzle, a toy for their golden retriever, Clorox wipes, hand-sewn cloth face masks and a box of disposable sterile gloves.

The coronavirus has hijacked the social calendar for many of us this spring. For my family, it means the cancellation of the Easter Sunday brunch for friends and family weve hosted every year since my daughter was a toddler.

While thats sad, its not the biggest disappointment our family is facing. It looks more and more likely that my daughters June wedding also will become a victim of the pandemic.

The invitations, addressed and stamped weeks ago, went out in mid-March, just as the coronavirus concerns were becoming alarming. As the envelopes were headed to the post office, the wedding venue reached out with a list of available dates through the rest of the calendar year in case they wanted to reschedule.

My daughter thought it was too early to make that call, although she agonized over it. The wedding date had been chosen with great care, taking into consideration the schedules of bridesmaids enrolled in school or who teach. Save-the-date cards were sent in early January to give guests plenty of notice to schedule time off to attend. Honeymoon plans were finalized.

Last week, the couple posted this message on their wedding website: The coronavirus has caused a lot of people bigger problems and greater suffering than a postponed wedding. We consider ourselves fortunate in that regard. But we think it also makes a joyful event like a wedding that much sweeter and more precious in difficult times. So were keeping our fingers crossed. Please cross yours as well.

As the shelter-at-home rules have become stricter, weve twice rescheduled and finally canceled plans to have lunch with the judge who will marry my daughter and her fiance. A shower for the bride and groom in the Rio Grande Valley, where most of my family lives, also was canceled.

My favorite Aggies have been together for more than six years. They met during Fish Camp, at one of the summer orientation sessions for freshmen held by Texas A&M University in College Station.

I have no doubt that meeting with the judge will eventually happen and that my family will throw that shower. I am confident we will have a wedding. That my daughter will get to wear the beautiful gown hanging in her closet and marry the man we already consider our son.

Its only a matter of when.

There is nothing like a pandemic to put things in perspective. Six months ago we were worrying about catering details, dress fittings and centerpieces. The biggest unknown on horizon was the wedding day weather.

None of that matters at the moment. We just need everyone to remain healthy until we can gather once again.

gpadilla@express-news.net
And then came the coronavirus outbreak.

Stringent instructions were issued, along with dire warnings meant to protect older people, who are most vulnerable to the virus. Elderly persons must absolutely avoid leaving home or receiving guests, the Health Ministry admonished. Minister of Defense Naftali Bennet declared: The most important rule is to protect grandfather and grandmother. Find creative ways of hugging and loving them, from a distance! A public-service announcement on the military radio station said: Save Grandpa and Grandma. Dont go to visit them.

My family was divided. Most of us thought that Dad and his live-in partner should be totally isolated in their home. This led to a series of discussions, sometimes arguments, within the family. All of us had only Dads well-being in mind, but there were disagreements over the right way to ensure it.

The first people who had to stop coming to Dads house were the trainers and therapists, the ones whose daily contact with him had kept him alert and active. Attempts to continue his sessions over video chats didnt work.

Then most of us thought we, too, should stop visiting him. The health authorities were already predicting that within days, hundreds of Israelis would be on respirators, most of them old people, and their number would soon be in the thousands, with only 1,500 such machines available. (Those predictions proved wrong.) One family member made a grim prediction about what would happen if Dad were infected with the virus: It is reasonable to assume that he would have very low priority when they have to decide who to respirate and who dies.

After three weeks, I persuaded the family to allow me a visit. I immediately saw that something was seriously wrong. Dad was drifting away, disconnecting from his surroundings. Should we call a doctor? Just letting a doctor in risked infection, and there was going to be a shortage of respirators. We called one anyway.

The doctor advised us to go immediately to the emergency room. My sisters, Dads partner and I had more arguments, with some saying that hospitals were the worst place to be. We called another doctor, who said the hospital seemed too dangerous. A third doctor told us to call her again in a couple of days.

Over the next few hours I watched Dad slipping away from us. That morning he had responded to questions in a weak voice, but at around 4 p.m. he was hardly opening his eyes, and at 6 not at all. He had become totally detached. His temperature was going up. I felt I was being ripped apart. What do I know? What do I understand about medicine? Perhaps his decline was only temporary, maybe he was having a bad day, as hed had in the past. Or was it a worsening of his Alzheimers or a spread of the cancer? Under any other circumstances, we would have taken him to the E.R. immediately. But if he contracted the coronavirus at the hospital and died as a result, would I be able to look his partner and my sisters in the eye?
CHICAGO  The U.S. death toll from the coronavirus eclipsed Italys for the highest in the world Saturday, surpassing 20,000, as Chicago and other cities across the Midwest braced for a potential surge in victims and moved to snuff out smoldering hot spots of contagion before they erupt.

With the New York area still deep in crisis, fear mounted over the spread of the scourge into the nations heartland.

Twenty-four residents of an Indiana nursing home hit by COVID-19 have died, while a nursing home in Iowa saw 14 deaths. Chicagos Cook County has set up a temporary morgue that can take more than 2,000 bodies. And Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been going around telling groups of people to break it up.

In Europe, countries used roadblocks, drones, helicopters, mounted patrols and the threat of fines to keep people from traveling over Easter weekend. With infections and deaths slowing in Italy, Spain and other places on the Continent, governments took tentative steps toward loosening the weeks-long shutdowns.

Glorious weather across Europe posed an extra test of peoples discipline.

Dont do silly things, said Domenico Arcuri, Italys special commissioner for the virus emergency. Dont go out, continue to behave responsibly as you have done until today, use your head and your sense of responsibility.

The outbreaks center of gravity has long since shifted from China to Europe and the United State s, which now has by far the largest number of confirmed cases  over a half-million  and a death toll higher than Italys count of nearly 19,500, according to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.

The death rate  the number of dead relative to the population  is still far higher in Italy than in the United States, which has more than five times as many people. And worldwide, the true numbers of dead and infected are believed to be much higher because of testing shortages, different counting practices and concealment by some governments.

About half the deaths in the U.S. are in the New York metropolitan area, where hospitalizations are nevertheless slowing and other indicators suggest lockdowns and social distancing are flattening the curve of infections and staving off the doomsday scenarios of just a week or two ago.

New York state on Saturday reported 783 more deaths, for a total of over 8,600. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the daily number of deaths is stabilizing, but stabilizing at a horrific rate.

What do we do now? We stay the course, said Cuomo, who like other leaders has warned that relaxing restrictions too soon could enable the virus to come back with a vengeance.

With authorities warning that the crisis in New York is far from over, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the citys 1.1 million-student school system will remain closed for the rest of the academic year. But Cuomo said the decision is up to him, and no such determination has been made.

In the Midwest, pockets of contagion have alarmed state and city leaders and led to stricter enforcement.

Nearly 300 inmates at the Cook County Jail have tested positive for the virus, and two have died. In Wisconsin, health officials expect to see an increase in cases after thousands of people went to the polls Tuesday for the states presidential primary.

Michigans governor extended a stay-at-home order with new provisions: People with multiple homes may no longer travel between them.

In Kansas, the state Supreme Court heard arguments in a dispute Saturday between Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and Republican lawmakers who overturned her executive order banning religious services and funerals with more than 10 people. New Mexicos governor expaned a ban on mass gatherings to include churches and other houses of worship.

An AP tally from media reports and state health departments indicates at least 2,500 deaths have been linked to coronavirus in nursing homes and long-term care facilities across the United States, though the federal government has not been releasing a count of its own.

The Internal Revenue Service said the first economic support payments from a $2.2 trillion rescue package have been deposited in taxpayers bank accounts, but it didnt say how many people received them or how much money has been disbursed so far.

Elsewhere around the world, Italian authorities set up roadblocks around Milan to discourage people from going on Easter weekend trips. British police kept a close watch on gatherings in parks and at the seaside on one of the hottest days of the year. And France deployed some 160,000 police, including officers on horseback who patrolled beaches and parks.

With religious leaders around the globe urging people to observe Easter safely at home, the archbishop of Turin, Italy, allowed a video streaming display of the Shroud of Turin, believed by the faithful to be the burial cloth of Jesus, so that they can pray in front of it during the epidemic.

Pope Francis celebrated an Easter vigil Mass in an empty St. Peters Basilica, where the footsteps of the pontiff and his small entourage on the marble floor could be heard clearly as they walked in slow procession toward the altar. Francis likened coronavirus fears to anxiety felt by Jesus followers after his crucifixion.

For them, as for us, it was the darkest hour, he said, encouraging people to sow seeds of hope, with small gestures of care.

Austria aims to reopen small shops on Tuesday. Spain, with more than 16,600 dead, plans to allow workers in some nonessential industries to return to factories and construction sites Monday. Spanish authorities said they will distribute 10 million face masks at major train and subway stations.

Italy continued to include all nonessential manufacturing in an extension of its national lockdown until May 3. But Premier Giuseppe Conte held out hope that some industry could re-open earlier if conditions permit.

Arcuri said that the exit from the lockdown will include increased virus testing, the deployment of a voluntary contact-tracing app and mandatory blood tests as Italy seeks to set up a system of immunity passports.

India extended its lockdown of the nation of 1.3 billion people by two more weeks. But Iran, the site of the worst outbreak in the Middle East, reopened government offices and businesses outside Tehran.

In Indonesia, inmates set fire to a prison on Sulawesi island during a riot, apparently angry over restrictions imposed to contain the coronavirus. There were no reports of riot-related deaths.

Britain on Saturday reported 917 more deaths from the coronavirus, down from the peak of 980 recorded a day earlier. The countrys overall death toll neared 10,000. At the same time, data suggest that the number of hospital admissions in Britain is leveling off.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the first major world leader confirmed to have COVID-19, continued to recover at a London hospital, where he was able to take short walks, according to his office.

Worldwide, confirmed infections rose to about 1.8 million, with over 108,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins. More than 400,000 people have recovered.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. But for others, especially older people and those with health problems, it can cause severe symptoms like pneumonia.

___

Forliti reported from St. Paul, Minnesota. Moulson reported from Berlin. Associated Press journalists around the world contributed to this report.

___

Follow AP news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.
Cork County Council has revealed it fielded almost 500 calls from the public to its COVID-19 Community Response helpline during its first week in operation.

The helpline on 1800 805 819, swung into operation last Monday week under the auspices of the local authority's Support Programme, an initiative aimed at creating a multi-agency approach to the delivery of vital services to people in need across the county.

A council spokesperson said the latest available figures showed that since it opened for business the helpline had received a total of 493 calls from members of the public up to last Sunday.

"Requests for help included for the delivery of medications, groceries and other daily non-medical and non-emergency needs," said the spokesperson.

They pointed out the free and confidential helpline operates from 8am to 8pm daily, with help also available by text on 085 870 9010 or by email at covidsupport@corkcoco.ie.

In an additional service people living outside of Ireland are also able to make contact with the council on 021 425 5517 if they are concerned about, or are seeking assistance for, an elderly or vulnerable relative or friend.

The spokesperson said that as of last Monday the council has made a fleet of more than 200 vehicles and drivers available to respond to requests from vulnerable people for the delivery of medicines, food and other essential items directly to their homes.

"Calls to the helpline are dispatched to one of our 19 community support hubs across north, west and south Cork. Each request is assigned to drivers with local knowledge who make direct contact with the caller to agree the appropriate arrangements."

One service that has proven to be particularly popular is the council's 'doorstep delivery' initiative co-ordinated by the council's library service.

From Kilworth to Kilcrohane and all points in between the members of the service have been busy making deliveries to people in isolation, with more than 200 boxes of books already delivered to doorsteps during its first week in operation.

"Having built up relationships with borrowers over the years, our staff have a genuine understanding of their reading tastes, likes and dislikes. Staff put this knowledge to good use making contact with regular and now housebound borrowers to compile a list of those interested in a delivery of books to their homes," said the spokesperson.

One delighted housebound library member spoke about the difference the deliver service was making to their life.

"Santa Claus just arrived and out-did my highest, most optimistic hopes of the enclosed gifts. The choices are fantastic and I am over the moon," they beamed.

"After 14-days of isolation, now to be followed by undefined 'cocooning' time, things are getting a little stressful but this is so amazing. I cannot thank the council enough."

Cork County Council chief executive Tim Lucey said this was just one example of the way the authority is responding to the COVID-19 crisis.

" I would like to appeal to anyone who needs us at this unprecedented time to contact our helpline, we are here to support you and have a network of agencies and volunteer groups in your area ready to assist," said Mr Lucey.
India Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures as he speaks on stage during his victory speech at the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) headquarters after winning India's general election, in New Delhi on May 23, 2019.

In South Asia's latest moves to curb the coronavirus pandemic, Bangladesh has extended its nationwide lockdown by 11 days while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks on Saturday with states to decide whether to extend its own stringent restrictions beyond next week.

In Bangladesh, where the army has been deployed across the country to enforce social distancing measures, the government late on Friday extended the nationwide lockdown to April 25 as the number of confirmed cases rose to 424, with 27 deaths.

Meanwhile India's 21-day lockdown ends on Tuesday and several states have urged PM Modi to extend it further, even as concerns have risen that the shutdown has put millions of poor people out of work and forced an exodus of migrant workers from cities to villages.

In signs of growing concern, 81 migrant workers were arrested in India's western city of Surat after they started fires and threw stones in protests late on Friday evening, demanding to be allowed to go back to their home areas, police said.

"The workers are without work because of the lockdown, and are struggling to sustain themselves," one police official said.

Indian officials have warned that widespread virus transmissions could be disastrous in a country where millions live in slums and the health system is already overburdened.

The number of cases in India rose to 7,471 on Saturday, with capital city New Delhi and financial hub Mumbai fast emerging as hotspots.

At least two Indian states - Odisha in the east and Punjab in the north - have decided to extend the lockdown until April end.

Officials government figures on the spread of the coronavirus in South Asia are as follows:
The amount lost due to coronavirus-related consumer fraud during the first nine days of April. The Federal Trade Commission reported that only $4.8 million was lost during the first three months of the year. ( Business Insider  April 10, 2020)
(Natural News) Both the FDA and the FTC are on the warpath, issuing strong warning letters to several companies they say are promoting silver products as treatments or cures for coronavirus (covid-19).

In just the last two days, both InfoWars (Free Speech Systems, LLC) and Genesis II Church of Health and Healing have been hit with strong warning letters that demand they stop making coronavirus treatment claims for their products. In the case of InfoWars, the products are silver-based consumer health products such as toothpaste and mouthwash. For Genesis II Church of Health, the product is MMS (chlorine dioxide).

In both cases, the FDA has teamed up with the FTC to issue these letters, underscoring the intensity of their effort to try to halt the sales of products that dont enrich Big Pharma.

Heres the FDA link for the letter to InfoWars.

And heres the FDA link for the letter to Genesis II Church of Health and Healing.

FDA threatens to SEIZE InfoWars products

The FDA letter to Alex Jones / Free Speech Systems shows that the FDA has been monitoring InfoWars broadcast videos, looking for speech that could be categorized as a violation of FDA regulations. For example, they cite a video from March 10th where the FDA claims Alex states the following (which clearly they have edited, possibly out of context):

Im not going to belabor this, Im just gonna tell ya, that for just your daily life, and your gums and your teeth and for regular viruses and bacteria, the patented Nano Silver we have, the Pentagon has come out and documented, and homeland security have said this stuff kills the whole SARS corona family, at point blank range. Well of course it does, it kills every virus. But they found that, this is 13 years ago, and the Pentagon uses the product we have. And the product we have in private label is about to be in Walmart . . . the Nano Silver toothpaste in the Superblue with the tea tree and the iodine, thats the Superblues amazing, and we have the whitening toothpaste that has the Nano Silver and a lot more as well . . .they are at infowarsstore.com

The FDA further warns that it may seize InfoWars products or seek court injunctions against Alex Jones continuing to sell those products.

As Alex Jones points out in this Banned.video video, many other popular retailers sell the exact same products. The difference, though, is that Alex accompanies the sales of such products with language about the coronavirus that the FDA sees as making fraudulent claims. As I mentioned earlier, its not illegal to sell silver products, as long as no treatment or cure claims accompany the marketing of those products.

In the past, weve seen the FTC engage in even more draconian measures than what the FDA is now threatening, including seizing all customer databases, seizing office computers, seizing product inventory and even forcing companies to refund all the customers who ever bought the products in question.

Not illegal to sell silver, but FDA claims no retailer can accurately describe silvers benefits

These regulatory threats are raising questions of why the FDA and FTC claim the right to suppress truthful free speech when no law passed by Congress has granted the FDA or the FTC power to supersede the First Amendment. If speech about nutritional supplements is truthful, why is it illegal under FDA rules which are self-written and subject to no oversight by Congress or the voters?

Notably, it is not illegal to sell silver-based products in the United States, as silver is used in popular bandage products and is well recognized as having antibacterial properties when used topically. It is, however, a violation of the FDAs slanted interpretation of rules to sell silver products along with claims that they treat covid-19. When that occurs, the FDA says the seller is making fraudulent health claims or selling unapproved drugs, even when the seller never claimed they were drugs.

Remember: The FDA still claims there is no such thing as a vitamin, mineral, food or nutrient that can prevent or cure any disease. Thats absurd when we all know, for example, that scurvy is a disease of vitamin C deficiency and can be cured with vitamin C. Similarly, a disease known as rickets is caused by a vitamin D deficiency and can be cured with vitamin D. Yet such claims are never allowed to be made by those who are marketing such nutritional solutions alongside those truthful claims.

As we have repeatedly pointed out in our own articles, nothing has yet been clinically tested to treat, prevent or cure Wuhan coronavirus infections or covid-19. No drugs, no vaccines, no herbs, no molecules, no substances, etc. There are many promising candidates for such treatments, including hydroxychloroquine, zinc and various vitamins, which is why weve called for urgent studies and clinical trials to be conducted so that we can all find out what works. But so far, nothing has been proven to work.

Yet to this day, virtually the entire medical industry and pharma-funded corporate media routinely claim a coronavirus vaccine will be a cure, even when no such vaccine even exists. No clinical trials have been conducted whatsoever, yet the entire establishment repeatedly claims a coronavirus will be safe and effective despite the lack of a single shred of evidence to support such claims.

CNN, which is largely funded by Big Pharma and therefore has direct financial ties to the vaccine industry, hasnt receive a warning letter from the FDA or FTC to stop making unproven marketing claims about a future coronavirus vaccine. Nor has MCNBC or, for that matter, Dr. Fauci himself. Why isnt Bill Gates receiving warning letters for making false claims about vaccines that stand to generate a windfall of profits for his various companies and organizations? The answer is that no vaccine exists yet and therefore vaccine propagandists are allowed to make whatever unscientific, unproven claims they wish, without any limits. They are pre-selling the coronavirus vaccine with lies and fraudulent claims, yet the FDA is silent. (In truth, the vaccine might actually be more deadly than the coronavirus itself. All attempts at making a SARS vaccine, for example, were a disaster that resulted in mass fatalities of the animal test subjects.)

The truth is, both the FDA and FTC have no limits on the wild, quack science claims that are routinely made about vaccines, even when such vaccine efforts rake in billions of dollars in grant money and retail profits. Vaccines are never subjected to the same regulatory scrutiny as vitamin C, even though vitamin C is a safe, natural substance while vaccines are artificial concoctions laced with neurotoxins such as MSG, formaldehyde, aluminum and even mercury in certain cases.

When it comes to scientific evidence supporting nutritional supplements, there will never be large-scale clinical trials of vitamins, minerals or natural substances such as silver, since those products dont enrich the Big Pharma drug cartels that essentially control the FDA. The FDA is not a neutral party in all this; they represent the financial interests of the pharmaceutical industry, and they deliberately set very high financial barriers for clinical trials that prohibit smaller companies from being able to fund them.

The far bigger fraud is Big Pharma and the vaccine industry

Whats my take on all this? I think its wrong for anyone to state that their products can treat or cure covid-19, given that no such research has been conducted or concluded. At the same time, both the FDA and FTC allow drug makers and vaccine makers to make outrageously false and misleading claims for their own products that are based on cherry-picked, rigged science thats funded and shaped by the drug companies themselves.

For the FDA and FTC to accuse anyone else of engaging in fraudulent practices, they first need to examine the Big Pharma frauds that are far more dangerous to society (and that literally kill 100,000+ Americans each year).

If the FDA really wanted to protect the public from dangerous products, it would ban statin drugs or halt the use of dangerous levels of aluminum and mercury in vaccines (especially those given to children). Instead, the priorities of the agency focus on harassing far smaller companies that are selling safe, natural substances that have a long track record of efficacious use.

Can silver products treat or prevent covid-19? We dont know for certain whether that answer is yes or no, since the clinical trials havent been done, but we do know that silver products are incredibly safe when used as directed, and that there isnt a single known case of a person dying from using silver supplements as directed. That cant be said about blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs (which cause liver damage) or even over-the-counter acetaminophen (branded as Tylenol, which can cause permanent liver damage in certain circumstances).

The real problem with fraudulent marketing claims in this country is found in how Big Pharma bankrolls the mainstream media with false and misleading drug ads. And you can bet neither the FDA or the FTC will ever open an investigation into that massive fraud.

Thats why Trump should issue an executive order banning drug ads to the public. Its time to stop Big Pharma from buying able to buy off the media and bankroll Big Tech with drug ads.

In fact, the only reason America is locked down under a quarantine order is because Big Pharma controls the narrative and tells Big Tech to censor anyone talking about nutrition and natural supplements that may, in fact, help halt the spread of this devastating infection. Nutritional deficiencies make people more susceptible to respiratory infections, yet no one is allowed to talk about nutrition vs. the coronavirus without being banned by YouTube, Vimeo, Twitter, Facebook and Google.

And thats because Big Tech has become a Big Pharma gatekeeper that controls all speech, limiting the voices that might impair Big Pharmas profiteering and indoctrination efforts.

It looks like Alex Jones is pulling his silver products off the market at this time while his legal team responds to the FDA and FTC. And thats a shame, because it impairs the ability of the public to acquire substances which may, indeed, have a very practical and very real use in helping America protect public health and get our economy moving again.

Disclaimer: I have previously appeared as a science guest and fill-in host of the InfoWars broadcast. I have no financial ties to InfoWars and have never been paid a single dollar by InfoWars or Alex Jones, and I have no financial ties to the InfoWars Store that sells products. I have used my appearance on the Alex Jones Show to try to educate his audience to wear masks, take care of their health, honor the temporary lockdown orders and use science-backed nutrition to help halt the spread of infectious disease. I strongly disagree with many other guests on the Alex Jones Show who are now insisting that, in their view, the coronavirus is a hoax and that all the deaths are being faked. I have publicly denounced once such guest, David Icke, who claims there is no virus that causes covid-19. Nevertheless, I support their right to speak and strongly oppose censorship and regulatory harassment of the independent media.


A team of doctors at a medical



college hospital near here scripted history on Saturday by successfully performing a c-section surgery on a pregnant woman, battling coronavirus infection, and delivered her new born.

The woman, a native of Kasaragod, was found to be coronavirus positive and admitted to the Pariyaram medical college hospital, where she was undergoing treatment at the isolation ward.

The doctors performed the operation by wearing personal protection equipment (PPEs) and delivered the child.

Samples of the baby have been sent for testing.

After the operation, the college Principal Dr N Roy told reporters that both the mother and the child were doing well.

"We took all precautions while the baby was delivered through C-section surgery. This is the first time a Covid-19 patient has delivered a baby in Kerala and third in India. Both are stable," he said.

Though the woman had turned negative, she will be kept under isolation.

"The baby will be kept away from the mother for a few days, after which she can start breastfeeding," he said.

A total of 364 coronavirus cases have so far been confirmed in Kerala and presently, 238 patients are under treatment in various hospitals.

Kasaragod has reported 130 positive cases, whereas Kannur has 38.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The combined shock of collapsing oil prices and the coronavirus pandemic is forcing the Arab Gulf monarchies to rethink their policies toward the majority of the region's private-sector workers: expatriates.

The deepest peacetime recession since the 1930s is claiming millions of jobs worldwide, but in the $1.6 trillion Gulf economy job loss typically compromises everything from immigration status to the ability to open a bank account, rent an apartment or get a phone line, all of which often require employer permission. Comprising some 30 million people, virtually all foreign workers have no clear route to attain permanent residency or citizenship.

Mass layoffs pose "a huge risk," said Karen Young, a resident scholar covering the Middle East at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington. In countries like the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, "the entire domestic, service-sector economy depends on expatriates' consumption: spending money, going to restaurants, retail."

Gulf economies have leveraged their oil wealth to swell their populations with foreign workers and build vibrant consumer societies. The region's economic makeover has catapulted Saudi Arabia -- alongside Germany, a country more than twice as populous -- into the world's second-biggest destination for migrants. The U.A.E., with a local population of around 1 million, last year hosted more migrants than France or Canada, according to United Nations estimates.

The appeal for foreigners was obvious. Generous wages and little or no taxes could turn a stint in the Middle East into a profitable venture for fresh arrivals at all payscales. For many, the prospects are fading though, as government budgets are ravaged and most shops close, travel is suspended and construction put on hold.

Initial data has not been promising. U.A.E. firms reduced employment in March at the sharpest pace since IHS Markit began tracking operating conditions in the country's non-oil private sector. The International Labor Organization has warned that more than 1 billion workers around the world are at high risk of a pay cut or losing their job because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Even before the latest crisis, Gulf governments had begun making changes to ensure the foreigners their economies increasingly depend on could stay through the bad times as well as the good. The U.A.E., where more than 85% of the population is foreign, took steps toward offering long-term residency. Qatar implemented similar measures.

"How people are treated now in terms of when they exit, or try to renew contracts, or get their end-of-service payment will determine how attractive the labor market is, especially for higher paying jobs, for a long time," Young said.

Gulf states have also started to show willingness to bend rigid immigration standards, if only for the short term. Qatar said foreigners with expiring visas could stay an extra a month. The U.A.E. eased some renewal criteria and pledged support for visitors stuck after borders were closed. It also encouraged employers to opt for unpaid leave and salary cuts instead of layoffs.

But even as countries in the Gulf have rolled out tens of billions of dollars worth of stimulus measures geared toward helping companies and banks survive the slowdown, most initiatives are targeted at business owners rather than workers.

Another priority has been to protect citizens first. As Saudi Arabia moved to avert large-scale layoffs, authorities only pledged to help struggling companies with wages of the kingdom's nationals.

"The governments are not going to make long-term fundamental changes to immigration policy on the fly," said Christopher Payne, chief economist at Peninsula Real Estate in Dubai.

"Businesses will respond differently depending on their circumstances," said Ali Al-Salim, co-founder of Arkan Partners, a consulting company for alternative investments including hedge funds and private equity. "My concern is that SMEs are at the center of the Gulf's economic diversification drive, and they may suffer most."

Workers who face reduced pay will struggle to make ends meet in high-priced locales. Kuwait allowed the tens of thousands of expatriate teachers and their families to leave the country until schools reopen, something that may also take the pressure off the healthcare system.

The situation is particularly precarious for low-income migrant laborers, who could be left destitute without government support. Charities have stepped in to fill the void in Qatar and Kuwait, but job losses will also affect other economies: the Gulf is now a crucial source of remittances for countries from Southeast Asia to North Africa.

The total amount of money sent home by migrant workers could be as high as twice the official number of $70 billion to $75 billion, said George Naufal, co-author of "Expats and the Labor Force: The Story of the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries."

The expat population is "critical, and in some sectors it's existentially important," Naufal said. "The idea that the local population is growing and it's going to take over those available jobs is not really feasible."
A handwashing station in Nigeria

Thank you very much for your love and concerns about EYN, wrote Joel Stephen Billi, president of Ekklesiyar Yanuwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). Thank you for your prayers for us. We also pray for you always.

Our Churches in Lagos and Abuja have been totally shut down. Members are encouraged to pray at home with their family members. Few churches are listening to their pastors sermon onlinenot all members are educated and have access to the Internet. In the northeast, life is still like normal. Some people dont even believe that COVID-19 is real. But we are restraining people from handshaking. Weddings and funerals are still on going in the north. We are witnessing lots of death recently but not of coronavirus. Our weather is so harsh now.

I have asked all pastors who are not yet in total shutdown zones to observe holy communion on Maundy Thursday without feetwashing, to avoid body contact.

From Zakariya Musa, EYN communications staff:

In Nigeria, the federal government has asked people, especially in the most hit states, to stay at home to reduce the spread of the infection. On April 5, the sample I gathered indicated that many places could not conduct church services, while those in rural areas with a far distance from major cities held their normal Sunday worship, while some gathered for brief worship services.

The situation of total lockdown across Nigeria varies from one state to another based on their exposure or vulnerability to the infection. Some states are under total lockdown since two weeks ago, like Lagos. In the urban areas, the shutdown is stricter than in the rural areas. Staying at home also brings another hardship on masses, especially those who cannot afford two square meals a day even in normal times.

Some churches are going online, however we cannot imagine that in many of our congregations in rural areas and up in the mountains. Even few in the urban areas have less access to online worship.

Rev. Adamu Bello, who is the District Church Secretary (DCC) in Lagos, said, No Sunday service, and they are staying indoors. In Jos, the capital of Plateau State, according to the pastor of EYN LCC Jos, they had about 10 to 20 who attended church service as movement is restricted. Some churches were able to conduct church services in some parts of Adamawa State with more emphasis on social distancing and handwashing and sanitizing. We had a church service at EYN LCC Mararaba which started at 7 a.m. and had a wedding solemnized all within two hours. Some activities were cut down and there was not as much singing as usual, with about six groups presenting songs during the worship service. In Kaduna, in north central Nigeria, they have remained indoors for about two weeks but were allowed for hours to come out to buy some food items, not going to church.

As we continue praying for Gods intervention, the leadership of EYN is following some degree of measures to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic by calling on pastors and leaders to encourage members to practice simple hygiene. President Billi has also ordered some of Headquarters staff to stay at home while a few come for some time. The EYN Headquarters was able to share a few hand sanitizers across departments, close communities, and security personnel.

During the week, the EYN officials were able to officiate the burial service of the former EYN Board of Trustees chairman, the late Rev. Usman Lima, at Garkida, and a onetime chairman of the RCC Michika, Rev. Yohanna Tizhe, at Watu in Michika, both in Adamawa State.

Another concern in Nigeria is the condition of the hospitals. Many communities, especially in northeast Nigeria, are either at recovery stage or in refugee camps because of Boko Haram activities. May God help us.

A COVID-19 poster in Nigeria features EYN staff liaison Markus Gamache

From Markus Gamache, staff liaison for EYN:

We as a Church of God continue to pray for one body all over the world and follow the rules put in place by the government. City church churches like Abuja are having online service every Sunday, water, and soap for handwashing all over EYN. Most churches are working with health professionals within each congregation and also working with the government to follow due process of shutdown time.

The EYN headquarters are running skeletal services, the EYN president and a few key officers come within the working hours and check before going home. Working online from home is not yet well incorporated into our system.

We did not receive any news of a case of an EYN member being infected or a death from coronavirus, as of today. This does not mean that we are not concerned about the people, both Muslims and Christians.

Yes, it is indeed a very trying moment for the church of God. For EYN it is the most devastating situation. We are yet to recover from Boko Haram. If we are talking of time for prayers, this is the time that we need Jesus presence most to lift this pain, pandemic, terrorism, injustice, corruption, and much more.

I would like to thank the leadership of the Church of the Brethren and all the brothers and sisters across the world for being in the gap always.

Prayer requests from Nigeria:

Lets continue praying for our good God to intervene in this trying moment, and pray for ourselves to act in Gods way for us to receive from his mercy.

For President Billi and his team and all EYN members who need help, wisdom, encouragement, and healing.

Various churches across EYN are doing their best to create awareness in their communities, both rural and urban. We need education and proper awareness at this time.

EYN is facing more and more of a financial crisis.

The most important prayer is for the faithful to hold to their faith and believe to the end. The devil is working strongly to create confusion in the church of God by taking advantage of the fast-changing world.
In his 48-page opinion, Dow acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, which as of Friday had seen 134 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among IDOC prisoners, including at least two deaths at Stateville Correctional Center near Joliet. But the judge said that Pritzker and other stakeholders have taken steps to contain the spread of the virus that plainly pass constitutional muster, even if its not exactly what the plaintiffs were seeking.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 11)  Soldiers with prior medical background have been tapped to help in the government's fight against COVID-19.

A statement from the Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division said 186 troopers underwent special training to combat the spread of the disease, including Department of Health protocols and measures.

"We are one with the people of Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions in this fight against COVID-19. Rest assured of our troops' unwavering commitment and support to the local government units and agencies through the Northern Mindanao Task Force for COVID-19. We are all in this together and we will heal as one, MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal, commander of the division based in Cagayan de Oro City, said.

The statement said the soldiers will become part of the unit's Marshalls and Trainers on COVID-19 (MTC-19) and will help ensure that military personnel are observing DOH guidelines. They will also act as trainers to soldiers in COVID-19-related efforts and as health advisers to their respective commanders.

Meanwhile, some 80 soldiers in Bukidnon have undergone training with the Bukidnon Provincial Medical Center (BPMC) to learn how to respond to events in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marlah Samson, Health Emergency Staff Operations officer of the BPMC, said soldiers should be able to reinforce health workers, especially in transporting patients.
Northern Irelands Deputy First Minister has criticised Health Minister Robin Swann for seeking the British Armys help to combat the Covid-19 emergency.

It comes as the number of people with coronavirus who have died in a hospital setting in Northern Ireland has risen to 107, with 15 further deaths reported today.

There were 128 new cases of the virus, bringing the total of confirmed positive tests in the region since the outbreak began to 1,717.

Mr Swann told the BBC he made a formal request to the UK's Army for help in distributing lifesaving equipment.

He also requested help from Britain's Ministry of Defence (MoD) in planning for a Nightingale hospital at the site of the former Maze Prison.

Mr Swann said: I believe the Armys skills and logistical expertise could assist with the redistribution of essential lifesaving equipment across Northern Ireland to ensure that all hospitals have the materials and resources required to fully enact their surge plans.

He said he hoped his decision to ask the army for assistance is not considered divisive.

The minister said: I have said a number of times over recent weeks that at the end of this pandemic, there will be only one thing that divides us  and that is those of us that are still alive and those that have sadly passed away.

Michelle ONeill said the Executive should have been informed of his decision before any such request was made.

In a statement, Ms ONeill said she has requested a meeting with Mr Swann over his failure to consult ministerial colleagues about his decision.

She said while Sinn Fein will not rule out any measure necessary to save lives, no proposals to use the Army for roles normally performed by civilians have been put before the Executive.

Ms ONeill said: I have raised the sensitivities of British military intervention directly with the British Secretary of State Brandon Lewis.

The health minister has a responsibility to exhaust all options, including the use of other blue light public services and civilian contractors, to ensure that ventilators and lifesaving equipment are moved swiftly to where they are needed most.

The Department for Health has already contracted a local civilian contractor to scope out building a HSC-led civilian field hospital.

It remains Sinn Feins position that any proposed new Nightingale hospital should remain under the care and control of the HSC.

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OTTAWAIts never too late to learn what went wrong and how to fix it. But is it too soon?

Canadas former and first chief public health officer, Dr. David Butler-Jones, says no.

Butler-Jones says the federal government should do what a previous Liberal government did smack in the middle of the 2003 SARS outbreak: appoint an independent review of the COVID-19 response.

If it gets underway now or in the near future even though the coronavirus pandemic is still unfolding, Butler-Jones told the Star there may be some things that will help advise the current thinking because its going to go on more than SARS did.

Every other day there are revelations about what critics say is a slow response by the Trudeau government and the purpose-built Public Health Agency of Canada to a rapidly developing crisis. The World Health Organization declared a global public health emergency on Jan. 30 (three travellers to Canada had tested positive) and a global pandemic on March 11.

Government documents released to the Commons health committee show that up to March 10 officials were still telling Health Minister Patty Hajdu the risk of COVID-19 to Canadians remained low, a statement she repeated to reporters later that day, because we dont have incredible community transmission.

The next day Ottawa unveiled its first $1 billion COVID-19 response package and, days later, moved to shut borders and recall all Canadians from abroad.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defended his governments actions Friday, saying it acted quickly and always on the advice of health officials, to ensure there were no panics among Canadians while taking increasingly strong measures to curb the virus spread in Canada.

All governments learned sobering lessons after the 2003 SARS epidemic, acted on many of them, and changed the course of how we responded five years later to the 2008-09 H1N1 influenza crisis, said Butler-Jones. There were more lessons learned after the H1N1 outbreak.

Butler-Jones, who sat on the 2003 SARS review panel led by Dr. David Naylor, and some of his fellow panellists say Canada is, on balance, managing the COVID-19 crisis well.

At each stage that the epidemic has unfolded, I have underestimated the magnitude of this pandemic, says Dr. Robert Brunham, director of B.C.s Centre for Disease Controls research laboratory, who also sat on the Naylor SARS review panel.

Brunham said the rebuilding of Canadas public health system that occurred post-SARS has really resulted in Canada not being like Italy.

Where Brunham thinks Canada and the agency could and should be moving faster is on vaccine development, saying 12-18 months is too long. My main critique of that is we need it sooner.

He fears a second, more deadly wave of COVID-19, as happened during the 1918 influenza epidemic, and says the country needs a made-in-Canada solution and supply.

Dr. Michel Bergeron, founder of the infectious disease research centre at Laval University, said This is day and night versus how we managed the SARS epidemic  We were not prepared.

My gut feeling now is everybody is doing a bloody good job.

Public health authorities in Ottawa and the provinces are clearly collaborating and co-ordinating their responses in a way that is effective, Bergeron and the others said.

The 2003 SARS review led Ottawa to carve out public health services  the broad population-based things like disease and infection control  from the sprawling Health Canada bureaucracy and create the Public Health Agency of Canada or PHAC.

Ottawa beefed up the Quarantine Act, pandemic preparedness plans (meant for an influenza pandemic), and the national emergency stockpile (intended as a backup for influenza and other emergencies). A formal federal-provincial-territorial public health network was created. The provinces spent more on labs and public health services and everybody vowed to be ready for the next crisis.

It didnt quite work out that way.

As COVID-19 shot around the globe in a few short months, Canadians have witnessed a worldwide race to get hands on critical medical supplies, different rates of testing across the country, a lag in real-time data sharing and surveillance of the disease trajectory, different orders about when to stay at home, sometimes confusing guidance on travel restrictions, on wearing masks, on the permissible size of public gatherings, on whether asymptomatic people transmit the virus, and on interprovincial border closures.

A lot of that amounts to minor variations in public health messages, dished out as federal and provincial authorities scramble to analyze and respond to the rapidly evolving science, and is not a reason to criticize those officials or politicians, said Butler-Jones.

Butler-Jones said, however, that some of Canadas difficulties might have been avoided had other lessons not been forgotten or gone unheeded.

Some provinces have split up their public health programs and expertise, for instance, and spread them across several departments or shuffled public health professionals aside in favour of generic public servants. Butler-Jones says its reduced their ability to co-ordinate planning, make key organizational decisions on policy and resources, and to be responsive.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney made clear this week hes unimpressed with certain federal steps, and said Alberta will do more mass testing and contact tracing, with quick results turnaround, and intends to deploy a much more rigorous approach than the federal government has in screening and quarantining international arrivals; strict enforcement of quarantine orders to ensure compliance, including using technology like smartphone apps when appropriate; and encourage and facilitate safe use of masks in crowded spaces.

It was another slight crack in an otherwise united front that federal and provincial leaders have maintained. Ontario Premier Doug Ford differed with Ottawa on how quickly to release projections of how bad things could get. He briefly mused about wanting to see a stronger national strategy on interprovincial travel limits, before quickly joining ranks again and praising the feds.

Trudeau said this week the SARS review had helped Canada put measures in place that are helping now, but he again made clear Friday hes not ready to start second-guessing his officials, or publicly rehashing decisions, and for now an independent review will wait.

With hindsight, Im sure there are lots of things that we would have done differently, could have done differently, but I can tell you that every step of the way we took the advice of our medical professionals and our public health experts seriously and did as best as we could.

For some, thats not good enough.

Many front-line doctors and nurses are furious that there is no slack in the hospital system to deal with a possible surge of coronavirus patients, and angry at gaps in supplies that mean they are short of personal protective equipment.

Linda Silas, president of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, said the stopgap measures like urging nurses to clean and reuse soiled masks is sick, sick, sick. It goes against all our training in disease training.

Other health and medical experts say the Trudeau government, the federal agency and its chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam, have responded as well as possible to a virus more infectious and deadly than initially thought.

To health workers and educators like University of Torontos Dr. Anna Banerji, a pediatrician with expertise in infectious disease and public health, the federal government and the federal agency handled the early stages well, but the urgency is escalating fast.

Were in a crisis. We dont have enough personal protective equipment for health-care workers, she said. Youre asking me to go into a hospital and risk my life and risk the life of my family because the preparation is not there.

Furthermore, Banerji said, We really need more national strategies for vulnerable communities, especially Indigenous people, adding that the military needs to get involved. I dont see them looking into the future that far, she said.

Professor Kelley Lee, who holds a Canada research chair in global health at Simon Fraser University, said clearly this outbreak is just overwhelming people, including those at the federal agency who are trying to absorb an onslaught of information about epidemic, then roll it out to provinces, who must roll it out to local jurisdictions.

Were just not moving fast enough. It might be because of the sheer volume and maybe we havent made the public health agency big enough. We need to invest more. The scale of the need is much bigger than we expected.

Lee emphasized the importance of clearer and consistent data gathering and analysis  a job that is much bigger than the public realizes, she says.

Anne McLellan, the former Liberal health minister who appointed the Naylor review of the SARS response, agrees on that much, that any review that does eventually get underway should examine whether a greater role for the federal government at least around building the information systems across the country which could report to the federal level so that information can be shared in real time if possible, and then shared with the WHO and others when youre dealing with a global pandemic.

But McLellan does not share the view of David Butler-Jones about the need for a review right now. She said its way too soon in the middle of an all-consuming global pandemic that is unlike SARS.

We did not have an economic crisis with SARS, we did not have an economic crisis with H1N1. The dimension of this crisis is so much greater, now is not the time to ask someone to put in place a lessons-learned.

Read more about:
She has been holed up at home with husband Will Smith and their teen children in wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

And Jada Pinkett Smith appeared to be feeling stir crazy in confinement on Friday, when she took to Instagram to draw attention to an asymmetrical feature.

'Have you noticed that my left eye is wayyyyy smaller then my right,' captioned the 48-year-old actress, who shared a selfie from her bathtub.

Wonky: Jada Pinkett Smith appeared to be feeling stir crazy in confinement on Friday, when she drew attention to an asymmetrical feature via a selfie on Instagram

Jada, noticeably makeup-free, had her brunette tresses neatly tied up in a bun as she sat in the bath for the portrait shared with her 10.3million followers.

Behind her was a rustic style indoor fireplace with the logs ablaze.

Though she may perceive an imperfection, her comment section quickly refuted her.

One fan wrote: 'you bored bored Jada!'

Another stated that they never noticed Jada's wonky eye 'until [she] mentioned it.'

Quarantine fairy: On Monday, Jada shared another image from her personal isolation at her and Will Smith's Los Angeles home

On Monday, Jada shared another image from her personal isolation at her and Will Smith's Los Angeles home.

'If there is a quarantine fairy ...please come visit me,' wrote the Girls Trip actress.

In the photo, that has since amassed over 300,000 likes, Jada can be seen sitting in one of the many cozy nooks in her house, while gazing out the window.

The natural beauty put her toned arms and legs on display as they tangled into one another.

When she is not sharing ethereal self portraits on social media, the wife of Will Smith is busy hosting her weekly Facebook Watch talk show Red Table Talk.

Hostest with the mostest: When she is not sharing ethereal self portraits on social media, the wife of Will Smith is busy hosting her weekly Facebook Watch talk show Red Table Talk

Overcoming: In this week's episode, the trio discussed addiction amid the pandemic, and Jada admitted that she was worried about Willow's 'excessive weed smoking'

But with most of Hollywood in self-quarantine, Jada, 18-year-old daughter Willow and mother Adrienne Banfield-Jones have had to get creative in the content department.

In this week's episode, the trio discussed addiction amid the pandemic, and Jada admitted that she was worried about Willow's 'excessive weed smoking.'

Jada admitted that she is 'really proud' of Willow for curbing her 'excessive weed smoking.'

The conversation was sparked by Adrienne's own addiction to heroin, revealing that she's in her 30th year of recovery.

Addiction: The conversation was sparked by Adrienne's own addiction to heroin, revealing that she's in her 30th year of recovery

Jada married Will Smith back in 1997 after two-years of dating.

Jada and Will tied the knot during a secret wedding held on New Year's Eve, while she was three-months pregnant.

The Hollywood couple share 18-year-old Willow, as well as 21-year-old son Jaden.

Will also has a 27-year-old son Trey with ex wife Sheree Zampino.
11.04.2020 LISTEN

The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has called for calm among its members amidst agitations over the lack of incentives and protective equipment in their efforts to play their part in fighting COVID-19.

It had earlier asked its members to leave isolation units if they were not supplied Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) by the government.

But the Association, on behalf of other groups of health workers, has asked its members to continue discharging their duties diligently and professionally to help curtail the pandemic.

This comes after President Nana Akufo-Addo extended his appreciation to GRNMA and its allied associations fighting COVID-19 and requested for them to keep up the good work.

In a statement, the Association further asked its members to note that the definition of frontline covers all health care professionals and that the government will soon provide them with incentives based on proposals made by various health unions and associations and may possibly be graduated for health care workers.

Health workers appreciated

The President had extended the appreciation of the nation to all health workers across the country for the continued sacrifices they are making in caring for those infected with the Coronavirus, and in caring for the sick in general.

Speaking at a meeting with the leadership of the Ghana Medical Association on Tuesday, 7th April, 2020, at the Jubilee House, the President acknowledged that after 63 years of Ghana's independence, the country has not done well in making readily available all the facilities required for the health workers to function.

He, nonetheless, assured that on my part and on the part of government, we will continue to see what we can do to meet you halfway, ease the issues that you have. I think you heard my broadcast the other day. I indicated the measures that we want to put in place to support you in the work that you are doing.

On the definition of who which group constituted Frontline Health Workers, President Akufo-Addo stated that effort is being made on the part of government, to arrive at an acceptable definition, and I think your input will be very necessary and required, so that we get a definition that makes sense for everybody and which addresses the issue of people who are also in the frontline, as it were, of dealing with this disease.

Association calls for allowances for all staff

President Akufo-Addo in a nationwide television address announced that effective April 2020, all frontline health workers in the pandemic fight will among other things receive an additional allowance of 50% of the basic salary per month for the next three months as well as a three month tax holiday because of their contribution towards the COVID-19 battle.

This, though appreciated, sparked up calls for the government's stimulus package to frontline health personnel to also cover all nurses and midwives across the country.

The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association demanded that all health workers are exposed to the disease and therefore, the allowances should not be restricted to frontline personnel only.

The initiative is good and we are grateful. But it goes beyond these people. Every nurse or midwife everywhere is exposed. Even to the basic unit which is the CHPS compound, everyone is exposed. So for the stimulus packages that were announced, we are thankful for the tax waivers which we believe will cover all of us. But the bit of allowances is what we wish should cover every one of us because we are all exposed in doing our bits in helping the nation identify to contain and manage [the virus]. We are also grateful for the availability of buses. As a union, we are also helping to assist in this direction, said the President of the GRNMA.

citinewsroom
The mother of a Mississauga boy wants the provincial government to impose greater safeguards to protect her vulnerable child from contracting COVID-19 through the home care he needs to survive.

She says her fears rose when she learned that two of the four nurses who regularly care for her son were asked to work at Participation House in Markham, where 10 disabled residents were infected with the virus.

The nurses declined, but it drove home the risk of other caregivers entering her home after serving at sites with an outbreak.

That nurse could walk into our house after a shift there and we wouldnt know, said the mother, who asked that she not be identified out of fear that it would impact her home care service. She also didnt want her sons chronic illness noted, saying its so unusual that her family could easily be identified.

Its not only my son whos at risk, she added in a phone interview. If I get infected, my child will put a strain on an already strained heath-care system because he now has to go to the hospital to be cared for.

She wants the provincial government to acknowledge the importance of home care during the COVID-19 pandemic and implement standards that guarantee a continuous and safe service.

Her concerns are echoed by home-care providers, who say the provincial government has so far neglected the vital role their sector plays in the fighting the contagion.

More focus has to be put on home care, said Susan VanderBent, CEO of Home Care Ontario, adding she has been pressing this message with the government.

Proper recognition is critical, added VanderBent, whose organization represents 70 service providers. Its basically to say, What about home care? How will home care cope? How will we manage? 

For example, We want to make sure that when PPE supplies arrive, home care is seen as an important part of the system to support, she said, referring to protection equipment such as face masks, gowns and gloves.

VanderBent finds the governments lack of home care focus especially puzzling given that hospitals have been freeing up space for COVID-19 victims by accelerating the discharge of chronically ill patients to be cared for at home.

In Ontario, home care is regulated by the Local Health Integrated Networks, which determine who is eligible for the service. In 2017, 760,000 people received home care services in the province at a cost of $2.5 billion to the provincial government, according to a report by the Auditor General.

In a statement to the Star, the Ministry of Health said its officials make regular calls to home-care services providers to discuss how to continue the care safely for front-line staff and patients, a goal it described as a top government priority.

All partners are actively engaged in implementing new home care delivery models to support home-care clients and patients, the statement said. It includes increasing the delivery of virtual care by nurses, physiotherapist, social workers and other home caregivers. More home-care services may be brought online in the weeks ahead.

The government has also issued guidelines that has nurses, personal support workers and other home care providers screening themselves for symptoms of the virus every morning. But Shirlee Sharkey, president and CEO of SE Health, says the government has to consider new care models that ensure were not spreading the virus from home to home.

Currently, the home-care model sees nurses or personal support workers visit an average of six different homes a day, and could include a nursing home, Sharkey said. That should change to having the same nurse or personal service worker exclusively visit the same client.

If a client needs three personal support worker visits a day, why not have one worker put in five or six hours a day dedicated to that one client? Sharkey said.

Sharkey, whose 8,000 employees in Ontario make 20,000 home-care visits each day, said fear of infection is one reason her non-profit agency has seen a drop in home care services by up to 30 per cent.

Patients and families were nervous and cancelling visits, at least short term, said Sharkey, who is a registered nurse. And our staff are nervous, both with the shortage of PPE and nervous with the community spread of COVID-19.

This trend needs to be reversed, she argued, because the more people turn away from home care the more likely their illnesses will force them into already strained hospitals.

One of the problems is the lack of protection equipment. The amount of equipment that once lasted a full year is now being used up in a month, Sharkey said. It keeps her constantly competing to buy the little equipment available, which increasingly is being reserved for staff in hospitals and nursing homes.

I dont sleep at night worrying about it, she said. You can imagine the anxiety of going week to week wondering, Are we going to have enough?

A model with one care provider working exclusively with one home-based client would significantly reduce the need for masks once its clear that neither the caregiver or her client is infected, Sharkey added.

That model would require a fundamental redesign of the provincial approach, which currently sees home care as a piecemeal service divided into specific tasks that get performed by the hour, Sharkey said.

Home care has been an afterthought for years and during this pandemic we in the community are saying, Listen, this has to part of the whole central planning, said Sharkey, arguing that the governments vision of health care has traditionally been focused on hospitals.

Everyone is being told to stay at home, she added. So we want to make sure that we can provide an environment in the health care system where people can stay at home.
(Natural News) A survey has found that 15 percent of the U.S. population still dont understand why they should be staying home as the coronavirus outbreak spreads through the country. This survey comes as a surprise, especially now that about 95 percent of Americans have been ordered to stay home.

California was the first state to issue a lockdown order on March 19. Since then, 41 other states, Washington, D.C., and the American territories of Puerto Rico and Guam have also issued stay-at-home directives, ordering residents to go out only for essential activities, such as buying groceries and medicine. However, a large percentage of people still dont understand the importance of social distancing in the fight against COVID-19. (Related: Isolation, quarantine and social distancing: Practice these essential strategies to stop the spread of coronavirus.)

Miscommunication throughout the country

Wireds chief of research Thomas Goetz, with the help of his colleague Matt Mohebbi, conducted an online survey from March 22 to April 5, asking over 100,000 people across all 50 states this question:

Do you live in an area that is currently under a stay-at-home order due to the pandemic?

Respondents are given three options for an answer: Yes, No or I dont know. The results showed that significant parts of the population do not fully understand their quarantine and lockdown policies.

In Arkansas, which still has not issued any stay-at-home orders, more than 60 percent of respondents answered either Yes or I dont know; in Utah, which only has county-level shelter-in-place orders, nearly half didnt answer correctly. Similar levels have been seen in other states such as Wyoming, South Carolina, Missouri and Alabama.

In both Texas and New York, around 25 percent of respondents did not fully understand their states directives, despite Texas Governor Gregg Abbott and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo getting a lot of media attention for their handling of the coronavirus.

The states with the lowest rate of confusion still showed a significant proportion of respondents who dont understand their states stay-at-home messages: 15 percent of the respondents from Illinois, Colorado and California; and 13 percent of the respondents from Michigan, where the lowest rate of confusion has been recorded.

The nationwide average is about 25 percent.

Stay-at-home orders not a priority for many Americans

In their analysis, Goetz and Mohebbi conclude that these numbers may be influenced by the fact that many people have been hearing muddled and contradictory messages, either from the President, their governors and state officials, their favorite news outlets and even from well-meaning friends and relatives who may be sharing fake information on social media websites.

However, Goetz and Mohebbi are quick to note that many of these low-information people are also probably economically struggling, meaning they are less likely to have decent access to health care and higher education resources.

This is becoming a reality for even more Americans. In the past three weeks, over 16.8 million Americans have lost their jobs and filed for unemployment claims due to the coronavirus crisis shuttering economic activity.

As the COVID-19 pandemic places more lower-income people in jeopardy, Goetz and Mohebbi argue that many people are just too busy worrying about their incomes and their families. According to them, respondents might be focusing on their own well-beings and on figuring out where their next meal would be coming from. Details of their state or countys stay-at-home orders may not be a priority for them right now.

Get the latest updates on the coronavirus crisis in the U.S. and around the world at Pandemic.news.

Sources include:

Wired.com

Business Insider.com

NYTimes.com

FiveThirtyEight.com
Paul McCartney's handwritten lyrics for the Beatles song Hey Jude have sold for a staggering 730,000 ($910,000) - five times their estimate.

The sheet of paper contains the partial lyrics for Hey Jude that McCartney wrote for John Lennon's young son Julian.

The lines in the lyrics are numbered one to four with notations such as the word 'break'.

Paul McCartney's hand written partial lyrics for the recording of Hey Jude have sold for a staggering 730,000

It was sold with a photo taken inside the studios at the time with the sheet of paper clearly visible next to John Lennon

It is thought the notes helped either him or John Lennon with his timing when they recorded the classic song at Trident Studios in London in 1968.

McCartney later gifted the piece of paper to a studio engineer.

It was sold with a photo taken inside the studios at the time with the sheet of paper clearly visible next to John Lennon.

The filming notes for the video of Hello Goodbye! in 1967 containing notes by McCartney fetched 67,000

A bass drumhead bearing the Beatles logo which was part of a back up drum kit for Ringo Starr for the band's first US tour in 1964 went for 160,000

The lyrics were consigned for sale by a private collector. They were expected to fetch 145,000 but sparked a bidding war when they went under the hammer with US based Julien's Auctions.

Also in the sale, a bass drumhead bearing the Beatles logo which was part of a back up drum kit for Ringo Starr for the band's first US tour in 1964 went for 160,000.

The filming notes for the video of Hello Goodbye! in 1967 containing notes by McCartney fetched 67,000.

Classical guitar used by McCartney (pictured) also featured in the auction of more than 250 Beatles lots

Lennon and Yoko Ono's 'BAGISM' drawing, featured in the couple's 1969 Bed In Peace documentary as part of their demonstration against the Vietnam War, sold for 75,000

McCartney, who directed the video, wrote how he wanted one frame to be a 'C..U J then R (you say yes)' - a close up of John and Ringo Starr.

The auction of more than 250 Beatles lots was due to be held at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York, but following the coronavirus outbreak it took place online.

Darren Julien, president of Julien's Auctions, said: 'The Hey Jude lyrics were done in the hand by Paul McCartney during recording.

'What makes them so incredible is that there are photographs and footage of him using the lyrics while recording which is extremely rare.'

Also sold was an original stage from the first Beatles performance at Lathom Hall in Liverpool on May 14 1960 which fetched 20,500

Among the other items sold at the auction were an original lacquer disc recording of Beatles album Get Back, believed to have been created by producer Glyn Johns, which sold for 26,000.

Also sold was an original stage from the first Beatles performance at Lathom Hall in Liverpool on May 14 1960. That fetched 20,500.

Artwork from Sir Paul, created while he was a student in Liverpool, sold for 22,500, more than 14 times the guide price.

And Lennon and Yoko Ono's 'BAGISM' drawing, featured in the couple's 1969 Bed In Peace documentary as part of their demonstration against the Vietnam War, sold for 75,000.
A rapid response team comprising 15 doctors and health care professionals from India reached Kuwait on Saturday to assist the Kuwait government in its fight against coronavirus, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said.

This comes as a follow up to the recent phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Kuwait counterpart Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, in which both the leaders agreed for a concerted and coordinated effort against the global pandemic.

The medical team is expected to stay in Kuwait for a period of two weeks during which it will render medical assistance in testing and treatment of the afflicted persons and training their personnel.

"India's RAPID RESPONSE TEAM arrives in Kuwait. Follow up to the discussion between our two Prime Ministers on #COVID19. Underlines the special friendship between India and Kuwait," tweeted External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

The rapid response team has been deputed at the request of the Kuwait government, Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

After the discussion between the two leaders, Jaishankar and his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah held a telephone conversation to discuss the prevailing situation in Kuwait and explore ways to further strengthen cooperation during these challenging times.

Kuwait has so far reported 1,154 coronavirus cases with one person succumbing to the deadly infection in the Gulf country.

Indians constitute the largest group of expatriates with an estimated population of about ten lakhs in Kuwait. India is reaching out to Kuwait in the extended neighbourhood to further complement its efforts to fight the menace effectively.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hundreds of health workers in the state of South Australia will undergo a clinical trial to test whether an established tuberculosis vaccine can be used to reduce the severity of the novel coronavirus symptoms by providing a boost to the immune system.

According to the ABC science news, the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) has been researching the effects of the vaccine known as the Bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccine (BCG), for some time.

Almost 250 health workers will be given the vaccine and 250 others will be given a placebo.

Researchers will study if an established tuberculosis vaccine could provide an immune system boost to reduce the prevalence or severity of COVID-19 symptoms, it said.

SAHMRI Executive Director Steven Wesselingh, on Saturday said while the vaccine was designed to protect against tuberculosis and also used as a common treatment for bladder cancer patients, it had also helped boost immunity against other infections.

"Trial participants, who will be randomly allocated to either receive the vaccine or be in a control group, will be monitored for symptoms and receive testing where indicated," he said.

"The trial will provide key evidence that could prove invaluable in both the current fight against COVID-19 and future novel viral outbreaks," he said.

Wesselingh said the BCG vaccine could also boost human "front line" immunity, which trains the immune system to respond to germs with "greater intensity".

The state government has injected 200,000 Australian dollars (USD 126,977) for the clinical trial and SAHMRI along with Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) has partnered together to roll out the trial with the support of the World Health Organisation.

"It is very exciting that this existing vaccine could make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of our hospital staff on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19," state Health Minister Stephen Wade said.

"The nature of their work means healthcare workers are at increased risk of contracting COVID-19, so it is important that they are first to be able to access this potentially protective intervention," Wade said.

Meanwhile, Australia's number of fatalities from COVID-19 rose to 56 after an octogenarian died in the state of Victoria on Friday.

The number of confirmed cases in the country has reached 6,298.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Belfast City Hospital's tower block has been transformed into Northern Ireland's first Nightingale hospital. PACEMAKER BELFAST

Coronavirus deaths in Northern Ireland are not being reported to the coroner, it has emerged.

The Coroners Service, which is responsible for holding inquests into deaths when notified by the authorities, has said it will not be investigating Covid-19 cases.

A spokesperson said deaths due to the virus are "natural" and do not need to be reported.

It has led to concerns that the full story behind some deaths may never emerge.

Former health minister Jim Wells said coroners had an important role in cases where lessons can be learnt from a death in the health system.

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The Local Democracy Reporting Service investigated the issue.

There have been fears about the impact that a surge in cases will have on the system, and wider issues such as Do Not Resuscitate orders and the shortage of personal protection equipment for frontline health staff.

On Friday a further 10 deaths from people who tested positive for Covid-19 were recorded in Northern Ireland, bringing the death toll here to 92.

It was the second highest daily death total so far, amid concerns the virus is set to peak here.

The number of Covid-19 cases in Northern Ireland increased by 112, bringing the total of confirmed cases to 1,589. As of yesterday, a total of 11,006 people have been tested for the virus.

The UK overall experienced its highest daily death toll rise on Friday with a further 980 deaths, hitting a total of 8,958.

In the Republic the death toll now stands at 288 with a further 25 Covid-19 linked deaths revealed on Friday.

Earlier this week the Belfast Telegraph reported that the true death toll of the virus here may be up to 30% higher than official reports.

Currently only deaths where a patient has tested positive for coronavirus within the past 28 days are included in the figures.

It has now emerged that deaths here have not been reported to the coroner.

The Coroner's Office said: "Deaths due to coronavirus are considered 'natural' and do not need to be reported to the Coroner."

It continued: "The Coronavirus Act 2020 allows where a death occurs from a natural illness and the person was not treated by a registered medical practitioner within the past 28 days, any registered medical practitioner may sign the Medical Cause of Death Certificate if they can state, to the best of their knowledge and belief, the cause of death."

However, if Covid-19 deaths become notifiable, the position may change. The spokesperson added: "We have written to the medical profession to advise of the powers in the Act seeking careful consideration on whether a report to the coroner is necessary.

"The Chief Medical Officer has also issued guidance on the arrangements for the completion and issuing of guidance around issuing death certificates," the spokesperson concluded.

Jim Wells, who was health minister between September 2014 and May 2015, said families who have loved ones working in a health care environment should not be denied an inquest in the event of their relative dying after contracting coronavirus.

However, he acknowledged holding inquests into all coronavirus deaths would be hugely difficult.

"It's essential that lessons should be learned and coroners have a role in that," Mr Wells said.

"Hopefully, the number of deaths in that case would be tiny. I am in total awe of our health service staff."

He added: "I'm sure families would want to know that all that can be done to prevent deaths is done should another pandemic happen in the future."

Mr Wells said he did not think at this stage it would be appropriate for all Covid-19 deaths to be referred to coroners, which he feared would "overwhelm" the inquest system.

There have been concerns about how the health system here is equipped to deal with coronavirus.

This includes the rate of infection in our care homes, which take care of 16,000 older people.

Health care workers have also voiced fears in recent days that they have a greater risk of contracting coronavirus while working due to a lack of PPE.

There have also been reports that elderly patients have been asked to sign Do Not Resuscitate orders by hospital staff, while medics could face difficult ethical decisions in allocating ventilators.
I have been saying for quite a while that the government operation run against the Trump campaign and the Trump presidency is the greatest scandal by far in American political history. Based on the progress of the investigation he has commissioned, Attorney General Barr has arrived at the same conclusion.

That is how I read his remarks in the interview with Laura Ingraham earlier this week. RCPs Ian Schwartz has posted video and transcript at RealClearPolitics under the headline Barr: Russian Collusion Probe Into Trump One Of The Greatest Travesties In American History. I have posted the video below. This must be a preview of coming attractions.

Quotable quote: My own view is that the evidence shows that were not dealing with just mistakes or sloppiness. There is something far more troubling here, and were going to get to the bottom of it. And if people broke the law, and we can establish that with the evidence, they will be prosecuted.I think the president has every right to be frustrated, because I think what happened to him was one of the greatest travesties in American history. Without any basis they started this investigation of his campaign, and even more concerning, actually is what happened after the campaign, a whole pattern of events while he was president. So I  to sabotage the presidency, and I think that  or at least have the effect of sabotaging the presidency.

NOTE: Tom Lifson has more here.
Brazil, the hardest-hit Latin American country in the coronavirus pandemic, passed the mark of 1,000 deaths on Friday, the health ministry said.

The ministry's latest figures gave a toll of 19,638 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 1,056 deaths -- one fewer than it had indicated in an initial tally earlier in the day.

With a worldwide death toll of more than 100,000, Brazil's figure is still relatively small compared to the number of deaths in countries such as Italy (more than 18,000), the United States (nearly 17,000) and Spain (nearly 16,000). But health officials are bracing for things to get worse.

Experts predict the outbreak will only start to peak in Brazil toward late April.

There are fears for what that could mean in the country's poorest areas, especially the favelas -- crowded, impoverished slums in cities such as Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro that typically lack basic health and sanitation infrastructure.

President Jair Bolsonaro meanwhile faces a firestorm of criticism for downplaying COVID-19, calling it a "little flu" and the reaction to it "hysteria."



The far-right leader has clashed with local and state authorities over their decisions to close non-essential businesses and tell people to remain home, which he says is needlessly wrecking the economy.

In his latest act of disregard for his own government's recommendations on fighting the spread of the virus, he hit the streets of Brasilia on Friday to greet supporters.

Mingling with no face mask and apparently ignoring social distancing measures, he was particularly criticized for wiping his nose with his right hand at one point, then using it to shake hands with an elderly woman.

But he faces increasing political costs, as governors and local authorities largely ignore him to implement stay-at-home measures.

"Bolsonaro is politically isolated. He's losing support across all social segments and has very few allies left in Congress or the judiciary," said political analyst Sylvio Costa.

"Bolsonaro underestimated the pandemic," he told AFP.

Disapproval of the president has risen amid the pandemic, according to recent opinion polls. He faces nightly protests by confined residents in Brazil's biggest cities, who bang pots and pans from their windows, shouting "Get out, Bolsonaro!"



Approval has meanwhile surged for Health Minister Luiz Henrique Mandetta, who has stood by international recommendations on taking aggressive measures to contain the new virus, braving criticism from his boss.

Mandetta's approval rating for his handling of the crisis is at 76 percent, while Bolsonaro's is at 33 percent, according to polling firm Datafolha last Friday.

The death toll in Brazil more than doubled in a week, from 432 on Saturday. The hardest hit is Sao Paulo state, the country's industrial hub and home to more than 44 million people -- about the population of Spain.

It had 8,216 cases and 540 deaths, the health ministry said.

Rio de Janeiro state was next, with 2,464 cases and 147 deaths.

But experts warn the real number of cases is probably much higher, given limited testing capacity and a large backlog of samples.

Besides the threat to favelas, there are growing fears about what the pandemic will mean for Brazilian indigenous communities.

Indigenous peoples in the Amazon rainforest have historically been hit hard by diseases that are commonplace among other societies as their isolation has shielded them from germs against which much of the world has developed immunity.

But that experience is not necessarily an advantage and, in a worrying sign, a 15-year-old boy from the Yanomami tribe -- a people known for its isolation and vulnerability to disease -- died Thursday after contracting the virus.

"There is a major fear that this disease will arrive, cause an outbreak in (indigenous) communities and lead to mass genocide," said Katia Brasil, editor at Amazonia Real agency, which specializes in issues facing Amazonian peoples.

"This disease is very dangerous for us," said Dario Yawarioma, a Yanomami leader. "And it is getting closer.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
[April 10, 2020] Plymouth Rock Offers Relief for Auto and Home Insurance Customers

Plymouth Rock Assurance, a leading auto and home insurance provider in the Northeast, today announced that it will provide relief to its customers affected by COVID-19, as well as an option to donate the savings to non-profit organizations supporting the fight against the pandemic. Subject to regulatory approval, the company will apply a 25 percent premium credit on Liability and Personal Injury Protection Coverages to all existing and new auto insurance policies, and will voluntarily waive comprehensive and collision deductibles for any health care worker involved in an accident while driving to and from work, or in the line of duty. For its home insurance customers, Plymouth Rock will apply its Alternative Living Expense Coverage to any health care worker required by illness or job requirements to stay away from home. The 25 percent premium credit reflects the decrease in driving due to stay-at-home orders, and both the credit and the Alternative Living Expense Coverage will be offered to all existing and new customers across the six states in which Plymouth Rock does business. Relief will be effective as of April 1, 2020 and will remain in effect as long as the current state stay-at-home guidelines are in place. Credits will be applied automatically to affected customers' policies. "Plymouth Rock was founded on the principle of doing the right thing for our customers," said Hal Belodoff, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Plymouth Rock Company. "Right now, we believe that means extending relief to those affected by the coronavirus pandemic, particularly those who need it most." By focusing its auto insurance relief on Liability and Personal Injury Protection Coverages, Plymouth Rock is able to offer someting that benefits all auto insurance customers, but could have a more meaningful impact on those who may have had to remove optional coverages in order to save money. The Alternative Living Expense benefit is a small way to thank those families in the health care community who are directly affected by COVID-19. Added Belodoff: "We are enormously grateful to those on the frontline of this fight who are sacrificing so much in order to provide care for others."



Option to Pay It Forward All customers will also have the option to waive their 25 percent credit and instead donate it to one of several charitable organizations focused on providing relief to people affected by COVID-19 as a simple way to help those in need. A list of charities to choose from will be made available at plymouthrock.com in the coming days.

Flexible Payment Options In addition to its premium relief, Plymouth Rock has taken steps to provide impacted customers with payment flexibility, waived late fees and extended coverage since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, please visit our COVID-19 Information and Resources page on plymouthrock.com. If you are a Plymouth Rock customer facing financial difficulty due to COVID-19, please contact us to discuss how we can help. Plymouth Rock's COVID-19 relief measures are available to the Teachers' Insurance Plan of New Jersey. About Plymouth Rock Plymouth Rock was established to offer its customers a higher level of service and a more innovative set of products and features than they would expect from an insurance company. Plymouth Rock's innovative approach puts customers' convenience and satisfaction first, giving them the choice to do business the way they want - online, using a mobile device, by phone or with one of Plymouth Rock's agents. Plymouth Rock Assurance and Plymouth Rock are brand names and service marks used by separate underwriting, managed insurance, and management companies that offer property and casualty insurance in multiple states. Taken together, the companies write and manage more than $1.6 billion in auto and home insurance premiums across Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Each underwriting and managed insurance company is a separate legal entity that is financially responsible only for its own insurance products. Actual coverage is subject to the language of the policies as issued by each separate company. Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, features and benefits are not available in all states and companies. You can learn more about us by visiting plymouthrock.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200410005211/en/

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: A 23-year-old male nurse,



rushing home to meet his mother with his first salary earned after taking care of patients in a COVID-19 isolation ward, was killed in a road mishap near here on Friday.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday paid tribute to the youngster in his Facebook page.

After slogging day and night at the isolation ward of the taluk hospital at nearby Kunnamkulam, the nurse was on his way home with his salary when his motorcycle collided with a rice-laden lorry.

Ashif was a temporary nurse and had joined for work in mid-March.

The hospital authorities remembered him as an enthusiastic youth ever willing to help the COVID-19 patients, when many others would hesitate.

He also doubled up a help desk staff.

In his Facebook post, the Chief Minister said during these difficult times, the contribution of Ashif was laudable.

"We join in the sorrow of the family," Vijayan said in the post with the youth's photograph.

Ashif is survivied by his mother and a sister, who is a student-nurse.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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.

Story by Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA and Brad Bumsted of The Caucus

HARRISBURG  The coronavirus outbreak in Pennsylvania could cost the state budget upwards of $4 billion, and Gov. Tom Wolf has taken action to cut spending, laying off more than 2,500 employees, halting paychecks for another 14,000 workers, and freezing all but essential hiring and department purchases.

But the Republican-led state legislature  one of the largest and highest-paid in the country, spending $360 million each year in addition to holding $172 million in reserves  has so far taken few steps to cut expenses or offer up money of its own during the crisis.

In fact, Senate Republicans recently hired Charles Zogby, a one-time top aide to two former GOP governors, at an annual salary of $110,000 to be a special assistant on budget issues. In February, Zogby departed as the state-appointed financial administrator for the Erie School District.

Its a little tone deaf, said Christopher Borick, a political science professor at Muhlenberg College.

For the most part, it has been largely business as usual for the 253-member legislature.

Lawmakers are paid more than $90,000 a year, with leadership earning up to $141,000. In addition to that, they are allowed to collect $178 in per diems when they travel to the Capitol for voting sessions or committee meetings, without needing to provide receipts.

Legislators also have access to state-paid vehicles, and if they opt to drive their own car, they can collect 57 cents per-mile reimbursement.

In both chambers, some members have continued traveling to the Capitol  allowing them to potentially collect mileage and per diems  despite the fact that government offices have largely shut down and both chambers passed temporary rules allowing meetings and voting sessions to be conducted remotely.

Mike Straub, spokesperson for House Majority Leader Bryan Cutler (R., Lancaster), said fewer than half of the chamber has chosen to come to Harrisburg for votes, though legislative officials acknowledged they would be eligible to collect per diems if they did.

Those members are fulfilling their duties on behalf of their constituents to represent their constituents on the floor, or in committee proceedings, Straub said.

Neither the House nor Senate has offered to relinquish all or a portion of the money it has in reserves to put toward next years state budget, which is widely expected to be battered by sagging revenue collections and increased demand for public assistance programs.

The legislatures reserve fund is large enough that it could fund the individual budgets of several state departments  including the Department of Health, a critical agency at the center of the coronavirus response  for an entire year. It is half the size of the states entire $340 million rainy day fund, which the governor can tap to help pay for services during an economic downturn or other emergency that leads to an unexpected dip in revenues.

But unlike the states rainy day fund, the legislatures reserve  which can be rolled over from one year to another  doesnt have to be used for a specific purpose. Though it has historically been justified as necessary to protect the balance of power should the governor cut off legislative funding during a budget battle, there are no rules  or limits  on how the money can be spent.

One year, for instance, lawmakers used reserve money to give themselves the option of an early pay raise that was later struck down by the courts

Its a fair question to inquire whether or not this level of financial independence is excessive  and to ask the follow-up question of whether this independence is beyond whats prudent, let alone earned or deserved, said Robert P. Strauss, an economics and public policy professor at Carnegie Mellon University.

Straub said leaders are discussing options for cost savings because they anticipate long-term effects, though he did not elaborate or give any specifics.

In the Senate, Republicans who control the chamber made no commitments.

Kate Flessner, spokesperson for Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R., Jefferson), said in an emailed response that the Senate continues to operate fully, despite largely working remotely, and that constituent demand for services during the public health crisis has only increased.

Any cost savings that may come from holding remote voting sessions or other work adjustments will be examined as part of the budget process, Flessner said.

She sidestepped questions about whether the chamber would consider relinquishing some or all of its reserve cash to help prevent cuts to state aid or programs.

Senate Republicans also declined to respond to questions about their decision late last month to hire Zogby, 58, who served as the budget secretary under former Gov. Tom Corbett, and as a policy chief and education secretary under former Gov. Tom Ridge.

He is known as an advocate for school choice, charter schools, and privatizing the state liquor and wine stores. In 2018, Wolf appointed him to be the financial administrator for the distressed Erie School District. He left that post in late February.

In his new position, Zogby, who began March 26, will focus on analyzing the impact of the $2.2 trillion federal stimulus legislation, legislative officials said.

Zogby declined comment. Sen. Pat Browne (R., Lehigh), who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, did not respond to requests for comment on the decision to hire Zogby.

Brownes committee already employs budget analysts and other staff who examine the fiscal impact of legislation. Wes Leckrone, a political science professor at Widener University, also noted that the state has an Independent Fiscal Office, an agency created by the legislature to provide, among other duties, independent analyses of the states finances.

It seems you could use them for budget projections, Leckrone said.

Earlier this week, the fiscal office released a report that said the state could face a nearly $4 billion shortfall as the coronavirus crisis shutters businesses, leading to mass layoffs, and weakens revenue collections.

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Pa.'s coronavirus surge expected in the next week, Gov. Wolf says; if so, it could affect the shutdown order

Wolf announces emergency loans for Pa. hospitals reeling from COVID-19, says they cant be allowed to become bankrupt
TC Law Offices of the Public Defender View Photo

Sonora, CA  A recently retired public defender who served for years in that lead role for Tuolumne County has passed at the age of 63 from COVID-19.

Robert Bob Price was a passenger on the Zaandam, which departed from Buenos Aires, Argentina, on March 7, a day before the U.S. State Department advised to avoid cruise travel and a week before most cruise lines halted their sailings.

He became ill [last] Thursday and was not one of the ones originally identified because he did not have a temperature before that, says Elizabeth Azlin, his former wife and president of the Modesto-based Stanislaus Senior Foundation. Sharing her shock and sorrow at the news she says she talked with him over the phone last week and he said he was feeling ill. As Clarke Broadcasting talked to her Friday, she was fielding multiple calls over funeral arrangements and with family members.

Scott Gross, who worked with Bob for over two years in the local courtrooms before taking over the Lead Public Defender role from him upon Prices retirement last June, describes Bob as a fixture in the County Public Defender Office for 26 years, serving as lead for 16 of them.

He just retired and it is horrific, Gross shares sadly. He was looking forward to his retirementin great health. He got along with everyone in the county and will be missed.

Gross recalls they time they spent over three weeks last year before he officially left the office. He wanted to make sure there was a smooth transition because that is the way he was.

However with so many years there, Gross confides, He would periodically come back and visit the office every couple of months, checking up. When you are here 25-plus years it is hard to let go, and he would come down and see friends. He was here a lot.

Funeral arrangements are still in process.

According to an Associated Press report, on Thursday, officials reported the passing of another person from the Zaadam who tested positive for the virus: a 50-year-old crew member from Indonesia who was hospitalized for days in Florida after it the cruise ship and another sister ship with coronavirus patients were finally allowed to dock in Ft. Lauderdale.

The Zaandam and the Rotterdam that was helping provide emergency relief assistance, previously spent two weeks at sea due to being rejected by South American ports. Four passengers, all men in their senior years, had already died before the cruise ships arrived, and the investigating medical examiner stated that three had tested positive for COVID-19 but that the fourth mans cause of death being described as a viral infection because he had tested negative for the new virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday announced the extension of a no sail order for all cruise ships until further notice.
Attorney Michael Avenatti, who represented adult film actress Stormy Daniels in lawsuits against President Donald Trump, was granted temporary release from his New York City prison on Friday due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Avenatti, 49, claimed that a recent bout if pneumonia in September put him at greater risk for contracting the coronavirus.

He will be released from the Metropolitan Correctional Center on a $1million bond and placed into quarantine for 14 days at a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to ensure he's not infected with the coronavirus.

Avenatti's bond was posted by Hubert Bromma, who wrote a book titled 'How to Invest in Offshore Real Estate and Pay Little or No Taxes.'

Michael Avenatti (pictured) was granted temporary release from his New York City prison by a federal judge in California on Friday

Avenatti claimed that his cell mate at Metropolitan Correctional Center (pictured) in New York showed symptoms of COVID-19

ABC News reports that once he's completed the mandated quarantine, Avenatti will be allowed to leave for Los Angeles to stay at a friend's home for 90 days.

A federal California judge, who granted Avenatti's release, has ordered that he will not be allowed out of the home except for emergencies and must wear a monitoring bracelet.

He also can't use the internet, make financial transactions of more than $500 or open a new bank or credit accounts.

Avenatti was initially denied temporary release in late March after U.S. District Court Judge James Selna found no credible reason to remove him from custody.

In addition to the pneumonia, Avenatti claimed that his cell mate was recently removed after showing symptoms like a fever and severe cough, Politico reports.

'The Court is mindful of the Covid 19 pandemic,' Selna wrote in a letter.

'The Court accepts Avenattis showing that the had pneumonia about six months ago. ... However, there is no showing that his cellmate was infected by the virus, and there have been no reportedcases of Covid 19 at the New York MCC.

'There is no basis to release Avenatti on medical grounds.'

Prosecutors argued that Avenatti's risk of infection was 'minimal and entirely manageable.'

In September, Avenatti (pictured) contracted pneumonia and he told officials that this puts him at greater risk to be infected by COVID-19

'Defendant  has not cited any information or evidence demonstrating that defendant, who is an otherwise healthy 49-year man, is at greater risk from COVID-19 merely because he may have had pneumonia six months ago.

'Thus, there is no reason to conclude that defendants personal circumstances are meaningfully distinguishable from the vast majority of individuals detained in BOP facilities or would justify the extraordinary relief he now seeks.

The prosecution doubled down on their stance and said Avenatti's history made him likely to not only defy court orders, but also the emergency shelter-at-home orders of California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

'Defendant has shown an unwillingness or inability to follow rules, and a disregard for the welfare of others. Thus, defendants failure to follow rules poses particular dangers to the community,' they wrote.

New York has become the epicenter of the COVID-19, with 174, 489 infections and 7,844. The city has recorded more than 94,000 cases and 5,000 deaths.

In February, Avenatti was convicted for attempting to extort Nike. A jury found his guilty of extortion, wire fraud and transmitting a threat in interstate communications charges.

THE CHARGES AGAINST AVENATTI The Nike case Avenatti was charged last March with three counts; extortion, honest services fraud and transmission of interstate communications with intent to extort. He tried to get Nike to pay him $25million and, in exchange, said he would not expose them for alleged payments to college basketball players - something that is banned. Nike reported him to the authorities instead. He is facing up to 42 years in prison. The Stormy Daniels Case In the second case to be filed against him in New York, Avenatti is charged with identity theft and wire fraud. He allegedly forged Stormy Daniels' signature to steal $300,000 in payments from her book. He represented Daniels in her fight against Donald Trump and Michael Cohen during the 2016 presidential election when they gave her hush money to keep her allegations that she'd slept with Trump quiet. If convicted, he faces 20 years in prison. That case will go to trial in April. The IRS and Justice Department Case The most serious indictment was filed in California. It charges Avenatti with 36 counts of tax fraud, among other crimes. If convicted, he faces 335 years behind bars in that case. That will go to trial in May. Advertisement

He was arrested as he was about to meet Nike lawyers last March to press his demands for millions of dollars to conduct an internal probe of the apparel maker.

Avenatti had approached Nike claiming to have proof that it had been paying players illegally and threatening to expose the company for it if they did not pay him up to $25million.

After the charges were revealed, Nike said it had been cooperating with an already-ongoing NCAA investigation into the issue of college basketball payments for more than a year.

'Nike firmly believes in ethical and fair play, both on business and sports, and will continue to assist prosecutors,' the company said.

At the time, Avenatti was drowning in personal debts of $10million, according to his indictment.

He had scheduled a press conference to discuss Nike's alleged payments to the players when he was taken into custody.

Avenatti had threatened to share the allegations, whether proven or not, the night before Nike's quarterly earnings call to drive its stock price down.

He maintained he was taking the aggressive position at the urging of his client, Gary Franklin, who ran a youth basketball league in Los Angeles and was angry that Nike ended a decade long sponsorship that provided $72,000 annually and free gear.

He had sought $1.5 million for Franklin as well.

Avenatti was also convicted of defrauding Franklin by not telling him he was demanding a probe before agreeing to settle.

He trial included multiple recordings of his negotiations with Nike's lawyers.

Franklin also testified for prosecutors that he did not want a probe or press conference. He told jurors that two Nike executives forced him to pay money to the mother of an elite high school basketball player and to pass along payments to the handlers of other players while doctoring paperwork to hide the purpose of the funds.

Stormy Daniels (pictured) was previously represented by Michael Avenatti in lawsuits against President Trump, but two lawsuits were dismissed and one was settled in May 2019

President Trump (pictured) was accused of paying Stormy Daniels $130,000 to sign a nondisclosure deal over an alleged affair in 2006

Ghosted: Stormy Daniels said last month that she was not surprised her former lawyer had been arrested and that they had parted ways

Avenatti's notoriety became the subject of headlines after he represented Stormy Daniels - real name Stephanie Clifford - in lawsuits against Trump.

It was reported by the Wall Street Journal that Daniels was paid $130,000 to sign a nondisclosure agreement about an alleged affair she had with Trump in 2006.

Daniels came out during the Trump's presidency and argued that the nondisclosure agreement was invalid.

A total of three lawsuits were filed against Trump, and his former lawyer Michael Cohen, but two were dismissed in court. A third lawsuit was settled in May 2019.

Daniels turned away from Avenatti after he allegedly stole $300,000 in payments from her book by forging her signature. The trial begins in April.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Sobelman is pictured in a court sketch pointing at Avenatti during his trial in New York

He will then go on trial in Los Angeles in May in the Justice Department and IRS case where he is accused of defrauding clients and others of millions of dollars.

He operated a Ponzi-type scheme whereby he used some clients' settlement money to 'lull' others when they questioned where theirs was after allegedly spending it himself.

One of the alleged victims is Geoffrey Ernest Johnson, a mentally ill paraplegic who won a $4million settlement from Los Angeles County in 2015.

Prosecutors say Avenatti hid the settlement from him for years and spent the money himself on his coffee business and race car team.

It also claims that in 2017, he received $2.75million in a separate case but hid that from his client too. The next day, he allegedly spent $2.5million of the money on a private plane. In one case, he allegedly lied about already wiring a client $4million, saying he had done it when he had not.

They include 10 counts of wire fraud, 19 counts of tax fraud, two counts of bank fraud and four counts of bankruptcy fraud, the oldest of which stems from 2010.

Combined, they carry a maximum prison sentence of 335 years.
SEBASTOPOL (BCN)

A driver died early Saturday after his SUV veered off State Route 116 in Sebastopol, hit a utility pole and flipped several times, the California Highway Patrol said.

The driver, whose name was not released, was alone in a Jeep Grand Cherokee headed westbound on 116, east of Cooper Road at about 4:30 a.m. The SUV went off the roadway into a dirt embankment, where it hit the wooden utility pole, according to the CHP.

The driver was ejected from the Jeep and was found in the roadway. He died while being taken by emergency crews to a hospital, the CHP said.

The crash is under investigation and the CHP asks anyone with information to call the Santa Rosa CHP office at (707)588-1400.

The roadway was closed due to phone lines down in the roadway. It was estimated that repairs would be completed and the roadway open by noon.

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.
CHANDIGARH: Haryanas health authorities have ruled out the community spread of the coronavirus disease in the state so far, though they admit they are yet to ascertain the contact history in three (2%) of the 162 positive cases in the state.

For instance, a 38-year-old woman, who tested positive for Covid-19 on March 30, did not have any travel history. Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Covid-19 nodal officer Dr Dhruva Chaudhary says that the womans contact history is yet to be traced. Her two children had also caught the infection from her.

The woman runs a paying guest (PG) facility in Sirsa, while her husband owns a similar business in Chandigarh and visited Rajasthan, Punjab and Union territory recently. Doctors suspect the womans husband contracted the infection and passed it on to his wife. He is healthy due to better immunity.

FAMILY FUNCTION ATTENDED BY NRIs

In Ambala, the health department is yet to ascertain how a 67-year-old heart patient, who died at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) on April 1, caught the infection. His 65-year-old woman relative has also tested positive.

Ambala chief medical officer Dr Kuldeep Singh says a family function was held on March 20 at their residence which was attended by non-resident Indians (NRIs). Though the womans daughter-in-law, who works at a bank in Patiala and deals with NRI accounts, tested negative, the woman could have got infected due to low immunity.

SOURCE OF INFECTION A MYSTERY

The source of infection of the 58-year-old first Covid-19 patient of Karnal district, who had died at PGI, Chandigarh, is yet to be ascertained. On April 2, he tested positive for Covid-19 and died two days later. He, however, left his son, a doctor and a staff nurse of Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College and Hospital infected.

Ruling out chances of community spread in Haryana, the director general, health services, Dr SB Kamboj said the Karnal village resident was a chronic diabetic and was frequenting hospitals in Gurugram and Panipat before getting admitted to the Karnal hospital.

A case qualifies to be a case of community spread when we fail to get absolutely no traces of the contact history. In all these cases of Ambala, Sirsa and Karnal, we at least know the possible route of the contact, he added.
A man in his early 20s is due to appear in court in Cork this morning charged in connection with a stabbing earlier this week.

Another man, also in his 20s, was injured in the incident at around 9.30pm on Tuesday evening at Pearse Square in Ballyphehane.
The minister of state for labour, Festus Keyamo has described as false the news that the federal government of Nigeria has begun the recruitment of 774 000 personnel across Nigerian as announced some days ago.

Speaking in a statement obtained by Vanguard, Keyamo described a website currently urging Nigerians to apply as fake.

My attention has been drawn to a certain advertorial circulating on Social Media tilted Application Opens For 774,000 Employment By FG: See Requirements, Salary And How To Apply.

Read Also: Lockdown: Give Nigerians 1 Month Free Subscription  Keyamo Tells DSTV, Others

The advertorial goes ahead to state Stipends and Commissions, Requirements, How To Apply, Closing Date, etc.

As the Supervising Minister over the National Directorate of Employment in which the Special Public Works Programme of the Federal Government is domiciled, and having conferred with the Director-General, Dr Nasiru Ladan Mohammed Argungu, we wish to alert members of the public that the said advertorial or anything of such presently circulating is fake and should be disregarded.

I have just finished a consultation with the Hon. Minister of Finance and we are presently working out how the scope of the programme would be expanded and executed with other relevant Ministries and stakeholders across the country
Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane on Saturday supported Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's decision to extend the lockdown in the state till April 30 to check the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

"We need to combat the #Covid19 situation and prevent it from spreading more. Let's support the decision of our @CMOMaharashtra to extend the lockdown in Maharashtra. Our teamwork and unity shall immensely help to curb this virus. @AUThackeray #IndiaFightsCorona," Rahane tweeted.

After Odisha, Punjab and Telangana, Maharashtra also on Saturday extended the lockdown in the State.

"Maharashtra will continue to be locked down till April 30. The State will show the way to the country even in these tough times," said Thackeray on Saturday.

"On Monday, we will complete five weeks since the first case of coronavirus was reported in the State. We can say that till now we have been successful in preventing the multiplication of the number of cases up to some extent," he added.

The Odisha government on Thursday extended the COVID-19 lockdown till April 30, becoming the first state to do so. The 21-day lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month to contain the spread of novel coronavirus will end on April 14.

The total number of COVID-19 positive cases stand at 7,529 including 6,634 active cases, said Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday.

So far 652 people have been discharged from hospitals after they recovered while 242 deaths have been reported across the country and one person has migrated.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Panaji, April 11 : Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant here on Saturday hinted at relaxations to some industries to revive economic activity after April 14, and announced resumption of work at government offices from Wednesday.

Sawant, however, said the state government would await the Centre's decision, expected to be announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when the 21-day lockdown period would end on April 14.

"From April 15, the government offices may start in Goa. I urge government servants to sanitise their offices, before they are formally opened for the government business," Sawant said, hours after attending a Chief Ministers' meeting through video link with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"The Prime Minister may address the country tomorrow (Sunday) or day after. All the Chief Ministers called for a uniform set of guidelines. I feel by Monday, the central guidelines for the next 15 days (post-lockdown) will be announced," he said.

Sawant said Goa's borders would be under lockdown, but some industries, including agriculture, food and pharma, would allowed to open to spur economic activity, which has taken a hit on account of the lockdown.

"I feel economic activity should begin. Agriculture will be given priority. Pharma, food industry should be started, but no labour will be allowed to enter from other states. Our decision will be based on the central government guidelines, as and when announced," Sawant said.

The Chief Minister urged private hospitals as well as clinics to start OPDs, saying OPDs at the goverment health facilities would start functioning from Monday. "All government OPDs has been shut. From Monday, these OPDs will be opened, but people should not rush. I request private hospitals and doctors to start OPDs with adequate precautions," Sawant said.

Despite an advisory from the Indian Medical Association, most private practitioners and hospitals shut their OPDs for fear of Covid-19 transmission.

Sawant said the state government was contemplating to make wearing of masks compulsory in public places.

The Goa government on Saturday lifted ban on supply of chicken and mutton from other states, barring Karnataka and Kerala, which have reported bird flu scares in recent times.
A Chinese scientist who is the one of the world's leading experts on coronaviruses was 'muzzled' after unravelling the genetic composition of the new disease, which is crucial for developing diagnostic tests and vaccines.

The revelation will fuel fresh concerns over China's cover-up of the pandemic after it erupted in the city of Wuhan. Critics argue that Communist Party chiefs frustrated efforts to contain the outbreak before it exploded around the world.

At the centre of the new claims is Shi Zhengli, known as China's 'Bat Woman' after years spent on difficult virus-hunting expeditions in dank caves that have led to a series of important scientific discoveries.

The virologist was called back to her highsecurity laboratory in Wuhan at the end of last year after a mysterious new respiratory condition in the city was identified as a novel coronavirus  and within three days she completed its gene sequencing.

A virology lab like the one Shi Zhengli completed the gene sequencing of the coronavirus

Her team's work, and several other breakthroughs in subsequent days, indicated the virus was linked to horseshoe bats found more than 1,000 miles away in Yunnan, a region of southern China.

Their findings showed it was similar to SARS, a respiratory disease that sparked an epidemic in 33 countries after emerging from China in 2002.

Gao Yu, a Chinese journalist freed last week after 76 days of lockdown in Wuhan, said he spoke to Shi during his incarceration and revealed: 'We learned later her institute finished gene-sequencing and related tests as early as January 2 but was muzzled.'

China clamps down on research into the origins of coronavirus as officials demand the right to vet scientific papers China is clamping down on research into the origins of the coronavirus after officials demanded the right to inspect its scientific papers before they are made pubic. Two websites for leading Chinese universities have allegedly recently published and then removed pages that discuss a new policy which requires academic papers about Covid-19 to undergo extra checks before they are published, according to The Guardian. Both Fudan University and the China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) allegedly posted notices saying that research on the origins of the coronavirus will be subject to government checks. The director of the SOAS China Institute in London, Professor Steve Tsang, said that the Chinese government is more concerned with 'controlling the narrative' surrounding coronavirus than public health or economic fallout. He told The Guardian: 'If these documents are authentic it would suggest the government really wants to control the narrative about the origins of Covid-19 very tightly.' The source who found the cached versions of the websites said they were concerned at what appeared to be a governmental coverup. They added that researchers publishing other academic papers on different medical topics did not have to undergo the same examination process. It is unclear whether this is a new governmental policy in China. Advertisement

The Mail on Sunday has learned that on that same day, Yanyi Wang, director of the Wuhan Institute of Virology, sent an email to staff and key officials ordering them not to disclose information on the disease.

She warned, according to a leak on social media confirmed by activists and Hong Kong media, that 'inappropriate and inaccurate information'was causing 'general panic'  thought to refer to eight whistle-blowing doctors whose warnings to local citizens had led to their arrest.

Wang said the National Health Commission 'unequivocally requires that any tests, clinical data, test results, conclusions related to the epidemic shall not be posted on social media platforms, nor shall [it] be disclosed to any media outlets including government official media, nor shall [it] be disclosed to partner institutions.'

Eight days later, a team led by a professor in Shanghai who received samples from an infected patient, published a genome sequence on an open access platform.

His laboratory was closed for 'rectification' two days later.

At the time, the public was being told that no new cases had been reported in Wuhan for more than a week and there was no clear evidence of human transmission, although dozens of health workers were starting to fall ill with the disease.

In an online lecture last month, Shi Zhengli said her team found on January 14 that the new virus could infect people  six days before this fact was revealed by China.

On the same day, the World Health Organisation issued a tweet backing China's denials of human transmissions.

Shi's team released its data identifying the disease on January 23 on a scientific portal before publication the next month by the journal Nature.

It said the genomic sequence was 96 per cent identical to another virus they found in horseshoe bats in Yunnan.

Shi is a specialist in emerging diseases and has earned global acclaim for work investigating links between bats and coronaviruses, aided by expeditions to collect samples and swabs in the fetid cave networks of southern China.

She was a key part of the team that traced SARS to horseshoe bats through civets, a cat-like creature often eaten in China.

Bats have been linked with seven major epidemics over the past three decades.

Shi Zhengli is known as China's 'Bat Woman' after years spent on difficult virus-hunting expeditions in dank caves that have led to a series of important scientific discoveries

The Wuhan Institute of Virology, based ten miles from the wildlife market blamed as the source of Covid-19, developed a 30million high-security laboratory after the SARS outbreak with French assistance.

It was the first laboratory in China with P4 status  denoting highest global biosafety levels  and contains the largest virus bank in Asia.

It was this fact that sparked now discounted conspiracy theories that Covid-19 was man-made.

Shi, the laboratory's deputy director, admits that when summoned back from a conference to investigate the new disease, she wondered at first if a coronavirus could have escaped from her unit.

She has warned about the danger of epidemics from bat-borne viruses. But she says she did not expect such an outbreak in Wuhan, in the centre of China, since her studies suggested subtropical areas in the south had the highest risk of such 'zoonotic' transmission to humans.

Shi told the respected science journal Scientific American last month of her relief when, having checked back through disposal records, none of the genome sequences matched their virus samples.

'That really took a load off my mind. I had not slept a wink for days,' she said.

For 16 years, she has plunged into caves and crevices filled with roosting bats in areas such as Yunnan and Guangdong, where SARS first erupted.

Her team took blood, saliva and fecal samples while also testing local people for antibodies.

There were initial suggestions that pangolins may have hosted the virus before it started infecting people in Wuhan five months ago, just as civets 'amplified' the SARS virus, but a study last week suggested human versions are closer to bat samples.

Wuhan's wildlife market was closed the day after China notified the WHO about a new pneumonialike virus.

However, party chiefs seemed more focused on the success of a key Communist Party meeting and looming New Year festivities, when millions move around the country. Lianchao Han, a pro-democracy activist based in Washington, said the Chinese government tried to block news about the virus.

He said: 'They thought it could be controlled, and also President Xi Jinping demanded not to spoil the Chinese New Year.'

Bats have been linked with seven major epidemics over the past three decades

As the disease spread and deaths mounted in China, one report appeared in the Beijing News identifying a researcher at the institute as 'patient zero'  the first person to be infected.

Shi was subjected to savage attacks on social media as the 'mother of the devil' and responded with a furious denial on her WeChat social media account, saying the new virus was 'nature punishing the human race for keeping uncivilised living habits'.

'I swear with my life  [the virus] has nothing to do with the lab,' she declared, telling those spreading false rumours to 'shut their stinking mouths.'

Shi has worked alongside many of the world's top experts on infectious diseases. 'She is a superb scientist and very nice person,' said James LeDuc, director of the Galveston National Laboratory, a high-security biocontainment centre in Texas.

'She has been very open and collaborative for the decade I've worked with her.'

REVEALED: U.S. government gave $3.7million grant to Wuhan lab at center of coronavirus leak scrutiny that was performing experiments on bats from the caves where the disease is believed to have originated

By Frances Mulraney and Glenn Owen for the Mail on Sunday

The Chinese laboratory at the center of scrutiny over a potential coronavirus leak has been using U.S. government money to carry out research on bats from the caves which scientists believe are the original source of the deadly outbreak.

The Wuhan Institute of Virology undertook coronavirus experiments on mammals captured more than 1,000 miles away in Yunnan which were funded by a $3.7 million grant from the US government.

Sequencing of the COVID-19 genome has traced it back to bats found in Yunnan caves but it was first thought to have transferred to humans at an animal market in Wuhan.

The revelation that the Wuhan Institute was experimenting on bats from the area already known to be the source of COVID-19 - and doing so with American money - has sparked further fears that the lab, and not the market, is the original outbreak source.

Lawmakers and pressure groups were quick to hit out at U.S. funding being provided for the 'dangerous and cruel animal experiments at the Wuhan Institute'.

A laboratory at the center of scrutiny over the coronavirus pandemic has been carrying out research on bats from the cave which scientists believe is the original source of the outbreak

Workers are seen next to a cage with mice inside the P4 laboratory in Wuhan. It has been revealed that the lab also carried out research on bats from the source location of COVID-19

The institute is located only 20 miles from the food market where it was originally believed that the outbreak began. Experts continue to say the virus was transmitted from animal to human and was not lab engineered in China as some conspiracy theories have claimed

US Congressman Matt Gaetz said: 'I'm disgusted to learn that for years the US government has been funding dangerous and cruel animal experiments at the Wuhan Institute, which may have contributed to the global spread of coronavirus, and research at other labs in China that have virtually no oversight from US authorities.'

On Saturday, Anthony Bellotti, president of the US pressure group White Coat Waste, condemned his government for spending tax dollars in China, adding: 'Animals infected with viruses or otherwise sickened and abused in Chinese labs reportedly may be sold to wet markets for consumption once experiments are done.'

The $37million Wuhan Institute of Virology, the most advanced laboratory of its type on the Chinese mainland, is based twenty miles from the now infamous wildlife market that was thought to be the location of the original transfer of the virus from animals to humans.

According to documents obtained by The Mail on Sunday, scientists there experimented on bats as part of a project funded by the US National Institutes of Health, which continues to licence the Wuhan laboratory to receive American money for experiments.

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), pictured, has criticized U.S. funding of research in the Wuhan Institute of Virology after it emerged that experiments were being conducted on bats from Yunnan, the location experts believe to be the original source of deadly COVID-19

Anthony Bellotti, the founder and National Campaign Manager of the White Coat Waste Project, slammed the use of US funding to perform experiments on bats in Wuhan

The NIH is the primary agency of the United States government responsible for biomedical and public health research.

The Wuhan Institute lists them on their website as a partner as well as several other American academic institutions.

Other U.S. partners include the University of Alabama, the University of North Texas, Harvard University, and the National Wildlife Federation.

As part of the NIH research at the institute, scientists grew a coronavirus in a lab and injected it into three-day-old piglets.

The news that COVID-19 bats were under research there means that a leak from the Wuhan laboratory can no longer be completely ruled out.

According to one unverified claim, scientists at the institute could have become infected after being sprayed with blood containing the virus, and then passed it on to the local community.

A second institute in the city, the Wuhan Centre for Disease Control  which is barely three miles from the market  is also believed to have carried out experiments on animals such as bats to examine the transmission of coronaviruses.

The Wuhan Institute, which keeps more than 1,500 strains of deadly viruses, specializes in the research of 'the most dangerous pathogens', in particular the viruses carried by bats.

Chinese officials decided to build the institute after the country was ravaged by an outbreak of SARS in 2002 and 2003.

Biosafety Level 4 Laboratory, Wuhan Institute of Virology. The institute is at the center of several controversial conspiracy theories that claim it is to blame for the coronavirus outbreak

A worker is seen ninside the P4 laboratory in Wuhan, capital of China's Hubei province in February 2020. It is feared COVID-19 may have leaked from a lab sparking the outbreak

SARS, another kind of coronavirus, killed 775 people and infected more than 8,000 globally in an epidemic.

Since an outbreak of the novel coronavirus emerged in the city in December, it has been at the center of conspiracy theories which suggest that the bug originated there.

While scientists believe that the virus jumped to humans from wild animals sold as food in a market in Wuhan, conspiracy theorists promote different assumptions.

Some of them claim that the virus, formally known as SARS-CoV-2, could be a biological warfare weapon engineered there. Others suspect that it escaped from the lab.

China has repeatedly denied the allegations.

Shi Zhengli, a deputy director of the institute, told the press in February that she 'guaranteed with her own life' that the outbreak was not related to the lab.

She admits that when summoned back from a conference to investigate the new disease, she wondered at first if a coronavirus could have escaped from her unit.

She has warned about the danger of epidemics from bat-borne viruses.

But she says she did not expect such an outbreak in Wuhan, in the center of China, since her studies suggested subtropical areas in the south had the highest risk of such 'zoonotic' transmission to humans.

Shi told the respected science journal Scientific American last month of her relief when, having checked back through disposal records, none of the genome sequences matched their virus samples.

'That really took a load off my mind. I had not slept a wink for days,' she said.

Many international experts have also dismissed such theories.

Dr Keusch, Professor of Medicine and International Health at Boston University's Schools of Medicine and Public Health, stressed that no release of viruses from a high-level lab, such as the one in Wuhan, 'has ever happened'.

He defended his peers in the Chinese city as he said: 'The Wuhan lab is designed to the highest standards with redundant safety systems and the highest level of training.

'Many of its research faculty trained at a similar laboratory in Galveston, Texas. So we know the Wuhan team is as qualified as the Texas group

'This means the assertion of a leak, rather than being highly likely, instead is highly unlikely.'

Last week, further doubt was cast on the animal market theory, however, after Cao Bin, a doctor at the Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital, highlighted research showing that 13 of the first 41 patients diagnosed with the infection had not had any contact with the market.

'It seems clear that the seafood market is not the only origin of the virus,' he said.

American biosecurity expert Professor Richard Ebright, of Rutgers University's Waksman Institute of Microbiology, New Jersey, said that while the evidence suggests COVID-19 was not created in one of the Wuhan laboratories, it could easily have escaped from there while it was being analyzed.

Prof Ebright said he has seen evidence that scientists at the Centre for Disease Control and the Institute of Virology studied the viruses with only 'level 2' security  rather than the recommended level 4  which 'provides only minimal protections against infection of lab workers'.

He added: 'Virus collection, culture, isolation, or animal infection would pose a substantial risk of infection of a lab worker, and from the lab worker then the public.'

He concluded that the evidence left 'a basis to rule out [that coronavirus is] a lab construct, but no basis to rule out a lab accident'.

Results of the U.S-funded research at the Wuhan Institute were published in November 2017 under the heading: 'Discovery of a rich gene pool of bat SARS-related coronaviruses provides new insights into the origin of SARS coronavirus.'

The exercise was summarized as: 'Bats in a cave in Yunnan, China were captured and sampled for coronaviruses used for lab experiments.

'All sampling procedures were performed by veterinarians with approval from the Animal Ethics Committee of the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

'Bat samplings were conducted ten times from April 2011 to October 2015 at different seasons in their natural habitat at a single location (cave) in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. Bats were trapped and faecal swab samples were collected.'

Another study, published in April 2018, was titled 'fatal swine acute diarrhoea syndrome caused by an HKU2-related coronavirus of bat origin' and described the research as such: 'Following a 2016 bat-related coronavirus outbreak on Chinese pig farms, bats were captured in a cave and samples were taken.

Experimenters grew the virus in a lab and injected it into three-day-old piglets.

Intestinal samples from sick piglets were ground up and fed to other piglets as well.

The coronavirus pandemic has killed more than 108,000 people and infected over 1.7 million worldwide.'

On Saturday, the American outbreak became the deadliest in the world over 2,000 deaths in a day.

The national deaths toll is 20,087 and there are 522,643 confirmed cases as of Saturday evening.
After coronavirus outbreak at church that left one dead, health officials praise pastor for response

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Health officials in Shasta County, California, have praised pastor Paul Tilley and his Faith Assembly Church in Redding for how they responded to a coronavirus outbreak at the church that left one person dead.

We are impressed with how proactive the church has been since learning about the first case in their congregation, Brandy Isola, the county's public health branch director, told the Record Searchlight.

We have community transmission in Shasta County. We recognize that there is less than ideal testing capacity in our county, state and country. This means that there are cases of COVID-19 in our community that Public Health has not been notified about. It is critically important that everyone stay at home except for essential services, follow social distancing practices when it is necessary to go out and practice excellent hygiene, she said.

Tilley told the Record Searchlight that once he heard a member of his congregation tested positive for the coronavirus, he contacted Shasta County health officials on March 23  the same day he heard of the exposure  "to give them a detailed account of how I handled the crisis."

The member, who has been identified as a 75-year-old woman, has since died.

Shasta County Health and Human Services officials revealed there has since been a "higher than expected number of positive cases" associated with the church.

Warnings were also issued to other members who "may be at higher risk of carrying COVID-19, particularly if they attended a weekend event there (at the church) on March 14 and 15, and they should inform their close contacts and social circles that they may have been exposed, health officials said.

Tilley and his church drew praise from health officials because in addition to alerting them about the exposure, he developed a timeline of the woman's activities at the church and then told his entire 300-member congregation what had happened.

"They (county officials) informed me at that time, I had responded in a responsible manner," Tilley said. "The church has been closed, in compliance with President Trumps Coronavirus Guidelines for America since the announcement on March 16."

Despite his efforts, six of his members, including the deceased woman, tested positive for coronavirus. The deceased woman's son also tested positive for coronavirus and was under quarantine for 14 days but had no symptoms. Other members have been hospitalized but are recovering.

Tilley said he is sheltering in place and urging others in his congregation to do the same to keep them and the larger community safe.

"I want to do what I can to keep my members safe," Tilley said. "We as a church are trying to lead by example as far as what you should be doing."
The COVID-19 pandemic is a grave threat to public health in Canada but not, so far, to public order.

You wouldnt know this, however, by the excessive and, frankly, unacceptable behaviour of some police and bylaw enforcement officers in recent days.

Far too many ordinary Canadians doing ordinary things that might reasonably be considered permissible have been stung by the too-heavy hand of the law.

Montrealer Melissa Leblanc was hit with a $1,546 fine by police because a few of her friends drove up on her street and sang Happy Birthday to her  from their cars while she stood well away at her front door.

In Ottawa, Corey Yanofsky was fined $880 after walking his dog through a municipal park. According to the citys head of emergency and protective services, people are allowed to walk through the park, but not loiter in it, which seems to have been the sin committed by a thoroughly perplexed Yanofsky.

And in the same city, David Martinek was dumbfounded after being threatened with a $700 fine for kicking a ball to his energetic, four-year-old autistic son, William, on a small, public green space. After all, the citys own emergency act says: Nothing in this order precludes individuals from walking through or using portions of park and recreational areas that are not otherwise closed.

Other reports of harsh, questionable fines being meted out have come from Nunavut and Nova Scotia, while in Toronto and Hamilton concerns have been specifically raised about the ticketing of homeless people.

Considering that the physical and economic health of Canadians are todays top priorities, many people might excuse such draconian actions. But theres no place for complacency when it comes to our civil rights. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has sounded the alarm about the unfair and arbitrary enforcement of new, pandemic-related laws across Canada, and the public should be listening.

To be sure, this newspaper fully endorses the emergency measures rolled out by our federal, provincial and municipal governments. These governments are right to impose rules that discourage public gatherings, promote physical distancing, close non-essential businesses and force travellers returning from abroad to self-isolate. Yet this has all happened in a few blinks of an eye. The new rules can be hazy and vary significantly from municipality to municipality or province to province. They often change from day to day, too. No wonder many Canadians remain confused about what precisely they can and cant do.

And so many people are also coping with sudden unemployment and the inability to socialize with the family, friends and neighbours they depend on. Overnight their lives have become very hard.

This is not the time for police and bylaw officers to treat them as enemies of the state. This is particularly so given that the vast majority of Canadians appear to be doing all they can to respect and abide by the new order of things.

And so, unless an offence is egregious, we would urge police and bylaw officers to start by verbally warning individuals who violate one of the new rules. Explain to them what theyre doing wrong.

And any action should be based on specific regulations, not the whim of a martinet on a power trip. As the last resort, fines can be handed out, especially to stubborn scofflaws who persist in obviously unsafe behaviour.

Thats the way to encourage Canadians to accept the new rules. Thats also the way to ensure life during a pandemic is no harder than it must be. Protect the publics health  and their rights.
Meerut : , April 11 (IANS) A city magistrate was injured on Saturday when a team of district officials went to seal the Jali Kothi area in the city that was declared a coronavirus hotspot as per official guidelines.

Four persons have since been booked under the National Security Act, including three connected to the Tablighi Jamaat and one with an area mosque, after four positive cases came to light in the area.

A team comprising civil, health and police officials had gone to the area around 10 am when a mob pelted it with stones, injuring City Magistrate Sataendra Kumar Singh.

Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Kumar Sahni confirmed the incident.

A police department spokesperson said the four persons in the area were found coronavirus positive on Friday night, including three Tablighi Jamaat followers rounded up from the Dari Wali Masjid.

The district administration declared the area a coronavirus hotspot on Saturday morning, following which the team was dispatched to seal the area.

Additional police was rushed to the spot after the stone-pelting and many people detained.

District police spokesperson Pramod Gautam said the four persons found corona positive have been handed over to the health officials and quarantined.
The Holiday Guru is always on call to answer your questions.

This week a reader asks for help with claiming a refund after they had to abandon their tour around Asia, while another seeks tips on how to plan a challenging hike in the Alps for when we can travel again...

Q. We flew back after five days of a 16-day holiday in Malaysia, Singapore and Borneo due to coronavirus, paying for our own new flights as the rep said we would receive a full refund from our travel company, Mercury Direct. Nothing has come. Can you help? Doreen and Wayne Holland, via email.

A reader asks for help with claiming a refund after they had to abandon their tour around Malaysia, Singapore (pictured) and Borneo

A. Mercury (mercuryholidays.com) has apologised for this error and will refund you for the flights and the unused part of the holiday. A spokesman said: We apologise unreservedly for any stress this has caused.

Our first and only priority has been to repatriate all of our clients safely back to the UK, without anyone losing out financially.

Q. I am dreaming of going on a long challenging walk in the Alps to rid myself of cabin fever when all the current restrictions are over. Any recommendations?

Joan Edwards, via email.

The Holiday Guru recommends a two-week hike from the Eiger (pictured) to the Matterhorn in Switzerland

A. Inntravel offers a selection of walks including a rigorous two-week hike from the Eiger to the Matterhorn in Switzerland  from 2,495 pp including hotels, half-board meals and luggage transportation, but excluding flights (inntravel.co.uk).

WERE HERE TO HELP

Holiday Guru is here for you. Send questions to holidayplanner@dailymail.co.uk or write to Daily Mail Travel, Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT  and include your contact details.
Several chief ministers including Delhis Arvind Kejriwal urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday to extend the federal lockdown till the end of April as it is helping to contain the deadly corona outbreak. Some chief ministers also demanded financial packages while expressing concern over the impact of the pandemic on the economy.

PM Modi did not spell out his decision on the lockdown at the meeting. An official spokesperson confirmed that most states had requested the Centre to extend the national lockdown.

The Central Government is considering this request, KS Dhatwalia, the governments principal spokesperson said. Dhatwalias tweet came minutes after Arvind Kejriwal appeared to suggest that PM Modi had taken the decision to extend the lockdown by two weeks.

ALSO WATCH: COVID-19 l PM Modi interacts with Chief Ministers of states: Key takeaways

In course of the meeting - this was the third conference of chief ministers on the Covid-19 pandemic - PM Modi assured the chief ministers on more than one occasion that the Centre will work in tandem with the states.

In his opening speech, Modi said that the leaders must stand shoulder-to-shoulder to tackle this outbreak and insisted that there is no space of politics in the health emergency. He also said that the suggestions of all CMs would be considered with highest importance.

#IndiaFightsCoronavirus #21daylockdown :

During the video-conferencing on #coronavirusinindia with state CMs today,

most states requested PM @narendramodi to extend the lockdown for 2 more weeks.



The Central Government is considering this request.  K.S. Dhatwalia (@DG_PIB) April 11, 2020

Modi also appealed to the CMs to share all information without any hesitation and underlined that he is available 24/7 to talk to them, listen to their suggestions and problems and help the states.

During the video-conferencing on #coronavirusinindia with state CMs today, most states requested PM @narendramodi to extend the lockdown for 2 more weeks. The Central Government is considering this request, tweeted KS Dhatwalia, Principal Spokesperson, government of India.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Punjabs Amrinder Singh and Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao pitched for extending the lockdown till April 30. According to a functionary, Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chauhan didnt give his opinion on extending the lockdown.

Earlier this week, Modi had told parliament floor leaders of political parties that it is not possible to abruptly end the lockdown and underlined that lockdown is the only way to save peoples lives in India.

Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh demanded extension of the nationwide lockdown by at least a fortnight but with special concessions for industry and agriculture sectors.

He reiterated the need for ramping up testing facilities and urged the Prime Minister to expedite the supply of rapid test kits and sought special risk allowance for all government employees including police personnel and sanitation workers engaged in frontline duties.

Singh also sought the central support for assisting the poor and bonus for the farmers to incentivise staggered and delayed procurement of wheat apart from three months waiver of interest on crop loans and deferment of recovery of crop loans by commercial banks.

He urged the Prime Minister to defer recovery and waiver of interest and penalties on industrial loans for six months to enable the industry to meet urgent costs, including wage payment to workers.

Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel urged the Prime Minister to give the right to the state governments to decide whether to carry out economic activities in their respective states.

Given the prevailing situation, he said the states will definitely face an economic crisis and an action plan has to be prepared as per the requirement to enable them to revive the economy.

Baghel and Kejriwal also sought continuation of the ban on inter-state road, air and rail facilities
Oregon Coast Easter Egg Hunt Goes Virtual: Lincoln City Brings It To Locals

Published 04/09/2020 at 5:24 AM PDT

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Lincoln City, Oregon)  Easter on the central Oregon coast has become a major tradition, especially in the Lincoln City area. Its there where each Saturday just before Easter, hundreds of kidlets gathered at Regatta Park just before noon. Then, theyd arrange themselves by age and stand patiently in a line that led to the Easter Bunny, where theyd pose for photos and waited for the countdown. When noon came around, the grassy hillside of this coastal park would see a rush of kids scattering all around, as theyd search frantically for the colorful eggs filled with candy, coins and treats, provided by the local Kiwanis Club.

Its over in five minutes. Yet for many Lincoln City families and some visitors as well, its some of the best five minutes of the year. This season its not be, however, as the stay-at-home order due to the COVID-19 pandemic will prevent this crowded annual event from taking place. There will be no mad dash through the grass, no unexpected downpour, no arrival of the Easter Bunny by firetruck.

Parents need not despair this year, however: the Kiwanis Club of Lincoln City and the Lincoln City Cultural Center have partnered together to help you make those memories and take those photos. This year, the Kiwanians will be helping the community come together, separately, with a DIY Easter Egg Hunt. This event may be a little bit virtual, but the candy (and the fun) will be very real for local residents.

Heres how it will work. The Kiwanis Club will provide Easter Egg Hunt Kits filled with plastic eggs, already stuffed with candy, and perhaps a surprise or two, packaged into age-group bags. They will give them away at the Lincoln City Cultural Center starting at 1 pm on Thursday, April 9, at the same time as the Creative Quarantine Art Kit distribution. Adults can pull through, provide the first names and ages of the children who will be hunting, and get their bags curbside and with safe social distancing methods. Please RSVP to the Kiwanis Club Secretary, Susan Wahlke, at susanwahlke@hotmail.com. This, of course, is not an option for those living outside of the Oregon coast area, but watching will be plenty of fun.

The grownups can use those bags to stage their own hunts, at home, so kids can enjoy the treats and candy. In order to truly honor the tradition, at noon on Saturday, April 11, (the traditional time of the annual Kiwanis countdown at Regatta Park) the Easter Booney (Kiwanis Club President-Elect Boone Marker) will go live on the Lincoln City Cultural Center Facebook page, waving and chatting with viewers. If the technology cooperates, the kids will still hear the countdown at noon.

We are so sorry that we cant be together for this years Easter Egg hunt, said Kiwanian Robin Mays, the committee chair for the annual event. This event isnt just a gift for the kids  we love it, too. Lets all enjoy it, in the best way we can.

Parents are invited to post photos and video of their household hunts on the same Facebook page.

To learn more about the Kiwanis Club of Lincoln City and its programs, go to lincolncitykiwanis.org or follow the Club on Facebook @KiwanisClubLincolnCity. If you would like to learn more about the Cultural Centers Creative Quarantine Project, send a message through the Facebook page or contact Niki Price, 541-921-2006 or lcccdirector@gmail.com.

























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A new study claims to show a positive correlation between the severity of city lockdowns in the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic and their subsequent economic recovery.

The working paper from economists at the Federal Reserve and MIT examines the impact of 1918 pandemic and what they call 'non-pharmaceutical interventions' on real economic activity.

Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) are measures that include social distancing, shutting down non-essential businesses, and telling the population to stay at home.

The authors found that the pandemic itself had a sharp effect on the economy, regardless of lockdowns, as people feared going out and changed their spending and working habits.

Members of the Red Cross Motor Corps, all wearing masks against the further spread of the influenza epidemic, carry a patient on a stretcher into their ambulance, Saint Louis in 1918

Charts show cities in 1918 plotted by growth of employment and intensity of lockdowns

Charts show cities in 1918 plotted by growth of employment and speed of the lockdowns

They also found that cities with faster or more stringent lockdowns did not experience worse economic downturns following the pandemic.

'In contrast, evidence on manufacturing activity and bank assets suggests that the economy performed better in areas with more aggressive NPIs after the pandemic,' the authors wrote.

The study offers several caveats to the findings. The first is that the U.S. economic situation in 1918 was overall very different than it is today, as the country was just emerging from World War I.

As well, they add: 'The complex nature of modern global supply chains, the larger role of services, and improvements in communication technology are mechanisms we cannot capture in our analysis, but these are important factors for understanding the macroeconomic effects of COVID-19.'

And as Ars Technica reporter Cathleen O'Grady notes, cities that responded faster in 1918 tended to be farther west, and had warning as they watched the outbreak unfold on the East Coast.

'But this also meant that places that shut down sooner had economies that were relatively agriculture-based,' O'Grady writes. 'This means that there were two simultaneous differences between groups of cities, making it difficult to tell which difference was more important.'

The 1918 strain had a massive mortality rate compared to influenza in other years

Charts show cities in 1918 plotted by their national bank assets versus the intensity (left) and speed (right) of the their lockdown measures

The authors attempted to control for this difference by accounting for the relative importance of agriculture compared to manufacturing in local economies.

'Altogether, our evidence implies that pandemics are highly disruptive for economic activity,' the authors write.

'However, timely measures that mitigate the severity of the pandemic may also reduce the severity of the persistent economic downturn. That is, NPIs can reduce mortality while at the same time being economically beneficial,' they continue.

Manufacturing employment increased by 6.5 per cent in cities that imposed restrictions for an additional 50 days after the pandemic arrived, according to the study.

The researchers appear to be contradicting claims made by President Trump and several other Republicans who fear that the cure may be worse than the disease and that ways should be found to reopen the economy while trying to contain the coronavirus.

Regardless, the lockdowns have had a devastating short-term effect on the U.S. economy, with more than 16 million.
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Linkedin Moch. Fiqih Prawira Adjie and Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, April 11, 2020 12:29 640 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd12c12e 1 National Anak-Krakatau,eruption,Greater-Jakarta,Lampung Free

Anak Krakatau (Child of Krakatau) volcano in Lampung erupted on Friday, spewing out a 200-meter-high column of ash and smoke.

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigations (PVMBG) magma volcanic activity report said that the first eruption lasted one minute and 12 seconds starting at 9:58 p.m., when it spewed out ash and smoke 200 meters high.

The volcanology center reported a second eruption at 10:35 p.m. that lasted for 38 minutes and 4 seconds, spewing out a 500-meter-high column of ash that blew to the north.

PVMBG monitoring shows that the eruption continued until Saturday morning at 5:44 WIB [Western Indonesian Time], the head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agencys (BNPB) data, information and communication center, Agus Wibowo, said in a statement on Saturday.

Some internet users in Greater Jakarta said they had heard a loud rumble before reports of eruptions and assumed that they were hearing the sound of Anak Krakatau after being informed about the volcano. The authorities, however, doubted the assumption, saying the eruptions could not even be heard from the Anak Krakatau observation post.

[The loud rumble] might be unrelated to the eruption, PVMBG head Kasbani said.

People who live near the volcano in Banten and Lampung also wrote on Twitter that they did not hear anything.

Volcanology expert Surono, however, suggested that netizens in Greater Jakarta could be right.

The sound caused by the eruption could have echoed throughout Greater Jakarta as there was less activity and noise in the area as a result of large-scale social restrictions over COVID-19, he said.

Coincidentally, Friday marked the first day of a partial lockdown in the capital.

Anak Krakatau is erupting now. The first image is from our webcam:https://t.co/O8KFco7NOx



The second photo was taken from our observatory (~43 km from the volcano). pic.twitter.com/nlHHWIyuAw  Dr. Devy Kamil Syahbana  (@volcanohawk) April 10, 2020

The South Lampung Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) in Lampung reported no scent of sulfur or volcanic ash in the regency and alerted local residents that volcanic activity on Anak Krakatau had died down.

The BPBD contacted the Anak Krakatau observation team. They said that the status was still at alert and that the volcanic activity had stopped, so the residents were advised not to panic, Agus said.

Military and police officers are on standby with village and subdistrict officials over the possible evacuation of residents.

Kasbani said the eruption was relatively small compared to eruptions that occurred between December 2018 and January 2019.

[The eruption is] still within the expected level for a disaster-prone area. Continued eruptions could potentially occur, but there has been no detection of volcanic activity that could lead to greater eruption intensity, Kasbani said

Rahmatullah, a resident of Sebesi Island, located 19 kilometers from the volcano, reported that thick ash started dropping on the island.

The ash is thick and started dropping at 12 p.m. There is still ash present in front of my house, Rahmat said as quoted by kompas.com, adding that residents living on the coastline evacuated after a warning from officials.

The last major eruption took place last December, when the mountain spewed out a 200-meter-high column of ash. A year earlier, an eruption triggered a landslide that led to a tsunami that killed at least 430 people.

Following Fridays eruptions, residents of the Kalianda coastline in South Lampung also evacuated, fearing that a tsunami might occur again.

They immediately fled to the mountains as they were still traumatized by the previous tsunami, Umar, a South Lampung resident, told kompas.com.

Surono said another tsunami was less likely to occur as the 2018 tsunami was caused by a soil erosion buildup from years of eruption.

He said that Anak Krakatau eruptions were a common occurrence. The mountain even erupted continuously throughout the year at one point, but residents are more concerned now due to the previous tsunami.

In 1883, Krakatau volcano erupted in one of the biggest blasts in recorded history, killing more than 36,000 people in a series of tsunamis and lowering the global surface temperature by 1 degree Celsius with its ash. Anak Krakatau is the island that emerged from the area in 1927 and has been growing ever since.
Environmental groups in Alabama have filed a lawsuit against the state, claiming a coal-fired power plant is operating under old air and water pollution emission limits set in long-expired permits.

The Sierra Club and GASP filed suit in the Montgomery County Circuit Court last week, asking the court to force the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to speed up the renewal process of air and water pollution permits for Alabama Powers Barry Electric Generating Plant in Mobile County.

Plant Barry burns coal and natural gas to generate power and in currently operating under an air pollution permit was issued in 2010 and expired in 2015. The water permit was due for renewal in 2013.

Since then the plant has continued operating under the emissions limits established in the older permits, which the groups say are long out of date.

The permits are meant to be renewed every few years to ensure that they meet the latest requirements of state and federal environmental laws. The groups argue that by not renewing the permits in a timely fashion, ADEM is allowing the plant to pollute the air and water at levels that may not be allowed under new, updated permits.

A lot of these power plants just get a pass, it feels like, when it comes time to renew their permits, said Stephen Stetson, the Sierra Clubs Beyond Coal campaign representative in Alabama. I understand that it's complicated. Complying with new standards is challenging at something as complicated as a power plant.

I mean, theres just no excuse for going this many years with an expired permit.

ADEM external affairs chief Lynn Battle said the department could not comment on pending litigation and that information about the plants existing permits could be found through the eFile function of the departments web site.

In the lawsuit, the Sierra Club and GASP specifically say the plant emits sulfur dioxide at levels that may lead to violations of ambient air quality standards and that a new permit should further limit those emissions.

They also allege that the plants water permit allows it to draw in large volumes of cooling water from the Mobile River, and discharge the hot cooling water back into the river, causing some fish kills on both ends. The groups said other coal plants have upgraded to a closed-loop cooling system, which they say can decrease water use and fish mortality by more than 90 percent.

Every Alabamian deserves healthy air, clean water and a livable community, Michael Hansen executive director of GASP, said in a news release. Alabama Power continues to jeopardize the health and well-being of those who live and work in the greater-Mobile area, and it must stop.

Its time to update these permits so that they are protective of public health and the environment.

Alabama Power is not a party in the lawsuit, which seeks to force ADEM to impose tighter restrictions on the power company. Alabama Power spokesman Michael Sznajderman said the company is aware of the filing and the plant is operating in compliance with environmental laws.

Plant Barry is an important part of Alabama Powers generating fleet, providing the state with safe, reliable and affordable energy, with capacity to serve as many as 590,000 homes, Sznajderman said. Plant Barry also supplies energy to key industries that are vital to Alabamas workforce and economy, and it does so in compliance with all applicable environmental rules and regulations.
FP Trending

Tech giant Google has decided to provide greater visibility to virtual health care options by introducing new features on Google Search and Google Maps.

This step is aimed at improving the scope and possibility of accessing healthcare without having to visit any doctors chamber in the times of the coronavirus.

Julie Black, the director of product management in Google Heath, announced the action plan in a blog post.

The surge in COVID-19 cases has halted the treatment of various other ailments. Either hospitals have had to focus on coronavirus patients or people have stopped visiting the healthcare centres due to the outbreak.

Google said that under such a situation, it is better for everyone to consult a doctor over the phone or through the internet. This will reduce the pressure on the healthcare workers and also make sure that less people are outdoors.

Google will be introducing two new features on its Search and Maps application that will make it easier for people to locate a nearby healthcare centre or a clinic.

The hospitals, doctors and mental health professionals wishing to provide virtual services can enter a virtual care offering in their Business Profile. So, whenever people search for a service provider in their vicinity, a get online care link will appear on Search and Maps.

The pilot version of another feature will begin in the United States, to be shortly followed by a global roll out. Under this feature, users of Google Search will find virtual care platforms directly on their search result feed.

For example, if one types in immediate care, Google will show all the medical care providers details on its feed. The user will be able to know the price of the service, location of visit (online or offline) and their contact detail.
Benny Gantz, leader of Israel's Blue and White Party, on Saturday asked the country's president for a two-week extension as he tries to form a coalition government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Gantz, Netanyahu's chief rival in three elections over the past year, was given the task by Israel's president last month of forming a new government after winning the backing of a narrow majority of members of the newly elected parliament.

But in an abrupt about-face, Gantz later said he would seek to form an emergency government with Netanyahu's Likud party to confront a growing coronavirus crisis.

His decision caused his Blue and White alliance to disintegrate, leaving him at the helm of a diminished version of the party.

The emergency government is expected to leave Netanyahu in the prime minister's post for a year and a half, before the job rotates to Gantz. After initial signs of progress, talks between Gantz and Netanyahu hit a snag last week.

Gantz faces a Monday deadline for reaching a deal. He announced late Saturday that he would ask the country's figurehead president, Reuven Rivlin, for a two-week extension.

"I believe that we are close to signing an agreement, and that with additional time an agreement can be finalized, he said.

Earlier, Netanyahu called for an immediate resumption of talks in an atmosphere of good will. A failure to reach a deal could plunge the country into a fourth consecutive election in just over a year.

Rivlin did not immediately respond to Gantz's request.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The opening of the new school year in second-level schools may be delayed by a postponement to the start of the Leaving Cert to late July or August.

It will depend on the final timetable for the rescheduled exams and how long it takes to grade the papers of the 61,000 candidates, in which working teachers are heavily involved.

A Department of Education spokesperson confirmed it is only when the new exam schedule is set in June "will it be possible to determine if there will be any impact for the start of the new school year".

In a bid to make the marking process as efficient as possible, the State Examinations Commission (SEC) will seek to boost examiner numbers by using Junior Cycle examiners, as well as recruiting further examiners.

The postponement of the Leaving Cert ends weeks of uncertainty.

Practical exams, due in May, will also be rescheduled for late July/early August.

Teachers will be asked to make themselves available for at least two weeks of class time, in school, for Leaving Cert candidates before the exams begin.

The CAO process will operate as closely as possible to the usual time frame for offers, with a delayed college start for first years.

The Junior Cycle written exams have also been cancelled. These are to replaced by school-based exams and assessments early in the next school year.

Schools will remain shut until further notice.

All the decisions are based on advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team.

Even as he announced the postponement of the Leaving Cert, Education Minister Joe McHugh said plans being put in place for the exams to begin in July or early August were subject to public health advice.

There was a general welcome for the postponement, although the Irish Second Level Students' Union said it left questions unanswered.

Stress

Mr McHugh said he hoped the announcement helped to alleviate some stress.

He admitted asking Leaving Cert students and their families to refocus their attention from June to August "is not something we do lightly" adding: "I know it will not be easy."

He believed it was "the fairest way of assessing students and giving them certification of achievement in school and a pathway to higher and further education and training, apprenticeship or work".
Phoebe Waller-Bridge in the stage version of "Fleabag," now streaming on Amazon Prime for charity. (Joan Marcus )

I have a horrible feeling Im a greedy, perverted, selfish, apathetic, cynical, depraved, mannish-looking, morally bankrupt woman who cant even call herself a feminist.

Well you get all that from your mother.

This little exchange from Fleabag, the stage show that launched the award-winning television series, provides a potent fix for anyone still suffering withdrawal from the ironic eyebrows and smirky lips of creator and star Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

The play, which is streaming on Amazon Prime for two weeks to raise money for communities affected by COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, was one of Londons theatrical sensations last year. After the astonishing success of the critically heralded cult series, Waller-Bridge reprised  for what she said was the last time  the monologue she first performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2013. (The sold-out West End production, directed by Vicky Jones, was previously broadcast to cinemas via National Theatre Live.)

Waller-Bridge hit the niche sweet spot with her title character, a glamorous mess whose quick-wittedness takes in everything, including a glancing view at her own rather large blind spots. Restless when in a relationship, she becomes manic when alone, searching relentlessly for sexual comfort to ease the terror of her own guilt, loneliness and helpless fury at the unfairness of the world.

Her lankiness sprawled in a chair, Waller-Bridge makes full use of her body to illustrate the many moods of her character. Stretching her legs as though they were fishing poles trying to reel in a good-size catch, she mines Fleabags seductiveness for the gold of awkward comedy.

The play walks us through the characters coping routine. As though reviewing an extravagant grocery list, Fleabag reports on masturbating to porn after some mental foreplay with Zac Efron and President Obama, picking up a stranger on the Tube with a face she likens to a rodent's and sexting from a bathroom stall. There are no other performers on stage, but recorded voices give the actress all she needs to reveal the desperation and depravity of a woman on the lam from her own grief.

Story continues

The owner of a failing guinea pig-themed cafe, Fleabag is still mourning the shocking death of Boo, her business partner and friend, who apparently didnt mean to kill herself but did a pretty public job of it nonetheless. Like the series, the play keeps Fleabags own role in this tragedy on the periphery of consciousness. But the secret of the material's success is the way the protagonist still manages to make a claim of sympathy on us despite all we come to learn about her anti-heroic antics.

Fleabag, even without the most meager hint of the hot priest (played by Andrew Scott in Season 2), is also just a load of conspiratorial fun. Waller-Bridges eyes glint with a bad-boy twinkle whenever her character gives into temptation, as if to whisper, Come on, another drink, another no-strings hookup  you know you want it too!

Like a Tennessee Williams character, nothing human disgusts Fleabag unless it's unkind or violent (and sometimes not even that!). But the contradictions of a nature at once enlightened and benighted are grueling. One minute shes empowered, the next abject. A sweaty bald man in a bar aggressively put his hand on her privates, but he buys her a drink, so hes nice, actually.

Claire, Fleabags corporate-climbing sister stuck in a bad marriage, is a study in contrasts. A brilliant stroke of the television series was in expanding the character and casting the part with the seethingly wonderful Sian Clifford. The basic dynamics of the siblings, however, are firmly in place in the stage monologue, revealing in exponential fashion the double bind of womanhood.

Fleabag is one of those series I wish I would have held off from enjoying until the coronavirus lockdown. Now I flip from Netflix to Amazon to Hulu, only to alight on cable news grimness. This streaming broadcast of the stage production provides a much-needed respite as well as a way of doing a little charitable good. The wicked laughter of Waller-Bridges comedy, even in this limited dose, is strong medicine for overrun minds.
Brendan Mulligan from the Spotted Dog donating meals to frontline staff at the Lourdes Hospital with Anthony Dillon, advanced nurse practicioner at the Lourdes

Hard-working staff in the Intensive Care Unit of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital have been enjoying food donated by the Spotted Dog restaurant in Dundalk.

'We know people on the front-line there and thought we would help out by passing on some food,' said Brendan Mulligan, whose restaurant is located at Adelphi Court, Long Walk.

So, last Tuesday meals for the night shift were brought up to the hospital by Anthony Dillon.

Anthony, and his wife Siobhan White, are both nurses in the Lourdes and friends of Brendan, who lives in Jenkinstown, and is a member of a well-known family from Old Road, Bellurgan.

He plans to continue to provide food for the heroes in the hospital who are doing such selfless work at this difficult time.

'We want to help out as much as we can.'

Brendan is also concerned that a lot of food is going to waste during the coronavirus lockdown.

'Suppliers are sitting on a lot of produce, and it's important to keep some trickle of movement,' he said.

'People are throwing food out. It's a sin.'

Last Friday the Spotted Dog began a non-contact takeaway service.

'People can phone in, pay over the phone and arrange a collection time.

'We take their car registration number. There is lots of free car-parking for 30 minutes at the back, so when customers arrive, I go out, put the food in their boot and they drive off.

'There is only myself in the kitchen and my brother and business partner, Vincent on the phone.

'We want to keep the pipeline open, and when this is all over, hopefully we will get all our staff back.'
A KILMALLOCK councillor has called for the parents of teenagers, who coughed at a grandmother, to be fined and the money taken directly from their childrens allowance.

The daughter of the pensioner said her mother was petrified after the shocking incident.

She said her mum, aged in her late sixties, has been advised by her doctor to take a little stroll each day.

While my mother was walking on Lord Edward Street, Kilmallock at around 2.30pm she was accosted by six youths aged around thirteen and fourteen.

These same young fellows have been the only children I have seen unsupervised, in a group of over two, on the streets since this pandemic emerged, said the woman who didnt wish to be named.

The group stood in her way. She asked them to please allow her to pass. One of them jeered at her for wearing a mask and coughed up in my mothers face while smacking a stick off the path, intimidating her and preventing her from passing, she continued.

The pensioner was left terrified and petrified by the ordeal. The harassment was reported to gardai, who are investigating the matter, that same day  March 30.

Her daughter said what happened is an absolute disgrace and needs to be addressed. She said it was not an isolated incident in the town involving the same youths.

If we all report this unacceptable behaviour when we witness it, something finally will be done, she said.

Cllr PJ Carey said if a lady can't walk down the Main Street of Kilmallock without being accosted and abused by these thugs then action must be taken.

This is unacceptable. Its the same 1% all the time, they have no respect for anybody. The guards need to patrol the streets.

I will be calling for legislation to be introduced where any child that would be involved in this type of disgusting behaviour, to be fined and the money taken directly from the childrens allowance, said Cllr Carey.

The Independent councillor added: This would force the parents to mind their children, enforce good manners and good behaviour. l believe this would eradicate the problem.

If the mammies and daddies were out of pocket I'm sure they would miraculously become better parents.
[April 11, 2020] Institute of Human Virology Honors Legacy of Maeve Kennedy McKean With Global Public Health Fellowship

The Institute of Human Virology (IHV) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine announced today the Maeve Kennedy McKean Global Public Health Fellowship, named in honor of the public health activist, whose inspiring life ended tragically alongside her oldest son last week. The first fellow will arrive on July 1 and will work on the Institute's efforts in ending the HIV epidemic in Africa within its Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity (CIHEB) and Division of Clinical Care and Research. "The Institute worked closely with Maeve over the years, and in particular, through her mother, The Honorable Kathleen Kennedy Townsend," said Robert Gallo, MD, The Homer & Martha Gudelsky Distinguished Professor in Medicine, Co-Founder and Director of the Institute of Human Virology (IHV) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Co-Founder and International Scientific Advisor of the Global Virus Network (GVN). "Maeve shared her mother's values, sprightly energetic force, devotion to public health and to the needy. Maeve's passing is not just a loss to her loved ones, but society at large, leaving a void in our nation's global health efforts. We are pleased to honor her memory with the Maeve Kennedy McKean Global Public Health Fellowship." "At this difficult time, it is a blessing to know that Dr. Gallo and IHV decided to honor Maeve's abiding dedication to global health," said The Honorable Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, former Chair of the Board of Advisors of the IHV, former chair of the Board of Directors of the GVN and recipient of the 2019 IHV Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service. "Her work will now endure in the research and care that the clinicians supported by this fellowship will be able toprovide in the areas of the world in need of our attention, precisely what Maeve cared most about. She served in the Peace Corps in Mozambique and made numerous trips to many countries in Africa, including Nigeria, Uganda, Ethiopia, Angola, and South Africa. She wanted to bring a light to areas that are often forgotten and neglected, because she believed that every person deserved a healthy life. I look forward to following the work that these extraordinary fellows will do in the years ahead." In her previous role as Lt. Governor of Maryland, Kennedy Townsend was a key advisor to Gallo and his team while establishing the Institute in 1996.



"I remember Maeve as an inspirational friend, who was always passionate about caring for those who needed it the most," said Shyam (News - Alert) Kottilil, MBBS, PhD, FACP, Professor of Medicine and Director of the Division of Clinical Care and Research at the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. "It is most appropriate that this fellowship honoring her gives the opportunity to promote global health training for the younger generation of doctors." "The Maeve Kennedy McKean Global Health Fellowship at IHV is an important initiative that exemplifies our Institute's efforts in improving the health of people living with HIV in Africa by supporting a global health career for younger clinicians and making the lives of others better around the world," said Man Charurat, PhD, Professor of Medicine, Director of the Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity (CIHEB) and Director of the Division of Epidemiology and Prevention, Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

"Maeve's boundless energy, infectious enthusiasm and dedication to global health not only characterized this extraordinary woman, it embodied the values that we are now learning in this critical time," said Terry Lierman, Co-Chair of the Board of Advisors of the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Maeve," said E. Albert Reece, MD, PhD, MBA, Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, UM Baltimore, the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor and Dean, University of Maryland School of Medicine. "It is particularly heart-breaking since we have a longstanding personal relationship with her mother, The Honorable Kathleen Kennedy Townsend. It is only fitting that this fellowship is named in Maeve's honor." McKean recently served as the Executive Director of the Global Health Initiative at Georgetown University. Additionally, McKean taught Bioethics & Social Justice at Georgetown Law and Conversations in Global Health at the School of Foreign Service. Prior to joining Georgetown, she was an associate research professor and senior policy advisor at the City University of New York's School of Public Health where she helped establish the Center for Immigrant, Refugee and Global Health. During the Obama Administration, McKean was the first-ever senior advisor for human rights in the United States Department of State's global AIDS program and the Office of Global Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where she led teams on working with human rights policy issues, women's and children's health, and LGBTQ health. McKean served in the Peace Corps in Mozambique and previously on the staff of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein in California and Washington, D.C. Maeve received her B.A. from Boston College. At Georgetown University, McKean earned a J.D. from Georgetown Law and a master's degree in international negotiations and conflict resolution from the Walsh School of Foreign Service. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200411005013/en/

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China strengthens epidemic control along border, expands coronavirus infection testing in key regions

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:56, April 10, 2020

BEIJING, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities Thursday urged efforts to beef up COVID-19 prevention and control in border regions and expand coronavirus infection testing in key areas with risks of COVID-19 outbreak.

The instructions were made at a meeting of the leading group of China's COVID-19 epidemic response, which was chaired by Premier Li Keqiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Measures should be taken to strengthen the COVID-19 test and treatment capacity in border regions, according to the meeting.

The leading group decided to shift more resources from inland areas to secure the medical supply reserves in border regions and port cities and boost their testing capacity.

Noting the accelerating spread of the virus globally, the group urged timely and dynamic adjustments to work priorities and measures to prevent the importation of infections. The group asked for a reduction in non-essential cross-border trips while ensuring regular cargo transport.

It also pledged to promote the establishment of joint prevention and control mechanisms with neighboring countries.

The meeting stressed strengthened international cooperation, calling for continuous efforts to offer relevant countries assistance with epidemic prevention and control, facilitate their purchases of epidemic prevention supplies and improve quality supervision and management of exports.

The group demanded efforts to expand the nucleic acid and antibody testing in key regions, calling for raising the testing rate to timely find infected people and obtain the status of asymptomatic coronavirus cases to reduce the risk of virus transmission.

The meeting also required timely, open and transparent information release and efforts to improve detection technologies and speed up the research and development of anti-virus medicines and vaccines.

It also called for creating conditions proactively to fully advance work resumption while implementing regular epidemic prevention and control measures.

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.

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CALGARYDespite a growing awareness in the United States that some minority groups might be at higher risk for the coronavirus, provincial health officials in two of Canadas hardest hit provinces say race-based data isnt needed here yet.

Dr. David Williams, Ontarios chief medical officer of health, said Friday that statistics based on race arent collected in Canada unless certain groups are found to have risk factors. The World Health Organization hasnt yet said thats the case for coronavirus, he added.

He said resources are much more effectively used tracking down the people each infected patient had been in contact with, rather than targeting entire groups.

Right now we consider our main risk groups (to be) the elderly, those with other co-morbidities, regardless of what race they are, he said. Regardless of race, ethnic or other backgrounds, theyre all equally important to us.

There is early evidence from the United States that shows African Americans may be disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Some large cities are seeing higher rates among their large Black populations who historically have had poorer access to health care and higher rates of poverty.

Among them is Chicago, whose mayor vowed Monday to launch aggressive public health campaigns aimed at her citys Black and brown communities after numbers showed Black residents accounted for 72 per cent of deaths from complications from COVID-19, despite making up only about one-third of the population.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot told The Associated Press that the disparities in Chicago take your breath away and required an immediate response from the city, community activists and health care providers.

In Alberta, chief medical officer Dr. Deena Hinshaw said they know some groups in Canada are systematically disadvantaged based on their appearance or socioeconomic status.

While the province also doesnt currently collect the race of someone who is tested or treated for coronavirus, she suggested its something that may be looked at in future.

The information that we collect is really focused more on risk activities and less about ethnicity, she said Friday. But its certainly something we need to look closely at to determine if we need to start collecting that going forward.

Hinshaw said the province has good information-sharing agreements with many First Nations in particular, so that is one way they might be able to compare numbers, though its not something they could release publicly without the Nations consent.

Dr. Anna Banerji, a pediatric infectious disease specialist who co-chaired the Indigenous Health Conference at the University of Toronto, says First Nations are almost certainly at higher risk.

A lot of Indigenous people have a lot of co-morbidities. For almost any disease out there they have higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive lung disease, she said.

They were also significantly overrepresented in the last pandemic to hit the country. Despite representing 4.3 per cent of the population, they accounted for 27.8 per cent of hospital admissions reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada during the first wave of H1N1 in 2009, according to the National Collaborating Centres for Public Health.

Many First Nations are small or remote and face the added challenge of a historic lack of funding for things like medical services.

Banerji launched a petition last week to demand more action from the federal government, arguing Indigenous leaders have asked for more access to things like health care workers or rapid testing, but their communities have not received the same financial support as non-Indigenous towns and cities.

But while Banerji said its important to document how coronavirus is affecting Indigenous communities, she stresses that information is only useful if it leads to more supports.

I think its good to collect that data, she said. But collecting data on how we failed Indigenous people is not a very useful thing, unless you act on it.

With files from The Associated Press

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ALBANY  I have lived within walking distance of his grave for nearly a decade, but, inexcusably, I had neglected to pay my respects to the greatest of Albanians.

That changed on a recent sunny day, when I traveled to Albany Rural Cemetery to correct my terrible lapse. I rushed past the graves of Chester Arthur and all the other departed upstate luminaries in search of the Great Mans headstone.

When I found it, finally, in a sloping, shady section of the vast cemetery, I felt I was speaking for all humanity when I uttered these words:

"Thank you, Seth Wheeler. Thank you."

Wheeler, who died in 1925, has been in the news quite a bit during these coronavirus days, and for good reason. His shining achievement, the invention of all inventions, is the hot item of the moment, hoarded from Bakersfield to Bar Harbor.

Im talking, of course, about toilet paper.

It was Wheeler who in 1871 envisioned that tissue should be wrapped around a tube. Genius! Two decades hence, his brilliant, churning mind came up with the perforated toilet paper sheet.

Wheeler, in other words, created the indispensable product we know and love, but probably take for granted when a pandemic or some other emergency isnt frightening us into ransacking the supermarket. Let me ask you: Is there another invention that has so profoundly and wonderfully impacted your life?

Oh sure, you can point to penicillin or ATMs or toenail clippers as terrific inventions, and I wont quibble. Those are nice things, certainly.

But Im going to assume that nothing brings you more daily comfort and cheer than soothing sheets of, say, Angel Soft. How is it possible, then, that the world celebrates Jonas Salk and Albert Einstein but forgets the name Seth Wheeler?

It isnt just the world that neglects him, Im sorry to say. Even his hometown fails to show Wheeler the proper adoration.

You cant throw a tulip in New York's capital without hitting a plaque or statue honoring some supposedly heroic politician, general or other muckety-muck. Theres even a big dog sitting on a warehouse.

Yet you wont find a statue of Wheeler or a roll of toilet paper cast in bronze. Lark Street, where Wheeler lived and died, has not been renamed Wheeler Way or Toilet Roll Lane.

Why not? I have no answer. It is inexplicable.

But of this we can be sure: Toilet paper wrapped around cardboard and cut into sheets is Albanys gift to the world. No city, with Athens and Rome as possible exceptions, can point to a greater achievement.

There is a reason we hoard toilet paper in moments of crisis. We do so because we understand that Charmin and Cottonelle and even the cheap, scratchy stuff represent the thin, disposable line between order and chaos. Toilet paper puts the civil in civilization.

We know if worst comes to worst, we can get by without pillows and Cheetos and clean laundry and toothpaste. But take away our toilet paper, and we are lost. We are barbarians.

Incredibly, some lack the proper gratitude.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Recently in the New York Times, one ingrate wrote that we should stop using Wheelers invention because of the environmental cost and should instead use toilets that shoot water at our heinies. Bidets, theyre called.

The same article noted that in the days before Wheelers genius, people used leaves, seashells, fur pelts and corn cobs. Corn cobs? Seashells?!

At the risk of sharing too much information, I ruefully mention that I was once forced to use dried leaves for the delicate task on a misbegotten camping trip. It is not a fond memory, and I imagine Id still be waking in cold sweats if it had occurred to me to use a corn cob.

Ill stick with toilet paper, thank you very much.

Listen, I consider myself an environmentalist, but I know that an environmentalism demanding that people stop using toilet paper in favor of fancy French toilets or (shudder) corn cobs will get nowhere. To paraphrase Charlton Heston, from our cold, dead hands

So, if youre worried about forests, which is certainly reasonable, buy recycled or a brand made from hemp. But please, dont dishonor Albanys greatest resident and his fabulous invention.

Seth Wheeler deserves our respect, our gratitude, our honor. For the comfort hes given us, it is the least we can do.

Thats why I found myself at Albany Rural on that sunny day, looking down at his modest headstone in a cemetery known for ostentatious statuary. Thats why I left the Great Man an offering that, in these days of pandemic, is more lovely than the most beautiful bouquet.

I left a full roll of toilet paper.

cchurchill@timesunion.com  518-454-5442  @chris_churchill
The Central government on Saturday informed that amount of Rs 28,256 crores was disbursed among over 30 crore beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package.

Out of these 31.77 crore beneficiaries, 19.86 crore were women under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna.

"Front-load payments were made to 6.93 crore farmers under PM-KISAN and support was given to 2.16 crore building and other construction workers," said Ministry of Finance.

Support was also given to other 2.82 crore people under the Social Assistance Programme.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, suggested that homeopathy can be a ray of hope in increasing immunity to help people overcome the novel coronavirus pandemic. Talking to India Today, Bajaj expressed his concerned over rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths, adding that developing herd immunity is one of the ways to fight the contagion.

Bajaj said although he is not an epidemiologist but to his knowledge herd immunity can be developed by either administering vaccines, or developing immunity naturally. Since a vaccine is at least one year in future, Bajaj said the population will have to develop resistance against coronavirus in a natural way. Locking down everybody and everything completely is not the way to develop resistance, as there is no chance of developing herd immunity, he implied.

Bajaj also claimed that no country in the world could arrest a flu virus and this is why 600,000 people die every year due to common flu. If the common flu virus could not be arrested even after so many decades of research, then how can COVID-19 be contained by lock down, he said, further adding that lock down is not the solution to this crisis.

ALSO READ: Coronavirus live updates: Three more COVID-19 patients die in Pune, toll rises to 29

Bajaj further said that homeopathy has been documented to be quite effective in pandemics similar to coronavirus. Be it the 1918 Spanish Flu or the recent Cuban epidemic, the doctors who treated their patients with homeopathy lost a fraction of patients as compared to those who were treated with allopathic medicine, he said.

Rajiv Bajaj had put his claims of homeopathy's immunity boosting properties to test 10 years ago during the Swine Flu menace. His company had administered a homeopathy medicine to all of its employees and others. According to Bajaj, not one person out of the 50,000, who were given the homeopathic medicine, contracted swine flu, even though Pune was the epicentre of the epidemic in India.

Further elaborating his stand, Bajaj said the good thing is that India has a separate ministry called Aayush, which is promoting homeopathy like other therapies, showing that it is a form of medicine and not poison or toxin. Bajaj argued that even the strongest critics also accept that homeopathy will do no harm as it does not have any side effects.

ALSO READ: PM Modi video conference: India coronavirus lockdown likely to be extended for two more weeks

Talking about positive case studies, Bajaj said that Dr Rajan Sankaran from Mumbai in the last 6 weeks got access to many COVID-19 patients in countries like Iran, Nepal, Romania, Bolivia, Italy, France and Netherlands and treated them successfully. This gives hope that Camphor 1M can be effective in treating COVID-19 patients as well as increasing immunity in others who might get infected, says Bajaj.

As a part of corporate social responsibility, Bajaj Auto has set up a homeopathy centre in Pune called Prana, which has distributed 67,000 vials of Camphor 1M. Each vial is enough for family of 4-5 people. Not only has Bajaj distributed this medicine among his employees and close friends, but police forces in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad police have also accepted and administered their staff with this purported remedial homeopathy medicine. There are around 15,000 police personnel in Pune who are taking this medicine, says Bajaj. Police Commissioner of Pune city told India Today that he has allowed police officials to take this medicine, and surprisingly no police personnel in his jurisdiction has been affected with coronavirus.

ALSO READ: Hydroxychloroquine makers Zydus, Ipca, others plan 6 times capacity to meet demand
MONTREALSome Quebec parents and teachers are pushing back against the idea of allowing children to return to schools and daycares this spring after an extended COVID-19 break.

Quebec has cancelled classes until May 4 due to the coronavirus outbreak, but Premier Francois Legault suggested Friday that they could reopen ahead of that date  comments that quickly led to an emotional reaction.

Pierre Avignon, the chairman of a governing board at a Montreal school in the borough with the most COVID-19 confirmed cases, says many people are afraid things will move too quickly and people will be put at risk.

Avignon says physical distancing rules would be difficult to enforce at the elementary school with 900 students, noting there are rarely two metres between students.

One petition demanding the closure of daycares and schools until September had garnered more than 132,000 digital signatures as of Saturday morning, with supporters arguing that children and adolescents would be endangered.

Legault has said children have been shown to be less at risk of having coronavirus complications, but took to social media later Friday to reassure parents and teachers.

I repeat that any opening of schools will be done with the agreement of public health, he wrote. We will not rush any decisions.

Dr. Horacio Arruda, the provinces director of public health, said reopening of schools would mean that children would participate in the natural immunization of the population.

Young people who could get the disease with almost no symptoms are like being vaccinated, Arruda said. It is natural vaccination that will take hold, and it is important in society that a certain part of the population be vaccinated.

The Federation of Quebec Parents Committees positioned itself as a voice of reason, with federation president Kevin Roy saying he did not fear reopening schools as long as public health experts recommended it.

But the provinces largest teachers unions said Legaults comments smacked of improvisation and created a stir among its members.

It raises a lot of questions and fears, said Sonia Ethier, president of the Centrale des syndicats du Quebec, which represents 125,000 education sector employees. She called on the government to consult with her members.

Sylvain Mallette, the president of the FAE teachers union, which represents 45,000 French-language teachers, warned that while children seem to be less impacted, they are often in contact with teachers  some of whom are over 60 and have autoimmune diseases or live with the elderly.

Mallette called on Quebec to rely on scientific data in making any decisions.

With files from Michel Saba and Stephane Blais in Montreal.

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India's rapid response team has reached Kuwait as a follow up to the discussion between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Kuwait counterpart Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on dealing with coronavirus crisis, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday.

On April1, Prime Minister Modi and Sheikh Al-Sabah held a telephonic conversation and decided that officials of the two countries would maintain regular contact to exchange information and explore avenues of cooperation.

"India's RAPID RESPONSE TEAM arrives in Kuwait. Follow up to the discussion between our two Prime Ministers on #COVID19. Underlines the special friendship between India and Kuwait," Jaishankar said ina tweet.

Kuwait has reported nearly 1,000 cases of coronavirus.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 10 - Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and their colleagues have discovered a gene that can be used to develop varieties of wheat that will be more resistant to Fusarium Head Blight (FHB), a disease that is a major threat both overseas and to the nation's $10 billion annual wheat crop.

A paper reporting the discovery and the cloning of the gene, known as Fhb7, was published today in the journal Science. The study was led by scientists at the Shandong Agricultural University in Shandong, China and co-authors include ARS researchers Guihua Bai and Lanfei Zhao in Manhattan, Kansas, and Steven Xu in Fargo, North Dakota.

The discovery is a major advance in addressing a significant threat to the world's wheat supply. FHB, also known as "scab," is caused by a fungal pathogen, Fusarium graminearum, and results in significant losses in the United States, China, Canada, Europe, and many other countries. It also attacks barley and oats.

When the pathogen grows unchecked in infected grains, it releases mycotoxins that can induce vomiting in humans, as well as weight loss in livestock when they refuse to eat the grains.

The prevalence and severity of FHB outbreaks also could potentially be exacerbated by climate change and varying weather conditions, and by an increasing trend toward more corn production and no-till farming, which both may be increasing the prevalence of the pathogen in fields. Growers often must use fungicides to reduce FHB damage.

The researchers found that the gene effectively reduces FHB by detoxifying the mycotoxins secreted by the pathogen. The gene also confers resistance to crown rot, a wheat disease caused by a related pathogen.

The researchers originally identified the gene in Thinopyrum wheatgrass, a wild relative of wheat that has been previously used to develop varieties of wheat with beneficial traits, such as rust resistance and drought tolerance. They cloned the gene and introduced it into seven wheat cultivars with different genetic profiles to study its effects on plants grown under field conditions.

The results showed that the gene not only conferred resistance to scab in the new plants, but it also had no negative effects on yield or other significant traits.

The study sheds new light on the molecular mechanisms that can make wheat, as well as barley and oats, resistant to the pathogen that causes FHB. New varieties of wheat with better FHB resistance using Fhb7 are expected to be available in a few years, the researchers say.

###

This research supports the climate adaptation components of the USDA's Science Blueprint.

The Agricultural Research Service is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's chief scientific in-house research agency. Daily, ARS focuses on solutions to agricultural problems affecting America. Each dollar invested in agricultural research results in $20 of economic impact.
On Saturday, the archbishop of Turin, Cesare Nosiglia, responded to calls for spiritual solace in these unprecedented days by announcing plans for an extraordinary showing of the Shroud of Turin on the day before Easter.

This object, the supposed burial cloth of Jesus Christ, is famous for its faint impressions of Christs bloodstained body that adhered to it, allegedly by miracle. But it is also well-known for the contentious debates over authenticity that still boil even three decades after a carbon-dating analysis determined that the cloth originated in the medieval period. Much of the shrouds allure comes from its mystery and secrecy. Since it is only rarely shown to the public, announcements like this one are headlining events.

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But as a testament to the realities of the COVID-19 crisis, this exhibition will take place over television and through livestreaming social media venues. (You can watch the English-language version on YouTube. It will begin at 5 p.m. local time, 11 a.m. Eastern in the U.S.) Whether Nosiglia knows it or not, his decision to exhibit the Shroud of Turin virtually in real time during a global pandemic finds neat points of synchronicity with the history of the shrouds rise to becoming Christianitys most famousand notorioussacred artifact. It also forces us to rethink the limits and capabilities of digital mediation as life is exiled to virtual platforms.

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The Shroud of Turins modern fame as an object of religious faith derives from a deadly contagion that defined its own era as much as the current one threatens to define ours. In 1578 the cardinal and archbishop of Milan, Charles Borromeo, wrote to the shrouds custodian, Duke Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy. Borromeo wanted to venerate the holy sheet as a way to give thanks for surviving the plague that had ravaged northern Italy the previous two years. In order to accommodate the frail cardinal, who insisted on undertaking the journey from Milan on foot, the duke arranged to move the shroud from its resting place in the French Alpine city of Chambery to the new Savoy capital city of Turin. Borromeos pilgrimage to Turin was marked by two public viewings of the cloth to heaving crowds of pilgrimsreportedly, about 40,000 people packed in the citys main square.

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The success of these exhibitions prompted the shrouds owners to stage them again, repeatedly, over the next century. But when compared with our anticipated period of social isolation, this recurrence reveals conflicting attitudes about public gatherings in the wake of a pandemic.

The presumption, apparently, is that the medium of a live broadcast can facilitate access to whatever sacred power one might believe the shroud to possess.

While we contemplate life without concerts, sporting events, public rallies, and other assemblies as large as cities, in the late 1500s and 1600s, tens of thousands of pilgrims came to Turin almost every year for public exhibitions of the Savoys prized sacred relic. Visual and textual accounts of these exhibitions convey the challenge of dealing with the astonishing numbers of pilgrims beyond what the city could handle, occasionally even resulting in deaths. The exhibitions certainly contributed to the spread of disease as well. Yet despite their dangers and discomforts, these events flourished because they were the only opportunities by which most people had any way to view what they believed to be the sole remaining traces of Christs body anywhere on the planet.

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Fast-forward to 2020 and we arrive at a new age of viewing and experiencing that shapes even how we are able to see the shroudat least for the time being. The televised live virtuality of the Shroud of Turin during a global pandemic makes me wonder what the medium of a digital screen actually does for the experience of witnessing the original. Nosiglias announcement of the coronavirus-inspired exhibition notes that thanks to television and social media, this period of contemplation makes available for everyone all over the world the image [of Christ] on the sacred cloth. But how is streaming the real-time feed of an inherently inert object any different from a photograph that most people could presumably access via Google any time they wish?

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The presumption, apparently, is that the medium of a live broadcast can facilitate access to whatever sacred power one might believe the shroud to possess. In other words, it allows the shroud to be present on screens that each have the capacity to retain, all at the same time, a live digital rendering for the purposes of private devotion.

Yet however modern this digital mediation might be, such an enthusiasm for copies as virtual presentations of the original has accompanied the relics rise to prominence from the very moment Borromeo made his pilgrimage to Turin in 1578. From that year and into the 1700s, there was a veritable industry of reproducing the shroud in both printed and painted mediums. This resulted in the wide distribution of large numbers of surrogates by which devotees could adore the bloodstained images of Christs body in absentia. The painted images in particular replicated the experience of the original by reproducing it to scale. They were also consecrated by being placed in direct contact with the authentic relic in order to absorb its sacred powerensuring that the copy perpetually broadcasts the presence of the original.

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However, modern suspicions about copies generally demote many of these replicas to dormant roles as museum pieces or forgotten liturgical artifacts stuffed in church closets. They only faintly remind us of the prominence they once enjoyed as the primary means by which most worshippers had access to the Turin original. (While most are in Italy, others can be found throughout Europe; another is at the monastery of Our Lady of the Rosary in Summit, New Jersey.) Some are brought out around Easter, where they often give off the air of antique curiosity as much as they spur religious contemplation. But one copy in particular, in the town of Bitonto, near Bari in Italys Puglia region, still today performs a role as surrogate for the Shroud of Turin that most others have lost. This full-size replica, carrying the date of 1646 and a textual inscription testifying to it having been extracted from the original (presumably alluding to the consecrating act of touch), is one of very few that takes part in an annual sacred ritual. It is paraded through the streets of the city during a solemn Good Friday procession by the Confraternity of Santa Maria del Suffragio.

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In recent years, this copy has joined the vitality of the past with the technologies of the present when the processions in Bitonto have been broadcast live on television and social media. This might not seem especially remarkable given the ubiquity of livestreamed events large and small, sacred and profane, authorized and otherwise. But in the present moment, while Italy is gripped by a total lockdown that confines communal activities to our private screens, this years televised procession, had it happened, could have taken on added gravity and opportunity. Last year, I was able to witness the Bitonto procession virtually from my office in rural Ohio, my computer screen thus hosting the digital copy of a manual copy of the original shroud. Today I would have no choice but to watch it from homeif not for the fact that this years edition has been understandably and thankfully canceled. In its place, devotees can still watch recorded videos online of those that occurred in in the past.

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The 2020 exhibition of the Shroud of Turin will not be the first time the relic has been televised. In 1973, authorities decided to air an exhibition by the state media channel Rai instead of staging a public gathering (despite the fact that, for a variety of reasons, none had taken place for 40 years). The rationale, as stated then by Cardinal and Archbishop Michele Pellegrino, was that television, by then widely available in private homes, would allow for a much closer and more detailed view of the relic than what could be possible from the comparatively great distance by which viewers are kept from the cloth during the traditional in-person exhibitions. And so viewers throughout Europe and the Americas instead watched the cloth hanging silently and motionlessly for 15 minutes on their TV screens.

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While the virtual exhibition of 1973 reflects the novelty of television for bringing viewers and the shroud into close proximity, that of 2020 is engendered instead by necessity. In a broad sense, the result is the samethe wide dissemination of the cloth and its mysterious images for the benefit of an audience far larger than what can be convened in any one place. But these two events mark drastically different moments in our and the shrouds shared history. After the 1973 televised exhibition, the staging of public gatherings to see the shroud in person resumed with a frequency not seen in centuries, with official in-person exhibitions that were not broadcast on television taking place in 1978, 1998, 2000, 2010, and 2015. Another had been planned for later this year.

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I saw the shroud for the first and only time in person in 2010. But opportunities to see it again might be more fleeting than ever before. Instead of a contagion triggering a wave of public exhibitions, as in 1578, the current one threatens to usher in the dawn of a new virtual reality that favors digital dispersal over real encounters. The Shroud of Turin thus joins our families, friends, co-workers, students, and others in our social and professional networks in occupying the realm of an ambiguous presence that might not any longer be a lesser alternative to our preferred form of social gathering.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
Tropical Cyclone Harold's trail of destruction through four Pacific nations could threaten a rise in disease, authorities warned Friday, as stretched health services struggled under the added burden of the coronavirus. Speedy repairs and recovery were needed to prevent malaria and dengue outbreaks following the cyclone which killed 29 and left thousands homeless, officials said. Over a seven-day period, Harold developed from a category one cyclone into a category five super storm as it slammed into the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga. Homes and crops were destroyed, plantations felled, and roads were covered in debris including several wrecked boats. Sami Mafi told AFP the storm had forced waves directly into his home, near Fanga'uta Lagoon in Tonga, as his family hauled sodden mattresses, clothes and belongings from inside. "It wasn't the rain, it was the sea came in. The water hit the house, the door opened, my family were swimming inside," Mafi said. With the arrival of Harold coinciding with a king tide in Tonga, Mafi's fishing boat was swept 200 metres (yards) inland where it was left overturned and half buried in a pile of debris. The Red Cross communications manager for the Pacific, Carl Gustav Lorentzen, described the damage in the region as "substantial" but said it could be some days before a dollar figure could be put on it. Many areas would be without power for at least a week and in some of Vanuatu's more remote islands it could be two weeks before electricity is restored, Lorentzen said. "Crops have been 100 percent damaged, houses destroyed and we are having quite some challenges providing shelter in those areas.". - Virus complicates relief effort - In Luganville, Vanuatu's second-largest town, two people had been killed in the storm which destroyed 70 percent of buildings and left a dire need for clean water and shelter, local MP Matai Seremaiah said. "If we don't clear up the yards they start to attract mosquitoes and then the next thing, we have malaria or dengue fever coming in," Seremaiah told Radio New Zealand. In the Solomon Islands 27 people died after being swept off an inter-island ferry. In Fiji, three days after the storm pounded its way through, 4,000 people remain in evacuation centres. Several coastal tourist resorts were wiped out along with fishing boats in Tonga. "The sea was running inland about one metre above its usual highest level, which was quite devastating," Tonga's director of meteorology Ofa Fa'anunu said. The global COVID-19 pandemic has complicated disaster relief efforts, with Vanuatu reluctant to open its international borders as it seeks to remain one of the few countries without any confirmed cases of the virus. Fiji has 15 cases and Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said the virus and cyclone meant "our economy and our people have been dealt two body blows to start the year". "This storm must not compromise our coronavirus containment efforts, lest we risk damage far more painful than the aftermath of any cyclone," he said Thursday. Australia and New Zealand have immediately responded to pleas for aid with relief supplies including blankets, tests, hygiene kits and lanterns. "We stand ready to provide further help to our Pacific family in whatever ways we can," Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne said. "It will be some time before the full impact of this disaster is known."
Yemen reported its first case of coronavirus Friday in a southern government-controlled province, raising fears of an outbreak in the war-torn country as air strikes blamed on the Saudi-led coalition tested a unilateral truce. The announcement came on the second day of the two-week ceasefire declared by the military coalition supporting the government in what it said was a move to help fight the pandemic. "The first confirmed case of coronavirus has been reported in Hadramawt province," Yemen's supreme national emergency committee for COVID-19 said on Twitter. The committee, run by the internationally recognised government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, said the infected patient was in stable condition and receiving care. "The case is in isolation and treatment, all known contacts are being traced and quarantined," the World Health Organization said on Twitter. "WHO is working closely with (the health ministry) to ensure further rapid containment measures are taken." Aid groups have warned that when the coronavirus hits Yemen's broken healthcare system, the impact is likely to be catastrophic for a country already in the grip of what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. "This is a moment we all feared, and were hoping to avoid, because Yemen is critically under-equipped to face this virus," said Xavier Joubert, country director for Save the Children in Yemen. "Only half of Yemen's health facilities are still fully functional. There are 700 intensive care unit beds, including 60 for children, and 500 ventilators for a population of about 30 million." Tens of thousands of civilians have been killed over the past five years in the war between the coalition and the Iran-backed Huthi rebels, who control large parts of Yemen including the capital Sanaa. Millions have also been displaced and diseases including cholera are widespread due to the scarcity of clean water. - Renewed clashes - Yemeni pro-government forces and Huthi rebels reported several air raids in the northern districts of Al-Jawf and Hajjah despite the coalition's unilateral ceasefire which began on Thursday. The coalition raids "targeted Huthi vehicles after they rejected the ceasefire and were attempting to attack government positions", a pro-government source told AFP. The source also reported ongoing clashes between pro-government loyalists and the rebels in Al-Jawf and the Marib, northern regions which have seen intense fighting since the beginning of the year. There was no immediate comment from the coalition. The military alliance said its ceasefire was aimed at helping efforts to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak in Yemen. The move was welcomed by the United States but dismissed by the Huthi rebels, who charged that the continued coalition air strikes showed the announcement was a public relations stunt. "We consider the ceasefire a political and media manoeuvre," Huthi spokesman Mohamed Abdelsalam told Al Jazeera news network. The United Arab Emirates, a key Saudi ally, said that the battle against the coronavirus trumped all other concerns. "The COVID-19 crisis eclipses everything -- the international community must step up efforts & work together to protect the Yemeni people," UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash tweeted. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has repeatedly appealed for ceasefires in conflicts around the world to facilitate the battle against the coronavirus. The UN envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths said last week he was engaged in talks to secure a nationwide ceasefire. Griffiths said he was in regular contact with both sides "on reaching agreements on a nationwide ceasefire, humanitarian and economic measures to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people". "This process further aims to foster joint efforts to counter the threat of COVID-19," he said. Saudi Arabia is also scrambling to limit the spread of the disease at home. Its health ministry has reported more than 3,200 coronavirus infections and 44 deaths from the illness. Despite two decades of air and drone strikes by the United States, Yemen also still hosts a significant jihadist presence, with a longstanding Al-Qaeda network challenged in recent years by militants loyal to the Islamic State group. Control of Hadramawt province, where the first coronavirus case was reported, has long been divided. Coalition-backed government forces control the coastal towns but parts of the interior remain in the hands of Al-Qaeda.
WA Premier Mark McGowan has revealed isolation and social distancing measures will be reviewed at the end of the month and some could be eased if it is safe to do so.

This comes after WA recorded eight new cases overnight all of which were linked to overseas travel.

Speaking on 6PR's Weekends with Mark Gibson, Mr McGowan said figures showed WA was doing better than "probably anywhere else in the world".

"We know we're going to have rules and restrictions in place for six months, but we'll review it each month to see if any can be eased or tightened," he said.

"And if at the end of the month we can ease some and hopefully get some normality back without risking anyone, that's the approach we'll take.

"It pains me deeply what we've done to so many people's livelihoods, businesses, so many people's jobs. The sooner we can, with confidence, get those things resolved and get people back to work the happier I'll be."

However, Mr McGowan said the Easter holiday break was going to be the biggest test for WA's restrictions.

"I don't want people to be complacent and this Easter will be a great period to work out whether or not our measures are working," he said.

"By the end of Easter if our numbers are still very low it obviously shows that our measures are working.

"As Prime Minister Scott Morrison says we've got six months to find our way out of this and get our economy back in some sort of shape and also get our social interactions back in some sort of shape."
CHESTER -- A Delmar man was injured on his seasonal property in the town of Chester while riding an all-terrain vehicle early Saturday afternoon, Warren County sheriff's deputies said.

Russell Crounse, 60, was riding the four-wheeler near Blue Bay Road down a steep embankment when he lost control and was thrown off, deputies said. The ATV rolled onto Crounse, causing a chest injury. He was taken by helicopter to the University of Vermont Medical Center.
Sydney, April 11 : Passengers of another coronavirus-stricken cruise were allowed to disembark in Australia despite informing authorities there were 13 people sick on board, media reported.

The vessel, Ovation of the Seas, told federal authorities about its ill passengers, including three suffering high temperatures, before docking at Sydney's Circular Quay on March 18, Xinhua news agency quoted Seven News channel as saying in a report on Friday night.

But Border Force and New South Wales state health officials allowed the Royal Caribbean-owned ship to dock without checks, according to the channel, with passengers advised that "they did not need to self-isolate nor enter quarantine" days earlier.

So far 98 passengers from the Ovation of the Seas have tested positive for COVID-19 and one of them, a 72-year-old man, has died, the channel reported.

The latest revelation comes amid news of a state criminal probe into cruise operations after about 2,700 passengers of another vessel, the Ruby Princess, were permitted to disembark in Sydney on March 19.

Those passengers have since been linked to hundreds of reported COVID-19 cases and at least 15 deaths.

The Ovation of the Seas was on en route from Sydney to New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, but altered course after Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison closed borders and ordered cruise ships to return.

Health reports from the ship prior to its docking stated that 13 people had shown signs of illness in the past 14 days, the news channel quoted federal records.

Passengers did not receive advice from state health authorities to "self-isolate or quarantine until days later", it said.

Australia has reported 6,215 coronavirus cases with 54 deaths.
The head of the State's Covid-19 modelling group has said we should not be expecting a surge or peak in the number cases.

It comes as the National Public Health Emergency Team meets today to decide on whether restrictions should continue.

It is likely to formally recommend an extension of the measures, due to end on Sunday, for several more weeks.

Professor Phillip Nolan said the number of cases should take a long time to appear.

Prof. Nolan said: "We shouldn't be expecting a surge, we should flatten this curve so much that we are distributing over a long period of time and there isn't an identifiable surge or peak within that."

He added that we will be social-distancing for a "considerable" period of time in order to flatten the curve and reduce the strain on the health service.

Prof. Nolan said: "We've done extraordinarily well in getting that reproduction number down so close to one, we really need to keep that up.

"First of all, to make sure precisely where we are, and secondly, we will be requiring very strong social distancing measures for a long period of time in order to keep the disease suppressed for the length of time that we need to."

The future of restrictions on travel, work and movement during the Covid-19 emergency will be known later.

The latest restrictions in operation since Friday, March 27 mandate that everyone should stay at home, only leaving to: Shop for essential food and household goods;

Attend medical appointments, collect medicine or other health products;

Care for children, older people or other vulnerable people - this excludes social family visits;

Exercise outdoors - within 2kms of your home and only with members of your own household, keeping 2 metres distance between you and other people

Travel to work if you provide an essential service - be sure to practice social distancing

263 people in the Republic have now died after contracting Covid-19, with a further 26 patients confirmed to have lost their lives yesterday.

The total number of diagnosed cases has risen to 6,574.

Chief medical officer Tony Holohan said a decision will be made later today on restrictions.

Dr Holohan said: "Based on some of the information we have available from the modelling team, that will improve our ability to, if you like, consider that and make a recommendation which in the first instance we will be sharing with the minister and the Taoiseach and government.

"So that's two groups of issues if you like, that feed into our assessment around measures, how long to keep them in place and what should follow in terms of any change in those measures and then also the length of time that they should apply."

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The new Batman explains why he's saying goodbye to Gotham and hello to New York City

New Batman, New York City - why DC's Dark Knight is leaving Gotham City
Some people are so naturally at ease in the water its a wonder they dont have gills and fins.

Erin Hortle is one of those. Shes spent all her life amid the cold waters of the Tasman Peninsula, diving, surfing and fishing in the company of the abundant marine wildlife. Shed almost certainly rather be there than in the foyer of a Hobart hotel for her first interview.

Living on the Peninsula, Hortle cant help but be familiar with its violent history and how Eaglehawk Neck, the ribbon-thin isthmus on the way to Port Arthur was once patrolled by chained wild dogs to prevent convicts escaping. And then, of course, there was the horrific 1996 shooting massacre.

Erin Hortle is obsessed with what she calls creaturely entanglements. Credit:

Everyone in Tassie knows where they were on that day, says Hortle, who was only six at the time. I can remember seeing so many helicopters going back and forth to and from the peninsula. It changed the fabric of the place.
RockRose Energy PLC (LON:RRE) is about to trade ex-dividend in the next 4 days. You can purchase shares before the 16th of April in order to receive the dividend, which the company will pay on the 7th of May.

RockRose Energy's upcoming dividend is UK0.25 a share, following on from the last 12 months, when the company distributed a total of UK1.04 per share to shareholders. Last year's total dividend payments show that RockRose Energy has a trailing yield of 9.5% on the current share price of 8.8. Dividends are an important source of income to many shareholders, but the health of the business is crucial to maintaining those dividends. So we need to investigate whether RockRose Energy can afford its dividend, and if the dividend could grow.

Check out our latest analysis for RockRose Energy

Dividends are typically paid out of company income, so if a company pays out more than it earned, its dividend is usually at a higher risk of being cut. RockRose Energy is paying out just 17% of its profit after tax, which is comfortably low and leaves plenty of breathing room in the case of adverse events. That said, even highly profitable companies sometimes might not generate enough cash to pay the dividend, which is why we should always check if the dividend is covered by cash flow. Fortunately, it paid out only 44% of its free cash flow in the past year.

It's encouraging to see that the dividend is covered by both profit and cash flow. This generally suggests the dividend is sustainable, as long as earnings don't drop precipitously.

Click here to see how much of its profit RockRose Energy paid out over the last 12 months.

LSE:RRE Historical Dividend Yield April 11th 2020

Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing?

Stocks in companies that generate sustainable earnings growth often make the best dividend prospects, as it is easier to lift the dividend when earnings are rising. If earnings fall far enough, the company could be forced to cut its dividend. That's why it's comforting to see RockRose Energy's earnings have been skyrocketing, up 66% per annum for the past five years. RockRose Energy is paying out less than half its earnings and cash flow, while simultaneously growing earnings per share at a rapid clip. This is a very favourable combination that can often lead to the dividend multiplying over the long term, if earnings grow and the company pays out a higher percentage of its earnings.

Story continues

Unfortunately RockRose Energy has only been paying a dividend for a year or so, so there's not much of a history to draw insight from.

To Sum It Up

From a dividend perspective, should investors buy or avoid RockRose Energy? RockRose Energy has been growing earnings at a rapid rate, and has a conservatively low payout ratio, implying that it is reinvesting heavily in its business; a sterling combination. RockRose Energy looks solid on this analysis overall, and we'd definitely consider investigating it more closely.

So while RockRose Energy looks good from a dividend perspective, it's always worthwhile being up to date with the risks involved in this stock. Our analysis shows 2 warning signs for RockRose Energy and you should be aware of them before buying any shares.

If you're in the market for dividend stocks, we recommend checking our list of top dividend stocks with a greater than 2% yield and an upcoming dividend.

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.
Spitting chewed tobacco or pan has been banned in public places in Rajasthan, in an attempt to contain the spread of coronavirus, said Additional Chief Secretary (Health), Rohit Kumar Singh. Penal action will be taken against those flouting the order under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.

New initiative has been taken under Section (2) of the Rajasthan Epidemic Diseases Act, 1957, in the larger public interest under which spitting after chewing tobacco or non-tobacco products has been banned with immediate effect. 

To prevent this from happening, it has become imperative to ban such unhygienic habits, the Health Secretary said.



Source: IANS

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In general, it is seen that after eating 'paan' or chewing tobacco and non-tobacco products, people tend to spit in public places, thus increasing the chances of spreading the dreaded virus.
Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo is the latest lawmaker to ask state officials to make the online unemployment application available in multiple languages, as attorneys, advocates and unions complain about an English-only form that isnt mobile friendly.

DeLeo asked Gov. Charlie Baker and Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders about expanding the online portal for unemployment claims so that it is available in multiple languages, according to a letter to the Baker administration obtained by MassLive.

In order to ensure that all residents are able to apply quickly and efficiently for UI benefits, I respectfully urge you to have the portal translated into the non-English languages most commonly spoken in the Commonwealth, wrote DeLeo, a Winthrop Democrat.

Nearly one-quarter of Massachusetts residents speak a language other than English at home, according to the American Community Survey estimates released in 2019. Some of the most commonly spoken languages in Massachusetts, other than English, are Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Mandarin, Vietnamese and Haitian Creole.

MassLive reported last month that foreign-born workers had trouble navigating the English-only online portal and couldnt reach the Department of Unemployment Assistance by phone. Instead, they got help from Greater Boston Legal Services, the Chelsea Collaborative, the Pioneer Valley Workers Center and other nonprofits.

The Pioneer Valley Workers Center in Northampton developed an online tool so Spanish-speaking people fill out the unemployment forms on their own, but lawmakers and advocates argue the state should have the capacity to let people apply for benefits in multiple languages.

For those who do not speak English as their primary language, struggle to read or write in their primary language, or have no access to technology at home, applying for benefits is very difficult, a letter signed by 50 legislators states. And given the importance of social distancing, these individuals are unable to access support from their communities.

When MassLive asked about the language options on Wednesday, Baker said the state is exploring expanding the online portal.

The UI website, like many of the UI websites around the country, desperately needs an upgrade. We are working to develop a multilingual capacity on that site, the Republican governor said during a news conference at the Massachusetts State House.

While Baker said Thursday that an update may be coming for Spanish speakers, DeLeo suggests in his letter that a more comprehensive solution is necessary.

Preliminary data shows the minority communities are disproportionally being impacted by the coronavirus crisis and any delay in information or benefits can result in dire consequences for an individual and their family, DeLeo wrote.

The Department of Unemployment Assistance has workbooks in 12 languages, but attorneys, advocates and lawmakers who have had to walk workers through the online application say the workbooks dont do enough.

I suspect that it would relieve pressure on the system and help the constituents who need it," said Rep. Adrian Madro, an East Boston Democrat who says his own staff helped constituents fill out unemployment forms over the phone. "We can eliminate calls to DUA asking for an explanation or being walked through because of a language barrier, think about how much more efficient it would be for all involved.

Related Content:
Why plans to mark the end of World War II are renewing tensions between Poland and Russia.

Tensions between Poland and Russia are rising ahead of events planned to mark the end of World War II.

Warsaw is accusing Moscow of trying to rewrite history as it remembers the thousands of Polish officers and intelligentsia murdered by Soviet secret police 80 years ago.

Al Jazeeras Step Vaessen reports from Russias Katyn forest where the massacre took place.
She's been documenting her time in lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic.

And Love Island star Lucie Donlan once again got her followers hot under the collar in a lingerie snap on Friday.

The reality TV beauty, 22, displayed her incredible physique in a racy black lace bra and suspenders in the snap she shared on Instagram.

Sizzling: Love Island's Lucie Donlan got her followers hot under the collar in sexy black lingerie in another racy Instagram snap on Friday

In the snap, Lucie displayed her washboard abs in a black lace bra with sexy strapped bottoms.

The surfer added another sexy twist to her look with matching suspenders with a red rose in her hand for the heart-stopping post.

Lucie captioned her snap: 'When life throws thorns, hunt for roses...'

The star has openly documenting her time in lockdown on social media with a slew of sexy snaps, including a sizzling snap of her bronzed physique in a white bikini.

Stunning: The reality TV beauty is certainly keeping her fans entertained during coronavirus lockdown as she uploaded a sizzling bikini snap to Instagram on Wednesday

Captioning the image, Lucie penned: 'Oh youre dating my ex? Cool, Im eating a sandwich want those leftovers too?'

Lucie didn't say who she was referring too, but it could be said that the said ex in question was her former boyfriend, sandwich maker Joe Garratt, 22.

The pair ended their long-distance relationship in December after meeting in the villa although neither of them have commented publicly on the split.

Meanwhile, the star has been keeping fit amid the coronavirus lockdown as she shared several clips of her working out on Instagram stories.

Keeping fit: Meanwhile, the star has been keeping fit amid the coronavirus lockdown as she shared several clips of her working out on Instagram stories

In one clip she was seen jogging along in the sunshine while asking if summer was here already.

While in others she was seen taking part in the push-ups challenge and an Ant Middleton challenge.

It comes after Boris Johnson ordered the immediate closure of all non-essential shops and threatened people with fines or even arrest if they do not 'stay at home' on Monday night.

The Prime Minister's shutdown will last for a minimum of three weeks and the UK's new state of emergency is unprecedented in modern history.
A federal judge has ordered U.S. immigration officials in California to release four medically vulnerable men from detention, saying their conditions put them at high risk of severe illness or death from the coronavirus and the institutions are doing little to protect them.

The detainees, held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at its Mesa Verde center in Bakersfield and at the Yuba County Jail, are kept close to one another in their living quarters and at meals, and neither they nor most staff members wear masks or other protective gear, U.S. District Judge Maxine Chesney of San Francisco said in her order Wednesday.

As a consequence, the men cannot meaningfully follow the advice the countrys health officials ... have repeatedly given to avoid the coronavirus, Chesney said. She ordered them placed with designated relatives or friends and confined to their homes, leaving only for medical treatment or immigration court proceedings in their deportation cases.

The ruling follows a decision last week by a federal judge in Los Angeles ordering ICE to release six men with medical conditions from its Adelanto detention center in San Bernardino County.

It couldnt happen fast enough, said Emi MacLean, a deputy San Francisco public defender who took part in the cases before Chesney because they came from immigration court in San Francisco. It shouldnt require legal action to force ICE to protect the lives of individuals and public health.

Meanwhile, immigrant advocates said more than 100 migrants detained at Mesa Verde went on a hunger strike Friday to demand protection from the coronavirus, or immediate release of all detainees.

We are going on hunger strike because we are afraid for our lives, said one female detainee, whose name was not released. We need soap and hygiene supplies, and we need to get tested. The virus is coming, and ICE has done nothing to prepare.

ICE declined to comment on the case, but said in a statement that due to the unprecedented nature of COVID-19, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is reviewing cases of individuals in detention who may be vulnerable to the virus. Utilizing CDC (Centers for Disease Control) guidance along with the advice of medical professionals, ICE may place individuals in a number of alternatives to detention.

Chesney said one of the four men, Salomon Medina Calderon, is diabetic, has been hospitalized many times, and has lost all vision in one eye and 70% in the other eye. Another detainee, Gennady Lazarus, has diabetes that is severe enough to require regular injections of insulin.

Charles Joseph has asthma, which also makes its sufferers vulnerable to the coronavirus, the judge said. The fourth man, J. Elias Solorio Lopez, is 82 and has suffered from hypertension, kidney disease and severe malnutrition.

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.

Joseph, 34, came to the U.S. from Fiji with his parents at age 14 and lived in San Bruno. His father, a former Labor Party leader in Fiji, was deported back to the island nation several years later for committing acts of domestic violence, and his son turned to crime, committing an armed robbery that landed him in state prison at age 22, said Francisco Ugarte, another deputy San Francisco public defender in the case.

He said Joseph turned his life around in prison, recovered his values and also blossomed as a guitarist and songwriter. One of the music instructors at the state prison in Susanville (Lassen County) was country music star Lacy J. Dalton, who is urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to grant Joseph a pardon that would erase his conviction and spare him from deportation.

The Charles Joseph I know is a rehabilitated man who would provide for his family, Dalton said in a letter to Newsom. She said Josephs song lyrics paint an exquisite picture that touched all of our hearts. He brought us all together.

Assemblymen David Chiu, D-San Francisco, and Rob Bonta, D-Alameda, have also asked the governor to pardon Joseph.

Bob Egelko is a staff writer for The San Francisco Chronicle. E-mail: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
There are videos making rounds on social media where Africans in China get harassed in their homes and denied certain public services, upon seeing such visuals it gets to the heart; why in this era and time of civility some Chinese (Not all Chinese) will commit such act?

Africans are seen in the videos sleeping outside because they have been denied access to their homes and other hotel services, are they homeless? How do you complain Trump should stop calling the virus "Wuhan Chinese Virus" while asking all Chinese nationals not to he targeted outside of China for this outbreak yet you harass foreigners (Africans) in China as being reported all over social media???

In the Ghana case, surely we have raised it with our President and our Ambassadors are working on it.

I believe all other African country Presidents affected by these happenings in China now ought to summon the Chinese Ambassadors stationed in their countries to answer questions. If any African gets hurt in this sudden Coronavirus discrimination in China, there should be unanimous retaliatory repercussions from the African Union (AU) as soon as possible.

Chinese nationals living in Ghana and other parts of Africa are living happily and peacefully while going about their businesses, so, what's this new nonsense going on?

Folks, it's mind-boggling to see so many people on the streets in the said videos.

But, I was happy seeing the Nigerian consular in Guangzhou, captured on video while intervening for his people, such is the way to go.

Always remember this; no individual African can do much or fight a discriminatory situation alone, it takes the African Presidents, Foreign ministry and stationed ambassadors to stand up for the people strongly and the nonsense will seize.

In this age of globalization, every country in one way or the other needs another country (interdependence) for shared growth and mutual benefits, the world needs more of such cooperation wrapped in unity and love for mankind.

Most importantly, we should also refrain from categorizing all Chinese people as guilty of theses happenings, in every country you would find good and bad people. You the young African should closely follow everything and constructively seek answers from our leaders, also, add value to yourself, improve and brighten any space you find yourself at all times; for a better performing Africa will automatically reflect on it's citizens wherever they travel abroad. Shalom!!!!!!!

This piece from my peace of mind is solely an opinion shared on the unfortunate happenings in China.

#TheNonsenseMustSeize

#NewAfrica

#GminBar'ka

...signed...

Zinler Richard

(Branch Chairman, NPPSK)

[email protected]

2020.04.11
The Mars Rover Perseverance is now 100-days from its scheduled launch to Mars on July. Before its much-anticipated maiden launch, the car-sized robot is equipped with new tires and a parachute as part of standard equipment to tackle the terrain on the Red Planet.

Adding to the exploratory efforts of the Curiosity Rover on Mars is its sibling, Mars rover Perseverance, that will take the place of its predecessor. Its mission is to search for life on the Red planet and gather more information.

Mars rover Perseverance is expected to leave from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in the early morning of July 17. This is the optimum time for the aircraft carrying the rover to get into the right path for a smooth trip to Mars.

Perseverance gets parachute for air brakes

The robotic rover has been designed by NASA to be in the right shape for the day it leaves for Mars. On March 26, technicians at NASA, were installing the all-important parachute system that will deploy when reaching Mar's atmosphere.

Another purpose is to keep the unit intact when reaching the surface. The chute will act as air brakes to slow down the 2,260-lbs mass of the Perseverance from a dropping speed of Mach 1.7 to 200 miles-per-hour. It will land on Mar's at February 18, 2021.

To put it in perspective, the spacecraft will be flying at Mach 1.7, that is equivalent to 767 mph, or 1,235 km/h (sea level) on Earth.

Also read: Alleged Lizard Captured by Curiosity Rover, Theorist Claims Its a Sign of Life on Mars

Rover gets brand new wheels for mobility

One more important component to the Perseverance rover are the wheels that are needed for mobility on the ground. It was installed on March 30, according to the final flight versions. The wheels were not the test ones used on Percy last Dec 2019 in NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California. The final one is an update of the Curiosity rover with some slight differences.

The components are made of flight-grade aluminum, with titanium spokes and a bit bigger and narrower compared to Curiosity's, another slight difference is nearly a millimeter thickness, added NASA in a statement.

One of the biggest change is the tire treads or grousers that is different from Curiosity 24 chevron-pattern, which is now 48 gently curved patterns.

When Curiosity landed in 2012, the wheels are surely beat up since it reached the Mar's Gale Crater upon landing from space on August 12. The technician has made the changes where the rover wanders to lessen damage and the wear and tear. Testing the wheels at Mars Yard in JPL of both rovers will show the Perseverance has better traction and design based on actual data.

Target area of the Perseverance rover

When the rover Perseverance lands, it will explore the Mars' 28-mile-wide (45 km) Jezero Crater, that might have had a lake and a river delta billions of years ago. It will scour the land to study the aspects of geology and collect samples for study and return to Earth.

It will carry out other science and technology tasks in the Jezero crater too. The rover gas gear that will generate oxygen from it carbon-dioxide will help get precious air for pioneers.

Perseverance will launch a small helicopter attached to its belly, which will attempt to pioneer aerial exploration of the Red Planet.

Related article: Life in Space: How the COVID-19 Pandemic Prepares Us for Life in Mars

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James Argent addressed his staggering weight loss as he shared a before and after photo on Instagram on Friday.

The former TOWIE star, 32, is continuing his recovery after he flew to Thailand earlier this year to go to rehab for his drug and drink addiction.

Arg posted a picture from his run on Wednesday, alongside a photo of himself at pal Elliott Wright's son's christening in April last year.

Health kick: James Argent addressed his staggering weight loss as he shared a before (pictured left in July last year) and after photo (right on Wednesday) on Instagram on Friday

The reality star captioned the post: 'I'm making progress, Inside & Outside One day at a time'.

Dozens of the Arg's celebrity pals applauded him for his efforts, while also encouraging him to stay motivated.

Best friend Mark Wright's mum Carol wrote: 'Keep it up boy x', while his dad Mark typed: 'Keep it up James pls x', which garnered 125 likes.

Proud: Dozens of the Arg's celebrity pals applauded him for his efforts, while encouraging him to stay motivated

Elliott Wright chimed:'Yes Arg! We're all proud of you, keep it up. We're all with you.'

Sarah Jane Crawford added: 'Well done'.

Earlier this week, Arg posted a throwback snap of his recent rehab stint in Thailand.

The star reminisced on when he fed and watered elephants and called them his 'spirit animals' in the post, which he shared on Instagram on Tuesday.

Fans commented on the snap telling Arg: 'recovery suits you'.

Determined: Arg vowed to lose weight after being told by doctors he needed to lose 10 stone last year (pictured last May)

James is reportedly getting a helping hand from his supportive longtime friend Mark Wright in adjusting to life after rehab.

According to The Sun, Mark, 33, and his wife Michelle Keegan, 32, have remained in touch with the TOWIE star throughout his challenges, and most recently since he returned to the UK from Thailand.

A source said: 'Mark was straight on the phone to James to make sure he is OK. Theyve spoken a lot and James knows that Mark is there for him. Michelle will be too. They both think the world of him and want him to get back to his very best.'

According to the friend, Arg has struggled somewhat since returning to his native Essex, given the recently mandated nationwide coronavirus lockdown but is 'looking to the positive and making sure he gets plenty of rest, eats right and does a bit of exercise everyday.'

'Spirit animal': Arg posted a throwback snap of his recent rehab stint in Thailand on Tuesday with fans telling him 'recovery suits you'

MailOnline has contacted representatives for James Argent and Mark Wright for comment.

The troubled star was taken to hospital for the second time in two months last year after friends and family feared he had attempted a second 'overdose'.

Paramedics rushed to his 1.3million home in South Woodford, Essex in December, where they found the star 'disorientated' shortly before friends - including Mark - rallied around in a bid to help him get the support he needs.

Insiders told MailOnline: 'Mark was at his house for around six hours to support him. This was after Arg had been to hospital and come home again...

Lean on me: James, left, is reportedly getting a helping hand from his supportive longtime friend Mark Wright, right, in adjusting to life after 'rehab'

'Arg cant afford rehab but Mark and other close friends and family are clubbing together to put him in a good place so he can overcome this.

'He has realised he needs help with his recent addiction issues and with his weight loss battle, so has turned to professionals.

'Arg is receiving some of the best care in the world and so is in an environment to finally improve his physical and mental state.'

Arg has battled drink and drug addiction since finding fame on TOWIE. In 2014 he was suspended from the show after he failed a routine drugs test.

James checked into The Priory and returned to the ITV reality show in 2015.

The TV star spent three months in a facility in Thailand over the festive season in 2016 in a bid to curb his addiction and revealed he checked himself in to a programme in order to get the 'ongoing support' he needed.
New Delhi: The National Health Authority (NHA) on Friday launched express empanelment for private hospitals under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to provide treatment for serious illnesses such as cancer and heart ailments.

"With the launch of this new mechanism called Hospital Empanelment Module (HEM) Lite, patients suffering from serious illnesses, such as cancer, cardiac issues and diabetes that require continuous treatment, will be able to continue getting inpatient services without the fear of contracting the infection," said a release.

"As part of our effort in enhancing our capacity for serving beneficiaries of AB-PMJAY, we have designed and launched express empanelment of private hospitals on a temporary basis to strengthen the supply of care under the scheme," the release quoted Dr Indu Bhushan, CEO, Ayushman Bharat PMJAY and National Health Authority as saying.

Bhushan said they have started reaching out to the states, hospital associations and healthcare industry bodies with this new proposal to onboard private hospitals through a simple, quick and seamless system on a temporary basis.

The scheme covers more than 1,500 health benefit packages of procedures pertaining to secondary and tertiary care and hospitals are reimbursed at pre-fixed rates. The AB-PMJAY, a flagship healthcare scheme, provides a cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year to around 50 crore poor and vulnerable individuals
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 14:12:32|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Mauritanian Foreign Minister Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed discussed the fight against COVID-19 in a phone conversation Friday.

During the difficult time when China was fighting the coronavirus outbreak, President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani immediately sent a message of sympathy to President Xi Jinping, which fully reflects the deep traditional friendship between China and Mauritania, Wang said.

At present, the coronavirus is spreading across the world, posing a great threat to the health and safety of the people of all countries, Wang said, noting that Mauritania is also facing severe challenges.

China will firmly support Mauritania's fight against the epidemic until it wins the final victory, Wang said, pointing out that China has recently conducted project acceptance inspection and handed over the project of renovating the China-Mauritania Friendship Hospital as well as the project of building a specialized clinic for treating infectious diseases at the national hospital ahead of time.

The Chinese side has also shared experience in preventing and controlling COVID-19 with the Mauritanian side via video conferences of health experts, Wang added, saying that the Chinese side will continue to do its utmost to support and help the Mauritanian side, encourage Chinese enterprises and non-governmental organizations to donate materials, and facilitate Mauritania's procurement of medical supplies.

Wang also expressed the belief that under the leadership of President Ghazouani, the Mauritanian people will surely score an early victory against the epidemic.

Noting that this year marks the 55th anniversary of China-Mauritania diplomatic relations, Wang said while the COVID-19 outbreak is temporary, the China-Mauritania friendship and cooperation will last long, expressing the belief that the friendly cooperation between the two countries will certainly be strengthened and deepened in the process of fighting the epidemic.

For his part, Ahmed congratulated China on its important achievements in the fight against the epidemic, and thanked China and appreciated its support and assistance to Mauritania and other countries in their fight against the epidemic.

Noting that Mauritania's national health system is weak and its COVID-19 prevention and control capacity is insufficient, Ahmed expressed his hope that in the face of the epidemic situation in Mauritania, his country will continue to receive strong support from its Chinese friends.

Since the two countries established diplomatic relations 55 years ago, their ties have maintained a high level of development, Ahmed said, adding that Mauritania will continue to firmly support China in safeguarding its national unification drive and interests, and will always stand together with China.
Gemma Oaten has been left furious after thieves broke into parents' home and stole food and essentials.

The former Emmerdale star, 35, took to Twitter after a hoard of goods belonging to her mum and dad were stolen, which they vitally needed as they are both at 'high risk' of developing complications if they contract the coronavirus.

Gemma wrote on Saturday morning: 'So my parents, who are high risk, were burgled yesterday, food and essentials gone.

Upset: Gemma Oaten has been left furious after thieves broke into parents' home and stole food and essentials

She continued: 'Makes my blood boil However us oatens always bounce back. When I'm next home I'm camping out to catch them seriously though...please be kind. PLEASE think of the bigger picture X sta safe x (sic)'.

The actress has been inundated with messages of support since posting her tweet, with fellow Emmerdale alum Samantha Giles sending her 'love' to Gemma and her parents.

Samantha wrote: 'So sorry to hear this Gemma sending love to you and your parents xx (sic)'

Furious: The former Emmerdale star, 35, took to Twitter after a hoard of goods belonging to her mum and dad were stolen (pictured in December)

'Makes my blood boil': Posting on Saturday morning, Gemma wrote: 'So my parents, who are high risk, were burgled yesterday, food and essentials gone'

Whilst Liam Fox - who also stars in the ITV soap - added: 'bloody hell Gemma! That's disgusting! Hope they're ok (sic)'.

Gemma added: ' They've been through so much the last year bless them xxx'.

The news comes just months after her parents became the target of burglars over the Christmas period.

When one fan pointed out the previous robbery, Gemma replied: 'It did. they know what they're doing. We had all the security updated last time. Police said they know exactly what they're doing. Left my folks with over hundreds of pounds worth of damage... Which no one has right now (sic)'.

Gemma has been unable to get supplies to her parents as she is self-isolating in London whilst they live in Hull, and doesn't want to risk travelling from the capital - which is the epicentre of the virus in the UK - to visit them.

However, the actress has insisted her siblings are on hand to deliver much needed essentials to the couple.
If China is considered a developing country, make the United States too a developing one, US President Donald Trump said on Friday, alleging that Beijing has taken advantage of his country.

China has been unbelievably taken advantage of us and other countries. You know, for instance, they are considered a developing nation. I said well then make us a developing nation too, Trump told reporters at his daily White House news conference on coronavirus.

The president was responding to a question on China.

They get big advantages because they are a developing nation. India, a developing nation. The United States is the big developed nation. Well, we have plenty of development to do, he said.

Reiterating that United States was taken advantage of by the World Trade Organization, Trump said the Chinese economy started booming after it joined WTO with the help of the US.

If you look at the history of China, it was only since they went into the WTO that they became a rocket ship with their economy. They were flatlined for years and years, he said.

Frankly, for many, many decades. And it was only when they came into the WTO that they became a rocket ship because they took advantage of all -- Im not even blaming them. Im saying how stupid were the people that stood here and allowed it to happen, he said.

The Trump Administration will now allow that to happen, he said.

If they dont treat us fairly, will leave. But now were starting to win cases, he said.

Alleging that China has taken advantage of the United States for 30 years, he said, China has taken advantage of the US through WTO and using rules that are unfair to the United States.

They should have never been allowed it, this should have never been allowed to happen, he added.

When China joined and was allowed to join under those circumstances the WTO, that was a very bad day for the United States because they have rules and regulations that were far different and far easier than our rules and regulations, he said.

Plus. They took advantage of them down to the last. China took advantage of them like few people would even think to take advantage of them and again they are considered right a developing nation, he added.

The United States, he rued, is not considered a developing nation. The were given advantages (for being a developing nation). For many years China has ripped off the United States. Then I came along and right now, as you know, China is paying 25 percent, said Trump, adding that the US is now gaining billions and billions and billions of dollars in tariffs from China.

The US is not paying, he asserted. Not every country is China but China would devalue their currency and they would also pour out money and they essentially were paying most of those tariffs not us, he said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 11)  A barangay in Valencia City, Bukidnon is now on lockdown after the city reported its first case of COVID-19.

Mayor Azucena P. Huervas has issued an executive order placing Barangay Lumbayao under strict enhanced community quarantine to help prevent the further spread of the disease.

The order directs the citys anti-COVID-19 task force, City Health Office (CHO) and Disease Surveillance Teams to conduct contact tracing and other protocols.

The patient, an official in Barangay Lumbayao, had contact with other people living in the area after returning from a derby in Matina, Davao City where he contracted the virus.

Under the lockdown, residents are required to stay at home while all stores and establishments have been ordered closed.

The government shall ensure the systematic delivery of food, other basic necessities and medicines to the residents of the Barangay, the order said.

Land transportation has been suspended except for emergency vehicles, delivery trucks carrying basic necessities, prime commodities, and agricultural products, vehicles of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines, and authorized government vehicles.

Government personnel, frontliners, and people authorized to go outside their houses are required to wear face masks and practice extreme social distancing.

The barangay is on lockdown from 6 p.m. of April 9 to 6 p.m. of April 26, 2020.

CNN Philippines stringer Melchor Velez contributed to this report.
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP)  Indonesias Anak Krakatau volcano spewed a column of ash 500 meters (1,640 feet) into the sky in the longest eruption since the explosive collapse of the island caused a deadly tsunami in 2018, scientists said Saturday.

Closed-circuit TV from Indonesia's Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation showed lava flares Friday night.

The agency said that the volcano was continuously erupting until Saturday morning. A level 2 alert status remained in place, the second-highest on a scale of four.

There were no casualties reported. The 2018 eruption caused a tsunami along the coasts of Sumatra and Java, killing 430 people.

Anak Krakatau, which means Child of Kratakau, is the offspring of the famous Krakatau volcano, whose monumental eruption in 1883 triggered a period of global cooling.
Intelligence agencies and the N.S.C. produced early warnings.

National Security Council officials received the warnings in early January about the potential dangers from a new virus in Wuhan, China.

The State Departments epidemiologist warned early that the virus could develop into a pandemic, while the National Center for Medical Intelligence, a small outpost of the Defense Intelligence Agency, reached the same conclusion. Weeks later, biodefense experts in the National Security Council office responsible for tracking pandemics looked at what was happening in Wuhan and started urging officials to think about what would be entailed in quarantining cities the size of Chicago and telling people to work at home.

But some of the earliest warnings came from national security hawks eager to blame China, and they often ran into opposition from the presidents economic advisers, who were concerned about upsetting relations with China at a time when Mr. Trump was negotiating a trade deal with Beijing.
Police in Sydneys moneyed northern tip have been "inundated" with calls about holiday home owners spending Easter at their beach houses after Berejiklian minister Don Harwin was fined $1000 for visiting his Pearl Beach property and subsequently resigned.

"We can't keep up," said one officer from the Northern Beaches Police Area Command, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

"We're getting so many calls [with people saying] my neighbour's house is just a holiday home and they are here for Easter or the school holidays, the minister got a fine, so should he!"

Locals say people have arrived in "droves" to stay at holiday homes at Palm Beach. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

Another source told The Sun-Herald police were being "constantly" contacted with allegations of holiday home visitors at Palm Beach. "We've had more than a few calls," the officer said.
Sacramento, CA  With up to a billion dollars total available to support the fight against the virus next week a special bi-partisan budget subcommittee tasked with overseeing the spending will hold its first hearing.

Senate Bill 89 passed in the state legislature last month and it initially allots half a billion dollars with up to a billion total being made available for support of coronavirus. State Senate Republican Leader Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) relays that already $850 million has been spent by Gov. Gavin Newsom and Senate Republicans have been tracking those costs, click here. The sum includes $495 million to purchase two hundred million N95 and surgical masks per month for two months.

We must ensure the state is doing everything possible to support the health and safety of Californians and our incredible frontline workers. Senate Republicans remain committed to ensuring we are legislating responsibly and providing necessary transparency and accountability for California taxpayers. In addition to mitigating the immediate effects of this current crisis, we are also focused on ensuring long-term economic stability for job creators and workers alike, said Senate Republican Leader Grove.

The first hearing for the oversight committee is Thursday, April 16th at 2:00 p.m. The Department of Finance and Legislative Analysts Office also will participate in the hearing.
By West Kentucky Star Staff Apr. 10, 2020 | 05:21 PM | FRANKFORT





Beshear announced that any individual participating in a mass gathering, including in-person church services, will have their license plates recorded and given to authorities, who will then pass the information on to health departments. Health departments will then visit the home of the offender, and will serve them with a mandatory quarantine order.







The new action will not apply to drive-up style services, although he says he will not prevent local leaders from prohibiting the drive-up style services.







As of Friday, there are 242 new cases of the virus in Kentucky, for a total of 1,693. Eleven Kentuckians passed away Friday, for a total of 90 that have died after contracting the virus. It was also announced that 464 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus.







You can see Beshear's full update below.

















In his Friday update, Governor Andy Beshear announced a new action in his attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Inquiry: Detectives and a member of the Forensic Anthropology Unit at the scene where a skeleton was found in Rathmines, Dublin. Photo: Steve Humphreys

The partial human skeletal remains found on waste ground in south Dublin have been removed to Dublin City Mortuary, gardai said.

A garda spokesman said the partial remains were discovered on Thursday evening during works on common ground at Lissenfield in Rathmines and were reported to Gardai.

A forensic anthropologist has conducted examinations of the site along with members of the Garda Technical Bureau.

The remains have been removed to Dublin City Mortuary and a post mortem will be conducted at a later date.

"This will determine the course of the investigation," a garda spokesperson said.

A forensic anthropologist and a team of detectives arrived at the scene yesterday, which was sealed off early yesterday morning, to examine it.

Their focus of attention was at one particular tree in the middle of the strip of land.

Local sources said the bones appeared to be all together, but could not say if they had been disturbed or lay in the natural orientation of a human body.

While the body had decomposed to a skeletal state there was no immediate evidence of clothing with it, but further analysis of the entire scene was being carried out.

Works had been carried out in recent months to remove the lower branches off a row of evergreen trees that are planted along the strip off land, but the bones were not discovered until Thursday evening and appear to have been lying on the surface of the ground.

Local residents said they appeared to be an almost complete skeleton, including the long bones from the arms and legs, and an intact skull.

Gardai were yesterday trying to establish if the body had been there for some time and possibly unearthed by foraging animals, or if the bones were placed there more recently.

One local resident said a number of foxes had lived under the trees until the trees were cut back and the ground exposed.

"The workers dismantled their den so they are gone now," he said.

Residents regularly use the car park beside the narrow strip of land not only to park cars, but to get to a shed where the bins are kept.

As part of any investigation into the discovery of human remains the lists of missing people would be examined to see if the bones could be those of anyone who had been reported missing within the time frame that the remains suggest to be relevant.

The work of the forensic anthropologist would not only determine the dating of the remains, but whether they are those of a male or a female, and whether they are an adult or child.

The presence of the skull would also assist in the identification of the remains through dental analysis and comparisons.

Establishing the cause of death is more complicated when all that remains is skeletal bones, but the relative completeness of the remains found would assist gardai.

Councillor Pat Dunne said: "Most of the buildings around that area are older.

"There would have been flats and bedsits over the years based there.

"It's possible something has been there for a long time."
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 00:53:41|Editor: huaxia

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NICOSIA, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The Health Ministry of Cyprus announced a reduced number of new coronavirus cases on Saturday, but experts strongly warned against a premature relaxation of the lockdown measures.

Leondios Kostrikis, a University of Cyprus professor of virology, who advises the Health Ministry, said new cases from testing on Saturday amounted to 21, 10 less than on Friday, bringing total cases to 616.

No more losses of life were announced, leaving coronavirus deaths at 10.

"Today's 21 cases are in line with our assessment that the path we are on is the right one. The number of new cases is in line with the downward trend of the last 10 days. We are at a critical phase and we do not have a margin to make a mistake... Our advice is still the same, stay at home," Kostrikis said.

Marios Loizou, scientific director at the Nicosia Directorate of the Cyprus State Health Services Organization, also came out in support of the World Health Organization, warning that a premature relaxation of lockdown measures could lead to a deadly resurgence.

"We have a right to hope and this should be stated...But as long as there is no medical treatment for the virus there is a need to continue restrictions," he said.

The Cypriot Health Ministry also announced that it has started the testing of 20,000 employees in the private and public sectors who continue to go to work, mostly in essential public services including banks, supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies and petrol stations.

It said the full results of testing which are expected in 20 days, will give a clear picture of the pandemic.
Cruising along clear roads, posing in beauty spots and heading to a party weekend at Glastonbury, some of Britain's top actors love taking to Instagram to flash their expensive cars.

But what many of them did not tell their fans is that they were lent the high-end Audi vehicles for free, in violation of advertising rules.

The industry watchdog is now examining the social media posts of ten actors following the results of a Mail on Sunday investigation.

Actors including McMafia star James Norton, Line of Duty's Martin Compston and The Crown's Vanessa Kirby were gifted the use of the cars before posting the images, all with the four-ring logo of the car maker, known for its Vorsprung Durch Technik' slogan, in clear view.

James Norton poses in his Audi vehicle in a post that is not labelled as paid content

It is prohibited to post sponsored content without disclosing it, and the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) say 'influencers' should come clean about any financial arrangements.

A benefit in kind such as free use of a car could also land them in hot water with the taxman if they did not declare it.

Last May, 34-year-old Mr Norton took a selfie with a teddy bear in a loaned Audi, and wrote: 'Driving with this fancy Dan (the teddy) to see my new nephew. Thank you @audi for getting us there safely and swiftly @tonyameli [a marketing expert who 'connects brands and talent'] @audiuk #bearwithme.'

X-Men actor James McAvoy, and Douglas Booth, who starred in the BBC adaptation of Great Expectations, have also uploaded similar images of Audis to social media.

Martin Compston posted this image of him with his Audi on his instagram page

Gugu Mbatha-Raw posted this image on her instagram page, the Audi logo clearly visible

Mr Booth, 27, posed on the bonnet of a 50,000 Audi A7 in January, writing: 'A perfect weekend away... Thank you @audiuk and @tonyameli for the equally perfect @audi #A7. It drives like a dream and, luckily, can also fit in enough supplies for 40 pals!'

Last June, he posted a photo of a different Audi that he had driven to the Glastonbury festival, saying: 'We've arrived! Thank you so much @audiuk @tonyameli for getting us here in one piece! Let's go dancing.'

Following controversy about the transparency of online celebrity endorsements two years ago, the ASA said stars should 'make clear when it's advertising or has a commercial message. Ultimately, if it's not obvious... a clear and prominent disclosure is needed'.

They also tell influencers to be 'upfront' if any free gifts are given in exchange for exposure  advising that merely thanking a brand is not a clear enough explanation.

Ellie Bamber posted this image of her driving an Audi car on her instagram page

This weekend, the ASA said it would be examining the social media posts of ten actors, also including Ellie Bamber, who starred in The Trial of Christine Keeler; Gugu Mbatha-Raw, 36, the star of Miss World movie Misbehaviour, Outlanders' Sam Heughan, Lucifer's Tom Ellis and Sam Claflin from the Hunger Games and Peaky Blinders.

HM Revenue & Customs said any benefits in kind should be declared on tax returns. A spokesman said: 'There are no special rules for those walking the red carpet.'

Last night an Audi spokesman said: 'Audi works with various ambassadors and we will remind them of the need for #ad to be included in social posts relating to the brand.'

Douglas Booth posted this image of him posing with an Audi on his Instagram

James McAvoy posted this image of his Audi on his instagram page

After this newspaper contacted representatives of all the celebrities mentioned, the '#ad' hashtag was added to Audi posts from Mr Booth, Mr Ellis and Ms Kirby.

The others did not respond.
The Kothagudem DSP who tested positive for coronavirus was discharged from hospital instead of another person due to a confusion in names.

Speaking to ANI over the phone, Dr. MV Reddy, Collector, Bhadradri Kothagudem said, "A few days ago Kothagudem DSP tested COVID-19 positive, he got infected through his son, who returned from the UK last month."

On Thursday evening the DSP was discharged by the medical authorities from the Government General and Chest Hospital, Hyderabad and he reached his residence in Kothagudem.

On Friday morning, he was taken back to the state-run hospital by the medical authorities after they realised that they had discharged the DSP instead of another person due to confusion in their names.

The DSP is right now in a state hospital in Hyderabad and his samples have been collected again for testing.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A certain startling 3D simulation which was created by some researchers in Finland was able to show just how particles from a single cough can circulate in the air for about several minutes and even travel from one aisle to another! The video highlighted the importance of major avoidance of busy indoor space during this time of the coronavirus pandemic.

This project was published just this week by the Aalto University along with three other institutions and was made to model a scenario in which a person who is inside the grocery store coughs in between shelves, spewing a cloud-like figure of "extremely small" airborne aerosol particles.

The team working on this 3D simulation

The team of researchers were actually working independently but then obtained quite the same results: the aerosol cloud does spread way beyond the immediate vicinity and can even take more than six minutes just to completely dilute!

According to the assistant professor at Aalto University, "Someone infected by the coronavirus, can cough and walk away, but then leave behind extremely small aerosol particles carrying the coronavirus. These particles could then end up in the respiratory tract of others in the vicinity," which explains the dangers of these aerosol particles.

Read Also: Blood and Saliva of Coronavirus Survivors Are Being Sold On The Dark Web Under The $1000 Price Tag

The current findings are still preliminary, but they do stress the importance of properly following the guidelines put in place by the health authorities around the world regarding the implementation of social distancing along with proper hand washing and other hygiene and sanitation procedures.

The results of this 3D simulation

According to the chief specialist from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare Jussi Sane's statement, "The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare recommends that you stay at home if you are unwell and that you maintain physical distance with everyone." Following the statement saying that "The instructions also include coughing into your sleeve or a tissue and taking care of good hand hygiene."

These finish researchers have also noted that droplet infection through the close proximity of one person to another remains the main cause of the transmission of coronavirus. Besides the Aalto University, the study was also carried out by the Finnish Meteorological Institute, VTT Technical Research Center of Finland as well as the University of Helsinki.

Read Also: Curious How the Coronavirus Sounds Like? Scientists Turned It Into a 100-Minute Relaxing Music

The results stress out that the guidelines are there for a reason and they are to be followed by citizens at the supermarket in order to stay away from the possibility of infection from this pandemic. While shopping at the supermarket is still a necessity for people, the best citizens can do is to follow proper social distancing guidelines.

The coronavirus pandemic

While the virus spreads around the world and the health officials are battling it, scientists are also working on finding both a cure as well as a vaccine for this particular virus. The best thing citizens can do is to do their part and follow the guidelines pertaining to social distancing as well as proper hygiene.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, April 11, 2020 17:16 640 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd13b99e 1 National dengue,dengue-fever,North-Maluku Free

At least six people have died of dengue fever in North Maluku so far this year.

According to North Maluku Health Agency data for the first quarter of the year, the fatalities were recorded from Jan. 3 to March 3 in three regencies of the province.

Rosita Alkatiri, the agencys head of disease prevention and control, said on Saturday that three deaths were reported in Morotai Island regency, two in West Halmahera and one in North Halmahera. The province recorded 175 dengue fever cases in the first three months of the year.

There were 67 patients in January, 77 in February and 31 in March, Rosita, who is also the North Maluku COVID-19 task force spokesperson, told news agency Antara.

Read also: Dengue fever infects more than 4,500 people, kills 48 in East Nusa Tenggara

She added that 1,195 cases of the dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease, had been recorded in the province throughout 2019, with 16 ending deadly.

We are advising the North Maluku people to maintain cleanliness and eradicate mosquito breeding grounds by closing or draining water storage containers, especially in schools and places of worship, where activities are minimal during the COVID-19 outbreak, to suppress the number of dengue fever cases, she said.

In addition, she also called on the people to stay at home during the COVID-19 pandemic to curb the spread of the disease. (aly)
Though Cross County Freight Solutions in Scottsbluff has not experienced a decrease in freight movement during the pandemic at this time, it is impacting workers and drivers.

It hasnt hit us yet, but we know its coming, so all my guys are getting prepared; we have a plan of action, Lemley said. We have to take turns furloughing for a day, rearrange schedules, go to a shorter workweek, no-contact deliveries, and stuff like that. We have to keep the doors open because nursing homes, agriculture and others rely on us to get their things so they can keep their operations and families going.

Brown Transfer Company has not yet seen an impact on freight movement during the pandemic, but, like other trucking companies, has been impacted in other ways, like no-contact freight delivery and other safety measures.

We have not seen a decrease in freight at this time, but we are taking certain precautionary steps to protect drivers and customers, Brown Transfer Company Scottsbluff Service Center Manager Debbie Kramer said. Drivers ask customers if they can sign for them. In addition, all company sales representatives at all terminals are making their sales calls by phone.
Residents of Zongo communities have been advised to strictly adhere to recommended safety protocols in the fight against the coronavirus disease due to their vulnerability.



They should endeavor to stay safe from the virus as communities which are mostly densely populated.



Hajia Zeinabu Sallow, the Ashanti Regional Director of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) who gave the advice, said cases of COVID-19 in zongo communities could be devastating considering the culture and nature of households.



Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi, she said the number of people in typical Zongo homes were most often many, a situation that made social distancing very difficult to observe.



She said because of the way Zongos were set up, it was common to find residents in groups either in or outside their houses and called for discontinuation of such practices in the face of the pandemic.



This is not the time for the Zongo youth to be converging at their usual places to drink ataya. We are not in normal times and everybody must accept to do the right thing, she advised.



She urged community leaders including Mallams and chiefs to take active part in the education of the people to influence behavioral change in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infections in Zongo communities.



She expressed fear that if one person gets infected in a Zongo community, thousands of people may end up becoming victims and appealed to inhabitants of Zongos to observe all the precautionary measures to avert a possible outbreak.



If you do not stay home and get infected, you put every member of your household at risk, so please observe the simple directives to save your household, she pleaded.

Source: GNA









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The National Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi has said that Ghana is currently battling with the spread of the Coronavirus disease in the country because the country is ill prepared to fight the disease.



According to the NDC chief communicator, the country does not have enough facilities and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to help with the fight, hence the spread.



And this, he said is not the best as that can demoralise the doctors and nurses who are at the forefront of the battle.





When your health workers do not have the PPE needed to work with, youll be overwhelmed by the disease regardless of the freebies you give, he said.



Mahamas Donations



The 2020 Flagbearer of the NDC, John Mahama has been donating PPE to several hospitals across the country as part of measures to deal with the disease.



President John Mahama donating PPE to Ridge Hospital

Most of the donations have been made on his behalf by the COVID-19 Response team of the NDC.



These donations, Sammy Gyamfi said came at the right time arguing that several hospitals wouldnt have had access to PPE if the former President had not come to the aid of the country.



If not for the PPEs donated by John Mahama, some hospitals wouldnt have had any. Instead of commending and encouraging him to do more, some people are asking that we wait until the fight against coronavirus is over, he said further.



Ghana ill prepared



Sammy Gyamfi claimed that the countrys preparedness to fight the disease is woefully inadequate.



Ghana currently have more ministers than the number of ventilators we have to deal with the disease, he said during an engagement on Adom TV .



Ghana currently has 110 Ministers with opposition elements claiming that the figure jumped to 123 following a reshuffle by the President in February 2023.



Answering a question on the number of ventilators in Ghana currently, Health Minister, Kwaku Agyemang Manu said:



Ghana has 67 ventilators. An extra order of 50 has been made out of which 20 has arrived whilst we await the remaining 30. That together with what we have in the private gives us about 200 ventilators in Ghana, he said.



Presidential adviser on health, Dr Nsiah Asare has also added that the 307 Ambulances that were procured by the government also have mobile ventilators in them to support the Coronavirus patients.



All the 307 ambulances that were brought into Ghana have ventilators, he said on Peace FMs kokrokoo program on Tuesday, March 31, 2020.



VENTILATORS AND ITS IMPORTANCE



A ventilator is a machine that provides mechanical ventilation by moving breathable air into and out of the lungs, to deliver breaths to a patient who is physically unable to breathe, or breathing insufficiently.



This gives the patient time to fight off the infection and recover.



According to the World Health Organization (WHO), some 80% of people with Coronavirus disease can recover without needing hospital treatment.



But one person in six becomes seriously ill and can develop breathing difficulties.



In these severe cases, the virus causes damage to the lungs. The bodys immune system detects this and expands blood vessels so more immune cells enter.



But this can cause fluid to enter the lungs, making it harder to breathe, and causing the bodys oxygen levels to drop.



To alleviate this, a machine ventilator is used to push air, with increased levels of oxygen, into the lungs.



The ventilator also has a humidifier, which modifies heat and moisture to the medical air so it matches the patients body temperature.



Patients are given medication to relax the respiratory muscles so their breathing can be fully regulated by the machine.



Ghana is currently battling the spread of the disease in the country.



The country currently has 378 confirmed cases of the disease.









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.

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As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic which has forced students to stay at home, Scholastic Incorporated, together with a local partner Smartline Limited, is supporting the Ghana Library Authority, to offer 60 days free unlimited access to their award-winning learning programs to connect children at home to knowledge resources.

Scholastic Incorporated, global multinational publishing, education and Media Company, is the worlds largest publisher and distributor of childrens books in the world and a leading provider of the literacy curriculum.

Speaking on the offer, the Executive Director of the Ghana Library Authority, Mr. Hayford Siaw stated that, This is a great opportunity for parents and pupils in Ghana during this period of the pandemic. Our children can now have access to world-class online learning resources covering different subject areas to enable them stay intellectually engaged.

This free offer will also serve as a bonding opportunity for parents and children. I will, therefore, entreat all Ghanaians to take full advantage and sign up, he added.

The company is giving free access to over 1,200 fiction and non-fiction eBooks with quizzes to test students' comprehension after reading.

Parents, teachers, schools, after-school set-ups and reading clubs can have access to these resources to help their children and pupils to continue to learn.

Knowing the attention span of children, the offer includes programs like Bookflix (KG-Primary 3) and Trueflix (Upper Primary to Secondary) which employs creative methods like dynamic videos, narration, puzzles and vocabulary support among others to sustain children interest. Different subjects such as Science, Social Studies and English are also covered in the package, together with interesting project ideas for children's total engagement.

In addition, a user can have access to 1,100 newspapers from 195 countries in 73 languages.

This offer is to support Ghana Library Authority's objective of using technology to promote literacy and life-long learning especially at this difficult time.

To register, go on the Ghana Library website, www.ghanalibrary.org , click on Courses and select GhLA Scholastic from the drop down menu fill the application form and check your email for your login in details in 24 hours.

---citinewsroom
US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose visa sanctions on countries that refuse to accept their citizens sought to be repatriated by American authorities during the Covid-19 crisis.

A memorandum issued by Trump to the secretary of state and secretary of homeland security on Friday states: Countries that deny or unreasonably delay the acceptance of their citizens, subjects, nationals, or residents from the United States during the ongoing pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 create unacceptable public health risks for Americans.

The memorandum indicates the move is aimed at the repatriation of foreign nationals who violate the laws of the United States.

Trump directed the secretary of homeland security to notify the secretary of state if any country denies or unreasonably delays the acceptance of aliens who are citizens, subjects, nationals, or residents of that country after being asked to accept those aliens, and if such denial or delay is impeding operations of the homeland security department in response to the pandemic.

The secretary of state will then adopt a plan to impose visa sanctions under the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act within seven days. The secretary of state is allowed to exceptions consistent with US foreign policy interests, the memorandum states.

The visa sanctions will no longer be applicable if the secretary of homeland security declares that the foreign country has resumed accepting aliens without unreasonable delay.

The memorandum will be valid till December 31, unless it is extended.

The memorandum emphasised the need for cooperation between the State Department and the department of homeland security in view of the profound and unique public health risks posed by the novel (new) coronavirus.

The move comes at a time when the Indian government has asked the US to extend the validity of visas, including H-1B and other types of visas, held by Indian nationals who have been hit by the Covid-19-related economic slump.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 00:01:09|Editor: huaxia

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JERUSALEM, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The number of coronavirus tests taken in Israel has dropped by nearly 4,000 on a daily basis during the past week, the Israeli Ministry of Health said on Saturday.

The ministry's data show that the number of tests reached a peak of 9,903 on April 3, then dropped to 5,980 on April 10, a decline of about 40 percent.

Furthermore, the daily average over the last three days, from April 8 to 10, was even lower, which is 5,690 tests.

The main reason for the decrease is a shortage of reagents, the substances which test a chemical reaction to confirm infections.

As a result, Israel has started producing reagents, with the help of Chinese biotech giant BGI Genomics.

Israel also imported reagents from the Republic of Korea.
He died doing a job he loved, serving others before himself. We would like to thank the staff and his colleagues for looking after him during his final days.
By Kelsey Johnson

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada has signed an agreement with Amazon Canada <AMZN.O> to manage the distribution of medical equipment like masks, gloves and ventilators purchased by the Canadian government to help in its fight against the cornonavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday.

Deaths surged to 208 from the 127 reported on Thursday, while positive cases of COVID-19, the respiratory disease casued by the coronavirus, rose to 12,375 from 10,132, according to provincial announcements compiled by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp on Friday.

The Canadian government has been working with manufacturers in recent weeks to increase the production and supply of high-demand medical items like face shields, masks, gloves, ventilators, gowns and test kits, which are used by frontline healthcare workers.

"Our government has signed an agreement with Amazon Canada to manage the distribution of this equipment to the provinces and territories," Trudeau told reporters during a daily news briefing outside his Ottawa home.

Trudeau did not provide details on the value of the contract, but a government news release issued later on Friday said Amazon was providing the service to Canadians at cost, without profit.

"The Amazon Canada team is proud to partner with the Government of Canada by leveraging our fulfillment network and delivery service partners to ship critical supplies to front-line medical professionals across the country," Mike Strauch, a country manager for Amazon Canada, said in a statement.

Amazon Canada will work collaboratively with the Canadian government to manage orders through its online Amazon Business store, Ottawa said in a release.

The online retail giant will also use its Canadian distribution network, including Canada Post and Purolator, a major Canadian courier, to deliver the supplies.

(Reporting by Kelsey Johnson in Ottawa; Editing by Tom Brown)
The aftermath of a fire that destroyed the Ford Transfer and Storage Company is seen Thursday afternoon, Jan. 6, 2022, in downtown Twin Falls.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting of chief ministers on Saturday to decide on the nationwide Covid-19 lockdown that ends on April 14. PM Modi didnt elaborate on the mechanics of the plan that he had in mind but spent most of the meeting listening the chief ministers. A statement by the Prime Ministers Office later said chief ministers of most states were in the favour of extending the lockdown. Some also spoke about allowing the resumption of economic activities in a manner that is not counter-productive to the united fight against the coronavirus disease. The prime minister has also indicated that the governments motto had changed in the last two weeks from Jaan hai to Jahaan hai (life is above all) to Jaan bhi, jahaan bhi (lives and livelihoods, both matter).

Several chief ministers spoke their mind on the Covid-19 pandemic and how their state intended to move forward.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that PM had decided to extend the lockdown and added that it was the right decision to make.

PM has taken the correct decision to extend lockdown. Today, Indias position is better than many developed countries because we started lockdown early. If it is stopped now, all gains would be lost. To consolidate, it is imp to extend it, he twitted.

Karnatakas BS Yediyurappa said PM Modi told us that we must not compromise on lockdown and we are receiving suggestions for extending it for next 15 days. According to news agency ANI, Yediyurappa said the prime minister had told them that the central government will announce guidelines for next 15 days in a day or two.

Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said that while PM had spoken about extending the lockdown, it could be relaxed in some places and made more stringent in some others. She added that her government was on the same page as the prime minister.

We are also on the same page with PM, want lockdown extended till April 30, she said, according to PTI.

Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, who heads the state with the most number of coronavirus cases in the country, said he had informed PM Modi that his state will extend the lockdown till April 30.

Puducherry CM Narayanasamy said that while PM Modi agreed with the majority view to extend the lockdown, he also spoke of a graded resumption in commercial activity in some sectors of the economy.

PM felt farm activity should continue and said guidelines would be issued by Centre on the construction industry in a graded manner, Narayanasamy said.

Click here for live and latest updates on Coronavirus

Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel suggested that the restriction on the interstate road, rail and air travel should continue. However, he sought resumption of economic activity within the borders of the state.

Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is reported to be one among the very few heads of states to have demanded that the lockdown be confined only to the red zones that have reported a large number of Covid-19 positive cases.

While I support the steps being taken by the Centre to contain the Covid-19 situation, I also feel that the wheel of the economy should continue to run, if not with full speed, but to the extent of providing basic necessities to people, Jagan said.

Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao was not in favour of any relaxations and sought an extension to the nationwide lockdown for two more weeks.

For all latest stories on coronavirus

The lockdown has helped contain the spread of the virus to a large extent and there is no other way but to extend it for another two weeks to flatten the curve, KCR said.

Similarly, Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh asked the PM to extend the national lockdown. Punjab has already decided to extend the restrictions for another fortnight.
Saudi Arabia, Russia, U.S. assert cooperation for stability of energy markets

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 16:57, April 10, 2020

RIYADH, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia, the United States and Russia have asserted cooperation for the stability of energy markets, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

In a joint phone call, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saudi, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin reviewed efforts in the light of the OPEC+ meeting and the importance of joint cooperation to stabilize energy markets in order to support the growth of global economy.

The phone call was made after the ninth Extraordinary OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting that was held via webinar on Thursday.

In the meeting, the OPEC and non-OPEC oil-producing countries agreed to cut their overall crude oil production by 10 million barrels per day, starting from May 1, 2020 for an initial period of two months until June 30, 2020.

From July 1, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2020, the cut will decrease to 8 million barrels per day. It will be followed by the adjustment of 6 million barrels per day for another 16 months, according to a statement by OPEC on Friday morning.

The agreement will be valid until April 30, 2022, as the extension of this agreement will be reviewed in December 2021, it added.

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Bernie Sanders, who said support for abortion is 'essential' for Democrats, drops out of Democratic Primary race

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Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont has suspended his campaign, effectively paving the way for former Vice President Joe Biden to become the Democratic Partys presidential nominee.

Sanders announced the decision in a conference call with his staff on Wednesday morning, reported CNBC, putting an end to the Democratic Socialists highly watched campaign.

Today I am suspending my campaign, said Sanders on his official Twitter handle. But while the campaign ends, the struggle for justice continues on.

While he believed he and his supporters were winning the ideological battle, Sanders said he lacked a feasible chance of success, so he made the difficult and painful decision to end the campaign.

I congratulate Joe Biden, he said, calling his primary opponent a very decent man who he plans to work with to help defeat Republican President Donald Trump.

During the first state competitions of primary season, Sanders finished strong in Iowa and New Hampshire; he also won multiple states on Super Tuesday, including delegate-rich California.

Sanders weathered controversy in some circles, when he declared at a town hall event that being supportive of abortion rights was "essential" for any Democratic Party member.

Princeton University professor Robert P. George denounced Sanders' comments, noting that the candidate was officially excommunicating pro-life Democrats.

So: if you're pro-life you are unacceptable, unwanted, an intruder. Time to go elsewhere, said George, who still commended Sanders for showing superiority to his competitors in terms of honesty and forthrightness.

However, the Biden campaign dominated on Super Tuesday, winning nine states on that day and several states in later competitions.

Biden's wins included a symbolic victory in Michigan, where Sanders had previously been strong in the 2016 primary election season.

Regarding his victories in states like Arizona, Florida, and Illinois, some experts concluded that Biden thrived through a coalition of senior citizens, African-Americans, and party moderates.

Last month, it was reported by multiple news outlets that the Sanders campaign had suspended their Facebook ads, an action that indicated that the senator was planning to end his campaign.

Pete Buttigieg and Michael Bloomberg made their Facebook ads inactive hours before they suspended their campaigns,Axios reported at the time.

Around the same time, Sanders' Campaign Manager, Faiz Shakir, said in a statement to media that Sanders was going to speak with campaign supporters about the future of his run.

Sen. Sanders is going to be having conversations with supporters to assess his campaign, Shakir said, NBC News reported.

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.

With Sanders out of the race, Biden remains the only candidate in the once crowded Democratic Primary field, having outlasted several members of Congress and a few businessmen.
(Bloomberg) --

Texas abortion clinics sought emergency U.S. Supreme Court intervention to ease sweeping restrictions on the procedure imposed by state officials during the coronavirus crisis.

The filing Saturday came after a federal appeals court let the state block most abortions as way to conserve masks, gloves and other personal protective equipment needed to shield health-care workers from the virus.

The clinics are seeking to let pill-induced abortions resume, saying they dont require protective equipment. Until Texas imposed the temporary ban, it had allowed medication abortions through the 10th week of pregnancy.

No other court in the country has countenanced the type of categorical ban on medication abortion the state is attempting to enforce here as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the clinics argued. Accordingly, Texas now has the most restrictive abortion policy in the nation.

Its the second emergency coronavirus case to reach the conservative-controlled high court in recent days.

On April 6, a sharply divided court sided with Republicans by requiring absentee ballots for Wisconsins presidential primary to be postmarked by election day, April 7. In dissent, the courts four liberals said failing to allow an extension would force tens of thousands of people to either forfeit their voting rights or risk their health by going to the polls.

Surgeries Banned

The Texas ban stems from Republican Governor Greg Abbotts March 22 order temporarily barring all non-essential surgeries in the state and GOP Attorney General Ken Paxtons decision to enforce the prohibition against abortion clinics. Abbotts order applies through April 21 but could be extended.

Clinics sued, and the dispute began traveling up and down the court system. After U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel temporarily blocked the ban, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated it on a 2-1 vote.

Under Supreme Court precedent, all constitutional rights may be reasonably restricted to combat a public health emergency, Judge Kyle Duncan, an appointee of President Donald Trump, wrote for the 5th Circuit majority in that April 7 ruling.

Story continues

The 5th Circuit left open the possibility that pill-induced abortions might eventually be permitted, but Duncans opinion indicated the clinics would need to provide evidence that personal protective equipment wouldnt be used.

Two days later, Yeakel issued a new order allowing pill-induced abortions as well as surgical abortions for women who are so far along in pregnancy they might otherwise pass Texass legal limit of 22 weeks.

The appeals court panel then reinstated the ban on pill-induced abortions, saying it had expected Yeakel to engage in a careful parsing of the evidence. The panel, however, allowed abortions for women approaching their 22nd week of pregnancy.

The dissenting 5th Circuit judge, James Dennis, said the April 7 ruling inflicts further panic and fear on women in Texas by depriving them, without justification, of their constitutional rights, exposing them to the risks of continuing an unwanted pregnancy, as well as the risks of traveling to other states in search of time-sensitive medical care.

The governors ban on non-essential surgeries makes an exception for patients at risk of serious adverse medical consequences or death. The order carries criminal penalties for violators.

Court decisions have let abortions continue in other states where officials sought to block them during the coronavirus pandemic.

The case will test a Supreme Court that became more conservative on abortion when Justice Brett Kavanaugh took his seat in 2018. Since then, the justices have moved cautiously on the subject, though they are scheduled to rule in the coming months on Louisianas requirement that doctors who perform abortions have admitting privileges at a local hospital.

The latest request was filed with Justice Samuel Alito, a Republican appointee who handles emergency matters from Texas. Alito could act on his own or, as is typical in controversial matters, refer the issue to the full nine-member court.

The case is Planned Parenthood Center for Choice v. Abbott, 19A1019.

(Updates with excerpt from court filing in fourth paragraph)

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NEW DELHI: All eyes are now on Centre as ten out of eleven chief ministers, who attended the video-conference meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (April 11, 2020), have called for extending the coronavirus COVID-19 lockdown, which is set to end on April 14.

During the meeting, the chief ministers of Delhi and Punjab suggested extension of the nationwide lockdown till April 30 to Prime Minister Modi, which was backed by other CMs.

During the interaction held via video conferencing, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh suggested extension of the national lockdown by at least a fortnight after April 14.

According to Zee Media sources, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also suggested extension of the lockdown till April 30.

The Chief Ministers of Delhi, West Bengal, Punjab, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh suggested to PM that the lockdown should be extended. Political leaders like Mayawati and MK Stalin have also demanded extension in COVID-19 lockdown.

PM Modi, accompanied by some senior officials, including from the Union Health Ministry, was wearing a white mask during the meeting which was also attended by chief ministers - Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal), Uddhav Thackeray (Maharashtra), Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), Manohar Lal (Haryana), K Chandrashekhar Rao (Telangana) and Nitish Kumar (Bihar).

The cloth mask worn by the Prime Minister was a gesture towards the use of masks, as the central government, last week, said that people can use homemade, reusable cloth mask as an alternative to retail ones.

Prime Minister Modi told the Chief Ministers that he is available round the clock. I am always available. Any chief minister can speak to me and give suggestions (on COVID-19) anytime. We should stand together shoulder-to-shoulder, PM Modi is understood to have said during the meeting.

He said that we all should stand together shoulder-to-shoulder in the fight against this disease. The Central government is understood to have also obtained views on the issue from all the relevant agencies and stakeholders involved in the efforts to contain the spread of the pandemic.

The video conference, which began at 11 am, came amidst indications that the Central Government may extend the nationwide lockdown with some possible relaxations even as Punjab and Odisha have already announced extending the lockdown beyond April 14 when the current spell of 21-day shutdown ends on Tuesday.

The Union Home Ministry has sought views of state governments on various aspects, including whether more categories of people and services need to be exempted. In the current lockdown, only essential services are exempted.

This is for the second time the Prime Minister is interacting with the chief ministers via video link after the lockdown was imposed. During his April 2 interaction with chief ministers, PM Modi had pitched for a "staggered" exit from the ongoing lockdown.

Addressing floor leaders of various parties who have representation in Parliament, PM Modi had on Wednesday made it clear that the lockdown cannot be lifted in one go, asserting that the priority of his government is to "save each and every life".

According to an official statement after the Wednesday interaction, the prime minister told these leaders that states, district administrations and experts have suggested extension of the lockdown to contain the spread of the virus.

Before the lockdown was announced on March 24, the Prime Minister had interacted with the chief ministers on March 20 to discuss ways and means to check the spread of the novel coronavirus.
One of the 10 arrested in Cancun kidnapping is a former agent of Colombian National Police

Cancun, Q.R.  One of the 10 people arrested in a recent kidnapping in Cancun has been identified as a former Colombian police officer.

The Office of the Attorney General of the State of Quintana Roo says that after the arrest of the 10 that have been linked to the April 2 kidnapping of two people in Cancun, one of the members is a former agent of the Colombian National Police.

The Attorney General reports that Fabian G, who was part of the group arrested in SM 503 by Cancun police earlier this month, is a former Colombian police officer.

They also say that first investigations have determined that Edgar V, who was also part of the arrested group, has been identified as one of the leaders of the Jalisco Nueva Generacion Cartel, a criminal cell originating in Jalisco.

They add that the backgrounds of the other eight detainees are being investigated by ministerial authorities to determine if they are related to other criminal acts. The group of 10 were taken into custody in Cancun April 2 after committing numerous violent robberies including home and business burglaries at gunpoint and kidnapping.
Strapped by the same problems facing health care workers around the world, including a limited supply of personal protective equipment, hospital beds and ventilators, Guams government now had to contend with how it would protect its own people and simultaneously support the Navy. Theyre the ones that are out there, protecting our waters, Leon Guerrero said. With about two dozen Guam residents serving aboard the carrier, finding space was the least we could do.

When the Theodore Roosevelt arrived at Naval Base Guam, it brought not only a ship full of sick crew members, but a brewing political scandal. The ships commander, Capt. Brett E. Crozier, emailed a letter dated March 30 to at least 20 Navy officials about the Navys failures to support the aircraft carriers efforts to contain the outbreak, and it quickly leaked to the press. The controversy led to the swift removal of Crozier from command, followed by an impromptu trip to the Theodore Roosevelt by acting Navy secretary Thomas B. Modly, who gave a 15-minute speech to the ships crew during which he referred to Crozier as naive or stupid. By the end of the week, Modly had resigned after his remarks prompted backlash from lawmakers, retired military leaders and the rank and file.

All the while, the carriers reported coronavirus cases have continued to climb. As of Friday, there were 447 infected sailors, one of whom is Crozier himself. A sailor who had been in isolation was admitted to intensive care at the base hospital on Thursday after he was found unresponsive.

If the number of sailors who require hospitalization grows, the base could quickly run out of space to provide proper treatment. Naval Hospital Guam has six I.C.U. beds and at least 15 ventilators, according to the Navy. An additional 12 acute care beds and six critical care beds with ventilators were added in the past two weeks. On base, the elementary and secondary schools, the gym, the Navy Lodge and some older barracks have been converted to housing for sick sailors. About 230 sailors and Marines from a Japan-based medical battalion arrived on the island earlier this week to help the Navys medical staff test and treat sailors.

The Navy is in the process of testing every sailor on board, with results taking up to 96 hours. On Friday, a 20-year-old sailor who had been tested a few days earlier was still awaiting her results. For now, she spends part of her day cleaning the ship, a task for which she is issued gloves and a mask. With so many members of the crew off the boat, social distancing is easier. But her worries about her own test results are compounded by the concern she has for her family in New York, the current epicenter of the virus, and for her shipmates, including her former captain, who has become a symbol of strength for the crew.

Im angry, tired, exhausted, she told The Times. I just wanna give up. Im hurting for myself, my friends, family, shipmates. I want the world to know how strong the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt is.
Idealism in politics gets too much good press.

When it informs political rhetoric, elevating the pursuit of power and giving it moral shape, idealism has its place. But too often it becomes indistinguishable from magical thinking  from the empirically unfalsifiable conviction that what one's ideological compatriots hope to achieve is so self-evidently wonderful, so obviously pure, so transparently righteous that it is bound to prevail.

Witness the now-defunct presidential campaign of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.

I can understand some of Sanders' appeal. For a politician with presidential ambitions, he was refreshingly honest. And he highlighted some of the very real injustices and cruelties of the distinctly Darwinian form of capitalism that prevails in the United States. This enabled him to tap into high levels of discontent among young voters.

But Sanders also campaigned for the presidency in a way that showed an almost absurd disregard for the realities of small-d democratic politics. To win elections, politicians need to build broad coalitions. They need to reach out to voters who don't immediately and instinctually respond to the purest form of their message. As an experienced pol, Sanders obviously knows this. His long-term record on guns and other issues shows that he was quite willing to make moderate moves in his mostly rural home state. But he apparently decided that he wanted to run for president as a prototypical leftist preaching a gospel of political revolution instead.

That made Sanders a quintessential idealist who bought into magical thinking. No wonder it didn't work out for him.

Part of the problem, I suspect, is that he believed his surprisingly impressive showing in 2016 was a function of the widespread appeal of his (in an American context) radical message rather than what it almost certainly was: a combination of genuine enthusiasm among the young and broad-based dislike for Hillary Clinton. Without Clinton as an opponent and foil, Sanders proved incapable of performing the same magic trick again, let alone building on it.

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This was obscured for a time by his campaign's continued strength at organizing caucuses (in Iowa and Nevada) and by a field that was deeply divided during the opening weeks of the primaries. If that division continued, there was a small chance that Sanders could have reproduced Donald Trump's 2016 inside straight and eeked out a plurality victory in the race for delegates. But as soon as the competition dropped out, that path became impossible. In the end, Sanders won fewer states this time around (9) than Rick Santorum did in the GOP primaries eight years ago (11).

Which is pretty much what one would expect from a man who insisted on referring to himself as a socialist, despite polling that consistently showed the unpopularity of the term. And who loved to point to different polls that showed strong support for Medicare-for-all, while dismissing many others that revealed serious apprehensions about it when its painful corollaries (like the abolition of private insurance and a gargantuan price tag) were presented to respondents.

Go right on down the line of the campaign's policy positions and the candidate's revolutionary rhetoric on the stump and in debates: At no point was there the slightest sign of an inclination toward moderation, compromise, or conciliation; no acknowledgement of a need for trade-offs or adjustment of expectations in the face of economic or fiscal limits; no sense that Sanders understood that lots of people besides his billionaire betes noires prefer something between socialism and the cartoonishly pro-business approach of present-day Republicans; or that many millions of Americans both deeply dislike the current president and yet have no desire to see $60 trillion in new government spending.

None of that seemed to matter to Sanders. He and his supporters wanted what they wanted, and they had faith that if he promised it over and over again without variation, the voters would respond and the candidate would prevail  in the primaries, and then against Trump in the general, and apparently even in the Senate, where of course a socialist president would be incapable of getting even the first piece of his revolutionary program passed without a 60+ majority of left-progressives.

Possible? I suppose it could have happened. Just as it was possible that the primary challenge to Trump by former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld might have taken down the sitting president. It was just exceedingly unlikely. Sanders did much better than Weld at the first part of the electoral triathlon he set for himself. But winning the presidency while sweeping a supermajority of wannabe socialists into both houses of Congress along with him? You've got to be kidding.

This is the fantasy of the true believer who allows himself to forget the political rules  or who assumes he's simply so superhuman that he possesses the power to suspend those rules with his convictions and self-evidently appealing message. Building a broad-based coalition? Setting priorities? Reaching out to segments of the electorate who didn't start out swooning for the candidate? Acting like a retail politician, selling a message to voters, meeting them part way, working to get them to buy in? All of that is beneath the One True Thing and the activists sitting at his feet. (In this respect, the campaign of Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren was little better. Aside from claiming the capitalist mantel for herself, she resisted drawing policy contrasts with Sanders, appeared to match his radicalism with her hundred-and-one plans for dramatic reform, and actually tried on numerous occasions to outflank him on his left on issues wrapped up with identity politics. All told, Warren proved just as incapable of telegraphing a message of moderation as Sanders.)

A socialist may recoil at the language of marketing and advertising, of buying and selling, but that's the way democratic elections work. Sanders himself never indicated even the slightest inclination toward seeking to gain power through any other means. (Only in his peculiar hesitation to criticize the despotic regimes of self-proclaimed socialists around the globe has he shown any sign of wavering in his support for democracy.) Yet there is a reason that left-wing political movements have so often taken the path of political violence and dictatorship. Absolutism, certainty, and a sense of self-righteousness, along with a distaste for the tawdry and transactional character of retail politics, have tempted many to consider themselves a vanguard entitled to dispense with democratic niceties.

This wasn't Bernie Sanders' way, but neither was the path of pragmatism. That left purity in defeat as the only remaining option. Here's to hoping the leaders to follow him on the left prove as decent  or more willing to play the democratic game to win.

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A former member in the National Assembly representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District, Ben Murray-Bruce, has said he missed Nigeria and ...

This is how we are currently living in America. I miss Nigeria. I cant wait to return. pic.twitter.com/jsol0yIILR  Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) April 10, 2020

Murray-Bruce, who said he is currently in the United States, revealed this on Friday evening via his verified Twitter handle.This is how we are currently living in America. I miss Nigeria. I cant wait to return, he tweeted with a picture showing his nose and mouth area covered with a black mask.According to the World Health Organisation COVID-19 situation dashboard, the US has recorded over 12,000 coronavirus deaths and about 400,000 confirmed cases while Nigerias cases toll over 300 with less than 10 deaths.It was gathered that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, announced that it was collating expressions of interest from citizens abroad, who wished to be evacuated to Nigeria amid the coronavirus pandemic.NIDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, had also said the potential evacuees must be COVID-19 free, adding that upon landing in Nigeria, they would be placed on a 14-day compulsory quarantine at a location approved by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.Dabiri-Erewa later announced that 13 Nigerians living abroad died of the novel virus since the outbreak started some four months ago.Of the 13 countrypersons, eight died in the United Kingdom while five died in the United States.See Murray-Bruce tweet;
US president Donald Trump is bemoaning the "horrible" number of Americans who have died due to the coronavirus, while pointing to signs of hope.

Mr Trump says "in the midst of grief and pain" the country is seeing "clear signs that our aggressive strategy" is working.

That includes a decrease in hospital admissions in some places.

Mr Trump's comments come on the same day as Johns Hopkins University's worldwide death toll hit 100,000.

Mr Trump, who is now weighing when to reopen the country's economy, is pointing to models that are now forecasting US death rates far lower than originally estimated.

"We're saving so many lives compared to what it could have been," he said.

But experts warn that reopening the country too soon could cause a devastating new spike in infections.

Meanwhile the epidemic remains in a "dangerous phase" a senior government scientist has warned as the UK recorded its highest daily death toll.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the daily No 10 news conference that as of Thursday there had been 8,958 hospital deaths from the disease - an increase of 980 on the previous day.

As ministers and officials urged the public to stay at home over the Easter bank holiday weekend, the deputy chief scientific adviser, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, said it was "premature" to say the outbreak had reached its peak.

"We are in a dangerous phase still. And I need to reinforce that again to you, that this is not over," he said.

"It's premature to say we are at a peak and the push we are making with social distancing just has to continue."

In Italy, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has extended a nationwide lockdown and suspension of non-essential industrial production for another three weeks.

Mr Conte said in a nationally broadcast address that the sacrifices being made "were having results", and that for this reason "we cannot render vain the efforts taken. If we give in, we risk that all the positive results could be lost.

"It would be a great frustration for all, and we would have to start again, also with an increase in the number of dead."

The extension comes as the number of people in Italian hospitals and intensive care wards eases and the growth in the number of new cases and deaths narrows.

Hundreds of staff at a hospital near the Spanish capital Madrid gathered to pay homage to a 57-year-old nurse who died yesterday after contracting the Covid-19 disease.

In a post on social media, the Severo Ochoa Hospital in Leganes said the nurse died "after days of fighting relentlessly against the illness".

Dressed in protective robes and wearing masks, the medical personnel broke into applause while the sirens of ambulances wailed.

A sign hanging from a window read: "Esteban, always with us."

Medical workers amount for roughly 15pc of all contagions in Spain, which rose yesterday to 157,000 confirmed infections. At least 15,800 people have died since the epidemic hit the country.

France's national health agency is noticing a slight slowdown of the spreading of the virus in the country, which has reported the fourth-highest number of deaths from Covid-19 in the world.
Gilmore Girls final episode aired in 2007, but the beloved series has gotten renewed life on Netflix. The original seven seasons of the show are available on the platform, and the streaming giant even released a revival back in 2016. If you have the chance to rewatch the series, you may notice a familiar face pops up somewhere unexpected, leading to a lot of questions.

Eagle-eyed fans noticed that Caesar appears to be a Chilton student

In Season one, Rory attends a dance at her prestigious prep school with her then-boyfriend, Dean Forrester. Dean and Rory simply dont fit in at Chilton, and things didnt go particularly well at the dance. Dean ends up having a fight with Tristan Dugray, before the couple decides to head home.

During the fight scene, a young man is seen sitting at a table. Eagle-eyed fans noticed he looked an awful lot like Caesar, Luke Danes right-hand man. There is a good reason for that. The dance attendant is, in fact, Caesar, but little else is known about the circumstances that brought Caesar to Chilton. Was he a student? Was he at the dance as a date for another student, or was Alvarado simply repurposed as a different character at a later date? Sean Gunn, who portrayed Kirk Gleason, was, after all, repurposed. Aris Alvarado, the actor who portrayed Caesar, cleared up some confusion on social media.

Aris Alvarado confirmed hes easily spotted at Chilton

Alvarado confirmed that the actor fans spied in the Chilton scene was, in fact, him. Alvarado also dismissed the notion that he was merely an extra, who was later given a different, more substantial role. He insisted, on Twitter, that he was actually playing Caesar in the Chilton scene.

Alvarados admission left fans reeling. If Caesar was a Chilton student, how did he end up in Stars Hollow, and, more importantly, how did Rory never realize her former classmate was working in her beloved diner? Its entirely possible that Rory and Caesar wouldnt run into each other if they were in different grades. Still, it seems likely that, at some point, Caesar would have noticed Rory in a Chilton uniform and mentioned his alma mater.

A fan theory suggests Caesar was the male version of Lorelai

Alvarado never mentioned how his character went from an Ivy League feeder school to working in a diner in a tiny hamlet in Connecticut, but fans have a theory. According to Bustle, some fans think that Caesar may have been the male equivalent of Lorelai Gilmore.

Lorelai decided to abandon her upper-class upbringing and make it on her own. Then 17, with an infant in tow, Lorelai walked into the Independence Inn and requested a job. She first worked as a maid before being promoted to the general manager of the establishment. She held that job until the place burned down, and she opened the Dragonfly Inn with Sookie St. James. It is never mentioned how Lorelai stumbles upon Stars Hollow in the first place, though.

Its entirely possible that Caesar also bucked an upper-class upbringing to strike out on his own. Just like Lorelai, he could have happened upon Stars Hollow, walked into the diner, and found himself a job. Its not entirely implausible, but it certainly seems like something Amy Sherman-Palladino would have mentioned if Caesars role was supposed to be symbolic.
A national plan to fight the coronavirus pandemic in the United States and return Americans to jobs and classrooms is emerging - but not from the White House.

Instead, a collection of governors, former government officials, disease specialists and nonprofits are pursuing a strategy that relies on the three pillars of disease control: ramp up testing to identify people who are infected. Find everyone they interact with by deploying contact tracing on a scale America has never attempted before. And focus restrictions more narrowly on the infected and their contacts so the rest of society doesn't have to stay in permanent lockdown.

But there is no evidence yet the White House will pursue such a strategy.

Instead, the president and his top advisers have fixated almost exclusively on plans to reopen the U.S. economy by the end of the month, though they haven't detailed how they will do so without triggering another outbreak. President Donald Trump has been especially focused on creating a second coronavirus task force aimed at combating the economic ramifications of the virus.

Administration officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity to describe internal deliberations, say the White House has made a deliberate political calculation that it will better serve Trump's interest to put the onus on governors - rather than the federal government - to figure out how to move ahead.

"It's mind-boggling, actually, the degree of disorganization," said Tom Frieden, former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director. The federal government has already squandered February and March, he noted, committing "epic failures" on testing kits, ventilator supply, protective equipment for health workers and contradictory public health communication. The next failure is already on its way, Frieden said, because "we're not doing the things we need to be doing in April."

At a White House briefing Friday, Trump said he will announce next week the members of his second coronavirus task force, charged with determining when and how to reopen the country. He stressed his desire to get the economy running again as soon as possible but wouldn't commit to specifics, saying: "The facts are going to determine what I do. But we do want to get the country open. So important."

In recent days, dozens of leading voices have coalesced around the test-trace-quarantine framework, including former FDA commissioners for the Trump and George W. Bush administrations, Microsoft founder Bill Gates and top experts at Johns Hopkins, Columbia and Harvard universities.

On Wednesday, former president Barack Obama weighed in, tweeting: "Social distancing bends the curve and relieves some pressure. . . . But in order to shift off current policies, the key will be a robust system of testing and monitoring - something we have yet to put in place nationwide."

And Friday, Apple and Google unveiled a joint effort on new tools that would use smartphones to aid in contact tracing.

What remains unclear is whether this emerging plan can succeed without the backing of the federal government. Some states such as Massachusetts and Utah are already trying to implement parts of it. In the absence of federal leadership - as happened last month with stay-at-home orders - other states may watch and follow suit. But without substantial federal funding, states' efforts will only go so far

In South Korea, Taiwan, China and Singapore, variations on this basic strategy were implemented by their national governments, allowing them to keep the virus in check even as they reopened parts of their economy and society.

In America, testing - while still woefully behind - is ramping up. And households across the country have learned over the past month how to quarantine. But when it comes to the second pillar of the plan - the labor-intensive work of contact tracing - local health departments lack the necessary staff, money and training.

Experts and leaders in some states say remedying that weakness should be a priority and health departments should be rapidly shored up so that they are ready to act in coming weeks as infections nationwide begin to decrease. In a report scheduled for release Friday, the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials - which represents state health departments - estimate 100,000 additional contact tracers are needed and call for $3.6 billion in emergency funding from Congress.

The CDC is researching how to increase contact tracing capacity, its director, Robert Redfield, said Friday in an NPR interview.

"We can't afford to have multiple community outbreaks that can spiral up into sustained community transmission," he said in the interview. "We have over 600 people in the field right now from CDC in all the states trying to help with this response, but we are going to have to substantially amplify that."

But those efforts have not been reviewed by the White House, and the disease agency's role has been diminished in the administration's pandemic response. "We're definitely in the middle of all of that. It's premature for me to roll it out," Redfield said.

Technology, like the Apple-Google partnership, is also being developed that could aid that effort, but it comes with civil liberty concerns that need to be resolved.

Unless states can aggressively trace and isolate the virus, experts say, there will be new outbreaks and another round of disruptive stay-at-home orders.

"All people are talking about right now is hospital beds, ventilators, testing, testing, testing. Yes, those are important, but they are all reactive. You are dealing with the symptoms and not the virus itself," said Tolbert Nyenswah, who led one of the most successful contact tracing efforts in Africa during the 2014 to 2016 Ebola epidemic. "You will never beat a virus like this one unless you get ahead of it. America must not just flatten the curve but get ahead of the curve."

- - -

Six years ago, Nyenswah watched an even deadlier disease, Ebola, tear through his homeland. Liberia's president tapped him to lead its response, and Nyenswah began immediately hiring an army of surveillance officers to do "shoe-leather" tracing. It involved going door to door to find anyone who interacted with someone with a confirmed case of the hemorrhagic disease and persuading them to stay indoors, even providing food and services to make that more likely.

Testing on its own is useless, Nyenswah explained, because it tells you only who already has the virus. Similarly, tracing alone is useless if you don't place those you find into quarantine. But when all three are implemented, the chain of transmission can be shattered.

Until a vaccine or treatment is developed, such nonpharmaceutical interventions are the only tools countries can rely on - besides locking down their cities.

In 2014, Nyenswah's army of 4,000 public health workers used tracing to eradicate Ebola in Liberia under even more difficult circumstances. Many homes didn't have phone lines, much less house numbers, street names or Zip codes to navigate by.

"We didn't have the sophisticated systems you have in the U.S.," Nyenswah said. "Many of the people we dealt with weren't even literate, but we were able to win. What that tells you is that this can work."

But to expand that in a country as large as the United States will require a massive dose of money, leadership and political will.

Nyenswah, who now lives in the United States and teaches at Johns Hopkins, has watched the disjointed U.S. response on TV with growing alarm.

"You cannot have leaders contradicting each other every day. You cannot have states waiting on the federal government to act, and government telling the states to figure it out on their own," he said. "You need a plan."

- - -

When Vermont's first coronavirus case was detected last month, it took two state health workers a day to track down 13 people who came into contact with that single patient. They put them under quarantine and started monitoring for symptoms. No one else became sick.

"It was a tidy bow," recalled Daniel Daltry, one of the two health officers who did the work.

Within days, new cases were "coming in like dominoes," Daltry said. By late March, his team was racing on a single day to trace the contacts of 12 patients, when an additional 30 cases landed on their desk.

He did the math: If each of those 30 patients had contact with even three people, that meant 90 people his crew would have to locate and get into quarantine. In other words, impossible.

This is the daunting math facing health departments nationwide. Since 2008, city and county health agencies have lost almost a quarter of their overall workforce. Decades of budget cuts have left the them unable to mount such a response. State health departments have had to lay off thousands more - an unintended consequence of federal officials delaying tax filings until July without warning states. Those federal filings generate state revenue.

In Wuhan, a city of 11 million, the Chinese had 9,000 health workers doing contact tracing, said Frieden, the former CDC director. He estimates in the United States, authorities would need roughly one contact tracer for every four cases.

Such large-scale tracing nationally could be possible if federal funding and guidance bolstered counties at the same time social distancing lowers the number of cases.

"We could use a stronger voice out of the White House to mobilize this nation," Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat, said Thursday. "In the second wave, we have to have testing, a resource base, and a contact-tracing base that is so much more scaled up than right now. It's an enormous challenge."

- - -

In the absence of federal direction, Massachusetts last week unveiled a plan to begin building a contact tracing army.

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker partnered with an international nonprofit group based in Boston that has been waging this kind of public health campaign against contagious diseases including tuberculosis in Africa and HIV and cholera in Haiti. The nonprofit Partners in Health quickly put together a plan to hire and train 1,000 contact tracers. Working from their homes making 20 to 30 calls a day, they could cover up to 20,000 contacts a day.

The group is paying new hires roughly the same salary as census takers, more than $20 an hour. As of Tuesday - just four days after the initial announcement - the group had received 7,000 applicants and hired 150.

"People want to help. They're tired of just sitting at home and waiting to be infected," said KJ Seung, strategy and policy chief for the nonprofit's covid response. "There's a huge untapped resource of people in America if we would just ask."

Utah has also taken action, reassigning government employees to increase contact tracing capacity, said state health department spokesman Tom Hudachko. State leaders are trying to pull together 1,200 more workers. San Francisco is trying to build a 150-person contact tracing team using city librarians, university staff and medical students.

"There needs to be a crash course in contact tracing because a lot of the health departments where this is going to need to happen are already kind of flat out just trying to respond to the crisis at hand," said Tom Inglesby, director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

Experts have proposed transforming the Peace Corps - which suspended global operations last month and recalled 7,000 volunteers to America - into a national response corps that could perform many tasks, including contact tracing.

On Wednesday, the editor in chief of JAMA, a leading medical journal, proposed suspending the first year of training for America's 20,000 incoming medical students and deploying them as a medical corps to support the "test, trace, track, and quarantine strategy."

Health workers who have been doing this kind of contact tracing for sexually transmitted diseases have proposed expanding an existing group of national disease investigation specialists - about 1,600 workers funded by the CDC and focused on ailments such as rectal gonorrhea - into a ready-made coronavirus tracing battalion. The national organization for local STD programs says $200 million could add roughly 1,850 specialists, more than doubling that current workforce.

- - -

Technology could also turn out to be pivotal. But the invasive nature of cellphone tracking and apps raises concerns about civil liberties.

The technology could offer a version of what contact tracers do in interviews: build a contact history for each confirmed patient and find those possibly exposed.

Doing that digitally could make the process quicker - critical in containing an outbreak - and less laborious.

Singaporean police, for example, used security camera footage and ATM and credit card records to retrace people's steps during the coronavirus outbreak there.

In China, authorities combined the nation's vast surveillance apparatus with apps and cellphone data to track people's movements. If someone they came across is later confirmed as infected, an app alerts them to stay at home.

South Korea and Israel have similarly deployed apps and cellphone technology. In Taiwan, authorities even placed virtual fences around those quarantined at home, alerting authorities if quarantined residents try to leave their homes or turn off their phone.

In the United States, about 20 technology companies are trying to create a contact tracing app using the geolocation data or Bluetooth pings on cellphones, said Dylan George, a former senior Obama administration policy adviser now advising one such effort.

Seattle-King County is in "very early discussions" with one group about using such contact tracing technology, said Jeffrey Duchin, a top county health official. Duchin said he would welcome any way to speed up the contact tracing work of his team, but said, "We have no real experience with them and can't predict how well they will work."

"These apps don't solve the problem on their own, but they can definitely help as force multipliers," said Crystal Watson, a public health expert who helped draft Johns Hopkins' Friday report on contact tracing. "The problem is they come with huge civil liberties caveats that still need to be sorted out."

- - -

The Washington Post's Juliet Eilperin and John Sullivan contributed to this report.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 20:13:53|Editor: xuxin

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A municipal worker sprays disinfectants while sanitizing a market area during the nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of novel coronavirus in Patna, India's eastern state of Bihar on April 11, 2020. (Str/Xinhua)

NEW DELHI, April 11 (Xinhua) -- India is well equipped to fight the COVID-19 as it has enough stocks of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) doses, adequate number of isolation beds and ICU (intensive care unit) beds, announced a senior official in the country's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday.

At the regular evening media briefing over the COVID-19, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Lav Agarwal told the media that the country has 100,000 isolation beds and 11,500 ICU beds reserved for COVID-19 patients nationwide.

He also said that while there was only a demand of 10 million doses of HCQ tablets, there was an existing stock of 32.8 million doses in the country.

According to Agarwal, India has worked on a twin strategy -- lockdown and adopting containment measures. Had there been no lockdown, the number of the COVID-19 cases could have been around 200,000 by now, he added.

He said that the death toll in India due to the COVID-19 had reached 239, and the total number of the positive cases went up to 7,447.

"We have already planned early and proactive actions, on a strategy that is over-prepared and with graded approach. There is a proper coordination between centre and states even as proper supplies of equipment like face masks, ventilators, personal protective equipments (PPEs) etc. are ensured," added Agarwal.
There will be no camping in Brackenridge Park this Easter. Just as Fiesta has been postponed until early November  and if we are honest with ourselves, even this late date seems increasingly uncertain and unwise.

School, too, has been closed across Texas until May 4, but with each passing day it seems less likely classes will resume this spring.

We have witnessed the lines of vehicles at food distributions across town and seen the surge in unemployment claims as millions of Americans have lost their jobs. And while Gov. Greg Abbott has reopened places of worship, many religious leaders are showing wisdom and compassion by asking their congregants to stay home during this pandemic. Even on Easter. Staying home saves lives. What is more sacred than that?

It is no coincidence the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ takes place at the beginning of spring. This is a celebration of renewal, reflected in the verdant landscape of spring and found in the soul.

It is also a reminder our traditions will one day resume  and our community will renew. Fiesta will again be celebrated in the spring. Families will camp at Brackenridge Park on Easter weekend, just as cars will again cruise there on Sunday afternoons. The Spurs will return to the hardwood, just as school will resume. Businesses will reopen, just as conventions and tourism will return to the River Walk. The San Antonio story will continue to unfold.

When and how this happens is unclear. But the day will come when the COVID-19 pandemic will be behind us, hard as that is to imagine at this moment.

If we stopped here in our reflection, if the only insight we imparted in this Easter editorial is that one day the pandemic will end and we will return to familiar traditions, then we would have failed our readers and ourselves.

It is early in this crisis, but one of the clearest lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic is that San Antonio cannot settle for a return to the old normal, one defined by rigid inequalities. COVID-19 has shown us in the harshest of terms that for too long we have tolerated inherent inequities, building our community on an uneven foundation  and that must change in our communitys rebirth.

Our inequities are revealing themselves in real time. There are the familiar statistics about high poverty, 15.4 percent in the metro area and 20 percent in the city in 2018, per the census; and a lack of internet access, 21 percent of households in 2017, again per the census; a familiar reliance on low-wage jobs; and Texas place as the leader in uninsured, with roughly 5 million Texans lacking health insurance before the pandemic.

But its more powerful to bear witness to what these statistics mean in our community during COVID-19.

It means Eric Cooper, president and CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank, warning the nonprofit is on the verge of running out of food and seeking state assistance to avoid catastrophe. In normal times, the food bank served 60,000 people a week  a crisis we all tolerated. That number has doubled.

The mayors office asked, Look, when do you run out of food? Cooper said last week. And I told them its about three weeks out.

It means schools shifting to distance learning, leaving those without internet access to pick up paper packets and perhaps precious lunches from campuses. It also means schools providing computers to students  who then lack an internet connection.

It means an over-reliance on low-wage jobs, particularly in tourism. But also jobs like the ones at Southeast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, which was failing residents before the pandemic and has emerged as a tragic center of this crisis. As of this writing, 14 residents have died from COVID-19.

Why would we settle for returning to this normal, when we should focus our energy on eliminating the digital divide, reducing our poverty rate, boosting quality education and revamping workforce training?

Our traditions will return, but how will we change?
Washington Post Reporter Darran Simon Found Dead At Home

Washington Post journalist Darran Simon was found dead in his Washington apartment on April 9, according to reports.

No cause has been named in Simons death, according to The Washington Post, which published an obituary on April 10 that described the 43-year-old English-born reporter as a journalist who developed an expertise reporting on trauma during a wide-ranging career.

A newsroom memo from Tracy Grant, the Washington Posts managing editor, earlier confirmed Simons death, the Washingtonian reported.

We are deeply saddened to report that yesterday, Darran Simon was found dead in his apartment, the memo stated, according to the report.

Darran joined us as a DC government and politics reporter last month from CNN, the memo continued. He made an immediate impact on his arrival. Darran proved himself to be dogged, as when asking Mayor Bowser questions at her daily press briefings, and deeply humane, as when he told the story of a former Jeopardy contestant who died of COVID-19.

The subject of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Virus pandemic has gripped headlines and consumed reporters, who like many, face challenges working amid lockdowns.

The Post Guild, a union for the outlets employees, circulated an email remembering Simon and acknowledging the extraordinary pressure of these times.

We know this tragic news is difficult to absorb, especially at a time when we are under so much strain. We will do all that we can to provide support in whatever form you need. No story or work assignment is more important than you and your wellbeing, the union leadership wrote, the Washingtonian reported.

Their note included the National Suicide Hotline number, which is 800-273-TALK (8255).

A CNN colleague of Simons, correspondent Nick Valencia, called him a deep person and posted a group photo at what he said was a training session on reporting from hostile environments.

We did hostile environment training in 2019. This is one of the only photos I took. Im glad I did. Rest In Peace, Valencia wrote in a tweet.

I looked up to him so much because he was a great storyteller who truly focused his work on people, wrote another colleague of Simons with CNN affiliation, Nicole Chavez.

I enjoyed seeing him fill his notebooks with notes, to-do lists and his signature post-its in handwriting that I could never decipher, she said of him, adding that he saw his new position at The Washington Post as his dream job.

Darran was born in London and raised in Guyana, New York, and New Jersey, the Washington Post PR department wrote on Jan. 30, announcing Simon was joining the team.

Darran comes to us from CNN, where he is a senior news writer, charged with finding stories about people behind the headlines. He has written about librarians in Philadelphia using Narcan to help heroin addicts; an enduring friendship between the mother of a slain teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and one of his students; and a real estate tycoon turned python hunter who wants to rid the Everglades of the invasive snake, the PR team wrote.

Simon also worked as a reporter for the Miami Herald, the Times-Picayune, and the Philadelphia Inquirer, according to the Post.

All the traveling has made him a foodie, the PR team said of him. His stint in New Orleans created a love for live music, especially jazz.
BOISE  Gov. Brad Littles stay-home order may be paying off in the fight to slow the spread of the coronavirus in Idaho.

Last week, the Gem State reported 4,164 COVID-19 test results from Monday through Friday, with 663 new confirmed cases of coronavirus, for a positive percentage of 15.9%.

But those figures dropped in every category this week: 2,769 test results, 296 new cases, 10.7% positive rate. That amounts to a 55.4% reduction in the number of new cases on weekdays, when all seven health districts report cases consistently.

Dave Jeppesen, director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, said Thursday on Idaho Public Television that the state was still trying to catch up on a backlog of tests last week. Jeppesen expected a more normal flow of tests this week, and the last four days have been steady, with daily totals of 652, 633, 563 and 670.

Its not perfect, but we have really flattened the curve, Little said on Idaho Public Television.  We believe that the good work that everybody in the state of Idaho is doing is starting to yield dividends, which is less people getting sick, and most importantly fewer people dying.

Ada County had the largest single-day increase in confirmed coronavirus cases of any county in the state on Friday. Boise-based Central District Health reported 20 new cases in Ada for a total of 515.

And for the fifth straight day, there was at least one new death due to COVID-19. Canyon County announced a fifth fatality, which is now the 25th in Idaho since the first coronavirus death was announced March 26.

Deaths from COVID-19 have been reported in Ada (6), Blaine (5), Canyon (5), Cassia (1), Jerome (2), Nez Perce (5) and Twin Falls (1) counties, according to information gathered by the Idaho Statesman from the states individual health districts.

With six of the states seven health districts reporting at least one update Friday, there were 45 new cases for a total of 1,399 statewide. Additional cases were reported in Blaine (6 new, 452 total), Bonner (1 new, 4 total), Bonneville (1 new, 12 total), Canyon (6 new, 145 total), Cassia (1 new, 7 total), Gem (1 new, 9 total), Jerome (4 new, 28 total), Kootenai (2 new, 44 total) and Twin Falls (3 new, 73 total) counties.

Idaho North Central District did not have any new cases to report, and the coronavirus count in District 6 remains the lowest in the state at 10, according to Southeastern Idaho Public Health.

Cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in 32 of Idahos 44 counties: Ada 515, Adams 1, Bannock 5, Bingham 2, Blaine 452, Bonner 4, Bonneville 12, Camas 1, Canyon 145, Caribou 1, Cassia 7, Custer 2, Elmore 16, Fremont 2, Gem 9, Gooding 5, Idaho 3, Jefferson 4, Jerome 28, Kootenai 44, Latah 3, Lincoln 14, Madison 5, Minidoka 4, Nez Perce 19, Owyhee 4, Payette 8, Power 2, Teton 6, Twin Falls 73, Valley 2 and Washington 1.

Idaho has confirmed community spread in 13 counties: Ada, Bingham, Blaine, Bonneville, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Jefferson, Kootenai, Madison, Payette, Teton and Twin Falls.

Health and Welfare reported 13,764 tests had been completed statewide at the end of the day Friday. About 10.2% have been positive for COVID-19. There have been 128 hospitalizations, 35 admissions to the ICU and 150 health care workers who have been infected, according to IDHW. The hospital and health care numbers are based on cases with completed investigations into contacts, not the full number of positives.
A copy of Johannes Vermeers Girl with a Pearl Earring and Vitaly Fonarevs recreation for the Izoizolyacia Facebook page (Vitaly Fonarev/AP)

Russians who cannot visit their renowned museums during lockdown are filling the holes in their souls by recreating artworks and posting them on social media.

The Facebook group where the works are posted has become a huge hit. The art recreations range from studious and reverent to flippant and goofy and are done both by Russians and Russian-speakers abroad.

Some 350,000 people are following the group, where thousands of photos are posted, each showing the original work and the mock-up made at home.

Expand Close In this two photo combo, an undated copy of Edvard Munchs Scream artwork, and Natalia Rubinas recreation for the Izoizolyacia Facebook page, taken on Wednesday, April 8, 2020, in Moscow, Russia. In the coronavirus lockdown, Russians cant go to their beloved and renowned museums. So theyre filling the holes in their souls by recreating artworks while stuck at home and posting them on social media. (Natalia Rubina via AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp In this two photo combo, an undated copy of Edvard Munchs Scream artwork, and Natalia Rubinas recreation for the Izoizolyacia Facebook page, taken on Wednesday, April 8, 2020, in Moscow, Russia. In the coronavirus lockdown, Russians cant go to their beloved and renowned museums. So theyre filling the holes in their souls by recreating artworks while stuck at home and posting them on social media. (Natalia Rubina via AP)

The rules say it must only use items on hand and cannot be digitally manipulated.

There are some impressive surprises in the collection.

Vitaly Fonarev carefully recreated the clothes and headdress of Johannes Vermeers Girl With A Pearl Earring and captured the Dutch artists famous glowing light.

The work is so convincing that it takes a few moments to notice that the girl actually is a man with a few days worth of beard stubble.

Expand Close In this two photo combo, is an undated copy of Mona Lisa a Leonardo da Vinci artwork, and Julia Tabolkinas recreation for the Izoizolyacia Facebook page, taken on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, in Moscow, Russia. In the coronavirus lockdown, Russians cant go to their beloved and renowned museums. So theyre filling the holes in their souls by recreating artworks while stuck at home and posting them on social media. (Julia Tabolkina via AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp In this two photo combo, is an undated copy of Mona Lisa a Leonardo da Vinci artwork, and Julia Tabolkinas recreation for the Izoizolyacia Facebook page, taken on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, in Moscow, Russia. In the coronavirus lockdown, Russians cant go to their beloved and renowned museums. So theyre filling the holes in their souls by recreating artworks while stuck at home and posting them on social media. (Julia Tabolkina via AP)

Irina Kazatsker found the project perfect for her skills. The Canadian photographer had the lights and the backdrops to do a loving recreation of Picassos The Frugal Meal  with the sly twist of putting a roll of toilet paper on the table.

I decided to add a provocative detail that corresponds to the spirit of the time, she said.

Unlike the hours of work that went into elaborate recreations, some appear to have been knocked off in a matter of minutes but are no less appealing.

Natalia Rubinas rendition of Edvard Munchs The Scream involved simply making a hole in a poster of the painting at the spot showing an anguished mans head, then getting a dog to stick its head through.

Expand Close In this two photo combo, an undated copy of Bakhtiar Umarovs Folk humour artwork, left, and Ruslan Ablaevs recreation for the Izoizolyacia Facebook page, taken in Moscow, on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. In the coronavirus lockdown, Russians cant go to their beloved and renowned museums. So theyre filling the holes in their souls by recreating artworks while stuck at home and posting them on social media.(Ruslan Ablaev via AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp In this two photo combo, an undated copy of Bakhtiar Umarovs Folk humour artwork, left, and Ruslan Ablaevs recreation for the Izoizolyacia Facebook page, taken in Moscow, on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. In the coronavirus lockdown, Russians cant go to their beloved and renowned museums. So theyre filling the holes in their souls by recreating artworks while stuck at home and posting them on social media.(Ruslan Ablaev via AP)

The dog appears nonplussed.

Katerina Brudnaya-Chelyadinova, a co-founder of the project, is pleased by the wide attention it has received.

A boy from Italy wrote a post in English saying that our group brought him out of the depths of the tragedy that is happening around him.

I was sitting there and I couldnt hold back my tears because if this can bring happiness to someone, somewhere on the opposite side of the world, then all of this isnt for nothing,she said.
Sinn Fein TD for Sligo, Leitrim, North Roscommon and South Donegal, Martin Kenny has told the www.leitrimobserver.ie

that he has contacted the HSE locally to express his concern that staff in some hospital and care settings have not got the PPE they need, or are restricted from using it by management.

Deputy Kenny said "I have had a number of complaints that the use of Personal Protective Equipment is being tightly monitored and staff told they only should use gloves and masks when dealing with a confirmed Covid-19 case.

"This has caused tension and fear that Covid-19 could spread among staff and the situation that developed in Cavan Hospital has increased this fear. Nobody wants to be negative or cause alarm, however the policy clearly needs to change and using

surgical masks, gowns and gloves needs to be mandatory for all staff interacting with all patients in Irish hospitals for the duration of this crisis.

"I know there are guidelines from WHO and at national level, however these are in the context of every other measure working at full capacity and efficiency. In Ireland we have a major backlog in testing and up to two weeks delays in getting results, which means we are not near full capacity or efficiency. The expert consensus is that for every positive case confirmed, there is at least one other undetected case.

"The high level of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in healthcare staff is another factor, that must focus attention toward providing maximum protection for staff in our hospitals and care homes.

The policy up to now, may have been an attempt to conserve supplies of PPE, however the Covid-19 risk in our healthcare settings has developed to higher level and the policy needs to respond with mandatory use of PPE in hospitals."

Deputy Kenny concluded: "Finally I want to thank all the staff across the HSE for all the work, care and compassion provided to people in distress and ill health in this time of great crisis."
On January 8th General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GAASI) for the first time flew a new MQ-9 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) to a customer location at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico. Typically a new MQ-9 is packed and shipped by GA-ASI for reassembly after delivery. Ferrying the MQ-9 to Holloman saves costs and time in shipping, reducing time for airmen to reassemble the aircraft, making it available for training immediately upon arrival.



MQ-9B SkyGuardian. (Picture source General Atomics Aeronautical System)

A key aspect of delivery was flying the RPA through the National Airspace System (NAS) after originating from GA-ASIs Flight Operations Center in Palmdale, Calif. GA-ASI and Holloman air crews worked together to ensure the successful ferry of the aircraft.

GA-ASI continues to lead the charge towards enabling large unmanned aircraft to fly in the NAS, said David R. Alexander, president, GA-ASI. Our efforts, along with other partners, are gaining momentum and successfully flying the MQ-9 to our U.S. Air Force customer further demonstrates the safety and efficiency of RPA flight in the broader airspace.

The USAF estimates that ferrying the MQ-9 saved 142 man hours.

This is the first time that team Holloman has taken delivery of a new MQ-9 by ferry flight, said Col. Casey Tidgewell, 49th Operations Group commander. Its critically important because flying outside of our training area helps normalize RPA flight inside the NAS and provides broader aviation experience for our instructors. I could not be more proud of our operations and maintenance professionals that made this happen.

GA-ASI has flown several RPA flights in the NAS while working with the FAA and other authorities to secure proper approvals. The company continues to work towards a future where its RPA can simply file and fly in the NAS just like commercial flights.

GA-ASI has developed a variant of the Predator B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) that will meet NATO standards (STANAG-4671), and in cooperation with the FAA, will subsequently meet airworthiness certification standards domestically and around the world. It leverages both the Predator B RPA and advanced Cockpit Ground Control Station (GCS) as points of departure systems and identifies and incorporates the changes needed to achieve a "Type-Certifiable" system.

The MQ-9B is being built from the ground up to meet global airworthiness standards. Both hardware and software upgrades will be made, such as improved structural fatigue and damage tolerance and more robust flight control software, as well as enhancements allowing operations in adverse weather including icing conditions. Additionally, the aircraft will be designed to survive bird and lightning strikes.

MQ-9B is highly modular and is easily configured with a variety of payloads to meet mission requirements. The aircraft is capable of carrying multiple mission payloads and includes a state-of-the art Detect and Avoid (DAA) system including space, weight, and power provisions to enable the retrofitting of an airborne Due Regard Radar (DRR) for operation in non-cooperative airspace. It can fly at a maximum altitude of 12,200 m and a maximum endurance of 40 h.
Cafe Meow Parlour in New York City. Sarah Whitten | CNBC

Nestled in the Lower East Side of Manhattan is a shop with a unique table in the window. A simple wood ledge is balanced on four big white letters that spell out the word "MEOW." On a typical day, New Yorkers walking the streets can spot adoptable cats sunning themselves, sprawled out on the table or napping under the "M" or inside the "O." These days, Meow Parlour, New York City's first cat cafe, doesn't house a single cat. Its doors are shuttered, like many small businesses in the city, due to the coronavirus outbreak. The cats that once resided inside have either been adopted or gone to live in foster homes. "We are basically on pause, which feels really weird," Christina Ha, owner of Meow Parlour, said, "It looks a little bit like those horror movies where a place has been abandoned. It's very familiar to you, but it's not the same." Meow Parlour is just a piece of Ha's small business. She is also the owner of Macaron Parlour, a patisserie that is right next door. This is where patrons of Meow Parlour can scoop up scones, muffins, cookies, croissants and macarons, of course, as well as a number of beverages. Today, that space is closed, too. Ha pays rent for the two different spaces, and without a steady income, paying those rents this month is going to be tough. She said she plans on applying for a loan to help deal with the financial issues she is facing and is currently supplementing her income by selling catnip toys and macarons, as well as face masks, on her company's websites. Meow Parlour, like other animal rescues across the country, saw a spike in adoptions and foster applications in late February and early March as people prepared for extended stays at home. Now Ha wonders if she'll be able to reopen once the pandemic ebbs. Even if the outbreak were to subside tomorrow, Ha said, "We don't have enough cats to reopen and call ourselves a cat cafe." Americans looking for comfort during the lockdown have opened their homes to new pets and foster animals, but rescues are having a hard time meeting demand. State social distancing regulations have made it more difficult for rescues to bring in new animals, vet them and place them in foster homes or with permanent adopters. However, when the outbreak is over these rescues are going to need more help than ever.

Patrons at Meow Parlor pet a cat in the window of the cat cafe. Meow Parlour

Animal shelters started prepping for the arrival of new litters of puppies and kittens as well as abandoned animals during the coronavirus outbreak back in February, racing to empty kennels filled with healthy and adoptable dogs and cats before they are forced to resort to euthanasia. From March 15 through the end of the month, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals saw more than 600 people complete online foster applications for its New York City and Los Angeles foster programs. New York City and Los Angeles have been hot spots for the Covid-19 outbreak and were among the first cities to implement restrictions on social gatherings. Typically, around 200 applications will be submitted for fostering in the latter half of March, Matt Bershadker, ASPCA president and CEO, said. This year, the ASPCA saw a nearly 70% increase in animals going to foster care compared to the same period last year, he said. At the DC Paws Rescue in Washington, D.C, the organization received close to 300 foster applications over a four-day period in the last week of March. Usually, it has about 60 homes that are regular fosters. "We are so thrilled," Kate Viar, director of DC Paws Rescue, said. "Folks who are teleworking, or out of work, think this is a good time to foster or to actually adopt and that's great." The North Shore Animal League America had a population of more than 300 dogs and cats in mid-March. By the end of the month, its population fell to around 180 animals, Joanne Yohannan, senior vice president of operations, said. In Chicago, an animal shelter said it ran out of adoptable animals for the first time ever on Tuesday. "It's something we've never thought we'd say," Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) wrote in a Facebook post thanking the community. "We're so happy to bring you this news. But, we are still scheduling intake from the public, and our officers are still rescuing animals in the field, so we'll probably have more again in the coming days."

Vaccinations, vet visits suspended

However, trying to continue rescue efforts and adoptions has become increasingly difficult. More than 30 states have issued restrictions that prohibit elective surgeries and procedures including ones that take place in veterinary offices. That means that vaccinations and spay and neuter programs, as well as vet check-ups for non-life threatening cases have been suspended in many states over the last month. Many of these elective services were provided at a lower price for rescues than for the general public. Rescues who pull animals from shelters are now unable to have animals cleared by a vet before taking them in and may have to pay a higher cost to get them checked through other veterinarians, if they are able to make appointments. "I can't ask my fosters to take in a foster [animal] that isn't vetted," Viar said. "We are pulling animals right now without heartworm tests and if they are found to be heartworm-positive that could be a $400 to $500 bill. Factor in medication and the treatment itself, and getting them scheduled for that treatment, that's two to three months worth of fostering." Homes that already have pets in them cannot risk an unvetted animal coming in and possibly spreading an infection or disease to currently healthy pets.

Sesame is Heather Gutshall's foster dog during the coronavirus outbreak. He was rescued from dog fighting by Handsome Dan's Rescue, a Rhode Island-based rescue organization that specializes in pit bull breeds. Heather Gutshall

Some rescues that have their own medical staff are able to continue to provide vaccines to their own animals, but are only performing operations that are medically necessary. While spaying or neutering is an important preventative measure, it's not considered essential at this time. If cats or dogs were seen by a vet prior to the coronavirus restrictions, some rescues have waived the requirement that the pets be spayed or neutered in order to get animals into adopted homes. Those procedures can occur once the pandemic is over. Typically, puppies are neutered between six and eight months and cats are neutered between 16 and 18 weeks. Although, sometimes veterinarians will neuter once a puppy or kitten reaches two pounds. However, spaying and neutering isn't just for adoptable animals. It's also for cats that live in the community, but aren't friendly enough to live in a home. "This is not an ideal time to stop spaying community cats," Sonja Lueschen, program manager at Orphan Kitten Club, a charitable organization that seeks to end the killing of neonatal kittens. Most shelters are not able to care for young kittens, especially if they are brought into the shelter without their mother cat. Kittens that are less than four weeks old are at a higher risk of contracting diseases. And, even if their condition is treatable, they are often euthanized because shelters don't have the capacity to care for them.

A neonatal kitten is bottlefed by Hannah Shaw, the "Kitten Lady," a professional kitten rescuer, humane educator and founder of Orphan Kitten Club. Andrew Marttila

Orphan Kitten Club advocates trap-neuter-return programs, which sterilize community cats to end the cycle of reproduction before overpopulation becomes a concern in a community. April is usually considered the start of "kitten season," a time when many of these kittens are born, found and brought into shelters. "This break in actively trapping will have an impact on our upcoming kitten season," Lueschen said. "...We do believe we can use this time to educate the public not just on fostering but TNR." Meow Parlour's Ha, worries that this year's kitten season will be overwhelming for rescues. She said animal organizations can use the heightened interest in fostering to tell people how important volunteering will be once the outbreak is over. "We are really, really going to need you when this is over," she said.

Foster parent Lizzy Dawahare from DC Paws Rescue kisses Friedrich, a puppy from a litter named after the characters from "The Sound of Music." Friedrich has since been adopted. Stephanie Kenner

The inability to vet, vaccinate and spay or neuter animals also means that rescues that import animals from other states are unable to do so because many states require some form of a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection to ensure that only healthy animals are transported across state lines. "We do get a lot of cats imported in from Kentucky," Ha said, noting that this partnership started earlier this year and has had to be suspended due to the pandemic. Rescues in northern states often transport dogs, in particular, from southern states like Alabama, Texas, Mississippi and Georgia. These states have overpopulation issues and not enough shelter space in their local areas to handle the number of dogs. With northern rescues unable to pull dogs from these southern locations, it is possible the euthanasia rate could go up. However, if foster rates remain high, some of that could be mitigated. If shelters are able to place healthy and vetted animals in homes, even for just a few weeks, that would open up kennel space for new intakes.

How to help if you can't foster or adopt

Rescues recoup the cost of vet visits, care and food through adoption fees, donations and fundraisers. Heather Gutshall, co-founder and president of Handsome Dan's Rescue, a Rhode Island-based rescue for pit bull-type dogs, said her rescue relies heavily on its fall and spring auctions to raise money. She said that right now she has enough supplies like food and enrichment items, but people should reach out to local shelters to ask what they need. "You will find that shelters will ask for real, tangible things," she said.

Handsome Dan's Rescue fostered Maisy until she was adopted. The dog was rescued from life where she was kept on a chain deep in the woods. Handsome Dan's Rescue
Lamar University President Kenneth Evans was selected as a finalist for the chancellor position at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, and will participate in a virtual interview Thursday.

Evans is one of three finalists who will take part in a Zoom forum April 23 from 9 to 10 a.m. The University Press, Lamars student publication, first reported Evans was on Southern Illinois list.

In seven years as Lamar president, Evans has increased recruitment and seen the university through natural disasters including Tropical Depression Imelda and Tropical Storm Harvey.

Evans focus has been on improving faculty quality in research and teaching, design and implementation of new programming, and recruitment and retention needs, university spokesperson Shelly Vitanza said.

He has created a more collegiate atmosphere at LU, overseeing major renovations of the Setzer Student Center, the Quadrangle and the construction of the 85,000-square-foot Science and Technology Building, she said. Evans has established partnerships with the community, business leaders and other key stakeholders bringing prominence to the university and pride to its students and alumni.

Related: Newest Lamar building stands out for design, makers space

Dan Mahony, the president of the Southern Illinois system, said in a statement that the interviews are being conducted virtually because of social distancing guidelines.

Early in the pandemic, we were planning a blend of small group, face-to-face interviews and virtual interviews, Mahony said in the statement. We regrouped when the states stay-at-home order was put in place. We evaluated postponing interviews until late summer or fall, but that put us at risk of losing candidates and missing important voices in the discussion.

Mahony said that while an entirely virtual interview process is not ideal  it moves the search forward and provides greater clarity around the timeline for installing a new chancellor.

Vitanza said Evans has deep ties to the community in Southeast Texas.

His love for Lamar University and the Southeast Texas community is great yet challenging since the loss of his wife, Nancy, in 2018, she said. SIU is located closer to Evans son, Paul, and grandchildren and would allow him to visit more regularly with his family.

Before becoming president of Lamar, Evans was dean and Fred E. Brown Chair in Business at the University of Oklahoma from 2007 to 2013, according to his candidate profile on the SIU website.

From 1991 to 2006 he was at the University of Missouri-Columbia, serving as chair of the marketing department, associate dean of undergraduate studies, and acting dean and associate dean of graduate studies.

He also held academic positions at California State University, Sacramento; University of Colorado, Boulder; and Arizona State University.

Evans and the other candidates will hold a public forum via Zoom, which will be recorded and posted to the chancellors search website, according to Marc Morris, chair of the search screening committee and director of the universitys School of Accountancy.

In a statement on SIUs website, Morris said the screening committee, which includes representatives of multiple campus groups as well as community members, vetted 26 nominees and applicants for the position.

The committee has stayed on track and focused on bringing forward strong finalists, Morris said. Their hard work has paid off, bringing us three outstanding chancellor candidates from a strong pool.

Whoever is chosen will replace John M. Dunn, who has served as interim chancellor since January 2019 after the death of the previous chancellor, Carlo Montemagno.

The other candidates include Western Michigan Universitys Susan R. Stapleton, who is a professor of chemistry, biochemistry and biological sciences and has been with the school since 1990.

She began there as an assistant professor, according to the SIU page on the candidates, and in her current role is responsible for helping develop a university strategy to grow research, scholarship and experiential opportunities at the university.

The third candidate, Austin Lane, was the president of Texas Southern University based in Houston and is known for enrolling 10,237 students, from 2016 to February 2020, according to SIUs website.

As a professor of education, he oversaw the development of the universitys five-year strategic plan and the campus master plan.

SIU said they hope the process will be completed by July 1.

Zoom links will be available on SIUs Chancellor Search website later this month.

isaac.windes@hearstnp.com

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During the last days in Spain, the smallest number of deaths from coronavirus in the last 19 days was recorded: 510 people died, as the Reuters reports, citing data from the country's Ministry of Healthcare.

In addition, it is noted that mortality rates in Spain have been declining for the third day in a row. The total number of deaths in the country is now 16 353.

The Ministry also said that the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 increased to 161,852. In the past day, this figure was 150,722.

As we reported before, since the beginning of the epidemic in Ukraine, 334 medical workers have become ill with coronavirus.

According to Minister of Healthcare, at the moment, the Cabinet is daily working on the issue of providing health workers with personal protective equipment. Every day, planes with tens and hundreds of thousands of respirators, bioprotective suits, and goggles fly to Ukraine  all this is immediately delivered to hospitals.

Also, the number of people infected with coronavirus in Ukraine has increased to 2,511.

During the day, the number of cases in Ukraine increased by 308 cases. As of 9:00 on April 11, 73 deaths were recorded in Ukraine, and 79 patients recovered.
The boy fell at Georges Hill apartments in the north inner city

A four-year-old boy is understood to have suffered head injuries after falling from an apartment block in Dublins north inner city.

The boy was being treated at Temple Street Childrens University Hospital after the fall from the Georges Hill apartments on Halston Street in Smithfield, Dublin 7, on Thursday.

The incident took place at around 6.45pm.

The child was believed to have been seriously injured and he was still being treated in hospital last night.

Shaken

Residents reported seeing an ambulance and garda cars outside the apartment block on Thursday.

They said they were unaware of the identity of the child or what had happened.

It is understood that the childs injuries, while serious, are not believed to be life-threatening.

It is thought that there has been no deterioration in his injuries since the fall.

Everyone was very shaken. Theres a few children who live in the flats and I dont know who the boy is but Im hoping the best for him and his family, one local man said.

Its an awful thing at Easter to happen. I hope the child recovers and is home soon.

Another man said the area was a pleasant, quiet place to live, and hed been worried when he saw blue lights flashing outside the flats.

I didnt know what had happened, I didnt know a child had been hurt, he said.

Its awful, I hope the wee fella is OK.

Some of the flats are three-storey, while others are four but it is not known which storey the child fell from.

Windows open from the bottom in some sections of the red and grey brick apartment building, while others open in the centre.

The apartments are based close to a neighbouring national school, and St Michans parish church.

Focus Ireland also operates premises nearby.

Quiet

Local representatives were unaware of what had taken place at the apartment block but those the Herald spoke to sent their best wishes to the child and his family.

The area, like most of Dublin and Ireland, is very quiet right now, according to residents, due to Covid-19 restrictions on movement.

Even the church nearby, which would ordinarily be gearing up for Easter celebrations, was closed.

The parish priest could not be contacted last night for comment.
Dwayne Johnson has revealed that he had auditioned for the part of popular character Jack Reacher but lost out to Hollywood star Tom Cruise.

During a Q&A session on Instagram, Johnson said he was confident about bagging the part as he believed his physical attributes are perfect for the character, created by author Lee Child.

"In Hollywood, actors are kind of like in-a-box. There are actors that can vie for a particular role because it allows for them to have a certain look, skincolour, size, etc.

"Fortunately, for me, there aren't a lot of guys at all who look like me. So, all of my roles, from the beginning of my career, I've been a lucky son of a b***h that they've been created and designed for me exceptJack Reacher," he said.

Johnson said at the time Cruise was "biggest movie star in the world, and I was not".

"I got the call saying 'Hey, you didn't get the role'. Look, I didn't even know if I had a shot for it, but the people around me at that time made me think that I did. I felt like I did, I felt like 'Why not me?'" he added.

However, the actor later got the chance to play Luke Hobbs in fifth installment of the "Fast & Furious" franchise. And today, Johnson is one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood.

"I'm positive that the role of Jack Reacher, because it was an established character, an IP that was well known and beloved around the world, that I wouldn't have had the creative space to do what I wanted with the character, he said.

"I look back in gratitude that I didn't getJack Reacher," he added.

Cruise had played the character in two films --2012's "Jack Reacher" and its 2016 sequel "Jack Reacher: Never Go Back".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
People must heed the advice of government and health care officials in following measures to slow down the spread of the novel coronavirus.

They also should listen to Lorain resident Cookie Villarreal, 69, who survived this nasty disease.

Villarreal began to fall ill at her Lorain home March 22.

By March 25, her husband, 67-year-old Joe Villarreal, said she couldnt get out of bed and was taken to the ICU unit of Cleveland Clinic Richard E. Jacobs Health Center in Avon.

Cookie contracted COVID-19, but has very little memory of her experience with the virus.

She remembered having a really high fever, which started March 23.

Joe said when his wife couldnt get out of bed March 25, he called the family doctor, who advised to take her to the hospital.

The Avon hospital took her right away.

Joe received a call from the hospital the following day to inform him that his wife had developed problems breathing and would be put on a ventilator.

She was so sick that her family and friends werent sure if she was going to survive.

As Cookies condition improved, doctors took her off the ventilator April 2 and transferred her from the ICU to an isolated room.

Once she was out of the ICU, she started looking through her phone and saw all kinds of messages.

Cookie acknowledges shes lucky just to be alive.

As she reflects on her recovery, she said the team of nurses and doctors in the ICU were amazing.

Although her family was not with her in ICU, they were with her in spirit praying for her.

But Cookie said she will forever be grateful for the medical staff, and they will always be in her prayers.

And she returned home April 6, just in time for Easter.

The Villarreals have a stern message for people who are lackadaisical about COVID-19 and the dangers if people dont follow social distancing protocol and proper hygiene.

They said people must listen to the experts and stay home when possible.

Officials had urged people to stay home even before Lorain County Public Health confirmed March 14 the first case of the coronavirus in the county.

David Covell, health commissioner at Lorain County Public Health, announced in a video that was uploaded through YouTube and posted on his agencys website that it was only a matter of time until the virus would start infecting residents in this community.

Covell also discussed slowing the spread of the disease in an effort to protect the most vulnerable people.

He reiterated and urged people to cover their cough, wash their hands, stay home when sick, socially isolate themselves and practice social distancing when out in public.

These measures were important then and they are just as crucial today.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine extended his stay-at-home order from April 6 to May 1.

Although DeWine says the disease is not spreading as fast as officials thought it would, this is no time to let up.

People are still spreading the virus.

People are still dying from it.

One of the hot spots in Lorain County was the Main Street Care Center in Avon Lake.

On March 11, Main Street began prohibiting visitors, including family members, from its facilities to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

But that didnt stop the coronavirus from infiltrating into the care center.

Paul Freeman, senior director of marketing for Main Street, said April 9 there were 17 active cases at the facility.

Freeman said executive management is working directly with Lorain County Public Health to follow all proper protocols.

The facility is utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment, isolating positive cases on a separate quarantine unit and have set up a specific facility team that only will care for COVID positive cases.

Freeman added Main Street is thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting all resident and common areas within its facilities to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention standards.

Covell said Lorain County Public Health also is working closely with the facility to control the spread of COVID-19.

The health departments epidemiology team is in daily contact to help with isolation and quarantine, cleaning and testing.

Covell said the facility has been proactive in working with County Public Health to isolate both positive and symptomatic patients.

Education has been conducted with all facility staff regarding proper hand washing, transmission-based precautions and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment.

Lorain County Public Health reported April 10 there were 156 confirmed cases and six deaths in the county.

The report also said that 33 people have recovered, including Cookie Villarreal.

As officials have said and continue to say, we cant let our guard down, not yet.

COVID-19 doesnt care who is in its way.

But we should.
digicommphoto/iStock(WASHINGTON) -- Hours after Republican Sen. Cory Gardner ended his phone call Tuesday evening with President Trump where he stressed the need for Colorado to receive more ventilators to treat coronavirus patients, a presidential directive arrived via tweet.



Will be immediately sending 100 Ventilators to Colorado at the request of Senator Gardner! Trump wrote.



The problem is the state had requested 10,000 ventilators through official channels nearly a month ago.



The episode was reflective of what critics call the federal government's at times erratic system for supporting states in battling the coronavirus pandemic -- one in which it helps to appear on the president's personal radar, and where some states are given far less than they asked for, while some others see a bounty.



Following a call with administration officials Wednesday afternoon, Colorado Democrat Rep. Diana DeGette expressed concern to her colleagues about the way in which the federal government was prioritizing ventilators and who gets what, sources familiar with the call said.



DeGette said she was totally outraged by the request, telling CNN in an interview Wednesday evening, I think this thing that happened with Senator Gardner and President Trump is very disturbing. What is the process here?



Nowhere did it say if a Republican senator calls up the president they can get it, DeGette said, referring to the process of requesting ventilators.



In less than 24 hours the president has been quick to announce supplies will go to states when the request has been made publicly from his political allies.



Last week, Trump ally Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., received word the administration would be sending immediate help to Suffolk County, New York.



And at the request of Congressman Lee Zeldin out in Long Island, we will also be delivering another 200,000 N-95 masks to Suffolk County where they need it very badly, Trump said Sunday. Zeldins office said he communicated directly with White House senior adviser Jared Kushner and chief of staff Mark Meadows.



The delivery to Suffolk County arrived as Gov. Andrew Cuomo has said personal protective equipment, known as PPE, are in short supply in the state and he has asked companies to make more.



Florida, a state that has lagged behind others in their response measures but whose governor is close with the president, received all their requested supplies from the federal government within days of the request. When the president was asked why Florida had received 100% of its request for supplies compared to other states having difficulty, he said the state was very aggressive in trying to get things.



Administration officials have denied politics plays a role and explained the distribution of ventilators and PPE is based on a number of different factors in each state.



I can tell you, within that decision complex is not just the absolute number of cases. Its the hospital capacity and what each of those hospitals have, Dr. Deborah Birx said on Wednesday when asked if a states personal relationship with the president is helping some states, like Colorado, get ventilators. So different states have different -- which I dont think any of us probably knew before this, but there are some states that have lots of ventilators, and theres other states that, proportion to their population or by their cases of COVID, have less.



Prior to Gardners call with the president, Colorado was having little luck receiving any ventilators from the federal governments stockpile.



The state put in a request for 10,000 ventilators on March 19 based on its initial peak need prediction, but the request was put on hold because the Strategic National Stockpile had received requests for far more ventilators than are available, an Emergency Operations Center logistics officer with the Colorado state health department told ABC News.



The Emergency Operations Center logistics officer told ABC News all ventilator requests were put on hold and Colorado was no exception.



On April 3, Colorado submitted its second request for ventilators from the federal government -- this time a next 72 hour request for 1,000 ventilators, after an updated modeling showed that its peak need would be closer to 5,000.



That same night, Gov. Jared Polis said on CNN that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) swooped in to take away Colorados order to purchase 500 ventilators from a private company. It's not yet clear if the FEMA took away Colorado's 500 ventilators deal prior to the April 3 request.



And on April 8, the day after Gardners call with the president, the state was notified it would get 100 ventilators, but without a specific date on when they would arrive, a state official said.



FEMA told lawmakers on the House Oversight Committee during a briefing last month that most of the 100,000 ventilators that President Trump has promised will not be available until late June at the earliest, according to a readout of the briefing from the committee's Democrats -- a timeline the president confirmed this week.



"In addition to the 8,675 ventilators, we have 2,200 arriving on April 13th. We have 5,500 arriving on May 4. These are the ones we are building, for the most part, and we have, as you know, we have great companies building them -- Ford, general motors, G.E. -- we have really some great companies that are doing it," Trump said Tuesday.



"On May 18th, we have 12,000, on June 1st, we have 20,000. On June 29th, we have 60,000 ventilators coming," he added.



In Massachusetts, which was among the early states to become coronavirus hotspots and currently has the sixth most cases out of any state, Gov. Charlie Baker that the state will receive 1,000 ventilators from the national stockpile out of the 1,700 it has requested. But Baker revealed earlier this week that his state has only received 100 ventilators from the federal government.



Massachusetts lawmakers, including Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, said in a letter to FEMA this week that 100 ventilators was grossly insufficient and asked the agency to provide an answer by April 15 as to why the federal government initially said the state would be receiving 900 more ventilators than it ultimately received.



On the other hand, Georgia and Maryland, two states with Republican governors, received 150 and 138 ventilators respectively from the Strategic National Stockpile, despite having far fewer cases. Georgia had originally requested 250 ventilators, and Maryland had requested 200.



Even Oregon, which only recently saw over 1,000 cases in the state, received 100% of its request --140 ventilators -- from the federal government, more than Massachusetts. Oregon later sent those 140 ventilators to New York because Oregon is in a better position right now, Oregon Governor Kate Brown said earlier this month.



At the time, Oregon had about 800 ventilators in the state, with only about 38 in use by COVID-19 patients, Brown said.



In Connecticut, Gov. Ned Lamont said late last week that the states model projects a peak in about two to three weeks, beginning in Fairfield County, which is the closest county to New York.



Lamont said he has received little help from the federal government and told ABC News in an interview last week that the state requested 1,500 ventilators from the federal government months ago but had only received 50. The state is expected to need 4,000 ventilators, but currently only has about 1,000 total.



Lamont told ABC News his biggest concern is that the federal government is overlooking his states needs because it doesnt think of Southern Connecticut as part of the whole New York City pandemic.



New York City, Jersey City and Southern Connecticut are all part of the same regional hotspot. New York has gotten a lot of the PPE and obviously our overall numbers make us look like we're a lot less, but actually as a region we're the fourth most infected state in the country, Lamont said. "So my worry is, we've got plenty of capacity I think in our hospitals and people but what we don't have are the ventilators and that's going to cause a lot of death.



Michigan, which has quickly become one of the hotspots, received 400 ventilators from the national stockpile in late March and currently has about 3,000 in the state, but the states chief medical executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun projected Michigan is going to need thousands more.



Vice President Mike Pence announced on Tuesday that 100 of those ventilators will be going to New York, 100 to New Jersey, 100 to Illinois, 50 to Maryland, 50 to Washington, D.C., 50 to Delaware and 50 to Nevada.



Nevada, which has nearly 50% of its ventilators in use as of this week, has also requested 450 machines through FEMA but the request status is on hold, according to a spokesperson for the Nevada Department of Health.



Meanwhile in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom has caused a stir this week by sending 500 ventilators to other states across the country while some of its counties are scrambling to secure ventilators.



In Riverside County, the health district projected that the county will reach its capacity in ventilators by the end of the month and asked for an additional 500 ventilators from the state in late March, but the request was denied. Santa Clara County has issued an order requiring individuals and entities holding large quantities of ventilators and PPE to report their inventory to the county, and through a partnership with the Valley Medical Center Foundation, is offering a $1,000 incentive for ventilators.



Newsom responded to the criticism during a press conference on Thursday, saying that the state is currently using only 31.89% of the hospital systems existing ventilator capacity, excluding the ventilators procured by the state. He added that the ventilator stockpiles are pre-positioned strategically throughout the state so they can be deployed to those in need within hours.



Riverside Countys first district supervisor Kevin Jeffries said he did receive an email from the governor Thursday morning reassuring him that the state will provide his county with the necessary equipment when the time comes.



New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, who has announced hundreds of COVID-19 deaths and thousands of new cases every day, has repeatedly thanked the California governor, stressing the importance of the help as nearly 97 percent of New Jersey COVID-19 patients in critical care are on ventilators. New Jersey also received about 850 ventilators from the federal government.



New Jersey cannot thank you enough. And note too that we will repay this favor, Murphy said Wednesday.



We are all in this together, and we will support our fellow Americans at every step of the way just as theyre supporting us in New Jersey, he said.



Copyright  2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Actor Hema Malini on Saturday expressed concern over the health workers, who are being treated badly and are restricted to enter their own building.

The 71-year-old actor took to Instagram and shared a video where she expressed concern over the situation the health workers are going through. "Friends, I have seen this in various news channels and I am very sad that the health workers are being treated very badly. They are being restricted to enter their own building," she said.

The 'Baghban' actor further said: "Just think, in such times, they are our safeguards amid such situation (coronavirus outbreak). They are the ones who are going to ground level and are finding out the patients suffering from the disease."

She went on to add that "they do so, to save you. Remember, opposing them is to play with the safety of the country and every citizen. That is why we should honour them. Jai Hind."

In the post accompanying the video, she wrote, "Some of you might have watched the following interview on India TV where I have spoken about how I spend a typical day during this lockdown and social distancing period. This is for those of you who might have missed it!"

The post garnered more than 1.3k views within 35 minutes of being posted on the photo-sharing platform.

Just like other celebrities, Hema Malini is also practicing self-isolation amid the 21-day government-imposed lockdown in view of coronavirus outbreak.

India's total cases of coronavirus on Saturday climbed to 7,529 including 242 deaths and 652 people, who have either been cured or discharged, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Modern Family's farewell episode has already aired in the United States and will air in Australia this week.

But it's star, Sofia Vergara, 47, wishes the comedy could stay on air forever, she told The Daily Telegraph on Sunday.

'Why can't it be Law & Order? It was the dream job and if I could do it all again I would and I wouldn't change anything.

More please: Modern Family's farewell episode has already aired in the United States and will air in Australia this week. But it's star, Sofia Vergara, 47, (pictured) wishes the comedy could stay on air forever, she told The Daily Telegraph on Sunday

'Everything was perfect  the scripts, the cast, the writers We became a family so it's hard to say goodbye' she said.

Sophia says that the cast found it very difficult to part ways and there were many tears behind the scenes.

'It was bad. We were so upset  all of us. We are really going to miss each other. It's not about the work, it's the people.

She said: 'Why can't it be Law & Order? It was the dream job and if I could do it all again I would and I wouldn't change anything.' Pictured on Modern Family

Bittersweet: 'Everything was perfect  the scripts, the cast, the writers We became a family so it's hard to say goodbye' she said. Pictured on Modern Family

'I'm never going to see them every day like I did. You lose contact in this business. I'm going to miss them. I already miss them!' she said.

Modern Family had its highest ratings in three years as millions of fans gathered around their televisions to say goodbye to the Dunphy And Pritchett families.

The ABC sitcom's series finale aired on Wednesday night in the USA, and it netted 7.43 million viewers according to Deadline.

Tough: Sophia says that the cast found it very difficult to part ways and there were many tears behind the scenes. Pictured on Modern Family

Perhaps most impressively, the episode jumped to a 1.6 rating in the adults 18-49 key demographic, which was the show's highest since the September 2018 season 10 premiere.

The show is considered by many to be one of the best sitcoms ever, winning the Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series for its first five seasons in a row.

The finale followed the entire Dunphy and Pritchett family as they all go their separate ways for the first time.
PM Fakhfakh says country needs more than $1bn to battle the coronavirus, will ask firms to help with govt efforts.

Tunisia may impose exceptional taxes on companies if the government does not find the funds needed during the coronavirus crisis, Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh said on Thursday, a move that might open a clash with the private sector.

Fakhfakh said Tunisia needs more than $1bn in domestic and foreign funds and will ask major companies in the country to assist the governments efforts.

Tunisia, which has been in economic hardship since the 2011 revolution and has poor health infrastructure, began collecting donations from companies and individuals to tackle social and economic affects of the coronavirus outbreak.

The amount of donations announced by the companies so far is about $50m, but the government believes more is needed.

Some companies have money and have not helped enough to support state efforts  if we do not reach what we need, we may have to take decisions unilaterally, Fakhfakh said in an interview with state TV.

We could impose exceptional taxes  We hope that we will not get to that, he added.

Tunisia expects to obtain a loan of more than $400m from the International Monetary Fund to help fight the pandemic. But the prime minister said that Tunisia should depend on the efforts of its people because the countrys international partners have enough problems of their own now.

The UTICA union, a syndicate of firms, said it regretted its scepticism about the role of companies and made an appeal for national unity. We strongly condemn politicians who are asking for money in illegal ways, it said in a statement.

Tunisia extended a lockdown which started on March 20 by two weeks to April 19, preventing people from leaving their homes except to buy necessities or to work in certain jobs.

Tunisia has 455 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and the disease has claimed least 14 lives in the country.

Containment measures  both domestic and international  are crushing Tunisias vital tourism sector, which represents nearly 10 percent of its gross domestic product. The country cut its growth forecast for this year to 1 percent from 2.7 percent.
[This article is no longer being updated. Up-to-date information on restrictions in place in the United States is available here.]

The majority of people in the United States are under a form of stay-at-home order to try to squelch the deadly coronavirus pandemic, yet some still have their reasons for wanting to drive across parts of the country.

In the last days, The New York Times has heard from people who have older parents in need of assistance, a new grandmother in Ohio whose daughter in North Carolina wants help with the baby, and those who were scheduled to move to a new job or home, all seeking advice on whether a road trip was advisable or even feasible.

The Constitution guarantees the right to enter one state and leave another, but jurisdictions can require quarantines or statements of purpose. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious disease doctor, has said the White House coronavirus task force literally every day considers the possibility of restricting domestic travel in certain areas.
The top Navy admiral now overseeing the USS Theodore Roosevelt has revealed that its sailors are 'struggling' after their captain was controversially sacked, as he admitted that the crew should have been told sooner about the 'true dangers of coronavirus'.

The commander of the 7th Fleet Vice Admiral Bill Merz visited the Navy ship on Tuesday, following the saga of the last week which saw Captain Brett Crozier fired after his memo urging the Navy to respond more quickly to a coronavirus outbreak onboard was leaked and acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly was then forced to resign amid a backlash over Crozier's ousting.

Merz said that morale onboard the Navy ship had plummeted, as 447 of the 4,000 crew members are now infected with coronavirus.

'There was lots of anxiety about the virus,' Merz told CNN.

he commander of the 7th Fleet Vice Admiral Bill Merz visited the USS Theodore Roosevelt this weekand has since revealed that its sailors are 'struggling'

'As you can imagine the morale covers the spectrum, considering what they have been through.'

Merz said many sailors have been left 'upset' and 'struggling'.

The crew is 'struggling in the wake of losing their CO and their perception of the lack of activity regarding fighting the virus,' Merz said.

Many were still reeling after Modly's visit, in which he slammed the crew's beloved captain as either 'naive' or 'stupid' because his plea to Navy bosses went public.

'They were visibly still upset about the secretary's visit so I walked them through what I knew, which really was not much more than what everybody else knew,' Merz said.

'I think they just needed to tell somebody about how much that hurt them and disappointed them.'

Captain Crozier (pictured) was controversially sacked last week, after his memo urging the Navy to respond more quickly to a coronavirus outbreak onboard was leaked

The commander admitted that the Navy should have warned the crew sooner about the dangers of coronavirus, which has now killed more than 18,000 Americans and infected half a million.

'I think we could have told them earlier what we knew' Merz said.

'The degree of accuracy against the virus at any level is a little sketchy, but I think we could have at least bought them in earlier and started having this dialog up front.

'The specific questions clearly indicated we needed to give them more information about the true dangers of the virus.'

'I certainly don't think it was malice by the ship or the leadership' he said. 'I think it was just a matter of getting their arm around what they could and could not tell them.'

Merz is pictured on the aircraft carrier Tuesday delivering a speech to the crew

Merz (left) answered questions from the crew. He has now told CNN that the crew were 'upset after Crozier's firing and that 'there was lots of anxiety about the virus'

Merz said sailors had many questions about the Navy's response to the pandemic, showing that senior figures could have done a better job in relaying information to crew about the virus.

'I got very specific questions about whether there would be UCMJ against their captain,' he said.

The crew continued to show loyalty to their ousted captain, with Merz telling CNN that many sailors voiced concerns that Crozier would be punished under the Uniform Code of Military Justice over the leaked email.

Modly threatened such action against Crozier before his own resignation, but Merz said he does not think it will materialize because Crozier was not fired for a potential crime.

Crozier was given a raucous sendoff as he was forced to leave the carrier, with videos showing the crew coming out in support and cheering him.

Merz has also admitted the crew should have been told sooner about the 'true dangers of coronavirus'

Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) who have tested negative for COVID-19 and are asymptomatic are at local hotels in an effort to implement social distancing and stop the spread of COVID-19

A crew member gets their temperature checked. Merz said that morale onboard the Navy ship had plummeted, as 447 of the 4,000 crew members are now infected with coronavirus

While Merz said the 'heartfelt' sendoff showed the crew wanted to pay their respects to Crozier he was concerned to see the sailors packed together in the video and not following social distancing practices.

'My immediate reaction was our job just got harder for us,' he said.

Merz said he did believe Crozier, who is now under investigation, acted under 'pure' motives.

'I certainly don't question his motives. I think his motives were pure. He was looking out for his crew,' Merz said.

But he said commanders have 'a lot of tools available to be heard.'

Currently, 447 of the Roosevelt's 4,000 crew members have tested positive for coronavirus, while 800 are still awaiting results.

On Thursday, a sailor from the Roosevelt was found unresponsive in isolation on a Guam military base after testing positive for the virus and was rushed to intensive care at the Naval Hospital on Guam.

Admiral Mike Gilday (left) said on Thursday he has not ruled out reinstating USS Theodore Roosevelt captain Brett Crozier (right), who was fired after his memo leaked

The USS Theodore Roosevelt, seen in a file photo, is currently docked in Guam

Crozier, who has also tested positive for the deadly virus, could be reinstated to his post, the Navy's chief of operations Admiral Mike Gilday said on Thursday.

Gilday said he has not ruled out any options, including possibly reinstating Crozier, if that's where the investigation into the leak leads.

'I am taking no options off the table,' he said when asked about Crozier's fate.

The key question, Gilday said, is why Crozier felt compelled to send the memo, and whether it signaled a breakdown in communications with leadership.

The outbreak aboard the Roosevelt began in late March and has thrust the Navy into a leadership crisis.

Crozier penned a scathing letter to Navy leaders calling for stronger action to address the COVID-19 outbreak he said was unnecessarily threatening his sailors lives.

The email was leaked and hit headlines, leading Modly to fire Crozier from his command of the nuclear aircraft carrier four days later.

Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly who was forced to resign amid a backlash over Crozier's ousting

Modly said that the decision was driven by the fact that Crozier shared his letter with at least 20 people before it was leaked in the media.

Modly faced a backlash over his decision to oust the commander, with the move dividing the public, the military and politicians - with President Trump and Democratic rival Joe Biden both wading into the drama.

Modly then came under fire for flying out to the Roosevelt last weekend and making remarks to the crew during which he branded Crozier 'naive' and 'stupid' for allegedly sharing his letter outside the chain of command.

The secretary stepped down hours after he returned to Washington DC on Tuesday.

The disastrous trip reportedly cost taxpayers more than $243,000.

On Friday, photos were released showing the Roosevelt's crew members being taken into quarantine, with some being quartered in a hotel and others moving into a high school gymnasium equipped with cots.

A skeleton crew remains aboard the ship to maintain its nuclear reactor and fire suppression system.

Theodore Roosevelt Sailors were moved to local hotels in an effort to implement an aggressive mitigation strategy to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of the Sailors

Sailors assigned to the Roosevelt move MREs off the ship to supply crew members who are being placed in quarantine at military-approved facilities

Some of the sailors from the Roosevelt will be quarantined in the gymnasium at CommanderWilliam C. McCool high school

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Frank Rivera assigned to 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, sterilizes the gymnasium before the sailors from the Roosevelt arrive

Meanwhile, Pentagon leaders anticipate that the coronavirus may strike more Navy ships at sea.

'Its not a good idea to think that the Teddy Roosevelt is a one-of-a-kind issue,' Hyten told a Pentagon news conference. 'We have too many ships at sea. ... To think that it will never happen again is not a good way to plan.'

TIMELINE OF CORONAVIRUS ON USS ROOSEVELT MARCH 26: Navy announces the Roosevelt will dock in Guam due to health concerns for those on board MARCH 30: Crozier writes a letter asking to evacuate some of the 4,000 crew due to COVID-19 risk. He said: 'We are not at war, sailors do not need to die' APRIL 2: Crozier is fired by Thomas B. Modly and is forced to leave the ship to cheers from the crew APRIL 3: Modly tries to defend the decision in an interview, saying 'loose lips sink ships' APRIL 4: Trump says he '100% agrees with the firing' APRIL 6: Modly flies to Guam and gives speech on board Roosevelt calling Crozier 'naive and stupid' Trump distances himself from him following military backlash. Modly later apologizes. APRIL 7: Modly resigns APRIL 9: Sailor is found unresponsive. APRIL 10: 447 of the 4,000 crew members test positive for coronavirus. 800 are still waiting for results. Advertisement

The Navy's top officer, meanwhile, said the biggest problem is the inability to test enough people quickly, including those aboard the USS Nimitz, the next US-based aircraft carrier due to deploy out to sea.

'The challenge that we have now, is having that type of capability where we can test in volume and at speed,' Gilday told a small number of reporters Thursday. 'I really dont have a good estimate right now on when that testing capability might be available in the kinds of quantities we would like to see.'

He said sailors on the USS Nimitz, which is in port preparing for a deployment, will have all movement restricted for two weeks before the ship leaves.

One sailor was taken off the Nimitz more than a week ago after showing symptoms, but the test was not conclusive, the Navy said. Hyten suggested a small number of sailors were ill, but the Navy said Thursday that no sailors currently on the carrier have tested positive for COVID-19 or are showing symptoms.

A retired Navy admiral and former top NATO commander in Europe, James Stavridis, said he sees more trouble ahead, and not just for the Navy.

'Clearly there are more cases to come. The most recent tally on Roosevelt alone is well over 400,' Stavridis said via email. 'The Navy and all the services have some hard choices ahead in terms of whether to pull units off the line to get them well or accept some level of casualties due to the coronavirus. I think it will be a case-by-case approach depending on the mission of the unit.'
Andy Gonzalez, one of the great bassists in Latin jazz, who in a career of more than four decades played with numerous influential groups  notably the Fort Apache Band, which he formed with his brother Jerry  died on Thursday in the Bronx. He was 69.

His sister, Eileen Gonzalez-Altomari, said the causes were pneumonia and complications of diabetes.

Mr. Gonzalez was a versatile player, as well as an arranger, composer, music historian and producer of other musicians records. He embraced African, Cuban and Puerto Rican styles, various strains of jazz and other influences, often merging them into something fresh. The Boston Globe once called him a modernist preoccupied with tradition.

He grew up in a musical household in the Bronx; he and Jerry, a trumpeter and percussionist who was 18 months older, would practice together in the basement. Their father, a vocalist in his own band in the 1950s and 60s, was their earliest musical influence.

Mr. Gonzalez played with the bands of the percussionist Ray Barretto and the pianist Eddie Palmieri as he was establishing himself. In 1974, he and the timbale player Manny Oquendo formed Conjunto Libre (the name was later shortened to Libre), a band that, mixing salsa and jazz, explored an immensely varied body of folk, popular and experimental music, without ever losing its New York Latin feel, as Robert Palmer put it in The New York Times in 1984.
Bill De Blasio

REUTERS/Jeenah Moon

New York City public schools will remain closed for the rest of the school year, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Saturday.

But New York Governor Andrew Cuomo appeared to counter de Blasio's announcement Saturday, saying that the state has final say and "there has been no decision" made yet.

The city's 1,800 schools have transitioned to remote learning amid the coronavirus outbreak since they first closed on March 16.

If students continue remote learning through June 26, when the school year ends, they will have spent a third of the 2019-20 school year at home.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

New York City school buildings will remain closed through the end of the school year, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Saturday.

Students at the roughly 1,800 schools across the city, which is the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak and consists of over 1.1 million students, will continue remote learning from home through June 26, when the school year ends.

"It's not an easy decision," de Blasio said in an announcement. "But it is the right decision, and it's a decision made a little clearer by the fact that distance learning is working."

However, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo pushed back on de Blasio's announcement later on Saturday, stating that the authority to close schools lies with the state and that "there has been no decision made yet." Cuomo said school closings in the state would "ideally" be coordinated with Connecticut and New Jersey.

"That's his opinion, but he didn't close them and he can't open them," Cuomo said.

By June 26, NYC students will have spent about a third of the 2019-20 school year learning from home, according to Chalkbeat New York.

Schools across the city abruptly transitioned to remote learning on March 16 in order to slow the spread of COVID-19, which has sickened 200,000 people and claimed over 7,000 lives across New York State.

Story continues

However, many students have struggled to keep up with online learning because they lack the resources to access classes online. One Queens mom told Business Insider she was unsure how her son would be able to participate in remote learning because she can't afford WiFi and isn't eligible for free internet offers made by providers.

In March, De Blasio reportedly grappled with whether to close schools for weeks, making the decision after other large, urban school districts like Los Angeles. He finally closed schools after the city's top doctor threatened to resign if they remained open, according to The New York Times.

Read the original article on Business Insider
STAMFORD  Tens of thousands of masks that protect from COVID-19 have been making their way along a precarious path from China to Stamford Hospital.

Fabricated in a factory in Shandong Province, the masks have hopscotched from one Chinese city to another, then to Anchorage, to Indianapolis, to New York City and, finally, Stamford.

The process is fraught with uncertainty, said David Watkins, a Stamford man who owns a company in China and heard a call from the hospital foundation for the critically needed masks. There are many pitfalls in the supply chain.

Watkins company, REsource Pro, helps U.S. insurance agencies operate their businesses more efficiently. He does not manufacture the personal protective equipment that has been in short supply since the coronavirus pandemic hit the U.S. in February.

But medical professionals on the front lines of the pandemic report that they are forced to reuse the equipment or go without it. When he heard that was happening in Stamford  which has the most COVID-19 cases, by far, of any city in Connecticut  Watkins, who serves on the Board of Representatives, wanted to help.

So he launched the trek of the masks, using his contacts in China to identify a factory that would manufacture a good number of the kind needed by Stamford Hospital.

Getting them made was just the first step, Watkins said.

We didnt know whether the Chinese government would let us export them, or whether the U.S. government would let us import them, or whether FedEx would fly them, he said.

At one point late in the journey it looked like one federal agency in the U.S. would block the shipment, Watkins said, so he called a member of Connecticuts Congressional delegation, U.S. Rep. Jim Himes.

I wanted to make sure they wouldnt get stopped at the finish line, Watkins said.

A shipment of 12,500 of the 62,500 masks that were manufactured arrived at Stamford Hospital this week, said Chris Riendeau, senior vice president of the Stamford Hospital Foundation.

They came in over three days  Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Theyve already been put into use, Riendeau said Thursday. Most people by now have heard of the N95 mask, but there are multiple iterations of that. We got KN95 masks, which are perfect as we go to universal masking.

Thats a practice that requires all persons working in a health-care setting to wear a mask, he said.

Its a huge boost to be able to provide all of the staff with masking, Riendeau said of the shipment Watkins obtained for the people working on the front lines of the pandemic.

As of Thursday Stamford had 1,113 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 24 deaths, according to a daily report from Gov. Ned Lamonts office. A Stamford Hospital administrator said this week that more than 125 patients were being treated and the intensive-care unit was nearing capacity. One or two COVID-19 patients have been dying each day.

City Rep. Bradley Michelson said Watkins, his fellow District 1 Republican on the Board of Representatives, did a really special thing in obtaining masks to protect health-care workers.

He had to go through a lot of hoops to get through Customs. He had to work with the hospital to make sure the masks were in compliance with their standards, Michelson said. I think he will inspire other people to do things.

The jobs not done, Watkins said.

I havent yet delivered the full goods. I have 50,000 masks in some stage of shipment but its unclear when they will get on a plane, and whether the Chinese government will put restrictions on them  we are hearing noises that they may, for reasons I dont know, he said. FedEx stopped taking new shipments because they have no more freight capacity in China. The facts on the ground change day by day.

Watkins said he is struck by the outpouring of support for his effort. He covered some of the expenses but needed a hand with the full $140,000 cost of procuring 62,500 masks.

I reached out to people I knew. I said, Stamford Hospital has an enormous need for personal protective equipment and they are having difficulty getting it. I think I may be able to help but I need people to help me, he said. It was amazing how quickly they committed sizeable amounts of money.

Donations, which go to the Stamford Hospital Foundation, will be accepted only if the masks arrive. Contact Watkins at david@watkins44.com to find out more.

Watkins said hes grateful, too, to friends in Shandong Province who helped him find a factory, and to his employees at REsource Pro, who prepared the masks for shipment.

It took hard work and a sense of civic responsibility and generosity to make this happen, he said.

The day may come when protective masks will be American-made, more plentiful and easier to purchase, Watkins said.

Until then, there are factories in China that are making them, he said. Its expensive and tortuous to get them, but this is when theyre needed.

acarella@stamfordadvocate.com; 203-964-2296.
APRIL 10, 2020  UTSA is responding to the COVID-19 outbreak with a commitment to supporting the safety of the university community while enabling the academic progress of students. Here is your digest of university news and tips.

THANK YOU, RUNNERS

President Taylor Eighmy sends a message of appreciation to our students on the front lines working essential jobs to support the community during the coronavirus outbreak.



COMMUNITY NEWS



EMPLOYEE BENEFITS UPDATE: With the situation still evolving around COVID-19, The University of Texas Systems Office of Employee Benefits announced that UT SELECT and UT CONNECT plans will cover in-network medically necessary services at 100% for testing and treatment of COVID-19, including physician services, hospitalization and emergency services.



ONLINE LEARNING & TELECOMMUTING



A VIRTUAL RESOURCE LIBRARY: The new and improved Learning Online resource page is now live as a handy resource for students. It includes digital learning tools and resources as well as academic and well-being resources to support students remote learning success. And dont miss the resource pages Teaching Virtually for faculty and Working Remotely for staff.

BE A PRO: University Technology Solutions is now offering faculty, staff and students access to LinkedIn Learning, an on-demand platform for skills building and training. LinkedIn Learning offers a customized experience featuring instructional content relevant to your professional interests and goals. To get started, log in using your myUTSA ID and passphrase.





BUILD A BETTER YOU: If you missed our virtual town hall meetings this week, you can watch them online now:

Stay on top of other virtual learning possbilities by UTSA experts on the Trainings, Webinars and Town Halls page.

SUMMER LEARNING: The university announced this week a plan to move all summer classes online. The move to deliver all courses remotely supports the universitys goal to protect the health of the entire UTSA community while minimizing disruption to students academic progress. If students reach out with questions about summer registration, have them contact the One Stop Enrollment Center.



University Technology Solutions is(powered by DocuSign) for you on May 4. Youll save time and resources by using this tool to securely sign documents anywhere from any device. Watch for more details in the coming weeks via email and in these editions of University Update.
The Government of Maharashtra today decided to extend lockdown till April 30, 2020 after meeting with state chief ministers.

This brings the focus on a national strategy to move essentials to nook and corner of the country.

The Retailers Association of India (RAI) has issued a statement stating, There is enough stock of grains, pulses and other daily essentials for the lockdown period and beyond. There is no need for citizens to believe otherwise and engage in panic buying.

RAI also said that the association along with its members is working closely with various state governments and with the Centre to resolve supply concerns with regards to essentials as they arise at the earliest.

Earlier, Kumar Rajagopalan, Chief Executive Officer of RAI had told Moneycontrol that since consumers are buying low margin items such as pulses, millets, daals, the margins of grocery has come down to 12 percent instead of earlier 21 percent.

Since the low margin items are consumed in large quantity, the movement from big towns to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities will be a fresh challenge before the grocery supply chains in view of the extended lockdown.

The low margin items are consumed in much larger quantity. Thus, large volume of essentials movement from big towns to Tier 2 and even rural areas in view of extended lockdown is a fresh challenge before the grocery supply chains.

The RAI has come up with a concept of 'Food Soldiers', to mitigate fear in minds of consumers.

Further, a technology-enabled delivery chain will be used to find deficiency points and accordingly link up supply chain between stockists and delivery partners.

One of the bottlenecks, in supplying wholesale supplies to city and town stockists has been the availability of trucks.

In initial phases of lockdown when all shops and establishments were shut down, truck drivers and loaders faced problems of highway food availability.

Many truckers and loaders have either abandoned trucks on side of highways or migrated to their villages.

As per an estimate by All India Motor Transport Congress AIMTC, there are only 10 percent of trucks are available to reach some 3500 cities and taluka-level delivery points across India, including LPG carriers and milk tankers.

After initial hiccups permission papers to truckers from police stations are now available.

Technology innovation support has been sought after.

An app 'Driver Seva Mobile App' supported by AIMTC and BPCL is helping drivers in the current lockdown with information regarding food, water, and safe parking near their location. In the State of Maharashtra, the essential shops are allowed to open between 9 am to 5 pm for purchases.
The COVID-19 pandemic is continuously growing and evolving. Currently, the United States of America had the largest outbreak in the world. It has more than 450,000 confirmed cases. Additionally, Italy has more than 18,000 deaths from the illness. It is the highest death toll in the world. As these numbers continue to increase, scientists are at a race to find a cure and control strategy against COVID-19, says an article.

What We Know About the Illness

Normally, COVID-19 patients may develop shortness of breath, dry cough, and fever. However, these symptoms appear at different periods and sometimes not at all.

The novel coronavirus' incubation period is approximately five days. However, it can range anywhere from two to 14 days, says the CDC. There is a high chance that infected people can transfer the virus to other people during this period. On average, an infected person passes the virus to more or less 2.2 persons.

Prediction of Deaths, Confirmed Cases, and Lockdowns

A lot of nations had already declared lockdowns and restricted travel. These provisions had affected millions of people. More or less, a third of the world is under a form of lockdown.

According to a prediction made on March 29 by a top infectious disease specialist named Doctor Anthony Fauci, the United States will have millions of confirmed COVID-19 cases with more than 100,000 COVID-19-related deaths. Also, Fauci predicted that the coronavirus lockdowns would get lifted in a few weeks. It will depend on the availability of 15-minute COVID-19 tests.

According to a statement made by the Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo on March 29, thousands of people who live in New York will lose their battle with the illness. The governor called New York as the epicenter of the US COVID-19 outbreak.

Check these out:

COVID-19 in the US by the Numbers

All of the 50 states of the US and Washington, DC, have reported confirmed COVID-19 cases. Also, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands had reported infections of the novel coronavirus.

The epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States of America is New York.

As of April 7, the United States has 27% of the total COVID-19 cases in the world.

Despite the many business shutdowns and stay-at-home orders, more or less 100,000 to 240,000 US citizens with COVID-19 may lose their battle with the illness, says the White House coronavirus task force. This warning was announced on March 31.

In the absence of any efforts to follow social distancing guidelines and mitigation efforts, more or less 1.5 million to 2.2. million US citizens will die from deadly illnesses.

Extending Social Distancing Restrictions

During a press conference on March 29, President Donald Trump announced to extend the implementation of social distancing restrictions in the United States until April 30. He even called the COVID-19 crisis as one of the worst things that the country has ever witnessed.
Photo credit: Courtesy Lila Delman

From House Beautiful

Many may know about Edith Whartons onetime home in the Berkshires, The Mount, which is now a historic house museum. But before The Mount, there was Lands End, her estate in Newport, Rhode Island. After listing for $11.7 million in May 2019, Lands End just sold for $8.6 million, which seems like a pretty good deal to us, considering the impressive history and beauty of this home. Of course, its nowhere near the price Edith Wharton herself pai  just $80,000!but that was in 1897, and this is no house of mirth.

Photo credit: Courtesy Lila Delman

Edith Wharton lived in many places, including New York City, Newport, the Berkshires, and Paris, but Newport is where she met architect and interior decorator Ogden Codman Jr., the co-author of her first book, The Decoration of Houses. Wharton was one of Codman Jr.s first clients in Newport, shortly after he opened his offices there. He helped Wharton decorate Lands End because she found the home to be incurably ugly.

Photo credit: Courtesy Lila Delman

Photo credit: Courtesy Lila Delman

Photo credit: Courtesy Lila Delman

Wharton detailed the decorating process with Ogden Codman Jr. in her autobiography, A Backward Glance, writing, We asked him to alter and decorate the housea somewhat new departure, since the architects of that day looked down on house-decoration as a branch of dress-making, and left the field up to the upholsterers, who crammed every room with curtains, lambrequins, jardinieres of artificial plants, wobbly velvet-covered tables littered with silver gew-gaws, and festoons of lace on mantelpieces and dressing tables.

Photo credit: Courtesy Lila Delman

Photo credit: Courtesy Lila Delman

Photo credit: Courtesy Lila Delman

Lands End was built in 1880 and it encompasses an impressive 5.6 acres across 12,367 square feet, which includes 11 bedrooms and 9.1 bathrooms. The home features a full basement, a guest house, a balcony, a patio, insulated glass windows, and a pool. Surrounded by lush greenery and a view of the Atlantic Ocean, Lands End is undoubtedly where we would like to spend our summers, too, just as Edith Wharton did.

Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.

You Might Also Like
TIMIKA, Indonesia - Indonesian security forces shot and killed three separatist rebels who were suspected in an attack that killed a New Zealander near the worlds largest gold mine in the easternmost province of Papua, police said Saturday.

Clashes near the Grasberg copper and gold mine began Feb. 29 and had left two security personnel and four rebels dead. On March 30, eight gunmen shot and killed New Zealand miner Graeme Thomas Wall when he and six employees of PT Freeport Indonesia were in a parking lot at the companys office in the restive province.

Two Indonesian miners were in critical condition while four others suffered minor injuries.

The West Papua Liberation Army, the military wing of the Free Papua Organization, claimed responsibility for the attacks. Spokesman Sebby Sambom warned mine employees to leave the area that the group declared a battle zone.

Rebels in Papua have been fighting a low-level insurgency since the early 1960s, when Indonesia annexed the region that was a former Dutch colony. Papua was formally incorporated into Indonesia in 1969 after a U.N.-sponsored ballot that was seen as a sham.

The mine, which is nearly half owned by U.S.-based Freeport-McMoRan and is run by PT Freeport Indonesia, is seen by separatists as a symbol of Indonesian rule and has been a frequent target.

The current violence caused about 2,000 villagers to flee to neighbouring Timika city.

Local police chief Era Adhinata said security forces on Thursday raided a house owned by a security guard of PT Freeport Indonesia, who also was a rebel supporter. They shot and killed two suspected rebels in a gunfight, arrested the owner, and seized weapons and a morning star flag of the separatist movement.

Adhinata said the two slain rebels had been identified as gunmen in the shooting of the New Zealander and the others.

He said security forces killed another rebel during a shootout on Friday in the Mount Botak of Tembagapura mining district, and seized an assault rifle and ammunition.

A National Liberation Army of West Papua commander, Lekagak Telenggen, confirmed the police claim in a statement released Saturday. He called on the U.S. and Indonesia to stop the gold mine operations in Papua.

We have sacrificed a lot ... but we will keep fighting for the freedom of Papua, he said.

_____

Associated Press writer Niniek Karmini in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this report.
With the June primaries less than two months away, Richland County election leaders are beginning to discuss the possibility of having to combine voting precincts, as some regular poll workers have expressed hesitancy about participating because of the coronavirus pandemic.

During a Richland County Election Commission meeting on April 10, Terry Graham, the countys interim election director, told commissioners that, assuming the June 9 primaries happen as planned, adjustments will likely have to be made.

As far as the upcoming primary, we are preparing as best we can, Graham said. We are trying to get poll workers. As you very well know, thats going to be a task for us. There are a lot of people who have expressed their concern. A lot of our poll workers are over 60 years old. They have been expressing concern to us about whether the election is going to be postponed or be set for another date.

All of those are questions we cant answer.

State election officials and legislators have discussed several options for the coming Republican and Democratic primaries, but as of April 10, they were still on for June 9.

COVID-19 has spread quickly across South Carolina, with the state Department of Heath and Environmental Control having announced 3,319 cases and 82 deaths as of April 12.

At the recent Richland Election Commission meeting, Graham raised the idea of planning for combined precincts for the primary because of an expected dearth of poll workers, though exactly how that looks is still in the preliminary stages.

As for the precincts, that is another task where we are going to have some problems, Graham says. We are going to have combine some polling locations. We dont know where yet, or which ones that need to be combined. But, there will be some polling locations combined.

Richland had 152 precincts countywide during the Feb. 29 presidential preference primary.

This wouldnt be the first time recently that Richland has had to combine polling places for an election.

Back in December, there was a rare New Years Eve special election for a seat on the Richland One school board. The odd, holiday-adjacent date made it tough for the county to find poll workers, and instead of the customary 93 polling places for that particular race, the county had to combine some precincts. It ultimately operated more than 70 polling locations that day, and the election went off without any significant hitches.

The uncertainty about the coming primary arrives at an odd time for Richland County, as it is in the process of a leadership change in the elections office. The county is working to finalize a deal with a new elections director.

The election commission has agreed to offer the job to Tammy Smith, who is currently the the assistant administrator of elections in Wilson County, Tennessee. Commission Vice Chairman Craig Plank told Free Times that, as of April 10, the hiring of Smith is still in the works, but the process has been slowed by workforce challenges related to COVID-19. Graham has continued his service as interim director as the commission has negotiated a contract with Smith.
Authorities in Indiana have arrested a man in the shooting death of an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officer who responded to a domestic violence call on Thursday, police said.

IMPD detectives arrested 27-year-old Elliahs Dorsey on preliminary charges of murder and attempted murder in the shooting death of 24-year-old IMPD officer Breann Leath.

It wasnt immediately known whether Dorsey had a lawyer, The Associated Press reported.

Leath was shot and killed after she and two other officers were called to an apartment complex in Edinburgh Square in the far east side of Indianapolis, after an incoming call about a domestic disturbance Thursday afternoon.

Responding officers knocked on the door of the apartment and shots were fired through the structure, striking Leath, police said. The other officers pulled Leath to a safe area and found a second woman who had been shot.

Both victims were taken to a nearby hospital where 24-year-old Leath died from her injuries. The other female victim who was shot in the incident is in a stable condition at the hospital and is expected to fully recover. Authorities have not released her identity.

Leath was with the IMPD for three years and was also a veteran of the National Guard.

She was the daughter of a public servant family. Her father was a reserve deputy at Marion County Sheriffs Office and her mother a longtime public safety dispatcher.

It is with a heavy heart that @IMPD_Chief announces the untimely death of @IMPDEast Officer Breann Leath, IMPD wrote on Twitter. Officer Leath was a loving mother.

It is with a heavy heart that @IMPD_Chief announces the untimely death of @IMPDEast Officer Breann Leath. Officer Leath was a loving mother. A veteran. Daughter of a public servant family. And the example of what an @IMPDnews officer should be. She will be sorely missed. pic.twitter.com/X6t3orHhji  IMPD (@IMPDnews) April 9, 2020

Officer Leath was an example of what an IMPD officer should be. She showed resolve, strength, and compassion in a dangerous job, and was always focused on serving the community she loved. She will be sorely missed, said IMPD Chief Randal Taylor.

Community Showing Support

Police departments, government officials, and mourners showed their support on social media and remembered Leath.

Rep. Andre Carson (D-Ind.) released a statement on the fallen officer, saying, Our entire community mourns the loss of this remarkable public servant.

My statement on the death of IMPD Officer Breann Leath. Our entire community mourns the loss of this remarkable public servant. pic.twitter.com/vhIJMQWJT7  Andre Carson (@RepAndreCarson) April 10, 2020

Sen. J.D. Ford (D-Ind.) expressed his deepest sympathies and wanted to send his deepest condolences to the officers family during this very difficult time.

Today is a truly sad day for our city. Let us grieve and celebrate the officer who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect and serve us all, he wrote on Twitter.

Lawrence Police Department said on Twitter they lowered their flags at the Government Center and police headquarters in honor of Officer Breann Leath, her family, and all the women and men in law enforcement.

The Indiana State Police Alliance wrote their thoughts and prayers are with Leath. She was a mother, military veteran, and daughter of a public service family.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A healthcare worker arrives at Mount Sinai Hospital during the CCP virus outbreak, in New York City on April 3, 2020. (Brendan McDermid/Reuters)

NYC Mayor Says Schools Shut Till End of Year, But Cuomo Says No Decision Yet

While New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said Saturday that public schools in the city would shutter for the rest of the academic year, he was challenged on the move later in the day by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who said only the state has the power to extend such closures, adding that no such decision had been taken.

There has been no decision. Thats the mayors opinion, Cuomo said at his daily COVID-19 press briefing, the Wall Street Journal reported.

On March 18, Cuomo issued an executive order mandating state approval for local actions like school closures. It is apparently on this basis that Cuomo implied de Blasio lacked the authority to take the decision.

On April 6, under the NY on Pause initiative, Cuomo ordered schools and non-essential businesses to stay closed until April 29, extending a previous deadline.

There is a real danger in getting overconfident, Cuomo said at a briefing on April 6. This is an enemy that we have underestimated from day one, and we have paid the price dearly.

A spokesperson for de Blasio told The Wall Street Journal that public schools in New York City would remain closed and that Mr. de Blasio would be proven right about his timeline for reopening.

De Blasio originally ordered public schools shut beginning March 16 to curb the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus.

While the initial aim was to reopen schools by April 20, the mayor said it soon became clear that was unrealistic as the city emerged as a major virus hot spot.

The pandemic has hit New York City especially hard, with 94,409 confirmed infections and 5,429 deaths, according to an NYC Health tally, current as of 5 p.m. on April 10.

Still, there are signs the outbreak is slowing.

Cuomo told reporters at his daily COVID-19 briefing in Albany on April 10 that, even as the death toll soared, things like the falling number of both hospital admissions and patients needing intensive care show that social distancing and other strategies are having an impact.

Where do we go from here? First, keep doing what were doing. Stay home because that works, Cuomo said. We are flattening the curve, we must continue to flatten the curve.

The bad news is we continue to lose a tremendous number of lives, Cuomo said, adding, What we do will affect literally life and death for hundreds of people.

In announcing the now contested school closure extension, de Blasio said online education would continue, with new solutions to help students, their families, and teachers.

We will complete deliveries of internet enabled digital devices for every student who needs them for remote learning, de Blasio said, adding that these arrangements are expected to be finalized before May.

The mayor said the Education Department would launch more creative programming to engage students more effectively, among other measures.

Remote learning isnt easy. Our parents need information and IT support as fast as they can get itwell be expanding our parent help line and tech support hours and increasing staffing to meet our families needs, he said.

New Yorks public school system shifted to remote learning on March 23.

COVID-19 has been challenging for every New Yorker, but its been especially difficult on our kids. Theyre resilient, but this is traumatic. Too many of them have lost someone they love. Each of them has lost normalcy. Everything we do next for our schools will be for them, de Blasio said.
Easter offers a message of hope in people's darkest hour," Pope Francis said, as he celebrated a late-night vigil Mass Saturday in St. Peter's Basilica, with the public barred because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pontiff in his homily likened the fears of current times to those experienced by Jesus' followers the day after his crucifixion.

"They, like us, had before their eyes the drama of suffering, of an unexpected tragedy that happened all too suddenly,'' Francis said.

They had seen death and it weighed on their hearts. Pain was mixed with fear" about their own lives. Then, too, there was fear about the future and all that would need to be rebuilt. Francis added: For them, as for us, it was the darkest hour.

Easter vigil Mass in the basilica is among the Vatican's more evocative ceremonies. Celebrants enter in darkness, except for candlelight. The pontiff holds a tall Easter candle, which is lit for him.

Then the basilica's lights are turned on, in a sign of joy. But this night, when the basilica was illuminated, all its emptiness was painfully visible, and the footsteps of the pope and his small entourage on the marble floor could clearly be heard as they walked in slow procession toward the altar.

Francis encouraged faithful to sow seeds of hope, with small gestures of care, affection of prayer.

"Tonight we acquire a fundamental right that can never be taken away from us: the right to hope,'' Francis said.

Still, he acknowledged the difficulty of obtaining optimism, saying as the days go by and fears grow, even the boldest hope can dissipate. Describing the Easter message as a message of hope,'' Francis urged Christians to be messengers of life in a time of death."



During Easter vigil Mass, adults converting to Catholicism are baptized by the pope, but the pandemic containment measures forced elimination of that tradition during the ceremony.

Earlier on Holy Saturday, the Turin Shroud, a burial cloth some believe covered Jesus, and which was associated with a 16th-century plague, was put on special view in a chapel in that northern city, through video streaming to inspire hope during the coronavirus outbreak.

Francis hailed the initiative by the Turin archbishop, saying making it visible meets the requests of the faithful who are suffering through the COVID-19 outbreak.

The linen, kept behind bulletproof glass in a Turin chapel, is shown to the public only on very special occasions.

In the 16th century, Milan's archbishop, the future St. Charles Borromeo, intensely desired to pray before the shroud while that city was ravaged by plague.

The Duke of Savoy, in 1578, decided to bring the burial cloth of Christ from Chambry, in France, to Turin, according to a Vatican account of that period.

Charles made the pilgrimage to Turin on foot, praying and fasting during the journey.

Skeptics say the linen bearing the figure of a crucified man is a medieval forgery. Believers regard it as one of Christianity's most awe-inspiring reminders of Jesus' crucifixion.

The cloth belongs to the Vatican, which has allowed its scientific testing.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Washington

The coronavirus pandemic is ravaging the U.S. Postal Service, with mail volume down by nearly a third already compared to same time last year and dropping quickly, as businesses drastically cut back on solicitations, advertisements and all kinds of letters that make up the bulk of mail service's bottom line.

The falloff comes even as package delivery has surged  but not by nearly enough to offset the losses from mail volume.

The result, the Postal Service told Congress on Thursday, is a multibillion-dollar financial shortfall that could cause one of the government's oldest and most reliable entities to run out of cash by the end of September and throw regular delivery into doubt at a time when Americans may still be trapped at home.

Megan J. Brennan, the postmaster general, told lawmakers on the House Oversight and Reform Committee on Thursday that the agency believed it would need $25 billion in federal grants to cover lost revenue from the pandemic, plus an additional $25 billion to update aging infrastructure. Another $14 billion is needed to pay off long-term debt related to the Postal Service's retirement benefits program along with $25 billion in unrestricted borrowing authority to weather the rapidly unfolding crisis, she said, according to officials familiar with the information she shared privately, who described it on condition of anonymity.

Even with an increase in online shopping and package delivery to Americans cooped up at home, the agency could see a 50 percent reduction in total mail volume by the end of June, compared to the same period last year, Brennan told lawmakers. Postal officials fear a sizable portion of that lost mail may never return.

In total, the Postal Service anticipates losing $13 billion in revenue this fiscal year because of the pandemic and another $54 billion in losses over 10 years.

"They are chilling numbers," said Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, D-Va., who leads the House subcommittee responsible for the Postal Service. "The reaction of a lot of my colleagues  their jaws were dropping. It is one thing to say the Postal Service is suffering. It is another to hear these specifics."

As Congress spends trillions of dollars to try to save private businesses with loans and grants, the Postal Service has emerged as an unusual sticking point, bogged down by a long-running debate over its future.

The agency does not normally use taxpayer money, but has struggled in recent years under mounting debt.

House Democrats are ready to give the Postal Service most of what it is asking for. But President Donald Trump has so far rejected direct relief, repeatedly saying the Postal Service could solve its own woes simply by raising prices on packages delivered for big online retailers like Amazon.

Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, squashed a bipartisan attempt to send the agency emergency funds last month, insisting instead that his department be given new authority to lend up to $10 billion to the Postal Service on terms it helps set.

Brennan told lawmakers Thursday that the agency was already in talks with the Treasury about the potential loan, but its revenue predictions suggest that money would not be enough if the crisis continues.

For now, the mail service, which operates under government-mandated service requirements, has continued uninterrupted.

Even as scores of its more than 600,000 person workforce have fallen ill and some have died, mail sorters and carriers have continued to walk their routes in every corner of the country, in many cases the only physical lifeline Americans now have to the outside world.

They deliver medicines, election ballots, coronavirus test kits and packages ordered online.

But the administration's position has fanned fears among some lawmakers, postal union representatives and others who rely on the service that Trump administration officials are willing to let the postal network essentially go bankrupt to force its leaders to accept an overhaul to the postal business model that many conservatives have long sought  one that could limit delivery service and aid commercial competitors like FedEx and UPS.
The management team and the entire membership of Literacy Ambassadors Ghana (LAG ) wish to congratulate Mrs. Jemima Marian Akua Adzroe who has been appointed as the General Manager of E P Church Schools in Ghana.

As an organization that is into literacy-related issues among the citizenry especially among pregnant women and basic school pupils, your appointment came as no surprise to us since we are of the firm belief that you have all the wherewithal to perform the huge task that lies ahead of you as a result of this appointment to the superlative.

Again, we are extremely convinced that your natural qualities of seriousness, selflessness, hard work, determination, passion for academic excellence, team spirit and commitment to duty will enable you to immensely discharge the expected positive transformation of the country's E P Education Unit and thereby making it one of the best in Ghana and beyond.

As someone who on many occasions directly has been part of our literacy promotion activities among learners.

It is our optimum hope that you will do your best in formulating new policies that will be aimed at promoting literacy among all pupils attending E P schools across the country.

It is a fact that the majority of our Ghanaian school pupils cannot read and understand English coupled with great challenges in writing legibly.

Children's success or failure begins in the early childhood years.

It is, however, unfortunate that in our country over the years only a little attention had been given to Kindergarten Education.

Poor foundation at the first levels of education are the major causes of low literacy and numeracy in the primary school level and this permeates through to Junior High School and so on.

It is again highly evident that this denies most pupils the opportunity to develop cognitive and psycho-social skills which are indeed the very ingredients that build solid pillars of literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills.

It is our fervent prayer, the good Lord who appointed you to this highest office within the E P Education Unit, will continue to guide, direct, protect, strengthen, encourage, and inspire you throughout the period of your office.

As a literacy organization, we are extending our unflinching support in your quest to help address issues concerning literacy in the EP Schools across the country.

Our expectation is you committing to a vision in which anything less than 100% functional literacy in EP Schools is unacceptable and thereby sweeping away the saying that if you want to hide something away from the Black man then put it in a book.

Prior to her appointment, Mrs. Marian Adzroe was the Headmistress of Ho- Kpodzi E P Basic A" school and the founder and director of Erijem Institute in Ho.

Once again, Congratulations!
The day coronavirus became the number one cause of death among Americans, US president Donald Trump appeared to confuse the viral disease with a bacterial infection which could be treated with antibiotics.

In a meandering address to journalists on Friday which lasted over two hours and veered between incomprehensibility and flippancy, the president pondered the nature of the deadly virus, which he described as a very brilliant enemy, and a genius.

Despite the grave threat Covid-19 poses to the global economy, Mr Trump revealed the deficiency in his understanding of how the disease spreads and how it may be treated.

Asked by a journalist about the level of testing for the coronavirus across the US, the president answered: This is a very brilliant enemy. You know, its a brilliant enemy. They develop drugs like the antibiotics. You see it. Antibiotics used to solve every problem. Now one of the biggest problems the world has is the germ has gotten so brilliant that the antibiotic cant keep up with it.

"And they're constantly trying to come up with a new  people go to a hospital and they catch  they go for a heart operation  that's no problem, but they end up dying from  from problems. You know the problems I'm talking about. There's a whole genius to it."

He added: Were fighting  not only is it hidden, but its very smart. Okay? Its invisible and its hidden, but its  its very smart.

Though it is unclear whether Mr Trump was directly suggesting the disease may once have been treatable with antibiotics, the presidents allusions to antibiotic resistance are misguided. As the World Health Organisation states: Antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria.

On its page titled Myth Busters, the organisation advises: The new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment.

However, if you are hospitalised for the 2019-nCoV, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.

Philosopher and author AC Grayling tweeted: Trump doesnt know that antibiotics target bacteria not viruses. Covid-19 is a virus. Trump is an idiot. He is a dangerous idiot.

Biologist and University of Hertfordshire and Anglia Ruskin University lecturer Dr Mark DArcy said: Trump showing that despite being briefed every day about the pandemic for weeks now, he still doesnt know the difference between a virus and bacteria!

UCL lecturer and author Brian Klaas wrote: As the US outbreak approaches 20,000 deaths, Trump appears to believe that the coronavirus is a bacterial pathogen. The coronavirus is  it may surprise you to find out  a virus.

Walter Shaub, the former director of the US governments Office for Ethics wrote on Twitter: Trump says that this germ, meaning the virus, is especially brilliant because it cant be stopped by antibiotics, which work only on bacteria and not viruses. Now might be a good time to tell the people close to you that you love them.

Concern over Mr Trumps daily press briefings, which often last several hours, is building as support over his handling of the crisis is crumbling.

Though Mr Trumps approval rating spiked as the first cases of coronavirus arrived in the US, his numbers have dwindled back to their pre-virus levels amid apparent concern over the governments response to the pandemic.

American approval of the president on his handling of Covid-19 dropped six points from last week (48 per cent) to 42 per cent this week, according to an Ipsos/Reuters poll.

On Friday the US became the first country in the world to record more than 2,000 deaths from the disease in a single day.

More than half a million US citizens are now infected, and it is estimated America could soon surpass Italy to become the country with the greatest total number of coronavirus deaths worldwide.

US President Donald Trump talks to journalists during a White House briefing on coronavirus on Friday (Reuters)

On Friday, Mr Trump caused further confusion when asked how soon restrictions on the US could be lifted.

I want to get it open as soon as we can. We have to get our country open, Mr Trump replied.

Asked what metrics he would use to make that assessment, according to the official White House transcripts, Mr Trump responded: The metrics right here. (Points to head.) Thats my metrics.

He added: Thats all I can do. I can listen to 35 people. At the end, I got to make a decision.

And I didnt think of it until yesterday. I said, You know, this is a big decision. But I want to be guided. Im going to be guided by them. Im going to be guided by our Vice President. Im going to make a decision based on a lot of different opinions. Some will maybe disagree, and some Id love to see it where they dont disagree.

Will there be risks? Theres always going to be a risk that something can flare up. Theres always going to  look, look at whats happening where countries are trying to get open and theres a flare-up and theyll go. But Id like the flare-up to be very localised so that we can control it from a local standpoint without having to close.

Its  its  theres always a risk. This is a  this is genius that were fighting. You know, were fighting this hidden enemy, which is genius. Okay? Its genius, the way its attacked so many countries at so many different angles.
Islamabad, April 11 : Pakistan's National Command and Operation Centre on COVID-19 directed all provincial governments to reopen their airports to avoid chaos in Islamabad, it was reported on Saturday.

Since the provincial governments closed their airports in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, all flights bringing Pakistanis from abroad were landing at the Islamabad International Airport (IIA), reports Dawn news.

During the last few weeks, a large number of Pakistanis returned from different parts of the world, including Europe, the US and the Middle East.

The Foreign Office informed the capital administration prior to the arrival of the Pakistanis for arrangements to keep the passengers at quarantine centres as a precautionary measure against the spread of the virus.

Officials said as the number of passengers kept increasing, the number of quarantines increased to 14 with a maximum capacity to keep 600 people.

A few days ago, the capital administration informed Foreign Office that it had turned a maximum number of suitable buildings into quarantine centres.

No more suitable buildings were found for quarantining the Pakistanis returning from abroad.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Hamza Shafqaat told Dawn news that the provincial airportswill reopen by April 13.

He adding there was no flight arriving in the capital on April 10 and 12. However, three flights are scheduled to land in the capital on April 11 with 200 passengers.

Pakistan has so far confirmed 4,892 coronavirus cases, with 78 deaths.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 08:40:14|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, April 11 (Xinhua) -- A total of 2,305 people in 1,883 cases had been prosecuted in China over criminal offenses related to the COVID-19 epidemic, said the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP).

Among them, 25 people were indicted for impairing infectious disease prevention, 556 for obstructing official duties, 162 for manufacturing or selling fake or inferior products such as substandard drugs or medical equipment, 21 for engaging in illegal business operations including price gouging and 330 for damaging wildlife resources such as hunting illegally, killing or selling precious or endangered wild animals and their byproducts, the SPP said.

Other violations include intentional injuries, fraud and the fabrication and intentional transmission of false information, it added.
Detroit, April 11, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DETROIT, Apr. 11, 2020  DTE Energy is preparing for severe weather that is forecast for Southeast Michigan on Monday, potentially causing a significant number of power outages. These are challenging times, and the health and safety of DTE customers and employees is the companys top priority. Crews are on standby and are ready to respond should high winds cause outages. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, DTE is taking extra measures to keep people safe, including wearing face masks where appropriate, training employees and contractors on proper hygiene, practicing social distancing and washing equipment between jobs. DTE asks if people see crews in their neighborhoods, to please stay at least six feet back.

As DTE crews are preparing resources and gearing up, take a moment to get prepared yourself:

Charge all mobile devices now and have extra battery packs on hand

Assemble an emergency kit, including flashlights, candles, a battery-powered radio, bottled water and non-perishable food

To keep your refrigerated and frozen food safe if there is an outage, please review this link for more information.

If power goes out:

Stay at least 20 feet away from a downed power line and be sure to keep family and pets away. Do not drive over downed lines, and know what to do if one falls on your vehicle .

and be sure to keep family and pets away. Do not drive over downed lines, and know what to do if one Never use a portable generator inside your home. It emits carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. Keep it outside, away from windows and doors so the fumes wont come in.

It emits carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. Keep it outside, away from windows and doors so the fumes wont come in. Find more safety tips at dteenergy.com/safety .

Customers can use the DTE Energy Mobile App or visit outage.dteenergy.com to report an outage or downed wire, view the outage map and check the status of the outage. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, please refrain from calling the customer service line at 800.477.4747 unless its an emergency (such as a downed power line). Thanks to DTEs smart grid technology, the system operators will be aware of all outages and will deploy crews accordingly. Follow DTE on Facebook and Twitter for the latest information.

About DTE Energy

DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric company serving 2.2 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.3 million customers in Michigan. The DTE portfolio includes energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects; renewable natural gas; natural gas pipelines, gathering and storage; and energy marketing and trading. As an environmental leader, DTE utility operations will reduce carbon dioxide and methane emissions by more than 80 percent by 2040 to produce cleaner energy while keeping it safe, reliable and affordable. DTE Electric aspires to achieve net zero carbon by 2050. DTE is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com, twitter.com/dte_energy and facebook.com.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 30

Trend:

Another provocation of Armenian armed forces has been suppressed on the state border of Azerbaijan with Armenia, Trend reports citing the State Border Service.

Armenian armed forces near the villages of Boganis and Voskevan of Armenias Noyemberyan region using large-caliber weapons, started intensively shelling the residential houses and vehicles for transporting citizens in Gushchu Ayrim village of Gazakh region starting from 17:30, March 30.

Armenian provocations were averted, and the positions of the Armenian armed forces, which opened fire on Azerbaijani settlements and civilian vehicles, were suppressed by return fire.

The military situation is under the control of border military points.

The information spread by Armenian media about the alleged violation of the ceasefire by Azerbaijani border military posts is not true, said the State Border Service. Azerbaijani units did not open fire on the settlements of Armenia.
A Delhi court has sent to one-month judicial custody Jammu and Kashmir Police officer Davinder Singh, who was arrested while ferrying two Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terrorists in a vehicle on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway earlier this year

New Delhi: A Delhi court has sent to one-month judicial custody Jammu and Kashmir Police officer Davinder Singh, who was arrested while ferrying two Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terrorists in a vehicle on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway earlier this year.

Special Judge Ajay Kumar Jain sent Singh to judicial custody till 6 May after he was produced before the court on Friday on expiry of his 30 days' custodial interrogation by the Delhi police.

The police told the court the accused was not required for further interrogation.

The court also sent three other co-accused arrested in the case  Javed Iqbal, Syed Naveed Mushtaq and Imran Shafi Mir  to judicial custody.

The police requested the court that all accused be sent to judicial custody as they may flee or hamper the probe if let free, defence advocate Prashant Prakash said.

DSP Davinder Singh was suspended from the Jammu and Kashmir Police in January this year.

The Special Cell had brought Singh to Delhi from Hira Nagar Jail in Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier, the police had told the court that Syed Naveed Mushtaq and others were planning to execute terror attacks in Delhi and other parts of the country as well as targeted killings of protected persons.

The police said Mushtaq, the commander of Shopian district of Hizbul Mujahiddeen, used to chat with the other co-accused and militants through various internet platforms, including dark net chat.

"Mushtaq, along with other militants of Hizbul Mujahideen, was planning to execute terror attack in Delhi and other parts of the country and targeted killings of protected persons," the police told the court.

The Delhi Police has filed an FIR under Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The FIR said the youths of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab are being trained for carrying out terrorist activities.

The FIR also mentioned the mafia's D Company and Chhota Shakeel. According to the FIR, the Delhi Police Special Cell had received an input that the D Company, run by fugitive Indian underworld kingpin Dawood Ibrahim, is funding pro-Khalistan terrorist organisations in Punjab.

Davinder Singh was taken in custody under the same FIR.

The Special Cell had also interrogated Singh regarding the Khalistan angle, police said.

Although Singh is not named in the FIR, the Special Cell has some inputs on the basis of which the enquiry will be carried out and he will be questioned, the police had said.
The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen announced Wednesday that its forces would begin a cease-fire starting Thursday, a step that could pave the way for the first direct peace talks between the two sides that have been at war for more than five years. As The Huffington Post reports, in a statement carried by Saudi Arabias official state news agency, a Saudi military spokesman, Col. Turki al-Malki, said that the ceasefire would last two weeks and that it comes in response to U.N. calls to halt hostilities amid the coronavirus pandemic. He said the ceasefire could be extended to pave the way for all the parties to discuss proposals, steps, and mechanisms for sustainable ceasefire in Yemen ... for a comprehensive political solution in Yemen.

There was no immediate reaction from Houthi leaders or Yemens internationally recognized government to the coalitions statement.

Within hours of the announcement, residents in the contested Yemeni province Marib said a suspected Houthi missile struck a security building in the city center. There was no immediate claim of responsibility or reports of casualties. A Yemeni presidential adviser, Abdel-Malek al-Mekhlafi, blamed the Houthis, saying on Twitter that the attack shows the rebels are fueling war not peace.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who called for a cease-fire in all global conflicts on March 23 to tackle the virus and specifically called two days later for a cessation in Yemen, welcomed the announcement, saying: This can help to advance efforts towards peace as well as the countrys response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He urged Yemens government, which is backed by the Saudi-led coalition, and the Houthis to follow through on their commitment to immediately cease hostilities in response to his March 25 plea and to engage with each other without preconditions in negotiations facilitated by the U.N. special envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths.

Only through dialogue will the parties be able to agree on a mechanism for sustaining a nation-wide ceasefire, humanitarian and economic confidence-building measures to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people, and the resumption of the political process to reach a comprehensive settlement to end the conflict, Guterres said in a statement.

Guterres said earlier this month that warring parties in 11 countries had responded positively to his appeal for a global cease-fire to tackle the virus. Guterres said then that the world faces a common enemy  COVID-19, which doesnt care about nationality or ethnicity, faction or faith.

Heavy fighting in Yemen between coalition-backed government forces and the Houthis killed more than 270 people the past 10 days, government officials and tribal leaders said Wednesday. The two sides are battling over for the key border province of Jawf and the oil-rich central province of Marib. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media, while the tribal leaders did want to be quoted by name out of fear of reprisals.

The flare-up in fighting came at a time Saudi Arabia intercepted a missile targeted at their capital, Riyadh, late last month. The Houthis frequently launch missiles across Yemens border into Saudi Arabia, but its rare that they reach the capital.

The war has proved costly for Saudi Arabia and has damaged its image abroad. The calls for peace come amid a trying time. The country is engaged in an international price war over the cost of oil, having pushed its production higher to try to take back market share from Russia and the United States. International rights groups criticized Saudi Arabia over the conflict and the humanitarian toll. Saudi Arabia is also battling the coronavirus outbreak, with 2,932 confirmed cases and 41 deaths.

Iran, which backs the Houthis, is also facing challenges at home. As the worst-hit country in the Middle East, it has 67,286 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 3,993 deaths.

Al-Malki, the coalition spokesman, said the ceasefire was aimed at building confidence between the two warring parties and to support the United Nations-led initiative to end the war.

Yemen, the Arab worlds poorest nation, has been convulsed by civil war since 2014. That is when the Iranian-backed Houthis took control of the countrys north, including the capital of Sanaa. The Saudi-led military coalition intervened against the Houthis the following year, conducting relentless airstrikes and a blockade of Yemen.

Past attempts at ending the conflict have stalled. A 2018 peace agreement, brokered by the U.N. in Sweden, led to a rough road map to end fighting in the key port city of Hodeida but brought little actual progress.

The talks proposed by Al-Malki would be the first face-to-face peace negotiations among the Saudis, Houthis and government since the war started. In addition to representatives from the two warring parties, al-Malki said a Saudi military team would also be present.

In the past, informal and secretive talks took place inside Saudi Arabia and Oman between the Houthis and Saudis. Both sides blamed the failure of the talks on manipulation by Saudi Arabia or Iran.

The conflict has killed over 100,000 people and created the worlds worst humanitarian crisis, leaving millions suffering from food and medical care shortages and pushing the country to the brink of famine.

Authorities in Yemen have yet to announce a confirmed case of the coronavirus, but experts fear the virus could eventually prove deadly there after the years of devastation by the war.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Apr. 11

By Ilkin Seyfaddini  Trend:

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Uzbekistan's flour imports fell by almost 50 percent and grain imports by 31 percent over the past three months, compared to the same period of 2019, Trend reports citing Uzbek media.

The increase in government procurement prices for grain last year, eventually resulting in stable domestic prices.

This season, it is planned to carry out additional measures to obtain at least 70 quintals of harvest per hectare, the report said.

It is planned to plant potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, salad, peas, mash, beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet pepper, melon crops between the rows of new gardens of 10,000 hectares and vineyards of 9,000 hectares.

On April 3, 2020, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree "On additional measures to support the population, industries and business entities during the coronavirus pandemic".

The outbreak of the coronavirus began in the Chinese city of Wuhan (an international transport hub), at a fish market in late December 2019. The number of people killed by the disease has surpassed 102,000. Over 1.6 million people have been confirmed as infected. Meanwhile, over 376,000 people have reportedly recovered.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11. Some sources claim the coronavirus outbreak started as early as November 2019.

---

Follow author on Twitter: @seyfaddini
A girl studying online at her home in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Phan Duong.

Online lessons for school children have been hacked to send inappropriate messages, and the national child protection hotline has sounded a caution to parents.

In one such message, a girl student was invited to take part in a beauty contest and send four nude pictures taken from different angles to "check for scars" and to suggest what kind of clothes she should wear.

The sender said the contest was for girls aged 12-15.

Nguyen Cong Hieu, deputy director of the hotline (111)s consulting and media services center, said it is possible that the people behind the messages would use the photos to blackmail the sender.

The hotline has also been receiving complaints from parents about their children being told to visit adult websites and social media groups.

Some have lured students to join rings trading illegal products.

There have been cases of hackers breaking into online classes and using inappropriate language and sabotaging the lessons.

Hieu said only schools that had developed their own online tools are able to protect their system and students. Almost all schools that only adopted the online teaching model after the pandemic began and are using free platforms are under threat, he said.

Messages that students left for strangers on Zoom, a conferencing app, have been found after such incidents.

111, which receives an average of 13,000 calls a month, is now receiving a number of calls daily about harassment and disturbance in online classrooms.

The government has yet to decide when schools will resume after almost three months of closure.

The nation is still amid a 15-day social distancing campaign, a partial lockdown, which will end on April 15.
Brussels, 11 April 2020 - President of the Belgian Support Committee for the Sahrawi people, Pierre Galand, has called on the authorities of his country to intervene with Morocco for the release of Sahrawi political prisoners,



Pierre Galand, also president of the European Conference of Support and Solidarity with the Sahrawi people (EUCOCO), in a letter sent Friday to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense of the Kingdom of Belgium, Philippe Goffin, called for the immediate release of the Sahrawi political prisoners jailed in Moroccan prisons.



"We ask you, Minister, to intercede with the Moroccan authorities to release the Saharawi prisoners without delay," said Mr. Galand in the letter.



He added that all governments of the world were fighting against the Covid-19 pandemic and recalled that prisons are at high-risk places where they are seriously exposed to contamination.



According to many NGOs, Sahrawi political prisoners are "victims of arbitrary and illegal detention and their conditions of detention in Moroccan prisons are worsening every day due to a high risk of infection with Covid-19 and ill-treatment to which they are subjected by the Moroccan prison authorities".



The President of EUCOCO reminded the Belgian Foreign Minister of the message of Michelle Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, who declared that governments should immediately release all detainees without sufficient legal basis. (SPS)



062/SPS/T
Sanders' decision to end his campaign - made a month after it became clear he would not be the party's nominee - removes a distracting irritant for Biden. He can now focus his energies on taking on Trump, without having to worry about Sanders attacking him over his support for the 2003 Iraq War or opposition to a government-run healthcare scheme.

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Sanders has yet to whole-heartedly endorse Biden, and is remaining on the ballot to try to push him in a more progressive direction. But the relationship between the two men is nowhere near as toxic as the Sanders-Clinton dynamic in 2016. Sanders regularly describes Biden as his friend and a decent man. He will undoubtedly campaign hard for Biden in the lead-up to election day.

Some Sanders diehards will stay at home in November. But the vast majority will show up to vote for Biden. Negative partisanship - that is, dislike of the opposing party - is the most powerful force in modern American politics. Donald Trump's presence on the ballot will encourage Democrats to turn out in big numbers. They will not be taking victory for granted, as many did in 2016.

Biden can look forward to a warm endorsement from Barack Obama, who remains beloved by most Democrats. And if he picks wisely, his vice-presidential choice should generate enthusiasm among younger and more progressive voters. Biden has vowed to select a woman as his running mate.
GHS 2 Million to the Noguchi Medical Research Institute to support the testing of 10,000 Covid-19 cases;

GHS 2 Million to the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR) to support testing of 10,000 Covid-19 cases; and

GHS 1 Million to the National Public Health Reference Laboratory of the Korle-bu Teaching Hospital to support testing of 5,000 Covid-19 cases.

The remaining amount of GHS3.2 Million has been used to procure 7,000 complete sets of PPEs to frontline health workers and to support other Covid-19 logistical requirements made up of:

Hand Gloves- 7,000 boxes

Coverall- 7,000 pieces

Goggles- 7,000 pieces

Face Shield- 7,000 pieces

Face Mask (Surgical)- 7,000

N-95 Respirators- 7,000

Thermometer- 1,000

An Affiliate member of the Chamber, Rikair Company Ltd, also donated three oxygen concentrators to the Ministry of Health.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Asubonteng stated: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended that increased testing, done quickly and effectively, is a key step in isolating and containing the infection. It is our fervent expectation that this donation will ease the pressure on government and free up much-needed resources for other essential aspects of the national strategy for Covid-19.

You may have heard about the measures individual member companies of the Chamber have put in place to protect our employees, contractors and host community from the infection. These include extensive internal COVID-19 protocols on our operations, as well as donations at the local level to health facilities, local government institutions and community groups.

As a good Ghanaian corporate citizen, even as we seek the promotion of our respective business interests, we at the Ghana Chamber of Mines recognise the need to also identify ourselves with progressive national efforts to protect the people and institutions in our host communities and the nation at large, the Chamber President added.

Mr. Asubonteng stressed the need for Ghanaians to heed the advice of the Ghana Health Service and the medical staff as we put our shoulders to the wheel to safeguard our dear country from the effects of this pandemic.

He further urged individuals and businesses to collaborate with government to ensure that the nation returned to normalcy as soon as possible in order to protect the value chain of both the formal and informal sectors of Ghanas economy.

The mining industry thrives on discipline as well as upholding the health and safety of our employees and host communities; hence we pledge our unflinching support to the government and its experts as we work collaboratively to stop the onslaught of COVID-19.
LONDON (Reuters) - The UK death toll from COVID-19 has risen by 980 to 8,958, health minister Matt Hancock said on Friday, its biggest daily rise to date. The toll exceeded the deadliest day reported by Italy on March 28, the country worst hit by the coronavirus. Hancock urged Britons not to leave their homes over the Easter holidays, during which hot weather is expected.

LONDON (Reuters) - The UK death toll from COVID-19 has risen by 980 to 8,958, health minister Matt Hancock said on Friday, its biggest daily rise to date.

The toll exceeded the deadliest day reported by Italy on March 28, the country worst hit by the coronavirus.

Hancock urged Britons not to leave their homes over the Easter holidays, during which hot weather is expected.

"This Easter will be another test of the nation's resolve," he said at a news conference in Downing Street.

Hancock confirmed that Prime Minister Boris Johnson's health was improving after leaving a three-night spell of intensive care on Thursday.

Johnson, who is being treated for COVID-19, is now able to take short walks, a Downing Street spokesman said earlier.

(Reporting by Andy Bruce and Michael Holden; editing by Jason Neely)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Nearly $200,000 in grants from the Santa Fe Community Foundations COVID-19 Response Fund were distributed to 23 non-profit groups this week, thanks to a large contribution from Anchorum St. Vincent.

Santa Fe-based Anchorum St. Vincent contributed $150,000 to the fund. That money was distributed to Communities in Schools, Esperanza Shelter, The Food Depot, Interfaith Community Shelter, Kitchens Angels, La Familia Medical Center, St. Elizabeth Shelter, Santa Fe Public Schools Adelante Program, Solace Crisis Treatment Center, United Way of Santa Fe County, and Youth Shelter & Family Services.

Meanwhile, the Santa Fe Community Foundation, distributed a total of $57,900 to the Adelante Program, Bernal Community Cener, BioLaw Ethics Institute and Alzeimers Cafe, Habitat for Humanity of Espanola Valley and Los Alamos, Inc., Kids Counseling Inc., Many Mothers, New Mexico Farmers Marketing Association, North American Fabrication Alliance, Santa Fe Farmers Market Institute, The Sky Center, Vegas Vagabonds, Villages of Santa Fe, Youth Shelter & Family Services, and Youthworks.

The awards made this week speak to the power of collaboration among philanthropy in meeting the urgent needs in our communities, Bill Smith, president and CEO of the Santa Fe community Foundation, said in a statement. This weeks grantees are on the front lines meeting the food and health needs in our communities, and at the same time, are working to build bridges that empower individuals, families, farmers, and fabricators of personal protection equipment (PPE) among other critical efforts.

This is the third distribution of money from SFCFs COVID-19 Response Fund. Smith previously told the Journal that the initial grants would go to organizations that addressed food and health issues.

A Friday news release says that the response fund would now direct funding to groups that deal with food security, economic insecurity, and facilitation of education.

Altogether, nearly $320,000 have been distributed to 44 organizations through the COVID-19 Response Fund in the past three weeks, according to a news release. The funds are being distributed to non-profit groups in Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel and Santa Fe counties.
They disappear, leaving their businesses to their fate. The symbolic Atlas who carries the world, shrugs. As a result, the economy collapses, plunging the world into chaos.

This what we are observing right now. The workers do not go to work. Shopping malls are closed. Restaurateurs shut down their premises. Theatres, cinemas, gyms, swimming pools  they all are out of service. Other companies reduce their activities or even go dormant. The global economy freezes. The only difference from the Rands novel that it is not because of the strike but because of a self-defense effort. People want to protect themselves and others against a contagious pathogen. But the result is the same. The collapse of the economy.

The irony of the situation is that no one  including central banks with their easy monetary policy and governments with their fiscal packages  can do anything about it. This is because this is a health crisis. And the only way to win the battle with the coronavirus is social distancing and quarantine. Recession is actually not something we should cry about. We could avoid it, simply letting billions get infected and millions die.

The economic lockdown is our only weapon  unless scientists develop a drug or a vaccine  against the pathogen. In a way, this sounds really heroic: we shut down the economy to protect people, especially elderly, from the invisible enemy. However, poetry is beautiful but can be very expensive  the costs of the shutdown are astronomical, trillion dollars per month.

Nobody knows for sure how deep the recession will be as it depends on how the epidemic will evolve (and how the governments respond)  and no one, not even epidemiologists among themselves, cannot determine it with certainty. Goldman Sachs expects the worlds real GDP to be 1.25 percent, a half of 2.5 percent considered a border line of a global recession. The IHS Markit is more pessimistic and expects only 0.7 percent growth for the world economy.

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And what about the US? The IHS Markit thinks that the American GDP will fall by 0.2 percent in the whole 2020. Goldman Sachs is more pessimistic here: it says that the US GDP will shrink 24 percent in the Q2, which would be 2.5 times bigger than any decline in history, and 3.8 percent for the full 2020.

But all these forecasts might be still too optimistic. After all, the initial figures from China for January and February were much worse than feared. As the chart below shows, in these two months combined, industrial production fell 13.5 percent, well below of expectations of a 3.0 percent decline. Retail sales plunged 20.5 percent, also below expectations of a 4.0 percent contraction. And fixed asset investment collapsed 24.5 percent, much more than anyone thought.

Chart 1: Industrial production in China from March 2019 to January-February 2020

Yes, China imposed more draconian measures than other countries, locking down whole cities and regions. But thanks to these, it has said it already contained the epidemic and would thus enjoy faster recovery than others. Anyhow, a massive negative shock in China in Q1, followed by economic shutdown in Europe, the US and other countries will make this years performance the weakest since the Great Recession or even the Great Depression.

Importantly, the chances of a V-shaped recovery  a sharp decline following by an equally strong rebound  are getting lower. Instead, we should expect a U-shaped recovery or even  in some sectors  a L-shaped recovery, which means that we could stay in recessionary territory longer while the recovery will be weaker.

This is because we are still several weeks before the epidemiological peak, so the shutdown will last for quite a while. Some companies will go bankrupt and not reopen after the end of epidemic. And consumers do not have to be willing to resume immediately spending and businesses hiring and investments as there might be the second wave of infections, especially if the social distancing and quarantine wont work its magic.

Another issue is that all hidden problems that were invisible during the economic expansion and bull market  think about excessive indebtedness and zombie companies  will emerge to the surface and further deepen the recession.

What does it all mean for the gold market? Well, from the fundamental perspective, the gold bulls can open champagne. Unless the antiviral drug or vaccine is developed quickly and in a responsible way, the recession will be more severe than most people realize. And the recovery will come later and would be weaker than many analysts think, especially if the debt problem reemerges. Turning off the economy and turning it back on again is not a piece of cake  its more like restarting a nuclear reactor. Its very easy to make a catastrophic mistake here  unfortunately, some countries will commit some kind of error along the way. It times of such a grave crisis, gold should eventually shine.

If you enjoyed the above analysis and would you like to know more about the links between the coronavirus epidemic and the gold market, we invite you to read the April Market Overview report. If youre interested in the detailed price analysis and price projections with targets, we invite you to sign up for our Gold & Silver Trading Alerts. If youre not ready to subscribe yet and are not on our gold mailing list yet, we urge you to sign up. Its free and if you dont like it, you can easily unsubscribe. Sign up today!

Arkadiusz Sieron, PhD

Sunshine Profits  Effective Investments Through Diligence and Care

Disclaimer: Please note that the aim of the above analysis is to discuss the likely long-term impact of the featured phenomenon on the price of gold and this analysis does not indicate (nor does it aim to do so) whether gold is likely to move higher or lower in the short- or medium term. In order to determine the latter, many additional factors need to be considered (i.e. sentiment, chart patterns, cycles, indicators, ratios, self-similar patterns and more) and we are taking them into account (and discussing the short- and medium-term outlook) in our Trading Alerts.

This article was originally posted on FX Empire

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The suspected shooter has been identified as Birmingham police Det. Alfreda Fluker

An Alabama police officer is alleged to have shot and killed a woman who was sitting in an unmarked police car with a male detective.

The incident happened late on Friday night in a Birmingham park.

'This is not a press conference that I wanted to give today or any other day, but it's about the facts and the realities of life,'' Birmingham Police Chief Patrick Smith said on Saturday morning.

'It's a press conference about a love triangle gone wrong, something that happened very bad this morning.'

The shooting occurred in the city's Germania Park. When police arrived on the scene, the 43-year-old woman was found inside the unmarked police car, shot multiple times.

A woman was found dead in an unmarked police car Friday night after being shot near Germania Park in Birmingham, Alabama

She was taken to UAB Hospital's Trauma Center where she was pronounced dead early Saturday.

The victim has not yet been named, however she had been in the unmarked police car with a police detective, who was not on duty at the time. The detective was not injured.

The suspected shooter has been identified as 39-year-old Alfreda Fluker who was also a Birmingham police detective.

A 'love triangle' led to a deadly shooting that left a 43-year-old woman dead and Birmingham police Det. Alfreda Fluker, 39, charged with capital murder

Fluker, who had worked for the department for 15 years as part of the force's Crime Reduction Team was off-duty at the time of the incident.

'We've spent all of this night tracking down everything that we possibly could on this case, making sure we have all of the evidence, and that we were tracking the right person and bring the right person into custody,' Chief Smith said.

'We followed every protocol to make sure we were doing everything the right way and even it when it leads to one of our own, we're going to make the tough call and take the right actions,' Smith said.

Fluker was arrested shortly before 7am Saturday at her home in west Birmingham.

She is being questioned and will then likely be charged with several crimes including capital murder.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's State Bureau of Investigation is now in charge of the investigation of the case.

A male off-duty BPD detective who was present at the time of the killing was not injured

Smith told AL.com that he was unsure of the exact relationship between the two officers and the woman who was killed

'It's something that's been going on for a little while but without our knowledge,' he said.

'Today has been a very difficult day for the Birmingham Police Department as we've investigated and watched this tragic event unfold and three lives have been forever changed,'' the department said in a statement. 'Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the victim and her family.'
California's shelter in place has prompted concerns about a rise in domestic violence cases in some Bay Area counties, local officials said.

In Santa Clara County, doctors at Stanford Health have noted what seems to be an uptick in incoming ER patients, despite that in general, the number of non-COVID-related emergency room patients has substantially declined, from between 30% and 40%.

"In a trend, talking to colleagues, is that there has been a significant increase in domestic violence, and concerning things about child abuse and just family units that otherwise are not used to, or [not] meant to be together," said Dr. Alexei Wagner, assistant director of Adult Emergency Medicine at Stanford. "That's been a very unfortunate and sad externality of the COVID virus, really seeing a lot of this domestic violence, with alcohol use increased."

Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office spokesman Sgt. Michael Low confirmed the rise in cases in the South Bay county, telling SFGATE, "domestic violence-related calls and arrests have gone up since the shelter-in-place order was issued."

"Last weekend, we had 14 Sheriffs Office arrests total," he said, "and six of them were domestic violence related (misdemeanor/felony/and violations of court orders/restraining orders)."

Low noted that such cases are being investigated as usual, and officials are providing survivors resource cards with information and offering emergency protective restraining orders. Broadly, the shelter-in-place mandate has seen officers lessen contact with the public to decrease the risk of exposure, but notes, "they're still treating these calls very seriously."

San Francisco officials are seeing a similar picture. Mayor London Breed announced Friday that while in general, emergency calls have decreased, the number of those related to domestic violence has remained constant. From March 17, the day after the stay-at-home order went into effect, to April 8, San Francisco operators received 33,875 emergency calls, of which 448 were related to domestic violence.

In the first week of shelter-in-place, there was a 60% increase in referrals to the Victim Services Division compared to the previous year, according to the San Francisco District Attorney's Office. The following week, there was a 33% decrease in referrals.

Some people sheltering at home may not be in safe environments, Breed said in a press conference Friday. Domestic violence doesn't stop because of a pandemic. Its important we continue to provide support services, so we can help the people who need it the most. I know so many domestic violence survivors out there are thinking about what we are doing as a city to help others who have not been able to escape those very challenging situations.

In partnership with San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin and a local San Francisco real estate developer, the city is offering 20 furnished rooms for the duration of the shelter-in-place period to ensure survivors can be otherwise accommodated while remaining in self-quarantine. The city has also established a text 9-1-1 service for individuals who may not be able to call for help.

In Alameda County, officials are concerned but "have not seen anything alarming in our unfortunate daily reports on domestic violence," said Sgt. Ray Kelly, public information officer for the Alameda County Sheriff's Office.

"I think each jurisdiction is seeing different types of statistics," he continued. "I've been monitoring ours and they seem to be consistent with how they normally are. We've seen a couple cases recently that seemed a little more severe, but I haven't seen a spike."

Still, he said, officials are messaging the community "to text 911, and put out community resources if they don't want to come to law enforcement."

MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE:

Sign up for 'The Daily' newsletter for the latest on coronavirus here.

Alyssa Pereira is an SFGate digital editor. Email: alyssa.pereira@sfgate.com | Twitter: @alyspereira


Oil prices briefly traded higher on Thursday after OPEC+ members, including Russia and Saudi Arabia, reached a preliminary deal to cut oil output.

The deal is to cut oil production by 10 million barrels per day for two months beginning May 1, according to Amenda Bakr, deputy bureau chief at Energy Intel.

The oil producers would then cut production by 8 million barrels per day from July to December and 6 million barrels per day for the period of January 2021 to April 2022.

The agree to Adjust downwards their overall oil output by 10 mb/d, starting on 1 May 2020, for an initial period of 2 months. For the subsequent period from July to December 2020, an adjustment pf 8 mb/d followed by 6 mb/d of total for the period of Jan2021 to April 2022 #OOTT  Amena Bakr (@Amena__Bakr) April 9, 2020

Earlier Thursday, Brent crude gained around 10%, reaching $36.04 a barrel. The commodity was last seen trading down 2.71% at $31.95.

The volatility is expected to continue as the coronavirus outbreak and resulting slowdown in economic activity put downward pressure on oil demand.

In March, the OPEC meeting ended in a Saudi-Russia price war.

On April 2, President Donald Trump applied pressure on Saudi Arabia and Russia to slash oil production. This spurred the Saudis to call for a meeting aimed at reaching a fair oil deal.

The OPEC meeting was still in progress at the time of publication.

Price Action

The United States Oil Fund LP (NYSE: USO) was down 7.26% at $4.98 at the close Thursday, while the Direxion Dly S&P Oil&Gs Ex&Prd Bl 3X ETF (NYSE: GUSH) closed 0.7% higher at $24.51.

Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE: OXY) shares were down 1.48% at $15.36 at the close and gaining back 0.85% in the after-hours session. Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM) shares were down 1.66% at $43.13 at the close and Apache Corporation (NYSE: APA) shares were p 7.97% at $8.20 at the close and gaining another 2.56% in the after-hours session.

Story continues

Related Links:

Oil Market Continues To Leak, Analyst Says It Needs Rebalancing

Oil Prices Rebound, Analyst Says Market Faces Tsunami Of Surplus

See more from Benzinga

 2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
: Kerala Chief Minister



Pinarayi Vijayan has dismissed the allegations of leakage of data regarding COVID-19 patients in the state.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala had on Friday alleged that the LDF government had entrusted a US company with the task of collecting the data regarding the virus infected patients and that it was a violation of their fundamental rights.

The data, collected using government machinary, was being uploaded not in the government server but in that of the foreign company, Chennithala had said.

"This was not a PR company as was alleged. No money was given to them for the services being rendered. It is an NRK- run company which is helping the state," Vijayan told reporters here.

The data would be on an Indian server, Vijayan said and dismissed the allegation of leakage.

Chennithala had slammed the government saying that such secret data is considered as 'protected health information' by other countries and handing it over to a foreign private agency was a "serious" issue, he said.

"The ward-level committees, set up by the government for the anti-coronavirus fight, was collecting information in this regard and uploading it in the server of the private agency," the Congress leader had alleged.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Photo for illustration (Source: baoquocte.vn)

Vietnam has reported only more than 250 COVID-19 cases and no fatalities. More than half of those infected have recovered.



According to the article, during Tet - the Lunar New Year Festival, which is the most important celebration in Vietnamese culture, held at the end of January this year - Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc attended a government meeting declaring war on the coronavirus.



Rather than embarking on mass testing, Vietnam focused on quarantining infected people and tracking down those they had been in contact with.



Apart from this aggressive tracing, other measures adopted include compulsory quarantine and the conscription of medical students and retired doctors and nurses.



The article said that anyone arriving in Vietnam from a high-risk area was quarantined for 14 days. All schools and universities were closed at the beginning of February.



Vietnams success in containing COVID-19 depends in part on the mobilisation of medical and military personnel, and surveillance.



Security officials can be found on every street, every neighborhood, and every village. The military is also deploying soldiers and material in the fight against the coronavirus, it said. About 800 people found sharing fake news on the virus have been fined.



In addition, the article also quoted Carl Thayer, a professor at the University of New South Wales Canberra, as saying that Vietnam is a mobilisation society and the Vietnamese Government is good at responding to natural disasters./.
Do you run or manage a business that has employees? Then you should watch New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's daily press conference.

Let's not get political. Let's not talk left or right, Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative. Let's not get into the personalities, the aspirations, the agenda. Let's just focus on why the CEO of New York State is so effective at communicating. Where he stands on minimum wage isn't important right now. How he's handling the current pandemic that's turned his state into a world hotspot is.

I've been watching his press conferences on YouTube every day, usually in the early evening after work. I look forward to them. I'm not a New Yorker. I'm a business owner, and I like to see how effective leaders communicate their leadership effectively. Cuomo does that in five ways.

Related: 5 Things Advertisers Should Consider Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

1. He begins with, and then consistently refers to, objective data

Someday (probably soon), we (and he) will argue the accuracy of that data. But it's all he's got, and it's prepared by big firms and smart people to help him make decisions. Successful leaders use data to help them make  and justify  their decisions. Cuomo focuses on the number of infections, hospital admissions, ICU admissions, hospital discharges and deaths. It's not pretty, but truthful data never is. He's not afraid to share it. We shouldn't be, either.

2. He simplifies complex problems

I've learned that large problems are solved by breaking them into smaller problems and then attacking them. Cuomo's large problem is avoiding a collapse of his healthcare system. The smaller problems that make up the large problem is providing enough beds, staff and supplies. He's delegated those three smaller problems to teams to fix, and then he reports on progress, using data (see above) to the public every day. Anyone who watches his daily press conferences can get their arms around the challenges he faces, because he makes those challenges simple to understand. Good leaders do the same for their teams.

3. He repeats himself

Ask any advertising executive, and they'll tell you that a typical consumer needs to see an ad something like seven to 10 times before they remember it. Cuomo knows this. That's why every press conference is organized the same, and it's why he repeats himself on a daily basis. Just watch him for a few days, and you'll be familiar with words like and "apex," "plateau" and "ventilators, ventilators, ventilators!" He'll remind us about social distancing and that "Most people will get sick. Most people will get sick and stay home and have some symptoms. Thats 80 percent. Twenty percent will get sick, need hospitalization, theyll feel better and theyll leave." He does this almost every time, repeating words. Repetition is essential in any good communication.

4. When he gives opinions, he says so

During almost every press conference, Cuomo gives his opinion, but he saves it for a specific section and precedes his comments with a statement along with an accompanying PowerPoint slide that says "personal opinion." He does this because he knows that besides facts and policy, people want to know where their leaders stand on an issue, whether they agree or not. Good leaders aren't afraid to stick their neck out and say so. But there's a right time and place, so Cuomo holds back and waits for that time in the news conference. By the way, his opinion never criticizes other people. It's just his take on the situation and what needs to happen.

Related: What COVID-19 Means for Ecommerce Startups

5. He makes it personal...and inspirational

Anyone who watches his press conferences now knows about "Matilda's Law," a protective order for people over 70 in the state of New York in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Matilda is his mom. He frequently mentions his family, his pets, his brother (who himself was infected with the coronavirus) and his deceased father. He likes to draw parallels to history, include quotes from other famous leaders like FDR and remind New Yorkers (his primary audience) just how great they are. He does this in a very honest and relatable manner. It connects him to his audience and makes him seem more genuine, and it's also the reason why my wife threatens to divorce me and marry him! Regardless, being personal and inspiring is important for a leader trying to move his followers towards an objective.

We'll have lots of memories about these trying times, but one of my biggest will be sitting down with my wife, every day, to watch Andrew Cuomo's press conferences. I don't just do it to get news about the pandemic. I do it to learn how to be a better communicator and leader.

Related:

Fight for Your Franchise Challenge, Week 2: Getting in the Mindset for Success

Reflections While #StayingHome: The MENA's Response To The COVID-19 Pandemic Has Measured Up

4 Ways AI Is Making the World a Safer Place



Copyright 2020 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

KABUL (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 12th April, 2020) The Taliban's governor for the central Maidan Wardak Province in Afghanistan was killed in an airstrike, the Defense Ministry informs.

"The Taliban's governor Hamza, who was known as Wali Jan, was killed in an airstrike by Afghan forces, along with 5 friends and 8 other Taliban injured," the ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

The Taliban denied the Afghan defense ministry's claims.

"The martyrdom of the governor of the Islamic Emirate for Maidan Wardak is not realistic. I contacted to the governor, he was alive and healthy," Taliban spokesman Mujahid said in a statement.

The ministry of defense did not specify the exact location and time of the airstrike, or the district where it took place.

On Saturday, the Afghan military said that three Taliban militants had been killed and four more suffered injuries after an airstrike in the southern province of Zabul.

According to the Afghan National Army's 205th Corps, Mullah Abrar, a Taliban commander, was among those killed in the airstrike.

Also on Saturday, Afghan National Police officers killed a Taliban commander and two of his associates in a preemptive attack in the country's western province of Farah, a statement from local police said.

Local Council Member Dadullah Qani told Sputnik that the killed Taliban operative Noor Ahmad, who went by the name Osama, was a key figure in the regional branch of the Taliban and had regularly planned and carried out attacks on Afghan forces in the region.

Clashes in Afghanistan continue despite the signing of a peace deal between the Taliban and the US on February 29. The agreement was set to pave the way for the beginning of intra-Afghan talks between the militant group and the government, following a mutual release of prisoners.
China irresponsibly tried to keep a lid on the outbreak instead of openly sharing critical information to better prepare the world for the disaster that was looming.

The end of World War II in 1945 marked the dawn of a new world order, the liberal rules-based order, developed, controlled and dominated by the United States of America. The post-war period provided America with the opportunity to convert their desires for an open, stable and according to some friendly world order into a reality. This system has predominantly presided over the rules of engagement in the international system until today.

As this US-centric order took precedence over the world through the post-war 20th Century, a consensus emerged on the need to integrate China into this system.

Proponents for integrating China highlighted the prudence of including a country that accounted for almost a quarter of the human race in the system, arguing that this would ensure Communist China internalises and conforms to the norms that govern the international system.

As the debate ran through the 20th Century, proponents for integrating China outweighed those against, and China was slowly, but steadily, integrated through international institutional capacity into the norms-based liberal system.

Forgoing the merits and demerits of the integration argument, today China is a central part of the international order, deeply enmeshed in its functioning. China accounts for 19.71 percent of global GDP, 12.4 percent of global trade flow, and is central to the functioning of the United Nations. China funds 12 percent of the UN budget and is one of the five permanent members of the UN security council.

China also exerts considerable influence over several other international institutions like the World Health Organization (WHO), with its contributions to the WHO increasing by nearly 52 percent since 2014, amounting to roughly $86 million in both voluntary and assessed contributions.

In 2017, China even helped elect Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as the director-general of the WHO.

This influence over the WHO has caused much intrigue as the novel coronavirus has engulfed the world.

As details have slowly emerged from ground zero in Wuhan, reports have highlighted Chinas complicity in the spread of this pandemic. A study published by the University of Southampton in March 2020 indicates that had China acted three weeks earlier, cases could have been mitigated by 95 percent.

Far from mitigating cases, China did the exact opposite, with officials in Wuhan suppressing information about the initial outbreak, ordering hospitals and laboratories to destroy virus samples, and even stating to the WHO in January 2020 that there was no evidence of human to human transmission.

China also waited till the end of January to put a lockdown in Wuhan. In essence, China irresponsibly tried to keep a lid on the outbreak instead of openly sharing critical information to better prepare the world for the disaster that was looming.

For its part, the WHO followed Chinas line and criticised other countries for taking 'extreme measures' such as closing borders and issuing travel bans for China, while these measures were the need of the hour. Dr Tedros even stated at the Munich Security Conference in February 2020 that China had complete control over the situation and heaped praise on China for buying the world time with their response. The WHO also delayed declaring the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

This course of action by the WHO is in stark contrast to their response during the outbreak of another coronavirus: the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) of 2002.

China addressed both instances in a similar fashion, attempting to silence whistle-blowers, with the WHO on the one hand decisively and swiftly criticising China and recommending travel restrictions in 2002 and on the other miserably failing to do the same in the current situation.

Such a contrast not only undermines the WHO as an independent international institution, but also makes it come across as a mere extension of the Chinese Communist Party.

Chinas tactics have not been limited to the WHO. China has also prevented the UN Security Council from adopting a resolution on COVID-19 which would coordinate the global response against the outbreak and primarily hold China accountable for the outbreak. This inaction of the security council pales in comparison to its efforts during previous global health crises like the Ebola epidemic of 2011.

This complete unwillingness of international institutions to openly criticize China possibly highlights a rebalancing in the global order, marking China's transition from integrating into the international order to now dominating it.

In this new 'COVID-19 global order' there has clearly taken place a transition of norms, contrary to the expected internalisation of norms by China. Signifying that the domination by China is not only institutional but has also infiltrated into the global intellectual arena, with knowledge creators willingly championing the Chinese cause to support their control over the narrative during this outbreak.

The same institutions that were created to enforce the liberal rule-based norms half a century ago now have reconfigured themselves to enforce norms which either seem non-existent or are simply yet to be established!

With China's propaganda machine going into overdrive, the spin doctors from China have sought to push a narrative where the perpetrator is portrayed as the saviour. China has made considerable efforts to publicise its aid blitz to, among others, Spain, Cambodia, Italy and Serbia.

Even though reports from the Netherlands, Turkey and Spain have indicated that aid in the form of testing kits and masks have manufacturing defects.

Nonetheless, China has tirelessly attempted to seize the narrative by publicising notions of its transparency, openness and swiftness in responding to the pandemic.

China has even sought to push conspiracy theories relating to the origins of the virus, going to the bizarre lengths of stating that it could have even originated in the US. It is quite evident that China, by dominating the narrative of the pandemic and providing extensive international publicity of its relief works, has attempted to not only provide itself with a more central role on the global stage but also positioned itself as the 'new leader' in the emerging global order.

Even though the rebalancing of the global order seems possible, what is certain is that the economic repercussions caused by the pandemic will be highly undesirable for China.

The Chinese political economy has faced great criticism both domestically and internationally for its authoritarian blindness hampering its development. Even though China has reduced the contribution of its industry sector to its GDP from 46.2 percent in 2009 to 39 percent in 2019, the industry sector still remains critical to the Chinese economy.

In contrast with recent geo-political instability that slowed down supply chains, the COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented since supply chains in China have halted completely, causing a knock-on effect on manufacturers across the globe. This shock on the global market will likely see a massive restructuring by firms to relocate and localise their production chains to mitigate risk, considerably damaging the Chinese manufacturing sector.

Exacerbating the scenario for the Chinese economy, the pandemic has occurred in the background of a China-US trade war and the rise of global protectionism leading to fears of a hastened decoupling of the global economy, specifically due to the emerging realisation of the risks of doing business in China.

Although early attempts have been made by China to restart supply chains and restore stability, demand has plummeted internally and global demand is expected to decrease with major markets across the world being increasingly affected by COVID-19 with calculations estimating that the global economy will suffer a recession equal to, if not worse, than that of the meltdown in 2008.

Therefore, such circumstances lay the grounds for a massive demand and supply shock to the Chinese economy, placing a major roadblock in Chinas ability to continue rebalancing the global order and dominating the international system in the future.

Gaining a first mover advantage, China was able to use its aggressive posturing and control over international institutions to set the narrative in its favour. However, as the pandemic rages, Chinas gross irresponsibility during the initial stages of its spread, coupled with the WHOs inaction will perhaps come back to haunt the rest of the world.

Once the dust settles on the pandemic, questions will emerge on the role of China and the submissiveness of international institutions, while the world may begin to recover in the next few months it will not forget.

As the Great Plague of Athens in 430 BC set the stage for the eventual fall of democracy in Greece, similarly COVID-19 threatens to devastate the world order. Whether it cements Chinas rebalancing or instead the impending economic fallout in China causes a resurgence of the erstwhile liberal world order, only the sands of time will tell us.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 11/4/2020 (640 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Sometimes, life really can go in full circles.

Michele Christine Anderson was a registered nurse  and a very good one by all accounts  who spent most of her career helping people with dementia and Parkinsons disease at a special unit at the former Foyer Valade in St. Vital (now Actionmarguerite).

Supplied Anderson graduated in 1986.

When she died at 67 on Dec. 7, from Parkinsons (which she had lived with for two decades), she was being cared for in the same unit where, for years, she had looked after so many other people  until illness forced her to leave the job she loved.

"It was just one of those twists of fate," said her husband of 40 years, Tom. "She worked in the specialized unit there and she spent most of her nursing career there. And, with her Parkinsons, she needed to be looked after there at the end."

Between her diagnosis and death, and from when she was born, Anderson packed in a lot of living.

For her 65th birthday celebration, she gave a note to all of her friends detailing her look on life: "Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we should dance."

"In some ways, once she was diagnosed and could no longer work, she started doing what she liked to do," said her daughter, Natalie Blerot.

Supplied Anderson, left, Tom and her family at Tommy Jrs baptism.

"I had no idea she like to paint until she did... She painted a gazillion roosters and most would be customized to the person she was painting it for. For my son, Jacques, a rooster in a hospital bed, hooked up to a Tim Hortons (branded) IV because he loves coffee... She chose a personality or physical trait of the person receiving it."

Much of Andersons artwork was gifted to family and friends, and some for fundraisers for the local Parkinsons society. She also sold her watercolours at Village Antique and the Wayne Arthur Gallery in Winnipeg. Her solo show at the gallery was titled: Mirapex Moments, Art as My Therapy.

Mirapex, a drug used to enhance other medications used to treat Parkinsons, has a side-effect of compulsive behaviour; her family often said Andersons prodigious amount of artwork could be due to its influence.

Anderson was known for her caring spirit, and it came naturally to her when she was still a child in St. Lazare. Born to Christine and Arthur Fouillard in 1952, Anderson was the oldest of nine (four girls, five boys).

Supplied Anderson and her mother, Christine, at her art exhibit at Wayne Arthur Gallery in 2008.

"Family legend has it she was a toddler when she was looking after the young ones in the family," Tom said.

Andersons sister, Mona Motuz, said one summer their mother was so ill, she spent weeks in a Winnipeg hospital.

"She was always pretty much in charge," Motuz said. "They (Anderson and sister Danielle Moreau) kept us in our bathing suits all that summer and kept us outside so they didnt have to clean the house. They fed us hot dogs and buns."

"Today, someone would probably call child care (authorities), but it was a different world," Danielle said. "In the village, there were aunts, uncles, friends and neighbours we could turn to in cases of need. We werent abandoned by our parents."

Supplied Michele Christine Anderson loved to paint roosters.

Danielle said her sister was generous, determined, hard working and empathetic.

"She had a lot of experience as a caregiver at a very young age... She worked as a nurse for about 10 years and managed to become charge nurse, appreciated and respected by the residents, as well as the personnel."

Post-high school, Anderson spent a few years working with the federal immigration department in the basement of the old Winnipeg International Airport terminal. Thats where, in 1978, she met a student hired for the summer who would become her husband a year later.

"It was one of those love-at-first-sight things," Tom recalled. "She was just a real strong and independent type. She had a really great work ethic and she loved helping people."

Supplied Anderson crafting with granddaughter Elsie.

In 1984, with three children in the household, Anderson decided to follow her dream and become a registered nurse. She didnt count on becoming pregnant during the second year of the two-year program.

"It was something she always wanted to do and it was an occupation she was well-suited for," her husband said.

"She wrote her final exam the one day, and had (fourth child) Tom the next day."

Lise Hamelin, former Foyer Valade director of nursing, said Anderson was "the ideal nurse for a director of nursing to have."

Supplied Anderson as a little girl.

"She was very competent. She was a very intelligent person. She was a good leader for the health-care employees who were under her... And she was good with the residents... She knew when to celebrate and she knew when to become serious."

Tom said his wife began seeing doctors after he noticed during their nightly walks she was dragging her foot a bit. It took awhile but, after the process of elimination, the diagnosis of Parkinsons came.

Tom said the first blow for Anderson was having to leave the job she loved  and the second hit just as hard.

"A doctor asked her to put her foot on the floor. She just couldnt. The doctor was quite shocked by that; he said she shouldnt be driving. Thats when we really knew this is something serious. She was still in her forties," he said.

Supplied Anderson, left, and Natalie with the twins, who were born five weeks early. t

"It is a progressive disease. It wasnt a straight-down decline. There were ups and then bigger downs, but she got a lot of living in those 20 years."

Natalie said the family is thankful her mother was able to spend her last days at the place she had loved to work at, in a place where she had her own room and view of the Red River.

"She was there a month. It was a blessing she went there... they were so good with compassionate care."

Besides her husband, Anderson is survived by three daughters, a son, nine grandchildren, her mother, and four brothers and three sisters.

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
A wild hours-long incident on the slopes of Mount Sentinel Friday afternoon involving "multiple crime scenes," seriously injured victims, dozens of law enforcement personnel and a Life Flight helicopter ended with the apprehension of a partially naked male suspect.

University of Montana spokesperson Paula Short confirmed the following narrative, but said the investigation is still underway and the suspect's name has not been released.

University of Montana Police Department, Missoula Police Department and other agency officers swarmed Mount Sentinel just east of the University of Montana campus in the early afternoon after a woman was allegedly physically assaulted and injured near the popular "M" trail. The university sent out an alert warning of a white male suspect, age 30-40 years, dressed in a black shirt and black pants fleeing uphill.

A couple of hours later, police responded to a report near the summit of Mount Sentinel that a group of hikers had been attacked, and somebody in that group had apparently stabbed the suspect. The suspect in both altercations was by then apparently sitting on the ground naked, and a hiker gave him a sweater to wear.

A Life Flight helicopter landed on the mountain and the suspect was evacuated via helicopter to Providence St. Patrick Hospital. Police officers warned that the woman who was originally attacked was also at St. Patrick Hospital and asked that the suspect not be treated near her room.

At least two other hikers were apparently attacked by the suspect and needed medical attention. One had a head wound and could be seen with bandages around his head, and another person complained of back pain after the suspect allegedly threw a rock at him.

"At about 2:30 p.m. this afternoon the call came in to 911 and UMPD about what was originally reported as an injured hiker on the north trail on Mount Sentinel," explained UM spokesperson Paula Short. "That call quickly turned into a report of an alleged assault on the trail."

She said UM then issued a "timely warning" to tell people to stay away from the area.

"Almost immediately after our warning was issued, a hiker that was currently on the mountain reported seeing the suspect and offering some additional information for law enforcement to follow up on," she said. "As they were doing that, our understanding is this suspect proceeded across Mount Sentinel and had been behaving aggressively and encountering other hikers."

Ultimately, at about 4:30, Short said law enforcement were made aware that the suspect encountered a group of hikers and there was an altercation.

"That resulted in some injuries," she said. "I don't have a lot of information on the extent of the injuries other than to say that two people were transported. Others have injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening at this time."

She didn't have any information about any possible weapons. She said law enforcement interviewed all the hikers who came off the mountain in the afternoon. She said they believe the same suspect was involved in both the altercation with the hikers and the assault on the woman based on the physical description given in both encounters as well as the time that elapsed between the two reports.

"We are grateful that our timely warning system at the university proved fruitful both in keeping people away that might have come over to Mount Sentinel and also in this specific case in providing us valuable information about the suspect while still on the mountain from a hiker who received our timely warning on their phone while they were there," Short said. "I also want to thank our local law enforcement partners."

She said officers from the Missoula County Sheriff's Department as well as local firefighters and U.S. Forest Service personnel also showed up to help.

The suspect's condition was unknown as of 8:30 p.m. on Friday.

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Living Streams International (LSI), a Charismatic Christian Church led by the Rev. Drs. Ebenezer and Davina Markwei has donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) worth GHC20,000 to the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LADMA). The donation by the church headquartered in La, is to support the work of frontline health workers and community partners conducting contact tracing in the fight against COVID-19 in Ghana.



The items included N95 respirator masks, infra-red thermometers, disposable gowns, surgical masks, protective eye-wear and hand sanitizers.



Rev. Dr. Davina Markwei, the First Lady of LSI and a Physician who presented the items said, as a health provider myself, I know the risks healthcare workers around the country are facing daily. We believe that the Assemblys efforts can change the course of this pandemic by continuous detection, testing, isolation, treatment and sensitization of the public.



The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Director of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Vera Opata, who received the items was grateful to the church for their gesture and urged other organisations to emulate.

She encouraged Ghanaians to adhere to all the precautionary measures recommended by the Health Authorities to curb the spread of the virus.



Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Markwei, the General Overseer of Living Streams International earlier noted that, the entire church has been moved by the plight of health workers who are sacrificing so much for the welfare of everyone else. He said, even as we commemorate the greatest sacrifice for humanity this Easter season, we salute our courageous frontline health workers who are the embodiment of living a sacrificial calling. I live with two, whose kindness and bravery every day leaves me in awe. We are here to help our heroes.



#lsigives #lsihelpingheroes

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The Taliban have met with the head of U.S. forces in Afghanistan to call for an end to what they say is an increase in American attacks since a peace deal signed in February, allegations the US military denied on Saturday.

A US military spokesman called on the Taliban to stop attacking Afghan security forces and said American troops would continue to come to their aid in accordance with the agreement. He spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

The peace deal is aimed at paving the way for the US to extricate itself from the 19-year war, Americas longest.

The spokesman confirmed that Gen. Scott Miller met with the Taliban as part of the military channel established in the agreement to discuss ways to reduce the violence.

Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen said the meeting was held late Friday in the Gulf nation of Qatar, where the insurgent group maintains a political office. Shaheen tweeted Saturday that the two sides held serious discussions. He said the Taliban called for a halt to attacks against civilians. The US military says it does not target non-combatants.

The US -Taliban deal, touted as Afghanistans best chance at ending decades of war, is holding, but progress toward a broader political settlement has been slowed by squabbling within the Afghan government. That has frustrated Washington and delayed the start of the next phase of negotiations, among Afghans themselves.

The Taliban say they have reduced their attacks on Afghan forces and have not attacked US or NATO troops since the agreement was signed on Feb. 29. Most of the recent Taliban attacks have been against Afghan forces posted in remote areas.

The Afghan government meanwhile said its air force struck Taliban positions in the northeastern Badakhshan province, killing up to 27 insurgents.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahed said civilians were killed and wounded, blaming US and Afghan forces. The US military spokesman declined to respond to the allegation but said that the Taliban often falsely accuse the US of carrying out bombing raids launched by Afghan forces.
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Passover (Pesach) is the most important Jewish holiday dedicated  the Biblical story of Exodus  when God freed the Israelites from 400 years of slavery in Egypt.

When Pesach is celebrated

According to the Jewish lunar calendar, Passover begins on the 14th day of the spring month of Nisan and is celebrated for seven days in Israel and eight outside.

In the Gregorian calendar, the holiday date is calculated each year. This year Passover begins on the evening of April 8 and ends on the evening of April 16.

History of Pesach

It is believed that Passover unites two ancient holidays - day of cattle breeders and day of farmers, and in the biblical period, it became associated with the liberation of Jews from Egyptian slavery.

According to the Holy Scripture, God, in order to free the chosen people, sent ten plagues to the Egyptians: turning the water of the Nile into blood, the appearance of a myriad of frogs, hordes of lice, wild animals, the death of cattle, ulcers, the destruction of the harvest from hail and locusts, continuous three-day gloom and finally the death of the firstborn. Before sending the last of ten plagues to Egypt, God ordered the Jews to slaughter the lambs and mark the doors with their blood. On the night of the 14th of Nisan, the Highest passed the houses of the Jews, on which marks were made, and in the other families, all the firstborn died. After that, Moses led the Jewish people out of Egypt.

Open source

This evening, four responsibilities should be performed: eat matzo, talk about the Exodus from Egypt, drink four glasses of wine and eat maror (bitter greens). People put the best dishes (preferably new) and silver on the table. You cannot start the Seder before the stars appear, however, it is worth setting the table in advance and preparing everything necessary.

Origin of the name "Pesach"

The English word "Passover" is a translation of the holiday's name in Hebrew, Pesach, which means to "skip," "omit," or "pass over". Traditionally the name is believed to have originated with God "passing over" the homes of the Jews when he was killing the firstborn sons of Egypt

Major Passover Seder traditions

Open source

Passover is for everyone: Giving to those less fortunate is the hallmark of Judaism and the Jewish people. Before Passover, funds are collected to ensure that everyone can celebrate the Holiday of Freedom in style.

Leaven Free: As Passover approaches, Jewish people can be found cleaning their houses, cars and offices. This is not a mere spring cleaning; it is a missionto get rid of chametz , anything produced from grain that has risen. Even dishes are either purged or put away for the duration of the holiday, ensuring that no Jew owns or ingests even the smallest bit of chametz.

Reading Haggada - most Popular Hebrew Book: The Haggadah , the text around which the Passover Seder is based, is the most popular book in the history of Jewish printing, having gone through thousands of editions. At its core, the Haggadah tells the story of how God took our ancestors out of Egyptian slavery. Jews tell this story to the children every single year, finding new depth and new meaning in every retelling.

Four cups of wine: Throughout the Seder evening everyone drinks four cups of wine.

Passover lamb: In ancient times, the center of the Passover celebration was the Passover lamb, which was sacrificed in the Holy Temple and then eaten with matzah and bitter herbs as a dessert at the end of the Passover meal. Roman invaders destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem nearly 2,000 years ago, and we no longer bring the sacrifice. Today, Hebrew still eat the matzah and bitter herbs without the lamb, and then eat an extra piece of matzah, known as the afikoman, to remind us of the missing meat.

The only bread allowed on Pesach is matzo

Open source

Matzo is a reminder that the Jews, having finally received the permission of Pharaoh to leave the country, left Egypt in such a hurry that they had to bake bread from a dough that had not yet come up.

In addition to matzo, the essential ingredients are bitter greens (basil, horseradish, lettuce), symbolizing the bitterness of slavery; a mixture of grated apples, dates, nuts, and wine, which resembles clay, from which the Jews in slavery made bricks. Food is dipped in salt water (a symbol of tears and the sea, which the Jews crossed during the Exodus).

Three symbolic components that are not eaten are also put on a special dish (keare): roasted lamb with a bone (sacrifice), a hard-boiled egg (memory of temple services), a piece of any spring vegetable.

Chicken soup with matzo dumplings, stuffed fish and baked meat are often included in the Easter meal.

The meal is ended with the words of greeting: Next year in Jerusalem!

How is Passover different from Christian Easter?

Christian Easter is dedicated to the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is associated with the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt only symbolically; in the form of corresponding biblical texts, read during the Christian Easter service. The sacrifice of the Passover lamb is considered in Christian theology as a type of the voluntary self-sacrifice of Jesus in the atonement of the sins of the world.
As the sons of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, Prince William and Prince Harry grew up in front of the cameras but when they were little they were curious about why the press always followed them. William, in particular, asked about this and his mother had the perfect answer for him.

Read on to find out what the princess said to him about that as well as what she told him about his fathers affair with Camilla Parker Bowles.

Prince William and Princess Diana | Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

What Diana told a young Prince William about why the cameras were around

The cameras constantly hounded Diana from the moment she began dating Charles. That continued after they were married and when they had children. Some have compared the press constant attention on the princess as stalker behavior and when William was small he took notice.

When he asked his mother why the cameras were always following them, Diana tried to put his mind at ease by telling him that they were all there for her, not him.

What she told William about Prince Charles affair with Camilla

While Diana always tried to protect her two boys, she was tasked with having to explain to William why she and Prince Charles were separating. Because he was old enough to read the papers and see the news at that point, Diana knew she had to have a conversation with her eldest son about what was going on.

Prince William and Princess Diana | Rota/Pool/Getty Images

In her bombshell Panorama interview, the princess revealed that she spoke to William about it when she picked him up from school one day.

I went to the school and put it to William, particularly, that if you find someone you love in life you must hang on to it and look after it, and if you were lucky enough to find someone who loved you then one must protect it, Diana recalled saying.

She continued, William asked could I answer his questions, which I did. He said, was that the reason why the marriage had broken up? And I said, well, there were three of us in this marriageAlthough I still loved Papa I couldnt live under the same roof as him, and likewise with him.

Prince Harry said the flashbulbs are the worst reminder of his mothers death

As for Williams brother, Prince Harry, he was only 12 years old when their mother died and its no secret how he feels about the press today.

Princess Diana | Jayne Fincher/Getty Images

Even before he and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex left for America to escape the eyes of the British press, Harry spoke about how the cameras were a reminder of what happened to his mom.

I think being part of this family, in this role, in this job, every single time I see a camera, every single time I hear a click, every single time I see a flash it takes me straight back, he said in the documentary Harry & Meghan: An African Journey. So in that respect, its the worst reminder of her life as opposed to the best.

On Aug. 31, 1997, the paparazzi engaged in a high-speed chase with a vehicle carrying the princess. The car Diana was traveling in ended up crashing into a pillar in the Pont de lAlma road tunnel in Paris. The one thing she always tried protecting her boys from contributed to her death as she died from her injuries several hours later.

Read more: The Heartbreaking Thing Prince Harry Saw Before He Knew Prince Charles Was Cheating on Princess Diana With Camilla
Massachusetts State Police are investigating a single-car crash that killed a Springfield boy, officials said Saturday.

A 2007 Toyota Camry went off Interstate 91 south at mile marker 21.8 in Northampton around 10:30 p.m. Friday, state police wrote in a news release. The Toyota went through the guardrail and down an embankment.

The driver, who state police described as a juvenile, suffered fatal injuries. The boys exact age and name were not released.

No one else was inside the Toyota, state police said.

The crash remains under investigation. No further information was released Saturday morning.
The actor is stranded in his panvel farmhouse

Salman Khan, who is stranded at his farmhouse in Panvel, is spending his quarantine time amidst nature. On Friday, Salman shared a video of his breakfast date with his favourite horse.

The actor took a bite from his horses feed and apparently relished it so much that he chewed up the entire branch. Its damn good ya, he is heard saying.

Salman also took to social media and posted pictures of deserted streets and mosques during the festival of Shab-E-Barat. The Wanted actor lauded people for obeying the instructions of authorities and adhering to the lockdown amidst the COVID-19 crisis in the country.

Wah! Thank u for listening n understanding the gravity of this situation the country is in. God bless n protect each n every 1. #IndiaFightsCorona, he tweeted. Soon after, fans showered Salman with tweets of love and praise. Many wished him on the occasion of Shab-E-Barat. A fan wrote, May Allah protect you and keep you safe, happy, healthy and at peace always. Shab e baraat Mubarakkk.

I am liking the way you are tweeting. Full of positivity and realistic approach at the same time. Love you bhai, wrote another Twitter user.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 11)  Valenzuela City kicks off its own localized targeted mass testing for the coronavirus disease on Black Saturday.

The local government has partnered with The Medical City, which has been given the green light to conduct confirmatory COVID-19 tests after receiving a Stage 5 level accreditation from the Department of Health.

The city currently has 39 confirmed cases, with 537 persons under investigation (PUIs) and persons under monitoring (PUMs).

In a virtual media briefing on Saturday, Mayor Rex Gatchalian said they can conduct 1,000 tests a week using the test kits that can be processed with polyamerase chain reaction (PCR) machines.

Gatchalian said their goal is to finish testing all PUIs and PUMs on April 30, the scheduled end of the extended enhanced community quarantine.

At the end of 20 days, we should have a clearer idea as to how many positives there are in the city. Then yung numbers natin ng PUIs and PUMs will be drastically lower  very very low and baka zero na kasi na-test na sila lahat, Gatchalian said.

The mayor said test results will be available in two to three days. By knowing the actual status of PUIs and PUMs, Gathalian said they can then decide on whether to remove the lockdown currently imposed in some barangays.

So in 48 hours if we know that theyre negative, we remove the lockdown we can divide those resources somewhere else and we dont have to keep delivering food packs to them kasi they can already take care of themselves, Gatchalian said.

According to city pathologist Dr. Amelia Fibra, in PCR tests, three genes of the virus need to be present in the sample to confirm that the subject is positive for COVID-19.

The city government said each test will cost 5,150, with 2,150 as the price of processing the result. Gatchalian said the price is based on World Health Organization estimates.

Aside from PUIs and PUMs, the city will also prioritize the testing of health care workers and returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
US President Donald Trump has said that when to reopen the country's economy that has been crippled by the "invisible enemy" will be the "biggest decision" he will ever had to make, as his administration grappled with the raging coronavirus pandemic.

America's economy, the world's largest, has literally come to a standstill due the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 95 per cent of the 330 million population are under stay-at-home order amid a national emergency in place.

A record number of over 16 million people have lost their jobs due to the ongoing economic crisis in the US, according to latest official figures.

By Saturday morning, more than 18,700 Americans have lost their lives to the deadly coronavirus infection, while over 500,000 people have tested positive. New York City, the global financial capital, has emerged as its epicentre COVID-19 outbreak in the US with over 7,800 fatalities and 1.7 lakh infected cases.

Trump at this daily White House press conference on COVID-19 on Friday said he would take a decision on reopening the country to business activities would be taken at an appropriate time in consultation with his close advisors, including the members of the White House Task Force on Coronavirus.

He, however, did not give a definitive date for this at the briefing which the president has been hosting to provide Americans an update on his administration's ongoing efforts in the war against the "invisible enemy".

Earlier, he was keen on reopening the economy by Easter (April 12) as the businessman-turned politician was reportedly under pressure from his friends on the Wall Street.

I'm going to have to make a decision and I only hope to God that it is the right decision, but I would say without question it is the biggest decision I have ever had to make, Trump said in response to a question.

I've got to make the biggest decision of my life. I've only started thinking about that. I mean I've made a lot of big decisions over my life. You understand that. This is by far the biggest decision of my life because I have to say okay, let's go. This is what we're going to do, Trump said.

Responding to another question, Trump said he has the powers to take a decision on reopening the country.

Mr President, there is obviously a lot of interest in how you are going to make that decision, he was asked.

It is a very big decision. I don't know that I have had a bigger decision than that when you think, right? I mean think of that decision somebody said it is totally up to the president and I saw this morning it is totally up and it is, he said.

I don't know that I have had a bigger decision, but I'm going to surround myself with the greatest minds, not only the greatest minds but the greatest minds in numerous different businesses, including the business of politics and reason, and we are going to make a decision and hopefully it is going to be the right decision, he said.

Trump said he wants to get the country open as soon as he can.

We have to get our country open, he said.

When asked what metrics he will use to make that decision, he said it is in his brain.

That is my metrics, that is all I can do. I can listen to 35 people. At the end I've got to make a decision and I didn't think of it until yesterday. I said you know this is a big decision. But I want to be guided, I'm going to be guided by them, I am going to be guided by our Vice President, he said.

At the briefing, Trump said the US has kept the death rate somewhat under control as previous estimates said between 100,000 to 220,000 people in America may die due to the coronavirus.

"Hard to believe that if you had 60,000 you could never be happy, but that's a lot fewer than we were originally told and thinking. So they said between 100- and 220,000 lives on the minimum side, and then up to 2.2 million lives if we didn't do anything. But it showed a just tremendous resolve by the people of this country," he said.

Trump said it looks like the country was headed to a number substantially below the 100,000 on the death toll front. "That would be the low mark. And I hope that bears out," he said.

He said the American people have been very disciplined.

"It's been my honour to be their President. I've said it before, I'll say it again, I'll say it always: It's been it's been my great honour to have been their President," Trump said.

"And I have a big decision coming up, and I only hope to God that it's the right decision. But it'll be based on the input from a lot of very talented people, very smart people, and people that love our country," the US president added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
US President Donald Trump on Friday announced a new visa sanction norm, providing for visa denial to citizens of countries which either deny or dilly-dally in repatriating their citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump issued the memorandum for visa sanctions, which would be effective immediately and valid till December 31, this year, saying the countries "denying or unreasonably delaying" the repatriation of their citizens would be deemed to be causing "unacceptable public health risks for Americans".

Countries that deny or unreasonably delay the acceptance of their citizens, subjects, nationals, or residents from the United States during the ongoing pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 create unacceptable public health risks for Americans, Trump said in his memorandum.

Addressed to the Homeland Security Secretary and Secretary of State, Trump said the US must be able to effectuate the repatriation of foreign nationals who violate the laws of the United States.

The process in this regard would be initiated by the secretary of Homeland Security who would identify the countries which do not accept America's request of repatriation of their citizens, if that is impeding their operations to the ongoing pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2.

Thereafter the secretary of Homeland Security would notify the Secretary of State.

Within seven days of receiving such a notification, the Secretary of State would impose visa restrictions on such a country, Trump said in his memorandum.

Visa sanctions would be lifted as soon as the Secretary of Homeland Security notifies the Secretary of State that a foreign country has resumed accepting aliens without unreasonable delay who are its citizens, subjects, nationals, or residents when asked to accept those aliens.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Karisma Kapoor, who just made a comeback to acting with the web show Mentalhood, has opened up about her daughter Samairas plans for the future. The actor made it clear that the teenager is still in school and learning the ropes of filmmaking.

On being asked if Samaira would venture into Bollywood, Karisma told Spotboye in an interview, Thats not true. My daughter and her group of friends are interested in films through all aspects of movies, so whether it will be behind the scenes or in front of the camera I still do not know. They are just experimenting now and learning the ropes. So right now there are no such plans per se. Above all, Samaira is very young and still in school. This whole project is like an extra-curricular activity.

The actor said it was up to Samaira to make a career choice and she will never over-encourage or under-encourage her. She added, I do back my children in their decisions. My philosophy is believe in yourself and do things which make you happy.

Samaira, 15, is the daughter of Karisma and ex-husband Sanjay Kapur. She also has a brother, Kiaan Raj Kapur. The star kid is occasionally spotted accompanying her mother to parties but prefers to keep away from the paparazzi.

Also read: Nawazuddin Siddiquis father was disappointed with his choice of roles, told him not to come home as it embarrassed family

Karisma recently made an impressive comeback with Mentalhood, in which she plays a harrowed mother of three kids. Hindustan Times review of the show read, Mentalhood eventually turns out to be an essential crash course in parenting. From how to deal with a bully to grooming a bullied child, it has many takeaways for those with kids. As per the show, parenting emerges to be the delicate art of when to push and when not to. It touches upon how doting moms suffer from emotional insecurity and competitiveness in order to provide the best for their child and make them better than their peers.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
The United Kingdom government assured all social care and NHS staff that the country has the capacity for them to get testing they need for COVID-19. While addressing the daily coronavirus briefing, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said, We have the capacity for all key social care staff and NHS staff who need to get tested to get those tests. He further also urged citizens to stay at home and resist the desire to go outside during the Easter weekend.

Hancock said, However warm the weather, however tempting the beach or park, we need everyone to stay at home. NHS staff are battling day and night to keep desperately sick people breathing and they need you to stay at home. Even if you are not directly involved... there is something that every one of us can do to play your part in the national effort.

READ: UK PM Boris Johnson 'able To Do Short Walks': 10 Downing Street

He further added, Stay at home, because spreading the virus today risks lives tomorrow and increases pressure of those working in the NHS. Do it for them. For it for the people you love.

WATCH: Were ramping up #coronavirus testing. We have capacity for all key social care and NHS staff who need tests, weve opened 15 drive-thru testing centres, and are opening mega labs across the country. pic.twitter.com/AVYBRCcXAQ  Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) April 10, 2020

At the briefing, Hancock was also joined by Ruth May, who is the Chief Nursing Officer for England. May also echoed Hancocks concerns and urged people to abide by the stay at home orders. She asked the citizens to remember the sacrifice that is being made by the NHS workers who were dealing with the emotional and physical toll of fighting the virus.

READ: UK Expects First Batch Of 3 Mn Paracetamol Packets From India Soon

Over 73,000 confirmed cases

Meanwhile, with over 73,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and with nearly 8,958 deaths, the country is planning to extend the lockdown which ends on April 13. Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, said its too early to think about ending the lockdown. Britain is also bracing itself for more deaths from the novel virus in the upcoming weeks.

Furthermore, while outlining the future plans, Raab even said that he chaired a Cobra meeting with senior ministers and representatives from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as well as the mayor of London so that the authorities could take stock and assess. He also said that the government is continuing to gather all of the relevant data to obtain the fullest picture possible of the effects of the social distancing measures. Dominic Raab is currently substituting for Boris Johnson in the cabinet meetings for countrys response to coronavirus outbreak and called it a war cabinet.

(Image source: AP)

READ: UK Confirms 980 Further Virus Deaths

READ: UK Universities Urge Ministers For Emergency Funds To Survive COVID-19
Brethren Village, a Church of the Brethren-related retirement community in Manheim Township in Lancaster County, Pa., reported the deaths of three residents due to COVID-19 as of April 10. As of that date, it reported 11 positive COVID-19 cases: 6 team members (staff), and 5 residents in skilled nursing memory support.

Our deepest sympathies are with the families, said the Brethren Village in a statement posted on a webpage of coronavirus updates.

The community reported its first two cases of COVID-19 on April 1a resident of skilled nursing memory support and a non-caregiving staff member in an administrative role.

On April 4 it reported that two more residents in the same unit of skilled nursing memory support tested positive, and one of those two passed away.

On April 6 the community reported two more positive testsan additional staff member in an administrative role and a CNA in skilled nursing memory support.

On April 8 the community reported the deaths of two residents in skilled nursing memory support who had COVID-19 tests pending. It also reported that two more residents in skilled nursing memory support and two more CNAs in skilled nursing tested positive.

In its posted statements, Brethren Village said it has been taking all necessary precautionsto ensure the well-being of our team members and other residents. We have notified public health officials as required and are following procedures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. We are taking every step as recommended by authorities. Find the Brethren Village COVID-19 updates at www.bv.org/coronavirus-update .

Juniata Colleges Dr. Gina Lamendella, professor of biology at the church-related school in Huntingdon, Pa., has developed a new way to test for COVID-19 in collaboration with the Central Pennsylvania Clinic in Belleville, Pa. Lamendella also is co-owner of Contamination Source Identification (CSI). The new test has been developed in order to serve one of our most vulnerable communities, the Amish and Mennonite, said a release from the college. Dr. Lamendella reports that our test directly detects the viral genome of Covid-19, which is important because RNA viruses can change quickly; this particular method reveals the entire viral genome and how it is changing, the release said. Drive-through testing sites that accommodate the communitys horse and buggies have been established, and the CSI lab is able to process several hundred tests per day. The release added, Juniata has long cultivated the problem solving skills that are a hallmark of a liberal arts education, and this global pandemic has revealed Juniatians dexterity and innovation. Not only do Juniatians step up to solve the hard problems, they look to address those in need and those who might be overlooked. CSI is housed in the Juniata Sill Business Incubator and its team led by Gary Shope, a 1972 graduate of the college, also includes Juniata professor Dr. Kim Roth and 10 alumni and a current student. The development has been reported by CNN at www.cnn.com/2020/04/07/us/amish-coronavirus-drive-through-testing-horse-and-buggies-trnd/index.html .

 A New Yorker piece on the new role hospice care is playing in China features the ground-breaking work being done by Ruoxia Li to establish a hospice unit at Youai Hospital in Pingding, Shanxi Province, China. Li and her husband, Eric Miller, recently signed a service agreement with the Church of the Brethren regarding their continuing work in China. This is an insightful, compassionate, and clear-eyed look at hospice in the Chinese culture. Go to www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/04/06/chinas-struggles-with-hospice-care .

 The Church of the Brethren Office of Ministry invites pastors to apply to participate in its Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church program. Open to any Church of the Brethren pastor serving in a congregational role that is less than full-time, the program offers support, resources, and companionship for the 77 percent of the denominations clergy who serve as multivocational pastors. Pastors who join the program will receive one-one-one encouragement and consultation with a regionally based circuit rider who will schedule an in-person visit to encourage and help identify specific challenges and places where some extra support could be helpful. The circuit rider will work to connect pastors with colleagues, educational resources, and experts who can offer guidance, companionship, and encouragement. This grant-funded program is free of charge to Church of the Brethren multivocational pastors. Find more information and the online application form at www.brethren.org/part-time-pastor . Contact Dana Cassell, program manager, with questions at dcassell@brethren.org .

 In news from the Church of the Brethrens Youth and Young Adult Ministry:

A National Youth Sunday Idea Swap has been announced for Tuesday, April 14, as a Zoom teleconference call. The idea resulted from a Facebook poll for youth advisors posted by Becky Ullom Naugle, director of the Youth and Young Adult Ministry, asking if it would be helpful to gather online for a conversation with other youth advisors to discuss ideas about how to do National Youth Sunday this year. Sign up for the Zoom meeting at http://ow.ly/hipP50zahQq?fbclid=IwAR2vynLll4-Top0h9TWg8aFntmrUKyUDfbtaBGW5ItLIbIj-GiDc6u0NDGk .

Starting Monday, April 13, there will be a Good News Youth Devotional published on the Church of the Brethren blog. This daily online devotional, including an extension activity, will be written with a youth audience in mind. Scripture texts are from the Book of Common Prayer. Content will come from a wide variety of Church of the Brethren voices. Gabe Dodd, pastor for youth and young families at Montezuma Church of the Brethren in Virginia, initiated the project in cooperation with the Youth and Young Adult office. Find the Church of the Brethren blog at https://www.brethren.org/blog .

 The staff of Messenger, the Church of the Brethren magazine, have provided a new online form to submit information for the Turning Points pages. This form is posted and ready to use at www.brethren.org/turningpoints .

 The Office of Peacebuilding and Policy is offering a sign-up for those interested in receiving updates and action alerts. Utilize your voice, and practice democracy by taking action by holding our policy makers accountable to ensuring that the infinite worth of every individual in our country is respected and protected, said an invitation. Sign up for newsletters and action alerts at www.brethren.org/intouch .

 Bethany Seminary is offering a Ministering to Ministers Zoom meeting from 12 noon to 1 p.m. (Eastern time) on Wednesdays. Given the rapidly changing guidelines and restrictions being used to control the spread of COVID-19, many ministers have found themselves needing to quickly change the way they do ministry, said an announcement. For that reason, Dan Poole, Janet Ober Lambert, and Karen Duhai, as the Pastoral Care Team at Bethany, are hosting a Zoom meeting. This is a place for pastors and ministering persons to chat about how they are doing, how their ministry is evolving under current social restrictions, and to share prayer and ideas. Starting at 11 a.m., the meeting will be open so that Enten Eller may answer questions about live streaming for worship. Go to https://bethanyseminary.zoom.us/my/pooleda .



 Read Alouds: Childrens Books on Peace, Justice, and Courage are offered by On Earth Peace for this time of physical distancing and homeschooling, said an announcement. On Earth Peace is featuring some of our favorite childrens books on peace, justice, and courage. The books are read aloud every Monday and Wednesday on our Facebook page. If youd like to contribute a video reading one of your favorite childrens books about peace, justice, and courage, please contact Priscilla Weddle at children@onearthpeace.org . This week, a bonus video features Marie Benner-Rhoades of the On Earth Peace staff reading the Easter story from Archbishop Desmond Tutus Children of God Storybook Bible and Gods Dream. Watch it and other Read Alouds at www.facebook.com/onearthpeace .

 Nurturing the Spirit of the Child without Squelching the Spirit is the final course of the year from the Ventures in Christian Discipleship program at McPherson (Kan.) College. The class will be held online Saturday, May 16, at 9 a.m. to 12 noon (Central time), taught by Rhonda Pittman Gingrich. Jesus said, Let the children come. In doing so, he invited children to enter into relationship with him and to participate in the practices of the community that gathered around him, thereby shaping their identity in new ways as beloved children of God. As we seek to nurture the spiritual lives of our children, we can do no less, said an announcement. The course will explore the cultural context that shapes the lives of children today (including nature deficit disorder); the innate spiritual capacity of children; spiritual styles and how they are embodied in children; and a variety of specific spiritual practices that can be used with children to help them notice and name Gods presence and activity in their lives and in the world around them, deepening their relationship with God. The unique role of nature in nurturing the spiritual lives of children will be explored. All classes are donation-based and continuing education credit is available for $10 per course. To learn more about Ventures and to register for courses, visit www.mcpherson.edu/ventures .

 Living Stream Church of the Brethren is gaining interest as one Anabaptist church who has been doing Internet church long before the pandemic. Reports an article in the Mennonite World Review: As churches respond to the spread of coronavirus by shifting temporarily to online worship, one Anabaptist congregation has been exclusively in that position for years. Living Stream Church of the Brethren is an online-only church, and these days its pastors are fielding questions from leaders of other congregations. Unlike traditional worship services streamed or broadcast from a physical sanctuary, a Living Stream worship service is entirely online, with all participants logging in, wherever they may be. the profile piece on Living Stream notes that the congregations first online worship service was held on the first Sunday of Advent in 2012 by founding pastor Audrey DeCoursey of Portland, Ore., working with Enten Eller, now pastor of Ambler (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. At the time of the online churchs start, he was a staff member for electronic education at Bethany Seminary and was part of a group seeking to meet the needs of small congregations west of the Mississippi. Read more at http://mennoworld.org/2020/04/06/news/online-only-congregation-draws-growing-interest .

 Elizabethtown (Pa.) College, one of the Church of the Brethren-related schools, is offering an interactive and informative speaker series regarding topics related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each Wednesday throughout April, Etown faculty and staff will present on issues surrounding this global issue. For information on each session and instructions on how to participate, go to www.etown.edu/covid/speaker_series.aspx .

 Also from E-town, Jeff Bach and David Kenley offered a webcast that included discussion of the history of the Church of the Brethren in China. The lecture was recorded and can be viewed at www.etown.edu/covid/speaker_series.aspx . The lecture given via Zoom featured Kenley as a faculty member teaching Chinese history at the college talking with Bach, who has researched the Church of the Brethren mission in China in the early 20th century, talking about the misrepresentation of the coronavirus as a Chinese virus. The story is told of the Brethren medical missionaries in China who helped to stop the pneumonic plague epidemic in 1917-1918, a page from Brethren history to talk about the importance of collaboration and cooperation to fight disease, and also about the Brethren emphasis on service because of their faith.

 Residents at Timbercrest, a Church of the Brethren-related retirement community in N. Manchester, Ind., were delighted by a surprise serenade on April 3. Reported Fox Channel 55 in Fort Wayne, the serenade was from their music therapist who they havent seen in a while since a no-visitor policy was instituted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emily Paar, a music therapist of Visiting Nurse, joined the care teams chaplain coordinators to play guitar and ultimately sing to the senior residents at Timbercrest. Paar told the station, I just wanted to bring a sense of joy and a little sense of normalcy during this time. See www.wfft.com/content/news/Timbercrest-Senior-Living-Community-receives-surprise-serenade569372401.html .

 Southern Ohio/Kentucky District Disaster Ministries is sharing a requests for volunteers to sew masks for the Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville, Ohio. Medical masks are in short supply at the Brethren Retirement Community, as they are everywhere, said an announcement from the district. Sewers are invited to help meet this need. BRC has provided a pattern. Contact Barb Brower for the pattern and additional information at barbbrower51@yahoo.com .

 The world feels sideways these days. What are we followers of Jesus supposed to be doing? asked an invitation to an episode of the Dunker Punks Podcast. How do we continue living the radical Dunker Punk life, now? Good news: weve already got all the tools we need to be faithful. Listen at bit.ly/DPP_Episode96 and subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher for more great Dunker content.

 The Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center in Virginia will be posting an Easter Sunrise service with footage from the sunrise over the Shenandoah Valley, as well as a meditation by Church of the Brethren minister Paul Roth titled From Fear to Joy. The service will be available 8:30 a.m. (Eastern time) on Sunday morning. The link will be posted at www.brethrenmennoniteheritage.org .

 Africa is last in queue for life-saving ventilators amid global shortage reported AllAfrica.com (https://allafrica.com/stories/202003290006.html ). On April 2 the Washington Post quoted Mathsidiso Moeti, Africa director of the World Health Organization (WHO): There is a severe shortage of ventilators across the African continent to deal with the expected explosion of coronavirus cases and no easy way to get more, the article said. Africa so far has not seen severe outbreaks of COVID-19, but cases are slowly growing, and local health systems in most cases are much weaker than elsewhere in the world. Dense living conditions in many cities also make social distancing a challenge. Moeti said in a briefing that there is an enormous gap in the numbers of ventilators needed in African countries for this covid outbreak. The article continued: The wealthy countries of Europe and North America have struggled to produce enough of these machines to meet the demand, so there is little on the international market for Africa to buy, Moeti added. South Africa, which has the most advanced health system in Africa and about 1,300 coronavirus cases, is believed to have about 6,000 ventilators, while Ethiopia, with a population of 100 million, has only a few hundred. The Central African Republic, which has been torn by war since 2013, has an estimated three.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 23:23:37|Editor: huaxia

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GABORONE, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Botswana is building more capacity to ramp up its screening and testing cases for the deadly Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, to fight the global pandemic.

In an interview with Xinhua via Skype, the director of public health in Botswana's ministry of health and wellness, Malaki Tshipayagae said plans are underway to test over 20, 000 people starting from next week until end of this month.

"Testing as many people as possible is the way forward. And we are going to embark on a massive household testing. Our target is to test 20, 000 people from next week until end of April," said Tshipayagae on Saturday.

According to Tshipayagae, health authorities in this diamond-rich nation of Botswana are working around the clock towards setting up three more testing laboratories by next month in different regions.

"Currently, we have one laboratory in Gaborone (Botswana's capital city). We need to decentralize testing to other regions in order to see which region has got many infections," said Tshipayagae, adding this can help Botswana contain the pandemic.

Botswana is emphasizing social distancing, as a way of curbing the spread of the COVID-19 in a country that has recorded 13 confirmed cases of the highly virulent disease and one death thus far.

On April 9, Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi and all of the southern African country's 63 parliamentarians went into self-quarantine after a nurse assigned to do screening of the legislators tested positive for COVID-19.

This is the second time in less than a month that Masisi will have been quarantined.

On March 21, Masisi was placed under self-isolation following a trip to the neighboring Namibia, which had three confirmed cases at the time, to attend the inauguration of Namibian President Hage Geingob.
Last week, you might have seen that China Isotope & Radiation Corporation (HKG:1763) released its annual result to the market. The early response was not positive, with shares down 9.5% to HK$17.10 in the past week. Sales of CN4.0b surpassed estimates by 2.4%, although statutory earnings per share missed badly, coming in 25% below expectations at CN1.03 per share. Following the result, the analysts have updated their earnings model, and it would be good to know whether they think there's been a strong change in the company's prospects, or if it's business as usual. We thought readers would find it interesting to see the analysts latest (statutory) post-earnings forecasts for next year.

See our latest analysis for China Isotope & Radiation

SEHK:1763 Past and Future Earnings April 3rd 2020

Taking into account the latest results, the current consensus from China Isotope & Radiation's dual analysts is for revenues of CN4.53b in 2020, which would reflect a notable 13% increase on its sales over the past 12 months. Per-share earnings are expected to climb 11% to CN1.14. Before this earnings report, the analysts had been forecasting revenues of CN4.72b and earnings per share (EPS) of CN1.60 in 2020. From this we can that sentiment has definitely become more bearish after the latest results, leading to lower revenue forecasts and a pretty serious reduction to earnings per share estimates.

The consensus price target fell 12% to CN21.00, with the weaker earnings outlook clearly leading valuation estimates.

Taking a look at the bigger picture now, one of the ways we can understand these forecasts is to see how they compare to both past performance and industry growth estimates. It's pretty clear that there is an expectation that China Isotope & Radiation's revenue growth will slow down substantially, with revenues next year expected to grow 13%, compared to a historical growth rate of 17% over the past three years. Compare this against other companies (with analyst forecasts) in the industry, which are in aggregate expected to see revenue growth of 20% next year. Factoring in the forecast slowdown in growth, it seems obvious that China Isotope & Radiation is also expected to grow slower than other industry participants.

Story continues

The Bottom Line

The most important thing to take away is that the analysts downgraded their earnings per share estimates, showing that there has been a clear decline in sentiment following these results. On the negative side, they also downgraded their revenue estimates, and forecasts imply revenues will perform worse than the wider industry. The consensus price target fell measurably, with the analysts seemingly not reassured by the latest results, leading to a lower estimate of China Isotope & Radiation's future valuation.

With that said, the long-term trajectory of the company's earnings is a lot more important than next year. We have analyst estimates for China Isotope & Radiation going out as far as 2023, and you can see them free on our platform here.

And what about risks? Every company has them, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for China Isotope & Radiation you should know about.

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.
Government of Ghana condemned alleged attacks on African nationals in China, describing the attacks racial discrimination.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, in a statement after a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Shi Ting Wang, expressed regret about the ill-treatment being meted out to Africans in China.

She says a formal communication from the government of Ghana will be issued within the next 24 hours to address the situation at hand.

According to media reports, Chinese officials have started evicting hundreds of African residents and businessmen from hotels and apartments as they are being accused of having the coronavirus.

The Africans say they are just being targeted under the guise of a testing campaign for the COVID-19.

Some of them alleged that they have been placed under forced quarantine without being told about the results of their tests.

The Africans, who are based in China's southern city of Guangzhou, have described the development as discriminatory.

They are accusing us of having the virus, a Nigerian student, Tobenna Victor, was quoted by the BBC.

Guangzhou houses one of the largest African communities in China.

African traders, buy most of their goods from the area to the continent.

Local Chinese health officials have raised concerns about a possible second outbreak of the COVID-19 over the increase in the number of imported cases.

The Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Ministry on April 10, summoned the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana Shi Ting Wang for an urgent parley.

The meeting was in connection with maltreatment of Africans particularly Ghanaians by Chinese officials in China.

Daily Guide
For a long time, the Democrat party has held a monopoly on mass death in America. That monopoly is the party's fetishistic obsession with abortion. Every year, around 640,000 babies are aborted in America. Since 1973, when abortion came out from under the penumbras and emanations that had previously obscured it, almost 62,000,000 babies have been aborted, of which more than 18,560,000 have been black.

With COVID-19, Democrat politicians and activists across America have fought to declare that abortion facilities are "essential services." Meanwhile, the Democrats are using COVID-19 as an excuse to shut down gun sales, which are explicitly protected from government infringement under the Second Amendment. When it comes to killing babies, nothing will stop the Democrats.

Compared to the 640,000 babies who die annually, the total number of identified COVID-19 deaths since the disease was recognized in America, per the CDC, is a relatively insignificant 16,570. That number, however, is soft. One the one hand, it's apparent that, as in Italy, people who died with COVID-19 in their bodies, as opposed to from COVID-19, have been listed as COVID-19 deaths. This cruel but funny meme pokes fun at that statistical problem:

Indeed, the CDC's guidelines almost demand overcounting, because they require that any death that might have resulted from coronavirus is a coronavirus death. Nevertheless, leftist outlets such as the New York Times insist that coronavirus deaths are undercounted. Many jurisdictions are also playing around with their numbers in ways that seem highly suspect. As with climate models and climate data, the changes always support the leftist narrative.

To put things in perspective, in the six-month-long flu season from Fall 2017 to Spring 2018, approximately 80,000 Americans died, which is an average of 13,300 per month. Without in any way diminishing how aggressive COVID-19 is, what's happening now is not the Black Death, which killed one third to one half of the world's population. Whether because of our having stopped the economy dead or because this is how things would have gone anyway, with the virus mowing down the vulnerable people, leaving everyone else relatively untouched, we're in typical virus territory.

But that's not how the left is spinning things. Perhaps because he's feeling worried about COVID-19's risks to himself, 75-year-old James Carville, who was Bill Clinton's campaign genius, has flipped his lid about Republicans. The subject of his wrath is the fact that Wisconsin's Supreme Court ruled that the governor lacks the power to delay the state's Democrat primary (emphasis added):

"My kind of mission in the short-term is to sound the alarm to say [that] Mitch McConnell and the Supreme Court  they're going to do everything they can to hold onto power," Carville said during an appearance on MSNBC. "This thing in Wisconsin was one of the most awful things I've ever seen in my life," Carville said. "The extent that they will go to to hold onto power  it was all about one Supreme Court seat in Wisconsin  they will kill people to stay in power, literally." Neither MSNBC anchor Brian Williams nor former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele objected to Carville's claim that Republicans "literally" will kill people.

That kind of slander isn't limited to the mouth-breathers at MSNBC. The rag that is the Bezos-owned Washington Post also has a resident mouth-breather.

There, it's Jennifer Rubin, who was once a conservative but who hates Trump so much that she is more rabid than most Bernie-supporters. Now that Bernie's gone, she is offering some helpful advice to Biden in the upcoming campaign: "If Biden is serious about winning he needs to accuse Trump of willingness to kill people," she wrote, along with tweeting out a WaPo update about COVID-19:

If Biden is serious about winning he needs to accuse Trump of willingness to kill people. https://t.co/JiTMMGvDBE  Jennifer Rubin (@JRubinBlogger) April 10, 2020

Rubin and Carville would do well to remember Longfellow's line: "Whom the gods would destroy they first make mad." With their recent pronouncements, both these people have shown that they have a screw loose, especially considering that (a) abortion is the biggest cause of death in America year after year after year and (b) coronavirus deaths to date have been tragic but statistically consistent with regular flu seasons.

This kind of rhetoric, while almost amusing because it's so unrelated to reality, is also frightening. When people in power speak in these unhinged, apocalyptic terms, it can cause equally unhinged, but even less restrained people on the ground to get horrible ideas about how to handle the situation. The media have done an excellent job of memory-holing Bernie Bro James Hodgkinson, but once he imbibed those bad ideas, he tried to wipe out the entire cohort of congressional Republicans in 2017.
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The Pope has celebrated the Holy Saturday Vigil for Easter behind closed doors at St Peter's Basilica as Italy's coronavirus death toll rises by to 619 to 19,468.

Francis led the Easter vigil Mass in the huge Vatican church without the rank-and-file as part of Covid-19 containment measures.

It comes after the Pontiff hailed an initiative by the Turin archbishop, saying making the Turin Shroud visible online meets the requests of the faithful who are suffering through the pandemic.

Pope Francis leads the Easter vigil Mass in St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican with no public participation due to the outbreak of the coronavirus

he led the ceremony surrounded by few others in the huge church as it was held behind closed doors due to the coronavirus

Francis led the Easter vigil Mass in the huge Vatican church without the rank-and-file as part of Covid-19 containment measures

It comes after the Pontiff hailed an initiative by the Turin archbishop, saying making the Turin Shroud visible online meets the requests of the faithful who are suffering through the pandemic

Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia says he received thousands of requests from persons young and old to be able to view the Shroud (pictured) remotely

Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia says he received thousands of requests from persons young and old to be able to view it remotely.

The Turin Shroud, a burial cloth some believe covered Jesus and which has links to a 16th-century plague in northern Italy, was put on view for faithful worldwide through video streaming on Holy Saturday to inspire hope.

The linen, kept behind bulletproof glass in a Turin chapel, is shown to the public only on very special occasions.

As a TV camera showed the 14-foot-long (four-meter-long) cloth in its showcase, Nosiglia opened prayers, noting Holy Saturday marks the wait for Easter, when Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead. He said people today 'await to be liberated from the pandemic' causing so many deaths, and said the shroud 'opens hearts to faith and hope.'

The archbishop read aloud a letter from Francis, in which the pontiff expressed appreciation for 'this gesture, which meets the request of the faithful people of God, so harshly proved by the coronavirus pandemic.'

Pope Francis is pictured with the few allowed inside the church as he leads the Easter vigil Mass in St Peter's Basilica on Saturday

The Pontiff bows his head and prays as he continues to lead the ceremony on Saturday night. It is not clear how many others were inside the church

Pope Francis (left) leads the Easter Vigil Mass in St Peter's Basilica, behind closed door due to the outbreak of the coronavirus

This general view shows a deserted St Peter's Square in Rome, Italy, just before the Easter Vigil held by Pope Francis

Francis also wrote that 'in the face of the man of the shroud, we see also the faces of so many ill brothers and sisters, especially those more alone, and those less cared for, but also all the victims of wars and violence, of slavery and of persecution.'

Nosiglia then pressed one of his hands against the glass case and prayed before the cloth.

In the 16th century, Milan's archbishop, the future St. Charles Borromeo, intensely desired to pray before the shroud while that city was ravaged by plague. The Duke of Savoy, in 1578, decided to bring the burial cloth of Christ from Chambery, in France, to Turin, according to a Vatican account of that period.

Charles made the pilgrimage to Turin on foot, praying and fasting during the journey.

Skeptics say the linen bearing the figure of a crucified man is a medieval forgery. Believers regard it as one of Christianity's most awe-inspiring reminders of Jesus' crucifixion.

This picture from inside the incredible Basilica shows the few who attended the service on Saturday as Covid-19 continues to take its toll

Pope Francis is photographed (left) leading the Easter Vigil Mass in St Peter's Basilica, behind closed door due to the outbreak of the coronavirus

The cloth belongs to the Vatican, which has allowed its scientific testing.

The linen was part of Crusader booty taken from what was then called Constantinople to France in 1353.

Among the only three lay dignitaries in the chapel Saturday, all of them wearing protective masks, was Turin Mayor Chiara Appendino.

Last night Pope Francis presided at a 'Way of the Cross' service held in an empty Saint Peter's Square on Friday because of the coronavirus outbreak and listened as both prisoners and their victims recounted their sorrows.

It marked the first time the procession, commemorating the last hours in Jesus' life, was not held at Rome's ancient Colosseum since the modern-day tradition was re-introduced by Pope Paul VI in 1964.

Francis watched from under a canopy on the steps of the basilica as 10 people - half from the Italian prison system and half from the Vatican's health services - carried a cross and flaming torches towards him.

Francis watched from under a canopy on the steps of the basilica as 10 people - half from the Italian prison system and half from the Vatican's health services - carried a cross and flaming torches towards him

It marked the first time the procession, commemorating the last hours in Jesus' life, was not held at Rome's ancient Colosseum since the modern-day tradition was re-introduced by Pope Paul VI in 1964

Speakers read meditations as the group stopped 14 times to mark each of the 'Stations of the Cross' starting with the first when Jesus was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate to the last when he was buried in a tomb

Francis (pictured) has often brought attention to the problems of prisoners, including overcrowding, and more recently he has expressed concern that the coronavirus would spread unchecked in jails

Speakers read meditations as the group stopped 14 times to mark each of the 'Stations of the Cross' starting with the first when Jesus was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate to the last when he was buried in a tomb.

The meditations are written by different groups each year and this time they were penned by prisoners, including a murderer, from a jail in Italy, and prison guards, chaplains, and family members of both prisoners and victims.

Francis has often brought attention to the problems of prisoners, including overcrowding, and more recently he has expressed concern that the coronavirus would spread unchecked in jails.

'I became a grandfather in prison. I didn't experience my daughter's pregnancy. One day, I will tell my granddaughter the story of only the goodness I have found and not the evil I have done,' read another meditation.

The meditations are written by different groups each year and this time they were penned by prisoners, including a murderer, from a jail in northern Italy, and prison guards, chaplains, and family members of both prisoners and victims

Cantalamessa said the pandemic, which has killed nearly 19,000 people in Italy, should be a spur for people to appreciate what really matters in life. Left and right: The Pope on Friday night

According to tradition, a plague that hit Rome in 1522 began subsiding after the crucifix was taken around the streets

Cantalamessa said the pandemic, which has killed nearly 19,000 people in Italy, should be a spur for appreciation

The participants prayed before a wooden crucifix which is normally kept in a Rome church and brought to the Vatican for the special service. According to tradition, a plague that hit Rome in 1522 began subsiding after the crucifix was taken around the streets of the Italian capital for 16 days in 1522.

Cantalamessa said the pandemic, which has killed more than 19,000 people in Italy, should be a spur for people to appreciate what really matters in life. 'Let us not allow so much pain, so many deaths, and so much heroic engagement on the part of health workers to have been in vain,' he said.

'Returning to the way things were is the "recession" we should fear the most,' Cantalamessa added.

Earlier yesterday the Pope was helped to his feet as he celebrated Good Friday Prayers in St Peter's Basilica with no worshippers present as the Italian public obey strict lockdown rules.

In a sign of humble obedience, he prostrated himself on the floor of the nearly empty St Peter's Basilica, where the papal preacher said the coronavirus has reminded people that they are mortal, not all-powerful.

As Francis listened attentively, the Rev Raniero Cantalamessa told a few prelates, choir members and about a score of other faithful that 'it took merely the smallest and most formless element of nature, a virus, to remind us that we are mortal' and that 'military power and technology are not sufficient to save us.'

The service is usually attended by cardinals, bishops and some 10,000 faithful. But coronavirus conditions meant it was attended by about two dozen people, including papal aides reading from scriptures and a small choir.

In another change from the usual ritual dictated by the coronavirus outbreak, only the Pope kissed a crucifix at the end of the service. Usually it is also kissed by every cardinal, archbishop and bishop in the church.

Pope Francis was helped to his feet as he celebrated Good Friday mass in St Peter's Basilica with no worshippers present as the Italian public obey strict lockdown rules triggered by the coronavirus pandemic

Francis tested negative for coronavirus, it was revealed on March 3, and is thought instead to have been suffering from a cold. The Pope also visits the Vatican Library to record messages for the world's 1.3 billion Catholics

The head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State led the Good Friday Passion of the Lord with no public participation as millions of Italians stay at home over the weekend

Cantalamessa said that when the pandemic is over, 'returning to the way things were is the 'recession' we should fear the most.' He said the virus broke down 'barriers and distinctions of race, nation, religion, wealth and power.'

During the basilica service, prayers were offered for those who contracted or succumbed to the virus, as well as health care personnel who cared for them.

Francis has tested negative twice for Covid-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, after fears that the 83-year-old Pontiff might have contracted the disease intensified last month.

He was allegedly swabbed at St Martha's guest house, which the Pope uses as his own resident. The building is also used by the Pop as a place to take meals and have private meetings.

Francis has tested negative twice for Covid-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, after fears that the 83-year-old Pontiff might have contracted the disease intensified last month

He was allegedly swabbed at St Martha's guest house, which the Pope uses as his own resident. The building is also used by the Pop as a place to take meals and have private meetings

Francis has been largely secluded since coming down with a cold at the end of February. Fears were first raised for the pope's health on Ash Wednesday, when he fell ill with a cough, fever, chills and sore throat

There are concerns for the Argentine-born pope if he contracts the virus due to his age and previous health conditions. He lost part of his lung and suffered from sciatica, a nerve condition that causes pain in his hip

Francis has been largely secluded since coming down with a cold at the end of February. Fears were first raised for the pope's health on Ash Wednesday, when he fell ill with a cough, fever, chills and sore throat.

He tested negative for coronavirus, it was revealed on March 3, and is thought instead to have been suffering from a cold. The Pope also visits the Vatican Library to record messages for the world's 1.3 billion Catholics.

There are concerns for the Argentine-born pope if he contracts the virus due to his age and previous health conditions. He lost part of his lung and suffered from sciatica, a nerve condition that causes pain in his hip.

This week the Pontiff advised believers and non-believers to 'take the elderly and the young under their wing, that they take history under the wing, take the deprived under their wing' during the coronavirus crisis.

He previously told an Italian newspaper that he had asked God to stop the ongoing pandemic, and told people to use their time in mass quarantine to reconnect with their families.

Speaking to La Repubblica, he said he had asked God to stop the epidemic in Italy 'with his hand'.

He continued: 'We must rediscover the concrete nature of small things, of making small gestures toward those around us - family, friends. They are gestures of tenderness, of affection, of compassion, which are nonetheless decisive and important - for example, a hot dish, a caress, a hug, a phone call.'

Carlo Maria Vigano listening to remarks at the US Conference of Catholic Bishops' annual fall meeting in Baltimore in 2015 when he was Apostolic Nuncio to the US. He accused Pope Francis of covering up the sexual misconduct of ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick and rehabilitating him from sanctions imposed by Pope Benedict XVI
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Friday permitted MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Odisha's Berhampur to conduct COVID-19 testing from April 13.

This is the fourth COVID-19 testing facility in the State.

Informing about the development, Sanjay Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Information & Public Relations Department said, "The State government is taking steps to increase the COVID-19 testing capacity. MKCG Medical College and Hospital (MCH), Berhampur, has been permitted by ICMR to conduct COVID-19 testing. It is the second MCH in the State after SCB that will help in carrying out tests in the southern part of the State."

Singh said "modern equipment COBAS" has been installed in RMRC, Bhubaneswar, and with this the testing capacity has increased to 1000 per day.

Odisha government on Thursday airlifted COVID-19 test kits, for 4,000 tests, reagents and Viral Transport Medium (VTM) kits from Mumbai via special air cargo.

At present, the State has three testing facilities including, SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, with the testing capacity of 50 per day, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, with the capacity of 75 tests per day and ICMR-RMRC Bhubaneswar with the testing capacity of 1000 per day. MKCG MCH, Berhampur, which is the fourth testing facility will operate from April 13.

So far 50 persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in Odisha, including one death and 12 cured.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
MEDFORD, Ore--- This week, two college students in Oregon will donate around 70 face shields to Jackson County medical professionals and Sky Lakes Medical Center.

30 of those face shields will be donated at the Jackson County Expo by 19-year-old Chase Hukill. Hukill, a Crater School of Business graduate, is spending Spring break in the Rogue Valley. Instead of doing of doing regular Spring break activities, he is 3D printing face shields from his own home.

"What I love about the younger generation, is our ability to innovate. We always come up with some crazy, whacky idea. Hey if it might work, we try it." said Hukill.

40 of those face shields will be taken to Sky Lakes Medical Center in Klamath Falls. They will be provided by Oregon Tech Metro Campus's 3D printing beds, and Davia Fleming who is creating them.

On those 40 face shields, the message "We've got your back" has been printed.

"If I was in the postion of somebody that was sick, I would like the feeling of knowing that there were others out there fighting for the people who are fighting for me." said Fleming.

Oregon Tech students have also been creating respirator masks and converting CPAP machines into ventilators using printed valves.

Both students say they will continue printing the shields as requested.
Five people have died and more than 100 others have been infected with the novel coronavirus in a municipal elderly care home in Budapest, the chief medical officer told an online press conference.

The Hungarian authorities have given continued warning over the past few days that measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus in social care institutions are the responsibility of the organisations running them, Cecilia Muller said. She said her colleagues are now working to prevent a further increase of infections.



Meanwhile, additional supplies of protective gear will be provided to medical staff working in basic health-care services, Tibor Lakatos, head of the emergency centre set up by the operative board coordinating the response to the epidemic, said.



GPs and dentists on emergency duty will receive another 520,000 surgical masks in addition to the 280,000 such masks and 19,000 high-quality FFP masks distributed to the GPs by the government so far, he said.



A stock of another 320,000 pairs of gloves and 3,420 FFP2 masks is ready to be distributed later on. In addition, protective gear will be supplied to another 32 hospitals during the day, he said.



Meanwhile, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony called for more testing to be carried out in care homes. In a Facebook post, the mayor said he had been promised at Wednesdays cabinet meeting that the authorities would immediately begin testing residents at all of the countrys elderly care homes.



We will only know how many are infected in retirement homes if we do more testing and publish the results, Karacsony wrote.



The Budapest city council has done this at the homes it operates with testing kits funded from its own resources. The mayor praised the heroic efforts of doctors and nurses looking after retirement home residents, adding, however, that both the capital and health-care institutions faced a shortage of protective equipment.



The municipal council has been and will continue to work on procuring more supplies, he wrote.



Istvan Hollik, the communications director of the ruling Fidesz party, demanded a very thorough investigation by the authorities to establish how much responsibility the Budapest municipality bears for the elderly care home becoming a hotbed of infection.



He said in a statement it was likely that the municipality, which runs the home, had made errors that had worsened the situation.



MTI Photo: Zsolt Szigetvary
The Telangana government on Saturday decided to extend lockdown in the state for another two weeks as part of continuing the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

A resolution to this effect was adopted at the state cabinet, which had a five-hour long meeting in the camp office of chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao in the evening.

We made the proposal to the Centre during the video conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the morning. We are also writing a letter to this effect, along with the cabinet resolution, extending the lockdown up to April 30, KCR told reporters after the cabinet meeting.

He said even after April 30, the lockdown would not be lifted completely, but would be in a phased manner, so as to bring the system back on rails in stages. I appeal to all sections of the people to cooperate with the government in enforcing the lockdown, which is being done only for their own welfare and the future of our children, he said.

He said all mass gatherings and public functions would be banned during the lockdown period. Except agricultural activity, no other activity would be allowed, he said.

The cabinet also decided to promote students of Classes 1 to 9 as there is no possibility of conducting the examinations. With regard to Class X examinations, which were suspended midway due to lockdown, we shall take a decision shortly, he said.

The chief minister said all the foreign returnees and those who had returned from Tablighi Jamaat conference, along with their contacts, had been traced and tested.

While all the foreign returnees and their contacts have completed their quarantine, another 1,654 people among the Jamaat returnees and their contacts are still under quarantine, he said.

He said till now, the state had recorded 503 positive cases, of which 96 people were discharged and 14 persons died. There were still 393 active cases. The number of positive cases is gradually coming down. If there are no more fresh admissions, we are hopeful that we can come out of the crisis by April 24, he said.

The chief minister said strict measures are being taken in 243 areas declared as containment areas in the state, including 123 in Hyderabad alone. Fortunately, none of the persons undergoing treatment in hospitals and quarantined in containment areas and isolation centres is serious. Not a single case required oxygen supply or was on a ventilator, he said.

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WFH for Private offices in Delhi, restaurants & bars to be shut as Omicron-led to sudden rise in Covid cases

Lockdown inevitable, but it may not be a uniformed strategy across states

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Apr 11: There appears to be no doubt that the national lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus would be extended. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be holding discussions with the Chief Ministers today.

However, some states have announced their own plans and would ahead with them.

Punjab extends lockdown till May 1

Odisha and Punjab have already announced that the lockdown would be extended in the state until April 30.

Telangana and Tamil Nadu have already indicated that the lockdown would continue beyond the 21 day period. Kerala, on the other hand, is likely to follow a three-phased district wise relaxation.

Where Karnataka is undecided and would take a call only after the meeting with the Prime Minister. Chief Minister, B S Yediyurappa would appraise the PM about the expert panel's suggestion which recommended a phase-wise lifting of the lockdown. The panel had suggested that the lockdown must continue only in the hotspots.

What does your child think about the coronavirus lockdown: Send us their thoughts

In Tamil Nadu, a doctors' panel appointed by the government suggested that the lockdown should continue and during this period testing must be ramped up. K Chandrasekhar Rao, CM of Telangana will hold a special cabinet meeting today, following which he is likely to announce the extension of the lockdown.

Uttar Pradesh is another state that is in favour of extending the lockdown. In UP, 104 hotspots have been sealed until April 15.

While the PM may address the nation on extending the lockdown, many states are likely to announce their own measures on how to enforce the same. There is unlikely to be a uniformed strategy on the extension of the lockdown. In West Bengal, CM, Mamata Banerjee said that even the lockdown ends on April 14, the restrictions will not.
The Simon Communities in Ireland have launched an urgent appeal calling on those who can, to provide support for their vital frontline services that are under immense pressure due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

For the 10,148 people living in emergency accommodation across Ireland, this is a crisis within a crisis. The homeless charity says that Covid-19 is putting many already vulnerable people at particular risk, including those who are homeless and those who are at risk of becoming homeless due to a sudden reduction in income.

Homeless services are included on the list of vital services identified by the Government. At the Simon Communities across the country, frontline teams have been working tirelessly to keep people safe and to ensure that more people do not lose their homes during this crisis.

The emergency appeal launched this week by the Simon Communities compares the challenges of social isolation with the challenges that people experiencing homelessness face each day. The campaign was launched in response to the additional financial pressure on Simon Community services across the country as the charity responds to the Covid-19 crisis and concerns that economic instability may increase the numbers at risk of homelessness.

The most recent Government statistics for homelessness in the North West region of Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo, show that 63 adults and 17 child dependants were staying in Local authority managed emergency accommodation during the week 17 - 23 February 2020. No figures are available for the number of people living in refuges or those sleeping rough, sofa surfing, sharing with family or friends in overcrowded conditions, who are typically described as the Hidden Homeless.

Noel Daly, General Manager of North West Simon Community, points out that while the organisations offices and shop in Sligo town are closed and community fundraising events are suspended indefinitely, our housing staff continue to offer support and assistance to people across the region.

Homelessness hasnt gone away because of the Coronavirus, and together we can make sure that nobody is left to face either crisis alone. We are maintaining daily contact with those who are most vulnerable, and staying in touch with all our other tenants and outreach clients, to ensure that people and families have everything needed to keep safe during this very difficult time. I also want to remind everyone that we are here for our community.

If you yourself, or anyone you know, is at risk of homelessness, or in need of other supports contact us right away. You can do so by completing a referral form at https://www.northwestsimon.ie/i-need-help-to-keep-my-home/ or by calling 071 9147522 and leave a message.

North West Simon Community raises 79% of its operating income through public fundraising so COVID19 presents a challenge to our very survival. If you are in a position to support us at this difficult time for everyone, you can make an online donation at www.northwestsimon.ie/donate-now/, by post to 4 JFK Parade, Sligo, F91 PY50 or direct to AIB Bank Account BIC AIBKIE2D / IBAN IE82 AIBK 9371 8505 2910 91
The university was very effective in getting the faculty an opportunity to be trained to use this new technology, he said.

But it can only go so far, hes found. Its impossible, for one thing, to ensure exams are closed-book when all of the students are working from home. And on regular class days, its probably necessary to be much more interventionist as a teacher  to make sure people engaged and participating in a way that is beneficial for them and for the class, Drake said. I would say Im much more incentivized in a seminar setting to really go after people and make sure that they are participating regularly.

And it all depends on having a strong internet connection. Ive had people contact me to say theyre living in remote areas, and internet access is spotty at best, he said.

Students have also had issues close to campus. Im not always able to be in (the) lecture if my wifi decides to act up on me, said Christian Ceraso, a sophomore forestry major living in the university-owned Lewis and Clark Village. Hes compensated for the spotty wifi by using the hotspot on his iPhone. Its not perfect, but my professors have done a lot to make (the classes) easier for us.
THE Police Force in Arusha Region has called on the public to observe Easter festivities peacefully, sending warning signals to criminals that severe measures would be taken against them.

Arusha Regional Police Commander (Acting), Assistant Commissioner of Police Koka Moita said in his statement that people should celebrate the day peacefully and the police would assist in ensuring they are safe as the force had reinforced its units ready for the day.

ACP Moita called on people who will venture out for the Easter vigil today to make sure that their residential houses are not left without at least a single person.

He said abandoning house might attract criminals.

The police officer said the few individuals who were notorious for disrupting peace and tranquility in the region wont get a chance time around.

He also urged drivers not to speed or drive after taking alcoholic drinks.

He said children should not be allowed into bars and disco or night clubs, urging those operating the businesses to adhere to the provisions of their licences. In the wake of the Corona virus pandemic, ACP Moita advised people to avoid gatherings. Wishing Arusha residents a happy Easter, Mr Moita called upon the public to volunteer information related to criminal tendencies.
No address to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today say sources

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Apr 11: There will be no address by the Prime Minister today. There was speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would address the nation on extending the lockdown, following his meeting with the Chief Ministers.

Government sources have confirmed that there shall be no address tonight. There is also no word on if there would be an address tomorrow.

PM took right decision in extending lockdown, tweets Kejriwal

Earlier Chief Minister of Karnataka, B S Yediyurappa said that the PM had said that in the next 1 or 2 days, the government would announce guidelines for the next 15 days. He also said that the PM said during the meeting that there should be no compromise on the lockdown and suggestions are being received on extending it for the next 15 days.

At the meeting with the Chief Ministers, Modi stressed on the importance of lives of individuals.

He said that when he had addressed the nation he spoke about the importance of a lockdown and social distancing. Many understood this and stayed at home.

The PM also said that life is important for a healthy and strong India. This is also important for the bright future of India, he also added.

Shivraj Singh Chauhan, first CM to oppose lockdown

The health and life of the citizens of India need focus as they are both equally important, Modi also said. If the citizens of this country give importance to their own lives and follow all the instructions of the government and administration then the fight against coronavirus will be won, the PM also said.
Christian Organizations, Churches, Rush to Join COVID-19 Crisis Communications Support Group

Amid coronavirus outbreak, InChrist Communications sets up free 'Crisis CONNECT Network,' weekly webinars







NEWS PROVIDED BY

InChrist Communications

April 10, 2020



CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 10, 2020 /Standard Newswire/ -- Christian organizations, churches, and other faith-based nonprofits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic are rushing to join a "crisis communications support group" set up to help them navigate the coronavirus storm.



The online "Crisis CONNECT Network," created by national integrated communications agency InChrist Communications (ICC) (www.inchristcommunications.com), is gaining dozens of new members on Facebook and LinkedIn every week, eager to share their trials, triumphs, and lessons learned in the era of COVID-19.



Network members and other communications professionals also are signing up for free ICC-facilitated weekly webinars, discussing such key issues as how to inspire their audiences during the current lockdown, communicating with the news media, and how to keep donors engaged.



Signups for Crisis CONNECT Network groups and weekly webinars are at www.inchristcommunication.com/crisis-connect.



The next free webinar -- "How to Cultivate Generosity during Turbulent Times" -- is scheduled for Monday, April 13, at 2 p.m. EDT.



Author and veteran speaker Brian Kluth, spokesperson for the National Association of Evangelicals' Financial Health and Bless Your Pastor programs, will share his insights from decades of experience as a pastor, giving expert, and communicator.



"Our hope is that by working together, talking with each other, and sharing ideas, we will emerge as communications leaders -- and not victims -- of the coronavirus crisis," said Palmer Holt, ICC founder and CEO.



Weather the COVID-19 Storm

"This free support network and ongoing free webinar series are for all faith-based communicators, including those involved in branding, marketing, advertising, media relations, social/digital communications, and development, as well as ministry top executives," said Holt. "We welcome anyone to join us, and -- to be frank -- need the active participation and combined wisdom of all of us together to weather this uncertain and changing storm."



Established in 2002 with the goal of helping Christian nonprofits, churches, schools, and businesses communicate their vision, protect their reputation, and tell their story, ICC has helped many faith-based groups -- local, national, and international -- successfully navigate crisis situations.



A few years ago, Holt and his team helped missions agency SIM navigate through the Ebola Crisis.



Faith-based organizations, including churches and mission agencies, often lack media experience and are prone to panic during a crisis, said Holt, who offers a unique crisis communications strategy and methodology called SAFE.



ICC's website has free resources at www.inchristcommunications.com/free-resources, and offers free strategy sessions at meet.inchristcommunications.com, or by calling 704-759-6192.



Established in 2002, InChrist Communications (ICC, www.inchristcommunications.com) provides an array of integrated communications services -- including branding, marketing, advertising, media relations, crisis communications, social and digital media, and donor communications -- for faith-based ministries, missions, churches, and businesses.



SOURCE InChrist Communications



CONTACT: Ty Mays, 770-256-8710, tmays@inchristcommunications.com


Last week, videos from the USS Theodore Roosevelt, the coronavirus-infected aircraft carrier docked at the Pacific island of Guam, made rounds on Twitter and Facebook. In the videos, a mass of sailors cheer for the carriers commander  who had been fired after demanding that his superiors take action to stem the ships COVID-19 outbreak  as he leaves the vessel.

Most social media users and news outlets that shared the videos described the scene as a heartwarming moment  a heros sendoff for a leader who sacrificed his career for his rank and file. Wrongfully relieved of command but did right by the sailors, read the caption accompanying one of the Twitter videos. But on Guam, many people saw something different  a careless crowd compromising their shores with a deadly illness.

Theres an entire sea of people, exclaimed Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero, co-chair of the political advocacy organisation Independent Guahan, referring to those who cheered on board the USS Theodore Roosevelt as the relieved captain disembarked. Hardly any of them are wearing masks. Nobody is social distancing. The captain himself exits the ship without a mask and shakes hands with [someone who was] picking him up  And now were hearing that this captain is positive for COVID.

The videos divergent interpretations highlight what many on Guam  a US territory with a hefty permanent military presence  see as an all-too-common phenomena: their communitys erasure and subjugation at the hands of the armed forces. They claim that, since the USS Theodore Roosevelt arrived in mid-March, the US Navy has made unilateral, opaque decisions that have put their communities at risk. And, as US media continue to closely cover the ships coronavirus outbreak, local residents question why their concerns are not addressed.

Colonial misgivings

Guam is an unincorporated territory, with about 165,000 people, including more than 60,000 Indigenous Chamorro, living on the island. But for the federal government, it effectively functions as a tactical military outpost close to East Asia; while residents of Guam are US citizens, they are not given voting representation in Congress, and they have little say over what happens on the large naval and air bases on their island, which together take up about a third of the territorys land.

In recent years, tensions between the military and some of Guams residents have escalated. The US Department of Defense has moved forward with plans to significantly expand its presence on the island, and training and construction by the US Navy and Marines have damaged vital forests and Indigenous cultural sites. Given these tensions and the militarys tendency to take over, many local advocates were apprehensive when the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt arrived on March 27 with at least 23 confirmed COVID-19 cases. At the time, Guam already had 51 of its own confirmed cases, including one death.

The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt is docked at Naval Base Guam in Apra Harbor [Tony Azios/AFP]

On March 29, eight Indigenous, environmental, and other community groups signed onto a letter to Guams governor, Lou Leon Guerrero, expressing concerns regarding what they perceived to be the Navys attempt to use Guam as a quarantine zone without the local governments input. We are concerned that their approach to exclude you from being a valued voice in critical decision-making will place more of our people, especially our manamko, at risk, they wrote, using the Chamorro word for elders.

Referencing a statement from the Navys chief of naval operations, in which he wrote that the Navys top two priorities are taking care of our people and maintaining mission readiness, the groups also urged that the narrative must shift to include prioritising the health and safety of our local people.

In terms of concrete action, the groups implored the governor to request that all the Navys isolation and quarantine efforts be restricted to the military bases on Guam  which contain barracks and the militarys own hospital  to reduce the chances of sailors infecting community members. They also asked that the Navy share its outsized resources with the community by helping to erect a temporary overflow hospital, and by donating personal protective equipment and hard-to-get coronavirus test kits. The Roosevelt has obtained enough kits to test almost all of its 4,800 crew members; as of Thursday, the government of Guam had tested 678 people. At least 447 Roosevelt crew members had tested positive for the virus as of Friday, a large jump from the 286 positive cases the Navy announced on Wednesday.

Concerns ignored?

On April 1, Guams governor, together with the Navys Pacific fleet commander, Admiral John Aquilino, announced that Roosevelt crew members suffering from COVID-19 would be held at the naval base, while those who test negative for the novel coronavirus would be quarantined for 14 days inside civilian hotels on Guam.

I know there will be a small chorus of cynics who will oppose the position, the governor said after announcing the move, but now is not the time for us versus them.'

Despite the governors characterisation, local advocates view their concerns as neither cynical nor overly confrontational. They argue that, even though only sailors who test negative are being quarantined in hotels outside of the bases, the viruss especially long incubation period provides no guarantee that they are not compromised. The advocates also point to the history of military overreach on their island as evidence that they need to remain extra vigilant.

Constantly the people of Guam are being told that we have to make room for the needs of the military, said Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero of Independent Guahan. Why would we welcome potentially more positive cases anywhere near our community? she asked, noting that recent estimates from the governors medical advisory group indicate that total COVID-19 cases on Guam could surpass hospital capacity as soon as April 23.

We just care deeply about our island community, said Kisha Borja-Kichocho, member of I Hagan Famalaoan Guahan, a Chamorro womens organisation. That is the priority for us  the health and safety of our women, our children, our men, everyone in our community.

The advocates have expressed special concern for their communitys elders, who are especially at risk if young and healthy sailors are not careful enough. They also worry for the workers staffing the hotels in which the ships crew is quarantining, since they represent the most direct route between sailors and the community.

Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt move meals, ready to eat for sailors who have tested negative for COVID-19 and are asymptomatic [Handout/Julio Rivera/US Navy/AFP]

According to Lieutenant Commander Rick Moore, spokesman for the militarys Joint Region Marianas, the quarantine is an entirely military-led operation. Civilian hotel workers prepare meals and laundry service, which are then delivered by service members wearing protective equipment, ensuring that the workers never come into contact with quarantined sailors.

Moore also said that the military is focused on providing the conditions that provide Guam and [the Northern Mariana Islands, another US territory] with the necessary testing and treatment capabilities to protect the community. He pointed to the medical battalion and Marine logistics group that arrived on April 1 to respond to the Roosevelt situation, saying they could also be expanded to assist the government of Guam, if required.

When asked about the governors inclusion in the decision-making process regarding the USS Theodore Roosevelt, Moore said Lou Leon Guerrero and Rear Admiral John Menoni, commander of the regions naval forces, hold frequent calls and meetings. But many on the island see the relationship as little more than a show.

It makes it seem as though she had some kind of power, but really she didnt, Leon Guerrero said. Quarantining on Guam, she added, is something that they could have done with or without her consent, because of Guams status.

As of Thursday, Guam has had 125 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including four deaths.

More than 3,100 sailors have so far moved ashore, confirming for the advocates the power the military has on their island, even in times of crisis.

Its basically a question of whose health and safety matters more, said Borja-Kichocho. And its so frustrating because we already know the answer to that. We know its not us.
Vineet Upadhyay By

Express News Service

DEHRADUN: After 10 foreign nationals were caught wandering along the banks of Ganga in Rishikesh, the police department made them write 'I am sorry' 500 times for violating the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown.

Vinod Sharma, in-charge of the police post in Tapowan, said 'These foreign nationals were in violation of lockdown. They were warned and advised to remain indoors. They were each ordered to write 'I did not follow the lockdown, I am sorry' 500 times on sheets of paper.'



FOLLOW COVID-19 LIVE UPDATES HERE

The tourists who were roaming around hailed from the United States, Australia, Mexico and Israel. Rishikesh has evolved into a popular destination for foreign tourists.

The police department officials also added that they have approached the hotels in the town to allow foreign nationals to step out only if accompanied by local helpers to avoid an 'unpleasant situation' for them.

'Hotels not abiding by the guidelines of the lockdown will be facing legal action if they failed to mend their ways,' added Kumar.

Since the lockdown came in force last month, following the developments, the embassies of France, Italy and the US have flown back many of their citizens back to their home nations.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand government on Friday evening announced a policy to tackle COVID-19 epidemic with decisions including sending a proposal to centre to extend lockdown till April 30, making the wearing of facemasks compulsory till May 31 and closing all educational institutions in the state till May 15.


SS Rajamouli's magnum opus, Roudram Ranam Rudhiram, was initially scheduled to arrive in theatres this year on July 30 but later, the makers announced January 8, 2021, as the new release date. While the major part of the shooting of RRR is done, Rajamouli and his team still have to wrap up two schedules. In fact, Alia Bhatt is yet to start filming for her portions. The actress was supposed to join the Pune schedule but that didn't happen because of the Coronavirus outbreak.

Now, if the latest buzz is true, then Ram Charan and Jr NTR's highly anticipated film could very well miss its release date. According to a report in greatandhra.com, its pretty much impossible for Rajamouli to release RRR on January 8 as the film industry won't be able to resume work until June. Post that, the maverick filmmaker will have to adjust with the dates of all his actors in order to finish the remaining shooting. Hence, speculations are rife that RRR is likely to release in summer next year.

And if that happens, then Ram Charan will release his production venture, Acharya, on January 8. The Magadheera hero is doing an extended cameo in Acharya which stars his father, Chiranjeevi, in the lead. Since Rajamouli didn't want any film starring Ram Charan to release before RRR, the makers of Acharya reportedly agreed to release their movie in summer, 2021.

But if RRR is going to miss its deadline, then Ram Charan will again have to delay the release of Acharya which he obviously doesn't want to. Therefore, the 35-year-old and his superstar father are now trying to convince Rajamouli to let them release the social-drama on January 8 as RRR won't be ready by then. But the question is - will SS Rajamouli give his nod? Guess, we'll find out soon!

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RRR: Alia Bhatt Becomes The Highest Paid Actress In Tollywood; Read On To Know How
As the Centre is battling to contain the spread of coronavirus COVID-19, 30 Tablighi Jamaat members on Saturday tested positive in a quarantine centre in Delhi's Mundka. A total of 12o people were kept in Lok Nayak Puram in Bakkarwala area of Mundka. The sample reports of many others are yet to come.

Thousands of people across India and worldwide had attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi's Nizamuddin Markaz in March. Hundreds of these attendees across the country have tested positive so far. The Tablighi Jamaat is being held responsible for the sudden spurt in coronavirus infections in the country.

In Delhi, the total number of positive cases has reached 1,069 and death toll mounted to 19 so far. The national capital recorded five deaths on Saturday and 166 new cases of the deadly virus. In the 166 cases reported, 128 are those of the Markaz attendees or those in contact with them. So far, 712 cases from Markaz have been reported in Delhi. A total of 26 people have been discharged from hospitals until now.

The Nizamuddin area has emerged as a hotspot for COVID-19 after several positive cases from across India were linked to the gathering including those in Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana. South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) on April 10 conducted sanitisation drive outside Markaz wearing full-body protective gear. One of the workers said, "We have sanitised the place and took out some clothes."

Maulana Saad Khandhlawi, the chief of religious Islamic outfit Tablighi Jamaat, is quarantined in his Zakir Nagar residence in the national capital, Delhi Police sources said on April 8. He had courted controversy for not paying heed to the advice of other Islamic clerics who had urged him to cancel the religious congregation Delhis Nizamuddin area between March 13 and March 15. Saads stubborn attitude coupled with the voluntary participation of over 3,000 Jamaatis has now endangered public health and safety.

Caught in the eye of a storm over sheltering more than 2,000 religious followers at Tablighi Jamats Delhi headquarters in Nizamuddin during the COVID-19 lockdown, Maulana Saad claims to have over 100 crore followers in nearly 200 countries.

Maulana Saad had released an audio recording, presumably shot in a studio, appealing to attendees to follow authorities and cooperate with the doctors. He further asked the Muslims to take the name of Allah and pray. Instead of worrying about the disease, say the name of Allah, he said. He functions from the Nizamuddin mosque, which serves as a global Markaz (centre) of Tablighi Jamaat.

Deemed as one of the most influential movements in the Muslim world, Tablighi Jamaat was established by Maulana Muhammed Ilyas Khandlawi, the great grandfather of Maulana Saad.
Andrew Cuomo says essential states stop competing against each other: Getty

Most Democrat voters want New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to replace Joe Biden as their presidential nominee, according to a new conservative poll released Friday.

The national poll found 56 per cent of Democrats prefer Mr Cuomo while 44 per cent prefer Mr Biden, who is the presumptive nominee following the withdrawal of Bernie Sanders in the wake of the Wisconsin primary.

The findings come as Mr Cuomo's profile increases with his daily coronavirus press briefings and Democrats fend off questions about whether Mr Biden has been absent or suffering a mental decline during the pandemic crisis.

The poll, commissioned by conservative group Club for Growth and first reported by The New York Post, was conducted between 3-6 April among 1000 Democrat, Republican and independent voters. It found Hispanic voters, young people, women and liberals are more likely to choose Mr Cuomo over Mr Biden.

Among respondents of any party who voted for Hilary Clinton in 2016, the percentage of voters preferring Mr Cuomo increased to 57 per cent. Black voters also favoured Mr Cuomo over Mr Biden, 55 per cent to 45 per cent.

It is the second major poll in recent days that suggests Democratic voters are considering Mr Cuomo as a potential candidate. A Rasmussen Reports poll between 2-5 April found Mr Biden slightly ahead of Mr Cuomo, with 46 per cent preferring the former vice president to 45 per cent preferring the New Yorker

With Mr Cuomo's approval rating nearing 90 per cent for his handling of the coronavirus, the governor was forced to deny multiple time during an interview on CNN that he wanted to run for president.

Defenders of Mr Biden, meanwhile, have said supporters of both Mr Trump and Mr Sanders had seized on the "lovable gaffe machine's" stutters and tried to hold them up as a sign of dementia.

At his daily press conference this week, Donald Trump began using that line of attack in response to a Tweet from Mr Biden that said the president isn't responsible for coronavirus, but "he is responsible for failing to prepare our nation to respond to it".

Story continues

"He didn't write that," Mr Trump said. "That was done by a Democrat operative. He doesn't write--he doesn't--he's probably not even watching right now and if he is he doesn't understand what he is watching."

Read more

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Analysis: Congress prepares for war over 2020 presidential election

Trump says Republicans would never win election again if voting easier

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The boundary review could change the result of the next election
Apostle Joseph Felix Kwesi Mensah, Chairman, Great Commission Church International (GCCI), Executive Council, has assured Christians that Christ through his death, burial and resurrection has set them free from the power of sin.



He said because of Christ's death, burial and resurrection, the Christian was no longer a slave to sin but rather a slave to righteousness.



He said Christians were buried therefore by baptism into Christ's death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of God the Father, they too might walk in newness of life.



Apostle Mensah said this in his homily on facebook live to mark the Good Friday Celebration of Christians, which was monitored by the Ghana News Agency in Accra.



Apostle Mensah had to resort to the use of the Facebook live to reach out to his congregants with his Good Friday Message, because of the ban on social gathering as part of efforts to contain the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.



Quoting from the Bible, Apostle Mensah said "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."



He said through Christ, Christians have crucified the lust of the eyes, the pride of life and the works of the flesh.



He said the Christian had been made alive with Christ and that he (the Christian) was now a citizen of heaven and a royal priesthood.



The Executive Council Chairman, who reiterated the change, the transformation, the newness that comes into a Christian when he accepts Jesus Christ as his Lord and Personal Saviour, said: "You are no longer a slave of sin, you are now a slave of righteousness and this union is from God".



Apostle Mensah urged Christians to reflect on the significance of Good Friday; declaring that the events of Good Friday, had broken the foundation of Satan and the power sin in the lives of Christians.

Source: GNA









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Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 16:19:53|Editor: huaxia

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A medical worker attends to an ICU patient at Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 11, 2020. The number of COVID-19 patients in severe and critical condition dropped below 100 on Friday in central China's Hubei Province, which was hit hard by the novel coronavirus outbreak. The health commission of Hubei said Saturday that among the 320 COVID-19 patients being treated in hospital, 51 were still in severe condition and 44 others in critical condition. Twenty-eight COVID-19 patients were discharged from hospital after recovery on Friday. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan)

WUHAN, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The number of COVID-19 patients in severe and critical condition dropped below 100 on Friday in central China's Hubei Province, which was hit hard by the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The health commission of Hubei said Saturday that among the 320 COVID-19 patients being treated in hospital, 51 were still in severe condition and 44 others in critical condition. Twenty-eight COVID-19 patients were discharged from hospital after recovery on Friday.

No new confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported in the province on Friday, but three new deaths were registered, including two in the provincial capital of Wuhan, the former epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in China.

The commission said Hubei had 673 asymptomatic patients under medical observation by Friday, after 19 cases were ruled out while 17 new patients were reported.

Medical experts said the treatment of the severe and critical cases remained difficult.

"Most of the severe patients (in Wuhan hospitals) have turned negative in nucleic acid testing, so the anti-virus treatment is no longer needed," said Yuan Yufeng, vice president of Wuhan Leishenshan Hospital that mainly treats severely ill patients.

"Their main problems include severe organ damage caused by the disease, thus requiring advanced life support, and pre-existing health problems such as cerebral infarction, coronary disease and diabetes, which keep them in hospitals. Many of them are elderly patients and their treatment remains difficult," he said.

"The reason such patients are placed in the four largest hospitals in Wuhan is that the Chinese government hopes the hospitals' medical prowess can help save their lives," Yuan said.

Hubei has so far reported 67,803 confirmed COVID-19 cases in total, including 50,008 in Wuhan.

The overall confirmed cases on the Chinese mainland had reached 81,953 by Friday, including 1,089 patients who were still being treated, 77,525 people who had been discharged after recovery, and 3,339 people who died of the disease.
The Union environment ministry is revising its public hearings policy and is likely to release it by next week keeping in mind the social distancing required in view of the Covid-19 pandemic that has prompted a 21-day lockdown in the country, a top official said.

Public hearings are consultations with local people who are either displaced or affected by any infrastructure project. The local people can object to the project or voice specific concerns at these hearings. Company representatives and state pollution control board officials are present during the hearings and are supposed to record peoples comments. These comments are also considered by the ministrys expert appraisal committee to clear or reject a project.

CK Mishra, the ministry secretary, said they were working out the policy for the pending public hearings. ...during the lockdown period public hearings should be avoided unless very urgent. A case-by-case approach will be taken. The district administrations have also been informed about not holding public hearings during lockdown. For later, we are deciding on a strategy.

The Gujarat Pollution Control Board has, for instance, scheduled a public hearing for the expansion of a refinery and petrochemical complex at Vadinagar on May 1. The residents said they may be unable to participate in the hearing amid the lockdown.

Virendrasinh Vadher, a local farmer leader, said he has written to the board about their concerns. In this situation, it is not possible for most persons concerned to know that the public hearing has been announced because distribution of newspapers is affected. People concerned have no way to connect with their communities and discuss issues.

He has not received a response to his letter dated April 6.

Public hearings related to infrastructural projects are pending across the country. Dubna-Sakridihi iron ore and manganese mines in Odisha had started mining without any prior environmental clearance. When the ministrys Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) heard this violation case in January last year, it recommended a public hearing, which remains pending.

Kanchi Kohli, a legal researcher with the think tank, Centre for Policy Research, said public hearings ought to have been conducted for many more projects. We do not know how many in total because respective state pollution control boards notify these public hearings.

Separately, meetings of EAC on mining were held on March 25 and 26 and that of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) on April 7 during the lockdown and decisions on significant infrastructure projects were taken.

The NBWLs meeting was chaired by Union environment minister, Prakash Javadekar, via video conferencing and wildlife clearances for projects in 11 states were approved.

The EAC on March 25 recommended public hearings on several projects. Kohli said there is a the visible one-sidedness in how the environment ministry is presenting itself during lockdown.
Photo credit: CECIL BEATON/REDUX - Getty Images

One of my favorite jewelry images: Barbara Woolworth Hutton photographed by Cecil Beaton in her Vladimir emerald tiara and the Pasha diamond that belonged to King Farouk. There is also the bracelet, a straight line of Golconda diamonds. But the tiara. Vladimir like the tiara of T&C March Madness fame? Yes, from the same legendary jewelry collector, the Duchess Vladimir of Russia.

The Duchess, born Marie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, joined the Romanov dynasty in 1874 when she married Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich of Russia, uncle to the doomed last Romanov Emperor, Nicholas II. She established a grand court at St. Petersburgs Vladimir Palace, with a jewelry collection to match.

Photo credit: Photo12/Universal Images Group via Getty Images - Getty Images

Upon receiving news of the revolution, she left St. Petersburg with only a few "daytime jewels and strings of pearls" and hid the real treasures in a secret compartment in the Vladimir Palace. She remained in the countryside until February 1920, when she fled to Venice, becoming the last Romanov to leave Russian soil.

Her jewels, however, had gotten out even before she did. In an operation worthy of a thriller, a British officer snuck into the Vladimir Palace dressed as a worker (though one version states it was as an old woman) and stashed all the hidden jewels in his bags (in the old-woman version, some were sewn into a bonnet).

The jewels made it safely out of Russia and into London where her son Grand Duke Boris was living in exile.

After Duchess Vladimirs death, her family began to auction her jewels to support themselves. The Vladimir tiara (with its original natural pearls) was sold to Queen Mary (who created the option to swap the pearls with the Cambridge emeralds) and a stash of rare emeralds, given to the Duchess as a wedding gift by her father in law Tsar Alexander II and worn in all their glory by her at the famous costume ball of 1903, was sold to Cartier.

The prized Vladimir emeralds would go back and forth between the French house and provenance-hungry American heiresses for at least another decade. Soon after the Vladimir emeralds were acquired by Cartier from the Duchesss family, they were sold to Esther Rockefeller McCormick who believed she had, in another life, been the wife of King Tut.

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Upon her death in 1930, the emeralds go back to Cartier and in 1935 they are sold to Barbara Woolworth Hutton, then on the second of seven marriages.

Photo credit: Horst P. Horst/Conde Nast via Getty Images

It is said she spent a million on the Romanov treasures and, after some debate about how to set them, she decided in 1947 on an Indian style tiara in yellow gold. The choice of yellow gold was a departure from the platinum settings that defined jewelry of this level before the war. Yellow gold had during the war, and after, became more popular as platinum was labeled a strategic metal and any non-military use of it was banned.

Huttons Vladimir emerald tiara could also be worn as a necklace. She loved to wear her Vladimir emeralds while wearing a sari entertaining guests in Tangier. In 1965, in an effort to fund one of her divorces, Hutton sold the emeralds to Van Cleef & Arpels. As was the custom at the timeand because of the incredible value of the emeralds themselves as well as the challenges of wearing an Indian-style tiarathe house sold the emeralds separately.

Another where are they nowperhaps on your finger, or around the neck of someone you know? A jewelry mystery.

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Today

Cloudy. Snow showers developing this afternoon. High 3F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 60%. Snowfall around one inch..

Tonight

Cloudy with snow showers mainly during the evening. Low 3F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 60%. About one inch of snow expected.
South Korea wins US approval for humanitarian trade with Iran: Report

Iran Press TV

Friday, 10 April 2020 5:10 PM

South Korean officials say authorities have received a special permit from the United States to resume humanitarian trade with Iran amid claims of support for the Islamic Republic in its fight against the new coronavirus pandemic.

South Korea's official Yonhap news agency cited a Foreign Ministry official as saying on Friday that humanitarian trade with Iran was likely to begin next month after companies have submitted documents showing they would comply with the US regulations.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the US government's General License No. 8 would allow the trade of drugs and medical equipment and other humanitarian items with Iran even if it involves the country's central bank, an entity which Washington has blacklisted.

"On April 6, the humanitarian export process based on the General License No. 8 got under way," the official told reporters, adding that companies that will engage in trade with Iran should undertake "enhanced due diligence" by submitting special documents to the government.

The announcement comes as Iran has on several occasions censured South Korea's adherence to the US sanctions when it comes to the exports of humanitarian items.

Those criticisms intensified in October, long before Iran was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and when South Korean banks refused to process transactions related to exports of medicines and medical equipment.

Iranian officials had warned that they would ban all imports from South Korea if the East Asian country does not find a way around the sanctions.

The South Korean foreign ministry official told Yonhap that Seoul is also exhausting other channels, including a mechanism set up by Switzerland, to resume humanitarian trade with Iran.

Iran announced on Friday that nearly 70,000 people had been tested positive for COVOD-19 since the disease was spotted in the country nearly two months ago. More than 35,000 people have recovered from the illness while nearly 4,250 patients have died.

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The Management of Buipe Community Water System says they have to ration water to be able to supply to all parts of the town.

The General Manager Abdulai Mumuni indicated in an interview that the decline in the volume of water production is because their water pump machine became faulty but they purchased one from Kumasi which is small to produce the needed volume of water for the community.

"Because of the lockdown in Kumasi, we were not able to buy the right part of the machine. The one we had is not big to pump water to all parts of the town".

Mr. Mumuni outlined that for some area of the community to be served, they had to deprive others access to water so that they could also use it for their activities.

"The pipelines are so dried up because the old one spoilt.

This night we are going to supply Yipala East by locking all the other places and then send water in that direction." he said

He noted that though they are a community-based water system but underscored that the organisation will not hesitate to make water free for the inhabitants if the government gives them the mandate.

"We will give supply to them once the government gives us the go-ahead to make it free."

But asked how soon the residents should expect their package of free water as promised by the government, he assured: "GWCL has asked us to compile some information and send it to them immediately so that they will give it to the government to give us assurance."

Mr. Mumuni expressed optimism that the downpour in the area will give them the time to fully maintain the machine to be able to supply all the suburbs of the area.

However, some residents commended the assembly member of the area for supplying them with water in the face of these challenges.
New York City, which has the countrys largest homeless population, has identified coronavirus cases in dozens of shelters. In Silicon Valley, a homeless person living in an encampment died of the disease. At least a dozen homeless people have tested positive for the virus in Los Angeles County, according to authorities.

San Francisco has deployed a dual strategy in trying to protect its homeless population, spacing out beds in homeless shelters and lifting its ban on tent encampments. Many streets, largely empty of other residents, are now lined with camping tents that city workers make sure are kept at least six feet apart.

We are no longer trying to break up encampments, whether its one tent or 15 tents, said Jeff Kositsky, a city official charged with managing the coronavirus response for the roughly 5,000 people in San Francisco who sleep on the streets.

We are trying to stay focused on letting people shelter in place.

Experts say cities face a dilemma in addressing the homelessness crisis during the pandemic. Bringing people indoors offers access to showers and bathrooms but might also make the virus more transmissible.

The shelters present a greater risk of transmission because you have people interacting and sleeping in close quarters, said Linsey Marr, an expert in airborne disease transmission at Virginia Tech. You have much greater density of people.

Mr. Kositsky said that in addition to homeless people, hundreds of city employees charged with looking after them were also vulnerable to the virus.

Im out with the outreach workers and none of us have protective gear, he said.
A former commissioner for information in Rivers state, Austin Tam-George, has faulted Governor Nyesom Wikes containment effort against coronavirus in the state.

Mr Tam-George served as a commissioner under Mr Wike before his resignation in 2017.

He said the governors approach has been more of dramatic announcements that have little to do with the viral disease itself.

The former commissioners remark is contained in a statement he published on Facebook, March 28.

Mr Tam-George said Mr Wike, for instance, ordered traders to vacate markets and when they did the administration failed to take even the most elementary step of disinfecting the market.

Indeed, no single market, bus stop or public space has been decontaminated by the Wike administration, as part of a rearguard action against the Coronavirus.

Mr Tam-George said the Rivers government has not paid pensions for five years and has refused to pay N30,000 minimum wage to civil servants in the state, thereby worsening the hardship in the state during the lockdown.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Rivers State has the highest rate of unemployment in Nigeria, under Mr Wikes watch.

The State has the highest misery index in the country, according to the NBS. For five years, pensioners in Rivers State have not been paid their gratuities and benefits by the Wike government

The governor has also refused to pay the nationally approved N30,000 minimum wage to civil servants in the State, he said.

He accused the governor of dismantling all the primary healthcare centres in Rivers State because they were built by his political rivals.

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Well-equipped primary healthcare centres are our first line of defence in the event of a pandemic such as COVID-19. I say this with infinite sadness because the neglect of the primary healthcare infrastructure of any state could spell disaster for the people.

To his credit, Governor Wike rebuilt and painted the residential quarters for doctors at the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital. But this was typical of the administrations cosmetic approach to sectoral reform. In medicine, nobody gets well by simply running into a newly painted apartment.

In Rivers State, Governor Wike is fighting the virus with thuggish garrulity, expressed in thoughtless state broadcasts, the former commissioner said.

PREMIUM TIMES could not get the Rivers State government response to Mr Tam-Georges allegations, as the Commissioner for Information in the state, Paulinus Nsirim, did not respond to several calls and text message to his phone line.

Mr Wike, on March 23, shut down night clubs and banned public burials and wedding, part of his early efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus into the state.

Rivers State, however, recorded its first case of coronavirus three days later, forcing the governor to order a complete lockdown of the state.
ANN ARBOR  In the age of social distancing, public rallies and protests have generally taken a back seat to stay-home orders, online discussions and video livestreams.

That didnt stop members of Graduate Employees Organization 3550, the labor union that represents working graduate students at the University of Michigan, from exercising their right to protest the universitys policies on pay, sexual assault and climate change on Friday.

Dozens of demonstrators gathered at Burns Park for a car rally, following billboard-sized signs mounted atop a lead pickup truck onto campus, blaring their horns as they passed the presidents house on South University. Student employees waved signs bearing phrases like pay us a living wage," stop sexual harassment and the rent is too damn high" as they sang along to Solidarity Forever.

The caravan passed the house occupied by UM President Mark Schlissel - the oldest building on campus - twice before heading north for the home of UM Regent Ron Weiser, who serves as chair of the Board of Regents.

In a Thursday press release, GEO claimed UM administrators have long failed to address basic procedures around workplace protections and accommodations, including around sexual harassment and misconduct." The union also alleges grossly negligent handling of several recent campus sexual misconduct cases, including allegations against former provost Martin Philbert, who was removed from the position on March 11.

Bargaining between the university and GEO continued Friday. The teams are making solid progress, UM spokesman Rick Fitzgerald said.

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April 11 : Baisakhi, the spring harvest festival, will be observed on April 13 this year. Though it marks the Sikh New Year, it is celebrated with great joy in various parts of India with regional variations but with the same spirit and mood. To pep up your celebrations, lets take a look at some Bollywood songs that can be a part of your Baisakhi playlist.

The song Aisa Des Hai Mera from the film Veer-Zaara brings out the essence of the festival. Sung by Udit Narayan, Laga Mangeshkar, Gurdas Mann and Pritha Majumder and compiled by Madan Mohan, this track is a perfect inclusion to your Baisakhi playlist. The song brings alive Punjabs beautiful countryside with large green fields and vast blue sky.

The popular song Dukh Bhare Din Beete Re from Mother India brings forth the light of hope that comes with the spring harvest festival of Baisakhi. Naushads music and his brilliant fusion of rural instruments bring alive the Indian villages with its green fields. Mohammed Rafi has created magic by lending his voice to it.

The golden yesteryear song Dharti Kahe Pukar Ke from Do Bigha Zamin is a perfect choice for Baisakhi celebrations. Composed by Salil Chowdhury and sung by Manna Dey and Lata Mangeshkar, the song will take you to a perfect rural landscape.

Mere Desh Ki Dharti from Upkar is a classic patriotic song composed by Kalyanji Anandji and sung by Mahendra Kapoor. Unleashing the essence of Baisakhi, the song will pep up your celebrations and bring alive the green fields of rural India.

The popular song Ek Baar Rakh De Qadam Jara Jhoom Ke from the film Mela has some old school beats and authentic lyrics that stand true to its roots. Sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi, the song is a must addition in your Baisakhi playlist. It surely brings a feel of rural India and its harvest festivals.
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 Some miners began relocating workers from the east coast to the west. Others sent nurses to check fly-in fly-out staff for high temperatures before they boarded planes. Rosters were redrawn to keep workers on site for weeks at a time to reduce comings and goings, and mines began stockpiling months worth of spare parts in case supply lines were cut. Even before state governments across the country made the unprecedented decisions to close their borders to combat coronavirus, Australias big resources companies were racing to cover off on every contingency  which is a good thing, because the stakes could hardly be higher. A wave of interstate travel restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus has complicated the movement of mining companies' fly-in, fly-out workers Credit:Glenn Hunt In a time of spiralling job losses and business closures everywhere, fears of a slowdown in the $290 billion mining sector  often referred to as the engine room of the Australian economy  extend well beyond those counting company profits. Ensuring the industry stays open has emerged as a national concern. The resources sector has already shown great resilience to be in such a position of strength as we head into this current health crisis, Federal Resources Minister Keith Pitt tells The Age and Sydney Morning Herald. Its an important part of the economy. It will be an even more important part of our recovery. Swathes of the economy have been brought to a standstill, as governments intensify restrictions to halt the spread of the virus. So far, the mining sector  deemed an essential activity  has been largely spared from the brunt of closures and interstate travel bans, which could imperil the movement of fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) personnel and the industry as whole. But the dial is shifting quickly. And whats permitted one day could well be restricted the next. For the big miners, this was made brutally apparent a week ago when the state government of Western Australia, the epicentre of mining, introduced a hard border closure, meaning interstate FIFO workers will now have to undertake 14 days of quarantine each time they enter.

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Mike Henry, the chief executive of mining giant BHP, says the challenges presented by the pandemic are fluid, and change on an almost daily basis. There can be no guarantees about what further measures might be implemented by world governments or the directions that world markets might take, he says In an industry known for large workforces, close-quarter mess halls and remote desert accommodation sites, the risk of infection is real and the implications enormous. Hygiene controls have escalated. Meal times are staggered. Buses are running at half capacity so every second seat is free. We are not a business that can do all of our work remotely and we are fully focused on action to reduce the risk of transmission at our sites and in our offices, Henry says. The coronavirus has moved faster than businesses preparations in many parts of the world, with staff at major banks and tech companies testing positive for the virus. In Australias resources sector, its so far so good. Fourteen suspected cases across WA have all turned out to be false alarms. Rather than being reactive weve tried to be proactive, Fortescue Metals Group chief Elizabeth Gaines tells The Age and Sydney Morning Herald. One of the largest iron ore miners, Fortescue was the first in Australia to overhaul its operational rosters in light of the coronavirus threat, moving from two weeks on and one week off to 4:2. The changes have curbed staff movement by 40 per cent.

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We want to make sure we can continue to operate safely, we want to maintain jobs, we want to sustain our business and we protect communities  and to do that weve had to make some challenging decisions. Last Tuesday at 3am, Gaines drove to Perth airport to see off a wave of staff leaving for a long stint in the Pilbara under Fortescues extended roster cycle. Its tough to say to somebody that you need to now be away from your family for four weeks, she says. People are still pleased to be working and have their jobs, but they do feel as though we have a part to play in not only sustaining our economy during the crisis, but also when Australia recovers from this crisis. With its fortunes closely tied to the vagaries of the global commodities cycle, the sector is no stranger to downturn. Having weathered the global financial meltdown of 2008 and the commodity market collapse of 2015-16, which wiped out the gains of the mining boom, the pandemic has now pushed the industry into uncharted waters. "Just when we thought it was starting to recover - in the early part of this year, latter part of last year - we've been hit for six again," says industry veteran Owen Hegarty, the former head of Australian copper and gold miner Oxiana. "We've been through a few of these before... financial crises, product-pricing crises... but one that's got a health issue and safety issue associated with at the same time is a bit different," says Hegarty. "That's something that's a bit beyond our control, and you're in the hands of the authorities."

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So far, demand for Australias top export, the steelmaking ingredient iron ore, has been resilient, with the price remaining between $US80-90 a tonne. Fortescues Gaines says promising signs of an economic rebound in China  the top consumer of iron ore  could drive demand higher as industries return to work. For mining analysts like UBSs Glyn Lawcock, however, no commodity is immune while uncertainty lingers about the impact of restrictions that could lie ahead in markets around the world. Even if conditions are strong in China, which accounts for 73 per cent of iron ore demand, unfortunately, now Im worried about the other 27 per cent, says Lawcock. Nine per cent of iron ore consumption in the seaborne market is Europe, and you know whats happening there right now. If Europe cuts steel production and disruptions ease in other iron ore-exporting nations like Brazil and South Africa, what does that mean for the second quarter? There are a lot of ifs and maybes, says Lawcock. Deloittes Ian Sanders says the downturn could imperil the financial positions of some in the sector and potentially spur a wave of divestment activity in order to get cash. If youre one of the top five mining clients, youve worked hard to get a strong balance sheet over the past few years, Sanders says. At the next level, it can be more difficult when you get into these times  some of them arent going to make it through this as well as theyd like. With emergency planning in its DNA, mining leaders are confident in the sector's ability to respond decisively to the threat of disruption and protect people and assets. We know what to do when we get into these interruptions and disruptions," says Hegarty. "So there is no question we will come out of it ... but it's really a matter of timing. Kirsty Danby, chief executive of the Port Hedland Industries Council, says miners had a track record of dealing with crises, from commodity price plunges to Aussie dollar surges to global liquidity shocks. And when we all pull together as a team  with our communities and our governments  we will navigate the best recovery plan for all of us, she says. Since the crisis began, Keith Pitt, the resources minister, has been in daily contact with industry leaders and weekly contact with his state counterparts.

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The suspension of Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) for two years - one of the many measures that the central government has taken in preparation for a fight against coronavirus and its adverse impact on the economy - has evoked sharp criticism from many quarters, especially from opposition's Members of Parliament (MP).

The suspension of the MPLADS would help government save a total of around Rs 8,000 crore in two years. The government has allocated Rs 3,960 crore, or Rs 5 crore to each MP (in both houses of Parliament), for 2020-21.

Critics have termed the move as anti-federal and an attempt by the government to centralise the power, rendering MPs powerless. Most opposition MPs have flayed the government for hijacking the resources they had for local level intervention in times of such a health crisis.

In a video posted on Twitter, Congress MP Manish Tewari calleed it an ill-thought and knee jerk reaction. "MPLADS is a nimble instrument which is available with public representatives for customised micro-level interventions in order to alleviate distress in this time of need. It is something that is required to help the most vulnerable, poor and the needy," he says.

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Why is the government's move to suspend MPLADS evoking such criticism? Why is it so important for both the MPs and their constituencies, especially when the whole country is battling a pandemic?

What is MPLAD Scheme?

Under the MP Local Area Development Scheme, each MP is allotted by the Central government Rs 5 crore every year (in two installments of Rs 2.5 crore) with which he/she can recommend the district authority (of the constituency the MP belongs to) to do certain developmental works. The role of the MP is limited only to recommendation of works. The fund is directly released to the district authority, which has the responsibility to sanction, execute and complete the works.

The scheme was launched in 1993. Initially, each MP was allotted Rs 1 crore. The amount was raised to Rs 5 crore in 2011-12.

Since 1993, the government has released over Rs 54,000 crore under MPLADS, out of which Rs 51,500 crore has been spent by district authorities. Around Rs 5,500 crore (including interest accrued on the amount lying in bank) unspent amount is still with the district authorities.

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Where and how is the fund spent

The fund under MPLADS can be spent across a large number of developmental works mentioned in the guidelines issued by the government, including creation of infrastructure like railway halts, roads and bridges, building basic amenities like toilets, schools, etc.

If we look at the spending pattern since beginning, a majority of the fund has been spent on building roads, pathways, bridges and railway amenities. A substantial amount has also been spent on education, creation of drinking water facilities, and electric facilities. Health and sanitation score lower compared to expenditures in areas like roads, electricity and education.

MPLADS fund is also used in areas affected by natural or man-made calamities. Ideally, fund allotted to MPs should be used only in their respective constituencies, but MPs from non-affected areas can give up to Rs 25 lakh to areas affected by such calamities. During the floods in Kerala in 2018, MPs from Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha contributed close to Rs 46 core towards the relief work in Kerala.

Given the kind of health crisis the country is facing, with some states and districts more impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, many believe that MPLADS fund could have filled the gaps in relief work left by the central and state governments.

ALSO READ: Is cure to coronavirus hidden in Viagra? Researchers are curious

Reetika Khera, an economist, social scientist and currently professor at IIM Ahmedabad, says: "What we have seen in the past two weeks (on the background of coronavirus pandemic) is inaction and apathy at the central level, and proactive and creative policy initiatives at the state level, but the states do not have enough resources. To facilitate more decentralised and rapid responses, funds such as MPLADS could have played a crucial role."

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said in one of his tweets that MPLADS preserved the sense of direct responsibility for the well-being of constituents that is the hallmark of an Indian MP's work. Now the money will be allocated by the Centre and will follow the priorities and preferences of New Delhi, rather than reflect 543 sets of local needs.
Coronavirus cases in the country continue to rise unabated. The national capital has 941 coronavirus cases of which 13 people have died and 25 patients have recovered, the latest health ministry figures released on Saturday indicated.

This comes after the number of coronavirus patients in Delhi on Friday crossed the 900-mark. As many as 183 cases were reported on Friday - the highest jump so far for the national capital, news agency PTI reported.

According to the bulletin issued by Delhis Health Department on Friday, 584 Covid-19 cases in the national capital are linked to Tablighi Jamaats Nizamuddin Markaz.

The administration also increased the number of Covid-19 containment zones across Delhi to 30 on Friday. The areas that have been included in the list of containment zones include Nabi Karim, E pocket GTB enclave, Street no 18 to 22 of Zakir Nagar and nearby area of Abu Bakar Masjid, Zakir Nagar. All these areas have been earmarked as containment and sealed.

As per the latest figures released by the Ministry of Health, the total tally of the infected people in the country rose to 7,447 on Saturday. With 40 deaths and 1,035 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, India has witnessed the sharpest ever increase in Covid-19 cases.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a tele-discussion with various chief ministers on the prevailing coronavirus situation in the country and the possibility of the extension of the lockdown beyond April 14.

Odisha and Punjab have already announced the extension of lockdown till April 30.

(With inputs from agencies)
Forty-three people were detained by police in the Belgian capital on Saturday when rioting broke out following a fatal accident between a police vehicle and a young man on a scooter, authorities said.

The unrest began on Friday night when a police patrol in Anderlecht, a district of Brussels, attempted to stop a 19-year-old driving on a scooter.

The police gave chase, but the scooter collided head on with a second police vehicle killing the scooter driver on the spot.

After several incidents on Friday, riot police spent several hours on Saturday dispersing young protesters who had gathered following a call on social media.

Anderlecht mayor Fabrice Cumps told AFP that two police officers were lightly injured in Saturday's incidents, one hit by a projectile and another a victim of a malaise.

Several protesters were also lightly injured, he said.

Cumps said the situation was "clearly under control" but that police remained mobilised and expected more incidents later in the night or on Sunday.

The mayor said he met with the family of the motorcyclist on Saturday and that he believed the death was being used as a false pretext by trouble-makers.

Belgium has been on lockdown for four weeks in an effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.

Cumps said the police patrol that encountered the scooter driver was out enforcing the rules of the confinement, but said there was no known link with the lockdown.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Congress MLA in Arunachal



Pradesh on Saturday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his intervention to stop incidents of racial discrimination and attacks on those from the north-east in various parts of the country in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Lawmaker Ninong Ering expressed his concern over "ill treatment" meted out to the people from the region in many states, violating the ethics of the country.

"The ethics of our country are being violated, as people from the north-east have been facing ill treatment due to COVID-19 pandemic. They are being called 'corona' or 'virus'," Ering pointed out in his letter.

A woman from Manipur had recently alleged that an unidentified man spat on her and called her "corona" in northwest Delhi's Vijay Nagar area while two students from the north-east region were reportedly not allowed to enter a supermarket in Hyderabad.

Citing these two incidents, the legislator representing Pasighat West assembly constituency said, "It breaks my heart to see such differences in our country when the need of the hour is to unite...India is a signatory of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination."



The former Union minister urged the prime minister to condemn the incidents of racial discrimination.

He also appealed to people across the country to be sensitive to all communities and refrain from racial profiling and discrimination in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Meanwhile, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU) has condemned the frequent incidents of racial discrimination and attacks on people of the north-east amid the COVID-19 crisis.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 20:00:40|Editor: huaxia

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Medical workers attend the COVID-19 patients at a hospital in Barcelona, Spain, April 7, 2020. (Photo by Francisco Avia/Xinhua)

MADRID, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Spain recorded 510 COVID-19 deaths in the past 24 hours, a fall on a day-to-day basis for the third consecutive day, according to the Ministry for Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Services.

The death toll had risen to 16,353, according to data published by the ministry on Saturday. It reported 605 fatalities on Friday, fewer than 683 deaths a day before.

Spain recorded 4,830 new confirmed cases on Saturday, an increase from the 4,576 new cases reported on Friday, but considerably down from Thursday's figure of 5,756. The total number of COVID-19 infections rose from 157,022 to 161,852 on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the country Saturday reported 3,441 new recoveries from the disease, with the total recoveries reaching 59,109. 
Circle Officer Dinesh Shukla said the accused pelted stones at the team, injuring a police official and the city magistrate of Meerut

Lucknow/Meerut: A team of police and district officials was attacked in Meerut's Jali Kothi on Saturday when it reached there to seal a part of the area following a confirmation about presence of coronavirus patients there, officials said.

Four people, including an imam, have been arrested in connection with the incident, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Awanish Awasthi said in Lucknow.

"A team which had gone to take a COVID-19 patient to hospital in Meerut's Jali Kothi area was attacked by some people. Four persons, including an imam, have been arrested in this regard. Action will be initiated against the accused persons under the National Security Act (NSA)," Awasthi said in a statement.

The NSA allows preventive detention up to 12 months without a charge if the authorities are satisfied that the person is a threat to the national security or law and order.

Follow LIVE updates on coronavirus outbreak

Circle Officer Dinesh Shukla said the accused pelted stones at the team, injuring a police official and the city magistrate.

"On 24 February, three people attended a programme of a local Jamaat and came from Maharashtra (Malegaon) to Meerut. They were staying at Dariwaali Masjid. On Friday, their samples came back positive for coronavirus," he said.

"On Saturday morning, when in-charge of Delhi Gate police station Ravindra Singh along with police force and City Magistrate Satendra Kumar Singh went to seal a lane in the Jali Kothi area, some people started resisting them, and raised slogans against the police. They also pelted stones at the police," he added.

In the incident, city magistrate and police station in-charge sustained injuries, Shukla said.

Additional police force from other police stations was rushed to the spot as soon as information about the incident was transmitted on wireless.

Superintendent of Police (City) Akhilesh Narayan Singh said, "The area is being sealed. As of now, there is peace in the area."

So far, Uttar Pradesh has reported 433 coronavirus cases. The tally in Meerut stands at 44, of which six were reported on Saturday, according to official data.
A gatekeeper in Kaduna State has tested positive for coronavirus, the government has said.

The unanmed man recently returned from Lagos State and has no connection to the first five confirmed cases of the virus in Kaduna.

Amina Baloni, the Kaduna commissioner for health, said this in a statement on Saturday.

She said with the latest case, the number of confirmed cases in the state as of Friday was six.

The commissioner said that the latest case is a male who worked as a gateman in the Mando area and recently returned from Lagos.

According to Mrs Baloni, the sixth case had traveled to Kaduna on public transport and made contact with the authorities as his symptoms worsened. The patient has been evacuated to the states Infectious Disease Centre.

The commissioner warned that the latest case presents the nightmare scenario of possible community transmission of Covid-19 in the state.

It is very difficult and complicated to trace the contacts of a patient who came from Lagos via public transport and had some instance of local commuting since his arrival, she said.

The government said the Rapid Response Team is trying its utmost to elicit from him a list of his contacts, so that they can be traced and monitored.

He does not know who his fellow passengers from Lagos are. But the team is working to develop an idea of his local contacts in Kaduna, including any vehicles he commuted in and people he met at the hospital he visited and within his neighbourhood, she said.

Mrs Baloni argued that, it was in order to prevent and avert a scenario like this that the government has consistently appealed to the public to practise social distancing and directed commercial buses to carry no more than two passengers per row.

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The instances that have now been recorded of people spreading Covid-19 from one state to another further reinforces the need to stop all inter-state travel. People need to stay in one place and help reduce the footprint of Covid-19, she further argued.

The statement maintained that the government also banned motorcycle taxis and Keke because they do not satisfy the conditions for social distancing.

The commissioner also reiterated the governments advice against large gatherings and congregational prayers, adding that now that there is a case of possible community transmission of Covid-19, residents must begin to take more seriously the quarantine conditions.

The statement warned that it is important to stay at home, go out only when absolutely necessary and practice personal hygiene, especially washing hands with soap and water regularly. Residents should also observe respiratory hygiene.

According to Mrs Baloni, these are dangerous times, but we can work together to stop this disease from spreading. It is cheaper and better to prevent Covid-19 than to catch it, she said.

Nigeria as of Friday had a total of 305 cases of coronavirus. Fifty eight have been discharged and seven have died.
To all the other dizzying transformations caused by COVID-19, add this: the young may soon be the only people allowed out, while their parents are grounded indefinitely.

What a strange new world it will be with only youngsters in it. Credit:Louie Douvis

A new research paper by economists and behavioural scientists at Britain's University of Warwick says part of the population must be allowed to return to "normality" fairly soon if we are to avoid a catastrophic recession. The ideal cohort, they suggest, is people aged 20 to 30, so long as they are not living with their (more COVID-susceptible) parents.

Young people, even if they catch the virus, are less likely to get seriously ill and require hospital treatment. They should therefore be released back into the wild to work and socialise and restart the economy.

Well, someone has to go first, I suppose. But what a strange new world it would be with only youngsters in it. What would Generation Z do with all this freedom, all this unaccustomed power? When they get back to the office will they spin around in the boss's chair, put their feet up on his desk, rummage through the pills and paper clips in his desk drawer? Will they listen obediently to their elders, trapped in our Zoom windows, squawking about strategy? Or will they  heaven forbid  find they can get on perfectly well without us?
A labourer was injured when a portion of an under-construction house collapsed in Uttar Pradesh's Etah district on Saturday, police said.

The incident took place in the district's Dharamai village. The injured has been identified as Ramkishan, they said.

"On Saturday, the roof of a Narendra Singh Fauji's house was being constructed and a portion of it collapsed. Labourer Ramkishan was injured in the incident," Mirachi police station in-charge Satish Kumar said.

A case pertaining to violation of the lockdown has been registered in connection with the incident, he said.

In the world's biggest lockdown, India's 1.3 billion people have been ordered indoors by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The 21-day lockdown began on March 25.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced yesterday that he is signing an executive order next week that lays out how the businesses in the state will start reopening safely. Relatively, Texas has not reached the forecasted mid-April peak of COVID-19 cases yet.

Also, the governor explained, it is the goal of the state to concentrate on protecting lives while re-establishing livelihoods. He also added he wants the Texans to return to work, although he wants it done safely.

To date, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Texas has reached 12,186 and 248, the total number of deaths. With these figures, Gov. Abbott said that every lost life "is one too many."

Meanwhile, this stat is ranked the second-highest when it comes to the number of people with recovered patients, the government official said. He continued that the capacity of hospitals in Texas remains secure, with over 20,000 beds available and over 7,000 ventilators.

Just this week, according to Abbott, over three million masks, "four million gloves and more than 75,000 coveralls were delivered" to various first responders and health care facilities here.

Conditions in Harris County

In Harris County, even though the figures continue to rise, the governor shared, the number of confirmed cases appears to be "tapering off compared to Dallas."

He added, the recent days are way low, although a lot more details should be gathered to make forecasts for Harris County.

Also, the Texan governor said he visited the county's judge, Lina Hidalgo, and discussed with her the healthcare facility being constructed at NRG Park, and guaranteeing Harris County gets more COVID-19 testing kits.

More so, he discussed how to lessen the growth of such cases. And, while the other counties are seen downslope in terms of COVID-19 cases, El Paso is said to "continue to trend upward in confirmed cases," the governor said.

In general, Abbott stated there are still signs of bot hope and success in the state by slowing down the growth's pace and the manner he hopes to see it drop in the weeks yet to come.

Government's Response

Another thing Abbott addressed concerning what's happening in the coming days, was his discussion with Vice President Mike Pence the initiatives the federal government has in place to support Texas.

He said he is appreciative of what President Donald Trump and the Vice President for everything they've done to help his state.

Meanwhile, with a lot of private firms now testing as well, the governor said, the number of Texas nationals getting tested for COVID-19 has increased.

In connection to this, Governor Abbot announced the Frontline Childcare Website's launch t help the essential workers in the state find child care, as well as support child care centers that can care for the children during the pandemic.

Moreover, the state leader also shared that the "Texas Workforce Commission" added staff and employees from the Texas Senate and House to help them operate seven days each week because of the overwhelming numbers of people filing claims for unemployment in Texas.

Specifically, there have been 363,335 paid claims, and the governor gave credit to the Congress and the President, who signed the legislation related to this benefit.

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Iranian lawmakers have rejected a proposal to remain in quarantine in the building of the Parliament in the next few months until the end of their term in mid-May.

Behrouz Nemati, a member of the Presidium of the Parliament, on Saturday said the proposal was put to vote and lawmakers rejected it. According to Nemati, the Presidium has decided to continue holding sessions until May when the newly elected parliament convenes.

Iran reported the coronavirus outbreak On February 19, only two days before the elections and simultaneously reported its first two deaths in Qom on the same day.

Assadollah Abbasi, another member of the Presidium, on April 1 said 23 lawmakers had tested positive for coronavirus, out of the 100 who had been given the test, and 40 more were suspected of carrying the virus.

Speaker of the Parliament Ali Larijani is among the lawmakers who have tested positive. He was hospitalized on April 2. He is the highest-ranking Iranian official who has caught the virus and has been hospitalized. Other high-ranking officials include First Vice President Es'haq Jahangiri and the International Affairs Advisor of the Supreme Leader Ali-Akbar Velayati.

So far three former, current and future lawmakers have passed away due to COVID-19.

The Iranian Parliament shut down in early March. Attempts have been made to hold the parliament sessions by video-conference without much success. The first session in the building was held on April 9 with two-thirds of lawmakers attending to hear the reports of the Health and Interior ministers about the measures taken to contain the epidemic.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 22:52:40|Editor: huaxia

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BEIJING, April 11 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Education (MOE) issued a warning Saturday, requiring schools and kindergartens not to collect tuition and accommodation fees in advance before schools reopen.

The ministry made clear in the statement that tuition fees and accommodation fees should not be collected in advance across academic years or semesters, requiring refunds of accommodation fees that have already been collected for the academic year in accordance with the actual accommodation situation.

Stressing that schools are not allowed to collect fees illegally in the name of epidemic prevention and control, the MOE called for providing financial aid for poor students who were infected with the virus or whose families are affected by the epidemic.
By PTI

JAIPUR: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the Centre should come up with a 'Food for Work' scheme as a social safety net for the poor in the wake of the COVID-19 lockdown.

While participating in the video conference of chief ministers of various states with the Prime Minister, Gehlot said that the decision on the extension of the lockdown should be taken after taking all the states into confidence.

The CM pointed out that the ongoing lockdown poses a threat to the livelihood of the ragpickers, hawkers/rickshaw pullers, nomads and other helpless people.

In such a situation, the Centre should consider revamping a scheme on the lines of 'Food for Work'.

Food grains are available in bulk with the central government for the operation of such a scheme, he said in a statement.

ALSO READ: COVID-19 LIVE

Gehlot said that the proposed scheme was earlier introduced during a famine-drought under the tenure of then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2002 and proved to be very popular and successful.

Gehlot said that the Rajasthan government has provided an ex-gratia amount of Rs 2,500 to more than 31 lakh families of the poorer sections who do not come under the purview of social security pensions.

The Centre should also devise a similar scheme of ex-gratia payment for this category of people so that they can get financial support, he said.

The CM suggested the Centre give concessions in central GST and incentive packages for industries.

He requested permission for the state to increase the borrowing capacity and increase fiscal deficit limit mentioned in the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act to 5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).

He called for making available Rs 1 lakh crore grant to the state governments at the earliest.

After listing out various steps taken by the state government during the ongoing lockdown, the CM emphasised on taking a collective decision by looking to the situation of the individual states and taking the respective state governments into confidence.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks during a news conference in Tehran, Iran on Feb. 16, 2020. (Official Presidential website/Handout via Reuters)

Iran Presses for IMF Loan to Fight COVID-19 Outbreak, but US Likely to Block It

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani pressed harder on April 8 for a $5 billion emergency IMF loan Iran has sought to fight the CCP virus outbreak after the regimes official accused the United States of blocking the loan.

In a tweet on Sunday, the secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani, accused the United States of blocking Tehrans loan request from the IMF.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the United States plans to block Irans request for a loan from the IMF.

The U.S. Department of Treasury was not able to respond to a request from The Epoch Times for comments by the time of the publication of this report.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) headquarters building is seen ahead of the IMF/World Bank spring meetings in Washington on April 8, 2019. (Reuters/Yuri Gripas/File Photo)

Iran has not applied for IMF aid since Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution.

I urge international organizations to fulfill their duties  We are a member of the IMF, Rouhani said at a televised cabinet meeting, There should be no discrimination in giving loans.

An IMF official has said it holds talks with Iran aimed at evaluating if Iran qualifies for an emergency loan, according to Reuters.

Tehran has blamed the United States and its maximum pressure policy for restricting Irans ability to respond effectively to the virus.

The U.S. sanctions on Iran are economic and medical terrorism  They are in violation of international medical conventions, Rouhani said.

The Trump administration imposed sanctions on Iran in 2018, aimed at cutting off the revenues the [Iranian] regime uses to bankroll terrorist groups, foment global instability, fund nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and enrich its leaders, the White House said at the time.

Can Iran Afford to Finance Its Battle Against CCP Virus

Firefighters disinfect a street against the new CCP virus, in western Tehran, Iran, on March 13, 2020. (Vahid Salemi/AP Photo)

The Iranian government holds billions of dollars in accounts that it can still use, U.S. officials in the Trump administration told The Wall Street Journal. If the requested emergency loan is granted to Iran, its government can divert the funds to boost the countrys economy weakened by the U.S. sanctions or finance terrorism in the Middle East, the officials said.

According to the State Department, the Iranian regime refused Americas offer of humanitarian assistance and medical supplies to the Iranian people intended to counter the COVID-19 outbreak.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reminded the regime on Feb. 28 that certain donations to Iran intended to relieve human suffering, including the donation of medicine, are exempt from U.S. sanctions. In addition, the United States maintains broad exceptions and authorizations to its sanctions for the commercial export of food, medicine, medical devices, and agricultural products to Iran.

The United States established a transparent channel with the Swiss government through which humanitarian aid could flow to Iran in Oct. 2019. Payments to exporters are guaranteed by a Swiss bank. However, they have to meet a very high standard of due diligence, U.S. Special Representative Brian Hook told Reuters during a press briefing in January after the first sales of cancer and transplant drugs to Iran.

The State Department said that according to Iranian documents, healthcare companies from Iran have been importing COVID-19 test kits since January.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a tree-planting ceremony in Tehran, Iran on March 3, 2020. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)

The Iranian government has hundreds of billions of dollars in its sovereign wealth fund, as well it controls Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneis hedge funds that include assets confiscated from Iranian people. All these funds can be used to combat the COVID-19 outbreak, the State Department said.

On April 6, Khamenei approved the withdrawal of $1 billion from Irans sovereign wealth fund to fight the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) virus, commonly known as novel coronavirus.

Brian Hook, Special Representative for Iran, said at a press conference on March 16 that if the regime redirects only a portion of its revenue generated from oil and other sales that it uses to finance terrorism it could significantly improve its healthcare system for the benefit of Iranian people. It could have been much better prepared for the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Iranian regime for 41 years has run an opaque financial sector that causes banks to be very reluctant to deal with a regime that is famous and notorious for money laundering and terror finance, Hook said. Opening the Iranian financial sector and making it transparent would encourage many financial institutions to transact with the regime, Hook added.

To date 68,192 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Iran, 4,232 people died and 35,465 recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Iran has a strategic partnership with China, which helped the country to circumvent U.S. sanctions. Iran has imported embargoed materials from China while continuing to sell oil to the Chinese regime. Iran also allowed flights to and from China until the end of February.

Reuters contributed to this report.
An administration official said many states are asking for things they do not need and that some of the states are inflating their requests to look like they are delivering for their states. Officials quiz the states on their state stockpiles, what their burn rate is at personal protective equipment at hospitals, how many of their beds are filled, how many of them are coronavirus patients, what their capacity is and what they normally order.
While the global death toll of coronavirus outbreak surpassed a lakh, the United States has asked its doctors to put elective procedures on hold in a bid to lessen the pressure on hospitals. During daily coronavirus task force on April 10, US President Donald Trump said that even though the authorities have asked doctors to cancel surgeries that are not the need of the hour, he added that the ultimate decision about the timing of a medical procedure still remains between the patient and the medical practitioner. Meanwhile, as of April 11, US has recorded over 502,876 confirmed cases of coronavirus infections with at least 18,747 fatalities.

While we encourage Americans to delay elective procedures, we do NOT advise anyone to put off necessary medical treatment. pic.twitter.com/kxacjWks6H  The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 10, 2020

Read - Trump Says When To Reopen US Economy 'biggest Decision Ever' As COVID-19 Cases Spike

Donald Trump has even acknowledged that the decision of reopening the country's economy amid the pandemic will be the biggest decision he ever as to make. While the country recorded the highest jump of fatalities due to COVID-19 in 24 hours, Trump said that people in New York are violently dying but he will soon have to make a decision. The US President added that he can only hope to God that its right.

Donald Trump said, I looked at New York this morning, and I look at whats happening and the amount of people that are dying and dying, violently dying. Its a very tough adversary.

He added, But were going to win, and were going to win it  were going to win it very decisively. Im going to have to make a decision, and I only hope to God that its the right decision. But I would say, without question, its the biggest decision Ive ever had to make.

Read - Watchdog: Treasury Acted Appropriately On Trump Tax Returns

Coronavirus outbreak

After originating from Chinas wet markets, the coronavirus has now claimed over102,730 lives worldwide as of April 11. According to the tally by international news agency, the pandemic has now spread to 210 countries and has infected at least 1,699,632 people. Out of the total infections, 376,330 have been recovered but the easily spread virus is continuing to disrupt many lives. Major cities have been put under lockdown in almost all countries and the economy is struggling.

Read - Calling Trump: When Connections Help Steer Virus Supplies

Read - Trump Says No Need To Test Entire US For Virus
Lupin announced a contribution of Rs 21 crore for relief efforts directed towards mitigating the COVID-19 crisis.

Lupin's employees have contributed generously by giving two days of their individual salaries, together contributing a sum of Rs 5.5 crore to the Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund).

Lupin has matched an equal sum of Rs 5.5 crore for direct initiatives that the company will implement to support overburdened national and state healthcare systems through donation of personal protective equipment, medicines and providing meals for front-line workers and the needy.

In addition, the promoter Desh Bandhu Gupta family has committed a sum of Rs 10 crore for other direct impact initiatives in India and elsewhere in the world to supplement Lupin's relief efforts to tackle the COVID-19 crisis.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A covidiot decided to celebrate the Good Friday Bank Holiday by getting so drunk he passed out by the river, requiring three paramedics to treat him while the service is already stretched to its limit.

Sarah Fleming and her husband Darren, who manage a riverside pub, were enjoying a quiet read on their patio in Kingston upon Thames when they spotted the man stumbling nearby.

One of their live-in staff members had earlier spotted him rubbing lotion on himself and sunbathing behind a wall where passersby could not see him.

A covidiot decided to celebrate the Good Friday Bank Holiday by getting so drunk he passed out by the river in Kingston upon Thames, requiring three paramedics to treat him

He then proceeded to projectile vomit all over a cement staircase where the swans normally gather and he then passed out, before three paramedics arrived to treat him despite the emergency services being pushed to the brink by coronavirus.

Footage taken by Ms Fleming shows the man seated upright and retching beside two paramedics wearing protective equipment at his side, the other one not in shot.

Ms Fleming told MailOnline: 'The paramedics had to spend precious time and resources attending to this chap. The selfishness is mind boggling.

'If ever you needed an image which encapsulated what we had hoped NOT to witness this Easter weekend, I think this might capture it.'

Footage taken by Ms Fleming shows the man seated upright and retching beside two paramedics wearing protective equipment at his side, the other one not in shot

The Metropolitan Police said they did not attend the scene and no arrests were made.

It comes after many others have brazenly flouted the lockdown rules, putting themselves and other people at danger.

Two sunbathers in Brighton were caught enjoying a barbecue on the beach and complained police had 'ruined their day' when they shut it down.

The oblivious pair, who were seen sitting along the coast near Hove Lawns, were urged by police  who were compared to 'part-time teachers' by the covidiots  to move away from the site amid the government's social distancing measures.

Footage which was shared on social media showed the officers urging the 31-year-old man and 48-year-old woman to vacate the site before the woman told the police: 'You've just ruined our fricking day!'

During the video, two officers, dressed in high-vis jackets, are seen approaching the pair sat on the beach and asking them to move, telling them: 'You need to take your alcohol or we'll move it swiftly away from you.'

The pair had been having a barbecue near Hove Lawns, in Brighton, when they were spotted by police officers

The woman is unhappy after one officer suggests he is 'educating' them, saying: 'He's a teacher, a part-time teacher as well now.'

One officer tells the man and woman: 'The sooner you move away from us the better day you'll probably have. Just go and enjoy yourself somewhere else.'

Frustrated with the officer's warning, the woman replies: 'You've just ruined our fricking day!'

The officers reminds the pair that they have been asking everyone on the beach to vacate the spot and adds: 'We're telling everybody. Look how empty the beach is.'

The continuing defiance among some Britons comes after the Health Secretary Matt Hancock backtracked on a threat to ban outdoor exercise if people do not comply with the coronavirus lockdown.

A police van was seen patrolling Hyde Park in London on Friday afternoon. This weekend a heavy police presence will be felt as police make sure people are not breaking social distancing rules

The widespread action in public places, pictured, comes as Downing Street has been forced to warn police officers against 'heavy-handed' lockdown tactics

There are fears that the glorious Bank Holiday weather will see many flocking to parks and beaches in spite of the strict lockdown rules.

Police and military boats will patrol the south coast beaches, with officers using megaphones to shout at those flouting social distancing rules.

The Met Office said London could see highs of 78.8F this weekend, while much of England and Wales is expected to record temperatures of 64.4F to 75.2F.

Sunbathing Brits on Hove beach on the south coast were threatened with arrest by police on Friday, pictured, after not moving on when told to

Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst said coastal areas such as Brighton and Margate could see highs of 64.4F. Northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland are likely to record temperatures of 59F to 64.4F, he said.

Paul Netherton, deputy chief constable of Devon and Cornwall said that the force was in conversation with the Ministry of Defence and that it would be deploying boats off the coast.

As many broke the rules at their local parks and beaches, others flocked to rural areas and were reprimanded by locals. In north Wales one man was seen removing road blocks in order to get to a beach so he could use his kayak.
SHB is planning to divest part of its consumer finance arm to foreign strategic partners

SHBank Finance Co., Ltd. (SHB Finance) currently has a charter capital of VND1 trillion ($43.48 million), 100 per cent owned by SHB. The company was previously known as Vinaconex Viettel Finance JSC.

In 2019, the company sold financial packages to 460,000 customers and acquired VND107 billion ($4.65 million) in profit. By the end of last year, its total assets were estimated at VND3.3 trillion ($143.48 million), 2.75 times higher than the figure of 2018.

Previously, a number of foreign partners expressed their intention to co-operate with SHB to enhance the operations of the consumer finance company. SHB expects that with the experience, management capacity, and large distribution system, as well as modern technology of these interested investors, SHB Finance will be able increase its market share. Furthermore, SHB hopes to acquire substantial funds from this divestment.

In May 2019, SHB Finance issued certificates of deposits for its fourth tranche as part of its book-building process. This issuance attracted prestigious institutional investors, including one domestic investment fund and one securities company.

At present, FE Credit, Home Credit, and SHB Finance are dominating the consumer finance market in Vietnam. However, Moody's Investors Service has put the three companies on review for downgrade in the long-term ratings.

According to Moodys, the rapid and widening spread of the COVID-19 outbreak, deteriorating global economic outlook, falling oil prices, and declining asset values are creating a severe and extensive credit shock across many sectors, regions, and markets. The consumer finance industry in Vietnam is vulnerable to disruptions, given its risky borrower profile and heavy reliance on wholesale funding.

Moody's expects that a deterioration in SHB Finance's credit profile will only have a modest impact on its parent, SHB, as the subsidiary accounted for just 1 per cent of the consolidated total assets at the end of June 2019.
Syracuse, N.Y.  A shooter opened fire Friday night on Interstate 81, hitting two vehicles driving on the highway near downtown Syracuse.

Two vehicles were travelling on Interstate 81 north just past the Interstate 690 interchange around 10:30 p.m. when a shooter opened fire, said Sgt. Matthew Malinowski, Syracuse Police Department spokesman. Bullets hit both vehicles.

The vehicle suspect of carrying the shooter crashed into and damaged a third vehicle before speeding away, Malinowski said.

No one was shot. A description of the suspects vehicle was not released.

Police have asked anyone with information about the incident to call (315) 442-5222.

Staff writer Samantha House covers breaking news, crime and public safety for Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. Have a tip or a story idea? Contact her at shouse@syracuse.com.




SPREADING fake news on social media and mainstream media about coronavirus (Covid-19) has been categorised as a Level 14 offence, the highest in the country and people liable will be jailed for 20 years, officials have confirmed.





Since the outbreak of the coronavirus in China last December and later on in most countries across the world, fake news especially on social media have become the order of the day. In Zimbabwe most of the fake news is spread through WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook social media platforms.





Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi told Sunday News yesterday that the measure to categorise spreading of fake news about the pandemic as a Level 14 offence was part of Governments efforts to ensure that the country effectively contains the spread of Covid-19.





This is part of a Statutory Instrument (SI) under the Public Health Act, which now criminalises the peddling of falsehoods relating to this pandemic. The reason we had to come up with that SI was after we noted the proliferation of fake news, which were hindering the fight against the spread of the pandemic. We are using the Public Health Act which according to Section 68, empowers the Minister of Health and Child Care to make such regulations in times of emergencies, to help contain such viruses, said Minister Ziyambi.

He said it was vital for people to realise the effect of spreading falsehoods on the functions of society as it had the danger of causing unnecessary panic and even affect Government efforts to contain emergencies.





No society can function when lies are peddled willy-nilly, these could have a far reaching ripple effect that could even affect the nation more than the effects of the pandemic alone, hence the reason Government has decided to criminalise this practice especially on various social media platforms, said Minister Ziyambi.





Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo who is a member of the Inter-Ministerial Taskforce on Covid-19 reiterated this when he said journalists also risk being jailed for writing falsehoods around the pandemic. Minister Moyo heads the sub-committee on resource mobilisation and co-ordination.





The media are an integral part of this fight against this pandemic, of which they must give the people daily updates on what is happening on the ground. However, they must be responsible, falsehoods will exacerbate panic of which we are already scared of this pandemic and trying to understand it. In terms of jail term, one can spend up to 20 years behind bars, in terms of fines, it is the highest possible fine which we havent even as yet set a figure, he said.





The minister said they were also monitoring people who forwarded false messages they received on their mobile phones as they were equally liable even if they had not originated the messages. According to Statutory Instrument 83 of the 2020 Public Health, Covid-19 Prevention, Containment, Treatment and Lockdown Order; For the avoidance of doubt any person who publishes or communicates false news about any public officer involved with enforcing or implementing the national lockdown in his or her capacity as such, or about any private individual that has the effect of prejudicing the States enforcement of the national lockdown, shall be liable for prosecution under Section 31 of the Criminal Law Code and liable to the penalty there provided, that is to say a fine up to or exceeding level 14 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 20 years or both.





A number of countries in the region have also promulgated laws to curb the spread of falsehoods on social media, with authorities concurring with the Zimbabwean Government that such acts hampered efforts being made to contain the pandemic.





In South Africa the government gazetted a new law under their Disaster Management Act where citizens could receive a fine or a six-month prison term for spreading fake news about the coronavirus. The Act classifies fake news as publishing any statement through any medium, including social media, with the intention to deceive any other person about measures by the government to address Covid-19. Last week, a man from Cape Town, South Africa was dragged to court for allegedly publishing falsehoods about Covid-19 testing.





Meanwhile, the Association of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe (AACZ) has called on members of the public to refrain from relying on unofficial social media platforms for information related to the coronavirus. AACZ president Archbishop Tsungai Vushe said people should rely on the mainstream media for relevant information and avoid being misled by some media platforms, which have become havens of peddling falsehoods.





People should ignore rumours and fake news being disseminated on various media platforms about the coronavirus but rather they should stay informed through news or information from mainstream media such as newspapers, radio and television. We should also support our Governments various initiatives and programmes in its bid to curb the spread of this deadly disease while we also co-operate with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, he said.





Archbishop Vushe also applauded the Government for the 21-day national lockdown to contain the spread of the Covid-19.





On behalf of my association, AACZ, we are very happy with President Emmerson Mnangagwas decision to declare a 21-day national lockdown. As Christians we are praying indoors and we are always geared to pray for our national and the well-being of the people.





Furthermore, Im urging all Zimbabweans not to panic as God is in control. Coronavirus is real and its there so lets take this pandemic seriously. As Christians, we must be exemplary and good listeners remembering that God helps those who also help themselves, he said.
Archbishop Nelson Perez gives his homily during Palm Sunday mass that was closed to the public at Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul in Philadelphia, PA on April 5, 2020. Read more

This will be an Easter weekend like no other, thanks to a coronavirus pandemic that will prevent parishioners in and around Philadelphia from gathering and worshiping together.

Thankfully, many churches in and around the city are planning to stream their weekend services online, offering some hope and a small amount of connection as worshippers remain in their homes to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Its not the same as being in the same location and being united by being at the altar, Rev. Ken Brabazon at St. Isidore Church in Quakertown told the Inquirer. But its good to still be connected, if only in this way.

Of the more than 200 parishes in the city and its suburbs, at least 63 are live-streaming or pre-recording Masses, as have several archdiocesan high schools.

Since the coronavirus shutdown, the virtual Masses offered by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia have garnered more than 100,000 views, with as many as 50,000 tuning into a live stream service at one time, said spokesperson Kenneth Gavin. Last week, he added, nearly 65,000 people attended a virtual Lenten retreat leading up to Palm Sunday.

 FAQ: Your coronavirus questions, answered.

For comparison, the cathedrals Easter Mass  typically among the most well-attended services  draws more than 1,000 people a year. Just under 200,000 people attended Mass across the entire archdiocese in October 2018, the last time the archdiocese conducted a Mass census."

Here are some churches where the faithful in and around Philadelphia can attend virtual services during Easter weekend:

Archdiocese of Philadelphia

With the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul closed to the public during services, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will be broadcasting its Easter Mass on WHYY. The Mass will also be live-streamed on the archdioceses website and the Facebook page of Archbishop Nelson J. Perez, who is celebrating his first Easter in Philadelphia.

The Archdioceses virtual Palm Sunday Mass experienced technical difficulties, including no sound. A spokesperson said the glitches were due to working with a new service provider to include real-time closed captioning for the Mass for the benefit of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Some individual parishes and religious communities in the city and suburbs are also streaming their own Easter Mass. A list is on Catholic Phillys website.

Easter Vigil Mass

When: Saturday, April 11

Time: 8 p.m.

Officiant: Archbishop Nelson J. Perez

Where: Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul

Streaming: Archdiocese of Philadelphias website, Facebook page, and on the Facebook page of Archbishop Nelson J. Perez

Easter Mass

When: Sunday, April 12

Time: 11 a.m.

Officiant: Archbishop Nelson J. Perez

Where: Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia

TV: WHYY-TV12 (channel 812 for Comcast customers and 512 for Verizon FIOs customers)

Streaming: Archdiocese of Philadelphias website, Facebook page, and on the Facebook page of Archbishop Nelson J. Perez

Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania

Bishop Daniel G. P. Gutierrez will offer two Easter services Sunday, including a 5:30 a.m. Easter Eucharist that will air on CBS3. The dioceses Easter Mass at 10 a.m. will steam on its YouTube channel and Facebook page.

Many local churches in the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania are streaming their own Easter services. For a detailed breakdown of the times and locations for each church, visit the dioceses website.

Easter Eucharist

When: Sunday, April 12

Time: 5:30 a.m.

Officiant: Bishop Daniel G. P. Gutierrez

Where: St. Johns at Diocesan Center, Norristown

TV: CBS3

Streaming: Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania YouTube channel and Facebook page.

Easter Mass

When: Sunday, April 12

Time: 10 a.m.

Officiant: Bishop Daniel G. P. Gutierrez

Where: Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral

Streaming: Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania YouTube channel and Facebook page.

Diocese of Camden

Bishop Dennis Sullivan will offer Easter services from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Camden that will stream on the diocese Facebook page and YouTube channel.

A list of local churches offering their own streaming services can be found on the dioceses website.

Easter Vigil Mass

When: Saturday, April 11

Time: 7 p.m.

Officiant: Bishop Dennis Sullivan

Where: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Camden

Streaming: Diocese of Camden YouTube channel and Facebook page

Easter Mass

When: Sunday, April 12

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Officiant: Bishop Dennis Sullivan

Where: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Camden

Streaming: Diocese of Camden YouTube channel and Facebook page

Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey

Bishop William Stokes will offer Easter services from Trinity Cathedral in Trenton, which will be streamed on the dioceses Facebook page and YouTube channel. Congregants can also join via telephone by dialing 646-558-8656 and then entering meeting code 855 472 344.

A list of individual churches streaming their own Easter services can be found on the dioceses web site.

Easter Vigil

When: Saturday, April 11

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Officiant: Bishop William Stokes

Where: Trinity Cathedral, Trenton

Streaming: Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey Facebook page and YouTube channel

Easter Mass

When: Sunday, April 12

Time: 10 a.m.

Officiant: Bishop William Stokes

Where: Trinity Cathedral, Trenton

Streaming: Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey Facebook page and YouTube channel
T hree hospital workers and two nurses have died with coronavirus symptoms, the NHS has confirmed.

Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) NHS Foundation Trust announced that two porters at the John Radcliffe Hospital have died after contracting Covid-19.

A nurse at a hospital in Hillingdon and a nurse at a hospital in Redditch have also seccumbed to the virus, Central and North West London (CNWL) NHS Foundation Trust and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust respectively announced.

And University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust also confirmed a member of staff at a hospital in Rugby has also died.

Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures 1 /81 Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures A deserted Westminster Bridge PA A man wearing a face mask or covering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, walks past customers sat outside a restaurant AFP via Getty Images Boris Johnson addresses the nation on the Coronavirus lockdown Andrew Parsons Runners pass cardboard cutouts of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William during the London Marathon in London AP An empty escalator at Charing Coss London Underground tube station Jeremy Selwyn Electronic bilboards displays a message warning people to stay home in Sheffield PA A sign is displayed in the window of a student accommodation building following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Mancheste Reuters People take part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions, in Londo AP People sing and dance in Leicester Square on the eve on the 10PM curfew Reuters Hearts painted by a team of artists from Upfest are seen in the grass at Queen Square, following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Bristol Reuters Graffiti reads 'good luck and stay safe', as the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases grow around the world, under a bridge in London Reuters A sign is pictured in Soho, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London Reuters Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures, during a coronavirus briefing in Downing Street, London AP A person runs past posters with a message of hope, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Manchester REUTERS Riot police face protesters who took part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions in London AP An image of The Queen eith quotes from her broadcast to the UK and the Commonwealth in relation to the Coronavirus epidemic are displayed on lights in London's Piccadilly Circus PA Military vehicles cross Westminster Bridge after members of the 101 Logistic Brigade delivered a consignment of medical masks to St Thomas' hospital Getty Images Durdle Door in Dorset Reuters Captain Tom Moore via 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 Coronavirus outbreak PA An NHS worker reacts at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital during the Clap for our Carers campaign in support of the NHS Reuters Goats which have taken over the deserted streets of Llandudno @AndrewStuart via PA Tobias Weller PA Novikov restaurant in London with its shutters pulled down while the restaurant is closed London Landscapes: Hyde Park and the Serpentine, central London. Matt Writtle A newspaper vendor in Manchester city centre giving away free toilet rolls with every paper bought as shops run low on supplies due to fears over the spread of the coronavirus PA Theo Clay looks out of his window next to his hand-drawn picture of a rainbow in Liverpool, as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continue Reuters A young man cuts another man's hair on top of a closed hairdresser in Oxford Reuters General view of the new NHS Nightingale Hospital, built to fight against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London via Reuters Jason Baird is seen dressed as Spiderman during his daily exercise to cheer up local children in Stockport, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues Reuters A woman wearing a face mask walks past Buckingham Palace Getty Images A man holds mobile phone displaying a text message alert sent by the government warning that new rules are in force across the UK and people must stay at home PA Medical staff on the Covid-19 ward at the Neath Port Talbot Hospital, in Wales, as the health services continue their response to the coronavirus outbreak. PA Prime Minister Boris Johnson taking part in a virtual Cabinet meeting with his top team of ministers PA A shopper walks past empty shelves in a Lidl store on in Wallington. After spates of "panic buying" cleared supermarket shelves of items like toilet paper and cleaning products, stores across the UK have introduced limits on purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have also created special time slots for the elderly and other shoppers vulnerable to the new coronavirus. Getty Images People on a busy tube train in London at rush hour PA Mia, aged 8 and her brother Jack, aged 5 from Essex, continue their school work at home, after being sent home due to the coronavirus PA Children are painting 'Chase the rainbows' artwork and springing up in windows across the country Reuters Social distancing in Primrose Hill Jeremy Selwyn A general view of a locked gate at Anfield, Liverpool as The Premier League has been suspended PA Homeless people in London AFP via Getty Images A piece of art by the artist, known as the Rebel Bear has appeared on a wall on Bank Street in Glasgow. The new addition to Glasgow's street art is capturing the global Coronavirus crisis. The piece features a woman and a man pulling back to give each other a kiss PA The Queen leaves Buckingham Palace, London, for Windsor Castle to socially distance herself amid the coronavirus pandemic PA A general view on Grey street, Newcastle as coronavirus cases grow around the world Reuters 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 Britain's Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty (L) and Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance look on as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures as he speaks during a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) news conference inside 10 Downing Street Reuters The ticket-validation terminals at the tram stop on Edinburgh's Princes Street are cleaned following the coronavirus outbreak. PA Locked school gates at Rockcliffe First School in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear PA A sign at a Sainsbury's supermarket informs customers that limits have been set on a small number of products as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grow around the world Reuters Jawad Javed delivers coronavirus protection kits that he and his wife have put together to the vulnerable people of their community of Stenhousemuir, between Glasgow and Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images A sign advertising a book titled "How Will We Survive On Earth?" Getty Images A man who appears to be homeless sleeping wearing a mask today in Victoria Jeremy Selwyn A pedestrian walks past graffiti that reads "Diseases are in the City" in Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images Staff from The Lyric Theatre, London inform patrons, as it shuts its doors PA A quiet looking George IV Bridge in Edinburgh PA A quieter than usual British Museum Getty Images A racegoer attends Cheltenham in a fashionable face mask SplashNews.com A commuter wears a face mask at London Bridge Station Jeremy Selwyn A empty restaurant in the Bull Ring Shopping Centre Getty Images A deserted Trafalgar Square in London PA Passengers determined to avoid the coronavirus before leaving the UK arrive at Gatwick Airport Getty Images

The porters from John Radcliffe Hospital were described as popular and hard-working and were part of Oxford's Filipino community.

It comes after Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that 19 NHS staff members had died during the coronavirus outbreak.

A spokesman for the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: "It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the deaths of two members of staff, both of whom were porters at the John Radcliffe Hospital and both married to members of our nursing teams.

Meanwhile, dedicated nurse and mother-of-one also died while self-isolating at home with coronavirus symptoms aged 52 in Worcestershire.

Julie Omar was a was a highly experienced trauma and orthopaedics nurse who had most recently been working as a sister on Ward 14 at Redditch's Alexandra Hospital, the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said.

In a message to colleagues, Trust chief executive Matthew Hopkins said the 52-year-old would be known to many staff at its Worcester site from her time with the trauma team there.

Mr Hopkins' message read: "It is with great sorrow that I have to share with you the sad news that a much-loved member of our nursing team - Julie Omar - has died.

"Julie, who was just 52, had been self-isolating at home after developing symptoms of Covid-19, but sadly her condition deteriorated and she died at home yesterday (Friday) morning.

"She leaves a husband and a grown-up daughter.

"We have been asked by her family not to share any more details at this stage and we will of course respect those wishes."

Central and North West London (CNWL) NHS Foundation Trust also confirmed Sara Trollope, a nurse employed by the trust, had died after testing positive for Covid-19.

A spokesperson said: We sadly tell you of the death of Sara Trollope, a well-respected and long-standing CNWL staff member in Hillingdon. She was matron for older adult mental health services.

We send our love and support to her husband Gary and her children and to her colleagues.

Sara worked tirelessly with dedication, commitment and passion for older adult patients, always striving for best care and outcomes. She was highly valued for her empathy and support for carers and patients families and her leadership and support of all of her staff.

Sara had a long and successful career in the NHS and CNWL and was well known and highly regarded across the Trust. There has been an outpouring of love for Sara today in response to the terribly sad news.

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust also confirmed a member of staff at a hospital in Rugby has died of suspected Covid-19.

Professor Andy Hardy, chief executive officer at the Trust, said: It is with great sadness that I can confirm that a member of staff at the Hospital of St Cross, Rugby, has sadly passed away.

All our thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues and we offer them our sincerest condolences.
Wisconsin faces a deadline of April 16 to qualify for hundreds of millions of dollars from federal Medicaid funding. Almost all of the other states have already qualified for the funding, and they have typically done so by executive branch action.

In Wisconsin, however, legislators and former Gov. Scott Walker severely restricted Gov. Tony Evers' administration's ability to respond quickly to emergencies, when they hurriedly passed a bill in December 2018 that sharply reduces the power of the executive branch.

That bill, which became Act 370, is sometimes referred to as the lame duck law because it was passed during a lame duck session, which is a meeting of the Legislature between the November general election and the swearing in of newly-elected lawmakers.

Pull Quote One of the conditions for receiving the very substantial increase in the share of Medicaid spending borne by the federal government is that states cannot increase premiums or make other changes that suppress Medicaid enrollment

A bill approved by Congress a few weeks ago enables states to receive billions of dollars of increased federal Medicaid funding if they meet certain conditions for eligibility by April 16. Thanks to the lame duck law, Wisconsin might become the only state that fails to qualify for the sharp increase in federal assistance  if the Legislature does not pass a bill by April 16 enabling the Department of Health Services (DHS) to make a couple of minor Medicaid changes and to apply for the enhanced federal funds. That could cost the state about $50 million for each month of the year in which the national emergency is in effect.

One of the conditions for receiving the very substantial increase in the share of Medicaid spending borne by the federal government is that states cannot increase premiums or make other changes that suppress Medicaid enrollment, after January 1 of this year. That means Wisconsin has to temporarily suspend a couple of changes to BadgerCare coverage of childless adults, including new premiums, which took effect on February 1. Act 370 prevents those changes from being made without approval of the full legislature, and it has also blocked other Medicaid changes necessitated by the looming health care crisis.

Because of the urgency of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trump administration has given states a quick and easy process for getting federal waivers of Medicaid regulations that impede access to health services or adopting more efficient enrollment processes.

As of April 3, 45 states had taken advantage of that option for making Medicaid a stronger tool for protecting their residents. But in our state utilizing the expedited federal process is anything but quick and easy. Although the Evers administration has developed a comprehensive waiver proposal to make Medicaid more flexible and effective during the current crisis, they cannot submit it unless the Legislature meets and explicitly allows the proposed changes or suspends the lame duck law.

The Republican leaders who pushed the lame duck bill through the legislature in just a couple of days should feel obligated to fix the problem they created when they blocked the ability of the Evers administration to act quickly during emergencies. Act 370 not only requires Medicaid changes to be explicitly authorized by statute, but also creates a cumbersome multi-stage process after that, which includes several different opportunities for the Joint Finance Committee to review and sign off on the changes.

Act 370 was rushed to passage despite widespread opposition. The opponents included a included a broad coalition of the major health care providers who warned that the proposed law could have unintended consequences.'

Pull Quote As of April 3, 45 states had taken advantage of the option for making Medicaid a stronger tool for protecting their citizens.

The lame-duck bill caused a 180-degree shift from the approach that the Legislature took in 2011 during Gov. Walkers first year in office. The budget bill enacted that year granted the DHS Secretary unprecedented authority to make sweeping changes in Medicaid policy, even if those changes conflicted with state statutes or administrative rules. It was almost a total transfer of legislative authority to set Medicaid policy.

But after Evers was elected, the same legislators thought that the role of the executive branch should be the opposite of the sweeping authority given to the Walker administration.

Because the Legislature created the current roadblocks to quick agency action, it needs to fix the problem by repealing or suspending the lame duck law and doing so as rapidly as they passed that law.

If the Legislature fails to act, Medicaid will be a much weaker tool in Wisconsin than it should be as health care providers battle the pandemic. Legislative leaders need to understand that failing to pass a bill by April 16 would cost our state hundreds of millions of dollars of federal funds that will be urgently needed in the months ahead.

Act 370 is playing out as many opponents cautioned, and now the Legislature is the group that can make sure Wisconsin has the resources it needs.
A group of Muslim youths in Nepal allegedly manhandled a police official after he tried to stop Friday prayers in a mosque in southern Nepal in view of the lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Violating the three-week long nationwide lockdown imposed by the government to curb the spread of COVID-19, a large number of Muslims gathered at a mosque in Paroh Rural Municipality of Rautahat district on Friday to offer prayers, police said.

An Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police, Munmun Singh went to the mosque and urged the people to stop prayers. However, a group of Muslim youths allegedly manhandled him, police said.

Following the incident, a large number of Armed Police Force and Nepal police personnel were deployed in the area to bring the situation under control, police said.

Police have arrested three youths from the mosque for manhandling the ASI.

We are preparing to file a case against the arrested people after an investigation, said Superintendent of Police Rabiraj Khadka.

The government has imposed nationwide lockdown till April 15 to check the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. So far, only nine people have been tested positive.

One has already been cured and eight people are undergoing treatment.

In total 4,426 tests have been conducted across the country.

To control spread of coronavirus, the government initially imposed an 8-day lockdown in March, but later extended it twice, on April 1 and April 7 till April 15.

International and domestic flights have been halted till April end and all long route bus services also remained suspended till mid-April.

Meanwhile, 200 Japanese tourists, stranded in Nepal, were flown to Japan on Saturday on board a chartered flight.

A Nepal Airlines Corporation flight departed for Narita, Japan on Saturday carrying some 200 Japanese nationals who had been stranded in the country due to the lockdown.

The NAC aircraft was chartered by the Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu. Similarly, a Korean Air flight departed for Seoul on Saturday carrying 300 Korean tourists stranded in Nepal.According to Nepal Tourism Board, around 3,000 stranded foreigners have been repatriated so far from Nepal within the past one month.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Birmingham Hippodrome boss Fiona Allan heads up the region's newest tourism body

TOURISM bosses from across the West Midlands have come together to highlight how the government can provide more support for the industry during and after the coronavirus crisis.

They spoke out after the first meeting of the Regional Board for Tourism, made up of people from sports, culture, conferencing and hotel venues, attractions, transport, travel trade, skills providers, and the public sector.

Representatives from the Herald area on the 16-strong board are Shakespeare's England CEO Helen Peters and Nick Blofeld, divisional director at Warwick Castle.

They welcomed the steps the government has already taken in its business rates holiday and cash grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses.

But they are also calling on ministers for more action  and explanation.

Chair Fiona Allan, artistic director and chief executive of Birmingham Hippodrome, said: We welcome the new business support offered by the government, which will go a small way to mitigate some effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we know first-hand that this is simply not enough for many of our regions tourism businesses.

That is why the government must act immediately to introduce grant support for the many independent, not-for-profit tourism businesses that are not ordinarily in receipt of other revenue funding, or whose business rates exceed the eligibility threshold.

We also call upon insurance companies and the government to clarify the Chancellors statement that COVID-19 would be classified as an insurable event. To date, insurance companies have rejected the statement, leaving hundreds of businesses confused.

The new board will meet regularly to represent the West Midlands great tourism organisations. We urge anybody within this sector to contact us with any difficulties during this challenging time, so that we can help shape the regions future together.

The board is supported by the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) and has been formed to deliver the regions 1 billion Tourism Strategy and advocate for funding from government.

It is developing a bid to be one of the UKs five future tourism zones to support the industry in various areas such as product development, mentoring, integrated visitor transport planning, digital skills training and extending the visitor season across business and leisure tourism.

It will also focus on planning activity for the eventual economic upturn, the 2021 UK City of Culture in Coventry and the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
The United States' $2 trillion stimulus package was passed last month. It includes payments of a maximum of $1,200 for almost everyone who meets specific criteria. This means that not everyone will be receiving assistance. The perceived reason for this coincidence is the urgency to give funds to Americans. There was not enough time for everyone to fine-tune the bill to meet all contingency.

Also, Congress ensured that the money is granted to those who need it, says an article.

Here are some of the conditions relating to the US$2 trillion stimulus package:

College Students and Minors

If an adult claims a college student or a minor as a dependent on their taxes, the student will not be eligible to request from the stimulus package of the government.

The parents will be getting an extra $500 for every child under the age of 17.

Disabled Citizens

Citizens who receive the Social Security Administration or Veterans Affairs benefits are eligible for the payments. However, a disabled adult who is claimed as a dependent by parents or relatives for tax purposes is exempted from the benefits.

Seniors Who Live With their Children

Senior Citizens who are on Social Security and those who earn less than the income cap are eligible to receive the grant. However, the 'dependent' rule also applies to senior citizens. It means that senior citizens who lived with their children and were claimed as dependents for tax purposes will not receive the checks.

Check these out:

Immigrants

Citizenship in the United States is not a requirement to acquire eligibility for the stimulus package. However, only those with valid Social Security numbers are eligible to receive the payment.

This emphasizes that immigrants with green cards and with H-1B and H-2A visas will receive the payment while nonresident aliens, illegal immigrants, and temporary workers will not be entitled to the help.

Babies Born This Year

The $500 payment per child, such as the individual payments, is based on the taxes for 2019. This means that those whose children were born in 2020 will not get money for them. Instead, the $500 credits applicable to them can be used for the filing of their 2020 taxes next year.

Recently Divorced

Some jointly file their 2019 taxes with their spouse but are not anymore married to that spouse.

For couples who jointly filed their taxes in 2019 will receive a single payment of a maximum amount of $2,400. This is regardless of the status of the married couple since there is no existing system to inform the IRS about divorce.

Debt on Child Support

The stimulus package postpones other debts that generally result in the garnishment of tax refunds, such as back taxes and overdue student loans. This excludes child support. The coronavirus grant can still be garnished if you are past your due date for those payments.
Islamabad, April 11 : Seven terrorists and two soldiers were killed in an operation conducted by the Pakistani security forces in North Waziristan, a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

The ISPR, the Pakistan army's media wing, said late Friday night that the operationwas conducted in Zakir Khel area, reports Xinhua news agency.

According to the ISPR, the operation was conducted after receiving reliable intelligence information.

There is no information about the identification of the killed terrorists yet.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Pakistani security forces claimed to have killed seven terrorists in two separate intelligence-based operations in the tribal districts of North Waziristan and Mohmand.

The forces also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from the hideouts of the terrorists.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 05:34:38|Editor: huaxia

Video Player Close

Staff members from Bank of China New York Branch and representatives from Westchester Medical Center pose for a photo on the occasion of handing over donations in New York, the United States, April 7, 2020. The Bank of China U.S.A. has donated hundreds of thousands of surgical masks and gloves to health care workers, front-line responders and other people in essential services in New York City over the last few days. (Photo by Seth Reiber/Xinhua)

NEW YORK, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The Bank of China U.S.A. has donated hundreds of thousands of surgical masks and gloves to health care workers, front-line responders and other people in essential services in New York City over the last few days.

The donation of 120,000 surgical masks and 12,000 surgical gloves in the initial phase is near completion, with the aim of helping alleviate the shortage of personal protective equipment, Catherine Feng, senior vice president of the Bank of China New York Branch, said on Saturday.

The recipients of the donation include multiple hospitals, senior care facilities, local sanitation and postal service departments and others, according to Feng.

"The donation of personal protective equipment is much appreciated during the time of crisis in New York City and America. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreck havoc on our city and nation, and this donation of supplies will be a welcome help in our efforts to combat it," said Congresswoman Grace Meng, who is from New York City.

When this global health crisis first started to manifest itself in the United States, Bank of China U.S.A. immediately began to procure personal protective equipment and to offer its resources to help combat impacts of COVID-19, said Xu Chen, chairman of the China General Chamber of Commerce-U.S.A. and president and CEO of the Bank of China U.S.A.

"We're pleased to offer some support to health care workers and other front-line responders who are battling the health care crisis. As an important part of the financial service community in New York starting from four decades ago, we're committed to fulfill our duties and social responsibilities and serve U.S. communities offering a helping hand to fight the horrific virus," Xu said.

The Bank of China U.S.A. said it is working to provide additional financing to U.S. clients manufacturing desperately needed ventilators and other medical supplies. The bank is also providing relief to its customers hit by the crisis in the form of waiving fees and deferring loans where possible.

The Bank of China U.S.A. is increasing its donation of money to local hospitals and foundations such as the New York Presbyterian Hospital, which plans to expand its intensive care units, and the Robin Hood Foundation, which is helping some of the hardest-hit communities in New York City, according to Feng.

Feng said the Bank of China U.S.A. is also considering donation to a New York restaurant, which offers medical workers free food.

Moreover, the Bank of China U.S.A. is reaching out to the governors' offices of states hit hardest by the health care crisis to offer financing and other support for quickly obtaining respirators and other vital medical and personal protective equipment from China.
India Releases Video of 'Retaliation' to Pakistan's Ceasefire Violation in Kashmir

Sputnik News

17:53 GMT 10.04.2020

New Delhi (Sputnik): Last week, five Indian army soldiers died and five Pakistani militants were killed following an exchange of fire in Jammu and Kashmir's border area. After the gunfight, Indian authorities suspended internet services in the area.

The Indian Army said on Friday that it had retaliated to Pakistan's ceasefire violation at the Line of Control in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, targeting terrorist launch pads and ammunition depots and causing heavy damage to the enemy side.

The Line of Control exists as the de-facto border between Indian and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.

"At least one terror launch pad, among other targets, was apparently "completely destroyed" in the firing. There are reports that heavy damage has been caused on the other side (Pakistan). There was no casualty on our side," he said.

The army officers also shared a video shot from a drone as the Indian army precision targets Pakistani terror launch pads.

Kashmir police also claimed that Pakistan had also violated the ceasefire in Baramulla district.

Ever since the COVID-19 outbreak took place, ceasefire violations by Pakistan across the border have fallen. But over the last two weeks, there have been several instances of cross border firing.

 Sputnik

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Brewerton, N.Y.  The wedding was perfect. There was a magician at the cocktail hour. And dancing  so much dancing.

By the end, the bride, a fashion designer, had traded her heels for white Converse high-tops and stepped to Cotton-Eyed Joe.

What no one knew was that as 125 people moved and sang, something else was dancing along with them: the novel coronavirus.

It was March 13 in Columbus, Ohio. The country had begun to worry about the virus spreading, but most places didnt begin clamping down until the next week. Ohio had issued a ban on gatherings with more than 100 people the day before the wedding, but the wedding, paid-for and planned for months, was allowed to go forward.

So the Chopay family came from all over Central New York and beyond to celebrate Danielles wedding. One cousin flew in from Poland.

The Chopay familys experience could be a case study of COVID-19. In the days after the virus leapt from person to person at that wedding, it dug into some of them and put them on the edge of death in Syracuse. But it left barely a fingerprint on others, giving them the sniffles or no symptoms at all.

Rebecca Chopay, who lives in Brewerton, is the 57-year-old mother of the bride. The virus ripped through her body for more than a week, finally sending her to the hospital as she found herself gasping for air on the walk from the couch to the bathroom.

Her older brother, Andrew, 58, was on a ventilator for 11 days. He is out of the hospital now. Her mother, Phyllis, 81, is still in the intensive care unit at St. Josephs Hospital in Syracuse. A ventilator breathes for her as her body fights off the virus.

***

Rebecca Chopay stayed in Ohio until Sunday, March 15. She and her boyfriend stopped in Buffalo, where he has been working. Chopay stayed overnight there and then headed home to Brewerton the next morning.

She felt rundown. Too much traveling and dancing?

On March 17, Chopay still didnt feel great but didnt have a fever. She didnt think too much of it until her sister, Terry, called. She was running a fever.

Chopay started to feel worse. She went to her doctor, where a rapid flu test came back negative. Others in her family started to feel sick. She was worried.

Oh, great," she thought. Everyone was at that wedding.

Her doctor sent her to the county testing site. By then, Chopay, who lives alone, was feverish and achy.

When she pulled up to the parking lot March 18, everyone was in gowns and masks. She felt like she had driven into a science fiction movie. They stuck the swab way back in her nose and told her to go home and wait.

In the days that followed, Chopay got every symptom thats been described. From a dry, hacking cough to a high fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

That weekend, it got worse. She couldnt keep anything down. She called her mother, Phyllis, who brought her daughter Gatorade and Ensure.

Do not come in the house, she told her mom.

Phyllis beeped the horn and brought the drinks to the front step. The sight of her mother made her cry. She felt so bad, Chopay said.

She made her mother leave without opening the door to hug her.

The days fell together in fevered confusion. On March 25, a full week after the parking lot test, Chopay got the result: positive.

By then, Chopay declined. Her fever hovered near 103. She felt, she said, like an elephant was sitting on her chest.

Go to the emergency room, her doctor told her. Now.

A friend drove. Pull up to St. Josephs and leave me there, she told the friend.

Chopay stumbled into a tent at St. Josephs Hospital. It was dark outside. Everyone who came near her was gowned-up and wore a mask. It reminded her of the movie, E.T.

Areas of the hospital halls were sectioned off with plastic sheeting that had to be unzipped to enter.

The attendant who pushed her in the wheelchair was quiet. She worried that he was scared, and she didnt blame him. He unzipped the red door of the last vinyl sheet. He signaled to the nurses, covered from head to toe in protective gear. Then he pushed Chopay to the middle and backed out.

It was a no-mans land, Chopay said.

The nurses relieved her anxiety. They told her everything they were doing, she said. And they knew all about this sickness.

Her oxygen levels were low, and she had developed pneumonia. Oxygen therapy helped. Then a doctor asked her: If you stop breathing, do you want us to put you on a ventilator.

Yes, she said. I want to wake up.

Nurses had to gown up, put on masks and gloves every time they came into her room. They asked her to be thoughtful about when she called for them because they didnt want to waste precious resources. They came in nearly every hour to check on her, she said.

Chopay began to feel better. She never needed the ventilator. She went home March 28.

Now, she is tired and still has a bit of a cough. Shes still quarantined but is working from home.

Her decision to go to the hospital that night when she couldnt breathe probably saved her life, she said.

While she was in the hospital, COVID-19 raced through her family. Her younger daughter, the nurse, had mild symptoms and tested positive. Her older daughter, the one who got married, had symptoms but couldnt get a test in Ohio. Her new son-in-laws parents got sick.

Her sister, Terry, 51, and her brother-in-law tested positive.

Her older brother tested positive and spent 10 days on a ventilator in Long Island.

Then Phyllis, who just danced at her granddaughters wedding, got it.

At first, Phyllis kept telling everyone she was fine, because shes like that. The retired LaFayette School District cook does not like a fuss. But she passed out at the Jamesville home she shares with her son, Russ. When the ambulance came, he couldnt ride along.

Phyllis has been on a ventilator for more than 10 days.

Thursday, it seemed like she might improve. Friday looked bleak.

Her kidneys are struggling. When she went to the hospital, her oxygen had dropped to 60 percent; 100 percent is normal.

No one can visit. Family cant have in-person meetings with the doctors. Chopay understands. Phyllis is sedated, so relatives cant talk by phone.

The siblings are all in their own isolation now: Terry is in Chittenango. Andrew is just out of the hospital on Long Island. Chopay is in Brewerton. Russ, the only one who has not had symptoms of COVID yet, is in their mothers home. They call and text and try to figure out what todays update from Phyllis bedside means.

This, Chopay said, is more brutal than that elephant on her chest.

Phyllis has always been the strong one, a force that nothing could knock over.

Its unfathomable that her mother who delivered Gatorade to her doorstep two weeks ago, who frowned about not being able to touch her daughter, is now fighting for her life.

Chopay is home and no longer scared for herself. She just wants that hug.

MORE ON CORONAVIRUS

Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources

Onondaga Co. coronavirus: Recoveries outpace new infections; ICUs continue climb; 456 total cases

Coronavirus: Model shows dire scenarios in CNY if we dont stay farther apart for months

From Syracuse, with love: Nurses bring supplies, expertise, hope to Long Island outbreak

Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com

Marnie Eisenstadt is a reporter who writes about people and public affairs in Central New York. Have an idea or question? Contact her anytime: email | twitter| Facebook | 315-470-2246
The authorities in Moscow said on Friday that coronavirus cases are increasing rapidly here and have already pushed the citys health care system to its limit. Warning that the outbreak in the Russian capital was far from reaching its peak, Anastasia Rakova, a deputy mayor responsible for health, said that the number of people hospitalised with the illness related to the virus in Moscow had more than doubled over the past week to 6,500.

Nearly half of those infected are under the age of 45. The citys mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, sounded a further alarm, saying that the virus ...
https://www.aei.org/research-products/report/estimating-the-true-number-of-chinas-covid-19-cases/

Report

American Enterprise Institute

Key Points

Chinas COVID-19 figures are not arithmetically sensible. The Communist Party has deliberately made estimation difficult, but, outside of Wuhan city and Hubei province, cases are low by a factor of 100 or more.

In late January, Chinese media provided information about migrant outflow from Wuhan before quarantine. Using a lower number than theirs, then conservative figures for migrants infection rate and time in circulation before national lockdown, generates an estimate of 2.9 million cases.

This is partly due to Chinas huge population. That population can also hide COVID-19 among tens of millions of respiratory illnesses. Along with harshly enforced censorship, the population can hide tens of thousands of deaths.

Read the PDF.

Introduction

In early April, headlines read that the global figure for COVID-19 cases had breached one million. At the same time, China rejected charges by US intelligence and others that it has lied about the extent of its outbreak.1 Population size makes it almost certain that Chinas disinformation about what happened outside the original outbreak city of Wuhan is worse than the disinformation about what happened inside. A conservative estimation process, starting with numbers provided by the Communist Party, indicates that the world passed one million cases weeks ago, most of those in China.

Straight from the Party

China and its defenders will reject any and all evidence, but their task can be made a bit harder. Begin with an article on January 27 from a party-vetted state media outlet. The numbers from the article, even making the most important one much smaller, shows China lying on a huge scale about COVID-19 outside Hubei province. The article reports:2

Five million people left Wuhan in the three weeks before the lockdown;

3040 percent, or 1.52 million people, left Hubei entirely; and

About 465,000 people flew to the 10 listed cities outside Hubei.

The third item conforms to a 520,000-person monthly average in air travel from Hubei and is a direct count.3 Keep it.

The first figure is too round; five million is too easy for a politician to say when the truth is multiple millions. Doubting Wuhans mayor in this instance keeps Chinas numbers lower, but, when you question those numbers for a living, you cannot pick what you like. The article says 2.4 million people left Wuhan for a 2018 holiday, but there is no matching figure for 2019. Cut the 2020 level to three million. It might be more like four million, but five is too high.

Related, the share given as leaving Hubei may be accurate, just not for a total of five million. A top destination when leaving Hubei is Henan, which has both the largest population of the neighboring provinces and a city that sends the most migrants to Wuhan. The number of migrants from this city is 1.54 percent of Wuhans population, about 170,000 people.

The flights graphic in the article has other popular cities for outbound travel. If fewer than half a million people flew to those and the most likely top city received no more than 170,000, it is unlikely 1.5 million left the province, much less two million. Use 1.2 millionstill 40 percent, but of the lower estimated outflow of three million. (Same result from using the low end of 30 percent and an outflow of four million.)

Read the full report.

Notes
The Indian government has requested the US government to extend H-1B and other visas issued to Indians till the coronavirus pandemic is not over.

New Delhi made this request to the Trump administration after several reports suggested that the US is asking employers to terminate H-1B visas of their employees.

"Though there is no such order or instruction from the US government, we have asked them to retain the employees under the H-1B visa. Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla in his telephone conversation with the US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Begun took up this issue," an official in New Delhi told IANS.

A person in the US needs to find a job within 60 days after their employer terminates their contract to retain H-1B status.

There are currently over 300,000 Indian employees working under an H-1B visa in that country.

It would be difficult to find a job during the pandemic which has killed over 18,000 people and infected more than 500,000 in the USA. The country has reported the highest number of cases across the world. It is also impossible for them to head back home as both nations are under lockdown.

"We are closely monitoring related developments," an official said.

Also Read: Coronavirus live updates: Section 144 imposed in Noida till April 30; total count 64

Also Read: Coronavirus update: 'Jaan bhi,jahaan bhi,' PM Modi pitches new motto to contain pandemic
Feeling scrutinised by multilateral agencies lately, India has been bristling at them on international fora. The latest instance of this came when the Indian representative to a UNESCO panel on Saturday reacted testily to a remark by the India representative of the UN body on the "stigmatisation of some communities during the current Covid-19 pandemic.

J S Rajput, the representative, was quoted by the The Indian Express as saying that civil society and the government were effectively looking to resolve any such matters.



In the recent meeting of NITI Ayog, it was reported that Renata Lok-Dessallien, UN Resident Coordinator in India, brought out the issue of sectorial targeting of a particular community and I found that to be highly objectionable. Such matters are being looked after by the Indian government, by enlightened citizens and the civil society in the country, Rajput was quoted by The Indian Express as saying.

Rajput's ire was drawn by remarks made a few days ago by the United Nations' resident co-ordinator in India Renata Lok-Dessallien urging the Indian government to fight stigmatisation of certain sects of people.

Lok-Dessallien's statement came at a time when fingers were being pointed at the Muslim community after the spike in the Covid-19 positive cases was traced to a congregation of the Tablighi Jamaat in Delhi.

India's strong reaction to Lok-Dessallien's statement comes a day after the World Health Organisation rectified its classification of India as being in the "community transmission" phase, a description India contested. In the rectified "situation report", India remains in the "cluster of cases" stage.



Recently too, India was none too pleased about China's remarks in the UN on the Kashmir issue, expecting some kind of return gift by Beijing for India not joining the international chorus about the "Chinese virus".
We all know that Kate, Duchess of Cambridge will someday be Britains queen consort, and she seems absolutely perfect for the role. Kate has a specific way of carrying herself, especially when she knows that the world is watching, and we have admired her for years on end.

However, now that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry have officially split from the royal family, there is no doubt that things are a bit stressful for the Duchess of Cambridge. The senior royals have been under tremendous pressure ever since Meghan and Prince Harry announced their plans to resign from their roles, as everyone worked tirelessly to figure out how things would be handled from that point on.

Although she rarely lets it show, we can only imagine that Kate is feeling the pressure of Megxit. Her schedule is even busier than it was before as she and Prince William have to take on even more duties than they did in the past. Things are extremely different for the royals right now, especially Kate, as some people have noticed. Here is how Kate has changed after Meghan and Prince Harrys royal exit.

Meghan and Prince Harry are no longer senior working royals

All eyes have been on Meghan and Prince Harry for months, ever since they made the shocking announcement that they planned to take a step back from royal duties. As of March 31, 2020, they have officially been independent, and, as fans are well aware, they just settled into a new home in Los Angeles, California.

According to International Business Times, the couple is hoping for more privacy as they adjust to a quiet new life with each other and their baby son, Archie Harrison. They are planning to be financially independent, and will work to create the life that they have wanted for quite some time now.

Kate Middleton is pretty unhappy

Kate Middleton | Tim P. Whitby/Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images

We can only imagine that the royals were more shocked than anyone else when Meghan and Prince Harry announced their decision to leave the royal family. Kate, in particular, is not happy with the situation, as Daily Mail reports.

Megxit was extremely stressful for the Duchess of Cambridge, and she wishes things would have worked out differently. Apparently, Kate looks back at when she, Prince William, and Prince Harry were known as a royal trio, and she misses those days.

It is true that she and Prince Harry had a close relationship, and she wasnt ready for him to leave. Meghan and Prince Harrys resignation was difficult for Kate to handle, and although we cant say what goes on behind closed doors, it appears that she is still under stress and remains unhappy about everything.

How Kate Middleton has changed after Meghan Markle and Prince Harrys royal exit

Kate is feeling the pressure of Megxit more than most people. In addition to having to take on more royal duties, she knows that she is being watched even more closely than she was before. It seems that now is definitely Kates turn to shine since more focus is on her now that Meghan and Prince Harry have left.

However, a body language expert has pointed out some significant changes in her behavior since the Sussexes royal exit. How so? Express reports that the Duchess of Cambridge appears to be presenting herself just a little differently these days. Her body language shows that she wants to be perceived as more fun, just like Prince Harry did for so many years.

Kate may be under pressure right now, but she has been laughing and smiling just a little more, and being more playful when she knows that people are watching. It is wonderful to see that Kate is changing for the better in order to do her best within her role in the royal family.
The governments latest approach to battle coronavirus bears a striking similarity to the Bhilwara model, named after a city in Rajasthan where aggressive measures were taken to avoid the spread of COVID-19, to classify highly affected areas as cluster containment zones

The rise in number of confirmed cases to over 7,400 on Saturday illuminates the difficulties India is facing in the fight against the coronavirus. The Centre's latest approach bears a striking similarity to the Bhilwara model, named after a city in Rajasthan where aggressive measures were taken to avoid the spread of coronavirus late in March, to classify highly-affected areas as cluster containment zones.

When the lockdown was announced, India had reported under 500 cases. Now, the toll has reached 246 and the number of confirmed cases is at 7,400.

In this situation, containment zones involve imposition of strict restrictions in areas that have clusters of the virus.

The health ministrys containment plan for large outbreaks states that the current geographic distribution of COVID-19 mimics the the 2009 H1N1 outbreak, when big cities with substantive population movement reported a large number of cases, whereas rural areas and smaller towns with low population densities reported only few cases.

This suggests that while the spread of COVID-19 in our population could be high, its unlikely that it will be uniformly affecting all parts of the country. This calls for differential approach to different regions of the country, the document states. The plan looks at breaking the change of transmission and thus preventing its spread to new areas.

Inside a cluster containment zone

When a case is detected in a geographical area, an epicentre/cluster is declared by the health authorities where isolation, sealing and a containment comes into operation. Protocol dictates that even if there a single case, for administrative purposes, administration seals adjoining area of one kilomtre radius to facilitate containment, said PV Rama Sastry, ADG (Law and Crime), Uttar Pradesh Police.

A health ministry document recommends prohibition of all movement of vehicles or personnel and a ban on anyone entering or exiting the zone unless they are identified providers of essential services. Buffer zone is an area around the containment zone, where new cases are most likely to appear.

The size of zones is identified by states with the aim of completely halting movement in the containment zone and minimizing it in the buffer zone. The containment zone will be divided into sectors with 50 houses each (30 houses in difficult areas), the government release on the micro plan for containing local coronavirus transmission states.

Setting up a containment zone may also begin with identifying hotspots and demarcating an area of three kilometre radius around the epicentre, a buffer zone of additional five kilometre radius and ensuring all quarantine protocols are followed.

The zone will be sealed, residents will be asked to stay indoors, sanitisation conducted regularly and essentials will be delivered to doorsteps. Health workers, with the help of rapid response teams (RRTs), will go door-to-door to track active cases, seeking details such as number of people in a house, age, gender and health status. The contact history of a positive patient will be tracked and mapped.

Health workers will also conduct aggressive testing, to be continued till 14 days from the date the last confirmed case is declared negative by laboratory test. To bring into force the requirement of conducting widespread testing, the health ministry issued an advisory on 4 April to start rapid antibody based-blood test for areas reporting clusters or in containment zones and in large migration gatherings, adding that cases of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) should be monitored in health facilities. They will provide masks to the suspect cases and to the care-givers identified by the family and follow up contacts identified by the RRTs within the sector allocated to them.

Anyone entering the containment zone for essential services shall be given a chemo-prophylactic dose of hydroxychloroquine, the malaria drug that the government is recommending for healthcare workers. The field staff brought in for the surveillance and for providing perimeter control need to be accommodated within the containment zone for which schools and community buildings will be identified.

According to Maharashtras containment plan, a team deputed in the cluster will comprise health department workers, nurses, malaria surveillance, ASHA and angandwadi workers, and if needed, nursing college students and will vary in size according to area and population.

There shall be enhanced surveillance in neighbouring districts for detection of clustering of symptomatic illness.

A National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) document said that containment zones will remain in force for at least four weeks. The containment orders will be eased if no secondary laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 case is reported from the containment and buffer zones for at least 4 weeks after the last confirmed test has been isolated and all his contacts have been followed up for 28 days. It shall be deemed to be over 28 days from the discharge of last confirmed case from the designated health. However, the surveillance will continue for ILI/SARI, the document read.

If the containment plan is not able to contain the number of cases, a decision will need to be taken by the state to start mitigation activities.

Funding will be made available from the National Health Mission (NHM) flexi-fund and State Disaster Respond Fund can be used as per notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Containment activities in states

The government has drawn out a containment plan as clusters emerged in Kerala, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Karnataka, Telangana, Delhi and Ladakh. Within containment clusters, hotspots are identified.

For example, in Uttar Pradesh, containment clusters of COVID-19 hotspots in Noida include Sector 27, Sector 28, Sector 41, Sector 44, Sector 37 and Alpha-1 Greater Noida, among others, according to an India Today report.

Across 15 districts, the state government has identified 22 hotspots within Agra, 13 hotspots in Ghaziabad, 12 hotspots in Lucknow, Noida and Kanpur each, seven in Meerut, four hotspots have been identified in Varanasi, Saharanpur and Maharajganj each and three each in Shamli, Bulandhshr, Ferozabad and Basti. Other districts where hotspots were found are Bareilly and Sitapur.

In these districts, a centralised call centre will take orders from people for essentials, curfew passes reviewed and non-essential passes cancelled. Each of these districts reported more than six cases, according to Sastry.

In Mumbai too, the civic body marked out 381 containment zones, including Lower Parel, Haji Ali, Worli, Jijamata Nagar and Adarsh Nagar, among others, ANI reported on Thursday. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has also ordered a ban on all vegetable, fruit markets, hawkers and sellers in the containment area and buffer zone in Dharavi, but pharmacies can remain open. Additionally, 30 hotspots have been sealed in Delhi.

At least 284 Indian districts have at least one COVID-19 case as of 8 April as compared to the 84 such districts that reported cases on 23 March, a report in The Hindu said. The districts witnessing the highest rise in cases in this period are South Delhi, Mumbai, Kasargod, Indore, Hyderabad and Chennai.

A number of variables will determine the success of the containment operations through geographic quarantine which include the number and size of the cluster or clusters and also how efficiently the virus is transmitting in Indian population, taking into account environmental factors especially temperature and humidity, the health ministrys containment plan strategy read.

The factors also include public health response in terms of active case finding, testing of large number of cases, immediate isolation of suspected and confirmed cases and quarantine of contacts along with the geographical characteristics of the area.

The situation has improved in some hotspots. According to Sastry, 121 hotspots were found in the state across 15 districts after continuous monitoring earlier this week. Some hotspots have been denotified. There were 26 hotspots in in Agra earlier and the number has come down to 22 now, he told Firstpost. Moreover, barring a few incidents, people in Uttar Pradesh are following sealing orders and violations are being dealt with strictly, he added.

This strategy is producing positive results, especially in Gautam Buddh Nagar, Pathanamthitta, Bhilwara and East Delhi, said Lav Agarwal, the joint secretary of the Union Health Ministry.
Russias space agency Roscosmos has condemned US President Donald Trumps order signed this week, which encourages citizens to mine the moon and other celestial bodies with commercial purposes.

The government body likened the policy to colonialism and said it hardly sets the countries to fruitful cooperation.

There have already been examples in history when one country decided to start seizing territories in its interest  everyone remembers what came of it, Roscosmos deputy general director for international cooperation, Sergey Saveliev, said in a statement.

Trumps order classifies outer space as a legally and physically unique domain of human activity instead of a global commons, paving the way for mining the moon without any sort of international treaty.

Americans should have the right to engage in commercial exploration, recovery, and use of resources in outer space, the document states, noting that the US had never signed a 1979 accord known as the Moon Treaty. This agreement stipulates that any activities in space should conform to international law.

This is not the first time the US is addressing space mining by issuing an order. In 2015, the US Congress passed a bill explicitly allowing companies and citizens to mine, sell and own any space material.

That piece of legislation included a very important clause, stating that it did not grant sovereignty or sovereign or exclusive rights or jurisdiction over, or the ownership of, any celestial body.

The section ratified the Outer Space Treaty, signed in 1966 by the US, Russia, and a number of other countries, which states that nations cant own territory in space.

Trump has taken a consistent interest in asserting American power beyond Earth, forming the Space Force within the US military last year to conduct space warfare where needed.

The countrys space agency NASA had previously outlined its long-term approach to lunar exploration, which includes setting up a base camp on the moons south pole.

Trillion-dollar market

The US isnt the first nor the only nation to jump on board the lunar mining train.

Russia has been pursuing plans in recent years to return to the moon, potentially travelling further into outer space.

Roscosmos revealed in 2018 plans to establish a long-term base on the moon over the next two decades, while President Vladimir Putin has vowed to launch a mission to Mars very soon.

Premium: U.S. Oil Production Has Already Peaked

Luxembourg, one of the first countries to set its eyes on the possibility of mining celestial bodies, created in 2018 a Space Agency (LSA) to boost exploration and commercial utilization of resources from Near Earth Objects.

Unlike NASA, LSA does not carry out research or launches. Its purpose is to accelerate collaborations between economic project leaders of the space sector, investors and other partners.

Thanks to the emerging European network, scientists announced last year plans to begin extracting resources from the moon as early as 2025.

The mission, in charge of the European Space Agency in partnership with ArianeGroup, plans to extract waste-free nuclear energy thought to be worth trillions of dollars.

Both China and India have also floated ideas about extracting Helium-3 from the Earths natural satellite. Beijing has already landed on the moon twice in the 21st century, with more missions to follow.

In Canada, most initiatives have come from the private sector. One of the most touted was Northern Ontario-based Deltion Innovations partnership with Moon Express, the first American private space exploration firm to have been granted government permission to travel beyond Earths orbit.

Space ventures in the works include plans to mine asteroids, track space debris, build the first human settlement in Mars, and billionaire Elon Musks own plan for an unmanned mission to the red planet.

Geologists as well as emerging companies, such as US-based Planetary Resources, a firm pioneering the space mining industry, believe asteroids are packed with iron ore, nickel and precious metals at much higher concentrations than those found on Earth, making up a market valued in the trillions.

By Mining.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Just give Jacob Goodman a challenge, and hell exceed your expectation.

Recently, Professor James Pitarresi sent information about ventilator concepts to students during a discussion on the COVID-19 pandemic. Pitarresi suggested it would be cool to build one.

Goodman is a junior from New Rochelle studying mechanical engineering at Binghamton University. He loves to build and experiment.

I told him no problem," said Goodman. Ill get you a prototype by Monday. He did not believe me and said no way because of time and other things."

The discussion occurred on a Friday so Goodman spent all weekend designing and building his project. He shopped for repurposed parts at Walmart and assembled a ventilator in his dormitory. By Monday morning, he emailed his professor a working prototype.

Pitarresi was very surprised.

I knew that Jacob was very smart and resourceful, however working alone with limited resources and only a few days seemed like a very ambitious challenge, said Pitarresi. When he interviewed for the Innovation Scholars program at Binghamton University, he described a number of projects he had successfully completed so perhaps I should not have been surprised in his accomplishment!

What did Goodman buy to build a working ventilator? A lunchbox, collapsing water bottle, and silicone straw. He used his own electrical odds and ends. He also used his own 3D printer to design and print the gear system. Last but not least, Goodman tested the prototype with his own air compressor.

I did this alone which is not the way to design anything, but nobody is around, said Goodman.

Due to social distancing, hes currently living alone in a residence hall with a kitchen, two bathrooms, six rooms, and a common area. While Goodman jokes about the amount of space for himself, he admits its a strange time with hardly anyone on campus.

Its very lonely, Ill be honest, he said. I talk to my friends all the time...but the lack of human interaction is certainly weird. Before, even if youre not hanging out with people, youre still interacting with people when youre going to class or going to meetings.

Over the years, Goodman has been building rail guns, carbon dioxide lasers, and every type of rocket possible. For the next phase of his ventilator prototype, he will be working with Assistant Professor Scott Schiffres and PhD candidate Arad Azizi from Watsons Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Goodman says they will help him network with doctors, nurses and people who operate ventilators to better modify his prototype. He has been advised to patent his work, but Goodman said currently he wants to focus on improving it first.

Pitarresi said the current COVID-19 pandemic has brought attention to the critical need for ventilators to help treat critically ill patients with this virus.

With American manufacturing gearing-up to deliver units to hospitals here in the USA, our thoughts turned to the challenges of developing ventilators for developing countries that might lack the medical and manufacturing infrastructure to support a modern ventilator, said Pitarresi. For those situations, the challenge is how to best deliver a robust, reliable, and low-cost ventilator that can be deployed in hot spots across the globe to treat this pandemic. The potential for saving lives is therefore truly significant.

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The Oguzkhan University of Engineering and Technology hosted an international scientific and practical videoconference that connected the academic staff and students from Turkmenistan, Japan, Germany, Bulgaria, Romania, and Vietnam through digital video communications.

As part of the video conference, students listened to lectures on relevant topics, including technologies for production of semiconductor electronic devices, use of nanomaterials in the energy sector, including those based on renewable energy sources, use of robotics in the field of environmental protection, addressing environmental problems, etc. According to experts, these projects and ideas can be upgraded and adapted for implementation in Turkmenistan.

Opportunities for development of innovative distance learning methods based on digital technologies were another important topic of discussion. The online video conference demonstrated a shared desire to strengthen and develop the academic interaction in this format.

 TURKMENISTAN.RU, 2022
The United States has become the first country to report more than 2,000 fatalities from the coronavirus disease in a single day and President Donald Trump said he will name a task force next week to decide when to reopen the country, and it does not have to be May 1, a date he has been reportedly considering.

The president also continued his feud with the World Health Organization (WHO) and said he will have an announcement abut US funding for it. He has accused the world body of getting the pandemic wrong and then being China-centric and siding with it to help conceal the true extent of their outbreak.

The United States continued to be hammered by the pandemic with the toll, which stood at 18,770 Saturday morning, set to overtake Italys 18,849. New York, the epicenter of the American outbreak, accounted for nearly half the countrys fatalities with 7,887; most of them in New York City, 5,820.

The number of confirmed cases in the United States went past the half-million mark in the same period to 501,560; the world total of cases was 1.7 million effecting 184 countries, and 103,800 deaths.

Despite the rising numbers of cases and fatalities US officials have said there are signs of an improvement in the situations, specially in the hotspots, geographies with high incidence of cases. New York, for instance, has seen a drop in hospitalization; adjoining states of New Jersey and Connecticut have stabilized and cities such as Boston and Chicago that continue to report cases, the rate of increase has stabilized.

But the country has not yet reached the peak, health officials have said. As encouraging as they are, Deborah Birx, coordinator of the White House task force on the coronavirus outbreak, said at the daily briefing Friday, we have not reached the peak. April 16 is the projected peak day.

The current strategy of social-distancing is working, she and other experts have said as they caution against easing up. Its important to remember that this is not the time to feel that since we have made such important advance in the sense of success of the mitigation, that we need to be pulling back at all, said Anthony Fauci, the nations leading epidemiologist and a member of the task force Americans have come to trust the most.

President Trump has seemed in a hurry to open the the country and put it back to business as the economy is getting pummeled by the virus. Unemployment has shot up into double digits, with more than 16 million filing for unemployment benefits in the last three weeks, and experts are warning of the return of the Great Depression of 1929.

Trump is concerned about implications for his re-elections prospects and has reportedly sought a plan from aides to reopen the country by May 1. Asked if he is determined to remove the restriction by that date, he said, Im not -- I am -- I would love to open it. Im not determined anything. The facts are going to determine what I do.

The president then went on to announce he will be naming a task force or a council to decide when the country should be reopened. This is really -- I call it, The Opening Our Country Task Force or Opening Our Country Council, so we dont get it confused with Mikes task force (the White House task on coronavirus headed by Vice-President Mike Pence), which has done so great. And were going to have the great business leaders, great doctors. Were going to have a great group of people.

The president, who expects to name the embers of the body on Tuesday. also assured reporters he will abide by the advice of his experts on this issue.

Also next week, the American leader expects to announce his decision on continued funding of the WHO, with whom he has been carrying on a very public spat.Were paying them more than 10 times more than China, he said Friday, referring to the annual contributions of the two countries, which he added, were around $450 million and $42 million respectively.

They are very, very China-centric  China always seems the to get the better of the -- the argument, and I dont like that.

WHO director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesu has hit back and called on Trump to quarantine politicizing COVID earlier in the week.

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If there is one place where we want stability and reassuring certainty, it is at the doctors office. No matter what we are facing, be it a mild neck pain or a medical emergency, we want to be able to focus on our health, without any distractions.

Unfortunately, during our interactions with the health care system, many of us have something else in mind. We are thinking about how we feel sick and how we want to recover, sure, but we are also wondering (and dreading) what the health insurance will cover once we get the bill. Our health coverage can be stingy or generous, employee-based or bought in the individual market, but the policy documents, deductibles, copayments, in-network and out-of-network costs, and everything else will be paired with similar amounts of incomprehensible jargon and obscure exemptions.

The cost of health care and complexity of our health insurance system is on many peoples minds these days, as a global pandemic spreads in Connecticut and across the nation. Getting tested for the coronavirus has been a challenge. Even for people showing symptoms, multiple doctor visits and calls have not been uncommon. Before the governors recent executive order, emergency room visits were unpredictable, as facility fees and out-of-network doctors could quickly spike a bill. Amid a pandemic, the last thing we want is to worry about is the expense of doctor visits, but here we are.

The main operating principle of our current private health insurance system is to put up gates and barriers to slow down access to care, not to provide reliable, predictable coverage. Despite its best efforts to ration care, it has been spectacularly unsuccessful at controlling costs, and routinely passes down huge financial obligations to patients. The private insurance market has failed to provide the stability that patients need, and this failure has become more evident during this health emergency. With little regard to public health, and even less for prevention, it is poorly equipped to deal with a pandemic.

We want our health care to be dependable. The current health insurance system is anything but. It is time for a change.

There is a better solution. To ensure that health insurance coverage becomes patient-centric instead of driven by profit and trying to minimize access to care, Connecticut can pass legislation to provide an alternative to current health plans. This is what SB 346, a proposal currently under consideration at the Capitol, does by creating the Connecticut Plan, a strictly regulated, patient-centric health insurance program under the supervision of the State Comptrollers Office.

This legislation would create a series of health insurance plans aimed at making coverage affordable, predictable and focused on health outcomes, not the bottom line. It would provide an alternative to the current marketplace, leveraging the states buying power and experience lowering health care costs to provide lower premiums and copays, with no surprise bills or unpredictable costs. The Connecticut Plan would offer new options to consumers, without eliminating current plans. And by offering a patient-centered alternative, it would push other insurers to deliver better care and coverage.

This proposal scares those that reap billions of dollars of profits out of the current system. Even in the middle of a pandemic, industry-backed groups are rolling out ads in social media, fighting reforms that would make health care more accessible to all instead of using their resources to fight a global health emergency. All to preserve a wasteful, fragmented, inefficient health insurance system that has utterly failed to to give Connecticut residents any sense of stability.

As we face an unprecedented health crisis in Connecticut and across the nation, access to affordable care becomes a priority  and it is clear that we cannot postpone reforms any longer. Our fragmented, chaotic health insurance system has left hundreds of thousands of people in Connecticut uncertain on how they will access care, afraid of unexpected costs and hefty medical bills. The Connecticut Plan and SB 346 will bring stability back to our health system, providing an alternative we can rely on.

Roger Senserrich is communications director for the Connecticut Working Families Party.
The voting in Wisconsins spring election and presidential primary is over.

The counting of those votes, both in-person and absentee, may take more time than people might think.

The results of the April 7 spring election wont be announced at 4 p.m. on Monday, but thats when the counting process actually will begin across Wisconsin.

Local clerks have have been guarding ballots for days since Wisconsins messy presidential primary election ended for voters last Tuesday, awaiting Mondays deadline before counting can begin.

Clerks usually would have begun counting as soon as polls closed on election night, rushing to get their numbers to county clerks. Instead, the fight in court over whether to hold the election during the coronavirus crisis resulted in a judges order that ballots cant be counted until Monday afternoon.

County clerks, municipal clerks, election inspectors and poll workers are under a federal court order that we are in no way to tabulate or release any results until after 4 p.m. on Monday, the Wisconsin Election Commission indicated late Friday afternoon.

It also should be noted that we do not have any of the vote results (thus far), because we have complied with the federal court order, Kenosha County Clerk Regi Bachochin said. The municipal clerks are following the guidance procedure set forth by the Wisconsin Election Commission.

All tabulation will take place during the municipal Board of Canvassers meeting following the extended absentee ballot return deadline of 4 p.m. Monday.

All municipalities are required to compile and transmit election results for the April 7 election after Mondays absentee ballot return deadline. Once those unofficial results have been compiled, they should be sent to the county as if it were election night.

As on election night, municipal clerks must transmit returns to the county clerk within two hours of tabulation and county clerks must post returns on the county website within two hours of receipt from the municipality.

The county will not begin to receive the unofficial results until sometime after 5p.m. Monday. They will be posted to the county website as soon as we receive them, Bachochin said.

State election officials have warned clerks to safeguard their ballots and voting machines to ensure theres no tampering that could call results into question. Clerks have responded by placing ballots in sealed bags, locking them in safes, closets and offices, and doing the same with voting machines that hold electronic data.

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The bushland where an elderly man and his female companion are missing has a dark history of murder and vanished hikers.

Russell Hill, 74, from Drouin, and Carol Clay, 73, from Pakenham, Victoria, went missing last month after going on a camping trip together on March 19.

Mr Hill's wife Robyn, 71, had no idea her husband was with another woman when he disappeared.

A search party found their charred and abandoned campsite in the Wonnangatta Valley, deep in east Victorian bushland on March 27.

A famous double murder took place in the same area a century earlier, and in November an experienced hiker went missing on a five-day trek.

Jim Barclay, the manager of Wonnangatta Station, and his assistant John Bamford were found shot to death in 1918.

Mr Bamford was notorious for his 'wicked temper' and Mr Barclay was warned not to be 'drawn into arguments' with him, but the two were said to get along fine.

The pair were last seen alive in late December 1917 when they went to the nearest town to cast their votes in the referendum on conscription for World War I.

Harry Smith, the nearest neighbour to Wonnangatta Station, known as the most isolated homestead in Victoria at the time, visited to deliver mail on January 22.

Mr Hill's wife Robyn, 71, said her husband had been friendly with Carol Clay (pictured left and right) for decades but had no idea they were travelling together and now fears they both be dead

Russell Hill, 74, (pictured) and Carol Clay, 73, went missing last month after going on a camping trip together on March 19

He found no one home but 'home tonight' was scrawled in chalk across the kitchen door so he stayed two nights and went home.

Mr Smith returned on February 14 and was shocked to find the station still empty, the mail he left untouched, and Mr Barclay's dog Baron starving and neglected.

He returned with two other men on February 23 to search for the missing pair and found Mr Barclay's badly decomposed body.

Mr Barclay's remains were buried in a shallow grave that foxes and dingoes had dug up, and he was only identified from his clothing, a belt, and a tobacco pouch.

Police arrived to investigate and found Mr Barclay's shotgun had been recently fired and both the men's rooms were in 'a state of disorder'.

A post-mortem revealed he was killed by a shotgun blast to the back and it was initially believed Mr Bamford killed him and fled.

'I am of the opinion that Barclay and Bamford had an argument over working matters and that Bamford loaded the gun and shot Barclay,' Detective Alex McKerral later told an inquest.

Arthur Phillips of Mansfield, co-owner of Wonnangatta Station, with Jim Barclay, manager of the Wonnangatta Station (standing)

The homestead at Wonnangatta Station in Victoria

'He removed his working clothes, and dressed himself in Barclay's suit, which is missing, saddled his horse and after dragging the deceased to the creek, rode the horse away.'

The horse was later found running wild without a saddle and a statewide manhunt was launched with a 200 reward offered for information.

In November 1918, Mr Bamford's body was found after a search party spotted a boot sticking out of a pile of logs. He had been shot once in the head.

With Mr Bamford also dead, it as no longer obvious that he was the killer and the inquest found they were both murdered by unknown parties.

Police released images of the campsite used by the pair. Mr Hill's car was still perfectly functional

The case has never been solved and several theories were put forward including 'that Bamford shot Barclay and afterwards Bamford was shot by some friend of the manager, in revenge, in the good old wild west manner'.

A century later, experienced Melbourne hiker Niels Becker disappeared during a five-day trek through the same remote area.

The 39-year-old left from Upper Jamieson Hut on October 24 and sent a message to family on October 29 saying he was headed back to his car via Mount Stirling.

However, he was near heard from again and a search party of 70 police, State Emergency Service, and volunteers failed to find any trace of him in a 2,000sqm area.

Mr Becker had hiked in the area many times before and was well-prepared for his solo walk other than not having a GPS locator.

Police at the time believed he could have survived weeks in the wilderness despite heavy rain and snow falling in the area.

'If he's prepared with the appropriate dry clothing he should survive  it might not be at all comfortable, but it is survivable,' Senior Sergeant Damian Keegan said.

'He's a very fit person, he's been training a lot for this, and a very intelligent man so he probably has the capacity to cover quite long distances.'

Experienced Melbourne hiker Niels Becker disappeared during a five-day trek through the same remote area Mr Hill and Ms Clay disappeared in

However, by November 12 it was believed Mr Becker died of hypothermia. His body has still never been found.

'Last week I was so optimistic and my daughter said he'll come out with an 'epic story' but I think after Tuesday and yesterday, well, we're not so optimistic,' his mother Johanna Becker said on November 7.

Mr Hill and Ms Clay are now missing in the same area and are feared to have met a similar fate during their ill-fated camping trip.

Mystery surrounds their disappearance with the campsite charred and Mr Hill's 4WD parked nearby with the keys still inside.

Robyn Hill said her husband had been friendly with Ms Clay for decades but she had no idea they were travelling together.

Police have been trying to piece together what happened to the pair and are exploring a number of different scenarios.

Inspector Craig Gaffee, who is leading the investigation, said that police are exploring the possibility that the pair are still in the valley.

They are also investigating if there was third party involvement or the possibility that the couple had 'gone somewhere else' together.

'The more likely (scenarios) are that they are still in the valley, that a third person or parties are involved, or perhaps the people themselves have gone somewhere else,' Inspector Gaffee told the ABC.

Mr Becker left from Upper Jamieson Hut on October 24 and sent a message to family on October 29 saying he was headed back to his car via Mount Stirling

A day before the search party found the burnt-out tent, other campers stumbled across the site and claimed it looked normal.

'Arson chemists haven't been able to determine a cause of the fire at this stage but we don't believe that fire was deliberately lit,' Inspector Gaffee said.

'There is a gap there between the 20th and the 26th so if anyone was up in the Wonnangatta Valley during that time period we'd love to hear from them.'

He said it looked as though the pair had intended to return to the site as Ms Clay's belongings were still in the car, and food was left at the campsite.

Mr Hill was last heard from on March 20 when Mrs Hill messaged him over the radio as he entered Wonnangatta.

'I knew something was wrong because he wasn't calling in on the radio,' Mrs Hill said.

Mrs Hill said her husband was very familiar with the area due to his work as a logger but when the weather turned for the worse it was not a good place to be.

She said her husband was a 'silly bugger' and hoped he would return safely.

'I just wish they would find them both alive,' Mrs Hill told the Herald Sun.

'I've got a feeling they may have died.'

The pair last made contact using his high-frequency radio on March 20.

A desperate search was launched when they stopped making contact.

A week long air and land search was conducted, with video footage showing police looking through kilometres of dense forest.

Parks Victoria, the Mounted Cattleman's Association of Victoria and the SES were also helping with the search.

However, on Monday, police announced they were calling off the search as it was highly unlikely the couple is still alive.




Haiti - FLASH : Access to the South Department closed for 15 days





Friday April 19, after the closure of the city of Jeremie https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30496-haiti-news-zapping.html , the local authorities in the South Department took the initiative to close all roads giving access to the department in order to protect the population against the spread of Covid-19.



Traffic in inter-departmental public transport vehicles is formally suspended for a period of fifteen (15 days)



Since the identification of the first cases of contamination of the coronavirus in the country, the department of the South remains one of the regions having recorded no case of Covid-19 to date, according to information provided by the Ministry of Public Health.



The Haitian National Police (PNH) intends to make every effort to support the authorities in the application of this provision, said the Divisional Commissioner, Jacques Joel Orival, Departmental Director of the PNH in the South.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30496-haiti-news-zapping.html



HL/ HaitiLibre


















French President Emmanuel Macron was seen arguing with a nurse amidst the Coronavirus crisis in the country. The incident occurred with the President of France who made a surprise visit to a Paris hospital in the absence of media. France reported 987 more COVID-19 deaths registered in hospitals and nursing homes over the last 24 hours, although the number of patients in intensive care fell for the second day in a row.

In the video widely circulated on social media, Macron could be heard telling the medical staff, "I will not take responsibility for everything that was done before." This came in response to the nurse alleging deplorable healthcare facilities for professionals. Engulfed by the Coronavirus outbreak, Europe became the new epicenter, shifting the focus from China.

READ| Donald Trump says 'Don't be a cutie pie' to reporter asking about Coronavirus ventilators

Here's the conversation between the health worker and the French President translated by international media. While perceived by some as a confrontation, netizens lauded the 'thriving democracy' of the country.

French President Macron: The end in the drop of the hospital pricings was before (inaudible). However, what is true is that we haven't compensated for the 15-year-long drop in the hospital pricing, you are right. I'd say you maybe haven't listened enough. But I will not take responsibility for everything that was done before.

Nurse: You know, these jobs, we do them because they are our vocation. We do that because we love people. We are a public hospital

French President Macron: You know I'm the only one in my family who isn't a health worker.

Nurse: We health workers are poor. And tomorrow we could be the ones lying in these beds. We would like to do this for us and for others, but with the lack of workers, we can't.

Coronavirus outbreak

After originating from Chinas wet markets, the coronavirus has now claimed over 95,813 lives worldwide as of April 9. According to the tally by international news agency, the pandemic has now spread to 209 countries and has infected at least 1,607,912 people. Out of the total infections, 357,180 have been recovered but the easily spread virus is continuing to disrupt many lives.

READ| France's chief epidemiologist claims obesity is major risk factor for COVID-19 patients

READ| 1.6 million French may be infected with virus: doctors' union
On Friday, the director of the federal prison system defended his agencys response in an interview on CNN, saying the pandemic was an overwhelming challenge that no one expected. I dont think anybody was ready for this Covid, so were dealing with it just as well as anybody else, and Id be proud to say were doing pretty good, said Michael Carvajal, who took over as the head of the Bureau of Prisons less than two months ago.

Six of the federal prisoners who died were being held in Oakdale, La., where nearly 1,000 people are incarcerated, and where there have been reports of a revolt among inmates.

Attorney General William P. Barr last week ordered the Bureau of Prisons to release more people from federal custody and to focus on three prisons that have been hardest hit by the coronavirus, including the Federal Correctional Institution Oakdale.

State prisons and jails, which hold the vast majority of the people incarcerated in the United States, have also faced unrest in recent days. More than 100 men at a Washington State prison demonstrated in response to positive tests at the facility. Police officers fired pepper spray and sting balls, which eject rubber pellets, to quell the demonstration. In Kansas, inmates at the Lansing Correctional Facility, where at least 28 people have tested positive, set small fires and broke windows in a demonstration that lasted for nearly 12 hours. Two inmates suffered injuries. In Pennsylvania, families of inmates at the Franklin County jail told The PA Post, a local news website, that the inmates were staging a hunger strike.

And in Texas, the state prison system will no longer take new inmates from county jails starting on Monday, according to the states Department of Criminal Justice. In a letter sent to county sheriffs on Saturday, Bryan Collier, the departments executive director, said the decision put additional strain on counties but was necessary to fight the spread of the virus.

Immigrants held at the Otay Mesa detention center in San Diego, Calif., said in phone calls recorded by their lawyers that guards had pepper-sprayed them on Friday after they demanded masks and began to make their own out of clothing and plastic bags. They also said they were asked to sign liability waivers absolving CoreCivic, the private prison company that operates the facility, from responsibility for any coronavirus-related illnesses.

Amanda Gilchrist, a spokeswoman for CoreCivic, described the document that detainees were asked to sign as an educational document explaining that masks were not entirely protective against the virus. She said the company dropped the requirement after the protest and denied that pepper spray was used. At least 16 detainees at the facility have tested positive, according to local news reports.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is yet to take a decision on the extension of the three-week national lockdown but several states have independently announced an extension of the lockdown and some others have indicated their willingness to do so after attending the video conference with the prime minister on Saturday. Telangana became the latest state to announce an extension of the lockdown. Heres the complete list of such states.

1. Punjab- Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said the state government had already decided in favour of complete lockdown till May 1 including a ban on public service vehicles. Section 144 is in place in the state and all educational institutions have been shut down till June 30 and the government has deferred the state board examinations till further orders.

2. Odisha- Chief minister Navin Patnaik was the first to extend the lockdown till April 30 on Thursday. The decision was announced after a state cabinet meeting and Patnaik said his government was in favour of saving lives over livelihoods.

3. Maharashtra  Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray announced his decision on Saturday to extend the provisions of lockdown in the state till April 30. He added that any further decision to completely lift the restrictions depended on the prevailing situation. Maharashtra has the most number of coronavirus cases in the country.

4. Karnataka  Chief minister BS Yediyurappa also extended the lockdown in the state by two more weeks but added that it would come with relaxation for commercial activity in the agricultural and industrial sectors to ensure minimal impact on the economy of the state. He also indicated that the government offices will function with partial strength.

5. West Bengal- Chief minister Mamata Banerjee said PM Modi had announced the extension of lockdown till April 30 and she was in agreement with the prime minister. Some reports suggested she had announced an extension till April 30. Mamatas government, however, was questioned by the ministry of home affairs for steady dilution of the lockdown provisions, a news agency reported.

6.Telangana- Chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao, too, announced an extension of the lockdown by two more weeks late on Saturday night. He added that the lockdown will be lifted gradually in phases.

7. Uttarakhand-- The state on Friday announced a policy that included sending a proposal to the centre recommending an extension of lockdown till April 30. The proposal also includes making the wearing of face-masks compulsory till May 31 and closing of all educational institutions in the state till May 15. However, the state has officially not announced an extension.

8. Delhi  Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has indicated that he is in favour of extending the lockdown in the national capital till April 30. He added that Indias position was better than many developed countries since the country clamped the lockdown early.

9. Tamil Nadu- Chief minister Palaniswami is also in favour of extending the lockdown by two weeks but has deferred a decision on the matter untill the centre takes a call.

10. Rajasthan  Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has said that protecting the lives of states residents was his governments top priority and a decision on extension of the lockdown will be taken keeping that in mind.

Click here for live and latest updates on Coronavirus
Bigg Boss 13: Actor Paras Chhabra has reacted to his viral wedding card with Mahira Sharma. The actor said that fans will not stop until they actually get married. He also responded to his rift with Jay Bhanushali.

Bigg Boss 13s star contestant Paras Chhabra has ended his silence on his and Mahira Sharmas viral wedding card, which is now taking Internet by a storm. In a recent interview with a news portal, Paras expressed his astonishment and said that the love coming their way is overwhelming. He said that looking at constant efforts put in by their fans, it seems like they will not stop until him and Mahira actually tie the knot. The actor also said that he wonders how someone could get a card at this time.

In the past couple of days, Paras Chhabra and Mahira Sharma have also been in the controversies for sharing a video in they can be seen distributing essential necessities to the needy. The video especially irked Jay Bhanushali, who took a sly dig at Paras for garnering publicity through a charitable act.

Reacting to the entire controversy, Paras said that when they go out to buy essentials for themselves, they come across daily wage earners asking for essentials like aata too. Being a celebrity, they also share photos of brands and people buy it. Then, what is wrong with promoting the need to help needy people. He thought that by doing so, he can make things easier for them. They did what was in their capacity. It doesnt bother him if someone interprets in some other sense and calls it show off. They are all sitting at home so why not help someone and spread positivity.

Furthermore, Paras said that people tell him that they have not named anyone. He has also not named anyone. The actor said that fans are smart enough to know for whom that message was directed for. He also saw their post and they had written things like so called actor. Paras concluded by saying that he can understand things too and it is pretty evident because that post came a day after their post.

Sorry to say but distributing food to needy has become a PR stunt for lot of so called actors..if you really want dua/blessing from them or God pls leave you phones home..could see ppl not being comfortable with cameras around. #COVIDIDIOT #lockdowneffect #HumanityFirst  Jay Bhanushaali (JB) (@jaybhanushali0) April 7, 2020

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Harvey Weinstein Faces Yet Another Sexual Assault Charge After Recovering From COVID-19
Ronda Rousey enjoyed her stint with the WWE but the former Raw Women's Champion says she won't return to the ring full-time because of the constant traveling . . . and the "ungrateful fans."

Speaking this week on the "Wild Ride! with Steve-O" podcast, Rousey didn't hold back when discussing the company's travel schedule and the fanatics that keep WWE afloat.

"It was just not worth it for my family because we were eliminating all of our expenses and living this lifestyle, we didn't need it. We didn't need the money," Rousey said.

"So it's just like, what am I doing it for if I'm not being able to spend my time and my energy on my family, but instead spending my time and energy on a bunch of f---ng ungrateful fans that don't even appreciate me? The thing is I love performing. I love the girls. I love being out there but, at the end of the day, I was just like, 'F--- these fans, dude.'"

Rousey was a judo champion and 2008 Olympic medalist who rose to fame in the UFC, becoming the first female fighter to sign with the company in 2012. The former women's bantamweight champion finished her ultimate fighting career with a 12-2 record and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2018.

Rousey said if she ever comes back to WWE, it won't be in a full-time role but for brief chunks of time.

"I needed to do it in order to learn and get immersed into it and really understand what was going on but it's just not the lifestyle for me," Rousey said.

Rousey said she discovered during a physical exam before joining the WWE that she had a broken vertebrae in her lower back. She said in the rare cases when she was at home, she needed to lay down with a heating pad on her back and a Tempur-Pedic pillow under her neck.

"I love the WWE. I had such a great time. I love all the girls in the locker room," Rousey said. "Running out there and having fake fights for fun is just the best thing . . . It was so fun. But I was doing basically part-time and I was away from home over 200 days out of the year. And when I did get home, I basically was so sleep deprived because you just don't have time to lay down."
Public Order Stay at Home has been extended; L.A. Officials share new requirements that follow the extension

Friday, April 10. The L.A. Emergency Operation Center delivered latest updates surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. Extreme measures have been taken to prevent any outbreaks within correctional facilities. Inmates who were two months away from release, are being let out early to combat overcrowding in L.A. prisons. Dr. Barbara Ferrer presented the latest statistics behind the widespread of COVID-19 in the Los Angeles region. L.A. Officials provided information regarding the Stay at Home order and wearing masks used during coronavirus.

Barbara Ferrer, Director of Public Health shared the latest updates on the COVID-19 Virus. 40,600 people have been infected as of April 9. Ferrer shared there were 18 additional deaths, 10 of these individuals were between the ages of 65 and over, with underlining health conditions. This brings the total COVID-19 related deaths in the L.A. County to 241. Barbara disclosed as of April 10. There are 475 new coronavirus reports, in summary there is a total amount of 8,430 cases in the Los Angeles region.

Over the last 48 hours, there has been 900 reports. These numbers reflect 303 positive cases in Long Beach and 107 COVID-19 reports coming from Pasadena. Of these new cases, 18 individuals tested positive are unsheltered. Approximately 24% of those infected with COVID-19 are hospitalized at some point. Data is reflecting 2.9% of carriers of the coronavirus have died, which is higher than the general mortality rate for influenza related deaths in the United States.

The Stay at Home public order has been updated, its been extended through May 15. There are a couple of new measures that partner with the new extension. The closures of non-essential businesses remain the same within the prolonged city order, this safety measure has been effective in flattening the curve. Essential businesses that are still open are required to offer a cloth covering to their staff. They need to provide a physical distancing plan, that is visible to employees. The plan should explain the proper way to execute social distancing and cleaning requirements while interacting with fellow staff and the public. These updates go up next Wednesday, April 15.

Another update within testing for COVID-19, 1,000 random L.A. residents will be tested with a serologic or an antibody test. This test does not detect the actual virus, it detects the triggered antibodies surrounding the virus. It will be able to detect current or past infections. This will be able to determine who may have had the virus in the past, but never revealed any symptoms. The random testing will be going on for the next few months. The last update was the use of cloth coverings, wearing some type of covering while being outside was highly stressed. It is recommended that the cloth covers be made of cotton. Before putting on your face, it is suggested to wash your hands. Children that are two and under should not use cloth face coverings and parents should monitor available coverings for young children. The new updates behind the Stay at Home order assist L.A. County Officials prepare for the recovery stages of COVID-19.

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Shelby County Coroner Lina Evans believes COVID-19 was likely killing people this winter in her county before it was thought to be in Alabama.

I feel pretty confident it was here. It was here before we knew it was here, said Evans, who is also a hospital nurse.

Reflecting back on the winter, Evans says there was a surge in hospice deaths in her county, as she saw nearly double the roughly 125 from last year. Many of those who died were 65 and older. They died of ailments like acute respiratory failure, pneumonia, COPD and heart failure, causes of death now associated with coronavirus.

But coroners in other parts of the state did not report a similar uptick.

Had the region had many unsuspected COVID-19 related illnesses and deaths prior to March 13, then the disease would have spread through the population more rapidly than it did, said Medical Examiner Dr. Gregory Davis in Jefferson County.

Keeping an accurate track of the toll of the disease, even now, continues to present a challenge. Doctors in Alabama say they believe COVID-19 deaths may be undercounted despite awareness of the diseases spread in Alabama, partly because of statewide issues with testing.

In Shelby County, home to affluent suburbs of Birmingham, Evans says she observed something similar as a hospital nurse where she treated people with some unusual respiratory illnesses this winter.

They tested negative for flu, difficulty breathing, not responding well to traditional therapies, she said. They had COIVD symptoms but we didnt know what was wrong with them.

Evans speculates some elderly people in her county may have been infected with coronavirus from home health workers who travel from patient to patient.

They go to multiple houses, and we didnt know it, we didnt know they were exposed.

Hundreds of miles south, coroner Dr. Brian Pierce in Baldwin County is also reconsidering some strange deaths he documented this winter. Pierce says several young people, as young as 19, died at home from pneumonia after testing negative for the flu. He later learned they had diabetes.

Baldwin County sees year-round tourism from out of state as well as winter-time snowbirds traveling in and out.

Looking back, we cant confirm it, but we do have our suspicions that perhaps it was here back in December and January, said Pierce, who says he worked about a quarter of the countys total deaths last year.

But not all Alabama coroners share these suspicions. Dr. Tyler Berryhill is coroner in Madison County, home to Huntsville in north Alabama.

On our small portion of cases that we had, we had maybe one or two that well go back and do an additional review on, he said, adding that his office only had two deaths this winter that might be suspicious if those individuals hadnt tested positive for the flu. He says he has not reviewed hospice data from Madison County.

Jefferson County, the states most populous and home to Birmingham, did see hospice deaths from respiratory failure double during that period, from 16 in the first three months of 2019 to 33 in the same window in 2020. Overall hospice deaths were up 18.5 percent, from 432 to 512, for the same window in Jefferson County.

Davis says the numbers probably do not reflect COVID-19 deaths. It is possible, that some of the deaths were from COVID-19, but unlikely, he said.

He says the data could be skewed because different hospice companies report from year to year and the information they report is not as specific as that on a death certificate.

UAB Hospital Epidemiologist Rachael Lee, M.D., says pneumonia and respiratory deaths at the hospital were not out of the ordinary this winter. She says the Birmingham hospital consistently sent tests to the Alabama Department of Public Health in February and early March for patients with severe pneumonia and no identifiable cause or for patients with recent travel history, all of which were negative.

I think we truly caught the very beginning of the virus arrival here in Alabama, said Lee.

From an epidemiological or research standpoint, its not useful to consider respiratory-related deaths where testing for COVID-19 never occurred, said Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Karen Landers.

We really cannot speculate, about deaths from this winter without positive tests, she said.

In Alabama the rollout of coronavirus testing has been limited and delayed. As of Friday, 20,605 Alabamians had been tested for the disease and there were 2,999 confirmed cases, according to ADPH. Private labs are also testing for coronavirus, but they are only required to report positive cases, making it difficult to get a complete testing picture for the state.

While, we want to have the most meticulous and most accurate data on deaths, said Landers, The most important message is lets do all we can to reduce the spread of the virus so we can prevent (more) deaths.
Plant Nicotiana benthamiana is currently used as a bio-factory for several experimental vaccines against SARS-COV-2.

An international team of scientists that includes the Institute of Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology (IBMCP), mixed centre of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and Valencia's Polytechnic University (UPV), has made available to organism researchers, both public and private who so desire, the sequence of the genome of Nicotiana benthamiana, a plant used as a bio-factory of bio-medicines. The initiative, whose goal is to contribute to the fight against COVID-19, is headed by the Technological University of Queensland, and is part of the NEWCOTIANA project, funded by the European Union by way of the Framework Programme H2020, coordinated by CSIC researcher Diego Orzaez.

The SARS-COV-2 virus has caused the worst pandemic since the Spanish Flu of 1918. A large number of public and private research groups are currently developing vaccines to fight the pandemic. An important problem they face is how to produce these vaccines quickly, in large amounts and at a low cost. One answer consists of using plants as bio-factories, a field also known as molecular farming. Specifically, the genes with which to produce the vaccine can be transferred quickly and temporarily to Nicotiana benthamiana plants. The bio-factory plants are grown in large amounts using simple and safe farming techniques, which would facilitate production scale.

Diego Orzaez, CSIC researcher at the IBMCP and coordinator of the NEWCOTIANA project, explains that "Nicotiana benthamiana is a plant closely linked to tobacco, that has been widely used to produce a large number of bio-pharmaceutical products, such as well-known antibody mix Zmapp, used to treat Ebola. Several companies currently use them as a platform to produce experimental vaccines against COVID-19. As researchers of the NEWCOTIANA project, we modify the genes of this pant to improve its ability to produce large amounts of more efficient bio-medicines. To do so, we need to know the genome of Nicotiana benthamiana in detail. Faced with the crisis of COVID-19, the groups involved in sequencing the plant's genome have decided to immediately share our findings with other researchers, as well as with companies that develop vaccines and diagnostic reactants against COVID-19.

The NEWCOTIANA project, funded by the European Union, uses gene modification with Nicotiana benthamiana as a tool to produce useful bio-pharmaceutical products. "When we started the project two years ago, SARS-COV-2 was not on the radar; however, since the beginning of the pandemic, several project teams have started working on the production of useful bio-pharmaceutical products against the pandemic, from reactants to establish fast immunological trials, to molecules that can be used in a program of mass vaccinations. We hope this speeds up the discovery of new bio-pharmaceutical products and, ultimately, contributes to fight against the current and future epidemics," concludes Orzaez.
WASHINGTON  President Trump has made no secret of his impatience to lift the social distancing measures that have about nine out of 10 Americans at home and the U.S. economy at a near standstill. But speaking at the daily briefing of the White House coronavirus task force on Thursday evening, Vice President Mike Pence, who heads that task force, indicated that the end to those restrictions might not come anytime soon.

Without offering specifics, Pence listed conditions that appear to be many weeks, if not many months, from being met. He explained that while it was important to reopen the country, it was even more so for it to stay open. This was a reference to concerns that lifting injunctions against venturing out in public could allow for a return of the coronavirus.

No one wants to reopen America more than President Donald Trump, Pence said, even as he hinted that expectations for a speedy reopening were unrealistic. He said that data would ultimately inform the presidents decision and timing.

Pence said that the best thing we can do to reopen America is put the coronavirus behind us, to reach the end of that curve with as little loss of life or hardship as possible. The curve he was referring to is the by now ubiquitous graph showing data on daily infections. Flattening that curve  that is, decreasing the number of day-over-day new infections  has been the primary goal of public health officials across the country. But even after the epidemic apex is reached, coming back down to a point when there are virtually no new infections at all could take a number of weeks.

Even countries like Germany, which has been among the most successful in the world in battling the disease, have seen a recent rise in infections, a testament to the difficulty in ridding any society of the coronavirus altogether.

Trump said last month that he wanted to see the country reopened by Easter, which will be celebrated this Sunday. He later backed off that assertion, yet has continued to insist that isolation and inactivity could be more dangerous than the coronavirus itself. Public health officials do not share that view.

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The coronavirus causes a disease called COVID-19, which, as of Thursday evening, had killed about 16,500 Americans. It has often fallen to the former Indiana governor to explicate or mitigate Trumps pronouncements, which can be contradictory or confusing. So far, the vice president has managed to do so without angering his famously sensitive boss.

Thursdays briefing was no exception, with Pence tamping down expectations of a quick return to normal after Trump had raised that very possibility. As the briefing was coming to an end the Washington Post published an account of White House deliberations in which Trump was, according to administration officials, desperately searching for a strategy for resuming business activity by May 1.

In recent days, China has claimed a decisive victory over the pandemic, reporting no new deaths on Wednesday from COVID-19, though some are reluctant to trust Beijings authoritarian leaders. Other nations hard hit by the coronavirus, including Italy, have shown signs that lockdown measures are indeed bringing the desired results. Even so, a speedy return to normal appears to be an unrealistic goal, and many analysts warn that a post-coronavirus reality will be starkly different from the pre-outbreak world.

Pence also said that for Americans to resume some semblance of ordinary life, there would have to be coronavirus therapeutics. I call them medicines that make you feel better, he quipped, while conceding that they were not yet readily available.

Also necessary, Pence said, was more widespread testing. Expanded, more sophisticated testing could allow public health officials to not only diagnose potentially sickened individuals  who would then be isolated or hospitalized  but also to identify people who may have fought off the coronavirus without necessarily knowing they had done so. Such people may be endowed with antibodies that confer coronavirus immunity. That, in turn, would make it safe for them to return to work.

Pence added that he and Trump would wait for guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before reopening the country. So far, the CDC has given no indication that such guidance is forthcoming.

_____

Click here for the latest coronavirus news and updates. According to experts, people over 60 and those who are immunocompromised continue to be the most at risk. If you have questions, please refer to the CDCs and WHOs resource guides.

Read more:
HOUSTON  The American oil industry may have dodged a bullet.

Russia and Saudi Arabia  which only a month ago hoped to undercut American producers  have retreated from threats to pump more oil into the already-saturated market. Acknowledging that the gamble was hurting themselves as well, they instead announced this past week that they had tentatively agreed to cut production.

The change in course would give American companies room to gradually reduce production on their own terms, without government or regulatory mandates, as they invest far less in exploration and production.

Hopefully, the American oil industry has avoided a worst-case scenario, said Amy Myers Jaffe, an energy and Middle East expert at the Council on Foreign Relations. There still will be bankruptcies, but for the time being, the fears that there would be a wholesale destruction of the industry can now be put aside, because the worst of the price war has passed.

What happened in recent days may support an industry that directly and indirectly employs nearly 10 million Americans. The surge in U.S. production in recent years has reduced dependence on foreign oil, and lowered prices at the gas pump for consumers.
Phyllis Lyon, who when she married her partner, Del Martin, in 2008 became part of the first legal same-sex union in California, died on Thursday at her home in San Francisco. She was 95.

Her sister, Patricia Lyon, confirmed the death.

It was not their first wedding. In 2004, despite state and federal bans on same-sex marriage, Mayor Gavin Newsom of San Francisco began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Ms. Lyon and Ms. Martin were the first to receive one, but that union would be short-lived. The California Supreme Court invalidated their marriage a month later, arguing that the mayor had exceeded his legal authority.

Four years later, the same court declared same-sex marriages legal and Mr. Newsom invited the couple back as the first to be married under the new ruling. Ms. Martin died shortly after.

I am devastated, Ms. Lyon said following her wifes death. But I take some solace in knowing we were able to enjoy the ultimate rite of love and commitment before she passed.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 3, 2020) - TransCanna Holdings Inc. (CSE: TCAN) (FSE: TH8) ("TransCanna" or the "Company") today announces that it anticipates a delay in the filing of the financial statements required pursuant to Part 4 of National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations (the "Instrument") as a result of the completion by the Company of the recent acquisitions of Tres Ojos Naturals LLC (dba Soldaze), and Lyfted Farms, Inc. in the Fall of 2019, both US corporations, as new subsidiaries of the Issuer.

The delay is due to the Company's new management's difficulties in coordinating with the auditor the collection of all of the required data and documentation to complete the audit on a consolidated basis. As well, certain key persons who are needed to complete the audit are being affected by the current COVID-19 pandemic due to self-isolation requirements.

The Instrument requires that the Company's audited financial statements and MD&A for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2019 be filed by March 29, 2020 ("Original Filing Deadline"). The Company and its auditor are in the process of completing the required audit work to complete these audited financial statements and associated MD&A (collectively, the "Required Filings"). The Company expects that the Required Filings will be completed and filed on or before April 30, 2020.

In these circumstances, and considering the anticipated delay in making the Required Filings within the time period mandated by the Instrument, the Company intends to rely upon the temporary blanket relief afforded by Canadian securities regulators to extend the date for the filing of the Required Filings for up to 45 days from the date of the Original Filing Deadline.

During the period that the Required Filings remain outstanding, TransCanna's management and other insiders are subject to a trading black-out policy that reflects the principles in section 9 of National Policy 11-207 Failure-to-File Cease Trade Orders and Revocations in Multiple Jurisdictions.

Story continues

The Company confirms that there have been no other material business developments since August 31, 2019, the date of the Company's last filed third quarter interim consolidated financial statements, other than the two business acquisitions described above.

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

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/54118
(Bloomberg) --

Boris Johnson was on his own. He had been self-isolating for a week since testing positive for coronavirus. His domestic staff left trays of food outside his apartment door.

Typically, the 55-year-old was bullish about life, even though the disease was at that moment working its way even deeper into his body. An old friend, Will Walden, sent him a text to ask how he was. Were going to beat it, Johnson replied. Four days later, the British prime minister was lying in intensive care being given oxygen to help him breathe.

Now out of danger, Johnson on Thursday was allowed back onto the main ward at St. Thomas Hospital, where he had been admitted with a persistent cough and fever. But while his colleagues were relieved at the news, the question now being asked is how the leader of a Group of Seven country, one of the worlds biggest economies, was allowed to become so seriously ill when the nation needed him most.

In private conversations, senior aides, ministers and officials have raised concerns that a trail of errors exposed the prime minister to critical risk. Its left the U.K. without a functioning leader to face its gravest peacetime threat, with the death toll nearing 8,000 and his deputy trying to convince people he has the power to act.

As countries worldwide examine their handling of the pandemic, Britain is still heading toward its peak. Yet already there has been a litany of criticism, from academics, doctors and even inside Johnsons own Conservative Party, that the U.K.s approach was too relaxed from the outset.

Read More: Johnsons War With Coronavirus Is No Joke Anymore

A few weeks ago, Britain felt like a different world. On March 3, after Italy was recording its first deaths, Johnson boasted that he had been shaking hands continuously, including with everybody he met on a tour of a hospital treating patients with Covid-19.

Then on March 7, Johnson and his pregnant fiancee, Carrie Symonds, went to Twickenham stadium to watch England play Wales at rugby, where they smiled and shook hands with members of the crowd.

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For the next two weeks life carried on almost as normal inside Downing Street, despite the government urging the public to take precautions, and while other countries imposed lockdowns as the pandemic spread. Even after he announced the first U.K.-wide social distancing policieson March 16Johnson held daily press conferences in the State Dining Room.

These afternoon media briefings were packed with reporters and camera crews. The premier stood at a lectern, often with Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer, and his colleague Patrick Vallance, the chief scientific adviser, on either side at his elbows. Nobody was standing or sitting the regulation two meters apart.

Ten days later, the cost was clear. Amid growing criticism of their strategy, both Johnson and Whitty were dramatically struck down and went into isolation with symptoms. So too did Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Johnsons chief aide, Dominic Cummings. They were washing their hands, said one minister. They just werent distancing.

The tightly organized network of rooms inside his Downing Street residencea 300 year-old London townhousemade contagion hard to avoid. No. 10 is like a rabbit warren, very narrow corridors and poky offices, said Walden, who worked as an adviser to Johnson in government as well as in his time as London Mayor. Its no surprise they all came down with it.

Yet its not clear that officials did enough to take their own advice. One Cabinet minister pointed out that some government departments moved far sooner than Johnsons office to implement social distancing rules and enforce working from home. Some ministers based themselves at home a week or two before officials in Downing Street made the switch.

Asked whether the government could have done more to protect the prime minister, officials said the rules were being followed as they should. Were all trying our absolute best but none of us superhuman and impervious to getting sick, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said on Wednesday. People are appropriately following all the guidance. That doesnt mean we can completely eliminate the spread of infection.

While some ministers began dialling in from March 24, the first fully virtual Cabinet meetingheld using video-conferencing softwaredid not take place until March 31. That was five days after Johnson tested positive for the virus, and more than a week after hed ordered the rest of the population to shut themselves away.

Officials in Johnsons inner team completely failed to take the issue seriously enough, according to one Conservative. The Tory blames a macho culture and an attitude of denialperhaps stemming from Johnsons own approach to physical ill healththat meant the threat the virus posed to the man in charge was dismissed too breezily.

Boris from an early age wanted to make himself invulnerable, said Andrew Gimson, Johnsons biographer. Part of that was not taking illness seriouslyshowing that you were tough enough to work through any possible thing that you might get, and that you certainly didnt need to be wimpish about it and go and lie down. I doubt theres a single case of him telling someone Look, you really must go home.

On March 26, Whitty advised Johnson to take a test. It diagnosed him with coronavirus. The next day, the prime minister began his life of isolation. In the days that followed, Johnsons fiancee was away isolating herself, and nobody from his senior team was allowed into his private apartment next door in No. 11.

For a famously sociable man, the only contact with other people came in the form of video calls with his colleagues, as it did for many others across the country. Each morning, Johnson would dial in and chair the daily Covid-19 war cabinet meeting of top ministers and advisers.

Throughout his illness, Johnson kept working. On the day he tested positive for the virus, he took part in a Group of 20 leaders' video call. The following day he spoke to U.S. President Donald Trump.He talked to his officials, reached out to opposition politicians, consulted with ministers and recorded his own videos for social media. All that was done while wading through the mountain of paperwork that builds up each day, urgent proposals for handling the crisis that needed the prime ministers signature of approval.

He has been working solidly while hes had thisthats probably the problem, said one senior official. The machine keeps rolling. Government has got a marvelous ability to produce paper.

By the weekend it was clear Johnson was not doing well. Usually after a week, patients shrug off coronavirus, but Johnsons symptoms would not go away. When he spoke to Keir Starmer on Saturday afternoon to congratulate him on his election as Labour Party leader and discuss the crisis, Johnson was evidently in a bad way, a witness said.

On Sunday morning, Johnson again chaired the daily meeting. Hours later his doctor told him to go to the hospital. Again, Whitty was on hand to urge Johnson to listen to the medical advice. Boris would have been very frustrated to be sent to hospital, said Walden. In the past if he had a cold or a chesty cough he would have marched on through it.

For three days, Johnson was wiped out. He couldnt carry out any work. Apart, perhaps, from an occasional call, nobody spoke to the prime minister who was not in his medical team. He remained in intensive care for three nights, under the constant watch of doctors, wired up to heart monitors and an oxygen tank.

Back in Downing Street, Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, was temporarily taking charge. As the designated first secretary of state, he was the most senior member of the Cabineta man who stood against Johnson last year for the leadership of the party. Yet such was the extent of the crisis gripping the government that it was not immediately clear how far Raabs powers stretched.

Ministers and officials could not confidently say whether Raab had the power to order a nuclear strike, or if he could hire or fire members of the government. Both points were later clarified -- Raab can't appoint ministers but the Cabinet can authorise the use of nuclear weapons. But dealing with an unprecedented peacetime emergency an economic as well as a public health crisisseemed like the worst task possible for Britains leaderless government team.

One minister said it wouldnt be a problem for the government to keep operating smoothly without Johnson in charge, at least in the short term. Members of the Cabinet all know what they are doing and there is no chance lockdown restrictions will be lifted soon. Yet another senior official was less optimistic.

The business of government was inevitably more difficult without the premier, the official said. We are all trying to reflect what he would want.

While Johnson is now out of intensive care, he remains in the hospital. It is not clear when he might return to work.

(Adds further context in 14th, 19th and 26th paragraph)

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 16:37:09|Editor: huaxia

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FARAH, Afghanistan, April 11 (Xinhua) -- A Taliban key commander identified as Mullah Nurgul is among four militants who have been confirmed dead in the western Farah province, said an army statement released here Saturday.

The security forces, according to the statement, after locating the hideout of Mullah Nurgul the commander of Taliban in Lash Wa Juwayn district, launched operation on Friday afternoon, killing him and three of his fighters on the spot.

Without providing more details, the statement said that the security forces would continue to target the militants elsewhere in the country.

Confirming the strike, governor of Farah province Mohammad Shuaib told Xinhua that the "notorious Mullah Nurgul who served as shadow district chief for the restive Lash Wa Juwayn district was killed in operation conducted by the national army on Friday.

Taliban militants have yet to make comment.
For more coverage, visit our complete coronavirus section here.

San Francisco could use a good cup of coffee now more than ever, but like most local businesses, the shelter-in-place order has put the citys rich coffee industry in jeopardy.

For coffee lovers, few businesses are more essential than a good neighborhood coffee shop, and thankfully, many currently serve drinks to-go. Saint Franks SOMA Roastery Coffee Bar and Russian Hill location continue to serve. Ritual still operates its Valencia and Hayes Valley locations, and just implemented a pre-ordering system. On a larger scope, local chain Philz reopened its Bay Area cafes with a similar mobile ordering and pickup protocol.

One of the biggest draws of visiting a coffee shop is the social element, which despite a distance of 6 feet, still seems to be a compelling draw for many customers. The baristas at Ritual (operating from behind a sheet of Plexiglass) looked even more cheerful than normal when I stopped by for an afternoon espresso, recounting that customers have seemed grateful they can continue at least a small element of their daily routine by picking up a cappuccino to-go.

We are providing touch points to reality and life before and after COVID-19 for mental and social health, said Saint Frank founder Kevin Bohlin, whose shops now sell their famous housemade almond macadamia milk by the growler.

RELATED: After losing 95% of his clients, SF's 'Fruit Jesus' rises again

While sitting down to read a book at a table is no longer an option, several shops are attempting to bolster community by functioning as general stores. The Mills bread and flour have been huge sellers (they also offer free sourdough starters), and it has expanded to produce boxes.

Rituals Valencia shop also expanded to offer bread from its pastry vendor Firebrand, soups and juices from CanCan, cookies and cookie dough from Black Jet Bakery, soaps and scrubs from Etta + Billie, plus locally produced hand sanitizer from By Nieves. For Ritual, the expansion actually embraces the locations past.

1026 Valencia was a general store for most of its history, writes owner Eileen Rinaldi in an email. I believe the original building at 1026 Valencia was built to be the Ford Market in the 1920s. It was a general store up until the '80s, when it became more of a corner store. So in a way, we're returning 1026 Valencia to its roots.

Another creative approach by Ritual is its Reach Out and Give Coffee program, which allows tech companies to send coffee to employees at home, plus every purchase includes a donation of a bag of coffee to a musician, artist or service worker unemployed because of the pandemic.

Although the coffee shops we spoke to keep brewing, regulars may notice their favorite baristas missing. Four Barrel has furloughed or laid off about 30 employees, and is down to a skeleton crew of 10. Ritual has furloughed half its staff of 80, while attempting to keep employees health insurance active. Each shop stressed that they hope to bring their baristas back, but the uncertainty of the next few months makes decision-making near impossible.

I think the biggest challenge is that business is completely unpredictable, and coffee is usually a very steady business, day to day, week to week. But that's out the window now, Rinaldi said.

Jodi Geren from Four Barrel expresses the same sentiments. With rolling opening dates going past July, its impossible to make long-term plans.

We just dont know what to do, Geren said. If we could just plan that we have to make these decisions for a month or two, that would be one thing, but I suspect that well be affected for longer than that.

READ ALSO: It's Tops survived for decades in San Francisco, but couldn't ride out COVID-19

Like with many other forms of hospitality businesses, a great way to support your local cafe is to buy gift cards toward future purchases. And instead of digging into a bulk bin at a crowded supermarket, you can order beans online from all of these shops.

Ritual and Four Barrel also offer subscription bean services, which given the months ahead, may be the very best way to help your favorite roaster keep up a steady stream of orders (and ensure a constant supply of caffeine without leaving the house).

It can be tough to find a silver lining amid the layoffs and store closures, but one unexpected opportunity for Four Barrel has been to return to its scrappier roots.

Most of our employees started out as baristas, and almost everybody who works here can do all of the jobs. So its been really wonderful to see a lot of those people to be able to rotate through all the positions we need here, Geren said. Its reminded us of what it was like to work in coffee when we were 22, just having two people working in the roastery and playing records.

Dan Gentile is a digital editor at SFGATE. Email: Dan.Gentile@sfgate.com | Twitter: @Dannosphere
The days are longer, the daffodils and tulips are coming up, and trees are budding  spring is here! This is a great time to get outside and witness the rebirth of the natural world. However, as always, it is important to be prepared when venturing out.

While outdoors, a fun and important activity is to look around and ask yourself, what would I do to survive if I was stuck right here, right now for the next seven days? No one plans on being lost or stranded, so this activity helps prepare you for when it actually occurs. It trains your brain to think about survival requirements and watch for things that may be useful. It also helps reduce panic when the situation arises. This is a great activity to do with children, not to scare them, but to engage their observation and problem-solving skills. It also instills confidence in them so if something happens to the adult, they can handle the situation and not panic.

The classic Rule of Three, humans can survive three weeks without food, three days without water, three hours without shelter and three minutes without oxygen, can help us prioritize our survival needs.

While traversing on land in the Great Basin, the probability that youll be without oxygen is low but given our dire need for oxygen you should be prepared for the possibility. Therefore, dont forget to practice oxygen deficit scenarios. Choking is probably the most likely scenario involving the lack of oxygen, so train and be familiar with skills like the Heimlich maneuver.

Finding water in a desert can be a challenge, but in the springtime, you can usually find water in seasonally flowing springs and streams. Areas with increased vegetation (although they may not yet be green) are indicators of water. As always, it is best to purify water from an unknown water source before drinking it. With the cool night temperatures and typically moist air of spring, condensation is likely to occur and you can also capitalize on it as a source for water. Having something to collect dew, such as plastic, is a good thing to keep in your backpack.

We dont often think about shelter as a concern, but the environment itself is something that we must protect ourselves against while recreating. The weather changes quickly in Nevada, so how might you protect yourself against the sun, a sudden snow squall or a thunderstorm? Carrying an extra layer of clothing or an emergency blanket is probably a better bet than relying on the sparse Nevada landscape for shelter.

The most common mistake people make is assuming they will be back as planned. Finding nutritious food in the desert is a challenge, thus packing a few extra granola bars is wise. That being said, remember, you can survive without eating for many days. In the event you are an adventurous eater, dandelion leaves and flowers provide nutrition and insects are also an option. However, if you are unfamiliar with edible plants and insects, your best choice is not to eat. The digestive distress from eating the wrong thing could be devastating, and lead to your demise long before not eating.

Get outside and explore nature! Enjoy the flowers and the birds and the dynamic conditions of spring in the mountains and on your local streets. And while youre out there, think about how you might address a lack of food, shelter, water, or air. Preparing for such a situation could save your life.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said there seems to be a consensus among states on the extension of lockdown by another two weeks and said the motto of the government earlier was 'jaan hai to jahaan hai' but now is 'jaan bhi jahaan bhi'.

The Prime Minister's thrust on 'jaan bhi and jahan bhi' (life also, the world also), during his interaction with chief ministers through video conferencing, appears to be an indication of some relaxation in restrictions and a possibility of a wider economic stimulus package.

Three weeks ago in his address to the nation in which he announced 21-day lockdown in the country, the Prime Minister had talked of 'jaan hai toh jahan hai' stressing the urgent need to save lives.

The shift now is 'jaan bhi jahan bhi', indicating the government's desire that economic activity also gathers some pace in a manner that the fight to contain the coronavirus is not affected.

"'Jaan hai to jahan hai'. When I had addressed the nation I had said that to save life of every citizen, lockdown and social distancing are very important. Most of the people understood this and stayed at home," the Prime Minister said.

" 'Jaan bhi and Jahan bhi' - a future where people care about both the aspects, follow their duties and abide by the directions of the government - this will be important for India's prosperous and healthy future," he added.

The chief ministers indicated that the central government will announce new guidelines for the next 15 days soon.

"The Prime Minister told us that we must not compromise on lockdown and we are receiving suggestions for extending it for next 15 days. He said in next 1-2 days the Government of India will announce guidelines for next 15 days," Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said after the meeting.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel suggested that permission should be given to carry out economic activities within the states and ban on the inter-state road, air and rail facilities should continue in view of COVID-19.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that a decision has been taken to extend the lockdown.

"PM has taken the correct decision to extend lockdown. Today, India's position is better than many developed countries because we started lockdown early. If it is stopped now, all gains would be lost. To consolidate, it is important to extend it," Kejriwal said in a tweet.

Odisha and Punjab have already taken a decision to extend the lockdown.

Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh had said on Friday that the lockdown could not be indefinite and his government was also looking for ways to extricate the state from the restrictions and enable it to function as it battles coronavirus.

He had said a high-powered committee with several doctors, medical and other experts, was examining the situation and will soon submit its report on the lockdown exit strategy.

In his address to the nation on March 24, the Prime Minister had said that if the situation is not brought under control in the next three weeks, the country could go back 21 years and that several families would be devastated forever. He urged the people to do just one thing in the next 21 days - to stay inside their homes.

"India is at a stage where our current actions will determine how much we are able to minimize the impact of this disaster. It's time to consistently keep strengthening our resolve. It's time to exercise caution at every step. You have to remember that 'jaan hai toh jahaan hai'. This is the time for patience and discipline. Until the lockdown situation remains, we must keep our resolve, we must keep our promise" he had said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi, April 11 : The Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) has come up with a solution of two-bed tents for screening, isolation and quarantine for Covid-19 patients.

Fifty such tents have been sent to Arunachal Pradesh. OFB came up with a cost effective solution for isolation wards with the manufacture of two-bed tents with medical equipment for screening, isolation and quarantine.

Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) is playing an important role in the fight against Coronavirus (COVID-19), a statement by the Defence Ministry said.

These special tents can be used for medical emergency, medical screening, hospital triage and quarantine purposes. These tents with a floor area of 9.55 square metre are made up of waterproof fabric, mild steel and aluminium alloy.

These tents can be set up in any place & terrain and help in creating additional facilities other than those in conventional hospitals within a short period of time. Ordnance Equipment Factory, Kanpur has manufactured these tents.

There is a new fumigation chamber also developed by Ordnance Factory Ambajhari (OFAJ) Nagpur for the purpose of sanitisation. It is fully portable and can be shifted with ease. It is installed at the main entrance of OFAJ Hospital.

Ordnance Factory Dehradun has handed over an indigenously made pedal operated hand washing system fitted with soap dispenser to the police authorities.

For hand sanitisers and face masks, Opto Electronics Factory Dehradun, a unit of Ordnance Factory Board has donated 2,500 bottles (100 ml each) of hand sanitisers and 1,000 face masks to the Governor of Uttarakhand.

Cordite Factory Aruvankadu, a unit of OFB handed over 100 litres of sanitisers to the Nilgiris District Police authorities in Tamil Nadu.

The High Explosives Factory (HEF) in Pune has dispatched the first batch of 2,500 litres sanitisers to HLL Belgavi.
[April 10, 2020] Saint Francis Ministries Provides Notice of Email Incident

SALINA, Kan., April 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Saint Francis Ministries is providing notice of an incident that may affect the security of certain individuals affiliated with Saint Francis. While Saint Francis is unaware of any attempted or actual misuse of this information, notice is being provided to potentially affected individuals, as well as certain state and federal regulators. On December 19, 2019, Saint Francis became aware of suspicious activity relating to one of its employee's email accounts. Saint Francis took steps to secure the email account and began working with outside computer forensics specialists to determine the nature and scope of the activity. On February 12, 2020, the investigation determined that an unknown actor accessed the email account between December 13, 2019, and December 20, 2019. Unfortunately, the investigation was not able to determine if any email or attachment was actually accessed or viewed. Saint Francis was only able to confirm that the email account was subject to unauthorized access. With the assistance of third-party specialists, a comprehensive review of the contents of the impacted email account was performed to identify the personal information in the email account. On March 24, 2020, Saint Francis determined that information for certain individuals was located in the email account when it was subject to unauthorized access and may have been accessible to the unauthorized actor. The investigation determined the impacted email accounts contained the following types of information for certain individuals at the time they were subject to unauthorized access: Social Security Number, Date of Birth, Driver's License or State ID, Bank or Financial Account Number, Credit or Debit Card Number, Treatment or Diagnosis Information, Prescription Information, Provide Name, Medical Record Number or Patient ID, Medicare or Medicaid Number, Health Insurance Information, Treatment Cost Information, and Username and Password. At this time, Saint Francis is unaware of any actual or attempted misuse of any personal or protected health information relating to this incident.



On April 17, 2020, Saint Francis will begin mailing notice letters to affected individuals for whom it has address information. The notice encourages potentially impacted individuals to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud, to review account statements credit reports, and explanation of benefits forms for suspicious activity and report any suspicious activity immediately to their insurance company, health care provider, or financial institution. Information on obtaining a free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus can be obtained by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com, calling 877-322-8228, or contacting the three major credit bureaus directly at: Equifax, P.O. Box 105069, Atlanta, GA, 30348, 1-800-685-1111, www.equifax.com; Experian, P.O. Box 2002, Allen, TX 75013, 888-397-3742, www.experian.com; TransUnion, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016, 800-680-7289, www.transunion.com . Potentially impacted individuals may also find information regarding identity theft, fraud alerts, security freezes and the steps they may take to protect their information by contacting the credit bureaus, the Federal Trade Commission or their state Attorney General. The Federal Trade Commission can be reached at: 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580; www.identitytheft.gov; 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); and TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Instances of known or suspected identity theft should also be reported to law enforcement or the individual's state Attorney General. Saint Francis takes information privacy and security matters extremely seriously and will remain vigilant in its efforts to safeguard and protect sensitive information, while taking any additional steps that may be necessary to mitigate and remediate this incident. Additional information about the data event is available at saintfrancisministries.org.

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/saint-francis-ministries-provides-notice-of-email-incident-301038973.html SOURCE Saint Francis Ministries

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Jaipur, April 11 : A coronavirus positive patient who has recovered from the disease in just one week has credited meditation for his quick recovery. Usually, it takes three weeks for a person to turn negative for COVID-19.

Muhammad Mubarak Ali had come from Oman in March and had fever. Hence, he visited a doctor in March end who recommended that he go for coronavirus testing and the report came positive. Thereafter, doctors at SMS hospital began his treatment.

During the treatment Dr Arun Pradhan asked Ali to do meditation twice a day. He also showed videos to Ali in which a special technique of meditation was explained.

Taking up the suggestion, Ali started the practice and showed positive results. Thereafter, he recovered from the disease within one week.

"Usually, it takes three weeks for a patient to recover from coronavirus," said Pradhan. "As during our work we come in contact with various people, I also met Naman Goyal -- a 33-year-old filmmaker and an Alumni of New York Film Academy -- who suggested this technique to me," the doctor added.

Goyal has done good work in Yoga and meditation filmography. He used to show his videos in various countries via YouTube. When Goyal got a positive response from people in other countries, he requested Pradhan to suggest this technique to his patients.

Following Pradhan's suggestion, Ali recovered from the coronavirus in just one week. On March 28, he had started working on this technique after testing positive for the coronavirus. Now, he has tested negative.

"I tried this meditation and was shifted to a quarantine facility in Jaipur Sanganer just in a week," Ali told IANS. After being quarantined for six more days, Ali has been discharged now.

Pradhan has also suggested to other people to practice meditation to boost immunity. "Thanks to Naman who told me about this meditation technique, I think we all should follow this in our daily life to boost immunity," he said.

Goyal said: "I have released a 4-minute video in English explaining the mechanism of the mantra meditation given to the world by late Guru Ram Lal Siyag. The mantra meditation is distributed free online." Earlier, this particular meditation technique was recognized by the Former Vice President of India, and three times Chief Minister of Rajasthan, late Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. In a letter praising the efforts of the volunteers, he accepted that "Siddha Yoga (meditation) has helped in healing from AIDS and all other forms of disease." (Archana Sharma can be reached at archana.s@ians.in)

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Govt says it cannot play its part in fighting the pandemic because of collective punishment imposed on it by US.

Iran, the Middle Easts worst-affected country, has been hit hard by COVID-19 with nearly 70,000 confirmed cases and more than 4,000 deaths.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said US sanctions on Iran have made it impossible for the government to even buy medicines.

By order of the president, business will begin to reopen in Iran now, as the country finds itself unable to sustain a lockdown.

Al Jazeeras Zein Basravi reports from Tehran, Iran.
After weeks of volatility following last months historic plunge, stock markets rallied this week, offering a glimmer of hope to investors that the global economy may be turning a corner  however tentatively  on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Buoyed by optimistic statements from the White House and the measures taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve to soften the pandemics blow to the economy, the S&P 500 continued to climb out of the depths it plumbed in late March. The TSX also rose, increasing by 9.5 per cent over the course of the four-day week. The S&P/TSX Composite index has grown by 25 per cent since bottoming out on March 23.

Market analysts attributed the recent gains to a surge of optimism on the Street  but cautioned that the future is uncertain and the rally was fuelled more by hope than any concrete indicators that the global crisis is on the wane.

I think people are grasping for things to feel positive about, said David Baskin, president of Toronto-based Baskin Wealth Management. Frankly I think the situation is still very much up in the air. Its very uncertain as to whats going to happen next.

Still, there were some encouraging signs around the world this week that physical distancing and other public health measures are having a positive effect on the rate of new COVID-19 infections.

We are flattening the curve, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on Wednesday.

Those positive notes translated to the markets, said Kristina Hooper, the New York-based chief global market strategist at Invesco. I think that was powerful, she said. This is a time when we want to see that health policy is paying off.

Hooper warned, however, that a deadlock in Congress regarding additional fiscal stimulus measures would send stocks back into decline. This weeks rally could be lost if we see friction in Congress.

Baskin and other analysts expressed skepticism of any claim that the COVID-19 situation is under control in the U.S.

I think were going to see an explosion in the mid-Atlantic states and South Atlantic States, like Florida and Georgia, where theyve had very slack rules, he said.

In Europe, some countries have begun to lay out timelines for when economic restrictions may be lifted, while others are extending their lockdowns. Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan  previously celebrated for their success at containing a widespread outbreak  are reportedly dealing with a surge of new infections. So the good news is hardly universal and any optimism has been muted.

Here in Canada, where the latest employment statistics showed more than a million people lost their jobs in March, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned on Thursday that our current reality is the new normal until a vaccine is developed and that physical distancing will continue indefinitely.

The truth is its still too early to predict where the economy is headed at this point, Baskin said. I think anybody whos honest about it would say were in uncharted waters. We dont know how long economic activity is going to be suppressed. We dont know how deep the damage to the economy is. We dont know how quickly it will bounce back.

In the absence of certainty, there is speculation  and wild swings  in the markets.

In normal times if the stock market value changed by one per cent in a day, that used to be considered a fairly major move, Baskin said. What were seeing in the last five or six weeks is moves of three or four or five per cent a day, or even eight per cent a day, which is crazy.

Most of the daily fluctuation in the market is driven by high-frequency, algorithmic, speculative trading, not any fundamental change in the economy, said Drummond Brodeur, senior vice-president and global strategist at Signature Global Asset Management.

Brodeur said he expects more volatility rather than a steady incline from this point.

Weve had the bounce off the bottom, he said, referencing the lows set on March 23. I think were going to find a new kind of trading range and bounce along that for a while until further clarity of the path of the virus and some of the really negative economic numbers and earnings start coming out.

There are just too many unknowns at this point, he said. Theres a lot more we dont know than we do know.

Brodeur believes that when normal economic activity is able to resume, the economy will be at a lower level overall. Because not everyone is coming back, he said. There will be permanent scars.

Some parts of the economy will suffer permanent damage, some parts will bounce back just as before and some businesses, particularly in the tech sector and health care, will see a permanent benefit, he said.

Lisa Kramer, a finance professor at the University of Toronto and research fellow in behavioural economics, saw the recent market action as a sign that we may be entering the bargaining stage of the grief cycle  a reference to the five stages of grief popularized by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler.

Were kind of all grieving the loss of our normal lives right now, she said, adding that weve already been through the first two stages  denial and anger  with regards to our feelings about the pandemic.

Now its like, OK, its bad, but its going to get better, right? I think thats kind of fuelling this feeling of optimism that many of us are sort of applying to whats going on in markets.

The recent market rally may also be the result of optimism via confirmation bias, in that people may be focusing on positive news stories and ignoring the negative ones, even though there are just as many, if not more.

Kramer, like Baskin and Brodeur, expects the volatility to continue.

I think were still likely to see large movements, both up and down, she said.

Theres just so much uncertainty about true intrinsic value right now. As much as we might feel hopeful, many companies still cant really say what their earnings will be going forward.
A woman with a travel history to Pune has tested positive for coronavirus here in Mandsaur on Saturday. This is the first-ever COVID-19 case in the district.

The woman has been at the quarantine centre here since April 6 after she reached Mandsaur from Pune.

"Her report has been received a while ago. The contact tracing has been done and we have identified 24 people so far who came in contact with the girl and her family. The 24 samples will be sent for testing. Each street of the municipality colony and Ramtekari area has been completely sealed and they are declared as containment area to contain virus spread," District Collector Manoj Pushp told media.

The District Collector has already announced a curfew in Mandsaur city. The city is being completely sealed and sanitized.

During the curfew in Mandsaur city, only milk and medicines will be supplied.

According to the Union Health Ministry's latest bulletin, 435 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in the state, including 33 deaths.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Saturday, April 11th, 2020 (12:01 am) - Score 178,064

Most of us are lucky enough to live within reach of a fairly strong UK mobile broadband (3G, 4G or 5G) network signal but that isnt true everywhere, particularly in some remote rural areas. Sometimes the best way to receive a stronger signal is to try installing your own external antenna, but knowing what to get can be tricky.

Before we get started its important to clarify that this article is primarily intended for people who cant access a good fixed line broadband ISP connection but may still be almost within reach of a viable mobile broadband alternative, albeit often struggling to get a good or stable signal from any of the operators. In this case you may benefit from an external antenna.

Obviously if you can already get a fast fixed line broadband ISP and just want a better indoor mobile signal then many of the operators already offer Femtocell style devices, which essentially plug into your home broadband connection (speeds of 0.5Mbps or 2Mbps+ are usually required) and use that to boost a localised mobile signal for your Smartphone.

Examples of Femtocell devices are Vodafones Sure Signal router, Three UKs Home Signal , O2s Boostbox or EEs Signal Box device. Failing that some Smartphones and Apps from mobile network operators also support making calls on your allowance via home WiFi (some mobiles also have a more direct WiFi Calling feature that does this without an app).

Lets talk external antennas

The actual process of installing an external antenna is usually just a case of screwing one to the highest and most stable location possible outside of your house (e.g. a solid brick wall near your roof), pointing it in the right direction and then drilling the cable through into the house (making sure to avoid electrical cables, water pipes and sealing up afterwards etc.). Plenty of professional installers can do this for you too (often for sub-100).

However as anybody who has ever tried to improve their mobile signal will probably attest, finding the right kit for the job isnt simple and the variable nature of the radio spectrum  passing through different environments as it does  can result in all sorts of quirky outcomes. Sometimes the most logical solution doesnt always turn out to be the right one for your specific location or needs.

Nevertheless our aim here is to provide some general guidance, but remember that sometimes its necessary to test a few different approaches before you decide upon the best one. In addition, we arent going to dare delve into the more industrial setups (e.g. personal mast construction or WiFi relays) as those are a bit too complex for most people, but if youre surrounded by tall trees then sometimes its necessary to get radical.

Often its possible to buy a pole mounting and then fix your antenna on top of that (i.e. raised higher above your house) but just be sure that what you install is stable and wont damage the house. Likewise in some areas a tall pole may breach planning rules, so always check with the local authority first.

Omni-directional or directional antenna

The first decision is whether or not to go with a directional or omni-directional antenna. A directional antenna will focus its higher gain (reception) in one direction, although it also becomes weaker in the other directions. By comparison omni antennas try to attract similar reception from all directions, albeit for a lower overall gain.

NOTE: Despite appearances above, direction and omni-directional antennas come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes. Sometimes they can even look the same.

On the surface you may think you know the answer to this one but its not always so simple. If you know where the nearest mast or base station for your operator is, particularly if you have LOS or Line-of-Sight (nothing in the way), then going directional might be the best choice (often true in rural areas). However a directional antenna can run into problems, such as if the station is congested or goes out of service (can occur during upgrades).

On the flip side an omni may result in better reliability because its looking at a wider area, although it can also attract more interference and may not deliver the same sort of performance as a well positioned directional. Generally if youre not entirely sure where the mast is, or you live in an urban or suburban area, then an omni is probably the better choice. In fact start with an omni first anyway, its just easier.

NOTE: If youre doing this DIY then an omni will be easier (less alignment hassle).

Now if youre really feeling adventurous then you could install two antennas of different types but in order to make that work youd have to connect them both to a MIMO configured router (two ports), such as the Huawei B618. Likewise you can also buy some MIMO antennas that have two outputs (MIMO 22) for related routers with two inputs. Just remember that this kind of kit tends to be more expensive and adds to the hassle of setup.

Generally its best to try with one antenna first and dont bother buying a MIMO router with two external antenna ports if youre only going to use an antenna with a single output, although if you do try installing two antennas then make sure to space them apart a bit.

At this point we should touch on polarisation. Mobile signals tend to be linearly polarised (they vibrate vertically, horizontally or a bit of both) and ideally the aim is to match the polarisation of your antenna to that of the signal (trial and error  helps if you can rotate the antenna). A quick solution to this is to go with a cross-polarised antenna, these usually have two outputs (good for MIMO routers), which can latch on to the signal regardless of its polarisation.

Wed also suggest keeping the cable between your antenna and router as short as possible in order to limit interference. Generally 5 metres or less should be fine, although some people have used more without problems but your mileage may vary (more cable usually equals greater signal loss). However, there are other factors that you need to consider too, so lets move on.

What do the gain (dB / dBi) figures on an antenna mean?

The power of an antenna is measured by its gain, which is usually reflected in figures for either dBi (decibels relative to an isotropic radiator) or just dB (decibels relative to a dipole radiator  technically dBd but marketing folk often just use dB, which is confusing). The gain is essentially a relative measure of the antennas ability to direct (concentrate) radio frequency energy in a particular direction or pattern.

At this point the explanations can get very complicated and as this guide is directed toward people from all walks of life then well simply say that the higher the gain, the better the antennas performance and range (over simplification). However antennas with very high gain may also be more expensive, often to reflect their quality, and so theres something to be said for picking one in the middle ground (note that for every c.6dBi in gain, you could double the range of an antenna).

Some antennas may also give several different gain values to reflect the range of spectrum bands they support, as each may have different characterises due to the antenna design. As such it helps to know what bands your mobile operator is actually using and how to understand the different measures of signal strength (this will help when trying to identify unusual reception problems), which is what well touch on next.

Maps and spectrum bands  finding the info.

One of the biggest challenges with setting up a new antenna is knowing where the signal comes from, how strong it is and which bands are being used in your local area (this can vary depending upon the operator). Vodafone, Three UK, O2 and EE (BT) all have coverage checkers on their websites but these are extremely vague and not always particularly accurate (see Ofcoms Mobile Coverage Checker).

Continued on Page 2..
The Sheahans, Dad Conor, Mom Lavinia and Children: Keithan (10), Calvin (8), Adelina (5) with cat Freddy and tiny Wagyu calf Elton.

There's been a new arrival on the Sheahan farm near Millstreet and, though small in size, it's causing a huge stir of excitement.

Elton, the bull calf, was born on Sunday and weighed just 10 kg, a quarter of the usual weight of a newly born calf and his small size is believed to have shattered existing records for the weight of a newly born bull calf.

"I didn't think much of him at first but when Lavinia saw it, she said that really is unsual,," said farmer Conor Sheahan.

"He's being well looked after by the children," he said. "His arrival caused fierce excitement."

Lavinia Sheahan described Elton's arrival as a welcome addition to the farm at a time when people 'need a lift'.

"Unlike other record contenders, Elton was born to two average sized parents," said Lavinia. "He is the same size as a bag of spuds and not much bigger than our cat, Freddy."

Children Keithan (10), Calvin (8) and Adelina (5) are also thrilled about Elton's arrival. "He's sure to be well looked after by the children," said Conor.

The Sheahan farm has gone organic in the past few years after being a dairy farm. "It's a farm which provides the life I want." said Conor.

The farm now produces Wagyu beef cattle, a Japanese breed renowned for its flavour. "It doesn't look like I'd make a whole pile out of Elton," said Conor. "He'll be well looked after here."
Minister for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories Oleksiy Reznikov said that there were no Crimeans again on the lists of prisoners , whom Ukraine and the occupied Donbas planned to exchange before Easter. Reznikov reported that in a comment to TSN. The Ukrainian authorities are not backing down from attempts to implement the 'all-for-all' format for exchanging prisoners. But this time, Ukrainians, who are kept by militants in Donbas, should return home, Reznikov said.However, exchange lists have not yet been formed. The OSCE is expecting from Russia confirmation of the date of exchange, the quantity and list of names.According to the minister, on Wednesday at a meeting of the contact group lists were discussed, the names of people for exchange were called. Final confirmation will be possible after the confirmation from the ORDLO.All Ukrainians released as a result of the exchange will have to spend another two weeks in observation. The places where they will be located are ready.

Several Ukrainians imprisoned in Russia and the annexed Crimea are currently in critical condition. Ukraine's Parliamentary Envoy for Human Rights Lyudmyla Denisova posted this on her Facebook page.

According to her, Volodymyr Dudka keeps suffering from the rash and increased blood pressure. Medics did not examine him; neither did they provide him with any treatment.

Denisova also added that Volodymyr Yakymenko, the activist of Avtomaidan movement, is now in the isolation cell, suffering from dry cough and temperature +39 C. Rustem Seitmemetov, the defendant in Hizb ut-Tahrir case, is now spending his time in a cell with insufficient conditions; he sleeps on a metallic bed without any sheets. That resulted in pain in his back, as well as heart and breathing problems. Riza and Enver Ometovs, and Rustem Ismailov - another three Crimean Tatars involved in Hizb ut-Tahrir case - faced similar detention conditions.
For gay men in Kansas City who lived through the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s, the threat of COVID-19 is eerily familiar. That comes with anxiety and grief, as well as powerful lessons and perspective.
Louis Johnson, an acclaimed choreographer, dancer and director whose career spanned Broadway, ballet and modern dance, died on March 31 in Manhattan. He was 90.

The cause was pneumonia and renal failure, said Glory Van Scott, a dancer, actress and director and his friend and health care proxy. He recently tested positive for the coronavirus, she said.

As a dancer and choreographer, Mr. Johnson was known for his extensive range. He performed in Broadway shows like House of Flowers and Hallelujah Baby! and in the screen and stage versions of Bob Fosses Damn Yankees. An African-American who was influenced by black mentors, he created works for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Dance Theater of Harlem. He was the choreographer of the 1978 film adaptation of The Wiz. And he was nominated for a Tony Award in 1970 for his choreography for the musical Purlie.

Very few blacks have had all the experiences Ive had, Mr. Johnson said in an interview with The New York Times in 1975. There havent been that many opportunities. Ive performed and choreographed all kinds of dance, so thats how I can go from Treemonisha  an opera by the ragtime composer Scott Joplin  to the Metropolitan Opera.
The Supreme Court Bar Association appealed to Chief Justice of India S A Bobde and his companion judges on Saturday to cancel the summer vacation this year and treat it as a working period in the larger interest of litigants and justice.

The lawyers' body said now that restrictions are likely to continue after the first phase of coronavirus lockdown ends on April 14, the CJI and the companion judges should take more proactive steps to mitigate the distress of litigants. It also urged the judges to take measures to gradually restore the full functioning of the top court.

Accordingly, the Executive Council resolves to appeal to the CJI and his companion judges to cancel the summer vacation and treat the period as working of the Supreme Court of India, the resolution passed unanimously by the bar association said.

It said it is deeply concerned about the distress caused to litigants because of the restricted functioning of the courts throughout the country-- first due to Holi recess and then due to the nationwide lockdown, which necessitated very limited hearing of only urgent matters through video link.

The SCBA resolves that all lawyers practising in the Supreme Court will give up the summer vacation scheduled from May16 till July 5 and make themselves available for work, the association said.

It demanded that the temporary video-conference facilities be improved for live-streaming of court proceedings using an efficient multi-user platform such as those being used by the Council of Ministers and government officials.

It is only if all contesting lawyers, instructing Advocates in Record, and litigants can have simultaneous access to the video-conference proceedings, that the same can become an effective system for conducting full-fledged court proceedings at par with those which our judicial system requires should normally be conducted in open courtrooms, the lawyers' body said, adding, that its President Dushyant Dave should bring this resolution to the notice of the Chief Justice of India.

The bar association said it fully supports the restrictions, which were unavoidable in the unprecedented situation faced by all in the first phase of the lockdown.

On Saturday, advocate Ashok Arora,secretary of SCBA said the CJI will review the functioning of the apex court every three-four days in consultation with other judges and officials of the Health Ministry.

He said the demand from bar leaders and other bodies that summer vacation this year be preponed can wait for a while and till then status quo is to be maintained.

I spoke to Chief Justice of India on April 10 at12 noon and was informed that he was going to review the situation after every 3/4 days after consulting the other Judges and health ministry. Till then status quo. So better, we wait for a while,Arora said.

Meanwhile, senior advocate Dinesh Goswami has written to the CJI, requesting suspension of summer vacation.

The top court on March 23 virtually went into the lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus and suspended for indefinite period the entry of advocates and other staff in the high-security zone on the basis of their proximity cards.

On April 9, the Delhi High court decided to suspend the summer vacation this year, previously scheduled from June 1 to 30. The high court also cancelled the summer break of subordinate courts in June this year.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Public support from all across Vietnam has brought millions of dollars in donations to support Vietnam's fight against the pandemic

In the morning of April 10, the Royal City residents' charity group continued supporting hospitals in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic, with the latest destination being the National Lung Hospital.

Representatives of the group presented VND260 million ($11,300) to director of National Lung Hospital Nguyen Viet Nhung to support the hospital in buying biologicals and chemicals in order to perform novel coronavirus diagnostic tests. The donation was contributed by some 10,000 residents at Vinhomes Royal City in Hanoi.

Earlier, the charity group also donated VND200 million ($8,700) to Bach Mai Hospital  one of the hotspots in the fight against the pandemic.

At a time when the whole country is joining hands to fight the pandemic, the hospitals at the higher and lower levels are facing many difficulties, with increased risk of infection and need a lot of support and practical material  not to mention gratitude.

Since the Vietnamese government, as well as the Central Committee of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front (VFF) called for public support in the prevention and control of COVID-19, the country has received plenty of contributions from people and businesses.

Thanks to active responses to the appeal, from March 14 to April 8 afternoon, the amount of donation and registered support sent to VFF has surpassed VND806.407 billion ($35 million).

Of this, the VFF has allocated VND466 billion ($20.26 million) to spend on necessities.

Specifically, the VFF received VND312.355 billion ($13.58 million) in cash, VND150.5 billion ($6.54 million) of which has been used. In addition, of the VND99.552 ($4.33 million) of goods donated, VND51 billion ($2.22 million) has already been allocated.

Businesses and individuals have also transferred VND245 billion ($10.65 million) directly to the suppliers, this donation was registered via the VFF.

The amount of direct donations to the Ministry of Health (MoH) has reached VND19.5 billion ($847,830), and donations via text message reached VND130 billion ($5.65 million).

Previously, on April 7, chairman of the Central Committee of VFF, Tran Thanh Man handed the first disbursement of VND150 billion ($6.52 million) to the MioH to purchase medical equipment and supplies to support the prevention and control of COVID-19.
The nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19 is likely to be extended beyond April 14 with the government spokesperson on Saturday saying the Centre is considering a request made by most state chief ministers in this regard during an interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"During the video-conferencing on coronavirus in India with state CMs today, most states requested Prime Minister Modi to extend the lockdown for two more weeks. The Central Government is considering this request," government's Principal Spokesperson K S Dhatwalia tweeted.

More direct and clear indication of a possible extension came from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who tweeted the "PM has taken correct decision to extend lockdown. Today, India's position is better than many developed countries because we started lockdown early. If it is stopped now, all gains would be lost. To consolidate, it is important to extend it."



The meeting, held via video conferencing, was called by Modi to discuss the situation arising due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to take the feedback of chief ministers on whether the 21-day shutdown should be extended.

Among others, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh as well as Kejriwal had suggested extension of the national lockdown by at least a fortnight.

Modi, accompanied by some senior officials, including from the Union health ministry, was wearing a white mask during the meeting which was also attended by chief ministers --Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal), Uddhav Thackeray (Maharashtra), Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), Manohar Lal (Haryana), K Chandrashekhar Rao (Telangana) and Nitish kumar (Bihar).

The Central government is understood to have also obtained views on the issue from all the relevant agencies and stakeholders involved in the efforts to contain the spread of the pandemic.

The video conference, which began at 11am, came even as Punjab and Odisha governments earlier this week announced extension of the lockdown beyond April 14 when the current spell of 21-day shutdown ends on Tuesday.

The Union Home Ministry has sought views of state governments on various aspects, including whether more categories of people and services need to be exempted. Only essential services are exempted during the ongoing lockdown.

This is for the second time the prime minister is interacting with the chief ministers via video link after the lockdown was imposed.

During his April 2 interaction with chief ministers, Modi had pitched for a "staggered" exit from the ongoing lockdown.

Addressing floor leaders of various parties who have representation in Parliament, Modi had on Wednesday made it clear that the lockdown cannot be lifted in one go, asserting that the priority of his government is to "save each and every life".

According to an official statement after the Wednesday interaction, the prime minister told these leaders that states, district administrations and experts have suggested extension of the lockdown to contain the spread of the virus.

Before the lockdown was announced on March 24, the prime minister had interacted with the chief ministers on March 20 to discuss ways and means to check the spread of the novel coronavirus.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hyderabad: For a fortnight now, his life has been on a roller coaster ride. Each day, he wakes up at the crack of dawn and sets out for three different destinations  Gandhi hospital, Chest hospital and a building adjacent to Badi masjid in Mallepally.

For him, these three places have turned into a temporary triad of addresses for his family, ten members in all, from where, he returns late in the night. His phone is incessantly busy, as he frantically makes innumerable calls to police and health departments from where sometimes he either gets an earful, or assurances, or just finds the other side hanging up.

The responses I get makes me feel sometimes as if my topi (skull cap) and kurta is responsible for spread of Coronavirus, he says, in a semi-guilt ridden tone of despondency.

Life for this Hyderabadi (name withheld) went haywire after all his family members, including his aged parents, brothers, their wives and children  ten in all  were suspected to have been infected with the deadly Covid-19.

He is the only one in the family out, attending on the rest. Fortunately, nine of them have tested negative but are unable to return home as they have been kept in isolation at different places. To make matters worse, a teenaged daughter of his elder brother too underwent tests at Gandhi hospital, but her reports got misplaced. The test was conducted again and the family is awaiting for reports for last four days.

My elder brother attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Nizamuddin Markaz in New Delhi last month. After he returned on March 26, he fell sick and got himself admitted in Gandhi hospital, from where he was shifted to the Chest hospital. Thereafter, my life just nosedived, he told Deccan Chronicle.

Suspecting his brother might have spread the virus, the entire family was sent for tests to Gandhi hospital. Then began his innumerable trips to hospitals, mostly taking essentials for family members, from clothes to medicines, among other items.

Four days ago, his mother, wives of two elder brothers and their four daughters were shifted to a building adjacent to Badi masjid in Mallepally, while his father, brother and daughter were moved to the Gandhi hospital. The one who attended the Markaz continues to be kept in isolation at the Chest hospital.

My father is a diabetic. My mother suffers from low blood pressure. They are both in a bad shape. The only thing which brought a little cheer was my father was discharged after 14 tough days. Despite being a diabetic, he was forced to eat rice thrice a day, he said.

With the area around Badi masjid sealed by police as part of the containment plan, this resident of Tolichowki is worried for his mothers health.

I requested policemen to let me near the premises, so that I could deliver essentials. But the way they look at me, especially my white kurta and cap, makes me feel as if we are responsible for spreading the virus. They just shooed me away. But at this time, I do not want to complain, given the palpable hatred for our community, he said.

Each day, he makes attempts to reach the three venues and pass on some essentials. It took some doing to convince the staff at Gandhi to deliver sanitary napkins for the teenaged daughter of my elder brother. She is wearing same set of clothes for 14 days from when she was shifted to Gandhi, he says.

After reports of her first test were misplaced, a second test was performed. It has been four days but the reports have not yet come.

The government is doing what it can, but systems (within hospitals) are so unorganised that people like me are suffering. My family has been split into three groups. With no specific information coming out, (from hospitals), it is very difficult, he said.

He says that it was not by choice that seven women of his family were sent to premises next to Badi Masjid, instead of sending them home. They were forced to stay there. I told my mother to be patient and hang on. All women are being provided with three meals a day, he said.

One of his brothers is recovering well at Chest hospital but he is not sure when he will get to see him.
Do chocolate bunnies hippity-hop in your dreams at Easter? If those bunnies are from Sees Candies, youre unfortunately out of luck this year. The 98-year old South San Francisco confectioner closed its retail stores, ceased its factory production and shut down website shopping in March in response to coronavirus concerns.

Since the closures, Sees has posted pictures on its Facebook page of inventory being packed up and donated to Bay Area community groups. That still leaves many, many Bay Area residents longing for Sees signature Easter bunnies, chocolate-filled eggs, jelly beans.

In messages on the Facebook page, customers bemoan the lack of peanut butter eggs, boxes by the pound and other treats. Some are hoping the company will be back online for Mothers Day purchases in May; others are sharing memories from Easters past.

Making the last of the Christmas candy last as long as we can, Laura Lynn Stancel posted.

Sees voiced sympathy: We are honored to be part of Bay Area families sweet holiday traditions, and are so disappointed that we are not able to deliver everyones favorite candies at a time when everyone needs a little extra comfort from a familiar friend, the company said in a statement to The Chronicle. We understand that for many, Sees is an Easter tradition that will be greatly missed for the first time since WWII, the last time the company closed for an extended period. Sees names the Bordeaux, Scotchmallow and Rocky Road candies as longtime local favorites.

Im SO glad for the seniors, but holy smokes, Easter without Sees is torture! Teena Broumand posted under a photo of chocolate truffles being delivered to Bay Area seniors.

Donna Ewald Huggins

Jon da Souza grew up with Sees caramel lollipops in his Easter basket and says they are still a favorite because of the slightly bitter taste.

Theyre not cloyingly sweet, said da Souza. As a kid, they were a special occasion treat.

Debbie Li, another lollipop fan, was able to score a variety pack at the Costco in San Leandro after the Sees stores closed. During the shelter-in-place order, she said, shes been revisiting comfort foods with special memories, including the lollipops.

Im so sad theyre closed, its such a bummer said Li. I used to sell Sees candy bars for my high school orchestra at Piedmont High. The Sees kids always did better than the Ghirardelli kids. Always a big seller was one of her own favorites: milk chocolate toffee bar.

Katie Hushion says her memory of Sees at Easter is not of chocolate, but another seasonal treat. Her favorite candies as a child in San Francisco were the little jelly eggs with the sprinkles that rub off and stay in the carpet until Christmas! The dearth of Sees candy is impacting her ability to pass the tradition to her daughters this year.

Donna Ewald Huggins is the widow of the late Chuck Huggins, the CEO of Sees from 1972 to 2006. She said some have assumed she might have a special stockpile of Easter candy, given her connection to the company. Alas, she does not.

If I knew this was going to happen, I would have planned ahead, Huggins joked in an interview. On a table in her home is a Sees papier-mache candy box in the shape of an Easter egg that sits empty next to her Easter bonnet. She wishes she had stashed away a box before the stores shut down. Among her favorites at Easter are the chocolate marshmallow eggs and the chocolate butter eggs. Even before her marriage, she was a fan of the companys products, she said.

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.

Russell Yip / The Chronicle 2019

Among her favorite memories from her husbands CEO years was visiting the companys South San Francisco factory at Easter time. She especially loved watching the assembly line where workers would decorate chocolate eggs with intricate icing designs.

It was just beyond, she said. Some of the ladies decorating eggs did it for 34 years; thats probably my happiest memory. She admits years later that of course I snuck a few right off the assembly line it was just like I Love Lucy.

Huggins said she recently drove by the Sees factory in South San Francisco and saw that the companys traditional giant Easter Bunny decoration was on the roof.

This year, though, with everything closed, it is sitting there all forlorn, she added.

Sees devotee Alison Faison said Sees candies in her Easter basket are a tradition she remembers from her childhood that she passed on to her own children. This year, she said, they understand, The Easter Bunny cant go to everyones houses, because of COVID-19.

Tony Bravo is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tbravo@sfchronicle.com
The Navy hospital ship Mercy will begin accepting healthy nursing home patients to ease stress on facilities hit by the coronavirus epidemic, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday. (Carolyn Cole/Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)

Responding to escalating concerns about COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday announced that some healthy residents at afflicted facilities will be transferred to the Navy hospital ship Mercy in Los Angeles to avoid exposure to the coronavirus.

The state also is dispatching 600 nurses trained in infectious disease control to assist nursing homes and other adult care facilities to stem the spread of the virus and identify and quarantine residents who test positive as quickly as possible.

Newsom said protecting California's seniors, considered to be most at risk to become seriously ill, remains the state's top priority.

"I'm just giving you an overall sense of the seriousness to which we place our efforts and focus on protecting our most vulnerable, our seniors in the state of California," Newsom said Friday during his daily COVID-19 briefing in Sacramento.

Newsom said that 1,266 residents and staff members at California's 1,224 skilled nursing facilities have tested positive for the coronavirus. An additional 370 residents and staff members at smaller residential care centers regulated by the state Department of Social Services also have tested positive.

The new strategy expands the mission of the Mercy, a ship with 1,000 hospital beds staffed by military doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers that is docked at the Port of Los Angeles. The ship initially was only to accept patients who aren't sick with COVID-19 from Southern California hospitals, freeing up beds at medical centers that expect to see a surge in those cases in coming weeks.

"I want to thank the president and his entire team for affording us the opportunity to utilize the USNS Mercy differently and specific to the challenges within our nursing facilities and nursing homes," Newsom said. "They are affording us the opportunity to prioritize that population by using the incredible asset that the Mercy provides us. This will help decompress the system."

Story continues

The state has also identified seven facilities across California for COVID-19 patients from skilled nursing homes who do not need acute level care, said Kate Folmar, spokeswoman for the state Department of Public Health.

Some of the facilities are nursing homes that have created a separate building with separate staff to care for those patients. Others are healthcare facilities that will provide skilled nursing care until patients are no longer COVID-19 positive.

Michael Connors, spokesman for California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, said the group was very glad to see the Governor giving attention to the desperate plight of long-term care facility residents whose lives are in such jeopardy right now."

Yet California must take stronger actions than those he identified to keep residents safe from COVID-19 and the deteriorating conditions in so many long term care facilities, he said.

CANHR and other advocates have been pushing Newsom to open dedicated facilities for nursing home residents who have tested postive for COVID-19 in an effort to separate the sick from those who are still healthy.

A list of recommendations that CANHR sent Newsom on Friday also proposes ordering nursing homes with no cases to refuse to take in any new residents, ensuring that all nursing home staff have appropriate protective equipment including masks and face shields, and directing the state and all local health departments to publicly identify homes with positive cases and update the list on a daily basis.

The group also asked Newsom to help families who want to pull their loved ones out of facilities by assisting them in finding home healthcare providers and guaranteeing residents will have a place in the nursing home when the crisis is over.

Los Angeles County's public health director on Tuesday told families it would be "perfectly appropriate" to pull loved ones out of long-term facilities for their safety, while acknowledging that many families would not be able to provide the necessary care at home.

More than 120 nursing facilities and other communal living institutions in Los Angeles County alone are suspected of having coronavirus infections, including a home in Redondo Beach where four people have died and 38 others have confirmed cases.

Earlier this week, nearly 100 residents were removed from a skilled nursing facility in Riverside after more than a dozen employees missed two consecutive days of work, expressing fear for their own safety, a county official said. Officials reported 34 positive cases of COVID-19 among patients and five among employees at the skilled nursing facility.

In Alameda County, six residents sickened by coronavirus died and another 35 tested positive at Gateway Care and Rehabilitation Center in Hayward, according to Neetu Balram, spokesperson for the Public Health Department.

To help elderly Californians who aren't in elder care facilities, including those who tested positive for the virus or have difficulty leaving their home, Newsom announced a new program to deliver eligible residents three nutritious meals a day. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is funding the program and will enlist restaurants across the state to prepare the meals.

Mark Ghaly, secretary of the California Health and Human Services agency, said on Friday said that because of efforts by Californians to stay at home and maintain distance from others, the spread of the coronavirus in the state has been lower than estimates predicted.

"This is a point of pride for Californians that we've done so well with what we've been doing," Ghaly said.

But he warned that COVID-19 cases could rise dramatically if Californians "lose the focus on physical distancing and staying at home."

Projections by state health officials predict the peak of coronavirus cases to hit sometime in May. Both Ghaly and the governor said the state's hospital system should be able to accommodate that surge if residents continue to heed stay-at-home orders.

Times Staff Writers Anita Chabria and Matt Hamilton contributed to this report.
Kathmandu, April 11

The government of Nepal imported medical equipment worth Rs 349.1 million in the past month to prepare for the treatment of people confirmed and suspected of coronavirus infection and prevention of the infection.

In this period, the government purchases masks, sanitiser, coronavirus infection test kit, personal protective equipment for the health workers and ventilators, according to Suman Dahal, the Department of Customs chief.

Likewise, the government also imported rapid diagnostic test kits, face shields, goggles, thermometres, and viral transport media.

Among these, the government spent the highest amount on the purchase of rapid diagnostic test kits (Rs 94.4 million) followed by masks (Rs 55.9 million), and PCR test kits (Rs 1.52 million).
US fears of an imminent, large-scale attack on its soldiers in Iraq is entirely valid. Iran, with its arms, seems ready to do whatever it takes to drive American troops out of the country immediately.

US secretary of defence Mark Esper was very confident in refuting a letter sent to his Iraqi counterparts in January, saying that the US military is preparing for movement out of Iraq, after killing the Iranian commander Qassam Soleimani. Both Esper and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, insisted at the time that there had been no decision whatsoever to leave Iraq.

But this seems not to be entirely accurate. According to the former Iraqi prime minister-designate Mohamed Tawfik Allawi, the US has plans in place to leave Iraq in two years from now.

Iraqi president Barham Salih had asked Allawi to form a government at the beginning of February to end a long-lasting power vacuum after young Iraqis took to the streets in large numbers, asking for the removal of the government and an end to corruption.

Around mid-February, he held a crucial meeting in his office with the US ambassador Mathew Tueller and other American diplomats, discussing the future of the US-led coalition against Isis in Iraq.

According to Allawi, the American diplomats told him they were under great pressure to withdraw troops from Iraq, and would leave in two years time. Allawi quickly offered to pen down their withdrawal proposal in an official agreement between the two countries to guarantee US compliance.

The US officials agreed on the principle, but were interested in exploring Irans position first. Days later, after another meeting between Allawi, the Iranian ambassador to Iraq, Iraj Masjedi, and other Iranian officials, Iran turned down the American offer. According to Allawi, Iranian officials reported that the Iraqi parliament had already voted them out and must, therefore, leave now.

The Iranian diplomats were referring to the decision taken in January by the Iraqi parliament urging the government to oust all foreign troops after the targeting of Soleimani and the deputy commander of the Popular Mobilisation Forces, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was killed with him in the same drone strike.

The US State Department refused to comment on private diplomatic discussions. The Iranian embassy in London and the spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abbas Moussavi, also didnt respond to requests for comment.

Allawi reached the one-month constitutional deadline in March without being able to form a cabinet. Perhaps he was the right man in the wrong place. After spending over an hour on the phone with him, I realised how inevitable this failure was.

After all, being the prime minister of Iraq is the most difficult job in the Middle East. A low-profile politician, who lacks charisma but maintains an aggresively strict stand against corruption, Allawi was always seen by the Iraqi political elite as an outsider, despite holding ministerial office twice before. Allawi accepted the nomination while thousands of Iraqis were protesting since last October against the corruption that has gripped Iraq since the US ousted Sadam Hussein in 2003.

They wanted to topple the government of the incompetent prime minister Adil Abdul Mahdi and bring about an end to the sectarian quotas in politics and other basic services. But, despite his biting criticism of the political establishment and some half-baked promises to the downtrodden Iraqis, Allawi was instantly rejected by thousands of protesters as  ironically  a stooge of the political elite.

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Yesterday, the Iraqi intelligence chief Mustapha al-Kadhimi was announced as the third nomination for the PMs office this year. His appointment reflects the scale of paralysis the leadership vacuum has imposed on the country, which stands on the edge of an economic disaster and faces the coronavirus outbreak.

When Allawi accepted office, Iran-linked militias were, simultaneously, shelling the US embassy in Baghdad and military bases hosting American troops in the north and west with a fusillade of rockets to force them out.

On Monday (6 April), rockets even landed close to the site of the American oil service company Halliburton in Basra province.

As Allawi confirmed to me, Iran has long been aware of the heated discussion within President Trumps administration around the troops posture in Iraq, and the stark difference between Esper and his Pentagon aides statements on the one hand, and reality on the other.

With the coronavirus hitting Iran hard, Trump imposed even more severe economic sanctions on the country in an attempt to cripple the regime. But, yet on the other hand, his own shambolic management of the outbreak on US soil might have also created a window of opportunity for Iran to apply more pressure on the US to leave Iraq.

The US plans also reflect an eagerness to pull out from the wider region, a strategy which this administration has paved the way for in Afghanistan by signing a peace agreement with the Taliban after 19 years of fighting.

But any news about withdrawing US troops from Iraq means utter dismay for the Sunnis and the Kurds. The presence of US forces is for them an insurance policy against a comeback by Isis and, more importantly, it strikes a delicate balance between all Iraqi religious sects and political powers. The government of Kurdistan (an autonomous region in the north) was determined to maintain the American presence. Allawi told me: I felt the Kurds were more than ready to grant the US troops alternative military bases if they are to be driven out by the central government in Baghdad. This means, he says, Iraqs political rupture for good.

The escalation by US troops and the Iran-backed militias is putting Iraq at risk of an all-out military conflict. This trims down the possible scenarios for the US future in Iraq to only two: all-out war or a departure sooner rather than later. As ambassador Tueller told Allawi in their meeting: We are not planning to stay here forever. An Iranian success in forcing the US out of Iraq might now seem more feasible.
NAVFAC Marianas Awards $1.9 Million to Guam-Based Small Business for Environmental Services

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS200410-09

Release Date: 4/10/2020 10:51:00 AM

From Catherine Cruz Norton, NAVFAC Marianas Public Affairs Office

ASAN, Guam (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Marianas awarded a contract with a maximum amount of $25 million to Landscape Management Systems, Inc., a Guam-based small business, for environmental services at Joint Region Marianas (JRM).

"Environmental services constitute a large percentage of our mission-critical core function at NAVFAC Marianas in support of JRM and all Guam installations," said NAVFAC Marianas Commanding Officer Capt. Daniel Turner. "This contract award represents the hard work, dedication and great success of our acquisition and small business professionals in aligning critical Navy requirements with qualified industry partners on Guam."

An initial task order valued at $1.9 million is being awarded for mobilization and base period recurring work at all supported components and tenant commands under JRM. The work to be performed is for operation of a conforming storage facility; management of less-than-90-day storage facilities; management of satellite accumulation sites and initial accumulation points; daily management, collection, and disposal of hazardous waste, hazardous material, and other regulated waste; occasional management, disposal, and collection of non-hazardous waste; sampling, testing, and laboratory analysis for hazardous waste, regulated waste, and unknown waste determination; and oil and hazardous substance spill response, cleanup, sampling, laboratory analysis, and disposal.

Work for this task order is expected to be completed by April 2021. The term of the indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract is not to exceed five years with an expected completion date of April 2025. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website with two proposals received.

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The Maharashtra government on Saturday decided to extend the Covid-19 lockdown till April 30 with chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray underlining that it may be further extended if people do not cooperate.

The chief minister said it looks like the situation is in control, but one will have to be cautious.

Follow latest updates on coronavirus here

Maharashtra becomes the third state to extend the lockdown period after Odisha and Punjab.

The lockdown may continue even after April 30 if people dont cooperate in preventing the outbreak, said CM Uddhav Thackeray while addressing people via video call.

Thackeray also said that while making the implementation stricter in the second phase, some of the sectors will be excluded and the government is working on it.

The CM further said that 60 to 70 per cent positive patients in Mumbai have mild symptoms.

Maharastra is the worst-hit state by coronavirus, with 110 dead and 1,574 cases

Earlier in the day, several chief ministers impressed upon Prime Minister Modi to extend the national lockdown, which ends on April 14, to contain the highly contagious coronavirus disease.

The PM not spell out his decision on the lockdown at the meeting. An official spokesperson confirmed that most states had requested the Centre to extend the national lockdown.

The Central Government is considering this request, KS Dhatwalia, the governments principal spokesperson KS Dhatiwala, said.

Thackeray said that the issue of the extension of the lockdown was discussed in the review meeting with the PM.

I was asked to speak first about the Covid-19 situation in Maharashtra and ongoing lockdown. I informed the PM that Maharashtra is going to extend the lockdown by two weeks. The second phase of the lockdown will need to be strictly followed with more restrictions on the movement of the people. But there is not other way out to fight the war against the pandemic, he said.

Mumbai breached the 100-patient mark on March 31, almost three weeks after a couple from Andheri were identified as the first to be infected by the disease in the city. On April 2, the citys tally crossed 200 and since then cases have tripled in the past week.

The first Covid-19 death in Mumbai was recorded on March 17, when a 64-year-old man succumbed to the infection at Kasturba Hospital.

Health officials in the state, which has been the worst hit in the country, have said the number of Covid-19 cases has recorded a 147.8% jump since April 4  a week  when there were 635 infections.

More than 500 cases of coronavirus disease were reported in India in the last 12 hours, bringing the number of Covid-19 patients to 7447 on Saturday, the Union home ministry data showed.

Click here for complete coronavirus coverage
Dominique St-Pierres team at the Natural Resources Canada forestry lab in Quebec City usually spends its time seeking out industry-threatening bugs that invade the woods.

But as the scientists were packing up a few weeks ago to work from home during the pandemic, they took a closer look at the robots and tools they use to extract DNA  tools that wouldnt be used while they were in self-isolation  and figured they might be of some use in fighting COVID-19.

Within hours, they were arranging to ship their delicate equipment to local hospitals, where the tools were used to dramatically speed up the detection of the coronavirus.

The increase is colossal in many ways, said St-Pierre.

Their colleagues at the forestry lab in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., had a similar experience. They realized they had all the ingredients for massive quantities of hand sanitizer, so they made 160 litres of it for the areas hospitals.

That kind of unconventional thinking is not unique to this crisis.

Tough times force people, companies and policy-makers alike to break with convention and think outside the box. Indeed, its that kind of thinking, applied to health care and the economy alike, that will help propel us to the other side.

Consider economic crises past and a pattern emerges: they begin the same way, slamming us with despair and contagious misunderstanding; and they are resolved in the same way, through ingenuity, strong institutions and creative liquidity  lessons Canadian governments ought to take to heart.

While scientific ingenuity will deal with the health side of our current crisis, history shows economic ingenuity will also be needed to help the economy recover and to carry Canadians through until it does.

Take Argentinas response to the so-called Asian Contagion of the late 1990s, which started with the crash of overheated markets in Thailand and other Asian countries and then spread around the world, sparking fears of a global financial meltdown.

A year after it began, the contagion had reached Argentina. The countrys currency regime collapsed, and the ability of regular people to get their hands on cash and continue everyday business evaporated. Forced into a corner, some Argentine provinces did something unthinkable: they started issuing their own promissory notes as a makeshift currency. Amazingly, it worked. Barter thrived, allowing people to have some limited trade while the authorities sorted out the currency regime.

Crises force decision-makers and regular people alike to experiment with unimagined solutions. Were seeing signs of that in todays pandemic. Ottawas tepid fiscal response in the first half of March, with relatively small income supports and wage subsidies, has roared into a unique multi-billion-dollar response that focuses very specifically on keeping cash flowing to businesses and keeping people on their payrolls. The aid package is huge and, more importantly, the government has indicated a willingness to tweak it and expand it as needs grow.

But is it creative enough? Business leaders from sectors across the board are muttering under their breath that the federal government has not consulted widely and is designing massive new programs without a thorough understanding of how businesses are operating in the hibernating economy.

The private sector hasnt been shy, though, in pushing ideas in public and in private. Banks are in deep talks with officials about how to make credit more available, and companies big and small are contacting government officials aggressively to present their own plans for survival. If Ottawa is in a listening mood, ingenuity will have full reign.

However, ingenuity on its own isnt enough.

Contagion is a common word in these days of epidemic, but we use it, too, to describe financial crises  and for good reason, says economist Rohinton Medhora, president of the Centre for International Governance Innovation in Waterloo, Ont.

A contagious fear about countries ability to repay debts in the 1990s meant that traders and investors punished emerging markets indiscriminately. In the Great Recession, contagious fear was again the enemy  this time of toxic assets hiding in poorly understood financial instruments, which prompted a market sell-off on a wide scale.

A key part of interrupting that kind of contagion, whether it be in debt markets, derivatives or viruses, is having a solid, reliable international network of leaders and institutions that can see the big picture and foster confidence.

Strong institutions are a necessary but not sufficient path to success, Medhora said.

During the Great Recession of a decade ago, international co-operation was crucial in interrupting the exposure to toxic assets and the ensuing lack of confidence that toppled major banks and investment houses.

Back then, central banks were slow to respond to a lack of liquidity in financial markets that was a major symptom of the crisis; when they finally did, they moved aggressively and collectively to flood the financial system with massive amounts of cash. Eventually, the mechanics of financial markets were repaired so that lending and borrowing could resume.

At the same time, G20 leaders agreed to spend two per cent of their countries GDP on a co-ordinated stimulus package to nurse the global economy back to health.

This time around, the central banks from rich, developed countries are talking to each other about keeping borders open to trade and money markets functioning as normal, although theyre not always moving in tandem. But global co-operation that would see countries act in unison to keep the economy on track or the virus at bay is on very shaky ground, Medhora points out.

The G20 is meeting virtually, and has yet to make much of an impact. More worrisome, though, is the disdain that U.S. President Donald Trump has towards the very institutions that have dealt with crises in the past. Meanwhile, the virus is spreading to impoverished countries that dont have the means to handle the damage.

During previous financial crises, there was a go-to institution, a go-to process, Medhora says. There was a system to resolve those crises  co-ordinated actions by the G20, but also the G7 and the International Monetary Fund  but this time, it strikes me that we have none of that  The climate has completely changed.

Ingenuity and strong institutions are vital parts of any recovery, but there can be no end to our current crisis without steady cash flow.

For better or for worse, markets around the world are deeply connected  to each other, and to the livelihoods of regular people. When cash stops flowing in the regular way, the effects cascade into the economy of everyday life, undermining confidence and destroying wealth.

In a typical recession, the flow of money is not really the key issue; rather, its a decline in production thats often at the base, says economist Chris Ragan, director of McGill Universitys Max Bell School of Public Policy.

But the COVID-19 pandemic prompted businesses to shut down and cash to stop flowing, spilling over into a problem in the banking system and money markets, turning regular borrowing and lending activity into a very difficult and expensive prospect.

The Bank of Canada, the Department of Finance and the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions knew immediately what to do this time, though, mainly because of their experience in the global recession of a decade ago and their work on developing tools to intervene since then. Like in 2008 and 2009, they opened up the hatches with money, credit and buying activity to keep the money markets functioning.

They were slower off the mark in 2008 because theyd never seen it before. This time, they had it ready to go, Ragan says.

There are hitches, of course. The measures required in this crisis far surpass anything done in the past, and many businesses still have cash-flow problems. They are stumbling along, with their fingers crossed that theyll be able to stave off bankruptcy.

And governments still havent figured out how to make sure money doesnt fall into hands that dont need it. Do big corporations and well-paid CEOs need government bailouts? In the Great Recession, many a big bank, large corporation and CEO walked away with money in their pockets despite being partially to blame for the meltdown. The public anger persists until this day.

This time around, Ragan is watching to see if financial authorities are able to learn from the past and make sure they dont give money to those who can figure out their own way through.

I have a hard time giving the money .to a big company, he said.

Were now at the stage of this crisis where the horrific realities of the viruss human and economic toll have sunk in, and our governments are in overdrive, reaching for solutions at any cost.

If crises of the past can teach us anything, they tell us that now is the time to step in with big, bold ideas that defy convention  at the policy level and at the community level.

Its time for policy-makers to be humble and really think outside the box, says Ragan.

Weve seen some of that already, with the federal governments introduction of a 75 per cent wage subsidy for any company that has seen its revenues drop 30 per cent  a measure hardly imaginable in times past.

In the private sector, weve seen the auto sector dig deep into its institutional knowledge to turn its production lines towards medical equipment.

Weve seen communities come together to support their local businesses, knit medical masks, repurpose their 3-D printers, find protective equipment for health care workers and pool ideas on how to take care of the kids.

But we have yet to see how the airline sector, the energy sector and tourism will come through this crisis without lasting damage. And we have yet to plot a path to economic recovery.

It can be hard to see a path out amid all the fear and uncertainty. But history does hold clues.

7 considerations for managing a financial crisis

Tiff Macklem, the dean of the Rotman School of Business at the University of Toronto, is no stranger to financial crises. Heres what he says solid leadership should consider:

Contemplate further calamities: When something goes wrong, imagine how it could spread, what it is connected to, and how it could get worse.

Contingency planning: Ideally, this starts long before a crisis, but when problems start, ramp it up quickly.

Crush it: In a real crisis, theres a need to go beyond normal responses and try to overwhelm the crisis.

Cooperation and coordination: Co-ordinating responses with other authorities, other countries and international organizations makes those responses more effective and inspires confidence.

Communication: Come out early and often, be empathetic, but dont give false assurances.

Confidence: Always remember that in a contest for peoples hearts and minds, emotion easily defeats analysis.

Culture: Social cohesion and a strong sense of what matters to society at large are developed in peacetime but really matter in a crisis.
The Liver Transplant Society of India (LTSI) has released guidelines for issues specific to the organ transplant, saying the COVID-19 outbreak in India is likely going to get prolonged and will impact patients in need of liver transplants.

According to guidelines put up on the Indian Council of Medical Research's (ICMR) website, acute liver failure can be done as usual after medical therapy fails and elective deceased donor liver transplant should be done only if the donor is COVID-19 negative.

"As the current situation is not ideal for liver transplantation, it should be done cautiously in selected situations. Immunocompromised patients are at a greater risk and there is an immediate need of guidelines for liver transplantation in India, both in deceased donor Liver Transplant and living donor liver transplant centres.

"Also, healthcare transmission of COVID-19 have occurred and given the potential for greater infectivity, strict isolation precautions should be followed for anyone with suspected SARS-CoV2," the LTSI said.

The current situation is not appropriate for routine living donor liver transplant activity. Transplants for acute liver failure as well for acute on chronic liver failure with organ failure can be done. For other cases, the urgency of liver transplants to be decided by the individual centers on case-by-case basis," it said.

The guidelines stated that all donors and recipients must undergo testing for COVID-19. Liver transplant should only be carried out if both donor and recipient test negative.

If donor or recipient tests positive, then the transplant should be put on hold. Subsequently, it can be carried out if they test negative on two consecutive tests, and are declared clear of the COVID-19 infection, it stated, adding in view of the rapidly changing scenario of COVID-19 infection in India, these guidelines may be revised and updated accordingly.

The death toll due to coronavirus rose to 242 and the number of cases in the country climbed to 7,529 on Saturday, an increase of 768 cases in 24 hours since Friday evening, according to the Union Health Ministry.

However, a PTI tally of figures reported by various states as on Saturday showed at least 8,016 cases and 261 deaths.

There has been a lag in the Union Health Ministry figures, compared to the number of cases announced by different states, which officials attribute to procedural delays in assigning the cases to individual states.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Tiger King star Joe Exotic would seek revenge if he was released from prison, his former TV producer has claimed.

Exotic  real name Joseph Maldonado-Passage  is serving 22 years for plotting to have animal rights activist Carole Baskin killed.

The seven-part Netflix documentary series tells the story of the eccentric wildlife breeder and Oklahoma zoo owner before his arrest.

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TV producer Rick Kirkham, who now lives in Norway, said Exotic would be unable to forgive and forget if he was freed early.

Speaking during an interview with All Things Live, he said: He is where he belongs because I am telling you, when he gets out he is going to go for revenge.

Joe Exotic is not the kind of guy who, if he got out today, would forgive and forget and move on.

This is the kind of guy thats going to get some payback and all of us who know him know that personality within him.

He would not just come out and go, Hey, Im a new man. He would come out and he would go for revenge.

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Mr Kirkham spent a year documenting Exotics life before the zoos production studio burnt down with most of his tapes inside.

The former Inside Edition reporter gave what was left of the tapes to the filmmakers behind Tiger King.

Kirkham said: I have seen a therapist over working in that park, a therapist for a couple of years now.

Asked why, he said: The only way I can describe (Exotic) is a sort of cult leader. He is a cult-like figure.

He has a way of luring you in and then, once you are lured in, he has got you, and once he has got you, you are going to do whatever he wants. And I had a tough time.

He could do that with his employees but I wasnt an employee. I was there as a contracted producer but I couldnt help but get caught up in this cult-like thing of him, his tigers  and I mean this guy had a lot of big cats.

But it was cultish, very cultish, living on the park.

 An eighth episode, titled The Tiger King And I, will arrive on Netflix on April 12.
Three weeks after a state of emergency was declared in Manitoba, virtually shutting down the economy, Winnipeg businesses refuse to become despondent.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 11/4/2020 (640 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Three weeks after a state of emergency was declared in Manitoba, virtually shutting down the economy, Winnipeg businesses refuse to become despondent.

According to the latest survey of members of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, zero per cent of respondents say they plan to close permanently despite many of them being forced to shut down due to public health orders.

But that is not to say a cruel reality hasnt sunk in for some of them. One-third of respondents said they are uncertain about their future plans.

The Winnipeg chamber will conduct regular surveys, which will change week to week depending on public health restrictions and federal government support programs.

Loren Remillard, president of the chamber, said the fact that none say they plan to close permanently speaks to the fundamental optimism of entrepreneurs.

"Its a belief that you can meet a need or fill a gap in the marketplace," Remillard said.

"It is a natural belief in yourself and the viability of our idea."

Having said that, Remillard pointed out that about 33 per cent of businesses are uncertain enough that they are re-assess the situation from week to week.

"If this situation is prolonged for an extended period, the conversation will pivot and the numbers will change," he said.

Chamber members are concerned about having cash liquidity to cover their overhead  wages, rent, taxes  and all the other bills that keep the lights on and employees working.

The top concern of 50 per cent of respondents is whether they will have enough funding available to wait six weeks before the federal governments 75 per cent wage subsidy kicks in.

Remillard said many businesses say they are not sure how to apply and that is adding to the stress.

He applauds the measures the federal government is taking to help business bear the burden of forced shutdowns, but Remillard said it is imperative that all businesses access as much funding as is available.

"As a business community, we are trying to come together to support one another toward the shared goal of ensuring Manitoba businesses understand everything they need to so that they access their full share of the federal programs that have been announced," he said.

"That will put us in a much better position for recovery."

On Thursday, Statistics Canada released the first workforce survey since the beginning of the crisis. Unemployment jumped to 6.4 per cent in March from five per cent in February.

More than half of the respondents in the chamber survey said they have had to lay off staff.

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"The first priority for our members is the health and well-being of their employees," Remillard said.

"Most of our members are trying to retain as much staff as possible because it will be that much easier for those companies, and the economy overall, to quickly pivot into the recovery phase if we have as many Manitobans working as possible."

Winnipeg chamber staff is calling every single one of its 2,100 members and Remillard said that process is hard on everyone.

"It is a very stressful, anxiety-producing experience to hear the stories of our members," he said.

"Weve worked hard with all of them to help them grow over the years and to have something like COVID-19 come along and bring all that into doubt is hard to take."

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca
Easter eggs have been delivered to hospitals around the UK as a thank you to NHS staff and those forced to spend the bank holiday away from family.

More than 1,800 eggs were given out by the Chocolate Society, which set itself a challenge of seeing how many it could make in a 24-hour period.

Al and Duncan Garnsworthy, who run the company, worked from 8.30am until 9am the following day to show their support for hard-working healthcare staff.

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Speaking on Instagram after completing the challenge, Al  who worked for 24 hours straight to complete the challenge  said: We have produced more than we ever thought we could. I am super proud of the team.

The company also raised more than 3,000 for Heroes, an organisation that helps support the NHS and will help distribute the eggs.

Healthcare workers were not the only ones to receive a treat, with SalutetheNHS.org delivering chocolate eggs to children in hospitals around the UK.

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The campaign, which has a goal of serving a million meals to the NHS front line, wanted to deliver a surprise to children who may be separated from families due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Tesco supplied the eggs, which were then distributed by Yodel.

Ron Dennis, co-founder of SalutetheNHS.org, said: Our aim here is to bring some joy to sick children stuck in hospitals over the Easter holiday weekend, and at a time when the awful Covid-19 virus might prevent them from being with their parents. Hopefully, it will bring a smile.

Waitrose and John Lewis are also giving away 50,000 boxes of Easter treats to workers.

Fifty-one shops, based closest to NHS hospitals, will give away treats including truffles and mini Easter eggs to healthcare staff when they visit their stores over the Easter weekend.
Inside Hook

Following a high-profile trial in New York, Harvey Weinstein was convicted on the charges of criminal sexual act and rape, and sentenced to 23 years in prison. Since entering the prison system, hes also been diagnosed with COVID-19. And now, Weinstein is under scrutiny from another jurisdiction  one which could lead to further time behind bars for the disgraced film producer.

At The Guardian, Sam Levin reports that prosecutors in Los Angeles have filed a new charge against Weinstein. The district attorneys office had already charged him once, earlier in the year, based on an incident that took place in 2013.
Photo credit: Anika Molnar/Netflix

From Esquire

In Unorthodox, Netflixs latest miniseries, a young woman born and raised in Brooklyns tight-knit Hasidic Jewish community flees to Germany from her home and loveless marriage. However, her past life soon follows.

Based on Deborah Feldmans 2012 memoir, Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots, the four-part show follows Esther Esty Shaprio (Shira Haas), a 19-year-old Satmar Jew living in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and trapped in an arranged marriage. Her marriage is on shaky ground, as a year has passed without consummation of the union, making the couple unable to start a family. When she reaches a crisis point, discovering her pregnancy on the same day that her husband asks for a divorce, Esty flees her home and community to fly to Berlin, where her mother has been living for years.

Like Feldman, who grew up in Williamsburg, Esty is raised in Williamsburgs Hasidic Jewish community, a strictly traditional and ultra-orthodox branch of Judaism formed in Europe in the 18th century. The fundamental belief of Hasidism is change nothing, or continue to follow the same lifestyles that were followed when the group began. Hasidic Jews believe that the Torah, the five books of Moses, is the literal word of God.

Per the word of the Torah, gender roles remain traditional; women and men are frequently separated, particularly in worship and in school. Children attend private schools, where they spend much more time studying their religion than learning subjects taught in public schools, according to Forward . Arranged marriages are common, with most Hasidic Jews entering an arranged marriage after meeting only a few times before the ceremony, Haaretz reported. There is a heavy emphasis on starting a family quickly after the wedding, as the Torah instructs followers to be fruitful and multiply, making Estys inability to get pregnant during the first year of her marriage a serious problem within her community.

Story continues

Hasidic Jewish communities are not only highly traditional, but they are extremely tight-knit, meaning that departure for a secular life is rare. Those who choose to leave the community are often shunned by their family, ostracized by their friends, and denied custody of their children.

It takes an enormous amount of guts, savvy, and bravery, former Orthodox Jew Lynn Davidman told The Cut with regard to leaving the Hasidic community. They are taught that the outside world is dangerous, that they have to stick together because God chose them, and if they dont follow Gods commandments, they will be punished terribly. They grow up with a tremendous fear.

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Divorce in this community is also very rare. When her husband asks for a divorce, a shocked Esty makes a plan to quietly flee. Upon her arrival in Germany, she has very few possessions to her name, little education, and knows virtually nobody in the country. She quickly befriends some students around her age at a music conservatory. However, trouble follows when her husband and his cousin, intending to drag her back to Williamsburg, come looking for her upon learning about her pregnancy.



Esty applies for a special scholarship to the music conservatory reserved for students from extraordinary circumstances. In the final episode, she auditions for a spot in the school, singing her grandmothers favorite song as well as a Hebrew song from her wedding. The episode ends without showing whether she was offered the scholarship, but the reaction of the committee seemed overall positive, with each member visibly moved. Though the outcome remains open-ended, the series ends on a hopeful note, suggesting that good things are yet to come for Esty.

Although Feldman played an informal role in making the miniseries, as shown in Making Unorthodox, the short documentary depicting the creation of the show, these events in Berlin are where Esty and Feldmans stories diverge. In the documentary, the filmmakers explain that only Estys life in Williamsburg is based on Feldmans life, while her life in Berlin is a fiction entirely.

We had a lot of discussions about when can you sacrifice accuracy and when not, Feldman explained to the New York Times . We agreed you can sacrifice accuracy as long as it doesnt impact the narrative."

Like Esty, Feldman was born into the Satmar Hasidic community in Williamsburg. According to ABC News , Feldman was raised by her grandparents, who are Holocaust survivors. Her father was mentally ill; meanwhile, her mother abandoned her, left the community, and later came out as a lesbian.



Photo credit: Anika Molnar/Netflix

Feldman entered a loveless arranged marriage at seventeen. She also suffered vaginismus, making consummating her marriage or getting pregnant very difficult, which led to tension with her husband and his family.

The greatest social misfortune in this community is infertility, Feldman told Electric Literature . It is grounds for divorce. Women who cannot produce children are relegated to the lowest possible position in society, they are seen as completely useless, purposeless, valueless.

Like Esty, Feldman did eventually get pregnant. She gave birth to her son in 2006, then moved with her husband and child to Yonkers, New York, where she studied literature at Sarah Lawrence College. With support of faculty and friends from Sarah Lawrence, she left her husband and the Satmar community in 2009, taking her 3-year-old with her and moving to Manhattan. Like Esty, she did move to Germany, though not until 2014.

Photo credit: Anika Molnar/Netflix

Now 33, Feldman remains in Berlin with her son. She released a second memoir, Exodus, detailing her life after she left the Hasidic Jewish community. Although Feldmans first memoir and the series diverge in plot, they both illustrate the conservative and oppressive lives that modern-day Hasidic women often lead, and how the rejection of their community can be extremely difficult, yet extremely freeing. As Feldman told NPR , both Estys story and her own story are about emancipation from the chokehold of the past.

"I will lay the past to rest so that I can also have a life ..." Feldman said. "So that my grandparents survived for a reason  not so that we could suffer."

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New Delhi: All central ministers have been asked to resume work in ministries from April 13 (Monday) and put together plans for the post-lockdown period to kick-start the economy, sources said on Saturday. All ministries have been directed that joint secretary and above rank officers will resume work in respective departments, the sources said, adding that one-third of the essential staff members in every ministry need to be present.

They said the government is focusing on hotspots of COVID-19 to contain the spread of the disease and on efforts to kick-start the economy once the lockdown is lifted. Junior officers should go to the ministry as per convenience and according to the need. The sources added that clear instructions have been given to follow social distancing.

This came hours after the Centre took into consideration the extension of lockdown due to the ongoing coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, after holding a video conference with all the state chief ministers. During the meeting, most states requested PM Narendra Modi to extend the lockdown for two more weeks and the government is considering this request. The PM will take a final call soon. The ongoing lockdown is set to end on April 14.

After the meeting, PM Modi asserted that he has emphasized that to save the life of every citizen, lockdown and adherence to social distancing is very important. "Most of the people of the country understood this and stayed indoors and performed their duties. All of us followed this to save the lives of our countrymen. When every person in the country will follow government and administration guidelines our fight against the virus will be stronger," said the PM.

PM Modi told the CMs that he is available round the clock. I am always available. Any chief minister can speak to me and give suggestions (on COVID-19) anytime. We should stand together shoulder-to-shoulder, PM Modi said during the meeting. He said that we all should stand together shoulder-to-shoulder in the fight against this disease.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 19:41:21|Editor: huaxia

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XI'AN, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The Mount Huashan scenic area in northwest China's Shaanxi Province reopened Saturday, said its management administration.

The scenic attraction, which was closed on Jan. 24 due to the COVID-19 epidemic, will offer free admission for medical workers until the end of this year, the administration said.

To enhance the COVID-19 prevention and control efforts, the scenic area will offer an online ticket booking service for tourists and impose a daily maximum capacity of 6,000 visitors, according to its management administration.

Huashan is one of China's five most famous scenic mountains and is known for its steep and perilous peaks.
People were seen crowding in a vegetable market in Digha area in Patna on Saturday in complete violation of the social distancing norms advised by the government amid the nationwide coronavirus lockdown.

The governments of various states across the country have asked people to maintain social distancing at all times and to avoid stepping outside unnecessarily, in order to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country.

Today is the 18th day out of the 21-day nationwide lockdown imposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24, as a precautionary measure against the spread of the virus.

PM Modi had appealed to all citizens to follow government advisories, maintain social distancing and take necessary precautions.

According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of positive COVID-19 cases in Bihar is 60. Till now, one death has been reported in the state.

The total number of positive coronavirus cases across the country are 7,447, including 6565 active cases. So far, 642 patients have either been cured and discharged while 239 deaths have been recorded in the country, as per data provided by the Ministry of Health.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Number of deaths in the US exceeds 20,000 while number of confirmed cases exceed 500,000.

The United States has recorded a total death toll of 20,071, surpassing Italys death toll of 19,468.

Cases in the US topped 522,000 on Saturday.

Spain, the European country with the most reported coronavirus infections, has confirmed 510 new deaths, the lowest daily toll since March 23, when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.

The worldwide death toll is now more than 107,000, with the number of infections worldwide topping 1.7 million, including more than 396,000 recovered patients.

Here are the latest updates.

Saturday, April 11

20:55 GMT  One month since coronavirus declared pandemic: 5 things to know

It has been one month since the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.

Click here to read about the five important developments that happened over the past month.

20:45 GMT  Pentagon awarding contract to boost N95 mask production

The Pentagon said it is using its authority under the Defense Production Act to boost the supply of N95 masks.

The American military will spend $133m to increase US domestic N95 mask production by over 39 million over the next 90 days, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Andrews said in a statement.

This is the first time the Pentagon is using the Korean War-era law to address coronavirus needs after it won approval late on Friday from a White House taskforce.





20:35 GMT  US death toll passes 20,000

The US surpassed Italy for the highest number of coronavirus-related deaths in the world, reporting 20,071 fatalities, according to a Johns Hopkins University tally.

The grim milestone was reached as the country reported more than 500,000 cases and President Donald Trump mulled over when the country may see a return to normality.

Read more here.

19:25 GMT  Who will pay for the economic fallout?

Governments pledge trillions of dollars to keep economies afloat amid the coronavirus pandemic but how will we repay these massive bailouts?

Watch our episode of Inside Story here:





19:15 GMT  UK launches campaign to help abuse victims during lockdown

The United Kingdom launched a campaign to help domestic violence victims during the lockdown following an increase in the number of people seeking assistance.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said the government will bolster online support services and hotlines for domestic violence and launched a national communications campaign that aims to signpost victims to where they can access help.

Patel noted that last week the UKs national domestic violence hotline reported a 120 percent increase in the number of calls it received in 24 hours.

19:10 GMT  We need food: Tunisians struggle under lockdown

Tensions rise in Tunisia as people struggle to cope with hunger and unemployment amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Read about it here.

In this file photo from March 30, Tunisian citizens gathered to protest against the lockdown and to claim the financial aid [File: Fethi Belaid/AFP]

18:37 GMT  France reports fall in deaths

France reported a lower daily death toll, declaring a plateau was reached, albeit at a very high level.

Top French health official Jerome Salomon said 353 more people had died in hospitals and 290 in nursing homes, bringing the total death toll to 13,832.

A day earlier, 554 had died in hospitals and 433 in nursing homes.

A very high plateau for the epidemic appears to have been reached but the epidemic remains very active, he told reporters. We must absolutely remain vigilant.

France on Saturday declared that a plateau had been reached, albeit at a very high level [Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters]

17:45 GMT  US surpasses Italy as worst-hit country

The US recorded a total death toll of 19,882, surpassing Italy in the number of fatalities from the coronavirus.

Italy has a total death toll of 19,468.

With more than 514,000 confirmed cases, the US has the highest number of coronavirus infections in the world.

In the hardest-hit state of New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo said 783 more people died, raising the total number of deaths in the state to 8,600.





17:33 GMT  Italy records 619 more deaths

Italy recorded 619 more deaths in a day, bringing the countrys total death toll to 19,468.

The total number of infections in Italy surpassed 150,000, the Italian Civil Protection Agency reported.

17:20 GMT  Belarus enters concerning new phase: WHO official

A WHO official urged Belarus to impose new measures to contain the coronavirus, concerned that the outbreak has entered a worrying new phase in the country.

Patrick OConnor, who led a WHO delegation on a visit to Belarus this week said the virus had begun spreading through communities in the capital Minsk and in other parts of the country.

Belarus is entering a new phase in the evolution of the outbreak, he told a news conference in Minsk.

Belarus has so far recorded 2,226 cases and 23 coronavirus-related deaths.





17:08 GMT  Cases in Canada reach 22,559 with 600 deaths

Canada confirmed 1,316 new coronavirus cases, raising the total toll to 22,559, according to data by the countrys Public Health Agency.

It recorded 69 more deaths, taking the total death toll to 600.

17:02 GMT  Coronavirus fight a marathon, top British doctor says

The fight against the coronavirus is a marathon, not a sprint, and lifting the lockdown may involve drugs and not just vaccines, Stephen Powis, the medical director of the UKs National Health Service said.

There is no magical solution that doesnt require difficult decisions, Powis said. This was never going to be a sprint over a few weeks; this is going to be longer, it is going to be a marathon.

17:00 GMT  Turkeys death toll rises by 95 to 1,101

Turkey recorded 95 deaths, raising the total death toll to 1,101 with 5,138 new coronavirus cases confirmed, according to Turkeys health minister.

Turkeys total number of coronavirus cases now stands at 52,167.





16:55 GMT  Paedophiles seeking to exploit children online in crisis, UK says

Paedophiles are seeking to exploit the fact that children are increasingly going online to meet friends and do school lessons on their computers during the coronavirus crisis, UKs Home Secretary Priti Patel said.

16:50 GMT  UK minister sorry for front-line PPE failings

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel said she was sorry if health workers felt there had been failings to get personal protective equipment (PPE) to the front line.

Doctors and nurses have complained that there have been PPE shortages for frontline staff and when asked directly if she would apologise for this, Patel said. I am sorry if people feel there have been failings.

It is inevitable that the demand and pressures on PPE and the demand for PPE are going to be exponential, they are going to be incredibly high, she said.

15:24 GMT  US reports highest daily death toll

The US became the first country to report more than 2,000 coronavirus deaths in a day.

It recorded 2,108 deaths, pushing the total death toll to 18,781. The US will soon overtake Italy, which has a death toll of 18,849.

Cases in the US surpassed 501,000.

A pastor is seen at the Green-Wood Cemetery in the Brooklyn borough of New York City [Jeenah Moon/Reuters]

15:05 GMT  Netherlands calls for software proposals

The Dutch government issued a call for proposals to develop smartphone apps or software that could be used to battle the coronavirus outbreak.

In a statement, the health ministry announced it was looking for proposals on how to conduct contract tracing of people who may have been exposed to the virus while maintaining individual privacy.

The deadline is noon on April 14.

14:35 GMT  Singapore reports 191 new cases

Singapores health ministry confirmed 191 new coronavirus cases, increasing the total number of infections to 2,299.





14:30 GMT  UK deaths near 10,000

The UK recorded 917 deaths in the last 24 hours, authorities said, raising the total death toll to 9,875.

269,598 people have been tested of which 78,991 tested positive, the Department of Health reported.

Read more here.

14:06 GMT  NYC public schools remain closed for rest of school year

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said public schools will remain closed for the rest of the school year.

De Blasio ordered public schools closed from March 16 to curb the spread of the coronavirus, with an initial goal of reopening by April 20. But he said it soon became clear that goal was unrealistic as New York City has emerged as a major coronavirus hotspot.

Jane Hassebroek, 13, attends digital classes in Brooklyn, New York City [Caitlin Ochs/Reuters]

_____________________________________________________________________________

Hello, this is Mersiha Gadzo in Doha taking over the live updates from my colleague Joseph Stepansky.

_____________________________________________________________________________

12:40 GMT  Expert: Vaccine could be ready in six months

A vaccine for the coronavirus could be ready by September, Sarah Gilbert, a professor of vaccinology at Oxford University told the Times newspaper.

Gilberts team is one of the many worldwide working on a vaccine. She told the newspaper she is 80 percent certain the vaccine her team is developing could be effective and could possibly be ready by September.

Scientists have previously said a coronavirus vaccine would likely take 12 to 18 months.

12:20 GMT  UK PM making very good progress in recovery, office says

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is making very good progress in his recovery from COVID-19, his office has said.

Johnson was moved out of intensive care after three nights on Thursday and Downing Street said on Friday he had managed to start walking, although his recovery was at an early stage.

The prime minister continues to make very good progress, a Downing Street spokeswoman said.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson thanked medics after leaving intensive care [Matt Dunham/The Associated Press]

12:05 GMT  Dutch cases rise by 1,316 to 24,413

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Netherlands rose by 1,316 on Saturday to 24,413, health authorities said, with 132 new deaths.

The countrys cumulative death toll is 2,643, the Netherlands National Institute for Health (RIVM) said in its daily update.

11:50 GMT  Austrian rail company to put 10,000 workers on short-time work

Austrias state rail operator OBB is putting up to 10,000 workers, about a quarter of its staff, on short-time work due to the coronavirus, radio station ORF has reported.

Short-time working has started with OBB as of April 1, while corresponding agreements between the works council and the management of the respective companies are in progress or have been concluded, an OBB spokesman told Reuters news agency.

The number of 10,000 workers going into short-time work is a preliminary estimate, he said. The spokesman said the measures had been introduced because of a massive reduction in passenger numbers since the coronavirus outbreak.





11:30 GMT  Switzerland death toll rises to 831

The Swiss death toll from the new coronavirus has reached 831, the countrys public health ministry has said, rising from 805 people on Friday.

The number of confirmed cases also increased to 24,900 from 24,308, it said.

11:15 GMT  Belarus football continues amid virus anxiety and empty stands

Belarus is the only country in Europe still playing football amid the coronavirus pandemic, but a growing number of fans are boycotting league matches, anxious about catching the infection.

The Belarus football federation initially explained its decision to continue because only a small number of coronavirus cases had been recorded in the eastern European country, but more recently they have declined comment. Belarus has reported 2,226 cases, with 23 deaths.





10:50 GMT  Armenia extends state of emergency to stem coronavirus outbreak

Armenia has extended by another 30 days the state of emergency it declared last month to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, which has so far infected nearly 1,000 people.

Armenia has closed educational institutions, halted all public transportation and barred foreigners from entering. The former Soviet country, which has a population of three million, has also said it will postpone a referendum on changes to the Constitutional Court until after the emergency.

The decision to extend the state of emergency, announced by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, is expected to be formally approved by parliament next week. Pashinyan said certain business activities, including fishing, agriculture and cigarette production, would still be allowed despite the state of emergency. The country has recorded 966 infections, with 13 deaths.





10:35 GMT  Iran says total number of infected reaches 70,029

Irans total death toll from the new coronavirus outbreak has risen to 4,357, with 125 people having lost their lives in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said.

The total number of people diagnosed with the disease rose by 1,837 in the past 24 hours to a total of 70,029, ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpur said on state TV, with 3,987 of those infected in critical condition.

Iran is the country most affected by the pandemic in the Middle East.

10:20 GMT  India to extend lockdown: Delhi state chief minister

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to extend a nationwide lockdown to tackle the spread of the coronavirus, the Delhi states chief minister has said, without saying how long the extension would be for.

Modi earlier in the day held a video conference call with several state ministers. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said Modi had taken [a] correct decision to extend [the] lockdown, without sharing further details.

If it is stopped now, all gains would be lost. To consolidate, it is imp [important] to extend it, Kejriwal said on Twitter.

Indias 21-day lockdown ends on Tuesday but several states had urged Modi to extend it, even as concerns have risen that the shutdown has put millions of poor people out of work and forced an exodus of migrant workers from cities to villages.





10:15 GMT  WHO says looking into reports of some patients testing positive again

The WHO has said that it was looking into reports of some COVID-19 patients testing positive again after initially testing negative for the disease while being considered for discharge.

South Korean officials on Friday reported 91 patients thought cleared of the new coronavirus had tested positive again. Jeong Eun-kyeong, director of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told a briefing that the virus may have been reactivated rather than the patients being re-infected.

The Geneva-based WHO, asked about the report from Seoul, told Reuters news agency in a brief statement: We are aware of these reports of individuals who have tested negative for COVID-19 using PCR [polymerase chain reaction] testing and then after some days testing positive again. We are closely liaising with our clinical experts and working hard to get more information on those individual cases, it said.

10:00 GMT  Virus spreads at major Kazakh oilfields worker camp

Ten people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus at one of the worker camps located next to the giant Tengiz oilfield in Kazakhstan, the Kazakh authorities have said.

The Chevron-led consortium operating Tengiz, the Central Asian nations number one oil producer, was not immediately available for comment on Saturday. However, the company, Tengizchevroil, said this week it had taken measures to ensure the safety of workers on the site and avoid output disruptions.

Tengizchevroil made the comment in an email to Reuters news agency on April 9 after the first case was confirmed at a 2,000-bed camp in the so-called rotational village where workers of the company and its contractors stay during their weeks-long shifts. On Saturday, the Kazakh government said that after tracing the contacts of the first infected person, nine more people have been diagnosed with the same disease.

According to the consortium, the camp has been locked down and workers can enter the Tengiz field itself only after being quarantined for 14 days.





09:45 GMT  Spain records 510 new deaths, continuing downward trend

Spain, the European country with the most reported coronavirus infections, has confirmed 510 new deaths, the lowest daily toll since March 23.

The death toll in Spain now stands at 16,353, while the country on Saturday added 4,830 new cases, continuing a downward trend and bringing the countrys total to 161,852 cases.

Medical staff from Gregorio Maranon hospital react as neighbours applaud from their homes in support of healthcare workers in Madrid, Spain [Susana Vera/Reuters]

09:30 GMT  Philippines reports 26 more deaths, 233 new infections

The Philippines has reported 26 more coronavirus-related deaths, taking the total to 247.

It also confirmed 233 new infections for a tally of 4,428. Seventeen more patients have recovered, the health ministry said in a bulletin, bringing the number of recoveries to 157.

09:20 GMT  Malaysia reports 184 new cases, death toll rises to 73

Malaysian health authorities have reported 184 additional confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, raising the cumulative tally to 4,530, the highest number for any country in Southeast Asia.

The latest data includes three more deaths, raising total fatalities from the outbreak to 73.

The ministry said 44 percent of all confirmed cases have recovered.

09:15 GMT  Indonesia reports 330 new cases, 21 deaths

Indonesia has confirmed 330 new coronavirus infections, taking its tally to 3,842, health ministry official Achmad Yurianto said.

It also confirmed 21 virus-related deaths, taking the total to 327, Yurianto told a televised news conference.

09:00 GMT  Taiwan, WHO spar again over coronavirus information sharing

Tension has flared again as Taiwan accused the WHO of playing word games in a dispute over details it sought in an email querying if the new coronavirus could be transmitted between people.

Last month, Taiwan, who is blocked from membership in international organisations by China, said it had received no reply from the WHO to a December 31 query for information on the outbreak in Wuhan, including whether it could be transmitted between people.

In Taipei on Saturday, Health Minister Chen Shih-chung quoted the text of the December 31 email written in English that the government sent to the WHO asking for the organisation to share relevant information about atypical cases of pneumonia reported in Wuhan.

In a statement sent to Reuters news agency on Saturday, the WHO said, We have asked how they communicated this to us, because we are only aware of that one email that makes no mention of human-to-human transmission, but they havent replied.





08:45 GMT  Rouhani urges Iranians to respect health protocols as curbs ease

President Hassan Rouhani urged Iranians to respect health protocols as low-risk economic activities resumed in most of the country on Saturday, state news agency IRNA reported.

So-called low-risk businesses will resume across the country from Saturday with the exception of the capital Tehran, where they will restart from April 18. Iran is the Middle Eastern country worst-affected by the new coronavirus.

Easing restrictions does not mean ignoring health protocols  social distancing and other health protocols should be respected seriously by people, Rouhani was quoted as saying.

Irans government spokesman Ali Rabeie was also quoted as saying that in case of long-term shutdown, some 4 million people could be out of work, IRNA reported.





08:35 GMT  Russia reports 1,667 new cases

Russia has reported 1,667 new coronavirus cases, bringing the national tally of confirmed cases to 13,584.

The number of COVID-19 deaths in the country rose by 12 to 106, the Russian coronavirus crisis response centre said.

08:25 GMT  Japan PM calls for nightlife self-restraint

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called for citizens across Japan to avoid evening spots like bars and restaurants, national broadcaster NHK reported, in a ratcheting of social distancing guidance to fight the spread of the coronavirus.

The nationwide call for citizens to stay home in the evenings follows the declaration of a state of emergency in Tokyo and six other prefectures last week.

Abe has been gradually tightening guidance, seeking to lessen the impact on the economy as it is hammered by the pandemic, leading to criticism that he has been too slow to act and risks having the virus spread out of control. Tokyo, the current centre of Japans coronavirus outbreak, identified more than 190 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, topping Fridays record high of 189 cases, NHK said.

Less than usual pedestrians cross the Shibuya crossing after the government announced the state of emergency for the capital following the coronavirus outbreak in Tokyo, Japan [Issei Kato/Reuters]

08:15 GMT  VOA pushes back against White House propaganda criticism

Publicly-funded US broadcaster Voice of America has pushed back on criticism from the White House that it is promoting Chinese foreign propaganda on the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement on Friday, President Donald Trumps administration claimed VOA pushed Beijings message by tweeting a video of celebrations at the end of Wuhans quarantine measures, and noting the US had surpassed Chinas death toll.

VOA director Amanda Bennet pushed back at the criticism  while not mentioning the Trump administration  noting that the broadcaster had reported on Chinas efforts to initially hide the coronavirus outbreak.

VOA has thoroughly debunked much of the information coming from the Chinese government and government-controlled media, she said in a statement.





08:00 GMT  Bangladesh extends coronavirus lockdown

In South Asias latest moves to curb the coronavirus pandemic, Bangladesh has extended its nationwide lockdown by 11 days while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks on Saturday with states to decide whether to extend its own stringent restrictions beyond next week.

In Bangladesh, the army has been deployed across the country to enforce social distancing measures. The government late on Friday extended the nationwide lockdown to April 25 as the number of confirmed cases rose to 424, with 27 deaths.

India began a national lockdown on March 25.

Indian migrant workers, daily wagers, labourers and homeless people wait for food outside a government-run shelter, as India remains under an unprecedented lockdown over the highly contagious coronavirus [Getty Images]

07:50 GMT  Death death toll passes 1,000 in Brazil

Brazil, the hardest-hit Latin American country in the coronavirus pandemic, has passed the mark of 1,000 deaths, the health ministry said.



The ministrys latest figures gave a toll of 19,638 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 1,056 deaths  one fewer than it had indicated in an initial tally earlier in the day on Friday.



Health officials are bracing for things to get worse. Experts predict the outbreak will only start to peak in Brazil toward late April.

07:30 GMT  Pakistan death toll rises to 71

Pakistans death toll from the new coronavirus has risen to 71 after five more patients lost their lives in the last 24 hours, health authorities have said.

The total number of confirmed cases surged to 4,788 with 190 new cases reported, according to the Health Ministry. The ministry said 50 of patients are in critical condition, while 762 people recovered across the country. The northeastern Punjab province, which accounts for more than half of the countrys population, is the worst-hit area in Pakistan with 2,336 cases.

A health worker takes the temperature of a man who returned from Iran and is under medical observation at the border post in Taftan, Pakistan in February [Naseer Ahmed/Reuters]

07:15 GMT  Brazils Bolsonaro again disregards precautions

Brazils President Jair Bolsonaro has once again caused a stir by disregarding his governments own recommendations on social distancing during the novel coronavirus pandemic.



Bolsonaros son Eduardo tweeted a video showing his father visiting a bakery in the capital Brasilia on Thursday evening.



In the video, the right-wing president can be seen eating, drinking and being photographed with several people standing right next to him. While some of those in the film are wearing face masks, Bolsonaro is not.



Under local restrictions to stem the pandemic, bakeries in the capital are currently only allowed to sell their products for take-out, the news portal G1 said.





07:00 GMT  African community targeted in China virus crackdown

Africans in southern Chinas largest city say they have become targets of suspicion and subjected to forced evictions, arbitrary quarantines and mass coronavirus testing as the country steps up its fight against imported infections.

China says it has largely curbed its COVID-19 outbreak but a recent cluster of cases linked to the Nigerian community in Guangzhou sparked the alleged discrimination by locals and virus prevention officials.

Local authorities in the industrial centre of 15 million said at least eight people diagnosed with the illness had spent time in the citys Yuexiu district, known as Little Africa. Five were Nigerian nationals who faced widespread anger after reports surfaced that they had broken a mandatory quarantine and been to eight restaurants and other public places instead of staying home.

Africans in Guangzhou say they have been targeted in crackdown [Fred Dufour/AFP]

As a result, nearly 2,000 people they came into contact with had to be tested for COVID-19 or undergo quarantine, state media said. Several Africans told the AFP news agency they had since been forcibly evicted from their homes and turned away by hotels.

Ive been sleeping under the bridge for four days with no food to eat I cannot buy food anywhere, no shops or restaurants will serve me, said Tony Mathias, an exchange student from Uganda who was forced from his apartment on Monday. Were like beggars on the street.

06:45 GMT  Italys migrants living through an emergency within an emergency

It used to be a vast complex of illegally built apartment blocks and holiday homes on the Mediterranean, today, Castel Volturno is a run-down no-mans-land in the southern Campania region.

The town counts about 25,000 inhabitants, of whom 5,000 are registered migrants, and an estimated 15,000 are undocumented, mostly hailing from West African countries including Nigeria and Ghana, say officials.

Aid group representatives operating here have joined the towns mayor in warning about a ticking bomb and a bubble of desperation ready to burst as people now under lockdown are prevented from earning their usual daily living.

Without a solid assistance programme, the population here risks falling victim to hunger due to the virus.

Read more here.

A migrant resident of Castel Volturno ties himself to a lamp-post, reenacting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, as a protest against the conditions endured by migrants in the area [Giovanni Izzo/Al Jazeera]

06:30 GMT  Florida nursing homes ask for lawsuit protection: Report

Floridas largest nursing home organisation has a sent a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis asking for sweeping protections from legal claims related to the coronavirus outbreak, according to a report by Buzzfeed news.

In a letter to the governor, the industry groups executive director wrote that in order for nursing homes and healthcare workers to provide the best care, it is imperative that health care facilities and health care professionals are protected from liability that may result from treating individuals with COVID-19 under the conditions associated with this public health emergency.

The request is one of the first of its kind in the US, according to the news site.

05:45 GMT  Pro wrestlers in US grapple with lockdown

The old adage insists that, in entertainment circles, the show must go on. But what if it cannot?

It is a quandary facing many entertainers as padlocks are put on stadium gates, stage doors, and movie house entrances because of the coronavirus pandemic. The ban on large public gatherings in the interest of physical distancing has decimated the industry, including the USs pro-wrestling scene.

Kaci Lennox, an up-and-coming talent who performs in wrestling shows across Florida, is feeling the pain first-hand.

The 27-year-old told Al Jazeera: A lot of us depend on wrestling to pay our bills. Some people just dont have money saved up.

Read more here.

Natalya and Lacey Evans battle it out in WWEs Crown Jewel event at King Fahd International Stadium, Riyadh, Saudia Arabia. [File: Ahmed Yosri/Reuters]

05:20 GMT -Vietnamese airlines to resume domestic flights from Thursday

Vietnams Bamboo Airways and VietJet Air will resume domestic flights from Thursday after the expiry of a government order for 15 days of physical distancing, the companies said.

From late March, Vietnam ordered curbs on domestic flights and adopted physical distancing nationwide to curb the spread of the coronavirus, which has infected 257 people, although none have died.

The Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City route will be resumed from April 16, while other routes will be back to operation from April 20, Bamboo Airways said in a statement.

Budget carrier VietJet Air also announced it was resuming flying on domestic routes from Thursday but advised customers it had only an expected schedule that may be subject to change.

Hello, this is Joseph Stepansky in Doha taking over from my colleague Ted Regencia.

05:08 GMT  South Korea to use electronic wristbands to monitor cases

In a controversial step, South Koreas government has announced that it will strap electronic wristbands on people who defy self-quarantine orders as it tightens monitoring to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

Senior Health Ministry official Yoon Tae-ho on Saturday acknowledged the privacy and civil liberty concerns surrounding the bands, which will be enforced through police and local administrative officials after two weeks of preparation and manufacturing, the Associated Press (AP) news agency reported.

But he said authorities need more effective monitoring tools because the number of people placed under self-quarantine has ballooned after the country began enforcing 14-day quarantines on all passengers arriving from abroad on April 1 amid worsening outbreaks in Europe and the US.

04:40 GMT  Thailand reports two new coronavirus deaths, 45 new cases

Thailand has announced two new coronavirus-linked deaths, bringing to 35 the total number of deaths in the country.

The government also said that 45 new cases have been detected, making the total number of cases 2,518, of which 1,135 have been discharged.

03:56 GMT  With social distance, Californias coronavirus forecast brightens

Californias top public health official has said for the first time that the coronavirus might not be as devastating as state officials had feared, and Governor Gavin Newsom revealed his administration is now planning for how to reopen the state, AP reported.

But with Easter Sunday and sunny weather on the horizon, Newsom implored people to stay away from others to not undo the significant progress under his stay-at-home order. Across California, local government officials closed streets, parks and other public spaces to deter people from gathering.

03:14 GMT  Uruguay transports Australians, New Zealanders from virus-hit ship

Greg Mortimer passengers board an aircraft for their repatriation to Australia and New Zealand [Mariana Greif/Reuters]

Uruguay has started to repatriate 112 Australians and New Zealanders from a cruise ship hit by coronavirus and stranded in the La Plata River near the capital, Montevideo, since March 27, the government said.

The operation began in the evening when the Greg Mortimer, an Antarctic cruise ship operated by Aurora Expeditions, docked in the port of Montevideo.

The passengers are scheduled to board a Melbourne-bound charter flight in the early hours of Saturday. Two Australian passengers could not be transported because of their poor condition, Uruguays Foreign Minister Ernesto Talvi said.

02:36 GMT  New York deaths jump by 777, but new hospitalisations down

Firefighters and members of the public applaud medical workers in New York City [Caitlin Ochs/Reuters]

Coronavirus deaths in the US state of New York jumped by 777 in one day, as the number of people hospitalised stayed relatively flat, according to AP.

More than 3,000 deaths have been recorded since Monday, bringing the statewide count to 7,844.

The number of hospitalisations increased by 290, compared to daily increases of more than 1,000 last week. The number of intensive care patients also decreased slightly for the first time since mid-March.

02:15 GMT  Ecuador announces social measures to address pandemic

Ecuadorean President Lenin Moreno has announced the creation of a humanitarian assistance account that will be funded with contributions from companies and citizens to address the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

The pandemic hit us at a critical moment, when we were trying to get ahead after a very tough economic crisis, Moreno added in a televised speech. It hit us without a cent in the states accounts.

Ecuador reported more than 2,196 new infections in one day on Friday, raising the total number to 7,161. Some 297 people have died, and another 311 were likely killed by the virus, according to official data.

02:10 GMT  Trump orders US military to help Italy fight coronavirus

US President Donald Trump has ordered top US administration officials to help Italy in fighting coronavirus by providing medical supplies, humanitarian relief and other assistance.

In a memo to several Cabinet ministers, Trump ordered a variety of measures, including making US military personnel in the country available for telemedicine services, helping set up field hospitals, and transporting supplies, according to Reuters news agency.

01:29 GMT  China reports 46 new coronavirus cases, higher than previous day

Mainland China reported on Saturday 46 new coronavirus cases, including 42 involving travellers from overseas, up from 42 cases a day earlier.

Chinas National Health Commission said in a statement that 34 new asymptomatic coronavirus cases had also been reported, down from 47 the previous day.

Mainland Chinas tally of infections now stands at 81,953, while the death toll rose by three, to 3,339, according to the Reuters news agency report.

Mainland Chinas infections now stand at 81,953, while the death toll rose to 3,339, according to the NHC [Ng Han Guan/AP]

01:06 GMT  Erdogan sends well wishes to Boris Johnson

Turkeys president has sent a letter to Boris Johnson, wishing the British prime minister a speedy recovery from the coronavirus, AP reported.

In his letter, Recep Tayyip Erdogan also conveyed his condolences to the families of British victims of the virus, expressed hope that Britain overcomes the tragedy with the minimal losses and relayed his good wishes to British health service employees treating COVID-19 patients.

Erdogan also invited Johnson, whose great-grandfather was Turkish, to visit the land of your ancestors to discuss steps that will further our bilateral cooperation in the post-Brexit period.

00:48 GMT  Argentina extends lockdown on major cities

Argentina will extend the lockdown it has imposed on the countrys major cities, President Alberto Fernandez has announced.

He did not specify when the lockdown, which was first mandated on March 20, would be lifted. He said the requirement that Argentines stay at home has helped control the rate of new coronavirus infections, Reuters news agency reported.

00:12 GMT  WHO looking into neurological effects of coronavirus

The WHOs emergencies chief says the agency is aware of some anecdotal reports of neurological effects in some coronavirus patients from China.

But Dr Mike Ryan said it is unclear whether the virus is directly affecting the brain or whether those neurological effects may be due to oxygen deprivation.

Ryan said while some viruses cause complications like encephalitis and meningitis when they infect the brain, there is no indication yet that this is the case with COVID-19 patients, adding that many infectious diseases can prompt deliriousness or a change in consciousness when patients oxygen levels drop, but giving more oxygen often resolves the issue.

00:10 GMT  Hundreds pay tribute to fallen nurse in Spain

Hundreds of staff at a hospital near the Spanish capital have gathered to pay homage to a 57-year-old nurse who died Friday after contracting COVID-19, AP reported.

In a post on social media, the Severo Ochoa Hospital in Leganes said the nurse died after days of fighting relentlessly against the illness.

The post identified the victim by his first name, Esteban, and said his widow also worked at the hospital, one of the main battlegrounds against the coronavirus.

00:01 GMT  Pope Francis leads haunting Good Friday procession amid lockdown

Pope Francis led a hauntingly empty Good Friday celebration [Vatican Media handout photo via Reuters]

Pope Francis entered a torch-lit, hauntingly empty Saint Peters Square for a Good Friday procession under a lockdown caused by a coronavirus that has claimed 100,000 lives worldwide.

The Argentine-born pontiff walked up to his podium flanked by five prison inmates from the hard-hit northern Italian city of Padua and five Vatican doctors and nurses.

Their presence was a tribute to the victims of a disease that has officially claimed nearly 19,000 lives in Italy.

Earlier, Francis had said that medics and priests who died after becoming infected while looking after COVID-19 victims gave their lives out of love, like soldiers at the front.

Im Ted Regencia in Kuala Lumpur with Al Jazeeras continuing coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.

Read all the updates from yesterday (April 10) here.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 18:50:11|Editor: huaxia

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KIEV, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank will provide Ukraine with an additional 150 million U.S. dollars for social protection needs during the COVID-19 epidemic, the press service of the Ukrainian Ministry of Social Policy said on its website Friday.

The statement said 50 million dollars will be used to support vulnerable groups during the outbreak and 100 million dollars are earmarked for improving social protection in general.

Ukraine joined the World Bank in 1992. As of October 2019, the Bank's commitment to the country has totaled close to 12 billion dollars through about 70 projects and programs.
Police have detained around 80 migrant workers, mostly from Odisha, for allegedly going on a rampage and setting many handcarts afire in Surat demanding that they be allowed to return to their native places amid the lockdown, an official said on Saturday.

Hundreds of migrant workers stuck in Surat due the lockdown torched handcarts and tyres in Laksana area of the city on Friday night.

After the incident, police personnel were deployed in large numbers in the area and the situation was brought under control, the official said.

Gujarat:Migrant workers in Surat resorted to violence on street allegedly fearing extension of lockdown."Workers blocked road&pelted stones.Police reached the spot&detained 60-70 people.We've come to know that they were demanding to go back home",said DCP Surat,Rakesh Barot(10.4) pic.twitter.com/q09Z7lsLwR  ANI (@ANI) April 10, 2020

Hundreds of workers, mostly from Odisha, hit the streets demanding that they should be sent to their native places. They also claimed that the food served to them by an NGO is tasteless and they have to stand in queue to get the meal, ACP C K Patel said.

Out of anger, they torched some handcarts and tyres in Laskana area. We have detained 80 migrant workers. Heavy police deployment and strict vigil by the administration has brought the situation under control, he said.

On March 30, over 90 migrant labourers were arrested in Surat city for defying the nationwide lockdown and attacking police over a similar issue.

On Friday, the number of coronavirus cases in Gujarat rose to 378 after 116 new cases were reported since Thursday night. With two more deaths reported during this period, the death toll due to coronavirus reached 19, officials said.
Burkina Faso on Brink of Humanitarian Disaster

By Lisa Schlein April 10, 2020

The U.N. refugee agency warns Burkina Faso is on the brink of a humanitarian disaster because of growing instability and a chronic shortage of resources.

Looming over this crisis is the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization reports Burkina Faso has the third-largest outbreak of the disease in Africa, with 340 cases, including 19 deaths.

The United Nations reports Burkina Faso has the world's fastest-growing displacement crisis. Over the past 16 months, nearly 840,000 people have fled their homes because of conflict and drought.

Babar Baloch, spokesman for the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, says many lives are at risk because of the harsh desert-like conditions in remote parts of the country and mounting brutal attacks by militants against civilians.

"Hundreds of thousands of displaced people, including small children, are being forced to sleep out in the open at the mercy of the elements.  People speak in horrifying details of attacks on their villages, where men, boys are killed, women raped, homes pillaged and schools along with other infrastructures are destroyed," Baloch said.

The UNHCR estimates 350,000 people in remote areas urgently need shelter and water to help them cope with the dry desert heat.

It says people live in a permanent state of fear as armed groups wreak havoc in the country's Centre Nord and Sahel regions. Increased security has not deterred militants from attacking police and military as well as civilians, schools, health centers and other infrastructure.

Baloch says his agency is working with local authorities and other humanitarian organizations to rush shelter and other relief supplies to the displaced. However, he notes, these life-saving operations are being hampered by rampant insecurity and a chronic lack of money, material and staff.

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More than 15,000 Americans have reported alleged coronavirus-related frauds totaling nearly $12 million in losses, according to new data released by the Federal Trade Commission on Friday.

These scams, which run the gamut from individuals hawking fraudulent COVID-19 cures to websites selling fake vaccine kits to phishing email scams trying to steal personal information, are so rampant that the Department of Justice has directed all 94 U.S. Attorneys to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator for their districts.

When theres an opportunity for a criminal, a fraudster to take advantage, they will, Steven Merrill, chief of the FBIs financial crimes section, told ABC News' Chief Justice Correspondent Pierre Thomas. And in this case, theyve taken advantage of the fact that were all very scared, were vulnerable, and were looking for answers.

The FBIs message is that we will not tolerate it, Merrill added. We will investigate these cases to the fullest of our ability.

PHOTO: The Department of Justice seal is seen in Washington, Nov. 28, 2018. (Jose Luis Magana/AP, FILE)

(MORE: Coronavirus updates: Global death toll surpasses 100,000)

ABC News Nightline is airing a special investigation of these allegations as the FBI warns consumers about a startling surge in COVID-19 scams.

USTelecom, a group representing the telecommunications industry, told ABC News that it has seen a rise in robocalls related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sad to say, said Jonathan Spalter, president and CEO of USTelecom, but robocall scammers are out in full force during this public health emergency, using COVID-19 to prey on vulnerable customers.

The group is working with partners across the country to trace the robocalls back to their sources and then notifying carriers to shut them down. In recent weeks, for example, the group traced a COVID-19 testing kit scam to the Philippines and a COVID-19 HVAC duct-cleaning scam to Pakistan, intervening in both cases to stop the calls.

PHOTO: A person uses a loptop. (STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images)

(MORE: Coronavirus government response updates: 'Biggest decision of my life,' Trump says, about reopening country)

Story continues

Some emerging scams arent merely misleading but actually threatening.

Weve seen cases of extortion where a criminal is contacting an honest person saying Im going to come to your house and find you and give you coronavirus, Merrill said. Or Im going to give coronavirus to your friends and family if you dont pay me money.

The cybersecurity firm Sophos Security, for example, recently identified a phishing email scam that threatened to infect the email recipient and their family with coronavirus if $4000 worth of Bitcoin wasn't turned over immediately.

If I do not get the payment: I will infect every member of your family with the coronavirus, the threatening email read. No matter how smart you are, believe me, if I want to affect [sic], I can. I will also go ahead and reveal your secrets. I will completely ruin your life.

According to Chester Wisniewski, Sophos Securitys principal research scientist, most of these scams are variations of previous scams that have adopted a COVID-19 theme.

A few months ago, that same scammer was sending out emails with an old stolen password of yours, Wisniewski said. Maybe something from LinkedIn a few years ago, saying I know that you are doing naughty things on your computer and to prove it this is your password and it actually had an old password of yours in the email.

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

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.

Americans report $12 million in COVID-19-related fraud losses: Officials originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
London, April 11 : UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been able to walk for a short distance as his recovery from coronavirus continues in a ward at the St Thomas Hospital here after being discharged from the intensive care unit, a Downing Street spokesman said.

"The Prime Minister has been able to do short walks, between periods of rest, as part of the care he is receiving to aid his recovery," the Metro newspaper quoted the spokesman as saying on Friday evening.

"He has spoken to his doctors and thanks the whole clinical team for the incredible care he has received. His thoughts are with those affected by this terrible disease." Friday's develoment comes after Johnson spent three nights in intensive care being treated for "worsened symptoms" of the coronavirus.

He was again said to be in "very good spirits" after being discharged from the ICU, Downing Street had said earlier on Friday.

"The Prime Minister is back on a ward and continuing his recovery, which is at an early stage. He continues to be in very good spirits." Also on Friday morning, Johnson's father Stanley Johnson told BBC Radio 4 that his son needed to "rest-up" and warned that just because the Prime Minister was out of ICU did not mean he was out of danger.

The Prime Minister tested positive for COVID-19 on March 27, and his symptoms worsened 10 days later, requiring him to be hospitalized.

On Monday he was moved to intensive care but was released on Thursday.

Foreign Secretary Domininc Raab has been given deputizing in his absence.

The UK has 74,605 confirmed cases of coronavirus since the outbreak began and 8,974 deaths attributed to the disease.
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A minister who was forced to resign after being caught breaking laws around coronavirus travel was all smiles on Saturday despite losing his senior government job the day before.

New South Wales Arts Minister Don Harwin seemed to be in good spirits after a trip to Woolworths and Rushcutters Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs on Saturday afternoon.

This was despite days of negative press which ultimately resulted in a $1,000 fine and his resignation from the New South Wales state government.

New South Wales Arts Minister Don Harwin seemed to be in good spirits while talking a walk after a trip to the supermarket in Sydney's eastern suburbs on Saturday afternoon

The coalition frontbencher was under increasing pressure to resign after being spotted staying at his $1.3million Pearl Beach holiday home instead of his primary residence.

Reports also emerged from the Daily Telegraph Mr Harwin had been housing former Liberal candidate Geoffrey Winters at the holiday home - who had recently returned from the UK.

After resigning on Friday the minister has kept out of the public eye - in hiding at his Sydney apartment at Elizabeth Bay.

Mr Harwin offered his resignation to Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Friday.

The coalition frontbencher seemed unphased he had been forced to resign from his senior government job after a trip to the shops in Sydney's Eastern suburbs on Saturday

The embattled minister didn't seemed upset about losing his senior government job or a $1,000 fine from New South Wales police during an outing in Sydney on Saturday

The Premier - who accepted the offer - said the strict social distancing rules introduced to combat the spread COVID-19 apply equally to everyone.

'Whilst Minister Harwin has served the people of NSW well, and he continues to assure me that he did not break the rules, the orders in place apply equally to everyone,' she said.

'Accordingly, Minister Harwin has appropriately resigned from cabinet.'

Premier Gladys Berejiklian (pictured) accepted Mr Harwin's offer and said the strict coronavirus rules applied to everyone

PREMIER GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN STATEMENT IN FULL During this health crisis my government has asked the community to make greater sacrifices than all of us have ever had to make before. These sacrifices are saving lives, and I am proud of the people of NSW for continuing to uphold the law in the interest of the public health. Late last night I was advised Minister Don Harwin had been fined $1000 for breaching a public health order. The Police, who have been tasked by my Government with enforcing these health orders, came to the conclusion that Minister Harwin breached the order. Whilst Minister Harwin has served the people of NSW well, and he continues to assure me that he did not break the rules, the orders in place apply equally to everybody. Accordingly, Minister Harwin has appropriately resigned from cabinet. Advertisement

In a statement on Friday, Mr Harwin said there was nothing more important than the work of the government while fighting the coronavirus crisis.

'I will not allow my circumstances to be a distraction from that work and I very much regret that my residential arrangements have become an issue during this time,' he said.

'At all times I have sought to act in accordance with public health orders and I sought advice that my living arrangements complied with those orders.'

Mr Harwin said he was confident he followed the public health orders but added that 'perception is just as important' during the health crisis.

'The premier and her team are doing an outstanding job during the biggest crisis our state and nation have faced during our lifetimes,'

'It is absolutely vital they should be able to focus entirely on the health and economic issues facing our community.'

Officers spoke with the 55-year-old on Thursday and he was issued with a $1,000 fine via email just before 9pm, NSW Police later said in a statement.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian defied calls to sack the MP but on Thursday told him to return to his Sydney apartment - acknowledging the 'perception is horrible'.

Pearl Beach (pictured) is a popular tourist spot on the New South Wales Central Coast

'It's not just about sticking to the rules, it's about making sure there's a perception that everybody is sticking to the rules including members of parliament,' the premier told reporters.

She said she became aware of his change of residence a few days ago, despite Mr Harwin travelling back to Sydney for a medical consultation and parliamentary sitting on March 24.

But Ms Berejiklian is adamant Mr Harwin didn't break the rules because he relocated on March 13 before state COVID-19 regulations came into effect on March 17.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Mr Harwin rejected he was a 'tourist' and claimed he had spent most of the past four months at Pearl Beach.

The 55-year-old said he had chosen to move out of Sydney for health reasons as someone with a history of respiratory problems.

But The Daily Telegraph reported Mr Harwin strongly argued against government plans to ban holidays during a Cabinet meeting.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro excused himself from the meeting after declaring he had a conflict of interest because he owned an Airbnb property.

Five ministers claimed Mr Harwin did not say he had a conflict of interest during the meeting, despite advertising his 1.3million property for $515 per night online.

'There was a heated exchange between (Planning Minister Rob) Stokes and Harwin when Stokes was pushing a crackdown,' someone in the meeting said.

'It really surprised me, I couldn't understand why. Now I understand why he was so strident.'

Police checkpoints are set up at the New South Wales/Queensland border to prevent non essential travel between the two states

Mr Harwin said he normally rented the property out but couldn't due to the bushfires and COVID-19.

His spokesperson declined to comment on why the minister didn't speak up about his conflict of interest during the meeting.

The debacle followed days of calls from the state government urging the public against all non-essential travel to regional New South Wales towns, especially over the Easter long weekend.

Breaching social distancing guidelines in New South Wales could result in fines up to $11,000, six months in jail or a hefty $1,000 on-the-spot fine.
Dateline Will the Myanmar Govt Block Journalists from Reporting on Rakhine?

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Ye Ni: Welcome to Dateline Irrawaddy! This week, well discuss the recent filing of complaints by the Home Affairs Ministry against editors of news outlets based in Yangon, Mandalay and Sittwe under the Counter-Terrorism Law. Myanmar Press Council member U Chit Win Maung and The Irrawaddy contributor Daw Mon Mon Myat join me to discuss this. Im The Irrawaddy Burmese editor Ye Ni.

As you know, police have detained chief editors of media agencies in Yangon [Khit Thit News], Mandalay [Voice of Myanmar (VOM)] and Sittwe [Narinjara] under the Counter-Terrorism Law. The law should be applied only on those who financially or by other means support terrorism, but now it has been used to target journalists.

Despite the fact that the 2014 Media Law provides for the rights of journalists, some journalists, myself included, have faced lawsuits under Section 66 (d) [of the Telecommunications Law] as well as Article 5050 (b) [of the Penal Code]and in the case of [Reuters reporters] Ko Wa Lone [and Kyaw Soe Oo], they faced lawsuits under the State Secrets Act.

Now, one more law has been applied to target journalists. U Chit Win Maung, you have recently written an article on the fact that journalism is still not a crime. What do you have to say about the latest lawsuits against journalists?

Chit Win Maung: As the job of journalists is to provide correct and credible information that the public should know for the sake of the country and the nation, it has nothing to do with crime. This is the message of my article.

There are two points I would like to make regarding the case: the first is that the conflict continues between the Tatmadaw [the Myanmar military] and the AA [Arakan Army] since it broke out last year in northern Rakhine State. Secondly, our country is undergoing a democratic transition. As such, we should review to evaluate whether there have been any threats to press freedom.

It is very sad that the conflicts between the Tatmadaw and the AA are not yet over. Clashes have been taking place in Kyauktaw, Minbya, Ponnagyun, Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathedaung and Chin States Paletwa, which borders on northern Rakhine. Over 130,000 people, most of them Rakhine people, have been forced from their homes into camps. This is the outcome of the fighting between the Myanmar army and the AA.

Civilians have fallen victim to the fighting. They have been killed by artillery shells that landed on their villages, they have been detained, held hostage and tortured. We cant blame a particular side for these things. They are a product of the fighting. Unless and until the fighting ends, these problems will continue to exist. The Myanmar military still cant stop the fighting.

The entire world is now faced with the pandemic. United Nations Secretary-General [Antonio] Guterres has called for a global ceasefire while the entire world is dealing with the pandemic. But clashes are still ongoing in Rakhine State. Under such circumstances, the Home Affairs Ministry raided the three news agencies, seized computers and made interrogations. It is not very long that we have enjoyed democratic rights. Such raids on news agencies were only witnessed under military rule, but, until recently, not since the country introduced democracy. The military just filed lawsuits [against journalists] in previous cases. But now, they have done this to news agencies.

Is it a threat to the media? There were peace talks between the government and the four-member Northern Alliance [of which the AA is a member]. But in Rakhine State, when one side declared a ceasefire, another side violated it. We dont know which side is actually violating a given ceasefire, but the government has now finally declared the AA to be a terrorist group. This has pushed the AA away from the peace negotiation table.

With the AA designated as a terrorist group, it is easier for the military to fight them. First, an internet shutdown was imposed in Rakhine State to restrict the movement of the AA. As a second step, the three media outlets that have been continuously covering the Rakhine issues were raided. But we are concerned about press freedom. There is the Media Law, enacted in 2014, in place. The Counter-Terrorism Law, which has been applied against journalists, was enacted in 2014 too. Journalists should only be tried under the Media Law. The media and the Counter-Terrorism Law are unrelated.

YN: When we journalists cover armed conflicts, we usually focus on the plight of civilians. In doing so, we try to include the voices of all sides. But as the AA has been declared a terrorist group and these journalists were detained under the Counter-Terrorism Law, we have not been able to include the voices of the AA in other stories.

By detaining those journalists, they have given the message to others that we are not allowed to contact the AA. The entire media landscape is changing with [the Tatmadaws imposition of] greater restrictions on the media due to its perception that the media is being manipulated to spread propaganda. This has forced newsrooms to change their editorial policies. Under such circumstances, how should newsrooms respond, Ma Mon Mon Myat?

Mon Mon Myat: After exile media like DVB [Democratic Voice of Burma] and yours, The Irrawaddy, returned to the country as the political system has changed, you have had to adjust your editorial policies according to the existing laws of the country. Such media agencies, when they were in exile, were close to organizations based on the border, so it was easier to get their voices. But as [media outlets] have returned to the country, it is important to make sure they are officially recognized so that they can publish official news for the public. They also need to review their positions.

In this age of digital media, even if we cant contact an armed organization which is declared by the government to be a terrorist group, that organization can use its own digital media to issue statements and the like. For example, when there was fighting between the Tatmadaw and ARSA [the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army] in 2017, ARSA used Twitter and Facebook to issue statements, and media made reports based on those statements. It is dangerous for media agencies to contact organizations that have been declared unlawful associations.

If it has become difficult for media outlets to provide the people with the voices of the other side, there is the option that I have mentioned. Media agencies can make reports based on their statements and online pages. Media ethics also require media agencies to do so. Local media agencies must report the voices of both the government and ethnic armed organizations. So, they could try the option that Ive mentioned. Only then will they be able to continue operation in the long term. They need to think about how they can operate within the boundaries of the press law and relevant laws and regulations of the government.

YN: At a time when we should work together to address the COVID-19 pandemic, they have detained journalists. This is sad. When the military dropped their charges against me, one of the reasons the military gave was that it wanted to have good relations with the media. What can the Press Council do for the three detained journalists?

CWM: The Press Council and the Tatmadaw have maintained contact. In previous cases of lawsuits filed by the military, there were cases in which the military directly filed complaints with us, and some cases could be settled through negotiations. For example, in the case of Eleven Media, it was possible to settle it through negotiations.

The Press Council has a responsibility to intervene in cases related to journalists. The media is the fourth estate and provides essential and accurate information in the interests of the country. We at the Press Council are responsible for protecting the media.

The Press Council has sent a letter to the Home Affairs Minister regarding the detentions. As the Media Law is in place, legal action should only be taken under the Media Law. Complaints can be filed with the Press Council if a journalist or a news agency violates the journalistic code of ethics, and we will settle it under the Media Law. I think it is too harsh to file lawsuits against journalists under the Counter-Terrorism Law.

Those journalists did their jobs and they did not aid or abet terrorism. Even if they did so, complaints can be filed with the Press Council and we will handle it. We want journalists to be tried only under the media law. Some organizations have voiced criticisms that penalties prescribed in the Media Law are not tough enough and that the law therefore doesnt serve as a deterrent [to prevent journalists from violating the code of ethics]. But my view is that journalists are doing their job and it is the responsibility of the Press Council to make sure they abide by journalism ethics. So if a lawsuit is to be filed against a journalist, there should be consultation with the Press Council first.

YN: Thank you for your contributions!

You may also like these stories:

Myanmar Govts Crackdown on Journalists Angers Media and Legal Insiders

Myanmar Police Continue Arrests, Interrogations of Reporters Over AA Coverage

Rights Groups in Myanmars Shan State Demand Justice for Villagers
Coronavirus which originated nearly four months ago, has now spiralled up to infect over 1.7 million people worldwide. Amid constant destruction and gloom, the recovery of a 93-year-old woman in Turkey has offered some hope to the country's health care workers who have been juggling between saving lives and protecting their loved ones from COVID-19. Turkey has till now reported 47,029 cases of the virus with over 1,006 deaths and 2,423recoveries since the first case was reported in the country since March.

'Inspiring'

Alye Gunduz, a farmer from Turkey's southwestern city of Batman was admitted to a hospital in Istanbul after she complained of stomach ache and high fever on March 30. The 93-year-old Gunduz, received everybody's appreciation after she recovered following a ten-day treatment. Speaking to a news agency, chief physician Zekayi Kutlubay said that the case was particularly promising as patients with that age and chronic diseases were most of the time unable to recover because they were at the highest risk from COVID-19. "A 93-year-old woman walking out of intensive care sound and safe is inspiring for us as well as for other coronavirus patients at her age," he added.

Read: Turkey Witnesses Fastest Rise In Coronavirus Cases, Law To Release Prisoners Underway

Read: Turkey Announces 2 Day Curfew For 31 Cities

'Battlefield'

In recent times, the strain has increased manifold with health care workers battling the infection nearly 24 hours a day. This comes as over 600 medical workers have been infected one had died due to COVID-19 across Turkey. Speaking to a news agency, Nuri Aydin, the rector of Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty of Istanbul University, called the situation as that of a "battlefield' adding that "Everyone is working arduously as if they are at war." Istanbul, with a population of nearly 15 million, had reported 60 per cent of the total positive cases in the country.

Like most of the frontline workers in other nations, Turkish doctors and nurses have been living in rented flats, vehicles, dorms or hotels in a bid to avoid the putting their families at risk of contracting the virus. Commenting on the situation, Aydin, reportedly said that their sacrifice was hard to put in words adding that "they are making a superhuman effort." Amidst all this, there are many patients who are caught unprepared without their mobile phones, shoes or other personal items. Narrating a recent incident, a head nurse reportedly said that they had received patients at emergency who neither had slippers nor pyjamas. We address their needs and give our mobiles if needed," she added explaining the course of action.

Read: Turkey Sends Medical Equipment To Britain Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

Read: Turkey Announces 2 Day Curfew For 31 Cities

(Image credit: AP)
Twenty employees of the Presidential Palace in Kabul have contracted the coronavirus, the Afghan TOLOnews broadcaster reported on Saturday, citing the documents it has seen.

According to the media outlet, 517 samples examined in total.

"We will get the best results if we have enough kits. By testing more people, we can find patients who have the virus while it is in its incubation period," Assadullah Esmat, head of the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Kabul, was quoted as saying by the broadcaster.

The media did not specify whether Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had undergone a COVID-19 test or not.

The total count of infections in Afghanistan now stands at 555, with 18 fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Dr. Matthew Emerson has been appointed dean of the Herschel H. Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry and the Floyd K. Clark Chair of Christian Leadership.

Emerson Named Dean of Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry April 9, 2020

OBU has appointed Dr. Matthew Emerson as dean of the Herschel H. Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry and the Floyd K. Clark Chair of Christian Leadership. Emerson has served as interim dean since January 2020 along with his duties as associate professor of religion. Emerson was appointed after a national search and full interview process. His duties as dean will begin immediately.

Emerson earned a bachelors degree from Auburn University and both an M.Div. and Ph.D. from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Emerson joined the OBU faculty in 2015. He previously taught at California Baptist University, where he served as chair of the Arts and Sciences Department in the Online and Professional Studies Division.

Emerson has authored or co-authored over 20 publications. His research interests include the Old Testaments use in the New Testament, early Christian interpretation, and theological method. He serves as co-executive director of the Center for Baptist Renewal, co-editor of the Journal of Baptist Studies, steering committee member of the Scripture and Hermeneutics Seminar, and senior fellow for the Center of Ancient Christian Studies. He is also a member of a number of scholarly societies, and blogs at Biblical Reasoning.

He has served in local churches, both vocationally and as a volunteer, as a guest preacher, Sunday school teacher, small group leader, and mens ministry director. He and his wife, Alicia, are both members at Frontline Church in Shawnee. They have five daughters.

Emerson is honored for the opportunity to serve the Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry faculty, staff and students as dean.

I am excited and honored to serve Oklahoma Baptist University and Oklahoma Baptists in this capacity, and am grateful to the search committee, the provost and the president for the opportunity. I look forward to continuing to work with President Thomas, Dr. DeWoody, my faculty colleagues, and the entire OBU community in this new role, and am committed to equipping ministry leaders for kingdom impact through the biblically rooted, theologically faithful and practically relevant work of the Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry.

Dr. Heath A. Thomas, OBU president, anticipates great things in the future for the Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry under Emersons leadership. Thomas served as Hobbs College dean prior to his role as OBU president.

It is hard for me to express how thrilled I am with the appointment of Dr. Matthew Emerson as dean of the Hobbs College at OBU. I am grateful to the committee for their hard work and the extensive process they followed to arrive at this recommendation. OBU is known for transforming students lives by equipping them for their future, and Hobbs College is known for its commitment equipping students with biblical, faithful and practical education to serve Christ and his church. I cannot imagine a better person to lead Hobbs College into the future. Dr. Emerson is an internationally recognized theologian, a respected academic leader and devoted churchman. His love for Christ, his family, his church and OBU is exactly what is needed for our community. This is a happy day on Bison Hill.

Dr. Susan DeWoody, provost, is excited for Emersons selection to lead the College of Theology and Ministry.
Johnny Lever on coronavirus: To lighten and brighten up your mood, comedian Johny Lever recites a humourous poem about COVID-19. Its a must watch video amid quarantine.

Johnny Lever on coronavirus: When there is fear and panic all around, actor cum comedian Johnny Lever came up with a hilarious video on coronavirus, to lighten and brightness up peoples mood. The actor posted the video on Twitter, where he gives a clear warning to coronavirus as if it is human!

The lyrics are like, Corona..now its your turn to cry, run for your life you silly virus, a big mistake has been done by you entering in India, we Indians will succeed and you will fail. Indeed that exactly all want to say or hear about it.

Within no time, the video started surfacing online as people laughed their hearts out after watching this. A user wrote: you are legend, time to be optimistic. While, another user wrote: awesome sir, lovely lyrics. The third user wrote: what an expression sir Ji.

Check the post here:

Meanwhile, talking about Bollywoods support during coronavirus crisis, actors and producers joined hands in the fight against the deadly virus. They are doing every bit as responsible citizens from donating to PM CARES, Mahratsra CMs Fund to providing food to needy people.

Theres an army of people working day and night to keep us safe, our families safe. Lets together say #DilSeThankYou to them because thats the least we can do. @mybmc @MumbaiPolice pic.twitter.com/ANf1ynTP09  Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 9, 2020

Bollywood actors are also playing the key role in spreading awareness related to the contagious virus. Recently Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Mohanlal, Mammootty, Sonali Kulkarni, Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Alia Bhatt, Chiranjeevi, Shiva Raj Kumar, Prosenjit Chatterjee, and Diljit Dosanjh featured in a video, title Family. The video explains the importance of social distancing as this is the only way to put brakes in the spread of the pandemic.

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- Like many other restaurants, The Sand Bar had to close its doors after officials put stay-at-home orders in place

- The restrictions, put in place to help control the spread of the coronavirus, also left businesses struggling financially

- As the bar owner sat in her empty premise and looked around, she realised there was an opportunity to help her now unemployed staff

- For nearly 15 years, patrons had been leaving their mark on the island bar by writing on a dollar bill and stapling it on the walls and ceilings

- She decided to take the notes off the walls and gave them to her employees who were now stranded

- After the bills were taken down, it took about a week and a half to clean them off and get them counted

- In total, over KSh 300,000 were collected and the stacks of bills stretched in piles across the entire bar countertop

As businesses shut down to halt the spread of coronavirus, a restaurant well-known for being decorated with banknotes has taken them off the walls to pay its now-unemployed staff.

The Sand Bar, a popular bar on Georgias Tybee Island, had myriad dollar bills signed by patrons then pinned and stapled to its walls.

READ ALSO: MP Moses Kuria demands Chinese nationals to leave after Kenyans got evicted in China

In total, over KSh 300,000 were collected and the stacks of bills stretched in piles across the entire bar countertop. Photo: CNN.

Source: UGC

READ ALSO: Okonkwo hatawezana na Corona: DPP cracks up Kenyans, uses viral song to emphasise health measures

Now that its doors are shuttered thanks to the stay-at-home order, the banknotes have finally been counted by the owner, Jennifer Knox, who wanted to make sure her staff survived the bruising lockdown.

The money on the Sand Bars walls, as reported by The Independent, came to a value of $3,714 (KSh 394,000).

And when combined with donations from customers who heard about the plan, the sum total distributed to staff reached $4,104 (KSh 434,000).

READ ALSO: African leaders support WHO chief after Trump threatened to cut funding

We were sitting there with doors locked and I was like oh my gosh, there is money on the walls and we have time on our hands. We gotta get this money down," Knox said.

Writing on the restaurants Facebook page, she said the response to her plan had been overwhelming and that each staff got at least $600 (KSh 63,000).

She is now making moves to help round up donations for newly unemployed people on Tybee Island, a tourist hotspot that relies heavily on visitors to support jobs.

READ ALSO: Coronavirus: 16-year-old student flies medical supplies to rural hospitals

I have set up a Venmo account, not only for my employees and musicians but any other service industry person on Tybee that needs the help," she said.

"If you are feeling called to donate, 100% is going to the people. We will get through this! And I can not wait to sling some drinks for you all soon," added Knox.

For nearly 15 years, patrons have been leaving their mark on the island bar by writing on a dollar bill and stapling it on the walls and ceilings.

READ ALSO: Wellwishers come to the rescue of Kayole woman, seven children evicted by landlady over KSh 6k arrears

As many US states are enforcing lockdowns, small businesses are particularly badly affected by the stay-at-home orders.

With in-person dining banned, bars and restaurants are turning to delivery to support themselves and their employees.

Georgia has been hit hard by the coronavirus, with more than 10,000 confirmed cases and 370 deaths.

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

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Seamec on Friday, 10 April 2020, said it secured a contract from ONGC to deploy vessel, SEAMEC II, for five years.

Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has awarded charter hire of the company's vessel, SEAMEC II, for a long term contract period of five years. As per the Notification of Award (NOA), the vessel is to be deployed within 150 days from the date of NoA. The aggregate value of the contract is $127,717,725. The announcement was made on Friday, 10 April 2020.

Seamec's consolidated net profit rose 9.21% to Rs 39.71 crore on a 3.51% increase in net sales to Rs 105.96 crore in Q3 December 2019 over Q3 December 2018.

Seamec provides diving support vessel (DSV)-based diving services. The shipping company is engaged in offshore and shipping business. It provides offshore oilfields support services through its multi support diving vessels. Its support services include marine, construction and diving services to offshore oilfields in India and abroad.

Shares of Seamec jumped 5% to Rs 305 on Thursday, 9 April 2020. The market was shut on Friday, 10 April 2020, for a public holiday.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Interesting cases have come up for hearing in high courts and the Supreme Court since the lockdown was imposed on March 25 to check the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Here are some of them:

Animals have the right to life: Kerala resident N Prakash moved the high court via video conferencing on April 4 seeking permission to travel for purchasing food for his cats. He submitted that as a vegetarian, he does not cook meat at home and his three cats were being fed special biscuits. Prakash said police rejected his request for an online pass to travel to a pet hospital to procure the biscuits.

HC heard Prakash via video conferencing April 6 and allowed his plea noting that animals also have the right to life as laid down in a 2014 Supreme Court judgment. It referred to Constitutions article 51 A (g), which says it shall be the duty of every citizen to protect forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.

Let the curse of corona fall upon you: The Calcutta high court on March 23 initiated contempt proceedings against lawyer Bijoy Adhikari after he cursed Justice Dipankar Dutta that may the coronavirus infection befall on him after the latters refusal to hear his case.

In his order, Dutta said Adhikary on March 23 interfered when the court was dictating a ruling and thumped the addressing table and then banged the microphone on it. It said Adhikary was warned to behave but instead of heeding to such warning, he was heard to say that my future shall be doomed by him and for such purpose, he cursed I be infected by the coronavirus.

No ban on newspapers: The Madras high court on Thursday dismissed a plea seeking a ban on newspapers. The plea claimed coronavirus can spread through contact with newspaper and prayed that the exemption given to print media from lockdown restrictions be withdrawn.

The court said restricting or prohibiting the publication of newspapers will be violative of the right to free speech and independence of media. More research is needed to establish that the virus could spread easily through newspapers. When such is a position based on these preliminary researches and in the absence of sufficient data, the prayer sought for by the petitioner cannot be granted.

Centre on government-approved news on Covid-19: The Supreme Court on March 31 rejected a plea of the Centre for a direction to the print, electronic and social media against publishing anything on Covid-19 without first ascertaining facts through a mechanism of the central government. The direction was sought in response to two petitions filed in the court highlighting the plight of migrant workers, who were forced to return from big cities to their homes on foot after the lockdown was announced. Any deliberate or unintended fake or inaccurate reporting either in electronic, print, or social media and particularly web portals has a serious and inevitable potential of causing panic amongst large sections of the society, the Centre said it in its affidavit.

Lockdown impossible without the declaration of emergency: The Centre for Systemic Accountability and Change, an NGO, moved the Supreme Court on March 31 arguing the lockdown has effectively led to the suspension of fundamental rights and the same can be done only through the imposition of emergency and not under the Disaster Management Act as was done by the central government.

The NGO sought imposition of financial emergency under Constitutions article 360 arguing it was essential to tackle the threat of coronavirus and to ensure recovery of the economy after the lockdown is lifted. The court adjourned matter when it came up for hearing on April 1.

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Today marks 12 months since WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was arrested by British police and security officers after being illegally expelled from Ecuadors London embassy, where he had lived and worked as a political refugee for seven years.

The sight of a physically-unwell journalist being manhandled by six British cops in the heart of London shocked millions of people around the world. Assange was carried from the building, wincing at his first exposure to sunlight for some time. The operation appeared to be directed by undercover officers who had been filmed skulking around the embassy for days.

Even as he was being brutalised by the police, Assange was defiant, calling for opposition to his persecution. The UK must resist this attempt by the Trump administration, he declared.

British police arresting Julian Assange outside of the Ecuadorian embassy

Assange had been subjected to a violent attack, even before the 55 seconds of footage of his expulsion from the embassy was filmed by the sole journalist outside the building, a reporter for the Ruptly news video service.

The German program Panorama cited an account by an anonymous WikiLeaks staffer who had been by Assanges side.

Assange had been called into the embassys conference room on the morning of April 11. Ambassador Jaime Marchan walked into the room, flanked by security guards and Ecuadorian secret service personnel. He read aloud a letter declaring that Assanges asylum and Ecuadorian citizenship had been revoked and that he needed to exit the embassy immediately. Marchan and his security detail walked out of the room.

Panorama reported that when Assange and his colleague opened the door of the conference room, they could see that a group of men and women, including members of the Metropolitan Police, were just outside, apparently waiting for him.

Assange declared that the reversal of his asylum and citizenship were a violation of the Ecuadorian constitution, and that he wanted to appeal. He got up to return to his room.

Assanges assistant was shoved aside; Julian Assange was tackled, handcuffed and brought to the front door of the embassy.

A year later, there can be no doubt that the assault last April 11 marked the beginning of an attempted US-British political assassination. Assange sits in the maximum-security Belmarsh Prison, dubbed the UKs Guantanamo Bay, as the coronavirus pandemic sweeps through the facility.

In a phone call to his friend Vaughan Smith on Thursday night, Assange said he is held in his cell 23-and-a-half hours a day. His half hour of exercise is in a yard crowded with other prisoners. At least 150 prison staff members have either been infected with COVID-19 or are self-isolating. Assange revealed that there have been more deaths of inmates than the one admitted by prison authorities. He said the virus was ripping through the prison.

The WikiLeaks founder has been denied bail, despite the fact that he is on remand and is imperilled by the virus as a result of his raft of serious medical problems. Magistrate Vanessa Baraitser has even decreed that his extradition show-trial will proceed in May, despite a national lockdown, mass coronavirus deaths and Assanges inability to consult with his lawyers.

This lawless treatment, which recalls the actions of the fascist regimes of the 20th century, and Assanges arrest, are the culmination of a years-long campaign to destroy the WikiLeaks publisher, spearheaded by the US and supported by all its allies.

As early as 2008, the US military had prepared a secret report detailing the means that could be used to suppress Assange and WikiLeaks.

The WikiLeaks 2010 publications, for which Assange has now been chargedincluding the Collateral Murder video, the US armys Iraq and Afghan war logs, and hundreds of thousands of damning American diplomatic cableshad been greeted with declarations by senior US political figures that Assange was a cyber-terrorist who needed to be taken out.

The Obama administration impanelled a secret Grand Jury with the aim of concocting Espionage Act charges against Assange and his colleagues. Members of Obamas administration, including Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, publicly called on US allies to initiate criminal proceedings against Assange.

That appeal was answered by the Swedish state and judiciary, which had already collaborated in the US Central Intelligence Agencys illegal war on terrorism program of extraordinary renditions. Swedish police and prosecutors fabricated sexual misconduct allegations against Assange.

One of the complainants was a prominent figure in the countrys US-aligned social-democratic party. Her lawyer, Claes Borgstrom, who successfully appealed the finding of the initial prosecutor that Assange had no case to answer, had been a senior official in previous Swedish governments with close ties to the US.

Contrary to all legal precedent and to domestic and international legal norms, successive British courts decreed that Assange be extradited to Sweden at the request of a prosecutor, not a judge, merely to answer questions. It was never explained why this questioning could not take place in London. The Swedish authorities refused to guarantee that they would not dispatch Assange to the US for prosecution over his publishing activities.

Under these conditions, Assange sought asylum in Ecuadors London embassy on June 19, 2012. Police besieged the embassy and successive British governments declared that Assange would be arrested if he set foot outside. His status as a political refugee, however, was repeatedly upheld by the United Nations and he was able to continue his work.

The US campaign against WikiLeaks intensified in 2016, when it published evidence of Hillary Clintons pledges of loyalty to Wall Street and of the Democratic National Committees illegal subversion of the primary campaign of Bernie Sanders.

The US operation was ramped up still more in early 2017, when WikiLeaks exposed the hacking and cyberwar operations of the CIA. Then CIA director and current Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared WikiLeaks a non-state hostile intelligence service and Assange a demon. Ecuadorean President Correa, who granted Assange asylum in 2012, was replaced by Lenin Moreno in May 2017.

Illegal spying operations against Assange were escalated inside the embassy, including by the CIA. The US put immense pressure on Ecuador to rescind Assanges asylum. In March 2018, Ecuadors government responded by severing Assanges internet access, banning him from receiving visitors and transforming the embassy into a de facto prison, before expelling him from the building a year later.

Assanges expulsion was an historic crime, carried out in defiance of the internationally-enshrined right to political asylum. It was the high point of an ongoing campaign to censor the internet and alternative viewpoints being conducted by governments around the world, amid an upsurge of the class struggle and immense social opposition. It marked a turning point in a protracted assault on press freedom and freedom of speech.

As the US National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden wrote at the time: Images of Ecuadors ambassador inviting the UKs secret police into the embassy to drag a publisher oflike it or notaward-winning journalism out of the building are going to end up in the history books. Assanges critics may cheer, but this is a dark moment for press freedom.

The experiences of the past year have proven that Assanges freedom and the defence of democratic rights cannot be taken forward through appeals to, or support for, any section of the capitalist political, media or state establishment.

The British courts have subjected him to one abuse after another. The corporate media, which has slandered Assange for the best part of a decade, now pretends that he does not exist.

Jeremy Corbyn, the former leader of the British Labour Party, was held up as the initiator of a new socialist revival. As part of his continuous capitulations to the right-wing of his own party, Corbyn refused to mount any campaign in defence of Assange and promoted the Swedish frame-up. Corbyn has departed the scene, handing the Labour leadership to Keir Starmer, who as head of the British Crown Prosecution Service, played a central role in the international political conspiracy against Assange.

In the US, Bernie Sanders, who claimed to be waging a political revolution inside the Democratic Party, refused to say a word about Assange. He has all but endorsed Joe Biden as the Democrats presidential candidate. Biden was vice president in the Obama administration which initiated the US pursuit of Assange.

In Australia, all the official parties, including Labor and the Greens, have refused to defend Assange, despite the fact that he is a persecuted Australian citizen and journalist. This is in keeping with the role of every Australian government, and the entire establishment, since 2010 in supporting the US-led vendetta against the WikiLeaks publisher.

It is clear that the fight for Assanges freedom must be waged by the international working class, the only social force capable of mounting a struggle for the defence of all social and democratic rights.

Over the past two years, the WSWS, the International Committee of the Fourth International, and its sections, the Socialist Equality Parties around the world, have waged an unyielding campaign to defend Assange and to secure his freedom. Amid the imminent dangers to his life, we will intensify this fight over the coming months, and urge all workers, young people and defenders of civil liberties to take part.
Good Morning, welcome to Information Nigerias Newspaper headlines for today, 11th April 2020.

Here are the major headlines.

COVID-19: Why We Lifted Ban On Religious Gatherings  Masari

Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari says the suspension on jummat prayers and church services across the state was lifted because of reports reaching the government on planned protests by residents of the state.

Bauchi Governor Attends Jummaat Prayer After Coronavirus Recovery

Few hours after leaving isolation centre, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Friday, attended Jummaat prayers.

No Fund Were Lost In Fire Incident Of Account Generals Office  Minister

The Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planninghas released an official statement in response to claims that money was lost in the recent fire outbreak at the office of the Accountant General of Nigeria in Abuja.

No Decision On Two Months Free Electricity  Power Minister

The office of the minister for power has come out to emphatically state that no decision has been made yet concerning providing Nigerians with two months of free electricity supply during the period of lockdown.

It Is Wrong To Relax Lockdown Over Religion  Peter Obi

Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has expressed that it is wrong to relax lockdown because of religious worship. Obi stated this while speaking on Arise Television on Friday.

I Never Knew Nigerias Healthcare System Was This Bad  SGF

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, has decried the poor state of Nigerias healthcare infrastructure.

Presidency Knocks NASS, Says Poor Nigerians Dont Need Internet, BVN To Access CCT

Barely 24 hours after the leadership of the National Assembly expressed displeasure at the manner in which the federal government handled the conditional cash transfer scheme, the presidency has fired back, stating that poor Nigerians are not people who can access the internet or have bank verification number (BVN).

FG Frees 2,600 Inmates Over Coronavirus

The minister for interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has announced that the federal government would set at least 2,600 inmates free as a preventive measure against the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Yahaya Bello Lifts Ban On Religious Gatherings In Kogi State

Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello has lifted the social distancing order imposed on religious congregations in mosques and churches across the state.

Coronavirus: NCDC Denies Spending N1bn On SMS

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has denied rumours that it spent N1 billion on SMS to Nigerians as the country battles Coronavirus
The Association of Women in the Media (ASWIM) and Hope for Future Generations (HFFG), a non-governmental organization, have advised market women at the Agbogboloshie Market to practice social distancing and good hygiene to curtail the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.



Mrs Mavis Kitcher, President of AWSIM, urged the market women to embark on regular handwashing and the use of sanitizers.



Speaking at a public education jointly held by ASWIM, HFFG and Information Service Department (ISD) at the Agbogboloshie Market in Accra, Mrs Kitcher said the pandemic was no respecter of persons, hence the need for them to ensure all protocols spelt out by the Ghana Health Services.



She said the pandemic spreads very fast and if they turn deaf ears on the good sanitation practices it could claim many lives.



Mrs Kitcher said if one contracts the virus, they could infect their family with them, hence the need to adhere to good sanitation practices at the market and their respective homes.



She said as and when ASWIM secures more hand sanitizers, the association would make them available to the traders.



Mr Kofi Effah, Communication Officer of HFFG, said they were elated to have joined ASWIM to embark on the public education on COVID- 19 pandemic.



Mr Effah said HFFG has distributed over 3,000 pieces of hand sanitizers to various organizations and social groups countrywide.



Madam Hannah Naa Borkai Addy, Market Queen of Agbogboloshie Market, commended ASWIM, HFFG and ISD for educating them on the pandemic.



Madam Addy pleaded with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA to assist the market to drive all traders to ply their trade in the main market.



She said trader who fails to adhere to social distancing and good sanitation practices would be asked to leave the market.



Nana Oguamena I, leader of the Vegetable Sellers Association at the Agbogboloshie Market, said he would ensure that all protocols initiated to fight the spread fight COVID-19 would strictly be adhered to.



Mr Effah later presented 270 pieces of hand sanitizers to Mrs Kitcher to be presented to Madam Addy to support the fight against COVID-19.

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.

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Mariah Carey has long been known for her out-of-this-world vocal talent, frequently stunning her fans with her 'whistle notes.'

But the five-time Grammy winner is also flexing her culinary skills as she quarantines amid the growing coronavirus pandemic.

She took to social media Saturday to wish her boyfriend Bryan Tanaka a happy 37th birthday, complete with a homemade birthday cake prepared by the Emancipation of Mimi artist.

Baked with love: Mariah Carey took to social media Saturday to wish her boyfriend Bryan Tanaka a happy 37th birthday, complete with a homemade birthday cake

The 50-year-old posted a photo to her Instagram story of herself in pajamas with the finished cake, writing: 'Making a surprise cake... trying at least Lolololol'

She also posted a sweet selfie with the choreographer, writing: 'Happy birthday @bryantanaka.'

Carey revealed in 2017 that she was dating her backup dancer, shortly after breaking off her engagement to Australian billionaire James Packer, 52.

In addition to her activities in the kitchen, she's also staying busy with her music during quarantine.

Birthday boy: She also posted a sweet selfie with the choreographer, writing: 'Happy birthday @bryantanaka'

Love story: Carey revealed in 2017 that she was dating her backup dancer, shortly after breaking off her engagement to Australian billionaire James Packer, 52

Working from home: She posted a video Friday from her home studio as she performed her 1993 hit Hero from her third studio album Music Box

She posted a video Friday from her home studio as she performed her 1993 hit Hero from her third studio album Music Box.

The Glitter star said before she started singing: 'I'm just doing my best to try and celebrate with you this Easter, this Holy Week.'

She added: 'I want to take time to acknowledge and honor the sacrifices of those who work every day, taking care of their communities in this time of need and uncertainty.'

Carey will give another performance this weekend, as she joins Joel Osteen, Tyler Perry and more for the Lakewood Church virtual Easter Sunday service.

The event was also set to include Kanye West, who dropped out last minute for the safety of his Sunday Service choir.
While countries effected by the coronavirus pandemic have used lockdown as a measure to contain the spread of the disease, Sweden's approach has been different.

Rather than imposing restrictions in the country, the Swedish government has relied on its people taking responsibility themselves to stem the spread of coronavirus. As a result, restaurants and bars are open in the Nordic country, playgrounds and schools too.

AFP

The country's government has though come under severe criticism for not enforcing lockdown with US President Donald Trump saying "Sweden did that, the herd, they call it the herd. Sweden's suffering very, very badly."



But the Swedish government is confident its policy can work. Foreign Minister Ann Linde told Swedish TV on Wednesday that Trump was "factually wrong" to suggest that Sweden was following the "herd immunity" theory - of letting enough people catch the virus while protecting the vulnerable, meaning a country's population builds up immunity against the disease.

AFP

The reason to rely on voluntary actions to contain the virus has yielded limited success though. As of April 9, Sweden has 9,141 cases of the Covid-19 virus and 793 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University figures.



And deaths are spiking: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday were the three days with the highest death toll so far, peak at 114 deaths.

AFP

Sweden's "curve" - the rate of infections and deaths caused by coronavirus is certainly steeper than that of many other European countries with stricter measures. A study by Imperial College London estimated that 3.1% of the Swedish population was infected as of last month, compared to 0.41% in Norway and 2.5% in the UK.



It is still to early to call, but by next month it will be more clearer whether the Swedish system got it right.
Adam Driver and stunt-coordinator Eunice Huthart on the set of 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker'. (Credit: Lucasfilm/Disney)

Eunice Huthart has revealed she struggled to keep secrets on the set of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker  as one of the few people to have read the entire script.

The 53-year-old Brit  who got her start as a contestant-turned-Gladiator on Gladiators  said she found it exhausting to keep track of the many secrets she had to maintain.

As stunt co-ordinator, Huthart was granted access to the entire script and worked closely with director J.J. Abrams throughout the production.

Read more: Behind the scenes of the Leia Jedi scene

Huthart said she was one of the few people on the closed set for Harrison Fords  code-named The Pilot  cameo and struggled to remember to refer to Palpatine by his code name of 13.

She added: There are so many people on that film who will go and watch it and then it will all come together because, at the time of making it, they wouldnt have known what they were making.

John Boyega is Finn, Daisy Ridley is Rey, Anthony Daniels is C-3PO and Oscar Isaac is Poe Dameron in this still from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. (2019 Lucasfilm Ltd. & , All Rights Reserved.)

Its probably the film Ive made where the least people had read the script.

It was hard for me actually because sometimes I didnt know what other people knew.

Some people were getting doctored parts so they thought they knew what was happening, but that wasnt the case. Id be looking at them like do you really know?.

Read more: VFX secrets from The Rise of Skywalker

Huthart has worked on major franchises including James Bond and Harry Potter, but described Star Wars as the most rewarding job of her career and said she wasnt surprised by the divisive response to The Rise of Skywalker.

She said: Were now fed so much visual effects stuff and the bar is set so high now to come up with something unique and different that the audience is going to like, I dont think youll ever please everybody. I dont think thats possible.

Read the full interview with Eunice Huthart in which she shares more Star Wars secrets, discusses her career on Gladiators and reveals her close bond with Angelina Jolie...

Yahoo Movies UK: In your career in the stunt world, youve worked on so many huge franchise. But is there something extra special about Star Wars?

Story continues

Eunice Huthart: When I was a kid, it was films like Tarzan and Star Wars and Indiana Jones and King Kong even. These were the films I fell in love with. Me and my mates would be in the street, picking up sticks and practising fights and pretending to be the characters. Wed live the scenes wed just seen in the cinema or on TV.

For me, its part of my childhood so by far, of the franchise Ive worked for, this is the most rewarding.

Was there a particular moment on this film that youd consider to be a highlight?

It was when Chewbacca first walked on set. It blew my mind. I had a smile on my face all day. And also, we had one day shooting with Harrison Ford. I was being his safety. I didnt have to be. I could have put one of the guys in but, for me, I had to do it.

Read more: Harrison Ford doesnt know what a Force Ghost is

I was standing next to him all the time while he wasnt actually filming on camera. We had him at such a high set piece. It was amazing. He just chit-chatted and told me old stories about the early filming years and Indiana Jones and everything. It was absolutely amazing.

And how secretive was his involvement?

There wasnt many people We did a closed set and, because we were shooting outside, we put giant green screens up so nobody riding their bike nearby could get a sneaky picture. Only those who had to be there were there. I had to be there because we had him on a safety wire and a couple of the actors knew, but not many. There was a sort of circle of trust, lets say.

Harrison Ford arrives for the Premiere Of Disney's "Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker" on December 16, 2019. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)

And whats that like, having to keep secrets from so many people?

Im useless, I have to say. Im the worst. We had code names for some of the big, top secret characters, like Palpatine. His code name was 13. Id be on set with J.J. and Id go oh J.J. I had this idea for if Palpatine does this and itd go dead silent around me and everyone would look at me because I was supposed to say 13.

I was the worlds worst at it. I think they stopped telling me stuff for that reason, if Im honest.

Were there any other fun code names? Did Harrison Ford have one?

He did. Im rubbish at remembering them though. I couldnt even remember them when we were filming. [Huthart later emails to tell me that Fords code name was The Pilot]

One of them was that the spaceship that Chewbacca got captured in was called The White Van. Someone said to me Eunice, the White Vans on the backlot if you want to go and have a look and I was like why do I want to go and see a white van?. So I was walking around the backlot looking for a white van. It got really crazy with the code names.

(Left to right) Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo), BB-8, D-O, Rey (Daisy Ridley), Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) and Finn (John Boyega) in STAR WARS: EPISODE IX

One of the big things in this new Star Wars trilogy  especially for J.J.  is that, as much as these are big CGI spectaculars, they also like to do extensive practical effects on set. How much of that stuff were you able to be involved in?

Well, everything I did was for real. It was brilliant. For me, its one of the most real films that Ive ever done. Nothing was CG, but anything that was enhanced like the creatures, we had life-size, puppet creatures for actors to interact with. Even when it was something that was super-imposed on a CG environment, it was still for real when we were shooting it.

Read more: Liam Neeson is not keen on green screen

It was great because we just got to play a lot more and we got to do stuff for real. The stuntmen were delighted because we were doing that many real gags with people. It was really exciting.

We spoke about keeping secrets. We hear a lot about people only getting certain pages of the script on these movies. How much of the wider story were you allowed to know?

I knew everything. I had to because we had to be setting the action beats towards it and the arc of the characters was really important. So I did know everything.

It was quite exhausting because they would only let certain people read the script. There are so many people on that film who will go and watch it and then it will all come together because, at the time of making it, they wouldnt have known what they were making. Its probably the film Ive made where the least people had read the script.

So it was exhausting. Sometimes Id be talking to somebody and then Id have to consider what I was saying because they werent to know what that would lead on to. It was hard for me actually because sometimes I didnt know what other people knew. Some people were getting doctored parts so they thought they knew what was happening, but that wasnt the case. Id be looking at them like do you really know?. It was really weird.

Eunice Huthart. (Credit: Disney/Lucasfilm)

It sounds like a totally unique experience. There have been lots of reports about it being at times quite a difficult and chaotic set. What was your experience in that respect?

Were so well-rehearsed in the stunts because I have such a fantastic stunt team. The only time I felt added pressure was when we were in Jordan. We had such a set timescale to get exactly what we wanted. We couldnt afford a curveball or a late start or anything. And we were always chasing the light.

I remember feeling a little bit of pressure in Jordan, but that was the only time. The rest of it, I felt like we were very well-rehearsed. When we were performing all the stunts and the fight scenes, the actors were well-rehearsed and the stuntmen were too, so it was okay and I didnt really feel the pressure.

Read more: Easter eggs and cameos in The Rise of Skywalker

Were there any scenes you were part of and were particularly proud of that ended up on the cutting room floor?

One of my favourite scenes, funnily enough. I was obsessing that when we really see Kylo Ren for the first time, hes like a machine. We always had a scene where he was going to fight these aliens and the environment kept chopping and changing. But we finally settled on this environment and Adam Driver worked so hard. I think it was good for him to do it.

We shot for three days on a fight that should be maybe 50 seconds in the movie, but unfortunately its only 10-15 seconds. I think it was just because of time and they just have to consider whats more story-related. But Im hoping that fight will be in the directors cut.

Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) in STAR WARS: EPISODE IX

When the movie came out, I think its fair to say the response was quite divided. Was that something that you guys were ready for and expecting?

Its hard really. I think that, because were now fed so much visual effects stuff and the bar is set so high now to come up with something unique and different that the audience is going to like, I dont think youll ever please everybody. I dont think thats possible.

So for me, it was important just to honour the Star Wars fans. I just wanted to hold the integrity of the characters and to make the fight scenes as exciting as possible. My favourite of all of the Star Wars films is Empire Strikes Back. Thats my favourite, and it still is now. I dont think you can ever please anybody now.

Its like Mission: Impossible. Youll please the action guys because they love it, but you dont believe any of it because its so far-fetched and not one bullet will hit him. I admire Tom Cruise a lot, but I dont like the Mission films because Im not attached to the character at all in any way. It was important for me in Star Wars that we cared about our characters. We had seen the vulnerability of Kylo Ren and we cared about Rey. As long as people took that from it, Im happy.

Read more: Did George Lucas cut the best prequels lightsaber fight?

I wanted to talk a little about your story. When you first appeared as a contestant on Gladiators, did you ever dare to believe you might one day be on the set of a Star Wars movie?

No way. I am very competitive and, when I went on that show, my state of mind was just to win the competition. To me, I wasnt on a show. I was in a competition. I think that probably benefited me. I did clown around in front of the cameras at the right time but, when I was in an event, I was competing and that was it.

If someone had said to me make sure you do well in this show because its going to lead to this, I think the pressure wouldve made me attack it differently and I probably wouldnt have done so well. So Im glad I wasnt aware of what doors it was going to open for me.

Suzanne Cox (L) and Eunice Huthart (R) poses with Saracen after joining 'Gladiators'. (Photo by Fiona Hanson/PA Images via Getty Images)

And what was it like to be invited back to become a Gladiator? Did you have any input on your persona?

I didnt really have any input. I wanted to have an aggressive name and be called Rage with a costume to suit that. But no, they called me Blaze. Unfortunately, I only did live events as a Gladiator and the audience just kept chanting Eunice all the time so the producers decided it might not have been a good option anyway.

Obviously, from there, you got involved with James Bond in GoldenEye. What was it like to make that jump to being on a major movie set?

I wouldnt have said I was overwhelmed by it, but I would say it was definitely surreal. What broke a lot of barriers down for me was that, when I went along for the audition, the stunt co-ordinator Simon Crane took me off to meet Martin Campbell, the director. He was so lovely and Id never met a character like him. He ran over to hug me and I clenched my fists thinking he was gonna hit me. Honestly, it was so weird.

Then, straight away, they took me to meet Pierce [Brosnan] because I was going to do a lot of my fights with him. I went and met him and he said: Oh my God, Ive just been watching you on the television on Saturday night with my son. Then it became even more strange because I was standing in front of Pierce and he was asking me for my autograph so he could show his kid. It was just weird. How can you do that? Id gone from flipping burgers in McDonalds in Liverpool and now Pierce Brosnan was asking for my autograph. Its mental.

Pierce Brosnan as James Bond in 'GoldenEye'. (Credit: MGM)

I wanted to ask about the importance of Angelina Jolie to your career also. How significant has that relationship been for you?

It was great. With diversity now, they are making more women into leads but, if you still look at the ratio, there might be one women to every six male leads. Wonder Woman is probably one of the most effective films at creating roles for women.

But for me, when I did Tomb Raider, because the lead woman did all the action, I just got to showcase what I could do as a stunt performer. You dont get many occasions as a woman to actually showcase what youre capable of because the men tend to do it all  the James Bonds, the Batmans, the Supermans. It was an opportunity for me to showcase my physical ability and they got me more work.

Read more: Kathleen Kennedy says a woman will direct Star Wars soon

Intertwined with that, Angie loved the way I would respect her character. She went on to do a lot of action films, which again helped me develop in understanding where cameras go. I think for about six years I saw more of Angelina than I did of my own husband because we were working back to back movies together.

It was very influential. I probably would never be where I am now without the knowledge and the learning arc I gained throughout all of those movies. Were great friends as well. All of her kids are Liverpool fans and thats whats more important.

Angelina Jolie in 'Lara Croft: Tomb Raider'. (Credit: Paramount)

Just before you go, is there anything left in your career you really want to achieve?

Id love to do a Tarzan film. Id love to do a dinosaur film like one of the Jurassic World films, and Id love to do a King Kong film. I think I just want to tick boxes of the ones that are dear to me because theyre the films I fell in love with as a kid. I literally used to stay underwater as long as I could because Tarzan could swim for ages underwater. I think those films because it feels like Im paying homage to my childhood.

Then theres the great directors Id love to work with  the Scorseses of the world  just to see how they work and their creativity. Im not finished yet. Theres no way Im finished.

From flipping burgers in Liverpool to fighting dinosaurs, it sounds good to me!

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker arrives 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.
Politicians and diplomats, get your priorities right View(s):

In terror filled months which stretch endlessly into each other, the covid-19 pandemic has seen thousands die, obliterated assumptions of functional First World health systems, stamped incredible images of shoppers fighting over toilet paper in Australia and the United States on our unwilling retinas and led to the best as well as the worst of humanity on display.

It is almost as if all our favorite extinction-event movie blockbusters were stupendously combined into one long, persistent nightmare from which the world just does not seem to be able to wake.

Tilting at windmills of criticism

So if ever there was a time to put petty differences aside, that would be now. Yet, on the national stage as well as internationally, the contrary is true. Did a China-centric policy on the part of WHO delay crucial warnings of human-to-human transmission of the virus with the declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern coming as late as 30th January 2020? The jury is (definitively) out on that question. But as the WHO and US President Donald Trump trade barbs on that score, global statistics of the dead and dying increase by the hour.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankans face constraints on freedoms of speech, expression and information from many quarters. Recently, the acting Inspector General of Police announced to the consternation of many, that those who criticise public officials will be arrested. He was grievously wrong on both the law and civilised democratic practice. Now, to add insult to palpable injury, top-lofty Chinese officials in Colombos mission are tilting at windmills in regard to perfectly harmless publications from this newspaper group, including one report which had informed that a Sri Lankan consumer group was deliberating filing legal action against China for negligence

The missions baffling response splattered over online media and replete with copious colloquialisms including one laughter inducing reference to the American lawyer who had filed a law suit against China for negligence as a Reagan-era pettifogger, scarcely befitted a diplomatic response. It was more diplo-muttic as it were. Indeed, it looked curiously as if parts were written by a typical propagandist while other parts seem scribbled by an angry teenager. This was far from a sober refutation by a diplomatic mission if facts had been misrepresented.

Chinas counterproductive defensiveness

Chinas defensiveness does not help its cause. It may legitimately protest that references to the Wuhan virus smacks of racist branding. However state policies encouraging animal wet marketswhich form ideal breeding grounds for viruses to thrive, cannot be just brushed away. There are far more credible grounds to source this virus, as well as other recent companion viruses, to the appalling killings of exotic animals for the rich and wealthy. Conspiracy theories of a virus grown in a lab and disseminated deliberately in Wuhan are simply too much to swallow.

So also is masking the dreadful truth of the scale, significence and the human-to-human spread reported by doctors in that city, who were then stigmatized long before after China reported coronavirus as a pneumonia of unknown cause to the WHO in late December 2019. The sooner diplomats manning local missions recognise the justifiable anger of populations who feel that the Chinese political establishent did not inform the world early enough regarding the human-to-human spread of the coronavirus, the better.

Meanwhile as we endure close upon a month of lockdown with high risk Districts under continuous curfew amidst the steady increase of covid-19 infected numbers, political games played by both the Government and the Opposition do not augur well for the citizenry.While the Rajapaksa-led administration seems set in stone in refusing to reconvene Parliament, (or at least a representative gathering of the House), the Opposition in turn, seems equally determined to postpone parliamentary polls till 2021. It is obvious that the poll cannot be held within the next few months. But do we really need to stress on 2021 at this point? Is this not a matter best left for deliberation when there is a more of a handle on what exactly the nation is facing, rather than this dreadful uncertainty that prevails?

The stark, hard truth of people starving

Leaving aside elections and whatnot, there is a stark, hard truth staring at us right now. Food scarcity has become a creature of the present, rather than the hypothetical gonibilla (malevolent ghost) with which Sri Lankan parents used to scare stubborn children. Local politicians handing out the odd basket of essential supplies to pitifully grateful recipients will not suffice. Increasing numbers of not just the poor but the middle classes just do not have money to buy food even if vegetable trucks come to their neighbourhood.

And this is where, as Sri Lankas Election Commission warned, food distribution must be depoliticised. As main economic centres which the essential chain links in the supply of vegetables were shut down this week, we were informed that a new mechanism has been devised to distribute vegetables. But allegations abound that these processes are controlled by political supporters of the Rajapaksa-led Podujana Party and that curfew passes are given only to the favored.

And rolling back an earlier absurd rule that medicine can only be obtained through prescriptions whatsapped to elusive phone numbers, pharmacies remained open this week allowing anxious people to get their medical supplies, albeit after hours of waiting in line. Absent a proper system in place to get basic supplies and medicine to the desperately needed, curfew violators numbered nineteen thousand in police custody by Thursday. How, by the way, is social distancing rules are practiced in cramped and foul police cells?

These are paramount issues that must be resolved through an allparty consensus, not silly meetings of waffling politicians which disperses with everyone saying contradictory things. As the WHO Secretary General warned Americas President a few days ago, the coronavirus should not be politicisedlest you want body bags to increase.

On this at least, he was right.
N95 masks wait for deployment at the Anne Arundel County Fire Department supply depot in Glen Burnie, Md., on April 9, 2020. (Alex Edelman/AFP /via Getty Images)

3M Sues Over Another Companys Marked-Up Offer to New York City of N95 Masks

3M, the largest maker of N95 PPE masks in the country, has sued another company for offering to sell New York City overpriced N95 masks for $45 million.

3M claims the company, New Jersey-based Performance Supply, wasnt authorized to distribute the masks and had attempted to inflate their price by more than 500 percent in New York.

Performance Supply had offered them to the city on March 30when the number of CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus cases had skyrocketed, and hospitals struggled to give their workers protective equipment. The price: more than $6 a mask, according to the lawsuit. 3M sells them at a list price of just over $1.

A worker producing protective masks at a factory in Handan city, Hebei province, China on Feb. 28, 2020. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

3M called Performance Supplys offer to New York extreme price-gouging, according to the lawsuit filed in the federal court in Manhattan on April 10.

Though the case reads like a standard trademark and false advertising case, it highlights allegations of widespread price gouging popping up everywhere since the national emergency began. The companys legal action dovetails with pushes from federal authorities and state governments to crack down on price gouging and other alleged fraud during the CCP virus pandemic.

Performance Supply has not yet responded to the allegations in court.

3M has not increased the prices that it charges for 3M respirators as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Unfortunately, any number of wrongdoers seek to exploit the current public health emergency and prey on innocent parties through a variety of scams involving 3M N95 respirators and other products in high demand, 3M wrote in the complaint.

A member of the medical staff listens as Montefiore Medical Center nurses call for N95 masks and other critical PPE to handle the COVID-19 disease pandemic in New York on April 1, 2020. (Bryan R. Smith / AFP via Getty Images)

Unsavory characters continue their quests to take advantage of healthcare workers, first responders, and others in a time of need and trading off the fame of the 3M brand and marks. [The] Defendant is a prime example of this unlawful behavior.

If the company wins damages in the lawsuit, 3M said it would donate them to charities working on COVID-19 relief, the complaint said.

In the lawsuit, 3M said it has supplied health care workers with 10 million N95 masks in the last week of March and is planning on being able to make 1.1 billion masks a year.

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.

Epoch Times staff contributed to this report.
Shuttered bars, cancelled concerts and no sporting matches: European beer brewers large and small are bracing for a catastrophic summer as demand dries up during the lockdowns imposed to curtail the coronavirus outbreak. "When it's nice out, that's when you sell beer," said Maxime Costilhes, head of the French brewers' association, noting that many have little money left in the bank to cushion the blow after building up stocks over the winter. France may be known for its wine, but beer sales had been soaring in recent years, spurred on in part by the craft brewing trend imported from the United States. Even Europe's dominant brewers are facing big hits from the absence of restaurant and bar sales, and the wave of scotched summer festivals, concert series and other events in the coming months. "The impact is expected to worsen in the second quarter," said Dutch giant Heineken, which already forecasts a two-percent drop by volume for the first three months of this year among its 165 breweries in some 70 countries. Germany's biggest brewer Radeberger, famed for its crisp pilsner, warned that supermarket purchases by people cooped up at home would not come close to compensating for the evaporation of bulk orders from professionals. "We're assuming that the situation won't show any real improvement in the coming weeks," a spokeswoman told AFP. German officials are even considering calling off the biggest beer celebration of all, Munich's annual Oktoberfest, which attracts millions of people from around the world. Clemens Baumgartner, the party's organiser, said a decision would be made by June on whether to open as planned this year on September 19. - 'Disaster' - For Bruno Torres, who founded his microbrewery La Baleine in a gritty corner of northeast Paris a few years ago, the coronavirus crisis is nothing short of a "disaster". His stainless steel fermenting vats, which normally produce around 560 hectolitres (near 15,000 US gallons) a year, have been sitting empty, and nobody is buying his bottles or kegs. "Even some smaller supermarkets don't want to open because of the health scare," Torres said. Overall, French beer sales are expected to be flat for the year as a whole, Costilhes said, after years of rapid growth. "We had the equivalent of 7,750 full-time jobs as of January 1, an increase of nine percent on the year, so nearly 700 more jobs compared to 2019. But that was before all this," he said. He did not want to speculate on how many brewers might be facing bankruptcy, but "notwithstanding what some have said, it's not certain that alcohol consumption is going up during the lockdown." Jacques Lebel, France director for the industry behemoth AB InBev, agreed that "beer wasn't among the products that benefited from any stockpiling effect in France during the first weeks" of the lockdown. "Beer has been impacted less than other alcoholic beverages, but we were growing at a very slow rate compared to what we had seen in previous years," he told AFP. According to consulting firm Nielsen, French beer sales rose seven percent year-on-year during the first two weeks of the lockdown that began on March 15, bucking an overall drop of 3.4 percent for alcohol sales. "If this is over by the end of April, it'll be OK, but if not, it's going to get very hard," Torres said. - 'On the brink' - German beermakers are also warning of mass layoffs as many firms "are on the brink of failure," said Holger Eichele, president of the country's brewing federation. "Sales to the food sector are essential for most brewers. For some, they account for 90 percent of their revenue. And that has now completely disappeared," he told AFP. In the last week of March, German beer sales were down 9.4 percent on the year, the federation's spokesman Marc-Oliver Huhnholz said. "It's because consumers are increasingly buying less, and the fact that a lot of occasions for celebrating with friends or family have disappeared," he said. Exports are also sinking -- Italy and China, which are among the countries hardest hit by COVID-19 outbreaks, are Germany's biggest foreign markets, consuming 3.4 million and 1.8 million hectolitres respectively last year. Foreign beer sales were down a whopping 58 percent in early April, the federation said. Some German brewers are even urging clients to buy non-alcoholic beers, such as the family-owned Bavarian firm Volkach. "We're giving our alcohol to hospitals and pharmacies in the region" so that it can be used to make sanitising hand gel, Volkach's Caroline Dull told a local radio station.
What do a bunch of teenagers do when schools are closed and exams are postponed amid a fast-spreading contagious pandemic that has taken the entire world in its sway? Instead of just spending leisure time on social media or OTT platforms, they come up with a prototype of a robot that can reduce the contact of healthy persons or health care personnel with the infected people; more so when the number of health care professionals, catching Covid-19 from patients, is rising day after day.

Consider these: On April 7, two Mumbai hospitals were cordoned off. While 26 nurses and ...
A group of unlikely guests paid a visit to the Embassy of the United States, New Delhi during the lockdown. However, their appearance was much appreciated, especially by United States Ambassador to India Kenneth I. Juster.

This tweet was posted on Justers official Twitter account, accompanied by text that reads, Despite the lockdown, two unexpected visitors showed up at #RooseveltHouse. Please continue to stay safe and healthy during the #COVID19 crisis! #IndiaFightsCorona.

It shows four pictures of two peacocks frolicking around at the Roosevelt House, the Ambassadors residence. The Internet has recently been filled with pictures and videos of wildlife gracing spaces that which now are empty as people are confined indoors. This is similarly an excellent example of how one can find beauty and focus on the silver lining during even the most trying times.

The tweet currently has over 200 retweets and almost 2,500 comments.

Despite the lockdown, two unexpected visitors showed up at #RooseveltHouse. Please continue to stay safe and healthy during the #COVID19 crisis! #IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/koJTlrp0Oi  Ken Juster (@USAmbIndia) April 10, 2020

Here is how tweeple reacted to these pictures of peacocks trying to get their American travel visa. The Ambassador of Thailand to India responded with a video of birds similarly hanging outside and chirping around the Royal Thai Embassy. He jokingly said that they were calling at the Embassy.

And they also called at the Embassy of Myanmar. My wife asks me, why dont we have such peacocks calling at the Thai Embassy. All we have is chatty birds & herds of stray dogs taking over the empty streets at night... pic.twitter.com/cT5ACWybeh  Chutintorn Sam Gongsakdi (@Chutintorn_Sam) April 10, 2020

Try and keep some water and bird feed outside in the lawn area, they will come, said one Twitter user. While another wrote, Peacock is Indias national bird so they visited you to show solidarity between the two nations at this hour of crises. Its beautiful sir, peacock means good luck, read a comment on the thread.

What are your thoughts on these majestic birds giving government officials company while in isolation?
President Donald Trump notified Congress Friday evening that he intends in 30 days to fire the intelligence community inspector general, the official who alerted lawmakers to a whistleblower complaint last September that was at the center of allegations that led to the president's impeachment.

The bombshell move to remove Michael Atkinson comes as the administration is struggling to cope with a coronavirus pandemic that has killed thousands of Americans.

The whistleblower complaint centered on Trump's efforts last summer to pressure the Ukrainian government to undertake investigations of former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter, moves that would undermine a likely rival to Trump in his re-election bid.

Trump informed lawmakers in a letter late Friday night that he was removing Atkinson. "It is vital that I have the fullest confidence in the appointees serving as inspectors general,'' he wrote in the letter, a copy of which was obtained by The Washington Post. "That is no longer the case with regard to this inspector general."

Trump has faulted Atkinson repeatedly for letting the complaint reach Congress and also as enabling what he has called a "hoax" of an impeachment, administration officials said.

He has weighed for months removing Atkinson, whom he picked for the job in late 2017, but has been periodically talked out of it.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the reason for or the timing of the firing.

Trump in recent days has renewed his agitation against the "deep state"-what he perceives as politically-motivated enemies in the ranks of career employees, one administration official said, after a Justice Department inspector general report on FBI errors in more than two dozen national security surveillance applications.

Atkinson, a respected and understated lawyer who served for more than 15 years in the Justice Department, was informed Friday night that Trump intended to fire him and was placed on administrative leave immediately, according to U.S. officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter.

The statute requires that both intelligence committees be notified by the president 30 days before the date of the inspector general's removal. But placing Atkinson on administrative leave effectively sidelines him immediately, the aide said.

Trump's action drew immediate condemnation from senior Democratic lawmakers and intelligence community veterans.

"Whether it's Lt. Col. Vindman, Captain Crozier, or Intelligence Community Inspector General Michael Atkinson: President Trump fires people for telling the truth," Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a statement. "Michael Atkinson is a man of integrity who has served our nation for almost two decades. Being fired for having the courage to speak truth to power makes him a patriot."

Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman was a Ukraine specialist on the White House National Security Council who testified during the House impeachment about monitoring Trump's July 25 telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. It was that call that raised concerns Trump was pressing Zelensky for a political favor. Vindman was removed from his White House post days after Trump was acquitted by the Senate.

Capt. Brett Crozier was the commander of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt who was removed after the leaking of a blunt letter he wrote to his superiors about what he saw as insufficient measures to fight a coronavirus outbreak aboard the vessel.

"In the midst of a national emergency, it is unconscionable that the president is once again attempting to undermine the integrity of the intelligence community by firing yet another intelligence official simply for doing his job," said Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Mark Warner, D-Va. "We should all be deeply disturbed by ongoing attempts to politicize the nation's intelligence agencies."

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., called the move "yet another blatant attempt by the president to gut the independence of the intelligence community and retaliate against those who dare to expose presidential wrongdoing." Said Schiff: "At a time when our country is dealing with a national emergency and needs people in the intelligence community to speak truth to power, the president's dead of night decision puts our country and national security at even greater risk."

Mark Zaid, the attorney who previously represented the whistleblower, who alleged that Trump had solicited Ukraine's interference in the 2020 presidential election, called Atkinson's firing "nothing but a delayed retaliatory action taken against an independent IG for his proper handling of a whistleblower complaint."

Trump's decision to fire Atkinson follows the removal of other senior intelligence community officials, including the acting director of the National Counterterrorism Center, in what several current and former officials have called a "purge" of career, non-partisan leaders.

"This step should come as no surprise given the president's well documented belief that personal loyalty and fealty - rather than professional qualifications and demonstrated integrity - are the principle requirements for service at senior levels in this administration," said Nicholas Rasmussen, a former director of the counterterrorism center.

Atkinson was sworn in as the inspector general in May 2018. He kept a low profile but was thrust into the spotlight after alerting Congress to the existence of the whistleblower complaint. He found the complaint to be both "credible" and "urgent," two criteria under the statute that trigger a requirement that Congress be notified within seven days.

That set off a tussle between the administration and the House Intelligence Committee, which was finally resolved when then-director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire released the complaint to Congress. The following day, the White House released the transcript of the call between Zelensky and Trump.
NORMAL  Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, Advocate Eureka Hospital in Eureka and all Advocate-affiliated sites in Central Illinois are one step closer to being acquired by Urbana-based Carle Health.

Carle Health has filed a certificate of exemption with the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board seeking approval for Central Illinois Advocate sites to join Carle.

The state board staff concluded this week that the certificate of exemption (COE) request was complete, said Jennifer Hendricks Kaufman, director of enterprise communications and health system marketing for The Carle Foundation.

"Under normal conditions, we would expect to receive COE confirmation in the next few weeks," Hendricks Kaufman said Friday. "With potential limitations on state operations during this (COVID-19) time, there may be some delay in receiving that documentation."

"We're awaiting FTC (Federal Trade Commission) approval and pending all necessary regulatory approvals, this transition is currently scheduled for July," she said.

"It's exciting to reach this latest milestone in our transition," said Colleen Kannaday, president of Advocate BroMenn and Advocate Eureka. "Carle is a great fit for our patients, physicians and team members and we continue to build on our strong foundation of successful clinical partnerships throughout this integration process.

"While many of our teams are giving their undivided attention to COVID-19 right now, we are continuing to make great progress towards our goal of a summer transition," Kannaday said.

Under the agreement with current owner Advocate Aurora Health, based in Downers Grove and Milwaukee, Carle would acquire all Advocate facilities in Normal, Eureka, Bloomington and the surrounding area for about $190 million. This includes BroMenn and Eureka hospitals, The Center for Outpatient Medicine and Comfort and Care Suites in Bloomington and medical group offices throughout Central Illinois.

Kannaday said previously that the acquisition also includes joint ventures, such as Advocate BroMenn Health & Fitness Center in Bloomington and the Community Cancer Center in Normal.

Advocate and Carle announced acquisition plans in January after they were approved by the governing boards of both health systems.

Dr. James Leonard, Carle president and CEO, told The Pantagraph then that Carle had no plans for Advocate staff changes. Plans call for Kannaday to remain president at BroMenn and Eureka.

"Our intent is not to make changes in employment," Hendricks Kaufman said Friday.

Advocate has about 2,000 employees in Central Illinois. Carle has about 7,800.

Leonard and Kannaday in January said that both health systems being based in Central Illinois provided growth opportunities for staff, which would benefit patients.

Hospital name changes have not been finalized.

Contact Paul Swiech at 309-820-3275. Follow him on Twitter: @pg_swiech.

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(CNN)  The African community in Guangzhou is on edge after widespread accounts were shared on social media of people being left homeless this week, as China's warnings against imported coronavirus cases stoke anti-foreigner sentiment.

In the southern Chinese city, Africans have been evicted from their homes by landlords and turned away from hotels, despite many claiming to have no recent travel history or known contact with Covid-19 patients.

CNN interviewed more than two dozen Africans living in Guangzhou many of whom told of the same experiences: being left without a home, being subject to random testing for Covid-19, and being quarantined for 14 days in their homes, despite having no symptoms or contact with known patients.

Health authorities in Guangdong province and the Guangzhou Public Security Bureau did not respond to CNN's request for comment.

The move comes amid heightened media coverage of the so-called second wave of coronavirus cases, emanating from infections outside of China. Earlier this week, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged authorities to carefully watch for imported cases from other countries, state news agency Xinhua reported.

But one aspect of the data has received relatively less public attention: on March 26, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Luo Zhaohui said 90% of China's imported cases held Chinese passports.

On Thursday afternoon, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said: "Since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, China and African countries have always supported each other and have always fought against the virus jointly.

"I would like to emphasize that the Chinese government treats all foreigners in China equally, opposes any differentiated practices targeted at specific groups of people, and has zero tolerance for discriminatory words and actions."

Cases spark a backlash

Guangzhou has long had the largest African community in China. Because many Africans in the city have short-term business visas, they travel into China several times a year, making it difficult to calculate the size of the African population the city. But in 2017, approximately 320,000 Africans entered or left China through Guangzhou, according to Xinhua.

African residents say local hostility to their presence is nothing new. But when coronavirus cases emerged in the African community this month it served to amplify existing tensions.

A report on April 4 alleged that a Nigerian national with Covid-19 had attacked a Chinese nurse who tried to stop him leaving an isolation ward at a Guangzhou hospital. The report was shared widely on social media, and local Africans CNN spoke to say a racist backlash against the African community followed.

Then on April 7, Guangzhou authorities said five Nigerians had tested positive for Covid-19.

Fearing a cluster among the African community, Guangzhou authorities upgraded the risk level of Yuexiu and Baiyun, the areas home to the city's two African enclaves, from low to medium, state-owned Global Times reported.

The local government Tuesday reported 111 imported cases of Covid-19 in Guangzhou, with 28 patients from the UK and 18 from the US. But in interviews with CNN, Americans and British nationals in Guangzhou said they had not heard reports of forced testing, home evictions and additional quarantine measures being imposed on members of their communities.

Homeless in Guangzhou

On March 21, Nigerian goods trader Chuk, who did not want to use his full name for fear of government reprisals, flew back to Guangzhou, his home since 2009. With China's coronavirus cases seemingly under control, he wanted to resume his trading business, which had been stymied by the pandemic.

The area around Guangzhou is a manufacturing heartland, where many Africans buy cheap goods to sell back home.

Chuk returned seven days before China closed its borders to most foreign nationals, but upon arrival, he says he was told that he needed to enter government quarantine at a hotel for two weeks.

As a trader, Chuk travels frequently, and is accustomed to staying in hotels during his time in China.

But on Tuesday, Chuk says that when he was released, along with about 15 other Africans, with a clean bill of health, they effectively became homeless.

"We went to the hotel with the certificate, but we were rejected," he said. The group went to the police station to report that hotels were refusing to let Africans stay, but "they refused to talk to us."

The Guangzhou Public Security Bureau, which oversees the police, did not respond to CNN's request for comment about events described by anyone CNN interviewed.

Chuk says he had no choice but to sleep rough for two nights, before finding a friend's couch to crash on. "Rain fell that day and the next and we were all drenched and our belongings soaked," he said.

His story was echoed by others who spoke to CNN.

Earlier this week, images began circulating online of rows of Africans sleeping on the streets of Guangzhou, beside their luggage, having either been evicted from their apartments or been turned away from hotels. Other videos showed police harassing Africans on the street.

On Thursday, CNN called 12 hotels in Guangzhou, wanting to book a room for an African guest, and was informed by 10 that they would not be "accepting foreign guests anymore."

Meanwhile, multiple Africans CNN spoke to reported being abruptly evicted from their homes.

No one had evidence of a government directive asking landlords or hotels to turn away or reject foreigners. Rather, they say, these appeared to be decisions made by private individuals and business owners.

On Wednesday, Nigerian trader Nonso, whose name has been changed to protect his identity due to fear of government reprisals, says he and his girlfriend received a message from their landlord at 7 p.m. on WeChat, a Chinese messaging app, saying they needed to vacate their flat by 8 p.m.. "I told him I can't vacate in one hour," said Nonso, who pays 1,500 yuan ($212) a month for his apartment in the Nanhai, on the outskirts of Guangzhou, and has lived in China for three years.

At 10 p.m. he says his landlord came to the flat and cut off the electricity and water supply.

"I asked them, what did I do? I've paid rent until September with two months' deposit. They didn't give me any reason," he said.

Nonso called the police, who let them remain in the apartment for the night. But in the morning, Nonso says the landlord returned with a different officer, who said he had to leave. Nonso says he has struggled to find a new apartment to rent. "We have contacted a lot of agents none of them are leasing to black foreigners," he said.

Chris Leslie, also from Nigeria, said he was abruptly evicted from his Guangzhou apartment on Thursday, despite not defaulting on his rent and having a valid contract. He had nowhere to sleep that night. "I will just hang out outside," he said. "It is so pathetic. In a country where people don't accept you and they criticize, this is just a bitter humiliation. The most important thing is having somewhere to sleep."

On Thursday, several volunteer groups emerged on WeChat, mostly populated by scores of other foreigners, rallying around the displaced Africans, organizing food, masks and sanitation products for those left wandering the streets of Guangzhou without a bed.

Katie Smith, an American living in Guangzhou with her Moroccan boyfriend, made two deliveries to newly homeless Africans on Thursday. Her name has been changed to protect her identity, as she, too, fears reprisal from local authorities.

"As we drove down the street we saw a lot of Africans walking around," said Smith. "The police came and said they couldn't stay there. They're not letting them gather in groups. So they're just walking up and down the streets with nowhere to go."

Videos filmed by a member of one of the WeChat volunteer groups, seen by CNN, shows police trying to prevent volunteers from helping the Africans.

"As a black person living in China right now it's pretty scary," said one volunteer who didn't want their name to be reported for similar reasons, said via WeChat. "Don't use the African/black community as a scapegoat for the virus."

Imported cases discrimination

The five Nigerians confirmed to have Covid-19 had been to eight restaurants, nine hotels and 12 public places before testing positive, according to the state-run Global Times.

Since then, Africans across Guangdong province have reported being tested in their homes, despite having no recent travel history or contact with a Covid-19 patient.

Maano Gaasite, an international student from Botswana at a Guangzhou university, said that at 3 p.m. on Sunday she received a WeChat message from her course administrator saying she needed to be tested, despite having not left China for over six months.

"It was only when I got there I realized it was only African students. There are other students from India (in my halls of residence, but) they were all not there. Just our small community (of Africans)," she said. The officials took a swab from the back of her throat and said they would call if she had the virus. She never heard back.

As a student, Gaasite says she has no contact with the Nigerian trading community.

Meanwhile, in Shenzhen, a city about 140 kilometers (87 miles) south of Guangzhou, Youssouf, a Senegalese man who did not want to disclose his surname for security reasons, said that at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, the Chinese authorities came to the apartment he shares with his Canadian wife in a compound with many foreign residents.

"They knocked on the door. A guy showed me his phone with my full address, my full name and my country," said Youssouf. He told Youssouf to go to hospital by 5 p.m. to get tested. Youssouf asked if they also wanted to test his Canadian wife. Neither of the couple had left China in the past 12 months.

"They said, 'No we are just testing Africans,'" Youssouf said. Canada has more than 20,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus and is on the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs' list of high-risk countries.

The Shenzhen municipal health commission did not respond to CNN's request for comment.

"African people are not welcome in China. We've been discriminated against repeatedly," he said.

Africans in China have long complained of racism, in the form of Chinese people holding their noses as they walk past, racially offensive adverts on television, and Chinese actors performing in blackface in a nationwide gala.

Earlier this year, when Beijing proposed changes to its immigration laws around permanent residency, a backlash emerged on Chinese social media site Weibo against Africans. Many of the comments have since been removed from the platform.

Africans on lockdown

Smith, the American expat who helped coordinate the food drop, lives in Guangzhou with her Moroccan boyfriend.

In late February, the couple went on holiday to Malaysia. She returned on March 17, and says she was was asked to self-isolate at home for 14 days. He returned on March 25, and says he went into a government quarantine facility, paying 400 yuan ($56) a night at a designated hotel, and emerged on Wednesday after testing negative twice.

On Thursday, health authorities came to the couple's flat and said that Smith's partner, who did not want to be identified in this piece, would have to quarantine at home for 14 days because all Africans in the city were being put on lockdown, Smith says.

Smith says her employer, an international school in Guangzhou, was informed on Thursday that all Africans needed to go into lockdown, as it has several South African employees. CNN has spoken to several other Africans who were visited by authorities on Thursday and told they needed to quarantine at home for 14 days. They say police put alarms on their front doors, which will alert officials if they leave home.

There have been no public statements confirming or refuting the existence of an official policy about these measures.

Smith was told if she chose not to live in the apartment she shares with her African boyfriend, who has twice tested negative for the virus, she would not have to quarantine. "There's resentment in Guangzhou that a lot of Africans are perceived to be here illegally and that they overstay," said Smith. "There's been a push in Guangzhou to get them out. This has been an easy excuse to push this community out."

When the authorities came to Peter Busari's Guangzhou apartment on Wednesday to test him, he filmed the exchange and went live on Facebook. That footage shows officials also asking to see his passport and checking his visa.

Wang Wei, a PhD candidate at the University of Hong Kong, who has been studying the African community in Guangzhou for several years, said testing Africans gave the government a chance to conduct a mass checking of passports, too.

"It threatens the undocumented Africans," he said. "Officially, African foreigners (in Guangzhou) decrease every year but we all know that undocumented Africans still live in this circle doing business underground or through brokers. But because of the pandemic they will become exposed."

Those caught overstaying their visas will be taken into police custody, asked to pay a 10,000 yuan ($1,421) fine and often charged for their airfare back to their home country, said Wang.

Roberto Castillo, an assistant professor at Lingnan University, who has researched the African community in Guangzhou for nearly a decade, says the Yuexiu district where the Nigerian Covid-19 cases were found has "historically been a place where the African community is in more tension with the authorities," and was a troubled site during the Ebola crisis of 2014, when Africans of all nationalities were stopped and checked, regardless of whether they were from affected nations.

In 2009, a riot among Africans was sparked in Yuexiu after a Nigerian man who was rumored to be undocumented was injured jumping from a building to avoid a passport check.

Africans in Guangzhou have been encouraged to leave the city in recent years through a series of immigration policies, economic developments and heightened policing.

Meanwhile, on Thursday reports emerged from Africans in China that the crackdown on Africans is wider than Guangzhou. One Ghanaian family in Beijing, with no recent travel history or contact with Covid-19, reported that police came to their apartment in the early hours of Thursday morning and ordered them to leave. The Ghanaian embassy in Beijing confirmed that two Ghanaian nationals were currently seeking refuge there, but declined to comment. Africans in Chengdu and Fujian province also told CNN they had been visited by community officials.

China-Africa relations

"Why are we being discriminated against like this? Are there no Chinese in Africa?" one African is heard asking a Chinese policemen on the street in Guangzhou, in a video shot on Thursday evening, as many faced another night sleeping rough on the streets of the city.

It is a question that speaks to the implications a crackdown on Africans in China could have on Beijing's bilateral relations with governments on the continent, which they have courted with investments for decades and where anti-Chinese sentiment is already rumbling. About 1 million Chinese are estimated to be living in Africa.

On Twitter, one user noted that Kenya allowed a plane of Chinese nationals to land in Nairobi, at the height of China's crisis, but when the virus reached Africa the same compassion had not been shown in Guangzhou.

On late Thursday night, local time in Abuja, Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama tweeted that he had invited the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Zhou Pingjian to communicate his government's "extreme concern at allegations of maltreatment of Nigerians in Guangzhou."

China has been trying to position itself as a friend to African states, as they battle the virus. Li Mingzhu, an official at the National Health Commission, said earlier this month that China has been sending medical teams to African countries for 57 years and would continue to offer help to African countries to improve their ability in combating the novel coronavirus outbreak.

But not all African nations are satisfied with that.

Ghana's finance minister called on China to ease African countries' debt burden earlier this month, while on March 31, Blessings Ramoba, President of Mining Forum of South Africa, tweeted that the coronavirus had caused the South African economy to lose "billions of rand." "The Chinese govt (sic) must cancel the debt owed by South Africa as a sign of remorse," he said.

Zhao Lijian, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, addressed the matter of debt earlier this week, saying: "I believe China will resolve these countries' difficulties via consultation through diplomatic channels."

Castillo said one reason the Chinese might be cracking down on Africans in Guangzhou is because they don't trust the low numbers being reported by various nations. But to acknowledge that could be diplomatically awkward.

"It's already a PR mess for China," said Castillo. "When they're doing this to foreigners, it's just exacerbating the negativity."

This story was first published on CNN.com "Africans in Guangzhou are on edge, after many are left homeless amid rising xenophobia as China fights a second wave of coronavirus"
No spread of the disease from any new outside cluster, says Chief Secretary

Chennai: A jumbo panel of medical experts have suggested to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Mr. Edappadi K Palaniswami to extend the lockdown, to fight Covid-19, by 15 days beyond April 14. But a final decision will be taken by Palaniswami only after consultations with Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, followed by a cabinet meeting on Saturday.

The medical experts including domain specialists on infectious diseases and from ICMR and government and private sector doctors, at an over three-hour meeting with Mr. Palaniswami is learnt to have clearly told him that Tamil Nadu should consider lifting the lockdown only it was "sure" that the new coronavirus spread has been brought under control; or else, the purpose of the steps taken so far like the lockdown, the Containment Plan (CP) and observing social distance could be defeated, they cautioned.

The Chief Secretary, Dr K Shanmugam, briefing reporters here on Friday evening at the DMS complex, where the State Health Secretary, Dr. Beela Rajesh was also present, did not divulge the details of the above meeting, but said the medical experts general advice was unless the Covid-19 spread was brought under control, the measures taken thus far may go waste.

Dr Shanmugam said, the Chief Minister will take a final call on the lockdown issue after his scheduled video conference with Mr. Modi on Saturday and which is to be followed by a meeting of the State Cabinet here and then announce the final decision.

On the overall situation in the State, he said while the total positive cases for the virus has shot up to 911 by Friday evening, with 77 new positive cases reported today alone, an elderly woman patient died in the coronavirus ward in Thoothukudi government hospital, taking the total virus death toll to nine.

However, he said of the 77 new positive cases today, five of them had a contact history with 'primary persons' who had travelled from abroad, while the remaining 72 had contacts with those five persons.

All these people who have tested positive today were from the group of people either already in government quarantines or who were isolated and under house quarantine under the massive CP that was going on in the State. "So, there is no spread of the virus from any new outside source," he said, to drive home that Tamil Nadu was still in Stage-II of the disease.

Dr. Shanmugam saw this as a ray of hope in Tamil Nadu quickly getting over the situation and bringing the virus spread under total control. The Chief Minister wants to rigourise the CP, to not only test all the family members of any patient testing positive for Covid-19, but also screen all their contacts, and isolate and quarantine those who have symptoms.

Dr Shanmugam expressed the hope that this "aggressive containment plan" should be completed by the next two or three days and once those numbers are known, it will "help us to bring the virus-spread under control soon." The public should continue to cooperate with the State, he added.

Asked about the delay in the Rapid Test Kits (RTK) imported from China, in reaching Chennai, he said the delay by a day or two was due to those imports being sourced through the Central government. But Tamil Nadu was also directly sourcing RTKs', other equipment and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) kits for frontline medical and sanitary staff on its own, that "we are well prepared". Tamil Nadu began readying itself to combat Covid-19 by beginning to source all these equipment from January-end itself when the first breakout from China was reported, he explained.

At the same time, Chief Minister Mr. Palaniswami was focusing on minimizing the economic hardships due to the lockdown with all the cash assistance and free supply of essentials through PDS, he said. The cash dole of Rs. 1,000 was on Thursday extended to cover another 8.50 lakh families including workers of registered fire crackers units, he noted. The needs of the unorganised sector including over three lakh migrant workers from other States, the disabled and the elderly were also taken care of.

GOI MONEY: On financial assistance from the Centre for Covid-19 containment activities, Dr Shanmugam said apart from the Rs. 510 crore initially sanctioned to Tamil Nadu from the SDRF funds, on Friday, the Centre has released another Rs. 314 crore to the State from the National Health Mission (NHM) funds for fighting Covid-19 pandemic. But the State government was also mobilizing resources on its own and spending a lot of money on medical needs and various welfare schemes, he pointed out.
The latest novel coronavirus news from Canada and around the world Saturday (this file will be updated throughout the day). Web links to longer stories if available:

11 p.m.: Scarborough Blues basketball coach Jamal Ali died Friday of COVID-19 at Toronto General Hospital. The 45-year-old Ali reportedly returned from a business trip in England and isolated himself, but became more ill day by day. Reports say he had no prior underlying health issues. Ali leaves behind a 10-year-old son.

8:30 p.m.: The House of Commons approved a massive $73-billion wage subsidy program aimed at helping businesses and workers survive, after parties reached a compromise early Saturday.

The bill to implement what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the most significant economic program since the Second World War was passed by the Commons on division after some six hours of speeches and debate. On division means there was some opposition among the handful of MPs in the chamber but there was no recorded vote. It was not immediately clear who objected.

In the Senate later, it was Conservative Senate leader Don Plett who called for votes on the bill in that chamber to be on division as well.

The legistlation, granted royal assent late Saturday, on authorizes the federal government to pay companies 75 per cent of the first $58,700 earned by each employee  up to $847 per week for up to 12 weeks. It is retroactive to March 15 and will be available to companies that lost 15 per cent of their revenue in March or 30 per cent in April or May.

8:15 p.m.: Puerto Rico will remain under lockdown until May 3, marking one of the strictest measures taken in an American jurisdiction.

Gov. Wanda Vazquez announced non-essential businesses will remain closed and people have to remain indoors from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., while going outside at other times only to buy food or medicine or go to the bank. However, she lifted all license plate restrictions and said hardware stores and car repair shops can operate twice a week. Everyone is still required to wear a facemask to enter any business.

8 p.m.: India will extend its nationwide lockdown until April 30 to allow authorities and health workers more time to control the growing spread of coronavirus infections. The lockdown began on March 25 and had been scheduled to end April 14. Cases on Saturday sat at about 8,500 with 288 deaths, according to data collected by the Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University.

7:15 p.m.: A second resident at Orchard Villa long-term care home, in Pickering, has died from COVID-19. The Durham Region Health Department confirmed the second residents death.

6:30 p.m.: Baycrest reports the COVID-19 related death of one resident in the Apotext Centre, Jewish Home for the Aged. Five staff from the Apotext Centre have been confirmed and are self-isolating in their homes.

In Pickerings Orchard Villa long-term care home, the death of one resident was confirmed by the Durham Region Health Department. Orchard Villa has three ongoing cases of COVID-19 within the same home, the health department also said.

6:05 p.m.: A police investigation is underway at a private long-term-care facility in western Montreal where Quebec Premier Francois Legault said 31 people have died since March 13.

Legault told reporters Saturday that at least five people at the Residence Herron in Dorval, Que., now under government trusteeship, died after testing positive for COVID-19.

Quite honestly, I think  there was gross negligence at Residence Herron, a visibly shaken Legault said.

5 p.m.: As of 5 p.m. Saturday, Ontarios regional public health units had reported 7,596 confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19, including 288 deaths, increases of 509 cases, or 7.2 per cent, and 19 deaths since the same time Friday.

Saturday saw a sharp increase in deaths reported in the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, which covers a largely rural area southwest of Ottawa. That region is home to the Almonte Country Haven care home, which has seen one of the worst among several deadly long-term-care home outbreaks across the province. Earlier this week, health authorities reported 10 residents of the home had died.

As of Saturday, the health unit now reports 15 deaths in the region, although it was not immediately clear what was behind the jump.

According to the province, 691 patients are hospitalized with COVID-19, including 257 in an intensive care unit. That number has fallen slightly in recent days, a trend that experts say may suggest social distancing measures are having a positive effect. The province also says 2,858 patients have now recovered after testing positive for COVID-19

The province says its data is accurate to 4 p.m. the previous day. The province also cautions its latest count of deaths  253  may be incomplete or out of date due to delays in its reporting system.

The Stars count is based on the public tallies and statements of the regional health units. It includes some patients reported as probable cases, meaning they have symptoms and contacts or travel history that indicate they very likely have the disease, but have not yet received a positive lab test.

4:50 p.m.: The U.S. death toll from the coronavirus eclipsed Italys for the highest in the world Saturday, surpassing 20,000, as Chicago and other cities across the Midwest braced for a potential surge.

Twenty-four residents of an Indiana nursing home hit by COVID-19 have died, while a nursing home in Iowa saw 14 deaths. Chicagos Cook County has set up a temporary morgue that can take more than 2,000 bodies. And Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been going around telling groups of people to break it up.

4:40 p.m.: Starting next week, Alberta will send personal protective equipment, ventilators and other vital supplies to Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec to help meet the higher current demand in those provinces.

Ontario will receive 250,000 N95 masks, 2.5 million procedural (surgical) masks, 15 million pairs of gloves, 87,000 goggles and 50 ventilators. Quebec will get 250,000 N95 masks, two million procedural masks and 15 million pairs of gloves. British Columbia gets 250,000 N95 masks.

The Alberta government says its confident it can share while maintaining an adequate supply for the provinces own needs based on modelling that shows the peak in Alberta isnt expected to hit until mid-May.

4:30 p.m.: New York Citys public schools will remain closed through the end of the academic year because of the coronavirus, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Saturday, confirming more than three months of regular schooling for 1.1 million children would be lost. Roughly 1,800 schools across five boroughs have scrambled to adjust to remote learning since they were initially shuttered March 16.

4:25 p.m.: About 43,000 unionized Disney World workers will be furloughed starting April 19, the largest wave of employees in central Florida to be sent home without pay because of the coronavirus crisis.

The Service Trades Council Union, a coalition of six locals, announced the news Saturday on Facebook Live. The coalition said Disney had agreed to provide free health-care benefits for a year and will keep paying for a program called Disney Aspire that gives workers a free education. About 200 union workers deemed essential will stay on the job, the union said.

4:20 p.m: A Longos store at 9200 Weston Rd. in Vaughan is temporarily closing for a second time after an eighth employee tested positive for COVID-19. The store is expected to be closed until April 23.

4:15 p.m.: People caught within two metres of each other in parks and public squares  with very few exceptions  will now be ticketed in Toronto, police Chief Mark Saunders said Saturday.

While offences will be judged on a case-by-case basis  people from the same household and contact deemed accidental are exempt  officers will issue fines of up to $1,000 for social distancing infractions effective immediately: What were going to be doing is moving towards a zero tolerance, with some common sense factors to it.

Saunders said officers had issued about 2,500 cautions, but only 88 tickets since social distancing bylaws and directives came into effect at the beginning of the month.

3:20 p.m.: British Columbia is reporting 35 new cases of COVID-19 as well as three new deaths.

The province now has 1,445 total positive tests and 58 deaths.

Provincial health officer Bonnie Henry says 134 people are hospitalized, with 63 in critical care.

2:10 p.m.: Prince Edward Island is reporting no new cases of COVID-19 for the third consecutive day.

The Islands total of confirmed cases remains at 25.

None of the cases have required hospitalization and 17 people are now considered to be recovered.

1:40 p.m.: The Rogers Cup womens tennis tournament will not be played this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tennis Canada announced the event, scheduled for Aug. 7 to 16 in Montreal, is off the schedule.

Quebecs government announced Friday no sporting events could be held through Aug. 31, though it left the door slightly open for pro teams.

Tennis Canada says the womens event will return to Montreal in August 2021.

1:15 p.m.: The Queen shared a special video message to mark Easter and encourage the U.K. in its battle against the novel coronavirus.

1:06 p.m.: Amid mounting pressure to quickly ramp up COVID-19 testing in Ontario, the province is reporting another day-over-day decline in the number of patients who have been tested for the disease.

In its latest reporting on COVID-19 case numbers Saturday morning, the province reported its testing labs had completed tests for 3,648 patients the day prior, the Good Friday holiday. That total was the second straight day with a slight decline, as testing has remained flat overall in the province since Premier Doug Ford earlier this week said his patience has worn thin with the low testing rate.

Ontario can process about 14,000 samples a day, and on Friday the province pledged to ramp up testing to 16,000 a day by May 6. Health experts have been calling for the province to not waste that capacity.

Although fewer patients have been tested than needed over the last week, people across the province are working hard to increase these numbers, said Dr. Vanessa Allen, chief of medical microbiology with Public Health Ontario. We need to be fast, and we need to be deliberate, she said, cautioning that theres still a push and pull to make sure the people who need to be prioritized for testing can get their results quickly.

The 14,000-test capacity is small enough that the labs could once again be overwhelmed if too many samples come in from low-priority cases, she said. She pointed to the several-thousand-test backlog that built up in Ontario throughout March and led to multi-day wait times even in high-priority cases. I found that completely unacceptable, she said.

The Ontario labs have tested samples for more than 6,000 patients a day as recently as April 1.

11:30 a.m.: The Trudeau government has struck a deal with opposition parties to swiftly approve today a massive $73-billion wage subsidy program aimed at helping businesses and workers survive the economic ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Passage of legislation needed to implement the program was assured after Conservatives dropped their attempt to tie the bill to the longer-term question of how Parliament should function in the midst of a national health crisis.

At a morning news conference just hours before the House of Commons was to meet for a rare emergency sitting on the Easter long weekend, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said his party has agreed to support passage of the bill later today and to continue discussions on the future of Parliament later.

The program will provide companies that have experienced a 15-per-cent drop in revenues since March 15 with a 75-per-cent wage subsidy for each employee.

11:20 a.m.: Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer says his party will support the unanimous consent motion that will allow the Liberal governments wage subsidy bill to pass.

The bill aims to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Scheer says Conservatives were able to negotiate changes to the program that will ensure businesses know up front whether they qualify for the 75-per-cent wage subsidy.

He says government could go even further to help Canadian businesses suffering major economic losses as a result of the crisis, reiterating his partys call for GST payments that were remitted to government in the 12 months before the pandemic be rebated and for companies to be able use metrics other than revenue losses to qualify for the wage subsidy, such as lost orders or subscriptions.

11:03 a.m.: The Ford government has extended emergency orders for Ontario until at least April 23, and has introduced new measures restricting camping on Crown land and addressing the surge capacity in retirement homes.

The province first issued the emergency declaration under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act on March 17. It was set to end April 14.

The emergency declaration enforces the closure of outdoor amenities in parks and recreational areas, non-essential workplaces, public places, and bars and restaurants, along with restrictions on social gatherings and the prohibition of price gouging.

I understand the actions we are taking are affecting the lives and livelihoods of people across the province, but these are extraordinary times and we need to do whatever we can to keep individuals and families safe and stop the spread of this terrible virus, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said.

11 a.m.: As of 11 a.m. Saturday, Ontarios regional public health units were reporting 7,133 confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19, including 272 deaths, an increase of 365 cases and 28 deaths since the same time Friday. Most of those deaths were reported by Toronto Public Health on Friday afternoon, when the health unit said 14 of the citys 23 newly reported deaths came in a long-term care home.

According to the province, 691 patients are hospitalized with COVID-19, including 257 in intensive care. That number has fallen slightly in recent days, a trend that experts say may suggest social-distancing measures are having a positive effect. The province also says 2,858 patients have recovered after testing positive for COVID-19

The province says its data is accurate to 4 p.m. the previous day. The province also cautions its latest count of deaths  253  may be incomplete or out of date due to delays in its reporting system.

The Stars count is based on the public tallies and statements of the regional health units. It includes some patients reported as probable COVID-19 cases, meaning they have symptoms and contacts or travel history that indicate they very likely have the disease, but have not yet received a positive lab test.

11 a.m.: Some Quebec parents and teachers unions are pushing back against the idea of allowing children to return to schools and daycares this spring.

Quebec has cancelled classes until May 4 but Premier Francois Legault suggested during his briefing Friday they could resume ahead of that date, which quickly led to an emotional reaction.

One petition that began circulating after his comments, demanding the closure of daycares and schools be maintained until September, has garnered more than 132,000 digital signatures as of Saturday morning.

Legault has said children have been shown to be less at risk of having coronavirus complications, but took to social media later Friday to reassure parents.

I repeat that any opening of schools will be done with the agreement of public health, he wrote. We will not rush any decisions.

10:15 a.m.: Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet says his party believes in the importance of the wage subsidy program to ensure businesses remain viable through the pandemic, and said the bill will pass today.

He says his party successfully negotiated some additions to the bill that will see businesses get help with some of their fixed costs.

Blanchet said further improvements are needed to the wage subsidy program, including for seasonal workers.

Blanchet also raised concerns about temporary foreign workers from Mexico coming to work on Quebec farms  workers he believes are being subjected to less stringent quarantine criteria than residents of the province.

9:40 a.m.: NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says he wants the government to lift all criteria for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit to allow any Canadian who is in financial distress due to COVID-19 to qualify for benefits.

Singh says he has heard from many Canadians who do not qualify for the emergency benefit program, which opened to applicants this week, including people who are still earning a small income, students and those who were unemployed before the pandemic began.

Singh says he is in negotiations with the Liberals and has received assurances from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that gaps in the program will be addressed.

But the NDP leader says Trudeau could go even farther and drop all criteria to ensure all those who need help can apply.

9:27 a.m.: Toronto Mayor John Tory is urging Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders and Carleton Grant, executive director of Municipal Licensing and Standards, to implement stricter enforcement as part of the ongoing blitz of parks and public squares to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the city.

Hundreds of police and bylaw officers are enforcing municipal and provincial regulations on the advice of public health officials to encourage physical distancing to prevent COVID-19 from spreading further in the community.

In a letter Friday to Saunders and Grant, Tory acknowledged that while the vast majority of Toronto residents are keeping their distance, police and bylaw officers have given hundreds of informational talks, many warnings and some tickets to the worst offenders.

It seems to me however, that when, after a week, we are still having informational chats with hundreds of people who dont get it or wont comply, the time has come for stricter enforcement and more tickets. We are facing a deadly virus  tragically it has already claimed the lives of 77 Toronto residents  and we need people to realize as quickly as possible what they need to do to stay healthy, the mayor says in the letter.

I am by way of this letter offering my strong opinion and support as mayor for stricter enforcement which would be in the interests of fairness to law abiding people and in the interests of protecting our citys health and moving us faster to the day when life can return to normal.

7:44 a.m.: Singapore closed its beaches, and will make it mandatory for commuters to wear masks on public transport even after the end of the partial lockdown period to further control the spread of the coronavirus.

Tougher measures are necessary as safe-distancing measures arent being strictly followed, Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong wrote in a Facebook post. The government closed off some areas in parks and nature reserves on Friday.

In theory, we could keep most places open, so long as safe distancing measures are strictly adhered to, Wong said Saturday. But increasingly we see that this is hard to achieve.

The government, which has distributed masks to each household, will make it compulsory to wear them on public transport even after the partial lockdown is over and buses and trains become crowded again, according to Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan.

This will minimize transmission in public transport during post-CB period when safe distancing is compromised, Khaw said in a Facebook post on Saturday. To prepare for this, we will get commuters to wear masks, now, when using public transport.

Khaw didnt say how long it will remain mandatory for the masks to be used.

7:06 a.m.: Iran began reopening government offices Saturday after a brief nationwide lockdown to help contain the worst coronavirus outbreak in the Middle East, which has killed more than 4,300 people in the country.

Authorities had ordered most government agencies and all non-essential businesses to remain closed for a week after the Nowruz holiday ended on Apr. 4.

Government offices outside the capital, Tehran, reopened Saturday with two-thirds of employees coming in and the remainder working from home, state media reported. Women who have young children were given priority in deciding who works remotely. Businesses outside the capital were also allowed to reopen Saturday, the first day of the work week.

Businesses in Tehran will be allowed to reopen next Saturday, provided they register with authorities and follow guidelines on social distancing set out by the Health Ministry. Government offices in the capital will reopen with two-thirds of employees coming in and the rest working remotely.

The ministry meanwhile reported another 125 deaths, bringing the overall toll to 4,357. The country has reported more than 70,000 confirmed cases, and authorities say more than 40,000 have recovered.

For weeks, Iran declined to impose the kind of wide-scale lockdowns adopted by other Middle Eastern countries, even as the number of confirmed cases and fatalities steadily climbed. The virus has also infected and killed a number of senior Iranian officials.

Authorities have defended their response, saying they have to consider the economic impact of any quarantine measures since the country is under severe U.S. sanctions. President Donald Trump imposed heavy sanctions, including on oil exports, after withdrawing the U.S. from Irans 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

The U.S. has offered humanitarian aid to help Iran combat the outbreak, but Irans leaders have rejected it, instead demanding that the sanctions be lifted.

6:53 a.m.: Chinese regulators say ventilators, masks and other supplies being exported to fight the coronavirus will be subject to quality inspections following complaints that substandard goods were being sold abroad.

The customs agency says masks, ventilators, surgical gowns, goggles and other supplies will be treated as medical goods. That requires exporters to show they meet the quality standards of their destination market.

The agency gave no details but the newspaper Beijing Daily said shipments would be inspected by a government agency before being approved for export.

6:25 a.m.: India will extend it 21-day nationwide lockdown until April 30 to allow authorities and health workers more time to control the growing spread of coronavirus infections.

Delhis chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Twitter Prime Minister Narendra Modi  who was meeting with the countrys state leaders Saturday  made the right decision to extend the lockdown, which had been due to end on April 14. There has been no formal announcement on the extension from the government.

Indias three-week lockdown began on March 25. Modi has described the pandemic as a social emergency as infections continue to surge. Cases now sit at 7,600 with 249 deaths according to data collected by the Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University.

5:47 a.m.: Spain reported the fewest new coronavirus deaths since March 23. The toll rose by 510 to 16,353 and total cases in the past 24 hours increased by 4,830 to 161,852, the government said Saturday.

In Spain and elsewhere in Europe, political and business leaders are increasingly talking about the new normal that the blocs citizens will have to cope with once lockdowns are lifted.

5:46 a.m.: A vaccine against the coronavirus could be ready by September, according to a scientist leading one of Britains most advanced teams. Sarah Gilbert, professor of vaccinology at Oxford University, told The Times on Saturday that she is 80% confident the vaccine would work, and could be ready by September. Experts have warned the public that vaccines typically take years to develop, and one for the coronavirus could take between 12 and 18 months at best.

In the case of the Oxford team, however, its not just a hunch, and as every week goes by we have more data to look at, Gilbert told the London newspaper.

5:08 a.m.: British Health Secretary Matt Hancock says it is too soon to determine whether the peak of coronavirus infections in the country has passed.

Thats despite data suggesting that the rate of increase in the number of people being hospitalized with the COVID-19 disease is levelling out.

Hancock tells BBC radio that the good news is that the number of hospital admissions shows signs of flattening out. However, he says the government requires more evidence before it can start making changes to its lockdown measures.

4:21 a.m.: The Philippines has temporarily barred doctors, nurses and other health workers from leaving for overseas work amid the coronavirus outbreak, Bloomberg reports.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration issued a resolution on April 2 halting the departure of workers in 14 medical professions for the duration of the nations state of emergency.

4 a.m.: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be at the House of Commons on Saturday as the government attempts to pass the wage subsidy bill. He has been working from home since March 12.

Trudeau calls the wage subsidy bill the largest economic measures Canada has seen since the Second World War.

The bill will allow companies to get a 75-per-cent subsidy on each employees wages.

Meanwhile, Trudeau is not planning to invoke the emergencies act, which would give the federal government sweeping powers.

2:14 a.m.: About 1,300 Australian travellers being kept in mandatory quarantine in Sydney ended their two-week confinement in time for the Easter Sunday holiday. They had arrived at Sydney International Airport after a government-ordered clampdown on March 29 and were finishing their 14-day quarantine, New South Wales police said.

They will undergo a final health check before they are allowed to leave for their homes around the country. Police are overseeing the departures, assisted by health authorities, the Australian defence force and hotel staff.

Buses will run to Sydneys airport throughout the day, but some wont be able to return to their home states on Saturday due to flight schedules.

The New South Wales health minister issued an order directing all overseas arrivals to go directly to a quarantine facility from March 29 to combat the new coronavirus pandemic.

1:10 a.m.: South Korea announced plans Saturday to strap tracking wristbands on people who defy quarantine orders.

South Korean officials said stricter controls are required because some of the 57,000 people who are under orders to stay home have slipped out by leaving behind smartphones with tracking apps. Plans for broader use of wristbands were scaled back after objections by human rights and legal activists.

A South Korean health official, Yoon Tae-ho, acknowledged privacy and civil liberties concerns about the wristband plan. But Yoon said they were necessary because the number of people under self-quarantine soared after the country began requiring 14-day isolation for anyone arriving from abroad beginning April 1.

The wristbands are designed to alert police if the wearers leave home or try to destroy or cut them off.

Lee Beom-seok, an official from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, said the government lacked authority to compel people to wear the wristbands. He said they would be asked to sign consent forms.

Under the countrys recently strengthened laws on infectious diseases, people can face up to a year in prison or fined as much as $8,200 for breaking quarantine orders. Lee said those who agree to wear the wristbands could be possibly considered for lighter punishment.

12:35 a.m.: The Burning Man arts festival in the Nevada desert, which was scheduled to be held from Aug. 30 to Sept. 7, will now be moved online because of the virus.

In 2020 we need human connection and immediacy more than ever, the organizers said on their website. But public health and the well-being of our participants, staff, and neighbours in Nevada are our highest priorities.

12:10 a.m.: The U.S. had more than 2,000 deaths from the coronavirus in a single day for the first time, while infections in the country exceeded 501,000, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

10 p.m.: U.S. President Donald Trump says his administration will assist Italy in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, including providing medical supplies and helping set up field hospitals. Coming to the aid of Italy will fight the outbreak while also demonstrating U.S. leadership in the face of Chinese and Russian disinformation campaigns, according to a White House memorandum.

8:38 p.m. Toronto Public Health says another 14 people have died of COVID-19 in long-term care homes in the city.

Earlier Friday, the health unit reported its largest single-day increase in deaths from the disease, at 23. Of those, 14 were in long-term care institutions and nine were individuals living in the community, spokesperson Lenore Bromley said.

We are currently investigating further details on this very sad matter and we will share information as quickly as facts are confirmed, she said. I am sure you join us, as we extend our sincerest condolences to the families and friends of all individuals who lost their lives from COVID-19 in our community.

The COVID-19 epidemic has hit especially hard in the provinces long-term care, nursing and retirement homes. Several severe outbreaks causing multiple deaths continue across southern Ontario in cities and small towns.

In Toronto, at least 16 residents have died at the Seven Oaks nursing home in Scarborough, with four other deaths under investigation.

According to the Stars count, there were a total of 7,087 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Ontario as of 5 p.m. Friday, with 269 deaths.

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Lupins Global Giving Program comprises of three separate contributions made by its employees, the Company and the promoter family

Pharma major Lupin Limited (Lupin) announced a contribution of Rs 21 crores for relief efforts directed towards mitigating the COVID-19 crisis. Lupins Global Giving Program comprises of three separate contributions made by its employees, the Company and the promoter family.

Lupins employees have contributed generously by giving two days of their individual salaries, together contributing a sum of Rs 5.5 crores to the Prime Ministers Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund). Lupin has matched an equal sum of Rs 5.5 crores for direct initiatives that the company will implement to support overburdened national and state healthcare systems through donation of personal protective equipment, medicines and providing meals for front-line workers and the needy.

In addition, the promoter Desh Bandhu Gupta family has committed a sum of Rs 10 crores for other direct impact initiatives in India and elsewhere in the world to supplement Lupins relief efforts to tackle the COVID-19 crisis.

Commenting on this, Nilesh Gupta, Managing Director, Lupin said, We commend the Central and State governments in India and other authorities globally for taking proactive measures to control the spread of the coronavirus. As one of the leading pharmaceutical companies globally, Lupin remains committed to ensure uninterrupted supply of medicines across India and global markets while ensuring safety of our personnel involved. We are grateful for this opportunity to support those who are at the front-line of this battle against COVID-19.
Senegal announced a ban on company layoffs on Friday as food aid arrived for poor people affected by the coronavirus crisis in its bustling seaside capital Dakar.

In a statement on Friday, the government of the West African country said that companies will be forbidden to sack employees during the pandemic, except in cases of gross negligence, starting from April 14.

Firms will also have to choose options such as reducing working hours or opting for shift work instead of temporarily suspending employees.

The government warned in the statement that thousands of workers risk missing out on wages during the pandemic, which could "lead to a cycle of mass redundancies".

Senegal has recorded 265 coronavirus cases to date -- with two fatalities -- a far cry from soaring infection rates in other parts of the world.

But measures taken to curb the spread of the virus, such as a dusk-to-dawn curfew and a ban on large gatherings, are hitting the economy in the poor country.

The government said there has been a "significant drop" in economic activity in the tourism, transport and catering sectors, for example.

About 40 percent of Senegal's roughly 16 million people live on less than $1.90 a day, according to the World Bank.

At a ceremony to mark the delivery of aid, Dakar Mayor Soham El Wardini said on Friday that city residents are beginning to feel the effect of the crisis "on their plates".

The city government handed 400 tonnes of rice, and thousands of packets of sugar and soap, to district leaders to distribute among the most impoverished citizens.

The move comes as more African countries are tightening anti-virus measures.

The Central African state of Gabon declared a 15-day lockdown of its capital city Libreville on Friday.
BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- All arrivals to Beijing who need to stay at hotels must provide a nucleic acid test certificate from April 12, local authorities said Friday.

People entering the capital city who need to stay at hotels should hold a health certificate verifying a negative local nucleic acid test within seven days, as well as a health code to prove they are free of COVID-19, Zhou Weiming, an official with Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, told a press briefing on epidemic prevention and control.

Hotels should also strictly follow epidemic prevention and control rules, including checking the health certificate provided by guests, supervising the check-in information, conducting morning and evening temperature tests on guests, and paying close attention to their health status.

The decision was made as Beijing is now under pressure to guard against a rebound of locally-transmitted COVID-19 cases as well as imported cases, Zhou said.

Beijing reported no new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Thursday. As of Thursday, 172 imported cases had been reported in the city, of which 66 had been discharged from hospitals after recovery.
Panaji, April 11 : The Opposition in the fish-loving state of Goa on Saturday, welcomed the decision of the central government to allow fishing and commercial fishing activity with necessary hygiene precautions.

Reacting to the central government's decision on Saturday, Leader of Opposition Digambar Kamat said: "Welcome decision by Government of India to allow fishing, fish trade and movement of fish in lockdown period subject to maintaining hygiene. I appeal to all to maintain distance and person to person distancing".

Dearth of fish and closure of wet markets in view of the ongoing lockdown and the ban on fishing activity in the state since March 22, had often led to chaotic scenes whenever trucks laden with fish, illegally sold their ware on the sly in urban areas.

The chaos and lack of social distancing in such melees had forced Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to repeatedly urge people, to not put their health at risk, while buying fish and maintain social distancing norms.

Fish is a staple food in Goa and the state's seafood cuisine is one of the major tourism USPs.
Julia Brothers, who is known in Sacramento for her many starring roles at the B-Street theater, had been in quarantine for three weeks due to COVID-19. She now says she has recovered from the virus, and talks to KCRA 3 about what its like to survive the coronavirus and how it felt to finally be free. Get the full story in the video above.
As the Coronavirus infected patients count in the US climbs to an all time high, a severe shortage of ventilators is being reported. To tackle this, people are coming up with ways to make ventilators out of easily available materials. A team of engineers in Maryland may have found such an innovative solution that makes use of breast pumps for COVID-19 patients.

Electric breast pumps are used by mothers to suction breast milk into a container. The pump is run by a motor with adjustable speeds. To think of it, the mechanism is the exact opposite to that of a ventilator that pumps out the oxygen from the tank and into a persons lungs through nose or mouth.

L-R: Alex Scott, Brandi Gerstner, and Rachel LaBatt; not pictured: Grant Gerstner (Image: Yahoo Lifestyle)

The suction of the breast pump then had to be reversed to deliver Oxygen to the patient, in order to use it as a ventilator. The engineering team - Brandi and Grant Gerstner, Rachel LaBatt and Alex Scott decided to reverse two valves on the breast pump to achieve this.



This simple tweak is able to convert the negative-pressure (one that draws out fluid) in a breast pump into a positive pressure that blows out air. We can bypass the circuit board of the breast pump to control the exhale-to-inhale ratio, the volume of air and the respiratory rate, LaBatt, 24, was quoted as saying in a report. We basically want the device to listen to our circuit board.



The team is now seeking approval for the design from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Back in March, FDA in the US had invoked an Emergency Use Authorization to allow positive pressure breathing devices modified for use as ventilators. By reversing the pressure of breast pumps, the team is aiming to create such a product in an affordable manner. Also, the fact that breast pumps are already approved by the FDA for use should help the device clear approvals too.'

As per the report, the team is able to create a $300 (~Rs 22,800) prototype of the ventilator within four hours using the electric breast pumps. The team is receiving these funds through its Facebook donation page - Rapidly Deployable Breast Pump Ventilator to Combat Coronavirus.

The team is using donated breast pumps to bring the cost of their innovation down significantly, recounting personal accounts of mothers across America who're donating their breast pumps. A mother recently told me that she is lucky to help millions in crisis and that made me tear up, one of the engineers on the team was quoted as saying. These women spent so many long hours with their pumps, and now are helping. Mothers are incredible.

Such simple alterations to existing devices are being used to come up with ventilators across the world. A team of five girls from Afghanistan recently came up with a ventilator prototype made out of used Toyota parts. You can read all about it here.
BAD AXE  With plenty of area restaurants either temporarily closing or offering take-out services due to COVID-19, the owners of one local eatery are doing their best to keep customers both satisfied and safe.

Maria and Michael Garcia, the owners of Peppers Mexican Grill, both hail from Los Angeles with their parents coming to the United States from the Mexican city of Guadalajara. Through they met while in Illinois, it was in Michigan they decided to open their own restaurants.

Bad Axe is not the only Peppers location in Michigan. The first such restaurant is located in Milan, Michigan, about 20 minutes south of Ann Arbor.

How long have you owned your business?

"We opened the Bad Axe location two years ago. We have another location in Milan, Michigan we have had for four years."

What inspired you to own this business?

"We always worked in restaurants. Michael worked in managing them and he always wanted to own his own restaurant."

What makes the Huron County area a great place to own a business?

"We felt it was a great place to be, as there are not a lot of options for Mexican food. The people here are delighted to support small businesses and we like that."

What are some ways your business is active in the local community?

"We have given away many donations to local organizations and schools. We support fundraisers as well."

What are some of your interests and hobbies?

"Michael likes the restaurant business and he puts 100% of his time into it. He wants to give the people something different. I (Maria) have three kids to take care of. I just enjoy them."

What are some ways you are adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic?

"We try to adapt and do our best to make it safe for everyone. We have carry-out and curbside pickup. We do extra cleaning and sanitizing after every guest comes in, like cleaning the door handles and tables, and try to maintain distance between people."

Any other thoughts?

"We want to thank our everyone, our customers for supporting us. Support local businesses. They are the ones most affected by the virus. We are doing our best and if we can help with anything, they can let us know. We have different food packages available right now for low-income families."
The Legacy at Santa Fe is one of nine senior living facilities at which at least one resident or staff member has tested positive for COVID-19, according to Fridays news release updating information on the coronavirus outbreak from the Office of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

The daily news releases have shown just a few new COVID-19 cases in Santa Fe County each day this week. Just two of the 106 new cases reported in Fridays news release were from Santa Fe County, bringing the countys total to 72.

Statewide, 1,091 cases have been reported and 19 deaths have been attributed to the COVID-19 disease, though many of the people who died had underlying health issues.

The Legacy at Santa Fe, located at 3 Avenida Aldea in Santa Fe, is managed by Houston-based LifeWell Senior Living.

An employee at The Legacy of Santa Fe referred questions to a marketing spokesman in Houston, who did not immediately return a phone call from the Journal on Friday.

The Legacy at Santa Fe website includes information about how LifeWell is responding to the coronavirus outbreak.

LifeWell Senior Living is increasingly taking action every day to help prevent the spread of coronavirus COVID-19, it says. We continue to make decisions that are rooted in our unwavering commitment to provide a safe, secure environment for everyone who lives and works in our communities. All LifeWell communities have tirelessly been at work to improve upon our policies and procedures with the ever-changing climate this pandemic is causing.

The other senior living facilities where positive tests have occurred are in Albuquerque, Aztec and Farmington.

Earlier this week, the Journal reported that at one Northeast Albuquerque retirement community, La Vida Llena, at least 24 residents and 23 staff members had contracted COVID-19 and two residents had died.

As of Friday, there were 75 individuals hospitalized due to coronavirus symptoms statewide, according to the state Department of Health, and 235 people have recovered.

Nearly a half a million Americans were confirmed to have contracted the disease and 15,586 had died.
Indian Hotels Company, which runs



the Taj properties chain, on Saturday said an unspecified number of its employees in the financial capital have tested positive for coronavirus.

The company, which is hosting at its premium hotels doctors and other health workers who are on the frontline of battle against coronavirus pandemic in the city, conducted tests on approximately 500 employees, it said.

Without specifying the number of infected employees, the company said in a statement that most of them were "asymptomatic showing absolutely no signs of illness".

"However, staff testing positive and symptomatic were duly hospitalized and others who were in contact with them have immediately been put in quarantine," the company said.

The iconic Taj Mahal Palace and Tower hotel of the company in south Mumbai does not have any guests at present and only minimal staff are present to ensure upkeep of the property, it said.

When contacted, a senior official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation could not give any information as to how the civic body was treating the IHC properties where staff tested positive.

In some cases the BMC sets up containment zones around buildings where coronavirus patients are found.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Its safe to say that Taylor Swift has a lot of her own work to promote on her social media channels. But shes never held back from boosting that of other creators, from her best friend Selena Gomez to her role models, the Dixie Chicks. Now, shes giving a shout out to someone shes known since birth: Her younger, brother, Austin. What did he work on?

Taylor Swift has a brother, Austin Swift

Taylor Swift and brother Austin Swift pose backstage with the cast at the hit musical Kinky Boots on Broadway on November 23, 2016 | Bruce Glikas/Getty Images

Taylors fans (known as Swifties) know all about her family. Her father, Scott Swift, was a stockbroker during her childhood growing up in Pennsylvania. (He recently appeared in her video for The Man.) She has called her mother, Andrea, her best friend on numerous occasions. And then theres Austin.

The two siblings appear to be quite close. Hes attended numerous events with her over the years, and was seen in her documentary Miss Americana. Though young adults are busy with their own careers, theyve likely made a lot of time to see each other in recent years, as theyve been dealing with Andreas cancer.

She promoted his latest project in April 2020

Since releasing the music video for her latest single, The Man, Taylor has been relatively quiet on social media, aside from a few behind-the-scenes clips. So fans may have been surprised to see her share a throwback photo of herself and Austin from her 30th birthday.

Its National Siblings Day! wrote Taylor in her caption, posted on April 10, 2020. She called Austin one of [her] best pals, adding, Im really proud of him because hes in a film that came out today called We Summon the Darkness (which he also co-produced.

What does Austin Swift do for a living

Austin is an actor. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2015 with a degree in film. Though hes just a few years out of school, Austin has already managed to score roles in projects with some very big names attached. Case in point: His first film, I.T., starred Pierce Brosnan.

Since then, Austin has appeared in Live by Night, a crime drama written, directed by, and starring Ben Affleck, which came out in 2016. He also had a role in an episode of the CMT sitcom Still the King, which starred Billy Ray Cyrus. And despite his sisters political leanings, he had a role in Embeds, a short-lived drama series produced by Megyn Kelly.

What is We Summon the Darkness about?

Austins latest project, We Summon the Darkness, is billed as a comedy horror film. It premiered at Fantastic Fest in September 2019. The film stars Alexandra Daddario and Johnny Knoxville, and follows a group of fun-loving young adults who, after attending a heavy metal concert, find themselves getting into a lot more trouble than they bargained for.

Hope you guys are staying safe and doing all right, wrote Austin in the caption for an April 9, 2020, Instagram post featuring the movies poster, as well as a photo of him in it. In case youre looking for something to watch, We Summon the Darkness, a film I co-produced and acted in, is out and available for download tomorrow.
(Nassau, Bahamas)  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Bahamas advised on Friday, April 10th that a shipment of COVID-19 medical supplies headed to the island nation of about 400,000 people that were withheld by the United States, last week, has been released.

According to the statement, the shipment of medical supplies, that were aboard a vessel named, Betty K were returned to the Port of Miami last week, on order by US authorities.

The Bahamas, as of Friday, due to COVID-19, had just under 500 individuals in Quarantine, 42 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and 8 deaths. It has taken strict spacial distancing measures in an attempt to protect its population. Prime Minister Hubert Minnis has urged that those who are not frontline medical personnel should refrain from purchasing or wearing health masks. These masks, he said, are reserved for health workers on the frontline. The country has also banned the importation of non-medical masks in support of local production. Under the countrys Emergency Powers (COVID-19) (No.2)(Amendment), every person who leaves their residence must wear a mask covering their nose and mouth while away from their residence. The country, has also conducted limited COVID-19 tests, throughout its archipelago to-date.

The release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs read:

H.E Sidney Collie, Bahamas Ambassador to the United States of America has informed that following consultations with US Competent Authorities in Washington DC., the shipment of COVID-19 medical supplies on the Betty K that were returned to the Port of Miami last week, on order by US authorities, has been released and will head to Nassau on the 14th April, the first available day for shipping by the Betty K.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs takes this opportunity to thank US Embassy Officials in Nassau and in Washington DC., for responding quickly to our demarche to have these medical supplies released so that they can be added to our critical stock as The Bahamas continues to protect its citizens and residents from the spread of this terrible scourge of COVID-19.
Bosky Khanna By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: We dont have food, but we dont want to beg. If the government is not able to feed us, at least open up the roads so we can get back to our villages. We dont want to stay in Bengaluru where there is no food or shelter for us, bemoans Sharanna, a teary-eyed migrant labourer from Kalaburagi. This is the plight of a colony of 35 people, including children, belonging to eight families staying at Srirampura in Jakkur, North Bengaluru.

Despite assertions by the state government and its various agencies that steps have been taken to ensure that all migrant workers and contract labourers are taken care of, the situation on the ground seems to be quite different. The labourers came from Kalaburagi five years ago in search of livelihood. The men and women work as daily-wage labourers at construction sites. Till five days ago, we could manage with whatever savings we had. Now, we are completely dependent on other people.

Some locals are cooking in a choultry and are giving us one packet of rice for 10 people. When we sought help from the corporation, they shooed us away, saying that political parties are coming with banners and they will feed us. When we tried to raise our voice, some even called us beggars. Now we dont want that food, just let us go back to our village. It is very sad that politics is being played even at this time, rued Sumalatha, another labourer.

The labourers said they even tried to head back home, but a private contractor who arranges vehicles quoted Rs 35,000-Rs 45,000. If we had so much money, we would not be looking for food around, said Ramana. BBMP officials admitted that they may have been overlooked. It is possible that there have been lapses and we are correcting them. These people will be given the required food and food packets, said a BBMP official.
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Last week, a pastor at a megachurch in Tampa, Florida, was arrested for holding services in defiance of a ban on public gatherings. The very idea of the government arresting a pastor for holding worship services in America raised plenty of red flags.

However, (and I say this as someone who spends a lot of time raising alarm about religious freedom issues  including about the recent despicable threat by New York City Mayor de Blasio to permanently close down churches) in the face of a global pandemic hitting the United States particularly hard right now, temporarily suspending church services is not only justifiable, its wise. And it is a very real and tangible way to love our neighbors.

Theres historical precedent for what the government is asking and for what churches are doing. During the 1918 Spanish flu outbreak, for example, state governments closed churches, schools, theaters, and other public gatherings to slow the spread of the disease. By all indications, it helped. Once the pandemic had passed, churches reopened their doors.

Back in the 1600s, Puritan theologian Richard Baxter wrote in his Church Directory, If the magistrate for a greater good (as the common safety,) forbid church-assemblies in time of pestilenceit is a duty to obey him.

Baxter based his case on no less than the words of Jesus Himself. Just as the Lord insisted in Matthew 12 that healing on the Sabbath is lawful, Baxter argued, preventing the spread of serious sickness to our most vulnerable on the Sabbath is also lawful. After all, as Jesus said, The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.

Of course, none of this makes being stuck at home on Sundays any easier, especially during Holy Week. Nor should it. Being unable to gather with Gods people to worship, to read and hear the Word together, and to partake of the sacraments is a real and profound loss.

My church, like so many others (probably yours) has moved services online, taking advantage of technologies that werent available until quite recently in church history. That we can still meet online isnt enough, but it is still a gift for which we can be thankful. Pastors and churches everywhere are doing their best to help their flocks through this crisis, and God bless them for it. (Plus, were going to have some terrific bloopers to laugh at together when this is all said and done).

Still, its not the same. The worship Scripture commands in places like Hebrews 10, where we are told to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, cannot be fully experienced online. Im feeling this loss keenly as are so many other believers I talk with: This just hurts.

This pain we feel should also encourage us, however. Our thankfulness for these very good things such as online services, home worship, and listening to sermons on podcasts should contain more than a hint of disappointment. They simply are not adequate replacements for what the life of the church should be, not to mention there simply are no substitutes for the sacraments of baptism and communion.

In fact, if were not feeling a serious loss right now, we should be worried. If remote services on a laptop feel normal, then church has become nothing more to than a spectator activity, and we have become, well, spectators to worship rather than worshipers.

Among the most consistent and foundational teachings of Scripture and church history is that humans are embodied beings. Or, to put it simply, our bodies are not incidental parts of our humanity, or convenient carriers of our real spiritual selves. To be human is to be physical and spiritual. Both aspects matter. Thats how God made us.

Jesus, who is God in flesh, saved us into a larger corporate body which He will make fully into His Bride. We can no more permanently carry on our Christian relationships with God and church over an internet connection, than spouses could carry on a marriage that way.

This is the difference between doing church and being the Church. While we are unable to meet for worship, the hunger for something more is a sign of spiritual life. We should encourage that hunger, and certainly look forward to coming together, again.

To do so, especially in the midst of the current threats of death and disease, is to ultimately be a sign to the world of that day when Christ will fully bridge all distance between Himself and His Bride, when He heals all sickness, finally restores all things, and makes His dwelling with His people.

This piece was originally published at BreakPoint
US President Donald Trump was at his blooper best when he mistook Good Friday for Easter and wished the world "Happy Good Friday", triggering an avalanche of criticism from Twitterati who tore into him for his embarrassing gaffe.

Good Friday refers to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ which is a day of mourning for Christians around the world. Easter, on Sunday, marks the celebration of Christ's resurrection. The good in Good Friday refers to the day being holy.

Trump took to Twitter on Friday and wrote: "HAPPY GOOD FRIDAY TO ALL".

The tweet did not go down well as many people slammed the US President for his basic lack of knowledge.

"Just another evidence you know absolutely NOTHING about Christianity. There's nothing happy about Good Friday. Wait for Easter Sunday," said one of his followers.

"This is a solemn day for Christians. It's not called Happy Friday. Like not knowing what the significance of Pearl Harbor was, I'd suggest the President doesn't know what happened on Good Friday according to the scriptures," wrote another.

"Uhm if you ever walked into an actual church, you'd know today is one of the most somber days in the church year. You can't even get Christianity right," tweeted another.

However, at his daily White House conference on coronavirus, Trump on Friday, while giving an an update on the war against coronavirus, told reporters that millions of Christians celebrate Easter and the resurrection of Christ.

"Thank you very much everybody, and good afternoon. Today is Good Friday. And this Sunday, millions of Christians celebrate Easter and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

"At this holy time, we pray that God will heal the sick and comfort the heartbroken and bless our heroes. As American families look forward to Easter, we're reminded that our story ends not in despair, but in triumph and renewal. Very appropriate, isn't it?" he said.

President Trump is known for his gaffes. In April last year, he erroneously wrote that "138 million people" instead of 138 were killed in a string of blasts in Sri Lanka.

Trump is known for for using embarrassing nicknames as well as 'mispronouncing names' of people such as "Jeff Bozo" in reference to Jeff Bezos of Amazon.

In March last year, he mistakenly referred to Apple CEO Tim Cook as "Tim Apple", a verbal slip which netizens poked fun at by sharing rib-tickling memes on social media.

Before that, he had called Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson "Marillyn Lockheed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prison authorities in Bangladesh on Saturday said that preparations were underway to carry out the execution of a former military captain who is on death row for his involvement in the 1975 coup in which the country's founder Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated.

Abdul Majed was arrested in Dhaka on Tuesday after hiding in India for nearly two-and-a-half decades.

"We are set for the execution... the last moment preparedness is underway," the state-run BSS agency quoted as saying inspector general of prisons Brigadier General AKM Mostafa Kamal Pasha.

Pasha on Saturday hinted that Majed was likely to be hanged after midnight as "the main hangman and his alternatives were kept ready".

He said that concerned officials as per the jail code would be present when the execution is carried out.

His remarks came a day after Majed's wife and four other relatives met him for nearly two hours in the prison.

President Abdul Hamid on Thursday rejected his mercy plea, removing the last hurdle for his hanging.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal earlier told PTI that the presidential decision meant there was no bar in executing the convict, who was arrested in a surprise development earlier this week from Dhaka's Mirpur area.

"I can't tell you exactly when the execution will be staged but prison authorities will take steps to hang him as soon as possible," Kamal said.

A specialised police unit arrested Majed, one of the fugitive convicted Bangabandhu assassins, as he returned home after hiding for nearly two and half decades in India.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said the "self confessed killer" was not only involved in Bangabandhu's assassination but also took part in the subsequent killing of four national leaders in high security Dhaka Central Jail on November 3, 1975.

He said previous reports indicated Majed was hiding in India but eventually he was arrested from Dhaka as he secretly returned last month.

Police's Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit arrested him in a predawn raid at Mirpur area while he was roaming around a shrine.

Majed is one of the six absconding ex-army officers who were handed down capital punishment after trial in absentia.

A prosecution lawyer said Majed told the court that he returned to Bangladesh on March 15 or 16.

The convict, he said, claimed he managed to live secretly in Kolkata for the past 23 years.

Law Minister Anisul Huq, who was a key prosecution lawyer of Bangabandhu murder trial, told PTI that Majed has no scope to challenge the judgment other than seeking presidential clemency.

"The original verdict was delivered in 1998 which was confirmed by the High Court under a mandatory legal procedure," Huq said, adding that a notice was issued asking Majed to surrender while he had a constitutional right to appeal before the Supreme Court within the subsequent 30 days after the High Court decision but he continued to be on the run to evade justice.

"Now there is no legal option for him to challenge the verdict," he said.

Another senior lawyer said the stipulated time for appealing against his death penalty expired long ago and Majed now could only seek presidential mercy unless the Supreme Court decides to consider any plea on his part.

Twelve ex-military officers were sentenced to death for the August 15, 1975 killing of Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with most of his family members. Five of them have been executed while one died of natural causes as he was on the run abroad.

Bangabandhu's elder daughter and incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and younger daughter Sheikh Rehana survived as they were on a visit to the then West Germany at the time of the putsch, which also toppled Bangladesh's post independence government.

The five convicts were hanged at Dhaka Central Jail on January 28, 2010, after a protracted legal procedure while the delayed trial process began in 1996 when an infamous indemnity law was scrapped as it was protecting the assassins from justice until then.

Majed was one of the remaining fugitives believed to be hiding abroad with no confirmed whereabouts.

The rest of the fugitives included the key mastermind of the coup ex-lieutenant colonel Abdur Rashid. Interpol issued red alert against the absconders believed to be hiding in several countries including Pakistan.

Bangladesh confirmed two cases where two convicts took refuge in the United States and Canada, one of them is said to have shot dead Bangladesh's founder.

Dhaka said it was trying to extradite them but Canada declined to entertain the request citing provisions of the country's laws.

After the 1975 carnage, Majed was rehabilitated in civil service during the subsequent regime of former military-dictator-turned-politician Ziaur Rahman as an ex-cadre official and posted as the director of National Savings Department.

He later fled the country while serving in the finance ministry along with other 1975 coup plotters as the 1996 general elections brought Awami League back to power which vowed to expose to justice Bangabandhu killers in line with its election manifesto.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Because of that, Acuff said that he does not believe any other detainees in the general population have been exposed.

Acuff said he was notified Thursday morning that the three detainees, as well as one correctional officer, had tested positive. Upon receiving this information, four other correctional officers were tested due to potential exposure. They are not symptomatic and are continuing to work pending those results, he said. Acuff said that the facility tests correctional officers' temperatures when they report to work, and checks detainees' temperatures twice daily. He said the facility will continue to monitor the situation closely.

The detained individuals with COVID-19 include one male in his 20s and two males in their 30s, according to the Southern Seven Health Department.

Immigrant rights organizations have been sounding the alarm for weeks about COVID-19 risks to people being held in ICE's network of jails in facilities across the country. According to the Chicago-based National Immigrant Justice Center, ICE apprehended and detained nearly 10,000 people in March, as COVID-19 infections began to spread throughout the U.S.

More than 35,000 people were in ICE's custody at the end of March, all facing civil violations, and the detention facilities where they are being held are "tinderboxes for the virus to spread," the advocacy organization wrote on its website. It called on ICE to limit enforcement and release people in its custody on humanitarian parole or on their own recognizance.

ICE's media department had not responded to The Southern's emailed questions as of deadline Thursday evening.

BuzzFeed News and other national media outlets reported earlier this week that an ICE official told congressional staffers that the agency is reviewing cases of individuals in detention "who may be vulnerable to the virus" and is making "case-by-case determinations for release" in accordance with guidance from medical experts and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Chinese mainland condemns DPP's "malicious" verbal attacks on WHO

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:57, April 10, 2020

BEIJING, April 9 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson Thursday strongly condemned the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority in Taiwan for its "malicious" verbal attacks on the World Health Organization (WHO) and its director-general.

Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, also slammed the DPP for conniving in the wanton spread of racist remarks by the internet mob from its camp.

Zhu said the DPP took whatever means to "bank on the epidemic to seek independence."

The spokesperson urged the DPP to immediately stop political manipulation.

"The DPP's attempt to take the opportunity of the epidemic to undermine the one-China principle and seek entry into the WHO is doomed to fail," she added.

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Oko Carter, left, and Andres Vidaurre share a home in Los Angeles with several people. Some have moved back home to live with their parents during the coronavirus crisis. That's not an option for Carter and Vidaurre. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Andres Vidaurre's story is a lot like those of the many young adults who make their way to Los Angeles in search of work and a vibrant, diverse city to call home.

The 27-year-old Houston native moved here two years ago after attending Notre Dame University and settled down in a five-bedroom home in northeast Los Angeles that he found on Craigslist. He has roommates  22 to be exact. Each tenant pays $580 a month and each room has several bunk beds.

Vidaurre loved the vibe, so when the house manager moved out, he took over the role, which allowed him to live there for free. The additional work came with a new set of headaches, but his duties never included "pandemic response"  until last month.

On March 14, one of his roommates texted to say he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus and had moved back with his family in Fresno.

Vidaurre delivered the news to his roommates. Almost everyone handled it calmly, he said. But there were a few exceptions, including one who started packing and left that night on a 13-hour drive back to his parents' home in Oregon.

But moving back in with his parents isn't an option for Vidaurre, as it might be for others in their mid-20s. His mom has an autoimmune disorder.

"Going to Houston and coming into contact with them is really not a desire I have right now," he said. "I just really hope they stay inside."

In the last month, as the headlines about the pandemic have become grimmer, young people in cities across the country have contemplated the possibility of moving home to live with their parents or extended family.

Some of them can't afford it. Others, like Vidaurre, worry that they might be asymptomatic and put their medically frail relatives at risk, as some reports suggest that infection is more likely to happen in clusters, such as with a family living under one roof.

But many others are returning to their childhood bedrooms and setting up workstations in the dining room of homes where food  and support  are in ample supply. The trade-off is often living in a household where siblings are sleeping nearby and families are trying to figure out who will do a video-conference from what room.

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Decisions to stay or go have been made under pressure, sometimes in haste. For those who have moved home, it's not clear how long they'll be there. Its highly unlikely that anyone was thinking about their emotional or financial independence, but their decisions could very well influence the way they and their parents navigate the world for the rest of their lives.



Young people who are hunkered down far from their immediate families may be confronted with parents whose separation anxiety is growing. Subtle cues may be missed; estrangements may be amplified.

But no one can think about any of that right now. The future will have to wait.

Cole Gilbert, 26, says the seriousness of this pandemic sneaked up on him. As schools across the state closed and Gov. Gavin Newsom told people over age 65 to stay home, Gilbert said, he continued to live a "normal" life, going out for drinks March 14 at a packed bar in Venice, where he lives.

Then, days later, Newsom asked restaurants to close to dine-in guests.

Gilbert thought about his routine and started to worry about washing his clothes at the laundromat. "I didnt want to go to the grocery store" to prepare for a long shut-in.

"I feel like in a time of crisis, the places I retreat to are my comfort zones," Gilbert said. So he grabbed his dirty clothes and his two dogs and headed to his parents' place in Long Beach.

Gilbert works as a production manager for his family's aerospace finishing company. The Friday before he returned home, the company had furloughed half its staff as business dropped off. Gilbert wondered whether his move home might be permanent.

After business started to pick up again, the company was able to bring employees back on and Gilbert surveyed the landscape.

Living at home hasn't been so bad.

"Im more of a grown-up now about everything," he said. "Going home and realizing I have responsibilities at the house. Now that Im their guest, Im not treating it like my home. Im trying to do my part," running errands and buying groceries.

Gilbert has given up his place in Venice and plans on being a Long Beach resident for the foreseeable future. But he swears it won't be forever.

::

As the novel coronavirus continues its assault, how should families deal with the return of adult children who considered themselves launched?

Julie Lythcott-Haims is a former college administrator with two college-age children who have returned to their Palo Alto home. Her 81-year-old mother lives in a small house at the back of the property and her 20-year-old son just came out of a 14-day quarantine after returning from Portland, where he lives and works.

The author of "How to Raise an Adult," Lythcott-Haims said there's a fine balance that parents need to strike between communicating the seriousness of following rules and young people's desire for the independence they had when they were living on their own.

"Everybody is accustomed to greater autonomy and freedom, and now we're in an environment where everyone is supposed to be locked down," she said. "We kind of want to be sure everybody is abiding by the rules, and yet we're all adults here. So I think there's a lot of walking on eggshells about serious issues."

Lythcott-Haims says this all fundamentally comes down to trust  whether the person has returned home or not.

For young adults who are far away from family, it's also a fraught time. When twentysomethings are separated in moments like this, she says, they become more like peers with their parents. Trust comes when parents and adult children are able to have honest conversations about the risks they are facing and the precautions they are taking.

"I think they're both worried about each other and they're both having compassion for each other and wanting to check up and check in," Lythcott-Haims says. "But inherently, each is required to look after oneself, which I think develops agency and resilience in those young adults who did not return home."

::

In the middle of last month, Milwaukee native Ben Levey had a frank should-I-stay-or-should-I-go discussion with his mother. Both of his parents have had health issues.

"I was potentially worried about being asymptomatic and getting her sick," Levey said of his mother. "Thats scary because you really dont know."

His regular Friday night Shabbat dinners with friends in Washington, D.C., had started to change. Instead of ripping the challah bread with their hands, as is custom, Levey and his friends cut it with a knife and kept some distance from one another. The 24-year-old stopped taking the train to his job at a nonprofit.

As it became clear that he could work from home, Levey decided that his best bet was to pack up his car and make the 13- hour drive back home to Wisconsin. Now, he's living in a room where he hasn't spent much time since he was 17. He has claimed the living room as his workspace.

His younger brother also is home from college and taking his classes via Zoom.

"We're four adults in a house in the suburbs," which feels just a little more cramped than it has in the past, Levey said. "My dad has the back office. I got the living room and my mom is in the bedroom."

::

Lucy Putnam, 23, didn't have to travel far to get home. Still, it was a decision that gave her pause as she wrestled with the implications of getting her parents or siblings sick.

Putnam's roommates at her apartment near Beverly Grove had been on the go, not paying much attention to social distancing before it was mandated. "I had been interacting with my roommates," she said, so she asked her parents, "Would you prefer [for] me to stay in my apartment? Im young and it wont affect me.'"

No, her mother said, please come home.

Putnam, who works in film and TV development and can work from home, is grateful to have the means and the ability to ride this out in her childhood bedroom in West L.A.

There was, however, the challenge of having a boyfriend, who had been coming and going from the house, which worried her parents. He eventually returned to his family's home on the East Coast.

::

Three weeks into the stay-at-home order in Los Angeles, Vidaurre's circle of roommates continues to shrink and his anxiety growing.

It turned out the housemate who returned to Fresno had not been infected with the coronavirus. He had influenza.

There are still about 15 people living in the house in northeast L.A.

With that many people in close quarters, Vidaurre feels like he constantly needs to clean dishes in the communal kitchen. When someone else begins cleaning, he wonders if the cutlery he just left to dry has been contaminated.

"It just increases the paranoia so much," he said. "If it were possible to transition to living alone and creating an environment that can be clean and safe, I would do that."

Vidaurre plans to be out of the house by the end of the month.

He and one of his roommates, Oko Carter, 30, share a box of disposable masks.

As with Vidaurre, Carter returning to his family isn't an option. Both his grandparents are over 70 and not in great health. And his dad is a truck driver transporting medical equipment in Florida.

Carter's dog-walking and dog-sitting business has dried up, but he has lived in Los Angeles for a decade, and he says that if he's going to ride this out somewhere, it's going to be here.

For now, he shares a room with two other people  one of whom works at a local 7-Eleven. Some of his housemates have lost their jobs or are struggling in the gig economy.

"The bedroom normally holds five people, but only three are here right now," Carter says, sounding almost relieved. "Its just been this feeling for those who have remained  it's been a little sad seeing people who had work just have nothing."

Still, Carter remains optimistic. He notes what's been written on the dry-erase board in the communal kitchen.

Keep your head up.
Afghanistan on Saturday turned down Pakistan's demand to handover the chief of the Islamic State's Khorasan unit, Aslam Farooqi, the mastermind behind a deadly terror attack on a prominent gurudwara in Kabul last month, according to a media report.

Pakistan's Foreign Office said on Thursday that the demand was conveyed to the Afghan ambassador in Islamabad.

A heavily armed Islamic State-Khorasan suicide bomber stormed the gurdwara in the heart of Afghanistan's capital on March 25, killing 25 Sikhs and injuring eight others.

Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security earlier this month said Farooqi, also known as Abdullah Orakzai, was arrested along with 19 other commanders in a "complex operation".

The Afghan Foreign Ministry turned down Pakistan's demand, saying Farooqi was involved in the killing of hundreds of Afghans, therefore, he should be tried under the law of the country, The Express Tribune reported.

The ministry said that Afghanistan and Pakistan have no extradition treaty and Kabul was under no obligation to hand over the IS-Khorasan chief.

It also said that the two countries could work together to curb terrorism in the region.

On Thursday, the ambassador of Afghanistan to Pakistan was called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad and conveyed Pakistan's demand.

"It was underscored to the ambassador that since Farooqi was involved in anti-Pakistan activities in Afghanistan, he should be handed over to Pakistan for further investigations," said a statement issued by the Foreign Office here on Thursday.

It said that Pakistan had been expressing its concerns over the activities of the group, which were clearly detrimental to the country.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
More than a hundred people violated Covid-19 lockdown orders and gathered to offer prayers at a mosque in Gopinathpur village in the Barwan police station area of Bengals Murshidabad district on Friday afternoon. A handful of policemen, headed by two officers, somehow managed to disperse the crowd.

This happened on a day when the state administration announced, for the first time, that it had identified around 10 coronavirus hotspots in the state where a complete lockdown has been ordered.

More than 170 people who attended the Tablighi Jamaat in Delhis Nizamuddin last month have been kept in quarantine at a location near Kolkata. Many of these are foreign nationals.

On Friday, the police received the information that more than 100 people had gathered for Friday namaz in Gopinathpur.

Sub-divisional police officer of Kandi, Kumar Sani Raj, and officer-in-charge of Barwan police station Nirmal Das rushed to the spot with a small force to vacate the mosque. Though the policemen did not encounter any physical resistance, people started arguing that they had the right to offer prayers. They demanded that the police must leave.

Locals told the police that in normal times not less than 300 people gather at the mosque on Fridays and the crowd was much less because of the lockdown. The police found that nobody at the mosque was wearing any mask.

Kumar Sani Raj said, We got assistance from the Imam (main cleric) of the mosque. The people gathered out of sheer ignorance. We told them how deadly the virus is and how it spreads in the community.

The Imam also requested the villagers not to violate lockdown orders and not to come to the mosque till things are back to normal. He asked them to offer namaz at home, said the SDPO.

The police also distributed rice, dal and vegetables among 140 poor families in the village.
Former Bulgaria and Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov recalled his winner against Liverpool and termed it as 'unbelievable'.

The forward put the Reds to the sword early in the 2010-11 season, firing a famous hat-trick in the United's 3-2 win at Old Trafford.

"Sheasy [John O'Shea] put the ball in. I timed my jump one second before [Jamie] Carragher. It was so easy for me to get the ball, get the header, get the goal. Game over. We win," Berbatov said on the United's official website.

"After that, everything is a blur. You're running blind. You don't see anything but colour. Let me tell you, that feeling is unbelievable," he added.

The Bulgarian further stated that playing in home conditions always acts as a bonus to put extra pressure on opponents.

"When you're Manchester United at Old Trafford, of course, you're going to put pressure on teams," he said.

"We were always scoring goals in the last minute. It is in the air. You see that something is coming, you smell that something is coming. And I was so confident that day, I was sure that if I had one more chance, I would score," the striker added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New Delhi, April 11 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday said that it has attached the properties to the tune of Rs 32 crore of Jaya Patel in a FEMA case.

The ED in a statement said that the properties worth Rs 32.38 crore has been attached under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The attached properties of Patel included a flat at Mumbai's Grant Road and another at Peddar Road.

The ED said that investigation was conducted under FEMA, on the basis of specific information that Patel, a resident of Mumbai, has illegally amassed properties in foreign countries. The ED said that searches were conducted at the residential and office premises of Patel and her associate, which resulted into seizure of incriminating documents about the illegal acquisition of undisclosed foreign assets.

The ED further said that investigation revealed that Patel has been associated with Ivory International Properties Ltd, a company registered in British Virgin Islands.

"She is only having a 1 $/GBP share of Ivory International Properties Ltd. However she is the beneficial owner of a flat at Chelsea Embankment in London valued at GB Pound 15,25,000 and another in Central Park, New York, valued at $25,60,000 both acquired through Ivory International Properties Ltd," the ED said.

The ED claimed that during the investigation it was also revealed that Ivory International Properties Ltd, mortgaged the said real estate properties to obtain loan and Patel had signed as co-borrower in mortgage loan application form.

According to the ED, Patel failed to explain the source of funds for acquisition of these properties in the US and the UK. The funds to acquire these overseas properties have been illegally transferred by violating sections 3(a) and 3 (b) of FEMA.
While many people around the country are applauding health care workers during the coronavirus pandemic, some employees of a hospital in New York state didn't feel the love Friday morning.

Staff at New York-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital in Cortlandt, a town in Westchester County, completed an overnight shift Friday morning to find their car tires had been slashed, authorities said.

The tires of 22 vehicles were found cut in the hospital's parking lot, and police have arrested a suspect in the incident.

New York State Police said in a statement they "received a complaint of criminal mischief" at around 7 a.m.

Authorities later arrested Daniel Hall, 29, for the crime.

Hall is at Westchester County Jail and faces charges of criminal mischief, auto stripping and possession of a controlled substance. Police said Hall had a small amount of phencyclidine (PCP) at the time of his arrest. He is due in court May 18.

The hospital told the The Journal News it would pay for the damages.

Before the tires were slashed, dozens of police officers and firefighters had gathered outside the hospital Thursday night to applaud the health care workers, the newspaper reported.

We were shocked to hear of this incident, especially at this time when our employees are working tirelessly and courageously through the pandemic, the hospital said in a statement, adding that it was focusing on "the beautiful tribute given by our first responders."
Children wearing face masks play in the streets of Redondo Beach during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Los Angeles Times)

To the editor: In the days after California's stay-at-home order went into effect March 19, we started taking walks around the neighborhood to get a reprieve from the house and the headlines. At first the neighborhood seemed no different than when we had walked around pre-pandemic. ("California won't be lifting coronavirus stay-at-home rules anytime soon. Here's why," April 8)

As the days progressed, we started seeing more people  not just the usual dog walkers, but entire families. Then came the chalk. Every block started to proliferate with sidewalk chalk art in front of the houses where children lived.

We had no idea there were so many families in our own neighborhood. We now see more fathers walking with their children during the day, and it is clear that the dads taking a break from work to stroll around the neighborhood are enjoying themselves just as much as the their kids are. Pre-pandemic, these families were no doubt busy shuttling kids from one event to the other.

Something good must ameliorate the pain of this pandemic. Perhaps more people are learning to live locally and celebrate the greatness that exists within the neighborhoods of Los Angeles.

Soon we will be back to crisscrossing the region for our jobs and events. When that time happily returns, hopefully we will not forget how to live locally, enjoying our neighborhoods and the neighbors who live in them, with us.

Nancy and Ryan Aubry, Los Angeles

..

To the editor: Every Tuesday morning, a familiar sound is heard in the background: click, dump, bang.

Essential workers rolling their trucks along the streets collecting trash. Click, dump, bang.

Maestros perched high in city vehicles, restoring order. Click, dump, bang.

Music to my ears.

Jann Jaskol, Pacific Palisades

..

To the editor: As Southern Californians struggle with COVID-19 and also gray skies and frequent rains (which we need, of course), depression and "cabin fever" may be settling within.

Story continues

Well, I've found an antidote: jumping jacks.

They're not to hard to do. They won't take up too much of your time. Do them inside. Do them outside. Do them in the backyard. With your kids. Do them "singing in the rain."

It's fun. It's healthful (with a cleansing daily shower included).

Norman Zangl, Burbank

..

To the editor: We've been here before, with America living through days of grief and fear as a vicious epidemic rages through our land.

Before we called it polio, and we watched as beloved friends and family members were entombed in iron lungs. Too many never emerged from them.

Today, right now, we still have "miles to go before we sleep." But America has been here before, and as then, we'll come back again determined and strong.

Jacqueline Kerr, Los Feliz

..

To the editor: I've just reread Albert Camus' "The Plague" (I know, I'm a masochist), which I first read in college but did not fully appreciate.

Camus' work offers strikingly prescient analyses of not only the past and current pandemics, but a future of repeated similar events that, unfortunately, will occur so long as we inhabit the planet. Camus identifies the stages that humankind undergoes during the onslaught  denial, fear, reckoning, acceptance and, at long last, hope. His prediction of repeated pandemics is chilling.

The real question I have is whether we, as a society, will learn from the tragedy. Based on current events, I have my doubts.

Elliott Mercer, Newport Beach
Washington

A watchdog has found that the Treasury Department appropriately handled Congress' request for President Donald Trump's tax returns, which Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has refused to provide.

But the acting inspector general for Treasury, Rich Delmar, also said he had no opinion on whether the advice Mnuchin followed  which came from Justice Department attorneys  was itself well-founded. In refusing to hand over the returns, Mnuchin decided he was legally bound to comply with that advice, Delmar noted in a letter Wednesday to senior House lawmakers.

The Justice Department legal opinion backed Mnuchin's refusal, saying that House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rep. Richard Neal's request lacked a legitimate legislative purpose and was an "unprecedented" use of congressional authority.

The argument is the same one Trump has used in refusing other demands from Democrats in Congress for financial records from banks and accountants that have had business with Trump and his family. Lawsuits over those records were filed in federal courts in Washington and New York.

Neal, a Massachusetts Democrat, asked Delmar last fall to probe how Treasury received, assessed and responded to Neal's earlier request for six years of Trump's tax returns.

Delmar found that Treasury processed the request properly, sought legal guidance from the Justice Department, determined that it was bound by that guidance and, based on that advice, decided not to provide the tax information.

Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years.

Hie letter went to Neal and Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas, the senior Republican on the tax-writing Ways and Means panel.

In the long-running legal battle over Trump's records, Neal cited a 1924 law that says the Treasury secretary "shall furnish" tax returns to any of the three congressional officers empowered to obtain them, one of whom is the Ways and Means Committee chairman.

Neal has said the records are needed because the committee is looking into the effectiveness of IRS mandatory audits of all sitting presidents.

The fight between Democrats and Trump dates back to the 2016 election campaign, when Trump claimed that he couldn't release them because he was under IRS audit. The records hold the promise of information that Trump has carefully guarded from public view, including details of his business entanglements, relations with foreign creditors and governments, and the value of his assets.
A 2-year-old girl was sitting atop her fathers shoulders while on a walk in the familys Kenton neighborhood Friday when she was shot in the backside with what Portland police say was a high-powered pellet gun.

June Krumbein was treated at OHSU Hospital on Friday. An X-ray revealed a pellet had lodged deep under the skin on her bottom. She was released from the hospital and is recovering at home with her parents, Adam and Kourtney Krumbein.

Adam Krumbein said he had Friday off from work and decided to take in the fresh air and sunshine with his daughter. The pair were walking west on North Willis Boulevard, away from Peninsular Avenue, when the girl cried out.

He said he took her off his shoulders and tried to figure out what was wrong. He thought perhaps shed been stung by a bee.

I discovered she was bleeding out of her bottom, said Krumbein, 37, who is vice president of marketing for a company that makes antennas for military and law enforcement applications. "It looked like a puncture wound.

He returned home and called the pediatricians office. A nurse told the couple to take their daughter to the emergency room.

It was there that the X-ray revealed a pellet under her skin, Krumbein said.

Krumbein said he doesnt remember anyone walking near them at the time of the incident. He said he heard a faint sound about the time June cried out.

He said he and his wife are sickened by what happened.

Shes a little innocent kid who doesnt know there is a single thing wrong in the world, he said. And now she has been shot. Granted she wasnt shot by a big regular handgun or something, but still shes been shot. Its hard to process.

In an interview Saturday, he said June doesnt appear to be in pain. Shes too young to grasp what happened.

Shes not aware of it, he said. She just knows she got hurt and she went to see a bunch of nice doctors and they took care of her.

Portland police responded to the hospital after receiving a report that a child had been injured by a pellet gun. Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to call the non-emergency line at 503-823-3333 (reference case number 20-116568) or e-mail Officer West Helfrich at West.Helfrich@portlandoregon.gov.

-- Noelle Crombie; ncrombie@oregonian.com; 503-276-7184; @noellecrombie

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Representative image

The Maharashtra government on April 11 decided to extend the ongoing lockdown period until April 30 as the state is seeing a continuous rise in COVID-19 cases.

The announcement was made by Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on the day hours after he attended a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video conferencing from Mumbai.

In a live webcast, Thackeray said the lockdown, which was supposed to end on April 14, will be extended till April 30 in view of the lack of any other options.

Explaining the contours of the plan, the CM said while restrictions would be eased in certain areas in the state during the extended period, they will become stricter in others.

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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

He further said the decision regarding pending examinations, restarting of industrial units and the migrant workers stranded in the state will be announced before April 14.

The CM said he had conveyed this decision to the prime minister during the meeting of all the chief ministers.

Maharashtra's tally of COVID-19 cases shot up to 1666 earlier in the day with 92 fresh cases being reported, according to the state Health Department.

The state has so far reported 110 deaths due to the infection while as many as 188 patients have been discharged from hospitals after recovery, officials have said.

Before Maharashtra, Odisha and Punjab had formally extended the lockdown period till April 30.

(With inputs from PTI)

Follow our full coverage here
By Tom Balmforth and Jason Hovet

MOSCOW/PRAGUE (Reuters) - Russia said on Friday it had opened a criminal investigation after Czech authorities dismantled the statue of a Soviet military commander last week despite Moscow's protests, escalating a rancorous diplomatic row over the issue.

The statue to Marshal Ivan Konev, who led Red Army forces during World War Two that drove Nazi troops from Czechoslovakia, is reviled by some in Prague as a symbol of the decades of Communist rule that followed the war.

But in Moscow Konev is lionised by authorities as a war hero, and the removal of his statue was cast as a diplomatic insult and part of what Russia sees as a dangerous attempt to rewrite history.

The statue to Konev, who also played a leading role in crushing the 1956 Hungarian uprising and building the Berlin Wall in 1961, was taken down on April 3 by municipal Prague authorities who said they planned to put it in a museum.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has appealed to Czech Defence Minister Lubomir Metnar to intercede, asking that the statue be sent back to Moscow.

Russia would be prepared to pay for transport or any other costs, the ministry said.

"We expect information from you about the place and time of its handing over," Shoigu said in a defence ministry statement late on Thursday.

The Czech Foreign Ministry said it was up to the Prague district municipality where the statue had been located to decide whether to give it to Russia.

On Friday, Russia's Investigative Committee, which handles probes into major crimes, said it had opened a criminal case into the suspected public desecration of symbols of Russia's military glory.

The Czech foreign ministry said it considered the move to be meddling in its internal affairs and that the statue would be treated in a dignified manner after its removal.

"If Russian bodies continue with confrontational statements and actions in this spirit, it will be a sign they have lost interest in developing mutually beneficial relations between our countries," it said.

Story continues

Russia has no legal jurisdiction in the Czech Republic.

The statue has for years been the centre of controversy in Prague. It has been repeatedly vandalised and moves by municipal authorities to cover it up with tarpaulin sparked anger among local pro-Russian residents.

Ahead of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War Two, the Soviet military campaign has become a highly sensitive subject for Moscow.

President Vladimir Putin has accused Russia's detractors of diminishing the Soviet war effort and its huge loss of life, and said Moscow must defend itself from what he has called the rewriting of history.

(Editing by Andrew Osborn, Mike Collett-White, Kirsten Donovan)
Cuba hit out at the United States over its nearly 60-year-old embargo against the island nation, which Havana described as "even more cruel" given the suffering caused by the new coronavirus pandemic.

The communist-run single-party island is finding it tough to source medical supplies and has already recorded 564 coronavirus cases and 15 deaths.

"The United States' economic-financial blockade is the most unfair, severe, prolonged system of sanctions of all time by one country against another," said Nestor Marimon, the health ministry's international relations director on Friday.

"The health system is the most affected because it affects the wellbeing of our people.

"The blockade is even more cruel and genocidal than it normally is ... when we don't have an epidemic." First imposed on October 19, 1960 in response to Havana's nationalization of US-owned oil refineries, and extended in 1962, the embargo is an enduring legacy of the Cold War hostilities between the two countries.

It has been denounced 28 years in a row by the United Nations.

The sanctions imposed by Washington have since 1992 permitted medicines to reach Cuba, as long as they're exclusively for the use of the people.

But many banks and companies fear being hit by sanctions themselves for engaging in commercial activity with the island nation.

Donald Trump has ramped up the embargo since assuming the US presidency, making it harder for other countries to send supplies there.

Cuba complained recently that a shipment of test kits, masks and respirators donated by the Chinese Alibaba group didn't arrive because the American company tasked with transportation feared breaching US sanction rules.

"It's very difficult to buy equipment, supplies, medicines. We're forced to buy them in far away markets that double, triple the costs and on many occasions they arrive late," said Marimon.

He said the sanctions caused "USD 160 million in damages to the health ministry" between April 2019 and March 2020, USD 60 million more than the year before.

He said the total losses since the sanctions began in 1962 was three billion dollars.

Recently, the Oxfam charity blasted the US over the sanctions and called for them to be lifted.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 10:32:55|Editor: huaxia

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WUHAN, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The health authority of central China's Hubei Province said Saturday that no new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were reported in the province on Friday.

On Friday, the province saw three new deaths, two were reported in the provincial capital city of Wuhan.

The provincial health commission said Hubei had 673 asymptomatic patients under medical observation by Friday, after 19 cases were ruled out while 17 new patients were reported.

Twenty-eight COVID-19 patients were discharged from hospitals after recovery on Friday. Among the 320 patients being treated in hospital, 51 were still in severe condition and 44 others in critical condition.

Hubei has so far reported 67,803 confirmed COVID-19 cases in total, including 50,008 in Wuhan.
Writing in Time magazine, the famous Anglican theologian N.T. Wright offered a similar conclusion: Instead of seeking explanations for our present disaster, we should recover the biblical tradition of lament, an expression of solidarity both with our fellow humans and with God himself, who in the Old Testament grieves for his peoples infidelity and in the person of Jesus weeps for Lazarus. The Christian tradition, Wright argues, doesnt require us to explain whats happening and why. In fact, it is part of the Christian vocation not to be able to explain  and to lament instead.

To people experiencing the sharpest grief, contemplating the dying body and the open grave, a response of simple solidarity and lamentation is appropriate. But many people suffer more slowly and less sharply; even in this pandemic, much suffering will be doled out in slow doses as its social and economic consequences spread. Meanwhile, even people suffering the sharpest pain will eventually leave the graveside and begin life after tragedy. And in both cases  suffering that endures and suffering that belongs to the past  there is a need for something more than solidarity as time goes by; there is a need for narrative, for integration, for some story about what the pain and anguish meant.

This need is powerful enough that even people who officially believe that the universe is godless and random will find themselves telling stories about how their own suffering played some crucial role in the pattern of their life, how some important good came from some grave evil. And its a need that religious believers must respect and answer: We can acknowledge the mystery, with Martin and Wright, while also insisting that in their own lives people should be looking for glimpses of a pattern, for signs of what a particular trial might mean.

The personal and specific element is crucial here, because the Christian tradition offers not one but many different explanations for how suffering fits into a providential plan. In some cases  the miser growing old alone, the dictator consumed by paranoia  the wicked may suffer as a kind of fitting, self-created punishment for their sins. But then in other cases suffering may be a gift to the righteous, given because their goodness means that they can bear more of its hard medicine, its refining fire. (There is a longstanding Christian tradition that finds it more theologically perplexing when good things happen to good people than when bad things do.)

Then in still other cases, suffering is bound to some purpose beyond the self. Before Jesus heals a blind man, the disciples wonder whose sin made him blind, and their masters answer is stark: It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. There is no retreat to mystery here; the man was born blind just so that the Messiah could heal him.




DATES for the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) 2020 June examinations will likely be determined at the end of the lockdown period, it has been learnt.





Representatives of teacher organisations are split on whether or not the exams should proceed. Learners, however, continue to fret that the exams are likely to be postponed to give way to the current fight against the coronavirus. Writing of Zimsec mid-year exams normally begins end of May. Government imposed a 21-day national lockdown, which started on 30 March, to limit movements and, therefore, curtail the spread of the virus.





Primary and secondary schools had already been instructed to close earlier than scheduled as part of the unprecedented far-reaching measures to avoid infections. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mrs Tumisang Thabela, said the outcome of the national lockdown would inform the way forward on the June examinations.





For now it is a bit premature to talk about postponing the exams while we are still in the lockdown. We will be guided by the evidence in front of us once the lockdown is over.





But preparations are still continuing. The countrys primary and secondary schools examinations body says the window to register for the exams has since been extended to accommodate learners who might have been inconvenienced by the current restrictions.





In a statement, Zimsec said it would be guided by the outcome of the lockdown, with late June registrations set to be accommodated in the November sittings.





Zimsec, like any other institution, is not privy to what will happen after the 21 days of the lockdown, but would like its valued stakeholders to know that a window for the registration for November 2020 examinations will be provided when the lockdown is lifted, read part of the statement.





Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president, Dr Takavafira Zhou, said postponing the June examinations will be unfair to the candidates as most have had ample time to prepare.

However, Zimbabwe Teachers Association (Zimta) secretary-general, Mr Tapson Sibanda, disagreed.





Although it is not certain yet as to what will happen in the next few days, we are advocating for the postponement of the exams since candidates did not have enough time to prepare. However, we would like to applaud the Government for extending the registration dates.




Italy is extending the nationwide COVID-19 quarantine until May 3, but will reopen bookstores and children's shops starting April 14, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Friday.

Earlier in the day, the country updated its coronavirus case count by 3,951 to 147,577. The death toll in the country -- the highest in the -- has risen by 570 to 18,849.

"We have prepared a decree to extend the restrictive measures until May 3. This is a difficult and necessary decision for which I take full political responsibility," Conte said at a press conference.

According to the prime minister, the decision was made after a series of meetings with ministers, experts, local authorities and trade unions.

He added that the epidemiological curve was now giving certain hope and the quarantine was bearing fruit.

The extension of the restrictions applies to production activities, except for the forestry industry.

"We cannot launch everything in full force so far. But I promise that if necessary conditions are in place before May 3, we will try to take action. Starting April 14, bookshops, stationary shops, shops for children newborn and forestry industry will resume," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Charities across Britain have welcomed the announcement by the government to create a 750million package of support to ensure they continue vital work.

This week, Chancellor Rishi Sunak outlined that 360million would come direct from government departments while 370million would be dedicated to smaller charities which would be helped by a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund.

The Chancellor added that the government would match donations to the National Emergencies Trust as part of the BBC's Big Night In fundraiser later this month  pledging a minimum of 20million.

Charities have not been left out by the government and have been given a 750m lifeline by Chancellor Rishi Sunak

Sunak said: 'Our charities are playing a crucial role in the national fight against coronavirus, supporting those who are most in need.

'It's right we do everything we can to help the sector during this difficult time, which is why we have announced this unprecedented 750 million package of extra funding.

This will ensure our key charities can continue to deliver the services that millions of people up and down the country rely on.'

This comes after various charities cried out to This is Money last week that they were struggling financially under the weight of the lockdown restrictions.

Which charities will get help from the bailout? Charities providing vital services and helping the vulnerable during the current coronavirus crisis will be prioritised for the 360million allocated by government departments. These include:  Hospices  to help increase capacity and give stability to the medical sector  St John Ambulance - to support the NHS  Victims charities (including domestic abuse)  to cope with the increasing demand for charities offering these services  Vulnerable children's charities  so they can continue to work on behalf of local authorities  Citizens Advice  to increase the staff allocation needed to provide advice during the pandemic

Many have had to cancel lucrative events which would normally have ensured tens of thousands or even millions of pounds in charitable donations and sustained their operations.

Before the government announced its rescue package thousands of charities including St John Ambulance were at risk of having to shut down their doors for good.

Close to closing doors

St John Ambulance' CEO, Martin Houghton-Brown, told This is Money that prior to the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown the independent charity was able to function well by generating its own income.

This is conducted through first aid training at corporates and commercial events.

But the lock down resulted in a 1.4million-a-week loss for St John Ambulance.

He says: 'This was a huge and catastrophic decline in income. We have generous public support but have never leant on this as we can generate our own income which sustains our youth and homelessness work.

'At the same time the demand from the public sector for help and support has risen to an estimated weekly cost of 1.6million.

'As a result of this we had a shortfall and more projected costs to do work for the nation as a volunteer health service, so the gap was impossible.'

St John Ambulance' CEO, Martin Houghton-Brown, says the charity was close to shutting its doors for good before the government created the 750m bail out package

'Of course, I acknowledge that we are not unique. There are charities from across the country that are experiencing an existential crisis from youth clubs to hospices.

'My job as the leader of St John Ambulance is to ensure the sustainably of my charity but I also wanted to highlight the needs across the sector.'

An uncertain future

Thousands of charities are still in danger of going bust, in spite of the government rescue package for the sector.

My concern is that while so much attention is, rightly, on the immediate impact of coronavirus, charities such as mine which support young adults with cancer may not be seen as critical at this time and may therefore not benefit from the funding. Ceinwen Giles, co-founder of Shine Cancer Support Ceinwen Giles, co-founder of Shine Cancer Support

There are other rescue packages available created by other charities and corporates but ones like the Charities Aid Foundation's (CAF) Coronavirus Emergency Fund is already oversubscribed with applications.

Sir John Low chief executive of CAF said: 'Our own CAF Coronavirus Emergency Fund for small charities had almost 5,000 applications in just one week from the very organisations across the UK helping people to get through this bleak time.

'This package of measures from the Government will bring important support at such a difficult time, although we must recognise that there is still a long way to go.'

This is because the government's package will only help certain charities  specifically those that are helping vulnerable people through the current pandemic (see 'Which charities will get help from the bail out' - above).

Ceinwen Giles, co-founder of small charity Shine Cancer Support says the charity may have to close its doors if it's not successful in getting government funding. Last week she told This is Money that she has had to furlough some staff

Charities uncertain about whether the package applies to them or who've been left out of the deal could still suffer financially and are asking the public, corporates and other organisations to step in and help out.

Ceinwen Giles, director of partnerships and evaluation and co-founder of Shine Cancer Support welcomed the rescue package but is concerned about the survival of smaller charities that provide vital services.

'This is a great step in the right direction. From the point of view of a smaller charity, there are no details yet on how the scheme via the Lottery will operate. We will of course apply if we can.

'My concern is that while so much attention is, rightly, on the immediate impact of coronavirus, charities such as mine which support young adults with cancer may not be seen as critical at this time and may therefore not benefit from the funding.

Anita Choudhrie, founder of Path to Success and the Stellar International Art Foundation is worried about the survival of her charity which helps paralympians

Anita Choudhrie, founder of Path to Success and the Stellar International Art Foundation says the government's rescue package is an important first step but is equally concerned about the survival of her charity which helps paralympians.

She says: 'It will not be enough to prevent hard working, small charities like Path To Success from closing their doors.

'There are so many charities that depend on this support that I am not sure if the package will cover all. Path To Success will certainly apply for funding however.

'Paralympians preparing for Paralympics 2020, who are being supported by Path to Success, face challenges and fears they had never ever imagined so we want to continue to support them as best we can.'

Giles adds: 'It needs to be clear that although this is a coronavirus related crisis, the impact is being felt very widely across all of society.

'Charities play a key role in supporting people with many illnesses, many of which are not getting the medical or psycho-social attention that they need at the moment.

'If we fold and are unable to support people throughout this period, we are essentially creating much larger problems down the line, particularly in relation to mental health.'
Surgeon General Jerome Adams has been met with outrage by the black community for using phrases like 'abuela', 'big momma' and 'poppop', while pleading for minorities to not drink or smoke and follow the government's guidelines to slow the spread of the coronavirus .

'We need you to do this if not for yourself than for your abuela. Do it for your granddaddy, do it for your big momma, do it for your poppop,' the nation's top doctor said Friday at the daily coronavirus taskforce briefing - while also advising those groups to 'avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs.'

Adams told Americans of color that they need to 'step up' to stop the spread of coronavirus, and said 'social ills' are likely a contributing factor when looking at the dire statistics that the outbreak has killed twice as many black and Latino people than white Americans.

Now members of the black community are calling out the Surgeon General for 'pandering' to them with his use of slang and also for his 'offensive' instruction that those specific communities to stop drinking and smoking during this pandemic.

Surgeon General Jerome Adams asked members of communities of color in the United States to follow the White House guidelines, imploring them to 'do it for your granddaddy, do it for your big momma, do it for your poppop'

The surgeon general talked about some of the dire statistics that show black and Latino Americans are dying twice as much of coronavirus complications than their white peers

TV host and actress Claudia Jordan took to Twitter to express her outrage at Adams' comments.

'The surgeon general telling black folks not to drink and smoke and do it for ya "paa paa and big momma". Where they get this guy from? How dumb do they think we are with this? How bout suggesting that EVERYONE cut back? Let's not do that ok?' Jordan said.

One man on Twitter, David DeLoatch, said: 'Let me tell a lot of you something, we don't talk the way movies, songs, and the media portrays us. The Surgeon General is trying to relate to a life he never lived, listen to his voice and they way he speaks. He has never called anyone "big momma," and neither have I.'

Other questioned why Adams' word choice, writing: 'As if people wouldn't understand him if he said, "Do it for your grandparents"?'

Some bashed him for using 'stereotypical ethnic names for our relative'.

And activist Blaine Hardaway wrote: 'I really would like to say I'm surprised but of course I'm not. Trump sent the only black guy on his team out to chastise black and Latino people for smoking and drinking, as if that's the reason our communities are predisposed to this virus. Just disgusting.'

Adams was met with immediate push back for his comments later in the briefing when PBS NewsHour's Yamiche Alcindor asked him to respond to those who might have been offended by his colloquialisms.

'We need targeted outreach to the African-American community and I used the language that is used in my family,' Adams said. 'I have a Puerto Rican brother-in-law, I call my granddaddy "granddaddy" I have relatives who call their grandparents big momma.'

'That was not meant to be offensive,' he added. 'That's the language that we use and I use and we need to continue to target our outreach to those communities.'

Alcindor also pressed Adams on why he mentioned drugs and alcohol, when talking specifically about communities of color.

'All Americans need to avoid these substances at all times,' he said.

TV host and actress Claudia Jordan took to Twitter to express her outrage at Adams' comments

Adams was met with immediate push back for his comment later in the briefing by PBS NewsHour's Yamiche Alcindor

Activist Blaine Hardaway wrote: 'I really would like to say I'm surprised but of course I'm not

Other questioned why Adams didn't choose the word 'grandparents' instead, writing: 'As if people wouldn't understand him if he said, "Do it for your grandparents"?'

Members of the black community are calling out the Surgeon General for 'pandering' to them and his 'offensive' instruction to stop drinking and smoking during this pandemic

Some bashed him for using 'stereotypical ethnic names for our relative'

One man David Deloatch said the Surgeon General is 'trying to relate to a life he never lived'

On Wednesday, New York released data that showed black and Latino people were twice as likely to die from coronavirus than white residents.

Similar figures are popping up around the country including in Chicago where 70 per cent of the deaths have been black people, who only make up 30 per cent of the population.

In Louisiana, with New Orleans being another hot spot, 70 per cent of the dead have been black. Black people only make up 32 per cent of residents in the state.

'Everywhere we look, the coronavirus is devastating our communities,' said Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP.

Johnson and other black leaders, including Rev. Jesse Jackson, were on a call Friday with Vice President Mike Pence, who is leading the White House's coronavirus taskforce, and Adams, who took over the briefing room podium to discuss the call and the numbers.

'So what's going on?' he said. 'Well it's alarming, but it's not surprising that people of color have a greater burden of chronic health conditions.'

Among those are high blood pressure, which Adams said African-Americans and Native Americans see at a much younger age than their white counterparts.

'Puerto Ricans have higher rates of asthma and black boys are three times as likely to die of asthma than their white counterparts,' Adams said.

PBS NewsHour's Yamiche Alcindor asked Adams to respond to those who might have been offended by his colloquialisms during the briefing

Crosses are seen outside of a church, as each cross represents one life lost to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the state of Louisiana, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana U.S, April 10

Adams then pulled out his own red inhaler, used to open the airwaves during an asthma attack.

'As a matter of fact, I've been carrying an inhaler in my pocket for 40 years out of fear of having a fatal asthma attack,' said Adams, who is black. 'And I hope that showing you this inhaler shows little kids with asthma all across the country that they can grow up to be Surgeon General one day.'

'But I more immediately share it so that everyone knows it doesn't matter if you look fit, if you look young, you are still at risk for getting and spreading and dying from coronavirus,' he warned.

Adams said the 'chronic burden of medical ills' among Americans of color is making those communities less resilient to the 'ravages' of COVID-19.

'And it's possible, in fact likely that the burden of social ills is also contributing,' he remarked.

He mentioned trends like fewer people of color having jobs where they can work from home. He also pointed to housing trends - where many Americans of color live in urban, and thus more densely-packed, places and have multi-generational living arrangements.

'We tell people to wash their hands, but a study shows that 30 per cent of homes on Navaho nation don't have running water, so how are they going to do that?' he asked.

The takeaway, Adams said, was that 'people of color experience both more likely exposure to COVID-19 and increased complications from it.'

Adams was asked later in the briefing if he should have used language like 'big momma' and brought up alcohol and drug use when speaking about communities of color

'But let me be crystal clear, we do not think people of color are biologically or genetically predisposed to get COVID-19, there is nothing inherently wrong with you,' he said. 'But they are socially pre-disposed to coronavirus exposure and have a higher incidence of the very diseases that put you at risk for severe complications of coronavirus.'

Adams then encouraged members of those communities to follow the guidelines of social distancing, mask-wearing and hand-washing strictly.

'Wash your hands more often than you ever dreamed possible,' he said. 'Avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs,' he advised.

'And call your friends and family, check in on your mother, she wants to hear from you right now,' Adams said.

And with the mention of mothers, Adams listed nicknames for Spanish grandmothers and black moms.
Kanye West has dropped out of his scheduled spot on Joel Osteen's virtual Easter concert out of regard for his Sunday Service Choir.

Their original plan was that the choir would be masked and maintaining social distance while recording songs with Kanye for the gig.

The 42-year-old rapper eventually decided that he could not satisfy either his artistic desires or his safety concerns with these arrangements, TMZ reports.

Throwback: Kanye West has dropped out of his scheduled spot on Joel Osteen's virtual Easter concert; Kanye and Joel are pictured at the latter's Houston megachurch in November

Joel's Lakewood megachurch is based in Houston, while Kanye is hunkering down in Los Angeles with his wife Kim Kardashian and their four children.

Kanye and his Sunday Service Choir were planning to deliver their performances virtually to Joel's Easter service, which will be livestreamed to viewers.

Joel and Kanye were still trying to figure out the logistics into Good Friday but the Power rapper has now decided against the venture.

Looking out for them: Kanye was concerned for the safety of his Sunday Service Choir, who are pictured at a past performance in Paris

Other scheduled virtual guests include Mariah Carey singing her song Hero, as well as Tyler Perry, USA Today reported.

Kanye began his Sunday Services at the beginning of last year, eventually drawing such celebrity guests as Brad Pitt, Justin Bieber and Chance The Rapper.

Late last year he released two albums with his Sunday Service Choir, Jesus Is King and the Christmas record Jesus Is Born.

Diva: Other scheduled virtual guests include Mariah Carey (pictured in 2016) singing her song Hero, as well as Tyler Perry, USA Today reported

During the promotional tour for Jesus Is King last November Kanye swung by Lakewood for an onstage chat with Joel about his religious awakening.

He did a discussion with Joel on a Sunday morning and that evening performed with the choir, with tickets given out for free.

Some tickets were eventually snapped up by scalpers, but were voided if they could be confirmed to be so, according to TMZ.
Several African countries have demanded that China address their concerns that Africans in Guangzhou city are being mistreated and harassed amid fears there of a potential spread of coronavirus from imported cases.

In recent days Africans in the city have reported being ejected from their apartments by their landlords, being tested for coronavirus several times without being given results and being shunned and discriminated against in public. Such complaints have been made in local media, and on social media.

In a statement on Saturday, Ghana's minister of foreign affairs Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey said she had summoned the Chinese ambassador to express her disappointment and demand action to address the "inhumane treatment."

"I regret and highly condemn this...ill-treament and racial discrimination," the minister said.

She said she had summoned Ambassador Shi Ting Wang to "register my disappointment and call for his government to immediately address the situation and bring their officials to order."

There was no immediate response from the Chinese Embassy in Ghana to a request for comment on this.

In a tweeted statement on Saturday, the Chinese embassy in Zimbabwe dismissed the accusation of Chinese deliberately targeting Africans and suggested reports of racial discrimination and harassment were being sensationalized.

"It is harmful to sensationalize isolated incidents," the statement said. "China treats all individuals in the country, Chinese and foreign alike, as equals."

China has ended its more than two-month lockdown in Wuhan, the city where the coronavirus infections began, after containing the outbreak there but authorities are now worried about a potential second wave of infection from imported cases.

At the peak of the outbreak in Wuhan some African nations refused to evacuate their students from China, expressing confidence in Beijing's ability to handle the outbreak.

In a press statement on Friday the Kenyan government said the "stringent testing of foreigners" that China had undertaken had "precipitated unfair responses against foreigners particularly of African origin."

In the foreign ministry statement about the treatment of Africans in Guangzhou, Nairobi "officially expressed concern." It added that government was working with Chinese authorities to address the matter.

On Friday, Nigerian legislator Akinola Alabi tweeted a video of a meeting between the leader of Nigeria's lower house of parliament, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Chinese Ambassador Zhou Pingjian. In it, Gbajabiamila demanded an explanation from the diplomat after showing Zhou a video of a Nigerian complaining about mistreatment in China.

The ambassador said in response to the questions from the house leader that he took the complaints "very seriously" and promised to convey them to the authorities back home.

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PRAGUE, Czech Republic  Face masks aren't mandatory everywhere, but strict rules on wearing them have been enforced in the Czech Republic, even for nudists.

The European country has begun to relax restrictions imposed because of the coronavirus, but at the height of concerns late last month, police were called in to remind people that while it was OK to get naked in designated public places, mouths need to be covered.

Czech law enforcers issued a warning after officers were called out on March 27 in the small town of Lazne Bohdanec, east of Prague, because of complaints about maskless naturists basking in warm weather.

"Unfortunately, many of the sunbathing citizens were gathered in large groups, and some were not wearing face masks.," a police statement said. "Upon the arrival of the police, everyone agreed to respect the government regulation (that face shields are compulsory outside the home).

"Citizens are allowed to be without clothes in designated locations, but they still must cover their mouths, and only gather in appropriate numbers."

The message seems to have been heeded. The statement said a subsequent police patrol found that of 150 people encountered, only half needed reminding about masks.

"We understand that many people do not have a garden and want to get some fresh air in the countryside, but we all have one common desire to respect the government's guidelines so that the restrictions can be gradually lifted," the statement said. "That however will not happen until everyone starts to dutifully respect the rules."

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Holidaymakers were turned back to the UK as they attempted to fly Marseille to Cannes in three helicopters after arriving in a chartered Embrare jet (stock). (Getty Images)

A group of rich holidaymakers who flew a private jet from London to the South of France were forced to turn around after being denied entry due to coronavirus restrictions.

Seven men, aged 40-50, and three women aged between 23-25 arrived on a private jet at Marseille-Provence airport last Saturday, with the intention of onward travel to Cannes.

The group had helicopters waiting for them on arrival, which would then fly them to a luxury villa they had rented in the Cote dAzure.

On arrival, they were refused permission to enter France and were ordered by police to fly back to the UK.

Seven men and three women arrived on the chartered aircraft to Marseille-Provence airport, but were refused entry into France, according to reports. (AP)

The group reportedly set off back to London four hours later.

A French border police spokesperson told Agence France-Presse: They were coming for a holiday in Cannes and three helicopters were waiting on the tarmac.

We notified them they were not allowed to enter the national territory and they left four hours later.

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On landing, the group, made up of several nationalities including Croatian, German, French, Romanian and Ukrainian, reportedly tried to get help from contacts to continue their journey.

The jet had been chartered by a Croatian financier living in London, but details of the incident were only released on Thursday.

A police source told BFMTV: They had planned to come and have a good time on the Riviera despite the Coronavirus epidemic.

Everything had been planned by the organiser of the trip  a Croatian national who works in finance and real estate  starting with the London-Marseille trip in a private jet that he had rented on the other side of the Channel.

He then booked a luxury villa in Cannes. To get there, the man had reserved three helicopters from a company in the Var which provides private connections for privileged customers.

Story continues

The helicopter pilots were told to return to their base and were fined for breaking the lockdown rules.

A French police officer checks the documents of a family on a beach in Marseille. France has extended its nationwide lockdown measures. (AP)

France recently extended its nationwide lockdown beyond the original review date of 15 April, as the rate of confirmed cases and deaths rose sharply this week.

The latest figures from Johns Hopkins University show France has recorded 118,790 cases of COVID-19, with 12,210 deaths nationwide.

On Tuesday, the country confirmed 1,417 deaths in 24 hours - the highest daily fatality increase of any nation in the world since the outbreak began.

In Paris, the worst affected region, all daytime outdoor exercise has been banned between the hours of 10am and 7pm, during France's extended lockdown. (Getty Images)

All non essential travel in the country has been banned, while anyone entering the country must be able to prove their journey is essential.

And in Paris, the worst affected region, all daytime outdoor exercise has been banned between the hours of 10am and 7pm.

President Emmanuel Macron will address the nation in a live TV broadcast on Monday.

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Staten Island Borough President James Oddo is hoping to recruit sorely needed medical personal who are licensed in other countries, but reside in the U.S.

The request -- made by Oddo in a letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday -- asked the governor to tap into the hidden potential of physicians who are licensed in foreign nations but reside in the United States. Many arent licensed to practice medicine in the U.S., he said.

According to the letter, there are more than 65,000 physicians who are qualified to practice medicine in other countries, but due to different licensing requirements in the U.S., arent able to practice medicine here.

The idea came about when the director of health and wellness for the Borough Presidents Office, Dr, Ginny Mantello, brought the idea of the untapped potential to Oddo.

According to Dr. Mantello, many of these foreign physicians have years of practice under their belt. A plethora of them also are fresh out of medical school and know the latest trends and technologically advanced medical innovations. And many are medical students who still havent been matched to a residency program yet, she said.

We have the ability to reach into this knowledge and reserve workforce, said Dr. Mantello. Hospital healthcare workers are putting in long hours, sometimes 15 or 16-hour shifts. They need relief, and this is a way to provide that relief.

The plan calls for the foreign physicians to provide expertise, knowledge and man-power in order to help alleviate hospital staff. The doctors would be taking on the roles of resident physicians, physician assistants and nurses, and they would be working under a licensed physician. The majority of physicians without licenses reside in the New York area, according to Dr. Mantello.

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We wanted to make sure that the Governor was aware of what and who we can use to help with the pandemic said Oddo. This is something that is going to be around for 12 to 18 months so were going to need help.

Right now there is an all hands approach, but once things start inching back to normal, nurses go back to working their regular assignments that arent dealing with COVID patients, theres going to be a need for additional healthcare professionals, he noted.

As word of the Borough Presidents initiative spread, one person who was working with St. George Medical School in Grenada came forward and said there are over 200 American students who have completed their third and fourth year trainings in the United States who are willing and ready to come help, said Oddo.

Recently, the Governor issued an executive order allowing students attending medical schools in the United States to practice medicine and lend a helping hand. Oddo is hoping and pushing for this executive order to be extended to allow Americans attending foreign medical schools to practice.

These physicians are people who took an oath to protect life, theyll help and provide whatever assistance we allow them to give," said Dr. Mantello.

The letter penned by Oddo has also been signed by several Staten Island elected officials, according to Oddo.

We (elected officials) conference call almost every night; there are people on the call who are political opponents in upcoming races, but no one is looking into that right now. Were all just working together for the greater good, said Oddo.
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US first country to record over 2,000 COVID-19 deaths in a day, globally death toll crosses 1 Lakh



The total number of global cases has surpassed 17 lakh, including more than one lakh fatalities. More than 382,000 patients are reported to have recovered. The US becomes the first country to record more than 2,000 coronavirus deaths in one day, with 2,108 fatalities in the past 24 hours, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally. The US has now recorded 18,586 deaths, closing in on the toll of 18,849 dead in Italy which has seen the most fatalities so far, and is also approaching half a million confirmed cases with 496,535 as of Saturday up 35,098 in the past 24 hours. Turkey Coronavirus deaths pass 1,000, reports AFP quoting health minister. Brazil registers 1,000th coronavirus death, reports AFP. Russia reports 1,667 new coronavirus cases in past 24 hours.



President Donald Trump on Friday said that his decision on when to reopen the US economy, shuttered due to the coronavirus pandemic, will be the toughest he has ever taken.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 04:17:50|Editor: huaxia

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TUNIS, April 11 (Xinhua) -- A Tunisian medical mission headed to Italy on Saturday under the order of Tunisian President Kais Saied to support Italian doctors to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, said Tunisian presidency.

"The medical mission included volunteer doctors specializing in anesthesia, resuscitation and biosafety, as well as volunteer nurses specialized in intensive care," said a presidency statement.

Tunisian Health Ministry reported on Saturday 14 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 685.

The ministry added that 43 patients have recovered in Tunisia while 28 deaths from the coronavirus were reported in 13 out of 24 provinces in the country.
Maliban supports IDH Hospital during battle against COVID-19 View(s):

Maliban Biscuits, contributing towards the combat of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, recently donated special cold storage facilities and highly essential medical equipment to treat infected patients, at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH).

The donation was made on April 1 at the IDH Dental Hospital and was attended by Ms. Kumudika Fernando  Managing Director of Maliban, Ravi Jayawardena  Group CEO of Maliban, Dr. Hasitha Aththanayake  Director of IDH Hospital and Dr. (Ms.) Chintha Sooriyarachchi  Deputy Director of IDH Hospital.

In a media release, Maliban Biscuits said it further supplied the hospital staff with snacks such as yahaposha, biscuits and tea, to help sustain their energy while being on the frontlines of the pandemic. Additional to the donation at IDH Dental Hospital, Maliban Biscuits recently aided the Manusath Derana programme with its products as well.

Ravi Jayawardena  Group CEO of Maliban stated, During this critical period, IDH provides an incredible service to all Sri Lankan citizens. On behalf of the Maliban Group, it is a great pleasure to be able to donate to IDH and its valued staff. We really appreciate the efforts made by all staff members and I humbly request all Sri Lankans to help them as much as possible during this period.
The entire sixth-grade class at Schaghticoke Middle School in New Milford has been invited to participate in an essay contest.

State Rep. Bill Buckbee (R-New Milford) created the contest as a way for New Milford students to express their thoughts on the contributions of historical figures from the town of New Milford, or the contributions from Connecticut women, and how those contributions affect them.

"Engaging students to take a look at the historical past of the very town they live in is meant to be enriching for the community as a whole," said Buckbee.

"This year, 2020, also marks the 100th anniversary of the women's right to vote in America, he said. I am looking forward to reading the reflections from students as they consider that it took people with courage to challenge and change the previous status quo of our society."

Buckbee pointed to the contributions of women across the country who led the women's suffrage movement as a prime example of a good essay topic.

He also pointed to the fact that local hero, Roger Sherman, played a significant role in weaving the fabric of a young United States, making him a prime subject for a quality essay.

"We have a couple of great topics for the students to think about this year," Buckbee said. "Good luck to all of those who enter the contest, I will be reading them all.

Submissions can be emailed directly to SMS Principal Dr Chris Longo at longoc@newmilfordps.org.

They are due by April 24.
Equinor ASA EQNR recently announced that the Hywind Tampen wind farm has been approved by the Ministry of Petroleum and Industry of Norway.

The approval came at a time when the coronavirus pandemic is causing huge energy demand destruction, pushing back the launch dates of energy projects. Moreover, with commodity prices currently in the bearish territory, the oversupplied oil market is suffering, which makes the outlook for exploration and production business gloomy. In fact, Equinor recently decided to cut 2020 investment from $10-$11 billion to $8.5 billion due to the low prices. Other energy majors like BP plc BP, Royal Dutch Shell plc RDS.A and Chevron Corporation CVX have also carried out similar moves.

The said project incorporates 11 floating offshore wind turbines that will generate a total of 88 megawatt of electricity. This will likely enable the company to supply 35% of power demand in five platforms in the North Sea. The platforms are Snorre A and B and Gullfaks A, B and C, which will be the first to receive power from a major floating wind farm. The turbines will be built 140kilometers off the coast, between the platforms. The farm will be developed at a water depth of 260-300 metres.

The project is estimated to cost NOK 5 billion. Equinor will receive financial support of NOK 2.3 billion from the Norwegian government and an additional NOK 566 million from the business sectors NOx. Importantly, Hywind Tampen is expected to decrease CO2 emissions by more than 200 thousand tons per annum via reducing the usage of gas turbines. This will enable the company to reach its environmental targets. The project is expected to commence by 2022-end.

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Several chief ministers raised issues concerning people including loss of livelihoods due to the crisis created by COVID-19 during their interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought funds from Centre due to their dipping revenues, Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy said on Saturday.

Talking to media persons through video conference, Narayanasamy said the chief ministers pointed out that states do not have sufficient funds because economic activity was at a virtual standstill.

He said they raised issues concerning unorganised labour, agriculture labour, construction and migrant labours, small shop owners and MSMEs.

He said the states demanded a moratorium on dues to be paid to the Centre and extension of the limit under the FRBM Act.

They also sought full-proof mechanism for supply of essential commodities.

Narayanasamy said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee complained that when the country was facing COVID-19, some governors and Lieutenant Governors were "playing politics".

The Congress leader said she told the Prime Minister that they should not "interfere" in the day-to-day administration.

The chief ministers also sought a moratorium on loans by industries and package for them.

He said Puducherry has not received money from the Centre during the lockdown but they had taken a series of welfare measures for vulnerable sections.

"The GST compensation has not come for the last four months," he said, adding that the union territory was facing problems due to insufficient revenue.

Naryanasamy said Telangana Chief Minister pointed out that revenue of state had come to one-tenth of the earlier figure.

The Congress leader said that Modi told the meeting that farm activity should continue.

He said the Prime Minister also said that hospitals should treat not only for the coronavirus affected people but also other normal patients who are suffering.

Narayansamy said the central government will give guidelines to the states to start various activities in a graded manner and there was a suggestion to divide construction industry into green, orange and red zones.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Fraudsters are using new websites containing 'Covid-19' in their branding to con businesses into ordering supplies that never arrive.

The Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland (BPFI) warned that two types of scams were particularly targeting small firms: fake invoices and invoice redirection.

Both seek to exploit firms' naivete about making purchases and paying bills online, as they close shops and operate remotely for the first time.

The first scam involves fake e-commerce sites offering Covid-19 tests, anti-viral sanitisers and personal protection equipment for sale.

Interpol warns that hundreds of such websites - many with professional design and fake client testimonials - have been launched in the past month.

"Worryingly, over half of those domains which contain the word 'Covid-19' have been created for criminal purposes. They take orders for goods and issue invoices which unwitting and legitimate businesses are paying for - but the goods never arrive," said BPFI chief executive Brian Hayes.

The second scam uses the criminals' knowledge of the firm to masquerade online as their real-life suppliers and creditors. They seek changes to usual payment channels, citing Covid-19 disruptions.

"The request may look authentic, but on close examination, it is a scam. If the request is acted upon, the next legitimate payment will be made directly to the fraudster's account," Mr Hayes said.

The BPFI-led FraudSmart programme tells firms they should research new suppliers thoroughly; not click on promotional links in emails; never make payments based on email instructions; and call a known contact at the other firm before electronically transferring a single cent.

"Do not use the contact details on the letter or email requesting the change. Look up the number independently," FraudSmart advises.

Mr Hayes said firms should "immediately report any suspicious activity to their bank and their local Garda station".
The Archbishop of Canterbury will deliver his Easter sermon from his kitchen as churches remain shut during the coronavirus crisis.

Justin Welby, the most senior bishop in the Church of England, normally presides before a congregation of 1,500 people at Canterbury Cathedral on Easter Sunday morning.

But this year he will instead lead the Churchs first national digital Easter service in a video recorded on his iPad at his flat in Lambeth Palace, south London.

All of Britains churches and cathedrals are currently closed to public and private worship as part of social distancing measures aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus.

The Prince of Wales and actress Joanna Lumley will also appear in special online Easter Sunday services by Canterbury Cathedral.

In his sermon, the Most Rev Justin Welby will call for a resurrection of our common life, while also hailing the courage of people working on the front line in response to the Covid-19 outbreak.

After so much suffering, so much heroism from key workers and the NHS, we cannot be content to go back to what was before as if all is normal, he will tell a virtual congregation.

There needs to be a resurrection of our common life.

He will add: People right across the globe feel the same uncertainty, fear, despair and isolation. But you are not alone.

In the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have a hope that is surer than stone, than any architecture.

Even in the dark days of this Easter we can feed on hope. We can dream of what our country and our world will look like after the pandemic.

The Archbishop will be joined in the virtual service by his wife Caroline, who will read from the Book of Acts.

The BBC service will finish with a national virtual congregation singing Thine Be The Glory, submitted by Radio 4 listeners in advance.

The service will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 4 from 8.10am on Sunday and available to watch on the Church of Englands website and Facebook page from 9am.

Additional reporting by Press Association
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is interacting with all state chief ministers via video conference today (April 11). The meet is to decide on whether the 21-day lockdown -- due to end on April 14, should be extended.

The video conference comes amidst indications that the central government may extend the lockdown, imposed to check the spread of the coronavirus or COVID-19 across the country beyond April 14, after several states have favoured the extension to contain the fast-spreading virus.



Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi seen wearing a mask during video-conferencing with the Chief Ministers over #COVID19. Other CMs are also using masks. pic.twitter.com/N6Qfjq9xjy

 ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2020

Addressing floor leaders of various parties who have representation in Parliament, on April 8, Prime Minister Modi had made it clear that the lockdown cannot be lifted in one go on April 14, asserting that the priority of his government is to "save each and every life".

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

According to an official statement, he said states, district administrations and experts have suggested extension of the lockdown to contain the spread of the virus.

Odisha has taken a lead and has extended the lockdown till April 30, and Punjab followed suit on April 10. Reports also suggested Maharastra is seeking an extension of lockdown in Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), where the cases are stacking up.

News18 reported that Maharastra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has asked the Prime Minister to extend lockdown at least till April 30. It said that in view of the rising number of cases in Maharashtra, the state cabinet had expressed worry about lifting of lockdown. CM Thackeray has conveyed this to PM Modi.

"Prime Minister Modi made it clear that lockdown is not being lifted and also that the life pre-corona and post-corona will not be same," Biju Janata Dal leader Pinaki Misra had told PTI.

This is for the second time the prime minister will interact with the chief ministers via video link after the lockdown was imposed.

During his April 2 interaction with chief ministers, Modi had pitched for a "staggered" exit from the ongoing lockdown.

Before the lockdown was announced on March 24, the prime minister had interacted with the chief ministers on March 20 to discuss means to check the spread of the deadly virus.

According to a Health Ministry update this morning, the death toll due to COVID-19 has risen to 239 in India. The total number of coronavirus positive cases have climbed to 7,447.

(With inputs from PTI)
2,600 containers are stuck in Lang Son Province with China tightening border trade activities as a Covid-19 preventive measure.

Phan Hong Tien, head of the Dong Dang Border Gate Economic Zone management board, said most of the containers carry fruits and agriculture produce, and the delay could result in heavy damage for farmers and traders.

The piling up of thousands of containers has happened after China imposed more stringent import measures earlier this month. Tien said China only allows trade via five border gates in the province, compared to 12 before, and each of them is open for only five hours a day, compared to 9-10 hours before.

Around 300 containers pass through these gates a day, compared to 1,200 in March, he added.

Lang Son authorities have proposed that China opens its gates for the same duration as before, but this has been rejected.

The province has set up a team of 600 drivers at two border gates since April 7 to facilitate border transport. Wearing protective gear, they will drive container trucks through the border and return to quarantine camps to save other drivers from being quarantined for 14 days after returning from China.

First quarter fruit exports to China, the largest buyer of Vietnamese agriculture produce, fell 29.4 percent year-on-year to $300 million as the Covid-19 pandemic halted normal trade, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
In the wake of COVID-19, the prospect of staying at home for a prolonged period of time may have become overwhelming, especially if youre someone who enjoys keeping fit and active. With social distancing, gym closures and lockdowns across India, exercising at home may seem a daunting task. Yet, staying active during these unusual times is more important than ever for our physical and mental health.

Understanding the importance of a healthy lifestyle, Bajaj Allianz Life has rolled out a unique Fitness from Home initiative today, where fitness experts will be seen conducting virtual fitness sessions on the Companys Facebook and Instagram pages. These sessions are being conducted for the Companys customers and the people at large to enable them to stay fit while being at home, and maintain their physical and mental well-being.

Commenting on the initiative, Chandramohan Mehra, Chief Marketing Officer, Bajaj Allianz Life

Insurance, said, We are doing our bit in providing access to fitness regimes from experts, to our employees, partners, agents, customers and many others, for them to stay physically and

emotionally healthy in these challenging times. Live sessions on Yoga, Meditation, Stress Management and more, will be provided by renowned fitness experts to keep people fit and active

from the safe confines of their homes. Afterall we strongly believe that sustained good health is essential for pursuing ones Life Goals which is longer than the current lockdown.

The Company has roped in celebrated fitness experts known for their expertise in Yoga, Meditation and Home Workouts for its Fitness from Home sessions. Some of the names include

Mandira Bedi, a fitness enthusiast who is well-known for her intense workouts, and Anushka Panjwani, celebrity trainer and Tedx Speaker. The first live streaming session will

kickstart with Mandira Bedi today at 6 p.m. on the Facebook and Instagram pages of Bajaj Allianz Life. Please find below the link to join the session:

https://www.facebook.com/events/s/fitness-from-home-with-mandira/670863047003161/
In this April 3, 2020, photo, Eric Coleman sits in front of his father's casket during his funeral, in Lexington, S.C. J. Robert Coleman's widow and three sons were spaced apart to follow social distancing guidelines during the coronavirus outbreak. (AP Photo/Sarah Blake Morgan) Read more

As the coronavirus has ravaged society, leveled the economy, and buckled systems, it has created devastating losses. The loss of lives is the hardest, but even more widespread is the loss of jobs, routines, familiarity, social interaction  and, during these religious holidays, beloved traditions.

Those losses trigger grief amid the anxiety, panic, terror, and the rest of the emotions we are experiencing at this strange time. The Inquirer sought out insights from those who are supporting communities during this time to hear how theyre helping people process their individual and collective grief.

Interviews by Kevin Riordan, Abraham Gutman, Elena Gooray, Erica Palan, and Sandra Shea.

Milian E. Rodriguez, funeral home owner

About 80% of the families we serve are very traditional. They want a traditional funeral, and the limitation of 10 people or less at the viewing is devastating to them. The churches are all closed for any event, including funerals. Some clergy are available to do a service at the funeral home, and some are not. Thats where the funeral director comes in.

When we go to a hospital where a familys loved one has passed away, even if its not COVID, we have to wear personal protective equipment. Sometimes when the family sees us like that, they feel a coldness.

But the protection is for the safety of my staff and every family we serve. We all know whats going on and what the consequences [of exposure to the virus] might be. Thats why most of the work now is by video conference and email.

In the early 90s, when we had a funeral for someone with HIV, their family was still able to gather together and hug and cry together. Milian E. Rodriguez

Its a new way of being personal. Even on video conferencing, I do feel the emotional presence. The family can see my face, my gestures, my body language. Its not the same as in my office, but we still have that contact.

Many funeral homes are opting to hold the loved ones until the pandemic is over, because the loved one had requested a full funeral. But only one of our families has asked for that. They would rather place their loved one at peace now.

There is so much we are learning. We spend more time listening to the grieving families on the phone and following up with them.

I do think all of us are grieving. Were very sad. We have lost a lot, and we are learning to appreciate life better and how to live the moment. Were learning how not to wait until tomorrow, and to make that phone call to the cousin we only see at weddings and funerals.

Milian E. Rodriguez has been a licensed funeral director in Pennsylvania since 1990.

Lara Moretti, grief counselor

As someone who has worked with grieving families for 17 years, I would say a lot of people assume grief only happens when someone dies. They dont necessarily realize that grief is a reaction to loss. It could be a loss of security, normalcy, or routine  and the reaction to that loss can be physical. There can be muscle tension, headaches, or trouble sleeping. It can be hard to concentrate, because were so much more alert.

Grief comes in many forms, and its important to recognize the ways it can manifest itself." Lara Moretti

With the pandemic, we have an unseen enemy. Just going to the grocery store can seem scary. It can feel very surreal, very dreamlike. When someone dies, we often ask ourselves, How can this be happening? Its a very natural reaction. And so are the reactions people are experiencing to COVID-19.

Its OK to have those feelings, but it can be uncomfortable to sit with them. Its uncomfortable to feel out of control. So its important to think about the things you can control. Even if its as simple as making a list or setting a routine.

We should recognize that when were grieving, we dont have as much energy for other things. But we can call someone we havent talked to in a while. We can do something that could bring us joy.

Lara Moretti, a licensed social worker certified in thanatology, has led the Gift of Life Donor program of Philadelphias family support services team for 17 years.

 READ MORE: Front line workers share how their lives have changed since the coronavirus hit  and what scares them now

Chantay Love, gun-violence advocate

With [the coronavirus pandemic] happening, you have people who are experiencing layers and levels of grief in different aspects. People are losing their jobs. Losing the ability to hang out with friends, or go to a place of worship. You see how huge that is  your place of worship, especially for people of color, black and brown people. It was always the staple and its the strength that people used to drive their faith. Now you cant go to the place, so how do you all engage in the spiritual journey?

You see people walking around. They look dazed. Chantay Love

You see people walking around. They look dazed. It looks like this overwhelming layer of grief. Because their whole world changed abruptly  and it changed with restrictions.

We ask families to tune out from social media for the day. The fear of tuning out is so large because theyre afraid that somethings happening. But sometimes you need to tune out so that you can tune in to you and your family. We dont know how long this is going to be. We dont know what our city or state or our country is going to look like. But it wont be the same.

Chantay Love is the cofounder and programs director of E.M.I.R. Healing Center, a nonprofit that provides services and support to people affected by homicides.

 READ MORE: Hospitalized with coronavirus, I fought for my life as I watched the death toll rise in Philadelphia and beyond

Dan Wolfson, director at a childrens grief camp

When were sitting with the intensity of grief, we have to take care of ourselves. It doesnt have to be something grand  maybe its just going for a walk and getting fresh air. Maybe you picked up some ingredients to bake something you like, or youve got some chocolate stashed away. These little things we can do to have some semblance of positive emotion are really important. I would remind people to find that balance of engaging with grief-related emotions, while taking space.

When were sitting with the intensity of grief, we have to take care of ourselves. Dan Wolfson

I think for some people, it is important to feel a sense of a shared or collective experience while dealing with their grief. [My colleagues and I] think a lot about how important community and support is, especially for kids as a big part of their learning. Adults have more coping skills, and language skills for developing a narrative around their experience. For children, it can be so important to learn those skills from one another.

Other people might need to make their world smaller right now, and that makes them feel safer. It's all about getting in touch with yourself and knowing what helps you feel safe and supported and grounded.

Dr. Dan Wolfson is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in grief and loss. He is the Mid-Atlantic region clinical director of Experience Camps for Grieving Children, and a supervising staff psychologist at Rennicke & Associates in downtown Manhattan.

 READ MORE: Philly pediatrician: Who will care for the children of COVID-19 patients? l Expert Opinion

Rev. Gerard Marable, pastor

Im not hearing people talk about grieving. They arent using that language. People dont necessarily grieve in the midst of something. I think people right now are just trying to survive. I hear a lot of my parishioners say,"Im OK, Im not coughing, I dont have the virus. Everybody in my family is OK." I think thats how people are contextualizing [the pandemic].

We are in Lent and this particular lent is going to last past Easter. Rev. Gerard Marable

What this calls for is a realness in our faith and our faith rituals, traditions, and teachings  a realness that we perhaps have never had when the country and the people are comfortable. We are in Lent, and this particular lent is going to last past Easter. The churches are closed, Easter will be muted, and lent is going to go on for a while.

Catholics understand Lent as a time of penance, of sacrifice, abstinence, fasting ... a time of prayer and acts of charity. In the past, we have chosen to do those things. Now, we have no choice. What we used to do out of freedom is now being imposed on us. The question is, Can you make that connection between all those things we used to do and whats happening now? If we try to make everything as normal as possible, were going to miss the meaning of Lent, and Easter, and whats going on.

Rev. Gerard Marable is co-pastor of Camdens Sacred Heart Parish, which includes St. Bartholomew, St. Joan of Arc, and Sacred Heart churches.

 READ MORE: At Northeast Pa. grief camp, children bond over shared losses and lots of smores

John Fowler, hospice worker

We can no longer allow groups of family members to come into the [health-care] unit. There was no cap on the number of people who could visit before, whereas now its going to be two people per family member. That is really tough. I cant imagine not being able to sit alongside my mother while shes on her journey home.

Its time for the family to take care of each other and rebuild whatever relationships were lost. John Fowler

But our job is all about listening, especially to the families of patients. And [to listen well], we dont try to compare the situations of patients. We dont say, Well, weve been there before. Its more about them getting off their chest what they need to be comfortable.

Every situation and every family is different. We also dont assume family dynamics. A lot of times people who are grieving have been away for a while from their loved one who is sick. So, now theyre showing up and it gets tough, or there may be animosity within the family. We just explain to them this is a tough time, and once the loved one passes, its time for the family to take care of each other and rebuild whatever relationships were lost.

John Fowler is a certified home health aide in New Jersey working in hospice care.

Tsering Jurme, Buddhist community leader

Those of us brought up with Buddhist values have special beliefs and practices to deal with this nature of grief. Our teaching says that life is suffering. It forms the basis for the four noble truths. His Holiness [the Dalai Lama] and other masters teach us how to cope with grief and loss. Tibetans have a more mellow approach to grief. To cope, we have prayers and mantras to focus on what is going on in our minds and hearts and to keep peace.

We all want happiness and peace. Tsering Jurme

His Holiness often mentions this quote when we are in grief: If there is a solution to a problem, why worry? There is a solution.

If there is no solution to a problem, why worry? There is no solution.

This helps us to understand that worry is no solution to any problem, but makes you more weak and causes more problems. Another thing that helps is the Dalai Lamas message of compassion and kindness. We all want happiness and peace. Doctors, nurses, researchers, scientists, and officials are doing everything to find the solution to this crisis and trying to help humanity to get rid of this virus. Be compassionate to each other. Pray and meditate for world peace.

Tsering Jurme is past president of and current fund-raiser for the Tibetan Association of Philadelphia.

Tasnim Sulaiman, therapist

Right now, everything is very surreal. We have to remind ourselves  and Ive told clients to limit checking the news because it creates more fear and worry  when you notice the reality, you can psych yourself out. Folks may have heightened denial and numbness that extend the grief period, and theyre not getting the typical closure that exists from funerals and other rituals when everyone can come together.

Its important to stay as connected as possible." Tasnim Sulaiman

Its important to stay as connected as possible. If you can reach out to people experiencing grief, be creative. Contact a food delivery service to send something to someones house. Instead of asking, What do you need?  its hard for our brains to answer that during grief. So maybe just call and sit with that person.

We also have a unique opportunity right now to reflect on ourselves. We run from ourselves a lot, dont want to be alone with our thoughts and feelings because what might come up is scary. But now we cant run. Theres nowhere you can go. So nows an opportunity to learn and face more things about yourself that you want to change, heal, and transform.

Tasnim Sulaiman is CEO of TazTalkTherapy.

Geri Newburge, rabbi

I personally am not labeling the emotions or the reactions people are having to the situation, but anxiety does seem to be the most prevalent feeling. In conversation I hear comparisons to 9/11 and to major incidents at synagogues, like in Pittsburgh.

They say there are no atheists in foxholes, and we are in a foxhole.

Geri Newburge

I am a rabbi because I want to be in community, and our community, along with others, is trying to make sure people maintain contact. The folks who are having the hardest time, so far, are those who have had losses that have nothing to do with the virus. People are unable to come together for funerals and for shiva. No more than 10 people are allowed at the cemetery, and shivas are not being done, except by Zoom or some other social media platform. The Jewish authorities have given the thumbs up to that, because preservation of life is the higher value.

They say there are no atheists in foxholes, and we are in a foxhole. We are all struggling to find some kind of spirituality that fits the bill for the era of coronavirus.

Rabbi Geri Newburge was ordained in 2003 and has served at the Main Line Reform Temple Beth Elohim for five years.

Jessie Jarmon, counselor to medical staff

Theres an emotional expenditure, just on your average day, that comes along with providing care to very sick people. Now youre adding COVID-19 into the mix. Continuing to provide compassionate, consistent care is just that much harder. What it looks like, mostly, is just anxiety.

For some, its like I just want it to hit already because the anxiety about it coming feels intolerable. Jessie Jarmon

Theres a lot of anticipatory grief. Youre dealing with a patient, you may feel a sense of sadness or grief about this patient, and then also wondering, Am I or someone I know going to be here next week in the same condition?

They see the tidal wave coming. For some, its like I just want it to hit already because the anxiety about it coming feels intolerable. Loss is something that everybody is experiencing now, whether you work in health care or not. This is what makes this so unusual. Were all in the same boat  but health-care workers are the most at risk.

On your average day, when people dont have opportunities to process grief, it does not bode well for them later in life. How much time and energy are [health workers] going to have to even process grief when they are just trying to get through? I worry that is going to feel like a luxury they cant afford right now because they have to function.

Jessie Jarmon, MSW, LCSW, has provided staff support services to Penn Medicine employees since 2014.

Samara Fritzsche, career counselor

We see clients from all walks to life, from GEDs to Ph.D.s. Regardless of what industry they are in, their mental health is affected by being out of work and having to struggle financially. People who were already dealing with feeling depressed and somewhat isolated because of being out of work are even more isolated now.

Not knowing how long this will last is overwhelming for people. Samara Fritzsche

Theres tremendous anxiety about getting basic needs met, with food insecurity being a major issue. People who are out of work are worried about not being able to safely get food, and theyre worried about the cost of food.

I was on a Zoom chat with a client who is alone and very isolated, and we decided we would watch Jeopardy! together later. Were professionals, but were also trying to be there on a whole other level right now because people are so isolated. We are doing things outside the scope of what we traditionally do because we have to get people the resources they need.

Samara Fritzsche is a career counselor and licensed social worker who has been on the staff of JEVS Human Services, a Philadelphia nonprofit, for 15 years.

 READ MORE: For 9 people in the Philadelphia region, this is what it means to be jobless.

Michael Cohen, death and dying professor

In my class, we talk about how different religions approach death and dying rituals. Those rituals are complicated by coronavirus. All religions handle death very differently, but one thing they all have in common is that they focus on some forced community. I think this situation is very poignant in that its not letting that community happen for fear of giving the virus to other people.

All religions allow you to grieve, but they also often have an end date, a time where the grieving is supposed to end. Michael Cohen

For example, in Judaism, there is a prayer that is supposed to be said after a person has died and repeated regularly for at least a month after the death called the Mourners Kaddish. In order to say it, you need a minyan of 10 people. With social distancing, you cant get those 10 people in a room. Can you make a minyan over Zoom? Another example is how Catholics do wakes, where praying for the deceased brings the community together. Rituals like this, before COVID, forced people to come together  even when they might want to do nothing but stay home right and be in their grief. That coming together can be a really important thing.

All religions allow you to grieve, but they also often have an end date, a time where the grieving is supposed to end. Oftentimes there is community involved in that, too. I think that can be a positive thing for people dealing with grief.

Michael Cohen is a graduate student working toward his Ph.D. in Temples department of religion. He is currently teaching a course on death and dying.
New Delhi, April 11 : Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy on Saturday said that most CMs across the country emphasized on the extension of the 21-day nationwide lockdown for two more weeks, during their videoconference meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee highlighted alleged politics being pursued by Governors and Lt Governors of a few states and the union territories amid the lockdown due to coronavirus scare.

Speaking to reporters via videoconference, Narayanasamy said: "Most Chief Ministers who spoke asked for the extension of the lockdown. The Prime Minister also said that it was a must, looking at the global situation, and therefore our country should also move cautiously." "All were of the unanimous view that the lockdown be extended. The Prime Minister supported it and an official announcement will come," he said.

Narayanasamy said around a dozen Chief Ministers spoke at the meeting, which started at 11 am and ended at 3 pm.

The Prime Minister advised states to ensure supply of oxygen in hospitals and treatment of other patients also, as also to encourage telemedicine.

Narayanasamy said that Modi initially remarked that coronavirus had affected the world and our country. "And that is why he wanted to speak to the Chief Ministers to discuss ways to control coronavirus," he said.

The Puducherry Chief Minister said that they apprised the Prime Minister that many states don't have sufficient funds, business and industries had closed and all economic activities come to a standstill.

The Chief Ministers demanded financial support from the Centre, he added.

Narayanasamy said that most Chief Ministers asked how long industries could keep their workers in the absence of proper shelters. Moreover, the migrant workers wanted to go to their home states and provisions have to be made in this regard.

He said that the states complained of disrupted essential services.

"Mamata Banerjee said that during this crisis, Governors and LGs are playing politics, trying to interfere in state government functioning, making it difficult for Chief Ministers in various states." "She told the Prime Minister to control those Governor and LGs so they do not interfere in the day-to-day affairs of the states," he said.

Narayanasamy said that the chief ministers wanted additional grants from the Centre, package for industries, support for MSMEs, moratorium on bank loans of industries and MSMEs.

Narayanasamy complained that Puducherry had not received any grant from the central government in the last 27 days to fight COVID-19.

He said that the goods and services tax (GST) compensation has also not been given for the last four months and every state is in a financial stress.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
COVID-19: What you need to know now
Gov. Phil Murphy delivered daily coronavirus numbers on Friday with equal tones of optimism and vigilance.

There are good early signs that the infection rate is slowing, but, he added, despite it being Easter and Passover, This cannot be a weekend to think we can let our foot off the gas.

New Jersey now has 54,588 residents who have tested positive for the virus and 1,932 people have died from it. Thats an increase of 3,627 cases and 233 deaths from a day before.

The rate of infection is slowing across multiple counties, including Salem and Bergen, the latter county being the states epicenter of cases. But the governor stressed that the number of cases and deaths are still rising so he urged residents to keep practicing social distancing to help fight the spread and to preserve hospital resources.

Officials said the number of hospitalizations could peak as early Sunday or Monday, State Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said, with more than 14,000 patients seeking care.

That would nearly double the current number of people hospitalized with the virus. As of Saturday morning there were 7,618 COVID-19 patients in New Jersey hospitals. The states ventilator capacity was at about 59 percent, with 1,650, in use, according to a state website.

Twenty-four hours earlier, on Friday morning, 7,570 people were hospitalized and 1,663 were on ventilators -- about 55% of the states ventilator capacity.

Heres a roundup of coronavirus news:

Atlantic City converts convention center into pop-up hospital amid coronavirus surge. The city said 250 beds have initially been set up in the convention center, and the facility has the capability to add more if needed.

Newark asks essential businesses to close, urges weekly shutdown to fight coronavirus. Newarks mayor is asking some essential businesses to close once a week to keep more people home as the rate of coronavirus cases rises in the states most populated city.

Suit by 3M alleges price-gouging by N.J. company. A New Jersey company falsely claimed it was an authorized distributor of 3M products when it tried to charge New York City five to six times the regular price for personal protective equipment, 3M said in a lawsuit filed Friday.

Mans phony act of coronavirus good will cost struggling pizzerias thousands, cops say. Police were searching Friday for a man who called more than a dozen pizzerias and restaurants across the state, placed large orders -- some of which he said were intended for local police departments -- never picked them up and then berated the employees when they called him back, authorities said.

Prom in July and drive-by graduation? N.J. schools make coronavirus contingency plans. As of Friday, at least a few New Jersey high schools have started making backup plans so that students can potentially still celebrate the milestones.

At least 48% of those who died of coronavirus in N.J. had these underlying medical conditions. At least 923  or 48%  of the 1,932 people who have died of the coronavirus in New Jersey had known underlying health issues, state officials said Friday.

IRS just launched a new tool to help you get your stimulus payment. The IRS announced the launch of its new tool to help people register for coronavirus stimulus payments and to provide direct deposit information to the agency.

NJ Advance Media staff writers Brent Johnson, Rebecca Panico, Associated Press, Chris Sheldon, Chris Ryan and Karin Price Mueller contributed to this story.

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.
A Coronavirus positive patient who has recovered from the disease in just one week has credited meditation for his quick recovery. Usually, it takes three weeks for a person to turn negative for COVID-19. Muhammad Mubarak Ali had come from Oman in March and had a fever. Hence, he visited a doctor in March end who recommended that he go for Coronavirus testing and the report came positive. Thereafter, doctors at SMS hospital began his treatment.

During the treatment, Dr Arun Pradhan asked Ali to do meditation twice a day. He also showed videos to Ali in which a special technique of meditation was explained.

Taking up the suggestion, Ali started the practice and showed positive results. Thereafter, he recovered from the disease within one week.

"Usually, it takes three weeks for a patient to recover from Coronavirus," said Pradhan. "As during our work we come in contact with various people, I also met Naman Goyal  a 33-year-old filmmaker and an Alumni of New York Film Academy  who suggested this technique to me," the doctor added.

Goyal has done good work in Yoga and meditation filmography. He used to show his videos in various countries via YouTube. When Goyal got a positive response from people in other countries, he requested Pradhan to suggest this technique to his patients.

Following Pradhan's suggestion, Ali recovered from the coronavirus in just one week. On March 28, he had started working on this technique after testing positive for the coronavirus. Now, he has tested negative.

"I tried this meditation and was shifted to a quarantine facility in Jaipur Sanganer just in a week," Ali said. After being quarantined for six more days, Ali has been discharged now.

Pradhan has also suggested to other people to practice meditation to boost immunity. "Thanks to Naman who told me about this meditation technique, I think we all should follow this in our daily life to boost immunity," he said.

Goyal said: "I have released a 4-minute video in English explaining the mechanism of the mantra meditation given to the world by late Guru Ram Lal Siyag. The mantra meditation is distributed free online."

Earlier, this particular meditation technique was recognised by the Former Vice President of India, and three times Chief Minister of Rajasthan, late Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. In a letter praising the efforts of the volunteers, he accepted that "Siddha Yoga (meditation) has helped in healing from AIDS and all other forms of the disease."
By PTI

NEW DELHI: India on Friday said the degree of seriousness of each member nation of the SAARC in collectively fighting the coronavirus pandemic can be gauged by their behaviour, in a clear reference to Pakistan's opposition to New Delhi's leadership in dealing with the crisis in the region.

India's reaction came a day after Pakistan pledged to contribute USD 3 million to the SAARC Coronavirus Emergency Fund as proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi but demanded that any initiative to deal with the situation must be brought under the bloc's framework.

On Wednesday, Pakistan boycotted a video conference of trade officials of the SAARC countries, saying such initiatives could only be effective if spearheaded by the group's secretariat instead of India. India has been maintaining that the initiatives taken under extraordinary circumstances are focussed on jointly dealing with the pandemic without being bounded by any procedural formalities.

"It is for each SAARC member state to decide on the timing, manner and implementation of their SAARC COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund commitments. Where India is concerned, the commitment made by the prime minister is today in an advanced stage of implementation," Ministry External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.

He was responding to a query on Pakistan's announcement of the contribution to the emergency fund and insistence that it should be utilised in accordance with the SAARC Charter. "Assistance in material and services has been extended to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. These SAARC countries have also made early commitments to the Fund. The degree of seriousness of each nation can be gauged by their behaviour," the spokesperson said.

ALSO READ| Pakistan pledges USD three million to SAARC COVID-19 fund proposed by PM Modi

In a video conference on forming a joint strategy to fight COVID-19 in the SAARC region, Modi on March 15 proposed the emergency fund with an initial offer of USD 10 million from India. It is understood that India has already made the contribution.

Subsequently, Nepal and Afghanistan pledged USD 1 million each while Maldives pledged to contribute USD 200,000, Bhutan USD 100,000, Bangladesh USD 1.5 million and Sri Lanka announced to contribute USD 5 million to the fund.

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is a regional grouping comprising Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. All the SAARC member nations are reeling under adverse social and economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

After Pakistan boycotted the video conference of trade officials of the SAARC, government sources said the neighbouring country was aiming to score narrow political goals by attempting to bring India's initiatives under the framework of the grouping. "It is an attempt to score narrow political goals while people of the region are facing the Coronavirus crisis," said a source.

Wednesday's video conference took place as part of India's initiatives to jointly fight the pandemic as well as its economic and social impact on the region. The sources said that Pakistan will get a free hand to block India's initiatives if COVID-19 related interactions are brought under formal structure of SAARC.

If the initiatives are brought under the umbrella of SAARC, then Pakistan will have the option of scuttling them by pressing for the principle of consensus in drafting of agenda, outcome document and on all other related issues at every step, they said.

A series of initiatives have been taken to deal with with the pandemic as a follow up to the India-initiated video conference of SAARC leaders on March 15. India has been considering the activities as being stand-alone and outside the "SAARC calendar of approved activities".
Deadly virus puts Avurudu in intensive care By Jayani Madawala View(s): View(s):

Limited public interactions and priority to religious observances will be the highlights of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year this year as the coronavirus continues to spread in the country.

The Buddhasasana, Cultural and Religious Affairs Ministry, Secretary, M K Bandula Harischandra urged Sri Lankans to limit interactions only to family members when they observe traditions.

The government has appealed for social distancing to be maintained during this period to avoid people from being infected and spreading with the coronavirus.

The Venerable Narampanawe Ananda Thera, the deputy registrar of the Asgiriya Chapter, asked that the New Year festival be meaningfully observed.

Follow the rituals with family members and observe religious activities at home in a simple manner, the Thero advised.

It is nonagathaya all day every day, the Thera reminded Sri Lankans.

As all of us facing this [virus] pandemic globally, so Sri Lankans need to adapt at a time when health officials and the security forces are making a concerted effort to contain the coronavirus spread.

Only the call of the Koha (Asian Koel) is heard, but celebrations are on hold.

Those who are inclined to drink spirits can also use this opportunity to stay off alcohol.

Cities including Kiribathgoda, Kadawtha and Wattala, where normally most of the new-year shopping takes place, are deserted.

There will be no events in Colombo, Gampaha, Puttalam, Kandy and Jafna, where an extended quarantine curfew is continuing.

Ramesh Hasintha Ranawaka Arachchi who owns a sweets business at Pettah, has shuttered his shop.

During the Sinhala and Tamil New Near period we make good revenue, as our sweets, both Kitul and Pol Juggery are sold in bulk, he said.

He would not be able to gather with family at the New Year party at his grandmothers place.

Ramesh will not be all to visit his neighbours, either.

Social distancing has ruined Avurudu for me, we used to share food, gift sweets to our neighbours and attend events, he said.

G.S.Dayawansa a leading firecracker manufacturer and the owner of Zebra Firecrackers from Ambalangoda, said business will not be the same as last year.

Last year we made high profits, but this time we couldnt sell the amount we manufactured. We also miss all the musical shows and its a major loss for us, he said.

At the beginning of the month, dealers make advance payments for their next purchase, he said.

The advance cash had helped us to start production. However, we may have to make refunds.
THERE were celebrations in West Limerick this week, as Carrigkerry native Marie Hennessy brought home the Limerick Rose sash after Saturday nights selection.

Because the regional qualifiers in Portlaoise have been eliminated this year, the 25-year-old secondary school teacher will be heading straight to the Rose of Tralee festival, in a bid to make it to the televised finals. And though she did not show off the optional party piece on the night, she used the on-stage interview as a platform to endorse her hometown.

The starting point for me was Rooskagh and where it was! And I was telling people that you can see five counties from Rooskagh, and it is one of the highest points in Limerick. The view here is just fabulous. You wouldnt believe it until you see it.

Delighted locals have said that this is one of the biggest achievements that the small Rooskagh community, located in the Ardagh-Carrigkerry parish, has had in recent years.

Her father John said that the proud family have been receiving congratulatory calls and messages from relatives, friends and members of the community since Saturday nights success.

It is a great honour for her to represent Limerick and to represent our home parish. I thought the event was fantastic. All the girls and everyone there were fantastic. And the whole family is excited and delighted, he said.

And while photos of the new Rose were being shared on all social media platforms on Saturday night, family friend Kathleen Hayes said that the community first caught wind of the positive news at Mass on Easter Sunday morning.

We were all so thrilled for Marie. She is a very clever girl and she comes from a very hard-working family, and I think she will do very well at the Rose of Tralee.

She is a well-educated girl, and I think she will be well able to articulate herself at the festival. And she is an Irish teacher with great passion for Irish, so hopefully she will be able to say cupla focal to Daithi O Se!

Fr Timothy Curtin, who is the new parish priest, also congratulated the new Limerick Rose, who represented Muscular Dystrophy Ireland during the selection.

The new Limerick Rose was presented with the prestigious sash on Saturday night, after 23 hopefuls from all corners of the county vied for a place in the annual Rose of Tralee festival.

Teacher Marie will be the first Rose in almost 10 years to represent Limerick in the Dome this August, owing to a change in selection procedures.

The 25-year-old said that she was speechless when her name was called out at the end of the evening, at the Bunratty Castle Hotel.

It has always been something that I have wanted to do, she told the Limerick Leader. Its like the cliche  every little girl wants to be a Rose, and we always loved meeting the Rose when they visited the town or was passing through. Some of us would get their autographs.

I never, for a second, expected that I would be selected. I was so proud to push my own boundaries and get out of my own comfort zone and to represent Rooskagh. But the girls were so fabulous, they were so well-spoken, and they have all done so much, so the thought of me being selected actually never crossed my mind.

Marie didnt do a party piece on the night, she relished the idea of promoting her small West Limerick locality, during her one-to-one interview with MC Ollie Turner.

She said that she also took the opportunity to discuss her chosen charity, Muscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI).

Muscular dystrophy affects everyone in different ways. Some people might end up in a wheelchair at a very early stage, or it might not come to that until late into their thirties. It weakens the muscles, whether its the use of your hands, your feet, swallowing, etc. And MDI provide respite and support services for the parents and family members, she explained.

Marie graduated from University of Limerick with an Arts degree in English and Irish, and later went on to receive her higher diploma.

She now teaches English and Irish at Desmond College, and told the Leader she is a Gaeilge enthusiast and is passionate about promoting the Irish language.

I am very active in promoting the language and the preservation of the language, and getting people back to speaking it, including younger people speaking it.

I have spent every summer, for the past 10 years, in Colaiste Bhreanainn, in Ballybunion. That is a huge part of my life. I wouldnt know my summers without it, she enthused.

Marie, who was wearing a green floral skirt and a sequin top, admitted that she was absolutely shaking before she introduced herself to the panel of judges and the packed audience.

Because there are no regional qualifying rounds in Portlaoise this year, Marie will join 67 other Roses at the Tralee festival, in a bid to represent Limerick in the televised final.

Whatever happens over the next few months, it is going to be the time of my life.

Limerick Rose Centre co-ordinator, Denis Griffin said the event at Bunratty Castle Hotel was an absolutely super success and that there was a fantastic representation from the 23 young ladies. He added that Ms Hennessy, who is a teacher at Desmond College, was an outstanding lady and a true Limerick woman.
Canadas highly politicized debate over supply management hit the headlines again this week as news broke that dairy farmers had been told to dump fresh milk down the drain.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 11/4/2020 (640 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Canadas highly politicized debate over supply management hit the headlines again this week as news broke that dairy farmers had been told to dump fresh milk down the drain.

As wasteful and sad as it is, the phenomenon has less to do with the regulated marketing system than with a sudden demand shock disrupting a processing sector that is highly integrated and built for "just in time" delivery.

Its not just happening in Canada. Dairy farmers around the world are dumping milk because their processors are overwhelmed, largely because the food-service sector has been shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

There has been a coinciding spike in the demand for dairy at grocery stores, so much so that grocers have been unable to keep up.

Processors are ramping up their production, so some equilibrium should return to the marketplace in the coming weeks.

"The product mix and packaging is different in these distinct supply chains," wrote Mike Von Massow, an associate professor in food agriculture and resource economics at the University of Guelph, in an op-ed in an Ontario farm newspaper.

"We drink more fluid milk at home than in restaurants. We eat more cheese (think pizza, for example) in restaurants than we do at home. We not only need to divert from one supply chain to another, we also need to change the product the milk turns into.

"That doesnt happen with the snap of a finger, but it is happening, and we are adjusting. This dumping of milk is a short-term phenomenon. The system is adjusting," Von Massow said.

The difference between a Canadian dairy farmer and the U.S. dairy farmer in this scenario is that in Canada, the effect of these disruptions is shared across the production network. Wisconsin dairy farmers who deliver to one local cheese plant are on their own finding alternative outlets if their plant turns them away.

The other point critics of supply management dont mention is that if Canadas dairy system were dismantled and the border opened, the domestic market would be flooded with milk produced by much larger U.S. operators in times of plenty, potentially driving Canadian producers and processors out of business.

Weve just experienced the Trump administrations threat to restrict exports of coveted medical supplies to Canada during the COVID-19 crisis. Could we expect a different approach to food?

The disruptions will continue. So far, at least three meat-processing plants in Canada have temporarily closed due to sick employees, which quickly creates problems at both ends of the supply chain. Farmers are faced with animals they cant sell, yet consumers may see shortages at the store.

Supply chains plan production months in advance for peak selling seasons. How many of us didnt buy a turkey or ham this Easter?

Flour sales have soared because many find baking their own bread therapeutic. Having your own farmer has also become popular. Farm-direct sales to consumers are booming.

French fry sales have plummeted, with ominous implications for Manitoba potato growers and local processors.

It is all about supply management, in the truest sense of the phrase. But its about demand management, too.

Short-term shortages at the store are frightening. So when customers do find a coveted item, they stock up even more.

Some households in Canada could well be leaving toilet paper to their estates, as its highly unlikely they can go that much  before they go.

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This consumption behaviour creates more pressure on supply chains, which then run the risk of overproducing, potentially creating even more waste.

How this will all shake out is anybodys guess.

However, this crisis has given Canadians an opportunity to pause. Think about how you eat, what you eat and what kind of food system is important to you.

With the kids at home for the foreseeable future, this might be the year to grow some of your own vegetables.

The internet is full of good ideas for growing amazing amounts of delicious food on a patio or balcony. There is comfort and security in just knowing you can.

Laura Rance is vice-president of content for Glacier FarmMedia. She can be reached at lrance@farmmedia.com
Ever since IT expert Deepak Joshi moved to London in early 2014, guests have flocked to his flat, particularly this time of the year, when sunny and warm weather beckons the Indian elite and others in droves  but not now.

Joshi was expecting at least three confirmed visits over the summer from friends in Delhi, Guwahati, Indore and Goa, but all have cancelled. Ab kaun ayega yahan (who will come now). London as you know has the largest number of cases in the UK, he says despairingly.

The bigger picture of nearly 9,000 deaths and tens of thousands of cases in UK hospitals is played out at the micro level in individual stories of frustration, adjustments in everyday life, cancellations, and strategies to dodge others in supermarkets and queues.

Also Watch |UK PM Boris Johnson hospitalised; Queen Elizabeth II addresses nation

Almost everyone in the Indian community knows someone who has had the virus, is in quarantine at home, or in hospital. Social distancing is relatively easier in western societies, which even before the virus struck were much more formal in their interactions than Indians, which is reflected in the Indian areas in London.

It is significant that London boroughs with the highest cases are those with large concentrations of people of Indian origin: Ealing Southall, Brent, Barnet and Harrow. It is frustrating to remain at home, but there is no option, says Maidenhead-based Ravi Singh.

Everyday life in India and the UK is more integrated than ever, with news channels, internet and social media ensuring close connectivity. Singh quips that in India it is no longer a matter of prestige to say that one is London-returned; some may even hide the fact.

Writer Mihir Bose, a long-time London resident, says social distancing is the main problem, but adds that the elderly have discovered the benefits of social media and video-conferencing that enable connectivity in the time of isolation.

Many of my elderly British friends now meet in virtual drinking sessions. We had several of these; the calendar is booked up.

It is said that if you are tired of London, you are tired of life, but Samuel Johnson never faced such a lockdown. London no longer looks and feels like the London everyone knows; it is as if a giant hoover has sucked life out of its throbbing streets.

The scene is particularly dystopic in central London buzz-spots such as Oxford Street, Piccadilly, and Trafalgar Square.

Traffic lights are on, but there is hardly any traffic, except for police cars, ambulances and vans of electricians, plumbers and road maintenance staff. The price of petrol has come down to nearly a pound, but cars in residential areas have hardly moved an inch.

The BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Neasden is closed since March 13, streaming its daily arti online to followers across London and the UK. Other places of worship have made similar arrangements to prevent gathering of large number of people.

Medical experts of Indian origin such as Kamlesh Khunti of the University Leicester worry that the ethnicity-wise figures when released will show a disproportionate high incidence of the virus in the community. Initial data has already suggested this.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Prasun Sonwalkar Prasun Sonwalkar was Editor (UK & Europe), Hindustan Times. During more than three decades, he held senior positions on the Desk, besides reporting from Indias north-east and other states, including a decade covering politics from New Delhi. He has been reporting from UK and Europe since 1999. ...view detail
TOKYO -- The area around JR Tokyo Station - the gateway to Japan's capital - was deserted Saturday morning, on the first weekend after a state of emergency was declared following the widespread outbreak of the new coronavirus.

A wide range of businesses were asked to close under a government measure, creating an extremely unusual start to the weekend.

However, joggers in protective masks were still spotted around the Imperial Palace. A female company employee, 58, said she came to the area to run because "I have to keep jogging to stay healthy."

"But I keep enough space of 5 to 10 meters from other joggers and hold my breath for a while when I pass them," she said.

Very few people were seen at 9 a.m. on Saturday at the plaza in front of Tokyo Station, which is usually crowded with people taking photographs of the retro station or waiting to meet people. Inside, the station was also quiet and few people were seen carrying suitcases to board the Shinkansen. No one was seen lining up in front of the JR ticket offices that are normally crowded with travelers. The screens above ticketing machines showed rows of green circles indicating "seats available."

"The train was almost empty inside," a 79-year-old man from Zama, Kanagawa Prefecture, said. "The space created personal distance, and it actually wasn't bad, being different from usual."

The station's Yaesu Exit is a departure point for expressway buses heading to Narita Airport and other places. Many bus services are being viewed warily because of the virus, and only five or six buses were seen parked there. There were almost no lines waiting for buses, and drivers looked to be at a loose end. Shops and restaurants in the Yaesu Exit underground shopping arcade have all been shuttered, save for a few, instead displaying signs reading, "We are temporarily closed."

Saturday was also the first day after the Tokyo metropolitan government asked businesses to close or to shorten their hours, and many shops were shuttered in downtown areas in Tokyo.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Saturday called on all citizens nationwide to refrain from visiting restaurants and other places that serve customers, such as cabarets and nightclubs, as a preventive measure against the spread of the new coronavirus, at a meeting of the government task force at the Prime Minister's Office.

The move is designed to completely prevent clusters of infections from erupting in nightlife spots.

The request will be added to the basic policy for combating the COVID-19 outbreak. The policy defines measures that are called for on the part of local governments to fight the disease.
Over 500 PCR studies have already been conducted in mobile laboratory

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky visited the tent camp of the 66th Military Mobile Hospital for patients with coronavirus infection, located in the area of the Joint Forces Operation, as the press service of the President reports.

It is noted that the hospital is designed to host 100 patients at a time. An additional 50-seat infectious department was deployed there in case patients with Covid-19 were identified. The hospital is equipped with isolation and patient care equipment.

"Because of the coronavirus epidemic, our military needs to think about its own security twice as much. I am glad that there are no such patients here. Let this disaster bypass our military. However, we must be prepared," Zelensky said.

In addition, the president visited a mobile PCR laboratory based on a mobile hospital. More than 500 PCR tests for the presence of Covid-19 have already been conducted in the JFO zone; all showed negative result.

As we reported earlier, today, April 11, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky paid tribute to the prisoners of Nazi concentration camps at the Babiy Yar Memorial Complex.
New Delhi: India has cleared the first list of 13 countries that will get hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) supply, with neighborhood getting the priority. India will be supplying hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol to a total of 25 countries. The Indian government has approved the export of 14 million tablets of Hydroxychloroquine amid the coronavirus crisis.

The 13 countries which are on the top priority list of HCQ supply includes - US, 2 Europian countries - Spain and Germany, 2 South American countries - Dominican Republic and Brazil, One from West Asia, Bahrain and 5 neighbour countries which includes - Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Maldives and Bangladesh.

Speaking at the daily press briefing of the Indian government, Dammu Ravi, MEA's nodal person at the helm of the crisis said, "HCQ is in high demand globally. A lot of request for HCQ already there, several countries have made the request, taking in the view domestic requirements, domestic stock availability.. the decision was taken by a group of the minister to release surplus medicine for export purposes. The first list of countries have been approved and products have started to leave, working on 2nd list and then 3rd list"

India is providing humanitarian aid like Pharma (HCQ & paracetamol) to SAARC and Indian Ocean countries like Mauritius & Seychelles. Additionally, India is also providing humanitarian aid to countries in Africa Latin America. Outside these regions, New Delhi is currently processing requests for medicines (HCQ/Paracetamol) from countries based on availability & would be supplying them on a commercial basis.

Asked about the criteria India is following for countries, Dammu Revi said, "Request for countries existed, for HCQ, we analysed the request. Sometimes demand can be very high, we need to rationalize. This drug is under high demand and all countries impacted by COVID are asking for it. So it was internal discussion and in consultation with pharma dept, health and various others in the empowered committee."

Explaining, "It is first come, first basis, but the neighborhood is very important, countries very vulnerable. So went through the process of making the assessment, who would need first..it is an ongoing process. Doing it in a balanced and rationalizing demand of various countries."

While HCQ remains on the banned list of export products, India is giving the drug only on license both for export and aid. India needs one crore HCQ tablets, and currently has 3.28 cr tablets and 1-2 cr tablets can be produced. Indian authorities have allowed the use of HCQ for front line workers only and under the prescription of a medical physician.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been personally approached by world leaders for HCQ. On Friday PM Modi spoke to Japan PM Abe and Nepali PM KP Sharma Oli.

Three world leaders, US President Donald Trump, Brazilian President Jair M. Bolsonaro and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu have personally thanked Indian PM and the people of India on twitter for showing support during COVID-19 crisis.


Afghanistan on Saturday turned down Pakistan's request to handover Aslam Farooqi, leader of the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP), an affiliate of the militant Islamic State (IS) and the main conspirator behind the massacre of 27 Sikh worshippers at Shor Bazaar Gurudwara in Kabul on March 25.

Turning down the request, the Afghan Foreign Ministry said Farooqi was involved in the killing of hundreds of Afghans, therefore, he should be tried under the law of the country, Express Tribune reported.

On April 4, Afghanistan's intelligence agency, the National Directorate of Security (NDS), announced that they had arrested Farooqi, whose real name is Abdullah Orakzai, in Kandahar province.

The group has been involved in numerous terror activities in the mountains of north Pakistan as well as its neighbours, and is believed to be a proxy of Pakistan's Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) which tries to promote it in Afghanistan to keep a check on the Taliban.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry further noted that Afghanistan and Pakistan have no extradition treaty and Kabul was under no obligation to hand over the IS-Khorasan chief.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Demonstrators stand outside a security zone before a pro-gun rally in January in Richmond, Va. Gov. Ralph Northam signed a gun-control bill on Friday. Read more

RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam has signed five gun-control bills into law and offered amendments on two more passed earlier this year by the General Assembly, delivering the signature legislation that Democrats promised in last year's elections.

Northam said Friday that he had signed bills to limit handgun purchases to one per month; establish universal background checks; give authorities the power to temporarily seize weapons from someone deemed a threat; require owners to report lost or stolen firearms within 48 hours; and increase the penalty for recklessly leaving a loaded gun within reach of a child.

He recommended changes to two more gun-control bills. In one, he sought to clarify an exemption for institutions of higher learning in a law allowing localities to regulate guns in public buildings, parks, recreation centers and during public events. And Northam recommended expanding the penalty in a law prohibiting people subject to a protective order from possessing a gun.

The General Assembly will take up changes to any bills during a one-day session April 22.

Northam also signed bills Friday that loosen Virginia's restrictions on access to abortion, another issue Democrats ran on last year. The Reproductive Health Protection Act rolls back laws put in place by Republicans that required a woman to get an ultrasound and wait 24 hours before any abortion. The act also does away with hospital-like requirements that prevented some women's health centers from offering abortions.

Friday's actions deliver on seven of the eight gun-control measures that Northam endorsed after a mass shooting last year in Virginia Beach, when a gunman killed 12 people at a municipal building.

Republicans who controlled the legislature at the time resisted the measures, and Democrats made passing them a centerpiece of campaigns last year for all 140 seats in the General Assembly. The elections gave Democrats control of the legislature for the first time in a generation, and Democrats made gun laws the top priority coming into this year's session.

The prospect of tighter restrictions provoked a massive rally in Richmond in January by gun-rights advocates from around the country, but Northam and Democratic lawmakers said they were responding to the will of voters.

"I was proud to work with legislators and advocates on these measures, and I am proud to sign them into law. These common-sense laws will save lives," Northam said Friday in a written statement.

Republicans continued to push back against the measures.

"To take a victory lap on such a controversial issue at a time when Virginians are buying firearms at a record pace to protect themselves and their families is counterintuitive," House Republican Leader Todd Gilbert said in a statement. It went on to say "it was clear from the moment these bills were introduced that they would impact law-abiding gun owners far more than criminals."

The one proposal from Northam's package that failed was a ban on assault weapons. Several Democrats in the Senate opposed that bill, partly because it proved difficult to define the weapons and agree on how to enforce a ban.

Northam has until midnight Saturday to complete action on the more than 1,200 pieces of legislation passed during this years legislative session.
The warnings about bad air quality in Hanoi and HCM City given by forecasting centers in late 2019 could lead to a stronger electric motorbike market.

Forbes quoted a source from VinFast as reporting that about 30,000 VinFast electric motorbikes have been sold. VinFasts factory has the capacity of 250,000 products a year, and it aims to make 1 million products a year in the future.



Many electric motorbike brands were in the market before VinFast. However, VinFast has accelerated the development of the electric motorbike market since the its first product VinFast Klara was marketed in November 2018.



Prior to that, consumers were familiar with Pega electric motorbikes.



The demand for two wheelers is always very high, with 3 million motorbikes bought every year. In addition, about 400,000-500,000 electric motorbikes are sold each year in Vietnam.

Forbes quoted a source from VinFast as reporting that about 30,000 VinFast electric motorbikes have been sold. VinFasts factory has the capacity of 250,000 products a year, and it aims to make 1 million products a year in the future.

Analysts say that electric motorbikes will be used more in large urban areas, especially when cities prohibit petrol-run vehicles.



The emissions from motorbikes is believed to be the major cause of air pollution in Hanoi and HCM City.



Many electric motorbike brands have flocked to Vietnam, hoping to conquer the market when there are still few rivals.



In September 2019, MBI, a brand from South Korea, made its official presence in Vietnam. The manufacturer introduced three versions Mbi X, Mbi S and Mbi V which have selling prices between VND39,800,000 and VND59 million.



The price levels are far higher than VinFast's Klara, but MBI is believed to be a tough rival because it has attractive design, uses high technologies, and has high quality.



MBI is trying to build an ecosystem with battery charging and exchange stations, which VinFast is striving for.



In addition to charging at home, this system allows users to order monthly battery exchange packages in a convenient way, like a mobile phone subscription package.

Prices of monthly packages vary depending on demand. After the subscription package is used up, users can still buy additional packages at low prices.



In November, Yadea from China, known as the manufacturer with the biggest sales in the world, entered the Vietnamese market.



Yadea introduced three models, including Yadea E3, Ulike and G5, priced at VND16-40 million, competing directly with VinFast Klara.

In related news, the Vietnam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (VAMM) reported that five members of VAMM, including Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Piaggio and SYM, sold 3.3 million motorbikes of all types in 2019, down 131,130 products, or 3.8 percent against 2018.

Kim Chi

HCM City should carefully weigh motorbike ban: Transport Ministry Authorities of HCMC should study the impact of a motorbike ban in inner-city areas to avoid affecting the daily commutes of the locals, said the Ministry of Transport.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- While Mayor Bill de Blasio said Saturday he will keep all New York City public schools closed for the rest of the school year due to coronavirus (COVID-19), Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he has jurisdiction over such a move and has not reached that decision yet.

Two hours after de Blasio announced city schools would be closed, Cuomo said at his daily press conference thats not the case.

Legally, I want the metropolitan area [of New York] coordinated, said the governor. I dont want Suffolk doing something that Nassau doesnt do, that New York City doesnt do, that Westchester doesnt do. ...There has been no decision on the schools.

The governor said de Blasio didnt close them and he cant open them." And called de Blasios announcement "just the mayors opinion.

Keeping this policy of social distancing is the best way forward to protect all of us, said de Blasio at a press conference on Saturday.

Everything we are doing is to protect our children and our families -- to help end the pain and the trauma. ...After very careful consideration, New York City public schools will remain closed for remainder of this school year, he added.

Initially, New York City public schools were to reopen by April 20, and then the pause was extended until April 29. However, de Blasio has repeatedly said schools may be closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.

We have been more and more sure every day that keeping these policies of social distancing and shelter in place -- keeping that going and deepening that -- is the best way forward to protect all of us, de Blasio said on Saturday.

De Blasio announced on March 15 that the largest school system in the United States with approximately 1.1 million public school students would close beginning March 16 until at least April 20. However, he said at the time: We may not have the opportunity to reopen them in this full school year.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city has a specific plan in place to keep students engaged, and get all public schools open by the new school year in September.

*** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK ***

EDUCATORS ROSE TO THE CHALLENGE

Remote learning began last month, and de Blasio praised educators for going above and beyond to make sure children were able to continue schooling in a distance-learning setting. He also thanked parents and children for adapting quickly to a crisis situation.

Educators really rose to the challenge. ...They werent given a year to get ready. They werent given a month to get ready. They werent given a week. ... I want to thank all of the educators...I want to also thank all the children of New York City public schools. ...And I want to thank parents for dealing with challenging situations; they have been great partners in distance learning, he said.

When this crisis is over, this will be looked at as one of the amazing moments -- one with admiration that New York City public schools, even in an hour of crisis, were able to come back so strongly, de Blasio added.

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Addressing the handover ceremony, Deputy Minister Dung affirmed that Vietnam presented the gift to Myanmar in the spirit of friendship and close neighborhood to combat the pandemic despite Vietnam being also affected by the pandemic.

The donation not only demonstrates the cohesion and mutual support between the two countries but also an expression of solidarity among ASEAN countries, Dung said.

He expressed his hope that the aid will help Myanmar to overcome these current tough times.

Myanmar Ambassador to Vietnam Kyaw Soe Win thanked the Vietnamese Government and people for the assistance, noting that the timely support is a great source of encouragement for Myanmar to overcome their difficulties during this period.

He added that his country will coordinate closely with Vietnam and other ASEAN countries to overcome the pandemic in accordance to the ASEAN Statement on the fight against the pandemic issued in March.
New Delhi, April 11 : The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Saturday asked states and Union Territories to comply with the Supreme Court order to provide security to doctors and medical staff involved in the fight against coronavirus.

The MHA has sent this communication to all chief secretaries of state governments, UTs, Director General of Police of all states/UTs and the Delhi Police Commissioner.

On April 8, the Supreme Court ordered the Centre, states/UTs and police authorities to provide police security to the doctors and medical staff in hospitals and places, including quarantine facilities, where patients are diagnosed or suspected of COVID-19. The protection should be extended to doctors and other medical staff visiting places to conduct screening of people to find out symptoms of disease.

"It is requested that necessary action may be taken for compliance of the order", said Srinivasu K, Deputy Secretary, MHA.

Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice S. Ravindra Bhat passed the order on pleas raising concerns about protective gear for doctors and healthcare workers on the frontline, and also their security amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

The apex court noted the incident which happened on April 2 in a locality in Indore, where medical staff with doctors, out to screen certain persons for coronavirus, were attacked and stones were thrown at them by miscreants. The top court also noted the incident at Ghaziabad where certain patients misbehaved with medical staff.

The court observed the pandemic is a national calamity. "In the wake of calamity of such nature, all citizens of the country have to act in a responsible manner to extend a helping hand to the government and medical staff to perform their duties to contain and combat the COVID-19. The incidents as noted above are bound to instill a sense of insecurity among doctors and medical staff", said the court.
Pakistan has insisting Afghanistan to handover the ISIS Khorasan leader who was recently captured by the Afghan intel agency. The Ambassador of Afghanistan to Pakistan was summoned to Islamabad by the Imran Khan government. In its request to extradite the ISIS terrorist from Afghanistan, Pakistan cited 'further investigations'.

Through its communication medium Aamaq news agency, the ISIS had confessed to plotting an attack on the Gurudwara in Kabul. The Pakistani national and chief of ISIS Khorasan province, Mawlawi Abdullah aka Farooqui, is previously known to be associated with Hafiz Saeed-led Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Haqqani network. The statement read:

READ| Pakistan & Terrorism: 6 Freudian slips by Pak leaders on Osama, Hafiz Saeed & Masood Azhar that give it all away

"It was underscored to the Ambassador that since Aslam Farooqi was involved in anti-Pakistan activities in Afghanistan, he should be handed over to Pakistan for further investigations." However, on Friday Kabul specified that there was no extradition treaty with Pakistan and refused to hand over the terrorist, the local media reported.

Ashraf Ghani's government asserted that Islam Farooqi will be dealt with based on Afghanistan's law. Further, taking a dig at Islamabad, Ashraf Ghani's government explicitly that Kabul 'does not discriminate' between terrorists. The statement comes in reference to the well-known notion of 'good terrorist, bad terrorist' adopted by Pakistan to back terrorism on their soil. "Afghanistan does not discriminate between terrorists, it takes equal legal actions against all and is committed to all anti-terrorism commitments," it added. According to the intel dossier, Farooqui took over as the chief of ISIS Khorasan Province in April 2019. On March 25, 27 people from the Sikh community were killed or severely injured by a terror attack in Kabul.

In one of the deadliest attacks on the Sikh community in the war-stricken country, at least 25 people were killed and eight others were injured after an armed suicide bomber entered the prominent gurudwara in Afghanistans capital in Shor Bazar area at around 07:45 (local time) with 150 worshippers inside. The Islamic State group, which has previously also targetted the minority community in the country, had claimed the responsibility of the attack.

ISIS in Pakistan

A report published by an international media claimed that Hafiz Saeed Khan in 2014 was picked by ISIS former chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi himself to lead the ISIS Khorasan province. The Islamic State announced its so-called caliphate in the Khorasan region back in January 2015, months after establishing its base in Syria and Iraq. An Annual Information Security Summit (AISS) report had stated that 90% of those in Islamic State Khorasan Province are Pakistani nationals and armed with Pakistani weapons.

READ| With Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's death, what's next for ISIS?
Gordon Ramsay has been berated by a shopper for parking his car outside a store in Cornwall during the coronavirus lockdown.

The TV chef, 53, was previously slammed by locals after he moved his family from London to his 4.4million mansion in the county to isolate during the pandemic.

The altercation in Polzeath Beach came about after Mr Ramsay parked his Land Rover Defender in front of the shop, witnesses said.

Gordon Ramsay (pictured after the confrontation) was berated by a shopper for parking his car outside a store in Cornwall during the coronavirus lockdown

The altercation in Polzeath Beach, Cornwall, came about after Mr Ramsay parked his Land Rover Defender in front of the shop, witnesses said

The other man confronted him about the way the car was parked and the size of it. The Hell's Kitchen star kept his cool throughout.





The man then walked off and Mr Ramsay got into his car clutching a small bag of shopping and a coffee.





Earlier this week, Ramsay faced controversy for moving to his Cornwall home to wait out the coronavirus outbreak.

The other man (right) confronted Mr Ramsay about the way the Land Rover was parked and the size of it, onlookers claimed

The other man approached the car and the Hell's Kitchen star, who kept his cool throughout

Earlier this week, Ramsay faced controversy for moving to his Cornwall home to wait out the coronavirus outbreak

It comes as locals in the West Country called for tougher action to be taken on people fleeing to their holiday homes amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Second home owners were accused of sneaking into the area in the dead of night, and local authorities have now asked for road blocks to be put in place in order to stop people getting into tourist hot spots now on.

Villagers are worried Gordon may have brought the virus with him from London and want him 'the hell out of Cornwall' and have even threatened to expose his address if he doesn't leave, The Sun reports.

Mr Ramsay loaded his shopping into his car before driving away after the brief confrontation with a local

Mr Ramsay remained calm throughout the altercation. When the man walked off, Ramsey drove away

In messages seen by the newspaper, nearby residents vented their frustration in a Facebook group called You Shouldn't Be Here.

One user wrote: 'The big s*** should take himself and his family the hell out of Cornwall.'

Another said: 'Wealthy second homers think making a few quid means they are immune from the virus and any rules. They are arrogant at this best of times, this has shown how bad some of them are.'
People in the northern Indian state of Punjab are reacting with awe at the sight of the Himalayan mountain range, which is now visible from more than 100 miles away due to the reduction in air pollution caused by the country's coronavirus lockdown.

Indians in the city of Jalandhar and the surrounding area have posted photos online of the views from their homes, with some saying they haven't seen the peaks of the Himalayas for decades.

"For the first time in almost 30 years (I) could clearly see the Himalayas due to India's lockdown clearing air pollution. Just amazing," Manjit Kang wrote.

The phenomenon is made possible by a dramatic improvement in air quality in recent weeks, after industries shut down, cars came off the road and airlines canceled flights in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Delhi saw up to a 44% reduction in PM10 air pollution levels on the first day of its restrictions, India's Central Pollution Control Board found. The PM10 standard measures airborne particulates 10 micrometers or smaller in diameter.

The report said that, in total, 85 cities across India saw less air pollution in the first week of the nationwide lockdown.

Meanwhile the air quality in Jalandhar, which sits more than 100 miles from the Himalayas, has been measured as "good" on the country's national index for 16 of the 17 days since the nationwide lockdown was announced.

By contrast, the same 17-day period last year failed to register a single day of "good" air quality -- and in the first 17 days of March this year, only three days saw "good" air quality.

The period has therefore marked an unintended but welcome breath of fresh air for the country's crowded and polluted cities. India is home to 21 of the 30 worst polluted urban areas in the world, according to data compiled in IQAir AirVisual's 2019 World Air Quality Report, with six in the top ten.

The nation has been in lockdown for more than two weeks, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi ordering "a total ban on venturing out of your homes."

Only essential services have been operational, including water, electricity, health and fire services, groceries stores and municipal services. All other shops, commercial establishments, factories, workshops, offices, markets and places of worship have been closed and interstate buses and metros were be suspended.

The country has reported nearly 6,000 cases of Covid-19, and 178 deaths, according to figures from the Johns Hopkins University.

While the famous mountain range is more visible than in recent memory, it is also more deserted.

Many of its mountains have been closed to climbers for nearly a month, with both the Nepalese and Chinese sides of Mount Everest shutting down in early March.
New Delhi: The West Bengal Police registerd an FIR against 50 unknown persons for violating the lockdown on April 10, after they gathered at a mosque in Murshidabad district for Friday prayers, thus defying the ongoing COVID-19 induced lockdown.

According to reports, hundreds of people had gathered at the Gopipur mosque of Murshidabad for offering namaz prayers, thus violating the lockdown orders. Also, none of them maintaing social distancing or were wearing masks.

A video of the Friday's gathering at the mosque went viral, showing a large number of people coming out of the religious place. According to the police, the people including senior citizens and children left peacefully when they were instructed to vacate the mosque and go back home.

"They cooperated with us," a police officer told IANS.

The police later instructed the imam to ensure there was no more gathering in the mosque till the lockdown was withdrawn.

In the meantime, the West Bengal government is planning to impose a 14-day 'total lockdown' in 10 hotspots from where several COVID-19 cases have been reported, chief secretary Rajiva Sinha said on Saturday. Though the chief secretary did not name the areas, he said local markets and all roads in those areas will be completely shut down, and no one will be allowed to enter or step out of their homes.

When asked about the hotspots and clusters in West Bengal, the state's top bureaucrat referred to Alipore, Bhawanipore, Mudiali, Burrabazar, Nayabad, Dumdum, Salt Lake, Ultadanga and Belghoria in the city. Parts of North and South 24 Parganas district, Howrah's Mallick Fatak area, Foreshore road, Rajballabh Saha Lane, Salkia and areas around the Howrah district hospital have been identified as the COVID-19 hotspots and clusters, he told PTI.

According to the directive, lockdown will be imposed in the hotspots and areas around themthe buffer zone-to ensure zero spread of the disease.

The state government is also planning to conduct rapid tests in the hotspots.
Most foreign residents in the province are well versed at using video calls to speak to loved ones back home. However, a month ago it would probably never have occurred to anyone to 'attend' a church service, their monthly book club or even speak to their neighbours online.

Determined not to lose touch with those who only live in the village or even down the road, platforms such as Skype, Zoom and WhatsApp have become lifelines for us in recent weeks.

Lux Mundi is continuing to provide assistance via phone and email The two Lux Mundi centres; Torre del Mar and Fuengirola, haven't stopped helping service users and local charities since the lockdown began. Four volunteers including President Gloria Uribes have been working from home to respond to calls and emails from people who need help with shopping, advice, emergencies and interpreting. The volunteers have also set up WhatsApp groups for each centre. Gloria explained that many of their users live alone or in the campo, so the groups help people to "reduce stress and not feel alone". The two centres have also been translating essential information such as telephone numbers and supermarket opening times as well as continuing to donate to charities.

Around 20 foreign residents in Periana have started to get together via Zoom every Friday evening in time for the applause; some bring a glass to raise as well. Organiser Chloe Gavin told SUR in English that people who have homes in the village but are currently in the UK have joined in as well, and last Friday, the mayor, Rafael Torrubia, participated. Chloe also hopes to get some of the Spanish residents involved in the coming weeks.

Barbara Crouter, also in Periana, said that she is making sure her book club still meet and they are planning to organise their first online meeting via Facebook messenger later this month. "We've already sent in our reviews for the latest book via email, but it's not the same. Getting the reviews by email made us realise how important the discussion and banter is to us," she reflected.

Churches across the province have also adapted to reach out to their congregations through the use of modern technology.

The Chaplain of the Anglican Church of Nerja and Almunecar, Nigel Thomas, explained to SUR in English that the Chaplaincy holds services via Zoom every Sunday at midday and on Wednesday mornings at 9.30. "We will keep to this timetable until the end of the coronavirus epidemic, when we can return once again to our usual time and place of services," he said.

Wedding

Friends and family of Santiago Ordonez de la Torre and Lourdes Aguilera Ruiz organised a surprise Zoom wedding for the couple when the real celebration, which was due to take place in Antequera last Saturday, had to be postponed.

They had organised a message from the priest and prepared other videos. They told the couple to put on their wedding outfits and prepare the rings. While the real wedding will have to wait until a later date, the couple said Saturday's celebration "was very emotional".

Nerja councillors, like many others in Spain, have also been holding town hall meetings online in order to keep things running during the lockdown.

The 2020 budget, which was approved provisionally in February, was scheduled to be passed during a video conference on Wednesday. Councillor for electronic administration and new technologies, Javier Lopez, said councillors hoped to stream this and other meetings for residents "especially during the state of alarm".
After the local chapter of the NAACP called for a new investigation into the April 10 incident, Mayor Diane Marlin said the city is in the process of selecting an independent, third-party firm to conduct it.
Miracle Mineral Supplement (MMS), or Chlorine Dioxide, a powerful bleach according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is under fire since the agency admonished its producer and inventor Jim Humble to stop promoting and selling the drug as a remedy for killing the CCP virus which causes COVID-19 (FDA)

FDA Bans Selling of Alleged CCP Virus Remedy

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) admonished the producer of a Miracle Mineral Supplement to stop selling unapproved and unauthorized products for the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of COVID-19.

In a letter of Wednesday, April 8, co-signed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the FDA summoned Jim Humble the godfather of Miracle Mineral Supplement (MMS), or chlorine dioxide, to immediately stop selling and promoting his supplement as an agent that kills the CCP virus, or novel coronavirus as it is commonly known, which causes COVID-19.

Despite previous warnings, the FDA is concerned that we are still seeing chlorine dioxide products being sold with misleading claims that they are safe and effective for the treatment of diseases, now including COVID-19, FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn said in a statement.

With this warning letter, FDA is exercising its authority to protect consumers from companies and individuals selling unapproved products with false or misleading claims during the #COVID19 pandemic. https://t.co/GZJCaX2oal  Dr. Stephen M. Hahn (@SteveFDA) April 8, 2020

The sale of these products can jeopardize a persons health and delay proper medical treatment, Hahn said. We continue to take action and keep up our efforts to monitor for fraudulent treatments during this public health emergency and remind the public to seek medical help from their health care providers.

Jim Humble, however, writes on his website: Fake news has been active in denying that chlorine dioxide (as MMS) helps fight disease and has confused it with common household bleach. They deny the truth by telling lies. Common household bleach (NaClO) destroys pathogens through chlorination. Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) kills pathogens through the process of oxidation. There is a big difference.

However, With this warning letter, it says, the FDA argues it merely uses its authority to protect the public from parties that sell unapproved remedies during the CCP virus crisis by making false and unsubstantiated claims.

The FDA and other government agencies have written articles branding chlorine dioxide as extremely poisonous, except they have praised its use on food, Humble, who calls himself archbishop of the Genesis 2 Church of Health and happiness, added.

The FDA stated that Humble violated the FD&C Act and must, within 48 hours send notification describing the specific steps taken to correct these violations. Include an explanation of each step being taken to prevent the recurrence of violations, as well as copies of related documentation. Failure to immediately correct the violations cited in this letter may result in legal action, including, without limitation, seizure and injunction.

NTD reached out to Jim Humble of the Genesis 2 Church of Health and Happiness for comment but hasnt received a reply yet.

From NTD News
Tripura reported its second case of the coronavirus disease on Friday, four days after a woman tested positive for the infection, officials said.



The northeastern states Covid-19 nodal officer Dr Deep Kumar Debbarma informed about the second positive case late in the evening.



The patient is a trooper in the 13th Battalion of Tripura State Rifles (TSR), who went to meet his family in Madhya Pradesh and returned on March 21, he said.



Also read: What you need to know today



"The patient was shifted to quarantine. All other TSR personnel would be tested as well," Dr Debbarma said while speaking to reporters.



Also read: Tripura becomes second state to invoke ESMA to manage Covid-19 outbreak



Chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb wrote about the second Covid-19 patient of the state on Facebook.



The patient is 32 years old Male from Madhya Pradesh and currently staying at Damcherra and has travelled along with the last COVID19 positive patient in train. Don't Panic, we are taking all possible measures to keep everyone secure. Stay Home Stay Safe and Co-operate with Government, Deb wrote in his post.



The state government has converted two buildings of two state-run hospitals, GBP and IGM hospitals, as Covid-19 hospitals, according to a notification released on Friday.



Currently, 844 people are quarantined in the state. As of now, 299 samples have been tested.
A doctor wearing protective equipment is seen unloading a patient outside St Thomas's Hospital in London on April 7, 2020. (Peter Summers/Getty Images)

UK CCP Virus Death Toll Rises by 917

Number is less than deadliest day on Friday

The death toll from the CCP virus in the United Kingdom rose by 917 to 9,875 people on Saturday, representing a slight drop after the highest daily deaths on Friday.

The UK Department of Health said 78,991 people had tested positive for the CCP virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus, as of 8 a.m. GMT on Saturday. Britain is hoping the number of infections, hospital admissions, and deaths are reaching a peak, allowing it to consider easing the countrys lockdown.

The numbers reflected only the deaths that occurred in hospitals.

The National Health Service (NHS) data shows 823 of the deaths came from hospitals in England.

Those who died in England were aged between 11 and 102 years old, and 33 had no known underlying health condition, NHS England said.

On Friday, the UK recorded the highest 24-hour deaths with 980 people dying from the CCP virus in hospitals.

The virus, which originated in China, has caused 103,874 deaths globally and over 1.7 million people infected as Saturday morning, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University.

The numbers are considered to be inaccurate because of the underreporting of cases from mainland China.

There are 501,680 confirmed cases and 18,780 deaths in the United States.

Government Urges People to Avoid Traveling

As people typically spend time with family or friends around Easter, the UK Prime Ministers office urged the British to stay home over the Easter weekend.

We understand that people will want to spend time with their friends and families this Easter, and we recognize that we are asking the public to make sacrifices in the fight against this disease, a government spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday. We are at a crucial moment in preventing further transmission of coronavirus, and so it is vital that we continue following the governments guidance to stay at home, protect the NHS, and save lives.

Some national parks in England including the North York Moors National Park, also appealed to people to avoid Easter travel unless its absolutely essential.

The beautiful North York Moors will still be here when this is all over, but for now we would urge people to keep following government guidance. The better we all adhere to such measures, the earlier such restrictions are likely to be lifted. Please dont be tempted no matter what the weather brings. Stay home, stay safe, and thank you for not traveling, said Andy Wilson, Chief Executive of the Moors National Park Authority.

The North York Moors is an upland area in North Yorkshire, England, containing one of the largest expanses of heather moorland in the United Kingdom.

Reuters contributed to the report.
While we dont really experience Spring in India, the current weather is the perfect transition from the chilly winters to the scorching summers. However, the government-mandated lockdown, on account of the deadly coronavirus pandemic that has taken over the world, has forced people indoors and everyone is refraining from venturing out. And if they do, it is for stocking up on essentials or for medical purposes. So all our reasons for getting dressed up have disappeared, people are either indoors lounging in their pyjamas or if they do head out, they are covered head to toe, protective face mask and all. So fashion seems to have jumped out the window, even the posts that Bollywood celebrities post now are nothing like their professionally shot photographs from the past. Now even the celebrities seem more accessible than ever as they post videos of themselves washing dishes, cleaning their houses, mopping the floors, among other chores, all in their pyjamas, loungewear or athleisure outfits. However, all this staying indoors may have you feeling a little low, from boredom as well as lack of social interactions, and lets admit it, even the biggest loners among us are now craving human contact. And while one may feel like caving into these feelings, there are simple ways in which you can brighten your mood and hopefully pause the existential crises we are collectively going through together. Its not just philosophical anymore.

As fickle as it may sound, looking good makes you feel good, and while we are all finally living our dream of lounging in our pyjama all day, working from home in our boxers, showering and back into a fresh pair of jammies, it may now be time to break the cycle. Most of those in social isolation are working from home, and this makes it impossible to switch up their routine. You wake up, you slouch in front of your laptop for hours fearing the thought of that con call later with your boss - for which you suit up your top half, hoping to sneak in a nap that ends with snack time. Finish the workday and then Netflix/Read/Social Media till you hit the hay at 4AM. There is no time to switch it up, maybe there is, but we are all too sad to do anything productive. However, theres always time to change your outfit and look a little presentable. Writer Joe Pinkster explains the concept of dressing up the brain which means that if you dress better it can completely change your thought process. A scientific study conducted at California State University by psychology professor Abraham Rutchick also backs this theory. The study confirmed that putting on formal clothes makes us feel powerful, and that changes the basic way we see the world. The study by Rutchick and his co-authors revealed how formal clothes make people think more broadly and holistically, rather than narrowly and about fine-grained details.

In another study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, the term enclothed cognition was used to describe the systematic influence that clothes have on the wearers psychological processes. In the study, the researchers got subject to wear white coats which they were made to believe belonged to doctors. While wearing said coats the subjects were more attentive, however when they were told the coat belonged to a painter they relaxed and didnt focus like before. However, clothings psychological effects have only been researched in a few instances where the brain makes sense of stimuli.

And though for the intellectuals this may seem like such a basic suggestion, and yes why do appearances matter? and whatnot. But it was the legendary author Mark Twain himself who said, Clothes make a man. Naked people have little or no influence on society. And it holds true. We are all guilty of judging people based on how they are dressed, and guage everything from job profile and financial status, to character and upbringing, simply based on how theyre dressed. Talk about dont judge a book by its cover. Interestingly, but not surprisingly, not just the type of clothes, but also the colours you choose have an effect on your mood psychologically.

Red clothing: Red is associated with power, passion, and romance and promotes feelings of positivity.

Yellow clothing: Think the colour yellow, and it will instantly make you think of sunny days. The happy, cheery colour promotes creativity.

Blue clothing: The colour of the sky and the ocean has a relaxing and calming effect on your mood.

Black clothing: While black may not be a very positive colour it does make people look more serious and professional, so you know what colour to get out when youre logging in for those con calls.

Purple clothing: The original colour associated with royalty, go for purple if you want a more sophisticated look.

Green clothing: You know how eye doctors advice to look at some greenery when youve been staring at the computer/television/iPad screen for too long? Well, the colour green is extremely calming and relieves stress. So dont go green with envy, go green being stress-free.

So if youre feeling down in the dumps on account of the Covid-19 lockdown, being away from family, having to work from home, or any other reason, all you have to do is get yourself up and get dressed, and it will definitely improve your mood if not completely turn your day around.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Alfea Jamal 'Ask no questions, hear no lies.' Alfea Jamal is a fashion, culture, travel and food writer. She also dabbles in video journalism, multimedia production, the culinary arts, design and is modestly decent with canvas. ...view detail
A COUNTY Limerick face mask manufacturer is producing close to 2.6m masks a week to meet the unprecedented demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) brought about by the spread of Covid-19.

Irema Ireland is continuing to ramp up production to help combat the spread of the coronavirus by transferring a second production line from their plant in Thailand to Kilmallock

It has increased production capacity to a 24/7 operation resulting in a 50% increase in their workforce.

There are now 75 employees at the Kilmallock facility with a number of roles still to be filled.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday morning HSE CEO Paul Reid said an Irish supplier in Limerick will soon treble its capacity of making some PPE, having already doubled their capacity.

When contacted this week Kieran OBrien, marketing manager with Irema Ireland confirmed Mr Reid was referring to the Kilmallock-based company.

Since the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Irema Ireland has been working closely with the HSE to produce PPE respirator masks and face masks in our Facemate brand. Overall we are producing close to 2.6m masks a week with 250k being respirator masks which is a doubling of average production, Mr OBrien explained.

We have transferred a second PPE respirator masks production line from our Thailand plant which came on stream last week and we have committed to further increasing our PPE respirator capacity with the addition of a third production line. All our PPE respirator mask production is going exclusively to the HSE to protect frontline healthcare staff. The third production line we are committing to will add another 125k respirator masks weekly.

In operation in Kilmallock since 1985, Irema has plenty of experience of global health scares having been to the forefront of providing increased global mask supply during the SARS epidemic in 2003 and the Swine Flu pandemic in 2009 among others. The Covid-19 coronavirus is surpassing both of these in terms of global demand.

We have been receiving a number of enquiries from the general public into purchasing masks but Irema Ireland is not a retailer and is therefore unfortunately not in a position to provide masks to the general public, Mr OBrien explained.
The Week In Russia: Putin, Pechenegs, And Pneumonia

By Steve Gutterman April 10, 2020

President Vladimir Putin reaches back more than a millennium to find an analogy for Russia's fight against COVID-19, unleashing a mass of mocking memes. And, as recorded infections rise fast and Putin seeks to signal control over the country's coronavirus response, fresh signs that the official numbers are an undercount emerge.

Here are some of the key developments in Russia over the past week and some of the takeaways going forward.

Pechenegs And Polovtsy

The notion that Russia is surrounded by foes, or at least potential adversaries, has long been a go-to narrative for the Kremlin, as has the idea that outsiders are to blame for the bulk of the country's woes.

Frequently, over President Vladimir Putin's two decades in power, the alleged culprits have been the West, NATO, or the United States. Almost a decade ago, Putin accused then U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton of fomenting street protests that in fact were triggered by anger over evidence of election fraud and dismay at his plan to return to the presidency after a four-year hiatus.

And in 2004, Putin shifted the November holiday that had earlier commemorated the Bolshevik Revolution and repurposed it as a celebration of the ouster of occupiers from Moscow in 1612, during tsarist Russia's war with the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

In a televised vow to endure the coronavirus crisis, Putin turned the clock back even further, holding out armed struggles against the Pechenegs and the Polovtsy, or Cumans -- two groups that harried Kievan Rus in the 10th and 11th centuries -- as examples of what he said was Russia's hardiness and resistance to pressure.

"Everything passes, and this will pass," Putin said in the live broadcast on March 8. "Our country has endured serious trials many times: the Pechenegs tormented it, and so did the Polovtsy. Russia has dealt with everything, and we will defeat this coronavirus infection."

Cue the hailstorm of mocking memes.

On social media, critics and commentators took gleeful aim at the arguably arcane nature of Putin's comparison and at its historical accuracy -- for one thing, it was the Kiev-based precursor of today's Russia and Ukraine that battled the Pechenegs and Polovtsy: Moscow had not yet been founded.

One satirical website ran an article saying that Putin had exempted Pechenegs and Polovtsy from the spring military-conscription campaign, while opposition politician Aleksei Navalny predicted that the ruling party would legislate major state spending on a celebration marking victory over the Pechenegs.

Natash, Are You Asleep?

A popular recurring meme featuring a photo of several house cats trying to wake an unseen sleeping woman named Natash (short for Natasha, a pet form of Natalya) quickly played on Putin's remarks, showing the cats with speech bubbles saying: "The Polovtsy tormented us," "And the Pechenegs, Natash," "And the coronavirus infection, Natash, honestly."

One journalist wondered whether Putin had "begun an online course in medieval history in his self-isolation."

Wouldn't put it past him. Putin has shown a seemingly increasing interest in history as he seeks to employ the past -- or his portrayal of it, which critics say is often skewed -- to promote his own interests and the interests he ascribes to Russia.

This phenomenon has been played into a persistent dispute with Poland, spats with other countries, the commemoration of Holocaust victims, and preparations for May 9 celebrations of the 75th anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat in World War II.

But there may be some careful calculations behind Putin's decision to reach so far back into the past, choosing two groups whose names are known from history books and not much else.

For one thing, if you're looking to cast the coronavirus as a threat from abroad the obvious choice would be China, where COVID-19 originated. But the Kremlin has long sought close ties with Beijing, both as a buyer of its oil and gas and an ally in efforts to combat U.S. global clout, so laying blame there would make little sense.

In fact, Russia and China are accused of supporting one another's COVID-19 disinformation campaigns. An example is an apparent effort by the Russian Foreign Ministry, following in Beijing's footsteps, to suggest that the original source of the outbreak was not a live animal market in the Chinese city of Wuhan but a U.S. biological weapon gone awry.

Blame Game

Public finger-pointing at the West, however, might have little benefit for Putin -- particularly as he seeks to shore up an economy hit by COVID-19 and an oil-price collapse caused partly by Moscow's rejection of a Saudi Arabian plan to reduce oil output in order to bolster the price as the coronavirus cut demand by drastically curbing travel and a number of industries.

Drawing a parallel between COVID-19 and the Nazi invasion, meanwhile, would risk vastly overstating a threat that Putin has taken pains to describe as serious but manageable.

Putin's comments on April 8 appeared to be an attempt to convince the Russian public that it is he, and not anyone else, who is doing the managing.

When Russia abruptly changed tack and began imposing lockdowns, not long after Putin said the situation was "under control," it was Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin who took the most prominent role -- or was handed it.

In a change from two previous televised addresses about the coronavirus, Putin this time used a video conference with regional governors "in the role of diligent students writing down the head of state's words in their notebooks," as the political editor of Moscow-based newspaper Novaya Gazeta, Kirill Martynov, put it in a column.

It was meant to be "a visual signal that the president has not self-isolated from responsibility and is in control," Martynov wrote. He noted that Putin chose "a native format" for those Russians working from home and "holding meetings on Zoom," an app that is one of the main platforms for communication among co-workers, friends, and families confined largely to their homes.

Not everyone has a home, though, and not everyone in Russia is on Zoom. As they have in other countries, the lockdowns imposed in Russia have in many cases deepened divisions between the haves and the have-nots, making already difficult lives even harder for those in straitened circumstances -- financial or otherwise.

Pneumonia And COVID-19

Putin's comments came a day before the publicly announced number of confirmed COVID-19 infections rose above 10,000, potentially feeding fears that his government may have acted too slowly to stem the spread of the virus and may be understating the numbers.

They have risen fast this week, reaching nearly 12,000 on April 10 -- with 94 deaths -- after increasing by a record amount for the fifth straight day.

Apparent evidence that the official number of COVID-19 infections is higher than the officials are saying has continued to crop up across the country. In many instances, this has involved suspicions that people being treated for pneumonia have the coronavirus -- or had it before it killed them.

That is what happened to Anastasia Petrova, a 36-year-old journalist in the Urals city of Perm who died on March 31 following a diagnosis of double pneumonia. After a friend and fellow journalist posted a text message in which Petrova had said her second COVID-19 test came back positive, health officials changed the official cause of death to "double pneumonia brought on by a coronavirus infection."

On a larger scale, a doctor who was among more than 1,000 personnel and patients placed under a strict coronavirus quarantine at the largest hospital in Ufa, a city of more than 1 million and the capital of the Bashkortostan region, said the facility had seen an increasing number of cases attributed to pneumonia over the past two weeks.

"The flow of patients was simply enormous," Rimma Kamalova, head of the Kuvatov Republican Clinical Hospital's rheumatology department, told RFE/RL on April 8.

And, in an interview on state TV late on April 9, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said that doctors would begin treating all pneumonia patients for the coronavirus rather than waiting for positive COVID-19 test results.

The minister's statement came after a number of Moscow doctors involved in treating COVID-19 patients said that the vast majority of pneumonia cases in Russia were probably caused by the coronavirus and should be treated as if they were.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/week-in-russia-putin- pechenegs-pneumonia/30546450.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.

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My Tribune colleague Christopher Borrelli writes: After several weeks at home, heres what I know: That couple in the building across the alleyway, the ones we casually spot from the back of our apartment, the ones on rowing machines every morning and Pelotons every night, one of them has been murdered and her body bundled into industrial garbage bags and removed in the dead of night. I mean, I havent seen her in days and what other explanation could there be for her disappearance? Read his story here, but admit it: In the age of coronavirus, we all have a little Gladys Kravitz in us.
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Shoppers are queuing for hundreds of yards across fields and car parks in a last-minute dash to stock up their coronavirus stockpiles for the bank holiday weekend.

With the major supermarkets all closing tomorrow, customers are flocking in their droves today to pick up food and toiletries.

However, plenty have also made their way to other stores to pick up seemingly non-essentials including plants, pictures and DIY gear.

In Hackney, east London, there were even long lines for lattes as shoppers waited to be served at Gail's Bakery - a small business offering home deliveries and click-and-collect orders for items including artisan sourdough bread priced at 13.

One local told MailOnline: 'The queue for coffee is down the street. It is mobbed.

'I have phoned 101 but nobody has turned up yet. The street is like a festival today. Not good.'

A customer wearing a mask stocks up on goods from The Range in St Albans, pictured, with stores set to close tomorrow

Customers filled their trolleys with gardening and DIY products, pictured, ahead of the rest of the bank holiday weekend

The shopping spree at The Range, pictured, comes despite continued government guidance for people to stay at home to limit the spread of coronavirus

People queue across Clapham Common in London, pictured, to enter a butcher's to stock up on lockdown essentials

Supermarkets such as this Tesco in Dorking, Surrey, pictured, have seen long queues before they are told to shut tomorrow for Easter Sunday

A shop in Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, pictured, has also seen a number of people waiting outside to top up their stockpiles

A bakery in Hackney, east London, pictured, has attracted such long queues that mean the street looks 'like a festival', according to locals

Elsewhere in the capital, queues for customers wanting to enter a butcher's have been snaking their way across Clapham Common, while there were similar scenes outside a shop in Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, and a supermarket in Dorking, Surrey.

Many appear to be obeying the social distancing rules put in place to limit the spread of the virus by standing six feet apart while waiting to shop.

It comes as the supermarkets are forced to shut tomorrow, with rules passed down by the Department for Business saying no shop larger than 280sq metres can open on Easter Sunday or Christmas Day.

Despite Britain being in a state of lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, a DfB spokesman said 'existing rules still apply'.

B&Q stores have also seen hordes of cars arriving, pictured, as shoppers pick up click-and-collect orders after an exceptionally busy day on its website yesterday

Customers had to wait more than an hour on Friday just to get on to the company's online store, with hundreds of thousands looking to buy products

The home improvement retailer saw massive demand for its stock, with more than 300,000 people simultaneously waiting to purchase goods, meaning shoppers were told they faced a wait of at least 60 minutes before making orders

Customers also claimed that they were kicked out of the website after waiting in a virtual queue for an hour

B&Q stores have also seen hordes of cars arriving as shoppers pick up click-and-collect orders after an exceptionally busy day on its website yesterday.

Customers had to wait more than an hour just to get on to the company's online store, with hundreds of thousands looking to buy products.

As a result, the home improvement retailer saw massive demand for its stock, with more than 300,000 people simultaneously waiting to purchase goods, meaning shoppers were told they faced a wait of at least 60 minutes before making orders.

Customers also claimed that they were kicked out of the website after waiting in a virtual queue for an hour.

A spokeswoman told MailOnline yesterday: 'Our 296 B&Q stores have remained closed to customers for browsing since Monday March 23, when the UK lockdown was announced.

'As an essential retailer, B&Q has made diy.com its primary store and introduced contact-free Click+Collect services in its store car parks whilst still continuing to offer home delivery.

'Given these changes, we are experiencing extremely high demand at present for online orders and are using a virtual queue to limit the number of customers using the website at the same time to give customers the best possible online shopping experience.'
Gov. Gavin Newsom offered President Trump praise about the federal government's efforts in helping California combat the coronavirus pandemic.

What Newsom told CNN: "Every single direct request that [Trump] was capable of meeting, he has met. We have the USNS Mercy in California because of his direct intervention and support."

"I can only speak for myself but I have to be complimentary. Otherwise, I would simply be lying to you, misleading you, and that is a wonderful thing to be able to say."

but I have to be complimentary. Otherwise, I would simply be lying to you, misleading you, and that is a wonderful thing to be able to say." "And I hope that continues but this has been a remarkable moment where we've at least been able to rise above that partisanship."

Newsom pointed specifically to Trump's support in getting the USNS Mercy, which docked in Los Angeles late in March.

California has more than 21,000 coronavirus cases and almost 600 deaths.

Go deeper: Washington and California offer beacons of coronavirus hope
Vigil has been tightened along the India-Nepal border in Bihar following intelligence inputs about around 50 people infected with coronavirus planning to sneak into the country, amid the lockdown, officials said on Friday. Following imposition of the lockdown, the state's borders with Nepal, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and West Bengal have been sealed with a view of preventing outsiders from entering Bihar.

Director General of Police Gupteshwar Pandey said, "All police personnel deployed along the borders and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) have been put on high alert. There have been no reports of any infiltration through the India-Nepal border ever since the restrictions came into force. We will ensure that nobody is allowed to cross the borders."

Notably, screenshots of a letter purportedly written by a senior official of West Champaran and addressed to senior officers of the police and administration went viral on the social media during the day. Dated April 7, the letter stated that 40-50 people have crossed over to India and referred to a Nepalese national, involved in illegal arms trade and fake currency notes, planning a conspiracy to "spread coronavirus in India".

The letter claimed that inputs to the effect were received from the SSB. Neither the district magistrate nor the superintendent of police agreed to comment further about the letter. Talking to PTI over phone, a senior SSB official did not confirm that the aforementioned input was provided to the district officials by the paramilitary force, but said, "We do keep receiving intelligence inputs in plenty since we guard the borders. A few of these turn out to be true, many others turn out to be hoax. It is, however, our duty to pass on whatever information we have to the civil administration concerned."

Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Amir Subhani, however, asserted that the SSB inputs hinted at "a possibility" of infiltration through the borders.

"But we are maintaining a strict vigil. Police are on alert and working in close cooperation with the SSB. The Union Home Ministry has also been kept in the loop," Subhani said.

Bihar shares a long, porous border with Nepal that runs through more than half a dozen districts of the state. There have been apprehensions that many attendees of Delhi's Tablighi Jamaat congregation, blamed for a significant proportion of COVID-19 cases across the country, had visited Bihar and some might have travelled farther to Nepal.

Many of the Tablighi Jamaat event participants, both Indians as well as foreign nationals, have been tracked down by the police within the state. All of them have been placed in quarantine though none of them has so far tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus.
He said that initial conversation was followed by a phone call and email from a Crossroads YMCA representative on Thursday  the same day as the Griffith Public Schools strategic plan vote  giving 90 days' notice that the Y would be vacating the Franklin Center and pursuing space in the Ready building.

Ryfa said several months ago the town had extended the offer of a $1 lease plus utility payments to Crossroads YMCA in an effort to keep the anchor tenant at the heart of Griffith's downtown.

The YMCA is now paying about $60,000 a year in its current lease with the town, Ryfa said. And while he said he's sad to see the Griffith Family YMCA move after the role it played in attracting business to Griffith's developing downtown, Ryfa said the council will work quickly to attract a new tenant.

"Take a deep breath," Ryfa cautioned Griffith residents. "And, please, please, please don't put your house up for sale. We will work on this as a council."

Transportation concern
The handwritten message, carefully stuck to the window for those on the outside to read, was one of dozens.

"Dear God, I would like you to do all you can to stop this virus and send us good weather so we can sit outside," it read.

Another, just below it, was to Muriel and Madeline: "I'm doing well and miss you. Looking forward to you visiting again, whenever that may be. I love you."

For the residents of Friar's Lodge nursing home, the authors of the many messages pinned to the window of their home in Ballymore, Co Mayo, Covid-19 has seen them cocooned away from their loved ones for many weeks. Visits have stopped. There are no more hugs and kisses. The tender touch of a family member a distant memory.

Expand Close Nurse Joy Finnucane and resident Pauline Guerin enjoy the sun. Photo: Eamon Ward / Facebook

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Whatsapp Nurse Joy Finnucane and resident Pauline Guerin enjoy the sun. Photo: Eamon Ward

Against this stark backdrop, they are a cohort that has become known as Ireland's most vulnerable in the fight against the coronavirus epidemic. as of Friday, 288 people have died from the coronavirus in Ireland, ranging in age from 32 to 105. In one Dublin nursing home alone, there have been more than eight deaths.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan revealed around 156 of the deaths from the virus have involved residents of nursing homes or residential centres.

There have been 135 clusters out of 550 nursing homes. Some one in five of the residents and one in six staff were diagnosed with the virus.

Around the country, behind the walls of the settings that have not yet had a positive case, staff are valiantly battling to keep a deadly visitor breaching the perimeter.

"From a social point of view, it's had a huge impact on our residents," Pamela Dalton, director of nursing at Friar's Lodge, told the Irish Independent.

"We are used to having open visiting hours, where people can come and go through the day and evening, so this has been quite isolating. I know they have the staff here supporting them, but [the residents] miss their families. They are all very healthy thank God and they are very supportive. They have said, 'Don't let visitors in,' and we have told them we won't."

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Like Friar's Lodge, the residents and staff at Carrigoran House in Co Clare are virus-free. Visitor restrictions were put in place on March 6, following the advice of Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI). As the facility virtually closed its doors to outsiders, the gravity of the situation in the outside world was not lost on residents.

"They are very aware of the danger and what's out there," said Geraldine Doona, director of nursing at Carrigoran House.

"I remember going in to one particular lady and she had the news on, the radio on, the newspaper in front of her and she was very fearful. She said, 'Oh my God, they are telling us that we are all going to die.' She was tearful and she was upset."

With 105 residents to care for and 135 staff to manage, Ms Doona has her hands full. She shed tears when news first broke of an outbreak in an Irish nursing home and admits that she isn't getting much sleep.

While day-to-day life continues, the implementation of strict and necessary changes has been unavoidable in the efforts to protect those under her care.

Activities are taking place in socially distanced, smaller groups. Mealtimes, when residents would eat and chat four at a table, now see them gather in tables of two. Staff have their temperatures taken twice a day and handwashing, standard practice before, is now a constant ritual.

"Morale is very good at the minute," said Ms Doona.

"Obviously, there is a level of anxiety for every member of staff, not just for their own safety but the safety of their families.

"They are also acutely aware that their actions can have a negative impact on residents if they don't do everything by the book. But everything we have brought in they have embraced wholeheartedly."

In the housekeeping department of the dementia unit, Tina Murray has ramped up efforts to keep infection at bay. She had been doing extra shifts to help with efforts to keep residents safe, but extra staff have alleviated the pressure.

"I'm cleaning, cleaning, cleaning," she said.

"We have had a lot of training on access points- handrails, door handles, key codes. The focus is on high risk areas like corridors or activity rooms. We have been flat out."

In the same unit, where staff are dedicated to caring for residents with dementia, Paula McCarthy is the activities co-ordinator.

"It's obviously harder to implement change when it comes to someone with dementia," she said.

"I did have a dementia patient with me yesterday and she was upset. We did a WhatsApp call and her daughter was emotional too, but after a while the resident was less agitated and more at ease. You just have to try and reassure them, live in the moment with them and get them through it."

With a sense of renewed energy, Ms McCarthy and the team at the home have risen to the Covid-19 challenge. Technology is now a friend, with online concerts taking place once a week and Facetime calls to loved ones helping residents feel connected. With dementia patients, this sense of routine is vital to survival.

"It would be the loss of their old routine that would cause anxiety," she said.

"I don't know how, but they just have sense. They know after dinner that someone's coming around. They would have that person who comes in and collects their laundry, that deals with their affairs, do all the little things like bringing shampoos and all of that.

"That sense of awareness of family is missing at the minute."

Staff at Carrigoran have rallied since Covid-19 put the facility on lockdown. In an effort to keep residents positive and their families reassured, a number of innovative activities, including a virtual Rosary and hall bingo, have become part of the new normal.

"I'm delighted to be getting such good care," said resident Pauline Guerin (79).

"I know the world is miserable with this awful virus, which is an awful pity, but we are safe and happy here. I have family that would normally come to see me and I miss them. But I don't intend letting this virus get me down."

Her contact with her daughter has been maintained with regular Skype calls. Residents also have phones in their room, so a loved one is always only a phonecall away.

However, it's not unusual for residents in their 80s and older to have outlived all of their friends and relatives, including, in many instances, their own children.

For these men and women in Carrigoran House, contact with staff and volunteers is the only human interaction they may have.

In a nursing home, where touch is very much part of the care residents receive, it has been hard to deal with a more hands-off approach.

"We are very much aware of those residents who have no family at present," said Ms Doona.

"They would have a special bond with staff, who they would see as being family themselves. Volunteers can't come in at the minute, so staff make sure they don't feel isolated. Here that means keeping the chat going, having the laughter still being heard in the hallways.

"It's very difficult for the staff because their natural intuition is to go and hug and the residents themselves, because they see a happy face, automatically go to hug you as well."

Although social distancing has made it harder to offer that physical interaction, synonymous with the type of care the elderly need, the feeling of being loved and cared for can be experienced in other ways.

Visit our Covid-19 vaccine dashboard for updates on the roll out of the vaccination program and the rate of Coronavirus cases Ireland

"It's about trying to do best you can, encouraging the residents to do the same," said Ms Doona.

"All the staff share the same aim, to make sure the residents feel loved, cared for and safe and protected. Yes, physical touch is so, so important for everybody in here, but a smile, a chat, some banter, that stuff continues. It's even more important now."

For now, she and her team are closely adhering to NHI guidelines and following the advice of the HSE.

Remaining under lockdown is crucial at this time, but for some residents, it exacerbates a known crisis faced by all nursing homes: loneliness. Compounding this loneliness is the likelihood that spouses and children of patients won't be allowed to visit their loved ones in the weeks to come.

Hilary Home (82) has a daughter who used to visit every lunchtime.

"I love those visits," she said this week.

"My daughter would bring me magazines and that kind of thing, but I wouldn't want anything because I just wanted her.

"I would be worried about this virus, not that I would get it, just the isolation of it."

For her, the sudden change in routine has left her with more time to think about times gone by. Life under lockdown, as it does for many, has made her yearn for the person she loves the most.

"I miss my husband," she said.

"That's what I miss. He's dead 10 years in January. This virus makes me think about the situation I'm in and that makes me think about him. I just miss him."
Private hospitals, especially smaller standalone ones, are staring at a crisis that they were not prepared for.

Analysts say larger corporate chains have to brace up for at least six months for business to return to normal.

AK Kaushik, who heads a group of hospitals around Varanasi, says he is finding it difficult to pay his staff salaries on time now.

Out-patient department (OPD) footfall has stagnated, so have elective procedures.

Patients are avoiding hospital visits as much as possible.

I have a staff of 600 people across my three hospitals in Varanasi, Gopiganj and Mirzapur.

"I am now finding it difficult to pay their salaries on time with such a huge shortfall in revenues, Kaushik says.

From OPD to in-patient department (IPD) or admissions, the conversion rate is roughly 10-12 per cent for the industry.

With OPDs down, there are hardly any admissions.

Private hospitals, especially smaller standalone ones, are staring at a crisis that they were not prepared for.

Analysts say larger corporate chains have to brace up for at least six months for business to return to normal.

Edelweiss analyst Ankit Hatalkar said while the impact of the disruption was sudden, it is likely to last till Indias coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases are brought under control.

There is no accurate way to guess timelines on that, but suffice to say that business as usual for hospitals may be a distant scenario.

"With OP occupancies, particularly for elective surgeries, now at an all-time low, we believe procedure pipelines are likely to remain dry through H1FY21 (first half of financial year 2020-21) and earnings will remain subdued through FY21.

On top of this, lack of preparation to equip their staff to handle COVID-19 patients, is forcing hospitals to shut down.

Sample this: In the past 24-hours at least two Mumbai hospitals, one in Tardeo (Bhatia Hospital) and another in Mulund (Spandan) shut down after patients there tested positive.

At Spandan, for example, around 65 doctors and nurses have been quarantined.

In Mumbai, major hospitals like Wockhardt and Jaslok have already been declared containment zones.

Ironically, both were designated centres for treating COVID-19 patients.

Hospitals first need to invest in personal protective equipment (PPE) kits for staff, whether or not they are treating Covid-19 patients.

"These kits come for at least Rs 1,800 or so per unit, and that is why smaller hospitals are shying away or are re-using kits.

"Some are wearing the same kit through the day during which period they attend to multiple patients. It is a disaster in the making, said the owner of a private hospital, who did not wish to be named.

Private hospitals are seeking a stimulus package or some form of support from the government to sail through the crisis.

There has been a 50 per cent decline in footfall and 10-30 per cent increase in costs (on supplies).

We need a stimulus on basic costs, like power, ventilators and the cost of capital also.

"The industry will come together to make a bunch of requests because on the one side we are committed to treating patients, on the other side, unless this industry as private sector survives, we might see a total crash in the system, said Preetha Reddy, vice-chairperson of Apollo Hospitals Group, recently.

The cost of testing and treating COVID-19, at present, is not cheap though prices for testing have reduced.

Apollo is expecting some state governments and the Centre to come up with some support to make the tests and treatment viable by bearing certain part of the cost.

There are fixed costs such as salaries, electricity bills, annual maintenance contract, and these run into several crores a month for a sizeable hospital.

With no elective surgeries and OPD, there has been no income and all private hospitals are bleeding, said S Gurushankar, president of Tamil Nadu Chapter of Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI), and chairman of Meenakshi Mission Hospital & Research Center.

Already small clinics and hospitals are on the verge of closing.

Gurushankar, however, said the industry was with the government at this time of crisis, but a way out of this had to be thought through.

The industry, smaller hospitals claim, already runs on margins of around 10 per cent.

This month, most small clinics cannot pay salaries and staff have already left.

"From end of April, most big hospitals will run out of working capital and will not be able to meet expenses.

"This is dangerous, because staff may simply not come to work. Its already happening in a few hospitals. If hospitals run out of working capital, that will be a disaster, said Gurushankar.

The industry has demanded that the government waive power costs for three months, provide exemption from Goods and Services Tax, and also release tax arrears, and take measures to protect frontline employers.

The government has also been asked to help arrange stocks of protective gear from vendors already providing government hospitals.

Some smaller hospitals have offered their premises to the government for free, sans staff.

Joy Hospital in Chembur, an eastern suburb of Mumbai, has offered its entire facility to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, which is using it to house around 45 patients.

We have not sought any rent for use of our premises, but they will pay the utilities bill for this period.

"We have capacity for around 85 beds, said Dipti Joy Patankar, owner of the hospital.

As for the corporate chains, there was steady income till Q3.

An ICRA analysis shows that hospitals in its sample set saw an 11 per cent revenue growth and a 32 per cent Ebitda growth and the margins too improved from 13 per cent to 15.6 per cent year-on-year for Q3FY20.

However, such hospitals too are bracing up for challenging times.

International patients account for 12-14 per cent of aggregate revenues of large hospitals, going as high as 25 per cent for certain super specialty facilities.

The revenues from this segment are likely to dry up completely.

If the lockdown is extended through a large part of Q1FY21, we estimate impact on private hospitals Ebitda at around 10 per cent for the quarter and 3-4 per cent for FY21, Edelweiss noted.

Photograph: PTI Photo
MEDFORD, Ore -- This weekend, Easter services are looking more like drive-in movies. Drive to church in your car and don't get out.

"We thought that people on Easter Sunday morning might like to get out of their house." said Pastor Dan with New Song Church in Medford. "We felt like right now, it's such an important time in our community to provide hope and especially with Easter weekend." said Pastor Jason with Hope City Church in White City.

These two churches are doing a drive-through style Easter service. "Everybody will be staying in their cars. So we will be practicing social distancing." said Pastor Jason. The service at Hope City Church is happening tomorrow. It will be in their parking lot. Cars will be spaced out. "Be just an encouraging day."

New Song Church is having their service all morning on Sunday. "Think about trying to do something creative and do something different." said Pastor Dan. There will be stations at this service. "We have doors all the way around our complex." Each door will be a different station, including scripture reading, a child's story and live worship."Each station is going to be a very meaningful experience for everybody that participates." said Pastor Dan

The biggest concern people have about this is safety. "It's very safe. I mean everyone's in their car. Their windows can be rolled up and we have loud speakers at each station." said Pastor Dan.

Both pastors tell NewsWatch 12 since it's Easter weekend, there's an important message to share with person. "The message of hope and the message of Resurrection. So for us we just picked this weekend and god just put it on our hearts to celebrate Easter, but also to really promote the idea of hope." said Pastor Jason.

Information about Easter Services:

Hope City Church: Saturday, April 11th from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm. 3396 Ave. A, White City, Oregon 97503

New Song Church: Sunday, April 12th from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm. 4041 Crater Lake Avenue, Medford
JERSEYVILLE  Billy Davis recently had a visit with his family. They were only a few feet away, holding signs that said Hi Pop and We love you and we miss you. But Davis couldnt touch them, and he could only hear hear them through a cellular phone speaker.

The familys window visit from outside and their loved one inside a residential facility was part of the current new normal at nursing homes, to achieve a balance between desire for contact from families and individuals and the need to protect the nations most vulnerable population from the spread of COVID-19, caused by the new coronavirus.

Davis is a resident of Liberty Village of Jerseyville and administrator Dana Bainter said the facility and staff have made it their mission to keep residents connected with family and friends during the pandemic precautions, which have eliminated in-person visits.

When the visiting restrictions went into place, our parent company immediately shipped us Skype devices already set up and ready to go, Bainter said.

So one-by-one weve been setting up phone calls to family, setting up Skype appointments, doing a lot of window visits.

Liberty Village also is using social media to keep loved ones at home informed of the day-to-day happenings at the facility.

The Liberty Village of Jerseyville Facebook has been a huge outlet for us, Bainter said.

We have a guy here we call Captain Blog and every day he is doing something funny around the facility.

Theres a perception that nursing home residents and the latest technology might not mix, but Bainter said the residents are adapting well, given the circumstances.

These are unprecedented times, she said. They are happy to see their family, they are getting very used to the routine.

Liberty Village actively screens residents and staff for fever and respiratory symptoms, continually reminds residents to practice social distancing and perform frequent hand hygiene and has canceled communal dining and all group activities. Visitors are allowed in the facility for end-of-life situations, according to Liberty Villages website, but only if visitors exhibit no viral symptoms. Visitors are instructed in and agree to abide by infection control techniques.

Integrity Healthcare resident Velda Ingles, in Wood River, worked with staff to write and send messages, via iPad, to her family.

Steve and Shirley. Im doing OK. I love all my family. Love. Mom, stated one message that Ingles, smiling, displayed in an image sent to her family.

Integrity Healthcare of Wood River is making use of technology, like other area care facilities, and is encouraging loved ones to stay in touch with residents remotely, which keeps everyone safe.

Integrity of Wood River assists residents with calling their families weekly and encourages families to Skype, said Integrity Chief Operating Officer Kelly Kelley.

Our residents and staff are always our highest priority, she said, and we are steadfast in our commitment to their health and safety.

Kelley explained that Integrity Healthcare has discontinued family visits and eliminated all non-essential people from the building. Anyone allowed to enter is being screened, communal eating and activities have been canceled, and nursing home employees are being monitored for potential symptoms prior to starting their shifts. They are encouraged to stay home if they are sick, she said.

Integrity Healthcares parent company also has taken proactive steps to attract more health care workers to its facilities, including the Wood River location, to maintain residents health and sense of being connected. The Integrity Healthcare website promotes a $1,000 signing bonus for certified nursing assistants who join the Integrity team during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and a $1,500 bonus for licensed practical nurses and registered nurses.

The Villas of Holly Brook and Reflections Memory Care, in Bethalto, also is taking steps to reduce feelings of isolation among its residents.

Our activity directors have been visiting our residents and we have purchased additional games, crafts and other items that can be utilized in resident rooms, said Corporate Senior Vice President of Operations Les Douglas in a statement posted at the facilitys website.

We are always finding creative ways to keep in touch and communicate with each other.

Douglas said he was grateful for the response from family members during the COVID-19 crisis.

Some have brought lunches, notes of encouragement and many other items to show support for the staff and the residents, he said.

We cant thank you enough for such kindness and compassion during this difficult time, he said. And to those who have made or donated medical supplies and face masks, a huge thank you. These items are difficult to locate right now.

Morningside of Godfrey, a five-star senior living community, noted at its website that residents are being encouraged to engage in distance learning and programming options that maintain social distancing guidelines.

Morningside is offering all residents and families one-on-one assistance with FaceTime, Zoom and/or Skype conferencing, texting and email to keep them connected.

(We are) supplementing in-room activities and programming to keep residents engaged and from feeling isolated while visits are suspended, the website stated.
The weeks of coast-to-coast lockdowns that have forced tens of millions of Americans to hunker down at home have produced one notable bright spot: The internet has withstood the resulting crush of online video-calling, teleworking, distance learning and bingeing.

Its also inspiring a trans-Atlantic and partisan debate: Why?

To President Donald Trump and other Republicans, the online realms success amid the stay-at-home Zoom-and-Netflix boom is a testament to the United States light approach to regulating the internet, which has mainly left it to private network providers to figure out how to handle the extra load. Thats in contrast to the more intrusive approach taken by European authorities, who are keeping a close eye on any potential internet congestion  and who even took the precaution of cajoling Netflix to reduce the quality of its video streams to lighten demand.

Republicans also draw a contrast with the strategy espoused by many Democrats, who favor tougher consumer protections and other regulations on internet service and want a much more aggressive federal effort to expand broadband service during the pandemic. So expect to see this months real-word test figure into future deregulatory fights in Washington.

Our free-market based networks remain strong, secure, and the envy of the world, the White House said in a statement last week, on a day when President Donald Trump dialed the leaders of internet service providers like T-Mobile and Charter Communications to thank them.

If you look at Europe, they went a different route than we did, much different route, Trump told reporters at a briefing a few hours later. We were talking about that just a little while ago, and theyre having tremendous problems.

Former Trump administration telecommunications regulator David Redl sounded a similar theme in an interview with POLITICO last week.

I think the proof is in the pudding when you look at how [European] networks have held up under increased load, under the strain of everybody being home, versus our networks, said Redl, a former head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration who now consults for Comcast and Facebook. Frankly, as you saw in Europe, European regulators had to go to the streaming platforms and ask them to downgrade to standard def.

Story continues

In fact, though, the internet is still functioning in Europe as well, aside from some of the same kinds of slowdowns, interruptions and scattered outages that specific U.S.-based apps or services have also experienced in the past month.

And U.S. regulators havent been shy about intervening to try to keep the series of tubes at capacity  even without much in the way of legal authority to enforce their will.

Ajit Pai, chief of the Federal Communications Commission, has emerged as the most public figure in that effort, securing pledges from hundreds of internet providers to open Wi-Fi hotspots to Americans in need, waive any late fees for residential and small business customers and keep serving customers unable to pay bills during the pandemic. He has also made a series of regulatory tweaks to make the task easier for companies, from waiving deadlines to helping low-income consumers keep their telecommunications subsidies to allowing wireless carriers to boost their network capacity by tapping into new airwaves.

On the other hand, Pai has rejected calls from Democratic colleagues for the FCC to collect and disseminate regular reports on network demand and capacity. Instead, he has encouraged industry reporting mechanisms such as a dashboard of network performance metrics created by the cable industry.

Democrats, though, are calling for a massive ramp-up in the FCCs role. That includes a plea for the commission to spend billions of subsidy dollars  potentially coming from future congressional appropriations or a refashioning of existing FCC subsidy funds  to help ensure broadband connections for students stuck at home and for low-income households who may not be able to afford ISPs' offerings, even as Republicans question whether these ideas stretch the agencys statutory limits.

The FCC should rise to this moment and use all of our existing authority to act without hesitation, Jessica Rosenworcel, the agencys senior Democrat, said. We can help the newly unemployed. We can connect students so no child is left offline. We can create pathways for telehealth.

And we should always be willing to learn from abroad, she added. Because this pandemic does not discriminate and understanding globally how networks fared and technology was used is worth the effort.

Many Democrats have also advocated a return of Obama-era net neutrality regulations, which were aimed at prohibiting internet providers from favoring some online services over others and were rooted in broader legal authority that advocates say the FCC needs. Republicans counter that heavier regulations would leave companies less financially able to step up and help as they are doing now.

One thing is for certain: Internet traffic is up a ton since Covid-19 started forcing cities, states and entire nations into lockdown.

In the U.S., top internet service providers like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon have reported overall traffic spiking by 25 percent or more as American households retreat from public settings and reshuffle the day-to-day with happy hours and yoga classes by Zoom video conference and remote work by Slack messaging. ISPs are reporting shifting internet usage patterns, as downtown business cores see drops and suburban household see spikes during the day while people telework.

The looming surge inspired some initial trepidation about whether the internet could handle the load, as well as some anecdotes about consumers woes with their balky home routers or limited broadband accounts.

The seal of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seen before an FCC meeting to vote on net neutrality in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

But the nightmare of widespread internet outages shutting down an already devastated economy has not come to pass.

Thats partly due to the basic design of the internet, which originated a half-century ago as a Pentagon-backed effort to devise a communications network robust enough to bypass massive obstacles  including, famously, nuclear war. But keeping the global network humming these days also depends upon the decision of a host of for-profit and noncommercial entities.

Many of these companies credit proactive investment decisions that now help keep Americans connected. AT&T, for instance, is quick to cite its investment in tools that allow it to dynamically adjust traffic patterns and use artificial intelligence to adjust the use of cell sites.

Since the late 1990s, key differences have emerged in the American and European approaches to internet oversight. The U.S. favored so-called infrastructure-based competition, pitting similar communications providers against one another and requiring new market players to build their own networks. Europe instead focused on service-based competition, in which new internet providers are allowed to use the same data pipelines that more-established competitors have already created. These differences influenced companies willingness to invest, Republicans have argued, and thus affected how prepared industry was for todays pandemic.

I know the U.S. networks appear to be doing really, really well, said Scott Mair, AT&Ts president of technology and operations. I chalk that up to a couple of things. Its a good environment for companies like AT&T to invest in."

Redl, the former Trump administration official, said thats something to keep in mind during the next regulation fight.

If theres a lesson to be learned from all of this in terms of broadband networks, its that we should be not trying to regulate harder but taking a page out of the playbook here and say, 'OK, how do we continue to incentive these guys to build out?' Redl said. How do we align the incentives to continue having facilities-based competition through private sector investment?

But Democrats, including Obama-era FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler in a recent essay, say the pandemic still points the need for more federal action to secure and expand the blessings of internet service. Those include a more aggressive effort to expand broadband service to tens of millions of underserved Americans  a goal many Republicans have also embraced, especially in rural communities.

"I guess one can observe that a crisis is a terrible thing to waste if it gives advocates a new opportunity to flog long-established positions, regardless of their validity," Wheeler told POLITICO regarding Republicans' recent victory lap, saying many U.S. internet successes date to policies enacted under the previous Democratic administration and before. He also noted that many European consumers seem to pay much less for higher internet speeds than Americans do.

A more starkly partisan U.S. fight concerns whether to classify broadband as a "common carrier" telecommunications service, akin to an old-fashioned telephone network, which comes with heavier regulatory powers. FCC Republicans gave up a lot of the commissions direct authority over broadband in 2017 when they repealed the Obama-era net neutrality regulations. That ended broadband's regulation as a common carrier.

Now, left-leaning advocacy groups say, the FCC's regulators have only limited power to crack down on ISPs or ensure they abide by potential commission demands, such as lifting data caps or compelling connectivity, if the internet were to begin to sputter.

Their options are severely limited, Public Knowledge Senior Vice President Harold Feld warned during a webinar last month. Theres just somewhat limited authority to do what needs to be done.

And it's not certain how much the Federal Trade Commission would help, even though it assumed much authority over policing broadband following the FCCs net neutrality repeal. The FTC, which tends to focus on enforcement, has mainly dealt with issues like fighting coronavirus scams but has taken a backseat to the FCC on overseeing the internet connections themselves.

Michael Copps, a former Democratic FCC commissioner, has said the voluntary ISP commitments Pai secured are not enforceable given diminished FCC authority. Gigi Sohn, a former Wheeler adviser at the commission, also lamented in an op-ed that the FCC is now "powerless" over broadband  which means Pai was "forced to beg" for the providers' good behavior.

Even if the internet is functioning fine for now, U.S. policy could still whipsaw in a more regulatory direction after November if Democrats take the White House. But GOP lawmakers are glad to join the victory lap for now.

America, youre seeing with our lighter touch regulation, is very much better during this enormous usage of the internet than our European counterparts that have a much heftier government interference in their networks, House Energy and Commerce ranking member Greg Walden (R-Ore.) told reporters on a recent call.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 10

By Leman Zeynalova - Trend:

The Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) is expected to be commissioned soon, Kostis Hatzidakis, Minister of Environment and Energy told Greece Investor Guide, Trend reports.

He noted that IGB will allow Bulgaria also to diversify its import sources and routes while opening a new entry point for the Greek natural gas system.

IGB is expected to be commissioned soon and is very important in terms of the ongoing effort to strengthen the geostrategic position of Greece and establish its role as a regional energy hub. In this context, the FSRU station (i.e. floating unit for the reception, storage, and re-gasification of LNG) in Alexandroupoli, which will be linked to the TAP and to the IGB, should also be mentioned, as should the underground gas storage facility in Kavala, said the minister.

The Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria project envisages a two-stage development.

In the first stage, the pipeline capacity will be 3 billion cubic meters of gas, of which 2.7 billion cubic meters will be offered for the long-term market, the remaining share of 0.3 billion cubic meters in the short term.

In a second phase, also depending on the evolution of the market, the capacity of the pipeline can be increased to 5.3 billion cubic meters of gas thanks to the addition of a compression station: 4.5 billion cubic meters of gas 0.5 billion cubic meters of short-term gas will be offered for long-term products.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
The coronavirus pandemic hit home to Unionville Vineyards in a manner beyond the closing of tasting rooms and the cancellation of events.

General Manager John Cifelli said the central New Jersey producer, located in Hunterdon County, saw one of its tasting room associates die from the virus. Although we like all wineries are struggling, the stories of what frontline healthcare workers are enduring compelled me to find some way to support them, Cifelli said.

Unionville is taking all profits from its Dry Riesling sales sold through May and using them to send care packages, lunches, phone chargers, and whatever else it can identify as needs of COVID-19 treating staffs in area hospitals. Cifelli said in a release that hes using different restaurants for each hospital so that were spreading around some small business support too.

Since that announcement several weeks ago, Unionville has sold 20 cases of the wine and raised almost $2,000. The wine sells for $19.95/bottle, per the website.

Its important to let our healthcare professionals know that they have support from their communities outside the hospital walls, he said.

Unionvilles wines are available via online at www.unionvillevineyards.com or over the phone at 908-788-0400 ex 2. Free shipping to anyone in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or New York is offered on purchases of six or more bottles. Contactless pickup at the winerys parking lot at 9 Rocktown Road in East Amwell is available seven days a week from noon to 5 p.m. Orders can also be picked up at Unionvilles wine bar at Ferry Market, 32 South Main Street in New Hope, Pennsylvania, from noon to 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

For those not familiar with Unionville, it makes wines from 47 acres of vineyards planted at sites in Ringoes, Hopewell, and Princeton. The winerys portfolio is focused on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Rhone-style blends.

Over in Pennsylvania, the owners of Deerfoot Vineyards & Winery in Shoemakersville, said they participate in the Berks County Wine Trails annual new wine release in April. That has been canceled this year, giving Deerfoot the idea of using its new release to raise funds for healthcare workers in its neck of the woods.

So its taking its Blaufrankish, a dry red also known as Lemberger, and donating 19 percent of every sale to provide food and other perks to workers at four local hospitals.

If there are other wine producers out there with a promotion thats raising money to donate to the coronavirus fight, email me and Ill add it to this story.

Meanwhile, sales continue at wineries across the region, with many of them shipping in-state and out of state, and offering both curbside availability at their tasting rooms and shops and, in some cases, also delivering to homes.

Here are several East Coast winery lists that offer a variety of information on hours and sales.

Pennsylvania

New Jersey

Maryland

Monticello Wine Trail, Virginia

Seneca Lake Wine Trail, New York

The Cork Report list, covering multiple states

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.

--

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The University of Washingtons Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation produces the coronavirus model that currently seems to be getting the most attention. For now, IHME is sticking with its projection of 61,545 COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. by August 4. This is down from former predictions of higher levels.

The IHME model is embarrassing to the authorities here in Minnesota. Our governors model projected 74,000 deaths in Minnesota alone without social distancing, and 50,000 with the draconian measures our governor has implemented, to devastating effect. IHME projects 442 deaths in Minnesota. Obviously, someone is badly off the mark. Given that Minnesota currently has only 64 deaths, both models are probably high, with the governors model being absurd. Scott wrote about it here.

In this post, I want to focus on how the IHME model treats the five states of the Upper Midwest: Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa. Importantly, IHME says clearly that all of its projections are assuming full social distancing through May 2020. For the reasons stated below, I dont think that assertion can be true. Like others, the IHME model is opaque and apparently inconsistent.

Minnesota and Wisconsin have both implemented stay-home orders and closed most businesses, as the IHME site recognizes. IHME currently projects 442 fatalities in Minnesota and a similar number, 357, in Wisconsin. But now take a look at Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota.

IHME projects 743 COVID-19 deaths in Iowa, considerably more than either Minnesota or Wisconsin. Iowa has around one-half the population of Minnesota and is more rural. It projects 369 deaths in North Dakota and 356 in South Dakota. South Dakotas population is one-seventh that of Minnesota and the state is even more rural than Iowa.

What is going on here? IHME correctly notes, on its pages dedicated to Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota, that those states have not implemented stay-home orders and have not closed non-essential businesses. One can only assume that the much higher per capita death rates that IHME assigns to these states reflects the absence of such measures. Yet the IHME site explicitly contradicts that conclusion. See, for example, this screen shot of a portion of the organizations South Dakota page:

With respect to Iowa, South Dakota and North Dakota, IHMEs projections appear to be entirely speculative, because those states have experienced hardly any fatalities, let alone the relatively elevated rate that IHME predicts. IHMEs theory is that the fatalities are going to begin any day now. This, for example, is its projection for South Dakota, which so far has a grand total of six deaths, per IHME:

See what I mean? The epidemic will begin tomorrow.

To be fair, IHME could be right. It is possible that COVID-19 is coming later to more rural states like Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota. Maybe if we wait another week, deaths will begin to appear at the rate predicted by this model.

This will be an interesting development to watch. South Dakotas governor, Kristi Noem, is one of the more impressive people in public life. On April 1, she conducted a press conference which you can see here. While encouraging social distancing and other voluntary measures, Noem said that Americans are a free people who value their independence and are fully competent to take appropriate measures to protect themselves. She therefore declined to close down businesses or issue a stay-home order.

That attitude is all too rare among Americas governors, and is the exact opposite of the one held by Minnesotas Governor Tim Walz. While, as I said, IHMEs model is opaque and contradictory, that organization apparently believes that South Dakota will pay a price for standing up for freedom, along with North Dakota and Iowa. Lets check back in a week or two and see whether that prediction turns out to be true.
South Korea Cuts Deal With US to Resume Deliveries of Humanitarian Exports to Iran  Reports

Sputnik News

15:35 GMT 10.04.2020(updated 15:38 GMT 10.04.2020)

Tehran has repeatedly called on Washington to abandon its "illegal" sanctions against the Islamic Republic, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, accusing America of threatening the lives and wellbeing of millions of Iranians.

Seoul has received a US export license allowing the Asian nation to resume humanitarian export deliveries to Iran, a South Korean Foreign Ministry official announced Friday.

"On April 6, the humanitarian export process based on the General License No. 8 got underway," the official said, his remarks quoted by South Korea's Yonghap News Agency. "Our companies and banks should prepare documents needed to carry out enhanced due diligence, and we think that the shipments may begin about a month later," he added.

General License No. 8 is a US Department of Treasury exemption mechanism created in February 2020 that allows "certain humanitarian trade transactions involving the central bank of Iran," even though the latter is ordinarily subject to US sanctions.

Alongside the exemption mechanism, Seoul has proposed a Korean Humanitarian Trade Arrangement programme calling for the use of Iranian banking institutions which have yet to fall under US sanctions, such as the Middle East Bank, to allow for transactions to be carried out. The country is also looking at signing on to Switzerland's Humanitarian Trade Arrangement, which allow Swiss companies to do business selling food and medical supplies to Iran.

"South Korea is pushing for all three methods," the Foreign Ministry official confirmed.

Before the arrangement with the US was agreed upon this week, South Korean companies feared US sanctions retaliation against the sale of medicines and other goods to Iran, prompting trade to plummet.

Tough Sanctions

Before 2018, South Korea purchased as much as 10 percent of Iran's crude oil exports, depending on the Islamic Republic for about 1/10 of its energy imports. However, in May 2018, the US unilaterally pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal, and instituted tough energy and banking sanctions against Tehran, threatening other nations and companies with secondary sanctions if they continued to do business with the country. Seoul and most other countries diligently complied, stopping oil imports from the Middle Eastern nation in mid-2019.

Iran, which became one of countries hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic early on, has repeatedly called on Washington to stop hindering its energy exports, saying sanctions are depriving the country of income it could be using to buy much-needed medical and other equipment.

"Iran is rich in human and natural resources. We don't need charity from @realDonaldTrump  who's forced to buy ventilators from sources he's sanctions. What we want is for him to STOP preventing Iran from selling oil and other products, buying its needs and making and receiving payments," Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote a recent tweet.

The Trump administration continues to insist that there are "no sanctions" preventing humanitarian aid from being delivered to Iran, even while pressuring the International Monetary Fund to reject Tehran's $5 billion loan request to help fight the pandemic, and enforcing new sanctions against nearly two dozen organizations and individuals doing business with the Islamic Republic.

Iran has reported over 68,000 COVID-19 infections, with over 4,200 Iranians perishing from new coronavirus-related complications to date.

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Tests carried out to detect the coronavirus, ahead of the latest figures being released. (PA Images)

The UK has recorded its deadliest day yet from the coronavirus pandemic after 980 people died from the virus in 24 hours, taking the total to 8,958.

Reported coronavirus deaths in England have increased by 866 to 8,114 in new figures released on Friday.

Scotland has reported 48 new deaths while Northern Ireland has recorded 10 more deaths today. Wales recorded 29 today, meaning a combined rise of 953 today.

Fridays figure exceeds the worst numbers announced in Spain, and is just behind the highest daily count in Italy of 971 recorded two weeks ago.

Coronavirus figures in the UK are expected to rise for the next two weeks. (PA)

There are 73,758 infections, though the true number of cases is expected to be higher.

Globally, cases have now passed 1.5 million, while deaths have reached over 95,000 and recoveries have passed more than 350,000.

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

6 charts and maps that explain how COVID-19 is spreading

Boris Johnson is out of intensive care and back in a ward at St Thomas Hospital after spending three nights in intensive care there.

The prime minister went in after his coronavirus symptoms worsened and he was given oxygen to help his breathing.

He was said to be in extremely good spirits but his father, Stanley Johnson, warned that he would need time to recover and could not leap back into decision making.

Stanley Johnson, who was previously criticised for saying he would still go to the pub after his son warned people to stay away and then later forced them to close, said: He must rest up. As I understand it, he has moved from the ICU into a recovery unit but I dont think you can say this is out of the woods now.

Stanley Johnson said his son could not suddenly return to decision making. (PA Images)

He has to take time. I cannot believe you can walk away from this and get straight back to Downing Street and pick up the reins without a period of readjustment.

A police chief has had to row back on remarks he made yesterday threatening to check shoppers baskets and trolleys if people continued to flout coronavirus regulations.

Story continues

Chief constable Nick Adderley said yesterday: We will not, at this stage, be setting up road blocks. We will not, at this stage, start to marshal supermarkets and checking the items in baskets and trolleys to see whether its a legitimate, necessary item.

He later admitted his language was clumsy and home secretary Priti Patel described the comments as not appropriate.

Officials have been calling for people to stay at home despite the good weather anticipated over the long Easter bank holiday.

There have been fears this week that progress made at slowing the spread of the coronavirus would be undone if the public ventured out.

Dr Paul Cosford, medical director for Public Health England, told Good Morning Britain: The most important thing now is we continue (to stay at home) so we can get through the peak and come down the other side.

He added: The principle is clear and that is stay at home unless you absolutely have to go out.

Yesterday, the third of the weekly clap for carers demonstrations was held across the country in support of NHS staff.

Coronavirus: what happened today
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 11:37:19|Editor: Xiang Bo

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SYDNEY, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Passengers of a cruise ship hit by the coronavirus outbreak were allowed to disembark in Australia's harbor city despite informing authorities there were 13 people sick on board, local media reported.

The vessel, Ovation of the Seas, told federal authorities about its ill passengers, including three suffering high temperatures, before docking at Sydney's Circular Quay on March 18, the Seven News channel reported late Friday.

But Border Force and New South Wales state health officials allowed the Royal Caribbean-owned ship to dock without checks, according to the channel, with passengers advised that "they did not need to self-isolate nor enter quarantine" days earlier.

So far 98 passengers from the Ovation of the Seas have tested positive for COVID-19 and one of them, a 72-year-old man, has died, the channel reported.

The latest revelation comes amid news of a state criminal probe into cruise operations after about 2,700 passengers of another vessel, the Ruby Princess, were permitted to disembark in Sydney on March 19. Those passengers have since been linked to hundreds of reported COVID-19 cases and at least 15 deaths.

The Ovation of the Seas was on en route from Sydney to New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, but altered course after Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison closed borders and ordered cruise ships to return.

Health reports from the ship prior to its docking stated that 13 people had shown signs of illness in the past 14 days, the news channel quoted federal records as showing.

Passengers did not receive advice from state health authorities to "self-isolate or quarantine until days later," it said.
Easter is the high point of the Christian liturgical calendar, but it's also a period rich in popular religious tradition. The National Folklore Collection (especially the rich body of material gathered through the Schools Project of 1937-38) is a treasure trove of beliefs and practices, widely observed at the time, which have largely (but not entirely) disappeared since.

Good Friday was an auspicious day to sow crops, which were thought to never fail.

It was also a day when many people cut their hair. This is sometimes explained as a 'sacrifice', but it was almost always agreed that this would make your hair grow twice as thick and as long. By contrast, fingernails or toenails were not to be cut that day as they'd never grow back.

Speaking of nails, no blacksmith would work that day because "it's not right to drive a nail on Good Friday on account of the nails that were driven into Our Lord's flesh". Neither should you shed a single drop of blood that day (by killing fowl, for instance).

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Eggs laid on Good Friday were marked with a cross (sometimes with soot) and kept to eat on Easter Sunday. If there was only one Good Friday egg, everyone in the house was given a bit of it to keep away the sickness of the year. If eaten before sunrise, it would preserve against sunburn the following summer.

Meanwhile, if you boiled eggs on Good Friday and gave them to cattle, they were a cure for the scour.

Children were encouraged to go barefoot on Good Friday, whatever the weather, after which, it was believed, they would not get a cold for the following year. In some regions, it was held that any child born on Good Friday and baptised on Easter Sunday had a cure for ringworm.

Easter was a time of blessing. On Holy Saturday, fresh holy water would be brought home and sprinkled on cattle and other animals, as well as on the farmhouse, while holy water remaining from the previous year was sometimes thrown onto the fire.

A coal was also sent to the church to be blessed on Holy Saturday and was then placed over the fire to keep the house free from burning.

Rising to 'see the sun dance' in celebration of the Resurrection was a common practice, after which eggs would be consumed. One Donegal account notes how children pluck 'whin' or furze blossoms and boil them with the eggs to give the shells a radiant yellow colour. Eggs were said to resemble the Resurrection - as the young bird springs forth from the egg, so did Christ spring forth from the grave.

Consumption of a large number of eggs was considered a mark of heroism. One account from Ballymacelligott in Co Kerry proudly recalls a "Mr Kavanagh of Rathanny [who] ate 21 hen eggs, one goose egg, and a salt mackerel one Easter morning".

Irish religious folktales sometimes co-opted familiar figures from ancient heroic literature into their central casting. So momentous was Christ's crucifixion and death considered to be that, for some, it was unthinkable that there wasn't an Irish witness to this event.

Cue the tale of Conall Cearnach, member of the legendary Fianna, who left Ireland to join the Roman army and was posted to Palestine. He later claimed to have witnessed the crucifixion of a man whose death precipitated a great darkness upon the Earth.

Other traditions also suggested an Irish presence on Calvary; it was claimed that the INRI on the cross wasn't an acronym for Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, but the handiwork of an Irishman who proclaimed Christ king on the cross (after all, In Ri in Old Irish translates as 'the King'!).

The most colourful of Irish Easter folk tales, however, must be that concerning the origin of tobacco. It relates how on Easter Sunday morning, the Virgin Mary arrives to Christ's tomb to find it empty.

Fearing for the whereabouts of her son's body, she becomes quite agitated. Just then an angel appears and assures her that all will be well. However, owing to her anxiety, Mary cannot fully take these words in and continues to shake in fear.

Seeing her distress, the angel rolls some leaves together into a cylindrical shape, lights it and passes it over to her, saying, "have a try of this and see if it helps".

As Mary puts the strange lighted object to her lips, she experiences herself relaxing and a great calm comes over her. "What is this thing?" she asks. "It's tomb-bacco," the angel explains. The story concludes with the observation that, because of its origins, tobacco was for many of its early years known as tomb-bacco and the Mother of God was its first consumer.

Salvador Ryan is professor of ecclesiastical history at the Pontifical University, St Patrick's College, Maynooth
The political activist, who has remained consistent in exposing the ills of this administration, stressed that the @MBuhari adminstration has introduced a new face to corruption and corruptive tendencies that will ruin the economy of Nigeria as no day passes without report of one humongous sleaze being exposed.
Minister of Finance Bill Morneau rises in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on April 11, 2020. (The Canadian Press/Justin Tang)

Government, Opposition Parties Strike Deal to Pass Massive Wage Subsidy Bill

OTTAWAThe Liberal government has struck a deal with opposition parties to swiftly approve a massive $73billion wage subsidy program aimed at helping businesses and workers survive the economic ravages of the COVID19 pandemic.

At a morning news conference just hours before the House of Commons met for a rare emergency sitting on the Easter long weekend, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said his party had agreed to support passage of the bill and to continue discussions on the future of Parliament later.

Under the bill, which is expected to pass the Commons and the Senate and receive royal assent later Saturday, the federal government will pay companies 75 percent of the first $58,700 normally earned by employees, up to $847 per week for up to 12 weeks. The subsidy is retroactive to March 15 and will be available to companies that lost 15 percent of their revenue in March or 30 percent in April or May.

Finance Minister Bill Morneau said the money will begin to flow within two to five weeks, with the government working to get it started in the shortest possible time.

Scheer said that Conservatives had won some improvements to the bill over the past week of negotiations and that their support for the wage subsidy was never dependent on settling the matter of how or when Parliament should sit going forward.

That said, Scheer argued that the work of opposition parties to improve the legislation demonstrates how important it is to have the Commons sitting regularly so that the government can be held to account.

This shows that during times of crisis, Parliament needs to play its role, he said.

Scheer reiterated his partys contention that the Commons should sitwith reduced numbersfour days a week.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has argued that inperson sittings present a health risk for Commons clerks, administrators, security, and cleaners whod have to come to work at a time when all Canadians are being urged to stay home to curb the spread of the deadly virus. Hes also argued that small sittingslike Saturdays sitting of just 32 MPs who are primarily within driving distance of the capitalwould shut out MPs from all corners of the country.

Trudeaus Liberals have been promoting the idea of virtual sittings of Parliament. Commons Speaker Anthony Rota has instructed Commons administration to consult with experts about the logistics and technology required for virtual sittings, with the goal of having them up and running within four weeks.

But Scheer said: We cant wait that long.

He suggested that inperson sittings should be held until virtual sittings can be implemented.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said hes open to discussing either virtual sittings or limited inperson sittings. But Bloc Quebecois Leader YvesFrancois Blanchet said he would never agree to regular, inperson sittings.

By Joan Bryden
A 30-year-old man suspected of carrying the CCP virus has been sentenced to one year in prison for coughing in the faces of two nurses in the United Kingdom.

Lance King was admitted to the emergency department of the Royal Stoke University Hospital in England on Monday shortly after 1:30 p.m. with symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus.

There are occasions when unusual circumstances, under extreme circumstances, call for an extraordinary approach, and this is one of those occasions, District Judge Kevin Grego said, according to Metro.

Whatever your circumstances were, whether you felt paranoid, or miserable, or fed up, you should not have been out, in any event, to behave in the way you did toward emergency workers, Grego added.

A man has been jailed for 12 months after coughing in the face of two nurses at Royal Stoke University Hospital. Lance King was admitted with suspected Covid-19 and coughed on two A&E nurses who were trying to treat him on Monday. Full story: https://t.co/OezXFdlvlT pic.twitter.com/0X3UttIJNP  Staffordshire Police #StayHomeSaveLives (@StaffsPolice) April 10, 2020

Shortly after King, who has no fixed address, was admitted to the hospital, he started showing erratic behavior, allegedly walking up to one nurse, wheezing in her face, and spitting into the face of another. King reportedly also urinated on the floor in his cubicle and scribbled on himself with a pen.

In a time of crisis, like these people, like you need to understand that emergency workers will be protected and those who behave in this way toward emergency workers can expect the full weight of punishment on their shoulders, Grego said.

Coughing on nurses who are working to save peoples lives is totally unacceptable, Assistant Chief Constable Simon Tweats said in a police statement.

The message remains clear: stay at home and follow the guidelines, Tweats added. We dont want to have to take action but we will do so if required. Particularly against a small minority who repeatedly choose to put other lives at risk.
What will we all look like when we finally emerge from our social distancing cocoons? Will our hair be long and unkempt, our beards bushy and brittle?

With the pandemic barring our access to salons, barbershops and beauty professionals, we've been left to figure out how to groom ourselves the way the pros did.

It's daunting. Most of us have resorted to letting it all go.

But hair keeps growing, pandemic or not. And while you can't dash out for a trim, you can safely stave off split ends while stuck in captivity.

We talked to experts who said it's possible to care for your hair, nails, brows and beards at home without disastrous effects.

Read on for their tips and instructions. You can master the basics while you're clammed up in isolation -- and emerge a meticulously groomed pearl.

Hair

Stylist Lauren Van Dyke knows those of us with hair are getting antsy. And she says it's OK to trim your housemates' hair here and there or go for a full-blown shave while we're all isolating.

But if you're considering a drastic change or advanced technique, she suggests that you lay down your shears.

'Ask yourself -- is it essential or are you just bored?' says Van Dyke, a stylist at Lucido Hair Studio in Ontario. And if you plan on cutting more than 2 inches of hair, it's likely worth saving a cut until after the pandemic ends.

If you absolutely insist upon a trim, follow Van Dyke's advice.

The pros typically cut hair when it's wet, but Van Dyke recommends cutting on clean, dry hair. And always ask your non-paying customer to sit upright, keep their legs uncrossed and look straight ahead without moving their head.

Oil up your shears before use so they don't pull on your hair and damage it. Angle your fingers and shears straight and flat, rather than sloped. Comb the hair flat. If the comb gets stuck around the ends, that's an indicator of where you should cut it. Another indicator: Wherever your hair begins to look see-through -- snip there. Section the hair into four parts. Part from the center of the forehead to the nape of the neck. Then, make a part from behind one ear around the head to behind the other ear. Pull down small sections to cut, using the previously cut section as a guide.

And if you can, dye another day. At-home dye jobs can go very poorly very fast and bleaching dark hair or attempting balayage (hand-painted highlights), can fry your hair or damage your skin. Plus, fixing a botched dye job often costs much more than the price of bleach or dye.

If you're cutting men's hair, Van Dyke recommends using clippers to clean up around the neckline, ears and sideburns -- keep it simple.

Tips of the trade

Get the right tools. If you're lucky enough to have hair-cutting scissors at home, snip (cautiously) away! But regular kitchen scissors or craft shears could damage your hair and cause split ends if you use them.

If you're lucky enough to have hair-cutting scissors at home, snip (cautiously) away! But regular kitchen scissors or craft shears could damage your hair and cause split ends if you use them. Once you've started cutting, commit. It will look odd when you're halfway through. Just keep snipping.

It will look odd when you're halfway through. Just keep snipping. Cut in small sections and take your time. You're not trained in this, though we've prepared you the best we can.

You're not trained in this, though we've prepared you the best we can. Get real. Van Dyke recommends you ask yourself a few triage question before diving in. What is this (again, nonpaying) client's hair type? Does their hair type require a specific styling I am not trained to attempt? Would it take more than 30 minutes for me to complete? Will they be upset if I mess up? Know yourself and think of your responses before you start snipping.

Natural hair

Nikki Walton, a licensed psychotherapist and natural hair expert who runs the blog CurlyNikki, echoed Van Dyke's advice: Don't do anything too dramatic to your hair while you're cooped up.

'Many of us have been known to reach for the scissors in times of uncertainty or transition,' she says. 'I don't recommend drastic changes right now.'

Trims are OK, though. To trim curly hair, Walton recommends the 'search and destroy' method -- run your fingers through your hair to feel for rough ends or knots -- and that's where you know to cut. She also suggests separating hair into one-inch pieces, then twisting or braiding those small sections. Then, you can trim the ends off one twist at a time, no more than half an inch.

But styles you can achieve without the shears are fair game.

'We should save new styling attempts for when we have a few days off to practice, and what better time than now that we are on a perpetual 'day off,'' she says. She's planning to teach herself how to cornrow her hair while she's at home, and she's got tutorials for nearly every curly style on her blog.

To luxuriate at home, Walton recommends some natural treatments: You can mix whole fat yogurt and honey or olive oil and conditioner together, apply in sections throughout your hair, throw on a plastic cap and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing -- the combos will nourish your hair and shine and moisture.

Nails

Missing your manicure? Just do what the pros do -- it's not as hard as it looks, says Tuvi Do, the owner of Lacquer Nail Bar in Atlanta.

Prep 'em. Start with removing any old polish on your fingers. Clip 'em. If you've let your nails grow long and jagged while staying home, trim them down to a manageable length. Soak 'em. Prepare a bowl of warm water and a dash of essential oil to soften your nails and dip your fingers in it for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, dab your wet hands with a towel and gently push back on your cuticles with your nail. Buff 'em. Buff the surface of your nails -- it smooths the surface of your nail and preps them for polish. Just don't use a nail file for this part. To buff, start a bit below the base of your nails. Move the buffer left to right, focusing on the center. Angle it about 45 degrees to buff the sides. Once you've buffed all 10 fingers, wash your hands. Wipe 'em. If you've got acetone or rubbing alcohol on hand, take a cotton ball, spritz it with one of the two chemicals and wipe down the surface of your nail with it.

Time to paint!

Do shared the technique her nail techs learned when they started out: Polish each nail in just three strokes -- one down the center, one down the right and another down the left.

Base coat. Apply a clear base. Let that dry, then apply your color. First coat. Pick up a bit of polish and wipe off the excess on the side of the bottle opening. Start about 2 centimeters from the base of the nail and push upward with the brush -- the brush will fan out, so it'll cover a lot of area. Second, third, 20th coats. Repeat with a few more coats -- as many as you need to get the shade you're aiming for -- and let dry. Topcoat. Finish off with a clear, shiny topcoat and let that dry. Voila!

Tips of the trade:

Fan out your brush. It widens the reach of the bristles and paints more of the nail -- evenly -- at once.

It widens the reach of the bristles and paints more of the nail -- evenly -- at once. Anchor yourself. 'I find that when painting, if you anchor your brush-holding-hand somewhere, you'll find more stability when painting,' Do says.

'I find that when painting, if you anchor your brush-holding-hand somewhere, you'll find more stability when painting,' Do says. Avoid painting your finger. To keep polish from getting on the sides of your nails, Do advises that you push the sides of your finger back with your thumb while painting. And if you do get nail polish on your skin, wait for it to dry, then take a flat, clean makeup brush and carefully dab at the polish you want gone.

If that all sounds too daunting, Do recommends attempting the classic French manicure -- she finds it to be more low maintenance than painting her entire nail.

There are two ways to master this style: You can either carefully paint the tips of your nails stark white (after you lay a shiny base coat, of course) and then clean it up with a makeup brush dabbed in polish remover. You can also make a template with tape and block off the spot on your nails where you want the tips to end.

Brows

Perhaps you're using your time alone to grow out the bushy brows of your dreams. Maybe you've gotten tweezer-happy and plucked your brows to oblivion (ouch).

Maribeth Madron, a makeup artist and brow specialist, can help you help your brows.

She starts like this: Before you begin to shape them, fill in your brows with a product, if you have one. They'll help fill in any gaps and define the perimeters of your brows, so you don't take off too much hair or fudge your natural shape.

Begin with a pencil test and a sharpened brow pencil. Look in the mirror, expressionless (Madron likens it to your poker face -- you can also imagine you're staring at your work computer for the nth hour of the week).

Locate the beginning of your brow. Hold the pencil along the bridge of the nose vertically from the inner corner of one eye to find where your brow begins. Find where your brow ends. Hold the pencil from the outer edge of one nostril on the same side of your face and hold it vertically toward the outer edge of the same eye. Map the arch. Hold your pencil in the same position as in step 2 toward the outer edge of the same eye. Make dots along the arch of your brow as a map. Fill 'em in. Use your pencil to draw short, upward and outward strokes in your brows until you've created your ideal shape and fullness. Tweeze the strays. Look back in the mirror. Pluck the strays between your brows and outside of the area you penciled in. If you have a few long, wiry hairs in your brow, comb them up and trim them (using cute, tiny scissors) to match the length of the rest of your brow hairs.

Tips of the trade

Avoid waxing. Madron says it's 'extremely messy, imprecise, removes too much hair and you run the risk of burning yourself.' Yikes. It's always better to work with more than less, anyway.

Madron says it's 'extremely messy, imprecise, removes too much hair and you run the risk of burning yourself.' Yikes. It's always better to work with more than less, anyway. Don't tint them. Not only do you risk dyeing your brows an unnatural color, using hair color around the eyes can injure the delicate skin there. Those hair removal creams are dangerous to use near your eyes, too.

Not only do you risk dyeing your brows an unnatural color, using hair color around the eyes can injure the delicate skin there. Those hair removal creams are dangerous to use near your eyes, too. Color pale brows. Dyeing your brows can be dangerous but using a tinting gel makeup product can color them in and define them.

Facial hair

If you've already got a beard:

A pandemic is the perfect time to pull out your best lumberjack impression. Or maybe you'd rather just keep your beard trim for when you eventually return to public life.

Xavier Cruz, president of Barba Men's Grooming Boutique in New York, can help with the latter.

You've got a beard trimmer? Good. Use a clipper that's suited to the length of your beard -- for short- to medium-length beards, Cruz recommends using clippers 2 or 3.

Comb your beard down from your cheek to your neck. Then, start trimming downward to get any hairs that are sticking out -- this method makes sure you won't take too much of your beard off. Gliding the trimmer against the grain will remove more hair. Brush down your 'stache if you've got one. Trim the hairs hanging over your lip. Shape up your beard. Using your clipper without a guard, clean the cheek area and shape the neck. Once you're finished trimming, use warm water to soften your beard. For an even cleaner look, use a razor and some shaving oil to define the edges. After shaving, rinse all over again. Pat it dry -- roughing it up will make your whiskers dry and brittle. Finish up with an aftershave moisturizer, then a beard oil to soften and condition your beard.

If you want to grow a beard

Aaron Marino, men's grooming expert and founder of the Atlanta image consulting firm Alpha M, hears you. He's got a four-week plan to get you and your beard started.

'The way I see it, this is one of the greatest times in modern history for clean-shaven men to let their inner animal out and embrace, experiment and grow out their facial hair,' Marino says.

Week One : Don't shave at all. Wash your nascent beard twice a day. Marino suggests taking B vitamins, thought by some to speed up hair growth.

: Don't shave at all. Wash your nascent beard twice a day. Marino suggests taking B vitamins, thought by some to speed up hair growth. Week Two : Trim and edge the boundaries along your neck and high on your cheek, without going too far underneath your jaw.

: Trim and edge the boundaries along your neck and high on your cheek, without going too far underneath your jaw. Then, massage a beard oil into your whiskers. It hydrates the hair there and makes it shinier and less itchy (hooray!). Keep washing it regularly.

Week Three : Use a bristle brush and brush out your beard twice a day in the direction you want it to grow in -- this will help camouflage some of the patchy spots, too.

: Use a bristle brush and brush out your beard twice a day in the direction you want it to grow in -- this will help camouflage some of the patchy spots, too. Week Four: One month in! Now you can decide what style you'll attempt. Marino suggests choosing a style that fits the 'density and depth' of your facial hair. Work with what you have.

Tips of the trade:
Scientists have discovered six new coronaviruses among bats in Myanmar. These coronaviruses are very different from the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-Cov-1), Middle East Respiratory (MERS) or SARS-CoV-2 which are known to have jumped over from bats and infected humans.

A team of scientists from Smithsonians Global Health Program and Conservation Biology Institute said that most of these viruses were found in guano (accumulated faeces) samples harvested by local people in Myanmar for nutrient-rich manure. Whether these new coronaviruses are dangerous for humans is yet to be assessed.

The team focused on sites in Myanmar where humans live in close contact with wildlife like Hlawga National Park in Yangon. From May 2016 to August 2018, the team collected 750 saliva, guano and faecal samples from 11 bat species in these areas. Coronaviruses were detected in 48 samples.

Guano samples accounted for the majority of positives, suggestive of an important transmission route for CoV shedding from bats and a possible risk to people during the act of guano harvesting, the study published in PLOS ONE journal on Thursday said, adding that in future viral detection in guano samples can be made through non-invasive methods and doesnt require people handling bats directly.

Viral pandemics remind us how closely human health is connected to the health of wildlife and the environment. Worldwide, humans are interacting with wildlife with increasing frequency, so the more we understand about these viruses in animals -- what allows them to mutate and how they spread to other species -- the better we can reduce their pandemic potential, said Marc Valitutto, a former wildlife veterinarian with the Smithsonians Global Health Program and lead author of the study in a statement. Authors also said the ongoing land-use change in Myanmar could be a prominent driver of zoonotic diseases in future.

Despite small sample sizes, the study managed to detect six coronaviruses in insectivorous bats. Given the potential consequences for public health in light of expanding human activity, continued surveillance for coronaviruses is warranted, especially in other species and human-wildlife interfaces, the study concluded, adding that over 3,200 CoVs occur in bats, most of which are still undiscovered.

The study said that bats are increasingly being recognised as natural reservoirs of viruses and they have a unique capacity to carry and transmit viruses due to some of their biological traits like the ability of sustained flight, the potential for long-distance dispersal and adaptation to semi-urban habitation. Bats are known to be carriers of the hemorrhagic Ebola, Marburg filovirus and the Nipah virus, apart from viruses that caused SARS, MERS and Covid-19 diseases. But bats are also extremely essential to ecosystems for seed dispersal, pollination, control of insect populations, among others.

Scientists suggest a One Health approach to keep zoonotic spillover at bay. One Health, according to the World Health Organization, involves the control of zoonoses, antibiotic resistance, etc., by focusing on the interactions between humans, animals and plants.

In a country like India, people live cheek by jowl, not just with each other, but also with livestock (including both four-legged and two-legged), as well as in areas of high biodiversity. Such close proximity means that the diversity of pathogens that humans are potentially exposed to is very high. To understand the risks from these pathogens, it is thus necessary for us to adopt a One Health approach, where we have to work in large interdisciplinary teams that can investigate not only human and animal health, but also the links with changes in the natural environment, said Abi Tamim Vanak, fellow, Wellcome Trust and senior fellow at Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment.

Around 6075% of emerging infectious diseases consist of zoonotic diseases; more than 70% of those originate in wildlife species.
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The Uttarakhand Police on Saturday caught ten foreigners flouting lockdown norms and loitering near the Ganga River in Rishikesh, and handed out a novel punishment to make them toe the line. They told the ten foreigners to write I didnt follow lockdown. I am sorry at least 500 times on a piece of paper and hand it over to them

These foreigners hail from Israel, Australia, Mexico and some other European countries, the police said.

The incident happened in Tapovan area, one of the most popular tourist spots in Rishikesh, which falls under Muni ki Reti police station in Tehri Garhwal district, on Saturday afternoon.

Follow latest updates on coronavirus here

Vinod Kumar, in-charge of the Tapovan police check post said, The police had been getting reports that some foreigners were defying the lockdown and coming to the Ganga stretch from Neem Beach till Sai Ghat in Tapovan to chill.

Based on the inputs, on Saturday, I along with some other personnel of my check post decided to patrol that stretch during which we found 10 foreigners strolling there, Kumar said.

The police officer said when they were asked to explain why they were strolling without any reason during the lockdown; the foreigners said they thought they can do so from 7 am till 1 pm when the lockdown is relaxed.

Also read: Govt may divide country in red, orange and green zones

I told them that the relaxation is meant for people to buy essential items and not for venturing out without any reason to which they said they werent aware of that. I then asked one of my men to bring 50-60 blank pages from our check-post and gave five pages each to the 10 foreigners asking them to write I did not follow the lockdown. I am sorry 500 times as punishment, Kumar said.

After punishing them, I told them that it is a light one and if they refuse to do so then they will be blacklisted which will bar them from entering India again. They then agreed to the punishment and wrote the apology out 500 times at the spot. They were then let off with a stern warning and told not to venture out without any reason, the police official said.

Also read: Indias Covid-19 cases cross 8000-mark, death toll at 273

Tapovan is a very popular spot among foreigners visiting Rishikesh because of the Ganga River and greenery all around. Foreigners usually gather there to spend some leisure.

On the number of foreigners still present in the area Kumar said, At present, despite the lockdown, there are at least 650 foreigners in the area but during the normal tourist season the number goes up to 2,000-3,000.

According to officials from Uttarakhand Tourism and the Covid-19 control room, around 1500 foreign tourists were stranded across the state due to the lockdown. They said over 700 tourists have been sent back to their countries with help from respective embassies in the last 15 days or so. A few days ago, 96 Americans were also flown out from Dehradun to Delhi in a special Air India flight.

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Five hundred more Post Office staff could have been wrongfully convicted for theft.

The shocking number of new cases emerged after bosses delved through records as part of attempts to improve fractured relations with postmasters.

Their findings suggest there could be nine times more wrongful convictions for theft, false accounting and fraud than previously thought.

The cases were the result of glitches in the Post Office's Horizon IT system which improperly suggested staff had their hands in the tills.

Seema Misra was jailed while pregnant and spent four months in jail after being blamed for a technical error which made it appear money was missing

But the scandal  described as the biggest miscarriage of justice in British history  only came to light after a legal fight lasting nearly two decades.

The Post Office has hired top London law firm Peters & Peters to trawl through thousands of pages of documents to determine how many of the 500 new cases can be overturned.

This is on top of approximately 61 convictions which were previously known about. At the height of the prosecutions during Tony Blair's Labour government, more than one postmaster was dragged to court each week.

Last month, 39 cases were sent to the Court of Appeal to be overturned while another 22 remain on review.

Pathmanathan Thayaparan, 49, from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, who now works as an electrical engineer for the NHS, believes he is one of the 500 cases being reviewed.

The father-of two, who only found out he may have been wrongfully convicted in December, said: 'Even after all these years, I still feel the impact.

'I would love to get my criminal case quashed.' Last night MPs and peers called for the independent inquiry into the Horizon scandal to start as soon as possible.

Conservative peer Lord Arbuthnot, a longtime campaigner for postmasters, said: 'It is extraordinary that the board of the Post Office has not resigned en masse, they should now be sacked.

'There must now be the independent inquiry that the PM has promised.' Karl Turner MP, a criminal barrister and former Shadow Attorney General, added: 'It's scandalous these people were made scapegoats.'

Paula Vennells, the former Chief Executive of the Post Office led the move to persecute the postmasters who have now been proven to be innocent

The Daily Mail has written extensively about the plight of postmasters as part of the Save Our Post Offices campaign.

Last year a group of more than 550 postmasters won a victory when the Post Office accepted defeat and agreed to pay a 58million settlement.

But the Daily Mail revealed last week that in a first tranche of payments handed out, staff received as little as 500 for their years of anguish.

The Horizon IT errors began in the early 2000s when random shortfalls started appearing in computerised accounts.

A Post Office sign. The scandal has been called one of the biggest miscarriages of justice

The Post Office accused postmasters of stealing the money.

In case after case it bullied postmasters into pleading guilty to crimes they knew they had not committed.

Many others who were not convicted were hounded out of their jobs or forced to pay back thousands of pounds of 'missing' money.

The Post Office said it was leaving 'no stone unturned' in its review of the 500 new cases, adding: 'We are doing everything we can to assist the criminal justice process.'
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-12 00:02:50|Editor: huaxia

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WARSAW, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki urged all Poles to stay at home during the Easter holidays, as the country's confirmed COVID-19 cases surpassed 6,000 on Saturday.

Morawiecki addressed the country in a video saying: "I'm asking all Poles, let's stay at home for the holidays. This is the only way we can ensure that next year we will be able to meet safe and sound."

He admitted that this year's Easter, which falls on April 12, will be difficult. "However, I believe that it will prove to be a great holiday of hope and new life. That is what I wish you all," Morawiecki said.

"Let this hope unite us. May it comfort us and give us the strength to deal with the challenges that await us in the coming days, weeks and months," he added.

Morawiecki announced on Thursday the extension of restrictions to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus. Non-essential businesses will be closed till at least April 19. Restrictions on educational institutions and on air and rail travel will stay in place till April 26 at the earliest.

Fresh figures from the Ministry of Health showed a total of 6,088 confirmed infections and 195 fatalities as of Saturday morning.
Coronavirus lockdown: After giving a hotel for treating of COVID-19 patients, actor Sonu Sood started an initiative, Shakti Annadanam in association with BMC which aims to provide food to more than 45,000 people.

Coronavirus warriors: Amid lockdown, daily wage workers are the ones who are being severely hit by its effect, as they have no money to feed their families. Various Bollywood actors came forward to help these breadwinners, in which some are taking care of their film crew unit while others are donating funds into their bank accounts. Actor Sonu Sood has a heart of gold, as his deed of feeding 45,000 people in the time of the COVID-19 crisis is much appreciated by all.

Sonu teamed up with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to help as many people as possible. On a daily basis, more than 45,000 people helped under this initiative, places like Andheri, Jogeshwari, Juhu, and Bandra are in more focus.

In conversation with a leading website, the actor said, started an initiative, Shakti Annadanam, in the name of his father which aims to provide food to the needy ones. Some are blessed to have food, shelter, water which are basic for many but for others, its a necessity. Keeping that in mind he decided to do his bit as a responsible citizen.

Earlier, the actor also gave his hotel for the treatment of corona positive patient. Its time for all, to stay united and do their bit likewise front line workers who are working day and night to save millions of lives keeping their life at risk, happy to help real heroes of our county, Sonu said.

Recently, Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan also offered their 4-storey building to COVID-19 patients, as the hopitals are overwhelmed by the infected people.

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Restrictions placed in 31 provinces across the nation but bakeries, pharmacies and health facilities to remain open.

Dozens of Turkish cities, including Istanbul, have been placed under lockdown for two days from midnight on Friday to combat the spread of the coronavirus, as the countrys death toll from the pandemic crossed 1,000.

The restrictions, which will last until midnight (21:00 GMT) on Sunday, were imposed in 31 provinces across the country and scaled up existing curbs, under which people under the age of 20 and over 65 have been told to stay at home.

Detailing specifics of the lockdown, the interior ministry in a statement said bakeries, pharmacies and health facilities would be excluded from the ban, enabling people to meet essential needs.

Strategic energy companies, distribution firms and some petrol stations would also be allowed to keep operating, and people working in such places were exempted from the lockdown, it said.

It is essential that all other citizens remain in their homes aside from the specified exemptions, the statement said.

Essential services, including pharmacies, would be excluded from the ban [File: Chris McGrath/Getty Images]

Ankara has also halted all international flights, restricted domestic travel, closed schools, bars and cafes, and suspended mass prayers. But people have still been going to work to sustain economic activity.

We urge all citizens who live in these 31 provinces to comply with this weekends lockdown without panicking, the countrys communications director Fahrettin Altun wrote on Twitter.

He called on people to maintain physical distancing in the brief time before the lockdown went into effect. However, soon after news of the move emerged, many left their homes to buy food and drink in the countrys commercial hub Istanbul, a city of more than 15 million people.

Al Jazeeras Sinem Koseoglu said this was an unprecedented announcement, following differences of opinion between President Recep Tayyip Erdogans government and the countrys science board.

The science board under the health ministry has been urging the government to impose an immediate lockdown, especially for Istanbul, which has a population of more than 15 million people, Koseoglu said, speaking from Istanbul. But Erdogan has always been saying that the Turkish economys wheel should keep turning, and the logistics and supply lines shouldnt be cut.

Abrupt move

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu of the main opposition party, who had previously called for a lockdown, was also critical of the short notice and complained of not being informed in advance.

Istanbul resident Simona Hayrabet, who had gone out to buy fruit and water for the weekend, said she had expected such a move by the government, but it happened so abruptly.

Another resident, Marina Gravina Zagaia, criticised the late-night announcement while Salih Topcu, holding a shopping list written by his wife, described it as nonsense.

It is really bad that they announced it so late. Had it been in the morning, we would have gone to the markets to get food and drinks, Zagaia told AFP.

Right now everyone is going through chaos, she added.

Health Minister Fahrettin Koca told a news conference in Ankara that 4,747 new coronavirus cases had been reported in the last 24 hours and 98 people had died. That brings the total death toll in Turkey to 1,006 and the total number of infections to 47,029.

Earlier on Friday, before the lockdown was announced, Koca had urged people to resist the temptation to leave their homes during the weekend as the weather warms.
This is not the first time there has been opposition against the burial of coronavirus victims over fears of infection

Egyptian police fired tear gas and arrested 23 people in a Daqahliya village on Saturday after protesters attempted to prevent the burial of a doctor killed by the coronavirus out of fear that the burial would allow the virus to spread.

"Some outlaws in the cemetery area of Shobra El-Bahw village tried to prevent the burial of a woman who died as a result of being infected by coronavirus Those elements were dealt with and 23 of them were arrested," the interior ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

"This was caused by rumors and incitement promoted by the electronic committees of the terrorist Muslim Brotherhood group under the pretext of preventing the spread of the disease," the statement added.

The 64-year-old doctor, who tested positive for the virus upon her return from Saudi Arabia, passed away last week in an Ismailia isolation hospital.

A video shared on social media shows authorities firing tear gas to disperse protesters in the village, with a number of the protesters arrested during the skirmish.

Her interment finally came after authorities intervened to allow the burial in the hometown of the doctors husband under strict security measures, after failing to convince local residents to clear the road to the cemetery.

Authorities had first tried to bury the doctor in her hometown, also in Aga, but residents in the area did not allow the burial.

This is not the first time in recent days that people have opposed the burial of coronavirus victims over the misconception that this would allow the virus to spread.

On Friday, Egypt reported 17 new fatalities from the virus, marking the country's highest single-day death toll and bringing the total number of deaths to 135.

Ninety-five new coronavirus cases were detected on Friday, bringing the total number of cases so far to 1,794.

The burials of coronavirus victims are often being held in secret in Egypt under police supervision with the attendance of only close family members.

Egypt has ordered mosques and churches to be shut to worshippers in an attempt to contain the spread of the coronavirus, banning all prayers, including funeral prayers and memorial services, for Muslims and Christians at all houses of worship nationwide.

Dr Ayman Fouda, chief forensics doctor, said the health ministry is committing to strict guidelines in washing and enshrouding the deceased.

The deceased is washed with a 10 percent chemical preservative formalin, with charcoal placed inside a sealed bag and the cemetery sterilised and then closed following the burial for sixty days to avoid possible infections during the process.

Following Saturdays incident, Egypts Dar Al-Ifta  the authority in charge of issuing religious edicts  said it is not permitted to prevent burials.

Opposition against the burial of coronavirus martyrs is not in accordance with our religion, values and manners, it said.

The Islamic religious authority has deemed that those killed by the coronavirus are deemed martyrs due their pain and suffering, and has forbid the harassment of those infected with the virus.

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THE announcement this week of 50 jobs at Casa Systems is the latest in a series of new IDA-backed jobs for Limerick  and there could be a further boost next week.

In the last two weeks, the agency has announced the creation of 560 new roles in four separate companies, a figure which includes the creation of the new positions at broadband firm Casa Systems this Monday.

It is the third Monday in a row that Limerick has started the week with good news on the jobs front.

And the Limerick Leader understands more jobs are on the way at a firm investing in the city, due to be announced shortly.

Niall OCallaghan, the Mid-Wests regional director of IDA Ireland has hailed a very good couple of weeks for Limerick  but emphasised these jobs have come as a result of years of hard work.

Ultimately, it comes in peaks and troughs. The underlying work in the background which goes to deliver this is important. It just so happens they all came together now, he said.

To illustrate this, he pointed out that first contact had been made with life-sciences firm Ortec  which created 110 jobs in Newcastle West  seven years ago.

Talks with other firms which have recently invested in Limerick began up to 12 months ago, Mr OCallaghan added, saying: It can really vary, the gestation period.

As well as Ortec, and Casa, Fazzi Healthcare Services has provided the biggest jobs boost in the last month, setting up a new coding and healthcare arm in Limerick, in a move which will see 300 roles over five years.

Texas technology company WP Engine also added 100 positions last Monday.

This week, Massachusetts firm Casa Systems announced plans to create 50 roles as it sets up its first European headquarters at the National Technology Park in Plassey.

The companys senior vice-president Lucy Xie said Limerick moved to the top of the list when it came to workforce talent.

Casa provides fixed, mobile and wi-fi network solutions, plus develops, manufactures and markets devices to allow cable operators to utilise interactive digital video and broadband IP services over cable networks.

Mayor Kieran OHanlon said the latest news shows Limerick is moving very swiftly in the right direction.

Im particularly pleased to hear from Casa that Limerick has a growing reputation internationally for its highly-skilled technical, logistics and manufacturing talent pool, he added.
To many people, Easter and Mothers Day are Hat Days, the Sundays when people show off their new hats at church, brunch, and family dinners. For my little hat factory in Northeast Philadelphia, this should be when we make most of our annual revenue and prepare to pay employee bonuses.

Unfortunately, coronavirus has closed our factory and retail stores, putting our busy season in jeopardy. However, we are still in business thanks to the digital safety net, digital marketing and e-commerce.

The internet and digital platforms are keeping us in touch with customers and taking online orders. I am confident that we will make it through this crisis, but I am worried that once we do, elected officials in Washington and Harrisburg, like Attorney General Josh Shapiro, will renew their efforts to unwind the digital safety net and regulate the large companies that provide it.

I never planned to be in the hat business. After thirty years as a community health worker and pastor, I planned to slow down. But I always loved hats and couldnt resist when I heard this fabulous company was closing and people would lose their jobs. I just knew I could turn the company around, so I bought it.

It didnt start out well. Ninety percent of our business was wholesale, and just after buying the company, our biggest customer moved all its manufacturing to China. We were nearly $100,000 in debt and didnt have money to pay the bills. I was scared.

Thats when my son gave it to me straight  we needed to focus on e-commerce and get on social media. I didnt think anyone would buy a hat from the internet, but we got to work. Soon we had a new website and were posting fancy hat photos on Instagram. Most photos get a few dozen likes, but some get hundreds and they attract new customers.

We also began using Google Ads, which worked immediately. Suddenly we were selling nationwide. Someone in Mississippi placed a $2,000 order! People were flocking to our factory store, and specialty hat stores were placing big orders. A local mall selected us to open a store, and then we opened a showroom in New York City. We now have 16 full-time and several part-time workers, thanks in large part to the digital platforms and e-commerce tools that were instrumental to our growth and are so critical to surviving this crisis.

Other digital platforms are also important. I virtually walk customers around our store using Facetime and WhatsApp, trying on hats in front of the camera. And customer reviews are invaluable. We dont have the brand recognition of bigger companies, so customer opinions really matter to potential buyers. Rewriting the rules that enable online reviews or requiring review sites to hire teams of lawyers to monitor reviews, would devastate small businesses.

These are certainly challenging times. I believe our company will overcome the coronavirus challenge and that our business will soon be back on the rise. When we are, I hope our government will have learned just how much big tech companies and small businesses are tied at the hip, and will be mindful of that when considering new regulations that could hurt my business all over again. Over-regulating digital platforms and business tools, breaking up big digital companies, or changing the rules that enable online reviews would be a big mistake, and I hope our Pennsylvania elected officials understand why.

Rev. Georgiette Morgan-Thomas is the owner of American Hats in Philadelphia, PA.

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Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2020 > COVID-19 Pandemic: Access to prevention and treatment is a matter of (...)

South Centre, Geneva

Open letter from Carlos Correa, Executive Director of the South Centre, to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization Francis Gurry, Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization Roberto Azevedo, Director-General of the World Trade Organization CC: Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General CC: Veronica Michelle Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

Dear Colleagues,

The unprecedented global health crisis caused by COVID-19 represents a global challenge to the essential security interests of all countries. As stated by the World Health Organization Constitution, the health of all peoples is fundamental to the attainment of peace and security and is dependent upon the fullest co-operation of individuals and States.

Ensuring access to health should be a priority for all governments and international organizations. Every other human endeavour, however important it may seem, must be subordinated to the need of preserving and protecting human life. The rights to health and life are fundamental human rights. The available figures on infection and mortality show that this pandemicis having a devastating effect. The most vulnerable are those living in developing and least developed countries with weak health systems. Millions depend on the income they get everyday, and for whom the option of confinement poses a dramatic dilemma: to face the risk of contagion or starvation.

Access to affordable medicines, vaccines and diagnostics and to medical equipment, and to the technologies to produce them, is indispensable to treat COVID-19. Such technologies should be broadly available to manufacture and supply what is needed to address the disease. Any commercial interest supported by the possession of intellectual property rights on those technologies must not take precedence over saving lives and upholding human rights. This should always be the case, but this premise is often overlooked in times where asymmetries in development and inequality are deemed to be normal facts.

In this connection, I wish to recall that in accordance to the Security Exceptions contained in Article 73(b) of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement), any World Trade Organization Member can take any action which it considers necessary for the protection of its essential security interests. The use of this exception will be fully justified to procure medical products and devices or to use the technologies to manufacture them as necessary to address the current health emergency.

Dear colleagues, I am appealing to you, in your capacity as Director-Generals of the three organizations, to support developing and other countries, as they may need, to make use of Article 73(b) of the TRIPS Agreement to suspend the enforcement of any intellectual property right (including patents, designs and trade secrets) that may pose an obstacle to the procurement or local manufacturing of the products and devices necessary to protect their populations.

We need to have the courage to change course. The resource gap in addressing the health crisis is huge and health inequality is probably the most unbearable of injustices. It will be a matter of rebuilding a world that is viable; the one we are leaving behind, was not.

Carlos Correa

Executive Director

South Centre

Geneva, 4 April 2020
Kan. governor limits size of church services to 10 or less ahead of Easter

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Ahead of Easter Sunday, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly extended a statewide ban on gatherings of 10 or more people, including at religious services and funerals.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, Kelly said it was a difficult decision to include worship services and funerals, which had previously been exempted. Kelly made the announcement on Tuesday, noting that the new extended ban would take effect on Wednesday at 12:01 p.m. local time.

As Holy Week gets underway  and with Kansas rapidly approaching its projected peak infection rate in the coming weeks  the risk for a spike in COVID-19 cases through church gatherings is especially dangerous, she stated.

Ive said repeatedly during this crisis that we will adjust to circumstances as they develop to make sure we do everything we can to protect Kansans.

Kelly also stated that she encouraged all faith leaders to embrace alternative forms of worship that do not involve in-person congregation.

Churches are livestreaming services and bringing their parishioners together over Facebook Live for Bible Study. They also are looking for alternative ways to observe their rituals, continued the governor.

As state governments have issued orders for people to avoid mass gatherings and other events, some have taken to providing exemptions for houses of worship.

For example, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's executive order banning gatherings of more than 50 people included an exemption for "a place of religious worship."

Whitmer told Fox News Sunday host John Roberts in an interview last month that she believed the government did not have the right to order churches to close over the pandemic.

Well, you know, the separation of church and state and the Republican legislature asked me to clarify that, Whitmer said at the time.

That's an area that we don't have the ability to directly enforce and control. We are encouraging people, though, do not congregate.

Whitmers decision was denounced by the liberal Washington, D.C.,-based group Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

Americans United President Rachel Laser blasted the exemption in a letter to the governor as being dangerous and unconstitutional.

The exemption invites houses of worship to violate the stay-at-home directive, putting the public health at risk, wrote Laser.

Attendance at these gatherings is dangerous not just for the individuals who attend, but for all of us. COVID-19 spreads exponentially, so it is critical that we flatten the curve by maintaining social distance.
The Kentucky Department of Education is actively seeking military veterans to fill educator shortages across the commonwealth.

According to the Kentucky Department of Education, veterans provide a ready pool of prospective teachers who might be fast-tracked into classrooms to meet the scarcity once the COVID-19 shutdown is over.

Kentucky falls into the national trend of states battling a shortage of teachers for grades kindergarten through the 12th grade, said Norma Andrade, certification specialist and veteran coordinator with KDE. In 2018, local school districts posted over 11,000 positions in the Kentucky Educator Placement System, but Kentucky is also seeing a decrease in the number of people enrolling in education and a significant number of them that did enroll do not complete the program.

In 1994, Kentucky passed legislation known as Option 5, which was specifically designed to expedite qualified veterans into a career in teaching, Andrade said.

In 2019, Kentuckys Commissioner of Education officially launched the GoTeachKY initiative in order to help recruit the next generation of Kentuckys educators, Andrade said. One of the main goals of the initiative is to make veterans more aware of Option 5 and the opportunities it provides former service members to teach in Kentucky.

According to the KDE website, qualified veterans must have a bachelors degree with an overall grade point average of 2.75 and have been discharged from active duty service under honorable conditions or served honorably with the National Guard or Army Reserve for at least six years.

Veterans degrees must also be in accepted academic subjects like math, science or social studies, or if they hold a bachelors degree outside a content area, they must pass the PRAXIS II in any chosen content area they wish to teach.

Andrade said veterans can offer a lifetime of experience to Kentucky classrooms.

Veterans make an impact by filling critical shortages in the content areas of math, science and foreign languages, and they positively affect the community through their leadership, strong work ethic and dedication, Andrade said. The diversity they bring to the field through cultural backgrounds and life experiences connects through classroom instruction, student mentoring and with their teacher colleagues.

Andrade said she has seen a lot of veteran participation in the program and pointed out they can also assist military spouses.

The Education Professional Standards Board has issued more than 120 professional certificates to veterans in the last two years, she said. The EPSB will [also] work with military spouses to guide them through other alternative pathways to teacher certification.

According to the Troops to Teachers: Proud to Serve Again website, Kentucky provides differential pay for full-time teaching positions in high needs schools or shortage areas, and the Kentucky Teachers Retirement System is rated as one of the best in the country.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that Kentuckys gross annual teacher salaries average slightly more than $50,000 annually.

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An alarming surge in reports by perpetrators of family violence has been recorded as pressure mounts due to COVID-19 isolation.

Calls to the Mens Referral Service by men who have perpetrated family violence in the isolation period, or fear they will do so, have skyrocketed, according to the agency, as the pandemic causes a sharp spike in distress.

Hannah Clarke and her children Laianah, 4, Aaliyah, 6, and Trey, 3 were murdered in a petrol fire in their car on February 19.

On April 5, the day Stage 3 restrictions were announced by the federal government, a 94 per cent increase on usual traffic was recorded from self-referred callers to the service run by No to Violence, the peak body funded to work with men to end family violence in Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania.

This came after a 67 per cent surge in self-referred calls from men on April 1, as existing pressure from restrictions to movement, plus mass job losses and financial stress, started to bite.
Iraqi forces launch second phase of operation along border with Jordan, Saudi Arabia

Iran Press TV

Friday, 10 April 2020 4:30 PM

Iraqi army troops and fighters from the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) have launched the second phase of a major military operation to purge the westernmost part of Anbar province along the border with Jordan and Saudi Arabia of the remnants of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group.

Commander of Anbar Operations for the PMU, Qassim Musleh, said in a press statement on Friday that his fellow fighters and the army soldiers had mounted a multi-pronged offensive, codenamed 'Heroes of Victory.'

He added that the operation started from four axes, noting that fighters of the PMU, better known by the Arabic name Hashd al-Sha'abi, and army forces will cleanse districts on the border between Iraq and Jordan in the first axis, while the forces will purge the Iraqi-Saudi border of Daesh in the second.

Musleh pointed out that the forces will pursue the operation in far-flung geographic areas and rugged terrains that the terrorists use to either hide or camouflage in the third and final axes.

On February 28, Hashd al-Sha'abi forces launched an operation, codenamed 'Leaders of Victory,' to clear the districts of Medisisa and Salloum Forest, which lie south of the western town of Qa'im and nearly 400 kilometers northwest of the capital Baghdad, besides the areas of Akra and Hamid Turky, Shaleej village and Beit Ajaj region.

On September 21, 2019, the PMU announced the conclusion of a campaign against the sleeper cells of Daesh in the central parts of the country as well as a sector of the vast western desert leading to the border with Saudi Arabia.

The PMU media bureau announced in a statement at the time that the fifth phase of the 'Will of Victory' operation, which had started on September 16, was wrapped up as different units and forces of Iraqi military forces cleared the remote territory between the provinces of Karbala, Najaf and Anbar.

Iraqi forces cleared plains in a 4,800-kilometer square area in Anbar during the operation's fifth phase. The forces detained 21 Daesh suspects.

Hashd al-Sha'abi fighters have played a major role in the liberation of Daesh-held areas to the south, northeast and north of the Iraqi capital, ever since the terrorists launched an offensive in the country, overrunning vast swathes in lightning attacks.

In November 2016, the Iraqi parliament voted to integrate Hashd al-Sha'abi, which was formed shortly after the emergence of Daesh in Iraq in 2014, into the military.

Former Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared the end of military operations against Daesh in the Arab country on December 9, 2017.

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While most of us have been under lockdown in our homes, there are heroes risking their lives daily to save ours. Like these doctors and the hospital staff from Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington who have been working tirelessly to put an end to the pandemic In the U.S. Even though the medical experts are provided with proper protective gear, they are still at a high risk of getting infected. Here's saluting them:
Lithuanian police set up hundreds of checkpoints nationwide on Friday to enforce an Easter travel ban imposed to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

"Police set up around 300 checkpoints across the country," spokesman Ramunas Matonis told AFP.

The Baltic EU state banned travel between municipalities from Friday evening to Monday to deter people from visiting their relatives and friends to celebrate Easter.

There are exceptions for people returning home, going to work or attending funerals.

Fines for breaking the rules start at 250 euros ($230).

The government also made wearing face masks mandatory in public.

Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis said his cabinet could ease the coronavirus lockdown measures for small businesses from next week if the situation remains stable over the weekend.

Lithuania has been in lockdown since March 16, including the closure of all pubs, restaurants, schools, universities, kindergartens and most shops.

The Baltic country of 2.8 million people currently has 999 confirmed COVID-19 infections, with 22 deaths.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Trend

Georgia is impressively coping with the challenges caused by coronavirus, US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan said in an online meeting held with Georgian Health Minister Ekaterine Tikaridze, Trend reports via Georgian media.

Degnan said that the infection spread curve in the country is stable, which was facilitated by the correct steps taken by the government at the very first stage of the coronavirus spread in the country.

"The US Embassy is monitoring the current situation in Georgia. The country spares no effort to stop the spread of the infection and prevent a peak that will be difficult for the healthcare system. The government has done a very good job, not only in terms of treatment of infected people, but also in raising public awareness", said Degnan.

Meanwhile, the US government has announced a rapid response grant program for Georgian civil society organisations, civic movements and citizen groups to help the country respond to challenges caused by COVID-19 virus in a timely manner.

Grants will range between $500-$5,000.
The federal government has told local officials that it will be able to double Houston and Harris Countys testing capacity, a much-needed boost in a state that ranks second-to-last in the country when it comes to tests per capita.

The announcement, made by County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Mayor Sylvester Turner on Saturday, marked a dramatic change of course. Just last week, local leaders were worried the feds would pull their support of the four government-backed testing sites here.

The sites began opening in mid-March and have been able to do 250 tests each per day. Now, that capacity will ramp up to 500 each, per day. The four sites have conducted around 14,500 tests so far, according to health officials. Hidalgo wasnt sure when the expanded capacity would begin.

Turner said the increase will be meaningful and impactful. He said he also hopes to expand testing in the next week to vulnerable communities, naming specifically Sunnyside and the East End. U.S. Rep. Al Green, who local officials credited for helping secure the boost, said he wants to see mobile testing as well.

We know in order to get a better sense of community spread, we need to do more testing, said Turner, who has often said to multiply the known number of cases by ten. So its testing, testing, testing.

Houston announced 61 new cases Saturday. The rest of Harris County reported another 239 more, along with another death. The countywide tallies are now 3,561 cases and 41 deaths.

The officials toured a dozen emergency medical tents erected this week outside NRG Stadium. The shelter was on the same ground where Rodeo-goers parked last month, and where tens of thousands of Texans fans tailgated a playoff game in January.

The shelter is a contingency plan in case the coming surge in COVID-19 cases exhausts area hospitals capacity. There are 250 beds nearly ready there, with the ability to expand to nearly 2,000.

Its truly sobering to see this stand-up, Hidalgo said of the facilities. We are facing a war globally. And in a way this is a Pearl Harbor moment for our generation. We were caught by surprise in this country. But we will not be caught by surprise in this community.

Harris County commissioners approved up to $60 million for the medical shelter, and Hidalgo said $11 million has been spent so far. She said the feds have assured 75 percent of the costs will be reimbursed.

Hidalgo called the shelter a necessary resource for the region, albeit one she hopes it doesnt have to use. Hospitals remain within their capacity as of Saturday, and she said projections currently show the peak in coming weeks to remain within that capacity. That will depend on residents continuing to stay home and keep their distance, she said.

As of Thursday, the Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council was reporting that 11,800 beds in Harris County were in use. The county has a general bed capacity of 13,900, and a surge capacity of 16,600.

The tents started going up Monday and are nearly ready. Big white tents housed barebones beds separated by hanging cloth, ready for patients in stable condition or who have not yet been confirmed to have the new coronavirus.

The SETRAC is running a more intensive unit in a brown, air-sealed, with ventilators and other emergency tools sitting on Craftsman tool boxes and workers ready in hazmat-looking suits. The state has cleared the way for helicopters to land there to transport patients in dire condition to hospitals.

The tents are climated controlled and slightly raised to weather the elements, but Hidalgo said they are also exploring the potential for expanding rooms inside the NRG Center, not the stadium, as spring arrives and the potential for harsh rains increases.

She said the concern there is that the Rodeo was there last month, and they want to ensure the air inside the facility can be as clean as a hospitals.

Hidalgo urged residents to remain vigilant.

Were the next domino to fall, Hidalgo said. The two counties that are larger than Harris County are in very dire straits. People are watching this community, and were doing everything to show them that we can be smarter.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 05:24:58|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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Police inspect vehicles during a two-day curfew in Istanbul, Turkey, April 11, 2020. Turkey's total confirmed cases of COVID-19 climbed to 47,029, with 4,747 new patients reported in the last 24 hours, Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said Friday. Turkey has declared a two-day curfew for the weekend in 31 cities aiming to contain the increase in novel coronavirus cases, according to the Interior Ministry. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua)

ANKARA, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's total confirmed cases of COVID-19 climbed to 47,029, with 4,747 new patients reported in the last 24 hours, Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said Friday.

The death toll from the novel coronavirus in Turkey reached 1,006 after 98 more lost their lives over the past 24 hours, Koca said at a press conference.

Turkey has declared a two-day curfew for the weekend in 31 cities aiming to contain the increase in novel coronavirus cases, according to the Interior Ministry.

Turkey conducted a total of 30,864 tests in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of tests carried out to 307,210, the minister noted.

A total of 2,423 patients have recovered, and 1,667 patients are still being treated at intensive care units, and 1,062 are intubated, the minister said.

"The increase in the cases has slowed down, but this should not ease us," the minister stated. "We can say that the number of patients admitted to the hospital, intensive care and intubated has entered the stable period, and the rate of increase has decreased, "Koca stated.

"The next two weeks are very important." the minister said, calling for social isolation. Especially in some provinces, the situation is serious, he said, adding that the cases are high in Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, Trabzon, Rize and Bursa provinces.

The number of cases reported by the ministry includes not only Turkish citizens but also others living in Turkey, such as the refugees, he noted.

Koca stated that Israel demanded medical supplies from Turkey and the authorities of both countries are in discussions on the issue. Turkey considers the request positively, he noted.

On March 11, Turkey reported its first COVID-19 case.
At New Bethel Church in Kansas City, Kansas, offered worshipers drive-thru prayer on Good Friday.Pastors anoint cars with oil, then pray for the people inside and their families. It's the first time they've ever done such a thing."Church is really in our hearts.
U.S. President Donald Trump listens during a coronavirus response daily briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S., April 10. Reuters



U.S. President Donald Trump rejected South Korea's offer to raise its contribution to shared defense costs by at least 13 percent, a news report said Friday.



Trump made the decision last week after consultations with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Reuters said, quoting unidentified current and former U.S. officials.



Esper made a phone call to South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo earlier this week to press Seoul to quickly agree to much higher contributions, it said.



South Korean media reported last week that the two sides had reached a tentative deal on renewing their Special Measures Agreement for the upkeep of 28,500 American troops stationed on the peninsula.



When the expected announcement didn't come, there was speculation Trump had vetoed the deal because it fell short of his demands, which reportedly started at US$5 billion, or more than five times the $870 million Seoul agreed to pay under last year's one-year SMA.



Reuters said Seoul's offer was "far below even the substantially lowered expectations of the Trump administration."



One U.S. official told Reuters it was highly unlikely an agreement will be reached before the April 15 National Assembly elections in South Korea. Any new SMA is subject to ratification by the Assembly.



The official also said there was concern the standoff could last until the U.S. presidential election in November.



On April 1, the U.S. Forces Korea placed 4,000 South Korean employees on unpaid leave, citing the absence of an agreement to cover their salaries.



Meanwhile, Reuters quoted a source as saying that South Korea actually said it wanted to cut its contribution in one round of negotiations in Seoul in November, leading the U.S. delegation to cut the meeting short.



"Negotiations with the Republic of Korea are ongoing," a U.S. government official told Yonhap News Agency. "The president has been clear in his expectation that our allies around the world, including South Korea, can and should contribute more.



"We will continue to discuss with our Korean partners a mutually beneficial and equitable agreement that will strengthen the alliance and our combined defense far into the future," the official added. (Yonhap)


A virus is blind to borders and races; pulling together is the only way out. Based on that conviction, China has walked the talk by bolstering global health cooperation to combat the pandemic and jointly build a community of common health for mankind.

BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- With over 1.6 million cases confirmed, more than 95,000 deaths reported, and 180-plus countries and regions affected, the raging COVID-19 pandemic is challenging not only global public health, but also the world economy.

Since the outbreak, China has been waging all-out war to fight the virus, and its response has proven quite effective. After 76 days of lockdown, Wuhan, the epicenter of the disease in China, started lifting outbound travel restrictions from Wednesday in a bid to return life back to normal and get its economy back on track.

A life-first principle, strong and open economic policies and a cooperative mindset have defined China over the past few months, and the world has taken notice.

SAVING LIVES

More infections and deaths are expected from COVID-19.

So far, infections have topped 1,602,000 in 185 nations and regions, with over 95,700 deaths, an interactive map maintained by Johns Hopkins University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering showed.

"It is essential that we focus on the right priorities to save lives and livelihoods," wrote International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in an op-ed published in British newspaper the Telegraph.

Ever since the disease broke out in Wuhan, China's focus has been exactly that: to save lives. The Chinese government has taken decisive, comprehensive and strict measures to contain the spread, and people from all walks of life have united as one to combat the virus.

"From day one of our fight against the outbreak, we have put people's life and health first," said Chinese President Xi Jinping in his keynote speech at the Extraordinary G20 Leaders' Summit.

Some 41,600 medical personnel from across the country have been dispatched to the central province of Hubei, and the province's capital Wuhan, on lockdown since Jan. 23, has repurposed 86 hospitals for COVID-19 treatment and built another 16 offering an additional 60,000 beds.

Chinese scientists have been dedicated to creating a vaccine against the disease, with clinical trials expected to commence by mid-April.

Although the domestic spread has been basically curbed, top Chinese officials are adamant about preventing a resurgence of the outbreak.

"China's central government was diligent by pursuing measures that were designed to protect people's lives," said Jon R. Taylor, professor and chair of the political science and geography department at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Christine Bierre, editor-in-chief of France's Nouvelle Solidarite magazine and an expert at Schiller France Institute, described China's attitude in its coronavirus response as "very responsible" and "exemplary."

CRANKING UP ECONOMY

To blunt the economic impact of COVID-19 worldwide, G20 leaders have pledged to inject 5 trillion U.S. dollars of fiscal spending into the global economy.

Still, the global economic outlook remains grim. "We're now in recession. It is way worse than the global financial crisis," Georgieva warned.

Amid the global economic uncertainty, China, where the epidemic is dwindling, has started to resume economic activity. From the financial markets to investment and consumption, China has tailored policy toolkits to help spur growth at home and boost confidence in the global economy.

China's central bank has sought to maintain ample liquidity in the financial markets by announcing targeted reserve requirement ratio cuts for eligible banks starting March 16. Tax and banking regulators are enhancing coordination to boost credit support for small and micro businesses.

About 98.7 percent of China's manufacturing enterprises have reportedly resumed work, and the purchasing managers' index for China's manufacturing sector rose to 52 in March from 35.7 in February.

Takashi Kodama, head of the economic research department at the Daiwa Institute of Research Group, said progress in China's economic recovery is noteworthy.

If private consumption in China, which is less affected by the deterioration of the global economy, can recover quickly, it would give hope to other countries and provide a much-needed boost to global financial markets, he said.

In parallel, China has taken steps to stabilize foreign trade and investment, injecting confidence once again into globalization. The country will establish new pilot zones for cross-border e-commerce and host an online Canton Fair.

China continues to believe in globalization despite mounting skepticism from the West.

"China has not lost faith" in globalization and international trade, Kishore Mahbubani, fellow at the Asia Research Institute of National University of Singapore, told Foreign Policy magazine. "The COVID-19 pandemic will not fundamentally alter global economic directions."

FOSTERING COOPERATION

"Our human family is stressed and the social fabric is being torn; people are suffering, sick and scared," said United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, adding the pandemic is "a human crisis that calls for solidarity."

A virus is blind to borders and races; pulling together is the only way out. Based on that conviction, China has walked the talk by bolstering global health cooperation to combat the pandemic and jointly build a community of common health for mankind.

Since the outbreak, China has wasted no time in releasing information about the virus, including its genetic sequence, primers and probes.

When meeting with Tedros in Beijing in January, Xi said China attaches great importance to the cooperation with the WHO, and is ready to work with the organization as well as the international community to safeguard regional and global public health security.

Apart from inviting Chinese and foreign experts to join a WHO joint mission to investigate the epidemic in the country, China has also donated 20 million dollars to the WHO to support international cooperation against the disease.

"China's good cooperation with the World Health Organization has enabled various national authorities to prepare, as best as possible, for the difficulties brought by the wave of contamination," former French prime minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin told Xinhua.

Reciprocating the kindness of others during its toughest period combatting the disease, China has extended a helping hand to over 120 countries and some international organizations, offering them surgical and N95 masks, personal protective equipment, and test kits, among others.

Having accumulated experience and knowledge first-hand against COVID-19, Chinese health professionals are sharing useful information via video conferences with their foreign colleagues, including those from Italy, Spain, Britain, Pakistan, Brazil and the United States.

Calling China "a more reliable partner," Dino Patti Djalal, former Indonesian vice foreign minister, told Xinhua that China's timely assistance to other countries deserves their thanks.

By adopting "a strategy of international cooperation," China has assumed its role as a major country in the global anti-virus fight, said Raffarin.
11.04.2020 LISTEN

African leaders have been urged to be wary of donations from China in the form of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and medical supplies as the COVID-19 global pandemic takes a toll on the continent.[/B

This follows widespread reports of faulty and contaminated Chinese PPEs across the world.

There have been several reports of various nations including Australia, the United Kingdom, Spain, Holland and Czech Republic rejecting a range of products meant to fight COVID-19 from China.

Mrs. Theodosia Jackson, Principal of Jackson College of Education who made the call, said Africa must subject such donations to strict scrutiny to avert further spread of the virus.

She said the rejection of certain Chinese PPEs in some parts of Europe must serve as a red flag for African leaders to be cautious in accepting donations from the Asian giant.

All that glitters is not gold. Much as we need support to manage the pandemic, we must not endanger the lives of our people, she cautioned.

She believes there might be a sinister motive by the Chinese and some western nations to undermine the sovereignty of Africa and continue to manipulate the continent to satisfy their parochial interests.

Mrs. Jackson is also appalled by a suggestion attributed to two French scientists that a coronavirus vaccine they are working on should be tested in Africa.

Such level of disrespect to Africans must be a source of worry for African leaders to sit up and vigorously pursue an agenda to restore our dignity, she bemoaned.

She applauded the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus for the swift manner he condemned the statement by the two scientists.

She said Africa had been treated with contempt for far too long and urged heads of states on the continent to unite to build a prosperous and independent Africa capable of managing its own affairs.

Africa has no excuse to be poor with all the natural resources at our disposal. It is time for African leaders to begin to explore how best to harness our resources to make the continent self-sufficient, she opined.

The overwhelming nature of the virus, she noted, is a wake-up call for African leaders to build the capacity of indigenous companies to meet the local needs of the people in terms of production.

This, she said, would not only create jobs for the teeming unemployed youth but also improve the economy to enable the continent to wean itself from foreign aid.
New Delhi, April 11 (IANS) If the Chief Ministers' conference on Saturday, a third in less than two weeks, convened by PM Modi is an indication, there has been a growing unanimity that the ongoing shutdown should continue "at least for two more weeks Image Source: IANS

New Delhi, April 11 : Amid the 21-day nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus scare, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has deputed his Cabinet colleagues to oversee the corona situation in their assigned areas/states and report to him daily on the ground situation, sources said on Saturday.

The sources in the Prime Minister's Office said that different ministers were entrusted with the responsibility on March 26, though the work gathered speed only when Modi held a videoconference with his ministerial colleagues on April 6.

The sources said that these ministers monitored the ground situation throughout the day, collected relevant information and sent reports to the PMO every evening.

Many a times, Modi phoned up his colleagues to get the reports orally and give necessary directions also, they said.

Mahendra Nath Pandey has been assigned 20 districts in Uttar Pradesh, including Noida, Faridabad, Ita, and Itawah.

"He daily contacts the DMs, SSPs, CMOs concerned and takes information on coronavirus cases, apart from administrative and health arrangements made etc. The Minister also calls up BJP workers to cross-check whether the government's relief package is reaching the people on the ground or not," his aides told IANS.

They said that the Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, who is a member of the Lok Sabha from Chandauli, keeps an eye on small and big developments in his assigned districts from morning till evening.

Similarly, Minorities Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has been assigned Jharkhand, and he too follows a similar routine of contacting officials concerned and party workers and others for the feedback.

The sources said that the Prime Minister had directed his Ministers to increase their dialogue/contacts with the district officials in order to know the actual ground situation in their respective areas and also issue directions, if necessary.

The Ministers were also directed to find solutions to problems like shortage of Personal Protection Equipment kits, ration, medicines etc.

Apart from Pandey, Rajnath Singh, Sanjeev Balyan and Krishan Pal Gurjar too have been assigned various districts of Uttar Pradesh to monitor.

VK Singh has been assigned Assam affairs, Dharmendra Pradhan Odisha, Arjun Munda Chhattisgarh, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Punjab and Rajasthan, and Ram Vilas Paswan and Ravishankar Prasad Bihar.

The points that are covered on a daily basis are the number of coronavirus tests conducted, new cases detected, total number of positive cases, availability of wheat, rice and other ration items to people, whether social distancing norms are followed at PDS shops, redress of complaints of the public, doctors and nurses etc.

Information is also collected on action taken against black marketeers and those who violate the lockdown etc.

Modi had directed his Ministers to ensure availability of ration, milk and other essentials at reasonable prices in their assigned districts.

The Ministers have been specifically directed to see if the relief announced under the Rs 1,70,000 crore Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana package is reaching the intended beneficiaries or not.

(Navneet Mishra can be contacted at navneet.m@ians.in)
For three decades, a bitter and bloody rivalry between CPI(M)workers and RSS members in Keralas Kannur district has claimed 200 lives.

There was no love lost on either side until the coronavirus pandemic brought the intractable rivals together to run community kitchens in the districts coastal town of Thalassery which is also is home to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, CPI (M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan and many other leaders.

The new-found bonhomie has evinced much interest in political circles. While cutting vegetables for sambhar or cooking rice workers of Sewa Bharati, social wing of the RSS and Democratic Youth Federation of India, CPI(M) youth wing, rub shoulders. Workers of Youth League and Youth Congress are also there. In certain pockets of Thalassery both RSS and CPI (M) fiercely guard their villages affiliated to them and their political opponents are unwelcome here.

Follow coronavirus latest updates here.

It is no time for politics. Our CM has given an open call to engage everyone in the community kitchen. Our only concern is to feed empty stomachs. We dont go by the colour of the flags here, said Thalassery MLA A N Shamseer.

Sub-collector Asif K Yousef is co-ordinating everything in the gigantic effort to rope in groups of different ideologies in the fight against coronavirus.

Feeding poor is a national movement. Prime Minister Modi said helping others is the best thing to do in trying times, said BJP leader M P Sumesh.

Meanwhile, Kerala police on Saturday arrested three more workers of the ruling CPI(M) for allegedly vandalising the house of a girl who was in quarantine in Thannithod in Pathanamthitta district. Earlier police had arrested three persons while three others were absconding.

They attacked the house alleging that her father violated quarantine norms and came out frequently. The incident which happened on Tuesday had embarrassed the government and Chief Minister Vijayan had promised strict action against offenders.

Police said the girl who studies in Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu had returned home recently and was in home quarantine as instructed by health officials. Her father, a cable TV operator, had isolated her in a room and he used to go out to collect food which angered many people in the area. Initially they sent a message on WhatsApp threatening them but when he filed a complaint their house was attacked, police said.

After the attack the girl filed a complaint with the CM and sought police protection for her family. It should not have happened in a state like Kerala. Offenders never deserve any sympathy, the CM had said. Later the Pathanamthitta district committee of the CPI (M) had suspended all from the party.

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While Bubs Australia Limited (ASX:BUB) shareholders are probably generally happy, the stock hasn't had particularly good run recently, with the share price falling 19% in the last quarter. But that doesn't change the fact that the returns over the last three years have been spectacular. In fact, the share price has taken off in that time, up 367%. So you might argue that the recent reduction in the share price is unremarkable in light of the longer term performance. Only time will tell if there is still too much optimism currently reflected in the share price.

View our latest analysis for Bubs Australia

Bubs Australia wasn't profitable in the last twelve months, it is unlikely we'll see a strong correlation between its share price and its earnings per share (EPS). Arguably revenue is our next best option. Generally speaking, companies without profits are expected to grow revenue every year, and at a good clip. As you can imagine, fast revenue growth, when maintained, often leads to fast profit growth.

Bubs Australia's revenue trended up 83% each year over three years. That's much better than most loss-making companies. In light of this attractive revenue growth, it seems somewhat appropriate that the share price has been rocketing, boasting a gain of 67% per year, over the same period. It's always tempting to take profits after a share price gain like that, but high-growth companies like Bubs Australia can sometimes sustain strong growth for many years. So we'd recommend you take a closer look at this one, or even put it on your watchlist.

The image below shows how earnings and revenue have tracked over time (if you click on the image you can see greater detail).

ASX:BUB Income Statement April 9th 2020

You can see how its balance sheet has strengthened (or weakened) over time in this free interactive graphic.

A Different Perspective

It's nice to see that Bubs Australia shareholders have gained 1.3% (in total) over the last year. But the three year TSR of 67% per year is even better. 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. For example, we've discovered 2 warning signs for Bubs Australia that you should be aware of before investing here.

Story continues

Of course Bubs Australia may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of growth stocks.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on AU 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.
EUGENE, Ore. -- Lane County Public Health, along with the mayors of Eugene and Springfield, are urging the public to continue keeping their distance.

Springfield Mayor Christine Lundberg said this weekend will be critical.

Officials said we have not seen the peak number of cases yet and are urging everyone to do their part to keep that number low.

Spokesperson Jason Davis said if you need to go outside for exercise or to walk the dog, do it near your home. They don't want to see parks get too busy.

Bob Hollander lives in Pleasant Hill but came to Skinner Butte Park to walk with some friends.

"The people that I know that like the kind of activities that I do are in Eugene," Hollander said. "So we picked a park that was kind of midway for both of us."

Meanwhile, Lane County Board of Commissioners Chair Heather Buch said some landlords in Lane County are continuing to threaten renters with eviction even after Gov. Kate Brown made it Illegal to evict those who can't pay rent because of COVID-19.

Buch said commissioners, as well as city leaders, have heard from renters whose landlords told them to pay up or move out.

"For the majority of landlords, they understand a need for a moratorium," Buch said. "They really have no wish to continue to increase the rise of homelessness on our streets. There is no easy answer."

In order for renters to hold off making payments, they need to show their landlord documentation they can't pay because of coronavirus.

Lane County has added information to its website to help renters and landlords understand what they can and can't do. The resources include a letter from Legal Aid Services of Oregon that tenants can download and give to their landlords.
The response to Ebola has been complicated by some of the same challenges now undermining the battle against Covid-19 elsewhere in the world. There have been feuds between government officials, lack of coordination among responding agencies and mistrust from some community members.

As the Ebola outbreak raged on for 19 months, new hot spots kept emerging, health care workers continued to die from the disease and tracking the sick to break transmission chains proved extremely difficult.

To combat Ebola in Congo, one of the worlds poorest nations, health workers are taking a multifaceted approach.

They have worked to win over communities that were sometimes uncooperative  even hostile.

They have drawn on technological innovations, notably a transparent enclosure known as the cube that allows medical workers to reach in and treat patients suffering from the contagious disease through plastic sleeves.

And they have used vaccines, developed relatively recently, which have made it possible to limit the spread of the epidemic.

Ebola, transmitted through contact with sick or dead people or animals, causes fever, bleeding, weakness and abdominal pain. Although it is less contagious than the coronavirus, Ebola kills about half of those it infects  a far higher rate than the coronavirus.

The current Ebola outbreak has infected 3,456 people and killed 2,276, most of them in Congo. It was designated a global health emergency last July, and was the worst Ebola epidemic since the one that began in West Africa in 2014, which ultimately infected 28,616 people and killed more than 11,000.
KRASONYARSK, Russia -- Even before the coronavirus pandemic swept the world and Russia introduced lockdown measures to combat it, Anastasia Smirnova's situation was precarious.



She has lived in virtual lockdown for the last eight years, ever since her son was born with a severe form of epilepsy that has left him paralyzed and dependent on a machine to support his breathing. Five years ago, Smirnova's husband left, and she has raised Vanya on her own.



Once a quarter, social workers bring the family a parcel of food -- most recently, some pasta, flour, sugar, rice, canned goods, cooking oil, and tea. The food is long gone before the next parcel arrives. About twice a month, another social worker comes to their apartment and Smirnova is able to leave for a couple of hours and run essential errands.



"The drugstore, the doctor, the grocery store, the social-services office," she told RFE/RL. "I have no time to even think about my own affairs. I haven't been to a hair salon in many years."



With the stay-home regime in full swing in this south-central Siberian city of about 1 million people more than 4,000 kilometers east of Moscow, Smirnova says she can no longer allow such strangers into her apartment -- for fear of Vanya becoming ill.



"Today a friend came by and left a bag of groceries outside the door," Smirnova said, adding that her only income -- Vanya's social-security payments -- does not allow her to use delivery services. "Will we have food tomorrow? I honestly don't know."

A spokeswoman for the Krasnoyarsk Krai Social Services Ministry, Yelena Zlobina, told RFE/RL that families like Smirnova's continue to receive the same assistance that they received before the coronavirus crisis. Smirnova, however, never applied before for food delivery, preferring to do as much as she could to help herself. Now it is too late to apply, as nonessential ministry staff is under orders to remain home at least until the end of April.



"Those who are not registered are advised to apply to the volunteers of the Popular Front," Zlobina said, referring to a national assistance program set up by the pro-Kremlin All-Russia Popular Front (ONF), a group established to provide broad support for President Vladimir Putin across the country. A woman who answered the Krasnoyarsk coronavirus hotline offered the same advice.

Keeping Spirits Up

Smirnova's long experience of such isolation, however, enables her to keep her spirits up.



"If I go a day without posting something on social media, friends start calling and asking if we are all right," she told RFE/RL. "In general, such people are our saviors. We wouldn't survive on our own. In very hard times when all we had was a little macaroni and we had to sell possessions to buy food, such people came and helped us."



"When things get really bad, I sing," Smirnova added. "For myself and for my son."



According to official statistics, as of April 10, Russia had some 12,000 registered coronavirus infections and more than 90 people had died.

However, some analysts say the government figures are suspiciously low for a country of some 144 million people, and critics have accused the Kremlin of hiding the true numbers.



On March 25, Putin announced a partial lockdown nationwide until April 5, a policy that he then extended until at least the end of April in a speech on April 2.



Irina is a single mother of three who lives in Krasnoyarsk and asked RFE/RL not to use her real name.



"I don't really want anyone to know my name or where I worked and so on," she said. "It doesn't feel right."



Before the crisis, Irina barely made ends meet by working two jobs, both of which were shut down when the city's stay-home regime was announced. She and her three young children live in a 20-square-meter rented room for which they pay 12,000 rubles ($160) a month.



"Now I'm left alone with three children and an empty refrigerator," she told RFE/RL. "We don't really have anyone to help us."

Irina didn't have time to apply for assistance from any of the volunteer organizations because the lockdown came so suddenly. Instead, she left a desperate post on the social-media page of a popular local journalist. In response, the journalist and her colleagues took up a collection and raised nearly 3,000 rubles ($40) to buy groceries for Irina.



"It was really embarrassing, but I have to thank them a lot," Irina told RFE/RL. "But it makes me wonder how many people like me there are across the country. The first to suffer are those who have no savings or support."



Ksenia Derbeneva is in a similar situation. She lives with her three daughters in a single room of a local hostel. She had to leave her job as an inventory clerk when the schools were shut down and her children sent home. Previously, she earned 30,000 ($400) rubles a month, plus a 1,500 ruble ($20) child subsidy from the state. She did not manage to stock up on food before the lockdown was announced.



"How much money do I have now?" she said. "Eight hundred rubles ($11). I don't have much food, but I have something I can cook for today. Tomorrow I'll have to shop but you can imagine how far 800 rubles goes for [four people]. I'm hanging on for now, but what will happen next, I don't know."

'No One Has Helped Me'



Natalya Alyokhina lives with her husband and three children in the town of Sharypovo, about 400 kilometers west of Krasnoyarsk. Her 9-year-old son, Nikita, is severely disabled and, before the lockdown, required daily physical therapy.



"Because of the pandemic, our rehabilitation has been canceled," Alyokhina said. "We are trying to do what we can at home. Before the lockdown, my husband left to work in a mine, so now I'm alone with three children."

She says that everyone in the town of some 40,000 people knows about her, but no one has contacted her about the situation.



"I am in a chat list with other Sharypovo mothers with special-needs children," Alyokhina said. "I haven't seen any indication there that social services are helping anyone."



On the contrary, Alyokhina said the city administration sent her a mass e-mail asking her to volunteer to deliver groceries to people who need assistance.



"But no one has offered to help me," she said. "There aren't so many mothers like me in Sharypovo and it wouldn't be hard to call all of us."



No one answered RFE/RL's repeated calls to the Sharypovo social-services office and to the city administration.

Written by RFE/RL senior correspondent Robert Coalson based on reporting from Krasnoyarsk by correspondents Svetlana Khustik and Igor Chigarskikh from the Siberia Desk of RFE/RL's Russian Service.
Dating a Latino or a Latina, like any other relationship, has its ups and downs. Keeping the balance between both Latino and American cultures can be a little tricky, but it doesn't mean you'll never be happy.

When dating a Latino or a Latina, the most anxious part would be meeting la Familia, and many readers could agree to that! There's a lot of "educating" one must do when your significant other is white or from a different race, and honestly, all that explaining can be so taxing.

READ: 8 Awesome Latino Dating Sites to Boost Your Love Life This 2020

Here are some hilarious (and sometimes unfortunate) stories shared by Latinos/Latinas:

Lights, Camera... Not

My mami is a very old-fashioned Dominicana. Like all moms, she was excited about my senior prom...until she saw my date--he was African-American. Instead of taking the pictures, she was so anxious to snap, she just put the camera down and started to do chores! I was expecting her to at least shake his hand! My sister ended up taking the pictures that day. Years later, she is now more open-minded about me dating outside my race.

-Jennifer, New Jersey, 24

Beer and Chicken Hearts

I come from a very traditional, proud Brazilian family. So it's no wonder the first time I brought my African-American boyfriend to meet my family, we were having a huge cookout. My father and all of his friends kept offering my guy beer (it was barely 1 pm), and when he said he didn't drink alcohol, they looked at him like he was nuts. My dad said, "Aren't you, 18?" To top it off, my sister offered him some chicken hearts on a skewer. When he found out what they were, his eyes nearly popped out of his face, and he blurted out, "You killed ten chickens just to eat their hearts?!" Long story short, he tried it (Brazilian families don't take no for an answer when it comes to food) and ended up loving it!

-Stephany, Atlanta, 21

How's My Spanish?

I had been teaching my Caucasian boyfriend how to speak Spanish, and even though he sounded like a total gringo, I still cheered him on. We went to Miami to meet my family, and when we got there, he shook my Puerto Rican step dad's hand and said, "Hola! Buenos Dias!" My stepdad just stared for a second and replied, "It's nice to meet you. Don't worry, we speak English!"

-Ariana, Miami, 25

ALSO READ: Latina Superheroes: You'll Never Guess Their Roots

A Steve by Any Other Name

My mother, who was born and raised in Mexico, went through this phase where she thought every white guy's name was Steve; I have no idea why!!! So when I brought home this Caucasian guy I was dating, sure enough, she was like, "Nice to meet you...Steve." His name was Mark! Later, when I tried to explain, he totally didn't buy it. He thought I was cheating!!

-Maria, Chicago, 22

Arroz con Tomate?

In Brazilian Portuguese, the word tomate is pronounced sort of like "too-much." I brought my Caucasian guy home to have dinner, and my mother filled his plate with rice. He started to tell her, "that is enough, that's too much," and she said, "No tomate, this is called Arroz." She then asked me why he liked his rice with tomatoes. They were both lost, and I had double explaining to do!

-Dirce, Los Angeles, 27

READ MORE: These Latino Cookbooks Will Help Satisfy Your Cravings During Quarantine
11.04.2020 LISTEN

Canteen Assembly Man in the West Gonja in the Savannah Region calls for the implementation of the President's free water supply in his electoral area.

The president in his fifth address to the nation on Sunday, April 5, 2020, indicated his government would take care of the water bills for all Ghanaians for three months following an increase in the countrys COVID-19 cases amidst a partial lockdown of the epicenters of the virus.

The Assemblyman for the Canteen Electoral Area, Hon. Ananpansah B Abraham has called on the West Gonja Municipal Water board to allow his electorates free access to water in line with the president's directive.

In a letter addressed to the Municipal Manager of the Ghana Water Company and copied to PAD FM, he said it was imperative for residents to regularly wash their hands as prescribed by the Ghana Health Service and access to water was key in achieving this.

He thus called on the Municipal Water Manager to stop billing residents for water they fetched from the two mechanised boreholes in the electoral area managed by the Ghana Water Company.

According to him, his electoral area deserves to also benefit from the three months free water supply spanning April, May and June.

"The Canteen Electoral Area currently operates two mechanized boreholes under the management of the Ghana Water Company. Residents pay before fetching water from these boreholes and the revenue is collected by the Municipal Directorate of the Ghana Water Company.

"In line with the presidents pronouncement, I wish to impress on your good office to direct your water vendors and revenue collectors to stop selling the water to electorates.

"This would enable us to regularly wash our hands as required by the Ghana Health Service and the World Health Organization," he said.

He lamented the lack of proper management of the facilities in the area coupled with the revenue leakages and wastage of the water-borne due to damaged pipes, supply tubes, pipelines inter alia.

The challenges of the faulty boreholes he noted have been tabled severely before the water authorities for repairs but to no avail.

According to him, upon assumption of office he has organised several stakeholders' meetings on proper water resource management with focus on the World Vision funded mechanised boreholes.

This led to the formation of a Community Water Management Committee which has since been working on several recommendations.

He appealed to the water board to work closely with the interim Water Management Committee in the larger community interest.

The Assembly Man who has since been embarking on sensitization tours to some communities in the electoral area in the wake of the novel Coronavirus admonished electorates to follow the directives of the Ghana Health Service.
The department has set guidelines for schools to follow about how much time should be dedicated to literacy, numeracy and physical activity each day, but schools have been given autonomy as to how they cover those areas. Students should also expect to study in "bursts", not all day long. It might be 45 minutes of literacy, 30 minutes of numeracy and 30 minutes of physical activity for a grade one class; an hour of literacy, 45 minutes of numeracy and 90 minutes on specialist subjects for a year 10. We are not expecting kids to be fully engaged from 8.45am to 3.15pm as they would have been in school, Mr Howes says. This is about making sure we can keep learning going rather than, can we replicate what would have happened in term two, Mr Howes says. Starting out

The school day might begin with a video conference, at which students will check in and be set an assignment for the next hour, before following up individually for feedback on completed work. Andrew Dalgleish, principal of Montpellier Primary School, said the check-in would double as a mental welfare check for children. Children will check in on the schools software platform, Seesaw, with a push of a button expressing their state of mind: maybe happy, maybe so-so, maybe sad. We might use that as a tool for, do we need to provide more support for that child and how do we do that, Mr Dalgleish said. Mr Dalgleish believes his teachers' toughest challenge will be to find the lightbulb moments that mark a moment of learning for young pupils.

"Teachers are masters of content and they can pick up through experience when a real learning moment is and stop the class, reinforce that, and then send the kids back to work; that is going to be the real challenge with the younger children," he says. It is planned that teachers at the school of 650 students in Geelongs west will also call a handful of parents each day, so that each childs parents are contacted once a week. What of parents? Parents should help schools to enforce the school day routine, especially for teenagers who think its a chance to sleep in until 11, provide a work space, ideally in a communal part of the house, and give encouragement. Weve all just got to be patient and realise as parents there will be days that run smoothly and there will be days that youll be tearing your hair out, Mr Merlino said.

The pointy end Demands on VCE students will be more exacting. There is universal acceptance that the COVID-19 pandemic will disrupt VCE students the most, hence the governments decision to push back end-of-year exams until at least December. VCE students should be going flat chat in the day and at night, like that would have been at school, Mr Howes said. Dale Pearce is principal of Bendigo Senior Secondary College which, with almost 2000 year 11 and 12 students, is the largest VCE and VCAL school in the state.

He says there will be no easing up of expectations on his students just because they are at home. It wont be just what they get online between 9 oclock and 3.30; there will be an expectation that students need to be doing the same amount of work that they would normally do, Mr Pearce said. He is less worried about students motivation to study than the mental toll social distancing will take and says schools will need to work hard to maintain the connection with all students. Mr Merlino also fears remote learning could drive an increase in the number of students leaving the school system. Every year there are thousands of students, despite all of our best efforts, just disengaging from education, he says. Moving to remote and flexible learning for the whole term and maybe longer, that is a real risk.
Carter Malloy thinks that lucrative investments include dirt, some seeds, maintenance, and growth -- literally. So, he founded Fayetteville, Arkansas-based AcreTrader, an online farmland investment platform.

AcreTrader wants to lower the barrier of farmland ownership for people who arent experts in investing in the field to begin with. Malloy calls it a Robinhood for buying farmland.

AcreTrader is trying to solve the traditionally cumbersome process it takes to acquire a piece of land. Historically, Malloy said, people have to acquire a piece of land which could cost millions. Land-buyers will either have deep pockets or acquire the land from family. After that, buyers have to go to a farm broker, do due diligence, and learn how to work with the farmers who will work on the land.

"Farmland has provided 11 to 12 percent average annual returns for nearly 30 years, he said. With much less volatility and price swings than other asset classes.'

The AcreTrader platform connects buyers, like individual investors, family offices, or investment funds, to farmland that is available for purchase. AcreTrader incorporates each property it acquires under an LLC, and then users are able to buy shares of that entity. Think of shares in terms of acres, so 20 shares could be 2 acres of land.

If you want to sell the shares of your land, AcreTrader has a marketplace for you to do that. But, since land has a long-term investment benefit, the company recommends holding ownership of land between 3 to 10 years, based on the property.

AcreTrader vets land properties before buying them, accounting for factors like soil quality, irrigation methods, or the history of annual crop rotation. Malloy claims the platform analyzes over 100 points of data from the farms.

The startup is currently focused on buying and selling property on the West Coast and Midwest. The farmland isnt from the expensive rolling fields of Napa Valley, but instead less trafficked land, like an almond farm in Tulare, California or a soybean plain in Kankakee, Illinois.

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Once a customer purchases a vetted piece of land, AcreTrader takes care of land maintenance so the onus isnt on the buyer to learn how to grow a harvest or maintain the land. It does so through a team of dedicated farmland experts, who manage hundreds of millions of dollars of farmland and check in with farmers on a weekly basis.

It becomes a truly passive investment, Malloy said.

AcreTrader makes money from the real estate brokerage fees when it buys land from a seller, or in this case, a third-party farmer that pays rent to the company.

In December, ProducePay picked up up $190 million in debt financing for a purchase program for farmers. While the company isnt a direct competitor of AcreTrader, it could actually operate complementary to it. ProducePay helps farmers afford the lumpy revenues that come with the growing season, and works as a middle man between distributors, growers and grocers.

Along with charging farmers, the company also charges an annual management fee of 0.75% to 1% to oversee land from a buyer.

AcreTrader today announced that it raised an oversubscribed $5 million seed round led by RZC investments, with participation from Revel Partners .

Malloy grew up in a farming family, and hes witnessed his father buy and sell land over the years. He said its led to him believing strongly in the consistency and risk-adjusted returns of farmland. As the world enters a time of economic uncertainty, Malloys belief in the slow and steady might echo with more people than ever before.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Apr.11

By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend:

Chinese business magnate Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma sent medical protective equipment to Kazakhstan to help the country battle coronavirus pandemic, Trend reports with reference to Kazakhstans Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry said that cargo from Jack Ma and Alibaba funds arrived in Kazakhstans Almaty city from Chinas Shijiazhuang city on Apr. 10, 2020.

The 4.5 ton-cargo included 500,000 medical masks, 5,000 protective suits, 50,000 medical gloves, and non-contact thermometers. The funds are also planning to ship express COVID-19 tests and medical ventilators to Kazakhstan in the nearest future.

Total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kazakhstan amounted to 840. The first two cases of coronavirus infection were detected in Kazakhstan among those who arrived in Almaty city from Germany on March 13, 2020.

On March 15, 2020, Kazakhstans President Kassym Jomart Tokayev signed a decree introducing an emergency state in Kazakhstan due to the coronavirus outbreak, which came in force from 08:00 (GMT +6) on March 16 and will last till 08:00 April 15, 2020.

On Apr. 10, 2020 Tokayev said that the emergency state period in Kazakhstan will be extended till the end of Apr. 2020.

The outbreak of the coronavirus began in the Chinese city of Wuhan (an international transport hub), at a fish market in late December 2019. The number of people killed by the disease has surpassed 102,000. Over 1.6 million people have been confirmed as infected. Meanwhile, over 376,000 people have reportedly recovered.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11. Some sources claim the coronavirus outbreak started as early as November 2019.

---

Follow the author on twitter: @nargiz_sadikh
The effect of knitting has been described as a "flow" state, a perfect balance between skill and challenge. (Larry Steagall / Kitsap Sun)

Weeks before I started sheltering at home, I started to knit a sweater. Im a dish rag, scarf, hat kind of knitter. As much as I love knitting, the time and patience, not to mention the skill, it takes to knit a sweater elude me. But something about the pullover pattern, knit from the bottom up with chunky yarn, appealed to me. I ordered 10 skeins of baby blue yarn and got to work.

How could I have known that very soon I would be sitting at home all day, every day, with no end in sight? That around 4 oclock Id make a cup of tea, put on a podcast warning me not to touch my face or go outside, pick up my needles and knit.

I learned to knit in 2002, six months after my 5-year-old daughter, Grace, died from a virulent form of strep. One day she was leaping across the floor of her ballet studio, the next she was dying in the ICU. In the aftermath of losing Grace, I found myself unable to do the things that had always comforted me: reading fat novels or writing a story; the first helped me to escape, the latter helped me to make sense of the world.

Then that October, friends suggested I learn to knit. Desperate for something, anything, to pass the hours while Graces big brother was in school and I was alone at home sobbing, I seized on the idea. On a beautiful October day, I walked into a seaside knitting shop and cast on my first stitches of turquoise yarn. So powerful were the effects of knitting  the sound of the needles softly clacking together, the softness of the wool, the rhythm of moving a stitch from one needle to the next  that I bought yards of yarn, and began to knit my way through my grief.

I have read that the repetitive action of knitting can actually lower blood pressure and heart rates. A study in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy based on an online survey of 3,500 knitters found that the majority of them knit for relaxation and stress relief. The more they knit, they reported, the calmer and happier they felt. The psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi has described the effect of knitting and other crafts as a flow state, a perfect balance between skill and challenge.

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In the past few weeks of social distancing, my husband has started to join me on the sofa with a skein of Irish yarn and two needles. He is a novice knitter, still pulling his stitches too tight and losing some. But it doesnt matter. These are times when knitting can help us through.

From the safety of your very own living room, you can order yarn and needles, watch knitting tutorials, move stitches from one needle to the next, almost like some of us move the beads of a rosary in prayer. Knit for all the storms coming our way. Knit to soothe your frightened self. Take a deep breath. Knit.

Ann Hood, a novelist, is the author of The Knitting Circle and Comfort: A Journey Through Grief.




Turkey, which has witnessed the fastest rise of coronavirus cases has now sent emergency equipment to the UK. This comes as Britain, which is struggling with a shortage of ventilators, has reported 73, 758 positive cases and 3,758 deaths as of April 11. Meanwhile, there are over 47,029 positive cases across Turkish territory.

Early on April 11, a military cargo plane carrying protective gears like surgical masks, industrial maks and hazmat suits took off from an airbase near the country's capital Ankara. According to reports, a second plane will depart for the United Kingdom on April 12. Amid the ongoing pandemic, Turkey has previously sent help to other European nations- Italy, Spain and five Balkan nations including Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina amongst others.

Read: Pets Abandoned In Turkey Amid Rising Fears Of Coronavirus Spread

Read: BIG: Twitter Alleges Egypt & Saudi States Plotted To Push Anti-Turkey & Iran Agenda; Acts

'Hope in Despair'

The Turkish defence ministry has yet not revealed the quantity of help sent, however, photographs that have emerged online show items packed in multiple crates with words of Rumi, a 13th-century poet, "There is hope after despair and many suns after darkness." Meanwhile, the ministry took to Twitter to confirm the delivery of aid. "Turkish Armed Forces aircraft will transport to (the) United Kingdom the medical aid supplies...to be used in the fight against COVID-19,' the Turkish Defence Ministry tweeted.

Following the delivery, Dominic Rabb, UK's Minister of Foreign Affairs, has thanked Turkey for the support. Also, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has written a personal letter to Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan thanking him for the support.

A400M flight for transfer of medical aid supplies from Turkey to United Kingdom has been conducted in accordance with Rapid Air Mobility clearance mechanism used for the first time to facilitate transit through Europes airspace at the speed of relevance.  T.C. Milli Savunma Bakanlg (@tcsavunma) April 10, 2020

Following the delivery of medical supplies to the UK and our President Mr Erdogan's personal letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, our plane is on its return journey to Ankara.  pic.twitter.com/ObweYedlrb  T.C. Milli Savunma Bakanlg (@tcsavunma) April 10, 2020

Read: Turkey Witnesses Fastest Rise In Coronavirus Cases, Law To Release Prisoners Underway

Read: COVID-19 Crisis: Turkey To Provide Free Surgical Masks To The Entire Nation
As coronavirus cases and deaths slow down in Spain, another ray of hope emerged in the form of this elderly couple. In their 65 years of marriage, this elderly couple has braced a lot of obstacles, but one of their most memorable milestones to date is surviving coronavirus together!

Jose Prieto Cerrudo and his wife, Guadalupe Matas Hernandez, both 88 years of age, contracted coronavirus. Although the elderly are more vulnerable to this disease, they successfully beat COVID-19 together. Both Jose and Guadalupe were released from the hospital this week after surviving the virus.

The couple, who have been married for more than six decades, requested to be put together in the same room. The hospital permitted them to be with one another as they both fight, and eventually recover from the disease.

Rosi Prieto, one of the couple's seven daughters, was a witness to the heartwarming love story of her parents. She told local media:

"They didn't know what it was like to be separated. My father, more than anything, missed my mother. My father is very affectionate, he needs to be with my mother."

On March, 14 Prieto Cerrudo was admitted into the Red Cross Hospital after experiencing a fever and a cough. Later on, his wife was also admitted after exhibiting similar symptoms. The two eventually tested positive for the dreaded virus.

Since both of them do not exhibit severe symptoms or any complications, Jesus Lacasa, a doctor at the hospital, permitted the couple to move into a similar room.

Lacasa said that when they were in different rooms, one was thinking about the other all the time, similar to their partner. They are a married couple who have spent their entire lives together, they know when the other one is in bad shape and they are not worried about themselves, just the other.

Due to the rising death toll in Spain, the patients' loved ones couldn't help but worry about their situation. In any case, on March 30, doctors had some uplifting news that their parents had successfully beat the virus, and can finally come home after more than two weeks of hospitalization.

Read also: Coronavirus Survivors: Italian 6-Month-Old Baby, 102-Year-Old Woman Recover

Rosi Prieto told El Pais newspaper that they 'didn't think things were going to go well, especially for her father who was not feeling well.'

Javier Gomez Pavon, head of geriatric consideration at the Red Cross Hospital, said elderly patients who recovered have a newfound strength and positive outlook in life.

"If it is a person who returns to their family or with their partner where nothing has changed, they will return with more strength. This is a strong generation who have overcome the Spanish civil war, the hunger, the misery and the death of brothers."

Among the survivors is 96-year-old Adoracion Gonzales Garcia, who is a mother of three. Just like Jose and Guadalupe, Adoracion gives a semblance of hope after fighting coronavirus against all odds.

The health ministry reported on tuesday that the daily death toll for the coronavirus outbreak escalate by 743 in the wake of falling for four straight days bringing the total to 13,798.

Related article: GOOD NEWS! More Than 170,000 People Recover From Coronavirus Around the World

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A China Eastern Airlines pilot arrives at Sydney airport after flying a plane from the Chinese city of Wuhan on January 23, 2020. (Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images)

Wuhan Flight to Sydney Draws Criticism, Raises Concerns

A plane from Wuhan city in Chinaground-zero of the COVID-19 outbreaklanded in Sydney on April 8, carrying 90 tonnes of medical supplies, including protective masks, gowns, and respirators.

The flight crew were ordered to quarantine themselves in a hotel at Sydney Airport for 16 hours until their next flight departed on April 9.

Although Australia is in desperate need of medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE), the decision to allow the plane to come has drawn criticism and anger.

Peta Credlin, a well-known political commentator, described the situation as utterly unacceptable during an interview with Alan Jones on the popular talk-back radio program, 2GB.

Credlin expressed her feelings about the potential exposure of Australians to the CCP virus by the flight crew.

The person who cleans the room the next day, and changes the linenwhy are we putting ourselves at risk? she said.

Yet these guys, theyre getting off a plane from [expletive] Wuhan, she said.

The controversial Wuhan flight comes amid a criminal investigation into the mishandling of the Ruby Princess cruise ship which allowed passengers to disembark before getting back the results of COVID-19 testing. They went on to transmit the disease in the community. Infections from the Ruby Princess now account for over 10 percent of all COVID-19 cases in Australia, and over 30 percent of all deaths from the disease.

The flight from Wuhan comes right as the government updated its restrictions for aircrew on April 9, on the advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).

The AHPPC announcement said aircrew on international flights are exempt from the mandatory 14-day self-isolation rules.

The flight from Wuhan was operated by Suparna (JinPeng), the second-largest Chinese cargo company. Staff wore full protective gear as they unloaded the medical supplies.

Concerns about the infection risks of airline crew are being raised in Australia after about 50 Qantas Group employees tested positive for COVID-19. Qantas said in a statement that infections occurred while their crew was on the ground in cities overseas, and not while they were on an aircraft.

China Sells Defective Medical Supplies

While Australia is desperate for medical supplies and PPE there is mounting concern in the international community about the quality of supplies being sold by China, which have been described using words like dodgy, faulty, defective, dirty, and, unfitting.

At a press briefing in Finland on April 8, Tomi Lounema, the managing director of the countrys National Emergency Supply Agency said, The Chinese market is very chaotic.

He added that they had to deal with a large number of obscure suppliers in China which makes it difficult to trace where goods are actually made.

Prices are rising all the time, transactions have to be done quickly and you have to pay in advance, he said. The commercial risk is very high.

In a press release on April 7, the City of Toronto said it had recalled more than 62,000 faulty surgical masks that it purchased from suppliers in China worth CA$200,000 that did not meet the specifications the City requires. The faulty masks had been distributed to long-term care facilities on March 28.

The City of Toronto is investigating whether care workers may have been exposed to the CCP virus while wearing one of the faulty masks.

The CEO of Irelands Health Services Executive, Paul Reid, said on April 5 that about 20 percent of a consignment of PPE from China was defective. The faulty items carried a value of 4 million euro (US$4.4 million, AU$6.9 million).

The Netherlands and Spain are also on the growing list of countries that have received faulty medical equipment from China. On March 28, the Netherlands recalled around 600,000 face masks. The Spanish health ministry withdrew 58,000 Chinese-made testing kits upon discovering they had an accuracy rate of only 30 percent.

On April 8, the Chinese regimes customs administration admitted to the poor quality of the PPE that was exported in a statement titled: China moves to ensure quality of medical supply exports.
The Air Force evacuated three government contractors, who tested positive for COVID-19, from Afghanistan to Germany on April 10, video released by the military shows.

According to the Air Force, the mission was the first operational use of the Transport Isolation System (TIS), which includes a containment area inside an C-17 aircraft as well as medical support staff.

This video, taken by the Air Force, shows the the plane and its interior after landing at Ramstein Air Base, located in southwest Germany. Credit: US Air Force via Storyful
If China is considered a developing country, make the United States too a developing one, US President Donald Trump said on Friday, alleging that Beijing has taken advantage of his country.

"China has been unbelievably taken advantage of us and other countries. You know, for instance, they are considered a developing nation. I said well then make us a developing nation too, Trump told reporters at his daily White House conference on coronavirus.

The president was responding to a question on China.

They get big advantages because they are a developing nation. India, a developing nation. The United States is the big developed nation. Well, we have plenty of development to do, he said.

Reiterating that United States was taken advantage of by the World Trade Organization, Trump said the Chinese economy started booming after it joined WTO with the help of the US.

If you look at the history of China, it was only since they went into the WTO that they became a rocket ship with their economy. They were flatlined for years and years, he said.

Frankly, for many, many decades. And it was only when they came into the WTO that they became a rocket ship because they took advantage of all -- I'm not even blaming them. I'm saying how stupid were the people that stood here and allowed it to happen, he said.

The Trump Administration will now allow that to happen, he said.

If they don't treat us fairly, will leave. But now we're starting to win cases, he said.

Alleging that China has taken advantage of the United States for 30 years, he said, China has taken advantage of the US through WTO and using rules that are unfair to the United States.

"They should have never been allowed it, this should have never been allowed to happen", he added.

When China joined and was allowed to join under those circumstances the WTO, that was a very bad day for the United States because they have rules and regulations that were far different and far easier than our rules and regulations, he said.

Plus. They took advantage of them down to the last. China took advantage of them like few people would even think to take advantage of them and again they are considered right a developing nation, he added.

The United States, he rued, is not considered a developing nation.

The were given advantages (for being a developing nation). For many years China has ripped off the United States. Then I came along and right now, as you know, China is paying 25 percent," said Trump, adding that the US is now gaining "billions and billions and billions of dollars in tariffs from China.

The US is not paying, he asserted.

Not every country is China but China would devalue their currency and they would also pour out money and they essentially were paying most of those tariffs not us, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
We are in the midst of a new Sagan of UFO books that is different and, frankly, more interesting. The central concern in these books is not truth but meaning. UFOlogy is similar in many ways to religion. While writers from Thomas Aquinas to Richard Dawkins argue for and against belief in God, a different approach was taken by William James, who sets aside concern about Gods existence and starts from the fact that people do have religious experiences. Whether or not there is a God, James asks, what does it mean that there are so many who have these transcendent experiences? Sarah Scoless They Are Already Here: UFO Culture and Why We See Saucers, David J. Halperins Intimate Alien: The Hidden Story of the UFO and Keith Coopers The Contact Paradox: Challenging Our Assumptions in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence take a similar approach to the question of UFOs. Maybe we have been visited, maybe not (probably not), but regardless, what does it mean that so many of us have these experiences and beliefs?
Madhya Pradesh on Friday reported the highest death rate of Covid-19 patients in India with almost the entire health department either in quarantine or in hospitals. The health experts said the high deaths and spurt in cases indicated poor state response to the deadly virus in the state.

The first four cases in the state were reported from Jabalpur on March 20, the day when chief minister Kamal Nath resigned from his post two hours before he was to face a floor test in the state assembly to prove the majority of his government.

Bhopal joined the list of Covid-19 affected cities in the state on March 22 with one patient.

On March 23, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan took over as the new chief minister for the fourth time but without any cabinet minister. That day, the state had seven cases in total.

In the next two days, the number of Covid-19 positive cases went up to 15 and the number of districts from where the cases were reported increased to six from two. Till the end of March, the number of cases increased to about 66 with five deaths. Only 1,000 samples for the Covid-19 test were collected and there were only three labs approved by ICMR , according to the health department bulletin.

By then, there was a clear indication that Indore was turning out to be the Covid-19 hotspot in the state with 66% of the total cases and three of five deaths. Officials said the local administration failed to enforce the nationwide lockdown in Indore in letter and spirit after which Chouhan replaced the collector and deputy inspector general (DIG) Police in Indore.

But it was too late and too little. Damage had been done. Those who had contracted virus in Indore were spreading within their areas. The situation was about to explode and it happened. Had there been testing of samples on a large scale, Indores story would have been different today, said an official from Indore who was not willing to be named.

In a fortnight since then, the state on Friday had 451 cases in 20 out of the total 52 districts and 36 deaths in 6 districts. Indore accounted for 235 of these cases and 26 deaths. Madhya Pradesh has conducted only 70 Covid-19 tests, per million population, as per the analysis of data provided by the state government.

Within 24 hours of his taking over, the CM replaced Chief Secretary Gopal Reddy and appointed Iqbal Singh Bains in his place. Reddy had taken over just 7 days back. Amid the spread of coronavirus cases, the CM also replaced health secretary Prateek Hajela on April 1, blaming him for poor response to the pandemic with Faiz Ahmad Kidwai. Pallavi Jain Govil, principal secretary in the health department had not reported to authorities that her son had returned from the US.

On April 2, a managing director and IAS officer in National Health Mission (NHM) tested Covid-19 positive. On April 4, another IAS officer in the health department tested positive. Children of the IAS officer and another director in directorate who also tested positive for Covid-19 had returned from abroad, which was not reported to authorities. After being tested positive, both insisted to work from home saying they did not have any Covid-19 symptoms. On April 8, both of them were forcefully taken to a hospital.Till then, 18 health department officials, including the director of health services, had tested positive and 40 others were in mandatory home quarantine.

The two IAS officers heading the department showed symptoms of cold and cough almost the same time but they continued to attend the meetings in the directorate and the state secretariat, a health department official said, requesting anonymity. He said the two were responsible for more than 50 officials including several IAS officers having to self-quarantine. Some of these IAS officers were heading important departments.

Giving an example of how lightly the officials took the Covid-19 situation, another health department officer said even social distancing norm was not practised in the Covid-19 control room at states health directorate.

The control room later became an epicentre of coronavirus as the two IAS officers and the director used to come there regularly, he said.

However, the state government in an official statement sought to justify the stand of the officers and said their sons had cleared the screening at the airport. They had no symptoms and they had completed the quarantine period.

Amid all this, the health department employees across the state threatened to go on strike claiming that there were not enough Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits for health workers.

Despite efforts, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan could not be reached for his comments. Additional chief secretary, health, Mohammed Suleman, who has now been asked to handle the Covid-19 situation as the head of health department, didnt respond to calls and text messages.

Public health expert Amulya Nidhi said the CM didnt hold even a single video conference with the chief medical officers of all districts or public representatives. It was on April 10 that the CM sought suggestions from former chief minister Kamal Nath and leaders like Digvijaya Singh and Uma Bharti, he said.

The way the officers were shifted demoralised other officers. In fighting corona, the governments entire focus was on social distancing, which is not bad. But there should have been an equal focus on procuring test kits, PPE and other equipment. To me, MP is the worst managed Covid state in the country, he said.

Former minister and Congress leader, Ajay Singh said, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan messed up everything in trying to become a one-man army. Also, when the entire world was concerned over the corona pandemic the CM was busy in toppling the then Congress government.

However, state BJP spokesperson Rajneesh Agrawal said, When the BJP government came the situation was very bad. The then Congress government had not taken any measures. There was no effort to procure PPE kits, testing kits etc. The BJP government took prompt measures to control the situation.
Farmers carry a bag of rice in the southern city of Can Tho. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Tran.

Vietnam has lifted its ban on rice exports with immediate effect, allowing 400,000 tonnes to be shipped this month.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc scrapped the ban Friday and ordered relevant ministries to develop an export plan what will ensure the benefits of farmers and traders.

The Finance Ministry was tasked with controlling the amount of rice to be exported, and to buy 190,000 tonnes from traders for reserves.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade will order Vietnam Customs to stop allowing exports once the set quota is reached.

On March 24, the PM had imposed a rice export ban until late May to ensure national food security amidst the novel coronavirus pandemic, but the trade ministry had proposed that it be lifted, arguing that supply will exceed demand by 6.7 million tonnes for the year.

The finance ministry had recently proposed that export of regular rice is stopped until mid-June to build reserves and ensure national food security.

Vietnam is the world's third largest rice exporter after India and Thailand. Last year it exported 6.37 million tons worth $2.81 billion, with the top markets being the Philippines, Ivory Coast, Malaysia, and China.
WESTLAKE, Ohio -- A Cleveland woman is accused of striking two people and a dog with her car Tuesday night, police say.

A woman and her friend were seriously injured in the crash that happened about 9:15 p.m. on Cahoon Road just west of Dover Center Road, according to a statement from Westlake police.

Shayla Harris is charged with felonious assault and is being held in the Cuyahoga County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

A woman told police she, her friend and dog were hit by a car while walking on the sidewalk near White Oaks Restaurant, police said. It drove away.

Police later found a black Sedan matching the description of the car involved stopped in the area of Dover Center Road and Dominion Drive.

The 24-year-old woman, later identified as the woman who hit them, told police she struck a deer the night before.

She was taken into custody after evidence of front-end damage to her car and learning she did in fact hit the two people and the dog.

She also admitted to hitting a 56-year-old Westlake man April 1 while he was walking his dog in Bay Village, police said.

The dogs appear to be OK, police said.
Anil S By

Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Just a few weeks ago, he was in the news for wrong reasons. But now, he might be the person the state will remember along with its fight against Covid-19. The young doctor at Sree Chitra Thirunal Institute of Science and Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram, who had tested positive and later recovered, could be Indias first plasma donor for convalescent plasma therapy in Covid treatment. In this method, plasma of cured patients who have developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 virus is used for Covid treatment.

Top sources said the radiologist has informally expressed his willingness to donate blood plasma. He will be the first donor if he meets the other parameters too. Informal talks were held with him. He is willing to take part in all research and related activities. However, the formal proceedings will begin only after getting the Drugs Controller General of Indias (DGCI) approval, said a source. The doctor, who returned from Spain on March 1, tested positive on March 13. Following this, more than 50 medical staff, including doctors of SCTIMST, had to be placed in quarantine.

The doctor was discharged from the Medical College Hospital on March 26 and is currently in two-week mandatory home quarantine. It will take another week for him to rejoin service at the institute. Currently, discussions are only at the preliminary stage. It will be confirmed only after further discussions, the doctor told TNIE. His 179 primary and secondary contacts at the hospital have also completed 15 days in home quarantine. A donor is chosen only if he fulfils several other criteria, said a source.

WATCH | Cure for COVID-19? Here's all you need to know about blood plasma therapy



Sree Chitra Institute got calls from foreign countries

There will be a test to ensure the donor is not weak, his blood pressure, pulse and temperature are normal, his weight is within advisable limits, he is well hydrated and has no cardiac issues. Based on all these, a final decision will be taken, said the source. There has been a huge response from various corners for donation of blood plasma for Covid treatment.

The institute has even received calls from people from abroad who are willing to donate. Currently, the Sree Chitra Institute has been accorded clearance for restricted clinical trials only, said director Dr Asha Kishore. Plasma therapy can be done only after a person satisfies all the criteria, to donate and receive.

Across the globe, now its being done as a restricted experimental therapy, where both the donors and recipients satisfy all the laid-down criteria. It is being administered to only severely ill patients and ones with life-threatening situation, and where all other therapies have failed. We will begin with severely ill patients. If the results are dramatic, the scope could be further widened, she said.

The state has already got permission from the Indian Council of Medical Research to conduct clinical trials. Now, as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, approval is needed from DCGI. In addition, the institute should also get approval from its own Ethics Committee which will look into the patients safety and their interests, before giving its nod.

Six hospitals in state to collect plasma

Once final clearance is issued, five other hospitals besides SCTIMST will be able to collect and store plasma for therapy. They are medical college hospitals in Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Thrissur and Kannur and the Ernakulam General Hospital. The blood banks at the hospitals will also carry out plasma collection from donors in their region. The doctors at the institutes will have to record the data of patients and outcomes of the study. Dr Debasish Gupta, Head of Transfusion Medicine, SCTIMST, will be responsible for plasma therapy procedures. Data of patients and outcome of clinical trials will be compiled by Dr Anup Kumar, Head of Covid Clinic Centre in Kozhikode. The State Blood Transfusion Council will also have a role, as it regulates the transportation of blood and blood products in Kerala.
Dodge County Republicans

Pursuant to the Nebraska GOP and Dodge County Republican Party Constitutions, local Republicans gathered April 3. Because of COVID-19, the meeting was held online and by telephone.

Thirty-four delegates participated. Chair Roxie Kracl called the meeting to order.

Because the meeting was not in person, it was brief, with much business and discussion postponed. Normally, candidates and elected officials would be given the floor for a few minutes each at a county convention, but not at this meeting.

The main business was electing officers for the Dodge County GOP; Nebraska GOP State Central Committeeman and Committeewoman; and choosing eight delegates and eight alternates to attend the Nebraska Republican Party State Convention which is scheduled to be in Kearney on June 5 and 6.

Kracl, Fremont, was re-elected Dodge County GOP Chair. State Central Committeeman and Committeewoman are John and Elaine Grothusen, Fremont. Delegates to the State Convention are Kracl, Elaine Grothusen, John Grothusen, Charlie Janssen, Steve Kracl, Blake Kracl, Deb Wright, and Rosie Parde. State convention alternates are Katie Kracl, Tracy Stone, Jessica Heineman, Joanne Thietje, Scott Eveland, Les Parde, Riley McCoy, and Allison Monson.

At the GOP Nebraska State Convention, delegates to the national convention will be chosen to make the trip to Charlotte, North Carolina, in August 2020.

Cathy Tighe is continuously updating the county webpage (www.dodgegop.net) and other social media including blogging and tweeting.

A resolution endorsing the candidacy of David Rogers to be our next state senator from Legislative District  15 (Dodge County) was passed unanimously.

Consideration of party involvement at John C. Fremont Days and the Dodge County Fair was postponed.

The one-hour 2020 county convention adjourned at 6:30pm. The party steering committee will deal with party business in between conventions. The next county convention will be in the spring of 2022.

The electronic aspect of the meeting was quite satisfactory thanks to Nebraska GOP Executive Director Ryan Hamilton and Political Director Caitlan Holman. They encouraged all to frequently check www.ne.gop and www.dodgegop.net.

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A man protests against the new mobile communications standard 5G in Berlin, Germany, September 22, 2019.

REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke

Anti-5G conspiracy theorists have started pushing misinformation that the drug hydroxychloroquine is a coronavirus cure on Facebook.

The public "Stop 5G U.K." group on Facebook began as an anti-5G community, but has evolved to become a nexus of conspiracy theories and scientific illiteracy.

Recent posts in the group recommend that COVID-19 patients take a dosage of hydroxychloroquine  dangerous armchair advice given the drug's efficacy in treating coronavirus is unproven.

There is no conclusive proof that any drug is effective in combating the coronavirus.

Facebook said it was removing posts that push misinformation about 5G and the coronavirus, including inaccurate claims about cures, but the posts remain live.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Conspiracy theorists pushing the false concept that 5G mobile signals are linked to the coronavirus outbreak are, on Facebook, increasingly now pushing the unproven drug hydroxychloroquine as a cure.

Video: The Right Way to Clean Surfaces Against the Coronavirus

One of the biggest Facebook groups promoting the 5G conspiracy theory has evolved to become a nexus of misinformation around the coronavirus.

The "Stop 5G U.K" group is a public group on Facebook with nearly 60,000 members. Anyone is currently able to join the group.

It has historically focused on the false claim that 5G radiation is harmful to humans, with its members protesting new mobile phone masts in their areas and posting dubious scientific claims about radio waves.

When Business Insider examined more recent posts from March and April, the group appears to have evolved from its anti-5G stance to peddling hydroxychloroquine as a cure for the coronavirus.

There is no robust evidence showing that hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug, is effective in combating the virus. Social media sites including Facebook and Twitter have said they will take down posts that make false claims about cures for the coronavirus.

Story continues

In a post dated April 6, one commenter recommended COVID-19 patients take a cocktail of drugs, including "200mg hydroxychloroquine twice daily" for five days. Such armchair advice is dangerous  one American man who took chloroquine phosphate to guard against COVID-19 died.

Another commenter wrongly claims: "The drug Hydroxychloroquine has been identified by the government as a successful treatment for Covid-19."

The FDA in the US has issued an "emergency use authorization" for hydroxychloroquine, but only for COVID-19 patients in hospital who are unable to enroll in a clinical trial. It has not been granted full FDA approval as a treatment for COVID-19. The European Commission has also said there is no proof the drug is effective against the coronavirus.

Both posts remain visible in the Facebook group.

In spite of the lack of evidence, demand for hydroxychloroquine has spiked globally.

That's after French doctors experimented with combining hydroxychloroquine with another drug and found six patients with COVID-19 tested negative after six days on the treatment. This was, however, a small study that has not been widely replicated.

As documented by The Atlantic, "celebrity doctor" Mehmet Oz nonetheless appeared on Fox News to describe the findings as "very impressive."

President Trump, a notable fan of Fox News, mentioned the drug combination on a tweet sent March 21, stating it could "one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine" despite the lack of conclusive evidence.

Ben Nimmo, an expert in disinformation campaigns, told Business Insider that it was common for divergent conspiracy theories to meld together.

"One of the common factors that's been observed in online misinformation over the years is that communities which believe one conspiracy theory tend to be more ready to believe and share other ones," he told Business Insider in an email. "For example, users who post lots about the Illuminati or chemtrails have been one of the communities that also amplified Kremlin disinformation more frequently."

The conspiracy theory that 5G has a link to the coronavirus is so virulent that it has reportedly led to activists setting phone masts alight in the UK.

Facebook told Business Insider it is proactively removing misinformation around 5G and the coronavirus from its platforms, though the "Stop 5G UK" group remains active.

A spokesman said: "We are taking aggressive steps to stop misinformation and harmful content from spreading on our platforms and connect people to accurate information about Coronavirus.

"Under our existing policies against harmful misinformation, we are starting to remove false claims which link COVID-19 to 5G technology and could lead to physical harm. We will continue to work closely with governments and other tech companies to remove harmful misinformation and have partnered with health authorities like the WHO and NHS to connect people to the latest official guidance."

Business Insider
A romance mystery writer charged with murdering her husband will not get to ride out the coronavirus pandemic in a private guest house as she had hoped, a Multnomah County judge ruled.

Circuit Judge Christopher Ramras said Nancy Crampton Brophy, 69, must instead seek a bail hearing if she wishes to be released from jail pending her trial in September, court records show. The defendant had previously waived her right to have one.

Ramras also dismissed a habeas corpus petition the defendant filed against Multnomah County Sheriff Mike Reese, which alleged the conditions in the jails he oversees create a medically dangerous environment that threatened her life.

Lawyers for Crampton Brophy had argued their clients age and history as a diabetic spelled her imminent death should she remain held at the Multnomah County Detention Center in downtown Portland as the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, spreads in Oregon, court filings show.

They instead proposed that Brophy stay in an undisclosed guest house in the Portland area, where she would be under GPS monitoring, have food and groceries delivered to her and and not be allowed to leave.

Crampton Brophy is among a growing number of inmates in Oregon and around the U.S. who have sought release from local, state and federal custody amid the COVID-19 epidemic, which public health experts say can spread more aggressively within jails and prisons than the community at large.

Multnomah Countys two jails, which can hold up to 1,200 inmates, have yet to report a known case among jail staff or the general population.

Crampton Brophy has been in custody since September 2018 after police say she gunned down Daniel Brophy, her husband of 27 years, in a kitchen at the Oregon Culinary Institute that June. Daniel Brophy had been a beloved instructor at the school in downtown Portland.

The case became international news after The Oregonian/OregonLive revealed Crampton Brophy once wrote an essay titled How to Murder Your Husband. Her self-published titles include The Wrong Husband and Hell On The Heart.

-- Shane Dixon Kavanaugh; 503-294-7632

Email at skavanaugh@oregonian.com

Follow on Twitter @shanedkavanaugh

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories
Tunis, Tunisia  When Hadda Chalbi received a call from the local hospital last week, she did not expect to be told that her only brother had set himself on fire and fallen into a coma.

Unemployed, physically disabled and with a child on the way, Hammadi Chalbis desperation had become too much to bear, leading the 32-year-old to self-immolate outside the local government offices in Maktar, some 160 kilometres (99 miles) southwest of Tunis.

The local administration had repeatedly declined to issue Hammadi a vendors permit, Hadda told Al Jazeera, which she attributed to favouritism within the local government.

Her younger brother wanted to work his way out of poverty, but instead was forced to rely on his seven sisters for his and his wifes income.

When youre disabled and desperate what can you do? lamented Hadda. [Hammadi] cannot work, he has no source of income and is only getting money from his sisters. Is there a bigger desperation than that?

Fragile economy

Exasperation among Tunisias low-income families is not new. The countrys economy entered a period of decline following the removal of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in the 2010-2011 uprising, which had been triggered by the public self-immolation of a young street vendor.

According to World Bank data, Tunisias economic growth since 2010 has averaged 1.8 percent a year, significantly lower than annual averages had been in the previous decade. Under Ben Ali, unemployment reached a low of 12 percent in 2007, and at the height of the uprising in 2011, it surged to 18 percent. Last year, the figure was 15 percent.

Yet nothing had prepared families like the Chalbis for the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pandemic and the governments decision in late March to impose a two-week nationwide lockdown in an attempt to limit the spread of the virus. It has since been extended until April 19.

The lockdown has forced the closure of restaurants, hotels and offices, a ban on international flights and the closure of land borders, bringing an already struggling economy to a standstill. The International Monetary Fund on Friday said it expected Tunisias economy to contract by 4.3 percent in 2020, in what would be the deepest contraction since it declared independence in 1956. But for a country with a fragile healthcare system, prevention is being treated as the lesser of two evils. Tunisia has confirmed 699 cases of COVID-19 and 25 associated deaths.

Financial aid

In an attempt to mitigate the effect of the measures on businesses and head off potential social unrest, Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh announced in late March that 2.5 billion dinars ($850m) would be allocated to combat the social and economic effects of the crisis.

Tunisias Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh promised financial aid to mitigate the effect of the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus [File: Zoubeir Souissi/Reuters]

The package included some 450 million dinars ($155m) in aid to poor families or those who have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus outbreak, in addition to a postponement on taxes on small and medium-sized businesses and delaying repayments for low-income employee loans.

Tunis also received financial support and pledges from a range of external actors. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a $745m loan to the North African country and the European Union granted 250 million euros ($273m).

Italy also announced it would grant Tunisia 50 million euros ($55m) while the Jeddah-based Islamic Development Bank has announced plans to lend Tunisia $280m.

But for Tunisias daily wage workers, most of whom have little in the way of savings, even the short-term loss of their livelihoods can be devastating.

The lockdown is not a good decision, said Hammadis sister, Hadda. People cannot stand it, [they] are already poor and not being able to work is killing them. Her brother is one of two known cases of self-immolation to take place in Maktar since the lockdown came into effect.

Hunger made them protest

Last week, desperation gave way to anger as hundreds of people marched in front of their local government offices in different parts of the country, demanding an end to the lockdown and access to the financial aid the prime minister had pledged last month. A number of similar protests against the lockdown also erupted in late March.

People came out spontaneously  hunger made them go protest, said Marwan Jelassi from his home in Cite Ettadhamen, a working-class neighbourhood in north Tunis. They went to the local governors office, but it was closed  all of them are people who lost their source of income.

In this file photo from March 30, Tunisian soldiers stand guard during a demonstration against the lockdown [File: Fethi Belaid/AFP]

The 32-year-old plumber ran out of savings soon after the lockdown began and has not worked since. On TV they say they will take care of you and provide you with a solution, but in reality public offices are closed and there is no one to tell you how or what to do, this is what led to people getting angry and protesting, he explained.

These days, Jelassi stays at home with his wife and six-year-old son and tends to his plants. When he does leave the house, he is careful to avoid the landlord. He wants me to pay the rent and I cannot afford it for now.

Like many other daily-wage workers, he can no longer afford to buy groceries for his family of three and now relies on his mother-in-law sending pasta, flour, milk and coffee.

In such conditions you cannot work and cannot even borrow money  there will be a catastrophe, people cant stand it anymore, hunger leads to catastrophes, said Jelassi.

Not far from Jelassis home, in Cite Bassatine, 36-year-old construction worker Mohammed Ghodhbane blames government inaction and the marginalisation of low-income areas like his own.

[Politicians] only remember us when there are elections, he said. They come, they give us support and want us to vote for them but now we dont mean anything to them  [we] are just numbers to them.

Despite being asthmatic and therefore at greater risk of complications related to the coronavirus, Ghodhbane says he cannot afford to stay at home and instead continues to take to the streets in search of a daily wage so that he can provide food for his family.

We need food and solutions, we will die if this continues, at least the virus is curable but what can we do for the hunger?

On Monday, a video circulated on social media showing President Kais Saied distributing aid packages to families. The president, who was elected in October, based much of his campaign on his austere persona amid a corrupt political elite.

In this file photo from March 30, several hundred Tunisians demonstrated in a working-class neighbourhood of Tunis, demanding promised government support and protesting the lockdown [File: Fethi Belaid/AFP]

Earlier this month, three heads of mutamadiyah  the Tunisian equivalent of a county  were removed from their posts. Local media speculated that the dismissals were related to the officials handling of financial aid

But some protesters said the dismissals made no difference to them.

Now that they dismissed the local governor  they think that they resolved the problems. But nothing happened, today we are still in the streets and we still need the same requests, said Mongi Bayar.

We are asking to live with dignity

Like Hammadi, Bayar travelled to his local council in Maktar on April 5 to demonstrate against the state of the economy in the town. Exhausted by years of hardship and indignant at the sight of so many fellow-Tunisians begging for help and being ignored, 35-year-old Bayar knelt to pick up a piece of broken glass he had found on the floor and slashed his arms and stomach in a desperate act of protest.

I couldnt stand such an injustice  we were only asking to live with dignity, said Bayar. The situation is disturbing, and this made me so desperate that I cut myself.

If things continue like this it will be worse than 2011  now its boiling all around Tunisia and since 2011 nothing changed yet we had big expectations, but nothing happened.

But Peter R Neumann of the International Center for the Study of Radicalization told Al Jazeera that although discontent had surfaced in renewed, often violent protests in January 2018 and then again in December last year in Tunisia, no leading voice has risen above the collective anger as of yet.

What were seeing across the board in North Africa is that grievances are increasing, but only in some countries is there someone who can channel that into anti-government action, said Neumann.

COVID-19 will inevitably have an effect on Tunisias lower-income families, he added. People who are almost living day by day, small traders  these are not people that have a state income. Grievance is going to increase.
W ell Tiger King is quite the ride isnt it?

The Netflix series has left viewers around the globe completely stunned thanks to the many twists and turns it serves up, while exploring big cat ownership and private zoos in the States.

The series comes to a solid conclusion with the conviction of Joe Exotic but its fair to say its also left fans with a lot of questions. But dont worry - weve got you covered.

From what the cast are up to now to what happened to the animals, here are the answers to your burning questions

Jailed: Tiger King did not have a happy ending for its protagonist (Netflix)

Is Joe Exotic still with Dillon Passage?

After his split from John Finlay and the tragic death of Travis Maldonado, it didnt take long for Exotic to find love again.

The series revealed that Joe married his next husband just months after Maldonado died  and proving naysayers wrong, the pair are still together three years later.

Passage has given numerous interviews since the show arrived on Netflix, recently claiming it didnt show his [Exotics] really sweet and sensitive side hes definitely a wild person and very outspoken and not afraid to say what he thinks.

Something not revealed in the series is that Exotic had two other husbands before these marriages. A New York Magazine profile published in 2019 details Exotics first marriage to Brian Rhyne, which wasnt legally binding as gay marriage was far from legal when they got hitched in the 1980s.

Exotic and Rhyne opened the zoo together before Rhynes tragic death from complications relating to HIV in 2001. He then met and married J. C. Hartpence but the couples relationship failed. Hartpence is currently prison after being found guilty of a murder that took place after their split.

Did Jeff Lowe open his new zoo?

New ownership: Lowe took over the zoo when Exotic fled and continues to run it following Exotic's conviction / Netflix

The series ended on Lowe forging ahead with plans to build a brand new zoo himself after falling out with his latest business partner, Tim Stark (more on him later).

But building a zoo is as difficult as it sounds and the all-new park in Thackerville, Oklahoma isnt open just yet.

Instead, Lowe and his wife Lauren are running the Wynnewood zoo founded by Exotic.

Their new location does have an Instagram account where they share plenty of updates and at the time of writing, the bio claims the park will open in Summer 2020.

Is Joe Exotic still in jail?

He is, indeed. Exotic was convicted in April 2019 and sentenced to 22 years in prison. While this still stands, the popularity of Tiger King has raised questions about Exotics jail time and US President Donald Trump was even asked if he would consider pardoning the zoo owner.

Ill take a look, he replied.

What happened to the memorial to Tristan Maldonado ?

Episode five focussed on Maldonados tragic death from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, shedding light on the life he lived with Exotic before Joshua Dial, who had been Exotics political campaign manager, recounted seeing Maldonado end his life.

A funeral for Maldonado was held at the zoo and Exotic then built a memorial for his husband. The area, which featured two quad bikes and a plaque with Maldonados name made very few other appearances in the series and it was unclear if it is still in place following Lowes takeover.

Married life: Maldonadoand Exotic in the series / Netflix

What happened to Tim Stark?

Stark went from a supporting character to key cast member when he decided to go into business with Lowe and build a new park.

It didnt take long for the cracks in their partnership to show though and fed up of doing all the manual labour alone, Stark packed up his belongings (and animals) and quit the project.

His own zoo, Wildlife In Need, remains open but the business hasnt been without its troubles and in February, state officials in Indiana lodged a lawsuit claiming Starks animals were being mistreated. He vehemently denies the claims.

Investigations are ongoing and in early March, officials visited the property to look around.

Tiger King: Netflix's best documentary series if you enjoyed the crazy tale of Joe Exotic

What happened to the tigers?

Many of the animals are still at the Wynnewood zoo but a recent post on PETAs website reveals that 39 were rescued and moved to reputable sanctuaries around the time Exotic left.

In 2019, a reporter from Texas Monthly visited the zoo after Exotic was convicted, and spoke of how he was the only guest there. Find out more information here.

What happened to Joe Dial?

Dial staged a truly impressive career change when he went from Walmart employee to political campaign manager. His time with Exotic and co. was chaotic to say the least and Dial also endured the unimaginable horror of seeing Maldonado end his own life.

In the years since, Dial has remained in Oklahoma and in a recent interview, he revealed he is now engaged. Since Tiger Kings release, Dial has given a handful of interviews and after one podcast appearance, a GoFundMe campaign was started to help raise funds for him to have counselling and therapy.

What happened in the raid on Doc Antles zoo?

The closing episode featured a huge explosive claim about Antle, as Exotic accused him of euthanising young tigers. It was also revealed that authorities raided his Myrtle Beach park in December 2019.

Antle has vehemently denied all wrongdoing and speaking to local media at the time, Antle insisted the raid was part of an investigation into another zoo - not his.

He said: The lions are part of an ongoing investigation the state is working on and they wanted us to try and help them look at the trail of where the lions had come from and any ideas or evidence we had about what the lion's lives had been before they moved here to Myrtle Beach Safari.

And does he still have a harem of wives?

Antles romantic life has led to plenty of raised eyebrows but the 60-year-old actually denies having multiple wives.

Speaking to People Magazine, he said: My wife died 25 years ago in a car crash here in Myrtle Beach. Ive never been married since.

Antle has also said he has numerous men working at his park, though they were not featured in the documentary.

If you look at the special, it appears that I do not have male help, he said. Why is that? Well, theres 25 of us here. There [are] 12 men. Where the heck are they in that show?

Is Carole Baskins Big Cat Rescue still open?

Netflix

Baskins business and campaigning continue to thrive - though the park is currently shut as a public safety measure during the coronavirus pandemic.

Baskin has slammed Netflixs portrayal of her and issued a lengthy statement refuting many of the accusations levelled at her, namely that she was responsible for the disappearance of her husband, Don. She has also hit back at claims her park and Exotics are the same, explaining that her animals are kept in much larger cages and that she hopes one day, her facility is not needed. See her full statement here.

Where is James Garretson?

Garretsons decision to work with the FBI and provide information on Exotic and Allen Glover proved to be the final nail in the coffin for the eccentric zoo owner.

But in the closing moments of the series, Garretson revealed that he had even more information, hinting that he could bring down Jeff Lowe. So. whats happened? Not much, really.

Garretson still owns various businesses in Oklahoma and has enjoyed the publicity the Netflix series has brought, giving a handful of interviews locally.
Patrons wearing face masks at the Geylang Serai market (PHOTO: Roslan Rahman/AFP via Getty Images)

[UPDATE: Customers to wear face masks when visiting supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies and shopping malls.]

SINGAPORE  From Sunday (12 April), customers who are not wearing face masks will be refused entry into supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies and shopping malls.

In a joint statement on Saturday evening, Enterprise Singapore and Singapore Tourism Board said that the measure is to safeguard patrons own own health and well-being, as well as that of other customers and staff working at these premises.

On Friday, the National Environment Agency (NEA) had announced that patrons who are not wearing masks will not be allowed to enter 40 of the more popular and crowded markets in Singapore. This will take effect on Sunday.

These 40 markets will also have in place crowd management measures, such as controlled entry and exit points.

In a media release, NEA said that the move is to safeguard the health and well-being of all stallholders and patrons during the enhanced safe-distancing period to curb the spread of COVID-19.

With re-usable masks being made available to Singapore residents, patrons should don a mask when visiting markets, given the generally crowded and closed-in environment in markets, it said in the media release.

The 40 markets are: Tiong Bahru Market, Bukit Timah Market, Tanglin Halt Market, Geylang Serai Market, Taman Jurong Market & Food Centre, North Bridge Road Market & Food Centre, Beo Crescent Market, Kallang Estate Market, 409 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10, 505 Jurong West Street 52, 13/14 Haig Rd, 4A Eunos Cres, 104/105 Yishun Ring Rd, 137 Tampines St 11, 630 Bedok Reservoir Rd, 209 Hougang St 21, 453A Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, 527 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, 628 Ang Mo Kio Ave 4, 341 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, 20 Ghim Moh Road, 29 Bendemeer Road, 49 Sims Place, 254 Jurong East St 24, 448 Clementi Ave 3, 50A Marine Terrace, 160/162 Ang Mo Kio Ave 4, 115 Bukit Merah View, 726 Clementi St 2, 79 Redhill Lane, 105 Hougang Ave 1, 16 Bedok South Rd, 216 Bedok North St 1, 58 New Upp Changi Rd, 335 Smith Street, 347 Jurong East Ave 1, 20/21 Marsiling Lane, 665 Buffalo Road, 221 A/B Boon Lay Place, 127 Toa Payoh Lor 1.

Story continues

Hotspots where markets attract big crowds on weekends

NEA said that, while more patrons have been observed to be following safe-distancing measures, there remains a few hotspots where the markets still attracted big crowds over the weekends. Long queues formed outside the markets after the allowable capacity of the markets has been reached.

These include the markets at Geylang Serai, Jurong West Street 52 and Yishun Ring Road.

Patrons are advised to return on another day if the queue outside the market is too long. If the ground situation at these few hotspots does not improve, NEA would consider even stronger measures to reduce crowding both inside and outside these markets.

NEA also recommends the public to:

Wear a mask when visiting all markets;

Visit markets on weekdays and non-peak hours on weekends, wherever possible;

Visit markets once a week, and not everyday or even every few days;

Refrain from lingering in the market when buying groceries. Make a list of the items which are required, purchase them promptly and leave the market.

For patrons in vulnerable groups such as the elderly, NEA strongly encourages them to seek assistance from other members in the household or neighbours should they require to buy food from the market.

Patrons should also consider visiting markets other than the 40 popular ones, which tend to have larger crowds.

68 enforcement actions taken on Friday

Since Thursday, NEAs enforcement officers have started to take down the particulars of anyone found to be in breach of elevated safe distancing measures, without first issuing a verbal warning.

A total of 68 enforcement actions were taken against the public at markets and cooked food sections of hawker centres on Friday.

These included a case where a market patron claimed to be unaware of safe distancing requirements and remained non-compliant, even after a stallholder assisted the officers to remind the patron.

Another case involved a patron who sat in the cooked food section of the hawker centre waiting for the spouse; the NEA officer was subsequently verbally abused and shouted at by the couple.

83 markets with queue markings

To date, 83 markets already have queue markings in front of stalls to guide patrons to maintain at least one metre separation from one another, including the 40 markets which also have crowd management measures in place.

In particular, patrons buying vegetables and fish should observe safe distancing when making purchases, and not crowd in front of the stalls.

NEA is monitoring the situation at markets closely, and will take strict enforcement as necessary on persons who intentionally do not practise safe distancing and are non-compliant.

Dining-in is also disallowed at the dining areas of hawker centres, with effect from 7 April 2020 to 4 May. During this time, no one should gather or loiter at the dining areas of the hawker centres.

All patrons and visitors are reminded to follow the guidance and instructions of NEA officers. Non-compliant patrons and visitors may face enforcement action, including a composition fine of $300 or prosecution in court.

Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore

Related stories:

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Oakland will close 74 miles of streets to through traffic in a daring plan to enable pedestrians and bicycles to recreate in a physically distant manner, Mayor Libby Schaaf announced Friday.

We are giving Oaklanders more room to spread out safely, the mayor said. When we close streets to cars, we open them up for amazing possibilities.

The initiative, unprecedented in size for a major U.S city, would ban through traffic from streets currently designated as bike routes, or streets that have been proposed as future bike routes. They would include long stretches of Chabot Road, Shafter Avenue, Colby Street, MacArthur Boulevard, Webster Street and 32nd Street, 42nd Street and 45th Street. The traffic closure would extend through all parts of the city, from the popular bike routes leading to the Oakland hills to the thoroughfares of downtown and East and West Oakland.

The affected streets represent about 10% of all roads in the city.

The shutdowns will start on Saturday, the mayor said, with the installation of cones and signs at several intersections, gradually extending to all existing and proposed bike routes.

Standing on a sidewalk in East Oakland, the mayor said the plan would not technically close streets but ban through traffic on them. Affected streets will be open to local residents, emergency vehicles and deliveries.

The mayor called for voluntary compliance with respect and said police would issue no citations. The enforcement policy could be reexamined if voluntary compliance wasnt working, she added.

At least one pandemic expert thought Schaafs plan was a great idea. Dr. George Rutherford, professor of epidemiology at UCSF, said he thought Oaklanders would benefit from the road restrictions.

It sounds very cool, he said. You dont want people gathering together and this sounds like it gives people more space.

Rutherford said the plan would also doubtless reduce the chances for car-pedestrian collisions caused by pedestrians entering the roadway to avoid other pedestrians: If this turns out not to work, Oakland can always undo its decision,

UC Berkeley clinical professor emeritus Dr, John Swartzberg, an infectious disease expert, said the plan cuts both ways, depending on whether Oaklanders obey the social distancing guidelines when venturing out onto newly empty streets.

I like the intent of the plan, he said. Id like to give Oakland credit for believing its population will understand the intention of the plan and follow the safety rules.

The plan, called Oakland Slow Streets, was being introduced at the start of an Easter weekend that was expected to see fair weather throughout the Bay Area. Schaaf urged residents to walk, jog, bike, scooter and skate on the newly designated streets, while maintaining social distance, and not to congregate in churches or anywhere else.

Social distancing is the only vaccine we have, the mayor said. You may not go to church services. Please stay home.

The mayor said she hoped the initiative will help give some joy, some recreation and some exercise to families throughout the city.

Oakland transportation director Ryan Russo said the city needs to have as fast as possible as many places as possible where people can socially distance. He said the plan would be introduced gradually because the citys resources are tight and staffing is low.

The move to shut Oakland streets follows closures throughout the Bay Area of parking lots, parks and other outdoor facilities where the appearance of large groups of people have worried health officials. Other U.S. cities are trying similar street restrictions but on a smaller scale than Oakland. Denver banned vehicles from short stretches of three downtown streets and Minneapolis has banned vehicles on two stretches of roadway along the Mississippi River. New York City tried a closure of two dozen blocks, over four boroughs, but the plan was stopped after four days.

In many world capitals, streets are already eerily quiet, devoid of traffic because of stay-at-home orders

In San Francisco, vehicles have been banned on the main portion of Market Street, but that ban was in place before the pandemic began. Other proposals to ban cars from Valencia Street and to impose a congestion-pricing toll plan for downtown driving have been under consideration, also prior to the pandemic. Proposals to extend the long-standing weekend ban on vehicles in parts of Golden Gate Park have met with opposition from authorities who say it would encourage people to congregate.

A 2-mile stretch of Great Highway along the ocean has been closed to vehicles for many days, but officials said that was because of drifting sand, a recurring problem. The closed roadway has become popular with walkers, joggers and bicyclists, nearly all of whom appear to be following the rules. City officials were said to be considering extending the Great Highway closure after the sand is removed.

San Francisco officials said they were considering no such citywide scheme as Oaklands.

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.

Additional street closures are not planned, said Joseph Sweiss, a spokesman for the Joint Information Center that answers pandemic questions on behalf of city agencies. We continue to assess the situations based on recommendations from the Department of Public Health and other experts. We want to encourage people to get exercise and fresh air. But we have nothing like this.

Bike advocates were among those who approved the new Oakland plan with ringing handlebar bells.

Its exciting, said Dave Campbell, advocacy director for Bike East Bay. A neighborhood street should function as a neighborhood street, where people dont have to worry about being hit by a car.

Although the plan uses bike routes as its blueprint for the network of street closures, Campbell pointed out the mayors plan would benefit all people going outdoors and that it was not just about bicycles at all.

Businesses and commercial interests that would otherwise be expected to challenge such a widespread plan to restrict vehicle traffic were by and large closed. Campbell said he fully expected the traffic restrictions to be lifted when the pandemic ends.

On Friday, hours before the changes were to take effect, pedestrians and joggers and bikers were doing their best to co-exist with each other and with cars on Mandana Boulevard in the Grand Lake neighborhood, a street with a painted bike lane on it that will change under the mayors plan. Pedestrians avoiding oncoming pedestrians often stepped into the street, first making sure they were avoiding bikes in the bike lane, then crossed into the traffic lane before returning to the sidewalk. Under the new plan those kinds of in-and-out maneuvers would end.

Longtime Oakland lawyer and bicyclist Phil Schnayerson said he thought the plan will go over big with us bikers but predicted that motorists trying to get to work would be inconvenienced and that the sweeping plan of road restrictions would prove difficult to enforce.

When laws get too restrictive, he said, no one obeys them.

Steve Rubenstein and Rachel Swan are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.com, rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan
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Linkedin (Reuters) Hanoi, Vietnam  Sat, April 11, 2020 11:32 640 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd129fe2 2 News Bamboo-Airways,Vietjet-Air,Airlines,Vietnam,travel,coronavirus,COVID-19 Free

Vietnam's Bamboo Airways and VietJet Air will resume domestic flights from Thursday after the expiry of a government order for 15 days of social distancing norms to be observed, the companies said.

From late March, Vietnam ordered curbs on domestic flights and adopted social distancing nationwide to curb the spread of the coronavirus, which has infected 257 people, although none have died.

"The Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City route will be resumed from April 16, while other routes will be back to operation from April 20," Bamboo Airways said in a statement.

Read also: Airline employees worried about job security as COVID-19 takes its toll

Budget carrier VietJet Air also announced it was resuming flying on domestic routes from Thursday but advised customers it had only an expected schedule that may be subject to change.

On Monday, deputy health minister Nguyen Thanh Long suggested Vietnam should extend social distancing to curb community transmission of the virus, a suggestion that the government is considering.
Remember BBC Dad? You know, Robert E. Kelly, that poli-sci professor in South Korea who in 2017 was being interviewed remotely about the impeachment of then-South Korean President Park Geun-hye when his adorable 4-year-old daughter marched into his office with her baby brother hilariously rolling behind her?

Remember how stricken their mother, Jung-a Kim, looked as she dashed in to haul them out? Remember how the video dominated news cycles for days, briefly sparking conversations about balancing work and family? Nevertheless, since in this country conversations about the difficulty of balancing work and family are ongoing and thus far fairly fruitless, BBC Dad was seen by most as a blooper supreme that made everyone on the planet laugh.

No ones laughing now. In the universal coronavirus-mandated stay-at-home office, youre lucky if one of the 12 co-workers on your Zoom meeting gives you the heads-up before your own 4-year-old empties the fishbowl onto the floor behind you.

Nowadays, every interview, Skype session and conference call is prefaced by the parental warnings  participants listing the number and ages of the children who are currently supposed to be doing schoolwork/watching TV/napping/being amused by another family member but, realistically, could interrupt at any moment. Just so everyones aware.

Those of us fortunate to remain well during the COVID-19 pandemic have learned many new things about people we thought we already knew pretty well. Like, we are all stress-baking way too much. And refusing to acknowledge that no matter how young you are, overhead lighting is not your friend. (Seriously. I cannot stress the benefits of indirect lighting enough.)

Those of us fortunate to remain employed in ways that require regular tele-contact have learned other things as well. Longtime co-workers are suddenly revealed to have a wide range of pets, for example, or an alarming number of snake plants; others have, shall we say, unexpected taste in art or a nearly endless collection of hooded sweatshirts (okay, thats me  but honestly, you all should have known).

Most important, it has also been revealed that many of us have children. Children who are not, as it turns out, theoretical or compartmentalizable. Children who exist as actual humans, outside the confines of adorable pictures  and are capable of disrupting work in ways far less manageable than the occasional request to leave early so as not to miss a parent/teacher conference.

Here they are, these children, now banned from daycare, school and college, suddenly  and no doubt to some, shockingly  displaying measurable physical dimensions, and immeasurable physical needs, including a near-constant desire to be fed while showing you a really funny TikTok right now. Children, even the older ones, who need to express their frustration, especially now, in a highly unscheduled way. Children who just want show you the latest missive from their university and demand that you promise college will resume in the fall. Or tell you the dog got out again and should they get him? Or show you this very cool ginormous bug they just found, only wait  it was right there a second ago, where did it go?

Children who need to do all of these things and more even and especially if their mother or father is currently in a Zoom meeting.

Suddenly the BBC Dad video seems less like a blooper and more like an unexpected tear in the Potemkin village we have built at the border of work and family. You know, the one that proves everything is just fine  nothing to see here, parents are perfectly capable of juggling two full-time jobs on their own!  so American businesses can pretend that there is no need for things like on-site daycare, flex time, telecommuting or extended parental leave. You know, the kinds of resources that virtually every other first-world nation has had for decades?

Im really hoping that one of the silver linings of this thing is that we can all stop apologizing for having families, a television producer and mother said to me recently. I cant tell you the number of times Ive had to apologize for being interrupted even though I was working at night or on a weekend.

BBC Dad, if you remember, was mortified by his childrens on-camera incursion, and feared it would end his career as a go-to expert on South Korea. Instead, it had the opposite effect  he got even more on-camera gigs the following year and no one seemed to think he had less insight into that countrys politics because he also had young children.

Kim took it on the chin for a bit, however. Many people immediately assumed  because Kelly is white and Kim is Asian  that she must be the nanny, while others were concerned at how panicked she looked as she attempted to corral her children. Concerned, it must be added, that she was personally being mistreated in some way, not that social pressures to keep work and family separated could, and do, create such palpable panic.

In fact, it was the look on Kims face, rather than Kellys ability to remain calm that spoke to many, in a fairly unfunny way. Working mothers, and to an increasing extent working fathers, know that panic all too well  somehow one of the 85 balls in the air has fallen and everyone will now see that we are incapable of doing the impossible.

When my younger daughter was just 3, I had to interview a very famous celebrity on a Sunday morning because that was the only time he could talk to me. So I locked myself in my bedroom. And when my daughter started pounding on the door, completely ignoring her father and yelling for me, I wedged myself under my bed in the hope that the mattress would act as soundproofing. It didnt. What the hell is wrong with that kid? the (then-childless) celebrity growled, only partly in jest.

14 Drone views of Harrisburg rush hour during coronavirus

Nothing is wrong with that kid, I should have said. She is 3 and it is Sunday morning and she wants her mother. Like 3-year-olds do on a Sunday morning. You work in theater, you must be used to tantrums. Carry on.

Instead I apologized, profusely, and wiggled further under the bed.

Now, any business that is able to remain open is also open to doing business any way it can be done, mostly from home. Homes that are shared by children, who are dealing with their own sequestration side effects and cannot reasonably be expected to pretend that mom is at her office when clearly she is in her bedroom, wearing a nice top over sweatpants and fiddling with the lamp so she doesnt look 108 years old.

A mom like that might very well need a snack during her meeting  and that snack might very well consist of Lucky Charms that then spill all over the bed, and how is that the Lucky Charms-proffering childs fault? He was just trying to be nice.

And you know what? He was trying to be nice. And there is no reason, mid-pandemic or not, why business cannot be conducted while a person also mops up the fallout of a very large bowl of Lucky Charms. Or takes a minute to tell her college student daughter, now stuck at home, where the cheese grater is kept. (The same daughter who has a big sign on her door announcing the hours she is in Zoom class because, while it may be OK for a young-adult child to interrupt an interview with a question asked in hand gestures, the thought of her classmates getting the merest glimpse of an inquiring parent is too ghastly to contemplate.)

It is OK for two things to be occurring at once because for working parents, at least two things are always occurring at once. The boss may not know it, but Mom has been doing this balancing act for years. Whether silently making a grocery list while Simpson from HR drones on in some required meeting or correcting homework during an 8 p.m. conference call, working parents have functioned this way for decades.

The only difference is that now, everyone is seeing it live-streamed.

So maybe, once this pandemic has passed and we emerge from isolation, we can all remember what we have learned: that being at work doesnt mean you temporarily dont have a family any more than being at home means that when you are there you never do any work. That workers need things like flex time, extended leave and subsidized family care.

And if those resources are not going to be provided, well, businesses will just have to deal with the interruptions. Certainly this crisis has put our previous definitions of interruption in perspective  when a fear of illness and potential death is whats keeping you from your place of work, ducking out of a Facetime conversation because your kid needs you to proofread an essay due at noon, which is five minutes from now, just doesnt seem like that big of a deal.

Because it isnt.

Mary McNamara is a culture columnist and critic for the Los Angeles Times

2020 Los Angeles Times

Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The US has become the first country to record more than 2,000 deaths of people with coronavirus in a single day.

Over a 24-hour period, 2,108 people infected with the virus died, while the number of confirmed infections surged past 500,000, according to Johns Hopkins University figures.

More than half the total number of US deaths - which stood at more than 18,500 by Friday - are clustered in the three-state metropolitan area around New York City, home to around 20 million people.

Other hot spots include places such as Detroit, Louisiana and Washington, DC.

In the 'bedroom communities' across the Hudson River in New Jersey, to the east on Long Island and north to Connecticut, officials were recording some of the worst outbreaks in the country, even as public health authorities expressed optimism that the pace of infections appeared to be slowing.

Once it gets into the city, there are so many commuters and travel, it gets everywhere, said Matt Mazewski, a Columbia University economics student who tried to get away from the epicentre by leaving his apartment near the New York City campus for his parents' house in Long Valley, New Jersey.

Meanwhile, the worldwide coronavirus death toll surged past 100,000, and confirmed infections reached about 1.7 million.

The US is on track to overtake Italy as the country with the highest number of dead, though the true figures on infections and lives lost around the world are believed be much higher because of limited testing, government cover-ups and different counting practices.

In places such as New York, Italy and Spain, for example, many victims who died outside a hospital  say, in a house or a nursing home  have not been included in the count.

With Christians around the world heading into Easter weekend, public health officials and religious leaders alike urged people to stay home, warning that violating lockdowns and social distancing rules could cause the virus to come storming back. Authorities in Europe put up roadblocks, used helicopters and drones, and cited drivers who had no good reason to be out.

Even in places where the crisis seemed to be easing, the daily death totals were hard to bear.

I understand intellectually why it's happening, said Govenor Andrew Cuomo of New York, where deaths rose by 777, to more than 7,800. It doesn't make it any easier to accept.

But New York officials also said the number of people in intensive care dropped for the first time since mid-March and hospitalizations were slowing: 290 new patients in a single day, compared with daily increases of more than 1,000 last week. Mr Cuomo said that if the trend holds, New York might not need the overflow field hospitals that officials have been scrambling to build.

New Jersey's outbreaks began with the state's first confirmed infection, in a man who commuted between New York and his Fort Lee apartment. The virus is now in all 21 New Jersey counties.

Some suburbs had an infection rate even higher than New York City's, including Rockland County, where the rate was double.

As of Friday, Nassau County, on New York's Long Island, had over 700 deaths. Bergen County, New Jersey, and Westchester County, New York, had around 400 each. Essex County, New Jersey, and Suffolk County, New York, both recorded more than 350. Fairfield County, Connecticut, had about 180.

Coronavirus: London on lockdown Show all 29 1 /29 Coronavirus: London on lockdown Coronavirus: London on lockdown A man walks down a deserted Camden High Street Photos Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Goodge Street Station is one of the many stations closed to help reduce the spread Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown An empty street in the heart of Chinatown Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown People in masks in Chinatown a day after the lockdown Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown A near-empty Piccadilly Circus during the first week of lockdown Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Sonja, my neighbour, who I photographed while taking a short walk. It was nice to briefly chat even from a distance Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown A couple sit on the empty steps of the statue Eros in Piccadilly Circus Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Making sure I stay two-meters apart  DArblay Street, Soho Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown A mannequin behind a shop window. UK stores have closed until further notice Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown A notice displayed on a shop window in Camden Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown As part of the lockdown, all non-essential shops have been ordered to close.Image from Camden High Street Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown A skateboarder wearing a mask utilises his exercise allowance in the Camden area Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Communities have been coming together in a time of need Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown A woman stands alone in a deserted Oxford Street. Up until a few weeks ago, on average, half a million people visited the street per day Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown A couple walk hand in hand down a street in Soho, a day before the stricter lockdown was announced Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown During the first week of March, shoppers focused on stockpiling necessities ahead of a countrywide lockdown Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Many supermarkers are operating a queuing system to make sure only a limited amount of customers are allowed in at anyone time Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Stay Safe  Curzon cinemas are temporarily closed under the new measures Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Pubs, restaurants and bars were ordered to shut as part of the lockdown Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Camden High Street There are fears that coronavirus could lead to permanent closure of struggling shops Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Camden Town is eerily silent on a normal working day Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Shops and supermarkets ran out of hand sanitisers in the first week of the lockdown. As we approach the end of the second week most shops now have started to stock up Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Empty streets around Soho Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown A noticeboard on Camden High Street urges the public to stay at home Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Camden High Street, one of Londons busiest tourist streets turns quiet Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Thriller Live confirmed its West End run ended in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown Empty and eerie Soho streets after stricter rules on social distancing announced Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown A woman pauses for a cigarette on Hanway Street, behind Tottenham Court Road Angela Christofilou Coronavirus: London on lockdown A man steps outside onto Hanway Street, that sits behind what is usually a bustling retail hub Angela Christofilou

Officials said many Connecticut infections can be traced to cases in New York's Westchester County.

This is a virus that knows no borders, Connecticut governor Ned Lamont said last month.

For several days, two of the globe's other worst-hit places, Italy and Spain, reported that new infections, hospitalisations and deaths have been levelling off even as the daily death tolls remain shocking.

Spain recorded 605 more deaths, its lowest figure in more than two weeks, bringing its overall toll to more than 15,800. Italy reported 570 additional deaths for a total of more than 18,800.

With some signs of hope emerging, questions intensified about when restrictions might be loosened. Spain said factories and construction sites could resume work Monday, while schools, most shops and offices will remain closed. In Italy, there were pleas to restart manufacturing.

Though Donald Trump insisted he would not lift restrictions until it is safe, the US president announced an Opening our Country task force and said: I want to get it open as soon as possible.

The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warned that easing restrictions prematurely could lead to a deadly resurgence.

Italy, Ireland and Greece were among the countries extending lockdown orders into May.

As the threat receded in some places, it increased elsewhere. In the US, Michigan announced 205 new deaths Friday, its highest daily total, up from 117 a day earlier.

In Europe, Britain recorded 980 new deaths, likewise a one-day high, for close to 9,000 dead in all. Prime minister Boris Johnson remained in hospital with the virus but was out of intensive care. His father, Stanley Johnson, said the prime minister needs to rest up before returning to work.

On Good Friday, some churches worldwide held services online, while others arranged prayers at drive-in theatres.

In Paris, services were broadcast from a nearly empty, closed-to-the-public Notre Dame Cathedral, still heavily scarred from a fire a year ago. In Warsaw, Poland, priests wearing masks heard confessions in a parking lot. And in New Orleans, the Catholic archbishop sprinkled holy water from the Jordan River from a biplane travelling overhead.

Additional reporting by AP
The 360 shows you diverse perspectives on the days top stories and debates.

Whats happening

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders suspended his presidential campaign on Wednesday, effectively ceding the Democratic presidential nomination to former Vice President Joe Biden.

I cannot in good conscience continue to mount a campaign that cannot win and which would interfere with the important work required of all of us in this difficult hour, said Sanders in a live stream from his Vermont home.

The self-identified democratic socialist was among the frontrunners after strong showings in the first three primary states. But his fortunes turned when several of his moderate competitors dropped out of the race, which allowed Biden to consolidate support and build an overwhelming delegate lead.

Sanders has been runner-up in two consecutive primary cycles. Although he lost the presidential nomination to Hillary Clinton in 2016, the race was far more competitive than expected and solidified Sanders as one of the most prominent progressive voices in the country.

Why theres debate

To some observers, Sanders is one of the most influential politicians in modern American history. Sanders has been credited with shifting the entire Democratic Party to the left through his unapologetic promotion of initiatives like Medicare for All, free college and the Green New Deal. His criticism of establishment Democrats pushed the moderate wing of the party  including Biden  much further to the left, supporters argue.

Sanders has also played a key role in the rise of a young, multicultural movement of politicians like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who may become the face of the party in the near future.

Sanderss detractors say his influence on the minds of Democratic voters has been overstated, as evidenced by the party selecting a moderate establishment candidate in Biden as its nominee. Sanders also came up short in his promise to bring millions of new voters into the electorate, they argue.

Story continues

Some of his critics say Sanders has ultimately had a negative impact on his party by forcing his fellow Democrats to adopt socialist policies that will ultimately hurt their electoral chances and would be harmful to the country if enacted.

Whats next

Despite ending his campaign, Sanders said he would keep his name on primary ballots in an effort to accrue delegates and press his policy agenda at the Democratic convention. He pledged, however, to throw his support behind Biden in the general election. Together, standing united, we will go forward to defeat Donald Trump, he said.

Perspectives

Sanders brought socialism back into mainstream American politics

The most important legacy of Bernie Sanderss political revolution has been making socialism a force in American politics once again. Most young Bernie supporters would have to go back to the days of the great-grandparents for the last time someone could say that. It is a truly extraordinary achievement. Now, a majority of young people in America  America!  prefer socialism to capitalism.  Ronan Burtenshaw, Jacobin

He transformed the Democratic Partys agenda

Sanders has unquestionably changed the landscape of American politics. Since his run in 2016, several ideas that he brought to the fore have become part of the core platform of the Democratic Partys progressive wing, including Medicare for All, free public college, a $15-an-hour minimum wage and aggressive spending to combat climate change.  Hunter Walker, Yahoo News

His talk of a political revolution was largely hype

The rationale for Sanderss 2020 campaign  that he could secure massive turnout among young people and the pan-ethnic working class by pitching a quasi-revolutionary message, while also mounting a challenge to Donald Trumps claim to low-education white voters  has proven to be delusional.  Theodore Kupfer, National Review

A potential Biden presidency will more liberal because of Sanderss influence

Bidens appeal to Sanders voters suggests he may be willing to absorb some of the best ideas from Sanders  and other candidates. Its a pragmatic approach, rather than a dogmatic consistency, that may bring along their supporters, too. That may be exactly what he will need to do to beat Trump in November.  Adam Hodges, The Conversation

His failure proved that the country doesnt want socialist leaders

Sanders did one thing further: He also demonstrated that, as radical as it has become, the Democratic Party of 2020 is not as ready for socialism as it once seemed.  Editorial, Washington Examiner

He invigorated a generation of young voters

Sanders can rightfully lay claim to having won the ideological debate. He has also won the future: His strong majority support among voters under 45 reflects the promise of a new generation that will drive change.  Robert L. Borosage, The Nation

He helped break the Democratic Party from its self-defeating pragmatism

Just as the election of Barack Obama opened the Democrats to new possibilities in candidates, the Sanders campaign reopened the party to old ideas come new again. Between the two of them, over the last decade, they taught progressives and a big piece of the Democratic Party how to be impatient again.  Charles P. Pierce, Esquire

He helped limit the influence of wealthy campaign donors

He has changed the way Democrats campaign: Candidates are now meant to be embarrassed by big-dollar donors.  Sydney Ember, New York Times

His vision will be carried on by the next generation of progressive leaders

The greatest accomplishment of the Sanders campaign has less to do with moving good ideas out of the radical category and into the mainstream and more to do with inspiring the people who will carry those ideas forward.  John Nichols, The Atlantic

He shouldnt get sole credit for the popularity of progressive politics

Sanders also benefited from a shift in opinion that he encouraged but did not invent: the growing disenchantment of younger Americans with capitalism in the wake of the Great Recession.  E.J. Dionne Jr., Washington Post

Is there a topic youd like to see covered in The 360? Send your suggestions to the360@yahoonews.com.

Read more 360s

Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photo: Dennis Van Tine/STAR MAX/IPx via AP
Amid nationwide lockdown in the wake of COVID-19, former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Saturday urged the state government to announce a relief package for farmers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a video conference with Chief Ministers.

Taking to Twitter, Kumaraswamy wrote, "As the lock down continues, what action plan does the government have to tackle the challenges of ensuring marketing channels for farm produce with timely transport and ensuring uninterrupted supply of essential groceries to towns and cities?"

He later asked the government to act "swiftly and effectively".

"On one hand we see farmers throwing their produce in despair and losing their livelihoods. On the other hand supplies to towns are depleting. This is threatening both lives and livelihoods. The government must act swiftly and effectively," Kumaraswamy tweeted.

"I urge the state government to immediately announce relief package to farmers by way of direct benefit transfer mechanism and purchase all the agricultural produce so as to avoid farmer suicides," he added.

With 40 deaths and 1,035 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, India on Saturday witnessed a sharpest ever increase in coronavirus cases, taking the tally of the infected people in the country to 7,447, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Fianna Fail Spokesperson on Housing, Planning and Local Government, and local TD, Darragh O'Brien has called for greater supports to be made available to members of the homeless community during the COVID-19 restrictions.

So far nine homeless people have been confirmed to have COVID-19 to date in Dublin with a further 51 people from the homeless communities isolating.

Deputy O'Brien said: 'Many homeless people have underlying health and would be extremely vulnerable at the minute. It's important that the homeless community is not forgotten about during this time of uncertainty in the country.

'There are currently over 50 members of the homeless community isolating at present and nine confirmed cases of COVID-19 amongst the community. It was announced earlier this week that 110 individual hotel rooms have been secured in Dublin to help homeless people during the coronavirus crisis.'

He added: 'More rooms may need to be secured depending on the numbers in the coming weeks. It's important for anyone concerned about the health of a homeless person to contact the Department or homeless charities so that the person can be cared for.

'These are extremely testing times for the country and in particular vulnerable communities such as the homeless community who struggle to have the appropriate means to self-isolate if necessary.'-
Grocery store workers in Massachusetts can now get free, priority testing for COVID-19 at two testing sites for first responders, the administration of Gov. Charlie Baker said Saturday.

Bakers administration expanded access to the testing sites at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro and the Eastern States Exposition, home of the Big E, in West Springfield.

Grocery store workers can start receiving the testing on Saturday but must schedule an appointment first, Bakers office said. Appointments can be made in advance by the workers supervisor or manager.

Workers do not need to be symptomatic to be eligible for testing, the governors office said.

At least one grocery store worker in Massachusetts has died after contracting coronavirus. The death of Vitalina Williams, who worked at Market Basket in Salem for 11 years, was announced earlier this week.

On Tuesday, the governors office announced new guidelines that require Grocery stores in Massachusetts to operate at 40% of their standard occupancy.

Baker on Saturday has also authorized the activation of an additional 3,000 military personnel of the Massachusetts National Guard. That brings the number of National Guard members responding to the COVID-19 crisis to 5,000. Those members may be tasked with supporting requests from state agencies for equipment, logistics, warehousing and related duties.

On Friday, the state Department of Public Health recommended that residents wear a face mask or face-covering in public when social distancing is not possible. The CDC has made the same recommendation.

Related Content:
By Nigam Prusty and Ruma Paul

NEW DELHI/DHAKA (Reuters) - The chief minister of Delhi state said on Saturday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to extend a nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus, but the federal government did not confirm this decision.

Modi's government said only that it was still considering states' requests and that they mostly wanted a two-week extension to the 21-day lockdown, which is due to end on Tuesday.

Graphic - Coronavirus: Knowns and unknowns - https://graphics.reuters.com/HEALTH-CORONAVIRUS-UNKNOWNS/0100B5M447T/index.html

Modi earlier held a video conference call with several state chief ministers to decide on the future course.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who attended the meeting, said Modi had decided to extend the lockdown.

"PM has taken (a) correct decision to extend (the) lockdown. Today, Indias position is better than many developed countries because we started lockdown early. If it is stopped now, all gains would be lost," Kejriwal said on Twitter, without giving a time frame.

In a statement later, the federal government said Modi had emphasized in the meeting that the coming weeks were critical to determine the impact of the steps taken until now to contain the virus.

The government has not said when it would make a final decision on any lockdown extension.

The number of coronavirus infections in India rose to 7,529 on Saturday, with the capital city New Delhi and financial hub Mumbai fast emerging as hotspots. There have been 242 deaths.

Some states like the western state of Maharashtra - the worst hit by the virus and home to Mumbai - and West Bengal in east where the city of Kolkata is located extended the lockdown until the end of the month following the meeting with Modi.

At least two other states had already independently extended the lockdown by Friday.

Indian officials have said widespread virus infections could be disastrous in a country where millions live in slums and the health system is already overburdened.

Story continues

BROADER CONCERNS

Although several states back a nationwide lockdown extension, concerns have risen that the restrictions have put millions of poor people out of work and forced an exodus of migrant workers from cities to villages.

The government said on Saturday said that operations of the marine fishing and the aquaculture industry will be exempted from the lockdown restrictions.

Some 81 migrant workers were arrested in the western city of Surat after they started fires and threw stones in protests late on Friday evening, demanding to be allowed to go back to their home areas, police said.

"The workers are without work because of the lockdown, and are struggling to sustain themselves," one police official said.

In neighbouring Bangladesh, where the army has been deployed across the country to enforce social distancing measures, the government on Friday extended its nationwide lockdown by 11 days to April 25. The number of confirmed cases there rose to 482, with 30 deaths.

Bangladesh's Ministry of Public Administration said on Saturday that nobody would be allowed out of their homes from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., adding that legal action will be taken against those who fail to comply with the orders.

The government has also ordered all shops except drugstores to be shut by 6 p.m.

Official government figures on the spread of the coronavirus in South Asia are as follows:

* India has 7,529 confirmed, including 242 deaths

* Pakistan has 4,788 cases, including 71 deaths

* Afghanistan has 555 cases, including 18 deaths

* Sri Lanka has 198 cases, including 7 deaths

* Bangladesh has 482 cases, including 30 deaths

* Maldives has 19 cases and no deaths

* Nepal has nine cases and no deaths

* Bhutan has five cases and no deaths

(Additional reporting by Sumit Khanna in Gujarat and Jatindra Dash in Odisha; Writing by Aditya Kalra; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell and Frances Kerry)
The apex child rights body has sought a probe into the reports of negligence by a state-run hospital in Bihar that led to the death of a three-year-old.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights also sought stringent action against the hospital administration if found guilty.

According to media reports, the Patna hospital refused to provide ambulance to a family in Jehanabad, about 48 km away, forcing the mother and the father to walk the distance with their ailing child, who later died.

Writing to the Deputy Commissioner, Jehanabad, and District Magistrate, Patna, NCPCR chairperson Priyank Kanoongo sought an inquiry into the matter. "Further adequate compensation should be provided to the family of the deceased child. Kindly make necessary arrangements on an urgent basis for parents of the deceased child to reach their native place," he said.

He also sought an action-taken report within 3 days.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Sanctions can be imposed within 7 days after the refusal of a state to take its citizens home

US President Donald Trump threatens to impose sanctions on countries that refuse or time out with the evacuation of their citizens from his country. This is mentioned in the memorandum for the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security regarding visa sanctions, promulgated by the White House on April 10.

"Countries that deny or unreasonably delay the adoption of their citizens, United States citizens, or residents during the ongoing pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 pose an unacceptable risk to American health. The United States should be able to repatriate foreign citizens who violate American laws," Trump said.

Moreover, he instructed the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to notify the Secretary of State of cases when a government of a foreign state, upon request, refuses or unreasonably delays the return of its citizens from the United States.

The Secretary of State must, within 7 days, adopt and initiate a visa sanction plan for the offending country. Restrictive measures may be lifted if a foreign state resumes the acceptance of its citizens to their homeland.

This memorandum is urgent. It expires on December 31, 2020, if not renewed.

The United States ranks first in the world in terms of infections and second in coronavirus mortality. According to Johns Hopkins University, over the past day in the United States the highest death rate per day was recorded - more than 2,100 people. In total, 18 693 people died in the country. This is the second indicator among the countries of the world after Italy.

As we reported before, Senator Bernie Sanders from Democratic party of United States left the presidents campaign.
ROME  On the Sunday before Easter, the priests phone rang.

The Rev. Claudio Del Monte carried the phone, given to him by staff in the Bergamo hospital, along with a small cross and some homemade sanitizer. Instead of his usual clerics collar, he wore disposable scrubs, a surgical mask covered with another mask, protective eyewear and a cap over his head. On his chest he had drawn a black cross with a felt pen.

He excused himself from two coronavirus patients he was visiting in the hospital and answered the call. But he already knew what it meant. Minutes later, he arrived at the bedside of an older man he had met days earlier. An oxygen mask now obscured the mans face, and intensive care staff huddled around his bed.

I blessed him and absolved him from sins, he squeezed my hand tightly and I stayed there with him until his eyes closed, Father Del Monte, 53, said. And then I said the prayer for the dead, and then I changed my gloves and continued my round.
Recent events have brought hard times to Midlands cattle producers: Last year, torrential rains and ongoing wet conditions prevented many ranchers from harvesting enough hay for their animals. This year, producers have seen a plummeting of cattle prices  even as packers benefit from a hefty boost in prices as consumers meat purchases soar in the wake of the virus emergency.

Since January, cattle futures have lost nearly a quarter of their value. U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley wrote in a letter recently to Attorney General William Barr: Since Feb. 4, 2020, live cattle prices are down 16%. This is happening while American consumers bought 77% more meat during the week of March 15 compared to 2019. The spike in the purchase of beef products at the grocery store has resulted in higher beef values for meat packers, yet farmers and ranchers have seen a net decrease in the value of cattle.

Nebraskas beef sector has a total economic impact estimated at $12.1 billion, with major connections to many rural communities. Iowas cattle sector is a $6.8 billion enterprise. The cattle industry is used to ups and downs, of course, but at present its facing the uncertainties of recessionary conditions along with the rest of the economy.

Grassley, along with a bipartisan set of senators from farm states, are pressing the Trump administration to investigate possible price-fixing by the four largest packers, which control about 80% of U.S. beef processing. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has publicly stated that the USDA is paying special attention to the difference in prices from the farm gate to the grocery shelf. He has asked Congress to provide his department more investigative tools.

The office for Sen. Deb Fischer, a Sand Hill rancher, said she has been concerned about equity along the supply chain, with packers and retailers making huge gains that have not been seen by cattle producers and feeders. Something must change going forward. We need a market system that works for all segments of the supply chain, including feed yards and cow/calf producers who have seen stagnant to declining cash prices and a very volatile futures market. Livestock is a major driver of our states economy, and a healthy livestock industry benefits all Nebraskans.

Meanwhile, Fischer was involved in a variety of actions to ensure the recent congressional legislation for virus relief included provisions targeted specifically to ag producers.

Its true that a considerable portion of meat recently sold on grocery store shelves was ordered at prices set weeks earlier. The meat that retailers sell on a typical day, an analysis by the American Farm Bureau Federation says, is product that the retailer started planning sales around as many as three months before. They may have actually purchased the product as many as six weeks prior.

As time passes, higher grocery sales ought to give an upward push to prices for cattle producers. Federal authorities should keep an eye on conditions, to ensure that market conditions, and not price-fixing, prevail.

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A desperately-needed COVID-19 vaccine may never come to light, according the Australian scientist heading up the global search.

Health officials urgently need a 'plan B' to end the global pandemic, Jane Halton, the country's foremost epidemic health expert warned.

Scientists all over the world are scrambling to develop a vaccine, with hopes it would be available early next year - a timeline Ms Halton called 'unbelievable'.

She warned against creating 'unrealistic expectations', explaining that there has never been a successful vaccine against other coronaviruses.

Despite a global HIV death toll of 32 million people over 40 years, it also has no vaccine.

There are fears coronavirus restrictions may not disappear until a vaccine is developed, including beaches staying closed (pictured is Sydney's Bondi on Saturday)

There have been 56 coronavirus-related deaths in Australia as of Saturday morning, with 6,283 confirmed cases

This includes 770,000 deaths in 2008 alone.

The sobering claims by Ms Halton will dampen hopes that human trials of a vaccine in America would be successful.

'If you said we pulled out all the stops and a vaccine was approved and deemed efficacious by the middle of next year, that would be unbelievably quick  we would be ecstatically overjoyed, delighted,' she told The Australian.

'But I do think it is important not to create unrealistic expectations. No one has ever successfully developed a coronavirus vaccine, and we still dont have a vaccine against HIV.

'I would never say never. But this is my point about an 18-month timeline: it is heroic, really tough.'

While scientists scramble to find a vaccine or a cure for COVID-19, authorities across Australia are imposing strict lockdown restrictions (pictured at Cottesloe Beach in Perth on Friday)

Ms Halton was previously chairman on the executive board of the World Health Organization, and is a former president of the World Health Assembly.

The expert is now heading up efforts at the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, which is backed by billionaire Bill Gates.

A US firm called Novavax claimed earlier this week it was planning to launch a human trial of its prototype vaccine in May, with results expected by July.

There have also been human vaccine studies in China and Israel.

But Ms Halton said that a 'plan B' was needed because 'nothing is certain' in science.

Researchers at the University of Queensland (pictured) are also helping to find a vaccine for COVID-19

Billionaire Bill Gates (pictured) said he is willing to spend billions of dollars to try and develop a coronavirus vaccine

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

But Mr Gates himself has revealed he is willing to spend billions in the hunt for a coronavirus vaccine, arguing that it is the only way to get the world back to normal.

The Microsoft co-founder and philanthropic billionaire said he is already in talks with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National institutes of Health (NIH) about how to 'accelerate' the critical research.

He has already put funding behind seven vaccine makers to allow them to build factories, but has called on countries to do more.

He has also made $31 million available to three initiatives in the US and UK aiming to study the effectiveness of known drugs in treating coronavirus infections.

The virus has paralyzed the globe and lead to the postponement of sporting events including the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

A coronavirus vaccine developed by University of Queensland researchers (pictured) will tested on the live virus before it's tested on humans

Jane Halton (pictured in October) is helping to lead the hunt for a vaccine, but warned it may never work

A new vaccine developed by University of Queensland researchers will soon be tested on the live virus for the first time in a biosecurity facility in the Netherlands.

The School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences team has joined forces with Dutch company Viroclinics Xplore to conduct pre-clinical studies.

They hope this will allow them to get a better understanding of how the vaccine performs before it's tested on humans.

It comes as testing of another potential coronavirus vaccine began at the CSIRO lab in regional Victoria last week.

The technology uses the DNA sequence of the coronavirus released by China to produce a protein that's the same as the one on the surface of the actual virus.

That protein will be the essence of the vaccine, capable of generating immune system responses that protect people.
Experts say the focus is on preserving liquidity as there is uncertainty over the duration and impact of the 21-day nationwide lockdown imposed to check the spread of COVID-19.

IMAGE: Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik gives a final touch to his sand sculpture on awareness about coronavirus, at Puri beach. Photograph: PTI Photo

In an indication that Indias high-rated companies are preparing for the long haul, they are opting for a moratorium on debt servicing.

Experts say the focus is on preserving liquidity as there is uncertainty over the duration and impact of the 21-day nationwide lockdown imposed to check the spread of COVID-19.

The list of companies opting for the moratorium includes those that are part of reputed conglomerates and enjoy relatively higher financial stability.

Tata Power, for instance, plans to accept the moratorium.

We will be availing of the moratorium offered by banks extending the period by three month for repayment of loan and interest cost, Tata Power told Business Standard on Thursday.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allowed lending institutions to offer a moratorium of three months to borrowers on the payment of term loan installments due between March 1 and May 31 with continued interest accrual during this period.

This was done to help borrowers - companies and individuals - to cope with the financial disruption caused by Covid-19 and the lockdown.

We are seeing even high-rated companies accept the moratorium to preserve liquidity, some of these are subsidiaries of big conglomerates, said Ratnam Raju, associate director, group head of infrastructure and project finance at CARE Ratings.

Executives from the rating industry, who have been receiving notifications from companies, say some companies with ratings as high as AAA are also accepting the option.

Companies enjoy a higher rating for their capabilities to service debt in a timely manner.

For JSW group, a few companies in the group have accepted moratorium as per industry sources but a senior company official said "not true fully" indicating not the entire group on all facilities from all banks.

There are some outliers. Larsen & Toubro, according to a top official, will not opt for the moratorium.

A spokesperson for Aditya Birla Group did not offer any immediate comment on whether group companies would opt for the moratorium.

A query to the Adani Group remained unanswered, an executive for its transport subsidiary, however added, The company has not yet taken any disbursements from banks for its road and water projects.

Rating executives say the uncertainty is driving companies to accept the higher cost of borrowing (as interest may compound).

One executive pointed out that a company with Rs 2,100 crore cash on its books was also accepting the moratorium.

Slightly higher cost of debt is of a lesser concern, more important is to maintain sufficient liquidity, said Rajat Bahl, chief ratings officer, Brickwork Ratings.

He said the number of companies opting for it was going to be in the hundreds if not thousands.

In terms of business, most feel those dependent on periodic rentals are more inclined to accept the moratorium.

Companies with an exposure to monthly rentals like commercial real estate as well as toll companies are also opting for it.

The focus currently is to hold on to liquidity, said Shubham Jain, senior vice-president and group head, Icra.

In addition, companies operating in sectors like airlines and hospitality - worst hit by COVID-19 - are also opting for the pause.

Revenues for these sectors have already been impacted.

"In sectors like power generation, companies are opting for it (moratorium) and are looking at conserving cash.

"This is across the spectrum - public and private sector. No one knows when this logjam will end and most want to keep more liquidity than normal, said Sachin Gupta, senior director, CRISIL Ratings.
All grocery stores are deemed essential during the Bay Areas shelter-in-place order, but the pandemic has also shown how truly essential Community Foods Market is for West Oakland residents  even amid financial trouble.

On Friday, the full-service grocery store, which opened last June after years of planning, began offering online ordering with curbside pickup for the first time. Thats not exactly new for Bay Area grocery stores. What is unusual is that Community Foods will accept electronic benefit transfer cards, which are used for food stamps and other government-issued benefits, for these orders.

California asked the federal government last month to allow people to use CalFresh, the states version of food stamps, to buy groceries online, but permission still hasnt arrived. Its frustrating for CalFresh beneficiaries who dont want to enter a grocery store and risk exposure to the coronavirus.

Community Foods Market found a workaround and adjusted their point-of-sale systems accordingly, allowing people to order their groceries online, pick them up within two hours and then pay with their EBT cards from their cars.

Other stores could potentially follow suit, though there is some risk involved in letting customers order hours before actually paying.

It may be easier said than done for many small retailers but could prove how adaptive local business can be in meeting customer needs, said Selena Feliciano, a consultant with Community Foods Market, via email.

Community Foods Market has also started offering free delivery for seniors ages 65 and up in the West Oakland neighborhoods of Clawson, Hoover-Foster and McClymonds. This option, too, is available with online ordering and paying with EBT over the phone. Local nonprofit Fresh Life Foundation is handling the payments and deliveries.

The grocery store began offering 50% off for all EBT users this month through a COVID-19 emergency response grant. Previously, Community Foods Market offered 10% off once a week. The new discount is available through April 30, but could be extended with additional funding.

The store almost didnt make it this far. In February, owner Brahm Ahmadi told The Chronicle it was struggling to keep its doors open.

Ahmadi had raised $15 million between federal grants, nonprofit lending and a direct public offering before the stores opening last June. But money quickly grew tight, largely a result of unexpected construction costs and pre-opening delays.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

Now, Community Foods Market has never been busier. Ahmadi said hes heard a lot of appreciative words from neighbors for being open during the pandemic, though the store still isnt financially secure.

Id love to be done fundraising forever, but Im also happy to continue with that course, Ahmadi said in February. We just want to keep going.

Community Foods Market. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. 3105 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. https://shopcommunityfoods.com

Janelle Bitker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: janelle.bitker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @janellebitker
ELKO  In response to the economic decline caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents has approved a budget reduction proposal as requested by Gov. Steve Sisolak.

The cuts, which will total up to $124.7 million over a two-year period, cover Great Basin College and other institutions in the system.

President Joyce Helens said she is confident that GBC can move forward without cutting positions.

I am really proud to say, because of us working together, that we have planned no layoffs currently and that we are continuously working on keeping momentum, quality, and serving students in rural and frontier Nevada and I am confident that we will be able to do that in this changing landscape.

GBC was impacted by previous budget reductions, impacts of a new funding formulas implementation, and a previous $1.4 million cut in the current biennium. As a result, the college cut more than 80 positions.

These additional budget reductions put significant strain on college resources and reserve, Helens said. Ive been meeting with teams at the college daily in different configurations and at least twice a week with larger teams that include leadership from faculty, classified, deans and vice presidents.

Helens said thanks to an increase in enrollment, the college is stable.

I think its important to say that Great Basin College is in a stable position currently because of process improvements and increased enrollments that youve heard about previously. This is in spite of losing a third of our workforce since the last recession. So Im sensitive to this and the fragility of our new sustainably, she said.

Now, what we have included in our plan, because I believe were in a stable place, are reductions resulting from vacant position savings, some operating budget reductions, and transferring some expenditures to non-state funds.

The Foundation offered us assistance in the current year deficit, and we did not have to take them up on it. So in that case, now very fortunately, that assistance could be available to use as well as institutional reserves which I prefer not to touch, Helens added.

In March, the coronavirus pandemic moved live instruction online, sending faculty and staff to work from home through the summer semester.

Our first priority is, of course, the safety of our students and staff, and also to maintain the integrity of Great Basin College instruction and the ability to carry out our mission, Helens said.

The Office of the Governor asked for budget reduction proposals from all state agencies, including NSHE, that show a 4 percent cut in Fiscal Year 2020, and a 6 percent, 10, and 14 percent reduction in Fiscal Year 2021.

Chancellor Thom Reilly said that similar to the economic slowdown during the Great Recession (2007 -2009), NSHE has turned to a shared sacrifice model when considering this budget reduction.

The weeks and months ahead will be a difficult burden for all of us to shoulder, however, if we share this burden the individual sacrifice can be lessened, Reilly said.
The global death toll from the coronavirus topped 100,000 as Christians around the world marked the Good Friday in front of computer screens instead of churches and some countries tiptoed toward reopening s battered economies.

Public health officials warned people against violating the social distancing rules over Easter. In Italy, officials used helicopters, drones and stepped-up police checks to make sure people dont slip out over the holiday.

Even such hallowed traditions as the popes Easter message are being revamped -- Pope Francis will live-stream from the seclusion of his private library.

Some churches held services online, while others arranged prayers at drive-in theatres. Fire-scarred Notre Dame Cathedral came back to life briefly in locked-down Paris. Services were broadcast from the nearly empty, closed-to-the-public cathedral.

France on Friday reported 987 more deaths in hospitals and nursing homes in 24 hours, but the number of patients in intensive care fell for the second day in a row.

Health secretary Matt Hancock said on Friday that Britain had recorded 980 deaths in 24 hours, the highest daily toll yet, bringing total fatalities to nearly 8,000. Confirmed cases in the UK climbed to more than 65,000.

A Downing Street spokesman said Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was moved out of intensive care after being hit with the virus, has been able to do short walks, between periods of rest, as part of the care he is receiving to aid his recovery. Stanley Johnson, the prime ministers father, expressed relief that his son is out of the ICU and wanted him to rest.

In the US, the death toll surged to more than 17,900 as of Friday morning, with more than 478,000 cases. New York state, the worst-hit, had nearly half of fatalities at 7,800  with 779 in 24 hours on Thursday, a rate of 33 an hour.

New York City reported 5,150 deaths, becoming the city with highest number fatalities anywhere in the world.

City officials are now considering mass, temporary burial sites. Such internments would likely be at Hart Island off the Bronx, Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

Still, there were signs of hope. Hospitalisation numbers in New York fell to their lowers on Thursday since the state was put on pause by the state authorities.

Anthony Fauci, the epidemiologist in President Donald Trumps coronavirus task force, cited the improvement in New York to acknowledge a turnaround has started. But, he told CNN on Friday, he would like to see clearer and stronger signs before getting out there prematurely and winding back in the same situation. New York governor Andrew Cuomo counselled caution, citing cities and countries hit by a second wave because they rushed to it.

US Senate, meantime, failed to pass on Thursday a request of $250 billion more in relief for small businesses sought by the Trump administration in addition to the overall package of $2.2 trillion cleared last month. Democrats wanted a matching amount to be set aside for healthcare workers. US lawmakers appealed to China to shut down all its operating wet markets, where fresh produce including meat and vegetables are sold.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canadians should get accustomed to the new normal of living with restrictions even after the first wave of the pandemic has peaked. He said social distancing or remaining at home may be necessary over a period longer than the expected peak of the infections in the country.

In some of the worst-hit countries, Italy and Spain, new infections, hospitalisations and deaths have been levelling off. But the daily tolls remain shocking.Spain, after a two-week freeze on all non-essential economic activity, decided to allow factories and construction sites to resume work on Monday, while schools, most shops and offices will remain closed.

Spanish authorities said they trust that the move wont cause a significant surge in infections.

In Italy, the industrial lobbies in regions representing 45% of the countrys economic output urged the government to ease its two-week lockdown on all non-essential manufacturing, saying the country risks definitively shutting down its own motor, and every day that passes the risk grows not to be able to restart it.

A hasty lifting of restrictions imposed to control the Covid-19 pandemic could lead to a fatal resurgence of the new coronavirus, the World Health Organization warned on Friday.

Malaysias prime minister announced a two-week extension to the countrys lockdown but said selected economic sectors can reopen in phases.

Chinas Wuhan city, where the pandemic began, is still testing residents regularly despite relaxing its tough two-month lockdown. China has also ordered all hotels in the capital Beijing to ensure all guests provide negative coronavirus report. Beijing will require all arrivals to provide a negative nucleic acid report and green health code before checking in to hotels starting Sunday.


President Donald Trump speaks as Vice President Mike Pence looks on during a briefing on the coronavirus pandemic in the press briefing room of the White House on March 26, 2020 in Washington, DC. The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote Friday on the $2 trillion stimulus package to combat the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Drew Angerer/Getty Images

President Trump reportedly said he wouldn't sign the CARES Act  the $2.2 trillion stimulus package  if it contained bailout funding for USPS, according to The Washington Post.

Lawmakers have warned the postal service could run out of money by June.

USPS is asking Congress for a $50 billion bailout and $25 billion in loans from the Treasury Department to make up for losses.

At least 19 USPS workers have died from COVID-19, and around 500 have been infected, USPS leaders told lawmakers.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Related Video: What Could Be the Fastest Way to End the Coronavirus Crisis?

President Donald Trump said he would refuse to sign the $2.2 trillion COVID-19 stimulus package if it contained funding for the United States Postal Service, according to a report Saturday from The Washington Post.

"We told them very clearly that the president was not going to sign the bill if [money for the Postal Service] was in it," a Trump administration official told the Post. "I don't know if we used the v-bomb, but the president was not going to sign it, and we told them that."

In addition to the senior White House official, The Washington Post reported a congressional official also confirmed the president threatened to refuse to sign the $2.2 trillion stimulus package known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act if it contained any relief money for the postal service.

As The Post reported, Sens. Gary Peters, a Democrat from Michigan, and Ron Johnson, a Republican from Wisconsin, added a last-minute $10 billion loan to keep the postal service function in the short-term. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had said lawmakers' plan to offer $13 billion in funding to the postal service could derail the entire package.

"You can have a loan or you can have nothing at all," Mnuchin said.

As Business Insider previously reported, lawmakers last month warned that the postal service could shut down in less than three months.

Story continues

"Based on a number of briefings and warnings this week about a critical fall-off in mail across the country, it has become clear that the Postal Service will not survive the summer without immediate help from Congress and the White House," Reps. Carolyn Maloney, a Democrat from New York, and Gerry Connolly, a Democrat from Virginia, said in a statement.

Read more: Tests that can tell if you're immune to the coronavirus are on the way. Here are the companies racing to bring them to the US healthcare system.

A halt in USPS operations could have varying consequences from preventing access to medication to impacting voters who cast ballots by mail as state lawmakers consider expanding main-in-voting due to the pandemic.

In a statement Friday, Megan Brennan, postmaster general & CEO of USPS said it estimated a net operating loss of over $22 billion dollars over the next eighteen months, and by over $54 billion dollars in "the longer term."

"As Congress and the Administration take steps to support businesses and industries around the country, it is imperative that they also take action to shore up the finances of the Postal Service, and enable us to continue to fulfill our indispensable role during the pandemic, and to play an effective role in the nation's economic recovery," Brennan said.

The postal service and its board of governors is asking Congress for a $50 billion bailout as well as $25 billion in loans from the Treasury Department. The president on Tuesday blamed online retailers  like Amazon  for killing the postal service, which has for years reported losses unrelated to its COVID-19 struggles.

"This is the new one. I'm the demise of the Postal Service," Trump said. "I'll tell you who's the demise of the Postal Service, are these internet companies that give their stuff to the Postal Service."

About 500 USPS workers have tested positive for COVID-19 and 462 others are presumed positive, postal service leaders told lawmakers, according to The Washington Post. More than 6,000 are in self-quarantine due to potential exposure and 19 have died, according to the report.

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Linkedin Rusdy Rukmarata (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, April 11, 2020 13:31 640 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd13398a 3 Opinion arts-and-culture,Taman-Ismail-Marzuki,renovation,urban-planning,Jakarta-administration,Jakarta-Arts-Council Free

The revamping of Jakartas arts and cultural center, Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), however controversial, will likely continue if the threat of the ongoing pandemic can be overcome. Many have voiced concerns that the facelift is at odds with the centers role as a training ground for artists in the nations capital. Is this assessment accurate? It certainly has its reasons.

First, there was a missed opportunity of discussing the project prior to execution. In January, members of the Jakarta Arts Council finally met with Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan and the Jakarta Tourism and Culture Agency. While the meeting was a welcomed opportunity to raise important concerns and suggestions, there was also restrained optimism on whether anything would materialize at all.

More importantly, the Central Jakarta municipality should have initiated such dialogue long before the machines and workers arrived at the scene. Now that the project is ongoing, will any suggestions be really accommodated?

This project also seems to reveal Indonesias poor planning habits, especially regarding arts centers. Whether government or privately owned, many of them are built abruptly without much thought. These buildings become bewildering majestic wonders unfit for function. Venue managements rush to look for performers only after the last drop of paint dries.

In my experience, only a few arts centers sufficiently serve their purpose. Aula Simfonia Jakarta with Jakarta Simfonia Orchestra as one of its resident orchestras, and Rumah Kertanegara in South Jakarta with the Resonanz Children Choir as one of its resident choirs are a few examples of outstanding concert halls. Also worthy of mention is the Salihara multipurpose blackbox theater, the home of the Salihara arts community, also in South Jakarta.

Equally important to project planning is building management. TIM itself has experienced different models. At one point, all performances endorsed by the Jakarta Arts Council could be held free-of-charge. There was also a profit-sharing system with TIMs Jakarta Arts Center Management Unit (UP PKJ) and a lease system. Meanwhile, the latest model warrants mandatory curating by the Jakarta Arts Council for both paying and non-paying performers.

However, the effectiveness of the different models was never evaluated. This must change. Again, this is where a collaborative process becomes important. The UP PKJ and the Jakarta Arts Council need to include artists and art companies into the conversation. In fact, we all need to make it our mission to make TIM a much better facility following its revitalization.

Building and performance technicians must also be heard. They need to be consulted on flooring, acoustics, seating arrangements and so on. Without them, wed only be repeating the mistakes of older buildings. In the TIMs Teater Jakarta, the air-conditioning in the seating area and on stage is not regulated separately, thus performers are exposed to very cold temperatures.

Meanwhile, the colorful seats potentially clash with a performances concept. In Teater Kecil, the seats of the theaters left and right wings oppose each other instead of facing the stage  a rather uncommon arrangement that gets in the way of enjoying a performance. These problems are just a few of the more fundamental and technical problems in both theaters. These problems could be actually avoided if more experienced technicians in stagecraft were involved up to the very smallest details. In art, details matter like small strokes in a maestros painting.

With multiple distinctive features to consider, a performing arts center is unlike any other building. It is not your ordinary facility with just another stage, rows of chairs and dressing rooms. The failure to recognize its uniqueness will hinder its full function, or worse, render it useless.

Taman Ismail Marzuki was established in 1968, back when Jakarta was led by governor Ali Sadikin. I started frequenting this complex around the 1980s, when TIM was the best performing arts center of its time. It had an open theater, indoor theater, amphitheater, courtyard theater, exhibition hall, artist studio and meeting hall. The facilities were more than enough for the needs of artists of that era.

The Jakarta Arts Institute (IKJ) was also already established within the complex. There were also a number of dance studios such as the Huriah Adam studio, the Nritya Sundara ballet studio, the Bali Saraswati dance studio, the Padnecwara Javanese dance studio and rehearsal areas for the youth theater and emerging arts groups. Moreover, TIM held diverse art festivals that featured artists from all over Indonesia  all within the complex.

Many artists continue to rely on TIM. As a government-owned facility, TIM is one of the most affordable performing arts building. Given its significance, coupled with cases of ill-designed arts buildings, its understandable that TIMs little-discussed revitalization has made many people anxious, questioning many what-ifs.

I believe all of us, including the governor, share the hope for TIM to become a world-class performing arts and exhibition center. But this vision requires an enabling environment for artists and arts promotion.

Some lessons learned can be derived from Singapores Esplanade. Envisioning a top performing arts building, Singapore has attempted to ensure that its local artists are ready to perform at an international level, including the Singapore Dance Theaters. Performances were routinely held at the Kallang Theatre, Victoria Theatre and smaller facilities, and international art events were hosted to create the right environment. When the Esplanade began operating, Singapore was ready inside out. Its forward-looking approach and preparation made sure the vision could be transformed into a reality.

Creating a world-class arts center is clearly more than a matter of bricks and mortar. Imagine a sophisticated-looking computer. Without an equally powerful program, it is just a beautiful but empty shell. With TIM, it would be unwise to focus solely on construction, while overlooking substance.

It is now too late to reverse the project, but it is never too late for the Jakarta government, the Jakarta Arts Council and TIMs UP PKJ to meet. A meeting plan is in place and has started with a gathering of producers, the dance community, technicians and leaders of dance festival organizers, held by Jakarta Arts Council. Following meetings will involve musicians, the theater community, fine arts community and writers community  all frequent users of TIM venues.

The meetings results should become the basic foundation for the progress of TIMs revitalization project. There is still hope for change though we, the artist community, are so often disappointed by the way the government builds and manages arts centers. Time will tell if Taman Ismail Marzuki in 2021 can be a world-class arts center with world-class works of arts that can satisfy Jakarta and Indonesian art lovers of any kind.

***

Caretaker of Dance Committee, Jakarta Arts Council

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
Americans are thanking workers on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak in many ways, and the latest added a little brightness to this dark time. Cities across the United States lit up their landmarks with blue lights on Thursday as a part of the #LightItBlue campaign. More than 150 U.S. locations participated in the tribute which originated in the United Kingdom. Weve been so inspired over the past few weeks by the cheers of our neighbors around the world  and we wanted to bring this collective gratitude to an even bigger stage here in the U.S., Joe Zenas, lead organizer of the #LightItBlue movement, said in a statement provided to Yahoo Lifestyle. On Thursday, New Yorks Governor, Andrew Cuomo, encouraged his state to participate. I am directing that key buildings and structures throughout the state join the #LightItBlue campaign and be illuminated with the color blue on Thursday night as a way of thanking and standing in solidarity with the brave men and women who are truly doing Gods work, he said in a press release sent to Yahoo Lifestyle, along with a tweet. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for all they do, he added.

Video Transcript

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The discovery helps date the transatlantic migration to about 34 million years ago, around the time a major drop in sea level would have made the ocean voyage shorter

Four fossilized monkey teeth discovered deep in the Peruvian Amazon provide new evidence that more than one group of ancient primates journeyed across the Atlantic Ocean from Africa, according to new USC research just published in the journal Science.

The teeth are from a newly discovered species belonging to an extinct family of African primates known as parapithecids. Fossils discovered at the same site in Peru had earlier offered the first proof that South American monkeys evolved from African primates.

The monkeys are believed to have made the more than 900-mile trip on floating rafts of vegetation that broke off from coastlines, possibly during a storm.

"This is a completely unique discovery," said Erik Seiffert, the study's lead author and Professor of Clinical Integrative Anatomical Sciences at Keck School of Medicine of USC. "It shows that in addition to the New World monkeys and a group of rodents known as caviomorphs - there is this third lineage of mammals that somehow made this very improbable transatlantic journey to get from Africa to South America."

Researchers have named the extinct monkey Ucayalipithecus perdita. The name comes from Ucayali, the area of the Peruvian Amazon where the teeth were found, pithikos, the Greek word for monkey and perdita, the Latin word for lost.

Ucayalipithecus perdita would have been very small, similar in size to a modern-day marmoset.

Dating the migration

Researchers believe the site in Ucayali where the teeth were found is from a geological epoch known as the Oligocene, which extended from about 34 million to 23 million years ago.

Based on the age of the site and the closeness of Ucayalipithecus to its fossil relatives from Egypt, researchers estimate the migration might have occurred around 34 million years ago.

"We're suggesting that this group might have made it over to South America right around what we call the Eocene-Oligocene Boundary, a time period between two geological epochs, when the Antarctic ice sheet started to build up and the sea level fell," said Seiffert. "That might have played a role in making it a bit easier for these primates to actually get across the Atlantic Ocean."

An improbable discovery

Two of the Ucayalipithecus perdita teeth were identified by Argentinean co-authors of the study in 2015 showing that New World monkeys had African forebears. When Seiffert was asked to help describe these specimens in 2016, he noticed the similarity of the two broken upper molars to an extinct 32 million-year-old parapithecid monkey species from Egypt he had studied previously.

An expedition to the Peruvian fossil site in 2016 led to the discovery of two more teeth belonging to this new species. The resemblance of these additional lower teeth to those of the Egyptian monkey teeth confirmed to Seiffert that Ucayalipithecus was descended from African ancestors.

"The thing that strikes me about this study more than any other I've been involved in is just how improbable all of it is," said Seiffert. "The fact that it's this remote site in the middle of nowhere, that the chances of finding these pieces is extremely small, to the fact that we're revealing this very improbable journey that was made by these early monkeys, it's all quite remarkable."

###

About this study

In addition to Seiffert, the study's other authors are Marcelo Tejedor and Nelson Novo from the Instituto Patagonico de Geologia y Paleontologia (CCT CONICET - CENPAT); John G. Fleagle from the Department of Anatomical Sciences, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University; Fanny Cornejo and Dorien de Vries from the Interdepartmental Doctoral Program in Anthropological Sciences, Stony Brook University; Mariano Bond from CONICET, Division Paleontologia Vertebrados, Museo de Ciencias Naturales de La Plata and Kenneth E. Campbell Jr. from the Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

The study was supported by J. Wigmore, W. Rhodes, and R. Seaver, who helped to fund the 1998 expedition that led to the recovery of the Ucayalipithecus partial upper molars; the Leakey Foundation, Gordon Getty, and A. Stenger who supported the fieldwork in 2016; and the Keck School of Medicine of USC and the U.S. National Science Foundation (BCS-1231288) which supported micro-CT scanning.
BEIJING - Chinas auto sales sank 48.4% in March from a year ago as the economy reeled from the coronavirus, according to an industry group, adding to strains for the struggling industry in its biggest global market.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 11/4/2020 (640 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

FILE - In this April 8, 2020, file photo, workers assemble cars at the Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., Ltd factory in Wuhan in central China's Hubei province. China's auto sales sank 48.4% in March from a year ago as the economy reeled from the coronavirus, according to an industry group, adding to strains for the struggling industry in its biggest global market. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File)

BEIJING - Chinas auto sales sank 48.4% in March from a year ago as the economy reeled from the coronavirus, according to an industry group, adding to strains for the struggling industry in its biggest global market.

Sales of SUVs, sedans and minivans totalled just over 1 million, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said. Total vehicle sales, including trucks and buses, declined 43.3% to 1.4 million.

The decline was an improvement over Februarys record-setting 81.7% sales plunge after auto dealerships and other businesses were shut down to fight the try to stop the viruss spread.

The ruling Communist Party started reopening factories, restaurants and stores in March after declaring victory over the outbreak. But consumers who are uneasy about potential job losses or a resurgence of the virus are reluctant to make big purchases.

On the consumer side, since the epidemic has not completely ended, some market demand is still being suppressed, the CAAM said in a statement Friday.

Auto sales in the first three months of 2020 were down 45.4% at 2.9 million.

Demand already was weak due to consumer jitters about a tariff war with Washington, slower economic growth and possible job losses. Sales fell 9.6% last year, their second straight annual decline.

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The downturn is a blow to global automakers that are counting on China to drive revenue growth amid weak demand in the United States and Europe.

Forecasters say it will be weeks or months before production returns to normal. Automakers say the pace depends on how fast suppliers can resume delivering components.

The downturn is squeezing global and Chinese brands that are investing billions of dollars to develop electric vehicles under pressure to meet government sales targets.

Sales of electric and gasoline-electric hybrid SUVs and sedans fell 53.2% from a year earlier in March to 53,000, according to CAAM. That was an improvement over Februarys 75.2% decline.

EV sales for the first three months of the year were off 56.4% at 114,000. China is the biggest market for electrics, accounting for about half of last years global sales.

EV demand sank in mid-2019 when Beijing ended multibillion-dollar subsidies to producers and buyers and shifted the burden to the industry by requiring automakers to make a portion of their sales electric.
The worldwide coronavirus pandemic is affecting nearly every area of modern life, and that includes higher education.

Many colleges and universities around the world have closed. Hundreds of schools in the United States have moved their classes on line. But that represents only a short-term change.

Now, higher education officials are starting to consider changes to the way they admit students. Some of these changes are likely to take effect when the traditional school year begins in the fall.

Robert Massa is a former admissions official from Johns Hopkins University and Dickinson College. He also teaches about higher education at the University of Southern California. Massa offered several predictions for the future of the college admissions process on the website, The Conversation.

Student may have more time to decide

Traditionally, high school students apply to several colleges or universities to improve their chances of getting accepted by one they like. Schools usually send out their acceptance and rejection letters in the early spring. If they accept a student, schools usually expect an answer from the student saying whether or not they will study there by May 1.

But Massa notes that a growing number of schools are now waiting until June 1 for students to make their choice. Highly selective schools, such as the eight well-known private universities called the Ivy League, get far more applicants than they can admit. So they, and other schools, create what is called a wait list. This list includes all the students who have not been admitted but who officials still believe might make good candidates for their school.

Normally, if a university admits a student who decides to study at another school, students on the waitlist are offered admission based on their place on that list. But Massa points to a March opinion study by the Art & Science Group showing that as many as one fifth of American students would choose a less costly college over their first choice school. In addition, 35 percent said they would choose a college or university that is closer to their home. Massa suggests that these findings combined with uncertainty about the attendance of international students means more students on wait lists will likely be admitted.

Financial aid could change

The financial effects of the pandemic are something American colleges and universities are giving a lot of thought to, he said. Many worry that if the pandemic leads to an economic recession, as many experts predict, Americans will choose not to spend as much money on higher education.

So, Massa believes some schools will offer more financial aid to students in order to make their programs more appealing. Last year, the Department of Justice changed rules on how schools can compete over applicants. It decided that even if a student has signed an agreement with one school, that student can choose to attend a different school if the second school offers greater financial aid.

The countrys possible economic troubles could also affect need-based financial aid such as the federal governments Pell grant program, Massa said. The amount of this kind of aid is mostly based on how much money a students family earns in a year. If a students parents get sick and cannot work, or lose their jobs either completely or temporarily, this may affect how much need-aid based aid the student will receive.

Massa predicts the final major change to the admissions process will mainly affect students who have not yet begun to apply. Most college counselors advise high schoolers to visit the colleges and universities they are considering in person. This includes meeting with the schools financial aid and admissions officials.

However, this may not be a possibility with campuses closing. So more schools will likely offer virtual tours to students online.

No matter what changes do come, Massa noted that life will return to some level of normality in time. So, he urges students and their families to make their college decisions carefully.

Im Pete Musto.

Robert Massa reported on this issue for The Conversation. Pete Musto adapted it for VOA Learning English based on the Creative Commons license. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.

Quiz - Coronavirus May Bring Major Changes to College Admissions Process Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

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Words in This Story

pandemic n. the appearance of a disease that spreads quickly and widely around the world

apply v. to formally ask to be admitted to a school, program or to get a job

selective adj. involving choices of the best people for a certain purpose

uncertainty n. a state of being doubtful or not sure

counselor n. someone who offers advice

campus n. the area around a university, college or school

virtual tours  n. a visit to a place that is entirely online
TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI)  As students across the state are forced to finish school remotely, we're learning how it's actually possible. Using technology in an engaging way is at the forefront for teachers right now.

Incorporating technology in the classroom isn't new for Tippecanoe School Corporation teachers, what is new is having to do it full time.

"We started putting devices in the hands of our high-school students, I think it was ten years ago," said Tippecanoe School Corporation's director of technology Devin Arms.

Arms said the school district has invested in popular virtual learning platforms like CompassLearning and IXL Learning for students.

"Within those platforms, they can make materials available, they can post pre-recorded videos of themselves, they can include links to documents and resources," said Arms.

"That can get boring after a while," said Hershey Elementary 4th grade teacher Jocelyn MacLaverty.

Her remote learning day starts with a virtual class meeting on Monday, followed by lessons and virtual activities throughout the week. She said even with all these digital capabilities, there is a need for teachers to continue being creative.

"I'm trying to do challenges with my kids at least once a week," said MacLaverty.

This week's challenge is having her students recreate popular art pieces with items they have in their home. She said overall students and parents are responding well.

"I'm so proud of them," said MacLaverty. "If they have any problems they are conformable to email me or send me a message through Google Classroom."

MacLaverty and Arms agree these times will be something to think about moving forward.

"We'll certainly reflect on this experience and try to identify what went really well and what are some areas to address and maybe approve upon," said Arms.

TSC students will be remote learning for the rest of the school year. Their last day is May 15th.
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Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 05:25:59|Editor: huaxia

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ZAGREB, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Croatia could expect an average revenue drop of 35 to 40 percent due to COVID-19 outbreak, Finance Minister Zdravko Maric said on Friday.

Croatia has introduced two packages to help shore up the economy and save jobs. It has decided to write off tax obligations in the next three months and support people's salaries.

"More than 370,000 workers are using this measure. We have come close to the number of about 600,000 people who should benefit from these measures," the minister said in an interview with the RTL news channel, noting that the state has already spent more than one billion kuna (143.1 million U.S. dollars) for paying part of the salaries of workers in the troubled companies hit by the crisis.

Maric also noted a possible cut in public sector wages. "This topic is on the table. We had a meeting yesterday and I hope that the talks will continue. We will also invite unions with whom we have signed a collective agreement. Solidarity and fellowship are important to overcome this crisis," Maric said.

In another interview with television HRT, the minister said that in the next three months the expenditure side of the state budget will be around 45 billion kuna (6.4 billion U.S. dollars) to ensure the functioning of the state and cover all the measures. He said that a rise in public debt is inevitable and there will be a budget deficit.

In the last few years Croatia has managed to achieve a balanced budget and reduced the public debt to around 70 percent of GDP.

The World Bank reported on Thursday that the Croatian economy will shrink by 6.2 percent in 2020, before rebounding to 4.6 percent growth in 2021. According to its report, the repercussions for the labor market could be severe and the unemployment rate could rise to above 9 percent in 2020. The government measures to help the economy could reach 8 percent of the country's GDP, the World Bank said in a statement.

Croatia has reported 1,495 cases of coronavirus infection and 21 deaths as of Friday afternoon.
Gerardo and Tracy Hernandez in 2015. Gerardo, the mayor pro tem of Adelanto, is now in the ICU with COVID-19. (Tracy Hernandez)

The coronavirus so ruthlessly attacked Gerardo Hernandez's lungs that he now needs a ventilator to breathe for him. A tube delivers food to his stomach. His kidneys no longer function on their own.

The 39-year-old has spent the last three weeks lying unconscious in a hospital bed, barely clinging to life.

But when Hernandez was first tested for the coronavirus, when he showed up at an emergency room gasping for breath, he got a false negative and had to be retested. In the meantime, he began rapidly deteriorating and was moved into the hospital's intensive care unit.

Hernandez, who is mayor pro tem of Adelanto, a small city in the Mojave Desert, is among the first wave of patients nationwide severely affected by COVID-19, a status that has brought challenges beyond the disease itself. His family and others like them are confronting a maze of issues around testing and treatment as the U.S. struggles to catch up with the virus that is devastating cities across America, yet remains poorly understood by doctors and scientists.

His wife, Tracy, and their three daughters cannot get tested for the virus because they don't have severe symptoms. His 19-year-old niece, who also lives with them, has been tested twice for COVID-19 during two recent ER visits for coughing and shortness of breath, but the results have been negative. She has pneumonia that keeps getting worse.

"It's overwhelming," said Tracy, 38. The virus seemed serious when she and Gerardo saw it on the news, but it felt like they were peering at the threat through a window, that it was happening in the distance. "And then it hit him."

::

In late February, Hernandez began coughing and sneezing, complaining of itchy eyes and a scratchy throat. He wrote it off as allergies or asthma, which he has had since childhood, his wife said.

The two married in 2013 and live in Adelanto with Gerardos mother, as well as their daughters and niece. Hernandez was elected to the City Council in 2018.

Story continues

As March wore on, his symptoms worsened. He spiked a fever and began complaining that he was constantly tired, Tracy said. On March 18, an ambulance raced him to the hospital because he was so short of breath he couldn't talk. His lips became tinged with blue.

Doctors at St. Mary's Medical Center in Apple Valley diagnosed him with pneumonia, but he tested negative for the flu and other common illnesses.

A bottleneck in processing lab tests delayed his COVID-19 test results, so they weren't received until eight days after admission, a frustrating experience for Tracy, who desperately wanted to know if he had the virus. Then the test came back negative, followed by a second swab that came back positive.

The delays and false negative caused confusion and prevented doctors from moving quickly to start him on experimental medicines that may have helped his condition, Tracy said.

Several doctors have raised concerns that patients who almost certainly have COVID-19, including the characteristic pneumonia visible on a CT scan, are testing negative for the virus. A paper from China that was released before it was peer reviewed found that as many as 27% of patients with COVID-19 tested negative for the virus with a nasal swab test.

"The old dictum that we were taught in medical school is that clinical suspicion prevails. I don't think that's going to fail us ever," said Dr. Neha Nanda, USC infectious disease specialist. "The sensitivity [of the test] is just a little bit up in the air."

Repeat testing sometimes yields positives, perhaps because there is more virus in the patient's body as symptoms become more severe, experts say. But for patients like Hernandez who are severely ill, doctors typically continue to treat patients as though they have COVID-19 even if the results are negative. There are not yet medicines proven to work for COVID-19, so doctors are mostly addressing the symptoms regardless.

False negatives can be more dangerous for milder cases when people, like health care workers, return to work or are told that they don't have the virus and will recover on their own, experts say.

Tracy believes that has happened to her niece Christina. Since Gerardo was admitted to the hospital, his 72-year-old mother, Salome, has also fallen ill and is now also hospitalized for COVID-19. Christina, a sophomore at UC Riverside, had been caring for her grandmother as she became sick. The teenager has pneumonia, but has tested negative for the virus twice.

Experts say that when patients are tested for the virus, the swabs may not be getting shoved far enough back in the nose to get an adequate sample. Scientists also say the nasal cavity, compared with say the lungs, may not contain as much virus for the swab to capture.

Seventy percent of testing errors, whether it be a false negative, a false positive are actually due to things before the sample is tested, said Nam Tran, senior director of clinical pathology at UC Davis. The way the test is designed makes it much less likely to yield a false positive, experts say.

On March 21, Hernandez's lungs filled up with so much fluid that doctors had to put him on a ventilator. He went into septic shock and multiple organ failure. They tried some experimental medicines, including the malaria medication hydroxychloroquine, but it didn't seem to help and doctors tapered him off, Tracy said.

On Sunday, physicians told Tracy they did not believe he would make it through the night.

He is one of the most critical patients they have on their ward right now, Tracy said. He is on life support ... thats the scariest thing. I never knew in my entire life I would have to say that about my husband, but he is literally fighting for his life right now.

Nanda, of USC Keck, said the data from China and Italy showed that it was almost exclusively older people who died from the virus; but the American statistics have been different, with younger people getting extremely sick as well. It appears that asthma and obesity, not typically considered the most high-risk conditions, could be making people more vulnerable to serious illness, but physicians' understanding evolves daily, she said.

"What I say in the morning often changes by 4 p.m.," said Nanda, an infectious disease doctor. "We definitely have a lot to learn in terms of predisposing factors for patients who would succumb to this virus ... these are trying times.

Tracy keeps detailed notes in a journal about her husband's status, his blood pressure, his medication regimen, anything the nurses tell her. She plans to show Gerardo everything when he wakes up.

I can say look, This is the journey youve gone through," she said.

The two were in the same graduating class at San Gorgonio High School in San Bernardino decades ago. Tracy doesnt remember him, but Gerardo told her years later that he said hi to her during a passing period and she laughed at him. They reconnected in 2012, and were married a year later.

Their seventh wedding anniversary was on March 19, the day Gerardo was admitted to the hospital. That was the last time Tracy saw him in person.

Gerardo's mother, Salome, and the three girls celebrating Gerardo's birthday without him at home on March 26. (Tracy Hernandez)

Gerardo continued to text her from the hospital until he was intubated and given a sedative to sleep. In the last text, he said he felt terrible and would call her when he woke up. Then he sent a string of kiss emojis and turned his phone off.

Tracy, often sitting alone in the bedroom she typically shares with him, still texts him regularly, though she knows he isn't reading the messages.

On March 26, she wished him a happy birthday, along with a picture of their daughters celebrating with a strawberry cake.

In one text, she told him to dream of the farm they plan to own in Texas together when they retire. She has messaged him to say how she's feeling. And videos of the girls.

She says he'll read them when he wakes up.

Times staff writers Harriet Ryan and Emily Baumgaertner contributed to this report.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce a national economic package worth Rs 10 lakh crore to fight the coronavirus crisis.

She made the appeal while expressing her support to the extension of the 21-day lockdown during the PMs meeting via video conferencing with chief ministers of all states during the day.

After the meeting, Banerjee told reporters the central government has announced a package of Rs 1.7 lakh crore which is not even one per cent of the national gross domestic product (GDP).

Look at the United States, it is spending of 10 per cent its GDP, while the UK is using 15 per cent and Japan 20 per cent. I have requested the PM for a national economic package of Rs 10 lakh crore, so that we can reach the six per cent mark. We have already asked for a special package worth Rs 25,000 crore to deal with the crisis, but we are awaiting any response.

Banerjee said she agreed with the PM on extending the lockdown till April 30 as he spoke about how the next two-three weeks are "crucial and critical" to fight the pandemic.

The PM may have said this with some genuine reasons. I know people are suffering due to the lockdown. I would like to request all to bear with us, the CM said.

Regarding the Centres directive to keep a close watch on some places in Bengal, Banerjee said nobody should play the communal card over coronavirus, adding its not the time to indulge in communal virus.

I know which areas the Centre wants us to keep a close watch on. But we will not play a communal virus here. We will fight this virus across the state wherever it is required, she said.

Without naming the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), she said some people were trying to spread misinformation about the virus spread in Bengal. She said there is no tampering with the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the state and a team has been set up to look into the matter.

What will I achieve by hiding coronavirus cases in Bengal? Nothing can be achieved through this. I told the PM during the meeting that patients with mild infections are responding to medicines. I had earlier informed the PM about how we are updating our coronavirus statistics. It is unfortunate that even during such a crisis, there are people who are playing dirty politics, she said.

During the meeting, Modi asked Banerjee to work on de-congesting markets and the latter responded saying she would work on it. Soon after the meeting, the CM is said to have spoken to respective police stations regarding the matter.

When asked about virus hotspots, the chief minister said the administration is referring to the spots as macro planning of sensitive areas.

This will be done in humane manner. We will track and trace people. Proper sanitising will be done. We will ensure all emergency services are provided to the residents of these areas. There is nothing to worry. Like other states, we have also shown a map of sensitive areas during the meeting, she said.

She said the state also highlighted during the meeting the importance of finding a balance between life and livelihood with a humane face.

Regarding donations through corporate social responsibility (CSR), Banerjee said she has urged the PM to make CSR benefits available to all the states. There should be no discrimination between the PMCARES and the state-level relief funds, she added.

She said she is against the resumption of international flight services and train services at the moment. We will allow bakeries to function, but proper protocol should be followed so that no violation takes place. Six fresh cases have been reported so far. There are 95 active patients, she added.

Earlier in the day, the cardiology and male medicine wards of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital were sealed after swab reports of two patients who died on Friday tested positive.

The entire area was sanitised and patients undergoing treatment at the wards have been removed to other wings of the hospital. We have prepared a list of 40 people, including doctors, nurses and health workers whose swab samples were collected and sent for tests, a senior health official said.
US officials this week made it clear that Washington is using its de facto veto power on decisions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to block a request from Iran for a $5 billion emergency loan needed to fight one of the worst outbreaks of the COVID-19 pandemic on the planet.

Iran submitted the request for urgent consideration on March 14, but has yet to receive a reply. Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus cases, as of Friday, had reached over 68,000, and the number of deaths had climbed to more than 4,200. Both figures are believed to be major underestimates of the real toll of the deadly virus.

The impact of COVID-19 in Iran has been sharply amplified by a US maximum pressure sanctions regime that is tantamount to a state of war. Severely tightened by the Trump administration since November 2018, when it unilaterally abrogated the nuclear treaty reached three years earlier between Tehran and the major powers, the sanctions have crippled the countrys economy while cutting off supplies of medicines and medical equipment.

Dismissing Irans request to the IMF, a State Department spokesman told CNN: The worlds leading state sponsor of terrorism is seeking cash to fund its adventurism abroad, not to buy medicine for Iranians. The regimes corrupt officials have a long history of diverting funds allocated for humanitarian goods into their own pockets and to their terrorist proxies.

Similarly, a US Treasury Department official stated, The United States is aware of Iran's request for financing from the IMF and, as in the past, we remain opposed to funding going to Iran that could be used to foster the regimes malign and destabilizing activities. Unfortunately, the Iranian central bank, which is currently under sanction, has been a key factor in financing terrorism across the region and we have no confidence that funds would be used to fight the coronavirus.

With the largest voting power on the IMFs board, Washington has the ability to veto any decision it opposes. It is common for the board not to bring proposals to a vote if US opposition is clear.

Last month, the IMF board denied a similar request for an emergency $5 billion loan from Venezuela, which is also under a punishing US sanctions regime aimed at starving the country into submission and toppling the government of President Nicolas Maduro. The board denied the request claiming that there was no clarity over whether the international community recognized Maduros administration or the right-wing US-backed politician Juan Guaido as the legitimate government.

The cynicism of this position is clear. The Maduro government controls all the agencies that provide medical care and aid, while Guaido controls nothing. Behind the absurd claim, the IMFs intention was transparent: nothing should be done to soften the blows from the US blockade of the oil-rich South American country, no matter how many lives are lost.

Since the killing of Venezuelas request for an IMF loan, Washington has ratcheted up its aggression, placing a $15 million bounty on Maduros head based on unsubstantiated charges of involvement in drug trafficking and sending a flotilla of US warships toward the Venezuelan coast.

In a cabinet meeting in Tehran Wednesday, President Hassan Rouhani charged Washington with medical terrorism" against Iran. Referring to the blocking of the IMF loan, he added, This will linger as a historical disgrace for the American ruling elites, who continue to mount pressure on the Iranian nation under the current circumstances.

Both Rouhani and the head of Irans central bank, Abdolnaser Hemmati, have stressed that Iran is a founding member of the IMF and has not asked for any form of loan from the agency in 50 years.

Both the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) have called for the lifting of sanctions to facilitate a global struggle against COVID-19. UN Human Rights Commissioner Michele Bachelet warned this week that US sanctions were impeding medical efforts and could lead to the collapse of Irans health care system.

Washington is predictably unmoved by such appeals. US imperialism sees the coronavirus pandemic as another instrument in its global war for hegemony.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo brushed aside questions about the sanctions against Iran at a White House press conference Wednesday, stating Ive heard people talking about sanctions. The world should know there are no sanctions that prevent humanitarian assistance, medical supplies, pharmaceuticals from going to Iran. He also claimed that the US had offered to send humanitarian aid to Iran.

The US administration knows that this is a bold-faced lie. While the language of US sanctions legislation exempts food along with humanitarian and medical supplies, the implementation of the maximum pressure" campaign renders these exemptions meaningless.

Washington has branded Irans central bank a terrorist entity, threatening secondary sanctions against anyone engaging in financial transactions with the country. Additional sanctions prevent Iran from accessing the SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications), further crippling its ability to conduct international financial transactions. Whatever exemptions exist on paper, companies and banks fear that any transaction with Iran will open them up to US retaliation.

The US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the principal agency in Washington responsible for enforcing the anti-Iranian sanctions, approved just 14 percent of the requests for licenses to export humanitarian goods to Iran in 2017 and 2018. Moreover, the number of such applications has fallen from 220 in 2016 to just 36 in 2019, indicating the intimidating effect of the sanctions regime.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic comes on top of the brutal erosion of the Iranian health care system under the impact of US sanctions, with doctors, hospitals and pharmacies unable to obtain essential medicines, supplies and equipment, leading to the deaths of Iranian men, women and children from cancer and other diseases.

As for the claim that Washington offered assistance to Iran, the reality is that at the end of last month Pompeo touted the fact that the US had offered a grand total of less than $275 million worldwide to aid in the fight against the coronavirus. The amount it was offering to Iran was less than one-tenth that figure. Such mock charity" is a ludicrous insult in light of the estimated $200 billion dollars that US sanctions have bled from Irans economy by cutting off its principal source of revenue, oil exports, and blocking foreign investment. The paltry US aid would have served only as a Trojan Horse in Washingtons drive for regime-change.

Meanwhile, as with Venezuela, the spread of the virusincluding through the ranks of the US military--has not stopped US imperialisms military threats against Iran. Following up on President Donald Trumps April 1 threat that Iran would pay a very heavy price, indeed! if US troops occupying Iraq came under attack, the State Departments assistant secretary for the Middle East, David Schenker, said Thursday that what he described as Iranian-backed militias continued to pose a significant threat to US troops occupying Iraq.

He added that Washington was enormously disappointed with the Iraqi governments failure to provide sufficient protection for US occupation forces. The Pentagon has brought a pair of Patriot missile batteries into Iraq, without the permission of the Iraqi government, whose parliament voted in January for a resolution demanding the complete withdrawal of US-led foreign forces from the country.

US imperialisms foreign policy is an extension of its domestic policy. Just as the US ruling oligarchy is determined to utilize the pandemic to impose ever greater levels of exploitation upon American workers at home, so too it is seeking to employ the disease as a weapon to pursue its predatory interests abroad.
Egypt's health ministry reported on Saturday 145 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of cases so far to 1,939 nationwide.

The ministry also announced 11 new deaths from the virus, bringing the total number of fatalities to 146.

Health ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed said on Friday that 30 percent of those who died since the first infection was discovered in February had passed away before reaching the isolation hospitals.

According to statements by the health minister also on Friday during a cabinet meeting, Egypt has 12 functioning quarantine hospitals nationwide  with more that have been prepared  that include 2,241 beds and 407 ICU beds, and are equipped with 346 ventilators.

Egypt has 47 fever hospitals and 35 pulmonology hospitals for triage and the admittance of coronavirus patients before they are taken to quarantine hospitals, according to the minister.

The health ministry also said in its statement that 37 Egyptians and 5 foreigners fully recovered and left isolation hospitals on Saturday, which brings the total number of recoveries from the virus so far to 426.

The number of patients whose test results have turned from positive to negative, including complete recoveries, has now reached 542, spokesman Megahed said.

Over the past week, the average daily toll of infections in Egypt ranged from 120 to 150 cases.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said in a televised speech on Wednesday that the number of coronavirus infections Egypt is witnessing so far is very close to the scenarios anticipated from the beginning by the government.

"In the coming three weeks, an increase in the daily rate of infections will occur... we expect that. However, the most important thing is that the upcoming increase should be simple and gradual, because the fear lies in an exponential rise in daily numbers, for example 150 cases on one day and 250-300 others the next day," said the prime minister. "This would mean that we are approaching the scenario of countries where things have gotten out of control."

On 8 April, Egypt extended a nationwide night-time curfew, first imposed on 25 March, by two weeks until 23 April. The extended curfew now begins at 8 pm instead of the previous 7 pm.

Health Minister Hala Zayed affirmed on Friday that Egypt is adhering to the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO) with regard to the investigation and testing procedures, which stipulate that tests for the virus should be administered only to those who display symptoms.

A few days ago, Hussam Hosny, head of the health ministry's scientific committee to combat the coronavirus, said in TV statements that 25,000 coronavirus tests have been conducted so far, and that the ministry is increasing its capacity to around 2,000 tests daily.

In this regard, during a video broadcast on Wednesday by the health ministrys official page dedicated to answering inquiries about the virus, head of the ministry's Central Department of Laboratories Nancy El-Gendy said the coronavirus test results are ready six hours after the test is conducted.

"There are 23 ministry-affiliated laboratories nationwide that perform tests to detect coronavirus infection, and within a week, another six laboratories will be added," El-Gendy said.

The ministry said in a statement today that it has launched a dedicated messaging service on WhatsApp to respond to inquiries about the coronavirus pandemic, through the designated 01553105105 line or https://wa.me/201553105105, which opens a conversation on WhatsApp.

Two days earlier, the ministry launched a mobile application on Google Store and iOS to track new coronavirus cases and those who have come in contact with infected individuals.

The two services aim to ease congestion on the ministrys hotlines designated for reporting coronavirus cases. The health ministry says it received 477,257 inquiries in March through its 105 and 15335 hotlines.

Among the 300 operators receiving the citizens' inquiries through the hotlines, the ministry has launched an English-language hotline for foreigners residing in Egypt.

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Minnesota authorities held their briefing as scheduled yesterday (video below). The Department of Health has posted the materials made available here. It includes

technical documentation, Power Point slides, and FAQs. If they put their cards on the table, they seem to be dealing from a stacked deck.

The Star Tribunes Jeremy Olson and Christopher Snowbeck report on the briefing in Minnesota officials unveil modeling behind states COVID-19 strategy. They play straight men who confine themselves to restatement and regurgitation: The researchers ran dozens of models under different scenarios, though [Minnesota State Health Economist Stefan] Gildemeister said they focused on solutions that were likely in a democratic U.S. compared to stern measures in authoritarian countries such as China. Takeaways included that the most effective strategies included the expansion of intensive care beds and the restrictions on people at greatest risk.

Olson and Snowbeck note but make nothing of this glaring phenomenon: Minnesotas COVID-19 case count on Friday included outbreaks involving at least one staff member or resident of 55 congregate care facilities. Five of the seven newly reported deaths on Friday involved such residents, almost all of whom are older and have other medical problems. The median age of deaths in Minnesota is 87, compared to the median age of lab-confirmed cases at 51.

They add: What happens after the extended stay-at-home order ends May 4 is unclear. The modeling that most closely resembled the governors order not only included an extension for four weeks for the entire state, but then lesser social distancing requirements for everyone through June 6, and stay-at-home restrictions that would continue for at-risk individuals until much later in the summer.

Olson and Snowbeck offer more in the way of restatement and regurgitation. Our friends Brian Sullivan and Kevin Roche have followed along and responded to my request for their comments. Brian is the founder and chief executive officer of a sophisticated biomedical cancer research company. Brian writes:

The model Governor Walz used to shut-down our economy projects 22,000 Minnesotans will die from the virus, regardless of how long the shut-down lasts. So far, 57 Minnesotans have died. At a time when the epidemics curve has been flattening for weeks, Governor Walz expects us to believe that 21,943 more Minnesotans will die over the next few months. According to IHME, Bill Gates model, Iowa is only projecting 743 deaths through July, even though they have NOT implemented a drastic shut-down policy. Peel back the numbers and you find that Governor Walzs model projects 4,000 of every 1 million Minnesotans will die, 17 times more than the 235 deaths per million projected for Iowa. Is he so clueless that he really believes this? Just because Minnesotans are nice, doesnt mean we are stupid. Governor Walzs model is a fraudulent tool designed to scare us into accepting a misguided policy that is destroying the livelihoods and savings of hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans. The Governor needs to discard this model, drop the axe he has taken to the economy, and implement a smarter, more targeted mitigation strategy to protect those most vulnerable to the virus.

Kevin Roche is the former general counsel of UnitedHealthGroup and chief executive officer of its Ingenix division. Kevin also observes: The most notable thing in the presentation is how little difference there is in total deaths among various mitigation strategies. And the one I have been pushing, target protecting older people has the same effect as making everyone stay home.

After seeing the Star Tribune story this morning, Kevin wrote to add: I cant tell you how angry I was to wake up and see the Star Tribune headline this morning. I should have said Governor Ordered Shutdown Without Any Consideration Of Harms From Order or Models Say More Limited Shutdown Would Work as Well as the One the Governor Ordered. This is a complete travesty. Nothing makes my blood boil like misleading the public.

Former New York Times reporter Alex Berenson commented at the request of Minnesota state representative Mary Franson in the tweet below.

2/  Even though Scenario 3 offers only "social distancing" for "the most vulnerable" after May 1 and the other scenarios have far harsher rules, up to "long term slowed contacts for all." So (even if the 22,000 figure is right, and it clearly isn't) what, exactly, is the point?  Alex Berenson (@AlexBerenson) April 10, 2020

My own observation is that we seem to have a nursing home crisis. Nursing home patients need to be isolated and protected. By the same token, the rest of us need to be protected from them. Why this calls for the shutdown of economic activity in the state is beyond me, anyway.

A reader writes to call for more reporting on the nursing home phenomenon:

The Department of Human Services and the Department of Health know full well how these outbreaks in nursing homes and assisted living facilities occur and they are not necessarily by staff transmission or a lack of infection control. Did you know that there is a segment of the population that does not have to adhere to the Stay at Home order? Did you know that they go out into the community every single day, then return to where they live and potentially expose others who live there and the staff who work there? They refuse medical treatment, quarantine orders, increased hygiene needs, the use of masks and are protected by MDH and DHS every single day. I know this. I work with this every day. The community based spread in Minnesota will not stop as they allow known carriers to roam. They have no intentions of stopping them. Providers are told every week that they cannot protect their staff or other people living in the same facility from the actions of these individuals.

Video of the briefing is below.

UPDATE: Kevin Roche expands on his thoughts above in his Healthy Skeptic Post Minnesota madness and in the Alpha News column here.
Generating organic traffic through SEO is a standard business strategy. Some businesses even resort to a professional SEO agency to do it. However, many factors need to work for a brand to win at SEO and generate enough traffic to grow the business. If the common practices aren't working, then a company needs to reevaluate its strategy.

Keyword Competition

Companies need to check where they appear on the search engine results for their primary keywords regularly. Slipping off the first page means a significant drop in clicks, regardless of what professional SEO agencies say. It can also show that the company has gained more competition for those keywords. In major cities like Mumbai, SEO competition can get incredibly fierce due to the number of companies in the Indian business hub.

Keyword Density

Another possibility for why a company may not win at SEO is keyword density, especially in recent content. Too few keyword mentions means the algorithm won't show the content. Conversely, a company's content can exceed the best practice keyword density. Keyword stuffing like that does negatively affect the search algorithm ratings. Instead, companies should aim for 0.5 percent to 3 percent density. Those are the magic numbers to win at SEO.

Sites Never Win at SEO with Outdated Practices

The internet is rife with old advice on how to do SEO. Sometimes, even professional SEO agencies still use these practices. Unfortunately, the search algorithms flag outdated practices. Things like keyword stuffing, indiscriminate backlinking, and excessive optimization all drop a site's rankings. Auditing brand content at least once a year for search algorithm changes is a great way to head off these problems.

Poor On-Site SEO

As the years have gone by, search algorithms have gotten more sophisticated. Instead of relying solely on keywords, companies now must worry about user behavior and authority too. For example, if many users only view one page, the bounce rate goes up. The search algorithm then concludes the page is clickbait and dings the site ranking.

The big SEO trend in 2020 is relevance. If site content cannot stand on its own and draw users deeper, then it will not rank for long. This change means that companies, particularly SEO agencies, must write for the user as well as the algorithm. The requirement content is user friendly is more prominent now than ever.

The Mobile Revolution

Another significant factor in winning at SEO is mobile-friendliness. Mobile phones surpassed computers in 2016 for most users accessing the web. Therefore, mobile compatible sites became more relevant, and the search algorithms were adjusted accordingly.

Mobile sites require more flexibility than desktop sites do. Many mobiles require layout modifications for the website to look good. Then there's load times, both text and images. The whole site needs to be able to function on a minimal amount of data transmission. Altering a site for mobile is not a matter of merely shrinking it. However, most website platforms build in these features, so companies simply need to tweak the options to win at SEO on this front.
A pedestrian crosses an empty California Street during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on April 6 in San Francisco.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

An emergency measure in San Francisco is proposing renting 7,000 hotel rooms to house the city's entire homeless population.

The estimated cost of renting the units for 90 days is $105 million.

If the ordinance passes and the city can identify the funds to pay for the rooms, then the estimated 8,000 homeless residents will have space to shelter in place alongside much of the rest of the city.

Housing the homeless community would also help prevent a coronavirus outbreak among its members.

An outbreak in the homeless community could overwhelm the healthcare system and hinder the city's long-time goal of "flattening the curve" amid the pandemic.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

San Francisco's latest plan to house its homeless population in an attempt to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus outbreak includes possibly renting 7,000 unoccupied hotel rooms.

The city will vote on the proposal next week, and if it passes, then the city would have until April 26 to procure the hotel rooms. At a Board of Supervisor's budget meeting Wednesday, City Controller Ben Rosenfield said the estimated cost to rent the estimated 7,000 units for 90 days is $105 million.

The city already has 1,977 hotel rooms under contract that will cost an estimated $35 million for 90 days of use, according to Human Services Agency Director Trent Rhorer, as the San Francisco Business Times reports.

The estimated costs include the cost of security, cleaning services, and other resources for the homeless.

Rosenfield said that more than half of the estimated $105 million will likely be covered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but the rest of the $50 million is "part of the puzzle we're trying to get put together," as Curbed SF reports. Rhorer said that the city may also be able to use some of the $150 million in emergency funds allocated to counties throughout the state of California.

Story continues

The rooms included in the emergency measure would also house first-responders and healthcare workers who require self-isolation.

For weeks, San Francisco has been pushing forward with a mission to identify temporary housing and treatment sites that would prioritize isolation housing for those on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the estimated 8,000 who are unhoused.

The city's travel and tourism industries have been slammed amid the coronavirus pandemic, so the thousands of empty hotel rooms have become a viable solution.

As the plan stands now, the homeless people in San Francisco who would be moved to the hotel rooms are those who have tested positive for COVID-19 or who have been tested and are waiting for results to return. The most vulnerable within the homeless community, people over the age of 60 with underlying health issues, also qualify to be housed in a hotel room designated for this purpose.

The city has toyed with turning its Moscone Center and the Palace of Fine Arts into mega-shelters housing up to 400 and 162 people, respectively. But those plans were scaled back after a backlash was stirred over the camp-like living conditions slated for the facilities. And their purpose was originally to free up room in existing homeless shelters by redistributing people to the makeshift shelters, not to house those coming off of the streets.

But some officials and homeless advocates argue that the thousands of empty hotel rooms in the city should be used to house the entire homeless population in the city as a preventative measure, regardless of the need for self-isolation.

If this emergency ordinance passes, and the city finds the needed cash for the hotel room rentals, San Francisco's entire homeless population would have space to shelter-in-place and an outbreak among the city's most vulnerable residents could be avoided.

There are already at least three confirmed cases among homeless residents staying at shelters in the city.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has deployed an electronic mechanism for crediting EPF and EPS accounts of subscribers as per a recent package announced by the government under PM Gareeb Kalyan Yojna for helping poor fight corona pandemic.

The relief announced by the government can be claimed by eligible organisations and establishments by filing electronic challan-cum-return (ECR).

The due amount on behalf of employers and employees reflected in the ECR (24 per cent of wages) will be credited by the Central government for three months in UANs of contributory EPF members earning a monthly wage of less than Rs 15,000.

About 79 lakh subscribers and 3.8 lakh establishments are expected to benefit. This is estimated to have a subsidy outgo of Rs 4,800 crore in three months, according to an official statement issued on Saturday.

The PMGKY package is aimed at preventing disruption in the employment of low wage earning EPF members and extending support to the eligible EPF covered establishments.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
NORWALK  City property owners may have until Oct. 1 to pay their taxes.

The Finance and Claims Committee of the Common Council voted Thursday night to bring a real estate tax extension proposal in front of the full council next week.

The committee had several options based on an executive order from Gov. Ned Lamont outlining possibilities for taxpayer relief during the coronavirus crisis. But the committee voted to forward this proposal because it seemed most appropriate, said committee member Tom Keegan.

We adopted the position...that made the most sense and gave the most relief to the most people, Keegan said.

City taxes are normally due July 1, but taxpayers have until Aug. 1 to pay them without penalty. This year, theyll have until Oct. 1. However, if you pay after that, Keegan said, you would pay the late percentage rate dating back to July 1.

Keegan said anyone whose taxes are paid in escrow, which is about 50 percent of residential taxpayers in Norwalk, will still have them paid on time by the bank.

The spirit was to make this as easy on the property owners as possible, Keegan said. Were all going through enough right now. Lets not add to the burden.

The committee also voted to move forward on a new proposed budget calendar due to meeting delays related to the coronavirus. The new calendar would have the Common Council approving the citys capital and operating budget by May 12 and the Board of Estimate and Taxation approving tax rates on June 1.

The full Common Council will meet via Zoom video conference to vote on the proposals at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

erin.kayata@hearstmediact.com
CLEVELAND, Ohio  The American Civil Liberties Union sued U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, asking a federal judge to order the agency to immediately release certain foreign detainees in two county jails in Ohio due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The lawsuit, filed Friday in federal court in Cleveland, sought to release four detainees their lawyers say are at high risk of severe illness or death from the virus because of ages and underlying medical conditions. The suit says continued detention violates their constitutional right against unlawful punishment.

ICE contracts with four counties in Ohio to house immigrants in local jails, and the lawsuits involves three detainees held in the Geauga County Jail and one held in the jail in Seneca County.

Advocates and public health experts have warned that jails and prisons are particularly vulnerable to the spread of the coronavirus, as inmates live in close quarters and often have limited access to healthcare. They have urged officials to reduce inmate populations.

In Ohio, local jails, the state prisons and a federal prison have all reported positive tests for inmates and corrections officers. Three inmates have died in the federal prison in Elkton due to the virus.

Calls to release inmates have included those in ICE custody, who are mostly not being held on criminal charges and instead are awaiting either deportation or a decision from an immigration judge.

ICE has reported no cases of immigrant detainees in Ohio testing positive for the virus, though an ICE employee who works at the Butler County Jail near Cincinnati has tested positive. Sixty-one inmates in ICE lockups across the country have tested positive for the virus as of Friday.

The ACLU has filed more than 15 similar lawsuits across the country, and some courts have stepped in and released immigrant detainees. The New York law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP also represents the detainees in the Ohio case.

The spread of this disease will turn detention into a death sentence," Elizabeth Bonham, staff attorney for the ACLU of Ohio, said in a news release. "Our clients must be released to their families and communities where they can be safe.

A spokesman for ICE in Detroit declined comment on the lawsuit. However, the agency said in a statement that it was reviewing cases of detainees who may be at risk to the virus to decide whether to release them.

The detainees the ACLU represents hail from El Salvador, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Moldova and Honduras. They suffer from medical conditions such as being HIV positive, tuberculosis, asthma, high cholesterol and hypertension, according to the lawsuit.

The suit says immigrant detainees at Geauga County sleep in pods with up to 10 people with no windows that can open. They are housed close together and spend most of the time in the same room, with few chances for social distancing. Jail staff has not changed any cleaning procedures as a result of the pandemic and detainees continue to eat meals communally, according to the lawsuit.

The conditions at Seneca County are similar, and detainees must use their own cleaning products to clean bathrooms, according to the lawsuit. Its only a matter of time before the coronavirus reaches both jails, the suit states.

In the face of this great threat, social distancing and hygiene measures are Plaintiffs only defense against COVID-19, the lawsuit says Those protective measures are impossible at Seneca and Geauga, where Plaintiffs share close sleeping quarters, toilets, sinks and showers, eat and recreate in communal spaces, and are unavoidably in close contact with the many other detainees and officers around them.

Read more:

Nothing changed in here: Detainees at private Ohio prison talk fears amid coronavirus

Third inmate dies at Ohio federal prison as fallout from coronavirus outbreak continues

Immigration advocates ask Ohio to release inmates, ICE detainees due to coronavirus outbreak

Ohio counties earn millions on ICEs hunt for undocumented immigrants
Leading multi award-winning data technology specialist Fusionex signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Heriot-Watt, a prestigious leading UK university, to embark on a strategic collaboration that will enable the exchange of invaluable industry knowledge, insights and expertise between the parties.

The MoU was signed by key representatives of each organization, namely Mr. Chen Keat Ming, Vice President from Fusionex and Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi, Provost and Chief Executive Officer of Heriot-Watt University.

This partnership will see Fusionex also providing employment and internship opportunities to graduates of the university's data science program, as well as setting up a scholarship and other programs for outstanding students. Other areas of cooperation include joint consultancy activities in various academic and professional fields, joint organization of data science-related events and providing mentorship to scholars of the university.

The MoU is in line with Fusionex's endeavour to nurture a new generation of data scientists, analysts and engineers who are fully-equipped to meet the growing demands of the technology landscape, both now and in the future. Furthermore, Fusionex's expertise in data technology will empower students with the knowledge and skills to explore different pathways to create more innovations and breakthroughs in the industry.

"In today's world, cutting-edge innovations in digital technology plays a huge role in the way people work and play. As such, Fusionex is honored to be partnering with Heriot-Watt University to cultivate a future workforce that is not only highly sought after by organizations, but also adept at dealing with any challenge and solving problems. We hope this cooperation will serve as a motivation for the university's students to excel, thus, creating the next generation of brilliant innovators and data technology prodigies," said Fusionex Group CEO Dato' Seri Ivan Teh.

About Fusionex

Fusionex is an established multi award-winning data technology provider specializing in Analytics, Big Data, IR 4.0, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence. Its offerings are focused on helping clients unlock value and derive insights from data. Featured on Forbes, Bloomberg, Gartner, IDC, Forrester, Edison and Huffington Post, Fusionex is the largest Big Data Analytics company and market leader in ASEAN, bringing state-of-the-art, innovative and breakthrough data-driven platforms to its stable of clientele (including Fortune 500, FTSE companies, large conglomerates as well as a wide array of small and medium enterprises (SMEs)) that spans across the United States, Europe as well as Asia Pacific. Fusionex is also an MDEC GAIN company as well as an MGS recipient.

Gartner's 2018 report on Modern Analytics and Business Intelligence shortlisted and commended Fusionex's data technology platform. In addition, Fusionex has been as identified as a Major Player in IDC's MarketScape Report for Big Data Analytics. Fusionex is the only ASEAN-based company to be featured in both reports, cementing its credentials in the data technology market for this region.

To learn more about Fusionex, visit www.fusionex-international.com.

About Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt is a specialist, pioneering University, with a global presence, world renowned, innovative research and highly employable graduates. The university's pioneering story began in Edinburgh in 1821 and continues today across the world. Founded in 1854, The Watt Club is the UK's oldest graduate club in the UK.

The university has five campuses across the world: Edinburgh, Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai and Malaysia, as well as 53 Approved Learning Partners (ALPs) and educational collaborative partners in 150 countries. The university has over 29,000 students studying at its campuses and online through distance learning (as at year end 2017). One third of its on-campus students studying in Scotland are from outside the UK, making Heriot-Watt one of the most internationally diversified of any UK university

Heriot-Watt University is 37th in the world, 13th in the UK and 3rd in Scotland for its international outlook based on The World University Rankings 2019.

With over 130,000 alumni worldwide in over 190 countries, Heriot-Watt is the university of choice for business and industry? and its graduates are sought by the best organizations worldwide.

To learn more about Heriot-Watt University, visit www.hw.ac.uk.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200410005148/en/

Contacts:

Media:

Nancy Baker

nancy@international-marketinsights.com
Life is important, people should value it, PM at meeting with Chief Ministers

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Apr 11: At the meeting with the Chief Ministers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed on the importance of lives of individuals.

He said that when he had addressed the nation he spoke about the importance of a lockdown and social distancing. Many understood this and stayed at home.

PM took right decision in extending lockdown, tweets Kejriwal

The PM also said that life is important for a healthy and strong India. This is also important for the bright future of India, he also added.

The health and life of the citizens of India need focus as they are both equally important, Modi also said. If the citizens of this country give importance to their own lives and follow all the instructions of the government and administration then the fight against coronavirus will be won, the PM also said.
Salman Khan has been staying at his Panvel farmhouse with his nephew Nirvaan Khan and other family members ever since the lockdown was announced. On Friday, he shared a video of himself enjoying horseback riding at his farmhouse.

In the clip, Salman can also bee seen feeding green grass to his horse. "Being taken for a ride...," Salman captioned the video.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Salman Khan (@beingsalmankhan) on Apr 10, 2020 at 8:27am PDT

The video has received over 2.5 million views and 13,000 comments (and counting) in just 10 hours. Former Bigg Boss contestants including Kishwer Merchant, Yuvika Chaudhary, Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Manu Punjabi and Prince Narula dropped a series of heart emojis in the comments section.

Salman is staying with his mother Salma Khan as well as his sister Arpita, brother-in-law Aayush Sharma and their kids  Ahil and Ayat. Not having met his father since three weeks, Salman has been in constant touch with Salim Khan.

Salman had recently shared a video where he said that he was missing his father, Salim Khan who is residing alone in their Mumbai apartment. In that video, Salman informed that he has not met his father since three weeks.

Salman and Nirvaan cant come here, so they are in Panvel. When they can come, they will. There also, they are at home and we are in constant touch over video calls, Salim Khan told Mumbai Mirror.

Meanwhile, Salman has offered to help the daily wage workers of the industry amid the lockdown. His decision to personally credit it into the accounts of the 25000 employees earned praises. The Bajarangi Bhaijaan star also expressed delight about citizens of Mumbai staying indoors on Shab-e-Barat and following the governments decision on lockdown.
Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu has received assurances that no other board members will resign, and several of those who quit on Friday have distanced themselves from the idea that there is high-level corruption at the club.

Bartmomeu lost six directors this week when Maria Teixidor and Jordi Calsamiglia joined Emili Rousaud, Enrique Tombas, Silvio Elias and Josep Pont who were already likely to leave in a boardroom shuffle, in agreeing to formally resign together.

That left Bartomeu with just 12 other directors and further resignations could have threatened his position as president. But the 12 are all set to stay and he can now look to bring in at least one new face as he prepares to go into his final year in the job.

Josep Bartomeu has received assurances no other board members will resign from Barcelona

In an interview with Spanish agency EFE on Saturday Teixidor also made it clear that she did not feel represented by Rousaud's comments that 'someone has had their hand in the till'.

She said: 'I am not going to comment on statements that were made in a personal capacity by Emili Rousaud or Jordi Calsamiglia.'

Calsamiglia, himself said: 'This is not the time to make public accusations in relation to events that are the subject of an external audit which will be presented at the appropriate time.

'Some of the accusations [made] affect the honesty and credibility of the Barcelona Board of Directors and of each and every one of its members.'

The headline of AS reads 'on fire' as Bartomeu has to cope with six board members resigning

Mundo Deportivo's headline read 'six resignations', with Barcelona having been rocked

Rousaud responded saying: 'I have always defended [the fact that] the invoices for the social media work were cut up to hide them from the board so it would not be coherent to question the honour of said board.'

Barcelona's board was rocked by the resignations of six members on Friday and Rousaud then gave a subsequent interview on Catalan radio station RAC1 he suggested someone at the club had been taken money of the institution illegally.

The resignations are the latest episode in a scandal that emerged in January when it was revealed a company called I3 Ventures, hired to monitor coverage of Barcelona in social media, had links to social media accounts that generated negative stories about Barcelona players and rivals of president Bartomeu.

Several of the board members who quit deny that there is high-level corruption at the club

A subsequent internal enquiry questioned why I3 Ventures had been paid 1 million euros and why the payment had been broken up into invoices small enough to not originally require internal auditing.

'If the auditors tell us that the cost of this service (I3 Ventures) is 100,000 euros and we paid one million, then someone has had their hand in the til,' Rousaud told RAC1 on Friday.

Barcelona issued a statement later on Friday denying the claims made by Rousaud.

The statement said: 'In the face of the serious and unfounded allegations made by Mr. Emili Rousaud FC Barcelona categorically denies any action that could be described as corruption.'
Oregon health officials expressed confidence this week that the state is not underreporting the number of identified coronavirus infections following reporting by The Oregonian/OregonLive showing at least one case had fallen through the cracks.

Shannon Liedtke, a registered hospice nurse, tested positive for coronavirus last month. But state and county health officials now say they never received an official report of Liedtkes test result, raising questions about the accuracy of Oregons overall numbers.

Through Friday, Oregon had reported 1,371 coronavirus infections out of more than 27,000 people tested.

State officials downplayed the scope of potential discrepancies even as they refused multiple requests to disclose whether they have found other unreported cases.

We cannot comment on a specific case but rest assured that such circumstances as those you describe would be exceedingly rare due to both our efforts and those of our reporting partners, Dr. Dawn Mautner, a senior health adviser for the Oregon Health Authority, said in a statement.

While Liedtkes case may be an outlier, it nonetheless shows failures across multiple levels of government, health systems and laboratories and fuels the urgency to close those gaps as more testing options, including rapid testing, come online.

Accurate reporting of known COVID-19 cases allows public health officials to identify infected Oregonians and trace who they may have subsequently infected, helping limit spread of the potentially deadly virus. And it provides citizens with a benchmark for the contagions foothold, not only within each of Oregons counties, but also for comparing Oregon to other states.

Oregon has the fifth-lowest per capita rate of infections nationally, according to data from The New York Times.

Meanwhile, Oregon ranks in the middle of the pack for testing its residents. A newsroom analysis of data by The COVID Tracking Project, which collects testing totals across the nation, shows Oregons per-capita testing rate is 32nd among states and Washington, D.C., with about six tests out of every 1,000 people.

The lack of testing in Oregon and across the country leaves the vast majority of Americans in the dark about whether theyve been infected or may carry COVID-19 without showing symptoms.

Chunhuei Chi, director of the Center for Global Health at Oregon State University, said countries with the most effective responses to the new coronavirus have robust public health systems capable of identifying known infections and tracing their contacts.

Oregon public health officials have acknowledged becoming overwhelmed by the volume of cases requiring contact tracing. But at the very least they should be transparent about shortcomings or missed cases, Chi said.

Ideally, we would like Oregon to do both, but I know its too much to ask at this point, he said.

I would expect the Oregon Health Authority to increase its transparency, he added.

We regret that error

State officials say theyve established a data collection system intended to ensure all positive COVID-19 tests are promptly reported to state and county public health officials through separate reporting mechanisms.

But Liedtkes case shows its not fool-proof.

Liedtke had been out for lunch March 11 when she noticed a tickle in the back of her throat and started to feel stuffy. After calling her provider, Liedtke got tested two days later at Providence Health & Services immediate care clinic on Southwest Scholls Ferry Road.

On March 20, Liedtke received a call from the clinic telling her shed tested positive for coronavirus.

Liedtke was told to expect a call from Washington County health officials, who would ask her to identify the people she could have infected through close contact. But the call never came.

Washington County this week said no one followed up because Liedtkes positive test result never arrived through official channels.

Washington County Public Health never received the lab report from the states electronic reporting database because it was never transmitted from the health care providers lab to the state, Wendy Gordon, a county spokeswoman, said in a statement. Redundancies are in place for this situation which include provider reporting of results, which also did not occur in this situation.

State rules implemented March 9 require health care providers to report a positive coronavirus result to county health departments within 24 hours. That means Providence should have submitted the test results it received from the lab to Washington County.

Providence should have reported the positive test in question to public health, and did not, Providence spokesman Gary Walker said in a statement. We regret that error, and we are sorry for any concern or inconvenience that might have caused.

Walker said the mistake happened early in Providences testing effort, before its in-house lab could process tests. Samples were instead outsourced to national laboratories.

Liedtkes test initially went to ARUP Laboratories in Utah, which became overrun with samples and quickly stopped accepting new tests. Liedtkes test eventually got passed along to Quest Diagnostics, Walker said.

State rules require large labs, such as Quest, to electronically report all positive coronavirus tests to the Oregon Health Authority within 24 hours. Electronic lab reports are supposed to be submitted automatically, and the state shares results with local health departments.

A Quest spokeswoman on Friday said she would look into the matter but did not provide comment. Quest also has been overwhelmed by a surge of tests from across the country, reporting a backlog of 160,000 as of March 25 that was reduced to 80,000 by the beginning of this week.

Providence, meanwhile, said that even though it failed to provide official testing records to Washington County, it did take steps to notify county public health officials about Liedtke.

Walker said a Providence official spoke with Dr. Paul Lewis on March 21, a Saturday, to notify him about Liedtkes test. Lewis is the former tri-county health officer who was helping out by working an after-hours shift for his replacement, Dr. Jennifer Vines.

Dr. Lewis said he would follow up with Washington County public health to determine if the patients family needed testing, Walker said in a statement.

Gordon, the Washington County spokeswoman, said emails shows that Lewis did, in fact, contact the department.

No system is perfect

Lewis wasnt the only one.

As The Oregonian/OregonLive previously reported, Liedtke herself twice contacted Washington County when she didnt receive a call. When Liedtke finally spoke with someone, she was told officials were waiting for her official test results before they would ask about her close contacts.

Gordon acknowledged that it looks like we missed this one but said we got the other 311+ cases right.

No person, no system is perfect, she wrote in an email. When something like this happens, we work to address underlying causes and prevent errors in the future.

Gordon said officials have no reason to believe any other positive cases have been missed or were not reported to the county.

As a result of The Oregonian/OregonLives inquiries, Providence rechecked its tests from before the hospital systems lab opened. Walker said of the other 157 tests besides Liedtkes in that batch, all but two were reported promptly to respective counties  and those two had already been reported to the state by a lab so Multnomah County officials knew.

I would say people can be confident that the test results are being reported, Walker said in an interview.

The Oregon Health Authority is similarly confident that few, if any, errors or delays in the testing results data are not addressed in a rapid way, Mautner, the senior health adviser, said.

The states reporting system includes a variety of quality assurance measures to help identify and prevent problems, officials said. That includes reconciling data or auditing labs, running queries to ensure quality and follow up on anomalies, and checking for and removing duplicates.

But Liedtkes case spotlighted the importance of digging deeper, officials acknowledged.

Thats especially true not only to ensure adequate care for an Oregonian with a known coronavirus infection but also for the care of surrounding people.

Since this episode occurred and came to our attention, we have invested and reinvested in following all of the results to their appropriate treatment and data inclusion and communication standards and conclusions, Mautner said in an interview.

Liedtke, for her part, said any other positive tests potentially missing from Oregons tally may not matter all that much.

Thats because so many Oregonians still cannot get tested.

I dont know that a few extra cases going missing make that much of a difference because there are so many, she said. Even for me, I had a positive test and I am only 25 percent of the people in this house.

We know the numbers dont mean a whole lot.

Reporter Noelle Crombie contributed to this story.

Brad Schmidt; bschmidt@oregonian.com; 503-294-7628; @_brad_schmidt

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
At his briefing on Friday, Mr. Trump said he was not aware of the governments own latest forecasts, but aides said he had interpreted the decreasing death projection to mean that his health advisers may have been overly pessimistic.

The president cited the 60,000 estimated death toll as evidence of progress. I think well be substantially under that number, he said of the earlier 100,000 forecast. Hard to believe that if you have 60,000, you can never be happy, but thats a lot fewer than we were originally told.

But his public health advisers took a more cautious approach. As encouraging as they are, we have not reached the peak, Dr. Deborah L. Birx, the White House pandemic coordinator, said of the latest figures. She noted that without universal testing, experts were seeing only the most serious cases. Is this the tip of the iceberg, or is this half the iceberg or three-quarters of the iceberg that weve seen to date? she said.

Five administration officials said it was highly unlikely that Mr. Trump would extend the guidelines beyond April 30, adding that he would be more likely to find a way to announce some lifting of quarantine measures, even if it might not be a full flip-the-lightswitch reopening of the country.

Mr. Trump has been having conversations, both formally and informally, in recent weeks with business leaders like Michael Corbat, the chief executive of Citigroup, and Brian Moynihan, the chief executive of Bank of America, about how to support the economy and when it might be able to reopen.

Many of those discussions have been facilitated by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who has fielded calls from executives like Stephen A. Schwarzman, the chief executive of Blackstone, looking for a road map to when a semblance of normalcy could return, although some people close to the discussions said that Mr. Schwarzman and Steven Roth, a real estate investor close to Mr. Trump, have not been aggressive as others.

Other business executives have gone through Jared Kushner, the presidents son-in-law and senior adviser. Paul Tudor Jones made an impassioned push to reopen the economy on a conference call organized by Mr. Kushner several weeks ago, these people said, and the investor Nelson Peltz was said to be influential in Mr. Trumps since-aborted plan to begin reopening by Easter.
A pandemic that struck the Western Hemisphere in the 16th century often is overlooked because of little written evidence. When Christopher Columbus arrived in the New World in 1492, archaeologists now estimate that the native population numbered nearly 100 million. Yet a century later, it had declined some 90%. The cause?

For one, the American natives had been isolated from the rest of the worlds population, and had never been exposed to the diseases that Europeans had experienced and to which they had developed immunities. When the latter arrived in America, they were virtual germ and virus machines, unknowingly spreading disease everywhere they went. Smallpox, measles, pneumonia and influenza wiped out huge portions of the population, making the conquest of todays South and Central America a relatively easy undertaking.

Numerous epidemics have occurred since then, many in the United States, such as smallpox in New England in the 1640s; yellow fever in Philadelphia and the surrounding countryside in 1793; cholera in the American Midwest in 1832 and again in 1848; and polio in the 1940s and 1950s.
Radio hams use analog tech during Coronavirus outbreak Vancouver's City News 1130 reports amateur radio operators have turned to analog tech to communicate during the coronavirus pandemic



The 24-hour live news radio station says:



While millions of isolated people around the world discover new digital ways of staying in touch, some are going back to the analog basics.



Paul Judd of Maple Ridge is part of a small but passionate community of amateur radio operators.



Its one of the most elemental ways of communicating between two persons or two stations or two places without having the huge infrastructure of other forms of communication, he says.



Judd, whose call sign is VA7XQ, fires up his home station daily to check in with fellow ham radio users around the region and, sometimes, around the world.



The check-ins with different networks  or nets, as theyre known  allow operators to ensure their gear is working properly, but they also allow for more casual conversation.



Read the full story at

https://www.citynews1130.com/2020/04/09/amateur-radio-operators-turn-to-analog-tech-to-communicate-during-pandemic/
Diana Martinez could no longer afford food.

Last month, as cases of the novel coronavirus began to surge, the 53-year-old grandmother left the moving company where shed worked for 18 years. Hours were getting cut, and she began to fear for her health.

What if she gave the virus to her grandchildren? Martinez had looked after them since their parents were imprisoned. What if she contracted COVID-19 and was unable to care for them?

My life and their life is more important than one hundred, two hundred dollars a week, Martinez said as she waited at San Antonio Food Bank distribution at a South Side flea market, where thousands of San Antonians lined up for hours last week.

Now she has a new worry: How are we going to pay the bills?

As the public health crisis worsens in South Texas, officials continue to make the same bleak bargain as other leaders across the country, sacrificing the economy to save lives.

Social distancing is working, but it is also sowing financial ruin. For tens of thousands of people in Bexar County, the urgent public health measures to slow the spread of the virus have caused the sudden evaporation of jobs and checking accounts.

Lower-wage earners are bearing the brunt of the downturn, said Thomas Tunstall, senior research director at the Institute for Economic Development at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

All types of workers are going to be affected to greater or lesser degrees, but hourly folks are going to be hit the hardest, Tunstall said, noting that among the most devastated are workers in food and retail.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonios hospitality workers take the first hit

Mike Fisher

Since mid-March, 16.8 million Americans have applied for unemployment benefits.

In Bexar County, more than 14,000 workers filed for unemployment benefits in the week ending March 21. The following week, nearly 21,000 people filed. In the same week last year, 566 applied.

Tunstall said economic activity in San Antonio likely will plummet by 20 to 30 percent from April to June and continue to fall about 10 percent after that, resulting in a loss of at least $11 billion in economic output.

Thats certainly going to have a huge impact on jobs, Tunstall said. A lot of the people affected are going to fall into lower-wage categories.

Across San Antonio, the economic reckoning has cut a wide swath, wiping out incomes for artists and nannies, house cleaners and dog walkers, restaurant servers and hotel employees.

At the food bank distribution, Martinez said she had saved between $2,000 and $3,000, but added: Thats not enough.

On ExpressNews.com: Lawmakers to pressure state to help San Antonio Food Bank

Martinezs 9-year-old granddaughter, Hailey Ramos, leaned against her, pulling at her fingers.

If the coronavirus hadnt ever happened, this never wouldve had to happen, Hailey said.

A thyroid cancer survivor, Martinez was waiting to see if she could reapply for disability benefits before she applies for unemployment. Shes been in remission for three years but was told she might have a shot at qualifying for disability.

My main goal is a roof over my head, a light to turn on and off at night, and water to turn on when I need it, she said.

Protect peoples lives

Like other leaders staring down a tenacious threat to public health, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff issued stay at home orders and closed thousands of businesses deemed nonessential.

Its the most difficult challenge weve ever faced as a city in this generation, Nirenberg said. Its difficult to weigh the magnitude of the decisions that we have to make to protect peoples lives, when you know that theres a certain and immediate impact on their livelihoods. Its not easy.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio leaders stitch together temporary safety net

Nirenberg said he was hopeful and even encouraged by local, state and federal efforts to make this is as short-lived a crisis as possible  including a federal relief package to allow people to get back on their feet as quickly as possible.

As part of the $2 trillion CARES Act passed by Congress last month, laid-off workers will receive an extra $600 weekly on top of any state benefits. In Texas, that works out to nearly $1,027 a week on average for up to 39 weeks.

Beginning Sunday, self-employed and gig workers who previously had not qualified for unemployment are now eligible for benefits.

On ExpressNews.com: How to get assistance from the $2 trillion stimulus

But thats only if they manage to file a claim.

I do feel hopeless

Melissa Harnish tried to reach the Texas Workforce Commission by phone but couldnt get through, a common complaint among the hundreds of thousands of Texans who have flooded the agency with calls.

I never talked to a human, said Harnish, 47, a single mother of two teenagers who cleans houses for a living.

Jobs like hers are exempt from the stay at home orders, but fears about exposure to the virus caused all but one of Harnishs clients to cancel her visits. Not that Harnish would relish the work; a former smoker, she suffers from chronic lung disease and lacks health insurance, so any exposure to the virus could prove devastating.

This week, her checking account was down to zero, and she has virtually no reserves. Harnishs 18-year-old son, Zakery, had saved about $3,000 for a car, but now all of that must go toward rent.

On ExpressNews.com: Coronavirus relief cant come fast enough

Money was already tight as it was, but with this, youve got to make sure everything is paid, all the bills, said Zakery, who applied for a job at a restaurant shortly before the virus swept the country and never heard back.

Harnishs surroundings are a study in contrasts. She and her two children are scraping by at an apartment complex in the wealthy enclave of Alamo Heights. Cleaning the home of her sole remaining client, she was struck recently by the familys meal: takeout from Ruths Chris Steak House.

For Harnish and her kids, its been tuna and oatmeal.

Weve always struggled in a way, and maybe not in a bad way, Harnish said. We improvise and make do with what we have.

She added, I do feel hopeless.

Recently, some relief came from an unexpected source. A friend told Harnish that the office of state Rep. Steve Allison, R-San Antonio, was helping people to apply for benefits.

On ExpressNews.com: Applying for Texas unemployment benefits is an ordeal

A longtime Democrat, Harnish was reluctant to call.

I said, Well, you know how I feel about some of these Republicans, but Im going to call him, she said.

Shes glad she did. A member of Allisons staff took down Harnishs name and number, and soon after she received a call from the Texas Workforce Commission.

Allison said his office has helped more than 100 people file claims.

People are hurting, Allison said. People are losing their jobs right and left, so fortunately were able to give some assistance. The workforce commission, to their defense, theyre just overwhelmed. My staff is able to get in touch with the commission and arrange for a callback with the applicant.

The Republican was glad to hear that Harnish had been helped: Maybe we flipped her, he joked.

Grateful for any little thing

In Texas, the virus has hollowed out hotels and restaurants more than any other industry.

In the week ending March 28, nearly a quarter of the states unemployment insurance claims  more than 60,000 of about 258,000  were from workers jettisoned by the hospitality industry.

Blasa Reyna, 45, is hanging on.

Her restaurant of 17 years, Herradero Mexican Restaurant on the South Side, has closed except for food to-go, like thousands of others.

On ExpressNews.com: Directory of restaurants offering curbside pickup or home delivery

Owning a restaurant is a family thing, Reyna said. Her parents owned one in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, until she was 10, when they moved here.

In San Antonio, she grew up just blocks away from the current site of Herradero, when an abandoned Dairy Queen stood there. She would walk by on her way to high school and dream of starting her own restaurant there. After earning a degree in business administration from UTSA, she made that dream a reality.

Now, she and her husband, are making about one-third of the sales they used to. The diner has laid off six of its 12 employees.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio restaurants turn into grocery stores

Reynas employees negotiated with her and among themselves over who would go. They considered who had spouses or parents with jobs, versus those with little to no support.

Some of them said, No, its OK, give it to her, shes a single mom, Reyna said.

Reyna chose to continue operating so at least some of her employees could still get paid  though the hours and tip money arent what they used to be.

My business has gone down a lot, just like every business. But Im just grateful I can still serve the community, and I can still provide for my workers. And I guess grateful for any little thing, she said.

I wake up and then I just think, its another day, thank God were alive.

Always stay positive

David Pena was another unlikely candidate for gratitude.

He had no car.

As thousands of vehicles snaked around the food bank distribution site last week, Pena pushed a small cart in sticky, 90-degree heat. By foot and by bus, he had traveled more than 13 miles to the flea market for food.

On ExpressNews.com: S.A. Food Bank giveaway draws a line of cars stretching miles

Pena, 57, still had a job, but his hours at FGF Brands, formerly the Hill Country Bakery, had been reduced by half, he said.

I manage to get what I need to get, Pena said, smiling as sweat dripped from his forehead. I know Ive got to believe in myself. Ill always stay positive.

No clear way out

For lower-wage earners across the city, the story is largely the same: They were barely getting by before the virus upended their lives. Now they must rely on any help they can find.

Ali Phillips, 21, made a few hundred dollars a week walking and pet-sitting dogs, but fears of the virus ended those gigs. Now she misses the cash and the animals, including Beam, a Labrador puppy that she recently saw from afar when she went to drop something off at his owners house.

He leaped over the couch because he hadnt seen me in a month, Phllips said. I started crying.

Now Phillips is trying to earn money making and selling masks and dog collars, so you and your dog can quarantine in style, she said. She depends on the limited generosity of her father, who is allowing her to stay rent-free at his house this month.

On ExpressNews.com: Shortage of protective gear inspires maker movement in San Antonio

But next month is no pass, she said.

Before the pandemic, Christina Turner, 28, worked at the front desk of the Hilton Palacio del Rio on the River Walk.

The mother of three young children  a 3-year-old girl and two boys, 5 and 9  Turner is living off her savings. She is separated from her husband, a personal trainer in Austin who also is out of work.

It hasnt hit me yet, Turner said. Im glad I have more than one kid so they can keep each other entertained. Its more of a mental struggle.

A clear end to that struggle is not yet in sight.

Turning the switch

Before the economy can reopen, the epidemic has to wane, Nirenberg said. And thats only the beginning.

What initially were looking for is a sustained decline of new infections, the mayor said. That will tell us that weve crossed the apex. That has to be coupled with a strategy to test and isolate and track new infections that may arise so that it may be contained as we see more of our community in full operation.

That strategy wont be possible without an uptick in testing, said Cherise Rohr-Allegrini, a local infectious disease epidemiologist.

We need to find out whos infected and whos immune so we know who can go back to work, Rohr-Allegrini said.

On ExpressNews.com: Live updates on coronavirus in San Antonio

Texas, however, has the second-to-worst rate of testing per capita in the nation, with only 332 tests conducted per 100,000 people, according to a Hearst Newspapers analysis. Only Kansas ranked lower.

There is an unmistakable lack of data throughout the United States on the depth and breadth of the infections and how that will impact the medical systems ability to manage it, and that springs from the lack of testing available nationally, Nirenberg said. Thats being addressed as quickly as possible, but every community in the country is fighting for those tests.

Until public health officials better understand the diseases grip on San Antonio, the economic strain is unlikely to ease.

We cant be careless in simply turning the switch and everything going back to normal, Nirenberg said, because that would lend itself to more outbreaks.

bchasnoff@express-news.net, sfosterfrau@express-news.net
SoftBank Group will provide Japan with 300 million protective masks a month at cost, starting next month, company President Masayoshi Son announced on Twitter on Saturday night.

The masks will be produced by Chinese automaker BYD, which says it has quickly geared up to become one of the largest producer of the protective gear in the world. BYD will dedicate lines exclusively for SoftBank.

Son said SoftBank will work with the Japanese government to distribute the masks first to medical institutions and then to the general public. Of the total, 100 million masks will be of the highest level N95 quality, while the remaining 200 million masks will be appropriate for general surgical use.
Eleven persons, including a Bharatiya Janata Party corporator, were detained at Panvel in Raigad district of Maharashtra after they were found assembled at one place for a birthday celebration despite the ongoing lockdown, police said.

The incident took place on Friday night. All of them had gathered at the bungalow of Ajay Bahira, the BJP corporator in Panvel Municipal Corporation, they said.

"The police received a tip-off that some people have gathered on the terrace of the corporator's bungalow to celebrate his birthday. A police team rushed to the spot and detained 11 persons, including the corporator, when the celebration was on," senior inspector of Panvel Police Station, Ajaykumar Landge, said.

All of them were booked under IPC sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and other relevant laws, he added.
Elizabeth IIs speech to the United Kingdom was moving, even for those of us who are lifelong small-r republicans. In some respects, her model cannot be copied in the United States. She is a monarch, and we had some disagreements about that matter in 1776. She is a living link to the most harrowing experience in living memory, the Second World War. And, at 92, she has accumulated a lifetimes reservoir of trust and goodwill.

But the queens address does have lessons for us Yanks, and particularly for Joe Biden. Part of what made the Queens speech affecting was its theme of unity. The queen didnt speak to the people so much as for the people. She thanked, first of all, the health care workers and other essential employees who selflessly continue their day-to-day duties outside the home in support of us all. Next, she extended her thoughts to those remaining in their homes and caring for loved ones. Together we are tackling this disease, and I want to reassure you that if we remain united and resolute, then we will overcome it. In a nod to Winston Churchills iconic finest hour speech, she offered a tribute to the nations character:

I hope in the years to come everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge. And those who come after us will say the Britons of this generation were as strong as any. That the attributes of self-discipline, of quiet good-humored resolve and of fellow-feeling still characterize this country. The pride in who we are is not a part of our past, it defines our present and our future.

Weve heard that at stressful times, people want a strong leader, and that this accounts for the rally-around-the-flag effect so evident in opinion polls worldwide. Even Donald Trump benefited, at least a little, from this reaction. But that isnt the whole story.

Trying times also bring out peoples altruism and longing for unity. In my own circle, among friends, relatives and the neighborhood Listserv, offers of help, volunteering and contributions have overflowed. Neighbors volunteer to shop for elderly residents. Teenagers offer to help younger kids with homework via Zoom. One person posted that she cannot cut her lawn because she hurt her foot. Another responded immediately, I would be elated to mow your lawn since thats what I do for work and Ive got nothing better to do. Companies large and small have stepped up to donate supplies to health care workers, churches and others are caring for children whose parents are essential workers. Blood collection centers are crowded with donors. The list is nearly endless.

Weve focused so much in recent years on the primitive side of our natures  the part that responds to tribalism and hatred of out groups. But while those traits are real enough, we didnt achieve great civilizations by suspicion alone. Cooperation and, in Queen Elizabeths phrase, fellow feeling, is also part of our nature. Without cooperation, wed still be wandering the savanna in groups of 15 or 20 with spears in one hand and babies on our backs. Humans are cooperative creatures  even, at times, selfless ones. In wartime, men throw themselves on grenades to save others. In this time of plague, doctors and nurses willingly put their own lives at risk to save people they dont even know.

Americans are already behaving in cooperative and unifying ways. What they lack is a voice. President Trump is utterly incapable of sounding those notes. When he attempts it, as, for example, when an aide draws up some uplifting rhetoric, he seems to be sounding out the words as if reading another language. He is far more comfortable searching out enemies  the media, his predecessor, the deep state, underappreciative governors, General Motors and so forth.

Joe Biden, by contrast, is well-suited to the unifier role. His strength is a sympathetic understanding of others pain. His instincts are toward conciliation and cooperation, to the point that Democratic partisans were sometimes dismayed when, earlier in this cycle, he reminisced fondly about getting things done with Republicans.

Just now, in the midst of the crisis, Biden lacks an opportunity to voice a unifying message. But that time will come soon. He should seize it. It comes naturally to him. It would remind us of our better angels, and the country is yearning for it.

Mona Charen is a Senior Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center.

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Good news for Indian IT professionals: US to conduct 2nd lottery for H-1B visa

Modi urged to talk to Trump to prevent job losses of Indians holding H-1B visa

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Apr 11: The Congress urged the Modi government to talk to the Trump administration to prevent job losses of Indians holding H-1B visa due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said after compromising the "India First" policy in the HCQ drug climb-down, the government is again failing to secure the safety and livelihood of Indians in the US.

H1B visa holders seek 180 instead of 60-day stay in US after job loss amidst layoffs

"Time for the Prime Minister to ensure that our soft power of 'Namaste Trump' converts into fair treatment of H-1B visa holders in the US," Surjewala said, noting that the US has put Americans on a temporary paid leave or allowed them to work for reduced hours in the wake of the pandemic.

But "the sword of H-1B visa job terminations" looms large over an estimated 75,000 Indians, with the United States giving them only a 60-day period to find a new job in case of a lay off, he said.

"Time for the Prime Minister to rise to the occasion. We demand that the Modi government ensure the extension of post-job loss limit of H-1B Visa holder Indians to 180 days," Surjewala said.

He said this will give them sufficient time to find another job when the situation improves.

"Modi government should also ensure that H-1B visa holders, who lost their jobs, are covered for COVID-19 and other health insurance free of cost, including extending support to their families," he said in a statement.

Fake News Buster

The Congress leader said the party also demands that the Modi government deliberate with Indian industry confederations like NASSCOM, CII, and FICCI to prevent further H-1B job losses.

He said there are 3,09,986 Indians working on H-1B visa in the US, and given the COVID-19 lockdown in the two countries, it is logistically impossible for them to return to India.
ATLANTA, April 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The number of foundations and individuals helping feed frontline workers in emergency rooms, ICUs and COVID-19 medical units at 19 Atlanta hospitals continues to grow. Together, they've served more than 11,000 meals (including ones scheduled for Saturday, April 11) and raised more than $800,000 since announcing the initiative on April 3.

Started by the James M. Cox Foundation and Emory University, the group of donors now includes more than 700 individuals, foundations and corporate contributors. The goal is to serve more than 45,000 meals through May 1, with an anticipation to extend the effort.

These meals are delivered to Atlanta-area hospitals including Emory Healthcare, Grady Health System, Piedmont Healthcare, the Atlanta VA Healthcare System, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Northside Hospital and WellStar Health System. The program is also expanding to deliver meals to Atlanta police and Atlanta fire and rescue first responders.

"Our frontline workers are giving their all to help our patients. Grady is grateful for the incredible community support for our staff through the Feed the Frontline meal program," said John Haupert, president and CEO of Grady Health System.

The meals come at no cost to the frontline workers from food service partners, including Chef Linton and Gina Hopkins, Fifth Group/Bold Catering, Local Three, Bazati Atlanta, Tamarind Restaurant Group, Southern Proper Hospitality, Avalon Catering, and Chez Montier Catering.

Our frontline healthcare providers and first responders are working around the clock. They are tirelessly treating COVID-19, other patients with medical emergencies and keeping our Atlanta community safe. Help Emory and other hospitals expand the Feed the Frontline program to even more Atlanta heroes by making your gift at feedthefrontline.emory.edu.

SOURCE Feed the Frontline

Related Links

http://www.feedthefrontline.emory.edu


The US has confirmed the highest number of deaths related to COVID-19 in the world amid more than 500,000 infections.

The United States has surpassed Italy for the highest number of coronavirus-related deaths in the world, reporting 20,071 fatalities according to a Johns Hopkins University tally on Saturday.

The grim milestone was reached as the country reported more than 500,000 cases and President Donald Trump mulled over when the country may see a return to normality.

The pandemics centre of gravity has long since shifted from China, where the first cases were reported in December, to Europe and the US, which now has by far the largest number of confirmed cases.

Over the past week, the number of new deaths each day has been about three times higher on average in the US than in Italy. Deaths have risen more than 9,000 for the week in the US compared with fewer than 3,000 in Italy. The European nation on Saturday reported 619 new fatalities linked to COVID-19, bringing its death toll to 19,468.

About half the deaths in the US were in the New York metropolitan area. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, New York governor Andrew Cuomo said that 783 deaths were recorded in the state on Friday, bringing the total death toll in the state to 8,627. However, Cuomo also said that the rate of hospitalisations and intensive care admissions in the state continue to slow down.

But with authorities warning that the crisis in New York is far from over, the citys mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Saturday that public schools in the city would remain closed until September.

There is nothing easy about this decision, the mayor said at a news conference. It clearly will help us save lives  Its the right decision, de Blasio added.

The closing affects 1.1 million students in what is by far the countrys largest public school district.

Fears about the spread of the virus into the nations heartland are mounting as well. Twenty-four residents of an Indiana nursing home hit by COVID-19 have died. Chicagos Cook County has set up a temporary morgue that can take more than 2,000 bodies. And Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been going around telling groups of people to break it up.

Trump mulls reopening

Trump is convening another taskforce on April 14 to decide when to move to reopen all, or parts of, the country in what he said would be the biggest decision Ive ever had to make, he told reporters on Friday.

Public health experts have warned that the US death toll could reach 200,000 over the in the coming months if unprecedented stay-at-home orders that have closed businesses and kept most Americans indoors are lifted after 30 days.

On one side, [Trump] has his corporate leaders and friends who are insisting that he open up the economy as soon as possible, said Al Jazeeras Mike Hanna reporting from Washington. On the other hand, he has the health experts who are insisting that any premature opening, or even partial opening, could result in another spike in deaths from this ongoing pandemic, Hanna reported.

Meanwhile, the administration is pulling back federal support of testing sites by the end of the week, raising concerns among governors who claim they still do not have enough test kits.

Trump insists that the country has done well by testing more than two million people, however, experts argue that these figures are meaningless unless they are fixed to a per capita ratio, meaning how many per 1,000 persons have been tested, Hanna said.

Trump has claimed that he took the virus seriously from the beginning. I felt it was a pandemic, long before it was called a pandemic. All you had to do was look at other countries, Trump said on March 10.

However, his public statements suggest otherwise. In January, as the World Health Organization warned of a global crisis and coronavirus in China grew, Trump banned Chinese citizens from travelling to the US, but downplayed the threat.

By late February, as the virus started to spread across various states, legislators on Capitol Hill publicly questioned the administration officials regarding whether or not resources had been stockpiled to deal with the crisis.

Its going to disappear. One day, its like a miracle, it will disappear, Trump said on February 28.

However, the tone quickly changed and, on March 13, Trump declared a national emergency as the number of deaths related to the coronavirus rose to 40 amid 1,701 infections.

More than 16 million people have filed jobless claims in the past three weeks as the pandemic brought the US economy to a standstill.
Members of the Canadian Rangers take part in an exercise during Operation Nanook in Iqaluit, Nunavut, in a file photo. (The Canadian Press/Jonathan Hayward)

This Is a War: Military Fight Against COVID-19 Will Be Anything but Easy

OTTAWAWhen 40 Canadian Rangers swung into action in northern Quebec this week to set up heated tents for COVID19 screening and conduct other tasks in their local communities due to the pandemic, they formed the most visible military response to the crisis to date.

The Rangers were mobilized in response to a request for assistance from provincial authorities, the first to the federal government because of COVID19. Thousands more troops are standing by in case it isnt the last.

But what exactly can the Canadian Armed Forces bring to bear in a fight with a pandemic? And how will commanders decide how to use troops who, once committed, could find themselves infected, or quarantined, and taken out of the fight?

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan announced last month that the military was mobilizing up to 24,000 troops so it would be able to respond to COVID19 as well as floods and forest fires that have become commonplace in the spring in recent years.

Equipment is being gathered at key military bases such CFB Borden in Ontario, but the majority of troops have been ordered to selfisolate to ensure they are clean of COVID19to preserve their own health and so they dont infect those they are tasked with helping.

Warships have also been ordered to wait off each coast until called into action for the same reason: to ensure their crews remain clean of COVID19. And while aircrew continue to transport equipment and supplies here and to missions overseas, only essential staff are working.

The Forces is expected to largely play a support role when it comes to COVID19. While that may include helping enforce quarantines, it is more likely to entail helping with transportation, building shelters and facilities, setting up communications, and some medical support.

We have limited medical capabilities, said retired lieutenantgeneral Guy Thibault. The capabilities we have in the Canadian Forces are designed for the Canadian Forces. They are not designed for providing significant augmentation to the medical services of the country.

It remains unclear exactly how many troops will be pulled into the fight against COVID19. Sajjan indicated last week that the level of support will be based on individual requests from provinces and territories for assistance.

Where military commanders are expecting to need large numbers of troops is to deal with spring floods and wildfires. Such disasters have been increasing in size and scope, and COVID19 makes dealing with them especially hard this year.

Not only will communities be hardpressed to respond while practising physical distancing, military insiders say senior commanders worry that once troops are committed to a certain mission, they could be unavailable for other tasks for a significant period of time.

Retired lieutenantgeneral and former Liberal MP Andrew Leslie says the reality is that the current situation has many similarities to a traditional war  including the need for military commanders to account for a certain number of casualties that will affect a units future ability to conduct operations.

This is a war, Leslie said. Dont kid yourself. This is a war. Theres a silent, unseen enemy thats trying to kill us. And you have to think clearly, you have to organize yourself.

Chief of defence staff Gen. Jonathan Vance has said the military is developing plans for having up to 25 per cent of the force out of commission, sick or isolated.

Commanders will need to assume that once troops are deployed into the field, theyve become dirty in the same way as those sent into a war zone where chemical, biological or nuclear weapons have been used, Leslie said.

But in this case, the greatest carrier is actually the human body, he said.

And because theres no visible signs that are necessarily presenting themselves for up to five, six, seven days while you can still infect other people  youre going to have to put them through the 14day (isolation) cycle.

Vance has said one of the militarys priorities is to limit the spread of COVID19 in Canada.

The Department of National Defence said Friday that it would be premature to discuss what will happen to troops who are deployed on a future mission to help deal with COVID19 or a natural disaster.

That said, any postdeployment measures will be taken based on the advice and recommendations of official health authorities and will largely be taskdependent, spokesman Daniel Le Bouthillier said in an email.

However, more than 100 Canadian troops who returned from Ukraine this week are in mandatory quarantine at CFB Trenton for the next two weeks to ensure they dont have COVID19, and are expected to return to duty when they are released.

While COVID19 sets up a situation where senior commanders will need to weigh where and when to send the troops, retired lieutenantgeneral Michael Day said military personnel will have been directed to take necessary measures to minimize their exposure in the field.

And he strongly rejected suggestions the military might try to hold back from jumping into the fray when asked.

This is not our first rodeo, he said. We understand what it means to go into highrisk areas with little materiel support. We have been doing that for decades around the world.

By Lee Berthiaume
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday lauded industrialist Anand Mahindra for making efforts to aid struggling banana farmers during the lockdown by replacing plates at his factory canteens with banana leaves.

Taking to Twitter, the Kerala Chief Minister said: "A welcome initiative. We hope that many more will emulate. @anandmahindra... in adopting such eco-friendly and farmer-friendly methods."

The chairman of the Mahindra Group took to Twitter on April 9 to share how his factories were helping the struggling banana farmers.

"A retired journalist Padma Ramnath mailed me out of the blue & suggested that if our canteens used banana leaves as plates, it would help struggling banana farmers who were having trouble selling their produce," Mahindra tweeted.

"Our proactive factory teams acted instantly on the idea...Thank you!" the business tycoon added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
T he Government is facing calls from cross-party MPs to urgently recall of parliament in virtual form so that their coronavirus response can be properly scrutinised.

Peers and MPs, including the leaders of all main opposition parties as well as senior Tories, united on Saturday to demand their right to hold ministers to account.

It comes the UK death toll approaches 10,000 after 917 more people succumbed to the virus on Saturday.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who replaced Jeremy Corbyn as opposition leader last week, said the Commons must be open for business after Easter - even if it means MPs asking questions over webcams.

Parliament was suspended on March 25 due to fears that MPs would contract coronavirus and that they could spread it further when returning to their constituencies.

Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures 1 /81 Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures A deserted Westminster Bridge PA A man wearing a face mask or covering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, walks past customers sat outside a restaurant AFP via Getty Images Boris Johnson addresses the nation on the Coronavirus lockdown Andrew Parsons Runners pass cardboard cutouts of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William during the London Marathon in London AP An empty escalator at Charing Coss London Underground tube station Jeremy Selwyn Electronic bilboards displays a message warning people to stay home in Sheffield PA A sign is displayed in the window of a student accommodation building following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Mancheste Reuters People take part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions, in Londo AP People sing and dance in Leicester Square on the eve on the 10PM curfew Reuters Hearts painted by a team of artists from Upfest are seen in the grass at Queen Square, following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Bristol Reuters Graffiti reads 'good luck and stay safe', as the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases grow around the world, under a bridge in London Reuters A sign is pictured in Soho, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London Reuters Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures, during a coronavirus briefing in Downing Street, London AP A person runs past posters with a message of hope, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Manchester REUTERS Riot police face protesters who took part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions in London AP An image of The Queen eith quotes from her broadcast to the UK and the Commonwealth in relation to the Coronavirus epidemic are displayed on lights in London's Piccadilly Circus PA Military vehicles cross Westminster Bridge after members of the 101 Logistic Brigade delivered a consignment of medical masks to St Thomas' hospital Getty Images Durdle Door in Dorset Reuters Captain Tom Moore via 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 Coronavirus outbreak PA An NHS worker reacts at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital during the Clap for our Carers campaign in support of the NHS Reuters Goats which have taken over the deserted streets of Llandudno @AndrewStuart via PA Tobias Weller PA Novikov restaurant in London with its shutters pulled down while the restaurant is closed London Landscapes: Hyde Park and the Serpentine, central London. Matt Writtle A newspaper vendor in Manchester city centre giving away free toilet rolls with every paper bought as shops run low on supplies due to fears over the spread of the coronavirus PA Theo Clay looks out of his window next to his hand-drawn picture of a rainbow in Liverpool, as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continue Reuters A young man cuts another man's hair on top of a closed hairdresser in Oxford Reuters General view of the new NHS Nightingale Hospital, built to fight against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London via Reuters Jason Baird is seen dressed as Spiderman during his daily exercise to cheer up local children in Stockport, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues Reuters A woman wearing a face mask walks past Buckingham Palace Getty Images A man holds mobile phone displaying a text message alert sent by the government warning that new rules are in force across the UK and people must stay at home PA Medical staff on the Covid-19 ward at the Neath Port Talbot Hospital, in Wales, as the health services continue their response to the coronavirus outbreak. PA Prime Minister Boris Johnson taking part in a virtual Cabinet meeting with his top team of ministers PA A shopper walks past empty shelves in a Lidl store on in Wallington. After spates of "panic buying" cleared supermarket shelves of items like toilet paper and cleaning products, stores across the UK have introduced limits on purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have also created special time slots for the elderly and other shoppers vulnerable to the new coronavirus. Getty Images People on a busy tube train in London at rush hour PA Mia, aged 8 and her brother Jack, aged 5 from Essex, continue their school work at home, after being sent home due to the coronavirus PA Children are painting 'Chase the rainbows' artwork and springing up in windows across the country Reuters Social distancing in Primrose Hill Jeremy Selwyn A general view of a locked gate at Anfield, Liverpool as The Premier League has been suspended PA Homeless people in London AFP via Getty Images A piece of art by the artist, known as the Rebel Bear has appeared on a wall on Bank Street in Glasgow. The new addition to Glasgow's street art is capturing the global Coronavirus crisis. The piece features a woman and a man pulling back to give each other a kiss PA The Queen leaves Buckingham Palace, London, for Windsor Castle to socially distance herself amid the coronavirus pandemic PA A general view on Grey street, Newcastle as coronavirus cases grow around the world Reuters 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 Britain's Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty (L) and Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance look on as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures as he speaks during a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) news conference inside 10 Downing Street Reuters The ticket-validation terminals at the tram stop on Edinburgh's Princes Street are cleaned following the coronavirus outbreak. PA Locked school gates at Rockcliffe First School in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear PA A sign at a Sainsbury's supermarket informs customers that limits have been set on a small number of products as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grow around the world Reuters Jawad Javed delivers coronavirus protection kits that he and his wife have put together to the vulnerable people of their community of Stenhousemuir, between Glasgow and Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images A sign advertising a book titled "How Will We Survive On Earth?" Getty Images A man who appears to be homeless sleeping wearing a mask today in Victoria Jeremy Selwyn A pedestrian walks past graffiti that reads "Diseases are in the City" in Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images Staff from The Lyric Theatre, London inform patrons, as it shuts its doors PA A quiet looking George IV Bridge in Edinburgh PA A quieter than usual British Museum Getty Images A racegoer attends Cheltenham in a fashionable face mask SplashNews.com A commuter wears a face mask at London Bridge Station Jeremy Selwyn A empty restaurant in the Bull Ring Shopping Centre Getty Images A deserted Trafalgar Square in London PA Passengers determined to avoid the coronavirus before leaving the UK arrive at Gatwick Airport Getty Images

In a letter to Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg, Sir Keir wrote: "Parliament has a responsibility to put questions to ministers at this time of national crisis.

"The best decisions are those that are challenged and subject to scrutiny. And by that process issues can be resolved, mistakes quickly rectified and individual concerns addressed, which will help save lives and protect our country.

"But if Parliament is not sitting or functioning effectively that cannot happen."

His letter comes after Home Secretary Priti Patel told reporters during a Downing Street briefing that she did "not know yet" whether the Commons would meet as planned in little over a week's time on April 21.

The former director of prosecutions for the Crown Prosecution Service said Labour supported "many of the measures" implemented by the Government but set out a list of questions that "need to be answered".

The Palace of Westminster has been left empty amid the coronavirus pandemic / Getty Images

He called for clarity over an exit strategy from the lockdown imposed on the UK, along with answers over the "ramping up of testing" for Covid-19 and the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline NHS staff.

The 57-year-old has requested a meeting with Mr Rees-Mogg and Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle next week to discuss Parliament resuming on April 21 so such questions can be put to ministers directly.

Sir Keir added: "I am writing to request urgent talks with you and the Speaker of the House this week about how we can guarantee the return of Parliament after the Easter recess.

"I accept that it is difficult for Parliament to return to business as usual at the moment, but there are clear examples around the world of parliaments operating effectively by using new technologies and different models."

MPs are demanding the recall of Parliament / UK PARLIAMENT/AFP via Getty Imag

Work has been commissioned by Mr Hoyle to ensure a "virtual" chamber can be up and running after the Easter recess so MPs can return to duty.

It could see MPs questioning ministers from their homes by webcam if the lockdown is still in place, with senior ministers signalling there is no intention to curb the social distancing measures.

The Palace of Westminster currently requires MPs and peers to be physically present to walk through voting lobbies when passing legislation, but the Speaker has indicated exceptions could be made to ensure Parliament can function during the pandemic.

A group of cross-party peers also called for a "virtual Parliament" to be established earlier this week.

The Labour leader wrote a letter to Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg (Photo by Luke Dray/Getty Images) / Getty Images

The 210-strong group urged Leader of the House of Lords Baroness Evans to prioritise implementing video-conferencing technology so oral questions and statements can be made.

Meanwhile, SNP leader at Westminster, Ian Blackford, was quoted by the Observer saying it was essential that parliament returned to work in a virtual form this week, including virtual "question time" with whoever is standing in for Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he recovers.

This is a similar model to the video questions session being held with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in the Scottish parliament.

London during Coronavirus lockdown - In pictures 1 /66 London during Coronavirus lockdown - In pictures A woman jogging near City Hall, London, the day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the UK in lockdown PA An image of Queen Elizabeth II and quotes from her broadcast on Sunday to the UK and the Commonwealth in relation to the coronavirus epidemic are displayed on lights in London's Piccadilly Circus PA A pedestrian walks past a billboard reading "Please believe these days will pass" on Broadway Market in east London AFP via Getty Images Military vehicles cross Westminster Bridge Getty Images Boris Johnson Jeremy Selwyn Sun-seekers cool off in the water and sunbathe on the riverbank at Hackney Marshes in east London AFP via Getty Images Ed Davey is shown on screens as he speaks via videolink during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, London PA A herd of fallow deer graze on the lawns in front of a housing estate in Harold Hill in east London AFP via Getty Images A woman wearing a mask crosses a bridge over Camden Lock, London PA An empty Millenium Bridge PA A sign advertising a book titled "How Will We Survive On Earth?" is seen on an underground station platform Getty Images People push to enter the Niketown shop in Londo AP Jo Proudlove and daughter Eve, 9, follow the daily online "PE with Joe" Joe Wickes' exercise class on "Fancy dress Friday Reuters Police in Westminster Jeremy Selwyn Waterloo station looking empty PA Getty Images A quiet Parliament Square Getty Images PABest A man walks along a passageway at London's Oxford Street Underground station the day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the UK in lockdown to help curb the spread of the Coronavirus PA Social distancing markers around the camel enclosure at ZSL London Zoo PA A police car patrols Greenwich Park in London PA The Premier League in action in front of empty stands AP Novikov restaurant in London with its shutters pulled down while the restaurant is closed. A deserted Piccadilly Circus PA A general view is seen of a deserted Trafalgar Square AFP via Getty Images Getty Images The iconic Abbey Road crossing is seen after a re-paint by a Highways Maintenance team as they take advantage of the COVID-19 coronavirus lockdown and quiet streets to refresh the markings Getty Images A view of 20 Fenchurch Street (the 'Walkie Talkie' building) in the City of London, the day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the UK in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus PA A deserted Chinatown PA A person looks at graffiti on a JD Wetherspoon pub in Crystal Palace, south London. Wetherspoons workers have described founder Tim Martin's lack of support for his chain's 40,000 employees as "absolutely outrageous" PA The London ExCel centre that has been turned into a makeshift NHS Hospital and critical care unit to cope with the Coronavirus pandemic PA The Palace Theatre, which usually shows the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play, sits in a deserted Shaftesbury Avenue PA The Sondheim Theatre, which usually shows the Les Miserables musical, sits in a deserted Shaftesbury Avenue PA Two members of a British Army mounted regiment exercise their horses in Parliament Square AP Westminster Bridge is deserted PA A quiet Canary Wharf Underground Station PA An empty street and bus stop at St James's Park AFP via Getty Images Whitehall Jeremy Selwyn A quiet Canary Wharf Underground Station PA A single pedestrian walks past The national Gallery AFP via Getty Images London Bridge Station Jeremy Selwyn Kings Cross and St Pancras Jeremy Selwyn Buckingham Palace looking empty in London, PA London Bridge Station Jeremy Selwyn Kings Cross and St Pancras Jeremy Selwyn London Bridge Station Jeremy Selwyn London's Carnaby Street empty as shops closed after a lockdown was announced in the latest bid to stop the spread of coronavirus through the UK AP A quiet Jubilee line westbound train carriage PA A single pedestrian walks past The national Gallery AFP via Getty Images A quiet Canary Wharf Underground Station PA Empty Embankment Jeremy Selwyn

The acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey, also said the lack of parliamentary scrutiny at this time was intolerable.

He tweeted on Saturday: "Pleased other parties & MPs now joining @libdems call for urgent recall of Parliament.

"Ive argued for streamlined, virtual recall for 2 weeks: it should happen on Tuesday.

"Govt policy failure on protective equipment for staff may be concentrating minds."

The Tory MP David Davis also reportedly said MPs should return to Westminster in person as soon as possible and subject themselves to daily tests for Covid-19 if necessary.
The ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic is a potential risk for everyone, and those housed in congregate settings like homeless shelters faced increased risks.

Agencies like the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio have taken a leading role in prioritizing the needs of the homeless community, raising necessary funding and public awareness of the issue.

According to the coalitions statistics, Ohio has about 300 homeless shelters which house more than 10,000 people.

We need to make sure we limit the impact of the novel coronavirus on the homeless community, as well as (homeless shelter) staff and the broader community, coalition Development Director Marcus Roth said. Its not just an issue that affects the homeless. They come into contact with a lot of other people. If you have these hot spots at homeless shelters, its going to also affect the broader community.

Thats the main focus right now for us, he added. Usually we have a wider approach, but right now our singular focus is on making sure the homeless shelters have what they need to try to respond to the virus and implement basic public health guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control.

Social distancing in congregate facilities like this is impossible.

Critical shortcomings were highlighted in the coalitions recent Double Jeopardy report which cites a 79 percent of Ohio shelters lacking funding needed to alleviate overcrowding and a 71 percent lack in sufficient sanitation and hygiene supplies to prevent transmission of the disease.

The report also states that 87 percent of Ohio shelters do not have adequate space to isolate and quarantine those who exhibit symptoms related to COVID-19. To counteract these shortcomings the coalition has created the Pandemic Emergency Fund.

We set up the pandemic relief fund and have put in half a million dollars of our own rainy day funds into that to start to create the fund, Roth said. We are trying to raise $1.5 million by the end this month. Weve almost doubled the amount weve put in. Its coming along. Thankfully a lot of people are stepping up.

The first priority is to move the medically vulnerable, seniors, women with babies and those with preexisting health conditions, out of the shelters, he continued. A lot of hotels around the state are stepping up and opening up their doors, but they cant do it for free. Homeless shelters operate on shoestring budgets to begin with. They certainly dont have the money to start booking hotel rooms for the next three months. Thats a really big need.

Roth explained why moving potentially infected homeless members out of shelters is so vital to health of the surrounding community.

Typically, shelters shut down during the day and the people go out into the community to get their basic needs met, he said. If theyre spreading the virus at night at a homeless shelter and then going out into the community during the day, then theyre going to potentially be spreading it the community as well. Its not the best situation.

We dont have places in shelters to isolate or quarantine, Roth added. That doesnt exist. This is not a solution and is counter-productive. If you release someone who tests positive into a shelter and ask them to isolate, which they cant do, then theyre just going to spread it throughout a congregate setting like wildfire.

This plague has shown that homeless shelters are a public health crisis waiting to happen, added coalition Executive Director Bill Faith. In fact, they always have been. The lesson here is that we should not just warehouse people who have no decent place to live because mass homelessness is hazardous to everyones health.

The recent push to release low-level offenders from jails and prisons for the same reason is welcomed by Roth, but only when done so responsibly and with a plan.

When they release someone, we just want to make sure that they are making sure that they first have a place to live and arent just kicking them to shelters, Roth said. Its happened in many cases, weve heard, where jails will turn them out and basically give them a list of homeless shelters.

This cant happen, he added. People need to work together and understand there is a serious vulnerability in the system and make sure that people are not just sent to homeless shelters while they could be testing positive.

Roth also voiced concerns over rent moratoriums and the potential risks inherent in evictions if rental aid is not forthcoming in various relief efforts.

People have to recognize, thats not a solution, he said in regards to a moratorium. It only delays the inevitable. A solution would be to help people who have been laid off during this crisis to pay the rent. The last thing we all need is a rush of people getting evicted and potentially heading towards homeless shelters.

Evictions perpetuate poverty. Once you have an eviction on your record it makes it incredibly harder to get a place. The last thing we need is more housing instability in the middle of a pandemic.
The death toll in New York State from COVID-19 is "stabilizing" but at a horrific rate, Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Saturday as he announced that 783 more people died from the novel coronavirus in the state in the last 24 hours.

In his daily press briefing on Saturday on the COVID-19 pandemic, Cuomo said that the good news" is that the infection curve is continuing to flatten and the number of hospitalizations appears to have hit a plateau-shaped apex.

He, however, voiced concern that the state continues to record a high number of daily deaths, even though the death toll appears to be stabilizing.

"The terrible is the number of lives lost - 783 yesterday. That is not an all time high and you can see that the numbers (are) somewhat stabilizing but it is stabilizing at a horrific rate, Cuomo said.

On April 9, the state recorded 777 deaths and 789 deaths the day before. These are just incredible numbers depicting incredible loss and pain.

A total of 8,627 people have died in the state so far from the virus. New York is the epicenter of the pandemic in the US and now has more coronavirus cases than any single country outside the US.

According to estimates by Johns Hopkins University, the US has 503,594 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 18,860 deaths.

Cuomo appeared to disagree with New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's decision to close all public schools in the city for the remainder of the academic year.

He said the decision in March to close all schools was made for the entire metropolitan region, which includes Suffolk, Nassau, New York City, Westchester and Rockland areas.

"You can't make a decision just within New York City without coordinating that decision with the whole metropolitan region because it all works together. Any decision to reopen the schools would also be a coordinated decision," he said, adding that the Mayor will have an opinion about New York City just as other officials from other counties would have their own opinions about their regions.

"But I want to coordinate all those opinions and re-open the schools at the same time," he said, adding that he would also like to "ideally" coordinate the decisions over re-opening schools with Connecticut and New Jersey.

"I understand the Mayor's position, which is he wants to close them until June and we may do that but we are going to do that in a coordinated sense with the other localities, Cuomo said, adding that there has been no decision on further closing or reopening of schools.

The Governor pointed out that it makes no sense for one locality to take an action that is not coordinated with the others.

Cuomo said de Blasio did not close the schools and he can't open them. It happened on a metropolitan-wide basis and we are going to act on a metropolitan basis.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Alberta Premier Kenney speaks during a news conference after meeting with Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Parliament Hill in Ottawa

By Rod Nickel

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Reuters) - Canada's oil-producing province of Alberta has not been asked by OPEC for further crude curtailments to ease a global glut and has made clear to OPEC and the United States it already did its part, Alberta's premier said on Thursday.

The coronavirus pandemic has slashed oil demand as countries shut down much of their economies, and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries has also flooded the world with additional oil in a dispute with Russia.

Alberta's energy minister was taking part in Thursday's negotiations among OPEC and other oil-producing countries about curbing bloated global supplies.

We have not been asked to constrain Alberta energy output, Premier Jason Kenney told reporters. The main concern in OPEC+ is that North American producers not surge production to occupy the space created by their own curtailment, should they do it.

OPEC and it allies held talks on record output curbs of 15 million to 20 million barrels per day (bpd), or 15% to 20% of global supplies.

Canada is the world's fourth-largest oil producer, extracting some 4.9 million barrels in February.

Kenney said he "desperately hopes" the global talks produce meaningful cuts, saying that North American storage tanks will be full in four to six weeks based on current trends.

If not, Kenney said Washington and Ottawa have appeared receptive to the idea of imposing North America tariffs on imported oil.

Alberta's government has imposed limits on oil production since January 2019, due to pipeline constraints.

In the past month, Canadian oil producers have curtailed another 325,000 bpd, among the most in the world, according to consultancy Rystad Energy.

Analysts predict Canadian cuts could reach as much as 1.7 million bpd if low prices persist.

(Reporting by Rod Nickel in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Editing by Tom Brown)
Fake: Mumbai has not run out of HCQ tablets

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Apr 11: A news portal had claimed that stocks of hydroxychloroquine or HCQ have run out in Mumbai. Maharashtra, in fact, has the maximum number of coronavirus cases and this report has created immense panic in the state, especially in Mumbai.

Although no trials have ascertained as yet that HCQ is the magic drug in fighting COVID-19, the use of the anti-malarial drug has found to be effective in some cases.

Fake News Buster

The Ministry of Health has said that the news report is faked and there is ample supply of HCQ in Mumbai. In fact, until April 9, the government had allocated 34 lakh tablets of HCQ to Maharashtra. On the other hand, Maharashtra has also made its own procurement. This makes it clear that Maharashtra has supply of HCQ, more than the current requirement.
A Marion County grand jury unanimously concluded Friday that three state troopers were justified in their deadly shooting of a man in March.

Troopers Sharon DeBerry, Caleb Yoder and recruit Trooper Joshua Buckles collectively fired 16 shots within 7 seconds at William Floyd, 51.

According to police reports, Yoder pulled over Floyd on Interstate 5 shortly before midnight March 26. Yoder and other officers who arrived for backup saw Floyd had a gun inside his truck. When he moved toward it, one officer grabbed his arm, leading to a fight between the two. When Floyd grabbed the gun, officers fired several rounds at him, injuring him in his torso, thigh and arm. Officers backed away from the van after the shooting because curtains blocked their view inside, and they didnt know if there were more people in the van.

Dashcam footage shows troopers continued to shout for Floyd to put his hands out the window. One officer yelled, We have an ambulance coming for you! Were gonna help you!

WARNING: This video contains graphic content of a police shooting.

When more officers arrived and helped get Floyd out of the van, he was dead.

Salem police investigated the shooting. According to police reports, the incident unfolded after 911 got a call about a person driving aggressively on southbound Interstate 5 near Keizer and throwing objects out the window.

Yoder responded to the call, and soon found a vehicle that matched the callers description of an older van. According to police reports, Yoder saw the van swerve in its own lane and cross over a white line, so he tried to stop the van. The driver continued for a short distance, but then suddenly stopped on the shoulder near Milepost 248.

Floyd was the only person in the front of van, but officers said curtains blocked their view of the back of the van. According to Yoder, Floyd seemed lethargic, smelled of alcohol and appeared drunk. Yoder saw a black semiautomatic handgun on the center console near Floyd. The trooper told him not to reach for it and to keep his hands on the steering wheel. He told Floyd to get his license and registration and said, Dont touch the gun or Illl shoot you. In police reports, Yoder described Floyd as not quite confrontational, but not friendly either.

Other officers soon arrived at the scene. Floyd complied when one asked him to turn off the van and open the drivers side door. When another trooper asked Floyd where the gun was, he started moving toward the gun, and the officer told him not to touch it. Police reports say he initially complied but then moved toward the gun several times and appeared to be thinking about whether to pick it up. A trooper then leaned in and grabbed Floyds arm. As soon as he did, Floyd swore at the officer and the two began to struggle. Floyd picked up the gun, dropped it and then was able to pick it up again.

When he did, several troopers shouted at Floyd to get his hand off the gun and started to fire, according to a report from the Marion County District Attorneys Office.

Investigators found that DeBarry fired several rounds at Floyd through the passenger side window. Buckles also fired several rounds, and Yoder fired a single shot.

The officer who had been wrestling with Floyd for the gun ran from the drivers side, around the front of the van and took cover on the shoulder of Interstate 5.

After they shot Floyd, troopers said saw him moving but couldnt determine whether he was a continued risk, or whether there were more people in the van. They asked him to put his hands out the window, but he either couldnt or wouldnt do so. Officers fired less-than-lethal rounds at the back windows of the van to break them and try to see inside, but still couldnt see whether anyone else was in the van, so they didnt get any closer.

When Salem police officers arrived in an armored car, they used the car as cover to get Floyd out of the van. He died at the scene. Investigators later found the gun, but couldnt determine whether Floyd had fired a shot as officers were shooting at him.

The grand jury determined Floyd put the officers lives or safety in danger, and that he had threatened to use physical force against them.

Jayati Ramakrishnan; 503-221-4320; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com; @JRamakrishnanOR

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From Venezuelas Top Cop to Political Prisoner to Freedom Fighter Under Pres. GuaidoIvan Simonovis

Just how did Ivan Simonovis, a former police chief of Caracas, Venezuelas capital, end up as a political prisoner sentenced to 30 years in prison? How did he escape?

How was Venezuela transformed by the socialist regimes of Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro?

And how have terrorist and criminal organizations like Hezbollah set up shop in Venezuela, apparently with the regimes blessing?

In this episode, we sit down with Simonovis, who is currently serving as Special Commissioner for Security and Intelligence in the interim government of Venezuela headed by Juan Guaido, and acting as a liaison to the US State Department.

This is American Thought Leaders , and Im Jan Jekielek.

Ivan Simonovis: Thank you for the opportunity to be here.

Jan Jekielek: You have a pretty incredible story. You started out by being police commissioner of Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, and then you ended up spending 15 years in prison. How did that happen?

Mr. Simonovis: I started as a detective for the criminal investigative police in 1981. I rose up the hierarchy, working in different areas of criminal investigation. Then I became chief of the special operations unit. Being in high-ranking positions enabled me to establish contact and work together with Commissioner William Bratton. At that time, he had just quit as Police Commissioner of New York.

We tried implementing the strategies used in New York City in Caracas in order to reduce crime there. Several of the trainings I did for professional development were here in the United States, with the State Department, with the FBI, and other investigative and intelligence agencies.

That put me in a special category within my country but it was also used against me, because once the political system in Venezuela changed with the arrival of Hugo Chavez, the communists that came into power started to see me not as a friend but as an enemy. So thats how it started. They began a case against me because of my specialty and my knowledge; they even accused me of being a member of the CIA and that kind of thing.

Then in 2002, there was an impressive demonstration in Caracas, when more than 1 million people went to the presidential palace to ask for Hugo Chavezs resignation because a dictatorship was imminent. Hugo Chavezs supporters shot these people who were exercising their right to protest. 19 people died, and at least 100 were injured. Hugo Chavez stepped down from power for three days, and then he came back with the support of the military. At that time, they started to rewrite history in Venezuela.

Instead of being the people who saved lives, we were accused of causing deaths. There was an allegation that I always said made no sense at all because they alleged that the people who opened fire on the demonstrators did so because they were exercising their legitimate right. How can you exercise a legitimate right if you are not authorized to use a weapon, and you dont have authority [to go against] a uniformed police officer, an authority figure. But those are the strange things that happened in Venezuela. Hugo Chavez already had control of the judiciary. And so we were taken to court, in a trial that was totally rigged, and as I said before, I was the main target because I was trained or I had taken some professional development training in the United States.

This trial went for around three and a half years, and in the end, some teammates of the uniformed police and I were sentenced to 30 years in prison. 30 years in prison is the maximum sentence in my country. So I was held prisoner in the political police headquarters. I was there for the first nine years in prison, where I only saw sunlight for 33 days. All the other days I was secluded in a cell where I couldnt tell if it was day or night. I didnt know if it was raining or sunny. I didnt know anything about the outside world. Those were the first nine years of prison. After these nine years in prison

Mr. Jekielek: Do you mean you were in solitary confinement?

Mr. Simonovis: No, I mean, I was in a hallway, which could hold 10 political prisoners. In the nine years, the other political prisoners changed. But I did not change. I always remained. But I saw different political figures, military officers. But my sentence was for 30 years, the maximum sentence. So I welcomed and said goodbye to many people. I welcomed people who got imprisoned, and said goodbye to people who were released. So, after spending all that time in this cell, in this dungeon, my physical condition started to deteriorate, and I started to have all kinds of issues, with some illnesses more complicated than others.

[I had] problems with my sight, problems with my spineI have a serious spine injuryrespiratory issues, blood pressure issues. All these things started to worsen because I was locked up in a 1.5 meter by 1.5 meter cell that didnt even have a toilet. My lawyers, especially my wife, my wife is a lawyer so she was my defense counsel. So she complained about prison conditions. National and international attention got to a point where the regime saw they could not hide the atrocities they were committing against me and others.

So they decided to move me, but not to release me. Instead, I was sent to a military prison known as Ramo Verde. Its in a mountainous area, about 40 minutes away from the capital city. In that prison, my health didnt improve, because I was still in jail after all. With the help of a team of lawyers and international pressure there were pressures even from the opposition leaders about my condition  the regime allowed me to be detained at home instead of at the prison. Its good to mention that by then I had already served a good part of my sentence.

And like anywhere else in the world, when you are detained and you serve part of your sentence, you are entitled to some alternative measures in order to finish serving the sentence. I had been entitled to these other measures since 2012, but the regime didnt allow me to get probation. Even at home I didnt get medical attention, and I didnt have permission to receive visitors or to have meetings. They took photos of me between 6 to 8 times a day to verify that I was still there. I had an electronic shackle on my leg, and I couldnt see a doctor.

But my medical condition improved somewhat because when you are at home, your family takes care of you. All that makes your mood, your mindset, and physical condition improve somewhat. But some issues simply couldnt be taken care of even though they needed to be addressed. Thats how 4 years passed by. And then, last year, in what is known as the April 30th event that happened in Venezuela, there was a coup attempt. The military rose up against President Maduro, and there were some rumors that I would probably be sent back to jail.

President Guaido had signed a document that I would be released once his administration came to power. That drew the attention of the military and of President Maduros circle. And there were reports that I would be sent back to jail. I have a lot of colleagues that are still active, and they warned me that I would almost certainly be sent back to jail. So at that time, I made the decision and I thought, I wont go back to jail. So its either freedom or death.

Thats why on May 6th last year, with the help of some colleagues, active policemen, I escaped from the back of my home, because the front door was guarded by some 12 men from the regime police. I knew some police tactics so I went down by rappel, then I took a vehicle with some teammates. I was in three different sites, hidden for around three weeks in Caracas. After that, I went to the coast of the country. And from the coast, I was able to take a ship that took me to an Island. And from that Island, I took a plane, then I finally landed in the United States,

Thanks to the support of President Trumps administration, for recognizing Juan Guaido as president. Thats why all these things were possible. After landing here and taking care of some personal issues, President Guaido designated me as the person in charge, the commissioner of security and intelligence for President Guaido with respect to the government of the United States. Thats my current position, and my job is to build a relationship and the exchange of intelligence, not only with American agencies, but also with police agencies, which has been my job my whole lifecriminal investigationsand in this case, giving information and anything necessary to erode the regime we currently have in Venezuela.

Mr. Jekielek: How long did it actually take from the moment that you escaped from home to get into the United States?

Mr. Simonovis: Around three weeks and a little more, I mean, Id say almost a month since I escaped from home until I could land here in the United States. My family, my wife, because of personal issues, they were not in Venezuela. So that was important for me because I knew, as it happened in other cases, if I escaped, and she was still there, she would be the one in jail now. My house was seized by the regime. It was taken from me. They kept it for themselves. There is a lawyer on my team that is in jail. It was totally irrational for them to detain him because if even my wife didnt know [about the escape plan], how could I have told my lawyer?

This information had to be managed with extreme discretion, with a lot of secrecy, because the actions of the regime made it clear that if they found out what I was doing, they would just take action and I would end up dead, as other people did, who opposed the Maduro Regime.

Mr. Jekielek: I noticed in your photos that you have some very beautiful kids. Theyre not in the country either, is that right?

Mr. Simonovis: Right. I have an older daughter that lives here in the United States, in Denver, Colorado. Shes married to an American citizen. And I have two sons that live in Germany. They have European citizenship and passports, because of my wife. They went to a German school. And given the circumstances around us in Caracas, it was best for them to get out of Venezuela. My last name is not very common in Venezuela, so every time they said their last name, it would draw attention. So they ended up making a living in Germany, where they are completing their college degrees.

Mr. Jekielek: How is it that the family stayed together through all this?

Mr. Simonovis: Its a very interesting question. I think thats where family values come into play. My family, thank God, has very strong family values and thats what keeps us united. I think that we just took this as a challenge. Things that happen families go through different things. Could be an illness, could be an economic tragedy, could be in our case, our tragedy was this one, we had to assume this responsibility, and if this is what we got, we have to deal with it and move forward. And thats the message we always gave to our childrenthat staying united would give us the strength to face all this and come out victorious from this situation.

Mr. Jekielek: Lets go back in time a little bit. What role did you have when Chavez got into power?

Mr. Simonovis: When Hugo Chavez got into power, I was in the criminal investigation agency, in the technical judiciary agency, and I was the national chief of operations. So my position was to oversee and to audit all the operational activities inside Venezuela from the criminal investigation point of view, and to support activities, whenever necessary, in tactical operations, special operations. As I said before, part of my career was dedicated to tactical issues and thats why I made that my career over there. After this, I was assigned to be police commissioner of Caracas. I used to belong to the national police, but I was asked to solve crimes in Caracas.

It was at that time that, because of my connections to the NY PoliceI knew commissioner Bill Bratton and some of his staff  so we started to work and to outline some strategies, the same ones that were applied in New York to reduce crimes. We wanted to mirror their strategy in the capital city of Caracas, and reduce crime. Im afraid we were not able to do much because, as I said before, I repeat, the presence of Will Bratton and the trainings I had with the US agencies made me a main target of the regime because they are socialist, communist-leaning. So from the beginning, as it was seen over time, they had hostility, aversion, hatred toward everything that represents the American soil, the American government.

Mr. Jekielek: Actually, youve sort of started answering my next question already, which is, how did things shift from before Hugo Chavez to the Maduro regime?

Mr. Simonovis: Ok, first of all, the Hugo Chavez government was a puppet whose control originated in Cuba. Fidel Castro, when he was alive, adopted Chavez as his puppet in Venezuela. They were interested in it for two reasons. One, and the most important one, was money. Cuba, as everyone knows, is an island that has no way of sustaining itself, except with the support of outside countries. Before, it was Russia, but not anymore. So their only way to survive was with the support of another country that would subsidize everything that happens within the island of Cuba.

So that was one of the reasons why Fidel was very interested in taking control of Venezuela. On the other hand, theres an organization called the Sao Paulo forum. The Sao Paulo Forum is no more than a congregation of socialists and communistswho I consider to be criminals  that have tried to push socialism in Latin America. So thats where Kirchner is, where Evo Morales is who was just ousted from BoliviaBrazil that also had important changes, and among this group was Hugo Chavez. Hugo Chavez was the favorite son of Fidel Castro and it was for those two reasons that those alliances were made. How did Venezuela change? Well, it was a radical change, like a 180 degree turn. The values and principles that we traditionally knew started to change.

There is a strong socialist belief that only a group, an elite group within the Nicolas Maduro regime, are the ones who got rich. Everyone else gets ripped off. They were made to believe that if you take from the rich and give it to the poor, the economy will just be better. The truth is that, in the end, more than 7,000 private companies stopped operating in the country. The oil industry, which is the most important sector from a financial point of view, as it provided the biggest revenue to Venezuela, is completely finished. All the training, all the government staff have been influenced by these new socialist theories.

Many of the policemen, many of the army officers have been brainwashed and made to believe that socialism is the right way for people to move up. But in the end, the proof is in the pudding, Venezuela, according to organizations that analyze economics, Venezuela is in an extremely poor position.

There is no food in Venezuela, there is no medicine in Venezuela. Crime kills around 25,000 people a year, and were talking about a country that used to have 30 million people. Now, there are less than 25 million because in the last two years more than 5 million people have left the country. They are not looking to fulfill any dreams. They are looking to survive. Because one thing is that you go to a country and say, Im going to the United States because of that American dream motto. Some people come to America to pursue The American Dream, but these people left their country, Venezuela because they wanted to survive. Its a collapsed economy. However, they still control the army, and a very small number of generals are the ones that keep the control, and Im afraid we werent able to move toward the democracy that the country deserves and that we need to recover. In Venezuela there is a totalitarian regime so whoever doesnt comply or agree with the ideas promoted by the dictator Nicolas Maduro and his circle, simply ends up in jail or dead.

The sanctions imposed on Venezuela are sanctions against individuals, and the way its been handled, the financial suffocation of the Nicolas Maduro regime, made it possible to open a door, on the other hand, to reinforce the alliances with criminal organizations, [and] international organizations, for example, FARC [Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia], as well as the ELN [National Liberation Army], another Colombian guerrilla [group] have both been working with Nicolas Maduro and Hugo Chavez for years; widely-known terrorist organizations like Hezbollah. The military branch of Hezbollah has operations in Venezuela. The South of the country, a place known as the Orinoco Belt, was given to this terrorist organization. And from there, they perform two criminal activities:

One is mining exploitation, the development of all kinds of minerals there, there are diamonds, there is iron, there is copper, bauxite. And on the other side is drug trafficking. All that money is used to keep these organizations operating. The criminal organizations nowadays work as companies. They have an operational area and a financial area. The operational area is the one in charge of doing things. The financial area is in charge of managing the money, the cash flow to make things work. Hezbollah is an organization that is sponsored and fueled by Iran and thats nothing new. And theres a lot of information about this.

Not long ago, two, or more well-known members of the Nicolas Maduro regime, when the Soleimani event happened, they went out to honor him in Venezuela. Why? Because in Venezuela, the Nicolas Maduro regime wants to keep a strong alliance with Iran because it helps them to set up terrorism in Venezuela, to operate money laundering for the rest of the world. As I said on other occasions, Venezuela is now the biggest money launderer in the world because the whole regime is dedicated to that. Any criminal organization, no matter their focus, organ trafficking, drug trafficking, diamond trafficking, anything, when they need to legitimize some capital, they have to talk with the people related to the Nicolas Maduro regime so they can open the doors for them and protect them within Venezuela territory so they can freely do their criminal activities.

Mr. Jekielek: What are you working on with the law enforcement and the intelligence community here in the U.S.?

Mr. Simonovis: Part of my job is to collect intelligence to help solve the cases, and it leads to the conclusion that this regime is indeed facilitating, helping, collaborating with relevant criminal organizations from all over the world. This is no secret. Secretary Pompeo knows. Thats how it was stated in different levels of the American government. There are two important jobs that are being done.

One of these is being done by Congressman Carlos Paparoni. Congressman Carlos Paparoni is managing all of the financial side and along with the offices in charge of auditing these international operations, they have provided evidence of this irregular movement of money that makes it clear that those are criminal and terrorist activities.

And on my side, I bring true intelligence about the presence of these groups in Venezuela. I mentioned before, for example, the case of someone who was the Vice President for the Economy, Tareck El Aissami, currently designated to [restructure] the oil industry. His father was of Syrian-Shia origin, and he has had links with Hezbollah all throughout his life. In his college years, there were investigations that found that he would hide drugs or stolen vehicles, activities that were to sponsor or help terrorist groups, in this case, Hezbollah.

Nowadays, he has a much stronger position, a bigger position, and he has become the key individual in Latin America, along with some others that support these groups, to facilitate that cash flow that these terrorist organizations need. In every single meeting Ive attended, I always stressed this point to the representatives of the US government. I warned them that only 1,200 miles away from Florida, from the United States, the most deadly criminal organizations on the planet are gathered. There they are working and planning things that, if no one acts quickly, if no one acts with diligence, they could become a threat not only to Latin America, not only to America, but for the whole world.

Mr. Jekielek: I was reading the letter that you gave to President Trump and you said that saving Venezuela is saving the world. Now I think I understand what you were talking about. So, youre not going back to Venezuela. What hope do you see? And what should the international community do?

Mr. Simonovis: The first thing is to say that President Juan Guaido is recognized by 60 countries and among these countries are the most important economic and political powers in the world. That makes it clear that theres an important legitimacy in the recognition of President Guaido and of those who make up his administration. On the other hand, president Trumps support has been absolutely convincing, determined, and clear, and the same with his administration staff. Sec. Pompeo, Elliot Abrams, all of them, not only care, but also take care of anything needed to restore democracy in Venezuela. I think we are in a very important phase. We are moving forward along the right path.

But as I said before, its also time to speed up, to speed up and to show the teeth to these individuals. If they are not stopped in time, then when we do stop them, it will be too late. When the world found out that Hitler or Mussolini were a threat to the world, there were many that got together and decided to do something. I believe that many need to get together and realize that Nicolas Maduro, Diosdado Cabello, Tareck El Aissami, and other important groups of individuals that make a living by the regime in Venezuela, are a threat.

They are a threat, I insist, not only to Latin America and to America, but also to the whole world. Europe is just starting to understand that if they dont more actively engage in curbing the activities of these individuals, there will be consequences, and the price will probably be paid by innocent people.

Mr. Jekielek: Your personal story is terrible, but amazing at the same time because now youre actually able to play this advocacy role. But there are many others and who are still experiencing what you experienced, right?

Mr. Simonovis: Yes. In Venezuela, my case is symbolic, maybe because of the time I was detained and because I was one of the first ones. There are four of my teammates still in prison. Many of them have served more than half of their sentences, and they should get probation. Four honest policemen. But besides that, there are more than 700 political prisoners, more than 250 military officers. In the last 2 years, the regime has killed 279 people for participating in demonstrations or just because they spoke their minds. Thats the reality of whats going on in Venezuela.

Mr. Jekielek: What are the next steps for you now?

Mr. Simonovis: I arrived in this country and, first of all, Im very grateful to the American government for all the support I was given. Im also very grateful to the American people. We have a new life. This is a new opportunity for me. Im very grateful, not only for me but for the millions of Venezuelans that are here trying to realize new dreams and have a decent life. My next step is to work tirelessly for the freedom of my country. I swore to uphold the law, and thats what I will keep doing. Unless I see the Maduro regime disappear and democracy back in my country, I will keep working nonstop.

Mr. Jekielek: Thank you.

This interview was translated from Spanish to English and has been edited for clarity and brevity.
The number of coronavirus case in Iran has crossed the mark of 70,000 with the confirmation of over 1,800 new cases in 24 hours

, while an additional 125 deaths have taken the coronavirus death toll to 4,357, the country's Health Ministry Spokesman Kainoush Jahanpour said Saturday.

According to the figures from the daily update, over 36,000 have been discharged with complete recoveries so far while the official number of confirmed cases now stands at 70,029.

Iran briefly became the worst affected country outside China and remains the epicenter of the pandemic in western Asia.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has expressed confidence in recent weeks that that number of cases appeared to be steadily plateauing.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The suspension of commercial flights and railway travel may be extended till month-end as all indications point towards an extension of the nationwide lockdown, which ends on April 14, following Prime Minister Narendra Modis video conference with chief ministers on Sunday.

While both the civil aviation ministry and the railway ministry have prepared plans on enabling movement once the travel restrictions are lifted, officials aware of the developments said the government is likely to resume transport only after reviewing the number of cases after 15 days.

The sense is that both passenger rail and flight services will have to remain suspended for another 15 days. We had initially estimated the curve would flatten but an unfortunate event occurred and, according to estimates, we would require an extended lockdown. In such a scenario you cant have flights and trains running to undo all the progress else we might be looking at an ever more prolonged lockdown, a senior government official said requesting anonymity.

An order on the same may soon be issued by the DGCA, a second official said.

Hindustan Times on Friday had reported the government is considering dividing the country into a red zone in which no transport will immediately be allowed, a yellow zone where restricted services will resume and a green zone where transport will be allowed free movement.

Once restrictions are lifted, the national carrier is planning to ensure strict social distancing norms in trains, which includes mandatory thermal screening and no allotment of middle berth in sleeper.

Indias airport sector has also prepared a business continuity plan for probable opening of commercial flight operations post lockdown. In a letter written to the civil aviation ministry, which has been reviewed by the Hindustan Times, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has asked for extra security measures to be implemented for the safety of its personnel.

After completion of the lockdown period, if commercial aircraft operations resume in the domestic sector, there will be challenges to keep the CISF personnel and other stakeholders safe from the Covid-19 infections. The CISF has prepared a Business Continuity Plan for opening of commercial aircraft operations from the security perspective of aircraft operators, airline operators and CISF personnel, the CISF wrote to the civil aviation ministry.

The plan includes setting up of separate earmarked, isolated security checking facilities across airports for carrying out security check of passengers, crew and others, who have undergone home quarantine or hospital quarantine during the last one month. It also proposes airlines should spread out the flight timings, to avoid gathering of a large number of passengers.

Reporting time for passengers to the airport should be increased up to 120 minutes, so that passengers may smoothly pass through all the channels like access control, random screening, check-in, Immigration (in case of International passengers) by maintaining appropriate distance, the letter said.

Aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is also preparing a standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure social distancing among passengers and reducing contact with staff on board. This includes measures like leaving the middle seats empty. Airports will have to ensure that bunching of passengers is avoided while boarding and also that there is adequate spacing between passengers in queues.

All passenger transport has been suspended for the three-week long lockdown period that began on March 25.
The Chief Technical Advisor to Nigerias National Programme for Food Security, Oyesola Oyebanji, believes Nigeria can gain far more from its donor-funded agriculture projects if properly managed. Having retired as a Director from the Ministry of Agriculture in 2010, Mr Oyebanji, evaluates Nigerias performance in its bid at ensuring food security, the prospects, challenges and way forward. He spoke to Ibraheem Alawode. Excerpts:

PT: There are many donor-funded agriculture projects across the country but most are not contributing to development in Nigeria, what is the matter?

Oyebanji: Before I retired, I had been involved in the preparation and planning of some of the agricultural development programmes in Nigeria. Most of the projects that are implemented have impacts during the lifecycle of the project but the major problem is that at the end of the project there is no sustainability plan on behalf of the respective state government who have benefitted from the programme. This is because when a project is implemented, what is being done is introducing an approach of reaching the grassroots. The whole essence is that at the end of the project, the strategy or approach is supposed to be incorporated into the agricultural development agenda of both the federal and state governments but in two or three years after the project, the gains and achievements have disappeared. This is due to lack of provision of financial support to consolidate and replicate the gains and achievement of the programme. The way forward is to ensure that when you secure a loan for agriculture, the gains and achievement recorded should be replicated and there should be follow-up even in the project area where it is first implemented so that the farmers can continue to adopt or practise the strategy that has been developed which has resulted into productivity enhancement.

PT: Why are these donor-funded projects becoming debt burden instead of development machinery for the country?

Oyebanji: I expected that these projects are supposed to create wealth at the rural communities and when it creates wealth, the government can be able to realise internally generated revenue because there is going to be a lot of economic activities. So it depends on the strategy adopted by the government to be able to collect tax from these rural areas where their livelihood have been improved and where there are lots of economic activities going on. But you know in Nigeria we dont pay tax. The whole essence of these projects is to improve productivity, ensure national food security, create wealth through which government itself can be able to generate revenue.

PT: What should be done to make agricultural funded projects more beneficial even after the lifecycle of the project to ensure debt repayment?

Oyebanji: Most of these projects are implemented through farmers organisation approach. The beneficiary has to belong to a farmers cooperative. It is through this cooperative they channel the intervention. From my own personal intervention after the projects, the farmers cooperatives themselves disintegrate, they dont see themselves as a business entity, you know when people come together as a common interest group with the understanding they are together to do business to improve their businesses, they will continue to be together and practise what they are doing. The problem is the issue of governance of the farmers cooperatives. My recommendation is that the cooperatives should be given a lot of capacity building so that they can be technically and financially sustainable as this will enhance wealth creation and the government will derive a lot of revenue which will enable them to facilitate repayment of the loan without feeling it.

So what we are preaching is that farmers organisations is the bedrock of agricultural development because we cannot provide interventions to a single farmer especially at the smallholder level; they have to be a group and they have to be given a lot of capacity building on governance, mobilisation, resources, re-investment, financial literacy, access to credit from banks and how to expand on their business so they can also be able to contribute to economic and agricultural development.

PT: Part of the agricultural policies currently running in Nigeria is geared towards boosting local production and one of the methods of achieving the goal is closure of borders to tackle illegal importation and ban of certain agricultural produce from being imported into the country. Do you think this is a right step and has it been impactful on our local production?

Oyebanji: First, Nigeria has a large population and a large population is a reflection of the large market. The tendency is that because of that large market, everybody will like to be bringing goods to Nigeria. So they flood the Nigerian market with all kinds of food products. So I am of the opinion that the closure of the border will stimulate local production and then to me, Nigeria can also be an exporter of some of these agricultural products. For example with the effort of the federal government to boost rice production, we can even be able to feed the entire West Africa sub-region with rice because most of the countries surrounding Nigeria lack staple food and when there is a shortage of rice, there is always a crisis. I think the measure is in the right direction, lets stimulate local production when that is done and we have a surplus we can be able to export.

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PT: In your assessment, do you think there is any value addition to the growth and development of agriculture and rural development from the countrys national research institutes, agriculture universities and research agencies?

Oyebanji: Frankly speaking, there has been inadequate funding of our research institutions, I must not deceive you. So they have not been able to fulfil their mandate, the way they are supposed to. In the past, when research institutes were funded they developed a lot of technologies. Already they still have a lot of technology on-shelf despite inadequate funding but commercialisation of this technology is very critical.

Then I think the government established the Agricultural Research Council to coordinate all research activities of the research institutes to ensure that the focus of the research meets, addresses the challenges being faced by farmers. Currently, I dont think that is the case. There is a need to revitalise the Agricultural Research Council to be able to effectively coordinate all the research institutes to meet challenges in the agricultural section.

PT: Agriculture has been a major contribution to Nigerias GDP yet it has not received the percentage of budget it is supposed to receive as agreed under the Maputo declaration. Also, the Agric Promotion Policy currently being used by the government is expected to end this year, what areas do you think the policymakers should target when making a new policy on agric?

Oyebanji: Your Observation that agriculture is not adequately funded both at the federal and state levels are perfectly correct but then there are a lot of other sectors crying for support. What some countries have done is to establish an Agricultural Development Fund. This fund will come from contributions from both Agro-based industry, the tariff on export and import of agricultural product and produce. We should establish an Agricultural Development Fund similar to TETfund (Tertiary Education Trust Fund) and have an agency to manage it so that it can be able to support agricultural development agenda of the federal government. For example, see what Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is doing in terms of Anchor Borrowers and others. I think if there is an Agricultural Development Fund, that fund can be channelled through this (Anchor Borrowers) and then be applied to the specific area of interest of respective state government in order to support agricultural development. The fund will be used for research, development, extension and advisory services. If they set up the loan, I am sure the government can realise up to N100 billion per annum. If we want to have sustained funding for agriculture, this is what is needed, we cannot rely on the national budget, it cannot work.

PT: Do you think having this Agricultural Development Fund will help the country to survive the rising debt acquired from donor funded projects.

Oyebanji: Yes! I agree entirely with you. The reason why I agree with you is that when you look at some of the donor-funded projects, you find out that the money that goes to the state governments is very minimal and in even in some cases not up to 60% of the fund even goes directly to the beneficiary. When you see the amount of money and you convert it to Naira you find out it is what Nigeria can finance without necessarily borrowing money but we can only do that through a sustainable system of funding through Agricultural Development Fund. People who want to access the fund, have to detail their programme and the government will see the programmes are in line with the agricultural development agenda and the funds will be applied for the benefit of the farmers and rural development. We cannot solve all the agricultural problem at once. As one is being solved, another one will come up and if there is no sustainable system of funding we will not be able to address those problems. I think the way out, is setting the agricultural development funding. That should be the next policy.
The Centre is considering a request made by most states to extend the ongoing nationwide lockdown by two more weeks beyond April 14, government sources said on Saturday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interaction with chief ministers.

"Most states requested to extend the lockdown by two weeks and the Centre is considering the request," a government source said.

During the video conference with Modi, several chief ministers including Punjab's Amarinder Singh and Delhi's Arvind Kejriwal had suggested extending the lockdown at least by a fortnight.

The ongoing 21-day nationwide lockdown to contain the COVID-19 crisis, announced by Modi on March 24, is scheduled to end on April 14.

Modi, accompanied by some senior officials, including from the Union health ministry, was wearing a white mask during the meeting which was also attended by chief ministers -- Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal), Uddhav Thackeray (Maharashtra), Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), Manohar Lal (Haryana), K Chandrashekhar Rao (Telangana) and Nitish kumar (Bihar).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
SAN DIEGO, April 10, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Trac Solutions, Inc. (OTCPink: PSYC) (Global or the Company) is announcing that they have terminated the MOU and rescinded their offer to acquire World Innovation Technologies, LLC. (WIT).



From a capitalization perspective, once we took a deep look at the business, it wasnt justifiable for our business model. We are very impressed with their technology and product offerings but believe a better avenue will be to explore potential business initiative partnerships and synergies outside of an acquisition. While this is regrettable, I am convinced it is in the long-term best interests of the Company, said Vanessa Luna, CEO.

About Global Trac Solutions, Inc. (OTC Pink:PSYC)

Global Trac Solutions is a diversified holding company dedicated to identifying new and emerging technologies specific to a variety of industry verticals ranging from Branding and Marketing, Fintech, Business Development, Sales and Distribution, High-Risk, Nutraceuticals, and more. We focus and leverage our teams diverse experience to effectively execute go-to-market strategies in order to position the companies we engage with for rapid growth and a structure to enhance profitability potential. We believe in a forward-thinking approach that embraces groundbreaking new technology and innovations while providing our partners with the infrastructure and vision necessary to evolve into the industry leaders of the future. We truly are the right TRAC to follow.

Formerly, Global Payout Inc. (GOHE): From 2014-2019 Global was focused on the payments and financial industry sectors with an emphasis in high-risk.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer:

This press release contains 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. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "ongoing," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "will," "would," or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time the statements are made and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainty and other factors that may cause our results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release. This press release should be considered in light of all filings of the Company that are disclosed on the OTC Markets.com website.

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Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 03:38:38|Editor: huaxia

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WASHINGTON, April 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday the number of COVID-19 deaths in the United States will be "substantially below the 100,000" figure projected by models last week.

"It looks like we're headed to a number substantially below the 100,000, that would be the low mark," Trump told a White House daily briefing.

He said the situation in cities like Detroit and New Orleans appears to be stabilizing.

Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she is seeing a leveling of the curve in the United States.

She said that a lot of this is due to an improvement of the situation in New York and mitigation steps individuals took in the New York metro area.

However, Birx warned that the United States has "not reached the peak" of COVID-19 infections.
A KILMALLOCK man, who grew up on a farm, has bravely started a business at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

Brendan Halpin owns and operates a new website called WeSwitchU.ie The company was named as one of 15 Irish businesses to be selected for the Google Adopt a Startup programme. It is an initiative that serves as a mentoring programme for the successful candidates, with a mission to accelerate the growth of high-potential, innovative, Irish startup businesses.

Brendan - son of Kathleen and the late John - said growing up on a farm means, Its all hands on deck.

Growing up in a family business enterprise is the perfect background for a startup and entrepreneurship, said Brendan, who is a chartered accountant by profession with a background in renewable energy. His older brother Noel runs the family dairy farm in Quarry Hill, Kilmallock.

While starting a business at this time seems unfortunate, Covid-19 has changed how people do a lot of their business - more and more of it is now online, he says.

Residential customers and farmers in particular have better things to do with their time trying to find the best and cheapest plan for their energy use, said Brendan.

WeSwitchU.ie promises to take the stress and hassle out of switching energy providers.

The company assists farmers and residential customers to engage with the energy market, reducing their energy bills and carbon footprint each year.

With ten suppliers now active within the residential energy market in Ireland, it can be a daunting prospect to figure out the best options in terms of both budget and environmental impact. Many farmers and homeowners are also unaware of their annual energy consumption.

WeSwitchU.ie evaluates each customers individual needs by performing data analytics on their farm and household energy consumption, enabling them to secure the best deal tailored to their needs. The company will navigate the many offers available, ensuring that each customer saves on their energy bills every year, while also reducing carbon emissions, said Brendan.

The service is completely free.

Many farmers are unaware that their farm meter is on a residential tariff and switching energy suppliers is one of the quickest and easiest ways of reducing their energy bill.

From the outset, a supplier will offer an amazing deal to get a customer on board, but these discounted tariff plans are generally for 12 months and can soar after this point. If a farmer signs up with WeSwitchU.ie, we source and switch to the best deal for both their farm meter and household meter every year, said Brendan.
With the nation in the teeth of a pandemic and 19 in 20 Americans under orders to avoid leaving home, the case against holding a traditional election was so clear by last week that 16 states and one territory had postponed their primaries or switched to voting by mail. Wisconsin, however, pressed ahead, forcing thousands of voters to risk their health and that of their families and neighbors to exercise the right to vote.

Even in the context of general democratic decline, what followed was a disturbing spectacle. Confusion over whether the election would take place persisted until hours before polls opened Tuesday, worker absences forced most voting sites to close, and thousands of absentee ballots never reached their applicants. Milwaukee, a city of 600,000 and the center of an African American population suffering disproportionately from the coronavirus, was forced into a bottleneck of just five polling places, down from 180. Wearing masks and striving to keep their distance from each other, voters stood in line for hours, one bearing a handwritten sign with the all-caps cri de coeur THIS IS RIDICULOUS.

If any good can come of Wisconsins plague-crossed primary, its a warning of what could go wrong in November. This was how far some politicians would go to rig an election  namely, to the point of threatening lives  as well as a measure of what it would take to stop them.

Wisconsins Republican-controlled Legislature, which is responsible for some of the most anti-democratic voting barriers and gerrymandering in the country, refused to reschedule the election despite being called into a special session to do so days beforehand. When Democratic Gov. Tony Evers finally moved to postpone in-person voting by executive order, lawmakers challenged him, and the state Supreme Court  whose conservative chief justice was on the ballot  required it to proceed. The familiar calculus was that less voting elects more Republicans, an old strategy brought to a new low.

Wisconsin Republicans also enjoyed an eleventh-hour assist from the U.S. Supreme Court, whose conservative majority overturned a federal judges extension of the states absentee voting deadline. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg wrote in a dissent that because tens of thousands of voters did not receive absentee ballots from overwhelmed election officials despite having duly applied for them, the ruling would bring about massive disenfranchisement. She wrote: Either they will have to brave the polls, endangering their own and others safety. Or they will lose their right to vote, through no fault of their own.

Unfortunately, not all Democrats possessed Ginsburgs clarity on that point. Evers dithered over delaying voting until the eve of the election. The week before, Joe Biden said he was untroubled by the prospect of its going ahead, perhaps because he was still trying to rack up Democratic delegates and put away Bernie Sanders for good.

Biden argued last week that the general election also must proceed as scheduled, saying, We cannot delay or postpone a constitutionally required November election. This time, though, he was right: While pressing ahead amid a rising pandemic was cynical and reckless, the nation has months to render the fall voting pandemic-proof.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised election officials to encourage mail-in as well as early voting to minimize crowding. That shouldnt be difficult or controversial. Americans have been voting by mail since the Civil War, and the practice, along with in-person voting before election day, has only spread.

Five states have adopted universal voting by mail, and more than 20, including California, allow all-mail elections for some offices or jurisdictions. While that may not be feasible nationwide by this fall, nothing should prevent the entire country from joining California and 32 other states that make remote voting easy by providing absentee ballots to everybody who wants one. Sensible proposals in Sacramento and Washington would go a step further and mail ballots to all registered voters.

President Trump has vehemently opposed recent proposals to facilitate voting by mail (while voting that way himself) on the grounds that it would encourage levels of voting that are unfavorable to his party. Last weeks disgrace by the Great Lakes should put an end to such frivolous arguments for risking our rights and, now, our lives.

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 credit: Erin Simkin

From ELLE

Spoilers for Little Fires Everywhere episode 6 and season 1 of Hunters below.



If you've been anywhere near Twitter since Wednesday's episode of Little Fires Everywhere dropped, it was impossible to ignorenot that you'd want to. The effusive praise for Tiffany Boone, who commands every frame as a younger version of Kerry Washington's Mia Warren in the Hulu limited series, was overwhelming and well deserved.

Episode 6, "The Uncanny," is the turning point of Little Fires Everywhere, the episode that casts all of adult Mia's questionable decisions and eccentricities into stark relief with a single truth: Pearl (Lexi Underwood) is a surrogate baby Mia carried for a New York couple who couldn't conceive. She's Mia's biological daughter, yes, but her father Joe (Jesse Williams) and his wife (Nicole Beharie) paid the struggling art student to conceivevia turkey baster, no less. But near the end of Mia's pregnancy, her beloved brother Warren (Aubrey Joseph) and her art professor and lover Pauline Hawthorne (Anika Noni Rose) died within weeks of each other, and a grieving Mia packed up her New York life to hit the road for, well, forever. She's been running with Pearl since her birth, and she hasn't looked back since.



It's a lot to take on. Every second Boone appears onscreen is packed with exposition, a challenge without the pressure of taking up the mantle of an Emmy nominee. But Boone's performance is like a download of Washington's muscle memory. Each movement, from the set of her jaw to the cock of her eyebrow, is identical, and t's nothing short of extraordinary. Boone, fresh off a standout performance in Amazon's Hunters, caught up with ELLE.com to discuss her study of Washington, advice from George Clooney, and shattering stereotypes of motherhood.

Photo credit: Erin Simkin

Your facial expressions are exactly like Kerrys, right down to the set of your jaw.



I was able to come to set whenever she was filming. They gave me free rein over that, and I would pick certain scenes I felt I really needed to see her work on. I wrote notes and paid close attention to the way her body movedthe way her head tilted, the way she listened, all of that. Kerry's such a specific actress, which was really a gift to me. I wanted to make sure I was getting the essence of her and her body, not mimicking or doing an impression of her.



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What beats were most important for you to hit with young Mia?

It was really important to show a side of her before the world damaged her, before these circumstances sent her to this place. [The audience] has to see softness and vulnerability and optimism and joy in her. She's very hardened by the time you see her in the '90s. All the things she's gone through have strengthened her, but make her really difficult to connect with for a lot of the characters. There's a reason she's so protective over her daughter, but at one time, she was as bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as Pearl is.

You had the very specific challenge of conveying these characters within a finite period of time. How did you approach that?

Her relationship with Pauline is incredibly important. You don't see [adult] Mia loving anyone other than her daughter, so [the audience] has to see that level of love, to see her fall in love and open up to her sexuality. And her brother is so important to her, [so I had to] make sure those relationships were really clear, that you felt the love she had for them. Their losses inform who she becomes later. I worked a lot with the actors who played them to make sure our connection was there and made you feel for her.

Photo credit: Erin Simkin

How did you do that?

It was so easy with us. Anika Noni Rose got cast the day before she started shooting. I had never met her before and I was a fanI'd seen her on Broadway in Caroline, or Change when I was in high school. She's such an open person, and she's so giving as an actress. She was interested in my process playing Kerry, so in a way, it's that same mentor dynamic. We trusted each other.

Aubrey and I had a blast together. The moment I saw him [for the first time], he walked in to do a fitting and had five layers of diamond necklaces around his neck. I was like, "This is the coolest kid. I can't express the immediacy of our connection. It was easy to fall in love with both of them.



What will you say the actor playing a young version of you in a few years?

The same advice that Kerry gave me: Make it your own. This is your artwork. You can't feel like you're trying to live up to someone else or do what someone else can do. You're hired because of what you can do and what you bring to the role, so believe in that.

Kerry also executive-produced Little Firesdid working with her on this make you want to explore that side of the industry?

I walked onto set the first day I came to observe, and it was a video village full of women. You can tell from the first moment, it's not just so they can say, "women are here." It's not to fill a quota. Each one of those women are amazing at their job. They are dedicated to the project and they know exactly what they're talking about. Then after [Little Fires], I went to work on a film George Clooney is directing [The Midnight Sky]. He started his own production company years ago. He literally looked at me and was like, "Tiff, you need to do this while you're young. You need to get started on your own production company now. I feel like I started too late. Just do it." If you can have someone as amazing as George Clooney saying, "You can do it," how can I say it's not possible?

How did you react to that big Hunters twist with Al Pacino's character, Meyer Offerman?

Logan told me like halfway through, and he'd known from the beginning. Obviously Al knew, but the rest of us didn't. We kept trying to guess what it was. We knew Al probably wasn't going to do more than one season of a television show. It's Al Pacino. But we didn't know what direction it was going in. And when Logan told me, I stopped eating. I was looking around with my mouth open, and he kept talking about other things. And I kept going, "Logan, are you serious? Are you joking? Are you sure?" Then, just like the audience does, I start going back over all the things we've shot and everything I've read and go, "Well, that does make sense," and putting all the pieces together. They did such a wonderful job of giving you little nuggets.

You've discussed how important it was for you to play a mom in Hunters, and now you're doing it again in Little Fires. Are you consciously gravitating to these roles?

I'm very close to my mother, and I do think mothers, especially single mothers, are superheroes. The amount of things they have to accomplish with very little resources or support is amazing. To be able to play two strong, black, single mothers who are also smart and dedicated to their work and sexually freeall those things are so interesting to me. You're [often] seeing mothers as one dimensional. Their whole life is their kids, and you don't get to see the other parts of them. That's whats great about both of these roles: Yes, they're mothers, and that's part of their strength. But they have so much else going on for them. hey're fully realized characters.

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An official infection toll at the hospital was not announced, but media reports set the tally at around 23 cases among doctors, nurses and visitors

Cairo governorate said it has dispatched a team to sterilise and disinfect El-Zaitoun Specialised Hospital after detecting coronavirus cases among the hospitals medical staff.

Sterilising the medical facility comes a day after the health ministry closed the hospital for 14 days following the detection of coronavirus cases among medical staff. The infected members had come in contact with an elderly infected woman who was admitted to the hospital for a dialysis.

An official infection toll at the hospital was not announced, but media reports set the tally at around 23 cases among doctors, nurses and visitors.

The ministry ordered the hospitals staff to self-quarantine at their homes.

Several healthcare facilities in Egypt have detected cases among their doctors and nurses in the past few days, triggering fears that the outbreak would hit the countrys overwhelmed healthcare sector.

On Thursday, Egypts non-profit Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation said four coronavirus cases were detected at its heart surgery centre in Aswan, including one patient and three security staff members.

Egypts Heart Institute announced on Wednesday the shutdown of the institutes admission department after a nurse tested positive for COVID-19.

Last Saturday, at least 17 doctors and nurses at Egypts National Cancer Institute (NCI) tested positive for the coronavirus, according to Cairo University, which manages the countrys main cancer hospital.

Egypts Doctors syndicate said three members of the syndicate have died from the virus and 43 have been infected, explaining that it is still in the tallying process and that the numbers announced are likely to increase."

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Wisconsin This content is being provided for free as a public service to our readers during the coronavirus outbreak. Please support local journalism by subscribing.

Local election officials are hurtling toward Mondays 4 p.m. start time to begin counting votes from Tuesdays election with hardly any clear guidance on whether certain absentee ballots should be accepted.

The chaos and confusion surrounding the election amid the COVID-19 pandemic makes it even more likely the results, when they are announced early next week, will be challenged via lawsuits that could drag on for weeks or months.

As it stands, local election officials, through their Municipal Board of Canvassers, may be tasked with figuring out on their own whether to count absentee ballots received after April 7 that dont include a clear postmark date. The confusion was sparked by a U.S. Supreme Court order arriving less than 24 hours ahead of Tuesdays election that said absentee ballots must be postmarked by election day, April 7, 2020, and received by April 13, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. to be counted after Election Day.

Plenty of blame to go around after chaotic spring election amid COVID-19 pandemic

But local clerks across the state are receiving a substantial number of ballots without postmarks, or with postmarks that dont clearly indicate when the U.S. Postal Service accepted custody of the piece of mail. Without it, there isnt a straightforward way to determine whether a ballot has been processed by the Postal Service by Election Day.

We need to know the facts, Gov. Tony Evers told the Wisconsin State Journal. Im waiting to hear from the Postal Service and others about what happened.  This is going to be a litigated election regardless.

According to the WEC, 1,293,288 Wisconsinites requested absentee ballots for the election, while local clerks have received 1,080,403 so far.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission met Friday afternoon in order to provide clear guidance to clerks, but walked away without a consensus on the most glaring issues.

What is it going to look like? I dont know, said commissioner Ann Jacobs, a Democrat. Im sure the lawyers are delighted. Therell be a lot of billable hours coming out of this.

Commissioners deadlocked on a motion that would have allowed all ballots arriving in a local clerks office on April 8 to be counted, regardless of a postmark. Republicans suggested some ballots arriving on that date may have been sent that same day, and thus should be disqualified.

Wisconsin State Association of Letter Carriers president Scott Van Derven said in an interview that ballots arriving on April 8 almost certainly would have been sent by Election Day or earlier.

Madison City Clerk Maribeth Witzel-Behl told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel her office has received 682 ballots with no postmark, meaning they would likely not be counted unless guidance changes.

Wisconsin now waits for the spring election results  and then the lawsuits

Its unclear if that will happen because the Wisconsin Elections Commission, with three Republicans and three Democrats, deadlocked on how to deal with ballots arriving after Election Day without a proper postmark. They only managed to pass resolutions clarifying that elections clerks should accept absentee ballots with an APR 2020 stamp if the commission received a signed statement from a Postal Service authority affirming the stamp was only used on ballots received on Election Day.

Commissioners also affirmed that ballots that bear a postmark with the date April 7 or before should be counted, in compliance with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Ballots that reached a clerk's office by April 7 also count regardless of postmark.

Democrats on the commission want a broader interpretation allowing more ballots to be counted to reduce disenfranchising voters. Republicans, however, lean toward a stricter interpretation of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing for fewer ballots to be counted.

Its not our job to prove that something was not sent on the 7th (of April), said commissioner Robert Spindell, a Republican.

According to political scientists, absentee ballots arriving late tend to skew more Democratic, which could give the liberal-backed Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Jill Karofsky an advantage in the race.

Madison Deputy City Clerk Jim Verbick said the office has also received absentee ballots that had two postmarks on them, one before election day and one after, and that theyre not sure how to deal with them. On a separate issue, Verbick said the office on Election Day had a stack of about 40 to 50 absentee ballots missing witness signatures, which will likely not be counted.

Statewide election back on after Wisconsin, U.S. supreme courts take action

The postmark issue is widespread, affecting communities from Manitowoc to Fitchburg.

In a normal Wisconsin election, an absentee ballot must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day or its not counted. But Mondays U.S. Supreme Court ruling inserted the requirement that absentee ballots be postmarked by April 7.

Weve never had to look at postmarks before, Verbick said.

According to the Postal Service, postmarks are not required for for mailings bearing a permit, meter or precanceled stamp for postage, which applies to at least some absentee ballots.

Issues with postmarks come on top of numerous other problems, such as voters not receiving their absentee ballots despite requesting them weeks ago. A Republican state senator reported Wednesday that a postal worker had discovered three large tubs of undelivered absentee ballots from voters in Oshkosh and Appleton, and the Milwaukee Election Commission asked the Postal Service to investigate what happened to absentee ballots that never reached voters in that city.

The liberal group A Better Wisconsin Together has recorded more than 2,100 instances of a voter who requested but did not receive an absentee ballot.

Despite challenges and concerns, Wisconsin trudges on to Tuesday election amid COVID-19 pandemic

During Fridays meeting, Wisconsin Elections Commission administrator Meagan Wolfe said she has made several attempts to get answers from the Postal Service on why some ballots werent delivered on time or at all, why there are so many discrepancies among postmarks and whether theres a way to prove whether an absentee ballot entered Postal Service custody before April 7.

In a statement Friday, the Postal Service said it was aware of potential issues with absentee ballots in Wisconsin and is currently conducting an investigation into the claims.

The absentee ballot fiasco comes after in-person voting in most cities and towns throughout the state went relatively smoothly, except for major exceptions in cities such as Milwaukee and Green Bay, where voters stood in line for hours because there were fewer polling sites than usual.

Republican lawmakers insisted on holding the in-person election despite warnings from health experts that it would increase the likelihood of spreading the virus.

Counting ballots

Clerks usually would have begun counting as soon as polls closed on election night, rushing to get their numbers to county clerks. Instead, the court fight over whether to hold the election during the coronavirus crisis resulted in a judges order that ballots not be counted until Monday afternoon.

State election officials have warned clerks to safeguard their ballots and voting machines to ensure theres no tampering that could call results into question. Clerks have responded by placing ballots in sealed bags, locking them in safes, closets and offices, and doing the same with voting machines that hold electronic data.

Verbick said Madisons voting machines have been powered down and stored in a central, secured location. Incoming absentee ballots are locked inside a vault inside the clerks office, and ballots cast on election day were put in sealed bags and securely stored.

Local elections officials will gather at a central location to tabulate the results after 4 p.m. Monday.

The Associated Press and State Journal reporters Chris Rickert and Mitchell Schmidt contributed to this report.

Editor's note: This story was updated to clarify that absentee ballots received in a clerk's office by April 7 are counted regardless of whether they have a postmark.
THE new 20m school building for Colaiste Chiarain is part of a jigsaw for the evolution of Croom as a major satellite town.

Tony Brazil, chair of the schools board of management, said that the town is a natural residential area for those working in the industrial belt around Limerick city.

The school, set for a September 2018 opening, has finally been granted planning permission after a lengthy process during which the permission had been denied a number of times.

Any possible impediments have now been removed. We have to go through a whole series of things now, the architects are working for the tender process. Because of the value being over a certain limit it has to go on Euro Tenders, so all those things take a little extra time, said Mr Brazil.

Its been a long time in gestation, and I think theres great relief for students, parents and teachers to get proper facilities, he said.

Weve been working under very poor conditions, but nevertheless people ploughed on, and theres a great spirit in the school which has sustained the whole thing.

As part of a local area plan, the town is due to get a distributor road in the next two years, a move that is expected to take pressure off the main street, which often becomes a bottleneck for traffic.

With the emergence of industrialisation around Limerick city, in Raheen and such places, Croom is a natural residential area for that, and we are happy to play a part, said Mr Brazil.

The mix of students coming to the school reflects all that. We have students from all over the world, its a very eclectic group, he added.

The planning process took in excess of 12 months, to pass through the various stages, according to Mr Brazil.

Wed be reasonably happy that wed be getting into the building there by Autumn of 2018. We got great cooperation from the Council, so its onwards and upwards now, he added.

The Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board say that the new state-of-the-art school, expected to cost between 15m and 20m, will greatly enhance the social and economic infrastructure of Croom and the surrounding area.

They echo Mr Brazils sentiments on the future of Croom, stating that the development is significant in the emerging status of Croom as a major satellite town for Limerick.


Technology fans around the world were always sure about one fact and that was how Google and Apple might never work together as one. Both the giants have always been regarded as competitors who can do anything for profits, but certainly, COVID-19 crisi is making the impossible happen.According to a recent announcement made by both the companies, Apple and Google are working on a system that will track the spread of coronavirus. The tracker will allows the users to have the liberty to share data through Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) transmissions.Released in a series of documentation and white papers , the new system will work with short-range Bluetooth communications that will create contact tracing network while also keeping the data stored on phones which might have come close to each other. The apps authorized by public health officials will then be able to see the data that can become more useful when the person diagnosed with COVID-19 will report in the app about a person being positive. Hence further, if others have also downloaded the app, they will get instant notification upon coming close to any such person who is infected.Apple and Google are first planning to introduce a pair of iOS and Android APIs somewhere in the middle of May, just so that health authorities apps can include them as soon as possible. However, in the months after that, both of the tech giants are also planning to include the tracing functionality an integral part of its operating systems, so that in the longer run everyone with an iOS or Android phone should be equipped with the facility.As contact tracing does seem a very promising solution to fight against COVID-19, but the fact of digital surveillance that comes attached with the technique will also raise massive privacy concerns for the users. In fact, this worry has already been raised by the American Civil Liberties Union with the argument of limiting the scope of tracking users with phone data.But fortunately enough, that would no longer stand as a concern with Bluetooth plan being used instead of GPS. The Bluetooth will basically identify phones at five minutes intervals and then store the connection in the database. Hence, if one person tests positive for COVID-19, he can inform the app about his health condition and anyone passes by his phone will eventually be notified about him being infected for greater protection.Moreover, the system will also make sure that despite sharing their data, people wont have their names identified. It will broadcast a key instead which will cycle after every 15 minutes to keep privacy. So, even when a person tells that he is infected, the app will only show keys from a specific period in which he was contagious.The best part is that the central servers only will have control over the database of shared keys and maintain them rather than the interactions managing the keys on their own.Despite the benefits being stated, this method has some major weaknesses as well. For instance, if one person is in a crowded area, the app might flag people who are in the adjacent room and making you worry without any serious threat. It wont also be able to capture the nuance of how long some has been positive - which means that if you have been working with an infected person all day, you might then be at greater risk of carrying the viral load than just passing by the patient on the street.Furthermore, its success also depends on apps in short term and up-to-date Apple and Google phones in times to come which becomes an impossible scenario for areas that are still not blessed with high connectivity.Nevertheless, Apple and Google are still in talks with the public health authorities and stakeholders involved. Everyone knows that this cant beat the traditional way of content tracing that revolved around interviewing infected people but it can definitely result in a high-tech supplement to be installed on phones which billions of people already own.Read next: Facebook Helps The Coronavirus Researchers By Launching New Tools Providing The Location Data Of Its Users
Educational TV programmes to be telecast soon, decision on reopening schools not taken yet View(s):

The Education Ministry in cooperation with private education institutes will reach out to students through national television to provide tutorial programmes, due to the current school closures.

Education Ministry SecretaryN.H.M. Chithrananda told the Education Times they hope to telecast a range of educational programmes from 5.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. in Sinhala, Tamil and English.

The daytime telecasts will be meant for students up to G.C.E. O/L. The telecasts after 5.00 p.m. will be for students in the A/L classes.

Eye channel and Nethra channel will telecast these programmes. The Sinhala and English programmes will be telecast on Eye channel, while Nethrachannel will telecast the Tamil programmes.

About 1,000 teachers had been enlisted to prepare the programmes. Mr Chithrananda said the programmes will cater to the needs of international school students as well, as these students too have missed classes.

The move comes due to concerns the prolonged school holiday will affect the students educational activities.

The Government was forced to close schools earlier than scheduled for the April vacation due to the coronavirus threat. The Government initially closed schools until April 20.

However, with the threat of the coronavirus spreading and various measures taken by the Government, educationists have expressed doubts about schools reopening on April 20. However, a final decision on this matter, has not been taken yet.

(DW)
After immigrant detention centers saw a spike in coronavirus cases, federal authorities have started reassessing protocols to release some detained immigrants most vulnerable to the disease.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases among detained immigrants has spiked from earlier in the week, according to the latest Immigration and Customs Enforcement data. A total of 61 detainees have tested positive as of late Friday, up from six cases confirmed on Monday. ICE also reported Friday that 19 detention center staff members have tested positive.

Two federal courts have ordered the Trump administration to provide updates on detention center conditions for children and families. The judge overseeing a long-standing legal challenge to detention center conditions instructed authorities last month to either release detained families or provide justification for holding them.

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.

The virus has also delayed the resettlement of immigrant children waiting to be reunited with parents and family in Washington, California and New York, according to the Office of Refugee Resettlement. At least five of the roughly 3,100 unaccompanied migrant children held by the Office of Refugee Resettlement have tested positive.

MORE: DACA health care workers worry about their status amid coronavirus pandemic

PHOTO: A Border Patrol agent talks with a group suspected of having entered the U.S. illegally near McAllen, Texas, March 14, 2019. (Eric Gay/AP, FILE)

Under a recent Trump administration public health directive that limits relief options for refugees, about 6,300 migrants were deported or expelled immediately after attempting to cross the southern border last month--as the numbers of coronavirus cases began to increase domestically in the U.S.

ICE booked 18,528 people into its custody in March, down from about 23,000 in a typical month. At the end of March, ICE was holding 35,671 detainees on an average day.

House Democrats on Friday questioned the legality of the recent removals and threatened to take action if the administration refuses to explain the legal grounds for removing people without the typical legal review.

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Our attempts to get answers have been stonewalled by bogus claims of privilege or the outrageous explanation that theyre still determining the rationale for a policy thats already in place, Congressmen Eliot Engel, Bennie Thompson and Jerrold Nadler said in a joint statement.

PHOTO: Migrants are detained in a tented, air-conditioned cage at a Border Patrol detention facility in Tornillo, Texas, Aug. 15, 2019. (Cedar Attanasio/AP, FILE)

About half of all immigrants currently in detention were arrested near the border or at a port of entry, according to ICE data. But those numbers are expected to decline as fewer migrants attempt to cross the southern border and authorities work to quickly return those without proper documentation.

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 U.S. and worldwide: Coronavirus map

As the number of people held in immigration detention centers declines, ICE said on Tuesday it was looking to expand detention alternatives, including ankle monitoring and bonded release. So far ICE has released 160 detainees under the new protocols and identified as many as 600 more who were determined to be especially vulnerable to the disease, according to an ICE official.

MORE: What it's like being undocumented during the novel coronavirus

Prior to the announced shift in detention practices, lawyers with the American Civil Liberties Union pursued lawsuits in 13 states seeking the release of high-risk detainees.

Immigrant detention is a death sentence for people who are at high risk due to age or underlying medical conditions, said Eunice Cho, a senior attorney with the ACLU. It is absolutely unconscionable that we would keep people detained under these conditions.

Immigrant detention numbers decline as COVID-19 spikes and controversial border policies take hold originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
PM condemns curfew breakers

BANGKOK; Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Friday (Apr 10) slammed more than 6,500 curfew violators for lacking a social conscience but insisted he will not impose any tougher restrictions as current measures in dealing with COVID-19 over the past 100 days are proving effective.

Saturday 11 April 2020, 11:50AM

A military security officer approaches a family on a motorbike at the main checkpoint to Patong earlier this week. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

Gen Prayut insisted that the government will not extend the current curfew hours beyond 10pm-4am yet or impose any additional drastic measures that restrict peoples rights as public cooperation has seen infection rates fall.

Since Jan 4, we have been fighting together against COVID-19 for almost 100 days with preparation, strict monitoring, a strong public health system and cooperation from all sides.

We now have the number of infected patients at a controllable level, and a low death rate compared to other leading countries, said Gen Prayut who is also in charge of the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA).

This is proof that the countrys operations are effective and several countries have held Thailand up as a successful example of dealing with Covid-19, the prime minister said in a TV Pool broadcast on Friday evening.

However, the prime minister was dissatisfied with the large number of people who have defied curfew restrictions which rose to more than 6,500 since the curfew started on Apr 3, and has led many people to call for tougher measures or a longer period of curfew.

People who lack conscience and responsibility will make life miserable for those who are struggling to earn their living. I want to warn them to correct themselves, though the CCSA still has no plan to extend the current curfew hours, he said.

Gen Prayut also emphasised that the Songkran festival has been postponed, and the public must not take part in any kind of informal celebrations or return to their home provinces during the period. He also urged people to forgo the Rot Nam Dam Hua water-pouring ceremony, a traditional rite for young people to show respect to elders and ask for their blessings.

Gen Prayut did, however, say that he had signed an order to allow people in some groups or sectors to work during the night curfew.

The order includes authorities and their assistants, including civil servants, on duty under the order of state agencies.

Patients in need of medical attention, their care-takers and all health personnel are also allowed to travel during the curfew, according to the order issued on Friday.

The transport of medical supplies, consumer products, newspapers and goods for import and export is also allowed.

Those who need to be quarantined are also allowed to travel as are staff at petrol stations and public utilities.

Food delivery and refuse collection workers are exempted during the curfew hours, as well as people who need to work at night such as security guards, fishermen, rubber tappers and nightshift staff.

Meanwhile, a total of 33 Thais stranded overseas returned to Thailand on Friday, according to spokesman Taweesilp Visanuyothin at the CCSAs daily press conference.

Of them, 15 from the Netherlands arrived at Suvarnabhumi airport and will be quarantined at a hotel near the airport for 14 days.

The other 18 arrived back from Singapore and will be placed under quarantine at a hotel on Rama IX Road in Bangkok.

Dr Taweesilp also said that a total of 21 Thais stranded in Moscow, Russia will fly home today (Apr 11) and will be quarantined at a hotel in Bangkok.

A group of 152 Thai students studying in the US on a scholarship from the American Field Service will also fly to Thailand at a date yet to be confirmed, and be quarantined at a Bangkok hotel, Dr Taweesilp said.

Chutintorn Gongsakdi, the Thai ambassador to India, said that the embassy in New Delhi has prepared for the first group of 200 Thais who have registered to return home.

More than 1,600 Thais in India have signed up to return so far, he said, adding that upon arrival they will be quarantined for 14 days.

Mr Chutintorn said that the embassy is ready to charter flights to bring them home between Apr 15-17 when the Indian government allows aircraft from other countries to enter the country on Apr 14.

Currently, more than 20,000 Thais stranded overseas have registered with Thai embassies in foreign countries to return home.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has banned inbound flights until Apr 18 due to the risk of returnees being infected with COVID-19.

Read original story here.
Justice V Kanagaraj, a retired judge of the Madras High Court, on Saturday assumed charge as the State Election Commissioner of Andhra Pradesh.

Amaravati: Justice V Kanagaraj, a retired judge of the Madras High Court, on Saturday assumed charge as the State Election Commissioner of Andhra Pradesh.

The swift developments that began on Friday evening with the promulgation of an Ordinance amending Section 200 of the AP Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, leading to the removal of incumbent SEC N Ramesh Kumar, culminated on Saturday with Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan issuing a notification appointing Justice Kanagaraj as the new State Election Commissioner.

"In terms of Ordinance No 5 of 2020, dated 10-4-2020, and consequent on the cessation of tenure of the incumbent State Election Commissioner, and in terms of amended Section 200 of the Andhra Pradesh Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, I, Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, Governor of Andhra Pradesh hereby appoint Sri Justice V Kanagaraj, Retired High Court Judge, as the State Election Commissioner for a tenure of three years from the date of assumption of office," the Governor's notification said.

Justice Kanagaraj immediately assumed charge "in the obedience of the orders" and later called on the Governor at the Raj Bhavan and presented his "charge assumption" report.

Government sources called the appointment of Justice Kanagaraj a "new paradigm in Indian governance system" as there raged a bigger debate on whether a retired bureaucrat or a judge should be the State Election Commissioner.

The YSR Congress government in Andhra Pradesh on Friday abruptly removed State Election Commissioner N Ramesh Kumar from the post by promulgating an Ordinance, amending the AP Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, curtailing the tenure of the SEC to three years from five.

"In pursuance of the promulgation of Ordinance No.5 of 2020, Dr N Ramesh Kumar, IAS (Retd), the incumbent State Election Commissioner ceases to hold the office of State Election Commissioner on and with effect from 10.04.2020," Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department Principal Secretary Gopal Krishna Dwivedi said in a "confidential" order.

The developments came in the backdrop of a feud between the Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and the SEC after the latter postponed the elections to rural and urban local bodies on March 15 in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jagan complained against him to the Governor.

The state government subsequently filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the SEC's decision but the apex court only endorsed the deferment of polls.

Ramesh Kumar later wrote to the Union Home Secretary alleging a threat to his life and also listing out the irregularities committed by the ruling YSR Congress in the rural and urban local bodies' election process.
L abour has called for an inquiry into why a "disproportionate" number of people who have died from coronavirus come from ethnic minority communities.

Shadow equalities secretary Marsha de Cordova said the disproportionate number of black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) doctors who had died was "deeply disturbing".

She added: "It reflects the shocking underlying inequalities facing BAME communities as a whole, who are disproportionately represented in the numbers of people getting the virus.

"The Government must urgently investigate why BAME communities are more vulnerable to this virus."

Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures 1 /81 Coronavirus hits the UK - In pictures A deserted Westminster Bridge PA A man wearing a face mask or covering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, walks past customers sat outside a restaurant AFP via Getty Images Boris Johnson addresses the nation on the Coronavirus lockdown Andrew Parsons Runners pass cardboard cutouts of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William during the London Marathon in London AP An empty escalator at Charing Coss London Underground tube station Jeremy Selwyn Electronic bilboards displays a message warning people to stay home in Sheffield PA A sign is displayed in the window of a student accommodation building following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Mancheste Reuters People take part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions, in Londo AP People sing and dance in Leicester Square on the eve on the 10PM curfew Reuters Hearts painted by a team of artists from Upfest are seen in the grass at Queen Square, following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Bristol Reuters Graffiti reads 'good luck and stay safe', as the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases grow around the world, under a bridge in London Reuters A sign is pictured in Soho, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London Reuters Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures, during a coronavirus briefing in Downing Street, London AP A person runs past posters with a message of hope, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Manchester REUTERS Riot police face protesters who took part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions in London AP An image of The Queen eith quotes from her broadcast to the UK and the Commonwealth in relation to the Coronavirus epidemic are displayed on lights in London's Piccadilly Circus PA Military vehicles cross Westminster Bridge after members of the 101 Logistic Brigade delivered a consignment of medical masks to St Thomas' hospital Getty Images Durdle Door in Dorset Reuters Captain Tom Moore via 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 Coronavirus outbreak PA An NHS worker reacts at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital during the Clap for our Carers campaign in support of the NHS Reuters Goats which have taken over the deserted streets of Llandudno @AndrewStuart via PA Tobias Weller PA Novikov restaurant in London with its shutters pulled down while the restaurant is closed London Landscapes: Hyde Park and the Serpentine, central London. Matt Writtle A newspaper vendor in Manchester city centre giving away free toilet rolls with every paper bought as shops run low on supplies due to fears over the spread of the coronavirus PA Theo Clay looks out of his window next to his hand-drawn picture of a rainbow in Liverpool, as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continue Reuters A young man cuts another man's hair on top of a closed hairdresser in Oxford Reuters General view of the new NHS Nightingale Hospital, built to fight against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London via Reuters Jason Baird is seen dressed as Spiderman during his daily exercise to cheer up local children in Stockport, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues Reuters A woman wearing a face mask walks past Buckingham Palace Getty Images A man holds mobile phone displaying a text message alert sent by the government warning that new rules are in force across the UK and people must stay at home PA Medical staff on the Covid-19 ward at the Neath Port Talbot Hospital, in Wales, as the health services continue their response to the coronavirus outbreak. PA Prime Minister Boris Johnson taking part in a virtual Cabinet meeting with his top team of ministers PA A shopper walks past empty shelves in a Lidl store on in Wallington. After spates of "panic buying" cleared supermarket shelves of items like toilet paper and cleaning products, stores across the UK have introduced limits on purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have also created special time slots for the elderly and other shoppers vulnerable to the new coronavirus. Getty Images People on a busy tube train in London at rush hour PA Mia, aged 8 and her brother Jack, aged 5 from Essex, continue their school work at home, after being sent home due to the coronavirus PA Children are painting 'Chase the rainbows' artwork and springing up in windows across the country Reuters Social distancing in Primrose Hill Jeremy Selwyn A general view of a locked gate at Anfield, Liverpool as The Premier League has been suspended PA Homeless people in London AFP via Getty Images A piece of art by the artist, known as the Rebel Bear has appeared on a wall on Bank Street in Glasgow. The new addition to Glasgow's street art is capturing the global Coronavirus crisis. The piece features a woman and a man pulling back to give each other a kiss PA The Queen leaves Buckingham Palace, London, for Windsor Castle to socially distance herself amid the coronavirus pandemic PA A general view on Grey street, Newcastle as coronavirus cases grow around the world Reuters 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 Britain's Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty (L) and Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance look on as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures as he speaks during a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) news conference inside 10 Downing Street Reuters The ticket-validation terminals at the tram stop on Edinburgh's Princes Street are cleaned following the coronavirus outbreak. PA Locked school gates at Rockcliffe First School in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear PA A sign at a Sainsbury's supermarket informs customers that limits have been set on a small number of products as the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases grow around the world Reuters Jawad Javed delivers coronavirus protection kits that he and his wife have put together to the vulnerable people of their community of Stenhousemuir, between Glasgow and Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images A sign advertising a book titled "How Will We Survive On Earth?" Getty Images A man who appears to be homeless sleeping wearing a mask today in Victoria Jeremy Selwyn A pedestrian walks past graffiti that reads "Diseases are in the City" in Edinburgh AFP via Getty Images Staff from The Lyric Theatre, London inform patrons, as it shuts its doors PA A quiet looking George IV Bridge in Edinburgh PA A quieter than usual British Museum Getty Images A racegoer attends Cheltenham in a fashionable face mask SplashNews.com A commuter wears a face mask at London Bridge Station Jeremy Selwyn A empty restaurant in the Bull Ring Shopping Centre Getty Images A deserted Trafalgar Square in London PA Passengers determined to avoid the coronavirus before leaving the UK arrive at Gatwick Airport Getty Images

The call comes after the chairman of the British Medical Association said the Government must investigate if and why BAME people are more vulnerable to the virus.

Chaand Nagpaul told The Guardian it could not be random that the first 10 doctors named as having died from the virus were all BAME.

Dr Nagpaul said there was no doubt that a "disproportionate" proportion of BAME people were becoming ill.

Doctor Abdul Mabud Chowdhury who died yesterday after contracting coronavirus / PA

He added: "At face value, it seems hard to see how this can be random - to have the first 10 doctors all being of BAME background.

"Not only that, we also know that in terms of the BAME population, they make up about a third of those in intensive care. There's a disproportionate percentage of BAME people getting ill.

"We have heard the virus does not discriminate between individuals but there's no doubt there appears to be a manifest disproportionate severity of infection in BAME people and doctors.

"This has to be addressed - the Government must act now."

Walsall Manor Hospital nurse Areema Nasreen has died after contracting the coronavirus / PA

Dr Nagpaul said BAME health workers might feel less able to complain about a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and added: "BAME doctors often feel bullied and harassed at higher levels compared to their white counterparts.

"They are twice as likely not to raise concerns because of fears of recrimination."

Dr Nagpaul said the deaths of BAME doctors was particularly upsetting because "the vast majority - I think only one was born here - have come from overseas and have given their lives to the NHS, to save the lives of others".

He said the fact that many of the wider BAME population were in key worker roles combined with large families living together could be contributing to their disproportionate presence in intensive care units.

He added: "You've got a high proportion of BAME people not able to stay at home, serving the nation, putting themselves at risk.

"If you add that to overcrowded and multigenerational occupancies, the infections can be brought back home and spread to other members of the family."
A clever public service announcement uses ping pong balls to show the dangers of not practicing social distancing during the coronavirus outbreak.

The Ohio Health Department's 'Flatten the Curve' PSA includes footage of a ping pong ball when its dropped on to a grid of other ping pong balls with little room between them.

The balls are resting on mouse traps that are set and ready to go off on contact.

An Ohio Health Department PSA on the dangers of not social distancing during the coronavirus outbreak starts out with a single ping pong ball suspended over a grid of balls

The PSA shows little space between the ping pong balls, which are sitting on mouse traps that are set to go off

Once the singe ball drops, it makes contact with the others and sets the traps off

The video shows the traps snapping and balls bouncing everywhere

As a ball is suspended above the grid and dropped, it makes contact with the other balls and sets off the traps.

The results takes several seconds, showing balls bouncing everywhere as traps snap and fly into the air.

Ohio has had more than 5,878 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, which has been blamed for 231 deaths.

Across the country, there have been more than 490,400 confirmed cases and more than 18,000 deaths.

There have been more than 490,400 confirmed cases in the U.S. of the coronavirus, which has been blamed for more than 18,000 deaths

How the number of cases of the coronavirus in the U.S. has escalated over time

How the number of coronavirus infections in the U.S. has escalated over time

A day-to-day look at the number of deaths in the U.S. which have resulted from the coronavirus

The PSA name refers to the often said expression, 'flatten the curve,' which is how health officials describe slowing the rate of infection.

The act of social distancing typically requires people to keep at least 6 feet away from others.

With more than 18,000 Americans dead from the virus, also known as COVID-19, projections show today will be the peak day for fatalities amid the pandemic.

The new estimates brought forward the peak day of deaths by two days to April 10 with 1,983 people predicted to die from the coronavirus on Friday.

The projections were released on Friday by forecasters at the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation - a model often cited by the White House coronavirus task force.
A man, who was wanted in several cases in Uttar Pradesh, was shot dead by his nephew at Jivana Guliyana in Baghpat district, police said on Saturday.

The incident took place late on Friday night. Subodh had bullet injuries to his head and chest, Inspector Ravindra Singh said.

He was shot dead by his nephew when he was sleeping, the officer said, adding that the body has been sent for post-mortem.

Singh said a case was registered on a complaint from Subodh's father and the nephew, Nikhil, has been arrested.

Seventeen cases were registered against Subodh, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Previous reports about unkillable malware dubbed xHelper may have been understated, according to a recently reported outline of the malware from Kaspersky. The update on the malicious Android software offers more insight into how the Trojan malware works. Namely, Kaspersky describes it as being akin to a matryoshka doll.

The implications of the discovery are far-reaching. To begin with, the nested nature of the xHelper trojan means that it can more readily disguise itself. Users have found the malware, for instance, disguised as popular cleaner and phone speed-up apps. But it also contains further executables buried just out of reach for scanners.

In effect, that means it can not only install and run secondary trojans. It can run those trojans out of sight of protective software, even if that software would otherwise be able to detect the malware. That means that it can run previously-discovered malware without detection.

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xHelper malware was already looking bad before this

Now, as indicated above, the xHelper trojan is nothing new. It was actually widely reported in October of last year. Thats because it was already known to be uniquely malicious, despite only infecting around 45,000 devices at the time.

To begin with, the first action taken by xHelper is to download and install a dropper trojan. That malware first collects and then sends device data out to a malicious entity. Thats before installing a second trojan that can effectively give bad actors remote access to the handset. The malicious activity isnt just incredibly difficult to spot, however.

Since the trojan installs secondary programs with ease and has root access, it can effectively accomplish any malicious action its creators want. That means it can install malicious clickers, steal personal information, and a whole lot more. But, perhaps worst of all, xHelper is effectively unkillable.

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With its root access and other hijacked permissions, xHelper goes beyond burying itself out of sight and out of mind. It also installs itself in the system-level partition. So, even after resetting a smartphone to its factory settings, xHelper is able to start itself up and start wreaking havoc all over again. Its process doesnt just restart, it effectively reinstalls itself on the phone even after being completely wiped by the usual means.

Prevention is still the only way around xHelper

As reported with the initial discovery of xHelper, there still appears to be no viable way to remove the malware. Instead, users essentially need to buy a new smartphone and start or flash the stock firmware via a lengthy, tedious process. Theyll also need to take a closer look at apps they download on the new or freshly reinstalled device to ensure they dont download any shady-lookings apps.

Kaspersky notes that the best way to avoid reinstalling a malicious app is to stick to the default app markets. In the case of Android, that means only downloading or running apps from the Google Play Store. Installing from secondary sources always comes with a risk and xHelper doesnt appear to have been found on the official app market yet.
The Government of Ukraine is in talks to increase electricity export capacities.

"We are in talks to increase Ukraine's electricity export capacities," Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said on the air of ICTV channel on Friday evening, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

He recalled that electricity and coal imports had been limited.

"It is forbidden to import electricity from all countries, including Russia and Belarus. Power station coal imports from Russia and Belarus are prohibited by a decree of the Cabinet of Ministers, which is signed and published. However, Ukraine may import coal it lacks. The import of gas coal produced at state mines is forbidden," the Prime Minister said.

As reported, PJSC National Power Company Ukrenergo stated it would restrict electricity imports from Russia and Belarus until April 30.

Earlier, the Government issued a decree prohibiting the import of coal, except for anthracite and metallurgical coal, from April 15.

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MIDDLETOWN  The union representing Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services employees, which includes Connecticut Valley Hospital, presented a 1,100-signature petition to the agency Thursday, requesting lifesaving PPEs, expanded safety protocols and essential pay.

Officials at the state agency announced Friday afternoon that a total of 36 individuals  15 patients and 21 workers  have been infected with the coronavirus.

The tally is: Connecticut Valley Hospital, nine patients and five staff; Whiting Forensic Hospital, six patients and nine staff; the Connecticut Mental Health Center, three staff; Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System, two staff; and Western Connecticut Mental Health Network, one staff, a DMHAS news release said.

Connecticut Employees Union Independent Local 511 health care workers traveled to the Hartford office of DMHAS to deliver their appeal for PPEs, according to a press release.

When they arrived at the office of Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, she declined to accept the petition in person, union representatives said. So, they delivered it by email.

Our members were not intimidated, Julio Reyes, mental health worker at River Valley Services, said in a statement. We tried our best to open a line of communication and deliver the message that the needs of our members must be addressed as we do the work of caring for some of the vulnerable people among us.

We continue to remain vigilant in maintaining an environment that is healthy and safe. Hospital staff are dedicated to caring for the physical and mental health of our patients, and to providing the highest quality of care through this public health crisis, state DMHAS Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon said in a statement last week.

The Press has reached out to DMHAS by email for comment.

CVH social worker Michelle Caron said PPEs are sorely needed. It has been too little, too late, and were here, because, as a state agency, DMHAS must reverse course and prioritize the safety of staff and clients.

Brian Williams, addiction counselor at Connecticut Valley Hospital, said DMHAS must take aggressive action to stem the tide of this virus.

At any time, it is extremely important that the leadership of the agency be proactively involved in communicating with the people providing direct care, he said. We are concerned with having adequate resources to take care of our patients, and we need to utilize new protocols to provide care safely.

Workers allege the state has given a dangerously inadequate response to the Covid-19 pandemic. We were now deemed essential for this pandemic and we are willing to do our jobs, Maribel Agosto, community clinician at River Valley Services, said in the release.

Those working on the front lines of the pandemic are asking for leaders to have their backs, she said.

We are asking for you to do yours and provide us with PPE gear to be able to keep us safe, our clients, our community and everyone with whom we are in contact, she said, referring to DMHAS.

Corinne Thurstan, social worker at Southeast Mental Health Authority in Norwich, criticized DMHAS for its alleged sluggish approach.

This pandemic has shown in harsh relief the effects of cutting public investment in human services over time. We have cut our service system to the bone and we can now see the tragic result. Shame on us all if we fail to take this opportunity to build a system that is ready for todays challenges, she said in a prepared statement.

For information on coronavirus in Connecticut, visit portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus.
The Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch will be converted into a site to care for patients diagnosed with new coronavirus should the need arise, county health officials said Friday.

The site, also known as the Contra Costa Event Center, can handle up to 43 patients who test positive for COVID-19 and need medical care short of hospitalization, according to Contra Costa Health Services.

The county has been identifying potential alternate care sites in anticipation of a surge of hospital patients testing positive for new coronavirus.

"The fairgrounds alternate care site is a great example of state, county, city and non-profit agencies coming together to create increased capacity to care for patients needing fewer resources, which frees up critical hospital beds in our healthcare system to fight COVID-19," said county Supervisor Federal Glover, whose district includes Antioch.

The Craneway Pavilion at the Ford Point building in Richmond is already undergoing a conversion that started a week ago into a 250-bed facility for patients who do not require hospitalization. The Richmond site would be the first to open if the need arises, followed by the Concord Shelter and the Philip Doran Respite Center, also in Concord.

The fairgrounds would likely be the last to open, officials said.

The American Red Cross is providing expertise in preparing the fairgrounds, officials said.

"Although the City of Antioch did not request for the County to select a site within our city, we understand the gravity of the moment," Antioch Mayor Sean Wright said in a statement. "In the fight to save lives, the world has been asked to step up and do more, Antioch is no exception to this reality. By working together, we will hopefully be able to minimize the number of lives lost to this horrible pandemic."

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.
President Trump has struggled throughout the coronavirus crisis to grasp that the graphs plotting human disease and deaths  in their thousands  are more important than those charting the fluctuations of the stock market and his approval rating. His retreat from a plan to miraculously resurrect the American economy by Easter therefore began a countdown to his next reversion to form.

That came before the holiday arrived. By Good Friday, the administration had floated another plan to phase out protections for public health and lives in a few weeks for the sake of his economic and political bottom lines.

Trump and other administration officials are pushing to resume regular activity by the beginning of May, the Washington Post reported, following public comments by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Attorney General William Barr suggesting as much. Barr called the stay-at-home orders affecting most of the country draconian, adding derisively that officials should not tell people to go home and hide under their bed. The president looked forward on Twitter to a return to normalcy sooner rather than later, whereupon the virus must be quickly forgotten.

The presidents rush to return to a pre-pandemic state persists even though experts within and outside his administration believe such haste could cost tens of thousands of lives. The Homeland Security and Health and Human Services departments projected that the virus, which had killed nearly 18,000 Americans and more than 500 Californians as of Friday, could cause 200,000 deaths if shelter orders are lifted after a month, the New York Times reported.

Most experts hesitate to predict when stay-home orders and other social distancing measures will end because that requires conditions that havent been met, including a consistent decline in infections. While a few regions have shown signs of reaching a peak in the outbreak, most are still seeing rising numbers. California officials have estimated that the pandemic might not reach its height until the middle of May.

Another unmet condition is a robust capacity to detect and contain new infections. Until a vaccine is developed a year or more hence, successful social distancing will prevent infections and leave more people vulnerable to the virus. That means that once normal activities resume, new outbreaks can be stopped only by widespread testing for the virus, tracing of exposures and quarantining of the infected and exposed.

Trump has been irresponsible not just in setting unrealistic deadlines for reopening the economy but also in refusing to grapple with the hard work of making that crucial goal reachable. His administration in fact considered withdrawing support for testing in recent days and has largely left that and other matters to state and local officials.

Because the president also abdicated to governors and mayors on the social distancing measures he is now chafing at, ending them wont be entirely up to him either. That is for the best.

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.
Before playing the Chaconne from the Unaccompanied Violin Partita No. 2, Jennifer Koh spoke of the solace this music can offer in a troubled time. The violinist Midori conveyed much the same sentiment without words in a complete performance of the Partita No. 1. The Knights, a chamber orchestra, contributed a remarkable performance of the Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 filmed at Caramoor last fall. In place of the slow movement that Bach never wrote, it included an arrangement of Paul Simons American Tune (itself based on Bachs Passion chorale), movingly sung by Christina Courtin.

This all came as blessed relief, solace indeed. But there was also an uncomfortable edge. For, I often had to wonder, who am I to be privileged to wallow in Bach when so many people are suffering and dying of the virus? Who am I to be so gloriously entertained while doctors, nurses and hospital supply, maintenance and cleaning people are laboring as never before in unrelentingly terrifying conditions?

I thought of a medical poet-philosopher of our own moment, Craig R. Smith, the surgeon-in-chief at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. He writes daily updates about the coronavirus crisis to the hospital staff, which have attracted a following on the internet for their depth, candor, gentle and tough encouragement, cleareyed compassion and literary quality.

Unlike Lewis Thomas, who generally reflected from a serene height above the fray, Dr. Smith is writing in the horrifying grip of the here and now, of ventilators and personal protective equipment. Today, he noted last month, I dont want my parables and literary flourishes to get in the way of the redeployment punchline, which is this: We will not leave you alone out there!
The La Nkwantang Madina Municipal Assembly has urged the public to disregard a publication purported to have come from its outfit in respect of number of COVID-19 cases confirmed in Madina.



A statement signed by Mr Isaac Odoom Egyin, Municipal Information Officer and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, described the information as false and not authored by the Assembly.



The Assembly is entreating the public to continue to ensure all the precautionary measures including regular handwashing with soap under running water, use of approved sanitizers and ensuring social distancing protocols as outlined by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.



The statement admonished the public to ignore any information on COVID-19 if it does not emanate from Ghana Health Service or Ministry of Information.

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.

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A Drogheda nurse, described as a 'blessing to all who knew her' passed away at the hospital she worked in, Our Lady of Lourdes, on Sunday morning after contracting COVID-19.

Much loved Beena George (58), was a native of Kuruppantara, Kottayam in the state of Kerala, India.

The Drogheda Indian Association (DMA) expressed its 'deep and heartfelt condolences to the sorrowing family' and joined in their prayers.

She worked as a nurse in the Lourdes for 10 years.

Her husband, George Paul, stated on social media that his wife was fighting stage-4 cancer. 'As anyone who has had the luck of being acquainted with her will let you know, she was kind, loving and a blessing in all of our lives. She always gave out the best advice and was there for anyone who needed her, no matter what. May her memories live on through the people who knew her,' he said.

The Irish Malayali reported that George last saw his wife last week after she was admitted to the hospital. She tested positive for COVID-19 and he was advised not to attend the hospital. She had pneumonia in March, but recovered and was discharged, but was readmitted after developing a fever and shortness of breath and spent time in an isolation ward. The couple have two daughters, Rosmy and Anmy.

Latest figures reveal that there are 25 cases of COVID-19 in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. Figures up to the weekend show that there are 64 cases in Louth and 106 in Meath.
Global coal production is expected to grow only marginally in 2020, from 8.13 billion tonnes in 2019 to 8.17 billion tonnes in 2020, a growth of only 0.5 percent after three consecutive yearly increases, due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, says GlobalData. The spreading coronavirus pandemic may too heavy of a burden for the already struggling coal miners in the United States, with three companies announcing operations halts due to measures to contain the spread of the disease.

Now, according to the analytics company, disruption has been most significant in China. Coal production declined by around 6 percent in the first two months of 2020 as workers could not return to mine sites due to the coronavirus outbreak.

However, by March 4, 83 percent of Chinas coal mining capacity was operational and production is now expected to recover over the remainder of 2020 with a forecast decline of only 1.2 percent expected by the year-end.

Thermal coal production is expected to grow by 0.5 percent to 7.05 billion tonnes, while metallurgical coal production is forecast to be flat at 1.1 billion tonnes.

Over the next four years, the production of thermal coal is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 1.9 percent to reach 7.6 billion tonnes by 2023, due to increasing demand from India and China.

Across the globe, compared with other commodities coal production is only expected to be marginally affected by the impact of the coronavirus as thermal coal mines are permitted to operate during lockdowns as they are deemed essential to maintain power supplies, says Vinneth Bajaj, senior mining analyst at GlobalData.

Related: Trump Strikes Deal With Mexico To Help Cut Oil Production In OPEC+ Deal

Chinas overall annual coal consumption is expected to decline by 0.5 percent, due to the lockdown of industrial areas with thermal coal consumption falling by around 0.3 percent in 2020.

Through to 1 March 2020, Chinese coal-fired power plants reported a 3 percent decline in their coal consumption, with an 8 percent decline in the countrys power generation during the first two months of 2020.

In India, around 845 million tonnes of coal is expected to be produced in 2020  an 8.3 percent increase compared to 2019.

Elsewhere, thermal coal mines in South Africa have been permitted to operate despite the countrys 21-day lockdown.

Longer term, whilst power demand is growing, we will see coal declining as a proportion of the power generated. At present, 67 percent and 75 percent of the electricity in China and India is generated from coal, Vinneth adds.

However, both counties have environmental commitments to reduce carbon emissions, and have targeted to reduce these shares to 58.5 percent and 50 percent by 2030 respectively.

By Mining.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan recently expressed concern over the condition of his eyesight in a post on his blog. The actor said that he is afraid that he might just turn blind.

Big B wrote on his blog, "The eyes they see blurred images .. the vision reads double and for some days now I reconciled myself to the fact that blindness is on its way, to add to the million other medical problems that invest in me."

The Shahenshah Of Bollywood even recalled how his mother used to cure him if he ever got hurt in the eyes and continued, "But then .. today .. thought of those early years when Ma used to take the edge of the sari, the 'pallu' , make a soft round ball with it , blow into it to make it warm and place it on the eye .. and BAM ! problem solved ..So followed that .. hot watered a hand towel and placed it on the eyes."

Further, in his post, Sr Bachchan revealed that he isn't turning blind. The main culprit for his condition is just enhanced screen-time which is taking a toll on the eye.

He wrote, "spoke to the doc and followed his instruction of putting in prescribed eye drops every hour .. reassured me that I was not going blind - that there was far too much time being spent in front of the computer .. the eyes were tired .. thats all."

The superstar revealed that following his mother's homely remedy has worked wonder on his eyes and signed off, "And YES .. that old Mother's technology worked .. YEEAAHHH .. I can see now!!"

Amitabh Bachchan is currently in quarantine with his family excluding wife Jaya Bachchan, who is stuck in Delhi amid the nationwide lockdown. Recently, on her 72nd birthday, Big B started a daily distribution of 2000 food packets in various parts of Mumbai, to help the needy during COVID-19 crisis. Besides this, the Brahmastra actor has been urging his fans to stay home and practice social distancing, through his posts on social media.

On Wife Jaya's 72nd Birthday, Amitabh Bachchan Starts Distribution Of 2000 Food Packets In Mumbai!

Amitabh Bachchan Recites Poem Written By Father Harivansh Rai Bachchan; Brings Tears To His Eyes" title=" Amitabh Bachchan Recites Poem Written By Father Harivansh Rai Bachchan; Brings Tears To His Eyes" /> Amitabh Bachchan Recites Poem Written By Father Harivansh Rai Bachchan; Brings Tears To His Eyes
Its just really nice knowing that, though doing our own thing, we are all still connected at the same time, Kopanke said. We cant do our grill-outs as we usually do, but maybe later in the summer.
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 04:40:36|Editor: huaxia

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WASHINGTON, April 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday discussed efforts to combat COVID-19 and ensure global energy market stability during a phone conversation, the White House said.

"President Trump and President Putin discussed the latest efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic and maintain stability in global energy markets. The two leaders also covered critical bilateral and global issues," the White House said in a statement.

Friday's phone call was the second consecutive conversation between Trump and his Russian counterpart. The two leaders and Saudi Arabia King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud confirmed in a phone conversation on Thursday their intention to coordinate actions aimed at stabilizing the global oil market.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies led by Russia, a group known as OPEC+, reached on Thursday a tentative agreement to cut production to stop a market free-fall amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Oregon received thousands of masks, scrubs and other gear from the federal government to restock depleted supplies of protective equipment for frontline medical workers Friday.

The U.S. Agency for International Development shipped the gear from a warehouse in Dubai.

The supplies came at a critical time amid the coronavirus outbreak. The state reported earlier Friday that its emergency stockpiles of highly-prized N95 masks and face shields had dwindled to zero.

Nurses at some Oregon hospitals said earlier this month that their hospitals could run out of protective gear within days.

The infusion of new gear means the state now has 150,000 N95 masks and 67,000 face shields to parcel out among hard-hit Oregon counties.

The federal shipment also included 2,500 scrubs pants, 2,000 scrubs tops and 250 coveralls for frontline workers to wear.

Andrew Phelps, who directs the state Office of Emergency Management, said the protective gear will make a huge difference," although the state will need even more gear to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency had asked USAID to open up its stockpiles to states that desperately needed protective gear. The last time the U.S. needed to import gear from its Dubai warehouse was in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina, the state said.

State workers will inspect all of the gear before it is sent to medical workers.

Phelps said Oregonians can help the states supplies last longer by practicing social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19.

More than 1,300 Oregonians have contracted the coronavirus, and 48 of those patients have died, according to the latest state figures.

-- Molly Young

myoung@oregonian.com

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
People across the country are being urged to "Shine Your Light" at 9pm tonight to honour frontline staff and healthcare workers tackling the Covid-19 pandemic.

Everyone is invited to take part in a gesture intended to express hope as well as remember those who have died and their loved ones.

President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina will take part from Aras an Uachtarain while Irish embassies and missions around the world are participating as well.

Many people will be lighting a candle at home but some buildings are getting involved too.

The Dublin Waste to Energy Facility in Dublin will be lit blue.

Project director Kieran Mullins says it will be visible across the city.

"It's being lit up from dusk until about 2am so certainly anybody in the Sandymount and Merrion area will see it and you can see the plant from other areas, high areas of Dublin such as the Dublin mountains.

"We hope that when people do see it that it will remind them also to continue the effort that they are making."

Last night on the Late Late Show, Glen Hansard and Colm Mac Con Iomaire played Leave A Light to highlight the initiative.

Later in the show, the pair performed Falling Slowly in memory of those in Ireland who have died during pandemic.

Introducing the song, Ryan Tubridy said: "This is for the 288 Irish men and women who are no longer with us and may they rest in peace."

Hansard and Mac Con Iomaire are not the only public figures who are backing the Shine A Light campaign.

Other public figures offering their support and taking part include Gabriel Byrne, Saoirse Ronan, Sinead O'Connor, Paula Meehan and Marie Mullen.

RTE will air a special live broadcast across RTE One, RTE Radio 1 and the RTE Player.
The states Department of Public Health said to date there have been 247 coronavirus-related deaths in long-term care facilities in Massachusetts. That number accounts for over 40 percent of statewide deaths reported so far.

Tara Gregorio, President of Massachusetts Senior Care, addressed the figure on Friday in a statement, urging that there be more tests conducted of both symptomatic and asymptomatic residents of long-term care facilities.

Gregorio also said caregivers need more personal protective gear, and that the facilities need emergency funding.

The continuing rise in the number of fatal cases among the 38,000 frail elderly and disabled residents under our care is devastating to our residents, families and staff who are courageously battling the most horrific pandemic in our lifetimes, she said.

On Friday, public health officials say the number of COVID-19 cases rose to 20,974. Ninety-six new deaths were also reported, bringing the statewide tally to 599. Altogether, 102,372 people have been tested for the virus.

Related Content:
Authorities in Tamil Nadu, as part of efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus use drones, mist cannons and have come up with innovative ideas like using catchy taglines to spur people to walk through the disinfectant tunnels when they visit market places.

In the state's capital, which has 172 coronavirus positive cases, the highest when compared with other districts in Tamil Nadu, Greater Chennai Corporation officials use drones in densely populated neighbourhoods like Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar as children watch the drive with curiosity from their balconies.

"We are using drones in densely populated areas and the results are good," an official said adding about six litres of disinfectant liquid was being used for a single trip.

The children are attracted to the buzz of drones which they call a mini-helicopter. Mist cannons which are huge blowers are mounted on trucks that go around spraying disinfectant fumes in downtown areas and in other containment zones in addition to localities of positive patients.

Butterfly sprinklers -swings up and down like a butterfly's wings when dispensing the disinfectant fog- placed on the rear of tractors are also being used by the civic body for clean up work.

Anti-bacterial fluid containers connected to jet spray guns are taken in light cargo vehicles to easily navigate narrow alleys in city neighbourhoods. Germicide and bleaching powder was being sprinkled on all roads, alleys and intersections.

Volunteers wearing artistically designed 'coronavirus' crowns are also helping authorities in several areas to drive home the message of social distancing, personal hygiene and the need to stay indoors.

Officials came up with a fresh idea to goad people to use the disinfectant tunnels set up in six locations in Tiruvannamalai district. "Come inside (the tunnel), are you coming in or shall I (coronavirus) come (infect you) ?" the tagline in Tamil, embossed on the tunnel's facade asks.

In Tamil, the slogan is more punchy as it has striking colloquial words used everyday to convey the message ('Ulley vaaaa.. nee varriyaa..illa naan varatta !'). The sprawling Aarani Fort and Isanya grounds in Tiruvannamalai district that house the temporary vegetable markets are among the places where the disinfectant tunnels have been set up.

People visiting the markets cannot miss the tunnels as they are placed prominently and public walk through the passage fitted with sprayers and sprinklers after and before their purchase. Cheyyaru and Vandavasi bus termini in the district also have the disinfectant walkthrough arrangement.

Tamil Nadu has a total of 911 coronavirus cases and Tiruvannamalai district 10 as on April 10 evening.

INDIA CORONAVIRUS TRACKER: BusinessToday.In brings you a daily tracker as coronavirus cases continue to spread. Here is the state-wise data on total cases, fatalities and recoveries in one comprehensive graphic

Also read: India coronavirus lockdown live updates: PM Modi video conference with CMs begins; lockdown extension on cards

Also read: Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu: Total cases, deaths, cured patients, helpline & more
COLUMBUS, Ohio - State Sen. Matt Huffman, a Lima Republican who is next in line to be Ohio Senate president, sent a letter to Gov. Mike DeWine this week asking that businesses in less densely populated areas with fewer confirmed coronavirus cases be authorized to reopen.

DeWines spokesman said the office received the letter but they dont have comment at this time.

In briefing after briefing, DeWine and other officials have said that the numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths are likely higher than whats been confirmed, due to testing shortages, and that social distancing has been key to lowering Ohios expected disease peak.

DeWine has also warned that if Ohio reopens too soon, there will be new infection spikes and deaths.

Huffman on Saturday said many businesses lack the finances to withstand the closures demanded in the states stay-at-home order, among other directives. Since the current stay-at-home order ends May 1 -- about three weeks from now -- Huffman believes the DeWine should establish some criteria under which businesses could be open by then.

For instance, maybe they can open with limitations if the infection rate is less than a half percent, Huffman suggested.

Maybe restaurants dont go to full capacity, and in two weeks they go to full capacity, he said.

Huffman said too many people are going without paychecks. Guidelines from DeWine could provide people hope, allow business owners to plan and incentivize people to stay indoors to get the infection rate down.

We dont have to do the same thing in Coldwater, Ohio, as we have to do in Cleveland and Cincinnati, he said.

Huffman specifically mentioned west central Ohio in his letter, but said it could be anywhere rural.

As it turns out, we dont have 10,000 cases a day. And thats great. The person that deserves the most credit for it is Gov. DeWine. But now that we have this, lets provide hope for businesses and people not getting a check every week.

Huffman isnt the only one pushing to reopen business.

On Saturday morning, Sen. Andrew Brenner, a Republican from Delaware County, wrote on Facebook that since the real threat wont be over for a year or two, the state needs to relax restrictions. Brenner said that numbers have flattened out, which is a contradiction to the Ohio Department of Healths forecast model that says the peak isnt until April 19.

We cant stay like this much longer, and the hundreds of thousands of Ohioans whove lost their jobs or the thousands of small business owners cant keep doing this either, or their lives will be irreparably destroyed, Brenner wrote.

Its unknown whether the stay-at-home order thats to end May 1 will be extended again. DeWine hasnt committed to an end date, and has previously said that K-12 schools may be closed for the rest of the academic year.

DeWine has been aggressive in limiting activity during the pandemic, and has been praised nationally for early interventions.

Lt. Gov Jon Husted has cautioned that the reopening of Ohio will be gradual.

Life wont go back to what it was known as pre-coronavirus, he said Thursday.

Temperatures may continue to be checked. Tables may be spaced farther apart at restaurants.

Its a gradual pulling back on certain restrictions as we try to get society back to normal, Husted said.

Other coronavirus coverage:

227 Ohioans have died from coronavirus, 5,836 confirmed infections: Gov. Mike DeWines Friday, April 10 briefing

Are vape shops essential businesses? It varies throughout Ohio.

Ohios coronavirus crisis, one month in: Capitol Letter
State police arrested and charged three teenagers with throwing a cinderblock off an overpass that injured a truck driver on the New Jersey Turnpike last month.

State Police charged a 17-year-old male from Elmer, a 16-year-old male from Penns Grove, and a 16-year-old male from Pittsgrove with aggravated assault, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct on Friday, police said.

The incident happened on March 26, when a 18-wheeler driven by Dennis Gilbert, 37, of Piscataway, was traveling north on the turnpike and was struck by a cinderblock at an overpass in Carneys Point.

Im glad to know theyve been caught, Gilbert said Friday. Im grateful and appreciate the state police and local police doing their due diligence.

Gilbert told NJ Advance Media that he originally thought he hit a car after the cinderblock hit his truck.

I thought I hit a car in the slow lane, because I was looking up at the people on the overpass, he recalled. I got a face full of glass. I couldnt see anything. My whole face was bleeding.

After the block hit Gilberts truck, it bounced off and smashed another truckers windshield. That driver, who was not injured, pulled over to help Gilbert, who was disoriented.

He blocked traffic so that I didnt get hit, Gilbert said.

Emergency responders told Gilbert they could see the glass in his eyes and took him to Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, Pa. Gilbert credits an exterior metal sun visor over the top portion of the windshield with preventing more serious injury.

If not for that visor, it would have been a different outcome, he said. Im lucky I didnt have another driver with me.

Two abrasions on his eye are still healing. Gilbert said his vision was blurry for about two weeks and his eye hurt at night. He is still under treatment.

Gilbert has returned to driving, but said he still feels some anxiety because of the incident.

Ive been in the truck one time since, doing same run, he said. When I got to the overpass, I took it easy, I almost came to a stop.

Detectives from State Police Troop D criminal investigation office said a truck with blue roof lights was seen on the overpass before the incident. After a two-week investigation, state police detectives and Carneys Point Police officers identified the owner of the truck and two other juvenile suspects.

Im worried they may get a slap on wrist  these are the two times they caught... other truckers said they had similar incidents where it didnt break a window," Gilbert said.

So far, medical and repair bills have cost him $6,000, repairs to the truck were $5,500 alone and other medical bills are on the way, he said.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the juveniles will be processed at a later date, State Police said.

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
(Newser)  Another major cultural event bites the dust due to the coronavirus, this time in Nevada's Black Rock Desert. USA Today reports that, for the first time ever in its nearly 35-year history, the nine-day Burning Man arts festivalwhere, since 1986, stars and other adventurers converge in over-the-top costumes to check out art installations, listen to music, and partyhas been canceled. The fest was set to start Aug. 30 and run through Sept. 7, with 80,000 or so attendees expected. "After much listening, discussion, and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision not to build Black Rock City in 2020," organizers from the nonprofit Burning Man Project said in a Friday statement. "Given the painful reality of COVID-19, one of the greatest global challenges of our lifetimes, we believe this is the right thing to do. Yes, we are heartbroken. We know you are too."

story continues below

The Guardian notes that instead of the Nevada happening, there will now be a virtual Black Rock City, or "Multiverse," with 100,000 participants expected. The Burning Man website encourages those who are interested to organize their own art or cultural events or to create a digital theme camp. Mass tickets sales hadn't yet taken place for the on-site eventthey'd been postponed as organizers determined whether or not to hold the festbut some people had already purchased tickets through smaller sales; those funds will be reimbursed. However, the Burning Man Project is asking those who can afford to do so to donate the money they would've spent going to the fest to the nonprofit, noting that it's going to be "a tough year" for the group, complete with "substantial staff layoffs, pay reductions, and other belt-tightening measures" to stay viable for next year. (Read more Burning Man stories.)
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 19:52:43|Editor: huaxia

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By Chanthaphaphone Mixayboua, Zhang Jianhua

VIENTIANE, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Lao public has shown their appreciation towards the Chinese anti-epidemic medical expert team's work in Laos, on the internet or when interviewed with Xinhua.

Those Chinese experts could give local Lao authorities a technical advice which would help Laos improve the treatment in the right way and speedily, said Thatsana Sengthong, a 30-year-old man, resident of Lao capital Vientiane.

"The people who can tell us to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, are those who fought it and received a great achievement," said Thatsana to Xinhua on Thursday, "Those are Chinese experts!"

"They are those who can tell us to deal with COVID-19!" he repeated to emphasize his thought.

Kesone Thavonesouk, a 28-year-old woman, resident of Vientiane, also told Xinhua that the arrival of this team will help Laos improve its ability of COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control as well as diagnosis and treatment, and also boost the confidence of the public in overcoming the virus.

"Chinese assistance is really helpful, especially the Chinese experts, who brought valued experiences and solutions to Laos' pandemic prevention and control," Kesone said.

"I expect the Chinese medical team provide first-hand experience and insights on how they were able to bring the spread of the disease under control, so Lao authorities could control and limit the number of COVID-19 infected cases," Pittiphone Sonekham, a 30-year-old volunteer in Vientiane Rescue told Xinhua on Wednesday.

While on Friday, the Chinese anti-epidemic medical expert team has completed experience sharing with and training for the central Laos' backbone staff in hospital, prevention and control departments.

The team conducted the COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment programme, hospital infection prevention and protection, epidemiological survey of COVID-19, guidelines for personal protection, guidelines for hygienic technology of centralised medical observation zone, guidelines for disinfection technology training for the medical and prevention and control staff from central Laos' four provincial regions, including three provinces and capital Vientiane.

Likewise, the Chinese anti-epidemic medical team, divided into two groups, have shared anti-epidemic experiences with and held training courses for 14 provincial governments and medical staff in Laos' southern and northern hubs of Pakse and Luang Prabang from Tuesday to Thursday.

Till Saturday, the Chinese experts have concluded all the 18 provincial regions' anti-epidemic training in Laos.

"Currently, the number of confirmed cases in Laos is increasing, which means the pressure on prevention and control is rising too. Chinese expert team is our hope," said Thepphalak Soukhavadee, a 25-year-old staff in Setthathirath Hospital, a major hospital in Vientiane.

"Chinese experts share experiences and exchange with Lao local hospitals, and also provide training and guidance for the Lao medical staff," she added.

Thong Phanthalangsy, a 33-year-old staff in Mahosot Hospital, a government-designated COVID-19 treating hospital in Vientiane, said "the intellectual and material resources brought by Chinese experts will support the ongoing efforts of our hard-working health workers across the country, including doctors and nurses, who have been at the forefront of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic."

Laos detected its first two confirmed COVID-19 cases on March 24, and just after five days, the Chinese anti-epidemic medical expert team arrived in capital Vientiane on March 29.

The Chinese medical team includes experts in various fields such as infection prevention and control, intensive care, epidemics, and laboratory testing. They also brought along with medical treatment, protective supplies and a batch of Chinese and western medicines.

Additionally, many people are showing appreciation and their thoughts about Chinese experts' assistance through social media platforms.

A netizen named Deng Mingkhamsavath said, "To all the Chinese expert teams, thank you for your help. This is a great opportunity for Laos to learn from you!"

On Friday in Vientiane, Somdy Douangdy, Lao deputy prime minister and chair of the Task Force Committee for COVID-19, Lao Minister of Health Bounkong Sihavong and Chinese ambassador to Laos Jiang Zaidong met the Chinese anti-epidemic medical expert team. The Lao side expressed gratitude to the Chinese side for dispatching the expert team to assist Laos immediately.

On behalf of the Lao side, Minister Bounkong also acknowledged the hard work and the spirit of the team, and awarded every member of the Chinese expert team an honour certificate.

On Saturday afternoon, Lao Health Ministry announced at its daily press conference that the country has detected 18 confirmed COVID-19 cases.
EDWARDSVILLE  An investigation into potential computer spying in Madison County government is now continuing as a potential criminal case of perjury and official misconduct.

It was a gross abuse of power, said Capt. David Vucich, the chief of detectives for the Madison County Sheriffs Office. Vucich is a member of the task force that investigated allegations against Madison County Administrator Doug Hulme and Information Technology Director Rob Dorman, according to a court document.

Vucich said there is an overwhelming amount of digital evidence and credible witness testimony to bring charges.

Neither Hulme nor Dorman could be reached for comment.

Vucich said the seven police officers involved in the task force investigation believed they had strong evidence of possible crimes. He said they are puzzled by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raouls decision not to pursue the case, and that officers are unaware what the standards are and how the case failed to meet them.

Law enforcement officers had obtained a seizure warrant for the county-owned laptop used by Dorman. After Raouls decision, a judge ordered the case closed and computers seized from the Madison County States Attorneys office returned.

A recently court document states investigators observed a text message in which Dorman was talking to one of his technicians in which he sought to obtain information from the Madison County Auditors Office. In the message, Dorman told the technician he was at Dougs house.

The court document also states that, in a deposion under oath, Dorman denied he made such an attempt to obtain that information. During the deposition, Dorman said he was insulted and asked to be allowed to consult an attorney.

According to court documents, a computer server seized in the investigation was known to host sensitive data of employees and taxpayers, including grand jury information and health information protected by state and federal law.

A court document alleging the possible criminal investigation was filed Feb. 7 and the task force was allowed to legally retain the information.

Two days earlier, visiting Judge Jerry Crisel of the Second Judicial Circuit in Mount Vernon issued an order terminating the prosecution and investigation into the Madison County Board administration and ordering the return of seized items, including several computers. The order came approximately two years after the initial investigation started.

At a Jan. 24 hearing, McGinley Andrew of the Illinois Attorney Generals Office said her office had withdrawn and ended an investigation begun in January 2018 when officers from a special Madison County Public Corruption Task Force raided administration offices, seizing computers and other items.

Eventually the case was turned over to the Illinois Attorney Generals office for investigation and prosecution, with Crisel appointed to oversee the proceedings.

The most recently filed court document claims there was an open committee meeting on July 12, 2017, attended by Hulme, Dorman, Madison County Board Chairman Kurt Prenzler, Madison County Auditor Rick Faccin and Chief Deputy Auditor Jennifer Zoelzer. Faccin has steadfastly refused in subsequent meetings to give access to the information.

During the meeting, Hulme asked the auditors office to grant him access to a program that tracks a wide variety of information, including confidential information.
Dakar (AFP) - Senegal announced a ban on company layoffs on Friday as food aid arrived for poor people affected by the coronavirus crisis in its bustling seaside capital Dakar.

In a statement on Friday, the government of the West African country said that companies will be forbidden to sack employees during the pandemic, except in cases of gross negligence, starting from April 14.

Firms will also have to choose options such as reducing working hours or opting for shift work instead of temporarily suspending employees.

The government warned in the statement that thousands of workers risk missing out on wages during the pandemic, which could "lead to a cycle of mass redundancies".

Senegal has recorded 265 coronavirus cases to date -- with two fatalities -- a far cry from soaring infection rates in other parts of the world.

But measures taken to curb the spread of the virus, such as a dusk-to-dawn curfew and a ban on large gatherings, are hitting the economy in the poor country.

The government said there has been a "significant drop" in economic activity in the tourism, transport and catering sectors, for example.

About 40 percent of Senegal's roughly 16 million people live on less than $1.90 a day, according to the World Bank.

At a ceremony to mark the delivery of aid, Dakar Mayor Soham El Wardini said on Friday that city residents are beginning to feel the effect of the crisis "on their plates".

The city government handed 400 tonnes of rice, and thousands of packets of sugar and soap, to district leaders to distribute among the most impoverished citizens.

The move comes as more African countries are tightening anti-virus measures.

The Central African state of Gabon declared a 15-day lockdown of its capital city Libreville on Friday.
Who is missing restaurants? Im pining for them and not just because the review column that I wrote for these pages every Sunday for 13 years is having some time in socially distant pasture.

Of all the reasons that might have called time on my column  budget cuts, fresh voice, the editor doesn't like the way I use adjectives  it never, never, ever occurred to me that the reason might be, "Its impossible to eat out in Melbourne." That was absolutely not foreseeable. In so many ways, Melbourne is its restaurants. They are a drawcard, a forum for creativity, an energetic engine driving our city and its people.

Dani Valent. Credit:Josh Robenstone

I'm sad about my column but I'm mostly stricken about the reason behind its departure. That is, the closure of restaurants and cafes and pubs and bars, the uncertain times faced by tens of thousands of employees and business owners, the loss of that way of gathering, expressing ourselves, sharing culture and community and finding meaning and connection.

For me, writing about Melbourne restaurants was always a way to write about Melbourne people, to elucidate the reasons they cook food and serve it the way they do, and in so doing, share of themselves, give from their hearts and hands, honour the bond between host and guest.
Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez announced on Friday that the national lockdown will be extended until April 26. The extension was revealed after the government reported that it will reactivate its public works to help revive the economy. The lockdown started on March 20 and was scheduled to end on April 13.

It will be rigorous in large urban centres but will allow mechanics to remain open for ambulances and cars repairs. Also exempt from the lockdown are doctors and workers in the industrial sectors. Banks will be allowed to function, but schools will continue to be closed.

Fernandez said he is considering allowing disabled people to go out accompanied by a caregiver. Argentina has registered nearly 2000 people with coronavirus cases and 82 deaths. For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and could lead to death.
ATLANTA, GA  Georgia residents were urged by the governor to celebrate Easter weekend at home as the number of new coronavirus cases reported in the state continues to rise. According to numbers released Saturday at noon by the Georgia Department of Public Health, the state now has 12,159 cases of COVID-19, up from 11,483 cases one day ago.

While the increase in cases is 676, the number is less than the previous day's increase of more than 900 cases.

The state also saw 12 more deaths since Friday, bringing the total death toll to 428. The health department reports that deaths make up 3.52 percent of all cases. A total of 2,479 people with COVID-19 have been hospitalized as of Saturday's noon report. That is 20.39 percent of all cases.

"During these challenging times, the celebration of #GoodFriday reminds all of us that even when things seem dark, there is hope that outweighs all fear," Kemp tweeted Friday. "Marty, the girls, and I wish all who celebrate a blessed and peaceful Good Friday as we begin Easter weekend together."



On Friday Kemp urged Georgians to plan for online or call-in religious services, including Easter Sunday.

"I greatly appreciate faith leaders across our state who have made the tough decision to stop the spread of COVID-19 by suspending in-person religious services. Their leadership is literally saving lives," Kemp said in a statement. "To all Georgians celebrating Easter this Sunday, I am pleading with you to not attend any services in person. If you attend worship services in person, you risk exposure to coronavirus - potentially endangering your life, the lives of your neighbors, and your loved ones. I know this decision is difficult, but we will get through this together.

Law enforcement officers have received reports that people are not staying in their vehicles at drive-in services, Kemp noted. Parents have left their cars to let their children play, go to nearby restrooms, or otherwise congregate, which defies social distancing standards to keep a space of 6 feet from others to avoid spreading the virus.

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As national leaders, including President Donald Trump and the U.S. surgeon general, on Friday discussed the higher number of coronavirus cases among African-Americans and other people of color, the state released numbers on the racial breakdown of cases. More than half of the patients were not identified by any race or ethnicity.

Get the latest updates on the new coronavirus in Georgia as they happen. Sign up for free news alerts and a newsletter in your Patch town.



Derrick Johnson, NAACP president and CEO, said in a statement Friday that the pandemic has exposed the inequality that exists everywhere, particularly in the U.S. healthcare system, which harms African Americans at a drastically disproportionate rate.

"Our communities remain marginalized, underfunded, and largely forgotten on every imaginable scale," Johnson said. "For more than three years, this administration has dismantled programs and policies that promote equality and reduce racial disparities in every facet of society. Hollow convenings will not change what is happening in our communities."

He called on the Centers for Disease Control to immediately release information on COVID-19 testing, cases, and outcomes using data disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender and socioeconomic status.

Earlier this week Kemp extended the public health state of emergency through May 13. "This will allow us to continue deploying resources, lend support to frontline healthcare workers, and help as we prepare for a potential patient surge in our hospitals," he tweeted.

Schools have been ordered canceled for the remainder of the school year.

Kemp ordered a shelter in place for the state which began April 3 and he extended the statewide shelter-in-place order through the end of April.



Residents then can only leave their homes if they're doing something essential like:

Getting important supplies, grocery shopping or getting food

Visiting a doctor or a pharmacist for medical care

Leaving to exercise, jog or walk, but only if you keep the minimum 6 feet from everyone else as part of safe social distancing.

As of Saturday afternoon, Fulton County still has the most cases of any Georgia county with 1,422 cases. Following Fulton, Dougherty County has 1,076 cases, DeKalb with 835 cases, Cobb with 696 cases, Gwinnett with 675 cases, Clayton with 331, Hall with 275, Henry with 249, Lee with 234, Bartow with 209, Sumter with 222, Carroll with 201, Cherokee with 182, Douglas with 147, Chatham with 142, Mitchell with 135, Muscogee with 144, Forsyth with 121, Houston with 113 and Early with 106.

Dougherty County has had the highest death toll with 69 deaths. This is followed by Fulton with 50 deaths, Cobb with 33, Gwinnett with 18, Lee and Bartow each had 15, Mitchell and DeKalb each had 13, and Clarke and Clayton each had 11.

According to the Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, there are have been more than 503,000 confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States and 29,223 of those have already recovered. Worldwide there are more than 1.7 million cases and more than 3909,000 of those have recovered.

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This article originally appeared on the Atlanta Patch
There is nobody else in his Lajpat Nagar pad. The young man is alone in this prolonged lockdown following the coronavirus pandemic.

Actually, he is totally alone in the world, in a manner of speaking.

Kalsang Jigme laughs at the suggestion. He is talking on WhatsApp  the photos are taken on the phone screen that connects him to this reporter.

But I have John Berger with me, he says, showing his half-read copy of the said authors Understanding a Photograph. Mr Jigme, 29, is a freelancer photographer, in fact. And hes also a documentary filmmaker.

Just before the lockdown began, his three roomiesall Tibetans like himwent to their families in the hill town of Mussoorie.

Mr Jigme doesnt have the luxury to return to his family in this period of crisis. My folks are in Lhasa, he says, chuckling, referring to the the Tibetan capital.

He left his family when he was just six. Mr Jigme explains that his parents realised that education opportunities for Tibetans were far more superior in India where their spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, already ran the Tibetan government in exile. He was smuggled across the international border with a group of forty kids. The journey took two months, Mr Jigme recalls. Though time has passed, he clearly recalls the hardships. We would walk at night and sleep during the day in secluded places beside the rivers, inside the caves, under the blue sky. Many a times he would cry on thinking of his parentshe would miss them more when hungry. It was true of other kids, too. Then the brokers who would be in charge of us would hush us up saying that the Chinese soldiers would hear us!

The trip ended in Dharamshala, the seat of the exiled Tibetan government. Mr Jigme later finished his schooling in a Tibetan institution in Mussoorie. Later he graduated in a Bangalore college and learned photography in a Delhi institute.

I have never met my parents or my siblings since the time I left Lhasa, he replies calmly. Not even a single phone call has been exchanged between them. Because the Chinese government eavesdrop on phone calls and that might put them in trouble.

Nevertheless, Mr Jigme believes that his parents sent him to India for the sake of my better future and also because I was the middle child, so I could be spared.

He keeps up with the contemporary life in his homeland through literature. I read a lot of modern Tibetan fiction... about people in the small towns of Tibet and their daily struggles.

Mr Jigme now moves about his phone, showing the nooks and corners of his cozy apartment. Books lie stacked against statues of Buddha. A thick mattress on the floor serves as his bed. A table is placed beside a long window covered in white curtainsthe scene looks serene.

And thats my countrys flag!

These days Mr Jigme is learning to write the Urdu Inquilab in Urdu script. I came across it on YouTube. Inquilab denotes a struggle for freedom, and the conditions in my country is like India before 1947... He goes on to talk of his inspirations, who include icons of Indias freedom struggle such as Bhagat Singh and Chandra Shekhar Azad.

Smiling radiantly throughout the course of this chat, Mr Jigme appears to have an optimistic temperament. He is hopeful that the pandemic shall end sooner than later. And then hell be back doing what he loves mostwalking around the lanes of (Delhis Tibetan refugee enclave) Majnu ka Teela with my camera.

And obviously he will also meet his parents. One day, yes, Im sure, he says, looking pleased. Perhaps visualising that distant prospect in his hearts eye.
Food distribution at the Gisenyi congregation of Rwanda Church of the Brethren

Etienne Nsanzimana, a leader of the Rwanda Church of the Brethren, reported the churchs gratitude for an $8,000 grant from the Church of the Brethrens Emergency Disaster Fund, (reported on March 28, see www.brethren.org/news/2020/edf-grants-respond-to-pandemic-in-africa ).

We have been distributing one month of food to 250 families composing over 1,500 people in four local churches of the Church of the Brethren (Gisenyi, Mudende, Gasiza, and Humure), he wrote. The church members and those in the community have expressed their gratitude for the help that you have provided to them in this hard time. May God bless you so much.

The COVID -19 pandemic has come in an unexpected way, leaving nations with fear, confusion, and uncertainty. In Rwanda as of last night, there are 102 confirmed cases and over 2,000 people quarantined after getting into contact with those with the virus. Therefore, the government has taken very cautious measures to help combat the spread of the virus. People are to stay home except cases of getting food and medicine, medical help, or bank services. The measures taken include closing all country borders, all airports, churches, small groups, public transport of any form including buses, taxis, and motorcycles, all schools. Businesses are closed except for banks, medical facilities, food markets, gas stations, and essential commodities. There is no road transport from district to district except a few authorized food deliveries and medical emergencies.

With the poverty, there are families who live from hand to mouth by working to get food for that day. They are already highly affected by this crisis. They are in need of food supplies and hygiene items to help people wash their hands and stay clean.

This help was very meaningful to both church members and other needy people in the community who have been supported.
Alye Gunduz was discharged from hospital after 10 days of treatment for COVID-19, which impacts the elderly more.

With her doctors standing by, cheering, 93-year-old Alye Gunduz has been discharged from an Istanbul hospital after recovering from the novel coronavirus following 10 days of treatment.

Her recovery from the disease that kills a disproportionate number of elderly patients offered some hope to health workers at Istanbuls Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty Hospital as they battle the outbreak, which is threatening to hit Turkey hard.

It is promising because patients at this age and with chronic diseases are most of the time unable to recover because they are at highest risk from COVID-19, chief physician Zekayi Kutlubay told AFP news agency.

A 93-year-old woman walking out of intensive care sound and safe is inspiring for us as well as for other coronavirus patients at her age.

Suffering from hypertension, Gunduz, a farmer from Turkeys southeastern city of Batman, was taken to hospital on March 31 complaining of a high fever and stomachache. She was discharged on Friday.

I wish a speedy recovery to everyone, she said as she was helped by her grandson.

Turkey has registered more than 47,000 COVID-19 cases  putting it among the 10 most-infected countries in the world. It has recorded over a thousand deaths, and the disease is spreading fast.

Battlefield

Facing a growing number of cases each day, Turkish health workers have been working day and night to treat patients.

One doctor has died, and more than 600 health workers have been infected so far.

Everyone is working arduously as if they are at war, Nuri Aydin, rector of Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty of Istanbul University, told AFP at the hospital.





The ambience here is like its not a workplace but rather a battlefield.

Istanbul, Turkeys largest city of about 15 million people, has emerged as the countrys virus epicentre with more than 60 percent of the nationwide cases.

The Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty has responded rapidly since the outbreak began in mid-March, turning its operating theatres into intensive care units and creating special COVID-19 sections  separating general patients from those infected with the coronavirus.

The physicians are currently treating 210 patients with 30 others in intensive care. One building has been allocated to treat only medical workers.

Staying hopeful

Some of the health workers isolate themselves from their families, staying in dorms or hotels to avoid spreading the disease to their loved ones.

Its hard to put into words. They are making a superhuman effort, Aydin said.

There is no price to the service provided by health workers. They serve the humanity.

Furkan Kurt, a 28-year-old physician associate, has been living in a rented flat, away from his parents, for four weeks.

We are taking all the protective measures, but it is not guaranteed that we will not get infected, he said.

The only hope we have is the beautiful days we will see. Being hopeful: there is nothing else we can do.

After being diagnosed with COVID-19, some patients panic, unprepared for the news and fearful of what it means.

When they first hear the diagnosis, patients are naturally panicking. We advise them that this is nothing to fear. With healthy nutrition and morale as well as heeding isolation rules, it can be overcome, said head nurse Merve Pirecioglu.

More motivated

Omer Faruk Bilici, 34, a practitioner at another hospital who caught the coronavirus, was discharged from Cerrahpasa after 20 days of treatment, including in intensive care.

I know what its like to be shut in a six-square-metre (65 square-foot) room, he told AFP.

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This scared my other colleagues who are at risk like me. Ive seen nobodys face for 20 days.

Bilici hopes to resume his duties as soon as his quarantine period at home is over.

I cannot wait for returning to the field, he said.

At Cerrahpasa, more than 70 health workers are infected with coronavirus.

We have forgotten about ourselves, we are working day and night for the recovery of our patients, said Associate Professor Ilker Inanc Balkan.

With each recovered patient, we are more motivated.

Despite the pressure they are under, colleagues of chief physician Kutlubay threw him a surprise 50th birthday party, while respecting social distancing rules.

Without blowing out the candles on the cake, Kutlubay, wearing a face mask, said: Let it be like this now, but I hope it will change next year.
The coronavirus pandemic is



giving sleepless nights to a 100-member medical team, led by a chest specialist, who are hard-pressed with the task of treating patients at their hospital in the city, which has emerged as one of the COVID-19 hotspots in Madhya Pradesh.

Dr Ravi Dosi (39), who is heading this team of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff, says keeping himself and the team motivated in these tough times is necessary as the fight against the virus is going to be "longish".

Dr Dosi and his team members are often seen running from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to different wards of 1,150-bed Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences (SAIMS).

The hospital management claims that the number of coronavirus patients it is treating simultaneously is the highest in India.

Wearing a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suit, Dr Dosi took some time off his busy schedule and told PTI, "Our hospital's COVID-19 admissions are 130 right now. Of them, seven coronavirus patients are in ICU. Twenty-five of them have been discharged."



"An average of 10 patients having fever and showing flu-like symptoms and sore throat were turning up in SAIMS on a daily basis. Earlier, only the critical patients came, but now due to the increased awareness, people with less severity are also coming to the hospital," he said.

"Majority of the patients are diabetics and those suffering from heart ailment, high blood pressure and pulmonary problems. Many of them are smokers with feeble lungs," he added.

Dr Dosi said he could not sleep properly in the last fortnight as the number of patients is constantly rising. He said he is keeping himself away from his family for their well-being.

The city's streets were teeming with people just a fortnight ago. But the situation changed after the lockdown.

The virus has infected 249 people in just 18 days in the city. Of them, 30 died during treatment. The city has registered 12 per cent mortality rate, which is much higher than the national average among COVID-19 patients.

However, Dr Dosi argued that the virus is not in the community transmission stage in the city yet.

"Majority of the patients, who had been quarantined, come to SAIMS. These include people whose family member or acquaintance had been infected by COVID -19," he said.

"Right now, my biggest challenge as a doctor is to protect myself from the extreme negativity prevailing in the society regarding the virus. I always try to keep myself and my team members in good spirit and motivated because I know that the fight against the epidemic is longish," he added.

Meanwhile, district chief medical and health officer (CMHO) Praveen Jadia said that along with 150 government doctors, 600 paramedics have waged a war against the virus in the city.

Besides SAIMS, the government-run Manorama Raje TB Hospital and another private hospital are treating the patients in the city.

According to officials, the virus crept into the district, which is home to around 30 lakh people, late March, following which samples of 3,000 people, including those hailing from neighbouring district,, have been sent for testing.

Health activists said the testing facility in Indore should be scaled up for the virus testing and for new laboratories should be opened.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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By Bill Hughes

Apr. 11, 2020 | PADUCAH

By Bill Hughes Apr. 11, 2020 | 12:01 AM | PADUCAH

A drive-through COVID-19 testing site is now open weekdays in a Paducah church parking lot.



The Paducah Community Task Force opened the site March 30 in space provided by Heartland Church, using their entrance from Pecan Drive. Local RN Nicole Turnbo is coordinating the operation, which provides the free tests through the generosity of a local foundation. The facility is open Monday through Friday from 8 am until 4 pm.



Turnbo said, "We've run through approximately 100 patients for COVID testing since that day."



When asked if the number of people using the service has increased since they opened, Turnbo said they've had a pretty consistent number of people come through each day.



She said there are some restrictions on who can drive through the facility.



Turnbo said, "Not just anyone can get the test. It has to be from the primary care provider that the Community Task Force has agreed on an algorithm of who needs the test or not."



Anyone who is showing symptoms should contact their doctor, who can evaluate their symptoms and refer them if they are linked up with the task force.



Patients who show up go through four, "stations," on the parking lot.



1. As they pull in, a staff member verifies the identity of the person and their referral by using a custom-designed app, with a Sheriff's Deputy on the scene to provide on-site security.



2. Patients wait in a line of vehicles to reach a trailer donated for this purpose by FLW.



3. At the trailer, staff record the patient's name, date of birth, address, and telephone number.



4. At the building typically used by Heartland Church's ACTS ministry, the patient pulls through a set of overhead doors and the test is administered. Turnbo said the test requires a nasal swab, but, "It is more invasive than a regular flu test." The person taking the sample and a safety monitor are both equipped with PPE and the indoor location ensures that the test does not get contaminated by wet weather. Once the swab sample is taken, the patient drives away.



Turnbo said each day's tests are taken to a lab facility in Huntsville, Alabama. Once they get the tests by about 10 pm, the lab guarantees results within 24 hours.



Previously, the ACTS Ministry building only had a carport, but when it was chosen, the task force paid to have the overhead doors installed. When the testing facility closes, they will left as a gift to the church.



Any doctors who are not linked up to refer patients to the facility can call 270-557-2222 to begin the process.



Earlier this month, the Family First Coronavirus Act and the CARES Act codified a commitment between President Trump and major insurance carriers that would cover costs of testing and other health services related to COVID-19. Those include urgent care or emergency room visits, as well as in-person or telehealth doctor's visits that result in testing for the virus. Other costs, such as treatment for the illness, may be out-of-pocket expenses.
















PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs announced that one of the COVID-19 patients that were hospitalized at the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) passed away on Thursday night. Jacobs said so far, there are now 9 deaths recorded on the Dutch side of the island while 5 persons recovered from COVID-19. Jacobs said there is still one person in critical condition.

The Prime Minister said those that passed away had other underlying conditions.

In the meantime, the Prime Minister made clear that there is a possibility that the lockdown could be extended, she said that the main focus right now is to conduct testing within the community and to reach those infected and have them isolated. Jacobs said that the government is doing all it can to stop the spread. Jacobs said St. Maarten had run out of PPE and other materials for testing but the government managed to secure a flight to bring in the much-needed materials. COVID-19 testing will resume on Monday.

Jacobs said when the spread of COVID-19 is contained she will slowly uplift the lockdown partially, she said she wants a full two weeks of the shutdown. Jacobs said in the past when she addressed the nation residents thought it was a joke and did not take her seriously. She said people just need to stop moving for now.

St. Maartens Prime Minister said the government is doing all it can to ensure that everyone gets to eat, she said that 677 food boxes were delivered recently while another 400 will be delivered during the Easter holiday weekend. The Prime Minister said that all government workers that are delivering foodstuff to homes will be in a marked vehicle, she warned residents not to open up their doors to any and everyone.

In the meantime, the Prime Minister said that deliveries from supermarkets will continue to deliver food items that were ordered from the various supermarkets.

Jacobs condemned the persons that are videotaping CPS workers when they are visiting patients that are either under quarantine or in isolation, she said those persons that are videotaping are violating the patient's privacy rights and if they are caught they will be prosecuted.

The Prime Minister also condemned those that are using their time to steal or commit robberies. She said there is no need to rob anyone, or to steal, Jacobs further explained that government workers were also held up and she is very much disturbed with what is taking place.

The Prime Minister called on landlords to be patient and not evict their tenants who could not pay their rents. She said the government received their budget support and this money will be passed on to those that are not able to pay their rents, while she called on those persons that are still working or are being paid to pay their rent and other bills.

Prime Minister & Chair of the EOC Silveria Jacobs National Address on COVID-19 Developments APRIL 10, 2020

People of St Maarten, though today is Good Friday, I wish each and every one of you a blessed Good Friday and I hope that your day has been somber, reflective and that youve taken the time to worship, as I did online, this morning with the Methodist Church. This is a time where we usually get together with family to eat, talk, and share. However, its a somber time as we are socially distancing and therefore, everything that has to happen, happens via the internet. With this said, it is with humble pleasure that I come to you this evening to address you as Prime Minister and Chair of the EOC on April 10, 2020, as part of the process to keep the community of St. Maarten informed about the latest developments and governments COVID-19 containment, mitigation and response measures.

Id like to take this opportunity to just briefly update you on the strategy that the St. Maarten Government used in combatting the COVID-19 virus during the month of March 2020. Firstly, we limited the number of visitors and transportation to St. Maarten via air and sea. Naturally, we allowed and continue to allow cargo to be imported, transited and exported in St. Maarten and to St. Maarten. Thereafter, we focused on controlling the virus within our borders. As mentioned previously, the first cases were all imported cases of residents returning to the island. Contact tracing was instituted to try to contain the virus. Of course, here we initially relied on persons to self-quarantine or self-isolate and to be disciplined in doing so. However, this proved to be very challenging with the limited staff and the number of persons/residents that returned from abroad and the contact they may have had with other persons abroad. Hence, this was one of the reasons, the government secured a location to house these individuals to prevent further spreading.

Simultaneously, we also executed our non-medical, non-financial required strategy of education & awareness promotion of informing our community to do the following:

Stay at Home

Wash Your Hands Often

Practice Proper Hygiene

Maintain Social Distancing

Prepare a Disaster Kit

These seemingly simple but extremely effective practices hold the fundamental, critical and imperative solution to break and beat this Invisible War as my colleague Minister of Finance has deemed it to be.

These steps and practices are what we as a community can do, without any financial cost to the government, to control the spread of this virus. However, given the challenges of our community, related to language barriers, demographic and cultural differences, the government also started to target and strategize to ensure we reach the Spanish and Haitian speaking community mainly due to the language barriers.

In the interim, our numbers of cases have begun to rise, our resources continue to be limited, we are sourcing from different places to get as much as we can to ensure our health care providers, medical institutions and front-liners are protected and can execute their jobs to the best of their ability. But, as everywhere else in the world, these same resources such as N-95, Latex gloves, PPE equipment, etc. continue to be in high demand, which results in limited supply and extremely high prices. Not to mention, the delay in being shipped and received.

While we have been very happy to receive assistance from our Kingdom partners in the form of PPEs, medical equipment, as well as personnel, who arrived from the USA this past week, we continue to struggle on the ground as it relates to having enough persons to execute our plan. It had been our plan this week to go into all the communities where we are realizing that there is a lack of information as well as a possible spread of the COVID-19 virus, in order to get all of these persons tested. However, the testing materials were not available to be able to do so and I am very happy to say that we were able to secure a flight that will bring St. Maarten the much-needed testing equipment tomorrow, April 11, in order for us to resume our testing in a more aggressive manner.

COVID-19 Cases

As of today, April 10, 2020, I can update you on the COVID-19 cases.

Self- Quarantine: 133

Self-Isolation: 202

Number Tested: 134

Number Positive: 50 (1 hospitalized)

Male: 34

Female: 16

Number Negative: 82

Number Pending: 1

Inconclusive: 1

Deceased: 9

Recovered: 5

Today, April 10, the EOC held a strategic meeting with Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) 5, 7 and 10 to discuss several issues that have arisen during the lockdown as well as to receive updates.

ESF 5 Law & Order

I am alarmed to hear that persons are taking advantage of this time to go out and steal. We understand that some persons may feel a dire need and that is why we are making it possible for you to also receive food from the government of St. Maarten. Every single person that is in need of food should ensure that they register via our social impact assessment form which can be found at www.sintmaartengov.org/coronavirus. For those who are not able to do so, a free 711 number will soon be available whereby persons will be taking calls and filling in the information for you. This service is especially for the elderly, and those who are out of touch with technology that is now being used to be able to continue the work from the government.

The Police will continue to monitor the break-ins and anyone caught will be prosecuted to the highest level. I must commend all our officers as well as many other front-liners who are working daily with limited resources and I thank the majority of the St. Maarten people who are so compliant and assist the police by calling when they see crimes being committed. I ask parents to continue to control your children, keep them in the house as this is the only way that you can avoid that they bring death into your home.

SMMC

I have also been updated by the St. Maarten Medical Centres (SMMC) Outbreak Management Team that of the total 12 COVID-19 related patients admitted at SMMC since the start of the pandemic, 1 is currently admitted, 5 have been discharged in good condition and are either isolated at home or in our isolation location and unfortunately, 6 have passed away. One of the patients was already in critical condition and admitted for a week. This patient passed away last night, April 9, 2020, unfortunately. From the admitted COVID-19 related patients to SMMC so far, the conclusion is that patients are predominantly in very poor condition and in most cases, suffer from pre-existing health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma and/or overweight. Currently, one patient admitted remains in critical condition. This information was submitted on behalf of Dr. Felix Holiday, Chairman SMMC Outbreak Management Team.

ESF 7 Food Distribution

Social Services has distributed 677 food packages and will be distributing 400 more food packages over the weekend. We kindly ask that these front-liners are given the respect in order to be able to carry out the assistance being rendered to the most vulnerable in our society. There are also several organizations, as well as Dominos Pizza, who are donating food to those in need. Several restaurants have called and are also preparing food that will be delivered to those in need. I ask that you be patient, fill out the social assessment impact form or call 711 once weve announced that it is ready to be in use.

To facilitate our Police conducting efficient controls, a Disaster Relief sign will be stuck on the windows of vehicles delivering food packages to homes in the community. If you know that you have made an order for food or expect delivery of food from social services, you will be called. Please do not open your door to strangers. I also ask the community Police and community leaders to take the lead in ensuring that you know who within your neighborhood are in need, so that you may alert social services.

ESF 10 Supermarket Food Delivery

Yesterday, I mentioned that due to the Holidays no deliveries would be allowed on Sunday, however, seeing the grave need for some persons to receive food during this time, I will allow for deliveries not only to continue Saturday, but also this coming Easter Sunday and Monday. Therefore, over the entire weekend, you will be able to receive the food packages that you ordered from the grocery stores.

Collective Prevention Services

We have been seeing some video that is being shared via social media and I am really concerned as it is unethical for you to film or take pictures of CPS workers visiting persons who are in quarantine or in isolation in order to assess and ensure that they remain in isolation. Filming this is against St. Maarten privacy laws and if you are caught you will also be prosecuted.

ESF 8 Communications

Id like to thank the Department of Communication DCOMM, who are doing an excellent job of promoting information within all sectors of our society. I believe information and education is power. Take the time while youre at home to study, learn and empower yourself and to teach others about the right way to isolate and the right way to be hygienic in order to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus. It is up to each of us. The government is doing their part, we now ask that you do your part.

During the week, as we move forward, I will be announcing how we will be moving from the shutdown towards limited movement. I would also like everyone out there to know that when I talked about making do with what you had in your kitchens, some of you thought it was funny, some of you thought it was a joke. It is not! This shutdown is not to punish anyone. This shutdown is so that we can stop the spread, assess who has the COVID-19 virus, and hopefully isolate them from spreading it further. This is all it's about.

If you do not have the food you need in your house, now is the opportunity for it to be delivered to you. If you do not have the funds, you are to receive from social services. We are doing our best to cover all the bases and we apologize to anyone who falls through the cracks. But do understand that we are also working with a limited crew of dedicated civil servants and volunteers and I want to give them all the thanks for what theyve done so far.

There is a whole group of people working very hard behind your Prime Minister; The EOC, the Council of Ministers, and their teams. I also want to say thank you to all our front-liners every day and every night we pray for you. We pray for your safety, as you also go through the storms. You cannot stay at home and be safe, you have to go out into the community, you have to make sure that there is law and order, you have to ensure that patients get what they need, and that the pharmacist can share the medication as well.

Im not going to open just yet. I want two weeks of this shut down to be effective and if necessary and we can ensure that everyone can eat, everyone is safe inside and over the next two weeks we cannot yet get enough persons, of course, the shutdown would have to be extended. I am asking you to be patient. In some countries, the shutdowns are 3 months long. We hope that it will not be that long. As long as we can continue to ensure that you have food, you can stay at home. Stay At Home! As I said previously, Just STOP Moving! It's for your own good. It's for the good of your country and the sooner we get this COVID-19 kicked in the butt, the sooner we can open back our wall, we can open back our towns, we can open back our ports and we can allow visitors, but of course, only visitors who are COVID-19 negative.

As we go into our Easter weekend, its not the kind of Easter weekend were used to, but lets make the best of it. Lets have as many prayer sessions as we can, lets have as many family gatherings on zoom, WhatsApp, your iPhone, and on whatever medium you think works for you. You can also pick up the phone and call. I wish each and every one a Happy and safe Easter. I pray for the souls of all who have departed. I pray for the families who are suffering from their loss and I wish each and every one much safety and health as we sit out this quarantine together. Be safe St. Maarten!
The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday expressed concern over the large number of coronavirus infections reported among health workers.

The director-general of WHO, Tedros Ghebreyesus, at a press conference said it is an alarming trend.

Mr Ghebreyesus said while some health workers are being infected at the hospitals, some are infected outside the hospital in places like their homes or within the communities.

He said the international health agency is particularly concerned by the large numbers of infections reported among health workers as in some countries more than 10 per cent of health workers have been infected.

When health workers are at risk, were all at risk, he said.

He referenced evidences from China, Italy, Singapore, Spain and the United States saying it helps to understand why this is happening, and what we can do about it.

Within health facilities, common problems are the late recognition of COVID-19, or lack of training or inexperience in dealing with respiratory pathogens, he said.

He also said the shortage of health workers in many countries have exposed them to large numbers of patients in long shifts with inadequate rest periods.

He said the evidence also shows that when health workers wear personal protective equipment the right way, infections can be prevented.

That makes it even more important that health workers are able to access the masks, gloves, gowns and other PPE they need to do their jobs safely and effectively, he said.

Support

To support countries, WHO has launched three tools to help managers and planners calculate the health workers, supplies and equipment that will be needed for the increase in COVID-19 patients.

On Wednesday I mentioned the new United Nations Supply Chain Task Force, to coordinate and scale up the procurement and distribution of personal protective equipment, lab diagnostics and oxygen to the countries that need it most, he said.

READ ALSO:

Mr Ghebreyesus said the initiative will be coordinated by WHO and the World Food Programme, building on existing collaboration between multiple partners from within and outside the UN.

This system will consist of hubs in Belgium, China, Ethiopia, Ghana, Malaysia, Panama, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

We urge donors to support this vitally important system. We call on all donors to support the World Food Programme.
TIJUANA, Mexico - The northern Mexico border state of Baja California closed a plant run by the Anglo-American health care firm Smiths Medical Friday for allegedly refusing to sell ventilators to Mexican hospitals.

Baja California Gov. Jaime Bonilla said the firm refused to sell Mexico some of the machines, which are badly needed to treat patients with coronavirus.

Bonilla said the firm had continued to operate its assembly plant under the argument it provided an essential service, when most non-essential plants have been ordered closed to combat the pandemic.

But Bonilla ordered the Smiths Medical factory closed, because he argued it was providing no such essential service to Mexicans, and thus was not obeying health emergency contingency measures.

We said to them if you want us to consider you essential, you have to provide some benefit to the people of Baja California, by selling us ventilators, because we need them, Bonilla said. They said no, we are not going to sell you anything, we are just going to continue to use your labour.

Bonilla accused the company of contacting Mexicos foreign relations secretary and the U.S. Ambassador to try to stave off the closure order. But he vowed no to cave in to the pressure.

The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Industry sources have argued the factory is an export-only plant that operates under special rules that allow it to import raw materials and parts duty-free, on the condition they be re-exported and not sold on the local market.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the company is owned by U.K.-based Smiths Group plc.

Mexico now has 3,844 case of the new coronavirus, with 233 deaths nationwide.
The United States announced on Friday a 10 million-dollar reward for "any information on the activities, networks and associates" of Muhammad Kawtharani, a Lebanese Hezbollah commander accused of playing a key role in coordinating pro-Iran groups in Iraq.

Kawtharani is a senior official of the Lebanese Shiite movement in Iraq, "and has taken over some of the political coordination of Iran-aligned paramilitary groups formerly organized by Qassim Suleimani," the US State Department said in a statement.

Suleimani, a powerful leader of the Revolutionary Guard, the ideological army of Tehran, was killed in early January in an American strike targeting him in Baghdad.

According to Washington, Kawtharani, already on the US blacklist for terrorism since 2013, "facilitates the actions of groups operating outside the control of the Government of Iraq that have violently suppressed protests" or "attacked foreign diplomatic missions".

The State Department, which considers Hezbollah a terrorist organization, added that the official promoted the interests of the group in Iraq by participating in "training, funding, political and logistical support" of Shiite insurgent groups.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
WASHINGTON  A man is facing a federal wire fraud charge for trying to sell nonexistent face masks to the Department of Veteran Affairs in a massive fraud scheme that would have cost the agency more than $750 million, officials said Friday.

Christopher Parris is accused of making several false representations in order to convince the Veterans Affairs to order 125 million face masks and other protective equipment, the Justice Department said in a release.

Parris allegedly claimed he could secure millions of 3M masks from domestic factories. Officials said he made similar claims to other agencies to try to defraud state governments.

COVID-19 scam: Fraud follows coronavirus spread; fake vaccines, testing, investment scams are exacting a toll

As the coronavirus pandemic takes a toll on cities and states across the country, killing thousands of Americans, criminal schemes in the form of fraud, fake vaccines and testing and investment scams have also taken root.

Attorney General William Barr has directed all 94 U.S. attorneys to aggressively crack down on criminal activities meant to exploit the pandemic.

Attorney General William Barr

As this case demonstrates, even beyond the typical costs associated with unlawful behavior, COVID-19 scams divert government time and resources and risk preventing front-line responders and consumers from obtaining the equipment they need to combat this pandemic, Barr said in a statement.

If convicted, Parris a 39-year-old from Atlanta, could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He has been arrested and will be extradited to Washington, D.C., officials said.

Earlier this week, a man from Florida was arrested after he spat at police officers multiple times, claimed to have coronavirus and laughed, DOJ said. James Curry, who tested negative for COVID-19, is charged with perpetrating a biological weapons hoax.

Kevin Johnson contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus: DOJ charges man in coronavirus fraud scheme
Two people were accused of the crime of hacking of celebrities' phones. Reports stated that there were at least ten public figures, such as actors Ha Jung Woo and Joo Jin Mo, who had their cell phones hacked for three months and were blackmailed as well.

In addition to this, a hacker was paid 600 million won (or approximately 495,000 USD) by at least five of those victims.

In January of 2020, Joo Jin Mo's agency Huayi Brothers reported that the actor's personal cell phone was hacked and that the hacker was threatening to reveal personal information and asking for some money in return. The following day, Dispatch also released reports that other celebrities were also being hacked and blackmailed as well. When the actor was not able to pay the hacker, he released some of the actor's KakaoTalk messages to various media outlets.

The agency then pleaded to the netizens to refrain from spreading the rumors that violated the actors' privacy. However, the hacked message that was released was already garnering plenty of attention from all the online communities.

Dispatch also claimed that the hacking was done through Samsung Cloud, which is a cloud storage service associated with Samsung products. Samsung Electronics responded to the issue and released a statement on its user community, "Samsung Members."

Samsung stated that not like what it is seen in the recent reports that neither the Samsung Galaxy phone nor the Samsung Cloud service was hacked. They have hypothesized that the incident happened after the specific users' account information was revealed through an external leak. As long as the user ID and password remain undisclosed, the personal information of the users saved to Samsung Cloud will be very much protected, according to the privacy agreement.

On April 10, the legal circles, including Byun Pil Gun, the chief public prosecutor of the Seoul Supreme Prosecutor's Office, accused two people with detention for the crime of blackmailing and for violating the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc. The accused are facing charges for threatening to disclose their victims' personal information and asking for money out of it.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's cyber investigation team nabbed the two hackers last month. The accused are being investigated while in detention. Authorities then forwarded them to the prosecution on the recommendation of indictment.

The two hackers have already been arrested, but the lead accomplice of the crime, unfortunately, is said to have escaped to China, and the authorities are currently tracking him down. These hackers have committed these serious crimes by diving themselves and gave each individual roles and responsibilities. The lead accomplice planned and oversaw the entire operation and designated other jobs to his additional staff, which were in charge of hacking, blackmailing, and withdrawals.
Our perception of time has changed. We prowl the house on silent cat feet. Its more like endless childhood time than fleet adult time; smaller things become so fascinating that a day takes three days to pass.

The huge machines that used to claim our attention slide past almost unnoticed. Joe Biden will be the U.S. Democratic presidential candidate now that Bernie Sanders has dropped out. Has anyone noticed?

Their campaign rivalry consumed 27 per cent of my attention in January. Premier Doug Ford had become a punchline, a bitter one. He  and a now-ubiquitous company called 3M  messed with our licence plates. We had unexpected storms, harbingers of climate change.

Back then, Donald Trumps sanity had not yet announced its departure, though the train was preparing to leave the station. Watching the man approach disintegration easily took up half of my work hours.

With Canada stable and well-managed, the rest of my time was filled watching two madmen, American border-meister Stephen Miller and U.K. cave troll Dominic Cummings, the man who was later to have allegedly suggested that the U.K. leave the old to die. My home life consisted of icy conversations with Samsung about a brand new washer-dryer, both of which ceased to function weeks after purchase and then blithely shed plastic parts. As required, I sent them photos of lint filters and detritus.

Life was good. It hopped along.

And now that our horizons are tiny  23 hours a day bordered by the front and back doors  time stretches out to accommodate the terrible waiting, as if we were prisoners in solitary.

The English sculptor Rachel Whiteread once filled a house with cement and then removed the house, leaving window-and-door indentations. You and I are alive in that block of concrete, with emergency helicopters overhead and sirens below. If you ever find yourself on those stretchers, know that we are thinking of you and wishing you well.

There used to be comprehensible factual news. In January, it was of the Rohingya; Greek refugee camps filled with filth, despair and fear of predatory men; Putins weekly mood; Palau banning toxic sun cream; Iran shooting down a Ukrainian plane and killing 176 people, including many Canadians; Paris demonstrators crashing a theatre to protest pension changes; Greeces first female prime minister; and a minor virus appearing. There was so much news you could bathe in it.

Now the news is supposition, predictions, warring data analyses, racist attacks after Trump referred to the Chinese virus and Prime Minister Trudeau wearing a winter coat, going tieless, then not, then a pink tie. Could pink signal optimism? Its getting very eye of newt and dissection of sheep livers for news.

My next-door neighbour hands over a much-sought-after cabbage by balancing it on a forked stick, a gesture either Paleolithic or Alas, poor Yorick, and the thing is cut up for Japanese okonomiyaki. All we think about is food, sourcing yeast and baking bread. We daily grow portly, our bodies thickening in the middle, bottles of fat like squirrels preparing for a hard winter.

Every day now suggesting possible death, real life becomes a myriad of miraculous detail, the way small children perceive the world. There may be big amorphous stories but its the tiny things that matter.

The wooden racks that line the refrigerated vans for New Yorks corpses look like Nazi concentration camp bunks. The thought so shocks me that I stop the thought.

In a Toronto Dollarama, mysteriously still open, I seek safety pins for disposable filter face masks. A male customer approaches a shelf-stacker and asks her where something is. I dont know, she says.

She turns to me, her putative ally. Who are these people? Why do they ask me these questions? I do not know these things. I mumble something placatory from behind a ratty dust mask and a sliding bandana while thinking, And you may ask yourself, How do I work this? And you may ask yourself, well, how did I get here?

Its a line from an ancient pop song by Talking Heads and it suits our surreal situation now. Children ask questions like that about scooters and the future and old bits of tree they find by the park duck pond. I myself have brought home twigs and sticks to remind me of the tactile, the real, the world without us.

Pompous people are saying the world will never be the same again.

Hold my drink, says climate change.

This is only a tiny taste of whats in store. We hope for  and will find  a COVID-19 vaccine, but nothing can fend off what the planet will do comparatively soon to seven billion ant-humans.

The answer in the future will be the same as the response of ordinary Canadian citizens now when public health officials told them not to bother with face masks since they didnt completely fend off the virus.

We never thought they did, we said. But we figured it was better than nothing. We just wanted to survive the best way we could and there is so much time to catastrophize, to devise, to string out the long days of the pandemic.
Eastern Railway has invited applications for recruitment to the post of medical practitioners and nursing staff. Candidates have been asked to come for a walk-in interview for the contractual posts.

Eastern Railway has invited applications for recruitment to the posts of medical practitioners and nursing staff. Candidates have been asked to come for a walk-in interview for the contractual posts.

The interview will be held at 11 am on 16 April (Thursday) at Kanchrapara Hospital in Bengal. The notification by Eastern Railway says the appointments aim at strengthening the COVID-19 preparedness.

Six medical practitioners will be contractually engaged. Of these, one vacancy is of critical care specialist and another is specialist physician.

On the same day, interviews for nine vacant posts in nursing staff will also be conducted.

For better monitoring of the patients in the emergent situation, Eastern Railway has already issued notification for engagement of contractual medical practitioner and para medical staff at different divisional hospitals as well as different workshop hospitals, the notification added.

Recently, the Government of India had urged doctors who are fit and willing to offer their services to apply as volunteers in the public healthcare sector amid the coronavirus outbreak.

As per a statement on NITI Aayogs website, We appeal to such doctors to come forward at this hour of need. You could also be a retired government, Armed Forces Medical Services, public sector undertaking or a private doctor.

Medical infrastructure around the world has been put to test with the novel coronavirus crisis. Several thousands have lost their lives and medical professionals have been the front line soldiers in this war.
China launched a crackdown on cybercrime as it has seen a rapid spread of online fraud, rumormongering and infringements of individual privacy, among other offenses.

Chinese police have captured 6,329 suspects involved in Internet scams related to the COVID-19 epidemic, 3,870 engaged in manufacturing or selling fake or substandard face masks and protective garments and 496 suspected of illegally selling precious wild animals and their byproducts amid the campaign initiated this year, said the Ministry of Public Security.

Moreover, police nationwide have solved seven criminal cases involving the transmission of false information about the epidemic on the Internet and detained 24 suspects implicated in the illicit activities, the ministry said.

A total of 1,522 people have been given penalties for infringing upon citizens' personal information, it added.

Cybercrime has been spreading rapidly in China in recent years, the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) said, noting that the number of cybercrime cases handled by procuratorial organs had increased at an annual rate of more than 34 percent.

Procuratorial organs across the country approved the arrest of 89,167 suspects and filed charges against 105,658 suspects in cybercrime cases from 2018 to 2019, up 78.8 percent and 95.1 percent respectively from the figures of the previous two years, according to figures released by the SPP.
WINDHOEK, April 8 (Xinhua)  Namibian health minister said Tuesday the speedy completion of a 12 bed COVID-19 isolation facility by a Chinese firm will help Namibia contain the novel coronavirus.

Health Minister Kalumbi Shangula hailed the work that the Chinese firm did, saying that the facility is of top quality.

The company carried out the task in a very short period of time which is really commendable because it helps the country reach its goals to contain this pandemic before it has destroyed our peoples lives. I was really impressed by the companys efficiency, they promised and delivered a state-of-the-art building, said Shangula.

The isolation facility built in one week by the Nami Prefabricated Housing CC has 12 fully furnished self-contained rooms for COVID-19 patients.

Shangula commended the overall support Namibia has received from China since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country.

China and Namibia have a very good relationship with regard to health that dates back to the 90s. We have acupuncturists who are rendering their service to Namibia at our state hospitals while we have received several donations over the years, said Shangula.

Namibia has so far recorded 16 COVID-19 confirmed cases.

Related
More than 100 Australians and New Zealanders left Uruguay on a chartered flight after two weeks stranded aboard a virus-infected cruise ship, Montevideo's Carrasco airport said Saturday. Of 217 people aboard the Greg Mortimer liner, 128 had tested positive for new coronavirus and had been blocked from docking. An agreement between the Uruguayan and Australian governments was made to create a "sanitary corridor" to take the mostly elderly tourists from Montevideo's port to its international airport where they boarded a flight for Melbourne, bringing to an end weeks of a virus nightmare. Television images showed jubilant passengers boarding the medically equipped Airbus A350 plane -- with one kissing the runway tarmac. "This is (like) winning a World Cup," Uruguay's Foreign Minister Ernesto Talvi tweeted alongside a video of four buses -- flanked by a police escort with blaring sirens -- taking the roughly 110 passengers to the airport. "Flags waving in the balconies and residents applauding. This is the BEST of Uruguay," he added. Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne tweeted her thanks to her Uruguayan counterpart Talvi "for your sincere assistance in recent times to ensure the (Australian) passengers have been able to head home." She added "special thanks to... all health, emergency & other workers involved" and praised the "unique cooperation" between Uruguay and Australia. The Australian and New Zealand tourists on the flight included people who tested negative and others confirmed ill with the virus. On the plane, passengers were to be "seated by test results and level of care required by passenger," said Australian company Aurore Expeditions, owner of the Greg Mortimer. - 'Life-threatening conditions' - The tourists were on an expedition to Antarctica, South Georgia and Elephant Island when their adventure was called off on March 20 due to the nearest South American countries -- Argentina and Chile -- closing their borders and imposing lockdowns. The ship traveled to Montevideo as it was the nearest port still open. It had been anchored in the Rio de la Plata, 20 kilometers from the coast since March 27. Since then, eight people were transferred to Montevideo hospitals with "life-threatening" conditions. All are in a stable condition and Uruguay's foreign ministry told AFP three Australians undergoing hospital treatment would be allowed to fly home as they were in sufficiently good health to travel. Two are a couple who were brought ashore and taken to a hospital on Wednesday suffering from pneumonia, while the third person had been receiving clinical attention since last week. Of the other people receiving hospital treatment, two Australians are in intensive care and their partners remained on the Greg Mortimer rather than taking the flight. Two Filipino crew members are due to be discharged and released to quarantine on the ship. The eighth person to have received hospital treatment is a British woman. - 'Complex mission' - At the port, some passengers hung a banner from the boat with the words: "Thank you Uruguay." Talvi had described the operation as "a complex but necessary humanitarian mission." He added: "We don't consider it an option, but rather an ethical obligation." However, as Uruguay's government considered all people on board the ship to be infected -- even if they tested negative -- Talvi said this week there would be "practically no human contact" between the passengers and others during the transfer operation. Aurore said it was covering the transfer costs for all passengers and that New Zealand was organizing further travel on from Melbourne for its citizens. After the evacuation more than 80 crew members, as well as around 20 Europeans and Americans, will remain on board. Those who have tested positive for the virus "will have to wait until they test negative" before heading home via Sao Paulo, Aurore said on Tuesday. Those who have already tested negative will be allowed to leave in the coming days, provided they first pass another test. More than 100 Greg Mortimer passengers have boarded a medically equipped Airbus A350 plane to take them to Melbourne The Australian and New Zealand tourists on the flight included people who tested negative and others confirmed ill with the virus Uruguay's foreign ministry told AFP three Australians undergoing hospital treatment would be allowed to fly home
Lockdown extension the only way forward: CMs to PM

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Apr 11: During the meeting of the Prime Minister with the Chief Ministers the unanimous view was that the lockdown should be extended. All Chief Ministers said that it would be in the best interest to extend the lockdown.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that any decision to continue with the lockdown must come from the Centre.

Centre likely to accept demand to extend lockdown: To make announcement soon

During the virtual meeting of the PM with the CMs. Kejriwal said that a state-wise lockdown is not advisable and hence the Centre should take a final call on the matter.

Kejriwal suggested to the PM that the lockdown should continue at least until April 30. Taking a decision on this at the state level may not help, he also said. The transportation should not be opened including movement by road, rail or air, even if the restrictions are eased, Kejriwal also suggested.

Fake News Buster

During the meeting, Modi said that he was there 24x7 and would stand shoulder to shoulder with all the states. Many CMs said that the lockdown must be extended in a bid to contain the further spread of the pandemic.

The CMs also said that while each state has been responding differently to the crisis, the Centre must take a final call on how to go about lifting restrictions post the lockdown.

During the various meetings that the PM has held in the past few days, officials have also spoken about the economy.
President Donald Trump speaks about the coronavirus in the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House, Thursday, April 9, 2020, in Washington, as Vice President Mike Pence and Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia listen. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

WASHINGTON (AP)  Hospitals taking money from the $2 trillion stimulus bill will have to agree not to send surprise medical bills to patients treated for COVID-19, the White House said Thursday.

Surprise bills typically happen when a patient with health insurance gets treated at an out-of-network emergency room, or when an out-of-network doctor assists with a hospital procedure. They can run from hundreds of dollars to tens of thousands. Before the coronavirus outbreak, lawmakers in Congress had pledged to curtail the practice, but prospects for such legislation now seem highly uncertain.

The Trump administration is committed to ensuring all Americans are not surprised by the cost related to testing and treatment they need for COVID-19, White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement.

The stimulus bill includes $100 billion for the health care system, to ease the cash crunch created by the mass cancellation of elective procedures in preparation to receive coronavirus patients. Release of the first $30 billion, aimed at hospitals, is expected soon.

The prohibition on surprise billing will protect patients covered by government programs, employer plans or self-purchased insurance.

Hospitals that accept the grants will have to certify that they won't try to collect more money than the patient would have otherwise owed if the medical attention had been provided in network.

A group that represents large employer plans applauded the White House action.

In a time when nothing is certain, patients can take solace in knowing that they will not receive outrageous, unavoidable bills weeks and months after they have survived the virus, Annette Guarisco Fildes, head of the ERISA Industry Committee, said in a statement. ERISA is the name for a federal law that sets terms and conditions for multistate employer plans.

A spokeswoman for the organization said it's their understanding that the ban on surprise billing will apply to doctors as well as hospitals.

Story continues

Medical costs for COVID-19 patients could turn into a political issue in the presidential election, particularly since the battle against the disease could take months and years.

So far, the White House has secured a commitment from the health insurance industry that patients won't face any copays or deductibles for virus testing. Several major insurers have also announced they're waiving copays for coronavirus treatment provided within their networks.

But it's still unclear how cost of care will be covered for uninsured people as well as those who lose coverage because of the economic shutdown to contain the virus.

The ban on surprise billing for COVID-19 care was first reported by Politico.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

There are over 460,000 confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S., along with more than 16,000 deaths.
: Justice V Kanagaraj, a



retired judge of the Madras High Court, on Saturday assumed charge as the State Election Commissioner of Andhra Pradesh.

The swift developments that began on Friday evening with the promulgation of an Ordinance amending Section 200 of the AP Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, leading to the removal of incumbent SEC N Ramesh Kumar, culminated on Saturday with Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan issuing a notification appointing Justice Kanagaraj as the new State Election Commissioner.

"In terms of Ordinance No. 5 of 2020, dated 10-4-2020, and consequent on cessation of tenure of the incumbent State Election Commissioner, and in terms of amended Section 200 of the Andhra Pradesh Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, I, Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, Governor of Andhra Pradesh hereby appoint Sri Justice V Kanagaraj, Retired High Court Judge, as the State Election Commissioner for a tenure of three years from the date of assumption of office," the Governor's notification said.

Justice Kanagaraj immediately assumed charge "in obedience of the orders" and later called on the Governor at the Raj Bhavan and presented his "charge assumption" report.

Government sources called the appointment of Justice Kanagaraj a "new paradigm in Indian governance system" as there raged a bigger debate on whether a retired bureaucrat or a judge should be the State Election Commissioner.

The YSR Congress government in Andhra Pradesh on Friday abruptly removed State Election Commissioner N Ramesh Kumar from the post by promulgating an Ordinance, amending the AP Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, curtailing the tenure of the SEC to three years from five.

"In pursuance of promulgation of Ordinance No.5 of 2020, Dr N Ramesh Kumar, IAS (Retd), the incumbent State Election Commissioner ceases to hold the office of State Election Commissioner on and with effect from 10.04.2020," Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department Principal Secretary Gopal Krishna Dwivedi said in a "confidential" order.

The developments came in the backdrop of a feud between the Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and the SEC after the latter postponed the elections to rural and urban local bodies on March 15 in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jagan complained against him to the Governor.

The state government subsequently filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the SEC's decision but the apex court only endorsed the deferment of polls.

Ramesh Kumar later wrote to the Union Home Secretary alleging a threat to his life and also listing out the irregularities committed by the ruling YSR Congress in the rural and urban local bodies' election process.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore.  Public health officials in Josephine County say that an 81-year-old man has died from the new coronavirus  marking the first recorded coronavirus-related death in southern Oregon.

Officials say that the man died on April 10 from complications related to the virus.

By Saturday, the state of Oregon had reported more 51 death attributed to COVID-19, but Josephine County's was the first confirmed fatality in southern Oregon. The vast majority have been in counties at the epicenter of Oregon's coronavirus outbreak  namely Multnomah, Linn, Marion, and Washington counties.

Josephine County Public Health held a press conference on Saturday afternoon at the Anne Basker Auditorium in Grants Pass to cover further details and take questions from the press.

At the press conference, Josephine County public health officer Dr. David Candelaria said that the man had been initially admitted to Asante Three Rivers Medical Center before being transferred to Asante Rogue Regional as his symptoms worsened. He passed away at Rogue Regional on Friday night.

The man was sampled for COVID-19 on March 24 after being ill for a few days prior. The diagnosis was confirmed positive on March 27.

According to the Oregon Health Authority's records, the 81-year-old did have pre-existing medical conditions. Josephine County said that OHA guidelines do not allow them to release further details on what precisely that means for an individual case such as this.

WATCH: Josephine County holds press conference regarding first COVID-19 related death in southern Oregon

The 81-year-old and several family members were "symptomatic prior to testing," health officials said, and all of them self-isolated at the time. They are believed to have gotten the virus through community spread.

Regarding the rest of the man's family, Josephine County Public Health would say only that their condition appeared to be improving.

"This fatality is a reminder that, while some people have relatively mild courses, in others it can be fatal," said Dr. Candelaria. "We don't currently have a way to predict who will have a mild case and who will not."

The agency said that it would not release any further identifying information yet in respect for the family's privacy.

Josephine County Public Health Director Mike Weber said that his agency continues to check in with all of the county's positive cases for updates, most of which have not been hospitalized. Four people have made a full recovery.

Dr. Candelaria said that health providers in the area are continuing to transition toward telehealth in order to screen patients prior to them coming in in order to protect healthcare workers.

"PPE is in continual short supply," Dr. Candelaria said. However, he continued, the amount of PPE in Josephine County has so far been adequate for the relatively low number of cases locally.

Health officials in Josephine County last reported a new positive case of COVID-19 on Thursday, bringing the county total to 17. A total of 633 people have tested negative for the virus.
Muong Thanh contributed 100 tonnes of rice to the Central Committee of The Vietnamese Fatherland Front to distribute to people in need

The several truckloads of rice will be distributed by the Central Committee of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front to localities and organisationsin need.

Pham Hong Dung, deputy general director of Muong Thanh Group said that the group is always ready to join hands with the government and the people of Vietnam in the prevention and repelling of any hardship, and they are eager to contribute to fighting off this dangerous disease.

To recognise the contribution of Muong Thanh Group, Phung Khanh Tai, vice chairman of the Central Committee of Vietnamese Fatherland Front affirmed, This support shows the spirit and solidarity of Muong Thanh and Vietnamese private enterprises. The contributions from Muong Thanh Group will be added to those of the Vietnamese government to overcome this difficult time.

Earlier, in response to the call for all people to participate in the prevention and control of the COVID-19 disease as well as to express and share the gratitude to the white-shirted soldiers, Muong Thanh Group has sponsored 4-star standard rooms for all staff, nurses, and doctors of Bach Mai Hospital. More than 250 officials, nurses, and doctors staying Muong Thanh Grand Xa La Hotel were supported by the hotel in meals and provide other services following a closed process, ensuring safety and complying with the guidance of the Ministry of Health.

Right from the first days when THE COVID-19 pandemic appeared in Vietnam, Muong Thanh Group also implemented many measures to prevent and control this disease in all of its hotels. This includes constant updating of information and training of staff on disease prevention methods, the use of masks, and providing free antiseptic hand sanitiser to customers. In addition, the hotel constantly checks the staff's body temperature and regularly implements disinfection measures.
Updated: There have been two more people die from COVID-19 since yesterday bringing New Zealands death toll from the virus to four.

Director of Public Health Dr Caroline McElnay says both of the individual who died are older and had underlying health conditions.

One of the men who died was in his 80s and was in Wellington Regional Hospital, he first became unwell on March 26, he went into hospital on March 28 and was there until his death yesterday, she says.

The second man that died was in his 70s and is another one of the residents from Rosewood Rest Home in Christchurch.

He was part of a group of 20 residents that had been transferred to Burwood Hospital, as part of a cluster management process, she says.

The man was tested for COVID-19 on April 9 and returned a positive result, says Caroline.

Todays news reinforces the importance of the governments move to alert level four to break the chain of transmission and prevent deaths, she says.

We want you to know that our health system will continue to do everything it can to support the fight against COVID-19.

There are 29 new cases of COVID-19 today, made up of 20 confirmed cases and nine probable cases.

Since yesterday 49 people have recovered from the virus bringing the total number of recovered cases to 422.

We continue to report more people recovered than new combined cases.

The total number of confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand is 1312.

There are 15 people in hospital with five of those people in intensive care - One each in Wellington, Middlemore, Hawkes Bay, North Shore Hospital and Dunedin. One of the ICU patients is in a critical condition in Dunedin Hospital.

There is still a clear but declining link to overseas travel at 40 per cent of cases with ongoing links to confirmed cases in New Zealand at 46 per cent including those in clusters, says Caroline.

Community transmission is at two per cent with 11 per cent of cases still being investigated.

Three of the four deaths are linked to clusters. There are 13 significant clusters in the country. The new cluster is associated with the George Manning rest home in Christchurch.

Yesterday 3061 tests were carried out with a rolling seven day average of 3619 and total tests to date are 58,746.

Earlier: The All of Government COVID-19 National Response will provide an update at 1.00 pm today.

Director of Public Health Dr Caroline McElnay will be speaking.

What we know so far

On Friday there were 44 new cases of COVID-19 - made up of 23 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 21 new probable cases.

At this stage, 14 of the new 44 cases are linked to existing clusters, with investigations ongoing for others.

There has been one new recorded case in Rotorua bringing the total number of cases there to nine.

The number or cases in the Western Bay of Plenty remains the same at 38, there is still only one case in the Eastern Bay of Plenty and Taupo numbers are unchanged with four cases.

The country recorded its second death from the virus. The woman aged in her nineties is from Christchurch and passed away on Thursday, she had recently returned a positive test to COVID-19.

She was a resident of the Rosewood rest home and was part of a group of 20 residents that had been transferred to Burwood Hospital, as part of a cluster management process.

"Our thoughts are with the womans family," says Director of Public Health Dr Caroline McElnay.

The elderly frail women had common age-related conditions prior to testing positive, says Caroline.

The combined total of confirmed and probable cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand is 1283.

There are now 373 reported cases of people recovering from the virus  an increase of 56 from Thursday.

There are 16 people in hospital. That includes five in intensive care  one each in Hawke's Bay, Wellington, Waitemata, Counties Manukau and Southern District Health Boards. Two of these ICU patients in Southern and Waitemata DHBs are in a critical condition.

For the cases the Ministry of Health has information on, there is still a strong but declining link to overseas travel at 40 per cent, and ongoing links to confirmed cases within New Zealand at 44 per cent including those in clusters already known about.

Community transmission remains around two per cent with the MOH still investigating 14 per cent of cases.

There are still 12 significant clusters, the three largest clusters remain the same: Matamata with 69 cases up 5 on Thursday, Bluff at 87 cases, and Aucklands Marist College with 84 cases.

In terms of testing, on Thursday there were 4520 tests carried out, with a rolling 7 day average of 3700 and total tests to date of 55,685.
The Cabinet has divided into hawks who want to lift the lockdown in a few weeks and doves who want to delay until late May at the earliest.

Leading the hawks is Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who The Mail on Sunday revealed last week had made 'robust' representations to 'doveish' Health Secretary Matt Hancock that the economy will suffer irreparable damage unless a path is mapped now for a swift return to normal activity.

While Mr Hancock believes the protection of the NHS should be the overarching priority, the hawks - who are understood to include Home Secretary Priti Patel, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson and Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey - have been alarmed by the problems stacking up in their departments.

Ms Patel is concerned by an increase of nearly one third in reports of domestic violence.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak (pictured) is leading the group of Cabinet hawks who want to ease lockdown restrictions within weeks, fearing its impact on the economy

Health Secretary Matt Hancock (pictured) believes the survival of the NHS is the top priority

The row comes as the UK recorded 917 deaths on Saturday, as the national toll nears 10,000

Mr Williamson is alarmed by the effect on children of a protracted period out of the classroom, and Ms Coffey's welfare bill has exploded with the surge in benefit claimants.

Ministers are also worried about the hidden costs of the lockdown, such as a rise in suicides due to the mental strain of isolation, or the impact of missed cancer diagnoses.

They have cited anecdotal evidence that heart attack deaths in some areas have increased because Covid-19 patients are being given priority over people calling 999 with chest pains, which NHS England disputes.

Priti Patel (pictured) is concerned by an increase in reports of domestic violence

Online school to open within weeks By Harriet Dennys and Glen Owen for The Mail on Sunday Ministers are planning to set up an 'online school' later this month ahead of a hoped-for 'phased return' to classrooms before the summer holidays. The move by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson to set up a nationwide internet school comes amid fears that children without parental support or online resources will fall behind if the lockdown continues for several months. Sources say that although the project does not yet have an official launch date, the plans are 'well advanced'. Mr Williamson is keen for children to return to school 'as soon as it is safe and practical', but No10 has said that it is unlikely to happen after the Easter holidays. Under a phased return, could start to return to school after the summer half term, with different age groups returning over a period of weeks. One plan under discussion would be to start with Years 10 and 12, who will be taking exams in a year's time. Alternative ideas include pupils returning in areas of the country where Covid-19 infection levels are low - or expanding the definition of 'key workers' to allow more children access to their classrooms. Advertisement

Referrals under the Two Week Wait system in which urgent GP referrals for suspected cancers are seen within a fortnight are thought to have fallen last month by up to 70 per cent in England.

Health bodies are so concerned that a public health campaign is expected next week to spread the message: 'The NHS is still open for business.'

While some hawks hoped the lockdown could be ended by VE Day on May 8, the doves have cited the first day after the May 26 bank holiday as the earliest date for a phased return to the workplace.

According to one report, Boris Johnson is hawkish about the lockdown, and has been taken aback by how rigorously it has been observed by the public.

The Government has denied claims that Whitehall officials have calculated that up to 150,000 lives could be lost as a result of the lockdown - worse than all but the bleakest projection if social distancing measures had not been introduced.

Michael Gove has been described by colleagues as 'doveish' on the lockdown.

A source close to the Minister for the Cabinet Office said: 'He is definitely keen on a clear path out of the lockdown, but at the right time.'

A source close to Mr Hancock said: 'Lifting the lockdown depends on what the evidence shows us. We are nowhere near putting dates on things like that.'

Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey (pictured) is alarmed by surge in benefits claims
Lucknow, April 11 : The Uttar Pradesh health department will be providing food to all the doctors and paramedical staff of the state battling the coronavirus crisis, an official said here on Saturday.

Family welfare director general Badri Vishal has written to all the Chief Medical Officers of the state, stating that along with the doctors, all the paramedical personnel who are combating the coronavirus pandemic should be supported both physically and mentally. They will be served food and for this, Rs 500 per day has been allowed for each health worker.

Besides, additional funds have been sanctioned for the laundry expenses of all these medical personnel . The amount has been fixed at Rs 1,500 in A category cities, Rs 1,250 in B category cities and Rs 1,000 in C category cities.
The Centre on Saturday asked states union territories to provide security to doctors and other medical staff involved in coronavirus care in hospitals and the quarantine facilities.

Ministry of Home Affairs in a letter today requested states/UTs to provide police security to doctors and other medical staff, as needed, in the hospitals and the quarantine facilities where they are working, Punya Salila Srivastava, joint secretary in the Union home of ministry at the daily briefing.

The home ministrys letter to states and union territories comes a day after the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) wrote to home minister Amit Shah demanding that assaults on doctors be treated as non-bailable offence and asking the Centre brings in a law for the protection of the medical fraternity amid rising incidents of violence at a time when they are in the frontline of the fight against Covid-19.

Follow coronavirus live updates here.

Complainants of harassment of doctors and nurses, particularly those involved in coronavirus care have been rising. Many medical professionals say they have been harassed by landlords and fellow residents in different parts of the country amid fears that they could transmit coronavirus.

Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had warned people against misbehaving with doctors and nurses.

A day before that, the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) of Delhis All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) had written to Shah about discrimination doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers involved in Covid-19 care were facing with landlords asking them to vacate their rented homes

The harassment of doctors and nurses has spiked after the country last month in response to Prime Minister Modis call had applauded all those including medical professionals involved in the fight against coronavirus.
By Cheng Hanping

A Vietnamese fishing boat off China's Xisha Islands struck at the bow of a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel earlier this month. But Vietnam lodged an official protest against China and shifted the blame on the Chinese vessel in an attempt to seek compensation.

The US State Department on Monday issued a statement on the incident, publicly siding with Vietnam and incriminating China. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread worldwide, the US has once again paired with Vietnam for ulterior motives. Their cooperation, especially with Vietnam's actions in stoking anti-Chinese sentiment, has reflected the de facto theme of their collusion.

When China was in arduous battle against COVID-19, Vietnam was one of the first countries to issue a blockade against China and suspended inbound and outbound air travel, and evacuated Vietnamese nationals from China, actions that were consistent with the US moves.

By doing so, Vietnam seemed to have carried out some epidemic prevention measures, but upon closer review, it aimed to trap China in an embarrassing situation.

During the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, Vietnam took effective action to prevent the virus from spreading domestically and was praised by the World Health Organization (WHO).

However, confirmed COVID-19 cases in Vietnam have risen exponentially since early March. The country has reported 257 confirmed cases as of press time, with tens of thousands of people being monitored. Many are worried that Vietnam could experience an outbreak by mid-April.

Meanwhile, in Vietnam, the contradiction between work resumption and epidemic prevention efforts has become sharper with considerable economic downward pressure.

Up to 300 businesses in Vietnam have reportedly suspended operations while others have downsized due to the outbreak. Over 40,000 employees in the education and training sectors are facing unemployment.

In this context, the Vietnamese foreign ministry lodged a protest against China seeking compensation after the Vietnamese fishing vessel had violated China's waters and damaged a CCG vessel.

It is indisputable that the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea belong to China. But Vietnam tried to fish in foreign waters and later misled the public with false claims and counter-charges against China.

Considering the tactics displayed by the Vietnamese government at the onset of the pandemic, it would be reasonable to think that Hanoi intended to shift the spotlight from the recent domestic pressure and its ineptitude in handling the pandemic to the tension within Vietnam-China relations.

On October 23, 2017, the European Commission issued a "yellow card" to Vietnam, warning Hanoi it could ban its seafood exports entirely unless Hanoi did more to tackle illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

In addition to fishing illegally in China's waters and exclusive economic zones, Vietnamese fishermen have illegally entered waters off Indonesia's Natuna Islands, almost triggering armed conflict with Indonesian maritime authorities. Similar incidents have also been reported in the Philippines, Malaysia, and elsewhere.

The Vietnamese government mentioned nothing about the eight fishermen who were rescued without any injuries by the Chinese vessel they hit, which is neither an objective nor a conducive approach to conflict resolution. Clearly, Vietnam didn't intend to make an effort to quickly settle the incident. Yet it is not difficult to distinguish who is lying. Besides, China has enough video evidence of what really happened during that collision to prove its innocence.

The statement from the US State Department said that China should "remain focused on supporting international efforts" to combat COVID-19, claiming that China should also "stop exploiting the distraction or vulnerability of other states to expand its unlawful claims in the South China Sea." By associating Vietnam's IUU fishing incident with pandemic prevention efforts, the US once again attempted to politicize an external affair with its long arm to stigmatize China.

The prompt support from the US will encourage the Vietnamese government and the Vietnamese fishermen engaged in IUU fishing, who will probably more audaciously infringe China's interests and rights in waters surrounding the Xisha Islands. This is likely to escalate tension between China and Vietnam. But the US has taken the incident as another opportunity to find fault with China. Anyway, both the US and Vietnam are fanning the flame to achieve their political goals.

The author is senior research fellow and professor at the Collaborative Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- New York state court officers continued to show their support for Staten Islands hospital staff Friday night outside Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton.

A parade of cars with honking horns and yelling passengers made its way past the hospitals entrance on Bard Avenue for the doctors, nurses and other staff at the hospital as part of the #ClapBecauseWeCare effort.

Firefighters also lined up along the sidewalk to applaud the staff as they made their way up to Castleton Avenue.

Selina Grey and Joan Rowley of the New York State Nurses Association also delivered supplies to the hospital after receiving a donation.

RUMC is not getting a whole lot of supplies, Grey said. Theyre a stand-alone hospital They really need the resources.

*** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK ***

Staying Sane w/ Shane: Hospital workers honored with parade at Richmond University Medical Center Posted by Staten Island Advance on Friday, April 10, 2020

Staten Islands lack of a public hospital has caused controversy in the past few days over where the city is putting its resources.

Both RUMC and Staten Island University Hospital are privately owned, and not part of the citys Health + Hospitals public health system.

Staten Islands elected officials have criticized Mayor Bill de Blasio this week for leaving Staten Island out of the citys coronavirus response as resources are sent to the citys public health system.

Together, they penned a letter to the mayor, asking him to give Staten Islands private hospitals a share of the staffing that is going to the public hospital system.

Councilwoman Debi Rose (D-North Shore) attended Friday nights event and continued to call on the mayor to ensure Staten Islands hospitals have the staffing levels they need.

For them to treat Staten Island the same as the other boroughs is not fair, Rose said, referencing the fact that Staten Island is the only borough without a public hospital. Its just another example of the disproportionate attention that we get."
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 22:30:09|Editor: huaxia

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NAIROBI, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's Health Ministry on Saturday confirmed two additional cases that tested positive to coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total number to 191.

Mercy Mwangangi, Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of Health said the two cases were part of the 491 samples that medical personnel had tested in the past 24 hours.

"One is a Kenyan and the other is a foreign national. None has a history of travel," Mwangangi told journalists in Nairobi.

She said that the two who are from Nairobi and Mombasa, aged 2 and 32 years old were both picked by surveillance teams.

The official revealed that two more persons have been discharged after recovering fully from COVID-19, bringing to 24 persons that have so far recovered.

Mwangangi said that medical personnel have monitored a total of 2,054 contact persons so far and out of the number 1,546 have been discharged.

"A total of 508 contacts are being followed at the moment by medical personnel," Mwangangi revealed.

She said that out of 191 cases that have so far tested positive in the country, 109 are males while 82 are females.

The official urged Kenyans to adhere to the directive by the government in order to reduce the impact of the virus.
Its all about the lever of balance. Laws made for public protection, within which public health features prominently, provide grounds for derogation authorities can exploit. Like plasticine, the scope of power during times of an emergency extends. But at what point does a state of public health become a police state? In time, we may find these to be not only indistinguishable but synonymous; the body will be the site where liberties are subordinate to regulation, movement, medical testing, and directives made in the name of health.

Across countries, the lockdown as a term has come to keep company with social distancing, now retouched as physical distancing; self-isolation along with a host of numbing words such as unprecedented and rapidly evolving. Such lockdowns naturally vary in terms of how the coronavirus will be dealt with.

In New Zealand, the focus of the lockdown has been on suppression and elimination. Thoughts of mitigating COVID-19 have been cast aside. On March 23, the country was openly committed to the elimination strategy. A piece in the New Zealand Medical Journal authored by the countrys notable epidemiologists in justifying the approach, insisted on a departure from the management strategies of old. Mitigation had been used in Europe, North America and Australia. Suppression, resulting in flattening the curve of infection, had also been adopted. But these did not adequately appreciate the nature of COVID-19, which was not pandemic influenza. It had a longer incubation period (5-6 days) relative to influenza (1-3 days).

Rather than increasing the measures in progressive response to the spread of the virus, the focus would be on imposing firm measures from the start, including border controls, case isolation and quarantine. Mass community measures might be needed to stop community transmission: physical distancing, internal travel restrictions, mass quarantining. While intrusive, the authors extol the virtues of a hard approach from the outset: if started early it will result in fewer cases of illness and death. If successful it also offers a clear exit path with a careful return to regular activities with resulting social and economic benefits for New Zealand.

On March 23, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern delivered a statement warning New Zealanders that they had 48 hours to get their affairs in order. Right now we have a window of opportunity to break the chain of community transmission  to contain the virus  to stop it multiplying and to protect New Zealanders from the worst. By March 25, a state of emergency had been declared, with level 4 lockdown measures closing schools, non-essential workplaces, banning social gatherings and imposing travel restrictions. Two 14-day incubation cycles have been factored into it.

Tributes from the public health sector followed. Professor Michael Baker of the University of Otago, a co-author on the NZMJ piece justifying the elimination method, gave his assessment of the slowdown of cases: a triumph of science and leadership. The prime minister approached this decisively and unequivocally and faced the threat.

A slew of items are now in circulation glowing for the approach taken by the Ardern government. New Zealand, goes the line, is on to something, though care should be taken from which source they come. The Guardian, for instance, ran an article of congratulation for the elimination formula, but you only had to realise the authors: Baker and his colleague Nick Wilson. Unsurprisingly, it is effusive: New Zealand now appears to be the only western nation following an articulated elimination strategy with the goal of completely ending transmission of COVID-19 within its borders. The strategy appears to be working, with new case numbers falling.

The Washington Post was similarly brimming with admiration. New Zealand isnt just flattening the curve. Its quashing it. Qualifications are, however, forthcoming. In New Zealands case, being a small island nation makes it easy to shut borders. It also helps that the country often feels like a village where everyone knows everyone else, so messages can travel quickly.

Shifting away from the pure health dimensions of the response, and a less praiseworthy image emerges. The legal cognoscenti have been lukewarm, albeit admitting that emergency measures are necessary. The police, for instance, have discretionary powers unseen since the 1951 waterfront strike. The Health Act 1956 has been used to deem COVID-19 a quarantinable disease, thereby giving medical officers of health vast powers, backed by the police use of reasonable measures, to impose conditions of isolation, quarantine or disinfection.

Barrister and journalist Catriona MacLennan, in an irate open letter to the New Zealand Police, wrote of how it was hard to get our heads around the extent of these [emergency] powers. They are not something most New Zealanders have ever imagined. There was, for instance, no legal obligation for any New Zealand citizen to have letters from their employers or work identity cards. The regulations on when people could or could not leave their homes needed to be standardised. Contradictory messages and over-the top enforcement will rapidly erode public goodwill and result in increasing failure to comply.

This has seen various altercations. One featured police berating former broadcaster Damian Christie for delivering video equipment to a clients food producing business as a needless act and in breach of the lockdown. Armed with a letter showing otherwise, and outlining that the video gear would be used to share information to employees on COVID-19, the response to Christie was absolute: He could only leave the house for medical necessaries.

This distant island has become a fledged police state, perhaps not quite fully but well on the way. Some of this has to with confusion between the State of National Emergency as distinct from the lockdown itself. These have been blended into an authoritarian mix. Police may, without warrant, enter premises and rummage through possessions. Indefinite detention may be imposed on those who have no good reason to leave their home, though this is very much down to a loose reading of power.

Another by-product of these measures is a willingness to turn citizens into accessories of the state, small time agents and spy enthusiasts. They are the tittle-tattles, or, to use the vernacular, dobbers, the do-good brigade enlisted in public healths calling. It first came in the form of an online email address run by the Ministry of Health regarding breaches of self-isolation and mass gathering directions. The emergency police line was then choked by hundreds of the dedicated.

This saw the establishment of an online site which was swamped with reports within an hour of its activation, crashing it. (Some 4,200 reports are said to have been lodged, many snarling about joggers and walkers.) The continued level of interest shown by the users in reporting on their fellow citizens has seen police calls for patience. If you are having difficulty, please try again later. Something to be truly proud of.

Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He lectures at RMIT University, Melbourne. Email: [email protected]
Keir Starmer, in his pre-recorded video speech when he was elected Labour leader last weekend, declared: They were last and now they should be first. He was talking about NHS staff, care workers, emergency services, cleaners and porters, and said: For too long theyve been taken for granted and poorly paid.

It was a striking echo of the biblical phrase: So the last shall be first, and the first last. Starmer has an MDF speaking style, and indeed his video was recorded in front of what looked like a white self-assembly wardrobe, but at that point he lifted his oratory to the occasion  and offered a glimpse of the promised land after the virus.

It was a surprise, then, that the next politician to pick up on that sentiment was not one of Starmers new frontbench team  although what a relief it was to see a return to the idea of appointment by merit in the official opposition.

Instead it was Dominic Raab, standing in for the prime minister at the daily news conference on Thursday, who said to NHS staff, carers and supermarket workers: Youve certainly all made us think long and hard about who the key workers are in our country.

This is something that seems like the consensus during the Second World War: that things will not be the same after it is over; that out of adversity should come a better society. Although the idea of a coalition government of national unity has failed to catch on, there seems to be cross-party agreement that the value placed on different groups of workers has been out of kilter and should be put right.

Peter Kellner has written about the echo of the 1941 special edition of Picture Post, which declared: Our plan for a new Britain is not something outside the war, or something after the war. It is an essential part of our war aims. It is, indeed, our most positive war aim. The new Britain is the country we are fighting for.

What Starmer proposes for Britain after the coronavirus may not seem as ambitious as founding the universal welfare state, although trying to reverse the income distribution between the high-paid and the low is an immense undertaking. And I think it is right that the Labour Party should be setting out a frankly idealistic vision of the good that could come out of the suffering.

There are, however, two problems with thinking that Starmer is a modern-day Clement Attlee, and that the people will turn gratefully to Labour after the pandemic is over to supervise the building of the New Jerusalem.

One is that recovering from the coronavirus recession could be long and hard. For all the achievements of the Attlee government, for many people life was harder after the war than it was during it. Two years after the war, in the extreme winter of 1947, with bread rationed and fuel scarce, twice as many people told Gallup that they would rather be living in the situation just before the war than in the present.

The dream of a new Britain, in which key workers are rewarded for their contribution to the essentials of life, will come up against the reality of hard economic times. The original period of austerity was under the Attlee government, after all.

Much the same might happen to idealism about global cooperation to tackle problems such as climate change that know no borders. If the pandemic has taught us one thing, it is that when global problems become critical, they are met with national solutions.

The other obstacle to Labours new leader winning the trust of the British people to hear their plea of Never again is that the Conservative Party is changing. It was Dominic Raab, often caricatured as on the hard right of the Tories, who spoke of thinking long and hard about who the real key workers are. It was Rishi Sunak, a Conservative chancellor, who consulted the Trades Union Congress about using public money to pay 80 per cent of the wages of workers kept on private-sector payrolls.

And Boris Johnson is no Churchill, however much he may imagine himself to be. However revered Churchill was as a war leader, he was distrusted, because of his pre-war reputation as a right-wing maverick, as an architect of the peace.

Johnson, on the other hand, has shown he can fight Labour on its own ground. The struggle between him and Starmer over who should build the post-corona new Britain is already under way.
(TNS)  As social distancing becomes increasingly common across the globe, an Ann Arbor, Mich., startup is tracking just how intensely communities are trying to avoid contact and limit the spread of the new coronavirus in some of the worlds busiest places.Voxel51, a company that services the artificial intelligence industry for image and video processing and understanding, was founded by Jason Corso, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Michigan. Two weeks ago, Corso said he and his team began tracking physical distancing at locations like Times Square in New York, Miami Beach, Abbey Road in London and the Ruthven Museums Building at University of Michigan.The street cams are public on the internet, so we can just connect to them and pull the data from them, Corso said. We found ones that had a good feed, looking at interesting places, but also had historical data that we could access because its important for our (physical distancing index) analysis.The physical distancing index, or PDI, measures the amount of human activity in an image, Corso said, including pedestrians, cars, bicycles and motorcycles. A computer detects those objects and counts them, and each location is given a PDI score once every 15 minutes.The researchers recently added graphs to each location to show its PDI, as well as the number of cases and deaths over time. So far, Corso said there is a sharp drop-off for each feed right around mid-March, when many states and countries began issuing stay-at-home orders. There are some areas during certain times, however, where there have been spikes in activity.The weathers getting nice and people sort of need to go outdoors, so the (camera) thats at the Jersey Shore at Seaside Heights, you actually see a large uptick two weekends ago when it was 70 degrees or something, Corso said.In Ann Arbor, there is no historical data for the street camera the team is using, so the graphs only go back until April 4. The PDI for the area shown is nearly zero, while the number of COVID-10 cases and deaths has continued to rise in the area.Most of the graphs on the website show the PDI dropping while the number of cases rises. In a few months, Corso and his team are hoping to see the opposite  the PDI increase while the number of cases declines.Corso said Voxel51's project protects peoples privacy. The PDI is simply a number, so theres no notion of individual identity. Corso said all of the video on the website is already public, pulled from websites like YouTube and Earthcam, and the platform is deployed in a cloud provider with best-in-class security, so Corso and his team are not worried about someone breaking into it.The website also has state-of-the-art redaction capabilities, Corso said, which includes blurring faces and images on the footage that is stored.So far, Corso said there are hundreds of visitors to the site each day, including some who are returning to watch different street cams. He said his team is adding new feeds from different locations, and the company is accepting requests to add locations or specific installations of the system for local government and taxpayer usage.Were certainly seeing a lot of interest in what the website can offer, and we couldnt be more pleased that were doing something to help, even if its only public awareness, Corso said.
In Venezuela, a monthlong national lockdown has led to a reduction in homicides and other violent crime, but has also been accompanied by a surge in extrajudicial killings by government security forces, said Roberto Briceno Leon, head of Venezuelan Violence Observatory, a nonprofit monitoring group.

The delinquents have retreated and the police have carried on their operations, Mr. Briceno Leon said.

And the crime-fighting benefits of the lockdowns have barely started to register in Mexico, a nation with a highly complex criminal landscape. In March, the government recorded 2,585 homicides, one of the highest monthly totals on record.

But the administration of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador had also been slower than many other countries in the region to impose measures to combat the spread of the virus. His government waited until late March to issue stay-at-home orders and also made them voluntary. In some neighborhoods of the nations largest cities, life has continued more or less as normal.

Still, there is evidence that the measures have begun to put a dent in Mexican crime.

Maribel Cervantes Guerrero, the secretary of public security for the state of Mexico, the countrys largest state, said that since the government launched its stay-at-home campaign, officials have seen a decrease in most crimes, including homicides, which fell to 42 last week from 74 the week prior.
In Mexico, beach towns have begun blocking off roads in some cases, constructing barricades of rubble across roadways to seal themselves off from the outside world in a bid to stop the new coronavirus from entering.

The Gulf of California beach town of Puerto Peasco announced Friday that two of three highways leading into the town would be closed, and anyone entering would be subject to an enforced 12-day quarantine. The only people who can enter are residents of the seaside town also known as Rocky Point.

Nobody who is not a resident of Peasco will be allowed to enter; relatives, friends, tourists and people from outside will be prohibited from entering, in order to avoid possible contagion, said Puerto Peasco Mayor Kiko Munro.

Oscar Castro, the town's health director, acknowledged that residents cannot, by law, be banned from leaving, or returning; but if they decide to return, they'll be quarantined.

Castro said Puerto Peasco currently has no coronavirus cases, and officials want to keep it that way; Puerto Penasco has a strictly enforced curfew. Puerto Penasco is a popular among Americans it is close to Phoenix and Tucson and the restrictions have drawn a mixed reaction.

Shandra Keesecker-Rivero, the co-founder of the RockyPoint360 group, wrote: Many foreign residents (i.e. from US that have homes here) are frustrated in particular, and locally there are questions as to what if any leniency there is if someone has to go to another city for already scheduled healthcare appointments, as Puerto Peasco does not have a broad scope of specialized services as it is.

At the same time, there is a segment of the local population - both Mexican and foreign expats - that are impressed with and applaud the measures the local administration has taken as there are yet to be any confirmed cases of COVID-19 here. They see this as efforts to prevent COVID-19 reaching our shores, wrote Keesecker-Rivero.

Besides lacking health care resources, beach-side communities can see what has already happened in heavily touristed areas: Mexico's highest per-capita infection rate is in the Caribbean coast state of Quintana Roo, home to resorts like Cancun.

Further south in the Pacific coast beach town of Rincon de Guayabitos, video posted on social media showed dump trucks piling huge mounds of construction rubble across a highway leading into town to prevent tourists from entering.

In the nearby beach community of Sayulita, residents posted videos of themselves at informal, vigilante-style roadblocks, turning back visitors' cars.

That came after Nayarit Gov. Antonio Echeverria launched a harsh verbal attack on tourists from the bigger neighboring state of Jalisco, blaming them for "their irresponsible presence... some even come when they are infected. They will always be welcome, but now on this occasion they should stay at home, Echeverria said.

Some tourist towns tried a more polite way of saying: Stay away. Tepoztln, a scenic mountain town just south of Mexico City, blocked access roads but issued a statement saying Tepoztln is taking a break and from their homes, our people are waiting to once again receive visitors, because now, separated we are closer.

To some extent, the actions of governors and mayors are just the logical extension of federal government policy. The Interior Department said approvingly in a statement that the governors have agreed to make an effort to keep tourist destinations closed.

In the indigenous lakeside community of Zirahuen, the largely Purepecha Indian residents erected improvised barricades of tree branches and rocks to block tourists from the nearby Michoacan city of Morelia from entering.

No entry to Zirahun, all the roads are blocked," read one hand-written sign on the barricades.

But it is not just tourists who are barred; many indigenous Maya workers from Cancun returned to their home in the nearby Yucatan town of Kanxoc, given the downturn at the hotels in Cancun.

But residents complained that the nearby city of Valladolid blocked the road to Kanxoc with mounds of rubble and dirt to prevent them from entering.

The rights group Equipo Indigacin said in a statement April 1 that this measure is not only restrictive and a violation of human rights, given that it violates the right of free movement, it also violates the rights of the Maya people and implies racism.

It said it could affect Kanxoc residents' access to health care, given that most local services are in Valladolid.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
We are seeing some relative good news, both in terms of the flattening  we continue to see improvement there, Arwady said. The most important thing that drives our data, drives our biggest campaign here  Stay home, save lives  is about limiting any new infections. Any opportunity, especially in the month of April, to limit new infections is really, really important.
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Christian leaders of the Holy Land it is "our responsibility" to console those who grieve and are sick. The world experiences a state of fear, anxiety and ambiguity as it faces the new coronavirus pandemic. In death and suffering God is present and invites us to "look to the future".

Jerusalem (AsiaNews) - It is not "the first time" that the world has faced a pandemic, but it is "our responsibility" as people of good faith "to offer consolation" to those who grieve are sick or are in need, write teh leaders of the Churches of Jerusalem in their joint message for Easter. The letter underlines that the resurrection is a call to "a phase of renewal" far from "oppression, discrimination, hunger and injustice". With the Holy Sepulchre closed to pilgrims, a city "emptied" and celebrations followed online by the faithful, the heads of the Churches invite members of the community in the Holy Land and around the world to "support us" and "continue to pray for all the people in the in the midst of the pandemic ".

Below the the full text sent to AsiaNews:

Easter 2020: Message of Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of Jerusalem

Easter Message of the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of Jerusalem

Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! (Luke 24.5-6 NKJV)

We, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches of Jerusalem, greet all our communities and faithful Christians around the world with the blessings of our Risen Lord and Liberator. The Feast of the Resurrection is a time of renewal of hope, restoration and victory over all forms of death and destruction. The whole world at this time lives in a state of fear, anxiety, and ambiguity as it faces the COVID-19 pandemic. Many countries are facing so much loss and grief, and infected cases are on the rise. Jerusalem, the City of the Resurrection and the Empty Tomb, is empty from pilgrims and churches are awaiting worshippers to return to proclaim the Easter message and the Alleluias.

The observance of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter this year is surrounded by so many questions, complexities, and uncertainties, especially in light of the suffering, illness, and death of so many people around the globe, resulting in the current lockdown. What does this coronavirus challenge mean to our people, communities, and institutions? What does this mean for our world economy and global health? We believe that our God is the God of the living and not of the dead. The Resurrection is our assurance that even in the midst of death and suffering, God is there and Christs death gives us the victory. The Resurrection calls upon our human family toward a time of renewal and a way forward into the future, away from oppression, discrimination, hunger, and injustice.

This is not the first time that our world has experienced a pandemic. However, our present responsibility as people of faith and goodwill is to offer consolation for those who grieve, restoration and healing to those are sick, and assistance to those who are in need. The Easter message this year coming from Jerusalem, is a reminder of the Resurrection itself: He is not here, but is risen! Our mission as Christians and as human beings is to support each other and to continue to pray for all people during this pandemic. Our human weakness is empowered by the Cross of Christ in the power of God; Saint Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians (13.4) writes: For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God The mighty power and grace of the Resurrection offer us hope, healing, and victory over this pandemic and all dark situations.

Let us remember this Easter and remind all those around us that nothing will hinder the Good News of the Resurrection from resounding in Jerusalem and any other part of our world, even if this year there are no loud Alleluias. The Church is the Body of Christ, our Risen Lord, and we are the people of his pasture.

As Christians let us join together in proclaiming our Risen Lord: Christ is Risen! (Al Maseeh Qam! Christos Anesti! Christos harjav i merelotz! Pikhirstof aftonf! Christ est Ressuscite! Cristo e risorto! Meshiha qam! Christos t'ensah em' muhtan! Christus ist auferstanden!) He is Risen, indeed! Alleluia!

+Patriarch Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate

+Patriarch Nourhan Manougian, Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Patriarchate

+Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Apostolic Administrator, Latin Patriarchate

+Fr. Francesco Patton, ofm, Custos of the Holy Land

+Archbishop Anba Antonious, Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate, Jerusalem

+Vicar General Father Gabriel Daho, Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate

+Archbishop Aba Embakob, Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarchate

+Archbishop Yaser AL-Ayash, Greek-Melkite-Catholic Patriarchate

+Archbishop Mosa El-Hage, Maronite Patriarchal Exarchate

+Archbishop Suheil Dawani, Episcopal Church of Jerusalem and the Middle East

+Bishop Ibrahim Sani Azar, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land

+Father Ephram Samaan, Syrian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchate

+Rt Rev. Joseph Nerses Zabarian, Armenian Catholic Patriarchal Exarchat
With Mr. Johnson bedridden while Dr. Varadkar counsels patients, the comparisons between these neighbors are as inevitable as they are invidious.

Britain has 13 times the population as Ireland and is far more densely populated, with a capital, London, that has nearly twice as many people as the entire Irish Republic. Its gateway airport, Heathrow, handles 75 million international passengers a year, compared with 31 million for Dublin.

Some of the difference may be serendipity, said Dr. Patricia Kearney, an expert in epidemiology at the University College Cork. We have a relatively small population, and the way we live outside the cities is far less dense than in the U.K. But there was still really decisive action by our political leaders.

Dr. Varadkars performance has not completely escaped criticism. Some people clucked over his decision to keep his annual St. Patricks Day date with President Trump in Washington during the early days of the outbreak. While there, he called a dramatic news conference at Blair House, opposite the White House, to announce he was closing Irish schools and banning large gatherings.

Later, the prime minister, or Taoiseach, as he is known in Ireland, was criticized for saying that people might prefer to lose their jobs because they would qualify for a weekly pandemic unemployment payment of 350 euros ($380). That played into a familiar critique that Dr. Varadkar, the son of an Indian-born doctor and an Irish nurse, has little empathy for those in economic hardship.
Its also important to see what we, as a society, could do differently, because this will not be the last untreatable virus to decimate our elders, he said. When we, as a society, see that its appropriate to warehouse our elders, and to put them in small spaces, to underpay their staff so that there are chronic staffing shortages  I think if we see that as an adequate treatment of our elders, then were going to have a bad time. We are going to see this over and over again. We all opted for this type of environment for our elders. And as a result, this virus spread through a publicly funded nursing home . . . like wildfire.
A majority of a small group of patients showed improvements after being treated with an experimental coronavirus treatment made by Gilead Sciences, bolstering hopes for finding a treatment for the disease, according to a study published Friday in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The group of patients received the anti-viral drug remdesivir as part of a "compassionate use'' trial, not a double-blind placebo-controlled trial that would offer more definitive evidence. The cohort was small, only 53 patients in the United States and around the world. Those limiting factors prevent scientists from declaring that the drug works.

Still, the improvements offered positive news about a drug seen by global health authorities as offering the best shot at becoming a treatment for the disease.

Thirty six patients out of 53 - or two-thirds - showed improvement in oxygen support, trial authors said. Seventeen of 30 patients who were on ventilators were able to be taken off the life-support machines.

"We cannot draw definitive conclusions from these data, but the observations from this group of hospitalized patients who received remdesivir are hopeful," said Jonathan Grein, director of Hospital Epidemiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, and lead author of the journal article. "We look forward to the results of controlled clinical trials to potentially validate these findings."

While 68% of the patients showed improvement in the level of oxygen support they needed, 13% died, the NEJM study said. That 13% compares favorably to mortality rates of 17% to 78% in China among severely ill patients, the authors wrote.

Gilead's stock has been bolstered for weeks by expectations over remdesivir.

Remdesivir was discovered by Gilead in the hunt for antiviral drugs about a decade ago, and the National Institutes of Health has partnered with the company to explore its benefits. It was shown to work against an array of viruses in laboratory tests.

It showed effectiveness in primates infected with Ebola but failed in a trial in the Democratic Republican of Congo in humans with the deadly disease. It has shown effectiveness as a preventive therapy in primates for MERS, which is a coronavirus cousin of the Covid-19 virus.

There are no treatments approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat coronavirus, but the FDA has granted an emergency use authorization for the use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, two decades-old anti-malarial drugs. There is scant evidence that the therapy works, but President Donald Trump repeatedly has boosted the promise of the drugs.

Even while multiple full clinical trials of remdesivir continue, Gilead has been swamped with requests for "compassionate use'' of the drug. Under compassionate use rules, physicians can obtain experimental drugs for their seriously ill patients when there is nothing else to try.

Gilead said last week that it had enough of the experimental drug on hand to treat up to 140,000 people under compassionate use programs.
(@FahadShabbir)

Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has announced a coronavirus aid package for poor people and hard-hit firms, as cases continue to rise in the war-torn West African state

Bamako, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Apr, 2020 ) :Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has announced a coronavirus aid package for poor people and hard-hit firms, as cases continue to rise in the war-torn West African state.

The president warned on Friday that the country's already war-battered economy was facing a shock, and declared a package worth some 500 billion CFA francs ($832 million).

"The government of Mali... is willing to make the greatest sacrifice to lessen the negative impact of the pandemic on our economy and society," Keita said in a televised address.

Mali is one of the poorest countries in the world and has been struggling since 2012 to quell a jihadist insurgency that has killed thousands of soldiers and civilians.

The conflict -- which has left swathes of the country outside state control -- has aggravated fears that Mali is ill prepared to tackle a large coronavirus outbreak.

Authorities have recorded 87 cases in the country so far, with seven fatalities. The government had previously declared a nationwide night-time curfew and closed land borders.

Warning of the steep economic costs associated with the pandemic, Keita said Friday that the government would shoulder water and electricity bills for the poorest people in April and May, among other measures.

The government would also distribute 56,000 tonnes of grain in food aid and 16,000 tonnes of animal feed, he added, and allow tax rebates for firms hit hard by the virus.

Despite underlining the need for social distancing, Keita said the second round of a parliamentary election scheduled for April 19 will go ahead.

The president added that the government is also considering isolating the capital Bamako, where most of the country's infections have been detected, with a decision due soon.
Money cant stop you from catching or dying from the new coronavirus. But it can buy you an attentive doctor, faster testing, a luxury spot for self-isolation and even an at-home intensive-care setup complete with a ventilator.

The superrich are finding ways to ride out the pandemic more comfortably than much of the rest of the world. Wealthy Americans are turning to personal doctors for immediate consultations and swift testing, while rich Russians are building their own clinics and snapping up vital medical equipment. And across the globe, the affluent are escaping to luxury bolt-holes to take the edge off their self-isolation.

Former White House doctor Connie Mariano said demand for her $15,000-a-year concierge doctor service has risen in recent weeks, as more patients seek to navigate the outbreak.

Dr. Mariano, who previously looked after Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, said she is receiving around 100 emails a day, double the normal amount, from patients asking for advice. Her more than 320 clients  mostly current and former chief executives from around the world  can also call her 24/7.

A lot are so grateful to be able to reach out in the middle of the night, she said. That relieves a lot of anxiety. If someone needs to be sent to the hospital, we get a way to get them in.

Clients get unlimited access to Dr. Marianos advice but pay extra for added services like checkups and emergency call-outs. Her services, like most concierge doctors, supplement rather than replace regular health insurance.

Testing across the U.S. has been patchy, with tests being rationed to only serious cases in some places. But having an attentive doctor can make the process relatively straightforward, and raises the chances of even mild symptoms being picked up earlier for screening.

Lisa Benya, medical director of CURE Daily, a Malibu, Calif.-based medical and wellness practice, had one of her patients tested after hearing him cough over the phone during a routine call.

The patient, a business executive in his 70s who was otherwise healthy and was skeptical that he was suffering from COVID-19, tested positive for the virus. He cancelled his travel plans and immediately self-isolated with his wife, also in her 70s.

We have an ability to do a drive-through at our office so clients dont have to get out of their car, she said. We do house calls as well, if someone is too ill.

CURE members  mostly celebrities, athletes and business executives  pay $1,000 a month plus extras, or $10,000 a month for a package that includes unlimited consultations and access to a spa facility. Dr. Benya said she doesnt charge extra for testing and only tests when necessary.

She said interest from prospective new members has doubled in recent weeks, as the coronavirus crisis has taken hold.

Coronavirus testing is also more straightforward for the wealthy. Lisa Benya, medical director of CURE Daily, a Malibu, Calif.-based medical and wellness practice, had one of her patients tested after hearing him cough over the phone.

The patient, a business executive in his 70s, tested positive. He cancelled his travel plans and immediately self-isolated with his wife, also in her 70s.

CURE members  mostly celebrities, athletes and business executives  pay $1,000 a month plus extras, or $10,000 a month for a package that includes unlimited consultations and access to a spa facility. Dr. Benya said she doesnt charge extra for testing and only tests when necessary.

In our area we have less of a restriction in testing, she said. Our labs have the capability to test, but its not unlimited. She said interest from prospective new members has doubled in recent weeks, as the coronavirus crisis has taken hold.

In Russia, the wealthy are taking things a step further. No longer able to travel abroad for treatment, they are setting up makeshift clinics in their homes or offices, say doctors and medical suppliers.

For many years, the rich here thought that they had a special fast-track ticket to health care, said Alexey Kascheev, a Moscow-based neurosurgeon. But now, they cant leave the country, and it really doesnt matter if youre rich or poor since the virus can infect anyone.

Dr. Kascheev was recently asked to advise a local company on setting up a private intensive-care room. He said he rebuffed the offer for ethical reasons, but that many colleagues have had similar propositions.

Rich Russians have also been buying up ventilators  at a cost of more than $25,000 each  for use in their personal clinics, according to doctors and medical-equipment makers.

Triton Electronics Systems Ltd., a Russian medical-equipment manufacturer, said private individuals make up 7% of total demand for ventilators. The company said it is already sold out and cant deliver until October.

European and American ventilator makers are also rebuffing overtures from wealthy individuals.

We want to get these into the hands of institutions that can handle the most cases, said Eric Honroth, who heads the North American business of Getinge AB, a Swedish medical-device company. We definitely fielded a few [inquiries from individuals] in various ways, in the guise of a distributor trying to buy ventilation units. But we quickly weeded those out.

Doctors and equipment sellers, however, say that setting up private intensive-care units or securing a personal ventilator is no panacea. Ventilator setup and maintenance are a difficult task, needing everything from compressed gases to special parts.

They are stupid. A ventilator is not like an iPhone or a TV, Dr. Kascheev said.

For the rich, self-isolation neednt be unpleasant. Luxury rental properties in the Caribbean, Hawaii and the Mediterranean have recently been in hot demand, said Penny Mosgrove, chief executive of U.K.-based high-end property company Quintessentially Estates.

They have the money and the means to get away, said Ms. Mosgrove, who counts celebrities, entrepreneurs and financiers among her clients.

Those remaining in place are finding ways to minimize disruption. One of Ms. Mosgroves clients recently rented an apartment close to their home in Londons affluent Belgravia neighbourhood for their housekeeper, who was previously riding public transport to get to work.

Overall, inquiries surged about a third in March compared with a year ago, Ms. Mosgrove said. When youve got money, you can get out very quickly.
[April 10, 2020] WhiteCanyon Software Offers WipeDrive Home at a Major Discount During Covid-19 Pandemic

AMERICAN FORK, Utah, April 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- WhiteCanyon Software, the provider of trusted data sanitization solutions like WipeDrive Home, WipeDrive Small Business, WipeDrive Enterprise, WipeDrive Mobile, SystemSaver, VeriDrive and other tools, announced today that it has heavily discounted the WipeDrive Home user license to help consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This discount is applied to the WipeDrive Home user license during checkout with the coupon code "HOMEFREE". WipeDrive Home has been a trusted data erasure tool since 1998 and is globally used to erase SSD, NVMe, SATA, PATA, SCSI and IDE drives. The solution is an easy to run program that boots the computer into a Linux operating system and performs an erasure of the attached drives. Each license of WipeDrive Home is for a single drive wipe. WipeDrive Home earns consistently high ratings on consumer review websites. The COVID-19 pandemic has globally affected commerce, travel, education systems and social interactions since its outbreak in January 2020. The virus has caused millions of people o self-quarantine, social distance and limit large gatherings to slow the transmission of the contagion. The pandemic has also caused the closure of 124,000 US public and private schools, leaving 50 million students to transfer to online learning.



The transfer to online learning has created a large demand for new and used laptops and computers for at-home students. WipeDrive Home is being provided to consumers so that they can repurpose old laptops and desktops to at-home students. "We understand during this time of uncertainty, a lot of people are quarantined in their homes and are attempting to organize their computers and drives that have laid dormant for years," said Paul Katzoff, CEO of WhiteCanyon Software. "We hope this current discount provides home users with assistance in disposing or repurposing old laptops and desktops."

In addition to WipeDrive Home, WhiteCanyon Software has other certified data security software tools that are recommended for enterprise clients. For more information about certified data deletion from WhiteCanyon Software, visit https://www.whitecanyon.com. About WhiteCanyon Software WhiteCanyon Software provides the enterprise data deletion solution, WipeDrive Enterprise, which is implemented globally by multinational corporations to meet internal and external data security requirements. Find out why WipeDrive Enterprise is the leader in data sanitization at http://www.whitecanyon.com/wipedrive-enterprise. Media Contact:

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WipeDrive will completely wipe hard drive data so you can do so safely. Related Links WhiteCanyon Website WipeDrive 9 Home View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/whitecanyon-software-offers-wipedrive-home-at-a-major-discount-during-covid-19-pandemic-301038934.html SOURCE WhiteCanyon Software

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RACINE  After releasing its announcement that Mayor Cory Mason has extended the citys COVID-19 emergency declaration, the city has further clarified what the declaration does, and does not, mean.

The City of Racine declared a state of emergency on March 18, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic which was set to expire on April 20. This latest declaration extends the state of emergency until May 25.

The citys declaration has no impact on Gov. Tony Evers Safer at Home order, which affects Wisconsin businesses and regulates group gatherings. As of Friday afternoon, the Safer at Home order is due to expire at 8 a.m. on Friday, April 24.

What does it mean

What the citys declaration does do is it extends certain powers to the City of Racine, such as:

The ability to pursue state or federal funds for addressing COVID-19, which would not be available if the city was not in a state of emergency.

Taking certain precautions in light of the pandemic. For example, City Spokesperson Shannon Powell stated in an email that the next City Council Meeting, which is scheduled for April 20, will likely be held virtually. But for COVID-19, we would not desire or think it is a good practice to host virtual meetings, Powell stated in an email. The emergency declaration allows us to pursue that option given the circumstance.

Allowing Mason, in consultation with City Attorney Scott Letteney, to conduct some city business. After the March 17 City Council meeting was cancelled, Mason took action on the majority of the items on the agenda.

As of Friday, it was unclear whether the City Council or committees will meet after the April 20 meeting, virtually or otherwise. The April 20 meeting is scheduled to be the last meeting of the current City Council and April 21 is when re-elected or new City Council members are scheduled to be sworn in.

Updated state numbers

As of Friday, a total of 128 people have died from COVID-19 in the State of Wisconsin, up from 112 Thursday, the Department of Health Services reported.

Racine Countys number of confirmed cases has reached 100, up from 98 reported Thursday. The countys third death from COVID-19, a woman in her 90s, was reported Thursday.

According to new data, there are a total of 3,068 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin  an increase of 183 from Thursday.

Friday marked the 16th consecutive day in which the number of statewide confirmed cases increased by at least 100. No single day has seen an increase of 200 or more.

As of 2 p.m. Friday, 904 people in the state were hospitalized with COVID-19, about 29% of the total confirmed cases.

A total of 33,225 people in Wisconsin have tested negative for the disease.

Elsewhere in the area, according to the DHS, the reported totals are: 147 confirmed cases in Kenosha County; 35 in Walworth County; 193 in Waukesha County; and 1,575 in Milwaukee County.

There have been 77 deaths in Milwaukee County, the highest number of all the states 72 counties.

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Christina Lieffring Reporter Christina Lieffring covers the City of Racine and the City of Burlington and is a not-bad photographer. In her spare time she tries to keep her plants and guinea pigs alive and happy. Follow Christina Lieffring 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
The coronavirus is not as invincible as it was presumed. There is no evidence that it has low shielding and may survive using hit and run tactics when invading the host cells.

A group of UK scientists made this breakthrough discovery showing that the COVID-19 can be purged by the immune system, thus, making it possible to develop a cure.

The University of Southampton researchers said it was encouraging, making designer vaccines specific more possible not just drugs in use.

The face of the enemy

To study the virus, the team made a model of the coronavirus which causes COVID-19. It demonstrates how it fools the host cell and enters it.

A coronavirus has spikes on its membrane that sticks to host cells like Velcro. This is also shown in the model.

Professor Max Crispin, lead in the study, explained that the corona spikes have sugar coating called glycans, that infect and evade the anti-bodies while masking the viral proteins. Next stage is getting sick because of the hit and run tactic.

"By coating themselves in sugars, viruses are like a wolf in sheep's clothing. But one of the key findings of our study is that despite how many sugars there are, this coronavirus is not as highly shielded as some other viruses," said Dr Crispin according to Sky News.

Coronavirus is not as resilient when attacked by 'anti-bodies'

Many think-tanks have always thought that coronaviruses are hard to pin down. But apparently, this virus has a soft shell, which was never thought of as a point of attack for vaccines.

No matter how much the spikes are sugar-coated, when cornered they will be eliminated by the immune system. The price pays for a lightly shielded membrane.

Compared to the HIV pathogen, that can stay in a single host, they need to evade the anti-bodies with a dense coat of glycans, and shield it better than the paltry coronavirus.

Also read: How Coronavirus Infection Starts in the Body, Leading to Death

Coronavirus pathogens are hit and run, choosing the weakest host preferably those with weak immune systems.

What makes the coronavirus wicked than any virus discovered is that it jumps from host to host that explains more infection.

The coronavirus has less glycans than an HIV which is the reason why it does a 'hit and run,' meaning it moves from one person to another. Doing this is like an escape for the virus to avoid getting smothered by stronger immune systems.

The research is made possible with special machines provided by philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation with Collaboration for AIDS Vaccine Discovery.

Rumored vaccine coming soon?

Yes, the COVID-19 has taken many lives and an unacceptable number of cases, but that will change. Now that the scientist discovered that its is low shielding and does a 'hit and run' tactic, it shows that there is hope for a better anti-viral concoction.

In action for a coronavirus cure is Johnson & Johnson, one of the world's biggest pharmaceutical companies. The giant company told Sky News a month ago that they have made a anti-COVID-19 vaccines. Best news yet is that it is not for profit and will be available in 2021.

Due to the urgency of needing a working vaccine, the pharma hopes to begin human trials by September, then if all passes it will be rolled out for mass usage for everyone.

Way back in February, the lead in the UK research reported to Sky News that some time has been shaved off in creating a vaccine in weeks not years!

Professor Robin Shattock, head of mucosal infection and immunity at Imperial College London, added that human clinical trials can start summer.

It seems that the coronavirus is now fair game, knowing that it is 'low shielding' with glycans, and it needs to 'hit and run' in order to avoid being killed by the anti-bodies.

Related article: Coronavirus Can Survive in Air and Surfaces, Infecting Victims

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Centre is considering a request made by most states to extend the ongoing nationwide lockdown by two weeks beyond April 14, the government said on Saturday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with chief ministers and told them the focus should be now on ensuring health as well as prosperity of the nation.

During the video-conference with the CMs today, most states requested Prime Minister Modi to extend the lockdown for two more weeks, a government spokesperson said. The Central Government is considering this request.

An official statement about the interaction later said that talking about the exit plan from the lockdown, Modi said there seems to be a consensus amongst the states on extending the lockdown by two weeks.

He underlined that the motto of the government earlier was 'jaan hai to jahaan hai (saving lives)' but now is 'jaan bhi jahaan bhi (saving lives as well as making the country prosperous), the statement said.

There are indications that an extension in the lockdown may come with certain relaxations to boost economic activities. Sources said proposals being considered include diluting the restrictions in areas unaffected by the virus.

The ongoing 21-day nationwide lockdown to contain the COVID-19 crisis is scheduled to end on April 14.

After the interaction, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said the lockdown post April 14 would be different from the ongoing three-week lockdwon.

He said the PM told the chief ministers that the extension of the lockdown was inevitable and guidelines will be issued in a couple of days on its implementation for further 15 days.

According to the statement, during his interaction, Modi, himself wearing a white mask, told the CMs, "While announcing the lockdown, I had said 'jaan hai to jahan hai'... Most people in the country understood it and discharged their responsibilities by remaining indoors. And now it is imperative to focus on both aspects, 'jaan bhi jahan bhi', for India's bright future, and a prosperous and healthy India.

He said if every citizen does his work while keeping both these aspects in mind and follows government instructions, the country's fight against COVID-19 will get further strengthened.

Farmers and industry bodies have sought certain relaxations during the lockdown to carry out necessary activities.

During the video conference with Modi, several chief ministers including Punjab's Amarinder Singh, West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee and Delhi's Arvind Kejriwal suggested extending the lockdown at least by a fortnight.

Odisha and Punjab have already extended the lockdown till April 30 and May 1 respectively.

The CMs also sought financial and fiscal assistance from the Centre to boost their resources in this fight against the pandemic, the statement said.

Reflecting on the fight so far, Modi said that the combined effort of the Centre and the states have helped minimize the impact of COVID-19 on the country.

But as the situation is rapidly evolving, constant vigilance is paramount, the statement said. "He emphasized the criticality of coming 3-4 weeks for determining the impact of the steps taken till now to contain the virus.

The prime minister also used the opportunity to assure the state that India has adequate supplies of essential medicines. He warned against blackmarketing and hoarding.

On the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical professions, the PM said that measures are being taken to ensure availability of protective gear and critical equipment for all frontline workers.

He also condemned the instances of attacks on doctors and medical staff, and misbehavior with students from the North-East and Kashmir.

Modi underlined that such cases need to be dealt with firmly. He also spoke about the need to curb lockdown violations and ensure that social-distancing is followed.

The government has stressed since there is no medicine or vaccine to cure COVID-19, social distancing must be followed to curb its spread.

During the interaction, Modi talked about strengthening healthcare infrastructure and reaching out to patients through telemedicine.

He also suggested that direct marketing of farm produce can be incentivised to prevent crowding at mandis, for which model agriculture produce marketing committee (APMC) laws should be reformed.

The PM also referred to the Aarogya Setu app and spoke about popularising it to ensure downloads in greater numbers.

"Based on those experiences, India has made its own effort through the app which will be an essential tool in India's fight against the pandemic ... He also referred to the possibility of the app being an e-pass which could subsequently facilitate travel from one place to another," the statement said.

Talking about the economic challenges arising out of the health crisis, Modi said it is an opportunity to become self-reliant and turn the nation into an economic powerhouse.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and some senior officials, including from the Union Health Ministry were present during the meet.

The CMs who attended the meeting included Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal), Uddhav Thackeray (Maharashtra), Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), Manohar Lal (Haryana), K Chandrashekhar Rao (Telangana) and Nitish Kumar (Bihar).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In the first part of this article, I related the story of how, as a final year student at the University of Ghana, the late Prof Albert Adu Boahen challenged a British lecturer, who entered the Junior Common Room and angrily switched off the radiogram the students were playing, on the grounds that they were talking, whilst listening to the music.

The British lecturer indignantly demanded that, as a punishment, the two young men should be rusticated by the Master of Akuafo Hall, another Briton called Taylor. That would have been the most serious punishment that could be imposed on a student (and in the particular case of any final-year student, a personal disaster of untold proportions, as three yearrs of study would have ended without a degree).

But when some of the Ghanaian lecturers at Legon heard about the lecturer's demand, they put their foot down and said, No!. Final-year students to be rusticated for merely switching a radiogram back on after it had been switched off? Wasnt that petty?

As it happened, Adu Boahens tutor at Akuafo Hall was Dr Alex Kwapong, the brilliant ex-Cambridge classics scholar, who was later to become Vice-Chancellor of the University. And Thomas Mensahs own tutor was also another classics maestro, the Oxbridge scholar, Lawrence Ofosu-Appiah. These two led others to kick against the expulsion of Boahen and Mensah. And to the chagrin of the two British academics, the Ghanaians' word prevailed .when the issue came before the University authorities.

Now, as I have explained, to have been expelled from the University in their third year would have been a monumental personal disaster for both students. But more important, it would also have altered the course of Ghanas history -- no less! How come?

In 1965, the two friends, now themselves lecturers at the University, again did something extremely courageous  together once more  that could have not only ended their academic careers but possibly, their very lives.

On 4 February 1965, the erudite and highly-respected intellectual and politician, Dr Joseph Boakye Danquah, who had, in conjunction with others, forged the struggle for achieving independence for The Gold Coast from British rule, died at Nsawam Prison.

He was being kept there under the Preventive Detention Act, on the orders of President Kwame Nkrumah, for unspecified acts against national security. It was the second time Danquah had been thus detained without trial.

On this second round of detention, Dr Danquah was kept in solitary confinement in deplorable conditions. He was not given a bed but had to sleep on the floor with only a blanket to lie on. A toilet bucket was kept in the cell. He was only allowed to exercise for about ten minutes each day.

Danquah wrote heart-ending letters to President Nkrumah, describing the horrible conditions under which he was being kept. He pathetically begged Dr Nkrumah to release him so that he could continue to contribute to the intellectual life of Ghana. (This was a tacit indication that he would retire from politics and devote himself to intellectual pursuits, if released.)

In a humiliating admission, Danquah also made it clear to Nkrumah that he was aware that his [Danquahs] wife had been approaching Dr Nkrumah privately on behalf of her husband. His words implied that he was under some sort of mental torture over the nature of the relationship between his hapless wife and Dr Nkrumah.

Apart from mental torture, Dr Danquah also suffered from physical ailments. He was asthmatic, and the close confinement under which he existed , including the constant heat in his narrow cell, worsened his condition. He also sufferred from hyper-tension or high-blood pressure. In other words, at the age of 69, J B Danquah was a man afflicted with old mens afflictions, who could literally drop dead at any moment.

On the morning of 4th February 1965, Dr Danquah came back to his cell from exercising in the prison yard, to discover that the few things he was allowed to keep had been disturbed by a not-quite-so-subtle search. He flew into an apopleptic rage and fired a tirade of words at the warder who was in charge of his cell. Who had ordered his cell to be searched? he demanded to know. Under what legal authority? What was he supposed to have done to deserve to be searched in his absence? What were they planning to charge him with?

In the course of this tirade, Dr Danquah collapsed and fell. Within seconds, he was  dead!.

The announcement of Dr Danquahs death was received in Ghana and elsewhere with total, numbing shock. Danquah, the fighter for Ghanas freedom, had been killed by having his personal freedom stolen by Kwame Nkrumah, a man with whom hed worked against the British imperialists (who had once deprived both men of their freedom? [In 1948])

The realisation dawned on many Ghanaians that the deadly effect of the Preventive Detention Act was leading their country into a very evil order, in that one could not defend oneself when one was accused of crimes under the PDA! What was one supposed to have done? One didn't know. Who had reported one for saying or doing something remisss? Was the "reporting" based on facts? Or malice? Or even on the selfish hope of being rewardedd for imforming on an "enemy of the state"? One wasn't told! The PDA was, thus, one of the most unjust and oppressive laws ever enacted in Ghana.

Danquahs death at Nsawam convinced some people, in fact, that the depths of political misery that Ghana had entered into could soon approach the proportions of the Stalinist era in the Soviet Union or the fascist regimes regimented oppression of Germany. Mr J W K Harlley, Nkrumah's own Inspector-General of Police and the self-confessed instigator of the 1966 coup plot against Nkrumah, stated publicly after the coup that Dr Danquah's death gave them the psychological assurance they needed that any coup against Nkrumah would receive wide support.

Harlley did get the support of Colonel E K Kotoka and Major A A Afrifa of the Ghana Army, who had troops at their command at their base in Kumasi. They struck against Nkrumah on 24 Februaty 1966, when Nkrumah was on his way to Hanoi, North Vietnam, on a peace mission. The rest is history (as they say).

After Dr Danquah's death, his nephew and fellow Big Six detainee, Mr William Ofori Atta (popularly known as Paa Willy) was summoned by Nkrumahs Government and told that Dr Danquahs body would be released to him for burial, provided he signed an undertaking that the body would be buried not later than 6pm the very next day after Danquah's death!

Was this decent? Paa Willie must have wondered. Even relatively obscure people in Ghana were not buried immediately after their deaths, so as to enable close relatives scattered far and wide to be informed, and "proper" arrangements made to give them a fitting send-off. And Dr J B Danquah, who apart from everything, was the younger brother of the most famous chief in Ghana at one time, Nana Sir Ofori Atta The First, Omanhene of Akyem Abuakwa, was to be buried like some commoner -- only 24 hours after his death?

Paa Willie, of course, had no alternative but to accept the Government's conditions. For, as a former detainee of Nkrumah (without trial) he was perfectly aware that the Nkrumah Government was capable of ordering that Dr Danquah should be buried at the cemetery of Nsawam Prison.

The undertaking Paa Willy was made to sign read: QUOTE:

I, William Ofori-Atta, undertake to collect the body of Dr. J. B. Danquah from Nsawam Prison and to take it to Kibi and have it buried at Kibi not later than 6 p.m. on Friday 5th February, 1965. (SIGNED WILLIAM OFORI ATTA) UNQUOTE

This order to bury Danquah within 24 hours was almost as callous as his manner of death itself. It must be emphasised that Danquah, as the brother of the Okyenhene or King of Akyem Abuakwa, was a ROYAL. In Akan culture, such highly-placed ROYALS were not buried immediately after their deaths. Time was given to inform the many WELL-WISHERS OF THE STOOL (in this case, every paramountcy in Ghana!) and invite them to come and pay their re4spects to the dead Royal.

Now, Dr Kwame Nkrumah was himself an Akan, and must have known about these customs. Yet he gave orders that Danquah should be buried like some unknown person!

When news of these callous arrangements reached the Ghanaian public, many people wept with amazement. Oh! Dr Danquah, the Doyen of Gold Coast Politics, whose United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) had invited Kwame Nkrumah to come from London and become its Secretary (a position from which Nkrumah had sprung to form his own Convention Peoples Party (CPP) at the head of which he had become Prime Minister and later President of an Independent Ghana)  this Danquah man was to be denied, in death too, the honour to which he was entitled?

I was editor of the Ghana edition of DRUM Magazine at the time and when I heard that Danquah was to be quietly buried, I decided that the burial would not go unrecorded. I took my very brave photographer, the late Christian Gbagbo, with me to Kyebi and we photographed everything that took place, although we could see that Nkrumahs security personnel were swarming all over the place.

I was impressed by the lack of fear present at the funeral. No-one objected to being photographed by us, despite the oppressive atmosphere created by the known presence of so many secret security personnel.

Unknown to me, the two University people I have mentioned earlier, Dr Thomas Mensah from the Faculty of Law and Dr Albert Adu Boahen of the History Department, had also gone to Kyebi to pay their last respects to Dr Danquah.

Dr Thomas Mensah, his chest bared in the traditional manner whereby pall-bearers of important personages roll the top parts of their cloths down to their waists, was THE LEADING PALL-BEARER!

What? With Nkrumahs security personnel all over the place?

Yes.

I know from personal experience that young boys brought up in Akan villages often have to face situations where they have to repeat to themselves, what their fathers had taught them, namely, that Cbarima wu a, owu dako[A man can only die on one day.]

Thomas Mensah applied this dictum to the days sad situation  as if to say, Hey! Even Dr J B Danquah is dead. Kill me, too, if you like!

Tommy wasnt arrested. Neither was I or my photographer, despite our highly visible coverage of the funeral.

Back in Accra, I smuggled the photographs to London, aware that if they were intercepted at the airport, my luck would have run out. Fortunately, a complete stranger I encountered at the airport, whom I didnt know from Adam, agreed to take them for me, just upon hearing my name. I gave him the telephone number of Drums London office and told him that if he called them from wherever he was, they would send for the parcel. He agreed, without knowing what the parcel contained. This happened in 1965, informers were all over the place! Where do Ghanaians get this generosity of spirit  and sheer bravery  from?

The photographs were held in readiness in London for publication, upon the expected fall of Dr Kwame Nkrumah. We knew it was bound to happen, and it duly occurred, almost exactly one year after Dr Danquah had died at Nsawam Prison; i.e. 24 February 1966.

Now, although Adu Boahen had gone to Kyebi with Thomas Mensah, he had had no idea that Tommy was going to act as a pall-bearer! But since he had travelled together with Tommy, he would no doubt have been arrested with Tommy, had that unfortunate but highly possible eventuality materialised.

Adu must therefore have felt some trepidation when they set off from Kyebi to return to Accra. He would have been within his rights if he had turned to Tommy and said, But you Kontopiaat, you didnt tell me you were going to be a pall-bearer? He didnt.

Knowing Adu, he probably was glowing inside that his friend had demonstrated such courage openly. But it was no joke: funerals were one place where Nkrumahs secret security apparatchiks were charged with compilingd the names of anti-party elements"!

When DRUM published Thomas Mensahs photograph as a pall-bearer after Nkrumahs overthrow, some people wondered how he could have been so foolhardy. What they didnt know was that Adu Boahen, although not photographed, was also in the congregation at the Kyebi Presbyterian Church, where Danquahs funeral rites took place.

Osofo Akufo, the clergyman in charge, began with chilling words that anyone who was present could never forget: Wose Aban se, yennwie bribiara ansa na woabo nnonsia! [They say the Government says that we should finish everything before six oclock!]

Note the concealed contempt in which the Rev Akufo couched

his words! "The Government" was so callous it would go to the extent of dictating to an officiating Priest, the way and manner he should conduct the burial service of a dead man?

We must salute  and emulate  men with the courage of Adu Boahen and Thomas Mensah. Such men are not born every day. So we must celebrate them without restraint.

A fond farrewell to you, brave Thomas Mensah! And to you, once again, Kontopiaat Kwadwo Adu Boahen, author of "The Culture of Silence" lectures without which Ghana would never have been returned to civilian rule in 1992.

Kwadwo, greet your friend, Thomas, with pride. For your two names will for ever  and justifiably  be enshrined in the history of Ghana.

By: Cameron Duodu
A new analysis of nationwide cell phone location data suggests that counties which voted for President Donald Trump in higher proportions are less likely to practice social distancing measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

The analysis, by Princeton sociologist Patrick Sharkey for Vox, also found that attitudes toward climate change are 'one of the strongest and most robust predictors of social distancing behavior.'

In parts of the country, a recalcitrant minority of people continue to openly blow off stay-at-home orders, defiantly congregating for recreational events in the midst of the pandemic that has infected more than 500,000 Americans and killed at least 18,798.

In New Mexico, at least 31 off-road enthusiasts gathered last weekend by the 'Welcome to Las Cruces' sign for a photo, which was posted online with the dismissive remark 'If you got it, you got it,' according to the Las Cruces Sun News.

The average score of the counties is broken into three cohorts in a variety of categories

A 'scorecard' from Unacast shows state and county-level data on how much people have reduced their outdoor movement during the coronavirus pandemic

In New Mexico, at least 31 off-road enthusiasts gathered last weekend by the 'Welcome to Las Cruces' sign for this photo, which drew fury after it was posted to Facebook

Unacast data shows county-level ratings for social distancing in Florida (left) and the results of the 2016 presidential elections (right)

The Facebook post presenting the photographs read: 'Social Distancing Mtherfkers! And if you don't like (it) ur staying hm ok bye!' with emojis simulating hands raising their middle fingers.

New Mexico has been under a statewide stay-at-home order since March 23, currently scheduled to last until the end of April.

According to Sharkey's analysis of location data, 'politics and civic engagement bear a strong relationship to social distancing behavior.'

Sharkey's analysis relies on aggregate location data complied by Unacast, an advertising company that has recently emerged as one of the top sources of information about how much people continue to move about in the pandemic.

Unacast gives each county in the U.S. a letter score of A through F based on how much people have reduced their movement and non-essential travel during the pandemic, with 'F' representing the least change in outdoor movement.

Sharkey used a statistical analysis of the letter grades from Unacast to compare them with other

'Counties with larger populations, with more educated residents, and with higher percentages of white and Hispanic residents tend to receive higher grades on social distancing, while the age structure, the median income, and the unemployment rate are no longer associated with social distancing behavior,' Sharkey writes.

He continues: 'grades fall with the percentage of the county voters who cast a ballot for Trump in 2016.'

A Unacast chart shows the changed in non-essential visits since the pandemic began, with daily new cases in the US shown in grey bars

Unacast data shows county-level ratings for social distancing in California

Unacast data shows county-level ratings for social distancing in New York

Unacast data shows county-level ratings for social distancing in Texas

'Lastly, even after adjusting for all of these other characteristics, counties within the same state where a greater share of residents do not agree that global warming is happening are substantially less likely to change their behavior in response to Covid-19,' Sharkey writes.

Sharkey says his analysis shows that attitudes toward climate change are 'one of the strongest and most robust predictors of social distancing behavior.'

'In the places where residents don't think global warming is real, where they don't believe humans are responsible, where they don't think citizens have a responsibility to act, residents are also failing to change their behavior during the coronavirus crisis,' he writes.

As the crisis continues, cell phone location data is coming to the forefront as a key tool in the battle -- raising privacy concerns and exposing just how much data is being collected on Americans by private advertising and technology companies.

On Friday, Apple and Google announced a joint effort to help public health agencies worldwide use smartphone data to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

New software the companies plan to add to phones would make it easier to use Bluetooth wireless technology to track down people who may have been infected by coronavirus carriers.

Signs displaying directions for maintaining social distancing due to COVID-19 concerns are posted on a New York supermarket as customers wait outside on Friday

The idea is to help national, state and local governments roll out apps for so-called 'contact tracing' that will run on iPhones and Android phones alike.

The technology works by harnessing short-range Bluetooth signals. Using the Apple-Google technology, contact-tracing apps would gather a record of other phones with which they came into close proximity.

Such data can be used to alert others who might have been infected by known carriers of the novel coronavirus, typically when the phones' owners have installed the apps and agreed to share data with public-health authorities.

Developers have already created such apps in countries including Singapore and China to try to contain the pandemic.

In Europe, the Czech Republic says it will release an app after Easter. Britain, Germany and Italy are also developing their own tracing tools.

No such apps have yet been announced in the United States, but Governor Gavin Newsom of California said Friday that state officials have been in touch with the companies as they look ahead at how to reopen and lift stay-at-home orders.
Harvard philosopher Cornel West, a prominent champion of Bernie Sanders' presidential ambitions, defiantly threw his support to the Green Party when Hillary Clinton, a politician he called a "neoliberal disaster," sealed the Democratic nomination in 2016.

Four years later, in a clear sign of all that has changed, West says he will support the probable Democratic nominee Joe Biden as part of an "anti-fascist coalition" against President Donald Trump in November, despite his concerns about the former vice president's ties to "Wall Street and militarism."

"Biden is better than Trump," West said. "There's no doubt about it."

Comments like this have gone a long way in shedding the shell of anxiety and fear that has long enshrouded a Democratic Party still shattered by its unexpected loss to Trump in 2016. In the past month, amid the worst public health crisis in a century, the party has coalesced around a single candidate far earlier than most expected, and set aside many of the divisions that hobbled Clinton in 2016.

The long-feared contested convention has been forestalled. A traditional, cast of thousands party gathering that would have given Biden opponents a nationally televised forum for protest appears less and less likely to occur. Allegations of intraparty rigging that defined 2016 have been largely quarantined in Trump campaign news releases.

Already Sanders and Biden are engaged in mutual public praise that eluded Sanders and Clinton four years ago and delayed his endorsement until July. And for the first time in 16 years, a non-incumbent Democrat has sealed the presidential nomination in early April, providing an extended runway to prepare for the general election.

While party leaders still expect a close election, given Trump's strengths as a candidate, his deep base in core swing states, his significant bankroll and much larger campaign organization, they argue that the dramatic shifts of the last month clearly have placed their party in a stronger position for November.

"There is a presumptive nominee which every other contender for the nomination now acknowledges, and that was not clear like this in 2016," American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten said, echoing the new mood among party leaders. "That gives us months to not only define the stakes but to also define the contrast."

Former senator Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota also expressed confidence about the prospects for party unity, saying the tone she detected from Sanders since his Wednesday departure from the race was markedly different from 2016.

"When you look at this, Senator Sanders immediately coming out and saying Joe Biden's a decent person, a great human being, that's an endorsement I think Secretary Clinton didn't exactly get," said Heitkamp, adding that Democrats have another advantage they lacked in the last election: "What Hillary Clinton didn't have in '16 is she didn't have President Trump. And President Trump may be the single most significant unifying factor in the Democratic Party."

The new advantages enjoyed by Democrats go beyond an end to infighting. The viral outbreak now roiling the country has also refocused the country on health care costs and access, issues that have recently given Democrats an advantage, while Trump's biggest issue edge, the roaring national economy, has evaporated for the moment amid a nearly nationwide shutdown.

Despite the introductory video on the website for new Trump campaign volunteers boasting of a "strong, still growing economy," even some top Republicans increasingly feel that the election is destined to be a referendum on Trump and his handling of the virus, a prospect that makes them nervous given critiques of the administration's crisis management and the dire health and economic consequences many have suffered.

"I think that Trump is at greater risk of losing because the strong economy was a central plank of his argument to reelection," said Dan Eberhart, a prominent Trump donor and oil industry executive. "I think at some point he needs to take a step back from the news conferences and let the scientists talk more and then he needs to find some way to communicate how hard he is trying to get the economy moving again."

Trump's focus on the viral outbreak has also given Democrats an unexpected opportunity to dominate the swing state airwaves in March and April, despite the much-deeper pockets of the Trump campaign, which has decided so far to delay any television offensive against Biden.

Between March 10 and April 10, Democratic super PACs have spent about $6.9 million in televised anti-Trump ads in five swing states - Arizona, Florida, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan - according to a Democrat who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal tracking data. The Trump campaign and its supportive Super PACs have hardly responded, with about $8,000 on the air in North Carolina, according to the same person. Now that Biden is the presumptive nominee, they have announced plans for more spending in the coming months.

Most of the recent Democratic ads have been hitting Trump for his handling of the covid-19 pandemic, while Trump's campaign has responded in recent days with digital ads attacking Biden for his liberal positions on immigration and taxes, and his policy approach to China. Even here, Democrats see an advantage over the Trump operation.

"I do question whether attacks that are so distant from what is the total preoccupation of every American right now will land forcefully," said Jim Margolis, a Democratic admaker in the last four presidential cycles, who expects a close contest in November. "In my view, there is a real question of how they will be successful."

With Biden at the top of the ticket and the crisis upending life across the country, many Democrats are hoping to recreate the model they used to win back the House in the 2018 midterm elections - emphasizing competence and noncontroversial stances and avoiding strident partisanship in swing areas where they believe anger with Trump will carry them to victory.

"Most of my constituents find partisanship right now just completely abhorrent," said freshman Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., who flipped a battleground congressional district in suburban Detroit that is the kind of place Democrats need to win to dislodge Trump. "It feels like partisanship right now is like an arrow in our bodies. It just feels like it is wounding us because that means that people aren't working together the way we need."

Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said the president's team is in a dominant position and has been rapidly expanding in other ways over the last month, with a digital-focused campaign that since March 13 has connected with 276,000 people who are interested in volunteering for Trump. He rejects the notion that the campaign is concerned about Biden as a candidate.

"We never had concerns about him," Murtaugh said. "Watch him perform. Who could be concerned about that?"

Biden's campaign pointed to overwhelming turnout in the primaries, including in states Democrats must win to defeat the president. "Voters believe in Joe Biden's vision for this country, they are energized to beat Donald Trump and they know Joe Biden is the person to do it," said Kate Bedingfield, Biden's deputy campaign manager. "Democrats are ready for this fight."

Though the Republican Party retains an advantage due to the scale of its operation, Democrats have made significant strides in recent years. Juan Penalosa, the executive director of the Florida Democratic Party, says he now has a staff of 104, with 12,000 active volunteers, compared with a staff of 14 and 2,700 volunteers in August 2016. The Wisconsin party has also grown from about 13 staff members in February 2016 to more than 30 in November 2019, which was the last time it released staffing data, according to Philip Shulman, a spokesman for the state's party.

"In a lot of ways the party is in a much stronger position and ready to support Biden than we had in 2016," said Michael Halle, Clinton's battleground analytics director in 2016. "They are in an advantageous position in that they have significantly more time to transition."

Biden also has been moving quickly to try to attract Sanders supporters who remain skeptical of his campaign. On Thursday, Biden unveiled proposals to lower the eligibility age for joining Medicare and to forgive student debt for many Americans, shifting toward the Vermont senator after conversations between their staffs.

Biden credited Sanders for "laying the groundwork for these ideas," and Sanders, in an MSNBC interview, called them a positive step. The senator from Vermont has praised Biden and hinted that a formal endorsement could happen in the near future.

Part of the reason Sanders and Biden are getting along better than Sanders did with Clinton is personal rapport. Sanders has long called Biden a friend - and those close to the two men say they have genuine respect for one another. They are of the same generation - Sanders is 78, Biden is 77 - and briefly overlapped in the Senate. With Clinton, the dynamic was far frostier and less trusting.

Still, some Sanders allies have been less impressed by Biden, and have signaled no intention to back him. Brianha Joy Gray, the national press secretary on the Sanders campaign, speculated on Twitter that party leaders might try to replace Biden on the ticket. RoseAnn DeMoro, a close Sanders friend and former nurses union head, dismissed Biden as someone who has "carried the centrist agenda."

Some Sanders supporters have already moved on, focusing on other causes and races. Chapo Trap House, a left-wing podcast that went on a tour this year to rally voters and organizers for Sanders, has mixed recriminations about the primary with lighthearted episodes making fun of Star Wars sequels.

"You don't have to worry about the presidential election anymore," said Matt Christman, a co-host of the podcast, as he packed a joint during a Thursday live stream. "You can tune it out. You don't have to pay attention about any of this stuff now."

Most Democratic leaders are convinced the threat of defections has been greatly reduced for the current cycle.

Former congressman Steve Israel of New York, who chaired the House Democratic campaign arm, said the party is "light-years ahead" in its efforts to foster unity, compared to four years ago, because of an urgency that didn't exist then.

"Democrats never believed Donald Trump could be elected. So there was room to fight each other. But this is a whole new ballgame," Israel said. "Donald Trump is the best turnout model Democrats have ever had."

Former Senate majority leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., agreed.

"The reason we lost the general election to Mr. Know-it-all was because of Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton - there was some Clinton fatigue out there and that just never coalesced the way we wanted it to," Reid said, suggesting the former vice president will be more successful than Hillary Clinton in propelling Democrats to vote for him. "Biden is the pick that Trump hates more than anything."
SUNDA Company Limited, a Chinese industrial company has joined the battle against Covid-19 by donating several boxes of assorted soaps and detergents to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in response to the coronavirus epidemic.



Medical soaps, cake soaps, wipes, washing powders and other detergents were among items handed over to the management of KATH to help tackle the respiratory disease that has brought the world to a standstill, taking a noticeable hit on business, social and religious activities.



Managing Director of the company, Patrick Zhang said the company would do its bit to support efforts to fight the Covid-19, and pledged that the company would always stand by the government to contain and deal with the spread of the virus as its corporate social responsibility.



According to the Sunda MD, even though business activities in Kumasi and Accra may have stopped temporarily, the company remains an important part of the local communities, and will do all it can to support doctors and community workers, until the battle is won against the virus.



The Chief Executive Officer of KATH, Dr. Oheneba Owusu Danso, who received the items, expressed gratitude to the management of the Sunda.



He said the items, valued at GH30,000, would go a long way to enhance the hands washing measures at the hospital.



He called on other corporate organisations to emulate the gesture of Sunda Company since the fight against Covid-19 is a collective one.



Dr Owusu Danso receiving the items from Patrick Zhang.

Source: Ernest Kofi Adu









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Featured Video
China-made VT-4 MBT delivered to Nigeria

PLA Daily

Source: China Military Online

Editor: Wang Xinjuan

2020-04-10 22:11:01

By Wang Shichun

BEIJING, Apr. 10 -- The first batch of 17 military vehicles consisting of VT-4 main battle tanks (MBT), ST-1 wheeled tank destroyer and two types of self-propelled howitzers bought by the Nigerian Army (NA) from the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) arrived at the Apapa Ports on April 8, 2020. The NA made this emergency purchase to strike Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) in northern Nigeria.

The VT-4 MBT is a third-generation main battle tank built by the NORINCO for export. It uses CH1000B hydro-mechanical drive system, 125 mm smoothbore gun, FY-4 reactive armor, and 1,300hp engine. The tank has strong maneuverability, good protection performance, and strong firepower. It has been exported to Thailand and won recognition of the Thai Royal Army.

The NA's Chief of Policy and Plans (CPPLANS) Lieutenant General Lamidi Adeosun said that Nigeria and the NORINCO signed a package contract last year. Nigeria has become the first country in the region to own advanced tanks and is now fully prepared for the use and maintenance of the vehicles. The Nigerian soldiers who will operate the tanks have been trained in China. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese instructors who originally planned to travel to Nigeria for further operation training are yet to be put into place for the time being.



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Some readers walking the quays in Arklow, the Murrough or Brittas Bay got a lovely surprise recently thanks to a local writer.

Arklow-based Adele O'Neill decided to leave copies of her latest book in walking spots in Arklow, Wicklow Town and Brittas Bay recently for walkers to take home and enjoy.

Speaking to this paper, Adele said, 'I was getting calls from people asking if I had any books. But, I didn't have enough to give to all of the people who were asking. I knew people were out walking and I thought it would a surprise that would brighten someone's day. Also, it was around Mother's Day and some people couldn't go out and shop for their mums as they normally would. I wanted to do something nice to show that we are all in this together.

'It was a small gift from me to them as a thank you to the town which has always been so supportive. I'd also received news that my third book 'When the Time Comes' had reached number one in Australia.'

The best-selling writer wrapped up copies of her books in plastic with a short message and dropped them at locations around Arklow, Wicklow Town and Brittas Bay,

The response was 'phenomenal. People were contacting me through social media and sharing pictures of the books. It was lovely to see people needed that connection.'

The book drop proved to be so popular that 'as I put one down at Brittas Bay, someone would pick it up and I didn't have enough left to go to Greystones and Gorey as I'd planned.'

Instead, Adele asked people to nominate frontline workers to receive one of the last ten books.

'My sister works in the ambulance service and I'm conscious of the sacrifices they are making.

People nominated staff working in pharmacies, nurses, shops, and some people who are self isolating. I selected ten names and delivered the books, leaving them on the doorsteps.

'All of the books were brand new. I followed all HSE guidelines when delivering them. I was very conscious when leaving the books that they did not look like litter. I also went back the next day to every location to check that nothing had been left behind.

Adele, who is in the early stages of writing her fourth novel said, 'it was about connecting with readers in the community. It's a small way of giving back.'
Fifty years ago today (April 11), three astronauts launched to space, poised to be the next humans to walk on the moon. But things didn't exactly go according to plan.

Famously described as a "successful failure," the Apollo 13 mission almost ended in complete and utter disaster. However, while the astronauts never made it to the moon's surface, their very survival serves as a testament to the human spirit and incredible ingenuity.

"Our goal 50 years ago was to save our valiant crew after sending them around the moon and return them safely to Earth," NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said in a statement . "Our goal now is to return to the moon to stay, in a sustainable way. We are working hard to ensure that we don't need to respond to this kind of emergency in Artemis, but to be ready to respond to any problems we don't anticipate."

(Artemis is NASA's current program of crewed lunar exploration, which aims to land the first woman and the next man on the moon in 2024.)

Related: See Apollo 13 as it happened with Apollo 13 in Real Time

The crewmembers of the Apollo 13 mission, step aboard the USS Iwo Jima recovery ship after successfully surviving their journey around the moon and splashing down in the Pacific ocean. (Image credit: NASA)

At 2:13 p.m. EST (1813 GMT) on April 11, 1970, commander James "Jim" Lovell , command module pilot John "Jack" Swigert and lunar module pilot Fred Haise took off without a hitch from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The astronauts were on their way to the moon. But about 56 hours into the mission, things went seriously awry.

The crew, who had just finished a television broadcast from aboard the command module, nicknamed Odyssey, noticed a slight drop in cabin pressure. Swigert went to see what was going on and check on the service module's oxygen tanks.

The crew heard a loud bang coming from outside and Swigert uttered the famous line: "Okay Houston, we've had a problem here."

Apollo 13 timeline: The hectic days of NASA's 'successful failure' to the moon

Jack R. Lousma, the mission's communication link between the astronauts and flight controllers (the "CAPCOM"), asked the crew to repeat the transmission, and Lovell responded: "Uh, Houston, we've had a problem." (The phrase is often remembered as "Houston, we have a problem," but that line was just some movie magic from actor Tom Hanks, who played Lovell in the film "Apollo 13.")

It turned out that electrical shorts in the fan circuit in cryogenic oxygen tank 2 ignited wire insulation, causing the tank to heat up and become pressurized, eventually exploding. The tank explosion was so intense that it blasted off a chunk of the service module. As a result of this explosion, power and oxygen quickly started to drop and, all of a sudden, things were a matter of life or death.

Celebrate Apollo 13 at 50: Watch NASA's 'Home Safe' documentary and more

After an explosion crippled the spacecraft, the three astronauts had to fight to make their way back to Earth. (Image credit: By Karl Tate, Infographics Artist)

The possibility of a moon landing quickly fell out of focus as the astronauts and NASA ground crew had to immediately start brainstorming and working together to save the astronaut's lives. They decided to power down the crew module, as they would need to preserve it for re-entry, and they evacuated to the lunar module, nicknamed Aquarius, and used it as a "lifeboat" out in space.

They planned to travel around the far side of the moon and use the moon's orbit as a "slingshot" to help them get back to Earth. Mission Control was concerned that, if they were to instead just turn around and head straight back, their engine (they weren't sure how damaged it was) might not be able to make it.

But Aquarius was only meant to carry two astronauts down to the lunar surface and back, and now it was carting three grown men around the far side of the moon. This posed a number of issues as, not only were the astronauts cramped, they noticed that carbon dioxide levels were starting to rise in the air.

Lithium hydroxide canisters aboard both the lunar module and the command module were designed to "scrub" or remove carbon dioxide from the air. But the canisters on Aquarius couldn't handle the extra carbon dioxide from a third passenger. The crew acted quickly, grabbing other canisters from the command module, but those canisters were a different shape and didn't quite fit into the air filtration system aboard Aquarius.

But the crew needed to make it work, so they used things including spacesuit hoses, plastic bags and duct tape. Eventually, they got the canisters from the command module to fit in Aquarius. And, voila: a do-it-yourself air filtration system.

About an hour before they reentered Earth's atmosphere, the team jettisoned the lunar module, saying goodbye to the capsule that kept them alive during their unbelievable journey around the moon.

After bidding adieu to Aquarius, the crew buckled into Odyssey and prepared for an intense re-entry and descent. Ionized air around the module created a complete communication blackout for over four minutes as the craft was descending. NASA still thought that there could be an issue with the craft's parachutes or shields and was anxiously waiting to hear from the astronauts.

So, when the crew finally re-established contact with NASA and let them know that they'd splashed down safely and successfully in the Pacific Ocean on April 17, everyone breathed a heavy sigh of relief.

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YEREVAN, APRIL 11, ARMENPRESS. The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously transformed a number of sectors of daily activities, however, each challenge is also first of all an opportunity. ARMENPRESS had an exclusive interview with Dr. Yervant Zorian, Chief Architect and Fellow at Synopsys, President of Synopsys Armenia, the founder of the Armenian Virtual College about remote learning, personal development and the changed reality.

Dr. Zorian, how did you come up with such an interesting and useful idea of creating the AVC Learning Zone?

The Learning Zone is a new offering by AGBU Armenian Virtual College (AVC) designed to turn each day into a journey of learning, discovering and making friends, while staying home. The idea appeared naturally once the government of Armenia and other countries announced school closures and the shelter in place mode. We thought that it should be our responsibility to reuse our valuable resources in a new format to allow online education and collaboration that would keep people happy and busy while staying home.

Earlier in March, AGBU AVC was invited to participate in working group discussions initiated by the Armenian Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport. As an educational institution with over 10 years of experience in online education, AVC immediately took the action to redeploy AVCs unique capabilities to meet the immediate needs of our Armenian communities during this global covid19 pandemic. So, we launched the AVC Learning Zone initiative on March 26, free for all participants.

With a primary goal of encouraging self-education during this crisis and allowing discoveries in a way that is actually exciting and fun, the Learning Zone offers daily themes covering interesting aspects of Armenian heritage and identity, which includes Armenian culture, language, history, religion, architecture, cuisine, and chess. These daily topics are mostly derived from AVCs interactive eBooks, multimedia courses and virtual tours, and are made available in seven languages: Eastern and Western Armenian, English, French, Russian, Spanish and Turkish. The Learning Zone also offers opportunities to collaborate among the participants, through interactive daily meetup sessions, forums, group projects, and other activities to create virtual social communication among participants worldwide. Its noteworthy that the Learning Zone was publicly endorsed by the Armenian Minister of Education Arayik Harutyunyan and supported by the Diaspora communities and prominent people of Armenian descent around the globe.

Dr. Zorian, a few days ago the AVC Learning Zone hosted a masterclass with the Armenian Chess Champion of 2017 Hovhannes Gabuzyan. What made that event so special? What were the advantages of the online masterclass?

Indeed, as the meetup session for yesterdays daily theme on chess, AVC Learning Zone in cooperation with the Armenian Chess Federation hosted an online masterclass with the Armenian Chess Champion of 2017 Grandmaster Hovhannes Gabuzyan, as the Chess is a key element of our Armenian heritage, therefore we decided to pay a special tribute to it.

What was special about the online event is that it allowed anyone interested in chess to join a free online class via Zoom with a professional chess player who could answer all the questions in real-time. Its important to note that the masterclass was held in multiple instruction languages therefore it was available for a wide audience. We were pleased to see a great interest in chess among the AVC Learning Zone, especially the young generation. Given the high demand for chess classes, AVC plans to offer new online chess sessions with Armenian champions.

Dr. Zorian, could you please tell us how to register and attend these sessions?

Registering at the AVC Learning Zone is very easy, you simply visit our website www.avc-agbu.org, choose your language and sign up, of course, free of charge. In case you need further instructions, see our video guides posted on our web site, social media pages, Facebook, YouTube, etc., or just contact our IT help.

AVC Learning Zone has been functioning for two weeks already. How would you evaluate its progress?

Ever since its launch, the AVC Learning Zone is becoming more popular day over day. We are happy to witness very positive interactions. Its so overwhelming seeing how the public benefits from using the Learning Zone, which is a product of combining the advantages of multimedia digital technologies and interactive collaboration. In addition, the enrollment to our regular quarterly courses, I mean the current AVC Spring Term, has attracted three times more students than our average. Also, it is worth mentioning that AGBU offers several other digital educational resources, including learning applications for children, concise web talks on a variety of topics, and most importantly the Atlas platform, which contains a wide range of curated digital educational resources from a variety of providers.

Dr. Zorian, you perfectly combine the roles of a Fellow and Chief Architect at the #1EDA company Synopsys and the President of Synopsys Armenia. At the same time, you exemplify the devoted Armenian patriot who initiates and puts into action numerous projects that contribute to the prosperity of Armenian and preservation of the Armenian identity How do you manage to do that?

Thats a difficult question to answer (smiling). But I will try to formulate it in a simple way - I do love what I do. On the one hand, Science and engineering are my passion, and as a fellow and chief architect at Synopsys, I enjoy working with my US and Armenia teams to bring into market new innovative products that help make our surrounding smarter, safer and more secure. As the President of Synopsys Armenia, I am responsible for driving R&D activities in Armenia that support Synopsys strategy to maintain its leadership in microelectronics. On the other hand, it gives me pleasure to contribute to the prosperity of Armenia, via supporting the IT industry and pushing the technological innovation in Armenia to the next level. And this objective is quite accomplishable by cooperating with academia, government, and the business community.

The rest of my other initiatives are also meant to serve my nation by boosting the Armenian identity in Diaspora and strengthening the prosperity of the homeland, which are the precisely the objectives of AGBU  with this, I just continue my familys tradition to perform my responsibilities through this dedicated global organization.

I think every Armenian around the globe should do his/her best, and we can only do so by staying connected and merging our efforts and resources. In order to keep Armenians connected, last fall together with Serj Tankian, Eric Esrailian and Alexis Ohanian, we co-founded a new pan-Armenian platform called HyeConnect.

That same year during the visit of the Prime Minister to Silicon Valley, I was very pleased to sign an agreement on behalf of AGBU Silicon Valley with the Minister of HighTech Industry, launching the Armenian Virtual Bridge program to proactively support the Armenian IT startups by providing them incubation and acceleration periods in Silicon Valley. This new partnership between AGBU and the Armenian government will formalize, support and expand what we have been already doing as AGBU Silicon Valley for many years.

In 2019, we also launched an Armenian branch of IEEE Computer Society. IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organization for the advancement of technology. As an organization that fosters technological innovation and excellence, it gives a great opportunity for Armenian professionals to be integrated into the worldwide community and help to better contribute to the advancement of the high tech industry of Armenia, as well as raising its visibility on a global scale.

Beyond the abovementioned achievements, is there any dream, which for some reason you couldnt fulfill or havent fulfilled yet?

I believe that education is the means to prosperity. I am dreaming of a day when every school in Armenia including rural villages will be fully equipped with state-of-the-art interactive and immersive online learning solutions, of course with their corresponding infrastructure, so our kids will have access to first-class education and thus allow the best chances of prosperity as a nation.

Interview by Gayane Markosyan
(Natural News) A Louisiana pastor who apparently has no regard for the well-being of his congregants and community has vowed to press ahead with his plans to hold Easter services for 1,000 people, and some other churches around the country have similar risky plans in the works.

Tony Spell of Life Tabernacle Church in Baton Rouge is refusing to stop church service despite Louisianas ban on holding public gatherings. The same pastor was arrested and charged with six misdemeanors for holding services in March. On that occasion, hundreds of worshippers were brought to the church on 26 buses.

Spell told reporters: They would rather come to church and worship like free people than live like prisoners in their homes. He also claimed that people have nothing to fear, even as 13,000 people in the state were infected with the virus and 477 people and counting had died from it at the time.

He also said that true Christians do not mind dying, which is exactly what could happen if even one person in the congregation is carrying the disease and spreads it to others who are present.

When asked why he doesnt do the responsible thing and post videos of virtual services using apps like Zoom as many other churches are doing, he responded that he believes it doesnt work.

Of course, streaming Easter services also means the collection plate will come up empty, which many people think may be a motivating factor in his insistence on holding in-person services.

Other churches are also challenging virus restrictions. A church in Statesboro, Georgia, that packed 30 people into a small building on Palm Sunday and drew a visit from state troopers says it will proceed with its usual Easter worship as well.

On Palm Sunday, troopers found that the congregation was not following social distancing, with many people hugging and shaking the pastors hand. The pastor was issued a warning and told to hold services in the parking lot, but when troopers returned that evening, they found him holding another indoor service where people were standing close together. He was cited on a misdemeanor charge of reckless conduct.

At Houstons Glorious Way Church, Reverend John Greiner, who had initially moved his services online in light of his countys limit on big gatherings, has since said his congregation will have in-person services for Easter, saying: We cant do what God called us to do on livestream.

The church rearranged its seating so people can keep six feet or more between them, reducing their capacity from 1,000 to around 100, and they will hold two services.

Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has exempted religious services from the stay-at-home order he issued this month. He said those who do attend such services must maintain social distancing.

Common sense prevailing in some areas

Others are taking a more rational approach. Pope Francis will be celebrating Easter Mass in front of an empty St. Peters Basilica, while the traditional Easter sermon in the UK will be delivered by the Archbishop of Canterbury via video this year.

One Methodist reverend told the AP that religious gatherings are breeding grounds for the virus and called holding services in person reckless. He pointed out that loving our neighbors as ourselves does not include putting our neighbors lives in jeopardy.

Church services on one of the holiest days of the year are just one of many new challenges were facing in light of the coronavirus crisis, but sometimes its necessary for everyone to make some sacrifices for the greater good. If everyone could stay at home and take advantage of the many religious services being offered online and on TV, it could potentially save countless lives.

Sources for this article include:

The-Sun.com

Reuters.com

USNews.com

TheHill.com
April 10, 2020

News

By Thomas Brading , Army News Service

Defense.gov

25,000 'Soldiers for Life' Respond to Nation's Call

As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, many civilian medical providers' capabilities are being stretched thin. To help fill this gap, the Army has deployed its own medical professionals to the field and is now calling on former soldiers to join the battle.

Last month, the Army reached out to about 800,000 retired "gray-area" and Individual Ready Reserve soldiers, asking them to join the response effort.

So far, roughly 25,000 from numerous backgrounds have volunteered to rejoin the Army team, said Brig. Gen. Twanda E. Young, U.S. Army Human Resources Command deputy commanding general and reserve personnel management director at Fort Knox, Ky.

Many nonmedical respondents volunteered through the command's website, Young said. Once screened, qualified individuals will provide additional capabilities to support the COVID-19 pandemic response, she said.

"This effort seems very simplistic  soldiers volunteer and we just bring them back on active duty  but it requires a specialized team of professionals knowledgeable in reserve policy, which the reserve personnel management directorate provides," Young said.

This is a herculean effort, she added. "We understand the urgency," she said, "thus, we are working multiple shifts to sift through screening volunteers to get them at the point of need."

Soldiers who are currently licensed in medical fields are preferred, but Army officials are encouraging all soldiers to step up in the fight against COVID-19.

"Army health care providers are heroes in the fight against COVID-19. Protecting our citizens from the novel coronavirus requires a vital call to action, and we need the help of many of our retired or recently separated medical professionals," Army officials stated in a news release.

However, the Army doesn't plan to mobilize veterans currently in medical jobs, Young said.

"If individuals are already serving in their local communities, we are proud of their service, and want them to continue serving in those communities, as this effort is not to detract from current community support, but to enhance it," she said.

Potential volunteers may include medical students, retired doctors, or former soldiers not involved in the medical community. Key medical military occupational specialties needed include critical care nurses, anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, critical care nurses, nurse practitioners, emergency room nurses and respiratory specialists, Young said. Who is accepted and where they will go is decided case by case, depending on the Army's needs of the Army, she added.

Although 25,000 former soldiers have stepped up to the plate so far, Young said, she expects that number to continue to increase as more people reach out every day.

"When we talk about someone being a soldier for life, I don't think you can get any better example than these individuals," she said. "These soldiers are willing to rejoin the team and continue to serve."

After HRC receives volunteer requests, officials sift through and validate initial requests, then sort them by specialty, Young said. The duration of the orders is open-ended.

"These are individuals who are putting their lives on hold," Young said. "Even though we want to get them on as quickly as possible, we have to take into consideration they must get life affairs straight and give them the necessary time."

After combing through volunteers' credentials, the next step is matching them to what the Army needs, then getting the volunteers on orders, Young said.

The vetting process works like a funnel, Young said, and filters the volunteers into smaller numbers based on their credentials, requirements, background checks and capabilities. Occasionally, "life happens," and some qualified volunteers are unable to commit to the Army's requirements.

The goal is to get volunteers on-board quickly so the Army can get them to the places where their skills, expertise and knowledge are needed the most, Young said.

"Requirements are changing for what is needed," she said. "When we talk to soldiers and explain that we are looking to bring them on, we caveat that statement by ensuring they understand this is at the point of what the Army needs, and acceptance to be recalled is voluntary."

Individuals who don't volunteer are no less of a soldier for life, Young said. "Our word is that we will take care of soldiers and make sure that they and their families are taken care of," the general added.

These soldiers have gone through the gauntlet, she said, and the Army is proud of their service. They are skilled to operate in some very uncertain and complex times.

"It makes me proud to be a soldier  not just a general officer  but a soldier in America's Army, to see the level of commitment and dedication of those currently serving and those who have served, and their willingness to rejoin the team," Young said.

Soldiers who are interested should provide their information using the COVID-19 voluntary recall survey on the HRC website.

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KAMPALA  The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Sam Kutesa, on Saturday, April 11, 2020 met with the Ambassador of China to Uganda, Mr Zheng Zhuqiang, on the matter regarding the situation of Ugandans in China.

Mr Kutesa urged the Chinese government to intervene and stop the harassment of Ugandans in the country amid the ongoing lockdown over coronavirus.

The Ambassador promised to intervene in the matter. The meeting was attended by Ugandas envoy to China Chrispus Kiyonga and Ambassador Patrick Mugoya, the PS Foreign Affairs.

As China eases limits on the movement of people, a dark side is emerging from its numerous cities, where residents of African descent have been kicked out of apartments on accusations of spreading the virus.

Videos posted online showed scores of young African immigrants sleeping on pavements and backstreets, while photos showed signs barring foreigners from shopping in retail outlets.

A Kenyan student in Guangdong told Kenyas Saturday Nation that attacks on African immigrants have persisted under the collective nose of Chinese authorities for two weeks now.

Mr William Zhuo, chairman of the Kenya Chinese Chamber of Commerce, told the Saturday Nation that as a member of the Chinese community living in Kenya, he is concerned and saddened by reports of the harassment of Kenyans.

Related
The first influx of federal stimulus funds will do little to address growing coronavirus costs facing colleges and universities in the Capital Region, which have begun issuing refunds on room and board to students sent home for the term to prevent the spread of COVID-19, school officials say.

Before the health crisis hit New York, many private colleges and universities were already struggling with declining enrollment, a result of demographic changes and soaring tuition costs.

The institutions are now under pressure to reimburse students for unused meal plans and housing costs, a major source of revenue for upstate colleges, and school officials are beginning to look for efficiencies, including cancellation of summer events and travel and furloughs as a way to recoup millions of dollars in losses caused by the pandemic.

At Union College, where all but 60 of 2,200 students have left the Schenectady campus, refunds for room and board for the third trimester of the academic year will cost the college $7 million.

College officials in general are also concerned about a decline in enrollment and endowment donations due to the economic downturn.

"Right now we are just getting through the day and we are turning increasingly to the scenario planning," Union President David R. Harris said Tuesday. "We are not in a position where we have huge surpluses right now."

To help mitigate the gap, Union College officials have furloughed 274 employees, most of them hourly workers and those whose jobs cannot be performed remotely, a decision prompted in part by the unemployment supplement in the federal CARES Act, which ensures that most of those workers will be able to maintain their full pay during the furlough period.

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There also will be no salary increases for the 2020-21 fiscal year and the college will freeze all staff and faculty hiring for the remainder of the year, Harris said.

These steps will only make up about $1.5 million of the lost revenue from room and board. Union College charges as much as $4,500 in room and board fees per student for each term, according to the college's website.

The $2 trillion federal CARES Act, signed into law on March 27, distributes $920 million among 390 higher education institutions in New York, with half of the funds intended to go directly to students.

Union College, for example, is expected to receive $1.1 million in relief funds, with $580,ooo of that sum earmarked for student grants.

According to the Commission on Independent Colleges & Universities (CICU), which lobbies for more than 100 independent colleges and universities in New York state, it is still unclear if any portion of the college aid can be used for room-and-board refunds.

"In a lot of (tuition) contracts, schools don't have an obligation to reimburse room and board; they are doing it even though it puts them in immediate financial stress," CICU President Mary Beth Labate said.

Even if schools do use the funds for reimbursements, the aid package only accounts for a "fraction" of losses and new expenses incurred by higher education institutions due to the pandemic, she added.

The COVID-19 outbreak dealt an immediate financial blow to educational institutions in the state. In mid-March, colleges began working to bring students home prematurely from study-abroad programs in hard-hit countries and disinfecting facilities, before making the difficult decision to shut down campus life for the remainder of the school year.

"We are hoping the next round of funding will be more and it will be more flexible," Labate said. "Helping our bottom line helps students be successful."

The CARES Act directs more aid to colleges that serve a greater number of low-income students, but the relief grants are available to any student with coronavirus-related expenses regardless of family income.

Students can receive cash grants for course materials and technology as well as food, housing, health care, and childcare, according to guidance from the U.S. Department of Education.

The formula breaks down to about $1,400 per Pell Grant student and $200 per non-Pell student, based on 2018-19 data, according to the bond-rating firm Fitch Ratings.

The financially troubled College of Saint Rose was one of the first colleges to offer prorated room and board credits or refunds to 1,100 students who lived on campus based on when they left campus. The Albany liberal arts school is also refunding 50 percent of lab fees for students who have been sent home due to the pandemic.

Saint Rose expects to credit about $3.1 million to 1,189 students for room charges and unused meal plans. Before COVID-19 swept through New York, the college was facing a $10 million operational budget deficit.

Saint Rose's estimated funding from the CARES Act is close to $3.5 million, with half of the funds directed to students' needs.

The college is still evaluating the short- and long-term impact of the pandemic and no decision has been made regarding nonessential personnel, according to Saint Rose spokeswoman Jennifer Gish.

"We have pledged to pay our employees through April 19, the period during which the state initially asked us to limit the number of people working on campus to essential personnel," she said in an email. "There are employees who through no fault of their own, are not able to do the jobs they were hired to do because there are very few resident students on campus, and no events or classes are being held on campus due to the states social distancing directives in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19."

Some schools have released few details on how or when students might be reimbursed for room and board fees, including Loudonville's Siena College.

"Siena College is currently working through the room and board compensation process and we expect to have the details finalized shortly," spokeswoman Lisa Witkowski said. "Since each students individual circumstances are different, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution."

The college is reviewing its budget to determine the overall short-term and long-term impact of the coronavirus pandemic and make fiscal adjustments as needed, she said.

Russell Sage College, which was struggling financially before the crisis, was vague about refunds for room-and-board on its coronavirus site.

"The College will be fair and equitable in considering the financial impact on students and make adjustments when the extent of changes to our schedules and operations are known," officials wrote. "Right now, the focus is on the immediate health and well-being of our students and community members."

The school, which has campuses in Albany and Troy, will receive $1.7 million from the federal aid package.

Skidmore is providing pro-rated room and board refunds that are expected to total more than $4 million. The 2,600-student Saratoga County school is expected to receive $1.6 million in stimulus funds.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy on Tuesday confirmed that students would receive credits on housing and food plans for the upcoming semester. The school, which serves nearly 8,000 students, stands to gain $4.8 million in relief aid from the CARES Act.

Curtis Powell, vice president of human resources at RPI, said no furloughs have been implemented, but Rensselaer has taken proactive steps to ensure the ongoing fiscal health of the Institute during this unprecedented time, including eliminating travel and events-related budgets."

University at Albany, which enrolls close to 18,000 students, will receive $16 million in relief funds from the CARES Act.

The SUNY school has yet to fully assess the financial impact of COVID-19 or room and board reimbursements, but no UAlbany employees have been laid off or furloughed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and there are currently no conversations to that effect, according to college spokesman Jordan Carleo-Evangelist.

The food service company contracted with UAlbany, Sodexo, has laid off some workers.

"Whatever the ultimate dollar amount, we immediately recognized that we needed to do everything we could to support our students and their families during what for many of them may turn out to be difficult times in the months ahead," Carleo-Evangelist said. "Our end goal is to see them all back on campus as soon as safely possible."
Police in Salt Lake, a satellite town of Kolkata, launched a round-the-clock vehicles-on-call service on Saturday to help senior citizens and challenged persons amid the ongoing 21-day nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak.

At least five vehicles will operate round-the-clock in Bidhannagar (Salt Lake) from 11.30am on Saturday. These vehicles have been named Sahayak Jan, as they would help senior citizens, challenged people and anyone in distress within Bidhannagar, said a senior officer of Bidhannagar Police.

Click here for the complete coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic

A vehicle can be booked free of cost by calling the control room number (+916291606161). The global positioning system-enabled vehicles offer a pick-and-drop service to a commuter.

The vehicles will largely cater to those who need to buy groceries, medicine, and other essential commodities, the official said.

Bengal government is also exploring the option of launching a cab service in Kolkata amid the lockdown to help alleviate peoples commuting woes to buy essential commodities.

Click here for the latest updates from the coronavirus outbreak

Some cabs can be stationed at specific locations of the city. The vehicles, which will be allowed to ferry only three persons at a time, can be used to deliver food and medicines, Mamata Banerjee, Bengal chief minister, said.

A senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer has been entrusted with the responsibility to work out the feasibility of the proposed cab service.

Kolkata Polices Pranam initiative also helps senior citizens during emergencies. Non-resident Indians from Kolkata, who are worried about their ageing parents, can leave a message or call the Kolkata Police and their concerns will be addressed soon.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Joydeep Thakur Joydeep Thakur is a Special Correspondent based in Kolkata. He focuses on science, environment, wildlife, agriculture and other related issues. ...view detail
By West Kentucky Star Staff Apr. 10, 2020 | 10:24 PM | FRANKFORT





Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary, Jim Gray, has extended an existing emergency order that places a temporary freeze on commercial drivers delivering goods and services that are crucial to COVID-19 relief.







The order is part of Governor Andy Beshear's effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Gray's original order would have expired at midnight on Sunday.







"Our Cabinet is pleased to play a part in ensuring needed supplies get to Kentuckians and neighboring states as quickly as possible in the interest of public health and safety," said Gray.







In addition, the order allows the Transportation Department of Vehicle Regulation to waive permit fees for overweight and over-dimensional vehicles. Although, to ensure the safety of the public, carriers must comply with safety requirements and they must have a copy of the order in their truck cab if operating under the authority of the order.







You can see a copy of the emergency order at the link below.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has extended an emergency order that lifts regulation on commercial drivers.

On the Net:
BLOOMINGTON  McLean County Health Department will release "minimal" information about COVID-19 cases to first responders so they can put on personal protective equipment before responding to calls involving a person who has tested positive for the virus.

The development was shared by department Administrator Jessica McKnight during Friday's McLean County Health Department media briefing.

McKnight also announced that six additional McLean County residents have confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the county's total number of people who have tested positive to 75. She said about 780 McLean County residents have been tested overall.

Of the 75, 40 have recovered, 29 are at home in isolation, and four are hospitalized, with one in an intensive care unit. A man and a woman, both in their 70s, died in March.

"We're seeing about an average number (of new positive test results) the past couple of days," McKnight said.

"Are we at our peak yet?" she said. "It's too soon to tell."

Meanwhile, LaSalle County Health Department confirmed three additional cases in that county. A man in his 40s and two men in their 70s are recovering in isolation, that county's health department said.

Twenty LaSalle County residents have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Statewide, Illinois Department of Public Health announced 1,465 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday and 68 additional deaths. As of Friday, statewide, 17,887 people have had the virus and 596 have died.

Regarding the sharing of case information in McLean County, McKnight did not say what information would be shared with Metro McLean County Centralized Communications Center (Metcom) and city of Bloomington dispatch center, but it will not include names and dates of birth.

"It's the minimal amount of information," McKnight said.

During Wednesday night's McLean County Board of Health meeting, McKnight and board members discussed, at the request of law enforcement agencies, whether to release addresses to county and city dispatchers. Metcom handles police, fire and EMS calls for McLean County outside of Bloomington, which operates its own dispatch center.

McKnight said the agreement with the state's attorney's office provides information to dispatchers so first responders can reduce their risk of contracting the virus while protecting the confidentiality of patients.

"I applaud the health department," McLean County State's Attorney Don Knapp said of the agreement. He said the move protects first responders and personal health information.

Disclosing protected health information of a person who has COVID-19, or has been exposed to the virus, to law enforcement, paramedics, other first responders and public health authorities without the person's authorization is permitted under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) under certain circumstances, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights.

COVID-19 drive-through testing continues 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week, through May 30, at the McLean County Fairgrounds, 1106 Interstate Drive, Bloomington, for Illinois residents. McLean County Health Department and Emergency Management Agency announced Thursday that testing qualifications had been broadened to any health care worker or first responder with or without COVID-19 symptoms and for anyone else age 16 and older with symptoms (shortness of breath, fever and/or cough).

As of Thursday night, about 1,366 people had been tested at the site, which is open to anyone in the state, since it opened March 28.

People who experience mild COVID-19 symptoms are advised to stay home, then call their health care provider if their symptoms worsen. About 80 percent of people with COVID-19 experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover after about two weeks of home isolation and treating their symptoms.

Contact Paul Swiech at 309-820-3275. Follow him on Twitter: @pg_swiech.

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Singapore has expressed gratitude to India for facilitating evacuation of its 699 residents, who returned home on special chartered flights on Friday and Saturday.

The Singapore High Commission in New Delhi, Singapore Consulate-General in Mumbai, and the Singapore Consulate-General in Chennai coordinated the evacuation and ground operations in India.

Due to the national lockdown across India, many of the Singapore residents had to travel from surrounding states to reach the airports in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai where the chartered flights operated.

The Singapore Government would like to express gratitude to the Indian government for facilitating the safe return of our Singapore residents, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Saturday.

The returning passengers are now serving a 14-day self-isolation at dedicated Stay-Home Notice (SHN) facilities in Singapore.

Mamata Mandal, a Singapore-based Indian-origin entrepreneur who flew out of New Delhi on April 10, said the transfer arrangements and all the coordination was done very well.

We were constantly updated and monitored to rule out any exposures to the hotspots even till the last day many had to be dropped out, said Mandal.

Lucky to have managed to board the special flight SQ 423 from Delhi which was fully packed. The flight attendants randomly checked temperature of passengers. Had a very comfortable journey and landed at 8 am at Changi Airport on April 10, said Mandal.

On the flights were many elderly and families with toddlers who had travelled almost 10 hours on bus to reach Delhi airport from neighboring states, according to Mandal in her 40s.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has promised to do his best to take care of foreign workers even as the city-state reported 198 new cases of COVID-19 infection and one death on Friday.

With the latest infections, the total number of coronavirus cases in the island nation stood at 2,108 and related deaths at seven.

Prime Minister Lee has commended the hard work put in by foreign workers and assured them of doing his best to take care of their needs amid the virus outbreak.

The number of COVID-19 cases in foreign worker dormitories has surged in recent days, with clusters emerging in nine dormitories so far.

There had been concerns about the welfare of foreign workers in dormitories, and the ability of dorm operators to implement COVID-19 safe distancing measures, after photos and videos circulating online appeared to show crowded and unsanitary conditions at S11 Dormitory.

About 250 Indians, with nearly half of them staying in close contact in the dormitories for foreign workers, have tested positive for the coronavirus in Singapore, the Indian High Commission here said on Friday.

Indian High Commissioner Jawed Ashraf told PTI that almost all of the Indians who have the disease are mostly stable or improving.

He said that the about 250 Indian nationals, who are suffering from the disease, include some permanent residents.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Revised rules for SBI, IDBI Bank, Axis Bank and Syndicate Bank from July 1 2021: Check details here

Bank holiday 2021: Banks to remain shut on these days , know the dates

Bank holidays in August 2021: Banks to remain closed for 15 days in August; Check dates here

Banks need to adopt partnership model; can give great push to economy, says PM Modi

Banks tell customer to be cautious against loan moratorium fraud

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Kolkata, Apr 11: Several banks have cautioned their customers against possible attempts by fraudsters as they became active to exploit the three-month loan repayment moratorium offer in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, officials said.

The cyber criminals pretending as officials of banks have been reaching out to borrowers, offering them assistance to avail the loan repayment moratorium scheme for phishing out account details, they said.

No OTP sharing needed to defer EMIs: Do not fall for this cyber fraud

"They have become active at a time when people are seeking immediate relief from their financial obligations."

"After getting some complaints, many banks have started sending messages to their customers, requesting them to be cautious against possible frauds," an official said.

He, however, did not provide details about number of such cases already registered.

Country's largest lender State Bank of India said, "Please note that EMI deferment does not require OTP sharing.

Do not share your OTP."

Fraudsters are reaching out to banks' customers through social media, e-mail, phone calls or SMS, another official said.

What does your child think about the coronavirus lockdown: Send us their thoughts

"Don't let fraudsters profit from the pandemic.

Fraudsters are taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic by preying on public fears," Standard Chartered said in a message.

"Posing as bank representative or public officials, they might attempt to obtain personal and financial information from you, which may lead to data compromise and fraudulent transactions," it said.

Axis Bank, in a communication, requested its customers to protect their banking information against frauds relating to EMI moratorium.

"Fraudsters have started a new modus operandi to gain access to your banking details. Imposters may contact you to help postpone your EMI payments and request you to share OTP, CVV, password or PIN related to your banking accounts. Stay aware," the lender informed its customers.

ICICI Bank, too, has been requesting its customers to be cautious against the deceptive activities by cyber criminals.

Fake News Buster

The Reserve Bank had recently announced a three-month moratorium on loan repayments in the wake of COVID-19 crisis for dues to be paid between March-May 2020 and left it to the banks to implement the same.

Several private sector banks have decided to go for the "opt-in" option on loan repayment moratorium, putting the onus on the customers to take the initiative of informing the lenders of their choice to go for the three-month breather.

A slew of state-run banks has gone for an "opt-out" option where the repayments automatically get deferred unless a customer informs his or her willingness to pay.
YEREVAN, APRIL 11, ARMENPRESS. Public commemoration events for the Armenian Genocide Commemoration Day (April 24), the Shushi Liberation Day (May 8) and Great Patriotic War Victory Day (May 9) will not take place in Armenia due to the coronavirus situation, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on social media.

He said that citizens participation in these events must be limited.

During this one month we have commemoration days and holidays, April 24th, the Shushi Liberation Day and the Great Patriotic War Victory Day. Participation of citizens in these events must be limited. If we were to allow a usual participation then we will have an uncontrollable outbreak of the coronavirus, Pashinyan said.

He said that only protocol events will take place during those days.

Earlier Pashinyan said the government will extend the state of emergency for another 30 days starting April 14th.

Reporting by Norayr Shoghikyan

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan




Paul McCartney's handwritten lyrics to The Beatles' hit song "Hey Jude" sold for $910,000, Friday, nine times its original estimate, according to auction house Julien's Auctions.







A vintage bass drumhead with The Beatles' logo that was used during the English band's first North American tour in 1964 was another top item, selling for $200,000







The items were among more than 250 items of Beatles memorabilia offered in Julien's Auctions "Beatlemania" online auction marking the 50th anniversary of the band's breakup.







An ashtray used by the Fab Four's drummer Ringo Starr at the Abbey Road recording studios in London sold for $32,500.







Before the sale, Julien's Auctions music specialist Jason Watkins had described McCartney's hastily scribbled notes for a 1968 studio recording of "Hey Jude" as very rare and valuable.







"It's obviously a very iconic song that everyone's familiar with," said Watkins. "These handwritten lyrics were used in the studio as a guide when they were recording it." (Reuters)


Shortly after 6 p.m., a 25-year-old man was fatally wounded on the West Side in the Austin neighborhood in the 5900 block of West Potomac Avenue. The victim suffered gunshot wounds to the right hip and right arm, and was dropped off at Stroger Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition but later died from his injuries, police said.
For investors, increase in profitability and industry-beating performance can be essential considerations in an investment. Below, I will examine Techtronic Industries Company Limited's (SEHK:669) track record on a high level, to give you some insight into how the company has been performing against its long term trend and its industry peers.

View our latest analysis for Techtronic Industries

Did 669's recent earnings growth beat the long-term trend and the industry?

669's trailing twelve-month earnings (from 31 December 2019) of US$615m has jumped 11% compared to the previous year.

However, this one-year growth rate has been lower than its average earnings growth rate over the past 5 years of 15%, indicating the rate at which 669 is growing has slowed down. Why could this be happening? Well, lets take a look at whats going on with margins and whether the whole industry is experiencing the hit as well.

SEHK:669 Income Statement April 11th 2020

In terms of returns from investment, Techtronic Industries has fallen short of achieving a 20% return on equity (ROE), recording 18% instead. However, its return on assets (ROA) of 8.1% exceeds the HK Machinery industry of 4.9%, indicating Techtronic Industries has used its assets more efficiently. And finally, its return on capital (ROC), which also accounts for Techtronic Industriess debt level, has increased over the past 3 years from 15% to 15%. This correlates with a decrease in debt holding, with debt-to-equity ratio declining from 48% to 44% over the past 5 years.

What does this mean?

Techtronic Industries's track record can be a valuable insight into its earnings performance, but it certainly doesn't tell the whole story. Positive growth and profitability are what investors like to see in a companys track record, but how do we properly assess sustainability? You should continue to research Techtronic Industries to get a more holistic view of the stock by looking at:

Future Outlook: What are well-informed industry analysts predicting for 669s future growth? Take a look at our free research report of analyst consensus for 669s outlook. Financial Health: Are 669s operations financially sustainable? Balance sheets can be hard to analyze, which is why weve done it for you. Check out our financial health checks here. Other High-Performing Stocks: Are there other stocks that provide better prospects with proven track records? Explore our free list of these great stocks here.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the trailing twelve months from 31 December 2019. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

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 four occupants of this care stopped at a checkpoint in Fermoy on Tuesday told gardai they had driven all the way from Meath for the spin and to visit..

New legislation signed off by the Government on Tuesday night will see checkpoints set up at key locations over the coming days - with gardai given the power to arrest and detain those flagrantly flouting advice to stay at home.

The new measures have come into force amid fears that forecasted good weather could see people travel to parks, beaches and holiday homes or caravan parks over the upcoming Easter weekend. This despite the consistent appeals for the public to adhere to the advice not to travel more than 2km from their homes unless strictly necessary.

On Tuesday morning gardai stopped a car whose four occupants had travelled from Meath in direct contravention of the current directives on travel. After being stopped at the checkpoint the driver told gardai they had made the almost three hour journey "for the spin and to visit".

Under the new emergency legislation, which has been put in place to help stem the spread of the Coronavirus, this could have landed them a 2,500 and the possibility of a spell behind bars.

The Government had previously held back from introducing the new powers, with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar insisting her would only bring them into force "if absolutely necessary".

However, fears that people may be tempted to hit the road over Easter prompted the Government to enact the emergency measures, which will remain in place until next Monday.

They will be in addition to the existing travel restriction measures, which Health Minister Simon Harris said were likely be extended, possibly for another fortnight.

Minister Harris said gardai would have the new measures "in their back pocket" in case they needed them, adding that he expected they would be used only in "exceptional circumstances."

On Wednesday gardai launched Operation Fanacht, under which more than 2,500 members of the force will man an extensive network of checkpoints and patrols across the country until Easter Monday evening.

It will also see gardai conduct high visibility patrols at tourist locations, parks, beaches and natural beauty spots to ensure compliance with restrictions.

Deputy Commissioner (Policing and Security) John Twomey said the operation was designed to "support travel restrictions put in place to help flatten the (COVID-19) curve and save lives".

"There has been very good compliance with the travel restrictions and we want to thank the public for this. However, it is vital that this continues over the coming days and over the weekend. This will save lives," he said.

"In particular, we would ask people who are thinking of travelling to parks, beauty spots or holiday homes outside of the 2km limit not to do so. We are sending them a clear message that if they are stopped at a checkpoint they will be turned back."

Mr Twomey said the operation would compliment the normal garda road safety advice issued ahead of bank holiday weekends.

He cited one particular example over the past week where a motorist was clocked doing 185kph in 100kph zone on the N22 in Cork.

"Unfortunately, despite the reduced traffic levels, there are still people putting their lives and the lives of others at risk by speeding, drink and drug driving and not wearing their seat belt," said Mr Twomey.

Meanwhile, as part of the drive to discourage people from travelling to the seaside this weekend, Cork County Council has said it will close 14 of its coastal car-parks.
NAIROBI, April 10 (Xinhua) -- More than 500 students of Mcedo Beijing School in Nairobi's Mathare slum, and their teachers, on Thursday received a batch of supplies from Chinese enterprises amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Chinese companies under Kenya-China Economic and Trade Association (KCETA) donated daily necessities worth about 310,950 Kenyan shillings (about 3,000 U.S. dollars), including sugar, cooking oil and cornmeal.

In addition, KEDA (Kenya) Ceramics donated a batch of disinfecting wipes and detergent powder, which is worth about 30,000 shillings, to teachers and students.

In February, thousands of children from Mathare slum gathered together to send messages to support China's fight against COVID-19.

Recently, due to the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic in Kenya, students in slums are facing food shortages as their schools have been suspended and the international free lunch program can not be implemented.

The KCETA noted the situation and came to help them.

The principal of the school, Benedict Kiage, said he is very grateful to Chinese companies, adding the charity move will always remain in the hearts of the teachers and students of the school.

Mcedo Beijing School was set up in 2007 with the support of the Chinese embassy Kenya. In 2012, KCETA and its members raised funds for its phase 2 expansion project to improve its facilities and equipment.

The KCETA is a non-governmental organization composed of Chinese enterprises operating in Kenya. It has 103 member enterprises.
The nationwide coronavirus lockdown is set to be extended at least till April 30 after a broad "consensus" on it emerged on Saturday during a meeting of chief ministers with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who stressed on "jaan bhi, jahaan bhi", indicating that restrictions may be tweaked as it was important to save livelihoods along with lives.

According to sources, all central ministers have also been asked to resume work in ministries from Monday and put together plans for post-lockdown period to kick-start the economy.

India has witnessed a sudden spike in the coronavirus infections with 1,035 fresh COVID-19 cases and 40 deaths due to the disease being reported in the last 24 hours across the country, which is under a 21-day nationwide lockdown since March 25.

The current spell of the lockdown, billed as the world's largest shutdown to check the spread of the infection, ends on Tuesday even as the Union health ministry asserted that the tally of confirmed cases could have reached 8.2 lakh by April 15 in the absence of the lockdown and other containment measures.

In the interaction held via video conferencing, most of the chief ministers suggested that the nationwide lockdown should be extended by two more weeks, an official statement said.

Emphasising the criticality of coming 3-4 weeks for determining the impact of the steps taken till now to contain the virus, Modi told the chief ministers that "teamwork is the key to facing the challenge".

It said Modi also underlined that the motto of the government earlier was 'jaan hai to jahaan hai' (the world exists if life exists) but now it is 'jaan bhi jahaan bhi' (lives as well as livelihoods). According to sources, the government is focusing on hotspots of COVID-19 to contain the spread of the pandemic and on efforts to kick-start the economy once the lockdown is lifted.

Though the government did not directly announce its decision on the lockdown extension, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal after the meeting tweeted "PM has taken correct decision to extend lockdown. Today, India's position is better than many developed countries because we started lockdown early. If it is stopped now, all gains would be lost. To consolidate, it is imp to extend it."



West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa also said the prime minister mentioned about extending the lockdown till April 30.

There were also indications that the extension in lockdown may come with certain relaxations to boost economic activities with sources saying that there were various proposals being considered, including lesser restrictions in areas unaffected by the virus spread.

The government officials said guidelines for the second phase of lockdown would be announced in next few days, even as Yediyurappa, after the interaction, said the extended lockdown period of two weeks would be different from the current 21-day spell.

The official statement also referred to the prime minister's comments on the challenges on the economic front.

Asserting that the crisis is an opportunity to make India self-reliant and turn the nation into an economic powerhouse, Modi talked about strengthening healthcare infrastructure and reaching out to patients through tele-medicine.

"Talking about the Exit Plan from lockdown, the prime minister said that there seems to be a consensus amongst the states on extension of lockdown by another two weeks," it said.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, which has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country with over 1,600 and at least 110 deaths, announced the extension in the lockdown in the state till April 30, adding restrictions can be relaxed in certain areas. Punjab and Odisha have already announced extending the lockdown beyond April 14.

The meeting was called by Modi to discuss the situation arising due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to take feedback of chief ministers on whether the 21-day shutdown should be extended.

During the interaction, Modi observed that the combined efforts of the Centre and the states have definitely helped reduce the impact of COVID-19 but since the situation is rapidly evolving, constant vigilance is paramount.

Modi also categorically assured that India has adequate supplies of essential medicines, and said that measures are being taken to ensure availability of protective gear and critical equipment for all front-line workers.

He also gave a stern message against black marketing and hoarding.

Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy said the chief ministers of several states sought a financial package from the Centre as they were facing a fund crunch in the absence of any economic activity due to the ongoing lockdown.

Punjab Chief Minister Amrinder Singh said he reiterated the need for health cover for all the employees as well as assistance to daily wagers while Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel urged Modi to permit states to carry out economic activities within their borders.

Modi was accompanied by some senior officials, including from the Union health ministry, during the meeting, which was also attended by chief ministers -- Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), Manohar Lal (Haryana), K Chandrashekhar Rao (Telangana) and Nitish kumar (Bihar).

The Union Home Ministry has sought views of state governments on various aspects, including whether more categories of people and services need to be exempted. In the current lockdown only essential services are exempted.

This is for the second time the prime minister interacted with the chief ministers via video link after the lockdown was imposed. The last such interaction was on April 2.

Before the lockdown was announced on March 24, the prime minister had interacted with the chief ministers on March 20 to discuss ways and means to check the spread of the novel coronavirus.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 11)  Surigao del Norte is purchasing 5,000 COVID-19 test kits in a bid to stop the virus from spreading to the province.

On Saturday, Governor Alexander Pimentel said, "Nagpabili na po ako, katulong ni mayor ng Butuan City, nagpabili na po ako ng 5,000 testing kit para makapagsimula na kami ng testing dito. Kasi we would like to maintain na zero COVID-19 ang Surigao del Sur."

[Translation: With the help of the mayor of Butuan City, I have ordered 5,000 testing kits so we can star testing here. We would like to maintan zero COVID-19 cases in Surigao del Sur.]

Latest reports say there are no COVID-19 cases in Surigao del Sur. There are however, three persons under investigation.

Pimentel added they are appealing to residents to stay where they are as a lockdown has been implemented in the province.

Those who are stranded outside Surigao del Sur and are unable to enter will be getting help from the province, Pimentel added.

The governor added they were coordinating with government agencies to make sure help would reach families who needed it.

Pimentel also appealed to the national government to provide more aid to the provinces, which he said are also spending large amounts to stem the spread of the virus in their localities.
Some of the masks that have been made and donated to frontline staff

As frontline staff across the county search desperately for personal protective equipment (PPE), one Gorey woman has decided to put her unique skillsets to good use.

Linda Fleming runs a millinery and hat store and creates bespoke designs for all occasions. However, like so many, her business has been curtailed by the rise of the coronavirus.

This hasn't stopped her from working though, only instead of hats and headpieces, she is now making something a little more practical.

'My father-in-law had been very unwell recently, he'd been in hospital and had fluid drained from his lungs. He's back home now but the woman who was coming to give him home help was worried because she didn't have a face mask. That gave me the idea to start making them,' said Linda.

Gathering up all the fabric she could find, she sat down in her work-station with the intention of making as many masks as possible. But not before she took a quick look at a few tutorials on YouTube.

'I hadn't made something like this before so I had to go online to find out how to make them, and then I had to see if it was even feasible for people to wear them. The cotton needs to be really good quality heavy cotton and needs to have four layers, with two layers of flannel,' she explained.

'But I made the first prototype and it went well so I continued making them. They're reusable, just quick wash them at 40 degrees with some dettol. I've used mine for five days, have washed it each evening. I wash each one before sending it out,' she said.

First masks made, Linda went on Facebook to see if anyone actually wanted them.

'As soon as I put it up, I was inundated with offers. Most of the requests are coming from local nursing homes and the staff working there. A lot of people who've been looking for them are caring for people who are in the latter stages of cancer and they're afraid of passing anything on.

'There was a lady who'd been in the pharmacy trying to get one because her dad is unwell so I told her she could have four. I've a long list of people waiting for them, but I'm trying to prioritise those who are caring for others,' she said.

And although she is currently out of work, Linda is happy to provide this potentially life-saving service free of charge.

'I'm making them free of charge, save for a 1 postal charge if the person can't collect them. I'm not working at the moment, I'm at home and I can sew and I'm isolation so I thought: why not?'

Furthermore, Linda has now been joined by other local business owners, all eager to contribute, to make more masks so that demand can be met.

'I put a few feelers out to a few sewing friends and we have a created a group called The Nightingales to get these masks out as quick as we can to all that need them and start production on a bigger scale.'

Those 'sewing friends' operate businesses of their own, namely B Couture Bridal Wear in Arklow, Sew Perfect in Gorey, and Ina's Alterations in Carnew.

Now, not content with creating face masks, the group are looking into making even more vital PPE.

'We know Wexford General Hospital is short of scrubs so we're hoping to get a pattern to start making them. But we need to check with infection control to make sure the fibres can be used in the hospital.'

The only concern for Linda and the rest of the Nightingales now is running out of fabric. But local retailers are stepping up to the mark to ensure they don't run out.

'We've had fabric donated from JJ in Tara Stores in Gorey, and fabric and haberdashery from Edel in SewStitchy a local Gorey online fabric shop. I emailed Angus in Lucan Fabrics in Dublin and he drove down to meet my husband in Carlow with donated fabric,' Linda says.

A GoFundMe page - www.gofundme.com/f/fund-masks - has also been set up to help cover costs and has raised more than 1,000 in just three days.

And Linda hopes to have fabric to suit all tastes as she continues her mission.

'I know the designs are a bit girly, and men need them too, but this is the fabric I have. I left one out on the doorstep for the postman because they're doing house visits now and I wanted to make sure he was okay. His is a blue polka dot one,' she laughed.
Lack of technological progress haunts CSE By Duruthu Edirimuni Chandrasekera View(s): View(s):

The COVID-19 pandemic has posted an unprecedented threat on Colombos stock market. The market was closed from March 20 with the curfew and the shutdown declared by the government.

However stockbrokers and investors are raising many concerns on why the share market is closed. For starters, Sri Lanka is the only market that has been closed. Bangladesh and the Philippines had closed for a few days but reopened. Stockbrokers and investors say that one should be able to buy or sell shares whenever which is one of the fundamentals of a free market.

Investors, especially foreigners arent happy with the way things are going, analysts say. Already the Sri Lankan currency has depreciated to Rs. 200 levels against the US dollar and foreigners have lost 5 to 10 per cent in value in their investments. This poses a fresh threat in attracting foreigners henceforth  mainly because they will attach a risk premium when investing in the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) because of this closure.

Dimantha Mathew, Head of Research, First Capital noted that there will be a big sell-out by both local and foreign investors when the market eventually opens due to the negatives attached to this closure. The closure itself is a risk especially for the foreigners and everyone including the locals and foreigners will sell, he told the Business Times.

Cash is stuck since March 20 and investors are restless, analysts said. Local investors will shift their cash into fixed income securities like fixed deposits in banks. Added to the stock market woes, companies will also weaken during the next few quarters owing to the coronavirus pandemic-related issues. This will further burden the stock market and it will be dreary during this year, analysts noted.

A stockbroker said that retailers who got burnt in February due to margin calls will not be returning to the market immediately. The banks are shut and wont encash/deposit cheques. Even if they were, the curfew is in force immobilising transportation.

All this is true. But the authorities hands are tied. They had brought it upon themselves. The Central Counterparty System (CCP) and the Delivery versus Payment (DVP) which were only talked about (but not implemented) for the last one and a half decades have now come to haunt the markets operations.

A CCP interposes itself between counterparties to shares traded becoming the buyer to every seller and the seller to every buyer and thereby ensuring the performance of open contracts. Sri Lanka is one of the few Asian countries without a CCP. Now a buyer requires a seller to deliver shares and the seller requires the buyer to pay. Everyone is exposed to each other and the CSE has no control over the counterparty risk which to say the least is frightening.

CCP follows DVP. Legal reform (through a new Securities and Exchange Commission Act) is needed because current laws and rules were not designed for a CCP. The current Act doesnt provide certainty, finality and irrevocability of DVP settlements. This is essential when preparing financial contracts.

If these were active, investors and brokers could have carried on with their operations. But they cant. As usual, Sri Lanka is too little, too late.
The Dearborn Police Department is asking for the publics assistance in locating a missing 15 year old girl.

On April 9 at 3:30 pm Bryonna Schneider left her home to walk to a nearby 7-eleven store in the area of Telegraph and Michigan Ave. Bryonna left without taking a cell phone or coat.

Bryonna Schneider is described as a 15-year-old white female with long blonde hair and glasses. She is 53 tall and weighs approximately 125 pounds. She was last seen wearing a black shirt with Detroit across the front and black leggings.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Dearborn Police Department at 313-943-2241.
The number of inmates at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin who have tested positive for the new coronavirus increased by three on Friday to a total of 15, the Alameda County sheriff's office said.

In addition, two staff members or contractors at the county jail have tested positive for COVID-19, but that's the same number that the sheriff's office reported on Thursday.

Sheriff's officials said 54 inmates at Santa Rita have been tested so far, with 37 testing negative, 15 positive and two results still pending.

Sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Ray Kelly said on Friday that the 15 inmates who tested positive for COVID-19 are stable and haven't had to be hospitalized.

The number of inmates who've tested positive for COVID-19 has increased dramatically in the last week, as the first positive test wasn't reported until last Saturday, followed by upticks to three on Tuesday, 11 on Wednesday and 12 on Thursday.

Kelly said, "We're definitely trending upward but it's something we can manage and there are no serious issues with our jail population."

Kelly said jail officials have been able to spread inmates out to decrease the risk of infections as the jail population has been reduced from an average of about 2,650 inmates before the COVID-19 outbreak to 1,963 inmates as of Friday.

He said the number of inmates has decreased because county court officials agreed to release about 600 low-level offenders and the jail is accepting fewer new inmates than it did in the past, as Sheriff Gregory Ahern has told local police agencies to cite and release low-level offenders instead of bringing them to Santa Rita.

"There's a lot more space because we're at the lowest level of inmates in decades," Kelly said.

He said that when he started working for the sheriff's office 25 years ago Santa Rita had about an average of 5,000 inmates.

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.
By Trend

Turkey's coronavirus death toll surpassed 1,000 with 98 new deaths on Friday as the total number of cases top 47,029 with 4,747 new cases, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca announced Friday, Trend reports citing Daily Sabah.

Koca noted that 2,423 patients have recovered from COVID-19 disease and have been discharged from hospitals. Saying that Turkey has 1.06 million employees in the healthcare sector, Koca asked Turkish people to trust the determination of this healthcare "army" to overcome the disease, however, asking citizens to strictly follow social isolation rules.

"It is normal for the number of cases to increase as the number of tests also increases. We can say that the number of hospitalized patients, patients brought to intensive care and intubated patients are stable and the pace of increase has slowed down," Koca said, adding that the next two weeks are very crucial in curbing new infections.

Occupation of intensive care unit (ICU) beds in Istanbul stands at 59.5% while normal hospital bed occupancy is 50.2%, Koca said in response to allegations voiced in the press, saying that there is no problem in that regard. The proportion of occupied beds in Turkey is at 36.3%, Koca added.

Answering a question on whether Israel asked Turkish aid to curb the coronavirus outbreak, Koca said: "There is a demand from Israel mostly for protective equipment and our talks continue, we want to help in this regard. We also dispatched protective equipment to U.K. today, in addition to more than 40 countries."

Koca also called on Turkish Parliament to unanimously adopt a draft law on preventing violence against health employees.
One in six Britons could lose their jobs amid the economic chaos caused by coronoavirus, a new report claims.

It suggests that as many as 5.6million workers could be out of work, out of a workforce of 32million.

The Government has introduced a scheme worth 330billion to provide 80 per cent of the salaries of workers furloughed by employers.

But the new analysis, released by think tank the New Economics Foundation and reported by The Sun, pointed to four groups of workers who remain at risk.

One in six Britons could lose their jobs amid the economic chaos caused by coronoavirus, a new report claims

Three of them - those on fixed-term contracts, people on zero-hours contracts and part-timers who are not doing all the hours they want - may not qualify for the Government's help if their employers decide to fire them.

And the fourth group - the self-employed - will not get any financial help until June, by which time many businesses could already have folded.

Of the 5.6million workers referred to by the New Economics Foundation, around 1.6million already work in industries which have been closed - including restaurants and retail shops.

As a result, these workers face a high risk of losing their jobs.

The New Economics Foundation urged the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, to create an even bigger safety net.

They suggested a 221-a-week guaranteed minimum income for all working-age adults.

Head of economics Alfie Stirling told The Sun: 'Despite the Government's interventions to protect jobs and pay, millions could face the prospect of relying on benefits for the first time.

The report comes a week after former Bank of England official David Blanchflower suggested that unemployment caused by the coronavirus crisis could in months be worse than during the 1930s Great Depression

'But Universal Credit payments are insufficient to meet basic living costs. Having made welcome moves to prevent job losses, government must now turn to strengthening the UK's safety net as well.

'If not, we risk consigning millions to the poverty trap through no fault of their own  a trap that many may struggle to break out of.'

The report comes a week after former Bank of England official David Blanchflower suggested that unemployment caused by the coronavirus crisis could in months be worse than during the 1930s Great Depression.

What does it mean to be furloughed? Essentially, if you're being furloughed by your employer, it means you're being sent home, but will still receive 80 per cent of your salary by the Government, up to a maximum of 2,500 a month. This Government job retention scheme is only for employed people, it does not apply if you are self-employed. However, you first need to agree to be put on furlough by your employer, who can then apply for the money to the Government. You cannot apply for it yourself. Your employer can choose to pay the remaining 20 per cent of your wages, although it is not obliged to do so. If you earn more than 2,500 a month, your employer can choose to 'top up' your salary, but again it is not forced to do so. You will still continue to pay income tax and national insurance contributions while on furlough. The Government advice says: 'If you and your employer both agree, your employer might be able to keep you on the payroll if they're unable to operate or have no work for you to do because of coronavirus. This is known as being "on furlough".' Advertisement

Mr Blanchflower, who was part of the Bank during the 2008 financial crisis, said unemployment is rising at the fastest rate in living memory as job losses mount around the world and in the UK.

He warned that there has never been a 'concentrated business collapse' on the scale seen in recent weeks as the Government forced all non-essential firms to close.

In the last two weeks of March, 10 million people in the US applied for unemployment benefits, while in the UK there were grim warnings of the jobless total hitting 2.75million by June.

During the Great Depression, unemployment hit 24.9 per cent in the US and 15.4 per cent in the UK, over several years.

But Professor Blanchflower said unemployment in the UK could rapidly rise to more than 6million people - which is around 21 per cent of the entire workforce.
Layoffs continue to mount amid the widespread shutdowns intended to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Ulta Beauty, which has locations in Highland, Hobart and Michigan City, will furlough most of its employees nationwide as of April 19.

As we navigate this very fluid situation, our teams are evaluating all new information, including recently passed legislation, to ensure we can make the best decisions for our associates, our guests and our business, CEO Mary Dillon said. After thoughtful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily furlough many of our store and salon associates. During these uncertain times, we will do all we can to make sure these associates are supported.

The retailer of beauty products said it intends to bring back its employees when safe to do so. The company will continue to provide health insurance to workers enrolled in coverage, and they can apply for unemployment benefits.

Workers at the Ulta Beauty warehouse will continue to be employed to support e-commerce, and will get $2 per hour wage premiums. Corporate employees will handle pressing business needs like guest services and human resources.
A Free Presbyterian Minister from Co Armagh has spoken of the amazing feeling of returning to missionary work in Uganda after almost losing his life when he suffered a cardiac arrest at Dublin airport.

Rev David McMillan had just arrived in Dublin in April 2018 to set off for Africa when he was taken ill and only the quick thinking of travelling companion Alastair Hamilton, plus the intervention of paramedics, saved his life.

The Minister at Armagh Free Presbyterian Church returned to Dublin last year to meet the medic who revived him and has since made two visits back to Uganda to see the progress of the missionary work.

"It was amazing to be able to walk through those gates again," he said about his return to the Emmanuel Christian School, around 85 miles south of the Ugandan capital Kampala. "It was where I was meant to be."

The Free Presbyterian Church Mission Board are continuing to work on supporting the school through the current coronavirus pandemic, with the most recent team having returned to Northern Ireland just a few weeks before the travel restrictions were put in place.

"I hadn't actually planned to go back over there, but the opportunity came up when one of the people travelling had to pull out.

"There was no intention to head back with Alastair either, but we found ourselves together again and he never blinked an eye considering what we had been through together. He showed no concern, which was just what I needed.

"And to be honest, it really helped to be able to talk openly about what had happened. He was able to tell be a lot about it all, things I hadn't realised.

"It allowed both of us to put our thoughts to rest and just get on with doing what we were going there to do, and that's to help the people who needed our assistance.

"I always say now that Alastair is my guardian angel. We were meant to carry on with the work we had started.

"And when he dropped me off at home when we returned he said to my wife Roberta, here you go, he's in your care now.

"I thank the Lord that I've made such a good recovery," said David.

"I'm feeling very well, in fact there are days I can't believe how well I actually feel when I look back on what happened and how close I was to death."

Now firing on all cylinders again, David is determined to help the team of missionaries continue their work in overseeing the development of the Emmanuel Christian School in Uganda, still very much in the company of his guardian angel.

"I was back in Uganda again in November of last year with another Mission Board colleague, Barry Stewart, an elder in Magherafelt Free Presbyterian Church," said David.

"We went to Kenya first for six days to visit the missionaries there and Alastair, who is Mission Board Treasurer, joined us for that part of the trip. Then Barry and I flew down to Uganda to visit the school for a few days.

"It was at that time that we opened and dedicated the new community bore wells for the area around the school and that was a wonderful sense of achievement for all of us.

"We're still seeking to provide aid to 200 families in the area around the school to help them through these very difficult times," he continued.

"Most of these families are very poor and have very limited financial resources, especially at this time when there is little work or business so there is no cash coming in.

"We're working to provide maize, rice, salt, sugar, cooking oil and soap. The work continues.

"At the end of February, a team of seven people from Northern Ireland went out to the school for two weeks to wire for mains electric. A smaller team will return to complete this when the coronavirus crisis settles down."

The Free Presbyterian Church currently has three missionaries working in Uganda: Noreen McAfee, from Ballymoney, and Andrew and Hannah Foster, from Comber.

"I chair the sub committee overseeing the work at the school," said David. "I'm determined to use my chance to do just that."
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 12:01:30|Editor: huaxia

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XI'AN, April 11 (Xinhua) -- In late March when the coronavirus was sweeping across Italy, Xiao Yunru, a Chinese writer and literary critic, initiated a donation of 5,000 face masks to a hospital in Milan on the request of Italian sinologist Giuseppina Merchionne.

Having first met at a symposium on the Silk Road in China's northwestern city of Xi'an in March 2018, the two scholars from both ends of the ancient route have fostered the bond between the peoples of the two countries amid the pandemic.

In late February when China was grappling with the virus, Merchionne, also a professor of Chinese language and culture at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan, extended her sincere sympathy through text messages to Xiao.

"My relationship with China spans decades," she said. "I miss and am concerned for you all. Wish you all the best."

They kept close contact with each other and shared solicitude to the people affected by the coronavirus.

On March 16, Merchionne told Xiao there was an acute shortage of FFP2 respirators at Niguarda Hospital in Milan and asked Xiao if he could ship some to the hospital.

Xiao immediately asked Zhao Qi, vice head of the Romanian Chamber of Commerce in Shaanxi Province, for help, and Zhao sent 5,000 respirators to the hospital from Romania on March 22.

Merchionne said she was grateful for the protective equipment sent by her Chinese friends and called them her "friends for life."

"People-to-people exchanges have united us as one," Xiao said, adding that people around the world share the same future in human development.
A rare pink supermoon is set to light up the night skies this evening, the biggest and brightest full moon of the year so far.

April's full moon is so-called not because of its colour, but from the pink wildflowers that bloom in the early spring in the US and Canada.

The Pink Moon is the first full moon following the Spring Equinox, and is used to fix the date of Easter which is always the following Sunday.

If you want to catch a glimpse, here's all you need to know about watching the moon from London.

New Year's Day supermoon 1 /18 New Year's Day supermoon The supermoon seen in Dalian, Liaoning province, China REUTERS The moon above the Shard PA A bronze statue of General George Washington by William Rudolf O'Donovan stands on top of the Trenton Battle Monument while silhouetted by a supermoon in Trenton, N.J. The monument commemorates the victory at the first Battle of Trenton, which occurred on Dec. 26, 1776 AP The moon over Scarborough, Yorkshire PA The moon seen from near Heathrow Airport REUTERS The moon seen above London REUTERS The moon seen above London The moon seen above London The moon seen above London The moon seen above London The moon seen above London The first supermoon of the new year rises above the Vegas Strip AP The first supermoon of the new year rises above Seoul EPA The moon seen from near Heathrow Airport AFP/Getty Images

When is the best time to see the Pink Moon?

The moon will peak over the UK in the early hours of Wednesday (April 8), around 3.35am.

However, it will be visible from moonrise on Tuesday at around 6.55pm until moonset on Wednesday morning at around 6.55am. But because of the power of the sun, you may not be able to see it until the sun has set, and your best bet could be after nightfall, at around 8pm.

Supermoons are so-called because they appear 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than a normal moon.

Rising in the east, they can be seen without specialist equipment.

Where to watch tonight's moon

AFP via Getty Images

The moon will be most visible when there is dark sky, a clear horizon and not much light pollution, so keep your eyes to the skies from nightfall for the best view.

Some of the best spots to see the moon will be on hills with clear views to the east and west. Remember that if you are going outside this evening to adhere to social distancing advice and stay two metres away from other people.

Because the moon will be so bright, though, you'll spot it fine staying indoors. All you will need to do is stick you head out of the window and keep an eye on the sky - provided, of course, that the weather is clear.

To get the best view, find a high point in your house or flat, turn off the lights of the room you're in and look east.

Don't worry if you miss it - there's another supermoon in May. 

What is a Pink Moon?

A supermoon rises behind St. Paul's Cathedral and skyscrapers / Getty Images

The name derives not from the colour of the moon, but instead from the Native American practice of naming full moons to keep track of time.

April's supermoon is named after wild ground phlox flowers, which bloom in the early spring across North America.
JERUSALEM - The arrival of coronavirus has brought no pause in tensions between Israelis and Palestinians in the eastern neighborhoods of this contested city, where both sides of the conflict accuse the other of using the pandemic to advance their political purposes.

Some Palestinians complain that Israeli officials, who provide health and police services in East Jerusalem, have been slow to offer virus testing and Arabic-language information in this part of the city and, in some cases, have thwarted the Arabs' own efforts to respond to the outbreak.

Israeli officials, in turn, contend that the Palestinian Authority, which governs the adjacent West Bank, is exploiting the outbreak to meddle in Jerusalem's Arab neighborhoods.

The acrimony belies corona-cooperation in other areas, where Israeli and Palestinian agencies have worked together to distribute testing kits and control movement of people in the West Bank and facilitated the passage of critical supplies into Gaza.

But tensions in Jerusalem threaten to mar what both Israel and the Palestinian Authority increasingly see as successful efforts to prevent the high death counts suffered by some countries.

Beleaguered residents of East Jerusalem neighborhoods say they are caught in the war of words between the two sides, and not for the first time.

"Everybody wants to control us but nobody wants to help us," said a young Palestinian man sitting on a car hood in the impoverished ridge-top neighborhood of Jabal Mukaber on a recent afternoon. He would only give his first name, Abdel, because he feared reprisals from both governments. "We fall in the middle."

The most recent flare-up of tensions began early in the outbreak, when Israeli and Palestinian activists criticized the Israeli Ministry of Health for failing to provide covid-19 information in Arabic, the first language of Palestinians who make up about 20 percent of Israel's population.

The ministry increased its Arabic updates soon after a legal advocacy group documented the lack of timely Arabic updates on its website in early March, and it has since instituted dedicated Arabic briefings on social media and television.

There is little indication that East Jerusalem is harboring a significant outbreak. The health ministry's official map of coronavirus cases showed only two incidents of infection last week in the city's Arab sections. But health experts warn the low count could reflect a lack of testing.

Israel has established a number of drive-through testing centers around the country, including one in West Jerusalem. While Palestinian residents are free to travel about the city, many are reluctant to venture into Jewish sections, and local leaders called for a center to be added in East Jerusalem.

"I ask the residents of East Jerusalem to be patient, be understanding," Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion said to local media in early April, announcing that the Health Ministry was looking for a testing location in their part of the city.

A center opened adjacent to a United Nations compound in Jabal Mukaber on April 3. But two other Palestinian neighborhoods, located on the West Bank side of the concrete security barrier that winds through Jerusalem, remain cut off, leaving some 150,000 Jerusalem residents without practical access to testing.

"There are many elderly people, women and children who need to pass through a checkpoint to reach Jerusalem and the existing test center," said Suhad Bishara, an attorney with Adalah, the legal center for Arab minority rights in Israel, which in the past week petitioned Israel's Supreme Court to make testing available to those city residents.

Israeli officials said they were committed to delivering coronavirus services equitably to all parts of Jerusalem. Any lag in the Arab parts of the city, they contend, was only due to the frantic pace of mounting an unprecedented emergency response.

"Israel looks at the entire area as one epidemiological territory," said Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan. "The virus does not distinguish between Jews and others."

Jerusalem's deputy mayor, Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, said coronavirus initiatives were now operating in all quarters of the city, including Arab neighborhoods, delivering food and essential items to those in need. She said the city, together with the Health Ministry and the army, have set up five quarantine hotels, including one in Jabal Mukaber.

"We are trying to identify the sick," Hassan-Nahoum said. "A test center was set up last Thursday, and we have been testing around 300 people a day. We want to get the number of people being tested each day up to 1,000."

In Jerusalem, rising pandemic tensions reflect the broader, decades-long tug of war between Israel and the Palestinian Authority for influence and control over the Palestinian communities of the city.

Israel views Jerusalem as its "eternal, undivided capital" and sees any challenge to Israeli authority - in any part of the city - as illegal. Palestinians likewise view the city's eastern section, occupied by Israel since the 1967 war, as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

Even as some Arab residents have sought to engage more closely with Israel's economic and political systems, learning Hebrew and seeking more funding for their neighborhoods, Palestinian officials work to draw them closer to the West Bank.

"Both sides are accusing the other trying to use the crisis to change the status quo in Jerusalem," said Michael Milstein, head of the Palestinian Studies Forum at the Moshe Dayan Center at Tel Aviv University.

In recent days, Israeli police arrested two Palestinian Authority officials on charges of promoting their government's interests in Jerusalem, an act banned by Israel within the city itself. Police said the two officials - Fadi al-Hadami, the Palestinian minister for Jerusalem affairs, and Adnan Ghaith, the Palestinian shadow governor of Jerusalem - were detained for carrying out political activities on behalf of a foreign entity.

"The Palestinian Authority wants to take over in parts of Jerusalem, but the law in Israel says it is illegal for any foreign entity to act under Israeli sovereignty without permission," Erdan said.

Al-Hadami said he was detained for appearing on Palestinian television to advise East Jerusalemites to stay home and take precautions.

"They wanted me to put on a face mask, but I could tell it was used," he said of his arrest. "There were drops of blood on it."

Israeli Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld denied that al-Hadami was given a dirty face mask.

Fouad Hallak, a policy adviser to the Palestinian Fatah party who lives in East Jerusalem, said groups he helped organize were blocked by police when they tried to disinfect areas around mosques and churches in Jerusalem's Old City on April 3.

"Israel is preventing all of our activities related to the coronavirus," Hallak said.
Newfoundland and Labrador's Dwight Ball was the first premier to fire a financial distress flare. He likely won't be the last.

Ball wrote an urgent letter last month warning the prime minister that his province had "run out of time," couldn't borrow money and soon wouldn't even be able to pay its health care workers in the middle of a pandemic.

And while the Bank of Canada threw Newfoundland and Labrador a lifeline by agreeing to buy short-term bonds, many academics and economic think tanks are starting to argue that the federal government and the central bank may need to consider unprecedented options to save provincial balance sheets.

The short-term measures that helped Ball make his payroll are just that  short-term. And there is a sense that a fundamental restructuring of financial relationships between levels of government may be required when the pandemic is over.

"These are unprecedented times," said Marc-Andre Pigeon, an assistant professor in the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy at the University of Saskatchewan.

Pigeon is co-author  with colleagues Murray Fulton and Michael Atkinson  of a policy brief calling on Ottawa to "put the Bank of Canada to work" to help out.

"The provinces are in big trouble," their paper begins.

They float a few options: loans to the provinces, transferring funds to them at no net cost as part of a kind of COVID-19 grant, or issuing an explicit blanket guarantee for all provincial debt to drive yields down to federal levels.

Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press

In an interview with CBC News, Pigeon said he understands there is a policy reluctance to go there because it could provide incentives to the provinces to take more risks with their finances.

"It's kind of a moral hazard idea, that if you're backstopping the provinces, they might let go of their spending strings and kind of go a little crazy and we don't want that," Pigeon said.

Story continues

"But at the same time, I think this is one of those cases where there's a reasonable argument to be made that we need to give them the power they need to address this crisis."

The problem is more acute for resource-dependent provinces.

"There are higher costs that the provinces are going to have to pay out of this, and for a province like Newfoundland and Labrador, those higher costs are not nothing," Pigeon said.

"They are something significant, because the province was already challenged going into this. So I think what you want to avoid is making that problem worse after this is over. And I think that's where something more like a stronger commitment from the federal government via the Bank of Canada could be useful."

On March 25, the Bank of Canada launched a program to help shore up short-term provincial borrowing.

As of Wednesday, the Bank of Canada had provided nearly $2 billion worth of support to provinces by backstopping short-term provincial debt.

But experts say the bank may need to look at longer-term and broader help.

In a communique issued this week, the C.D. Howe Institute said it believes the Bank of Canada likely will need to purchase longer-term provincial debt over the long haul.

The Toronto-based think tank has assembled a crisis working group to look at monetary and financial measures which is co-chaired by David Dodge, a former governor of the Bank of Canada.

The group noted that provinces  especially resource-based ones  are in worse shape now than they were going into the 2008 financial crisis.

The scale of the fiscal challenges for provincial balance sheets were made clear when Alberta Premier Jason Kenney told his province to brace for 25 per cent unemployment and a tripling of the provincial deficit.

"We will face a great fiscal reckoning in the future," Kenney said in a televised speech on Tuesday.

Kenney already had been leading the premiers in a unanimous call to reform the Fiscal Stabilization Program to help resource-dependent provinces which don't receive equalization deals.

Jason Franson/The Canadian Press

But even at the high end, the stabilization program reforms were expected only to deliver a few billion dollars to needy provinces. That level of support is dwarfed by the flattening of their revenues due to the combination of COVID-19 and the oil price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia.

All provinces are piling up debt to deal with the pandemic, but the uncertain pace of economic and financial recovery in the oil-producing provinces is particularly worrisome.

Last month, Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister floated the idea of the federal government creating an emergency credit agency to aid struggling provinces. Earlier this week, Pallister renewed that call, saying in a letter to the prime minister that the concept has since been supported by all premiers.

In an op-ed published in the Financial Post on Thursday, Queen's University assistant professor Kyle Hanniman said it's an idea worth considering.

But he said a quicker and less controversial solution is available: the federal government could follow the lead of the Reserve Bank of Australia and the European Central Bank by expanding a quantitative easing program to buy up subnational, or provincial, bonds.

"The central issue is that we need to find ways to ensure provinces can borrow long-term debt at low rates and with few disruptions," Hanniman told CBC News.

He said quantitative easing is one way to do this, though it's not necessarily the only one.

The Bank of Canada could jump in to buy longer-term provincial bonds, helping to smooth the choppy waters in volatile borrowing markets.

Hanniman said provinces play an important role in keeping credit and cash circulating.

"So if one of them goes down, and if they don't have the cash they need, then that's going to compromise our ability to fight the crisis, to get this out of the way, to get people healthy and get the economy back up and running again," he said.

"So I would argue that the stakes are very high."

Government of NL/YouTube

In an emailed statement to CBC News earlier this month, the federal Department of Finance acknowledged the "serious economic impacts on provincial economic growth, especially in provinces where the resource sector is an important part of the economy, such as Newfoundland and Labrador."

The department stressed that it is working with its partners, including the Bank of Canada, to support the economy, and pointed to a recently-launched program helping provinces out with short-term borrowing.

"We are going to continue to use every tool necessary to make sure Canada's economy remains resilient in the face of extraordinary circumstances and will continue to work with provinces and territories to support them through this important, but temporary, crisis," Finance spokesman Pierre-Olivier Herbert said.

On Thursday, the prime minister spoke with Newfoundland and Labrador's premier.

Among the topics of discussion  the province's fiscal and economic status, and actions taken to date by the federal government and the Bank of Canada to support Canadian financial markets.

In a statement, the Prime Minister's Office said the federal government "is working around the clock on the situation and will continue to support provinces and territories to ensure that all governments can respond to the COVID-19 crisis."
Copyright  2020 Albuquerque Journal

A long-term care facility in Albuquerque is temporarily converting into one that will house COVID-19 patients.

Some family members of residents currently staying at the Canyon Transitional Rehabilitation Center in the Northeast Heights are unhappy about the decision, which will require the evacuation of their loved ones.

Im afraid I will not see my mother again alive, said Jennifer Brown-Shoman, who was informed in a phone call Thursday. Her 84-year-old mother, Janet Brown, is one of the residents.

They have not told me when or where my mother would be taken, she said.

Another woman said that was also the case with her 102-year-old mother.

Canyon Transitional plans to discharge 54 people from the facility next week directly home, if their current health status permits, or will transfer patients to another facility where their care will be continued, according to a statement the company issued Friday.

The conversion is being made in consultation with state officials. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in her Thursday news conference that the long-term care sites being established would provide COVID-19 patients with the highest quality care.

Brown-Shoman said staff members at the facility told her there were currently no residents with the coronavirus at Canyon Transitional.

It doesnt make sense to take a clean facility and then infect it with COVID-19 patients, Brown-Shoman said.   Take a facility that already has a couple of cases. Get all of the healthy people out, quarantine them for a couple of weeks.

She feels moving residents like her mother will put them at risk mentally and physically.

Its been incredibly discombobulating for family members for them to be taken from the only environment that makes them comfortable and they are accustomed to, Brown-Shoman said.

She and Janet Bridges, whose mother had been a resident at the facility before dying in October, said the facility had been on lockdown for the past few weeks. They said the residents have been secluded in their rooms and have had little contact with family members to prevent the spread of the virus.

Bridges labeled the move a cruel decision.

New Mexico Health Secretary Kathy Kunkel said the state recognized the concerns of families of current Canyon Transitional residents.

We want them to know their loved ones are in good hands with our colleagues of the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department, with whom we will work to assure their elders will be transitioned to COVID-19-free facilities and that their health and safety will remain a top priority, she said in a news release.
Chennai, April 11 : DMK President M.K. Stalin on Saturday urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami not to delay the decision on extending the lockdown period to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the state.

He also said the "one nation, one corona and one procurement" policy should be avoided as it delays the measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

In a letter to Palaniswami, Stalin, the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, said there should be enough time for the people to mentally prepare for the lockdown extension.

Demanding adequate protective equipment for the medical professionals treating Covid-19 patients, Stalin also said the government should give a special assistance of Rs 5,000 to the poor and also rice, oil, pulses and other essential items free of cost.

Stalin also said that face masks and sanitisers should also be provided to the people free of charge.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse)  Sat, April 11, 2020 20:08 640 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd13fae3 2 News Airbnb,Airbnb-Experiences,travel,destination,coronavirus,COVID-19,virtual-travel Free

Airbnb is shifting its Experiences platform, which sells guided tours and tourist activities like cooking and pottery classes, to the virtual world with online experiences that will be hosted through Zoom.

With half of the world sheltering in place, travel has been placed on indefinite hold. Airbnb is pitching its Online Experiences service as a new way to connect with people around the world and help hosts earn income throughout the COVID-19 disruptions.

So far, the platform features activities from 30 countries and includes everything from learning about K-beauty from a TV host in Seoul to learning the art of meditation from a Japanese monk in Osaka or making homemade pasta with an Italian nonna in Rome.

Older, isolated adults can also sign up for a free Online Experience and learn a new skill through groups like SAGE, which works to improve the lives of LGBT older people, and the National Council on Aging.

Read also: Guests and hosts can cancel Airbnb reservations penalty-free during coronavirus

"Millions of elders aren't able to go outside and risk their health due to the current crisis and need activities to help them stay connected to the world around them," said SAGE CEO Michael Adams in a statement.

"Through our partnership with Airbnb, SAGE is able to give older members of LGBT communities across the country an opportunity to not only meet other people, but also learn a new hobby and travel to nearly anywhere around the world, all from the safety of their home."

Other experiences include learning magic, tapas classes from Portugal and training with a British Olympian.
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, a group known as OPEC+, have agreed to cut oil output by 10 million barrels per day (bpd) in May and June.

That's according to a statement released by the group.

The move according to analysts is designed to help prop up petrol prices, which have been battered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

OPEC+ said the cuts would be eased between July and December to eight million bpd, and the reductions would then be relaxed further to six million bpd between January 2021 to April 2022.

The group said it would hold another video conference meeting on June 10 to assess the market. But it did not mention the conditions for countries outside the grouping to reduce oil output.

Earlier on Thursday, the mega players were seeking to convince Mexico to join in a deal to implement record oil cuts to lift crudes prices battered by the coronavirus crisis, an OPEC source told Reuters news agency.

OPEC+ ministers were trying to persuade Mexico to cut its output by 400,000 bpd based on the country's output level in October 2018, as part of broader cuts.

A worldwide lockdown to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic has cut fuel demand by roughly 30 percent and contributed to a crash in prices that took major benchmarks down by more than two-thirds before they recovered in recent days in anticipation of action from oil producers.

In Ghana, fuel prices have reached very low levels for some time now, and it is projected to go further down.

Prices of Brent crude is presently going for US$31.48 on the world market.

A gallon of petrol is now going for the average of GHS18 instead of the previous GHS23.

---aljazeera
Guwahati/IBNS: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has directed the administration of South Salmara Mankachar to take immediate steps for strict vigil at India-Bangladesh border adjoining the district boundary and to maintain regular interaction with the Border Security Force so that no person could move even to the No Mans land for farm activities during the lockdown period.

Sonowal directed this while reviewing COVID-19 preparedness of South Salmara-Mankachar district administration in a meeting held at Deputy Commissioners conference hall at Hatsingimari in South Salmara-Mankachar district on Friday.

Underlining the state governments move to provide onetime financial assistance of Rs 1000 to the families who are not included in the National Food Security Act, the Assam Chief Minister emphasised on selection of beneficiary with utmost transparency.

Sonowal also directed the Veterinary & Animal Husbandry department to arrange adequate feeds for animals in the district.

In view of the 21-day lockdown, the Assam Chief Minister asked the Food & Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential goods to people. He directed the departmental officials to take strict action against hoarding to check escalation of prices of essential commodities.

Moreover, in response to the request of the Deputy Commissioner of South Salmara-Mankachar district Atika Sultana to ensure adequate supply of fruits in the district in view of the forthcoming Ramadan month, the Assam Chief Minister instructed the F&CS department to take necessary steps for the same.

Sonowal also reviewed steps taken by various departments to tackle COVID-19.

F&CS Minister Phani Bhusan Choudhury, MLAs Dr. Motiur Rohman Mondal and Bimal Bora and senior officials of district administration and other departments were present in the meeting.

Later interacting with media persons, Sonowal thanked the people of the district for adhering to the norms of the lockdown and urged them to maintain the norm of social distancing till the lockdown period is over.

The Assam Chief Minister lauded medias role in taking the message of preventive measures to fight against COVID-19 at the grassroot level.

The state health department is fully geared up and adequate health facilities like isolation ward and special quarantine facilities have been developed for treatment of novel coronavirus infection, Sonowal said.

He also appreciated the role of health department functionaries saying that they are working 24x7 for rendering service to the needy people.

Police personnel and officials of F&CS, PHE, Power and various other departments are working with united efforts to tide over this crisis, Sonowal said.

The Assam Chief Minister also urged people to maintain social distance to protect themselves from the novel coronavirus infection and advised people to abstain social gathering.

Sonowal also visited Goalpara district today and held a review meeting with the district administration to take stock of COVID-19 preparedness in the district apart from visiting a quarantine centre set up at Goalpara College.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath, Guwahati)
The Honble Prime Minister announced a 21-day India-wide lockdown on 24th March to curb the spread of the deadly Coronavirus. Since then, the pleas of the PM and Chief Ministers across states, urging people to stay indoors, have been ignored by many. There appears to be a lack of awareness of the consequences of venturing out and this extends even to the more evolved. Incidents of violation of govt. guidelines continue to make the headlines and a large number of people have already been arrested.

Individuals are not adhering to the one overarching guideline of staying indoors to stay safe, blissfully unaware of the consequences of Corona. With the deadly virus knocking on our doors, it was imperative to drive awareness of the simple fact that when you Stay Home you Stay Safe, India had to be reminded that you are safe indoors. And who best to remind our countrymen than Tata Pravesh, a brand of steel doors from Tata Steel - a company whose steel built the nation and who has always kept the welfare of the nation and the well-being of our countrymen at the top of its agenda.

A film for digital media was the perfect way to transmit the message. The challenge was how to get this done at a time when the entire world was behind closed doors, production houses included. Crowdsourcing was the only solution. The film was made with instagram and twitter posts by hundreds of Indians with the Tata Pravesh hashtag #DoorsOfIndia. These shots were combined with footage of closed doors sourced from the Wunderman Thompson team across 6 Indian cities.

The film brings lockdown alive through hundreds of closed and locked down #DoorsOfIndia. It begins with shots of doors closing followed by a montage of closed doors from various geographies covering the entire expanse of this vast nation. The fast-paced montage is choreographed to a homemade soundscape that is evidence of how Work From Home can give birth to truly ingenious solutions.

An entire Indian classical music rhythm pattern was created not by using traditional Indian percussion but by using live sounds of doors being shut and sounds of latches, hinges, stoppers & locks, along with ambient street noises and dialogues. These sounds were sourced from across the country using #DoorsOfIndia.

The film demonstrates how India is united in its fight against Corona, shutting all its doors to signify that when an entire country shuts its doors, it has the power to shut out Corona.

Commenting on the film, P. Anand, Chief - Services & Solutions Business, Tata Steel Ltd. said, Tata Pravesh has always endeavoured to open minds through evocative socially connected films. This relevantly timed film reminds people to stay behind closed doors, that being the best way to combat Corona.

Commenting on the creative concept, Senthil Kumar, Chief Creative Officer, Wunderman Thompson said; The idea was to bring alive the fact that India has shut its doors on Corona. This simple idea was executed powerfully by featuring doors from various provinces which gives the film a pan India scale while indicating that the #DoorsOfIndia will remain closed till we #ShutOutCorona.

Commenting on the creative concept, Arjun Mukherjee, ECD & VP, Wunderman Thompson, Kolkata said, It was important to tell people that all it takes to flatten the curve is to shut the door. The film uses doors of various shapes, sizes, age and lineage which reflect the diversity of this nation, all united in shutting out Corona.

Vijay Jacob Parakkal, Senior VP & Managing Partner, Wunderman Thompson said, The vast numbers who have closed their doors on Corona is testimony to the exceptional resolve and fortitude that our country has always demonstrated in times of stress. We are delighted to partner Tata Pravesh on this film which shows what India can do if it puts its heart into it.

Credits:

Client: Tata Pravesh - a brand of Tata Steel

Agency: Wunderman Thompson South Asia

Project Head:

Vijay Jacob Parakkal, Sr. VP & Managing Partner

Creative Team:

Senthil Kumar, Chief Creative Officer

Arjun Mukherjee, ECD & VP

Moeinuk Sengupta, Creative Director

Account Management:

Nilanjan Sarkar, Client Services Director

Production house: Little Lamb Films, Mumbai

Producer: Avishek Ghosh

Director: Nobin Dutt

Editor: Priyank Premkumar

Music: Subhajit Mukherjee

Associate producers: Sushant Tambe & Digvijay Patil

Post Assistant: Sarvesh Pandey
New Delhi: Mithila Palkar has featured in several web-series, short films and movies too. She became a household name after the success of her popular series 'Little Things' with Dhruv Sehgal. Fans adore their camaraderie and that prompted for a quick season 2 of Netflix's 'Little Things'.

Amid the lockdown phase, Mithila quarantined for over 14 days and recently moved back in with her grandparents post her visit from Australia. And has a perfect quarantine schedule in place.

She is spending isolation time focusing on learning cooking from her Nani (grandmother), have been training with her fitness trainer via video calls, catching up on shows, interacting with her fans via social media and more.

Sounds cool, right?

Mithila was listed in GQs 50 most influential Young Indians, the Forbes list of 30 under 30 and Entrepreneur Indias 35 under 35.

A theatre enthusiast, her childrens play Tunni ki Kahani and Aaj Rang Hai were instrumental in honing this passion.

Whatever I experience with the characters I play is something close to what millennials feel. The realness of it appeals to the audience, says the actor explaining the success of her performances.

She was seen with Irrfan Khan and Dulquer Salmaan in 'Karwaan', featured in 'Chopsticks' with Abhay Deol. Besides, she has a pivotal part in Kajol's 'Tribhanga', an upcoming Netflix film.
But it is hard to imagine any situation in the coming months in which congressional and executive branch personnel would take a deep look at the government response to the pandemic and decide that nothing needs to change. No one believes the nation could withstand another such blow to public health and the economy.

Once this is under control, we have to think about this, and not just put it off and say it is a once-in-every-100-years event, said Representative Peter King, Republican of New York, who was one of the early chairmen of the House Homeland Security Committee after it was created in response to the rise of terrorism risks. Lets face it: It has happened, and indications are it could happen again soon with the way the world is, the way travel is.

Changes of the magnitude that might be coming are never easy, as the bitter fight over the creation of the Department of Homeland Security illustrated. Washington agencies are aggressive fiefs that notoriously protect their own turf, and that parochialism extends to the cabinet agencies and congressional committees that oversee and derive their clout from them. Critics are all but certain to denounce an unnecessary growth of government.

Still, top lawmakers say some review and rethinking is essential.

I would think some structural changes would come out of this, said Senator Susan Collins, Republican of Maine, who led what was then known as the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee when homeland security oversight was added to its portfolio after the Sept. 11 attacks. We need some sort of coordinating structure.

But what shape does that take? Does it amount to some iteration of a new Department of Pandemic Prevention and Response in a major consolidation of responsibility? Or are less drastic changes in store, such as a clearer delineation of responsibilities among agencies to identify who is in charge of pinpointing a looming public health threat and empowered to ensure that the country is prepared, including with sufficient equipment and medical personnel?

What is the future role of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has been pushed somewhat into the background in the coronavirus crisis, while a White House task force has been placed in command? Where does the intelligence community fit in? Why did some states perform better than others in the early days of the spread? Should FEMA, usually a responder to natural disasters, be the dominant force?

Rahm Emanuel, the former top White House official, congressman and Chicago mayor, is calling for a multipronged approach that includes a sophisticated early-warning system to detect possible threats, establishment of a new way to organize a ready medical force and an aggressive stockpiling of medical supplies.
The state has announced the creation of the Oklahoma Manufacturing Reboot Program, which will address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Oklahoma businesses, specifically manufacturers.

Awards will range from $25,000 to $150,000, depending on market potential and long-term impact of the new production capabilities on Oklahomas economy.

We know how critical it is that we help Oklahoma businesses during this unprecedented time, Gov. Kevin Stitt said in a statement. Moving these funds to assist Oklahoma manufacturers, and support innovative ideas, will help keep hard-working Oklahomans employed and able to support their families while also boosting our economy during a difficult time.
Area school districts are in their second or third week of distance learning, but thousands of students still have not communicated with their teachers or schools  not once, by any method.

Districts are calculating the numbers of virtual no-shows differently, some releasing them weekly, and the totals could change as teachers and principals follow up on the missing, but school officials are concerned.

So much of touching base with our families and our kids is to make sure that our students are well, in addition to learning, said San Antonio Independent School District trustee Steve Lecholop in a virtual board meeting Monday. The untouched students are likely some of our most needy students.

The district opened virtual classrooms for its 48,500 students on March 30 but by the start of this week, more than 19 percent of them had not completed online work, responded to inquiries either online or by phone, or picked up devices at schools.

Remote learning began a week earlier for 108,000 students in Northside ISD, but about 18 percent had not checked in with all of their teachers, said Barry Perez, district spokesman.

North East ISD, meanwhile, estimated that fewer than 2 percent of its 64,500 students are not engaged in distance learning. The higher participation rate might be due to wider use of paper packets, but this data is preliminary and self-reported by the campuses so we are planning to do more follow-up, spokeswoman Aubrey Chancellor said.

The worry isnt over state funding  school districts dont need to report average daily attendance during the coronavirus crisis. The Texas Education Agency is allocating money based on attendance during the six-week period before the shutdowns and historical year-end attendance patterns.

Northside, the largest school district in Bexar County, has found some students have been too busy watching younger siblings while their parents work. Some high-schoolers whose parents have been laid off went to work for H-E-B, which is ramping up hiring, Perez said.

The districts teaching is mostly online. It has handed out more than 27,000 laptops and tablets to students who needed them, and more than 4,600 wireless hotspots to those who lacked high-speed internet, he said.

One of the first assignments by Northside teachers, using Google Classroom or Seesaw, was to check in online. The 18 percent who didnt complete that step include middle and high school students who might have responded to some teachers but not others, Perez said. Most elementary students have one teacher for all core subjects.

Students have the option to use paper packets. Perez said most schools put together enough packets for about 1 percent of their students. Not all of those have been picked up.

On ExpressNews.com: Digital divide suddenly wider

Across the district, principals, specialists, aides and counselors are helping teachers call the families of students who havent been heard from yet, Perez said. Messages are being sent via email, social media and the district mobile app.

Were now working to identify kiddos who didnt engage at all, and also to determine the reason why, Perez said.

Teachers and staff are trying to convey that its not too late to start distance learning. All the lessons are archived online, deadlines are flexible and teachers are now more focused on providing feedback than grading.

Whenever you engage, were going to pick you up and move you forward, Perez said. Were recognizing these are difficult times.

Nationally and locally, low-income students have been the least likely to engage in distance learning.

Some families havent collected devices or packets because they dont have cars or time during the work day, said Tom Knapp, the principal of Westwood Terrace Elementary School inside Loop 410 on the West Side.

About 93 percent of its students are considered economically disadvantaged based on federal income standards, and its Northside ISD attendance zone includes several low-income apartment complexes and a shelter for women with disabilities and their children.

Knapp said 40 of his roughly 500 students didnt check in online in the first week. He and his staff cut that number to 20, delivering electronic devices to the womens shelter and paper packets to the last known addresses of families who were still incommunicado.

Kids are logging on in larger numbers than I initially figured would happen, Knapp said. Considering the circumstances, everyones done an excellent job.

Three students who never checked in were siblings who lived together. Their fenced front yard contained a barking dog but Knapp tossed a bag of paper packets over the gate and onto a closed trash can. Administrative intern Stephanie Janik texted the mother to let her know where the packets were. The mother responded and scheduled an electronic device pickup, but didnt show, Janik said.

The school is not collecting the paper packets, as the district decided last week that elementary students wont be graded for now. Students who fall behind will be placed on an accelerated learning plan next school year to catch up, Janik said.

School assignments are the least of some parents worries, Janik said.

We understand folks have lost jobs, she said.

Required Reading: Get San Antonio education news sent directly to your inbox

Chelsea Henry, a visiting caregiver, has been bringing her two sons, ages 8 and 10, to work since schools shut down. The older son, Zander Sanchez, has a number of disabilities including autism and bipolar disorder, she said.

He misses school at Westwood Terrace, and the schedule change and isolation have provoked manic behavior, his mother said. The behavior management assistant who works with Zander added items to the bag of paper packets Henry collected at the school Wednesday. He got a Chromebook, a wireless hotspot, a big squishy rubber ball, toy trucks and other things to keep his hands busy while his mother works.

Zander learns better with paper packets than computers, and will probably use the laptop for learning games, Henry said. She planned to submit the paper packets when school resumes.

Her younger son, Billy Henry, is in second grade at Allen Elementary.

I miss my teachers and my friends, Billy said dejectedly.

I miss them, his mother replied. You think its hard on the kids? Its hard on the mom.

In SAISD, teachers can use an app to record every time they successfully connect with a student via text, phone, email or software such as Seesaw or ClassDojo, said Theresa Urrabazo, executive director of accountability and research. The app automatically captures Google Classroom logins and allows other teachers to see whos contacted a student.

In some cases, five different people were reaching out to the same family regarding the same student, Urrabazo said.

Many families still arent responding to calls or texts, Superintendent Pedro Martinez said. Teachers and parent liaisons are asking some children to reach out to their friends, he said.

Theyre very mobile throughout the school year, and so we might have had several thousand children that moved just around spring break, and now we dont have their updated contact info, Martinez said. Were going to keep trying.

Almost 40,000 students now have laptops from SAISD, and the district has given out 3,500 wireless hotspots. Remote learning has mostly been flexible, with students logging into an online platform at their convenience, but teachers are holding virtual office hours and periodically meeting with students in real time through an app, Chief Academic Officer Patti Salzmann said.

The district has not made contact with more than a quarter of elementary school students, but high-schoolers have responded in the highest numbers, with about 9 percent missing. Worried about staying on track for graduation and college, seniors have been Zooming with counselors and advisers, Salzmann said.

Trustee Ed Garza asked Urrabazo at Mondays board meeting for a demographic profile of the students SAISD hasnt reached. Almost 20 percent of students in the district are learning English as a second language.

It seems like each campus handles the Spanish translation differently, Garza said. Theres not a lot of consistency in that, just because of the shortage of staff, so Im just wondering if a demographic profile on the ones we havent interacted with might show some vulnerable populations.

Trustee Christina Martinez said shed heard of dual language classes where English-speaking students were logging in but not their Spanish-speaking peers.

Some grandparents caring for children are struggling to get them logged on, trustee Alicia Perry said, adding, Ive heard that some of them just kind of gave up because they did not know how to use the equipment.

Those family members should call their schools for help, Salzmann said.

NEISD schools that have higher numbers of low-income students typically have more difficulty reaching families, Chancellor, the district spokewsoman, said in an email. Schools have been calling, e-mailing and dropping packets at homes, and remain flexible once they return, she said.

Alia Malik covers several school districts and the University of Texas at San Antonio. To read more from Alia, become a subscriber. amalik@express-news.net | Twitter: @AliaAtSAEN
The Washington Post this week carried a headline about a country that is not just squashing the curve  its flattening it. The country in question is not the United States, not the UK, Italy, Germany or Japan, all of which continue to cope with large numbers of cases and deaths. It is New Zealand. At the time of writing, they have had just over a thousand cases of Covid-19, and four deaths. Leadership matters in a crisis, and New Zealands leader, prime minister Jacinda Ardern, can surely take considerable credit for this thus far hugely impressive outcome.

Of course, New Zealand is a smaller country than the UK or Australia, let alone giants like the US and China. But the principles in leading a country of 5 million through a crisis are the same as leading a country with 50 or 500 million. You have to lead. You have to devise, execute and narrate a strategy. You have to set out difficult choices, make difficult decisions, take the country into your confidence about why you are making them. You have to show genuine empathy for the difficulties your people are facing, and take them with you.

On all of those, Ardern scores highly. New York governor Andrew Cuomo has rightly won plaudits for his crisis management, and especially his communications. But if you add the outcome of that single-figure death toll in New Zealand to the public performance of leadership, Ardern is surely one of, if not the, standout leaders of this crisis.

It was a conversation with a friend in New Zealand that prompted me to study Arderns recent statements, briefings, interviews and social media posts. They are a masterclass in crisis communications. He told me: If there was an election tomorrow, Jacinda would win every seat. She has put the whole country in strict lockdown, and because of the way she has conducted herself, and explained it, approval ratings for her and the policy are through the roof.

In a recent piece setting out principles of crisis management learned the hard way alongside Tony Blair through Kosovo, 9/11, Afghanistan, Iraq and, closer to home, a foot and mouth epidemic and the fuel protests of 2000, I emphasised the need to get the big moments right. On the Covid-19 crisis, the two biggest moments for Jacinda Ardern came two days apart.

On 21 March, when Boris Johnson was still resisting a lockdown for the UK, and he and US president Donald Trump had been sending all manner of mixed messages about handshakes, big gatherings, science, schools, and much else besides, she did a broadcast to the nation spelling out the strategy for New Zealand. In this rugby-obsessed nation, unsurprisingly, one of the central messages sounded like something from an All Blacks team talk: We go hard, we go early.

She emphasised the need for firm action to stop the spread of the virus during what she called the window of opportunity before it really took hold, as had happened in China, Iran and, at the time she was speaking, in Italy and New York. She set out, and explained in detail, but in clear, simple language, the four stages of Alert, and what each would require of government and of people. Her manner was calm, authoritative, and friendly.

She focused on the human as much as the economic consequences of the changes that would come as the country went through the different Alert gears. She spelled out very clearly how difficult it would be for everyone. She didnt say dont panic buy. Instead, she explained, smiling, how the supermarkets, pharmacies and petrol stations would function, and stay open. She spoke to New Zealanders sense of themselves  creative, practical, country-minded  and she ended by urging everyone to be strong, be kind, and unite against Covid-19.

Two days later, moving from Alert level 2 to 3, giving the country a further two days to prepare for the lockdown of Alert level 4, she delivered this memorable line, which helped frame both government action and the publics understanding of it: We only have 102 cases  but so did Italy once.

Admitting she was demanding the most significant restriction of movement in modern history, she set out how schools, bars, restaurants, cafes, pools, playgrounds and all non-essential businesses would close. She said without it New Zealand could see the greatest loss of life in our history and she was not prepared to let that happen. Perhaps with the Mother Country, the UK, and the US in mind, she said other countries had chosen not to go early, go hard, and she was clearly not making the same mistake.

She gave immediate clarity sadly lacking in the UK about who key workers were, and what essential journeys were. In urging people to stay home, save lives, she thanked them in advance, portraying what they would do as an act of public service almost on a par with those on the healthcare frontline. She spelled out how the government would do both contact tracing, and testing, and insisted that the more rigorous they were on all fronts, the likelier it was the lockdown could be lifted earlier. We will do everything to protect you; Im asking you to do all you can to protect all of us, she added, with a Kennedy-esque touch.

Be strong and be kind, she repeated, smiling, before taking many questions from the media, smiling again when she was asked if she was scared. No, she said. Because we have a plan.

She shared that plan in a way I have never felt the US and UK governments have shared theirs, which has allowed an impression to develop that they are rather making it up as they go along.

Natural empathy has always been a strong point for Ardern. We saw it in her handling of the massacre of 50 Muslims in a Christchurch mosque last March. She did not just get the words and the tone right, not least vowing never to utter the now forgotten name of the murderer, but she got the actions right too, promising gun law reforms within 10 days, and delivering them in six.

At the other end of the empathetic scale, could any other leader have stood at a government lectern as she did recently and talked directly to children about how yes, the tooth fairy and the Easter bunny were key workers, but they might not be able to get everywhere because they were so busy in these challenging times?

Locked away at home for 23 hours a day, I spend many of those hours studying different world leaders as they deal with the Covid-19 challenge. Ardern is the only one who seems to be smiling as much in the crisis as she does in what might be termed normal times. It seems to help her, and New Zealand, get through it.

Alastair Campbell was director of communications and strategy for Labour prime minister Tony Blair between 1997 and 2003
Most states requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend the lockdown for two more weeks and the centre is considering their request, according to government sources.

The request was made by the Chief Ministers of several states during the video conferencing meeting with PM Narendra Modi earlier today.

"Most states requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend the lockdown for 2 more weeks. The Central Government is considering this request," Government of India (GOI) sources said.

The 21-day nationwide lockdown, which was announced by the Prime Minister last month was slated to end on April 14.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister held a video-conference with the chief ministers of different states over the coronavirus situation and lockdown imposed to prevent its spread.

Modi thanked the states for supporting the decision of the 21-day nationwide lockdown and praised how all the states have worked together as a team to check the spread of the virus.

The Prime Minister also forewarned that the global situation remains far from satisfactory and informed about speculations of a possible second wave of the virus spread in some countries.

During the meeting, Chief Ministers of Delhi and Punjab recommended an extension of lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus across the country. Notably, Odisha and Punjab governments have already announced the extension of the lockdown in their respective states.

In his earlier interaction with the Chief Ministers of states, the Prime Minister discussed measures to combat COVID-19.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Geneticists from Britain and Germany have mapped the evolutionary path of the coronavirus that causes Covid-19 and determined there are currently three versions of it spreading around the world.

The discovery of how the variants were formed and then spread could help scientists to identify its source and explain why it is so contagious.

The researchers analysed the first 160 complete viral genomes sequenced from human patients between December 24 and March 4, then reconstructed the early evolutionary pathway of Covid-19 in humans through its mutations.

There are too many rapid mutations to neatly trace a Covid-19 family tree. We used a mathematical network algorithm to visualise all the plausible trees simultaneously, said Peter Forster, a geneticist at University of Cambridge and lead author of the study.

These techniques are mostly known for mapping the movements of prehistoric human populations through DNA. We think this is one of the first times they have been used to trace the infection routes of a coronavirus like Covid-19, he said in a report about the study on the universitys website.

The team labelled the three variants A, B and C.

Type A was closest to the coronavirus discovered in bats and although found in Wuhan  the central China city that was the epicentre of the initial outbreak  was not the primary type there, they said.

Type A was also found in Americans who had lived in Wuhan, and in other patients diagnosed in the United States and Australia.

The most common variant found in Wuhan was type B, the study said, though this appeared not to have travelled much beyond East Asia before mutating, which the researchers said was probably due to some form of resistance to it outside that region.

Finally, type C was the variant found most often in Europe based on cases in France, Italy, Sweden and England. It had not been detected in any patients in mainland China, though had been found in samples from Singapore, Hong Kong and South Korea, the study said.

Story continues

The researchers concluded that variant A was the root of the outbreak as it was most closely related to the virus found in bats and pangolins. Type B was derived from A, separated by two mutations, while type C was the daughter of variant B.

The Wuhan B-type virus could be immunologically or environmentally adapted to a large section of the East Asian population, Forster said.

It may need to mutate to overcome resistance outside East Asia. We seem to see a slower mutation rate in East Asia than elsewhere, in this initial phase.

The research also documented how peoples movements had helped the spread of the virus.

For example, the study suggested that one of the earliest introductions of the virus to Italy  found in a Mexican traveller who was diagnosed on February 28  came via the first documented German infection  a person who worked for a company in Munich  on January 27.

The German contracted the infection from a Chinese colleague in Shanghai, who had recently been visited by her parents from Wuhan.

The researchers documented 10 mutations in the viral journey from Wuhan to Mexico.

Because we have reconstructed the "family tree" (the evolutionary history) of the human virus, we can use this tree to trace infection routes from one human to the next, and thus have a statistical tool to suppress future infection when the virus tries to return, Forster said.

He added that researchers can better determine when the outbreak started with the data.

I hope this improved knowledge of the origin and spread will enable more precise computer simulations to predict which measures will be most effective, he said.

Lu Jiahai, an epidemiologist at Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong, said the study had provided a preliminary analysis of genomics and molecular variation.

The virus mutates during spreading and has become more adapted to transmission among humans in different populations from different countries, he said.

But as the variants were related to each other, tracking mutations within different groups could help to determine the origin of the virus, he said.

This research indicates that the spread of the virus is increasingly adapted to different populations and therefore the pandemic needs to be taken seriously, Lu said.

People need to pay more attention to prevention and control  the virus may coexist with humans for a long time.

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Kangana Ranauts Sister Rangoli Shares A Throwback Picture Of The Actress Dressed As Sita For A Ramayana Play
For Sydney-based interior designer Tamsin Johnson, working between home and her Paddington showroom is something she's become accustomed to over time.

Like so many parents around the world facing massive interruption to daily routine, Tamsin and husband Patrick have been forced to improvise.

Interior designer Tamsin Johnson and husband Patrick Johnson with children Arthur, 3, and Bunny, 2, outside their Tamarama home. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

Known for her minimalist aesthetic  she studied fashion before working for Stella McCartney and later launching her interior design career at Meacham Nockles McQualter  Tamsin's unexpected 2020 project was to transform her garage into a home office.
A LIMERICK-based fish processor was ordered to destroy more than 280kgs of fishery products after concerns were expressed that activities at its processing and packaging facility were likely to create a serious risk to public health, it can be revealed

While the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) previously confirmed that a Prohibition Order was served on Rene Cusack ltd on March 3 last, no reasons for the order were disclosed.

While the order, under the provisions of the FSAI Act 1998, was formally lifted on March 15, details remained on the FSAI website for a month as is required by law.

Documents released under the Freedom of Information Act reveal that the Prohibition Order was served following an inspection of the premises by an authorised officer with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA).

In the order, which was served on Paul Cusack (managing director of Rene Cusack ltd), the officer states that a variety of fishery products be withdrawn from sale or distribution immediately and that they be destroyed as category three animal by product.

The order also required that full details be provided in writing to the SFPA relating to the destruction of the fishery production.

The reasons for the order include: Frozen fishery products being stored in excess of the Best Before date, Chillled storage of fishery products at an advanced stage of decomposition rendering them unsuitable for human consumption and the thawing of fishery products at ambient temperatures.

The officer also cited concerns that there was a potential for contamination between fishery products at the facility.

According the documents, the fishery products which were withdrawn from sale and destroyed included 160kgs of frozen Cod, 34.2kgs of smoked Salmon, 8.66kgs of Red Snapper, 6.3kgs of Yellowfin Tuna and 5.28kgs of Seas Bass fillets.

Other products specified in Prohibition Order included quantities of Swordfish, Mackerel, Scallops, Sardines, smoked Coley and loose Prawns.

The FSAI has confirmed the order was lifted almost two weeks after it was served with an authorised officer stating the matters specified in the order have been remedied and the actions therin regarding the food had been completed to my satisfaction.

Details of the Order have now been removed from the FSAI website.
LOS ANGELES, April 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Marketing services firm LRW Group today announced a coordinated effort with USC's Price School of Public Policy and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to recruit and test 1,000 Los Angeles residents to discover the true spread of COVID-19 across the county. The blood tests, known as serological testing, will determine if the participants now carry or have ever carried the virus. The results of these tests expect to shed new light on just how widespread the virus is across the county, and are a critical touchpoint to determine when residents can return to "normal life."

LRW Group's role in this effort is to identify and recruit a representative sample of Los Angeles residents to participate in the study. Both healthy and sick residents will be asked to participate to gain a more accurate picture of just how far the virus has penetrated the community. LRW Group is providing these services at no cost to L.A. County.

"Much like everyone else across the world, we were eager to find a way to help fight the spread of COVID-19," said LRW Group President and COO Jeff Reynolds. "Our work is typically focused on helping businesses develop new customer insights and help them put those insights into action. We realized that we could apply our sampling and analytical expertise toward understanding the spread of the virus. When we identified an opportunity to support the LA community with this crucial antibody study, we moved quickly to provide them with the participants they needed to make this important research initiative a success."

The first round of testing begins today and continues through Saturday evening, where hundreds of local community members will be invited to six testing locations throughout the city of Los Angeles. Ensuing tests will take place every two weeks in Los Angeles County, at rotating locations across the city.

Participants will be invited to drive up to testing locations for a pin-prick blood test conducted inside their cars. Unlike the common nasal swab test that reveals whether a person currently has the virus, the serological test measures the presence of antibodies in the blood and can determine whether the test subject previously had the virus. An understanding of what percentage of the population is carrying the virus, and how many people have already recovered can give researchers and governments the tools they need to evaluate social distancing measures and help answer the question of when people can return to their normal routines.

"Since the early days of the coronavirus outbreak, we've worked hard to deliver useful insights about how the virus is impacting our world," said Jacqueline Rosales, COO of SoapBoxSample, LRW Group's survey sampling and online research arm. "Now we get to take our efforts one step further by having a direct role in a solution that will get our society back on a path to normal life. It's an honor to be part of this research initiative that could potentially have a game-changing impact on our community."

Los Angeles County residents interested in participating in future COVID-19 studies should visit http://join.mysoapbox.com/covid19/ .

About LRW Group

LRW Group is an integrated marketing services company offering clients a wide variety of capabilities to solve complex problems for the world's most remarkable businesses. Operating two core divisions  Perspective and Action  LRW Group provides a wide range of solutions with an emphasis on strategy, branding, communications, innovation, product development, and customer experience. Our proprietary approach goes beyond data analysis to build businesses from the insight out. LRW Group companies include LRW, Kelton Global, ISA, SoapBoxSample, LRWTonic, LRWMotiveQuest, LRWGreenberg, Strativity, Killer Visual Strategies, Karma Agency, Salt Branding, Q-insights, and icanmakeitbetter. The group is headquartered in Los Angeles with seventeen offices or facilities in New York, Chicago, London, Seattle, Orange County, Philadelphia, Austin, Las Vegas, Charlotte, and Atlanta.

About SoapBoxSample

You Don't Know What You Don't Know. Brands need insights that lead to great ideas. We help you turn your business questions into actionable insights. Whether your company is a legacy brand, or part of an emerging market like cannabis, we have a suite of customizable research tools for any project size. Our team of super likable humans combines decades of research experience with a nimble and disruptive start-up mind-set. We believe in making your life easier, saying no even when you don't want to hear it and giving you a research experience that improves your business' bottom line. Offering a FRESH blend of research and technology, our suite of services includes: community insight platform (icanmakeitbetter); online data collection; and full-service design and analytics. To learn more about SoapBoxSample visit SoapBoxSample.com. The SoapBox trademark is owned by Calign, Inc and used under license.

SOURCE LRW Group
In the old times, many killers have been born like Genghis Khan, Halaku and Timurlung, who killed thousands and millions of people, but do you know about that killer in modern history. Yes, today we are going to tell you about one such person who had killed many thousands of people in one night. The world calls this person the 'Butcher of Bangladesh' i.e. 'Butcher of Bangladesh'. That night, he committed so much barbarity that people of that era still rise up on hearing his name. The name of this person is Tikka Khan, 4-Star General of Pakistani Army and the first Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan. It was born on 10 February 1915 in a village near Rawalpindi. Tikka Khan was admitted to the British Indian Army in 1935 after studying at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. He then became a commissioned officer in 1940. He also took part in the second world war against Germany.

Let us tell you that after partition, Tikka Khan went to Pakistan and became a major in the army there. He also took part in the Indo-Pak war in 1965. Tikka Khan's story of vandalism begins in 1969, when Yahya Khan became the President of Pakistan. At the same time, the demand for making East Pakistan (which is now Bangladesh) a separate country gained momentum. Hence Tikka Khan was sent there. Tikka Khan started military operations directly on his way to East Pakistan, which was named 'Operation Searchlight'. History can hardly be forgotten by what the Pakistani army did on the orders of Tikka Khan under this operation. Thousands of people were killed in East Pakistan. According to a report, seven thousand people were killed in one night in Dhaka. No children, no old men and no women, no one was spared.

At the same time, Robert Penn has written a book on this massacre of Bangladesh, in which he has told that in just nine months of 1971, about two lakh women and girls were raped in Bangladesh. It was only after this incident that Time magazine called Tikka Khan a 'butcher of Bangladesh'. After the end of the Battle of Bangladesh, Tikka Khan became infamous all over the world. Even in Pakistan, many people described his actions as wrong, but despite this, his penetration in the Pakistani army became stronger. His promotion went on and on 3 March 1972 he became the first Pakistan Army Chief. He held this post for nearly four years and retired after that. He died in Rawalpindi on 28 March 2002 at the age of 87.

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Other sexual assaults are alleged to have occurred when he escorted her to the gym and in a car park at the Carlton campus. "The second defendant [Professor Kotagiri] repeatedly asked the plaintiff to meet him in his office. He intimidated the plaintiff into doing so by making it clear that he was in control of her candidature, '' according to the statement of claim. Professor Kotagiri denied all allegations in a statement of defence filed in December 2018. The PhD student criticised the prestigious university for not taking proper action after earlier harassment claims against the professor. Credit:Joe Armao The student, who has asked not to be identified, made a formal complaint to the university in May 2016, before suspending her studies because of a significant mental health issue that required hospitalisation. A complaint was also made to Victoria Police in November 2016 but no charges were ever laid against the professor.

The University of Melbourne was named as the first defendant in legal documents and as part of the case was accused of failing to disclose previous complaints made against Professor Kotagiri by other female students. An independent investigator appointed by the university allegedly uncovered other complaints made by at least two former students against Professor Kotagiri. The university was aware in September 2014 of an allegation of inappropriate touching by the professor in 2012, while another case related to alleged misconduct between 2009 and 2012, according to an amended statement of claim. However, the student was advised in September 2016 that no action would be taken against the long-serving professor. Ms Munir said they only became aware of the other complaints during pre-trial discovery.

Ms Munir said she was astonished the university had failed to discipline Professor Kotagiri, who continued to mentor female PhD students without supervision. Our client showed great strength in her battle for justice against a renowned university and an eminent professor. The universitys failure to adequately address the sexual harassment complaints was negligent given the obvious power imbalance between a student and a professor," Ms Munir said. "As part of the settlement, the student insisted that Professor Kotagiri resign from his position so that he was no longer a risk to other female students and staff," she said. The University of Melbourne released a statement but did not respond to specific questions from The Age. "We can confirm the Professor is no longer working at the University of Melbourne. The matter has been settled and it would be inappropriate to comment on specific details of the case," a university spokesman said.

"Vice-Chancellor Duncan Maskell has made it clear that he is committed to tackling sexual assault and harassment head-on and the university will not tolerate this behaviour," the spokesman said. In a statement, the student said she was "deeply disappointed" by the university's attempt to protect its reputation, which she believed had potentially endangered other female students and staff in the school of computing and information systems. She said the university had offered no support, but threatened to suspend or cancel her PhD studies when she was on stress leave because of the alleged assaults. "And despite all this, including the $700,000 compensation payment, the university still thought it was appropriate to farewell Professor Kotagiri with compliments and honours. The university has ... shown its complete disregard for the victims," she said. On March 20, an email from a senior university figure advised colleagues of Professor Kotagiri's imminent ''retirement".

The email made no mention of the harassment allegations or the recent compensation payment, but detailed his decorated career including academic achievements and membership of several prestigious fellowships. "He has received many awards and honours for his research in computer science. He has successfully graduated 73 PhD students and mentored more than 25 postdoctoral Fellows," the email said. "We thank Roa for his dedication and service over the 40 years and wish him all the best for his future endeavours." The case comes almost 30 years after the sexual harassment scandal at the university's Ormond College documented by Garner in The First Stone. In 1991, the university failed to thoroughly investigate complaints by two women who said they were groped by residential college master Alan Gregory at an end-of-year dinner.
Border guards attribute this to the epidemiological situation that makes people want to return home - and the upcoming holidays, too

Open source

Border guards noted a significant increase in the number of Ukrainians returning from abroad through the Tysa checkpoint in Zakarpattia region, western Ukraine. The same situational number of citizens is awaiting in front of the Hungarian border crossing point Zahony, the Western Regional Department of the State Border Guard reports on Facebook.



"This is due to the epidemiological situation, because of which our compatriots prefer to return home - and the upcoming Easter holidays," the report said.



To speed up control operations at the Tysa checkpoint, twice as many personnel were involved and additional lanes were equipped.

Related: Over 9,000 Ukrainians returned home over April 5, - Border Guard



"Transportation of travelers across the border by 12 buses was organized by the Transcarpathian Regional State Administration on contractual terms with private carriers," it was reported.



Border guards added that every few hours, meetings are held with Hungarian colleagues at which issues regarding the procedure for launching and registering citizens are decided.



Tysa is the only checkpoint with Hungary, which now operates in Ukraine.


Before the novel coronavirus struck, 300,000 evictions were filed in the United States in a typical month. With nearly 10 million people filing unemployment claims last month, evictions would clearly skyrocket, absent intervention from the government. In one hint of the trouble to come, researchers at the City University of New York found at the end of March that 44 percent of New Yorkers expected to have trouble making their April rent.

Fortunately, Congress, states, municipalities and the Department of Housing and Urban Development all have stepped up to issue temporary bans on eviction. That's good news, but there are significant limits to many of these bans - and even the best of them are temporary. In many places, for instance, landlords are still filing eviction papers, even when there is a freeze on ejecting people from their homes - and not every state has imposed such a freeze. Without a stronger state and federal response, the United States appears headed toward an unprecedented housing crisis.

We at the Eviction Lab, based at Princeton University, in partnership with Columbia visiting law professor Emily Benfer, have been tracking when and how state and federal eviction policies are changing. We've found clear fault lines in current policies to prevent people from becoming homeless during this crisis.

The coronavirus-relief bill passed last month by Congress prohibits foreclosure on federally backed mortgage loans for 60 days, covering some 30 million homeowners. The bill also prohibits rental evictions for 120 days for properties secured by a government-backed mortgage. That covers about half of all multifamily homes. Beyond that, however, protections for renters tends to be haphazard, varying widely by state. As of this past weekend (policies are changing quickly), only 14 states have barred landlords from formally beginning the process of eviction, according to our data; 36 - plus the District of Columbia - still permit evictions to be filed.

Many of these states are in effect simply delaying hearings, typically for 60 or 90 days or until the state's emergency declaration lifts. What's more, only 21 states and D.C. have halted the execution of an eviction order issued before the coronavirus outbreak turned into a major health crisis.

In the remaining states, a family legally evicted in February could be physically evicted today.

Thirteen states - including Florida, Nevada, Mississippi, Ohio, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont and Wyoming - allow cities and towns to set their own eviction policies. Some cities (Miami is a notable example) have responded by issuing moratoriums, but suburban and rural communities have been much slower to act. The problem is that housing insecurity affects communities large and small across the country. In fact, some rural towns have eviction rates that rival the highest-evicting cities.

In some cases, states have placed bureaucratic hurdles between renters and the protections that have been passed. Arizona, California, Florida, Kansas, Maryland, New Mexico, Nebraska and Utah all require tenants to demonstrate they've been affected by virus outbreak - either the disease itself or the mandatory business closures - before they are shielded from eviction. While there is little guidance on how to prove you've been affected by the outbreak, states could require tenants to contest an eviction order in court by demonstrating job termination or presenting unemployment filings (which are backlogged as is). But since most courts are closed to in-person hearings the path forward is murky.

This crisis has struck the United States at a moment when millions of people were already living perilously close to eviction. Because of stagnant wages and rising rents, one out of four renters spent over half of their income on housing. Among rent burdened households - defined as those that spend more than one third of their income on housing - half have less than $10 in savings.

Nearly a third of the American workforce - some 41.7 million people - earns less than $12 per hour and has limited access to health care, paid sick days and paid family and medical leave. The mandatory stay-at-home orders and forced closing of business will force much of this population, even with the help of unemployment insurance, to choose between paying rent or buying groceries.

Some landlords have delayed eviction and even canceled rent for their tenants. Others, however, have been less sympathetic. The Daily Beast recently reported on the case of a Las Vegas nurse who was evicted because her landlord worried she might potentially spread covid-19.

The problem is simply too consequential to be left up to landlord discretion. And if evictions are merely delayed, not permanently stopped, that could lead to a resurgence of the virus, after stay-at-home measures "bend the curve" of infection. Evicted families end up in homeless shelters, where people eat and sleep next to each other - the opposite of social distancing.

People experiencing homelessness are particularly vulnerable to upper respiratory illness including to covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Well before the pandemic, sprawling tent encampments had experienced outbreaks of medieval diseases like typhus and trench fever.

Evictions harm families in ways that will last long after the coronavirus emergency has passed. Being forced from your home has been linked to a range of negative consequences, from job loss to depression and suicide. Some harms will persist even in cases where eviction papers have been filed but eviction does not occur. An eviction record - the "scarlet E" - limits your housing options, sullies your credit and can prevent you from accessing federal housing assistance.

Governors, state legislators and state supreme courts have a number of tools to prevent mass evictions and homelessness: They can freeze all evictions during the state of emergency, including orders already given by the court; eliminate late fees for renters; and create a time frame to pay back rent and mortgage arrears, as California has done, so families aren't immediately evicted once the state of emergency is lifted. More sweepingly, they could also issue a rent and mortgage freeze until the pandemic is over.

Congress has less leverage over landlords than it does over banks that sell mortgages, but there are several things it could do to ameliorate the present and future housing crisis. Only one in four families who are eligible for rental assistance currently receives it. Congress could fully fund that strapped program and ensure that every family that qualifies for housing aid gets the help they desperately need. The federal government should massively bolster rental assistance, since a $1,200 check will hardly cover rent, food and other needs for the duration of the pandemic.

If federal and state leaders do not act swiftly to patch all the holes in their eviction policies, the nation's biggest public health crisis in a century could easily cause a full-blown outbreak of homelessness. In these trying times, eviction will not help landlords get paid. It will only spread yet more poverty, sickness and death.

- - -

Durana is a journalist and writer for Princeton's Eviction Lab. Desmond is a professor of sociology at Princeton University and a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine.
A police investigation is underway at a private long-term care facility in western Montreal where Quebec Premier Francois Legault said 31 people have died since March 13.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 11/4/2020 (640 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The entrance to the Almonte Country Haven long-term care home is shown in Almonte, Ont. on Thursday, April 9, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

A police investigation is underway at a private long-term care facility in western Montreal where Quebec Premier Francois Legault said 31 people have died since March 13.

Legault told reporters Saturday that at least five people at the Residence Herron in Dorval, Que., now under government trusteeship, died after testing positive for COVID-19, which continues to be a major problem at care homes across the country.

"Quite honestly, I think ... there was gross negligence at Residence Herron," a visibly shaken Legault said.

The news came on a long weekend where care homes have been in the spotlight because of troubling reports in Ontario and Quebec.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in an emotional speech in the House of Commons on Saturday, noted that the crisis is most devastating for the elderly, some of whom live in long-term care homes. He said the last members of the "greatest generation" who lived through the Great Depression and the Second World War are now the elderly most at risk of dying from COVID-19.

As of Saturday, more than 23,000 Canadians had tested positive for COVID-19. The total death count is now over 650.

Legault said Quebec health officials only discovered the magnitude of the Residence Herron problem Friday night after getting an order to access patient files.

"Obviously, it's huge, 31 deaths in a few weeks," Legault said.

Legault said the owner of the private long-term care residence runs other such homes and they will all be inspected. Health Minister Danielle McCann said 40 other private long-term care homes operating across the province also will receive visits.

Katasa Groupe says on its website it acquired Residence Herron in 2015. Calls and emails to a Katasa Groupe spokesperson were not returned Saturday.

Regional health authorities investigated Residence Herron on March 29, three days after word of the first death. They found the residence "deserted" as staff had walked off the job.

Lynne McVey, head of the regional health board, said her team began assisting the short-staffed owners of the residence that day, helping feed and change patients.

A healthcare worker looks out of a window at Maison Herron, a long term care home in the Montreal suburb of Dorval, Que., on Saturday, April 11, 2020, as COVID-19 cases rise in Canada and around the world. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

But McVey, fighting back tears at one point during a news conference, said they didn't get full co-operation from management and had to get a legal order Wednesday to enact any measures necessary under provincial health laws. That's when they got access to families' contact information and began examining medical files.

"We're very sorry you were kept in the dark," McVey said to families. "Our mission ... in the public health care system is to put residents, families, clients, first, we are very concerned and we're going around to visit all our private long-term care facilities."

Peter Wheeland, a Montreal man whose 87-year-old mother Connie was at Herron for about two years before being transferred to hospital on Friday at the family's request, told The Canadian Press his family was relieved.

"She was a little worried about at first, she didn't want to be taken to a hospital because she had a fear if she went to a hospital, she'd never get out," Wheeland said. "Towards the end, we convinced her that the fear should be about Herron and not the hospital."

He said communication has been smooth since the transfer and his mother immediately got a COVID-19 test  something routinely denied at Residence Herron.

Wheeland recounted talking to a couple of nurses, including one who'd been caring for his mother.

"I asked her point-blank, I said 'If that was your mother in there, would you leave her there or would you take her to the hospital?," Wheeland said. "And she didn't hesitate a second, she said I'd take her to the hospital."

Wheeland's father Ken, 85, died of COVID-19 at another Montreal-area long-term care home a week ago, he said.

"I don't want to bury both of my parents at the same time," Wheeland said. "They spent their life together, they were married 63 years together, we don't want them to go together."

Federal politicians and public health officials promised new measures to further protect care home residents.

Chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam had a slew of recommendations for long-term care homes, including limiting volunteering to "essential work only," like feeding residents.

Anyone entering such homes should wear a mask for the duration of their shift or visit, meal times should not involve residents congregating closely together and items used by many people at these facilities should be cleaned and disinfected, she added.

Meanwhile, at a group home for adults with disabilities in Markham, Ont., just north of Toronto, all but four care workers walked off the job after hearing that 10 residents and two staff members had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week, Participation House's executive director said.

In an interview Friday, Shelley Brillinger said managers had stepped in to fill some of the gaps in front-line care, but that the situation was completely unsustainable.

"It feels like a very bad dream," she said.

In a press release issued Saturday, the group home said it was making sure all of its 42 residents continued to receive full care in spite of the staffing crisis.

"We are actively working to ensure we have staffing coverage for specialized positions including nurses, personal support workers, and food services," the press release said. "We continue to welcome applications from the community for these positions."

Brillinger noted that all staff have personal protective equipment, which they have been using since the first residents started showing symptoms nearly a week ago.

The province is also experiencing outbreaks at 79 long-term care homes, a daily epidemiologic summary reported. Among them is the 65-bed Pinecrest Nursing Home in Bobcaygeon, Ont., which has seen 29 of its residents die.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was thinking of the front-line workers across the country.

"We are doing everything we can to protect them that will help them protect the most vulnerable and again if I go back to the story in Quebec, it is heart-wrenching," he said.

"I know it is very, very difficult and until you walk a mile in their shoes, none of us can really appreciate the pressures they are facing on the front lines. How do you leave someone there for two or three days without making it back? How do you humanly do that?"

Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott said 101 long-term care homes in the province have had a COVID-19 outbreak.

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Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Tam lauded B.C., which has stopped long-term care home staff from working at multiple facilities in a bid to prevent the spread of the virus.

In Quebec, patients' rights advocate Paul Brunet called for a coroner's inquest to investigate all deaths reported in long-term care homes since March 1, suspecting the number of COVID-19 deaths in the province is much more widespread than officially reported.

Trudeau, in Parliament, said all Canadians now have a duty to protect the elderly.

"And for them, and for their grandchildren, we will endure, we will persevere and we will prevail."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 11, 2020.

 With files from Teresa Wright, Nick Wells, Nicole Thompson, Salmaan Farooqui and Joan Bryden.
The Odisha government on Friday ordered the suspension of village health and sanitation days and the immunisation drive for four weeks in any village or urban areas where Covid-19 positive cases have been detected.

In a letter to all district health authorities, director of National Health Mission Shalini Pandit said the earlier order of maintaining social distancing in village sub-centres during immunisation and sanitation drives was being amended because of the rise in Covid 19 cases. Odisha has so far seen 48 positive cases.

The Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Day is organised once every month in village Anganwadi to expand the reach of health, early childhood development, nutrition and sanitation services to millions of households and contribute towards their well-being. The session is conducted for a minimum of 4 hours and is attended by multi-purpose workers, Accredited Social Health Activists, Anganwadi workers, and Anganwadi Helpers.

Meanwhile, the government disclosed that two minor girls from Jharpara area in Bhubaneswar, one aged 5 years and another 9 years, have tested positive for Covid-19. Their 37-year-old mother has also tested positive. Officials said the girls were the granddaughters of the 72-year-old man who died on April 6 at AIIMS Bhubaneswar and later tested positive for Covid 19 while the woman was his daughter-in-law.

Revealing their travel history, the state health and family welfare department said the two minor girls and their mother remained at home along with the 72-year-old man between March 22 and April 3. On April 4 and 5, they visited AIIMS Bhubaneswar to see their grandfather in the hospital. After their hospital visit, they remained in home quarantine between April 6 and 9. Their samples collected on April 8, as part of contact tracing, came positive for Covid-19 on April 9. They were admitted to KIMS Covid Hospital on April 10.

However, Dr Binod Patro, head of Covid-19 at AIIMS Bhubaneswar said the two children did not visit their grandfather in the hospital. We have checked the CCTV camera feeds of the day and there is no presence of the children, he said.

In a related development, the state government demanded that the Centre provide more funds as well more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for doctors and healthcare workers engaged for patients with suspected or confirmed Covid-19 infection.

In a high-level meeting held through a video conferencing programme, state health and family welfare minister Naba Kishore Das urged Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan to release more funds for the state amid the coronavirus crisis. So far, the Centre has approved Rs 46.35 crore for Odisha in its battle against Covid-19. Das demanded at least 5 lakh PPE, an adequate quantity of Hydroxychloroquine and Vitamin-C tablets, masks and hand sanitisers for the state. He also urged the Centre to provide Covid-19 RT-PCR testing kits and sought the permission for state-run medical institutions, including VIMSAR in Burla, Bhima Bhoi Medical College & Hospital in Balangir and SLN Medical College & Hospital in Koraput, to set up a laboratory for Covid-19 test in Odisha.

He also sought Cobas 6800, the automated testing machine capable of conducting Covid-19 tests of more number of samples, for the laboratories approved by ICMR-RMRC.

The developments come on the day when 10 Covid-29 positive patients were discharged from various hospitals, taking the total number of recovered patients in the state to 12. Yesterday, two more positive cases were reported from Bhubaneswar taking the total number of positive cases to 50.
Gov. Kate Brown late Friday signaled that she will not order the early large-scale release of inmates in response to the threat posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Brown this week had asked state and local corrections officials to provide her office with estimates for inmates who fell into seven scenarios, including those who are medically vulnerable and those approaching their release dates. She said she wants the information by Monday.

The Oregon Department of Corrections on Thursday estimated that 3,244 inmates fit the categories the governor outlined.

One day after those estimates were made public, Brown suggested she will not sanction a mass release of prisoners.

In a statement, the governor said she asked state corrections officials to provide her with details on adults in custody who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, as well as for detailed information on a number of steps we could potentially take to further slow the spread of this disease while continuing to keep the public safe.

She said she plans to review the information because that is "the responsible thing to do.

However, Brown said, "it would be irresponsible to compromise public safety for indeterminate benefits to public health.

"Whether an adult in custody should be released before the end of their sentence or not is a decision that must be weighed based on the individual merits of their situation.

"I want to be clear: at this time, I have no specific plans to abandon that case-by-case approach, the statement said.

This week, Brown did grant clemency to two women, Suzanne Mills, 57, and Patty Butterfield, 74. The women, both sentenced to life in separate murder convictions, applied for clemency two years ago and were released from Coffee Creek Correctional Institution on Friday.

Both of these cases were already in progress and the governor was already reviewing them and interested in them, said Aliza Kaplan, a professor at Lewis & Clark Law School and director of the schools criminal justice reform clinic, which represented the women.

Kaplan said both women have medical conditions that make them vulnerable to the virus but she isnt sure if that played a role in governors decision.

A spokeswoman for Brown did not address whether coronavirus was a factor in the decision. Liz Merah said the governor believes that granting clemency is an extraordinary act that should be reserved for individuals who have made incredible changes and who are dedicated to making their communities better.

Merah said the womens exemplary progress and considerable evidence of rehabilitation during their incarceration were factors in the governors decision.

Brown has faced rising pressure from prominent advocacy organizations to address the COVID-19 threat to inmates and corrections staff.

Social distancing poses a challenge in prisons and jails, where people live in close quarters and where, studies show, the population in general tends to be sicker. Oregon is also home to an aging prison population -- it houses among the highest percentages of prisoners ages 55 and older in the country, according to a 2018 study by Pew Charitable Trusts.

So far, 13 staff members and inmates in the state prison system have confirmed cases of the virus: four workers at the Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem, four staff members and four inmates at the Santiam Correctional Institution Salem and one inmate at the Shutter Creek Correctional Institution in North Bend.

This week, Brown, corrections chief Colette Peters and other top prison officials were named in a class action lawsuit over the alleged failure to protect inmates from the pandemic.

-- Noelle Crombie; ncrombie@oregonian.com; 503-276-7184; @noellecrombie

Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories.
Two to three terrorists escaped from the site of a gun battle with security forces in south Kashmirs Kulgam district, officials said on Saturday.

A spokesperson for the police said an operation was launched with the army and central armed police forces at Nandimarg in Kulgam following information about the presence of terrorists in the area.

An exchange of fire took place immediately after the laying of a cordon around the target houses. It seems the militants ran away in the initial firing itself, the spokesperson said,

One PIKA LMG (light machine gun) and material for making IEDs (improvised explosive devices) was found in the house of one Aslam. Now, a tracker dog is being used for tracking down the escaped militants, the spokesperson added.

The gun battle in Kulgam was the fourth in Kashmir since a 21-day lockdown was clamped across the country on March 25 to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Ten terrorists and five security personnel have been killed in different parts of the region in these gun battles.

Two days ago, police said they had killed a 23-year-old Jaish-e-Mohammed commander, who was active since 2018, in Sopore.
New Delhi, April 11 : The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said on Saturday that a total of 1,79,374 samples from 1,64,773 individuals have been tested in India as on April 11 9 p.m., and 7,703 of them have tested positive.

According to a statement released by ICMR, on April 11 till 9 p.m., 17,143 samples have been reported. Of these, 600 were positive for SARS-CoV-2. These samples have been tested in 146 government laboratories under the ICMR network and the remaining at 67 private labs.

Earlier in the day during a daily briefing by the health ministry, on a query on the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) on frontline health workers, the Head of Epidemiology and Communicable diseases at ICMR, Raman R Gangakhedkar, said that its study has not reached the stage where a conclusion can be drawn from the results. He insisted that the duration of exposure has to be long enough otherwise it is difficult to arrive at a conclusion.

Stressing on the use of HCQ as a treatment given to healthcare workers and household contacts, who are involved in the treatment or taking care of the coronavirus positive cases, Gangakhedkar insisted that there is scant evidence to recommend this drug for the use of the general public.

The ICMR official also added, while responding to a query, that 5 lakh antibody testing kits have been ordered which have not been received yet.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, April 11, 2020 16:02 640 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd139061 4 News mentawai,foreign-tourists,Tourist,travel,coronavirus,COVID-19 Free

Forty-five foreign tourists are stranded in Mentawai Islands in West Sumatra amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

"They came here on an excursion, but because of the pandemic, they cannot leave Mentawai," Mentawai Regent Yudas Sabaggalet said in West Sumatras provincial capital of Padang on Saturday as quoted by news agency Antara.

Yudas said the tourists, who hail from several European countries, the United States and Australia, would have to temporarily remain at one of the islands' resorts, as their home countries were currently in a state of lockdown. "They are also required to practice physical distancing and are not allowed to have contact with local residents."

Temporary stay permits for the tourists had been processed in coordination with immigration authorities, the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the police, he added.

Mentawai has closed its doors to foreign tourists looking to vacation in the surfers' paradise.

According to the latest data, the regency has 11 reported cases of people under surveillance (ODP) and one person under treatment (PDP). The latter is waiting for the result of a swab test.

"Hopefully, none of our residents have COVID-19 and Mentawai will be alright," said Yudas.

The ministrys disease control and prevention director general, Achmad Yurianto, said on Friday that all of Indonesia's 34 provinces had reported COVID-19 infections, with Gorontalo reporting its first case on Friday.
An Albertville woman died in a one-vehicle crash Friday night, Alabama state troopers said Saturday morning.

Kasey Dene Robinson, 28, was killed when the 2004 Infiniti G35 she was driving left U.S. 278 in Blount County and overturned. Troopers said Robinson was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash occurred about 7:21 p.m. Friday about four miles west of Snead.

The crash remains under investigation.
This past January Senators Chuck Grassley and Ron Johnson called for the declassification of four footnotes in the Horowitz Inspector General Report on the review of the FBIs four FISA warrant applications on Carter Page. Yesterday three of the footnotes were mostly declassified and unredacted (see correspondence and attachments at bottom). Catherine Herridge has a straight report on the footnotes for CBS News in Footnotes in watchdog report indicate FBI knew of risk of Russian disinformation in Steele dossier. Gregg Re takes a much deeper dive into what we have here for FOX News in FBI had information Steele dossier was part of Russian disinformation campaign, declassified footnotes show.

Interested readers should take in Res report in its entirety. Here is the top line, so to speak:

The FBIs Crossfire Hurricane team investigating the Trump 2016 campaign received multiple indications that former British spy Christopher Steele  one of their key informants in their investigation  was part of an elaborate Russian disinformation campaign, according to several newly declassified footnotes from Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitzs report on FBI misconduct. Its ironic that the Russian collusion narrative was fatally flawed because of Russian disinformation, Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Ron Johnson, R-Wis., who had pushed for the declassification, said in a statement to Fox News on Friday. These footnotes confirm that there was a direct Russian disinformation campaign in 2016, and there were ties between Russian intelligence and a presidential campaign  the Clinton campaign, not Trumps. * * * * * One of the footnotes, which was previously redacted in its entirety, read: The [REDACTED] stated that it did not have high confidence in this subset of Steeles reporting and assessed that the referenced subset was part of a Russian disinformation campaign to denigrate US foreign relations. That subset referred to the activities of former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, whom Steeles dossier claimed had traveled to Prague to meet with Russian agents. Special Counsel Robert Mueller was unable to substantiate that claim, and Cohen has denied it.

Senator Johnson comments in the Wall Street Journal column Russian Disinformation Fed the FBIs Trump Investigation.

From the first moment I read the version of the Steele Dossier posted by BuzzFeed in January 2017, assuming the dossier is what it purports to be, I thought that it was the product of Russian disinformation. Youd have to be a fool not to see it. How could CIA Director John Brennan, FBI Director James Comey and all the rest who worked with it somehow overlook that? Steeles Russian sources are dubious on the face of the dossier. Brennan and Comey had their own uses for Russian disinformation.

NOTE: See George Neumayrs American Spectator column Will John Brennan get away with it?

Letter to Senators Grassley by News Team on Scribd
Logo of Renault carmaker is pictured at a dealership in Orvault

PARIS (Reuters) - French carmaker Renault's board has decided to cancel its dividend on 2019 earnings in light of the coronavirus crisis, a source close to the matter told Reuters on Thursday.

Renault board chairman Jean-Dominique Senard and interim chief executive officer Clotilde Delbos will cut their remuneration by 25 percent in the first quarter and will do same in the second quarter if the coronavirus crisis continues, the source also said.

Several automotive companies such as Michelin <MICP.PA> and Ford <F.N> have already decided to reduce or suspend dividends on 2019 earnings to preserve cash in the current crisis.

Renault, which is 15% state-owned, had earlier proposed to pay a 1.1 euro per share dividend that had already been cut by two-thirds from the 3.55 euro per share payout on 2018 earnings.

(Reporting by Gilles Guillaume; Writing by Matthieu Protard; editing by David Evans)
UPDATE: Despite criticism, Gov. Whitmer defends revised stay-at-home order

Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clark Lake, ripped into Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a social media post Friday for extending her stay home order, criticizing the move as destroying our health by ruining our livelihoods.

He repeated the line three times for effect and asked Michigan residents to tell Whitmer that businesses can operate while simultaneously following COVID-19 preventative measures. She extended the stay home order to April 30 in an announcement on Thursday, April 9.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extends coronavirus stay-at-home order through April 30

Tell her we are doing our best to follow the new Big 3: hygiene-distancing-masks, he wrote in the Facebook post.

Heres my message today: OUR Governor IS DESTROYING OUR HEALTH BY KILLING OUR LIVELIHOODS! Under the guise of... Posted by Mike Shirkey on Friday, April 10, 2020

Shirkey asked people who reached out to Whitmer to be assertive, but respectful.

Tell her we agree....we need to dramatically restrict uncontrolled, casual gatherings and interactions. And tell her if she wants us to follow and trust her...she needs to trust us! he wrote.

Several Republic legislators criticized Whitmer Thursday when she announced the stay home order extension, which added restrictions such as traveling between two residences within the state and requiring stores to limit customers inside.

With Michigans coronavirus stay-at-home order extended, frustration builds over whats been deemed non-essential

Shirkey clarified his post on Saturday, saying that he is not looking for a wholesale reopening of the economy," but that there are many people that can start safely working again.

We must continue to have restrictions on social distancing...but theres room for much-needed common sense," he said in a phone interview with MLive. Businesses are proving that they can walk and chew gum at the same time and are capable of protecting their customers, suppliers and employees.

State officials confirmed that Friday, April 10 was the deadliest day yet in the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. The state reported 205 new deaths, which was nearly double the previous one-day high of 118. To date, 1,282 deaths in Michigan are being attributed to the COVID-19 virus.

The Senate Majority Leader, also the founder and owner of Jackson-based manufacturer OrbitForm, suggested his company start developing N95 mask sanitizer to fill local personal protective needs.

Desperation is pretty intense, company president says of creating N95 mask sanitizer

Whitmers extension of the order may have unforeseen consequences" such as the rise in food costs, Shirkey said.

All people understand how delicate our ecosystem is in this world, he said. If we take out one element of our ecosystem, it can have unforeseen damages. These measures will have consequences in our supply-chain ecosystem. When farmers cannot get repair parts, that can change how much our food costs.

The measures have also replaced economic demand with fear, he said. Shirkeys business operates in Jackson, which has seen manufacturing jobs grow to surpass pre-recession levels from 2008 over the last decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Any loosening of restrictions, even to help certain industries, will keep the economy suffering for longer than if the preventative measures were not maintained, Whitmer said Thursday.

Every single exception to the Stay Home, Stay Safe order makes this more porous and less likely to work, she said.

Read more from MLive:

Saturday, April 11: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan

Michigan reports 205 new coronavirus deaths, nearly double previous daily peak

In unusual session, Michigan lawmakers OK 23-day extension of coronavirus state of emergency
The Trump administration is using the coronavirus pandemic as a pretext to summarily expel anyone arriving at the United States border without a visa. Since March 21, the Trump administration has utilized an obscure statute allowing the suspension of entry from designated places to prevent the spread of communicable diseases to claim authority to deport 30,000 people back to Mexico, including unauthorized immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, whose immigration claims have been denied without any due process.

Without any input from the American people, the Trump administration has sidestepped Congress and effectively repealed the right to asylum, which is guaranteed by international law, international treaties ratified by Congress, and the Immigration and Nationality Act. According to the Washington Post, most of those already in custody have likewise been deported, reducing the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) jail population from 20,000 to less than 100 people.

A recent post on the CBP website refers to asylum seekers as a class of inadmissible immigrants. Using dehumanizing language, the document titled Nationwide Enforcement Encounters: Title 8 Enforcement Actions and Title 42 Expulsions defines inadmissibles as individuals encountered at ports of entry who are seeking lawful admission into the United States but are determined to be inadmissible, individuals presenting themselves to seek humanitarian protection under our laws, and individuals who withdraw an application for admission and return to their countries of origin within a short timeframe.

The speed with which Trump has acted to close the borders is at odds with his overall approach to the coronavirus epidemic. After downplaying the virus for months, and claiming at one point that it was a hoax, Trump continues to insist that there is no danger in returning workers to their jobs in crowded and unsanitary workplaces, and refuses to mobilize urgently needed medical resources. Nevertheless, his acting CBP Commissioner Mark Morgan denied that the rush to end asylum was motivated by xenophobia. This is not about immigration, Morgan said. This is about public health. This is about putting forth aggressive mitigation and containment strategies.

What is happening at the border right now is a tragedy, Kari Hong, an immigration attorney who teaches at Boston College Law School, told the Washington Post. We are abandoning our legal commitment to provide asylum to people whose lives are in danger in other countries.

Hong said the United States government is exploiting the coronavirus pandemic to advance a radical anti-immigrant agenda, By invoking these emergency orders, the Trump administration is simply doing what its wanted to do all along, which is to end asylum law in its entirety.

The number of unauthorized border crossers has fallen by about half since the measures were invoked, from 1,000 per day to under 600. Initially, the CBP claimed that the rapid expulsion policy would not apply to children, but an investigation by Reuters found that to be false. In the first two weeks after the policy began, 377 minors were turned away at the border, and 300 minors in the Department of Health and Human Services custody were deported. At least 120 of the children were put on planes bound for the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.

Significantly, the policy has depended on cooperation from the Mexican government. The government of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) has stated its formal policy is to reject all returns from the US who are not Mexican citizens, but this is only for public consumption. Representatives from the Mexican government have quietly agreed with Trump to accept such individuals on a case by case basis. As a practical matter, Mexico is accepting nearly all deportees.

The unilateral move by the Trump administration has compelled the Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee, including former Democratic presidential candidates Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, and Amy Klobuchar, to take the unusual step of publicly rebuking the attack on asylum seekers. In a letter to acting Homeland Secretary Chad Wolf, the senators write that it appears these decisions to expel individuals are being made on an ad hoc, arbitrary basis without adherence to any articulated limiting principles.

In effect, the administration has given itself unchecked, roving authority to subject individuals to immediate expulsion from our country regardless of other federal protections, or rights, to which they otherwise would be entitled. Moreover, the administration has failed to provide any meaningful notice to the public about these vast powers or an opportunity for the public to provide comments about them, as federal law requires.

Despite this denunciation, the letter concludes with a long list of toothless demands for information from the administration, essentially asking for more details and weekly updates on the efforts to shut down asylum.

Typical demands raised by the Democrats are: Does DHS believe it can expel a foreign national who is encountered by DHS personnel in the interior of the United States? If so, state and provide the accompanying guidance. Or does the Executive Branch take the position that its recent actions pursuant to Title 42 comply with the 1951 Refugee Convention, the Convention Against Torture, and all other relevant treaties to which the US is a signatory?

The gravity of the danger coronavirus now posed to immigrants and refugees cannot be overstated. Tens of thousands of asylum seekers are being released after months of unsanitary imprisonment in CBP jails, without any medical screenings or care, into countries like Mexico and the Northern Triangle, where medical resources were already scarce, and backward politicians like AMLO openly mock measures to fight the coronavirus outbreak. At the same time, over 30,000 immigrants remain in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) prisons, where there is typically no medical care, children and adults sleep together on the bare concrete floor in sweltering heat or near freezing temperatures, and eat rotten and maggot-infested food.

What is needed is not weekly reports on the gender and racial breakdown of those illegally deported, but an independent political intervention by the working class to demand the immediate end to all national barriers to coronavirus containment, and the mobilization of all necessary resources to protect the working class from the virus, both immigrant and nonimmigrant.
Police were searching Friday for a man who called more than a dozen pizzerias and restaurants across the state during the coronavirus outbreak, placed large orders -- some of which he said were intended for local police departments -- never picked them up and then berated the employees when they called him back, authorities said.

Sudeep Khetani, 34, whom police believed was living in the Orlando, Florida area, was charged with theft, but investigators were also looking to see if his alleged crimes were bias in nature or could be considered cyber harassment, according to a release from the South Brunswick Police.

Local detectives were working with Florida police, where Khetani was on probation for selling fake Disney World tickets, police said.

Pizzerias and restaurants have been donating food to police and local hospitals since the coronavirus pandemic hit the state in March and others have received calls from residents willing to pay for them to do so. Many of the businesses that Khetani targeted were ones that had done just that, police said.

It is incomprehensible that a suspect would play on the goodwill of so many during these difficult times," South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka said in the release. The suspect once placed an order saying it was coming to South Brunswick Police. We have had several residents send us food, which I appreciate tremendously, but this suspect has gone to a new low.

Each time Khetani called and placed a large food order over the last month, he said he intended to pick it up or that it was intended for the local police, according to the release.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Businesses that are open | Homepage

When the pizzeria employees called back the phone number for the person who placed the order, Khetani would make statements about Italians and wished they would be afflicted with the coronavirus, police said.

Khetani used a voice override service to mask his real phone number, but South Brunswick Detective Tim Hoover and Middlesex County Prosecutors Office Detective Ryan Tighe were able to track his true identity, authorities said.

The scammed restaurants, which were located in Middlesex, Mercer and Somerset counties, have lost several thousand dollars from the Khetanis fraudulent phone calls, according to the release.

Our businesses are all struggling and every dollar matters, Hayducka said. "I will not tolerate someone trying to take advantage of our community in these difficult days. I will pursue the strongest of charges and make sure our businesses get their money back.

If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter.

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Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrisrsheldon Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips.
AS CABINET talks intensified on Tuesday over an upcoming Dail vote on abortion in cases of fatal foetal abnormalities, Limerick deputy Niall Collins has outlined his intention to support the divisive amendment to the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill.

A diagnosis of a fatal foetal abnormality is one of the most tragic any woman and her partner can face, the Fianna Fail deputy said in the Dail.

The period during which a woman is pregnant is presumed to be a happy one, filled with expectation that a healthy child will be born after nine months.

Being faced with a diagnosis of a fatal foetal abnormality is every parents nightmare. While it is still very rare, it is very hard to listen to parents who have been given such a diagnosis and who have to book a flight to the United Kingdom to terminate the pregnancy as there is no chance the baby will actually live when born.

He said when deputy Clare Daly published a similar Bill in 2014, he supported it, and he fully understands the difficulties certain deputies and senators have in supporting it.

On this occasion Fianna Fail deputies will be free to vote as they personally choose.

Some will argue the Bill does not go far enough, but there is an onus on all of us in the Houses to act responsibility and sensibly on this issue. Our approach should not be divisive and should encourage an open debate. There is no point in labelling people who have different views which are deeply personal and deeply held.

Deputy Collins said that he considers himself pro-life in general, but in a case involving the rare diagnosis of a fatal foetal abnormality, he believes that it is wrong to send the woman and her partner overseas to have the pregnancy terminated, even where it is clinically recommended.

This is an issue that should be dealt with between the woman and her medical experts here. These are, thankfully, extremely rare cases which require specific and special attention.

I do not believe abortion on demand should be introduced in Ireland, but I do believe the majority want the issue of fatal foetal abnormalities dealt with in the Constitution. We face conflicting difficulties when we must provide for complicated medical procedures. I find it difficult to oppose the Bill and will support it because I would not like our clinicians and those who deal with this issue to have their hands tied, whereby the only thing they can do is to tell someone to travel to the United Kingdom.

Earlier this week, Finance Minister Michael Noonan played down reports of divisions in cabinet over saying it was up to the Independent members to decide how they vote.

They are not members of Fine Gael so it is up to them to make their decision, and it looks like Shane Ross is deciding in a particular direction, he said.

Asked what it says about government cohesion and stability, he said: I don't think it says anything.

The Bill to be brought forward by Mick Wallace is identical to a Bill proposed by Independent TD Clare Daly to the last Dail.

Attorney General, Maire Whelan informed the then coalition government that Ms Dalys bill was unequivocally unconstitutional, in her opinion.
A spokesman for Russian President Dmitry Peskov said that the crisis in the post-coronavirus world will be felt for more than one or two months, the situation will be tough.

According to him, the crisis that the world has already faced now is not yet felt entirely due to the fact that all the attention of the international community is on the pandemic.

But sooner or later, the coronavirus will step back, maybe it wont go away at all. And then the economy will be at the forefront, Peskov said.
The Sindh province of Pakistan reported 104 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, of which 87 were reported from the provincial capital Karachi.

13 other cases have been reported from Hyderabad, three from Larkana and one from Sanghar. Three people died in Karachi from the virus in the past 24 hours.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah was quoted as saying that the rise in the number of cases in the province was greater than the average and hence a cause of concern.

Meanwhile, 11 Union Councils in District East Karachi are being sealed to contain the spread of the disease, according to a notification from the Deputy Commissioner's Office, Dawn reported.

These Councils include Manzoor Colony, Gillani Railways, Dalmia, Jamali Colony, Gulshan II, Pehalwan Goth, Gulzar-e-Hijri, Safoora, Faisal Cantt, Jacob Line and Jamshed Quarters.

Karachi has introduced sanitising walk-through gates to disinfect people.

But experts in Pakistan have called them "toxic traps" that provide a "false sense of security".

Dr Shireen Khan, head of tuberculosis and chest diseases department at the Fatimah Jinnah Hospital in Quetta, said these gates are superficial.

"People need to remember that the virus inside your body does not die once you walk through these gates. These [walk-through gates] do not provide complete safety against the virus and there is no recommendation from the WHO in this regard," said Dr Khan, who is looking after COVID-19 patients in Balochistan.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Marijuana leaves, cannabis on a dark background, beautiful background, indoor cultivation

Some headlines are now saying that a significant recession could cause a demand surge for recreational cannabis in Canada. These headlines have caused some optimism in the sector for the first time in a while. I, however, dont see how spending a higher percentage of ones EI cheque on pot rather than rent makes sense. But perhaps folks prioritize needs differently.

If anything, the social aspect of smoking a joint with friends or indulging in some brownies at a party is all but shuttered. Right now, Canadians should be self-isolating or quarantining where necessary. I find it hard to believe that smoking boatloads of cannabis by oneself in ones apartment while receiving EI makes a heck of a lot of sense right now. But I may be missing something.

Canopy

Canopy Growth Corp. and other cannabis producers have invested heavily in retail storefronts and verticals throughout the supply chain. These companies have announced, like everyone else it seems, store closures and production plant closures.

The supply glut and a lack of demand have hit this sector hard. Anyone who was blindsided by this wasnt reading my dozens of articles, from 2017 to 2019, that called for significant caution. An obvious oversupply and overly optimistic demand forecasts made no sense and would eventually be caught out when this sector began to be tracked by real data. If youre interested in reading more about the data, check out my December 2018 article Cannabis Investors: Lets Dive Into The Numbers.

The thought that some cannabis producers are cheap right now is laughable. If anything, I would expect to see a higher percentage of cannabis producers going broke than Canadian oil companies, which says a lot. Many Canadian cannabis producers have been irresponsibly run. The hens are now coming home to roost.

My heartfelt appeal to Canadian investors right now is to please continue to avoid the Canadian cannabis sector overall. There is a lot more pain to come. I dont think many retail investors fully understand the risks of investing in these companies, which are in many cases riskier than junior mining names. That says a lot, as junior mining used to be among the most crooked, least regulated, and dangerous sectors. (This was way before the cannabis industry existed). Anyone who remembers the Vancouver Stock Exchange, Bre-X, and the insane stock promotion of yesteryear can attest to this.

Story continues

What if you still want to invest in cannabis?

Despite all the risk, some investors remain interested in investing in the cannabis sector. My recommendation for these investors is to spread their risk by investing in the exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks the cannabis sector. This ETF is the Horizons Marijuana Life Sciences ETF. I see buying and selling any individual cannabis companies at this point as far too risky, with no upside.

Stay Foolish, my friends.

The post Pass That Joint With a 2-Metre-Long Pole appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Chris MacDonald does not have ownership in any stocks mentioned in this article.

The Motley Fools purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool Canadas free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. Motley Fool Canada 2020
A study shows that people who are skeptical about vaccines actually think differently than other people.

As the anti-vaxxer movement has become increasingly widespread in the United States, two researchers in the Texas Tech University Department of Psychological Sciences set out to discover why some people are unwilling to get vaccinated or to vaccinate their children.

In the study published in the journal Vaccine, doctoral student Mark LaCour and Dr. Tyler Davis suggest some people find vaccines risky because they overestimate the likelihood of negative events, particularly those that are rare.

The fact that these overestimations carry over through all kinds of negative events  not just those related to vaccines  suggests that people higher in vaccine skepticism actually may process information differently than people lower in vaccine skepticism, said Davis, an associate professor of experimental psychology and director of the Caprock FMRI Laboratory.

We might have assumed that people who are high in vaccine skepticism would have overestimated the likelihood of negative vaccine-related events, but it is more surprising that this is true for negative, mortality-related events as a broader category, Davis said. Here we saw an overestimation of rare events for things that dont have anything to do with vaccination. This suggests that there are basic cognitive or affective variables that influence vaccine skepticism.

In their first experiment for the study, LaCour and Davis surveyed 158 participants to determine the level of vaccine skepticism underlying their perceived dangers, feelings of powerlessness, disillusionment, and trust in authorities regarding vaccines. Participants then estimated the frequency of death associated with 40 different causes, ranging from cancers, animal bites and childbirth to fireworks, flooding and car accidents.

The researchers found that people higher in vaccine skepticism were less accurate in their estimations of how frequently these causes of death occur. Specifically, they found that higher vaccine skepticism was associated with an overestimation of rare events.

The second experiment followed the same procedures as the first, but participants additionally estimated the frequency of neutral or positive events  such as papal visits to the United States, triplet births or Willie Nelson concerts  to test whether the negative tone of mortality statistics may play a role.

The researchers discovered that people higher in vaccine skepticism were less accurate in their estimations of mortality-related events and overestimated the negative events more than the neutral or positive events.

My takeaway is that vaccine skeptics probably dont have the best understanding of how likely or probable different events are, said LaCour. They might be more easily swayed by anecdotal horror stories.

For example, your child can have a seizure from getting vaccinated. Its extremely rare, but it is within the realm of possibility. If you were so inclined, you could follow Facebook groups that publicize extremely rare events. These cognitive distortions of anecdotes into trends are probably exacerbated by decisions to subscribe to statistically non-representative information sources.

While the researchers didnt find an association between a persons education level and their vaccine skepticism, LaCour and Davis believe there is a difference in the information being consumed and used by people higher in vaccine skepticism.

It may be the case that they are specifically seeking out biased information, for example, to confirm their skeptical beliefs, Davis said. It could be that they have more of an attentional bias to negative, mortality-related events, which makes them remember this information better.

Strategies to get the right information to people through public service announcements or formal education may work, but it doesnt seem to be an issue that people with higher vaccine skepticism are less educated in any fundamental way in terms of basic science or math education. Thus, simple increases in these alone  without targeted informational interventions  would seem unlikely to help.

The results leave open many new avenues for further research, according to LaCour.

Do some people encode scary stories  for instance, hearing about a child that has a seizure after getting vaccinated  more strongly than others and then consequently remember these anecdotes more easily? he asked. Do they instead have certain attitudes and search their memory harder for evidence to support this belief? Is it a bit of both? How can you counteract these processes?

Im excited that were finding basic, cognitive factors that are linked with vaccine skepticism: It could end up being a way of reaching this diverse group, he concluded.

Source: Texas Tech University
Raising concerns of a fresh wave of coronavirus infections in China, the National Health Commission reported 46 new cases on April 10 including at least 42 travellers. The latest tally was more than 42 COVID-19 infections recorded on April 9. The total infections in China since the coronavirus outbreak began in December 2019, has now reached to 81,953 with at least 3,339 reported fatalities. On the contrary, while new infections were negligible for consecutive days in the past week, the Chinese authorities have begun to ease the tough restrictions which were imposed on the mainland.

China has restored at least 40 per cent of flights as the next step to ease is a months-long lockdown. According to reports, as the daily infections in the country have gone down to negligible, most flights in China's northwest and southwest area have started their operations. The areas where flights will operate mainly consist of migrant workers and industrial areas including the Yangtze River and Pearl River Deltas.

Read - Taiwan Blames Trolls From China For Issuing Fake Apology To WHO Chief

The Chinese Civil Aviation Administration has reportedly said that an average of more than 6,500 flights of civil aviation operated in the month of March which was 20.5 per cent more than from February amid the coronavirus outbreak. As of April 1, more 970 flights were arranged to get over 59,000 workers back to the locations of their jobs. However, international flights still remain halted due to heavy restrictions by other countries.

After originating from Chinas wet markets, the coronavirus has now claimed over 102,730 lives worldwide as of April 11. According to the tally by international news agency, the pandemic has now spread to 210 countries and has infected at least 1,699,632 people. Out of the total infections, 376,330 have been recovered but the easily spread virus is continuing to disrupt many lives. Major cities have been put under lockdown in almost all countries and the economy is struggling.

Read - 'If China A Developing Country, Make US One Too' Says US Prez Donald Trump

China reopens animal markets

Meanwhile, the same "wet markets" of China have been reopened and the sale of bats, pangolins and dogs for human consumption has resumed in the country. As life turns to normalcy in Chinese central city, Wuhan, where the COVID-19 had originated and, has now spread to at least 209 countries. The move by Chinese authorities has raised concerns worldwide as the rest of them are still battling with the deadly virus.

Various reports had suggested that the 55-year-old man who first contracted the deadly COVID-19 was in one of these markets selling exotic animals. An international media outlet quoted its correspondent saying that the markets have gone back to operating in a similar way it was functioning before the coronavirus pandemic rocked the world. However, according to reports, these markets are being monitored by guards who are ensuring that no one is able to take photographs of the floors soaked with blood and slaughtering of other animals, including dogs and rabbits.

Read - Plane Brings Medical Supplies From China To California

Read - COVID-19: China Slams Trump's Attack On WHO; Reminds 'One-China' Policy On Taiwan Feud
The global coronavirus death toll topped 100,000 Friday as Easter celebrations around the world kicked off in near-empty churches with billions of people stuck indoors to halt the pandemic's deadly worldwide march. The grim milestone came as the World Health Organization issued a dire warning that prematurely lifting lockdown restrictions -- which have kept more than half the world's population in lockdown -- could spark a "deadly resurgence" of the disease.

The extraordinary measures from New York to New Delhi to Naples have seen businesses and schools closed in a desperate bid to halt the virus's relentless spread and the International Monetary Fund said the world now faces the worst downturn since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

More than 1.6 million people have been infected around the world and the death toll hit 100,661 on Friday -- nearly 70 percent in hard-hit Europe.

The United States, which has quickly emerged as a virus hotspot, clocked more than 1,700 new deaths on Thursday -- bringing its toll to second highest after Italy -- with more than 500,000 infections, by far the most of any country.

But even as deaths and infections continued their upward climb, officials in the United States and Europe expressed some hope the curve could be starting to flatten.

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

Weekend Easter celebrations that would normally see churches around the world packed with parishioners were replaced by an eerie emptiness Friday as lockdown orders kept millions from leaving their homes.

Even such hallowed traditions as the pope's Easter message are being revamped -- Pope Francis will live-stream from the seclusion of his private library.

"We have to respond to our confinement with all our creativity," the pontiff said. "We can either get depressed and alienated... or we can get creative." Worshippers in Germany embraced social distancing orders to celebrate Good Friday -- at a drive-in service held in the western city of Duesseldorf.

"It was a sad feeling at first because I would have liked to be in my church," Catholic priest Frank Heidkamp told AFP, as hundreds of congregation members gathered in a parking lot for the service.

"With this car service we're trying to create a little bit of community," he added.

More than four billion people are confined to their homes across swathes of the globe as governments imposed never-before-seen measures to halt the virus's deadly global march.

This week, China started to ease months-old lockdown orders in Wuhan, where the virus first emerged in December.

Governments in Europe are facing pressure to strike a balancing act between keeping their populations safe without battering economies already bruised by widespread shutdowns.

The World Health Organization on Friday issued a stern warning about lifting lockdown measures.

"I know that some countries are already planning the transition out of stay-at-home restrictions. WHO wants to see restrictions lifted as much as anyone," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

"At the same time, lifting restrictions too quickly could lead to a deadly resurgence. The way down can be as dangerous as the way up if not managed properly."

In some countries, glimmers of hope may be emerging.

Spain, the third hardest-hit country, saw its lowest day toll in 17 days, after Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the "fire started by the pandemic is starting to come under control".

France reported close to 1,000 new deaths Friday -- but said the number of patients in intensive care fell for the second day in a row.

Italy's toll stood at more than 18,000 Friday, the highest in the world, but daily rises in new infections have slowed dramatically.

Still, the government said Friday it would extend lockdown orders until May 3.

Britain's toll climbed too, with 980 new deaths, and the government resisted calls to lift lockdown measures.

But spirits were lifted there Friday when virus-stricken Prime Minister Boris Johnson showed signs of recovery after a three-day stay in intensive care following his COVID-19 diagnosis at the end of March.

The fallout is shaking every corner of the financial world, and the IMF, which has $1 trillion in lending capacity, said it was responding to calls from 90 countries for emergency financing.

"We anticipate the worst economic fallout since the Great Depression," said IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva, urging governments to provide lifelines to businesses and households.

EU finance ministers agreed the 500-billion-euro rescue package after late-night talks Thursday, aiming to reduce the pain across the 27-nation bloc, especially in Italy and Spain.

The US Federal Reserve also threw a lifeline to Americans -- some 17 million people there have already lost their jobs -- and chairman Jerome Powell announced a $2.3-trillion financing measure "to provide as much relief and stability as we can".

And major oil producers except Mexico agreed to cut output after a dramatic slump in demand caused by the virus, exacerbated by a Saudi-Russia price war, sent prices crashing to a near two-decade low.

Despite hopeful signs in Western nations and China, there are fears the worst is still to come in much of the developing world.

War-torn Yemen, which has been experiencing one of the world's most acute humanitarian crises, on Friday reported its first case.

Brazilian authorities confirmed the first deaths in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, where overcrowding and poor sanitation have raised fears of a catastrophe.

There are similar fears in India.
LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) -- Community members thanked and prayed for anyone on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Friday evening at both Franciscan Health Lafayette East and IU Health Arnett people participated in a drive-up prayer service.

Both hospitals were full of packed cars with signs and messages.

The prayer service lasted about half an hour and people listened in using their car's radio.

For many it was the least they could do, but for for two kids, Kylin and Lawson Case, whose mom is a nurse, it was a daily reminder to always be thankful for those in the medical field.

"We want to thank the workers for everything they have done for the people who are sick and we want to prove it," said Kylin.

"We want them to feel better so we can go to restaurants, so we can be healthy once again," said Lawson.

Kylin and Lawson said they are proud of all medical workers.

Lisa Decker with Franciscan Health said she hopes everyone is still practicing social distancing.

She said even with holidays coming up now is not time to celebrate in-person.

Dr. Farman echoed that same message.

"This is where you have to be a bit of a grinder," said Dr. David Farman.

Farman is the medical director for Franciscan Health's emergency department.

"Be persistent," Farman said. "Be consistent. The message is the same as it was two weeks ago. It's really hard and we acknowledge that it is hard. Your politicians and your public health leaders, they all acknowledge that this is a difficult time, but this is a very important to stay the course and continue to follow to social distancing rules."

The stay-at-home order here in Indiana ends on Monday, April 20th, but it could be extended if the outbreak warrants it.
According to the article, Vietnam has kept confirmed cases low through quarantining, contact tracing, testing and dissemination.

It published a poster by artist Le Duc Hiep featuring a masked health worker standing valiant like a soldier, flanked by a bold slogan proclaiming that to stay at home is to love your country.

The poster reflects the war-time spirit many in the country are invoking as they try to contain the virus, the article said.

The article also features a poster by artist Luu Yen The that calls on people to wear masks to stem the spread of COVID-19, and a collection of stamps by painter Pham Ha Trung sending a clear message of solidarity in the fight against the pandemic.

"Such messaging, along with early action and contact tracing, have helped the nation avoid the levels of suffering seen in Europe", the article said.

International press highlights Vietnam's success in combating COVID-19

Vietnam's measures against COVID-19 have been applauded by the international media as prompt, drastic and supported by people nationwide.

Workers.org, the page of the US Workers World Party (WWP) posted an article titled How Vietnam contained the pandemic saying that the coronavirus pandemic has started to reveal stark differences in the emergency responses of countries all over the globe.

It said Vietnam is among the less developed countries which has mounted a highly successful response, perhaps more so than anywhere else in the world.

The article cited that by April 6, Vietnam, with a population of nearly 100 million people, had just 245 confirmed cases and zero deaths.

Vietnams University of Science and Technology has developed a fast and affordable test kit that costs about US$15 and returns results within an hour. Now 20 countries around the world are seeking to order tens of thousands of them, according to the article.

Vietnam has also focused on effective, nonpharmaceutical methods to contain the virus, it said, adding that on February 1, the country suspended flights to China and decided to close schools after the Lunar New Year break.

It then instituted a 21-day quarantine of Vinh Phuc province north of Hanoi, where a large number of residents had returned from Wuhan, China, the initial epicentre of the outbreak. It has since mandated 14-day quarantines for everyone arriving in the country and cancelled all foreign flights.

Quarantine centres have been set up on the edges of cities providing full medical care, food and shelter for those in quarantine, including foreign visitors, the article reported.

The US website also quoted a British citizen at a quarantine centre in Son Tay as saying Suddenly it all becomes very human, were guests in a country doing their best to protect themselves and who are extending us that courtesy. Such is the good nature of Vietnam.

It also quoted a WWP member who travelled in Vietnam from March 5 to 17 as reporting that screenings in the airports were much more thorough and stringent than in the US. Hand sanitiser was almost everywhere, even in rural areas. People were chipper about following the measures set out by the government to contain the virus.

Vietnam has also used social media and information technology to combat the spread of the virus. Almost 90% of people have either a smartphone or a mobile phone.

The government uses an app and other channels to swiftly alert the public to new cases and areas with potential transmission, to help people get tested and to provide scientifically accurate, up-to-date information on best practices to reduce exposure, according to the article.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Health produced a catchy music video to inform people of proper handwashing techniques and other measures to reduce transmission, it said.

The article concluded that Vietnam sets an example for both developing and wealthy countries fighting COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Project Syndicate, a website based in the Czech Republic, has also carried a story titled Vietnams Low Cost COVID 19 Strategy praising Vietnam for managing the crisis so well that it avoided becoming a hotspot.

The article said Vietnams first cases were recorded on January 23, and the situation appeared to be under control until the arrival of an additional wave of cases fuelled by foreign tourists and returning travellers and students.

Perhaps most remarkably, unlike the Republic of Korea, which has spent considerable funds on aggressive testing, or Singapore, which has established strong epidemiological surveillance, Vietnam has followed a budget-friendly approach that has proven equally effective, it said.

Despite expectations of high rates of transmission, owing to a shared border with China and the high volume of bilateral trade, Vietnam has recorded only one-fifth the number of infections that much-lauded Singapore has, with no reported deaths to date, it added.

Vietnams initial success in slowing the rate of infection was attributed to the authorities focus on communication and public education through technology platforms and systematic tracing of pathogen carriers, according to the article.

With 65% of Vietnams 96 million people online, official news outlets and social media channels (60% are on Facebook) successfully shared information about the novel coronavirus.

In an age when it is difficult to track and stop the spread of mis-/disinformation, understanding the threat, particularly its contagion rate, has been key to citizens willingness to cooperate, whether through social distancing or self-isolation.

Vietnams experience demonstrates how, by focusing on early risk assessment, effective communication, and government-citizen cooperation, an under-resourced country with a precarious health-care system can manage the pandemic, the article concluded.
Nigeria's COVDI-19 index case was first confirmed in Lagos state in February 2020. Two months after, the virus has spread to 20 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The number of states with confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country had stood at 17 until Friday evening, April 10, when the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) announced confirmed cases in two new states: Niger and Anambra state.

Niger state, located in the north-central part of the country has one confirmed COVID-19 case while the southeastern state of Anambra also has one confirmed case.

The total number of confirmed cases nationwide at the time of this report is 305 while 58 of them have been discharged after recovery. So far, seven people have died.

Meanwhile, emerging reports from Kano have indicated that the northern state has also recorded its first case though it is yet to be confirmed by the NCDC and added to the national figure.

Lagos state remains the epicentre of the pandemic with 163 cases, while Abuja follows with 56 cases. In the third spot is Osun state with 20 cases.

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Meanwhile, the federal government has hinted that it may extend the lockdown in Lagos, Abuja and Ogun state to prevent the spread of coronavirus pandemic in the country.

This emerged a few days to the end of the current 14 days of coronavirus lockdown.

Legit.ng gathered that the chairman of the task force and secretary to the government of the federation, Boss Mustapha, said that with what is happening in other countries, it could be easily deduced what the decision of the president would be on the lockdown.

Mustapha said the team had briefed President Muhammadu Buhari on the assessment of the nations response so far, adding that more evaluation of the process continues.

Similarly, the director-general of the Progressives Governors Forum, Salihu Mohammed Lukman, has called on the federal government to extend the COVID-19 lockdown nationwide.

Appraising the success of the two weeks lockdown at the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun states by President Buhari, Lukman expressed disappointment over the attitude of certain state governors.

According to him, a national lockdown was necessary for the country not to throw away the gains achieved by its proactive measure of the last two weeks.

In a statement sent to journalists on Saturday, April 11, the APC chieftain also expressed concern over the perceived distrust by the National Assembly towards federal agencies and committees saddled with the task of mitigating the effect of the lockdown announced by President Buhari.

NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have upgraded to serve you better

Coronavirus: Legit tv visits Lagos Isolation centre | - on Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng
The Indian-origin chief of a key professional union for doctors in the UK has warned the government that medical staff fighting against the coronavirus pandemic across National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in the country are being put at risk due to the continued lack of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Dr Chaand Nagpaul, the British Medical Association (BMA) Council Chair, also called on the authorities to urgently investigate the factors behind the "disproportionate" numbers of black and minority ethnic (BAME) doctors among the frontline fatalities from the deadly virus.

This is not the flu. We are dealing with an unknown, highly-infectious, and potentially deadly virus that has already claimed the lives of several healthcare workers, including 11 doctors in the UK, said Nagpaul in a statement released by BMA on Friday.

It is absurd that the people trained to treat this disease are the ones who are not being appropriately protected and without them, we face real disaster, he said.

The BMA said it has learned that PPE supplies, including items such as aprons and face masks, are running at dangerously low levels in London and Yorkshire and that some pieces of equipment are no longer available, forcing doctors into impossible situations.

The government is therefore, forcing doctors to place themselves and their patients in grave danger by expecting them to treat Covid-19 patients without adequate PPE. The evidence comes just two weeks after the government said that supplies of PPE were plentiful, and that equipment was flowing out to trusts, the BMA said.

According to a recent survey conducted by the union, more than half of doctors working in high-risk environments said there were either shortages or no supply at all of adequate face masks, while 65 per cent said they did not have access to eye protection. Furthermore, 55 per cent said they felt "pressurised" to work in a high-risk area despite not having adequate PPE.

No doctor should ever have to be in harm's way when they go to work, and in these unprecedented times, this has never been more important," Nagpaul said.

This is an immensely difficult position to be in, but is ultimately down to the government's chronic failure to supply us with the proper equipment. We cannot continue like this, and need to see enough, adequate PPE delivered to staff across the country as soon as possible, not just for our health, but also, and most importantly, our patients'.

While it remains unclear whether the lack of PPE is directly linked to the recorded deaths of doctors in the UK so far, the BMA council chief also urged action on assessing the factors behind the large numbers of BAME doctors and nurses among the victims of the virus.

We have heard the virus does not discriminate between individuals but there's no doubt there appears to be a manifest disproportionate severity of infection in BAME people and doctors. This has to be addressed the government must act now, Nagpaul said.

The BMA's intervention comes days after the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) wrote to the Chief Medical Officer of England, Professor Chris Whitty, and Medical Director of NHS England Stephen Powis requesting all the official data available on Covid-19 hospital admissions for an in-depth research into the greater susceptibility of BAME and Indian-origin patients developing more severe symptoms of coronavirus and dying of Covid-19.

BAPIO said: We need a better understanding of the issues of BAME mortality in the context of the general population, particularly if it helps us manage sick and vulnerable groups, and so that we can be accurate in our messaging.

We are therefore asking that the data for Covid cases, and most certainly those who have died as a result of the illness, incorporates ethnicity and profession, as well as the usual demographic data.

Indian-origin doctors, who make up a large chunk of the NHS workforce, are already among the victims of the deadly virus in the UK, including cardiac surgeon Wales-based Jitendra Kumar Rathod, 58, originally from Gujarat, and Birmingham-based Hamza Pacheeri, 80, from Kerala.

BAPIO has also urged the authorities to deploy senior and retired medics away from frontline duties until more evidence can be collated on the ethnic variables for Covid-19.

The UK's Department of Health has said it is working to protect all communities and has repeatedly pledged a boost to PPE supplies for NHS medical staff. UK health secretary Matt Hancock updated on Friday that 742 million pieces of protective gear had been delivered so far and that daily deliveries would start next week.

"But there's clearly a huge task ahead to keep it flowing and to make sure that those who need it get it," said Hancock.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi has said it would be donating 100 million doses of hydroxychloroquine across 50 countries.

The decades-old anti-malaria drug which is been seen by some as a potential weapon against the novel coronavirus has seen its demand rise across the globe, and now Sanofi have decided to voluntarily help out the countries is need of the drug.

Reuters

In a statement, the company said it increased its production capacity by 50% across its eight hydroxychloroquine manufacturing sites worldwide, adding it was on track to quadruple it by the summer.



"Sanofi is calling for coordination among the entire hydroxychloroquine chain worldwide to ensure the continued supply of the medicine if proven to be a well-tolerated and effective treatment in Covid-19 patients", it said.

SANOFI

While the drug is being touted as a possible solution to coronavirus, but the proposals to put them to use immediately for more patients have proven highly controversial, with many experts warning there is not yet enough evidence of their safety or effectiveness against the disease.



The drug was added to Chinas formulary for treating COVID-19 in February, leading to its widespread use there and in South Korea. But Chinese data has shown its effectiveness to be rather little, resting on a study of monkey cells in test tubes and a consensus report from doctors in Guangdong province.



More than 1.6 million cases have been registered globally since the epidemic first emerged. The worldwide number of fatalities from the novel coronavirus pandemic rose to 100,859.

Reuters

Italy, which recorded its first death in late February, has had the most fatalities with 18,849 from 1,47,577 infections. The US has 5,00,399 cases of the novel coronavirus, passing the grim half-million milestone on Friday.



The total number of coronavirus cases in India stands at 7,447. There are 6,556 active coronavirus patients in the country. At least 643 patients have been recovered from deadly disease. As many as 40 deaths has been reported in last 24 hours, taking the total number of deaths in India to 239.






917 people dead in a day yet people are still sunbathing & having picnics in Erddig & Bellevue

This article is old - Published: Saturday, Apr 11th, 2020

Police have pointed out the unacceptable nature of some peoples behaviour this Easter weekend.

36 further deaths have been reported of people who had tested positive for coronavirus in Wales, taking the number of deaths in Wales to 351 people. The UK wide update for today states a further 917 coronavirus-related hospital deaths have reported in the UK, taking total to 9,875 people.

Throughout the pandemic response local police have been communicating the good, and the bad, of how the area is responding.

Everyone on the link road so far has complied with the government guidelines. Thank you, from us and our families.. Please lets keep it that way. pic.twitter.com/mLoXC2zDly  NWP Wrexham Town (@NWPWrexhamTown) April 11, 2020

There has been lots of praise for empty roads and those heeding official advice, and the new laws, however have today compared the ongoing large death tolls being reported daily to some peoples behaviour locally.

Earlier police publicised a patrol in Erddig stating people were using the space sensibly:

PC 2926 and PC 3426 out patrolling Erddig on this lovely morning. Nice to see people social distancing and in good spirits. Thank you from us #excerciseonly #stayhome #staysafe pic.twitter.com/TCcwQR2IMH  NWP Wrexham Town (@NWPWrexhamTown) April 11, 2020

Later Wrexham Town police updated stating, 917 people died in the UK yesterday from COVID-19 & unfortunately people are still sunbathing & having picnics in Erddig & Bellevue.

This is not acceptable, we are all in this together & EVERYONE has a part to play.

Adding that they are there to keep us safe, and reiterating the protect the NHS message they asked, Please stay at home.

Earlier today one local NHS staff member wrote in response to those avoiding the lockdown, Coming home after a long hard 12 and a half hour shift at the hospital and seeing groups of youths congregating is so deflating it makes me think why am I putting myself and my family at risk to help theirs.

I am desperate to see my children that dont live at my address and my grandchildren, two of whom are very small babies born just before this started. Id like nothing more than to be able to see them in the flesh after a long day in work (wearing PPE for the majority of it ) just to lift my spirits but I cant, and these people will be making my wait even longer its just so deflating.
Taliban Militants Kill Five Afghan Bank Employees, Police Say

April 10, 2020

Five employees of a state-owned bank have been killed by Taliban militants in the western Afghan province of Herat, police officials said on April 10.

The men were on their way from the Kuhsan district to the provincial capital, Herat City, when they were abducted and shot dead by the militants late on April 9, local police spokesman Abdul Ahad Walizada said. The men worked for a local branch of the Central Bank of Afghanistan.

The Interior Ministry confirmed the incident and blamed it on the Taliban, which has kidnapped several government employees and military personnel in the area in the past. There was no immediate comment from the militant group.

Earlier on April 9, the Afghan government said it had released 100 Taliban fighters, bringing the total number of militants released this week to 200. The government has said it will release 1,500 Taliban prisoners before the start of intra-Afghan peace talks with the militants.

The prisoner release is a critical first step to intra-Afghan negotiations aimed at bringing an end to the Afghan conflict.

A U.S.-Taliban deal signed in February also calls for the Taliban to free 1,000 government personnel whom the militant group is holding hostage.

Based on reporting by dpa, tolonews.com, and AP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/taliban-militants -kill-five-afghan-bank-employees -police-say/30545672.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.

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The head of Russias space agency on Saturday accused Elon Musks SpaceX of predatory pricing for space launches, which is pushing Russia to cut its own prices.

Instead of honest competition on the market for space launches, they are lobbying for sanctions against us and use price dumping with impunity, Rogozin wrote on Twitter.

Rogozin, who is often outspoken on Twitter and previously engaged in online banter with Elon Musk, on Friday raised the issue during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin.

He said the Roscosmos space agency is working to lower prices by more than 30 percent on launch services to increase our share on the international markets.

This is our answer to dumping by American companies financed by the US budget, he said.

The market price of a SpaceX launch is $60 million, but NASA pays up to four times that amount, he said.

Musk responded to the criticism Saturday by saying on Twitter: SpaceX rockets are 80% reusable, theirs are 0%. This is the actual problem.

SpaceX plans to send astronauts to the International Space Station next month for the first time on board its Falcon 9, a rocket that can be reused, lowering the cost of missions.

Musk also announced last month that SpaceXs Crew Dragon capsules will start transporting tourists to the ISS next year.

Rogozin has claimed, however, that SpaceXs low pricing is only possible due to lavish funding from the Pentagon.

After NASA retired its space shuttles in 2011, Russia became the sole carrier of humans to space, charging NASA for launching US astronauts to the ISS at reportedly $70 million each.

Rogozin last year congratulated Musk on Crew Dragons successful launch, and Musk has tweeted jokes in Russian, with the banter a source of delight for Russian media.

In 2014, Rogozin mocked the lack of a US manned flight programme, saying it might as well deliver its astronauts to the ISS by using a trampoline, after Washington announced new sanctions against Moscow which included some space industries.

ma/spm

ISS A/S
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia says the post COVID-19 global economic architect is going to be radically different from the previous one and requires countries in the production of goods and services to prepare themselves for the future.



Vice President Bawumia made the projection in a message posted on his social media platforms on Good Friday.



The COVID-19 pandemic has created huge global shortage of personal protective equipment (PPEs) even in advanced countries that has been hit hard by the contagion.



Some PPEs such as cover-ups, googles, nose masks, boots, face shields and surgical gloves are in high demand, compelling pharmaceutical companies globally to scale up production.



In Ghana, for instance, the Akufo-Addo-led government has selected five local companies to produce 3.6 million PPEs within the shortest possible time, as demand by frontline health workers and other allied professionals has become imperative to protect themselves from contracting the respiratory disease.



As many countries around the world are implementing total or partial lockdown in COVID-19 hotspots, the use of online or electronic services has become imperative as churches and mosques are now streaming live sermons and prayers on Facebook, Conference Calls and other online portals to reach up to their audiences or congregations.



There are others who are busily transacting business and marketing their goods and services on the social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to reach up to their customers and potential clients.



In that vein, the Vice President's call for developing nations across the globe to stand in readiness for post COVID-19 pandemic is timely and relevant.



Over the past three years, Vice President Bawumia, the Head of the Government Economic Management Team, has been championing the digitisation agenda of the Akufo-Addo-led administration, culminating in the digitisation of some public services, including the licensing and registration of vehicles by the Driver Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA), Paperless Port System, Electronic Business Registration by the Registrar General's Department, mobile money interoperability system rolled out by the Ghana Inter-bank and Settlement System, in partnership with the telecommunication firms and other financial institutions and Digital Property and Addressing System.



It is the expectation of many Ghanaians that the digitisation of the national economy would impact positively on the social and economic lives of many.

Source: GNA









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Mohammed Ali Ege, 42, is wanted in connection with the murder of 17-year-old Aamir Siddiqi

A suspect being hunted in connection with the murder of a teenager in Cardiff in 2010 has been added to a list of Europe's most wanted fugitives.

Mohammed Ali Ege fled to India before he could be arrested in connection with the murder of 17-year-old Aamir Siddiqi, who was stabbed at his family home in a mistaken identity attack.

In a statement issued on the tenth anniversary of the stabbing, South Wales Police said officers were continuing to work with Europol, the National Crime Agency and international law enforcement agencies to trace 42-year-old Ege.

Aamir was killed in the Roath area of Cardiff on the afternoon of April 11 2010.

An image of Ege, who escaped from custody in India in 2017 while awaiting extradition, has been added to the Europol website with a statement saying he may have changed his appearance.

Reports in India from 2017 say Ege told police he needed to use a toilet at a train station - and then escaped out of the window.

Detective Inspector Stuart Wales, of the South Wales Police Major Crime Investigation Team, was on duty at Cathays police station on the day of the murder.

The senior officer, who was one of the first to arrive at the scene, said: 'Aamir was undoubtedly a very promising young man, full of huge amounts of potential.

Aamir (pictured left, and right as a child) was killed in the Roath area of Cardiff on the afternoon of April 11 2010

'A decade may have passed but until Mohammed Ali Ege is located and brought back to the UK, this matter will not go away for South Wales Police.

'Mr Ege now features among 42 other wanted individuals on the Europol website.

'He must be constantly looking over his shoulder and our determination to resolve this matter has never diminished.'

Appealing directly to Ege to give himself up, Mr Wales added: 'We would ask anyone who has information about his whereabouts to please get in touch - not just for us, but more importantly for Aamir's family, who have always acted with such dignity throughout their 10-year ordeal.'

Detective Inspector Stuart Wales, who was on duty at Cathays police station on the day of the murder, said 'Aamir was undoubtedly a very promising young man, full of huge amounts of potential'. Pictured left and right: Aamir Siddiqi

The victim's sister, Miriam Siddiqi, also appealed for the suspect to surrender to police.

She told the BBC: 'Because it is still an open case, it is an open wound and it does make it difficult for my parents to find closure.

'We are just desperate to close this chapter - please stop running so that my parents can get closure.'

Two other men convicted of Aamir's murder continue to serve life sentences in prison.
CHICAGO  The U.S. death toll from the coronavirus eclipsed Italys for the highest in the world Saturday, surpassing 20,000, as Chicago and other cities across the Midwest braced for a potential surge in victims and moved to snuff out smoldering hot spots of contagion before they erupt.

With the New York area still deep in crisis, fear mounted over the spread of the scourge into the nations heartland.

Twenty-four residents of an Indiana nursing home hit by COVID-19 have died, while a nursing home in Iowa saw 14 deaths. Chicago's Cook County has set up a temporary morgue that can take more than 2,000 bodies. And Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been going around telling groups of people to break it up.

In Europe, countries used roadblocks, drones, helicopters, mounted patrols and the threat of fines to keep people from traveling over Easter weekend. And with infections and deaths slowing in Italy, Spain and other places on the Continent, governments took tentative steps toward loosening the weeks-long shutdowns.

Glorious weather across Europe posed an extra test of people's discipline.

Dont do silly things, said Domenico Arcuri, Italys special commissioner for the virus emergency. Dont go out, continue to behave responsibly as you have done until today, use your head and your sense of responsibility.

The outbreaks center of gravity has long since shifted from China to Europe and the United States, which now has by far the largest number of confirmed cases  over a half-million  and a death toll higher than Italys count of nearly 19,500, according to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins University.

About half the deaths in the U.S. are in the New York metropolitan area, where hospitalizations are nevertheless slowing and other indicators suggest lockdowns and social distancing are flattening the curve of infections and staving off the doomsday scenarios of just a week or two ago.

New York state on Saturday reported 783 more deaths, for a total over 8,600. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the daily number of deaths is stabilizing but stabilizing at a horrific rate.

What do we do now? We stay the course," said Cuomo, who like other leaders has warned that relaxing restrictions too soon could enable the virus to come back with a vengeance.

With authorities warning that the crisis in New York is far from over, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the city's 1.1 million-student school system will remain closed for the rest of the academic year. But Cuomo said the decision is up to him, and no such determination has been made.

In the Midwest, pockets of contagion have alarmed state and city leaders and led to stricter enforcement.

Nearly 300 inmates at the Cook County Jail have tested positive for the virus, and two have died. In Wisconsin, health officials expect to see an increase in coronavirus cases after thousands of people went to the polls during Wisconsins presidential primary Tuesday.

Michigan's governor extended her states stay-at-home order with new provisions: People with multiple homes may no longer travel between them.

And in Kansas, the state Supreme Court heard arguments in a dispute Saturday between Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and Republican lawmakers who overturned her executive order banning religious services and funerals with more than 10 people.

Elsewhere around the world, Italian authorities set up roadblocks around Milan to discourage people from going on Easter weekend trips. British police kept a close watch on gatherings in parks and at the seaside on one of the hottest days of the year. And France deployed some 160,000 police, including officers on horseback who patrolled beaches and parks.

Its useless to pack your bags for a vacation, Paris police tweeted.

With religious leaders around the globe urging people to observe Easter safely at home, the archbishop of Turin, Italy, allowed a video streaming display of the Shroud of Turin, believed by the faithful to be the burial cloth of Jesus, so that they can pray in front of it during the epidemic.

Pope Francis celebrated an Easter vigil Mass in an empty St. Peter's Basilica, where the footsteps of the pontiff and his small entourage on the marble floor could be heard clearly as they walked in slow procession toward the altar. Francis likened coronavirus fears to anxiety felt by Jesus' followers after his crucifixion.

For them, as for us, it was the darkest hour," he said, encouraging people to sow seeds of hope, with small gestures of care."

Meanwhile, Austria aims to reopen small shops on Tuesday. Spain, with more than 16,300 dead, plans to allow workers in some nonessential industries to return to factories and construction sites Monday. Spanish authorities said they will distribute 10 million face masks at major train and subway stations.

We think that with these measures we will prevent a jump in infections, Health Minister Salvador Illa said.

Italy continued to include all nonessential manufacturing in an extension of its national lockdown until May 3. But Premier Giuseppe Conte held out hope that some industry could re-open earlier if conditions permit.

Arcuri said that the exit from the lockdown will include increased virus testing, the deployment of a voluntary contact-tracing app and mandatory blood tests as Italy seeks to set up a system of immunity passports.

India extended its lockdown of the nation of 1.3 billion people by two more weeks. But Iran, the site of the worst outbreak in the Middle East, reopened government offices and businesses outside Tehran.

In Indonesia, inmates set fire to a prison on Sulawesi island during a riot, apparently angry over restrictions imposed to contain the coronavirus. There were no reports of riot-related deaths.

Britain on Saturday reported 917 more deaths from the coronavirus, down from the peak of 980 recorded a day earlier. The countrys overall death toll neared 10,000. At the same time, data suggest that the number of hospital admissions in Britain is leveling off.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the first major world leader confirmed to have COVID-19, continued to recover at a London hospital, where he was able to take short walks, according to his office.

Worldwide, confirmed infections rose above 1.7 million, with over 108,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins. More than 400,000 people have recovered.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. But for others, especially older people and those with health problems, it can cause severe symptoms like pneumonia.

--The Associated Press

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In his Saturday pandemic briefing, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo invoked Winston Churchill as he updated the states grim death toll, but observed that the data implies that the impact of the coronavirus may be levelling off.

Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning, the governor said, quoting the wartime British prime minister.

Acknowledging the terrible number of lives lost per day, the governor said that the number is stabilising, but at a horrific rate and depicts incredible loss and pain.

For the fourth day in a row the number of confirmed deaths from Covid-19 remained steady. A total of 783 people lost their lives on Friday, compared to 777 on Thursday, 799 on Wednesday, and 779 the day before that.

The total number of dead in New York state now stands at 8,627.

The governor said that the curve of the total number of hospitalisations has flattened and may have reached its apex. The rate of hospitalisation is down significantly with fewer people seeking medical help.

Mr Cuomo noted that the distinction between hospitalisations and ICU admittance had blurred as hospitals were now functioning almost exclusively as ICU departments, but revealed that the number of intubations was down significantly.

There has also been success in stemming the spread from New York City to the surrounding suburbs  hospitalisations have levelled off in those counties as well.

The governor emphasised that what the data shows is that it is important to stay the course with the states stay-at-home order: What we are experiencing is a product of our actions.

He underlined the message of the Churchill quote, that there is still a long road ahead, and cautioned about rushing to reopen businesses and schools, noting that other parts of the world had found this led to a resurgence of cases.

Reopening is both a public health question, and an economic question. I am unwilling to divorce the two, he said.

You cannot ask the people of this country to choose between lives lost and dollars gained.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday told President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro and Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu that the country is committed to jointly fight the coronavirus pandemic.

The PM's remark came after the two leaders thanked him for clearing the export of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), a drug said to be effective against the deadly disease.

"Thank you, my dear friend @narendramodi, Prime Minister of India, for sending Chloroquine to Israel. All the citizens of Israel thank you!" Netanyahu tweeted on Thursday.

In response, PM Modi said, "We have to jointly fight this pandemic. India is ready to do whatever is possible to help our friends. Praying for the well-being and good health of the people of Israel."

Similarly, Bolsonaro also thanked PM Modi for timely help to Brazil, adding that the raw material will help to continue production of hydroxychloroquine to treat patients of COVID-19 as well as of lupus, malaria, and arthritis.

"Thank you, President Jair Bolsonaro. The India-Brazil partnership is stronger than ever in these challenging times. India is committed to contribute to humanity's fight against this pandemic," PM Modi said.

The drug has been identified by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as potential treatment for the coronavirus and was touted repeatedly by President Trump as a "game changer". India had earlier put a hold on its export, but later allowed it on Trump's request.





This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

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Every district in Andhra Pradesh has recorded Covid-19 positive cases in double digits except for the two north-costal districts of Srikakulam and Vizianagaram bordering Odisha and Chhattisgarh respectively that have so far managed to give the deadly virus a slip.

Till Saturday, not a single coronavirus case was reported from these two districts, which are also very close to Visakhapatnam, the proposed administrative capital of the state, which has seen 24 positive cases to date.

A strike rate of zero in these two districts, considered to be the most backward in the state, have surprised the authorities who are struggling to deal with the ever-increasing number of Covid-19 cases elsewhere in the state.

Andhra has reported 405 cases till Saturday night, including 82 in Kurnool followed by 75 in Guntur, 48 in Nellore, 41 in Prakasam and 35 in Krishna. All the other districts have also crossed the double-digit mark.

It is a pleasant surprise to witness Srikakulam and Vizianagaram reporting zero positive cases for Covid-19. Apparently, both the districts were alerted much earlier than the other districts and have been able to contain the spread of the disease, state health and family welfare commissioner Katamaneni Bhaskar said.

The Tablighi Jamaat congregation held in Nizamuddin, New Delhi, which had resulted in a sharp rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in many parts of the country, had a severe impact on entire Andhra Pradesh, but not in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram.

We, too, have traced 27 people connected with the Jamaat directly and indirectly, and all of them had been kept in isolation. Similarly, there were 1,445 people who had returned from abroad and another 4,271 people who had been in direct contact with them. Only four of them had some symptoms but none of them tested positive. Now, everybody is in quarantine, Srikakulam district medical and health officer (DMHO) Dr M Chenchaiah said.

He attributed the zero positive cases in the district to the early intervention by the district authorities, including the police and the medical department staff. We have taken up surveillance activities much earlier than any other part of the state. We ensured that none of the foreign returnees and their contacts came out of their homes by pasting posters on the gates and alerted their neighbours to inform the cops if anybody came out, Chenchaiah said.

The district authorities also enforced the lockdown strictly and arrested people who deliberately violated the restrictions. Fortunately, the awareness levels in the district are very high and they are fully cooperating with the authorities. Our medical and police surveillance teams are conducting door to door surveys to see that there is not a single suspect, he said.

The DMHO said the authorities were vigilant over the reports that there was a possibility of some suspects from Nellore, Guntur and Visakhapatnam entering Srikakulam. We are sending any suspicious case to the isolation centre, he said.

Vizianagaram DMHO S V Ramana Kumari said swift and prompt action was taken by the district authorities to quarantine 434 foreign returnees and for the monitoring of their health.

She, however, added that luckily, there was not a single case of Tablighi Jamaat returnees in the district. That perhaps saved us. We have no problem from other people, who are fully cooperating with us in the quarantine centres and none of them tested positive, she said.

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Energy ministers of the Group of 20 (G20) agreed on Friday to ensure the energy market's stability, affordability and security in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a joint statement released after their virtual meeting.





The G20 economies will develop collaborative policy responses to ensure market stability across all energy sources taking into account each member's circumstances, the statement said.





"All the necessary measures" will be taken to ensure a balance of interests between producers and consumers, the security of the energy systems and an uninterrupted flow of energy, said the ministers, who called energy security "a cornerstone of energy market stability."





"We establish a short-term Focus Group, with the task of monitoring the response measures," the statement read.





The G20 energy ministers will meet again in September as scheduled.


The economic effects of the coronavirus could push around half a billion people into poverty, Oxfam said this week.

The report was released by the Nairobi-based charity ahead of next weeks International Monetary Fund (IMF)/World Bank yearly meeting.

The economic crisisis deeper than the 2008 global financial crisis, the report said.

The estimates show that global poverty could increase for the first time since 1990, it said, adding that some countries could return to poverty levels last seen thirty years ago.

The report examined several possible economic outcomes based on the World Banks measure of poverty. People under extreme poverty live on $1.90 a day or less. And those at a lesser poverty level live on less than $5.50 a day.

The most serious outcome would be a 20 percent decrease in earnings. It would cause 1.2 billion people to live in extreme poverty worldwide. It would also raise the number of people living in poverty to nearly 4 billion.

Women are at more risk than men because they are more likely to work in jobs that have little or no protection.

Poor people cannot take time off from work or buy food in large amounts, the report warned. It also said more than 2 billion people did not get earnings while they are sick.

To lessen the effects on poverty, Oxfam suggested a plan that would give money to people and businesses in need. It also called for debt cancellation, more IMF support and increased aid to poor countries.

Oxfam added that additional taxes on wealth, high profits and some financial tools favored by the wealthy would help raise the money needed.

Calls for debt cancellation have increased recently as the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the economy of developing countries around the world.

Wealthier countries around the world would need to give at least $2.5 trillion to help developing nations, the report said, adding that wealthier countries have shown they can raise that amount to help their own economies.

The United States, for example, recently released a $2.2 trillion spending plan to rescue the countrys economy. China, Japan and some European nations have also passed their own spending measures.

The report said, Unless developing countries are also able to fight the crisis will continue and it will inflict even greater harm on all countries, rich and poor.

Im Jonathan Evans.

The Reuters News Agency reported this story. Susan Shand adapted it for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

charity  n. an organization that helps the sick and poor

global  adj. worldwide

outcome - n. the results of an event

inflict  v. to cause someone to be affected by something unpleasant
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 11

Trend:

Azerbaijan is considered as an exemplary country for the measures taken against the pandemic, said President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, chairman of the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States Ilham Aliyev during the extraordinary Summit of the Turkic Council through videoconferencing, Trend reports.

Since early days of the fight against the pandemic, Azerbaijan has fruitfully cooperated with the World Health Organization. We invited the organization's specialists to Azerbaijan in early March. Our invitation was accepted in a short time. Thus, on 9-13 March, a delegation of leading specialists of the organization visited our country. They were familiarized with the situation in our country and praised the work done. The recommendations contained in the report prepared by the expert mission are taken into account by relevant government agencies, said the head of state.

President Ilham Aliyev noted that in the letter sent to him on 23 March, Director General of the World Health Organization Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the work done in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan is considered as an exemplary country for the measures taken against the pandemic. Azerbaijan plays an active role in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic both domestically and globally. Azerbaijan has demonstrated global solidarity and provided voluntary financial assistance to the World Health Organization in the fight against coronavirus. On 13 March, Azerbaijan signed a donor agreement to provide voluntary financial assistance to the COVID-19 Appeal Fund within the framework of the World Health Organization's Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan. We appreciate the important role the World Health Organization has been playing in the global fight against the pandemic, said the head of state.
WASHINGTON  Danny Mays has a phrase for the way things used to be, before thousands of Americans started dying each day from COVID-19 and everyone else stayed in their homes: blue-sky days.

Mays, 36, is the director of procurement for the state of Maryland. Until a month ago, that job meant he was making deals for the state on everything from construction jobs to software and technology. But now its all medical equipment, all the time.

Mayss job has shifted into overdrive, as he and the 38 people who report to him have scrambled to compete with other states and countries in a mad dash to obtain medical supplies: N95 respirators, surgical masks, gloves and gowns, ventilators and face masks.

In an hourlong interview, Mays described days that start at 7 a.m. with the first of several conference calls, and stretch late into the night as he and others try to nail down deals with suppliers for products that are mostly manufactured in China. The U.S. imports most of its medical supplies from China. The 12-hour time difference means a lot of his most important work starts in the evening. There is no 9-to-5 anymore.

Danny Mays. (Facebook)

There are several challenges facing state officials like Mays, who in a war metaphor would be the logistics officer making sure that frontline combat troops  in this case health care workers  have the equipment they need. Urgent demand and lack of centralized purchasing in the U.S. have put intense pressure on his team to close deals quickly without getting cheated by scam artists. Most contracts now call for deposits before shipping, making vetting of suppliers a continual concern.

In blue-sky days the state doesnt prepay for anything, Mays said. In China right now to secure orders, were seeing 50 percent or more deposits required to secure these orders. If you dont get into that space and compete in that space, then New York is going to get the items or Florida is going to or someone is.

Costs are skyrocketing. Pricing on ventilators is through the roof, Mays said. Theyve gone from $18,000 each to $50,000 a pop. In a normal year, a blue-sky year, Mays said his office will spend about $1 billion on all the contracts he executes. He said it will spend that much, easily, just on the coronavirus crisis.

Story continues

His office has to field a flood of inquiries from would-be middlemen without experience in medical supplies, seeking to cash in on the bonanza  or just to keep their businesses alive.

Were getting hundreds of vendors hitting us up every hour telling us they can sell us what we need, and we know thats not true given how volatile the supply chain is, Mays said. Event management companies  now theyre going to their suppliers that usually make touring equipment and scaffolding and saying, Do you have any suppliers who make N95 masks?

Theyre trying to keep themselves in business. Everybodys trying to enter this space because this is the only space generating revenue right now, this and DoorDash, Mays said.

At first, Mays tried to manage the incoming inquiries through his own email, but drowned under the 1,000 or so that were coming in daily. Since then, the Maryland Department of Emergency Management has set up a central email that vendors can go through, and it has a triage team that weeds through those emails and forwards promising leads on to Mays and his team. Hes down now to dealing with a mere 50 a day.

Mayss 7 a.m. call includes a small group, and is run by Ellington Churchill, the secretary of general services. They discuss what was done yesterday, what didnt get all the way done, Mays said. Churchill reports that information to Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan.

At 9 a.m., Mays is on his second call of the day with the senior leadership of the State Procurement Office. And then, at 11 a.m., he hops on a teleconference with the 38 procurement officers who report to him.

Cant stress enough how hard my team is working and how proud I am of them. Especially having to do all this remotely when we really were not set up to do so, he said.

After lunch, hes on a 1 p.m. call with others on his team to prepare for a 2 p.m. call that is the largest virtual gathering of the day. It encompasses the states surge capacity action team, which brings together hospital representatives and others from the health care sector with a range of state government officials like Mays and from other agencies like emergency management.

Hogan began the surge capacity calls about a month ago, Mays said, and they take place seven days a week. The goal is making sure all the states hospitals are ready for an influx of patients suffering from COVID-19.

That 2 p.m. call triggers one more flurry of calls between Mays and his colleagues to discuss what to act on based on what needs seem most pressing. And then the afternoon and evening are for dealmaking and deal-breaking. Sometimes Im the wet blanket, Mays said. Im the one that has to go, Im not rolling with this. I dont feel comfortable with this. This doesnt check out.

If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is: if large suppliers dont have something but some guy in his basement does.

Officials at the Maryland Department of Commerce and the states Housing and Development agency are helping Mayss team decipher which brokers are acting in bad faith  or dont have the know-how and might be suckers for someone else posing as a manufacturer  and which ones actually have the relationships and experience to obtain medical equipment. Mays and his team are also in touch with contacts in China who further help them vet the business entities they are dealing with.

We havent been scammed, Mays said. But he said many companies trying to jump into the medical equipment business might be taken for a ride by overseas suppliers that are not legitimate.

Its still too early, he said, to know which suppliers will be its most reliable partners. Weve still got larger orders out there that havent been delivered yet  some from known suppliers and some from new suppliers that weve vetted. The ones that have delivered are the ones were going to go back to.

His biggest mandate is to build a 90-day supply of medical equipment for the 250-bed field hospital at the Baltimore Convention Center, which will begin taking patients who are recovering from COVID-19 in a few weeks.

He said that donations and offers of help from private sector businesses have been crucial in easing immediate needs, which gives him time to focus on building capacity for the medium and long term.

Mays and his wife have a 10-year-old daughter and a 9-month-old son. Working from home on such an intense schedule has been a strain on his family, he said.

Ive definitely had some regrets about how unplugged and irritable Ive been. But they understand the importance, he said.

Mays was supposed to take his daughter to Wrestlemania in Tampa last week. Hes a big professional wrestling fan who also plays bass in a band that plays cover songs from the 1990s.

His daughter, Mays said, is very worried, very confused.  She sees how stressed out I am.

After his years of dealing with contracts for asphalt and cleaning services, the current crisis is taking a toll on him, although he and his team remain laser-focused on doing the best job for his state.

Were talking about lives, which is not something were used to dealing with. Its kind of a heavy thing to take on.

_____

Click here for the latest coronavirus news and updates. According to experts, people over 60 and those who are immunocompromised continue to be the most at risk. If you have questions, please refer to the CDCs and WHOs resource guides.

Read more:
TRINIDAD and Tobago nationals stranded in Barbados were happy to learn yesterday they can return home.

But theres one problem: there are no flights for them.
Beijing, April 11 : Chinese health authorities on Saturday expressed concerns over the increasing number of imported coronavirus cases in the mainland.

The authorities said they had detected 46 new cases of coronavirus, of which 42 were patients who have arrived in China from abroad, reports efe news.

The four cases of local infections occurred in the southeast province of Canton (three) and the northeast region of Heilongjiang.

The number of new imported cases is four more than reported on Friday (38) but fewer than the day before when 61 patients with travel history tested positive for the infection.

China has been struggling to contain the number of imported cases and has imposed strict travel restrictions on the entry of foreigners to the country.

The country also reported three new deaths in Hubei province. Two of the deaths occurred in the provincial capital of Wuhan, the epicentre of the pandemic that has seen 2,577 people losing their lives to the virus that has gripped the globe.

The authorities said 141 infected patients were in serious conditions and 94 of them were in Wuhan.

Despite the new confirmed cases, the total number of active patients in the Asian country continued to drop to 1,089.

The number of patients discharged, according to the authorities, is usually more than new infections.

The total number of coronavirus patients in China since the start of the pandemic stands at 81,953.

Among these, 3,339 people have lost their lives. Some 77,525 people have recovered from the disease.

Many Chinese have returned home from abroad since the virus engulfed the planet since in China, the virus outbreak, as per the official figures, seems more or less under control.

The Chinese returning home has caused a rebound in "imported" cases in recent weeks as many of them have travelled from other global hotspots of the virus.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Tigertail

Director - Alan Yang

Cast - Tzi Ma, Hong-Chi Lee, Christine Ko, Joan Chen, Yo-Hsing Fang, Kuei-Mei Yang, Kunjue Li, Fiona Fu

Sincere but sorrowful to a fault, Master of None co-creator Alan Yangs feature directorial debut, Tigertail, is a movie whose magic is routinely undercut by its own director.

At a little over 90 minutes long but with the potential to sustain itself for at least an hour longer, Tigertail feels like something Harvey Weinstein might have cut together in the 90s, against the will of the filmmaker, perhaps with an army of lawyers hovering about the room.

But Tigertail isnt a Miramax film from 1996  although the influence of Hou Hsaio-hsien and Ang Lee is palpable  it is a Netflix movie circa 2020. And whatever freedom Yang must have been given feels slightly squandered.

Watch the Tigertail trailer here

Like that terrific season one episode of Master of None and his Apple TV series Little America, Tigertail is another personal story about immigrants chasing the American dream, lured as if it is some sort of pyramid scheme.

It tells the story of a first-generation immigrant from Taiwan, who left his old life of hardships behind for a new one that is considerably sadder. As a youth, Pin-Jui made the most of what he had. He worked hard, was known to be a chatterbox, and would sneak out on nightly adventures with the woman he loved. As an old man in America, he is near-silent, divorced, and estranged from his only daughter, poised to live out the rest of his years alone.

Tigertail intercuts between the past and present with very little grace. Observed independently, each of the two timelines is wonderful, but such is the stylistic and tonal difference between the two halves that they never come together as a cohesive whole.

Yang, however displays an incredible talent for capturing the mood. I have never been to Taiwan, much less the Taiwan of the 1960s and 70s, but under Yangs careful eye, the scenes from Pin-Juis youth feel most authentic, evocatively shot in the style of Wong Kar-Wai films and brimming with energy. There is hopeful exuberance to these scenes, a carefree sense of freedom, despite the severe economic pressure that the characters are going through.

Tigertail (Netflix)

I understand that Yang is trying to create deliberate parallels between the romanticism of Pin-Juis past and the drab misery of his present. Two scenes are especially on-the-nose. As a youth, he felt no shame when he learnt that he couldnt afford a meal at a fancy restaurant. He simply reprimanded the waiter for his rudeness and ran away with his girlfriend, Yuan. Later, on his first day in America, having left Yuan behind and married another woman, when Pin-Jui realises that he cant afford a meal at a regular Chinese restaurant, he is overcome with sadness. The song that once made him shrug off his worries and dance, he now associates with the struggles of fitting into a new society.

The modern-day scenes are so stark in their realism that two things happen: first, the past appears to be more magical than it perhaps was, and second, the grimness makes the present feel like a documentary postscript, much like the final moments of Schindlers List.

Also read: The Platform movie review: Nasty and necessary Netflix thriller is another great reason to stay at home

Tigertail feels like a condensed telling of an epic story, as if it is the result of just a couple of chats Yang might have had with his own immigrant parents, or, worse, as if it is based off years of conversations that were discarded in favour of a highlights reel.

This might sound harsh, but its a film that had such potential, one that showed evidence of an exciting new voice in American filmmaking, that the fact that it couldnt attain the glory of something like Roma or The Farewell, with which it shares actor Tzi Ma, feels like a tragic loss.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

The author tweets @RohanNaahar
Courtesy of the Lawsons

Jennifer Lawson of New Milford was recently informed that she will be assuming her residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

She was notified March 20.

Jennifer, a 2020 graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, is the daughter of David and Lisa Lawson.

Jennifer, who will be specializing in adolescent pediatrics, is a graduate of New Milford High School Class of 2010.

She completed her undergraduate studies at Syracuse University graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2014.

Prior to attending medical school, Jennifer engaged in kidney research at Boston Children's Hospital.

While at Boston Children's Hospital, she co-authored several publications and did field work in Sri Lanka.

It is anticipated that Jennifer will be joining the fight against COVID-19.
There were 980 deaths from coronavirus in the 24 hours before Thursday evening, it was announced on Friday.

A further 980 people in Britain who had contracted coronavirus lost their lives in the 24 hours before Thursday evening, health officials announced on Friday.

It is the United Kingdoms worst single-day death toll since the outbreak began, and eclipses even the very worst days suffered by either Spain or Italy, the country worst hit by the deadly virus.

And the daily rate of deaths is still expected to rise yet higher for several days to come, said officials.

The countrys coronavirus death toll now stands at nearly 9,000  the fifth-highest in the world.

The UK government has faced a barrage of criticism over its reponses to the outbreak, including charges that it delayed a lockdown in a widely reported bid to build herd immunity, that it lacked widespread testing for the virus, that it failed to join a European Union-wide ventilator procurement programme, and that it failed to provide enough personal protective equipment (PPE) to front-line healthcare staff.





Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Friday that new testing centres had been opened to allow all front-line healthcare workers to be tested, while a Herculean effort was under way to ensure they received PPE.

Johnson recovering

Prime Minister Boris Johnson  who boasted of shaking hands with people in a hospital where he said coronavirus patients were being treated, just three weeks before the country was forced to shutter non-essential businesses and place movement restrictions on ordinary Britons  was said to be in an early recovery phase of his own battle with the virus, having spent much of this week being treated in a London hospitals intensive care unit.

He must rest up, his father, Stanley Johnson, told BBC radio. You cannot walk away from this and go straight back to Downing Street and pick up the reins without a period of readjustment.

The prime ministers father, who, as Britain was preparing to go into lockdown last month, said he would defy government advice and continue going to the pub, also said on Friday that Johnsons hospitalisation had served an amazing purpose in that its got the whole country to realise this is a serious event.

Severity underlined

The severity of the crisis that has developed over the past few months  and that has seen half a million front-line health workers turning their efforts to fighting the pandemic and the construction of emergency mortuaries in Londons parks  was again underscored by Fridays statistics from the Department of Health and Social Care. Of a total of 316,836 tests carried out across the country so far  19,116 of which were performed on Thursday  there were 73,758 people who had tested positive.





The grim statistics come as the government told Britons to resist going out in the spring sunshine over the Easter weekend.

However warm the weather, however tempting your local beach or park, we need everyone to stay at home because in hospitals across the country NHS [National Health Service] staff are battling day and night to keep desperately sick people breathing, said health minister Matt Hancock.

Dr Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, who had urged the prime minister to better supply protective equipment to health workers, died on Wednesday. The 53-year-old urology consultant had worked for the NHS for more than 20 years after migrating from Bangladesh.

He was one of at least six health workers known to have died from coronavirus in the UK. On Friday, as British media reported three nurses who had been pictured on social media wearing plastic refuse sacks in place of official protective clothing had all tested positive for coronavirus, Chief Nursing Officer Ruth May would not be drawn on divulging the number of health workers who had died since the crisis began.

A poll released on Friday by YouGov, of 2,741 British adults surveyed on Thursday, found 91 percent supported extending the countrys three-week lockdown.
Back in the Knox boarding house well over 40 years ago, the cry would go up most afternoons. Fight! Fight! FIGHT!

From every dormitory and the common room wed run just to see who Johnny W. was having a blue with today, and not only would every blow be greeted with a roar but discussed till breakfast the next morning. Blues beget mobs, and when the blue is big enough and on a big enough platform, huge swathes of the population can join the roaring throng.

The best of them are radio blues and Sydney has had some beauties over the years: John Laws v Alan Jones, Mike Carlton v Stan Zemanek, Kyle Sandilands v Everyone for starters. Such was the animosity between Jones and Laws as to who was the top dog at 2UE that it reputedly involved Jones sending in a minion with a tape measure to determine if Laws office was bigger than his!

Commentator Andrew Bolt has demanded an apology from Ray Hadley. Credit:Justin McManus

The current one, though, between 2GBs Ray Hadley and the former 3AW denizen now Sky broadcaster Andrew Bolt is a bah-yooty! It turns on Hadleys consistent denigration of George Pell on matters far beyond the specific issue decided by the High Court on Tuesday, and his occasional pot shots against Bolt for his support of the cardinal. After Tuesdays decision, Bolt went on Alan Joness morning show, and thundered: I need Ray Hadley to apologise now, I was very hurt, he did a rant calling me creepy, accusing me of creepy behaviour for defending George Pell.
The Sri Lankan Navy has intensified its coastal patrolling to prevent the possible spread of the novel coronavirus through "infected" Indian fishermen that it fears might "poach" in their territorial waters.

Navy chief Piyal de Silva on Friday said they have strengthened patrolling, especially in northern, western and northwestern coastal areas. The Lankan Airforce would also be on hand to assist.

There is a possibility that infected Indian fishermen could poach in our waters. They could have contact with our people and pass on the virus," he said.

Poaching in each other's waters by fishermen of both the countries has been a recurring problem since the recent past.

The frequent incidents of poaching have drawn top-level talks between the two nations across the Palk Strait, which is between Tamil Nadu and Jaffna district of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.

The fishermen issue also figured in the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa during the latter's visit to India in February.

Referring to the issue, Modi had said both sides have decided to adopt a humanitarian approach in dealing with it.

"It directly affects the livelihood of the people of both countries. Therefore, we agreed to continue to adopt a constructive and humanitarian approach in dealing with the issue," he said.

Sri Lanka is under a lockdown since last month to tackle the fast-spreading virus.

The country has till now reported 197 confirmed cases of coronavirus with 7 deaths.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A girl in Kerala, who is under home quarantine over Covid suspicion, was staging a hunger stir in front of her house in Pathanamthitta district on Saturday alleging lapses in police action against those who attacked her house.

The girl had even taken up her plight with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Chief Minister warned of strict action. A day after the girl took up her plight with the Chief Minister, her house was attacked by a group of CPM workers.

For latest updates and live news on coronavirus, click here

The girl, who was studying in Coimbatore, returned on March 17. She was asked by health authorities to remain in home quarantine at her house at Thannithodu, about 20 kilometres from Pathanamthitta town. Her father, who is a local cable TV operator, kept away from the house and stayed at his office. But a section of local CPM workers unleashed propaganda that the girl's father was spreading Corona infection and even threatened to attack him. Subsequently, the girl took up the plight with the Chief Minister.

But on Wednesday night, a group of local CPM workers attacked the girl's house and caused damages. The next day the Chief Minister condemned the incident and warned of stringent action. CPM also suspended six workers involved in the incident.

Track sate-wise confirmed coronavirus cases here

The girl's family alleged on a Saturday that the police were trying to alter their statements and trying to frame feeble changes against the accused. Though one of the accused pushed aside the girl, no sections for assault on women were initiated. Hence the girl started a stir.

Pathanamthitta district police chief K G Simon said that a DySP was asked to record a fresh statement of the family and based on that further actions would be initiated. While three of them were arrested by the police immediately after the incident, three were held on Saturday.
'If any ex-gratia payment is made to temporary/ casual workers/ daily wage workers over and above the disbursement of wages, specifically for the purpose of fighting COVID 19, the same shall be admissible towards CSR expenditure as a one-time exception,' the corporate affairs ministry said.

New Delhi: Ex-gratia payments made to temporary, casual and daily wage workers by companies will be considered as CSR expenditure under the companies law, provided that such payments are over and above disbursement of wages.

Weeks after announcing that contributions by companies to PM-CARES Fund to tackle the pandemic would be considered as CSR, the corporate affairs ministry has come out with a set of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) to clarify various aspects.

According to the ministry, contributions made to State Disaster Management Authority to combat COVID-19 would qualify as CSR expenditure.

However, contribution towards 'Chief Minister's Relief Fund' or 'State Relief Fund for COVID-19' would not be considered as spending towards CSR work.

Under the Companies Act, 2013, certain classes of profitable entities are required to spend at least 2 percent of their three-year average annual net profit towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.

"If any ex-gratia payment is made to temporary/ casual workers/ daily wage workers over and above the disbursement of wages, specifically for the purpose of fighting COVID 19, the same shall be admissible towards CSR expenditure as a one-time exception," the ministry said.

This exception is subject to the condition that there is an explicit declaration to that effect by a company's board that is duly certified by the statutory auditor.

The ministry also clarified that payment of wages to temporary or casual or daily wage workers during the lockdown period would not count towards CSR expenditure.

"Payment of salary/ wages to employees and workers even during the lockdown period is a moral obligation of the employers, as they have no alternative source of employment or livelihood during this period," it noted.

Similarly, payment of salary/ wages to employees and workers during the lockdown period, including imposition of other social distancing requirements, would also not qualify under the CSR framework.

Contributions to the Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM-CARES Fund) would qualify as CSR spending. The fund has been set up the which would be utilised to deal with any emergency or distress situation such as the coronavirus outbreak.

CSR funds could be utilised for various activities related to COVID-19, including those relating to preventive healthcare and sanitation.

More than 240 people have died due to coronavirus while the number of infected people crossed 7,500 in the country.

Under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, every company having net worth of at least Rs 500 crore, turnover of Rs 1,000 crore or more, or a minimum net profit of Rs 5 crore during the immediately preceding financial year, has to make CSR expenditure.

Last month, Corporate Affairs Secretary Injeti Srinivas said that making contributions to the fund would further help companies to meet their CSR obligations. Corporates have spent Rs 52,000 crore towards social welfare activities in the last five financial years.
Justice Department Launches Investigation Into CCP Virus Deaths at Soldiers Home

The Justice Department has launched an investigation into a Massachusetts nursing home where at least 30 veterans have died from the CCP virus.

The departments civil rights division announced on Friday that they have opened an investigation into the Soldiers Home in Holyoke, a state-funded facility about 90 miles from Boston, to see whether the facility had failed to provide adequate medical care generally and during the CCP virus pandemic. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Massachusetts will also be involved in the probe.

The soldiers home is already facing two other investigations from the states governor Charlie Baker, who appointed an independent attorney to probe the events leading up to deaths, and the states attorney general, Maura Healey, who is determining what went wrong at this facility and determine if legal action is warranted.

The management of the soldiers home has garnered intense scrutiny after the first several deaths at the nursing home were not immediately reported to local and state officials. To date, the states Executive Office of Health and Human Services reported 35 deaths at the facility, including 30 deaths of veterans who have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, according to Western Mass News. Meanwhile, 76 residents and 73 staff have tested positive for the disease.

Our hearts go out to the families of the veterans who passed away, Eric Dreiband, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, said in a statement. We owe it to the veterans, their families, and the public to investigate the facts, determine what happened, ensure compliance with the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, and protect those veterans who continue to reside at the Soldiers Home.

U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling echoed Dreibands comments, saying that they would aggressively investigate recent events at the home and would make the required changes to the facility to ensure patient safety in the future.

State officials said that the staff at the nursing home had not notified them about the first CCP virus deaths for at least half a week at the end of March.

On [March 29] I directly reached out to the superintendent of the facility, Bennett Walsh, Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse said in a press conference conducted on Facebook. I was shocked on the phone call when the superintendent had let me know that there had been eight veteran deaths between Wednesday and Sunday without any public notification, without any notification to my office, and also no notification to the state government, which oversees this facility in the first place.

Morse said he first learned about the deaths at the facility on March 27 and received anonymous tips from folks affiliated with the Soldiers Home describing the conditions and the gravity of the situation on March 28.

Holyoke Soldiers Home superintendent Bennett Walsh, who has since been placed on paid administrative leave, refuted the officials claim, saying that the facility had notified state officials on March 27 that 28 veterans had exhibited symptoms and two veterans had died.

State officials knew that Holyoke needed as much help as possible. No one was kept in the dark, Walsh told WBUR in a statement.

The incident also caught the attention of lawmakers, who expressed concern over the potential further spread of the virus in other state-run nursing home facilities.

We remain deeply concerned about the health and safety of veteran residents and staff at long-term care facilities across the Commonwealth, the lawmakers wrote in a letter to Ryan Lilly, Director of the Veterans Affairs New England Healthcare System. Although we are encouraged by efforts underway to stop the spread at both facilities, the Soldiers Homes, like VA facilities, hospitals and health care providers across Massachusetts, continue to lack desperately needed supplies and guidance.
Rep. Waters Slams Surgeon General Jerome Adams for Offensive Comments During WH Coronavirus Briefing

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) issued a statement condemning the highly offensive White House Briefing Room remarks by U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams who singled out African Americans, saying they should avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, and encouraged minorities to do this, if not for yourself, then for your abuela. Do it for your granddaddy, do it for your Big Mama, do it for your pop-pop. Her statement follows:

Donald Trump has found a new vessel by which to spew his racist dog whistles: his Surgeon General Jerome Adams. That the Surgeon General of the United States would stand before the American people  and his community  and deliver an address riddled with racist tropes in the midst of a public health crisis is absolutely unconscionable and deeply offensive. Instead of using the full power of his office to better inform and direct resources to the African American community, Jerome Adams used his five minutes of fame to do Trumps dirty work and insult African Americans and other communities of color. Those of us who understand our history heard todays so-called advice from a Trump acolyte for what it was: a backhanded attack on African Americans and communities of color by an incompetent administration that has utterly failed to rise up to the challenge that coronavirus presents to this country.

Donald Trump and his sycophants know full well that this administrations botched response to this crisis will be well documented in history. You can rest assured that whenever Trump and his minions are confronted with a crisis, they point to their favorite scapegoats: communities of color. At the onset of this crisis, Trump used racial slurs to describe the coronavirus that led to violence against the Asian American Pacific Islander community. Trump attempted to blame President Obama for his own administrations lies and failures to produce tests for the American people. He has repeatedly attacked African American journalists, Yamiche Alcindor and April Ryan, for simply doing their job. Today, however, he appointed Jerome Adams to do his racist bidding.

While Trump, Adams, and others are busying pointing the finger and spewing lies, thousands of people in this country  particularly African Americans  are dying. According to preliminary data, African Americans in Los Angeles County make up 9 percent of the population, but 17 percent of the COVID-19 related deaths.[1] African Americans in Michigan represented 40 percent of deaths, yet only comprise 14 percent of the states population.[2] In Wisconsin, specifically Milwaukee County, African Americans make up 70 percent of all COVID-19 deaths, despite being 27 percent of the population. Similarly, in Louisiana, African Americans represent approximately 32 percent of the overall population, but account for 70 percent of COVID-19 deaths.[3]

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Trump, Jerome Adams, and anyone else in this administration who believes that insulting minority communities who have been disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic is appropriate, are not worth their weight in salt. Jerome Adams and all others who condoned this offensive and flawed presentation to the America people should be removed from our nations coronavirus task force without delay.
Gardai making sure people comply with Covid-19 travel restrictions have seized cars and drugs and sent a number of people home after intercepting them at checkpoints.

Exactly how many people have been caught so far will not be known until early next week, but there has been a lot of checkpoints set up in towns and cities all over the country.

This is all part of Operation Fanacht, launched on Wednesday to ensure public compliance with the travel restrictions introduced recently as part of Covid-19 public health guidelines.

The operation will run until Monday night, and will involve thousands of checkpoints every day.

At any one time, there will be more than 2,500 gardai involved in checkpoints or high visibility patrolling.

However, while new Garda powers allow them issue fines for people who breach movement restrictions, enforcement will only be used as a last resort.

A Garda spokesperson told the Irish Examiner: An Garda Siochana is adopting a graduated policing response in relation to compliance by individuals with the regulations.

This will see the continued implementation of the four-step escalating principles of engage, explain, encourage, enforce.

Enforcement will be a last resort and only when all other avenues have been exhausted in most cases.

The operation has also seen gardai conduct high visibility patrols at major tourist locations, parks, and natural beauty spots to ensure compliance with travel restrictions.

Among the seizures so far has been the 6,300 of suspected cocaine seized at a checkpoint in Bantry, Co Cork, yesterday.

Shortly after midnight, gardai from Bantry Garda Station were carrying out a Covid-19 checkpoint in Newtown, when a car, with three men on board, was stopped and searched.

The driver was found with 4,200 of suspected cocaine and the front-seat passenger was found with 2,100 of suspected cocaine.

The suspected drugs were seized and will now be sent for analysis.

No arrests have been made but gardai are following a definite line of enquiry.

A file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Garda Tom Barry, Ballincollig chatting with motorist Terri Heffernan during the nationwide Garda check point on this Easter bank holiday weekend during the Covid-19 pandemic. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Speaking at Bantry Garda Station, Superintendent Declan O Sullivan said: Operation Fanacht will see extensive checkpoints established in Cork, and across the country to ensure public compliance with the travel restrictions introduced as part of Covid-19 public health guidelines.

On Thursday night, one of the many checkpoints set up by gardai around Cork was at the Glanmire exit on the M8, Junction 18.

At least one car was seized and a number of people were told to return back to their homes in Dublin and the midlands.

Earlier in the day, a car with four family members was stopped on the way to Fermoy, Co Cork. They are believed to have told gardai they had come from Westmeath to collect a TV.

In Cork city, a checkpoint set up on the Commons Rd, Blackpool, caught a number of people who wanted to travel to Blarney, nearly 8km away.

Between Wednesday and Thursday evening, a total of 11 vehicles were seized by gardai monitoring at checkpoints in Co Limerick.

The vehicles were seized under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act and not under new regulations.

The current restrictions started on Friday, March 27. They mandate that everyone should stay at home, only leaving to: Shop for essential food and household goods;

Attend medical appointments, collect medicine or other health products;

Care for children, older people or other vulnerable people - this excludes social family visits;

Exercise outdoors - within 2kms of your home and only with members of your own household, keeping 2 metres distance between you and other people

Travel to work if you provide an essential service - be sure to practice physical distancing

All those seized were suspected of having no insurance and/or no tax.

At Henry St Garda Station, Chief Superintendent Gerard Roche said: Operation Fanacht will see an extensive network of checkpoints established in Limerick, and across the country to ensure public compliance with the travel restrictions introduced recently as part of Covid-19 public health guidelines.

The operation will also help enforce road traffic legislation.

We would ask people to adhere to the Government restrictions and not travel to parks, tourist locations, or holiday homes outside of the 2km limit. If you are stopped at a checkpoint, you will be turned back.
Last Thursday, the federal and Victorian state governments announced a $31.8 million agreement with a consortium of local companies to produce 2,000 ventilators to enable hospitals to deal with COVID-19. However, the life-saving equipment will not be ready until July.

While the two governments hailed the announcement as a triumph for national-based manufacturing, it underscored the lack of urgently-needed pandemic-fighting equipment, and the staff needed to operate it, in Australias hospitals.

Another alarming aspect of the announcement was that the federal government invoked emergency powers to allow its health minister to exempt ventilators from the usual safety and performance tests of the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

For weeks, federal and state governments have been promising to triple intensive care unit capacity. But modelling suggests there are not enough invasive ventilatorsused to aid breathing in seriously-ill COVID-19 patientsto support such a surge.

Despite premature government and corporate media claims that the end of the pandemic is near, the number of COVID-19 cases in Australia continues to rise, passing 6,200, with 55 deaths. The New South Wales (NSW) Health Department previously predicted that in the coming months some 80,000 people in that state alone were likely to require intensive care beds. In neighbouring Queensland, the health department predicted 64,000 beds would be needed.

The ventilators jointly promised on Thursday by federal Industry Minister Karen Andrews, from the Liberal-National Coalition, and Victorian Jobs Minister Martin Pakula, from the Labor Party, would only represent an almost doubling of Australias ventilator stocks.

An article published in the Medical Journal of Australia last week indicated the acute shortage of intensive care unit (ICU) beds. It estimated that there are only 2,378 available intensive care beds in the public and private sectors. This equates to 9.4 ICU beds per 100,000 people. In Italy, where the coronavirus rapidly overwhelmed hospitals, there were 12.5 ICU beds per 100,000 people.

At the reported maximum surge capacity, the existing ICUs could support an additional 4,261 ICU beds and 2,631 invasive ventilators. Yet there was another problem. Even with ICU beds at maximum surge capacity, the journal article estimates that this would require up to 4,125 additional senior doctors and 65,758 registered ICU nurses.

Far from meeting this need, the federal government last week pledged $4.1 million to e-learning provider Medcast to offer free online courses to 20,000 registered nurses, to train them to work in intensive care and high dependency units.

The Australian Nurses and Midwives Federation, the trade union that covers some 280,000 workers, welcomed the governments strategy on its web site. This will maximise the capacity of experienced, registered nurses and prepare them to boost the intensive care nursing workforce as needed in dealing with the unfolding pandemic, the union claimed.

In reality, in addition to the inadequate number of free places available, registered nurses must seek approval from their managers in order to undertake the courses. Registered nurses who do not qualify for free training will have to pay for it out of their own pockets. A four-day Critical Care Nursing Course with Medcast costs $945.

Moreover, the course comprises just 32.5 hours of education. Medcast notes in its FAQ: This is not designed to replace practical training delivered in the clinical setting nor is it designed to replace formal postgraduate critical care qualifications. It is an expectation that the nurses who complete this course will go on to be supervised by more experienced HDU [high dependency unit] and Critical Care nurses and work as part of a team providing patient care.

Reflecting staff shortages across the entire health sector, 40,000 former doctors, nurses, midwives and pharmacists whose registration ended in the past three years are being urged to return to the medical workforce. There is no indication that any training will be provided to these workers. It will be left to their employers to support them to make a safe return to practice and to ensure patient safety.

Preparations are being made also to hire students to bolster health staff. Without concern for the psychological or physical wellbeing of students, Prime Minister Scott Morrisons government announced that restrictions would be lifted on some 20,000 international nursing students working in the health system, so they could work up to 40 hours per fortnight.

Many international students may have no choice but to take on this work, in order to remain in Australia. The government has refused to provide any financial support for the two million or more international workers and students who have lost their jobs and livelihoods as a result of the pandemic. Morrison last week said they could return to their home countries.

Acute staff shortages exist in the ambulance and paramedic services too. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported recently that NSW Ambulance planned to recruit paramedic students. Charles Sturt University students were to be hired on a short-term casual basis.

Australian Paramedics Association spokesperson Alan Murphy told the ABC that students would be put in a position where theyre unable to drive an ambulance under lights and sirens, but theyre also not in a position to be able [to] treat patients unsupervised either. So youve got a qualified paramedic in the front trying to drive and direct treatment unsupervised while the student is in the back with the patient.

NSW Ambulance employs just 3,800 paramedics, who provided care to 1,224,060 patients in 2019, before the outbreak of the coronavirus. The pressure on paramedics to cover understaffing, can be seen in the 11 percent increase in overtime payments for paramedics between 2017-18 and 2018-19.

Reflecting the extent of understaffing and equipment shortages, Sydney Health Ethics last week published a framework to help clinicians, hospital administrators and policy makers decide how to allocate clinical health resources as they become scarce within a pandemic such as COVID-19.

The framework referred to three groups who were to be excluded from ICU care:

The first group is those who are likely to recoverthey are expected to survive without access to the ICU, even if they would, in normal circumstances, be admitted and could benefit from it. The second group are those who are dyingaccording to the best available evidence they are terminally ill (e.g. they have advanced, inoperable cancer). They are to be given supportive care, including palliative care, but are not to be considered for ventilation etc. The third group are those who choose not to be admitted to the ICU.

According to the framework, patients deemed eligible for ICU should be divided into high and low priority, with high priority given to those who on the basis of their current medical condition, are highly likely to recover and benefit long-term from admission into the ICU, whereas low priority is given to those who may recover after admission to the ICU.

Such guidelines raise the spectre of doctors, nurses and health officials having to decide who will live and who will die, matching the horrific scenes of Italy, Spain, the UK and the US.

The inability of the health care system to cope with the unfolding pandemic is the product of decades-long cuts to funding to public health services carried out under Liberal-National and Labor governments alike, with the trade unions repeatedly suppressing the opposition of health care workers.

Instead of directing funding toward preventing the spread of the virus and treating patients, the government has pledged billions to the banks, big business and private hospital owners. The Morrison governments biggest corporate bailoutits $130 billion wage subsidy for employers, backed by the Labor Partyequals the amount allocated to public hospitals over four years in the 2019-20 federal budget.
A Ballymena man accused of daubing sectarian graffiti on the walls of a church was remanded into custody on Saturday.

Refusing to free Ciaran McKeown, District Judge Fiona Bagnall said she had concerns given the nature of the criminal damage charges and whether or not the 24-year-old will actually abide by the terms, thats my difficulty.

McKeown, from High Street in the town, appeared in Ballymena Magistrates Court, sitting in Belfast, via video-link from a police station.

The 24-year-old confirmed that he understood the six charges against him, accused of stealing four bottles of wine and five counts of criminal damage in that he allegedly painted sectarian graffiti on a number of properties including West Presbyterian Church.

Giving evidence to the court, a police constable said she believed she could connect McKeown to each of the charges, adding that police were objecting to him being freed on bail amid fears he would reoffend and a perceived risk to McKeowns own safety.

She revealed that he had amassed a criminal record of 124 convictions including theft and criminal damage and that he continued to offend while on bail, regardless of conditions placed on him.

Under cross-examination from defence solicitor John McAtamney, the officer agreed that McKeown had not been fit for interview until the day after he was arrested, and that he denied the offences during questioning.

The constable added that some closed-circuit television footage was still to be examined.

The lawyer said McKeowns life has been plagued by drink and drug abuse and despite his record, there was nothing of a sectarian nature in it.

Refusing bail and ordering McKeown to appear again via video-link on May 7, Judge Bagnall said she regarded the offences as particularly serious.

She added that the difficulty with her decision, with some regret, was that, given the current crisis: I cant say that he goes to a police station every day or takes a breathalyser test.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday suggested that direct marketing for farm produce can be incentivised to prevent crowding in grain markets and called for reform to model Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) laws.

The Prime Minister, who interacted with Chief Ministers through video-conferencing today, said that such steps will help farmers sell their produce at their doorstep.

A PMO release said that the Prime Minister talked about strengthening healthcare infrastructure and reaching out to the patients through the tele-medicine.

Talking about economic challenges, he said that the crisis was an opportunity to become self-reliant and turn the nation into an economic powerhouse.

"He also suggested that direct marketing for farm produce can be incentivised to prevent crowding in mandis for which model APMC laws should be reformed swiftly. Such steps will help farmers sell products at their doorstep," the release said.

It said the Chief Ministers provided feedback about the COVID positive cases in their respective states, steps taken by them to maintain social distancing, ramp up healthcare infrastructure, mitigate difficulties of migrants and maintain the supply of essentials.

The Chief Ministers suggested that lockdown should be extended by two weeks. They also sought financial and fiscal assistance from the Centre to boost their resources in this fight against the pandemic.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With a continuous spike in novel coronavirus cases in Maharashtra, the state government on Saturday decided to further extend the ongoing lockdown till April 30. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, while making the announcement, said: "In this lockdown, we have not restricted agricultural activities and transportation and supply of essentials."

Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, in a tweet, praised CM Thackeray's move and said, "You're leading from the front. Ag (agricultural) supply chains are interwoven with other chains. We need incentives for migrant labour to return to farms & for loading/unloading. Please also allow farmers' markets in urban areas with appropriate distancing protocols."

Compliments @CMOMaharashtra You're leading from the front. Ag supply chains are interwoven with other chains. We need incentives for migrant labour to return to farms & for loading/unloading. Please also allow farmers' markets in urban areas with appropriate distancing protocols https://t.co/MPlIUTsA9C - anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) April 11, 2020

Office of Maharashtra's Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray shared his address, and tweeted, "We have no option but to extend the lockdown beyond April 14. This will go on till at least April 30. I am stressing on the word at least because it all depends on our social discipline and not crowding areas like markets."

We have no option but to extend the lockdown beyond April 14. This will go on till at least April 30. I am stressing on the word at least because it all depends on our social discipline and not crowding areas like markets. - CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) April 11, 2020

Chief Minister Thackeray in a series of tweets said, "By today morning, more than 33,000 tests have been conducted. Of these, 19,000 tests have been conducted in Mumbai, and 1,000 of those tested in Mumbai have been found COVID +ve."

By today morning, more than 33,000 tests have been conducted. Of these, 19,000 tests have been conducted in Mumbai, and 1,000 of those tested in Mumbai have been found COVID +ve. - CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) April 11, 2020

"The lockdown will continue till April 30. Instructions about examinations in universities and schools, allowing industries to be operational, will be given till April 14. Work on this is on," he added.

I appraised them of the situation and said we will extend the lockdown beyond the 14th as precautions are needed in Mumbai and Pune. We know the seriousness of the situation and we will do what needs to be done. - CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) April 11, 2020

Thackeray also added that the decision on removing the curbs completely will be taken depending upon the prevailing situation till April 30.

Chief ministers held a video conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi today to discuss the extension of the lockdown and plans for tackling coronavirus.

Maharashtra has reported 1,762 positive cases of COVID-19 infection along with 110 deaths.

Additionally, the coronavirus pandemic has killed more than 1,00,000 people across the world and has claimed 239 lives in India so far. There are over 7,500 people infected with coronavirus in the country.

Also Read: Coronavirus live updates: Section 144 imposed in Noida till April 30; total count 64

Also Read: Coronavirus update: 'Jaan bhi,jahaan bhi,' PM Modi pitches new motto to contain pandemic

Also Read: PM Modi video conference: India coronavirus lockdown likely to be extended for two more weeks
A military hero who was praised by Donald Trump and awarded for his bravery after saving children during the El Paso Walmart mass shooting has been found dead at Fort Bliss.

Army Private First Class Glendon Oakley Jr., 23, was found dead in his quarters on Wednesday, a spokesman for Fort Bliss has confirmed.

Oakley was 'found deceased in his on-post quarters,' said Gilbert Telles Jr. 'No further information will be released at this time.'

His death is currently under investigation but no foul play is suspected.

Army Private First Class Glendon Oakley Jr., 23, (pictured) was found dead in his quarters on Wednesday, a spokesman for Fort Bliss has confirmed

Oakley rocketed to hero status overnight after he said he dragged young children to safety during the 2019 massacre at a Walmart store near the Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso, Texas.

Twenty-two people were killed and another 24 were injured in the deadly shooting on August 3, 2019, when suspected gunman Patrick Crusius walked into the store and opened fire on crowds of shoppers.

As the tragedy unfolded, Oakley said he was inside a Foot Locker store in the mall when a child ran into the store saying there was a shooting.

He told reporters at the time that he drew his weapon and ran outside, pulling several children in the mall's open play areas to safety.

'I didn't even think. I just grabbed as many kids as I could and ran five stores down to the exit,' Oakley told Task & Purpose at the time.

Oakley (pictured with Trump on August 7 2019) was praised by Donald Trump and awarded an ARCOM for saving children during the El Paso Walmart mass shooting

President Trump, who traveled with Melania Trump (pictured) to meet the first responders in the aftermath of the shooting, said at the time: 'What a job he did. You'll be a movie star, the way you look'

'We got there and ran into a whole batch of police pointing their guns at us. I wasn't focused on myself, and I wasn't focused on my surroundings... I was just focused on those kids.'

Oakley was hailed as a hero for his actions by the public, the army and even President Trump who traveled to meet the first responders in the aftermath of the shooting, which has been described as the deadliest attack on Latinos in modern American history.

'What a job he did,' Trump said at the time. 'You'll be a movie star, the way you look.'

Oakley was awarded the Army Commendation Medal in an award ceremony at Fort Bliss for his bravery in the massacre.

But he seemed to shy away from the attention after receiving the commendation.

The Texan soldier said after the medal ceremony that he didn't 'want the attention' but wanted to 'go back to my normal life,' according to Task & Purpose.

The crime scene following the shooting. Oakley rocketed to hero status overnight after he said he dragged young children to safety during the 2019 massacre at a Walmart store near the Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso, Texas

22 people were killed and another 24 were injured in the deadly shooting on August 3, 2019, when suspected gunman Patrick Crusius (above) walked into the store and opened fire

Walmart employees pay tribute on August 6 after the deadly attack, described as the deadliest attack on Latinos in modern American history

The El Paso Police Department later cast doubts on Oakley's version of events saying they had 'no independent confirmation' of his story.

'All we can say is that there were reports of possible multiple shooters and a possible shooter at the mall. That was based on initial erroneous reports amidst the chaos,' police said in a statement in September.

'It was later confirmed that there was only one shooter and there was no one in danger at the mall. We have no independent reports of anyone's actions at the mall.'

Then in October, Oakley was reportedly arrested for desertion after going absent without leave.

Oakley was awarded the Army Commendation Medal in an award ceremony at Fort Bliss on August 14 (pictured) for his bravery in the massacre

It is not clear if he was facing disciplinary action from the army following the arrest.

Oakley joined the army in 2017, becoming an automated logistics specialist assigned to the 1st Armored Division Sustainment Brigades 504th Composite Supply Company, 142nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion.

In 2018 he was deployed to Kuwait and had returned to Texas just a few months before the El Paso terrorist attack.

As well as the ARCOM, Oakley received several other awards during his tenure including the Army Achievement Medal and the Rifle Marksmanship Badge.
At the beginning of the year when the CCP virus outbreak was at its highest in China, there had been several reports of Chinese citizen journalists who were detained for exposing the real situation of the pandemic in the epicenter of Wuhan.

However, such information would not come as a surprise for those who have been following the news. In fact, even before the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus, created havoc at a global scale, China had been targeting journalists who did not self-censor while reporting.

In 2019, the Chinese communist regime was Asias leading jailer of journalists, with Vietnam, also a communist country, following behind. The former arrested 48 journalists and the latter had 12 people behind bars, according to the annual report by the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The same report noted that at least 250 journalists are imprisoned globally.

An officer gestures in front of one of the roads blocked by the police to restrict people leaving Wuhan in Chinas central Hubei province on January 25, 2020, during a deadly virus outbreak which began in the city. (Getty Images | Hector RETAMAL / AFP)

Arresting and Jailing Journalists

For years, the communist regime has been known for restricting freedom of speech. China was ranked 177th out of 180 countries on the 2019 Freedom of the Press survey by Reporters Without Borders.

Sophia Huang Xueqin, a freelance journalist who used to work for several Chinese media outlets and an activist in the #MeToo movement, was detained in October 2019. She had written on her blog about her experience of taking part in the Hong Kong protests. The 32-year-old was charged with picking quarrels and provoking trouble, a common accusation used against those whom the regime views as a threat, the CPJ report stated.

(Beijing) is fearful that the protests in Hong Kong could inspire challenges to the government in the mainland, and any expression of ideas of freedom and democracy is a threat to its grip on power, said Wang Yaqiu, a researcher with Human Rights Watch and a friend of Sophia Huang, in a statement, CNN reported.

Sophia Huang, who intended to start law at the University of Hong Kong, was released in January 2020, according to media reports; however, the police continued to keep her passport, cell phone, and computer.

A protester marches with a placard during a rally against a controversial extradition law proposal in Hong Kong on June 9, 2019. (Getty Images | PHILIP FONG/AFP)

After the communist regime began expanding the re-education camps in Xinjiang Province, where large numbers of Uyghurs and other Muslims have been detained, some journalists were also jailed for the journalistic work that they had done years ago, the CPJ report said.

Of the four affiliated with the state-owned Kashgar Publishing House, which issued books and periodicals on topics including politics and legal and demographic developments, two editors had retired at least a decade earlier, CPJ said.

The regime has also arrested journalists in the past for writing for the Chinese edition of The Epoch Times. Ten Epoch Times journalists were arrested in Dec. 16, 2000, in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, and some were sentenced to 10 years in prison.

The Epoch Times reported that one of them, Huang Kui, had possibly received a five-year sentence as he was covering international news, while others focused on China affairs, and in particular the communist regimes persecution of the Falun Gong spiritual group. Huang Kui has since escaped China and now lives in the United States.

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is an ancient mind-body spiritual discipline based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance. The practice was banned in July 1999 by the Chinese regime after the number of people practicing it reached 70 millionmore than the membership of the CCPmerely within five years of introduction to the public in China.

According to a 2014 CPJ report, two other freelance journalists who contributed to The Epoch Times were also arrested and sentenced.

Yang Tongyan, known by his pen name Yang Tianshui, was sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2006 on charges of subverting state authority. He had contributed to The Epoch Times and Boxun News, another U.S.-based website.

Another journalist, Qi Chonghuai, was sentenced to four years in 2008 on charges of fraud and extortion. Qi and his colleague, Ma Shiping, had criticized a local official in Shandong Province in an article published on The Epoch Times.

Tightening Controls

In addition to jailing journalists who have openly criticized the authoritarian regime, the CCP also issued a new code of ethics for reporters that laid out the rules that should be followed. The code was last updated in 2009.

The new code stated that journalists have to serve the people wholeheartedly and be loyal to the Party, the motherland, and the people, CNN reported.

According to the media outlet, the code also requires journalists to have the correct mindset when covering issues relating to domestic affairs, show a good image for news that is intended for the world, and actively build a bridge between China and the outside world.

The code, which was split into seven sections, also told reporters to vividly interpret Chinas path, theory, system and culture when telling stories of China, (the) Communist Party of China, socialism with Chinese characteristics and Chinese people in order to let the world better understand China, including guiding the public opinions on the internet with new technology.
Amaravati, April 11 : Andhra Pradesh reported 24 new coronavirus positive cases on Saturday, taking its total cases to 405 even as Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy pitched for a lockdown with a humane touch.

Eleven patients have been cured and discharged from hospitals, with six dying in the state till Saturday.

The state nodal officer said that the new cases come to the fore for tests conducted between 9 pm on Friday and 5 pm on Saturday.

As many as 388 persons are under treatment in the stat.

Guntur district had highest 11 new cases, Kurnool five, and Prakasam and Kadapa districts one case each. With 11 new cases, Guntur district's total is 75 cases, whereas Kurnool with 82 cases tops in the number of corona cases in Andhra Pradesh. Nellore district is third with 48 positive cases as of Saturday evening.

On Saturday, a 28-year-old male with travel history to Sweden was cured and discharged from GG Hospital, Vijayawada.

Earlier on Saturday, Reddy pitched for lockdown with a humane touch during a videoconference interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said that total lockdown should be limited to designated red zone clusters, clarifying however that he would abide by Modi's decision on the issue.
Home Secretary Priti Patel has insisted she has been working 'virtually every single day' in the battle against coronavirus after appearing at today's government press conference for the first time since the outbreak began.

The conferences have been running since March 16 and have seen numerous senior ministers drafted in to update the nation on the latest in the fight against the deadly disease.

Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary Alok Sharma appeared at the briefing on April 1, while Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick appeared at the March 29

However, the Home Secretary has failed to appear until today, despite holding one of the UK's four great offices of state.

Ms Patel, who was asked where she had been in recent weeks, said she had been working 'virtually every single day' on a range of policy areas related to the pandemic.

She listed some ways in which she said the Home Office had been supporting the NHS.

Home Secretary Priti Patel appeared at the daily government coronavirus briefing today for the first time

Ms Patel said: 'Whether it's through the visa changes that I've brought in over the last three weeks or whether it's the work of the Border Force where we were absolutely prioritising medical equipment, these are the changes that I have been working on.'

She said she wanted to let viewers at home know 'all their Government minsters are working night and day to help to defeat this virus'.

The Home Secretary added that efforts are being made to ensure 'this Government is working at every single level across every Government department because this is not just about the work of one Government department any more'.

Today's briefing came as Britain's coronavirus death toll hit 917 bringing the UK's spiralling victim count to 9,875. The youngest victim was just 11 years old.

And Ms Patel warned that criminals are adapting to exploit the coronavirus crisis even though overall crime figures have dropped by 21 per cent.

Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary Alok Sharma appeared at the briefing on April 1

Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick appeared at the March 29 briefing

Fraudsters have used the pandemic to con Britons out of 1.8 million so far, while Ms Patel warned that paedophiles are seeking to exploit the fact that children are increasingly going online to meet friends and do school lessons on their computers.

Ms Patel said: 'Fraudsters are exploiting coronavirus as a hook for new acquisitive crimes with losses to victims already exceeding 1.8 million.

'The perpetrators of sickening online child abuse are seeking to exploit the fact that more and more young people and children are at home and online.

'And in the last week the National Domestic Abuse Helpline reported a 120 per cent increase in the number of calls it received in one 24-hour period.'

Figures released by the government also showed that the number of observed cases is increasing because the number of tests is increasing

Another graph showed the number of deaths compared by the number of days into the crisis. The UK is behind the US but in line with Italy

A graph released at the briefing showed the number of people in hospital beds in different areas of the country. The largest number is seen in London

Today's conference is the first time that Ms Patel has taken centre stage in the battle against coronavirus.

Before today, Ms Patel's last public appearance is thought to have been Home Office questions in the House of Commons on March 23.

Earlier this week, questions over why Ms Patel had not chaired one of the daily briefings came as she was embroiled in a furious row with MPs over when she will answer questions in front of the Home Affairs Select Committee.

She is said to have turned down four invitations to appear in front of the committee since January.

Ms Patel has now committed to giving evidence before the end of the month but committee chairman Yvette Cooper is adamant the session must take place on April 15.

The Home Secretary's last public appearance is thought to have been in the House of Commons on March 23

The Home Secretary has had a noticeably reduced public role in recent months after she faced a series of bullying allegations earlier this year.

Allies of Ms Patel suggested her absence from press conferences was simply because other departments, like the Treasury, have had more major announcements to make than the Home Office as the crisis has unfolded.

Ms Patel has been due to give evidence in public on the Home Office's response to the coronavirus pandemic to the Home Affairs Select Committee since January, but a date for a hearing is yet to be set.

Since then, she has faced accusations of belittling officials at the Home Office - claims she has vehemently denied - with Sir Philip Rutnam resigning as permanent secretary amid claims of constructive dismissal and bullying.

Ms Cooper is believed to have written six letters to Ms Patel over the last three months in an effort to officially set a date for the Home Secretary to give evidence to the committee.

After apparently not replying to several of Ms Cooper's letters, Ms Patel responded on Tuesday, writing that she was 'disappointed at the increasingly adversarial tone of our exchanges'.

Ms Patel is also locked in a furious row with Labour MP and chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee Yvette Cooper over when the Home Secretary will answer questions in public

She added that she was 'very sorry' the committee declined her offer of private briefings at the Home Office, but would 'make (herself)... available for a session with the committee, on our response to Covid-19, towards the end of the month'.

In reply, Ms Cooper said the committee was preparing to meet remotely for the hearing on April 15.

'We believe that there is no reason for any delay beyond this date,' Ms Cooper said.

'Delaying until the end of the month would clearly be inappropriate given the urgency of the public information and answers that are needed.'

Ms Cooper said many other ministers had made themselves available to committees during the crisis.

'This is a time of national emergency where public information, reassurance, leadership, transparency and scrutiny are in the national interest,' Ms Cooper said.

'At a time like this, we therefore expect to see the Home Secretary and senior officials demonstrate public leadership and transparency and to be ready to answer public questions without delay.'

Ms Patel has appeared in front of the committee once - last October - since she was appointed to the role in July.

Allies said the Home Secretary had never refused to attend the committee and that the issue has been trying to find a date which works.
Sixty-five prisoners, including 22 who were arrested under Public Safety Act (PSA), were released to decongest jails across Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

The information was given by the director general of prisons in a written report submitted to the division bench of Jammu and Kashmir High Court here.

The bench, comprising Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Rajnesh Oswal, was hearing a PIL pertaining to spread of novel coronavirus through video-conferencing.

The report pertaining to release of prisoners in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak was also pursued by the court.

The director general prisons, through his report, apprised the bench that as on April 7, pursuant to deliberations held by high powered committee, 22 Public Safety Act detenues, 32 undertrials, nine under trial prisoners falling under section 107,109,151 of the CrPC have been released and sanction for parole has been granted to 19 other prisoners.

The court was informed that two prisoners have already been released on parole and all the steps for ensuring the health of the detenues whether lodged in Jammu and Kashmir or outside the UT and their protection from COVID-19 infection are being taken.

On March 30, the Jammu and Kashmir government had constituted a high-powered committee to decide about the temporary release of convicts and under-trails to decongest jails across the Union Territory in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The division bench directed the Department of Health and Medical Education to make available adequate equipment of every kind for the use of health care personnel and all other personnel involved in any aspect of COVID-19 issue.

The court directed the department to file a report regarding procurement of more equipment as also creation of isolation wards, sample collection, processing and screening areas as per established protocols.

The division bench directed the chief secretary of Jammu and Kashmir to constitute a committee within four days to examine all aspects relating to the matter, including the impact of the pollen and fluff from the poplar trees.

The court directed that the committee thus constituted shall forward its report to the Department of Health & Medical Education as well as to the Forest Department, which shall consider the report and place their view before the chief secretary and thereafter, the chief secretary shall file his final recommendations in the court.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Posted on: April 11, 2020 10:13 AM

The angel said to the women, Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. (Matthew 28.5)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

I greet you all in the name of our crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ!

Easter 2020 is a very unique Easter. We have never had an Easter like this where we cannot gather together to celebrate Jesus victory over death. At the same time, we extend our sympathies to those who have lost their dear ones, both in Uganda and outside Uganda. We especially extend our condolences to the thousands of families around the world who have lost family members to COVID-19 and stand in prayer with those who are still struggling to recover.

It was only five weeks ago that I was installed as the 9th Archbishop of the Church of Uganda. I want to sincerely appreciate the Chair of the Organizing Committee, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, and her entire team who worked tirelessly to bring us together to seek Gods blessing for this next season in the life of our church. I also want to appreciate all the Bishops of the Church of Uganda and the Christians for their sacrificial support, as well as the many businesses who made contributions. Finally, to His Excellency, the President of Uganda, we extend heartfelt thanks for your support that has enabled the church to be a strong development partner with the government.

During this extraordinary season, we especially appreciate the President and governments efforts to keep Ugandans safe and well. Yes, our lives have been significantly disrupted by the closures of churches, schools, and businesses, the restrictions on movement, and the nighttime curfew. Nevertheless, we encourage all Ugandans to obey the Presidents directives so together we can defeat COVID-19. We also appeal to the security organs in the country to enforce the restrictions respectfully; please do not beat your fellow Ugandans as if they were animals.

In the midst of these challenges, we appreciate the governments efforts to distribute food to those directly impacted by the lockdown. Its a difficult exercise and the food may not reach everyone who really needs it. As this is Easter season, however, we call upon Ugandans to do what we normally do and share the little you have with others, especially the disabled and the orphans and widows in our communities.

We are extremely grateful to the Ministry of Health and the entire medical community who continue caring for us in our normal sicknesses and have sacrificially extended themselves to respond to the current health crisis. We also appeal to the government to increase the supply of face masks, gloves, and other protective gear to all the healthcare workers around the country. We need them to stay healthy so they can care for us.

We also want to sincerely appreciate all the media houses during this trying time. They have risen to the challenge of keeping us all informed of what is happening on a daily basis, not only in Uganda but around the world. We are especially grateful for them availing airtime on radio and TV for the church to successfully offer Worship from Home. We could not do this without them, and we are very, very happy. This is an example of what it means for all of us to come together to defeat this virus.

It also reminds us of one of the core messages of my Charge, which is the need for a Church of Uganda TV station. Let us thank God that one of the blessings of these challenging days is that we have clearly seen the need for our own TV station, and I appeal to all stakeholders to work with us to see that vision come true. We have already seen the blessing of Church-owned radio stations in the few regions that have them. I want to encourage the development of more Church-owned regional radio stations, as well. There is need for both TV and radio.

I also want to encourage each one of us to use social media responsibly and in a God-honouring way. Before you forward something, please verify whether or not it is true. Do not circulate gossip or fake news. Lets use social media to encourage one another with the good news of Easter  that Jesus is alive. He has conquered sin and death, and he set us free to build up and encourage one another in following the way of Jesus.

In the Gospel of Matthew, the account of Jesus resurrection includes two times when it was said, Do not be afraid. First, the angel tells the women, Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Then, just in case the women did not believe the angel, Jesus himself appears to them and says it again, Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.

Many people right now are afraid. Apart from the coronavirus, we have our fears about how to find money for school fees and food; we fear our job security; we still have concerns about politics and the upcoming elections; churches are fearing where their income will come from when Christians are not allowed to gather on Sundays. And, now, we also have fears because of the return of the locusts in northern Uganda, Karamoja, and Teso.

These fears are like stones in our heart. The Lord said to the women who went to the tomb looking for Jesus, Do not be afraid. Hes saying the same thing to us today: Do not be afraid. Let the stones of fear in your life be rolled away. Jesus is alive, and because he lives, we can face tomorrow.

Finally, I am calling all dioceses and churches in the entire Church of Uganda to plan for a massive General Thanksgiving the first Sunday after the restriction for gathering in public worship is lifted. When that day comes  and, I am sure that it WILL come  we must all come together to thank God for what He has done.

We want to assure all Ugandans during this unique Easter 2020 season that we are praying for you.

We are praying especially for His Excellency, the President, and his dear wife, Mama Janet, as they lead us through this challenging season.

We pray for all members of the Judiciary and Parliament.

We pray especially for our leaders in the Ministry of Health, all the doctors and nurses and other healthcare professionals.

We pray also for the police and UPDF personnel and all working in the security organs of our beloved country.

We pray for Gods protection and favour on all businesses, especially those that have been affected by the lockdown.

We pray for all Ugandans who will be affected by the return of the locusts, especially those in northern Uganda, Karamoja, and Teso.

We pray for all families to return to Jesus and to let him be at the centre of their marriages and relationships with their children and grandchildren.

Finally, we pray for all religious leaders in the country to continue working together to bring the Good News of Jesus resurrection to every man, woman, and child in this country.

May the Lord bless you and keep you during this unique Easter 2020  in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Yours, in Christ,

The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba

Archbishop of the Church of Uganda
The shooting took place just before 8:30 on Friday night, according to police. Read more

A Pottstown man was killed Friday night after engaging in a gun battle with borough police, officials said.

Officers went to a home on King Street near Gabe Street just before 8:30 p.m. after three separate 911 callers reported hearing someone yelling and screaming there, according to a statement Saturday from Pottstown Police Chief Michael Markovich.

The officers found the front door open, and no one answered when they announced they were outside. When the officers walked into the residence, Jonathan Lee Adams, 31, was at the top of a nearby staircase, holding a handgun, according to Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele.

Adams, who lives at the residence with his girlfriend, pointed the gun at the officers and ignored their commands to drop the weapon, Steele said. He then fired at the officers, who shot back.

After the initial gunfire, the officers walked into another room, and Adams followed them, firing at them. The officers shot again, hitting him several times, Markovich said.

Medics took Adams to Pottstown Memorial Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. Officers recovered a 9mm Glock handgun from the scene. The firearm was registered to Adams girlfriend  he was not legally allowed to own a firearm due to a prior felony conviction, according to Steele.

Court records show that Adams pleaded guilty to robbery of a vehicle, a first-degree felony, in Philadelphia in 2009. His criminal record also includes convictions for reckless endangerment, driving under the influence, and drug possession.

The Montgomery County District Attorneys Office will handle the investigation because of the police-involved shooting.
RED WING  Being there to help those most in need generally means seeing people in person. But face-to-face connections are becoming fewer and farther between for county social service personnel.

"Each program has been impacted differently since the onset of COVID-19," said Kayla Hall, social services supervisor for Wabasha County.

Those programs include everything from adult and child protective services, adult and child mental health services, substance abuse care and more. All are services mainly administered at the county level across Minnesota.

Kris Johnson, Goodhue County's social services supervisor for child and family services, agreed, saying many tasks that used to be in person are now handled over the phone or via video technology like Zoom, Google Hangouts or Facetime.

The downside is that in a job that often requires the building of trust and rapport to understand problems people are experiencing has lost the tool  face-to-face connections  that helps county social service staff effectively do their jobs.

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"We are involved in working with people, so you lose that connection," Johnson said. "A video conference is better than nothing, but not being able to be involved with a person face to face, sharing empathy and compassion; this makes it harder."

Not that all in-person contact has been lost, Johnson said. When social workers see a need to visit in person, they discuss it with the county team and, if the team agrees, make a visit to a home. Sometimes that means talking through a window or door, and sometimes that necessitates going into a home.

Goodhue County Health and Human Services Supervisor Abby Villaran, who oversees adult services, said clients of her team are often more impoverished, so email or video chats are difficult. Instead, they rely on phone calls or creative face-to-face meetings.

Many of her department's clients rely on public transportation, something that's not running the same during the pandemic. That has put some additional burdens on her staff.

"They're doing a lot of pickup for food at the grocery stores or the food shelf," Villaran said. "People that rely on medications are struggling to get those medications."

This has meant a lot of sharing of tasks among her staff. One of her team members, Villaran said, has taken on picking up school lunches for other team members' clients, grabbing 17 lunches a day and distributing them.

While video chats and reducing face-to-face meetings with clients has helped reduce the risk of infection among clients and those people working in social services, the bigger picture has social service leaders concerned.

Johnson said, that for her, one of the biggest worries is what they don't know because of the shelter-in-place orders. Reports of child abuse or endangerment often start either with reports from schools or extended family members who see a child suffering and make a report. But with kids not in school, and grandparents or other extended family members not getting access to those children, reports are not coming in.

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"I've had this perpetual unease about what's happening out there," Johnson said. "It's that unknown factor."

If the isolation due to COVID-19 continues, Villaran said she's concerned about how mental health will hold up, not just among her department's clients but people overall.

"As financial loss and isolation continues, domestic frustration and aggravation will, too," she said.

Hall said another concern is that due to county offices being closed, people assume social services are not working, but, she stressed, that's not the case. In fact, social workers deserve credit for continuing a tough job in an increasingly difficult environment.

"Social workers have been placed in a unique and overlooked position," Hall said. "While the technology provides some safety, we're still going into homes, performing our mandated duties, at risk."

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International observers with the WHO should have objective statistics on the pandemic spread in the occupied territories.

The international community needs to up diplomatic pressure on the Russian Federation in order to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic in the occupied territories of Ukraine, since the Russian Federation, as an occupying state, bears legal responsibility for everything happening in the areas it has seized, says Andrius Kubillius, Member of the European Parliament, former Prime Minister of Lithuania.

"According to international law, Russia, as an occupying state, is responsible for the spread of a pandemic in the occupied territories of Ukraine. Earlier, we, as members of European Parliament, addressed the EU leadership with a broad appeal about the impossibility of lifting the sanctions imposed over the aggression against Ukraine, while the issue of the COVID-19 spread in the occupied territories was also included in the appeal. We voiced two requests  about the need for political pressure on Russia by the European Union, so that the Kremlin convinces its mercenaries to cease fire in Donbas and allows Ukraine and international organizations to take care of suppressing the pandemic on the front line, and also that Russia allows international organizations to stop the pandemic on the occupied territories," the MEP told Ghall.

Read also"DPR" not planning to postpone May 9 parade in Donetsk over coronavirus

"It is necessary to intensify diplomatic pressure on the Russian Federation, international observers with the WHO should have objective statistics on the pandemic spread in the occupied territories. If the Kremlin lacks resources to stop the pandemic in Moscow in Russia itself, if they can't manage to stop the pandemic in the occupied territories, it is necessary to put pressure on them to allow international organizations to do so. We will continue to raise this issue at the level of the European Parliament. On April 20, there will be a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the European Parliament, Mr. Borrel [President of the European Parliament Josep Borrel] will be there, and we will raise this issue," Kubilius said.

"According to international law, the occupying state is responsible for stopping the pandemic in the occupied territories. If they fail to do so, they violate international law and there is every opportunity to raise this issue at the international level," Andrius Kubilius summed up.

As UNIAN reported earlier, deputies with the Ukrainian parliament's ruling faction Servant of the People have also blamed Russia for healthcare disaster in Donbas and Crimea. Deputies believe Russian inaction in the matter of stopping the pandemic could be the subject of proceedings in international instances.
New Delhi, April 12 : Nearly 45 years after the assassination, killer of Bangladesh's independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been executed on Saturday midnight, media reports said.

The execution of Captain Abdul Majed, convicted killer of Rahman and his family members, was carried out at Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj at 12.01 a.m. on Saturday.

He was kept in solitary confinement on death row in Dhaka Central Jail.

Majed's petition for presidential clemency was rejected by President Abdul Hamid on Thursday.

The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit of the police arrested him on April 7 from Gabtoli in the wee hours, after decades of remaining absconding.

The Bangladesh Supreme Court on November 19, 2009, upheld the death sentences of Majed and 11 other self-confessed killers of Rahman. Of them, five were executed on January 27, 2010.

Majed was also found guilty and sentenced for life in the jail killing case, involving the murder of former Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmed and three other imprisoned Awami League leaders.
Local residents welcome a brigade of Russian epidemiologists and experts of the Troops of Radiological, Chemical and Biological Defence of the Russian Defence Ministry who carry out a full disinfection of retirement homes in the region of Lombardy.

With warmer weather beckoning, Italians are straining against a strict lockdown to halt the coronavirus that is just now showing signs of ebbing at the end of five weeks of mass isolation.

Italy was the first Western democracy to be hit by the virus, and it has suffered the most deaths of any nation: nearly 19,000. Now it is likely to set an example of how to lift broad restrictions that have imposed the harshest peacetime limits on personal freedom and shut down all nonessential industry.

Right now, schools are closed and children are not permitted to play in parks. Walks outdoors are limited to a distance of 200 meters (yards) and any excursion not strictly a matter of necessity risks hefty fines.

The official line is patience with measures that have shown success in slowing the virus spread, until there is a clear decline in the number of new cases. Still, officials have begun grappling with the question of how to manage social distancing on mass transit, re-open ordinary commerce and relaunch manufacturing without risking another peak.

The so-called Phase II is being described as a cautious reopening, as society continues to live alongside the virus until a vaccine can be developed, perhaps in 12 to 18 months.

''We obviously don't want to delude ourselves that everything will change," Premier Giuseppe Conte told Italians this week.

On Friday, Conte extended the nationwide lockdown through May 3. That includes all nonessential industry, after which, ''I hope we can start again with caution and gradually  but restart, he said.

A technical committee advising the government is working to expand testing for COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. to get a better picture of how widespread it is in Italy before measures can be eased. Preparations are also underway to launch a mobile app that will allow people to know if they have been near anyone who is positive, something that is expected to take at least a month.

''With this you can allow people to have more freedom of movement," said Walter Ricciardi, a public health expert and member of the World Health Organization board advising the Italian government.

The technology for the app already exists but authorities were working on technical details on how to deploy it.

Experts in Italy are coordinating with their European partners so the tracking can be applied across borders, which have been de facto closed by the virus. The goal is to establish a common technology, which could help in re-establishing freedom of movement between EU nations.

Using the app would be voluntary for anyone wanting to know whether they have come into contact with an infected person that they would have no other way of identifying. Any contacts would be tested, and if positive treated, according to the WHO initiative: trace, test and treat.

Advocates insist that anonymity would be protected and that no personal data would be at risk, likening the app to other widely used applications like Google Maps or TripAdvisor, which help users identify specific data.

Italy's hardest hit regions in the north are also floating proposals for immunity certificates based on antibody blood tests, which have not yet proved reliable. Virus experts caution that such documents are a long way off.

''The blood test only tells us if the person has been in contact with the virus," not if the subject is actually immune, said Andrea Crisanti, an expert at the University of Padova who is helping to coordinate the coronavirus response in the northeastern region of Veneto. Significantly, he said, the tests also don't show whether antibodies are active, their quantity or how long they might last.

''On a social level, the blood test would allow us to understand to what extent the virus has spread in various sectors of the population and geographical areas, where we could then test to see if the virus is active," Crisanti said. ''We are a very long way from immunity passports.''

Some regions already require facial masks, though not necessarily surgical-grade ones, which remain in short supply. Lombardy, which has born the brunt of the epidemic, has made masks mandatory for anyone venturing outside their home  but due to the continuing shortage, scarves can be used. Veneto has distributed a basic mask to most households, requiring them to be used in supermarkets and on public transportation.

The mayor of Milan, Europe's first major metropolis to close because of the virus, is telling citizens that any re-opening could be ''stop-and-go, and is discussing strategies with other European mayors.

Giuseppe Sala said Milan officials are studying how to guarantee social distancing when more people begin to access public spaces, from public transportation to cinemas. Sala is considering having younger city employees return to work first, since they have generally proven less susceptible to the virus. Remote working, where possible, will continue to be encouraged.

''Until we have a vaccine, it will be an anomalous situation," Sala said.

Public health officials warn that the easing phase could prove to be the most dangerous.

''The fact of pandemics is that they move in waves, and normally the second wave is more dangerous than the first, because the guard has been lowered, you think you can return to normal and a heavier blow arrives," said Ricciardi, the Italian government liaison to WHO. ''We need to be careful and not make vain all of the sacrifices that have already been made. ''

The good news is that Italians' beloved summer holidays don't appear to be ruled out.

''It will be a summer during which we will have to maintain social distance, avoid gatherings and limit movements. There will not be a lot of facility to travel by airplane or train, where it is difficult to maintain a secure distance, Ricciardi said.

''We need to think of making vacation plans that are more prudent.
Perry County commissioners approved a plan to furlough its non-essential employees on April 27 as a response to the fiscal realities of the budget during the coronavirus pandemic.

Chairman Brian Allen said about 15 employees could be furloughed at that time.

As each department head gets back to us, that could go up or down, he said.

It was a fiscal decision because of so many residents in the county out of work due to business closures and stay-at-home orders from the state, the commissioners said.

It is a temporary situation, Commissioner Brenda Watson said. Its not an easy decision.

Those furloughed employees could return to their positions after the furlough ends, expected to coincide with the pandemic subsiding, but when that will be is not certain at this time as cases of the disease continue to rise in Pennsylvania.

As of April 10, Perry County had 16 cases of coronavirus and one death from the disease, according to state health officials. Statewide, there were 19,979 cases on Friday and 416 deaths. Most people recover from COVID-19, but the state mortality rate among known cases is more than 2 percent. Nationally, thats as high as 3.4 percent of known cases. Across the U.S. there are 427,460 cases with 14,696 deaths as of April 9, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The high communicability and death rates are why state and national health officials have urged people to stay at home, wear masks when going out for essential activities like groceries, and practice social distancing from others (six feet apart at all times).

Commissioner Gary Eby said the county was doing the furloughs with a heavy heart and much deliberation over the last week.

In other news, commissioners passed a resolution banning open burning in the county until June 1. The action was requested by the state forest service because of the dry spring conditions. With workers out due to the pandemic, firefighting responses could be made more difficult.

Commissioners also approved a contract with Pixel and Hammer, a Carlisle-based web design company, to build Perry County a new website that would be more user-friendly and allow for greater online services, such as employment applications and other forms.

Im definitely looking forward to a new website. I think we all are, Allen said.

The contract worth $3,400 includes hosting the site off county computers and maintenance.

We put a lot of research into this and interviewed several companies, Watson said.

Allen said the county does not have a time line for when a new website would be launched. There will be a transition period to work out bugs, and the county wants to make sure everything works before launching the site.

Jim T. Ryan can be reached via e-mail at jtryan@perrycountytimes.com
A day after a group of homeless people pelted stones at civil defence volunteers during food distribution and three of them allegedly jumping into the Yamuna to escape the resultant police action, at least 200 residents of the same shelter clashed with the police and set two porta cabin shelters on fire after a body was recovered from the river on Saturday, police officers said.

A senior police officer, privy to the case details, said three shelter residents had jumped into the river after police had to resort to mild lathicharge to disperse the agitated shelter inmates on Friday. After a body was recovered on Saturday, the residents claimed that it is one of the same persons who had jumped into the river on Friday. Two others had been rescued on Friday itself.

Delhi Fire Service chief Atul Garg said five fire tenders were used to douse the blaze that gutted two shelters that accommodated 130 and 40 people respectively. No casualty was reported in the fire that broke out around 6pm and was brought into control within half an hour, Garg said.

A case of rioting, obstructing public servant from doing duty, and arson was registered and six homeless persons were detained till late evening, said joint commissioner of police (central) Suvashis Choudhary.

The joint CP said that a decomposed body was recovered from the Yamuna on Saturday evening. While the body was being taken out, the shelter residents claimed that the body was of the same man whose body could not be fished out from the river on Friday. The other two men were rescued by the local divers on Friday itself, the officer said.

Around 5 pm, Choudhary said, the police control room received information about the body. Police were also told that around 150-200 homeless people had gathered outside the Tibetan market near the Kashmere Gate Interstate Bus Terminal. The crowd was agitated and soon began pelting stones on some civil defence volunteers and the police personnel present there.

The incident was flashed on the wireless sets and soon the north district DCP, Monika Bhardwaj, along with other officers reached there with additional force. As the crowd had turned violent, the police personnel used mild force to chase them away. The agitators fled towards Yamuna Khadar.

Some of them went towards the shelter homes and set two of the shelters on fire. Luckily, nobody was inside the shelters when they were set ablaze. Nobody was hurt in the fire incident. We have registered a case and are trying to identify the persons who were involved in arson, added the joint CP.

A police officer who did not want to be named said that on Friday some civil defence volunteers and police personnel were deployed near the shelter homes to ensure that the residents maintained social distancing and discipline during food distribution. An altercation broke out between the homeless people and the volunteers when the residents were asked to main distance. Following the altercation, the homeless people started pelting stones on the volunteers.

The volunteers and police personnel used mild force to disperse the crowd and control the situation. During the lathicharge, three homeless men plunged into the river. Two of them were rescued while the third man could not be found, the officer said, adding that the issue was resolved after senior police officers intervened.

On Saturday, the agitation resumed after a body was found in the river and people claimed that it was of the same man who went missing on Friday. We will write to the Delhi administration to relocate the homeless people living in Kashmere Gate area. Around 3,000 homeless are staying beyond capacity in such shelters. It becomes difficult to discipline them or make them maintain the social distancing to avoid the spread of Covid-19, said Choudhary.

Maximum number of Delhis homeless live in the shelters near Kashmere Gate. Several migrants who were left jobless after their factories shut because of the nation-wide lockdown have also shifted to the shelters in Kashmere Gate.

Bipin Rai, member, Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), also confirmed that two shelters have been destroyed.

At least 6,000 people from 12 shelter homes and those from surrounding slum clusters and adjoining areas were fed in the area by DUSIB daily.

We will order an internal inquiry. So far we have got to know that there was some conflict among vagabonds over a rumour of a body being found in the Yamuna, who they believed was one of them. They got agitated and set the shelters on fire. There were no inmates inside and there are no casualties reported, said Rai.

District magistrate (Central) Nidhi Srivastava, said, As per a preliminary report there was a conflict among some vagabonds in the area, which led to the incident.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued a decision on investigating anti-dumping duties on polyester filament yarn (PFY) with HS codes: 5402.33.00, 5402.46.00 and 5402.47.00 originating from China, India, Indonesia and Malaysia.

The garment-textile sector will be supported to make effective use of free trade agreements that Vietnam has signed. (Photo: VNA)

The investigation was conducted based on a 2019 request from the domestic manufacturing industry, which accounted for 67.4 percent of the total domestic production.

According to General Department of Vietnam Customs, the amount of PFY imported into Vietnam rose to 185,000 tonnes in 2019 from 154,000 tonnes in 2017. The sharp increase is considered a major cause of significant damage to Vietnam's PFY manufacturing industry.

During the investigation, the ministry will continue to assess the socio-economic impact to ensure the legitimate rights and interests of importers, consumers, and domestic polyester filament yarn manufacturers.

The ministry will also support the garment-textile sector to make effective use of free trade agreements that Vietnam has signed and meet requirements on the rules of origin. VNA

Vietnam imposes anti-dumping measures on Chinese, Indonesian MSG The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has imposed provisional anti-dumping measures on some monosodium glutamate (MSG) products from China and Indonesia.
Markets in the Ho Municipality will from Monday, April 13, be shut on market days to avoid overcrowding towards containing the Coronavirus disease.



Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, Volta Regional Minister, said this had become necessary because traders were shrugging off social distancing protocols in the wake of COVID 19.



He said this at a media orientation on COVID19 in Ho by the Ministry of Information, Ghana Health Service and the USAID Breakthrough Action Project.



The Regional Minister said, "We are worried about the continuous overcrowding in our markets on market days. Those days are engraved in the minds of our people so they don't want everyday marketing and they are not observing social distancing. We have engaged chiefs and opinion leaders and we think we will shut the markets on those days".



He said the Municipal Assembly with support from its partners would organise clean up exercises in the markets and adjoining areas on market days to prevent trading activities on such days.



Dr. Letsa commended the media for its sacrifices towards Ghana's fight against COVID-19.



He urged journalists and media practitioners to keep information on the virus simple, not to confuse the populace, and to prevent fear and panic.



Dr. Senanu Djokoto, Deputy Regional Director, Public Health, Ghana Health Service, said 25 suspected cases in the Region tested negative and hoped five pending results would also be negative.



He said surveillance had been heightened to ensure Volta Region remained COVID 19-free.



Mr. A.B. Kafui Kanyi, Volta/Oti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association, said the pandemic, "is like a war situation" and reminded journalists to be circumspect and use only approved communication protocols with legitimate sources.



He asked them to be guided by the GJA code of ethics and be conscious of their safety on and off the job.

Source: GNA









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Britain's Home Secretary Priti Patel has said she was sorry if anyone felt there had been failings over the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

It comes after the UK's Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed 19 NHS workers had now lost their lives after contracting Covid-19.

The British Government has been dogged by criticism since the pandemic hit UK shores that not enough PPE was being made available to health workers, especially those working in social care.

Im sorry if people feel that there have been failings. I will be very, very clear about that

Ms Patel, fielding questions at a Downing Street briefing on Saturday, said she was sorry if people felt there had been failings regarding the supply of PPE.

After being asked twice if she would apologise to NHS staff and their families over the lack of necessary PPE, Ms Patel said: Im sorry if people feel that there have been failings. I will be very, very clear about that.

(PA Graphics)

It is inevitable that the demand and the pressures on PPE and demand for PPE are going to be exponential. They are going to be incredibly high.

And of course we are trying to address that as a Government.

Police have also revealed that 1,084 fines have been issued for breaches of coronavirus regulations in England and Wales.

Ms Patel takes questions from the media (Pippa Fowles/10 Downing Street)

The Prime Minister announced a lockdown three weeks ago that banned travel outside of the home, except for exercise, to shop for essential goods, to go to a job that cannot be done from home or to provide care.

The fines were issued from across 37 different forces, Mr Hewitt said.

Across all of those forces, that is an average of less than 84 a day, he told the press briefing.

This shows that the overwhelming majority of people are abiding by the rules and are staying at home to protect the NHS and save lives.

Mr Hewitt said police will publish enforcement data every fortnight during the crisis.

The news came after the Department of Health said a total of 9,875 people had died in hospital in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus as of 5pm on Friday, up by 917 from the same point on Thursday.
Top oil producers struggled to finalise production cuts during a virtual summit held by G20 energy ministers on Friday, despite US President Donald Trump's mediation efforts to end a standoff with Mexico. The final G20 communique appeared to gloss over simmering divisions over energy policy, making no mention of output cuts and pledging simply to ensure oil "market stability" amid the coronavirus pandemic. Mexico was the lone holdout in a record OPEC-led agreement reached a day earlier that would see output slashed by 10 million barrels per day in May and June followed by a gradual reduction in cuts until April 2022. The standoff had cast doubt on efforts to bolster oil prices, pushed to near two-decade lows by the demand-sapping pandemic and a Saudi-Russia price war that rattled global markets. The subsequent G20 meeting -- hosted by Riyadh -- was expected to seal the deal more widely with non-OPEC countries in the group including Mexico, the United States and Canada. But there was no sign of an agreement in the group's final statement. "We commit to ensure that the energy sector continues to make a full, effective contribution to overcoming COVID-19 and powering the subsequent global recovery," said the statement released early Saturday. "We commit to take all the necessary and immediate measures to ensure energy market stability." There was no sign that countries such as Canada -- the world's fourth largest producer -- had committed to specific cuts, with Natural Resources Minister Seamus O'Regan saying the G20 summit "didn't discuss numbers". Under the OPEC deal, Mexico was expected to cut production by 400,000 barrels per day but it resisted the suggestion. Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he had reached an agreement with Trump to cut production by only 100,000 bpd. He added that Trump had agreed to cut US production by 250,000 bpd "as compensation" for Mexico. Trump later confirmed the deal, saying the United States will "make up the difference" by cutting "some US production". The G20 statement was silent on the Mexico-US deal. - 'Ghostly spectre' - The tentative production cut deal, which hinges on Mexico's consent for it to take effect, marked a possible end of the price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia. Both oil producers took on the lion's share of the cuts as they agreed to slash output to around 8.5 million bpd, according to Bloomberg News. "Our global energy systems, from producers to consumers, is in uncharted territory and it is our responsibility to find the path forward," Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman told the G20 gathering. "Saudi Arabia urges all G20 members, including Mexico, as well as invited countries to take appropriate and extraordinary measures to stabilise market conditions." Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak also urged the G20 ministers to act in a spirit of "partnership and solidarity", according to a local television station. OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo warned the global crude storage capacity would be exhausted before the end of May because of a supply glut and a "jaw-dropping" drop in demand. "There is a ghostly spectre encircling the oil industry," Barkindo told the ministers. "We need to act now, so we can come out of (the) other side of this pandemic with the strength of our industry intact." The impact of the tentative deal on prices was not immediately clear as the global oil markets were shut on Friday for the Easter weekend. But Stephen Innes, an analyst at AxiCorp, said the supply cuts were "less than the market hoped for" given the hit to demand from coronavirus lockdowns throughout the world. "The deal currently tabled will only partially offset oil price distress," he said. "The storm clouds for oil prices will only completely dissipate when lockdowns are lifted." - 'Deep abyss' - Rystad Energy also said the cuts were not enough to restore market equilibrium. "The proposed 10 million bpd cut for May and June will keep the world from physically testing the limits of storage capacity and save prices from falling into a deep abyss," the energy research firm said. "But it will still not restore the desired market balance." Oil prices have slumped since the beginning of the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Compounding the problem, Riyadh and Moscow had both ramped up output in a bid to hold on to market share and undercut US shale producers. Trump has expressed optimism about the prospects for an agreement after a conference call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday. Putin discussed energy developments separately with Trump and Prince Mohammed again on Friday, the Kremlin said. While the US is not in the OPEC or the wider OPEC+ groups, it is supportive of a reduction in supply in order to stabilise prices and breathe new life into its shale industry. Shale has transformed the US into the world's top producer, but the industry cannot sustain its high cost base as prices collapse. burs-ac/amj Oil prices have slid to near two-decade lows, hit by the virus and a Saudi-Russia battle for market share Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman chairs a virtual meeting of G20 energy ministers
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said Friday Pennsylvania probably wont be ready to accept unemployment benefit applications from free-lancers, gig workers like drivers for the ride-sharing services Uber or Lyft, and independent contractors until about April 24.

These new categories of workers are temporarily being made eligible for jobless benefits for the first time under terms of the $2.2 trillion economic rescue plan passed by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump last month.

Wolf attributed the delay in bringing the new classes of workers into the system on the state Department of Labor and Industrys efforts to build an intake and claims processing structure that will mesh with the U.S. Department of Labors.

The federal government actually is setting up a parallel system (for the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program) and they say it wont be ready until April 24, Wolf said at a Friday afternoon press conference. "Pennsylvania is working to set up its own (gig workers) site, but we want it to be compatible with the federal system.

So were probably looking at the same date to go operational.

In the meantime, state L&I staff said the self-employed and gig workers should not file claims through the its existing unemployment compensation systems. A spokeswoman said the department is working as fast as possible to complete the appropriate application for those persons, and will provide more information in the coming days.

Eligible claimants will then receive backdated payments to January 27, 2020, or the first week they were unable to work due to COVID-19, whichever of the two dates is later.

The federal response to the COVID-19 outbreak included an expansion of unemployment benefits through December 31, to millions of self-employed people who have either had to leave work altogether or are seeing major losses income as the broader economy has shut down in efforts to stop the spread.

The bill contained a separate pot of funding for the pandemic unemployment assistance program, which will be administered through the states. It covers a loss of income for a variety of coronavirus-related reasons, from having to care for a child whose school has been closed to a workplace that has had to shut down.

But many states have found that adding new categories of workers to their unemployment systems has been a heavy lift. Though the new benefit is based on the disaster unemployment assistance program, it requires states to create new applications, accept different proof of earnings and set up back-end systems.

All that needs to be done at a time when the states have been slammed by record numbers of newly jobless trying to file claims for standard unemployment. In Pennsylvania alone, almost 1.3 million workers submitted first-time unemployment claims since March 15, surpassing all previous records.

Earlier in Fridays press conference Wolf issued a personal apology to Pennsylvanians who have had trouble accessing the existing system - mostly those trying to file claims by telephone.

Were getting better, but were not where we need to be yet in terms of handling all the requests and filings that come in, he said.

All workers receiving unemployment benefits this spring are also eligible for the extra $600 weekly payment being offered by the federal government through the end of July. That flat federal benefit will come in a separate check and on top of the states benefit, which is tied to income being earned in the year before the job loss.

The supplement is designed to provide something closer to 100 percent replacement income for those on the unemployment rolls.

In a separate announcement Friday, Wolfs office said that L&I had issued the first of the $600 payments. All eligible claimants that filed biweekly claims for the week ending April 4 and who received their regular UC payment should expect to see the additional money either Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.

For other eligible claimants who have not yet received a regular UC payment, they will receive the extra $600 the week after receiving their first UC payment.

All the new benefits can be paid retroactive to the week ending April 4, state officials said, as long as the applicant meets eligibility.
There was an extraordinary response to a fundraising campaign launched by Dundalk F.C for the 'Frontline Heroes' leading the battle against COVID-19.

In the first 24 hours of their appeal, the club more than surpassed their 1,500 fundraising target, as 2,795 donations came flooding in by yesterday (Monday)

In a statement, the club said: 'Everyone at Dundalk FC would like to show our support and appreciation of the 'Frontline Heroes' who are fighting the battle against COVID-19.'

'With that in mind, we have set up a GoFundMe campaign where all funds raised will support the men and women who are taking on the virus in County Louth and hospitals around the country.'

'We know that this is a tough time for many people who have lost their jobs in the past couple of weeks. With that in mind, we would like to give something back to those who donate.'

'When the target is met, every person who makes a donation will be entered into a draw for a 2016 Europa League matchday shirt, donated by John Mountney, and signed by every member of that history-making squad.'

'Any donation, large or small, would be greatly appreciated at this time and we encourage fans from every League of Ireland club to get involved.'

With a huge response to the appeal, a spokesperson for the club said: 'It's been just over 24 hours since we launched the GoFundMe page for our 'Frontline Heroes' battling COVID-19 and we have already surpassed our target!'

'Thanks to everyone who has made a donation thus far. Let's keep it going and try and raise as much as possible for our healthcare workers who are doing the country proud!'

'Please note that no raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe campaign.

The signed John Mountney Europa League jersey is a separate offer run by Dundalk FC on our social media channels in recognition of those who have made a donation.'
By Easton Sanders Apr. 10, 2020 | 04:23 PM | PADUCAH





In a recent press release, Paducah officials called on everyone within the faith community to provide virtual only services on Easter, as they continue their effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.







City of Paducah Mayor Brandi Harless shared her thoughts, encouraging the virtual services.





"With the upcoming Easter Sunday, we know that people want to be together to worship. However, the safest way is by worshiping at home and participating in virtual services," She continued, "I praise our local faith community for being adaptable and using technology to reach their congregations. During this pandemic crisis, I ask them to join us in continuing to make the sacrifices we are all making and to not hold in-person or drive-in services in parking lots or other locations."







Despite this recommendation, one local pastor, Anthony Walton with Christ Temple Apostolic Church, says he still plans to hold a drive-in style service on Easter.







Walton says he held a drive-in style service last Sunday, and he plans to do the same thing this Sunday unless it rains. If it does rain, he will be holding a livestream service instead.







"This is safer than people going to Walmart or any other places people are still going to." Walton said, "As long as they're in their cars, we are still complying with social distancing."







Walton says he knows Harless doesn't mean it the way she said it, but that it seemed like her comment was against the church.







"To me this is less dangerous than going anywhere else. For her to specify drive-in style services just didn't seem fair to me." He said, "We are more compliant than they are in the parking lot of Walmart."







According to Walton, no one will be allowed to leave their vehicles. He says if people come to the service, they will be complying with the guidelines.







On Friday, Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron shared his approval of the drive-in style services. You can see his comment below.







"We are aware that some Kentucky jurisdictions are discussing a prohibition of drive-in church services for the upcoming Easter holiday. As long as religious groups and worshippers are complying with current Centers for Disease Control ("CDC") recommendations for social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19, we see no problem with these drive-in services occurring.







Religious organizations should not be treated any differently than other entities that are simultaneously conducting drive-through operations, while also abiding by social distancing policies. As long as Kentuckians are permitted to drive through liquor stores, restaurants, and other businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the law requires that they must also be allowed to participate in drive-in church services, consistent with existing policies to stop the spread of COVID-19.







We must all continue to work together and do our part to fight back against COVID-19. However, individuals who wish to celebrate religious holidays using a format that follows social distancing policies and CDC guidelines should not be unnecessarily banned from doing so."







You can see our story on Mayor Harless's comments on virtual services at the link below.

One Paducah church will hold a drive-up style service on Easter, despite recommendations from a local official.

On the Net:
The rapid response team that reached Kuwait on Saturday will extend assistance in capacity building of Kuwait, said the Defence Ministry on Saturday.

A rapid response team comprising 15 doctors and health care professionals from India reached Kuwait earlier today to assist the Kuwait government in its fight against coronavirus.

"The Rapid Response Team comprising 15 doctors and technicians from the three services will extend assistance in capacity building of Kuwait. Indian Armed Forces are deeply involved in India's contributions to the global fight against COVID19," said the Defence Ministry in a statement.

The team was sent after a recent phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Kuwait counterpart Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, in which both the leaders agreed for a concerted and coordinated effort against the global pandemic.

The medical team is expected to stay in Kuwait for a period of two weeks during which it will render medical assistance in testing and treatment of the afflicted persons and training their personnel.

The rapid response team has been deputed at the request of the Kuwait government, Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

After the discussion between the two leaders, India Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar and his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah held a telephonic conversation to discuss the prevailing situation in Kuwait and explore ways to further strengthen cooperation during these challenging times.

Kuwait has so far reported 1,154 coronavirus cases with one person succumbing to the deadly infection in the Gulf country.

Indians constitute the largest group of expatriates with an estimated population of about ten lakhs in Kuwait. India is reaching out to Kuwait in the extended neighbourhood to further complement its efforts to fight the menace effectively.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
I didnt know if it was going to work until the very end, said Pack, who owns just over half of the total acreage. Between tax breaks and funding raised by the land trusts that now hold the easement, he realized as much per acre  about $1,300  as he expects he would have gotten from an outright sale.
Free treatment for all virus patients

BANGKOK: All coronavirus patients will be treated for free at all hospitals in Thailand, with the costs paid by three healthcare funds, effective retroactively from Mar 5.

COVID-19Coronavirushealth

By Bangkok Post

Saturday 11 April 2020, 10:33PM

A woman is swabbed during a demonstration of mobile units prepared by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration for quick coronavirus screening in the capital on Thursday. Photo: Arnun Chonmahatrakool / Bangkok Post

Under a Public Health Ministry announcement, all hospitals, public and private, must do their best to treat COVID-19 patients without delay until they are out of immediate danger or transferred to other hospitals based on their coverage.

They may not charge the patients but can bill the National Health Security Office (NHSO) later.

A patient will have to pay medical bills only when he chooses not to be treated at the hospital he is entitled to use.

Arkhom Praditsuwan, Deputy Director-General of the Health Service Support Department, said it would take the NHSO no more than 45 days to check the bills and inform the funds to repay hospitals.

All Thais are covered by one of the three health funds. Employees in the private sector, Thai and foreign, who make contributions to the Social Security Fund are covered by it. Civil servants are covered by the welfare programme for government officials. The rest are covered by the universal healthcare scheme managed by the NHSO.

The funds will repay hospitals within 15 days after receiving the documents from the NHSO, Dr Arkhom said.

The government on Monday warned private hospitals not to send medical bills to COVID-19 patients or their families, saying their medical expenses will be paid for by the government.

The warning, posted on the Thai Khu Fa (Government House) Facebook, followed complaints that COVID-19 patients at private hospitals are being required to pay for treatment and services.

In some cases medical expenses topped B100,000.

Read original story here.
Cold water poured on fun at Songkran

BANGKOK: Revellers who gather to splash water in front of their homes for the Songkran festival will face legal action for defying the emergency decree during the coronavirus outbreak, according to the Royal Thai Police yesterday (Apr 10).



By Bangkok Post

Saturday 11 April 2020, 11:58AM

Splashing water in front of homes for the Songkran not allowed this year. Photo: Bangkok Post / file

Spokesman Pol Lt Gen Piya Uthayo said while Songkran has been postponed due to COVID-19, some people could think gathering outside of their home would be permitted, but that would violate the decree.

Under the state of emergency, violators are liable to a jail term of up to two years and could be fined up to B40,000.

The Culture Ministry has reiterated in a statement that Thais should skip the Rot Nam Dam Hua, a traditional New Year ceremony, to help prevent virus transmission.

The ministry said it is to protect elders who are prone to contracting the virus from younger family members.

Regarding Rot Nam Dua Hua, the ministry said Thais should avoid going to temples and bathe Buddha status at home instead, adding people should distance themselves and wear sanitary masks.

Rot Nam Dam Hua is a water-pouring ceremony accompanying Songkran, or Thai New Year. Rot Nam Dam Hua is a traditional rite for young people of showing respect to elders and asking for their blessing.

Defence Forces Chief Gen Pornpipat Benyasri, in charge of security at the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration, has urged people to comply with government measures and prevent gatherings during the outbreak.

Nakhon Ratchasima governor Wichian Chantaranothai, head of the provincial communicable disease committee, said the committee has ordered the temporary closure of 29 natural reservoirs popular among locals until further notice.

Mr Wichian said the order was made to prevent coronavirus transmissions, noting the provincial COVID-19 figure stood at 18 as of yesterday (Apr 10).

He said checkpoints will be set up to screen people returning home to their respective provinces during Songkran via Nakhon Ratchasima, which serves as a gateway to the northeast region, he said.

Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman for the CCSA, yesterday said people who gather in crowds no matter the size during the state of emergency are liable to face legal action.

The warning came after reports of people stocking up on alcoholic beverages ahead of an impending sales ban in Bangkok and many provinces.

Mr Taweesilp said police would not hesitate to crack down on social gatherings.

Violators of the prohibition on social gatherings will be fined up to B100,000 and could be jailed for one year.

Songkran falls on Monday this year.

The government yesterday reported 50 new local cases of coronavirus disease 2019, raising the total to 2,473 over 68 provinces, and one new death, a woman with lupus, increasing the toll to 33.

The largest group of new infections was in Bangkok. Phang Nga province reported its first case. Nine provinces remained free of Covid-19.

Read original story here.
The government has reached out to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) to get MBA students to help the recently-formed empowered groups of secretaries. Eleven such empowered groups have been formed to combat different aspects of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

An internal note for the secretaries of the empowered groups, prepared by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said that the government has started discussions with the IIMs and other premier institutions of India such as IITs and IISC about how these partnerships can be leveraged to support the efforts of the Government in fighting the Covid-19 crisis.

One of the outcomes of these discussions is that the IIMs can provide MBA interns to support the empowered groups in data analysis and evidence-based policy inputs, the note said.

Each empowered group might be assigned two or three such interns in key supporting roles as data and evidence play a crucial role in determining Indias strategy to contain the virus.

The government has also said that the empowered group will need to appoint a nodal officer on its behalf to assign tasks and get outputs as required by the group from the interns who will be working remotely on the work assigned to them.

The entire collaboration will be managed through different channels created for each interested empowered group using the Slack app, which allows for group chats.

The secretaries of the empowered groups have been asked to inform if they would require the support of the MBA interns. Once the DoPT gets the requirements, it will assign the shortlisted interns to the groups.

The Narendra Modi government on March 29 established ten empowered groups and a key strategic task force to look into all aspects of the pandemic. The measure turns at least 68 senior bureaucrats into a consorted planning and implementing machinery as India fights against the disease that continues to kill thousands across the world.

The groups have been assigned tasks such as the medical emergency management plan or ensuring availability of hospitals, isolation and quarantine facilities, disease surveillance and testing and critical care training and facilitating supply chain and logistics management for availability of necessary items such as food and medicine.

A six-member Strategic Task Force has also been formed, which will exclusively deal with issues related to the three-week national lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 25.

Afzal Amanullah, former parliamentary affairs secretary said, Its always good to engage management students from Indias premier institutes. They are trained for this purpose and it will help them to be a part of the governments strategy to contain this unprecedented pandemic.

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Canadian psychologist Stephen Taylor, an expert on pandemics, writes: Anxiety about your own mortality, fears stoked by a deluge of online articles: these are the most obvious psychological effects of coronavirus. Based on studies of disasters such as floods, hurricanes and earthquakes, an estimated 10 per cent of people affected by traumatic events go on to develop severe psychological problems. Taylor thinks it may be worse with this pandemic. The isolation forced upon us by the pandemic may lead to a fundamental re-evaluation of what is important to us. Credit:AP Yet Louise Newman, professor of psychiatry at Melbourne University, finds it heartening that people pulled apart by COVID-19 are trying to recreate a spirit of community and connection with others. The positives are some of the rethinking going on. We have opportunities that maybe we havent had until something semi-apocalyptic like this happens to actually think about whats important, what values are fundamental, how we want social organisation to work, politics to work, Newman says. On social media a huge number of people are saying when we get through this we can ask what was really important, what did we save, what do we want the world to be? Thats very positive, a sense of renewal, rethinking values and getting rid of pseudo-values such as the narcissism of the selfie generation.

At the Royal Womens Hospital, where Newman is the director of the Centre for Womens Mental Health, staff have been working 16 hours a day preparing for a surge in cases. Most of them are managing well by working together with a sense of collective purpose  a community that develops through a shared vision  but some, she says, are questioning themselves at a fundamental level: are they good enough, how will they keep going, how will they care for children, families or elderly parents? Loading But in terms of people pulling together, its almost like the bushfire crisis where very under-resourced communities worked together fabulously. They had no faith that anyone else was going to help them, and they did it with remarkable strength. That inner resilience that impressed Newman was a hallmark of the early Christians, who did so much to shape todays view of a flourishing community, according to historian John Dickson, senior lecturer in Public Christianity at Ridley College and host of Australias top-rated religion podcast, Undeceptions. The belief that God was Father, Son and Spirit, in other words that God was himself a community, actually changed everything, he says. The first Christians, when they were in community, were not just satisfying evolutionary urges, using a pack mentality or a tribal togetherness against the world. They felt they were reflecting Gods ultimate reality.

Dickson says the early Christians put a massive premium on considering others rather than themselves, an instruction from some of their earliest documents such as the New Testament letter from Paul to the Christians at Philippi. The Apostle refers to the Trinity, then tells the Philippians to have the mind of Christ who humbled himself all the way to the Cross. What that meant in practical terms was that Christians were very, very busy serving everyone that we would say was beneath them, such as slaves. They didnt think there was an above or beneath. One of the catacombs of Rome. Christians introduced free burial without social divisions to the ancient world. Credit:Age archive A striking example of how Christians embraced loving community can be found in the catacombs under the streets of Rome. Dickson says: The catacombs were an ingenious idea of early Christianity  free burials. Not having a proper burial was one of the great fears of the ancient Greek or Roman. If you didnt belong to a funerary union, where your funeral fees would be paid a little at a time, your body would just be thrown on the rubbish heap. And Christians solved that by having these catacombs where hundreds of thousands of people were buried free. And the catacombs didnt have dividing walls between rich and poor, unlike Roman burial grounds where there were strict boundaries to preserve the distinction in the afterlife.

This self-sacrificial approach lasted three centuries, until Christianity became the Roman Empires official religion, and Christians became seduced by power and wealth. But over the centuries Western culture has become so Christianised that a Christian view of community has prevailed, Dickson believes. Even today, if you can see past the Churchs power structures and shoddy leadership, the average pew-sitters are quietly, humbly sacrificing themselves for the wider community at an extraordinary rate. Andrew Leigh, the shadow minister for charities, an atheist and expert on social capital, is the first to say that churches are at the forefront of what brings community into our wider society. Flowers at the entrance of the Sailors' Chapel in Seville, Spain, after the Holy Week procession was cancelled. Credit:AP Philosopher Chris Cordner thinks the essential Christian contribution to the idea of community is that it is boundless. Most peoples idea of community has a natural limit and is partly defined by who is outside. In contrast, a religious understanding does not exclude anyone. Once you get the infinite into your sense of community you overcome any suggestion of exclusiveness. And, according to Dickson, Easter has a profound lesson about community. For Christians, of course, it commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus on behalf of humankind. The Easter message simultaneously says we are fallen, failing, simple people AND freely forgiven because of Christs death.
His Eminence, Archbishop Hollerich, encourages us all to light a candle for Easter.

Lisa Burke sat down for a long phone call with His Eminence, the Archbishop of Luxembourg, during this - Holy Week. Here is their conversation.

Lisa: Your Eminence, thank you so much for joining us on RTL Today in this particularly special week for Christians - Holy Week. Now, we are sitting amidst a global pandemic where everyone has to stay at home as much as possible. So as we approach Easter, when many people want to go to church, how can You disseminate your messages of comfort?

Archbishop: Ive given a video message on our homepage Cathol.lu and I also wrote a message which will be printed in the newspaper. There will also be a special message addressed to the elder people who suffer quite a lot through this necessary confinement.

A Candle for Hope

Archbishop: I also invite people to light up a candle on Saturday night at eight o'clock and to put it in front of the door or on the window in order to show hope, and on Sunday at noon all the bells will ring for 15 minutes. So some small signs.

Lisa: As You say, the older people in our community here in Luxembourg are perhaps suffering the most. They are a vulnerable part of the population. On that point, death is an ever-present part of our circle of life, and unfortunately for those who do die during this time, the family, the friends and relatives cannot bury their loved ones, or grieve in the manner they might be accustomed to. How are You managing this?

Archbishop: I think that is very hard for people. And I feel with them, because already people are not allowed to assist their beloved ones at the moment of their death, and afterwards the funeral has to be done in a very quick way, and no mass can be celebrated afterwards.

But I think once confinement will be lifted, I would like to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving in the cathedral, and at the same time, it will be a mass for all the people deceased during this pandemic.

It's the same in every pandemic. I've just read a book about the Great Past and Middle Ages and we had the same - people could not grieve for their loved ones. Some elder people really regret that they are not able to assist funeral services of friends, that they cannot say goodbye to them.

Lisa: Well it's wonderful that You will hold something like a Memorial Service and a Thanksgiving Service when we're all free of this confinement.

Archbishop of Luxembourg, Cathedral Notre Dame /  cathol.lu

Now, thinking about community in a larger way, we're in this peculiar period of our lives, but as You say, not peculiar to history. This has happened before through the plagues of history. Do You feel a stronger sense of community in our isolation?

Community Solidarity

Archbishop: There are signs of community. You have the scouts who help a lot of elder people. You have many initiatives of people who want to work as volunteers. My mother herself, she's isolated. She lives in her apartment and somebody's doing the shopping for her. So there are a lot of signs of solidarity and I would like to thank all the people for the acts of solidarity.

I phone my mother every day and for Easter I invite her for an Easter meal. We eat together while eating apart. I ordered the meal from a caterer and they will send it to her, so we should have the same meal by distance.

But it's also true that our society is becoming more and more individualistic. And I think in times like this Pandemic, we see that the first community of solidarity is the family - all types of family - I do not want to make any discrimination. And these families have to be strengthened afterwards I think, because we need them.

We cannot just live as individuals. And also, I think initiatives like neighbourhood initiatives should be promoted, should be fostered afterwards, because we rely on these first structures of solidarity.

But I think that our government is doing a very good job, and that Christians, as well as non-Christians, people from other religions, people with no religion - we all have to collaborate, to work together so that this catastrophe passes quickly.

Working with the Refugee Camps in Lesbos, Greece

Lisa: Now moving on to other parts of Your life and on-going commitments. You have a great affinity to working with the refugees and migrant communities. And I believe You were asked by the Pope, no less, to visit Lesbos, one of the Greek islands. What was it like to be asked directly by the Pope?

Archbishop: I felt happy, I must say, because there was a trust and trust is always a sign of love in fact. And it was a great experience for me; a terrible experience also, because the camp of Moria in Lesbos was already packed, more than packed, at that time.

Archbishop of Luxembourg visiting refugee camp in Lesbos /  cathol.lu

And the eve we arrived we did an unofficial visit in the unofficial camp. So as not only to be shown things which people wanted us to see, but to see reality. And even now imagine the same camp but packed with thousands of people, more, my heart sickens.

And it is clear, and I want to re-state, that Greece has to build other refugee centres in the country outside of the islands, because if the virus enters these camps people will die like flies.

Lisa: Well I believe it has reached the refugees.

Archbishop: Yes, yes. So we have to react quickly. Otherwise it will be the shame of Europe, that in Europe, we have let poor people die.

Lisa: I don't know what to say to that, other than it's wonderful that You can use Your voice to call for action across Europe, because of course within the countries we're living in already we are in a very privileged place to have such fantastic hospital facilities.

Archbishop: And I also am happy that Luxembourg takes in 11 children from Lesbos, because the numbers of children is very high, and you can imagine that they are, especially if they are non-accompanied, they are the weakest people in this camps.

In these camps, you can imagine there are not only good people, but there is also crime structures and so on, rape, and all kinds of evil. And women and children have to be protected. And I'm very thankful for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, to have accepted these children in Luxembourg.

Lisa: That's a wonderful story. Now just moving back to Luxembourg, may I ask, what is the Catholic population of Luxembourg looking like? Its health - is it stable, is it shrinking or growing?

The Bishop for All

Archbishop: It's a very good question and its, I think, the answer is a difficult one. The traditional Luxembourg communities are shrinking. So that is what most Luxembourgers see. But the new communities of different languages, they are growing.

We have the Portuguese speaking communities, Italian speaking communities, Polish, Hungarian speaking communities, the Filipino community. And you know we have a big English speaking community, which is growing fast. And they have a lot of vitality.

And I am the Bishop for all, because baptism has nothing to do with nationality. So I am the Bishop of the Portuguese as much as of the Luxembourgers, and of the English speakers here in this country.

And I want to say that, because there are also sometimes new nationalisms which also want to have influence on religion. And I completely reject these new nationalisms.

Lisa: And on that point, of course, one of the the beauties of Luxembourg, but also perhaps one of the difficulties, from a governmental point of view, and from Your perspective, what languages You choose to use becomes rather complex, when you mentioned the English, the Filipino communities, Portuguese, Italian there are so many languages to serve.

Archbishop: Yes. So already when I celebrate mass in the cathedral, I do the homily in French and Luxembourgish, in two languages.

And I try to visit the different communities.

Pilgrimage to Thailand with young people from Luxembourg, summer 2019 /  cathol.lu

You know that I do very often trips with young people during summer. So we went three times to Thailand. And each time we build something. This time we built the chapel in a small university college for tribal people. And these young people who come along for such a trip - they are so many different nationalities. So normally then I do the homily in English, French and Luxembourgish, and people want to communicate with each other.

And normally they understand two languages at least. Normally of course, one would be the best one for them, but they try to follow and they try to communicate. If you want to communicate you can.

Lisa: Theres always a way.

Archbishop: Yes, and young people are very open for communication.

Thailand 2019 /  cathol.lu

Should priests be allowed to marry? Lisa: Absolutely. Now just moving onto a couple of of questions which are sitting in the air of Christianity for a while now. Do You believe priests should be allowed to marry?

Archbishop: There have been married priests in the church. So, that priests live in celibacy is not a command of divine law. It's not the wish of God. It has become the custom of the church. And for a long time the church did very well with this custom.

But I think from time to time you have to assess reality. And many people demand, or are asking, for priests being able to marry. So let's discuss it in the church.

And women?

Lisa: And just an extension of this in a separate way - and I ask these questions because of the population size of certain Christian communities in countries such as Luxembourg, the UK, Ireland as well Do You believe women should be allowed to become priests?

Archbishop: I can not say yes or no because I just do not know. But what I know is that women have to share what we could call power in the church.

It is not possible nowadays that decisions are only taken by men. So decision making, what you could call the wheels of power, should be shared by women. That is essential.

Because baptism of a woman is as valid as baptism of a man, and God has the same love for a woman as for a man.

So I think mentalities have to change. So your question, I think we have to put everything in the way so that women can fully participate in decision making. And when we are on that way, then we also can discuss the topic of priesthood.

A Prayer for Easter

Lisa: Thank you for those answers. And just finally, Your Eminence, I would very much like it if You could leave the English speaking community of Luxembourg with a message during this very special Holy Week.

Archbishop: So first of all it's great to have you in this country. And I know that especially for the English speaking group, many have friends, even a spouse, with a different Christian concession. We have Anglicans, we have free churches, we have the Catholic Church, and please celebrate Easter in your family, with a short prayer.

And I think that if we you celebrate together, if you succeed in saying, even if it's only a short prayer, you also succeed in overcoming the separation of the churches.

So I encourage you, I'm happy that you are here.

I know that you are very much afraid for the people - your parents, your grandparents - in the different countries.

I shall pray for them, and I pray for you.

Lisa: Your Eminence, thank you so much for such a blessed message this week and we hope that You stay well, and we very much look forward to the opening of the cathedral once more where everybody can share in the message of thanksgiving with You.

He's a fan of RTL Today!

Archbishop: I have the app for RTL in English. And I always look for the news. Very well done!

Lisa: We are very, very pleased to hear that. Thank you so much indeed!

Did you know?

Archbishop Hollerich worked in Japan for 23 years and speaks Japanese.

Get in touch

If you have a story to tell, or want telling, get in touch via lisa_burke@rtltoday.lu or contenttoday@rtl.lu
Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has urged Christians to keep hope alive as the world undergoes the pains of COVID-19 pandemic.

The governor said this in a statement on Saturday, while congratulating Christians on the celebration of Easter festivities.

Speaking via his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai urged people to adhere strictly to the preventive measures laid down by the government.

He added that humanity will rise above the devastation and disruptions caused by COVID-19 pandemic, stating, we have to keep hope alive even in these dire moments.

Read Also: COVID-19: Show Your Certificates, Work Experience, CAN Tells Chinese Medical Team

The governor pointed out that the message of Easter; victory over darkness, reflects the uniquely difficult circumstances in which Easter is being celebrated this year.

According to El-Rufai, the unique circumstance posed by COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on formal acts of worship to celebrate Easter, thereby, the closure of churches due to quarantine conditions in many places across the world makes it impossible to celebrate Easter in the traditional way; a most unusual development.

Just as the pains and humiliation of the Crucifixion ended in the triumph of the resurrection, todays difficulties shall provide renewal, a chance to give thanks anew to Almighty God, the governor assured.
Bhopal, April 12 : With 62 new corona positive cases in Madhya Pradesh on Saturday the total number of cases went up to 532, however, no deaths were reported, state health directorate said.

However, according to Saturday's report three men aged 72, 66 and 52 died due to coronavirus in Indore on Wednesday and Friday. The toll has topped 40 in the state with Indore accounting for 30 of them. Five persons have died in Ujjain, two in Khargone, one each in Bhopal, Chhindwara and Dewas.

Twelve new cases including that of an IAS officer (47) and his son (18) were reported in Bhopal, which took the tally of COVID-19 patients in the state capital to 131. Indore has the highest, 281 cases in the state with 32 reported on Saturday.

Mandsaur and Ratlam districts reported one case each for the first time on Saturday. With this, the virus spread to 22 out of 52 districts.

Apart from Indore and Bhopal, 16 cases have been reported in Ujjain while 14 each in Morena, Khargone and Barwani. 13 cases have come up in Vidisha, 10 in Hoshangabad, nine in Jabalpur, six each in Gwalior and Khandwa, four in Dewas, two each in Chhindwara, Sheopur and Shivpuri and one each in Betul, Shajapur, Raisen, Dhar, Sagar, Mandsaur and Ratlam. One patient is from Uttar Pradesh.

So far, 38 persons have been cured and returned home, the officials said.

Among 454 active cases, the condition of 440 patients was stable, while 14 were said to be in a serious condition.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said 102 doctors from different parts of the state were rushed to Indore to contain the virus outbreak there.
(Newser)  He called himself "Commander online. He was said to be the leader of an international neo-Nazi group linked to plots to attack a Las Vegas synagogue and detonate a car bomb at a major US news network. He was also just 13 years old. The boy who led Feuerkrieg Division lived in Estonia and apparently cut ties with the group after authorities there confronted him earlier this year, per police and local media. Harrys Puusepp, rep for the Estonian Internal Security Service, tells the AP that the police agency "intervened in early January because of a suspicion of danger" and "suspended this person's activities in" Feuerkrieg Division. The Anti-Defamation League has described the group, formed in 2018, as one that advocates for a race war and promotes some of the most extreme views of the white supremacist movement.

story continues below

Oren Segal, vice president of the ADL's Center on Extremism, says children aren't just a target audience for online forums that glorify white supremacy and violencethey also maintain such sites, captivated by their ability to join or influence an international movement from a home computer, he says. "That young kids are getting that sense of belonging from a hate movement is more common than most people realize and very disturbing," Segal says. "But accessing a world of hate online today is as easy as it was tuning into Saturday morning cartoons on television." Feuerkrieg Division members communicated over the Wire online platform. The FBI used confidential sources to infiltrate the groups encrypted chats, per federal court records. The messages don't indicate that other Feuerkrieg Division members knew the group leader was 13, Segal notes.

(Read more Neo-Nazi stories.)
Amid mounting pressure to quickly ramp up COVID-19 testing in Ontario, the province on Saturday reported another day-over-day decline in the number of patients tested for the disease.

In its latest report on COVID-19 case numbers, the province reported its testing labs had completed tests for 3,648 patients the day prior, the Good Friday holiday. That total was the second straight day with a slight decline, as testing has remained flat overall in the province since Premier Doug Ford earlier this week said his patience has worn thin with the low test rate, calling the failure to take advantage of the provinces full testing capacity absolutely unacceptable.

Ontario labs can process about 14,000 samples a day, and on Friday the province pledged to ramp up testing to 16,000 a day by May 6. Health experts have been calling for the province to not waste that capacity and to test more broadly to get a better picture of how the epidemic is spreading in Ontario, particularly in vulnerable settings such as hospitals, long-term care homes, jails and homeless shelters.

Although fewer patients have been tested than needed over the last week, people across the province are working hard to increase these numbers, said Dr. Vanessa Allen, chief of medical microbiology with Public Health Ontario. We need to be fast, and we need to be deliberate, she said, cautioning that theres still a push and pull to make sure the people who need to be prioritized for testing can get their results quickly.

The 14,000-test capacity is small enough that the labs could once again be overwhelmed if too many samples come in from low-priority cases, she said. She pointed to the several-thousand-test backlog that built up in Ontario throughout March and led to multi-day wait times, even in high-priority cases. I found that completely unacceptable, she said.

Still, she said, in recent days more people are going into places like long-term care homes to get samples, and plans are being made to use that capacity. We need to maximize the resources we have to do this response, she said.

The Ontario labs have tested samples for more than 6,000 patients a day as recently as April 1.

Ford has said the testing push will focus on high-risk groups like health care workers, care home residents and emergency responders.

Meanwhile, those tests that were completed in the provinces latest data found 411 new cases of COVID-19, at a positive rate of 11.3 per cent. Ontarios overall positive rate has been rising in recent weeks, a sign that could indicate growing infection levels or insufficient testing. Overall, the province has tested nearly 98,000 people, among whom it has found a positive test at a rate of 6.9 per cent. That rate has risen to 10.5 per cent for tests completed since April 1.

On a per-capita basis, Ontario is testing at a lower rate than several other provinces. The World Health Organization says a positive rate of 10 per cent is a general benchmark of a system that is catching most COVID-19 cases, but sampling more people will give a better picture of the epidemic.

As of 5 p.m. Saturday, Ontarios regional public health units had reported 7,596 confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19, including 288 deaths, increases of 509 cases, or 7.2 per cent, and 19 deaths since the same time Friday.

Saturday saw a sharp increase in deaths reported in the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, which covers a largely rural area southwest of Ottawa. That region is home to the Almonte Country Haven care home, which has seen one of the worst of several deadly long-term care home outbreaks across the province. Earlier this week, health authorities reported 10 residents of the home had died.

As of Saturday, the health unit now reports 15 deaths in the region, although it was not immediately clear what was behind the jump.

According to the province, 691 patients are hospitalized with COVID-19, including 257 in an intensive care unit. That number has fallen slightly in recent days, a trend that experts say may suggest social distancing measures are having a positive effect. The province also says 2,858 patients have now recovered after testing positive for COVID-19

The province says its data is accurate to 4 p.m. the previous day. The province also cautions its latest count of deaths  253  may be incomplete or out of date due to delays in its reporting system.

The Stars count is based on the public tallies and statements of the regional health units. It includes some patients reported as probable COVID-19 cases, meaning they have symptoms and contacts or travel history that indicate they very likely have the disease, but have not yet received a positive lab test.
In a national television address on Tuesday, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse called for unity to fight the coronavirus. We have only one enemy and it is named COVID-19, he declared, and called for vigilance, sacrifice and discipline.

Rajapakses speech falsely described the governments cosmetic efforts to fight the deadly and highly contagious virus as massive relief measures. It was a desperate attempt to deflect growing anger among workers and the poor.

Mahinda Rajapaksa, prime minister of Sri Lanka [Credit: Wikimedia Commons]

Sri Lanka has been under total lockdown, apart from brief periods in some areas, since March 18. But with no proper plans to distribute essentials, including food and medicines, workers and the poor throughout the country are facing extreme and worsening hardship.

Hundreds of thousands of workers in private- and self-employed sectors have been pushed back into the countryside without any income, while poor farmers in the rural areas have no means of selling what they produce.

Over the past two weeks, nurses, public health inspectors, Samurdhi welfare workers and village officers have threatened to strike unless they are given proper equipment and facilities to protect them from COVID-19. By contrast, the ruling elite and a handful of wealthy people are living in comfort as the government hands over billions of rupees to big business.

According to the latest official figures, seven people have died from COVID-19 and 197 people are infected. Thousands are in quarantine at designated centres, at home or in isolated villages.

Like their class brothers and sisters around the world, working people in Sri Lanka are shocked by the massive numbers of deaths globallynow over 100,000 and more than 1.6 million infectedand are asking questions about how and why this has been allowed to happen.

Many scientists and medical expertslike their global counterparts and the World Health Organisation (WHO)are calling for widespread testing and for the full-scale mobilisation of medical and financial resources to combat the pandemic. Some are openly questioning why the government is reluctant to allocate adequate resources.

Rajapakses appeal for unity and discipline is in response to this rising opposition. His demands for unity seek to stop people voicing their concerns about the governments inadequate measures and accept the devastation created by the pandemic and the capitalist profit system.

Attempting to hoodwink the population, the prime minister claimed Colombo had immediately responded to the pandemic. From the first moment this virus was detected, the president [his brother Gotabhaya Rajapakse] and the government acted with great concern about what happens to our people, he declared.

This is a lie. Like governments in the major capitalist countries, the ruling regimes in India and Sri Lanka failed to heed warnings that had been made by medical experts for decades about virus pandemics.

Rajapakse claimed that his government had provided massive relief packages. We have already given direct relief to over five million of our citizens to help them weather this period. This is a fraud. Rajapakses figures include the elderly, disabled, kidney patients and farmer pensioners, who are already receiving a meagre monthly allowance.

All the government has done is increase monthly allowances to 5,000 rupees ($US25)which does not even pay for a months supply of food. About 1.7 million Samurdhi welfare recipients will receive a 10,000-rupee loan in two instalments. Some of the poor will receive a 5,000-rupee allowance but specific numbers have not been announced.

Rajapakses list of relief receivers also includes about 1.5 million government workers and 645,000 pensioners. Self-employed workers, such as trishaw drivers, school van operators, will be given only a moratorium on leasing facilities. Rajapakse, moreover, failed to mention the tens of thousands of private sector workers who are on the verge of losing jobs.

Rajapakses speech exposed the governments contempt for health workers. We are blessed to have committed medical staff who sew their own masks and come to work to attend to the sick, as if the refusal of medical workers in other countries to work unless provided with adequate personal protection equipment is illegitimate.

Health workers, like medical workers around the world, are courageously fighting to save their patients, and have every right to take industrial action to demand personal protective equipment and other facilities.

Successive governments, including those headed by the Rajapakses, have ruthlessly imposed International Monetary Fund austerity measures, slashing public health spending and promoting the private profit-making health industry, while diverting billions of rupees to Colombos brutal 30-year anti-Tamil war.

When the coronavirus pandemic first hit, the Infectious Disease Hospitalthe countrys premier facility for dealing with such caseshad only four beds in its intensive care unit. This has since been increased to just 18 beds.

Rajapakse said nothing about the WHO director-generals appeals for mass testing and other measures to stop the virus spreading. Instead, the prime minister claimed that the world health chief had commended the Sri Lankan presidents actions.

Behind Rajapakses rhetoric, Colombo is preparing to impose the burden of the countrys economic crisis, which the pandemic has drastically worsened, on millions of workers and the rural poor.

The economy is suffering a precipitous drop in garment exports to Europe, the collapse of tourism earnings, and falling remittance payments from migrant workers in Italy and the Middle Eastthe countrys main foreign exchange earners.

Colombo has responded by trying to halt the erosion of the countrys limited foreign reserves. On Wednesday, the currency dropped to an unprecedented 200 rupees against the US dollar. On Thursday, cabinet approved a Central Bank proposal to suspend the general permission granted to outward remittances for investments overseas and to limit migration allowances.

Referring to increasing food shortages, Rajapakse declared: We need to triumph over this adversity very soon but now there is much enthusiasm about growing our own food in our backyards.

In a reference to the decades of war, he said the population overcame those difficult times, an indication that the government will attempt to condition the population to accept further sacrifices.

Rajapakses government is receiving the full backing of the opposition parties. This is a unique moment, he said, when all political parties are committed to working together to defeat the common enemy, coronavirus.

The United National Party and its splinter group, Jathika Samagi Balavegaya, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Tamil National Alliance, the Muslim parties and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna have met twice with the prime minister over the past two weeks to express their support.

Notwithstanding minor tactical differences, these parties are nervous about the developing opposition among workers, and have called for the parliament, which was prematurely dissolved by the president, to reconvene to rubber stamp government funding.

Having secured this support, the president and the government are exploiting the pandemic to further militarise the administration. Military intelligence is playing a major role in searching for virus-affected people and patrolling streets. Before the crisis the president appointed senior retired military officers to key government positions.

The working class must reject Rajapakses call for unity. It is being used to cover up the class war being waged by the ruling elite and its government against all workers and the poor. The devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic is a product of the capitalist profit system, the real enemy of the working people. In every country, the ruling classes are using the pandemic to prepare for dictatorial methods of rule.

Workers must unite with their class brothers and sisters internationally and advance their own independent policies, on the basis of a socialist program, to combat the devastating conditions that capitalism has created.
When the crackers went silent and hearths put out As the nation anticipates a subdued Avurudu with the whole world being in the grip of COVID-19, Yomal Senerath-Yapa looks back at similar times View(s): View(s):

April 1935 was to be a rather grand Avurudu. Ceylon was still a British colony and the silver jubilee of King George V and Queen Mary fell that year and this meant New Year celebrations could quadruple. The Sailor King was beloved for his solid values and mores, and all the pomp of the jubilee year was much anticipated.

But the peoples visions of celebration were soon lost in an eddy of trouble which turned into a great tragedy. In November 1934, the Malaria epidemic- to go down the annals as the greatest pestilence in the recorded history of the island- took the country in its grip.

According to author Somasiri Kasturiarachchi, in just seven months the epidemic claimed the lives of 80,000- out of a total of one and a half million afflicted. This particular bout of ague or jungle fever, as the tropical disease was known, was an oddity- firstly because it was caused by a drought (and not excessive rain) and also because it triggered two waves of mortality- rather than the usual one.

To us living in the shadow of coronavirus, the story offers solace. It was in the cusp of the Avurudu that the government and health authorities rallied forth magnificently and brought an end to the plague.

Though the disease took its toll, the majority was able to survive, and witness the jubilee celebrations that unfurled in grandeur across the empire in May.

Who could say that the Prince of Avurudu had no hand in it?

Fast forward some 36 years into the future, and the Avurudu celebrations would again be under a pall when the JVP insurrection of 1971 shook the country.

Avurudu celebrations were again suspended with startlingly short notice two years later, this time- because of the death of a great statesman.

Dudley Senanayake, the second Prime Minister of Ceylon and son of the countrys first Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake, was taken from Woodlands, the Senanayake family home in Borella to the Durdans Hospital in the evening of April 13, 1973.

There was no serious complaint. He was attended to by Dr. D. J. Attygalle and Dr. W. B. Wijenaike, but passed away at 11.10 p.m.

The preparations for Avurudu had been grand as the Prime Minister was Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike- who with her strong Kandyan Buddhist roots cherished the old rituals- to be celebrated in the midst of family.

Veteran journalist Tilakaratne Kuruvita Bandara remembers that the news spread like lightning. Those who were making kevum overnight put off the hearth. The following day there was to be no kiribath anywhere.

While D. S. Senanayake was the Father of the Nation, his son Dudley was himself a paternal figure- called bath dun piya or the father who gave us rice- an epithet recalling the two seers of free rice given to everyone during his premiership.

Many were the legends grown around him- among these how he drove home all alone after ending the term of office as PM, and how, at the end, his bank account held only some two hundred Rupees.

Like D.S. who, sarong tucked up and bare chested, would wade into paddy fields, Dudley too had the common touch and could get along uproariously well with farmers. Besides, he was loved for the service he rendered to Buddhism- including restoring that fabled old stupa- the Kirivehera of Kataragama.

Mrs. Bandaranaike requested that national flags be flown at half-mast and all Avurudu festivals were cancelled.

A meeting was held at the old Sri Kotha in Colpetty as to how the funeral should be organized.

While the remains were kept at Woodlands for the first two days, they were moved to the old Parliament at Galle Face till April 21 when the funeral was to happen.

The queues of people waiting to pay respects, says Mr. Kuruvita Bandara, reached all the way to Colpetty. People flocked in from all over the island to Colombo, and the taxi drivers for once offered free rides for anyone who had come for the funeral.

On April 21 the pyre was built in front of the D. S. Senanayake statue in Torrington.

The obsequies go down as one of the few funerals of laymen attended by the prelates of Asgiriya and Malwatte.

These reminiscences should remind us of J. M. Barries all of this has happened before, and it will all happen again. But more importantly, Good times repeat themselves much more often than the bad ones. Such are the lessons of the Spirit of Avurudu Past.

Making the most of this years Avurudu What kind of message would the Spirit of Avurudu Present have for us? We spoke to some well known personalities about how to make most of the approaching New Year. Emeritus Professor of Sinhala, J B. Disanayaka says its time to clean up. Beginning with your kitchen (which is an old Avurudu tradition) you can clean your house and get rid of all unwanted things. But at the same time look to your personal hygiene- and most importantly that of the mind. Clean the metaphorical dirt- the defilements of the mind. One of the best ways to do this is to cast away jealousy or ill feeling, and maybe call and greet someone you had fallen out with. Prof. D.C.R.A. Goonetilleke reminds that we can keep in touch with friends and relatives via our computers and phones, and make kiribath even if not kevum and kokis. Though the aspect of enjoyment may be less, keep up the hope! he says, for Avurudu is always auspicious. Mr. Kuruvita Bandara adds this caution: behave responsibly and observe the curfew, while remembering to observe your religious rituals at home.
Chef Donal Skehan and his family are back home in Dublin

Celebrity chef Donal Skehan has said he and his family are "very relieved" to be finally home after a "crazy" few days making their way from Los Angeles as the worldwide Covid-19 crisis deepens.

Donal, his Swedish wife Sofie and their two children, Noah (2) and five-month-old Oliver, arrived back in Dublin yesterday.

"We're all very relieved to be finally home and un- believably grateful to be close to family, albeit through a window," said Donal.

He said they had had a "crazy, nerve-racking and stressful" few days.

When the family's planned Wednesday flight home via Amsterdam was cancelled, the couple scrambled and hastily booked a replacement flight on Thursday from Los Angeles to Paris and then on to Dublin.

Their dog, Max, who got home to Dublin before them, has been at the home of Donal's parents, Dermot and Liz, where he has been getting to know his doppelganger.

Fridge

"When Max came out to us in California, my parents got a new dog, Jake, or as we call him, Fake Max," Donal said.

"He really does look eerily like Max, but the two of them have apparently been getting on just brilliantly."

Now that they are safely home, and with their fridge filled in advance by the family, the weekend will be about resting up and unpacking.

There might also be an Easter egg hunt for Noah and Oliver.

Family friend Arthur Gourounlian, who is married to presenter Brian Dowling, will self-isolate with the Skehans and help look after the children.
There have already been at least 80 % of New York City's coronavirus patients that have died on ventilators. Though health officials are vocal about promoting the use of ventilators to treat patients, some doctors actually advise against the use of these breathing machines.

The reason for this is that some hospitals have already reported unusually massive death rates for patients on ventilators. Some doctors have started to worry that the machine could actually be harming particular patients. These mechanical ventilators are used to push oxygen into the failing lungs of those patients by using a machine that involves sedating the patient then sticking a tube into their throat.

The need for ventilators

About 40 to 50 percent of patients with this severe respiratory distress actually die while on ventilators according to experts. The American Lung Association's chief medical officer Dr. Albert Rizzo has just recently said that the death rates are higher than normal and have also been reported elsewhere in the United States.

These reports have also started to emerge from both China and the United Kingdom. In fact, one UK report even put the figure at 56 percent. A small study in Wuhan, China, has also put the number at 86%.

Read Also: [3D Simulation Video] Coronavirus Particles Still Spread At The Supermarket: Here's How

The reason is still not clear but it may have something to do with the shape of the patients before the infection. Some experts also say that it could be related to how sick they finally became when they started using ventilators.

Other health professionals have started to question if ventilators are actually helpful or perhaps even igniting or worsening a harmful immune system reaction. Experts actually say that ventilators can eventually be damaging to the patient over time, as the high-pressured oxygen is pumped in the tiny air sacs in the patient's own lungs.

The claim of certain experts

Toronto General Hospital's expert on respiratory treatment Dr. Eddy Fan has said that "One of the most important findings in the last few decades is that medical ventilation can worsen lung injury - so we have to be careful how we use it."

Fan explained that the dangers can actually be eased by limiting the amount of pressure and also the size of breaths delivered by the ventilator. Some doctors claim that they are trying their best to keep patients off ventilators for as long as possible by deploying other techniques.

Read Also: Coronavirus Patient Experiences Extreme Testicular Pain: Stomach CT Scan Reveals Problem With Lower Lungs

Experts are saying that certain patients with bacterial pneumonia, for example, may only be on the ventilator for about a day or two. The New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said that it has been common for these patients to be on a ventilator for "seven days, 10 days, 15 days, and they're passing away."

Another growing problem is the supply for ventilators. Experts are worrying that as the cases grow in number, doctors will then be forced to make quite terrible decisions about who lives and who dies due to the lack of machines.
A group of doctors and scientists have sought support from their colleagues in demanding revocation of the suspension of an Andhra Pradesh medico for allegedly complaining about shortage of protective gear for medical staff at a hospital.

The group under the banner 'Progressive Medicos and Scientists Forum' (PMSF) has called upon medical associations and professional bodies to oppose punitive measures against doctors and other health workers for raising the issue of lack of personal protective equipment and other issues pertaining to fight against COVID-19, its chief Harjit Singh Bhatti said.

A senior doctor of a hospital in Andhra Pradesh's



Narsipatnam area was suspended after a video of him purportedly criticising the government for not providing masks and protective gear to medical staff and doctors treating suspected COVID-19 patients went viral.

"PMSF requests to various medical associations and professional bodies to write letters demanding immediate revocation of the suspension of Dr D Sudhakar such that he can continue serving the people of the backward tribal area where he is posted and make his contribution in the fight against COVID-19 threat," the body said in its "call" letter.

The health personnel of the country are doing their utmost in this valiant fight against the virus. There already have been several reports from across the country that health personnel engaged in care of COVID-19 patients have contracted the disease, including in the national capital Delhi, the letter stated.

"These sacrifices are not inadvertent loss of lives, but reflect the willingness of medical personnel to take on their responsibilities knowing fully well the risks involved, the letter stated.

"And yet the government's attitude seems to have been lackadaisical when it comes to providing for the protection of health personnel against contagion with the virus," it said.

Unless this trend is collectively opposed, there are likely to be more such cases as the going against this pandemic gets tougher, the PMSF said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The consequences may not necessarily all be negative. As the International Crisis Group notes, natural disasters have sometimes resulted in the diminution of conflicts, as rivals are forced to work together.

What seems clear, though, is that Western nations face years of strain on their economies and constraints on government spending, says Tim Huxley, Executive Director for Asia at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

That may lead to a fundamental re-examination of priorities, and a shift away from defense spending and toward health and welfare, he says. After all, Western democracies are armed to the teeth but cannot provide security against threats to human and environmental security.

Heres a look at some current hotspots in the time of Covid-19.

North Korea

March saw the reclusive regime break a three-month lull in missile testing by leader Kim Jong Un. It fired a series of ballistic missiles during the month  not long-range enough to draw U.S. President Donald Trumps ire, but enough to remind the world of its existence.

Kim has been threatening to take a new path in nuclear talks with the U.S. in 2020, if Trump didnt make a more appealing offer.

The tests could also be a message to neighbors like South Korea and China. Pyongyang often uses military provocations to nudge others into giving it aid, and the countrys antiquated and underfunded medical system would need help to cope with a serious coronavirus outbreak.

South China Sea

After months of relative calm in the disputed South China Sea  one of the worlds key waterways for trade and with large stores of energy and fish  analysts have noted the return of Chinese fishing fleets and coast guard ships to areas claimed by other countries.

Most of the Chinese vessels that operate in the southern part of the waters are based out of Guangxi provinces Beihai city, which halted operations due to the virus, said Ryan Martinson, assistant professor of the China Maritime Studies Institute at the U.S. Naval War College. Now the Beihai fishing fleet has put to sea again, he said.

By the end of February, 360 fishing vessels had set sail with some operating in the Spratly Islands, which are at least in some part also claimed by Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Vietnam. State-run Xinhua News Agency reported China established two research stations there last month. The bottom line is that the PRC has very likely resumed operations to assert its claimed maritime rights, Martinson said.

Iran

The isolated state has struggled with the virus, which has sickened or killed senior officials and infected some 50,000 people in total. The U.S. has refused to lift sanctions on Tehran, saying they dont prevent medical aid getting through.

Some members of the Trump administration have speculated in private that the challenges for Iran from the virus and a cratering economy might yet create space for regime change. Though the virus may also make a desperate Iran even more of a military threat, General Kenneth McKenzie, the head of U.S. Central Command, said last month.

Tussles continue: The U.S. military recently struck back at an Iraqi militia closely aligned with Iran that it believed responsible for a rocket attack that killed two Americans and a Briton.

Trump on Wednesday warned Iran against what he said was a possible sneak attack the Islamic Republic was planning against U.S. troops in Iraq. Trump indicated in a tweet that the U.S. had information about a possible attack but didnt elaborate.

Syria

Syrias civil war has killed hundreds of thousands, displaced millions, and hollowed out its economy. Russia and Turkey had agreed a cease-fire in northern Idlib province in March (Russia backs Syrian forces there, Turkey the rebels), but the truce is precarious.

Medecins Sans Frontieres has warned Covid-19 may spread very quickly in Idlib, where many live in camps. A further humanitarian disaster would potentially set off fresh geopolitical tensions in the region.

Germany is alarmed at the prospect of another wave of refugees moving in the direction of Turkey and Europe on the back of the spread of the virus in the border region, Der Spiegel reported on Wednesday, citing a confidential government analysis.

Libya

Rival factions in the oil-rich North African nation are at war, and the pandemic is doing nothing to ease the conflict.

QuicktakeLibya Turmoil

Over the past week, eastern commander Khalifa Haftars forces have shelled the capital Tripoli, where the internationally recognized government is based. Clashes east of the capital have killed dozens. Lined up on either side of the conflict are the likes of Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Russia.

One of the impacts of Covid-19 on the action of the warring parties in Libya has been that both weaponize the virus as part of their propaganda, accusing one another of being responsible for spreading the disease, says Emadeddin Badi, a non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council.

Libya has now announced its first coronavirus death - an 85 year-old woman in Tripoli.

Yemen

Yemen has reported no Covid-19 cases, but an outbreak in the Arab worlds poorest country could be disastrous. Yemen has been ravaged by a five-year war which has created what the United Nations says is the worlds worst humanitarian disaster. Even before the conflict, medical services in Yemen were basic.

The World Health Organization is working with Yemeni authorities to prepare for a possible outbreak. Saudi Arabia has sent medication and supplies. In the meantime, hostilities continue. On Saturday night, the Saudis intercepted two missiles over Riyadh launched by Houthi rebels from Yemen. On Monday, Saudi Arabia said the Saudi-led coalition that supports Yemens government retaliated with airstrikes on Houthi targets.

Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy discussed the conflict with Russia-backed separatists in the countrys east with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday, as efforts continue to try to organize summit talks to resolve the war thats killed at least 13,000 since 2014. Merkel also offered German solidarity during the Covid-19 outbreak.

While international monitors regularly report low-level cease-fire violations, Ukrainian and Russian officials are continuing to negotiate possible exchanges of detainees following talks between Zelenskiy and his Kremlin counterpart Vladimir Putin in Paris in December.

Russia remains under U.S. and European Union sanctions for its role in the conflict and for the 2014 annexation of Crimea. Putin marked the sixth anniversary of the takeover on March 18 by traveling to Crimea, which is now linked to Russia by a giant road and rail bridge.

Islamic State

Still reeling from defeat in Syria and Iraq and the death of leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the so-called Islamic State urged its followers in its Al Naba newsletter to take advantage of the pandemic to attack enemies.

The group, which commands affiliates across Africa and Asia, has continued to carry out deadly attacks. Last week, a gunman massacred dozens of congregants in Afghanistans capital Kabul after storming a Sikh temple. Over just two days in the last week of March, IS claimed attacks in Iraq, Syria, Egypts Sinai Peninsula and Nigeria.

Power Consolidation

Some leaders are working during the crisis to amass further power domestically. Among them, Russias Vladimir Putin, who is seeking constitutional changes that would allow him to rule to 2036. Hungarys parliament handed Prime Minister Viktor Orban the right to rule by decree indefinitely. And in Venezuela, President Nicolas Maduro has ordered a lockdown in what is already a police state.

As the International Crisis Group said in a report last month, unscrupulous leaders may exploit the pandemic to advance their objectives, exacerbating domestic or international crises. That could mean crushing dissent at home or escalating conflicts with rival states, it said, all on the assumption that they will get away with it while the world is otherwise occupied.

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. )

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Labour has called for a government inquiry into why black, asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people are more vulnerable to coronavirus.

Shadow equalities secretary Marsha de Cordova said the disproportionate number of deaths of doctors from these communities in the UK was deeply disturbing.

It reflects the shocking underlying inequalities facing BAME communities as a whole, who are disproportionately represented in the numbers of people getting the virus, she said.

The Government must urgently investigate why BAME communities are more vulnerable to this virus.

A report on the first 3,883 patients critically ill with Covid-19 found that just over a third were non-white, compared to 18 per cent of the total UK population.

And while around 44 per cent of NHS medical staff are BAME, the first 10 doctors named as dying from coronavirus were from those communities.

They include Abdul Mabud Chowdhury, a 53-year-old urologist from east London, Amged El-Hawrani, a 55-year-old consultant in the Midlands, Sudanese organ transplant consultant Adil El Tayar, 63, and 68-year-old Dr Alfa Saadu, who returned from retirement to help out at a hospital in Hertfordshire.

The chairman of the British Medical Association, Chaand Nagpaul, told The Guardian it seems hard to see how this can be random.

Theres a disproportionate percentage of BAME people getting ill, he added. We have heard the virus does not discriminate between individuals but theres no doubt there appears to be a manifest disproportionate severity of infection in BAME people and doctors.

This has to be addressed  the government must act now.

He suggested that it may be due to the high numbers of BAME people in key worker roles.

Youve got a high proportion of BAME people not able to stay at home, serving the nation, putting themselves at risk, said Dr Nagpaul.

If you add that to overcrowded and multigenerational occupancies, the infections can be brought back home and spread to other members of the family.

He also said they may be less willing to complain about the lack of personal protective equipment. BAME doctors often feel bullied and harassed at higher levels compared to their white counterparts, he added.

They are twice as likely not to raise concerns because of fears of recrimination.

Additional reporting by agencies
Highlights Mumbai Police shared pictures inspired by a 90s cartoon They took help of the cartoons villain to drive home the message It has now left people in awe

Most 90s kids love reminiscing over popular cartoons of the time and among them is the loved series Powerpuff Girls. While the animated show is about three girls whore fighting crime trying to save the world, Mumbai Police decided to take someone elses help from the cartoon to spread awareness about the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. They picked one of the most popular villains of the show - and all time - Mojo Jojo. And trust Mumbai Police to get this villain to turn against evil to spread a message about the pandemic.

Mojo Jojos badder than you coronavirus, the department tweeted. But guess what? Hes on our side. He is #TakingOnCorona, they added and ended the caption with the hashtag #MojoAgainstEvil. They also shared images to showcase how Mojo Jojo is taking a stand against the pandemic.

OMG OMG OMG OMG you KNOW Mojojojo, wrote a Twitter user and from the reaction its not hard to guess that they must be a fan of the show. Really appreciated your creative corona message to the people. Heartiest congratulations, expressed another. Thats just lovely, wrote a third. MO jo jo jo... You just got to love, cheered another. Now this was super cool! Good job! Whomsoever is handling this should be given a raise right now! wrote a fourth.

Heres what others tweeted:

Childhoods favorite cartoon  pic.twitter.com/fjZOlaqOHM  Jeffy is Back  (@Alizajeffy) April 10, 2020

A few days ago, Mumbai Police won peoples praise after they shared a meme on self-isolation inspired by the popular film Stree.

Also Read | Mumbai Police shares what they wouldve done had they been home. You may stop complaining about the lockdown
Navigating the complex decisions required to effectively manage during the COVID-19 crisis can be a challenge for any nursing team. To support these nurses, Tipton Health Communications collaborated with highly experienced nurse executives to develop a free webinar series designed to guide nurse leaders through this global crisis.

The series launches April 14 and includes the sessions below. To register and for more information, visit https://tiptonhealth.com/webinars/.

The Nurse Leaders Crisis Toolkit  Strategies and Tactics to Lead Through a Crisis

April 14, 12:30  1 p.m. EST

Led by former Pennsylvania Hospital CNO Mary Del Guidice, MSN, BS, RN, CENP, this session will help you develop a strategic approach to leading through a crisis. It will include communication and visibility strategies that engender transparency, strength, resilience, empathy and empowerment. A nursing leaders toolkit will be available for attendees.

Successfully Deploy Your Most Valuable Resource  Staffing Implications and Prioritization During Crisis

April 16, 12:30  1 p.m. EST

Texas Health Resources Single Source Staffing President and CNO Rosemarie Aznavorian, DNP, RN, CCWP, CCRN-K, CENP, will explain a successful approach to rapid assessment of available staffing resources and focus on optimizing internal staffing and considerations for staffing deployment. Leveraging supplemental staffing partners and affiliate providers will also be covered.

Defining the Nurse Executives Critical Role in a Crisis

April 21, 12:30  1 p.m. EST

Former Texas Health Resources Executive Vice President and System Chief Nurse Executive Joan Shinkus Clark, DNP, RN, NE-BC, CENP, FACHE, FAAN, FAONL, will provide an experiential perspective on the role of the nurse executive during a crisis  ensuring nurses safety and morale while promoting a safe environment for patient care. The discussion will focus on managing operations to assure efficiency and effectiveness as well as coordinating staff education to safely provide care during evolving situations.

Making Time for Self-Care Moments for You and Your Nursing Team

April 23, 12:30  1 p.m. EST

Mary Del Guidice returns to explain the key role of a leader in enculturating staff self-care. She will describe methods to incorporate self-care into any situation at every level.

Authentic and Extraordinary Leadership for Achieving Success

April 28, 12:30  1 p.m. EST

Kim Nagy, former Northwest Community Healthcare EVP and CNO, will share a unique experiential perspective on the role authentic leadership, peer support and resiliency all play in achieving organizational imperatives. This session will help identify leadership characteristics and develop support systems that add value to your professional stories/experiences, enabling the nurse leader to achieve a higher level of resiliency and professional accomplishment.

This is one way we can give back and support our colleagues on the front lines, said Dan Tipton, Tipton Health president and CEO. We cant thank enough the brave health care professionals who are on the front lines every day. We also thank Mary, Rosemarie, Joan and Kim for giving their time and knowledge to help their peers.

For more information on these webinar sessions and the consultants running them, visit https://tiptonhealth.com/webinars/, to register.

About Tipton Health Communications

Tipton Health is a leading provider of nursing excellence, Magnet, Pathway to Excellence and Practice Transition Accreditation Program consulting support to the nations hospital and healthcare systems. In addition, Tipton Health supports clients nationwide with award-winning communications services, including employee communications, human resources communications, public relations, marketing communications, intranet and Internet design, graphic design, and strategic communications. For more information, please visit http://www.tiptonhealth.com.

Tipton Health Communications products and services are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the ANCC. ANCC Magnet Recognition, ANCC National Magnet Conference, Institute for Credentialing Innovation, Magnet, Magnet Recognition Program, The Magnet Prize and Pathway to Excellence Program are registered trademarks of the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Journey to Magnet Excellence and Pathway to Excellence in Long Term Care are trademarks of the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
The coronavirus pandemic that has crippled big-box retailers and mom and pop shops worldwide may be making a dent in illicit business, too.

In Chicago, one of Americas most violent cities, drug arrests have plummeted 42% in the weeks since the city shut down, compared with the same period last year. Part of that decrease, some criminal lawyers say, is that drug dealers have no choice but to wait out the economic slump.

The feedback Im getting is that they arent able to move, to sell anything anywhere, said Joseph Lopez, a criminal lawyer in Chicago who represents reputed drug dealers.

Overall, Chicagos crime declined 10% after the pandemic struck, a trend playing out globally as cities report stunning crime drops in the weeks since measures were put into place to slow the spread of the virus. Even among regions that have the highest levels of violence outside a war zone, fewer people are being killed and fewer robberies are taking place.

Still, law enforcement officials worry about a surge of unreported domestic violence, and what happens when restrictions lift  or go on too long.

Its rare for a city to see a double-digit drop in crime, even over a much longer period. During New York Citys 1990s crime decline, one of the biggest turnarounds in American history, crime dropped about 40% over three years. That makes the drop-offs occurring now  in a period of just a couple of weeks  even more seismic.

Across Latin America, crime is down to levels unseen in decades.

Killings are down, and the gangsters arent harassing so much, Eduardo Perdomo, a 47-year-old construction worker, said while getting off a bus in San Salvador. I think theyre afraid of catching the virus, and they arent going out.

El Salvador reported an average of two killings a day last month, down from a peak of 600 a day a few years ago.

Much of the decrease has taken place because of tougher security policies and gang truces. But the imposition of near-total limits on movement is likely driving it down further, according to analysts and national statistics.

In Peru, where crime levels fell 84% last month, Lima mortician Raul Gonzalez usually has as many as 15 bodies a day  many are homicide victims. This week he napped on a bench after six hours without a client.

There are almost no killings or car accidents these days, Gonzalez said.

In this April 10, 2020, photo, Detroit Police Capt. Jevon Johnson, right, talks with Lt. Pride Henry outside the TCF Center, in Detroit. The coronavirus pandemic that has crippled big-box retailers and mom and pop shops worldwide may be making a dent in illicit business, too. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)AP

In South Africa, police reported a stunning decline during their first week of lockdown measures. Police Minister Bheki Cele said reported rapes were down from 700 to 101 over the same period last year. Serious assault cases plummeted from 2,673 to 456, and murders fell from 326 to 94.

The U.S. virus epicenter in New York saw major crimes  murder, rape, robbery, burglary, assault, grand larceny and car theft  decrease by 12% from February to March. In Los Angeles, 2020 key crimes statistics were consistent with last years figures until the week of March 15, when they dropped by 30%.

Theres a lot fewer opportunities for criminals to take advantage of, said Joe Giacalone, a former New York Police Department sergeant who now teaches at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Most burglars, they wait for you to leave the house.

Policing has also changed in the face of the pandemic. Officers are increasingly getting sick; the NYPD, the countrys largest department with more than 36,000 officers, has more than 7,000 officers out and more than 2,000 diagnosed with COVID-19.

And U.S. authorities say they're issuing citations instead of making low-level arrests, policing social distancing and putting detectives into patrol cars  which could, in turn, bring down crime rates.

While departments are unlikely to announce theyve backed off policing certain crimes, thats going to be the case, said Bowling Green State University criminologist Philip Stinson.

In many respects, over the next weeks, theyre really in survival mode, he said.

But while narcotics arrests are down, drug sales continue, with dealers likely forced to change their strategies, said Rodney Phillips, a former gang member in Chicago who now works as a conflict mediator in the city.

These guys already face poverty and death in these areas, he said. They might be selling more online now. But they arent going to give up just because of the coronavirus.

A Maryland man accused of operating a Darknet store selling prescription opioids boasted on his vendor page: Even with Corona Virus the shop is running at full speed.

He told an undercover FBI agent he was just waiting for a shipment because this corona virus (sic) is (expletive) up inventory, according to court documents.

Other crimes, however, may be fueled by shutdown orders.

In this April 9, 2020, photo, amid concerns of the spread of COVID-19, Dallas ISD police officers Mylon Taylor, left, and Gary Pierre push a car that ran out of gas while waiting in line for the weekly school meal pick up for students in Dallas. The coronavirus pandemic that has crippled big-box retailers and mom and pop shops worldwide may be making a dent in illicit business, too. (AP Photo/LM Otero)AP

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said the city's aggravated assaults were up 10% in the last three weeks, and half of those were domestic violence, a significantly higher proportion than normal. Calls to Missouris child abuse and neglect hotline dropped by half as the virus first struck the state. Advocates said the calls aren't made because the kids aren't in school.

And Chicago did see a spike in gun violence this week, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, which reported 60 shootings  19 fatal  between Sunday and Thursday.

San Jose, California, Police Chief Eddie Garcia hopes the downward trend will continue after the pandemic is over. But his officers are preparing for the worst.

The longer were in a lockdown, he said, the more were playing with fire.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. But for others, especially older adults and people with health problems, it can cause severe symptoms like pneumonia. More than 1.5 million cases have been diagnosed worldwide.
China, France support WHO in playing due role in COVID-19 fight: FMs

Global Times

Source:Xinhua Published: 2020/4/10 17:15:44

China and France support the World Health Organization (WHO) in playing its due role in combating COVID-19, said Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian over phone on Thursday.

Wang again conveyed consolations to the French side in the anti-virus fight and expressed gratitude to the French Embassy in China for lowering its flag at half-mast during China's recent mourning activities for the martyrs and victims of COVID-19.

The French side has made positive progress in purchasing medical supplies from China, and China is ready to continue to offer assistance and convenience, Wang said.

Wang added that China's civil aviation authorities have launched a "green passage" for approval of cargo charter flights, which will keep the transportation for urgently needed materials convenient and smooth.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to the quality of export products and has taken strict supervision measures on the export of medical supplies, he said.

Wang expressed the hope that the French side would ensure the health and safety, as well as legitimate rights and interest, of Chinese citizens in France, especially the students studying there.

Wang said as permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and France should enhance solidarity and coordination in face of the daunting challenge posed by COVID-19, jointly support multilateralism and build consensus for the international community to join hands in the fight against the epidemic.

Any attempt to shift blame on others is irresponsible, he noted.

China appreciates that French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone conversation yesterday with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and reaffirmed trust and support for the UN health agency, said Wang.

Wang said the WHO, upholding a scientific and impartial stand, is leading the global fight against the epidemic on the front line.

The WHO chief and his colleagues have worked day and night to devote their efforts to the cause of safeguarding the public health of human beings, Wang noted, adding that their important contributions deserve recognition from the international community and their professional opinions need to be respected by all countries around the world.

China is willing to work with France to actively support the WHO in playing its due role in global anti-epidemic cooperation and jointly safeguard the international public health security, Wang said.

China also stands ready to enhance cooperation with the French side in helping African countries to combat the epidemic, he added.

For his part, Le Drain said the Chinese side had held mourning activities for the martyrs and victims in the COVID-19 fight and that the French side would like to again express its sympathy.

He thanked China for its support to France in procurement, export and delivery of medical supplies.

France stands ready to strengthen multilateral coordination with China in combating the pandemic so as to further enrich their comprehensive strategic partnership, the French minister said.

Sharing Wang's view on the WHO, Le Drian said that the French side firmly supports the WHO in playing an important role in the anti-epidemic fight and strengthening its operations in Africa.

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Gardner has developed a delivery routine during the pandemic: First, he lets the customer know he is on the way. When he arrives, he puts on a fresh pair of gloves and a face mask. After he tells the customer he has arrived, the buyer will usually head to his car to pick up the order.
Residents in one of the country's most exclusive suburbs have been 'inundating' police with phone calls about their holiday homeowner neighbours spending the Easter weekend at their beach houses.

Northern Beaches Police Area Command in Sydney has reportedly been 'constantly' contacted by residents in Palm Beach claiming people have been breaking coronavirus travel restrictions.

The calls follow NSW Arts Minister Don Harwin being fined last week after it was revealed he had travelled to his Pearl Beach investment property on the Central Coast in March and was staying there during the cornavirus lockdown.

A deserted Manly Beach following its closure on April 05, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. Northern Beaches Council closed Manly, North Steyne, Queenscliff, Freshwater and Palm Beach after crowds were seen gathering there defying social distancing regulations

Manly Beach in the Northern Beach Council area (pictured) was looking busy on Easter Saturday despite authorities saying everyone should be at home unless they have an essential reason to go out

'We can't keep up,' one officer - who wanted to remain anonymous - told the Sydney Morning Herald.

'We're getting so many calls [with people saying] my neighbour's house is just a holiday home and they are here for Easter or the school holidays, the minister got a fine, so should he,' the officer said.

Mr Harwin was forced to resign from his senior government position on Friday after receiving the fine.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it was 'apprpriate' for the minster to resign after the government has 'asked the community to make greater sacrifices than all of us have ever had to make before.'

Mr Harwin, who was pictured in seemingly good spirits in Rushcutters Bay in Saturday after returnning to his Sydney apartment, claims he had been at his holiday residence since before the travel restrictions were brought in.

The Easter weekend usually sees thousands of holiday-makers heading away for the long weekend.

Former NSW Arts Minister Don Harwin pictured in Rushcutter Bay on Saturday after returning to his Sydney apartment

However, after pleas from authorities not to travel in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak roads, caravan parks, and campgrounds have been quiet across the country.

One worker at the upmarket Palm Beach Wine Store said the weekenders were in town in their droves.

'It's a small community, we recognise most locals and people who come here all the time,' the staff member said.

'This weekend with Easter, there's been a lot more people up here. There's not ridiculous amounts and it's not like normal school holidays or a long weekend, but they are definitely here on the weekends, especially this weekend.'

After social distancing measures were enforced by states and territories the rate of new coronavirus infections has steadily decreased.

'This, in many ways, is the most important weekend we may face in the whole course of the virus,' Greg Hunt said on Thursday.

In an effort to prevent a resurgence in infections, state authorities will are out in force cracking down social distancing rule breakers during the four-day religious holiday.

Palm Beach on the NSW Central Coast is where Don Harwin's $1.3 million beach house is located

Police officers are seen stopping care at the NSW ansd QLD border after entry was closed for non-permit holders in a bid to restrict travel and slow COVID-19 in it's tracks

'As we go into Easter with welcome news for Australia, the virus does not take a holiday, therefore none of us can relax what we do,' Mr Hunt said.

'If we can lock in the gains that we've made as a nation through the courage and sacrifice of those on the health, medical and policing frontlines, but also through the immense goodwill and discipline of Australians, then we can help really protect Australian lives going forward and give ourselves the pathway through.'

Australians are advised to stay at home unless they leave for an essential purpose such as to get food, go to a job that can't be done remotely, get medical treatment, or exercise.

Police across the country have been empowered to hand out fines to those who break the public health orders with more then $1million worth being handed out already. .
Thousands of people are fleeing Liberian capital Monrovia as a state of emergency goes into effect on Saturday. With 37 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and five deaths reported, President George Weah declared a total countrywide lockdown in order to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

As a further measure under this state of emergency, all Liberians and residents within the borders of Montserrado County, Margibi County, Nimba County, and Grand Kru County are to stay at home for the next 14 days, beginning at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2020, Weah said in his declaration to the nation.

In these four counties, no movement is possible without access passes. The other 11 counties will be permitted to move in other communities, but none are allowed to move from one region to another. The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and joint securities will enforce this directive during the 14-day period.

The new measures aim to reinforce the public's adherence to health protocols in order to limit the spread of the virus, as health authorities complained about non-compliance exhibited by some Liberians.

Health Minister Wilhelmina Jallah fears that communities refusing to work with health workers would put many lives at risk and further weaken any effective response of an already fragile health system.

Sometimes when you get to these communities where cases were recorded, people are dogging you, taking their relatives and running away. At times they unleashed their dogs on healthcare workers, she said as she provided updates on the country's efforts on the fight against the virus.

Liberians prepare for the lockdown

Immediately following the pronouncement, thousands of people in the capital Monrovia were out on the street, searching for food or trying to flee.

In the commercial hub of Paynesville outside of Monrovia, 46-year-old Hawa Massaley tells RFI she went to purchase enough food for their upkeep during these period.

I am a businesswoman, and in times like these we must prepare. We don't know how long this crisis will last so we are buying enough food that will keep us going, she said as her supplies were loaded on a commercial vehicle.

Others tried to flee Monrovia, such as 32-year-old unemployed Mafanta Sheriff.

I attempted to go to my parents in the rural areas but with an increase in the transportation fare I am compelled to stay,' she says, disappointed.

Before the President's pronouncement, she had paid L$800 (3.50) to visit her parents in Suakoko, Central Liberia, but was shocked to know that the fare has increased to L$3,000 (14).

I appealed to the drivers to accept L$2000 (9) but they refused. I can't force it. I will go back home. We will struggle to survive, she adds.

To add to the stress, all banks in Liberia were closed on Friday due to the Good Friday holiday.

Sheriff was just one of many who were trying to flee the capital into rural communities where they say life will be more flexible than living in Monrovia during the state of emergency.

Single mother of four Yamah Kezelee, 52, a resident of West Point, Liberia's biggest slum, was among dozens of people in the waterside market in central Monrovia, ignoring health protocols to try and sell her wares.

For Kezelee, whose survival depends on her daily sales of avocados and bananas, she says she is more worried about hunger than the virus.

It's preferable that the virus kills us than the hunger, she says.

This is what I sell daily to feed my children. I am aware the virus is real but I decided to come to this crowded market just to sell and buy few cups of rice, she said.

The pronouncement has forced people to cluster in various shops and business areas to buy what they can.

Water and electricity shortages

Additionally, a water and electricity shortage remains a challenge for great number of people.

For nearly seven days Ansu Sheriff, a resident of central Monrovia, says he and several residents have been without water supply, stressing that they depend on the sale of water in containers by wheel barrel boys to survive.

How can we go into quarantine without water and electricity? It means we are going to die. Let the government focus and ensure these basic services are affordable, he says, expressing grave concern.

Parts of the city, such as 9th through 12th streets in Sinkor as well as Barnersville and other adjacent communities are without electricity.

How do we charge our cell phones if we are not to leave? How do we keep our kids indoors when there is no electricity?, asks Moses Acquaoi, a resident of 11th Street in Sinkor.

No government economic plan for poor

People throughout the country, but especially in Monrovia, are worried that the government did not provide any practical economic plan to assist low-income earners, extremely poor people and people with disabilities.

Representative Francis Saidy Dopoh III is one lawmaker who insists there should be incentives to ensure that supplies of staple and essential foods are regionally and sufficiently available for vulnerable communities.

The Government should ensure that employees of Government receive salary advances, while private companies are encouraged to do whatever they can to give their employees advances, he says.

Small businesses that have loan obligations should have repayment deferred, including tax returns filings, he adds.

But despite his criticism, Information Minister Eugene Nagbe told a local radio station that his government is working to assist vulnerable people.

He further noted that his government has already disbursed March 2020 salaries for all public sector employees, adding that water and electricity will shortly be restored.

Although President Weah declared the state of emergency, the Liberian legislature has yet to decide whether the proclamation of a state of emergency is justified, by order of Article 88 of the constitution. They will need to vote within 72 hours resulting in a two-thirds majority in order for the proclamation to be official.
By Associated Press

MANADO: Angry inmates set fire to an overcrowded prison on Indonesia's Sulawesi island during a riot erupted late Saturday over measures imposed to contain the coronavirus, officials said.

Hundreds of police and soldiers were deployed to take control of Tuminting prison in Manado city, the capital of North Sulawesi province, which is designed to house 490 inmates but now has more than 550, said Lukmasono, the head of Justice and Human Rights provincial office.

Lukmasono, who goes by a single name, a preliminary investigation revealed that many inmates, mostly drug offenders, were angered by restrictions on family visits and envious following the early release of 115 inmates to curb the spread of the coronavirus in prisons.

They went on the rampage and started fires, and other inmates joined the protest and it turned violent, but there were no reports of deaths, Lukmasono said.

Television video showed prisoners in an open field under heavy guard by soldiers while orange flames and black smoke billow from a building, and burned office equipment, documents and broken glass are scattered around the prison.

Indonesia has released more than 36,550 inmates in a desperate bid to stop coronavirus from rampaging through its notoriously overcrowded prison system, said Rika Aprianti, the directorate general of Corrections at Justice and Human Rights spokesperson.

Inmates due to have served two-thirds of their sentences by December will be freed under assimilation and reintegration programs, the ministry said in a decree.

It said juvenile inmates set to have served half their jail terms by December will also be released.

Indonesia recorded 3,842 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Saturday, with 327 deaths.

Jailbreaks and riots are common in Indonesia, where overcrowding has become a problem in prisons that are struggling with poor funding and large numbers of people arrested in a war on illegal drugs.
JOHNSTON -- Due to a shortage of personal protective equipment for health care workers, Iowa public health officials issued a new order Friday meant to help hospitals, clinics and other health care providers stretch their supplies.

The directive allows health care providers, health care facilities and others who see patients to use or reuse equipment like masks and gowns beyond its shelf life, not change the gear between patient visits, prioritize face masks for essential activities, discharge COVID-19 patients once theyre stable and consider alternatives to medical-grade equipment like using homemade masks in combination with face shields, according to Sarah Reisetter, deputy director of the Iowa Department of Public Health.

The order, from Dr. Caitlin Pedati, the states medical director and epidemiologist, also provides new legal immunity for hospitals and other facilities in Iowas health care system that make a good-faith effort to get face masks and other protective equipment.

We understand the issuance of this order may be unsettling but due to the global shortage of PPE supply, weve determined that now is the time to take this action, Reisetter told a news conference Friday at the states emergency operations center.

Unfortunately, were in a position where  like many states and countries across the globe  we are preparing for a time when we might not have enough of these supplies.

Gov. Kim Reynolds reassured Iowans that positive cases of the novel coronavirus are plateauing even though Fridays count included 118 new cases that brings the total to 1,388.

Two more COVID-19 deaths were reported, both of Linn County residents  one between 61 and 80 and one 81 or older. So far, 31 people have died in Iowa as result of the disease  nine of them in Linn County.

The latest figures show COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in 81 of Iowas 99 counties. Linn County continues to lead the state with 225 known cases, followed by Johnson County with 185, Polk County with 147, Scott County with 99, Muscatine County with 80 and Washington and Tama counties with 70 each.

When we started this week, I told Iowans that it would be a difficult one and it has been, the governor said. But she also pointed to reassuring signs by noting that 14,565 Iowans have tested negative for the virus  including 862 in the latest report  and that 36 percent, or 506 Iowans, have recovered from the virus. Friday, 119 Iowans remained hospitalized.

Reynolds said trend lines show were doing the right thing but our work is not yet done.

Health Department metrics expected a climb in daily COVID-19 case numbers, Reisetter said, but she added that onset of symptoms data had flattened and thats really the whole goal of public health mitigation efforts is to see a flattening so that we have a flat plateau of illness and infection. The ideal goal would be to avoid ever really seeing a peak and a spike in cases.

The state has not shared with the public details of the metrics health officials are using to assert the curve is flattening, though reporters have repeatedly asked.

Reisetter said a projected medical gear shortage was not being created by Iowas surge in new cases of COVID-19  the potentially deadly respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus  that have overwhelmed health care systems in other states.

Todays order isnt a reflection of an increased spike in cases. Todays order is an acknowledgment that PPE supplies are low globally as well as in the United States, and so the order gives guidance and direction to health care providers to the extent that they cant get the PPE that they would normally use to provide the standard of care that they normally provide, she said.

Its not a reflection of an anticipated peak or spike or anything like that. Its a reflection of the fact that supplies are low, additional PPE is hard to find, and so it gives health care providers instructions about what to do if they cant find the PPE or they cant acquire the PPE that they need.

Reynolds praised Iowa businesses, residents and prisoners for stepping up to help produce needed equipment for health care workers across the state.

Weve had an all-hands-on-deck, all-of-the-above approach, the governor said.

Also Friday, Reynolds told reporters that one unintended consequence of her restrictive emergency orders that closed restaurants, bars and many other businesses while keeping grocery stores and other essential functions operating has been the food insecurity created for some 354,000 Iowans.

The situation has strained demand on food banks, pantries and other providers, but the governor said the state remains committed to feeding even more Iowans in these troubling times. To respond, Reynolds said she has created the Feeding Iowans Task Force led by Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg.

The task force will coordinate resources, identify gaps and let Iowans know how to find help  starting with the states coronavirus.iowa.gov.

Iowans who have tested positive include 537 people between the ages of 41 and 60; 432 people between 18 and 40; 322 people between 61 and 80; 80 people 81 or older; and 17 under 18, according to state data. In all, 714 women and 674 men have tested positive in Iowa.

According to the Health Department, the locations and age ranges of the 118 new cases are:

 Allamakee County, one middle-age adult (41-60);

 Black Hawk County, six adults (18-40 years), seven middle-age adults (41-60 years), one older adult (61-80 years);

 Cedar County, one adult (18-40 years);

 Clarke County, one middle-age adult (41-60 years);

 Clayton County, one adult (18-40 years);

 Clinton County, two middle-age adults (41-60 years), one older adult (61-80 years);

 Dubuque County, one middle-age adult (41-60 years);

 Fayette County, one middle-age adult (41-60 years);

 Harrison County, one older adult (61-80 years);

 Henry County, one adult (18-40 years), one older adult (61-80 years);

 Jasper County, one adult (18-40 years);

 Johnson County, one child (up to 17 years), five adults (18-40 years), six middle-age adults (41-60 years), two older adults (61-80 years);

 Linn County, three adults (18-40 years), four middle-age adults (41-60 years), two older adults (61-80 years), one elderly adult (81+);

 Louisa County, five adults (18-40 years), six middle-age adults (41-60 years), three older adults (61-80 years);

 Marshall County, two adults (41-60 years);

 Muscatine County, two adults (18-40 years), eight middle-age adults (41-60 years), one older adult (61-80 years);

 Osceola County, one middle-age adult (41-60 years);

 Polk County, six adults (18-40 years), one older adult (61-80 years);

 Pottawattamie County, one middle-age adult (41-60 years);

 Scott County, three adults (18-40 years), six middle-age adults (41-60 years), one older adult (61-80 years, one elderly adult (81+);

 Tama County, four adults (18-40 years), three middle-age adults (41-60 years);

 Union County, one older adult (61-80 years);

 Wapello County, one adult (18-40 years);

 Warren County, one adult (18-40 years), one middle-age adult (41-60 years);

 Washington County, two adults (18-40 years), two middle-age adults (41-60 years), one older adult (61-80 years);

 Winnebago County, one adult (18-40 years);

 And Woodbury County, three middle-age adults (41-60 years).

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When COVID-19 bubbled up in Wuhan, China, in January, Cambia Health Solutions started holding emergency preparedness meetings. The health system made the assumption the disease was coming to the United States, and with the help of an emergency preparedness coordinator, Cambia started pressure testing against a pandemic.

CEO Mark Ganz, who is known as a disruptor and an innovator in the healthcare space, told Beyond Wells Sheila Hamilton, We were not caught flatfooted. We got all of our employees working from home within one week.

Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, Portland-based Cambia Health Solutions had been addressing behavioral health as a core component of overall health. It made efforts to decrease the stigma regarding mental illness, to promote access to behavioral healthcare, and to get people treatment when they need it.

Then, Ganz had his own battle with what he presumes was COVID-19 and the extreme anxiety that came with it.

The last week of February, I was in San Diego for a meeting. I flew home and sat next to a middle-aged woman with a dry cough," he said. "Her habits were not the best, and every time she coughed, I felt it.

Three days later, Ganz was sick with a kind of virus hes never battled before. Ganz declined to go on a mini-spring break with his family in order to quarantine and rest. (And to be home making decisions for his company.)

The state was not yet testing for COVID-19 unless patients were sick enough to be hospitalized and Ganz says he is not the kind of person to ask for special treatment.

Ganz was surprised to find he wasnt just dealing with the physical effects of COVID-19 but the mental stress related to the pandemic: the pressure to mobilize his company, reading multiple articles about the illness, and battling the virus alone in quarantine.

Ive always been a resilient human being, very decisive,' he said. "That Sunday, a week into the illness, the anxiety was out of control. I thought I cant do this.

Even though he was still weak, Ganz began moving his body to unleash the anxiety, pushing himself to chop wood and going for long walks. He turned off the television and concentrated on healing his body and mind. Thank goodness, my family came home to help smooth things out, he said.

Public health officials have given decisive instructions on what to do to flatten the curve of COVID-19, but there have been very few instructions as to what to do for peoples mental health.

Before the new coronavirus emerged, Cambia had put an emphasis on behavioral health as a core component of overall health. The mental health crisis will be the long tail of this pandemic, Ganz says. Mental health drives physical health drives mental health. Imagine being young, single, quarantined, and then losing your job and living in a small apartment. Im very concerned.

Cambia Medical Director Jim Polo says, One of the things that makes this circumstance unique is what we are trying to do with social distancing, which is slow the spread, is creating severe emotional challenges. Social distancing keeps us away from other people, a source of great comfort for most. The other thing is that people are out of work, and there is tremendous financial strain. All of this creates an emotionally difficult situation.

Cambias early adoption of telehealth has helped customers access both behavioral health care and see their primary care doctors. Ganz also views the adoption of telehealth as an unexpected silver lining for hospitals.

Hospitals are worried about their financials. We all are," he said. "We are in the black swan of black swan events, and none of us know what it is going to be like nine months from now. But if Providence hospital can go from 400 calls last year to a forecasted 460,000 calls this year, they are going to be fine. It will allow other patients, with other diseases and challenges to continue to access care. This is not a perfect system, but it is workable.

Ganz also sees more behavioral health providers offering telehealth services, which offer the patient confidentiality and convenience. It may be the silver lining of the pandemicbetter access to lifesaving care.

Mark Ganz may be one of the tens of millions of people who contracted COVID-19 and who might never know for certain if he carries antibodies to the virus. Today, he is cautiously optimistic that he wont be re-infected. But, the physical and psychological implications of the virus will leave a lasting impression on Ganz and the way he leads.
NORWAY  Mayor Tracie Clemons and the Town of Norway have implemented additional measures beyond those mandated by Gov. Henry McMaster to keep their citizens safe, and these guidelines have been stated on the towns Facebook page.

Clemons stated, Per the CDC, all citizens are to wear a face mask in public.

Norway Police Dept (NPD) can disperse groups of 3 or more per SC Code 16-7-10, she added.

She warned, NPD will pull over all out of state tagged vehicles as a precautionary [measure] (please note that there's an order for anyone visiting from hot spot states; they must quarantine for 14 days).

Mayor Clemons also gave some updated information on local businesses.

Horizon Gas Station will allow up to five people in the store at a time. PLEASE, NO LOITERING, she stated.

Mayor Clemons added, Gibson's Food Restaurant is CLOSED IN ITS ENTIRETY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

She next gave guidelines on water bill payments:

Mail in water bill payments instead of coming out. Be sure to get them in the mail to arrive by the 18th of each month. Please note that late fees are still applicable.

Clemons earlier stated that the Town of Norway will adhere to all orders set forth by Gov. Henry McMaster on Tuesday, April 7.

She stated they are the following:

STAY AT HOME/WORK unless visiting family, travel for essential workers/goods/services

If orders are violated, penalties include a $100 fine and/or up to 30 days of jail time.

For more information, email at mayorclemons@gmail.com or call the Town Hall at 803-263-4300.

Contact the writer: rbaxley37@gmail.com
Freixenet Copestick secures new warehouse and reveals raft of NPD for off-trade

Freixenet Copestick has said its online wine retailer Slurp has taken on a new warehouse and more staff to deal with the continued increase in demand, while alongside this the wine producer is rolling out a number of new products for the off-trade.

Freixenet's managing director, Robin Copestick, told DRN: All online wine retailers recorded an increase in demand just before and over the lockdown period. Slurp was in a good position when this happened because it did have its own warehouse and it did its own packing so that made it able to cope with demand in the short-term, but demand is continuing so that led to the decision to take on a new warehouse and seven new members of staff.

Slurp gained 3,500 customers over the last few weeks, which is more than our yearly target for customer acquisition.

On the evening of March 24, when Boris Johnson addressed the nation, we took more than 120,000 whereas a normal daily turnover would be more like 5,000, so it is not normal at all.

People dont really want to go out food shopping very often and the on-trade is shut, so they cant go out, which means online businesses are in a good position.

For the overall Freixnet Copestick business, Copestick said it has been a very challenging few weeks, although he confirmed the company is doing well.

He said: Obviously the global situation is incredibly serious and I dont want to downplay that, but I think we can do our bit by helping to make nice wine, bring new ideas and a bit of fun to everybody

"It is interesting the way the UK market has evolved and I think brands are becoming really important again. We had a stage where it was all about own-label and when half-price promotions were all over the place. But I think that when we moved on from all of those promotions we started to see branded lines - particularly ones that can really excite the consumer - actually started to do really well and retailers are now understanding that as well."

The company decided not to put a hold on NPD and in recent days it has launched an Italian still wine collection under its Freixenet label, which has already secured a few listings, and also an I Heart Superheroes concept.

Referring to the latter, he said: It was meant to just be a giveaway for the NHS and that was the original idea. And then we thought yes, the NHS is doing an incredible job but so are all the other key workers and the mums and dads, and so we extended the concept. The I Heart Instagram page has just gone mad. We had 1,300 nominations just on the first day, and we are giving away 2,500 bottles.

Tesco and Sainsburys saw the design and they want it on their shelves as well so we have 100,000 bottles now to be made with that label. It will be on shelves early May. So despite the crisis and despite the retailers being really up against it, they still really want these ideas to come, and so that has been incredible.

The company is also set to launch a Care For Wild wine and partnership with Care For Wild Rhino Sanctuary in South Africa.

Copestick said: I have really high hopes for this one. South Africa makes some really good wine but for whatever reason none of the South African wines are engaging the consumer, but I think this can do it and it has a great story too.

We are going to do as big a marketing push as we possibly can with some advertising and we are doing to bring in enough wine so that we can sell it to some indies as well.

We are in a lucky position to be able to use Slurp as a test case and that is where we will launch it first. We can then go to the multiple retailers and say we launched it at this price point and consumers loved it. And all the while providing some good business for Slurp too.

"The retailers I have shown it to so far are very interested.

Freixenet Copestick also plans to add to its I Heart brand over the coming weeks.

It is about to launch a French Mediterranean Provence-style rose, which is just being bottled. It will also add a Malbec to the varietal range. The brand already has a Reserve Malbec and now it is adding one in the 6 bottle range, which will launch in Morrisons in the summer.

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The army on Friday targeted Pakistani positions across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmirs Keran sector with artillery guns and caused severe damage to posts, terror launch pads and an ammunition dump in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, said two officials familiar with the details of the operation.

The assault was launched in response to an unprovoked ceasefire violation by the Pakistani army days after five commandos belonging to an elite army Special Forces (SF) unit were killed in action along the LoC, the de facto border, in the same sector on Sunday during an intense close-quarters battle with an equal number of terrorist infiltrators who were all eliminated.

The army had received intelligence inputs on Friday about another infiltration attempt in the same sector, said one of the officials cited above. Terrorists often sneak into Jammu & Kashmir under cover fire from the Pakistani army.

The Indian army released a 48-second video clip showing heavy artillery blasting some positions, including an ammunition dump that is seen exploding in a huge ball of fire.

As reported by HT on April 8, there has been an unusual spike in ceasefire violations by the Pakistan army along the LoC this year to help infiltrators sneak into Jammu & Kashmir compared to border violations in the previous years. The Pakistani army has carried out more ceasefire violations during January-March this year compared to the corresponding periods of the previous two years.

Pakistan violated the ceasefire 1,144 times between January and March, with the highest number of violations (411) being recorded last month when Covid-19 cases started peaking globally.

It has carried out 53 ceasefire violations this month (as of April 6). Figures show that the Pakistan army violated the ceasefire 685 times in 2019 and 627 times in 2018 from January to March. The J&K police said Pakistan violated the ceasefire in Uri sector of Baramulla district as well.

Last month, a house was damaged when Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged fire along the LoC in the Uri sector.

The Pakistani troopers attacked Indian posts with small arms and mortar shells along the LoC in Poonch district through this week.

Last week, six security personnel were injured in Sunderbani-Nowshera sector when Pakistan violated ceasefire.
Not much stays secret for long at Pearl Beach. There is one road into town, and many of its 500-odd residents are journalists or lawyers. "It's snoopy," said one. "People look out for each other, but the downside is that everyone can see what everyone else is doing."

So when media crews converged outside former Arts Minister Don Harwin's house on Thursday morning, amid accusations he had defied the Premier's orders to stay home and fled to his holiday house by the beach, birdsong was drowned out by the sound of phones ringing.

And the buzz has only intensified in the days since, as locals ponder the question: who dobbed on Don?

Don Harwin was caught relocating to his Central Coast holiday home. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Pointed questions have flown in all directions. Some wondered if the alarm was raised by a local given that the average age of those who live in the Central Coast hamlet is over 60. Residents had been vocal about their fears of outsiders importing COVID-19.
Bangladesh executes killer 

of independence leader: Bangladesh has executed a killer of the country's independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, nearly 45 years after the brutal assassination, a prison official said. Abdul Majed, a former military captain, was arrested Tuesday in Dhaka. Majed had publicly announced his involvement in the assassination and had reportedly been hiding in India for many years. He recently returned to Bangladesh. Majed is one of a dozen defendants sentenced to death in 1998 for their involvement in the Aug. 15, 1975, killing of Rahman and most of his family.
Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan recently took to his social media page to thank all frontline warriors including doctors, nurses and others providing essential services, for serving the nation during this time of COVID-19 crisis.

The Thugs Of Hindostan actor tweeted, "Really appreciate the work that the doctors, nurses, hospital staff members, the Maharashtra Police, and the Maharashtra administration, the BMC and all the staff in the essential services, all across Mumbai ad Maharashtra are doing in this time of crisis. For that matter, all across the country. Thank you."

Check out his tweet here.

Recently, Aamir pledged to contribute to PM-CARES fund as well as to the Maharashtra Chief Minister Relief Fund. He has also extended support to the daily wage workers of his upcoming film, Laal Singh Chaddha.

Film critic and trade analyst, Taran Adarsh shared the details about the superstar's donations on his Twitter page.

He tweeted, "AamirKhan donates to... #PMCares #Maharashtra Chief Minister Relief Fund, Extended support to the daily wage workers of his forthcoming film #LaalSinghChaddha."

Earlier, Aamir also supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Janta Curfew' inititative and posted on his Twitter page, "Lets all do ourselves a favour by staying at home tomorrow - Janta Curfew Day - and until such time as things settle down. Lets pray for the safety of all those working day and night to keep the rest of us safe. Love. a."

Besides Aamir, many Bollywood celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh-Deepika Padukone, Saif Ali Khan-Kareena Kapoor Khan, Vicky Kaushal, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Kartik Aaryan, Sara Ali Khan and others donated to PM-CARES Fund to help the government in fighting the battle against the highly contagious virus.

Akshay Kumar's Gabbar Is Back Co-star Dr. Ashish Gokhale Back On Duty To Treat COVID-19 Patients

Taapsee Pannu On Not Announcing Contributions To COVID-19 Relief: I Did It For Personal Satisfaction
Punjab elections: You will never have to stage another dharna says Kejriwal

Covid-19 cases are rising in Delhi, but no need to panic as hospitalisation low, says Kejriwal

No lockdown in Delhi for now but some curbs, says Arvind Kejriwal amid Covid surge

Final call on lockdown must be taken by Centre: Kejriwal tells PM

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Apr 11: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that any decision to continue with the lockdown must come from the Centre.

During the virtual meeting of the PM with the CMs. Kejriwal said that a state-wise lockdown is not advisable and hence the Centre should take a final call on the matter.

PM Modi dons home made face mask during virtual meeting with CMs

Kejriwal suggested to the PM that the lockdown should continue at least until April 30.

Taking a decision on this at the state level may not help, he also said. The transportation should not be opened including movement by road, rail or air, even if the restrictions are eased, Kejriwal also suggested.

During the meeting, Modi said that he was there 24x7 and would stand shoulder to shoulder with all the states. Many CMs said that the lockdown must be extended in a bid to contain the further spread of the pandemic.

Modi urged to talk to Trump to prevent job losses of Indians holding H-1B visa

The CMs also said that while each state has been responding differently to the crisis, the Centre must take a final call on how to go about lifting restrictions post the lockdown.

During the various meetings that the PM has held in the past few days, officials have also spoken about the economy.
Once pulsating with the shrill cries of fruit sellers, pleas of beggars and unending footfalls of shoppers, the Vaishali market is today a ghost town. Its multitude of stores selling almost everything from daily essentials to high-end electronics are shuttered and silent.

The biggest market in the working-class Vaishali suburb, barely 2 kilometers from the Delhi border, is now silent and desolate, emblematic of the catastrophic halt of commerce across the country because of the lockdown necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The lockdown has also exposed the plight of the society's underbelly -- the countless beggars who survive on the charity of people at the market to buy food, and the daily wage earners such as rickshaw pullers who have no jobs, no savings, no social safety net and are too proud to beg.

While the initial days of the world's biggest lockdown didn't seem to have altered much, as days progressed it has begun to tell a chilling tale. Visitors going to market to pick up daily essentials such as fruits and vegetables are mobbed by beggars, many of them children.

Some children begging at intersections and sidewalks are from families that worked through the day in odd jobs to earn a hand-to-mouth income.A few, begged on the streets earlier too, but now go without meals more often. Downed shutters and near-empty market also means fewer people, who used to dole out spare change.

"Maa, baap kaam par nahi jate (mother father no longer go to work)," said 9-year old Raju who begged for a few rupees to buy a meal.

The beggar kids include ragpickers and children of factory workers and daily wage earners who have exhausted all of their little savings.

That roadside tailor on a makeshift bench, who would stitch and mend for captive customers living in housing societies and flats in the area, the chaiwala whose humble tea stall was a place to unwind for those working in this once-bustling market, and the hawker who would sell knick-knacks, jewellery and other trinkets are all struggling to feed their families.

A rickshaw puller, on seeing a good samaritan, jumps out of his rickshaw to ask for money. He hasn't eaten for some time and wants to buy a banana, he says with all the dignity he can muster. Having earned an honest living, ferrying passengers in his cycle rickshaw for years, pleading for money from occasional passerby is an act driven by desperation, he says.

Another rickshaw puller says he hardly gets any passengers, and police, once in a while, drives them away. It's difficult to make ends meet, he says.

Once every a few days, someone pulls his car over, bringing foodgrains and pulses for free distribution but the seekers far outnumber the supplies.

"My family has seven people. How long will 1 kilo



flour for all of us?," asks Suman, who works as a housemaid.

The two houses where she worked have paid her full wages for March despite the lockdown, but extended lockdown beyond April 14 could cast a shadow on her future earning, if any of the households employing her refuse to pay citing full month of absenteeism, she says.

There are others like her who can no longer go to work, as housing societies have barred their entry for fear of the deadly virus. Terrified by the possibility of savings drying up, these women who work as domestic help, now try their best to leverage the doles that good samaritans give once in a while.

On a good day, when food packets are distributed by the residents of nearby societies, it is one meal less to worry about, they say.

They are also not entirely thrilled about the government package as they say wheat is being offered when there are no flour mills in operation. Also, many don't have ration cards.

Struggling through the day was always tough, they said, but the sudden, unprecedented crisis has now put life and livelihood under threat.

Roaming about barefoot, with clothes in tatters and face exposed, Raju contrasts starkly to the masked passerby he trails. Lack of mask and ignoring repeated calls for social distancing can mean obvious risks, but driven by hunger, and circumstances, that is a chance he, and others like him, are willing to take.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Jharkhand government is on the horns of a dilemma over the coronavirus lockdown as extending it would lead to financial distress and lifting it could trigger an exodus of migrants into the state, Chief Minister Hemant Soren said on Saturday.

During an interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Soren said his government is expecting over 5 lakh migrant labourers to return to their villages once the lockdown is lifted, increasing the possibility of the spread of the deadly virus.

But continuing with the lockdown will further dry up the state's revenue, he added.

"Whether the lockdown is lifted or extended, it is a difficult situation for us from both ways, Soren told the prime minister during the video conference held with chief ministers to assess the the situation in states due to the pandemic.

"As per our data, a large number of labourers are stranded in states severely affected by the coronavirus outbreak. When they will return, the situation could deteriorate. They may come as carriers of the virus," Soren said.

He said over 1.5 lakh migrant workers have already returned to Jharkhand and had to be quarantined.

Soren urged Modi to increase the daily wage under rural job scheme MGNREGA to Rs300.

"I believe the wage under MGNREGA in the state is the lowest in the country. Therefore, a large number of people from Jharkhand migrate to other states and are earning Rs 700or Rs 900 per day. Even after the recent announcement of wage hike under the scheme, it has not crossed Rs 200 in Jharkhand... So I request you to fix the wage under the scheme at Rs 300," Soren said.

The increase in wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act came into effect on April 1.

The chief minister also requested Modi to consider waiver of interest for existing loans for the current fiscal and urged him to consider releasing the GST compensation arrear.

A large number of PSUs like DVC, CCL and SAIL are functioning in Jharkhand and they havedues to the government, he mentioned.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
African leaders have been urged to be wary of donations from China in the form of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and medical supplies as the COVID-19 global pandemic takes a toll on the continent.



This follows widespread reports of faulty and contaminated Chinese PPEs across the world.



There have been several reports of various countries including Australia, United Kingdom, Spain, Holland and Czech Republic rejecting a range of products meant to fight COVID-19 from China.



Mrs. Theodosia Jackson, Principal of Jackson College of Education who made the call in a statement, said Africa must subject such donations to strict scrutiny to avert further spread of the virus.



She said the rejection of certain Chinese PPEs in some parts of Europe must serve as a red flag for African leaders to be cautious in accepting donations from the Asian giant.



All that glitter is not gold. Much as we need support to manage the pandemic, we must not endanger the lives of our people, she cautioned.



She believes there is a sinister motive by the Chinese and some western countries to undermine the sovereignty of Africa and continue to manipulate the continent to satisfy their parochial interests.



Mrs. Jackson is also appalled by the suggestion by two French scientists that a coronavirus vaccine they are working on should be tested in Africa.



Such level of disrespect to Africans must be a source of worry for African leaders to sit up and vigorously pursue an agenda to restore our dignity, she bemoaned.



She applauded the Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus for the swift manner he condemned the statement by the two scientists.



She said Africa had been treated with contempt for far too long and urged heads of states on the continent to unite to build a prosperous and independent Africa capable of managing its own affairs.



Africa has no excuse to be poor with all the natural resources at our disposal. It is time for African leaders to begin to explore how best to harness our resources to make the continent self-sufficient, she opined.



The overwhelming nature of the virus, she noted, is a wake-up call for African leaders to build the capacity of indigenous companies to meet local needs of the people in terms of production.



This, she said, would not only create jobs for the teeming unemployed youth but also improve the economy to enable the continent wean itself from foreign aid.

Source: 3news









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.

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Pandemic detectives have located a man responsible for causing four separate outbreaks of COVID-19.

The hospitality worker has been linked to dozens of cases of coronavirus after an investigation revealed infected patients had all visited one Melbourne venue.

Victoria's Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Annaliese van Diemen told the Herald Sun they soon discovered it was worse than they anticipated.

'This is the war of our generation,' Dr van Diemen said.

A hospitality worker has been linked to dozens of cases of coronavirus after an investigation revealed infected patients had all visited one Melbourne venue (stock image)

'Initially we thought there was a cluster of cases who had all been to that venue on a particular night and we thought somebody in that place had it,' Dr van Diemen said.

'A bit later there was another cluster from an event at the same place. Now there are at least three clusters linked to that venue and at least one of them has seeded off another cluster.'

The worker had been showing no strong symptoms of coronavirus, and had no reason to suspect he was infectious until being contacted by health authorities.

Health authorities have formed a 1,000 person team of contract-tracing detectives to get on top of the viral spread across Victoria.

Victoria's Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Annaliese van Diemen (pictured) is leading the fight against coronavirus in Victoria

Many of them work over the phone speaking with people who have contracted coronavirus to figure out how their movements may have spread the virus.

Interviews can take up to 90 minutes to determine the full scale of where each infected person has travelled and who they have come into contact with.

The workers are helping to restrict the further spread of COVID-19 by imposing strict isolation on those connected to any of the large recorded clusters.

Pictured: the Melbourne CBD is deserted on Good Friday after directives from health authorities to stay home

There are more than 52 separate clusters of COVID-19 in Victoria - three which are linked to large weddings.

As of midnight on Friday April 10 Victoria had a reported 1,241 cases of coronavirus ranging from babies to people in their early 90s.

Among the cases a suspected 116 are thought to be linked to community transmission, sparking concerns COVID-19 may be infectious in patients earlier than they realise.
Burial of COVID-19 victims and the resort to fake news View(s):

In the midst of the complex challenges facing the country today, prudence demands that the Government handles the challenges with a great deal of sensitivity to ensure that all its citizens are on board in these critical times. It has been emphasised over and over again the success of the national attempt to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus is largely dependent on public cooperation and support, in addition to the measures taken by the Governmental authorities.

It is compulsory the Government does not engage in any action which will have the effect of demoralising any section of the community. Experts have over and over again emphasised the need to keep peoples spirits alive, to give them the fortitude to face the difficulties of continuously staying at home, curfews, quarantine and a restricted lifestyle as demanded by the situation. The recognition and importance given to keep the morale of the citizenry high is evidenced by the collective singing on balconies by the people subject to lockdown in Wuhan and Italy, as well as the musical performances by the Police and Armed Forces at different housing complexes in Sri Lanka.

Those who are faced with the situation of their near and dear falling victim to COVID-19 are subject to even more distress. It is in this context that many voices have been raised with regard to the procedures followed in respect of the disposal of those who have succumbed to COVID-19. This has been of particular concern to the Muslim community who have been compelled to cremate those deceased due to COVID-19, when the religious practice has been to bury.

No official announcement or explanation has been made by anyone in authority as to why the burial of COVID-19 deceased is not allowed when WHO guidelines permit such burials and when over 180 countries including those badly effected such as Italy, France and the United Kingdom permit such a practice.

In fact it has not been possible to ascertain at which point in the decision making hierarchy this decision has been arrived at and the reasoning behind such a decision. At the least those affected by this decision have the right to know the reasoning.

Representations have been made by Muslim politicians and civil society as well as several others to permit the disposal of COVID-19 fatalities by burial on the basis, there is no scientific evidence to indicate that the virus can spread after burial but to no avail.

The GMOA, too, has written to the Health Services Director General Dr. Anil Jasinghe urging him to appoint a panel of scientific experts to look into the issue, and it was pointed out both the Quarantine Act and the WHO guidelines permit disposal by cremation as well as burial. There is no information such a panel has been appointed so far.

All communities in the country have made adjustments in the manifestations of their religious practices to meet the demands of the situation. The Buddhists have curtailed their gatherings at temples on Poya day and on other occasions and have confined their New Year celebrations to their homes. The Christians have remained at home on Sundays and listened to their Sunday sermons from their homes. Likewise the Hindus. The Muslims have resorted to praying at home instead of congregating in the mosques for their daily five time prayers and Friday Jumma prayers.

With regard to funerals of the COVID-19 deceased too, the necessary abbreviations to their respective religious rites have been made by all communities including the Muslims. There are four main practices that form the funeral rites of Muslims, namely, the washing of the dead body, the shrouding of the body with white cloth, conducting the Janaza (funeral) prayers alongside the body and the burial.

Religious clearance has been obtained and is being followed by dispensing with the first two rites namely, the washing of the dead body and the shrouding (which require some degree of contact with the body and could most likely spread the virus), while the Janaza prayers are prayed individually in absence of the body.

The only rite the Muslim community wishes to continue to perform is the burial (as opposed to the cremation) which is universally being practised in accordance with WHO guidelines as mentioned above. If it can be scientifically established that burial can contribute to spreading the virus, in the larger interest of society even foregoing or modifying this practice will undoubtedly be considered and justified.

However it is the Governments responsibility in a multi-religious society to be sensitive to and responsive to the feelings of any one community. Unfortunately there is no indication of such sensitivity on the part of the Government as evidenced even in the past. For example, the case of the singing of the National Anthem in Tamil on Independence Day was not permitted even though it did not infringe on the sovereignty of the country nor caused harm to any community. Such lack of sensitivity is a reflection of the mind-set that encompasses the thinking of the Government and is not helpful in the task of building National Unity and social cohesion in the difficult post COVID-19 days.

Some of the Government big wigs too seem to be only making it more difficult for the country with their reckless statements which antagonise even friendly countries. Minister Wimal Weerawansa in a TV interview cited a social media post in support of the burial should not be allowed argument. This post claimed the Ruler of Sharjah had prohibited the burial of COVID-19 victims.

In a strongly worded rebuttal the UAE Embassy in Colombo issued an official statement saying the UAE had not banned the burial of those who died of the coronavirus nor had it ordered such bodies to be cremated. The UAE Embassy statement went on to say it was shocked to note the social media post was being circulated widely in the local media in a manner which could incite racism and hatred against Sri Lankan Muslims.

The Embassy strongly condemns this deliberate attempt and urges the relevant authorities in Sri Lanka to take necessary steps to remove said news items from all websites immediately, and to rectify the misinformation by issuing an appropriate clarification, the statement concluded.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought home the truth the world is more inter-dependent than ever before. No country rich or poor, big or small, can stand alone. As much as individuals need each other at societal level, in the days to come every country will need as many friends as possible in the international community. Antagonising friendly countries is hardly an option.

(javidyusuf@gmail.com)
From the beginning of quarantine, March 12, to April 7, the police received about 42 000 calls reporting domestic violence. The press service of the National Police of Ukraine reported that."During the period of quarantine restrictions, from March 12 to April 7, the National Police received about 42 000 such calls (regarding domestic violence, - 112 International), in particular, 1,500 appeals on average per day," the message reads.The press service said that during the period from March 1 to March 11, about 18,000 such appeals were received, that is, an average of 1,650 messages per day.It is also noted that since the beginning of the year, 470 criminal proceedings have been opened for this charge. Also 11,000 urgent prohibitions were introduced.

Since the beginning of the lockdown, Ukrainian law enforcers opened 4,000 administrative protocols for breaching the lockdown. The Interior Ministry reported that on April 10.

"At the same time, some 500,000 people were fined in France, and 400,000 in Spain", reads the message.

The Ministry claims that most of the citizens live up to the quarantine restrictions. In Kyiv, the overall sum of paid fines made some 3,700 U.S. dollars.

The overall number of Covid-19 cases in Ukraine made 2,203 people. Since the beginning of the epidemic in Ukraine, 69 people deceased and 61 recovered.
The fight between City Hall and the owners of the Hard Rock Hotel over how to dismantle the partially-collapsed building spilled into public again Friday, with the developers arguing they have a new plan ready to go while city officials say theyve seen nothing of the sort.

1031 Canal Development LLC, the consortium controlled by developer Mohan Kailas that owns the Hard Rock, said Friday that Kolb Grading, the firm that has been contracted to demolish the building, could start this month.

The plan represents a return to a traditional demolition favored by the developers and away from an implosion that City Hall believes is the safest way to clear the wreckage.

Kolb is prepared to mobilize at the site immediately after Easter, even before the permit is issued, said a statement from 1031 Canal on Friday evening. The project is fully funded.

Any plan to knock down the building  either with explosives or with cranes and bulldozers  would need to be approved by engineers as well as the city. But on Friday, City Attorney Sunni LeBeouf said 1031 Canal had yet to submit anything to the city that could be approved.

Six months after the collapse, 1031 Canal has yet to produce any demolition plans for their collapsed Hard Rock hotel building, LeBeouf said in a prepared statement. The Kailas family / 1031 Canal St. Development LLC, does not have, and has not submitted, licensed engineer stamped demolition plans for their collapsed building to date.

They certainly are not waiting on the citys response, LeBeouf added.

Read OSHAs full report on New Orleans Hard Rock Hotel collapse; engineering problems highlighted The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued violations against 11 of the contractors working on New Orleans' Hard Rock Hotel 

The development group said it has submitted to the city's Safety & Permits Departments answers to 37 questions about their plans. That document was provided to WWL-TV.

The 18-story Hard Rock hotel collapsed Oct. 12, killing three people and injuring dozens more. Two of the bodies of the men killed in the collapse are still inside the wreckage.

For months after the collapse, the two sides went back and forth over what was the safest method to take down the crippled structure, with both at one point appearing to agree on an implosion that would have taken place this spring.

Hard Rock engineers serious, willful violations preceded hotel collapse, OSHA says Beams and other load-bearing structures on the upper floors of the Hard Rock Hotel were not properly designed, causing structural problems ahe

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But in recent weeks, as city officials have been occupied with trying to slow the spread of the coronavirus, those plans look to have shattered.

In March, the city and the developers sparred over which side was holding up the project in a hearing where the city successfully sought fines against 1031 Canal for blight.

And last week, federal regulators cited the buildings engineering firm, Heaslip Engineering LLC, for serious and willful violations related to flaws in how the hotel was designed.

The city has argued a traditional demolition would endanger more lives. D.H. Griffin, the contractor that was expected to dynamite the building, has said obtaining the $50 million insurance policy it required to start work would be far more expensive than anticipated and it was not clear whether it could obtain it at all.

D.H. Griffin is now suing 1031 Canal in federal court to get out of its agreement.

In a new court filing in the case that pits Griffin against 1031 Canal, the city blasted the Hard Rocks developer, writing that the companys unwillingness to pay for a safe demolition at the collapse site is evidenced by the fact that it now purports to seek the city's approval for a fifth demolition plan.

If you are abandoning moving on from the most recent plan because of money and money alone, lets solve that money problem before we move on to a new plan, Ramsey Green, the citys deputy chief administrative officer for infrastructure, said during a recent interview.

In an email to nearby businesses posted online Friday, the developers attacked the city over what it called lies about the status of the hotel's demolition.

They denied that the hold-up was because of insurance costs, but also asked the city rhetorically in the document whether they would be willing to pay for the added insurance the implosion would require of them.

New Orleans' Hard Rock Hotel demolition in limbo, city and developers backing different plans The demolition of the Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans is once again in limbo, with the city and the developers behind the project at loggerhead

Instead, they outlined their latest plan, which they said would be submitted by April 22.

In that plan, Kolb would demolish the building over the course of half a year. On that timeline, the demolition would finish around the one-year anniversary of the tragedy.

1031 Canal said the traditional demolition has already been approved by the insurer.
The ash dyke breach on Friday at Sasan Ultra Mega Power Plant in Madhya Pradeshs (MP) Singrauli is the third ash pond disaster in a year in the district, which is a severely polluted area as per the Central Pollution Control Boards (CPCB) assessment.

The CPCB has asked Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) to investigate the incident that allegedly damaged large tracts of agricultural land and killed two villagers. Four other villagers are still missing.

The CPCB is yet to release its 2018 assessment of critically polluted industrial clusters and act on them.

Weve asked the MPPCB authorities to investigate the case. There was an ash dyke leakage and low-lying areas were flooded with slurry. The investigation can conclusively prove whether was any negligence that caused the incident, said Prashant Gargava, member secretary, CPCB.

Reliance Power, which runs the plant, said in a statement on Friday evening: We are deeply anguished by the incident involving the break in the ash dump yard wall at our Sasan power plant. The break-in ash dump yard wall pushed the water leading to break  we are closely working with locals and district administration in relief and restoration work.

Last August there was a fly ash pond breach at Essars Mahan Power Plant in Singrauli district, leading to damage of crops of about 500 farmers in three villages.

On August 8, 2019, Essar had said that the ash dyke was breached by an act of sabotage and the land that was damaged was non-agricultural.

Last October, a fly ash pond of the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) had breached, damaging 30 acres of land and several cattle were also found missing. Assessments were made of earlier incidents as well. Were checking if compensation was paid for the losses incurred by the villagers, Gargava said.

This time the extent of the damage is massive. The ash pond broke around 5:30 pm on Friday and the slurry entered around 40 houses. Those (four) missing may have died. The mud wall around the pond was weak and gave way. Prime facie it appears that negligence caused the incident. People are already suffering because of loss of livelihoods amid the ongoing 21-day nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak. Who will compensate for the huge loss of farmland? asked Jagat Narayan Vishwakarma, an environmental activist from Vanavasi Seva Ashram in Singrauli.

These successive incidents ring a warning bell for Singrauli, said experts. Singrauli as a region has nearly 23 GW (gigawatts) installed coal-based capacity, which is more than 11% of the total installed capacity in the country. This dirty energy source has become a curse for the people living in the region. The air they breathe is polluted, the water they drink is contaminated and their traditional livelihood, which was heavily depended on forests, has been destroyed by rampant coal mining, said Sunil Dahiya, an analyst at Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

The ash dyke breach should not be considered as a one-off accident or a minor incident of non-compliance. Singrauli, like many other areas in the country, is a critically polluted area, with acute land, air and water contamination. Several regulatory agencies and court-based monitoring mechanism are in place to ensure exiting illegalities are acted upon and impacts redressed. This breach has taken place, despite the mechanisms, said Kanchi Kohli, legal researcher, Centre for Policy Research.

Earlier, the CPCB had submitted a list of 100 critically and severely polluted industrial clusters, which were monitored in 2018, in Singrauli, which straddles both MP and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, to the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Later, the tribunal referred to the list on July 10, 2019. The NGT in its order had directed that the CPCB in coordination with state pollution control boards to take steps in the exercise of its statutory powers under air Act, water Act and environment protection Act or any other law to prohibit the operation of polluting activities in critically and severely polluted clusters within three months.

But neither the CBCB nor the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) made the list public.

The findings of the assessment are being considered by the ministry and are likely to be released soon, said Gargava.

The assessment of industrial clusters is based on the CPCBs comprehensive environmental pollution index (CEPI), a framework for identifying critically and severely polluted industrial clusters in the country.

The score is calculated based on the scale of industrial activity and scale of compliance of environmental standards such as air, water and soil pollution.

Singrauli has a score of 62.59 as per the latest assessment. Tarapur in Maharashtra, Najafgarh drain, Anand Parbat and Okhla in Delhi and Mathura in Uttar Pradesh are the three most critically polluted clusters in the country.
U.S. The Daily Beast

Fox News White House correspondent and perpetual nemesis of Jen Psaki thought he had Joe Bidens press secretary cornered on Monday when he asked her why the president is still referring to COVID-19 as a pandemic of the unvaccinated when so many people are getting breakthrough infections. He was wrong.I understand that the science says that vaccines prevent death, Doocy began, before undercutting that basic truth. But Im triple-vaxxed, still got COVID. Youre triple-vaxxed, still got COVI
Gov. Greg Abbott will unveil plans next week to restart the shuttered Texas economy, insisting that measures can be taken to protect lives while restoring livelihoods.

We can do both, he said in a briefing, without providing details.

The remarks come as state and federal Republicans, including President Donald Trump, have begun pushing to reopen parts of the economy by early May. At the same time, infections and deaths from the coronavirus have more than doubled in Texas in the past week, with local officials expecting those numbers to continue to rise.

May is when some Texas communities expect coronavirus patient volumes to surge.

Public health experts have warned against lifting social distancing restrictions too soon, saying it could lead to new outbreaks of the coronavirus, which has infected more than 11,000 Texans and killed 221, according to state totals.

Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a Republican who is leading a task force on reopening the state economy, told GOP activists this week that he is confident it can be done by early next month, according to reports from multiple news outlets.

Were not going to open up everything immediately, but it will be done in phases, Patrick said in a call with the GOP of Texas, according to CBS Austin. We need to get started, and I hope thats the first week of May, barring any unforeseen big spikes.

State jobless claims in the past three weeks have hit 750,000, more than all the filings in 2019.

While the White House and Cabinet officials have reportedly called for removing restrictions in the next few weeks, the decision ultimately falls on governors.

Abbott and other state officials said Friday that the outbreak appears to be slowing in some counties, including Bexar, while others are less certain. Harris County continues to have the largest outbreak, with more than 3,000 cases as of Friday.

Were decreasing the rate at which the disease is growing, but that doesnt mean its over, said Department of State Health Services Commissioner John Hellerstedt.

Abbotts remark about Bexar County contradicts what public health and local government officials said earlier this week. They expect COVID-19 cases there to peak in May or early June, and they predicted that it will take several months after that for the virus to abate. If cases spike beyond current projections, local hospitals could become dangerously overrun with patients.

The New York Times reported Friday that federal health officials have projected large infection spikes if restrictions such as stay-at-home orders and school closures are lifted after 30 days. The governors stay-at-home orders currently last through the end of April.

Abbott  who did not issue his stay-home order for Texas until last week, after 30 other governors had done so  said he will lift restrictions only when it appears safe. He declined to say whether testing for the virus will have to increase significantly for the economy to reopen, saying only that it is part of the solution. The state has had among the lowest testing rates in the country.

Abbott noted that private labs are sending tests to the state but said testing should still be limited to those who show symptoms.

If you have no symptoms and you get tested, thats pointless because you could get the virus that night, he said. The virus is known to appear in people who are asymptomatic.

Gerald Parker, a Texas A&M vaccine expert, told Hearst Newspapers this week that expanded testing is critical in the weeks ahead.

Despite the rapid advancement thats occurred in lab testing over the last month, were still catching up, he said. And without the lab testing, were still almost blind to whats really happening in the community.

Staff writer Jeremy Wallace contributed to this report.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government is set to impose a total lockdown in 10 Covid-19 hotspots in the state, news agency PTI reported.

The lockdown will also be imposed in parts of Kolkata, an official said.

This comes after the West Bengal government on Friday said that it had identified 9-10 coronavirus hotspots in the state, including one in Kolkata and another in Howrah.

The administration, however, refused to name any of the hotspots as a matter of principle.

We have identified 9-10 hotspots. Complete lockdown will be maintained in these hotspots. The state will, however, ensure the supply of food and essential commodities for people living in these containment zones, chief secretary Ravija Sinha said.

This comes on the day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a tele-discussion with various chief ministers on the prevailing coronavirus situation in the country. A decision on the extension of the 21-day nationwide lockdown is likely to be taken during the meeting.

Odisha and Punjab have decided to extend the lockdown till April 30. Several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra and Karnataka, have called for lockdown enforcement beyond April 14.

Parts of Uttar Pradesh and three major cities in Madhya Pradesh have been completely sealed in the wake of the rising Covid-19 cases.

As many as 15 districts in Uttar Pradesh came under a strict lockdown from Thursday till April 15. Delhi administration has also sealed moe than 20 Covid-19 hotspots in the national capital to contain the spread of novel coronavirus.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, earlier this week, ordered three major cities - Indore, Ujjain and Bhopal - to be sealed in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

As per the latest figures released by the Ministry of Health on Saturday, the total number of coronavirus cases in the country have jumped to 7,447. The figure includes 6,565 active cases, 239 deaths and around 642 people who have recovered from the virus.
Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin has warned that the Irish Catholic Church is in danger of excluding the working-class faithful.

Following restrictions placed across the country because of the coronavirus, Mass-goers have been deprived of their usual sermons.

While broadcasting Mass on the internet has filled that void for some, the Archbishop believes it merely serves to illustrate those in society who are less well off.

Warning of the "real danger" of the Irish Church becoming a "middle-class church", Dr Martin said: "A lot of people don't have computers, especially lots of elderly people.

"A lot of elderly have no relatives whatsoever. You really have to be a church community which is out there reaching those people - that sort of witness is very important."

Expressing solidarity with people over Covid-19 restrictions, the Archbishop said the protocols are necessary to save the lives of others and combat this "extremely complicated and virulent virus".

The country's leading prelate turned 75 on Wednesday, the age at which bishops are required to submit their resignation to Pope Francis.

"It wasn't quite the usual birthday celebration," he said, but recalled that his 21st birthday was similarly curtailed as it fell on Good Friday while he was studying in the seminary.

Speaking to the Irish Independent about cocooned life, he said: "For a person like me who is maybe hyperactive, it is inconvenient and frustrating.

"We have to face the fact that this hardship is going to continue, but it is necessary to save others."

Asked about the Church's message of hope in a time of pandemic, the Archbishop said: "I think we should be very careful to in no way try and play down or cover over or sweeten up how difficult the situation is.

"Christian hope isn't magic. Christian hope is a firm conviction that, in the end, good will triumph over evil."

He said in order to make this happen, "an avalanche of goodness, help, caring and love" would be necessary.

Drawing from the Prayer of St Francis, he suggested the role of the Church at the moment was not to seek to be consoled, but to console.

"A lot of people need to be consoled and we have an opportunity to do that," he said in a telephone interview from his Dublin home.

"We have to present ourselves as a church that is the one that cares, is the one that is there in all humility and humiliation, to wash the feet of those who suffer."

He said the lessons for society from the pandemic were simple things such as good neighbourliness and the generosity of young people, things which "we will, in the end, be very proud of".

The Archbishop expressed a lack of enthusiasm for suggestions the crisis would see people turn to religion.

"They said in the last economic crisis that an economic crisis is good for religion. That is very superficial," he said.

"There are people today who may have said a prayer and they haven't said one for a long time, but that isn't a long-term commitment that is going to bring people back to faith. Many believers may even be challenged by what is happening."

Asked if he was worried people, having become used to not attending Mass, would not return to churches when the crisis is over, Dr Martin said: "It would certainly be unreasonable not to see that as a possibility."

But he believes if people see the Church has reached out "to mirror the mercy of Jesus" during the pandemic and has given itself "totally in a situation like that", it will be judged more on this than on webcam Masses.

However, he admitted he was particularly concerned about those who have lost loved ones during the crisis and have been forced by restrictions not just to scale back funerals but sometimes to have stayed away from the funerals.

"The current situation requires that we have limited numbers.

"There are other ways in which we can show solidarity to those who are mourning. One of the things is just to keep in contact," he said.

Asked about turning 75 and whether he had submitted his resignation to Pope Francis on Wednesday, Dr Martin said: "No, I didn't submit my resignation [on Wednesday] because I did it months ago.

"I communicated with the Pope some months ago and explained what I felt was good for the archdiocese of Dublin and my feeling is that it is a good time to bring in a younger person."
Visitors wearing face masks walk at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, April 7, 2020.

AP Photo/Lee Jin-man

South Korea will put wristbands on people defying quarantine, after people tricked government tracking apps by leaving their phones at home.

57,000 people who entered South Korea after April 1 are confined to their homes for 14 days but more than 160 were caught breaking curfew.

In response, the government has launched wristbands that tell officials if the person tries to cut it off or leave the home.

Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

South Korea will use wristbands to stop people breaking quarantine because government tracking apps are being easily fooled by curfew breakers who leave their phones at home.

57,000 people who entered South Korea after April 1 have been confined to their homes as a precaution for 14 days, but some are going outside regardless, according to The Associated Press and South Korea's Yonhap news agency.

The government launched several tracking apps that monitor the location of those meant to be in quarantine.

But 160 people have so far been caught violating self-isolation rules.

To counteract the problem, the wristband, which connects to the apps via Bluetooth, will alert officials if the person leaves the home, or tries to destroy the band.

Medical staff, wearing protective gear, move a patient infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19) from an ambulance to a hospital on March 9, 2020 in Seoul, South Korea.

Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

"After deep consideration, the government has decided to put electronic wristbands on people who violate self-isolation rules, such as going outside without notice and not answering phone calls," Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on Saturday, according to Yonhap.

"We have listened to quarantine experts and gathered opinions from various communities."

The punishment for breaking the curfew can be as much as a year in jail, and a fine of $8,200.

South Korean soldiers in protective gears sanitize shacks at Guryong village in Seoul, South Korea, March 3, 2020.

Reuters

The existence of the wristbands was first floated by Yoon Tae-ho, director general for public health policy at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, at a press conference on Tuesday.

"Most of those who are in quarantine are following protocols well but there have been some violations. We will come up with the most efficient measure after further discussions," Yoon said.

Story continues

Yoon added that authorities may begin random drop-in visits to those supposedly on lockdown.

Hong Kong rolled out 60,000 versions of a similar bracelet on March 16, which were given to recent arrivals to the country, with limited success.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Description

GIS  11 April, 2020: Only a single Covid-19 case was registered in the last 24 hours and as at date, Mauritius, has recorded 319 Covid-19 cases. While f ive new patients have recovered taking the total number to 28, active cases, presently, stand at 282. At the daily press briefing of the National Communication Committee on the Covid-19, this evening, its spokesperson, Dr Zouberr Joomaye, through videoconference, provided detailed information about the situation in the country .

Latest updates are:

 Three hundred tests were carried out today

 One person is currently under artificial respiratory

 A doctor and a number of healthcare personnel have been infected by the virus and are under treatment

 Seven quarantine centres are still operational and 412 persons are under quarantine

 The testing capacity has increased sevenfold from the initial 100 tests effected daily. This trend is expected to grow over the days

 A total of 7 700 tests has been conducted since the outbreak of the Covid-19

 A large amount of medical equipment ( two million masks and 100 000 protective visors) has arrived in Mauritius from China and there will be no lack of personal protective equipment to help contain the spread virus on the island.

 Following the accreditation of private clinics laboratory to conduct Covid-19 testing, formalities to accredit the laboratory of a second private clinic are underway.

Additional information shared:

 Members of the Police Force and healthcare workers will have access to supermarkets without having to abide by the alphabetical order rule imposed to the population

 Government is currently working on a plan to support the most vulnerable this month and details will be communicated soon

 A new plan in continuity to the Wage Assistant Scheme is being elaborated by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development.

 There is an adequate stock available for the Chloroquine drug for lupus patients

 As regards law and order, the authorities deplore that in some regions of Mauritius, people are not respecting the confinement protocol. The Police is therefore taking remedial actions

 All Mauritians are called upon to remain discipline, stay at home, and maintain social distancing

#ResOuLakaz #BeSafeMoris
A week after recovering from a fever, nurse Maria Gray was given a surgical mask and assigned to Research Medical Centers ward of patients suspected of having the virus that causes COVID-19.

For two consecutive shifts, she asked hospital nurse managers for an N95 respirator mask that would offer more protection. On both shifts, supervisors denied her request and reassigned her to a different hospital floor.

On the third day, the travel nurse learned her contract to work at the Kansas City, Missouri, hospital had been terminated. The staffing agency that employed her explained Gray had been making demands that the facility believed were not in line with current policies, according to an email Gray provided to USA TODAY.

As the worst viral outbreak in a century has infected a half-million and killed more than 18,000 Americans as of Saturday, nurses on the front lines of the nation's hospitals have reached a breaking point.

They are challenging hospital administrators over staffing concerns and the availability of equipment such as masks, gowns and gloves to protect them and their patients. While hospitals seek to stretch limited supplies by requiring nurses and health workers reuse masks and gowns usually discarded after a single use, nurse unions say such stopgap measures put health care workers and patients at risk.

Afraid and overwhelmed: A look inside one hospital on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic

Gray was unwilling to compromise her health, she said, by using a mask offering less protection to work on a floor of suspected COVID-19 patients whose tests had not yet returned.

I was always taught that you stand up for what is right, and thats what I did, Gray said, who lives in Washington, Missouri. I felt like, this isnt right. They are putting my life at risk. They are putting other nurses lives at risk. They are putting patients at risk.

Research Medical Center said Gray received protective gear recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for working a unit of suspected COVID-19 patients. When she refused her assigned unit, the hospital moved her to another unit for shifts on consecutive days.

Story continues

By the third shift, "other units were adequately staffed without the need for contract nurses. As such, there was no need to continue her contract and it was terminated in accordance with its terms," the hospital said in a statement.

At least 15 nurses across the country have died from COVID-19, according to National Nurses United, the nation's largest registered nurses union.

Nurse protests in Orange, California, on April 3, 2020

From Detroit to San Francisco

Disagreements over equipment and staffing are playing out in hospitals across America, and nurses unions have organized protests from New York to the San Francisco Bay Area.

At Detroit Medical Center's DeSinai-Grace hospital, emergency room nurses last Sunday staged a sit-in and demanded more help at a facility overwhelmed with coronavirus patients. A nurse recovering from pneumonia brought an N95 mask and pair of gloves to work for protection, but a supervisor at the Voorhees, New Jersey hospital told her to remove the protective equipment or go home. A nurse at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in New Jersey was suspended after she purchased masks, suits and other protective gear for fellow nurses with GoFundMe donations, ProPublica reported.

Hospitals acknowledge that they are struggling to obtain protective gear. Hospitals in some cities also face a shortage of intensive care units, ventilators and specialists to treat COVID-19 patients.

Fact check: Are coronavirus patients dying alone in hospitals?

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General on Monday reported hospitals were facing equipment shortages for N95 respirator masks, surgical masks, face shields, gowns and gloves. Shortages were so severe that some hospitals were experimenting with non-medical-grade gear such as construction respirators, cloth masks and handmade gowns, the inspector general reported.

Hospitals cited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations on how to preserve existing protective equipment amid dwindling supplies.

The American Hospital Association said hospitals are conserving supplies, using scarce equipment only when necessary and grouping patients with similar conditions to preserve supplies. The hospital group also has urged the federal government to quickly increase supplies, joining the American Medical Association and American Nurses Association in a plea for the Trump administration to use the Defense Production Act to bolster supplies.

"We know the current supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) are inadequate, leaving health care workers worried about protecting themselves," said Robyn Begley, American Hospital Association senior vice president and chief nursing officer. "Increased availability of rapid testing and PPE are both necessary for our health care workers and patients."

Mask DIY: How to make your own face mask to help stop the spread of the coronavirus

'I'm not going in there'

Nurse unions have become vocal about working conditions at hospitals. Nurses have filed more than 100 complaints with Occupational Safety and Health Administration agencies in 16 states, claiming hospitals have failed to provide safe workplaces, according to National Nurses United.

The nurses union also cited news reports of nurses deaths as evidence that state and federal government as well as hospitals need to do more to protect workers.

A Reno, Nevada-area nurse died Tuesday of COVID-19 in the same VA intensive care unit where she cared for patients the past seven years. A Howard University Hospital nurse died on March 27, two weeks after becoming ill after a hospital shift.

Deborah Burger, co-president of National Nurses United, said the federal government and hospitals did not adequately prepare when China first disclosed the emerging threat in late December. As a result, nurses and other clinicians are put in risky situations without enough protective gear.

More: Nurse says she was suspended after refusing to treat coronavirus patients without a mask

Burger also urged the Trump administration to use the Defense Production Act to make more N95s and other protective gear as quickly as possible. But she also believes efforts to such as reusing and sterilizing N95 masks are not proven safe and effective and can damage the masks filters. What's more, nurses and other clinicians might contaminate their hands and face when they put down and pick up the mask.

She said it's understandable nurses are frustrated. They fear infecting themselves, their families or their patients.

You cant expect nurses to be miracle workers without the equipment they need to pull off a miracle, Burger said. Until we actually try to protect our health care workers, its going to get to the point where health care workers are going to say, Im done with this. Im not going in there.

Overwhelmed and discouraged

Other nurses are frustrated by hospital policies on when and how they are allowed to wear masks.

Hannah Mumford is a nurse at Albany Medical Center in New York. The hospital is caring for a growing number of COVID-19 patients, including some who have been transferred from overwhelmed New York City hospitals.

Nurses are allowed one coveted N95 respirator for every three shifts, cleaned and returned to the nurse the next day. There are few face shields, and the hospital provides handmade shield consisting of a plastic shield and sponge stapled to an elastic band, according to Mumford.

Mumford said she and other nurses have worked even when they are not feeling well. Weeks ago, she worked three consecutive days with a fever and other symptoms.

I spoke with several levels of management and was told I could not go home, Mumford said. I did not meet criteria of exhibiting symptoms and having 15 minutes of close contact with a COVID-19-confirmed patient or staff member.

Mumford says the hospitals protocols are changing rapidly and do not pass muster with the science-based practices she and other nurses have been trained to follow.

Nobody is saying 'I dont want to take care of these patients, Im not willing to,' Mumford said. We have just never been in a position where we have been asked to do something without appropriate protection ourselves.

Albany Medical Center began closely tracking protective equipment supplies when the first COVID-19 patients were identified in December and "our supply of PPE remains adequate," said Matthew Markham, the hospital's vice president of communications.

He added the hospital screens employees daily for fever and respiratory symptoms. Workers who test positive for COVID-19 are quarantined at home until they are symptom-free for seven days, per New York State Department of Health guidelines.

"We keep our workforce and community informed regularly through internal and external messaging platforms as well as daily video updates from our leadership team," Markham said.

'Speak up if there is a concern'

The uproar comes as nurses are direly needed to staff hospitals in hot spots across the nation.

Staffing agencies such as AMN Healthcare are busy providing nurses and health care workers to hospitals that need to fill positions. Demand for nurses at hospitals in New York City has surged tenfold over the past month, said Cole Edmonson, AMN's chief clinical officer.

Edmonson said nurses who choose to take temporary jobs at hospitals in regions grappling with large numbers of COVID-19 patients are aware of the challenges, including the fact many hospitals are facing severe shortages in protective gear.

He said his company's clinical managers work with hospitals when nurses are concerned about the availability of protective gear and let nurses know they "can speak up if there is a concern."

As the former chief nursing officer of Texas Health Presbyterian, the Dallas hospital that treated a Liberian man who became the nation's first Ebola patient, Edmonson said he understands concerns nurses now face. A nurse at the Dallas hospital who treated the Liberian man also became infected with Ebola, putting the hospital in the national spotlight.

"I can certainly understand where my colleagues are today, having faced my own quarantine and self isolation for a 21-day period," Edmonson said.

Gray, the travel nurse who temporarily worked at a Kansas City hospital, said she heard similar concerns from full-time nurses about the availability of protective equipment. But those nurses did not speak publicly about their concerns. Gray was on a three-month contract and thought she needed to share her concerns with management - for herself and fellow nurses.

"I can get another job, but I cant replace my health,"Gray said. "If I get one of my family members infected? This thing is no joke."

Ken Alltucker covers consumer health for USA TODAY. Reach him at alltuck@usatoday.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus: Nurses reach breaking point amid PPE, face mask shortages
Source: Xinhua| 2020-04-11 15:07:44|Editor: huaxia

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BISHKEK, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Kyrgyzstan reported 41 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, raising the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 339.

Deputy Minister of Health Mademin Karataev told a news briefing on Saturday that 12 of the new cases are medical workers.

So far, the total number of medical workers infected with COVID-19 is 51.

Karataev also said that 6,251 people had contact with confirmed cases, with 1,100 people under medical observation and the rest in home quarantine.

The deputy minister added that five people recovered and were discharged from hospital in the past day, taking the total recoveries to 44 in the past five days.
Sourdough is the oldest form of leavened bread. Last year Seamus Blackley, father of the Xbox, baked a loaf using what was purportedly 4,500-year-old yeast scraped off ancient Egyptian pottery. All modern recipes begin with a starter, basically a flour-and-water slurry colonized by bacteria and wild, airborne yeasts that eat, breed and exhale carbon dioxide, which helps the bread rise. The tangy taste and brightly acidic smell derive from lactobacilli, cousins of the bacteria that curdle milk into cheese and yogurt. Starters are bespoke to the environments in which they were created; no two sourdoughs taste exactly alike.

Mr. De Smedt travels the world for new specimens. He prioritizes renown, unusual origins, the type of flour used, and the starters approximate age. Most importantly, the sourdough must come from a spontaneous fermentation, and not inoculated with a commercial starter culture, he said. He adds up to two dozen new sourdoughs to the library every year, from cooking schools, home-bakers, pizzerias, and artisan and industrial bakeries. Sourdough is the soul of many bakeries, he said. When bakers entrust you with their souls, youd better take care to it.

He has harvested starters from 25 countries, including Slovenia, Peru and Singapore. Starter No. 1 is from Altamura, Italy. The bread is traditionally made of semolina flour, the ground form of durum wheat, and dates at least to 37 B.C., when the Roman poet Horace praised it as the best he had ever eaten.

Number 100 is special because its Japanese and made with cooked sake rice, Mr. De Smedt said. Number 72 is from Mexico and has to be refreshed with eggs, lime and beer. Number 43 is a sentimental favorite. Its a San Francisco starter, and was my first one I ever saw, he recalled. When I became a test baker for Puratos in 1994, one of my tasks was to refresh 43. Indeed, he baked his first loaf of sourdough with it.

He has no way of knowing which of the 125 starters is the oldest. We cant carbon-date them, he said. The microbial colonies of a starter can change entirely, depending on how it is fed and maintained. If someone insisted she had a 500-year-old sourdough, Id have to believe her.

Two years ago Mr. De Smedt and a film crew tracked the path of the Klondike Gold Rushs starter-packing prospectors, starting in Seattle, then Alaska, and ending the expedition in Dawson City, Yukon, in northern Canada. At the turn of the 20th century, stampeders had to show mounted police at the Canadian border that they had enough provisions to survive a year in the Yukon, he said. In addition to potatoes and canned goods, the stampeders would bring starters, often in linen bags tied around their necks, so that they always had dough ready to make flapjacks.

Mr. De Smedt hit the mother lode in Whitehorse, the Yukon capital, where he met up with Ione Christensen, the 86-year-old former mayor. Her starter was passed down from her great-grandfather, Wesley David Ballentine. Its a family pet, if you will, she said. Back in 1897, Ballentine stowed the starter in a flour sack and trekked over the Chilkoot Pass on his way to the Klondike gold fields. On cold nights, he and his fellow stampeders would cuddle with the sacks to keep their contents warm and alive.
Chandigarh, April 11 : Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday recommended extension of the national lockdown by at least a fortnight, while suggesting a slew of health and relief measures to the people in the state's COVID-19 battle.

Besides, he sought special concessions for industry and agriculture sectors on an urgent basis.

Participating in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video conference with all the Chief Ministers, Amarinder Singh pointed out that there was a huge uncertainty about the likely incidence of disease and the nation was in for a long fight.

Given the trend in China and several European countries, it was necessary to continue the lockdown, he said, adding that though the restrictions were causing a lot of hardship to the people, India could not afford to take any chances.

The people of Punjab have a high morale, and will continue to support government efforts to combat the pandemic, he said.

Amarinder Singh informed that the state government had already decided to go for curfew till May 1, with all educational institutions to be closed till June 30 with state board examinations deferred till further orders.

Section 144 remains in place, along with prohibition of public service vehicles till May 1.

Pointing to the excellent work being done by the people in the current crisis, Amarinder Singh sought a special risk insurance for all government employees, including police personnel, sanitation workers and all other employees, who are working day and night to help ameliorate the miseries and stress of the common man in these trying times.

Underlining the need to substantially increase the number of tests being done and go for rapid testing, at least in the state's hotspot areas of Nawanshahr, Dera Bassi and Mohali, the Chief Minister said the Central government should hasten supplies of required testing kits.

The Chief Minister requested Rs 500 crore for quick upgradation of infrastructure of government hospitals in Punjab, which is currently at Stage II of the pandemic and has a large NRI population.

He also called for speedy approval, on a priority basis, by the Centre to the state's proposal for Rs 550 crore project to set up an advanced centre for virology in Punjab.

On the relief measures needed urgently in the light of the current crisis, the Chief Minister urged the government of India to defer recovery, and waiver of interest and penalties, on industrial loans for six months.

Emphasising that the industrial establishments could not continue to look after their workers, and even pay their salaries for the period of lockdown, for a long time, he asked the Centre to think of some innovative solutions for relief to daily wage workers and industrial labour either through ESIC funds or under MNREGA.

The government of India may allow village panchayats and municipalities to utilize the 14th Finance Commission Grants for emergency relief including food and medicines for the poor and needy, he said.

Referring to the massive harvesting and procurement operations set to begin in Punjab next week, the Chief Minister reiterated his demand for bonus to farmers to incentivize staggered or delayed procurement of wheat.

He also called for quicker movement of food grains lying in FCI godowns in Punjab, along with waiver of three months' interest on crop loans and deferment of recovery of crops loans by commercial banks.

Thanking the Centre for releasing substantial funds since the last meeting, Amarinder Singh stressed the need for early release of pending arrears of GST on priority basis to help the state.

The Chief Minister shared with the Prime Minister the latest update on the situation in Punjab, and the state's preparedness to deal with the spread of the pandemic.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP >> The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors welcomed a new member to its board and welcomed back a board veteran during its reorganization meeting on Jan. 3. District Judge Mick Petrucci administered the oath of office to newly-elected supervisor Elen Snyder and re-elected supervisor Kyle Davis. Snyder, a Democrat and former member of the townships Environmental Advisory Council, ran on a platform of protecting...
Ugandan president, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, believes the biggest problem for African authorities managing the fight against the coronavirus pandemic is the social indiscipline of our people.



President Museveni expressed his sentiments in a tweet he posted on Wednesday on his official Twitter page. This follows what has become a daily habit of telling Ugandans what he personally feels during these times..



The 75-year-old wrote: We are not fighting against #COVID-19 here and in Africa. We are fighting primarily against the social indiscipline of our people. They do not want to follow even the simplest guidelines, for them, it must be always about convenience, but this is a matter of life and death.



Museveni continued: Some people were putting pressure that they want an exemption to organize exams online. This is not understanding situations. People should stop speaking the language of normalcy in the period of abnormalcy. There is a time for everything, this is not the time for exams.



The Ugandan president has been known to often speak out and clamp down on the indiscipline he believes is a social canker.



These anti-indiscipline campaigns have targeted both civilians and people in Ugandas security services.



In 2016, during a passing out ceremony for Ugandan soldiers, Museveni warned that indiscipline was the worst possible thing the soldiers could entertain.



Last year, he launched a campaign that was described by local media as a crackdown on indiscipline.



Uganda is currently under a 14-day lockdown in order to lower the potential of a spread of the coronavirus. But some, especially traders and others from lower-income brackets, have complained about the adversity brought to them.



At the time of going to press, Uganda had recorded 53 cases of the coronavirus with no recoveries or deaths.

Source: face2faceafrica.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.

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The Georgian authorities returned to the homeland about 5,300 compatriots who stuck abroad because of the coronavirus, the Georgian Foreign Ministry reports.

In addition, the diplomatic missions of Georgia assisted about 3,600 citizens of Georgia - they provided them with housing, transport, food, medicine and other basic necessities.

According to the Georgian Foreign Ministry, about 3,300 citizens returned to the country by air, 1,800 by land, and 275 by sea.
Repos Energy, a door-to-door diesel delivery startup backed by Ratan Tata, has started a campaign to help people in distress due to the coronavirus outbreak with over 100 employees donating their entire month's salary for labourers and migrants.

"We have managed to collect Rs 7 lakh from the employees and the company has contributed another Rs two lakh for the cause. We have already supported over 900 families in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad area by providing them with food provisions for the next 21 days," said Co-Founder Chetan Walunj.

Such an act only shows how the employees are optimistic and want to support the nation in times of crisis, he said.

"The employees are already working in a risky environment by providing fuel to institutions like hospitals, government establishments and residential areas. This is the true spirit of humanity that has come to light with the collective support," said Walunj.His wife and Co-Founder Aditi said the company has retained every single employee and is in fact hiring more. "We have kept the morale of our team, high and every single member of the team is assured of his or her position in the organisation."Aditi said the entire team is well-bonded over video calling applications and keeping a check on routine work with daily meetings.Repos Energy leverages Internet of Things, cloud and easy but efficient payment solutions to enable door-to-door delivery of diesel in nearly 65 Indian cities.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump said again Friday he would love to begin reopening the nations shuttered economy on May 1. But ultimately, nervous governors, mayors, school boards and families across the country will determine when to resume normal life.

With more Americans out of work than at any time since the Depression in the 1930s, Trump is eager to ease the stay-at-home guidance he issued March 16 and later extended through April 30 in an effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

The president and his top economic advisers have floated plans to restart economic activity in phases, with some regions given greater leeway than others. Privately, White House officials concede the approach will have little impact on the larger economy, but hope to at least let some small businesses begin bringing back employees.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said he would consider the advice of his public health advisers, who have urged caution in lifting restrictions too quickly. Outside public health experts say another month or more may be necessary to keep the U.S. death toll from the coronavirus under 100,000.

Im going to have to make a decision, and I hope to God its the right decision, Trump said Friday. I would say without question its the biggest decision Ive ever had to make.

Asked what metrics he would use in deciding, Trump pointed to his head.

Trump also said he would probably include governors from both parties in a council to advise him on the issue and hinted that California Gov. Gavin Newsom may be among them.

The president wields tremendous influence over the national response to the pandemic, and many local and state leaders, especially fellow Republicans, would weigh his advisories heavily in deciding their own policy.

Although Trump asserted Friday that he has absolute authority to order the country open, the guidelines are not mandatory, but recommendations.

Governors, mayors and business owners have the ultimate power. Many issued their own guidance before Trump did and some already have announced plans to restrict commerce and public gatherings beyond May 1 no matter what Trump recommends.

At least 16 states  and numerous individual school districts  have closed schools at least until the summer, with more expected to follow, increasing pressure on business owners to remain closed or allow parents to continue working from home.

When this started, the private sector basically shut the economy down before Trump told them to, said Justin Wolfers, a professor of economics and public policy at the University of Michigan.

It turned out that what the federal government did was not very relevant  the government cant force you to take risks you dont want to take, he added. It couldnt on the way down and it also cant on the way up.

Administration officials concede that even their most optimistic plans would not open the entire country at once. And while corporate leaders are eager to reopen, polls show an overwhelming majority of Americans accept the restrictions because they appear to be working.

Some places will be able to think about opening on May 1, most of the country will not, to be honest with you, Surgeon General Jerome Adams told Fox News on Friday. Thats how well reopen the country. Place by place, bit by bit, based on the data.

New York City, the nations economic capital and the area hit hardest by the pandemic, is expected to stay under a virtual shutdown until at least June 1, Mayor Bill de Blasio, a Democrat, told a news conference Thursday.

Newsom, a Democrat, has declared that California will chart its own course, relying less on the White House and leveraging its considerable economic power as a nation-state.

Newsom was the first governor to issue a formal stay-at-home order, on March 19, a step credited with preventing the type of spread that overwhelmed New York. Los Angeles County officials on Friday extended stay-at-home orders through at least May 15.

Governors in 42 states, comprising the vast majority of the U.S. population, have issued stay-at-home orders. Mayors in some of the other eight states issued their own restrictions.

Governors and mayors have had to make the tough decisions that Washington has refused to make in terms of helping to manage the lives of the people we represent, Michael Hancock, the Democratic mayor of Denver, said in an interview Friday.

It wasnt the president who decided to shut cities, schools, businesses down, he added. And it wont be his call to get everyone back to work in terms of our states and our cities.

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, a Republican who tested positive for COVID-19 in March and recovered, issued restrictions for his city before Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, issued a mandatory stay-at-home order for the state that took effect on April 3.

Opening up prematurely could be problematic, and create a reinfection of our community, Suarez said in an interview.

Boston Mayor Martin Walsh, a Democrat, said his city had 310 new cases Thursday, its most yet, and chided Trump for what he called dangerous mixed messages.

Any elected official right now talking about reopening publicly is, my opinion, doing a disservice to their community, he said. This is a virus. Its unpredictable. It doesnt have an end date on it.

Public health officials say the nation needs not only more testing, but also a better network of workers trained to trace people who have the virus so they can isolate their contacts, as other countries have done.

Pulling back from a nationwide system of social distancing too soon could spur new hot spots.

The big challenge is that (state and local) borders are porous, no matter how much we talk about lockdowns, said Jeffrey Levi, a public health expert at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Some business owners plan to reopen slowly but will take their lead from local and state officials, rather than Trump.

Stephen Loftis, vice president of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, based in Charlotte, N.C., said the chains 51 restaurants in 19 states followed local guidelines in ending dine-in service. When sit-down service resumes, the chain plans to offer fewer menu options and reduced seating capacities to protect both customers and servers.

Were anxious to get back to some sort of normalcy as everyone is, Loftis said. The safety of our team members and our guests is paramount.

Even if officials give more businesses the OK, it will not be easy for all of them to retrofit operations to satisfy safety requirements or get the products they need, given supply chain disruptions.

Mike Brzoska, who runs an aerospace supply company outside Detroit, was allowed to stay open as an essential manufacturer. But he now does temperature checks on employees and supplies isopropyl alcohol to rub down hands and equipment.

When a shipment of protective masks was stolen, he bought a 3-D printer and a set of filters to make his own. But he still feels at risk.

Im 60 and I smoke so its got me worried, Brzoska said.



Noah Bierman, Eli Stokols and Chris Megerian of the Los Angeles Times wrote this story.

2020 Los Angeles Times

Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has agreed to members of Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe nationwide supplying maize meal using a zonal system in the main seven hotspots namely Harare, Mutare, Bulawayo, Marondera, Kwekwe, Gweru and Chitungwiza. This arrangement will provide for more shops to receive and sell maize meal so that consumers buy the product in their respective areas of residence. The police will provide the necessary passage and will deploy details to oversee the delivery and selling of the maize meal, read the statement.
Shanghai reports 3 new imported COVID-19 cases

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:36, April 10, 2020

SHANGHAI, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai reported three newly confirmed cases of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from overseas Thursday, the local health authority said Friday.

The municipal health commission said a total of 216 imported cases had been reported in Shanghai by the end of Thursday, while five suspected imported cases are under quarantine for further confirmation.

Among the new imported cases, two are Chinese citizens returning from the United States and Russia, and one is a Brazilian. They were quarantined and tested positive for the virus upon arriving at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

A total of 16 people in close contact with the confirmed patients on flights have been screened and put under quarantine.

On Thursday, five COVID-19 patients were discharged from hospitals in Shanghai after recovery.

Shanghai saw no new indigenous COVID-19 infections on Thursday. In total, the municipality has reported 339 locally transmitted confirmed cases, including seven deaths.

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The government is discussing a calibrated reopening of the economy with industry associations and experts who have said a prolonged nationwide lockdown could lead to shortfall of essential goods, and that it would not be easy to stop the economic engine altogether during the battle against covid-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already indicated it will not be possible to remove the lockdown completely.Many states have also recommended extending the lockdown, and Odisha and Punjab, for that matter, have already extended it. The government is expected to take a call on this after PM Modis conversation with chief ministers on Saturday. A spokesperson in the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) declined to comment.

A very long period of shutdown can lead to other problems, including social unrest. Keeping this in mind, the Prime Minister has recently urged states and the Centre to formulate a common exit strategy to ensure staggered re-emergence of the population once lockdown ends, State Bank of Indias (SBI) research publication, Ecowrap, said in its latest edition.

A calibrated strategy can help in rapid economic recovery when the lockdown ends, it said. The good thing is that banks have witnessed good traction in credit (term and working capital requirements) in the last 7-days of the year ending March 31, 2020. It seems companies/corporates are preparing themselves for a surge in demand after the lockdown period. As per our estimate, the incremental credit offtake would have been 210000 crore in March of which the estimates for agriculture, industry, services, and personal loans are 10000 crore, 120000 crore, 60000 crore, and 20000 crore, respectively. Clearly, the tide seemed to have turned as far as bank credit is concerned in March.

The research paper proposed a staggered exit strategy. It suggests giving first preference to agriculture and procurement as 50% of the population is dependent on agriculture and allied activities followed by some relaxation in inland transport and retail trade (as it is supports over 250 million households). Next, it has proposed a limited duration opening of hotel and restaurant services, including home delivery, because they are big employers. The other crucial activity is construction, which can be allowed to start activities in districts that have no cases or limited cases of covid-19, the publication said.

Industry executives said both the PMO and the finance ministry are working on a strategy based on their inputs.

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) has told the government that a country like India cannot afford a prolonged lockdown that lasts for months. The exit strategy, thus, should aim towards bringing about a fine balance that on one hand normalises economic and social activity and yet contains the disease from spreading and getting out of control, it said.

CII has called for all sanitation and hygiene, shift intervals and social distancing measures to be instituted on a self-certification basis by enterprises to start operations. At all times it is important to look at smooth movement of goods and related men and material, CIIs director general, Chandrajit Banerjee, said. Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) secretary general, Deepak Sood, favoured a gradual exit from lockdown in select areas, with well laid out protocols for the safety of the workforce. Without compromising on the safety of our people, the well- managed lifting of the lockdown would at least partially restore the near $3 trillion economy to its shape, he said.

For the export sector it is a matter of survival, said Sharad Kumar Saraf, president of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). He said the industry is staring at job loss of about 15 million due to half the export orders being cancelled.
The sixth case of coronavirus in Kaduna State has sparked concerns from Government on Saturday because the patient had no connection with existing cases.

According to the state government, the sixth case was a male gateman around the Mando area of the state.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Mohammed- Baloni on Saturday revealed that the patient had recently returned from Lagos via public transport, and had contacted authorities when his symptoms worsened.

She said the case presents the nightmare scenario of possible community transmission of Covid-19 in the state.

Dr Baloni said, It is very difficult and complicated to trace the contacts of a patient who came from Lagos via public transport and has had some instance of local commuting since his arrival in the state.

The Rapid Response Team is trying its utmost to elicit from him a list of his contacts so that they can be traced and monitored. He does not know who his fellow passengers from Lagos were. But the team is working to develop an idea of his local contacts in Kaduna, including any vehicles he commuted in and people he met at the hospital he visited and within his neighbourhood, she further stated.

Read Also: COVID-19: Kaduna Records Five New Cases; Traces 119 Contacts

The Commissioner stressed that, The instances that have now been recorded of people spreading Covid-19 from one state to another further reinforces the need to stop all inter-state travel. People need to stay in one place and help reduce the footprint of Covid-19, she stated.

Dr. Baloni further said: now that there is a case of possible community transmission of Covid-19, residents must begin to take more seriously the quarantine conditions. It is important to stay at home, go out only when absolutely necessary and practice personal hygiene, especially washing hands with soap and water regularly. Residents should also observe respiratory hygiene.
New Delhi: The US State dept has conveyed the Indian request for extension of visas including H1B visas for Indians in America to US Department of Homeland Security. Several Indians have been stranded in the US due to travel restrictions imposed amid COVID-19 outbreak.

India had requested US govt to extend the validity of H1B and other visas for Indians stranded in the country. The matter was taken up by foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan with US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen E Biegun on Wednesday. India is "closely monitoring related developments", sources told WION.

During the talks, Harsh Vardhan and US Deputy Secretary of State discussed ways to enhance cooperation to counter and control the pandemic. Which included the development of novel therapies and prophylactics against COVID-19 and ensuring availability of essential medicines, diagnostic and medical equipment, and sharing of best practices/information.

With fears of US economy heading for a big slump, H1B holders could not only lose job and won't be entitled to any unemployment benefits also. If the employer terminates the contract of an H1B holder employee, the employee needs to find new employment within 60 days to retain their H1B status. But no order as such from the US Government asking employers to terminate services of H1B visa holders.

With fears of unemployment in the US, news has been going around that Indians with H1B visa might be impacted. Almost 10 mn Americans have filed for unemployment allowance which has been the larger trend and not specific to Indians. Also due to lockdown renewal is delayed and with US economy contracting people may be retrenched. Indians constitute the maximum percentage of H1B visa holders in US.

US and India have been having a high-level engagement since the COVID-19 pandemic broke. PM Modi and US President Donald Trump spoke on April 4 and EAM Jaishankar had spoken with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo April 6.
At least 10 of the 127 Ivory Coast returnees in Osun State have tested negative for coronavirus.

The state governor, Gboyega Oyetola, made this known in a press briefing at the state capital, Osogbo on Saturday.

Mr Oyetola said the 10 patients were discharged after they tested negative, twice.

Before now, the state released 110 of the 127 Ivory Coast returnees who tested negative for the Coronavirus while the remaining 17 whose results came back positive were receiving treatment and care at its facility in Ejigbo.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that 10 of the 17 have now been tested negative, leaving seven returnees in under medical care.

With the latest recovery, 11 persons have now tested negative in the state.

Read full statement from Mr Oyetola below:

A TEXT OF PRESS BRIEFING BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF OSUN, MR. ADEGBOYEGA OYETOLA, ON THE RELEASE OF 10 OUT OF THE 127 IVORY COAST RETURNEE CORONAVIRUS PATIENTS ON SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2010

Gentlemen of the Press,

When I updated you on the state of the management of the Coronavirus pandemic in the State of Osun eight days ago, I disclosed that 110 of the 127 Ivory Coast returnees who tested negative for the Coronavirus had been released to join their families, while the remaining 17 whose results came back positive were receiving treatment and care at our facility in Ejigbo.

I also expressed confidence that the 17 patients would soon be released to join their families.

I am happy to inform you today that 10 of the 17 patients have tested negative twice for the virus in line with the National Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, and will soon be released to join their families and live their normal lives.

The remaining seven patients are responding to treatment and shall, by the grace of God, soon follow in the steps of their colleagues.

You will recall that of the two earlier cases, one had tested negative and had since been discharged.

Consequently, the release of 10 patients today brings to 11, the number of cases that have tested negative twice and have been discharged after treatment in the State of Osun.

This development underscores our belief that Coronavirus disease is not a death sentence, but is treatable if the patients surrender themselves for treatment on time.

These successful treatments should also encourage persons who are feeling unwell to come out for testing and treatment if found positive. They are a proof that we have the right equipment and personnel to handle the Coronavirus pandemic.

We thank our people for their understanding and for complying with the directives imposed by government and the relevant agencies. We urge them all to continue to obey the regulations to avert community transmission.

We are working hard to further cushion the effects of the hardships that accompany the sit-at-home order imposed in our collective interest. The next tranche of the palliatives will reach the people very soon.

Let me use this opportunity to identify with our Christian compatriots on the occasion of the Easter celebrations and to thank them for their understanding and obedience to the authorities in line with the teaching of Christ.

On behalf of the Government and the people of The State of Osun, I extend deep appreciation to all our health officials who are on the front lines in the strive to win the Coronavirus war and keep Osun healthy and safe.

We are happy to inform you that all of these health workers have been insured.

Let us continue to pray for the health and security of the State to complement our personal and collective sacrifices to win the COVID-19 war.

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May the Almighty God heal and keep the State of Osun.
Iran is grappling with potentially devastating floods in 16 provinces amid a coronavirus epidemic that has killed thousands, with tens of thousands infected.

Unusual snowfalls have blanketed many highland regions in Iran since April 8 and countries to the east, including Tajikistan and other Central Asian countries. Rain has inundated many cities and villages.

Emergency services have come to the rescue of many settlements and stranded passengers from western Iran to central regions and farther east near Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Iran suffered devastating floods in March and April 2019, that killed hundreds and wrecked economic havoc for more than three weeks. The high level of precipitation for two consecutive years comes after years of draught that brought the country to the verge of a serious water crisis. Many regions hit by this years floods had not yet recovered from the 2019 disaster.

An official of Irans weather forecast organization has warned that rain and snow will continue until April 14, after which a new weather front will enter the country and bring more precipitation.

Irans economy is devastated by U.S. sanctions, natural disasters and the coronavirus crisis, with millions on the verge of poverty and government budget running low. Recently, the countrys Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei allowed the government to withdraw one billion euros from the nations reserves. The government has also asked the International Monetary Fund for a $5 billion loan, but the United States is expected to block the request.
MUMBAI: A 30-year-old man, who had tested positive for coronavirus and undergoing treatment at a hospital in Akola district of Maharashtra, committed suicide on Saturday (April 11, 2020). Sources confirmed Zee Media that the deceased had attended the Tablighi Jamaat event at its Delhi headquarters - Nizamuddin Markaz - between March 6- 8 during which he had possibly contracted the deadly coronavirus infection.

The man hailed from Assams Nagaon.

He was admitted to Akola Govt Medical College on April 7 after he developed symptoms like cough, fever, and sneezing suggesting that he was infected with COVID-19.

According to hospital sources, the deceased cut his veins with a blade in the bathroom and inured himself badly around 5 AM this morning.

He was immediately taken care of by the hospital doctors, but he died as he had already lost too much blood.

A case has been registered in this regard and investigation is underway.

Police investigation is underway into the matter, JS Papalkar, Akola Collector, Maharashtra, told reporters.

The district health officials have health collected swab samples from the deceased before sending the body to the district civil hospital for post-mortem.
A significant round of severe weather is in the forecast for Alabama on Easter Sunday.

NOAAs Storm Prediction Center thinks the entire state will have an enhanced risk for severe weather on Sunday, including strong tornadoes, damaging winds, hail and heavy rain.

But things could be even more active for parts of west and central Alabama, where the SPC has outlined a rare moderate risk  three days out.

A moderate risk is also the highest risk SPC forecasters can use in their Day 3 forecasts, so many weather watchers see it as a foreboding sign of what could be coming.

The Storm Prediction Center has five categories for severe weather. A moderate risk is Level 4 and means that widespread severe storms will be likely.

But it could get worse.

The worst category, the one you dont want to see, is a high risk, or Level 5.

Its rarely used. A high risk brings up memories of the April 27, 2011, tornado outbreak in Alabama. That day Alabama was hit by 62 tornadoes and about 250 people were killed.

But Alabama has had other high risk days as well.

No one knows for sure if part of Alabama will be upgraded to a high risk for Sunday. Its just too soon to tell, but it could happen, according to forecasters.

Chris Darden, the meteorologist in charge at the National Weather Service in Birmingham, said on Friday that the weather service will be closely working with the Storm Prediction Center over the next few days to hone in on the risk, and that a lot will depend on computer model trends.

The last time the SPC issued a high risk in the entire U.S. was for parts of the Plains on May 20, 2019.

You have to go back to May 18, 2017, to get to the next high risk day.

Alabama has been a bit luckier as of late. The last high risk that included part of Alabama was nearly six years ago, on April 28, 2014:

The last time Alabama had a high risk of severe weather was in 2014. Here's the risk map for that day.

There were 29 confirmed tornadoes, mostly in north and central Alabama, in the span from April 28 until early in the morning on the 29th, according to National Weather Service data.

Those tornadoes caused two deaths and 57 injuries.

Four of those were EF3 tornadoes. There were also six EF2 tornadoes.

Here's a look at all the storm reports from the last time Alabama had a high risk of severe weather.

It was the largest tornado outbreak in Central Alabama since April 27, 2011, according to the weather service.

Alabama has had plenty of high risk days in the past.

Two years even had two high risk days apiece: 1998 and 1994.

1998 had high risks days on April 8 and just eight days later on April 16. April 8 brought the F5 tornado that targeted Oak Grove in Jefferson County and stopped just short of downtown Birmingham.

And 1994 high risks on March 27 and Nov. 27. The tragic Palm Sunday tornado outbreak was on March 27, when an EF4 tornado killed 22 people across three counties, including 20 people at the Goshen United Methodist Church in Cherokee County.

Here is a look at the other high risk days in Alabama in the past 30 years (thanks to Jim Westland at the National Weather Service for this data):

* April 28, 2014

* April 27, 2011

* April 24, 2010 (Albertville tornado)

* April 10, 2009

* March 1, 2007 (12 tornadoes, including the EF4 Enterprise tornado, which killed nine and injured 50)

* April 7, 2006

* Nov. 10, 2002 (Veterans Day tornadoes, 11 tornadoes and 12 deaths)

* Oct. 13, 2001

* May 5, 1999

* April 16, 1998

* April 8, 1998 (F5 Oak Grove tornado)

* May 2, 1997

* Nov. 27, 1994

* March 27, 1994 (Palm Sunday tornado outbreak)

* Nov. 15, 1989 (included F4 Huntsville tornado that killed 21 and injured 463)
United States Senator Mitch McConnells earliest childhood memory is the day he left the polio treatment centre at Warm Springs, Ga., for the last time. He was just a toddler in 1944 when his father was deployed to World War II, his mother relocated the family to her sisters home in rural Alabama and he came down with flu-like symptoms.

While he eventually recovered, his left leg did not. It was paralyzed.

Two long years later, after shuttling young McConnell to and from the centre where then-President Franklin Roosevelt received polio care, his mother was told that day that her young son would be able to walk into his life without a leg brace.

More than 70 years later, Senate Majority Leader McConnell walked into the U.S. Senate to pass a sweeping coronavirus rescue package - and shutter the chamber for the foreseeable future - as another dangerous flu-like virus fills the nation with anxiety, quarantines and unimaginable disruptions to American life.

Why does this current pandemic remind me of that? I think No. 1 is the fear, said McConnell in an interview with The Associated Press.

And the uncertainty you have when theres no pathway forward on either treatment or a vaccine and that was the situation largely in polio before 1954.

Thousands died from polio, others were hospitalized and some left permanently paralyzed or with post-polio syndrome.

When a vaccine became available the disease declined.

McConnell believes that as we confront the coronavirus today, we will eventually find a similar relief when a vaccine and other treatments become available.

The new coronavirus has caused a global pandemic that has sickened more than 1,673,000 people and killed more than 101,000 worldwide, according to the John Hopkins University, Colombia has 2,223 COVID-19 confirmed cases and 69 deaths.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and a cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.
There is much we don't yet know about Covid-19. But there are some things we do know which could be used as part of the containment drive. Number one, we know it's highly contagious. Number two, we know people in frontline healthcare are more exposed to the virus than others in the population - among those who've contracted it, one in four is a health worker.

In Spain, the infection rate is 15pc frontline health workers and in Italy it is 9pc. This compares with 26pc in Ireland. So our infection rate for healthcare professionals is higher than any known rates in Europe, even in countries harder hit by Covid-19.

Our rate is also higher than the known rate for two previous epidemics, Sars and Mers, at 21pc and 18.6pc respectively. Healthcare infection rate is a known, measured entity and we have surpassed those norms.

Evidently, there is a greater than average potential that frontline health workers will develop Covid-19, even if they are careful and follow all the Health Service Executive (HSE) guidelines about protecting themselves and their patients - wearing a mask, maintaining social distance and monitoring their own symptoms if they come into contact with someone who has Covid-19.

How can we avoid putting these hardworking professionals at risk? And how can we mitigate the possibility of them inadvertently spreading the virus further among one another and the general population?

One possibility is regular, random sampling of frontline health workers. Currently, people are self-selecting for tests. But we know someone can transmit Covid-19 without showing any of the symptoms. The HSE is clear that staff should stop working and self-isolate for 14 days if they detect warning signs. But what about asymptomatic staff?

Read More

We're in the delay phase of the pandemic now, intended to reduce the burden on GPs and hospitals. (The stages are containment strategy, delay phase and mitigation strategy.) But stronger checks on frontline staff would be a useful instrument in delaying the spread.

Leaving the onus on individual health workers to volunteer for testing is illogical. There should be a procedure in place which takes it out of the individual's hands. Many medics are hard-wired to keep going, not least because they realise their absence would add to their colleagues' burden.

Is the reason we aren't testing partly because we fear the answer? Would it hammer hospital staffing levels?

Where frontline health workers test positive, there must be contact tracing of everyone they have interacted with, both inside and outside of work. Contact tracing is laborious but is certainty vital.

This week, Siptu called for regular screening of health workers for Covid-19. The trade union's health division organiser, Paul Bell, notes that where health workers have been infected, just under two-thirds of cases were unrelated to travel, meaning they contracted the virus in Ireland.

Elsewhere, sick leave among medical staff has more than doubled at Cavan General Hospital since January, with reinforcements being sent from Beaumont in Dublin to ease pressure. Some estimates suggest 70 doctors and nurses are off work. We don't know how many are out because of Covid-19 but it has to be a significant factor.

Pauline Tully, Sinn Fein TD for Cavan-Monaghan, told Shannonside Northern Sound she was contacted by hospital staff expressing concerns about protective equipment, showering and changing facilities. The hospital denies any problems in this regard.

Separately, Siptu has raised questions about the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE). The union says members are reporting it is not readily accessible in the quantities required and that people are resorting to re-using materials intended for single use.

In a statement to the Irish Independent, the HSE said it wasn't doing random testing but said it continues to prioritise tests for healthcare workers, as well as patients in acute hospitals and residential facilities.

Surely regular, random screening of all frontline healthcare workers is essential to ensure both their safety and ours? Not doing it undermines our attempts to deal with Covid-19. It can't be a case of one-and-done testing, either - this is a fast-moving virus and our highly valued health professionals will need to be sampled throughout the pandemic.

Ideally, random checks should be conducted among the population at large. We don't yet know how prevalent Covid-19 is in the population and reliable data is essential for policy-making.

But it makes sense to start with the sector most likely to contract Covid-19 because of the work its members are doing in this time of national emergency - still dedicated enough to turn up for work, although they know how difficult it is to care for people while maintaining scrupulous social distancing.

We are making strides in dealing with this pandemic but our slow pace of testing is a weakness. Some 51,000 people are still waiting for swabs; even when people get tested, the results can take too long to filter back. Our figures for how many people have Covid-19 are meaningless until testing is in real time and widespread.

In statistics, the larger the sample, the more confidence can be placed in the outcome. Limited testing limits the usefulness of results. Or, to put it another way, as sample size increases, margin of error reduces.

At present, people are volunteering to be tested, often because they suspect they have the virus, which potentially skews the outcome. Random screening would provide more reliable data. For example, if a random sample showed a high incidence of Covid-19 in certain institutions or wards, it would indicate the need for additional testing in those places.

Random testing helps to identify hubs of a virus and thereby inhibits its further spread. If one person in a team tested positive, other members of that group - and preferably all of them - would be sampled. This is standard scientific protocol.

Otherwise, there is a risk of someone being a 'super-spreader' and infecting dozens. The problem is we aren't spotting them. The super-spreader concept emerged in previous disease outbreaks such as Sars. While the World Health Organisation (WHO) doesn't use super-spreading as a technical term, it says there can be transmission "where a large number of people can become infected from a common source".

Breaking transmission chains is the most effective way to prevent contagion. "And to do that, we must test and isolate," says WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom. "You cannot fight a fire blindfolded. And we can't fight this pandemic if we don't know who is infected."

Some people believe random sampling to be a waste of time and resources, a diversion from areas where efforts should be directed. Scientists at Harvard and Stanford universities recommend it, however, and countries such as Germany are doing it.

Here, random sampling isn't within our current testing parameters, but arguably those parameters need to be extended. Right now, Ireland is at a crossroads - the wave hasn't hit us yet. Perhaps random testing of frontline healthcare workers might help us to move ahead of the curve.

It could save lives.
Turkey has one of the worlds fastest-spreading coronavirus epidemics, with over 45,000 new cases per month, but President Recep Tayyip Erdogans government is using this pandemic as an opportunity to intensify social attacks on the working class. It has made clear that its priority is keeping workers at work to maintain production, exports and profits high, despite a surge of COVID-19 cases in the factories.

It suspended operations only of small businesses (cafes, restaurants, restaurants, gyms, hairdressers), but industrial production continues despite rising disease and death among the workers. Only automakersFord, Renault, Tofas-Fiat, Mercedes Benz, Toyota, Hyundai and Hondashut down their factories in March. This was largely because of problems in the supply chain and the collapse in the demand. Wildcat strikes by autoworkers in America and Europe also forced several to stop production.

Against the governments deadly policy, workers in noncritical industries like metal, construction and textiles went on wildcat strikes in recent weeks. After wildcat strikes by Istanbul construction workers, a work stoppage in a filter factory in the southern border city of Hatay and a walkout by metal workers in Gebze, an industrial city near Istanbul, textile workers in Izmir and Gaziantep went on wildcat strikes last week. In Izmir, company thugs physically attacked workers during the walkout.

Focusing the interests of financial elite, the government announced last month a package for business totaling 100 billion Turkish liras while launching a National Solidarity Campaign calling on big businesses to donate to provide additional support to low-income people. The main purpose of the campaign was to promote nationalism amid growing anger among workers at its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many big companies and banks boasted of their donations, while forcing workers sick with COVID-19 to stay at work.

The government has collected only about 1.5 billion Turkish liras ($US225 million), though Turkey had 27 billionaires in 2019. They collectively owned more than $US50 billion, enough to provide full income to all workers idled in uncritical sectors during the pandemic and massively develop Turkeys health care system.

In addition, the government has prepared a proposed law supposedly to ban layoffs for three to six months. The progovernment Anews cited one official, The proposed law would guarantee employment and try to protect employees ineligible for parttime work who are put on unpaid leave.

But this is a blatant lie. In fact, this would let employers put workers on unpaid leave for up to six months on just 39 lira ($6) daily. The minimum wage in Turkey is about 2,300 liras a month, which is only half of it, meaning a starvation wage. Moreover, this amount would not come from the employers but from Turkeys official unemployment insurance fund. Today, according to the law, employers must receive approval from workers for unpaid leave, but this bill would make unpaid leave permanent.

Opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP) leader Kemal Klcdaroglu called this payment important while adding hypocritical criticisms. The pseudoleft groups that support the CHP and the trade unions play a reactionary role. Ozan Gundogdu, a columnist for the Left Partys (formerly Freedom and Solidarity Party, ODP) daily BirGun, hailed the bill as positive, only complaining that these should be made a month later. The ODP ran its leader as a CHP candidate in last years local elections.

In a sign of its class hostility to workers, the pro-CHP Confederation of Revolutionary Trade Unions (DISK) leader Arzu Cerkezoglu initially hailed this bill, calling it a confirmation of our proposals. Ozkan Atar, another DISK official from the Birlesik Metal-Is metalworkers union, called the bill a consequence of our struggle. The DISK declared on March 30 that in 48 hours it might invoke the constitutional right to not work in unsafe conditions, if the government acts to ensure safe conditions. Ultimately, however, it did not call strikes.

The coronavirus crisis further exposes the collaboration between the government, big business and trade unions at the workers expense. This did not, however, start with the pandemic.

Last October, Cerkezoglu participated in a joint forum with progovernment union federations and the Confederation of Employers Unions of Turkey (TISK), one of the main progovernment business groups. At that time, the WSWS warned: Gathering together bitter enemies of the working class, this forum was organized to discuss how to suppress growing opposition within the working class. On Thursday, the TISK held a video conference involving the vice chairwoman of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

While the unions covered up for the AKPs policy of malign neglect of the pandemics toll, COVID-19 is rapidly spreading across Turkey, especially in working class cities like Istanbul and Kocaeli. While the Turkish Health Ministry reported a first case on March 11, the total number of cases had surpassed 45,000 by April 10. This has led to widespread suspicion among workers that the official death toll of 1,000 is an underestimation.

On Wednesday, the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) accused the Health Ministry of not using COVID-19 codes proposed by the World Health Organization to calculate the death toll. Not using these codes as recommended by international organizations like the WHO leads to undercounting of deaths in the COVID-19 pandemic, the TTB said.

Research by Avrasya Kamuoyu Arastrmalar Merkezi confirms this. Comparing official death tolls for Istanbul between March 11 and April 7, with the same period in previous years, the research firm found the death toll was 7,417 this year compared to 5,886 in 2019 and 5,814 in 2018. This is 1,500 excess deaths for Istanbul alone.

Moreover, the Istanbul Medical Chamber (ITO) said on Wednesday the number of doctors and health care workers infected with COVID-19 has already exceeded 1,000 in Istanbul, alone, blaming the government for the lack of protective equipment. Though the TTB is Turkeys main physicians organization, its representatives do not sit in the AKPs Science Council for Coronavirus. In 2018, 11 top TTB members were detained because they issued a statement, entitled War is a Matter of Public Health, opposing Turkeys war policies in Syria.

Moreover, while President Erdogan and Health Minister Fahrettin Koca repeatedly claim that there is no problem with hospitals and health care infrastructure, Prof. Dr. Ismail Cinel, president of the Intensive Care Association, told daily Cumhuriyet, Gradually, hospitals and therefore intensive care are filling. Facing an urgent need for new hospitals, the government said last week it would build two hospitals in Istanbul within 45 days. However, doctors say it would be too late and the government must reopen hospitals closed in the recent period.

The governments main concern is not to contain the COVID-19 outbreak as soon as possible but to suppress any opposition to its malign neglect policy. Erdogan has repeatedly accused the US and European governments of failing to take necessary measures in time.

In fact, the Erdogan government itself did not take critical measures, like testing and quarantining hundreds of thousands of people arriving from abroad, until mid-March. Today, it still endangers countless thousands of lives by forcing millions of workers to stay at work to produce profits for big business.

As a clear sign of the class character of the official stay at home campaign, Nail Nogay, an official from Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Policies, wrote Die! on his Twitter account on Wednesday against a working class woman from Roma community who told Euronews, We have children, and we are hungry.  I have to go out. What happens when there is no income? Right now I was just begging. Who knows that?

Health Minister Koca claimed, There are two sides in the struggle: One is the virus and the other is us. In fact, the two opposing sides are the ruling class and the working class. The main obstacle to fight the disease is the privileges of the corporate and financial elite. To protect millions of lives and provide health care and other needs for all, political power must be taken by the working class and the wealth of the capitalists expropriated.
Mental health experts are bracing for an increase in health problems as people endure prolonged periods of social isolation during the coronavirus pandemic.

Ben Smith, a professor of public health at the University of Sydney, warned that while measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 were "absolutely necessary", they would have a profound impact on mental health.

"I think those people who are vulnerable to loneliness are going to be feeling more acutely the effects of social distancing and the other restrictions imposed to control COVID-19," he said. "I am concerned about the impact of what we're doing on those people."

Many aspects of Jack Jones' life have been curtailed by the coronavirus pandemic. Credit:Nick Moir

Sydney's Wayside Chapel pastor Jon Owen said preventing people gathering, hugging friends or attending social groups was "cooking up" significant problems. He said the burden of mental illness, anti-social behaviour, addiction, domestic violence and crime would be "larger than the economic burden" of the pandemic.
From alleged suppliers of masks in Asia conning buyers in Germany, to Britons spitting and coughing on essential workers, to others deliberately flouting social distancing rules  crime related to the coronavirus pandemic has shown a spike in recent days.

Eurojust, an EU-wide agency dealing with crime, said it has taken action in various cases of online fraud and computer hacking by criminal organisations abusing the current crisis. This includes fake sales of protective face masks and hand gels.

For example, in Germany, authorities uncovered a large-scale fraud with an offer of 10 million face masks for a price of EUR 15 million, for which one German state had shown interest. Alleged suppliers in Asia were supposed to deliver the masks to a German sales company, via other European distributors, to be finally handed over in The Netherlands.

The perpetrators tricked the German sales company into paying an advance of EUR 2.4 million to accounts in other European countries. On the day of the planned delivery in The Netherlands, it became clear that the German sales company had become the victim of fraud.

In the UK, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has charged and prosecuted several individuals in recent days, including those who threatened emergency workers using coronavirus as a pretext, or spat and coughed on nurses, doctors and shopkeepers.

Releasing details of recent prosecutions, Max Hill of the CPS said: Although this is only a small sample of the cases that we have prosecuted over the last week, it clearly demonstrates the number of people who are determined to break the law in the most critical of times.

It is disappointing to see charges come in on a daily basis of hard-working police officers, NHS staff and other vital workers, being coughed or spat at, sometimes deliberately exposing them to the risk of infecting them with coronavirus.

The prosecutions included that of one Yorkshire-based Ashaq Sattar, 40, who knocked on the doors of elderly and vulnerable people in Kirklees, pretending that he was an NHS volunteer and would collect their medicine for a small fee. He pleaded guilty to five counts of fraud and was sentenced to 52 weeks in prison.

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An exchange of fire took place between security forces and terrorists at Nandimarg, Kulgam after which the terrorists escaped from the site.

"On a credible input, an operation was launched with Army and Central Armed Police Forces, last night (Friday night) at Nandimarg, Kulgam. Some Exchange of fire took place immediately, laying cordon of the target houses. It seems that militants ran away in initial firing itself," Jammu and Kashmir Police stated.

"One PIKA LMG and material for making improvised explosive device (IED) has been found from house of one Aslam. Now tracker dog is being used for tracking down the escaped militants," the police added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Washington: Tensions between the US and Iran may increase once again. In fact, Iran has asked for 5 billion dollars aid from Corona for the war with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). But America has said that it will not allow this to happen. The US says that Iran will not invest this fund in the country's health system, rather it will promote wrongdoings with this money.

These countries are planning to extend the lockdown

Significantly, Iran has been badly affected by Corona infection, due to which more than 4 thousand people have died so far. The US official said that the US will use its veto power to stop this fund. The US has clearly stated that under no circumstances will this fund be given to Iran. A White House spokesman said that the country promoting terrorism is demanding money. We know that Iran will not buy medicines for its people with this money.

103-year-old woman becomes oldest person to beat Coronavirus

The White House further said that history is witness that the corrupt officials there keep the money given in the name of humanity in their pocket and then use it to promote terrorism. Iran's Foreign Minister Javed Zarif had targeted US President Donald Trump by tweeting. Javed wrote in his tweet that Iran is full of human and natural wealth and does not need Donald Trump's donation.

'Sitaram Yechury' said this about Corona and Tablighi Jamaat
The district administration in



Maharashtra's Thane district has sealed the borders of Ambernath, Kulgaon-Badlapur, Murbad and Shahapur towns in light of the coronavirus outbreak, an official said on Saturday.

In an order issued on Friday night, district collector Rajesh Narvekar said the borders of Ambernath, Kulgaon-Badlapur, Murbad and Shahapur were sealed for effective control of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

As per the order, movement of people and vehicles, except those engaged in essential services, to and from these towns will be restricted.

Those defying this order will face serious consequences, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Demonstrators gather to protest abortion restrictions at the Texas State Capitol in Austin on May 21, 2019.

Eric Gay/AP Photo

In March, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued an order suspending most abortions during the coronavirus pandemic as non-essential procedures.

Activists say the ban has forced women to drive hundreds of miles across state lines to receive care, sometimes spending thousands of dollars.

On Thursday, a court overturned most of Abbott's order. Less than 24 hours later, the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed that decision and once again halted medication abortions.

On Saturday, Planned Parenthood and the Center for Reproductive Rights filed a petition to have the ruling reviewed by the Supreme Court.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

After a rapid-fire series of court rulings, Texas' ban on most abortions during the coronavirus pandemic is heading before the Supreme Court.

In a petition to the nation's top court on Saturday, attorneys for Planned Parenthood and the Center for Reproductive Rights argued that "abortion is time-sensitive health care that cannot be postponed without exposing patients to increased medical risks." The filing specifically called out the ban on medication abortions, in which an abortive pill is delivered in two doses, "as the only oral medication that cannot be provided under the executive order."



Governor Greg Abbott originally ordered a monthlong suspension of any procedure "not medically necessary to correct serious medical condition or to preserve the life of a patient" on March 22. Attorney General Ken Paxton clarified that the prohibition extended to almost all abortions, unless the mother's life or health was at stake.

Reproductive rights advocates petitioned for an injunction against the order but, on April 7, an appeals court ruled in the states' favor. Two days later, a federal judge blocked part of the suspension order, allowing clinics in the state to offer medication abortions. Women who will be 18 weeks into a pregnancy by April 22 could also terminate their pregnancies, Judge Lee Yaekel ruled, since they would be past the state's gestational limit when the order expired.

Story continues

On Friday afternoon, less than 24 hours later, the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed that decision and once again halted medication abortions.

The ban has sent women seeking abortions scrambling for care as hundreds of appointments at dozens of clinics were canceled. The situation was especially dire because Texas already prohibits abortions after 20 weeks, meaning some women wouldn't be able to terminate their pregnancy even if the ban was lifted on April 22, when Gov. Abbott's order is set to expire.

"[Abortion] is a time-sensitive procedure that cannot and should not wait for a pandemic to pass or lengthy legal battles to conclude," Alexis McGill Johnson, acting president of Planned Parenthood, told Insider. "A delay in services of only a few weeks can make abortion completely inaccessible."

Abortion is essential healthcare, Johnson added. "To argue otherwise is to place yourself in opposition to medical facts."

Women's reproductive healthcare is already under fire in Texas

The 2013 passage of House Bill 2, which required doctors performing abortions to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital, led to the closing of half of the state's abortion clinics. Those closures led to some women having to drive for days to cross state lines.

Worse still, some women have turned to potentially dangerous means to end their pregnancies: A study from the University of Texas at Austin found that, even before the ban, women in Texas were already trying herbs and other home remedies at three times the rate of the rest of the US.

Lucy Ceballos Felix of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice said the pandemic order has disproportionately impacted local communities of color, already fighting the coronavirus "with less hospitals, less doctors, and less health insurance coverage."

Latinas tend to work jobs that "don't provide health insurance, paid sick leave or a fair wage," Felix added. "And they are facing some very difficult decisions to continue to make ends meet and support their families," during the pandemic.

"They may already be dealing with layoffs and other financial and structural barriers, including lack of documentation," which makes it dangerous for them to cross state borders for an abortion, Felix explained.

Kamyon Conner, executive director of the Texas Equal Access Fund, said the cost of an abortion was already out of reach for many of her clients.

A 2013 Texas law requires women receiving a medication abortion to undergo a sonogram and then wait 24 hours before the drug can be administered.

Jacquelyn Martin/AP Image

The procedure typically costs $500 but can spiral into thousands of dollars if childcare, transportation, and lodging are needed to meet the state's requirement for a 24-hour waiting period. Medication abortions, for which the state requires a sonogram and followup appointments, may require patients to make up to four visits over a 14-day period.

Johnson has heard accounts "of women driving hundreds and hundreds of miles to another state to access abortion, and of women with fatal fetal anomalies left with no options."

The suspension order is taxing abortion clinics in neighboring states

Calls to clinics in New Mexico and Oklahoma were met with overwhelmed and exhausted receptionists facing a deluge of inquiries from hundreds of women from Texas.

"We're so slammed right now," a woman answering the phones at Trust Women Oklahoma City said.

Dr. Shelley Sella, who performs abortions in Albuquerque, New Mexico, told The New York Times that the number of Texan patients they've seen has "dramatically increased."

"We would see women maybe who lived on the border between Texas and New Mexico, but now we're seeing patients from Houston, driving from Houston for a medication abortion," she said. "So they're driving 13 hours for a pill."

A sign at Whole Woman's Health in Fort Worth, one of the few remaining abortion providers left in Texas.

Jacquelyn Martin/AP Image

Conner said her group, which normally helps women pay for abortions in northern Texas, has pivoted to raising funds for them to travel to Colorado and New Mexico. But those neighboring states are also dealing with COVID-19. That means fewer appointments as the staff needs time to clean and less available space in order to follow social distancing.

A global crisis doesn't mean that fewer abortions are needed, Conner said. Like heart attacks and car accidents, "they don't pause as we figure out how to react to a global pandemic."

"Banning abortion doesn't stop people from wanting or needing an abortion, it only drives pregnant people toward dangerous options like putting their health at risk by traveling to neighboring states during a pandemic to get the care they need," Johnson said.

Some of the women needing abortions, she added, are the same ones being asked to work on the front lines during this public health crisis. "They're being told that their jobs are essential but their own healthcare isn't. It's unconscionable."

A whiplash series of court rulings 'is sowing fear and confusion,' activists say

Activists in the state say the back-to-back rulings are creating further chaos for residents already grappling with a pandemic and economically devastating lockdown.

"We have seen clinics in Texas close and then open, and then close and open again in a matter of days," Felix said. "It is dizzying, and it is sowing fear and confusion in our communities. It is clear that our elected officials are just playing politics, but we are not objects to be played with. We are human beings who have rights, and we need access to essential healthcare, including abortion care, without more baseless obstructions and delays."

Read the original article on Insider
Bardot fans were devastated after former members Sophie Monk and Sally Polihronas refused to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the group's debut single, Poison.

Tiffani Wood, Katie Underwood and Belinda Chapple all took to Instagram over the past week to perform their own renditions of the hit single to celebrate the two decades since its release.

On Friday, Katie, 44, posted a series of throwback photos of the girl group - with Sophie and Sally noticeably cropped out.

REVEALED: Former Bardot member Katie Underwood (pictured) opened up about Sally Polihronas and Sophie Monk's decision not to join the group's 20th anniversary reunion

Katie, who is now a meditation teacher, wrote: '20 years ago today our lives changed forever.'

'The release of our first single was the beginning of the most gruelling, exciting, confronting and amazing periods of my life,' Katie explained.

'In any new job, you don't always get along with everyone but you hope you'll find some good sorts in there somewhere.

'In any new job, you don't always get along with everyone but you hope you'll find some good sorts in there somewhere,' Katie wrote in the reflective post

'In these two women - Belinda and Tiffani - I found my tribe.'

Katie described her bandmates Belinda and Tiffani as, 'funny, intelligent, talented, caring and grounded people'.

After that sweet nod to the pair, Katie wasn't afraid to call out Sophie and Sally for skipping the reunion.

'Sadly two of our other group members did not share the same nostalgia that we do,' she added.

'Two of our other group members did not share the same nostalgia that we do': Sally Polihronas and Sophie Monk have refused to take part in any Bardot reunion activities or celebrations

She continued: 'That's okay. Maybe some day that will change. For now, I want to celebrate my Sisters of Bardot and say thanks for all the great times, sorry for all the bad ones and cheers to a bright happy and healthy future for us all.'

It comes after a source told Daily Mail Australia Sophie wanted 'nothing to do' with Bardot's planned reunion tour.

'Sophie wants nothing to do with them. She won't be coming back for their reunion and hasn't spoken to them for years,' a source revealed.

Over it! Daily Mail Australia can reveal Sophie wants 'absolutely no involvement' with fellow members as they prepare to tour

Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia last month, Sophie confirmed she would not be taking part in the planned reunion.

'Due to a busy schedule I'm not able to be involved in any Bardot commitments,' she said.

'Good luck to the girls and I wish them all the best.'

'Due to a busy schedule I'm not able to be involved in any Bardot commitments,' Sophie told Daily Mail Australia in a statement

Bardot were formed in 1999 on the reality TV singing competition, Popstars.

Despite only staying together for less than three years, the group released a string of chart-topping hits, including Poison, ASAP, and I Need Somebody.

After their split, all of the members, with the exception of Sally, have dabbled in solo careers, with Sophie and Katie finding the most success.
Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno has said his country's troops, who have been deployed to fight jihadists in the Lake Chad region and the Sahel, will no longer take part in military operations outside national borders.

"Our troops have died for Lake Chad and the Sahel. From today, no Chadian soldiers will take part in a military mission outside Chad," he told national TV in Arabic on Thursday. His remarks were broadast in French on Friday.

His remarks coincided with the end of a major offensive by Chad's armed forces against Boko Haram jihadists but also frustration at perceived failures by allies to do more in the fight.

On Thursday, the armed forces said they had wound up an operation against Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region, saying 52 troops had been lost and a thousand jihadists killed.

That operation was launched after 98 Chadian troops were killed in a Boko Haram raid on a base at Bohoma in the lake's marshlands on March 23 -- the biggest one-day military loss in the country's history.

Lake Chad is a vast body of water where the borders of Niger, Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon meet.

Its western shores have been hit by jihadists crossing from northeastern Nigeria, where Boko Haram launched a bloody campaign of violence in 2009.

The implications of Deby's remarks for Chad's wider military involvement were not immediately clear.

The four countries bordering the lake on 2015 set up a formation called the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), also including Benin, to fight Boko Haram.

But Chad, whose armed forces are relatively prestigious in the Sahel, has shown frustration with the MNJTF following the Bohoma losses.

"Chad is alone in shouldering all the burden of the war against Boko Haram," Idriss publicly complained last weekend.

In announcing the end of the offensive on Thursday, the army said its troops had expelled jihadists from Chadian soil and had advanced deep into Niger and Nigeria.

Deby said that he had warned those countries that his forces would move out of bases seized there from the jihadists by April 22, regardless of whether their armed forces moved in or not.

Chadian troops are also part of the so-called G5 Sahel force -- a French-backed scheme to pool 5,000 troops from Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger to roll back jihadism in the Sahel.
Meerut, April 11 : The Meerut district administration officials who went to seal the Jali Kothi area under the containment plan guidelines were attacked by the residents in which the city magistrate was seriously injured.

Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Kumar Sahni confirmed this to IANS.

According to the district police spokesman, four coronavirus positive cases were found in the area on Friday evening out of which three are linked to the Tablighi Jamaat.

The district administration then declared the area a containment zone.

On Saturday morning, district administration officials along with police and a medical team went to seal the area. However, a mob pelted stones at them in which city magistrate Satendra Kumar Singh was injured, officials said.

Reinforcements had to be called in to control the crowd.

Police spokesperson Pramod Gautam said, "Four persons have been booked under the National Security Act (NSA) in this connection. All the four are related to Tablighi Jamaat."
Ajay Bahira, a BJP Corporator of Panvel Municipal Corporation was arrested on Saturday and later released on bail on charges of violating the COVID-19 lockdown orders and celebrating his birthday with his friends.

"He was arrested and was released after due procedure of bail as this was a bailable offence," said Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar.

Bahira was booked along with 11 others by Navi Mumbai Police. Bahira celebrated his birthday on Friday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on March 24 announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19.

With 92 more COVID-19 positive cases reported in Maharashtra, the total number of positive coronavirus cases in the state rose to 1,666, the Maharashtra Health Department informed on Saturday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Mr. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzra, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ho West Constituency, has called on the people in the Volta Region to continue to adhere to the protocols that will prevent them from contracting the Coronavirus disease.



He said as the virus made rounds globally, strict precautions remained the only safeguard, and that stakeholders in the Region, including; the public, must maintain and enhance their guard.



The MP made the call when the COVID-19 Technical Team of the NDC presented personal protective gear to the Ho Teaching Hospital to support its defence against the virus.



I will encourage all of us to work hand in hand to ensure Volta does not record any positive case. Lets continue taking all precautions including; social distancing and handwashing, he said.



Mr Kwame Agbodza, MP for Adaklu said the Region must commit to ensuring that the devastating effects of the virus were kept at bay, adding that the NDC would continue to make resources available to help the fight.



We are praying that this pandemic passes over us quickly. We dont want to anticipate the real effects of coronavirus in the Region, he said.







Source: GNA









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Hyderabad: In a case of mistaken identity at the Chest Hospital in Hyderabad, doctors released a cop who was Covid-19 positive, a resident of Kothagudem, instead of another person who had recovered. The confusion apparently arose because they were both namesakes.

The cop who was undergoing treatment for 18 days was discharged on Thursday saying that he was tested negative. He reached Kothagudem on Thursday evening and is staying in quarantine.

On Friday, the hospital called him and explained the mistake. There was another patient with a similar name, except for one initial in the middle, who had recovered.

The staff, who missed the finer distinction owing to work pressure, asked the police official to go home.

Upon learning of this, the official returned to the Chest Hospital and joined the isolation ward.

In another case, an officials son, who had come to Kothaguem in Telangana from London on March 18 was found to be Covid-19 positive. Officials sent 70 persons into quarantine, including the official and his cook. Both tested positive and were shifted to the Chest Hospital. The officers son was released four days ago after he recovered and continues to be in quarantine.
The Eastern Orthodox Church has a major emphasis on Good Friday through Easter and the emphasis is on what is sometimes called the "harrowing of hell," the descent of Christ into hell between the Cross and the Resurrection. The idea is that Christ entered into Hades after his death and raided hell to ransom the righteous of the Old Testament.

This is the classical theology of Holy Saturday.

Clearly, then, the death prior to Christ's death was not final. Is the death after the death of Christ final, then?

I read the pious and and learned study of Archbishop Hilarion Alfeyev (Christ the Conqueror of Hell: The Descent into Hades from an Orthodox Perspective), mostly because I've always wanted to read a good piece by an Orthodox theologian on the Eastern (and traditional) sense of the "descent into Hades," an article in our creed. There are a number of NT texts that, while open to dispute, have been traditionally understood as referring to Christ's descent into hades and they are, if so, clear signs that one kind of death was not final.

Matthew 12:40: For just as Jonah was in the belly of the huge fishfor three days and three nights, so the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. Matthew 27:51-52 Just then the temple curtain was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks were split apart. And tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had died were raised. (They came out of the tombs after his resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.) Acts 2:31: David by foreseeing this spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did his body experiencedecay. 1 Peter 3:18-21: Because Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, to bring you to God, by being put to death in the flesh but by being made alive in the spirit. In it he went and preached to the spirits in prison, after they were disobedient long ago when God patiently waited in the days of Noah as an ark was being constructed. In the ark a few, that is eight souls, were delivered through water. And this prefigured baptism, which now saves you - not the washing off of physical dirt but the pledge of a good conscience to God - through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who went into heaven and is at the right hand of God with angels and authorities and powers subject to him. 1 Peter 4:6: Now it was for this very purpose that the gospel was preached to those who are [now] dead, so that though they were judged in the flesh by human standards they may live spiritually by God's standards. Eph 4:9: Now what is the meaning of "he ascended," except that he also descended to the lower regions [of] the earth? Rev 20:14: Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death - the lake of fire.

The New Testament evidence, when read in its context, almost certainly indicates that Jesus "did" something between the Cross and the Ascension. The texts cited already, in particular 1 Peter 3:18-25 and Acts 2, as well as the baptism for the dead in 1 Cor 15 and that enigmatic text in 1 Peter 4, indicate to me that we should be open to Jesus either gospeling the dead or announcing the good news to the dead after his death and before his ascension.

Do these texts indicate that death is final? One of the comments elucidated what I mean by "is death final?" when it suggested that the first death is not final but the second death is final.

The question the Church has asked, and some are surprised by this, is whether that second death is final?

Does it matter to your way of doing theology that the early theologians all believed in a descent into hades?

Here's a basic historical conclusion, and it is sketched in readable detail in Alfeyev's book: into the 4th Century, Christians in both the West and the East clearly affirmed the descent into hell, the victory of Jesus over death, and either the liberation of saints from the realm of the dead or the total liberation of all humans from the power of death and hell.

Here are some details:

Irenaeus is typical in seeing both the descent and a release of the patriarchs, prophets and saints from the Old Testament period.

Hippolytus: John the Baptist also descended to preach to those in hades.

Clement of Alexandria: Christ descended and preached to the saints and to the Gentiles who lived outside the true faith. Hell for him was a place of reformation. Origen is like Clement, but emphasizes human choice.

Issue: how to define the various terms, but many saw places. That is, there's Abraham's bosom, and hell, and hades, and a prison.

Athanasius: leans, at times, toward the universal redemption or release from death. The famous text "Christus patiens," attributed by some to Gregory Nazianzen, poetically sketches a universal release of the dead through the descent. Cyril of Alexandria follows this line of thinking; so does Maximus the Confessor.

Many are somewhat ambivalent or clearly believe Jesus' release was only for the saints, and an example is St John Chrysostom. John Damascene emphasizes human choice by those in the realm of the dead and so not all are liberated. St Jerome is in this camp of saying at times that all are liberated but other times not all are liberated.

A decisive voice in this issue, especially in the West, was Augustine who believed in both a descent but not all in a "second chance". For Augustine, death was final and the only ones in hades who were released were those who were predestined in God's elective grace. What is interesting, though, is that Augustine was clearly battling many who did think Christ emptied hades and death and hell of all its inhabitants. Gregory the Great completed the Augustinian perspective.

Alfayev emphasizes that the Eastern fathers did not spell things out the way the Western fathers did.

Dante took theology about the afterlife and turned it into an epic adventure, modeling his story on Homer's stories and on Virgil's famous The Aeneid and in many ways taking them to the next millennia of history.

In the East, instead of finding a Dante's journey into the underworld and then back up to heaven, we find poets who told stories of Christ's victory of Death and the Devil and Hell. The principle poets are Ephrem the Syrian and Romanos the Melodist. Their poetry, which has been said to be some of the best in the world, puts into words the theology of what Christ accomplished between his death and his resurrection/ascension.

Do you believe in the descent into hades (after the death of Jesus)? Why or why not? What part does this theology of the fathers play in your understanding of the descent?

As I dipped into the Eastern theology poems by reading Alfayev, what struck me was how personified and mythic and epic everything had become. Here are the principle themes:

Christ, the protagonist, breaks the gates and bars of Hades, overpowers Satan and his ministers, and breaks their resistance. Christ then illumines Sheol with is light, destroys Death and opens the way for the dead to rise. What we see in the poetry of the East is a near universal, if not universal, victory over death and hades and hell and Satan. Which borders on a kind of universalism.

Alfayev sums up his study by noting four views of the effect of Christ's descent:

1. All are liberated from hell and death (Orthodox liturgical emphasis).

2. The OT saints are liberated (Eastern patristic tradition emphasis; West after Augustine).

3. Those who followed Christ [elect] were liberated (Augustine).

4. Those who lived by faith and in piety were liberated (West; after Augustine).

Alfayev sees Scripture as prominent in authority with the liturgical texts second. The councils, which are specific responses to specific issues at specific times, are alongside the liturgical texts. Then the fathers opinions.

Thus, the descent for Alfayev is doctrine but how many find salvation is private opinion. The most pervasive view, as I read him, is that only those who believe are saved.
NORTH BEND, Ore.-- Coast Guard rescue swimmers have been spending their downtime fabricating masks to help supply local first responders with more personal protective equipment.

We broke up the work into teams, said Officer Chad Morris, an aviation survival technician at Sector North Bend. If we arent flying or doing maintenance, were cutting materials, assembling layers, stitching seams, adding elastic. We do as much as we can and then the other team picks it up there.

Social distancing has proven to be an effective solution at slowing the spread of COVID-19 and helping to buy time for medical care facilities with limited supplies. That time has also proven critically important to securing the tools necessary to waging war on the virus.

This community has always supported the Coast Guard, said Chief Petty Officer Roderick Ansley. During the partial government shutdown last year, when we saw a lapse in pay, they came out in droves to help us. They were here when we needed them most, and now we have another opportunity to give back.

Ansley encourages others who have the means or skills to assist in the manufacturing of medical supplies for healthcare workers, visit their local hospitals website and find ways to help. Pull up the blueprints, and start sewing. If you cant sew, find another way to help your community.
Well before the Ruby Princess came to the attention of Australian police the ships parent company, Carnival Corporation, was involved in another scandal on the other side of the world involving something called, colourfully enough, a magic pipe - a home-made device that would eventually cost the company $US60 million in fines.

The story begins back in 2013 off the coast of England, when Christopher Keays, a young Scottish third assistant engineer aboard the Caribbean Princess, witnessed senior engineering officers rig a bypass pipe to the ships bilges and dump contaminated waste into the sea, avoiding the expense of properly treating the oily waste or transferring it to shore. The practice is common enough in maritime circles for it to have its own special term. This was the magic pipe.

Passengers onboard the Caribbean Princess in Florida, in the United States, in March. Credit:AP

To cover up their crime the officers pumped clean seawater through the ships monitoring equipment, creating a false digital record for a legitimate discharge. Keays, who had just begun his career, was so appalled that he took photos and videos, quit his job and reported the incident. During the subsequent investigation - which was hampered by the lies and cover-ups of Carnival officers - it was revealed five of the companys ships had been illegally dumping for years.

Carnival was fined $US40 million, the largest fine for environmental crimes in United States history, and placed on a period of probation. Then last year it was hit with another $US20 million fine for further discharges and the dumping of plastics during the probation.
New Delhi: The legendary actor of Indian cinema, Yusuf Khan aka Dilip Kumar shared a new picture on Twitter after a long time. He thanked his fans and well-wishers on the occasion of 'Shab-e-baraat' and posted a new photo along with it.

Dilip Kumar wrote: Thank you for all your prayers and duas on #Shab_e_baraat My heartfelt prayers for all of you too.

Thank you for all your prayers and duas on #Shab_e_baraat My heartfelt prayers for all of you too. pic.twitter.com/h00uEbB0PK  Dilip Kumar (@TheDilipKumar) April 10, 2020

The megastar received all the love of his fans and followers on Twitter, who loved to see him hale and hearty.

Amid the nation-wide lockdown due to the deadly novel coronavirus outbreak in the country, he even urged people to stay home and practice social distancing. With a beautiful poem, the thespian asked everyone to be indoors in this hour of crisis.

In a career spanning almost 5 decades, Dilip Kumar worked in 65 movies, reportedly.

In 1991, Dilip Kumar was honoured with the Padma Bhushan for his contributions towards Indian cinema. In 1994, he received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

In 1998, the Government of Pakistan honoured him with its highest civilian honour, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz.
The death rate in B.C. due to COVID-19 is much lower than in many European countries, some of which are moving toward the re-opening of their economies. Shown here is the virus that causes the disease.
The coronavirus pandemic that has crippled big-box retailers and mom and pop shops worldwide may be making a dent in illicit business too. In Chicago, one of America's most violent cities, drug arrests have plummeted 42 per cent in the weeks since the city shut down, compared with the same period last year.

Part of that decrease, some criminal lawyers say, is that drug dealers have no choice but to wait out the economic slump.. The feedback I'm getting is that they aren't able to move, to sell anything anywhere, said Joseph Lopez, a criminal lawyer in Chicago who ...
Patna: A local train plies in Patna on Feb 1, 2020. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in her Union Budget presentation that Kisan Rail, a special refrigerated rail service, under private-public-partnership, will be launched for speedy tra Image Source: PK

New Delhi, April 11 : The Indian Railways, which has deployed its manpower for transporting essential items across the country, has transported 20 litres of camel milk to a family in Mumbai after a woman complained about its non-availability for her three-and-a-half-year-old autistic child, who is allergic to goat, cow and buffalo milk.

The good work of the Indian Railways came to light when senior IPS officer Arun Bothra tweeted about it.

"20 litres camel milk reached Mumbai by train last night. The family has kindly shared part of it with another needy person in the city. Thanking Tarun Jain, CPTM, North-West Railways, who ensured an unscheduled halt to pick the container," Bothra said in a tweet.

Renu Kumari, the mother of the child, had tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet, in which she highlighted her son's plight.

"Sir I have a 3.5-year old child suffering from autism and severe food allergies. He survives on Camel Milk and limited quantity of pulses. When lockdown started I didn't have enough camel milk to last this long. Help me get Camel Milk or its powder from Sadri (Rajasthan)," she had said in the tweet.

When contacted, Chief Passenger Traffic Manager, North Western Railway (NWR), Tarun Jain, said that he came to know about the matter after IPS officer Bothra tweeted about it.

Jain said he immediately discussed the issue with senior officials in Rajasthan's Ajmer. And then it was decided that the special parcel cargo train running between Ludhiana and Bandra in Mumbai will be made to stop at the Rajasthan's Falna station despite it not being a stoppage to pick the package of milk for delivery to the family in Mumbai.

Jain said that after taking permission from the appropriate authority, the train was stopped and the camel milk was delivered to the woman at Bandra.

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal took to twitter to hail the role of the railway officials in ensuring the essential item is delivered to the family in Mumbai.

"Railways to the Rescue: Acting proactively on a mother's request to PM Narendra Modiji, Railways delivers 20 litres of camel milk for the well being of her autistic child, from Falna in Rajasthan to Mumbai," Goyal tweeted.

Following the 21-day nationwide lockdown, the Indian Railways has suspended all passenger, mail and express train services to combat the spread of Covid-19.

Only freight and special parcel trains are running to ensure the supply of essential items.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump is conducting a "purge" of the intelligence community, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee says in a letter obtained by NBC News that echoes concerns raised by his House counterpart.

In the letter to Richard Grenell, the acting director of national intelligence, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia expresses dismay about the recent firing of the inspector general of the intelligence community. That move came on the heels of Trump's ousting of the director of national intelligence and his deputy, along with the head of the National Counterterrorism Center and his deputy.

"You explicitly committed to us that you were undertaking a review of ODNI, but that we should '[R]est assured that this review is not an effort to purge ... the ODNI, as some have erroneously suggested,'" Warner wrote in the letter, dated Thursday. "However, a mere 10 days later, that is exactly what is occurring."

Warner asked Grenell whether Trump consulted with him about the firing of Michael Atkinson, the intelligence community's inspector general, or ICIG, which the president later said was due to Atkinson's handling of the whistleblower complaint that sparked his impeachment.

Click here to read Warner's letter

"By his actions and the reforms he had undertaken at the office of the ICIG, Mr. Atkinson demonstrated an unwavering commitment to empower those who witness potential waste, fraud, or abuse, to come forward," Warner wrote. "His firing now leaves no Senate-confirmed leaders in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. What message do you believe this conveys to the American people in terms of the importance of leading and overseeing intelligence in support of our national security?"

Image: Michael Atkinson in October 2019 (Eric Baradat / AFP via Getty Images file)

On Tuesday, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., sent Grenell a similar letter, accusing him of "undermining critical intelligence functions."

Story continues

Click here to read Schiff's letter

Schiff asked Grenell whether the termination of Atkinson was intended to impede any ongoing investigations.

An ODNI official said, The letter has erroneous assumptions and we look forward to responding.
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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Los Angeles, United States  Sat, April 11, 2020 13:09 640 fc6853813033f564188675f8bd1338d8 2 Entertainment Harvey-Weinstein,#MeToo,Sexual-assault Free

Disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein was charged by Los Angeles prosecutors on Friday with sexually assaulting a third woman, as authorities there build their own case against the convicted rapist.

Weinstein, 68, is already in prison in New York state after being sentenced to 23 years in jail for rape and sexual assault.

The new charge of "sexual battery by restraint" will form part of a separate trial he faces in Los Angeles over allegations he assaulted multiple women in local hotels, with extradition proceedings under way.

"We are continuing to build and strengthen our case," said Los Angeles prosecutor Jackie Lacey.

"If we find new evidence of a previously unreported crime, as we did here, we will investigate and determine whether additional criminal charges should be filed," she added.

Read also: Harvey Weinstein free of coronavirus symptoms: Spokesman

The new charge alleges Weinstein sexually assaulted an unnamed woman in Beverly Hills in May 2010 -- just within the 10-year statute of limitations.

He has already been charged with the rape and sexual assault of two other women on consecutive nights in 2013.

Two additional Los Angeles cases against Weinstein are no longer being pursued as those accusers did not want to testify.

It is not known when the trial will begin, but Los Angeles prosecutors confirmed Friday they have initiated a request for Weinstein's transfer.

"Upon his arrival, he will be arraigned on the amended complaint. Once a court date is set, the public will be notified," a statement read.

If convicted in all the California cases, Weinstein could face an additional 29-year prison sentence.

For decades a towering figure in Hollywood whom Meryl Streep famously called "God," the "Pulp Fiction" producer was expelled from the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences that awarded his films several Oscars after a flood of accusations broke.

Tinseltown A-listers Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek were among nearly 90 women to have come forward alleging decades of vile predatory behavior by Weinstein.

Weinstein has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.
The Kerala High Court on Saturday



sought the central government's response to a petition seeking a direction to bring back Indians stranded in the UAE in view of outbreak of coronavirus in the gulf nation.

Considering the plea by Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC) in Dubai, a Division Bench of Justices A K Jayasankaran Nambiar and Shaji P Chaly directed the Centre to file an affidavit on the steps taken by it to ensure the safety of Indians living there and bring back those stuck in the Gulf countries.

In its plea, KMCC, the organisation for non-resident Indians from Kerala, sought directions to the Ministries of External Affairs and Civil Aviation to provide exemptions in the international air travel ban to bring back those Indians stranded in the UAE.

The petitioners noted that those who return could be kept in quarantine as per the protocol of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Observing that Kerala was doing a good job in defending the coronavirus spread in the state, the Court, however, asked whether the state government would be in a position to tackle, if a large number of expatriates return.

The counsel for the central government informed the Court that a nodal officer has been appointed to deal with the situation in the Gulf.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
New York is known as the city that never sleeps but it has taken the brunt of the pandemic in the US and only essential workers are on the move.

The United States is on the brink of overtaking Italy for the highest number of coronavirus-related deaths on Earth.

Confirmed cases in the worlds largest economy have been soaring in the month since a pandemic was declared.

In New York state, the spread of the virus is showing signs of slowing with hospital and intensive care admissions declining.

But New Yorkers are now bearing the financial brunt of the lockdown as Al Jazeeras Kristen Saloomey reports.
The foodservice industry has been devastated by the coronavirus pandemic, and though business dwindles as they're limited to delivery and takeout, restaurant staffs are showing up for their communities.

ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Food, financial resources for Houston hospitality workers

In Lindale Park, the owners of a neighborhood cocktail bar are providing hot meals for area elementary school children.

At a popular Pearland barbecue joint, hospitality workers and first responders are invited to enjoy a free chicken sandwich and French fries on Easter Sunday.

See above for some Houston restaurants stepping up to help the community.

@marcydeluna
A nurse said she was fired on Friday by Virtua Voorhees Hospital in Camden County for not agreeing to comply with a policy to ration protective equipment that she claimed put her and others at risk of contracting the coronavirus.

Dawn Kulach, 39, of Sicklerville, who was told to take off the N95 respirator and gloves she brought from home or leave, said she and the union, JNESO intend to appeal her termination.

I stood up for what I knew was right in the midst of this pandemic, especially with the uncertainty of knowing who does and who doesnt have COVID," Kulach said. I feel that the hospital systems need to provide an increased level of protection for their employees in all care areas.

A spokesman for Virtua declined to discuss Kulachs employment status.

Virtua spokesman Daniel Moise noted that the hospital network changed its policy April 7 to permit any colleague who wishes to provide and wear additional mask protection when caring for non-COVID-19 patients may do so.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Businesses that are open | Homepage

Kulach joins Adam Witt, a nurse and local president with Health Professionals and Allied Employees who was fired on Monday from Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune after defending a colleague complaining about a shortage of protective equipment.

A spokeswoman for Hackensack Meridian Health, which owns Jersey Shore Medical Center, has denied the termination was related to public statements about equipment shortages during the outbreak.

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center also suspended a nurse, Olga Matievskaya, 48, of Livingston for a day for bringing equipment into the hospital paid for through a GoFundMe account. Bringing the unauthorized equipment into the hospital placed staffers and patients at risk, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Tempers have flared between frontline health care workers and hospital executives as emergency rooms and intensive care units have overflowed with patients and the supply of gowns, gloves, protective masks and face shields have been depleted.

The tension, in part, stems from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changing its guidance to reflect equipment shortages, stating surgical masks could replace N95s when the supply chain of respirators cannot meet the demand." N95s are so named because they are manufactured to filter out 95% of airborne particles.

As nurses and doctors have found their own N95 respirator masks and other gear, they say theyve been chastised for scaring the patients by wearing it outside private rooms and violating equipment policies needed to ration scarce supplies.

Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli, who has been a nurse and a hospital CEO, said she felt empathy for both sides trying to make the best of a catastrophe.

I have regular telephone conferences with the CEOs. And the last one I had, I said to them very clearly, Ive sat where they sit. Ive done what they do. Ive been through HIV/AIDS. Ive been through Ebola. Ive been through H1N1. I have never seen a situation that were in right now. So I have a lot of empathy for them trying to bring control into what right now seems like a chaotic situation, Persichilli said during the daily coronavirus briefing Wednesday.

Will we make good decisions during this time? You betcha. And the majority, I think, will be good. Will we make some difficult and maybe some not-so-good ones? That will happen as well. And perhaps thats what were seeing, and thats what gets reported, she said.

As far as the nurses are concerned, when I was a nurse, sometimes I was the loudest voice criticizing or complaining as well, when I didnt think we had enough staff where things were not going right. So again, I have a lot of empathy for both sides of the equation and I just think, well, Ill just have to stick together and well get through it, she added.

We understand that this is a rapidly evolving situation and we have eagerly listened to and addressed concerns and ideas from our colleagues, said Moise, the Virtua spokesman. We have taken extraordinary measures to protect the health and safety of our work force and to provide consistent and transparent information and instruction.

Health care professionals may now wear his or her own N95 mask, so long as he or she covers it with the Virtua-issued isolation mask, and throws it away at the end of the shift, Moise said. Virtua provide N95s only to personnel caring for COVID-19 patients or those awaiting test results. Gloves are readily available on units;" ones not issued by the hospital are not permitted for safety and infection control," he said.

JNESO Executive Director Douglas Placa defended Kulach, who said Virtua should revere, not reprimand her.

Its obvious Virtua doesnt value the extraordinary steps employees like Dawn take to keep themselves healthy and at the bedside. At a time when frontline healthcare workers are at a premium, history will judge Virtua on how they care for their employees," Placa said.

Kulach said she had a meeting with hospital officials Thursday, who told her she could wear her own equipment, a change-of-heart that gave me hope.

But her supply is limited, she said. When she asked whether the hospital would make N95s widely available to all of her colleagues, she was told no. Only surgical masks would be provided unless an employee is working in a COVID-19 unit.

They are holding back in anticipation of the surge they feel is coming, Kulach said. Everybody knows who is following the news that patients can be asymptomatic and be very contagious. Employees have gotten COVID by going in and out of rooms without an N95.

She said she is aware of six employees on so-called low-risk floors who are infected.

I love my job. I honestly thought I was working in one of the best hospitals in the area, Kulach said, praising the doctors, nurses and other professionals working with patients. She said she is disappointed in the executives telling us how much risk they are willing to put our lives in.

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.

Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio.
PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa has said that although Tanzania still has a small number of coronavirus patients, there is a large group of people who have come into contact with them currently being tracked down and constantly monitored.

He made the remarks in Dodoma yesterday when he met with Chinas Ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Wang Ke, during which he expressed appreciation to the Asian nation for the assistance it extended to Tanzania.

He explained that Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar were getting more cases of the novel virus because they were business centres.

The country has closed its borders... people entering the coun isolation centres where they stay for 14 days, while receiving all the needed services, the PM said.

Mr Majaliwa commended Tanzanians in Mainland and Zanzibar for continuing to observe the instructions they were given in order to protect themselves from the novel virus.

Efforts are underway to prevent new infections, provide education to our citizens and educate them on hand washing and sanitising. We continue to conduct daily assessments of people being tested. We have also banned all meetings, conventions and sports; we have closed all schools and colleges, all these are geared at curbing the spread of the virus, he explained.

He expressed gratitude to the government of China for the support it offered to Tanzania through provision of drugs and medical supplies.

You said that there are civil society organisations and business people who are still collecting medical supplies to bring them into the country to help us prevent the infection; we are very grateful. he said.

Premier Majaliwa said the support offered by the government of China was very crucial to the country as it gains experience in fighting the viral disease.

He also thanked the country for supporting over 500 Tanzanian students studying in China throughout the course of the disease.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Ke presented heartfelt greetings to the Premier from the Chinese Prime Minister, Mr Li Keqiang.

Our Prime Minister is grateful for the sympathy letter you sent when our country was going through a serious coronavirus pandemic, she said.

She further explained to Premier Majaliwa that her country was currently free of the new infection cases and that they were now focused on preventing new infections from entering their country.

In some cities, we have opened factories and started production of goods to revive our economy. This year is very important to us because our country planned it to be the year of zero poverty. Therefore, we are struggling to recover the economic activities affected by this disease, she elaborated.

Ambassador Ke added that her country had selected some African countries that will be assisted through sharing experiences using video conferencing to help in tackling the virus.

She also affirmed that there are medical supplies for the Government of Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania which are collected by civil society organisations and business people.

These are on the way, and that of Mainland Tanzania will arrive next week, she remarked.
A nurse practitioner in the parking lot of the Newton-Wellesley Hospital prepares to test a patient for the coronavirus in Newton, Massachusetts, on March 16.

Adam Glanzman/For The Washington Post via Getty Images

Update (9:52 p.m. ET): The White House on Thursday reversed its decision to cut federal resources for testing sites, according to NPR. A bipartisan group of lawmakers wrote a letter opposing the federal pullback to Alex Azar, secretary of Health and Human Services, apparently prompting the change in plans. Some of the information below may no longer be current.

The Trump administration is cutting federal support for coronavirus testing sites and prompting states to take control of them, according to CNN.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has helped states create and run "community-based testing sites," or CBTSs, by providing nasal-swab testing kits, financial support, personal protective equipment, and other resources. But a number of sites are now reportedly transitioning to state-managed operations, and some are closing down entirely.

"Many states have already begun transitioning these programs, and other states have implemented testing sites based on the CBTS model," a FEMA spokesperson told Business Insider in an emailed statement. "Transitioning fully to state-managed operation creates an opportunity for the states to better serve their own communities, while leveraging federal support to augment their state's success."

Story continues

States that transition "can choose to source testing kits and supplies through their standard ordering process or to request assistance from their FEMA Region," according to a policy the agency updated following the initial publication of this story.

The community-based testing sites were meant as only a temporary effort to jump-start testing in parts of the country hit hardest by the pandemic, CNN reported the agency said. However, some testing sites will be closed, apparently as a result of the change in federal support, including locations in Pennsylvania and Colorado, NPR reported  two states where cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, continue to grow.

"While I'm grateful to have had federal and state support for our successful community-based testing site, I am understandably disappointed that the supplies and the federal contract for lab testing are ending just as we are heading into the surge here in southeastern Pennsylvania," Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, chair of the Montgomery County Commissioners, reportedly told CNN.

The decision by the Trump administration to withdraw federal support was met with criticism from some, given that it comes as public-health experts say widespread testing is critical. The US has managed to increase testing capacity recently  with nearly 2.2 million tests completed nationwide  but efforts still lag in many areas, including some with widespread outbreaks.

"The idea of cutting funding to testing in any way right now? We should just be ramping up as much testing as humanly possible," Phil Petit, the national director of the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics, told Business Insider.

Even though the US missed its chance to contain the coronavirus by not testing enough people early on, experts say the country still needs to test as widely as possible, not just to isolate and treat those who are sick but also to find people who have recovered and may have developed immunity.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said on Wednesday that his playbook for preparing the US for future waves of COVID-19 infections, which could come after lockdowns lift, depends on the US developing its capacity for widespread testing, contact tracing, and case isolation.

"The keys are to make sure that we have in place the things that were not in place in January, that we have the capability of mobilizing identification  testing  identification, isolation, contact tracing," Fauci said.

Government agencies have been criticized for rolling out testing and isolation policies too slowly. Errors and delays in producing the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's coronavirus test led to dangerous shortages, and decisions about lockdowns have been left to states in piecemeal fashion.

Several governors have also sparred with the administration over the federal government's response to the virus, criticizing the lack of a coordinated response, testing kits, and critical medical supplies.

Morgan McFall-Johnsen and Dave Mosher contributed reporting to this story.

This story has been updated with new information. It was originally published at 4:08 p.m. ET.

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Bloomberg) --

In the villages of Indias most populous state of Uttar Pradesh, even some family members returning home from the cities arent allowed in.

State officials have told village councils to keep returning laborers from entering the town or meeting people due to fears they may be infected with the coronavirus. Instead, theyre forced to stay in schools or farms outside the village, where local authorities and doctors make regular visits and police make sure lockdown orders are followed.

People are very afraid here. There might be a lot of misinformation also spreading, said Malkhan Singh, head of Daipur village, some 450 kilometers (280 miles) southeast of the Indian capital. We are not sure but we are not even letting our relatives stay with us.

Similar stories are playing out in small towns and villages across Indias hinterland -- home to two-thirds of its 1.3 billion people -- where broken state hospital systems fear getting swamped as local infections rise. They now anticipate the worst as hundreds of thousands of migrant workers reach their homes amid the countrys 21-day lockdown that wiped out their jobs.

Front line health workers are gripped with anxiety as they operate with some of the worlds worst medical infrastructure in the face of the pandemic.

Government hospitals will run out of beds in rural India even if only 0.03% of the rural population is hit by the virus, said Steve Hanke, professor of applied economics at Johns Hopkins University and the Founder and Co-Director of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Applied Economics, Global Health, and the Study of Business Enterprise. Nine million people travel back and forth from cities to villages each year -- they will be carrying the virus from cities back to villages where the health infrastructure is even worse.

Interviews with nearly two dozen people in rural India -- including doctors, hospital workers, village governing body heads, government officials and citizens -- revealed a state of despair and panic. Medical supplies face critical shortages, testing is insufficient and authorities banking on the success of the heavy-handed police-enforced lockdown to avoid a surge in cases.

Story continues

Fear Looms

Protective gear for doctors and other staff was abysmally low when the lockdown began, according to a person with information about hospital stock positions in Bihar state who is not authorized to speak to the media. Almost 60% of government hospitals had 100 or fewer PPEs, some of them had none. Some hospitals didnt even have aprons in stock.

On Thursday the federal health ministry said India had placed orders for more than 17 million PPEs and 49,000 ventilators. In the meantime, medical professionals in Indias small-town public hospitals continue to work at great personal risk.

Indias low testing rates over the last two months have added to the uncertainty. India had tested 144,910 samples as of April 9, according to data from the Indian Council for Medical Research. Data for testing in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar was not immediately available. The country has so far reported 7,600 infections and 249 deaths due to the virus, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

The state of Uttar Pradesh, which has a population equivalent to Brazil, has only 11 testing facilities as of April 10, according to the ICMR. Noida, one of the identified hotspots, has only one private testing lab.

We have four testing centers in Bihar, said N.R. Biswas, a doctor and the director of Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences in Bihars capital Patna. The number should have been 40 but the capacity cant be increased overnight.

The mass exodus of hundreds of thousands of poor, migrant workers heading homeward, packed in crowded trains and buses or on foot over hundreds of miles, has only increased the pressure.

While many did make it back home, more than a million migrant workers have been housed in around 31,000 relief camps set up by state governments and voluntary organizations across the country to ensure they do not complete their journey, according to a government filing in the countrys top court earlier this week. If they did reach their villages, the federal government said, the pandemic would become unmanageable to contain.

These detainment centers will become host spots of infection, said Sundararaman T., New Delhi-based global coordinator of the Peoples Health Movement, an organization which brings together local activists, academics and civil society groups working on public health.

Its only the district hospitals that are really functional, and the district hospitals tend to be overcrowded, with 110%, 150% bed occupancy, a lot of patients sleeping on the floor. This is the situation before Covid-19, said Sundararaman. The moment that Covid-19 comes into the picture, plus the pressure of migration and the illnesses it brings with it, you could have a serious crisis out there.

Hospitals Panic

When Lalita Devi died of a respiratory illness at one of the best equipped hospitals in Indias eastern Bihar state, it highlighted the fears of doctors across the country who are ill-equipped at the best of times and are now looking at fighting a pandemic without adequate safety gear.

The 75-year-olds relatives told local newspapers last week she died of Covid-19 after being denied hospital treatment. Biswas, the hospitals director, said Devi, who ultimately tested negative for the virus after her death, did receive treatment but acknowledged that doctors were afraid.

We have to keep our doctors also alive, Biswas said. Who will treat patients in case there is a serious outbreak?

Staff and patients at the largest hospital in the eastern city of Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh were isolated after test results for a 25-year-old patient, who had been treated in its general ward and later died, showed he had the virus. He had not disclosed that he had returned to his village from Mumbai, NDTV reported and a doctor in the hospital who asked not be be identified citing rules confirmed.

Authorities have since isolated all doctors and hospital employees who might have come in contact with him and are still tracing relatives and neighbors, including those who took his dead body and attended the funeral.

When the serious cases start appearing there I dont think their hospital systems are really built to cope, said Sundararaman of the hospitals in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. They dont have even one or two functioning ventilators and now were talking about hundreds.

(Adds detail on equipment shortage in eighth paragraph)

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WASHINGTON  Ravaged by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Postal Service appealed to lawmakers Thursday for an $89 billion lifeline, telling them that it could run out of cash by the end of September if Congress fails to act.

But as Washington begins to debate the next round of government relief to prop up the virus-plagued economy, a Postal Service bailout has already emerged as a political sticking point, with Democrats pressing to deliver one and President Donald Trump, a persistent critic of the agency, opposed. The debate appears to be playing out along the same fault lines that have divided the two sides for years as they have quibbled over how to position the cash-strapped agency  one of the governments oldest and most reliable entities  for an increasingly digital future.

The coronavirus crisis has rapidly exacerbated those woes, officials told lawmakers Thursday. Mail volume is down by nearly a third compared with the same time last year and dropping quickly, as businesses drastically cut back on solicitations, advertisements and all kinds of letters that make up the bulk of the mail services bottom line.

As a result, the Postal Service is projecting a $13 billion revenue shortfall this fiscal year because of the pandemic and another $54 billion in losses over 10 years.

Megan J. Brennan, the postmaster general, told lawmakers on the House Oversight and Reform Committee that the agency would need $25 billion in federal grants to cover lost revenue from the pandemic, plus an additional $25 billion to update aging infrastructure. Another $14 billion is needed to pay off long-term debt related to a retirement benefits program, along with $25 billion in unrestricted borrowing authority, she said, according to officials familiar with the information she shared privately.

At a time when America needs the Postal Service more than ever, the reason we are so needed is having a devastating effect on our business, Brennan said in a statement to The New York Times later Thursday. The sudden drop in mail volumes, our most profitable revenue stream, is steep and may never fully recover.

She called on Congress to shore up the finances of the Postal Service as it had other businesses.

Democrats have been pressing for weeks to give the Postal Service most of what it is asking for. But Trump has resisted, saying the agency could solve its woes simply by raising prices on packages delivered for big online retailers like Amazon. And his administration wants to attach strings to any government help the service receives.

Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, squashed a bipartisan attempt to send the agency emergency funds last month, insisting instead that his department be given new authority to lend up to $10 billion to the Postal Service on terms it helps set, according to officials familiar with the negotiations who described them on the condition of anonymity.

Some lawmakers, postal union representatives and others who rely on the service now fear that the Trump administration is trying to use the current crisis to achieve conservatives long-standing goal of nudging the mail service toward privatization  either by setting highly prescriptive loan terms or by essentially forcing it into bankruptcy. That would aid commercial competitors like FedEx and UPS.

RELATED: As Trump rails against mail voting, some allies embrace it

Brennan told lawmakers Thursday that the agency was already in talks with the Treasury about the potential loan, but its revenue predictions suggest that the money would not be enough if the crisis continues.

Even with an increase in online shopping and package delivery to Americans cooped up at home, the agency could see a 50% reduction in total mail volume by the end of June, compared with the same period last year, Brennan told the lawmakers.

She said the projected shortfall this fall could throw regular mail delivery into doubt.

They are chilling numbers, said Rep. Gerald E. Connolly, D-Va., who leads the House subcommittee responsible for the Postal Service. The reaction of a lot of my colleagues  their jaws were dropping. It is one thing to say the Postal Service is suffering. It is another to hear these specifics.

For now, the mail service, which operates under government-mandated service requirements, has continued uninterrupted during the pandemic. Even as scores of its more than 600,000-person workforce have fallen ill and some have died, mail sorters and carriers have continued to walk their routes in every corner of the country, in many cases the only physical lifeline Americans now have to the outside world. They deliver medicines, coronavirus test kits and packages ordered online, and could play a crucial role in Novembers presidential election, in which voting by mail is expected to surge.

But the debate over whether to shore up the Postal Service has been politically fraught.

Negotiators on Capitol Hill had reached a tentative deal last month to provide the Postal Service around $13 billion in direct relief as part of the $2 trillion stimulus law. That was far less than House Democrats had proposed, but it had the buy-in of a crucial Republican negotiator: Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, the chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, according to the officials familiar with the talks.

But Mnuchin said the administration would not have it.

Connolly said Thursday that he would recommend that House leaders promptly back the new, higher figures presented by the Postal Service, and Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, D-N.Y., the chairwoman of the oversight panel, indicated that she saw doing so as a matter of life and death for the agency.

Unless Congress and the White House provide meaningful relief in the next stimulus bill, the Postal Service could cease to exist, she said.

Republican lawmakers, whose views may prove decisive under the circumstances, remain open to direct cash payments under certain circumstances. Historically, the Postal Service has counted on strong support from Republicans representing rural districts, where the service is a lifeline to homes and small businesses. But it is unclear if they would allocate the funds without imposing reform requirements on the agency or if they would be willing to break with Mnuchin and the White House.

An independent executive agency, the Postal Service has not taken federal funding in decades, running instead off revenue raised from stamps and other postal products. But since the 2008 financial crisis, it has struggled to stay in the black, weighed down largely by a congressional mandate to pre-fund its retirement benefits programs.

The agency has stopped making those payments in recent years, running up billions of dollars in debt, while its mail delivery business has otherwise remained profitable. Lawmakers in both parties have proposed overhauls to the service along the way, but none have taken hold.

Trump has frequently criticized the service for not charging higher prices to deliver packages for large online retailers like Amazon  a company he has sometimes singled out in his Twitter tirades on postal issues. Aides have said the presidents complaints often followed critical articles about his administration published by The Washington Post, which is owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

He repeated the criticism this week, as he appeared to reject calls for a cash bailout. Asked about Connollys proposal, he said the congressman should focus instead on raising package delivery prices.

A task force led by Mnuchin published a study in 2018 recommending steps that could reduce the frequency of mail delivery and increases in the prices of sending some packages. Online retailers criticized the recommendations, which they said could particularly hurt rural customers.

The report did not spur any action in Congress last year. But a longtime congressional advocate of changes to the service, Mark Meadows of North Carolina, recently took over as Trumps chief of staff.

At the end of the day, they have an agenda, said Mark Dimondstein, president of the American Postal Workers Union, which represents more than 220,000 postal workers. Raise prices, reduce worker benefits and reduce services, make it appear more profitable and set it up for sale.

The COVID crisis should not be used to achieve political aims, he added.

The Package Coalition, a lobbying group on postal issues that includes Amazon and other online retailers, raised concerns this week that the strings Treasury officials might attach to postal loans could raise prices during a pandemic that has made Americans more dependent than ever on package delivery.

The Treasury has the Postal Service over a $10 billion barrel, and the Postal Service is on the brink of bankruptcy, said the coalitions chairman, former Army Secretary John M. McHugh. What do you do? Were worried theyll accept the terms.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
If youve been on social media in the last month, which is likely, chances are youve seen photos or videos of whimsical, fluffy-looking coffee.

Dalgona coffee, otherwise known whipped coffee or cloud coffee, is the newest social media craze - and the thousands of TikToks showing people making the drink make it clear why.

Unlike regular coffee, or even a latte, dalgona coffee stands out because of its frothy top - made by whipping instant coffee with sugar and water, which results in a visually appealing fluffy light brown foam that is then spooned over milk.

The trend apparently started earlier this year when South Korean actor Jung Il-woo made it on TV.

On TikTok and YouTube, tutorials for the drink have since been viewed millions of times, while a search on Instagram for dalgona coffee results in more than 237,000 results for the beverage.

The best part? Unlike other food trends, which may require at least some cooking skill, dalgona coffee is easy to make.

This is how to make dalgona whipped coffee.

According to a recipe uploaded to YouTube by The Cooking Foodie, which has been viewed more than 4m times, youll need two tablespoons of instant coffee, two tablespoons of sugar, and two tablespoons of hot water.

After pouring all of the ingredients into a bowl, you whisk with either an electric mixer or a whisk until the mixture is thick and creamy.

Once youve achieved the desired fluffiness, you pour milk into a cup with ice and top with the coffee foam.

But you cant take a sip before the last step. Photo for Insta story, the tutorial concludes with a wink.

If you prefer your caffeinated drinks hot, you can also warm the milk before topping it with the fluffy mix, according to other recipes.

As for why the whipped drink is so popular right now - apart from its Instagrammable aesthetic - it seems people confined to their homes amid the coronavirus pandemic are looking for distractions.

I think, more than anything, its a drink thats a really fun distraction for specifically right now, Los Angeles Times cooking columnist Ben Mims told The Cut. It uses an ingredient that everyone already has in their pantry, either by accident or on purpose, and manipulates it to create this frivolous fluff that makes you feel like you created magic.
Harpreet Bajwa By

Express News Service

CHANDIGARH: The Gujjars from the Muslim community who used to earn their livelihood by selling milk in the border areas of Punjab have been socially boycotted, allegedly beaten up and chased away when they have tried to sell milk, it has emerged.

Not allowed to leave their mudhouses and with nobody buying their milk, they have been left with little option but to throw away their milk into the local ponds and rivulets.

On Friday, the Punjab state cabinet meeting took up this matter and issued clear instructions that this ostracism must end.

A senior cabinet minister, who did not wish to be named, said, "The matter of Gujjars not being able to sell their milk and being targeted was discussed in the cabinet meeting and the Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to resolve the issue as no social ostracism will be allowed."

Narrating his problem, Sarajuddin, a Gujjar living in Padiala village in Hoshiarpur district, who was travelling with his dera (each dera has seven to ten people) to Himachal Pradesh, said, "Our fellow villagers have socially boycotted us as they do not buy milk saying we spit in the milk and spread the virus. At this time of the year, we generally go to Himachal. So, we moved from the village fearing the worst. But now we are stuck in Talwara due to the curfew. We used to sell one quintal of milk in a day, but were not able to sell even half of it recently. The milk used to be sold at Rs 40 a litre, but we were reduced to selling it at Rs 10 to Rs 15 per litre. We were not even getting our basic cost. We have been unable to feed our herd of around 300 cattle. At times we give them fodder if we are able to get it from somewhere. They have been mostly surviving on water only."

Some help, though, was forthcoming. "The district authorities gave us dry rations and meals twice a day," he said.

Hajipur-based social activist Dharminder Singh said, "There are around hundred families of Gujjars who are living in this area and nobody is buying milk from them. They have no option but to throw their milk away. Some of these Gujjars were living in my village and other nearby villages permanently for more than twenty years. A few others come for six to seven months and then go back to Himachal Pradesh. During the last few days, a few ill-meaning busybodies have through social media and by making announcements from gurdwaras and temples in these villages spread the false propaganda that they do not buy milk from these people (Gujjars) as they spread coronavirus. So, people have stopped purchasing milk from them and also socially distanced them."

"A few Gujjars told me that some sarpanches also allegedly threatened them saying if you come out of your deras and sell milk or anyone comes to buy, you will be held responsible for the consequences. The community is now living in fear. As the administration has now stepped in, the threats have stopped but nobody is buying milk from them. The seven Gujjar families in my village were shifted by me to Swan rivulet neat Talwar as they were threatened," he said.

There was another issue as highlighted by Furman Ali a Gujjar from Hajipur. "We used to sell milk at Daulatpur in Himachal Pradesh, but now as the state borders are sealed and so, we cannot sell. Before the curfew, we used to sell about five to six quintals of milk every day but now we sell hardly anything."

Punjab Rural Development and Panchayats Minister, Taripat Rajinder Singh Bajwa, said, "In a few villages in Ropar, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts, there is the issue of social discrimination as a handful of people have spread fake rumours that the Gujjars belonging to the Muslim community are spreading the virus since a few of them have attended Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi."

Deputy Commissioner of Hoshiarpur Apneet Riyait has issued a strict warning that discrimination on the basis of religion is not acceptable and action will be taken whenever such incidents are brought to their notice.

"There were some reports that the Gujjars were stopped from supplying milk and also a few cooperative milk societies have stopped taking milk from a particular community. It is unacceptable and no society can discriminate. Otherwise, strict action will be taken. Communal discrimination will not be allowed at any cost. We have issued a warning to all of the sarpanches of the villages that if this kind of incident takes place in their village, then action will be taken. Also through Facebook posts and the rural development departments, messages have been sent to the people," she said.

Riyait said, "A group of seven to eight families of Gujjars belonging to Himachal Pradesh are stuck in Talwara. They belong to the hill state but due to the lockdown and due to borders being sealed, they cannot enter Himachal. We offered them the option of staying at the shelter home. But as they have around 200 to 300 cattle with them, they preferred to stay in the open. So, we have provided them with food and other essentials."
New Delhi, April 11 : The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has clarified that the decision regarding its functioning amid the Covid-19 pandemic would depend upon the stand the government takes with regard to the extension of the ongoing nationwide lockdown.

"The future course of action would be decided depending on the steps the government takes with respect to the period from April 15 onwards. Even if there exists the slightest possibility to conduct the courts, the same would be availed," a statement issued by the tribunal read.

Until then the CAT will continue with its mini vacation which began on April 2.

"With the imposition of lockdown, it became impossible for the benches to function since neither the advocates, nor the employees of the tribunal were in a position to attend to the work. The principal bench in fact was scheduled to be on a mini vacation from April 2-12," it said.

The tribunal attempted to function in these tough times but it failed in doing so. "The sittings were arranged keeping in mind that social distancing was maintained. However, even that became impossible in view of the steps taken by the government from March 24 onwards," the statement read.

The option to conduct the hearings through video conference was not available, firstly because the necessary equipment and infrastructure were not in place and secondly, it was not possible to procure them in view of the lockdown.
Hope Village, which opened in Southeast Washington in 1978, has received more than $125 million from federal contracts since 2006. It had a monopoly on housing people returning to the District for at least a decade but lost its bid in 2018 to another company that planned to build a halfway house in Northeast Washington. Hope Village got the contract back last year after a court battle.
Pakistans military says government troops raided a militant hideout in a former Taliban stronghold near Afghanistan on April 10, triggering a shootout in which seven militants and two soldiers were killed.



The military said the raid took place in the North Waziristan region, in the village of Zakir Khel.



It said troops carried out the raid after authorities received "confirmed information about the presence of terrorists."



The operation follows after a similar raid on March 18 against a suspected militant hideout in Zakir Khel resulted in the deaths of seven militants and four members of Pakistans security forces.



North Waziristan served as a stronghold for local and foreign militants until 2014, when the Pakistani Army launched a massive military operation to clear the region of combatants.



Despite the armys claims of success, the region on the border of Afghanistan has continued to be the scene of violent attacks, targeted killings, and roadside bombs.



Earlier on April 10, a roadside bomb exploded near a Pakistani paramilitary vehicle in the southwestern Balochistan Province.



That explosion killed two soldiers who were clearing the area ahead of the construction of fencing along the border with Afghanistan.



Two other people were wounded in the blast near the Chaman border crossing, according to local Pakistani officials.

With reporting by AP
Governors and superintendents are scrapping requirements, undoing testing mandates and adopting emergency rules so that high school seniors can graduate this year.

The coronavirus crisis cut short the school year for K-12 schools in more than a dozen states, and others are in the middle of a shutdown they hope concludes before the scheduled end of the year. Yet 3.7 million aspiring graduates still need diplomas, and no one wants to see an explosion of dropouts.

This is an international emergency, said Kathy Hoffman, Arizonas elected school superintendent. This is a time when peoples lives are in crisis, and we should not be holding back students who were on track to graduate, and on track to move onto higher education, in any way because of the Covid-19 crisis.

The crisis is prompting difficult conversations about how to graduate students who lost valuable instruction to an unpredictable event and what it means to earn a high school diploma. And colleges will have to cope with members of the class of 2020 who may not have fulfilled the normal demands of senior year.

States are adopting distinct approaches that may have uneven results and an uncertain effect on racial disparities that already pockmark climbing U.S. high school graduation rates.

Students in one state might speed to a diploma if their graduation was on track before the pandemics spread, while someone studying across the country might still need to complete classes off campus.

I worry a lot about high school students who are potentially already somewhat disconnected from school ultimately dropping out, said John King, president and CEO of The Education Trust and a former U.S. secretary of education. Weve made tremendous progress in this country around high school graduation, but there are a set of kids whose connection to school is fragile.

Affluent suburban schools have fired up electronic learning software on fast web connections. Thats not necessarily the case for poor students in urban areas, tribal school students who lack electricity and students learning English.

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In Virginia, where schools are canceled for the rest of this term, Gov. Ralph Northams state emergency declaration empowered state Superintendent James Lane to waive multiple requirements for history, performing arts or technical education courses for students scheduled to graduate this spring or summer. Emergency guidelines from the Virginia Board of Education also allow local schools to award seniors class credit if they were enrolled in a required course and had already completed a majority of the class objectives. Schools are still required to exhaust all options to teach students who need to catch up before awarding credit.

Arizonas State Board of Education convened a special meeting to approve emergency rules for awarding class credit and high school diplomas. The states school districts and charters now have sweeping discretion to award credit or diplomas to students who were on track to graduate before schools shut down. The state instructed schools to avoid withholding diplomas from seniors just because they missed class time due to the outbreak.

In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy signed executive orders Tuesday waiving testing requirements for eighth and 12th graders, easing the way for 13,000 seniors to graduate.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy speaks during a joint meeting of the Democratic-led Assembly and Senate in Trenton, N.J., Tuesday, March 5, 2019. Murphy unveiled his second budget Tuesday, calling for about $1 billion in increased spending that would be financed by higher income tax rates on wealthy residents and savings in public worker benefits. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Californias education department expects local schools to complete state graduation requirements with flexible types of assignments and grading. School authorities must still request minimum graduation requirement waivers for specific students from the state.

New Mexicos government urges schools to adopt pass-fail grades for students as part of its strategy to make up for a canceled school year. New rules allow seniors to use qualifying scores from college entrance exams or complete locally designed projects to attain class credit.

Students in danger of not graduating have until June 19 to catch up, or have the option of taking summer courses and appealing to local and state authorities if they cant.

Theyre first and foremost what were guiding districts to focus on, New Mexico superintendent Ryan Stewart said of his states seniors.

Weve had every creative way that we can think of to try to connect students with their teachers and a positive learning experience, he said. We know it gets a lot harder when you get to more remote places that have less access to technology and electricity and some of that basic infrastructure.

Colleges might have to rethink how they treat freshmen who didnt complete a normal last year of high school.

Colleges should invest more in programs that offer intensive tutoring, King said, and argued that any future congressional stimulus bill should send money to help minority-serving institutions and community colleges.

There is both work that states and districts need to do now to help students complete the year successfully, but then theres work that higher ed and workforce development programs need to do to prepare to support entering students who will have missed significant portions of the school year as a result of the closures, King said.

Accomplishing all of that will be challenging, and likely will not replace the loss of a revered tradition across the country: a traditional high school graduation.

I know many of our families and even our students have expressed strong concerns about the loss of their graduation ceremonies, Hoffman said.

I feel very sympathetic towards that, and I'm hopeful that well see innovative ways for each school to celebrate their seniors this spring. But I know that for many, its not going to feel the same.
Below is the powerful personal testimony of one of the few people in northeast Georgia who have contracted the Wuhan virus. According to James Harper, from White County, Georgia, his wife Emily (shown below) started showing symptoms of the Wuhan virus last Saturday (April 4). According to Mr. Harper:

Back on March 16, President Trump said he had been told Hydroxycloroquinine (sic), which was developed to fight malaria, could be used to fight the virus. He said he was having it looked into so it could be used for that. Almost on immediately, CNN and other lame stream news outlets said he was wanting to use a 'snake oil,' which would not work. One Democrat Governor threatened to pull the medical licenses of any doctor who prescribed it for anything other than malaria in her state. A couple of weeks ago a friend of mine saw an interview on TV with a man who had been saved by Hydroxychloroqinine (sic). He was at the point of death and his family asked his doctor about the medicine. The doctor told them he could only administer it if they requested it and signed a waiver because it wasn't 'approved' by the FDA for anything but malaria. Four hours later the man was sitting up in bed talking to his family and three days later he walked out of the hospital.

Mr. Harper goes on to say that his wife did test positive for the Wuhan virus, and thanks to hydroxychloroquine and President Trump's promotion of the drug, he got to bring his wife home from the hospital yesterday. Just days ago, the state of Georgia received a huge donation of 200,000 doses of hydroxychloroquine from Amneal Pharmaceuticals. Also recall that when our (Georgia's) media reported on the story of the donation, they were very critical of the drug and its prospects. As Mr. Harper might put it, the "lame stream news" was at it again.

The title of the AJC piece reporting on the donation declared, "Georgia gets trove of malaria drug unproven in fighting coronavirus." The very first sentence of the piece notes that hydroxychloroquine is a drug that "President Donald Trump has aggressively promoted to fight COVID-19 even though it has yet to be proven safe for that use."

The article goes on to say Georgia's "top health official has cast doubt about the efficacy of the drug to combat COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus." On Tuesday, April 7, in its report on Georgia receiving a large donation of hydroxychloroquine, my local newspaper, the Gainesville Times, said, "It has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for COVID-19, although President Donald Trump has expressed his support for it as a possible treatment option."

The article on the Gainesville Times website expressed the same sentiments until my wife Michelle made the paper aware of the FDA's emergency authorization for use of hydroxychloroquine in the treatment of the Wuhan virus. In the Facebook comments section, Michelle revealed:

This is from the CDC website: "FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to authorize use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine from the Strategic National Stockpile for treatment of hospitalized adults and adolescents (weight 50 kg) with COVID-19 for whom a clinical trial is not available or participation is not feasible."

To its credit, the Gainesville Times edited its website article to reflect this information. However, its Facebook page still has the misleading teaser. As we have often seen  in this instance and countless others  the mainstream American media are again guilty of gross media malpractice. This malpractice comes at a time when reliable media efforts are greatly needed.

Thousands of Americans are dying (though far less than we were led to believe  another result of media malpractice!)  and tens of millions of Americans are suffering financially  and are mostly getting ignored by the media. A trustworthy, reliable media establishment could do much to help in both situations. Alas, we have an agenda-driven media establishment dominated by a perverse leftist worldview, and tragically, their evil agenda takes precedence over almost everything else. In moments like these, we need testimonies like those from Mr. and Mrs. Harper more than ever. Thank you, James and Emily! May God continue to bless you as only He can!

Trevor Grant Thomas

At the Intersection of Politics, Science, Faith, and Reason.

www.trevorgrantthomas.com

Trevor is the author of the The Miracle and Magnificence of America

tthomas@trevorgrantthomas.com
Developed nations seek anti-Covid clothing from Sri Lanka; but priority for Lankas requirements By Namini Wijedasa View(s): View(s):

Some developed nations are canvassing Sri Lankan manufacturers to sell them personal protection equipment (PPE), including the full-body polythene gown, despite Sri Lanka also being desperately short of the gear.

The requestswhich have also been made to some of Sri Lankas missions abroadcome amidst strict controls around the world, including in India, Britain and the United States, on the export of PPEs owing to a global shortage.

Some Western missions are asking but our preference has been to supply locally, a senior apparel industry source said. In any case, the export would have to be approved by the BOI (Board of Investment) and it is very strict. What little everyone is doing is for the domestic market.

The items sought include surgical gloves, garments and masks, the source said. He did not wish to be named. Sri Lanka apparel manufacturers have started producing masks and gowns from locally available polythene and other raw material, to name a few.

The British Government now requires manufacturers and distributors to obtain an export licence for PPEs. In deciding whether to grant clearance, it will be considered whether the proposed export does not threaten the need for PPE within the UK and the EU.

There have been some orders for non-surgical products which Sri Lankan manufacturers could cater to and are eager to secure, the source said.

We will go for export approvals later, after the local demand is catered to, he maintained. Right now, manufacturers are also working with a diminished workforce. We feel a lot of factories will try to make these items later.

It was not immediately clear who meets the cost of PPEs supplied locallywhether they are paid for or granted pro bono. Certain donations are also directed by the Governments COVID-19 Task Force to factories so they can be used for PPE production. The process has been fast-tracked as official procurement procedure takes time.

At the moment, there is more demand than supply, the industry source said. If the Government feels, down the road, that it will be good to have some export, it can be considered. Right now, the Health Ministry is struggling.

A British High Commission spokesperson said that the UK is engaging companies and governments around the world on the need for a collective response to the coronavirus, including the importance of industry scaling-up to meet the global demand for medical equipment.

We hope that Sri Lankan manufacturers will be able to develop new products to meet both local demand and be able to export their products, he said. We are not currently aware of any exports of personal protective equipment from Sri Lanka to the UK.

The United States is only seeking to purchase items in excess of Sri Lankas needs, a US Embassy spokesperson said. As always, worker safety in the manufacture of such supplies remains paramount to both our countries, and we welcome the efforts of government and industry leaders to ensure appropriate social distancing.

The US and other countries are working with the Sri Lankan Government and the private sector to support production of medical supplies for use worldwide, she also said.
Two of the six persons reported missing after a fly ash dyke of Reliances Sasan Ultra Mega Power Project in Singrauli on the Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh border breached Friday evening were found dead during a search operation on Saturday morning, officials said.

The bodies were found very far away from the ash dyke breach site. Five buffaloes have been rescued. An NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) team of 30 people from Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), a SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) team and also district administration teams are involved in the search operation to trace other four persons missing. Boats and drone cameras are being used for search operations, said KVS Chaudhary, district collector of Singrauli.

He said the bodies were identified as those of 8-year-old Abhishek Kumar Shah and 35-year-old Dinesh Kumar. Search operations were continuing to find the other four persons missing.

The four who are missing include Abhisheks mother Choonkumari Shah, 27, a resident of Siddhikala village and his sister Seema Kumari (9), Dinesh Kumars son Ankit (3) of Bhamaura village and Rajjad Ali, 28, a resident of Waidhan.

Reena Kumar, wife of Dinesh Kumar, and another person named Keshpati were injured.

The dyke at Reliance Power Plant (Sasan) premises near village Harrahva developed a breach on Friday eveningThe injured have been hospitalised and their condition is stable, Chaudhary said earlier on Friday evening.

The project is 780 kilometres northeast of the state capital of Bhopal.

Sasan Power Limited said in a statement on Friday evening that the breach in the ash dump yard wall pushed the water causing a break in the boundary wall and affected some thatched houses and minor land parcel.

We are deeply anguished by the incident involving the break in the ash dump yard wall at our Sasan Power Plant We are investigating the reasons underlying the incident. Power Plant operations will continue as the relief and restoration work is not affected by the same, it said.

We are closely working with locals and the District Administration in relief and restoration work, it added.

Environment expert Ashwani Kumar Dubey accused officials of Sasan Ultra Mega Power Project of negligence.

Due to negligent act of officials of Sasan Ultra Mega Power Project, the fly ash dyke breached and toxic residue and fly ash-laden water entered the houses of villagers and damaged their crops and also entered the Rihand reservoir, Dubey said.

Dubey pointed out that this was not the first such incident in Singrauli.

Earlier, the fly ash dyke of Essar breached. Then the dyke of Vindhyachal super thermal power plant breached. Now, this is the third such incident just within a year. Only a few months back the officials of the power plant told a team of National Green Tribunal (NGT) that their fly ash dyke was in a good condition, he said.

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Today we are going to look at Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HE) to see whether it might be an attractive investment prospect. Specifically, we're going to calculate its Return On Capital Employed (ROCE), in the hopes of getting some insight into the business.

Firstly, we'll go over how we calculate ROCE. Then we'll compare its ROCE to similar companies. Last but not least, we'll look at what impact its current liabilities have on its ROCE.

Understanding Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)

ROCE is a measure of a company's yearly pre-tax profit (its return), relative to the capital employed in the business. In general, businesses with a higher ROCE are usually better quality. In brief, it is a useful tool, but it is not without drawbacks. Renowned investment researcher Michael Mauboussin has suggested that a high ROCE can indicate that 'one dollar invested in the company generates value of more than one dollar'.

So, How Do We Calculate ROCE?

The formula for calculating the return on capital employed is:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

Or for Hawaiian Electric Industries:

0.037 = US$346m  (US$14b - US$4.4b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2019.)

Therefore, Hawaiian Electric Industries has an ROCE of 3.7%.

Check out our latest analysis for Hawaiian Electric Industries

Is Hawaiian Electric Industries's ROCE Good?

One way to assess ROCE is to compare similar companies. Using our data, Hawaiian Electric Industries's ROCE appears to be significantly below the 4.8% average in the Electric Utilities industry. This performance is not ideal, as it suggests the company may not be deploying its capital as effectively as some competitors. Regardless of how Hawaiian Electric Industries stacks up against its industry, its ROCE in absolute terms is quite low (especially compared to a bank account). It is likely that there are more attractive prospects out there.

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You can see in the image below how Hawaiian Electric Industries's ROCE compares to its industry. Click to see more on past growth.

NYSE:HE Past Revenue and Net Income April 11th 2020

When considering this metric, keep in mind that it is backwards looking, and not necessarily predictive. ROCE can be misleading for companies in cyclical industries, with returns looking impressive during the boom times, but very weak during the busts. ROCE is, after all, simply a snap shot of a single year. Since the future is so important for investors, you should check out our free report on analyst forecasts for Hawaiian Electric Industries.

Do Hawaiian Electric Industries's Current Liabilities Skew Its ROCE?

Current liabilities are short term bills and invoices that need to be paid in 12 months or less. Due to the way ROCE is calculated, a high level of current liabilities makes a company look as though it has less capital employed, and thus can (sometimes unfairly) boost the ROCE. To counter this, investors can check if a company has high current liabilities relative to total assets.

Hawaiian Electric Industries has total assets of US$14b and current liabilities of US$4.4b. As a result, its current liabilities are equal to approximately 32% of its total assets. Hawaiian Electric Industries has a medium level of current liabilities (boosting the ROCE somewhat), and a low ROCE.

Our Take On Hawaiian Electric Industries's ROCE

So researching other companies may be a better use of your time. Of course, you might also be able to find a better stock than Hawaiian Electric Industries. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have grown earnings strongly.

If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).

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.
Millions of Spaniards are to be given special face masks in the next few days before they travel on public transport, the government announced today, the same day the country's death toll surpassed the 16,000-mark.

Despite the grim tally, the 510 fatalities are the lowest increase in deaths seen in the coronavirus-ravaged country in 19 days.

In another step to prevent its resurgence, masks will be distributed at train and metro stations, as well as at bus terminals, by an army of volunteers.

Health officials say it will not be compulsory to wear them but their advice to do so has changed following expert advice.

Millions of Spaniards are to be given special face masks in the next few days before they travel on public transport, the government announced today. Pictured: Disinfection of an ambulance in Spain

A woman rides her bike down an empty Viaducto de Segovia street during a state of emergency declared by the government to help slow the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak yesterday in Madrid, Spain

A coronavirus-positive woman and her partner take care of their newborn at their room in Puerta de Hierro teaching hospital, in Majadahonda, outside Madrid, Spain in a photo issued today

The masks are slightly different to the ones being used in hospitals and there are versions for adults and for children. It is a new kind of hygienic or barrier mask.

Health Minister Salvador Illa said it would mean those who are returning to work on Monday can do so safely, and guarantee that the curve of the epidemic continues to fall.

The country's death toll surpassed the 16,000-mark. Pictured: Disinfection of an ambulance in Spain

The masks are slightly different to the ones being used in hospitals and there are versions for adults and for children. It is a new kind of hygienic or barrier mask

The del Rocio brotherhood delivers masks at Juan XXIII nursing home during the coronavirus outbreak Coronavirus outbreak in Mostoles, Spain

Spain's lockdown is continuing until at least 26 April, with another extension expected until 10 May, but a two-week temporary ban on 'non-essential workers' has now been lifted

Although health chiefs say the pandemic has peaked, they have urged the population to strictly follow the national lockdown which was put in place on 14 March in order to slow the spread of the virus.

Spain's lockdown is continuing until at least 26 April, with another extension expected until 10 May, but a two-week temporary ban on 'non-essential workers' has now been lifted.

They will be returning to work on Monday which is not a public holiday in Spain unlike the UK as Easter is celebrated on Good Friday and Easter Saturday.

Pictured: A sign telling the public that they will be given free face masks before they travel on Spanish public transport

The advice comes as Spain's death toll from coronavirus goes past the 16,000-mark but the new number of fatalities only increased by 510, the lowest tally since 24 March.

According to the latest figures from the Ministry of Health just released this Easter Saturday, there have now been 16,353 deaths. The increase is again lower than Friday's rise of 605 which in itself was the lowest so far.

The number of infections increased by 4,830 to 161,852. This is more than Friday's increase of 4,576, but is attributed to more testing.

The number of patients who have recovered from the coronavirus and have been discharged from hospital now stands at 59,109 compared to 55,668 on Friday.
SALEM, Ore.  Frontline health care workers in Oregon should soon be getting a much-needed boost of personal protective equipment (PPE) after the state received a federal shipment on Friday.

The Office of Emergency Management said that it received the shipment of 78 pallets from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), containing masks, face shields, gloves and other PPE needed to fight the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

State officials said that they still needed to take inventory to get exact totals, but they expect about 150,000 N95 masks, 2,500 scrubs pants, 2,000 scrubs tops, 250 coveralls, and almost 67,000 face shields.

The shipment will go to Oregon's distribution center in Wilsonville before its distributed out to counties and tribes that need the PPE.

In these unprecedented times, this large shipment of PPE will make a huge difference in Oregons ability to fight this outbreak. However, its clear that even this shipment will not be sufficient to meet the expected needs of our health care workers, said OEM director Andrew Phelps. While we continue to work with our state, federal, and private partners to procure as much PPE as we can, I urge Oregonians to continue practicing social distancing. Staying home supports first responders and frontline workers, and will ensure Oregons supply of PPE lasts longer.

The shipment came from USAID's disaster assistance warehouse in Dubai. According to OEM, the Dubai stockpile hasn't been tapped for domestic emergency use since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Qualified public safety personnel will inspect and take inventory of the PPE before they are sent out to counties "based on population and number of active cases of COVID-19." The counties will then be charged with distributing the gear to first responders and health care workers treating for COVID-19.
Our West Ashley Greenway has become a heavily trafficked and often congested recreational area.

Too many young men and women gather in groups to walk and socialize with total disregard to others and the need to keep safe distances, no one wears protection and they are often rude to those requesting safe spacing.

We need to reinstate police patrols of the Greenway and enforce the COVID-19 mandates.

I fear we can no longer use this neighborhood asset due to the potential exposure to the virus by selfish individuals.

CARLOS FERNANDEZ

Canterbury Road

Charleston

Three questions

Am I the only one wondering about these three things?

1. Are gun stores considered essential businesses in this coronavirus climate?

2. Is the president hijacking the network evening news time slot?

3. Are we comfortable with the removal of our national clean air rules and one-use plastic bag regulations in some states?

ELAINE MILLER

Essex Farms Drive

Charleston

Shooting germs?

Why have gun purchases smashed records amid coronavirus fears?

Why shoot the germs when soap and water or and hand sanitizer will do the trick?

LENNY ZUCKER

Hobonny Lane

Charleston

History is repeating

History always has a way of repeating itself. It is a flaw in the human experience.

In 1938, Neville Chamberlain, the prime minister of Great Britain, met with Adolph Hitler to forge a peace agreement to avoid WWII and start a peace dialogue with Germany.

He waved his agreement in what turned out to be a one-sided and almost comical ignorance of who he was dealing with.

In 1972, President Richard Nixon visited the Peoples Republic of China as an important strategic, cultural and diplomatic overture to resume harmonious relations between the United States and the PRC.

He also smiled and waved his diplomatic success in what has been a one-sided and almost comical ignorance of who we were dealing with.

That diplomatic success became the standard for our dealings with PRC for the nearly 50 years. We always knew but did not act.

We now face very troubling times, along with the rest of the world. Is history just repeating itself?

SEYMOUR ROSENTHAL

Sharpestowne Court

Mount Pleasant

Wear face masks

Now that governments and health experts advise that regular citizens need to wear face masks in public, I offer these points.

1. For those who are infected but have no symptoms, a face mask will reduce infectious particles that could infect other people.

2. It helps remind you to not touch your face.

3. If you still get infected, you may receive a lower inoculum (infectious particles) because you have a mask, resulting in, perhaps, a less severe outcome.

I am really distressed to find that so many people in Charleston are still packing the grocery and hardware stores and not using masks or social distancing.

I know its hard, but if we take these precautions, as well as using masks, we might be able to flatten the curve sooner rather than later.

Please, start using masks.

Even homemade cotton masks with HEPA filter vacuum cleaner bags (cut to size) will help. Thats what I use.

LEISA LAWRENCE

Savannah Highway

Charleston

Thank you, heroes

I dont know when this coronavirus crisis will end or who is to blame.

What I do know is that I am proud of those on the front lines who have stepped up to the plate.

It is hard to find the words to tell someone who leaves their family each day to help others how grateful we are.

You are our heroes.

BETTE HELGESEN

Sweet Myrtle Circle

Mount Pleasant

Use time to help

To my fellow Johns Islanders, I offer a suggestion: Why dont we all spend some of the bonus time we have to pick up the litter that drowns our island?

We would be outside, with plenty of social distancing and would benefit from a little from a feel-good factor we all need.

MARIE-PAULE MCNEICE

Wild Plum Road

Johns Island
Doctors of Indian origin across the world have joined hands under the umbrella of Global Indian Physician COVID-19 Collaborative' to combat coronavirus which has engulfed 185 countries and claimed over one lakh lives.

The move aims to "foster cross systems learning" to develop prevention and management strategy for COVID-19 which will include encompassing vaccination, newer diagnostic tests, ventilation strategies, early warning algorithms to identify deterioration, use of antiviral therapy, plasma therapy and novel agents, a statement from the collaborative said.

"In my 65 years as a doctor, I have never seen what we are seeing today and I am sure that the world as we know, will never be the same again. But, COVID-19 has also made us aware that we can form a united force to take on any challenge by breaking the barriers that we have erected," Prathap C Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group and Founder President, Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO) said.

The Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO), American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO), Canada India Network Society (CINS) and Canadian Association of Physicians of Indian Heritage (CAPIH) have come together for the collaboration.

The collaborative will hold its first meeting through video conferencing on Saturday, Ramesh Mehta, President, BAPIO said.

The experts will share their experiences and discuss strategies to halt the spread of the virus, he said. With the United States having the highest number of coronavirus cases, the learnings from there can help others, Suresh Reddy, President, AAPI said.

COVID-19 has presented a unique opportunity for 1.4 million physicians of Indian origin working across the globe to come together and be at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19, as we have done on many occasions in the past. The world is looking up to us for solutions, Anupam Sibal, President GAPIO, said.

According to John Hopkins Corona Virus Resource Centre, over 17 lakh people in 185 countries have been contracted with novel coronavirus which has claimed over one lakh lives globally.

With over five lakh confirmed cases of COVID- 19, the United States is leading the global tally of patients, the data says.

In India, the total number of coronavirus cases increased to 7,447 on Saturday, with 1,035 cases reported within last 24 days.

A total of 239 deaths have been reported so far across the country, a health ministry official has said. He said 642 persons have recovered in the country.

The Centre had imposed a 21-day lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus as social distancing is possibly the only way to prevent people from contracting the deadly virus.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The emergency accommodation was expected to open in the former Carrig Tur Nursing Home.

Proposals to relocate 50 female asylum seekers in Enniscorthy have been scrapped, with the Department of Justice confirming to this newspaper there are no plans to open an accommodation centre in the town.

In a statement issued on behalf of the department, a spokesperson said: 'All decisions regarding the provision of new accommodation for applicants for international protection are being taken in full consultation with the HSE in the context of the current Covid-19 emergency.'

With regard to the situation in Enniscorthy, the department spokesperson added: 'At this time, there are no plans to open an accommodation centre in Enniscorthy.'

The Head of Communications and Customer Services with Wexford County Council, David Minogue, also issued a statement to this newspaper confirming the local authority first became aware of the initial plan by the Department of Justice to create temporary accommodation in Enniscorthy on Friday, March 27.

However, there was widespread criticism of the fact that the plan appeared to have been formulated without any discussion or consultation with the local authority, local politicians or residents.

Minister Paul Kehoe, while confirming that the centre will not now be opened, expressed disappointment that the initial decision was made without any consultation locally.

Speaking to this newspaper, Minister Kehoe said he received notification of the change of plan from the Department of Justice late on Monday night, March 30.

'It's not going ahead,' said Minister Kehoe.

'The plan has been put on temporary hold and I want to ensure there is consultation with the local authority and the Chief Executive Officer of the county council before any such decision is made going forward relating to anywhere in County Wexford,' he added.

The initial proposal caused concern among some local people in the Templeshannon area when the news emerged that the former Carrig Tur Nursing Home was to be used as the temporary centre for the women as a result of other centres around the country being put under pressure during the Covoid-19 crisis.

However, there were also people who expressed an interest in helping the women if they arrived in the town. Minister Kehoe told this newspaper he had been contacted by people who wished to help the women.

'There were people opposed to this proposal but others who were supportive of it,' he said.
Hours earlier Simon had publicly revealed he'd been diagnosed with the virus

On Friday, his wife Emma revealed her grandmother had died of coronavirus

Later on, Simon revealed he had chosen the people who would receive the car and motorbike

Simon asked interested followers to get in touch directly, and said the car was a 1968 triumph 1300 and the bike a 1955 1 owner Francis Barnet kestrel 30c

The actor, 45, took to Twitter on Saturday to express his desire to give away the two vehicles as a 'little thank you'

Coronation Street star Simon Gregson has offered to donate a car and bike to NHS staff who are working on the frontline of the coronavirus crisis.

The actor, 45, took to Twitter on Saturday to express his desire to give away the two vehicles as a 'little thank you', as he battles the deadly disease himself.

Asking those interested to get in touch, he wrote on social media: 'Dear NHS workers I have two classic projects (car and bike) if you ride or drive and like fettling old machinery there yours. [sic]

Kind gesture: Coronation Street star Simon Gregson said on Saturday that he's giving away a classic car and motorcycle to NHS workers on the frontlines (pictured in a Toyota)

'Just a little thank you. They need work! But dont we all. No delivery for obvs reasons oh and thank you.'

When asked for more detail on the car by one follower, he said: 'Its a 1968 triumph 1300 fwd needs work buddy but shes free and I have to say the comfiest car Ive ever sat in VAT and tax free

'The other is a 1955 1 owner Francis Barnet kestrel 30c again needs work. Id like these to go to people on the front line who deserve a gift for their tireless efforts.'

Simon spoke with some interested followers directly, before later adding: 'So it looks like the car and bike may have found homes. Stay safe peeps x'

Grateful: Asking those interested to get in touch, he expressed his desire to give the vehicles as a 'little thank you', as he battles the deadly disease himself (pictured on Coronation Street)

Sweet: Simon told his followers, ''Just a little thank you. They need work! But dont we all. No delivery for obvs reasons oh and thank you [sic]'

More detail: Simon spoke with interested followers directly, and said the car was a 1968 triumph 1300 and the bike a 1955 1 owner Francis Barnet kestrel 30c

On Friday, Simon's wife Emma revealed her grandmother had died of coronavirus.

The actor's spouse took to Twitter to reveal the tragic news, just hours after he revealed he was also battling the deadly disease.

She wrote: '881 people lost their lives today, one of those beautiful souls was my grandma!! Heartbroken... #stayathome. Fly High Grandma... We love you.'

Gone to a new home: Later on, Simon revealed he had chosen the people who would receive the car and motorbike

Upsetting: On Friday, Simon's wife Emma revealed her grandmother had died of coronavirus, hours after he revealed he was battling the disease

Tragic: Emma took to Twitter to share the sad news that her grandma had passed away as the nation continues to be gripped by the coronavirus pandemic

On Friday Simon also took to Twitter to thanks viewers for their support after he publicly revealed he'd been diagnosed with the virus.

He penned: 'Thanks twiiterford for all the kind messages feel tonnes better today xx heart goes out to all the people who have suffered so much more. Stay safe.'

A day earlier the star revealed that he was battling coronavirus, and as he continued to recover he urged fans to 'stay safe.'

He wrote: '1st day out of bed today starting to feel a little better after contracting the virus, my main symptom was gastric and still is b****y awful but lucky to not have respiratory. Stay safe everyone x'.

Grateful: On Friday Simon took to Twitter to thank fans for their supportive messages as he continues to battle COVID-19

Shock: A day earlier the star revealed that he was battling coronavirus, and as he continued to recover he urged fans to 'stay safe '(pictured on the show in 2018)

The star was inundated with well-wishes from friends and fans after the shock announcement, which comes 17 days after production was halted on Coronation Street, which Simon has starred on for 31 years.

The UK recorded 881 more coronavirus deaths on Thursday, taking Britain's total to 7,978 as its coronavirus crisis rumbles on and 4,344 more positive tests pushed the number of patients, past and present, to 65,077.

The grim tally is considerably smaller than the devastating 938 announced on Wednesday but still represents the second biggest surge since the epidemic began almost six weeks ago.

Britain has so far managed to avoid the dark milestone of announcing 1,000 deaths in a single day, something that has only happened in the US.

Brave: The Steve McDonald actor announced he had the virus in a tweet on Thursday, where he urged fans to 'stay safe' as he begins to recover'

Shut down: The star was inundated with well-wishes from friends and fans after the shock announcement, which comes 17 days after production was halted on Coronation Street, which Simon has starred on for 31 years

Filming was suspended on both Corrie and Emmerdale on March 23 due to the pandemic and subsequent lockdown.

Coronation Street and Emmerdale actors will receive full pay for three months despite production stopping on the soap.

Cast members receive an annual salary, with bonuses for the episodes they appear in. Familiar faces on the soaps are said to earn around 200,000 a year while younger stars can pick up around 100,000 annually.

A Coronation Street spokesman told MailOnline : 'Coronation Street and Emmerdale have reached an agreement with Equity to provide financial security for regular cast members for the next three months.

'The specific details of this agreement will remain private as this is a contractual matter.'

Family: Simon has been married to his wife Emma Gleave for 19 years and the couple are parents to three sons - Alfie, Harry and Teddy

A source added: 'This is a very fair and consistent deal which treats everyone equally, and is in recognition of the fact we'll need to hit the ground running once filming safely recommences.'

Equity is the trade union for creative workers and has also secured financial support for actors in dramas such as Holby City, EastEnders, Doctors and Hollyoaks.

Among Corrie's top earners is veteran Jack P Shepherd, who is thought to earn around 200,000 a year with his role as David Platt, which he has played for 20 years.

Simon, is thought to take home around 160,000 a year.

Last month Coronation Street and Emmerdale bosses confirmed that the soap's planned storylines will be affected by their scheduling changes during the coronavirus pandemic.

An ITV spokesperson revealed that episodes that were planned to air around Easter or VE Day in May will inevitably be shown on a different dates, after cutting back on their weekly broadcasts to ration their filmed episodes.

Lockdown: Coronation Street and Emmerdale actors will receive full pay for three months despite production stopping on the soap (pictured filming in January 2020)

In their statement a spokesperson told MailOnline: 'In the coming weeks some episodes of Coronation Street and Emmerdale will understandably be out of kilter due to the temporary transmission pattern for both programmes which takes effect from Monday 30 March.

'Episodes due to broadcast at Easter and those commissioned and filmed to commemorate VE Day, for instance, won't now air on the dates we'd anticipated.

'We'd hope the audience will understand the reasons for this and continue to enjoy the shows.'

Coronation Street and Emmerdale confirmed that along with reducing their weekly broadcasts, they would also re-write certain storylines to exclude elderly cast members, allowing them the chance to self-isolate at home.

Coronation Street now airs just three episodes a week, while Emmerdale will only air five.

Pay: This comes one day after it was revealed Coronation Street (above) and Emmerdale actors will receive full pay for three months despite production stopping on the soaps due to the coronavirus pandemic
More than 100 people have been arrested in different districts of Kashmir for defying government orders in force amid the Covid-19 pandemic and eight vehicles seized police officials said on Friday.

They said police acted against the violators of the governments prohibitory orders in Srinagar, Bandipora and Handwara districts.

In Srinagar, police have arrested 26 persons, including seven shopkeepers, in the jurisdictions of police station Shaheed Gunj, Nowgam, Khanyar and Parimpora and also seized two vehicles, a police spokesperson said.

In north Kashmirs Bandipora, police have arrested 50 people and seized six vehicles for breaching the prohibitory orders of the district magistrate across the district.

Cases under relevant sections of the law have been registered and investigations in the cases have been initiated, the spokesperson said.

In Handwara, 10 people were arrested for violating prohibitory orders imposed under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in Qalamabad police station have arrested while 19 were arrested in Kralgund for violating the prohibitory orders.

Similarly, five were arrested for violating similar prohibitory orders imposed by the district magistrate in Handwara police station.

Police have once again requested the general public to follow the restrictions imposed by the government in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and those who are violating the restriction orders will be dealt strictly,  the spokesperson said.

So far, 207 people have tested positive for the coronavirus disease in Jammu and Kashmir and four have died.

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Our staff complement shall be reduced and a skeletal team identified by the heads of departments will be in place to ensure ad hoc operations, airworthiness compliance, safety, security of aircraft and associated equipment within the airline. Therefore, some of us will be placed on indefinite unpaid leave effective 23 April 2020 until operations normalise. However, April 2020 salaries will be paid to all staff members in full, said the airline.
YEREVAN, APRIL 11, ARMENPRESS. Red Wings airline will operate the third charter flight from Moscow to Yerevan on April 12 at 15:40 to evacuate Armenian nationals who were stranded at the Russian capital due to cancelled flights amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Armenian Embassy in Russia said.

Listed passengers are advised to report to the Domodedovo airports 25-30 check-in desks at 12:00, the embassy said.

All arriving passengers will be quarantined for 14 days in Armenia.

Reporting by Norayr Shoghikyan

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
Workers sanitize a public hospital in Jalisco. (Getty Images)

For weeks, staff at public hospitals across Mexico have been protesting a shortage of basic protective supplies, including masks, gloves and even hand soap.

Now some of them are getting sick. At least 329 doctors and nurses in the country's public medical system have tested positive for COVID-19, according to health officials.

Some doctors on the front lines say the true number of infections may be higher and blame politicians who have slashed hospital budgets in recent years for leaving them unprepared to fight the virus.

While early cases in Mexico were generally confined to those wealthy enough to travel outside the country and receive treatment in private hospitals, outbreaks have been erupting in the chronically underfunded hospitals and clinics where most Mexicans receive care.

In the tourist resort of Cabo San Lucas, 42 workers at a public hospital recently tested positive for the disease.

In the city of Monclova, near the border with Texas, a truck driver who had been in the United States spread the infection to several dozen health workers, at least three of whom have died, authorities say.

In recent days, attention has been focused on Regional General Hospital No. 72 in Tlalnepantla de Baz, a community just north of Mexico City. Federal authorities say 19 medical workers there have tested positive, and staff say at least 10 others have symptoms and are awaiting test results.

"This didn't have to happen," said a medical resident who came down with a fever and a headache on Sunday, two weeks after she treated a patient who was suspected of having COVID-19 and later died.

The resident said she worked without a mask, goggles and scrubs, because none were available. The doctor, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because she was not authorized to give interviews, said she is resting at home and awaiting her own test results for COVID-19.

Two other doctors who work at the same hospital confirmed that health workers lack basic protective gear.

Story continues

"We're all terrified that we're going to be the next to get sick," said another medical resident, who said she was recently forced to intubate a patient presumed to have COVID-19 but was not provided with a mask.

"I'm afraid that I might die, or that I could carry the disease home to my family, and they could die," the doctor said.

Workers convert the gym of the steel company Ternium into a field hospital for COVID-19 patients in Monterrey, Mexico. (AFP via Getty Images)

Supply shortages in Mexico's overburdened public hospitals predate the coronavirus crisis.

Sometimes, doctors and nurses have had to ask patients to buy them surgical masks, gowns and other basic supplies. At the hospital in Tlalnepantla, shortages of soap and other cleaning supplies have led to outbreaks of colitis and other infectious disease.

But the severity of the issue has come into focus in recent months as the coronavirus has spread from the industrial city of Wuhan, China, to other regions in the world.

Mexico has confirmed 233 COVID-19 deaths and 3,844 cases, but experts believe those numbers reflect low levels of testing and that the real number of infections could be eight times the official total.

In the hospital in Tlalnepantla, doctors have petitioned their supervisors to provide more widespread testing of both patients and medical personnel.

Since the first case arrived in Mexico in late February, hospital workers throughout the country have been protesting, calling on authorities to provide more protective gear.

Mexican officials have promised that more supplies are on the way, citing a recent shipment from China that included large numbers of gloves, masks and other equipment.

"Our teams are already starting their distribution, so we think it won't take long for them to arrive," said Deputy Health Secretary Hugo Lopez-Gatell.

A statement from Mexico's Social Security Institute, which operates public hospitals and clinics, said officials were working to improve conditions in the nation's healthcare centers, including the hospital in Tlalnepantla.

"Actions are being strengthened to minimize medical and operating risks, including sanitation throughout the hospital, constant provision of personal protective equipment and permanent communication with workers and union representation," the statement said.

Cecilia Sanchez in The Times' Mexico City bureau contributed to this report.
The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Patrick Okundia, has reassured that all 11 coronavirus (COVID-19) patients in the state are stable and responding well to treatment.

He said Edo State is ready to handle worst-case scenarios, a statement made available to PREMIUM TIMES, highlighted.

The commissioner, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, according to the statement, said some of the confirmed cases are currently being managed at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) and the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH).

According to Mr Okundia, since the onset of the outbreak, Edo State has recorded a total of 76 suspected cases, 12 confirmed cases and one death, while 289 contacts have been line-listed.

He said the suspected cases are distributed among Oredo (30), Esan West (16), Egor (6), Esan Central (8), Ikpoba-Okha (5), Esan North East (4), Etsako west (3), Ovia North East (2), Owan West (1) and Orhionmwon (1) LGAs.

The commissioner further disclosed that of the 12 confirmed cases, four of them were from Oredo LGA; four from Esan West LGA; three from Egor LGA, and one from Ovia North East LGA.

Mr Okundia, however, urged residents to observe social distancing and comply with other state governments directives, aimed at preventing further spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

As the state government intensifies efforts to contain the pandemic, we urge all residents to stay at home and observe social distancing guidelines and other precautionary measures against the spread of the disease, including regular handwashing with soap under running water and the use alcohol-based hand sanitisers. If you must go out, do so wearing facemasks. Cover your mouth and nose properly when sneezing and/or coughing. Also do well to report anyone with recent oversea travel history to the state government, the statement highlighted.

Nigeria now has a total of 305 confirmed COVID-19 cases, as of Saturday.
The COVID-19 outbreak has impacted lives of everyone including contraband operators as smuggling of cattle, fake Indian currency notes (FICN) and marijuana as well as infiltration through the Indo-Bangladesh border in the West Bengal sector has dropped to an all-time low in the past few weeks, BSF officials said.

For decades, the porous Indo-Bangladesh border in West Bengal has been notorious for smuggling and infiltration, which has also been a burning political issue in the state.

"We have kept up the vigil. There has been no relaxation in that aspect. But in the South Bengal frontier region, smuggling, FICN trade, and infiltration have reached a rock bottom level. It's negligible," BSF IG South Bengal Frontier YB Khurania told PTI.

The illegal trade of FICN, gold, and marijuana has taken a hit in south Bengal due to the coronavirus pandemic and the lockdown.

"The FICN trade mostly takes place at the Rajshahi sector of the Indo-Bangla border. The notes that they are throwing at this side of the fence now are of very poor quality - basically just photocopies. We can safely say the high-quality FICN trade has taken a huge hit," another senior BSF official of Bengal frontier said.

The BSF gives credit for this success to increased vigil at the border and sealing of the border with Bangladesh.

"Smugglers and FICN couriers are not able to come out of their home. There has been a sense of fear due to the COVID-19 pandemic, plus there has been an increase in patrolling in the porous region," the BSF official said.

Bangladesh and West Bengal share about 2,216.7 km of border. Out of the 915 km of border in the South Bengal frontier, only 371 km is fenced.

The official said infiltration from Bangladesh had already come down after passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act in December last year and apprehensions about a pan-India NRC.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has added to it and infiltration is at an all-time low, he said.

Only 13 Bangladeshis have been captured between March 25 when the lockdown was announced, and April 10, the official said.

During the same period in 2018 and 2019, the figures were 76 and 33, he said.

In terms of cattle smuggling too, there has been a significant success.

"The number of cattle apprehended during this period this year is just 45. During the similar period last year, the number was around 1,700. We have broken the backbone of cattle smuggling in the past one year," the BSF official said.

Seizure of marijuana has also decreased during this period over the years. The border guards seized 154.5 kg in 2018, 41 kg in 2019 and 35 kg in this year.

The picture is also similar in the North Bengal Frontier of BSF where both infiltration and smuggling are also at an all-time low.

Keeping in mind the protection of its troopers in COVID-19 time, the BSF has come up with standard operating procedures while dealing with smugglers and infiltrators.

"There are proper guidelines for troopers on the field while dealing with miscreants. They have been provided with protective gear including masks, gloves and suits," a BSF official said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
General Nerdah told the Herald he was furious and disappointed that all the help, time and effort his people gave to Mr Grier, it came to nothing. He feels for investors who lost money but said the biggest losers were the people of Karen. He said the project's failure deprived Karen kids of schools and people of having houses. The money was given to him by people who wanted to help Karen refugees and displaced people." Major General Nerdah Bo Mya in front of one of the huts at Mu Aye Pu. Credit:Karen News/Saw Mort General Nerdah issued an official statement in late 2019 accusing Mr Grier over his behaviour. "Please do not invite him for your conference," the statement from the Karen National Defence Organisation said. American expatriate Guy Harriman, who runs a yoga school in Chang Mai, Thailand, lost $US130,000 on the failed project. While he says he is not personally worried about the loss, he is devastated for the Karen people.

"We're dealing with some of the most underprivileged people on the planet," he said. In March 2019 in the state court of Singapore, a US investor, US company and a Japanese investor filed a claim against Mr Grier and Karen Enterprises. It said Mr Grier "created a false element of urgency to pressure the plaintiff to invest in the sham projects" and alleged misleading conduct, deceit and fraudulent conduct. Mr Grier did not defend himself and a default judgment without any findings on the merits was obtained against him and Karen Enterprises. The court automatically entered judgment in favour of the three investors and on April 10 ordered Karen Enterprises to pay each $US10,000, $US10,000 and $US15,000 respectively, plus court costs of $1000. The Singaporean lawyer for the plaintiff, Gerard Quek, said no money has been forthcoming since. Mr Grier said the legal action was a "vexatious suit ... as such I did not prioritise responding to it."

He said he was taking action to have the decision set aside. A Singaporean legal team has been engaged, Mr Grier said, but courts are not currently hearing civil matters. Mr Grier said in a statement that he had delivered the master plan for Mu Aye Pu as promised by December 2018. This consisted of " a 3D architectural model with the ability to do a fly through of the proposed Mu Aye Pu Free City". But he said the next stage stalled when "a key member of the consortia ... decided to leave. This has impacted the ongoing viability of the project." He also said all funds raised were spent on delivering the master plan. He said investors in another part of the project, Karen Tourism Holdings, could get refunds if they wished.

"I am saddened that individuals are putting personal vendettas ahead of furthering what could be a very successful project for the Karen people," Mr Grier said. Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull pictured with businessman Nigel Grier. Mr Grier is a convincing speaker who frequently mentions his connections with consular staff, prominent businesspeople and politicians. He shows investors photos with former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull. There is no suggestion Mr Turnbull had any knowledge or involvement in Mr Grier's financial affairs. Another of Mr Grier's plea for funds is a charitable effort to rehouse two Asian black bears being kept in cramped conditions in Karen. "IDPM [Mr Grier's company] have been resourcing this project and we've employed Dr Sabine, otherwise known as the jungle doctor," he tells viewers in an online video posted in 2019.

Nigel Grier with one of the captive bears in Mu Aye Pu. He calls for donors to invest up to a total of $US25,000 to build a bigger and better enclosure for the bears, and also to help with $US500 per month running costs. In the video, Mr Grier says IDPM will pay $US5000 for the enclosure and $US100 per month running costs. However, "Dr Sabine Roper" a German, who looks after the bears, says she has not yet been paid, and both the animals and a group of Karen children she looks after have been left high and dry. "He keeps promising and promising until you have shared your last spaghetti with your hungry bear cubs and lie awake hungry at night!" she said in an online forum. Mr Grier strongly denied this and said he had paid Dr Roper from October 2019 through to April.
- Social media wants to make an example of Shimza and have him cancelled

- He rudely told an upcoming DJ that he can't join his lockdown virtual session

- South Africa wants a propper apology from the DJ

PAY ATTENTION: Click See First under the Following tab to see Briefly.co.za News on your News Feed!

Social media users are not happy with Shimza after he was rude to an upcoming DJ who asked if he could join his lockdown virtual session.

He faced a brutal reaction on social media with many wanting him cancelled. He issued an apology but Mzansi is not having any of it.

Briefly.co.za learned that they do not feel that his apology is genuine and want him to say sorry properly.

READ ALSO: Lockdown 'joke' lands Somizi in hot water with Fikile Mbalula

He did issue another apology but it does not seem to have worked.

In other news, Briefly.co.za reported that the harsh response resulted in social media dragging Shimza, but the outcome wasn't all negative.

Black Coffee had been touched by the situation and reached out to offer the DJ a spot on the streaming lineup of his own show, Africa is Not A Jungle.

While the rejection handed down by Shimza had been a bitter pill to swallow an even bigger opportunity has opened up.

Sometimes when life dishes out disappointment its because something bigger and better is in the pipeline but this situation is one a whole new level.

Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news!

Source: Briefly News
A woman was shot and killed late Friday in a west Birmingham park, and a female Birmingham police officer will be charged in the shooting.

"This is not a press conference that I wanted to give today or any other day, but its about the facts and the realities of life,'' Birmingham Police Chief Patrick Smith said Saturday morning. Its a press conference about a love triangle gone wrong, something that happened very bad this morning.

Smith said West Precinct officers responded about 11:51 p.m. Friday to Birminghams Germania Park after the citys gunfire detection system, Shot Spotter, alerted them to shots fired.

When they arrived on the scene, they found a 43-year-old woman inside a vehicle who had been shot multiple times. Police determined that vehicle was an unmarked Birmingham police vehicle. Police identified the victim as Kanisha Nicole Fuller.

Fuller was taken to UAB Hospitals Trauma Center where she was pronounced dead early Saturday. Her family said her death is a tremendous loss but said they werent yet up to talk about her further.

Smith said Fuller was in the unmarked police vehicle with a male Birmingham police detective, who was not on duty at the time. He was not injured.

Investigators quickly identified the suspected shooter as 39-year-old Alfreda Fluker, also a Birmingham police detective who was off-duty at the time of the deadly shooting. She has been with the department for 15 years and was assigned to the Crime Reduction Team.

Weve spent all of this night tracking down everything that we possibly could on this case, making sure we have all of the evidence, and that we were tracking the right person and bring the right person into custody, Smith said.

Fluker was arrested shortly before 7 a.m. Saturday at her home in west Birmingham. She was taken to police headquarters for questioning and then will be charged with multiple crimes, including capital murder.

We followed every protocol to make sure we were doing everything the right way and even it when it leads to one of our own, were going to make the tough call and take the right actions, Smith said.

As is protocol with any shooting involving a police officer, the department called in the Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys State Bureau of Investigation to take over the probe.

Smith said he didnt know the exact relationship between the two officers and the slain woman but sources say both women at one point or another had been a relationship with the male officer. Its something thats been going on for a little while, he said, but without our knowledge.

"Today has been a very difficult day for the Birmingham Police Department as weve investigated and watched this tragic event unfold and three lives have been forever changed,'' the department said in a statement. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the victim and her family.
The tiger infected with the coronavirus in a New York zoo is not the first case of an animal catching Covid-19. There have been cases of a few dogs and cats but the message from veterinarians is very clear: there is no evidence that pets can transmit it; all cases have been the other way around (from human to animal).

However, the Official College of Veterinarians of Malaga recommends, as a precautionary measure, to clean pets' tails and legs, especially paws, with soap and water, or at least with wet wipes, after taking them out.

In addition, after touching them you should always wash your hands and not put them in your eyes, nose or mouth. Those in a high-risk category should also reduce their contact with animals if they go out for walks.

This is because, although pets cannot transmit the virus, it can still land on an animal's skin or on its hair, in the same way in can on objects, lift buttons or shoes.
The Iranian administration's spokesperson, Ali Rabiei, says the coronavirus outbreak has adversely affected the employment situation of 7.3 million Iranians.

In a commentary he wrote for the semi-official news agency ISNA on Saturday April 11, Rabiei said that the outbreak has affected 3.3 million full-time employees and 4 million self-employed workers in Iran.

The estimate is less than what President Hassan Rouhani was quoted as having said last week about some 30 million Iranians sustaining losses as a consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran. Rouhani's press adviser later denied the report. However, denials in the Iranian media landscape do not necessarily mean that the original statement is untrue.

Rabiei said over 7 million Iranians either lost their jobs or their employment has been temporarily suspended or downgraded. Although he did not say how many people exactly have lost their jobs.

In early April, the head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society said it was planning to help two million people who have lost their job to COVID-19.

On April 7, the Majles Research Center had warned the Rouhani administration about possible "protests" and "riots" that might break out as a result of the economic impact of the outbreak.

Rabiei wrote that the suspension of production at 1.5 million businesses will have long-lasting consequences for Iran's economy. However, he did not say what happened to the one billion euros Khamenei authorized Rouhani to withdraw from the National Development Fund to help officials cope with the consequences of the outbreak.

Others, including Rouhani himself have not said a word about how they will spend the hard currency. Buying medical equipment and supplies from other countries is not a short-term solution, and in fact may not be possible in the short-run as all other countries have the same problems and requirements.

Officials in Iran have not even said whether they are going to use the windfall extra budget to help businesses and producers or workers that have lost their jobs.

The lack of transparency becomes even more serious considering the fact that it is not even quite clear whether the Rouhani administration has received any cash or credit from the fund that is controlled by Khamenei.

In his commentary Rabiei referred to a recent poll in which some 35 percent of those who took part said they are already unable to make ends meet and that they are losing their ability to survive in the face of increasing economic hardships.

However, while everyone, in the administration seem to be concerned about losses caused by the impact of COVID-19, it appears that not everyone has been losing money as a result of the outbreak. The Health Ministry appears to be one of the winners.

The Ministry's spokesman Kianush Jahanpur revealed in his video conference with reporters on Friday that the Health Ministry has issued bonds known as Corona-1 and Corona-2 and that some 150 billion rials's worth of the bonds were have already purchased at the Tehran Stock Exchange. In dollar terms this is not a considerable sum. Based on the realistic free market exchange rate it amounts to just one million dollars.

Jahanpur said that a board of trustees appointed by the Ministry of Health supervises these resources. "They are trusted and honest people," he said, adding. "The trustees will manage this sum as a stock basket or investment at the stock exchange and use the profits for the fight against COVID-19 and to provide protective and diagnosis equipment."

In the meantime, in his news conference on Saturday, Jahanpur said that the latest number of COVID-19 cases in Iran has surpassed 70,000, and with 125 new deaths during the past day, the official death toll has soared to 4,357. Most independent estimates hold the official numbers to be too low.

Amid rising concerns about lifting some of the restrictions and the resumption of activities at "low-risk" businesses, deputy health minister Iraj Harirchi has said that Tehran, where a large part of the country's population lives, could be Iran's Achilles Heel as people using extremely busy public transport may spread the virus to other parts of the country.

Harirchi said that 26.5 percent of the transmission of the virus has been attributed to people's presence on board busy trains and buses in Tehran's public transport network.
The United States became the first country to report more than 2,000 coronavirus deaths in a single day, marking a grim milestone as billions around the world celebrated the Easter holiday weekend under lockdown from home.

The global death toll from the virus surged past 103,000 on Friday, with the United States quickly becoming the epicentre of the pandemic that first emerged in China late last year.

Europe has so far shouldered the majority of all deaths and infections -- though there were signs of hope the curve could be starting to flatten in some of the hardest-hit countries.

Numbers out of Madrid offered a glimmer of hope Saturday: 510 new deaths, a dip in fatalities for the third day in a row.

In France, nearly 1,000 new deaths were confirmed Friday but the country reported a drop in the number of intensive care patients for a second day running.

Italy meanwhile said the number of daily deaths was starting to level off -- though the government resisted pressure to lift its lockdown, extending confinement measures until May 3.

With 18,849 dead, Italy has the highest global death toll, but it is likely soon to be surpassed by the United States where fatalities continued to mount this week.

On Friday, the United States reported 2,108 new deaths, the highest daily toll out of any country since the outbreak was first reported in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December.

With more than half a million reported infections, the United States already has more coronavirus cases than anywhere else in the world.

The global infection rate now stands at more than 1.7 million, though with many countries only testing the most serious cases the numbers are likely far higher.

But President Donald Trump said that with the US infection trajectory "near the peak" and social distancing working well, he was considering ways to re-open the world's biggest economy as soon as possible.

He acknowledged the risk of higher death tolls if businesses restart too soon -- after the World Health Organization on Friday cautioned countries against lifting lockdown measures too quickly.

"But you know what? Staying at home leads to death also," Trump added, pointing to the massive economic suffering for millions of Americans.

It is unclear when that will be possible, with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo saying millions in the state -- the hardest hit in the US -- will have to be tested before it can reopen.

'Unreal silence'

Easter weekend kicked off in near-empty churches around the world as parishioners remained locked in their homes.

More than four billion people -- over half the world's population -- are confined to their homes from New York to Naples to New Delhi as governments scramble to contain the pandemic's deadly march across the globe.

Pope Francis was due to livestream his Easter Vigil from an empty St Peter's Basilica later Saturday, after he presided over an empty Good Friday Service to kick off the holiday weekend.

The pontiff was praised by Italy's prime minister for his "gesture of responsibility" to observe Easter in private.

"We will remember this spring as the one in which, for the first time in history, the pope presided over the general audiences and conducted the Angelus (prayer) by livestream," Giuseppe Conte wrote in Italy's Catholic daily Avvenire.

"His words, although spoken far from Saint Peter's Square, which was wrapped in an unreal silence, have reached everyone."

Worshippers in Rome stocked up on traditional Easter cakes ahead of the weekend, some piling them onto scooters outside of grocery stores, eager to maintain parts of the holiday tradition even from home.

'Deadly resurgence'

Across Europe, government urged citizens to stay home for the weekend, fearing people would flock outdoors to enjoy warm weather or flee to holiday homes.

France deployed some 160,000 gendarmes to patrol busy roads, while Lithuania set up road blocks to prevent travellers from leaving cities.

And Turkey announced with little warning Friday that a 48-hour lockdown order would be in place in dozens of cities, including Ankara and Istanbul, as its virus death toll crept past 1,000.

Shoppers crowded supermarkets in Istanbul late Friday in a rush to stock up on supplies before the curfew started at midnight.

The World Health Organization has warned that prematurely easing lockdown measures -- as has started in central China where to virus first emerged -- could spark a dangerous return of the disease.

"Lifting restrictions too quickly could lead to a deadly resurgence," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned Friday.

Some countries, especially in Asia, are worried about a possible second wave of infections imported from travellers as life creeps back to normal.

But governments are under pressure to strike a balance between keeping people safe and keeping already battered economies stable.

And while President Trump has discussed a rapid return to economic stability, the US government's top infectious disease specialist Anthony Fauci said that despite signs of progress, "this is not the time... to be pulling back at all" on social distancing efforts.

Great Depression

The pandemic has shaken the global economy, and the International Monetary Fund -- which has $1 trillion in lending capacity -- said it was responding to calls from 90 countries for emergency financing.

It said this week the world now faces the worst downturn since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

G20 energy ministers, meanwhile, pledged to work together to ensure oil market stability after major oil producers agreed to cut output.

A dramatic slump in oil demand, worsened by a Saudi-Russia price war, has sent prices crashing to near two-decade lows in recent weeks.

In much of the developing world, there are fears the worst is still to come.

War-torn Yemen, already suffering one of the world's most acute humanitarian crises, reported its first case.

In Brazil, authorities confirmed the first deaths in Rio de Janeiro's slums, where overcrowding and poor sanitation have raised fears of a catastrophe.
YEREVAN, APRIL 11, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has chaired a meeting of the Coronavirus Response Task Force on April 11.

Healthcare Minister Arsen Torosyan briefed the task force on the coronavirus statistics and the health condition of patients, Pashinyans Office said in a news release.

Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan, who serves as Superintendent of the Emergency Situation leading the task force, recommended extending the state of emergency for 30 days and maintain the nationwide lockdown. The initial state of emergency was declared on March 16th and was supposed to end on April 14th. The lockdown was ordered later for a shorter period of time.

The meeting also focused on the business shutdowns and timeline of the possibility of lifting these restrictions.

Issues related to the organization of activities in social, educational, cultural and public life was also discussed.

The Prime Minister told the task force to prepare the draft decision of the Cabinet regarding the extension of the state of emergency.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan